Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control material which can be preferably employed in detection of 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol and glycoalbumin, which are employed as excellent indices for diabetes. The present inventor has found that mannitol which is added to serum or plasma used as control material stabilizes 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol and glycoalbumin present in the serum or plasma for a long period of time, and that the object can be attained through provision of (1) an agent for stabilizing control material, the agent being composed of mannitol and (2) control material containing mannitol and 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the field of protein production, and in particular is relates to compositions and processes for improving the production levels of recombinant proteins expressed in host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ruthenium and osmium complexes of Formula [M(A)w(B)x(C)y]m(Xz)n, per se and the use of ruthenium and osmium complexes of Formula I as redox mediators in electrochemical biosensors.

Abstract: An agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions, containing a water-swellable layered silicate having a fluorine atom and a hydroxyl group, wherein the fluorine atom is covalently bonded to the silicate by isomorphous substitution with the hydroxyl group. A method of searching for protein crystallization conditions, which comprises a step of mixing the agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions described above and a solution in which a protein is dissolved.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or intermediates thereof, notably particular step in the synthesis of an intermediate useful for example in the preparation of statins, by using an enzyme capable of catalyzing oxidation or dehydrogenation. The invention further provides an expression system effectively translating said enzyme. In addition, the invention relates to a specific use of such enzyme for preparing API or intermediate thereof, and in particular for preparing statin or intermediate thereof.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for the detection or measurement of oxalate in a sample. Such compositions include test devices that provide for the rapid and accurate detection of oxalate in a sample from a biological fluid. Advantageously, the compositions can be used to monitor the oxalate levels of a patient at a point of care (e.g., at the patient's home, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating and evaluating subjects having a neoactive mutation at residue 97 of IDH1 or 137 of IDH2.

Abstract: The subject matter consists of a small, hand held, portable, battery run device similar to a current diabetic monitor. The device will be carried on a person in a custom protective case that can be attached to a belt, in a pocket or on the waist of a shirt or pants. The monitor test strip will be impregnated with a substance that will be able to detect, with only a small amount of blood (e.g. a drop or a few drops) the BAC of an individual within a relatively short amount of time (e.g. seconds to minutes).

Abstract: The invention relates to novel PQQ-dependent soluble glucose dehydrogenases (sPQQGDH) which have an increased substrate specificity compared with the wild type, and also to methods for production and identification thereof.

Abstract: A protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least one mutation selected from a Gly-4 to Ala mutation, a Glu-6 to His mutation, a Ser-14 to Thr mutation, an Ala-37 to Thr or Arg mutation, a Pro-50 to Gln mutation, a Glu-67 to Gly mutation, an Asp-80 to Tyr mutation, a Val-93 to Met mutation, an Arg-156 to Pro mutation, a Leu-164 to Met mutation, an Asn-202 to Asp mutation, a Thr-235 to Ala mutation, an Asn-348 to Tyr mutation, a Gly-362 to Arg mutation and a Val-473 to Ala mutation in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ II NO:4. (2) A thermostable protein which comprises an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence having at least one variation described in (1) and having 1,5-anhydroglucitol dehydrogenase activity. These proteins act specifically on 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), have thermal stability and exhibit excellent storage stability.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining whether organ toxicity, particularly cardiotoxicity, will occur in a patient selected for treatment with various kinase inhibitors, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, more particularly erbB inhibitors such as Herceptin. In addition, methods are disclosed for determining whether a potential drug is likely to produce a cardiotoxic effect. The methods involve analyzing lipid levels or the expression fatty acid oxidation enzymes, pAMP activated protein kinase, glucose uptake, to determine whether a fatty acid oxidation disorder is present. The identification of a fatty acid oxidation disorder can be used as a predictor of toxicity, especially cardiac toxicity, and as an indication that organ function should be carefully monitored if a drug such as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor is administered. Methods are also disclosed for protecting organs from metabolic stress and for the treatment of cells, such as adipocytes, to reduce their lipid content.

Abstract: Methods of treating and evaluating subjects having neoactive mutants of IDH (e.g., IDH1 or IDH2).

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining an amount of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (“G6PDH”) in a biological sample. Also provided herein are methods for detecting G6PDH deficiency, as well as diagnosing G6PDH-associated disorders, such as acute hemolytic anemia and pre-eclampsia.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of foreign substances in a beverage. The apparatus for detecting the presence of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or other drugs in a beverage comprises apparatus wherein cobalt nitrate, oxammonium chloride/ferric chloride, oxammonium sulphate/ferric chloride, 5% ferric chloride, saturated potassium dichromate, toluene/cobalt thiocyanate, chromium (IV) oxide/sulphuric acid carbodiimide salts in combination with oxammonium salts and ferric chloride, or lacmoid is supported on a substrate. The apparatus for detecting the presence of ketamines or other drugs in a beverage comprises apparatus wherein modified-Dragendorff Reagent is supported on a substrate.

