Abstract: A colorimetric reagent in the form of nanoparticles, composite nanoparticles, and nanoparticle coatings, including methods of use, methods of preparation, deposition, and assembly of related devices and specific applications. The colorimetric reagent comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles which are used in solution or immobilized on a solid support, either alone or in conjunction with oxidase enzymes, to form an active colorimetric component that reacts with an analyte to form a colored complex. The rate of color change and the intensity of the color are proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample. Also described is the use of ceria and doped ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen storage/delivery vehicle for oxidase enzymes and applications in biocatalytic processes in anaerobic conditions of interest in biomedicine and bioanalysis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the measuring toxicity, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress are provided.

Abstract: A method for analyzing L-threonine contained in an specimen, which includes the steps of mixing a sample containing the specimen with an L-threonine dehydrogenase derived from Cupriavidus necator and a coenzyme NAD+ and analyzing the amount of NADH or 2-amino-3-oxobutyric acid after a predetermined period; an L-threonine dehydrogenase derived from Cupriavidus necator, which is a novel L-threonine dehydrogenase (TDH; EC 1.1.1.103) and can be utilized in the above-mentioned analysis method; a method for preparing a gene or the like to be used in the preparation of the enzyme, or a method for preparing the enzyme; an L-threonine analysis kit which includes (A) the L-threonine dehydrogenase and (B) a coenzyme NAD+; an enzyme preparation for use in the analysis of L-threonine, which includes the L-threonine dehydrogenase contained in a buffer solution; and an enzyme sensor utilizing the L-threonine dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement, comprising a solid carrier and a matrix arranged on the solid carrier, said matrix comprising at least one enzymatically convertible or modifiable molecule and comprising at least one enzyme that can be released by the conversion or modification of the molecule, said enzyme being capable of converting at least one color-changing substrate located in the matrix and/or on the solid carrier.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a novel isotope-labeled compound that can be used as a trapping agent and that is useful for picking out drug-candidate compounds that produce reactive metabolites. [Solution] Provided is a glutathione alkylester isotopologue represented by general formula (1). In formula (1), R1 represents a linear or branched alkoxy group in which at least one of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms contained therein is isotope-labeled and which has 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a cycloalkoxy group in which at least one of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms contained therein is isotope-labeled and which has 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Methods of screening a test agent for activity to modulate an oxidative demethylation enzyme are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes preparing a test reaction comprising an oxidative demethylation enzyme, a substrate for the oxidative demethylation enzyme, a test agent and 4-amino-3-penten-2-one under conditions which allow generation of formaldehyde by oxidative demethylation of the substrate by the enzyme in the absence of the test agent; detecting fluorescence in the test reaction, the fluorescence indicative of reaction of formaldehyde and 4-amino-3-penten-2-one in the test reaction; and comparing fluorescence detected in the test reaction with a control, wherein a difference in detected fluorescence is indicative of a change in activity of the oxidative demethylation enzyme in the presence of the test agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant mutant microorganisms having an increased ability to produce alcohol and a method of producing alcohol using the same, and more particularly to recombinant mutant microorganisms which have an increased ability to produce butanol, ethanol, isopropanol or mixed alcohols, which can be used as fuel, while producing little or no producing acetone as a byproduct, and to a method of producing butanol, ethanol, isopropanol or mixed alcohols using the same. The inventive recombinant mutant microorganisms having an increased ability to produce butanol or mixed alcohols and to remove acetone are those in which genes that encode enzymes involved in producing butanol from butyryl-CoA or butylaldehyde and in producing isopropanol from acetone were amplified or introduced in host microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydrogen production for use in fuel cells, foodstuffs and chemical production, and more particularly, to biologically and photosynthetically produced hydrogen. Specifically, disclosed is a method for producing bacteria and green alga that can produce hydrogen in quantities that exceed four hundred percent of the hydrogen produced by green alga in nature; thus, producing organisms which can serve as hydrogen generators for fuel cells, chemical production and numerous other applications.

