Abstract: Analyte-binding assays, such as iron binding assays, are disclosed. The assays can provide information relating to the serum iron content and/or total iron binding capacity of a sample.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying the active hematinic species present in iron-saccharidic complexes comprising sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function, based on separation of the iron-saccharidic complex from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilization. Separation of the iron-saccharidic complex permits its analytical quantification; further concentration or purification as a new and useful product; preparation of redesigned formulations for new and useful pharmaceuticals; and/or lyophilization.

Abstract: The detection of gallium in biological samples is required due to its role in the diagnosis of tumor and for possible treatment of malignancies. However, the use of purely instrumental techniques is unsuitable for detection of low levels of gallium in biological matrices. New protein conjugates have been synthesized based on 4-(2-pyridylazo) ligands. The conjugates detect gallium in biological matrices using a non antibody-based sandwich assay format. The recovery level is between 97-101.3 with a relative standard deviation of less than 5%. The assay results in a detection limit of 5×10−8 M and a remarkable selectivity for gallium(III) relative to other metals investigated. The new method provides adequate accuracy for gallium applicable for animal physiology and clinical toxicology.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods and systems for testing a substance for inflammatory or oxidant properties under acute inflammatory conditions characterized by increased levels of redox-active metal ions. The method includes the steps of applying an eccentric exercise stimulus to a subject, thereby inducing a muscle injury; administering a substance of interest to the subject; measuring one or more biological markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage, or combinations thereof, within the subject; and correlating the measured value of the biological marker(s) with the inflammatory or oxidative properties of the substance administered.

Abstract: A method which may be used to determine haemostatic dysfunction in a patient is carried out by (a) adding a reagent to a test sample, wherein the test sample includes at least a component of a blood sample from a patient; and then (b) measuring the formation of a precipitate due to the reaction of the test sample and the reagent, over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile, the reagent forming a precipitate in the test sample without causing substantial fibrin polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of performing assay to a fluorite sample, which includes a first step for dissolving a fluorite sample, containing Ca and F, by use of a solvent, a second step for removing Ca and F from an obtained solution, and a third step for assaying, through ICP-MS, the solution having Ca and F removed therefrom. Also disclosed is a method of producing a fluorite crystal and an exposure apparatus using such fluorite crystal, and a device manufacturing method using such exposure apparatus. The assaying method of the present invention ensures assay and evaluation of a fluorite sample, of sensitivity several times higher than conventional methods.

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 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: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A method which may be used to determine haemostatic dysfunction in a patient is carried out by (a) adding a reagent to a test sample, wherein the test sample includes at least a component of a blood sample from a patient; and then (b) measuring the formation of a precipitate due to the reaction of the test sample and the reagent, over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile, the reagent forming a precipitate in the test sample without causing substantial fibrin polymerization.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis fluid used for a continuous recirculating peritoneal dialysis wherein the peritoneal dialysis fluid is infused into a peritoneal cavity of a patient and then, typically on a continuous process basis a portion of the dialysis fluid is sequentially drained from the cavity, cleansed through an extracorpreal dialyzer, and reinfused into the cavity. The dialysis fluid contains as an osmotic agent a substance which does not substantially permeate through pores of hollow fiber membrane of an extracorporeal dialyzer, preferably an osmotic agent having a molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 100,000. The supplemented amount of the osmotic agent is reduced or not needed during the dialysis.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying the active hematinic species present in iron-saccharidic complexes comprising sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function, based on separation of the iron-saccharidic complex from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilization. Separation of the iron-saccharidic complex permits its analytical quantification; further concentration or purification as a new and useful product; preparation of redesigned formulations for new and useful pharmaceuticals; and/or lyophilization.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-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. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for risk of pancreatic cancer in a subject, wherein the presence or absence of increased levels of cadmium in the subject is detected and wherein the presence of increased levels of cadmium in the subject indicates that the subject is at increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: A device for analyzing simultaneously multiple analytes in a fluid of unknown composition. The device includes a plurality of sensors, a light source for providing light to shine on the sensors, light detectors, and a processor. The sensors are exposed to a sample of the fluid of unknown composition. The plurality of sensors includes groups of sensors, each group targeting a specific analyte and including one or more sensors that contain an analyte-specific chemical that interacts more specifically with one analyte than with some other analytes to be analyzed. Each sensor in each group has a different chemical interacting with the analyte to target it. The light source shines light on the sensors of the plurality of sensors to cause light interaction with the sensors. The differences in the sensors lead to differences in the light interaction. The light detectors detects the light interaction by the sensors.

