Abstract: Described is a method of determining the relative risk of an outcome based on an analysis of multiple risk factors. A graphical method is used to take values corresponding to risk parameters and an event outcome to produce a smoothed surface map representing relative risk over an entire space defined by n risk factors. Applying a query data point to the surface map permits the determination of the estimated outcome probability for the query data point, based on its location on the surface map. The method then reports a relative risk or other probability measure associated with the query data point. Also described is a method of analysis in which subpopulations previously identified as high-risk can be further analyzed with respect to risk posed by additional factors.

Abstract: Methods for use in mobilizing triacylglycerol (TAG) in order to elevate apoliprotein B and Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) are described. In some embodiments, the method involves providing betaine in an amount of about 3 gm/kg of body weight per day in order to mobilize TAG. In some embodiments, serum VLDL is elevated as a result of mobilizing hepatic TAG. In some embodiments, the method includes restricting methionine intake to less than about 1 gm/kg of body weight per day. In some embodiments, the method includes feeding L-cysteine at a level of at least about 3 gm/kg of body weight per day. In some embodiments, the method includes feeding choline bitartrate at a level of about 1.25 gm/kg of body weight per day. Mobilizing hepatic TAG is effective to reduce hepatic steatosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing standards and controls for immunoassays employing monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are used to isolate a restricted portion of an antigen containing an epitope that determines the specificity of the monoclonal antibody-antigen reaction so as to distinguish it from the antigen as a whole, following fragmentation of the complex antigen by procedures including proteolysis. Isolated epitopes are attached covalently or by physical adsorption to particles to immobilize and stabilize the epitope. The particles can be composed of iodipamide ethyl ester, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and other inert substances and can be chemically activated to improve epitope binding and stability. Experimental details demonstrate the binding of lipoprotein epitopes to IDE, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene and the subsequent reaction of monoclonal antibodies to these particle-stabilized epitopes.

Abstract: The separation of label tape formed of oriented thermoplastic polymer fibers into individual labels having wash-durable ends, by progressively melting the fibers, in a transverse zone of the tape, beginning at one face of the tape, while also progressively forcing the molten polymer, in a direction diagonally away from this zone and toward the opposite face of the tape, into the interstices between the unmolten fibers and with a portion of the polymer forced along said opposite face, using a heated beveled blade, having a blunt leading edge and chilling the molten polymer at said opposite face with a cold platen opposite the blade, to form a polymer anchor at said opposite face, and anchor the fibers in the polymer which serves as a matrix.