Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in identifying and treating autoimmune GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) astrocytopathy, a novel meningoencephalomyelitis, in humans as well as methods and materials for identifying and offering early treatment for patients having autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy whose autoantibody profile predicts a high likelihood of having underlying cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma or teratoma).

Abstract: The device, e.g., sensing cartridge, includes a first member, a second member coupled to the first member, a third member coupled to the second member, and a fourth member coupled to the third member. The first member is configured to separate plasma from whole blood, where the whole blood has a cellular component with a hydrodynamic diameter greater than 0.01 ?m. The second member is configured to wick the plasma from the whole blood, where the second member acts on ammonium in the plasma to shift a phase equilibrium of the ammonium to ammonia gas. The third member is configured to prevent liquid permeation produced by the shift in the phase equilibrium of the ammonium to the ammonia gas. The fourth member is configured to act on the ammonia gas.

Abstract: The analyzing method for quantifying urea in a sample solution includes: a pretreatment step of pretreating the sample solution with at least one of a membrane device including a reverse osmosis membrane and an ion exchange device including an ion exchanger; and an analyzing step of analyzing a target substance in the pretreated sample solution. The analyzing step is based on, for example, flow injection analysis (FIA), and includes a step of quantifying the target substance by measuring the absorbance of a liquid containing a substance generated by reacting the target substance with a reagent.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting the presence of diesel exhaust fluid in fuel is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a fuel sample, combining the fuel sample with a buffered urease solution to make a test solution, agitating the test solution, allowing the test solution to separate into layers and convert urea to ammonia. The method also includes adjusting a pH of the aqueous layer of the test solution, isolating the aqueous layer, immersing, agitating and then removing a reagent strip, and allowing the aqueous layer to develop a color change for an indication of presence of ammonia from any DEF contamination.

Abstract: A glycemic management related analyte detecting assay device (10) and method are provided for detecting and quantifying analyte concentrations in a fluid sample. The assay device includes an absorbent body containing an assay forming a detection zone for receiving a fluid test sample. The absorbent body is provided in a chamber of the device. The assay can detect one or more of a glycemic analyte selected from the group consisting of fasting plasma blood glucose, oral glucose, % glycated hemoglobin, and fasting insulin concentrations. In one embodiment, a container includes an absorbent body having a plurality of superimposed membranes (30, 32, 34, 36) where each membrane contains a reactant and a color indicator for detecting the presence of a selected analyte above a predetermined concentration in the fluid sample. The absorbent body and/or the assay include a color indicator that is able to provide a visual indication of the presence of one or more glycemic analytes present in the test sample.

Abstract: Medical swabs incorporating a pH indicator in an absorbent crosslinked hydrogel matrix. The medical swabs can provide for visual monitoring of biological pH. The medical swabs can be used to monitor wounds, such as chronic wounds, burn wounds, surgical wounds, etc., as well as other biological fluids. The swabs can be used for early detection of chronic wounds and/or early detection of bacterial infections.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte according to the present invention includes: a first step of supplying a specimen to a detection device having a first ligand that is immobilized on a substrate and is capable of specifically binding to the analyte, the specimen being supplied onto the substrate of the detection device, and then causing the analyte included in the specimen to bind to the first ligand; a second step of supplying, onto the substrate, a second ligand that is labeled with a marker and is capable of specifically binding to the analyte, and then causing the second ligand to bind to the analyte bound to the first ligand; and a third step of measuring the second ligand bound to the analyte, wherein in the second step, carboxymethyl dextran is supplied onto the substrate.

