Abstract: Formation of an intramolecular cross-link in enzyme donor polypeptide fragments of .beta.-galactosidase, thereby forming a cyclic enzyme donor which is hindered from complementation with an enzyme acceptor fragment to form active of .beta.-galactosidase. The cyclic enzyme donor can be linearized by cleaving to restore complementation ability. Assays in which such cyclic enzyme donors are linearized by specific analytes are disclosed, as well as novel homobifunctional bis-maleimido cross-linking agents of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydroxy or acetate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the isolation of recombinant IgA protease from inclusion bodies. In addition a recombinant DNA is claimed which codes for an IgA protease whose C-terminal helper sequence and preferably also its N-terminal signal sequence is no longer active.

Abstract: A lid for closing an opening of a vessel includes a lid body configured to engage the opening, with the vessel having a defined shape. The lid body includes an engagement part which engages a corresponding surface of the vessel, thereby closing the opening. A handling element is disposed on an outer portion of the lid, with the handling element extending in parallel with an axis of the vessel. The handling element is for handling the lid for opening and closing the vessel.

Abstract: Process for purifying serine proteases from a protein mixture by binding the serine protease to an immobilized polypeptide with the activity of an inhibitor DE-3 from Erythrina caffra, removing unbound components from the protein mixture, detaching the serine protease from the inhibitor and separating the immobilized inhibitor from the soluble serine protease and isolating serine protease which is characterized in that a polypeptide is used as the polypeptide which is the product of a prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression of an exogenous nucleic acid. This inhibitor is distinguished by an improved specific activity and is particularly suitable for the purification of plasminogen activators such as tissue plasminogen activators (t-PA and derivatives).

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding polysialyl transferases, and the polysialyl transferases themselves are disclosed. SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 7 and 8 present examples of these. The nucleic acid molecules and the proteins can be used diagnostically or therapeutically. Additionally, antisense oligonucleotides and antibodies are described, which can also be used diagnostically or therapeutically.

Abstract: The invention involves methods and kits useful in determining specific mRNA molecules. The methods can be carried in a single reaction vessel, in that both reverse transcriptase and amplification can be carried out in the same, heat stable reaction vessel.

Abstract: The invention addresses new photo-activatable biotin derivatives having the formula I ##STR1## wherein R=?(CH.sub.2).sub.n --O.sub.m !.sub.q --?(CH.sub.2).sub.r --O.sub.s !.sub.t --(CH.sub.2).sub.pwith n,r=2,3; m,s=0,1; q+t=1-4; p=1-4,wherein the sum of all CH.sub.2 groups does not exceed 10and wherein R1 as a single or multiple substituent is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl, NH.sub.2, COOH, F, Cl, or Br.and their preparation, their use to inactivate streptavidin, the use of the inactivated streptavidin to reduce interference in immunoassays.

Abstract: The invention addresses a method of preparing a dry polymer bead preparation. To achieve this, the polymer beads are coated with a layer of an easily soluble substance which dissolves again in a liquid when the polymer beads are resuspended. The resuspension is thus largely free of agglomerates.

Abstract: For the qualitative or/and quantitative detection of a substance to be determined in a test sample with the aid of an immunoassay or nucleic acid hybridization assay the following components are used:a) a capture reagent which enables a specific detection of the substance to be determined by means of two different binding sites 1) if desired together with further test components and 2) is bound or is capable of binding to an active solid phase via a specific binding pair one partner of which is linked to the capture reagent and the second partner of which is coupled to an active solid phaseb) an active solid phase andc) an inactive solid phase which substantially corresponds to the active solid phase but to which the capture reagent cannot bind,wherein the test sample is either firstly brought into contact with the inactive solid phase alone and only later with the active solid phase, or is simultaneously brought into contact with the active and inactive solid phase during which the capture reagent and if des

Abstract: Diazonium ions which are useful as reagents for the assay of bilirubin content in a sample, such as a body fluid sample, are provided. In one preferred embodiment, 2-methyl-3-nitroaniline diazonium ion is provided, having the structure: ##STR1## Also provided are reagent compositions including the diazonium ions. The reagent compositions may be in liquid or solid form, and further may include other components, such as buffers, carriers, and solubilizers. Salts including the diazonium ion and a counteranion also are provided. Also provided are methods of using the diazonium ions in assays to detect or quantitate bilirubin present in a sample such as a body fluid sample. Using the assays, the amount of direct, indirect, and total bilirubin in a sample may be accurately and reproducibly detected, and optionally correlated with the presence or absence of any of a variety of diseases or disorders of organs such as the liver, gall bladder or intestines.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for typing antibodies in a sample liquid by means of type-specific antigens and in particular a method for typing antibodies to the hepatitis C virus and peptide antigens suitable for this.

Abstract: A surface coated with amino groups is produced by applying a polymerizable amine to a surface by means of a pulsed plasma. The coated surfaces obtained thereby have a high density of amino groups so that a specific binding phase can be obtained by covalently binding a partner of a specific binding pair to the surfaces coated with amino groups.

Abstract: Simplified calibration and improved dose-response linearity of the standard curve of competitive assays are obtained by adding a predetermined amount of unlabeled competitive binding compound (usually just the analyte itself) to a first reagent containing anti-analyte antibodies before the reagent is reacted with a sample containing an unknown amount of analyte.

Abstract: A system for the temperature adjustment treatment of liquids, especially during the isolation and amplification of nucleic acids with a reusable thermostat element and a disposable heating element has the advantage of a particularly simple means of conducting temperature adjustment treatments. This system facilitates the execution of sample preparation and amplification in a single vessel.

Abstract: Aqueous pharmaceutical preparations of G-CSF are disclosed that are stable on storage and a buffer selected from the group consisting of a salt of citrate, maleate, a combination of phosphate and citrate, and arginine; and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cholesterol oxidase, a process for the production of a recombinant cholesterol oxidase, a DNA sequence suitable for this process which causes a cytoplasmatic expression of the recombinant cholesterol oxidase in a host bacterium as well as the recombinant cholesterol oxidase obtianed in this way.

Abstract: A method of controlling the serum solubility of orally administered torasemide is disclosed. A new crystallin modification of torasemide, called modification III which has significantly higher rates of solubilization than the known crystallin form of torasemide, modification I, is blended with amounts of modification I to produce a preselected level of torasemide in serum at a given time following administration. Compositions containing amounts of modification I and modification III, sufficient to achieve the desired serum levels of torasemide, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Device for the isolation of nucleic acids from a liquid sample by introducing the liquid into the device through an inlet opening and passage of the sample through a nucleic acid binding material and discharging of the resulting liquid through an outlet opening, wherein the nucleic acid binding material is inserted through the outlet opening during the manufacture of the device and the outlet opening is narrowed in order to hold the material. The device is particularly simple and reliable to manufacture but yet ensures that nucleic acids can be isolated without contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for the amperometric determination of an analyte, and in particular, to an apparatus for amperometric analysis utilizing a novel disposable electroanalytical cell for the quantitative determination of biologically important compounds from body fluids.