Abstract: At the initial diagnosis of sepsis (6-24 h before the development of ARDS), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity level is increased in septic patients who subsequently develop ARDS compared to healthy patients and septic patients who do not develop ARDS. A method is disclosed for predicting the occurrence of ARDS in a septic patient from the patient's serum level of LDH activity, which method facilitates identification of subsets of patients destined to develop ARDS and allows prospective treatment of such septic patients.

Abstract: Method of increasing the light output and/or signal:background ratio of light output from a chemiluminescent reaction of a dihydrophthalazinedione, a peroxidase enzyme catalyst and an oxidant, by carrying out the reaction in the presence of an enhancer which is an aromatic organo boron compound. Kits suitable for use in diagnositc assays comprising such enhancers are also described.

Abstract: A process using hydrothermally synthesized porous kaolinite as a carrier for use in a bioreactor. A carrier-biocatalyst composite body for use in a bioreactor, includes the synthesized kaolinite as a carrier and a biocatalyst fixed onto the synthesized kaoline. A bioreactor system includes a bioreactor vessel, and such a carrier-biocatalyst composite body placed in the bioreactor vessel.

Abstract: Methods for determining the genotoxic or carcinogenic status of a subject by analyzing the cellular redox potential of a test specimen where an increased risk of, or presence of, genotoxic injury or cancer is indicated when the cellular redox potential favors oxidatively derived modified nucleotide bases. A sensitive method is disclosed wherein DNA is isolated from a test specimen obtained from a test subject and assayed for modified nucleotide bases that have formed either stable reductively formed derivatives or stable oxidatively formed derivatives. By identifying and comparing those modified nucleotide bases derived via reductive pathways to those modified nucleotide bases derived via oxidative pathways, a determination as to the cancer status of the test specimen can be made wherein a greater cancerous state exists when the ratio between the two species of modified nucleotide bases indicates that oxidatively formed derivative are favored over reductively formed derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a human angiotensin II type 1 receptor protein, a recombinant DNA containing a gene which codes for said protein, a transformant carrying said DNA, production of said protein, and anti-angiotensin II substance screening methods using transformants containing said protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining histamine content as a freshness index of food. An examination liquid is injected in a reaction cell, an amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) is recorded through an oxygen sensor and an amplifier in the recorder. Then, an enzymatic reagent having histamine oxidase activity is injected in the reaction cell, a decrease in the dissolved oxygen is recorded in the recorder, and the histamine concentration is determined on the basis of the decrease by a micro computer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a sandwich hybridization assay wherein a nucleic acid capture probe is firstly immobilized on an assay plate via masked receptors on the plate. The capture probe is immobilized by the binding of receptor ligands on the capture probe during this first step. Subsequently, target nucleic acid is hybridized to the immobilized capture probe either before or after the hybridization of an indicator nucleic acid probe onto the target. The target is quantified via detection of the immobilized indicator signal.

Abstract: Enzymatically clearable chemiluminescent 1,2-dioxetane compounds capable of producing light energy when decomposed, substantially stable at room temperature before a bond by which an enzymatically clearable labile substituent thereof is intentionally cleaved, are disclosed. These compounds can be represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein: X and X.sup.1 each represent, individually, hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, a halo substituent, an unsubstituted lower alkyl group, a hydroxy (lower) alkyl group, a halo (lower) alkyl group, a phenyl group, a halophenyl group, an alkoxyphenyl group, a hydroxyalkoxy group, a cyano group or an amide group, with at least one of X and X.sup.1 being other than hydrogen; and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, individually or together, represent an organic substituent that does not interfere with the production of light when the dioxetane compound is enzymatically cleaved and that satisfies the valence of the dioxetane compound's 4-carbon atom, with the provisos that if R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: A method of enzymatically measuring hydrogen peroxide by developing a color with use of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinoehydrazone as a coupler and in combination with an oxidative color developing reagent with peroxidase, and a reagent therefor is described. Catalase is added to the 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinonehydrazone reagent as a stabilizer and the reaction is carried out in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or an analogue thereof. The color developing reaction may be carried out in neutral or weak alkali conditions. A reagent is described which comprises a buffer, 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinohydrazone, and catalase.

