Abstract: A means for conveniently and accurately measuring thyroxine or thyronine present in the blood or the like is provided: a compound represented by general formula (I) below: wherein L represents a linear or branched-chain linker having 5 to 50 total atoms; X represents one or more thyroxines, thyronines, or residues of derivatives thereof, bound to the main chain and/or side chain of the linker represented by L, a conjugate in the form of the above compound bonded to an avidin protein, and an aqueous dispersion including a microparticles the surface of which is modified with the above conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses for determining velocity independent analyte characteristic parameters and methods for using the same. In one particular aspect, the present invention provides a velocity independent flow cytometry.

Abstract: Methods are described for detection of autoimmune antibodies against the TSH receptor using TSH receptor chimeras, which preferably only contain the extracellular portion of the TSH wild type receptor modified as chimera, and are modified by highly immunogenic peptide residues or by enzymes suitable for detection, wherein the determination methods described allow simple detection of stimulating, blocking and neutral autoimmune antibodies.

Abstract: A computerized system and method of building a system of test components for an orderable healthcare procedure is provided. An orderable healthcare procedure is received and associated with a discrete ontology concept. An ontology is traversed for the discrete ontology concept to identify test components related to the discrete ontology concept. The test components related to the discrete ontology concept are identified.

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of one or more hormones by mass spectrometry are disclosed. The methods require minimal sample size and minimal preparation time. The methods include ionizing the hormones and analyzing the hormones by mass spectrometry. In addition, methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of thyroid hormones are disclosed including ionization of the thyroid hormones in the negative mode using an electrospray source.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample, which can be used to evaluate thyroid functions and to diagnose thyroid diseases. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies and antigens used for the detection of respective thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample.

Abstract: Immunological assays for several biological markers for thyroid disorders in a biological sample are performed in a single test with a combination of sandwich-type, sequential competitive, and serological assays by the use of particles classified into groups that are distinguishable by flow cytometry, one group for the assay of each marker. Each group of particles is coated with a different immunological binding member, and coating densities, co-coating materials, and special buffer solutions are used to adjust for differences in the sensitivities and dynamic ranges of each of the markers in the typical sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sandwich immunoassay comprising steps of, (a) forming a complex of an antigen and a first antibody by contacting the antigen with the first antibody which recognizes the antigen and which is labeled by a detectable labeling substance; and (b) fixing the complex formed in the step (a) to a solid phase by using a second antibody which recognizes the antigen and which is capable of binding to the solid phase, as well as a method for detecting an antigen in an analyte by using a method of sandwich immunoassay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of phosphonic acid-containing T3 mimetics and monoesters thereof, stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, co-crystals, and prodrugs thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and co-crystals of the prodrugs, as well as their preparation and uses for preventing and/or treating metabolic diseases such as obesity, NASH, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia, as well as associated conditions such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, impaired glucose tolerance, metabolic syndrome x and diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polythiocarbonate polythiol including repeating units represented by the chemical formula (I): in which formula (I), R represents a divalent hydrocarbon group, which hydrocarbon group may have at least one substituent which does not take part in a reaction with the polyisocyante component and the carbon chain in the hydrocarbon group may include at least one member selected from hetero atoms and an —OCO— group, and the polythiocarbonate polythiol has a number average molecular weight of 200 to 2500.

Abstract: Novel ?10 polypeptides and heterodimers thereof, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are disclosed. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, selective binding agents, and methods for producing ?10 polypeptides and heterodimeric forms thereof, specifically ?2/?10. Also provided for are methods for the treatment, diagnosis, amelioration, or prevention of diseases with ?10 polypeptides and ?2/?10 heterodimers or their respective binding agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of an analyte in a competitive immunoassay in the presence of an analyte derivative and first and second receptor molecules, and to a kit for carrying out this detection method.

Abstract: The use of cortisol agonist for preparing a system for diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome and related conditions as belly fatness, insulin resistancy including increased risk of developing senile diabetes, i.e. diabetes type II, high blood fats and high blood pressure, in which system the dose of cortisol agonist is in an interval where a difference is obtained in the inhibitory effect of the autoproduction of cortisol in individuals suffering from the metabolic syndrome, compared to normal values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide fragment or a series of peptide fragments having a cell death-inhibitory activity, having the amino acid sequence consisting of 103 amino acid residues at the C-terminal of selenoprotein P, or having said amino acid sequence with one or several amino acid residues therein being deleted, substituted or added, or having a partial sequence of either of the above amino acid sequences, a medicament for treatment comprising said peptide fragment or a series of peptide fragments, an antibody to said peptide fragment or a series of peptide fragments, and a method for screening a cell death-inhibitory activity using said peptide fragment or a series of peptide fragments. The preferable peptide fragment or a series of peptide fragments of the present invention has the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and/or SEQ ID NO: 2 or has a partial sequence thereof.

