Abstract: In a method of assaying for an analyte in a fluid sample, the presence of the analyte is detected by determining the resulting change in refractive index at a solid optical surface in contact with the sample, which change is caused by the analyte involving or influencing the binding or release of a refractive index enhancing species to or from, respectively, the optical surface, the refractive index of the refractive index enhancing species varying with wavelength. According to the invention, the determination comprises determining the variation with wavelength of the resulting change of refractive index, caused by the variation of refractive index with wavelength of the refractive index enhancing species, for a number of discrete wavelengths or for a continuous range of wavelengths. This variation is representative of the amount of analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding human plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase. Also provided are materials and methods for the recombinant production of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase products which are expected to be useful in regulating pathological inflammatory events.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the amount of HIV-1 p24 antigen or anti-HIV-1 p24 antibody present in a suitable bodily fluid sample from an HIV-1-infected subject. This invention also provides a kit for determining the amount of HIV-1 p24 antigen or anti-HIV-1 p24 antibody present in an HIV-1-infected subject.

Abstract: A method for assaying a specific antibody, comprising the following steps (A), (B) and (C):(A): forming a complex of a labeled antigen-a specific antibody-a carrier-bound antigen in a first reaction system comprising a mixture of the antigen (labeled antigen) against the specific antibody to be assayed, the antigen being bound to the label in advance, the antigen (carrier-bound antigen) against the above-mentioned specific antibody, the antigen being bound to the carrier in advance, and a liquid sample comprising the above-mentioned specific antibody,(B): mixing the above-mentioned separated carrier and a labeled antigen same as above after separating the above-mentioned carrier after reaction from the above-mentioned first reaction system to give a second reaction system, and(C): assaying, after separating the above-mentioned carrier after reaction from the above-mentioned second reaction system, the amount of the label bound to the above-mentioned separated carrier.

Abstract: HIV-2 virus variants, namely virus HIV D194 and virus HIV D205, which can be cloned from the corresponding virus isolate HIV D194 (ECACC V 87122303) or from the infected cell line HUT 194 (ECACC V 87122306) or from the virus isolate HIV D205 (ECACC V 87122304), respectively, and their RNA or RNA-fragments and DNA and DNA-fragments derived therefrom and/or proteins and the use thereof for diagnostics and therapy.

Abstract: As method of determining an analyte is described, where a medium suspected of containing an analyte is drawn into a capillary tube by capillary action, such that if the analyte is present, it becomes immobilized in the tube. This medium is expelled from the tube and, optionally, one or more additional reagents are similarly drawn up and expelled. When the last fluid is expelled from the tube, a pendulous drop is caused to form at the opening of the capillary tube and is examined for the presence or intensity of the signal, which is related to the presence or amount of analyte in the medium.

Abstract: A method of detecting bone acidic glycoprotein-75 (BAG-75) antigen includes the steps incubating a serum or synovial fluid sample with anti-BAG antibody, reacting the incubated sample with a signal generating antibody to the anti-BAG-75 antibody, and detecting the signal as an indication of BAG-75 antigen in the serum. Antibodies for use in the test for detecting BAG-75 antigen in serum and synovial fluid samples includes BAG-75 #3-13 peptide anti-serum, anti-BAG-75 protein anti-serum, and monoclonal antibodies against the BAG-75 protein, the antibodies recognizing the 75,000 molecular weight BAG-75 precursor protein and the 50,000 molecular weight BAG-75 fragment in serum and synovial fluid. Molecular weight assignments are based upon electrophoretic mobilities under denaturing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic methods and compositions based on transducin-like Enhancer of split ("TLE") proteins and nucleic acids. The invention provides for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders of cell fate or differentiation by determining the level of transducin-like Enhancer of Split (TLE) proteins.

Abstract: New and useful methods of producing stabilized enzyme antibody conjugates are disclosed which are particularly useful in forming multi-layer immunoassay test devices. In particular, the invention concerns the formation of a manganese ion and enzyme-antibody conjugate in aqueous solution and drying the solution to produce a dry stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate. Further, this stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate can be formed on a continuous web and dried in a heat tunnel. This continuous manufacturing process allows for the more efficient production of multi-layer test strips.

