Abstract: Methods for stabilizing blood samples, e.g., clinical blood samples, for storage or transportation before use. Exemplary applications include but are not limited to enrichment of leukocyte subtypes such as T-cells or neutrophils for cytokine and immuno-assays; isolation of progenitor cells from cord blood or peripheral blood for transplantation; isolation of fetal cells from the maternal blood for diagnosis; and sorting of circulating tumor cells for cancer detection and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides gero-protective pharmaceutical compositions and methods, the compositions being adapted to enhance at least one of cell survival and cell metabolism in a mammalian subject, the pharmaceutical compositions include at least two of Withaferin a or its structural analogs, coumestrol, ginsenoside, quinidine, silymarin, licochalcone a, lipoic acid and apigenin, in a pharmaceutically effective amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for the separation of cord blood endothelial cells from hematopoietic cells in a manner that preserves the hematopoietic cells' repopulating ability and primitivity, without significantly reducing the yield of hematopoietic cells. The said endothelial cells from cord blood have a utility in cell based therapeutics. The system described takes advantage of the endogenous adherence properties of the cells to facilitate the separation and separate storage of the cell types.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous membrane includes: mixing silicon carbide powders and a coagulant to form a first mixture; adding a sintering aid to the first mixture to form a second mixture; compressing the second mixture; and sintering the compressed second mixture. More particularly, the coagulant is in an amount of 1% to 3% by weight of the silicon carbide powders and the sintering aid is in an amount of 10% by weight of the first mixture.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of purifying a protein of interest from a mixture which comprises the protein of interest and one or more contaminants, said method comprising: a) subjecting the mixture to a first chromatography matrix, wherein the protein of interest binds to the first chromatography matrix; b) contacting the first chromatography matrix with a first wash solution which has a pH of at least 9.0, and does not comprise arginine or an arginine derivative; and c) eluting the protein of interest from the first chromatography matrix into an elution solution.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of diagnostic methods. A new marker antibody for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a new method for detecting rheumatoid arthritis, is disclosed herein. Also provided herein are means and methods for predicting whether a subject will develop rheumatoid arthritis. This disclosure is based on the discovery that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have antibodies in their circulation that react specifically with citrullinated antibodies. In one aspect, the disclosure, therefore, relates to an antibody comprising a citrulline residue. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for the detection of antibodies specific for rheumatoid arthritis in a sample from a subject, wherein the sample is contacted with a citrullinated antibody and wherein it is determined whether the sample comprises antibodies specifically reactive with the citrullinated antibody.

Abstract: This invention relates to medicine, more specifically, to cardiac surgery, and may be used for protecting the heart from ischemia when administering cardioplegia in normothermia or hypothermia. The general-purpose cardioplegic solution contains pharmaceutically acceptable potassium ions; magnesium ions; a base and an acid providing a pH buffer in a range of 7.1-8.9; a diuretic providing osmolality in a range of 275-460 mOsmol/kg. Said solution is used for cardiac protection in cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as for achieving asystole and maintaining the achieved asystole. The procedure for administering the general-purpose cardioplegic solution involves maintaining the achieved asystole by decreasing the flow rate of starting components of said solution relative to the flow rate of autoblood thus decreasing the solution to autoblood ratio.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, kits, and compositions to amplify sample DNA of low quantity by adding an amount of buffer DNA before amplification. The method protects the sample DNA against degradation and PCR bias. The method disclosed herein are useful to amplify DNA of low amount, such as genomic DNA from a single cell and therefore are especially useful for genetic diagnostic tests and precision medicine.

Abstract: Nucleic acids in non-rare cells in a sample containing non-rare cells and rare cells are selectively released from the non-rare cells. The sample is combined with an aqueous medium, and the combination is held for a period of time and at a temperature for selectively releasing nucleic acids from the non-rare cells but not from the rare cells. The sample is subjected to filtration to separate rare cells from non-rare cells. Rare cells with intact nucleic acids are separated from non-rare cells and nucleic acids from the non-rare cells. Nucleic acids from the rare cells are subjected to one or more identification techniques either with or without extraction of nucleic acids from the rare cells.

