Abstract: A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based egg identification using optical coherence tomography (OCT) includes positioning an OCT imaging system head in proximity to a biological sample containing an oocyte, wherein the OCT is operatively coupled to an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) and an imaging system, wherein the imaging system includes a camera system, and a lighting system. The method includes creating at least one three-dimensional image of the oocyte using the OCT, AI/ML system, and imaging system. The method includes using the AI/ML system to analyze the three-dimensional image, wherein an analysis includes detection of a polar body's presence or absence based at least in part on planar views of the oocyte.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a bioactive coating material for coating plastic materials for cell cultures, comprising a polymer conjugate of each a polymer anchor molecule having surface active anchoring groups and one or more biologically active molecules. The anchor molecule is an amphiphilic molecule with a hydrophobic moiety of styrene-, methacrylic acid-, isobutene-, acrylic acid-, acrylic acid ester-, or methacrylic acid ester units and a hydrophilic moiety of units including carboxyl-, amino-, epoxide-, thiol-, alkine- or azide groups. By selecting cell instructive coating materials cell destiny choices are individually and effectively controllable, in particular, the cell adhesion of almost any cell culture one-way articles by the user. With this concept, new options open up for high-throughput-diagnostics, stem cell-biotechnology and regenerative therapies.

Abstract: Provided are a sample analyzer and a sample analysis method. The sample analyzer includes: a sampling apparatus configured to collect a blood sample; a sample preparation apparatus configured to mix the blood sample with a hemolytic agent and a dye to prepare a test sample liquid; an optical detection apparatus configured to detect side-scattered light signals and fluorescence signals generated by particles in the test sample liquid; and a processor configured to: generate a scatter diagram based on at least the side-scattered light signals and the fluorescence signals, and obtain a predetermined feature region, wherein an intensity of side-scattered light corresponding to a central position of the predetermined feature region is greater than an intensity of side-scattered light corresponding to a central position of a region containing neutrophil granulocyte population; and obtain a blast cell parameter based on the predetermined feature region.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a calibration slide for calibration of an automated microscope. The slide includes at least one calibration zone defined on at least one major surface of the sample slide. The at least one calibration zone is divided by a cross hair to define a plurality of quadrants. Each of the plurality of quadrants is defined with an array of apertures of varying density of arrays. The automated microscope including the calibration slide of the present disclosure enables corrective maintenance. The method of the present disclosure may be employed across various automated microscopes within a lab or at labs at various locations through offline/online mode to achieve similar results when tested on same sample.

Abstract: A method for predicting the characteristics of a target compound according to the present invention comprises: (1) a step for receiving activity data on nerve cells for the target compound; (2) a step for converting the activity data into an image; (3) a step for inputting the image into an image recognition model trained by a training data set, the training data set including a plurality of training images obtained by converting the activity data on nerve cells for a plurality of known compounds; and (4) a step for processing the image in the image recognition model and outputting at least one characteristic of the target compound.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (100) comprises: a reaction chamber (102); at least a first and a second supply channel (110a, 110b) for allowing transport of a first fluid and a second fluid, respectively, from a fluid supply source (112a, 112b) into the reaction chamber (102), wherein each of the first and the second supply channels (110a, 110b) comprises a side drain (114a, 114b) connected to the supply channel (110a, 110b) between the fluid supply source (112a, 112b) and the reaction chamber (102), wherein the side drain (114a, 114b) is configured to prevent undesired diffusion of the fluid in the supply channel (110a, 110b) into the reaction chamber (102); at least a first and a second outlet (120a, 120b) connected to the reaction chamber (102) for allowing transport of fluid from the reaction chamber (102), wherein the first and second outlets (120a, 120b) have different dimensions to provide different hydraulic resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood analyzer including: a first sample preparation unit configured to prepare, from a blood sample, a first measurement sample for measuring a red blood cell infected with malaria; a second sample preparation unit configured to prepare, from the blood sample, a second measurement sample for measuring intrinsic fluorescence of a red blood cell; a light source unit configured to apply light to the first and the second measurement samples; a detection unit configured to detect fluorescence and scattered light generated from the first measurement sample to which light has been applied, and detect intrinsic fluorescence generated from the second measurement sample to which light has been applied; and an information processing unit configured to generate information about malaria infection based on fluorescence and scattered light detected from the first measurement sample, and generate information about iron-deficiency anemia based on intrinsic fluorescence detected from the second measurement sam

Abstract: A crossflow microfluidic particle concentrator including a main channel having an inlet and an outlet a crossflow outlet operably connectable with pressure means and/or flow control means, a plurality of crossflow channels fluidically connecting the crossflow outlet with the main channel a filtering element including a particle flow channel within the main channel, and a row of crossflow pillars disposed between the filtering element and the plurality of crossflow channels.