Abstract: A nutrition management system including a patient mobile application stored on non-transitory computer-readable media in electronic communication with a home nutrient-testing device, and a dietitian's software stored on non-transitory computer-readable media in electronic communication with the patient mobile application. A method of nutrition management, by a patient testing their nutrition levels on a home nutrient-testing device, and creating personalized daily dietary recommendations on a meal-by-meal basis for the patient based on results from the home nutrient-testing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to using color calibration to improve and increase the accuracy of interpreting color-sensitive results from test strips made of substrates like paper. This is accomplished via a diagnostic test unit including a substrate, at least one region on the substrate, a reagent placed within the region to react, and a series of color legends on the substrate. Different reagent samples may be placed on the separate regions of a substrate for testing. An imaging device is used to capture the reaction results. More precise readings can be obtained by comparing the reaction results to the color legends to determine the measured property of the analyte.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring a concentration of a target molecule from a biological sample are disclosed. In one example, the apparatus includes a porous pad, which is impregnated with a solution containing at least one agent and which contains an unfilled capillary matrix, a housing for the porous pad, and a membrane that covers the porous pad.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to paper-based substrates and apparatus comprising such substrates. The apparatus may include a patterned conductive structure coupled to the paper-based substrate, wherein the patterned conductive structure responds to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a poor physical condition determination device, method, and program enabling simple determination of a physical condition level. A poor physical condition determination device 10 acquires a ketone concentration measurement measuring ketone excreted from a user, determines a physical condition level related to the physical condition of the user based on the acquired ketone concentration measurement, and outputs a determination result.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid oral compositions based on SAMe and/or NADH or their salts in association with calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide and a process for obtaining them. This invention also relates to a method for stabilising a solid oral composition based on SAMe and/or NADH or their salts, making use of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide optionally in association with malic acid, glutamic acid, xylitol, calcium sulphate hemihydrate, magnesium oxide and/or mixtures thereof. This invention also relates to the use of SAMe or its salts in association with calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide with the possible further addition of melatonin and/or 1-theanine and/or 1-tryptophan and/or 5-hydroxytryptophan for the treatment of depressive states.

Abstract: In one form, a diagnostic element for determining at least one analyte is provided. In a further form, an analytical measuring device includes the diagnostic element. Still, other forms are related to methods for the determination of an analyte, correcting a signal generated by an analyte, and/or checking the detection optics of an analytical measuring device using the diagnostic element. Another form is related to a system for the controlled release of a reagent and the use of such a system as a circuit element. Other aspects include, but are not limited to, unique methods, techniques, products, systems and devices involving diagnostic elements.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising: detecting the level of an integrin ?1 subunit, an integrin ?2 subunit, and/or an integrin ?3 subunit in a blood sample. Also provided is a reagent kit for diagnosing VTE, comprising a substance capable of specifically binding to the integrin ?1 subunit, the integrin ?2 subunit, and/or the integrin ?3 subunit.

Abstract: A nonwoven wipe having a reversible sanitizer indicator for multiple uses and recharges is provided. The nonwoven wipe includes a cloth-like nonwoven fabric coated with a reversible color-changing ink formulation. During use, the nonwoven wipe is impregnated with a quaternary ammonium compound-based sanitizer. When the level of free quaternary ammonium compound falls below a threshold level, the color-changing ink formulation changes from a first color to a second color, indicating the need to recharge the wipe. When the nonwoven wipe is recharged with sanitizer solution, the color-changing ink formulation changes back to the first color.

Abstract: Nanoparticle having a crosslinked chitosan-polyethylene oxide oligomer copolymer coating to which O6-benzylguanine is covalently coupled, compositions that include the nanoparticle, and methods for using the nanoparticle to treat brain cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for the determination of Helicobacter pylori in a tissue biopsy comprising the step of incubating a tissue biopsy with an aqueous diagnostic reagent comprising urea and a pH indicator, and determining any pH change, characterized in that said diagnostic reagent comprises a lactone, and that the ratio between the volume of the reagent and the volume of the sample is variable and less than 30.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis and/or therapy control of systemic sclerosis is disclosed wherein soluble CD90 is detected in body fluids. By measuring the concentration of soluble CD90 certain forms of diseases can be differentiated by applying the ex vivo method.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, based on the detection of citrullinated autoantigens in a test sample is disclosed. The method diagnoses rheumatoid arthritis more accurately and rapidly. Also disclosed is a kit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: The determination method of the present invention includes steps of measuring equol in a biological sample derived from a subject who has ingested soybean isoflavone by an immunological method using S-equol as at least one antigen selected from the group consisting of the standard antigen and the labeled antigen, and determining an equol-producing ability of the subject based on the measured value of equol obtained in the above step.

