Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for isolating cancer cells using positively charged surfaces, such as beads, microparticles, and capillary tubes. The methods and compositions for isolation can be used in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic preparation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of identifying pro-inflammatory dendritic cells, the method comprising: determining an expression of CD5, CD14 and/or CD163 in cells, wherein CD5?, CD14+ and/or GD163+ cells are identified as pro-inflammatory dendritic cells. Also disclosed is a method of characterising inflammation and/or inflammatory disease in a subject, the method comprising: determining a proportion of CD5?, CD14+ and/or GD163+ dendritic cells in the subject's sample, wherein the proportion positively correlates with the level of inflammation and/or the severity of inflammatory disease in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that utilize a combination of immunoassay and magnetic immunoassay techniques to detect an analyte within an extended range of specified concentrations. In particular, a device includes a housing, a heterogeneous surface capture immunosensor within the housing and configured to generate a first signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte in an upper concentration range, and a homogeneous magnetic bead capture immunosensor within the housing and configured to generate a second signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte in a lower concentration range.

Abstract: A measurement system is disclosed which includes a spot-traversal system for causing relative motion between a sample and an irradiation spot in a first direction, wherein the sample includes one or more fluorescent markers having respective fluorescence wavelengths, a gating system configured to provide a gating signal based at least in part on resultant light substantially at a wavelength of the irradiation spot, and an optical detection system configured to detect fluorescent light from at least some of the fluorescent markers irradiated by the irradiation spot, and provide detection signal(s) representing the fluorescent light detected concurrently with a gate-open condition of the gating signal.

Abstract: Some methods of performing an assay comprise culturing target cells in one or more channels of one or more microfluidics chips, where each of the channel(s) can have a volume that is less than or equal to 100 microliters (?L). For each of one or more test liquids that each comprise a therapeutic reagent, the test liquid can flow over the cultured target cells in at least one of the channel(s) and, while the test liquid flows over the cultured target cells, data indicative of an interaction between the target cells over which the test liquid flows and the therapeutic reagent of the test liquid can be captured.

Abstract: Opioids can be detected using a test system with ZnO pillars arranged in an array on a silicon wafer. Silver particles are on a top surface and/or side surface of the ZnO pillars. A sample fluid is applied to the test system. A concentration of an opioid compound in the sample fluid is determined using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of the test system. The sample fluid can be blood or a fluid isolated from blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for multiplex staining of a biological sample involving the use of a buffer combination of blocking buffer, imaging buffer and elution buffer that allows for multiple staining rounds of biological samples. The blocking buffer comprises a compound that is capable of binding to hydrophobic binding sites non-specifically and a sulfhydryl-reactive compound. The imaging buffer is at neutral pH and comprises a radical scavenger, and the elution buffer is at pH lower than 4 and comprises a buffering component, a reducing agent and at least one compound disrupting hydrogen bonds. The invention further relates to buffers used in the practice of the method of the invention, and to a kit containing these buffers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tumor immunology. It provides a method for identifying mutation-related human CD8+ T cells, in particular, tumor-specific T cells of a human subject, comprising analyzing CD8+ T cells of the subject by analysing the expression of at least one marker selected from a first group consisting of CD82, CD194, CD244, CD28, CD62L and CD55, and preferably, a marker selected from a second group comprising CD11a or CD18 or CD43. A preferred marker for mutation-related CD8+ T cells is CD82, which may be analysed in combination, e.g., with CD11a. Without the need to identify any epitope to which T cells reacts, this method can advantageously be used to isolate the entire individual pool of mutation-related T cells, and, optionally, to identify the sequence of a mutation-related TCR, which allows for generation of transgenic T cells expressing the TCR.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides two devices for the isolation of rare cell populations such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Both devices use magnetic fields to manipulate cells that are bounded to paramagnetic particles (PMP). One device uses surface tension and a sieve for cell filtration, whereas the other allows for the direct transfer of cells onto a standard microscope slide. Subsequent processing steps may be directly performed on the devices thereby minimizing cell losses. The first device is referred to as the ST (surface tension) device and the second device is referred to as the DT (direct transfer) device. The ST device can also be considered as a chip for the isolation of the rare cell populations.