Abstract: The present invention provides mammalian protein tyrosine phosphatases, human PTP-BAS type 4, human PTP-BAS type 5a and mouse PTP-BAS type 5b, each of which is a Fas-associated protein (FAP), nucleic acid molecules encoding a PTP-BAS type 4 or a PTP-BAS type 5 and antibodies specific for a PTP-BAS type 4 or for a PTP-BAS type 5. The invention also provides methods for identifying FAP's, which can associate with Fas and can modulate apoptosis. The invention also provides screening assays for identifying an agent that can effectively alter the association of a FAP with Fas and, therefore, can increase or decrease the level of apoptosis in a cell. The invention further provides methods of modulating apoptosis in a cell by introducing into the cell a nucleic acid molecule encoding a PTP-BAS or fragment of a PTP-BAS or an antisense nucleotide sequence, which is complementary to a portion of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a PTP-BAS.

Abstract: A unitary collection and displacement immunoassay device for determining a toxic substance adhered to aerosols in the air is provided. The device comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends and encloses a space defining a collection chamber, a reaction chamber and a measurement chamber, each chamber separated by a liquid flow barrier which delays liquid transport between chambers until a vacuum source is applied to the distal end of the test device to pull liquid into the next chamber. The collection chamber contains a solution for solubilizing the toxic substance from the aerosols and a semi-permeable means for separating the solubilized toxic substance from the aerosols. The reaction chamber contains a labelled immunoreactant bound to a solid phase carrier material. The labelled reagent can be displaced by the solubilized toxic substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining complexes of .alpha.-1-antichymotrypsin and cathepsin G in a sample comprising adsorbing the cathepsin G portion of the complex to a solid phase coated with non-specific binding protein or gelatin, and detecting the .alpha.-1 portion of the complex with a detectably labelled anti-.alpha.-1-antichymotrypsin antibody. A diagnostic kit comprising the solid phase coated with non-specific binding protein or gelatin and the labelled anti-.alpha.-1-antichymotrypsin antibody is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme reagent ticket for conducting diagnostic or serological tests. More particularly, the present invention relates to an enzyme reagent device which allows for a low-cost, disposable, rapid and convenient system for use in the determination of various components in test fluids, and to a diagnostic kit including the device according to the present invention for conducting certain immunochemical, diagnostic or serological testing.

Abstract: A new recombinant form of the plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 from C. trachomatis, serotype D, was purified by ion exchange column chromatography and shown to be suitable for quantitative immunoassy on clinical samples in an ELISA format.

Abstract: HIV-1 peptides having at least one point mutation between position 593 and 611 of the HIV-1 gp160 amino acid sequence. The point mutation either is at position 604 or 610, or both positions. Immunoassays which utilize these peptides are provided, as well as, diagnostic test kits which contain these peptides.

Abstract: Methods for screening individuals for Alzheimer's disease are disclosed. Also disclosed are antibodies that immunochemically react with the isoforms of calcium-activated neutral proteinases which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed are methods for screening drugs which are useful in treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope, such as an atomic force microscope (AFM) or a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), is operated in a stationary mode on a site where an activity of interest occurs to measure and identify characteristic time-varying micromotions caused by biological, chemical, mechanical, electrical, optical, or physical processes. The tip and cantilever assembly of an AFM is used as a micromechanical detector of characteristic micromotions transmitted either directly by a site of interest or indirectly through the surrounding medium. Alternatively, the exponential dependence of the tunneling current on the size of the gap in the STM is used to detect micromechanical movement. The stationary mode of operation can be used to observe dynamic biological processes in real time and in a natural environment, such as polymerase processing of DNA for determining the sequence of a DNA molecule.

Abstract: A method of dispensing wash solution to separate free from bound labels in a slide immunorate assay. The method comprises dispensing wash first as separate drops spaced to allow complete absorption prior to the next drop, followed by a time at which the rate of dispensed wash exceeds the rate of fluid uptake of the slide, to form a continuous stream. The first phase of this wash method provides a more complete separation of bound from free under the dispense tip than occurs if only a continuous stream is used throughout.

Abstract: The invention provides method and kits for detecting a metallic cation in a sample of a body fluid. The preferred method and kits include the use of at least two different types of antibodies having different specificities. In the preferred method, the sample of body fluid can be contacted with an effective amount of a capture antibody specific for a naturally occurring polypeptide that can bind the metallic cation to form a first antigen-antibody complex. An effective amount of an antibody specific for an epitope on a metallic cation-naturally occurring polypeptide complex or an antibody specific for a metallic cation is added to the first antigen-antibody complex to form a second antigen-antibody complex. The amount of the metallic cation in the sample of body fluid is determined by detecting the amount of the second antigen-antibody complex.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of analyte in a sample utilizes a series of test regions with systematically varied, preferably monotonically increasing, affinity for a specific binding partner for an analyte or for the analyte itself. By determining the portion of test regions which are capable of binding specific binding partner in competition with the analyte in the sample, or which bind the analyte, the amount of analyte may be estimated. Thus, titration of affinity replaces titration of concentration, allowing assays to be performed without the need for serial dilution steps.

