Abstract: The present invention discloses the detection of an important 12K-Da protein having cross-reactivity amongst different prevalent allergenic grasses and fungi can be useful for detection of respiratory allergies. Conventionally, the whole extracts that are used for diagnosis are unable to specifically detect the causative agents. In addition, they are also responsible for additional non-specific sensitivities in patients to other components present in the extract. If a single cross-reactive protein is available, it can replace large number of extracts used for detection of raised IgE levels in allergy by ELISA, immunoblotting and the likes. Further, number of pricks would be reduced and this would benefit both patient and clinicians. It is further realized that production of such a protein by recombinant methods can lead to its availability in pure form and bulk amounts required for routine diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, NPC1L1 from various species. Methods of using the NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotide set forth herein, e.g., in screening assays, are also set forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel members of the Tumor Necrosis Factor family of receptors. The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human TR2 receptor and two splice variants thereof. TR2 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR2 receptor activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting disease states related to the aberrant expression of TR2 receptors. Further provided are therapeutic methods for treating disease states related to aberrant proliferation and differentiation of cells which express the TR2 receptors.

Abstract: A liposome composition capable of including a chemical substance such as an electrochemiluminescent substance in an internal aqueous phase of the liposome at a higher concentration, and a production method thereof, as well as an analytical method of an analyte that enables an analyte to be analyzed with a high sensitivity using the liposome composition are provided. In a liposome composition containing a liposome, and a chemical substance enclosed in an internal aqueous phase of the liposome, a lipid bilayer composing the liposome has a positive or negative charge, and the chemical substance has a charge opposite to the charge of the lipid bilayer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of Anaplasma platys polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits and methods for the diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of sepsis in a subject using the expression level of the TREML-1 biomarker as an indication of the condition of the patient, alone or in combination with further sepsis markers.

Abstract: The present invention provides human, rat and mouse NPCIL1 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Methods for detecting ligands which bind to NPC1L1 and block intestinal cholesterol absorption are provided. Also included is a method of identifying ligands which bind to NPCILI using membranes derived from brush border membrane preparations. Compounds that bind to NPCILI can be used for inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption in a subject.

Abstract: Methods for detecting invasive trophoblast antigen (ITA) in biological samples comprise screening the samples for ITA using antibodies that bind to the ITA. The methods are useful to detect pregnancy, trophoblastic diseases, and Down's syndrome in fetuses of pregnant women. Some methods include screening the samples with a plurality of capture antibodies that specifically bind ITA. Chemiluminescent immunoassays are disclosed. The methods may be practiced with the diagnostic kits of the invention.

Abstract: A homogeneous immunoassay method and system for quantitative determination of total immunoglobulin E and specific antibody levels to a plurality of allergens, in which a relatively small sampling of blood is required. The method utilizes relatively small microparticles in aqueous suspension. The immunoassay procedure is an immunometric sandwich procedure preferably utilizing biotin-streptavidin signal amplification techniques and R-phycoerytherin fluorescent labels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating in a subject suffering from acute shortness of breath (dyspnea) between (i) a pulmonary disease, (ii) a cardiovascular complication, (iii) a cardiovascular complication accompanied by a pulmonary disease or (iv) acute dyspnea without cardiovascular or pulmonary causes comprising the steps of determining the amount of pulmonary surfactant protein B (SP-B) in a sample of a subject, determining the amount of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in a sample of the subject, and differentiating between (i) a pulmonary disease, (ii) a cardiovascular complication, (iii) a cardiovascular complication accompanied by a pulmonary disease or (iv) acute dyspnea without cardiovascular or pulmonary causes by comparing the determined amounts with reference amounts.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simply mixing two or more types of liquids in a porous carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of detecting autoantibodies from patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. To this end, according to the invention, at least two peptide units are used of which at least one peptide unit comprises a part not derived from (pro)filaggrin, fibrin, fibrinogen, vimentin, cytokeratin 1 and cytokeratin 9, and which peptide unit comprises the motif XG, and a peptide unit comprising the motif XnonG, wherein X is a citrulline or an analogue thereof, and nonG is an amino acid other than glycine.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunoassays which are highly specific for detection in biological samples of methamphetamine and other drugs of abuse of the methamphetamine group such as ecstasy and other ecstasy class drugs. More particularly, competitive assays are provided comprising: (a) contacting said sample with (i) a pseudoephedrine/carrier conjugate in which pseudoephedrine is linked via its hydroxyl group to the carrier and (ii) an antibody which is capable of binding both one or more drugs of the methamphetamine group and said conjugate; and (b) determining whether the binding of said antibody to said conjugate is reduced by the presence of said sample, a reduction in binding being indicative that the sample contains a methamphetamine group drug.

