Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are disclosed. More specifically the present invention relates to the measurement of small molecules (metabolites) in human plasma that are found to have different abundances between persons with a clinical manifestation of ASD and subjects not expressing symptoms of ASD. Further, this invention relates to the monitoring of putative therapeutic strategies designed to ameliorate the biochemical abnormalities associated with ASD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing multiple sclerosis in a subject, a method for identifying whether a subject is in need for a therapy of multiple sclerosis or a method for determining whether a multiple sclerosis therapy is successful. Moreover, contributed is a method for diagnosing or predicting the risk of an active status of multiple sclerosis in a subject. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for the analysis of testosterone in a sample using supported liquid extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method of forming bilayers of amphipathic molecules uses droplets of aqueous solution in a hydrophobic medium such as oil. A layer of amphipathic molecules such as a lipid is formed around the surfaces of the droplets. This may be achieved by providing the lipid in the oil and leaving the droplets for a time sufficient to form the layer. The droplets are brought into contact with one another so that a bilayer of the amphipathic molecules is formed as an interface between the contacting droplets. The bilayers may be used for a wide range of studies. The technique has numerous advantages including providing a long lifetime for the bilayers, allowing study of small volumes and allowing the construction of chains and networks of droplets with bilayers in between to study complex systems.

Abstract: A method of analysis of lipoproteins according to the present invention comprises the steps of: separating a plurality of classes of lipoproteins contained in a subject sample by liquid chromatography and then detecting signals derived from components included in the separated lipoproteins; and assuming that the lipoproteins are constituted of subclasses estimated from component peaks comprising anchor peaks and extra essential peaks and then calculating an approximated curve corresponding to summation of the component peaks using the above described detected signals.

Abstract: Methods for accurately comparing the levels of ionizable lipids in two cell populations that differ in some respect from each other using mass spectroscopy and isotopic labeling are provided. The methods can be used to identify a change in a lipid of interest in response to a cellular, chemical, genetic, or environmental change to the cell population (i.e., a lipid response to a cell perturbation). The change in the lipid of interest can be a change in composition, rate of synthesis, and/or location of the lipid.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining an amount of an analyte in a test sample. The methods involve preparing a calibration curve using standard samples containing an isotopically-labeled standard in a biological matrix.

Abstract: Novel chemical compounds, with application in fluorometric analytical methods, for qualitative and quantitative determination of biomolecules. The aim of the invention is to identify and prove the suitability of such compounds. Said aim is achieved with compounds of formula (1) where R1 is an antenna function, R2 is a chelate forming agent, containing a coordinated lanthanide(III)ion, X is —OH or a group with affinity for the biomolecule, bonded to a carboxylate group of the chelate forming agent by means of an amide bond and Y is —H or a group with affinity for the biomolecule, coupled to the antenna function.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reliable and statistically significant method for predicting the likelihood of an onset of an inflammation associated organ failure from a biological sample of a mammalian subject in vitro, by means of a subject's quantitative metabolomics profile comprising a plurality of endogenous metabolites, and comparing it with a quantitative reference metabolomics profile of a plurality of endogenous organ failure predictive target metabolites in order to predict whether the subject is likely or unlikely to develop an organ failure. Furthermore, the invention relates to the usefulness of endogenous organ failure predictive target metabolites in such a method.

Abstract: A sample analyzer: measures a measurement sample including a sample and a reagent; creates a calibration curve based on first measurement data obtained by measuring a measurement standard sample including a standard sample and the reagent; provides calibration curve specifying information for specifying the calibration curve to the calibration curve; acquires an analysis result by processing second measurement data obtained by measuring the measurement sample based on the calibration curve; and stores the analysis result and the calibration curve specifying information provided to the calibration curve used in the process of the second measurement data in correspondence to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes, comprising determining a metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to have a predisposition for diabetes and comparing the metabolite to a reference to diagnose the, predisposition for diabetes. Moreover, the present invention encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising the data collection. The present invention also relates to a system comprising methods or devices for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium. Additionally, diagnostic methods or devices comprising a metabolite and its use for manufacture of the diagnostic method or device for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes are provided, along with a method for identifying diabetes-related metabolites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing diabetes or a predisposition thereof, comprising determining at least one metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to suffer from diabetes or to have a predisposition therefor and comparing the metabolite to a reference to diagnose diabetes or a predisposition therefor. The present invention further encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising the data collection. The present invention also relates to a system comprising methods or devices for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium. The present invention also encompasses diagnostic methods or devices comprising at least one metabolite and use of the metabolite for the manufacture of diagnostic methods and devices for diagnosing diabetes; and a method for identifying diabetes-related metabolites.

Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a chemical sensor, a digital to analog converter, and microcontroller formed therein. The chemical sensor detects the presence of a chemical and outputs an analog signal to the digital to analog converter. The analog to digital converter converts the analog signal to a digital signal. The analog to digital converter outputs the digital signal to the microcontroller. Microcontroller calculates a value of the concentration of the selected chemical.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: A method of screening an antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity in vitro, the method includes contacting the antioxidant with a model system containing a sterol superlattice formation capable of generating a detectable signal, wherein the detectable signal changes in a parameter representative of an integrity of the sterol superlattice formation; and detecting and/or measuring disruption of the sterol superlattice formation, wherein the disruption is caused by the insertion of the antioxidant into membranes and thereby screening the antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the diagnosis or prognosis of a systemic inflammatory condition such as sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lipid compound comprising at least one non-polar moiety and a polar moiety, wherein each or at least one non-polar moiety is of the formula X—Y—Z—, wherein X is a hydrocarbyl chain, Y is selected from at least one of S, Se, SO2, SO, and O, and Z is an optional hydrocarbyl group, wherein the polar moiety is of the formula —[C(O)]mPHG, wherein PHG is a polar head group, and wherein m is the number of non-polar moieties.

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: This invention is intended to evaluate the oil-and-fat amount in a seed and genetic changes thereof. A fusion protein of an oil body-specific protein, such as the oleosin-GFP fusion protein, and a fluorescent protein is expressed, and the oil-and-fat amount in a plant seed and changes thereof are evaluated based on the fluorescent intensity in a cotyledon of a fluorescent protein, such as GFP.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides isotopically substituted compounds of the formula (II): wherein T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, R0, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in the detailed description. The method for detection and quantification using the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention makes available, inter alia, methods and reagents for modulating smoothened-dependent pathway activation. In certain embodiments, the subject methods can be used to counteract the phenotypic effects of unwanted activation of a hedgehog pathway, such as resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function mutations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for detecting and/or screening for conditions associated with altered sterols by derivatization of sterols to provide suitable sensitivity and selectivity of detection using tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. Such testing may be performed to detect and/or screen for conditions such as Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, familial hypercholesterolaemia, and cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, or certain bile acid disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of DHA and EPA. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting DHA and EPA by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, NPC1L1 from various species. Methods of using the NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotide set forth herein, e.g., in screening assays, are also set forth.

Abstract: The present invention provides human, rat and mouse NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Also provided are methods for detecting agonists and antagonists of NPC1L1. Inhibitors of NPC1L1 can be used for inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption in a subject.

Abstract: Hydrophilic membrane particularly suited for blotting applications, preferably Western blotting. A pre-wet hydrophobic membrane substrate, preferably made of PVDF, is contacted with a monomer solution and subjected to a UV-initiated free radical polymerization step to render the substrate permanently hydrophilic. The resulting membrane exhibits low background fluorescence, high protein binding, excellent retention of protein sample spot morphology, and extended dynamic range (high signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced sample detectability). The membrane demonstrates comparable or higher performance in Western blotting applications than conventional nitrocellulose Western blotting membranes, particularly for protein detection at low sample concentrations, and is directly water-wettable, eliminating the need for an alcohol pre-wet step prior to use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing or monitoring multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to quality control of analytical assays, particularly NAT assays of blood samples containing nucleic acids. A control panel containing quantified amounts of substances known to interfere with an analytical assay is used and compared with a reference sample in the analytical assay. A comparison of the assay results interference panel validates the assay and can serve as a periodic quality control check for the analytical assay as well as related methods and protocols. The use of the control panel of the invention can also determine whether interfering substances are present and establish under what conditions the analytical assay reliable.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the application of lipidomics to statin treatment for disorders such as cardiovascular disorders. Hence, the invention provides, among other things, a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject following commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen. The invention further provides a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject before commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen.

