Abstract: A method to facilitate recovery troponin I and/or troponin T from a sample comprising addition of troponin C to the sample or to a surface from which the troponin I and/or troponin T are recovered.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for performing receptor binding assays. In particular, magnetically responsive particles configured to form a complex with a labeled conjugate corresponding to one or more analytes of interest can be moved within an assay device to one or more discrete detection regions through the application of one or more magnetic fields. By positioning the detection region such that the direction of this movement is, for at least a portion of the movement, counter to the direction of fluid flow within the device, detection of assay signals can be performed without the need for separate wash steps. Moreover, contamination of the signals resulting from labeled conjugate being carried in the direction of fluid flow substantially reduced.

Abstract: Biomarkers for sepsis and resulting mortality can be detected by assaying blood samples. Changes in the concentration of the biomarkers can be used to indicate sepsis, risk of sepsis, progression of sepsis, remission from sepsis, and risk of mortality. Changes can be evaluated relative to data sets, natural or synthetic or semisynthetic control samples, or patient samples collected at different time points. Some biomarkers' concentrations are elevated during disease and some are depressed. These are termed informative biomarkers. Some biomarkers are diagnostic in combination with others. Individual biomarkers may be weighted when used in combinations. Biomarkers can be assessed in individual, isolated or assays, in parallel assays, or in single-pot assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for measuring secretagogin in test samples, particularly patient samples. Preferred methods comprise performing a sandwich immunoassay, most preferably using a pair of monoclonal antibodies that bind to secretagogin.

Abstract: Assay systems and specialized antibodies for the detection and quantitation of troponin I and troponin T in body fluids as an indicator of myocardial infarction. Since troponin I and T exist in various conformations in the blood, the ratios of the monomeric troponin I an T and the binary and ternary complexes, as well as which form of troponin present in the blood, may be related to the metabolic state of the heart. Disclosed is a system to determine the presence of a troponin form or a group of troponin forms in a sample of whole blood, serum or plasma. Disclosed is a stabilized composition of troponin; the stabilized composition can comprise a stabilized composition of troponin I, wherein the troponin I is oxidized, the troponin I can be unbound or the troponin I can be in a complex. Disclosed is a method for improving the recovery of troponin I or T from a surface used in immunoassays.

Abstract: A method to facilitate recovery troponin I and/or troponin T from a sample comprising addition of troponin C to the sample or to a surface from which the troponin I and/or troponin T are recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and procedures for evaluating the prognosis of patients suffering from acute coronary syndromes. In particular, the level of BNP, or a marker related to BNP, in a patient sample, alone or in combination with one or more other prognostic markers, provides prognostic information useful for predicting near-term morbidity and/or mortality across the entire spectrum of acute coronary syndromes, including unstable angina, non-ST-elevation non-Q wave myocardial infarction, ST-elevation non-Q wave MI, and transmural (Q-wave) MI.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for treating cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction using dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors. Also provided are methods for increasing natriuretic peptide function by administering one or more analogues of B type natriuretic peptide that provide increased stability in the presence of prolyl-specific dipeptidyl peptide.

Abstract: Assay systems and specialized antibodies for the detection and quantitation of troponin I and troponin T in body fluids as an indicator of myocardial infarction. Since troponin I and T exist in various conformations in the blood, the ratios of the monomeric troponin I an T and the binary and ternary complexes, as well as which form of troponin present in the blood, may be related to the metabolic state of the heart. Disclosed is a system to determine the presence of a troponin form or a group of troponin forms in a sample of whole blood, serum or plasma. Disclosed is a stabilized composition of troponin; the stabilized composition can comprise a stabilized composition of troponin I, wherein the troponin I is oxidized, the troponin I can be unbound or the troponin I can be in a complex.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods designed to determine the presence or amount of natriuretic peptides, or their fragments, in a sample. The degradation of natriuretic peptides is an ongoing process that may be a function of, inter alia, the elapsed time between onset of an event triggering natriuretic peptide release into the tissues and the time the sample is obtained or analyzed; the quantity of proteolytic enzymes present; etc. This degradation can produce circulating amounts of natriuretic peptides having reduced or lost biological function. The present invention provides, inter alia, assays designed to accurately measure biologically active natriuretic peptides, and compositions to inhibit a previously unknown pathway for degradation of natriuretic peptides.

Abstract: The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods designed to determine the presence or amount of BNP or fragments thereof in a sample. In particular, the invention provides materials that may be configured to bind canine BNP in a sandwich assay format. The present invention provides, inter alia, assays designed to rapidly and accurately measure BNP-related species in non-human animals.

Abstract: The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions selected to monitor cardiorenal syndrome using assays that detect NGAL, preferably together with assays that detect natriuretic peptides such as BNP. Such methods and compositions can provide early indications of a deterioration in cardiorenal syndrome status, including prognosis regarding mortality and worsening renal function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and evaluation of stroke and transient ischemic attacks. In a particular aspect, patient samples are analyzed for the presence or amount of a panel of markers comprising one or more specific markers for cerebral injury and one or more non-specific markers for cerebral injury. In an alternative aspect, samples are analyzed for B-type natriuretic peptide. A variety of markers are disclosed for assembling a panel for such diagnosis and evaluation. In various aspects, the invention provides methods for early detection and differentiation of stroke types and transient ischemic attacks, for determining the prognosis of a patient presenting with stroke symptoms, and identifying a patient at risk for cerebral vasospasm. Invention methods provide rapid, sensitive and specific assays to greatly increase the number of patients that can receive beneficial stroke treatment and therapy, and reduce the costs associated with incorrect stroke diagnosis.

Abstract: A fluorometer for sensing the fluorescence of a sample utilizes an optical energy source for exciting a sample to be tested and an optical energy detector for detecting the emitted energy from the excited sample. Drive electronics are used for positioning the sample with respect to the optical components allowing a plurality of sample regions to be tested. A processor is utilized to control the operation of the test in accordance with test instructions and for processing the emitted energy detected from the sample to determine test results. A ROM chip socket accepts a plurality of ROM chips, wherein each ROM chip stores test data sets for one or more test types to be performed. ROM chips can be swapped to allow the fluorometer to be configured and reconfigured to perform a plurality of different tests. A communications interface facilitates the sharing of test information between the fluorometer and external entities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and use of polypeptides that bind to antibodies directed to a desired polypeptide of interest. Using natriuretic peptides and their precursors, and in particular BNP, as an example, the present invention describes a number of natriuretic peptides fragments produced in biological samples, most preferably blood-derived samples, that bind to antibodies directed to BNP. Because production of such fragments is an ongoing process that may be a function of, inter alia, the elapsed time between onset of an event triggering natriuretic peptide release into the tissues and the time the sample is obtained or analyzed; the elapsed time between sample acquisition and the time the sample is analyzed; the type of tissue sample at issue; the storage conditions; the quantity of proteolytic enzymes present; etc.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for detecting B. anthracis and antibodies to B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, in a subject.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for detecting B. anthracis and antibodies to B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and evaluation of acute coronary syndromes. In particular, patient test samples are analyzed for the presence and amount of members of a panel of markers comprising one or more specific markers for myocardial injury and one or more non-specific markers for myocardial injury. A variety of markers are disclosed for assembling a panel of markers for such diagnosis and evaluation. In various aspects, the invention provides methods for the early detection and differentiation of stable angina, unstable angina, and myocardial infarction. Invention methods provide rapid, sensitive and specific assays that can greatly increase the number of patients that can receive beneficial treatment and therapy, reduce the costs associated with incorrect diagnosis, and provide important information about the prognosis of the patient.