Abstract: A method for the determination of cardiovascular risk factors in biological samples that comprising the steps of a) sampling, b) altering the sample into a dry blood sample c) conducting a sample preparation where appropriate and d) analyzing the sample to offer a simple yet effective method for the determination of cardiovascular risk factors in biological samples. It also relates to dry blood filter for performing this method, that filter comprises at least one substance of the group consisting of antioxidants, coagulants, disinfectants, detergents and inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing endometriosis in a human subject comprising the steps of detecting a test amount of an antibody that specifically binds to ME-5 (SEQ ID NO:3) polypeptide or a peptide comprising an epitope of ME-5 in a sample from the subject; and comparing the test amount with a normal range of the antibody in a control sample from a subject who does not suffer from endometriosis, whereby a test amount above the normal range provides a positive indication in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds are used in homogeneous assays to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample without strong acid or strong base treatment. The chemiluminescent acridinium compounds include acridinium esters with electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus to inhibit pseudo-base formation, or acridinium sulfonamides with or without electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a group of biomarkers and to non-invasive in vitro methods for the diagnosis or prognosis of endometriosis, as well as to a kit to perform said methods.

Abstract: A lateral flow test strip for the analysis of a sample featuring numerous capture zones arranged in an array such that each capture zone is substantially equidistant from the sample containing area. The sample does not pass through another capture zone to reach any one of the other capture zones. The capture zones are preferably arranged in a linear array perpendicular to the flow of the sample through the lateral flow test strip. The lateral flow test strip allows for an increased number of simultaneous analyses of numerous analytes from one sample to occur on one lateral flow test strip.

Abstract: A method of bioassay for the quantification of peptide fragments comprising a neo-epitope formed by cleavage of a protein of an atherosclerotic plaque such as lumican, versican, perlecan, decorin, biglycan, collagen type III, CRP, ApoE, or elastin, by a proteinase, said comprises contacting a sample such as urine or serum with an antibody reactive with the neo-epitope and determining the level of binding of said immunological binding partner to peptide fragments in said sample. The assay is predictive of risk of cardiovascular disease events.

Abstract: Antibodies, polypeptides, and polynucleotides are provided for the detection, prevention, amelioration and treatment of diseases caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetecomitans.

Abstract: We have discovered a new method to analyze and characterize complex cell signaling networks. The method is based on specific binding of protein-protein interaction modules to a single type of protein or a mixture of proteins. The method utilizes a number of different protein-protein interaction domains as probes or sensors for the signaling state of the system under investigation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of diagnosing early stage renal impairment in humans, characterized by the following steps: measuring the amount of apoA-IV in a body liquid or tissue sample of a human, and comparing the measured amount of apoA-IV with a reference value.

Abstract: An antibody which reacts with N-acetylheparosan and heparan sulfate that is derived from bovine kidney but does not substantially react with heparan sulfate derived from a murine Engelbreath-Holm-Swarn tumor tissue, the antibody being produced with a hybridoma which is prepared using a substance composed of a protein and N-acetylheparosan bound to the protein.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human DNA repair enzyme, MED1, is disclosed. Like other mismatch repair genes which are mutated in certain cancers, MED1, encoding nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies thereto may be used to advantage in genetic or cancer screening assays. MED1, which recognizes and cleaves DNA, may also be used for the diagnostic detection of mutations and genetic variants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody against a soluble fibrin, which specifically recognizes a conformation-changed site newly occurred in a C-terminal region of an A?-chain of the soluble fibrin formed through thrombin digestion of fibrinogen. The present invention is also directed to a hybridoma which produces the antibody, an immunological assay method employing the antibody, and a method for evaluating hypercoagulability in a test sample by measuring the soluble fibrin level in the sample with the assay method. Through employment of the monoclonal antibody of the present invention, soluble fibrin on which plasmin has not acted, which reflects exclusively initial hypercoagulability, can be specifically detected.

