Abstract: A device for carrying out a lateral flow assay on a sample comprising: (a) a sample containing unit comprising a sample container, said sample container being closed off at one end by a bottom wall, said bottom wall having a hole sealed by a plug; and (b) a housing located under said sample container and capable of holding a test strip, said sample containing unit and said housing being coupled so as to allow rotation one relative to the other, said housing comprising a cutting arrangement capable of cutting said plug; wherein rotation of said sample containing unit and said housing one relative to the other results in said cutting arrangement cutting said plug, thereby unplugging the hole in said bottom wall. Also disclosed is a method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample, using the device.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a lateral flow assay on a sample comprising: (a) a sample containing unit comprising a sample container, said sample container being closed off at one end by a bottom wall, said bottom wall having a hole sealed by a plug; and (b) a housing located under said sample container and capable of holding a test strip, said sample containing unit and said housing being coupled so as to allow rotation one relative to the other, said housing comprising a cutting arrangement capable of cutting said plug; wherein rotation of said sample containing unit and said housing one relative to the other results in said cutting arrangement cutting said plug, thereby unplugging the hole in said bottom wall. Also disclosed is a method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample, using the device.

Abstract: A device, system and method for portable fluorescence detection. The portable device of the present invention features a low power light, in which a wavelength range is defined as at least one wavelength of light. The light source is preferably highly energy efficient, such that a majority of the electrical power which is consumed is then converted into transmitted light. The emitted light from the excited fluorophore is then preferably detected with any low cost and low power photodetector. Although optionally a highly sensitive optical detector may be used, preferably fluorescence is detected with any light sensing device, such as a regular photodiode or a CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an effective ingredient an oligopeptide identical or analogous to the C-terminal portion of OGP, having stimulatory activity on the production of hematopoietic cells. Preferred oligopeptides that are used are Tyr-Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly, Tyr-Gly-Phe-His-Gly, Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly or Met-Tyr-Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly. More specifically, these oligopeptides enhance the engraftment of bone marrow transplants, hemopoietic reconstruction, bone marrow re-population and peripheral stem cell mobilization, preferably after chemotherapy or irradiation. The invention further provides methods of treatment and for using these oligopeptides in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to biochemically pure oligopeptides having stimulatory activity on osteoblastic and/or fibroblastic cells having a molecular weight between 200 and 2,000. Preferred oligopeptides according to the invention comprise the amino acid sequences Tyr-Gly-Phe-His-Gly (SEQ.ID.No.2) and Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly (SEQ.ID.No.3). The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the stimulation of formation of osteoblastic or fibroblastic cells, enhanced bone formation in osteogenic pathological conditions, fracture repair, healing of wounds, intraosseous implants and bone supplementation, or other conditions requiring enhanced bone formation cells comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an oligopeptide according to the invention.

Abstract: A biochemically pure polypeptide(s), termed osteogenic growth polypeptide (OGP), which exhibits stimulatory effects on osteoblastic cells, in vivo bone formation and hemopoietic reconstruction. OGP, identified from regenerating bone marrow, has an amino acid sequence ofAla-Leu-Lys-Arg-Gln-Gly-Arg-Thr-Leu-Tyr-Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly.