Abstract: The present invention provide water soluble polyfluorenes functionalized with glucuronic acid useful in sensing bilirubin in aqueous medium and process for preparation thereof. The invention further deals with detecting bilirubin in human serum samples in the range from normal (<25 ?mol/L˜1.2 mg/dL) human bilirubin level to jaundiced bilirubin level (>50 ?mol/L˜2.5 mg/dL).1 This is a fluorescence turn-off mode of detection where blue fluorescence of polymer quenches and becomes colorless. The water soluble polyfluorenes functionalized with glucuronic acid can detect free bilirubin in the range from 1×10?4 M to 1×10?7 M moles in aqueous and buffer media as a change in the fluorescence signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a reagent analyzer, comprising a test analyzing mechanism, such as an optical imaging system, configured to read a first sample of a specimen combined with a reagent configured to react with the sample in a presence of an analyte of interest and a second sample of the specimen that is not combined with a reagent, and to output one or more first signals indicative of the test analyzing mechanism reading the first and second samples; and a processor receiving the one or more first signals and executing logic to analyze the second sample responsive to the processor determining that the analyte of interest is present in the first sample. The processor may execute logic to analyze the second specimen utilizing one or more ratio algorithm and comparing the results of the algorithm against predetermined values indicative of expected color.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mouse with liver damage, having a high degree of damage against the mouse's original hepatocytes while having a uPA gene in a heterozygous form, and a method for efficiently preparing the mouse. Specifically, the method for preparing a mouse with liver damage having the uPA gene in a heterozygous form comprises the following steps of: (i) transforming mouse ES cells with a DNA fragment containing a liver-specific promoter/enhancer and cDNA that encodes a urokinase-type plasminogen activator operably linked under the control thereof; (ii) injecting the transformed mouse ES cells obtained in step (i) into a host embryo; (iii) transplanting the host embryo obtained in step (ii) via the injection of the ES cells into the uterus of a surrogate mother mouse, so as to obtain a chimeric mouse; and (iv) crossing the chimeric mice obtained in step (iii), so as to obtain a transgenic mouse in which the DNA fragment is introduced in a heterozygous form.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.

Abstract: An analytical device for analysis of chemical or biological samples, a method of using such a device, based on rotation of the device, integrated sample dosing and optical detection, and a system comprising such a device are disclosed. The analytical device comprises a device body having a liquid processing unit. The liquid processing unit comprises a mixing chamber for mixing a sample with a reagent, a sample dosing chamber for delivering a defined volume of the sample to the mixing chamber, and a reagent channel for delivering the reagent to be mixed with the sample, wherein the mixing chamber also serves as a detection chamber.

Abstract: An example embodiment is an apparatus for measuring antioxidant presence comprising a solid media, and a reagent carried by the media, the reagent reactive with at least one antioxidant to cause changes in light that is incident upon the reagent while carried by the solid media.

Abstract: Identification and use of proteins fluorescently labeled and that undergo a change in fluorescence index upon binding bilirubin are described. Probes are disclosed which are labeled at a cysteine or lysine residue and also probes labeled at both cysteine and lysine with two different fluorophores. These probes are useful for determination of unbound bilirubin levels in a fluid sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for analyzing a medical condition of a user. The apparatus may include a user interface configured to receive user identification information inputted by the user, an analyzer, and a processor all disposed within a common housing. The analyzer is configured to receive a biological specimen from the user and to analyze the biological specimen to generate analysis information. The processor is configured to store and forward the analysis information and to receive prescription information. The apparatus may include a communication unit configured to transmit the user identification information and the analysis information to a doctor at a remote location for review and to receive the prescription information from the doctor. The apparatus then may dispense the prescribed medication or print a medication prescription.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a topical composition containing a bilirubin-producing plant extract. In particular, the bilirubin-producing plant extract is obtained from the genus Strelitzia. When topically applied to skin, the composition is effective in accelerating the degradation of heme by-products such as bilirubin present in the skin.

Abstract: A surface grafted conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) is formed by coupling a CPE by a coupling moiety to the surface of a substrate. The substrate can be of any shape and size, and for many uses of the surface grafted CPE, it is advantageous that the substrate is a nanoparticle or microparticle. Surface grafted CPEs are presented that use silica particles as the substrate, where a modified silane coupling agent connects the surface to the CPE by a series of covalent bonds. Two methods of preparing the surface grafted CPEs are presented. One method involves the inclusion of the surface being modified by the coupling agent and condensed with monomers that form the CPE in a grafted state to the substrate. A second method involves the formation of a CPE with terminal groups that are complimentary to functionality that has been placed on the surface of the substrate by reaction with a coupling agent. The surface grafted CPEs are also described for use as biosensors and biocides.

