Abstract: A method follow the change in concentration of a redox-active substance, whereby suitable potentials for a reduction process or an oxidation process are applied to the working electrode of a measuring device. The potential of the working electrode is pulsed and measuring phases and relaxation phases are alternately produced, the pulse lengths of measuring phase and relaxation phase being determined in a suitable manner. A rapid relaxation of the concentration gradient is electrochemically forced so that the measurement can be carried out on simple transducer arrays. A device for carrying out the method includes a transducer array in addition to a suitable potentiostat. The transducer array can be formed of a planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator is disposed, the metal surface and the insulator surface being firmly linked. The transducer array can also be formed of silicone-based CMOS structures.

Abstract: The method of treating diabetes-related vascular complications includes the treatment of diabetic patients with ?-lipoic acid (LA) in order to mitigate the negative impact of diabetes-related vascular dysfunctions upon vascular homeostasis. The treatment method includes the step of administering to the patient an initial dosage of ?-lipoic acid believed to be therapeutically effective. The patient's response is then monitored by measuring ?-lipoic acid-responsive biomarkers and by performing assays from blood and tissue taken from the patient.

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: The present invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a test solution wherein the analyte is mevalonic acid and/or 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A, comprising the following steps (p) and (q): (p) a step of allowing an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction represented by Reaction Formula 1 and an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction represented by Reaction Formula 2 to act on a test solution containing mevalonic acid and/or 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor X, a hydrogen donor Y, and coenzyme A; and (q) a step of measuring an amount of: a reduced hydrogen acceptor X that is produced; or an oxidized hydrogen donor Y that is produced; or a hydrogen acceptor X that is decreased; or a hydrogen donor Y that is decreased, wherein the hydrogen donor Y and the reduced hydrogen acceptor X are not the same.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies immunologically specific for human ARL-1 (also referred to AKR1B10), a species of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily of proteins. The invention also provides methods of making and methods of using said antibodies.

Abstract: A method for producing a ciliate cell with reduced or essentially no dihydrofolate reductase (DHFS) activity or reduced or essentially no thymidylate synthase (TS) activity or both reduced or essentially no dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) activity is claimed, comprising the steps of a) transforming ciliate cells by inserting a construct containing an allele altering the gene encoding the endogenous DHFR-TS into at least one of the endogenous DHFR-TS genes of the ciliate macronucleus (MAC), b) inducing an allelic assortment process in the transformed ciliate cells to generate cells having the construct inserted in most or all functional DHFR-TS genes of the MAC, and c) identifying the cells generated in step b) by cultivation with or without thymidine.

Abstract: A composition for detecting a marker for the diagnosis or prognosis of liver cancer is disclosed. The composition includes an agent capable of assessing the expression level of UQCRH (ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase hinge protein). In addition, a kit having the composition, a microarray for the diagnosis of liver cancer using the marker, and a method for detecting the marker, and predicting recurrence following surgery in liver cancer patients are disclosed. The marker is able to contribute to the early diagnosis of liver cancer and prediction of recurrence following surgery and survival of liver cancer patients who have undergone hepatic resection, and also is significant for being a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer.

Abstract: Described herein are materials and methods for predicting and monitoring a heart failure patient's physiological response to treatment with a statin. More specifically, the present invention relates to the endogenous protein galectin-3 and its use as a predictor of response to treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors, or statins.

Abstract: A biosensor system can comprise a sensor chip and a measurement device. The sensor chip comprises a capillary and electrodes disposed within the capillary. The height of the capillary is set to be less than the maximum value of the sum of the diffusion distance of an electron-transfer mediator and the diffusion distance of an analyte at the upper limit of the measurement guaranteed temperature of the biosensor system. The measurement device applies an open circuit voltage, a voltage that is lower than during concentration measurement, or the like to the electrodes of the sensor chip.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photodamage of one or more reactants in illuminated analytical reactions by one or more of incorporating photodamage mitigating agents within the reaction mixture and/or interrogating different observation regions of the reaction mixture for a period that is less than a photodamage threshold period.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) is useful to identify reactive metabolites.

Abstract: Composition for accurately assaying a glycated protein by: 1) avoiding effects of globulin and ascorbic acid components, 2) siabilizing proteases and at least enzymes acting on glycated amino acids; 3) accurately assaying albumin; and 4) assaying glycated albumin while avoiding the effects of glycated hemoglobin, and an assay method are provided. Thus, the contents of a glycated protein and glycated albumin can be more accurately determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and tools for detecting and treating patients suffering from aberrant prion functioning or Aberrant Prion Disease (APD), methods for determining the presence of aberrant prion functioning-inducing agents in a sample and to methods for determining the appropriate therapy for a patient having symptoms of aberrant prion functioning based on detecting aberrant NADH oxidase activity.

