Abstract: A method is provided for vaporized hydrogen peroxide cleaning of a chamber. The method includes altering a temperature of air in the chamber from an initial temperature to a sterilization temperature over a first time period. The method also includes injecting vaporized hydrogen peroxide into air in the chamber to alter a relative humidity of hydrogen peroxide vapor in the chamber to a sterilization level over the first time period. The method also includes maintaining the temperature at the sterilization temperature and the relative humidity at the sterilization level over a second time period. The method also includes reducing the relative humidity from the sterilization level to a safe level over a third time period. In one embodiment, the method is provided for vaporized hydrogen peroxide cleaning of an interior chamber of an incubation container. In other embodiments, the incubation chamber featured in the method is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are platforms, systems, and methods including a cell culture system that includes a cell culture container comprising a cell culture, the cell culture receiving input cells, a cell imaging subsystem configured to acquire images of the cell culture, a computing subsystem configured to perform a cell culture process on the cell culture according to the images acquired by the cell imaging subsystem, and a cell editing subsystem configured to edit the cell culture to produce output cell products according to the cell culture process.

Abstract: A device for permeation of a biological material may include a lower portion and an upper portion configured to be releasably coupled to the lower portion. The lower portion may include a groove configured to receivingly support a biological material. The lower portion and the upper portion may be coupled such that a first reservoir and a second reservoir are formed collectively by the lower portion and the upper portion. The first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the groove may be in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Provided is an automated analysis device with which sufficient reaction process data can be acquired irrespective of the scale of the device, and with which it is possible to ensure freedom of the device configuration. An automated analysis device 100 is provided with: a reaction disk 1 which circumferentially accommodates a plurality of reaction vessels 2; a specimen dispensing mechanism 11 which dispenses a specimen into the reaction vessels 2; a reagent dispensing mechanism 7 which dispenses a reagent into the reaction vessels 2; a measuring unit 4 which measures a reaction process of a mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessels 2; and a cleaning mechanism 3 which cleans the reaction vessels 2 after measurement.

Abstract: Portable coagulation monitoring devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. Namely, a test cartridge is provided for use in a portable coagulation monitor (PCM) device. Further, the test cartridge comprises two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates and a disposable blood introduction device. The two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates are arranged substantially in parallel with a small gap therebetween for receiving a sample of blood to be tested. Using the PCM device, the two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates can be moved linearly relative to each other. Methods of measuring coagulation response in a blood sample using the test cartridge and the PCM device are provided. A method of introducing blood into the test cartridge using the disposable blood introduction device is provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for self-contained nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and analysis.

Abstract: A urine collecting and sample kit includes a self-standing urine collecting bag and an evacuated test tube. The collecting bag includes a female connector fitment adapted to connect to a sample end of the evacuated test tube to enable taking a urine sample from urine deposited in the bag using the evacuated test tube. The female connector fitment is sealed by means of a sealing technique to a front and/or back panel of the self-standing urine collecting bag, at a height above a bottom panel of the bag, such that the insert opening of the fitment faces outward and the sample end of the test tube can be inserted into the recess and be removed from the recess while the bag is in its standing position.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods and devices (300) associated with Point of Care medical testing and diagnostics. More specifically, methods and devices are described which provide a quick and streamlined way to prepare blood samples for analysis using flow cytometers, microscopes, and other analysis platforms. The benefits include a reduction in the time, resources, and expertise needed for preparing those blood samples without compromising the accuracy and efficacy of diagnosing diseases or identifying specific particulates from those blood samples.

Abstract: A reagent vessel, an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a lower part of a reagent vessel for an analytical instrument are disclosed. The reagent vessel is configured to store a liquid reagent. The reagent vessel comprises a cover and a lower part. The lower part comprises a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, two opposing side walls and at least one connection wall. The cover, bottom wall, front wall, rear wall and two opposing side walls define at least one internal volume for storing at least one liquid reagent. The two opposing side walls are at least partially connected to one another by the at least one connection wall located within the at least one internal volume. The connection wall is spaced apart from the bottom wall. The connection wall and at least the two opposing side walls can be injection-molded and are monolithically formed.

