Abstract: Very simple, highly sensitive detection or quantification of target nucleic acids of interest has been achieved by: hybridizing mask oligonucleotides to regions in a single-stranded region of a nucleic acid to be assayed between which a region to be hybridized by an oligonucleotide probe is positioned, thereby opening the probe-hybridizing region and keeping the single-stranded region of the target nucleic acid stable, and then subjecting this nucleic acid having the single-stranded region to nucleic acid chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that show specific reactivity to disulfide-type HMGB1. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for specifically measuring disulfide-type HMGB1 using the antibodies, and kits or reagents for the measurement. The present invention also provides methods for measuring total HMGB1 using such an antibody and an antibody that binds to both disulfide-type HMGB1 and reduced-type HMGB1 but does not bind to des-HMGB1, and kits or reagents for the measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that show specific reactivity to disulfide-type HMGB1. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for specifically measuring disulfide-type HMGB1 using the antibodies, and kits or reagents for the measurement. The present invention also provides methods for measuring total HMGB1 using such an antibody and an antibody that binds to both disulfide-type HMGB1 and reduced-type HMGB1 but does not bind to des-HMGB1, and kits or reagents for the measurement.

Abstract: The present inventors conducted dedicated studies, and as a result discovered that propionic acid bacteria fermentation products have a preventive/therapeutic effect on functional gastrointestinal disorders in in vitro tests and tests using patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and completed the present invention. Specifically, the present inventors discovered, in in vitro tests, that the products have an effect of increasing the intestinal contraction frequency without changing the intestinal contractile force in a distal colon-specific manner. Moreover, effects of improving the defecation condition, general abdominal condition, and health-related QOL in patients with irritable bowel syndrome were also found. Furthermore, propionic acid bacteria fermentation products can be taken in large amounts. Therefore, the propionic acid bacteria fermentation products can be expected to have an effect of preventing/treating functional gastrointestinal disorders safely.

Abstract: Very simple, highly sensitive detection or quantification of target nucleic acids of interest has been achieved by: hybridizing mask oligonucleotides to regions in a single-stranded region of a nucleic acid to be assayed between which a region to be hybridized by an oligonucleotide probe is positioned, thereby opening the probe-hybridizing region and keeping the single-stranded region of the target nucleic acid stable, and then subjecting this nucleic acid having the single-stranded region to nucleic acid chromatography.

Abstract: The present inventors conducted dedicated studies, and as a result discovered that propionic acid bacteria fermentation products have a preventive/therapeutic effect on functional gastrointestinal disorders in in vitro tests and tests using patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and completed the present invention. Specifically, the present inventors discovered, in in vitro tests, that the products have an effect of increasing the intestinal contraction frequency without changing the intestinal contractile force in a distal colon-specific manner. Moreover, effects of improving the defecation condition, general abdominal condition, and health-related QOL in patients with irritable bowel syndrome were also found. Furthermore, propionic acid bacteria fermentation products can be taken in large amounts. Therefore, the propionic acid bacteria fermentation products can be expected to have an effect of preventing/treating functional gastrointestinal disorders safely.

Abstract: A digested phagocyte prepared by contacting in vitro a phagocyte with a foreign microorganism and isolating the phagocyte so contacted; a process for producing the same; and a process and a kit in which these are utilized are disclosed. An experimental model, which enables in vitro evaluation of a phagocytotic function of phagocytes, is provided.

Abstract: A probe derived from bacteria of pneumonia, containing fragments of DNA which streptococcus pneumoniae essentially possesses, and useful for detecting and identifying causative bacteria of pneumonia is obtained by completely digesting the DNA with a restriction endonuclease PstI, followed by cloning into a suitable vector.

Abstract: DNA probes for detecting the presence of Helicobacter pylori are provided. These isolated, purified oligonucleotide probes are useful in assays for the specific detection of Helicobacter pylori because they specifically hybridize to the DNA of H. pylori.

Abstract: DNA probes for diagnosing infectious diseases involving Enterococcus faecalis and methods of using such probes are provided.

Abstract: DNA probes for diagnosing infectious diseases involving Staphylococcus aureus and methods of using such probes are provided.

Abstract: DNA probes for diagnosing infectious diseases involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methods of using such probes are provided.

Abstract: DNA probes for diagnosing infectious diseases involving Staphylococcus epidermidis and methods of using such probes are provided.

Abstract: DNA probes for diagnosing infectious diseases involving Escherichia coli, Klebsielkli pneunmoniae or Enterobacter cloacae and methods of using such probes are provided.