Abstract: A process to aid in the diagnosis of silicone related disease in which a correlation between silicone related disease and the presence of antibodies that bind to partially polymerized acrylamide is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assaying bone collagen degradation activity in a human subject. In the method, a human urine sample is reacted with an antibody which (i) is capable of reacting immunospecifically with pyridinium crosslinks selected from the group consisting of native free pyridinoline and native free deoxypyridinoline, and (ii) has a ratio of reactivity toward the selected pyridinium crosslinks and urinary pyridinium peptides larger than 1,000 daltons in molecular weight, of greater than about 5:1. An immunocomplex forms between the antibody reagent and the selected pyridinium crosslinks which are present in the sample, and the amount of immunocomplex is measured. Also disclosed are antibody reagents and kits which can be used in the method.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as a biosensor includes a species of a formula X--R--Ch adhered to a surface of the article as part of a self-assembled monolayer. X is a functionality that adheres to the surface, R is a spacer moiety, and Ch is a chelating agent. A metal ion can be coordinated by the chelating agent, and a polyamino acid-tagged biological binding partner of a target biological molecule coordinated to the metal ion. A method of the invention involves bringing the article into contact with a medium containing or suspected of containing the target biological molecule and allowing the biological molecule to biologically bind to the binding partner. The article is useful particularly as a surface plasmon resonance chip.

Abstract: [DNAs] DNA molecules encoding mammalian calcium channel a.sub.1 and a.sub.2 subunits are provided. The [DNAs] DNA molecules are used to transform host cells which may also contain a reporter gene, the transcription of which is responsive to an ion or molecule capable of entering the cell through a calcium channel.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that determines the activity of CETP by the use of a new synthesized donor particle. The method in the diagnostic device for measuring the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein comprises: adding a prepared sonicated particle to a buffer to form a buffered solution, adding an Intralipid emulsion to the buffered solution for the purpose of accepting the transfer of neutral lipid, adding cholesteryl ester transfer protein to the buffered solution incubating the buffered solution, and reading the fluorescence of the buffer solution to measure the activity of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein. The synthesized donor particle is representative of a high density lipoprotein and comprises a fluorescent group, N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino-covalently bound to a cholesteryl ester to form a NBD-CE core, a monolayer of phospholipid that surrounds the NBD-CE core and an apolipoprotein apoA-I associated with the monolayer and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide the clinicians with a new application for ligands specific to MHC-class I antigens, especially HLA-ABC antigens, this new application residing in the detection and diagnosis of endometriosis. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method and a test kit for diagnosing endometriosis, preferably by immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal anti-HLA-ABC antibody as a preferred ligand or diagnostic reagent. This new method is non-invasive and is more reliable as a screening test than the conventionnally used laparoscopy. When the endometrium of a woman tests negatively with the claimed method, it prevents the use of laparoscopy which is an invasive method for detecting endometriosis. This method can be practiced on a specimen obtained from the endometrium of a patient and does not require a specimen sampled directly from the endometriotic foci.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of analytes. The method employs a fluorescence production layer which comprises a fluorescent polymerized polyunsaturated lipid layer in association with a ligand which is a member of a specific binding pair, where the ligand is competitive with the analyte for the complementary binding member or is a complementary binding member. By providing for a fluorescence modulation reagent which binds to the fluorescence production layer in proportion to the amount of analyte in the sample, by measuring the resulting fluorescence after carrying out the assay methodology, the amount of analyte can be determined quantitatively.

Abstract: CD44 is a family of glycoproteins involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In addition to the major 90 kD form present on most hematopoietic cells, larger forms are found on keratinocytes and carcinoma cell lines. These bigger isoforms of CD44 arise by alternative splicing that results in insertion of one or more of the "variant" exons into the extracellular part of the 90 kD constant form of the molecule. Antibodies were raised against a synthetic peptide containing a sequence encoded by the human exon 6A mAb thus obtained (designated Var3.1) strongly reacted with the plasma membranes of squamous cells in upper layers of skin and tonsil surface epithelia. Weaker staining was seen in germinal centers, vascular endothelia and enterocytes. CD44v6 was absent from tissue leukocytes and connective tissue components.