Abstract: In order to perform relative quantification of gene expression in a cell/tissue repeatedly, it is required to supply a large number of standards. By employing an absolutely quantified standard including a synthetic DNA plasmid or the like, the present invention stably provides uniform standards for the repeated gene expression analysis over a long period of time. Further, the present invention enables stable execution of repeated gene expression analysis with high reproducibility by using such a standard. In addition, the present invention provides a method for stably controlling the quality of a cell or tissue over a long period of time by using the method, and also provides a standard used for the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to relates to systems and methods for evaluating tissue using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy. In one embodiment, for example, a system for treating a patient comprises an ultrasound source configured to deliver HIFU energy to a target tissue mass of the patient and a function generator operably coupled to the ultrasound source for initiating a pulsing protocol for delivering the HIFU energy. The system further comprises a controller configured to perform operations comprising applying HIFU energy to induce cavitation in the target tissue mass and cause a biomarker to be released, comparing a baseline concentration of the biomarker from a first fluid sample to a concentration of the biomarker in a second fluid sample within 2 hours after applying HIFU, and repeating the applying and comparing until the concentration of the biomarker in the fluid sample falls below a threshold value.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may be provided. The microfluidic device comprises a processing surface having an aperture. The microfluidic device comprises a liquid ejection channel. The liquid ejection channel guides to the aperture. The microfluidic device comprises a first liquid injection channel guiding to the liquid ejection channel. The first liquid injection channel has a first end and a second end and is arranged to provide a fluid flow from the first end to the second end. At least a portion of the first liquid injection channel is closer to the processing surface than (both) the first and second ends to sediment particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to models of reconstructed sensitive skin reproducing the features of sensitive skin, as well as to processes for obtaining such models. The present invention further relates to in vitro processes for testing formulations or active ingredients for the prevention or treatment of sensitive skin.

Abstract: A method reduces false-positive particle counts detected by an interference particle sensor module, which has a laser and a light detector. The method including: emitting laser light; providing a high-frequency signal during the emission of the laser light, a modulation frequency of the high-frequency signal being between 10-500 MHz; detecting an optical response by the light detector in reaction to the emitted laser light while providing the high-frequency signal, which is arranged such that a detection signal caused by a macroscopic object positioned between a first and second distance is reduced in comparison to a detection signal caused by the macroscopic object at the same position without providing the high-frequency signal. The high-frequency signal is provided to a tuning structure of the particle sensor module which is arranged to modify a resonance frequency of an optical resonator comprised by the laser sensor module upon reception of the high-frequency signal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sample testing method and a sample analyzer, the method including: providing a sample and a reagent, the reagent including at least two fluorescent dyes for staining particles in the sample, wherein an absolute value of a difference between wavelengths corresponding to peaks of emission spectra of the two fluorescent dyes is greater than 30 nanometers and less than 80 nanometers, and an overlap between the emission spectra of the two fluorescent dyes is not greater than 50%; mixing the sample and the reagent to form a sample solution; flowing the sample solution in a flow cell in a single test, irradiating the particles flowing in the flow cell using light with a single wavelength; detecting at least fluorescence signals generated by the particles; and obtaining a test result of the sample based on at least the fluorescence signals.

Abstract: Controlling a door latch of a cooking appliance is provided. A controller monitors motor current of a motor driving a door latch during a locking operation of a door of the cooking appliance. The controller deactivates the motor responsive to the motor current reaching a closed door threshold amount of current. The controller indicates the door being in a closed state responsive to the current draw over time matching a predefined current draw curve.

Abstract: Disclosed are a software for analyzing images of a fertilized egg, the software providing a means for executing a process including: (a) a step of measuring the difference in area between the female pronucleus and the male pronucleus from images of a fertilized egg obtained in a period of 1 to 10 hours before the time of occurrence of male and female pronuclear membrane breakdown as a reference; (b) a step of measuring the difference in are between the female pronucleus and the male pronucleus from images of the fertilized egg obtained immediately before the time of occurrence of male and female pronuclear membrane breakdown as the reference; and (c) a step of storing the measured values of the area difference obtained in the step (a) and the area difference obtained in the step (b), to be readable at any time as needed, and an apparatus incorporating this software.

