Abstract: Apoliporotein C-II or any active fraction of its amino acid sequence that activates lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in mammals. Increase in activity of LPL can increase expenditure of energy, and therefore an activator of LPL can be an effective agent for the prevention or treatment of obesity or related metabolic disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension in mammals including domestic pets and humans. Apolipoprotein C-II or its active fractions can be used as a diet supplement in the form of fortification to a natural product such as milk, cereal, beverage; as a nutritional supplement; or as a therapeutic agent in conventional forms of administration.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the progress of fat loss in a patient during a weight loss program which comprises, contacting a body fluid sample from said patient with a solid test strip to provide a color indication of the presence in said body fluid of &bgr;-hydroxybutyrate, optionally together with acetoacetate and/or acetone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kinetic or rate method for the determination of cholesterol in free or bound form with of a cholesterol oxidase enzyme obtained from Bacterial strain NRRL B-18713 which inherently has a high Michaelis and Menton, Km, of about 10-2 to 10-3 M for cholesterol and optionally, of cholesterol esterase. The method can measure oxygen consumption, hydrogen peroxide or cholestenone formed. The present invention also provides a test composition for the kinetic determination of cholesterol, comprising cholesterol oxidase with an inherently high Km of about 10-2 to 10-3 M for cholesterol and optionally cholesterol esterase and a system for the determination of hydrogen peroxide, cholestenone or oxygen consumption.

Abstract: The fluid transfer device of the present invention is used for example, to provide access to a vacuum tube which is sealed with a stopper. The device has a cylindrical body with a top wall portion and first and second conduits fixed and extending therethrough. The first, or pouring conduit, and second, or pressure equilibrating conduit, extend generally in a parallel manner above and below the top wall portion, and their respective bottom portions are contained within the body of the hollow device. The pair of conduits are constructed and arranged within the body of the device to pierce and enter through the stopper of the sealed container to permit the delivery of fluid. Further, the device has a structure that can be easily and economically manufactured for disposable use.

Abstract: Arylacylamidase can be stabilized by inhibiting conformational changes using either o-cresol or benzoic acid or salts of benzoic acid as a stabilizing agent. The compositions show significantly enhanced stability of arylacylamidase in aqueous solution, lyophilized, and solid-phase formats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new methodology and test composition for determining the presence of theophylline in test samples. The methodology employs enzymes that utilize or recognize theophylline as a substrate to measure the concentration thereof in samples, including body fluids. This new approach utilizes enzymes as opposed to traditional methods which use antibodies for the recognition of theophylline. The enzymatic approach to theophylline determination is quick, simple and convenient and allows test systems to be made in liquid as well as in dry-chemistry formats. Various protocols, systems or methodologies may be used for assaying and relating the results to the amount of theophylline present. Methods for obtaining theophylline utilizing or recognizing enzymes are also described.

Abstract: Blood separation filter assemblies and methods are provided to quickly and completely separate plasma or serum from whole blood without the need of centrifugation. The filter assemblies and methods have filter materials of a predetermined thickness which are maintained under positive pressure during use. The filter materials have at least one layer of glass fibers having an average fiber diameter ranging from 0.2 .mu.m to 7.0 .mu.m and which are compressed at least 25% in thickness.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic assembly or device for performing diagnostic tests which include test card and strip structures having a generally flat area, containing a well with an interior wall defining a reagent pad pocket to receive a specifically designed chemical reagent pad and which is secured in place by an annular snap-on cover. Additionally, the test card or strip may have a raised rib to contain spilled sample fluid. The diagnostic assembly is used to measure the concentration of an analyte via visualization or in combination with a meter.

Abstract: A method and unitized test composition is described for the estimation of an anilide in which the enzymatic hydrolysis of the anilide and colorimetric quantitation of aniline or aniline derivative can be done simultaneously.The hydrolysis of the anilide is catalyzed by a known enzyme, arylacylamidase, E. C. 3.5.1.13. Stabilization of the enzyme is provided by the addition of controlled amounts of a compound containing alcoholic and/or aromatic groups such as ortho-cresol, isopropanol or benzoate.Basically, the unitized test composition comprises (i) arylacylamidase, (ii) a controlled amount of an organic compound containing alcoholic and/or aromatic groups which acts as both a stabilizer for the arylacylamidase and forms a colored product with aniline, and (iii) a novel oxidant/catalytic agent for accelerating color development.The benefit of such methodology results in a one step addition of the complete reagent to the sample, serum or matrix containing the anilide as opposed to a several step addition.

Abstract: A method for separating isoenzymes is disclosed. The method involves polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in a buffer solution of a salt of 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol at a pH of about 6.4 to 7.3 and an electrolyte buffer of 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol taurine at a pH of about 8.0 to 10.0. After separation of the isoenzymes, the amount of individual isoenzymes present is determined.

Abstract: A method is provided for purifying uricase by decreasing the amount of active catalase present. The method involves adjusting the pH of a catalase-containing uricase preparation to a pH in the range of about 11 to 13 to inactivate the catalase and recovering a uricase preparation substantially free of active catalase.

Abstract: A method and composition for the hydrolysis and assay of triglycerides are disclosed. The method includes the steps of adding lipase and cholesterol esterase to a triglyceride in combination with a glycerol assay system and determining the amount of triglycerides present based on the amount of glycerol produced. The composition includes a mixture of lipase, cholesterol esterase and a glycerol assay system.