Abstract: The present invention relates to spray drying plasma methodology that includes pretreating a donated liquid plasma unit, drying the liquid plasma using a spray drying apparatus with the spray drying disposable device that results in a disposable having the dried plasma, finishing the disposable using the finishing apparatus that is designed to seal and separate the disposable, and transform the disposable into a dried plasma unit. The methods of the present invention include storing the dried plasma unit and, when ready for use, reconstituting the dried plasma unit with reconstitution solution to obtain a plasma unit ready for transfusion into a recipient.

Abstract: A controller sets a schedule in which an order of a plurality of electrophoresis processes is defined. The controller controls a storage device to store first information representing a result of an electrophoresis process that has ended among the plurality of electrophoresis processes and second information about setting for the plurality of electrophoresis processes. The controller receives a stop signal from an information processing apparatus while the plurality of electrophoresis processes defined in the schedule are being performed. When the controller receives the stop signal, the controller controls an electrophoresis mechanism to perform until the end, an electrophoresis process that is being performed among the plurality of electrophoresis processes.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device includes several markers, a color bar, and/or a grayscale on the housing of the lateral flow assay device. The markers are used to assist in focusing a mobile device's camera on the control line of the lateral flow assay device. The markers may be used to adjust the perspective of an image taken from the control line and the test line of the lateral flow assay device. The markers may be used to locate the images of the control line, the test line, the color bar, and/or the grayscale on the image. The image of the color bar and the grayscale may be used to adjust the colors and intensity of the image. The images of the test line and the control line may then be used to determine the test results of the lateral flow assay device.

Abstract: Wound sampling devices for detecting infection status may be used for point-of-care devices that can be placed at a wound site and detect an infection marker, infection status, or wound healing status by displaying a visible signal such as a color change.

Abstract: An example method detecting a presence of one or more oral anticoagulants or intravenous (IV) direct thrombin inhibitors in a blood sample may include the following operations: receiving parameters that are based on viscoelastic tests; comparing the parameters to predefined threshold values, where the parameters and the predefined threshold values are based on an identity of the one or more oral anticoagulants or the IV direct thrombin inhibitors; and detecting, based on the comparing, the presence of the one or more oral anticoagulants or IV direct thrombin inhibitors in the blood sample. The viscoelastic tests are performed on portions of the blood sample to obtain the parameters. The viscoelastic tests include both a viscoelastic test based on Ecarin activation and a viscoelastic test with low tissue factor activation.

Abstract: A bodily fluid transporting unit that includes a container with a syringe housing and a refrigerant pack in the container. The container is covered by a lid and the engagement of the container and the lid results in an air-tight and moisture-tight bodily fluid transporting unit.

Abstract: Described is an automated reagent dispensing cap and methods of use in an automated clinical analyzer for introducing one or more reagent components housed in the reagent dispensing cap into a container enclosing another reagent component with which it is combined to achieve a reagent useful for diagnostic testing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing a microchannel device, which can form a channel that has high hydrophobicity, high solvent resistance as well, and also resistance to heat and damage, on demand with high accuracy, and produces the microchannel device at a low cost, while having high productivity. The method for producing a microchannel device includes: forming a channel pattern from a hydrophobic resin on a porous substrate by an electrophotographic method; melting the channel pattern by heat to allow the channel pattern to permeate into the porous substrate, thereby forming a channel in the inside of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A sample extraction cassette and method are provided to test for a target in a sample. The sample is obtained on a swab. The swab is inserted into a chamber in a case and into contact with a contact portion of a membrane. The contact portion of the membrane is axially moved into sequential communication with a wash fluid and a reaction fluid. The reaction fluid reacts with the target to provide a visual display corresponding to the presence of the target.

Abstract: Pipetting containers, such as reservoirs, reservoir liners, microplates, PCR plates, microtubes and PCR tubes, include anti-vacuum channels on the bottom wall of the receptacle to prevent a pipette tip vacuum engaging the wall during aspiration. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels are located on the bottom surface facing upward into the basin that holds liquid samples or reagents. The anti-vacuum channels also lower the required working volume for pipetting and reduce liquid waste.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: A diagnostic test system, including: a diagnostic test assembly and a diagnostic test apparatus to perform a test on a biological or environmental sample; the diagnostic test assembly includes: a sample preparation reservoir to receive the sample into a sample preparation fluid, such that a swab carrying the sample can be used to stir the preparation fluid and to wash the swab; a sample dispensing mechanism for insertion into the sample preparation reservoir; a closure to seal the sample preparation reservoir; at least one diagnostic test reservoir coupled to the sample preparation reservoir; and at least one seal between the sample preparation reservoir and the diagnostic test reservoir to prevent fluid movement between the respective reservoirs; wherein the sample dispensing mechanism is operable to disrupt the seal to allow sample fluid to enter the diagnostic test reservoir from the sample preparation reservoir, and to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid.

