Abstract: Elevated high mobility group A (HMGA) protein expression in human cancer cells, and especially human pancreatic cancer cells, is correlated with resistance to the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine. The present invention uses HMGA-targeted AT-rich phosphorothioate DNA (AT-sDNA) aptamers to suppress HMGA carcinogenic activity. Cell growth of human pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1 and Miapaca-2) transfected with AT-sDNA were monitored after treatment with gemcitabine. Significant increases in cell death in AT-sDNA transfected cells compared to non AT-rich sDNA treated cells were observed in both cell lines. The data indicates the potential use of HMGA targeted DNA aptamers to enhance chemotherapy efficacy in human cancer treatment, and in particular human pancreatic cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting bronchodilation by administration of streptolysin O to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes assays and kits for detecting the assembly of an RNA binding protein-RNA complex and for detecting the activity of an RNA binding protein.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for reducing an amount of non-covalently bound polysaccharide on a support. The method comprises contacting a support comprising both covalently bound polysaccharide and non-covalently bound polysaccharide with an aqueous solution comprising an amount of a chaotropic agent effective to remove non-covalently bound polysaccharide from the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and use of proteins with clinical relevance to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, the invention provides the identity of marker proteins that specifically react with RA-associated autoantibodies. Also provided are methods, arrays and kits for using these proteins in the diagnosis of RA, and in the selection and/or monitoring of treatment regimens.

Abstract: The invention is a method for analyzing immature reticulocytes for the presence of micronuclei. The method includes reticulocyte enrichment, fluorescent labeling, micronuclei staining, and analysis using single-laser flow cytometry. The invention also includes kits containing reagents to use in the method.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing chronic immune disease activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a chronic immune disease. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular actin fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of chronic immune disease activity and/or characterize chronic immune disease activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial chronic immune disease diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Benzodiazepine compounds, and methods for using those compounds are provided. Some of the benzodiazepine compounds include 1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one and 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione compounds of the following structures: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined. The invention also includes enantiomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs or derivatives of the benzodiazepine compounds. Any one or more of these benzodiazepine compounds can be used to treat a variety of dysregulatory disorders related to cellular death. Such disorders include autoimmune disorders, inflammatory conditions, hyperproliferative conditions, viral infections, and atherosclerosis. In addition, the above compounds can be used to prepare medicaments to treat the above-described dysregulatory disorders. The benzodiazepines can also be used in drug screening assays and other diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and kits for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence. The compositions and kits comprise an electrochemiluminescent label, collectable particles, binding reagents, and an electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and devices for sequencing a polynucleotide by determining subsets of composite subsequences present in nucleic acid subsamples generated from the sample polynucleotide. A hairpin primer interrogates the composite subsequences in a two-step process resulting first in a polymerase extended product whose synthesis identifies the first subsequence of the composite subsequence. The second subsequences are identified by hybridizing the polymerase extended products or amplified products therefrom to an array of capture probes wherein each capture probe is positionally distinguishable from other capture probes. The invention is applicable to the quantitative determination of the presence of nucleic acids in a sample, for identifying differences in the relative abundance of nucleic acids in a mixture of nucleic acids, and generally, to diagnostic aids for the identification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an autoimmune disease is disclosed which involves determining whether autoantibodies from a body fluid react with a microtubule organizing center (MTOC). This diagnostic procedure provides a simple, highly specific, and highly reliable diagnosis of autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the molecular characterization of the nuclear antigen recognized by atypical p-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) in order to better diagnose patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC), and autoimmune liver diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Molecular characterization of the target antigen comprises preparing cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts of human neutrophils, human HL-60 and murine 32D myeloid cells. Proteins should then be resolved by 1 and 2 dimensional gel electrophoresis and reactive proteins can then be detected by immunoblotting with sera from individuals, making certain to have both normal and disease controls. Atypical p-ANCA should then be affinity purified against the reactive protein and investigated for their immunofluorescence pattern using confocal microscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic applications. For autoimmune diseases more particularly, it is demonstrated herein that individuals with SLE, APLA, MCDS and PSS have antibodies that are specific for SR proteins. Thus, in particular aspects the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing autoimmune disease using SR proteins and antibodies to detect the presence of SR protein-specific antibodies in an individual suspected of having autoimmune disease, wherein the presence of such antibodies is indicative of said individual suffering from autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial UC pANCA antigens. The invention provides methods of diagnosing ulcerative colitis (UC) and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a histone H1-like antigen. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing UC and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a porin antigen. Methods of diagnosing UC and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a Bacteroides antigen also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic applications. For autoimmune diseases more particularly, it is demonstrated herein that individuals with SLE, APLA, MCDS and PSS have antibodies that are specific for SR proteins. Thus, in particular aspects the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing autoimmune disease using SR proteins and antibodies to detect the presence of SR protein-specific antibodies in an individual suspected of having autoimmune disease, wherein the presence of such antibodies is indicative of said individual suffering from autoimmune disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the identification of nucleic acids by direct hybridization to high-density oligonucleotide arrays. The methods of this invention comprise the steps of: (1) screening a DNA library, such as an S. cerevisiae genomic DNA library, by performing a double hybrid screening method with a recombinant vector containing a DNA insert encoding a candidate protein of interest and then selecting the clones from the DNA library that code for proteins that interact with the candidate protein of interest; and (2) hybridizing the DNA inserts contained in the clones that have been selected in step (1) using an oligonucleotide probe matrix wherein the probe locations on the host genome cover all of the coding sequences, determining the hybridization location and consequently, the gene coding for a specific protein that interacts with the candidate protein of interest in the double hybrid screening system.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin to a patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired Constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components obtained according to the above sample collection methods. Also provided within the invention are novel breast pump and breast pump adapter devices which incorporate a solid phase sample collection medium integrated within the breast pump or adapter or otherwise fluidly connected therewith.

