Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of collecting cervical-vaginal fluid exosomes and microvesicles and isolating corresponding mRNA. In particular, certain embodiments relate to the method of collecting the cervical-vaginal fluids with a tampon and releasing the cells, exosomes and microvesicles using excess buffer and a syringe or syringe-like device. The resulting expunged fluid can be applied to a filter device that is capable of capturing exosomes and microvesicles. Nucleic acids such as mRNA can be isolated from the cervical-vaginal fluid exosome and microvesicles using an oligo(dT)-coated plate designed to accommodate the filter device and then used for further molecular analysis. Quantification of the collected nucleic acids may then be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of gynecological diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to methods of identifying subjects likely to develop diabetes-associated damage to the nephron, or subjects in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy. In particular, several embodiments relate to quantification of diabetic nephropathy-associated markers by isolating RNA isolated from vesicles from patient urine samples. The levels of the marker in a subject can be compared to levels in a population having normal nephron function and/or used to to track progression of diabetic nephropathy in said subject over time.

Abstract: Methods and filter systems for detecting microorganisms in a sample, such as a food sample, are disclosed. The filter is configured to attract the microorganism, for example by electrostatic charge. The filter containing the microorganism is incubated to grow the microorganism so that it may be detected. The filter may be degradable and the detection may involve extracting the microorganism or the molecular marker of the microorganism from the filter for detection. The filter system may also include a porous microbead component selected to trap dirt and other contaminants from the sample while allowing the microorganisms to pass among the microbeads. Methods are disclosed for detecting microorganisms in samples using the filter systems described. The methods may also include adding a polymer and/or a microorganism detection reagent to the filter to localize microorganism growth and prevent evaporation of reagents.