Abstract: The present invention provides means and methods for the generation of midbrain organoids which are useful for studying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroepithelial stem cells serve as a starting population for the generation of midbrain organoids by contacting them with differentiation medium under agitating conditions in three-dimensional cell culture comprising a matrix.

Abstract: System and methods for the culturing of multiple independent cell types under uniform conditions.

Abstract: A continuous automated perfusion culture analysis system (CAPCAS) comprises one or more fluidic systems configured to operate large numbers of biodevices in parallel. Each fluidic system comprises an input reservoir plate for receiving media; a biodevice plate comprising an array of biodevices fluidically coupled to the input reservoir plate, configured such that each biodevice has independent media delivery, fluid removal, stirring, and gas control, and each biodevice is capable of continuously receiving the media from the input reservoir plate; and an output plate fluidically coupled to the biodevice plate for real-time analysis and sampling. The operations of the CAPCAS are automated and computer-controlled wirelessly. The CAPCAS can also be used for abiotic and biotic chemical synthesis processes.

Abstract: A digital pathology scanning apparatus is configured to initiate a rescan of a portion of a sample responsive to detecting a mechanical vibration during image acquisition that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The digital pathology scanning apparatus includes a plurality of sensors and a processor that analyzes sensor data received during movement of a scanning stage supporting a sample during image acquisition. The processor is configured to identify a mechanical vibration imparted on the scanning stage during image acquisition and determine if the mechanical vibration exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the processor is configured to initiate a rescan of the portion of the sample being scanned at the time of the mechanical vibration.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present description relates to the use of factors related to survival. The methods, compositions and systems described herein may be used to determine factors affecting survival, assess survival risk based on factors related to survival and/or make suggestions to increase the likelihood of survival longer than otherwise predicted.

Abstract: The present invention relates provides methods of predicting cell sensitivity to a test agent. In some embodiments, the cells are cultured in a culture medium having serum.

Abstract: Systems and methods for particle sorting are presented including a monitoring system downstream of a particle separator or sorter. The system can utilize the monitoring system to adjust or calibrate operational parameters of the system in real time. When a particle of interest is mis-sorted, the probability is high that the particle of interest has been sorted into a non-targeted sortable unit that was adjacent in sequence to the sortable unit that was expected to include the particle of interest. The monitoring system monitors non-targeted sortable units in the system that were adjacent in sequence to targeted sortable units that are predicted to contain particles of interest. Signals from the monitoring system enable automated adjustment or calibration of operational parameters of the system such as sort delay or purity mask parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioinks based on undenatured collagen, kits containing the same, and methods of printing three-dimensional structures using the bioinks.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for diagnosing Niemann-Pick disease in a subject comprising a step a), wherein the step a) comprises detecting a biomarker in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: A method of inseminating an animal including flowing a stream of a population of sperm cells through a channel, differentiating the sperm cells into two subpopulations of X-chromosome containing sperm cells and Y-chromosome containing sperm cells, selecting a desired subpopulation, ablating an undesired subpopulation, and collecting both the subpopulations of sperm cells including the desired subpopulation and the ablated undesired subpopulation together, wherein the collected population of sperm cells is used to fertilize an egg.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, cell-based assays, recombinant cell lines, and methods for quantifying the potency and efficacy of cannabinoids and/or terpenoids.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of pluripotent stem cells, more particularly cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells. The present invention provides a novel method for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into a population of cardiomyocytes having an atrial phenotype, and use of said atrial cardiomyocytes for screening of drugs, AF disease model, and others. The method of the invention is particularly useful to generate cardiomyocytes having a more developed or mature atrialphenotype and/or to generate higher yield of cardiomyocytes having an atrialphenotype.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying compounds that cause structural changes in tau protein monomer and oligomer conformation. The methods include the use of cells that include tau proteins labeled with one or more chromophores, and exposing the cells to a test compound. The method further includes detecting a change in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the chromophores.

Abstract: Methods for determining the toxicity of fresh-water and marine sediments and sediment pore water containing indigenous or introduced toxicants from each as a one-time analysis and/or for analysis over a period of time are provided. The present disclosure further provides kits assembled for the afore-mentioned determination. The methods and kits can be used for analyzing sediment and pore water samples from, among other locations, all environments where species having a dormant life stage may exist including, for example, natural zooplankton.

