Abstract: A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Phytophthora phospholipase C and uses thereof, methods of identifying modulators and inhibitors of a biological function of the phospholipase C, and methods of inhibiting Phytophthora growth comprising inhibiting a biological function of a novel Phytophthora phospholipase C.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cell culture vessels comprising fabricated cell culture surfaces providing means for efficient corneal endothelial cell growth and the use of the cultured cells in the repair of corneal tissue damage.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions of binding moiety-nanoparticle conjugates, aggregates of these conjugates, and novel methods of using these conjugates, and aggregates. The nanoparticles in these conjugates can be magnetic metal oxides, either monodisperse or polydisperse. Binding moieties can be, e.g., oligonucleotides, polypeptides, or polysaccharides. Oligonucleotide sequences are linked to either non-polymer surface functionalized metal oxides or with functionalized polymers associated with the metal oxides. The novel compositions can be used in assays for detecting target molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, in vitro or as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents to detect target molecules in living organisms.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for measuring the amount of digestive enzymes released from a solid composition in a dissolution medium by fluorescence spectroscopy. The invention is also directed to a combined method for measuring both the dissolution and gastroresistance of a solid compositions comprising pancrelipase.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods for the characterization of recombinant Heparan N-Sulfatase (HNS) during manufacture. The present invention uses capillary zone electrophoresis to determine the charge profile, isoform distribution, and/or glycan profile of recombinant HNS; and represents a quality feature for the batch consistency, storage stability, biological half-life, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and biological activity of the enzyme. In particular, such characterization methods may be beneficial to optimize conditions and ensure consistency for the manufacture of HNS for the treatment of a patient diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome using enzyme replacement therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides technologies relating to lysosomal activation. The disclosure provides several strategies for increasing level and/or activity of lysosomal enzyme, and furthermore demonstrates the surprising applicability of such strategies in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of certain proteinopathies. Among other things, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of proteinopathies other than lysosomal storage diseases through lysosomal activation. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods and compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of neurodegenerative proteinopathies, and in particular those associated with accumulation of ?-synuclein. The present disclosure specifically provides methods and compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated anti-Lp-PLA2 antibodies that bind to Lp-PLA2. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising an anti-Lp-PLA2 antibody. These compositions can be provided in an article of manufacture or a kit. Another aspect of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-Lp-PLA2 antibody, as well as an expression vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid. Also provided are cells that produce the anti-Lp-PLA2 antibodies. The invention encompasses a method of producing the anti-Lp-PLA2 antibodies. Other aspects of the invention are a method of detecting an Lp-PLA2 in a subject.

Abstract: Methods and materials relate to degradable detergents. The degradable detergents have degradable linkages that are cleaved when subjected to elevated temperature and/or reduced pressure. The detergents are compatible with spectrometric analysis, such as mass spectrometry. The surfactant comprises at least one fluorinated alkyl moiety and at least one cleavable moiety, wherein the surfactant degrades into a plurality of volatile degradation products when injected into a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a medicament for treating or preventing a condition, disorder or disease associated with amyloid ?. Provided is a method for screening a medicament for treating or preventing a disease associated with amyloid ?, the method comprising: A) subjecting at least one of elements selected from the group consisting of 1) exosome; 2) neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (N-SMase2); and 3) sphingomyelin synthetic enzyme 2 (SMS2), and a candidate of the medicament in a condition in which they can interact with each other; and B) examining an influence by the candidate of the medicament to the element, wherein at least one of the elements is used as an index for determining as to whether or not the candidate is the medicament.

Abstract: Multiplex enzyme assay methods and compositions for simultaneously assaying the activities of a plurality of lysosomal enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods comprising both genetic and chemical means for the production of hepatocytes from a variety of cell sources, particularly pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to altered forms of members of the RNase A superfamily. An RNase A can be modified to be cytotoxic by altering its amino acid sequence so that it is not bound easily by the ribonuclease inhibitor while still retaining catalytic properties. While earlier work had identified some modifications to RNase A that would result in cytotoxicity, the use of the FADE algorithm for molecular interaction analysis has led to several other locations that were candidates for modification. Some of those modifications did result in RNase A variants with increase cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.

