Abstract: There is provided compounds of formula I, wherein X1 to X4, R1 to R4, Y1, Y2 and L are as defined in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which may be useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory (e.g. chronic inflammatory) diseases and/or other diseases that may benefit from production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) by a NADPH oxidase complex.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant superoxide dismutase polypeptides, compositions comprising the polypeptides, and nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing oxidative damage in a cell, tissue, or organ. The present disclosure provides methods of identifying agents that increase superoxide dismutase activity.

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: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the quantity of multiple analytes in a sample. The device is designed such that each of the analyte sensing elements is configured to measure the quantity of a predetermined analyte and where the machine executable instructions are configured to select the proper analyte sensing element corresponding to the analyte to be measured.

Abstract: Encompassed are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions formulated for the topical or transdermal delivery of probes specific for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) of human and non-human subjects. In particular, an activatable probe comprises a fluorescent moiety comprising a fluorophore attached to a compound having selective affinity for COX-2, and a removable fluorescence quencher linked to the fluorescent moiety by a cleavable linker. Upon delivery to a recipient subject, the activatable probe is localized and concentrated in tissues and cells with elevated levels of COX-2. The linker is cleaved to release the fluorescence quencher.

Abstract: Methods of screening a test agent for activity to modulate an oxidative demethylation enzyme are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes preparing a test reaction comprising an oxidative demethylation enzyme, a substrate for the oxidative demethylation enzyme, a test agent and 4-amino-3-penten-2-one under conditions which allow generation of formaldehyde by oxidative demethylation of the substrate by the enzyme in the absence of the test agent; detecting fluorescence in the test reaction, the fluorescence indicative of reaction of formaldehyde and 4-amino-3-penten-2-one in the test reaction; and comparing fluorescence detected in the test reaction with a control, wherein a difference in detected fluorescence is indicative of a change in activity of the oxidative demethylation enzyme in the presence of the test agent.

Abstract: A reagent composition for a biosensor sensor strip is disclosed that provides for rapid rehydration after drying. The composition includes porous particles and is preferably formed as a colloidal suspension. The dried reagent composition including porous particles may provide analytically useful output from the sensor strip in a shorter time period than observed from dried reagent compositions using solid particles. The output signal from the porous particle compositions may be correlated to the analyte concentration of a sample within about two seconds. In this manner, an accurate concentration determination of an analyte concentration in a sample may be obtained in less time than from sensor strips including conventional compositions. The reagent composition including the porous particles also may allow for the redox reaction between the reagents and the analyte to reach a maximum kinetic performance in a shorter time period than observed from conventional sensor strips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantifying L-tryptophan involving a step for mixing a specimen, L-tryptophan oxidase, and water, a step for allowing the obtained reaction solution to stand a predetermined period of time in the presence of oxygen, and a step for measuring the reaction product resulting from action of enzymes present in the reaction solution after allowing to stand. The L-tryptophan oxidase has a given amino acid sequence and has oxidase activity that generates hydrogen peroxide and ammonia by acting on the L-tryptophan in the presence of oxygen and water. The oxidase activity of the L-tryptophan oxidase on the L-phenylalanine is in the range of 0-3% of the oxidase activity thereof on the L-tryptophan, and the L-tryptophan oxidase does not have oxidase activity on protein-constituting amino acids other than L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine. Also disclosed are a kit used to quantify the L-tryptophan containing L-tryptophan oxidase, and an enzyme sensor using the L-tryptophan oxidase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the discovery, development and clinical application of multiplex synthetic assays based on patterns of free radicals, indicators of oxidative or nitrosative stress, or indicators of the redox state of biologic fluids and tissue specimens. These individual measurements are combined into an optimized clinical biomarker using known well-known mathematical, machine learning techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having tyrosinase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing, activating and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways in tumor cells. Information on the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways derived from use of the invention can be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and in the design of cancer treatments.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent of metabolic by-products of inosine and hypoxanthine is used to diagnose acute ischemic events in human subjects.

Abstract: Methods to determine the concentration of gamma-hydroxy butyric acid (GHB) in a sample as well as compositions and a kit suitable for carrying out said methods. Also, the use of the methods for application on a microtiter plate or an auto-analyzer.

Abstract: Ex vivo methods of detecting and analyzing circulating drug metabolites with drug interaction potential are provided. The methods include the use of clinical plasma samples from subjects who have been administered an investigational drug in vivo. The clinical plasma samples will contain both the parent drug and associated metabolites. A control plasma sample spiked directly with the drug of interest can be used as a standard reference. The plasma samples can be applied to an in vitro test system to evaluate the changes in activity or expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and/or drug transporters in the test systems to determine circulating drug metabolites with drug interaction potential. By comparing the clinical plasma sample to the drug-spiked control, the inhibitory and/or inducing effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes and/or drug transporters can be correctly attributed to the parent drug or its associated metabolites.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting brain tumors and assessing the recurrence of such tumors by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and detecting the conversion of 5-ALA to protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) associated with brain-derived microparticles.

