Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: An object to be attained by the present invention is to provide a method for conveniently, rapidly, and specifically measuring HDL-C in a specimen by use of inexpensive materials, and to provide a reagent kit for HDL-C detection and a dry analytical element for HDL-C detection. The present invention provides a method for measuring high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in a body fluid test sample, wherein cholesterol esterase derived from Schizophyllum commune or Pseudomonas sp. and cholesterol oxidase derived from Pseudomonas sp. are used to generate hydrogen peroxide from HDL-C, and thereby HDL-C is selectively measured.

Abstract: The invention provides an enzymatic method for measuring the concentration of one or more analytes in the plasma portion of a blood derived sample, containing a first and a second component, where said second component interferes with the measurement of said first component.

Abstract: A method of lipid assay characterized by assaying the lipids contained in a blood component in the presence of an organic silicon compound. The method can cause specific conditions for direct methods while satisfying requirements such as no influence on precision of assay, no burden on assay apparatus, and easy availability.

Abstract: A cholesterol-level measuring apparatus including a portable body having a cholesterol level detecting means for identifying a cholesterol level in a blood sample, and a display screen communicatively coupled to the cholesterol level detecting means for illustrating a learned cholesterol level in the blood sample. Notably, the cholesterol level detecting means includes a disposable test strip having a color-changing reactive reagent that changes color in response to the learned cholesterol level in the blood sample.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, kits and methods are disclosed for assaying cholesterol with a cholesterol oxidase mutant that has been modified at an amino acid residue involved in the active site. The cholesterol oxidase mutant has reduced oxidase activity while substantially maintaining its dehydrogenase activity.

Abstract: An extended range test strip includes a simple system where the end user can determine the concentration of the analyte at high concentration with a single drop of whole blood. A single drop of blood spreads across a spreading layer and into multiple reagent stacks. Multiple reagent stacks of the test strip may be configured to test for different ranges by adding a peroxide modulator. Readings from multiple reagent stacks producing a colorimetric response may be tested simultaneously. Working from the lowest range to the highest range of reagent stacks, the first reagent stack to be less than its maximum range is considered to be the reagent stack that is producing a colorimetric response related to the actual amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention regards nanoparticles comprising a sterol and a component derived from Quillaja saponaria Molina selected from quillaja acid and quillaja saponin, which nanoparticles do not comprise a phospholipid. It also relates to a composition comprising the nanoparticles, and the use thereof as adjuvant, especially in vaccines, as carriers for amphipathic or hydrophobic molecules and as agents for treatment of cancer. Further, it regards a method for producing the phospholipid-free nanoparticles, a method for the treatment of cancer and a method for assessing the applicability of the cancer treating method.

Abstract: A colorimetric reagent in the form of nanoparticles, composite nanoparticles, and nanoparticle coatings, including methods of use, methods of preparation, deposition, and assembly of related devices and specific applications. The colorimetric reagent comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles which are used in solution or immobilized on a solid support, either alone or in conjunction with oxidase enzymes, to form an active colorimetric component that reacts with an analyte to form a colored complex. The rate of color change and the intensity of the color are proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample. Also described is the use of ceria and doped ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen storage/delivery vehicle for oxidase enzymes and applications in biocatalytic processes in anaerobic conditions of interest in biomedicine and bioanalysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for stable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP/NADPH) derivatives of formula (I), enzyme complexes of these derivatives and their use in biochemical detection methods and reagent kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for direct measurement of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. (HDL-C) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) based on a modified chemical precipitation method, wherein the improvements were made by optimizing the concentrations and proportions of potassium polyvinyl sulfate (PVSK) and polyethylene glycol methyl ether (PEGME) in such a way that the enzymatic reactions are completed before precipitation formations. The method in combination with certain surfactants showed good correlations with other direct methods used for HDL-C or LDL-C determinations.