Abstract: A bioaffinity assay for quantitative determination in a sample of free PAPP-A, defined as the pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) that is not complexed to the proform of major basic protein (proMBP), where free PAPP-A is determined either i) as a calculated difference between measured total PAPP-A and measured PAPP-A complexed to proMBP, or ii) by a direct bioaffinity assay measuring only free PAPP-A. Also disclosed is a method for diagnosing an acute coronary syndrome in a person by using as marker either free PAPP-A as such or a ratio free PAPP-A/total PAPP-A, free PAPP-A/PAPP-A complexed to proMBP, or PAPP-A complexed to proMBP/total PAPP-A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions useful for detecting whole parathyroid hormone at a physiological level and parathyroid fragments in a mammalian sample. Such detections may be useful to different parathyroid diseases or disorders in a subject, such as hyperparathyroidism and related bone diseases, from normal or non-disease states. One detects whole or non-fragmented (1 to 84) parathyroid hormone in a biological sample and optionally one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments that may or may not function as a parathyroid hormone antagonists. By either comparing values or using independently the value of either the one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments, the whole parathyroid hormone, or the combination of these values one is able to differentiate parathyroid and bone related disease states, as well as differentiate such states from normal states.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a sample for one or more analytes of interest includes: providing an element having a base layer; a layer containing streptavidin; a spreading layer, wherein the streptavidin may or may not be in the spreading layer; providing immunocomponents and labeled immunoreactants which may be in the spreading layer or may be combined with the sample; dispensing the sample, and optionally the immunocomponents and a labeled immunoreactant onto the spreading layer at three or more areas, wherein each center of the three or more areas is substantially equidistance to the center formed by the three or more areas, and wherein each area contacts an adjacent area such that wash fluid flow in any direction will contact sample; washing the sample and label by directing the wash fluid at the center formed by the three or more areas, whereby the wash fluid equally flows over each of the three or more areas; and taking a measurement at each three or more areas to determine the presence or concentration of the

Abstract: A homogeneous assay for determining the aflatoxin content in agricultural products uses the technique of fluorescence polarization. A solvent is used to extract aflatoxins from a sample of the agricultural product. A mixture is prepared by combining the extract with a tracer and with a monoclonal antibody specific for aflatoxin. The tracer is able to bind to the monoclonal antibody to produce a detectable change in fluorescence polarization. The tracer is prepared by conjugating an aflatoxin oxime to a suitable fluorophore. The fluorescence polarization of the mixture is measured. The aflatoxin concentration of the mixture may be calculated using a standard curve obtained by measuring the fluorescence polarization of a series of aflatoxin solutions of known concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies specifically binding to native proBNP, a method for specific detection of native proBNP, a method of correlating the level of native proBNP to the diagnosis of heart failure, a kit for detection of native proBNP and to a hybridoma cell line producing an antibody to native proBNP.

Abstract: The invention is directed, inter alia, to a method for identifying a compound that modulates a gene expression of an mRNA molecule containing a SMK box riboswitch that contains a SAM binding pocket, wherein the mRNA molecule is produced by a lactic acid bacteria, the method comprising: (i) generating a database of structural coordinates that includes atomic positions of the SMK box riboswitch and distances of these atomic positions to atomic positions of a first compound complexed to the SMK box riboswitch; (ii) identifying key interactions between the SMK box riboswitch and the first compound from the database of structural coordinates; and (iii) devising a derivative compound of the first compound by use of a computer modeling program, wherein the derivative compound possesses structural modifications, relative to the first compound, that results in an improved modulating interaction between at least one location of the SAM binding pocket and derivative compound.

Abstract: An arterial thrombosis risk factor comprising one or more of the identified mutants of coagulation factor VII activating protease (FSAP) is described. In addition, diagnostic determination methods for detecting these mutants which are identified as risk factors are described.

Abstract: A non-radioisotopic method detects T3AA and T4AA thyroid autoantibodies in a sample from a non-human species such as the canine species. Antibodies and autoantibodies are bound, and a precipitated or bound antigen-antibody or antigen-autoantibody complex is formed. The supernatant or surrounding fluid of the bound or precipitated antigen-antibody or antigen-autoantibody complex is then removed. The thyroid activity of the bound complex, precipitate, supernatant or surrounding fluid is measured. The thyroid analyte is at least one of T3, Free T3, T4 or Free T4.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, complex or pro-drug thereof, wherein: one of R1 and R2 is H, and the other is selected from OR6, SR6, NR6R7, N3, Me, Et, CF3, SOR8 and SO2R8; or R1 and R2 are both H; one of R3 and R4 is H, and the other is selected from tert-butylmethyl, iso-propylmethyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl; or R3 and R4 are joined together with the adjacent backbone carbon atom to form a spiro-C5-C6 cycloalkyl group; R6 and R7 are each independently selected from H, C1-8-alkyl and C3-8-cycloalkyl; or R6 and R7 are linked to form a cyclic group together with the nitrogen to which they are attached; R8 is C1-8-alkyl or C3-8-cycloalkyl; R9 is a para-substituted 6-membered monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl ring which includes up to five heteroatoms.