Abstract: Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several epithelial malignancies. The present invention provides methods for determining cancer risk in a patient which comprises detecting the presence of crown-like structures (CLS), methods for treating cancer associated with CLS presence, methods for determining cancer risk in a patient by quantifying the number of CLS in a sample of adipose tissue of the patient, methods of determining prognosis of a patient with breast cancer or other cancers by detecting CLS, and screening methods for anti-cancer agents or agents that inhibit or reduce CLS formation or consequences thereof.

Abstract: Methods and materials related to producing 3-HP as well as other organic compounds are disclosed. Specifically, isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, host cells, and methods and materials for producing 3-HP and other organic compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel polypeptide vitamin K epoxide recycling polypeptide (VKORC1) as a target for coumarin and its derivatives. The invention further provides methods for identifying coumarin derivatives, and also claims VKORC1 polypeptides and VKORC1 nucleic acids containing a sequence abnormality associated with a VKORC1 associated deficiency such as warfarin resistance, wherein the VKORC1 polypeptides and VKORC1 nucleic acids can be used for diagnosing these deficiencies. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for identifying coumarin derivatives usable in pest control of rodents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for monitoring cofactors and metabolites of a metabolic pathway of interest. The subject compositions and methods are particularly suited for monitoring the mevalonate pathway in a variety of cells. The invention also provides fermentation methods for the production of isoprenoids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening whether a candidate compound inhibits delta-6 desaturase activity are disclosed. Also disclosed is a transgenic mammal which overexpresses a gene encoding delta-6 desaturase and an animal model of a cardiometabolic disorder or disease that includes the transgenic mammal. A method of treating a cardiometabolic disorder or disease is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a test element includes a base, a pair of optical element units, an optical waveguide unit, a detection unit and a holding unit. The base has transparency. The pair of optical element units are arranged away from each other on a major surface of the base. The optical waveguide unit is provided on the major surface of the base. The detection unit is provided on a major surface of the optical waveguide unit of between the optical element units. The major surface of the optical waveguide unit is an opposite side which touches the base. The holding unit is in a frame shape, and one end of the holding unit being is provided to protrude from a major surface of the detection unit. The detection unit includes a color former and a film-formed body holding the color former.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that employ derivatives of 2-cyano-6-hydroxy- or 2-cyano-6-amino-benzothiazole, for example, in a bioluminogenic reaction. The invention further provides methods for detecting or determining the presence of molecules and/or enzymes, the modulator activity of such molecules, and/or the activity of such enzymes. The methods are adaptable to high-throughput format.

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; U is N or N+R and V is CZ6N or N+R or V is N or N+R and U is CZ6, R being H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkanoic or alkylsulphonic; and Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5 and Z6 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: The invention, which belongs to the field of enzymology and pharmaceutical chemistry, relates to a method for determining the concentration of a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, and to a method for determining the inhibition rate of HMG-CoA reductase.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to in vitro methods for mimicking in vivo pathological or physiologic conditions. The methods comprise applying shear forces to a cell type or cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also described.

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: 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 present invention provides methods for tumor treatment by administering an inhibitor of quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1), compositions comprising such inhibitors, and methods for identifying such inhibitors.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay method for quantifying antigen or antibody using 1,1?-oxalyldiimidazole (ODI) derivative or 1,1?-oxalyldisodium benzoate (ODB) derivative chemiluminescence (CL) detection was developed. Also, various enzymes were quantified using ODI derivative or DOB derivative CL detection. Fluorescent compound formed from a substrate (non-fluorescent compound) through the enzyme assay methods emitted CL when the fluorescent compound received energy from high-energy intermediate formed in ODI derivative or ODB derivative CL reaction.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for utilizing compounds comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to polyethylene glycol. Methods are also provided for preparing a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol, the methods comprising reacting an activated polyethylene glycol with a superoxide dismutase mimetic, or alternatively, reacting a superoxide dismutase mimetic with an activated polyethylene glycol. A method is also provided for preventing or treating a disease or disorder in which superoxide anions are implicated, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol. Methods of determining the safety and efficacy of the compounds are also provided. Methods for determining the safety and efficacy can include methods in lab animals and humans.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods for analyzing one or more amine-containing compounds in one or more samples using isobaric labels and parent-daughter ion transition monitoring (PDITM). In various embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of: (a) labeling one or more amine-containing compounds with different isobaric tags from a set of isobaric tags, each isobaric tag comprising a reporter ion portion; (b) combining at least a portion of each of the isobarically labeled amine-containing compounds to produce a combined sample; (c) subjecting at least a portion of the combined sample to PDITM; (d) measuring the ion signal of one or more of the transmitted reporter ions; and (e) determining the concentration of one or more of the isobarically labeled amine-containing compounds based at least on a comparison of the measured ion signal of the corresponding reporter ion to one or more measured ion signals of a standard compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multifunctional biomemory device in which a protein having a redox potential substituted with a metal ion is directly immobilized on a substrate. The present disclosure provides an operating method in which the redox state of the protein is controlled by applying three different potentials. The present disclosure provides a biomemory device in which the metal ion of a metalloprotein is substituted to allow for artificial control of the redox potential. The present disclosure provides a new-concept biomemory device as an information storage device based on the principle of electron transfer of a naturally occurring biomolecule.

