Abstract: A probe, kit comprising the probe, and methods for using the probe are provided where the probe comprises: wherein DM is a detectable marker; and L is a straight or branched chain moiety providing between 1 and 20 atom separation between DM and the ring atom to which DM is attached.

Abstract: A kit for obtaining and shipping personal cell samples is provided. The kit contains such items as a transport tube, and collection swabs for obtaining a cell sample. The tube has a media plug impregnated with dehydrated media positioned within the tube near the top of a region of restricted diameter, and a compartment of rehydrating fluid located in a cap on the tube. Upon crushing the cap, the rehydrating fluid is released and rehydrates the media plug. When the collection swab is inserted into the transport tube, the swab pushes the rehydrated media plug through the region of restricted diameter and into the bottom of the tube. The collection surface of the swab thus maintains contact with the rehydrated media plug.

Abstract: A test strip adapted to receive a sample and detect an analyte therein is provided. The test strip comprises a sample addition zone to which a sample may be added; an absorbent zone proximal to the sample addition zone; one or more test zones distal to the sample addition zone, at least one of the test zones including a first analyte binding agent immobilized therein which is capable of binding to the analyte to be detected; and a terminal sample flow zone distal to the one or more test zones, the absorbent zone being positioned relative to the sample addition zone and having an absorption capacity relative to the other zones of the test strip such that a distal diffusion front of a sample added to the sample addition zone diffuses from the sample addition zone to a distal diffusion point within the terminal sample flow zone and then reverses direction and diffuses proximal relative to the one or more test zones.

Abstract: Immunoassays for the detection of everolimus are provided. Compounds for producing antibodies for everolimus, as well as antibodies produced therefrom, are also provided.

Abstract: An immunoassay cassette, apparatus, and method for detecting an analyte in a liquid body-fluid sample are disclosed. The cassette has a body and a support mounted on the body, for movement toward and away from a sample transfer position. Sample supplied to a sample well in the cassette body is taken up by a reagent reservoir containing a first reagent composition effective to form a modified sample. The support provides a reagent strip having a transfer zone that is brought into contact with the reservoir, when the support is in the transfer position, a detection zone located downstream of the transfer zone, and a second reagent composition effective to react with the modified sample to form a detectable analyte-dependent product. By controlling movement of the support, volume and rate of sample flow from the reservoir to the strip can be controlled to optimize and/or standardize sample-transfer conditions in the assay.

Abstract: The invention provides a hapten, an immunogen comprising the hapten coupled to an antigenicity-conferring carrier material, a conjugate comprising the hapten coupled to a labelling agent, as well as, antibodies raised against the aforementioned immunogen and capable of binding with MDMA.

Abstract: An assay system has a chamber that receives a test strip onto which a sample comprising an analyte has been placed. The chamber is in gaseous communication with a piezoelectric material that generates an electrical signal in response to a pressure change in the chamber that is caused by a reaction between the analyte and a reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting, analyzing, and identifying biomolecules. More particularly, the invention provides Element Coded Affinity Tags comprising a metal chelate and a metal ion and methods of using the tags to detect, analyze, and identify biomolecules including polypeptides, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides.

Abstract: Proteinaceous gels having visualization agents and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. Further, polymeric crosslinking agents are disclosed that have an inert water soluble polymeric component, biodegradable components, functional components reactive with chemical groups on a protein, for example, amine or thiol groups. The inert polymeric component may be flanked at each end with a biodegradable component which is flanked at each end with a protein reactive functional component. A polymeric crosslinking agent is disclosed having a biodegradable component, polyalkylene oxide, and at least three reactive functional groups that are each capable of forming a covalent bond in water with at least one functional group such as an amine, thiol, or carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences are provided that are useful as amplification primers and hybridization probes for amplifying and detecting target sequence from the ?2 adrenergic receptor gene. The primers and probes can be employed in amplification based methods for detecting the presence of the target sequence in a test sample.

Abstract: Various antibodies with different binding characteristics for MBL A or MBL B bound to mannan or MBL A or MBL B bound to an antibody against MBL are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting antibodies against MBL with different binding characteristics and methods and kits for using these antibodies to measure MBL capable of binding to mannan or oligomerized MBL and abnormal, poorly oligomerized MBL in a sample. The methods and kits are useful in diagnosing increased susceptibility to and exacerbation of infections and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Novel conjugates of 5-fluoro-uracil and novel 5-fluoro-uracil immunogens and monoclonal antibodies generated by these immunogens which are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of 5-fluoro-uracil in biological fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a flow through assay process is disclosed. The method is characterised by a “pre-incubation step” in which the sample which is to be analysed, (typically for the presence of a particular protein), and a detection analyte (typically an antibody bound to colloidal gold or a fluorescent tag) which is known to bind to the particular protein may bind together for a desired period of time. This pre incubation step occurs before the mixture of sample and detection analyte come into contact with a capture analyte bound to a membrane. The provision of the pre-incubation step has the effect of both improving the sensitivity of the assay and reducing the volume of sample required for an assay. An apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed defining a pre-incubation chamber for receiving the sample and detection analyte having a base defined by a membrane and a second membrane to which a capture analyte is bound.

