Abstract: The present disclosure describes a closed apparatus for collection, filtration and concentration of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample is collected with an integrated sample collection device which introduces the sample into a transport liquid in a sample collection tube which couples to a filter unit coupled to a processing tube containing a processing liquid. The apparatus may be introduced into a centrifuge for centrifugal filtration.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sample collection apparatus for collection of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample collection apparatus includes at least one coupling mechanism to couple a sample collection device to a cap, and includes at least one release mechanism to release at least a part of the sample collection device from the cap. The sample collection device in a first configuration is coupled to the cap and in a second configuration is displaced from the cap.

Abstract: A specimen collection apparatus is provided. The specimen collection apparatus may include a container, a funnel for removable insertion in an opening of the container, a funnel cover; a removable seal, and a dispensing apparatus sealed within the funnel cover in a reagent-specific atmosphere. The dispensing apparatus may include a cap, a reagent housing attached to the cap, and a reagent designed to liquefy a specimen, stabilize the pH of the liquefied specimen, and be compatible with diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sample collection apparatus for collection of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample collection apparatus includes at least one coupling mechanism to couple a sample collection device to a cap, and includes at least one release mechanism to release at least a part of the sample collection device from the cap. The sample collection device in a first configuration is coupled to the cap and in a second configuration is displaced from the cap.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a closed apparatus for collection, filtration and concentration of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample is collected with an integrated sample collection device which introduces the sample into a transport liquid in a sample collection tube which couples to a filter unit coupled to a processing tube containing a processing liquid. The apparatus may be introduced into a centrifuge for centrifugal filtration.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated slide stainer with a rotary carousel configured to receive a plurality of microscopic slides. The rotary carousel may position the slides in a treatment position to receive a liquid reagent on the slide surface from a dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A specimen collection apparatus is provided. The specimen collection apparatus may include a container, a funnel for removable insertion in an opening of the container, a funnel cover; a removable seal, and a dispensing apparatus sealed within the funnel cover in a reagent-specific atmosphere. The dispensing apparatus may include a cap, a reagent housing attached to the cap, and a reagent designed to liquefy a specimen, stabilize the pH of the liquefied specimen, and be compatible with diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A specimen collection apparatus is provided. The specimen collection apparatus may include a container, a funnel for removable insertion in an opening of the container, a funnel cover; a removable seal, and a dispensing apparatus sealed within the funnel cover in a reagent-specific atmosphere. The dispensing apparatus may include a cap, a reagent housing attached to the cap, and a reagent designed to liquefy a specimen, stabilize the pH of the liquefied specimen, and be compatible with diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A specimen collection apparatus is provided. The specimen collection apparatus may include a container, a funnel for removable insertion in an opening of the container, a funnel cover; a removable seal, and a dispensing apparatus sealed within the funnel cover in a reagent-specific atmosphere. The dispensing apparatus may include a cap, a reagent housing attached to the cap, and a reagent designed to liquefy a specimen, stabilize the pH of the liquefied specimen, and be compatible with diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A specimen collection apparatus is provided. The specimen collection apparatus may include a container, a funnel for removable insertion in an opening of the container, a funnel cover; a removable seal, and a dispensing apparatus sealed within the funnel cover in a reagent-specific atmosphere. The dispensing apparatus may include a cap, a reagent housing attached to the cap, and a reagent designed to liquefy a specimen, stabilize the pH of the liquefied specimen, and be compatible with diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A specimen collection apparatus is provided. The specimen collection apparatus may include a container, a funnel for removable insertion in an opening of the container, a funnel cover; a removable seal, and a dispensing apparatus sealed within the funnel cover in a reagent-specific atmosphere. The dispensing apparatus may include a cap, a reagent housing attached to the cap, and a reagent designed to liquefy a specimen, stabilize the pH of the liquefied specimen, and be compatible with diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A method of treating and/or preventing a TNF-mediated disease in an individual is disclosed. Also disclosed is a composition comprising a tumor necrosis factor antagonist and a CD4+ T cell inhibiting agent. TNF-mediated diseases include rheumatoid arthritis; Crohn's disease, and acute and chronic immune diseases associated with transplantation.

Abstract: A method for treating rheumatoid arthritis using a TNF&agr; antagonist in combination with cyclosporin or analog thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: Catalytic antibodies are disclosed. The catalytic antibodies are specific for prodrug compounds. The catalytic antibodies enhance cleavage of an active drug moiety from a prodrug residue, thereby activating the drug.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are prodrugs activated by catalytic proteins, such as enzymes and catalytic antibodies. The invention comprehends such prodrugs, as well as haptens, to elicit catalytic antibodies to activate the prodrugs. The prodrugs are useful as cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents; e.g., as antitumor agents.

Abstract: A method for treating autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, through the administration of a CD4+ T cell inhibiting agent, such as anti-CD4 antibody or cyclosporin A, in conjunction with or sequentially to a TNF antagonist, such as anti-TNF antibody or soluble TNF receptor, is disclosed. The method can be used to aid in therapy for humans and other mammals with a wide variety of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Prodrugs that are activated by and conjugated to a catalytic antibody conjugated to a moiety that binds to a tumor cell population are provided.

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: Disclosed and claimed are methods for producing catalytic antibodies, including human catalytic antibodies, from bacteriophage. The methods require the cloning, selection, screening, and isolation of catalytic antibodies. Also disclosed and claimed are the products themselves, the catalytic antibodies, made from the phage technology. In addition, catalytic antibodies produced from the phage technology and useful in prodrug activation are disclosed and claimed. And finally, the invention also understands the production of catalytic antibodies to phosphonates.

Abstract: A method for treating autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, through the administration of anti-CD4 antibody in conjunction with or sequentially to anti-TNF antibody, is disclosed. The method can be used to aid in therapy for humans and other mammals with a wide variety of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.