Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the spatial arrangement of an energy donor and an energy acceptor in a reaction complex in order to carry out the measurement with good precision and high sensitivity, and a measurement system using the method. Two types of material having affinity for the subject material to be measured are respectively labeled with a combination of reporters that give rise to energy transfer; those that have been thus obtained by labeling these materials are each further labeled with materials that have weak affinity for each other to give reagents, which are then mixed with a sample to give the reaction complex. Each of the materials is brought into spatial proximity by binding based on the affinity among the materials having weak affinity for each other in the reaction complex, and since that condition is stably maintained, a more efficient energy transfer occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of bicistronic DNA constructs for identifying compounds that inhibits IRES-dependent translation activity of an infectious enterovirus (EV) or encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) without affecting CAP-dependent translation activity of a host subject. The compounds thus identified are useful in preparation of a medicament for treating EV or EMCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating diseases, particularly cancer, associated with differential expression of cancer-associated targets (CAT) in disease cells compared to healthy cells are provided. Also provided are antagonists and agonists of CAT, and methods for screening agents that modulate CAT level or activity in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of fusion proteins. The invention provides a set of at least a first and a second molecular probe, each probe provided with a dye wherein the dyes together allow energy transfer, at least one probe provided with a reactive group allowing juxtaposing at least the first and second probes wherein the reactive group allows to modulate of juxtaposing the probes such that there is an increased likelihood of energy transfer between the dyes. A method is provided which permits detecting the presence of a fusion protein in a cell at the single cell level.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject. The method comprises administering to the nervous system of the subject a composition comprising a thyroxine protein or a therapeutic fragment or pharmacologic mimic thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also provides a method for treating ALS in a subject that comprises administering to the subject a transthyretin protein, 7B2 protein, a cystatin C protein, a neuroendocrine protein, a cysteine protease inhibitor, or an inhibitor of an enzyme that processes a 7B2 protein. In addition, the invention provides methods for determining the susceptibility of a subject to developing ALS and for determining the progression of ALS in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of hematopoietic disorders and to determining the prognosis of patients affected by such disorders. The methods generally comprise determining a level of myeloperoxidase in a body fluid sample from the individual and using the level as a factor for diagnosing the disorder in the mammal or as a factor for determining the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with such a disorder. Myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia are exemplary disorders. Also provided are method of cancer therapy involving reducing the level of myeloperoxidase in the body fluid of the individual.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and apparatus for detecting the presence of caffeine in a liquid sample are provided. In certain embodiments, an internally referenced competitive assay allows a very precise determination of a threshold value of caffeine for use in semiquantitative types of ligand-receptor assays. By using a detection means that participates in two assays, sensitivity is doubled in the maximum sensitivity range and the range can be adjusted to match the predicted concentration range of an analyte. This format and the materials described herein allow the assay to complete within three minutes. In addition, this format accommodates common attributes of liquid samples for detecting caffeine, such as the inclusion of milk or sugar in a coffee-type beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of breast cancer. It discloses the use of protein ASC in the diagnosis of breast cancer. It relates to a method for diagnosis of breast cancer from a liquid sample, derived from an individual by measuring ASC in the sample. Measurement of ASC can, e.g., be used in the early detection or diagnosis of breast cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: Included are methods of identifying compounds that mimic the interaction of Apoptin and APC1, e.g., binding of Apoptin to APC1, e.g., dissociation of APC1 from the APC/C, and compounds identified by the methods. Compounds that specifically mimic an interaction of Apoptin and APC1, e.g., cause dissociation of APC1 from the APC/C, are useful for promoting apoptosis (e.g., in cancer cells). Also included are methods of treating a subject having a disorder characterized by aberrant (e.g., decreased) apoptotic processes, by administering a compound that appropriately mimics an interaction of Apoptin and APC1.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the early detection of pregnancy failure, spontaneous abortion or premature birth by determinations of complement regulatory protein levels. A kit for use in rapid identification of these pregnancy complications is also provided.

