Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a mammalian sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: The invention provides novel fluorinated resorufin compounds that are of use in a variety of assay formats. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and kits that include a compound of the invention and instructions detailing the use of the compound in one or more assay formats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating cancer, which comprises the following steps of: (a) collecting total RNA from an analyte; (b) measuring the expression level of at least one gene selected from among the genes shown in Tables 1 to 8; and (c) evaluating cancer using the measurement result as an indicator.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a method to determine the genotype of organisms by RAPD analysis and more specifically, to establish the relatedness of individual organisms across and within species. RAPD uses genotypic information of an organism to give an organism specific DNA fragment of different sizes. The present invention provide methods and a set of oligonucleotide primers for performing amplification and other enzymatic reactions on nucleic acid molecules that have been collected directly as environmental DNA or DNA derived form pure isolates. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel method of genetic analysis using a set of sub-sequence, which occurs as inverted repeats in different genome with different frequencies. All bacterial cultures used in this study have been isolated from activated biomass collected from effluent treatment plants. The bacteria have been sub-cultured repeatedly to obtain pure cultures. All plating has been carried out on Luria Broth plates with 2% agar.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of characterizing small nucleic acid molecules, such as plasmids or nucleic acid molecules obtained from a virus. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of characterizing a small circular nucleic acid molecule, the method including performing rolling circle amplification on a small circular nucleic acid molecule, thereby producing a concatamer, and generating an optical map of the concatamer, thereby characterizing the small circular nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The genes encoding ryanodine receptor homologs have been characterized from multiple insect families including lepidopteran tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), homopteran green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), corn plant hopper (Peregrinus maidis), cotton melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) and fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster). The full-length genes have been isolated, cloned and amplified in bacterial cells. Expression in insect cells shows that the recombinant protein folds into a functional calcium release channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in specific regions outside the HFE gene that serve as a reliable biomarker for a decreased risk for childhood lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a child. There is provided herein methods and reagents for assessing the haplotype tagging SNPs selected from the group consisting of rs807212, rs198853, rs9467664, rs2213284, rs2230655 and rs12346. The method useful in applying these SNPs in predicting a decreased risk of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for identifying or distinguishing one type of cell from other cells within a population of cells. The present invention further provides the detection, monitoring and isolation of sub-populations cell types within a population of cells including a biological entity comprising such cell types. Kits, diagnostic agents and panels of nucleic acid probes for identifying and distinguishing cell types also form part of the present invention. The detection of particular cell types is based upon the use of a labelled probe that hybridizes to chromosomal DNA at the flanking sequences of a deletion. Alternatively two probes with distinguishable reporter molecules are used wherein only one probe is capable of hybridizing to chromosomal DNA in one cell type whereas both are capable of hybridizing to chromosomal DNA in another cell type. The methods are useful in the identification of cells with copy number variations, chromosomal deletions, additions or aberrations.

Abstract: A method for assessing heart disease in a subject includes generating an expression profile of at least two or more miRNAs in a sample from the subject. The miRNAs can be selected from the group consisting of hsa-miRNA-1, hsa-miRNA-7, hsa-miRNA-29b, has-miRNA-125b, hsa-miRNA145, hsa-miRNA-181b, hsa-miRNA-214, hsa-miRNA-342, hsa-miRNA-378 and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for determining the prognosis of cancer in a patient, particularly for gastrointestinal cancer, such as gastric or colorectal cancer. Specifically, this invention relates to the use of genetic markers for the prediction of the prognosis of cancer, such as gastric or colorectal cancer, based on cell proliferation signatures. In various aspects, the invention relates to a method of predicting the likelihood of long-term survival of a cancer patient, a method of determining a treatment regime for a cancer patient, a method of preparing a personalized genomics profile for a cancer patient, among other methods as well as kits and devices for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: Animal husbandry has always been susceptible to the ravages of pathogenic infections. Poultry flus and cattle diseases are but two examples that have dire consequences for animals and adversely affect the economic fortunes of farmers. A testing and culling methodology is presented that can eliminate pathogens from an infected herd. The sensitivity of PCR to detect very low levels of nucleic acid of an infecting pathogen is utilized to identify infected animals. In addition, it has been discovered that PCR analysis of manure samples can accurately identify infected animals and offspring for those species that consume placental remains after birth. Mink Aleutian Disease Virus (mADV) is one of several deadly DNA parvoviruses that can quickly reach epidemic proportions in a mink herd. PCR primers have been developed that generate amplicons to detect and identify the mADV. In addition, a previously unidentified strain of mADV has been discovered, genomically sequenced, and substantially detailed.

