Abstract: A composition for enhancing synthesis of DNA comprising an anion-supplying substance that is effective in promoting DNA synthesis in enzymatic DNA synthesis reactions, in particular a salt of a dicarboxylic acid. Further enhanced DNA synthesis promoting effects can be achieved by using, together with the anion-supplying substance, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of dimethylsulfoxide and compounds represented by the following formula (1): R2—CH2—NR1xHy??(1) wherein R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R2 is a substituent selected from the group consisting of the following (a) and (b): (a) oxygen and (b) radicals represented by the formula wherein R4 is methyl, hydrogen or forms a pyrrolidine ring when combined with R1, R5 is —CO2H or —SO3H, and n is an integer from 0 to 2, x is an integer from 1 to 3 and y is an integer from 0 to 2, provided that x plus y equals 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase that makes possible quantitative measurement of formaldehyde by cycling reaction, and a determination method of formaldehyde and biological components, such as creatinine, creatine, and homocysteine, which produces formaldehyde as a reaction intermediate. In addition, the present invention provides a reagent kit for the above-mentioned determination method. The present invention provides a novel determination method of a homocysteine using transferase utilizing homocysteine and other compound as a pair of substrates. Particularly, the present invention provides a determination method of homocysteine which includes bringing betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase and dimethylglycine oxidase into contact with a sample and measuring produced hydrogen peroxide or formaldehyde. Moreover, the present invention provides novel dimethylglycine oxidase stable to thiol compound, which is suitably used for the measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring drug-metabolizing enzyme activity, wherein a drug-metabolizing enzyme is first applied to a substrate (particularly an endogenous unmodified substrate), and measurement is performed preferably within three hours by immunochemical assay of the resulting product.

Abstract: When insoluble magnetic carrier particles are used in immunoassay, a method is provided which is suitable for saving labor and for treating a large number of samples within a short time while avoiding problems including difficulties in the stability of sensitized insoluble magnetic particles and in their preparation. In assaying an antigenic substance in test samples, no use is made of insoluble magnetic particles carrying an antibody specific to the said antigenic substance but insoluble magnetic carrier particles are provided in a state free from adsorbing said antibody, etc. Then the antigenic substance per se to be assayed is adsorbed on the insoluble magnetic carrier particles followed by reaction with a labeled antibody specific to the said adsorbed antigenic substance. Thus, the antigenic substance in the test sample can be efficiently assayed in a mode suitable for automation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified pyrroloquinoline quinone dependent glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) having lower activity with respect to disaccharides and/or greater stability than wild-type PQQGDH.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase that makes possible quantitative measurement of formaldehyde by cycling reaction, and a determination method of formaldehyde and biological components, such as creatinine, creatine, homocysteine and the like, which produces formaldehyde as a reaction intermediate. In addition, the present invention provides a reagent kit for the above-mentioned determination method. The present invention provides a novel determination method of a homocysteine using transferase utilizing homocysteine and other compound as a pair of substrates. Particularly, the present invention provides a determination method of homocysteine which includes bringing betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase and dimethylglycine oxidase into contact with a sample and measuring produced hydrogen peroxide or formaldehyde. Moreover, the present invention provides novel dimethylglycine oxidase stable to thiol compound, which is suitably used for the measurement.

Abstract: An ultra high molecular weight polyethylene molded article for artificial joints has molecular orientation or crystal orientation in the molded article, and is low in friction and is superior in abrasion resistance, and therefore is available as components for artificial joints. Further, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene molded article for artificial joints can be used as a component for artificial hip joints (artificial acetabular cup), a component for artificial knee joints (artificial tibial insert) and the socket for artificial elbow joints, and in addition to the medical use, it can be applied as materials for various industries by utilizing the characteristics such as low friction and superior abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A DNA fragment that contains a gene encoding creatinine amidohydrolase is provided. This invention also provides a recombinant vector containing the said DNA fragment, a transformant containing the said vector, and a method for producing creatinine amidohydrolase by the use of the said transformant.

Abstract: A prosthesis used for a damaged bone, an artificial articular cartilage or an artificial intervertebral disc being characterized in that the prosthesis is a composite body comprising polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel and ceramic or metallic porous body. With this prosthesis, PVA hydrogel enhances lubrication and shock absorbing functions, and the porous body allows the ingrowth and ossification of the bone tissue of a living body therein to affinitively connect said hydrogel to the bones of the living body.

Abstract: A prosthesis used for a damaged bone, an artificial articular cartilage or an artificial intervertebral disc being characterized in that the prosthesis is a composite body comprising polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel and ceramic or metallic porous body. With this prosthesis, PVA hydrogel enhances lubrication and shock absorbing functions, and the porous body allows the ingrowth and ossification of the bone tissue of a living body therein to affinitively connect said hydrogel to the bones of the living body.