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: A heat-resistant bilirubin oxidase mutant is disclosed. The bilirubin oxidase mutant is obtained by deletion, replacement, addition or insertion of at least one amino acid residue of a wild type amino sequence of SEQ. ID. No. 1 of a bilirubin oxidase derived from an imperfect filamentous fungus, Myrothecium verrucaria. A biocathode including a thermo stable bilirubin oxidase mutant immobilized thereon, and its use in a biofuel cell is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the rapid and specific detection of target microorganisms, cells, and the like. In one embodiment, the methods involve contacting a target microorganism (e.g., in a sample) with a permeabilization reagent that selectively permeabilizes or lyses the microorganism; contacting the selectively permeabilized microorganism with a detection reagent that is taken into the selectively permeabilized organism or that contacts metabolites or enzymes released by the selectively permeabilized microorganism, where the detection reagent produces a signal in the presence of said metabolites or enzymes; and detecting a signal produced by the detection reagent in the presence of the metabolites or enzymes wherein the strength of the signal indicates the presence and/or amount of the target microorganism in the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for, inter alia, identifying new therapeutic agents using human cell-based models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing samples as well as various microfluidic, microcentrifuge and microfilter devices. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases using mitochondrial and/or platelet samples. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that selectively captures and analyzes a desired amount of target biological particle.

Abstract: The invention generally features methods for providing engineered pluripotent stem cells that can be used to study biological response and pathways, including differentiation and drug effects. For example, these cells are provided comprising two or more exogenous expression cassettes including a selectable or screenable marker under the control of different condition-responsive regulatory elements, such as differentiation-responsive promoters or regulatory element of a receptor, drug target, drug metabolizing enzyme or signaling pathway gene. Also provided are sets of stem cell lines each comprising a different exogenous expression cassette including a selectable or screenable marker under the control of a different condition-responsive regulatory element.

Abstract: This invention is related to preparation of photosensitive ruthenium based aminoacid monomers and oligomers, aminoacid monomer-protein cross-linking using photo sensitat ion and conjugation on micro and nano-structures by ruthenium-chelate based monomers. Its vast range biotechnolgy applications of multifunctional, biocompatible, stabilE and specific micro and nanobio-conjugates, which will stand-alone or simultaneously enable (i) both purification and determination, (ii) both targeting and imaging and theranostics and (iii) catalysis and determination. The construction and method of preparation is applicable to silica materials, superparamagnetic particles, QDs, CNTs, Ag/Au nanoparticles and Au surfaces and polymeric materials. The photosensitive aminoacid monomer linkers can react via chemically and biocompatible to a lot of different micro and nano-surface and then to the protein when they act as a single-step cross-linking reaction using irradiation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enzymatic decontamination by inactivation of Hazardous agents are provided. Hazardous agents of microbial and chemical origin can be neutralized by H2O2. The methods described herein provide for enzymatic production of H2O2 in situ using oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor and their alcohol substrates. The enzymatically produced H2O2 and corresponding aldehydes have potent antimicrobial properties. The enzymatically produced H2O2 also can detoxify chemical agents in situ. The decontaminating power of the oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor may be amplified by addition of reagents, such as acetyl donors or base catalysts that, in the presence of H2O2, yield peroxy acid derivatives and hydroperoxy anions. Such derivatives can neutralize biological and chemical agents, thus providing a broadly applicable decontamination method.

Abstract: A polymer matrix that may coated on an electrode is created by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of a polyaniline formed by templated oxidative polymerization on a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme. The polymer matrix may be hydrated, and the absorbed water may make it permeable to, for example, glucose. The polyaniline may be polyaniline itself or a substituted polyaniline; the water-soluble crosslinker may be poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, and the redox enzyme may be glucose oxidase. The polymer matrix may be produced by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of an electrically conductive polymer and a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme in a single step at an about neutral pH, curing by drying. After hydration, the crosslinked polymer matrix may form a 3-dimensional glucose-permeable bioelectrocatalyst, catalyzing the electrooxidation of glucose.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding cytochrome P450 variants are provided. The cytochrome P450 variants of have a higher alkane-oxidation capability, alkene-oxidation capability, and/or a higher organic-solvent resistance than the corresponding wild-type or parent cytochrome P450 enzyme. A preferred wild-type cytochrome P450 is cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants include those having an improved capability to hydroxylate alkanes and epoxidate alkenes comprising less than 8 carbons, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to V78A, H236Q, and E252G of cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants also include those having an improved hydroxylation activity in solutions comprising co-solvents such as DMSO and THF, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to T235A, R471A, E494K, and S1024E of cytochrome P450 BM-3.

