Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, microfluidic devices, and systems for the detection of an active target agent in a fluid sample. A substrate molecule is used that contains a sequence which may cleave in the presence of an active target agent. A SNAP25 sequence is described, for example, that may be cleaved in the presence of Botulinum Neurotoxin. The substrate molecule includes a reporter moiety. The substrate molecule is exposed to the sample, and resulting reaction products separated using electrophoretic separation. The elution time of the reporter moiety may be utilized to identify the presence or absence of the active target agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dosing the control capacity of plasma serpin (SERine Protease INhibitor) C1 inhibitor (C1Inh) on the basis of a patient blood sample. The invention also relates to a kit specially designed for said dosing.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of using same for screening to identify modulator agents or compounds that affect matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mediated activation of toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) are described herein. Pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions comprising agents or compounds that modulate MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 are also encompassed. Methods for modulating MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 using MMP-2 peptides in pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions, as well as vaccines, are also envisioned. Melanoma is an exemplary tumor type that expresses MMP-2 and for which such pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions, as well as vaccines, would confer benefit to patients. Also encompassed are methods for reducing MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 and downstream signaling therefrom so as to achieve more effective T cell responses to MMP-2 expressing tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays and methods for the detection of transthyretin and its isoforms. Specifically, the assays and methods of the present invention embrace liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The present invention also relates to unique peptides and peptide variants useful in the assays and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach for the simultaneous determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of potentiators of cellular activation allows for characterization of such pathways and cell populations.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for screening a substance that affects gelatinase-mediated EphA4 processing. The present invention provides a method for screening a substance that affects gelatinase-mediated EphA4 processing, which comprises the steps of: (a) allowing a first biological composition containing gelatinase or a biologically active fragment thereof to be contacted with a second biological composition containing EphA4 in the presence and absence of a candidate substance; (b) measuring the presence or amount of the EphA4 ectodomain and/or endodomain fragment; and (c) selecting the candidate substance as a substance that affects gelatinase-mediated EphA4 processing if the results of the step (b) measured in the presence of the candidate substance are changed in comparison with the results of the step (b) measured in the absence of the candidate substance.

Abstract: Methods, processes, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for detecting biomarkers associated with the inflammation response in the pilosebaceous unit of the human scalp using plucked human hair and an enzyme activity assay which may for example be colorimetric or fluorometric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of the viable cells in an endodontic sample in or taken from an endodontic cavity in the tooth, such as the root canal, enables the rapid and low cost identification of the presence or absence of bacteria or other viable cell tissue in the endodontic space by first incubating a viable cell indicator with an endodontic sample for a pre-determined period suitable for chair-side test and then measuring and/or detecting a change in a parameter (e.g. fluorescence) associated with the viable cell indicator. Thereby, the required level of root canal treatment can be reached which minimizes the risk of re-infection without the time, cost and potentially harm of over-preparation and over treatment by the dental surgeon or of a re-treatment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of the modulators of proteolytic enzymes, particularly cysteine proteases, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses variants of Pertuzumab. In particular, it discloses: an unpaired cysteine variant comprising Cys23/Cys88 unpaired cysteines in one or both variable light domains of Pertuzumab, an afucosylated variant of Pertuzumab, a low-molecular-weight-species (LMWS) of Pertuzumab, and a high-molecular-weight-species (HMWS) or Pertuzumab. The application further discloses the isolated variants, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and articles of manufacture comprising the variants, as well as methods of making and characterizing the variants and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers measurable in a human subject that have prognostic value with respect to efficacy of therapeutic treatments for Hepatitis C viral infection. The markers also are believed to have value for diagnosis liver health/liver damage.

Abstract: Methods for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or predisposition to AAA in a apoE subject, methods for monitoring the efficacy of treatment of AAA in a subject, and methods for evaluating the severity of AAA or risk of AAA in a subject involve measuring the amount of tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B) present in the test sample and comparing it to the amount of H4B present in a standard or previous test sample. A decreased amount of H4B present in the test sample compared to the standard is indicative of AAA or predisposition to AAA. Treatment can be administered to the subject prior to a second time point, and an increased amount of H4B present in the second test sample compared to the first test sample is indicative of effective treatment of AAA. Candidates can be identified for further testing or monitoring for AAA, and/or for treatment for AAA.