Abstract: The present technology provides a technology for stabilizing break-off timings. Therefore, according to the present technology, there is provided a microparticle analysis device or the like including at least: a flow path in which a fluid including a sample flow containing microparticles and a sheath flow flowing to contain the sample flow; a droplet formation unit configured to form a droplet in the fluid by imparting vibration to the fluid using a vibration element; an electric charge application unit configured to apply electric charge to a droplet containing the microparticles; an imaging unit configured to obtain a photo of a phase of a certain time; and a control unit configured to control a timing at which the droplet breaks off on a basis of the photo.

Abstract: Provided is a method for separating a substance accommodated in a vessel-shaped structure comprising subjecting a vessel-shaped structure 1, which includes a vessel portion a, a vessel portion b, and a self-fusing material X connecting the both vessel portions, and which accommodates a substance selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a solid a gas, and a dispersion system, to the steps: (i) pulling the vessel portion a and the vessel, portion b away from each other to extend the self-fusing material X; (ii) fusing the extended self-fusing material X together between the vessel portion a and the vessel portion b to separate the accommodated substance; and (iii) cutting a fused part of the self-fusing material X to separate the vessel-shaped structure 1 into a separated structure.

Abstract: Methods for storing or rejuvenating blood involve contacting blood with a blood storage composition or a blood rejuvenating composition that include D-ribose and a nucleoside other than inosine (e.g., guanosine).

Abstract: A hand-held molecular diagnostic test device includes a housing, an amplification (or PCR) module, and a detection module. The amplification module is configured to receive an input sample, and defines a reaction volume. The amplification module includes a heater such that the amplification module can perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the input sample. The detection module is configured to receive an output from the amplification module and a reagent formulated to produce a signal that indicates a presence of a target amplicon within the input sample. The amplification module and the detection module are integrated within the housing.

Abstract: A method of performing regional citrate anticoagulant dialysis of a patient's blood includes flowing blood from and back to the patient through an extracorporeal circuit including a dialyzer having semi-permeable dialysis membranes and a dialysate chamber surrounding the membranes. The method further includes flowing a dialysate containing calcium and citrate through the dialysate chamber of the dialyzer and introducing citrate into the patient's blood upstream of the dialyzer, whereby the patient's blood is dialyzed. The method can further include predicting the concentration of systemic ionized calcium in the blood of the patient at any point in the dialysis treatment or post-dialysis, such as by a mathematical model. The method can further include statistically correcting the preliminary predicted post-dialysis concentration of systemic ionized calcium in the patient's blood to provide a final predicted post-dialysis systemic ionized calcium concentration.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for adjusting the maturation state of mammalian sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A mammalian ejaculate is provided and incubated under controlled conditions. Aliquots of the ejaculate are assayed during incubation period at intervals to determine maturation state and changes in the maturation state by observing the percent positive cells in the aliquot. The assays are repeated with successive aliquots at intervals during incubation to observe real time changes in the maturation state. The ejaculate remaining is processed for the desired ART after the percentage of positive cells in the latest aliquot being assayed begins to decline.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample, and especially for detecting antigen/antibody reactions, wherein said device comprises a layer composed of a low-density immiscible compound. The disclosure also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample and especially for detecting antigen/antibody reactions in a device comprising a layer composed of a low-density immiscible compound. The disclosure further relates to the uses of such low-density immiscible compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the cryopreservation of stem cells, such as stem-cell derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, that have been seeded onto and cultured on a substrate, such as a polymeric substrate. Such cryopreserved stem cells are useful for cell therapies, such as treatment of ocular damage or disease.