Abstract: An improved method for assessing previous ethanol exposure comprises the steps of obtaining a sample from the body of a subject; quantitatively determining the level of one or several bio-precursors of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) (Formula I) or ethyl-sphingomyelin and the level of the corresponding one or several PEth (Formula II) or ethyl-sphingomyelin homologues in the sample; and obtaining a ratio between the level of one or several bio-precursors of PEth or ethyl-sphingomylein and the level of the corresponding one or several PEth- or ethyl-sphingomylein homologues. The ratio is indicative of previous ethanol consumption of the subject. Furthermore, a method for assessing previous absolute ethanol consumption can be accomplished by correlating the ratios of PEth precursor and PEth homologue levels in subjects to ratios obtained from reference subjects with known previous ethanol consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for determining the presence or amount of a hydrolytic enzyme in a sample, based on novel substrates for the enzymes, and also provides compositions and methods that provide highly sensitive assay methods for such hydrolytic enzymes.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) as defined herein is useful in the treatment and prevention of a disorder such as cachexia, stroke, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and diabetes and pharmaceutical compositions of the same. Also, a method of screening for lipase inhibitors using a compound of formula (I) and determining its lipase inhibitory activity. The method includes in vitro assays of compounds using ATGL and/or HSL, and cellular assays wherein inhibition is followed by observing indicators of efficacy. Also, methods for treatment or prevention of a condition involving cachexia, stroke, artherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, diabetes, preferably diabetes type II by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent which is able to inhibit ATGL. Also contemplated herein, are compositions comprising one or more ATGL-inhibiting agents optionally in combination with one or more lipase inhibitors or inhibitors of inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract: The present invention provides for stable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP/NADPH) derivatives of formula (I), enzyme complexes of these derivatives and their use in biochemical detection methods and reagent kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting resistant microorganisms to a therapeutic agent in a biological sample, comprising the following steps: a. inoculate the said sample, uncultured, on a first tube with, and on a second tube without, at least one therapeutic agent; preferentially further including at least one lysing agent and/or a buffer, and/or a suitable culture medium, or put the sample on a separation serum tube; and incubated it; b. add to both tubes a fluorescent marker; c. perform a fluorescence analysis for obtaining one or more fluorescence or growth parameters for each of the two tubes; wherein the microorganisms resistant phenotype of the biological sample to said therapeutic agent is obtained by comparing the one or more fluorescence parameters between the two tubes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation.

Abstract: The stabilization of a hydrolytic enzyme in a liquid preparation is to be improved through a component that stabilizes the hydrolytic enzyme. This is accomplished by a method for adapting a hydrolytic enzyme to a component that stabilizes the hydrolytic enzyme, comprising the following method steps: a) providing a hydrolytic enzyme (starting enzyme) and a component that stabilizes the hydrolytic enzyme and that comprises a reversible inhibitor of the hydrolytic enzyme; b) changing the amino acid sequence of the hydrolytic enzyme in at least one position, by substitution, deletion or insertion; c) determining the relative activity of the hydrolytic enzyme from step b) and the relative activity of the starting enzyme in a liquid preparation; d) selecting the hydrolytic enzyme that has a reduced relative activity by comparison with the relative activity of the starting enzyme.

Abstract: The field of this invention relates to methods for combining genetic elements such that the activity of one of the elements provides a means for identifying, enriching, selecting for, or enhancing the activity of a second element. The invention also includes specific elements and combinations of elements.

