Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a bispecific single chain antibody construct. Said bispecific single chain antibody construct is characterized to comprise or consist of at least two domains, whereby one of said at least two domains specifically binds to human EpCAM and comprises at least one CDR-H3 region comprising the amino acid sequence NXID antigen and a second domain binds to human CD3 antigen. The invention further provides a process for the production of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, a method for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of a tumorous disease and the use of the disclosed bispecific single chain antibody construct and corresponding means in the prevention, treatment or amelioration of a tumorous disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and reagents for modifying the emission of light from labeled nucleic acids for the purpose of real time detection, analysis, and quantitation of nucleic acid sequences, e.g., using singly labeled probes. These methods and reagents exploit advantageous properties of thiazine dyes and diazine dyes. Furthermore, the use of these light emission modifiers in background reduction, nucleic acid duplex stabilization and other uses is also described. Related kits, reaction mixtures and integrated systems are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of extending primer nucleic acids and sequencing target nucleic acids. The methods include the use of 2?-terminator nucleotides to effect chain termination. In addition to related reaction mixtures and kits, the invention also provides computers and computer readable media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method consisting of bringing into contact, in one container, (a) an aqueous solution of a reaction mixture comprising at least one enzyme, and (b) an aqueous solution of a stabilizing mixture comprising (i) at least one protective agent against drying, (ii) at least one inhibitor of the condensation reaction between carbonyl or carboxyl groups and amine or phosphate groups, and (iii) at least one inert polymer capable of generating a mesh structure preventing the mobility of the dried reagents. The invention also consists of removing all or part of the water contained in the resulting aqueous solution. Said process is suitable for carrying out enzymatic reactions, for example, amplifying, sequencing and characterizing nucleic acids, performing hybridization tests and for the restriction analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and their use in immunogenic compositions. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising polypeptides encoded by those polynucleotides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in mammals against beta hemolytic Streptococcus or beta hemolytic Streptococcus infection using immunogenic compositions of the Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: A chromatographic specific binding assay strip device, comprising: a non-permeable platform strip; a permeable membrane testing strip positioned on top of said non-permeable platform strip, with the testing strip comprising at least one capture reagent site containing a capture reagent for at least one specific analyte, a sample receiving pad positioned on top of and at a proximal end of the non-permeable platform strip, with the sample receiving pad having contact with a proximal end of said permeable membrane testing strip, a reservoir pad positioned on top of and at a distal end of said non-permeable membrane testing strip, with the reservoir pad having contact with a proximal end of said permeable membrane test strip; a supporting strip attached to and extending from the proximal end of said non-permeable platform strip; and a conjugate pad positioned on said supporting strip, said conjugate pad comprising a semi-permeable membrane containing a colorant conjugate.

Abstract: The invention discloses two novel phosphorylation sites in human ATR kinase, serine 428 (Ser428) and serine 2317 (Ser2317) respectively, and provides reagents, including antibodies and AQUA peptides, that selectively bind to and/or detect ATR only when phosphorylated at one or more of these respective sites, but do not bind to ATR when not phosphorylated at these respective sites. Also provided are methods for determining the phosphorylation of ATR kinase in a biological sample, by using a detectable reagent that binds to ATR only when phosphorylated at Ser428 and/or Ser2317. Kits comprising the ATR (Ser428, Ser2317)-specific reagents of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method for identifying a causative fungus of skin disease. The method includes: simultaneously performing amplification treatments under the same conditions using primers common to plural fungal species; then simultaneously performing hybridization procedures under the same conditions using probes respectively specific to fungi; and determining the presence or absence of each fungus from the hybridization intensity of each probe.

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 relates to a diagnostic method for detecting susceptibility to delivery, and to a test kit for this purpose. A low, but higher than baseline level concentration of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 (IGFBP-1), which is due to leakage from decidual cells, is detected by an immunological assay in a vaginal secretion sample.

Abstract: An immunochemical method for the accurate measurement of the quantity of cytochrome c in a body fluid, in particular, blood, and a kit for the measurement. The quantity of cytochrome c can be measured accurately without being affected by any interfering substrate by reacting an antibody with cytochrome c in a buffer solution in an acidic range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecules, which can be used to induce a therapeutic or prophylactic immune response against MAP.

