Abstract: Disclosed is a method comprising acquiring a value relating to VEGF-A of a subject, wherein the value is a measured value of total VEGF-A in a blood sample, or a value obtained by dividing a measured value of VEGF-A165b in the blood sample by a measured value of total VEGF-A in the blood sample (VEGF-A165b/total VEGF-A), and the value suggests prognosis of myocardial infarction of the subject or severity of coronary artery disease of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specific substrate on an ALDH isoenzyme, to a composition comprising at least one such substrate, to a diagnostic marker comprising such a substrate, and to the uses thereof and associated methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ammonia gas detection sensor including a substrate, a graphene sheet disposed on the substrate, and metal nanoparticles disposed on the graphene sheet, and an ammonia gas detection device comprising the gas detection sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying a patient having heart failure as likely to respond to a therapy comprising a statin. The method is based on measuring the level of at least one marker selected from GDF-15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15), Urea, SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin), Uric acid, PLGF (Placental Growth Factor), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), Transferrin, a cardiac Troponin, sFlt-1 (Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), Prealbumin, Ferritin, Osteopontin, sST2 (soluble ST2), and hsCRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein) in a sample from a patient. Further envisaged is a method of predicting the risk of a patient to suffer from death or hospitalization, wherein said patient has heart failure and undergoes a therapy comprising a statin. The method is also based on the measurement of the level of at least one of the aforementioned markers.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the effect of uniformly dispersing carbon nanotubes in the material is achieved by including Ag in the carbon nanotubes to suppress the aggregation of carbon nanotubes when the electrical contacts are prepared.

Abstract: An aqueous enzyme based sensor comprising one or more enzymes and at least one indicator compound capable of indicating a reaction of at least one of the enzymes with at least one target analyte, wherein the enzyme and the indicator are capable of being delivered, preferably by being sprayed, to a surface having the target analyte without sampling the surface. An aqueous enzyme based sensor is provided that is capable of detecting an enzyme specific substrate as the analyte. This aqueous enzyme based sensor further comprises of one or more enzyme specific substrates in which the sensor detects enzyme inhibition. The aqueous enzyme based sensor optionally comprises one or more of a light scattering additive(s), an adhesive polymer(s), a protein stabilizer(s), a protein stabilizing sugar(s), a surfactant(s), and a solvent(s), and combinations thereof. A dispensing system and a method of detecting a target chemical on a surface without sampling the surface is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical biosensor including a complex including a porous support and an enzyme supported inside the pores of the porous support and a method for preparing the same. Since a dye does not flow but is concentrated in one place, the optical biosensor of the present disclosure has remarkably improved sensitivity. In addition, it is possible to carry out quantitative determination and qualitative analysis since color intensity increases with time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions including a nanosensor that is sensitive to an analyte such that the nanosensor emits a fluorescent signal upon detecting the analyte, and a catalytic agent that catalyzes a reaction in which a target substrate is converted into one or more products, such that at least one of the one or more products is the analyte. In addition, methods of using the nanosensor-catalytic agent compositions to detect a target substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming metal nanoparticle decorated carbon nanotubes are provided. The methods include mixing a metal precursor with a plurality of carbon nanotubes to form a metal precursor-carbon nanotubes mixture. The methods also include exposing the metal precursor-carbon nanotubes mixture to electromagnetic radiation to deposit metal nanoparticles on a major surface of the carbon nanotubes.

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: Disclosed are methods for the preparation and use of labeled AChE and labeled AChE inhibitory conjugate compositions for detecting accumulation of toxic materials such as organophosphates, insecticides, and other nerve agents. Also disclosed are methods for the use of labeled AChE and labeled AChE inhibitory conjugate compositions in a variety of areas, including the detecting of toxic materials in biological samples, in the area of food and water analysis, in environmental monitoring, and in industrial settings.

