Abstract: A method is described for detecting, visualizing, or treating cells, particularly cancerous cells, that express a uPA/uPAR complex. The method employs a PAI-2 conjugate molecule that comprises PAI-2 or a functional derivative, homologue, analogue, chemical equivalent or mimetic thereof, which PAI-2 is bound, linked, or otherwise associated with a toxin or label.

Abstract: A reagent for detecting an analyte comprises a flavoprotein enzyme, a mediator such as a phenothiazine mediator, at least one surfactant, a polymer and a buffer. The reagent may be used with an electrochemical test sensor that includes a plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Luminescence-based compositions for measurement of aspartate aminotranserase, alanine aminotransferase, total-bilirubin, creatinine phosphokinase, or lactate dehydrogenase, wherein the chemiluminescence-based composition comprises 0.01-100 mM of luminol, 0.001-1000 U/mL of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), 0-10% of Triton X-100, 0-100 mM PIP, and 5˜500 mM of buffer at pH 6˜9, and the luminescence-base composition measures Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

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: The present invention relates to the use of short-chain SRL alcohol dehydrogenase (DHRS4, SEQ ID NO: 1) and peptides thereof as humoral biomarkers for the diagnostic detection and prognosis of the course, and also monitoring the course and therapy of septic inflammations and infections.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins in a high density lipoprotein containing sample, said method comprising reacting the sample with a surfactant which preferentially reacts with high density lipoproteins in the sample, said surfactant being selected from hydroxyethyl glucamide derivatives and N-acyl-N-methyl glucamine derivatives, and measuring the amount of cholesterol in the high density lipoproteins, for example using an electrochemical technique.

Abstract: A device for detecting methanol concentration in an alcohol-containing solution is disclosed. The device implements an electrochemical bio-detector based on a two-enzyme system to quickly, easily and accurately measure methanol concentration in an alcohol-containing solution at a relatively low cost. A method for detecting methanol concentration in a sample using the same device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A test strip or electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of an analyte in a hiological fluid, e.g., the glucose content of whole blood, includes a size self-limiting reagent formulation employing an enzyme system for reaction with the analyte, the reactive system mixed into a water-soluble swellable polymer matrix containing small water-insoluble particles having a nominal size of about 0.05 to 20 ?m, preferably about 1 to 10 ?m. The weight ratio of the water-insoluble particles to the water-soluble swellable polymer matrix is about 1/2 to 2/1. The reagent formulation is deposited onto a non-porous substrate to form a thin layer about 6-16 ?m thick, providing a rapid and stable response to application of a sample, while being insensitive to the amount of the sample.

Abstract: An assay system is provided of great sensitivity and portability where the presence of a specific target in a sample, as well as its concentration (qualification and quantification) is detected by reason of a potential or voltage in a closed circuit, built up a redox reaction. The reaction is produced by binding a capture moiety to an enzymatic redox reaction partner, allowing the capture moiety to bind to any target in the sample, and washing any such bound target. The bound target, if not immobilized, may be immobilized through use of a second capture moiety. Substrate for the enzyme is then added. The action of the enzyme upon the substrate frees electrons, creating a potential across an anode and cathode which may be separated by a membrane.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for a Plasmodium analyte in a liquid sample such as a body fluid. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the detection of a ligand in a body fluid such as urine or blood, which can diagnose malarial infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for examining a hepatic disorder (e.g., NASH), which is less invasive and highly sensitive and which can be performed in a simple manner. According to the method, the level of a mitochondrion-derived protein (e.g., ornithine carbamoyltransferase or glutamate dehydrogenase) of a blood sample from a patient suffering metabolic syndrome and/or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is measured, and the measured protein level is compared with an averaged value of protein levels of healthy volunteers, whereby whether or not the patient has a hepatic disorder (e.g., NASH) is determined.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating cancer in mammals through cellular-organelle-crystallization-induced-death (herein defined as “Cocid”), a method for treating cancer using cellular organelle and/or cytoskeleton crystallizing agents (e.g. tetrazolium salts and their derivatives), pharmaceutical compositions containing a therapeutically effective amount of organelle and/or cytoskeleton crystallizing agents, and compositions containing organelle and/or cytoskeleton crystallizing agents in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. The crystallizing agents with or without a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient, are used in combination with surgery and/or non-surgical anti-tumor treatments.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for determining the presence of cancer in a subject based on the analysis of the expression levels of an under-expressed tumour marker (TM) and at least one other TM. Specifically, this invention relates to the determination of a cancer, particularly bladder cancer, by performing ratio, regression or classification analysis of the expression levels of at least one under-expressed TM, particularly an under-expressed bladder TM (BTM), and at least one over-expressed TM, particularly an over-expressed BTM. In various aspects, the invention telates to kits and devices for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxidoreductase apoenzyme variants which are enzymatically inactive but have coenzyme-binding properties. Further, the present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding these oxidoreductase apoenzyme variants, expression vectors containing such DNA sequences and the use of these oxidoreductase apoenzyme variants in diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods useful for diagnosing subjects with abdominal aortic aneurysms. The invention relates to the use of protein biomarkers whose levels are different in subjects with abdominal aortic aneurysms relative to normal subjects.

