Abstract: A system or method for detecting an immune system activation state in a patient can include a sample preparation system configured to isolate white blood cells from a sample of the patient, a cytometry module configured to determine biophysical properties of the white blood cells of the sample, and an analysis module configured to analyze the biophysical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention and/or control of infestation by insect pest species. In particular, the invention relates to down-regulation of expression of target genes in insect pests using interfering ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. Also described are transgenic plants that (i) express or are capable of expressing interfering RNAs of the invention and (ii) are resistant to infestation by insect pest species. Compositions containing the interfering RNAs of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Various devices, systems and methods for detecting a susceptibility of an infectious agent to an anti-infective are described herein. A method comprises introducing a fluid sample to a first surface and a second surface; exposing the first surface to a first solution; exposing the second surface to a second solution, wherein the second surface comprises an anti-infective; sampling the first solution after exposing the first solution to the first surface; sampling the second solution after exposing the second solution to the second surface; monitoring a first electrical characteristic of a first sensor exposed to the first solution sampled; monitoring a second electrical characteristic of a second sensor exposed to the second solution sampled; and comparing the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic to assess the susceptibility of the infectious agent to the anti-infective.

Abstract: Described herein are improved diagnostic tools for veterinary and human use which can be used for serodiagnosing A. platys in mammals, particularly in members of the Canidae family and in humans. The diagnostic tools are a group of outer membrane proteins of A. platys and variants thereof, referred to hereinafter as the “OMP proteins”, a group of outer membrane proteins of A. platys and variants thereof referred to hereinafter as the “P44 proteins”, and antibodies to the OMP proteins and the P44 proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins comprising an amino acid sequence of a fragment H corresponding to a fragment of a calcium binding protein excreted-secreted by adult worms of Fasciola hepatica, followed by an amino acid sequence corresponding to a unrelated protein or fragment of protein, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and adjuvants containing the immunogen, to a process for their preparation, another process for the production of antibodies and their use. The present invention relates to the preparation of immunogens by the addition of a peptide sequence. Thus the present invention is useful for producing an immune response, with increases in specific antibody titers in serum against proteins or other antigens and can be applied in particular for the production of specific polyclonal antibodies, immunotherapy and immunoprophylaxis.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of roundworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of hookworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for dynamically detecting the interactions between various materials including bioactive molecules and for detecting target molecules. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for dynamically detecting bait-prey interactions and a method for easily detecting target molecules which blocks or activates the interactions, the method comprising: allowing a material capable of forming a nano-assembly matrix, a bait and a prey to interact with each other, and analyzing whether a nano-assembly matrix is formed by the interaction between the bait and the prey in vitro or in vivo; or allowing a material capable of forming a nano-assembly matrix, a bait and a prey to interact with each other, inducing the formation of a nano-assembly matrix by a mediator (regulator) material in vitro or in vivo, and then analyzing whether the prey and the bait co-localizes on the nano-assembly matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides delivery systems comprised of stabilized multilamellar vesicles, as well as compositions, methods of synthesis, and methods of use thereof. The stabilized multilamellar vesicles comprise terminal-cysteine-bearing antigens or cysteine-modified antigens, at their surface and/or internally.

Abstract: A device, kit and method for detecting the presence or absence of hookworm antigens. The device, kit and method of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample that may be infected with one or more of roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm and heartworm, and whether or not hookworm ova are present in the sample. Further, the device, kit and method of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of hookworm in a fecal sample excreted by a canine animal as early as nine days after the animal first becomes infected with hookworm.

Abstract: A portable rapid diagnostic test reader system includes a mobile phone having a camera and one or more processors contained within the mobile phone and a modular housing configured to mount to the mobile phone. The modular housing including a receptacle configured to receive a sample tray holding a rapid diagnostic test. At least one illumination source is disposed in the modular housing and located on one side of the rapid diagnostic test. An optical demagnifier is disposed in the modular housing interposed between the rapid diagnostic test and the mobile phone camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnosis method for Leishmaniasis using a RPE.

Abstract: The invention provides novel immunogenic proteins LigA and LigB from Leptospira for use in the development of effective vaccines and antibodies, as well as improved diagnostic methods and kits.

Abstract: Detection of human antibodies directed against the tumor-specific protein Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant Class III (EGFRvIII) provide information on tumor burden and vaccine response. The methods of the invention permit the specific identification of antibodies that are able to bind to EGFRvIII. The methods are useful in determining the presence of an EGFRvIII-expressing tumor and in detecting immune responses following immunization with EGFRvIII-derived peptide as part of a cancer immunotherapy regimen.

