Abstract: An improved method of detecting latent bloodstains using a thickened solution of fluorescin which is applied to a surface, activated by application of hydrogen peroxide and visualized as fluorescein under ultraviolet (UV) light is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound is disclosed that includes a complexing moiety, such as a cryptand or crown-ether portion, and a fluorescing moiety such as a coumarin portion. The coumarin portion may be substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group such as a substituted aromatic group or a substituted heterocyclic group having a heteroatom in at least one of its alpha positions. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.

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 monoaza-crown ether of the general Formula I ##STR1## in which X is the luminophoric moiety, m is the number 0, 1 or 2, and r and s independently mean the numbers 0, 1 or 2.

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: This invention relates to a method to assess food spoilage ex vivo by quantification of prostanoid compounds and their metabolites produced by a noncyclooxygenase free radical catalyzed mechanism.

Abstract: A method and a reagent for highly accurate measuring of trace amount of metals in a sample of living body. The method and the reagent for measuring metals in a sample of living body includes:(1) a method for measuring metals in sample of living body, in which metals other than the objective metals of measurement are added to the measurement system to release the objective metals bonding to co-existing substances in the sample from the co-existing substances; and(2) a reagent for the measurement, in which metals other than the objective metals of the measurement are contained in a reagent for measuring metals in a sample of living body in order to release the objective metals bonding to the co-existing substances in the sample from the co-existing substances.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to iron sensors. Immobilized in close proximity of the potential or pH measuring surface of a proton sensing device, minute quantities of an iron chelator such as siderophores or transferring cause detectable variation of the potential or pH upon the binding of iron. The sensing devices for measuring this change in potential or pH include the iron chelator-modified ion-selective field effect transistors (IC-ISFET) and/or pH indicator papers of the present invention.

Abstract: The fertile period in a female can be detected by monitoring the calcium and magnesium concentrations in unstimulated saliva. In the three to five day period immediately prior to ovulation, the calcium and magnesium concentrations of saliva drop. This concentration monitoring can be done by any conventional means for quantitatively assaying calcium or magnesium, such as by flow through tests, test strips, cards, charts, probes, meters, and the like.

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 colorimetric 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: A solution-based assay for determining the presence of peroxidatively-active substance in a bodily fluid is described. The solution-based assay contains a spectrophotometric substrate, a hydroperoxide, a pH 6.0-7.0 buffer, a surfactant, and a solvent such as DMSO, THF, DMF, or mixtures thereof, with the balance of the solution being water. The solution-bascd assay is particularly useful in qualitative and quantitative assays for urinary hemoglobin. Solution-based assay kits and assay methods are also described.

Abstract: A device for measuring an intracellular ion concentration in a living cell into which a fluorescent probe dye has been introduced. A concentration of an ion in the cell is measured based on intensities of fluorescence generated by irradiating the cell with excitation beams, and comparing the intensities of fluorescence emitted by the cell with fluorescence intensities generated from each of 3 reference solutions irradiated with excitation beams. The device is composed of a container means for holding an object to be measured, an excitation beam irradiating means, a fluorescence intensity detecting means, a first processing means for receiving output signals of the fluorescence intensity detecting means and a second processing means for solving simultaneous equations to determine a concentration of the ion to be measured within the cell.

Abstract: Composition, comprising in homogeneous distribution A) at least one salt containing a lipophilic anion, B) a plasticiser-free thermoplastic randomly segmented polyurethane which is soluble in organic solvents, a polyurea or a polyurethane urea, which components are formed from a) 5-45% by weight of an aromatic, cycloaliphatic or linear aliphatic dilsocyanate, b) 0-20% by weight of a linear or branched C2-C12alkylenediol or C2-C12alkylenediamine, c) 0-75% by weight of a polytetrahydrofuran or aminopropyl-terminated polytetrahydrofuran, d) 0-10% by weight of a polyethylene glycol or aminopropyl-terminated polyethylene glycol, e) 0-75% by weight of a polypropylene glycol or aminopropyl-terminated polypropylene glycol, which composition contains f) 15-95% by weight of a hydroxy-, hydroxypropyl- or aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, the percentages relating to the amount of polymer, and the sum of components a) to f) being 100, and C) a nonionic ionophore which forms a complex with Ca++ ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to assess oxidative stress in vivo by quantification of prostaglandin F.sub.2 -like compounds and their metabolites produced by a noncyclooxygenase free radical catalyzed mechanism.