Abstract: The invention is a method of detecting nucleic acids in a sample using oligonucleotide probes which are noncovalently bound to solid supports for rapid, sensitive, hybridization assays. The method involves coating the support surface with a polynucleotide and then hybridizing a specific capture probe for each analyte to the polynucleotide by way of a short tail of the complementary polynucleotide. The immobilized probes are used to capture nucleic acid targets out of complex specimens for nonisotopic detection without the need for prior cell culture or purification of the target nucleic acids. A panel of tests can be run on each specimen simultaneously, a format that conserves precious samples. The assay can be readily automated, and can be conveniently run in a manual fashion on large numbers of samples in two to three hours.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary systems, methods, and apparatus for distinctly allocating liquids containing chemical compositions or compounds to known locations in an organized manner so that assays may be performed on the compositions, or so that the chemical compositions may be combined with other distinct chemical compositions or reagents prior to evaluation. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention includes a multiwell plate for handling articles such as resin beads suspended in a liquid. The plate comprises a plurality of wells. The wells in turn have a capillary hole that is adapted to (i) retain articles in the well, and (ii) retain liquid in the well while the liquid is not subjected to extrinsic forces, such as centrifugation or vacuum.

Abstract: This invention provides an antibody with high affinity for single-stranded DNA, low or no affinity for double-stranded DNA, and capable of specifically binding a DNA hairpin and the hybridoma cell lines which produces these monoclonal antibodies. A chimeric mouse comprising these hybridoma cell lines and a histocompatible mouse is further provided. A method for screening for an agent which will inhibit anti-DNA antibody.cndot.DNA binding. One such agent is a benzodiazepine derivative. This invention therefore provides a method of inhibiting the binding of an anti-DNA antibody to its DNA ligand in a sample by contacting the sample with an effective amount of a benzodiazepine derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing ulcerative colitis (UC) in a subject suspected of having inflammatory bowel disease by by obtaining a sample from the individual; contacting the sample with human histone H1, or pANCA-reactive fragment thereof, under conditions suitable to form a complex of human histone H1, or pANCA-reactive fragment thereof, and antibody to human histone H1; and detecting the presence or absence of the complex, where the presence of the complex indicates that the individual has UC. The invention also provides related methods of diagnosing a perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive (pANCA-positive) clinical subtype of UC in a patient with UC. In addition, the invention further provides methods of determining susceptibility to UC in an individual.

Abstract: A dissolution testing system including a base; a plurality of vessels mounted on the base; an agitation mechanism for agitating a liquid content of the vessels; and a head supported above each of the vessels and operable to automatically inject a liquid media into the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a marker for inflammatory diseases and/or pathologies comprising an autoimmune reaction, which is the plasmatic membrane and/or a portion therof, in particular the plasmatic DNA. The present invention concerns also the method to obtain said marker and the diagnostic device which comprises said marker.

