Abstract: Detection devices comprising microbe-targeting molecules (MTMs) and engineered MTMs in the form of a lateral flow assay (LFA) are provided. Methods of using the detection devices in the detection and/or identification of microbes and microbe components in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A two-dimensional multiplex chromatography test card is disclosed. The two-dimensional multiplex chromatography test card comprises a first absorbent pad (11), a first nitrocellulose membrane (10), a sample pad (1), a second nitrocellulose membrane (3) and a second absorbent pad (4) which are sequentially provided on a backing (5) in a lapping manner along a length direction of the backing (5). A first conjugating zone (9) on the sample pad (1) is coated with at least one first latex bead labeled antibody, and a second conjugating zone (2) on the sample pad (1) is coated with at least one second latex bead labeled antibody. The first nitrocellulose membrane (10) is provided with a first test line (12 and/or 13) and a first control line (14), and the first test line (12 and/or 13) is coated with a first antibody corresponding to the first latex bead labeled antibody. The second nitrocellulose membrane (3) is provided with a second test line (6 and/or 7) and a second control line (8).

Abstract: A method involves detecting in a sample an autoantibody binding specifically to one or more from Gluk1, Gluk2, Gluk3, Gluk4 and Gluk5, preferably Gluk2. An autoantibody binds specifically to one or more from Gluk1, Gluk2, Gluk3, Gluk4 and Gluk5, preferably Gluk2. A diagnostically useful carrier with a solid phase with an immobilized polypeptide contains one or more from Gluk1, Gluk2, Gluk3, Gluk4 and Gluk5, preferably Gluk2 or a variant thereof. The autoantibody can be used for diagnosing a neurological autoimmune disease or a cancer.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient is undergoing a pre-flare event, the method comprising obtaining a blood, serum, plasma, or saliva sample from the SLE patient; assessing a level of expression for each of a plurality of biomarkers, the plurality of biomarkers comprising OPN, MCP-1/CCL2, MCP-3/CCL7, IL-17A, TNFRII, TNFRI, IL-4, IL-5, BLyS, TNF?, and IL-7; determining a Lupus Flare Risk Prediction Index (LFPI) for the patient based upon the level of expression for each of a plurality of biomarkers; and based upon the LFPI, determining whether the patient is undergoing a pre-flare event.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of diagnostic tools for the detection of Schistosoma infection. The invention pertains to proteins derived from Schistosoma Haematobium antigens, useful alone or in combination for the detection of anti-Schistosoma antibodies in biological samples, and thus for the diagnosis of Schistosoma infection in humans.

Abstract: Described herein, are methods of detecting neutralizing antibodies that bind to Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) toxin B (TcdB), prognosing the disease severity of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and the risk of primary and recurrent CDI, as well as providing a guide for clinical practice. Also described herein are kits for performing the methods of this disclosure.

Abstract: Therapeutic and prophylactic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis are provided, as are related pharmaceutical compositions. Methods provide for the early detection of subjects at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, thus allowing for early intervention, and include methods of sample preparation.

Abstract: A biosensor having a core/shell nanocomposite of TiO2/rGO formed by hydrothermally coating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes on titanate nanowires.

Abstract: Provided are a cell preparation, a use of a protein in characterizing hematopoietic stem cells, and a method for determining hematopoietic stem cells. The cell preparation is CD34+, CD90+, CD45RA? sorted and obtained from among cells to be sorted, and hematopoietic stem cells that are positive for the following proteins, the protein being selected from one or more among CD48, CD66a, CD66c, CD66d, CD66e, and CD200. By using the foregoing protein(s) to characterize hematopoietic stem cells, not only can target cells be more accurately calibrated and evaluated in vitro, but the ability of a patient to maintain long-term reconstruction of the hematopoietic system after receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant can also be improved, achieving a better treatment effect.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel method for identification of known and unknown viruses from various biological and non biological samples using carrier suitable for immobilisation of membrane proteins of different target cells of human, animal or bacterial origin for capturing the virus, whose peptides are identified by mass spectrometry analysis, a diagnostic kit based on the said method and the use thereof.