Abstract: Artificial blood compositions for use in simulated surgery, and kits including the compositions, are disclosed. Tissues, organs, and organ blocks which include dissolvable clots are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for carrying out simulated surgical procedures using the compositions, tissues, organs, organ blocks, and kits described herein.

Abstract: A system for collecting, growing, and analyzing biological specimens that may present a health threat. The system includes separate modules for specimen collection, sample isolation, and sample analysis that can be interconnected to safety process, culture, and analyze and unknown specimen. A decapitation module allows a user to safely collect a swab tip containing an unknown sample and transport the sample to a culture module where the sample can be washed from the swab tip and isolated in a cuvette for growth and analysis. The culture module may be coupled to a base station that can provide mixing, heating and cooling, as well as optical and spectral analysis.

Abstract: The detection system according to the present invention has a detection chip, a light source, and a detection unit. The detection chip has a housing that has an opening at an upper portion, and a reaction field for trapping a substance to be detected, the reaction field being arranged on an inner surface of the side walls included in the housing. The light source irradiates the detection chip with light from the outside such that evanescent light or surface plasmon resonance is generated under the reaction field. The detection unit detects light which is emitted from the detection chip when the light source irradiates the detection chip with light, and the amount of which changes depending on the amount of the substance to be detected trapped in the reaction field.

Abstract: A system for partitioning a liquid sample, the system including: an ejection device, the ejection device including an array of nozzles, wherein adjacent nozzles are separated by a constant distance in a first axis; and a microfluidics device including: a plurality of intake ports to receive a deposited droplet, wherein pairs of intake ports are separated by the same constant distance in the same first axis such that adjacent nozzles can simultaneously eject droplets to different intake ports.

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: Methods for detection and quantitative measurement of proteins with a Coomassie Brilliant Blue Assay with improved sensitivity and maintaining high linearity over a broad measuring range are provided herein. In particular, a method of detecting a protein in a protein-containing sample is provided. The method includes providing a sample including a protein, a reagent including Coomassie Brilliant Blue and having a pH between 0.85 and 1.1, combining the sample and the reagent, and determining absorption at first and second wavelength to determine the amount of protein in the sample. The ratio of the absorption value at the first wavelength between about 580 to 620 nm to the absorption value at the second wavelength between about 520 to 370 nm is used in the spectral photometric determination of the amount of protein.

Abstract: An example of a flow cell includes a substrate, a plurality of chambers defined on or in the substrate, and a plurality of depressions defined in the substrate and within a perimeter of each of the plurality of chambers. The depressions are separated by interstitial regions. Primers are attached within each of the plurality of depressions, and a capture site is located within each of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: The invention discloses portable beverage vessel for storing beverage to be consumed by a human, having a beverage container in which the beverage is stored; and an electronic device having a vessel controller, a transmitter and a receiver, said vessel controller being adapted to communicate with a beverage dispenser by exchanging messages using the transmitter and receiver of the electronic device; wherein the vessel controller is adapted to send an identification message to the beverage dispenser, by which the beverage dispenser can identify the portable beverage vessel. The invention also discloses a communicating between the portable beverage vessel and a fluid dispenser and a personal electronic device.

Abstract: Pipetting containers, such as reservoirs, reservoir liners, microplates, PCR plates, microtubes and PCR tubes, include anti-vacuum channels on the bottom wall of the receptacle to prevent a pipette tip vacuum engaging the wall during aspiration. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels are located on the bottom surface facing upward into the basin that holds liquid samples or reagents. The anti-vacuum channels also lower the required working volume for pipetting and reduce liquid waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample collection kit (100) for collecting plant samples, in particular algae samples for biomedical applications, which sample collection kit comprises at least one sample container for holding plant samples, a plurality of sensors, by means of which sample data can be captured, a data-recording apparatus for recording the sample data, an arrangement of tools, which has collection tools designed for harvesting the plant samples and processing tools designed for processing the plant samples, an arrangement of devices, which has auxiliary devices that can be used in the collection, transport, and processing of the plant samples, a container apparatus (70), which is designed to hold the arrangement of tools and the arrangement of devices in isolation from the environment, and identification markings (80), which contain identification data and are applied to the at least one sample container (70) to the collection tools, and to the processing tools.