Abstract: Molecular probes are provided for use in fluorescence microscopy procedures for monitoring beta-secretase enzyme (BACE) activity in living cells and organisms. The probes may be useful for monitoring Alzheimer's Disease-associated BACE in living cells. By fluorescing when hydrolyzed by BACE, the probes can allow for real-time spatial and temporal assessment of enzymatic activity without the need for mutated cell lines or antibodies. The molecular probes may also be used to screen libraries of potential BACE inhibitors or evaluate how external stimuli affect BACE activity.

Abstract: This invention describes a new analytical method to determine the quantity and distribution of fucose per Fc within an antibody preparation.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoglycosidase, referred to as EndoS49 and having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. EndoS49 was isolated from Streptococcus pyogenes strain NZ131 and is a homolog of EndoS. EndoS49 has specific endoglycosidase activity on native IgG and cleaves a larger variety of Fc glycans than EndoS. A mutant thereof where the glutamic acid at position 186 of SEQ ID NO: 1 was substituted was produced: said mutant lacks endoalvcosidase activity but is capable of binding to IgG. Methods using EndoS49, deletions thereof and said mutant, especially for assessing glycosylation of IgG or for isolating IgG are disclosed.

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: Provided are an enzyme treatment apparatus for proteins using a hollow fiber membrane and an on-line proteomics method using same. The enzyme treatment apparatus for proteins according to the present invention can increase a recovery rate of peptides, which are recovered through an enzyme treatment process, by basically solving the problem of low reproducibility of an enzyme activity which may occur during a conventional enzyme treatment process, and can also reduce a time for purification and provide higher yield by performing separation and purification through a single step. In particular, the present invention can be usefully applied for developing a disease-specific protein biomarker through a statistical analysis method having highly efficient detectability for proteins in research for finding biomarkers related to human diseases.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method of generating a catalytically active oxidase enzyme preparation. The described invention also provides a means of generating reagents for a protease detection sensor which can use colorimetric, fluorescent, or electrochemical detection. Further, the invention describes a system for a protease detecting sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple, rapid, and cost-effective test kit for detecting bacterial endotoxin in aqueous solutions, such as water for dialysis or dialysate, using an endotoxin-activatable clotting agent-based gel clot assay which can be applied at ambient temperature. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting endotoxin in aqueous solution with use of the test kit.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ADAMTS-1 and uses thereof. The present invention also relates to fragments of ADAMTS-1 and methods of inhibiting cell growth and metastasis. The present invention also provide methods of identifying inhibitors and activators relating to the function of ADAMTS-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to polypeptides found in extracellular microvesicles as diagnostic and screening markers, and clinical targets for cancer (e.g., prostate cancer).

Abstract: An enzyme detection product for detecting the presence of an enzyme in a sample. The product includes: a reaction zone for receiving the sample; a visualization zone for presenting a signal in response to the detection of the activity of the enzyme; and a membrane. The membrane is interposable between the reaction zone and the visualization zone and prevents passage from the reaction zone to the visualization zone the components having a size greater than a threshold size. The reaction zone includes a reactant capable of reacting with the enzyme in order to generate a reaction product having a size less than a threshold size.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compounds, peptides or peptidomimetics that inhibit, reduce or prevent protease activity and the use of these compounds, peptides or peptidomimetics to treat or prevent a condition. In particular the condition may be periodontal disease. The protease activity may be activity of a gingipain. The compounds, peptides or peptidomimetics of the invention may also be used in assays for the identification of protease inhibitors.

Abstract: An entire complement or plurality of isotopically labeled amino acids are introduced into the diet of a test subject. Sufficient amounts of the isotopically labeled amino acids are provided to the subject in order to ensure that the subject incorporates a large percentage of isotopically labeled amino acids into newly synthesized proteins. Tissue samples are removed from the subject at different points in time and proteins are extracted and separated so that different proteins of different tissues can be individually analyzed and their amount and pattern of isotopic labeling can be determined. In a preferred embodiment, the methodology can be combined with proteolytic digestion to peptides and analysis by mass spectrometry in order to measure rates of protein turnover in vivo relating to thousands of different proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are mammalian tau proteases, as well as proteolytically-active fragments, variants, and mutants thereof. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant expression vectors that encode these polypeptides, as well as methods for producing such proteins in selected recombinant host cells, and for using the compositions in a variety of diagnostic and analytical assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of heart disease or heart failure in a subject. The present invention also relates to methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis with vulnerable plaque in a subject. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cardiomyopathies resulting from Chagas disease.

