Abstract: This invention provides a method for differentially and simultaneously quantifying two target analytes via a single assay operation with the use of a single type of reagent in each of the two steps, i.e., the first step and the second step. In this method, the reaction product associated with the first target analyte is detected at an early stage of the second step and the reaction product associated with the second target analyte is then detected.

Abstract: Provided is a method of storing a reagent in a microfluidic device. The reagent, in a liquid form, is loaded into reaction chambers arranged on the microfluidic device; followed by lyophilization as being contained in the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for simple and accurate measurement of cholesterol in remnant-like lipoprotein (RLP) (RLP-C) in a sample, which comprises the steps of: (i) eliminating cholesterol in lipoproteins other than RLP by reacting the sample with cholesterol oxidase, or cholesterol dehydrogenase and oxidized coenzyme, in an aqueous medium comprising surfactant A; (ii) reacting the reaction solution from which cholesterol in lipoproteins other than RLP has been eliminated in the above step (i) with cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase, or cholesterol esterase, cholesterol dehydrogenase and oxidized coenzyme, in the presence of surfactant B to form hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme; and (iii) measuring the hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme formed in the above step (ii).

Abstract: Biomarkers relating to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy are provided, as well as methods for using such biomarkers as biomarkers for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy. In addition, methods for modulating the respective disorders or conditions of a subject are also provided. Also provided are suites of small molecule entities as biomarkers for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to interdependent assays and kits for detecting and at least two analytes of interest in a single test sample.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a biosensor comprising a substrate containing a biochemical analyte, an enzyme system, a low molecular weight glycol ether and a detection means. The biochemical analyte is a low density lipoprotein. The enzyme system contains a cholesterol enzyme such as cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Mechanisms nourish stem cells for organ regeneration and prevent alcohol related diseases such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Liver Sclerosis. These stem cell nutrients have been found to positively affect the skin, liver, brain neurons, pancreas, and the GI tract. Cholesterol supplementation prevents fetal alcohol spectrum defects (FASD) in alcohol-exposed zebra fish embryos. Using the zebra fish model, alcohol was found to interfere with embryonic development by disrupting cholesterol-dependent activation of a critical signaling molecule, sonic hedgehog (Shh). Cholesterol supplementation of the alcohol-exposed embryos restored the functionality of the molecular pathway and prevented development of FASD-like defects. Novel biomarkers were identified for diagnosing alcohol related diseases by lipid chemical analysis and Raman Spectroscope.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins in a high density lipoprotein containing sample, said method comprising reacting the sample with a surfactant which preferentially reacts with high density lipoproteins in the sample, said surfactant being selected from hydroxyethyl glucamide derivatives and N-acyl-N-methyl glucamine derivatives, and measuring the amount of cholesterol in the high density lipoproteins, for example using an electrochemical technique.

Abstract: A test strip or electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of an analyte in a hiological fluid, e.g., the glucose content of whole blood, includes a size self-limiting reagent formulation employing an enzyme system for reaction with the analyte, the reactive system mixed into a water-soluble swellable polymer matrix containing small water-insoluble particles having a nominal size of about 0.05 to 20 ?m, preferably about 1 to 10 ?m. The weight ratio of the water-insoluble particles to the water-soluble swellable polymer matrix is about 1/2 to 2/1. The reagent formulation is deposited onto a non-porous substrate to form a thin layer about 6-16 ?m thick, providing a rapid and stable response to application of a sample, while being insensitive to the amount of the sample.

