Abstract: The present invention is a specimen capture and collection form that utilizes a self laminating form assembly having first and second separable parts one of which is used in the collection, capture and retention of a sample of material to be analyzed and the other of which is used for recording the particular transaction for which the sample of specimen was collected. The form assembly is also provided with a unique element which enables the separation of excess sample collection material to be easily and conveniently separated from the remainder of the form assembly so as to not contaminate the specimen as well as prevent the inadvertent removal of the specimen from the form assembly. The construction is also provided with distinct verification areas to confirm authenticity of the form construction.

Abstract: Pyrrole-oxindole derivatives useful as progesterone receptor antagonists, and methods for preparing the same, are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these derivatives are described, as is the use thereof in contraception and hormone-related conditions.

Abstract: A shipping container for shipping diagnostic specimens. An outer container includes inner foam panels that define an inner cavity enclosed by a closed cell polymeric foam for receiving items to be shipped. The inner cavity has an H-shaped transverse cross section for receiving specimen vials that can be packaged in a polymeric bag having several side-by-side compartments for receiving specimen vials. A freezable material is placed within the inner cavity and adjacent to the specimens to maintain the specimens packed within the container below a predetermined temperature during shipment. The foam defining the inner cavity provides insulation to aid in maintaining the temperature of the contents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds being esters of 5-aminolevulinic acids or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, including compounds of formula (I) R22N—CH2COCH2—CH2CO—OR1 (wherein R1 may represent alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, oxo or fluoro groups and optionally interrupted by oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur or phosphorus atoms; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group R1, and both R2 groups may be the identical or different), and their use in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body, and products and kits for performing the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds being esters of 5-aminolevulinic acids or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, including compounds of formula (I) R22N—CH2COCH2—CH2CO—OR1 (wherein R1 may represent alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, oxo or fluoro groups and optionally interrupted by oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur or phosphorus atoms; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group R1, and both R2 groups may be the identical or different), and their use in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body, and products and kits for performing the invention.

Abstract: A sized demonstration kit distributable or mailable to customers for marketing purposes is illustrated with reference to a moisture control material and system for wicking away and dissipating body moisture. The kit has a relatively small holder in the shape of a container or foldable device having, an exterior surface for at least a printed address and postage, an interior surface defining a storage space, with access to the storage space. Optionally the holder is transparent or with a viewing window. Samples of the moisture control material and associated items for testing purposes are removably offered to the interior surface of, a first space for printed information on the nature and operation of the moisture control material and system, and a second space for printed instructions on how to test at least one of the samples of the moisture control material are disposed in the holder.

Abstract: Laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a plate or tray having a plurality of wells, and a drain in fluid communication with each of the plurality of wells. The plate is a one-piece design having a honeycomb structure that brings high rigidity to the plate in order to accept very high centrifugal load. The design also maximizes the well volume and active filtration area while remaining in compliance with SBS format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel selective inhibitors of the urokinase plasminogene activator (uPA, EC3,4.21.31) of the aryl guanidine type.

Abstract: Lidocaine analogs, latex particle-analog conjugates, and methods of making and using the same. The analogs have the formula: wherein Z comprises a nucleophilic group and optionally a protecting group; L is a linker; R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 are each independently H, a protecting group, or C1 to C6 alkyls, provided that R1 and R3 may form a six membered ring with the nitrogen and carbon atom to which R1 and R3 are attached; R6 and R7 are each independently H or C1 to C20 alkyls; and including salts thereof. The analogs are immobilized on latex particles and prepared for use in assays for lidocaine.

Abstract: Radiolabeled fluorinated compounds useful for imaging in the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease are disclosed. Methods and kits for their synthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cuvette package for loading multicell cuvettes from the package into measurement instruments having their cuvette loading accessories designed to accept known packages. On top of a row of multicell cuvettes is attached a detachable bonding strip having a width smaller than that of the width of the row of multicell cuvettes. The bonding strip serving to keep the row of cuvettes together during transport and being easily detachable when the cuvettes are being loaded into the instrument. The multicell cuvettes are loaded into the instrument from the dispensing device which supports the cuvette in place and has its top surface provided with an opening permitting the removal of the strip by pulling off from the supported multicell cuvette package.

