Abstract: The invention relates to a method and means for the enzymatic determination of ethanol. The method according to the invention prevents ethanol vapours in the ambient air from interfering with the determination.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for detecting and measuring ADP. In particular, this invention provides homogeneous luminescent assays that detect ADP generation and measures ADP accumulation based on enzymatic coupling reactions. The assays of the present invention can be applied to all types of kinases and other ADP-generating enzymes, are antibody free, beads free, radioisotope free, and compatible with commonly used kinase buffers.

Abstract: Biological reagent compositions with improved sensitivity to the concentration of blood glucose in patient samples for use in measuring systems and methods. The reagent compositions comprise a glucose oxidoreductase enzyme, a flavin nucleoside coenzyme and a mediator formulation. The mediator formulation comprises at least one electroactive organic molecule and at least one coordination complex.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay kit for the measurement of free D-galactose and/or L-arabinose in a sample, the kit comprising galactose mutarotase and (3-galactose dehydrogenase. The kit may further comprise a reagent capable of hydrolysing molecules containing D-galactose and/or L-arabinose, to yield the free mono- or disaccharide so that the kit finds use for determination of not just of free D-galactose and/or L-arabinose but also those molecules as released (or synthesized) from other molecules, including lactose, D-galactose-1-phosphate, galactosyl-sucrose oligosaccharides (such as raffinose), galactan, galactomannan, arabinan and arabinogalactan.

Abstract: A mutant glucose dehydrogenase having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 including substitution, deletion, insertion or addition of one or more amino acid residues other than the amino acid residue at the 365th position and having glucose dehydrogenase activity, wherein an amino acid residue at a position corresponding to the 365th position of the amino acid sequence is replaced with another amino acid residue, and the mutant glucose dehydrogenase shows an improved substrate specificity to glucose.

Abstract: A novel glucose dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme that has high substrate specificity, can be produced at a low cost, is not affected by oxygen dissolved in a measurement sample and, in particular, has superior thermal stability is obtained by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Burkholderia and having glucose dehydrogenase producing ability in a medium and collecting glucose dehydrogenase from the medium and/or cells of the microorganism.

Abstract: A method for the determination of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, characterized by using any one of the following proteins (a) to (c): (a) a protein which comprises an amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a protein which comprises an amino acid sequence having the deletion, substitution and/or addition of one or several amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2 and which has a sorbose dehydrogenase activity; and (c) a protein which comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 60% sequence homology to the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2 and which has a sorbose dehydrogenase activity.

Abstract: The use of an enzyme as a research tool for acne, by identifying a compound for the treatment of acne and/or any disorder associated with cutaneous hyperseborrhoea.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and means for the enzymatic determination of acetate. The method according to the invention facilitates for the first time reflectometric detection by means of a test strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining cellulolytic enhancing activity of a polypeptide, comprising: (a) incubating a cellulosic material with an enzyme composition comprising a cellobiose dehydrogenase and one or more (several) cellulolytic enzymes in the presence and absence of the polypeptide; and (b) measuring the release of sugar from the cellulosic material in the presence and absence of the polypeptide.

Abstract: A porous material containing mesopores with immobilized glucose dehydrogenase is provided. The pore size is at least 10 nm.

Abstract: A method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of Liver Fatty Acid-Binding Protein, ACE and CA19-9 tumor markers in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer. Said method can be used for early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up and prognosis, and also for relapse diagnosis in relation to colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns enzyme-based methods for detecting and assaying for glyoxylate. In particular, the invention is directed to methods for assaying for glyoxylate produced by the reaction of peptidylglycine ?-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). The subject invention also concerns methods for assaying for the enzyme peptidylglycine ?-amidating monooxygenase. The detection of glyoxylate using the present invention is indicative of the presence of PAM. The subject invention also concerns methods for screening for peptide hormones and any N-acyl-glycine or N-aryl-glycine conjugated molecule.

Abstract: A mutant of PQQ-dependent soluble glucose dehydrogenase (s-GDH; EC 1.1.5.2) is provided with improved specificity for glucose as compared to maltose, having a substitution of threonine at position 348 by either glycine, alamine or serine, wherein said mutant additionally comprises, at least one mutation for improving the stability of the mutant and one or more mutation(s) for improving the affinity of the mutant to glucose, and/or one or more mutation(s) for further improving the specificity of the mutant for glucose as compared to maltose, and wherein position 348 correspond to the amino acid positions known from the A. calcoaceticus s-GDH wild-type sequence. Also disclosed are genes encoding such mutant s-GDH, and different applications of these s-GDH mutants, particularly for determining the concentration of glucose in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to Imidazolo-heteroaryl derivatives of formula (I). The compounds inhibit the activity of the Dlta enzyme of Gram-positive bacteria and are useful to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections. Furthermore the application discloses method for assessing the Dlta inhibitory activity of tested molecules and a method for measuring the efficacy of molecules in inhibiting bacteria proliferation in vitro.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting contaminants, such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, in various materials, including household products, and medicines. The contaminants can be detected using enzyme assays that produce measurable changes in light absorption and/or light fluorescence.

