Abstract: A naturally occurring or recombinant protein, especially a mutein of porcine urate oxidase (uricase), that is essentially free of large aggregates can be rendered substantially non-immunogenic by conjugation with a sufficiently small number of strands of polymer such that the bioactivity of the protein is essentially retained in the conjugate. Such conjugates are unusually well suited for treatment of chronic conditions because they are less likely to induce the formation of antibodies and/or accelerated clearance than are similar conjugates prepared from protein preparations containing traces of large aggregates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound which is a novel two-photon absorbing fluorescent substance, a production method for the compound, a fluorescence sensor and molecular probe able to sense various substrates or enzyme activity or the like using the same, and a method of sensing enzyme activity or the like using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel two-photon absorbing fluorescent substance which has the high photo-stability and large two-photon absorption cross-section value of acedan which is a two-photon absorbing fluorescent substance, and has the high fluorescence efficiency of coumarin which is a one-photon absorbing fluorescent substance, while exhibiting absorption and emission characteristics at a longer wavelength than existing acedan and coumarin and so being advantageous in in-vivo imaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides aromatic-cationic peptide compositions and methods of using the same. The methods comprise use of the peptides in electron transport, inhibition of cardiolipin peroxidation, apoptosis inhibition and electrical conductance.

Abstract: The invention relates to fungal cells and spores, as well as extracts of either, for use, in particular, in prevention or treatment of Chlamydia, or Helicobacter pylori or other infections, inflammation, inflammatory, lysosomal, acidic, SOD- or IgG or other immunoglobulin—peroxidases or hydrogen peroxide induced or other forms of oxidative damage, atherosclerosis, heart disease, stomach, intestinal and liver inflammatory conditions and their complications, promoting or stimulating regeneration or healing of wounds, burns, ulcers, or other forms of damaged or aged tissues, or in reducing elevated cholesterol and/or triglycerides levels In a preferred instance, the fungal cells or spores are those used in the manufacture of fungal fermented cheeses or other food stuff or beverages, particular fungal blue or white cheeses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the stability of methyleneamine, methyleneamine-like compounds or compounds containing an methyleneamine moiety in the presence of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) or a biological sample containing SSAO activity. The disclosed methods may be configured in an assay format for high throughput screening applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for predicting a hemorrhagic disorder in a patient consisting determining amine oxidase and, particularly, VAP-1 in a sample from said patient. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an inhibitor of amine oxidase and an antithrombotic agent as well as the use of an inhibitor of amine oxidase for treatment of hemorrhagic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the pharmaceutics, biotechnological and chemical, and particularly to a process for preparing a composition for detecting and measuring the concentration of endotoxins or lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans and (1,3)-?-D-glucans, using an extract from the hemocytes of the lobster as a starting material, the changes to the composition to increase the sensitivity, and processes for measuring endotoxins, peptidoglycans and (1,3)-?-D-glucans using said composition.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods and compositions for characterizing or modulating the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes. In some embodiments, methods for assessing the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes and related gene signatures are provided that are useful for cancer classification, prognosis, diagnosis, or treatment selection.

Abstract: A modified pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase that exhibits a high selectivity for glucose is provided. A modified pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase is disclosed in which the amino acid residue G at Position 99 of a pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or the amino acid residue G at Position 100 of the pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, is substituted by the amino acid sequence TGZN (where Z is SX, S, or N and X is any amino acid residue). The modified PQQGDH of the present invention may additionally comprise one or more mutations selected from the group consisting of Q192G, Q192A, or Q192S; L193X; E277X; A318X; Y367A, Y367F, or Y367W; G451C; and N452X (where X is any amino acid residue).

Abstract: Object An object of the present invention is to provide a highly stable FVHO preparation and a low-hygroscopicity dried FVHO preparation. Means for achieving the object A method for producing a FVHO preparation comprising a step of allowing at least one member selected from phosphoric acid, casein peptone, D-glucosamine hydrochloride, melibiose, sorbose, lactose, fructose, melezitose, glucono-1,5-lactone, and ribitol; and a method for producing a dried FVHO preparation, comprising a step of allowing Bicine to coexist.

