Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a blood analysis method in which a high level of repeatability and reproducibility is achieved with respect to measurement values in a blood sample, and a blood test kit which is used for the blood analysis method.

Abstract: A wound oxygen supply system includes a chassis that defines an oxygen outlet. an oxygen production subsystem is included in the chassis and coupled to the oxygen outlet. A control subsystem is coupled to the oxygen production subsystem and configured to receive humidity information that is indicative of a humidity experienced by the oxygen production subsystem. The control system then uses the humidity information to control power provided to the oxygen production subsystem in order to control an oxygen flow that is created by the oxygen production subsystem and provided through the oxygen outlet to a restricted airflow enclosure adjacent a wound site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing stained fabric articles are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method for analyzing stained fabric articles includes providing a stained fabric article that includes a foreign oily substance disposed in and/or on the fabric article. At least one image of the stained fabric article is captured using a three-dimensional imaging device, wherein the at least one image is captured in the absence of a colored dyes added to the foreign oily substance in and/or on the fabric article. The at least one image is processed using a contrast function to produce a processed data set. One or more of a processed image or a quantitative data set that is representative of oily substance presence in the viewing area of the three-dimensional imaging device is produced based upon the processed data set.

Abstract: There is provided a method for easily determining an undifferentiated state of pluripotent stem cells without relying on the judgment of a skilled technician. The method includes: a step of evaluating an undifferentiated state of pluripotent stem cells based on a time-dependent change in a variation value of an extracellular metabolite contained in a culture medium in which the pluripotent stem cells are cultured, wherein the extracellular metabolite is at least one selected from a group consisting of L-glutamic acid, L-alanine and ammonia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biosensor with improved humidity resistance that can be used as a glucose sensor or a lactate sensor. The biosensor includes: an insulative substrate; an electrode system having a working electrode and a counter electrode provided on the substrate; and a reagent layer provided on the electrode system. The reagent layer contains an oxidoreductase and 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium ethyl sulfate. This biosensor can be used as a glucose sensor or a lactate sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hinge antibody capable of being selectively activated in a target cell or tissue to treat a condition therein. The hinge antibody includes a functional antibody, two inhibitory domains and four cleavable linkers. The functional antibody is capable of treating the condition in an activated state, and has two light chains and two heavy chains. Each inhibitory domain includes a hinge domain of an immunoglobulin and consists of two peptide arms. Each cleavable linker includes a peptide substrate cleavable by an enzyme specifically or highly expressed in the target cell or tissue, and connects one of the peptide arms of the inhibitory domains to the N-terminal of one of the light chains and heavy chains of the functional antibody. Also disclosed herein are methods for preparing and using this hinge antibody.

Abstract: An electrochemical test device for determining a concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample is provided. The electrochemical test device comprises a set of electrodes including a working electrode for the analyte and sensing chemistry for the working electrode, wherein the sensing chemistry comprises a diaphorase, an electron transfer agent having a standard redox potential in the range of ?0.52 to 0.18 V, an NAD(P)+-dependent dehydrogenase and a cofactor for the NAD(P)+-dependent dehydrogenase.

Abstract: A testing system and method for providing a testing system includes a user interface having a display for displaying information relating to measurements of health data and an input device for receiving information from a user relating to the health data. Provided in connection with the user interface is an autologging feature adapted to provide the user with user-selectable options on the display. Also provided is a statistical operation adapted to provide the user with enhanced information relating to the measurements of health data. Also provided is at least one indicator for indicating information relating to the number of health data readings that are within a target range, the number of health data readings that are above the target range and the number of health data readings that are below the target range.

Abstract: Compositions of modulators of acyl-CoA lysocardiolipin acyltransferase 1 (ALCAT1) expression, function or activity are provided. In particular, inhibitors of ALCAT1 are useful in treating metabolic diseases, cardiac diseases and, in general diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Assays for identification of novel ALCAT1 modulators are provided.