Abstract: Animal husbandry has always been susceptible to the ravages of pathogenic infections. Poultry flus and cattle diseases are but two examples that have dire consequences for animals and adversely affect the economic fortunes of farmers. A testing and culling methodology is presented that can eliminate pathogens from an infected herd. The sensitivity of PCR to detect very low levels of nucleic acid of an infecting pathogen is utilized to identify infected animals. In addition, it has been discovered that PCR analysis of manure samples can accurately identify infected animals and offspring for those species that consume placental remains after birth. Mink Aleutian Disease Virus (mADV) is one of several deadly DNA parvoviruses that can quickly reach epidemic proportions in a mink herd. PCR primers have been developed that generate amplicons to detect and identify the mADV. In addition, a previously unidentified strain of mADV has been discovered, genomically sequenced, and substantially detailed.

Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for label-free detection of nucleic acids that are amplified by polymerase chain reaction. A solution containing the components necessary for a PCR is introduced to a microfluidic amplification chamber and an electric field applied to a confined region in which PCR occurs. PCR product generated in the confined region is detected by measuring an electrical parameter that is, for example, solution impedance. The devices and methods provided herein are used, for example, in assays to detect one or more pathogens or for point-of-care tests. In an aspect, the PCR product is confined to droplets and the assay relates to detecting an electrical parameter of a flowing droplet, thereby detecting PCR product without a label. In an aspect, the PCR occurs in the droplet.

Abstract: A simple, rapid, inexpensive, and promising commercial biomarker assay method for multiple diseases is described herein. The present invention detects miRNA-based biomarkers in human stool specimens. The method of the present invention amplifies miRNA directly from stool specimens without any prior miRNA extraction. Differential expression of specific microRNAs in stool of colorectal cancer CRC and adenoma patients suggest fecal microRNAs as a novel potential biomarker for colorectal neoplasia detection. The method of the present invention has diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic relevance for gastroenterological cancers/colorectal cancer and as well as further acquired or hereditary GI diseases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns in general PCR reaction mixtures comprising a mixture of hot-start primers and non-hot-start primers for a given target sequence, including multiplex PCR reaction mixtures; methods utilizing same for detection of one or more target polynucleotide sequences; and kits comprising same.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for predicting the clinical outcome of a patient which suffers from breast cancer based on the expression levels of BRCA1, wherein low BRCA1 expression levels are indicative of a good prognosis. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for predicting the response to a neoadjuvant therapy based on a combination of an anti-metabolite, an intercalating agent and an alkylating agent of a patient which suffers from breast cancer based on the expression levels of BRCA1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the content of methylated DNA in a DNA region of interest in a genomic DNA contained in a biological specimen, and so on.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that both non-particle and particle associated nucleic acids are present in blood plasma and serum and can be used to evaluate disease conditions.

Abstract: A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.

Abstract: Assays and methods including mobile tagged single stranded nucleic acid reagents pre-loaded on an analysis device, which are preferably tagged, but not labeled and are complementary to a strand (preferably the anti-sense strand in double stranded DNA targets) of the target nucleic acid. The assay also includes a running buffer that includes a dye or other detectable label that nonspecifically binds only to double stranded nucleic acids. In addition, the analysis device includes a detection zone including one or more test zones that have an immobilized tag that binds to the tag on the mobile nucleic acid reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, which comprises measuring the expression level of a periostin gene or the amount of a periostin protein in a biological sample. Thereby, a method for detecting idiopathic interstitial pneumonia using a marker is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the amplification and detection of amplified nucleic acid sequences employing methods and devices with distinct temperature zones. The methods and devices of the present invention may be used for quantitative analysis of target nucleic acid sequences, for simultaneous quantitative analysis of multiple target nucleic acid sequences or for analyzing a sample for the presence of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein methods and kits for detecting and/or quantifying sialic acid content of glycosylated molecules that does not require purification of the glycosylated molecule of interest or purification of the labeled product. The methods and kits provided herein are fast and suitable for high-throughput use.