Abstract: Methods, reagents and reaction mixtures for determining total iron binding capability is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasive extraction and/or detection of chemicals such as heavy metals, drugs such as cocaine and analytes such as blood glucose has been developed. A patch or hydrogel containing a reagent such as N-methyl pyrrole, or a similar compound, is used to extract the chemical or analyte to be measured through the skin or hair. This method is most useful for detecting analytes which are generally present in relatively constant blood concentrations. The method is particularly useful for the detection of heavy metals such as lead, lithium, copper, iron, and has been demonstrated to be useful with drugs such as cocaine and acetominaphen, and metabolic analytes like blood glucose.

Abstract: A rapid colorimetric assay is provided for determining the concentration of vanadyl and vanadate ion species, and total vanadium concentration, in a sample. A sample suspected of containing vanadium in one or more of these oxidation states is combined with a colorimetric substrate that will provide for different absorption spectra with vanadyl and vanadate complexes. Suitable colorimetric substrates include halogenated hydroxyquinolines, e.g. broxyquinoline (DBHQ). The solvent and assay conditions are chosen to minimize oxidation of the vanadium. The absorbance of the sample is then read at two wavelengths, one that indicates the presence of both vanadyl and vanadate, and one that indicates the presence only of one species, generally vanadate. By comparison to a standard curve, the total concentration and the species concentration of vanadium in the sample is determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for risk of pancreatic cancer in a subject, comprising detecting the presence or absence of increased levels of cadmium in said subject, the presence of increased levels of cadmium in said subject indicating the subject is at increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric waveguide comprising a lanthanide ion-sensitizer complex, characterized in that the lanthanide ion is preferably neodymium(III) ion (Nd3+), ytterbium(III) ion (Yb3+), or erbium(III) ion (Er3+), and the sensitizer absorbs in the 400-1200 nm region, and preferably in the 600-1000 nm region. The invention also relates to an optical device comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for extracting lead ions from a variety of biological matrices such as human whole blood that has been anticoagulated with either heparin or EDTA, and lyophilized human blood and bovine EDTA whole blood. The released lead is measured in situ with a calorimetric porphyrin reagent without further manipulation of the supernatant. The lead ion releasing reagent can be used in conjunction with a variety of assay formats for the determination of lead in various biological fluids.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-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. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: Method and reagent for the determination of iron in a biological sample in which the bound iron is released, the released iron is reduced to Fe2+, a color reagent solution is added and the color complex that is formed is measured photometrically, characterized in that a water-soluble EDTA-complexing compound in particular an indium and/or scandium salt is added to the sample.

Abstract: A method for monitoring ionized Mg2+ concentrations and ionized Ca2+:Mg2+ ratios in a patient, useful in diagnosing and prognosing disease states including headache, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, hypertension, abnormal pregnancy, head trauma, and fetal abnormalities is provided as well as a composition and a method of treating a patient with ionized Mg2+ or ionized Ca2+ and Mg2+. A method of treating headache is provided.

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: A value-added composition of matter containing plant matter from transgenic alfalfa which expresses exogenous phytase activity is disclosed. The phytase activity is a gene product of an exogenous gene encoding for phytase which has been stably incorporated into the genome of alfalfa plants. The transgenic alfalfa expresses phytase activity in nutritionally-significant amounts, thereby enabling its use in animal feeds to eliminate the need for phosphorous supplementation of livestock, poultry, and fish feed rations.

Abstract: Method for measuring lead concentrations in blood. The present invention includes the use of resonant laser ablation to analyze ≦1 &mgr;L (or equivalent mass) samples of blood for lead content. A typical finger prick, for example, yields about 10 &mgr;L. Solid samples may also readily be analyzed by resonant laser ablation. The sample is placed on a lead-free, electrically conducting substrate and irradiated with a single, focused laser beam which simultaneously vaporizes, atomizes, and resonantly ionizes an analyte of interest in a sample. The ions are then sorted, collected and detected using a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic methods and test kits for rapidly assessing the coagulant activity of blood by measuring the rate of blood clotting in the presence of certain metal ions. A modulator of coagulation may also be included. The coagulation activity of the blood of the patient in the presence of metal ions and an optional modulator is an indication of the presence or development of certain pathological conditions relating to the procoagulant activity of blood, including platelet function. The effect of metal ions on the viscosity of blood is also diagnostically useful.

