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: The subject matter of the present invention is in particular the use of an amino acid sequence of IDE, or of an analogue or fragment thereof, or of at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding this sequence, as a biomarker, or as an active agent, with regard to a dandruff condition of the scalp.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide method and devices for predicting the likelihood of acute appendicitis without invasive exploratory medical procedures. Several protein biomarkers: leucine-rich ?-2-glycoprotein (LRG); S100-A8 (calgranulin); ?-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM); plasminogen (PLG); mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2 (MASP2); zinc-?-2-glycoprotein (AZGP1); Apolipoprotein D (ApoD); and ?-1-antichymotrypsin (SERPINA3); are increased in the urine of patients with appendicitis. The method and devices comprise detecting the levels of these biomarkers and comparing with reference levels found in healthy individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a wound infection comprising the steps of: contacting a sample obtained from a wound with at least two substrates for at least two enzymes selected from the group consisting of lysozyme, elastase, cathepsin G and myeloperoxidase, and detecting a wound infection when a conversion of the at least two substrates with said at least two enzymes are determined.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for designing and identifying compounds which inhibit TFPP-like aspartyl protease enzymes by targeting the aspartic acid residues of the active site or mimicking peptides corresponding to the region surrounding the substrate's cleavage site are provided. Agents identified as inhibitors of TFPP-like aspartyl proteases such as type 4 prepilin peptidases are expected to be useful as anti-bacterial agents and in inhibiting development of drug resistant strains of bacteria.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria, for example, wound bacteria in a sample, by contacting a sample with a peptide substrate derived from the modification of the reactive site loop (RSL) domain of the ? 1-proteinase inhibitor. In the current invention, we have demonstrated that these peptide substrates without the alpha 1 protein can be efficiently used as peptide substrates. The modification or the absence of modification of this peptide substrate by the enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, can serve as an indicator for the presence or absence of the bacteria 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 detecting endotoxin or Gram negative bacteria in a sample. Kits for detecting endotoxin or Gram negative bacteria in a sample are provided.

Abstract: At least at least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for using a high pressure-resistant enzyme in a high pressure condition; a method for promoting the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme by means of a high pressure treatment; a composition, which contains the high pressure-resistant enzyme, for decomposing proteins under a high pressure condition; a composition, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins, for preparing natural flavoring substances; a container for high pressure treatment, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins; and a method for measuring the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme, which comprises a step of decomposing an azocasein solution serving as a substrate by using the high pressure-resistant enzyme treated under a high pressure condition.

Abstract: Two vIRF4 (Kaposi's-sarcoma-associated-herpesvirus vIRF4) peptides, vif1, corresponding to aa202-216 of vIRF4, and vif2, corresponding to aa220-236 of vIRF4, are potent and selective HAUSP antagonists. The vif1 and vif2 peptides robustly suppress HAUSP DUB enzymatic activity, ultimately leading to p53-mediated anti-cancer activity. The vif1 and vif2 peptides, along with their homologues, are useful in treating cancer through regulation of p53 activity in a cancer cell. Also disclosed is the crystalline structure of vIRF4-HAUSP TRAF domain complex. The structure is useful in computer aided drug design for identifying an agent that interacts with and inhibits HAUSP, resulting in p53 medicated cell cycle arrest of cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a novel biomarker for cardiac ischemia: nitrated cardiac troponin I. The present invention also provides methods for the identification and use of a nitrated cardiac troponin as a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment management of myocardial ischemia, with and without necrosis of heart muscle. Diagnosis and prognosis is conducted by determining the amount of nitrated cardiac troponin I in serum samples of subjects and the ratio of nitrated cardiac troponin I to non-nitrated cardiac troponin I in serum samples of subjects. This biomarker can be detected by immunoassay techniques and tandem mass spectrometry. The present invention further relates to peptides, antibodies, compositions, methods, techniques, tests and kits for the identification and quantification of nitrated cardiac troponin I in samples of subjects.

Abstract: A method and kit are provided for enhancing the tolerance of an assay reagent to compounds in an assay sample, the assay reagent including a luciferase enzyme. The method includes contacting the luciferase with a tolerance enhancement agent in an amount sufficient to substantially protect luciferase enzyme activity from interference of the compound and minimize interference by at least about 10% relative to an assay not having tolerance enhancement agent.