Abstract: A silanized ITO electrode modified with ITO nanoparticles is described. ITO nanoparticles of cubic and semispherical shapes are immobilized on a silanized ITO film. The electrode may be used in an electrolytic cell to detect aqueous sulfide with a 0.5-1.4 ?M limit of detection. The electrode shows high specificity towards aqueous sulfide and a high reproducibility in measurement.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing among a first group of microorganisms belonging to a first taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the first group of bacteria exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment; a second group of microorganisms belonging to a second taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the second taxon of bacteria being different than said first taxon, and exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment identical to the mechanism of the first group; and a third group of Gram negative bacteria that is not resistant to the treatment.

Abstract: The application provides heat-treated Limulus amebocyte lysates useful for detecting ?-glucans.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for utilizing radiometric fluorescence detection to determine a glucose independent concentration value when measuring frequency bands that do not contain the system isosbestic point. Preferably two bands are chosen such that a first band is below the system isosbestic point, and a second band is above the system isosbestic point, and both points are sufficiently far from the frequency endpoints to maximize the signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.

Abstract: A method of managing use of an insulin infusion device is presented here. The method identifies bolus calculator event data from glucose data for a user of the infusion device. The bolus calculator event data corresponds to use of a bolus calculator that calculates bolus dosage recommendations based on a user entered carbohydrate consumption value, a user entered current blood glucose value, a user specific carbohydrate ratio value, and a user specific insulin sensitivity value. The method filters the bolus calculator event data to remove glucose data associated with certain conditions, and analyzes the filtered data to detect an event occurrence that is indicative of potential maladjustment of the carbohydrate ratio value or the insulin sensitivity value. The method outputs a recommendation to adjust the carbohydrate ratio value or the insulin sensitivity value, based on characteristics of the detected event occurrence.

Abstract: A chemical sensing system is described. The chemical sensing system can include a plurality of sensors arranged on at least one substrate. The sensors may have differing sensitivities to sense different analytes, and may each be configured to output a signal in response to sensing one or more of the different analytes. The chemical sensing system can further include a computer processor programmed to receive the signals output from the plurality of sensors. The computer processor may be further programmed to determine a concentration of analytes in the sample based, at least in part, on the received signals and a model relating the signals or information derived from the signals to an output representation having bases corresponding to analytes.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between the slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open the liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with the incubation chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and providing activity recommendations includes receiving glucose level data and activity data. The glucose level data is formed into two or more data sets, with each set representing a different time period. Each data set is evaluated and ranked against each other set according to one or more of several different individual factors and the individual ranking for each set are combined, resulting in an overall ranking for given data sets. A highest ranked data set is then determined, which is associated thereby with a highest ranked time period. Activities of the activity data which took place within the highest ranked time period are provided as recommendations to the user to encourage greater numbers of times those activities are undertaken.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and compositions (e.g., kits) for the identification of subjects with misfolded proteins in their urine. For example, methods and compositions for determining that a urine sample from a pregnant woman contains or does not contain misfolded are provided. In some embodiments, the presence of misfolded proteins in a urine sample from a pregnant woman is an indication of preeclampsia.

Abstract: This invention is about the compositions and methods for assessing and treating vascular endothelial dysfunction. Various aspects provide a method for treatment of vascular endothelial dysfunction, comprising administering a composition comprising nicotinamide mononucleotide and a pharmaceutical excipient to a subject. In one embodiment the dose is administered to subjects in response to the indicator. In another embodiment the dose is administered chronically to subjects.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: A method for purifying a salt of reduced form of ?-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) includes: sequentially microfiltrating and nanofiltrating a reaction solution obtained after an enzymatic reaction, collecting a concentrate for use; adding an ion pair reagent to the concentrate, and purifying by gradient elution to obtain a purified filtrate using a reverse-phase chromatographic column as a stationary phase, a buffer solution as a phase A, and ethanol as a phase B; changing the cations in the purified filtrate into sodium ions to obtain a filtrate by using a cation exchange resin; and nanofiltrating the filtrate, and freeze drying in a vacuum freeze drier. The method results in an excellent purity and yield of a salt of NADH that meets requirements in industry.

