Abstract: A method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1 is provided that includes the removal, decrease in the concentration of, or prevention of the formation of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, or interferes with a complex formed between a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of VCAM-1. A method is also provided for suppressing the expression of a redox-sensitive gene or activating a gene that is suppressed through a redox-sensitive pathway, that includes administering an effective amount of a substance that prevents the oxidation of the oxidized signal, and typically, the oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or interferes with a complex formed between the oxidized signal and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of the redox gene.

Abstract: Delivery to the colon of fatty acids especially Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) can be effected by covalently linking SCFA to a carrier that is preferably a form of carbohydrate, by an ester link. The SCFA is protected by its link with the carbohydrate through the small intestine, and where the carbohydrate is digestible in the small intestine such as a digestible starch, the starch can also be protected from digestion in the small intestine by the substitution. Levels of SCFA such as acetate, propionate and butyrate may be elevated to have beneficial effects in the prevention of colonic disorders such as rectal cancer, diverticulities, colitis, diarrhea and constipation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more accurate risk assessment of antenatal screening results because the maternal age of the patient is considered in evaluating the results from various common screening markers, and especially the results from UE determinations.

Abstract: Cationic lipid compounds which comprise at least two cationic groups. The cationic lipid compounds are particularly suitable for use as carriers in the intracellular delivery of bioactive agents, including pharmaceuticals and genetic material. Compositions of the present cationic lipid compounds include suspensions, emulsions, micelles and liposomes.

Abstract: Methods for detecting abnormalities in prolactin daily rhythms of a subject are provided. Prolactin levels of a subject are compared to levels of healthy subjects and based on the comparison a determination is made of the adjustments necessary to normalize the subject's daily prolactin rhythm. Also provided are methods for normalizing a subject's daily prolactin rhythm.

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumption rates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting the presence of gynecological carcinomas in a patient. The method, which comprises detecting the presence of lysophosphatidic acid in a plasma sample of the patient, is useful for detecting ovarian carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, and peritoneal carcinoma. In a preferred embodiment the method comprises: providing a blood specimen from the patient, obtaining a plasma sample for the blood specimen under conditions which minimize the release of lysophosphatidic acid from the platelets in the blood specimen into the plasma, extracting lipids from the plasma, and detecting the presence of lysophosphatidic acid in the lipid extract. A new method for extracting lysophosphatidic acid from a biological fluid is also provided.

Abstract: Dithiocarboxylates, and in particular, dithiocarbamates, block the induced expression of the endothelial cell surface adhesion molecule VCAM-1, and are therefor useful in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis, post-angioplasty restenosis, coronary artery diseases, and angina, as well as noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1 is provided that includes the removal, decrease in the concentration of, or prevention of the formation of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, or interferes with a complex formed between a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of VCAM-1. A method is also provided for suppressing the expression of a redox-sensitive gene or activating a gene that is suppressed through a redox-sensitive pathway, that includes administering an effective amount of a substance that prevents the oxidation of the oxidized signal, and typically, the oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or interferes with a complex formed between the oxidized signal and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of the redox gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in a sample containing LDL, which comprises eliminating cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein in the sample, subjecting the sample to a reaction utilizing the action of a cholesterol ester-hydrolyzing enzyme and the action of a cholesterol-oxidizing enzyme or of cholesterol oxidoreductase, and determining the amount of hydrogen peroxide or a reduced type coenzyme generated by the reaction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for screening for possible prostate cancer presence. The method calls for assaying apolipoprotein D ("ApoD") levels in body fluids, such as serum. Assays for ApoD can be used prognostically, as well as diagnostically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and reagent for the specific determination of the LDL fraction in the presence of other serum lipoproteins by adding a water soluble polymeric LDL-aggregating agent and a zwitterionic and/or non-ionic detergent. The LDL aggregate is determined in a direct turbidimetric measurement. Preferred LDL-aggregating agents are polyanions having a branched structure with acid groups, particularly branched alkane sulfonic acid groups as side branches. Preferred detergents are those known as "Zwittergent".

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumptions rates.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conditioning samples (of e.g. milk or meat) containing fat globules and somatic cells and/or protein particles before they are subjected to fluorescence measurements in order to determine the bacterial content, as well as methods for performing the determination of bacterial content in such samples. The conditioning method involves the treatment of the samples with an ion-chelating agent, a proteolytic enzyme, detergent, and a bacteriologically specific fluorochrome such as ethidium bromide. Detergent is used in a concentration resulting in substantially no dissolution of the fat globules and the conditioned samples thus loses insignificant amounts of fat globules. The assessment of fluorescence is preferably performed in a conventional flow cytometer. As no separation of fat globules is necessary, the methods are simple and fast. The bacterial determinations have proved reliable when compared to standard methods.