Abstract: Methods are described for the production and use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based competitive displacement aptamer assay formats. The assay schemes involve FRET in which the analyte (target) is quencher (Q)-labeled and previously bound by a fluorophore (F)-labeled aptamer such that when unlabeled analyte is added to the system and excited by specific wavelengths of light, the fluorescence intensity of the system changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte added. Alternatively, the aptamer can be Q-labeled and previously bound to an F-labeled analyte so that when unlabeled analyte enters the system, the fluorescence intensity also changes in proportion to the amount of unlabeled analyte.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detection of hematophagous ectoparasitic activity in an enclosure or area. The compositions comprise a reagent or reagents which are reactive against antigens or markers as they appear in the excrement or other ectoparasitic materials. Such markers or antigens may be produced by the ectoparasite itself or may have been introduced into the ectoparasite because of its blood feeding activity. The method of the present invention comprises collecting from the enclosure or area, a sample comprising environmental dust or materials and subjecting the sample to tests for detecting the presence of hematophagous ectoparasitic markers, host markers or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antigenically restricted subset of the highly variant PfEMP1 rosetting antigen which possess epitopes which may be exploited to raise immune responses effective against many diverse strains and isolates of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. In this regard, the invention provides one or more P. falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein-1 (PfEMP1) antigen(s) or a fragment or fragments thereof, for use in raising immune responses in humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid, highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), referred to as N-Assay, a device, and a kit, for detection and identification of microorganisms in a sample, in thirty minutes or less, with little or no interference from non-target microorganisms. The present invention also provides for simultaneous determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganism in the N-Assay.

Abstract: Conserved polypeptides from protozoan parasitic species which are secreted through the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi dependent secretory pathway, their identification and their use.

Abstract: Methods for using focused light scattering techniques for the optical sensing of biological particles suspended in a liquid medium are disclosed. The optical sensing enables one to characterize particles size and/or distribution in a given sample. This, in turn, allows one to identify the biological particles, determine their relative particle density, detect particle shedding, and identify particle aggregation. The methods are also useful in screening and optimizing drug candidates, evaluating the efficacy and dosage levels of such drugs, and in personalized medicine applications.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of observing and evaluating bacterial infections within the lymph nodes of animals presented for harvest comprising: inoculating at one or more sites of an animal a known amount of a pathogen, wherein the one or more inoculation sites comprise lymph node drainage areas, and at one or more time points obtaining one or more lymph node biopsies to determine the extent of the pathogen in the lymph nodes.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of one or more helminthic coproantigens in a sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in a fecal sample from a mammal and may also be able to distinguish between one or more helminth infections. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for detecting and/or measuring in vivo interstitial biological activity, processes, and or compounds in human or animal subjects.

Abstract: Schistosomiasis mansoni is caused by flukes called Schistosoma(es) that enters the human body through the skin in Schistosoma infested waters. The Schistosomes travel from the skin into human blood vessels where they mate, produce antigen containing eggs that travel from the blood vessels into the small intestines, where they are released in the human feces. Male and female Schistosome mates in human blood vessels, male Schistosomes secrete a protein called TGR ? protein to the Trk receptor sites on the females Schistosomes membranes. The process stimulates the formation of chemical SmInAct in female Schistosomes, a chemical necessary for the female Schistosomes to produce eggs. This novel technique describes new methods to inhibit Trk receptor sites on female Schistosome membranes using Trk inhibitor agent to prevent TGR ? proteins from binding to the Trk receptor sites. Thus, preventing SmInAct from being created in female Schistosomes, preventing production of eggs and Schistosomiasis.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes methods for assaying a location to determine the amount of pest infestation, or assaying a plant for its ability to resist infection, and using this information to make agronomic treatment and/or breeding decisions. The invention also provides methods for breeding cotton plants containing one or more quantitative trait loci that are associated with resistance to reniform nematode infection. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring reniform resistance as a source of reniform resistant alleles for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program, thus producing novel elite germplasm comprising one or more reniform resistance loci.

Abstract: This invention describes a device consisting of a micro channel plate, filter, and porous holder for filter, which is substituted by a pure agar block during method performance, and supportive structural elements. The device is intended for rapid detection and/or identification of microorganisms. Microorganisms are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides and attached to a filter from one side. A micro channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro channels (possible diameter of each channel=1-30 ?m, length 100-1000 ?m, and number on centimeter2=100,000-1,000,000). The micro channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to an agar block impregnated by artificial substrate(s) so that the molecules of the artificial substrates will fill all micro channels. Trapped cells produce colored or fluorescent molecules from artificial substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing a cyathostomin infection, said method comprising the step of identifying a level of anti-cyathostomin larval antigen antibodies in a sample, wherein a level of anti-cyathostomin larval antigen antibodies is indicative of a cyathostomin infection.

Abstract: The interface between nanotechnology and biological systems is used to synthetically replicate the body's vital, innate, immune functions with targeted precision. Through the creation and use of complexed nanodiamonds (or other particles) with capture agents in a flow-through return apparatus or in an analytic/diagnostic tool, the invention provides individualized treatment of blood-borne pathogens and disease spectrums and rapid, individualized diagnostics. The invention can be used, for example, to clear blood-borne pathogens during initial infections prior to tissue sequestration in real time, to decrease overwhelming numbers of bacterial/viral/cytokine load during life threatening infectious conditions, to super sensitize the immune system to a variety of conditions-cancer markers, vaccinates, etc.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and devices for detection of substances in liquid samples. The assays and devices utilize passive diffusion between a porous material and a porous membrane containing a specific binding pair member to enable detection of the substance of interest.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for simple and rapid detection and identification of molecular mimicry or mimic antigens or molecules existing in/on humans, animals and plants. The molecular mimicry can be related to infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, obesity and other disorders. Therefore, novel methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, obesity and other disorders obtainable based on these mimic antigens or molecules can be developed. Furthermore, the present invention also reveals a new functional mechanism of vaccine and passive immunity and novel vaccines obtainable based on the new mechanism.