Abstract: Process of purification and stabilization of the enzyme Gluconate Dehydrogenase (GADH, EC 1.1.99.3) either recombinant or not, from several microorganisms such as: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluoresoens, Gluconobacter oxydans, Gluconobacter industrius, Serratia maroescens Kiebsielia pneumoniae and Eschericia coli and its use as an element of biological recognition in biosensors for the determination of gluconic acid in samples of interest.

Abstract: Tumor stem cells can be obtained by culturing a tumor cell population, and exposing the cultured tumor cell population to free radicals. In certain embodiments, the free radical agent can be a nitric oxide (NO) donor. In one embodiment, the free radical agent can be Diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA NONOate) or agents that constitutively increase cellular nitric oxide, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors or L-arginine, or agents that increase NO synthase in the population. The methods can further include inducing stem cells present in the population to expand and/or inducing dedifferentiation of tumor cells into tumor stem cells. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of selecting stem cells from a tumor cell population.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and devices for detection of substances in liquid samples. The assays and devices utilize passive diffusion between a porous material and a porous membrane containing a specific binding pair member to enable detection of the substance of interest.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are biosensing systems that measure lactose concentration in a solution.

Abstract: Provided is a diagnostic apparatus. The diagnostic apparatus includes a microfluidic chip including first and second measurement parts for respectively measuring an amount of hemoglobin and an active degree of an enzyme within a blood sample. The second measurement part of the microfluidic chip analyzes the active degree of the enzyme within the blood sample using voltammetry.

Abstract: Ratios of measured values of glucose, citrate, and cis-aconitate in a biological sample obtained from a subject to measured values of glucose, citrate, and cis-aconitate in a biological sample obtained from a healthy subject are calculated, and the glucose ratio, the citrate ratio, and the cis-aconitate ratio are used to evaluate and/or assess fatigue. Similarly, an isocitrate ratio, a succinate ratio, a malate ratio, and a lactate ratio are calculated, and these ratios are used together with the three ratios to evaluate and/or assess fatigue. This makes it possible to objectively and easily diagnose and evaluate fatigue.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and/or amelioration of cellular proliferative disorders utilizing enzymes of the serine biosynthetic pathway (e.g., phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT), or phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH)).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods identifying compounds for the treatment of cell proliferation-related disorders, e.g., proliferative disorders such as cancer.

Abstract: Systems, compounds and methods for the conversion of C1 carbon compounds to higher carbon compounds useful for the generation of commodity compounds.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, among other things, a method of decreasing resistance to the chemopreventive properties of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., celecoxib, particularly in the prevention of cancer, e.g., colon cancer, by increasing the levels or activity of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). The disclosure also provides a method of identifying compounds that upregulate or reactivate 15-PGDH. The disclosure also provides a method of identifying an individual suitable for treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment or prevention of colon cancer.

Abstract: Provided is a dry reagent that allows measuring with good precision, in accordance with a transmission method that utilizes light of the ultraviolet region, increases or decreases of a nicotinamide coenzyme, in order to quantify a component contained in a liquid sample. A dry reagent 4 for performing a quantitative analysis of a specific component in a liquid sample S contains a nicotinamide coenzyme and a leveling agent for smoothing the dry reagent 4. Increases or decreases of the nicotinamide coenzyme are measured in accordance with a transmission method that utilizes light of the ultraviolet region. The leveling agent is a combination of an alkali and at least one type selected from among a saccharide and a surfactant.

Abstract: Provided herein are a composition for measuring 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose (3,6-L-AHG) transferase activity by reduction of NADP to NADPH, and a method of measuring 3,6-L-AHG transferase activity using the same. The composition and method are useful for determining 3,6-L-AHG in a material containing 3,6-L-AHG such as algae biomass and industrial applications.

Abstract: Durability of formate dehydrogenase is improved with the use of formate dehydrogenase exhibiting high specific activity that is unpredictable from conventional findings. A specific amino acid substitution is introduced into Gibberella zeae-derived formate dehydrogenase. Mutant formate dehydrogenase exhibits durability that is extremely superior to that of wild-type formate dehydrogenase. Thus, the productivity of NADH that is produced using the mutant formate dehydrogenase can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a testing system for analyzing a risk of developing organ failure or presence of organ failure, said system comprising a disposable testing device arranged to receive a biological sample, which testing system is further arranged with means for measuring within said sample the total amount of at least a first biological marker in the form of an intracellular enzyme, and comprising means for analyzing the measured value of said intracellular enzyme, and based on the results thereof being arranged to communicate the risk of developing organ failure or presence of organ failure to an operator of said testing system. The present invention also relates to a method for analyzing a risk of developing organ failure, or analyzing presence of organ failure.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of homocysteine detection. In particular, the invention provides a method for determining homocysteine presence or concentration in samples, which method comprises: contacting a sample containing or suspected of containing Hcy with a Hcy co-substrate and a Hcy converting enzyme in a Hcy conversion reaction to form a Hcy conversion product and a Hcy co-substrate conversion product; and assessing the Hcy co-substrate conversion product to determine the presence, absence and/or amount of the Hcy in the sample. The Hcy co-substrate conversion product may be assessed directly, or it may be assessed by further conversion of the Hcy co-substrate conversion product into another material by the action of one or more additional enzymes. A kit for assaying homocysteine based on the same principle is also provided.