Abstract: A cellulosic ethanol production process. An implementation of a process for producing fuel ethanol and biodiesel from cellulose may include: providing a raw cellulose stream by mixing a waste cellulose stream and an algae cellulose stream, hydrolyzing the raw cellulose stream to form a hydrolyzed cellulose stream, liquefying the hydrolyzed cellulose stream to produce a formed sugars stream and one or more liquefaction byproduct streams, fermenting the formed sugars stream to produce a raw ethanol stream by reacting the sugars stream with a yeast feed in at least one fermenter, separating the raw ethanol stream to form a fuel ethanol stream, producing an algae stream by reacting at least one of the one or more liquefaction byproduct streams with algae in at least one algae bioreactor, and reacting the algae stream in at least one biodiesel reactor to produce the algae cellulose stream and a biodiesel stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel PQQ-dependent soluble glucose dehydrogenases (sPQQGDH) from Acinetobacter and to a process for their preparation by overexpression in suitable microbial expression systems.

Abstract: Pre-labeled protein standards useful in electrophoresis that have sharp, consistent separation characteristics that are substantially the same as those of their unlabeled counterparts are provided. The invention provides pre-labeled protein standard sets that include a plurality of labeled proteins that are labeled on a first amino acid, in which side reactions of the label with amino acids not targeted for labeling are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a method for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol as test components in blood. Specifically, a method is used for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample, whereby cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample are quantified with a single measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides live, attenuated Mycoplasma bacteria that exhibit reduced expression of one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of pyruvate dehydrogenase, phosphopyruvate hydratase, 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase, and ribosomal protein L35, relative to a wild-type Mycoplasma bacterium of the same species. Also provided are vaccines and vaccination methods involving the use of the live, attenuated Mycoplasma bacteria, and methods for making live attenuated Mycoplasma bacteria.

Abstract: The use of human hepatocytes to determine the liver function and the liver regeneration in a test person, in particular a patient, as well as the use of these human hepatocytes as parameters for prognoses. Also, an in-vitro method to determine the liver function of a test person, in particular a patient using human hepatocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to screening methods and test systems for the in vitro diagnosis and detection of an increased risk of vasospasm in a patient. In addition, the invention describes the use of GAPDH and/or Hsc70 to diagnose an increased risk of vasospasm. Also described is a method for identifying a pharmaceutically active substance for the prevention and/or treatment of cerebral vasospasm and a method for screening a substance library to identify a pharmaceutically active substance for the prevention and/or treatment of cerebral vasospasm. Pharmaceutically active substances and combination preparations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for determining the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in a sample. The test device has a continuous solid surface with at least one reaction area on the continuous solid surface, and the reaction area has, in dry form, a non-LDL inhibitor and a system for determining the concentration of cholesterol.