Abstract: An individual's risk profile for developing a cardiovascular disorder or for experiencing a cardiovascular event is determined by 1) measuring levels of certain stress-evoked proteins including heat shock proteins (HSPs), cytokines, adhesion molecules, chemokines, and the like, or titers of the antibodies targeted to them, or 2) determining the number of seropositive responses to a group of pathogens that have been associated with the presence of atherosclerosis and/or clinical events related to atherosclerosis. The measured levels are compared with clinically derived standards that define the association of these markers with cardiovascular disease. These markers are independent of traditionally recognized risk factors.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a new diagnosis method for detecting the extent of hepatic steatosis in a patient, in particular in a patient who suffers from a disease involving hepatic steatosis, or who already had a positive diagnosis test of liver fibrosis and/or presence of liver necroinflammatory lesions, by using the serum concentration of easily detectable biological markers. The invention is also drawn to diagnosis kits for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dry fluorescence biosensor strip for rapid detection of a target analyte present in bodily fluids. The dry fluorescence biosensor strip comprises a sample receptacle and a dry detection membrane. The sample receptacle receives a sample of one of the bodily fluids. The dry detection membrane detects presence of the target analyte in the received sample based on fluorescence induced on the dry detection membrane. Fluorescent signals are emitted from the dry detection membrane on induction of fluorescence. A fluorometer quantifies measurable properties of the target analyte based on the emitted fluorescent signals. The dry fluorescence biosensor strip may further comprise a filtration membrane for filtering the received sample. The filtered sample migrates from the filtration membrane to the dry detection membrane. The dry detection membrane may then detect presence of the target analyte in the filtered sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, NPC1L1 from various species. Methods of using the NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotide set forth herein, e.g., in screening assays, are also set forth.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a method for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol as test components in blood. Specifically, a method is used for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample, whereby cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample are quantified with a single measurement.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining LDL cholesterol, including the steps of adding to serum a surfactant selected from among polyoxyethylenealkylene phenyl ethers and polyoxyethylenealkylene tribenzylphenyl ethers and a cholesterol-assaying enzyme reagent so as to preferentially react cholesterols in high density- and very low density-cholesterols among lipoproteins, and subsequently determining the amount of cholesterol that reacts thereafter. This method can eliminate the necessity for pretreatments such as centrifugation and electrophoresis, enables the quantitative determination to be conducted in an efficient, simple manner, and can be applied to various automatic analyzers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for determining the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in a sample. The test device has a continuous solid surface with at least one reaction area on the continuous solid surface, and the reaction area has, in dry form, a non-LDL inhibitor and a system for determining the concentration of cholesterol.

Abstract: Amino(oligo)thiophene dyes useful for studying the electrophysiology of organelles, cells, and tissues are described. Compared to previously known dyes, the amino(oligo)thiophene dyes exhibit improved (faster) response to membrane potential changes, as well as the ability to be excited by 1064 nanometer femtosecond pulses. Methods of preparing the amino(oligo)thiophene dyes are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, a reagent and a kit for simple and sensitive determination of cholesterol in remnant-like particles without separation of components of a sample. A method for quantitatively determining remnant-like particle cholesterol in a sample, which comprises: in an aqueous medium containing the sample and in the presence of a combination of specific surfactants and a phospholipid-hydrolyzing enzyme, allowing remnant-like particle cholesterol in the sample to react with cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase (in the presence of oxidized coenzyme); and determining the formed hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme.

Abstract: A method for measuring cholesterol in remnant-like lipoprotein in a sample, by a more convenient operation and with high sensitivity, and a reagent for the measurement are provided. A method for measuring cholesterol in remnant-like lipoprotein, the method comprising subjecting a test sample containing lipoproteins to the action of a cholesterol esterase and a cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase, and measuring the hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme generated by the enzymatic reaction, wherein a surfactant having a benzenesulfonic acid structure in the molecule or a polyacrylic acid-based polymeric surfactant is used.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing a subject's responsiveness to a HMGCR inhibitor therapy, and selection of a HMGCR inhibitor therapy based upon such methods. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that modulate HMGCR activity, e.g., through modulating HMGCR mRNA splicing, while avoiding elevation of the statin-resistant isoform of HMGCR.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in a sample is provided. The method typically provides a breakdown of the HDL and LDL cholesterol contents of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method that allows for delivery of exogenous antigens into the MHC class I presentation pathway of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), comprising the following steps: (a) preparation of suitable APCs; (b) determination of suitable specific method parameters for APCs, comprising (1) bringing the cells in contact with a haemolysin such as listeriolysin (LLO) and a marker substance; (2) measuring of marker substance inflow into the cells; and (3) optionally, modifying said specific parameters; and (c) delivery of exogenous antigens into the APCs, by applying the specific parameters calculated in step (b) and bringing the cells in contact with a haemolysin and the antigen of interest.