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use when performing immunological procedures. The composition includes at least one biological buffer, dithiothreitol (alternatively referred to herein as "DTT"), and ethylene glycol. The composition can also include at least one biological detergent, at least one source of positive and negative counterions, e.g., salt, and at least one viscosity modifier, e.g., sugar. The buffer also can include at least one preservative, such as sodium azide. The pH of the composition preferably ranges from about 6.4 to 7.2. A kit containing the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F extracts and purified components thereof in the treatment of inflammation or an immune disorder with concomitant lack of steroidal effect. Extracts of this plant (T2) bound to the glucocorticoid receptor and competitively inhibited glucocorticoid mediated cellular processes, such as dexamethasone binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoid mediated activation of target genes, dexamethasone dependent cellular growth, with concomitant inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 induction and inflammatory processes such as the production of prostaglandin E.sub.2. The T2 extract components triptolide and tripdiolide were effective inhibitors. The particular advantage provided by the methods herein is the treatment or prevention of inflammation and the concomitant lack of steroidal agonist effects and NSAID side effects. Conditions treatable by the present methods include inflammation and immune disorders including autoimmune disease.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding Ri paraneoplastic antigenic polypeptide is provided by this invention. This invention also provides a purified Ri antigenic polypeptide and compositions containing the purified Ri antigenic polypeptide. Further provided by this invention is a antibody directed to an epitope on the Ri paraneoplastic antigenic polypeptide. Compositions containing this antibody also are provided by this invention. This invention also provides methods of diagnosis and treatment using the compositions described hereinabove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and disorders associate with advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGE) formation, such as diabetes and the ageing process. In particular, the invention is directed to detecting AGE-modified hemoglobin (Hb-AGE) for the foregoing purposes, and in improved assay therefore. The method involves diluting the sample in a dilution buffer, which dilution buffer comprises an anionic protein denaturing detergent at a concentration sufficient to denature hemoglobin-AGE without interfering in binding of reagents with hemoglobin-AGE the dilution buffer may also include a non-ionic surfactant at a concentration sufficient to facilitate detection of hemoglobin-AGE; and a denaturing agent at a concentration sufficient to denature hemoglobin-AGE and increase assay sensitivity, without denaturing binding of reagents to hemoglobin-AGE.

Abstract: A method for assaying bone resorption rates which consists of quantitating the concentration of peptide fragments derived from bone collagen, found in a body fluid is disclosed. The method includes immunometric assay, fluorometric assay and electrochemical titration. The structure of specific peptide fragments having 3-hydroxypyridinium cross-links found in urine of Paget's disease patients and procedures for making monoclonal antibodies is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel reagents whose fluorescence increases in the presence of particular proteases. The reagents comprise a characteristically folded peptide backbone each end of which is conjugated to a fluorophore. When the folded peptide is cleaved, as by digestion with a protease, the fluorophores provide a high intensity fluorescent signal at a visible wavelength. Because of their high fluorescence signal in the visible wavelengths, these protease indicators are particularly well suited for detection of protease activity in biological samples, in particular in frozen tissue sections. Thus this invention also provides for methods of detecting protease activity in situ in frozen sections.

Abstract: A kit and method for detecting sperm production in a human male individual includes the provision of one or more antibodies for sperm tissue-specific protein antigen, such as SP-10, which can be combined with a sample suspected of containing sperm to permit the antibody and the antigen to bind. The binding event is determined directly or indirectly, which is indicative of the presence of sperm in the sample. The frequency of binding can also be determined by calibrating the means used to determine the binding event, so as to indicate sperm production at or above a given concentration. A variety of applications for the kit and method are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and novel compositions for enzyme complementation assays for qualitative and quantitative determination of a suspected analyte in a sample. The use of enzyme-acceptor and enzyme-donor polypeptides prepared by recombinant DNA techniques, DNA synthesis or chemical polypeptide synthesis techniques which are capable of interacting to form an active enzyme complex having catalytic activity characteristic of .beta.-galactosidase is described. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous assays utilizing these polypeptides are described.

Abstract: In vitro methods of determining whether or not an individual has metastasized colorectal cancer cells are disclosed. In vitro methods of determining whether or not tumor cells are colorectal in origin are disclosed. In vitro kits for practicing the methods of the invention and to reagents and compositions useful to practice the methods, for example as components in such in vitro kits of the invention are provided. Methods of and kits and compositions for analyzing tissue samples from the colon tissue to evaluate the extent of metastasis of colorectal tumor cells are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the detection, monitoring and treatment of malignancies are disclosed. Detection of the proliferation of T cells in response to in vitro exposure to a protein expression product of an activated oncogene or cancer-related gene associated with a malignancy, or detection of immunocomplexes formed between the protein expression product and antibodies in body fluid, allows the diagnosis of the presence of a malignancy. The present invention also discloses methods and compositions for treating a malignancy.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies which react with fibrinogen fragments E1, E2 and E3 raised by immunizing with a peptide. The invention also relates to assay methods for proteins containing an epitope which is common to fibrinogen fragments E1, E2 and E3 using these antibodies.

