Abstract: This invention describes methods and kits for detecting and quantifying viable cells in a sample using fluorescent dyes that can be internalized predominantly by viable cells and have fluorescent properties measurably altered when bound to target components. These methods and kits provide a rapid and cost-effective means of detecting potential biological threats in the field.

Abstract: This invention relates to positively charged non-natural amino acids, methods of making thereof, and utilization thereof in peptides. In one embodiment, the invention relates to non-natural amino acids that closely replicate the natural amino acids lysine and arginine.

Abstract: The concentration or amount of living micro-organisms in a liquid sample can be determined in a reliable manner by determining the concentration of a substance, secreted by the micro-organisms, in the sample, which sample then is subjected to a treatment killing the micro-organisms; whereupon the concentration of the substance is measured anew. The relation between the first and second concentration is used as a measure of the concentration of micro-organisms in the sample.

Abstract: This invention provides novel compounds derived from a marine sponge, Adocia sp., that specifically modulat kinesin activity by targeting the kinesin motor domain and mimicking the activity a microtubule. The compounds act as potent anti-mitogens are useful in a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods relating to chemotherapeutic treatment of a cell proliferative disorder. In particular, a method is provided for predicting the clinical response to certain types of chemotherapeutic agents. Alkylating agents, used for the treatment of certain types of tumors including tumors of the nervous system and lymph system, are efficacious agents when the damage they do to tumor cell DNA is not repaired by cellular DNA repair mechanisms. The present invention provides a method for determining the activity of a gene encoding a DNA repair enzyme, thus providing a prediction of the clinical response to alkylating agents.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method of measuring the biological activity of Coagulation Factor VIIa (Factor VIIa). Specifically, the present invention provides a method for directly measuring the activity of Factor VIIa in a plasma sample. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for utilizing Factor VIIa activity as a bio-marker to monitor Factor VIIa inhibition to screen compounds which are able to inhibit the biological activity of Factor VIIa.

Abstract: Treatment of menorrhagia, hypermenorrhea and dysmenorrhea by the administration of a therapeutic amount of an antibacterial milk product.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and reagents, for identifying enzyme inhibitors. The systems employ a conjugate of a known inhibitor of a target enzyme and an enzyme donor, an enzyme acceptor that binds to the enzyme donor to form an active indicator-enzyme complex, and a detectable substrate for the indicator enzyme. The assay is performed by combining the candidate agent, the conjugate of the known inhibitor and enzyme donor, the enzyme acceptor, and the substrate under binding conditions, where the candidate compound competes with the conjugate for the target enzyme. By measuring the rate of product formation or substrate depletion catalyzed by the indicator enzyme, the inhibitory activity of the candidate compound can be determined. The methodology is particularly applicable for target enzymes that have substrates or products that are difficult to synthesize and/or detect, such as kinases and phosphatases.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and diagnostic kits for the objective measurement of the severity of pain or stress being experienced by a patient with a disorder, diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from painful disorders, and monitoring the effectiveness of different pain-treatment protocols. Pain-measuring methods comprise collecting a sample from a patient and determining the presence of a pain-associated marker in the sample. Methods for alleviating pain comprise administrating a dose of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition to the patient wherein the dose is determined by the presence of a pain-associated marker in a biological sample obtained from the patient. Compositions for alleviating pain comprise substances that are pain-associated markers or agents that interfere with pain-associated markers, and block or modulate the progression of pain perceived by the patient.

Abstract: A solid growth plating medium in which Shigella organisms will grow and form colonies in the medium, and substantially, other microorganisms are inhibited or their colonies are differentiated from Shigella organisms. In one embodiment of the invention, colonies produced by Shigella appear with the color of the plating medium, usually a clear off-white color, that can be readily observed. In another embodiment, the fact that Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei produce the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, but most Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri strains do not, is utilized with a chromogenic substrate to produce colonies of these microorganisms of a distinguishing color.

