Abstract: A method for preparing a sample consisting of biological tissue in a solid matrix includes steps of: contacting the sample with a first compressed fluid stream wherein the matrix is soluble so as to extract the solid matrix, contacting the sample with a second compressed fluid, adapted to impregnate the tissue with an aqueous or water-soluble substance, evacuating the second compressed fluid gradually and in controlled manner, recovering the sample.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel methods and compositions (e.g., nucleic acids, kits, etc.) having substantial utility for providing a prognosis of prostate cell proliferative disorders. In particular aspects, this is achieved by the analysis of the expression status of a panel of genes, or subsets thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a biological material for examination with a microscope, comprising the steps of: applying a UV laser light absorbing transparent film onto a surface of the biological material for smoothing out irregularities on the surface of the biological material in order to improve visual characteristics of the biological material; and cutting the biological material together with the UV laser light absorbing transparent film with a UV laser, thereby preparing the biological material for examination.

Abstract: A lagomorph derived monoclonal antibody for recognizing the progesterone receptor (PR) (clone SP2) with immunohistochemistry and methods for creating such an antibody are disclosed. No need of target retrieval in immunohistochemistry is their prominent advantage compared to currently available PR antibody. Furthermore, the very low background when the lagomorph derived monoclonal antibody is used in immunohistochemistry is also impressive. The immunohistochemistry comparative study with about fifty clinical specimens showed that the new PR antibody (clone SP2) antibody had favorable results when compared to mouse monoclonal antibody PR (clone 1A6), the best one in the current market. The PR antibody may prove of great value in the assessment of PR status in human breast cancer. Humanized versions of the PR antibody may provide therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: A tissue sample to be analyzed is tested. Multiple different samples of multiple areas of said tissue sample, each of said multiple areas is a smaller area than an entire tissue sample to be analyzed. After analysis, the tissue sample is processed in a way that facilitates viewing tumor information on the sample, for example, by fixing or staining. An area is identified on the stained sample, and at least one of the samples that corresponds to an identified area is tested. This small area is tested using a technique that homogenizes the sample before testing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing histological sections by means of a microtome are suggested. A histological section of predefined thickness is produced with a microtome from a block comprising a tissue sample. A carrier material is applied with an application apparatus onto the block prior to before production of the histological section. To ensure that the histological sections do not roll up, and to enable improved downline processing of the histological sections as compared with a carrier material embodied in the form of an endless strip and that the carrier material is cut out prior to application to a size and/or a shape that corresponds substantially to the cross-sectional area of the block; and that the cut-out carrier material is then applied onto the block. The suggested apparatus is designed to apply the carrier material onto a histological section to be prepared by a microtome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the qualitative and quantitative validation of marker indices, especially for medical diagnosis and particularly for the determination of the growth fraction in a sample with antibodies against the Ki-67 protein. Diagnostic kit for the quantification of a cell fraction labeled by a marker for in vitro diagnosis, characterized in that a pseudo-tissue is used for the intra- and inter-assay standardization of the marker index.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are methods that are prognostic for neoplastic/preneoplastic disease in a subject vertebrate, wherein said disease is associated with a tissue that normally expresses MN, but which MN expression is lost or diminished upon carcinogenesis. Exemplary of the types of preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases subject to the prognostic methods of this invention are those of gastric mucosa, gallbladder, biliary ducts, and ductal cells of duodenal glands. An exemplary prognostic method comprises comparing the level of MN gene expression product in a tissue sample from the affected subject, with the average MN gene expression product level found in analogous preneoplastic/neoplastic tissue samples; an above average MN gene expression product level indicates poorer prognosis for the subject. MN gene expression products useful in the prognostic methods include MN protein, MN polypeptide, and/or MN nucleic acids.

Abstract: Solutions exhibiting little or no evaporative loss at elevated temperatures, i.e., in excess of 100° C., are employed in place of conventional aqueous-based antigen retrieval solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specimen preparation method for mass spectrometry based on Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI), wherein the method enables to form microcrystals (cocrystals) between matrices and biological molecules (protein and the like) on a biological tissue to generate ions thereof highly efficiently and to perform highly sensitive measurement. Microcrystals are formed on the specimen containing biological molecules, i.e. objects of the measurement, by spraying matrix solution beforehand. Furthermore, dispensation of matrix solution on the microcrystals allows crystals to grow by making preformed micro-matrix crystals as crystal nuclei. Therefore, much finer and more homogeneous crystals (cocrystals) are prepared to enable to perform highly sensitive mass spectrometry based on MALDI.