Abstract: An antibody which specifically binds with a human prohibitin or a partial structural fragment thereof can be used as a diagnostic agent in the detection of cancer. The human prohibitin has the structure illustrated in SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storable POD conjugate solution, characterised by a pH value of 5.0 to 6.5, adjusted by means of an organic buffer substance with a concentration of 40 to 100 mmol/l, and 0.05 to 1.0 mol/l magnesium aspartate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming distinctive intravacuolar structures that are unique to fungal cells and can be correlated with cell viability. The preferred dyes of the present invention are described by the formula: ##STR1## wherein each R.sup.1 is independently H; or an alkyl group having from 1-6 carbons; or a trifluoromethyl; or a halogen; or --OR.sup.6, --SR.sup.6 or --(NR.sup.6 R.sup.7) where R.sup.6 and R.sup.7, which can be the same or different, are independently H; or alkyl groups having 1-6 carbons; or 1-2 alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aromatic or heteroaromatic rings, containing 1-4 heteroatoms, wherein the heteroatoms are O, N or S; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 taken in combination are --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --M--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 -- where M=a single bond, --O--, --CH.sub.2 --, or --NR.sup.8 -- where R.sup.8 is H or an alkyl having 1-6 carbons; and t=1-4;R.sup.2 is an alkyl group having 1-6 carbons;X is O, S, Se or NR.sup.9, where R.sup.9 is H or an alkyl group having 1-6 carbons; or X is CR.

Abstract: Method for diagnosing a cellular aging or inflammation condition of keratinocytes of the skin or a pilous follicle in a person, or for diagnosing the efficiency of a treatment intended to combat said condition. To this effect, the concentration or activity of certain markers (catalase, glutathion or glutathion peroxydase) is compared in the keratinocytes suspected of being pathological and the keratinocytes of a reference non pathological area. The pathological condition intensifies the activity of the catalase, or reduces the activity of other markers. Application particularly to the diagnosis of alopecia, and to the estimation of the efficiency of a treatment of baldness with minoxidil in a given individual.

Abstract: A biosensor is prepared having a selective detection system containing a biochemical substance such as an enzyme immobilized on an olefinic-unsaturated, epoxyfunctional polysiloxane. Prior to immobilization of the biochemical substance, the polysiloxane is applied as a layer to a carrier and cross-linked by treatment with high-energy radiation. A biochemical substance is reacted with epoxy groups of the cross-linked polysiloxane. Any non-reacted epoxy groups are reacted with a compound containing an amino group, a carboxyl group or an amino group and a carboxyl group to stabilize. After cross-linking and before reacting of the biochemical substance, the cross-linked polysiloxane can be hydrophilized by reacting some of the epoxy groups with a hydrophilic compound containing a reactive group.

Abstract: A method for converting reducible or oxidizable substances from aqueous solution is claimed in which the aqueous solution to be treated is brought into contact with immobilized oxidoreductases, if desired, in the presence of co-immobilized electron carriers and at the same time reduction or oxidation equivalents are supplied. Furthermore a potentiometric cell, in particular a flow cell is claimed which contains an electrode body and immobilized oxidoreductases as well as, if desired, co-immobilized electron carriers.

Abstract: At the initial diagnosis of sepsis (6-24 h before the development of ARDS), serum manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) levels and catalase activities are increased in septic patients who subsequently developed ARDS compared to septic patients who did not develop ARDS. Increases in MnSOD and catalase may be used to predict the occurrence of ARDS in septic patients with the same sensitivity, specificity and efficiency as parallel assessments of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Factor VIII levels. Evaluation of serum MnSOD and catalase as well as these other accessible markers facilitates identification of subsets of patients and allows prospective treatment of septic patients who are destined to develop ARDS.