Abstract: Methods are described for detecting reaction components with affect a reaction. Biomolecules such as enzymes can be addressed at the single molecule level in order to discover function, detect binding partners or inhibitors, and/or measure rate constants.

Abstract: A method for labeling acyl carrier protein (ACP) fusion proteins with a wide variety of different labels is disclosed. The method relies on the transfer of a label from a coenzyme A type substrate to an ACP fusion protein using a holo-acyl carrier protein synthase (ACPS) or a homologue thereof. The method allows detecting and manipulating the fusion protein, both in vitro and in vivo, by attaching molecules to the fusion proteins that introduce a new physical or chemical property to the fusion protein. Examples of such labels are, among others, spectroscopic probes or reporter molecules, affinity tags, molecules generating reactive radicals, cross-linkers, ligands mediating protein-protein interactions or molecules suitable for the immobilization of the fusion protein.

Abstract: Arrays of single cells and methods of producing an array of single cells are described. Arrays with defined volumes between 10 attoliters and 50 picoliters enable single cell capture, detection and quantitation.

Abstract: Arrays of single molecules and methods of producing an array of single molecules are described. Arrays with defined volumes between 10 attoliters and 50 picoliters enable single molecule detection and quantitation.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detection of hematophagous ectoparasitic activity in an enclosure or area. The compositions comprise a reagent or reagents which are reactive against antigens or markers as they appear in the excrement or other ectoparasitic materials. Such markers or antigens may be produced by the ectoparasite itself or may have been introduced into the ectoparasite because of its blood feeding activity. The method of the present invention comprises collecting from the enclosure or area, a sample comprising environmental dust or materials and subjecting the sample to tests for detecting the presence of hematophagous ectoparasitic markers, host markers or both.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis.

Abstract: A cancer cell separating apparatus includes: a flow channel including an antibody fixation area having antibodies which bind specifically to cancer cells fixed thereon, wherein the cancer cells and non-cancer cells are separated using a difference in velocity of movement between the cancer cells and the non-cancer cells in cell slurry introduced into the flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and devices for detection of substances in liquid samples. The assays and devices utilize passive diffusion between a porous material and a porous membrane containing a specific binding pair member to enable detection of the substance of interest.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a mammalian sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a diagnostic moiety indicative of exposure to an infectious organism in a biological sample taken from a human or animal, said method comprising use of a first and second fluorescently labelled reagent which are capable of binding to a diagnostic moiety or to a binding partner in competition with a diagnostic moiety, wherein labels on the first and second labelled reagents act as fluorescent donors and acceptors to one another, the proximity of the reagents to one another being detectable by measuring the emission of fluorescent energy from at least one of the labels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are the cloning and expression of novel antigens in Babesia microti. The recombinant polypeptides are highly immunogenic. The polypeptides of the present invention provide the basis of a diagnostic assay that is sensitive, rapid and accurate using patient's sera. Also disclosed is an IgG and IgM ELISA using two novel recombinant antigens in the diagnosis of Babesia infection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise fusion polypeptides comprising Leishmania antigens, in particular, SMT and NH antigens or immunogenic portions or variants thereof, as well as polynucleotides encoding such fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic devices and methods for detecting Trichomonas infections.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein-based biomarkers and biomarker combinations that are useful in qualifying Chagas disease status in a patient. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify a subject sample as infected with Chagas disease or non-infected. The biomarkers can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing an immune response to a parasite utilizing an immunogenic composition comprising a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (“GPI”) inositolglycan domain or its derivative or equivalent. The present invention is useful as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment for microorganism infections of mammals such as parasite infections and particularly infection by Plasmodium species. The invention also provides a method of monitoring, or qualitatively or quantitatively assessing an immune response to a microorganism such as a parasite.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing Trichomonas infection by detecting an antibody that specifically binds a Trichomonas ?-actinin protein in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: Methods for regulating the serine protease of Plasmodium. Recombinant DNA constructs which express the Plasmodium serine protease, especially those comprising a sub2 3?UTR and coding segment which express a SUB2 a serine protease. Recombinant Plasmodium containing such constructs and exhibiting increased virulence. Methods for detecting virulent Plasmodium strains by detecting the presence or amount of sub2 3?UTR sequences, sub2 mRNA or cDNA, SUB2 polypeptide expression, or other Plasmodium proteins, such as AMA1 or MSP1, which have been post-translationally modified by SUB2.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing parasite infections. According to at least one embodiment of a stabilizing system of the present disclosure, a stabilizing system comprises a stabilizing agent useful to completely or substantially prevent degradation or inactivation of a diagnostic marker for a parasite infection in a body fluid comprising the diagnostic marker and a detection agent capable of detecting the diagnostic marker.