Abstract: In a wide variety of human solid tumors, an aggressive, metastatic phenotype and poor clinical prognosis are associated with expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Met. Disclosed herein are (a) a monoclonal antibody named Met4, which antibody is specific for Met, and (b) a hybridoma cell line that produces Met4. The Met4 antibody is particularly useful for detecting Met in formalin-fixed tissue. Methods of using the Met4 antibody for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy are provided.

Abstract: A method of immunologically analyzing plasmin-digested products of stabilized fibrin, characterized by using a combination of a monoclonal antibody (a) which does not react with stabilized fibrin, fibrinogen, and plasmin-digested products of fibrinogen, but reacts with a neoantigen which is newly exposed in a D domain by digesting stabilized fibrin with plasmin, and a monoclonal antibody (b) which recognizes a site different from that recognized by the monoclonal antibody (a), and specifically reacts with plasmin-digested products of stabilized fibrin, wherein one of the monoclonal antibodies (a) and (b) is carried on a magnetic particle, and the other is labeled with an enzyme, and a chemiluminescent substrate is used as a substrate for the enzyme, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of an Aspergillus infection by determining in the serum or plasma sample of a subject the quantity of antibodies directed against a combination of at least two of the ribonuclease (RNU), catalase (CA) and dipeptidylpeptidase V (DPPV) Aspergillus antigens. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit comprising said combination.

Abstract: A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 78 to 80 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the relative amount of two or more analytes of interest in a fluid sample, as well as kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods involve assays that utilize a solid phase apparatus with a membrane having an application point and at least two sample capture zones having sample capture reagents; analyte binding particles or analyte coated particles; and assessment of a ratio of such particles arrested in capture zones, wherein the ratio is equal to, or inversely equal to, the relative amounts of the analytes of interest in the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a prostate specific antigen oligo-epitope peptide (PSA-OP) that is useful as an immunogen in the prevention or treatment of prostatic cancer and in the inhibition of prostatic cancer cells and in the establishment and characterization of PSA-specific cytotoxic T-cell lines. In particular, the invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against PSA comprising administering (i) a priming inoculation of a first recombinant virus encoding PSA-OP and (ii) one or more boosting inoculations of a second recombinant virus encoding PSA-OP, wherein the first and second recombinant viruses are from a different genus.

Abstract: Lateral flow assay devices and methods for detecting an analyte in a sample which comprises a plurality of nonspecific binding pair members are adapted for two step determinations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more bacterial polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus, reagents, and methods for rapidly isolating plasmid DNA from a bacterial alkaline lysate.

Abstract: Apparatus, reagents, and methods for isolating plasmid DNA from bacteria by alkaline lysis using a solid or immobilized P2 and/or P3 reagent in combination with a DNA-binding matrix.

Abstract: An isolated extracellular matrix-binding protein, designated as SdrE and its corresponding amino acid and nucleic acid sequences and motifs are described. The proteins, peptides, fragments thereof or antigenic portions thereof are useful for the prevention, inhibition, treatment and diagnosis of S. aureus infection and as scientific research tools. Further, antibodies or antibody fragments to the proteins, peptides, fragments thereof or antigenic portions thereof are also useful for the prevention, inhibition, treatment and diagnosis of S. aureus infection. In particular, the proteins or antibodies thereof may be administered to wounds or used to coat biomaterials to act as blocking agents to prevent or inhibit the binding of S. aureus to wounds or biomaterials.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for characterizing the activity of an acetyl transferase or deacetylase. The method involves enzymatically acetylating or deacetylating in vitro a substrate that is a peptide fragment of a full-length polypeptide, and then non-enzymatically acylating the peptide substrate with acyl groups that differ in molecular weight from the enzymatically added or removed acetyl groups. Typically, deuterated acetic anhydride is used to non-enzymatically acylate the substrate. The fully acylated substrate is then characterized by mass spectrometry to determine the amino acid positions of the substrate that are enzymatically acetylated or deacetylated.

Abstract: Methods for isothermal exponential amplification of a target polynucleotide are disclosed. The methods employ two transcription modules, the first module providing linear amplification resulting in RNA transcripts, and a second module providing for further (generally cyclical) amplification resulting in more RNA transcripts. In one aspect, the amplification of the first module is composite primer based. In a second aspect, the amplification of the first module is based on target switching to generate a primer extension product comprising a promoter sequence. In all aspects, the RNA transcripts of the first transcription module are subjected to further amplification by creating an intermediate product comprising a double stranded promoter region from which transcription can occur. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing said methods, as well as methods which use the amplification results.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and kits for homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution. Metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a macromolecule and the macromolecule is subsequently stripped of metal ion, it may then be used to signal binding of metal ions. The covalently bound fluorescent label exhibits changes in anisotropy proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. Kits comprise a fluorescent molecule and a macromolecule.

