Abstract: A method is provided for determining the severity of appendicitis in a patient that includes testing a blood, serum or plasma sample from the patient for the quantity of MRP8/14 in the sample and comparing it with the quantity of MRP8/14 present in standard samples correlated with an appendicitis severity scoring system. A histologically-based appendicitis severity scoring system is also provided. Immunoassays and kits for performing the appendicitis assays of this invention are also provided, as are standard samples and data correlating MRP8/14 quantities present in patient samples to histologically-based appendicitis severity grades. The methods and immunoassay devices and kits of this invention are useful for managing the treatment of patients presenting with appendicitis symptoms.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing appendicitis in a patient that includes identifying at least one symptom of appendicitis in the patient and identifying the presence of at least one molecule differentially associated with appendicitis in a fluid or tissue sample of said patient. MRP-8/14 and haptoglobin are examples of molecules differentially associated with appendicitis. Devices and kits for performing the appendicitis assays of this invention are also provided. In one embodiment, the device is in a flow-through immunoassay format for testing blood samples. Further, methods for screening for molecules differentially associated with appendicitis are provided that include the use of samples from patients being operated on for suspected appendicitis.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a linear positioning device, including: a frame member; an electric motor disposed to selectively move axially back and forth in the frame member; carriage apparatus attached to the electric motor; and apparatus to guide the motor in axial movement and to prevent radial movement thereof. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a frame for a linear positioning device, including: a horizontal base plate; vertical end plates for attachment to ends of the base plate; the base plate including a first groove defined in the surface thereof for the mounting therein of a guide rail for a moving member; and the base plate is cut from an extrusion which includes the first groove, without the machining thereof. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided, in a linear positioning device, having the front end plate of an electric motor as an end plate of the device.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for mounting on a printed circuit board which includes at least a pair of mounting post-receiving holes and at least one solder tail-receiving aperture. The assembly includes a housing having at least a pair of mounting posts for positioning in the holes in the printed circuit board. At least one contact member is mounted on the housing and includes a solder tail for positioning in the aperture in the printed circuit board. The solder tail has a generally straight side and a projecting hook on an opposite side for retaining the connector assembly on the printed circuit board. The width of the solder tail between the straight side and the outermost point of the hook on the opposite side is no greater than the width of the aperture, and the centerline of the solder tail between its sides is offset, in the direction of the hook, relative to the centerline of the aperture when the mounting posts are aligned with the holes in the printed circuit board.