Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits, assemblies of articles and methodology for carrying out processes that permit biological enzymes to act directly on metals and metal particles. In particular, the invention concerns using enzymes to selectively deposit metal to the vicinity of a target molecule. The invention also relates to linking of metals to enzyme substrates, control of enzymatic metal deposition and applications of enzymatic metal deposition to sensitively and selectively detect target molecules such as biomarkers in various biological samples, such as chromogenic immunohistochemical (IHC) detection in situ by using microscopy.

Abstract: A device for fluorescence-based imaging and monitoring of a target comprising: a light source emitting light for illuminating the target, the emitted light including at least one wavelength or wavelength band causing at least one biomarker associated with the target to fluoresce; and a light detector for detecting the fluorescence.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing and treating autoimmune conditions. In particular, the invention relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing arthritis conditions that are accompanied by an NADPH oxidase deficiency, methods and materials involved in treating, preventing, or delaying the onset of arthritis conditions that are accompanied by an NADPH oxidase deficiency, and methods and materials involved in identifying agonists and antagonists of NADPH oxidase activity.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: There is provided a method for specifically determining a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin using enzymes without a separation operation, and a determination reagent kit therefor. A protease that cleaves a glycated amino acid and/or a glycated peptide from a glycated ?-chain N-terminal without substantially cleaving a glycated amino acid or a glycated peptide from a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin or a fragment thereof is screened. The method of specifically determining a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin and the determination reagent kit are provided by using the protease obtained by the screening method. According to the present invention, a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin can specifically be determined without a separation operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for analyzing the activity of lipoxygenase by using polyunsaturated lysophosphatidylcholine as a water-soluble substrate. In these methods, lipoxygenase activity can be analyzed without using detergents in reaction solution.

Abstract: Methods for producing biliverdin in a microorganism, methods for producing biliverdin from a non-animal source, cells for producing biliverdin and methods for producing cells for producing biliverdin are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel laccase enzyme obtainable from the strains of genus Thielavia. The invention relates also to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the enzyme, a recombinant host into which the nucleic acid sequence has been introduced and a method for the production of the enzyme in a recombinant host. The enzyme of the invention is suitable for several applications, in particular for increasing the lightness of denim.

Abstract: A skin dressing comprises a first dressing component (16) carrying oxidoreductase enzyme in dried condition; and a second dressing component (18) carrying a source of water, such that when the first and second dressing components are placed in fluid communication with each other, water migrates from the second component towards the first comportent and acts to hydrate enzyme carried by the first component, at least at the surface of the first component. The dressing components are kept separate before use, e.g. being sealed in separate sterile, water-impervious packages such as laminated aluminum foil pouches. In use of the dressing, the second dressing component is located on the skin of a human or animal, e.g. over a wound to be treated or on a region of skin to be treated for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes such as for treatment of acne or other skin conditions. The first dressing component is placed on top of the second component in fluid communication therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides novel fluorinated resorufin compounds that are of use in a variety of assay formats. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and kits that include a compound of the invention and instructions detailing the use of the compound in one or more assay formats.

Abstract: Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.

Abstract: A diagnostic chewing gum for identifying a risk for diabetes includes a mixture of an enzyme, a conjugated protein of the glucose enzyme, a substrate, and a gum base. The enzyme and the conjugated protein facilitate a conversion of the substrate to produce a detectable signal in the presence of glucose to produce a detectable change in the gum. In use, the gum is chewed, the resulting change in the gum is compared against a chart, and the risk for diabetes is determined from the chart.

Abstract: The compounds disclosed herein are isoxazole derivatives that are useful as antimicrobial compounds, particularly as anti-bacterial compounds. The disclosed methods comprise incubating at least two different substrates in the presence of at least one oxygenase to provide the disclosed compounds, or to prepare and identify compounds that have antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for modulating the environment of a tumor, by inhibiting the activity of the extracellular enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2). The methods disclosed herein are effective in reducing tumor growth, reducing recruitment of cells to the tumor, reducing fibroblast activation, reducing desmoplasia, reducing vasculogenesis, reducing the number of TAFs, reducing growth factor production, inhibiting collagen deposition, and increasing necrosis and pyknosis in the tumor. Exemplary inhibitors of LOXL2 activity are antibodies and siRNAs.

Abstract: A mesoporous silica structure having a plurality of mesopores includes a dendritic framework having mesopores. 90% or more of the mesopores observable in a 500 nm×500 nm area pass through the framework in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the framework.