Abstract: The instant invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least one particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or absence of at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of the biopolymer, predict disease risk assessment, and develop therapeutic avenues against the disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor, which can be found in body fluids of animals including but not limited to the cow, cat, dog, horse, human, sheep, and pig. The invention provides methods for detecting conception or the absence of conception in an animal, the latter being recognized by the absence of early conception factor in a suitable body fluid collected from the animal. Apparati for detecting early conception factor in a body fluid from an animal comprising the antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides medicaments and methods for managing cancer using donor cells that are alloactivated in culture. Alloactivated cells are implanted into the bed of a solid tumor and initiate a response by the host against the tumor. Subsequently, alloactivated cells are implanted into the bed of a solid tumor a second time. The two implants work synergistically to confer remarkable benefit to the treated subject, both in terms of management of the cancer and the development of an anti-cancer immune response. The beneficial effects may include regression of the tumor and extended survival. Removal of any residual tumor after the second implant facilitates ongoing resistance to tumor regrowth or metastasis.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively measuring the amount of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods involve providing a solid phase apparatus comprising a membrane having an application point, a sample capture zone, and a control capture zone, where the sample capture region is between the contact region and the control capture zone; and providing a sample collection apparatus comprising a population of analyte binding particles or a population of analyte coated particles. In the assays, a fluid sample is introduced into the sample collection apparatus, and the resultant mixture is applied to the application point of the membrane. The fluid allows transport components of the assay by capillary action to and through the sample capture zone and subsequently to and through the control capture zone. The amount of analyte in the fluid sample is related (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds capable of facilitating transport of biologically active agents or substances into cells having the general structure: wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; L is any bivalent organic radical capable of linking each Q, such as C, CH, (CH2)l, or {(CH2)i-Y—(CH2)j}k, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of CH2, an ether, a polyether, an amide, a polyamide, an ester, a sulfide, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, a carbamoyl, a carbonate, a phosphate, a sulfate, a sulfoxide, an imine, a carbonyl, and a secondary amino group and wherein Y is optionally substituted by —X1-L?-X2-Z or -Z; R1–R6, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of H, —(CH2)p-D-Z, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an aryl, and an alkyl or alkyl ether optionally substituted by one or more of an alcohol, an aminoalcohol, an amine, an amide, an ether, a polyether, a polyamide, an ester, a mercaptan, an alkylthio, a urea, a thiourea, a guanidyl, or a carbamoyl group, and

Abstract: The invention relates to method for the ESR-spectroscopic detection of changes in the transport properties of albumin in an albumin-containing sample. Said method can be used in the medical, biological, biotechnological and veterinary praxis for diagnostic purposes and/or for monitoring physiological or pathological changes in the human or animal body or for the quality control of albumin-containing preparations, especially blood products. The invention further relates to an ESR spectrometer for carrying out the inventive method, which—being an automated ESR analyzer—allows for a simple and reliable handling required in modern clinical laboratories. The inventive ESR spectrometer integrates automatic device controls, signal registration and signal evaluation in combination with a computer program for the diagnostic analysis of the measured data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a test device including a support member; a top member mounted to the support member, wherein in the support member and the top member are configured such that they together define a discrete chamber. The discrete chamber includes a first well region including at least one first well; a second well region including at least one second well; and a channel region including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region with one another. The second region is preferably horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agglutination immunoassay, wherein the agglutination of insoluble carrier particles such as latex are stabilized and uniformized to give good reproducibility, and a reagent therefor. In the agglutination immunoassay which comprises allowing an antigenic substance in a sample to bind to insoluble carrier particles carrying substantially neither antigens nor antibodies thereon, and allowing an antibody or an antibody complex which reacts specifically to the antigenic substance to bind to the antigenic substance to give a selective agglutination of the insoluble carrier particles, a homopolymer prepared by polymerization of a monomer such as 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine having a phosphorylcholine group and a vinyl group, or a copolymer prepared by polymerization of a monomer having a phosphorylcholine group and a vinyl group, with a monomer having a vinyl group such as n-butyl methacrylate is used.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding non-aggregating chromo/fluoroproteins and mutants thereof, as well as the encoded proteins, are provided. The proteins of interest are polypeptides that are non-aggregating colored and/or fluorescent proteins, where the non-aggregating feature arises from the modulation of residues in the N-terminus of the protein and the chromo and/or fluorescent feature arises from the interaction of two or more residues of the protein. Also provided are fragments of the subject nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies to the subject proteins and transgenic cells and organisms. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications. Finally, kits for use in such applications, e.g., that include the subject nucleic acid compositions, are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides cell lines which are useful for the rapid detection and production of influenza and parainfluenza viruses. In particular, the invention relates to transgenic mink lung cells which show increased sensitivity to infection by influenza A, influenza B, or parainfluenza 3 viruses, or which are capable of enhanced productivity of infectious virions. The invention is suitable for use in culturing clinical influenza and parainfluenza virus isolates and for the production of influenza and parainfluenza virus for vaccine formulations, as antigen preparations for diagnostic applications, and for screening antiviral drugs.