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: A detection device for detecting analytes in liquid specimen is provided. The detection device comprises: a specimen chamber for collecting or storing a liquid specimen; a detecting chamber for containing a detecting element; and a through hole for transferring the liquid specimen between the specimen chamber and the detecting chamber. The through hole can be opened or self-sealed. The sealing or opening of the through hole controls whether or not the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber enters the detecting chamber via the through hole. Furthermore, a detection method is provided.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte in a sample is provided, which comprises: a collecting chamber containing an opening for collecting a liquid sample; a detecting element for detecting an analyte in the liquid sample; and a lid for covering the opening of the collecting chamber. The device further comprises an indicating device thereon to indicate whether or not the lid covers at an appointed position. The operation of the device is very simple.

Abstract: What is described is a single reference material and method of making useful for calibrating or qualifying instruments that are diagnostic spectroscopically for bilirubin, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions, and, optionally, diagnostic for other blood analytes by sensor means.

Abstract: An example embodiment is an apparatus for measuring antioxidant presence comprising a solid media, and a reagent carried by the media, the reagent reactive with at least one antioxidant to cause changes in light that is incident upon the reagent while carried by the solid media.

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: What is described is a single reference material and method of making useful for calibrating or qualifying instruments that are diagnostic spectroscopically for bilirubin, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions, and, optionally, diagnostic for other blood analytes by sensor means.

Abstract: A mammalian disease detecting system used to provide a visual indication of a possible disease state includes particles made of a material that is substantially clear or transparent to permit the easy visual detection of blood in urine of a mammal. The system also includes additives to permit visually detection of possible disease states or infections in mammals, such additives being of the type that are not reactive with the particular material.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metallic-surface detection systems for determining target substances including free bilirubin in neonatal serum in the presence of a predominantly high background of bilirubin bound Human Serum Albumin (HSA) or sensing and isolating target nucleotide sequences wherein a fluorescence signal is enhanced by close proximity of the target substances near metallic surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO227, PRO233, PRO238, PRO1328, PRO4342, PRO7423, PRO10096, PRO21384, PRO353 or PRO1885 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow assay device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or amount of bilirubin or urobilinogen. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. In one embodiment, the device is integrated into an absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be integrated into a diaper to provide information about the presence of bilirubin and/or urobilinogen. This information may provide an early warning system to allow the user or caregiver to seek additional testing and/or treatment. Alternatively, semi-quantitative or quantitative results may be derived from the test.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: A mammalian disease detecting system used to provide a visual indication of a possible disease state includes particles comprised of a material that is substantially clear or transparent to permit the easy visual detection of blood in urine of a mammal. The system also includes additives to permit visually detection of possible disease states or infections in mammals, such additives being of the type that are not reactive with the particular material.

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 present invention relates to a method for determining the condition of a biological fluid by recording the IR spectrum of a sample of the biological fluid. To this end, the biological fluid can be examined in its native form. The method of the invention is usable, for example, for detecting pathological conditions in organisms.

Abstract: A method for determining total and bound plasma bilirubin. The method utilizes zone fluidics to enable accurate determination of the bilirubin using small volumes of sample and reagents, and significantly reduces dilution errors caused by inherent changes in bilirubin-binding with sample dilution, as well as the effects of weak bilirubin-binding competitors.

