Abstract: In one aspect of this invention, various protein/nucleic acid hybrid probes are described which can be used to amplify the detectable signal in immunoassays. The protein moiety is capable of functioning either as an antibody or an antigen. The nucleic acid moiety serves as a signal amplifier. In another aspect, various methods of amplifying the detectable signal in immunoassays by use of the hybrid probes and related polynucleotide probes are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an apamin receptor protein, or biologically active fragment thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially purified p100 which is a human neu related protein having a molecular weight in the range from about 97,000 daltons to about 115,000 daltons which corresponds substantially to the extracellular domain of the human neu gene product, said protein being detectable in a biological fluid.In another embodiment this invention relates to assays for detecting this protein.Finally, this invention also concerns monoclonal antibodies which are capable of binding to p100.

Abstract: A method is described for performing an affinity assay comprising contacting a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte with a dry reagent containing the analyte (hapten, antigen, antibody, receptor, or complementary polynucleotide) bound to a reaction cascade initiator, an antibody or other binding pair partner reactive with said analyte, and magnetic particles, to form an assay mixture in a reaction chamber, incubating the assay mixture, applying an oscillating or moving static magnetic field to the assay mixture, activating the reaction cascade initiator to initiate a reaction cascade, monitoring the response of the magnetic particles to the oscillating or moving static magnetic field to provide a time varying signal, and determining the analyte concentration of the sample by analysis of the time varying signal, as well as a kit for performing the assay and a diagnostic system for performing the assay.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method to catalyze reporter deposition to improve detection or quantitation of an analyte in a sample by amplifying the detector signal which comprises reacting an analyte dependent enzyme activation system with a conjugate consisting of a detectably labeled substrate specific for the enzyme system, said conjugate reacts with the analyte dependent enzyme activation system to form an activated conjugate which deposits substantially wherever receptor for the activated conjugate is immobilized, said receptor not being reactive with the analyte dependent enzyme activation system.In another embodiment the invention concerns an assay for detecting or quantitating the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample using catalyzed reporter deposition to amplify the reporter signal.

Abstract: A method for the qualitative or quantitative determination of an analyte in a test sample wherein a labelled reagent is caused to be immobilized in bound form on a solid phase to provide an indication of the presence or quantity of the analyte in the same is disclosed and is characterized in that the labelled reagent comprises a gold sol bound to a substance capable of specifically binding to said analyte or to a specific binding partner therefor, at least 75% by weight of the gold particles of the gold sol having a mean diameter of less than 5 nanometers.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) are disclosed having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: X=hydrogen or acetyl;n=1 to p where p=MW of Z/1000;Z=a poly(amino acid) or polysaccharide; andR3=a bond or ##STR2## wherein R2=an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms. The derivatives include maleimide conjugates of proteins or poly(amino acids), enzymes, enzyme donor polypeptides and labeling substances. Novel activated hapten intermediates useful in the preparation of the conjugates and methods for synthesis of the hapten intermediates and derivatives are also disclosed.

Abstract: New devices and kits for solid-phase immuno-assays comprising a solid porous support, preferably in the form of a sheet, where antigens or immuno-globulins or both of them are bound by direct application in any suitable geometry, e.g. as an assay of dots or lines. Such porous supports are suitable for effecting an unlimited number of antibody-antigen reactions simultaneously and in one operation.

Abstract: Immunoassay techniques for quantitating the amount of 3'-amido-3'-deoxythymidine (AMT) in body fluid samples, and antibodies useful in performing such immunoassays, are provided. The immunoassays use antibodies which are specific to AMT and have no cross-reactivity with 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT). Moreover, there is provided an improved method of conducting AZT therapy wherein the concentration of both AZT and AMT is monitored and the AZT dosage is adjusted to maintain rather low concentrations of AMT.

