Abstract: The present invention provides a novel complex of hK2 and PI-6 and methods of using the novel complex and its constituents. The novel complexes of hK2 and PI-6 of the present invention and the PI-6 exist at an elevated level in prostate cancer tissues. PI-6 also exists at an elevated level in other types of cancer cells. Therefore, the hK2-PI6 complexes and PI-6 of the present invention may be used as a serum marker for detecting cancers, particularly prostate cancer. They may also be used as an immunohistological marker to detect prostate cancer tissues. In accordance with the present invention, the hK2-PI6 complexes of the present invention may be detected in patient tissue samples by immunohistochemical and/or in patient fluid samples by in vitro immunoassay procedures. Diagnostic methods for detecting the existence of prostate cancer is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of assaying leukocyte binding to vascular tissue which comprises contacting a suspension of a monocyte-like cell line in a suitable medium with a human vascular tissue sample at a temperature of at least 10.degree. C., and quantitating the number of bound monocyte-like cells over a defined area of tissue sample. The assay allows agents which inhibit binding of monocytes to human vascular tissue to be identified and the invention also relates to the use of such agents in the therapy of atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring the accumulation of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), which are predicated on the discovery that such AGEs are present in tobacco and its byproducts. More particularly, the methods focus on the observation that individuals who smoke or otherwise use tobacco have increased levels of AGEs over non-smoking individuals. The present methods relate to the measurement of AGE levels in both individuals and in tobacco and its byproduct, smoke. Methods are also disclosed for the evaluation of the tobacco products to determine their storage status and organoleptic capacity and potential, as well as for the treatment of the ambient to lower AGE levels. For example, air or other samples may be taken and evaluated by a dosimeter or like device, to determine whether AGE levels exceed normal, after which measures could be implemented to remediate the ambient condition. All such methods and corresponding materials are contemplated and included.

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 method of assaying leukocyte binding to a tissue sample, which comprises contacting a arterial tissue sample at a temperature of at least 10.degree. C. with a suspension of monocytes or a cell line having adhesion to arterial tissue similar to monocytes, and quantitating the number of bound cells over a defined area of tissue sample section. The assay allows agents which inhibit binding of monocytes to human vascular tissue to be identified, and the use of such agents is described in the therapy of atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: Dendritic derivatives of 3,5-bis(aminomethyl)benzene and aminomethyl benzene core groups are disclosed. In each derivative, termed an "amplifier" because the dendritic structure on each molecule terminates with multiple termini to each of which an "active group" can be attached, the desired effect of the active group per mole is amplified compared to conventional compounds having only one active group per molecule. Amplifier molecules can include a targeting group permitting the molecules to preferentially attach to a particular anatomical or physiological situs. Active groups are any of various pharmacologically or therapeutically active moieties, including moieties useful for magnetic-resonance contrast enhancement. The dendritic structures comprise linkers and branch groups covalently bonded to each other in any of various structural combinations. The amplifiers can be prepared as a solution or mixture with a physiologically compatible carrier for administration to a warm-blooded animal subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are amplifier molecules: various organic compounds having branched structures terminating with amine groups to which pharmacologically active groups can be chemically attached. A number of MRI contrast-enhancing agents were synthesized, each comprising plural active groups, such as stable nitroxides and complexes of trivalent metal cations. Such syntheses were successfully performed using a number of amplifiers having different branched structures, demonstrating the general utility of the pertinent chemistry in the synthesis of amplifiers having any of a wide variety of pharmacologically active groups. Amplifiers were also synthesized having linkers terminating with chemically reactive groups such as isothiocyanates, which render the amplifier bifunctional: attachable to polymers, biomacromolecules, or other biocompatible entity possessing multiple reactive sites such as terminal amines.

Abstract: Porphyrin complex compounds consisting of at least one porphyrin ligand, optionally at least one ion of an element of atomic numbers 5, 13, 21-32, 37-39, 42-44, 49, 50 or 57-83 as well as optionally cations of inorganic and/or organic bases, amino acids or amino acid amides, are valuable diagnostic media and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing process using specific stable isotopes associated with specific terminators for labels. The process includes a step of incorporating a stable isotope in at least one of the deoxynucleoside triphosphates and/or the dideoxynucleoside triphosphates such that a terminated strand has included within it or at the end a stable isotope such as an isotope of sulphur. Replicated strands are then separated by performing gel electrophoresis thereon. The location of the DNA strand with the stable isotope assigned to a terminator is analyzed preferably by resonance ionization spectroscopy. The stable isotopes can be chosen such that specific labels are assigned to at least one, and preferably to each base, in the dideoxynucleoside triphosphates. In the preferred embodiment, each of the bases (A, T, G and C) are associated with a specific stable isotopic label, and can be analyzed in a single track which enhances the accuracy of the sequencing process.

Abstract: Nitroxide contrast agents for MRI have a long useful life and can be administered in low concentration doses. Such agents include nitroxide-doped liposomes that encapsulate an oxidant and large molecules having surfaces covered with persistent nitroxide free radicals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the activity of thioredoxin reductase in mammalian cells by contacting the cells in vivo or in vitro with a quaternary ammonium salt spin-labelled with a stable nitroxide free radical, and measuring the rate of reduction of the uncomplexed nitroxide free radical at the cell surface by electron spin resonance. This rate of reduction provides a measure of thioredoxin reductase activity at the surface of the cells.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an actual linear standard curve in a sandwich type of immunoassay where a first antibody bound to an insoluble support and a second unbound labelled antibody complex with the antigen contained in a test sample to form an insoluble antibody:antigen:labelled antibody complex which is then detected. Unbound unlabelled first antibody and/or unbound unlabelled second antibody are added to the reaction mixture to divert excess antigen away from the desired end-product complex, thus rendering the antigen of interest the rate-limiting factor in the overall immunoreaction. This results in a pseudo first-order reaction which produces an actual linear standard curve.

Abstract: An improved imaging technique involving nuclear magnetic resonance. Known drug or neurotransmitter receptor ligands are covalently bound to magnetic resonance image enhancing spin label compounds, such as sterically hindered free radical nitroxide compounds, with the resulting adduct being administered to a patient, and thereafter when the ligand is bound to specific receptor sites in the soft tissue such as the brain, regional tissue area is assessed with nuclear magnetic resonance, allowing diagnostic discrimination.

Abstract: A biochemical method of assaying for ligand molecules in fluids based on the specific interaction of a ligand and a ligand-recognition molecule that binds the ligand wherein a free radical forming group is covalently coupled to label either a ligand sought to be assayed or the ligand recognition molecule or is internally generated from the ligand or ligand recognition molecule, and directly or indirectly assaying for the ligand.

Abstract: A novel analyte-cytolysin conjugate and its use in a lipid vesicle mediated measurement process is described for a wide variety of analytes present at very low concentration. The method involves forming a reaction system consisting of analyte, analyte specific binding agent, analyte-cytolysin conjugate, and vesicles containing detectable marker material in such proportions that uncombined conjugate alters the permeability of the vesicles resulting in the release and quantitative detection of marker material which can be correlated with the amount of analyte initially present.

Abstract: Lipid vesicles, labelled with encapsulated reporter compositions and bound to antibodies comprise a new class of immunoreagent, useful in immunoassays for ligands.