Abstract: A gold nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (NAAO) substrate used in coordination with a handheld Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) device for detecting phenylalanine (Phe) in a sample collected from a subject, the gold NAAO substrate comprising a multilayered nanoporous aluminum layer; and a gold layer disposed on top of the multilayered nanoporous aluminum layer. The gold layer comprises gold nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods and devices for testing and monitoring L-phenylalanine in biological samples are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an amadoriase that can react with a wide variety of glycated peptides generated upon hydrolysis of the ? chain of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to generate hydrogen peroxide, a method for measurement of HbA1c using such amadoriase, and a reagent kit for measurement of HbA1c using such amadoriase. Provided is an amadoriase obtained by substitution of one or more amino acids at positions corresponding to amino acids selected from the group consisting of amino acids 62, 63, 102, 106, 110, 113, and 355 in the amino acid sequence of the amadoriase derived from the genus Coniochaeta or the like which amadoriase is capable of oxidizing a wide variety of glycated peptides to generate hydrogen peroxide. Further provided is a method for measurement of HbA1c comprising using such amadoriase as well as a reagent kit for measurement of HbA1c comprising such amadoriase.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method, a computer readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed, perform a method, and a system for performing mass spectrometry analysis. Molecules of different samples may be labeled with a chemical tag, allowing a multiplexed analysis of multiple samples. The labeled molecules may be fragmented, each fragmented molecule creating at least two separate ions. The relative abundance of each of the heavier ions, which may comprise the original molecule from the sample, may be measured. A relative abundance of the labeled molecules in each of the samples may be determined from the measured relative abundances of the heavier ions.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a calorimeter for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. The calorimeter can include a substrate, a hermetically-sealed, thermally decoupled central reaction zone associated with the substrate, at least one droplet transport region, and detection electronics. The at least one droplet transport region can be associated with the substrate and configured to merge a reagent droplet with a sample droplet including the fluid sample to form a reaction droplet in the central reaction zone. The detection electronics can be in electrical and/or thermal communication with the central reaction zone and associated with the substrate. The calorimeter can be configured to detect a heat of reaction produced by a reaction event between the target analyte and a capture reagent upon formation of the reaction droplet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are “equipment-free” flow-through assay devices based on patterned porous media, methods of making same, and methods of using same. The porous, hydrophilic media are patterned with hydrophobic barriers for performing assays on liquids.

Abstract: A method for quantifying skin changes caused by six external evils and a method of screening skin condition-improving materials using the quantification method are described. More specifically, disclosed are a method of measuring cellular changes caused by external stimuli in a skin cell culture system, in which the degree of cellular changes obtained by applying suitable stimuli of six external evils to skin cells being cultured is measured by cellular biochemical methods, such that the conceptual effects of six external evils suggested in the prior art can be scientifically and quantitatively expressed, and a method of screening skin condition-improving materials using the measurement method.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a sterilizer, an oral cavity sterilizer, a sterilization method, a sterilization apparatus, and a sterilizer evaluation method capable of enhancing a sterilization effect. The sterilizer including hydrogen peroxide and a catalase activity inhibitor containing scutellaria or green tea is brought into contact with a sterilization target. Next, the sterilization target is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 500 nm using a light emitting device formed of a semiconductor laser. By the light irradiation, the hydrogen peroxide is photolyzed to generate hydroxy radicals, and sterilization is achieved by the thus-generated hydroxy radicals.

Abstract: Saccharification of polysaccharides of plants is provided, where release of fermentable sugars from cellulose is obtained by adding plant tissue composition. Production of glucose is obtained without the need to add additional ?-glucosidase. Adding plant tissue composition to a process using a cellulose degrading composition to degrade cellulose results in an increase in the production of fermentable sugars compared to a process in which plant tissue composition is not added. Using plant tissue composition in a process using a cellulose degrading enzyme composition to degrade cellulose results in decrease in the amount of cellulose degrading enzyme composition or exogenously applied cellulase required to produce fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the overall oxidative status of a body fluid or a tissue of a patient by measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the body fluid or tissue. The method has been found to be useful in the diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of patients who have suffered a trauma (such as a head injury), patients suspected of being critically-ill, patients who have a viral infection, and patients suspected of having a myocardial infarction. The method has also been found useful in monitoring and evaluating exercise performance in patients. In addition, the method has been found useful in monitoring and evaluating stored blood products and patients who will receive such a product.

Abstract: An agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions, containing a water-swellable layered silicate having a fluorine atom and a hydroxyl group, wherein the fluorine atom is covalently bonded to the silicate by isomorphous substitution with the hydroxyl group. A method of searching for protein crystallization conditions, which comprises a step of mixing the agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions described above and a solution in which a protein is dissolved.