Abstract: There is provided a compound having Formula (I) R1-Z-R2 wherein R1 is a group selected from optionally substituted fused polycyclic groups, substituted alkyl groups, branched alkyl groups, and optionally substituted cycloalkyl groups Z is a linker which is or comprises a carbonyl group or a isostere of a carbonyl group R2 is selected from optionally substituted aromatic rings and optionally substituted heterocyclic rings wherein (a) R2 is a 2-substituted thiophene group, and/or (b) Z is a group of the formula —C(?O)—CR3R4—X—(CR5R6)n-, wherein X is selected from NR7, S, O, S?O, and S(?O)2, wherein n is 0 or 1 and/or (c) R1 is an adamantyl group and Z is or comprises an amide group, and/or (d) R1 is an adamantyl group and Z is or comprises a group of the formula —(CR8R9)p-NR10—S(?O)2—(CR11R12)q-, wherein p is 0 or 1 and q is 0 or 1 and/or (e) R1 is an adamantyl group and Z is or comprises a group of the formula —(CR13R14)V—Y—(CR15R16)W— where Y is a heteroaryl group in which a bond in the heteroaryl ring is a i

Abstract: Disclosed are biomarkers, the expression of which is differentially regulated in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) as compared to subjects that do not have MS. Also described are methods of identification of such biomarkers, and methods of using such biomarkers as targets for the development and identification of therapeutic compounds and strategies for the treatment of MS, as well as methods and kits for the diagnosis of MS.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting an underdosage of an analytical test element and optionally for compensating the underdosage. The invention also concerns an analytical system and a test element which are suitable for detecting an underdosage. An underdosage of the test element can be reliably detected and optionally calculated by irradiating the analytical test element in a control wavelength range. For this purpose the test element contains a control substance which interacts with the radiation in the control wavelength range as a function of the contact with the applied amount of sample.

Abstract: A novel use of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer wherein a labelled protein comprising a Fluorescent energy donor label and at least one energy acceptor moiety capable of accepting energy from the donor label by Förster energy transfer is exposed to incident electromagnetic energy to excite the donor moiety and the fluorescence emission of the donor is measured. The or each energy acceptor moiety has a more and less active energy acceptor state and the level of quenching of donor fluorescence is indicative of this state. The energy acceptor moiety may be converted between its states by a redox reaction, optionally involving a partner redox protein. A novel system comprising the labelled protein, a redox partner protein, ‘a light source for imposing incident light at the excitation wavelength for the fluorescent label and a light detector capable of detecting the fluorescence emitted by the label may be used in biosensors and/or to monitor enzymatic turnover.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water-soluble tetrazolium compound that will form a water-soluble formazan exhibiting long-wavelength absorption and is stable in aqueous solution for a long period and suitable for the quantitative analysis of dehydrogenases or substrates thereof. Disclosed is a water soluble tetrazolium compound expressed by the following general formula (1): wherein each of R1 to R19 independently represents hydrogen atom; nitro group; sulfonate group or alkyl, alkoxy, sulfoalkyl or sulfoalkyloxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; provided that each of at least two of R1 to R19 independently represents sulfonate group; or sulfoalkyl or sulfoalkyloxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and M represents an alkali metal or ammonium ion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening placental proteins responsible for pathophysiology of preeclampsia, and a marker for early diagnosis and prediction of preeclampsia. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of screening placental proteins responsible for pathophysiology of preeclampsia by 2D E-proteomics analysis, comprising: isolating placental proteins from a placental tissue; separating the isolated proteins two-dimensionally through 2D electrophoresis; and comparing and analyzing the separated proteins based on scanned gel images and differences in the images between normal placental proteins and preeclamptic placental proteins, wherein the comparison and analysis of the placental proteins based on the scanned gel images and differences in the images are accomplished by selecting proteins with differences of 140% or more between two placentas.

