Abstract: The present invention provides hapten derivatives that are useful for the preparation of antigenic, antibody and label reagents having superior performance characteristics for use in immunoassays for the detection of d-propoxyphene and d-nor-propoxyphene. In the present invention the propoxyphene nucleus is derivatized out of the nitrogen center to form an aminoalkyl -carboxyl, -amino, -thiol or -hydroxyl haptenic derivative. The resulting hapten can then be further modified at the now functionalized position off the nitrogen for linking to an appropriate antigenic or labelling group to provide reagents for propoxyphene immunoassays having excellent sensitivity and selectivity for both d-propoxyphene and d-nor-propoxyphene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to advanced glycosylation endproducts, and particularly to the use of novel cyclopentenone aminoreductones, 3-alkylamino-2 -hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-ones. Such AGEs can be used in various diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Sets and libraries of sets of polypeptides that are related in sequence to melittin are disclosed that have antimicrobial, hemolytic and hydrolytically catalytic activities, as are processes for making and using the same. A contemplated set is a mixture of equimolar amounts of a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2, and more preferably SEQ ID NO:3.

Abstract: A method for identifying the presence of spontaneous ischemia in a subject comprised of obtaining biological samples from the subject at each of a plurality of time intervals within 18 hours of the onset of a symptom, measuring the amount of an angiogenic growth factor in the biological samples at each of the plurality of time intervals, and comparing the amounts of the angiogenic growth factor measured, wherein decreasing amounts of the angiogenic growth factor during the time intervals is indicative of spontaneous ischemia. Methods for identifying the presence of ischemia induced by an exercise or a pharmaceutical composition in a subject are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for immobilization onto the surface of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates of a compound or for immunization with a compound, wherein said compound is in the form of a compound carrier complex which is either an avidin-biotinyl compound complex or a streptavidin-biotinyl compound complex.

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: The invention relates to a method and reagent for the specific determination of the LDL fraction in the presence of other serum lipoproteins by adding a water soluble polymeric LDL-aggregating agent and a zwitterionic and/or non-ionic detergent. The LDL aggregate is determined in a direct turbidimetric measurement. Preferred LDL-aggregating agents are polyanions having a branched structure with acid groups, particularly branched alkane sulfonic acid groups as side branches. Preferred detergents are those known as "Zwittergent".

Abstract: A test device for detecting or determining an analyte in a test solution includes an absorbent material having separate contact, competitive binding, and measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned for contact with and uptake of the test solution. The competitive binding portion has a binding material for the analyte non-diffusively bound thereto. The measurement portion has a receptor for the analyte and marker-encapsulating liposomes non-diffusively bound thereto. In a method for using the test device, a solution containing the analyte and the analyte-liposome conjugate is allowed to traverse the absorbent material from the contact portion through the competitive binding portion and on through the measurement portion of the absorbent material. The amount of marker in the measurement portion of the absorbent material, following traversal by the test solution, is then determined as a measure of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic methods and compositions for detection of malignancy or nervous system disorders based on the level of Notch proteins or nucleic acids. Therapeutic methods and methods of inhibiting Notch expression are also provided.

Abstract: An immunoassay directed at certain analytes that are polyaromatic hydrocarbons, such that the immunoreactive standard used for assay calibration allows the creation of calibration solutions of superior stability.

Abstract: Assays for separating magnetic particles include separating magnetically responsive particles from a liquid dispersion disposed in a plurality of reaction vessels, and transporting the reaction vessels in sequence past at least one processing position. A robotics reagent arm and probe dispense reagents into the reaction vessels and a reaction monitoring device is capable of relative movement with respect to the transporting device. Incomplete separation is effected by positioning a magnetic field in contact with the reaction vessel for a first shortened time interval during which the particles partially aggregate and afterwards are removed from the reaction vessel. The magnet is repositioned in contact with the reaction vessel for a third time interval to achieve full separation of particles from the liquid.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining cholesterol in high density lipoproteins, in which, prior to the determination of cholesterol by an enzymatic method, a surfactant and a substance which forms a complex with lipoproteins other than high density lipoproteins are added to a sample containing lipoproteins.The method does not require any pretreatments such as centrifugal separation. With a simple operation, cholesterol in HDLs can be measured effectively. Also, this method can be adopted in a variety of automated analyzers, and thus is very useful in the field of clinical assays.