Abstract: A pipetting reservoir kit includes a base, a disposable liner, and a lid. The disposable liner includes anti-vacuum channels on the bottom wall to prevent a pipette tip vacuum engaging the wall during aspiration. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels located on the bottom surface of the liner face upward into the basin that holds liquid samples or reagents. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels are spaced in an array 4.5 mm apart for a 384 pipetting head and 9 mm apart for a 96 pipetting head. The anti-vacuum channels also lower the required working volume for the liner and reduce liquid waste.

Abstract: Sample manipulating tools may comprise a handle portion and a tool portion. A sample spreading tool may comprise a head connected to the handle portion by a pivot connection permitting at least pivotal movement of the tool portion with respect to the handle portion. The head may comprise a perimeter section and a bridge section. Another sample spreading tool may comprise a central element and at least two loop segments connected to the central element with each loop segment having a substantially arcuate shape. A sample picking tool may have a loop section forming a reservoir for receiving a liquid sample and a hook portion fixed to the loop section, with a first end fixed to the loop portion and a second end being a free end. A sample scraping tool may comprise a mounting structure to receive a pipette and a scraper structure having a scraping edge.

Abstract: A cassette is disclosed that permits, with an instrument, quantitative analysis to be performed at the moment of sample testing without additional steps to the end user. The cassette includes a calibration strip and a sample strip. The calibration strip contains known quantities of analyte, from which a calibration curve can be created and applied to the analysis of the sample strip. The disclosed cassette can utilize light transmission or light reflectance techniques. The cassette may include a separate wash port for rapid washing of a high background sample. The disclosed cassette may perform diagnostic tests for humans, animals, environmental sample, and/or food samples. In some cases, the disclosed devices and techniques may be used to monitor efficacy of drug therapy and patient compliance with respect to physician-prescribed medication in a point of care setting.

Abstract: A method for delivering allergens to a pharmacist in a pre-diluted kit form, comprising providing a bulk container of base concentrate antigen containing at least one antigen at a predetermined concentrated level, creating a sequential and more diluted sequence of antigens, providing a plurality of end-use sealable containers that can receive a finite end amount of diluted antigens, dispensing from each of sequential bulk containers a finite end amount of diluted antigens into one of the plurality of end-use sealable containers, wherein the end-use seal containers filled from each of the sequential bulk containers comprises a group of end-use sealable containers associated with each of the sequential bulk containers, sealing each of the end-use containers after diluted antigens are disposed therein, and disposing a select number of the sealed end-use sealable containers from each of the groups of end-use sealable containers into a container comprising a kit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a blood specimen, comprising preparing a first measurement sample by mixing a blood specimen of a subject with a first coagulation time measurement reagent and measuring first coagulation time, preparing a second measurement sample by mixing the blood specimen with a second coagulation time measurement reagent and measuring second coagulation time, and acquiring a value based on the first coagulation time and the second coagulation time, wherein the second coagulation time measurement reagent contains a metal ion and/or normal plasma, and the value is used to determine whether the blood specimen of a subject is a blood specimen containing a lupus anticoagulant or a blood specimen containing a direct anticoagulant.

Abstract: A blood-glucose meter integrated with a biological test-piece tank includes a biological test-piece tank and a blood-glucose meter. The biological test-piece tank has internally a chamber for providing an accommodation room to store a plurality of biological test pieces, a tank opening located at a top thereof to pair a cover so as to form a sealed structure, and a tank bottom located by opposing to the cover. The blood-glucose meter, connected with the tank bottom, has an inserting hole for receiving a biological test piece that carries thereon a biological specimen to be examined for obtaining a corresponding blood-glucose value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inhibitor of an autoimmune response to a periodontal bacterial enzymatic degradation product of keratin in gingival epithelium in a mammal having a periodontal bacterium in the oral cavity, containing a substance having affinity to the keratin or a degradation product thereof and/or a substance having affinity to an autoantibody to the degradation product, an agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a periodontal disease and/or a complication thereof; a RANKL expression inhibitor containing a substance having affinity to the keratin or a degradation product thereof; and a method of diagnosing a periodontal disease including detecting the keratin or a degradation product thereof and/or an autoantibody thereto.