Abstract: A method for the detection or quantitation of an analyte in a biological sample is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a biological sample suspected of containing a target analyte and binding the target analyte in the sample to a binding partner conjugated to an acridinium compound, wherein the acridinium compound comprises an acridinium nucleus having an electron-donating substituent directly attached to the acridinium nucleus at the C2 position. Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds useful in the method have emission maxima close to or in the near infrared (NIR) region (>590 nm). These chemiluminescent acridinium compounds when used in conjunction with short wavelength-emitting acridinium esters (with emission maxima below 450 nm) can be highly useful labels for the simultaneous detection of multiple target analytes in a single assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for monitoring and guiding therapeutic suppression of parathyroid hormone in renal patients having secondary hyperparathyroidism. One determines and monitors the level of parathyroid hormone agonist and parathyroid hormone antagonist in the renal patient. The parathyroid hormone suppressing therapeutic is administered to the patient so as to minimize the level of parathyroid hormone antagonist.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phage display system in which the molecules to be displayed (i.e., molecules of interest) are bound to dispensable capsid polypeptides such as SOC (small outer capsid) and HOC (highly antigenic outer capsid) polypeptides that are, in turn, bound to a surface lattice protein, such as those on the surface of a virion or polyhead. Also disclosed are methods of displaying a molecule of interest, methods of immunizing a patient by administering a displayed antigen, and methods of treating a patient who has a disorder associated with aberrent expression or activity of a biological molecule. In the latter instance, the method includes administering a displayed polypeptide, such as an immunoglobulin molecule or an enzyme, that is capable of specifically interacting with the aberrent biological molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically recognize the new amino terminus of a protein cleaved by a protease during apoptosis. Methods of using and making the antibodies are also provided. The antibodies are particularly useful in methods of detecting apoptosis and testing candidate compounds for enhancing or inhibiting apoptosis.

Abstract: A method for treating hypoparathyroidism and/or hypocalcemia by local administration of a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin, to a parathyroid gland, thereby reducing an inhibitory effect upon parathyroid hormone secretion. A method for treating hyperparathyroidism and/or hypercalcemia by local administration of a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin, to a sympathetic ganglion which innervates a parathyroid hormone secreting parathyroid cell, thereby reducing a stimulatory effect upon parathyroid hormone secretion.

Abstract: This application describes the cloning of p63, a gene at chromosome 3q27-29, that bears homology to the tumor suppressor p53. The p63 gene encodes at least six different isotypes. p63 was detected in a variety of human and mouse tissue and demonstrates remarkably divergent activities, such as the ability to transactivate p53 reporter genes and induce apoptosis. Isotopes of p63 lacking a transactivation domain act as dominant negatives towards the transactivation by p53 and p63.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that introduction of hydrophilic sulfoalkyl substituents and/or hydrophilic linkers derived from homocysteic acid, cysteic acid, glycine peptides, tetraethylene oxide, and the like, offset the hydrophobicity of the acridinium ring system to produce a more soluble label which can be attached to an antibody at higher loading before precipitation and aggregation problems are encountered. Additional compounds described herein contain linkers derived from short peptides and tetraethylene oxide which increase aqueous solubility due to hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The present invention also embraces reagents for multiple acridinium labeling for signal amplification composed of a peptide bearing several acridinium esters with sulfonate groups at regularly spaced intervals for increased solubility. The invention also embraces assays employing the above-described compounds.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising (a) a metal chelate wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of europium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium osmium and ruthenium in at least a hexacoordinated state and (b) a compound having a double bond substituted with two aryl groups, an oxygen atom and an atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen wherein one of the aryl groups is electron donating with respect to the other. Such composition is preferably incorporated in a latex particulate material. Methods and kits are also disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. The methods and kits employ as one component a composition as described above.

Abstract: An electrical connection passing through a dividing wall contains a contact plate (2) having a base piece (4) covering a surface, and a contact piece (8) connected to the base piece via a connecting piece (6), wherein the perimeter of the base piece, including the attached area of the connecting piece, is held and sealed in the dividing wall (24), and the contact piece has an elastically deformable area (10) exposed for making contact with a component. The dividing wall seals a chamber of a housing in which is located an electrical circuit connected by a contact lug (12) of the base piece (4). Outside the chamber a battery compartment is provided in which is held a battery pressed elastically in position against a facing surface by the spring tongue (10).