Abstract: Hemoglobin in a sample solution is quickly and reliably denatured; at the same time, quick and accurate measurement of hemoglobin and a hemoglobin derivative is realized. In a method for measuring hemoglobin and a hemoglobin derivative, and a reagent composition, a measurement kit, an analysis device, and an analysis system used in the method, a sample solution containing a blood component is treated with a nonionic surfactant, an oxidizing agent, and a metal salt to denature hemoglobin in the sample solution to measure the hemoglobin, and thereafter the amount of a hemoglobin derivative in the sample is measured by an immunological method using an antibody specifically binding to a denatured site of the denatured hemoglobin derivative.

Abstract: The present application relates to a novel method of in vitro assay of the molecules of the extracellular matrix synthesized by cells in culture and uses thereof in the form of a kit for in vitro measurement and/or for a method of screening of cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence of anti-Tr antibodies in a subject comprising the steps of obtaining a sample from said subject testing the presence of said antibodies in said sample by addition of DNER protein or an antigenic part thereof and checking whether said DNER protein is bound by any antibodies in said sample Such an assay is useful for the diagnosis of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration that is associated with Hodgkin lymphoma, or, more generally, to type patients suffering from cerebellar ataxia. Also comprised in the invention is a kit for performing such an assay.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method for detecting gastric cancer, which is low invasive to a human test subject and has high detection sensitivity and accuracy. The present invention provides a method comprising measuring in vitro the amount of COTL1 protein, a variant thereof, and/or a fragment thereof in a body fluid sample derived from a human test subject, and detecting the presence or absence of gastric cancer affecting the test subject on the basis of the amount, and a kit for gastric cancer diagnosis comprising an antibody capable of specifically binding to the protein.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for assessing radiation injury and exposure in a mammal. The methods comprise the steps of: obtaining one or more test samples from the mammal, contacting the test samples with an antibody immunoreactive with a citrullinated protein to form an immunocomplex; and detecting the immunocomplex with an ELISA; wherein a decrease in the quantity of the immunocomplex in the test samples, as compared to the quantity of immunocomplexes formed under identical conditions with the same antibody and a control sample from one or more mammals known to have a lower degree of radiation injury or exposure, indicates a higher degree of radiation injury and exposure to the mammal. The information obtained from such methods can be used by a clinician to accurately assess the extent of radiation injury/exposure in the mammal, and thus will provide a valuable tool for determining treatment protocols on a subject by subject basis.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for the identification of a subject suffering from a primary non-infectious disease having an increased risk of an adverse outcome potentially being induced by the administration of an antibiotic to said subject comprising the determination of the level of Procalcitonin (PCT) or a fragment thereof or a precursor or fragment thereof having a length of at least 12 amino acid residues in a sample of a bodily fluid from said subject and the correlation of the determined level to a potential risk induced by the administration of an antibiotic, as well as a kit for performing the method and methods of treatment based thereon.

Abstract: An analytical test cartridge is provided. The analytical test cartridge can be used for medical analyses of liquid samples removed from a patient, for example blood. The analytical test cartridge is configured to provide for titration experiments. An example of a titration experiment that can be performed with the arrangement, is titration of heparin with protamine. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a foreign cell in a tissue of the upper intestinal tract, sold method comprising: (a) providing a sample of cells from the epithelium layer of the tissue of interest; (b) preparing the cells into a cohesive cluster; (c) staining cells from the cohesive cluster using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain; (d) observing the stained cells; and (e) inferring the presence or absence of foreign cell(s) from the observations of Id), The invention also relates to a method for aiding the diagnosis of an inflammatory condition of the upper intestinal tract in a subject, said method comprising detecting a foreign cell as described above, wherein detection of foreign cell(s) in step (e) infers that the subject has an inflammatory condition of the upper intestinal tract.

