Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence that encodes for a luciferase of Luciola italica, as well as mutants thereof. The luciferase proteins of the present invention have been found to have extended bioluminescence emission that is red- or blue-shifted, and are useful as a bioluminescent marker or as an additive to selected materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for the detection of analytes, in particular toxic substances, comprising at least a whole-cell biosensor with cells immobilized onto a transparent and inert matrix that allows the maintenance of cell vitality. The matrix comprises a mixture of collagen and/or its enzyme degradation derivatives, a proteoglycan and a mixture of vinyl polymer and an optionally modified polysiloxane, and an orthosilicate. The biosensor can be a genetically modified cell that expresses luciferase as reporter gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence that encodes for a luciferase of Luciola italica, as well as mutants thereof. The luciferase proteins of the present invention have been found to have extended bioluminescence emission that is red- or blue-shifted, and are useful as a bioluminescent marker or as an additive to selected materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, to the complexes they form with a lanthanide, and to the use of the complexes for fluorescence marking or NMR imaging. The complex consists of an Ln ion and a ligand R2—C(X—R1)(R3)—NR4R5. R1 is a functional group, X is a single bond or a hydrocarbon-based chain consisting of at least one alkylene or alkenylene group optionally comprising at least one hetero atom or an arylene. R2 is an anionic group A2 or a C1-C4 alkylene or alkenylene group bearing at least one such group A2 and optionally comprising at least one hetero atom. R3 is H or a C1-C5 alkylene or alkenylene group optionally containing at least one hetero atom, and optionally bearing at least one anionic group A3. R4 is a substituent with light-absorbing properties that forms chelate rings with Ln. R5 is a substituent that forms chelate rings with Ln.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence that encodes for a luciferase of Luciola italica, as well as mutants thereof. The luciferase proteins of the present invention have been found to have extended bioluminescence emission that is red- or blue-shifted, and are useful as a bioluminescent marker or as an additive to selected materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, to the complexes they form with a lanthanide, and to the use of the complexes for fluorescence marking or NMR imaging. The complex consists of an Ln ion and a ligand R2—C(X—R1)(R3)—NR4R5. R1 is a functional group, X is a single bond or a hydrocarbon-based chain consisting of at least one alkylene or alkenylene group optionally comprising at least one hetero atom or an arylene. R2 is an anionic group A2 or a C1-C4 alkylene or alkenylene group bearing at least one such group A2 and optionally comprising at least one hetero atom. R3 is H or a C1-C5 alkylene or alkenylene group optionally containing at least one hetero atom, and optionally bearing at least one anionic group A3. R4 is a substituent with light-absorbing properties that forms chelate rings with Ln. R5 is a substituent that forms chelate rings with Ln.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, to the complexes they form with a lanthanide, and to the use of the complexes for fluorescence marking or NMR imaging. The complex consists of an Ln ion and a ligand R2—C(X—R1)(R3)—NR4R5. R1 is a functional group, X is a single bond or a hydrocarbon-based chain consisting of at least one alkylene or alkenylene group optionally comprising at least one hetero atom or an arylene. R2 is an anionic group A2 or a C1-C4 alkylene or alkenylene group bearing at least one such group A2 and optionally comprising at least one hetero atom. R3 is H or a C1-C5 alkylene or alkenylene group optionally containing at least one hetero atom, and optionally bearing at least one anionic group A3. R4 is a substituent with light-absorbing properties that forms chelate rings with Ln. R5 is a substituent that forms chelate rings with Ln.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, to the complexes they form with a lanthanide, and to the use of the complexes for fluorescence marking or NMR imaging. The complex consists of an Ln ion and a ligand R2-C(X-R1)(R3)-NR4R5. R1 is a functional group, X is a single bond or a hydrocarbon-based chain consisting of at least one alkylene or alkenylene group optionally comprising at least one hetero atom or an arylene. R2 is an anionic group A2 or a C1-C4 alkylene or alkenylene group bearing at least one such group A2 and optionally comprising at least one hetero atom. R3 is H or a C1-C5 alkylene or alkenylene group optionally containing at least one hetero atom, and optionally bearing at least one anionic group A3. R4 is a substituent with light-absorbing properties that forms chelate rings with Ln. R5 is a substituent that forms chelate rings with Ln.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence that encodes for a luciferase of Luciola italica, as well as mutants thereof. The luciferase proteins of the present invention have been found to have extended bioluminescence emission that is red- or blue-shifted, and are useful as a bioluminescent marker or as an additive to selected materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound having general formula (I) as described hereunder wherein R═H (FPA compound) or R═CH3 (FPB compound) for the preparation of compositions with an antioxidant activity for administering to human beings for therapeutic or nutritional purposes. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of a compound having general formula (I) as defined above characterized in that a cellular culture is obtained from an Ajuga reptans plant, said culture being subsequently subjected to cultivation under aerobic conditions, in a liquid medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources, and mineral salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound having general formula (I) as described hereunder 1