Abstract: A method for the early determination of the risk of death or heart failure in infarction patients, and the risk of death, relapse or complications in ictus patients, the method being based on the determination of PTX3 from plasma or blood.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for detecting target proteins in a sample are provided. The reagents include a replicable genetic package, a protein displayed on an exterior surface of the package that is expressed from a heterologous nucleic acid borne by the package, and one or more antibodies complexed with the expressed protein and which have an open binding site for a target protein. Thus, a segment of the nucleic acid encodes for an epitope that is shared by the expressed polypeptide and the target protein. The reagents can be utilized individually or as part of a library or an array to bind target proteins within protein samples to form one or more complexes. By determining the sequence of the segment of the heterologous nucleic acid of a package within a complex, one can identify the target protein since the segment encodes for an epitope that is shared by the expressed and target proteins.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for assaying for ubiquitin agents that are enzymatic components of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and, more particularly, methods and compositions for assaying for agents that modulate the activity of such ubiquitin agents.

Abstract: We have identified ZNF206, a novel repressor of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation. Repressing extra-embryonic endoderm development preserves the pluripotent state of human embryonic stem cells, and, conversely downregulating expression of ZNF206 in hESCs causes them to upregulate the expression of genes associated with the extra-embryonic endodermal lineage, down-regulate genes associated with the pluripotent state, and may lead to the further emergence of genes associated with even more differentiated lineages and phenotypes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying antibody preparations that can form a pair of antibodies that optimally detect a target antigen, for example, in a sandwich immunoassay. These methods provide high affinity and epitope-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cross-screening system and methods of the invention utilizing a combination of an immunoassay (IA) and electrochemiluminescence assay (ECLA) to identify molecules that have binding affinities for a target molecule. The cross-screening system and methods of the invention can detect molecules that have binding affinities for the target molecule below the detection limits of the individual immunoassay or ECLA. The cross-screening system and methods of the invention are useful for generating a pool of candidate analyte molecules enriched in a desired characteristic, such as low binding affinity for a target molecule. Low affinity antibodies identified by the cross-screening system and methods of the invention are useful, for example, in assessing the safety and efficacy of biological therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunological formulation and a diagnostic kit for cardiac disease using human mitochondrial adenylate kinase isozymes. The present invention provides an immunological formulation and a diagnostic kit for cardiac disease, which are featured by using mitochondrial adenylate kinase isozymes which exist in a myocardiac cell among muscle cells, but not in a skeletal muscular cell, as a diagnostic marker for cardiac disease and which enable more correct and easy diagnosis of cardiac disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that an epididymis-specific defensin, EP2D, plays an important role in regulating sperm motility and therefore male fertility. Provided are methods for evaluating male fertility based on the level of EP2D bound to sperm, kits for evaluating male fertility, and methods for enhancing or suppressing fertility in a male by regulating the level of EP2D and the binding between sperm and EP2D.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind albumin from animals. Also provided are methods using such antibodies for the detection of early renal disease in animals. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from an animal to be tested; (b) contacting the sample with an antibody having a greater avidity for feline albumin than for other proteins or components in the sample; (c) detecting the complex formed by the antibody and albumin; and (d) determining the amount of albumin in the sample from the amount of antibody-albumin complex detected. An amount of albumin in the range of from 10 ?g/ml to about 300 ?g/ml indicates the presence of early renal disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic ?-secretase peptide substrates useful in various assays for measuring ?-secretase activity. Antibodies that recognize the synthetic substrates and uses of the antibodies in various assays are disclosed. The herein disclosed peptide substrates are hydrolyzed at rates substantially faster than the attendant Swedish mutant APP from which the substrate sequences are derived.

Abstract: A system and method that enables early detection of hazardous materials, such as explosives and biological materials, in the early phases of mail handling or processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of control compositions and kits comprising such to evaluate and monitor the consistency of assays utilized to determine parathyroid hormone levels.

Abstract: A complex having oxLDL bound covalently to ?2-GPI can be used as a standard for measuring a ?2-GPI/oxLDL complex in the living body thereby measuring the ?2-GPI/oxLDL complex in the living body more accurately and strictly, and can be utilized to provide a new measurement method, detection method, kit etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarker polypeptides, polynucleotides, and antibodies that have utility in predicting in vitro and/or in vivo hepatotoxicity of various drugs, compounds, or other therapeutic agents (i.e., test substances). Also related are screens, kits, microarrays, and cell culture systems that employ the polypeptides, polynucleotides, and/or antibodies of the invention. The reagents and methods of the invention are useful for predicting hepatotoxic effects resulting from treatment with one or more test substances, and can be utilized before, after, or concurrently with pre-clinical, clinical, and/or post-clinical testing. In this way, the reagents and methods of the invention can be used to identify test substances or combinations of test substances that cause hepatic injury, including idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity, and thereby prevent medical complications (e.g., liver failure) resulting from such injury.