Abstract: Provided herein are cell-permeable, cell-compatible, and chemoselectively-cleavable linkers for tethering (e.g., covalently) functional elements (e.g., a cellular interaction element and a capture element), and methods of use (e.g., intracellular capture and extracellular release of cellular targets) therewith.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing degradation of a machine fluid is disclosed. The sensing system may comprise a capsule including a dissolvable element. The dissolvable element may be configured to at least partially dissolve when placed in contact with the machine fluid having an acid content indicative of degradation of the machine fluid. The sensing system may further comprise a tracer encapsulated by the capsule. The tracer may be at least partially released from the capsule when the dissolvable element at least partially dissolves.

Abstract: A prick test kit comprises a bottom tray containing a plurality of wells disposed in an array, wherein each of the wells contains a vial of a small amount of a specific well associated antigen, with each well and associated vial having a different antigen disposed therein, each of the vials having a rubber cap disposed thereon that is sterile and able to be pricked by a needle such that the small amount of antigen can be removed therefrom. A penetrating plate is disposed above the wells and having on the lower surface thereof diametrically opposite from the vials in the wells a plurality of piercing needles, one associated with each of the wells and directed downward there to but not touching any of the files. A separating plate is disposed between the bottom tray and the penetrating plate. A sterile covering is provided for containing the entire assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an observation apparatus including: a housing that has, in a top face thereof, a transmission window on which a container accommodating cells can be placed and through which light can pass; a camera portion that is accommodated in the housing and that captures observation light coming from the cells irradiated with illumination light emitted from an illumination portion and entering the housing by passing through a bottom face of the container and the transmission window of the housing; and a housing-interior heating portion that is accommodated in the housing and that heats the cells.

Abstract: MMP-8 activation products are disclosed that have a MMP-8 middle-part activation product having a size between 20-35 kDa. Methods of detecting the MMP-8 activation product or activated MMP-8 fragments in a biological sample derived from a subject are also disclosed. The MMP-8 activation product or activated MMP-8 fragments diagnose diseases based on abnormal or elevated levels of activated MMP-8.

Abstract: The present invention provides a label-free sensing chip for identifying a chemical substance, comprising: (a) a transparent substrate comprising a base and first periodic ridges; and (b) a metal layer covering said transparent substrate, comprising second periodic ridges and third periodic ridges, in which said second periodic ridges has a height equal to or greater than the height of the first periodic ridges, and each ridge of the second periodic ridges fits into the space between each ridge of the first periodic ridges, and said third periodic ridges correspondingly located on said first periodic ridges. The present invention also provides a method for identifying a chemical substance by using the foresaid label-free sensing chip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device having a substrate having an exposed surface and a texture over at least part of the exposed surface. The texture includes a plurality of nanofeatures that inhibit bacterial adhesion on the surface and that also inhibit bacterial growth on the surface and have a size range between about 0.01 nanometers and about 1,000 nanometers. The texture can include a plurality of nanofeatures applied thereto such that the texture has a first particle size at a first location, a second particle size at a second location, and a gradient of particle size from the first particle size to the second particle size between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: MMP-8 activation products are disclosed that have a MMP-8 middle-part activation product having a size between 20-35 kDa. Methods of detecting the MMP-8 activation product or activated MMP-8 fragments in a biological sample derived from a subject are also disclosed. The MMP-8 activation product or activated MMP-8 fragments diagnose diseases based on abnormal or elevated levels of activated MMP-8.

Abstract: A composition for monitoring the efficacy of a decontamination process is provided, the composition comprising a cellulose polymer and a predetermined quantity of an adenine nucleotide. A monitoring device comprising a test element with the composition disposed thereon is also provided. The composition and/or monitoring device can be used in a method. The method includes exposing the monitoring device to a decontamination process and subsequently measuring the residual tracer analyte on the monitoring device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for risk stratification for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), in particular acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and angina pectoris (AP), wherein provasopressin (proAVP) or fragments and partial peptides thereof, in particular copeptin or neurophysin II, is determined by an in vitro diagnosis.