Abstract: Novel isoforms of apolipoprotein C-I (apoC-I), namely apolipoprotein C-I1 (apoC-I1) and apolipoprotein C-I1? (apoC-I1?), both of which have a molecular weight of approximately 90 daltons greater than native apolipoprotein C-I (SEQ ID NO:6) and native apolipoprotein C-I? (SEQ ID NO:7), are shown to be both biomarkers for diagnosing atherosclerotic disease as well as risk factors for subjects having increased risk of developing an atherosclerotic disease.

Abstract: A method for specifically quantifying HDL cholesterol in which cholesterol in lipoproteins other than HDL is erased in the first step, and HDL cholesterol is specifically quantified in the second step, by which accurate values can be obtained even in measurements of abnormal samples such as disorder of lipid metabolism and lipoprotein abnormality, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of determining a statin dosage for an individual in need of treatment with a statin, comprising determining a SLCO1B1 genotype from a nucleic acid sample of the individual, said genotype comprising the presence or absence of the SLCO1B1-056 polymorphism, and determining an ApoE genotype or phenotype identifying an ApoE polymorphism selected from the group consisting of ApoE2, ApoE3, ApoE4, and any combination thereof, wherein the combination of a SLCO1B1 genotype identifying the presence of the SLCO1B1-056 C polymorphism and the ApoE genotype or phenotype identifying one of the ApoE3/4 or ApoE4/4 genotypes indicates the statin dosage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to predict the risk of CHD and/or clinical manifestations of CHD in a subject. In one embodiment, the method involves measuring the levels or concentration of apo A1, a subclass of HDL, HDL3, or a combination of the foregoing. The methods of the present disclosure are particularly useful when the subject has reached target levels of one or more lipoproteins, such as, but not limited to, LDL or HDL or subclass of the foregoing.

Abstract: Reagents, assays, methods, kits, devices, and systems for rapid measurement of cholesterol and cholesterol sub-fractions from a blood sample are provided. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol can be measured in a single assay using kinetic measurements, under conditions in which cholesterol sub-species are converted to a detectable product at distinct rates. The detectable product is measured at different times after assay initiation. A lipase, cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase and a peroxidase may be used together to produce colored product in amounts directly proportional to the quantity of cholesterol converted. Methods for calculating very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by further including triglyceride measurements are disclosed.

Abstract: A bodily fluid analyzer including a dry test strip impregnated with a reagent providing a non-precipitating reaction to exclude non-desired analytes. The reagent complexes the non-desired analytes so they remain in solution but cannot participate in the test reaction. Red blood cells are removed from the detection area by slowing their vertical movement and stopping flow when the detection membrane is saturated.

Abstract: A new measurement method by which LDL cholesterol can be measured readily and precisely is provided. The measurement method is for measuring LDL cholesterol in a sample.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in a human subject, comprises the steps of: (a) inputting the level of at least one cholesteryl ester measured in a blood sample collected from said subject; and then (b) inputting the age and gender of said subject; and then (c) generating in said computer from said cholesteryl ester level input, said age input and said gender input a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis blood sample by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A process is provided for analyzing a skin in any of a number of biochemical or immunological tests for an analyte which involves applying to a skin surface on a patient a reagent which selectively binds to the analyte to form an analyte-reagent complex; subjecting the skin surface on the patient to a treatment which develops a color correlating to an amount of analyte in the specimen; measuring a hue angle of the color developed on the skin surface of the patient by measuring a reflectance over a range of visible light spectrum at a plurality of intervals in wavelength of the visible light spectrum to obtain a measurement; and correlating the measurement of the hue angle to determine a concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining whether organ toxicity, particularly cardiotoxicity, will occur in a patient selected for treatment with various kinase inhibitors, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, more particularly erbB inhibitors such as Herceptin. In addition, methods are disclosed for determining whether a potential drug is likely to produce a cardiotoxic effect. The methods involve analyzing lipid levels or the expression fatty acid oxidation enzymes, pAMP activated protein kinase, glucose uptake, to determine whether a fatty acid oxidation disorder is present. The identification of a fatty acid oxidation disorder can be used as a predictor of toxicity, especially cardiac toxicity, and as an indication that organ function should be carefully monitored if a drug such as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor is administered. Methods are also disclosed for protecting organs from metabolic stress and for the treatment of cells, such as adipocytes, to reduce their lipid content.