Abstract: A kit and method for evaluating in vitro the effect of a xenobiotic (e.g., a biologic drug) on drug metabolism in hepatocytes. The kit comprises a first culture of hepatocytes, a portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and instructions for incubating the first culture of hepatocytes with the portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and analyzing the activity, expression, or a combination thereof of a biomarker in the hepatocytes to evaluate the effect of the xenobiotic on drug metabolism in the hepatocytes.

Abstract: Isolated transduced cells exhibiting FRDA characteristics in an inducible fashion are disclosed. Isolated transduced cells comprise an expression vector having a nucleic acid sequence encoding an shRNA for frataxin protein knockdown and a heterologous expression control sequence. Additionally, methods of screening for a candidate therapeutic agent for treating Friedreich's Ataxia using isolated transduced cells are disclosed. Further, a recombinant nucleic acid construct for frataxin knockdown is disclosed that comprises a nucleic acid encoding an shRNA operably linked to a heterologous expression control sequence and expressing an shRNA molecule in a dose-responsive fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the stability of methyleneamine, methyleneamine-like compounds or compounds containing a methyleneamine moiety in the presence of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) or a biological sample containing SSAO activity. The disclosed methods may be configured in an assay format for high throughput screening applications.

Abstract: Enzymes and/or polypeptides and/or mixtures of interest are evaluated during hydrolysis of cellulosic material by the use of indicator constituents such as fluorescent agents, resulting in efficient high-throughput analysis of enzymes and/or polypeptides. A high-throughput assay for the analysis of inter alia, pretreated corn stover (PCS) hydrolysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of producing fatty alcohols from recombinant host cells comprising genes encoding heterologous fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) enzymes. The disclosure further relates to FAR enzymes and functional fragments thereof derived from marine bacterium and particularly marine gamma proteobacterium such as Marinobacter and Oceanobacter; polynucleotides encoding the FAR enzymes and vectors and host cells comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention is a method for determining the concentration of an analyte in whole blood, wherein the analyte is a component which is contained in the blood, is different from a component occurring only in a red blood cell, and can generate hydrogen peroxide upon the reaction with an oxidase. Whole blood is utilized in the method. The method comprises the steps of hemolyzing the whole blood and detecting hydrogen peroxide generated by the reaction between the analyte and the oxidase. The measurement method can avoid the inhibition of color development by hemoglobin and the interference with the measurement by hemoglobin. Further it can be used for biological tests that are carried out in a household, an individual doctor's clinic or at the bedside of patients without the need for any blood cell separation procedure or the like, because the measurement utilizes whole blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compound having formula (I) as an enzymatic substrate for the detection of a nitroreductase activity, wherein: W1, W2, W3 and W4 are independently H, Br, Cl, F, I, alkyl, alkoxy, thiomethyl, perfluoroalkyl, nitro, cyano, carboxyl (including the esters or amides thereof) or any combination of same; n=0, 1 or 2; X is NR, CZ5Z6, S or O, R being H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkanoic or alkylsulphonic, Z5 and Z6 being an alkyl; Y is N or N+R, R being alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkanoic or alkylsulphonic; Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 are independently H, Br, Cl, F, I, alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, perfluoroalkyl, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, sulphonyl, including the sulphonyl or carboxyl amides or esters thereof, and the salts of same.

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 analysing a metalloprotein and/or the interaction with its environment comprising the following steps: (a) Providing a medium that enhances the detection of the electromagnetic cross-section signal of metalloproteins, (b) Incorporating a metalloprotein to analyse into said medium, (c) Contacting said medium with electromagnetic radiation, (d) Obtaining the electromagnetic cross-section spectrum of said metalloprotein, (e) Determining from said electromagnetic cross-section spectrum at least one parameter related to one or several analytes of interest.