Abstract: The present invention pertains inter alia to a method for analysing a sample comprising biomolecules, which comprises the following steps: A a) lysing the sample to provide a lysed sample and optionally clearing the lysed sample; b) contacting at least a portion of the lysed sample with a dry composition comprising reagents for performing the analytical method, thereby providing a reconstituted composition; c) performing an analytical method using the reconstituted composition; or B a) contacting the sample with a lysis solution thereby providing a lysis mixture; b) using the lysis mixture to reconstitute a dry composition comprising reagents for performing the analytical method, thereby providing a reconstituted composition; c) performing an analytical method using the reconstituted composition, wherein the reconstituted composition is optionally cleared and wherein subsequent to step b) at least one step is performed which supports the lysis of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nanoparticle sensor for measuring protease activity, for protease imaging, and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a nanoparticle sensor for measuring protease activity in which a fluorophore- and a quencher-conjugated peptide substrate is conjugated to a biocompatible polymer nanoparticle. The peptide substrate is specifically lysed by a protease. The sensor according to the present invention is capable of inhibiting emission of fluorescence with high extinctive activity of the quencher on a fluorescent material. But strong fluorescence is specifically emitted only if the peptide substrate is lysed by a specific protease. Therefore, the sensor is especially useful as a method for screening a novel drug such as a protease overexpression inhibitor, and early diagnosis of incurable diseases and various diseases such as autoimmune diseases including cancer, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and dementia.

Abstract: A diagnostic marker for digestive organ cancer according to the present invention is used for determining whether or not to have a digestive organ cancer. The diagnostic marker for digestive organ cancer contains at least one of N-binding type sugar chains released from a glycoprotein contained in blood and represented by the following formulas (1) to (6). This makes it possible to provide a diagnostic marker for digestive organ cancer capable of being used for an inspection method of easily determining whether or not to have a digestive organ cancer at an early stage, and an inspection method for digestive organ cancer of easily determining whether or not to have a digestive organ cancer at an early stage.

Abstract: The invention describes a coordination polymer construct for multimodal imaging and therapy. The construct consists of a core particle made of a novel coordination polymer. The core is coated with a biocompatible coating that stabilizes the particles in a physiological environment. The biocompatible coating can contain attached targeting agents, imaging agents and therapeutic agents or combinations one or more of the targeting, imaging and therapeutic agents. When administered to a subject or a subject-derived specimen, the resulting coordination polymer core-shell construct enables multimodal imaging and therapy, which improves the diagnostic and treatment outcomes of the conditions or diseases where it is administered. The invention describes the novel material, base for the construct, methods for the preparation of the said construct and its use as a multimodal imaging and therapy agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for analyzing animal feeds. In particular, the present disclosure relates to in vitro systems and methods for analyzing animal feed for metabolism of nutrients and energy sources.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions for use in assays, the compositions comprising at least one latent fluorophore including at least one enzyme-reactive quenching group and a conjugative group; and a support connectable to the latent fluorophore by the conjugative group. The disclosure further relates to methods of measuring the presence and/or concentration of an analyte, as well as methods of measuring the relative activity of at least two enzymes.

Abstract: A method of detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in a culture media is provided, in which, the culture media containing the MTBC and a biomarker, such as CFP-10, secreted from the MTBC is provided, the culture media is filtered to obtain a filtrate, detonation nanodiamond particles are mixed with the filtrate to form biomarker-loaded detonation nanodiamond particles, and a mass spectrometry analysis process is performed on the biomarker-loaded detonation nanodiamond particles for detecting the biomarker.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting an Aspergillus protease in a sample, diagnosing a subject with aspergillosis caused by an Aspergillus infection based on the presence of an Aspergillus protease in a sample, and methods of aspergillosis treatment that incorporate these diagnostic methods. In certain embodiments, the Aspergillus protease is Asp f2, and the Aspergillus infection is caused A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. versicolor, A. niger, or A. terreus. Also provided herein are antibodies and kits for use in these methods, including novel antibodies specific for Asp f2.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing ovarian cancer in a mammalian subject, preferably in a serum or plasma sample of a human subject. The methods and compositions enable the detection or measurement in the sample or from a protein level profile generated from the sample, the protein level of one or more specified biomarkers. Comparing the protein level(s) of the biomarker(s) in the subject's sample or from protein abundance profile of multiple biomarkers, with the level of the same biomarker(s) or profile in a reference standard, permits the determination of a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, or the identification of a risk of developing ovarian cancer, or enables the monitoring of the status of progression or remission of ovarian cancer in the subject followed during a therapeutic protocol.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for measuring protease activity in samples such as feed or food samples. The methods include adding a water insoluble substrate with a signal producing group to a feed or food sample containing the protease activity to be measured, incubating the sample in phosphate-free buffer such that the signal is produced, and measuring the amount of protease activity in the sample. The methods do not require separation of the incubation buffer from the feed or food and allow for visual inspection of a colorimetric signal for a semi-quantitative measurement of the in-feed/in-food protease activity. Thus, the assay is advantageous as it can be performed on-site without the use of laboratory equipment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a stable isotope-labeled target peptide fragment in mass spectrometry, which achieves inexpensive and convenient production.