Abstract: A process and a reagent for the specific and direct determination of the LDL-fraction in the presence of other serum lipoproteins by adding a polymeric LDL-aggregating agent, followed by direct turbidimetric measurement of the LDL aggregate. Preferred are polymers which have a comb or brush type structure with the side groups having acid character, such as branched alkane sulfonic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements for enzyme-catalyzed reactions involving DNA or RNA, including PCR, which are based on conducting such reactions in the presence of lipids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides immunoreactive with anti-apolipoprotein(a) antibodies and to their use in raising monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, in immunoassays and of their corresponding oligonucleotides as probes and primers in nucleic acid methodology.

Abstract: A compound represented by the formula (I) is disclosed. The compound of the formula (I) is useful as a fine particle drug carrier. When used as the fine particle drug carrier, the compound efficiently avoids a reticuloendothelial system and has a long circulation time in blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for producing an electrode membrane combination. This novel method employs compound including a linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode, the electrode being either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, and a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic region and the attachment group.

Abstract: A method for screening a compound as a potential anti-obesity agent by determining whether the compound stimulates micro motion of cells in vitro is described

Abstract: Dithiocarboxylates, and in particular, dithiocarbamates, block the induced expression of the endothelial cell surface adhesion molecule VCAM-1, and are therefor useful in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis, post-angioplasty restenosis, coronary artery diseases, and angina, as well as noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1.

Abstract: There is disclosed a diagnostic assay for adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), comprising (a) measuring the amount of selected unsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) and saturated FFAs in a body fluid, and (b) determining a ratio value comprising the sum of the unsaturated FFAs divided by the sum of the saturated FFAs. There is further disclosed a diagnostic assay for ARDS, sepsis, MOD and SIRS, comprising (a) measuring the amount of 9- or 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE) and 5-hydroxy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) in a body fluid, and (b) determining a ratio value of HETE and HODE.

Abstract: Liposome reagents used in assays to detect the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample, particularly where the analyte is antiphospholipid antibodies are described. The liposome reagents comprise a liposome, a ligand chosen to bind specifically with the analyte and associated with the liposome membrane, and a haptenated component associated with the membrane of the liposome where the hapten is chosen to bind specifically to a receptor bound to a solid phase or to a label compound that is an element of a signal detection system and where the liposome reagent is prepared so that during the assay the linkage between the solid phase and ligand of the liposome reagent is maintained.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1 is provided that includes the removal, decrease in the concentration of, or prevention of the formation of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, or interferes with a complex formed between a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of VCAM-1. A method is also provided for suppressing the expression of a redox-sensitive gene or activating a gene that is suppressed through a redox-sensitive pathway, that includes administering an effective amount of a substance that prevents the oxidation of the oxidized signal, and typically, the oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or interferes with a complex formed between the oxidized signal and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of the redox gene.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining cholesterol in high density lipoproteins, in which, prior to the determination of cholesterol by an enzymatic method, a surfactant and a substance which forms a complex with lipoproteins other than high density lipoproteins are added to a sample containing lipoproteins.The method does not require any pretreatments such as centrifugal separation. With a simple operation, cholesterol in HDLs can be measured effectively. Also, this method can be adopted in a variety of automated analyzers, and thus is very useful in the field of clinical assays.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1 is provided that includes the removal, decrease in the concentration of, or prevention of the formation of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, or interferes with a complex formed between a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of VCAM-1. A method is also provided for suppressing the expression of a redox-sensitive gene or activating a gene that is suppressed through a redox-sensitive pathway, that includes administering an effective amount of a substance that prevents the oxidation of the oxidized signal, and typically, the oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or interferes with a complex formed between the oxidized signal and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of the redox gene.

Abstract: There is disclosed a diagnostic assay for determining the presence of a neoplasia or a tumor burden in a mammal comprising (a) measuring the amount of unsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) linolenate and arachidonate in a body fluid, and (b) determining a ratio value comprising the sum of linolenate and the sum of arachidonate.

Abstract: A method for determining the acid value of oilseeds. A reagent kit for the rapid extraction of the free fatty acids from oilseeds which consists of reagents: "A" and "B". Reagent "A" contains a tertiary amine (such as triethanolamine) in water and an alcohol--hydrocarbon mixture as solvent. Preferred is water/isopropanol/heptane. Reagent "A" allows rapid (1-2 min) solid-liquid extraction of the free fatty acids and some other acids from oilseeds. Reagent "B" contains a strong acid and an inorganic salt in water. Reagent "B" enables the rextraction (liquid-liquid; about 5 min) of the free fatty acids only into a separate hydrocarbon phase, which can be used for the acid value determination.

Abstract: There is disclosed a non-radioactive method and kit for determining a heart disease risk factor and for determining efficacy of treatment for heart disease.

