Abstract: An assay for assessing the permeability of mitochondrial membranes is provided. The assay is based on enzymatic reactions that produce a detectable signal in the presence of intra-mitochondrial compounds. In some embodiments, the intra-mitochondrial compounds may be reduced and/or oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (i.e., NADH and NAD+, respectively). The assay may optionally be provided in the form of a kit, and may further be useful in the discovery and interrogation of compounds that may serve to inhibit pathologic increase in mitochondrial membrane permeability, which is associated with numerous and varied mammalian disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring the concentration of analytes with the aid of an oxidase in an immersion sensor situated in a fluid or in a matrix containing fluid. Oxygen diffuses into the enzyme layer from within, from a gas-filled space connected to the atmosphere and/or to an oxygen reservoir. This enables oxygen saturation of the oxidase in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free medium and/or at high analyte concentrations. The analyte diffuses into the enzyme layer in a channel or a number of channels which contain(s) water and limit(s) diffusion, wherein the channel/channels on the surface of the sensor is/are filled with a protein-impermeable, hydrophilic matrix. By increasing the channel cross-section on the surface of the sensor and/or by connecting the channel/channels to a protein-impermeable, porous, hydrophilic layer on the surface of the sensor, the effect of outer deposits on the diffusion resistance of the analyte is reduced.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for constructing stable mammalian embryonic epithelial tissues and organs as well as constructing kidney tissue, and treating renal failure. Disclosed are methods of using an active epithelial growth factor having the capability of effectuating induction of growth and morphognesis is cells.

Abstract: Gellan can be purified from nucleic acid contamination by combining the contaminated gellan with DNase under conditions that allow the DNase to degrade the nucleic acid contaminant. The purified gellan is useful in gel electrophoresis. A buffer which allows cystamine to be used as a reversible cross-linker does not have to be recirculated during the course of a normal gel run.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for inhibiting process formation and extension by cells in culture. The subject invention further includes cultures of process-forming cells wherein formation and extension of processes have been inhibited. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns methods of transplantation using process-forming cells that have been cultured by the process-inhibiting methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing at least one 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase inhibitor and cosmetically acceptable excipients. It also relates to a method of cosmetic treatment for promoting the growth and/or preventing or delaying the loss of hair, and the use of a 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase inhibitor for the preparation of a composition intended for controlling hair loss and/or for promoting hair regrowth.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for isolating sperm cells from an aqueous sample and kits for isolating sperm cells from an aqueous sample.

Abstract: A method of staining bacteria comprises: working a polymethine dye on a sample in the presence of a substance capable of reducing nitrite ions to stain bacteria in the sample. A method of detecting bacteria comprises the following steps of: (1) working a polymethine dye on a sample by a method as described above to stain bacteria in the sample, (2) introducing the thus treated sample into a detecting part of a flow cytometer and irradiating cells of the stained bacteria one by one with light to measure scattered light and fluorescent light emitted from each of the cells; and (3) discriminating the bacteria from other components in accordance with an intensity of a scattered light signal and an intensity of a fluorescent light signal or a pulse width reflecting the length of particles to count the bacteria.

Abstract: Conditioned media compositions having valuable biological activity are obtained from cultures of immune cells from elasmobranch fishes. A method is provided for producing the conditioned media compositions. Conditioned media obtained using epigonal cells from bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) and lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) demonstrate strong anti-tumor activities. The conditioned media compositions can be used for treating tumor proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to new keratinocytes which may be cultured in vitro and the advantageous use thereof for preparing a product which can be used to treat acute and chronic wounds.

Abstract: A method for the prevention of the adhesion of particles, in particular cells and cellular components in solution to surfaces, characterized in that to the solution is added at least one polyalcohol.

Abstract: A process to produce 19-nor-10?-carboxylic acids by fungal oxidation of 6-substituted-?6-pregnanes is disclosed.