Abstract: Methods for multiplexed delivery of agents to a solid tissue in vivo followed by assessment of efficacy with mass spectrometry are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant polypeptide comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the sequence of the first portion is fully identical to amino acids 1 to 248 of the sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:1 and the sequence of the second portion is other than amino acids 249 to 511 of the sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: Provided is a method for simply and accurately measuring sphingomyelin in a sample, and a kit therefor. The method is a method for measuring sphingomyelin in a sample, comprising reacting the sample with a phospholipase D which does not react with sphingomyelin and lysophosphatidylcholine but reacts with phosphatidylcholine, a lysophospholipase or a monoglyceride lipase, and a choline oxidase, eliminating the formed hydrogen peroxide, reacting the resultant with a phospholipase D which does not react with glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine and free fatty acid but reacts with sphingomyelin, and a choline oxidase, and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or absence of a microorganism, said method including the steps of: 1) providing an enclosure containing a liquid or semi-solid phase consisting of a biological medium capable of containing a living form of said microorganism, nutritional elements, and an enzymatic substrate which is specific to said microorganism and which can be metabolised into at least one VOC metabolite, and a gaseous phase adjacent to said liquid or semi-solid phase; 2) exposing at least said liquid or semi-solid phase to conditions that are propitious for said microorganism to metabolise said enzymatic substrate into a molecule of said VOC metabolite; and 3) determining, by optical transduction, the presence or absence of said VOC metabolite, characterised in that the latter interacts with a nanoporous matrix, said matrix being implemented in a form that is separate from said enzymatic substrate, and in that the detection, by optical transduction, of a change in the

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, comprising a combination of two enzymatic substrates for alpha-glucosidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 1-aryl-4-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxaline derivatives as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) and to a lesser extent of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10) or as inhibitors of both, phosphodiesterases 2 and 10. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, to processes for preparing such compounds and compositions, and to the use of such compounds and compositions for the prevention and treatment of disorders in which PDE2 is involved, or disorders in which both PDE2 and PDE 10 are involved, such as neurological and psychiatric disorders, and endocrinological or metabolic diseases. The present invention also relates to radiolabelled compounds which may be useful for imaging and quantifying the PDE2 enzyme in tissues, using positron-emission tomography (PET).

Abstract: A Disease Severity Index (DSI) is provided for assessment of chronic liver disease in a patient using non-invasive liver function test results. A DSI was derived from non-invasive liver function test results based on hepatic blood flow. The DSI is used in methods for prediction of clinical outcomes, prediction of response to antiviral treatment, and assessment of progression of chronic liver diseases. Non-invasive methods to diagnose three distinct categories of patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) are provided. The methods can be used to diagnose PSC patients as Slow Progressors, Moderate Progressors and Rapid Progressors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for indicating the presence, concentration and effectiveness of chemical and biological agents. The test device interacts with the target agent producing a detectable signal indicating the presence, concentration and effectiveness of the agent. The test device includes a first carrier which changes color consequent to interaction with the target agent in proportion to the concentration of the target agent. The test device includes a second carrier which remains unreacted and unchanged in color in the presence of the target agent. The second carrier serves as an integrated reference to which the color change of the first carrier is compared.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in vitro methods of diagnosing a Plasmodium infection in a subject. The methods include measuring the serum concentration of at least one secreted phospholipase A2 selected from the group consisting of GIIF, GV and GX sPLA2s, in a blood sample from the subject. The disclosure also relates to a kit for carrying out the disclosed methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a recombinant mammalian GIIF, GV or GX sPLA2, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence, including an isolated, purified or recombinant nucleic acid sequence, includes: (a) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide encompassed by the present invention, namely, a PLC-zeta; PLC? amino acid sequence, capable of triggering calcium oscillations in oocytes; (b) a sequence substantially homologous to or that hybridizes to sequence (a) under stringent conditions; (c) a sequence substantially homologous to or that hybridizes to the sequences (a) or (b) but for degeneracy of the genetic code; and (d) an oligonucleotide specific for any of the sequences (a), (b) or (c) above.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorogenic substrates and methods of use in detecting and analyzing phospholipase C isozyme (PLC) activity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bedside or point of care assay for properly positioning a feeding tube in the stomach of a patient based on detecting the presence of a hydrolytic enzyme found in the stomach by an ester substrate which can be impregnated on a pH strip. The application of this test reduces the risk of tube misplacement and the resulting harm to the patient that occurs in the event of tube misplacement.