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: A method for forming a cell aggregate in the present invention is a method for forming a cell aggregate by using a culturing vessel and culturing an adhesive cell, wherein the culturing vessel is such that an amino group, a carboxyl group, and/or a hydroxyl group, and a group represented by a general formula of (in the formula, each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently an alkyl group with a carbon number greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 6 and m is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 6.) are present near a surface thereof and the adhesive cell is a mesenchymal stem cell, a hepatic cell, or a cancer cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, systems, and tools for modeling liver inflammation and methods of using the same. The disclosure provides micropatterned hepatocyte co-cultures where individual cell populations remain functionally stable during long-term culture. The in vitro liver inflammation models of the present disclosure may be useful for evaluating inflammation-mediated toxicities of compounds in a pre-clinical setting.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, test units, systems, assays and kits for qualitative and/or quantitative detection of microorganisms or microbes. Some aspects of the invention utilize a test strip comprising a test area and a self-calibrating control area that permits quantitative measurements to be obtained rapidly at the test site. The test strip is ready-to-use and does not require any preparation. The present systems and methods provide valuable tools for sensitive early detection of microbial contamination.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that employ derivatives of 2-cyano-6-hydroxy- or 2-cyano-6-amino-benzothiazole, for example, in a bioluminogenic reaction. Also provided are novel compounds that can be used in the methods. The invention further provides methods for detecting or determining the presence of molecules and/or enzymes, the modulator activity of such molecules, and/or the activity of such enzymes. The methods are adaptable to high-throughput format.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a simple and rapid amperometric biosensor for determining the level of histamine in seafood or fish. The biosensor combines the technology of screen-printing with immobilized diamine oxidase as the bioreceptor. IQ one embodiment of the present invention, the biosensor incorporates potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) as a mediator.

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: The invention relates to a method of aiding the diagnosis of acute brain damage in a subject, said method comprising (i) assaying the concentration of at least one oxidative stress polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: PRDX1, PRDX6 and GSTP1 in a sample from said subject; and (ii) assaying the concentration of at least one further polypeptide selected from Panel A; (Hi) comparing the concentrations of (i) and (ii) to the concentrations of the polypeptides in a reference standard and determining quantitative ratios for said polypeptides; (iv) wherein a finding of a quantitative ratio of each of the assayed polypeptides in the sample to the polypeptides in the reference standard of greater than 1.3 indicates an increased likelihood of acute brain damage having occurred in said subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for determining whether an individual with cancer is suitable for a treatment with an NQO1 bioactivatable drug, predicting responsiveness of an individual with cancer to a treatment with an NQO1 bioactivatable drug, and treating an individual with cancer with an NQO1 bioactivatable drug composition.

Abstract: Tumor stem cells can be obtained by culturing a tumor cell population, and exposing the cultured tumor cell population to free radicals. In certain embodiments, the free radical agent can be a nitric oxide (NO) donor. In one embodiment, the free radical agent can be Diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA NONOate) or agents that constitutively increase cellular nitric oxide, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors or L-arginine, or agents that increase NO synthase in the population. The methods can further include inducing stem cells present in the population to expand and/or inducing dedifferentiation of tumor cells into tumor stem cells. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of selecting stem cells from a tumor cell population.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are biosensing systems that measure lactose concentration in a solution.

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: The invention relates to the use of a compound having formula (I) as an enzymatic substrate for the detection of a nitroreductase activity or as an enzymatic substrate for the detection of a nitroreductase activity and indicator of pH, 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; U and V are N, N+R, CZ4, R being H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkanoic or alkylsulphonic, preferably if U is CZ4, V is N or N+R and, if V is CZ4, U is N or N+R; and 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: The present disclosure relates generally to bacterial NADH oxidases and, more particularly, to novel NADH oxidases obtained from Lactobacillus plantarum, and derivatives thereof that demonstrate enzymatic activity for NADH, NADPH, or both NADH and NADPH. The compositions comprising an NADH oxidase obtained from L. plantarum or derivatives thereof include: isolated enzymes; recombinantly produced enzymes and derivatives thereof, as well as catalytically active portions thereof; nucleic acids encoding an NADH oxidase obtained from L. plantarum, derivatives thereof, and portions thereof. The methods of the present invention include isolation of NADH oxidases obtained from L. plantarum, derivatives thereof, and portions thereof, and methods for enzymatic reactions comprising NADH oxidase obtained from L. plantarum, including the production of enantiomer-enriched organic compounds.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 (IDO2) and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a putative agent that treats or prevents obesity and/or diabetes or increasing insulin sensitivity, the method comprising contacting cells with the putative agent and measuring thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) or thioredoxin expression or activity in the cells. The present invention also provides the agent, the pharmaceutical composition, and methods of preventing or treating obesity and/or diabetes or of increasing insulin sensitivity or glucose sensitivity, the method comprising administration of the agent that decreases the expression of TXNIP or activity of TXNIP.

Abstract: Methods for screening compounds for their capability to inhibit CYP1B1-mediated proliferation and motility of and/or to reverse estrogen-induced reduction in apoptosis of premalignant or malignant cells are provided. Kits for practicing the screening methods are also provided.