Abstract: A chemical sensor comprising: a hydrogel layer, comprising one or more molecular recognition agents and a 2DPC self-assembling array; and a mirror layer. A method for analyzing a sample or bodily fluid, comprising: obtaining a sample or bodily fluid; placing an amount of the sample or bodily fluid onto a chemical sensor, comprising: a hydrogel layer, comprising a molecular recognition agent and a 2DPC self-assembling array; a tethering hydrogel layer; a mirror layer; and a membrane filter layer, allowing the bodily fluid to interact with the hydrogel layer; and allowing ambient or artificial light to pass through the hydrogel layer onto the mirror layer and observing a change in diffraction versus a control.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting uracil. The method comprises reacting uracil with a compound represented by the formula (I) in the presence of an oxidant and a base to produce a fluorescent compound represented by the formula (II).

Abstract: The invention includes methods of neuroprotection, inducing release of neurotrophic factors, inhibiting the over-activation of innate immune cells, attenuating the toxin-induced death and/or damage of tissues, reducing inflammation, treating an inflammation-related condition, and inhibiting NADPH oxidase, that includes contacting or administering an effective amount of at least one compound of the invention that include: valproic acid, sodium butyrate, and salts thereof; opioid peptides; a peptide comprising the tripeptide GGF; and morphinans, such as naloxone, naltrexone, 3-hydroxy-morphinan and dextromethorphan.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

Abstract: Devices contain dried reagents that may be reconstituted and used in the calibration and quality control of sensors. Methods of producing and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or predisposition to AAA in a apoE subject, methods for monitoring the efficacy of treatment of AAA in a subject, and methods for evaluating the severity of AAA or risk of AAA in a subject involve measuring the amount of tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B) present in the test sample and comparing it to the amount of H4B present in a standard or previous test sample. A decreased amount of H4B present in the test sample compared to the standard is indicative of AAA or predisposition to AAA. Treatment can be administered to the subject prior to a second time point, and an increased amount of H4B present in the second test sample compared to the first test sample is indicative of effective treatment of AAA. Candidates can be identified for further testing or monitoring for AAA, and/or for treatment for AAA.

Abstract: Avicins and other thioesterification agents are used to modify cysteine groups of signaling proteins in order to modify their activity. Pathologies associated with signaling proteins which are regulatable through this method are treated using these thioesterification agents. These pathologies include those involving proteins which modulate physiologic redox status of organisms including arthersclerosis, cancer, bacterial infection, inflammation, and neurological disorders.

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 objective of this invention is to create a double thyA folA knockout Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain for antifolate screening against DHFR of malaria and other parasites. This strain is used together with a plasmid expressing DHFR-TS from the desired pathogenic organism, which constitutes an anti-DHFR assay against the pathogenic organism of interest. The benefit of this invention is that there is no interference from either host DHFR or trimethoprim, a bacterial DHFR inhibitor. This tool is easy to use and maintain. It provides quick and reliable results as compared with conventional anti-malarial and anti-parasitic assays. This invention should facilitate discovery of new anti-DHFR compounds against malaria and other parasitic diseases.

Abstract: A novel class of hydroxylases is described having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 2, 4, 6 and 8, and variants and fragments thereof having HIF hydroxylation activity. The polypeptides of the invention have in particular prolyl hydroxylase activity. An assay method monitors the interaction of the HIF hydroxylase with a substrate. Modulators of HIF hydroxylase are provided for use in the treatment of a condition associated with increased or decreased HIF levels or activity or for the treatment of a condition where it is desirable to modulate HIF levels or activity.

