Abstract: A therapeutic composition for the treatment of the symptoms of neurological and mental health disorders, such as Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder, and the method for preparing the therapeutic agents is disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using fecal chymotrypsin level as an indicator of the presence of neurological and mental health disorders, such as Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder, or the likelihood of an individual to develop these disorders is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of screening for an autism spectrum disorder, compositions that inhibit the release of molecules that disrupt the blood-brain barrier, compositions for treating autism spectrum disorders, and methods of treating autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for detecting premalignant and malignant neoplasms. For example, methods and materials for determining whether or not a stool sample from a mammal contains nucleic acid markers or polypeptide markers of a neoplasm are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying compounds that decrease proline hydroxylation of the alpha subunit of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF?).

Abstract: The present invention is a novel FRET-based biosensor composed of ECFP and YPet fluorescent proteins operably linked via a MT1-MMP recognition sequence for use in the detection of cancer cells in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds which are capable as acting as fluorescent sensors or which are precursors for these and for the use of these for the assay of biological processes such as posttranslational modifications of biological molecules such as phosphorylation, de-phosphorylation, proteolytic cleavage, phosphodiesterase mediated hydrolysis of cyclic nucleotides, methylation, acetylation of proteins peptides, DNA, lipids and the detection of biomolecule interactions (e.g., protein-protein interactions). A small molecule sensor is described which can associate to phosphorylated biological targets via metal ion—phosphate association. The association event can be monitored as fluorescence quench, sensitized emission, fluorescence polarization or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing or monitoring a psychotic disorder, or predisposition thereto, comprises measuring, in a sample taken from a subject, the levels of one or more peptide biomarkers listed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the status of the skin barrier function of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) using the activity of bleomycin hydrolase in skin tissue as an indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for determining whether a gastrointestinal cancer patient is likely to experience a disease recurrence, said method comprising steps of determining concentration of TIMP-1 in a pre-operative plasma sample of said patient, and determining the concentration of CEA in a pre-operative body fluid sample of said patient, and evaluate whether the patient as likely to experience a disease recurrence. The present invention further provides kits for application of said methods.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method for diagnosing an arthritic condition and a gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder in a companion animal. The invention also encompasses a method for identifying ingredients for a pet food composition that are suitable for preventing, ameliorating the symptoms of, or treating an arthritic condition or gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring the activity of a hydrolytic agent comprising contacting a biomolecule with a hydrolytic agent in the presence of a fluorescent dye under conditions that allow digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The fluorescence of the dye is monitored over time and a change in fluorescence signifies digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The biomolecule is preferably a protein, peptide or proteome but can also be a carbohydrate, oligonucleotide or lipid. Further methods relate to determining an end point for digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent, and methods of monitoring digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent. The monitoring can be performed on the reaction mixture in real time or via sampling. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing glucose from a granular starch substrate including, contacting a slurry comprising granular starch obtained from plant material with an alpha-amylase at a temperature below the starch gelatinization temperature of the granular starch to produce oligosaccharides and hydrolyzing the oligosaccharides to produce a mash comprising at least 20% glucose and further comprising fermenting the mash to obtain ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various in vitro methods of diagnosing a vasoregulation disorder or a predisposition thereto in a subject being suspected of having developed or of having a predisposition to develop a vasoregulation disorder or in a subject being suspected of being a carrier for a vasoregulation disorder, wherein the vasoregulation disorder is selected from hypertension, migraine, pre-eclampsia and recurrent pregnancy loss. Moreover, the present invention also relates to methods for identifying compounds capable of modulating coagulation factor XII activity, suitable as medicaments or as lead compound for a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of a vasoregulation disorder. Furthermore, the present invention relates to gene therapy methods and to a kit for diagnosing a vasoregulation disorder.