Abstract: There is provided a compound having Formula I R1—Z—R2 ??Formula I wherein R1 is a group selected from optionally substituted fused polycyclic groups, substituted alkyl groups, branched alkyl groups, and optionally substituted cycloalkyl groups Z is a linker which is or comprises a carbonyl group or a isostere of a carbonyl group R2 is selected from optionally substituted aromatic rings and optionally substituted heterocyclic rings wherein (a) R2 is a 2-substituted thiophene group, and/or (b) Z is a group of the formula —C(?O)—CR3R4—X—(CR5R6)n-, wherein X is selected from NR7, S, O, S?O, and S(?O)2, wherein n is 0 or 1 and/or (c) R1 is an adamantyl group and Z is or comprises an amide group, and/or (d) R1 is an adamantyl group and Z is or comprises a group of the formula —(CR8R9)p- NR10—S(?O)2—(CR11R12)q-, wherein p is 0 or 1 and q is 0 or 1 and/or (e) R1 is an adamantyl group and Z is or comprises a group of the formula —(CR13R14)v-Y—(CR15R16)w- where Y is a heteroaryl group in which a bond in the hetero

Abstract: Biomarkers associated with preeclampsia were identified. Nine proteins were identified as being differentially regulated between the control and the under 28-weeks preeclamptic samples. Similarly three proteins were identified as being differentially regulated between the control and the over 28-weeks preeclamptic samples. These 12 proteins can be used as potential biomarkers in the diagnosing and prognosing of preeclampsia.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method of detecting Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome in an individual comprising detecting the presence of a mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, wherein detection of a mutated SDHB, SDHD or a combination thereof indicates that the individual is positive for CS or CS-like syndrome. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for developing Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome comprising detecting the presence of a mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, wherein detection of a mutated SDHB, SDHD or a combination thereof indicates that the individual is at risk for developing for CS or CS-like syndrome.

Abstract: Novel FDH enzymes are provided herein, including novel NADPH-specific and NADH-specific FDH enzymes. Additionally, methods are provided utilizing these novel enzymes in catalytic systems for in situ regeneration of NADPH or NADH. Further aspects of the invention relate to the definition and use of crystal structures of these novel enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of monitoring or detecting a neurological or inflammatory condition in a patient. The method comprises (1) obtaining from the patient a fluid sample from outside of a brain tissue of the patient, wherein the fluid sample contains a circulating phagocyte, and (2) detecting for one or more biomarkers (e.g., a panel of biomarkers) inside the phagocyte, wherein the biomarker is associated with the respective neurological or inflammatory condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides circulating biomarkers for conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension and congestive heart failure. The biomarkers include plasma DNA, neuron-specific enolase, 11?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, rhodopsin, retinoschisin, RPE65 and cardiac troponin T. Methods and kits for detecting these biomarkers in the prediction, monitoring and diagnosing of disease are provided, particularly for determining mRNA levels thereof in a subject's blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensitive fluorimetric indicator for analytes determination in the oxygen-insensitive DT-diaphorase-coupled dehydrogenases assay by omitting NADH, which is generated by reaction in the presence of analytes, which presents to the applicability as a biosensor for future clinical diagnostic. Furthermore, the novel long-wavelength latent fluorimetric indicator is also a user-friendly probe for monitoring DT-diaphorase activity. The fluorescence signal revealed by this process is specific and exhibited in the near red spectrum region.

Abstract: A method for producing optically active alcohols is provided. Optically active alcohols are useful intermediates in pharmaceutical production. The method of the present invention enables simple and efficient production of optically active alcohols with a high optical purity. According to the production method disclosed, optically active alcohols are produced via asymmetric reduction of 3-quinuclidinone using tropinone reductase-I. For example, the use of tropinone reductase-I derived from plants like Datura stramonium and Hyoscyamus niger allows the production of high optical purity (R)-3-quinuclidinol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying and quantifying platelet proteins. As certain behaviors and medical conditions alter the quantity of various platelet membrane proteins, the tools of the present invention are suitable for identification of biomarkers of these bodily states. For instance, the present invention provides methods and compositions for determining whether an individual is using alcohol or other licit or illicit drugs at levels hazardous or harmful to their health. The invention also provides methods for identifying individuals who would benefit from or who may be harmed by specific medications or therapies.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a immunosuppressant drug level and renal function, hepatic function, or a combination thereof in a patient, comprising obtaining a small volume blood sample from the patient; determining the level of at least one immunosuppressant drug in the small volume blood sample and determining the level of a second immunosuppressant drug or analyzing the renal function, the hepatic function, or a combination thereof in the patient. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressant drug levels are determined using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) procedure. Also provided are kits for use in any of the systems and methods described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for screening patients for tumor burden and the use of VEGF-R inhibitors alone or in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of gastrointestinal, genitourinary, lymphoid and pulmonary (small cell and non-small cell) cancer patients and patients with cancers of neural crest origin having high serum or plasma LDH5 levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a crystal structure of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) with a modulator of ALDH bound thereto. The present disclosure provides a computer readable medium comprising atomic coordinates for an ALDH polypeptide and a modulator bound to a site within the polypeptide. A method is also provided. In general terms, the method comprises computationally identifying a compound that binds to an ALDH polypeptide, using the atomic coordinates.

