Abstract: Purpurogallin and its mono- and di-glucosides are useful as cytoprotective agents. Patient-administrable compositions for addition to a patient's blood to minimize oxyradical damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury that may result in various surgical procedures, and comprising purpurogallin or glucosides thereof, and uses thereof, are described.

Abstract: An enzyme preparation having specific bilirubin degrading activity is described. It is isolated from plants (e.g. artichokes) of the Compositae family. It exhibits higher specificity towards bilirubin and has higher specific activity (i.e. turnover number of moles of substrate per minute per mg of protein) than similar enzymes isolated from other sources. Assay compositions, analytical elements and methods for use of such are also described.

Abstract: Analytical element for the detection of an agent under analysis, termed analyte, dissolved in an aqueous, proteinaceous liquid. The element has at least two superposed layers, the layers including a spreading layer and a reagent layer. The element can include a support material which is preferably radiation transmissive. To normalize transport of the analyte in and through the spreading layer, the spreading layer contains an effective amount of a surfactant, such as a non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, the amount of surfactant is between about 1% and about 15% by weight of solid contents in the spreading layer.