Abstract: A non-radioisotopic method of detecting thyroid analytes comprising detecting T3, Free T3, T4, Free T4 and thyroglobulin autoantibody in a sample of a non-human species. Each one of these analytes in an assay profile includes non-radio isotopic measurement of T3, Free T3, T4, Free T4 and thyroglobulin autoantibody in the sample from the non-human species. A non-radioisotopic method detects T3AA and T4AA thyroid autoantibodies in a sample from a non-human species such as the canine species. A non-radioisotopic method detects Free T4 in a sample of a non-human species.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies directed against F1+2, to the preparation and use thereof, especially in therapy and diagnosis. The antibodies bind to an epitope on the N-terminal half of the F2 fragment of prothrombin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of directing selection of biological therapeutic molecules to specific functional domains of the target biologic molecule. Selection is directed by the use of closely related molecules, where one is a decoy and the other contains the targeted domain or epitope. The invention is based on the use of physical data, which may be combined with derived data, to ascertain that the decoy and the target differ only in the specific functional domain or epitope where the binding will be directed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a parasitic worm infection of the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes detecting the binding of a worm antibody to a worm antigen present in the soluble portion of a fecal sample of infected mammals.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide sequence encoding feline pancreatic lipase polypeptides, splice variants, allelic variants, and fragments thereof. Isolated feline pancreatic lipase polypeptides, splice variants, allelic variants, and fragments thereof. Host cells comprising a vector containing the polynucleotide sequences and methods for expressing the polypeptides. The generation of monoclonal antibodies that specifically binds to the feline pancreatic lipase polypeptides, and cell lines secreting the monoclonal antibodies. Methods for determining the presence or amount of feline pancreatic lipase in a biological sample. The methods include using standards or calibrators of recombinant feline pancreatic lipase to quantify the lipase in a sample. Devices and kits for performing methods for detecting feline pancreatic lipase in biological samples.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and measurement of tagged (labeled) biologically active materials in a sample are described. The tagged biologically active materials are detected using an atomic mass or optical spectrometer having a source of atoms or atomic ions. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antibody Fab? fragments, antigens, aptamers, protein complexes, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation. Kits are provided comprising reagents to detect and measure labeled biologically active materials or labeled competition analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for the development of pre-eclampsia. In particular the invention provides a marker for the development of pre-eclampsia, which marker consists of a polypeptide of approximately 26.6 Kd as determined by 15-30% gradient SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.

Abstract: A microscale method for the characterization of one or more reaction variables that influence the formation or dissociation of an affinity complex comprising a ligand and a binder, which have mutual affinity for each other.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and/or quantifying an IgE antibody present in a liquid sample. The IgE antibody is specific to a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody, or a hapten. These methods can be used for monitoring and evaluating the immunological status of a subject.

Abstract: A new gene—MN—and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. The invention still further concerns antisense nucleic acid sequences that can be used to inhibit MN gene expression.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are set forth. Improved assay methods and scanning methods are included that employ non-cell-associated and cell-associated HCC related proteins. Such methods are based upon the discovery of genes that were up-regulated in diseased versus normal tissue as well as in HCC tissue when compared to the tissue of patients with other ailments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing the method is provided. The method involves performing an indirect competitive binding assay on a microarray to identify biological or chemical targets and screen for compounds of interest. The microarray comprises a common ligand located among membrane-, lipid- or protein-associated active binding sites. The method takes advantage of known or well-characterized binding kinetics, and steric interference between biological or chemicals targets of interest and universal readout units for different binding sites within the limited confines of a microspot. The biological targets, chemicals or organisms can specifically bind to target-binding sites, while the universal readout unit binds to the ligands in the microspot.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and kits for diagnosing a disease condition characterized by non-physiological levels of hepcidin protein, including prohepcidin and fragments thereof, comprising obtaining a tissue or fluid sample from a subject; contacting the sample with an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a polypeptide corresponding to the mid-portion or C terminus of a hepcidin protein, and quantifying the hepcidin level using an assay based on binding of the antibody and the polypeptide; wherein the non-physiological level of hepcidin is indicative of the disease condition. The present invention also concerns diagnostic methods and kits for applications in genetic technological approaches, such as for overexpressing or down-regulating hepcidin. The present invention further concerns therapeutic treatment of certain diseases by treatment of subjects with hepcidin and agonists or antagonists of hepcidin.