Abstract: This invention relates to: the development of a mutant firefly luciferase in order to use dATP as a DNA polymerase substrate upon pyrosequencing, such luciferase being subjected to substrate specificity modification in a manner such that the dATP-induced activity alone is decreased while the ATP-induced activity is maintained; and a mutant firefly luciferase for which the proportion of activity induced by dATP to activity induced by ATP (dATP/ATP) is lower than that for the wild-type firefly luciferase, in which an amino acid identified based on homology analysis as corresponding with the 421st amino acid (glycine) of the amino acid sequence of the wild-type North American firefly (Photinus pyralis) luciferase has been substituted with a polar amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity to asymmetrically reduce (3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanone to produce (2R,3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanol isolated from a microorganism belonging to the genus Ogataea, a DNA encoding the polypeptide and a transformant that produces the polypeptide. The present invention moreover relates to a method of producing (2R,3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanol utilizing the polypeptide or the transformant. Using the polypeptide or transformant of the present invention, optically active alcohols such as (2R,3S)-1-chloro-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-phenyl-2-butanol and the like can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: This invention pertains to development of a new animal model for Parkinson's Disease (PD) and to the discovery that elevated monoamine oxygenase B (MOA-B) expression and/or activity is a strong prognostic indicator for the disease. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, methods are provided for identifying a mammal at risk for Parkinson's disease. The methods typically involve determining level of expression or activity of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) in a sample from the mammal wherein an elevated level of MAO-B expression and/or activity as compared to a control (reference) is an indicator that the mammal has an increased likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for managing livestock for breeding or production based on one or more measurements of mitochondrial function. Measurement of mitochondrial function may also be correlated with a calculated or known feed efficiency of livestock animals to yield a predicted feed efficiency for the animal. The invention overcomes deficiencies associated with phenotypic assays for predicted breeding and production value.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods, mixtures, kits and compositions pertaining to analyte determination by mass spectrometry using labeling reagents that comprise a nucleophilic reactive group that reacts with a functional group of an analyte to produce a labeled analyte. The labeling reagents can be used as isobaric sets, mass differential labeling sets or in a combination of isobaric and mass differential labeling sets.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for stabilising blood cell conjugates in blood samples for subsequent analysis. The invention particularly relates to methods and kits for use in fixing and stabilising platelet aggregates in blood samples, and methods for detecting the degree of platelet aggregation in a sample. The invention extends to kits for monitoring the efficacy of anti-thrombotic treatment regimes using platelet aggregation analysis. Two compositions with aliphatic aldehydes and a buffer are employed in a consecutive order. The second composition comprises addition a chelating agent.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for measuring H2 production by a hydrogenase. Also provided are methods for evolving a hydrogenase or hydrogen-sensing system by comparing the level of production of H2 by the hydrogenase to the level Of H2 produced by a wild-type hydrogenase cultured under the same conditions and selecting a microorganism with increased H2 production over the H2 production by a microorganism having a wild-type hydrogenase. Further provided herein are microorganisms and plasmids comprising a hupSL promoter coupled with a reporter gene.

Abstract: This invention pertains to chemometric methods for the analysis of chemical, biochemical, and biological data, for example, spectral data, for example, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, and their applications, including, e.g., classification, diagnosis, prognosis, etc., especially in the context of bone disorders, e.g., conditions associated with low bone mineral density, e.g., osteoporosis.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing catabolism-related vitamin D deficiency and related disorders; related compositions, apparatus and kits, are disclosed. A method involves measuring CYP24 expression and/or activity, or a proxy thereof such as FGF23 level, in a patient and correlating abnormally elevated CYP24 expression and/or activity with catabolism-related vitamin D deficiency or with susceptibility for catabolism-related vitamin D deficiency. In response to abnormally elevated CYP24 expression and/or activity, the method further includes administering a CYP24 inhibitor to the vitamin D deficient or at-risk patient, and preferably avoiding activation of the vitamin D binding receptor, such as by avoiding administration of active vitamin D compounds to such patients. Optionally, a vitamin D prohormone or prohormone can be administered.

Abstract: A selection method for barley lipoxygenase-1 deficient barley, comprising a step of distinguishing the barley lipoxygenase-1 deficient barley by whether or not the guanine at the splicing donor site of the 5th intron of the barley lipoxygenase-1 gene is mutated to a different base; and a method for production of malt alcoholic beverages using a material for malt alcoholic beverages derived from barley obtained by the selection method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which has an activity of hydroxylating a compound represented by the formula (I-a): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or an alkali metal, and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a ring-closed lactone form thereof; a DNA encoding the protein; and a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA.