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 disclosure provides compounds that detect reactive oxygen species in a living cell, in a multicellular organism, or in a cell-free sample. The compounds find use in a variety of applications, which are also provided. The present disclosure provides compositions comprising a subject compound.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing improved hydrogen peroxide assays, as well as droplet actuators for conducting such assays. The droplet actuators of the invention may be used to conduct droplet-based hydrogen peroxide assays. They may also be associated with detectors for analyzing the results of the hydrogen peroxide assays of the invention. They may be provided as components of systems which control droplet operations and/or detection for conducting the hydrogen peroxide assays. Measurement by the detector may be used to quantify the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for inducing tumor apoptosis by influencing the ROS (reactive oxygen species) signaling pathway in tumor cells. Increasing the level of ROS leads to the selective inactivation of a tumor cell catalase and subsequently to an apoptosis of these cells. The level of ROS can be increased by increasing the level of nitric oxide through inhibition of the enzymes nitric oxide dioxygenase or arginase. According to the present invention inhibitors of the nitric oxide dioxygenase or arginase can be used for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer. The present invention further provides a method for identifying compounds which can be used for the treatment of cancer, wherein the method allows to specifically identify compounds which induce apoptosis through the ROS signaling pathway. The present invention also provides a kit for identifying compounds which induce tumor apoptosis by inactivating a catalase on the tumor cell surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining enzyme activity in a fluid, wherein the activity over time provides a viscosity-change in the fluid, by the use of a device (FIG. 1) equipped with at least one pressure sensor (FIG. 1 (4)) to determine the change in the fluid viscosity over time as a measure of the enzyme activity.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a hem protein which is effective against the denaturation and degradation of a hem protein typified by hemoglobin and a storage solution therefor. A method of stabilizing a hem protein and a storage solution therefor characterized in that an iminocarboxylic acid or its salt is made to coexist in a sample containing the hem protein, wherein the above-described iminocarboxylic acid is a compound represented by the following general formula (1) wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; and X's represent each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or an ammonium group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising: providing a molecularly imprinted polymer imprinted with a first peptide or protein; exposing said molecularly imprinted polymer to a supersaturated solution of a second peptide or protein; and forming a nucleus of and/or growing a crystal of said second peptide or protein on said molecularly imprinted polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides identification and characterization of racemases and definition of protein signatures of these racemases. This invention also provides identification of nucleic acid molecules encoding a peptide consisting of a motif characteristic of the protein signatures, and to the peptides consisting of these motifs. Antibodies specific for the peptides and to immune complexes of these antibodies with the peptides are also provided. Further, the invention relates to methods and kits for detecting racemases using the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, as well as the peptides consisting of the motifs and antibodies to these peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for determining if a subject has myocardial ischemia, comprising (a) providing a blood sample obtained from a subject suspected of having myocardial ischemia; (b) determining in the sample the amount of one or more of the following proteins: (i) Lumican and/or (ii) Extracellular matrix protein 1 and/or (iii) Carboxypeptidase N; and (c) comparing the amount(s) of the protein(s) to a baseline value that is indicative of the amount of the protein in a subject that does not have myocardial ischemia, wherein a statistically significantly increased amount of the protein(s) compared to the baseline value is indicative of myocardial ischemia. Other proteins indicative of myocardial ischemia are also described, as are methods for treating a subject based on a diagnostic procedure of the invention, and kits for carrying out a method of the invention.

Abstract: Deuterium isobaric tag reagents are provided for the quantitation of biomolecules, where the reagents contain heavy isotope atoms, including one or more 2H in each reagent. Generally, the reagents are described by the formula: reporter group—balancer group—reactive group, wherein the reporter group and the balancer group are linked by an MS/MS scissionable bond. Each of the reporter group and balancer groups independently contain 0 to 9 heavy isotope atoms selected from 13C, 15N and 2H and the total number of 2H atoms in each reagent is 1 to 6. The mass of the reporter group is from 114-123 Daltons. Exemplary deuterium isobaric tag reagents include Di-ART, DiART-t-I, DiART-t-Br and DiART-t-M. Also provided are compositions containing more than one deuterium isobaric tag reagent and methods for making and using deuterium isobaric tag reagents.