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

Abstract: An isolated extracellular matrix-binding protein, designated as SdrD and its corresponding amino acid and nucleic acid sequences and motifs are described. The proteins, peptides, fragments thereof or antigenic portions thereof are useful for the prevention, inhibition, treatment and diagnosis of S. aureus infection and as scientific research tools. Further, antibodies or antibody fragments to the proteins, peptides, fragments thereof or antigenic portions thereof are also useful for the prevention, inhibition, treatment and diagnosis of S. aureus infection. In particular, the proteins or antibodies thereof may be administered to wounds or used to coat biomaterials to act as blocking agents to prevent or inhibit the binding of S. aureus to wounds or biomaterials.

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: An isolated extracellular matrix-binding protein, designated as SdrC and its corresponding amino acid and nucleic acid sequences and motifs are described. The proteins, peptides, fragments thereof or antigenic portions thereof are useful for the prevention, inhibition, treatment and diagnosis of S. aureus infection and as scientific research tools. Further, antibodies or antibody fragments to the proteins, peptides, fragments thereof or antigenic portions thereof are also useful for the prevention, inhibition, treatment and diagnosis of S. aureus infection. In particular, the proteins or antibodies thereof may be administered to wounds or used to coat biomaterials to act as blocking agents to prevent or inhibit the binding of S. aureus to wounds or biomaterials.

Abstract: An in vitro method is provided for screening human female subjects to assess their risk of developing cervical carcinoma which comprises screening the subject for expression of mRNA transcripts from the E6 and optionally the L1 gene of human papillomavirus, wherein subjects positive for expression of L1 and/or E6 mRNA are scored as being at risk of developing cervical carcinoma. Kits for carrying out such methods are also provided.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid virus entry/binding detection assay. An enzyme such as luciferase was incorporated at the C-terminal end of viral envelope proteins of the HIV Nef protein that would specifically associate with cell membranes to deliver the enzyme into viral particles upon viral assembly. Virus entry/binding can then be assayed by determining the enzymatic activities in infected cells. The assay allows high-throughput non-radioactive detection of virus entry within 30 minutes after virus-cell contact. This assay provides high signal to noise ratio and is useful for screening compounds that affect virus-cell binding and entry. The design also permits packaging of potential therapeutic proteins into functional virus particles and delivering them to specific cellular targets.

Abstract: Described are kits and methods useful for detection of seven agricultural pathogens (BPSV; BHV; BVD; FMDV; BTV; SVD; and VESV) in a sample. Genomic sequence information from 7 agricultural pathogens was analyzed to identify signature sequences, e.g., polynucleotide sequences useful for confirming the presence or absence of a pathogen in a sample. Primer and probe sets were designed and optimized for use in a PCR based, multiplexed Luminex assay to successfully identify the presence or absence of pathogens in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material for separating an analyte from an undesired constituent, which material comprises a solid phase and a coating, wherein the solid phase is capable of binding the undesired constituent, and wherein the coating covers the exposed surface of the solid phase to an extent that any binding of the solid phase to the analyte is impeded. A method for preparing the material, and uses of the material for separating an analyte from an undesired constituent are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing and monitoring various distinct presentations of tuberculosis: active tuberculosis disease, latent tuberculosis infection and recent tuberculosis infection. The rapid immune assay is based on the evaluation of the frequency of Interferon (IFN) gamma-producing antigen-specific T lymphocytes responding to selected peptide sequences from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, selected for their immunogenicity. The invention concerns also immunogenic and vaccine compositions based on these specific peptide sequences.

