Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the enzymatic synthesis of &agr;-sialylated oligosaccharide glycosides. Specifically, in the disclosed methods, &agr;2,3-sialyltransferase is used to transfer an analogue of sialic acid, employed as its CMP-nucleotide derivative, to the non-reducing sugar terminus of an oligosaccharide having a fucosyl group in the penultimate saccharide unit to the non-reducing sugar terminus. The analogue of sialic acid and the oligosacchairde employed in this method are selected to be compatible with the sialyltransferase employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for preparing optically pure (S)-3-hydroxy-&ggr;-butyrolactone expressed by the following Formula 1 and more particularly, to a process which enables preparing optically pure (S)-3-hydroxy-&ggr;-butyrolactone economically in large quantities, by: (a) Preparing &agr;-(1,4) linked oligosaccharide with adequate sugar distribution by reacting amylopectin which is easily available from natural product with enzyme under a specific condition; and (b) Performing oxidation, esterification and cyclization sequentially under a specific condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of amylopectin potato starch obtained from potatoes whose amylose formation is inhibited through breeding, or through genetic engineering or other molecular biological processes, as starting material for a process for production of cyclodextrin from potato starch by reaction with cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase. This starch starting material combines the positive effects of natural amylopectin starch with those of potato starch and is distinguished, among other properties, through low lipid and protein content and therefore higher purity. The yield of cyclodextrins is surprisingly high. In this way cyclodextrin can be produced at much lower cost than previously and can therefore be used for the first time on a larger scale in technical processes.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a glycosyltransferase enzyme of Amycolatopsis orientalis. Also provided are vectors carrying genes that encode said enzyme, transformed heterologous host cells for expressing said enzyme, and methods for producing glycopeptide compounds using the cloned genes that encode said enzyme.

Abstract: 11-hydroxysordarin, biotransformation product of a fermentation with sordarin and Actinomyces spp., (Merck Culture Collection MA7235) ATCC No. 202103 is an antifungal agent. This compound may be useful in the treatment of diseases caused by fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the enzymatic synthesis of &agr;-sialylated oligosaccharide glycosides. Specifically, in the disclosed methods, &agr;2,3-sialyltransferase is used to transfer an analogue of sialic acid, employed as its CMP-nucleotide derivative, to the non-reducing sugar terminus of an oligosaccharide having a fucosyl group in the penultimate saccharide unit to the non-reducing sugar terminus. The analogue of sialic acid and the oligosacchairde employed in this method are selected to be compatible with the sialyltransferase employed.

Abstract: Oligosaccharide compounds that are substrates and inhibitors of glycosyltransferase and glycosidase enzymes and compositions containing such compounds are disclosed. A method of glycosylation is also disclosed. An E. coli transformed with phagemid CMPSIL-1, which phagemid comprises a gene for a modified CMP-sialic acid synthetase enzyme, which transformed E. coli has the ATCC accession No. 68531 is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying an compound that affects an activity of a polypeptide subunit of a SCF complex. The method includes contacting a sample comprising a chimeric SCF complex assembled from subunits derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or human and another species and a CDC34p polypeptide with the compound under conditions that allow the components to interact, and adding to these components an E1 enzyme, ubiquitin and ATP, and a SCF substrate. The ubiquitination of the SCF substrate is measured. A chimeric in vitro assay system is provided for measuring CDC53p or CUL1p activity, comprising a CDC4p, CDC34p, and a SKP1p polypeptide, and either a CDC53p or CUL1p polypeptide. In this assay the CDC4p, CDC34p, and SKP1p polypeptide are either a yeast polypeptide or a polypeptide from another species, and at least one of the CDC4p, CDC34p, and SKP1p polypeptides is a yeast polypeptide and at least one of the CDC4p, CDC34p, and SKP1p polypeptides is a polypeptide from another species.

Abstract: A method of judging the eradication of H. pylori to judge whether the sample is positive or negative through a quick and easily operation is provided. A PG I value and a PG II value in the body fluids (e.g., in the blood) of an H. pylori positive patient are measured before the H. pylori eradicating treatment and after the passage of a period in which a substantially significant result occurs from the eradicating treatment, a PG I/PG II ratio in the body fluids (e.g., in the blood) is found, a rate of change in the PG I/PG II ratio in the body fluids (e.g., in the blood) is found before the H. pylori eradicating treatment and after the passage of the period in which a substantially significant result occurs from the eradicating treatment, and the change in the PG I/PG II ratio is used as a marker to indicate that H. pylori is eradicated.