Abstract: Provided herein are reagents for use in an automated environment for cell conditioning of biological samples wherein the cells or tissues are predisposed for access by reagent molecules for histochemical and cytochemical staining procedures. The reagents include, but are not limited to, components optimized to facilitate molecular access to cells and cell constituents within the biological sample. Also provided herein are reagents for use in an automated environment for removing or etching embedding media by exposing a biological sample to be stained in histochemical or cytochemical procedures without the dependence on organic solvents. The reagents include, but are not limited to, components optimized to facilitate removal or etching of the embedding media from the biological sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a prognostic assay for metachronous colorectal carcinoma, which assay comprises obtaining a colorectal mucosa tissue biopsy sample taken from a human or non-human mammalian subject, and determining the average longest nuclear axis for a set of elongate nuclei in elongate cells in dysplastic tissue within said sample.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for preparing a biological specimen (20), where the biological specimen (20), prior to being examined in e.g. a microscope, is dried, embedded in wax and optionally sliced, and where the biological specimen (20) is placed in a container (1) with a lid/clamping member (2) that is closed, in which it is retained by a biasing element (6), the specimen (20) remaining in the same closed container/lid (1, 2) during the subsequent drying and embedment operations, whereupon the container (1) is removed from the lid (2) and the specimen (20) prior to any slicing operations.

Abstract: For successful wound healing to occur, the newly formed skin must generate tensile strength through collagen deposition. Measurement of collagen in the granulating wound bed may be predictive of successful wound healing. Existing methods for collagen measurement either require specialized equipment, or do not allow for discrimination of potential interfering molecules. Herein described is an accurate, specific and reliable method to extract and quantify collagen from tissue utilizing high pressure liquid chromatography techniques. The method is sensitive enough to measure the small amounts of collagen found in newly healing wounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway.

Abstract: A biopsy sample mount and processing method. One embodiment of the sample mount includes a rounded mass of hydrophilic or liquid absorbing material. Tissue samples can be releasably placed on the material mass in a known structural orientation and the mount and sample immersed in fixative. The mass of material will swell when absorbing the fixative, causing the tissue sample to release from the mass of material. The tissue sample is then removed from the fixative and correctly oriented for tissue processing for diagnostic use.

Abstract: A method of producing antibodies comprising the step of encoding a peptide sequence from a Domain I perlecan splice variant, wherein the peptide sequence is used to produce anti-peptide antibodies.

Abstract: Methods for identifying stem cells and other cells specific to embryogenesis and carcinogenesis, classifying tissue samples, diagnosing precancerous and cancerous or atherosclerotic lesions, testing the value of anticancer agents, discovering macromolecules specifically expressed in particular cell types, using stem cells in restorative tissue therapy as well as methods for preparing tissue samples so heteromorphic nuclear morphotypes remain intact are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rabbit monoclonal antibody that binds to human Id1 protein and/or mouse Id1 protein with high specificity and high affinity. The antibody has a binding constant, measured with respect to human Id1 protein and/or mouse Id1 protein, equal to or greater than 1×108/molar. The antibody has no substantial cross-reactivity with other family Id proteins such as Id2, Id3, or Id4, or other endogenous proteins present in the cells that express Id1 protein. The high specificity and high affinity of the rabbit monoclonal antibodies of the present invention allows sensitive and specific detection and/or quantitation of Id1 protein in biological samples. The antibodies are useful in immunochemical-based assays such as ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Nephronophthisis, in particular to the NPHP5 protein (nephrocystin-5) and nucleic acids encoding the NPHP5 protein. The present invention also provides assays for the detection of NPHP5 polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states.

Abstract: A method for analyzing agricultural products at a point of transaction is provided. The method comprises presenting a sample comprising at least one seed to a portable analysis system; analyzing the sample for at least one relevant attribute; and characterizing the sample for the transaction based upon the results of the analysis for the at least one relevant attribute.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and method for producing hybrid seed. In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a system for the high-throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. In another embodiment, a high-throughput, nondestructive method for producing hybrid seeds comprises removing a sample from a plurality of seeds in the population while preserving the germination viability of the seed and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of one or more genetic markers indicative of a male-sterile gene.

