Abstract: A method for detecting neoplasia or cancer of the colon or rectum comprising obtaining a sample of colorectal mucus from the rectum of a patient, and detecting the presence of a marker selected from the group consisting of long chain aliphatic aldehydes containing 12-20 carbon atoms, particularly CH3(CH2)14CHO and CH3(CH2)16CHO; and plasmalogen-bound precursors thereof. Preferably the method comprises treating the sample with Schiff's Reagent and detecting neoplasia or cancer of the colon or rectum based upon the coloration produced at about 560-590 nm in the sample by the treatment. The method does not require the step of adding an enzyme for detecting the disaccharide marker &bgr;-D-Gal(1-3)-D-GalNAc(&agr;1-Thr/Ser) and a saccharide marker containing D-galactose and/or 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactose.

Abstract: Methods for syntheses of polyvalent carbohydrate molecules by glycosylations of partially protected polysaccharides with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of glycosylating agents(i.e., a combinatorial library) are disclosed. An alternate method utilizes a glycoside, the aglycon of which carries a halogen which can be under strong alkaline conditions linked with a partially protected polysaccharide by an ether linkage. The product of the latter reaction can be subjected to further glycosylation with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of such agents (=library). The novel resulting polyvalent carbohydrate molecules may be used as antiinfective agents (antibacterial, antiparasital), both for prevention and treatment of diseases, and as agents either for preventing the formation of, or disrupting, biofilms.

Abstract: Methods are described for the rapid synthesis in satisfactory yield of methyl ecgonine phenylphosphonates as analogues of transition states for the hydrolysis of the benzoyl ester of an ecgonine derivative, namely cocaine, and their linking to carrier proteins, for the purpose of using them as immunogens. The resulting immunogens elicit the formation in experimental animals of antibodies able to promote the hydrolysis of cocaine. Both these catalytic anti-cocaine antibodies and the immunogens themselves are potentially useful for the treatment of individuals seeking to avoid the pharmacological effects of cocaine and in diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Methods for syntheses of polyvalent carbohydrate molecules by glycosylations of partially protected polysaccharides with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of glycosylating agents (i.e., a combinatorial library) are disclosed. An alternate method utilizes a glycoside, the aglycon of which carries a halogen which can be under strong alkaline conditions linked with a partially protected polysaccharide by an ether linkage. The product of the latter reaction can be subjected to further glycosylation with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of such agents (=library). The novel resulting polyvalent carbohydrate molecules may be used as antiinfective agents (antibacterial, antiparasital), both for prevention and treatment of diseases, and as agents either for preventing the formation of, or disrupting, biofilms.

Abstract: Methods are described for the rapid synthesis in satisfactory yield of methyl ecgonine phenylphosphonates as analogues of transition states for the hydrolysis of the benzoyl ester of an ecgonine derivative, namely cocaine, and their linking to carrier proteins, for the purpose of using them as immunogens. The resulting immunogens elicit the formation in experimental animals of antibodies able to promote the hydrolysis of cocaine. Both these catalytic anti-cocaine antibodies and the immunogens themselves are potentially useful for the treatment of individuals seeking to avoid the pharmacological effects of cocaine and in diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved syntheses of oligosacchairdes. In accordance with preferred embodiments, anomeric specificity in such syntheses can be attained using polymer-supported liquid synthetic design with certain novel diether linkers. The present invention also provides novel strategies for capping imcompletely glycosylated hydroxyls.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of neoplasia or cancer of the colon or rectum, which method comprises obtaining a sample of colorectal mucus from the rectum of a patient; treating the sample with Schiff's reagent and screening for neoplasia or cancer of the colon or rectum based upon the coloration produced in the sample by the treatment. The method is rapid, simple, inexpensive and provides a screening test for colorectal cancer which does not give a high percentage of false positive and false negative results. A screening test kit is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of oligosaccharides, using polymer supported methodology. By this method, which offers anomeric control, oligosaccharides are produced very rapidly in comparison with known methodologies. Thus, there is disclosed a process for the preparation of oligosaccharides which comprisesa) forming a synthon of a saccharide and a monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, the synthon having a linkage between the oligosaccharide and the monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, which linkage can be severed under conditions that do not damage glycosidic or other bonds in a desired end product;b) subjecting the synthon to repeated additions of a suitable glycosylating agent to form a desired oligosaccharide-polyethylene glycol linked product;c) isolating the linked product as a solid;d) purifying this solid; ande) releasing the oligosaccharide from the polyethylene glycol.