Abstract: In quickly assaying a blood component interfered by glucose and/or its derivative on the bedside or in a clinic or in assaying the same by a patient in his/her own home, there has been required an assay method wherein the whole blood can be used as a sample as such without resorting to a centrifuge or the like. A method of assaying a blood component to be used for assaying a blood component interfered by glucose and/or its derivative, characterized by comprising bringing the whole blood into contact with a substance capable of converting glucose and/or its derivative into another substance not interfering the assay and, simultaneously or subsequently, separating blood cells; a device to be used in the assay method; and a kit containing this device.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compounds for enzyme-mediated amplification of target-associated signals for visualization of biological or chemical targets in samples, wherein the targets are immobilized, in particular the invention relates to the oxidoreductase-mediated signal amplification for visualization of targets in samples comprising cells. The methods of the invention are particular useful for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of biological markers relating to medical diagnostic and therapy.

Abstract: Method for marking a target structure, comprising the following steps: a) providing a compound V that includes at least one dihydroxy- or trihydroxyphenyl group, b) providing a means for converting the dihydroxy- or trihydroxyphenyl group to a quinone group, c) providing a target structure, d) oxidising the dihydroxy- or trihydroxyphenyl group of the compound V to the quinone group, and e) contacting the compound V with the target structure, so that a covalent bond can be formed, wherein in step e) the compound V is used in a concentration such that the maximum concentration of dihydroxy-, trihydroxyphenyl groups and quinone groups that are introduced by the compound V is ?500 ?M, preferably ?300 ?M, and more preferably ?100 ?M.

Abstract: Cell lines harboring a range of polymorphisms using recombinant cytochrome P450 or other chemical-metabolizing enzymes in a parent cell line that is minimally expressing or devoid of its own cytochrome P450 protein or other chemical-metabolizing enzymes of interest can be placed into an array format to enable high throughput screening of one or more chemicals for CYP450 or other enzyme-dependent metabolism (FIG. 9). Processing of the cells can be automated, done en-masse through use of an array having a substrate upon which a plurality of cell lines with exogenous chemical-metabolizing enzymes are coupled, and both relative and quantitative metabolism rates determined using mass spectrometry over time. Thus, methods are disclosed to measure, for example, the effects of cytochrome P450 polymorphisms on clinical drug metabolism in a high throughput manner for drug development and genetically personalized diagnostics and treatment regimens.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: Described herein is a rapid coupled enzymatic assay to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds in samples. The method uses a detection composition that includes: a buffered solution comprising NADH; naphthalene dioxygenase, naphthalene 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene dehydrogenase, and 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene dioxygenase. The presence of PAH is determined by noting a color change of the detection composition, either visually or spectrophotometrically.

Abstract: A reagent composition for a biosensor sensor strip is disclosed that provides for rapid rehydration after drying. The composition includes porous particles and is preferably formed as a colloidal suspension. The dried reagent composition including porous particles may provide analytically useful output from the sensor strip in a shorter time period than observed from dried reagent compositions using solid particles. The output signal from the porous particle compositions may be correlated to the analyte concentration of a sample within about two seconds. In this manner, an accurate concentration determination of an analyte concentration in a sample may be obtained in less time than from sensor strips including conventional compositions. The reagent composition including the porous particles also may allow for the redox reaction between the reagents and the analyte to reach a maximum kinetic performance in a shorter time period than observed from conventional sensor strips.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biosensing systems and biosensing elements having increased storage capability and increased functional lifetimes through using compositions and methods for recycling cofactors.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for analyzing a biomaterial. The apparatus includes: a first substrate including a plurality of micro-pillars formed to protrude to a predetermined height, the biomaterial being attached to one surface of the micro-pillar; a second substrate including a plurality of micro-wells, the micro-pillars being insertable into the micro-wells when the first substrate-and the second substrate are combined with each other; and at least one spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate when the first substrate and the second substrate are combined with each other.