Abstract: A method for purifying ?-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) includes: sequentially microfiltrating and nanofiltrating a crude product solution containing NMN using membrane concentration devices to obtain a concentrated crude product solution; adjusting the concentrated crude product solution to pH 3-7 to obtain a loading solution, loading the loading solution onto a preparative reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic column, and purifying by gradient elution using an octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel as a stationary phase, a hydrochloric acid solution at pH 3-7 as a mobile phase A, and 100% ethanol as a mobile phase B, to obtain a purified sample solution; concentrating the purified sample solution by nanofiltration and freeze drying in a vacuum freeze drier to obtain a purified NMN.

Abstract: A system for determining the impact of moisture on a dielectric sealing material may include a testing apparatus having a testing chamber. A dielectric sealing material and a conducting pin may be exposed to the testing chamber. A first electrical lead may be coupled to the conducting pin, and a second electrical lead may be coupled to the dialectic material. An insulation resistance measurement unit may be coupled to both the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead, and the insulation resistance measurement unit may be configured to measure an insulation resistance value between the electrical leads. The insulation resistance measurement unit may measure a first insulation resistance value of the dielectric sealing material in a first environmental condition, and the insulation resistance measurement unit may measure a second insulation resistance value of the dielectric sealing material at a second environmental condition, that is different than the first environmental condition.

Abstract: This document provides vaccine delivery devices and methods for vaccinating an animal (e.g., a mammal). For example, vaccine delivery devices that include a container having one or more openings, a vaccine depot located within the container, and a diffusion barrier located within the container in a manner such that material (e.g., an antigenic vaccine component) within the vaccine depot must pass through the diffusion barrier before reaching one of the openings are provided.

Abstract: A flavin-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase which is composed of proteins having the following amino acid sequence (a), (b) or (c), and having glucose dehydrogenase activity: (a) an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 or 9; (b) an amino acid sequence in which one or more amino acids are deleted from, replaced in or added to the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 or 9; (c) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO 2 or 3, at least 95% identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO 5 or 6, or at least 80% identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO 8 or 9.

Abstract: Methods, reagents, kits and systems are disclosed for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte where all reagents are soluble in aqueous solution. One assay method includes treating a sample suspected of containing the analyte under conditions such that if the analyte is present, an activator is brought into reactive configuration with a chemiluminescent compound to activates it. The sample is also treated with an agent to reduce signal not related to analyte. Finally, the sample is treated with a trigger solution thereby producing light from the activated chemiluminescent compound. No reagents are associated with a surface or other solid phase.

Abstract: A needle assembly. The needle assembly enabling the analysis of fluid trapped in a flashback chamber after an insertion needle has been inserted into a patient's vein.

Abstract: Electrochemical biosensing devices and methods detect the activity of proteases and active infection in biological samples. The devices and methods utilize distance constraints between a redox reporter and an electrode to create a change in current that is detected. The distance constraints are released when an analyte containing a specified protease or proteases reacts with a protein substrate sequence in the analyte. The particular protease or proteases to be detected can be selected by using biosensors with particular substrate sequences. The devices and methods are not only qualitative, they can be used to quantitatively evaluate protease content in samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described. Generally, the nanosensors comprise a photoluminescent nanostructure and a polymer that interacts with the photoluminescent nanostructure. In some cases, the interaction between the polymer and the nanostructure can be non-covalent (e.g., via van der Waals interactions). The nanosensors comprising a polymer and a photoluminescent nanostructure may be particularly useful in determining the presence and/or concentration of relatively small molecules, in some embodiments. In addition, in some instances the nanosensors may be capable of determining relatively low concentrations of analytes, in some cases determining as little as a single molecule. In some embodiments, the interaction between the analyte and the nanosensor (e.g.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting information indicative of a physiological substance in a body material of a physiological subject, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a substrate, a first sensor structure connected to the substrate and being configured for sensing the physiological substance electrochemically, and a second sensor structure connected to the substrate and being configured for sensing the physiological substance by a luminescence detection.

