Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a test compound that binds to a target species. The method includes: incubating at least one test mixture under isothermal denaturing conditions, each test mixture comprising at least one test compound, and at least one target species, wherein the isothermal denaturing conditions are effective to cause at least a portion of the target species to denature to a measurable extent; detecting a denaturation signal of each target species in the presence of the at least one test compound by a change in the diffusion properties of the target molecule using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy; and comparing the denaturation signal of each target species in the presence of at least one test compound with a denaturation signal of the same target species in the absence of the at least one test compound under the same isothermal denaturing conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an intestinal sample of a human or animal patient comprises a holder part (1) and an expandable part (2) supported by the holder part and having one or more sampling areas (8) on the surface thereof. The expandable part (2) is in a non-expanded state rectally insertable into and retractable from the patient's intestine, and in an expanded state, inserted into the patient's intestine, the expandable part is capable of contacting the intestinal wall with at least one sampling area (8; 14). The apparatus further comprises protective livers (7a, 7b) for preventing said sampling area or areas (8) from contact with the intestinal wall and intestinal fluid at least when the expandable part (2) in the non-expanded state is being rectally inserted into the patient's intestine.

Abstract: A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.

Abstract: The OX-40 antigen is characterized and claimed together with variants and derivatives thereof. Also described are binding agents for the antigen and the use of these in diagnosis and therapy. Examples of such use include a method for the selective depletion of activated CD4+ T-cells in vivo by using immunotoxins comprising an OX-40 antibody conjugated to a toxic molecule (such as Ricin-A chain). The administration of these specific immunotoxins is used therapeutically to deplete autoimmune reactive CD4+ T-cells which have been implicated in diseases including Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, and Autoimmune Uveitis as well as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease. This type of therapy is also beneficial for eradicating CD4+ T-cell lymphomas and alloreactive CD4+ T-cells involved with a transplantation reaction. The use of the human form of the OX-40 antibody will also help in the early diagnosis of all the diseases mentioned above.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing biological samples for the subsequent detection of an analyte. In particular, the invention relates to a process for the isolation of a nucleic acid in a sample using a suspension of magnetic glass particles. In addition, kits and apparatuses containing magnetic glass particles for sample preparation are provided.

Abstract: Methods are described for conjugating radioiodinated peptides or carbohydrate structures to proteins with improved yields and qualities of conjugates. In one method, specially designed radioiodinated bifunctional peptides containing nonmetabolizable amide bonds are coupled to antibodies. In a second method, radioiodinated nonmetabolizable bifunctional peptides, which also contain aminopolycarboxylates, are coupled to antibodies. In a third method, radioiodinated bifunctional aminopolycarboxylates are coupled to antibodies. In a fourth method, a hydrazide-appended antibody is coupled to a radioiodinated carbohydrate or a thiolated antibody is coupled to a hydrazide-appended and radioiodinated carbohydrate. In a fifth method a monoderivatized cyanuric chloride is used to conjugate thiolated antibody. Radioiodinated residualizing antibody conjugates made by these methods are particularly stable in vivo and are suitable for radioimmunodetection and radioimmunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for identifying novel compositions which modulate the activity of Toso, and the use of such compositions in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to binding protein assays. In particular, this invention relates to binding protein assays for B12 and folate in serum or plasma. More specifically, this invention provides a sequential assay that uses a combination of specific binding proteins, and anti-binding protein antibodies to measure B12 and folate in serum or plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of harvesting rare cells from blood products and/or obtaining products of the rare cells. The method includes contacting a blood product containing rare cells with a porous medium, and selectively retaining rare cells of interest on the porous medium. The porous medium can be contacted with an elution fluid wherein a population of the rare cells is eluted from the porous medium. Rare cells selectively retained on the porous medium can be cultured on the porous medium, and products of the rare cells can be obtained.

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: Specific Ikaros mutations, as well as the correlation of the presence of the specific Ikaros mutations and other wild-type non-DNA binding Ikaros isoforms with lymphoid cell abnormality is provided in the in the invention. Methods for detecting and treating lymphoid cell abnormality, including hematoloic malignancy, are also provided.

Abstract: Novel proteins obtainable by mutagenesis of surface-exposed amino acids of domains of natural bacterial receptors, said proteins being obtained without substantial loss of basic structure and stability of said natural bacterial receptors; proteins which have been selected from a protein library embodying a repertoire of said novel proteins; and methods for the manufacture of artificial bacterial receptor structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, kits, and devices for detecting cardiac ischemia, hypoxia, or other causes of heart failure in a mammal by obtaining a test sample from a mammal, measuring a level of a non-polypeptidic cardiac marker in the test sample, and determining if the level of the cardiac marker measured in said test sample correlates with cardiac ischemia or hypoxia or another form of heart failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, kits, and devices for detecting cardiac ischemia, hypoxia, or other causes of heart failure in a mammal by obtaining a test sample from a mammal, measuring a level of a non-polypeptidic cardiac marker in the test sample, and determining if the level of the cardiac marker measured in said test sample correlates with cardiac ischemia or hypoxia or another form of heart failure.

