Abstract: Methods of detecting myocardial infarction are disclosed based on elevated levels of one or more free fatty acids. The methods may comprise detection of elevated levels of total free fatty acids in a sample relative to average total free fatty acid levels in a control subject without myocardial infarction. Also disclosed are methods to detect myocardial infarction comprising detection of elevated levels of individual free fatty acids in a sample relative to those levels in a control subject and methods comprising determining whether the molar ratio of total free fatty acids to HSA is indicative of myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Modified forms of human serum albumin (HSA) wherein the arginine at position 218 is substituted by a less basic amino acid show strong thyroxin-binding activity. These modified forms of HSA and fragments thereof are useful in binding thyroxin in standard assays for free thyroxin concentration and in treating conditions characterized by higher-than-desired levels of free thyroxin in animal subjects.

Abstract: Modified forms of human serum albumin (HSA) wherein the arginine at position 218 is substituted by a less basic amino acid show strong thyroxin-binding activity. Recombinant materials for production of these modified forms of HSA and fragments are disclosed, as well as recombinant materials for diagnosis for the presence or absence of a gene encoding said modified HSA.

Abstract: A method for assessing lung maturity in a fetus or an infant comprises adding a fluorescent dye to a pulmonary effluent, causing the dye to fluoresce by illumination with an excitation wavelength of monochromatic light, and measuring the intensity of the fluorescence at two different wavelengths. Alternatively, the method comprises sequential illumination with two different excitation wavelengths and measurement of the intensity of fluorescence caused by each excitation wavelength at a single emission wavelength.