Abstract: Adhesion of platelets to blood vessel walls is the first step that promotes arrest of bleeding by interaction of the platelet receptors with various extracellular matrix proteins that become exposed on vascular injury. A flow chamber is provided for use in analyzing or studying platelet function, in whole blood, either as part of a batch process or in real time. In the flow chambers, an inert polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface is plasma-activated and a homobifunctional cross-linker is used to immobilize platelet-binding proteins onto a chamber wall surface. Immobilized collagen and fibrinogen may thus be assayed by continuously monitoring the adhesion of ADP and Ca2+ activated platelets from a subject, such as a patient having normal or type 2 diabetes (T2D). The flow chamber provides a simplified and robust method for the construction flow chambers which enable the kinetic monitoring of platelet adhesion in whole blood.

Abstract: A binding partner, especially an antibody fragment that specifically recognizes an antigen-antibody immune complex between anti-THC and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is disclosed. The binding partner facilitates a non-competitive homogenous immunoassay for detection of cannabis use. A test kit comprising the binding partner is also described. Preferably the immunoassay is applied for roadside testing of saliva from suspected drivers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte (10) in a sample, comprising the steps of: providing a transducer (3) having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, a first reagent (9) immobilised on the transducer, the first reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a derivative of the analyte, exposing the sample to the transducer thereby allowing the analyte or a derivative of the analyte to bind to the first reagent to form a first reagent-analyte complex (13); introducing a second reagent (11), the second reagent having a binding site which is capable of selectively binding the first reagent-analyte complex, wherein the second reagent has a label (12) attached thereto which is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to generate energy by non-radiative decay; irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation; transducing the energy generated into an electr

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for assessing the risk, for an individual, of developing an adverse event upon treatment with a therapeutic antibody which is capable of Fab-arm exchange, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample from an individual who is a candidate for treatment with said therapeutic antibody, b) assaying said sample for the presence of circulating IgG4 antibodies that binds an antigen known or suspected to be associated with a causative agent of said adverse event, and c) assessing, on the basis of the outcome of the assay of step b), the risk that the individual will develop said adverse event upon treatment with the therapeutic antibody, wherein the risk of development of said adverse event increases with increased level of said circulating IgG4 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention uses the potency and efficacy of human glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant protein (GARP), the gene of which is located on chromosome 11q13-11q14 in the reprogramming of antigen-specific effector T-helper cells, which are CD4+, towards a regulatory pheno type of pre-determined suppressor activity. In contrast to the known regulatory protein Foxp3 that only induces an incomplete regulatory phenotype without suppressor function, GARP is more efficient in inducing suppressor activity. Further, the use of GARP in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions is provided, allowing the production of antigen-specific Treg-cells, having a predetermined suppressor activity for a specific antigen.

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more immunological response factors that is expressed in response to a therapeutic treatment and/or disease using a piezoelectric microcantilever sensor (PEMS) to assess a patient's immunological response. The method involves measuring a frequency shift of the PEMS caused by binding the immunological response factors to one or more receptors on the PEMS. The method may be used to determine the effectiveness of a prescribed therapeutic treatment and/or monitor the progress of a disease.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel fluorescent compounds analogous to alkyl phospholipids, containing highly photostable fluorescent groups in the structure thereof and emitting in the visible spectrum wavelength zone. Said compounds are easily introduced to microorganisms, enabling the detection and identification of these organisms by means of fluorescence microscopy. The novel fluorescent compounds can also diagnose, rapidly and easily, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms characterised in that they are resistant to treatment with alkyl phospholipids.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a chromogenic amino acid. The chromogenic amino acid is flanked by at least one amino acid to the N and C termini thereof. The amine group of the chromogenic amino acid has a pKa of less than 5. The chromogenic amino acid is capable of reacting with a conjugated aldehyde. The polypeptide comprises a target sequence for a target protease which is capable of cleaving the peptide bond comprising the amino group of the chromogenic amino acid.