Abstract: Methods and means for the identification of meprin-? and meprin-? as novel ?-secretases and antagonists thereof for use in the treatment of amyloidosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to methods for determining bonding patterns in disulfide-linked peptides containing closely-spaced cysteine residues. Through N-terminal sequencing chemistry coupled with facile liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis of the cleavage products, one can assign connectivity to specific cysteine pairs. A particular advantage of this method is maintenance of disulfide integrity during the process.

Abstract: Biomarkers that correlate to treatment with drugs that inhibit c-met are disclosed. These biomarkers have been shown to have utility in assessing response to the compounds. The expression level of the biomarkers is reduced upon treatment with c-met inhibitor compounds, thus indicating that these biomarkers are involved in c-met activity.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods and materials for diagnosing, monitoring the progress, and/or providing a prognosis for multiple myeloma and other conditions associated with antibody production in a person or animal. The methods o f the invention utilize mass spectrometry for quantitative monitoring and detection of antibody produced by the plasma cells. The methods of the invention can be utilized for diagnosis, monitoring, and/or prognosis of multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy, and other immunological or hematological conditions and disorders. In addition to detecting and quantifying antibody in a sample, other biological markers, such as serum albumin and/or beta-2-microglobulin, can also be detected and quantified using the present invention, and in combination with detection and quantification of antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for detecting a full-length protein and a truncated form (e.g., a naturally occurring cleavage product) thereof, in a sample, comprising optionally denaturing and reducing proteins in the sample, cleaving the proteins into smaller peptides, and detecting a unique peptide identifier for the full-length protein and/or a unique peptide identifier for the truncated protein, in the sample. In one embodiment of the invention, the full-length protein is thioredoxin (TRX), and the truncated form thereof is its biologically active, C-terminal truncated, 10 kDa cleavage product, TRX 80.

Abstract: Use of PCPE, preferably PCPE-1, as a diagnostic marker.

Abstract: The instant invention provides plasma membrane vesicles, methods of making the same, and method of using the plasma membrane vesicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening an asymptomatic patient at risk for heart failure, said method comprising measuring the concentration of glutathione in a blood sample obtained from said patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the resistance of a peptide or peptidomimetic to degradation by trypsin which comprises incorporating into said peptide or peptidomimetic a C-terminal capping group of formula (I): X—Y—Z (I) wherein X is a N atom, which may be substituted by a branched or unbranched C1-C10 alkyl or aryl group which group may incorporate up to 2 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; Y represents a group selected from —Ra—Rb—, —Ra—Rb—Rb,- and —Rb—Rb—Ra— wherein Ra is C, O, S or N, and Rb is C; each of Ra and Rb, may be substituted by C1-C4 alkyl groups or unsubstituted; and Z is a group comprising 1 to 3 cyclic groups each of 5 or 6 non-hydrogen atoms, 2 or more of the cyclic groups may be fused and one or more of the cyclic groups may be substituted; the Z. moiety incorporates a maximum of 15 non-hydrogen atoms; and wherein the bond between Y and Z is a covalent bond between Ra or Rb of Y and a non-hydrogen atom of one of the cyclic groups of Z.