Abstract: Systems and methods of polynucleotide sequencing are provided. Systems and methods optimize control, speed, movement, and/or translocation of a sample (e.g., a polynucleotide) within, through, or at least partially through a nanopore or a type of protein or mutant protein in order to accumulate sufficient time and current blocking information to identify contiguous nucleotides or plurality of nucleotides in a single-stranded area of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The method comprises the step of delivering urea from a floating vessel to a region of a photic zone of the ocean, whereby the number of phytoplankton is caused to increase in the region upon addition of the urea. The method can be used for producing carbon cells.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a chemical or biological species includes a sensing element and a bias and measurement circuit. The sensing element includes nanochannels having an outer surface functionalized for interaction with the species to create a surface potential, and each having a sufficiently small cross section to exhibit a shift of differential conductance into a negative bias operating region by a shift amount dependent on the surface potential. The bias and measurement circuit applies a bias voltage across two ends of the nanochannels sufficiently negative to achieve a desired dependence of the differential conductance on the surface potential. The dependence has a steeply sloped region of high amplification substantially greater than a reference amplification at a zero-bias condition, thus achieving relatively high signal-to-noise ratio. The bias and measurement circuit converts the measured differential conductance into a signal indicative of presence or activity of the species.

Abstract: Detection of urease in gastric samples is achieved by using a composition comprising urea and an indicator. This composition can be provided in the form of a liquid or in a number of dry formats including a wafer, impregnated material, coated well or a tablet. The assay can be performed in described apparatus comprising a well which can be provided with a removable air-tight seal. In one optional form, the well may have a swaged rim for retaining a disc or ring inside the well and hinged plugs. This assay is useful for detecting H.

Abstract: A method for isolating urea and removing CO2 from plasma samples, comprising the following steps: a) providing a plasma sample; b) adding an acid so as to partially remove CO2; c) lyophilizing the sample so as to further remove CO2 and obtain a dried sample; and d) redissolving the dried sample and neutralizing to a pH value of 4 to 7 using a buffer solution, wherein optionally a filtration step is carried out before adding the acid.

Abstract: The invention provides for a urinary monitoring device to monitor for the presence or absence of markers indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The invention also provides for methods of using such a device.

Abstract: Non-activated tissue-regeneration polypeptides (TRPs) and their preparation methods are disclosed. The TRPs include: a protein transduction domain (PTD) making the polypeptides to permeate a cell membrane without cell membrane receptors; a furin activation domain (FAD) which has at least one proprotein convertase cleavage site and which can be cleaved by the proprotein convertase and activate a tissue regeneration domain (TRD) in cells; and a tissue regeneration domain (TRD) which can be activated by the proprotein convertase cleavage of the FAD to stimulate the growth or formation of tissues or to induce the regeneration of tissues. The TRPs can be mass-produced by cultured bacteria, such as recombinant E. coli, are in a non-activated state before in vivo administration, and their separation, purification, handling, storage and administration are simple and convenient.

Abstract: A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) sensor containing immobilized carbonic anhydrase and immobilized urease for the in vitro detection of urea nitrogen in blood and biological samples with improved performance and precision characteristics.

Abstract: A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) sensor containing immobilized carbonic anhydrase and immobilized urease for the in vitro detection of urea nitrogen in blood and biological samples with improved performance and precision characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of assessing metabolite biomarkers to diagnose, monitor, prognose and treat colorectal cancer, as well as kits and systems in use thereof. In some embodiments, the metabolite biomarker profile of an subject suspected of having colorectal cancer may be compared to the metabolite biomarker profile of a healthy subject to determine if there are differences between the profiles indicative of colorectal cancer. In some embodiments, the stage of a subject's colorectal cancer may be determined. In certain embodiments, the metabolite biomarker profile of an subject may be useful in determining method of treatment for colorectal cancer. In other embodiments, the metabolite biomarker profiles of an subject having colorectal cancer may be compared prior to and after treatment to determine if there are differences between the profiles indicative of decreased colorectal cancer morbidity.