Abstract: A handbag for housing a cell phone/Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and containing a compartment for personal items is disclosed. The housing provisions include circuitry between inner lining and outer shell of handbag interconnecting various compartments therewithin, including backup battery compartment and a touch-operated screen (operable from the exterior). The handbag also has modular outlets to physically connect and integrate the cell phone/PDA system and an antenna to facilitate wireless connection.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula: (Q)d—Ln—Ch, useful for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging tumors in a patient, and methods of treating cancer in a patient. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for monitoring therapeutic angiogenesis treatment and destruction of new angiogenic vasculature. The pharmaceuticals are comprised of a targeting moiety that binds to a receptor that is upregulated during angiogenesis, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically effective radioisotope or diagnostically effective imageable moiety. The imageable moiety is a gamma ray or positron emitting radioisotope, a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, an X-ray contrast agent, or an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: Kits for the multiplexed detection of the binding of, or interaction between, one or more ligands and target antiligands are provided. Detection involves the release of identifying tags as a consequence of target recognition. The kits include sets of electrophoretic tag probes or e-tag probes, a capture agent and optionally a cleaving agent. The e-tag probes comprise a detection region and a mobility-defining region called the mobility modifier, both linked to a target-binding moiety. In using the kits, target antiligands are contacted with a set of e-tag probes and the contacted antiligands are treated with a selected cleaving agent resulting in a mixture of e-tag reporters and uncleaved and/or partially cleaved e-tag probes. The mixture is exposed to a capture agent effective to bind to uncleaved or partially cleaved e-tag probes, followed by electrophoretic separation. In a multiplexed assay, different released e-tag reporters may be separated and detected providing for target identification.

Abstract: A device for taking a blood sample to be tested, for example for the level of glucose contained therein, presents a container (1) containing at least one lancet (5) for puncturing a part of the patient's body in order to cause blood to emerge, and at least one tamping element (4) to enable that point of the body from which the blood has emerged to be covered after the blood has been withdrawn, and to facilitate the coagulation and absorption of the residual blood at that point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula I; R22N—CH2COCH2—CH2CO—OR1??(I) wherein R1 represents (a) an optionally substituted branched C6-30 alkyl group, comprising a straight chain C4-29 alkyl group, branched by substitution with one or more C1-6 alkyl groups, wherein said site of substitution is at C2 or a higher C atom, (b) a non-heteroaromatic aryl substituted alkyl group, wherein said aryl group is substituted, or (c) an alkoxy substituted alkyl group, wherein said alkoxy group is substituted by a methoxy group or an alkoxy group substituted with an alkoxy group, wherein in (a) and (b) said substituents are selected from hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, nitro, oxo or fluoro groups, and said alkyl group is optionally interrupted or terminated by one or more —O—, NR3—, —S— or PR3— groups; R2, each of which may be the same or different, represents a hydrogen atom or a group R1, wherein R1 represents (a) an optionally substituted branched C5-30 alkyl group, comprising a

Abstract: A method for communicating between a check processing system and a non-compatible check sorter is provided that includes accessing a MICR buffer for the check sorter. The MICR buffer comprises MICR data retrieved from a check. A process buffer is generated based on the MICR buffer. The process buffer is standardized for a plurality of disparate types of check sorters. A plurality of feature instructions are received for the check based on the process buffer. The feature instructions are communicated to the check sorter for processing of the check.

Abstract: Kits for the multiplexed detection of known, selected nucleotide target sequences are provided. Detection involves the release of identifying tags as a consequence of target recognition. The kits include sets of electrophoretic tag probes or e-tag probes, capture agent and optionally a nuclease. The e-tag probes comprise a detection region and a mobility-defining region called the mobility modifier, both linked to a target-binding moiety. In using the kits, the target-binding moiety of the e-tag probes hybridizes to complementary target sequences followed by nuclease cleavage of the e-tag probes and release of detectable e-tags or e-tag reporters. The mixture is exposed to a capture agent which binds uncleaved and/or partially cleaved e-tag probes, followed by electrophoretic separation. In a multiplexed assay, different released e-tag reporters may be separated and detected providing for target identification.

