Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for differentiating in a patient parathyroid diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism and related bone diseases, from normal or non-disease states. One detects whole or non-fragmented (1 to 84) parathyroid hormone in a biological sample and also a large non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragment that can function as a parathyroid hormone antagonist. By either comparing values or using independently the value of either the large non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragment, the whole parathyroid hormone, or the combination of these values one is able to differentiate parathyroid and bone related disease states, as well as differentiate such states from normal states.

Abstract: Methods for determining the strongly hydrophobic pulmonary surfactant protein SP-C, SP-C specific antibody and a reagent kit for carrying out the methods are described.

Abstract: In proteomic research, it is often necessary to screen a large number of polypeptides for the presence of stable structure. Described herein are methods (referred to as MALDI MS-HX and SUPREX) for measuring the stability of proteins in a rapid, high-throughput fashion. The method employs hydrogen exchange to estimate the stability of quantities of unpurified protein extracts, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. A method of quantitatively determining the stability of a test protein under native conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an antibody or a fragment thereof having specific binding affinity for superficial zone protein (SZP) or a variant, fragment, or protein core thereof, wherein the binding affinity of the antibody or fragment thereof for human superficial zone protein is the same or greater than the binding affinity for bovine superficial zone protein in a competitive binding assay, IAsys analysis, or BIAcore analysis. The present invention further provides hybidoma cells that produce the monoclonal antibody and antibody reagent kits comprising the antibody or fragment of the invention. Further provided by the invention are methods of SZP detection, methods of diagnosing a degenerative joint condition, and screening methods related to the use of the antibody or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the detection of antibodies in celiac disease. The method comprises detecting antibodies in serum, to a combination of transglutaminase and a substrate therefor.

Abstract: The present invention provides antisera that specifically recognize peptides containing methylated arginines. The present invention also provides peptides for producing the antisera. Also provided is a method for the detection of methylation status of proteins and peptides, and compositions that affect the methylation status.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the concentration of soluble analyte in a sample involves performing a competition assay using a predetermined amount of formed bodies to which are attached at least one analyte, varying known concentrations of an unlabeled ligand that binds to analyte, and a known concentration of ligand labeled with a detectable marker. After analysis in a flow cytometer, the test sample and a plurality of control samples generate data on curves formed by plotting signal vs. concentration of labeled ligand in controls (first), and vs. concentration of total labeled and unlabeled ligand in test samples (second). The concentration of unlabeled ligand that bound to soluble analytes in test samples is determined by evaluating the difference between the concentration that corresponds with the intersection of these two curves and the constant labeled ligand concentration in the test samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of lipogenins, proteins, e.g. human extra-cellular matrix protein 1 (ECM-1), human glia-derived nexin I alpha protein (NP-I), human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and human histone H2A (H2A) singly or in various combinations to control lipogenesis in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to novel methods of rapidly determining the ratio of biological molecules. The invention also relates in part to a kit for rapidly determining the ratio of biological molecules.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce a hitherto unknown type of human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) receptor protein free of other PDGF receptors. These proteins can be produced from DNA segments in cells in various functional forms. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of these novel receptors as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for specific types of PDGF receptor proteins, for example, by measuring mRNA in cells with PDGF receptor type-specific DNA probes or by measuring antigen in biological samples with type-specific antibodies.

Abstract: A method for assaying specific binding between a fluorophore-labeled probe and an unlabeled target is provided. The method includes detecting a quenching effect on fluorescence emitted by the fluorophore-labeled probe resulting from binding. The method is conducted without separating complexes of the target and probe from the free target and free probe prior to quenching effect detecting, and without providing a signal quenching agent to quench fluorescent light. Preferably, the probe and target are amino acid-containing compounds, such as proteins. The method can be used for a variety of applications, including screening for drug candidates having optimum binding properties, and quantifying and classifying the binding characteristics between peptide-containing compounds. The method is more sensitive than conventional assays, enabling the analysis of minute samples and low affinity binding interactions between receptors and ligands that are below the detection limits of conventional technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to procedures for the detection or for the determination of solid phase-associated factors, which are multiply associated with the same solid phase. According to the invention, the sample is brought into contact with a transmitter particle, on which at least one ligand having binding affinity for a solid phase-associated factor and a transmitter are immobilized, and a receiver particle, on which at least one ligand having binding affinity for said solid phase-associated factor and a receiver is immobilized, and then the signal is determined which results when transmitter and receiver are brought sufficiently close to one another. In particular, the invention relates to the detection of cell surface receptors which can be used for the typing of cells or for the determination of cell activation states. It is thus possible to replace the hitherto widely customary flow cytometry by a more simple procedure.

Abstract: A monitor having a hollow semipermeable casing with a test strip is agitated in a sample volume of suspect liquid. The monitor is partially filled with tiny colored beads confined to its interior by the size of the openings in the semipermeable structure. Adhered to the beads are antibodies matched to the antigen characterizing the suspect substance. The test strip is segregated into collection and control regions. Antibodies matched to the suspect antigen are adhered only to the collection region. If the sample fluid contains the suspect substance, it will bind to both the bead antibodies and the collector antibodies, resulting in an accumulation of colored beads in the collection region but not the control region. A significant color differential between the two is a positive indication of the suspect substance. This invention has significant potential in screening for the date rape drugs, GHB and rohypnol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex of enzyme, protein and carrier comprising two or more molecules of an enzyme conjugated through amino group or other group to a carrier such as polylysine, and a protein (for example, antibody) with a specific binding potency to other substance(s) (for example, antigen) conjugated to at least one of said two or more molecules of the enzyme, which enables accurate assay of a trace amount of a substance at a high sensitivity.