Abstract: An adjuvant for rapid proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro is provided to overcome the problem of low cell amplification efficiency of human mesenchymal stem cells in a culture process. The adjuvant added for the culture of human mesenchymal stem cells includes at least one antioxidant, and a basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). The adjuvant is added into a medium containing the human mesenchymal stem cells, and the culture takes place in a normal oxygen environment (21% oxygen tension), and the cells are divided rapidly, and the cell cycle at synthesis phase (S phase) percentage is increased to reduce ageing and improve differentiation potential. The adjuvant not only amplifies human mesenchymal stem cells rapidly to harvest the growth factor, but also maintains the characteristics of the multifunction of stem cells for the purposes of culturing and amplifying the human mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: A clearing reagent according to the present invention for making a biological material transparent is a solution containing: at a concentration of 1M or more and not more than 8.5M, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of urea and urea derivatives; and glycerol at a concentration of 25 (w/v) % or more and not more than 35 (w/v) %.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating biological particles from the liquid containing same for purification, analysis and optionally diagnostic purposes. The inventive method comprises at least one step involving vertical filtration through a filter having a porosity that is adapted to the type of biological particles to be separated, such that said particles are retained by the filter. The invention is characterised in that: (i) the method involves the use of a filter comprising at least one basic filtration zone, whereby each basic filtration zone has a limited surface area; and (ii) the surface area of each basic filtration zone and the number of basic filtration zones are selected as a function of the type of liquid to be filtered, the type of biological particles to be separated and the volume of liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of making a red blood cell, plasma, and platelet products having a uniform dose and volume. The method comprises pooling a plurality of blood units, leukoreducing the blood and inactivating any pathogen contained therein. Plasma, RBCs, and platelets are then divided into uniform dose and volume units which have an extended shelf life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising magnetic particles, the methods of using these compositions in processing animal sperm, the resulting sperm and embryo products, and the methods of use of these compositions to increase the efficiency, efficacy and/or speed of cell processing and artificial insemination techniques.

Abstract: Method for the treatment of a biological sample comprising at least one cell and a liquid component; according to the method, a force is applied to the sample inserted in an inner chamber of a hollow device towards a filter which has pores with diameters from 2 nm to 1 ?m, so that at least part of the liquid component passes through the filter and the cell remains in the inner chamber, thus obtaining a concentrated sample; the filter has a surface facing the inner chamber of less than 12.6 mm2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as clinical assays for detection of autoimmune disease activity in patients utilizing a PD1 ligand.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device in the form of a microfluidic chip. In particular, various features are incorporated into the microfluidic chip for aligning and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as for separating selected subpopulations of sperm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an universal plasma, originating from a mixture of plasmas originating from donor individuals of blood groups A, B, AB and/or O and compatible with all the blood groups and the preparation process thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods determines post-transfusion survival of platelets and the suitability of platelet units for transfusion by measuring the levels of one or more markers in a platelet sample. A method determines post-transfusion survival of platelets (PL T) prior to transfusion, the method comprising the steps of: a) measuring the levels of one or more markers in a PL T sample selected from the group consisting of adenine, 13-HODE/9-HODE, Caprylate, Laurate, C-glycosyltryptophan, andro steroid monsulfate 2, and Unelucidated Compounds (UC) 1-4; b) comparing the level of the one or more markers in the PLT sample with the level of the one or more markers present in a control sample, wherein a higher or lower level of the one or more markers in the PL T sample is indicative of post-transfusion survival of platelets.

Abstract: A system for removing undesirable elements from blood. The system includes a centrifuge bowl to separate the blood into components according to relative densities of the components, a pump to provide wash solution that washes the blood in the centrifuge bowl, and a controller to wash the blood in the centrifuge bowl in a first wash and remove first undesirable elements and to wash the blood in the centrifuge bowl in a second wash and remove trapped undesirable elements. The controller to further mix the blood and the wash solution in the centrifuge bowl and provide diluted blood, separate the diluted blood into concentrated blood and the wash solution, fill the centrifuge bowl with previously concentrated blood to build a buffy coat, and empty the centrifuge bowl of the concentrated blood and the previously concentrated blood after the buffy coat is reached.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay-ready frozen eukaryotic cell (stored frozen) in a composition that includes a cryopreservative and an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, a kit containing a plurality of the assay-ready frozen eukaryotic cell, and a method of preparation thereof to minimize the variability in the performance of the cell, particularly in terms of undesirable intra- and inter-assay variability.