Abstract: A reagent for fractional measurement of small, dense LDLs without pretreatment of a specimen, which is adaptable to a rapid and convenient autoanalyzer, is provided. A method for quantitatively determining cholesterol in small, dense LDLs in a sample is further provided. The method includes first step of eliminating lipoproteins other than small, dense LDLs in a sample in the presence of cholesterol esterase and 0.05 g/L to 1.0 g/L of a surfactant that acts on the lipoproteins other than small, dense LDLs, and a second step of quantitatively determining cholesterol in small dense LDLs that remain after the first step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for quantifying skin changes caused by six external evils and a method of screening skin condition-improving materials using the quantification method. More specifically, disclosed are a method of measuring cellular changes caused by external stimuli in a skin cell culture system, in which the degree of cellular changes obtained by applying suitable stimuli of six external evils to skin cells being cultured is measured by cellular biochemical methods, such that the conceptual effects of six external evils suggested in the prior art can be scientifically and quantitatively expressed, and a method of screening skin condition-improving materials using the measurement method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing measurement errors due to inhibition of catalase by azide in a method for quantification of a component to be measured, in which hydrogen peroxide derived from a component other than the component to be measured is decomposed by a catalase. The method for reducing measurement errors due to inhibition of catalase by azide employs a catalase which has a subunit having a molecular mass of 75 kDa or higher and is derived from a microorganism, when hydrogen peroxide derived from a component other than the component to be measured is decomposed by the catalase followed by quantification of hydrogen peroxide derived from the component to be measured to quantify the component to be measured.

Abstract: An aqueous composition which comprises a protein or other biological molecule and also (i) optionally comprises one or more metal ions at a concentration of 0.01 to 20 mM; (ii) comprises excipients which are weak ligands; and (iii) is substantially free of excipients which are medium-strength ligands or strong ligands.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel oral cancer and periodontal disease biomarkers. Further, the present invention provides novel methods of diagnosing and for providing a prognosis for oral cancer and periodontal disease. The present invention additionally provides novel methods of distinguishing between oral cancer and periodontal disease. Finally, kits are provided that find use in the practice of the methods of the invention.

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

Abstract: A method of determining risk of heart failure in a mammal is provided comprising the steps of measuring in a biological sample obtained from a mammal the level of each of IL-6, MCP-1, IL-10, VEGF, and EGF biomarkers in the sample, wherein a positive result of at least three of said biomarkers is indicative of a risk of heart failure in the mammal.

Abstract: Nonseparation assay methods using peroxide generating enzymes in combination with a solid support for analyte detection are disclosed. The present assay methods provide a high degree of sensitivity, are simple and efficient to perform, and are excellent tools for diagnostic and high through-put screening applications.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a hem protein which is effective against the denaturation and degradation of a hem protein typified by hemoglobin and a storage solution therefor. A method of stabilizing a hem protein and a storage solution therefor characterized in that an iminocarboxylic acid or its salt is made to coexist in a sample containing the hem protein, wherein the above-described iminocarboxylic acid is a compound represented by the following general formula (1) wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; and X's represent each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or an ammonium group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the interaction between HIF-1 peptide and VBC protein using fluorescence polarization, more precisely, a method for quantitative analysis of formation of HIF-1-VBC protein complex which is composed of the steps of 1) preparing a fluorescent probe by attaching a fluorescein to hydroxyproline containing HIF-1 peptide; 2) reacting the fluorescent probe with VBC protein; and 3) measuring the fluorescence polarization of the above reactant and then comparing the fluorescence polarization with that of the fluorescent probe itself to investigate the changes of fluorescence polarization; a method for screening an inhibitor of the binding of HIF-1 peptide and VBC protein using the above method; and a method for analyzing the activity of prolyl hydroxylase using the above method.

Abstract: Described are methods of treating and preventing conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers. Also provided herein are methods of screening for agents useful in treating such conditions, and animal models of conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification and characterization of racemases and definition of protein signatures of these racemases. More particularly, this invention relates to the identification of nucleic acid molecules encoding a peptide consisting of a motif characteristic of the protein signatures, and to the peptides consisting of these motifs and more specifically SEQ ID NOS:1-4. This invention also relates to antibodies specific for the peptides and to immune complexes of these antibodies with the peptides. Further, the invention relates to methods and kits for detecting racemases using the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, as well as the peptides consisting of the motifs and antibodies to these peptides.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and kit for detecting microorganisms on a surface. The invention involves contacting a household surface with a cleaning composition comprising hydrogen peroxide and then placing an acoustic device in close proximity to the household surface to determine if the microorganisms are still present.