Abstract: A rapid and convenient method capable of performing fractional measurement of small, dense LDLs without pretreatment of a specimen, which is adaptable for an autoanalyzer, is provided. A method for quantitatively determining small, dense LDL cholesterol is provided, which comprises adding enzymes for cholesterol measurement to a test sample in the presence of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer or a derivative thereof, causing the polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer or the derivative thereof to selectively act on small, dense LDLs among lipoproteins, and then measuring the amount of cholesterol generated.

Abstract: Skin cholesterol is measured by applying an adhesive tape onto a selected area of the skin to adhere the tape to the selected skin area and stripping the tape off the selected skin area to obtain a sample representative of the outer stratum corneum layer of the skin, the sample adhering to the tape so as to have exposed skin constituents. The sample is assayed using a detector reagent that specifically binds to cholesterol and in addition has an indicator component that allows quantitation of the amount of cholesterol present in the exposed skin constituents.

Abstract: A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.

Abstract: A method for measuring cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein contained in a sample, which comprises reacting a sample with (i) a combination of cholesterol ester hydrolase and cholesterol oxidase or (ii) a combination of cholesterol ester hydrolase, an oxidized coenzyme and cholesterol dehydrogenase in the presence of: [a] a polyoxyethylene-polyoxyalkylene alkylaryl ether; [b] one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxyalkylene copolymer, a polyoxyethylene alkenyl ether, a polyoxyethylene branched alkyl ether, and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxyalkylene branched alkyl ether; [c] one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of a primary amine, a secondary amine, a tertiary amine, and a quaternary ammonium; and [d] a polyanion, and measuring a substance formed or consumed in the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification and characterization of therapeutic candidates for use in the treatment of a disease or condition associated with elevated LDL-C levels involving a rodent, methods for the testing of the efficacy of an antibody specifically binding to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) involving a rodent, as well as a rodent and its use in the identification or profiling of compounds for modulation of a disease or condition associated with elevated LDL-C levels.

Abstract: A method of lipid assay characterized by assaying the lipids contained in a blood component in the presence of an organic silicon compound. The method can cause specific conditions for direct methods while satisfying requirements such as no influence on precision of assay, no burden on assay apparatus, and easy availability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantifying HDL2 cholesterol in a test sample without requiring laborious operations. The method for quantifying cholesterol comprises allowing phospholipase to act on HDL to quantify cholesterol. Also disclosed is a method comprising: a first step of transferring cholesterols other than high-density lipoproteins in a test sample to the outside of the reaction system; and a second step of quantifying high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol among the high-density lipoproteins remaining in the reaction system; wherein, by performing the second step by the above method, high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol in the test sample can be quantified.

Abstract: Methods and assays for treating a subject with a filovirus infection using an agent that inhibits Niemann-Pick CI (NPCI), VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A, VPS39, VPS41, BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4. Methods for screening for an agent that treats and/or prevents infection of a subject with a filovirus, where the methods comprise determining whether the agent inhibits one or more of Niemann-Pick CI (NPCI), VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A, VPS39, VPS41. BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4, wherein an agent that inhibits one or more of NPCI, VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A, VPS39, VPS41, BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4 is a candidate for treating and/or preventing an infection with a filovirus and wherein an agent that does not inhibit NPCI, VPSII, VPSI6, VPSI8, VPS33A. VPS39, VPS41, BLOCISI, BLOCIS2, GNPTAB, PIKFYVE, ARHGAP23 or FIG4 is not a candidate for treating and/or preventing an infection with a filovirus.

