Abstract: Presented is a device for the preparation of samples for ionization by laser desorption, especially MALDI, that comprises a sample support assembly with a surface which has an array of sites for holding substances, and an outer contour surrounding the sample site array, and a flat cover which can be placed flush on or over the surrounding outer contour such that a shielded gas compartment is formed between the cover and the surface, said cover having an array of apertures arranged such that each aperture comes to rest over a corresponding sample site. A gas transport system is also provided on the assembly and cover, which serves to introduce a protective gas into the shielded gas compartment between cover and surface so that a protective gas atmosphere is generated in the gas compartment to protect the substances on the sample sites against atmospheric influences. An associated method is also described.

Abstract: Presented is a device for the preparation of samples for ionization by laser desorption, especially MALDI, that comprises a sample support assembly with a surface which has an array of sites for holding substances, and an outer contour surrounding the sample site array, and a flat cover which can be placed flush on or over the surrounding outer contour such that a shielded gas compartment is formed between the cover and the surface, said cover having an array of apertures arranged such that each aperture comes to rest over a corresponding sample site. A gas transport system is also provided on the assembly and cover, which serves to introduce a protective gas into the shielded gas compartment between cover and surface so that a protective gas atmosphere is generated in the gas compartment to protect the substances on the sample sites against atmospheric influences. An associated method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of thin tissue sections for mass spectrometric (MALDI) imaging, and proposes a method wherein a microcrystalline layer of the matrix material is produced on the surface of the thin tissue sections, and soluble analyte molecules are transported orthogonally through the thin tissue section to the matrix layer, without substantial lateral diffusion, by means of a solvent flow with alternating or constant direction, and are then deposited in the matrix layer and, if possible, embedded in the matrix crystals. A solvent flow which alternates in direction can be produced by successive, alternating phases of swelling and drying, brought about by periodic changes to the thin tissue section temperature and/or the partial pressures of the solvents. A continuous solvent flow can be generated by applying the thin tissue section onto a porous support which supplies solvent to the rear surface of the thin tissue section.

Abstract: A method for determining an expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) of a subject. The method includes providing a sample from the subject; measuring one of (i) amounts of two or more proteins in the sample, each protein having a molecular weight substantially equal to 4740, 8404, 8419, 8435, 8450, 8455, 8465, 8570, 8607 or 8626 atomic mass units, and (ii) amounts of at least one of human cystein-rich intestinal protein 1 (CRIP1), one or more variants of the human cystein-rich intestinal protein 1 (CRIP1 variants), and proteolytic digestion products thereof in the sample; and comparing the amounts of the proteins to control amounts, which control amounts are determinative of the expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of thin tissue sections for mass spectrometric (MALDI) imaging, and proposes a method wherein a microcrystalline layer of the matrix material is produced on the surface of the thin tissue sections, and soluble analyte molecules are transported orthogonally through the thin tissue section to the matrix layer, without substantial lateral diffusion, by means of a solvent flow with alternating or constant direction, and are then deposited in the matrix layer and, if possible, embedded in the matrix crystals. A solvent flow which alternates in direction can be produced by successive, alternating phases of swelling and drying, brought about by periodic changes to the thin tissue section temperature and/or the partial pressures of the solvents. A continuous solvent flow can be generated by applying the thin tissue section onto a porous support which supplies solvent to the rear surface of the thin tissue section.

Abstract: A method for determining an expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) of a subject. The method includes providing a sample from the subject; measuring one of (i) amounts of two or more proteins in the sample, each protein having a molecular weight substantially equal to 4740, 8404, 8419, 8435, 8450, 8455, 8465, 8570, 8607 or 8626 atomic mass units, and (ii) amounts of at least one of human cystein-rich intestinal protein 1 (CRIP1), one or more variants of the human cystein-rich intestinal protein 1 (CRIP1 variants), and proteolytic digestion products thereof in the sample; and comparing the amounts of the proteins to control amounts, which control amounts are determinative of the expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.