Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

Abstract: A composition for detecting an analyte in a blood sample includes: a coloring reagent; an oxidoreductase; and a refractive index adjuster.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for destroying cellular mechanical homeostasis and the use thereof, especially disclosed is a method for destroying cellular mechanical homeostasis by using a Myosin inhibitor thereby leading to cell softening and reduction of fibrosis in tissues and organs. Also disclosed are a method for promoting regeneration and repair of tissues and organs and the use thereof. The Myosin inhibitor can destroy the homeostasis of the cellular mechanical stress system, reduce the rigidity of tissues and organs in a pathological state, and stimulate stress and regeneration reactions similar to those in the regeneration processes in lower organisms; and can use the characteristics to greatly inhibit fibrosis during the organ damage and to promote the regeneration and repair of tissues and organs, and meanwhile can use stress response to greatly improve the ability of cellular genetic repair. The Myosin inhibitor is preferably (?)-Blebbistatin, or a derivative thereof (?)-Blebbistatin O-Benzoate.

Abstract: Provided here are therapeutically effective pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more TREX2 inhibitors, and more specifically methods of administering TREX2 inhibitors to increase the effectiveness of a chemotherapeutic agent. Also provided here are methods of identifying agents that inhibit the exonuclease activity of TREX2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biochemistry, more particularly to proteomics, more particularly to protein sequencing, even more particularly to single molecule peptide sequencing. The invention discloses methods for single molecule protein sequencing and/or amino acid identification using cleavage inducing agents which are not specific for one particular amino acid, cleave polypeptides step by step from the N-terminus onwards and provide information on the identity of the cleaved amino acids based on the reaction kinetics.

Abstract: This discloses that compounds of Formula 1 may be used as antifibrotics because they inhibit type 1 collagen production. In particular, this discloses a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more compounds of Formula 1 and methods of using compounds of Formula 1 in fibrosis treatment and inhibiting type 1 collagen synthesis.

Abstract: Method, device, and system for identifying a model-based time dependent light scattering signature that includes receiving an experimental time dependent light scattering signature comprising experimental data descriptive of an average molecular weight of protein components in a solution over time. The method further includes identifying an Ansatz for evaluating the experimental time dependent light scattering signature, the Ansatz being an initial model-based time dependent light scattering signature, the initial model-based time dependent light scattering signature identifying at least one key variable. The method also includes adjusting the at least one key variable in the initial model-based time dependent light scattering signature until a final model-based time dependent light scattering signature is identified. In some instances, the final model-based time dependent light scattering signature identifies at least one protein aggregation mechanism.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a malignant proliferative disease or disorder in a subject, and/or for following up, monitoring or prognosticating the therapy of a malignant proliferative disease or disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method is based on measurement of platelet-mediated fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) activity in a sample essentially comprising platelets obtained from the subject. In accordance with the disclosed method, platelet-mediated FGL2 activity level higher than control is indicative of the presence of a malignant proliferative disease or disorder in a subject.

Abstract: An adjustable aerosol delivery device includes an active liquid container, a carrier liquid container, a piezo disc mounted with a flexible gasket relative to the carrier liquid container, an oscillator configured to generate an ultrasonic wave that causes the piezo disc to oscillate and transmit the oscillations through the carrier liquid to the active liquid to cause at least a portion of the active liquid to become an aerosol, a bushing fixed relative to the carrier liquid container via a fixing portion that conforms to and mates with an entire perimeter of a fixing section of the bushing, and a fastener extending through the piezo disc housing and into the bushing. The fastener is configured to be loosened or tightened to manipulate a compression of the gasket to adjust a particle size of the aerosol. A pull force of the bushing is greater than a counter force of the gasket.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining presence of a target enzyme in a tissue section that include delivering a plurality of probes to a tissue section, where a probe of the plurality of probes comprises a capture agent that comprises a substrate for the target enzyme in the tissue section, and where the capture agent is conjugated to an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A system includes a camera configured to generate image data and a computing device in electronic communication with the camera. The computing device includes at least one processor and is configured to receive, from the camera, one or more images representative of a location. The computing device is further configured to apply a trained classifier to the one or more images to classify the location into one of at least two risk categories, wherein the classification is based on a likelihood of a subject performing a target behavior based on presence of the subject in the location. The computing device is additionally configured to issue a risk alert responsive to the trained classifier classifying the location into a high-risk category.