Abstract: This invention provides the first blood test which characterizes asthma severity. More specifically, the present invention provides methods of determining the severity of acute asthma in a patient by determining the levels of C5a or C5a-desArg in the patient's blood, plasma or serum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid, quantitative, specific, high through-put methods for screening test substances for their ability to inhibit activity of an ouabain-resistant Na+—K+-ATPase involved in a variety of biological processes such as regulation of osmotic balance and cell volume, maintenance of the resting membrane potential, establishment of the ionic composition of cerebrospinal fluid and aqueous humor, electrical activity of muscle and nerve, and receptor-mediated endocytosis, cardiac muscle contractility, neurotransmitter metabolism and vascular muscle cell contraction. These methods can be employed to identify compounds for use in therapeutic applications for disease processes in which dysfunction of the Na+—K+-ATPase contributes to a pathological process. The present invention also includes kits which are used in the methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assaying alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase activity. In the assay, a sample containing an alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase or suspected of containing an alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase is contacted with (2R)-pristanoyl-CoA. If alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase is present in the sample, (2R)-pristanoyl-CoA is converted into (2S)-pristanoyl-CoA. The method then utilizes a cycling reaction system between (2S)-pristanoyl-CoA and trans-2,3-dehydropristanoyl-CoA to generate a detectable signal that corresponds to the alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase activity. Kits for assaying alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase based on the same principle are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assaying alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase activity. In the assay, a sample containing an alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase or suspected of containing an alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase is contacted with (2R)-2-methylacyl-CoA. If alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase is present in the sample, (2R)-2-methylacyl-CoA is converted into (2S)-2-methylacyl-CoA. The method then utilizes a cycling reaction system between (2S)-2-methylacyl-CoA and trans-2,3-dehydroacyl-CoA to generate a detectable signal that corresponds to the alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase activity. Kits for assaying alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase based on the same principle are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved protease assay in which the proteases are detected on basis of their capability to cleave a modified pro-caspase which will yield an activated caspase which can then further be detected. Also part of the invention are the modified pro-caspases and kits comprising said modified pro-caspases.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel kinase peptides and antibodies, as well as nucleic acids related to them. The peptides, antibodies and the nucleic acids are useful for the detection, staging and monitoring of the progression of a kinase-mediated disease, as well as for determining or monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: We disclose methods of sorting or separating mixtures of living cells (e.g., eukaryotic, prokaryotic, mammalian, pathogenic, bacterial, viral, etc.). We perform our methods by activating cell-selective photophoric labels, which photosensitize and chemically reduce a photosensitive metal compound to form metal grains, particles or crystals. The metal adheres to the cells and forms the basis for sorting or separating different cell types. Photophoric labels may include chemiluminescent agents such as peroxidase enzymes activated with peroxidase substrates capable of luminescence. Photosensitive metal compounds may be present in a light-sensitive matrix or emulsion containing photosensitizable metal compounds, which form metal grains, particles or crystals upon exposure to a developer solution. Developer solutions are formulated to substantially allow living cells to remain viable after exposure to the developing solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting nucleic acids comprising suspending at least one recognizable target nucleic acid in a suspending solution containing polymeric particles marked with a probe, wherein the probe has an affinity for the target nucleic acid, adding a recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker to the suspending solution, forming a complex of the polymeric particles marked with a probe, the target nucleic acid and the recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker, contacting the suspending solution with a gelatin surface, adding a developer to the suspending solution in contact with the gelatin surface in the presence of phenol to attach the complex to the gelatin surface, washing the gelatin surface, and detecting the complex attached to the gelatin surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods for the determination of cobalamin or vitamin B12 in a body fluid and in particular to assay methods for the metabolically active pool of cobalamin, comprising contacting a cell free sample of a body fluid with an immobilised or immobilizable specific binding ligand for TC II or holo TC II, separating a ligand bound fraction from a non-ligand bound fraction and measuring the holo-TC II or TC-II bound cobalamin content therein.