Abstract: Hydrolase enzymes are sensitively determined using novel substituted FAD substrates. The substituted FAD substrates are hydrolysed to FAD by the enzyme to be detected. The FAD is then combined with an apoenzyme to form a holoenzyme which is used to initiate a reaction that leads to a detectable product. When the hydrolase to be detected is phosphatase, the novel substrate is a phosphorylated derivative of FAD. A suitable apoenzyme is apo-glucose oxidase which provides exceptional sensitivity. Apo-D-amino acid oxidase, which is suitable for use in a "single pot" assay system, can also be used.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) are disclosed having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: X=hydrogen or acetyl;R.sub.1 =an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms;m=an integer from 2 to 10;R.sub.2 =an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms;Z=a poly(amino acid); andn=1 to p where p=MW of Z/1000.The derivatives include maleimide conjugates of proteins or poly(amino acids), enzymes, enzyme donor polypeptides and labeling substances. Novel activated hapten intermediates useful in the preparation of the conjugates and methods for synthesis of the hapten intermediates and derivatives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes are described for detecting yeasts capable of causing Candida infection, specifically yeasts of the genera Candida, Torulopsis, and Yarrowia. The preferred probes are complementary to ribonucleic acid sequences unique to specific Candida species, or groups of such species, and as such can detect the rRNA, rDNA, or polymerase chain reaction amplification products of these genes. Methods for detecting the etiological agent of human Candida fungemia utilizing these probes are also provided.

Abstract: A process and a reagent for the determination of ions in fluids, wherein the influence of these ions on the activity of an enzyme is measured. The ions for example are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, lithium, lead, zinc, copper, iron or other heavy metals or non-metallic ions comprising chloride, bicarbonate, protons, ammonium and substances that give rise to ammonium. The enzymes which are used may be a transferase, a hydrolase, an oxidoreductase or a lyase. An essential feature is a method to exclude interferences by ions by masking the interfering ions with a binding agent.

Abstract: A process and a reagent for the determination of ions in fluids, wherein the influence of these ions on the activity of an enzyme is measured. The ions for example are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, lithium, lead, zinc, copper, iron or other heavy metals or non-metallic ions comprising chloride, bicarbonate, protons, ammonium and substances that give rise to ammonium. The enzymes which are used may be a transferase, a hydrolase, an oxidoreductase or a lyase. An essential feature is a method to exclude interferences by ions by masking the interfering ions with a binding agent.

Abstract: A process and a reagent for the determination of ions in fluids, wherein the influence of these ions on the activity of an enzyme is measured. The ions for example are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, lithium, lead, zinc, copper, iron or other heavy metals or non-metallic ions comprising chloride, bicarbonate, protons, ammonium and substances that give rise to ammonium. The enzymes which are used may be a transferase, a hydrolase, an oxidoreductase or a lyase. An essential feature is a method to exclude interferences by ions by masking the interfering ions with a binding agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a competitive binding assay technique for substances (e.g. small molecules having no antigenic determinant) which can serve as substrates for coenzyme-requiring enzymes. The technique involves contacting a liquid sample with an assay system including (i) a substrate analogue and (ii) a moiety capable of binding specifically to the substrate without catalyzing the conversion of substrate to product. The substrate analogue is a substance capable of binding to said moiety competitively with any of the substrate present in the sample. The presence or amount of the substrate is determined by monitoring the extent to which there are formed or remain complexes between the moiety and substrate or substrate analogue.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. One method comprises providing (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) a label reagent comprising a first specific binding pair (sbp) member associated with a photochemically activatable chemiluminescent compound wherein the first sbp member is capable of binding to the analyte or to a second sbp member to form a complex related to the presence of the analyte. The method further comprises photochemically activating the chemiluminescent compound. The amount of luminescence generated by the chemiluminescent compound is detected. The amount thereof is related to the amount of analyte in the medium. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel pyrene-trisulfonate derivatives and the use thereof in a method for the determination of glycohydrolytic enzyme activity are provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) forming a test solution comprising a test sample containing the glycohydrolytic enzyme and a pyrene-trisulfonate derivative of the present invention, wherein the derivative is hydrolyzed by the glycohydrolytic enzyme to result in the formation of free 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrene trisulfonate as a function of, and which can be correlated to, the amount of the glycohydrolytic enzyme present in the test sample, and (b) measuring and correlating either the intensity of fluorescence, or the optical density, of the test solution to the presence or amount of the glycohydrolytic enzyme in the test sample. A preferred pyrene-trisulfonate derivative is pyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid) 8-.beta. -D-glucuronide for the determination of .beta.-D-glucuronidase for the diagnosis of periodontal disease.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic sensor, sensing apparatus, and methods for making optical detections are provided. The fiber optic sensor employs a fiber optic strand to convey light energy, an immobilized polymeric reaction matrix, and at least one controlled release polymeric carrier within said reaction matrix comprising a controlled release polymer material and a releasable reagent formulation able to react with the analyte of interest. The optic sensors and sensor construction have been demonstrated to be both functionally useful and long serving in duration.