Abstract: The invention relates to new amphiphilic linear block copolymers of polysaccharides and polymers. The amphiphilic linear block copolymers do not form a true solution in water and are able to form micelles in selective solvents. Also disclosed are particles, each of which has a shell and a core, and a diameter of about 1 to 1,000 nanometers, and methods of delivering agents or removing substances, e.g., undesirable substances, from a subject or environment, by using these particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for simply and precisely measuring cholesterol in an HDL subfraction contained in a sample. This is a method for measuring cholesterol in HDL3 contained in a sample, which comprises reacting a sample with (1) a combination of a cholesterol ester hydrolase and a cholesterol oxidase or (2) a combination of a cholesterol ester hydrolase, an oxidized coenzyme and a cholesterol dehydrogenase in an aqueous medium containing: (a) a divalent metal salt; (b) an alkali metal salt selected from the group consisting of a sulfate, a nitrate, a carbonate, an acetate and a halide; and (c) dextran sulfate or a salt thereof, and measuring a substance formed or consumed in the reaction without separating and removing lipoproteins other than HDL3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of surfaces that exhibit different surface energies wherein the difference in surface energies is configured to disrupt capillary laminar flow of a fluid travelling between the two surfaces. The invention further relates to the use of such surfaces in assay methods including a device utilising same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating the vital prognosis of a subject suffering from heart failure, said method comprising the step of determining the lactate/cholesterol ratio in a biological sample of said subject and comparing the lactate/cholesterol ratio to a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for predicting myocardial damage in a subject having or at risk of cardiac disease includes determining a level of apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) and a level of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the subject and comparing the determined levels of ApoAI and CoQ10 to control levels.

Abstract: A method for surface modification of single walled carbon nanotubes is described. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a detergent solution, adding a plurality of single walled carbon nanotubes into the detergent solution, performing a first sonication to disperse the single walled carbon nanotubes in the detergent solution, and performing a second sonication after the first sonication to make detergent encased single walled carbon nanotubes. At least one of the plurality of single walled carbon nanotubes is at least partially wrapped by one or more detergent molecules to make it a detergent encased single walled carbon nanotube. In one embodiment, the detergent comprises SDS, PSS or a combination of them. The surface modified carbon nanotubes can be used to detect a chemical compound by associating a solution of the surface modified nanotubes with the chemical compound and optically detecting a chemical property change of the solution.

Abstract: A method for fractional measurement of small, dense LDL, which is adaptable for an autoanalyzer, and a reagent for measurement, are provided, making it possible to conduct rapid and convenient analysis with good sensitivity without pretreatment of a specimen. The method for quantitatively determining small, dense LDL cholesterol in a sample comprises the steps of: (1) eliminating cholesterol in LDL other than small, dense LDL in the presence of phospholipase; and (2) quantitatively determining cholesterol in lipoproteins remaining in step (1) above.

Abstract: A cholesterol efflux assay probe formulation having a core comprised of a biocompatible hydrophobic material at least partially coated with a sphingomyelin/cholesterol layer, methods of making and methods of using are described.

Abstract: A method of modulating the level of lipoproteins in human cells comprising the step of inhibiting resistin in the cells or cellular environment. The method is useful to treat cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A method for quantifying remnant-like lipoprotein cholesterol in a sample simply and accurately without requiring separation operations, and a kit therefor are disclosed. A method for quantifying cholesterol in a remnant-like lipoprotein in a sample containing different lipoproteins including the remnant-like lipoprotein comprises a step (1) of erasing cholesterol in lipoproteins other than the remnant-like lipoprotein; and a step (2) of quantifying cholesterol in the remaining remnant-like lipoprotein. The step (1) is carried out under an action of a cholesterol esterase having a molecular weight of more than 40 kDa and not having a subunit having a molecular weight of not more than 40 kDa; and the step (2) is carried out under an action of a cholesterol esterase having a molecular weight of not more than 40 kDa or a cholesterol esterase having a subunit having a molecular weight of not more than 40 kDa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the degree of risk of onset of autism, comprising the step of measuring the triglyceride concentration or the cholesterol concentration in a very low-density lipoprotein fraction of plasma or serum isolated from a subject, or the triglyceride concentration or the cholesterol concentration of plasma or serum. In addition, the present invention provides a kit for determining the degree of risk of onset of autism and a method for screening for a candidate substance for agents for treating autism using a non-human mammal, in which the above described method is utilized.