Abstract: A method of producing coryneform bacteria having an improved amino acid or nucleic acid-productivity comprises the steps of introducing a mutation in a promoter sequence of amino acid- or nucleic acid-biosynthesizing genes on a chromosome of a coryneform bacterium so that it is close to a consensus sequence or introducing a change in the promoter sequence of amino acid- or nucleic acid-biosynthesizing genes on the chromosome of a coryneform bacterium by gene recombination so that it is close to a consensus sequence, obtaining mutants of the coryneform amino acid- or nucleic acid-producing microorganism, culturing the mutants and select a mutant capable of producing the intended amino acid or nucleic acid in a large amount. This method allows one of skill in the art to construct a mutant capable of enriching or controlling the expression of an intended gene without using a plasmid and to promote production of amino acids in a high yield, by the recombination or mutation.

Abstract: A rapid and convenient method capable of performing fractional measurement of small, dense LDLs without pretreatment of a specimen, which is adaptable for an autoanalyzer, is provided. A method for quantitatively determining small, dense LDL cholesterol is provided, which comprises adding enzymes for cholesterol measurement to a test sample in the presence of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer or a derivative thereof, causing the polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer or the derivative thereof to selectively act on small, dense LDLs among lipoproteins, and then measuring the amount of cholesterol generated.

Abstract: A mutant glucose dehydrogenase having an improved substrate specificity to glucose, which is a protein comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having the substitution, deletion, insertion or addition of one or more amino acid residues excluding amino acid 365 in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:3 and having a glucose dehydrogenase activity, the amino acid residue corresponding to amino acid 365 being substituted by other amino acid residue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for highly efficiently producing ethanol at a high productivity consisting of using a coryneform bacterium which has been transformed by a DNA containing a gene expressing pyruvate decarboxylase activity and, if desired, a gene expressing alcohol dehydrogenase activity under a regulatory sequence allowing for the expression, under ethanol production conditions wherein this bacterium does not substantially proliferate to produce ethanol.

Abstract: The invention concerns stable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP/NADPH) derivatives, enzyme complexes of these derivatives and their use in biochemical detection methods and reagent matrices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chip 100 that enables an immunoassay with high accuracy and without requiring a high volatile reagent. The chip 100 includes a chip substrate 20, a reagent mixture 12 and potassium ferricyanide 11 that are immobilized leaving a space in between on the chip substrate 20. The reagent mixture 12 includes at least one selected from NADP and NADPH, malate dehydrogenase, and a substrate of malate dehydrogenase. The chip 100 further includes diaphorase, immobilized on the chip substrate 20, as a part of or a component other than the reagent mixture 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-based in vitro screening assay for identifying and selecting therapeutic agents that inhibit amyloid r-induced cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGD) which exhibits a susceptibility to inhibition by serine which is reduced a as compared with that of an Escherichia coli wild-type PGD and which possesses an amino acid sequence which differs from the amino acid sequence of the Escherichia coli wild-type PGD (SEQ ID NO: 2) in that an amino acid apart from glycine is present at position 249 or an amino acid apart from threonine is present at position 372.

Abstract: An efficient method for identifying important cancer biomarkers and identifying progression of bladder cancer using pro-u-PA as a clinical tool is provided. Searching for biomarkers critical for bladder carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis, secreted proteomes of highly malignant U1 and pre-malignant U4 cell lines are first analyzed. Proteins in the cultured media of the U1 and U4 cell-lines were systematically examined by SDS-PAGE combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Expression of pro-u-plasminogen activator (pro-u-PA) was confirmed by Western blot analysis and further evaluated. A statistically significant relationship between the low level and absence of pro-u-PA in urine with high stages and grades of the tumor samples was established. Constitutive expression of Ras dominant negative protein led to increased expression of pro-u-PA in cultured media, indicating the loss of pro-u-PA is associated with oncogenic transformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and devices for detecting an analyte in a sample by fluorescence measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test piece having a simple structure, by which HDL cholesterol can be measured easily using a small amount of specimen. A reagent layer (2) is formed on a support (1), and an enzyme reagent for measuring cholesterol, a first surfactant that makes a solubility of a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) higher than that of a lipoprotein other than the HDL, and a second surfactant that inhibits the lipoprotein other than the HDL from dissolving are contained in the reagent layer (2).