Abstract: A bottle includes a body, a cap mounted to a cap neck of the body. The cap has an outer peripheral portion which is provided with a protrusion. Around the cap, there is provided a position indicator indicating whether the cap is at a correctly closed position, based on the positional relationship between the protrusion and the position indicator.

Abstract: A method for detecting a food spoilage microbe in a food sample comprising contacting a food sample with a peptide substrate, comprising a fluorescent agent having an emission wavelength of 650-900 nm, a non-fluorescent agent having an absorption wavelength of 650-900 nm, for quenching said emission of said first fluorescent agent, and a cleavage site located between said fluorescent agent and said non-fluorescent agent, b) monitoring the fluorescence of the sample containing the peptide substrate in step a), wherein an increase in fluorescence is indicative for the presence of food spoilage microbes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a device for measuring the concentration of creatinine in a sample including one or more enzyme modulators, the method comprising: determining sensitivities of the device for each of two or more calibration solutions, wherein each calibration solution has a different amount of enzyme modulator; determining a degree of modulation for each of the two or more calibration solutions; determining a degree of modulation for a sample to be measured; and calculating the sensitivity of the device for the sample, wherein said calculating comprises modifying the sensitivity of one of the two or more calibration solutions by a function comprising the determined degrees of modulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool which exhibits excellent properties in the quantification of autophagy activity. A unimolecular FRET probe of the present invention includes an acceptor consisting of a fluorescent protein to be enzymatically degraded inside a lysosome or a vacuole; and a donor having an amino acid sequence having a sequence identity of 95% or more with respect to an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide compositions and methods for treating cancer characterized by surface expression of plectin-1. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides anti-plectin-1 antibodies. In some embodiments, the anti-plectin-1 antibodies are conjugated to a targeted moiety (e.g., a therapeutic moiety or a detectable label).

Abstract: A method for rapidly and highly sensitively measuring endotoxin relies on an endotoxin-measuring agent, which includes a factor C derived from Tachypleus tridentatus that does not have His-tag sequence at the C-terminus, a factor B of a horseshoe crab, and a proclotting enzyme of a horseshoe crab. Each of these proteins can be a recombinant protein obtainable by being expressed using a stably expressing cell line of an insect cell as a host.

Abstract: A kit, composition and method for detection of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus (SARSr-CoV), and for diagnosis of SARSr-CoV infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, methods and test devices for determining the presence of active leukocyte cells, for example, by using novel LE and/or HNE substrates in an electrochemical assay.

Abstract: Provided are a pretreatment device capable of starting pretreatment in a simple operation, and an analysis system provided with the pretreatment device. A container holding unit 12 holds pretreatment containers into each of which a sample is injected, at a plurality of holding positions. A pretreatment unit sequentially performs pretreatment by using the pretreatment containers held at the holding positions of the container holding unit 12 in a specific order. A controller configured to receives a setting of the holding position of a pretreatment container to be used first among the plurality of holding positions in the case where a series of pretreatments using the plurality of pretreatment containers is started by the pretreatment unit.

Abstract: A method of preparing a library of tagged nucleic acid fragments including contacting a population of cells directly with a lysis reagent having one or more protease to generate a cell lysate; inactivating the protease to generate an inactivated cell lysate, and applying a transposase and a transposon end composition containing a transferred strand to the inactivated cell lysate under conditions wherein the target nucleic acid and the transposon end composition undergo a transposition reaction.

Abstract: Immobilization zones through which a sample flows before reaching the proteolytic agents and/or active enzyme and associated electrode/s of an electrochemical test sensor may be used to trap or chemically deactivate active enzyme and/or proteolytic agent deactivating agents. Through either trapping or chemical deactivation, the immobilization zones substantially prevent the enzyme deactivating agents from reaching, and thus reducing the activity of the active enzyme or enzymes. Similarly, trapping or chemical deactivation may be used to prevent or substantially reduce the incidence of the proteolytic deactivating agent or agents from reaching the proteolytic agent.

