Abstract: The invention relates to blending eggs from all egg lots produced over a predetermined time period of the egg laying cycle of immunized avians, to form an antibody-containing substance. The administration of an effective amount of such a blended antibody-containing substance to a subject increases the efficacy of the antibody in the subject over that of administering a substance containing the same amount of antibody obtained from eggs collected over less than the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cocaine-protein conjugate easily by using a cocaine derivative having a methoxy carbonyl group and benzoyl group. This conjugate is useful for the detection of cocaine or cocaine derivatives. A monoclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody producing cell line, and a method for producing the monoclonal antibody producing cell line by using the above cocaine-protein conjugate as an immunogen is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method of converting, or transdifferentiating the epidermal cells into viable neurons useful in both cell therapy and gene therapy treatment methodologies. The method of transdifferentiating epidermal cells into neuronal cells comprises the following steps: obtaining skin cells from a patient; dedifferentiating these cells with an appropriate medium, neurotrophin or cytokine; transfecting the skin cells with one or more expression vector(s) encoding at least one neurogenic transcription factor or active fragments thereof; expressing at least one of the neurogenic transcription factors; growing the transfected cells in an appropriate medium; and adding to the medium one or more antisense oligonucleotide(s) corresponding to at least one negative regulator of neuronal differentiation, whereby the epidermal cells are transdifferentiated into neuronal cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in vitro method for detecting the presence of carcinogenic agents.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a boronate-antigen complex for immunization of animals, a monoclonal antibody specific for the same, an immunoassay method for detection of the complex and a method of calculating the amount of a target glycated protein within the sample useful in the diagnostic monitoring of diabetes are disclosed. An immunoassay kit based on this reagent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies (mAB) which bind to water-soluble complexones such as ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA) or diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) with high specificity and avidity and retain their high avidity and specificity for these complexones after complexing of EDTA or DTPA with metal ions. These mAB can therefore be used, e.g. coupled on filters or other supports, for removing toxic heavy metals which are complexed with EDTA or DTPA. Furthermore, these mAB are suitable as components of immunoassays (RIA, ELISA etc.) for the quantitative determination of EDTA or DTPA in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies (mAB) which bind to water-soluble complexones such as ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA) or diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) with high specificity and avidity and retain their high avidity and specificity for these complexones after complexing of EDTA or DTPA with metal ions. These mAB can therefore be used, e.g. coupled on filters or other supports, for removing toxic heavy metals which are complexed with EDTA or DTPA. Furthermore, these mAB are suitable as components of immunoassays (RIA, ELISA etc.) for the quantitative determination of EDTA or DTPA in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Insect viruses capable of killing at least one target insect pest quicker than previously described viruses and DNA sequence conferring that phenotype of faster killing are provided. Further improvement in the speed of killing is obtained when the virus of this invention also contains a nonfunctional egt gene to reduce feeding by the infected larvae, inhibit growth and further mediate the earlier death of the infected insect. A specifically exemplified faster-killing insect virus is the V-8 strain of AcMNPV. The faster killing phenotype is carried on a MluI to EspI fragment from 1.93 to 3.27 map units within the AcMNPV genome, and its sequence is provided herein as SEQ ID NO:3. V8vEGTDEL is the egt-inactivated derivative of AcMNPV V-8; the combination of the increased virulence of the V-8 genotype, for example, and the inactivation of the gene encoding ecdysteroid glycosyl transferase provides further improvement (as further decrease in time after infection until insect death).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring the accumulation of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), which are predicated on the discovery that such AGEs are present in tobacco and its byproducts. More particularly, the methods focus on the observation that individuals who smoke or otherwise use tobacco have increased levels of AGEs over non-smoking individuals. The present methods relate to the measurement of AGE levels in both individuals and in tobacco and its byproduct, smoke. Methods are also disclosed for the evaluation of the tobacco products to determine their storage status and organoleptic capacity and potential, as well as for the treatment of the ambient to lower AGE levels. For example, air or other samples may be taken and evaluated by a dosimeter or like device, to determine whether AGE levels exceed normal, after which measures could be implemented to remediate the ambient condition. All such methods and corresponding materials are contemplated and included.

Abstract: A method of determining collagen degradation in vivo, comprising quantitating the concentration of a peptide in a body fluid, the peptide being a C-terminal type II collagen telopeptide containing a hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross-link or a type III collagen telopeptide containing a hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross-link. The method includes immunometric assays, fluorometric assays, and electrochemical titrations for quantitation. The structures of specific peptides having cross-links and kits for quantitating these peptides in a body fluid are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that are distinguished by a high degree of selectivity and affinity towards herbicides from the group of the sulfonylureas, especially towards sulfonylurea herbicides of formula (A) ##STR1## wherein X is a mono- or di-substituted 6-membered heterocycle having from one to three nitrogen atoms and bonded via carbon, but is preferably mono- or di-substituted s-triazine or pyrimidine; andn is an integer from 0 to 4, preferably the number 1, and that are therefore outstandingly suitable for use in an immunoassay for the rapid and effective detection of the said sulfonylurea herbicides in soil, water or air samples or in plant extracts, and to methods for the production of said monoclonal antibodies. The present invention relates also to hybridoma cell lines that produce said monoclonal antibodies and to immunological detection methods using said monoclonal antibodies, and to test kits that may be used in those detection methods.

Abstract: Antibodies that catalyze the aldol reaction are generated by immunization with a reactive compound that covalently traps a Lysine (Lys) residue in the binding pocket of the antibody by formation of a stable vinylogous amide, i.e., a covalent antibody/hapten complex. The resultant catalytic antibodies employ a catalytic mechanism which mimics the catalytic mechanism employed by natural class I aldolase enzymes.

Abstract: A compound useful for forming immunoconjugates used in the detection of organophosphate pesticides is provided. The compound has the formula ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of R--O--, R--S-- and R--NH--, where R is an optionally substituted aromatic or heterocyclic group, or an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group;Y is O or S;R.sup.1 is H or alkyl; andR.sup.2 is a group of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 10, or branched chain alkylene, or a group of the formula R.sup.3 --O--R.sup.4 wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are both or straight or branched chain alkylene;or a salt or ester thereof.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of chlorothalanil.RTM. (tetrachloroisophthalonitrile, TCPN), permit conjugation of the TCPN derivative to a carrier useful as an immunogen to induce antibodies specific for TCPN or a TCPN metabolite, or a screening antigen to detect such antibodies. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for TCPN or a TCPN metabolite, as well as hybridoma cells producing such antibodies are disclosed. Also provided are immunoassay methods for detection and quantitation of pesticide chemicals, in particular, the fungicide TCPN or a TCPN metabolite, and kits containing a TCPN derivative screening antigen, an anti-TCPN or anti-TCPN metabolite antibody useful for performing the immunoassays.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines have been produced which secrete monoclonal antibodies that bind hygromycin B and are effective to detect hygromycin B levels as low as about 0.7 ppm. These monoclonal antibodies may be used for the detection and quantitative determination of trace amounts of hygromycin B in samples, especially in animal tissue and feed material.