Abstract: This invention provides methods for screening an inhibitor of protein synthesis by measuring the level of relocalization of an SMN complex component from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Additionally, the invention provides a kit and a system for screening protein synthesis inhibitors in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific binding partner for holoTC having a specificity for holoTC over apoTC of at least 40-fold and an assay method for assaying for holoTC in a sample, the method comprising contacting the sample with a specific binding partner for holoTC and detecting the resultant conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent kit for analyzing a sample comprising a first reagent containing a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an aromatic carboxylic acid and a second reagent containing a fluorescent dye capable of staining nucleic acid, and a method for analyzing a sample using the kit.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a diagnostic test kit that assesses ovarian reserve by measuring Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in a liquid sample. The sample can be deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device. The device can include a release medium formed of a first material and including a detectable label thereon and a capture medium, including a test site, in fluid communication with the release medium and formed of a second, different material.

Abstract: This invention provides a nucleotide analogue comprising (i) a base selected from the group consisting of adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine and uracil, (ii) a deoxyribose, (iii) an allyl moiety bound to the 3?-oxygen of the deoxyribose and (iv) a fluorophore bound to the base via an allyl linker, and methods of nucleic acid sequencing employing the nucleotide analogue.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to diagnosing the occurrence of heart failure, particularly in subjects who exhibit a normal body fluid level of a natriuretic peptide. The present invention further relates in part to assigning an outcome risk (e.g., worsening cardiac function or a mortality risk, a risk of rehospitalization) to a subject. The methods comprise performing one or more assays that detect one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of WAP4C, ESAM, LTBR, Mesothelin, and Syndecan-1 performed on a body fluid sample obtained from a subject, and assigning diagnosis or risk based, at least in part, on the result(s) obtained thereby.

Abstract: An in vitro sensor for point-of-care detection of at least one analyte or reaction product includes an inert, impermeable substrate, a sensing system, and a reference system. The substrate includes a first transparent surface oppositely disposed from a second surface and first and second cavities. Each of the first and second cavities defines an opening at the second surface. The sensing system is disposed in at least a portion of the first cavity and includes an analyte-detection optode membrane, an analyte-permeable membrane, and a plurality of non-transparent microbeads associated with at least one of the analyte-detection optode membrane and the analyte-permeable membrane. The analyte-permeable membrane is layered upon the analyte-detection optode membrane and covers the opening of the first cavity. The reference system is disposed in at least a portion of the second cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents, methods and kits for detection of proteins and quantitative determination of protein concentration. The reagents comprise a protein-complexing dye, such as a Coomassie dye and one or more dextrins, for the elimination of interference caused by detergents.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: An apparatus for using sensors having test strip with sheaths surrounding sensitive area configured to detect certain substance in a liquid test specimen includes a carrier having spaced-apart openings to frictionally hold the sensors, a loading portion to insert the sensors through the openings and to displace the sheaths thereby exposing predetermined lengths of the sensitive areas of the sensors, a testing portion including a container for containing a test specimen as only specified lengths of the predetermined lengths of the sensitive areas of the sensors are submerged in the test specimen, and an extracting portion structured and configured to receive the carrier with the plurality of said sensors inserted therethrough, the extracting portion having a comb-like structure for displacing the sheaths to return them to their stowed configurations and to eject the sensors from the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides simple and rapid methods for measuring the function of a desired subset of lymphocytes, for example, T cells, B cells or NK cells. In addition, the present invention provides an all-in-one kit that contains reagents which permit a rapid and reliable analysis of the functions of T cells, B cells and NK cells obtained directly from whole blood or cord blood.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a dry reagent composition configured as a solute to be dissolved into whole-blood prior to a whole-blood immunoassay, the dry reagent composition comprising: goat IgG, mouse IgG, dextran, a buffer, proclin, and sodium chloride in a support matrix. In another embodiment, the invention is to a dry reagent composition configured as a solute to be dissolved into whole-blood prior to a whole-blood immunoassay, the dry reagent composition comprising dextran and a salt in a support matrix.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator having a compound that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye, in thermal contact with the compound.

Abstract: In order to provide a reagent kit for detecting LA which can clearly separate a lupus anticoagulant (LA)-positive specimen group from an LA-negative specimen group, it is configured that the reagent kit for detecting LA contains a first clotting time-measuring reagent and a second clotting time-measuring reagent and at least one of the first clotting time-measuring reagent and the second clotting time-measuring reagent contains alkali metal salt. The presence or absence of LA can be determined using the kit.