Abstract: The invention provides chemiluminescent assays that incorporate a film including at least one chemiluminescent precursor immobilized therewith which produces a triggerable chemiluminescent compound, the film being free of compounds which generate singlet oxygen and being adapted for use with a sensitizer-labeled agent or agent probative of the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for purifying metabolites of interest and conducting metabolic analyses. The methods generally involve determining metabolic flux values for a plurality of target analytes by monitoring the relative isotope abundance of a stable isotope in a substrate labeled with the stable isotope and/or one or more target metabolites formed through metabolism of the labeled substrate. Certain methods utilize multiple electrophoretic methods to separate the target analytes from other components within the sample being analyzed. The methods can be used in a variety of applications including screens to identify metabolites that are correlated with certain diseases and diagnostic screens for identifying individuals having, or susceptible to, a disease.

Abstract: Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusions means, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting means for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the progress of fat loss in a patient during a weight loss program which comprises, contacting a body fluid sample from said patient with a solid test strip to provide a color indication of the presence in said body fluid of &bgr;-hydroxybutyrate, optionally together with acetoacetate and/or acetone.

Abstract: Transmembrane potential measurement methods using cationic dyes, and anionic dyes are provided. Compositions of the cationic and anionic dyes and microfluidic systems which include the dyes and membranes are provided in conjunction with processing elements for transmembrane potential measurements.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a reagent test strip that includes: a) a top support layer including a sample aperture; b) a membrane that includes a reagent system for indicating the concentration of a target; c) a spreading layer; d) a bottom support layer including a measuring port in substantial alignment or approximate alignment with the sample aperture. Preferably, the membrane is affixed to the top support layer. Preferably, the membrane is positioned between the top support layer and the bottom support layer. Preferably, the spreading layer is positioned above the top support layer and in substantial or approximate alignment with the sample aperture. Preferably, a fluid applied to the spreading layer, passes through the sample aperture and contacts the membrane.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis and treatment of arteriosclerotic lesions is provided wherein the method is characterized by introducing a chemical compound to the patient, the compound being a complex of a photosensitive portion, and a radioactive portion. Cells which exhibit an affinity for the porphyrin element indicate sites of plaque buildup. The radioactive portion within the compound allows tomographic scanning as well as simultaneous radiation treatment. The complexed compound can be introduced to the patient a desired number of times to provide the necessary radiation treatment and ongoing monitoring of plaque removal. Further observation or treatment may be conducted through a fluorescence guided endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides an enzyme-based device and process for manufacture of the device in a shelf-stable form. The device consists of a dry phase test strip useful in detecting the presence and concentration of uric acid in a liquid sample (such as urine) and has a stabilized uricase-containing working solution impregnated therein. Methods for manufacturing the device to maintain the stability of the working solution, especially the enzyme components therof, are also described. A method for making the uric acid measurement in one step is also provided, wherein the one step to be performed consists of applying the liquid sample to the test strip of the device.

Abstract: A hand-held device is provide for the self-determination of the dehydration state of a human engaged in activities causing dehydration and which might not be evident to such person. The device can be in the shape of a dipstick having one end thereof containing a chemical indicator which when contacted with a stream of urine will provide a color change corresponding to the specific gravity of the urine specimen and is indicative of the whether the person is dehydrated or not. The cap or cover or the dipstick itself contains a color chart for comparison with the color resulting from the reaction of the urine and the chemical indicator.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting an analyte in an environment includes a first reaction system including a first enzyme and a substrate for the first enzyme. The analyte inhibits the reaction of the substrate catalyzed by the first enzyme (in other words, the analyte inhibits the first enzyme). The sensor further includes at least a second reaction system that reacts to produce a first detectable state when the first enzyme is inhibited. In some embodiments, the reaction of the first reaction system can produce a second detectible state, different from the first detectible state. Another sensor for detecting an analyte in an environment includes a first reaction system including a first enzyme or a first substrate for the first enzyme. In this embodiment, the analyte is either a substrate for the first enzyme if the first reaction system includes the first enzyme or the first enzyme if the first reaction system includes the first substrate.