Abstract: Probe sets for the multiplexed detection of known, selected nucleotide target sequences are provided. Detection involves the release of identifying tags as a consequence of target recognition. The probe sets include electrophoretic tag probes or “e-tag probes”, comprising a detection region and a mobility-defining region called the mobility modifier, both linked to a target-binding moiety. The target-binding moiety of the e-tag probes hybridizes to complementary target sequences followed by nuclease cleavage of the e-tag probes and release of detectable e-tags or e-tag reporters. The mixture is exposed to a capture agent which binds uncleaved and/or partially cleaved e-tag probes, followed by electrophoretic separation. In a multiplexed assay, different released e-tag reporters may be separated and detected providing for target identification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting chitin-containing organisms on an area of a person or animal by contacting the particular area with a dye that is capable of binding or conjugating to chitin and emitting fluorescence upon exposure to light. If a chitin-containing organism is present in the treated area, the chitin of the organism will bind or conjugate the dye and, upon exposure to light, the chitin-containing organisms may be visualized and removed. Also provided by the present invention are solutions and suspensions that contain a dye capable of binding or conjugating to a chitin-containing organism and emitting fluorescence upon exposure to light. The solutions and suspensions provided herein may be in the form of a shampoo, cream, lotion or detergent for the detection of chitin-containing organisms present in body hair, on the skin, clothing or the fur of animals.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula: (Q)d—Ln—Ch, useful for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging tumors in a patient, and methods of treating cancer in a patient. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for monitoring therapeutic angiogenesis treatment and destruction of new angiogenic vasculature. The pharmaceuticals are comprised of a targeting moiety that binds to a receptor that is upregulated during angiogenesis, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically effective radioisotope or diagnostically effective imageable moiety. The imageable moiety is a gamma ray or positron emitting radioisotope, a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, an X-ray contrast agent, or an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: A biological sample collection and storage kit s disclosed that includes a plurality of biological sample storage devices, a plurality of biological sample collection devices configured to collect biological samples for placement into the sample storage devices, identification devices for identifying the contents of the sample storage devices, and a housing including a base portion and a lid portion forming an interior cavity therebetween for accommodating the plurality of biological sample storage devices, the plurality of biological sample collection devices and the identification devices.

Abstract: A sensor strip comprises an electrode substrate, an electrode set, on the electrode substrate, and a heat conducting layer, on the electrode substrate opposite the electrode set. A sensor instrument for use with this sensor strip comprises a temperature sensor, at a side of a gap for accepting the sensor strip, opposite electrical contacts. The invention provides an accurate determination of the temperature of a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides complexing agents of Formula I which contain novel photosensitizers and produce long-lived fluorescence for use in bioaffinity assays, especially HTRF (homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence) assays.

Abstract: A kit for generating a biological sample from a discharge emitted from a portion of a body includes an absorbent pad for deploying adjacent to the portion of the body and a portable device for preserving and/or pre-processing the sample. The pad includes a sampling membrane configured to retain at least one biological material. The portable device has a housing formed from a base portion and lid portion which together define a sealable sample chamber for receiving the sampling membrane. An injector device is configured to be activated by closing of the lid portion to inject sample extracting solution into the sample chamber.

Abstract: A sampling kit form for storage and shipping of organic material. The form includes first and second coextensively joined plies, with adhesive and release coating placed at select locations therebetween such that the form surfaces are substantially free of lateral or longitudinal undulations, which allows the forms to be stacked without leaning or sagging. The first ply also includes a die cut that circumscribes a removable inset portion. Upon removal of the inset portion, adhesive disposed on an inner surface of the second ply is exposed, thus permitting the organic material, such as hair samples, to be placed on the exposed adhesive coating. Fold lines in the sheet establish preferential folding locations so that the organic material samples can be encased between layers of adhesive and release coating within the form once it is folded. The form also includes a postcard that can be detached along a perforated line of weakness.

Abstract: A safety fluid collector uses a quick release device to allow a healthcare worker to release a used needle into a sharps container with one hand, and in a short time after blood samples have been obtained. The thumb of the healthcare worker is used to rotate a button on the needle holder which releases the needle into a sharps container. The sharps container comprises a rotating gate which allows needles enter the container but which blocks the exit of used needles if the container is accidentally tipped over.

Abstract: A carrying case is dimensioned to present a lightweight ultrasound device and one or more accessory products in an organized fashion, to a physician to reduce set up time for diagnostic examinations. The carrying case having a handle and at least one fastener for securing the carrying case in a closed configuration. The carry case comprising at least one instrument panel, the instrument panel having a top side edge and a bottom edge, and having a plurality of harnesses for the secure positioning of a lightweight ultrasound device, a data recording device and at least one transducer, the instrument panel being substantially inflexible, a first accessory panel being flexibly connected to the top edge of the instrument panel such that the first accessory panel may be folded over the instrument panel.

Abstract: A biodata interfacing device includes a service console, an attachment storage compartment defined in the service console for accommodating a variety of sensors used for collecting biodata, a lid mounted on the service console for opening and closing a top opening of the attachment storage compartment, and a display unit formed on an upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and shipping a coded set of related culture specimens without risk of contamination or contact between individually coded specimens, comprising a closeable case having multiple individual storage cells and a coding scheme applied to the surfaces of the case. The coding scheme identifies and matches individually coded specimens with their respective storage cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a biological sampling and storage container which is easy and sanitary to use, may be shipped through regular mail, and includes a drying material or desiccant for drying feces samples that are stored therein. The sampling and storage container consists of a body having a sampling chamber and a drying chamber which are in gaseous communication with each other. Preferably, a sampling wand is frictionally retained in the sampling chamber and the drying material is disposed in the drying chamber.

