Abstract: A method of analyzing an exosome is provided for detecting abnormality in a cell, including: (a) a step of preparing an exosome from a sample; (b) a step of bringing the exosome prepared in the step (a) into contact with a first antibody to a protein which exists on the surface of the exosome as an antigen and forming a first antibody-exosome complex; and (c) a step of measuring a zeta potential of the first antibody-exosome complex.

Abstract: The technology provided herein relates to novel immunoproteases suitable to induce apotosis in selected diseased target cells, comprising the serine protease granzyme M, and methods for using such cytolytic fusion proteins for the treatment of various diseases, in particular for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to antibodies against human IL-17 which act as antagonists of IL-17, and their use in the diagnosis or treatment of IL-17 mediated diseases.

Abstract: A two step lateral flow assay method for identifying IgE antibodies in a sample comprises applying a sample to a sample port of a device, wherein the device is adapted to deliver the sample to a lateral flow matrix having a plurality of IgE antigen species immobilized at respective positions at a first location; allowing the sample to travel along the lateral flow matrix through the immobilized plurality of IgE antigen species to a second location downstream of the first location; and, after a predetermined period of time, applying liquid buffer to the lateral flow matrix to mobilize labeled reagent which is adapted to bind anti-IgE antibody and which is dried on the lateral flow matrix at a location upstream of the sample port delivery of the sample to the lateral flow matrix, and allowing labeled reagent mobilized by the liquid buffer to travel along the lateral flow matrix through the immobilized plurality of IgE antigen species and bind with any IgE antibody bound to the immobilized IgE antigen species, a

Abstract: Random three- and four-amino acid copolymers having lengths of 14-, 35- and 50-amino acid residues are provided. The random copolymers have amino acids alanine, lysine and one or more of the hydrophobic amino acids valine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine. Random three-amino acid copolymer FAK efficiently suppressed EAE induced in SJL/J (H-2S) mice with the encephalitogenic epitope PLP 139-151. Random four-amino acid copolymers VYAK and tryptophan-containing VWAK were efficacious in alleviating severity and duration of symptoms of EAE induced by MBP 85-99 (SEQ ID NO:2), in a humanized mouse model expressing genes for both an HLA-DR-2 linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans and for a T cell receptor from an MS patient.

Abstract: An adenoviral vector comprising a promoter further comprising a fragment of the 5? untranslated region of the CMV IE1 gene including intron A and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a pathogen or tumor antigen for use as a medicament.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a host infection by or exposure to a mycobacterium which expresses ESAT-6 comprising (i) contacting a population of T cells from the host with one or more peptides or analogues selected from the peptides represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to 11 and analogues thereof which can bind a T cell receptor which recognises any of the said peptides, and (ii) determining whether the T cells of said T cell population recognise the peptide(s) and/or analogue(s). The method may performed in vivo. Peptides and a kit which enable the method to be carried out are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for diagnosing kidney disease in a human or animal.

Abstract: The invention provides novel nucleic acid polymerases from strains GK24 and RQ-1 of Thermus thermophilus, and nucleic acids encoding those polymerases, as well as methods for using the polymerases and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device for closing an introduction aperture, the sealing device comprising a fixed support and a shutter mounted movably in translation relative to the support between an extended position and a final retracted position, wherein the sealing device is in a final retracted configuration and wherein the shutter closes introduction aperture. The device includes locking means for preventing any movement of the shutter when it is in the final retracted position. The sealing device further comprises an intermediate retracted configuration, wherein the shutter is at least partly retracted. The sealing device also comprises motion guiding means for guiding the movement of the shutter and designed so that the extension of the shutter is required to move the shutter from the intermediate retracted position to the final retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tag peptide comprising an amino acid sequence represented by the following formula (I): X1-Tyr-X2-Gly-Gln-X3??(I) (wherein X1, X2 and X3 are the same or different and each represent any amino acid residue) and an antibody against the tag peptide. By combined use of the tag peptide and antibody of the present invention, a system that enables proteins expressed from cloned genes to be highly purified in an inexpensive and easy manner can be established.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising proteins that bind specifically to adalimumab are disclosed herein. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody specific for the cytokine TNF-? and was developed to treat TNF-? mediated inflammatory diseases. In one aspect of the instant invention, the binding proteins are antibodies directed toward adalimumab. These antibodies, including binding fragments thereof, can be used in a clinical setting as well as for research and development. For example, these anti-adalimumab antibodies can be employed to neutralize adalimumab.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay (method) to quantify the amounts of catecholamine-O-methyltransferase (COMT) protein in samples, such as extracts from cell cultures, body fluids, tissues, and environmental samples. It uses novel agents (anti-NE, COMT-NE, or COMT-epitope-NE) in combination with two previously described agents (anti-COMT and COMT) in a competitive ELISA system to achieve this aim.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the diagnosis or detection of infection by a pathogen that causes Lyme disease in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize TC1507 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided.