Abstract: A data acquisition method in a mass spectrometer includes a. providing an ion source to generate precursor ions; b. feeding the precursor ions into a first mass analyzer that selects one mass window such that the precursor ions located outside the mass window pass through the first mass analyzer and the precursor ions located within the mass window cannot pass through the first mass analyzer; c. feeding the precursor ions passing through the first mass analyzer into a collision cell for collisional dissociation, to generate product ions; d. feeding the product ions into a second mass analyzer for mass analysis and recording a spectrum; and e. repeating Steps b-d. Each time when Step b is repeatedly performed, the selected mass window does not overlap with all the mass windows previously selected. After all the mass windows in a mass range are selected, the repetition is stopped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated polypeptide having beta-lactamase activity and nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide. The isolated polypeptide of the invention is a VIM-2 variant with improved properties such as improved protease stability.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that microperoxidases are capable of binding carbon monoxide (CO) with high affinity and displacing CO from hemoglobin, thereby acting as CO scavengers. The present disclosure provides methods of treating carboxyhemoglobinemia (or CO poisoning) in a subject by administering a therapeutically amount of an isolated or recombinant microperoxidase. Methods of removing CO from hemoglobin in blood or tissue by administering a therapeutically amount of an isolated or recombinant microperoxidase are also described. Methods of determining the effectiveness of a microperoxidase for removing CO from hemoglobin are further described.

Abstract: A metabolic biomarker set for use in assessing, screening, and/or diagnosing breast cancer in a mammalian subject includes at least (a) one amino acid selected from glutamine, glutamate and serine, and one lipid, or (b) glutamine and glutamate. Described further, is a metabolic biomarker set for prediction of therapeutic response to breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy; a metabolic biomarker set for assessing biochemical reflection of breast cancer tumor activity; and a metabolic biomarker set for subclassification between intrinsic breast cancer tumor subtypes. Moreover, a method for assessing breast cancer is described, which includes obtaining a biological sample, preferably blood, from a mammalian subject and measuring in the biological sample the amount and/or ratios of metabolites. By employing the specific biomarkers and the method it becomes possible to more properly and reliably assess breast cancer.

Abstract: Performance of a first generated model can be monitored while the first generated model is deployed for use on live data. The monitoring can include determining a first performance value of the first generated model. Performance of a second generated model can be monitored while the second generated model is deployed for use on live data. The monitoring can include determining a second performance value of the second generated model. A plot including a first axis and a second axis can be rendered. The first axis can include a characterization of a first performance metric and the second axis can include a characterization of a second performance metric. A first graphical object at a first location characterizing the first performance value and a second graphical object at a second location characterizing the second performance value can be rendered. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of predicting drug-target interactions and methods of using the information for drug repurposing. The methods described herein combine different descriptors, including, for example, atom pair similarity, shape, topology and chemical signatures, physico-chemical functional descriptors, contact points of the ligand and the target protein, chemical similarity, and docking score.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that administration of polypeptides comprising at least one Immunoglobulin single variable domains against vWF to human TTP patients provides a significant decrease in the time to response. The invention provides a polypeptide comprising at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain (ISVD) against von Willebrand Factor (vWF) for use in treating a vWF-related disease in a human in need thereof. The invention further relates to dosage unit forms, kits and medical uses for treating TTP.