Abstract: An analytical method of post-translational modifications in hemoglobin is disclosed. The analytical method comprises the steps of providing a blood comprising the hemoglobin with post-translational modification of nitration, nitrosylation, or oxidation; performing an extraction process to the blood by an organic solvent; quantifying the hemoglobin by a fluorescent spectrometry; hydrolyzing the hemoglobin into a plurality of peptides by an enzyme; and using a nanoflow liquid chromatography-nano spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to characterize and quantify the post-translational modifications of the hemoglobin.

Abstract: A method of solubilizing protease crystals and/or protease precipitate in a fermentation broth comprising a) diluting the fermentation broth 100-2000% (w/w); b) adding a divalent salt; and c) adjusting the pH value of the fermentation broth to a pH value below pH 5.5.

Abstract: Biomarkers for pre-Diabetes, Diabetes and/or a Diabetes related conditions, and methods of their use, including the biomarkers in Tables 1 and 2 such as peroxiredoxin-2, complement C1q subcomponent subunit B, sulfhydryl oxidase 1 and apolipoprotein A-IV.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and mass-labeled peptides for use in said methods for quantifying the presence of a one or more viral proteins in a sample of a preparation containing agents which bind to said viral protein, using mass-spectroscopic analyses of the sample and standards containing known amounts of labeled and unlabeled signature peptides, in particular wherein said viral proteins are antigens in a vaccine for porcine circovirus.

Abstract: A biomarker, method, test kit, and diagnostic system for detecting the presence of lymphoma in a person are disclosed. The lymphoma may be Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The person may be a high-risk subject. In one embodiment, a plasma sample from a person is obtained. The level of at least one protein listed in Table S3 in the plasma sample is measured. The level of at least one protein in the plasma sample is compared with the level in a normal or healthy subject. The lymphoma is diagnosed based upon the level of the at least one protein in the plasma sample in comparison to the normal or healthy level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing or a wound swab, which allows the detection of at least three enzymes selected from the group consisting of lysosyme, elastase, cathepsin G and myeloperoxidase using colored substrate agents for these enzymes. These enzyme substrates can be bound to medically acceptable polymers or fibers.

Abstract: A method of measuring acidic species generated by degradation of a Fab or Fab? component of a Fab-PEG or a Fab?-PEG is provided. The method involves: a) cleaving PEG and a linker from the Fab-PEG or Fab?-PEG with an enzyme; b) optionally separating the PEG and linker from the Fab or Fab? to provide isolated Fab or Fab?; and c) quantitatively analyzing acidic species associated with the cleaved Fab or Fab? and/or the cleaved PEG.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods an compositions for the detection of plant exposure to plant pathogens. The methods relate to determining the identity of peptides isolated from the surface of plant starch granules.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to treatments for tuberculosis which target the ClpP1P2 protease complex, including ClpC1. Further embodiments relate to assays and screens for modulators of the ClpP1P2 protease complex, including ClpC1.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders.

Abstract: A reagent measuring a glycated protein, comprising a protease and a protein of any one of [1] to [4] below: [1] a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; [2] a protein comprising an amino acid sequence with one to ten amino acid deletions, substitutions, or additions in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, and having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity; [3] a protein comprising an amino acid sequence having 99% or higher homology to the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, and having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity; and [4] a protein having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity, which is encoded by an expression plasmid harbored by the Escherichia coli XL1-Blue MRF? strain deposited under Accession No.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predicting the effect of an immunotherapy against cancer in a patient based on new biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to a prognosis regarding the outcome based on said biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to panels of biomarkers for use in the above methods.