Abstract: A method for determining fibrinogen concentration whereby thrombin or a protease inhibitor having similar activity thereto is added to an undiluted to test sample to convert fibrinogen in the sample to fibrin, and determining a coagulation time fibrinogen is converted in a reaction mixture containing a salt at a high concentration and a reagent therefor. The determination in the presence of a salt at a high concentration permits simplified determination without diluting the test sample.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds which specifically inhibit factor Xa activity. The compounds consist of the structure X.sub.1 -YIR-X.sub.2, wherein X.sub.1 is H, acyl, alkyl, acylalkyl, arylalkyl or one or more amino acids, and X.sub.2 is a modified C-terminal group, one or more carboxy-protecting groups or one or more amino acids or other substituent, and Y, I and R are tyrosine, isoleucine and arginine, respectively, or peptidomimetic or organic structures that possess the same functional activity as Y, I and R, respectively. In addition, the present invention provides a compound having the structure A1-A2-(A3).sub.m --B, where m is 0 or 1. A compound of the invention can be linear or cyclic and can be about 2 and 43 residues in length. A compound of the invention is characterized, in part, in that it exhibits a specific inhibition of factor Xa activity with a K.sub.i of .ltoreq.100 .mu.M, preferably .ltoreq.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining ionized calcium in a sample by using a phospholipase, which comprises carrying out an enzyme reaction with the phospholipase in a buffer comprising a nitrogen heterocycle-binding sulfonic acid having a pK ranging 6.6 to 7.6 or a salt thereof.According to the method of the invention, the amount of ionized calcium in a sample, such as serum, can be accurately determined.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement apparatus (1) for analysing fluids, comprising a container (3) in the form of a syringe, into which a fluid may be taken in via an intake device (14) through at least one opening (5), and further comprising a sensor (7) which is either integrated in the container wall (9) or is attached to said container wall (9), the sensor(s) (7) being so disposed that it/they can come into contact with the fluid which may be taken up into the cavity (10).

Abstract: A method of diagnosing interstitial cystitits in an individual and a kit for the method, comprising the steps of: obtaining primary cultures of urothelial cells; selecting urothelial cells of basal type and producing secondary cultures; measuring in secondary cultures (1) percentage of single cells and percentage of large colonies; (2) determining proliferative ability; (3) determining differentiation ability; (4) determining the percentage of large colonies that express phosphotyrosine and/or nitrotyrosine; (5) measuring the percentage of apoptotic cells; (6) measuring the percentage of large colonies; and (7) comparing the percentage of the colonies to baseline values of the same parameters determined in samples of similarly cultured urothelial cells taken from individuals not suspected of having interstitial cystitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the sensitivity and accuracy of a lead assay. The method enhances the recovery of lead during isolation of the lead from interfering compounds by maintaining the lead in a sample solution and making the recovered lead available for detection by the assay. An enhancing reagent complexes with the lead isolated in the sample solution. The enhancer includes a chelator having a lead equilibrium binding constant in the range of about 4 log K to about 13 log K. A kit for performing such a lead assay is also provided.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for measuring the concentration of metal ions in solution, particularly lead in blood. The device comprises a mercury free electrode (16), which is separated from the test solution (21) by a layer of material (20) which permits passage therethrough of the ions to be measured. In preferred embodiments an insulating layer (18) having an array of photoablated holes (19) is disposed between the electrode and the ion-permeable layer (20). Also disclosed are methods for operating the device and measuring ion concentration using anodic stripping voltametry, and assay kits incorporating devices as described together with appropriate meters and circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of polyvalent metal ions using a sandwich aggregation assay. One or more chelating agents capable of forming at least 2:1 or higher ratio stoichiometry complexes with polyvalent metal ions are attached to a suitable carrier such as latex particles through covalent bonds or by non-covalent interactions, such as hydophobic interactions. Upon complexation with the metal ions, the carriers of the complexing agent aggregate, causing an increase in light absorbance or light scattering which is proportional to the concentration of metal ions in the test sample. The measurement of the light absorbance or light scattering by a suitable instrument, such as a spectrophotometer or nephelometer provides a means for measuring the concentration of metal ions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for screening for possible prostate cancer presence. The method calls for assaying apolipoprotein D ("ApoD") levels in body fluids, such as serum. Assays for ApoD can be used prognostically, as well as diagnostically.

Abstract: A "reagentless" chemiluminescent biosensor and method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide, ethanol and D-glucose in water. An aqueous stream is basified by passing it through a solid phase base bed. Luminol is then dissolved in the basified effluent at a controlled rate. Oxidation of the luminol is catalyzed by the target chemical to produce emitted light. The intensity of the emitted light is detected as a measure of the target chemical concentration in the aqueous stream. The emitted light can be transmitted by a fiber optic bundle to a remote location from the aqueous stream for a remote reading of the target chemical concentration.