Abstract: A test device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample includes an absorbent material having separate contact and measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned at or proximate to a first end of the absorbent material. The measurement portion has a receptor for a conjugate of an analyte analog and marker-encapsulating liposomes. In a method for using the test device, a binding material specific for the analyte is combined with the liposome-analyte analog conjugate and the test sample to form a test mixture. The mixture is incubated for a time sufficient to permit competition between any analyte present and the conjugate for the binding material. Following incubation, the mixture is allowed to traverse the absorbent material from the contact portion through the measurement portion of the absorbent material.

Abstract: A method of screening for the presence of a periodontal disease condition is disclosed. The method involves obtaining an oral fluid sample from a human subject being tested, and determining the level of native free pyridinium crosslinks (free pyridinoline and/or free deoxypyridinoline) from the subject. An above-normal level of crosslinks, when compared with a predetermined level characteristic of normal subjects, is an indication of the presence of a periodontal disease condition.

Abstract: Cyclosporine derivatives useful as detectable tracer compounds for the immunoassay determination of cyclosporine are disclosed. The cyclosporine derivatives comprise a detectable moiety coupled to the amino acid at the first position (MeBmt) in cyclosporine, the second position (Abu) in cyclosporine, the third position (Sar) in cyclosporine, the eighth position (D-Ala) in cyclosporine, or the tenth position (MeLeu) in cyclosporine. A preferred cyclosporine derivative comprises a fluorescent moiety coupled to the hydroxyl group of the amino acid at the first position in cyclosporine, and is especially useful for the fluorescent polarization immunoassay determination of cyclosporine. A fluorescent polarization immunoassay method and test kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: Bidentate reagents for rapidly and quantitatively assaying the concentration of pharmacological agents in biological samples are described. The reagents are used in an immunoassay format for determining the concentration of desired, preselected pharmacological agents, such as benzoylecgonine, cocaine, an opiate, PCP, digoxigenin, acetaminophen, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, theophylline, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, vancomycin, quinidine or a cannabinoid.

Abstract: Novel quinidine derivatives are provided which can be used in an improved immunoasssay for the detection of quinidine and quinidine metabolites.

Abstract: The use of an antigen (or antibody) previously modified with a hapten makes the immunoassay of a trace component (analyte) on the basis of a change of turbidity or scattered light intensity caused by antigen-antibody reaction rapid and easy with high accuracy and high reproduction.

Abstract: A device and related method for simultaneously performing a plurality of immunoassays to detect the presence of respective analytes in a sample. The device involves the use of a unitary bibulous material providing one or more flow paths having a common origin site and a plurality of respective reagent zones providing the reagents necessary for performing a visual read-out, competitive immunoassay for the presence of the respective analyte.

