Abstract: Disclosed are serum biomarkers for diagnosing liver fibrosis and methods for measuring the same. The serum biomarkers obtained from human serum include alpha2-macroglobulin (“A2M”), vitamin D binding protein (“VDBP”), apolipoprotein AI (“ApoAI”). The methods involve with immunoassay using specific antibodies to detect the biomarkers, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (“ELISA”), radio immune assay (“RIA”) and flexible multi-analyte profiling (“xMAP”). ELISA, RIA or xMAP is used to measure changes of protein concentration for the specific protein biomarkers in serum for diagnosing liver fibrosis with suffering hepatitis B or C or other liver diseases. The measurement is safe and accurate. The method can be used before and after treatment of liver fibrosis. Thus, it is possible to achieve early diagnosis and treatment advocated in the preventive medicine.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel synthetic blocking reagents for the reduction of non-specific bindings in solid phase assays that rely on biological and specific recognition, e.g., in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The invention provides the use of compounds as blocking reagents as well as kits comprising these compounds. The compounds comprise one or more poly(ethylene glycol) moieties, one or more alkyl- or aminoalkyl groups and another unit bridging the aforementioned groups, wherein the compound comprises at least one amino group.

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: A method for quantitatively determining cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein in a sample, which comprises: reacting a sample with i) cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase or ii) cholesterol esterase, an oxidized coenzyme and cholesterol dehydrogenase in an aqueous medium comprising i) nonionic surfactant, polyanion and albumin or ii) a combination of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene alkylamine or polyoxyethylene alkenylamine and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene polycyclic phenyl ether sulfate and an anionic bile acid derivative, and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide or a reduced coenzyme; and a reagent used therefor.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods, mixtures, kits and/or compositions for the determination of analytes by mass analysis using unique labeling reagents or sets of unique labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can be isomeric or isobaric and can be used to produce mixtures suitable for multiplex analysis of the labeled analytes.

Abstract: One subject of the present invention is a transparent solid support coated with at least one layer of metal and with at least one layer of transparent conductive oxide (TCO), especially tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) in order to form a solid support that can be used at the same time or independently for detection by SPR and by an electrochemical method. The invention comprises a process for producing such supports, especially by cathode sputtering using a device comprising a radiofrequency (RF) generator, this device also being included in the invention. Another subject of the invention is a kit and a method for detection or identification of an organic or mineral compound by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or electrochemical plasmon resonance comprising or using such supports.

Abstract: Methods of measuring and/or detecting biological targets, methods of distinguishing among the same type of biological target, single-molecule detection systems, fluorescent/biological target complexes, methods of using fluorescent/biological target complexes, and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring a patient that includes: 1) a blood test that measures an Apo E genotype or a derivative thereof from the patient to generate Apo B information; 2) a database that receives and stores the patient's Apo E information; and 3) an Internet-based system connected to the database and configured to process the Apo E information with an algorithm that, in response, generates a diet and treatment plan for the patient.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of diagnosing early stage renal impairment in humans, characterized by the following steps: measuring the amount of apoA-IV in a body liquid or tissue sample of a human, and comparing the measured amount of apoA-IV with a reference value.

Abstract: Particles are exhaled in the breath of animals. The nature and amounts of the particles can be indicative of certain medical conditions. They can therefore be collected, sorted according to size or mass and used in the diagnosis of one or more medical conditions. The invention provides a method and system for collecting and sorting exhaled particles and a method for diagnosis using said exhaled particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic tests, methods and kits that are useful to assess a subject's risk of developing a pathologic condition related in part to the presence of HDL oxidation product. Measuring the quantity of one or more HDL oxidation products present in the blood is useful in evaluating risk for developing or evaluating the severity of a disease or evaluating response to treatment for such a disease as, for instance, cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve the purpose of determining the fat or oil content of a sample. The sample is dried under the action of a microwave field and is examined under the action of a radio-frequency signal and of a constant magnetic field by means of nuclear magnetic resonance. The sample is exposed to the microwave field, the radio-frequency signal and the magnetic field at the same measuring place in a common measuring chamber. The apparatus has a microwave source for drying the sample, a magnetic system for generating a nuclear magnetic resonance magnetic field in the sample, and a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring arrangement for irradiating radio-frequency signals into the sample and for receiving excited nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the sample. The microwave source, the magnetic system and the nuclear magnetic resonance measuring arrangement are connected to a common measuring chamber in which the sample is located.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to fluorogenic schiff base-forming dyes capable of detecting analytes containing aldehyde and ketone groups. The dyes contain nucleophilic hydrazinyl appendages and are capable of binding and detecting analytes in situ.