Abstract: A method, reagent mixture and test kit are provided for testing a urine sample for the presence of bacterial or somatic cells, by reacting a urine sample with a catalase-free alkaline protease enzyme and a detergent compatible therewith, so as to disrupt any such cells present in the sample and release active catalase therefrom. The presence of catalase is detected by the formation of foam upon the addition of H.sub.2 O.sub.2. The reaction of the sample with the protease enzyme and the detergent is conducted in the presence of: (a) a buffer providing for a pH of about 8.5 to about 9; and optionally (b) one or more additional solutes; the total concentration of components (a) and (b), when present, being from about 0.02M to about 0.4M.

Abstract: An assay for directly and rapidly determining the alcohol concentration of a lower alcohol in a biological fluid without dilution, comprises a solid carrier. The carrier is impregnated with a solution having the following constituents mixed in effective amounts: a cross-linked stabilized enzyme for oxidizing the alcohol in the presence of a reducible compound to produce a corresponding aldehyde and a reduction product, a chromogen which reacts with the reduction product in the presence of an agent to produce a colored compound indicative of alcohol presence in the biological fluid, a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, an agent for converting the chromogen to the colored compound, and a buffer to maintain the solution at a predetermined acidic pH.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the specific determination of the serum fructosamine content in blood or samples derived from blood by reaction with an appropriate color reagent and measurement of the color change thereby brought about, wherein, before the color reaction, non-specific reducing-acting and/or turbidity-causing sample components are removed at approximately neutral pH value, subsequently the pH is adjusted to a value of from 10 to 12 and the color reagent is added thereto.The present invention also provides a reagent mixture for the specific determination of the serum fructosamine content in blood or samples derived from blood, wherein it comprises a reagent for the removal of non-specific reducing-acting and/or turbidity-causing sample components, a rebuffering reagent with a buffer which has a pH value in the range of from 10.5 to 12.5 and a color reagent for the detection of fructosamine.

Abstract: A method of measurement of catalase activity in a sample suspected of containing such activity which comprises treating said sample with a peroxide, an alcohol, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and an aldehyde dehydrogenase, thereby producing an aldehyde corresponding to said alcohol and converting NAD to its reduced form (NADH), measuring absorption of radiation having a wave length at the characteristic absorption band of NADH in relation to said activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel diagnostic reagent system for the detection of hydroperoxides or substances which react with peroxidatively active substances resulting in the liberation of hydroperoxides which reagent system comprises a chromogenic oxidation indicator and a peroxidase or a peroxidatively active substance, together with an inhibitor of color generation selected from the group of 1,4-disubstituted semicarbazides, thiosemicarbazides and 1,5-disubstituted carbazides as inhibitors of color generation. By inhibiting the generation of color formed by oxidation of the chromogenic indicator, the indicator's usefulness in discriminating between varying concentrations of analyte is enhanced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment and prevention of graft versus host disease in man through the combined use of anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies and a CD4.sup.+ cell inactivator.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which specifically binds okadaic acids and a process for producing the monoclonal antibody by culturing a cell strain capable of producing the antibody. The monoclonal antibody to okadaic acids labelled with an enzyme is useful for assaying okadaic acids.

Abstract: This invention teaches a process for reducing protein matrix effects in assays for serum fructosamine. Blood or blood derived samples are used, and one adds two reagents, one of which reduces interference caused by non-specific reducing substances, the other of which eliminates turbidity. Incubation follows, and then the pH of the sample is adjusted and color forming reagent is added. In one embodiment, the incubation time is only 1-15 minutes. In another embodiment, the first reagent contains peroxidase.