Abstract: Molecules, such as antibodies, with binding specificity for Tissue factor Inhibitor (TFI) or for polypeptides comprising one or more Kunitz domains of TFI can be used in methods to detect TFI or polypeptides containing a Kunitz domain of TFI in biological fluids. Either direct or indirect detection methods can be carried out.

Abstract: An immunological assay and kit for colon cancer screening is disclosed. Fecal glycoproteins are extracted from individual samples such that immunogenicity is maintained. The purified fecal glycoproteins are reacted with antibodies to Colon and Ovarian Tumor Antigen (COTA). The mucin antigen COTA is specifically present in colorectal cancer tissue and not in normal colons. The amount of COTA in the fecal sample is determined and used to indicate the presence of colon cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use thereof for capture and detection of selected molecules are described. In one embodiment, a first composition includes a ligand component, such as an antibody coupled to a nucleic acid component. An a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid is labeled with a fluorescent marker to facilitate detection. Another aspect of the invention is the ligand component bound to a solid support via a complementary nucleic acid component and a linker moiety. The method involves binding the target with the first composition in free solution, then binding the target to the solid support by means of both DNA hybridization and antibody-antigen affinity binding. Unbound molecules are washed away, and then the bound targets are detected by fluorescence detection. Vital stains can also be used to detect viable cells.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of at least two predetermined known materials in a test sample are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sample addition station for adding a sample to a test column in the apparatus, a reagent station, a washing station, a detection station for detecting signals on the snares of the test column due to the presence of the predetermined known materials in the sample, and conveying means for conveying the test column from the sample addition station to the reagent station, washing station, and detection station. The test sample is introduced into a test column which has at least two snares for capturing the predetermined known materials, and the snares are separate spatially one from another. Each snare has a capture material specific to the associated predetermined known material. The detection station has a plurality of detectors for detecting signals on the snares of the test column due to the presence of the predetermined known materials in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specific for murine prion protein PrPc. These Mabs can be applied to immunoblotting, cell surface immunofluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry at light and electron microscopy. Additionally, these Mabs recognize both the normal (PrPc) and protease-resistant (PrPres) isoforms of PrP. Some Mabs are species restricted, while others react with PrP from a broad range of mammals including mice, humans, monkeys, cows, sheep, squirrels and hamsters. Moreover, several of the Mabs selectively recognize different PrP glycoforms as well as the metabolic fragments of PrPc. These newly generated PrPc antibodies are useful for exploring the biology of PrPc and to establish the diagnosis of prion diseases in both humans and animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to capillary electrophoretic methods for detecting ligands or hit compounds that can bind to a selected target at or above a selected binding strength. The method allows one to rank various ligands based on their relative affinity, i.e., the relative stability of the target/ligand complex during capillary electrophoresis under selected conditions. The method also enables selective detection of strong-to-moderate binding hit compounds, even in the presence of high concentrations of weaker, competitive hit compounds.

Abstract: A method for the multiplexed diagnostic and genetic analysis of enzymes, DNA fragments, antibodies, and other biomolecules comprises the steps of constructing an appropriately labeled beadset, exposing the beadset to a clinical sample, and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify, in real-time, beads within an exposed beadset and textual explanations, based on the accumulated data obtained during real-time analysis, are generated for the user. The inventive technology enables the simultaneous, and automated, detection and interpretation of multiple biomolecules or DNA sequences in real-time while also reducing the cost of performing diagnostic and genetic assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening drugs for use in treating hypertension using the tubular renin-angiotensinogen system identified by the present invention. The invention further relates to a method to diagnose sodium status and sensitivity in an individual by measuring urinary angiotensinogen or angiotensin-I.

Abstract: The invention relates to cycloalkyl derivatives, a process for their preparation and their use.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention is a method of determining terminal sialic acid residues in human transferrin according to a sandwich principle, which is characterized in that the sample fluid containing the human transferrin is incubated with a first receptor which binds specifically to human transferrin, the thus-formed complex is separated from the sample fluid and incubated with a second receptor which binds specifically to terminal sialic acid residues in human transferrin, the second receptor being bound or able to bind to a marker, and the complex made up of the first receptor, human transferrin and the second receptor is determined with the marker. According to one embodiment, the method of the invention allows the determination of sialic-acid-deficient human transferrin in body fluids.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a test specimen are described. The methods use an immunoreagent, where one of the analyte and the immunoreagent is an antigen, and the other of the analyte and the immunoreagent is an antibody which specifically binds to the antigen. An important feature distinguishing these immunoassays over conventional immunoassays is that the standard sample containing a known concentration of analyte is measured in the same reaction vessel as the test specimen containing an unknown amount of analyte.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to an HIV-1 group O envelope antigen comprising SEQ ID NO: 100, and the use of said antigen as a reagent in the diagnosis of HIV-1 group O infection, and a kit therefore.