Abstract: Embodiments of a detection reagent, as well as test elements and analytical kits including such reagent, and methods for using such reagent, are disclosed herein for optical detection and/or measurement of an analyte in a fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for determining net cholesterol flux from lipid loaded cells in the presence of an acceptor (e.g., serum). The present invention also relates to a method for evaluating efficacy of a therapeutic agent for stimulating or inhibiting net cholesterol flux. Also provided by the present invention are kits that are used to carry out the aforementioned assays and methods.

Abstract: An assay device and method for determining the concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-associated cholesterol (LDL-C) in a body-fluid sample, such as a blood sample is described.

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 the determination of the amount of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins in a high density lipoprotein containing sample, the method comprising reacting the sample with a PEG-ylated protein to selectively complex non-HDL lipoproteins in the sample with the PEG-ylated protein, or with a PEG-ylated enzyme capable of selective reaction with high density lipoproteins, and subsequently measuring the amount of cholesterol in the high density lipoproteins, for example using an electrochemical technique.

Abstract: Methods relate to preventing, limiting and/or reversing coronary heart disease, such as heart disease caused by atherosclerosis. These methods for cardiac wellness include administration of therapeutically effective amounts of cholesterol altering medications to a patient in combination with a restricted diet intake of the patient such that the patient attains a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level higher than a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level. Further, this greater than one ratio of HDL to LDL due to the restricted diet intake and selection of sufficient dosages of the medications can indicate a reversal in heart disease of the patient.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining LDL cholesterol, including the steps of adding to serum a surfactant selected from among polyoxyethylenealkylene phenyl ethers and polyoxyethylenealkylene tribenzylphenyl ethers and a cholesterol-assaying enzyme reagent so as to preferentially react cholesterols in high density- and very low density-cholesterols among lipoproteins, and subsequently determining the amount of cholesterol that reacts thereafter. This method can eliminate the necessity for pretreatments such as centrifugation and electrophoresis, enables the quantitative determination to be conducted in an efficient, simple manner, and can be applied to various automatic analyzers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the concentration of cholesterol in a sample (e.g. a blood sample). The method comprising the steps of adding to the sample reagents which cause the Liebermann-Burchard (L-B) reaction; and then determining the total cholesterol concentration in the sample using fluorescence analysis. The invention also relates to apparatus, and particularly apparatus in the form of a reader and cartridge, for conducting the method of the invention.

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 present invention shows that pharmacological up regulation of SRB-1, ABC-A1 and LCAT genes collectively can be used to promote reverse cholesterol transport and increase circulating HDL cholesterol as treatment for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disorders.

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: The present invention relates to a method of detecting intracellular cholesterol. The method provides contacting a permeabilized cell with labeled c? complex. Methods of using this detection method to identify agents which modulate cholesterol accumulation in a cell are also provided.

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: A sensing member for detecting total cholesterol of a blood sample is disclosed, which includes: a working electrode and a counter electrode respectively formed on a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein, an opening is formed in one of the first and second substrates corresponding in position to the electrode for allowing the blood sample to pass through; a dielectric layer formed on one of the surfaces of the first and second substrates and exposing the electrode and end connector such that the end connector can be electrically connected to an electronic device used for applying electric voltage; a reactive pad disposed between the working electrode and the counter electrode and containing an reactive reagent, wherein the reactive reagent comprises an electron transport material, an enzyme capable of reacting with the analyte and generating a current corresponding to the concentration, and a buffer solution; and a separating pad disposed on the opening for removing interfering materials from the bl