Abstract: A test strip or electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of an analyte in a biological fluid, e.g. the glucose content of whole blood, includes a size self-limiting reagent formulation employing an enzyme system for reaction with the analyte, the reactive system mixed into a water-soluble swellable polymer matrix containing small water-insoluble particles having a nominal size of about 0.05 to 20 ?m, preferably about 1 to 10 ?m. The weight ratio of the water-insoluble particles to the water-soluble swellable polymer matrix is about 1/2 to 2/1. The reagent formulation is deposited onto a non-porous substrate to form a thin layer about 6-16 ?m thick, providing a rapid and stable response to application of a sample, while being insensitive to the amount of the sample.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present embodiments provide sensor applicators and methods of use with pushbutton activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing, all in one smooth motion. Some embodiments contemplate engagement of the transmitter with the housing after release of the applicator.

Abstract: An unreleased thermopile IR sensor and method of fabrication is provided which includes a new thermally isolating material and an ultra-thin material based sensor which, in combination, provide excellent sensitivity without requiring a released membrane structure. The sensor is fabricated using a wafer transfer technique in which a substrate assembly comprising the substrate and new thermally isolating material is bonded to a carrier substrate assembly comprising a carrier substrate and the ultra-thin material, followed by removal of the carrier substrate. As such, temperature restrictions of the various materials are overcome.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to membranes composed liquid crystals having continuous aqueous channels, such as a lyotropic liquid crystal, including a cubic phase lyotropic liquid crystal, and to electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes. The membranes are useful in limiting the diffusion of an analyte to a working electrode in an electrochemical sensor so that the sensor does not saturate and/or remains linearly responsive over a large range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with membranes of the present invention demonstrate considerable sensitivity and stability, and a large signal-to-noise ratio, in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A microfluidic device can include a base an outer surface of which forms one or more enclosures for containing a fluidic medium. The base can include an array of individually controllable transistor structures each of which can comprise both a lateral transistor and a vertical transistor. The transistor structures can be light activated, and the lateral and vertical transistors can thus be photo transistors. Each transistor structure can be activated to create a temporary electrical connection from a region of the outer surface of the base (and thus fluidic medium in the enclosure) to a common electrical conductor. The temporary electrical connection can induce a localized electrokinetic force generally at the region, which can be sufficiently strong to move a nearby micro-object in the enclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor for detecting saccharide and manufacturing method thereof and detection method of glycated hemoglobin using the same wherein the sensor for detecting saccharide includes a reactive layer synthesized with hydrogel having a boronic acid-modified 3D mesh structure. A selective and sensitive detection of the glycated protein including glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood through high level of signal may be enabled, and the durability of the sensor for detecting saccharide may be enhanced.

Abstract: Analyte sensors capable of undergoing sterilization with ethylene oxide are provided. The analyte sensors can include one or more polymer membranes having a nucleophilic group.

Abstract: Gels and gel-containing materials, including hydrogels, are described. A gel can be formed by blending polyacrylic acid (PAA) and a polyglycol, such as polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) at room temperature and, in some cases, without using a catalyst. The blend material can be used to form soft or hard materials, films and particles. The blend material can be combined with vinyl monomers and polymerize to form a hydrogel. The hydrogel can have a high mechanical strength and high water absorbency.

Abstract: Various embodiments for a method that allow for a more accurate analyte concentration with a biosensor by determining at least one physical characteristic of the sample and determining whether at least one output transient signal of the biosensor is erroneous by monitoring the biosensor and flagging an error if the signal outputs of the biosensor do not meet certain criteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel glucose dehydrogenase that has excellent substrate specificity and that is suitable for use in SMBG. The present invention provides a flavin-bound glucose dehydrogenase having the following characteristics (1) to (5): (1) Temperature stability: stable at a temperature of 45° C. or lower; (2) stable at a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5; (3) substrate specificity: the reactivity to D-xylose, maltose, or D-galactose is 2% or less, based on the reactivity to D-glucose taken as 100%; (4) optimal activity temperature: 34 to 47° C.; and (5) optimal activity pH: 6.3 to 6.7.