Abstract: Nitric Oxide (NO) acts as double-edged sword, which induces and prevents cell death, depending on various factors. The mechanism for the NO regulation of cells is not fully understood. The present invention provides experiment design methods and therapy design methods leveraging viable hypothesis supported by current research findings. This invention determines the effects of NO by controlling the majority parameters such as the steady-state concentration of NO, duration of NO exposure and the local level of oxygen. The experiment designs are structured to improve understanding of NO regulation of cells, and further can be directly adapted for therapy design. The invention directs these experiment design and therapy design methods to the study and treatment of cancer. In an application, the effects of exogenous NO on inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) expression and signal transduction in ovarian cancer is applied to drug discovery and therapy design for ovarian and other cancers.

Abstract: A method for identifying the redox activity of a subject compound is disclosed. The method can be performed aerobically and can include forming a mixture comprising a free-radical precursor and a compound to be tested, and converting the free-radical precursor into a free-radical anion and a free-radical cation. After the free radical cation and the free radical anion have been formed, the relative redox activity of the subject compound may cause a difference in the rate of photo-bleaching of the mixture and/or the rate of superoxide generation. These differences can be quantified and used to identify the redox activity of the subject compound. This sensitive technique for measuring redox activity can be used to screen compounds for various biological applications. Drugs also can be developed based on the relationship between redox activity and biological activity for particular biological applications.

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: We describe a strategy for designing and implementing protein-fragment complementation assays (PCAs) to detect biomolecular interactions in vivo and in vitro. The design, implementation and broad applications of this strategy are illustrated with a large number of enzymes with particular detail provided for the example of murine dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Fusion peptides consisting of N- and C-terminal fragments of murine DHFR fused to GCN4 leucine zipper sequences were coexpressed in Escherichia coli grown in minimal medium, where the endogenous DHFR activity was inhibited with trimethoprim. Coexpression of the complementary fusion products restored colony formation. Survival only occurred when both DHFR fragments were present and contained leucine-zipper forming sequences, demonstrating that reconstitution of enzyme activity requires assistance of leucine zipper formation. DHFR fragment-interface point mutants of increasing severity (Ile to Val, Ala and Gly) resulted in a sequential increase in E.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of producing recombinant functional heme-binding proteins with complete heme incorporation and purified preparations of the same. The present invention is further directed to methods of identifying agents that modulate the activity of heme-binding proteins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel enzymatic analytical membrane, a lateral flow enzymatic detection method, and analytical device incorporating same. The invention is useful for rapidly enzymatically determining the presence of one or more analytes in small volumes of sample. The invention provides an enzymatic analytical membrane for detecting the presence of one or more small-molecule analytes in a biological sample where the membrane comprises a receiving zone; a separation zone and a signal zone, at least one of the zones comprising one or more enzymes for converting the analytes into a form detectable by reaction with a chromogenic agent present in the signal zone and wherein the membrane horizontally receives sample at the receiving zone, and the sample continues via lateral flow through the receiving zone, separation zone and signal zone where a visible color change is formed indicating the presence of the analyte.

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: A test strip or electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of an analyte in a biological 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: Determination of an analyte such as glucose in a sample is done making use of a plurality of electron transfer reagents, for example two electron transfer reagents, that work together to transfer electrons between the enzyme and the electrodes. The first electron transfer agent is a mediator that interacts with the enzyme after it has acted on the analyte to regenerate enzyme in its active form. The second electron transfer agent is a shuttle that interacts with the electrodes and optionally the mediator. The oxidation and reduction of the shuttle serves as the major source of current that is measured as an indication of analyte.

Abstract: The application discloses Quiescin Q6 as a new biomarker for acute heart failure; methods for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating acute heart failure based on measuring said biomarker; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for modulating the level or activity of cyclin D by inhibiting EGLN2 expression or activity. The methods are particularly useful for treating or preventing a disorder associated with elevated cyclin D levels or activity, such as cancer.

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: A measuring device (1) is provided, comprising a measurement section (5) for measuring a specific constituent in a biological sample, an input accepting section (2) for accepting an input of an estimated value of subject's, measurement result, a coincidence degree determining section (61) for referencing data of an estimated value whose input is accepted at the input accepting section (2), and determining a degree of coincidence of a measured value obtained at the measurement section and the estimated value, and output sections (3, 4) for outputting a determined result obtained at the coincidence degree determining section (61).