Abstract: A chemically-enhanced primer is provided comprising a negatively charged moiety (NCM), an oligonucleotide sequence having a) non-nuclease resistant inter-nucleotide linkages or b) at least one nuclease resistance inter-nucleotide linkage. The chemically-enhanced primer can be used for sequencing and fragment analysis. Methods for synthesizing the chemically-enhanced primer as well as a method of preparing DNA for sequencing, a method of sequencing DNA, and kits containing the chemically-enhanced primer are also provided. The method of sequencing DNA can comprise contacting amplification reaction products with the composition wherein excess amplification primer is degraded by the nuclease and the chemically-enhanced primer is essentially non-degraded.

Abstract: An acid purifier, comprising: a container (1) for an acid to be purified; a heater (2); a condenser (3) including a Peltier semiconductor cooler, a condenser body (600) and a refrigerant temperature sensor; a purified acid liquid collection bottle (4) connected with the condenser; a controller; an integrated liquid level control component (300) for the acid to be purified, connected with the container (1) for the acid to be purified, and arranged in such a way that a liquid level pipe (320), a liquid adding funnel (310) and a waste liquid discharge valve (330) are integrated; and an acid liquid temperature sensor (400, 500) arranged in the acid to be purified.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the identification of biomarkers and groups or combinations of biomarkers that can be used for non-invasive diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection, and diagnostic assays using such biomarkers.

Abstract: Provided herein are pro-VP antagonists, such as antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof specific for pro-VP, for identifying and targeting expressing cancer cells. Applicants additionally provide methods of using said compositions, for example to image cancer cells in vivo and in biological samples. The compositions may also be used for treating patients suffering from a provasopressin-expressing cancer. Provasopressin-expressing cancers include neuroendocrine cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to new compounds and their use as fluorescent labels. The compounds may be used as fluorescent labels for nucleotides in nucleic acid sequencing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel bead for detecting hydrofluoric acid and a kit comprising the same, and more particularly, to a hydrogel bead capable of detecting hydrofluoric acid using an organometallic ligand compound that reversibly changes color depending on the concentration of hydrofluoric acid when coming into contact with hydrofluoric acid, and to a kit for detecting hydrofluoric acid comprising the same. In an embodiment, a method for preparing a hydrogel bead for detecting hydrofluoric acid comprises the steps of: mixing an organic compound, which contains an aromatic functional group having at least one hydroxyl group bonded thereto, with a solution of a metal-ligand compound that bonds with the organic compound, thereby preparing a mixed solution; dropping the mixed solution onto a gelling agent; and adding coagulating agent to the mixture resulting from the dropping step to form a porous bead.

Abstract: Methods for the identification of inhibitors of botulinum neurotoxins are described. Cells are provided that are genetically engineered to express peptides that act as a substrate for a botulinum neurotoxin and the provide reporting groups. Spacer sequences between the reporting groups serve to optimize energy transfer between the reporting groups. Characterization of the energy transfer-dependent signal prior to and following exposure to a botulinum neurotoxin in the presence of a candidate inhibitor provides a measure of the effectiveness of the candidate inhibitor.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying the presence of a target molecule or ion. The system comprises a solid support, and at least one chemical reagent applied to the solid support. Each chemical reagent produces a presumptive color indication that identifies or excludes the presence of a target molecule or ion.

Abstract: A device for capturing a predetermined volume of a predefined portion (e.g. first void) of a liquid flow, comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a guide with an element displaceable in a first position for capturing the first liquid portion in a reservoir, and in a second position for blocking access to the reservoir, and for passing the liquid to the outlet. The displaceable element moves in transverse direction to the liquid flow, and has lifting means. The element may be substantially flat, or tubular with an elliptical cross section. A kit of parts and a method of assembly are also claimed.

Abstract: A system for operating parallel reactors includes a plurality of reactor assemblies, each reactor assembly including: a flow-through reactor, a reactor feed line, a reactor effluent line, a primary fluid source, and a flow splitter which is arranged downstream of the primary fluid source and upstream of the reactor assemblies. All passive flow restrictors have an substantially equal resistance to fluid flow. A feed line pressure measurement device and a pressure control arrangement controls backpressure regulators such that the measured feed line pressure becomes substantially the same as a feed line pressure setpoint in the reactor assemblies.

Abstract: Subject of the present invention are assays and in vitro methods for the prediction of the risk of a subject for contracting metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes mellitus and for diagnosing metabolic syndrome, comprising determining the level of arginine vasopressin pro-hormone or fragments thereof in a sample of a subject.