Abstract: Chemically defined media for the industrial-scale culture of Bordetella species.

Abstract: Light-generating fusion proteins having a ligand binding site and a light-generating polypeptide moiety and their use as diagnostics, in drug screening and discovery, and as therapeutics, are disclosed. The light-generating fusion protein has a feature where the bioluminescence of the polypeptide moiety changes upon binding of a ligand at the ligand binding site. The ligand may be, for example, an enzyme present in an environment only under certain conditions, e.g., ubiquitin ligase in a hypoxic state, such that the light-generating fusion protein is “turned on” only under such conditions.

Abstract: A hierarchical catalyst composition comprising a continuous or particulate macroporous scaffold in which is incorporated mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein an enzyme is embedded in mesopores of the mesoporous aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles. Methods for synthesizing the hierarchical catalyst composition are also described. Also described are processes that use the recoverable hierarchical catalyst composition for depolymerizing lignin, remediation of water contaminated with aromatic substances, polymerizing monomers by a free-radical mechanism, epoxidation of alkenes, halogenation of phenols, inhibiting growth and function of microorganisms in a solution, and carbon dioxide conversion to methanol.

Abstract: A cell lysis workflow involving a cell suspension that is passed through a filter in a first flow direction from a first side of the filter toward a second side thereof. The filter captures a plurality of cells on the first side. A lysis solution is passed through the filter in a second flow direction opposite the first direction, thereby dislodging the plurality of cells captured on the filter, and resuspending the plurality of cells in the lysis solution on the first side of the filter. The lysis solution lyses the plurality of cells to produce a cellular lysate. The cellular lysate is passed through the filter in the first flow direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of gelled lysozyme achieved by the addition of water to a lysozyme suspension in a solvent, such as an alcohol, with retention of enzymatic activity. It was surprisingly discovered that lysozyme itself is a gelling substance (self-gel) and, therefore, it can be advantageously formulated into topical compositions without the addition of other gelling substances such as cellulose, starch or other polysaccharides. The activity of the lysozyme is enhanced as compared to other formulations of comprising lysozyme. The formulations contained in the present invention are useful in methods in the fields of therapeutics, disinfectants, sanitizers, personal hygiene, and cosmetics for human and veterinary use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of using papain to extract collagen from the skin of aquatic animals. The method comprising using papain to obtain collagen by introducing the collagen fibers into a sodium chloride solution; collecting the collagen fibers and centrifuging the collagen fibers for at least 20 minutes; and obtaining a collagen yield of between 14 and 40% by weight.

Abstract: A method of detecting exocytosis of a target molecule from a population of cells derived from a human subject, includes applying first and second electrical signals, each having a respective frequency, across the population of cells. Each of the first and second electrical signals being either an alternating current or an alternating voltage. The method includes measuring a first voltage change if the first electrical signal is an alternating current or measuring a first current change if the first electrical signal is an alternating voltage, and measuring a second voltage change if the second electrical signal is an alternating current or measuring a second current change if the second electrical signal is an alternating voltage. The method includes determining an electrical impedance of the population of cells, a change in that impedance indicating an amount of the target molecule released from the population of cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for analyzing cardiovascular disease risk. Methods of the invention provide a probability of an individual developing cardiovascular disease based on parameters including blood levels of sdLDL-C, ApoA-I in ?-1 HDL, and Lp(a) along with information about the patient's age and history of blood pressure treatment, smoking, and diabetes. Methods of the invention do not rely on standard risk factor measurements, such as CRP, total cholesterol, body mass index, weight, triglycerides, and the like.

Abstract: A method for measuring blood coagulation, including: preparing a reaction solution including a plasma specimen, a blood coagulation activator, and at least one of amino-guanidine and an acid addition salt thereof; and measuring blood coagulation time by detecting a turbidity change in the reaction solution.

Abstract: Biomarkers for abnormal kidney function, including the biomarkers in Tables 1 and 2 such as peroxiredoxin-2, complement C1q subcomponent subunit B, sulfhydryl oxidase 1 and apolipoprotein A-IV, and methods for their use in assessing abnormal kidney function are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of reducing blood glucose in a subject has been developed. In preferred embodiments, the method involves administering to the subject a specific activator of endogenous mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MKK3), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MKK4), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MKK6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), mitogen-activated kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2), or a combination thereof, in an effective amount to reduce blood glucose in a subject. In other embodiments, the method involves administering to the subject a specific activator to increase X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) phosphorylation on Thr48 and Ser61 in an effective amount to reduce blood glucose in the subject. Methods of identifying agents for reducing blood glucose in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in a human subject, comprises the steps of: (a) inputting the level of at least one cholesteryl ester measured in a blood sample collected from said subject; and then (b) inputting the age and gender of said subject; and then (c) generating in said computer from said cholesteryl ester level input, said age input and said gender input a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in said subject. Systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel diagnostic marker CT-proADM (C-terminal fragment of preproADM, SEQ ID No. 1) for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of diseases. Also disclosed is a method for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, cardiac insufficiency, and infections and/or inflammations of the lungs and respiratory tract. In said method, the CT-proADM (SEQ ID No. 1) marker, or a partial peptide of fragment thereof, or said marker contained in a marker combination (panel, cluster) is determined in a patient who is to be examined. The invention further relates to a diagnostic apparatus as well as a kit for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Provided are methods of labeling cells in at least one of a biological tissue, bacteria, and fungi with fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin).

Abstract: A method and system for collecting leukoreduced red blood cells employing a spinning membrane separator including a housing having an upper end region and a lower end region in an operating position with a red blood cell outlet in the upper end region of the housing and a whole blood inlet in the lower end region of the housing. The method and system provide for flowing additive solution into the whole blood inlet of the housing to prime the separator; flowing whole blood into the whole blood inlet of the housing; separating red blood cells from the whole blood; flowing separated red blood cells out of the red blood cell outlet of the housing; combining the separated red blood cells with additive solution: passing the separated red blood cells and additive solution combination through a leukoreduction filter; and collecting the filtered red blood cells and additive solution.

Abstract: Provided is a device that collects vesicles and vesicle-like materials from biological fluids. Such devices comprise at least one sample loading region; at least one corresponding vesicle-capture material, wherein said vesicle-capture material comprises glass-like materials; and at least one corresponding sample receiving region, wherein passage of the biological fluid from the sample loading region through the vesicle capture material and into the sample receiving region results in the capture of vesicles. Additional methods provide for a method of isolating vesicles and vesicle-like materials from biological fluids are also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting Listeria monocytogenes. The method comprises providing a culture device with a selective culture medium and a detection article comprising a first indicator system. The selective culture medium facilitates the growth of Listeria microorganisms. When a Listeria microorganism is detected in a sample contacted with the culture medium, the detection article is contacted with the culture medium to detect Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining the probability of transplant rejection based on the determination in the subject recipient of the transplant of the levels of antibodies specific for hyaluronic acid. The invention relates as well to methods for attenuating transplant rejection and compositions to prevent transplant rejection based on the depletion of anti-hyaluronic acid antibodies from the subject.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a method for evaluating cosmetics that allows development of cosmetics that can contribute to beautiful healthy skin. The object is achieved by a method of evaluating improvement in skin by an applied cosmetic, using as the index the change in stratum corneum thickness during the process of moistening and drying.