Abstract: A smartphone protective cover that houses a glucose monitor, test strips, lancets, a lancet striker, a power source, and a biohazard debris receptacle is presented. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective covering is configured to include a smartphone adapted glucose monitor and also to accept a smartphone. In the preferred embodiment, the smartphone is removably placed into the protective covering with the glucose monitor connecting to a data receptacle on the smartphone. The protective further includes a lancet storage compartment adjacent to a lancet striker having a tension control member and striker release button, a test strip storage compartment, and a biohazard debris receptacle. The lancet storage compartment and test strip storage compartment can be re-fillable or disposable. A battery is also located in the cover and is electrically connected to the glucose for monitor, thus enabling the monitor to be powered independently of the phone.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical absorbance measurement channel is described. The optical absorbance measurement channel includes a plasma separation region and at least one sub channel including a cuvette that is in fluid communication with the plasma separation region and configured to receive a plasma portion of a blood sample that has been passed through the plasma separation region. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to draw the sample through the plasma separation region and into the sub channel including the cuvette.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical light scattering measurement channel is described. In use, processed sample may be introduced into a sheath fluid channel at an angle, ?, of approximately 90 degrees, relative to the direction of flow of the sheath fluid. In addition, delivering the sample from the side into the sheath fluid may facilitate better positioning of the core within the hydrodynamic focusing channel for measurement.

Abstract: A two-step method for loading a fluid sample into a disposable fluid analysis cartridge is described. First, capillary action may be used to initially draw a sample through a sample introduction port and into a sample collection reservoir provided in the fluid analysis cartridge. Once the fluid sample has been drawn into the sample collection reservoir by capillary action, a negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull the sample from the sample collection reservoir and into a sample loading channel. A valve may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the sample loading channel to prevent backflow of sample into the sample collection reservoir and to retain sample in the sample loading channel.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for ligation of polynucleotides containing modified ligation components, particularly modified ligase cofactors, modified acceptors and modified donors. The methods readily applied to ligation-based assays for detection of a nucleic acid sequence where the use of the modified cofactor improves discrimination between matched and mismatched templates. Furthermore, the use of the modified ligation components reduces or eliminates the ligation in the absence of nucleic acid template.

Abstract: Methods and materials for improving nucleic acid or protein recovery from samples preserved in liquid cytological preservative solutions by utilizing scavenging agents, such as hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds, are provided. Lysis solutions comprising hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds and kits comprising the same are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a formed plastic body and a reagent. The body has a top face with an integral first surface. The body also has a bottom face opposed to the first surface and a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the top face. The first surface is adapted to accept a fluid sample. The reagent is disposed on the integral first surface and causes a color change detectable on the bottom face when the reagent reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample.

Abstract: A diagnostic test device comprising at least one membrane disposed in any of one, two, and three dimensions; at least one test sample fluid input port that receives and transfers at least one test sample fluid and onto the at least one membrane; at least one contiguous fluid flow manifold within the at least one membrane to multiplex or distribute the at least one test sample fluid; at least one contiguous fluid flow channel that operatively connects the at least one membrane to the at least one contiguous fluid flow manifold; at least one analyte assay test zone disposed within the at least one contiguous fluid flow channel; and at least one chemical capturing reagent disposed within the at least one analyte assay test zone, wherein multiple analyte assay test results are simultaneously obtained and in parallel in the diagnostic test device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed providing techniques for measuring the amount of biodiesel in a fuel sample. The methods may be used in the field without the use of laboratory equipment. The biodiesel in the sample is converted to the corresponding free acid which can be isolated and quantified to provide information regarding the amount of biodiesel in the original sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides ?2 microglobulin as a biomarker for qualifying or assessing peripheral artery disease in a subject.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a humidity indicator and a method for fabricating the same. The humidity indicator includes a substrate, and a composite disposed on a predetermined region of the substrate. The composite includes a hydrophilic polymer and a Ni-containing compound. The humidity indicators of the disclosure are reusable, halide-free, and cobalt-free, meeting the requirement of environmental friendliness.

Abstract: A device, particularly a microfluidic system, is proposed, in which two cavities are arranged spatially close to one another and are sealed off from one another by a common cover. A fluidic connection can be produced between the cavities by movement of a pin-shaped body towards the cover. In this way it is possible to release a reagent in controlled manner without having to put it under pressure.