Abstract: Process for the specific determination of the serum fructosamine content in blood or in samples obtained from blood by reaction with an appropriate color reagent and measurement of the color change thereby brought about, in which before the color reaction sample components with a non-specific reducing action and/or causing turbidity are removed and subsequently the color reagent is added at a pH value of from 10 to 12. The sample components are removed by treatment at approximately neutral pH value with a reagent composition comprising at least one enzymatic oxidation agent, optionally together with peroxidase and/or catalase and/or lipase, as well as with at least one SH group-blocking substance. A kit for the specific determination of the serum fructosamine content in blood or samples obtained from blood, comprises said reagent composition, a rebuffering reagent with a buffer which has an alkaline pH value and a color reagent for the detection of fructosamine.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing contraction or progress of periodontal diseases is carried and by determining periodontopathic bacteria specific aminopeptidase activity in a specimen by using as a substrate for the enzyme. The substrate is either or both compounds of the formula:X--Z--Arg--Y [1]wherein Arg is arginine residue; X is or an amino blocking group; Y is a color developing group attached to the C-terminal of Arg; and Z is an amino acid or peptide residue composed of 1 or 2 amino acids or their blocked derivatives, the C-terminal of which is attached to the N-terminal of Arg, andX'--Z'--Pro--Y' [2]wherein Pro is proline residue; X' is an amino blocking group; Y' is a color developing group attached to the C-terminal of Pro; and Z' is an amino acid or peptide residue composed of 0 to 4 amino acids or their blocked derivatives, the C-terminal of which is attached to the N-terminal of Pro.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric enzyme gene which codes for a monooxygenase having both monooxygenase activity derived from cytochrome P-450 and reducing power supplying ability derived from NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase.The present invention further provides a yeast expression plasmid which contains said chimeric enzyme gene and expresses said monooxygenase gene; a transformed yeast strain which carries said yeast expression plasmid; a monooxygenase which has both the monooxygenase activity and the reducing power supplying ability as mentioned above; and a process for producing said monooxygenase.

Abstract: DNA segments include DNA sequences defining a structural gene coding for a human tissue factor heavy chain protein and a precursor form of that protein are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules capable of expressing a human tissue factor heavy chain protein are also disclosed. Further disclosed are human tissue factor heavy chain binding site polypeptide analogs as well as methods for their use.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for testing for the presence of catalase in a milk sample comprising combining a milk sample with a substantially catalase-free alkaline protease enzyme enriched detergent to disrupt catalase containing somatic cells present therein and release active catalase therefrom in the present of a pH buffering salt having a concentration of at least 20 mM in the resulting sample solution and providing the solution with a pH in a range of about 7.0-8.0 and thereafter testing the sample for the presence of catalase, as well as providing a test kit for detecting the presence of catalase in milk comprising a substantially catalase-free alkaline protease enzyme enriched detergent and 20 to 400 micromoles of a pH buffer alone or in combination with any other solute capable of reducing the solubility of oxygen in milk and of providing the resulting milk solution with a pH in the range of about 7.0-8.0.

Abstract: A process for determining the concentration of a component, such as glucose, uric acid or polyamine, in a body fluid, such as urine, blood, blood serum, blood plasma, saliva or gastric juice, includes processing the body fluid with a catalase or an immobilized catalase for decomposing hydrogen peroxide included in the body fluid. When the body fluid is processed with the calalase, an inhibitor which inhibits the reaction between the catalase and the component is added to the body fluid after processing with the catalase. The process also includes processing the body fluid with a strongly basic anion exchange resin. When the concentration of polyamine in the body fluid is measured, the body fluid is processed with an acylpolyamineamido hydrolysis enzyme for converting acetylpolyamine into polyamine in the body fluid. After processing the body fluid by the these operations, hydrogen peroxide produced by the reaction between an oxidase and the component is measured.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the fluorescent detection of an analyte of interest wherein an amine-substituted, ortho-fused pyrazine fluorophore, with neither nitrogen of the pyrazine ring being fused or substituted, is produced by enzymatic oxidation of a fluorophore precursor substrate which comprises a nitrogen-substituted, cyclic compound. Also provided are novel fluorophore-labelled compounds.

Abstract: A dry-type analytical element suitable for measuring enzyme activity of in a liquid sample, characterized by incorporating a polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide or their derivatives into at least one water-permeable layer. The background concentration of the dry-type analytical element exhibits minimal increase even under a fluorescent light, and allows an accurate measured value to be easily obtained.