Abstract: A method for preparing biological samples by means of a series of different liquids containing preparation agents in a chamber is provided. The chamber comprises a first and a second opening for supplying and removing liquid to and from the chamber. The chamber is brought into a first position, in which the first opening is located above the second opening when the liquid to be introduced into the chamber has a lower density than the liquid in the chamber. The chamber is brought into a second position, in which the first opening is located below the second opening when the liquid to be introduced into the chamber has a higher density than the liquid in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combination, in solution or in a kit, of a histological or cytological fixing solution and of one or more photoactivatable compounds of the family of quinones, in particular, hypericin, hypocrellin A and/or hypocrellin B. The invention also relates to a method for labeling cells or tissues by one or more photoactivatable compounds of the family of quinones, in which the cells or tissues in contact with a histological or cytological fixing solution are labeled, simultaneously or subsequently, by the photoactivatable compound(s) of the family of quinones.

Abstract: For successful wound healing to occur, the newly formed skin must generate tensile strength through collagen deposition. Measurement of collagen in the granulating wound bed may be predictive of successful wound healing. Existing methods for collagen measurement either require specialized equipment, or do not allow for discrimination of potential interfering molecules. Herein described is an accurate, specific and reliable method to extract and quantify collagen from tissue utilizing high pressure liquid chromatography techniques. The method is sensitive enough to measure the small amounts of collagen found in newly healing wounds.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigen-binding molecules, such as antibodies, that specifically recognize a portion of the EGFR C-terminal (intracellular) regulatory domain that interacts with one or more regulatory molecules (such as Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (“SOCS”) proteins). In certain normal or neoplastic cells and/or tissues, this region is inaccessible to the disclosed antigen-binding molecules. Thus, such antigen-binding molecules are useful at least to interrogate the regulated state of EGFR, predict the response of a cancer patient to EGFR inhibitor therapies, and/or predict the aggressiveness of neoplasms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to TR4 and aging.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for: methods for imaging MMP-2 positive tissue; methods of diagnosing the presence of one or more of MMP-2 positive precancerous cells, MMP-2 positive cancerous cells, MMP-2 positive tumor cells, and MMP-2 positive diseases in a tissue; method of monitoring the progress of one or more of MMP-2 positive precancerous cells, MMP-2 positive cancerous cells, MMP-2 positive tumor cells, and MMP-2 positive diseases in a tissue; pharmaceutical compositions for imaging one or more of MMP-2 positive precancerous cells, MMP-2 positive cancerous cells, MMP-2 positive tumor cells, and MMP-2 positive diseases; compositions; kits; and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of endometriosis. Generally, the methods of this invention find use in diagnosing or for providing a prognosis for endometriosis by detecting the expression levels of biomarkers, which are differentially expressed (up- or down-regulated) in endometrial cells from a patient with endometriosis. Similarly, these markers can be used to diagnose reduced fertility in a patient with endometriosis or to provide a prognosis for a fertility trial in a patient suffering from endometriosis. The present invention also provides methods of identifying a compound for treating or preventing endometriosis. Finally, the present invention provides kits for the diagnosis or prognosis of endometriosis.

Abstract: An animal model for hyperpigmentations in which the formation of hyperpigmentations in human skin is faithfully simulated is provided. An animal model for hyperpigmentations, wherein a black person's skin is grafted onto a non-human animal, is provided.

Abstract: A pathology sample processing workstation. The samples are positioned on containers having RFID tags and processed at stations having RFID transceivers coupled to a computer. Information regarding the samples can stored on the RFID tags and retrieved using the transceivers.

Abstract: A method of individually optimizing drug therapy to a patient that includes the steps of administering a dose of a radiolabeled drug or fluorescent tags or drugs with inherent fluorescent properties to the patient in connection with chemotherapy, collecting a sample from the patient, analyzing the sample producing an analysis, and using the analysis for developing a model for the patient.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a response of a tissue model system to an activator includes contacting a bio-artificial tissue model system with an activator and measuring cellular mechanical response thereto of at least one of contractile force and tissue stiffness. A method for obtaining a response of a tissue model system to an activator includes contacting a bio-artificial tissue model system with an activator and measuring cellular mechanical response thereto of at least one of contractile force and hysteresis.

