Abstract: The microfluidic platform device of the claimed invention makes use of a high throughput lab-on-a-chip format to determine the functional profile of antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination against infection for any pathogen. It can be used to evaluate vaccines, evaluate whether vaccinated individuals show indices of protection, determine whether individuals display resistance or susceptibility to infection, discover new vaccine antigens, discover and test therapeutic interventions, or evaluate mechanisms of disease.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern methods of determining the effectiveness of immune cells, such as T cells, with particular chimeric antigen receptors. In specific embodiments, a synapse between the CAR and the tumor antigen is measured for structure, signaling, and functionality by imaging. As such, the quality of the synapse is determined and positively correlates with effectiveness of the particular CAR immune cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro human neuromuscular junction model prepared from a co-culture of human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived spinal motorneurons and human myoblast-derived skeletal muscle cells. The present invention also provides for methods of screening compounds for their ability to modulate neuromuscular junction activity by determining whether a candidate compound increases or decreases the activity of the in vitro human neuromuscular junction model.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for screening a compound useful in reducing astroglial edema, said method comprising: (i) providing a compound; (ii) bringing said compound in contact with an astrocyte; and (iii) determining the cAMP level in said astrocyte contacted with said compound; wherein said compound is identified as a compound useful in reducing astroglial edema, if the cAMP level in the astocyte increases after contact. The present invention further pertains to an agent elevating the cAMP level in astrocytes for use in reducing astroglial edema.

Abstract: Existence of human trophoblast stem (hTS) cells has been suspected but unproved. The isolation of hTS cells is reported in the early stage of chorionic villi by expressions of FGF4, FGFR-2, Oct4, Thy-1, and stage-specific embryonic antigens distributed in different compartments of the cell. hTS cells are able to derive into specific cell phenotypes of the three primitive embryonic layers, produce chimeric reactions in mice, and retain a normal karyotype and telomere length. In hTS cells, Oct4 and fgfr-2 expressions can be knockdown by bFGF. These facts suggest that differentiation of the hTS cells play an important role in implantation and placentation. hTS cells could apply to human cell differentiation and for gene and cell-based therapies.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a xenohormetic induced phenotype in an organism are provided. Also provided are methods if using organisms having a known xenohormetically induced phenotype in a number of different applications, such as the identification of xenohormetic agents and the generation of chemical entities and foodstuffs under specific conditions of production governed by xenohormetic effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for enhanced detection of a disease by among others enhancing the difference in a microscopic property of diseased cells and normal cells, thereby enhancing the detection sensitivity and specificity.

Abstract: A tear glucose measuring device includes a tear glucose test strip (101) and a reaction device, wherein the tear glucose test strip (101) is used for collecting tears which are then subjected to an elution reaction with a glucose assay reagent contained in the reaction device. With this device, a user can collect tears by himself by folding a leading portion (1014) of the tear glucose test strip (101) about a folding line (1021) and inserting the leading portion (1014) into the lower conjunctival sac inside the lower eyelid to allow the absorbance of tears therein. If tear glucose test strips (101) of the same lot are consistent in terms of thickness of a moisture-absorbent layer of the leading portion (1014), as long as a tear collection region (1020) of the leading portion (1014) has a fixed area, the leading portion (1014) can collect a quantitative amount of tears.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for use in preparing a labelled biomolecule reagent. Systems according to certain embodiments include an input manager for receiving a request for a labelled biomolecule reagent, a memory for storing a dataset having a plurality of labelled biomolecule reagent storage identifiers, a processing module communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to identify one or more labelled biomolecule reagent storage identifiers from the dataset that corresponds to the labelled biomolecule reagent request and an output manager for providing the one or more identified labelled biomolecule reagent storage identifiers. A reagent preparatory apparatus for preparing the labelled biomolecule reagent from an activated biomolecule and activated label is also described. Methods for communicating and receiving a labelled biomolecule reagent request and preparing the subject labelled biomolecule reagents are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits, apparatus and methods for determining a biological condition in a mammalian subject, the method includes incubating a specimen from a patient with at least one composition in a kit for a predetermined period of time to form at least one reaction product, when the subject has said biological condition, and receiving an indication of the at least one reaction product responsive to at least one reporter element in the kit thereby providing the indication of the biological condition in the subject.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: The automatic analysis device is provided with (1) a measurement mechanism having a light measuring unit having a reaction container in which the sample is dispensed, a light source which emits light to the reaction container, and a detection unit that detects scattered light from the sample in the reaction container, (2) an amplifier circuit unit having an adder-subtractor that adds or subtracts a correction signal to or from a first measurement signal from the detection unit, and an amplifier circuit which amplifies the output signal by the adder-subtractor at a fixed amplification rate to output a second measurement signal, and (3) an arithmetic operation unit which calculates the correction signal on the basis of a difference between the signal level of the second measurement signal and a target value, and which executes an analysis action based on the second measurement signal after correction by means of the correction signal.

Abstract: This disclosure provides high throughput immunoblot methods and apparatus for an antigen such as a chemical compound, a peptide, a nucleic acid, or a protein released from cells or virus particles in situ. The method yields highly sensitive and accurate results and is useful in analyze complex system including an antigen from cell or tissue lysate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting substances which are present in biological or chemical samples, each substance producing an optically detectable signal upon reaction with a reagent. The device further comprises a sample carrier with at least two receptacles for receiving samples and is characterized in that at least part of the receptacle is equipped to receive at least 2 reagents each, and in that a camera for recording an image which shows at least one receptacle filled with at least two reagents for the detection of different substances, and an evaluation device for evaluating the samples which device is designed such as to evaluate each image by analyzing the signals in the image.

Abstract: A reagent kit used for detecting gastrin-17, a preparation method, and a detection method for the reagent kit. The reagent kit comprises component A and component B, wherein component A is a first anti-gastrin-17 antibody marked with a trace marker or coated on magnetic spheres, and component B is a second gastrin-17 antibody or gastrin-17 coated on magnetic spheres or marked with a trace marker. Either one of component A and component B is marked with the trace marker, and the other one is coated on the magnetic spheres. The first gastrin-17 antibody and gastrin-17 binding site is different from the second gastrin-17 antibody and gastrin-17 binding site. The method using a double antibody sandwich method or a competition method to detect gastrin-17 accurately and sensitively measures the amount of gastrin-17 in a sample.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an immunochemistry analysing system includes a source of paramagnetic particles, a source of fluid, a cuvette configured to receive the paramagnetic particles and the fluid, a pipette configured to (i) translate so that at least a portion of the pipette is located within the cuvette and (ii) dispense at least one of the paramagnetic particles and the fluid into the cuvette so that the paramagnetic particles and the fluid can be mixed within the cuvette, a motor configured to move the pipette while located in the cuvette, and a control unit configured to vary a motor drive of the motor to cause the pipette to mix the fluid with the paramagnetic particles within the cuvette.

Abstract: Methods of reducing background noise in signal-generating digital assays, such as fluorescent digital immunoassays, using a colorant are disclosed. The methods utilize a binding member that specifically binds to an analyte in a biological sample. The binding member is conjugated to a signal generating compound, e.g., an enzyme, which is dissociated from the binding member. A colorant is added with a signal generating substrate, e.g., a fluorogenic or chromogenic substrate for the enzyme, or after a signal generating substrate to reduce background noise in a fluorescent digital immunoassay. The signal generated between the signal generating compound and the signal generating substrate is detected and correlated to the presence and/or concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A device and method for use in capturing a substance in a liquid, by feeding the liquid through a capturing device including: a lateral capillary flow matrix and a capturing matrix in fluid communication with the lateral capillary flow matrix so as to produce two lateral flows sufficient to impart transverse oscillations to the lateral flow in the capturing matrix, such oscillations driving the liquid into the interior of the capturing matrix thereby exposing its interior to the liquid.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of a specific analyte by photometric assays, wherein the specific analyte in a sample reacts with an analyte specific reaction partner in a reaction mixture. At least two calibration curves are generated, the first calibration curve recorded at a first wavelength is optimized for low concentrations of the specific analyte thereby maximizing the lower detection limit and, the second calibration curve recorded at a second wavelength is optimized for high concentrations of the specific analyte thereby maximizing the upper detection limit. The optimized lower detection limit and the optimized upper detection limit results in an extended dynamic range.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide binding agents, e.g. antibodies, that exhibit the ability to kinetically modulate the binding and signaling of biological signaling complexes, e.g., receptor-ligand complexes; methods of identifying such polypeptide binding agents, methods of making such polypeptide binding agents, compositions comprising such polypeptide binding agents, and methods of using such polypeptide binding agents.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and quantifying toxins present in the oral cavity. The methods may include providing a biological sample, providing reporter cells expressing one or more Toll like receptors, exposing the cells to the biological sample, measuring the EC50 value of the lipopolysaccharide on activation of a Toll like receptor, quantification of the lipopolysaccharide in the biological sample.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with a mycobacterial disease, the method comprising: (a) providing a system which comprises an antigen; (b) contacting the system with a sample obtained from the individual; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of binding of a biomarker in the sample with the antigen; wherein the antigen is an arabinose ester of a mycolic acid or an analogue thereof.

Abstract: A probe is provided comprising a label and a binding moiety, Deliver First Probe wherein the binding moiety is adapted to bind to gram-negative bacteria, and to Target Area to substantially not bind to animal cells or gram-positive bacteria. A method of detecting the presence of bacteria in a target area is also provided, which allows the detection of bacteria generally, and the determination of whether that bacteria is gram negative or gram positive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a concentration of epithelial cells in a blood sample or aspirate sample originating from a human being or mammal and mixed with anti-clotting agent. Here, following the addition of antibodies, antibody fragments, or antibody mimetica, which are each aimed against an antigen that is specific to epithelial cells, the sample is incubated until a decreasing binding rate of the binding of the antibodies, antibody fragments, or antibody mimetica to the cells is achieved. Only then is the number of marked cells and the original concentration of the cells in the blood sample or aspirate sample determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are real-time insect surveillance sensor devices and methods that use a colorimetric readout for detecting insect disease vectors (such as mosquitoes which can transmit pathogens such as DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV). The method involves an attractive or feeding solution combined with detector conjugates. The conjugate can specifically detect proteins present in insect saliva and/or proteins specific to mosquito-borne pathogens.

Abstract: Methods for preventing IBS, reducing the likelihood of developing IBS and/or treating IBS by administering COT inhibitors and/or COT neutralizers to a subject in need thereof are described. Methods of eliciting a specific immune response and methods of vaccinating a subject to prevent IBS or to reduce the likelihood of developing or having IBS are also provided. Methods of diagnosing IBS by detecting the presence or absence of COT or a COT marker in a subject are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrochemical detection of analyte in a sample makes use of a binding interaction and relies on the discovery that asymmetric distribution of a redox enzyme between two electrodes that occurs when a redox enzyme-containing reagent is immobilized at the surface of one electrode can be detected as a chemical potential gradient arising from an asymmetry in the distribution of oxidized or reduced redox substrate. This chemical potential gradient can be detected potentiometrically by observing the potential difference between the electrodes in an open circuit, or amperometrically by observing the current flow between the electrodes when the circuit is closed. In both cases, the observation of asymmetry can be done without the application of an external potential or current to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for an anticancer adjuvant comprising a receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIP3) protein expression promotor or activator as an active ingredient. In addition, the present invention provides a method of promoting cancer cell apoptosis, characterized by co-administering an anticancer agent and a RIP3 protein expression promotor or activator to cancer cells. Also, the present invention relates to a method for screening an anticancer adjuvant which promotes RIP3 expression and enhances sensitivity of an anticancer agent, and a method for monitoring sensitivity of an anti-cancer agent depending on the RIP3 expression. Accordingly, in the case of a patient lacking the expression of RIP3, it is expected to be an effective treatment strategy to pre-treat a demethylating agent to induce the expression of RIP3 and then to use a conventional chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: Described herein are biomarkers comprising mTOR, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway members as well as cap-dependent translation initiation factors that enable monitoring and predicting responses to PD-1 pathway blockade in patients afflicted with cancers characterized by PD-1 expression.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for enriching and analyzing viable target particles of interest from a heterogeneous suspension containing target particles and non-target particles where the particles may be biological or non-biological. The method allows for the resulting target particles or a subset of target particles to undergo further analyses since the particles are not modified or labeled, which would typically interfere with further characterization. Another embodiment may be directed to a method of analyzing a fluid specimen from a subject suffering from a disease or condition comprising the steps of: obtaining a fluid specimen from a subject, culture, or animal model, where the fluid specimen comprises target cells of interest and non-target cells; adding said fluid specimen into a flow chamber; enriching viable target cells from non-target cells of the fluid specimen; and analyzing the viable target cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and the treatment of cancer, in particular breast cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of diagnosing cancer in a subject comprising the steps of i) determining the expression level of 11?HSD1 and/or 11?HSD2 in a sample obtained from the subject, ii) comparing the expression level determined at step i) with its predetermined reference value and ii) concluding that the subject suffers from a cancer when the expression level of 11?HSD1 is lower than its predetermined reference value or when the expression level of 11?HSD2 is higher than its predetermined reference value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of identifying an individual having non-small cell lung carcinoma as to be treated by chemotherapy based on marker molecules cytokeratin-19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as well as the use of the marker molecules for the identification of an individual to be treated by chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for identifying an individual who is at risk for developing metastatic liver disease that involves measuring, in a sample isolated from the individual, exosomal levels of one or more markers of metastatic liver disease. Kits for carrying out this method are also disclosed. The present invention also relates to a method of preventing metastatic liver disease in an individual who are at risk for developing the disease that involves administering one or more inhibitors of liver pre-metastatic niche formation.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent or device comprises at least one ligand capable of specifically complexing with, binding to, or quantitatively detecting or identifying the biomarker chloride intracellular channel protein 4 (CLIC4) or an isoform, pro-form, modified molecular form including posttranslational modification, or unique peptide fragment or nucleic acid fragment thereof. An alternative diagnostic reagent or device comprises ligand or ligands capable of specifically complexing with, binding to, or quantitatively detecting or identifying multiple tropomyosin biomarkers. Optionally, such reagent or device includes a signaling molecule and/or a substrate on which the ligand is immobilized. Other reagents and methods of diagnosing ovarian cancer include use of CLIC4 ligands and/or multiple tropomyosin ligands with an additional ovarian cancer biomarker. For example, CLIC4 combined with one or more of CLIC1 and/or one or multiple members of the tropomyosin family, e.g.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for the isolation of cells that express c-MET, and in particular circulating tumor cells that express c-MET. The methods can include contacting a biological sample including a c-MET circulating tumor cell with an unbound complex including a capture binding species linked to a solid phase for a time sufficient to allow the unbound complex to bind an extracellular binding domain of the c-MET protein to form a bound complex, and subsequently isolating the bound complex. Compositions, systems, and kits adapted for use with these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject having a solid tumor who is likely to be responsive to a treatment compound, comprising: administering the treatment compound to a subject having the solid tumor; obtaining a sample from the subject; determining the level of a biomarker in the sample from the subject, and diagnosing the subject as being likely to be responsive to the treatment compound if the level of the biomarker in the sample of the subject changes as compared to a reference level of the biomarker.

Abstract: A new, stable trimeric TNF? structure is disclosed with distorted symmetry which can bind to the TNFR1 receptor to attenuate signalling therefrom, which can be used in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with the soluble TNF?/TNFR1 interaction. Membrane-bound TNF? is not affected in its ability to signal through TNFR2, and thus the new structure of TNF? may be used in therapies which do not significantly raise the risk of infection or malignancy.

Abstract: There are numerous proteins having different in vivo effects depending on variants. In order to gain a more accurate understanding of an in vivo effect of a protein, when the protein in a sample is quantified, it is necessary to measure an amount of each variant that can be present. Provided is a method for performing parallel quantification of variants of a protein having 2 or more variants using mass spectrometry. The method includes: protease-digesting a protein in a sample; detecting, using mass spectrometry, among peptides obtained by the protease digestion, peptides having amino acid sequences specific to the variants without separating the peptides; and determining amounts of the variants in the sample based on results of the detection.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cell-based, label-free assay compatible with high-throughput screening (HTS) that can report quantitatively on enzyme activities by measuring mass changes of substrates with MALDI-mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for diagnosing of neuropsychiatric syndromes concurrent with SLE (NPSLE) and for determining whether an SLE subject is at risk of developing a neuropsychiatric disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diagnostic methods and compositions for identifying individuals that are protected against Plasmodium falciparum caused malaria. Such methods are particularly useful for determining not only the protective efficacy of Pf whole parasite vaccines for individual subjects, but also within populations of vaccinated subjects. Also disclosed herein are subunit vaccines comprising at least one Pf immunologic determinant for protection against Plasmodium-caused malaria.

Abstract: A diagnostically useful carrier has a polypeptide for specifically capturing an antibody to Ara h 7 isotype 7.0201 in a sample from a subject. A method includes detecting in a sample from a subject the presence or absence of an antibody to Ara h 7 isotype 7.0201. A pharmaceutical composition includes Ara h 7 isotype 7.0201 or a variant thereof.

Abstract: Antibodies capable of specifically recognizing phosphorylated Oct4 (Octamer-binding transcription factor 4), and compositions for detecting phosphorylated Oct4 protein or cell cycle, comprising the antibodies specifically recognizing phosphorylated Oct4 protein are provided. The antibodies or the compositions according to the invention may be used to predict characteristic difference between stem cells and cancer stem cells.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for capturing biomarkers are provided. In particular, methods, compositions, and systems that utilize affinity capture devices comprising a processing chamber, affinity capture agent and porous membrane are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for predicting the risk of a patient to suffer from acute kidney injury (AKI) during or after a surgical procedure or after administration of a contrast medium. The method is based on the determination of the level of the biomarker IGFBP7 (Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7) in a body fluid sample obtained from the patient prior to the surgical procedure or prior to the administration of a contrast medium. Further, the present disclosure describes a method for predicting the risk of a patient to suffer from acute kidney injury (AKI) based on the determination of the amount of the biomarker IGFBP7 (Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7) and Cystatin C in a body fluid sample obtained from the patient. The present disclosure further encompasses kits and devices adapted to carry out the methods of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a use of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and fibronectin as markers for distinguishing between neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The biomarker composition of the present disclosure for distinguishing between NMO and MS enables early diagnosis of NMO or MS which are difficult to be differentiated from each other at an early stage and appropriate treatment to be applied, and can be utilized in the study of NMO and MS through proteome analysis of cerebrospinal fluid exosomes in patients.