Abstract: Process for preparing surfactant, which comprises contacting cane trash, maize by-products, sorghum by-products, barley by-products, rice by-products, fruits, chicory pulp, tubers or cynara for at least 5 seconds with a hydrolysing agent selected from an aqueous acid solution at between 20 and 150.degree. C. and an enzymatic hydrolysing composition of a plant material at between 20 and 90.degree. C. to obtain a sugar syrup, freeing the sugar syrup from any solid residues and contacting the residue-free sugar syrup with a C.sub.4-22 -alcohol at a temperature of between 20 and 150.degree. C., preferably between 30 and 110.degree. C., until a solution of surfactant glycosides is obtained, and separating the surfactant glycosides from this solution.

Abstract: Assays for the detection of .beta.-lactamase induction can be used to identify compounds that kill bacteria (i.e., bacteriocidal activity) or inhibit bacterial growth (i.e., bacteriostatic activity). The .beta.-lactamase can be encoded, for example, by a .beta.-lactamase gene carried by a bacterial host. The identified compounds can be use to treat bacterial infections in organisms such as mammals. The new methods can be used, for example, for high throughput screening of libraries of potential inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for biotinylating a desired subset of a larger population of proteins, wherein the subset of proteins is first selectively bound to a solid phase, thereby separating it from undesired proteins of the population, and then, still bound to solid phase, it is biotinylated. Unreacted biotin may then be washed from the solid phase, and the biotinylated protein may be uncoupled from the solid phase.

Abstract: Colchicinoid compounds are transformed into the corresponding 3-O-glycosyl derivatives by means of Bacillus megaterium strains.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing analyses with antibodies and antibody fragments comprises dissolving the analyte in a liquid to form a solution, adding analyte-specific antibodies, fragments of such antibodies, or both to the solution, heating the solution, and then cooling and filtering the solution. The filtered solution may be diluted in a suitable matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and test kits for diagnosis of periodontal disease activity in mammals, especially in human. The methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of periodontitis, peri-implantitis and HIV (+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. Especially, the methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of the loss of bone density associated with periodontal diseases.

Abstract: In a method of determining heparin content, a known amount of thrombin (FIIa) or activated coagulation factor X (FXa) is added to a mixture which comprises a known concentration of chromogenic substrate (S), a known concentration of antithrombin (AT) and a sample having an unknown heparin concentration. The amount of FIIa or FXa is chosen such that at most 20%, of the S present is reacted during the period which the AT needs to deactivate all the FIIa or FXa present. The final concentration of the reacted chromogenic substrate p-nitroanilide ([pNA].sub.final) is determined after completion of the reactions, and the [pNA].sub.final is used to determine the rate constant (k.sub.dec) of the reaction of FIIa or FXa with AT using the relationship: ##EQU1## The heparin concentration in the sample can then be determined using the value of k.sub.dec from a predetermined calibration curve of k.sub.dec against heparin concentration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of determining the ratio of the concentration or amounts of two or more chemical compounds and/or biopolymers, or of the relative amounts of sub-populations of closely structurally related compounds, in a multi-component mixture, extract, system, and the like using an analytical physicochemical process. The method is based on distribution of the components of the mixture (system, extract, etc.) between two or more immiscible phases and the subsequent determination of the total amounts (concentrations) of biopolymers (chemical compounds) or of the amounts (concentrations) of one or more component(s) or sub-populations of the system in the phases. The ratio between these concentrations is defined therein as the partition coefficient. The partition coefficient is used as a measure of the ratio of the amounts of two or more biopolymers (chemical compounds) or their sub-populations in a multi-component mixture (extract, system, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially pure C2GnT-M polypeptide or a functional fragment or derivative thereof, wherein C2GnT-M is characterized as a polypeptide having core 2, core 4 and I branching .beta.-1.fwdarw.6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activities. The invention also provides a substantially pure C2GnT-M peptide, wherein the peptide is immunogenic. Also provided is a method of modifying an acceptor molecule by contacting the acceptor molecule with a substantially pure C2GnT-M polypeptide or a functional fragment under conditions that allow addition of core 2, core 4 or I GlcNAc linkages to the acceptor molecule, and an acceptor molecule produced by the method. Also provided is a substantially pure nucleic acid molecule having substantially the nucleic acid sequence designated SEQ ID NO: 1, or the complement thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns the human gene encoding GLUTX, a glucose transporter. GLUTX nucleic acid and polypeptides, as well as molecules which increase or decrease expression or activity of GLUTX, are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with aberrant hexose transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting the presence of a compound of interest (such as an enzyme), or the spatial distribution within a sample of a compound of interest. The method comprises the step of impregnating or coating a suitable base material with a marker substance capable of reacting or interacting with the compound of interest, the marker substance being labeled in a detectable manner (for example fluorescently, radioactively or being colored) and having a substantially different affinity for the base material than the product of the reaction or interaction thereof with the compound of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for identifying compounds capable of specifically controlling CD40 regulation of JNK or p38 activity useful for inhibiting immunoglobulin heavy chain class switching, cytokine production and activation of cells involved in an inflammatory response. The present invention also includes kits to perform such assays and methods to control disease related to such responses.

