The present invention provides an alternative L-glutamate oxidase that allows for measurement of L-glutamate. More specifically, the present invention provides the following L-glutamate oxidase mutant (a) or (b) and the like: (a) an L-glutamate oxidase mutant including an amino acid sequence that has 90% or more identity to an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and exhibits an activity of oxidizing L-glutamate, except an L-glutamate oxidase including an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; or (b) an L-glutamate oxidase mutant comprising a peptide linker consisting of 1 to 20 amino acid residues which is inserted into one or more sites selected from the group consisting of (1) a site in a region proximity to a boundary between α1 and α2 regions, (2) a site in a region proximity to a boundary between α2 and γ regions and (3) a site in a region proximity to a boundary between γ and β regions in the L-glutamate oxidase mutant (a), and having the activity of oxidizing L-glutamate.

A quantitation method of ethanolamine phosphate capable of measuring trace amounts of ethanolamine phosphate, or oxidoreductase used for the quantitation method thereof, a quantitation composition, a quantitation kit, a sensor chip, or a sensor is provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a quantitation method of ethanolamine phosphate including allowing phosphatase to act on a sample to convert ethanolamine phosphate contained in the sample into ethanolamine, and allowing oxidoreductase to act on the ethanolamine is provided.

A quantitation method of ethanolamine phosphate capable of measuring trace amounts of ethanolamine phosphate, or oxidoreductase used for the quantitation method thereof, a quantitation composition, a quantitation kit, a sensor chip, or a sensor is provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a quantitation method of ethanolamine phosphate including allowing phosphatase to act on a sample to convert ethanolamine phosphate contained in the sample into ethanolamine, and allowing oxidoreductase to act on the ethanolamine is provided.

A method of treating breast cancer is described, in which a peptide having cancer selective translocation function-doxoribicin conjugate is administered. The conjugate includes doxorubicin chemically linked to the N-terminus or C-terminus of a VEGF-binding protein transduction domain (VPTD) peptide represented as SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the VPTD peptide and doxorubicin are linked to each other by a disulfide bond, and wherein the VPTD peptide binds specifically to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor cells or tumor tissues.

A method of treating breast cancer is described, in which a peptide having cancer selective translocation function-doxoribicin conjugate is administered. The conjugate includes doxorubicin chemically linked to the N-terminus or C-terminus of a VEGF-binding protein transduction domain (VPTD) peptide represented as SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the VPTD peptide and doxorubicin are linked to each other by a disulfide bond, and wherein the VPTD peptide binds specifically to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor cells or tumor tissues.

A device and method for the rapid on-site detection of inhibitors of enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase, is described wherein the device contains all reagents added to a sample pad containing dried releasable enzyme creating a reaction mixture wherein inhibitor deactivates the enzyme, while said reaction mixture travels via a longitudinal membrane to a distal porous pad containing a substrate for the enzyme. The reaction of the enzyme and the substrate results in a product that can generate a measurable signal such as color, fluorescence or luminescence to serve as a reporter. Signal that is generated at this reaction zone is inversely proportional to inhibitor concentration in the test sample. A device containing two such strips, one for a test sample, the other for a negative control fluid as an onboard comparator is described. A purpose-built reader or an illuminating device, such as, containing an incandescent light source, a diode, a UV light source or any other illumination source that is suitable for the reporter or mere visualization is used to determine the level of reporter.

A device and method for the rapid on-site detection of inhibitors of enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase, is described wherein the device contains all reagents added to a sample pad containing dried releasable enzyme creating a reaction mixture wherein inhibitor deactivates the enzyme, while said reaction mixture travels via a longitudinal membrane to a distal porous pad containing a substrate for the enzyme. The reaction of the enzyme and the substrate results in a product that can generate a measurable signal such as color, fluorescence or luminescence to serve as a reporter. Signal that is generated at this reaction zone is inversely proportional to inhibitor concentration in the test sample. A device containing two such strips, one for a test sample, the other for a negative control fluid as an onboard comparator is described. A purpose-built reader or an illuminating device, such as, containing an incandescent light source, a diode, a UV light source or any other illumination source that is suitable for the reporter or mere visualization is used to determine the level of reporter.

A culture system for culturing a microaerophilic or an anaerobic microorganism is provided. The culture system can include effective amounts of i) an enzyme of an oxidoreductase family and ii) a substrate for said enzyme, a container, and a predetermined volume of aqueous medium that supports growth of said anaerobic or microaerophilic microorganism. The enzyme can be selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid oxidase and laccase. The effective amounts are effective to deplete dissolved oxygen in the predetermined volume to a concentration that facilitates growth of a microaerophilic microorganism or an obligately-anaerobic microorganism. A method of using the system is also provided.

A culture system for culturing a microaerophilic or an anaerobic microorganism is provided. The culture system can include effective amounts of i) an enzyme of an oxidoreductase family and ii) a substrate for said enzyme, a container, and a predetermined volume of aqueous medium that supports growth of said anaerobic or microaerophilic microorganism. The enzyme can be selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid oxidase and laccase. The effective amounts are effective to deplete dissolved oxygen in the predetermined volume to a concentration that facilitates growth of a microaerophilic microorganism or an obligately-anaerobic microorganism. A method of using the system is also provided.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the risk and severity of C. difficile infection. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a restricted fraction of the gut microbiota, including the bacterium Clostridium scindens, contributes substantially to resistance against C. difficile infection. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this is achieved through the biosynthesis of secondary bile acids.