Abstract: A method is provided for characterising and/or prognosing prostate cancer in a subject comprising measuring the level of at least one protein from a panel or at least one peptide thereof in a sample from the subject. The method may be used to determine the grade and stage of the prostate cancer. Also disclosed is a method for selecting a treatment for prostate cancer, together with corresponding methods of treatment. Systems and computing devices for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) derived proteins that allow efficient targeting and/or processing of double stranded nucleic acid sequences. The proteins of the invention are typically chimeric protein monomers composed of a core scaffold comprising Repeat Variable Dipeptide regions (RVDs) having binding specificity to a DNA target sequence, to which is fused a catalytic domain to its N-terminus. This later catalytic domain, which can be a monomer of a nuclease, is placed at this position to possibly interact with another catalytic domain fused to another TAL monomer, such that, when the monomers are binding to their respective target DNA sequences, both catalytic domains form a catalytic entity likely to process DNA in the proximity of these target sequences. This new TAL architecture makes it possible to target only one DNA strand, which is not the case, for instance, with classical TALEN architectures.

Abstract: A preparation method for an aerolysin nanopore in this disclosure comprises the following steps: (1) pretreatment of an aerolysin; (2) preparation of a lipid bilayer membrane by pulling process; (3) forming of the aerolysin nanopore: the aerolysin nanopore is obtained at a current of 50±5 pA. The aerolysin nanopore prepared in the invention is structurally stable and has a high resolution with the whole internal cavity carried with a positive charge, can be used for detection without modification and is easily operated. Further, the aerolysin nanopore can be applied in DNA sequencing, DNA damage and Micro-RNA detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound of Formula I: F1—X1-L1-X2—P1—X3-G1??(Formula I).

Abstract: Methods are provided for quantifying the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 protein (FGFR2) directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM)/Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. The biological sample may be selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells. A protein sample is prepared from the biological sample and the FGFR2 protein is quantitated in the sample using the method of SRM/MRM mass spectrometry by quantitating in the protein sample at least one fragment peptide derived from FGFR2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of proteomics and more specifically to a method for analyzing a sample possible containing peptides or modified peptides; in particular useful for biomarker discovery or validation of biomarkers. The method uses isoelectric focusing and mass spectrometry (MS) and enables identification of modified peptides with high resolution and predictability.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a lateral flow test strip (LFTS) platform which measure osteocalcin (OC) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) in saliva to identify early indications of bone loss and minimize bone fracture risk associated with osteoporosis. The OC assay embodiments are based on the experimentally identified optimal markers which exhibit selectivity with very low false positives, and sensitivity relevant to clinical requirements. A prospective clinical study sampling of 20 patients demonstrated excellent correlation of OC in saliva with bone mineral density (BMD). Salivary OC and Dpd levels were validated with a standard commercial ELISA kit against serum (OC) and urine (Dpd).

Abstract: A method for preparing a decellularized tissue-based hydrogel with maximized ability of preserving various tissue-derived proteins, growth factors and cytokines by using a supercritical fluid-organic solvent system through (a) a step of decellularizing a biological tissue by bringing the same to contact with a supercritical fluid and an organic solvent at the same time; (b) a step of washing the decellularized tissue; (c) a step of preparing a decellularized tissue solution by mixing the washed decellularized tissue with one selected from an enzyme solution, an acidic solution and a mixture thereof; (d) a step of titrating the decellularized tissue solution to pH 5.5-7.8 by treating with a basic solution; and (e) a step of allowing the titrated decellularized tissue solution to stand at 30-40° C. and utilizing the same as a tissue engineering material with improved angiogenesis and tissue regeneration abilities.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing the presence of prostate cancer in a subject are provided, such methods including the detection of levels of variety of biomarkers diagnostic of prostate cancer, including filamin A alone, or in combination with one or more additional biomarkers of prostate cancer, including, PSA, keratin 4, keratin 7, keratin 8, keratin 15, keratin 18, keratin 19, tubulin-beta 3, filamin B, and LY9. Additionally, age can be used as a predictor variable. The invention also provides methods of treating prostate cancer which rely on diagnostic information obtained based on the detection of biomarkers of prostate cancer, including filamin A alone, or in combination with one or more additional biomarkers of prostate cancer, including, PSA, keratin 4, keratin 7, keratin 8, keratin 15, keratin 18, keratin 19, tubulin-beta 3, filamin B, LY9, and/or age. Compositions in the form of kits and panels of reagents for detecting the biomarkers of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for analyzing protease activity, and especially BoNT/B, BoNT/G, BoNT/D, and/or BoNT/F protease activity, using a cell based assay are provided. Cells express at least two recombinant hybrid proteins each of which includes a fluorophore and a membrane anchoring peptide, and at least one of which includes a BoNT protease recognition and cleavage sequence positioned to release a fluorophore upon cleavage. Analysis is performed by monitoring fluorescence following exposure to a BoNT. The fluorophores are positioned so that no useful FRET occurs between them, permitting fluorescence produced by the non-released fluorophore to be used in data normalization.