Abstract: A method of analyzing O-linked oligosaccharides in a sample is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of digesting a glycoprotein with a proteolytic enzyme, performing solid-phase permethylation of the oligosaccharide, then analyzing the permethylated and non-reduced O-linked oligosaccharides using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Analytical methods using hydrogen/deuterium exchange are provided which reduce or eliminate the back-exchange of deuterium for hydrogen. The methods, which are useful in protein and peptide mapping, include the steps of (a) providing a peptide or protein comprising a solvent accessible hydrogen; (b) exchanging the solvent accessible hydrogen for a deuterium; (c) separating the peptide or protein with supercritical fluid chromatography; and (d) analyzing by mass spectrometry the mass of the separated peptide or protein. Supercritical fluid chromatography enables the observation of fast exchanging hydrogen atoms missed using conventional liquid chromatography methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for analysis of one or more glycated proteins in a sample, the glycated proteins containing moieties of a natural reducing carbohydrate bound at one or more glycation sites in the proteins, the method comprising: treating the sample with a stable isotopic form of said carbohydrate which is different in mass from the natural carbohydrate, whereby the isotopic form becomes incorporated by glycation in one or more proteins in the sample, and one or more of said proteins are accordingly glycated by the natural reducing carbohydrate and by the isotopic form of the carbohydrate at identical glycation sites; and identifying and/or quantifying the glycated proteins by the difference in mass between the natural carbohydrate and the isotopic form of the carbohydrate at identical glycation sites.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biomarkers for determining the EGFR kinase activity in a subject, and the use thereof for predicting and monitoring therapeutic intervention in cancer patients. Areas of application are the life sciences: biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine and medical technology. The biomarkers are selected from a first group consisting of Amy 1, Apo Al, Carbx, Casp, AFP, ApoM, SAP, Fib-a, Fib-b, Fib-g, ApoE, A2MG, A2MG isoform, Serpin, Clusterin, MHC-fB, SAP isoform, or from a second group consisting of Gpx3, properidin, MUP1, HMW-K, Lifr-p, Orm 1, MBL-A, MBP-C, wherein the biomarkers are regulated by EGF overexpression in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying Clostridium histolyticum collagenase type I and type II proteins from a complex mixture by subsequently performing a precipitation with ammonium sulfate, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, cation exchange chromatography, and anion chromatography. Conditions are provided which lead to a stabilized, partially purified preparation even after the precipitation step. The method of the invention leads to a quick and efficient removal of other proteolytic activities. The preparations according to the invention provide exceptionally pure and intact collagenase type I and type II proteins which are enzymatically active. The invention also provides blends of the two isolated proteins. The invention further provides the use of the purified collagenase proteins or blends thereof for treating a tissue sample in vitro.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor is provided. The diagnostic kit utilizes reactive complexes to facilitate the detection of the enzyme or enzyme inhibitor. The reactive complexes include a substrate joined (e.g., covalently bonded, physically adsorbed, etc.) to a reporter and specific binding member. In one embodiment, for example, a peptide, protein, or glycoprotein substrate is joined to a reporter (e.g., dyed latex particle) and specific binding member (e.g., biotinylated compound). In this embodiment, the substrate provides a cleavage target for a proteolytic enzyme. Specifically, upon contacting the reactive complexes, the proteolytic enzyme cleaves the substrate and releases the reporter and/or specific binding member. The signal exhibited by the released reporters may then be used to indicate the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor within the test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient, efficient method for assaying glycated protein, fructosyl peptide, or fructosyl amino acid which can be performed with reduced effect of fructosyl lysine compounds. The invention also provides a reagent for the assay. The invention is directed to a method for reducing the effect of a fructosyl lysine compound in an assay of fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid contained in a sample, characterized by including causing an enzyme for assaying fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid to act specifically on fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0 and measuring the product at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0; and a method for assaying glycated protein through the above method.

Abstract: A method for detecting apoptosis of embryonic stages of parasitic helminthes. The method comprises isolating of intra uterine embryonic stages from an adult female parasite. The embryonic stages are cultured in vitro and treated. The said embryonic stages are subjected to flow cytometric analysis. An assay for apoptosis is performed being capable of high throughput screening and identification of compounds having apoptogenic activity towards the embryonic stages of helminthic parasites.

Abstract: Antibody preparations with substantially homogeneous and unsialylated glycoforms, such as G0 and G2, are prepared by enzymatic treatment, expression under certain conditions, use of particular host cells, and contact with serum. These antibody preparations resist cleavage by proteases, such as papain, ficin, bromolein, pepsin, a matrix metalloproteinase, such as MMP-7, neutrophil elastase (HNE), stromelysin (MMP-3) and macrophage elastase (MMP-12), and glycosylation modification enzymes. The antibody preparations with substantially homogeneous and unsialylated glycoforms and methods of testing for glycosylation in an antibody are useful in connection with characterization of antibody properties and/or in diseases or conditions characterized by an increase in protease activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting drug-induced phospholipidosis, comprising a step of contacting a mammalian cell with a test compound, a step of measuring extracellular and/or intracellular lysosomal enzyme level or activity, or measuring intracellular LC3 level, and a step of selecting a test compound that has enhanced extracellular secretion of the enzyme or increased the protein level as a compound capable of inducing drug-induced phospholipidosis.

Abstract: There is provided a method for specifically determining a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin using enzymes without a separation operation, and a determination reagent kit therefor. A protease that cleaves a glycated amino acid and/or a glycated peptide from a glycated ?-chain N-terminal without substantially cleaving a glycated amino acid or a glycated peptide from a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin or a fragment thereof is screened. The method of specifically determining a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin and the determination reagent kit are provided by using the protease obtained by the screening method. According to the present invention, a glycated ?-chain N-terminal of glycated hemoglobin can specifically be determined without a separation operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for identifying persons with genetically related hetero- or homozygous expression of the MR I variant of factor VII-activating protease (FSAP). The heterozygous or homozygous presence of an MR I polymorphism can be identified by a differential modulation of the FSAP activity.

Abstract: To provide an autoanalyzer for analyzing a sugar chain contained in a biological sample, in particular, serum. Namely, it is intended to provide a method of analyzing a sugar chain in a sample, which comprises the following steps: A) the sugar chain-releasing step of releasing the sugar chain in the sample; B) the detection sample-preparing step of preparing the released sugar chain for detection; and, in the case of conducting mass spectrometry using a plate, C) the step of forming a plate for the mass spectrometry having the captured sugar chain dotted thereon which comprises the step of providing the tagged sugar chain sample solution obtained in the step B) on a collection plate; and, if required, the step of conducting an operation in a solid phase support-enclosed plate to form the plate for mass spectrometry; and D) the step of analyzing the sugar chain to be assayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for compounds which affect the processing of EphA4 by ?-secretase, comprising the following steps: (i) contacting a first biological composition containing ?-secretase or a biologically active fragment thereof with a second biological composition containing EphA4 in the presence and absence of a candidate compound; (ii) measuring the cleavage of the EphA4 in the presence and absence of the candidate compound; (iii) selecting those candidate compounds which affect the cleavage of the EphA4 by ?-secretase; and (iv) identifying the candidate compounds selected in step (iii) as compounds which affect the processing of EphA4 by ?-secretase.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of for example, platelet aggregation or clot formation in a subject. The invention inhibits the activity of decreases the amount of neutrophils in the subject by inhibiting the activity or production of IL-6, interferon-gamma, STAT1, or cathepsin D. The invention addresses decreasing the amount of neutrophils in an attempt to treat subjects that have or are at risk of developing a vascular occlusive disease, an ischemia or reperfusion injury, an acute or chronic inflammatory state, autoimmune disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, tissue injury from surgery or accidental trauma, acute bacterial or viral infection, has undergone a microvascular surgical reconstructive procedure, is receiving granulocyte colony stimulating factor therapy, receiving stem cell therapy, or has sickle cell anemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HIV protease, and methods for inhibiting the function of HIV protease. In particular, present invention provides compounds that inhibit or block the biological activity of HIVp, thereby causing the replication of the HIV virus to be inhibited or to terminate. These compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions that contain these compounds and optionally other anti-viral agents as active ingredients, are suitable for treating patients or hosts infected with the HIV virus, which is known to cause AIDS. The compounds and formulations also find use in diagnostic and research settings.

Abstract: This invention relates to enzyme-sensitive biosensors and methods and kits using the same. Specifically, the invention relates to methods, systems and kits for the detection of enzymes using the chemical shift observed in an isotope complexed to the biosensor resulting from a change in the biosensor as the result of the enzyme's activity.