Abstract: Peptides which contain epitopes that mimic epitopes of the amino terminal propeptide of .alpha.1 Type I collagen, and antibodies which bind the epitopes, are useful in monitoring bone formation. Assays which employ the peptides and antibodies thereto are particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring bone related disorders, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease, among others.

Abstract: A process and appropriate device are disclosed for determining the androstenone content of adipose tissues in clearly shorter times. The disclosed process has the following steps: (a) liquefying an adipose tissue sample by heating up to a predetermined temperature in the 45.degree. to 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Soluble .beta.-amyloid peptide (.beta.AP) is measured in biological fluids at very low concentrations, typically in the range from 0.1 ng/ml to 10 ng/ml. The measurement of .beta.AP concentrations in animals or conditioned medium from cultured cells can be used for drug screening, where test compounds are administered to the animals or exposed to the cultured cells and the accumulation of .beta.AP in the animal or culture medium observed. It has been found that elevated levels of .beta.AP in body fluids, such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid, is associated with the presence of a .beta.AP-related condition in a patient, such as Alzheimer's Disease. Methods for diagnosing and monitoring .beta.AP-related conditions comprise measuring the levels of .beta.AP in such body fluids from a patient.

Abstract: A method of binding aggregated immunoglobulin or immune complexes comprising contacting them with modified forms of C-reactive protein. The method may be employed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and to deplete fluids of aggregated immunoglobulin or immune complexes. Further, a method of reducing the levels of immune complexes in a mammal comprising administering modified-CRP to the mammal, and a method of binding immunoglobulins comprising contacting them with modified C-reactive protein. Also, a method of binding aggregated immunoglobulin or immune complexes comprising contacting them with antibody to neo-CRP, and a method of modifying C-reactive protein. Finally, a test kit for detecting or quantitating immune complexes and a device for removing aggregated immunoglobulin or immune complexes from fluids are disclosed.

Abstract: Acridans which are reactable with a peroxidase and peroxide. The acridans are characterized by having an aromatic leaving group ArO which is a di- or polyhalosubstituted phenoxy group. The compounds are useful in assays where one member of a binding pair is linked to the peroxidase and for detecting the peroxidase. The method can also be used to detect hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for monitoring chemicals used to prevent corrosion in industrial water containers. The invention is useful for chemicals such as polymers, in particular water soluble, vinyl polymers. Monoclonal antibodies are used in assays to determine the presence or concentration of the chemicals in a fluid, in particular water used in industrial systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for preparing antibodies that specifically detect the type IV collagen .alpha.5 chain that is defective in various basement membrane disorders such as in X chromosome-linked Alport's syndrome. The invention further provides for the use of such antibodies to detect the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in solutions and other human tissue specimens using immunological methods comprised of antibodies specific for said protein. Along this line, the invention relates to the use of the specific antibodies to examine the presence or absence of the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in the tissues, e.g. skin or kidneys, etc. of patients with renal failure, possibly due to Alport's syndrome. In addition, a further object of the present invention is to provide compositions, comprising both labeled and unlabeled peptides containing sequences from the .alpha.

Abstract: This is an immunochemical assay that uses enzyme-linked immunosorbence to detect the presence of antibodies against environmental protein sequences that mimic the human opioid peptide dynorphin in samples of human body fluid. The assay makes it possible to correlate and diagnose psychobiological or medical disorders related to alterations in the normal levels of dynorphin peptides or their receptors.

Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: The degree of a structure change of the sugar chain of a glycoprotein caused by a disease can be measured with high precision rapidly by separating and measuring two or more forms of glycoproteins which are different in sugar chain structure but have substantially the same protein structure, by using a combination of a lectin capable of recognizing the specific sugar chain structure of at least one of these glycoprotein analytes to be measured, and a first antibody which has a property of binding to all the glycoprotein analytes but is kept from binding to glycoprotein analyte(s) having the lectin attached thereto; and separating and measuring glycoprotein analyte(s) having the first antibody attached thereto and glycoprotein analyte(s) having no first antibody attached thereto, by utilizing differences in properties between the former glycoprotein analyte(s) and the latter glycoprotein analyte(s).

Abstract: Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are obtained specific to mevalonic acid, having low cross-reactivity with mevalonic acid analogues, such as glutaric acid, 3-methylglutaric acid and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid. The antibodies may be used for determination of mevalonic acid providing an immunoassay excellent in sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility.