Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. The described methods, devices, kits, and reagents facilitate the detection and quantification of a non-nucleic acid target (e.g., a protein target) in a test sample by detecting and quantifying a nucleic acid (i.e., an aptamer) where the aptamer-aptamer interactions are significantly reduced or eliminated while maintaining the aptamer-target interaction.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, reagents and kits for improved hybridization of nucleic acids on a solid phase are provided.

Abstract: Biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits used to assess the quality of a sample collected from a subject are provided. Such biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits may be useful in evaluating acceptability of sample handling and/or consistency of sample handling across a plurality of samples.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the detection of proteins in biological fluids such as urine using a label-free assay is described. Specific proteins are detected by their binding to highly specific capture reagents such as SOMAmers that are attached to the surface of a substrate. Changes to these capture reagents and their local environment upon protein binding modify the behavior of color centers (e.g., fluorescence, ionization state, spin state, etc.) embedded in the substrate beneath the bound capture reagents. These changes can be read out, for example, optically or electrically, for an individual color center or as an average response of many color centers.

Abstract: Biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits used to assess the quality of a sample collected from a subject are provided. Such biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits may be useful in evaluating compliance with fasting protocols.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits for evaluating and predicting lung cancer risk. In one aspect, the disclosure provides biomarkers that can be used alone or in various combinations to estimate or determine lung cancer risk. In another aspect, methods are provided for evaluating and predicting lung cancer risk in an individual, where the methods include detecting, in a biological sample from an individual, at least one biomarker value corresponding to at least one biomarker selected from the group of biomarkers provided in Table 6.

Abstract: Array plates in accordance with the present teachings may include: a perforated cover plate defining a plurality of first apertures, a supportive base plate defining a planar surface, and a gasket sandwiched between the perforated cover plate and the supportive base plate. Array plates are configured to support a slide, such that the slide is sandwiched between the gasket and the supportive base plate. In some examples, an array plate system in accordance with the present teachings includes a slide ejection tool and/or a gasket installation tool.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a leak from a subarray of a microarray chip, kits of components that facilitate leak detection, and microarray chips configured for leak detection are disclosed herein. The methods include positioning, within the given subarray, a sample solution, which includes dissolved sample molecules (DSMs) that define a dissolved sample oligonucleotide sequence and dissolved leak detection molecules (DLDMs) that define a predetermined dissolved leak detection oligonucleotide sequence. The methods also include detecting the DLDMs within a region of the microarray chip that is external the given subarray. The kits of components include the microarray chip and DLDMs. The microarray chips includes a plurality of subarrays and a leak detection region that is at least partially external the plurality of subarrays.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for producing aptamers that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for producing photoreactive aptamers that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. In addition, the disclosure describes aptamer constructs that include a variety of functionalities, including a cleavable element, a detection element, and a capture or immobilization element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting surface-mediated chemical and/or biochemical reactions within an enclosed chamber are disclosed. Systems and methods of the present disclosure may be used in conducting hybridization reactions of biopolymers. In some examples, an improved method for mixing thin films of solutions in a hybridization chamber includes altering the direction of mixing at least once over the course of a reaction. In some examples, an improved method for mixing thin films of solutions in a hybridization chamber includes altering the speed of mixing at least once over the course of a reaction. In some examples, an improved method for mixing thin films of solutions in a hybridization chamber includes altering the speed of mixing and the direction of mixing at least once over the course of a reaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits for the evaluation of risk of renal insufficiency within a specified timeframe, for example 4 years. In one aspect, the disclosure provides biomarkers that can be used alone or in various combinations to evaluate risk of renal insufficiency within 4 years. In another aspect, methods are provided for evaluating risk of renal insufficiency within 4 years in an individual, where the methods include detecting, in a biological sample from an individual, at least one biomarker value corresponding to at least one biomarker selected from the group of biomarkers provided in Table 8.

Abstract: Described herein are aptamers capable of binding to coronavirus protein(s); compositions comprising a coronavirus protein binding aptamer with a coronavirus protein; and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Spin-labeled uridine nucleosides and phosphoramidites are provided, including improved methods of synthesis and oligonucleotides comprising the spin-labeled nucleosides.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and quantifying target molecules, such as proteins, in a biological sample are provided. The disclosed methods include capturing target molecules with aptamers, replacing the aptamers with aptamer identification sequences, and then sequencing the aptamer identification sequences using next-generation sequencing techniques.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and more specifically one or more of the following associated conditions of steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning and fibrosis, are provided. Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic steatosis are also provided. Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are also provided.

Abstract: Biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits used to assess an individual having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or having heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) for the prediction of risk of developing a Cardiovascular (CV) Event over a 90 day, 180 day, or 1 year period are provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the detection of proteins in biological fluids such as urine using a label-free assay is described. Specific proteins are detected by their binding to highly specific capture reagents such as SOMAmers that are attached to the surface of a substrate. Changes to these capture reagents and their local environment upon protein binding modify the behavior of color centers (e.g., fluorescence, ionization state, spin state, etc.) embedded in the substrate beneath the bound capture reagents. These changes can be read out, for example, optically or electrically, for an individual color center or as an average response of many color centers.