Abstract: A storage container for holding analytical devices, the storage container being made of a rigid material and containing separate chambers in each of which at most one analytical device can be accommodated, wherein the chambers are in a regular geometric arrangement in relation to one another and each of the chambers has at least two opposite openings each sealed by a foil, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises a means for fixing the position of an analytical device in the chamber. In addition the invention concerns a system for storing analytical devices containing a storage container according to the invention and two or more analytical devices.

Abstract: A biological sample collection and storage kit s disclosed that includes a plurality of biological sample storage devices, a plurality of biological sample collection devices configured to collect biological samples for placement into the sample storage devices, identification devices for identifying the contents of the sample storage devices, and a housing including a base portion and a lid portion forming an interior cavity therebetween for accommodating the plurality of biological sample storage devices, the plurality of biological sample collection devices and the identification devices.

Abstract: A storage container for holding analytical devices, the storage container being made of a rigid material and containing separate chambers in each of which at most one analytical device can be accommodated, wherein the chambers are in a regular geometric arrangement in relation to one another and each of the chambers has at least two opposite openings each sealed by a foil, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises a means for fixing the position of an analytical device in the chamber. In addition the invention concerns a system for storing analytical devices containing a storage container according to the invention and two or more analytical devices.

Abstract: A skin test for detecting the immune status with respect to the transforming virus proteins E6 and E7 of human papilloma viruses is provided. The skin test comprises a diagnosis kit containing an effective amount of the protein E6 and/or E7 or at least an immunologically effective portion of E6 and/or E7. The skin test is carried out by intracutaneously applying the protein E6/E7 of the diagnosis kit and visually inspecting the respective skin region to detect reddening.

Abstract: A method, container and kit for a two-component polymeric material, such as an epoxy coating includes filling a first pouch with a polymeric precursor material. A second pouch is filled with a curing agent. The first and second pouches are sealed. The first and second pouches are inserted into a mixing container and the mixing container is sealed. The first pouch can be filled with a first amount of polymeric precursor material. The second pouch can be filled with a second amount of curing agent with the first and second amounts totaling a first volume. The mixing container can have a second volume, with the first volume being greater than about half the second volume. The contents of the pouches can be transferred to the mixing container and mixed therein to react the components and dispense the resulting material.

Abstract: A cassette sensing mechanism and a method for detecting the unevenness of a surface by detecting the difference between two paths on the surface. The mechanism contains two pawls connected to a connector at one end. The second end of one pawl contacts a portion of one path on the surface, and the second end of the other pawl contacts a portion of the other path on the surface. One path is smooth, and the other path contains grooves. A sensor on one pawl senses the relative position of the other pawl. The unevenness of the surface can be detected by monitoring the relative positions of the two pawls as the two pawls travel along the two paths. The sensing mechanism may be used for monitoring the position on a cassette in a sterilization system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of preventing or reducing atherosclerosis or restenosis, and a pharmaceutical preparation used therefor. In particular, it is a method of preventing or reducing atherosclerosis or restenosis after arterial injury by treatment with a low dose of a microtubule stabilizing agent such as taxol or a water soluble taxol derivative. The low dose used in the present invention prevents artery blockage while minimizing any negative side effects associated with the drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting chitin-containing organisms on an area of a person or animal by contacting the particular area with a dye that is capable of binding or conjugating to chitin and emitting fluorescence upon exposure to light. If a chitin-containing organism is present in the treated area, the chitin of the organism will bind or conjugate the dye and, upon exposure to light, the chitin-containing organisms may be visualized and removed. Also provided by the present invention are solutions and suspensions that contain a dye capable of binding or conjugating to a chitin-containing organism and emitting fluorescence upon exposure to light. The solutions and suspensions provided herein may be in the form of a shampoo, cream, lotion or detergent for the detection of chitin-containing organisms present in body hair, on the skin, clothing or the fur of animals.

Abstract: Phosphoramidates and phosphinic amides and related compounds are provided. Also provided are methods that use the compounds for modulating the activity of the endothelin family of peptides are provided. In particular, compounds having formula: in which A, B, R1 and R2 are as described are provided. Also provided are methods for treating endothelin-mediated disorders by administering effective amounts of one or more of these compounds or prodrugs thereof. Methods for elucidating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of endothelin, as well as isolating endothelin receptors are also provided.