Abstract: A hand-held applicator (10) for collecting, mixing, diluting and discharging a sample liquid, comprising a main body (20) having an inlet-aperture (24), an outlet-aperture (26) and a chamber (22) for storing a liquid solution, wherein the chamber is connected to the inlet-aperture and the outlet-aperture, a lid (12) for covering the inlet-aperture and a tube (40), moveably supported in the inlet-aperture when the lid is covering the upper portion of the main body, wherein the tube (40) is moveable between a predetermined position outside the chamber and a position, in which the tube is at least partly located in the chamber.

Abstract: A sample examination automation system includes a conveyance line, a large-scale sample carrier buffer, an analyzer coupling unit, and a conveyance managing unit. The conveyance line conveys a sample carrier. One or a plurality of sample containers is mountable on the sample carrier. The large-scale sample carrier buffer stores a plurality of the sample carriers. The analyzer coupling unit, which is couplable to an analyzer, incorporates a sample carrier sub-buffer capable of storing the sample carriers by an amount smaller than an amount of the large-scale sample carrier buffer. The conveyance managing unit has a function of controlling a sample carrier conveyance destination. The conveyance managing unit is configured to determine an amount of the sample carriers supplied to the sample carrier sub-buffer via the large-scale sample carrier buffer according to a storage situation of the sample carriers in the sample carrier sub-buffer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical diagnostic system. In various embodiments, the system includes a housing, a first receptacle in the housing for receiving a reagent container, a second receptacle in the housing for receiving a working fluid and waste container, where the second receptacle is larger than the first receptacle, two reagent access needles positioned and fixed within the first receptacle with each of the two reagent access needles being substantially horizontal to horizontally access the reagent container, and a working fluid access needle and a waste access needle positioned and fixed within the second receptacle with the working fluid access needle and the waste access needle being substantially horizontal to horizontally access the working fluid and waste container.

Abstract: A sample holder (10) filled with a sample is held in a base member (20), and an airtight member (30) is mounted on the base member (20) so as to cover the surroundings of the sample holder (10), thereby forming a sample holding structure in a closed space. The airtight member (30) includes a fitting portion (35) which is configured to be fitted and mounted in a mounting portion (21).

Abstract: A system and method for receiving and delivering a fluid, the system comprising: a body configured to interface with an opening of a reservoir and defining: a protrusion defining a set position of the body relative to the reservoir; a wall extending from the protrusion; a receiving surface coupled to the wall and sloping from an apex to a nadir along a first direction, the receiving surface comprising a vent; and an outlet positioned closer to the nadir than the apex of the receiving surface and displaced from the vent, the outlet comprising an extension from the body, the extension configured to contact an interior wall of the reservoir, wherein the body comprises: a bubble-mitigating operation mode in which the receiving surface receives and transmits the fluid along the receiving surface, and a fluid-transmitting operation mode in which the body directs the fluid along the interior wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: Assays and methods for verifying the validity of a urine sample submitted for Drugs of Abuse (DOA) testing. Embodiments include a SUD Diagnostic Panel that includes six assays: specific gravity index assay, long-duration counterfeit urine assay, short-duration counterfeit urine assay, oxidant history assay, pH assay, and creatinine assay. The SUD Diagnostic Panel detects twelve principle classes of adulteration. Detection of adulteration of one or more urine samples from a patient indicates an attempt to subvert test results and provides an objective indication in one instance and an object diagnosis in another instance of SUD.

Abstract: A pipetting apparatus and method capable of detecting a liquid within an intermediate section of a pipette tube of the pipetting apparatus. The intermediate section is located between an upper section of the pipette tube at which a first electrode is arranged and a lower section at which a second electrode is arranged. The first and second electrodes form a measurement capacitor and are operationally connected to an impedance measurement unit, which is adapted to detect whether liquid, such as a portion of a sample liquid or system liquid, is present within the intermediate section based on the measured impedance or change of impedance, e.g. an increase of the capacitance and/or a decrease of the resistance, of the measurement capacitor caused by a presence of the liquid within the intermediate section.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence or absence of expansion of CGG repeat sequence in the FMR1 gene presence or absence of expansion of CCG repeat sequence in the FMR2 gene are provided. The methods are useful in identifying an individual with normal/intermediate, versus premutation or full mutation allele of FMR1 gene and FMR2 gene due to the expansion of CGG repeats and CCG repeats in the 5?-untranslated region respectively. The methods are also useful for screening newborns for fragile X syndrome or for screening women to determine heterozygosity status with full premutation of the CCG repeat tract. The methods are also useful in estimating the premutation and full mutation carrier frequency and estimating the prevalence of FXTAS AND FXPOI in a population. The methods are simple, rapid and require small amount of sample.

