Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of collecting exosomes and microvesicles (EMV) from urine, isolating corresponding mRNA, and analyzing expression patterns in order to diagnose and treat various post-kidney transplant complications. In particular, annexin1 mRNA expression patterns are analyzed through a unique diagnostic formula.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of collecting exosomes and microvesicles (EMV) from urine and isolating corresponding mRNA in order to diagnose and treat acute kidney injury (AKI). In particular, certain embodiments relate to the method of capturing EMV from urine applied to a filter device that is capable of capturing EMV. Nucleic acids such as mRNA can be isolated from the EMV using an oligo(dT)-coated plate designed to accommodate the filter device and then used for further molecular analysis. Quantification of the collected nucleic acids may then be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of IBD.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of collecting cervical-vaginal fluid exosomes and microvesicles and isolating corresponding mRNA. In particular, certain embodiments relate to the method of collecting the cervical-vaginal fluids with a tampon and releasing the cells, exosomes and microvesicles using excess buffer and a syringe or syringe-like device. The resulting expunged fluid can be applied to a filter device that is capable of capturing exosomes and microvesicles. Nucleic acids such as mRNA can be isolated from the cervical-vaginal fluid exosome and microvesicles using an oligo(dT)-coated plate designed to accommodate the filter device and then used for further molecular analysis. Quantification of the collected nucleic acids may then be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of gynecological diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the capture or isolation of a biomarker from a biological sample. In several embodiments, the device comprises a loading region, a filter material, and a receiving region. In particular, in several embodiments, biological fluid is passed from the loading region through the filter material and into the receiving region, thereby resulting in capture or isolation of a biomarker.

Abstract: Methods of screening for expression of an RNA associated with a post-kidney transplant complication include collecting vesicles from urine, isolating vesicle-associated RNA, and analyzing expression patterns. In particular, AIF1, BTN3A3, CCL5, CD48, HAVCR1, or SLC6A6 mRNA expression patterns are analyzed.

Abstract: A method of amplifying a nucleic acid includes combining a first linear primer with a polymerase and a circular probe. The circular probe contains at least one antisense sequence to a second nucleic acid sequence and at least one antisense sequence to the first linear primer. The method also includes producing at least one repeat of an antisense copy of the circular probe by rolling circle amplification. The antisense copy contains at least the second nucleic acid sequence. The method further includes generating more than one second linear primers from each copy of the second nucleic acid sequence; and hybridizing the second linear primers to more than one of the circular probes. A ribbon probe includes a circular probe and a lock probe. The lock probe contains at least a cleavable linker, and the circular probe and the lock probe are unable to dissociate without cleaving the cleavable linker.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, device kits, and systems for improved quantification of mRNA from whole blood. More particularly, the devices and kites related thereto are useful for the controlled and repeatable ex vivo stimulation of whole blood.

Abstract: A culturing method includes culturing a sample having one or more species of target pathogens of a detection assay and competing microorganisms under oxygen-poor condition in a growth medium. The growth medium can be a non-selective medium. The oxygen-poor condition is effective to prevent competing microorganisms from suppressing growth of the target pathogens. This method can be used in combination with a sample preparation method for large volume particulate samples using highly porous filter material and porous spherical filter aid.

Abstract: Methods for selectively detecting a live pathogen in a sample containing live and dead pathogens, without detecting the dead pathogen are disclosed. Such methods may include: (i) immobilizing at least a portion of the live and dead pathogens on a solid support with a physical barrier; (ii) incubating the solid support in a growth medium, where the live pathogen can multiply and the multiplied pathogen move from the solid support to a supernatant of the growth medium; and (iii) detecting the multiplied pathogen in the supernatant by a pathogen assay.

Abstract: Methods and filter systems for detecting microorganisms in a sample, such as a food sample, are disclosed. The filter is configured to attract the microorganism, for example by electrostatic charge. The filter containing the microorganism is incubated to grow the microorganism so that it may be detected. The filter may be degradable and the detection may involve extracting the microorganism or the molecular marker of the microorganism from the filter for detection. The filter system may also include a porous microbead component selected to trap dirt and other contaminants from the sample while allowing the microorganisms to pass among the microbeads. Methods are disclosed for detecting microorganisms in samples using the filter systems described. The methods may also include adding a polymer and/or a microorganism detection reagent to the filter to localize microorganism growth and prevent evaporation of reagents.

Abstract: The present invention comprises detection probes utilizing vesicles or soluble bodies to retain multiple mass tag molecules. The detection probes may be used to simultaneously assay a plurality of different biological samples, each comprising a plurality of analytes, by immobilizing the analytes from each of the samples on a surface incubating the surface with a set of the detection probes, each having mass tag molecules with different masses, removing the unbound detection probe, collecting the first and second mass tag molecules from the bound detection probe, and quantifying the first and second mass tag molecules collected.