Abstract: A sample is treated with a phosphoglyceric acid mutase (PGAM) inhibitor (polythionic acid (salt) such as potassium tetrathionate) to inactivate the M-type isozyme activity and the B-type PGAM is quantified by determining PGAM isozymes by a rate assay. The B-type PGAM is a novel marker for cerebral apoplexy, and the diagnosis of cerebral apoplexy is enabled by assaying it.

Abstract: Adherent cell lines are grown on cover slips. The cover slips are placed in a culture media containing fluctuating concentrations of drugs for the purpose of testing simulated drug dosage regimens for use in the treatment of human infection. The cover slips are removed and the cells are harvested and processed for viable bacterial numbers of viral DNA over time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a non-radioactive method and kit for determining a heart disease risk factor and for determining efficacy of treatment for heart disease.

Abstract: In order to determine iron in serum by releasing the bound iron through addition of a protein denaturing agent, reduction of the released iron to Fe.sup.2+, addition of a color reagent solution and photometric measurement of the color complex that forms, a mixture of a denaturing agent containing urea or a urea derivative and a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether are added to the sample solution.

Abstract: Diaza-18-crown-6 compounds of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein X is a phenol, naphthol or quinolinol moiety selected from those of the formulae: ##STR2## R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, cyano, nitro, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.8) acyl, acetamido, mercapto, alkyl or arylsulfonyl, trifluoromethyl, aryl, and substituted aryl wherein the aryl moiety is selected from phenyl and naphthyl and the aryl substituent is selected from halo, cyano, nitro, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.8) acyl, phenyl, acetamido, mercapto, alkyl or arylsulfonyl and trifluoromethyl; provided that when R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen and X is phenol, R.sub.4 is not nitro; and provided that when X is phenol and R.sub.5 is hydrogen, R.sub.1 (or R.sub.2) and R.sub.4 are not both nitro.

Abstract: An accurate and effective measurement of copper in subject samples is rendered possible even for minute amounts of copper, by converting copper-bonded hologalactose oxidase to the apo-form by liberation of the copper, and measuring the copper of the sample in a reaction system containing the apogalactose oxidase.

Abstract: Gliotoxic factor in the isolated or purified state, characterized in that it possesses toxic activity with respect to human or animal astrocytic cells, having the effect of a cytomorphological disorganization of their network of intermediate filaments and/or a degradation of the proteins of said intermediate filaments and/or cell death, in particular by apoptosis.

Abstract: An optical indicator for determining the activity of an ion in a sample is provided with an ionophor which is capable of selectively binding the ion to be measured. The ionophor has at least two functional groups that can form an electron donor acceptor (EDA) complex, the complex bond being broken up by the attachment of the ion to be determined. This will lead to a change in at least one of the measurable optical properties of the indicator in dependence on the activity of the ion to be measured.

Abstract: Half-sandwich complexes of transition metals having a single .pi.-ligand with delocalised .pi. bonding are of use in mediating electron transfer between an electrode and a redox protein, for example an oxidoreductase enzyme such as in an amperometric enzyme sensor. Suitable compounds include complexes of the general formula:(.pi.-ligand)M(not-.pi.-ligand).sub.nwherein the complex is charged or neutral, .pi.-ligand represents the single .pi.-bonded ligand, M represents the transition metal atom, n is the number of ligands which are not .pi.-ligands, and the n not-.pi.-ligands are the same or different, are univalent or multivalent, and serve to satisfy the valency of the transitional metal M.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent for enzymatic determination of serum bicarbonate levels in a patient wherein the degree of oxidation of a coenzyme is measured and said reagent is stabilized against oxidation by a coenzyme reduction system comprising an enzyme and substrate pair selected to enable continuous regeneration of said coenzyme throughout storage of said reagent. The invention also provides an improvement in an enzymatic method of determination of the concentration of serum bicarbonate in a sample body fluid wherein the degree of oxidation of a coenzyme is measured, the improvement comprising stabilizing a reagent which comprises the coenzyme against oxidation by a coenzyme reduction system comprising an enzyme and substrate pair selected so as to enable continuous regeneration of the coenzyme throughout storage of the reagent.