Abstract: A preprocessing apparatus uses preprocessing kits prepared for samples, respectively, sets the preprocessing kits in plural processing ports provided so as to correspond to preprocessing items, and executes a predetermined preprocessing item. A controller which controls operations of a carrying mechanism holding and carrying the preprocessing kits, and processing parts executing the preprocessing items in the respective processing ports, includes a processing-state control part, a random access part, and a preprocessing part. The random access part is configured to check availability of a preprocessing port corresponding to a preprocessing item to be executed on a sample contained in a preprocessing kit, and set the preprocessing kit in a processing port if the processing port is available as a processing port corresponding to the preprocessing item. The preprocessing part executes a corresponding preprocessing item on a sample in a preprocessing kit when the preprocessing kit is set in the processing port.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes a sealing member having interior grooves and panels. Also provided herein are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes (i) a sealing member having a concave surface at a distal region, and (ii) a flat proximal surface. Provided also are fluid handling tubes having a cap that includes an engagement member at an edge of the cap, where the engagement member includes a surface having curvature and a taper. Also provided herein are fluid handling tubes that include a cap comprising a tube sealing member, an anterior engagement member, and one or more channels (e.g., one or more furrows or grooves) between the sealing member and the engagement member that function as a hinge or pivot.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules from the genome of Dirofilaria spp. nematodes that contain single nucleotide polymorphisms related to reduced responsiveness of the nematodes to macrocyclic lactones. In one example, the species of Dirofilaria is Dirofilaria immitis (the agent of heartworm in animals). Also disclosed are methods for determining the responsiveness of Dirofilaria spp. nematodes to macrocyclic lactones, methods for selecting a treatment to treat an animal infected with a Dirofilaria spp. nematode, and kits for determining the responsiveness of Dirofilaria spp. nematodes to macrocyclic lactones.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the improved containment of biological fluids. In particular, a method and apparatus for collection and preservation of fluid samples in accordance with the present invention results in collection of semen having improved viability both at the time of collection and after storage. The disclosed methods and apparatuses methods support a wide variety of applications for containment of biological fluids related to human and veterinary medicine including, but not limited to, human reproductive medicine and animal husbandry.

Abstract: Infectious diseases have been sources of large-scale epidemics and pandemics resulting in millions of casualties worldwide. Detection of these biological agents normally involves several lab processes including sample preparation, nucleic acid separation and amplification, and diagnostic analysis. These steps, either performed manually or automated by high-throughput machinery, are tedious, expensive, and highly susceptible to cross-contamination. The present system is an integrated lab-on-a-device designed, developed, and tested in compatibility with a mechanical fixture for sample-to-answer biological analysis of infectious diseases.

Abstract: Host specific containerized application configuration generation is disclosed. For example, first and second image files are stored on a first memory. Second and third memories are associated with a first host node. A request to generate a first configuration file associated with a plurality of isolated guests is received, launching a first short-lived guest of the plurality of isolated guests on the second memory. A configuration management application executes on the first short-lived guest, generating and saving the first configuration file to the third memory. The first short-lived guest is terminated. A first service guest of the plurality of isolated guests is launched on the second memory. A first service configured with the first configuration file executes on the first service guest. A second service guest of the plurality of isolated guests is launched on the second memory executing a second service configured with the first configuration file.

Abstract: Collection systems for flow cytometrically sorted samples are provided. Aspects of the collection systems include: a collection container having a sort tube configured to be in droplet receiving relationship with a sort block of a flow cytometer; and a sample output operatively coupling a cell collection location of the collection container to a mating connection for a receiving container, such as an evacuated receiving container. Also provided are methods using the collection systems, as well as assemblies and kits including components of the systems.