Abstract: A device and method for the rapid on-site detection of inhibitors of enzymes, such as, acetylcholinesterase is described where the device contains 2 reaction zones containing a reporter enzyme substrate. One reaction zone is for the test sample while the other is for an onboard negative control. Sample and control fluids are preincubated with the enzyme in separate reaction containers, then an aliquot of each reaction mixture is added to designated reaction zones on the test device. A purpose-built reader or an illuminating device, such as, containing an incandescent light source, a diode, a UV light source or any other illumination source that is suitable for the reporter or mere visualization is used to determine the level of reporter.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for continuously detecting, classifying and identifying toxic particles, aerosols and/or vapor in an air sample, in near real time by directing an air sample containing an optional target analyte, in the form of particles, aerosols and/or vapors, enzyme(s), and enzyme substrate(s), to a surface of a collection matrix for forming a biocatalytic reaction product of a plurality of freely mobile optical reporters, and by using a light source with optical reader to interpret the signal from the optical reporter, enabling the detection, classification and identification of toxic particles, aerosols and/or vapor in the air sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the visualization of acidic organelles based upon organelle enzyme activity. The organelle substrates of the invention are specific for enzyme activity of the organelle and label these organelles, such as lysosomes, rendering them visible and easily observed. Substrates of the present invention include substrates that produce a fluorescent signal. The fluorogenic acidic organelle enzyme substrates of this invention are designed to provide high fluorescence at low pH values and are derivatized to permit membrane permeation through both outer and organelle membranes of intact cells and can be used for staining cells at very low concentrations. They can be used for monitoring enzyme activity in cells at very low concentrations and are not toxic to living cells or tissues.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for continuously detecting, classifying and identifying toxic particles, aerosols and/or vapor in an air sample, in near real time by directing an air sample containing an optional target analyte, in the form of particles, aerosols and/or vapors, enzyme(s), and enzyme substrate(s), to a surface of a collection matrix for forming a biocatalytic reaction product of a plurality of freely mobile optical reporters, and by using a light source with optical reader to interpret the signal from the optical reporter, enabling the detection, classification and identification of toxic particles, aerosols and/or vapor in the air sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting and identifying toxins, including but not limited to organophosphorus nerve agents and/or organophosphorus pesticides, in a sample. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for identifying an organophosphorus nerve agent and/or an organophosphorus pesticide, comprising: exposing a group of enzymes comprising human carboxylesterase 1, at least one mutant of human carboxylesterase 1, and acetylcholinesterase to a sample, wherein the enzymes are separate from each other and each enzyme binds at least one organophosphorus nerve agent or at least one organophosphorus pesticide; contacting the exposed enzymes with a fluid comprising an oxime and a substrate; and detecting a signal produced upon reaction of the substrate and the exposed enzymes, whereby detection of the signal identifies the organophosphorus nerve agent and/or the organophosphorus pesticide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting agents that cause or may potentiate DNA damage, and to assays that may be employed in such methods. In particular, the invention relates to methods of detecting DNA damage in in vitro cultures of human cells.

Abstract: Microchemical reactors embedded in absorbant materials are described that allow operators to perform chemical reactions and chemical cascades using multiple microencapsulated reagents, which release stoichiometric amounts of reagents in a predetermined time sequence with a predetermined logic.

Abstract: A method of detecting an amount of a cholinesterase inhibitor in a sample comprising steps of: (a) contacting the sample with an agent capable of recovering the cholinesterase inhibitor from the sample so that the cholinesterase inhibitor is recovered, wherein the agent comprises a reactivity towards phosphyl moieties; (b) isolating the recovered cholinesterase inhibitor from the sample; (c) contacting the isolated cholinesterase inhibitor from step (b) with a test cholinesterase wherein the cholinesterase activity of the test cholinesterase before step (a) is known; and (d) measuring the cholinesterase activity to determine the amount of cholinesterase inhibitor in the sample based on the inhibition of the test cholinesterase activity from the known activity of the test cholinesterase before step (a).

Abstract: We describe a PS4 variant polypeptide derivable from a parent polypeptide having non-maltogenic exoamylase activity, in which the PS4 variant polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 307 to lysine (K) or arginine (R), with reference to the position numbering of a Pseudomonas saccharophilia exoamylase sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. Preferably, the PS4 variant polypeptide further comprises an amino acid substitution at position 70, preferably G70D. The amino acid at positions 272 and 303 of the sequence of the are preferably histidine (H) and glycine (G).

Abstract: An N-alkylpiperidine methanethiol ester derivative represented by any one of the general formulae (1) to (4) or a salt thereof has been discovered. The N-alkylpiperidine methanethiol ester derivative or the salt thereof has specificity for acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase and is useful as a reagent for measurement of cholinesterase activity by the Ellman method.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming plasma-generating microstructures. Aluminum may be anodized to form an aluminum oxide body having a plurality of openings extending therethrough. Conductive liners may be formed within the openings, and circuitry may be formed to control current flow through the conductive liners. The conductive liners form a plurality of hollow cathodes, and the current flow is configured to generate and maintain plasmas within the hollow cathodes. The plasmas within various hollow cathodes, or sets of hollow cathodes, may be independently controlled. Such independently controlled plasmas may be utilized to create a pattern in a display, or on a substrate. In some embodiments, the plasmas may be utilized for plasma-assisted etching and/or plasma-assisted deposition. Some embodiments include constructions and assemblies containing multiple plasma-generating structures.