Abstract: Antibodies that selectively bind to quadruplex nucleic acids are described. Isolated cells that produce such antibodies, and methods utilizing these antibodies, are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of diagnosing a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease (CD) by determining whether perinuclear anti-neutrophil antibody (pANCA) is present in a patient with CD, where the presence of pANCA indicates a clinical subtype of CD with features of ulcerative colitis (UC). Also provided is a method of diagnosing a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease in a patient with CD by determining whether pANCA or speckling anti-pan polymorphonuclear antibody (SAPPA) is present in the patient with CD, where the presence of pANCA indicates a clinical subtype of CD with features of ulcerative colitis and where the presence of SAPPA indicates a clinical subtype of CD having perforating, fistulizing or small bowel obstructive disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are diagnostic methods for screening a patient for sclerotic disease. One diagnostic method includes obtaining a biological sample from the patient; obtaining a substantially pure CP140 polypeptide fragment; contacting the sample with the CP140 polypeptide; and detecting patient autoantibody:CP140 complexes as an indication of the presence of sclerotic disease in the patient. Other methods of screening patients for scleroderma are also described.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for treatment of disorders involving immunological dysfunction. The invention comprises the administration of a low level of ribonucleotide polymerase protein or a derivative thereof to a human or animal with an immune dysfunction disorder.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for treatment of disorders involving immunological dysfunction. The invention comprises the administration of a low level of ribonucleotide polymerase protein or a derivative thereof to a human or animal with an immune dysfunction disorder.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods and kits are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin or an oxytocin analogue to a mammalian patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. The oxytocin is preferably administered intranasally and causes myoepithelial contraction of target alveolar-ductal tissues of the breast. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing a biological process and is particularly useful for processes which include amplicon decontamination and nucleic acid amplification steps. The apparatus includes a sample well for introduction and removal of a liquid biological sample, at least one reaction chamber containing dried reagents in fluid communication with the sample well, a pneumatic chamber in pneumatic communication with the reaction chamber and sample well, and a pneumatic port in the pneumatic chamber for connection of the apparatus to a pneumatic aspiration/dispensing means which causes the flow of the liquid sample within the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing a liquid biological sample and for performing a biological process thereon comprises a sample area for receiving the sample, at least one reaction area in fluid communication with the sample area, a pneumatic area in pneumatic communication with the reaction area and the sample area, and a pneumatic port in the pneumatic area for connection of the apparatus to a pneumatic aspiration/dispensing pipette. The pneumatic aspiration/dispensing pipette provides for controlled flow of the liquid biological sample between the sample area and the reaction area. To reduce evaporative loss of the sample from the apparatus, a sample tower is provided in fluid communication with the sample area. A similar tower may be provided at the pneumatic port to reduce evaporative loss through the pneumatic area.

Abstract: A method for producing a protein antigen which is reactive with an autoantibody associated with an autoimmune disease in a host, which comprises introducing genetic information from a cross-reactive donor gene library, into plural cells thereby producing transformed cells; selecting a producer cell which expresses said antigen by detecting a binding reaction between said autoantibody obtained from said host and a protein antigen expressed by a producer cell of said transformed cells which contains a gene coding for said protein antigen, thereby identifying a cloned DNA segment from said donor which can be utilized in the production of said protein, is disclosed along with biochemical reagents and products associated with this invention.

Abstract: Synthesized telomeric sequences bind to and can be used for detecting anti-DNA antibodies in serum. Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Scleroderma, can be detected by detecting an elevated level of anti-DNA antibodies using telomeric sequences. Test kits for such detection are provided including immobilized telomeric sequences capable of binding anti-DNA antibodies. Pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting or reducing the activity of anti-DNA antibodies contain an effective amount of telomeric sequences effective in inhibiting the antibodies specific to the patient treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of screening for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease which include the detection of two disparate autoantibodies: pANCA and VH3-15 autoantibody. The present invention also provides kits for screening ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A fluorescent labelling composition comprises a linear polysaccharide backbone molecule having a plurality of target-binding molecules, such as antibodies or nucleic acids, attached at spaced-apart intervals thereon. Each of the target-binding molecules, in turn, includes a multiplicity of fluorescent dye molecules bound thereto. In this way, fluorescent signal introduced to a single target-site on a solid phase surface may be increased without loss of binding activity.

Abstract: The macrophage cell line, IT-1 (KCCM-10038) was derived from normal human bone marrow. IT-1 cells are characterized by excellent adherence onto glass slides used in immunofluorescence assays, and the cells provide a positive result in the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. Moreover, ANA tests performed with IT-1 cells were found to be more reliable and more easily interpreted than ANA tests performed with the customary HEp-2 cell line. Accordingly, IT-1 cells are particularly suitable for the diagnosis of autoimmune disease using the ANA test.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of binding proteins and double-stranded DNA to the same membrane matrix. The DNA bound to the membrane matrix remains in double-stranded form. The subject invention further concerns an assay procedure for detecting antibodies, such as autoimmune antibodies, in a biological sample that are immunoreactive with the proteins and double-stranded DNA attached to a membrane matrix. The subject invention provides a single assay system that allows for the determination of antinuclear antibody specificities which can be used to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Compositions, immunoassay methods, and kits are provided for detecting antibodies specific for oxidized DNA bases, including diagnosis of inflammatory diseases and related conditions, as well as monitoring of the progress or therapy of such diseases and conditions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a phospholipid-based compound, that is a phospholipid to which an X-ray contrast-giving moiety has been covalently linked, liposomes comprising said compound as well as the use of said liposomes as a diagnostic or contrast agent.