Abstract: From fish egg skin produced by utilization of roe grains of various fish, constituent proteins thereof are enzymatically degraded to obtain peptides and amino acids, of which effective utilization is achieved. The invention provides a method for producing amino acids and peptides (useful as nutrient enhancers for foods) from fish egg skins which comprises treating cold water-washed fish egg skins with ozonized water at room temperature or below, subsequently, degrading the resultant product with a proteolytic enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis, or further treating with a proteolytic enzyme produced by Aspergillus oryzae, to degrade myogenic fiber proteins (contractile proteins: myosins) in the fish egg skin, and then concentrating/drying the degraded solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of yeasts to produce spiroketal fragrance materials. The preferred yeasts used in the method of the invention are Bensingtonia ciliate and Cryptococcus laurentii.

Abstract: Bone graft substitute compositions and methods of making the compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a composition includes contacting a mixing solution with a first mixture having calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a plasticizing material to form a second mixture; waiting a predetermined period of time after forming said second mixture; and then contacting demineralized bone with the second mixture to form the composition. A composition can be formed from a kit including a first mixture having calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a plasticizing substance, a second mixture having demineralized bone, and a mixing solution. The first and second mixtures and the mixing solution are unblended.

Abstract: Novel synthetic enzyme substrates, enhanced to have improved enzymatic specificity, are disclosed. These synthetic enzyme substrates consist of a substrate peptide that has had its specificity further improved by additional synthetic moieties, selected by combinatorial chemistry techniques, that act to sterically block non-target enzymes. These “steric restrictor” moieties may be labeled to produce a detectable signal upon enzymatic reaction. These novel substrates are particularly useful for improved enzyme substrate microarrays. Specific applications for improved protease substrate microarrays are discussed.

Abstract: A method for determining the distribution of glycation of erythrocytic membranes includes steps of bonding magnetic beads having a boric acid group with sugars on the surfaces of erythrocytic membranes, and moving the erythrocytes bonded with the boric acid-magnetic beads under an influence of an electromagnetic force. A device for determining the distribution of glycation of erythrocytic membranes includes a container as a cell for electromagnetic-phoresis, a cathode ray and an anode ray which are connected to a direct current power supply, and a magnetic sheet which is placed outside the bottom of the container. The container has an upper surface containing a cathode hole, an anode hole, a filling hole midway between the cathode hole and the anode hole for a specimen, and an excretory hole for releasing air bubbles. After physiological saline is poured into the container, the cathode ray and the anode ray are respectively inserted into the holes to be soaked in the saline.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for photo-processing of fluids, particularly complex fluids, such as blood products, pharmaceuticals, injectables and vaccines, are provided. The disclosed methods and systems employ non-laser light source(s) to generate monochromatic light energy, preferably in the range of 260 nm to 310 nm, for fluid treatment. Advantageous processing regimens and/or adjunct additives and/or agents may also be used to achieve desired and/or enhanced results, e.g., inactivation of pathogens, bacteria and/or viruses, modulation of immune response, and/or leukoreduction. Particularly preferred embodiments include specific wavelengths, novel temperature control systems and geometric/structural arrangements that provide enhanced processing results and/or efficiencies.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that nerve growth factor (NGF) is capable of preventing further demyelination of nervous tissue in pathologies characterized by the demyelination of nervous tissue (e.g. multiple sclerosis). In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for inhibiting demyelination in a subject having an inflammatory disease of a nervous tissue. The method involves administering an effective amount of NGF, an NGF analogue, or an active fragment of NGF where the effective amount is sufficient to downregulate the production of interferon ? by T cells infiltrating the central nervous system and/or to upregulate IL-10 production by glial cells.

Abstract: A fluorescence based assay for compounds that modulate T-type calcium ion channels and that can be adapted to high throughput screening formats. Modulators of T-type channels are useful to correct functional abnormalities. These abnormalities are associated with epilepsy, pain, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, certain types of cancer, diabetes, infertility, sexual dysfunction and other undesirable conditions.