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of one or more hormones by mass spectrometry are disclosed. The methods require minimal sample size and minimal preparation time. The methods comprise ionizing the hormones and analyzing the hormones by mass spectrometry. In addition, methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of thyroid hormones are disclosed comprising ionization of the thyroid hormones in the negative mode using an electrospray source.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing Crohn's disease by detecting the presence of immunoglobulins, reactive with an amylase, in a specimen by an immunologic or enzymologic method using the amylase, and a test kit for this method.

Abstract: A method for measuring free ligands in biological fluids in the presence of bound ligand and endogenous binding proteins, without disturbing the equilibrium between the free ligand and the protein-bound ligand, comprised of the following steps: (a) incubating a sample of biological fluid with (i) a ligand analog tracer which, due to its chemical structure, does not bind to some of the endogenous binding proteins, (ii) a specific ligand binder and (iii) specific chemical inhibitor reagents that alone or in combination inhibit the binding of the ligand analog tracer to other endogenous binding proteins; (b) separating the ligand analog tracer bound to the specific binder from unbound tracer; and (c) comparing the bound fraction in said sample to the bound fraction of a given set of known free ligand calibrators to determine the concentration of free ligand in said biological fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of interferon-beta for the treatment of Ewing's family of tumors in mammals. A method for treating Ewing's family of tumors in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of interferon-beta is disclosed. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to a mammal for the treatment of Ewing's family of tumors comprising interferon-beta in a therapeutically effective amount, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing sepsis in a mammal by contacting a bodily fluid from the mammal with a ligand which binds to an inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor (ITI) polypeptide under conditions sufficient to form an ITI-ligand complex and detecting the complex.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminescent label compounds containing multimetallic centers separated by bridging ligands are described. An example of a multimetallic electrochemiluminescent label suitable for use in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) methods, [(bpy)2Ru]2(bphb)4+, demonstrates ECL efficiencies 2 to 3 times greater than those for Ru(bpy)32+ in acetonitrile and aqueous media. Such multimetallic ECL compounds may be especially useful in the design of new labels for bioanalytical applications, such as immunoassays and DNA probes.

Abstract: Antibody specific for a 5-HTOL compound. A glucuronide with 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) characterized in that it comprises the structure of the &bgr;-glucuronide between the 5-hydroxy group of 5-HTOL and D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. An immunoassay and a diagnostic method utilizing the ummunoassay wherein a 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) compound is determined by the use of an antibody specific for a 5-HTOL compound is used.

Abstract: A method for measuring the activity of creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) isozyme which is accurate, high in specificity, convenient, by inhibiting the activity of a mitochondria localized creatine kinase (mCK) isozyme to avoid the influence of mCK and a measurement reagent therefor.

Abstract: Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.

Abstract: In qualitative or quantitative assays which employ a test device comprising a test strip pretreated for detection of a specified target analyte dissolved in a liquid medium, the presence of solid, semisolid and/or colloidal materials in the liquid medium may interfere with the assay results. The present invention involves collecting the sample from a flowing or quiescent pool of liquid also containing solid, semisolid or colloidal material with a swab comprised of a handle and a mass of fibrous material or foamed, open cell material which, when immersed in and thoroughly wetted by the liquid, entraps solid, semisolid and/or colloidal material and delivers only the liquid to the sample receiving zone of the test strip.

Abstract: In a competitive receptor binding assay for detecting TSH-receptor auto-antibodies in a biological sample, the sample is reacted in a reaction mixture which contains (i) a TSH-receptor or TSH-receptor preparation; (ii) a primary competitor, for example labelled TSH; and (iii) an agent for separating a complex composed of the TSH-receptor and the elements bound thereto of the reaction mixture from the liquid phase. According to the invention, the reaction is carried out in the presence of at least one monoclonal or polyclonal antibody specific against a partial peptide sequence of the TSH eceptor. This specific antibody is used to immobilize a complex of TSH-receptor and primary competitor and/or as secondary competitor for another part of the TSH-receptor auto-antibodies expected in a sample. The primary or secondary competitors are or can be selectively labelled.

Abstract: Immunological assays for several biological markers for thyroid disorders in a biological sample are performed in a single test with a combination of sandwich-type, sequential competitive, and serological assays by the use of particles classified into groups that are distinguishable by flow cytometry, one group for the assay of each marker. Each group of particles is coated with a different immunological binding member, and coating densities, co-coating materials, and special buffer solutions are used to adjust for differences in the sensitivities and dynamic ranges of each of the markers in the typical sample.

Abstract: The use of cortisol agonist for preparing a system for diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome and related conditions as belly fatness, insulin resistancy including increased risk of developing senile diabetes, i.e. diabetes type II, high blood fats and high blood pressure, in which system the dose of cortisol agonist is in an interval where a difference is obtained in the inhibitory effect of the autoproduction of cortisol in individuals suffering from the metabolic syndrome, compared to normal values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zsig45, a novel human protein expressed in thyroid. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, may be used for detecting human disease states and chromosomal abnormalities, and as a therapeutic. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zsig45 polypeptides.

