Abstract: Constructs consisting of antigen-based heteropolymers (AHP's) are provided. The antigen-based heteropolymers comprise at least one monoclonal antibody specific for binding to complement receptor (CR1) site on a human or non-human primate erythrocyte, and the anti-CR1 monoclonal antibody is crosslinked to an antigen specific for a target pathogenic autoantibody. Further provided is a method for treating autoimmune diseases in human or non-human primates using the AHP.

Abstract: A magnetic stereotactic system for treatment delivery includes a plurality of magnetic coils arranged to at least partially to surround a body part and generate a changeable magnetic field to guide a magnetic object within the body part; and at least one x-ray source and at least one x-ray detector on opposite sides of the body part, and outside the magnetic coils but aligned with the magnetic coils to provide images of the body part that is partially surrounded by the coils. According to one embodiment, the medical treatment device has a thin elongate portion, and after moving the medical treatment device within the body to the specific location in the body by applying a magnetic field to move the magnetic object coupled to the medical treatment device, and leaving the thin elongate portion in the path through the body; the medical treatment device is removed from the body by pulling the thin elongate portion to pull the medical treatment device from the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polypeptide which has secretion enhancing activity on lacrimal and parotid gland cells, monoclonal antibodies thereto, and methods of diagnosising Sjorgren's syndrome using these antibodies.

Abstract: Constructs consisting of antigen-based heteropolymers (AHP's) are provided. The antigen-based heteropolymers comprise at least one monoclonal antibody specific for binding to complement receptor (CR1) site on a human or non-human primate erythrocyte, and the anti-CR1 monoclonal antibody is crosslinked to an antigen specific for a target pathogenic autoantibody. Further provided is a method for treating autoimmune diseases in human or non-human primates using the AHP.

Abstract: A treatment delivery apparatus comprises a metallic object and a treatment carrier device which is connected by a heat-sensitive biodegradable connector link to the magnetic object. This carrier device contains the treatment, i.e. the drug, to be transported. An electromagnet is positioned outside of the body part for producing a magnetic field which captures the magnetic object. This electromagnet may be either a simple coil system attached to a robotic arm which moves the electromagnet adjacent the body part, or a multicoil electromagnet system surrounding the body part. In either case, the robotically moved electromagnet or multicoil electromagnet system moves the magnetic object within the body part to a desired location. A computer controls either the robotic arm or multicoil current magnitudes and directions. This computer also provides visualization for observing the location and movement of the magnetic object and carrier device.

Abstract: A treatment delivery apparatus comprises a metallic object and a treatment carrier device which is connected by a heat-sensitive biodegradable connector link to the magnetic object. This carrier device contains the treatment, i.e. the drug, to be transported. An electromagnet is positioned outside of the body part for producing a magnetic field which captures the magnetic object. This electromagnet may be either a simple coil system attached to a robotic arm which moves the electromagnet adjacent the body part, or a multicoil electromagnet system surrounding the body part. In either case, the robotically moved electromagnet or multicoil electromagnet system moves the magnetic object within the body part to a desired location. A computer controls either the robotic arm or multicoil current magnitudes and directions. This computer also provides visualization for observing the location and movement of the magnetic object and carrier device.

Abstract: A kit and method for detecting sperm production in a human male individual includes the provision of one or more antibodies for sperm tissue-specific protein antigen, such as SP-10, which can be combined with a sample suspected of containing sperm to permit the antibody and the antigen to bind. The binding event is determined directly or indirectly, which is indicative of the presence of sperm in the sample. The frequency of binding can also be determined by calibrating the means used to determine the binding event, so as to indicate sperm production at or above a given concentration. A variety of applications for the kit and method are described.

Abstract: A substantially purified intra-acrosomal primate sperm antigen useful in a contraceptive vaccine is disclosed herein. The antigen remains associated with primate sperm after the acrosome reaction. In particular, it remains associated with the inner and outer acrosomal membranes. Modified antigens and fragments thereof prepared by protein modification techniques are also disclosed as well as methods for purifying and using the antigens. Also disclosed are monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the antigen and methods of making and using such antibodies. Methods of use include purification of the antigen or use in various diagnostic techniques. Also disclosed are cDNA, expression vectors, and transformed microorganisms that produce the antigen.