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: Described herein are systems and methods for assaying a sample to quantitatively determine the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the sample.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods for diagnosing a cardiovascular disease in a subject by determining an amount of one or more peptide biomarkers disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject. The presently-disclosed subject matter further provides methods for determining treatment efficacy and/or progression of a cardiovascular disease in a subject by measuring amounts of one or more of the biomarkers in a biological sample from the subject. The presently-disclosed subject matter also provides antibodies and kits for measuring the biomarkers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a kit for detecting counterfeit consumer products. The kit includes a plurality of test protocols to determine the presence or absence of one or more active component, diluent component, and/or preservative component in a consumer product. Methods of making and using the counterfeit detection kit are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining an amount of an analyte in a test sample. The methods involve preparing a calibration curve using standard samples containing an isotopically-labeled standard in a biological matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits relating to the protection and deprotection of molecules comprising nucleophilic groups, such as the protection and deprotection of thermostable polymerases. Also provided are methods of performing nucleic acid amplification using polymerases protected according to the invention.

Abstract: A detection kit comprises a plurality of swabs, each of the plurality of swabs having the form of a stick, being bundled together in a single test kit for detection of a plurality of chemical compounds. A user opens a detection kit, swabs a surface or surfaces with the bundled sticks, collecting chemical constituents to be tested on detection surfaces of each of the plurality of sticks. Liquids, mists, vapors and powders may be tested in one method, utilizing one or more dry reagents on the detection surfaces. The sticks may comprise a volume of fluid, releasably contained within the sticks, such that when activated, a fluid, such as a reagent or solvent, is wicked by a wicking tip to the detection surface of the stick. For example, a mechanism is provided that is capable of breaking a vial or ampoule containing the fluid, when activated by a twisting motion or compression. Adhesive may be present on one or more of the detection surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and analyzing samples. The system can include a sample preparation system and a sample detection system coupled to the sample preparation system. The sample preparation system can include a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent. The sample detection system can be positioned in fluid communication with the reservoir, and can be adapted to analyze a sample of the liquid composition for an analyte of interest. The system can further include a fluid path defined at least partially by the reservoir and the sample detection system. The method can include applying pressure to the deformable self-supporting receptacle to move a sample of the liquid composition in the fluid path to the sample detection system, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest with the sample detection system.

Abstract: Methods and kits for assaying a chemical in a sample are disclosed. The method includes placing an extraction solution and an internal standard in a container. A sample is collected from a first location and placed in the container. The container is transported to a second location where the chemical in the extraction solution is assayed. A kit for transporting the sample from a first location to a second location includes at least one container for holding the sample. The at least one container includes an extraction solution for dissolving a chemical in the solution and an internal standard for calibrating an assay of the chemical. The methods and kits may be used in a system for quantitating an amount of a sprout inhibitor on a tuber, such as a potato.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vial (10) for receiving goods (30) in a leak-proof arrangement, with a body (14) and a cap (12) connected via a hinge (16), the vial including a mold (26) for receiving lamellar goods (30), with the mold having a height which is less than the length of lamellar goods wherein a cavity (40) is formed between said mold receiving the stack of lamellar goods and the container body which cavity (40) receives desiccant material (44).

Abstract: The chromatography method includes a step of forming a composite with a test substance and a labeling substance containing a metal modified by a first binding substance of the test substance and then developing the composite on an insoluble carrier; a step of capturing the test substance and the labeling substance in a detection site on the insoluble carrier including a second binding substance of the test substance or a substance having a binding property to the first binding substance of the test substance; and a step of amplifying the captured labeling substance using a first amplification reagent and a second amplification reagent to detect the test substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning and isolating nucleic acids using cationic detergents with the general formula (I): Y+R1R2R3R4X???(I) where Y can represent nitrogen or phosphorus R1, R2, R3 and R4 can represent independently from one another an unbranched or branched C1-C20-alkyl residue, C3-C6-alkenyl residue, C3-C6-alkinyl residue and/or a C6-C20-aryl residue as well as a C6-C26-aralkyl residue, and X— can represent an anion of an inorganic or organic single or multi-basic acid.