Abstract: Sensors for the qualitative and quantitative determination of K+ ions in aqueous systems are described, which consist essentially of a carrier and an active layer applied to this carrier, whereby the active layer contains a polymer in which is dispersed at least one modified valinomycin, in which a radical of a fluorescence dye which emits in long waves, preferably an acridine or fluorescein, with an emission wave length of >550, is covalently bound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hemoglobin compositions stabilized against the formation of aggregates. The present invention further relates to methods of making such hemoglobin compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay for an analyte in a fluid test sample such as urine which involves combining the fluid test sample with a reagent system comprising an apo-peroxidase, a redox dye, a peroxide and a metal porphyrin which is bound to an analyte/analyte specific binding partner which complex has a combined molecular weight of at least about 180 K Daltons. When this conjugate interacts with analyte in the fluid test sample, a portion of the specific binding partner is dissociated from the complex thereby enabling the metal porphyrin to reconstitute with the apo-peroxidase. The reconstituted peroxidase can interact with the peroxide and redox dye to provide a colored response to analyte in the fluid test sample.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the detection, determination, and quantitation of certain ions and small molecules involving the quenching of a fluorescent label attached to a macromolecule, often due to fluorescence energy transfer to a colored inhibitor or certain metal ions bound to the macromolecule.

Abstract: A method of treating headache is provided using a water soluble magnesium salt. Specifically, a method of treating a headache is provided for an individual having a serum ionized magnesium concentration of 0.44 mmoles/L to 0.53 mmoles/L and having at least one headache symptom by administering an amount of a water soluble magnesium salt sufficaent to inhibit at least one headache symptom in the individual within 24 hours and to raise the serum ionized magnesium concentration in the individual to within a normal ionized magnesium concentration range of 0.54 mmoles/L to 0.67 mmoles/L. Headache symptoms which may be inhibited include: pain, aura, photophobia, nausea, unilateral pain and phonophobia.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of conducting an assay of a sample containing an analyte of interest includes the step of forming a mixture so as to bring a metal-ligand complex into interactive proximity with the sample containing the analyte of interest. The mixture is irradiated with electromagnetic light energy so as to cause emission of light indicative of the analyte of interest. The emitted light is measured, and the measurement of the emitted light is utilized to measure the analyte of interest. The metal-ligand complex can be [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+, [Os(phen)2(aphen)]2+, [Os(tpy)(triphos)]2+, [Os(tppz)2]2+, and [Os(ttpy)2]2+, or the like. Also, the present invention is directed to a metal-ligand complex of the formula [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+.

Abstract: A harness indicator is highly reactive to a trace amount of Ca2+, and is slow to degrade in a high temperature environment of greater than 50° C. In one embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of Mg-EDTA. In another embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of anhydrous Mg-EDTA. In another embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of anhydrous Mg-EDTA and potassium sorbate. In a further embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of Mg-EDTA and potassium sorbate. In a further embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of potassium sorbate.

Abstract: A control or calibration standard for use with instruments for the optical measurement of the hemoglobin content in blood samples, features scattering particles or beads dispersed in aqueous electrolyte solution. To prevent sedimentation of the beads during storage, they have a mean diameter of <0.6 &mgr;m, preferably about 0.3 &mgr;m, and a volume concentration of <1%, preferably <0.3%. To prevent long term agglomeration, a non-ionic surfactant with an added antioxidant can be included in the formulation.

Abstract: A pipettable detector comprises an aqueous suspension of particles which are essentially insoluble in a sample of a body fluid containing at least one target ion analyte of interest, the particles having uniformly distributed therein target and indicator ionophores which may be present in the same molecule or separate molecules. The indicator ionophore is capable of giving rise to a detectable signal following complexation of the target ionophore with the target ion from the sample. In a method of detecting an ionic analyte of interest in the sample of a bodily fluid, the sample is contacted with the detector. The indicator ionophore gives rise to a detectable signal following complexation of the target ionophore with the target ion from the sample, and the signal is then detected.

Abstract: A composition comprising(a) a transparent support(b) which is coated on at least one side with a transparent coating which comprises(b1) a plasticizer-free, hydrophobic polymer having a glass transition temperature Tg of from -150 to 50.degree. C.,(b2) counterions in the form of lipophilic salts,(b3) an ionophore which forms a complex with the ion to be determined, and(b4) a compound of the formula I or II as fluorophore ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 and R.sub.6 are C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 alkyl-CO--, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 are H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 alkyl, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in the alkyl groups is at least 5, or a salt thereof with an inorganic or organic acid. The composition is highly suitable for the qualitative or quantitative optical determination of ions by fluorescence detection.

Abstract: A polyfunctional amine, such as cyclam, substituted with 4-(N,N-dimethylao) benzonitrile, exhibits triple fluorescence and complexes with metal ions. The complexation of metal ions with the fluorophore changes the triple fluorescence characteristics of the fluorophore. Thus, this substituted polyfunctional amine provides an effective indicator for the qualitative and quantitative detection of metals.