Abstract: A biochemical sensor is provided for measuring the concentration of a chemical dissolved within a fluid by providing a differential voltage proportional to a temperature differential resulting from the heat evolved from the enzymatic reaction of the chemical under test. The biochemical sensor is formed by depositing thin films of two dissimilar metals upon a substrate using microelectronic fabrication techniques. A multiplicity of thermocouple junctions are created at the intersections of the two dissimilar metal films, and the resulting series-connected thermocouple junctions are alternately designated sensing and reference junctions. The sensing junctions, but not the reference junctions, are covered by an enzyme, catalyst, or other species for initiating a chemical reaction involving the chemical under test, giving rise to a temperature differential between the sensing and reference junctions proportional to the concentration of the chemical under test.

Abstract: A novel NAD synthetase is produced by culturing a broth of Bacillus stearothermophilus H-804 FERM BP-1408. This new enzyme selectively catalyzes the reaction ##STR1## without catalyzing the reaction ##STR2## The enzyme uses ammonia or ammonium ion as a substrate, but does not use either glutamine or asparagine. Also disclosed is an assay method using the enzyme, for any one of ATP, deamide-NAD, ammonia or ammonium ion in a specimen to be assayed.

Abstract: A homogeneous liquid enzyme reagent for the quantitative determination of glucose comprises the enzymes hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in a solution of glycerol (30% v/v) in water, and a stablizer system comprising a heavy metal ion chelating agent. Preferably the stabilizers also comprise an antioxidant and a microbic-control agent. The stabilizers are in sufficient amounts such that the enzyme reagent has a shelf life of at least about two years when stored at a temperature of from 2.degree. to 8.degree. C.

Abstract: A synthetic peptide of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A.sub.1 is Pro or Ala, is excellent in solubility in water and substrate specificitity and is suitable as a substrate for determining trypsin and .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin.

Abstract: Luminescence immuno-test kits consist of an antigen or antibody capable of showing luminescence and labelled with phthalic hydrazides, an antibody or antigen preferably bound to a carrier and an oxidizing reagent inducing the luminescence to occur and are characterized in that the oxidizing reagent is a pre-fabricated solution of catalase, optionally stabilized by a bacteriostat, and the initiator is a pre-fabricated peroxide solution which is at least 20 minutes old. These luminescence immuno-tests are particularly stable and may be subjected to a quality control in a simple and inexpensive way.

Abstract: A sample device and method for assaying samples containing members of immunological pairs by chemiluminescence include a first chamber wherein antibody-conjugated reagent antigen labelled with a chemiluminescence moiety is displaced from the antibody by sample antigen. The labelled reagent antigen diffuses into a second chamber, wherein the chemiluminescence moiety reacts with cofactors to produce a light emission proportional to the amount of sample antigen present.

Abstract: Peroxidatively active enzyme assays have a variety of clinical and industrial applications. Such assays are based on color development resulting from the addition of the appropriate substrate to the enzyme-containing medium. The stability of the said substrate and the extent of appearance of color are two serious limitations in enzyme assays. A method is disclosed herein for carrying out peroxidatively active enzyme assays when the enzyme is in free solution or in cell-bound form. Stable chemical compositions are also disclosed for use as substrates for carrying out such method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the determination of peroxidase by the addition of a peroxide and of a chromogen and measurement of the color resulting from the oxidation of the chromogen, the color formation being stopped after a definite time by the addition of a stop agent, wherein catalase is used as stop agent.

Abstract: Alcohol oxidase is rendered storage stable in dried form by the addition thereto of small amounts of at least one of peroxidase, catalase, hemoglobin, cytochrome c and myoglobin.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for the detection of an increased concentration of dehydrogenases and/or oxidases in the fluids of humans, animals or plants, which consists of a carrier which bonds a redox dyestuff, and a substance mixture, adjusted to a pH value in the acid range, of the substrate corresponding to the particular dehydrogenase, a hydrogen donor compound and at least one redox dyestuff is described. The device has the peculiarity that the carrier contains polar groups and the substance mixture for detecting exclusively pathologically increased concentrations of the particular dehydrogenase and/or oxidase is adjusted to a pH value of below 5.0. The device is suitable for diagnosing malignant growths in very different organs, for example in the female genital area.