Abstract: A medical test kit includes a glucose testing composition, a protein testing composition, a bilirubin testing composition, a bilinogen testing composition, an amylase testing composition, a blood testing composition, a calcium testing composition, a nitrite testing composition, a ketone testing composition and a pH testing composition. The medical test kit also includes a plurality of corresponding indicative spectra to each of its units such that a health condition of a user can easily be interpreted. Furthermore, an interactive reference chart is provided for guiding a user for the use of the kit. The kit is suitable for use for the public and is capable of encouraging self health care of society.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow assay device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or amount of bilirubin or urobilinogen. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. In one embodiment, the device is integrated into an absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be integrated into a diaper to provide information about the presence of bilirubin and/or urobilinogen. This information may provide an early warning system to allow the user or caregiver to seek additional testing and/or treatment. Alternatively, semi-quantitative or quantitative results may be derived from the test.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring an infrared spectrum of a sample having or suspected to have an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof. A representative method includes providing a sample; providing an internal reflecting element (IRE) with a functionalized tip; contacting the sample with the IRE to form a sample-IRE interface; directing a beam of infrared (IR) radiation through the IRE under conditions such that the IR radiation interacts with the sample-IRE interface once; recording a reflectance profile over a range of preselected frequencies, whereby an infrared spectrum of the of a sample having or suspected of having an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof, disposed in an aqueous solution is acquired.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby the concentration of a blood substitute, such as cross-linked hemoglobin, in a serum or plasma specimen is rapidly and accurately identified and quantified. The method further takes the measured concentration of the blood substitute and uses it to correct for its effect, if any, on a measured analyte concentration, e.g., serum/plasma total protein. Further, the method allows for the determination of the concentration of true hemoglobin in the presence of blood substitutes. The method is carried out in respect of samples contained in a primary or secondary labelled tube, or a pipette tip used to dispense serum or plasma in a blood analyzer.

Abstract: Methods are described for detecting and quantifying occult blood in a biological sample using laser desorption mass spectrometry (LD MS). Biological samples that can be analyzed using various embodiments of the present invention include stool (fecal occult blood, FOB), and any bodily fluid including urine, cerebrospinal fluid and other bodily fluids. If the heme or heme metabolite is bound to protein, the sample is treated with acid before analysis to release the porphyrin. Some of the methods use LD MS with a time of flight analyzer (TOF) to detect and measure unbound heme, other hemoglobin metabolites and other molecules that have a porphyrin-based structure, e.g., bilirubin, biliverdin, protoporphyrin IX, and Zinc protoporphyrin in the biological sample. In other methods, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) is used to detect and quantify the individual ?- and ?-polypeptide chains of hemoglobin.

Abstract: A new method for predicting the risk of cancer morality, rheumatoid arthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, and all-cause mortality is disclosed. The method uses serum bilirubin levels as indicator for such risks, lower serum bilirubin levels generally indicating increased risk and higher levels a decreased risk.

Abstract: A new method for predicting the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is disclosed. The method uses a ratio made up of the levels of an individuals LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum total bilirubin (bilirubin). The ratio, using a weighted value for bilirubin, is LDL-C/(HDL-C+bilirubin).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining at least one parameter, e.g., concentration, of at least one analyte, e.g., urea, of a biological sample, e.g., urine. A biological sample particularly suitable for the apparatus and method of this invention is urine. In general, spectroscopic measurements can be used to quantify the concentrations of one or more analytes in a biological sample. In order to obtain concentration values of certain analytes, such as hemoglobin and bilirubin, visible light absorption spectroscopy can be used. In order to obtain concentration values of other analytes, such as urea, creatinine, glucose, ketones, and protein, infrared light absorption spectroscopy can be used. The apparatus and method of this invention utilize one or more mathematical techniques to improve the accuracy of measurement of parameters of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: A new method for predicting the risk of future cancer mortality, rheumatoid arthritis and all-cause mortality is disclosed. The method uses serum bilirubin levels as indicator for such risks, lower serum bilirubin levels generally indicating increased risk and higher levels a decreased risk.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for use in the analysis and quantitation of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in patient or other samples. The compositions have the general formula: wherein: R1 and R2 are independently selected from alkyl and aryl, R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, tauryl, aryl, and glucoronyl, and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 are each independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl, and are resistant to oxidation, as occurs in bilirubin upon exposure to light and air. These properties make them ideal for use in calibration and control solutions for use in medical and research bilirubin analysis, or other applications where stable reagents for bilirubin analysis is desirable.