Abstract: A method of a pretreatment of a sample for quantitating cholesterol characterized by, before measuring cholesterol contained in specific lipoproteins, treating the sample containing lipoproteins with an enzyme, the substrate of which is free cholesterol, optionally together with a reaction accelerator; a method for quantitating cholesterol in specific lipoproteins by using the above method; and a kit for quantitating cholesterol in specific lipoproteins to be used in the above quantification method. By using this quantification method, cholesterol in a specific fraction can be conveniently, accurately and efficiently quantitated fundamentally without resort to polyanion, etc. Thus, this method is appropriately usable in various automatic analyzers.

Abstract: A new lipoprotein analysis procedure based on the CDC gold standard, analytical ultra centrifugation, having dramatically reduced the time and cost to obtain a result with a self generating continuous gradient. The method allows quantification of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease based on particle numbers of the particles of various groups and subgroups of lipoproteins.

Abstract: A new lipoprotein analysis procedure based on the CDC gold standard, analytical ultra centrifugation, having dramatically reduced the time and cost to obtain a result with a self generating continuous gradient. The method allows quantification of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease based on particle numbers of the particles of various groups and subgroups of lipoproteins.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and apparatus determine a subject's risk of having or developing CHD using a calculated HDL particle risk number and/or a mathematical model of risk associated with HDL particles that adjusts concentrations of at least one of the subclasses of small, medium and large HDL particle measurements to reflect predicted CHD risk. A calculated LDL particle risk number may also be generated as well as a lipoprotein particle index derived from the ratio of RLDL/RHDL.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for lipoprotein uptake assay. These compositions and methods may be used for the lipoprotein uptake assays, including high-throughput assays. The disclosed compositions and method may further be used to characterize the activity agents that inhibit or stimulate lipoprotein uptake.

Abstract: An improved method of obtaining fluorescence measurements which may be used as a measure of the CETP-catalyzed rate of transfer of a lipophilic non-polar fluorescent cholesteryl ester between lipoprotein particles is disclosed. The method may be used in assays for screening CETP inhibitors.

Abstract: A cholesterol testing system and method are provided in which cholesterol values determined from testing a sample are analyzed and normalized to generate a set of cholesterol values.

Abstract: This invention provides novel assays that are prognostic and/or diagnostic for atherosclerosis or risk of atherosclerosis. It was discovered that high density lipoprotein (HDL) or components thereof can prevent the oxidation of lipids (e.g., lipids present in LDLs) and can also repair (reduce) already oxidized lipids and thereby reduce the inflammatory response associated with and characteristic of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Moreover it was a discovery of this invention that individuals vary in the ability of their HDL to afford such protection. Thus an assay of HDL protective and/or repair activity provides a highly effective assay for risk of atherosclerosis and its associated pathologies and such assays are provided herein.

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: There is provided a method and kit for measuring the amount of an objective constituent contained in a specific lipoprotein in a biological sample such as serum and plasma, specifically for measuring the amount of cholesterol contained in high density lipoprotein, which can be applicable to clinical tests.

Abstract: A method for quantitating a specific component in lipoproteins contained in a biological sample, for example, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) by using a commonly employed automatic analyzer without centrifuging or making the reaction liquor cloudy due to complexes or aggregates. Namely, a controlling means, whereby an enzyme reaction can be carried out exclusively for the target component, is introduced into a method for enzymatically assaying a component in a specific lipoprotein fraction in the serum, thereby specifically assaying the component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and sensitive aqueous method for determining cholesterol in remnant-like particles in a biological sample without the separation of components of the sample. The method comprises contacting the sample with (i) cholesterol esterase, (ii) cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase, and (iii) phospholipase with a surfactant that inhibits cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase in lipoproteins other than remnant-like particles in the presence of oxygen or an oxidized coenzyme. Formed hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme is measured and correlated to a quantitative determination of cholesterol in remnant-like particles.