Abstract: The invention relates to stannous halide stabilized and/or enhanced alkaline solutions to be used in combination with calorimetric, luminescent and fluorescent assays. The buffered solutions stabilize hydrogen peroxide at a pH greater than 7.0 and preferably greater than 9.0. By stabilizing and/or enhancing hydrogen peroxide in the buffer system, the compositions used in such assays may have a higher shelf-life and provide enhanced detection of the subject analyte.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of treating sarcoidosis comprising the use of microbial catalase-peroxidase protein, its peptide fragments, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening to identify compounds that modulate the ability of a protein to translocate to the mitochondria when a cell is subjected to cellular stress. Such compounds can be useful to modulate the level of apoptosis in a cell. For example, compounds identified according to the methods described herein can be used to treat disorders characterized by excessive apoptosis, e.g., a neurological disorder, or insufficient apoptosis, e.g., cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stabilizing compositions, methods and kits for chemiluminescent assays.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of homeostasis analysis. More particularly, it relates to systems and methods for analyzing persistent homeostatic perturbations, i.e. chronic stress, by measuring levels of biomarkers that are related to chronic stress. This invention is also directed to systems and methods for analyzing the molecular mechanisms of chronic stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of CJD and other spongiform encephalopathies by increasing the level and/or activity of hydrogen peroxide degrading enzymes, such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase, in order to deplete hydrogen peroxide and prevent the build up of gaseous oxygen in the brains of patients. Various aspects are provided, including screening methods for agents for the treatment of spongiform encephalopathy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining histaminase (DAO; EC 1.4.3.6) activity in a sample. Said method comprises the following steps: an aqueous solution is supplied which contains a predefined amount of a diamine; the aqueous solution is mixed and incubated with the sample for a given period of time in conditions in which the diamine can be reacted with a DAO possibly present in the sample; the diamine is derivatized; the amount of derivatized diamine is determined; the predefined amount of diamine is compared to the amount of derivatized diamine; and the activity of histaminase possibly present is determined.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for determining ADP in the presence of ATP. These comprise including among the assay reagents at least one of the correcting components creatine phosphokinase and phosphocreatine, pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate, peroxidase and a non-interfering peroxidase substrate, and catalase. One aspect of the method employs formation of hydrogen peroxide from the ADP by pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate and pyruvate oxidase. The hydrogen peroxide is then determined. A combined reagent having all of the reagents may optionally include a peroxidase when the hydrogen peroxide is to be enzymatically determined. A peroxidase substrate is added to the sample in conjunction with the peroxidase substrate reagent, the mixture incubated and depending on whether the peroxidase substrate is a fluorescer or chemiluminescer, the mixture may be illuminated with excitation light and the emitted light determined as a measure of the ADP in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical method and device for the determination of an analyte in an assayed sample. The method and device of the invention are based on the use of semiconductor nanoparticles that carry a recognition agent. The detection is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the semiconductor nanoparticle donors, which are excited with electromagnetic radiation, and acceptors in the form of dye-labeled or semiconductor nanoparticle-labeled agents, that are immobilized to the recognition agent in the presence of the analyte and under assay conditions. The method and device of the present invention are especially useful in the determination of DNA or RNA analytes, DNA polymerase or telomerase analytes, cancer cells through telomerase activity and single-base mutations. In such cases the recognition agent is a single-stranded oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A rapid and sensitive radiometric assay for assessing the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 and the potential of an analyte to inhibit CYP3A4/5 activity or induce CYP3A4/5 expression is described. All the steps of the assay, including incubations, product separation, and radioactivity counting are preferably performed in a multiwell format, which can be automated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the enzymatic measurement of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors in biological samples. The present invention also provides assay reagents and packaged kits useful for performing enzymatic measurement of imatinib mesylate and other bcr-abl protein kinase inhibitors in biological samples.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting hydrogen peroxide released by enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of an analyte within a test sample is provided. The test kit comprises a lateral flow device that contains a chromatographic medium, wherein the chromatographic medium defines a detection zone within which a chromogen is substantially non-diffusively immobilized in conjunction with an anionic compound. The chromogen is a leuco base, or a derivative thereof, which is capable of undergoing a detectable color change upon oxidation.

Abstract: A method of a pretreatment of a sample for quantitating cholesterol characterized by, before measuring cholesterol contained in specific lipoproteins, treating the sample containing lipoproteins with an enzyme, the substrate of which is free cholesterol, optionally together with a reaction accelerator; a method for quantitating cholesterol in specific lipoproteins by using the above method; and a kit for quantitating cholesterol in specific lipoproteins to be used in the above quantification method. By using this quantification method, cholesterol in a specific fraction can be conveniently, accurately and efficiently quantitated fundamentally without resort to polyanion, etc. Thus, this method is appropriately usable in various automatic analyzers.