Abstract: The systems, methods, devices and kits disclosed herein be used to determine the presence and/or level a target analyte(s) in a biological sample, wherein the analyte(s) is associated with a pathogenic (e.g., a viral antigen or whole virus) or otherwise altered physiological condition (e.g., pregnancy). In certain embodiments, the systems, methods, devices and kits provide one or more improved properties relative to the RT-PCT and lateral flow antibody assays known in the art for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, including but not limited to, assay time, ease of use, risk of infection, accuracy, specificity, selectivity, limit of detection of the assay, quantitative detection and the effect of common interferents to the sensor output, cost, simplicity or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions, kits and methods for diagnosing and treating an increased risk of moderate to severe COVID-19 disease involves a composition comprising at least one reagent capable of detecting, binding, specifically complexing with, or measuring the level of one of a subject marker in a sample. Optionally, a composition of the invention further comprises a reagent capable of detecting, binding, specifically complexing with, or measuring the expression of a subject biomarker.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions and systems for modulation of a coronavirus (e.g., SARS CoV-2) and/or the evaluation of compounds that can modulate infectivity of the coronavirus. For example, disclosed is a method to identify a compound that can modulate infection by the coronavirus comprising the steps of: expressing an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE-2) and/or a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) receptor on a target cell; contacting the target cell with a viral particle comprising at least a portion of the coronavirus spike protein in the absence and the presence of the compound; and measuring levels of infection of the target cell in order to determine infectivity of the viral particle in the presence or absence of the compound. Also, disclosed are compounds and methods of treatment identified using the methods, compositions, and systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure in one aspect provides technologies for detection of lung cancer, e.g, early detection of lung cancer. In another aspect, technologies provided herein are useful for selecting and/or monitoring and/or evaluating efficacy of, a treatment administered to a subject determined to have or susceptible to lung cancer. In some embodiments, technologies provided herein are useful for development of companion diagnostics, e.g, by measuring tumor burdens and changes in tumor burdens in conjunction with therapeutics.

Abstract: Present invention provides a method for diagnosing and prognosing endometrial cancer in easy-to-access isolated samples by detecting the level of expression of one or more proteins. In particular from uterine fluid samples. The invention also provides kits comprising means for detecting said proteins for use in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for partitioning species. In some embodiments, such systems can be used for determining one or more types of cancer. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to aqueous multi-phase partitioning systems that can be used, for example, for distinguishing between different types of cancers, diagnosing subjects with cancer, or the like. In some cases, such systems can be identified using solvent properties such as the solvent dipolarity/polarizability difference (??*), the solvent hydrogen bond donor acidity difference (??), the solvent hydrogen bond acceptor basicity difference (??), and the electrostatic property difference (c) between two phases of the partitioning system. These may be within certain ranges in accordance with various embodiments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a biomarker for diagnosis of prostate cancer and use of the biomarker. According to a biomarker composition for diagnosis of prostate cancer of the present disclosure, an optimal biomarker combination capable of effectively diagnosing prostate cancer has been discovered, and there is an advantage in that prostate cancer can be diagnosed with high accuracy by using the biomarker combination and a machine learning algorithm model.

Abstract: Described herein are monoclonal antibodies, assay kits and immumoassay methods for quantifying elastin fragments with a C-terminus amino acid sequence LPGGYGLPYT (SEQ ID NO: 1) in a patient biofluid sample, and uses thereof for detecting or quantifying fibrotic diseases such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

Abstract: The present invention discloses compounds of Formula-A and its copper complex of general Formula-B. The compound of general Formula-B is used in the selective detection of homocysteine in aqueous medium at physiological pH without any interference from other challenging amino acids and thiols. Using compounds of general Formula-B, specific detection of homocysteine under UV light in aqueous solution is also possible by the naked eyes.