Abstract: Use of urine and serum biomarkers in diagnosing diabetic nephropathy, staging diabetic nephropathy, monitoring diabetic nephropathy progress, and assessing efficacy of diabetic nephropathy treatments. These biomarkers include urine precursor alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, urine alpha-1 antitrypsin, urine alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, urine osteopontin, serum osteopontin, their fragments, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Use of urine biomarkers for diagnosing nephropathy, monitoring nephropathy progress, and assessing efficacy of a nephropathy treatment. These urine biomarkers include leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-2, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, their fragments, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in a sample is provided. The method typically provides a breakdown of the HDL and LDL cholesterol contents of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cell-based assays for the in vivo assessment of phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity using cyclic nucleotide-gated channels as cyclic nucleotide sensors, and for the assessment of the effect of PDE modulating compounds.

Abstract: The present application provides methods and devices for the production and recovery of cell aggregates. In one embodiment, the device is a microwell device with a high density of microwells. The application also provides a device for extracting cell aggregates such as stem cells or embryoid bodies from well plates. Such cell aggregates are used for the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells, in the fields of developmental biology and regenerative medicine/tissue engineering.

Abstract: A method for remotely determining a patient's excessive bleeding tendency and a patient's resistance to blood thinning medication is disclosed. An incision is made in the patient's forearm. Blood oozing out of the incision is absorbed into a blotter paper until the bleeding stops. Blotches of blood formed on the blotter paper are captured as an image and sent to a service provider who calculates a value associated with the bleeding volume of the patient. The service provider retransmits a value associated with the bleeding volume back to the medical professional. To determine the resistance to blood thinning medication, one incision is made in the patient prior to administration of blood thinning medication. Blood oozing out of the incision is collected on blotter paper until the patient stops bleeding. A second incision is made in the patient. A second set of blotter paper is used to collect the blood oozing out of the incision until the bleeding stops.

Abstract: A droplet actuator comprising: (a) a base substrate comprising electrodes configured for conducting droplet operations on a droplet operations surface thereof; (b) a droplet comprising one or more beads situated on the droplet operations surface; (c) a barrier arranged in relation to the droplet and the electrodes such that a droplet may be transported away from the beads using one or more droplet operations mediated by one or more of the electrodes while transport of the beads is restrained by a barrier. Related methods and kits are also provided.

Abstract: An assay device comprising a compartment adapted to receive a sealed removable cartridge, wherein said cartridge is adapted to contain a biologic sample and internally comprises two or more assay locations, wherein said cartridge is adapted to facilitate two or more assays of said biologic sample; and an actuator adapted to interface with said cartridge to transport said biologic sample towards at least one of said assay locations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating germ layers from stem cells comprising culturing the stem cells in a culture medium having an osmolality less than 340 mOsm/kg. The present disclosure also includes a method to generate different cell lineages from the germ layers as well as to detect them by immunological methods. The present disclosure further provides methods for the generation, isolation, cultivation and propagation of committed progenitor cells and for the production of differentiated cells from the three germ layers. The present disclosure also provides culture media for use in inducing the three germ layers.

