Abstract: The disclosure relates to novel epitopes specific for narcolepsy and their uses in methods for evaluating a subject for narcolepsy, in medical and diagnostic devices and in therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to bioassay method wherein the presence of a specific soluble antibody in a sample of a bodily fluid, plasma or serum, of an animal, including human, is qualitatively and/or quantitatively determined. The method employs, a first group labelled with an energy donor and a second group labelled with an energy acceptor; the first group, or second group, comprising an antigen of the soluble antibody and the second group, or first group, respectively, comprising a Fab binding moiety capable of binding to a Fab region of antibodies of said animal. The donor and the acceptor form an energy transfer pair capable of energy transfer. The invention further comprises a kit for the bioassay method.

Abstract: This invention relates to bioassay method wherein the presence of a specific soluble antibody in a sample of a bodily fluid, preferably plasma or serum, of an animal, including human, is qualitatively and/or quantitatively determined. The method employs, a first group labelled with an energy donor and a second group labelled with an energy acceptor; the first group, or second group, comprising an antigen of the soluble antibody and the second group, or first group, respectively, comprising a Fab binding moiety capable of binding to a Fab region of antibodies of said animal. The donor and the acceptor form an energy transfer pair capable of energy transfer. The invention further comprises a kit for the bioassay method.

Abstract: The invention provides activated fibroblasts for the treatment of tissue and/or organ damage in a patient. Fibroblasts are activated by culturing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to adhere to each other and simultaneously to secrete growth factors, especially hepatocyte growth factor, HGF. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition based on the medium in which the activated fibroblasts are cultured. The invention further provides methods for transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a microarray for detecting herpesviruses. The invention provides new primers and oligonucleotides for detecting herpesviruses, in particular herpesviruses selected from the group comprising HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, VZV, HHV-6A, HHV-6B and HHV-7. By using the method of the invention several different herpesviruses can be detected simultaneously from the same biological sample.

Abstract: A polypeptide presenting an epitope cross-reactive with an epitope of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, and/or having uPA binding activity, is described.

Abstract: Activation of plasminogen to plasmin is inhibited by preventing the binding of a receptor binding form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to a urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in a mammal, thereby preventing the urokinase-type plasminogen activator from converting plasminogen into plasmin. DNA fragments which encode for soluble, active fragments of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor are provided.

Abstract: Activation of plasminogen to plasma is inhibited by preventing the binding of a receptor binding form of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to a urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in a mammal, thereby preventing the urokinase-type plasminogen activator from converting plasminogen into plasmin. DNA fragments which encode for soluble, active fragments of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator are provided.

Abstract: A human endogenous retrovirus-related Mv-75,000 protein, containing the decapeptide sequence Glutamic Acid-Asparagine-Proline-Serine-Glutamine-Phenylalanine-Tyrosine-Glutamic Acid-Arginine-Leucine, a synthetic undecapeptide Sp-23 based on the decapeptide, and specific polycolonal and monoclonal antibodies and specific nucleic acid probes are used as specific reagents for the detection and treatment of tumors such as renal cell adenocarcinoma and choriocarcinoma, among others, and placental disorders including blighted ova, hydatiform and destructive moles.