Abstract: A method for rapidly detecting the presence of formaldehyde in a urine sample (e.g., urine or a urinary material associated therewith, such as headspace gas located associated with urine) is provided. The method includes contacting the urine sample with a substrate on which is disposed a colorant that is capable of undergoing a detectable color change in the presence of formaldehyde. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that oxidation of the colorant by formaldehyde induces either a shift of the absorption maxima towards the red end of the spectrum (“bathochromic shift”) or towards the blue end of the spectrum (“hypsochromic shift”). The absorption shift provides a color difference that is detectable, either visually or through instrumentation, to indicate the presence of formaldehyde within the urine sample. For example, prior to contact with a urine sample, the colorant may be colorless or it may possess a certain color.

Abstract: A detection device comprises a basal layer fixed at the bottom of a container therein, and a cholinesterase-containing reaction layer is fixed on the basal layer. A sample is added to the detection device, and the presence of a cholinesterase-inhibiting substance in the sample is visually determined through coloring reaction. For detecting an organophosphate agrichemical, the sample is brought into contact with an oxidizing agent on a column to convert it into the oxon form thereof.

Abstract: A toxic material detection apparatus includes a sample collection portion including a sample inlet and a sample concentrator adapted to concentrate an environmental sample on a substrate. A sample distributing system transfers portions of the substrate to a color sensor and an ion mobility spectrometer for simultaneously analysis and toxin detection, particularly cholinesterase inhibitor detection. Optionally, a portion of the substrate may be directed to an archive for possible analysis at a later time. Reagents utilized include the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the reactants acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCI) and 5,5?-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTB). A data management unit provides for near-real-time analysis of the samples in under 5 minutes. Simultaneous “hits” by both analysis methods indicate the presence of a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioassay element and its producing method. The bioassay element includes a carrier, a testing material, and a coating film, in which the testing material is dispersed in the coating film which covers on the surface of the carrier and comprises a casein and calcium ions. The bioassay element is produced by applying a bioassay solution which includes a testing material, a casein and calcium ions to the carrier, and then drying the bioassay solution.

Abstract: A method of determining risk of heart failure in a mammal is provided comprising the steps of measuring in a biological sample obtained from a mammal the level of each of IL-6, MCP-1, IL-10, VEGF, and EGF biomarkers in the sample, wherein a positive result of at least three of said biomarkers is indicative of a risk of heart failure in the mammal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medium for detecting, identifying and differentiating a microorganism strain in a liquid medium by contacting said liquid sample with a combination of chromogens substrates of enzymes expressed or not by the strain to be detected, the final coloration of the mixture being detectable in the wavelengths of the visible light.

Abstract: An aqueous enzyme based sensor comprising one or more enzymes and at least one indicator compound capable of indicating a reaction of at least one of the enzymes with at least one target analyte, wherein the enzyme and the indicator are capable of being delivered, preferably by being sprayed, to a surface having the target analyte without sampling the surface. An aqueous enzyme based sensor is provided that is capable of detecting an enzyme specific substrate as the analyte. This aqueous enzyme based sensor further comprises of one or more enzyme specific substrates in which the sensor detects enzyme inhibition. The aqueous enzyme based sensor optionally comprises one or more of a light scattering additive(s), an adhesive polymer(s), a protein stabilizer(s), a protein stabilizing sugar(s), a surfactant(s), and a solvent(s), and combinations thereof. A dispensing system and a method of detecting a target chemical on a surface without sampling the surface is provided.

