Abstract:
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies and a method for the quantification of apolipoprotein(a) and lipoprotein(a) present in human body fluids. The method is not sensitive to the presence of plasminogen or the apo(a) kringle 4 repeats. The assay involves the addition of the test sample to an immobilized anti-apo(a) antibody and forming a first immobilized complex of apolipoprotein(a)/anti-apo(a) first antibody, contacting first immune complex with an anti-apo(a) monoclonal antibody specific for apo(a) with non crossreactivity to plasminogen and which does not identify the kringle 4 type 2 apo(a) repeats and thereafter quantitating apo(a) based on the amount of bound anti-apo(a) monoclonal antibody. Immobilized goat or rabbit anti-human apo(a) antibody can be employed as the first capture antibody and the mouse anti-apo(a) monoclonal antibody as second antibody. The amount of anti-apo(a) monoclonal antibody bound is quantitated through binding of a third antibody enzyme conjugant, e.g., goat anti-mouse antibody/horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate, followed by reaction with a suitable substrate such as o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride.
Abstract:
There is disclosed block and graft copolymers which, in one embodiment, contain both a temperature-sensitive polymer component and a pH-sensitive polymer component, and the use of such copolymers for topical drug delivery to a treatment area. The block and graft copolymers may be physically mixed with one or more drugs to form a copolymer-drug mixture. This mixture may be applied to the treatment as solid particles suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or as a liquid which gels upon contact with the treatment area. Upon contact with the treatment area, the pH-sensitive polymer component hydrates and swells, thereby causing release of the drug from the mixture. In addition, such hydration and swelling causes the pH-sensitive polymer component to adhere to the tissue of the treatment area, thus prolonging contact time. The temperature-sensitive polymer component resists hydration and swelling of the mixture, thereby imparting a sustained and controlled release of the drug to the treatment area. In another embodiment of this invention, bloc and graft copolymers, and hydrogels thereof, are disclosed having broad industrial applicability.
Abstract:
Methods for stimulating erythropoiesis using hematopoietic proteins are provided. The methods provided may be used to stimulate erythropoiesis in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells and in vitro and in vivo. In addition, methods for treatment of thrombocytopenia and anemia in patients are disclosed.
Abstract:
A microtomographic system (10) for generating high-resolution, three dimensional images of a specimen (16) is disclosed. The microtomograph system includes an x-ray generator (12) that produces an x-ray beam (14), a specimen holder (18) that holds the specimen in the beam, and an x-ray detector (20) that measures the attenuation of the beam through the specimen. Two projections of each view of the specimen are made with this microtomographic system. Each projection is made with a different intensity x-ray beam. After the projections of one view of the specimen are made, the specimen is rotated on the specimen holder and another set of projections are made. The projections of each view of the specimen are analyzed together to provide a quantitative indication of the phase fraction of the material comprising the specimen. The projections of the different views are combined to provide a three-dimensional image of the specimen.
Abstract:
Vaccine compositions and methods which include interleukin-7 (IL-7) improve the potency of the vaccine formulation in a mammalian host. The methods relate to administering a therapeutically effective amount of a vaccine and a potency-improving amount of IL-7. Preferably the IL-7 is dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as a lipid dispersion. IL-7 provides enhanced vaccine potency for preventing microbial infections, especially viral infections (e.g. herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)), but can also be used to enhance the potency of vaccines against fungi, yeast, bacteria and protozoa. In preferred embodiments, the viral antigen component of the vaccine and IL-7 combination is recombinant HIV envelope protein or HSV glycoprotein D.
Abstract:
Derivatized calcitonin molecules, pharmaceutical compositions comprising derivatized calcitonins, and methods of reducing serum calcium in a patient using the derivatized calcitonins are disclosed. The molecules are characterized by a derivatized amino terminus formed by combining a calcitonin with a cyclic, polycyclic or heterocyclic moiety. Multimeric forms of the molecules are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A system (10) is disclosed for use in detecting and analyzing cell and tissue microstructure as part of the diagnosis of a variety of pathological conditions, including cataracts, as well as aging, disease and certain traumatic events. The system includes a data input system (12), which may produce data regarding the microstructure to be evaluated either invasively or noninvasively. An electron microscope (20) may be employed to collect data regarding the microstructure of any tissue to be evaluated for the existence of a pathological condition. The system (12) also includes a computer (14) programmed to analyze the output of the data collection system by using signal processing techniques that are applicable to the data output characterizing the nonrandom microstructure. These techniques include fractal analysis, oscillatory analysis, and a modified Fourier/fractal analysis. The outcome of the signal processing is then compared to empirical data to effect a diagnosis.
Abstract:
Human checkpoint huCDC34, huRAD9?compA?, and huRAD9?compB? cDNAs are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. A method for isolating a human checkpoint cDNA that is capable of restoring growth at a restrictive temperature in a yeast test cell, wherein the yeast test cell comprises a genome having a first gene that forms a DNA strand break at a restrictive temperature and a second gene that fails to induce a cell cycle arrest in response to the DNA strand break, whereby the growth of the yeast test cell is inhibited at the restrictive temperature, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a human cDNA library comprising a plurality of human cDNA clones; inserting the human cDNA clones individually into plasmid vectors comprising a selectable marker gene; transforming a culture of the yeast test cells with the plasmid vectors from the preceding step; selecting for yeast test cells transformed with the selectable marker gene; growing the selected transformants at the restrictive temperature and isolating a candidate transformant capable of growing at the restrictive temperature; and identifying the human cDNA carried by the candidate transformant as a human checkpoint cDNA by sequencing the human cDNA carried by the candidate transformant and determining that the human cDNA is less than 50 % homologous with both the first gene and the second gene.
Abstract:
The instant invention provides methods of expressing polynucleotides in the cells of the liver comprising administering viral particles comprising a recombinant AAV vector into a mammal, preferably a human.
Abstract:
A motion control device (16) for a virtual environment, robot or vehicle. The controller allows the user enough movement in the real world to create a sense of reality and presence in the virtual environment. A user is positioned on a surface and is able to move within multiple control regions (24, 26). The virtual environment, robot or vehicle responds differently to inputs from a first control region (24) than from a second control region (26).