Abstract: The invention is directed to contraceptive vaccines comprising a carrier protein or fragment thereof in peptide linkage with a reproduction related polypeptide, protein or fragment thereof, and to DNAs encoding the chimeric proteins. The invention also includes the use of the chimeric proteins in immunocontraceptive methods.

Abstract: A DNA molecule coding for a food protein, such as ovalbumin or casein, modified so that the codons for phenylalanine have been omitted or replaced by codons for one or more other metabolisable amino acids. Also a modified edible protein coded for by such a DNA molecule. Such modified proteins are useful in the nutrition of patients suffering from phenylketonuria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of the formula These modified streptavidin compounds have are useful as part of a delivery system to deliver a molecule to a target site for use in diagnosis or therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for use in treatment of premature rupture of membrane. The compositions of the invention include a therapeutic amount of an avian thick egg white composition. Preferably, the compositions include the purified thick egg white protein, ovomucin. The methods of the invention involve injecting an effective amount of the compositions into the prematurely ruptured amniotic sac of a patient in order to seal the rupture.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfaces coated with streptavidin and avidin for use in immunoassays, wherein the surfaces comprise a layer of streptavidin and avidin which are bonded on a surface of a solid supporting material through a biotinylated adhering agent.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-viral vector, comprising a cell binding component having a biotin-binding element conjugated to a biotinylated moiety. Also, provided is a method of introducing genetic material inside a specific cell comprising the administration of the non-viral vector to a human, wherein said non-viral vector comprises a cell binding component having a biotin-binding element conjugated to a biotinylated moiety. In addition, there is provided a method of delivering a cytotoxic moiety to a cell comprising the administration of the non-viral vector to a human.

Abstract: Vitamin B.sub.12 receptor modulating agents capable of modulating cell surface receptors by affecting the cell surface receptor trafficking pathway are disclosed. The vitamin B.sub.12 receptor modulating agents are comprised of a covalently bound rerouting moiety and targeting moiety linked by a water-solublizing linker.

Abstract: The invention is directed to contraceptive vaccines comprising a carrier protein or fragment thereof in peptide linkage with a reproduction related polypeptide, protein or fragment thereof, and to DNAs encoding the chimeric proteins. The invention also includes the use of the chimeric proteins in immunocontraceptive methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for avidin immobilized on an inert support material, e.g. agarose, are disclosed. The compositions have high activity levels of avidin and may further include a bulking agent, e.g., maltose, and a protectant to maintain the stability and integrity of the avidin agarose during lyophilization and terminal sterilization processes. These compositions have applicability in any instance where avidin agarose and/or the avidin/biotin technology are useful. In particular, the present compositions are useful in an enzyme capture system to prepare fibrin monomer useful for fibrin sealants. The fibrin is prepared by subjecting a fibrinogen-containing composition to a biotinylated enzyme to convert the fibrinogen in the composition to a corresponding fibrin monomer. A fibrin monomer/biotinylated enzyme mixture is formed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to contraceptive vaccines comprising a carrier protein or fragment thereof in peptide linkage with a reproduction related polypeptide, protein or fragment thereof, and to DNAs encoding the chimeric proteins. The invention also includes the use of the chimeric proteins in immunocontraceptive methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for avidin or protein having affinity for biotin immobilized on an inert support material, e.g., agarose, are disclosed. The compositions have high activity levels for binding biotin and may include a bulking agent, e.g., maltose, and a protectant to maintain the stability and integrity of the composition during lyophilization and terminal sterilization processes. The compositions have applicability in any instance where avidin agarose and/or the avidin/biotin technology are useful. In particular, the present compositions are useful in an enzyme capture system to prepare fibrin monomers useful for fibrin sealants.

Abstract: Biotin-binding modified avidin-type molecules are provided in which the essential tyrosine residue in the biotin-binding site is modified in such a way that its pKa is decreased in comparison to the pKa of the unmodified tyrosine residue in the corresponding unmodified avidin-type molecule. The avidin-type molecules include: (i) native egg-white avidin; (ii) recombinant avidin; (iii) deglycosylated forms of avidin; (iv) bacterial streptavidin; (v) recombinant streptavidin; (vi) truncated streptavidin; and (vii) derivatives of (i)-(vi) which are modified at sites other than the essential tyrosine residue. The modification is achieved by substitution at one or both ortho positions to the hydroxy radical of the tyrosine residue by radicals such as nitro, halogen, azo and amino. The modified avidin-type molecules can be used in all applications of the avidin-biotin technology.

