Abstract: Peptide derivatives of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a substituted amino group which is capable of being split off enzymatically with formation of a colored or fluorescent compound R.sup.1 -H. The said peptide derivatives are used for quantitatively assaying the enzyme C.sub.1 -esterase. The assaying is carried out by reacting a medium which contains C.sub.1 -esterase or in which the latter is formed or consumed with a peptide derivative as defined above and measuring photometrically, spectrophotometrically, fluorescence-spectrophotometrically or electrochemically the quantity of split product R.sup.1 -H released per time unit by the catalytic hydrolytic action of the said enzyme on the peptide derivative.

Abstract: An immunoassay method and reagent system for determining nonenzymatically glucosylated proteins and protein fragments in a biological fluid based on the specific binding of such proteins and fragments with anti(Amadori-rearranged glucose), e.g., antibodies which selectively recognize the rearranged deoxyfructose form of glucose resulting when proteins are nonenzymatically glucosylated. The antibodies are raised against an immunogen comprising an immunogenic carrier material bearing 1-deoxy-1-fructosyl residues or conformers of such residues. Measurement of nonenzymatically glucosylated proteins and fragments thereof provides a useful index of blood glucose levels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the incorporation of C.sub.16 to C.sub.20 unsaturated fatty acids into in vitro growth media of milky disease bacilli, e.g. Bacillus popilliae, to extend culture viability and/or promote sporulation.

Abstract: In a process for measuring the activity of a dehydrogenase or the amount of substrate reacted in the presence of the dehydrogenase using NAD or NADP as coenzyme and a tetrazolium salt as a color-producing reagent, when at least one member selected from the group consisting of dodecyl sulfate, decyl sulfate, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, and salts thereof is used as a reaction stopper, resulting in enhancement of coloring, stability of the produced color and prevention of the produced formazan compound from staining the laboratoryware.

Abstract: Aqueous formulation containing monoclonal antibodies active against cell-bound antigens, particularly human red cell antigens, the said formulation containing a soluble salt in a concentration of not less than about 200 mmoles/1.

Abstract: A plate of suitable nutrient medium and agar is inoculated with bacteria from a biological sample. Bacterial colonies are cultured on the plate and are then overlaid with a soft agar layer containing bacterial lysing agents. A removable sheet with bound first animal antibodies for cholera toxin is used to contact the overlaid lysed colonies. The sheet is then exposed to a second animal antibody to cholera toxin followed by treatment with a third animal antibody against the second animal antibody, said third animal antibody being coupled to an enzyme capable of generating a chromophoric product. The sheet is then developed by immersion in a substrate and system for the bound enzyme to produce chromophoric products at the sites of enterotoxigenic bacterial colonies.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein allows for the pretreatment of organisms, suspected of being a material of interest, prior to performing an assay for a determination thereof. The method comprises contacting the organism in an aqueous medium with a composition comprising (1) an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing bonds between N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid and (2) a chelating agent, in amounts and under conditions sufficient to produce a homogeneous suspension of the organism of interest in the aqueous medium but insufficient to produce lysed cells or spheroplasts. The method and composition are particularly applicable to the pretreatment of cells of gram negative bacteria such as, for example, N. gonorrhoeae, and of chlamydia.

Abstract: A stabilized indicator powder for use in assays to detect the presence of peroxidase or other peroxidatively active substances, wherein the indicator is stabilized by being combined with a water soluble polymer. As a dry powder, the indicator retains its reactivity for at least several months. The powder readily dissolves in an aqueous medium and as a solution retains its reactivity for a period of weeks, even in the presence of peroxide.