Abstract: Methods for assay of both total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in a sample. The inventive methods enable the amounts of total and direct (conjugated) bilirubin to be colorimetrically measured in about 5 minutes, and do not require the precipitation and removal of potentially interfering substances such as proteins prior to analysis. Novel stable reagents that solubilize the bilirubin and interfering substances are also provided. A novel total bilirubin reagent causes the oxidation of the total bilirubin in the sample, and the formation of a light-absorbing bilirubin chromophore detectable in the near-infrared region of the spectrum. A novel direct bilirubin reagent causes the oxidation of the direct bilirubin in the sample, and the formation of a light-absorbing bilirubin chromophore detectable in the near-infrared region of the spectrum, whereas the chromophore formed by the unconjugated bilirubin is substantially colorless.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining at least one parameter, e. g., concentration, of at least one analyte, e. g., urea, of a biological sample, e.g, urine. A biological sample particularly suitable for the apparatus and method of this invention is urine. In general, spectroscopic measurements can be used to quantify the concentrations of one or more analytes in a biological sample. In order to obtain concentration values of certain analytes, such as hemoglobin and bilirubin, visible light absorption spectroscopy can be used. In order to obtain concentration values of other analytes, such as urea, creatinine, glucose, ketones, and protein, infrared light absorption spectroscopy can be used. The apparatus and method of this invention utilize one or more mathematical techniques to improve the accuracy of measurement of parameters of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: A method for the determination of liver function, comprises the steps of:(i)introducing an effective amount of a coloured or fluorescent bile acid derivative intravenously into a patient,(ii)collecting samples of blood which has passed through the liver of the patient at timed intervals after step (i), and(iii)assessing the colour or fluorescence of bile acid derivative in each sample.

Abstract: Method for detecting total bilirubin in urine using a chemical detection means with an indicator that will produce a detectable quantitative response in the presence of bilirubin in urine on an automated analyzer.

Abstract: A method which provides a quick simple means of assessing plasma or serum specimen integrity with respect to bile pigments is described. Application of the method simultaneously screens serum or plasma specimens for elevated levels of bilirubin (BR) and biliverdin (BV) by providing a measure of these interferents known as the bilirubin-biliverdin index or BBI. The method involves determination of concentrations of BV in a plasma or serum specimen, based on the results of spectrophotometric determinations of absorbance or reflectance measurements conducted in the near infrared region, and thereby a determination of the BBI in respect of the specimen and on the basis of the resulting BBI a decision as to acceptance or rejection of the sample.

Abstract: Diazonium ions which are useful as reagents for the assay of bilirubin content in a sample, such as a body fluid sample, are provided. In one preferred embodiment, 2-methyl-3-nitroaniline diazonium ion is provided, having the structure: ##STR1## Also provided are reagent compositions including the diazonium ions. The reagent compositions may be in liquid or solid form, and further may include other components, such as buffers, carriers, and solubilizers. Salts including the diazonium ion and a counteranion also are provided. Also provided are methods of using the diazonium ions in assays to detect or quantitate bilirubin present in a sample such as a body fluid sample. Using the assays, the amount of direct, indirect, and total bilirubin in a sample may be accurately and reproducibly detected, and optionally correlated with the presence or absence of any of a variety of diseases or disorders of organs such as the liver, gall bladder or intestines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the determination of unconjugated and unbound bilirubin in a sample.

Abstract: Total bilirubin or direct bilirubin is measured by allowing nitrous acid as an oxidizing agent to act on a sample of living body fluid, and measuring optical changes of the sample. For measuring the direct bilirubin, nitrous acid is allowed to act on the sample in the presence of thiourea as a reaction inhibitor for indirect bilirubin. For measuring the total bilirubin, nitrous acid is allowed to act on the sample in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a reaction accelerator. Or, direct bilirubin is measured by allowing an oxidizing agent to act on a sample of living body fluid in the presence of a specific non-ionic surfactant. These methods have a good correlation to the conventional enzymatic method and a good reagent stability and provide safe methods for measuring bilirubin with less danger to environmental pollution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stable control serum or calibration serum containing bilirubin to analytically examine the methodical accuracy of individual parameters in human sera or patients. The control serum or calibration serum according to the invention is used to stabilize bilirubin in solutions and to generally increase the stability of control sera or calibration sera.

Abstract: A method is taught by which a sample can be analyzed for the selective determination of the total concentration of bilirubin (B.sub.t), the concentration of conjugated bilirubin (B.sub.c), the concentration of unconjugated bilirubin (B.sub.u), the concentration of unbound bilirubin (b), the concentration of unbound, unconjugated bilirubin (b.sub.u) using a unique combination of enzymatic and colorimetric methods in a single assay, so that the potentially neurotoxic, non-albumin bound, unconjugated fraction of total bilirubin in the sample (i.e., b.sub.u) can be measured in a simple, quick and accurate manner. A kit utilizing the same assay is also described. Both kit and methods will be of use to the clinician and general researcher. The B.sub.t, B.sup.c, B.sub.u, b and b.sub.u are determined using spectra, absorption or emission characteristics in combination with kinetic measurements of rates of reaction of chemical processes.

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumptions rates.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic combinatorial libraries of organic compounds based on the quinazolinone ring.