Abstract: A small diameter flexible electrode designed for subcutaneous in vivo amperometric monitoring of glucose is described. The electrode is designed to allow “one-point” in vivo calibration, i.e., to have zero output current at zero glucose concentration, even in the presence of other electroreactive species of serum or blood. The electrode is preferably three or four-layered, with the layers serially deposited within a recess upon the tip of a polyamide insulated gold wire. A first glucose concentration-to-current transducing layer is overcoated with an electrically insulating and glucose flux limiting layer (second layer) on which, optionally, an immobilized interference-eliminating horseradish peroxidase based film is deposited (third layer). An outer (fourth) layer is biocompatible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mitochondrial protein that can be used as a marker for diagnosing stomach cancer. According to the present invention, the marker for diagnosing stomach cancer comprises mitochondrial enoyl coenzyme A hydratase 1.

Abstract: This invention has as its object a method for releasing a product by subjecting a compound of Formula (II?): R?7R?8(HX)C1-C2(YH)R?9R?10 to a chemical oxidation that cleaves the bond C1-C2 to obtain the product. In the compound of Formula (II?): R?7 to R?10, which are identical or different, correspond to a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted functional group; X and Y, which are identical or different, are an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or an amine of Formula —NR11R12, wherein R11 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and R12 is not a hydrogen atom. The invention also has as its object a method for releasing a product that comprises, before the chemical oxidation stage, a first step for preparing the compound of Formula (II?). The released product can be a volatile molecule or an active substance or else a specific product.

Abstract: The present invention deals with reagents and compositions capable of effectively inhibiting peroxidase activity. According to the invention, peroxidase enzymatic activity is blocked with an acidic aqueous solution of a protein denaturing agent. preferred protein denaturing agents are detergents and chaotropic substances.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for tumor treatment by administering an inhibitor of quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1), compositions comprising such inhibitors, and methods for identifying such inhibitors.

Abstract: Novel laccases from Cerrena sp. WR1 and Lentinus sp. and uses thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a compound, methods of making a compound, a probe, methods of making a probe, pharmaceutical compositions including a probe or a compound, methods of using a probe, methods of imaging, diagnosing, localizing, monitoring, and/or assessing a disease (e.g., cancer, diseases caused by inflammation (e.g., arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and the like)), and the like, and/or related biological events using a probe, kit for imaging, diagnosing, localizing, monitoring, and/or assessing a disease, and/or related biological events, using a probe, and the like.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding cytochrome P450 variants are provided. The cytochrome P450 variants of have a higher alkane-oxidation capability, alkene-oxidation capability, and/or a higher organic-solvent resistance than the corresponding wild-type or parent cytochrome P450 enzyme. A preferred wild-type cytochrome P450 is cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants include those having an improved capability to hydroxylate alkanes and epoxidate alkenes comprising less than 8 carbons, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to V78A, H236Q, and E252G of cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants also include those having an improved hydroxylation activity in solutions comprising co-solvents such as DMSO and THF, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to T235A, R471A, E494K, and S1024E of cytochrome P450 BM-3.

Abstract: A method for measuring a target object in a sample by using an oxidase, wherein the influence of dissolved oxygen in the sample can be corrected, is provided. The method comprises: obtaining measurement values by causing the target object in the sample to react with the oxidase under different conditions of two or more types; and performing a correction based on the obtained two or more measurement values and a correction method preliminarily set so as to correct the influence of dissolved oxygen in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic method for stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction and a screening method for patients with stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction, which comprise measuring acrolein content or polyamine content; or polyamine oxidase activity or protein content of polyamine oxidase in plasma. The knowledge of the present invention indicates the possibility of preventing, inhibiting the progression of stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction by inhibiting polyamine oxidase, and the possibility of obtaining a therapeutic agent for stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction by searching for compounds that inhibit polyamine oxidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bilirubin oxidase from Magnaporthe oryzae, to the method of preparation thereof as well as use thereof notably for assay of bilirubin and for the application of enzymatic biofuel cells.

Abstract: A polymer matrix that may coated on an electrode is created by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of a polyaniline formed by templated oxidative polymerization on a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme. The polymer matrix may be hydrated, and the absorbed water may make it permeable to, for example, glucose. The polyaniline may be polyaniline itself or a substituted polyaniline; the water-soluble crosslinker may be poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, and the redox enzyme may be glucose oxidase. The polymer matrix may be produced by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of an electrically conductive polymer and a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme in a single step at an about neutral pH, curing by drying. After hydration, the crosslinked polymer matrix may form a 3-dimensional glucose-permeable bioelectrocatalyst, catalyzing the electrooxidation of glucose.

Abstract: Provided is a method capable of effectively treating various diseases associated with energy excess, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndromes, degenerative diseases and mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases, via elevation of an NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H ratio by increasing an NAD(P)+ concentration in vivo or in vitro through use of NAD(P)H as a substrate or coenzyme by oxidoreductase such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), a method of screening a drug for the same and a therapeutic drug.

Abstract: A colorimetric reagent in the form of nanoparticles, composite nanoparticles, and nanoparticle coatings, including methods of use, methods of preparation, deposition, and assembly of related devices and specific applications. The colorimetric reagent comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles which are used in solution or immobilized on a solid support, either alone or in conjunction with oxidase enzymes, to form an active colorimetric component that reacts with an analyte to form a colored complex. The rate of color change and the intensity of the color are proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample. Also described is the use of ceria and doped ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen storage/delivery vehicle for oxidase enzymes and applications in biocatalytic processes in anaerobic conditions of interest in biomedicine and bioanalysis.

Abstract: Use of a metabolic network model for analyzing metabolic characteristics of microorganisms for producing a metabolic product, such as 3HP enabling estimation of productivity and cell growth speed of microorganisms, optimizing new metabolic pathway, and providing transformed microorganisms that may produce a specific metabolic product with high efficiency.

Abstract: Concentrations of endogenous steroids in ovarian follicular fluid are used to develop steroid profiles which provide means for the diagnosis and prognosis of endocrine-related conditions and for identifying and developing appropriate treatments for related conditions, including the identification and development of suitable protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF), treatment and predictive strategies for successful IVF outcomes and selected uses of oocytes for IVF or embryonic stem cell procedures.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the course of disease in a patient having a malignant melanoma, the method comprising determining in melanoma cells comprised in a sample obtained from said malignant melanoma the presence or amount of at least five biomarkers selected from the group comprising or consisting of MTAP, PTEN, Bax, Bcl-X, ?-Catenin, CD20, Cox-2, CD49d and MLH1, wherein the absence or decreased amount of MTAP and ?-Catenin and/or the presence or increased amount of PTEN, Bax, Bcl-X, CD20, Cox-2, CD49d and MLH1, is associated with a disadvantageous course of disease.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies immunologically specific for human ARL-1 (also referred to AKR1B10), a species of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily of proteins. The invention also provides methods of making and methods of using said antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions and systems for detecting perchlorate in a sample. Compositions useful for detecting perchlorate in a sample include those comprising a perchlorate reductase, a reductant and an electron shuttle. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition comprises perchlorate reductase from Dechloromonas agitata, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and N-methylphenazinium methylsulfate. The present invention also provides for methods of using the compositions disclosed herein, as well as systems thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the methods comprise a concentration step, in which, for example, the sample is contacted with a cationic solid phase extraction column. Employing this step provides certain advantages such as a lowered detection limit and the removal of contaminants.

Abstract: A biosensor calibration method configured to measure a concentration of a specific substance contained in sample liquid to be measured, including: a first step configured to acquire a first output value that is output by the biosensor when first calibration liquid is brought into contact with the biosensor; a second step configured to acquire a second output value that is output by the biosensor when second calibration liquid having a different concentration from that of the first calibration liquid is continuously brought into contact with the biosensor after the first step and determine time for replacement of the biosensor on the basis of the first output value and the second output value.