Abstract: A method of amplifying a nucleic acid is provided which comprises: generating a first nucleic acid primer from a first nucleic acid sequence; combining the first nucleic acid primer with a first polymerase and a first circular nucleic acid probe, wherein the first circular nucleic acid probe contains at least one antisense sequence to a second nucleic acid sequence and at least one antisense sequence to the first nucleic acid primer; producing at least one repeat of a sequence copy of the first circular nucleic acid probe by rolling circle amplification using the first polymerase, wherein the sequence copy contains at least the second nucleic acid sequence; generating a second nucleic acid primer from the second nucleic acid sequence; combining the second nucleic acid primer with a second polymerase and a second circular nucleic acid probe, where the second circular nucleic acid probe contains at least one antisense sequence to the second nucleic acid primer; and producing at least one repeat of a sequence co

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concentrating dilute biomolecules in samples using electrophoresis are described. The method involves using the charged nature of the biomolecules to localize them to a microspot containing a dialysis membrane. The method and apparatus may also be used for identifying the presence of a biomolecule in a mixture or to quantitate the amount of a specific biomolecule in a mixture. The method and apparatus may also be used to produce a high throughput method for analysis and quantitation of a sample containing biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention comprises detection probes utilizing vesicles or soluble bodies to retain multiple mass tag molecules. The detection probes may be used to simultaneously assay a plurality of different biological samples, each comprising a plurality of analytes, by immobilizing the analytes from each of the samples on a surface incubating the surface with a set of the detection probes, each having mass tag molecules with different masses, removing the unbound detection probe, collecting the first and second mass tag molecules from the bound detection probe, and quantifying the first and second mass tag molecules collected.

Abstract: Abnormality can be judged accurately by considering information other than a sensor-detected value. Determination of an abnormality degree, namely an urgency degree, is enabled, and an abnormality can be processed accurately according to the determined result. Only information really useful is given to the side of an administrator, and the communications cost is suppressed. Server unit 11 of manufacturer 10 judges the abnormality degree of a construction machine on the basis of a combination of all or two of first to third construction machine information D1, D2, D3 collected. The server unit 11 of the manufacturer 10 ranks the abnormality degree of the construction machine in respective levels of Rank 1 (Normal), Rank 2 (Warning), Rank 3 (Abnormal) and Rank 4 (Emergency) on the basis of the number of occurred times of error codes collected for the unit time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concentrating dilute biomolecules in samples using electrophoresis are described. The method involves using the charged nature of the biomolecules to localize them to a microspot containing a dialysis membrane. The method and apparatus may also be used for identifying the presence of a biomolecule in a mixture or to quantitate the amount of a specific biomolecule in a mixture. The method and apparatus may also be used to produce a high throughput method for analysis and quantitation of a sample containing biomolecules.

Abstract: A life estimation device which numerically measures the damage to a machine such as an engine accurately to estimate, the life of the machine accurately without requiring skill. A load map (B) of the two-dimensional distribution of the operation parameters of an engine is made. In accordance with the weighted integration time &agr;i·ki at each level (Bi) of the load map (B), the actual damage &dgr;=&Sgr;&agr;i·ki to the engine for a certain lapse of time &tgr; is calculated. By operating the engine beforehand, a correspondence relation L2 between the magnitude of the damage &dgr; and the life H is predetermined. The life H1 corresponding to the calculated actual damage &dgr;1 is determined in accordance with the predetermined correspondence relation L2 and the H1 is outputted as the estimated life of the engine.

Abstract: Either a specified point Q or a specified area Ar, at which an operating condition of a vehicle becomes a specified operating condition, is set beforehand from among points or areas on a travel route along which a vehicle travels. Then, an operating parameter P of a point in time ts1, ts2, ts3, ts4 . . . , tsn, at which a vehicle passes either a specified point Q or a specified area Ar, is obtained. Then, a vehicle abnormality is diagnosed on the basis of the values of these obtained operating parameters P (maximum values Pmax).

Abstract: Abnormality can be judged accurately by considering information other than a sensor-detected value. Determination of an abnormality degree, namely an urgency degree, is enabled, and an abnormality can be processed accurately according to the determined result. Only information really useful is given to the side of an administrator, and the communications cost is suppressed. Server unit 11 of manufacturer 10 judges the abnormality degree of a construction machine on the basis of a combination of all or two of first to third construction machine information D1, D2, D3 collected. The server unit 11 of the manufacturer 10 ranks the abnormality degree of the construction machine in respective levels of Rank 1 (Normal), Rank 2 (Warning), Rank 3 (Abnormal) and Rank 4 (Emergency) on the basis of the number of occurred times of error codes collected for the unit time.

Abstract: A cutting device for performing a cutting operation, which can reduce wasteful cutting, can easily perform an accurate and neat cutting, and can have a long service life. The cutting device includes a guide supporting member, mounted to a distal end of a working machine on a self-propelled working vehicle in such a manner as to be freely swingable; a guide element, horizontally supported by the guide supporting member; a cutter, mounted to the guide element; a first movement device, for moving the cutter with respect to the guide element; and a second movement device, for moving the cutter in a direction along the guide element. A vibration preventing system can be included. Since the cutter vertically moves at a time of entering, a cutting can be efficiently performed with no wasteful cutting; and since vibration is reduced, the service life is extended.