Abstract: A method and medium for the multiplication of normal diploid cells from mammals is described, comprising cultivating the cells in a culture medium containing an amine derivative or derivatives represented by the general formula: NR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 (wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represents a straight, branched or cyclic alkyl group or a hydrogen atom, provided that R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are not hydrogen atoms at the same time. Addition of these specific amine derivatives permits multiplication of normal diploid cells in a culture medium containing a limited concentration of serum. These amine derivatives are inexpensive and can be stored for a long period of time, and their storage and handling are easy. The use of these amine derivatives overcomes various problems encountered in using serum in the multiplication of normal diploid cells according to conventional methods.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which M each independently is hydrogen, an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion, or an ammonium ion substituted by up to four C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 -alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl radicals,are fluorogenic and suitable for the fluorimetric determination of phosphatases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing ribavirin from 1,2,4-triazole-carboxamide and a ribose donor by the enzymatic action of a microorganism belonging to specific genera, e.g. Brevebacterium. The specific feature of the invention is, above all, utilization of said microorganism under non-proliferatating conditions.

Abstract: A phospholipid mixture, rich in N-acylphosphatidylserine (NAPS), is produced by growth of certain bacterial cultures in media containing effective amounts of tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane. NAPS may be isolated in high purity by chromatographic techniques.

Abstract: A method for identifying specific bacterial species in derived samples is based on 26 tests for the presence of constitutive enzymes, which, with the exception of two tests which require about two and a half hours, can be done relatively quickly, and without need for bacterial growth. By quantifying the amount of enzyme identified by the substrate test, a highly reliable identification of bacterial species present can be made. A kit, comprising substrates specific to the enzymes to be tested for, is provided for carrying out the test.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-reduced substantially allergen-free single cell protein product is obtained by culturing a yeast, fungi or bacterium on an ultra-low sulfate medium, treating the produced cells with a base at a pH of about 9.5 with moderate heat, thereafter treating the base-treated cells with acid to a pH of about 4 with moderate heat, and treating the base-treated acid-treated cells with a relatively high temperature short time heat shock, followed by extrusion. Optionally, the extruded product is annealed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new microorganism belonging to Streptococcus thermophilus having an oxygen uptake ability of at least 30 nano moles per milligram of dried cell of said microorganism per minute which is defined by the quantity of oxygen consumption as determined by Warburg's manometric method, and to a microbial composition which comprises as main ingredients viable cell mass of (a) said microorganism and (b) bifidobacteria.

Abstract: A specimen tray apparatus is disclosed primarily for use in cell culture studies. The apparatus includes a tray and a plurality of individual cells in the form of specimen vessels which can be removably located in the tray. A lid is also provided for the tray and is physically identical therewith. Each vessel has a cover which is received in an opening in the lid when the tray and lid are assembled, so that pressure sensitive tape can then be used to releasably secure the covers to the lid while allowing one or more of the covers to be released when appropriate by peeling back the tape.

Abstract: A collagen preparation comprising collagen-I for human or veterinary medicine obtainable by proteolyzing, cross-linking, reducing, optionally heat treating, and finally sterilizing mammalian collagen I material under conservation of its biological texture.

Abstract: An easily loaded culture plate for microorganisms with an unconstrained flat agar surface for sampling flat areas.

Abstract: Single cell protein is produced in an aqueous fermentation process employing an oxidizable sulfur energy source plus a carbon dioxide source, such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, in a controlled oxygen aqueous environment. The process also can employ carbon dioxide containing off-gases from a conventional aqueous fermentation process employing a conventional oxidizable carbon energy source, such as methanol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the determination of the activity of glutamateoxalacetate-transaminase (GOT) in aqueous solutions in which(a) .alpha.-ketoglutarate is reacted with alanine-sulphinic acid, catalyzed by GOT, to give pyruvate, sulphur dioxide and glutamate,(b) the resultant pyruvate is reacted with phosphate and oxygen, catalyzed by pyruvate oxidase, to give acetyl phosphate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide,(c) the hydrogen peroxide and a chromogen is reacted, catalyzed by a peroxidase, to give a dyestuff and water and(d) the amount of dyestuff formed is determined, wherein the chromogen used is N-(3'-sulphonyl-4'-hydroxy-5'-chlorophenyl)-4-aminoantipyrine (SHYC-AA), 4,5-bis-[4-dimethylaminophenyl]-2-[3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxypheny l]-imidazole (B-DDH-imidazole) or a related substance.The present invention also provides an analytical agent for the determination of the activity of GOT, comprising .alpha.