Abstract: A method of extracting fibers from decorticated plant bast skin involves pre-treating decorticated plant bast skin of a fiber plant with an aqueous solution containing trisodium citrate having a pH in a range of about 8-14 at a temperature of about 90° C. or less; and subsequently treating recovered fibers with a protease at alkaline pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical methods such as molecular weight determination of polypeptide, in particular Glatiramer acetate. The present invention further relates to an improved process for preparation of polypeptides or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, particularly Glatiramer acetate also known as Copolymer-1. The present invention further relates to characterization of Glatiramer acetate by peptide mapping.

Abstract: A full process control for use with a molecular assay and a method of determine the efficacy of the molecular assay. A full process control can include a fixed cell, and specifically can include a fixed vegetative cell. A method of determining the efficacy of a molecular assay can include providing an internal control, mixing the internal control with a sample, lysing the internal control and the sample, and detecting the lysis product. The full process control and/or the internal control can be Bacillus subtilis cells.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting proteasome activity comprising a syrbactin compound have the structure of Formula (I) or (II).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving the stability and maintaining the potency of recombinant hemagglutinin formulations, in particular, recombinant influenza hemagglutinin (rHA). In particular, Applicants have shown that the stability of rHA formulations may be significantly improved by mutating cysteine residues or by formulating with a reducing agent and sodium citrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to culture systems, methods, and conditions that allow pluripotent undifferentiated hESCs or iPSCs to progressively and uniformly differentiate into cells of the chondrogenic lineage.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal of ACE protein. The present invention further relates to methods, processes, ACE modulators, pharmaceutical compositions and uses of the ACE crystal and the structure co-ordinates thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is a time-gated, two-step FRET relay effective to provide temporal transference of a prompt FRET pathway, or provide spectro-temporal encoding analytical signals and other information. A FRET relay assembly includes a long lifetime FRET donor (for example, a lanthanide complex), a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) configured as an intermediate acceptor/donor in FRET, and a fluorescent dye configured as a terminal FRET acceptor, wherein the long lifetime FRET donor has an excited state lifetime of at least one microsecond and the QD and fluorescent dye each have excited state lifetimes of less than 100 nanoseconds.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to improve the measurement accuracy in the measurement of the concentration of a physiologically active biological substance in a sample by a stirring turbidimetry, a light scattering method or an AL-bound beads method, wherein the purpose can be achieved by preventing the occurrence of aggregation or gelation that is caused by the stirring of a mixed solution and is not associated with the physiologically active substance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding, cells and organisms comprising novel DNA-binding domains, including TALE DNA-binding domains. Also disclosed are methods of using these novel DNA-binding domains for modulation of gene expression and/or genomic editing of endogenous cellular sequences.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a biosensor and a production method therefor, by which hydrogel that enables immobilization of a physiologically active substance can be conveniently produced using safe raw materials. The present invention provides a biosensor which comprises a substrate having a metal layer on its surface, wherein a hydrophilic polymer having a reactive functional group capable of reacting with a hydroxyl group or an amino group of a physiologically active substance is bound to the metal layer directly or indirectly via an intermediate layer.

Abstract: Enzyme substrates and associated technology of the present invention are provided. An enzyme substrate of the invention may comprise a biologically functional fluorescent dye and an enzyme-specific substrate moiety attached in such a way that the functionality of the functional dye is diminished. An enzymatic reaction may cleave at least a portion of the substrate moiety from the enzyme substrate to provide a more functional product dye. This product dye may be nonfluorescent or weakly fluorescent, in general, and relatively fluorescent, in a particular condition, such as when bound to a partner biological molecule or an assembly of partner biological molecules. An enzyme substrate of the present invention may thus be useful in fluorescence detection, and/or in any of a variety of useful applications, such as the detection of enzymatic activity in a cell-free system or in a living cell, the screening of drugs, or the diagnosis of disease.

Abstract: A packet of an enzyme and/or enzyme producing bacteria is contained within the core of a roll of toilet tissue or similar paper product wound on a core. The packet has a cover that dissolves or disintegrates on contact with water and disperses its contents into the aqueous waste stream. The packet may contain a mixture of bacterial cultures that produce enzymes to attack the greasy or fatty components of the waste stream. An additional article such as a sample of a liquid or creme personal care product may also be contained within the tissue paper core.

Abstract: This disclosure provides ten (10) specific peptides, and particular peptide characteristics, from the cell membrane-bound Her2 protein and a diagnostic assay useful for determining the presence and amount of full length and truncated versions of the full-length Her2 protein in cells derived from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue.