Abstract: A reagent is provided for the detection of an exotoxin protein produced by a betahemolytic streptococcus bacteria suspected of being present in a host biological fluid collected from a subject. A kit is provided that is readily usable by an unskilled user and merely requires that an element of the kit be contacted with a biological sample and that element is then subjected to electromagnetic spectral energy. The incident electromagnetic spectral energy then reacts with the exotoxin protein indicator and can be reliably measured by an electromagnetic spectral emission. The emission is measured by a reporting module and is displayed to the user in a form recognized by the user's sensory systems; sight, sound, etc. or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The problem to be resolved is to provide an electron mediator and a fusion body with high affinity with an enzyme, a measuring method using extracellular secretion type cytochrome and an enzyme, an electrode, and a sensor. The present invention relates to an electron mediator for glucose oxidoreductase comprising extracellular secretion type cytochrome, a fusion body in which the electron mediator is fused with glucose oxidoreductase, a composition for glucose measurement including the electron mediator or fusion body, a gene encoding a new extracellular secretion type cytochrome, and a measurement method using extracellular secretion type cytochrome and an enzyme, an electrode, and a sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to isolated leucoanthocyanidin reductase LAR polypeptides of the Reductase-Epimerase-Dehydrogenase (RED) protein family, and nucleic acid molecules encoding same and their use in regulating the biosynthesis and accumulation of proanthocyanidins in plants. The invention is further directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules of plants which encode leucoanthocyanidin reductases of the RED protein family. The isolated polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules of the present invention are useful for modifying the pasture quality of legumes, and, in particular, for producing bloat-safe forage crops. or crops having enhanced nutritional value, enhanced disease resistance or pest resistance, or enhanced malting qualities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for screening an antioxidant using mutant bacteria and chlorophyllide, and an antioxidant screened by the same method. The method provides for screening of an antioxidant by monitoring growth profiles of specific mutant bacteria in filter discs or medium blocks containing chlorophyllide added thereto, and an antioxidant screened by the same method. By monitoring growth profiles of mutant bacteria using mutant bacteria and chlorophyllide, screening of an antioxidant is possible on an industrial scale. In particular, the antioxidant screening method is useful for selective screening of an amphiphilic antioxidant. Therefore, it is possible to screen and commercialize low-toxic and effective antioxidants used in various food and cosmetic additives, as well as therapeutic medicines.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern site-specific, enzymatic-directed deposition of elemental metal for in-situ analysis. Enzyme substrates are contacted with metal ions and subsequently direct the deposition of elemental metals. Sensitive and selective detection of target molecules, such as biomarkers in various biological samples, can be obtained using various methods, such as in-situ chromogenic immunohistochemical (IHC) detection with bright field light microscopy.

Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing a creatinine sensor comprising creatininase as a bioactive molecule. The creatininase is stabilised by exposing it to a sufficient amount of a divalent manganese ion. This result may be obtained by exposing the sensor to a solution comprising the divalent manganese ion or by introducing a composition within the sensor providing sustained release of the divalent manganese ion.

Abstract: An isolated sequence SGSSEEKQNAVSSEET (OPNcPEP) SEQ ID NO: 8, and uses thereof. The peptide enhanced soft agar clone formation but did not support the growth of cells in plastic dishes, consistent with supporting anchorage-independence rather than growth. This sequence represented and is unique for a domain around the splice junction of OPN variant-c (OPN-c). OPN-c was expressed in a variety of tumor cell lines, but not in normal tissues (e.g., non-cancerous tissue) or in benign tumors. OPN-c antibody may be administered to a patient with a cancer associated with OPN-c expression to prevent the formation and growth of metastases. OPN-c may be used as a diagnostic to determine whether a patient has a malignant, rather than a benign, growth. OPN-c may be used to detect or identify agents that inhibit or mimic OPN-c expression or activity.

Abstract: A dry composition for use in therapy or diagnosis, obtainable by drying an aqueous composition comprising a protein and one or more displacement buffers, wherein the pH of the aqueous composition is such that the protein is stable, wherein the or each displacement buffer has a pKa that is at least 1 unit greater or less than the pH of the aqueous composition, and wherein the aqueous composition is substantially free of a conventional buffer having a pKa that is within one pH unit of the pH of the aqueous composition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for determining composition of chemical constituents in a complex mixture are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for determining composition of chemical constituents in a complex mixture includes generating, using a separation tool and a mass spectrometer, separation and mass spectrometry data of a sample, wherein the separation data includes peak information and wherein the mass spectrometry data includes primary and secondary mass spectrometry data. The analysis results, including the generated separation and mass spectrometry data, are collected and stored. A chemical constituent of the sample is determined by comparing the analysis results to a library of information indicating characteristics of chemical entities, where the comparison is based on the separation and mass spectrometry information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor system that can prevent a measurement error caused by the temperature of the environment in use from occurring. A biosensor system 100 includes a measuring instrument 101 having an operation part 306, and a sensor chip 200 that is insertable into and removable from the measuring instrument 101 and into which a blood sample is introduced. The sensor chip 200 includes a measurement part 41 (a measurement part A) that acquires Data a related to the concentration of an analyte in a blood sample based on the amount of electric current that flows in the blood sample due to a reaction in which an oxidoreductase with the analyte used as a substrate is involved, and a measurement part 42 (a measurement part B) that acquires, from the blood sample, Data b for temperature correction of Data a.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel yeast strains, methods and genetic constructs for their preparation, and their use for the synthesis or modification of steroidal compounds. More particularly, the invention describes strains having a reduced 20?HSD type activity, in particular by modifying the GCY1 and/or YPR1 genes. The yeast strains of the invention make it possible to improve the efficiency of the synthesis or to increase the selectivity or the yields of the method, as well as the quality of the final product. The strains, methods and compounds of the invention are useful in the search for, the development and the production of products with therapeutic or prophylactic activity, in humans or animals, in particular of steroidal derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful for measuring aromatase activity. The invention further provides methods for measuring aromatase activity and for screening test agents which modulate aromatase activity. A kit is also provided for use in such screening methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stimulation of the synthesis and of the activity of an isoform of lysyl oxidase, and more particularly of the LOXL (lysyl oxidase-like) isoform. The invention relates notably to a method of identifying an active principle which stimulates the formation of elastic fibers. The aim of the invention is mainly to provide such a method of identification so as to provide compositions which enable stimulating the formation of elastic fibers.

