Abstract: The invention concerns a fusion polypeptide including several molecules of folding helper polypeptides, including one multimerization domain, in particular Skp, and at least one molecule of SlyD or SlpA, wherein no further target polypeptide sequences are fused to the fusion polypeptide. The invention further concerns an immunoassay and the use of the fusion polypeptide in an immunoassay for reduction of interferences or minimizing false positive results or for stabilizing proteinaceous assay reagents. Further the invention concerns a reagent kit for use in an immunoassay comprising the fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful for normalizing the amount of signal detected in an assay, such as an immunoassay. The compositions and methods are useful for improving the accuracy of immunoassays, such as immunoassays that detect whether a subject is infected with a retrovirus such as HIV.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence and level of allergy indicators in a human fluid sample such as, but not limited to, blood serum and saliva, is disclosed. In another embodiment, the method may assess a level of allergens in a consumable product. The system and method may make use of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that have modified surfaces suitable for attracting allergy indicators from human fluid sample and allergens from consumable products. The system and method may provide a minimally invasive assessment of allergy indicators to determine whether one is allergic to a substance.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the assembly of a bioluminescent complex from two or more non-luminescent (e.g., substantially non-luminescent) peptide and/or polypeptide units. In particular, bioluminescent activity is conferred upon a non-luminescent polypeptide via structural complementation with another, complementary non-luminescent peptide.

Abstract: A method for modification of solid substrates with proteins for efficient surface preconcentration of an analyte from multi-component samples before the detection based on desorption-ionization mass spectrometry and immunochemical assays. The claimed subject is a method of modification of surfaces used as substrates for desorption-ionization mass spectrometry and immunochemical assays. The method is based on electronebulization (electrospraying) of protein solution, depending on the intended application either enzymes, lectins, or antibodies. The formed charged electrospray is dried in real time by its passing through an evaporation compartment and the resulting beam of desolvated ions impacts onto the surface and binds to it firmly. Such modified surface can be then used for a selective interaction with an affinity partner of the deposited protein, its preconcentration or enzymatic modification followed by an analysis by means of desorption-ionization mass spectrometry or immunochemical assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compilation of detection reagents, wherein the compilation comprises a first and a second detection reagent, wherein the first detection reagent binds non-mutated leptin with a first binding value, but does not bind mutated leptin or binds it with a maximum of 50% of the binding value of non-mutated leptin, and wherein the second detection reagent binds both mutated and non-mutated leptin with a second binding value. The invention furthermore relates to an in-vitro method for detecting mutated leptin and the use of a detection reagent.

Abstract: To provide a test substance measurement method and a test substance measurement kit adapted to improve the accuracy of the measurement of a test substance. A test substance measurement kit includes: fluorescent particles which are modified with a first binding substance having specific bindability to a test substance; non-fluorescent particles which are modified with a second binding substance having no specific bindability to the test substance; and a substrate on which a first metal film to which a third binding substance having specific bindability to the test substance is fixed, and a second metal film to which a fourth binding substance having no bindability to the test substance, but having bindability to the first binding substance is fixed, and which has a smaller thickness than the first metal film are formed.

Abstract: A combination of capillary forces and gas pressure is used to control the movement of liquid samples within a microfluidic device. A liquid sample introduced to a proximal portion of a capillary channel of a microfluidic device moves by capillary action partway along the capillary channel. As the liquid sample moves, a pressure of a gas acting upon a distal gas-liquid interface of the liquid sample increases by an amount sufficient to stop further movement of the liquid sample. To initiate further movement of the liquid sample, a pump connected to a distal portion of the capillary channel decreases the pressure of the gas acting upon the distal gas-liquid interface of the liquid sample by an amount sufficient to permit the liquid sample to move by capillary action further along the capillary channel of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for detecting CD3 and CD16 in the same sample of a colorectal, head & neck, or lung tumor using immunohistochemical methods using primary antibodies from the same host species and secondary antibodies immunoreactive with antibodies of the host species of the primary antibodies. Methods to denature and block the first primary antibody contacted with the sample are provided.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for the classification of cancers as sensitive or resistant to treatments based on protein-protein interactions, treatment of cancer, identification of biomarkers, identification of protein-protein interaction modulators, and selection of cancer treatments.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of specific analyte of a sample which may show interferences by photometric assays, wherein the analyte is quantified from the change in the optical signal of the reaction mixture after the interaction of the analyte with analyte specific reagents. Multiple calibration curves are generated for multiple wavelengths for the specific analyte. An interference test is performed simultaneously to the determination of the specific analyte, for quantifying the amount of interfering substances present in the sample. The amount of each interfering substances is compared to predetermined cut-off values. The optical signal for the specific analyte is measured in the reaction mixture at multiple wavelengths over the complete reaction time, and a calibration curve is selected depending on the interfering substances. The amount of specific analyte is quantified by comparison with the selected calibration curve for the chosen wavelengths.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the assembly of a bioluminescent complex from two or more non-luminescent (e.g., substantially non-luminescent) peptide and/or polypeptide units. In particular, bioluminescent activity is conferred upon a non-luminescent polypeptide via structural complementation with another, complementary non-luminescent peptide.

Abstract: Assays for rapid measurement of total vitamin D in blood are provided. Vitamin D is measured following the rapid and irreversible release of vitamin D due to denaturation and digestion of vitamin D binding proteins by aspartyl peptidases (e.g., pepsin) under acidic conditions. Such measurements may be made using a vitamin D binder (e.g., an antibody) to measure competition between free vitamin D and added, labeled vitamin D. Synergy between denaturation and degradation is believed to provide more rapid and more complete release of vitamin D than would occur with acid or enzyme alone. These measurements may be made using small amounts of whole blood, serum, or plasma, and are suitable for use in automated devices. These methods provide the advantages of reduced cost, increased speed, reduced discomfort to the subject, and increased availability and ease of use. Reagents, kits, devices, and systems for these assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for validating immunological detection reagents for use in detecting contaminating host cell components in a biological preparation.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and kits for capturing sperm nucleic acids from or in a biological sample. In one embodiment the method the method includes, contacting the sample with a lysis solution, having a protamine-DNA complex, to lyse the cell and applying a protamine-specific antibody. This results in the protamine-specific antibody binding to the protamine-DNA to form a complex which may be captured, purified, or detected. Also provided are kits for carrying out the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the prognosis and/or diagnosis of vascular-related disorders in a subject and in particular pregnancy-related vascular disorders. The present disclosure is based on the finding that a positive correlation exists between positive prediction of a vascular disorder event in a subject and the concentration of the circulating marker NTproCNP (also referred to as NT-CNP) in humans and animals. In addition, the present disclosure is based on the finding that there is also a positive correlation between the occurrence of a vascular related adverse event during pregnancy and the concentration of the circulating marker NT-proCNP in the maternal circulation.

Abstract: Diagnostics relating to C-type natriuretic and erythropoietin signal peptides and fragments, and kits, uses and applications therefore.

Abstract: Methods for the identification of inhibitors of botulinum neurotoxins are described. Cells are provided that are genetically engineered to express peptides that act as a substrate for a botulinum neurotoxin and the provide reporting groups. Spacer sequences between the reporting groups serve to optimize energy transfer between the reporting groups. Characterization of the energy transfer-dependent signal prior to and following exposure to a botulinum neurotoxin in the presence of a candidate inhibitor provides a measure of the effectiveness of the candidate inhibitor.