Abstract: The use of nor- and homo-bile acids derivatives as absorption enhancers for medicaments is described. Said derivatives show the advantage of improving the absorption of medicaments through mucosae without being metabolized by the intestinal flora, thus allowing a fast excretion. Moreover, the derivatives of the invention have a negligible toxicity.

Abstract: An amide of formula ##STR1## and its pharmacologically acceptable organic or inorganic salt shows a metabolic stability, both enteric and hepatic, greater than that of the corresponding bile acids conjugated with glycine or taurine physiologically present in the enterohepatic circulation. The pharmacological activity of the compounds of formula I or their pharmacologically acceptable organic or inorganic salt makes the use effective for the therapy of biliary calculosis from cholesterol and in every pathology caused by cholestasis like chronic hepatitis from cholestasis, primitive biliary cirrhosis and juvenile hepatopathy associated with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of glycine-conjugated bile acids as general formula (I):Y--NH--CH.sub.2 --COOH (I)wherein Y is the acyl radical of a bile acid selected from the group consisting of ursodeoxycholic, chenodeoxycholic, lithocholic, 3.alpha.-7.beta.-12.alpha.-tri-hydroxycholanic, 3.alpha.-7.beta.-dihydroxy-12-ketocholanic, deoxycholic, dehydrocholic, iodeoxycholic, iocholic acids and relative compositions for hepatic insufficiency treatment, containing the abovesaid acids as active ingredients, in continuation with suitable excipients and/or diluents.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy, and the hydroxy group at the 7-position can be either in .alpha. or .beta. configuration, are valuable in human therapy. Compounds I can be prepared by fluorination of the suitably protected 6.alpha.-hydroxy-7-keto-derivatives.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy, and the hydroxy group at the 7-position can be either in .alpha. or .beta. configuration, are valuable in human therapy. Compounds I can be prepared by reacting with succinic acid carboanions the corresponding derivatives which have previously been protected, and subsequently deprotecting and decarboxylating them.

Abstract: Bile acid derivatives of formula I ##STR1## wherein: R is hydrogen or hydroxy;X is a carboxy or a SO.sub.3 H group, have valuable pharmacologic properties.

Abstract: A compounds of general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy, and the hydroxy group at the 7-position can be either in .alpha. or .beta. configuration, are valuable in human therapy. Compounds I can be prepared by fluorination of the suitably protected 6-hydroxy-7-keto-derivatives.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy, and the hydroxy group at the 7-position can be either in .alpha. or .beta. configuration, are valuable in human therapy. Compounds I can be prepared by reacting with succinic acid carbonanions the corresponding derivatives which have previously been protected, and subsequently deprotecting and decarboxylating them.

Abstract: New derivatives of chenodeoxycholic, ursodeoxy cholic, cholic and ursocholic acids, bearing a methyl group in the side chain in an alfa position to the carboxylic group, the corresponding nor- and di-nor- derivatives, and the corresponding conjugates with taurine and glycine, are described.The compounds of the invention are prepared by methylation of the esters with methyl iodide in the presence of lithium-dialkylamides.