Abstract: A method of screening an antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity in vitro, the method includes contacting the antioxidant with a model system comprising 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 oxidation of sterol upon contacting sterol with a prooxidant and the antioxidant and thereby screening the antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity.

Abstract: A group of water-soluble salophene-lanthanide complexes and other salophene-metal complexes are useful for purposes including: (i) detecting neutral carbohydrates at physiologically-relevant pH, (ii) the selective detection of gangliosides, and (iii) the selective detection of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in the presence of phosphatidic acid. The selective detection of LPA is useful in diagnosing ovarian and other cancers.

Abstract: The instant invention is drawn to methods and compositions useful for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in a mammal. The methods utilize biomarkers including prostanoid metabolites and isoprostanes as sensitive and stable markers of cardiovascular risk. The methods are particularly useful in a mammal that is contemplating undergoing coxib therapy, is undergoing coxib therapy, is undergoing antioxidant therapy, has ceased coxib therapy or has never undergone coxib therapy. The invention also includes kits useful for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in a mammal.

Abstract: There is a need to develop a treatment for metabolic syndrome, which is directed to maintaining healthy liver metabolism and not indirectly through weight loss. The present invention provides a composition comprising whey protein for supporting and improving liver metabolism, especially in connection with fatty liver. The composition can further comprise Ca and health improving components such as probiotics and prebiotics. The composition can be in the form of food, health food, food supplement or drugs. Furthermore, due to the complexity of choice of a valid biomarker and sample matrix, there is a special need to find out specific biomarkers for fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. This invention also relates to a diagnostic method for determining fatty liver on the basis of metabolomic profiling. Statistical modelling methods are used on the metabolomic profiles to identify the biomarkers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of isolating, purifying, analyzing and/or detecting, functionalized macromolecules, e.g., peptides, phosphopeptides, polypeptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, or phospholipids in a sample, e.g., a biological mixture, using solid phase extraction with an alumina sorbent packed in a micro-elution plate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for easily forming an artificial lipid membrane in a short period of time and an artificial lipid membrane forming apparatus suitable for carrying out such method. The present invention relates to a method for forming an artificial lipid membrane using an artificial lipid membrane forming apparatus. The apparatus comprises a substrate, a first spacer, a first thin film, a second spacer, a second thin film, and a cover, wherein a first chamber is formed between the substrate and the first thin film, the first thin film has a first through hole, a second chamber is formed between the first thin film and the second thin film, the second thin film has a second through hole, and the cover has an inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the determination of intra- or intermolecular interaction between molecules in aqueous solution, said method comprising the steps of: (a) determining the dehydration (?Gdehydration) of all atoms in the intermolecular interface, (b) adding the vacuum hydrogen bond energy (?H-bond), and (c) further adding the change in the free enthalpy of the interacting partners upon their interaction. The obtained results can be used for the prediction if and to what extent two molecules of various origin fit to each other.

Abstract: A method for predicting treatment response of a type II diabetes patient to rosiglitazone is provided. The method involves at least one sample from a patient having type II diabetes and analyzing biomarkers predictive of a patient who will respond to treatment with rosiglitazone. The biomarkers include, at least, interleukin-8, histidine, citrate. These biomarkers are identified in at least one classification analyses selected from the group consisting of a majority-vote based classifier and support-vector machine (SVM) classifier. Also provided is a method for predicting treatment response of a type II diabetes patient to glyburide at 8 weeks post-initiation of therapy. The method involves obtaining a sample from a type II diabetes patient who has been treated with glyburide for about 4 weeks and analyzing biomarkers predictive of a patient who will respond to treatment with glyburide at 8 weeks. The biomarkers useful in this method include, at least, sphingomyelin 23:1 and L-phenylalanine.