Abstract: Methods for detecting lung cancer cells, or lung cancer subtypes, by measuring levels of metabolites are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mixture comprising at least one internal standard protein, a container comprising the mixture, a method for preparing a container with the mixture, a method for determining the amount of a target protein present in a sample, providing a container comprising the mixture, as well as a kit for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system including a pump configured to pump an air sample, from a container to a cooling chamber, at a capacity of at least 0.5 liter/sec, the cooling chamber is configured to cool the exhaled air sample to a sub-zero temperature, and is in fluid connection to a spectrometer test chamber; an inert gas source, configured to supply an inert gas to the test chamber at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure; and a heating unit for heating said air sample. Further provided is a method for preparing an air sample for detection of a mixture of proteins.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for a microfluidic immunoassay for in situ mass spectrometry analysis of intracellular protein biomarkers in tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue may comprise human brain tissue. In some embodiments, the protein biomarkers may comprise A? species comprising monomers and oligomers of A?1-42, A?1-40, A?1-39, A?2-43, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may comprise laser capture microdissection (LCM) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to detect, characterize, measure, and quantify human and humanized antibodies, and their conjugates, that may be present in pre-clinical animal biological samples, or human biological samples, including plasma/serum and tissue samples.

Abstract: A voltage-gated sodium channel expression system is described. The system comprises providing a polycistronic RNA message that encodes a polyprotein comprising a voltage-gated sodium channel alpha protein (Nav?) subunit and one or more voltage-gated sodium channel beta protein (Nav?) subunits, each of said subunits being separated by a 2A self-cleaving peptide. During translation, the polyprotein is cleaved into individual subunit proteins which can assemble into a voltage-gated sodium channel. Host cells and lipoparticles comprising the sodium channel expression system are also provided.

Abstract: A small device for measuring the concentration level of troponin and other biomarkers and pathogens in substances using an optical method based on surface plasmon resonance, pertaining to the technical field of diagnosis/identification of biomarkers for detecting cardiac diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating sperm health and identifying sperm to be used in Assisted Reproductive Technologies by providing a biological sample from a patient, preferably a semen sample; measuring the quantitative level of a biomarker in the sample; and evaluating sperm health based on the quantitative level of the biomarker, wherein the biomarker is membrane-bound receptor for advanced glycation end products (mRAGE).

Abstract: An assay method for detecting the presence or amounts of VCAM-1 and A2M in a sample using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).

Abstract: The present application relates to compositions and methods for diagnosing patients with a history of early-life adversity (ELA), and for preventing, treating, or reducing psychological distress in patients with a history of ELA.

Abstract: Methods of assessing, monitoring and/or predicting clinical disease activity, treatment response, disease progression, and/or active repair for chronic inflammatory disease such as axial spondyloarthritis are provided based on the level and/or pattern of LCN2, LCN2-MMP9 and/or OSM.

Abstract: This application describes methods of measuring AAT polymer and kits for use in the same. Also described herein are methods for monitoring liver disease in AATD patients, methods for measuring AAT polymer in AATD patients, methods for treating AATD patients using an AAT modulator, and methods of measuring the efficacy of AAT modulators.

Abstract: The present application provides methods and assays for assessing a mesenchymal stem cell secretome in order to use the MSC secretome in methods of treating ocular conditions and/disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of cognitive impairments including vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease. In one particular embodiment, the level of the neurofilament light protein and/or phosphorylated tau (e.g., p-tau181) is used to diagnose a cognitive impairment or monitor the efficacy of a therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus (200) for checking stirring quality of a chemical analyzer (100). The apparatus includes a stirrer (202) configured to generate agitation of a test liquid (210) in a first cuvette (212). The apparatus includes a convection generator (208) configured to generate thermal convection of the test liquid. The thermal convection is generated due to temperature difference caused by providing different temperature to the first cuvette. The apparatus includes a photometric device (204) configured to radiate light through the test liquid and continuously generate an output signal upon receipt of the radiated light through the test liquid. Further, the apparatus includes a determination module (206) configured to determine photometric data associated with absorbance values of the test liquid. The determination module is configured to determine at least one metric representing the stirring quality of the test liquid based on the photometric data.

Abstract: The equipment for traceability of biological samples placed in embedding cassettes stored in baskets includes an apparatus equipped with a device for detecting and reading encoded data and a controller of the device for detecting and reading encoded data, and a computer processor configured to automatically determine an optimal work zone, based on the model of basket housing cassettes, generate a signal representative of the zone, and transmit the corresponding information to the controller for the device for detecting and reading the encoded data. There is also an image capture device configured to capture and transmit at least one image of at least a portion of the basket. The computer processor is configured to search for a structural feature specific to a basket and to identify from the captured image of the portion of the basket, the model of the basket and determine the corresponding optimal work zone.

Abstract: Processes for an autonomous grain facility are described herein. The process could include sampling and grading. For sampling, the system controls a robot to capture position data of a trailer and area data of grain, determines one or more sampling areas within the trailer, and controls the robot to obtain a sample from each of the sampling areas. For grading, the system measures data with both a near infrared sensor and a second sensor, analyzes all of the data to determine a dispositive action to be performed on the respective sample, and controls the system to perform the dispositive action.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a gripper arm for conveying a sample container, and a controller for controlling the gripper arm. The gripper arm includes a first gripper and a second gripper for holding the sample container by pinching the sample container, a drive mechanism that changes a size of a gripping space between the first gripper and the second gripper, and a photoelectric sensor for emitting light to the gripping space to detect the light from the gripping space. The controller determines the presence or absence of the sample container in the gripping space based on the presence or absence of a detection signal of the photoelectric sensor.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, for analyzing partitioned samples, such as droplets, using recirculated fluid. The systems may be used to analyze a plurality of partitioned samples, with fluid used with initial samples reused with later samples. This reuse, or recirculation, may reduce the amount of fluid required for performing multiple analyses, with concomitant reductions in costs. Moreover, in some embodiments, it may simplify operation by increasing the number of analyses that may be performed before fluid must be replenished or replaced.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer: includes a washing tank in which an exterior of a probe is washed with washing water, a pump to supply washing water stored in a tank to the washing tank through a first flow channel, and a flow channel switching mechanism to switch between supplying washing water to the washing tank through the first flow channel and returning washing water to the tank through a second flow channel connecting the first flow channel and the tank; and sets a washing period when washing water is supplied to the washing tank through the first flow channel and the probe is washed with washing water in a cycle constituting a sequence of the automatic analyzer; and controls the flow channel switching mechanism so as to return washing water to the tank through the second flow channel during the washing period in a cycle of not washing the probe.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer performs a dispensing operation with high throughput while reducing a risk of carry-over of a reagent that includes first and second dispensing operations. The second dispensing operation includes a first procedure of aspirating a sample accommodated by a dispensing nozzle, a second procedure of discharging the aspirated sample to a first reaction container, a third procedure in which a cleaning tank cleans an inner side and an outer side of the dispensing nozzle after the second procedure, a fourth procedure of aspirating the reagent accommodated in a reagent container after the third procedure, a fifth procedure B5 in which the cleaning tank cleans the outer side of the dispensing nozzle after the fourth procedure, a sixth procedure of aspirating the sample accommodated in the first reaction container after the fifth procedure, and a seventh procedure of discharging the reagent and the sample to a second reaction container.

Abstract: Provided herein are a three-directional accelerometer and a method for manufacturing the same. The three-directional accelerometer includes a three-layer frame, a core mass, three sets of spring leaves and three sets of optic fiber Bragg gratings (FBG's). The spring leaves that react to seismic motion of the mass are aligned perpendicular to one another in three dimensions. The spring leaves are significantly smaller in thickness than width, thus creating significant differences in moments of inertia, making the spring leaves sensitive only to mass vibration or acceleration in one direction. One set of FBG is responsible for sensing the corresponding mass vibration in one direction. The natural frequency in any direction can be adjusted by varying the mass/dimensions of the core mass, corresponding frame and stiffness of the spring leaves.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope (“AFM”) based interferometer, uses a light source, and a splitting optical interface, splitting the light beam into a signal light beam and a reference light beam. Both the signal and reference light beams are focused in the vicinity of an AFM cantilever. A beam displacer introduces a lateral displacement between the signal light beam and reference light beam, the lateral displacement being such that, in at least one plane between the beam displacer and the focusing lens structure, the center of the signal light beam is separated from the center of the reference light beam by more than half a sum of their beam diameters on that plane. A detector operates to determine differences in optical path length between the signal light beam and reference light beam to determine information about movement of the cantilever.