Abstract: Improved methods of detecting and/or treating lesions in a patient are provided.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed. In particular, methods for radiometal labeling of biotin and for improved radiohalogenation of biotin, as well as related compounds, are described. Also, clearing agents, anti-ligand-targeting moiety conjugates, target cell retention enhancing moieties and additional methods are discussed.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed. In particular, methods for radiometal labeling of biotin and for improved radiohalogenation of biotin, as well as related compounds, are described. Also, clearing agents, anti-ligand-targeting moiety conjugates, target cell retention enhancing moieties and additional methods are discussed.

Abstract: There is provided a bodily fluid simulant made from red blood cells in an amount between about 10 and about 60 weight percent, egg white in an amount between 20 and 50 weight percent, and plasma.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: A biotinylated cobalamin, formed from a vitamin B.sub.12 molecule coupled to a biotin molecule, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the vitamin B.sub.12 molecule is cyanocobalamin. The biotin molecule can also be coupled to a rerouting moiety, optionally through a biotin binding protein such as avidin or streptavidin. The biotinylated cobalamin binds to a cell surface receptor, is invaginated, and once internalized affects the receptor trafficking pathway.

Abstract: Improved methods of detecting and/or treating lesions in a patient are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunoassay reagents including specific antibodies to quinoline carboxylic acids, such as brequinar; novel quinoline carboxylic acid haptens useful as standards in immunoassays or for conjugating to large molecular weight carriers as immunogens or conjugating to detectable fluorescent moieties as tracer compounds. The present invention also relates to immunoassays for detecting quinoline carboxylic acids in clinical samples, and finally to kits containing said reagents.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of avidin, a therapeutic agent moiety of a conjugate, or a targeting composition is reduced by coupling the immunogenic agent with a carbohydrate polymer or polyol groups, such as polysaccharides (e.g. dextran), polyethylene glycol and the like.

Abstract: An ovoglycoprotein has a molecular weight of 30,000 daltons which is determined by a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight type mass spectrometer, an amino acid sequence of 15 residues from the N-terminal represented by Thr-Glu-Ser-Pro-Xaa-Ser-Ala-Pro-Leu-Val-Pro-Ala-Asp-Met-Asp (wherein Xaa represents a cysteine residue or an amino acid residue having a sugar chain linked thereto) (SEQ ID NO:1) and a sugar content of about 25% by weight and free of trypsin-inhibitory activity and a resolution agent for chromatography comprises a fixed phase which comprises a carrier and the foregoing ovoglycoprotein linked to the carrier. The agent for resolving optical isomers is not expensive, and is stable and highly resistant to deterioration by organic solvents, excellent in liquid-flow through properties, has a high sample-loading rate and permits efficient resolution of optical isomers of a chiral compound.

Abstract: A method for Avian sex-preselection by identifying sex-specific proteins for maternal immunization to embryonic proteins is described. Sex-preselection proteins are used in sexing offsprings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved specific binding assay methods, kits and devices utilizing chromatographically mobile specific binding reagents labelled with colloidal particles. Specific binding reagents labelled with colloidal particles such as gold and selenium may be subjected to rapid chromatographic solvent transport on chromatographic media by means of selected solvents and chromatographic transport facilitating agents. Further, impregnation of solid substrate materials with labile protein materials including colloidal particle and enzyme labelled reagents in the presence of meta-soluble proteins provides for the rapid resolubilization of such materials which have been dried onto such substrate materials.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for inhibiting retroviral infections such as HIV. The methods of this invention involve the use of certain fragments of fibronectin and such fragments conjugated to carrier molecules such as ovalbumin to inhibit retroviral infections. The invention also includes novel proteins which comprise fibronectin fragments covalently linked to carrier proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel photo-activatable derivative of ryanodine 9-hydroxy-21-(4-azidobenzoyloxy)-9-epiryanodine. This novel ryanodine derivative has been conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and used for the production of antibodies with high affinity and specificity to ryanodine. A radioimmunoassay specific for ryanodine was developed using the anti-ryanodine antibodies, and a dissociation constant for ryanodine of 1 nM was determined. Also disclosed is the binding of a labeled, photoactivatable derivative of ryanodine (ABRy) with the ryanodine receptor of skeletal, cardiac and brain membranes. Digestion of the labeled ryanodine receptor revealed a labeled 76 kDa tryptic fragment which is critical for the formation of the high affinity ryanodine binding site.

