Abstract: A device for closing a tissue opening includes a proximal housing portion having a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion and the fourth portion extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the proximal housing portion on opposite sides of the proximal housing portion. A distal portion extends from the proximal housing portion. At least the second portion and the third portion are configured to move toward the first portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, kits, and compositions for detecting subject anti-HCV antibodies in a sample using NS3 capture peptides. In certain embodiments, at least two NS3 helicase (NS3h) capture peptides and at least two conjugate peptides (e.g., NS3h conjugate peptides) are employed together, which allows for a broad dynamic range of subject antibody detection in a one-step type assay. In other embodiments, methods are provided of detecting NS3-specific subject antibodies without the use of a reducing agent. In some embodiments, NS3-specific subject antibodies are detected with a ‘double shot’ of NS3 conjugate peptide (e.g., conjugate peptide added to a sample both before and after washing).

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including human milk oligosaccharides that can be administered to individuals including preterm infants, infants, toddlers, and children for improving gastrointestinal function and tolerance, as well as the growth of beneficial bacteria. Additional suitable methods of using the nutritional compositions including the human milk oligosaccharides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing the incidence of oxidative stress in infants, toddlers, and children using nutritional compositions including human milk oligosaccharides. The nutritional compositions including the human milk oligosaccharides are effective at reducing inflammation and the incidence of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including human milk oligosaccharides that can be administered to preterm infants, term infants, toddlers, and children for improving airway defense mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay comprising the steps of: (a) providing the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay; and (b) qualifying the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay. More particularly, the ligand-receptor binding assay involves the steps of combining appropriate reagents in which receptors attached to a solid support, a sample suspected of containing a ligand, and a conjugate comprising a label form a complex in which the label is present at a concentration that is directly proportional to the amount of ligand present in the sample. Alternatively, the ligand-receptor binding assay involves the steps of combining appropriate reagents to perform a ligand-receptor binding assay in which receptors attached to a solid support, a sample suspected of containing a ligand, and a conjugate comprising a label form a complex in which the label is present at a concentration that is inversely proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample.

Abstract: A nutritional composition comprises fat, protein and carbohydrate such that the fat provides from about 60 to about 90% of the total calories of the composition, the protein provides from about 10 to about 30% of the total calories of the composition, and the carbohydrate provides from about 0.1 to about 15% of the total calories of the composition, and the composition comprises from about 0.01 to about 10 wt % beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). A method of achieving or sustaining metabolic ketosis in an individual comprises administering the nutritional composition to the individual. A method of maintaining lean body mass and muscle strength in an individual during dietary ketosis comprises administering the nutritional composition to the individual.

Abstract: Cradles for draining liquid from containers are described herein. An example apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall, a side wall and an open top. The housing is to receive a container having liquid. The example apparatus includes a probe extending upward from the bottom wall toward the open top and is to drain the liquid from the container when the probe is inserted into the container. The example apparatus also includes a sliding lock slidably disposed within the housing that receives a cap or top of the container when the container is inserted into the housing. The sliding lock includes a key slot. The sliding lock is movable when a cap or top of the container has a matching key that engages the key slot, which enables the sliding lock to move downward to expose the probe and drain the liquid from the container.

Abstract: System for storing and dispensing liquid in a digital microfluidic chip includes a plurality of reservoir electrodes defining a reservoir having an outlet and a first end opposite the outlet, the reservoir configured to be in fluidic communication with at least one device electrode proximate the outlet, the at least one device electrode and at least one of the plurality of reservoir electrodes configured to generate electrical actuation forces to dispense at least one droplet from the reservoir through the outlet. The plurality of reservoir electrodes include a first reservoir electrode proximate the first end, a reservoir outlet electrode proximate the outlet, and at least one intermediate reservoir electrode disposed between the first electrode and the reservoir outlet electrode.

Abstract: Digital microfluidic device includes a first substrate and a second substrate aligned generally parallel to each other with a gap defined therebetween in side view. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate include a first electrode array, a second electrode array spaced from and in electrical communication with the first electrode array, and a first interstitial area defined between the first electrode array and the second electrode array. At least one of the first electrode array and the second electrode array is configured to generate electrical actuation forces within an actuation area to urge at least one droplet within the gap along the at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one spacer is disposed in the first interstitial area to maintain the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: Digital microfluidic and analyte detection device includes a first substrate and a second substrate aligned generally parallel to each other with a gap defined therebetween in side view. At least one of the first and second substrates has an electrode array configured to generate electrical actuation forces to urge at least one droplet within the gap along the at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. The electrode array has a plurality of electrodes defining an electrode array area in plan view. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate has a well array defining a well array area in plan view. The well array area is bounded within the electrode array area and overlapping a portion of each of the plurality of electrodes. The well array area overlaps less than 75% of the electrode array area in plan view.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including 2?-fucosyllactose (2?-FL) in combination with lutein and RRR-alpha-tocopherol. The nutritional compositions are useful for improving at least one of gut function, health, and development in an individual. In certain embodiments, the nutritional compositions can improve growth or maturation of the gut, as well as promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract thereby treating and/or preventing formula intolerance or other gastrointestinal diseases and/or disorders resulting from suboptimal gastrointestinal flora population/balance.

Abstract: The general inventive concepts are directed to compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of dehydration. Provided herein are nutritional compositions including oral rehydration compositions. Certain embodiments of the nutritional compositions have an acidic pH, and comprise a digestible carbohydrate, sodium, citrate, and an oligosaccharide selected from a fucosylated oligosaccharide and an N-acetylated oligosaccharide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for automated slide assessments made in conjunction with digital image-based microscopy. Automated methods of acquiring patient information and specimen information from prepared slides, and digitally linking such information into patient-tagged specimen data, are provided. Also provided are methods that include automatically identifying an optimal area for morphological assessment of a blood smear on a hematological slide, including methods for triggering the analysis of such an area, e.g., using an automated digital image-based hematology system. The present disclosure also provides devices, systems and computer readable media for use in performing processes of the herein described methods.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide nutritional compositions and methods of enhancing maturation of an infant's brain. The methods include the step of administering to the infant a nutritional composition comprising a protein with a degree of hydrolysis of 10% to 75% in combination with at least one of a monoglyceride, a free fatty acid, a salt of a free fatty acid, a phospholipid, and cholesterol.

Abstract: Provided are methods of assessing the cleanliness of a flow cell of a flow cytometric system. The provided methods include computing a ratio of post-flow cell and pre-flow cell light beam intensities and using such a ratio to assess the cleanliness of the flow cell. Flow cytometric systems capable of monitoring the cleanliness of a flow cell contained within the system are also provided.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, systems for diluting samples are disclosed. An example method includes depositing a first fluid droplet on a first electrode of a plurality of electrodes. The first electrode has a first area. The first fluid droplet has a first volume associated with the first area. The example method includes depositing a second fluid droplet on a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes. The second electrode has a second area. The second fluid droplet has a second volume associated with the second area. The second volume is different than the first volume. The example method includes forming a combined droplet by selectively activating at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode to cause one of the first fluid droplet or the second fluid droplet to merge with the other of the first fluid droplet or the second fluid droplet.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of modulating and/or decreasing serum corticosterone levels in an individual affected by stress. Further disclosed are methods of modulating the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal response in an individual. The methods include administration of 2-fucosyl-lactose to an individual.