Abstract: Use of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A as a marker for inflammatory conditions, and in particular, for acute coronary syndromes is described.

Abstract: The invention provides fluorescent analogues of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Also provided are assays for thyroid hormones utilizing the compounds of the invention. The assays of the invention are in both one-step and two-step formats and allow the determination of both T3 and T4 concentration in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses assays to identify compounds that inhibit the enzymatic activity of MIF which catalyzes the tautomerization of MIF-substrates, such as D-dopachrome to DHICA. In general, the assay is conducted in vitro by adding, mixing or combining MIF and a suitable substrate in the presence or absence of a test compound, and measuring the tautomerization of the substrate. The test compounds that inhibit tautomerization in the assay are identified as MIF inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a simplified assay for identifying modulators of ubiquitin ligase activity. This assay allows detection of compounds that affect ubiquitination and thus, cell cycle regulation in cells. An increase in ubiquitination, in comparison to a test sample lacking a test compound, indicates a stimulation of activity, whereas a reduction in ubiquitination indicates an inhibitor of activity. Also disclosed herein are methods of identifying proteins having ubiquitin ligase activity, methods of identifying substrates for ubiquitination, methods for identifying an activity relationship between a particular ubiquitin ligase and a particular ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, and chimeric proteins comprising a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme and a ubiquitination substrate, which are useful in all of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The use of cortisol agonist for preparing a system for diagnosis of the Metabolic Syndrome and related conditions as belly fatness, insulin resistance including increased risk of developing senile diabetes, i.e., diabetes type II, high blood fats and high blood pressure, in which system the dose of cortisol agonist is in an interval where a difference is obtained in the inhibitory effect of the autoproduction of cortisol in individuals suffering from the Metabolic Syndrome, compared to normal values.

Abstract: This application relates to long-wavelength acridinium compounds having electron-donating groups, which may either be: (a) Part of an extended conjugation system attached by appropriate functional groups to the acridinium nucleus, with coplanarity of the attached functional group and the acridone moiety during light emission (geometry requirement), said functional group consisting of at least one aromatic ring and one electron-donating atom or group with an extra pair of electrons which can readily delocalize into the extended &pgr; system to which the heteroatom is directly attached or built into, and establish stable extended resonance with the electron-withdrawing carbonyl moiety of the light emitting acridone.

Abstract: A biphase immunoassay method is provided in which a water immiscible liquid is qualitatively or quantitatively measured by mixing a sample of the water immiscible liquid with an aqueous solution containing a specific binding partner of the analyte. Binding occurs at or across the interface between the respective liquids and the degree of association of the analyte with its binding partner is dependent upon the concentration ratio rather than absolute quantities. The degree of association may be determined and used to determine the presence and/or concentration of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising (a) a metal chelate wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of europium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium osmium and ruthenium in at least a hexacoordinated state and (b) a compound having a double bond substituted with two aryl groups, an oxygen atom and an atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen wherein one of the aryl groups is electron donating with respect to the other. Such composition is preferably incorporated in a latex particulate material. Methods and kits are also disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. The methods and kits employ as one component a composition as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody binding an antigen on the megakaryocytic cell line UT-7. The invention further relates to hybridoma cells producing such an antibody.

Abstract: Described herein are methods that can be used for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Also described herein are methods that can be used to screen candidate bioactive agents for the ability to modulate colorectal cancer. Additionally, molecular targets (genes and their products) for therapeutic intervention in colorectal and other cancers are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polypeptide possessing thyrotropin receptor activity characterized in that it comprises the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 11 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 59) and cDNA molecules encoding this polypeptide. The invention also relates to vectors comprising cDNAs which encode the polypeptide of FIG. 11, cells transformed with these vectors, and the use the transformed cells expressing the thyrotropin receptor as in the detection of TSH or antibodies against the thyrotropin receptor.

Abstract: An anonymous testing system for taking a sample of body fluid to be tested, the sample is acquired in private and sent for analyzation to obtain results. The system comprises a test kit for creating a sample of body fluid, a personal code for anonymously identifying the sample and the person, and an electronic file telephonically created and accessed by the person taking the test and identified by the personal code. The electronic file contains the test results determined by analyzation. There is also a method of anonymously testing of a person's body fluid in private and the results to be anonymously received by the person without having to reveal his or her identification. The method comprises the steps of procuring a test kit for taking a sample of the body fluid. The test kit has a personal code associated therewith and equipment to take the sample. The person uses the equipment to obtain the sample and sends the sample with the personal code to a testing site.

Abstract: Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.