Abstract: The glucose content of blood can be determined by contacting a blood sample with a test strip containing a glucose dehydrogenase dependent on PQQ (or derivatives or isomers) thereof as a co-factor, a tetrazolium salt indicator, but in the absence of a mediator.

Abstract: Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-positio to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the level of aromatase polypeptide expression in non-small cell lung carcinomas can be used for example to provide information useful in prognostic and therapeutic methodologies in women having or suspected of having this cancer.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing sleep apnea and assessing the effectiveness of a treatment for sleep apnea. For example, methods and materials for using markers to determine whether or not a mammal (e.g., a human) has sleep apnea are provided. In addition, methods and materials that can be used to determine whether or not a mammal (e.g., a human) responds to a sleep apnea treatment are provided.

Abstract: A method for assaying bilirubin in which a dry reagent is used, which is capable of accelerating the reaction of bilirubin oxidase, and an assay instrument to be used in the method for assaying bilirubin, are provided. The method for assaying bilirubin is characterized in that a biological sample and a bilirubin oxidase-containing dry reagent are mixed first, and then the mixture obtained and a surfactant-containing dry reagent are mixed. An assay instrument (1) to be used in bilirubin assay is characterized in that a bilirubin oxidase and a surfactant are arranged in any of a sample supply part (11), passages (12, 13, 14), and a detection part (15) in a manner such that the bilirubin oxidase is positioned closer to the sample supply part (11) than the surfactant is.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase, and peroxidase. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Nitric oxide synthase deficiency causes diminished ryanodine receptor S-nitrosylation leading to increased diastolic calcium (Ca2+) and reduced intra sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca2+) content. Compositions for treatment of cardiac failure and cardiac disorders such as arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for inhibiting brassinin oxidase comprising treating a pathogen that is producing BO with an effective amount of selected Paldoxin compounds.

Abstract: Biomarkers that correlate with progression to neoplasia in human papillomavirus (HPV) induced cancer, for example cervical cancer have been identified. These biomarkers can be used to diagnosis or assist in the diagnosis of HPV-induced cancer. They can also be used to increase the positive predictive value of current screening modalities. In addition, they can provide insights into the biology of HPV-induced cancer and thus provide leads for the development of nonsurgical therapies. Exemplary biomarkers include cornulin, PA28 ?, DJ-1, actin, transthyretin, HSPB1, CV intracellular channel 1, cytokeratin 8, transferrin, Hs??6 (HSP20), aflatoxin reductase, ?2 type I collagen, creatine kinase B, cytokeratin 13 GST ?, PA28 ?, Manganese SOD, lamin A/C, serpin B1 (elastase inhibitor), serpin B3 (SCAA1), cytokeratin 10, cytokeratin 6A, and trp-tRNA synthetase.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting an antigen using an antigen/antibody coupling includes: a silicon substrate, at least one interdigital electrode pair structure that is located on the silicon substrate, the electrode pair being interspaced at a maximum distance of 1.0 ?m; a counter-electrode on the silicon substrate; a reference electrode; a first layer of protein, covering at least the interdigital electrode structure; a selective second protein layer applied to the first layer and containing a capture antibody selected specifically with respect to the antigen of interest and to which the antigen can be coupled. A sensor signal can be read on the interdigital electrode structure, if the antigen is coupled to the capture antibody by way of a sample to be analyzed that comes into contact with the biosensor and a redox reactive molecule is enzymatically released on the sensor surface by an enzyme-marked detection antibody likewise coupled to the antigen.