Abstract: A proteinaceous product comprises a stable, substantially clear, thermally irreversible gel formed by the reaction product of protein and reducing sugar, preferably containing from 2 to 25% gel-forming protein by weight. Particles or pieces of edible material may be embedded in the gel, or the gel may be divided into pieces and incorporated as an ingredient in a food product, and the product can be rendered commercially sterile while remaining substantially clear. Such products can be produced by a process which comprises reacting an aqueous dispersion of a protein or proteinaceous material with a reducing sugar or source thereof in the presence of a denaturing agent (e.g. a chaotropic agent), and/or denaturing conditions (e.g. alkaline pH).

Abstract: A method for the treatment of the symptoms of fescue toxicosis in mammals comprising injecting a subject mammal with a vaccine which includes from about 5 .mu.g to about 1 mg of a protein-alkaloid conjugate per mL of a physiologically acceptable carrier. There is also provided a vaccine for the treatment of the symptoms of fescue toxicosis and a compound for preparing that vaccine.

Abstract: This invention relates to derivatives of dipyrrometheneboron difluoride fluorescent dyes that have an absorption maximum at wavelengths longer than about 525 nm, and are chemically reactive with nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and other biologically derived or synthetic chemical materials to form dye-conjugates. The dye-conjugates generally have the structure: ##STR1## wherein at least one of the substituents R.sub.1 -R.sub.7, covalently bonds to a specific binding pair member, and further where at least one of the substituents R.sub.1 -R.sub.7 contains a bathochromic moiety that is heteroaryl or alkenyl. The remaining substituents, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, halogen, alkyl (containing 1-5 carbon atoms), aryl, arylalkyl, or sulfo.

Abstract: Fluorescent tagging compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is a member selected from the group consisting of an aromatic ring, a heteroaromatic ring, and a heterocyclic ring, and R is a linking moiety having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally containing nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, oxygen atoms, carbonyl groups, carboxyl groups, and/or amide groups, as well as fluorescent tagged oligosaccharide adducts derived therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: An inhibitor of the biosynthesis of sugar chains containing sialic acid that is excellent in the suppression of inflammation or allergy, which comprises as an active ingredient a sugar compound of the formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a peptide residue or a glycoprotein, and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, a sulfhydryl group, an acyloxy group, an acylthio group, an aryloxy group, an alkyloxy group or a glycothio residue. The inhibitor of the biosynthesis of sugar chains containing sialic acid may be used as a therapeutic agent for inflammation caused by sugar chains containing sialic acid.

Abstract: A method for making a valproic acid derivative comprising a functionalized spacer arm attached to a .delta. carbon atom of a valproic acid molecule is disclosed. The method proceeds by attaching a spacer arm joined to an inorganic moiety to a valproic acid precursor to make an alkylated compound, derivatizing the alkylated compound in a liquid medium to make the valproic acid derivative, and then separating the valproic acid derivative from the liquid medium. The valproic acid derivative can be used to make an immunoreactive valproic acid conjugate.

Abstract: Polymeric carriers are polypeptides comprising at least one drug-binding domain that non-covalently binds a drug. A polymeric carrier may be attached to an antibody specific for desired target cells to form immunoconjugates that deliver a drug to the target cells in vivo. A polymeric carrier may be attached to a proteinaceous or a non-proteinaceous ligand or anti-ligand to form a conjugate useful in pretargeting protocols to deliver a drug to target cells in vivo. The carriers are derived from drug-binding proteins and produced through peptide synthesis or recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: N-substituted azetidinones are a class of inhibitors of human leukocytes elastase which are known to be useful in the treatment of a wide variety of antiinflammatory and antidegenerative diseases. In inhibiting elastase, the therapeutic agents are shown to form a characteristic stable complex with the enzyme. In the assay disclosed herein, the inhibitor-enzyme complex is advantageously hydrolyzed and specific product(s) of the hydrolysis are measured. The assays are useful in a clinical setting, for determining appropriate dosage and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.

Abstract: This invention provides enzyme conjugates, antigens, antibodies and diagnostic test kits used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method for determining the presence and concentration of imidazolinone compounds.

Abstract: Iron complexes with conalbumin and its derivatives, such as acetylconalbumin and succinylconalbumin, with an iron content ranging from 2 to 30% by weight, useful for the treatment of sideropenic and hypochromic anaemia, preparation process and pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredients.