Abstract: A blood specimen dispenser is provided which dispenses a precise amount of collected blood from a blood specimen collector onto filter paper or the like for screening or evaluation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for evaluating the potential or activity of a test compound to induce phospholipidosis in a target subject, for managing patient treatment, and for diagnosing a lysosomal storage disorder in a human subject.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, devices and kits for the mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) of proteins present in complex biological fluids or extracts. Pipettor tips containing porous solid supports that are covalently derivatized with affinity ligand and used to extract specific proteins and their variants from various biological fluids. Nonspecifically bound compounds are rinsed from the extraction devices using a series of buffer and water rinses, after which the wild type protein (and/or its variants) are eluted directly onto a target in preparation for analysis such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Mass spectrometry of the eluted sample then follows with the retained proteins identified via accurate molecular mass determination.

Abstract: A mass spectrometric method for determining the position of unsaturation in a compound is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the functionalized cyanine dyes and more particularly, to the synthesis of chiral 3-substituted 2,3?-dimethyl-3H-indole and its derivatives as intermediates for preparation of cyanine dyes, to methods of preparing these dyes and the dyes so prepared.

Abstract: The subject application provides for an emulsion comprising an amount of a perfluorocarbon liquid dispersed as particles within, a continuous liquid phase, wherein the dispersed particles have a monomodal particle size distribution and uses thereof. The subject application also provides for a method of manufacturing a perfluorocarbon emulsion, a process for preparing a pharmaceutical product containing a PFC emulsion and a process for validating a batch of an emulsion for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: A method of estimating the amount of unreacted starting materials (glycerides, methyl esters, etc.) and the composition of a biodiesel using TLC in conjunction with a lipophilic dye, Nile Red is described herein. The dye based TLC method of the present invention is convenient and provides significant advantages over existing methods for estimating the purity of a biodiesel composition.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and simple method for fractional measurement of small particle low density lipoprotein (LDL). The method for quantifying small particle LDL in a test sample entails a first step of separating the small particle LDL from other low density lipoproteins, and a second step of measuring cholesterol, triglycerides or proteins in the separated small particle LDL.

Abstract: A device for biochemical processing and analysis of a measured sample volume of a sample is described. The device is characterised in that it consists of a sealed vessel (1) and that it comprises at least one thin pierceable membrane (2) through which a capillary tube (3) containing said measured sample volume of a sample can pass into said sealed vessel (1). Said sealed vessel (1) further contains at least one biochemically reactive substance (4) and a liquid (6). A method, wherein the device according to the invention is used for analysis, is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stabilizing a biological sample, having the steps of preparation of a biological sample, and of contacting the biological sample with a composition, having a substance according to the following structural formula: in which R1 is a hydrogen residue or a methyl residue, R2 and R3 are identical or different hydrocarbon residues with a length of the carbon chain of 1-20, and R4 is an oxygen, sulfur or selenium residue (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method of determining whether an animal has ingested a plant of interest is provided. The method includes screening the animal for the presence of at least one indicator of a plant of interest.

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: The embodiments of the invention relate to a device having a first substrate comprising a transistor; a second substrate; an insulating layer in between and adjoining the first and second substrates; and an opening within the second substrate, the opening being aligned with the transistor; wherein the transistor is configured to detect an electrical charge change within the opening. Other embodiments relate to a method including providing a substrate comprising a first part, a second part, and an insulating layer in between and adjoining the first and second parts; fabricating a transistor on the first part; and fabricating an opening within the second part, the opening being aligned with the transistor; wherein the transistor is configured to detect an electrical charge change within the opening.

Abstract: The nutritional quality of milk lipids is determined by a method for predicting percentages of minor fatty acids in milk. A database is created by correlating known fatty acid profiles of reference milk samples obtained by gas phase chromatography to mid-infrared spectra to obtain calibrations, wherein the calibrations vary in accuracy from one fatty acid to another. The determination of a milk fatty acid profile to be analyzed through infrared treatment is limited to some fatty acids with a satisfactory calibration. Equations to predict the percentages of minor fatty acids are developed using correlations of fatty acids with satisfactory calibrations.

Abstract: A perfluoroctanoic acid or a salt or an ester thereof; perfluorosuberic acid, perfluoroheptanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluoropentanoic acid, perfluorobutanoic acid or perfluoropropionic acid or a salt or an ester any thereof; or perfluoroctane are useful in treating diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperlipidaemia, cancer, inflammation or other conditions in which modulation of lipid or eicosanoid status or function may be desirable.

Abstract: An assay device and method for measuring the concentration of HDL-associated cholesterol in a blood-fluid sample are described. The assay design prevents interference by reagents used for such removal with the HDL quantification reaction or with other assays carried out on the same sample. If desired, removal of non-HDL lipoproteins and assay of HDL cholesterol can be carried out without interruption of the assay.