Abstract: A diagnostic test for detection of antinuclear antibody anti-La in a serum sample, comprises contacting the serum sample with a support having immobilised thereon a synthetic polypeptide displaying the antigenicity of all or a portion of the human autoantigen La, or an antigenically active fragment thereof, and detecting the presence of anti-La antibody bound to the synthetic polypeptide or fragment.

Abstract: Peptides comprising between 20 and 39 amino acids capable of reacting with antibodies against the Sm-D polypeptide. These peptides may be used in a diagnostic method to detect of antibodies against the Sm-D polypeptide in a biological sample from a person suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: Method for monitoring patients having connective tissue autoimmune diseases comprising contacting patient specimens with (U1)RNA and detecting immune complexes formed, the level of reaction indicating the severity of the disease.

Abstract: A panel of probes that detect and distinguish between sets of human p53 gene or protein mutations that frequently occur or are selected for in pre-cancer and cancer cells, each set giving rise to a phenotype that is different from that of wild-type p53 and of at least one other set of p53 mutants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting from among many monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to a surface antigen on a tumor cell, the antibody which also can internalize into the cell and exert an appropriate molecular effect on the level of gene regulation in the tumor cell. Such antibodies can most effectively be employed to damage the tumor cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Ge protein having an apparent molecular weight of 170 kilodaltons when derived from HeLa cells. The Ge protein is a nuclear autoantigen that may be used to detect autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of antinuclear antibodies binding to the Ge protein.

Abstract: A cuvette and a method of use which prevent nucleic acid amplified by PCR technology from being released to the atmosphere, while still proceeding to a detection step to determine whether or not the nucleic acid is present. Detection reagents are either pre-incorporated into compartments in the cuvette or added after amplification. In the latter case, a check valve prevents amplified nucleic acid from being released. Transfer of liquids between compartments is achieved via the use of flexible compartment walls and an external pressure source, or via pistons that are part of the cuvette and operate on the compartments as a piston within a piston chamber.

Abstract: Specific nucleic acid sequences are amplified through the use of a hairpin probe which, upon hybridization with and ligation to, a target sequence is capable of being transcribed. The probe comprises a single stranded self-complementary sequence which, under hybridizing conditions, forms a hairpin structure having a functional promoter region, and further comprises a single stranded probe sequence extending from the 3' end of the hairpin sequence. Upon hybridization with a target sequence complementary to the probe sequence and ligation of the 3' end of the hybridized target sequence to the 5' end of the hairpin probe, the target sequence is rendered transcribable in the presence of a suitable RNA polymerase and appropriate ribonucleoside triphosphate (rNTPs).

Abstract: A nucleic acid hybridization assay employing an immobilized or immobilizable polynucleotide probe selected to form DNA.RNA or RNA.RNA hybrids with the particular polynucleotide sequence to be determined. Resulting hybrids are detected by binding of an antibody reagent, preferably labeled with a detectable chemical group, selective for binding the hybrids in the presence of the single stranded sample and probe nucleic acids. No immobilization or labeling of sample nucleic acids is necessary and hybridization can be performed entirely in solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to DNA molecules coding for human CENP-B polypeptides. The invention provides DNA molecules comprising an epitopically functional part of the cDNA sequence of human CENP-B polypeptide. The inventBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis work was supported a Grant from the National Institutes of Health. The U.S. Government may retain certain rights in this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for amplifying a specific nucleic acid sequence. The process involves synthesizing single-stranded RNA, single-stranded DNA and Double-stranded DNA. The single-stranded RNA is a first template for a first primer, the single-stranded DNA is a second template for a second primer, and the double stranded DNA is a third template for synthesis of a plurality of copies of the first template. A sequence of the first primer or the second primer is complementary to a sequence of the specific nucleic acid and a sequence of the first primer or the second primer is homologous to a sequence of the specific nucleic acid. The improvement of the amplification process involves the addition of DMSO alone or in combination with BSA, which improves the specificity and efficiency of the amplification.