Abstract: The present invention provides a method for changing addiction-related behavior of a mammal suffering from addiction to a combination of abused drugs. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of gamma vinylGABA (GVG) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or an enantiomer or a racemic mixture thereof, wherein the effective amount is sufficient to diminish, inhibit or eliminate behavior associated with craving or use of the combination of abused drugs.

Abstract: A method for generating antigen-sensitized Ig-A-producing lymphoblasts in a mammal, using an immunogen comprising an antigen or antigen mixture in association with hydroxylated calcium phosphate (hydroxy apatite) is administered to a mucosal surface of the mammal.

Abstract: Unit-of-use reagent compositions and methods for preparing such reagent compositions are disclosed. The reagent composition comprises one or more reagents which are necessary for a specific binding assay and which are incorporated in a porous material which is encapsulated in a carrier matrix. The unit-of-use reagent composition can be lyophilized to avoid the need for cold storage of the reagent composition.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. One method comprises treating a medium suspected of containing an analyte under conditions such that the analyte, if present, causes a photosensitizer and a chemiluminescent compound to come into close proximity. The photosensitizer generates singlet oxygen and activates the chemiluminescent compound when it is in close proximity. The activated chemiluminescent compound subsequently produces light. The amount of light produced is related to the amount of analyte in the medium. Preferably, at least one of the photosensitizer and chemiluminescent compound is associated with a surface which is usually a suspendible particle, and a specific binding pair member is bound thereto. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for screening compounds for anti-stress activity. A rat hepatoma-derived cell line is employed, which is particularly responsive to mitochondrial function inhibiting agents, demonstrated by the extracellular release of lactate dehydrogenase and the formation of lactate. Cytoprotectant agents are shown to reverse the lactate dehydrogenase release in the presence of mitochondrial function interfering agents, as a model for the effects of hypoxia on cellular energetic function.

Abstract: Cyanine and related dyes, such as merocyanine, styryl and oxonol dyes, are strongly light-absorbing and highly luminescent. Cyanine and related dyes having functional groups make them reactive with amine, hydroxy and sulfhydryl groups are covalently attached to proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, sugars, cells and combinations thereof, and other biological and nonbiological materials, to make these materials fluorescent so that they can be detected. The labeled materials can then be used in assays employing excitation light sources and luminescence detectors. For example, fluorescent cyanine and related dyes can be attached to amine, hydroxy or sulfhydryl groups of avidin and to antibodies and to lectins. Thereupon, avidin labeled with cyanine type dyes can be used to quantify biotinvlated materials and antibodies conjugated with cyanine-type dyes can be used to detect and measure antigens and haptens. In addition, cyanine-conjugated lectins can be used to detect specific carbohydrate groups.

Abstract: An expression vector for preparing a library of an antibody variable region, which can express comprising polypeptides containing the H-chain and/or L-chain variable regions of antibodies in the membrane-bound form on the surfaces of eukaryotic cells, which is containing the nucleotide sequence of AKL (formula 1) and/or the nucleotide sequence AKH (formula 2), and which is replicable in the cells: 5′-PL-SL-CL-ML-AL-3′  (formula 1)(AKL) 5′-PH-SH-CH-MH-AH-3′  (formula 2)(AKH) wherein PL and PH represent a promoter, respectively; SL and SH represent a nucleotide sequence coding for a signal peptide respectively; CL represents a nucleotide sequence coding for the L-chain constant region of an antibody; CH represents a nucleotide sequence coding for the H-chain constant region of an antibody or a nucleotide sequence coding for a polypeptide containing at least CH1 of the H-chain constant region of an antibody; AL and AH represent a polyadenylation signal, respectively

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining whether a compound is capable of binding to a BMP receptor kinase protein complex. The invention further relates to a method for determining the concentration of a BMP receptor ligand in a clinical sample. The invention also relates to a host cell co-transfected with an expression vector comprising a DNA sequence that codes for the BMP receptor kinase protein BRK-3 and an expression vector comprising a DNA sequence that codes for a BMP type I receptor kinase protein. The invention further relates to a host cell co-transfected with an expression vector comprising a DNA sequence that codes for a soluble or incomplete BMP type I receptor kinase protein and a soluble or incomplete BMP receptor kinase protein BRK-3. The invention further relates to a method for determining whether a test compound produces a signal upon binding to a BMP receptor protein complex.

Abstract: To improve the detection of LSD in biological samples, antibodies are raised to LSD conjugated to a protein carrier, preferably through the indole ring. Selected antibodies are matched with an immunoassay reagent in which the LSD is conjugated in the same position to a labeling or separation means. The set of reagents can be used in immunoassays with remarkably little cross-reactivity with potential interfering substances such as chlorpromazine and ergotamine, and a low false-positive rate in a panel of clinical test samples. Also provided is a set of reagents for measuring glucuronide metabolites of LSD by immunoassay, which permits exposure to LSD to be determined over a longer diagnostic window.