Abstract: PQQGDH having an improved substrate specificity or having an improved specific activity in an assay system using ferricyanide ion as a mediator is provided. Modified PQQGDH having the enhanced substrate specificity by introducing an amino acid mutation in a particular region of PQQGDH, and a method of enhancing the specific activity compared with a wild type in the assay system using the ferricyanide ion as the mediator by deleting, substituting, or adding one or more amino acids in an amino acid sequence of the wild type pyrroloquinoline quinone dependent glucose dehydrogenase.

Abstract: A method to detect the presence or amount of at least one molecule for an enzyme-mediated reaction in a multiplex luminogenic/nonluminogenic assay is provided.

Abstract: Human PGD genes are identified as modulators of the PTEN pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective PTEN function. Methods for identifying modulators of PTEN, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of PGD are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified pyrroloquinoline quinone dependent glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) having lower activity with respect to disaccharides and/or greater stability than wild-type PQQGDH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene encoding glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and use thereof, in particular, a brewer's yeast which produces alcoholic beverages with superior body and mellowness, alcoholic beverages produced with said yeast, and a method for producing said beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a yeast whose ability of producing glycerol, which contribute to body and mellowness of products, is enhanced by amplifying expression level of GPD1 or GPD2 gene encoding a Gpd1p or Gpd2p which is a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in brewer's yeast, especially non-ScGPD1 gene or non-ScGPD2 gene specific to a lager brewing yeast and to a method for producing alcoholic beverages with said yeast, etc.

Abstract: An efficient method for identifying important cancer biomarkers and identifying progression of bladder cancer using pro-u-PA as a clinical tool is provided. Searching for biomarkers critical for bladder carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis, secreted proteomes of highly malignant U1 and pre-malignant U4 cell lines are first analyzed. Proteins in the cultured media of the U1 and U4 cell-lines were systematically examined by SDS-PAGE combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Expression of pro-u-plasminogen activator (pro-u-PA) was confirmed by Western blot analysis and further evaluated. A statistically significant relationship between the low level and absence of pro-u-PA in urine with high stages and grades of the tumor samples was established. Constitutive expression of Ras dominant negative protein led to increased expression of pro-u-PA in cultured media, indicating the loss of pro-u-PA is associated with oncogenic transformation.

Abstract: Metastatic cancer cells originating from gastric cancer are detected by a method comprising the step of collecting a biological sample from a subject, the step of detecting the presence of at least either aldehyde dehydrogenase or dopa decarboxylase in the biological sample of the subject, and the step of determining that the possibility of containing metastatic cancer cells originating from the gastric cancer in the sample is high when at least either aldehyde dehydrogenase or dopa decarboxylase is present. By the use of these as markers for metastatic cancer cells originating from gastric cancer, the presence or absence of peritoneal metastasis in a gastric cancer patient can be detected rapidly and reliably, and data important for deciding whether intraperitoneal cancer chemotherapy should be applied is provided.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a method for analyzing a blood test sample containing blood platelet collected from a human body to detect presence of an analyte in the test sample, wherein fluctuations of measured results due to difference of processing mode of the test sample is eliminated, a dry analytical element and an analytical kit utilizing the method. The objects are achieved by a blood analytical method in which surfactant added to the blood test sample is at least one selected from surfactants that do not destroy blood platelet, a dry analytical element and an analytical kit utilizing the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for the diagnosis of schizophrenia, which employ mitochondrial complex I as a peripheral biological marker for schizophrenia. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for diagnosing schizophrenia in a subject by determining the level of activity of a mitochondrial complex I enzyme in a sample obtained from the subject, and comparing the level of activity in the sample with a normative value of mitochondrial complex I enzyme activity, wherein an altered level of activity of mitochondrial complex I enzyme in the sample compared with the normative value is indicative of the subject having schizophrenia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting an analyte in a test sample using acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl esters.

Abstract: A method of quantifying glucose in a solution characterized in that electric potential measurement is conducted by potentiometry using a glucose dehydrogenase that requires a flavin compound as a coenzyme. It is preferable to carry out the quantification using a glucose dehydrogenase derived from a filamentous fungus, in particular derived from Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus terreus.

