Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for testing for pregnancy and non-pregnancy in ungulates and non-hoofed ruminates. The tests provided by this invention are useful during a time that coincides with the estrus cycle during which breeding occurs or the first estrus cycle after breeding of a non-pregnant animal. The tests provided by this invention are useful in estrus and ovulation synchronization programs, with pregnancy testing useful at a time allowing for resynchronization of non-pregnant animals within the first estrus cycle. The tests provided by this invention assay for the presence, absence, or level of a selected IFN-?-induced protein in a sample from a female animal. The tests of this invention are useful for testing cells, blood, plasma, serum, cells, milk, nasal secretions, ocular secretions, vaginal secretions, urine, and saliva samples. The tests provided by this invention are immunoassays.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of diagnosing early stage renal impairment in humans, characterized by the following steps: measuring the amount of apoA-IV in a body liquid or tissue sample of a human, and comparing the measured amount of apoA-IV with a reference value.

Abstract: A bioaffinity assay for quantitative determination in a sample of free PAPP-A, defined as the pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) that is not complexed to the proform of major basic protein (proMBP), where free PAPP-A is determined either i) as a calculated difference between measured total PAPP-A and measured PAPP-A complexed to proMBP, or ii) by a direct bioaffinity assay measuring only free PAPP-A. Also disclosed is a method for diagnosing an acute coronary syndrome in a person by using as marker either free PAPP-A as such or a ratio free PAPP-A/total PAPP-A, free PAPP-A/PAPP-A complexed to proMBP, or PAPP-A complexed to proMBP/total PAPP-A.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. Light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers of chronic pelvic pain syndrome for use in diagnosis, drug screening, therapy monitoring, research and therapeutic applications. In particular, the present invention provides MCP-1 and MIP-1? as biomarkers of chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection of the presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sample, in particular to the analysis of the CSF protein lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS). The present invention provides assays for the analysis of PGDS indicating the presence or absence of CSF in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analysis of a mixture of biological and/or chemical components that entails spatially arranging a chosen component attached to magnetic particles, exposing the particles to a magnetic field, and recording a magnetic induction signal, from which the content of the analyte in the mixture is judged; this includes grouping the chosen component in a probe volume, making the magnetic field alternating, pre-setting its spectrum, at least, at two frequencies, and recording the signal at a frequency, which is a linear combination of these frequencies, during the exposure of the magnetic particles to the field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunoenzymatic method for the quantification of protein CETP in plasma, which requires the utilization of fusion protein GST/CETP, the synthetic peptide CETP 11486-S496 and polyclonal antibody anti-CEPT 11486-S496. The method is used in the study of pathologies involving alterations in the CETP levels in plasma or in seric lipids and makes it possible to detect, evaluate and follow-up patients suffering from dyslipidemia and/or risk of altergenesis.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for measuring human serum hepcidin levels. The invention provides methods for the oxidative refolding of a hepcidin polypeptide to a form that is mature, bioactive and folded as in the native configuration and molecular mass; a method for measuring the level of native, bioactive hepcidin in a vertebrate animal.

Abstract: A method for aiding in the determination of whether a living or deceased human is afflicted with or will likely have atherosclerosis respectfully, the method comprising determining the level of SPRR3 protein in a intimae or body fluid sample by using molecular localization analysis technique comparing the determined level of SPRR3 protein in the biological sample obtained from said individual with a range of SPRR3 levels previously defined as characteristic for humans having atherosclerosis, concluding from the comparison that the person is likely suffering from atherosclerosis when a SPRR3 level is in the range previously defined as characteristic for the presence of atherosclerosis as an indication that the individual is suffering from or has suffered from atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: When detecting fluorescence of a bead chip array, reflected light from a bead is detected at the same time, so as to recognize the bead position. The reflected light can be detected in a similar manner for all beads, regardless of the presence or absence of a fluorescent substance. If the positions of all beads are detected, accurate detection can be achieved by quantifying only the fluorescence at the detected positions. The fluorescence wavelength alone is detected by a first detector using a wavelength selection filter. Other wavelengths are detected by a second detector, thereby obtaining the reflected light. Data on the reflected light is processed into an image for obtaining the bead profile, the bead position is recognized by detecting the center position based on the profile, and the fluorescence is quantified based on the bead position.

Abstract: A rapid immunoassay method and apparatus for detecting foot and mouth disease virus are disclosed. The method and test device permit pen-side testing of animals and provide test results within a relatively short time period. In a preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus provide a means for differentiating between FMDV-infected and FMDV-vaccinated animals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analysis of a mixture of biological and/or chemical components that entails spatially arranging a chosen component attached to magnetic particles, exposing the particles to a magnetic field, and recording a magnetic induction signal, from which the content of the analyte in the mixture is judged; this includes grouping the chosen component in a probe volume, making the magnetic field alternating, pre-setting its spectrum, at least, at two frequencies, and recording the signal at a frequency, which is a linear combination of these frequencies, during the exposure of the magnetic particles to the field.

Abstract: A method for improving the diagnostic assessment of cartilage degenerative processes, and to provide means of monitoring the effects of therapeutical measures taken towards arthritic diseases in most mammals utilizes an immunoassay to detect fragments of collagen type II resulting from collagenase activity comprising an antibody directed against an epitope comprised in the amino acid sequence HRGYPGLDG (SEQ ID NO:1), located in the helical region of collagen type II.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the oxidative refolding of a hepcidin polypeptide to a form that is mature, bioactive and folded as in the native configuration and molecular mass; a method for measuring the level of native, bioactive hepcidin in a vertebrate animal; a method for measuring the level of hepcidin gene expression in a vertebrate animal; and a method for regulating the production of native, bioactive hepcidin in a vertebrate animal in vivo. The present invention also concerns an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a continuous, discontinuous, and/or conformational epitope of a mature and bioactive hepcidin folded as in the native configuration; and a pharmaceutical composition that includes the antibody or a hepcidin polypeptide and that provides antimicrobial, agonistic, or antagonistic activities in vivo in a vertebrate animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of performing a competitive assay for the detection and quantification of an analyte over an extended dynamic range. This is achieved by a multi-step sample addition method whereby different concentrations of sample are added at different times during the assay that produces a dose-response curve with multiple windows of detection. This multi-step sample addition method causes the dose-response curve of the composite assay to broaden, dramatically increasing the assay dynamic range.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which specific chosen reactions can be accelerated through the use of a new type of artificial enzyme. The invention allows specific reactions to occur at an accelerated rate, even in the presence of other non-chosen molecules, which may be very similar in structure to the chosen reactant. The reactions may be stoichiometric or catalytic.

Abstract: A method for patterning a one or more biomolecules on a substrate that includes coating the substrate with a coating of the one or more biomolecules, applying a laser to the coating, and ablating a portion of the one or more biomolecules with the laser in a predetermined pattern.