Abstract: A method carried out by a system configured to analyze blood. The method includes causing a ferromagnetic object to move in a chamber housing blood after clot initiation has been implicated. Movement of the object in the chamber is detected. The detected movement of the object is correlated with clot retraction of the blood. In some embodiments, the stop of detecting movement includes allowing the object to drop from a raised position and detecting a drop distance of the object. In related embodiments, the step of correlating detected movement with clot retraction includes reviewing a trace generated by a plurality of drop distances over time. In yet other embodiments, methods of the present disclosure can further including evaluating platelet function of the blood based upon assessed clot retraction.

Abstract: Provided is an automated analysis device with which sufficient reaction process data can be acquired irrespective of the scale of the device, and with which it is possible to ensure freedom of the device configuration. An automated analysis device 100 is provided with: a reaction disk 1 which circumferentially accommodates a plurality of reaction vessels 2; a specimen dispensing mechanism 11 which dispenses a specimen into the reaction vessels 2; a reagent dispensing mechanism 7 which dispenses a reagent into the reaction vessels 2; a measuring unit 4 which measures a reaction process of a mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessels 2; and a cleaning mechanism 3 which cleans the reaction vessels 2 after measurement.

Abstract: A calibration data acquisition unit (a) acquires Q optical spectra, S evaluation spectra, and a reference spectrum of a target component, (b) extracts R subsets from a set of the optical spectra, (c) performs independent component analysis in which component amounts are treated as independent components on each subset so as to acquire component natural spectra and component calibration spectra, (d) obtains an inner product value between the component calibration spectrum and the evaluation spectrum, (e) obtains a correlation degree between a component amount for the target component and the inner product value with respect to each component calibration spectrum, (f) obtains a similarity between each component natural spectrum and a reference spectrum, (g) selects a component calibration spectrum causing a comprehensive evaluation value based on the correlation degree and the similarity to be greatest as the target component calibration spectrum, and (h) creates a calibration curve.

Abstract: A highly integrated, fully automatic chemiluminescence detection equipment and its operation method are disclosed. The chemiluminescence detection equipment comprises a control module, a first electrical machine, a reagent wheel disc tank, a sampling module, a washing module, a second electrical machine and a detection module. Compared with the traditional large-scale chemiluminescence detection equipment, the chemiluminescence detection equipment of the present invention has the advantage of high integration, and greatly reduces the overall volume and weight of the chemiluminescence detection equipment.

Abstract: Provided is a method of assessing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) susceptibility in a female human subject, the method comprising determining the identity of at least one allele at each of at least two positions of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selected from: TCF7L2—rs7903146; IGF2BP2—rs4402960; CDKN2A/B—rs10811661; SLC16A11—rs13342232; FTO—rs8050136; SLC30A8—rs13266634; CDC123/CAMK1D—rs12779790; KCNQ1—rs2237892; CUBN—rs11254363; CUBN—rs1801222; FIGN—rs2119289; FIGN—rs982393; MTHFR—rs1801131; MTHFR—rs1801133; MTR—rs1805087; and SLC19A1—rs1051266, and/or an SNP in linkage disequilibrium therewith at r2>0.8. Also provided are genotyping tools and risk assessment systems for use in the method of assessing GDM susceptibility.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detection of micro-organisms present or suspected to be present within a mammalian blood sample are provided. A selective lysis is obtained by incubating the sample in a non-ionic detergent under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a culture bag accommodating a culture fluid, the culture bag is capable of suppressing foaming in the culture fluid when oscillating the culture fluid to perform a culture, and performing a culture with high efficiency. The culture bag includes a culture space accommodating a culture fluid, the culture space being an endless space to allow the culture fluid to circulate therein, in which the culture bag has an inner surface that comes into contact with the culture fluid to be accommodated therein, the inner surface including, at least in part thereof, a concave-convex region having a concave-convex structure.