Abstract: An alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus guaymasensis was purified to homogeneity and was found to be a homotetramer with a subunit size of 40±1 kDa. The gene encoding the enzyme was cloned and sequenced, and found to have significant sequence homology to known zinc-containing ADHs and L-threonine dehydrogenases with both binding motifs of catalytic zinc and NADP+. The wild-type enzyme is a primary-secondary ADH that exhibits a substrate preference for secondary alcohols and corresponding ketones, and exhibits unusual stereoselectivity. The wild-type enzyme was found to have outstanding thermostability, demonstrating 60% activity after incubation at 80° C. for 40 hours. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute the cyteine residue at position 56 with a serine, to provide the TgADH(C56S) mutant. In the assays that we carried out, we found virtually no difference in enzyme activity and oxygen-sensitivity between the mutant TgADH (C56S) and wild type TgADH.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a reagent composition having higher storage stability; a sensor involving the reagent composition; and others. According to the present invention, a specific heterocyclic compound is added to a reagent composition to improve the storage stability of the reagent composition and reduce the degree of fluctuation in current values in a sensor that utilizes reagent composition.

Abstract: The measuring device of the invention includes: a first container and a second container for holding a sample; and an optical measurement part for carrying out an optical measurement. The first container has a first sample supply inlet for supplying a sample containing an analyte to the first container and at least one electrode. The second container has a second sample supply inlet for supplying the sample to the second container and a reagent holding part for holding a reagent for the optical measurement.

Abstract: An emulsion-derived particle comprises a lattice of polymeric strands cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent, and interstitial openings adjacent and around the strands. Functional groups are provided on the lattice and proteins and/or modified proteins can react with these, thereby to be bonded to the lattice and hence immobilised.

Abstract: A method of monitoring water-soluble treatment chemicals in a fluid that is immiscible with water and which may or may not contain some aqueous fluid, the method using at least one reagent that produces an optically detectable product, the detection step can take place without separation of the aqueous phase containing the treatment chemicals from the fluid immiscible with water.

Abstract: A method for detecting the absence or presence of cells of interest in a liquid sample, wherein: (a) the sample: (i) comprises an extracellular medium containing an enzyme with a measurable activity; and (ii) is suspected of containing cells of interest that contain an enzyme with said measurable activity; and (b) the method comprises the steps of: (i) treating the liquid sample with a reagent that inactivates said measurable activity in the extracellular medium, but does not inactivate the measurable activity in said cells of interest; (ii) lysing the cells of interest to release the intracellular enzyme; and (iii) measuring said measurable activity. Thus the intracellular enzyme can be measured without interference from the extracellular enzyme. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of bacterially-infected blood using a detection assay based on adenylate kinase activity.

Abstract: In measuring phosphoric acid by the use of an enzyme cycling system using a dehydrogenase together with a thio-NADP, a thio-NAD, a reduced thio-NADP or a reduced thio-NAD as a coenzyme, phosphoric acid is measurable in a wide concentration range from a low concentration to a high concentration by measuring phosphoric acid after previous removal of free phosphoric acid in reagent components for the measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biosensor capable of measuring a total concentration of plural types of amino acids. An amino-acid biosensor (200) for measuring a total concentration of a plurality of specific amino acids, comprises a measuring electrode (202) which includes as components a mediator and an enzyme which selectively act on the plurality of specific amino acids each serving as a substrate, and a counter electrode (203). The enzyme has a substrate affinity to each of the plurality of specific amino acids. The enzyme is operable to catalyze a reaction in each of the plurality of specific amino acids as a substrate so as to form a reaction product, and the mediator is operable, during amino-acid concentration measurement, to carry electrons between the reaction product and the measuring electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fast identification and isolation of cells featuring a desired phenotype. The phenotype is coupled to the amount of gas-liberating enzymes or increased growth. The cells are encapsulated into microcapsules allowing exchange of solvents through the microcapsule wall, but retaining some or all of the gas formed by gas-liberating enzymes on contact with corresponding substrates. Microcapsules containing increased amounts of gas-liberating enzymes are starting to float and can be separated. The cells are then isolated from the microcapsules according to standard procedures.