Abstract: Specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of those peptides, from the Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BIM) are provided that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the BIM protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed where the biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhancing chemical reactions of molecules, e.g., biomolecules, with destructible surfactants. The chemical reactions may involve and/or be associate with analysis, e.g., solubilizing, separating, purifying and/or characterizing the molecules. In one aspect, the anionic surfactants of the present invention may be selectively broken up at relatively low pH. The resulting breakdown products of the surfactants may be removed from the molecule/sample with relative ease. The invention has applicability in a variety of analytical techniques.

Abstract: A method for comparative proteomics using a peptidase under enzymatic conditions that permits the optimal incorporation of two oxygen atoms into a digested peptide. The method employs a peptidase to incorporate two 18O atoms into a peptide set derived from a population of proteins at a conditioned state, which is compared to a second peptide set incorporated with a single 16O atom derived from a population of proteins at a second conditioned state. Upon combining the two peptide sets, the populations of proteins are analyzed for qualitative and quantitative differences based on the content of 18O atoms and 16O atoms in the digested peptides using mass spectrometry instrumentation. The method is advantageous to improve the efficiency and timeframe of peptidase catalyzed 18O labeling reactions which increased the accuracy and reliability of quantitative proteomic experiments.

Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system 10 includes a sample preparation system 12 and a sample analysis system 14. The sample preparation system 12 prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system 14 includes an analyzer 110 that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link 115a communicates data from the sample preparation system 12 to the sample analysis system 14 to reconfigure the analyzer 110 in accordance with the selected assay.

Abstract: A method for preparing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which comprises steps as follows: step 1, introducing one or more stem cell pluripotency factors into somatic cells; step 2, culturing the somatic cells, into which the stem cell pluripotency factor has been introduced in the Step 1, by using medium supplemented with lithium salt; and step 3, identifying and characterizing the induced pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, there provided a medium for preparing induced pluripotent stem cells, which comprising lithium salt. The medium supplemented with lithium salt is used for efficiently inducing pluripotent stem cells. Lithium salt is able to increase the production efficiency of mouse iPS cells by 5-60 times. The present method for inducing iPS cells is in favor of improving the safety of iPS technique and application of iPS cells in regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the prediction of cell culture performance data of sample cells, a process for the isolation of said cells and a device for the prediction of cell culture performance data of sample cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a proteomic approach to predicting, diagnosing and staging invasive bladder cancer, and for predicting patient survival and therapeutic efficacy. More specifically, the target being analyzed for reduced expression is FOXA1, and optionally including analysis of increased FOXA2 expression.

Abstract: Methods and assays for identifying a compound that modulates a protein-protein interaction between a first and a second protein. The methods and assays require a protease that is attached to the second protein and a split and rearranged reporter activating protein that is attached to the first protein, wherein the reporter activating protein comprises a cleavage site for the protease that is interposed between two portions of the reporter activating protein and wherein the two portions of the reporter activating protein are in a rearranged order.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides for specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of the peptides, from the Receptor Tyrosine-Protein Kinase erbB-3, or Her3, that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the Her3 protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed wherein said biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting and quantifying small peptides derived from proteins from a range of different clinical samples using the Selective Reaction Monitoring (SRM) profiling technique. By targeting these unique peptides which specifically identify particular proteins, the present invention enables multiple samples to be run in a multiplexed fashion in order to identify, diagnose, quantitate and profile a full range of benign and pathologic entities, including but not limited to, the complete range of cancers and the spectrum of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory cell typing and bone marrow cell typing. The SRM assay is capable of performing clinical blood typing and it can also act as a diagnostic test to identify women at highest risk for cervical cancer base on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