Abstract: Lipid is determined quantitatively by treating a sample with a surfactant in an aqueous medium to obtain a liquid sample dispersion, then reacting the dispersion with a reagent containing cupric ion and bicinchoninic acid, and measuring a colored state developed by complex formation of bicinchoninic acid with cuprous ion formed from cupric ion in the presence of lipid. This method can be effectively applied to determination of amphiphilic lipid having a tendency of gathering in an aqueous medium. Further, two different species interfering with each other in quantitative determination thereof are determined respectively by conducting two different determination methods on the same sample followed by calculation using the values obtained.

Abstract: An accurate, stable, liquid lipoprotein control composition is provided. The control composition of the present invention preferably contains lipoprotein, surfactant and a divalent cation. The control may further contain an anti-oxidant agent and a chelating agent. The control composition of the present invention is stable for up to about 12 months at room temperature and up to about 24 months when refrigerated. Methods of making and using the control composition are also provided.

Abstract: Methods to determine the geographic sources of soil samples are described. A biological fingerprint profile of the sample is determined. The profile is compared to a library which is constructed of datasets which relate biological profiles and geographic locations of soil samples. The invention provides a tool for identification of pollution sources of soil origin.

Abstract: The disclosed Factor V Ratio (FVR) screening blood assay (read as "factor five ratio") and kits for the conduct thereof, identify individuals that possess a specific genetic defect, known as the Factor V Leiden defect, or other genetic or acquired Factor V defect, that makes those individuals susceptible to venous thromboembolism. In this test the Factor V activity of a blood plasma sample exposed to activated Protein C (APC) is compared to the Factor V activity of a similar sample in the absence of APC, after both samples had been treated with an activating agent. The ratio between the Factor V activity level without APC and the Factor V activity level with APC, identifies individuals at risk of a thrombotic disorder due to a Factor V defect and differentiates between individuals with a heterozygous defect and individuals with a homozygous defect.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the sequence of a polynucleotide analyte. The method includes contacting the analyte with a position-addressable array of oligonucleotides, each anchored to a solid support and having a 5'proximal and 3'-distal orientation. The hybridized oligonucleotides are then extended by strand-directed polymerase, to produce labeled, extended oligonucleotides at positions of the array corresponding to sequence matches between the array oligonucleotides and analyte regions. The pattern of label in the array is used to analyze analyte sequence.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel cationic lipid acid salt of 3.beta.?N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl!cholesterol. This invention further discloses a transmembrane compatible body suitable for transfection of animals and animal cells with nucleotides such as DNA, RNA, and synthetic nucleotides. Such transmembrane compatible bodies arise from hydratable non-liposomal halogenated solvent-free lyophilate comprising 3.beta.?N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl!cholesterol and DOPE. This invention yet further discloses a halogenated solvent-free aqueous solution, suitable for lyophilization into a preliposomal powder, wherein the solution comprises 3.beta.?N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl!cholesterol wherein substantially all 3.beta.?N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl!cholesterol is dissolved.

Abstract: A lipoxin transport system which mediates uptake of lipoxin by cells is disclosed. Lipoxin transport into cells by the lipoxin transport system is inhibitable by 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid (DISA), pentachlorophenol (PCP), .alpha.-cyano-.beta.-(1-phenylindol-3-yl)acrylic acid (UK-5099), mersalyl and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate (pHMB). The invention provides methods for identifying inducers, enhancers and inhibitors of the lipoxin transport system. The invention further provides methods for inducing, enhancing or inhibiting lipoxin transport by the lipoxin transport system. Methods for identifying molecules which are transported by the lipoxin transport system, including lipoxin analogs, are also disclosed. Modulation of physiological responses by modulation of lipoxin transport into cells by the lipoxin transport system of the invention are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and noncardiovascular inflammatory diseases that are mediated by VCAM-1 is provided that includes the removal, decrease in the concentration of, or prevention of the formation of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, or interferes with a complex formed between a polyunsaturated fatty acid or an oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of VCAM-1. A method is also provided for suppressing the expression of a redox-sensitive gene or activating a gene that is suppressed through a redox-sensitive pathway, that includes administering an effective amount of a substance that prevents the oxidation of the oxidized signal, and typically, the oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, or interferes with a complex formed between the oxidized signal and a protein or peptide that mediates the expression of the redox gene.

Abstract: Provided are a method of determining the amount of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which comprises measuring the amount of cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicron (CM) in a sample in the presence of a sugar compound and/or a protein solubilizing agent, and calculating the difference between the amount of cholesterol in LDL, VLDL and CM and the total amount of cholesterol in the sample, and a method of determining the amount of cholesterol in HDL, which comprises measuring the amount of cholesterol in HDL in a sample in the presence of a sugar compound and/or a protein solubilizing agent.