Abstract: Organic acid-producing microorganisms and methods of using same. The organic acid-producing microorganisms comprise modifications that reduce or ablate AcsA activity or AcsA homolog activity. The modifications increase tolerance of the microorganisms to such organic acids as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, acrylic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, and others. Further modifications to the microorganisms increase production of such organic acids as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, lactate, and others. Methods of producing such organic acids as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, lactate, and others with the modified microorganisms are provided. Methods of using acsA or homologs thereof as counter-selectable markers are also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor strip includes an electrode support and a cover plate, which cooperatively defines a sample receiving space, an opening, and a sample passage. The electrode support has a downstream recessed region defining the sample receiving space and formed with a plurality of through holes. Electrodes are disposed respectively in the through holes. At least one of the electrodes has a lowered top surface that is lowered relative to a surface of the downstream recessed region to define a shallow space. A filter extends into the sample receiving space from the opening and through the sample passage and covers a portion of a reaction reagent layer. The reaction reagent layer extends into the shallow space. The filter extends above the shallow space and the electrode.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for determining degree of modified potency of a medicament. A medicine is a medicament comprising a therapeutic component and a homeopathic, i.e., activated-potentiated, component, wherein the activated-potentiated component has some physical, chemical or biological affect on the therapeutic component and/or the pharmacological efficacy thereof. The therapeutic component is biologically related to the starting substance of the homeopathic component. An analytical measurement of at least one characteristic parameter of the therapeutic form is made prior to its interaction with the activated-potentiated form. The same analytical measurement(s) are made and after interaction between the therapeutic and activated-potentiated forms. This data is used to confirm the presence of any modified potency is caused by the presence of molecular form in the activated-potentiated form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colorimetric method for detecting bacterial or fungal pathogens by detecting peptidoglycan or (1-3)-?-D-glucan in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell chip and methods for the use thereof, wherein the cell chip includes a substrate made of an opaque material and having a plurality of insertion holes formed therein, a filler made of a transparent material and inserted into each of the insertion holes so as to protrude from the substrate, and a biomatrix which is formed on the filler and immobilizes a biomaterial. Also, another substrate having a plurality of wells which store a fluid is further provided thus forming a 3D cell chip.

Abstract: A sensor system in a water treatment system has a housing, controller, one or more light sources, one or more sensors and one or more targets having an immobilized reagent thereon. Light source emits light energy into the housing that is incident upon the target with the immobilized reagent and the reagent being in contact with water from the system. The immobilized reagent interacts with a reactant in the water such that the interaction changes the state of the reagent. When energy from the light source is incident on the target with the immobilized reagent the energy shows a change detectable by the sensor such that the changed energy is detectable by and collected at the sensor and data on the energy is communicated to the controller. The data is then correlated as a representation of a desired variable to be measured for the water in the water treatment system.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator system and method of using the system to determine efficacy of a sterilization process. The system includes a vial having a first compartment containing spores of one or more species of microorganism; a second compartment containing a growth medium with a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide in which the vial is free of monosaccharide; an enzyme, capable of acting upon the monosaccharide to yield reaction products and electron transfer, disposed on two or more electrodes adapted to carry an electrical signal resulting from the electron transfer, the pair of electrodes positioned to contact the combined contents of the first compartment and the second compartment during incubation; and an apparatus linked or linkable to the electrodes and adapted to detect and measure the electrical signal resulting from electron transfer when the enzyme acts upon the monosaccharide.

Abstract: An apparatus sensing two or more reactants or analytes in a sample is provided. The apparatus has an one or more light sources emitting energy with two or more detection targets having an immobilized reagent within the target surface. One or more detectors are provided where the two or more detection targets having immobilized reagent thereon are in communication with the sample and the immobilized reagent interacts with the sample. Energy is incident on the targets from the at least one light source such that the energy is changed by the interaction and the change is in turn detected by the at least one detector and associated with a measurement of the level of the reactant or analyte in the sample. A method of making a sensing apparatus and a method of sensing using the sensing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Test elements are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid. The test element include at least one strip-shaped carrier element and at least one test field having at least one test chemistry for detecting the analyte. The test element has a symmetrical shape such that the test element may be inserted in one of at least two different correct measurement orientations into a test element receptacle of a testing device, which includes a detection device. In the different orientations, at least one analyte-induced change in the test chemistry of the test field is detectable. Test systems including the test elements and methods of detecting at least one analyte in the body fluid using the test elements also are disclosed.