Abstract: A diagnostic method using biomarkers to predict future adverse coronary events is provided. More particularly, the present invention is directed to diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention quantitates the presence of elevated levels of chlorinated lipids derived from myeloperoxidase as a prognostic indicator of future adverse coronary events.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: A method of detecting a cancer, such as ovarian cancer, in a test subject including (a) determining the amount of a lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine in a sample of a bodily fluid taken from the test subject, and (b) comparing the amount of the lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine in the sample of the bodily fluid taken from the test subject to a range of amounts of the lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine found in samples of the bodily fluid taken from a group of normal subjects of the same species as the test subject and lacking the cancer, such as ovarian cancer, whereby a change in the amount of the lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine in the sample of the bodily fluid from the test subject indicates the presence of the cancer, such as ovarian cancer.

Abstract: A highly sensitive fluid composition analyzer where a fluid may be placed in contact with a very small area on a material sensitized to change color in the presence of a specific type of compound, to be impinged with light. The light reflected, transmitted and/or scattered by the material may serve as input for the analyzer electronics. The fluid may be pre-concentrated prior to being brought in contact with the material. The area on the material may be a spot having an outside dimension of less than one millimeter.

Abstract: The discovery that apolipoprotein B exhibits spectral features in the mid IR spectrum that make it identifiable within blood serum leads to the invented use of a statistical correlation between a concentration of apolipoprotein-B (apoB) in a sample of blood serum and infrared spectral features of the blood serum sample to produce a test for apoB. A method for providing such a test, and tests produced by the method are taught.

Abstract: A composition for treating damaged tissue and promoting healthy tissue growth, healing and tissue regeneration, wherein said composition comprises an extracellular matrix compound, a surface-active lipid, one or more enantiomerically pure L-amino acids or glycine, a hydrophilic surfactant with a high HLB, as well as vitamins, minerals or trace elements. Not only does it maintain good health, but the components are non-intrusive, bio-safe, non-coalescent and can mimic normally occurring stem-cells within a body. When applied to diseased tissues, the subject compositions can stimulate, facilitate, and accelerate protein synthesis for the regeneration of diseased organs and tissues. The healing efficacy of these tissue components gives us further appreciation of the protective action of human tissue over and above and other than the immune protective system or perhaps an integral component part of the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production process of a gender-specific serum and a biomarker using the serum. More specifically, the present invention uses a fatty acid that exhibits a specific expression pattern in a gender-specific serum as a biomarker not only for diagnosis of obesity or a disease related to obesity, but also for diagnosis of meat quality since the fatty acid promotes differentiation of muscle derived stem cells into adipose cells. In addition, the present invention can establish a research system studying the effects of steroid hormones on the cell culture by using sera separated from blood that is collected from individual mammal carcasses being disposed, and provide important clues for discovering a gene associated with the synthesis of steroid hormone and for developing treatments for human diseases.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method and instrumentation system for analyzing noncovalently bonded agglomerated biological particles is described. The method and system comprises: a method of preparation for the biological particles; an electrospray generator; an alpha particle radiation source; a differential mobility analyzer; a particle counter; and data acquisition and analysis means. The medical device is useful for the assessment of human diseases, such as cardiac disease risk and hyperlipidemia, by rapid quantitative analysis of lipoprotein fraction densities. Initially, purification procedures are described to reduce an initial blood sample to an analytical input to the instrument. The measured sizes from the analytical sample are correlated with densities, resulting in a spectrum of lipoprotein densities. The lipoprotein density distribution can then be used to characterize cardiac and other lipid-related health risks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for predicting the risk of a substance exhibiting phospholipidosis inducing properties, the method including adding the substance to an anionic surfactant to form a mixture of the substance and the surfactant, and determining the effect of the substance on the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the anionic surfactant by determining the CMC of the mixture, whereby a decrease in the CMC as compared to the CMC of the surfactant prior to the addition of the substance is indicative of a risk of the substance exhibiting phospholipidosis inducing properties.