Abstract: Gels and gel-containing materials, including hydrogels, are described. A gel can be formed by blending polyacrylic acid (PAA) and a polyglycol, such as polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) at room temperature and, in some cases, without using a catalyst. The blend material can be used to form soft or hard materials, films and particles. The blend material can be combined with vinyl monomers and polymerize to form a hydrogel. The hydrogel can have a high mechanical strength and high water absorbency.

Abstract: An improved quality assurance system and method for point-of-care testing are disclosed. The present invention provides quality assurance for laboratory quality tests performed by a blood analysis system or the like at the point of patient care without the need for running liquid-based quality control materials on the analysis system. Quality assurance of a quantitative physiological sample test system is performed without using a quality control sample by monitoring the thermal and temporal stress of a component used with the test system. Alert information is generated that indicates that the component has failed quality assurance when the thermal and temporal stress exceeds a predetermined thermal-temporal stress threshold. Alternatively, the present invention provides quality assurance for laboratory quality tests performed by a blood analysis system or the like at the point of patient care by minimizing the need for running liquid-based quality control materials on the analysis system.

Abstract: An analyte sensor and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. The analyte sensor includes a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer having a methacrylate-derived backbone and a side chain having a negatively charged group. The copolymer can include an embedded analyte sensing component, and can be adjacent to a surface of an electrode, or be adjacent to a sensing membrane that that has an embedded analyte sensing component and is adjacent to a surface of an electrode. The sensing membrane can have a crosslinked network of crosslinked proteins.

Abstract: A hematocrit (HCT) measurement system and measurement method using the same are disclosed. The hematocrit (HCT) measurement system comprises a test strip and a measurement apparatus comprising: a connector transmitting an initial signal generated from a blood sample to the measurement apparatus, a capacitive reactance adjustor disposed between the test strip and the measurement apparatus, a calculation unit for calculating concentration and HCT value of the blood sample, an A/D convertor transforming the corresponding initial signal to a digital signal, and a signal processor processing the digital reacted signal and showing measured results on a display, wherein the HCT value is calculated by voltage partition to prevent the signal waveform voltage being saturated or cutoff, thereby resulting in measured signal distortion.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base, a first electrode and a second electrode wherein a thermocouple portion is provided integral with the second electrode thereby enabling on-sensor temperature measurement capability. In some embodiments, two and only two electrical contact engagement portions are provided thereby simplifying electrical contact. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Provided is a method for measuring cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) simply and accurately. A method for measuring cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein in a specimen, comprising reacting the specimen with i) a cholesterol ester hydrolase and a cholesterol oxidase, or ii) a cholesterol ester hydrolase, an oxidized coenzyme, and a cholesterol dehydrogenase, in an aqueous medium comprising at least one substance selected from the group consisting of pyridinium salts and quaternary ammonium salts each having a specific structure, and a polyanion to form hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide or reduced coenzyme.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide: a novel gene (polynucleotide) encoding an FAD-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase having excellent properties that it has excellent reactivity to glucose, excellent thermal stability, and excellent substrate-recognition performance and also has a low activity for maltose; a process for the production of the enzyme using a transformant cell transfected with the gene; and a method for the determination of glucose, a reagent composition for use in the determination of glucose, a biosensor for use in the determination of glucose and others, each characterized by using the enzyme obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow immunoassay test device. The test device comprises a test strip. The test strip comprises a test membrane having a translucent section including a control zone and a test zone. The device is adapted to house the test strip such that at least the translucent section is exposable to ambient light. The device comprises a backing structure for backing the test strip which comprises a first optical detector for detecting ambient light which has passed through the test zone, and a second optical detector for detecting ambient light which has passed through the translucent section in a further zone outside of the test and control zones. Using the detector outputs an amount of analyte in a test liquid may be calculated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacteria and the uses thereof. The invention particularly relates to bacteria having a metabolic pathway ratio between pentose phosphate and glycolysis greater than 0.5, and their uses in the chemical, pharmaceutical and agro-chemical industries, e.g., for producing compounds of industrial interest.