Abstract: A compound comprising the structure: (SIG)-(SI-MOD)m. is provided in which SIG is a signaling molecule, SI is a self-immolative structure bound to SIG such that SIG has a reduced signal relative to the signal of SIG without SI, MOD is a moiety bound to SI that is subject to modification by an activator, and m is an integer from 1 to about 10. When MOD is modified by an activator, SI is destabilized and self-cleaved from SIG such that SIG generates an increased signal. Also provided are methods of determining whether a sample comprises an activator such as a nitroreductase, and methods of determining whether a mammalian cell is hypoxic using a compound of the formula (SIG)-(SI-MOD)m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for monitoring activity of Mina53 and NO66 activities, in particular, to assays for identifying modulators of Mina53 and NO66 activities. The invention also relates to assays to monitor the histidinyl hydroxylase activity of Mina53 and NO66 on their substrates, the human ribosomal protein Rpl27a and Rpl8 respectively. The invention also enables the introduction of S-3-hydroxyhistidinyl residues into peptides and proteins.

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

Abstract: Analytical methods and devices according to the present disclosure may be used to assay the concentration of malic acid, or related species, in a sample, e.g., preparations of fruit, vegetables, juice, and/or wine. Liquid samples are combined with a reaction mixture, incubated, and a parameter characteristic of the resulting incubated mixture is measured. During the incubation, the reaction mixture generally reacts with the liquid sample to transform malic acid or related species that is present in the liquid sample. The measured parameter may be pressure, pH, an amount (e.g., volume, mass) of CO2 generated during the incubation, a parameter related to the foregoing, and/or any other parameter related to the amount of malic acid or related species transformed.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compositions containing a mixture of D-luciferin and L-luciferin for light generation with luciferase are disclosed that have improved stability when stored over time. The mixture of D-luciferin and L-luciferin can be used to detect the presence or amount of ATP or of luciferase in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention discloses functional nitrite reductase as a potential drug target for anti-tubercular drug development. The present invention also relates to the development of an easy method for identification of nitrite in clinical samples as well as its correlation with the severity of the disease. Presence of active as well as dormant/latent stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) could be identified from nitrite in clinical samples like sputum of potential TB patients.

Abstract: A biosensing system that measures the concentration of halogenated alkenes is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A substrate is reacted to generate a chromogenic reaction product, and a reaction stop reagent that is a sulfonic acid is added to stop and stabilize the reaction product. The absorbance properties of the chromogenic reaction product can be maintained over significantly longer periods of time of that of conventional reagents and methods. The sulfonic acid can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and safer detection of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: In one form, a fructosyl peptidyl oxidase derived from a budding yeast Phaeosphaeria nodorum for assaying a glycated protein in a sample is provided. The fructosyl peptidyl oxidase has higher activity toward fructosyl valine as well as fructosyl valyl histidine, and may be useful in assaying HbA1c with higher sensitivity and specificity. Still, other forms include unique methods, techniques, systems and devices involving a fructosyl peptidyl oxidase.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid encoding one or more gene products that allow for degradation of caffeine and related structures, and for preparation of intermediates in that catabolic pathway. Further provided are methods of using one or more of those gene products.

Abstract: A method for measuring an analyte is described that includes the steps of: i) preparing a reagent (D) in which an enzyme (A) and an enzyme (B) coexist in the absence of the analyte; ii) bringing the analyte into contact with the enzyme (A) and the enzyme (B) so that the enzyme (A) acts on the analyte to produce a product (E), on which the enzyme (B) does not substantially act, from the analyte; iii) producing a product (C) by allowing the enzyme (A) or an enzyme (F) that is different from the enzyme (A) that acts on the analyte to produce a product (C) to act on the analyte and/or the product (E); and iv) detecting the product (C) by the enzyme (B).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of pretreating a sample containing a glycated amine as an analyte, thereby enabling highly reliable measurement of a glycated amine. A glycated amino acid in the sample is degraded by causing a fructosyl amino acid oxidase (FAOD) to act thereon, and thereafter, a FAOD further is caused to act on the glycated amine as the analyte in the sample to cause a redox reaction. The amount of the glycated amine is determined by measuring the redox reaction. The substrate specificity of the FAOD caused to act on the glycated amino acid may be either the same as or different from that of the FAOD caused to act on the glycated amine. When using the same FAOD, a FAOD is caused to act on the glycated amino acid to degrade it, and thereafter, the sample is treated with a protease to inactivate the FAOD and also to degrade the glycated amine.