Abstract: A cuvette package for loading multicell cuvettes from the package into measurement instruments having their cuvette loading accessories designed to accept known packages. On top of a row of multicell cuvettes is attached a detachable bonding strip having a width smaller than that of the width of the row of multicell cuvettes. The bonding strip serving to keep the row of cuvettes together during transport and being easily detachable when the cuvettes are being loaded into the instrument. The multicell cuvettes are loaded into the instrument from the dispensing device which supports the cuvette in place and has its top surface provided with an opening permitting the removal of the strip by pulling off from the supported multicell cuvette package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of FGF-5 polypeptides to delay, prevent or rescue retinal neurons, including photoreceptors, other retinal cells or supportive cells (e.g. Müller cells or RPE cells) from injury and degradation. Conditions comprehended by treatment of the present FGF-5 polypeptides (including variants), antibodies, compositions and articles of manufacture include: retinal detachment, age-related and other maculopathies, photic retinopathies, surgery-induced retinopathies (either mechanically or light-induced), toxic retinopathies including those resulting from foreign bodies in the eye, diabetic retinopathies, retinopathy of prematurity, viral retinopathies such as CMV or HIV retinopathy related to AIDS, uveitis, ischemic retinopathies due to venous or arterial occlusion or other vascular disorder, retinopathies due to trauma or penetrating lesions of the eye, peripheral vitreoretinopathy, and inherited retinal degenerations. Exemplary retinal degenerations include e.g.

Abstract: A cuvette package for loading multicell cuvettes from a package into measurement instruments having their cuvette loading accessories designed to accept known packages. On top of a row of multicell cuvettes is attached a detachable bonding strip having a width smaller than that of the width of the row of multicell cuvettes. The bonding strip serving to keep the row of cuvettes together during transport and being easily detachable when the cuvettes are being loaded into the instrument. The multicell cuvettes are loaded into the instrument from the dispensing device which supports the cuvette package in place and has its top surface provided with an opening permitting the removal of the strip by pulling off from the supported multicell cuvette package.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used to increase vasopermeability. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: A kit containing all the materials needed to take a blood sample from a neonatal patient, a pediatric patient, a juvenile patient or an adult patient. The materials are supplied in a plastic package suitable for sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological sample collection kit which can be utilized to collect samples of biological origin for use in any recovery and identification method.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations that prevent loss and damage of PEG-interferon alpha conjugates during and following lyophilization. The formulations of the present invention protect PEG-interferon alpha conjugates from loss and degradation during the lyophilization process, as well as degradation during subsequent storage. The formulations of the present invention are suitable for protection of PEG-interferon alpha conjugates from various types of degradation, including, but not limited to loss of biological activity and changes in the degree and/or nature of conjugation. A preferred PEG-interferon alpha conjugate protectable in the formulations of the present invention is an interferon alpha-2b-polyethylene glycol (12,000) conjugate.

Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic reagents and peptides, radiodiagnostic reagents and peptides, and methods for producing labelled radiodiagnostic agents. Specifically, the invention relates to linear peptide derivatives and analogs of somatostatin, and embodiments of such peptides radiolabelled with a radioisotope, as well as methods and kits for making, radiolabelling and using such peptides for radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic purposes. The invention specifically relates to linear peptide derivatives and analogues of somatostatin radiolabelled with technetium-99m and uses thereof as scintigraphic imaging agents. The invention also specicically relates to linear peptide derivatives and analogues of somatostatin radiolabelled with cytotoxic radioisotopes such as rhenium-186 (186Re) and rhenium-188 (188Re) for use as radiotherapeutic agents. Methods and kits for making, radiolabelling and using such peptides diagnostically and therapeutically in a mammalian body are also provided.

Abstract: A method for promoting smoking cessation, which method comprises administrating an effective, non-toxic amount of ropinirole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof to a human in need thereof. Said ropinirole is preferably administered orally or transdermally. Also provided is a medicament for use in smoking cessation that comprises ropinirole. Said medicament may be a tablet for oral use or a transdermal patch containing ropinirole.

Abstract: A biological sample storage package includes a pouch formed of a material that is impermeable to water vapor and a container formed of a material that is permeable to water vapor and/or oxygen. The container is filled with an absorbent material such as a desiccant, and the container is disposed in the pouch and secured to the pouch such that the desiccant container cannot be removed from the pouch inadvertently. A resealable closure is provided to seal the pouch after a biological sample has been placed in the pouch. The desiccant container can be heat sealed along two opposed sides and one end between the sheets that form the pouch.