Abstract: Fusion proteins and coiled-coil induced dimers prepared from both the ectodomains and the kinase domains are disclosed. The receptor domains when presented in the form of a homodimer or heterodimer by virtue of the coiled-coil tag have enhanced ligand binding activity or enhanced kinase activity. The kinetics of binding and the antagonistic potencies of the ectodomain dimers, and their use to alter or inhibit signaling is described. Application of the ectodomain and kinase domain dimers in assays for selecting compounds capable of inhibiting ligand binding and kinase activity, respectively, is described.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay kit for the measurement of free D-galactose and/or L-arabinose in a sample, the kit comprising galactose mutarotase and (3-galactose dehydrogenase. The kit may further comprise a reagent capable of hydrolysing molecules containing D-galactose and/or L-arabinose, to yield the free mono- or disaccharide so that the kit finds use for determination of not just of free D-galactose and/or L-arabinose but also those molecules as released (or synthesized) from other molecules, including lactose, D-galactose-1-phosphate, galactosyl-sucrose oligosaccharides (such as raffinose), galactan, galactomannan, arabinan and arabinogalactan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening of an agonist/antagonist, etc. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of screening an agonist or antagonist of a G protein-coupled receptor protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a salt thereof, which comprises using the receptor protein or a salt thereof and a cholesterol metabolism-related substance, and so on.

Abstract: Extended rhodamine compounds exhibiting favorable fluorescence characteristics having the structure are disclosed. In addition, novel intermediates for synthesis of these dyes are disclosed, such intermediates having the structure In addition, methods of making and using the dyes as fluorescent labels are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are an immunoassay device which comprises a labeled substance dotting portion and a specimen dotting portion provided thereon, and an immunoassay method using the device.

Abstract: The invention involves assays, diagnostics, kits, and assay components for determining levels of K41-glycated CD59 in subjects. Treatments for subjects based upon levels of K41-glycated CD59 also are provided.

Abstract: Endotoxin, also known as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), is the major mediator of septic shock due to Gram-negative bacterial infection. Chemically synthesized S3 peptide, derived from Sushi3 domain of Factor C, which is the endotoxin-sensitive serine protease of the limulus coagulation cascade, binds and neutralizes LPS activity. Fluorescent tagged-S3 is shown to detect LPS-containing bacteria. For large-scale production of S3 and to mimic other pathogen-recognizing molecules, tandem multimers of the S3 gene were constructed and expressed in E. coli. Tetramer of S3 for example is shown to display an enhanced inhibitory effect on LPS-induced activities. An affinity matrix based on tetramer of S3 is also shown to be particularly efficient at removing LPS.

Abstract: A polypeptide, called Tir (for translocated intimin receptor, which is secreted by attaching and effacing pathogens, such as the enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) E. coli. These bacterial pathogens inserts their own receptors into mammalian cell surfaces, to which the bacterial pathogen then adheres to trigger additional host signaling events and actin nucleation. Diagnosis of disease caused by pathogenic E. coli can be performed by the use of antibodies which bind to Tir to detect the protein or the use of nucleic acid probes for detection of nucleic acids encoding Tir polypeptide. Isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding Tir polypeptide, Tir peptides, a recombinant method for producing recombinant Tir, antibodies which bind to Tir, and a kit for the detection of Tir-producing E. coli are provided. A method of immunizing a host with Tir to induce a protective immune response to Tir or a second polypeptide of interst is also provided.

Abstract: Asymmetrically branched polymers are combined with bioactive agents for a variety of purposes including drug delivery and conjugation to one member of a binding pair for use in an assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for enhancing the amplification of PrPsc for use in increasing the sensitivity of identifying the presence of PrPsc in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use comprising peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPI) polypeptides of group C and G streptococci and polynucleotides encoding same. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising the PPI polypeptides and polynucleotides, as well as antibodies and antibody fragments that bind the PPI polypeptides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in a subject against beta hemolytic streptococci using the immunogenic compositions, as well as conferring passive immunity by administering a therapeutic antibody or antibody fragment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules related to the var2csa gene family as well as amino acid sequences encoded by such nucleic acid molecules with respect to their role in mediating adhesion of infected red blood cells to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) in the placenta which is characteristic for the pathogenesis of pregnancy associated malaria (PAM). Accordingly, The invention provides the use compounds that are related to VAR2CSA polypeptides var2csa nucleic acid molecules as medicaments, as well as it provides pharmaceutical compositions, in particular immunological compositions and vaccines, hereunder nucleotide-based vaccines comprising these compounds. In addition, the invention provides the use of the compounds mentioned for the manufacture of compositions, such as immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly antigens of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (S. agalactiae) which may be useful to prevent, diagnose and/or treat streptococcal infections.