Abstract: A method comprises using an atomic-force microscope, acquiring a set of images associated with surfaces, and, using a machine-learning algorithm applied to the images, classifying the surfaces. As a particular example, the classification can be done in a way that relies on surface parameters derived from the images rather than using the images directly.

Abstract: A contactor for connection and signal transfer between conductors includes: a core part configured to extend in a longitudinal direction, contain a conductive particle and be formed to be elastically deformable; an insulation part configured to surround a transverse surface of the core part and be formed to be elastically deformable; and a shield part configured to surround a transverse surface of the insulation part to be spaced apart from the core part, contain a conductive particle and be formed to be elastically deformable.

Abstract: A ultra-wideband interconnection probe (100) connectable to a first access port of a first electronic device (101), the first access port comprising a first tapered coupler (101a) and to a second access port of a second electronic device (102), the second access port comprising a second tapered coupler (102a), the ultra-wideband interconnection probe (100) comprising a dielectric waveguide structure (120) establishing a high-pass characteristic interconnect, operating over a high frequency range starting from a low cut-off frequency fa in the microwave range or in the millimeter-wave range, wherein the dielectric waveguide structure (120) comprises a first tapered end (120a) connectable to the first access port via the first tapered coupler (101a) and a second tapered end (120b) connectable to the second access port via the second tapered coupler (102a).

Abstract: A contact element for a probe head for an electronic device test apparatus is disclosed, having a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first and a second opposite contact end, each made of electrically conductive material. The body includes a first section which extends over a distance less than 1000 ?m along the longitudinal axis starting from the first contact end towards the second contact end, a second section which extends along the longitudinal axis starting from the second contact end towards the first contact end, and a third section, interposed between the first and second sections, made of an electrically insulating material. The sections follow each other along the longitudinal axis so that the first contact end is included only in the first section, the second contact end is included only in the second section, and the third section electrically insulates the first section from the second section.

Abstract: A determination method according to the present application includes: (A) a step for measuring, at a plurality of frequencies, an S-parameter at the current probe location or in the current coaxial connector or waveguide connection state; (B) a step for calculating a coefficient matrix for fitting a prescribed function matrix to the measured S-parameter frequency properties; (C) a step for calculating a first local outlier factor on the basis of the calculated coefficient matrix; and (D) a determination step for determining, on the basis of the relationship between a threshold and the calculated first local outlier factor, whether a first state in which the probe is contacting the prescribed target, or a second state in which there is a connection failure between the coaxial connector or the waveguide and the prescribed target exists.

Abstract: A probe head for testing the operation of a device under test is disclosed. The probe head has a plurality of contact probes including a body extending along a longitudinal axis adapted to contact respective contact pads and having a substantially square or rectangular-shaped cross section, and a guide lying in a plane and provided with guide holes having a substantially square or rectangular-shaped cross section for slidingly housing the contact probes. In the plane of the guide the cross section of the guide holes and the cross section of the contact probes are rotated relative to each other around the longitudinal axis and have respective different orientations with respect to a reference system in the plane, so that an edge of the body is mechanically interfering with a corresponding wall of the guide holes The probe head also has a conductive portion formed at the guide and/or formed at another guide of the probe head being adapted to contact and short-circuit a corresponding group of contact probes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a probe card for functionality testing of devices under test (DUT) is disclosed having the steps of providing an interface board configured for interfacing the probe card to a testing apparatus, providing a stiffener, connecting an interposer in the shape of a monobloc of material to the stiffener, cutting the monobloc according to a predetermined pattern after connecting it to the stiffener, thereby defining a plurality of modules which are independent and separated from each other, associating the interface board with the stiffener, and associating a probe head with the interposer. The probe head includes a plurality of contact elements adapted to electrically connect the interposer to contact pads of the devices under test. A probe card obtained by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cantilever probes are produced for use in a test apparatus of integrated electronic circuits. The probes are configured to contact corresponding terminals of the electronic circuits to be tested during a test operation. The probe bodies are formed of electrically conductive materials. On a lower portion of each probe body that, in use, is directed to the respective terminal to be contacted, an electrically conductive contact region is formed having a first hardness value equal to or greater than 300 HV; each contact region and the respective probe body form the corresponding probe.