Abstract: Procedure for the quantitative determination of interactions of ligands with receptors adsorbed or immobilized on the surface of a solid material which can be functionalized, transparent and with low refractive index, by direct measure of the reflection of light.

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: Methods, computer program products and apparatus determine a subject's risk of having or developing CHD using a calculated LDL particle risk number and/or a mathematical model of risk associated with LDL particles that adjusts concentrations of at least one of small and large LDL particle measurements to reflect predicted CHD risk.

Abstract: The food astringency evaluating method of the invention comprises a step in which an astringent component of a food is reacted with a peptide to form a complex, a step in which a prescribed measured value is obtained corresponding to the amount of formation of the complex, and a step in which the strength of astringency is determined from the obtained measured value based on a previously obtained correlation between strength of astringency and the prescribed measured value.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates methods for analyzing agricultural and/or environmental samples using liquid bridges. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for analyzing an agricultural sample for a desired trait including obtaining a gene or gene product from an agricultural sample, in which the gene or gene product is in a first fluid; providing a liquid bridge for mixing the gene or gene product with at least one reagent to form a mixed droplet that is wrapped in an immiscible second fluid; and analyzing the mixed droplet to detect a desired trait of the agricultural sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject. SIBO-caused conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, impaired mentation, impaired memory, halitosis, tinnitus, sugar craving, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, drug sensitivity, an autoimmune disease, and Crohn's disease. Also disclosed are a method of screening for the abnormally likely presence of SIBO in a human subject and a method of detecting SIBO in a human subject. A method of determining the relative severity of SIBO or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject, in whom small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been detected, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nano-sniffer is provided for detecting chemicals and/or releasing chemicals based on detection of a chemical. The nano-sniffer may be less than about 150 nanometers in size. The nano-sniffer may be a passive, active, or semi-passive nano-sniffer. The nano-sniffer may be distributed to a subjects such as a human or animal or products, for example. The nano-sniffer may include a nano RFID component, including nano antennae that may comprise one or more carbon tubes. The nano-sniffer may include a nano battery. The nano-sniffer may include an environmentally reactive shell that reacts to its immediate environment to affix or adhere to a subject. The nano-sniffer may be constructed for direct or indirect distribution techniques such as by airborne techniques for inhalation, consumption distribution for ingestion, and contact distribution, for example.

Abstract: An assay device and method for measuring the concentration of LDL-associated cholesterol in a blood-fluid sample are described. The method employs selective precipitation of VLDL and chylomicrons and immunoseparation of HDL from a blood fluid sample. The assay device allows the assay to be performed entirely in a flow strip format.

Abstract: A method, kit and probe for detecting the presence of a phospholipid, such as phosphatidylserine, in a biological material is provided. A binding agent including lactadherin, a fragment of lactadherin, a functional equivalent of lactadherin, or a functional equivalent of a fragment of lactadherin, is used to detect the presence of any phospholipid.

Abstract: Novel methods for assessing the state of a diabetic condition of a subject are described, comprising determining the amount of a metabolite in a sample from a body fluid or tissue of the subject. The methods may be used, for example, in diagnosing and monitoring insulin resistance, prediabetes, or the response to a drug which alters a diabetic condition.

Abstract: Provided are efficient, cost-effective and water tolerant methods (e.g., single-vial methods) for preparing fatty acid esters from organic matter, comprising: obtaining organic matter comprising at least one fat substituent, contacting the organic matter in a reaction mixture with a basic solution under conditions suitable to provide for hydrolytic release of monomeric fatty acids from the at least one fat substituent to provide a base-treated reaction mixture, and esterifying the monomeric fatty acids of the base-treated reaction mixture by acidification of the reaction mixture and treating in the presence of an organic alcohol to provide fatty acid esters. The methods optionally further comprise, prior to esterifying, neutralizing the base-treated reaction mixture to provide for neutralized fatty acids, separating the neutralized fatty acids from the neutralized reaction mixture, and dissolving the separated fatty acids in the esterification reaction mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assessing the risk of a cardiovascular disease and/or for diagnosing dyslipidemia in a patient, said method comprising: a) isolating in a blood sample obtained from said patient the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction or a subfraction thereof; and b) measuring in said HDL fraction or subfraction thereof the concentration of one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate (S1P), sphingomyelin (SM) and Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-1).