Abstract: A method and device of quantitatively assaying an immunologically reactive substance of clinical interest, wherein the method includes the steps of grafting an immunologically active substance onto natural or synthetic microparticles, agglutinating the microparticles in a liquid medium in the presence of an immunologically reactive substance of clinical interest, and optically measuring the agglutinated substances to determine the assay of the immunological reactive substance of clinical interest. The device employed for carrying out the above method includes a first series of tubes which contain at least one freeze-dried calibration range of the substance to be assayed, a second series of tubes which contain an immunological active substance acting as the assaying agent, and a third series of small tubes containing a freeze-dried specimen of the dilution solution of the calibration range.

Abstract: A method for detecting pathogen infection in a host is provided. The method comprises lysing phagocytes from the host to release soluble components of the pathogen which are detected subsequently using a specific binding assay.

Abstract: The histamine in a sample is determined by contacting the sample with a histamine binding agent, such as glass, which has been treated, e.g., with a polar organic polymer, to reduce the affinity of the agent for an interfering component of the sample while substantially retaining the agent's histamine binding capacity. Such an agent facilitates determination of histamine in whole blood samples. Preferably, the agent is provided as a conglomerate of histamine-binding bodies, such as glass fibers, in a binder. Preferred binders are polyvinyl acetate, a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A kit and method have been developed which can be used to simultaneously detect antibodies to two HTLV or HIV antigens. The kit includes a solid carrier material, such as a microtest plate, having immobilized thereon a mixture of first and second viral antigens. The antigens are from any of HTLV-I, HTLV-II, HIV-I and HIV-II provided, however, that HTLV-II antigen is mixed only with HTLV-I antigen. The kit also comprises labeled-antibodies which are reactive with both the first and second antibodies in a test sample. A biological sample, such as a blood sample, is assayed by contacting it with the immobilized antigens to form reaction products between the immobilized antigens and the antibodies in the sample, followed by contact with the labeled antibodies to form labeled reaction products which can be detected in a suitable manner. The kit and method are useful for rapid screening of biological fluids.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAV.sub.ELI and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAV.sub.ELI virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: For the serodiagnosis of a fluid sample, it is particularly advantageous to use a device comprising (A) a supported, porous membrane wherein a first immunoreagent is bound so as to be capable of binding a foreign analyte and forming a complex when the foreign analyte is brought into contact therewith; and (B) a matrix which presents a first surface and an opposing second surface and which contains a second, labeled immunoreagent that is capable of binding the foreign analyte to form a labeled complex when the foreign analyte is sandwiched between the first immunoreagent and the second immunoreagent. In such a device, the first surface of the matrix is adjacent to a surface of the membrane, (ii) the matrix is wettable by or soluble in an aqueous fluid, and (iii) the second immunoreagent is mobilized when the matrix is wetted.

Abstract: A variant of the LAV virus, designated LAV.sub.MAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAV.sub.MAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody specific to the lymphokine LK 2, and its production is disclosed. The novel lymphokine LK 2 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 20,000.+-.2,000 daltons; isoelectric point pI, 6.2.+-.0.3; electrophoretic mobility Rf, 0.29.+-.0.02; cytotoxic on L 929 cells; and not substantially growth inhibitive on KB cells. The lymphokine significantly inhibits the growth of malignant human tumors in vivo. The monoclonal antibody may be of IgM or IgG class, and neutralizes specifically the cytotoxic activity of the lymphokine. Combined use of LK 2 with chemotherapeutic agents such as alkylating agents, metabolic antagonists, antioncotic antibiotics and plant alkaloids enhances greatly the antioncotic effect of the chemotherapeutics.

Abstract: A method and a test kit for rapidly determining the presence of functional cellular steroid receptors by assaying a tissue sample for nuclear steroid or antisteroid binding is disclosed which comprises treating the tissue with collagenase, incubating the isolated cells with a labelled steroid or a labelled antisteroid capable of complexing said receptors and measuring the bound nuclear radioactivity and the DNA of the isolated cellular nuclei.

Abstract: Monoclonal receptors raised to immunogenic polypeptides whose amino acid residue sequences correspond to sequences of oncoprotein ligands are disclosed, as are method for the production of those receptors and products and methods that utilize them. The monoclonal receptors bind both to the oncoprotein ligand to a portion of which the polypeptide corresponds in sequence, and to the immunogenic polypeptide to which the receptors were raised.