Abstract: Polypeptides labelled with a donor and acceptor pair of dyes selected from a dibenzorhodamine dye and a diamino-benzophenoxazine dye are peptide conjugates which are useful for intracellular and bead-based assays with fluorescence detection. Peptide conjugates with a caspase-recognition site undergo cleavage into peptide fragments which may be detected, located, and quantitated by the changes in fluorescence. Intracellular cleavage of peptide conjugates is correlated with apoptosis.

Abstract: Methods of identifying subjects having, or at risk of developing, diabetes, obesity, and/or hypertension are disclosed, as well as methods of identifying biomarkers for diabetes, obesity, and/or hypertension, and biomarkers identified by such methods.

Abstract: Enzymatic phenoxazinone substrates of formula (I): in reaction media containing the same are used for detecting, identifying and/or quantifying microorganisms expressing at least one peptidase activity.

Abstract: Rational design of immunotherapeutics relies on clear knowledge of the immunodominant epitopes of antigens. Current methods for identifying kinetically stable peptide-MHC complexes are in many cases inadequate for a number of reasons. Disclosed herein is a reductionistic system incorporating known participants of MHC class II antigen processing in solution to generate peptide pools from antigens, including those for which no immunodominant epitope has yet been identified, that are highly enriched for proteolytic fragments containing their immunodominant epitopes. HLA-DM-mediated editing contributes significantly to immunodominance and is exploited in discovering immunodominant epitopes from novel or previously uncharacterized antigens, particularly antigens associated with pathogens, tumors or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Provided is a technique whereby a physiologically active substance of biological origin such as an endotoxin or ?-D-glucan can be more conveniently and accurately detected and the concentration thereof can be determined even in the case of using a sample which contains a substance affecting LAL activity. For example, a sample is brought into contact with a substance (2) capable of adsorbing an endotoxin and thus the endotoxin contained in the sample is preliminarily adsorbed. Next, the sample per se is washed away and the adsorbed endotoxin (4) is reacted with LAL. Then the gelation of LAL or the formation of gel particles (5) is detected to thereby detecting the endotoxin and determining the concentration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining melanoma status in a subject. The invention also relates to kits for determining melanoma status in a subject. The invention further relates to methods of identifying biomarkers and correlating biomarker expression to melanoma status or stage in a subject.

Abstract: This invention provides a non-radioactive assay to monitor and quantify the target-cell killing activities mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This assay is predicated on the discovery that apoptosis pathway activation and, in particular, granzyme B activity, provides a measure of cytotoxic effector cell activity. In one embodiment, measurement of CTL-induced granzyme B activation in target cells is achieved through detection of the specific cleavage of fluorogenic granzyme B substrates. This assay reliably detects antigen-specific CTL killing of target cells, and provides a more sensitive, more informative and safer alternative to the standard 51Cr-release assay most often used to quantify CTL responses. The assay can be used to study CTL-mediated killing of primary host target cells of different cell lineages, and enables the study of antigen-specific cellular immune responses in real time at the single-cell level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mutants of HCV NS3/4A protease. More particularly, the present invention identifies mutant of HCV NS3/4A protease that are resistant to drug treatment.

Abstract: The subject invention features methods for predicting whether a subject at risk of developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) will develop ARDS by determining the amount of elafin present in a subject sample, or by determining the ration of elafin:neutrophil elastase in a subject sample. The invention also features methods for monitoring the efficacy of a treatment regimen for ARDS as well as methods of treatment for ARDS. The invention also features methods to determine a subject's predisposition for developing ARDS by determining whether certain genomic polymorphisms are present in the subject's DNA.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a chromogenic amino acid. The chromogenic amino acid is flanked by at least one amino acid to the N and C termini thereof. The amine group of the chromogenic amino acid has a pKa of less than 5. The chromogenic amino acid is capable of reacting with a conjugated aldehyde. The polypeptide comprises a target sequence for a target protease which is capable of cleaving the peptide bond comprising the amino group of the chromogenic amino acid.