Abstract: There are provided methods for assaying biological specimens for one or more of leptin, prorenin or renin in order to provide predictive information about the likelihood of a woman carrying a Downs Syndrome affected fetus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing optically pure (S)-3-hydroxy-.gamma.-butyrolactone expressed by the following Formula 1 and more particularly, to a process that enables preparing optically pure (S)-3-hydroxy-.gamma.-butyrolactone economically in large quantities, by:(a) Preparing .alpha.-(1,4) linked oligosaccharide with adequate sugar distribution by reacting amylopectin which is easily available from natural product with enzyme under a specific condition; and(b) Performing oxidation, esterification and cyclization sequentially under a specific condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that toxicity to mustard may be euated by diagnostic test means disclosed herein. Upon electrophoretic separation (sodium dodocyl sulfate polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)) of buffered extract of human skin cells (normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK)) which had been exposed to mustard-type chemical compounds a band at approximately 50,000 to 80,000 daltons molecular weight was found. The protein band constitutes a biomarker. The marker protein can be used either to raise protective antibodies to protect against the protease or may be used in a kit for identifying presence or absence of the marker in study of tissues taken from individuals who may have been exposed to mustard poisoning.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the manufacture of magnetically responsive particles, also called ferrofluids. The improved method involves a heat treatment step, which may occur at various times during the preparation of the materials, including during subdivision of the magnetic starting material, during the addion of a coating material, after formation of a magnetically responsive particle, or some combination thereof. The materials formed by such a process have numerous advantages over materials formed by other processes, including enhanced salt stability, increased coating uptake, and increased binding capacity. These ferrofluids have applications in a variety of preparative and diagnostic techniques, including immunoassay, cell separations, toxicity testing, food testing, environmental analysis, and MRI.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are methods for selecting a recombinant virus, phage or cell expressing a catalytic antibody or catalytic portion thereof, or for selecting catalytic activity by a moiety. The method employs reaction-based selection for catalytic activity. The method can also be used to concentrate (increase the proportion of catalytic to non-catalytic moieties) a sample containing a catalytic moiety or viruses, phages or cells expressing a catalytic moiety. The selection or concentrating can be by employing a mechanism-based inhibitor, catalysis-accelerated movement, surface binding, changes in enthalpic component of binding as a function of temperature, or changes in binding by competition, or combinations thereof. The invention also comprehends a method for producing a recombinant virus or a cell-line expressing a catalytic moiety such as a catalytic antibody or catalytic portion thereof; and, this method can include infecting a suitable host with viruses which are screened for the expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid, reliable and effective assays for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically inhibit the biological activity of fungal GTPase proteins, particularly GTPases involved in cell wall integrity, hyphael formation, and/or other cellular functions critical to pathogenesis.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject that is undergoing methylphenidate therapy and concomitant therapy with another drug undergoes or interferes with P.sub.450 metabolism, wherein the methylphenidate is d-threo-methylphenidate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for testing a potentially-active substance used in the hair-care field, this procedure being characterized by the fact that a fragment of at least one hair follicle without dermal papilla is isolated, this fragment being taken from beneath the point of attachment of the sebaceous gland and excluding the portion of the hair shaft located above the point of attachment of the sebaceous gland; that this fragment is incubated in a suitable culture medium for a sufficient period; that this fragment is placed in contact with a potentially-active hair-care substance; that a marker of the activity of said tested substance is quantitatively determined; and that the results of this determination are assessed as they compare to a control.