Abstract: A device for testing a specimen comprising a first panel, a metering aperture structure having a plurality of metering apertures formed therein for receiving the specimen therethrough, a second panel opposite the first panel, a sheet disposed between the first and second panels, the sheet including a test area aligned with the plurality of metering apertures, a spacer element disposed between the first panel and the sheet, wherein the metering aperture structure is spaced away from the test area thereby improving readability of the testing. A method of manufacturing a specimen testing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collection device for use in connection with off-device testing of collected samples. The device includes a first panel having one or more apertures for receiving samples, a second panel opposite the first panel, and a removable tab having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is aligned with at least one of apertures on the first panel and constructed such that depositing the sample through the at least one aperture causes the sample to be directly deposited on the first portion of the tab, and the second portion includes a sample-free grasping area accessible from an exterior of the device for removing the tab. A method of obtaining a sample is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to compositions and methods for providing DNA fragments from an archived sample (e.g., paraffin-embedded and/or fixed-tissue biopsies, etc). Particular aspects provide methods whereby high yields of DNA are isolated as well as a substantial portion of the DNA consists of long DNA fragments, and where the isolated genomic DNA is free of associated or cross-linked contaminants like proteins, peptides, amino acids or RNA. The methods are facile, cost-effective, and are characterized by high reproducibility and reliability. Particular aspects provide methods for providing DNA fragments derived from an archived sample, wherein the yield of DNA before, for example, an amplification step is at least 20%, and amplicons up to a length of about 1,000 base pairs are amplifiable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor having a color-changeable sensory surface, characterized in that at least one molecular layer of a positively charged polymer (4) is bonded to a further molecular layer of a negatively charged polymer (5) in alternation by means of ionic forces, wherein a solvent is stored in the charged polymer layers (4, 5), whereby the polymer layers swell at least 10%, and colored, preferably metal or semiconducting nanoparticles (6) are bonded to the last charged polymer molecular layer, and the total layer thickness of the inert intermediate layer (3) and all polymer layers (4, 5) is at least 40 nm but less than 500 nm so that the layer setup has an interference color that is visible to the human eye or measurable in the infrared and that can be changed by means of interaction with an analyte, the interference color being caused by optical interference between the material surface (2) and the layer of the nanoparticles (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a water soluble film based matrix for collecting blood samples, urine samples, serum samples or any other type of samples extracted from living species; so as to avoid cross infection or spillage of samples during transportation of said samples. These samples can then used for further detection of virus, bacteria, finding new molecules, diagnosing genes or extraction of DNA. Also, said matrix will dissolve during analysis of the sample and thus there will be no disposal problems.

Abstract: A sample collector and test device is disclosed. The sample collector and test device may be used together as a diagnostic tool for collecting and assay of analytes contained in a sample. A sample collector is also disclosed which may be used with existing sample containers and or test devices. The sample collector may indicate sample adequacy when a sufficient volume of sample has been collected for assay and may also include a sample retaining feature which retains a portion of expressed sample for confirmatory testing, if desirable. The sample collector may also include a mechanism for expressing sample in a sample collector and/or test device. A test device is also disclosed for retaining and assay of an expressed sample. The disclosed test device may be used with existing sample collectors. In a preferred embodiment, test device is used with a preferred sample collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid test devices, kits and systems comprising the rapid test devices for assessing at least two analytes in a sample derived from a life or health insurance applicant, said at least two analytes being selected from the group consisting of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen (e.g., a HIV polypeptide), a HIV polynucleotide, an anti-HIV antibody, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen (e.g., a HCV polypeptide), a HCV polynucleotide, an anti-HCV antibody, a liver enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT), a liver enzyme aspartate transaminase (AST), nt-probnp (or NT-proBNP), probnp (or proBNP), cotinine, nicotine, cocaine, a metabolite of cocaine (e.g., benzoylecgonine), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), Hemoglobin A1c and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

Abstract: Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.

Abstract: Provided is a specimen analysis apparatus. The specimen analysis apparatus includes an image photographing unit photographing an identification code disposed on a kit for specimen analyzing and a specimen reaction result reacting by injecting a specimen into the kit for specimen analyzing and a main body on which the image photographing unit is mounted. The image photographing unit photographs the identification code and the specimen reaction result with a time difference.

Abstract: Provided is a case for specimen analyzing kit. The case includes a cover unit comprising a put-in part through which a specimen is putted and a result exposing part exposing a reaction result between the specimen and a reaction pad to the outside, a support unit coupled to the cover unit to define a predetermined inner space, and a plurality of put-in holes passing through the put-in part to introduce the specimen into the inner space.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detection of biological substances in nasal specimen.