Abstract: Novel conjugates of busulfan and novel busulfan immunogens derived from ?-substituted derivatives of busulfan and antibodies generated by these busulfan linked immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of busulfan in biological fluids.

Abstract: Methods for detecting biopolymers such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids in a matrix are provided, in which the methods include contacting the matrix with a sensitizing reagent that includes a substituted heteroaromatic compound; contacting the matrix with a reduceable metal salt to stain the biopolymer(s); and detecting the stained biopolymer(s). Compositions for performing the methods can include sensitizing agents, staining reagents, reducing agents, enhancing agents, and destaining agents. The compositions presented are compatible with mass spectrometry, and methods are provided for staining a biopolymer using the compositions of the invention and performing mass spectrometry on one or more biopolymers identified by the staining methods.

Abstract: This invention provides solid phase specific binding lateral flow assay methods, devices and kits for quantitating high and low molecular weight analytes. The methods and devices of the invention employ labelled reagents which are either analyte analogs or complementary specific binding pair members for the analyte and a novel arrangement of capture zones comprising immobilized specific binding substances for either the analyte or the labelled reagent to effect bound from unbound labelled reagent as a function of analyte concentration. The capture zones are disposed on a non-bibulous matrix defining a flow path from a sample receiving zone to the capture zone. The devices of this invention also include multilane flow paths and multiple capture zones to quantitate analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making, delivering and using formulations that combine a therapeutically active agent(s) (such as for example a Rho antagonist(s)) and a flowable carrier component capable of forming a therapeutically acceptable matrix in vivo (such as for example tissue adhesives), to injured nerves to promote repair and regeneration and regrowth of injured (mammalian) neuronal cells, e.g. for facilitating axon growth at a desired lesion site. Preferred active agents are known Rho antagonists such as for example C3, chimeric C3 proteins, etc. or substances selected from among known trans-4-amino(alkyl)-1-pyridylcarbamoylcyclohexane compounds or Rho kinase inhibitors. The system for example may deliver an antagonist(s) in a tissue adhesive such as, for example, a fibrin glue or a collagen gel to create a delivery matrix in situ. A kit and methods of stimulating neuronal regeneration are also included.

Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides uses the 5? to 3? nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel fluorescent particle including a core or carrier particle having on its surface a plurality of smaller polymeric particles or nanoparticles, which are stained with different fluorescent dyes. When excited by a light source they are capable of giving off multiple fluorescent emissions simultaneously, which is useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a sample. The coupled complex particles carrying on their surface fluorescent nanoparticles, methods of preparing such polymer particles, and various applications and methods of using such particles are claimed.

Abstract: The instant invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least one particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or absence of at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of the biopolymer, predict disease risk assessment, and develop therapeutic avenues against disease.

Abstract: An immunochemical assay device for determining the presence of NT-proBNP alone or conjunctively with Cardiac Troponin I comprising a base member, an array disposed on the base member, and at least one assay indicia zone. The array comprises (i) a reservoir pad to receive sample liquid, (ii) a wicking membrane, and (iii) at least one filter zone interposed between the wicking membrane and the reservoir pad. The filter zone being operable to permit passage of any specific immunocomplex to the wicking membrane while impeding passage of larger components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibody or antibody fragment which specifically binds to a protein of the TGF-? family. The invention also relates to a kit for detecting a protein of the TGF-? family which comprises the antibody or antibody fragment. Finally, the invention relates to method for detecting a protein of the TGF-? family which uses the antibody or antibody fragment.

