Abstract: In some aspects, a flow cytometer system is provided that includes beam shaping optics positioned to manipulate a light beam and produce a resulting light beam that irradiates the core stream at the interrogation zone of the flow cell. The beam shaping optics include an acylindrical lens positioned to receive and focus light in a direction of a first axis orthogonal to a direction of light travel, and a cylindrical lens positioned to receive the light output from the acylindrical lens and to focus the light output from the acylindrical lens in a direction of a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and to the direction of light travel. The resulting light beam output has a flat-top shaped intensity profile along the first axis, and a Gaussian-shaped intensity profile along the second axis. Related methods of shaping a light beam at an interrogation zone of a flow cell are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including human milk oligosaccharides that can be administered to preterm infants, term infants, toddlers, and children for reducing inflammation and the incidence of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including human milk oligosaccharides and nucleotides that can be administered to preterm infants, term infants, toddlers, and children for reducing inflammation and the incidence of inflammatory diseases.

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: 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: At least a portion of fabrics for use in medical devices is formed from polymeric materials. The fabrics may be uncoated, partially coated or fully coated with one or more layers of a polymer. The fabrics may be used for the leaflets and/or cuffs of prosthetic heart valves and as a component of other medical devices.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an individual's mucosal innate immune response to pathogens is disclosed. The method includes a step of administering a nutritional composition to the individual. The nutritional composition includes about 0.05 to about 0.5 mg/mL 2?-fucosyllactose (2?-FL), about 0.05 to about 0.5 mg/mL lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), or a combination of both. Also disclosed is a method for enhancing an individual's mucosal innate immune detection of pathogens. The method includes a step of administering a nutritional composition to the individual. The nutritional composition includes a neutral human milk oligosaccharide.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes provides methods for analyzing biological samples to identify, classify, and/or quantify platelets in the sample. The present disclosure also provides systems and methods for analyzing a blood sample to determine presence of platelet clumps in the sample. Also provided are systems configured for performing the disclosed methods and computer readable medium storing instructions for performing steps of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A nutritional composition comprising at least one human milk oligosaccharide selected from 6? sialyllactose, lacto-N-neotetraose, lacto-N-tetraose, disialylated lacto-N-tetraose, 3?-fucosyllactose, and 3?-sialyllactose. The nutritional composition is used in a method of reducing stress in an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: A liquid nutritional composition including 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF) is provided. The liquid nutritional composition also includes ascorbic acid and a protein system containing methionine to inhibit or reduce oxidation of the 5-MTHF and provide an active folate level of the liquid nutritional composition that remains stable over the shelf life of the liquid nutritional composition.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include WBC analysis reagents, systems and methods that can be used for analyzing a sample of whole blood to identify, classify, and/or quantify white blood cells (WBC) and WBC sub-populations in the sample. The WBC analysis reagents of the present disclosure generally include at least one membrane-permeable fluorescent dye, a WBC protecting reagent, and a surfactant. In some embodiments, the WBC reagents include a suitable amount of an osmolality adjusting component to adjust the osmolality of the WBC reagent into a desired range.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a robust, sensitive, and specific assay for the detection and measurement of periostin levels in samples obtained from human patients having, or suspected of having an IL-13-mediated disease or disorder. The disclosure further provides novel antiperiostin monoclonal antibodies that recognize at least isoforms 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 of human periostin, and assay kits comprising one or more of these antibodies.

Abstract: Example automated diagnostic analyzers and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. An example apparatus described herein includes a first carousel rotatably coupled to a base and having a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels. The example apparatus also includes a pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The example pipetting mechanism is to access the first carousel and the second carousel.

Abstract: Herein is provided a simple, reliable and accurate method for cellular analysis on hematology analyzers. In various aspects, the methods provide separation and/or differentiation between red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) by utilizing a fluorescent dye to selectively stain WBCs such that they emit stronger fluorescence signals. The method provides optimal detection limits on WBCs and RBCs, thereby allowing analysis of samples with sparse cellular concentrations. As few as one reagent may be used to prepare a single dilution for body fluid analysis, in order to simplify the body fluid analysis. Minimal damage to WBCs is attained using the lysis-free approach described in aspects of the disclosure.

Abstract: Example automated storage modules for analyzer liquids are described herein. An example apparatus includes a refrigerated storage module having a plurality of shelves (to store a plurality of carriers) and a loading bay having an array of slots to receive one or more of the carriers. The loading bay is accessible by a user for manual loading or unloading of the carriers. The example apparatus includes a first carrier transporter coupled to the storage module to transfer the carriers between the shelves and a first transfer location and a second carrier transporter movable along a track connecting the storage module to an automated diagnostic analyzer. The second carrier transporter is to transfer a first carrier between the first transfer location and a slot in the loading bay and a second carrier between the first transfer location and a second transfer location accessible by the automated diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: Liquid level sensing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example method includes moving a cannula to pierce a seal of a container to provide access to a liquid in a cavity of the container; moving a probe through a passageway of the cannula and into the cavity of the container; and when the probe is at least partially positioned in the cannula: providing a first signal to the probe to cause the probe to emit a first electrical field; and providing a second signal to the cannula to cause the cannula to emit a second electrical field.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for analyte analysis using a nanopore are disclosed. The methods, devices, and systems utilize a first and a second binding member that each specifically bind to an analyte in a biological sample. The method further includes detecting and/or counting a cleavable tag attached to the second binding member and correlating the presence and/or the number of tags to presence and/or concentration of the analyte. Certain aspects of the methods do not involve a tag, rather the second binding member may be directly detected/quantitated. The detecting and/or counting may be performed by translocating the tag/second binding member through a nanopore. Devices and systems that are programmed to carry out the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nutritional composition for use in modulating or reducing inflammation in an adult or elderly individual in need thereof. In some aspects, the nutritional composition comprises a neutral human milk oligosaccharide.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including human milk oligosaccharides that can be administered to preterm infants, term infants, toddlers, and children for reducing inflammation and the incidence of inflammatory diseases.