Abstract: An enzymatic hydrolysis of a glycosidic substrate containing at least one of the said precursors is performed with at least one enzyme chosen in accordance with the structure of the said precursor, to liberate the corresponding monoglycosides by cleavage at a glycoside bond, and, in a second stage, an enzymatic hydrolysis of the product of the first stage is performed with at least one enzyme other than or identical to that/those of the first stage and designed to liberate the aroma components and aromas by cleavage of the aglycone-carbohydrate linkage bond. A vegetable material derived from a fruit such as grape or an aromatic or flowering plant, as well as their derivatives and by-products, is chosen as a glycosidic substrate. Terepenols such as geraniol, linalol, nerol and the like, terpene polyols and alcohols such as phenyl ethyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol, or the like, are obtained, in particular, as aroma components or aromas.

Abstract: A method for determining the complexed forms of immunologically determinable prostate specific antigen (cPSA) in a blood sample, e.g., by two-site immunometric assays, in which the blood sample is treated to render free PSA (fPSA) immunologically nondetectable. A particularly preferred immunometric assay method employs three anti-PSA antibodies: an antibody that binds to both cPSA and fPSA (anti-tPSA), a second anti-tPSA antibody which is characterized by the unique property that binding to fPSA is blocked by binding of fPSA-specific antibodies, and a third antibody which is a fPSA-specific antibody. Thus, binding of the fPSA-specific antibody to PSA in the sample allows only cPSA to be measured in the immunometric assay. Measurement of cPSA blood levels has been found to provide a method for aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer that is highly sensitive and specific, and eliminates the need for a significant number of patients to undergo unnecessary prostate biopsy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using human cells. Specifically, one method detects differences between potassium channels in cells from Alzheimer's patient and normal donors, and differences in intracellular calcium concentrations between Alzheimer's and normal cells in response to chemicals known to increase intracellular calcium levels. Other methods detect differences between the memory associated GTP binding Cp20 protein levels between Alzheimer's and normal cells. Another method utilizes the differential effects of .beta.-amyloid protein on levels of the protein kinase C isoenzymes PKC.alpha. and PKC.gamma. in Alzheimer's and normal cells. Yet another method detects Eu-TTA fluorescence differences between Alzheimer's and normal cells treated with an activator of a receptor-mediated metabolic pathway. In addition a diagnostic index for improved assessment between Alzheimer's and non Alzheimer's cells is provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber is tapered, preferably adiabatically, and has a material coated on it for chemical bonding with fluorophores. When the fluorophores couple with the material, evanescent radiation generated fibers causes the fluorophores to fluoresce, and the fluorescence is coupled back into the fiber.

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials that are encoded with an optically readable code are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The memories include electronic and optical storage media and also include optical memories, such as bar codes and other machine-readable codes. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for diagnosing benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy, in a male human patient without requiring a biopsy. The total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. If the patient has a total PSA level of between about 2.5 ng/ml and 10.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD. Optionally, if the patient has a total PSA level of between 10.1 ng/ml and 20.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient can also be measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the isolation and expression of a glycosyltransferase enzyme for use in the synthesis of oligosaccharide or polysaccharide structures on glycoproteins, glycolipids, or as free molecules. The gene coding for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase and the polypeptide sequence of the acceptor peptide for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase have been isolated and used for the control of glycosylation of a protein.

Abstract: An acid-stable .beta.-glucosidase that may be prepared from filamentous fungi and has very low glucose inhibition sensitivity is disclosed. Said .beta.-glucosidase is particularly useful for preparing fruit juices and in enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a human disease associated acidic protein and polynucleotides which identify and encode DAAP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells. agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of DAAP.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of a new cell growth related peptide. More precisely, the invention serves as a marker for cell proliferation. The marker is a peptide which is an exposed part of a cellular enzyme. This peptide is as well particularly useful as an aid in production of highly selective reactive molecules. The peptide is a part of thymidine kinase TK1 and has the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for the rapid assessment of organ status, including organ damage following immunological or toxicological insult, in a subject based on the detection of one or more isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in diverse biological fluids comprising contacting a particle-labelled anti-GST antibody specific for said isoenzyme with a sample of a biological fluid suspected of containing said isoenzyme, said antibody having a sensitivity sufficient to detect at least a picomolar amount of said isoenzyme, and capturing the particle-labelled antibody-isoenzyme complex on an immobolised capture antibody to generate a visually detectable signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides seeds for cultivation of a new variety of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, the new variety, a sweetening obtained from dried leaves of the new variety and a process for production of the sweetening.