Abstract: The invention provides electrochemical biosensors for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The invention provides methods for using the electrochemical biosensors.

Abstract: The invention provides oxygen-resistant iron-hydrogenases ([Fe]-hydrogenases) for use in the production of H2. Methods used in the design and engineering of the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases are disclosed, as are the methods of transforming and culturing appropriate host cells with the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases. Finally, the invention provides methods for utilizing the transformed, oxygen insensitive, host cells in the bulk production of H2 in a light catalyzed reaction having water as the reactant.

Abstract: A method and a kit for detecting folate are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: (a) mixing a sample and an extraction buffer to form a mixture, heating and then cooling the mixture, and separating a supernatant from the mixture by centrifugation; (b) adding a recombinant ?-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) and a folate conversion enzyme to the supernatant to drive catalysis; (c) stopping the catalysis; and (d) analyzing the supernatant by high performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract: Methods to separate complex protein mixtures into individual proteins while maintaining protein function or enzyme activity are disclosed. They are designed to provide high resolution and efficient recovery of the functional proteins. The purified proteins may be analyzed with functional assays including enzymatic activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for monitoring activity of OGFOD1 activity, in particular, to assays for identifying modulators of OGFOD1 activity. The invention also relates to assays to monitor the prolyl hydroxylase activity of OGFOD1 on its substrate, the human ribosomal protein RPS23. The invention also enables the introduction of 3-hydroxyprolyl residues into peptides and proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mutant lactate oxidase having increased stability, a nucleic acid encoding the mutant lactate oxidase, an expression vector comprising the nucleic acid, a host cell comprising the nucleic acid or the expression vector, a method of determining lactate in a sample, the use of the mutant lactate oxidase for determining lactate, a device for determining lactate in a sample using the mutant lactate oxidase and a kit for determining lactate comprising the mutant lactate oxidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for monitoring activity of YcfD activity, in particular, to assays for identifying modulators of YcfD activity. The present invention also relates to the use of YcfD inhibitors as antibiotics. The invention also relates to methods for introducing hydroxyarginine residues into proteins.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions to determine viability of an organ for transplantation and other medical purposes. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for assessing the viability of an organ by measuring the energy parameters to determine the energy level of the organ by determining the stored cellular energy (e.g., ATP levels), and/or energy consumption over a particular time period of viability. The energy parameters can be compared to reference energy parameters as a highly accurate and reliable prediction of viable cell yield, and organ viability. Another aspect of the invention relates methods to preserve or extend the time period of viability of an organ any combination of (i) preservation perfusion of the organ to prevent ischemic damage, (ii) chemical metabolic suppression of the organ e.g., using metabolic suppressants, (iii) metabolic suppression by physical or environmental conditions, e.g., sub-zero non-freezing storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to screen for a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide involved in the synthesis of naringenin chalcone which demonstrates altered expression, activity or substrate specificity. The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules identified by said screen and to transgenic plants modified to express said nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: A test meter for use with a dual-chamber, multi-analyte test strip includes a test strip receiving module and a signal processing module. The test strip receiving module has a first electrical connector configured for contacting a first analyte contact pad of a first working electrode of the test strip; a second electrical connector configured for contacting a second analyte contact pad of a second working electrode of the test strip, a third electrical connector configured for contacting a first counter/reference contact pad of a first counter/reference electrode layer of the test strip, and a fourth electrical connector configured for contacting a second counter/reference contact pad of a second counter/reference electrode layer of the test strip.

Abstract: There is provided compounds of formula I, wherein X1 to X4, R1 to R4, Y1, Y2 and L are as defined in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which may be useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory (e.g. chronic inflammatory) diseases and/or other diseases that may benefit from production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) by a NADPH oxidase complex.