Abstract: An indicator reagent, assay method and test kit for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample, in which the indicator reagent is formed by attaching an organic polymer latex particle, preferably a colored particle, to a specific binding member. The specific binding member can be adsorbed onto or covalently bound to the organic polymer latex particles. The organic polymer latex particles are readily detected by direct visual observation or can be detected and/or measured by appropriate instrumentation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method to catalyze reporter deposition to improve detection or quantitation of an analyte in a sample by amplifying the detector signal which comprises reacting an analyte dependent enzyme activation system with a conjugate consisting of a detectably labeled substrate specific for the enzyme system, said conjugate reacts with the analyte dependent enzyme activation system to form an activated conjugate which deposits substantially wherever receptor for the activated conjugate is immobilized, said receptor not being reactive with the analyte dependent enzyme activation system. In another embodiment the invention concerns an assay for detecting or quantitating the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample using catalyzed reporter deposition to amplify the reporter signal.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved process for the isolation and purification of antibiotics designated LL-E19020 alpha and beta which are derived from the microorganism Streptomyces lydicus ssp. tanzanius NRRL 18036.The invention is a method of recovery, concentration from crude solutions and to processes for the purification of anitbiotics designated LL-E19020 alpha and beta which are derived from the microorganism Streptomyces lydicus ssp. tanzanius NRRL 18036.

Abstract: Diagnostic assays are provided comprising complementary enzyme fragments of .beta.-galactosidase, where one of the fragments is bound to a support and the other fragment is conjugated to an immunologically cross-reactive epitope of the analyte or complementary to an analyte receptor. Binding to the receptor allows for discrimination between complexed enzyme fragment conjugate and uncomplexed enzyme fragment conjugate. The assay medium is then allowed to wick onto a support to which the complementary fragment is substantially uniformly bound in the detection region. The support is then developed, where color formation from the substrate in the detection region is used as a measure of the presence of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: This invention is to a method for detecting an amphiphilic antigen in a biological sample suspected of containing the amphiphilic antigen, which method comprises providing in combination a hydrophilic solid support modified to have a hydrophobic surface and an assay medium suspected of containing an amphiphilic antigen, incubating the combination under conditions sufficient for the amphiphilic antigen to bind to the hydrophobic surface, and determining the presence or amount of the amphiphilic antigen bound to the hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for selectively blocking or inactivating glucocorticoid receptors by administering a glucocorticoid receptor blocking effective amount of arsenite or methyl methanethiolsulfonate (MMTS) in a sample. Thus, arsenite and MMTS constitute new, simple, reversible, and inexpensive reagents for assaying glucocorticoid receptors in the presence of other receptors and for eliminating the complications of assaying other receptors in the presence of glucocorticoid receptors.

Abstract: Microcapsule-reagents are prepared by previously reacting at least a part of an antigen or antibody attached to microcapsules encapsulating a labeling substance with an antibody or antigen which is specifically reactive therewith, and then the reagent thus prepared is reacted with a sample containing an antigen or antibody in the presence of a complement, whereby highly sensitive immunoassay of the antigen or antibody in the sample can be realized even when the antigen or antibody attached to the microcapsules has a lowered activity or has only low reactivity with the antibody or antigen in the sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for assays involving members of a specific binding pair ("sbp members") and members of a signal producing system ("sps members"). The signal producing system is capable of producing a detectible signal in relation to the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. Exemplary of sps members are enzymes and enzyme substrates, which react with each other to produce a signal. The improvement of the present invention comprises temporarily delaying the production of the signal without subsequent reagent addition. The delay can be achieved by employing an inhibitor which can be an alternate substrate for the enzyme or a compound which reacts with the product of the enzyme and its substrate in an effective amount.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for detecting picornaviruses in biological tissues. In the methods of the invention, at least a portion of picornavirus nucleic acid present in a test sample of a biological tissue suspected of containing picornavirus is amplified. Picornavirus nucleic acid is then detected by conventional separation techniques or by hybridizing the amplified nucleic acid with at least a portion of a nucleotide probe comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to the amplified nucleic acid and detecting the probe. The invention also provides nucleotide primers and probes having nucleotide sequences characteristic of picornaviral RNA for use in detecting the viruses.