Abstract: A reaction product is formed by a process which involves the transfer of the reaction product from the autoclave to a receiving vessel at a substantially constant flow rate. Just prior to this transfer, the pressure in the receiving vessel is brought up to the pressure in the autoclave by passing gas from the autoclave to the receiving vessel. The flow of gas from the autoclave to the receiving vessel is then stopped, and the pressure in the receiving vessel is allowed to drop due to transfer of heat from the gas to the walls of the receiving vessel. The resulting pressure difference between the autoclave and the receiving vessel is used to initiate the transfer of the reaction products from the autoclave to the receiving vessel. A pressure release valve on the receiving vessel is then controlled by means a signal derived from a flow meter which measures the flow rate of the reaction products flowing from the autoclave to the receiving vessel to maintain constant this flow rate.

Abstract: A novel lymphokine, the monoclonal antibody specific to the lymphokine, and their production and uses are disclosed. The lymphokine is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 20,000.+-.2,000 daltons; isoelectric point pI, 6.2.+-.0.3; electrophoretic mobility Rf, 0.29.+-.0.02; cytotoxic on L 929 cell; and substantially not growth-inhibitive on KB cell. The lymphokine significantly inhibits the growth of malignant human tumors in vivo. The monoclonal antibody is of IgM or IgG class, and neutralizes specifically the cytotoxic activity of the lymphokine. Combined use of LK 2 with chemotherapeutic such as alkylating agents, metabolic antagonists, antioncotic antibiotics and plant alkaloids enhances greatly the antioncotic effect of the chemotherapeutics.

Abstract: A dual hollow fiber bioreactor comprised of homopolymer construction and a method of using same. The bioreactor being created by thermal bonding incorporating a heat sink so as to preserve the structural integrity of the bioreactor during initial construction and in subsequent treatments during sterilization processes.

Abstract: A detectable molecule of the formulaA.sup.3 --(--X--R.sup.1 --E--Det.sup.b).sub.mwhere A.sup.3 is A.sup.2 or a polymer, where A.sup.3 has at least one modifiable reactive group selected from the group consisting of amino, hydroxy, cis OH, halides, aryl, imidazoyl, carbonyl, carboxy, thiol or a residue comprising an activated carbon; --X-- is selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 branched or unbranched alkyl or aralkyl, which may be substituted by --OH; --Y-- is a direct bond to --E--, or --Y-- is --E--R.sup.2 -- where R.sup.2 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 branched or unbranched alkyl; Z.sub.a is chlorine, bromine or iodine; E is O, NH or an acyclic divalent sulfur atom; Det.sup.b is a chemical moiety capable of being detected, preferably comprising biotin or a metal chelator of the formula: ##STR2## or the 4-hydroxy or acyloxy derivative thereof, where R.sup.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or CH.sub.

Abstract: An improved assay method for detecting the presence of an antibody capable of binding with an antigen of a virus is provided. The improvement comprises using a non-human immune antibody which is reactive with an anti-human antibody as a positive control in the assay. Non-human immune IgM and a method of producing the IgM is also provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody to Treponema denticola ATCC 33520 and a continuous cell line for its production is disclosed. These antibodies are particularly useful in immunoassays for detecting the presence of these microorganisms in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for recombinant DNA production of Factor VIIIC and truncated derivatives therfeof. Based on amino acid sequences, probes are developed for isolating messenger RNA and/or chromosomal DNA encoding for Factor VIIIC. The Factor VIIIC gene in its entirety or encoding for a fragment thereof is then used for expression of Factor VIIIC in a host.The bacteriophage .lambda.FVIII23D containing the 14.43kb EcoRI fragment was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Jan. 4, 1984 and given Accession No. 40094.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody specific to the lymphokine LK 2, and its production is disclosed. The novel lymphokine LK 2 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 20,000.+-.2,000 daltons; isoelectric point pI, 6.2.+-.0.3; electrophoretic mobility Rf, 0.29.+-.0.02; cytotoxic on L 929 cells; and substantially not growth-inhibitive on KB cells. The lymphokine significantly inhibits the growth of malignant human tumors in vivo. The monoclonal antibody may be of IgM or IgG class, and neutralizes specifically the cytotoxic activity of the lymphokine. Combined use of LK 2 with chemotherapeutic agents such as alkylating agents, metabolic antagonists, antioncotic antibiotics and plant alkaloids enhances greatly the antioncotic effect of the chemotherapeutics.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing an optical detection of a binding reaction between a ligand and an antiligand, including, a pattern formed by a spatial array of microscopic dimensions of antiligand material, ligand material interacting with the antiligand material to produce a binding reaction between the ligand and the antiligand in the pattern, a source of optical radiation including energy at at least one wavelength directed to the pattern at a particular incidence angle to produce scattering of the energy from the pattern in accordance with the binding reaction and with a strong scattering intensity at one or more Bragg scattering angles, and at least one optical detector located relative to the pattern and aligned with a Bragg scattering angle to detect the strong scattering intensity at the Bragg scattering angle to produce a signal representative of the binding reaction.