Abstract: The crystal structure of ligand-bound EGLN1 catalytic domain of prolyl hydroxylase is disclosed. These coordinates are useful in computer aided drug design for identifying compounds that regulate EGLN1 prolyl hydroxylase and thereby regulate HIF-regulated disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides reductase proteins that comprise NH2Y unnatural amino acid residues, systems of orthogonal elements for incorporating NH2Y into reductases and methods of using NH2Y amino acid residues in reductases as molecular probes for probing reductases function, structure and activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating hepatic disorders such as hepatocellular carcinoma and/or cirrhosis. A variety of informative biomarkers corresponding thereto, are provided, wherein alterations in expression relative to a control is correlated with the presence of a hepatic disorder, likelihood of survival from a hepatic disorder, and likelihood of recurrence of a hepatic disorder.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of inhibiting angiogenesis, and treating or preventing a disease or disorder (or symptoms thereof) associated with angiogenesis, wherein an anti-angiogenesis compound is administered to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and systems for detecting perchlorate in a sample. Compositions useful for detecting perchlorate in a sample include those comprising a perchlorate reductase, a reductant and an electron shuttle. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition comprises perchlorate reductase from Dechloromonas agitata, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and N-methylphenazinium methylsulfate. The present invention also provides for methods of using the compositions disclosed herein, as well as systems thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the methods comprise a concentration step, in which, for example, the sample is contacted with a cationic solid phase extraction column. Employing this step provides certain advantages such as a lowered detection limit and the removal of contaminants.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a Gram positive bacterial contaminant in a sample. In particular, the invention provides hemocyte-based preparations, methods of making such hemocyte-based preparations, and methods of using such hemocyte-based preparations for the detection and/or quantification of the Gram positive bacterial contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods that are useful for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease or disorder and for the screening of compounds or therapeutic agents for treating a neurodegenerative disease or disorder. The methods pertain in part to the correlation of a neurodegenerative disease or disorder with abnormal or altered endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial-associated membranes (ER-MAM) integrity.

Abstract: The present invention provides MICAL and MICAL-Like polypeptides and polynucleotides. Also provided are methods that for identifying agents that affect axon growth and placement. Furthermore, provided herein are methods for affecting axon growth and placement.

Abstract: A chaperone protein Q2 and ?-amyloid can form a complex. This complex can be detected in a biological sample, such as, for example, tissues or fluids from a mammal. Q2 levels can also be detected in a biological sample. A method for determining the Q2 level in a biological sample and comparing that level to a normal Q2 level can be used to detect, screen, diagnose, or otherwise determine a person's susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease such as, for example, the presence or absence of Alzheimer's disease, of symptoms of this disease, of factors leading to or associated with this disease, of likelihood of developing this disease, and the like. In one embodiment, a decline in Q2 level correlates to an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. In another embodiment, a decline in Q2 level correlates to an increase in ?amyloid aggregation. The method may further include screening for an apolipoprotein E genotype, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease.

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: The invention relates to methods and kits for detecting thyroid cancer by detecting differences in the expression of genes that are differentially expressed in thyroid cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a compound capable of reducing the uric acid level in a mammal for the prevention and/or the treatment of IL-1? driven lung pathology, particularly to treat lung inflammation such as chronic fibrosis, COPD and interstitial fibrosis and other IL-1? driven lung pathologies including those of autoimmune origin. Preferred compounds capable of reducing the uric acid level are selected from the group consisting of xanthine oxidase inhibitors, such as allopurinol, recombinant enzyme uricase and uricosuric compound capable of enhancing uric acid excretion, such as probenecid. The invention further relates to a method for identifying in vitro whether a patient presents an IL-1? driven lung pathology or is at risk to develop an IL-1? driven lung pathology, or for the screening of a compound for treating an IL-1? driven lung pathology.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a method for inhibiting the growth of a microbe that expresses bacterial vitamin K epoxide reductase (bVKOR). The method involves contacting the bacterial cell with an effective amount of an agent that inhibits bVKOR. Agents include a drug, ligand or portion thereof, protein, polypeptide, small organic molecule, antisense nucleic acid, RNAi, or antibody. Examples of useful agents are a phenylpropanoid, a modified phenylpropanoid, a coumarin or modified coumarin. A particularly useful agents is warfarin or a variant thereof or ferulenol or a variant thereof. The microbe is any microbe carrying a bVKOR gene, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: Methods of treating disorders such as neurofibromatosis-1 are provided, including methods in which catalytic antioxidants such as metalloporphyrins are administered. Methods of regulating longevity, and methods and systems for screening for modulators of aging or longevity, are also provided. In addition, related transgenic animals are described.