Abstract: A soluble antibody conjugate comprising an antibody linked to a structure which is recognized by T-cells and has the ability to direct T-cells to lyse the target cell, which is recognized by the antibody. The conjugate is characterized by the structure being a superantigen. One important mode is a method for the lysis of target cells, wherein the target cells are contacted with a target cell lysis effective amount of the conjugate. The method of lysis is part of a potent treatment regime for cancer, autoimmunity, parasitic infestations and fungal, viral and bacterial infections. The specification also describes modes such as the synthesis of the conjugate and pharmaceutical compositions and their manufacture.

Abstract: System and methods treat plasma carrying contaminants and cellular matter that are capable of entraining contaminants. The systems and methods separate cellular matter from the plasma by filtration, thereby removing contaminants entrained within the cellular matter. The system and methods add to the plasma a photoactive material. The systems and methods emit radiation at a selected wavelength into the plasma to activate the photoactive material and thereby eradicate the contaminant that is free of entrainment by cellular matter.

Abstract: Viruses expressing ligands on their surfaces are used as a detection means for the related polypeptide which binds the ligand. Multiple copies of the ligand can be expressed on the viral surface. These viruses may be used to detect polypeptides, cells, receptors and channel proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to biologically-active polymers that are useful for analyte detection and isolation and delivery of substances. The biologically-active polymers are capable of specifically and reversibly binding to analytes, including molecules and cells. The biologically-active polymers are also capable of releasing substances upon electrical stimulation. The present invention provides compositions comprising biologically-active polymer membranes and methods for making these biologically-active polymer membranes that may be specifically designed to selectively bind cells and specific cell types, to affect cell growth characteristics, and to modulate cellular differentiation. These biologically-active polymer membranes may be controlled electrically to induce controlled cellular differentiation and modulate the cell growth cycle. These biologically-active polymers have many applications in biological and chemical fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising colorimetric assay liposomes. The present invention also provides methods for producing colorimetric liposomes and calorimetric liposome assay systems. In preferred embodiments, these calorimetric liposome systems provide high levels of sensitivity through the use of dopant molecules. As these dopants allow the controlled destabilization of the liposome structure, upon exposure of the doped liposomes to analyte(s) of interest, the indicator color change is facilitated and more easily recognized.

Abstract: A direct assay is described using novel three-dimensional polymeric assemblies which change from a blue to red color when exposed to an analyte, in one case a flue virus. The assemblies are typically in the form of liposomes which can be maintained in a suspension, and show great intensity in their color changes. Their method of production is also described.

Abstract: The use of specific sulphonic acids or hydrates thereof in or for the preparation of a cosmetic or dermatological composition for achieving various effects on the skin, such as promoting desquamation of the skin, stimulating epidermal renewal, combatting intrinsic and extrinsic cutaneous aging. A process for the non-therapeutic treatment of the skin intended to achieve such effects, such as to promote the desquamation of the skin.

Abstract: A member of a specific binding pair (sbp) is identified by expressing DNA encoding a genetically diverse population of such sbp members in recombinant host cells in which the sbp members are displayed in functional form at the surface of a secreted recombinant genetic display package (rgdp) containing DNA encoding the sbp member or a polypeptide component thereof, by virtue of the sbp member or a polypeptide component thereof being expressed as a fusion with a capsid component of the rgdp. The displayed sbps may be selected by affinity with a complementary sbp member, and the DNA recovered from selected rgdps for expression of the selected sbp members. Antibody sbp members may be thus obtained, with the different chains thereof expressed, one fused to the capsid component and the other in free form for association with the fusion partner polypeptide. A phagemid may be used as an expression vector, with said capsid fusion helping to package the phagemid DNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for delaying the onset of fetal membrane rupture in a human. The method comprises administering to the human a metalloproteinase-9 inhibitor in an amount effective to delay the onset of fetal membrane rupture in the human.

Abstract: A solid phase method for the synthesis of a plurality of differently substituted thiophenes with a wide variety of side-chain substituents as compounds of potential therapeutic interest is disclosed. The thiophenes are prepared by acylation of a substrate-bound primary or secondary amine with cyanoacetic acid and reaction of the resulting cyanoacetamide with an isothiocyanate in the presence of a base. Alkylation with an appropriate alkyl halide, followed by Thorpe-Ziegier-cyclization yields differently substituted, support-bound 3-aminothiophenes. These may be screened on the substrate or cleaved from the substrate and then screened in solution. Alternatively, the resin-bound 3-amino thiophenes or the synthetic intermediates can be subjected to further synthetic transformations (N-acylation, reduction) on the support, which permits the preparation of further therapeutically interesting compounds.

Abstract: Automated drug screening method and a method of studying receptor and ion-channel activity are provided.