Abstract: A medical fluid for a harvested organ, tissue or part thereof, for evaluation and/or preservation. The fluid includes cocaine or a stimulating analog thereof; noradrenaline; and/or adrenaline. In addition, the fluid includes an oncotic agent, such as dextran; hormones, such as thyroxin; triiodotyronine; cortisone, insulin; and electrolytes and optionally nutrients in substantially physiological concentrations in a physiologically acceptable medium. In addition, the medical fluid further includes albumin in a concentration not exceeding 5.0%, and an oxygen carrier, such as erythrocytes. Further components may be dopamine; hydrocortisone; methylprednisolone; and a vasopressor agent, such as desmopressin. The cocaine; adrenaline; and noradrenaline are present in concentrations of each about 0.010 ?M to 0.100 ?M, for example in a ratio of 1:1:1.

Abstract: An optical engine its use in a bench top flow cytometer, the optical engine having a set of lasers, each focused horizontally along an x-axis to a same horizontal position and vertically along a y-axis to a different vertical position along a same excitation plane of a flow cell, a set of optics that separate fluorescence of a same wavelength range into different locations in a focal plane of collection optics according to the different lasers by which the fluorescent light is excited; and a detector that selectively detects light from the different locations thereby distinguishing between fluorescence emitted within the same wavelength range as excited by the different lasers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the immunological measurement using a hapten and an antibody binding to the hapten as a reference antibody, and a device for the immunological measurement using the reference antibody. According to the present invention, the method and the device for the immunological measurement can be used in an immunoassay by reflecting surrounding environments, for example, by reflecting a numerical value in a test zone, which is changed by external factors such as temperatures of a sample and a device, an amount and components of an injected sample, variations of the device, and the like, in a reference zone and changing the numerical value in the test zone, and can be useful in minimizing analysis errors due to a low probability of causing a non-specific reaction with a material in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm populations including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, as well as samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the sperm cell. Such trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg, grow into a health embryo and produce a healthy offspring.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a releasable conjugate comprising a biotinylated ligand having a biotin moiety, a ligand moiety (Ligand1) and a biotin-binding molecule (bbm) bound to the biotin moiety of the biotinylated ligand. The ligand moiety of the biotinylated ligand may be separated by a spacer group consisting of polyethylene glycol. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaving the releasable conjugate by providing biotin or streptavidin and an auxiliary release agent in a sufficient concentration to displace the biotin-binding molecule (bbm) from the biotin moiety of the biotinylated ligand and a method for separation of target cells from a cell sample utilizing the conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a combination of: (i)a macromolecular erythrocyte sedimentation enhancer, and (ii) dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), dimethylglycine (DMG) and/or valine; to recover non-erythrocyte blood cells from a blood cell-containing sample and/or to prime non-erythrocyte blood cells to protect their integrity in subsequent cryopreservation step(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel melatonin-based formulation, particularly a topical liquid composition of melatonin (or analog thereof) suitable for use in intrauterine washing performed during medically assisted reproduction (e.g. in vitro fertilization—IVF). Melatonin is notoriously unstable, especially in solution. The compositions of the invention exhibit high stability, which allows them to be kept for prolonged periods before their eventual use in the inhibition or prevention of embryonic implantation failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for generating droplets of an aqueous solution on a microfluidic chip with an air continuous phase. Specifically, the droplet generator according to the present invention is integrated into a microfluidic chip to generate and introduce droplets of an aqueous solution into the microfluidic chip. The droplets travelling in a network of chip channels may be captured in on-chip traps in a manner defined by hydrodynamic resistances of chip channels. A biological reaction may be performed on a droplet trapped on the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of immunology and vaccine technology. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for vitrifying biological preparations, including peptides, antigens, antibodies, cells, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for producing high levels of autologous IL-1RA cytokine, comprising: a blood collection vessel (1), a cover (4), a portion of separation gel (2), an anticoagulant portion (3), a plasma collection syringe comprising a sharp needle (9), a buffy coat collection syringe (11) and an incubation tube with cover (15). The blood collection vessel is adapted such that, when containing the whole blood (5), and centrifuged after treatment, yields separation fractions comprising, a first fraction of RBCs sediment (6), a second fraction of said gel (2), a third fraction comprising WBCs, platelets and a fourth fraction of plasma solution (8).