Abstract: A medical vial filling system is adapted to fill a medical vial with a solution and cap the filled medical vial. A purging system includes a manifold disposed between a filling station and a capping station. The manifold includes a filling inlet port and a plurality of output ports. The output ports are positioned in a space proximate the filling station and in a space over the transport mechanism. A stoppering block includes a capping chamber for receiving a bushing positioned at the capping station. The stoppering block comprises a stoppering inlet port, a first nozzle opening into the capping chamber and a second nozzle extending into the capping chamber and directed into the medical vial when the medical vial is position in the capping station.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device (10) for characterizing a position of a brush head of the device. The oral cleaning device includes: a body portion (12); a brush head (14) extending from the body portion, where at least a portion of the brush head is configured to move relative to the body portion; a controller (30); and an optical sensor (28) positioned relative to the brush head member and body portion and being in communication with the controller, where the optical sensor is configured to obtain optical sensor data resulting from a deflection or rotation of the brush head member relative to the body portion; the controller being configured to receive the optical sensor data and determine the deflection or rotation of the brush head member relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A laboratory weighing kit comprises two layers: a disposable paper-structured weighing boat in the upper layer and a corresponding-shaped weighing base in the lower layer. The weighing boat has a sample loading portion in the rear to carry chemicals or samples, and a funnel portion in the front to transfer samples. In order to consolidate storage space, either the front funnel can be opened to two portions or the back wall of the weighing boat is opened. The weighing boat can be creased to form a permanent fold. The weighing boat in the upper layer can be either removable from or permanently attached to the weighing base in the lower layer.

Abstract: A transport device unit for a transport device assembled using a plurality of transport device units is presented. The transport device unit comprises a base plate module with a base plate for fixing the transport device unit to a support frame, an actuator module with a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators, where the actuator module is supported by the base plate module, and a driving surface module with a driving surface element, where the driving surface element is arranged above the actuator module covering the actuators and configured to carry sample container carriers. A transport device, a system for at least partially disassembling the transport device, and a laboratory sample distribution system comprising a transport device are also presented. In addition, a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system is also presented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic-based analyzer, including a drive module and a microfluidic disc. On the microfluidic disk, a capillary is connected between a mixing chamber and a waste chamber. More particularly, the capillary is connected to the mixing chamber through a first access on the first radius of the microfluidic disc, and the capillary is connected to the waste chamber through a second access on the second radius of the microfluidic disk. Specifically, a turn of the capillary is disposed between the first access and the second access, in which a folding is configured on a third radius of the microfluidic disc. Overall, the aforementioned microfluidic-based analyzer is able to be operated in different rotational speeds and is capable of evacuating the mixing chamber and enhancing the washing efficiency.

Abstract: A container for collecting a biological specimen is provided that includes a peripheral wall extending from a base. The container further includes a longitudinal tower disposed within the container. The tower forms a partition within the container to form at least a first chamber and a second chamber therein, wherein the first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another. In addition, the container includes an insert disposed within the container opposite the base, the insert comprising at least a first opening and a second opening. The second opening provides access to the second chamber and is further configured to engage a specimen collecting device to leave a portion of the specimen collecting device within the second chamber. The first opening provides access to the first chamber and is further configured to receive a syringe therein for accessing the biological specimen. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Portable coagulation monitoring devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. Namely, a test cartridge is provided for use in a portable coagulation monitor (PCM) device. Further, the test cartridge comprises two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates and a disposable blood introduction device. The two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates are arranged substantially in parallel with a small gap therebetween for receiving a sample of blood to be tested. Using the PCM device, the two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates can be moved linearly relative to each other. Methods of measuring coagulation response in a blood sample using the test cartridge and the PCM device are provided. A method of introducing blood into the test cartridge using the disposable blood introduction device is provided.

Abstract: Provided is an automated analysis device with which sufficient reaction process data can be acquired irrespective of the scale of the device, and with which it is possible to ensure freedom of the device configuration. An automated analysis device 100 is provided with: a reaction disk 1 which circumferentially accommodates a plurality of reaction vessels 2; a specimen dispensing mechanism 11 which dispenses a specimen into the reaction vessels 2; a reagent dispensing mechanism 7 which dispenses a reagent into the reaction vessels 2; a measuring unit 4 which measures a reaction process of a mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessels 2; and a cleaning mechanism 3 which cleans the reaction vessels 2 after measurement.