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

Abstract: To provide a method for measuring an antigen concentration in a solution, which method is highly reliable and practical as well as being labor-saving even in an antigen excess region, an antibody solution is mixed in a sample solution containing an antigen to measure a turbidity, and an acidic solution is further added therein to measure a turbidity, thereby determining the concentration of the antigen from these measured values.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an assay for free protein S comprising addition of a ligand specific for free protein S to a biological fluid sample to form a protein S/ligand complex, and subsequent determination of the amount of said complex formed in the sample. The ligand specific for free protein S is comprised of the C4b binding protein (C4BP) or part thereof or a compound comprising an amino acid residue sequence that binds specifically to the binding site for C4BP in protein S.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated Kinase and Phosphatase nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel protein kinase and protein Phosphatase polypeptides. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing Kinase and Phosphatase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a Kinase and Phosphatase gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated Kinase and Phosphatase proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-Kinase and Phosphatase antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of brain/neurological disease involving abnormally phosphorylated tau protein using at least one antibody chosen from the group consisting of monoclonal antibody AT180 secreted by the hybridoma deposited at ECACC on Dec. 22, 1992 under No. 92122204, and monoclonal antibody AT270 secreted by the hybridoma deposited at ECACC on Jul.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the determination of an analyte in which rheumatoid factors or rheumatoid-factor-like substances are added as an interference reducing reagent to reduce of avoid a hook effect. The invention in addition concerns suitable reagent kits for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for detecting multiple compounds in a sample, involving: (a) contacting the sample with a mixture of binding reagents, the binding reagents being nucleic acid-protein fusions, each having (i) a protein portion which is known to specifically bind to one of the compounds and (ii) a nucleic acid portion which encodes the protein portion and which includes a unique identification tag; (b) allowing the protein portions of the binding reagents and the compounds to form complexes; (c) capturing the binding reagent-compound complexes; (d) amplifying the nucleic acid portions of the complexed binding reagents; and (e) detecting the unique identification tag of each of the amplified nucleic acids, thereby detecting the corresponding compounds in the sample. Also disclosed herein are kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent energy transfer dyes which are capable of moving between a more stacked configuration to exhibit fluorescent quenching and a more spaced configuration to exhibit fluorescence can be conjugated to a peptide epitope for use in the detection of an unknown antibody in bulk solution. The resulting labeled peptide reagent can be used in an immunoassay procedure by placing it in bulk solution along with the unknown antibody to be detected. When the antibody binds to the peptide epitope, the pair of dyes carried by the peptide epitope will have their configuration altered from a stacked to an unstacked configuration and will exhibit a fluorescent increase in response thereto.

Abstract: A homogeneous assay for determining the fumonisin content in grains uses the technique of fluorescence polarization. A grain extract is prepared by shaking a crushed grain sample with a solvent. A mixture is prepared by combining the grain extract with a tracer and with monoclonal antibodies specific to fumonisin. The tracer is able to bind to the monoclonal antibodies to produce a detectable change in fluorescence polarization. The tracer is prepared by conjugating fumonisin to a suitable fluorophore. The fluorescence polarization of the mixture is measured. The fumonisin concentration of the mixture may be calculated using a standard curve obtained by measuring the fluorescence polarization of a series of fumonisin solutions of known concentration.

Abstract: A diagnostic system comprises a desk-top, flat-bed optical scanner (101) which scans a substrate, such as a microtitre plate (107) containing a mixture (105) of a sample and an agglutination reagent which react to generate an assay result of an agglutination assay. The scanner (101) generates a digitized image of the assay result. A personal computer (103) coupled to the scanner (101) is arranged to perform an analysis of the digital image to provide a quantified result for the degree of agglutination of the assay result.

Abstract: Isolated antibody or preparation of antibodies comprising an antigen-binding domain wherein the antigen is present on activated dendritic cells and wherein the antibody does not interact with CMRF-44 antigen or CD83 antigen.

Abstract: Methods for detecting parasites, such as Cryptosporidium parvum, in turbid and non-turbid samples by solubilizing molecular markers or antigens of the parasite. The molecular markers are solubilized by incubating a sample containing the parasite with a solubilization buffer and detecting the solubilized antigens by electrochemiluminescence. The solubilization buffer contains one or more detergents alone or in combination with one or more denaturing agents in a buffered solution. The methods are an improvement over existing immunofluorescence assays for C. parvum because the methods described herein are quantitative, reproducible, have high sensitivity, are not labor-intensive, require only minimal sample processing, and avoid being adversely affected by sample turbidity. In addition, by using a electrochemiluminescence assay, microscopy is not required.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a marker useful for detection and measurement of free radical damage. Specifically, the invention takes advantage of alterations which occur to the N-terminus of the albumin molecule, a circulating protein in human blood, in the presence of free radicals. These alterations effect the ability of the N-terminus of the albumin molecule to bind metals. Methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of an albumin containing sample, analysis and measurement of the ability of albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay specific to the altered form of serum albumin which occurs following free radical damage.

Abstract: Protein arrays for the parallel, in vitro screening of biomolecular activity are provided. Methods of using the protein arrays are also disclosed. On the arrays, a plurality of different proteins, such as different members of a single protein family, are immobilized on one or more organic thinfilms on the substrate surface. The protein arrays are particularly useful in drug development, proteomics, and clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: A method for the detection of point mutation and polymorphisms in nucleic acids or for sequencing of unknown nucleic acids by a simple procedure using arrays uses nucleic acid analoges as sequence discriminators. This procedure simplifies the working mode in complex problematic cases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for differentiating human peripheral blood granulocytes which comprises cultivating the granulocytes in the presence of an interferon and acting an immune complex on said granulocytes in the presence of a chemiluminescent substance, and measuring the chemiluminescent amounts induced. It contributes to the screening of patients suffering from serious infectious diseases or a range of inflammations, and is advantageous for monitoring the curative effects for those patients.

Abstract: An immunoassay for selectively measuring human C-peptide as well as a kit therefor is disclosed. In the method, human C-peptide contained in a sample, a first anti-human C-peptide antibody, and a second anti-human C-peptide antibody which is immobilized on a solid support are reacted to form an immune complex among these three components. The formed immune complex is separated from the non-reacted antibodies and sample; and then the separated immune complex is quantified. The first antibody recognizes an epitope existing in the region from 1st to 16th amino acid residue from the N-terminal of the human C-peptide, and the second antibody recognizes an epitope existing in the region from 1st to 16th amino acid residue from the N-terminal of human C-peptide; with the proviso that the first and second antibodies do not recognize the same epitope so that they can simultaneously bind to said human C-peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a molecular event, comprising (1) applying an electromagnetic test signal to a sample in which a molecular event is being detected, whereby the sample interacts with and modulates the test signal to produce a modulated test signal, and (2) detecting the modulated test signal, wherein the applying and detecting take place in a temperature-controlled environment, wherein the temperature-controlled environment comprises the sample, a radiating portion of a signal generating circuit, and a receiving portion of a signal detection circuit and wherein the applying and detecting take place in the environment at a temperature controlled to within ±0.5° C.

Abstract: An object is to obtain a container for measurement of cell functions which is simplified in operation, less risky and capable of measuring the cell functions very accurately. A container for measurement of cell functions, for use in the determination of a physiologically active substance produced by blood cells, is constituted such that an amount of material capable of inducing production of the physiologically active substance, when extracted by collecting water of a volume equal to a liquid volume to be subjected to measurement, is controlled at a level insufficient to induce production of the physiologically active substance from the blood cells.

Abstract: A vaccine and a method of raising neutralizing antibodies against HIV infection. The vaccine comprises a complex of gp120 covalently bonded to CD4 or to succinyl concanavalin A. Also disclosed are immunological tests using the complex or antibody thereto for detection of HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-idiotypic antibody having specific reactivity with an idiotope common to more than one type of anti-HIV-1 antibody, and having no specific reactivity with non-HIV-1 antibodies. The present invention provides methods of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of HIV-related diseases through the use of this antibody or related compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid method for the detection of ischemic states and to a kit for use in such a method. Provided for is a rapid method of testing for the existence of and quantifying ischemia based upon method of detecting and quantifying the existence of an alteration of the serum protein albumin which occurs following an ischemic event; methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of circulating blood, analysis and measurement of the ability of serum albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay sepcific to the alterated form of serum albumin which occurs following an ischemic event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-4 (DR4) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR4 proteins. DR4 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of DR4 activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure, on the surface of the support material of which structure molecular layers are immobilized so as to be electrically addressable, a method for the electrically addressable immobilization of molecules, a device for carrying out this method, and the use of this structure as a chemo- and/or biosensor, in particular as a multisensor system for chemical, biological, and physical assays, and for applications in the combinatorial synthesis on the boundary surface.