Abstract: Substantially pure two kinase domain protein kinases comprising the amino acid sequences provided in the description, variants, fusions, fragments, or derivatives thereof useful in screening assays for drugs. Applications thereof in the modulation of CREB, COX2 and IL2 activities.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a new family of chemokines, the CX3C family, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel all-trans-RA inducible all-trans-RA metabolizing cytochrome P450, P450RAI-2, that is predominantly expressed in the brain, cerebellum in particular. It is also expressed in normal and tumour lung tissue and in breast cancer cells and may have a correlation with lung and breast cancer. Human P450RAI-2 show 42% amino acid identity to human P450RAI-1 and when transfected into COS-1 cells causes the rapid conversion of all-trans-RA into more polar metabolites including the inactive products 4-oxo-RA, 4-OH-RA and 18-OH-RA. P450RAI-2, as with P450RAI-1, is also inducible in certain cultured cell lines exposed to all-trans-RA. Methods for and uses of the new polynucleotide, polypeptide, fragments thereof and inhibitors thereof, include the treatment of dermatological disorders, cancer and certain brain disorders.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided with an area in which a reagent having bleaching action is carried in a state where it can be dissolved, at least in a part of a sample application area to which an inspection target solution is applied or the downstream of the sample application area in the direction of the inspection target solution permeating, in a development layer. In the so-constituted biosensor, a colored component in the inspection target solution can be faded by the bleaching reagent, so that the color in parts other than a reactive area is reduced in consequence, whereby a visual judgment is possible and a more accurate measurement result in which a reading error by a measuring device is extremely suppressed can be obtained.

Abstract: An immunochemical assay device for determining the presence of NT-proBNP alone or conjunctively with Cardiac Troponin I comprising a base member, an array disposed on the base member, and at least one assay indicia zone. The array comprises (i) a reservoir pad to receive sample liquid, (ii) a wicking membrane, and (iii) at least one filter zone interposed between the wicking membrane and the reservoir pad. The filter zone being operable to permit passage of any specific immunocomplex to the wicking membrane while impeding passage of larger components.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, comprises a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabelled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilised on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zones being arranged such that liquid sample applied to the porous carrier can permeate via the first zone into the second zone, and the device incorporating mea

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, IL-1?, purified IL-1? polypeptides and fragments thereof. Binding proteins, e.g., antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are provided.

Abstract: Antibody to endostatin protein that is an inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation, capable of inhibiting angiogenesis and causing tumor regression, that is approximately 18 kDa as determined by non-reduced gel electrophoresis, and approximately 20 kDa as determined by reduced gel electrophoresis and corresponds to a C-terminal fragment of collagen type XVIII, and methods of detecting and treating angiogenesis-related disease therewith.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for diagnosing cancer comprising detecting the presence of survivin in the biological fluid of a patient. The present invention also provides kits comprising one or more agents that detect survivin polypeptide or survivin nucleic acid and a container for collecting biological fluid for testing.

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit is provided. The test unit comprises a stem having a first end and a second end, the stem defining at least one flow channel extending between the first end and the second end. A swab is disposed at the first end of the stem, the swab being configured to collect a test sample derived from a biological source that is suspected of containing an analyte. The test unit also comprises a fluid chamber configured to contain a fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the swab via the flow channel. The test unit also comprises a rupturable seal that inhibits leakage of the fluid from the fluid chamber prior to use, and an assay for detecting the presence or absence of the analyte. The assay is in fluid communication with the swab, the flow channel, and the fluid chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of prophylaxis of autoimmune inner ear disease, in particular, deafness caused by autoimmune inner ear disease, which comprises administering to a host in need thereof a vaccine comprising peripheral myelin protein zero. The invention further provides diagnostic methods and kits derived from the protein.

Abstract: A hybridoma is selected that produces a monoclonal antibody exhibiting high reactivity to soluble hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (soluble HAI-1), the target monoclonal antibody is prepared from culture supernatant of the obtained hybridoma, and by using the antibody soluble HAI-1 is measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides molecules, including IgGs, non-IgG immunoglobulin, proteins and non-protein agents, that have increased in vivo half-lives due to the presence of an IgG constant domain, or a portion thereof that binds the FcRn, having one or more amino acid modifications that increase the affinity of the constant domain or fragment for FcRn. Such proteins and molecules with increased half-lives have the advantage that smaller amounts and or less frequent dosing is required in the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic use of such molecules.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat is provided. The system includes a transparent, or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The sample tube has an elongated sidewall having a first cross-sectional inner diameter. The float consists of a main body portion and one or more support members protruding from the main body portion to engage and support the sidewall of the sample tube. The main body portion and the support members of the float have a cross-sectional diameter less than that of the first cross-sectional inner diameter of the tube when the sample tube is expanded, such as by centrifugation. The main body portion of the float together with an axially aligned portion of the sidewall define an annular volume therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isothermal transcription based assays for the detection and quantification of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA. The present invention is also directed to oligonucleotides for amplifying AFP mRNA and probes for use in the detection and quantification of the amplification product. The present invention is also directed to detecting hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis thereof and tumor recurrence by analyzing peripheral blood for the presence of AFP mRNA.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved specific binding assay devices comprising a chromatographic medium including a reaction site at which a specific binding reagent is immobilized, a sample application well located adjacent to the chromatographic medium and offset upstream from the reaction site, and liquid absorption blotter offset downstream from the reaction site.