Abstract: High affinity antibodies for binding epitopes of BoNT/B and hybridomas that produce such antibodies are described. The antibodies may be used in a kit for detecting BoNT/B in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention discloses peptides such as an isolated peptide consisting of an immunogenic HLA-A*2402-restricted epitope. For example, the isolated peptide may be selected from the group consisting of KYGVLLKTL (SEQ ID NO:11); RYMRQFVAL (SEQ ID NO: 12); RYVSRLLGI (SEQ ID NO: 13); RYGKGWDLL (SEQ ID NO: 14); RYLVQVQAL (SEQ ID NO: 15); and RYWELSNHL (SEQ ID NO: 16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of storing and/or transporting in vitro two-dimensional cell cultures. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: a) coating a cell culture that is immobilized on an asymmetric support with a gelatine solution in culture medium at a concentration of between 1 and 5%; b) solidifying the gelatine added to the support at a temperature of between 15 and 25° C.; and c) storing and/or transporting the cell culture at a temperature of between 15 and 25° C. for a period of up to 96 hours. The invention also relates to a kit which is used to store and/or transport the in vitro two-dimensional cell cultures according to the inventive method, said kit comprising: i) an asymmetric support, and (ii) a gelatine solution in culture medium at a concentration of between 1 and 5%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colorimetric method for detecting bacterial or fungal pathogens by detecting peptidoglycan or (1-3)-?-D-glucan in a sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample. A kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein present in the sample is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include identifying a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant and applying an assimilable carbon-skeleton energy component-comprising composition to the identified plant. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component, complexing agent and microbe. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications in which a plant is phytotoxic or at least in danger of becoming phytotoxic due to exposure or potential exposure to a phytotoxicant.

Abstract: A point-of-care, screening kit for use by a heath care worker to create custom test strips for screening the bodily fluids of an individual for various, medical conditions includes: (a) a plurality of reagents (12), (b) a substrate (18) configured to: i) receive one of the reagents and react with it so as to cause it to acquire a first characteristic color, and, ii) upon the addition of the individual's bodily fluid to the substrate, acquire, as a result of the formulation of each of the reagents, a second, dichotomous characteristic color when the individual has a specific one of the various, medical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fusion protein made from a synthetic gene construct comprising of elements derived from the Leishmania antigens K26, K39, and K9. The fusion protein is particularly useful in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, particularly visceral leishmaniasis in animals such as humans and dogs.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the protection against malaria. More particularly, the invention is based on the characterization of a novel liver and sporozoite-stage P. falciparum antigen, referred to as LSA-5. This antigen is highly antigenic and the prevalence of antibodies in subjects living in endemic areas is extremely high (ca. 90%). The invention concerns antigenic peptides, mixtures thereof, or polypeptides, mixotopes and conjugates comprising part of the sequence of LSA-5, as well as immunogenic compositions, vaccines and kits comprising these.

Abstract: Peptides useful in determining the presence of autoantibodies in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The method comprises the step of delivering urea from a floating vessel to a region of a photic zone of the ocean, whereby the number of phytoplankton is caused to increase in the region upon addition of the urea. The method can be used for producing carbon cells.

Abstract: A sampling system and method may use a kit that has a package enclosing a swab and a receptacle. The swab may have a shaft and a tip. The tip may be substantially made of calcium alginate. The receptacle may contain a diluent, such as sodium citrate, and glass beads. The swab may be used in an environment to sample microorganisms present on surfaces or in equipment. The kit may be used in a method of sampling and the resulting sample may be used in a method of quantitative testing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convenient and effective means for quantifying an antigen-specific canine or human IgE.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated truncated form of the secretory aspartyl proteinase 2, as well as to nucleic acid molecules encoding same. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising an isolated truncated form of the secretory aspartyl proteinase 2, as well as to nucleic acid molecules encoding same.