Abstract: Biological reagent compositions with improved sensitivity to the concentration of blood glucose in patient samples for use in measuring systems and methods. The reagent compositions comprise a glucose oxidoreductase enzyme, a flavin nucleoside coenzyme and a mediator formulation. The mediator formulation comprises at least one electroactive organic molecule and at least one coordination complex.

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the calorimetric measurement of enzyme activity comprising the following steps: preparing a cell suspension or a cell lysate containing cell components, adding a chromogenic substrate at the start of the enzyme reaction, adding a first additional substance to stop the enzyme reaction, and making a colorimetric measurement, wherein a second additional substance which reduces the light scattering and/or absorption caused by the cells or the cell components is added during or after termination of the enzyme reaction.

Abstract: By means of a proteomic approach, the markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the liver of a knockout mouse (MAT1A?/?) have been identified for the MAT1A gene (deficient in the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine). 27 proteins have been detected the expression thereof is altered in, at least, 50% of the analysed tumours. Amongst them, 13 proteins have been validated in biopsies of patients with HCC of different etiology, and 7 of them have been validated in biopsies of patients with liver cirrhosis, a stage prior to the development of HCC, which makes it possible to differentiate between prior stages of the disease and even between different etiologies (viral and alcoholic). Having a panel of markers available may contribute to more accurately defining the alterations associated with the development of HCC and thus facilitate prognosis and diagnosis of this disease.

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

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes, i.e. to the determination of whether one or more of a plurality of analytes is present in a sample, particularly the plurality of analytes are structurally unrelated or significantly different, particularly to whether one or more of such analytes is present in a sample in a concentration that is above a predetermined minimum or cutoff value, and particularly for such analytes with different cutoffs. The methods and kits are particularly useful for-screening for the presence of a plurality of drugs (licit and/or illicit), performance-enhancing substances, and other chemicals, and involve a competitive enzyme immunoassay employing one or more conjugates of G6PDH with a plurality of the analytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing carcinoma, providing a prognosis for a carcinoma or assessing the likelihood that a tissue may become cancerous by identifying the presence or absence of or determining the amount of one or more carcinoma associated markers. Further, the present invention provides methods for determining whether a tissue should be surgically resected and for determining the territorial extent of resection. The carcinoma markers may be those provided in FIG. 1. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for diagnosing carcinoma, providing a prognosis for a carcinoma or assessing the likelihood that a tissue may become cancerous by identifying the presence of or determining the amount of one or more carcinoma associated markers. The methods and kits are especially useful regarding colon, rectal or colorectal carcinoma.

Abstract: The invention concerns stable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP/NADPH) derivatives, enzyme complexes of these derivatives and their use in biochemical detection methods and reagent matrices.

Abstract: A high sensitivity electrochemistry type method for measuring adenine nucleotide which has a convenient and further miniaturized measuring device structure; is low in consumptive power; and does not require a treatment operation for substances that cause turbidity is provided. A method for measuring adenine nucleotide, which comprises a step A for converting adenosine triphosphate to adenosine diphosphate by an enzyme E1, a step B for converting said adenosine diphosphate and a phosphate donor P2 to adenosine triphosphate and dephosphorylated phosphate donor P2? by an enzyme E2, and a step C for electrochemically measuring said donor P2? by carrying out an oxidation-reduction reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified glucose dehydrogenase having pyrroloquinoline quinone as a coenzyme, wherein one or more amino acid residues in a region of 186-206 amino acid of water-soluble PQQGDH derived from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus or in an equivalent region from other species are replaced with other amino acid residues. Also disclosed is a gene coding for the modified glucose dehydrogenase of the invention, a vector comprising the gene of the invention and a transformant comprising the vector, as well as a glucose assay kit and a glucose sensor comprising the modified glucose dehydrogenase of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved variants of soluble pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent glucose dehydrogenases (s-GDH) comprising an amino acid insertion between positions 428 and 429 as corresponding to the amino acid sequence known from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, to genes encoding such variant s-GDH, to proteins of such s-GDH variants with improved substrate specificity for glucose, and to different applications of these s-GDH variants, particularly for determining concentrations of sugars, especially of glucose in a sample.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful removable lid, particularly adapted for commercial sized containers of the type which holds oils, grease, bulk food stuffs and the like. The lid comprises a central lid area which has parallel upper and lower surfaces. A continuous channel extends about the periphery of the lower surface. The channel has inner and outer walls for releasably receiving therebetween the upper lid of a container. A skirt downwardly depends about the periphery of the lid area. The skirt forms part of the outer wall of the channel. Means at the bottom of the channel act as a seal between the lid and the container when the lid is in position on the container.