Abstract: A method for determination of activity of a cholesterol oxidase comprises the following steps. A monomolecule film comprising a sterol and a phospholipid is formed on a surface of a cholesterol oxidase solution. Subsequently, a surface pressure of the monomolecule film is measured in order to find a rate of increase in the surface pressure of the monomolecule film where a magnitude of the activity of the cholesterol oxidase is defined by the rate of increase in the surface pressure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions useful for transfecting eukaryotic cells comprising nucleic acid complexes with peptides, proteins or protein fragments, wherein the peptide is optionally covalently coupled to a DNA-binding group, and cationic lipids useful for transfecting eukaryotic cells. Methods for the preparation of transfecting compositions and use as intracellular delivery agents and extracellular targeting agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which an organic sample (e.g., a foodstuff, tissue sample or petroleum product) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths which are absorbed by fatty acid and fatty acid oxidation products in the sample. Measurements of the intensity of reflected or absorbed light at such wavelengths are taken, and a analysis of absorbance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios are correlated with the oxidative state of fatty acids present in the material.

Abstract: A single-phase method for quantitatively measuring the anionic surfactant content of an aqueous machining fluid is provided. The method is carried out at a pH value of from about 1.5 to about 3.0 and from about 9.5 to about 10.6 and involves the addition of an excess of a standardized aqueous solution of 1,3-didecyl-2-methylimidazolium chloride to the sample of aqueous machining fluid and then back titrating the excess 1,3-didecyl-2-methylimidazolium chloride with a standardized aqueous solution of polyvinylsulfuric acid potassium salt in the presence of toluidine blue indicator. Values of the amount of 1,3-didecyl-2-methylimidazolium chloride amount corresponding to anionic surfactant concentration are produced by conducting the method using a series of standard aqueous solutions containing anionic surfactant at known concentrations.

Abstract: A method of assessing the mixed lipid transport properties of a drug is provided. The method includes providing a mixed lipid composition which incorporates a drug in colloidal particles, applying the particles to a size exclusion chromatography column, eluting free drug and drug incorporated into mixed lipid particles from the column, and determining the elution profiles of the free drug and the drug incorporated into mixed lipid particles. Drugs which elute with the mixed lipid particles are considered to have stable transport properties when incorporated into the mixed lipid particles.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein capitalize on the ability of DNA Structure Specific Recognition Proteins (SSRPs) to bind to genomic lesions formed by chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cisplatin-type agents. Methods are provided for predicting whether an agent that damages DNA will also be cytotoxic, and for predicting whether particular eukaryotic cells will be susceptible to killing by a genotoxic drug. A screening method is provided for identifying new genotoxic drugs that produce SSRP-recognized lesions in DNA. Methods also are provided for sensitizing particular eukaryotic cells to killing by chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cisplatin-type drugs.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the detection of hydrogen peroxide in biological fluids or an aqueous solution which involves contacting the solution with an oxidation-reduction indicator and a transition metal complex. The transition metal complex is either a creatinine coordinated with iron or a guanidine coordinated with iron.

Abstract: The in vivo oxidation of lipids and lipid-containing molecules has been discovered to be initiated by the concurrent reaction of such lipid materials with reducing sugars such as glucose, advanced glycosylation endproducts such as AGE-peptides, or a compound which forms advanced glycosylation endproducts, to form materials or particles known as AGE-lipids. AGE-lipids have been implicated in the aging process, the abnormal formation of lipofuscin and in various disease states such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. Diagnostic methods are contemplated, extending in utility from the detection of the onset and course of conditions in which variations in lipid oxidation, AGE-lipid levels, LDL levels, apolipoprotein levels, apolipoprotein receptor binding the like, may be measured, to drug discovery assays.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to assess oxidative stress in vivo by quantification of prostaglandin F.sub.2 -like compounds and their metabolites produced by a noncyclooxygenase free radical catalyzed mechanism.

Abstract: A method of noninvasive and in-vitro glucose and cholesterol concentration measurement employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is described. The measurement comprises a ratio formed by dividing the area of the resonance of the desired analyte, e.g., glucose or cholesterol, by the area of the water resonance in a spectrum of blood or tissue. In the in-vivo setting, the spectrum is obtained either in linkage with the pulsation of blood or by using a slice selection gradient such as that employed in the magnetic resonance imager. This measurement is then correlated to a traditional serum analyte concentration.

Abstract: Levuglandin (LG) derivatives are used as antigens for raising antibodies useful in diagnostic assays. The antibodies produced by LG-carrier protein adducts can be used to detect adducts of LGE.sub.2 with human low density lipoprotein (LDL). LGE.sub.2 -protein adduct immunoreactivity may be generated during in vitro free-radical oxidation of LDL. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting adducts of LGE.sub.2 with human LDL is also described.

Abstract: A method of detecting sphingosines and platelet activation is disclosed.