Abstract: An isolated protein sequence or peptide from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding region of human papillomavirus (HPV) that is soluble in an aqueous medium, and characterized by a relative paucity of tryptophan, methionine and cysteine residues, and a relative abundance of glycine and asparagine residues. Also disclosed are isolated protein sequences or peptides from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding regions of HPV 16 and 18 and methodologies for detecting or diagnosing cancer or cellular abnormalities. Detection or diagnosis of Cancer or cellular abnormalities may include detecting or diagnosing pre-cancerous or pre-malignant conditions, cervical dysplasia, cervical carcinoma, koilocytosis, hyperkeratosis, intraepithelial lesions, and other cancers.

Abstract: A method of detecting an activity of a COX-2 enzyme in a subject that includes obtaining a sample of the subject; detecting an amino acid eicosanoid metabolite in the sample, wherein the presence of the amino acid eicosanoid metabolite indicates the activity of the COX-2 enzyme of the subject. Preferably the amino acid eicosanoid metabolite is a PGH2-Gly or HETE-Gly metabolite. The metabolite may be detected based on metabolism of a COX-2-selective substrate. Preferably, the substrate is a lipoamino acid. More preferably, the lipoamino acid is selected from NAGly, N-arachidonyl-alanine, and ?-arachidonyl aminobutuyic acid.

Abstract: A method for purifying cancer-specific Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (csPCNA) is described, as well as an immunoassay based thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel allergen from timothy grass (Phleum pretense) pollen, Phl p11 as disclosed in SEQ ID NO:2, and use thereof as a reagent and in a diagnositic kit as well as for immunotherapy.

Abstract: The instant invention describes an analytical assay to accurately measure an analyte in the presence of an interfering substance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the development of a cell-based assay system having improved sensitivity to HCV NS3 protease activity when compared to known assays, which is useful for screening test compounds capable of modulating (particularly inhibiting) HCV NS3 protease activity. This system provides a first construct comprising a transactivator domain joined downstream of the NS3–5 domains of HCV under the control of a non-cytopathic viral promoter system. A second construct is also provided that comprises a reporter gene under the control of an operator sensitive to the binding of the transactivator. The NS3–5 domains encodes the NS3 polyprotein which comprises: the NS3 protease, followed by the NS4A co-factor, the NS4B and NS5A proteins (including any derivative, variant or fragment thereof), terminated by the NS5B protein (including any derivative, variant or fragment thereof) sufficient to constitute a NS5A/5B cleavage site.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: An isolated protein sequence or peptide from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding region of human papillomavirus (HPV) that is soluble in an aqueous medium, and characterized by a relative paucity of tryptophan, methionine and cysteine residues, and a relative abundance of glycine and asparagine residues. Also disclosed are isolated protein sequences or peptides from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding regions of HPV 16 and 18 and methodologies for detecting or diagnosing cancer or cellular abnormalities. Detection or diagnosis of Cancer or cellular abnormalities may include detecting or diagnosing pre-cancerous or pre-malignant conditions, cervical dysplasia, cervical carcinoma, koilocytosis, hyperkeratosis, intraepithelial lesions, and other cancers.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the finding that the protein p300 has acetylation activity which is directed to the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein pRb by the presence in the cell of the adenovirus E1A protein. This represents a target for modulators of the cell cycle, to which end the invention provides an assay for a modulator of acetylation of pRb by p300, which comprises: a) bringing into contact a p300 protein a pRb protein and a putative modulator compound under conditions where the p300 protein, in the absence of said modulator is capable of acetylating the pRb protein; b) providing conditions for acetylation of said pRb protein; and c) measuring the degree of inhibition of acetylation caused by said modulator compound.

Abstract: The inventive biosensor has three electrodes, the first electrode having a retaining area for retaining probe molecules which bind with the macromolecular biopolymers. The second electrode and the third electrode are configured in such a way that the redox process is part of a redox recycling system on said second and third electrodes.