Abstract: Enzyme channeling assay is provided employing a solid non-porous surface to which is bound a member of a specific binding pair and an enzyme. A complementary member of a specific binding pair is conjugated to second enzyme, so that the amount of second enzyme which becomes bound to said solid non-porous surface by the binding of a specific binding pair(s) is related to the amount of analyte in the liquid assay medium with which the solid surface is in contact. The first and second enzymes are related by the product of one being the substrate of the other. The turnover of the substrate formed by one of the enzymes results in a detectable product, which can be related to the amount of analyte in the medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides stabilized compositions of tetrazolium salts for analytical purposes, wherein they contain 1 to 10 moles of a complex-forming acid which is soluble in polar solvents per mole of tetrazolium salt.The present invention also provides a process for the detection of reducing materials, wherein one of the above stabilized compositions is added to a test batch.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses is disclosed wherein the lenses are first treated with a peroxide solution to effect disinfection and then are subsequently treated with a catalyst which decomposes the peroxide in a rapid, turbulent manner so as to facilitate removal of surface contamination. The catalyst is preferably catalase, which when used as an aqueous solution is particularly effective in increasing the speed and thoroughness of peroxide removal from the lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removing ascorbic acid from aqueous solutions by the addition of ascorbate oxidase, wherein catalase and hydrogen peroxide are also added to the solution.The present invention also provides an agent for the removal of ascorbic acid from aqueous solutions, based on a solid carrier material impregnated with ascorbate oxidase, wherein the carrier material also contains catalase and hydrogen peroxide and optionally also a stabilizer and/or buffer substance.

Abstract: A method for the potentiometric determination of a dextran solution is provided wherein the dextran is enzymatically hydrolyzed to glucose, the glucose is oxidized to form hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide is measured utilizing a redox electrode. A novel electrode having a plurality of enzyme impregnated layers is provided for converting the dextran to glucose.

Abstract: The guanase activity in body fluids such as blood serum can be rapidly and accurately assayed by (I) decomposing guanine with the guanase in the specimen to xanthine and ammonia at pH 7-9, preferably at pH 8, (II) decomposing the xanthine formed by former step I with xanthine oxidase to uric acid and hydrogen peroxide, (III) reacting the reactant solution of the former step II with 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinonehydrazone, an aniline derivative such as N,N-di-lower-alkylaniline and peroxidase, and finally measuring the optical absorption of the reactant solution of the step III at 570-600 nm. The all steps can be completed within 15 minutes. Therefore, this assay is adoptable for automatic assay of guanase on usual clinically available automatic analyzers.

Abstract: A sensitive direct immunoassay system is provided for the detection of an antigen associated with hepatitis in body fluids. A single antibody which reacts with a hepatitis antigen or antigens and which is bonded to an insoluble member, is incubated with a test sample. During this first period of incubation a portion of an antigen present in the test sample will combine with the antibody immobilized on the insoluble member. The antibody bonded member, to which antigen is attached, is then washed and incubated with an enzyme tagged antibody reagent. During the second incubation, the tagged antibody reacts with antigen fixed to the antibody member in the first incubation. Thus, an immobilized "sandwich" is formed of an insoluble member- antibody-antigen-enzyme tagged antibody. After the second incubation, the member is washed again to remove unreacted enzyme antibody reagent. The member is then exposed to a substrated which is converted by the enzyme to produce an end product.

Abstract: An indicator is disclosed, which is intended for detecting at least one test substance in a test medium, comprising a carrier and a reaction system consisting of at least a first reactant and a second reactant, applied separately on the carrier, said first reactant being intended to travel by diffusion to the second reactant through a parth in the carrier, soaked by the test medium, while reacting with the test substance.The indicator is characterized in that the first reactant is applied within at least one limited locality, while the second reactant is applied within at least one locality, on a varying distance from the locality of the first reactant.