Abstract: The invention provides aroA polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding aroA polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing aroA polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for staging sepsis in a patient by concurrently measuring in a sample of the patient's blood four parameters which are indicative of the stage of sepsis: 1) the level of microbial product level in the blood; 2) the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) response reserve; 3) the maximum oxidant production by neutrophils, and 4) the responsiveness of the patient's neutrophils to immunocomplexes. Based on determining the stage of sepsis, appropriate treatment for the patient may be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for targeting toxic antimetabolites to gram negative infections. It provides a means of taking advantage of a key disease resistance mechanism to activate these drugs locally, and to overcome the resistance phenotype of the microbes. The invention further provides a method for selecting for antibiotic sensitivity, since a likely mechanism by which organisms are likely to gain resistance to the prodrugs is via loss of enzyme activity, which will make the bacteria sensitive to antibiotics once again.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for urine self testing wherein the apparatus is placed directly into the toilet after urination which avoids the direct placement and retention of an apparatus in the stream of urine as is common with urine testing devices. The apparatus detects the presence of certain chemicals in dilute urine such as the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine of a pregnant woman. An opening in the apparatus is fitted with a fluid absorption device which acts to concentrate the diluted urine on an indicator strip which contains antibodies, enzymes and antibody blockers which will provide a reactive change, usually of color, when subjected to a predetermined chemical such as hCG. The apparatus functions in dilute urine when placed in a toilet after urination and is largely constructed of biodegradable materials so that it can be flushed into the sewage system or a septic tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the simultaneous measurement of triiodothyronine (T.sub.3) and thyroxine (T.sub.4) in biological fluids such as serum by direct equilibrium dialysis and immunoassay. Specifically, the method comprises dialyzing the serum sample to equilibrium in a physiological buffer system so that the free T.sub.3 and the free T.sub.4 are separated from T.sub.3 and T.sub.4 bound to serum proteins. The method further comprises combining a measured quantity of the dialyzed serum sample having free T.sub.3 and free T.sub.4 with reagents comprising a measured quantity of T.sub.3 labelled with a detectable marker and a measured quantity of T.sub.4 labelled with a detectable marker; an anti-T.sub.3 antibody of sufficient specificity and in sufficient quantity to bind a measurable quantity of the free T.sub.3, and an anti-T.sub.4 antibody of sufficient specificity and in sufficient quantity to bind a measurable quantity of the free T.sub.4.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions useful in inducing immune protection in a host against arthritogenic peptides involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis are disclosed. Each vaccine composition provides antigenic dnaJp1 peptide (by including the peptide or a polynucleotide which encodes the peptide) and, optionally, other peptide fragments of the microbial dnaJ protein and/or human homologs thereof. Methods for identifying persons who are predisposed to develop rheumatoid arthritis and methods for use of the inventive vaccines are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of peptides which are comprised essentially of D-amino acids to eliminate interference in diagnostic methods, a method for eliminating interference in diagnostic methods by peptides which are comprised essentially of D-amino acids as well as a reagent that eliminates interference containing at least one peptide which is comprised essentially of D-amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of expressing the outer membrane protein P2 from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib-P2) and fusion proteins thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of expressing the outer membrane protein P2 from Haemophilus influenzae type b or fusion protein thereof in E. coli wherein the Hib-P2 protein or fusion protein comprises more than 2% of the total protein expressed in E. coli. The invention also relates to a method of purification and refolding of Hib-P2 protein and fusion protein thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative determination method for heparan sulfate in body fluid specimens of various chronic diseases, in urine samples of diabetic nephropathy and for diagnosing hepatic diseases and rheumatoid arthritis in blood specimens. And also this method provides a diagnostic tool for judging the condition of diabetic nephropathy, hepatic diseases and rheumatoid arthritis by determination of changes by use of aforementioned quantitative determination of heparan sulfate.