Abstract: Rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes, methods of making them, intermediates in their formation and methods of using them in sensors are provided based upon changes in color absorption upon cation contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining an alkali ion in a sample, wherein the alkali ion is contacted with a compound having a luminophoric moiety and an ionophoric moiety, which ionophoric moiety reacts with the alkali ion present in the sample, wherein the luminophoric moiety changes its luminescence properties, after which the luminescence is measured and the alkali ion determined utilizing the test reading, which method is characterized in that the compound utilized is a diaza-cryptand of the general Formula I: ##STR1## in which X is the luminophoric moiety, m is the number 0, 1 or 2, and o and p independently mean the numbers 0, 1 or 2.

Abstract: A uranium-containing/metal binding complex and process for the determinat of natural and depleted uranium in biological samples such as water, urine, blood serum, saliva, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, stool extract, synovial fluid, tears, semen extract, sputum, and peritoneal fluid. The samples are mixed with a buffer, one or more masking agents, and a solubilizing compound, to form a uranium-containing metal binding complex composition, followed by the addition of a pyridylazo indicator dye to said composition. The increase in absorbance due to the uranium-dye complex is determined with a spectrophotometer or colorimeter.

Abstract: The present invention involves an improvement to an assay for the activity of a metal chelate, such as copper II/creatinine, which activity is related to the concentration of the analyte in a fluid test sample. In carrying out the assay, there is combined the fluid test sample, the metal chelate or precursors thereof, a hydroperoxide, an oxidizable indicator and a pyrazole derivative which inhibits the ability of hemoglobin to oxidize the oxidizable dye.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I:R.sub.2.sup.2 N--CH.sub.2 COCH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 CO--OR.sup.1(I)wherein, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have any of the values defined in the specification; or a salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The invention also provides a method for the diagnosis or photochemotherapeutic treatment of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body using such compounds or salts.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A process is provided for evaluating the global capacity of urine to form chalky renal calculus, the process comprising the steps of pouring a sample of a recently discharged urine into a container plate bearing, on its inner bottom portion, a cup containing a reaction substrate capable of initiating crystallization of calcium in the sample, allowing the sample to rest; discarding the sample from the container plate, washing the container plate with bidistilled water and discarding the water, adding a diluted HCl solution (2.3N) and spreading it over the entire surface of the substrate contained in the cup, adding an aqueous sodium acetate solution (5% w/v) and an indicating solution of ARSENAZO III (0.1% w/v) and mixing the acetate solution and the indicating solution for 15 seconds, to obtain a stained reaction mixture which can be qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. A kit for carrying out this process is also provided.

Abstract: An inventive method and reagent for the colorimetric determination of nickel and cobalt is provided. The method and reagent uses dithiothreitol and a phosphate buffer to quantitatively detect nickel and cobalt at 465 nm and 485 nm, respectively. The method and reagent are accurate over a nickel concentration range of 1.76 to 35.2 ppm, and over a cobalt concentration range of 0.587 to 17.6 ppm. The invention is valid in protein solutions, requires no extractions and uses stable reagents. Common metals found in biological system do not interfere with the method.

Abstract: .beta.-1,4-glucans, particularly cellobiose, can be used to inhibit the glucan-specific enzymatic pathway in an amebocyte lysate. So inhibited, the amebocyte lysate can then be used to specifically detect endotoxin in a test sample. .beta.-1,4-glucan inhibitors can be used in a variety of amebocyte lysate assays, including kinetic-chromogenic, end-point chromogenic, turbidimetric, gel-clot, and ELISA assays.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting in a sample a substance which responds to an applied magnetic field, such as a paramagnetic substance. The sample is placed in an applied magnetic field, and the effect of the sample on a performance characteristic of an electrical conductor is correlated to the presence of the substance. The method and apparatus may be adapted for qualitative and quantitative determination.

Abstract: A novel electrochemiluminescent (ECL) reaction between diaminoaromatic ligands and soluble metal ions, specifically reactions between aminoaromatic ligands, such as 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4,DAT), 3,4-diaminotoluene (3,4,DAT) and 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (2,3-DAN) and metal ions such as Au(I), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Fe(III), Ru)III), Se(IV) and V(V). Such reactions form the basis for ECL assays in detection of various substances, such as the reactants. The ECL interaction between these substances can also form the basis for binding methods in the detection of other substances, such as nucleic acids and antibodies wherein the metal ion ligand ECL complex may be used as a label. The ECL assays are considered useful for carrying out field and laboratory analyses for the detection of TNT breakdown products and toxic metals in wastewater streams, soil, and ground water supplies.