Abstract: A method of identifying and enumerating specific cell types in a heterogeneous population of cells by enhancing the specific staining of desired cells, comprising contacting a sample from the heterogeneous population of cells with a labeled primary antibody which recognizes and binds to a desired cell surface antigen and an unlabeled cross-linking agent which recognizes and binds to the primary antibody is disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary multiple electrode sensor for detecting analytes in test samples and devices for using them. The unitary multiple electrode sensor includes a sensor support member and at least one electrode array being deposited on the sensor support member, the electrode array having sensor-activating chemical(s) attached to an embodient thereof. A test sample is applied to the electrode array to begin the test; and a sensor apparatus measures the test reaction which is occurring on the electrode array.

Abstract: A chromatographic device is disclosed. The device comprises in combination a housing, a strip of bibulous material non-removably confined in the housing. The strip has a length and width only slightly less than the length and width of the inner walls of the housing. The inner walls of the housing have means attached thereto for supportively confining the strip in the housing. The strip is confined so that (1) the front and back of the strip are essentially free from contact with the walls of the housing and (2) the capillary action of the strip remains substantially unchanged, and (3), where the strip is paper, the strip is allowed to expand as it is traversed by the liquid medium. The bottom end of the housing contains means for enabling contact of a portion of the strip with the liquid medium. The housing further contains means for visually observing the strip and can also contain indicating means cooperative therewith to assist in determining the result of a chromatographic test.

Abstract: An epoxy group in a molecule can enzymatically be transferred to another molecule, thereby synthesizing carbohydrates carrying an epoxy group in the aglycone position.

Abstract: N-Demethylefrotomycin, a valuable new antibiotic substance, is produced by the microbial conversion of mocimycin using a novel, efrotomycin-producing, microbial species ATCC 53758.

Abstract: An in vitro enzymatic process which efficiently converts (+,-)-tropicamide to essentially pure (+), (-)-tropicamide O-.beta.-D-glucuronide. This product is then separated, advantageously, into the novel compounds (+)-tropicamide O-.beta.-D-glucuronide and (-)-tropicamide O-.beta.-D-glucuronide. The products disclosed herein absorb ultraviolet light, and, thus, can be incorporated into suitable plastic films which are then useful for screening out harmful ultraviolet radiation for the protection of packaged goods. Also, the products can be used to protect the skin against burning by sunlight.

Abstract: An in vitro enzymatic process which efficiently converts (+,-)-tropicamide to essentially pure (+), (-)-tropicamide O-.beta.-D-glucuronide. This product is then separated, advantageously, into the novel compounds (+)-tropicamide O-.beta.-D-glucuronide and (-)-tropicamide O-.beta.-D-glucuronide. The products disclosed herein absorb ultraviolet light, and, thus, can be incorporated into suitable plastic films which are then useful for screening out harmful ultraviolet radiation for the protection of packaged goods. Also, the products can be used to protect the skin against burning by sunlight.

Abstract: This invention relates to two new antibacterial and anti-tumor agents designated LL-BO1208.alpha. and LL-BO1208.beta. produced during microbiological fermentation, under controlled conditions, using the novel microorganism Streptoverticillium stramineum and mutants thereof.

Abstract: Addition of certain amine precursor compounds to the culture medium during fermentation of a tallysomycin-producing strain of Streptoalloteichus hindustanus results in production of new tallysomycin derivatives having advantageous antimicrobial and antitumor properties.

Abstract: Addition of certain amine precursor compounds to the culture medium during fermentation of a tallysomycin-producing strain of Streptoalloteichus hindustanus results in production of new tallysomycin derivatives having advantageous antimicrobial and antitumor properties.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic complex designated herein as Bu-2313 is produced by fermentation of Micropolyspora sp. A.T.C.C. 31295, 31296, 31297 and 31298. The complex is separated into two bioactive components, Bu-2313A and Bu-2313B, which are structurally related to the streptolydigin-tirandamycin group of antibiotics. They are active against anaerobic bacteria.