Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for one or more chemical agents that modulate the enzymatic activity of an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase. The methods comprise the steps of (a) contacting an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase, in a solution in vitro, with one or more chemical agents in the presence of a substrate that is capable of being oxidized by the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase; (b) measuring the enzymatic activity of the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase in the presence of the chemical agent to identify one or more candidate chemical agents that modulate L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase activity in vitro; and (c) administering the one or more identified candidate chemical agents to a test animal and measuring one or more physiological parameters.

Abstract: Devices, compositions, and methods for handling, separating, packaging, and utilization of spermatozoa (1) that can be derived from previously frozen sperm samples collected from a male mammal. Specifically, techniques to uniformity stain (2) spermatozoal DNA even when derived from previously frozen sperm and separation techniques to separate and isolate spermatozoa even when derived from previously frozen sperm samples into X-chromosome bearing and Y-chromosome bearing populations having high purity.

Abstract: An efficient method for identifying important cancer biomarkers and identifying progression of bladder cancer using pro-u-PA as a clinical tool is provided. Searching for biomarkers critical for bladder carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis, secreted proteomes of highly malignant U1 and pre-malignant U4 cell lines are first analyzed. Proteins in the cultured media of the U1 and U4 cell-lines were systematically examined by SDS-PAGE combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Expression of pro-u-plasminogen activator (pro-u-PA) was confirmed by Western blot analysis and further evaluated. A statistically significant relationship between the low level and absence of pro-u-PA in urine with high stages and grades of the tumor samples was established. Constitutive expression of Ras dominant negative protein led to increased expression of pro-u-PA in cultured media, indicating the loss of pro-u-PA is associated with oncogenic transformation.

Abstract: Infective aggregating forms of proteins such as PrP, amyloid, and tau are bound selectively in the presence of the normal form protein using a polyionic binding agent such as dextran sulphate or pentosan (anionic), or polyamine compounds such as pDADMAC (cationic) under selective binding conditions including the use of n-lauroylsarcosine at mildly alkaline pH, and may then be assayed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for detecting electrochemical oxidoreduction activity mediated by a redox enzyme at a site remote from the enzyme. In one embodiment, the method comprises immobilizing the redox enzyme on a first region of a conductive surface and contacting a substrate capable of producing a detectable signal upon oxidation or reduction with a second region of the conductive surface. The second region is electrically coupled with the first region and the redox enzyme is not present in the second region. The method further comprises exposing the immobilized redox enzyme to conditions that effect oxidation or reduction of the enzyme, and detecting oxidation or reduction of the substrate at the second region. The invention can be adapted for detecting a plurality of analytes.

Abstract: A method of detecting and identifying bacteria, micro-organisms or plants in a liquid or gaseous medium, the bacteria, micro-organisms or plants being of the kind which produce signaling molecules in intercellular space, includes positioning a biosensor in the liquid or gaseous medium, the biosensor having a biolayer matched to specific signaling molecules to be detected whereby the biolayer is reactive thereto in a manner which varies operation of the sensor. Such variation of the operation of the biosensor is detected to thereby determine the presence and purpose of the bacteria, micro-organisms or plants in the liquid or gaseous medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method to determine CETP activity in a bodily fluid sample wherein the sample may contain an inhibitor of CETP activity. The effect of the inhibitor is preserved to provide a more accurate determination of CETP activity in the fluid. Kits for the practice of the method are also provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying an agent which modulates 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase activity, the method comprising contacting a 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase and a test agent in the presence of a substrate comprising one or more ankyrin repeat, or fragment thereof, in conditions under which the substrate is hydroxylated in the absence of the test agent; and determining hydroxylation of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are enriched preparations of neuroblastoma tumor initiating cells (NB TICs). The NB TICs are capable of self-renewal, initiating neuroblastoma tumor growth in vivo and are capable of being passaged in high frequency. These NB TICs have chromosomal abnormalities and are capable of giving rise to secondary tumor spheres. Methods are also disclosed for preparing the enriched preparations of NB TICs, such as from neuroblastoma tumor tissue and metastasized bone marrow. Also disclosed are methods of screening candidate substances to identify therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuroblastoma. Methods are also provided for screening a sample for neuroblastoma, as well as for screening a sample to identify the stage of neuroblastoma present. Kits are also provided for selecting appropriate anti-neuroblastoma compounds for a patient, and utilize isolated compositions of the patients' neuroblastoma tumor initiating cells. In this manner, a customized medicinal profile for the patient may be devised.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of the detection of enzymatically active enzymes in feed added in the pre-pelleting stage. Further, this invention relates to the field of detecting thermotolerant enzymes added to feed in the pre-pelleting stage. In particular, the invention relates to the detection of a phytase enzyme, in particular an E. coli phytase or an E. coli derived phytase in feed, such as Quantum™ Phytase.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indicator for the in-situ detection of the presence of a lysozyme or a microbe producing lysozyme at a location. The indicator comprises a layer (8) which is susceptible to degradation by lysozyme and a signaling layer (7) which is adapted to produce a detectable signal which indicates the presence of the lysozyme or the microbe producing lysozyme which is located at substantially the same location as the lysozyme or microbe. In use, the signaling layer is at least initially protected from contact with the lysozyme or microbe which is located at substantially the same location as the lysozyme or microbe by the degradable layer.