Abstract: A point-of-care, screening kit for use by a heath care worker to create custom test strips for screening the bodily fluids of an individual for various, medical conditions includes: (a) a plurality of reagents (12), (b) a substrate (18) configured to: i) receive one of the reagents and react with it so as to cause it to acquire a first characteristic color, and, ii) upon the addition of the individual's bodily fluid to the substrate, acquire, as a result of the formulation of each of the reagents, a second, dichotomous characteristic color when the individual has a specific one of the various, medical conditions.

Abstract: A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.

Abstract: A modified health diagnostic compact disc (HDCD) comprising (a) a protective layer; (b) a reflective layer; (c) a dye layer (d) a polycarbonate layer; and (e) a micro fluidic layer. In a certain aspect, the polycarbonate layer of the HDCD contains a data layer. The micro fluidic layer of the HDCD is composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The micro fluidic layer of the HDCD contains one or more donut-shaped trenches. The micro fluidic layer of the HDCD is associated with conjugated microparticles in solution. The HDCD further comprises integrated microneedles. The modified health diagnostic compact disc can be used by methods of the invention to identify and/or measure the presence of biologic cells utilizing a standard computer compact disk drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for continuous measurement of protein and/or triglyceride digestibility during a meal. Stable isotope of 15N-spirulina protein and 2H5-phenylalanine was added to the nutritional supplement. Protein digestibility is calculated by measuring the ratio [15N]PHE to [2H5]PHE in plasma and the nutrition. In another embodiment, [1,1,1-13C3]tripalmitin and [2,2-2H2]palmitic acid were added to the meal. The ratio between [1-13C]palmitic acid/[2,2-2H2]palmitic acid will represent the percentage digestion of triglycerides by lipase from the pancreas.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating or limiting development of inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are variants of Buttiauxella sp. phytases that may be used in industrial applications including methods for starch liquefaction, alcohol fermentations and for enhancing phosphate digestion in foods and animal feeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phytase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The polypeptides are related to a phytase derived from Hafnia alvei, the amino acid sequence of which is shown in the appended sequence listing as SEQ ID NO: 10. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, in particular within animal feed.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and their use in the treatment of infections. The compound of formula (I), their derivatives, analogs, tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, polymorphs, solvates, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and pharmaceutical compositions described herein are also useful as ?-lactamase inhibitors, which restore or enhance the antibiotic spectrum of a suitable antibiotic agent. The compounds of formula (I) act as inhibitors of ?-lactamases. These compounds restore/potentiate the activities of ?-lactam antibiotics against carbapenemases. These compounds find use in diagnostic method for detecting ?-lactamases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing the activity of topically administered chemodenervating agents. In some embodiments, methods for assessing the activity of topically administered chemodenervating agents involve determining the extent of inhibition of acetylcholine release near the site of administration. In some embodiments, methods for assessing activity of topically administered chemodenervating agents involve observing a reflex motion of a limb of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having acetyl xylan esterase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms, for example, wound pathogens in a sample, by contacting a sample with an enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, and detecting modification or the absence of modification of the substrate, as an indicator of the presence or absence of the enzyme in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject with heart failure has of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event, requiring revascularization, requiring a heart transplant, requiring unscheduled hospitalization for heart failure, progression of heart failure status, or any combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject has of developing heart failure. The present methods comprise determining the levels of paraoxonase 1 activity in the serum, non-chelated plasma, or both in the test subject and comparing the level of PON1 activity in the test subject's sample with a control or baseline value based on levels of PON1 activity in serum, non-chelated plasma, or both samples from a population of control subjects. Also provided herein are kits useful in assessing such risks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for detecting and/or identifying, in a biological sample, bacteria exhibiting a resistance to carbapenems, including: a) contacting said sample with a reaction medium including at least one chromogenic agent and faropenem and/or doripenem; b) incubating the whole so as to allow the bacteria to grow; and c) detecting the strains exhibiting a resistance to carbapenems. The medium employed in step a) also contains cloxacillin and/or a combination of cloxacillin and PAbetaN.