Abstract: A .gamma.-phosphate-linked ATP affinity column for the purification of a protein kinase is provided. In addition, a method for purifying protein kinases using the .gamma.-phosphate-linked ATP affinity column comprising the steps of 1) linking an ATP linking moiety to an affinity column via the .gamma.-phosphate position of ATP; 2) applying a sample of protein kinase to the .gamma.-phosphate linked ATP solid support so as to bind the protein kinase to the .gamma.-phosphate-linked ATP; 3) washing the bound support with a salt which will not affect the binding of the bound protein kinase; and 4) eluting the bound protein kinase with an ATP salt so as to obtain homogenous protein kinase is provided.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide N-alkylphosphoramidates useful for combatting diseases by biochemical intervention at the RNA and DNA level are disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially purified intra-acrosomal human sperm antigen useful in a contraceptive vaccine is disclosed herein. The antigen remains associated with human sperm after the acrosome reaction. In particular, it remains associated with the inner and outer acrosomal membranes. Modified antigens and fragments thereof prepared by protein modification techniques are also disclosed as well as methods for purifying and using the antigens. Also disclosed are monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the antigen and methods of making and using such antibodies. Methods of use include purification of the antigen or use in various diagnostic techniques. Also disclosed are cDNA, expression vectors, and transformed microorganisms that produce the antigen.

Abstract: Covalent conjugates of water soluble dextrans and adenosine agonists or antagonists wherein the dextran is coupled through the C6 or C8 positions of the purine ring. These compounds activate or block adenosine A.sub.1 or A.sub.2 receptors are useful in treating hypertension.

Abstract: An immobilized lipase is employed in an organic solvent to esterify diol lactone derivatives of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to form HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors of formula (I). ##STR1## This process allows for the efficient, one-step production of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors of structural formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated analytical system which includes a plurality of remote laboratories and a central monitoring station. The remote laboratories include a specimen analysis member and a plurality of peripheral devices. The central monitoring station includes a computer for controlling predetermined functions of the peripheral devices. A local area network provides communication between each of the remote laboratories and the central monitoring station. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The system employs a robot which is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions.The mechanical functions include manipulating an analytical instrument, transporting the specimens to be analyzed through a variety of locations, and the manipulation of the container in which the specimen is housed.

Abstract: A simple immunoassay method is provided which distinguishes pathogenic from nonpathogenic forms Entamoeba histolytica in biological samples. This assay utilizes monoclonal antibody preparations which are specific for designated epitopes of the 170 kd subunit of the Gal/GalNAc lectin. When pathogenic forms, specifically, are to be detected, at least one antibody which is immunospecific for an epitope unique to the forms of the 170 kd lectin found in pathogenic strains is used in the assay. The invention further includes monoclonal antibodies which are immunospecific for epitopes 1-3 of the 170 kd subunit of the Gal/GalNAc lectin of either pathogenic or nonpathogenic forms and to monoclonal antibodies specifically immunoreactive with epitopes unique to nonpathogenic derived 170 kd subunit, as well as purified forms of the Gal/GalNAc lectin from both pathogenic and nonpathogenic forms.

Abstract: A family of compounds effective in inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity, and the activity of other leukocyte derived cytokines is comprised of 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched alkyl radicals with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl radicals, and A represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 4 carbon atoms which can be substituted by a methyl group. Another family of effective compounds is identified as ##STR2## The inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other cytokines in mammals is implicated in alleviation of a wide variety of disease conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to hemolymphopoeitic growth factors (HLGF-1) that synergize with CSF-1, IL3 and GM-CSF and have pre-B cell potentiating activity. The invention also relates to a process for purifying such HLGF-1's from murine marrow cells and for producing such HLGF-1s by hosts transformed with recombinant DNA molecules comprising DNA sequences encoding the growth factor, and to methods of treatment and compositions characterized by HLGF-1s. These methods and agents are useful in immunoregulatory and hemopoietic applications and therapies.

Abstract: cDNA encoding the 170 kd subunit of Gal/GalNAc lectin in various strains of E. histolytica is provided. Availability of this cDNA permits the use of diagnostic assays to distinguish pathogenic from nonpathogenic strains based on DNA hybridization, and further permits antisense approaches to interrupting the production of this lectin.

Abstract: A new three-dimensional (3D) MR imaging pulse sequence can produce over 100 high-resolution, high-contrast images in as little as 6 minutes of imaging time. Without additional imaging time, this same image data can be post-processed to yield high-resolution, high-contrast images in any arbitrary orientation. Thus, this new pulse sequence technique provides detailed yet comprehensive coverage. The method of this invention relates to a preparation-acquisition-recovery sequence cycle. The first step is magnetization preparation (MP) period. The MP period can emply a series of RF pulses, gradient field pulses, and/or time delays to encode the desired contrast properties in the form of longitudinal magnetization. A data acquisition period includes at least two repetitions of a gradient echo sequence to acquire data for a fraction of k-space. A magnetization recovery period is provided which allows T1 and T2 relaxation before the start of the next sequence cycle.

Abstract: A family of compounds effective in inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity, and the activity of other leukocyte derived cytokines is comprised of 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branch alkyl radicals with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl radicals, and A represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 4 carbon atoms which can be substituted by a methyl group. Another family of effective compounds is identified as ##STR2## The inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other cytokines in mammals is implicated in alleviation of a wide variety of disease conditions.