Abstract: A device for storing a biological sample (3) and allowing transfer of heat for disrupting secondary structures of the biological sample (3) is disclosed. It comprises a biological sample carrier (5) having a portion (7). The portion (7) is intended for receiving a biological sample (3). It also comprises at least one sealing means (9, 13, 15) for sealing the portion (7), a heat transfer segment (11) that extends at least essentially through at least one of the portion (7) and the sealing means (9, 13, 15), and presents a ratio between a heat conductivity of and a thickness of the heat transfer segment (11) that is larger than 500 W/m K in order to enable heat transfer to the biological sample (3) via the heat transfer segment (11). Also, a method for preparing the biological sample (3) is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel convenient method for evaluating the function of a phagocyte is provided. The method assays sCD14-ST, which is a humoral factor specifically produced in phagocytosis by the phagocyte and which is stable enough for use in an assay. Also provided is a method for detecting diseases associated with the phagocytosis by the phagocyte.

Abstract: A self-contained organ-on-a-chip device includes at least one medium feed reservoir and at least one organ growth section including at least one organ cavity. The at least one medium feed reservoir is configured to connect to the at least one organ growth section by a microfluidic feed channel and the at least one organ cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating allografts, having a sonication tank configured to transmit ultrasonic energy to the interior of the tank; a treatment canister rotatably positioned in said sonication tank, and configured to receive allografts therein; and a treatment fluid source in fluid communication with said treatment canister. Methods of treating allografts and methods for determining microbial contamination using the apparatus.

Abstract: The use of free, extractable lipids found in bacteria for identification of bacterial species and subspecies is described. Bacteria have been found to differ sufficiently in their extracted lipid compositions to effect identification using thin layer chromatographic techniques. Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, and Burkholderia mallei have been distinguished in this manner. Lipopeptides specific to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, but not to the closely related bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium have also been used as a basis for bacterial subspecies identification using mass spectrometry and seroreactivity.

Abstract: A container (1) for the fermentative production of biogas from organic substrates, which container comprises an axial stirrer (9), one or several inlet devices (2) for filling the container (1), one or several outlet devices (3, 4) for emptying the container (1) and withdrawing a fermentation residue, an external conduit (5) for supplying a fermentation mixture into a closed circular pipeline (7) with several outlets (8) for spraying on the surface (14) of the fermentation mixture, with the sprayed fermentation mixture optionally coming from the lower half of the container (1), a device (11) for withdrawing the biogas produced and an apparatus (10) for controlling the temperature of the fermentation mixture; a process for the fermentative production of biogas from an organic substrate, a process for suppressing foam formation during the fermentative production of biogas, and a process for the improved conversion of oils and fats in organic substrates during the fermentative production of biogas, which can be

Abstract: A method of fractionating biomass, by permeability conditioning biomass suspended in a pH adjusted solution of at least one water-based polar solvent to form a conditioned biomass, intimately contacting the pH adjusted solution with at least one non-polar solvent, partitioning to obtain an non-polar solvent solution and a polar biomass solution, and recovering cell and cell derived products from the non-polar solvent solution and polar biomass solution. Products recovered from the above method. A method of operating a renewable and sustainable plant for growing and processing algae.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mutant Neq A523R DNA polymerase consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 wherein alanine at amino acid position 523 in a Nanoarchaeum equitans DNA polymerase (Neq DNA polymerase) consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 has been substituted with arginine by site-directed mutagenesis. Also disclosed are a gene consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding the mutant Neq A523R DNA polymerase, a recombinant vector comprising the gene, and a transformant transformed with the vector. In addition, disclosed are a PCR kit comprising the mutant Neq A523R DNA polymerase having excellent performance compared to the wild-type Neq DNA polymerase, and a method for preparing the Neq A523R DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of utilizing chaperone proteins for the production of active protein such as those encoded by the genes of natural biosynthetic clusters. The methods provided herein have applicability for a wide variety of genes ranging from small fatty acid biosynthetic genes to large non-ribosomal peptide synthetase genes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using multimeric, single chain proteins of a defined structure. In various embodiments the invention involves a bank or collection of one or more monomer nucleic acid species with each such nucleic acid species encoding a protein monomer subunit species and divided into separate subspecies, each bearing a distinct pair of position-specific subcloning restriction endonuclease recognition sites for cassette style cloning into an expression vector and making multimeric, single chain proteins of a defined structure.