Abstract: The invention provides novel labelled boronic acid conjugates of formula ##STR1## (wherein V is a reporter moiety; W.sup.2 is a bond or an organic linker moiety;W.sup.1 is a *SO.sub.2 NR.sup.2, *CONR.sup.2 or *CH.sub.2 N.sup..sym. R.sup.2.sub.2 group bound at the *-marked atom to the phenyl ring;R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an electron withdrawing substituent group; andeach R.sup.2 independently is hydrogen or an optionally hydroxylated and optionally C.sub.1-6 -alkoxylated C.sub.1-6 -alkyl group) and salts thereof, e.g. for use in assays for cis-diols such as glycated blood proteins, having enhanced water-solubility and storage stability.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods to assess connective tissue, especially bone, metabolism in disease or to monitor therapy, which method comprises assessing the levels of native free collagen-derived crosslinks in biological fluids, especially urine. The method can be enhanced by concomitantly determining the levels of an indicator of bone formation in biological fluids of the same individual and assessing the differences between the degradation marker and the formation indicator. Antibodies which are specifically immunoreactive with forms of crosslinks which occur free in biological fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods to assess connective tissue, especially bone, metabolism in disease or to monitor therapy, which method comprises assessing the levels of native free collagen-derived crosslinks in biological fluids, especially urine. The method can be enhanced by concomitantly determining the levels of an indicator of bone formation in biological fluids of the same individual and assessing the differences between the degradation marker and the formation indicator. Antibodies which are specifically immunoreactive with forms of crosslinks which occur free in biological fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed employing a full thickness skin model for determining minimum sun protection factors (SPFs) of various sunscreen formulations by measuring the release of an inflammatory mediator in the skin model.

Abstract: A method for assessing the sensitivity of a patient's tumor cells to cephalomannine and 10-deacetyltaxol in order to treat those tumor cells involves the removal of a sample of the tumor cells and establishing a cell line therefrom. Cells from the cell line are cultured and then contacted with varying concentrations of cephalomannine or 10-deacetyltaxol to form treated cells. The treated cells are assessed to determine the cytotoxic effect of the cephalomannine and/or the 10-deacetyltaxol and, where cytotoxic response is exhibited, a therapeutic dosage is formulated using the selected concentration of cephalomannine or 10-deacetyltaxol and a carrier material. The method is particularly useful for neural and glial tumor cells.

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: A compound useful for forming immunoconjugates used in the detection of organophosphate pesticides is provided. The compound has the formula ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of R--O--, R--S-- and R--NH--, where R is an optionally substituted aromatic or heterocyclic group, or an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group;Y is O or S;R.sup.1 is H or alkyl; andR.sup.2 is a group of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 10, or branched chain alkylene, or a group of the formula R.sup.3 --O--R.sup.4 wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are both or straight or branched chain alkylene;or a salt or ester thereof.

Abstract: The precision of identification of analyte composition in a sample, where the possible analytes each provide a series of values for characteristic parameters; in particular where the parameters are generated by cross-reaction with specific binding reagents, is enhanced by applying pattern recognition techniques. Samples to be tested are evaluated with respect to each survey parameter to obtain a pattern of parameter values with respect to each analyte at a given concentration. In the case of the use of a panel of specific binding reagents, the samples to be tested are reacted with this panel and the affinities at various analyte concentrations are determined. This results in a databank of "SC profiles" for known concentrations of each analyte. This databank is stored in a computationally accessible form, which then can be matched against SC profiles obtained by testing unknown samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining qualitatively or quantitatively the presence of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in a test sample. The method includes the steps of: providing a known quantity of antibodies to the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans; providing a competitor that will bind to said antibodies in competition with the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans and having a lower affinity to said antibodies than said antibodies have to the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans; incubating said antibodies and said competitor in the presence of a test sample; and detecting the presence of the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in the test sample. The invention also provides methods of using the competitor of the present invention to detect qualitatively or quantitatively polycyclic aromatic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of insoluble cytoskeletal proteins, or fragments thereof, which are characteristic of the origin of the tissue. The invention relates as well to the method for detecting such proteins by breaking down and solubilizing the protein for immunological detection and quantitation. The method allows detection of tissue lesions or other pathological foci and metastases.

Abstract: Sets and libraries of sets of polypeptides that are related in sequence to melittin are disclosed that have antimicrobial, hemolytic and hydrolyrically catalytic activities, as are processes for making and using the same. A contemplated set is a mixture of equimolar amounts of a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2, and more preferably SEQ ID NO:3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electrochemically measuring the concentration of fructosamine, or its high alkalinity eneaminol tautomer in a body fluid sample.

Abstract: Novel reagents for the detection by immunoassay of drugs in body fluids, their preparation and use are disclosed. The reagents of the present invention correspond to the formulaP--[A--D].sub.nwhere:D is a drug derivative suitably selective for the determination of the presence of the target drug or drug metabolite,A is an activating linker-spacer group having an N-hydroxysuccinimide or isothiocyanate derived linking moiety,P is a poly(amino acid) or polymer capable of covalently bonding with A, andn is less than l.

Abstract: An immunoassay method that integrates a sample processing component that enables the testing of a variety of environmental matrixes and the components for performing the method, wherein the immunoassay utilizes a monoclonal anti-PAH antibody to detect the presence or absence of PAH contamination in a sample when tested in a field or laboratory location.

Abstract: A method of monitoring markers of bone metabolism by continuously collecting a body fluid sample containing bone loss markers therein and analyzing the components of the body fluids for the markers of bone metabolism.

Abstract: A method for measuring .beta.-(1,3)(1,4)-D-glucan in a sample wherein a reaction solution containing calcofluor and a sample containing .beta.-(1,3)(1,4)-D-glucan are introduced in a reaction zone of a flow injection system and wherein a constant temperature of 0.degree. to 40.degree. C. is maintained at least between a site at which the reactant solution containing calcofluor is mixed with the sample containing .beta.-(1,3)(1,4)-D-glucan, and a detector. When the amount of sample injected into the system is between 0.002 ml and 0.1 ml, the relationship between the void volume in the reaction zone and the amount of sample introduced into the system is determined as follows: when the void volume is less than 0.4 ml: 0.03.times.(void volume (ml))+0.0018.ltoreq.amount of sample (ml).ltoreq.0.066.times.(void volume (ml))+0.0018; when the void volume is 0.4 ml or more: 0.01.times.(void volume (ml))+0.0098.ltoreq.amount of sample (ml).ltoreq.0.026.times.(void volume (ml))+0.00178.

Abstract: The invention concerns monoclonal antibodies, designated tbp-1, tbp-2 and tbp-6, against the extracellular part of the human 60 kD TN tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNF-BP I). These antibodies are suitable for use in highly sensitive immuno-assays for demonstrating the presence of TNF-BP I in body fluids, including urine, and in cell-culture residues. The determination of the TNF-BP I concentration as the basis for a diagnosis of pathological conditions associated with activation of the TNF receptor system is thus particularly useful if the .alpha.-TNF concentration in the organism falls more rapidly than the TNF-BP I concentration. In addition, tbp-1 and tbp-6 can be used to strengthen the protective action of TNF-BP I against .alpha.-TNF and/or .beta.-TNF.

Abstract: A sensitive chemiluminescence immunoassay method for field detection of the presence or the amount of low chlorinated biphenyl compounds in a solution is disclosed. The assay has a five minute analysis time and a working range of detection as low as about 1 part per billion chlorinated biphenyl. Kits for the detection of chlorinated biphenyls are disclosed.

Abstract: Salicylate hydroxylase isolated from Pseudomonas bacteria can be used to determine the level of salicylate in a body fluid by reacting a sample of the fluid with the enzyme and monitoring the conversion of salicylate to catechol. A method of purifying the enzyme from crude bacterial extract using a salicylate affinity column is also disclosed.

Abstract: An immunoassay method and analytical elements for detecting carbamazepine drugs, for example, in body fluids, is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which are distinguished by high selectivity and affinity for metolachlor and which are therefore outstandingly suitable for use in an immunoassay for the rapid and efficient detection of metolachlor. Another aspect of the present invention relates to hybridoma cell lines which produce said monoclonal antibodies and to immunological methods for detecting metolachlor in samples of soil, water or air using said monoclonal antibodies and to the test kits which can be used within the scope of these detection methods.

Abstract: Improvements in immunoassays for chlorpyrifos and compounds structurally related to chlorpyrifos are achieved by using standards of increased stability.