Abstract: Endotoxin (Et) can be specifically assayed by exclusively utilizing the factor C system reaction without being affected by factor G contained in a limulus amebocyte lysate reagent.The present invention provides: (1) a reagent for ET-specific assay which comprises a limulus amebocyte lysate reagent and an alkylglucoside; (2) a method of specifically assaying Et in a specimen using a limulus amebocyte lysate reagent, wherein an alkylglucoside is added to the limulus amebocyte lysate reagent and/or the specimen; and (3) a factor G activation inhibitor composition which comprises an alkylglucoside as an active ingredient capable of inhibiting the activation of factor G in limulus amebocyte by (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D-glucan.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to assess oxidative stress in vivo by quantification of prostaglandin F.sub.2 -like compounds and their metabolites produced by a noncyclooxygenase free radical catalyzed mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining sodium ions in a sample using .beta.-galactosidase in an aqueous medium, wherein a .beta.-galactosidase reaction is carried out in the presence of a cation which competes with the sodium ion.The method of the present invention is good in accurate determination and reproducibility and enables the simple and quick quantitative determination of sodium ions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions that have prophylactic or therapeutic applications for disease resulting from the production of cytokines, and preferably the cytokine IL-6, wherein the compositions consist of activin like molecules.

Abstract: A method of noninvasive and in-vitro glucose and cholesterol concentration measurement employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is described. The measurement comprises a ratio formed by dividing the area of the resonance of the desired analyte, e.g., glucose or cholesterol, by the area of the water resonance in a spectrum of blood or tissue. In the in-vivo setting, the spectrum is obtained either in linkage with the pulsation of blood or by using a slice selection gradient such as that employed in the magnetic resonance imager. This measurement is then correlated to a traditional serum analyte concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunossays for metal ions. The invention presents: metal ion-ligand coordination complexes ("MLC"), novel ligands, antibodies specific for MLC, immunoassays utilizing the foregoing, and methods for selecting said antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for determining (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D-glucan comprising a lysate substantially free from any endotoxin-sensitive factor, which is obtained by contacting limulus amebocyte lysate optionally containing dextran with a polyamide or cellulose insoluble carrier, which makes it possible to rapidly and easily determine at a high accuracy (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D-glucan of mycotic origin contained in the body fluid such as blood or urine.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the level of lead in blood and other types of samples. The level of lead is determined by using a lead-sensitive enzyme. As a first step, a native lead-sensitive enzyme in the sample is disabled. This step may be omitted if the sample is known not to contain any lead-sensitive enzymes. A quantity of lead-sensitive enzyme with known enzymatic activity is then added to the sample. The new enzymatic activity of the sample is then measured. Finally, the level of lead in the sample is determined from the measurement of the new enzymatic activity, which differs from the known enzymatic activity if lead is present in the sample.

Abstract: Electrochemical heavy metal analysis includes a printed electrode having a layer of a mercury compound or salt supported thereon. The compound or salt is reduced to metallic mercury in use of the electrode. The mercury layer may comprise a layer of hydroxyethyl cellulose or other permeable polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunoassays for metal ions. The invention presents: metal ion-ligand coordination complexes ("MLC"), novel ligands, antibodies specific for MLC, immunoassays utiliizing the foregoing, and methods for selecting said antibodies.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions comprising an effective amount of at least one carbonyl trapping agent alone or in combination with a therapeutically effective of a co-agent or medicament are disclosed. The compositions are used to treat a mammal suffering from a neurological disease characterized by covalent bond crosslinking between the nerve cells, other cellular structures and their intracellular and extracellular components, with disease induced carbonyl-containing aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons present in mammals.

Abstract: A method for determining the sensitivity of at least one nonparaffinophilic microorganism from a specimen obtained from a patient to different antimicrobial agent and predetermined quantities thereof. The method includes providing at least one receptacle containing an aqueous solution and inoculating the solution with the specimen. The method further includes placing into the receptacle (i) a slide coated with a carbon source and (ii) a predetermined quantity of an antimicrobial agent to be tested. By observing the nonparaffinophilic microorganism growth or lack thereof on the slide, it can be determined whether the predetermined quantity of the antimicrobial agent is effective in inhibiting growth of the nonparaffinophilic microorganism on the slide. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric optical amplifier doped with lanthanide ions, which are present in the amplifier in the form of a complex.The invention also relates to novel electrically neutral lanthanide complexes which can be applied with advantage in the above-described polymeric optical amplifiers. These complexes comprise host molecules which readily complex with the lanthanide and fully encapsulate it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunoassays for metal ions. The invention presents: metal ion-ligand coordination complexes ("MLC"), novel ligands, antibodies specific for MLC, immunoassays utiliizing the foregoing, and methods for selecting said antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a family of fluorescent indicators for metal cations. The indicators are fluorophore conjugates of pyridyl-based metal ion chelators. The indicators are very sensitive detection as quantification reagents for a variety of metals, in a variety of oxidation states, even in the presence of high concentrations of Ca.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+ or other ions, such as is found in seawater, making them highly useful for assaying physiological samples, biological samples, or environmental samples.