Abstract: Provided is a specimen staining apparatus that includes a gap-forming member arranged to form a gap having a thickness that induces capillary action, the gap being formed above a mounting surface of a slide glass having a specimen mounted thereon; and a chemical solution supply unit that supplies a chemical solution for staining the specimen to the gap between the gap-forming member and the mounting surface so that the chemical solution spreads within the gap due to capillary action and is evenly supplied to the specimen placed on the mounting surface.

Abstract: A system includes a radiation containment chamber, an isolator connected to the radiation containment chamber, a rotating transfer door positioned between the radiation containment chamber and the isolator, and an antimicrobial vapor generator connected to the isolator. The rotating transfer door includes a cavity for receiving a radionuclide generator column assembly, and is rotatable between a first position, in which the cavity is open to the radiation containment chamber, and a second position, in which the cavity is open to the isolator. The transfer door is adapted to rotate while antimicrobial vapor is introduced into the isolator by the antimicrobial vapor generator.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention compositions, methods and systems to identify, detect, and/or quantify bacterial DNA in the presence of contaminating non-bacterial DNA. In particular, the present invention provides oligonucleotides configured to detect a relatively small amount of bacterial DNA in the presence of an overwhelmingly large amount of contaminating human DNA.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes an inlet port configured to receive a sample, a first reaction chamber fluidically coupled to the inlet port, a first pump fluidically coupled to the inlet port, a second pump fluidically coupled to a mixing chamber, a metering channel fluidically coupled to the first reaction chamber and to the mixing chamber, and one or more second reaction chambers fluidically coupled to the mixing chamber. The first pump is configured to move fluid from the inlet port to the first reaction chamber and from the first pump to the inlet port. The second pump is configured to move fluid from the second pump to the mixing chamber, from the first reaction chamber to the mixing chamber, and from the mixing chamber to the one or more second reaction chambers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an automatic analyzing apparatus which comprises determination processing circuitry, an analyzer mechanism and data processing circuitry. The determination processing circuitry determines whether to continue reaction of a solution mixture based on reaction data. The analyzer mechanism generates analytical data based on test data generated by measuring the solution mixture. The data processing circuitry performs control such that the analytical data is generated in a first measurement section if it is determined that continuation of the reaction of the solution mixture is unnecessary, and the analytical data is generated by measuring the solution mixture after the first measurement section if it is determined that continuation of the reaction of the solution mixture is necessary.

Abstract: The objective of this disclosure is to provide a dispensing apparatus that is capable of precisely dispense micro volume liquid samples without physically damaging the nozzle tip or the liquid containers. An example of the present disclosure images a droplet of a liquid sample, and dispenses the liquid sample using an image of the droplet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting mortality of a test patient with chronic heart failure comprising based on detecting the expression level of one or more long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) selected from SEQ ID NOs 1 to 8. The present invention also relates to a method for predicting cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in a test patient based on detecting the expression level of one or more lncRNAs selected from SEQ ID NOs 1 to 8.

Abstract: Biomarkers and methods related to microbiota for predicting the risk of a disease, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may operate to mount an electrode assembly with the exterior of a casing string to be placed in a borehole in a subterranean formation. The electrode assembly may include electrodes in spaced relation to one another. After the casing string and associated electrode assembly are in the borehole, the method may include providing a series of excitation signals at a plurality of frequencies to at least one electrode to inject a series of injection signals into fluid in the annulus. The method can further include receiving signals in response to the series of injection signals through at least one other electrode. The received signals can be representative of an impedance spectrum including impedance values representative of the fluid in the borehole annulus. The method can further include identifying the fluid in reference to the impedance spectrum. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present relates to a chip assembly, a flow cell and a cytometer for characterizing particles in a sample solution. The chip assembly comprises a pair of chips, at least one of the chip defining on its inner surface at least two channels, the two channels defining therebetween a common intersecting area. Each channel is adapted for receiving one or more optical fibers. The chips define a through-hole extending throughout the chip assembly in a transverse direction relative to the channels and passing through the common intersecting area. The flow cell comprises the chip assembly, an excitation fiber and at least one collection fiber extending through respective channels; the collection fiber for collecting light scattered or emitted by particles flowing through the through-hole and excited by an excitation light transported by the excitation fiber. The flow cytometer comprises a light source for generating the excitation light and the flow cell.