Abstract: An immunological method for the determination of triazine and triazine derivatives by a competitive immunoassay in which the sample and labelled atrazine compete for a polyclonal antibody which is bound to a solid phase before, during or after the immunological reaction, the immunological complex binds to the solid phase, the solid phase and unbound labelled atrazine are separated and the label in the solid or liquid phase is determined as a measure of the content of triazine and triazine derivatives, which is characterized in that polyclonal antibodies which were obtained by immunization with a 4-alkylamino-S-triazine are used and a conjugate of a label and 4-amino-S-triazine which is bound to the label via the 6 position is used as the labelled atrazine. Triazine and triazine derivatives can be determined simultaneously using this method.

Abstract: A method for reducing interferent bias such as hemoglobin bias in immunoassays using dried slide test elements featuring peroxidase and leuco dye as the labeling mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that are distinguished by a high degree of selectivity and affinity towards triasulfurone and that are therefore outstandingly suitable for use in an immunoassay for the rapid and effective detection of triasulfurone. The present invention relates also to hybridoma cell lines that produce the said monoclonal antibodies and to immunological methods for the detection of triasulfurone in soil, water or air samples using the said monoclonal antibodies and to test kits that may be used in those detection methods.

Abstract: Immunoassay for isothiazolones based on monoclonal antibodies that react with isothiazolones, particularly, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone, hybridomas that produce such antibodies, especially ATCC HB 11435, a method of preparing an immunogenic conjugate of isothiazolones and a macromolecule carrier, a method of producing monoclonal antibodies reactive with isothiazolones, and compositions comprising monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies reactive with isothiazolones.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the determination of the content of a particular haemoglobin derivative in a blood sample. In particular, the invention concerns a method for the determination of the content of haemoglobin derivatives such as glycated haemoglobin which require the separate determination of the total haemoglobin content and the determination of the haemoglobin derivative in order to determine the proportion of the derivatized haemoglobin in the blood as well as a suitable haemolysis reagent for this.

Abstract: A polypeptide sequence from Candida albicans is described which has significant sequence homology with known stress proteins from other organism, particularly the heat shock protein hsp 90 of Sacchromyces cerevisiae. Corresponding DNA sequences are also described, together with antibodies raised against fragments of the sequence. The polypeptide and DNA sequences and antibodies provide separate means for the diagnosis and/or treatment of fungal, particularly Candida, infections.

Abstract: A method for determining qualitatively or quantitatively the presence of polychlorinated biphenyl in a test sample. The method includes the steps of: providing a known quantity of antibodies to polychlorinated biphenyl; providing a competitor that will bind to said antibodies in competition with polychlorinated biphenyl and having a lower affinity to said antibodies than said antibodies have to polychlorinated biphenyl; incubating said antibodies and said competitor in the presence of a test sample; and detecting the presence of polychlorinated biphenyl in the test sample. The competitor used in this method has one of the following structures: ##STR1## wherein A is selected from the group consisting of --NH--, --S--, --O--, --CH.sub.2 --, --NH--C(O)--, --C(O)--NH--, --NH--C(O)--NH--, --NH--C(S)--NH--, --N(CH.sub.3)--, --N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --, and --O--C(S)--NH--; B is preferably a single bond or an organic or inorganic group; C is selected from the group consisting of --CO.sub.2 H, --NH.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the determination of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in body fluids, wherein high density lipoprotein (HDL) antibodies are added to a sample to be investigated, insolubles formed are separated off and the LDL or one of its components is determined in the supernatant. The present invention also provides a reagent for the determination of the LDL fraction in body fluids, wherein it contains HDL antibodies.

Abstract: A method for assaying for the presence of analyte in a sample based on differential binding affinity involves detecting dissociation of a complex of receptor and ligand in the presence of analyte. The receptor binds the analyte with high affinity and with the ligand with low affinity. The receptor-ligand complex may be formed in situ or may be preformed. In the presence of free analyte, the receptor releases from the receptor-ligand complex and binds free analyte. Release of the receptor-ligand complex is detectable. A kit for performing release assays to detect the presence of analyte is also provided.