Abstract: The invention provides improved immunoassay techniques for detecting the presence of analytes in a liquid sample. The present immunoassay methods utilize anti-allotypic monoclonal antibodies as capture reagents for primary binding proteins specific for the analytes of interest. The monoclonal antibodies are highly specific for the allotypic determinants present on the primary binding protein. The use of anti-allotypic monoclonal antibodies as capture reagents provides improved levels of specificity and accuracy of the immunoassay, in part because interference from endogenous immunoglobulins in the sample is significantly reduced. The invention further provides anti-allotypic monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A method for the detection or quantitation of a water-borne parasite, such as Cryptosporidia. The detection or quantitation is accomplished by an electrochemiluminescence assay comprising the steps of filtering water to obtain a sludge thought to contain the parasite or a fragment thereof; extracting a sample of said sludge in a extraction medium to form antigenic derivatives of said parasite; forming an assay mixture comprising a sample of said extracted sludge and an antibody specific to said antigenic derivative; incubating said assay mixture to permit binding of said antibody and said antigenic derivative; and conducting an electrochemiluminescence assay for the bound complex of antibody and antigenic derivative, thereby detecting or quantitating the Cryptosporidia in said water.

Abstract: Compositions for treating or preventing dental caries and/or middle ear infections. These compositions comprise antibodies to dental caries and/or antibodies to bacteria causing middles ear infections and/or an agent preventing the adhesion, accumulation or reporduction of the pathogens of tooth or middle ear. The preferred agent is xylitol. Methods for using these compositions are also included.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a novel MTG of Staphylococcus aureus. Also provided are vectors and transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the MTG and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit the enzymatic activity of the MTG.

Abstract: An erythromycin A derivative represented by Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R is a pyridyl group, a quinolyl group, a nitrophenyl group or a methoxyphenyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has a strong antibacterial activity not only against erythromycin-sensitive bacteria but also against certain erythromycin-resistant bacteria and Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract: A method for treating or eliminating a protozoal or parasitic disease in an animal in which a sufficient amount of a bacterial cell wall extract is administered to the animal having the protozoal or the parasitic disease. The cell wall extract is preferably a mycobacterial cell wall extract or a cornybacterium cell wall extract. The cell wall extract is most preferably a Mycobacterium phlei cell wall extract.

Abstract: An assay for the identification of neutralizing botulinum antibodies in sera is provided which includes the steps of separating non-sodium dodecyl sulfate, non-trypsinized complex botulinum toxin in an arylamide gel by electrophoresis, the separation occurring on a basis of botulinum toxin protein size and charge. Thereafter, the separated protein is electrophoretically transferred onto a solid support, the transferred separated protein being bound to the solid support at spaced apart sites. Remaining sites on the solid support not occupied by bound protein are blocked and the solid support and bound protein are contacted with a sera sample containing an antibody directed against botulinum toxin. The contacted solid support is then exposed to a second antibody capable of reacting to produce an insoluble colored substrate of intensity relative to a quantity of antibodies present. Finally, the second antibody is reacted to produce the insoluble colored substrate which is visually identified.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions capable of generating an immune response in mammals against GnRH are disclosed. The immunogenic compositions are effective in methods of treating gonadotropin and gonadal steroid hormone dependent diseases and immunological contraception of mammals.

Abstract: A reagent useful in immunoassays, comprising a direct particulate level co-sensitized with a specific binding agent having specificity for an analyte or analyte analog and with a non-specific protein which can participate in a control reaction with another specific binding agent which does not bind to the first specific binding agent nor participate in the formation of a complex by means of which detection of the analyte or analyte analog is accomplished. Preferably the first specific binding agent is an antibody raised in a first species and the non-specific protein is an immunoglobulin from another species. Optionally, the reagent additionally comprises a second population of the direct particulate label sensitized solely with the non-specific protein.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and immunogenic compositions useful for protecting mammals from infection and pathology of P. gingivalis. Specifically, arginine-specific proteases of Porphyromonas gingivalis and peptides derived therefrom offer protection against infection. Immunogenic compositions comprising a 50 kDa arginine-specific protease, the high molecular weight complex or peptides from one of the foregoing proteins are capable of protecting against P. gingivalis infection and/or gingivitis and/or periodontitis caused thereby in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: A process and a kit are provided for detecting differences in two or more samples of protein. Protein extracts are prepared, for example, from each of a different group of cell samples to be compared. Each protein extract is labeled with a different one of a luminescent dye from a matched set of dyes. The matched dyes have generally the same ionic and pH characteristics but emit light at different wavelengths to exhibit a different color upon luminescence detection. The labeled protein extracts are mixed together and electrophoresed together. The gel is observed to detect proteins unique to one sample or present in a greater ratio in one sample than in the other. Those unique or excess proteins will fluoresce the color of one of the dyes used. Proteins common to each sample migrate together and fluoresce the same.