Abstract: A method for determining a concentration of an analyte is disclosed. The method includes applying a potential excitation to a fluid sample containing an analyte and determining if a current decay curve associated with the fluid sample has entered an analyte depletion stage. The method also includes measuring a plurality of current values associated with the fluid sample during the analyte depletion stage and calculating an analyte concentration based on at least one of the plurality of current values.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel enzymatic analytical membrane, a lateral flow enzymatic detection method, and analytical device incorporating same. The invention is useful for rapidly enzymatically determining the presence of one or more analytes in small volumes of sample. The invention provides an enzymatic analytical membrane for detecting the presence of one or more small-molecule analytes in a biological sample where the membrane comprises a receiving zone; a separation zone and a signal zone, at least one of the zones comprising one or more enzymes for converting the analytes into a form detectable by reaction with a chromogenic agent present in the signal zone and wherein the membrane horizontally receives sample at the receiving zone, and the sample continues via lateral flow through the receiving zone, separation zone and signal zone where a visible color change is formed indicating the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A measuring device (100a) includes a base body (101) constituting: a sample holding portion (102) configured to hold a test sample containing urea and a material to be detected; and a sample supply port (103) through which the test sample is supplied to the sample holding portion (102). The base body includes an optical measuring portion and a reagent holding portion (111) which are configured to carry out an optical measurement of the test sample held by the sample holding portion (102). The reagent holding portion holds an antibody to the material to be detected and urease which causes hydrolysis of the urea. With this, the present invention provides a measuring device, a measuring apparatus, and a measuring method, each having a simple configuration and capable of reducing measurement errors caused by the urea contained in the test sample and accurately measuring the material to be detected.

Abstract: A method for identifying physiological conditions associated with the pH or the buffer capacities of biological fluid secreted from a person, by providing a secretion-monitoring article of a body that includes an absorbent material for absorbing a biological fluid secreted from a person and an indicator system having a hydrophobic chemical composition that includes an indicator agent and an ion-balance reagent, at specific relative amounts. Optionally, a competitive agent for establishing a pre-set threshold of an analyte of interest in a tested bodily fluid, is added to the indicator system, wherein the indicator reagent being charged oppositely to the analyte of interest and the competitive reagent having the same charge as the indicator reagent.

Abstract: A composition suitable for the isolation of a nucleic acid from a material containing the nucleic acid contains at least one buffer with a chaotropic component; at least one proteolytic enzyme; at least one buffer with an non-chaotropic component; at least one alcoholic component; and a detergent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advance in phage display technology by permitting the uncoupling of the propagation of phages containing inserted sequences encoding heterologous polypeptides from the expression of said polypeptides. The invention provides phage constructs and methods for their use to permit phage coat protein expression, and thus phage propagation, in the absence of display of heterologous polypeptides, which may be expressed as a fusion with said coat protein in a regulated manner.

Abstract: An aqueous enzyme based sensor comprising one or more enzymes and at least one indicator compound capable of indicating a reaction of at least one of the enzymes with at least one target analyte, wherein the enzyme and the indicator are capable of being delivered, preferably by being sprayed, to a surface having the target analyte without sampling the surface. An aqueous enzyme based sensor is provided that is capable of detecting an enzyme specific substrate as the analyte. This aqueous enzyme based sensor further comprises of one or more enzyme specific substrates in which the sensor detects enzyme inhibition. The aqueous enzyme based sensor optionally comprises one or more of a light scattering additive(s), an adhesive polymer(s), a protein stabilizer(s), a protein stabilizing sugar(s), a surfactant(s), and a solvent(s), and combinations thereof. A dispensing system and a method of detecting a target chemical on a surface without sampling the surface is provided.