Abstract: A method of lipid assay characterized by assaying the lipids contained in a blood component in the presence of an organic silicon compound. The method can cause specific conditions for direct methods while satisfying requirements such as no influence on precision of assay, no burden on assay apparatus, and easy availability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysing ingredients, in particular lipids and/or vitamins and biological material ingredients, to methods of using relevant organic solvents or organic solvent mixtures, and to a spectrophotometer for measuring biological material ingredients. It is proposed to treat the biological materials with at least one organic solvent which extracts the ingredients, to convert the bi ological materials to a solidified form during the extraction, with the result that a solidified sediment and a liquid organic phase as the supernatant are formed, and to examine the extracted ingredients in the supernatant.

Abstract: Provided herein methods for determining whether a subject, particularly a human subject, is at risk of developing, having, or experiencing a complication of cardiovascular disease, and methods of treating subjects who are identified by the current methods of being at risk for cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotien A-I related biomolecules in a bodily sample from the subject. Also, provided are kits and reagents for use in the present methods. Also provided are methods for monitoring the status of cardiovascular disease in a subject or the effects of therapeutic agents on subjects with cardiovascular disease. Such method comprising determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotein A-I related molecules in bodily samples taken from the subject over time or before and after therapy.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method that enables quantification of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein 3 (HDL3) in a test sample without requiring a laborious operation is disclosed. The method for quantifying cholesterol in HDL3 comprises: Step 1 wherein phospholipase and/or sphingomyelinase is/are allowed to act on a test sample to transfer cholesterol to the outside of the reaction system; and Step 2 wherein cholesterol remaining in the reaction system is quantified. The method enables specific quantification of HDL3 cholesterol in a test sample using an automatic analyzer without requirement of a laborious operation such as ultracentrifugation or pretreatment. Further, quantification of the HDL2 cholesterol level can also be carried out by subtracting the HDL3 cholesterol level from the total HDL cholesterol level obtained by a conventional method for quantifying the total HDL cholesterol in a test sample.

Abstract: A method that enables quantification of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein 3 (HDL3) in a test sample without requiring a laborious operation is disclosed. The method for quantifying cholesterol in HDL3 comprises reacting, with a test sample, a surfactant that specifically reacts with high-density lipoprotein 3, and quantifying cholesterol. The method enables specific quantification of HDL3 cholesterol in a test sample using an automatic analyzer without requirement of a laborious operation such as ultracentrifugation or pretreatment. Further, quantification of the HDL2 cholesterol level can also be carried out by subtracting the HDL3 cholesterol level from the total HDL cholesterol level obtained by a conventional method for quantifying the total HDL cholesterol in a test sample.

Abstract: A method of lipid assay characterized by assaying the lipids contained in a blood component in the presence of an organic silicon compound. The method can cause specific conditions for direct methods while satisfying requirements such as no influence on precision of assay, no burden on assay apparatus, and easy availability.

Abstract: A method for fractional measurement of small, dense LDL, which is adaptable for an autoanalyzer, and a reagent for measurement, are provided, making it possible to conduct rapid and convenient analysis with good sensitivity without pretreatment of a specimen. The method for quantitatively determining small, dense LDL cholesterol in a sample comprises the steps of: (1) eliminating cholesterol in LDL other than small, dense LDL in the presence of phospholipase; and (2) quantitatively determining cholesterol in lipoproteins remaining in step (1) above.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of determining a statin dosage for an individual in need of treatment with a statin, comprising determining a SLCO1B1 genotype from a nucleic acid sample of the individual, said genotype comprising the presence or absence of the SLCO1B1-056 polymorphism, and determining an ApoE genotype or phenotype identifying an ApoE polymorphism selected from the group consisting of ApoE2, ApoE3, ApoE4, and any combination thereof, wherein the combination of a SLCO1B1 genotype identifying the presence of the SLCO1B1-056 C polymorphism and the ApoE genotype or phenotype identifying one of the ApoE3/4 or ApoE4/4 genotypes indicates the statin dosage.

Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.