Abstract: To provide a method in which mononuclear cells are differentiated into a good balance of NK cells, NKT cells, and T cells, and said cells are made to proliferate. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an immune cell-containing composition, said method including the following steps: a first step in which mononuclear cells are cultured in a medium containing anti-CD16 monoclonal antibodies and either IL-2 and/or IL-15; and a second step, after the first step, in which culturing is performed under conditions that make the mononuclear cells preferentially differentiate into cytotoxic T cells. This method may also include a third step, after the second step, in which culturing is performed in a medium containing anti-CD16 monoclonal antibodies and either IL-2 and/or IL-15.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of processing aspirated adipose tissue for the isolation of stromal vascular fraction derived stem cells.

Abstract: The invention generally features compositions and methods for expanding long term hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in a population of cells. In particular, the invention relates to a method of expanding long term HSCs by culturing an initial population of HSCs with macrophages that promote self-renewal of long term HSCs. The expanded cell population provides a source of cells for therapeutic treatments utilizing HSC transplantation.

Abstract: The method is provided for characterizing agglomeration of particles in a liquid containing an analyte, including introducing liquid into a fluid chamber; mixing the liquid with a bifunctional reagent, lighting the fluid chamber using an excitation light beam extending through the fluid chamber in a longitudinal direction (X); acquiring at least one image using a matrix photodetector, each image including pixels (In(x,y), x,y representing the coordinates of a pixel of an image, the image (I(x,y)) being formed by radiation transmitted by the lighted fluid chamber; and calculating from at least one acquired image (I(x,y)), at least one indicator (Ind2) characterizing the particle agglomeration. The photodetector can be positioned less than 1 cm from the fluid chamber, and during the calculation step, the calculated indicator (Ind2) is representative of the intensity of the pixels of the image. The method advantageously allows for characterizing the agglomeration of particles in a liquid.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods for the formulation of compositions comprising placental stem cells, and improved compositions and cell formulations produced thereby.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method of fabrication of free standing open pore membranes with uniform pore size and shape and ordered pore distribution, and its use for synthesis of nanoparticle patterns. The method includes applying a photoresist layer to the top surface of a substrate, heating the photoresist layer for a period of time, and exposing the photoresist layer to a dose of ultraviolet radiation through a mask having a predetermined pattern. The dose of ultraviolet radiation is controlled in intensity and time and the photoresist layer is exposed such that a top portion of the photoresist layer through which the dose of ultraviolet radiation enters the photoresist layer undergoes greater cross linking than a bottom portion of the photoresist layer immediately adjacent to the top surface of the substrate such that a cross linking gradient develops through a thickness of the photoresist layer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to specific binding agents, such as isolated recombinant monoclonal antibodies, that bind Glycoprotein Ib alpha (GPIba). More specifically, the disclosure relates to methods of preventing platelet ectodomain shedding, preventing platelet clearance and degradation, maintaining and increasing platelet blood serum levels for in vitro or in vivo applications. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to the production, diagnostic use, and therapeutic use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and the antigen-binding fragments thereof, which specifically bind GPIba. Aspects of the disclosure also relate to hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such antibodies for specific binding agent. Compositions and methods for inhibiting shedding, clearance, or degradation, or treating diseases associated with GPIba ectodomain shedding are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved sperm stimulating additive comprising a certain amount of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Addition of PPi in the media for human/animal in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves fertilization rate; addition of PPi in the semen extender for farm animal artificial insemination (AI) may improve pregnancy rates; furthermore, mammalian oocytes matured in vitro in a medium including PPi attain improved fertilization and developmental potential, while embryos cultured in medium supplemented with PPi have improved development to blastocyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new plasma or new platelet-rich plasma preparations, new cell dissociation methods, new cell associations or compositions, a method of preparation thereof, a use thereof, devices for the preparation thereof and preparations containing such a platelet-rich plasma preparation and cell associations or compositions. Specifically, the invention provides plasma or platelet-rich plasma alone or in cell composition preparations for use in tissue regeneration and bone regeneration and pain reduction.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for washing a selected component and removing the selected component from a wash material. The selected component may include red blood cells that are washed to remove a rejuvenating solution. The red blood cells may then be removed with various systems, such as a standing acoustic wave system from the wash solution. Pumps and flow restrictors that provide steady flow from pumps that generate pulsed flow are also disclosed.