Abstract: Methods for determining invertebrate- and insect-specific, such as mosquito-specific, residues of acetylcholinesterases are provided herein. The methods can be used to design pesticides and insecticides that are specific for the invertebrate or insect (e.g., mosquito) enzymes, resulting in reduced toxicity concerns for mammals. Compositions for inhibiting invertebrate and insect (e.g., mosquito) acetylcholinesterases and methods for preparing the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating cognitive decline in a patient by administering to the patient at least about 100 units per day of ?-interferon.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the detection of GPCR ligands in a test sample by using a single cell biosensor expressing a GPCR. Preferably, the test sample is derived from a biological or environmental sample. This invention may be used to detect the presence of a disease or to detect the presence of a harmful agent in the environment. Included in the present invention is an array of biosensors that detect ligands of various GPCRs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods/kits for assessing levels of trait or state anxiety in a subject by comparing genotypes and/or expression patterns at the ACHE, PON1 and/or BChE genes to the genotype and/or expression pattern of the genes in a reference population whose genotype and/or expression pattern of the genes is known or by correlating AChE levels activity to those of PON.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel acetylcholinesterase gene (ace-1) responsible for resistance to organophosphorus and/or carbamates in mosquitoes, which is non-homologous to the D. melanogaster acetylcholinesterase gene (ace-2), products of the ace-1 gene (cDNA, protein AchE1) and the applications thereof, particularly for the screening of novel insecticides and the genetic detection of resistance to organophosphorus and/or carbamates in mosquito populations.

Abstract: A sensor for the intermittent or continuous detection of the presence of at least one analyte in an environmental sample includes at least one enzyme that is selected to either (i) catalyze a reaction of the analyte to chemically convert the analyte to a product compound or (ii) be inhibited by the analyte in the presence of a substrate compound. The sensor also includes at least one sensor for monitoring or at least one indicator compound selected to produce a measurable change of state as a result of the interaction of the analyte and the enzyme. Optionally, each of the enzyme and the indicator compound are incorporated within a single polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosis of vCJD in a diagnostic sample of a valid body tissue taken from a human subject, which comprises detecting an increased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control human subject, the protein being: beta-actin (SwissProt Ace. No. P60709), apolipoprotein A-IV precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06727); haptoglobin beta-chain consisting of residues 162-406 (SwissProt Acc. No. P00738); haemoglobin beta chain (SwissProt Ace. No. P02023); or alpha-1-antitrypsin (SwissProt Ace. No. P01009); or a decreased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control, normal human subject, the protein being plasma protease (C1) inhibitor precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P05155); complement component 1, s sub-component (SwissProt Acc. No. P09871); butyrylcholinesterase precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06276); complement component C4B (SwissProt Acc. No. P01028); lumican (SwissProt Ace. No.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strategy or method of detecting, diagnosing, and prognosticating low-grade systemic inflammatory conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemias, and Alzheimer's disease; various cancers, and acute and chronic collagen vascular diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and lupus; proliferative diabetic retinopathy; macular degeneration; multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, chronic renal failure, end-stage renal disease, glomerulonephritis including minimal change nephropathy, proliferative glomerulonephritis, nephritis secondary to underlying systemic diseases using plasma and/or tissue levels of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase as a marker. The method employed to detect acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase could include various methods such as but not limited to turbimetric test, or ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), fluorometric, radioimmunoassay, and spectrophotometric methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-priced bioassay element, comprising: a carrier comprising a porous cellulose filter paper and a stationary layer, wherein said stationary layer comprises casein and calcium ions, and covers on said porous cellulose filter paper; a coating film comprising casein and calcium ions, which covers on the surface of said carrier; and an enzyme dispersed in said coating film; in which the activity of the enzyme comprised in the bioassay element can be maintained for a long time, and the assay result can be read by naked eyes or a spectrophotometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing genetic and protein materials using photodiodes. The apparatus comprises a computer for controlling the entire operation of the apparatus and analyzing a voltage level from a characteristic detector to analyze states of the genetic and protein materials, and an address decoder connected to the computer. The photodiodes are connected to the address decoder and generate currents in response to external light being incident thereon. A plurality of amplifiers are connected respectively to the photodiodes to amplify output currents therefrom, and a plurality of voltage output circuits are connected respectively to the amplifiers to convert output currents therefrom into voltages. An output selector selects any one of output voltages from the voltage output circuits under the control of the computer. The characteristic detector measures a level of an output voltage from the output selector and applies the measured voltage level to the computer.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Geobacillus Strain T1 bacteria isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent capable of producing thermostable lipase T1 gene. The production of thermostable lipase T1 gene from a novel Geobacillus bacterium having a designated as strain T1, was aerobic, gram positive and endospore-forming, rod-shaped. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.6%. On the basic of physiological data, phenotypic traits and molecular analysis, strain T1 represents a novel species within the genus Geobacillus, The thermostable T1 lipase gene was subcloned into the pGEX-4T1 vector with and without signal peptide in prokaryotic system. The 28 amino acid residues signal peptide alter the conformation of GST moiety and preventing it from bind to affinity glutathione Sepharose column. By expression and simplification of the purification through single step affinity chromatography shows a specific activity of 292.929 U/mg and 72.55% of fusion lipase was recovered from crude cell lysate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a quantum dot nanoparticle-based universal neurotoxin biosensor having three components (a) a dendrimer-encapsulated quantum dot nanoparticle; (b) acetylcholinesterase; and (c) an acceptor fluorophore, wherein the quantum dot nanoparticle and the acceptor fluorophore linked to the acetylcholinesterase.