Abstract: Flow cytometry is used for diagnosis of infectious diseases by an analysis of cell mediated immune responses to specific infective agent antigens. Apparatus and methods of advanced flow cytometry are utilized to detect cell mediated immune responses to the presence of specific antigens from infective agents, such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, helminth, prions. In some embodiments, methods as provided herein can be utilized in vitro to diagnose multiple infections within individuals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improved labeling and/or de-labeling a molecule or cell in the context of scientific experimentation, industrial applications, and clinical investigation, including the means to repeat the process of labeling and de-labeling in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for labeling intracellular and extracellular targets of leukocytes, as well as to kits for performing said methods.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, enumerating, or extracting microorganisms in a sample is disclosed. Target microorganisms, such as Salmonella bacteria, may be of interest. Magnetic beads may be bound to the target microorganisms. After which, the bead-bound cells may be isolated. For example, a magnetic field may be applied in order to separate the target cells (with the magnetic beads attached thereto) and move then to a predetermined section of the well. Agar, or other immobilizing agent, may be added to the wells in order to immobilize the target cells. After which, the target cells are incubated and periodically analyzed to determine whether the target cells are growing, thereby indicating that the microorganisms are contained within the well.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nano fluorescent latex pigment with high fluorescent intensity and high stability and a preparation method therefor in the technical field of fluorescent pigments. An oil phase and an aqueous phase are included. The oil phase includes 0.8 to 0.9 wt % of fluorescent dye, 40 to 45 wt % of polymer monomer, 0.2 to 0.22 wt % of co-emulsifier, and 0.2 to 0.22 wt % of initiator. The aqueous phase includes 5 to 7 wt % of mixed emulsifier, and 0 to 0.3 wt % of sodium bicarbonate, with the balance being water. The preparation method for the nano fluorescent latex pigment includes four steps, namely, oil phase preparation, aqueous phase preparation, mini-emulsion preparation, and mini-emulsion polymerization. In the present disclosure, a nano fluorescent latex pigment with high fluorescence intensity, small particle size, uniform distribution, and good dispersion stability is successfully prepared, thereby expanding the application range of nano fluorescent latex pigments.

Abstract: An indicator of a first type and an indicator of a second type are attached to a unit of a chemical component in a sample to form a first multi-indicator complex. The first multi-indicator complex includes the unit of the chemical component, the indicator of the first type, and the indicator of the second type. The indicator of the first type and the indicator of the second type have different discernible characteristics. An image of the sample, including the first multi-indicator complex corresponding to the unit of the chemical component, is captured by an image sensor. Based on a first image of the sample, a count is generated of multi-indicator complexes that include an indicator of the first type and an indicator of the second type, including the first multi-indicator complex. Based on the count, a presence or a level of the chemical component in the sample is identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for labeling or targeting cells whose plasma membrane has lost integrity, such as dead cells, such as for discriminating between live cells and cells whose plasma membrane has lost integrity; to an embodiment of the method for determining one or more values of one or more parameters of cells of a biological sample; to use of the method in an assay for screening drugs for therapy such as cancer therapy; to use of the method to monitor and/or determine the effectiveness of a therapy; to an assay kit; to a complex; to the complex for use as a medicament; to the complex for use in treatment of cancer(s) and/or plaque(s) and/or regeneration and/or supporting the immune system; and, to a dead cell.

Abstract: Among other things, two or more different antibodies are caused to bind to one or more units of a chemical component in a sample. Each of the antibodies is attached to one or more beads (e.g., microbeads). The sample is situated on a surface of an image sensor. At the image sensor, light is received originating at a light source that is other than the beads. The received light includes light reflected by, refracted by, or transmitted through the beads. At least one image of the sample is processed to separately enumerate individual beads and complexes of two or more of the beads attached to the two or more antibodies that are bound to a unit of the chemical component. The results of the processing are used to identify a presence or a level of the chemical component in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of invasive tumor cells directly from a specimen. The methods using the apparatus can be used to prognose or predict the survivability of the cancer in a subject and the risk of recurrence of the cancer in the subject after treatment. The methods disclosed herein can be used to determine which chemotherapeutic or other therapies most strongly inhibit the tumor cells invasiveness as a form of personalized therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for identifying cells that express antigen-specific antibodies with a high binding affinity for a monomeric antigen. Using fluorescence activated cell sorting, cells expressing high affinity antigen-specific antibodies are selected from a population of immune cells isolated from a mammal that has been immunized with or otherwise exposed to the antigen. Nucleic acids encoding the high affinity antibodies can then be cloned into other lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells where the antibody can be expressed and from which the antibodies can be secreted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating exosomes. Specifically, the invention relates to a method comprising the steps of providing a sample including exosomes; identifying a cell-surface polypeptide on the exosomes; and isolating the exosomes using the cell-surface polypeptide on the exosomes. The exosomes isolated from by the methods of the invention can be studied for the purposes of biomarker identification, for the understanding of biological function and disease, and to find ways to target them with therapeutics.