Abstract: The invention presents a method of identifying natural biopolymer—a protein, DNA, RNA in biological fluids and environmental objects, which is based only on the structure of the biopolymer and does not require pathogen genome sequencing, or animals vaccination by biopolymer-antigen. For this purpose the biopolymer itself is taken—a protein, DNA, or RNA, that is fragmented with enzyme to oligomer fragments—a mixture of oligopeptides, oligonucleotides DNA mixture, mixture of RNA oligonucleotides, without dividing the mixture into individual components, then carboxylation of structure in oligomer components is performed by acylation or alkylation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for reducing the appearance of false positive bands in SDS-PAGE analysis of proteolytic digestion, of a sample that comprises an immunoglobulin polypeptide, at pH 8.8.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods for analyzing one or more amine-containing compounds in one or more samples using isobaric labels and parent-daughter ion transition monitoring (PDITM). In various embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of: (a) labeling one or more amine-containing compounds with different isobaric tags from a set of isobaric tags, each isobaric tag comprising a reporter ion portion; (b) combining at least a portion of each of the isobarically labeled amine-containing compounds to produce a combined sample; (c) subjecting at least a portion of the combined sample to PDITM; (d) measuring the ion signal of one or more of the transmitted reporter ions; and (e) determining the concentration of one or more of the isobarically labeled amine-containing compounds based at least on a comparison of the measured ion signal of the corresponding reporter ion to one or more measured ion signals of a standard compound.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods of determining the allergen content of a composition. Embodiments of the invention may include providing a composition comprising an allergen; at least partially purifying the allergen from the composition to form an extract; and determining the amount of allergen in the extract using liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and mass spectrometric detection.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an environmental biological allergen measurement method capable of simple and low-cost measurement of the amount of an environmental biological allergen without using anti-allergen antibodies or a special substrate, and to provide a simple biological allergen quantification kit for carrying out the method. The object can be achieved by a biological allergen measurement method characterized in that the amount of an environmental biological allergen is measured by bringing a test substance into contact with a water-soluble gel or aqueous solution containing a substrate of the protease of the environmental biological allergen, and by quantifying the physical change of the water-soluble gel or the aqueous solution caused by the effect of the protease contained in the test substance on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of differentiating among the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ in the breast, benign fibroadenoma of the breast, and non-cancerous breast tissue in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises: measuring the concentration of at least one protein biomarker selected from a group of forty-nine differentially expressed proteins in the saliva of persons with DCIS, or benign fibroadenoma, or in persons who are cancer-free. The resulting test data is compared to a reference panel. From the comparison the presence in the subject of either ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, or benign fibroadenoma of the breast is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a wax-embedded biological sample, the use of poly(organosiloxane)s for liquefying the embedding medium of a wax-embedded biological sample and a kit for processing a wax-embedded biological sample.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a relevant etiology of cancer and a novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategy, based on the discovery that a protein named serine protease inhibitor (SPIK/SPINK/PSTI) was up-regulated by hepatitis B and C virus infections consequently suppressing the cell apoptosis. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, inter alia, an inhibitor of SPIK and/or a technology of suppression of over-expression of SPIK in cells. The inhibitors include: 1) chemical compounds, which can inhibit SPIK transcripts, protein activity, and gene expression, 2) SPIK siRNA (RNAi gene silence or dsRNA of SPIK, 3) DNA anti-sense and anti-SPIK antibody. Further, this disclosure provides methods of using the inhibitor as an anti-cancer agent to re-instate cancer cell apoptosis (e.g., serine protease dependent cell apoptosis).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for an activity in an isolated organ, e.g., eye, from a teleost, e.g., zebrafish. Methods of isolating eyes from zebrafish are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in a model of ocular disease or disorder are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye and for screening the agent for cell death and/or toxic activity in the eye or other organ or tissue are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents for an activity in isolated eyes of zebrafish in multi-well plates.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating elastin fiber injuries. In additional preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to methods of validating candidate compounds for use in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, refractory asthma, and other related diseases. Examples of such methods include determining if the candidate compound decreases the degradation of elastic fiber in a patient administered the candidate compound by measuring, using mass spectrometry employing an internal standard, a marker of elastic fiber degradation in a sample of a body fluid or a tissue of the patient. The invention provides that a decrease in the presence of the marker compared to a control validates that the candidate compound is effective to treat, prevent, or ameliorate the disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of plasminogen and plasmin comprising one or more point mutations in the catalytic domain which reduce or prevent autocatylic destruction of the protease activity plasmin. Compositions, uses and methods of using said variants of plasminogen and plasmin are also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a detection method capable of detecting articular cartilage degeneration or damage in which the abnormality cannot be detected in a radiograph in a simple method and with high accuracy, a method of evaluating the rate of progression of articular cartilage degeneration or damage, and the like. The present invention as a means for achieving the object provides a method of detecting articular cartilage degeneration or damage which cannot be detected in a radiograph, by using the concentration of keratan sulfate in a sample derived from blood as an index, and the like. Further, the present invention provides a method of evaluating the rate of progression of articular cartilage degeneration or damage by using the concentration of keratan sulfate in a sample derived from blood as an index, and the like.