Abstract: Isolated allergens of Dermatophagoides (house dust mites) particularly of the species and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which are protein allergens or peptides which include at least one epitope of the protein allergen. In addition, the or peptides encoded by the isolated DNA, their use as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and methods of diagnosing and treating sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and reagents for assessing lipoprotein metabolism. The methods provided are applicable for use on multiple samples in a clinical laboratory, thus obviating the need for sophisticated instrumentation, such as flow cytometry. Selected cell types in a test sample are uniformly labelled with a detectable reporter substance, so that they may later be enumerated. Pre-determined lipoprotein receptors associated with the cells of interest are labelled with a receptor-selective marker, thereby to determine the number of lipoprotein receptors per cell in the test sample. Selected cells of interest are conveniently separated from the test sample by binding thereto a specific binding substance attached to a solid support. The specific binding substance binds specifically with a characteristic determinant of the cell subset of interest. The remainder of the test sample may be washed away or discarded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex comprising nerve growth factor (NGF) and trk proto-oncogene protein and a complex comprising neurotrophic factors, NT-3 or BDNF, and trkB proto-oncogene protein. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting the presence of NGF, NT-3 or BDNF neurotrophic factors and trk and trk-related proto-oncogene receptors. The present invention further relates to methods that may be used in diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's by detecting complexes comprising NGF or NGF related neurotrophic factors bound to the product of the tyrosine kinase trk or related trk proto-oncogene family member.

Abstract: Stabilizing medium for urinary .alpha.GST contains a stabilizing amount of a non-enzyne protein, such as a mixture of equal amounts (w/v) of bovine serum albumin and gelatin hydrolysate, chelating agent and a buffer, such that the medium has a pH in the range 7.0-7.5, the medium being effective to prevent loss of .alpha.GST immunological activity. The stabilizing medium can be used to store urine samples at temperatures of the order of -20.degree. C. without any loss of .alpha.GST immunoreactivity of the type observed in samples which are stored without such a stabilizing medium. The stabilizing medium also improves the immunoreactivity of .alpha.GST when added to fresh urine which is stored temporarily at 2-8.degree. C. prior to assay for up to two hours.

Abstract: A kojibiose phosphorylase which hydrolyzes kojibiose in the presence of an inorganic phosphoric acid to form D-glucose and .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid, forms kojibiose and an inorganic phosphoric acid from .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid, and catalyzes the transfer reaction of glucosyl group to other saccharides using .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid as a saccharide donor. The enzyme is obtainable from natural sources such as microorganisms of the genus Thermoanaerobium, and obtainable by recombinant technology.

Abstract: A method of quantitating the activity of a selected protein kinase on a peptide substrate is provided. The peptide substrate is conjugated to a binding compound. The modified peptide substrate is then added to a solution containing the selected protein kinase. The protein kinase and the peptide are incubated along with a label for sufficient time to form a modified peptide product having the binding compound and the label. The modified peptide product is then bound to a matrix having a high binding compound affinity. The bound peptide is then washed and the activity of the protein kinase is measured. Also provided is a kit for the stated method.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting shock by measuring the concentration of cyclophilins in a patient's blood and comparing the measured concentration against a control. The severity of shock is then evaluated, an increase in cyclophilin concentrations over control levels being associated with severity. Measuring methods include enzymological techniques, such as rotomase activity assay; immunological procedures, such as radioimmunoassay and ELISA; peptide chemical processes, such as affinity chromatography; and radiochemical approaches, such as contacting the sample with radioactive cyclosporin.

Abstract: Tetrazolium salt compounds represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent hydrogen atom, nitro group, cyano group, carboxyl group or a halogen atom, preferably nitro group; R.sup.3 represents an alkyl group or an alkoxyl group, preferably methyl group or methoxy group; and M represents an alkali metal or an ammonium. The compounds are useful for quantitative measurement of a dehydrogenase, and characterized to have high water-solubility and excellent storage stability in the state of an aqueous solution.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of diagnosing periodontal disease in a subject by detecting elevated concentrations of .beta.-glucuronidase in saliva from the subject. The concentration of .beta.-glucuronidase in the subject's saliva may be determined by adding to a sample of the saliva a substrate for .beta.-glucuronidase and measuring the amount of a product produced by the reaction of .beta.-glucuronidase on the substrate. Also, the concentration of .beta.-glucuronidase in the subject's saliva may be determined by adding to a sample of saliva a labeled antibody specific for .beta.-glucuronidase and measuring the amount of labeled antibody which complexes with .beta.-glucuronidase present in the saliva.