Abstract: Enriched subpopulations of bone marrow progenitors are obtained according to methods that involve the staining of bone marrow cells and the identification of bone marrow progenitors within the stained cell population having specific intracellular fluorescence or orthogonal light scatter properties. Enriched subpopulations of the described progenitors may be used to lower blood glucose levels and treat hyperglycemia, and in particular hyperglycemia caused by Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: A lateral flow chromatographic assay format for the performance of rapid enzyme-driven assays is described. A combination of components necessary to elicit a specific enzyme reaction, which are either absent from the intended sample or insufficiently present therein to permit completion of the desired reaction, are predeposited as substrate in dry form together with ingredients necessary to produce a desired color upon occurrence of the desired reaction. The strip is equipped with a sample pad placed ahead of the substrate deposit in the flowstream, to which liquid sample is applied. The sample flows from the sample pad into the substrate zone where it immediately reconstitutes the dried ingredients while also intimately mixing with them and reacting with them at the fluid front. The fluid front moves rapidly into the final “read zone” wherein the color developed is read against predetermined color standards for the desired reaction. Pretreatment pads for the sample, as needed, (e.g.

Abstract: A reagent is provided for the detection of an exotoxin protein produced by a beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria suspected of being present in a host biological fluid collected from a subject. An enzyme inhibitor is present to inhibit rogue protein modification of the substrate to prevent a false positive result of the color change. A kit is provided that is readily usable by an untrained user and merely requires that an element of the kit be contacted with a biological sample and thereafter no further actions are required by the user before a discernable color change is observed with visible or UV light and a positive/negative results reference card.

Abstract: A brain damage-related disorder is diagnosed in a subject by detecting at least one polypeptide, or a variant or mutant thereof, in a sample of body fluid taken from the subject, wherein the polypeptide is one for which the level is either increased or decreased in cerebrospinal fluid from deceased patients compared to cerebrospinal fluid from healthy donors.

Abstract: A method of determining hypoxia in fetal scalp blood sampled during labor comprises the determination of total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in plasma obtained from the sample. The method can comprise the additional determination of K, Mg, Ca, AST, ALT, lactate in the plasma and/or blood. Increased values of one or more of LDH, Mg, Ca, AST, ALT, lactate are indicative of hypoxia in the fetus. Also disclosed is the use of a plasma separation apparatus in the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for stable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP/NADPH) derivatives of formula (I), enzyme complexes of these derivatives and their use in biochemical detection methods and reagent kits.

Abstract: Embodiments of a detection reagent, as well as test elements and analytical kits including such reagent, and methods for using such reagent, are disclosed herein for optical detection and/or measurement of an analyte in a fluid sample.

Abstract: A process for the overexpression of dehydrogenases, especially for the overexpression of ?1-dehydrogenases, in particular for the overexpression of 3-keto steroid-?1-dehydrogenases, as well as for the bacteria, plasmids and DNA sequences that can be used for the overexpression, is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing a risk of a thermolabile phenotype disease including or caused by influenza encephalitis/encephalopathy, Reye's syndrome, RS virus infectious disease, adenovirus infectious disease, rhinovirus infectious diseases, bastard measles, Japanese encephalitis, malaria infectious disease, Kawasaki disease and sudden infant death syndrome, characterized by examining whether or not an enzymatic activity of at least one enzyme involved in any of various transporters, carnitine cycle, long-chain ? oxidation cycle, medium-chain/short-chain ? oxidation cycle, electron transfer, synthesis of a ketone and production of ATP involved in energy metabolism in mitochondria is significantly lower compared with healthy subjects at 39° C. or higher when referring the enzymatic activity at 37° C. as to 100%.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the detection of genetic polymorphisms or mutations of the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency (DPDD). The polymorphisms or mutations generally occur in the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) gene in chromosome 1. Also provided are mutant forms of DPD.