Abstract: Purified genes encoding a cytokine or composite cytokine from a mammal, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding these molecules are provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorogenic composition for assaying complement activation that comprises a substrate for C3 convertase that is linked to a first fluorophore and a second fluorophore, wherein the fluorescence of the first and second fluorophores are mutually substantially quenched when the two fluorophores are present at a distance less than the characteristic distance for the two fluorophores. In one embodiment, the fluorescence of the first fluorophore is substantially quenched by the second fluorophore, and the second fluorophore emits heat upon quenching. The present invention also provides a method for assaying complement activation, wherein the method includes the steps of incubating a biological sample with a polymer to provide a polymeric biological sample, followed by incubating the polymeric biological sample with the fluorogenic composition, and measuring the fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Serum Bactericidal Activity (SBA) assays for Gram negative bacteria, in particular N. meningitidis. The SBA assay is the most important method for measuring functional activity of serum antibodies against meningococcus. In order to determine whether a subject or a population is seropositive against invasive meningococcus the SBA test should ideally be both sensitive and specific. The inventors have found the standard N. meningitidis serotype A and W SBAs can be significantly improved in this regard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and methods for transforming a bacterium belonging to the Streptococcus genus by natural competence and their use in the food and feed industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of carboxylic acids, present in human sweat, as natural ligands of a specific subgroup of seven olfactory receptor (OR) belonging to class 1 within the OR classification. The invention encompasses the use of the interaction of OR polypeptides and carboxylic acids as the basis of screening assays for agents that specifically modulate the activity of the seven ORs of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit for a homogenous detection method for the quantitative or qualitative detection of an analyte in an assay and adequate reagents therefor, particularly a homogenous binding test. According to the invention, an analyte-specific binding partner R1 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner X that is associated with a component of a signal-forming system while a second analyte-specific binding partner R2 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner Y which is also associated with a component of a signal-forming system.

Abstract: Hematopoietic stem cells and methods for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells are provided. The methods comprise culturing the cells in a media containing an effective amount insulin-like growth factor(IGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), thrombopoietin (TPO), and stem cell factor (SCF), under conditions sufficient for expansion of said cells. Methods for identifying expanded hematopoeitc stem cells and kits for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits are provided herein for the accurate and rapid detection of disease causing microbes in a sample by the detection of microbial components of which correlate to the presence of the microbe. Kits include a first binding agent operatively coupled to an immobilized support; and a second binding agent operatively coupled to one or more pH indicating moieties wherein the first and second binding agents bind with sufficient specificity to the microbial component to permit detection of that component which correlates to the presence of the microbe in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA encoding a novel extracellular serine protease termed Tumor Antigen Derived Gene-14 (TADG-14) which is overexpressed in ovarian, breast and colon carcinoma samples. Also provided are vector and host cells capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention, as well as the uses of the DNA and protein of the present invention. Also provided is a TADG-14 protein variant that has a potential role for detecting and targeting of ovarian carcinomas.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting the presence of anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and detecting the binding or absence of binding of antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules. This method allows the detection and/or identification of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies.

Abstract: A novel and rapid diagnostic method for anthrax infection is provided. Three B. anthracis gene products are described, as well as antibodies against the same, which may be used for the detection and monitoring of anthrax infection. Kits for the diagnosis of anthrax are also provided.

Abstract: A conjugate of a modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer without a core and a member of a binding pair is described. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain chain branches, terminal branches or both. The modified randomly branched asymmetric polymer can contain random asymmetric branches or random asymmetric junctions. The binding pair can be an antibody, antigen or a ligand. The conjugate includes a drug.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the field of Biomedicine. It comprises the engineering of the Pertactin protein (Prn) and using it as part of bacterial vaccines, and more precisely, as part of acellular vaccines against Bordetella pertusis. The engineered Prn molecules comprise on their structure polimorfisms from different B. pertussis strains, and induce immune responses with protective capacity and opsonophagocytic activity when assayed as vaccines, higher than that generated by other pre-existing vaccines. The engineered Prn variants of the present invention are applicable in human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as a novel diagnosis marker for type 1 diabetes mellitus, a type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnostic composition comprising alanyl-tRNA synthetase, glycyl-tRNA synthetase, asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase, or tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, a diagnostic kit comprising the same, and a diagnostic method using the same. The composition, the kit, and the method, according to the present invention, may be used for early diagnosis and confirmed diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus because type 1 diabetes mellitus can be easily diagnosed from a patient sample.

Abstract: Modified branched polymers are combined with bioactive agents which are one member of a binding pair for use in an assay.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration agent that comprises diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration agent.

Abstract: A binding partner, especially an antibody fragment that specifically recognizes an antigen-antibody immune complex between anti-THC and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is disclosed. The binding partner facilitates a non-competitive homogenous immunoassay for detection of cannabis use. A test kit comprising the binding partner is also described. Preferably the immunoassay is applied for roadside testing of saliva from suspected drivers.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a host infection by or exposure to a mycobacterium which expresses ESAT-6 comprising (i) contacting a population of T cells from the host with one or more peptides or analogues selected from the peptides represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to 11 and analogues thereof which can bind a T cell receptor which recognises any of the said peptides, and (ii) determining whether the T cells of said T cell population recognise the peptide(s) and/or analogue(s). The method may performed in vivo. Peptides and a kit which enable the method to be carried out are provided.