Abstract: A chemigenetic calcium indicator and a method of measuring calcium are provided. The chemigenetic calcium indicator includes a calcium-binding protein domain attached to a ligand binding protein domain. The method of measuring calcium includes administering a chemigenetic calcium indicator to a subject and determining changes in fluorescence, the chemigenetic calcium indicator including a ligand binding protein domain having a calcium-binding protein domain and a dye-ligand conjugate attached thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for cell and bead processing or analysis. A method for processing a cell or bead may include subjecting a bead to conditions sufficient to change a first characteristic or set of characteristics (e.g., cell or bead size). Such a method may further include subjecting the cell or bead to conditions sufficient to change a second characteristic or set of characteristics. In some cases, crosslinks may be formed within the cell or bead.

Abstract: A cartridge, in particular a disposable cartridge, for use in an electrowetting sample processing system. The cartridge contains an internal gap with at least one hydrophobic surface for enabling an electrowetting induced movement of a microfluidic droplet that has magnetic beads and further has a bead accumulation zone, into which the microfluidic droplet is transferable by electrowetting force and the magnetic beads are exposable to a magnetic force of a bead manipulation magnet. The internal gap has a bead extraction opening adjacent to the bead accumulation zone. The bead extraction opening provides a passage from the gap to an exterior space of the cartridge and is configured to removably receive the bead manipulation magnet for enabling an extraction of the magnetic beads from the microfluidic droplet by a removal of the bead manipulation magnet.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for single-step detection of target molecules in a sample. The methods and assays of the subject invention employ a dye-displacement strategy, in which aptamers complexed with a cyanine dye for sensitive and rapid detection of targets of interest. In the presence of a target, aptamer-target binding liberates the non-covalently bound aptamer-binding dye, resulting in optical changes that can be observed spectrophotometrically or with the naked eye. The methods and assays of the subject invention enable the colorimetric detection of targets of interest regardless of their structure, sequence, target-binding affinity, and physicochemical properties of their targets.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for reducing the proportion of sperm cells with abnormal morphology, and unviable sperm cells, in a sperm cell population.

Abstract: Zebrafish are a powerful model for investigating cardiac repair due to their unique regenerative abilities, scalability, and compatibility with many genetic tools. However, characterizing the regeneration process in live adult zebrafish hearts has proved challenging because adult fish are opaque and explanted hearts in conventional culture conditions experience rapid declines in morphology and physiology. To overcome these limitations, we fabricated a fluidic device for culturing explanted adult zebrafish hearts with constant media perfusion that is also compatible with live imaging. Unlike hearts cultured in dishes for one week, the morphology and calcium activity of hearts cultured in the device for one week were largely similar to freshly explanted hearts.

Abstract: Provided herein are CasX:gNA systems comprising CasX polypeptides, guide nucleic acids (gNA), and optionally donor template nucleic acids useful in the modification of a SOD1 gene. The systems are also useful for introduction into cells, for example eukaryotic cells having mutations in the SOD1 protein or the SOD1 regulatory element. Also provided are methods of using such CasX:gNA systems to modify cells having such mutations and utility in methods of treatment of a subject with a SOD1-related disease.

Abstract: The compounds relate to zinc-sensitive fluorescent probes, compositions and methods utilizing the same. Such compounds provide an emission-ratiometric fluorescence response upon binding of an analyte. In some embodiments, compounds can be used for two-photon excitation microscopy or conventional fluorescence microscopy. The compounds described herein can also contain one or more functional groups to improve the emission-ratiometric fluorescence response.

Abstract: Transfer of genetic and other materials to cells is conducted in a hands-free, automated and continuous process that includes flowing the cells between electroporation electrodes to facilitate delivery of a payload into the cells, while acoustophoretically focusing the cells. Also described is a control method for the acoustophoretic focusing of cells that includes detecting locations of cells flowing through a channel, such as with an image analytics system, and modulating a drive signal to an acoustic transducer to change the locations of the cells flowing in the channel. Finally, an electroporation driver module is described that uses a digital to analog converter for generating an electroporation waveform and an amplifier for amplifying the electroporation waveform for application to electroporation electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection molecules comprising at least one binding molecule, at least one linker and at least one label, and detection methods making use of same. The invention provides a high-throughput method for detection, isolation and/or identification of specific entities or cells.