Abstract: New diagnostic parameters or indexes for detection of absolute iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, or latent functional iron deficiency have been disclosed. The parameters include a RBC size factor, RSf1 defined by the formula of (MCV×MRV)1/2, or RSf2 defined by the formula of (MCV×MRV)/100, a volume-hemoglobin factor (VHf) defined by the formula of (MCV×Hgb)/100, and a volume-hemoglobin/distribution factor (VHDWf) defined by the formula of (MCV×Hgb)/(RDW×10). Further disclosed are the methods of using these parameters for detection of absolute iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, or latent functional iron deficiency. Also disclosed is a method of using RSf for detection of hemochromatosis.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents that modulate reverse transcriptase activity in a cell by affecting manganese ion transport across a membrane of the cell are provided, as are agents identified using such methods. Also provided are methods of modulating reverse transcriptase activity by affecting manganese ion concentration. In addition, methods of reducing or inhibiting infection of cells with a retrotransposable element are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the use of SOS pathway targeted agents in antimicrobial formulations. The innate sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics is increased by disrupting a mechanism that normally activates the bacterial SOS response or by inhibiting steps in the SOS response pathway itself. SOS response induction can result from exposure of bacteria to certain antibiotics, including ?-lactam antibiotics and other agents that affect cell wall synthesis. By transiently delaying bacterial cell division, SOS response induction interferes with bacterial killing by ordinarily lethal concentrations of these drugs A pharmaceutical composition comprising an SOS targeted agent is administered to a patient suffering from a microbial infection, in combination with an antibiotic that induces an SOS response.

Abstract: The invention provides methods relating to a screening assay format that can be applied to broad members of the protein kinase gene family. The assay uses a series of labeled, active site probes described herein that can be displaced by an inhibitor agent. The Kd for the inhibitor compound is derived based on the Kd of the probe for the kinase and the dose response of the inhibitor agent. The invention also provides active site probes suitable for use with the screening method.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for specifically detecting and identifying Streptococcus agalactiae, using a reaction medium comprising at least one ?-glucosidase enzymatic substrate.

Abstract: Methods for determining the responsiveness of a patient to recombinant human erythropoietin therapy are disclosed. In one approach, the method includes obtaining a volume-Hgb factor (VHf) defined as a product function of MCV and Hgb from a patient's blood sample; comparing VHf to a predetermined criterion; and reporting indication of responder if VHf meets the predetermined criterion. The method further includes using a RBC size-hemoglobin factor (RSHf) defined as a product function of MCV, MRV and Hgb, or using a function of VHf and RDW for determining the responsiveness. In another approach, the method includes using a RBC size factor (RSf) defined as a product function of MCV and MRV, in combination with transferrin saturation (TSAT) for determining the responsiveness to the erythropoietin therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products associated with analyzing and monitoring heterogeneous populations of sulfated polysaccharides. In particular therapeutic heparin products including low molecular weight heparin products and methods of analyzing and monitoring these products are described.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for the rapid and accurate detection of growth and metabolism of a cellular microorganism in a population of microorganisms in a non-liquid, culture medium. Further provided is a gelled culture medium containing a non-toxic, water-soluble, phosphorescent compound which measures oxygen content (partial pressure) of an microorganism also contained therein, by oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence; or the gel contains a fluorescent pH indicator that demonstrates growth of the microorganism by pH-dependent intensity change or wavelength shift in the emission spectrum. Further provided is a system and method for killing undesirable microorganisms or colonies in the culture medium without harming the surrounding microorganisms.

Abstract: A method, and associated kit, for assaying the activity of lysosomal enzymes present in dried bodily fluids and cell tissue samples, such as ?-L-iduronidase, ?-D-galactosidase, ?-D-glucosidase, chitotriosidase, total ?-D-galactosidase and ?-D-galactosidase A, hexosaminidase A and B, ?-D-mannosidase, ?-D-mannosidase, ?-L-fucosidase, N-acetyl-?-galactosaminidase, arylsulfatases, sphingomyelinase, ?-galactocerebrosidase, iduronate-2-sulfatase and ?-D-glucuronidase.