Abstract: A method of measuring soluble or insoluble cell or tissue-associated collagenase activity. The substrate includes native collagen fibrils that were stained with COOMASSIE Brilliant Blue R-250. Incubation with collagenase can be observed in real-time by the generation of digested smaller fragments. The degraded blue fragments are obtained by filtration through class fibers, onto which intact collagen fibrils are retained. The filtrate containing the blue collagen fragments is incubated with a detergent in order to extract the blue dye, and the mixture is centrifuged in order to separate the dye in the supernatant from the pellet, which contains de-stained collagen fragments and other insoluble materials contained in the test samples (such as bacterial cells or tissues). The amount of dye extracted is quantified by measuring the amount of dye extracted from these fragments, i.e., the absorbance at 600 nm using a spectrophotometer or an ELISA reader.

Abstract: The present application discloses stability-indicating potency assays for influenza vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides related to Ralstonia proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns rhodamine based fluorescent probes which have use in detecting coagulase-producing bacterial strains. In particular, wherein the bacterial strain is MRSA or MSSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor capable of measuring the total concentration of one or a plurality of amino acids with the use of a reagentless system comprising an electrode modified by hydrogel that comprises at least one enzyme that oxidizes at least one substrate that is at least one amino acid. In some embodiments, the biosensor comprises a hydrogel comprising alginate. In some embodiments, the biosensor comprises use of a thermophilic bacterial metabolic enzyme immobilized or attached to the hydrogel.

Abstract: This invention provides an Amycolatopsis sp. strain (zhp06), and a method of using the whole cell preparation of the strain for vanillin production. The strain was deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection on Jul. 26, 2011 with the number of CCTCC NO: M 2011265. Under high concentrations of ferulic acid substrate, the vanillin production by this method can reach more than 10 g/L. The molar conversion rate of ferulic acid is more than 50% and the purity of vanillin is from 80% to 95%. The advantage of this invention includes: repeated use of biocatalyst cells, mild biotransformation condition, low environmental pollution, short production cycle, high product purity and simple purification procedure. It has a great potential for industrial applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure features a condensation reaction and a luciferin-unmasking reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. In general, the condensation reaction involves reacting a bicyclic reactant with an aminothiol derivative, generating a luciferin or luciferin derivative. A luciferin can provide detectable luminescence. A luciferin derivative can be unmasked to provide detectable luminescence in a luciferin-unmasking reaction. The present disclosure provides bicyclic reactants and aminothiol derivatives suitable for use in the condensation reaction. The condensation and luciferin-unmasking reactions find use in a variety of applications, which are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a channel for trapping particles to be fed to the channel with a fluid. The invention further relates to a flow cell comprising such a channel. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a flow cell and a detection means. The invention also relates to a method for trapping particles in such a channel. And finally, the invention relates to a method for analyzing a sample using such an assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents for instrumentation quality control and methods of use thereof. In particular, sets of peptides or other molecules are provided for evaluating the performance of instruments with mass spectrometry (MS) and/or liquid chromatography (LC) functionalities.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for analyzing intracellular BoNT protease activity, and especially BoNT/B, BoNT/G, BoNT/D, and/or BoNT/F protease activity are provided. Cells express at least two recombinant hybrid proteins each of which includes a fluorophore and a membrane anchoring peptide, and at least one of which includes a BoNT protease recognition and cleavage sequence positioned to release a fluorophore upon cleavage. Analysis is performed by monitoring fluorescence following exposure to a BoNT.