Abstract: When assessing the start time of the limulus reaction between biogenous biologically active substances and LAL and using the reaction start time to determine the concentration of the biogenous biologically active substances, in order to exclude the influence of progressive changes which occur regardless of the conditions of the limulus reaction, the strength of transmitted light or scattered light in the liquid mixture of the measurement sample and LAL is detected, the variation (delta) in the transmittance or number of gel particles is acquired at set intervals, and the time when the variation (delta) crosses a threshold value is taken as the reaction start time. Furthermore, the time intervals when acquiring the abovementioned delta are not uniform, and either change over time from the start of measurement as defined by a time function, or multiple sequences with differing time intervals are prepared in advance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent method for detection and diagnosis of familial combined hyperlipidemia. The present invention relates to a method for detection of familial combined hyperlipidemia by measuring the concentration of small, dense LDL cholesterol in a sample collected from a subject.

Abstract: Methods of assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease in a subject by detecting the level of at least one metabolite in a sample from the subject are disclosed herein. The level of the metabolite is indicative of the risk of cardiovascular disease in the subject. The metabolites may be acylcarnitines, amino acids, ketones, free fatty acids or hydroxybutyrate. The cardiovascular disease may be risk of a cardiovascular event, presence of coronary artery disease or risk of development of coronary artery disease.

Abstract: Methods for using TRL V6 as a biomarker for the modulation of triglyceride and/or lipoprotein metabolism in a mammal induced by a weight loss pharmaceutical agent. The biomarker may be used for determining if an individual patient will likely respond favorably to a given weight loss pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: An in-vitro non-invasive method for quantifying the lesions of the liver of the patient with metabolic steatosis addressing a diagnostic target, i.e. fibrosis, steatosis and/or steato-hepatitis (NASH) and measuring at least one marker selected from the group consisting of biomarkers and possibly clinical markers and possibly scores, the biomarkers being selected from the group consisting of glycemia, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST/ALT, AST.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating cancer in a subject, as well as related compositions and kits that employ a therapeutic agent, or a nucleic acid sequence encoding a therapeutic agent, selected from apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1) or biologically active fragment, an ApoA1 mimetic, an agent that increases expression of ApoA1, or a binding agent specific for oxidized ApoA1. In certain embodiments, the ApoA1 or ApoA1 mimetic is at least partially oxidation resistant.

Abstract: A method of analyzing vitamin E components in a lipoprotein by subjecting a lipoprotein-containing sample to ion exchange chromatography to separate the lipoprotein, reacting the separated lipoprotein to a pretreating solution containing an organic solvent and a surfactant to liberate vitamin E components, and then subjecting the liberated vitamin E components to reverse phase chromatography. Also described is a method of judging various pathological conditions such as the pathological conditions of diabetes, the risks of coronary artery diseases, and the pathological conditions of myocardial infarction using levels of vitamin E components in the lipoprotein as an index.

Abstract: A method for identifying the redox activity of a subject compound is disclosed. The method can be performed aerobically and can include forming a mixture comprising a free-radical precursor and a compound to be tested, and converting the free-radical precursor into a free-radical anion and a free-radical cation. After the free radical cation and the free radical anion have been formed, the relative redox activity of the subject compound may cause a difference in the rate of photo-bleaching of the mixture and/or the rate of superoxide generation. These differences can be quantified and used to identify the redox activity of the subject compound. This sensitive technique for measuring redox activity can be used to screen compounds for various biological applications. Drugs also can be developed based on the relationship between redox activity and biological activity for particular biological applications.

Abstract: Control and calibration solutions are described that provide control and calibration data that is recognized by a test meter allowing the meter to segregate the control and calibration data from regular test data. Recognition and segregation of the control and calibration data can occur automatically with no additional input from the meter's user. Methods for use of the solutions are also provided.