Abstract: A method for checking for sensitivity of acetylcholine esterase in insects using a single insect, includes homogenizing a single insect in aqueous, neutral to acid pH phosphate buffer, providing a solution of acetylcholine iodide in neutral to acid pH phosphate buffered water-miscible organic solvent, providing a solution of 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in the buffer, and providing a solution of propoxur in the buffer, dropping the insect homogenisate into the wells of an assay plate, dropping the acetylcholine iodide and 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) solutions into some of the wells and 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) propoxur solutions into the other wells and checking for a difference in the yellow coloration between the samples in the two sets of cells.

Abstract: This invention has as its object a method for detecting catalytic activity of a sample, characterized in that it comprises: the incubation of a substrate (S) with the sample that may have the catalytic activity that it is desired to detect, the addition of a reagent (X) that can react either with a chemical group of unconsumed substrate (S) or with a chemical group of product (P) that is formed after an incubation period with the sample, the addition of a developer (R) that can react with reagent (X), and the detection of the transformation of developer (R).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of characterizing a target that binds to a ligand. The method comprises providing ligands, optionally attached to a support, and contacting the ligands with targets to allow at least one target to bind to at least one ligand. The method further comprises immobilizing the resulting complexes in a first matrix, such that each complex has a different position within the first matrix, and transferring the target of the complex to a second matrix. The position of the target within the second matrix corresponds to the position of the ligand-support complex within the first matrix. The target on the second matrix is then detected.

Abstract: The ability to efficiently determine the state of enzyme expression in cells has long been desired as material to the diagnosis of disease. This invention relates to cytoenzymology, and more particularly to improved reagents for use in cell-based assays, especially those using fluorogenic substrates.

Abstract: A casino gaming machine includes a speaker structured to produce a game audio output having a volume, an ambient noise level (ambient noise level) detector structured to detect an ambient noise level proximate the gaming machine, and an dynamic volume controller configured to regulate the volume of the game audio output in relation to a detected ambient noise level. The gaming machine can produce a plurality of game audio outputs, wherein the game audio output volumes can be differentially adjusted in relation to a detected ambient noise level. Differential volume adjustment can be on the basis of a parameter, such as sound output class.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nucleotide constructs. Also provided are methods for making DNA constructs useful for introducing sequences into and disrupting the function of a gene in a cell, particularly an embryonic stem cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and diagnostic kits for the objective measurement of the severity of pain or stress being experienced by a patient with a disorder, diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from painful disorders, and monitoring the effectiveness of different pain-treatment protocols. Pain-measuring methods comprise collecting a sample from a patient and determining the presence of a pain-associated marker in the sample. Methods for alleviating pain comprise administrating a dose of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition to the patient wherein the dose is determined by the presence of a pain-associated marker in a biological sample obtained from the patient. Compositions for alleviating pain comprise substances that are pain-associated markers or agents that interfere with pain-associated markers, and block or modulate the progression of pain perceived by the patient.

Abstract: A method for the assay of acetylcholinesterase in a sample of saliva is provided. The method can be used for the detection of poisoning caused by carbamate insecticide or organic phosphorus-based agricultural chemicals in a patient. A kit using the method of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: An assay for detecting, measuring, or monitoring the activity or concentration of at least two proteins that have similar or overlapping properties is disclosed. The assay comprises first determining the sensitivity coefficients of the substrates for each of the proteins in which the concentrations are to be determined. This method may be used for detecting, measuring, or monitoring the activity and concentration of AChE, BChE, or both in a test sample which test sample may be whole and unprocessed blood or tissue. Also disclosed are methods of using the assay to detect a subject's exposure to an agent which affects cholinesterase, determine the efficacy or progress of a treatment, determine the amount of protection provided against exposure to an agent which affects cholinesterase, or both, screen a subject for having a drug sensitivity or a particular disease, detect a change in red blood cell count of a subject, determine whether a candidate compound affects cholinesterase.