Abstract: A cell culture insert with a hollow cylindrical housing having an upper end-face opening delimited by an opening edge and a lower end-face base designed as a membrane, support feet being arranged on the base edge of the housing and/or on the base and at least one support arm. The legs protrude downward for supporting the housing on a support in a non-tipping manner with a small uniform spacing between the base and the support. The at least one support arm protrudes outwards at the opening edge and can be placed on an edge of a well plate in which a plurality of wells. The support arm is an edge hanging element, and for this purpose, has a support section that runs radially relative to the housing and a hanging section that runs from the support section downwards in the direction of the base of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for use in transplanting cells. The devices can include a housing defining a cavity; and a support structure separating the cavity into a cell chamber and a reservoir chamber, wherein the support structure comprises a membrane for fluid communication between the cell chamber and reservoir chamber. The cell chamber can define a first opening comprising a microstructure containing an array of micro-channels, each having a diameter to facilitate growth of vascular tissues; and an array of micro-reservoirs, each having a diameter to facilitate housing of cell aggregates individually. The membrane can define a surface area that is at least 50% of a total surface area of the support structure. Methods of treating a subject for a disease condition, such as diabetes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflammatory marker is calculated using a nonlinear function including, as variables, a parameter associated with an erythrocyte aggregation and another parameter associated with an erythrocyte density. The parameter associated with the erythrocyte aggregation is calculated based on a syllectogram measured from a blood specimen. The parameter associated with the erythrocyte density is measured from the blood specimen.

Abstract: The invention(s) cover systems and methods for target detection in a multiplexed and rapid manner. Embodiments of the system can include: a base substrate; and an array of sample processing regions defined at a broad surface of the base substrate, wherein each of the array of sample processing regions includes: a set of microwell subarrays arranged in a gradient by volumetric capacity between an upstream end and a downstream end of each respective sample processing region, and a boundary separating each respective sample processing region from adjacent sample processing regions. The system can support methods, with example implementation by an automated platform, for returning preliminary results from a subset of microwells of the samples processing regions, as well as results pertaining to specific and non-specific amplification, for multiple targets of a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a cell aggregate containing a ciliary marginal zone-like structure by culturing a cell aggregate containing a retinal tissue in which Chx10 positive cells are present in a proportion of 20% or more of the tissue in a serum-free medium or serum-containing medium, each containing a substance acting on the Wnt signal pathway for only a period before the appearance of a RPE65 gene expressing cell, followed by culturing the “cell aggregate in which a RPE65 gene expressing cell does not appear” thus obtained in a serum-free medium or serum-containing medium, each not containing a substance acting on the Wnt signal pathway and so on.

Abstract: Method for calibrating or monitoring performance of an optical measurement device that includes using a robotic arm to move a reference device having an optical reference material into a signal-detecting position of the optical measurement device. With the optical measurement device, detecting an emission emitted by the optical reference material of the reference device in the signal-detecting position. Then generating a reference signal representing a characteristic of the emission detected by the optical measurement device and comparing the reference signal to an expected reference signal for the emission to calibrate or monitor the performance of the optical measurement device.

Abstract: In order to cut a plurality of clumps having an approximately uniform shapes and approximately uniform dimensions out of a cell aggregate which has proliferated and appropriately eliminate contamination with fragments of different shapes or dimensions, when cutting the clumps of approximately uniform shape out of the cell aggregate which has proliferated, cutting lines along which the clumps of a specific shape are cut out are set such that the area of a peripheral part of the cell aggregate which is not cut by the cutting line exceeds the surface area of one of the clumps, and the cell aggregate is cut by irradiating with laser light in such a way as to trace the cutting lines.

Abstract: A blood sample collection and/or storage device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected at a sample port. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position deposit the sample onto a storage membrane Embodiments of the device include a one or more capillaries with movable plungers that dispense fluid from the sample port onto the membrane as the housing is closed. A desiccant, which may be held in place by a backbone structure within the housing, is positioned adjacent the membrane. The housing may also be opened to access the stored sample for further processing.

Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.

Abstract: A battery device (100) is disclosed, comprising a plurality of cells (110), an enclosure (120) configured to accommodate cells when they are at least partly immersed in a thermal management liquid, and at least one flow unit (130) arranged within the enclosure to control a flow of the thermal management liquid through the enclosure. The at least one flow unit comprises a first electron (131) and a second electrode (132) that are arranged offset from each other and being connectable to a voltage source so as to affect the flow between the electrodes.