Abstract: An in vitro sensor for point-of-care detection of at least one analyte or reaction product includes an inert, impermeable substrate, a sensing system, and a reference system. The substrate includes a first transparent surface oppositely disposed from a second surface and first and second cavities. Each of the first and second cavities defines an opening at the second surface. The sensing system is disposed in at least a portion of the first cavity and includes an analyte-detection optode membrane, an analyte-permeable membrane, and a plurality of non-transparent microbeads associated with at least one of the analyte-detection optode membrane and the analyte-permeable membrane. The analyte-permeable membrane is layered upon the analyte-detection optode membrane and covers the opening of the first cavity. The reference system is disposed in at least a portion of the second cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assaying catalytic plasma enzymes, such as transaminases and NADH-dependent enzymes, in a sample of whole blood, by measuring, in a microfluidic chamber, the decrease in the fluorescence of NADH consumed during the enzymatic reactions catalyzed by the NADH-dependent enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing improved hydrogen peroxide assays, as well as droplet actuators for conducting such assays. The droplet actuators of the invention may be used to conduct droplet-based hydrogen peroxide assays. They may also be associated with detectors for analyzing the results of the hydrogen peroxide assays of the invention. They may be provided as components of systems which control droplet operations and/or detection for conducting the hydrogen peroxide assays. Measurement by the detector may be used to quantify the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Using the methods of the present invention, intermediate (int) levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity reliably distinguished leukemic CD34+CD38? cells capable of engrafting immunodeficient mice, from residual normal hematopoietic stem cells that exhibited relatively higher ALDH activity. Minimal residual disease (MRD) detected during complete remission was enriched for the CD34+CD38?ALDHint leukemic cells, and the presence of these cells after therapy highly correlated with subsequent clinical relapse. The methods of the present invention can distinguish normal from leukemic CD34+CD38? cells, and identifies those AML cells associated with relapse. Methods of prediction of relapse of AML patients and methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: Kits and methods for measuring lithium ions using phosphoglucomutase are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems are disclosed for implementing enzyme-logic based diagnosis that uses patterns of multiple markers and biochemical processing of the signal information for reliably identifying cardiac abnormalities and providing a final digital binary answer. In one aspect, a biochemical logic sensing system includes a network of enzyme-biocatalyzed logic gates adapted to receive biomarker input signals and perform an enzyme-biocatalyzed reaction resembling a Boolean logic operation using the received biomarker input signals to generate an output signal of the enzyme-biocatalyzed reaction. A signal processing unit is connected to the network of enzyme-biocatalyzed logic gates. The signal processing unit processes the generated output signal of the enzyme-biocatalyzed reaction and generates a digital binary output having a value of zero or one. The generated digital binary output indicates a type of an injury.

Abstract: Provided herein are non-naturally occurring eukaryotic organisms that can be engineered to produce and increase the availability of cytosolic acetyl-CoA. Also provided herein are non-naturally occurring eukaryotic organisms having a 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BDO) pathway. and methods of using such organisms to produce 1,3-BDO.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a testing system for assessing hypoxia induced cellular damage in a mammal including human, comprising a disposable device having a sample inlet and a collection chamber separated by a separation device wherein the collection chamber is connected to at least two, a first and a second, visible detection compartments, whereof at least one is arranged with chemical means for direct visual detection, said first detection compartment being arranged to determine whether level of hemoglobin (Hb) in a sample of body fluid taken from said mammal exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and said second detection compartment being arranged to evaluate level of total amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in said sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting uracil. The method comprises reacting uracil with a compound represented by the formula (I) in the presence of an oxidant and a base to produce a fluorescent compound represented by the formula (II).

Abstract: A hyperpolarized MR imaging medium and a method of 13C-MR detection using a hyperpolarized MR imaging medium for the determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. The contrast media comprises hyperpolarised [13C, 2H]lactate.

Abstract: Clostridium difficile disease involves a range of clinical presentations ranging from carrier status with other causes of symptoms to mild and self-limiting diarrhea to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis and megacolon. Cases of C. difficile are treated differently depending on the presence and then the severity of disease. Patients that are carriers may not receive treatment with concern of causing the disease. Mild to moderate cases may be treated with metronidazole while severe and relapsing cases are often treated with vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Current molecular assays are highly sensitive for detecting toxigenic C. difficile and cannot rule out carrier status. Utilization of a biomarker panel that includes C. difficile antigen (GDH), toxins A and B, and fecal lactoferrin allows clinicians to differentiate between a carrier state and active state of C. difficile and allows for monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for improving flavor production in a fermented food product, a S. thermophilus strain wherein glutamate dehydrogenase is inactivated, as well as a food product comprising such strain. Moreover, the invention describes a method for identifying S. thermophilus strains having improved flavor production, and use thereof for improving flavor production in a fermented food product.