Abstract: N-substituted azetidinones are a class of inhibitors of human leukocytes elastase which are known to be useful in the treatment of a wide variety of antiinflammatory and antidegenerative diseases. In inhibiting elastase, the therapeutic agents are shown to form a characteristic stable complex with the enzyme. In the radioimmune assay disclosed herein, the inhibitor-enzyme complex is advantageously hydrolyzed and specific product(s) of the hydrolysis are measured. The assays are useful in a clinical setting, for determining appropriate dosage and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescence polarization assay for phencyclidine and phencyclidine derivatives, to the various components needed for preparting and carrying out such an assay, and to methods of making these components. Specifically, tracers, immunogens and antibodies are disclosed, as well as methods for making them, and a reagent kit containing them. The tracers and the immunogens are made from substituted phencyclidine compounds. A fluorescein moiety is included in the tracer, while a poly(amino acid) forms a part of the immunogen. The assay is conducted by measuring the degree of polarization retention of plane polarized light that has been passed through a sample containing antiserum and tracer.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyprotein having at least 10 units, and often as many as 50 to 100 and more units held together by sulfur to sulfur or sulfur to carbon bonds is disclosed. Each unit comprises a protein and one or more heterobifunctional reagents. One functional group of the reagent is capable of forming a covalent bond with an amino group, permitting the reagent to bind to a protein. The other functional group of the reagent is capable of forming a covalent bond with a thiol group so as to form the covalent sulfur-carbon or sulfur-sulfur bond with another heterobifunctional reagent bonded to another protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for assaying biological samples, such as human serum, for barbiturates. In one aspect, analogs of barbiturates derivatized with fluorescein and analogs of barbiturates derivatized with immunogenic polypeptides are provided. The fluorescent analogs are employed as tracers in a competitive homogeneous immunoassay, i.e., a fluorescence polarization immunoassay, for detecting barbiturates. The immunogenic analogs are employed to make anti-barbiturate antiserum of the invention for use in the immunoassay method. Intermediates for preparing the fluorescent and immunogenic analogs are also provided. Further provided are test kits, comprising a fluorescent tracer and an antiserum according to the invention, for analyzing biological samples by fluorescence polarization immunoassay for the presence of a barbiturate.

Abstract: A substance which contains a specific antibody or specific transfer factor-like component is produced from the yolks or albumens or both of eggs of a hen which has been immunized against a selected antigen such as a pathogenic bacteria. The substance is active against the antigen, and is useful for protecting animals from attack by the same antigen as used in immunization of the hen. It is also useful as additives in food for animals, cosmetics, and medicines. The transfer factor-like component is recovered from a fraction of at most 10,000 in molecular weight of the yolks or albumens or both of the eggs.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteinaceous, water-dispersible macrocolloids which in a hydrated state have a substantially smooth, emulsion-like, organoleptic character. The macrocolloids may be produced from a variety of substantially soluble undenatured protein starting materials by controlled heat denaturation under high shear conditions.

Abstract: In accordance with the practices of this invention, there is provided a heterologous detection system and components useful in conjunction therewith and kits for carrying out the heterologous detection system. The heterologous detection system employs a heterologous entity and a signalling entity. The heterologous entity contains two free complex forming sites that form different complexes, i.e., two kinds of complexes can be formed. The first free complex forming site is utilized to recognize the labeled probe and the second free complex forming site is utilized to recognize the signalling entity, with each complex formed being different. The signalling entity contains a free complex forming site that can recognize the second free complex forming site of the heterologous entity and a signalling portion that is capable of generating a signal.

Abstract: Compounds having a dithiopyridyl moiety linked to a biotin moiety are useful as thiol specific biotinylating agents. The biotin label can be cleaved in a reducing environment to yield the native thiol.

Abstract: Compounds having a dithiopyridyl moiety linked to a biotin moiety are useful as thiol specific biotinylating agents. The biotin label can be cleaved in a reducing environment to yield the native thiol.

Abstract: An antibody specific to trifluralin can be produced by first substituting a soluble, straight chain amino acid for a propyl group of .alpha.,.alpha., .alpha.-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N-N-dipropyl-p-toluidine. The trifluoro group at the 4 position, the nitro group at the 2 position and the other nitro group at the 6 position are left exposed. Thereafter, the resulting substitution product is conjugated, at the site of the substituted amino acid group, with a lysine-rich protein. The resulting compound is then used as an antigen to evoke an immune response in a host animal or antibody producing cell line. The antibody produced against the antigen is then harvested and used in an assay such as a radioimmunoassay or enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) to determine the presence and concentrations of trifluralin in agriculturally significant substances such as plant materials, soil and water or to otherwise test for trifluralin contamination of water, food and air.

Abstract: A process for producing gluten having high solubility which comprises heating an aqueous acidic solution of gluten and one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of albumins and globulins in an amount of one half or less of that of gluten under acidic conditions and then, after cooling, neutralizing the solution, if necessary.

Abstract: A solution containing from about 0.25% to about 5% hydrolyzed ovalbumin by weight provides surprising thermal stabilization of monoclonal antibodies.