Abstract: A process and kit for the production of paraffin sections of biological tissue, especially for molecular pathology studies, is described. In the process, the tissue sample is simultaneously fixed, dehydrated and cleared in a first step, subsequently dehydrated and cleared in a second step and infiltrated with an inert specimen matrix in a third step. The specimen can then be further embedded in a casting supporting matrix according to the standard procedures followed by any local pathology or research laboratory. The method is uncomplicated, requires little hands-on time, is reproducible and is standardized thereby limiting cross-centre pre-analytical variance. A bio-indicator system for measuring the degree of crosslinking is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and a kit for use in the detection of a component in a sample on a solid support are disclosed which use a conjugate and polymer having metal particles of diameter in the nanometer range (that is between 0.1 and 500 nm). Methods and a kit for detection of a component in a sample on a solid support which have a conjugate and optionally a polymer bound to one or more supermagnetic particles are also disclosed. The methods and kits may be used for enhancing in vivo imaging and microscopy.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a high sensitivity method for identifying the type of a protein contained in each cell with a diameter of ten to several tens ?m and a sample treatment solution required for it. The above is achieved by three steps of (1) treating a slice of a diseased tissue with an aqueous solution containing gold particles and a digestive enzyme, and digesting restrictively a protein of interest, (2) measuring a 2-dimensional distribution of fragmented peptides by TOF-SIMS, and (3) visualizing a 2-dimensional distribution of the target protein in the slice of the diseased tissue using the results of the proteome analysis and by means of a numerical analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method for histological staining, the method comprises immersing a tissue sample in a staining solution sufficient to impregnate the tissue sample, dehydrating the tissue sample, embedding the tissue sample, cutting the tissue sample, developing the tissue sample, fixing the tissue sample and mounting the tissue sample. The staining solution comprises about 2.0×10?2M to about 6.0×10?2M potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), about 2.4×10?2M to about 6.4×10?2M mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and about 2.6×10?2M to about 7.8×10?2M potassium chromate (K2CrO4).

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for deparaffinizing paraffin-embedded biological samples for subsequent tissue staining. The compositions are microemulsions that may include water/oil/surfactant microemulsions, and optionally a cosurfactant. The microemulsions enable deparaffinization without the use of xylene or toluene, and also enable solvent exchange without the use of intermediary alcohol dehydration or alcohol rehydration compositions.

Abstract: A new method was discovered to analyze continuous spectral curves to determine relative hemoglobin oxygen saturation, using spectral curves collected from a continuous range of wavelengths from about 530 nm to about 584 nm, including spectra from transmitted or reflected light. Using isosbestic points and curve areas, a relative saturation index was calculated. With this method, noninvasive, in vivo measurement of relative oxygen saturation was made using light reflected from blood vessels in the eye and to map and measure relative changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in primate retinal vessels and optic nerve head in response to controlled changes in inspired oxygen and intraocular pressure (IOP). This method could also measure oxygen saturation from other blood vessels that reflect light sufficient to give a clear spectra from the blood hemoglobin. Changes in blood oxygen saturation can be monitored with this method for early detection of disease.

Abstract: A method and a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks (11) for treatment liquids, connecting lines (15) between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps (13) connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps (13), so that vessels (4) to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid (14) at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels (4) are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.

Abstract: A tissue handling apparatus is provided comprising a support and a locator, for processing and embedding tissue samples. The support and cover form a chamber, within which a tissue sample is oriented prior to processing. After processing, the tissue sample within the chamber is embedded and the locator is removed, leaving the tissue sample correctly oriented in embedding material, mounted to a support, ready for microtoming.

Abstract: Arrays and methods for detecting one or more biological molecules, where the methods generally comprise the steps of: providing a first support immobilized with one or more reagents; providing a second support immobilized with one or more of ligands; contacting the reagents immobilized to the first support with the ligands immobilized on the second support whereby one or more of the reagents bind to one or more of the ligands; and separating the first support from the second support so that one or more of the bound reagents remain bound to one or more ligands on the second support after separation. In one preferred method, proteins are immobilized on a support with adequate strength so that the proteins can be dissociated from the support under certain conditions, such as after binding with other proteins immobilized on another support.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for analysing a body tissue sample, the method comprising irradiating the tissue sample (4) with penetrating radiation and detecting transmitted, (14) and/or scattered radiation (16, 18) from the sample, wherein the duration of the analysis is determined from one or more desired confidence levels based on a model or algorithm defining a relationship between analysis duration and confidence level. The invention also describes apparatus for implementing the method and computer software for controlling the apparatus.

Abstract: A stabilized hematoxylin composition is disclosed that includes one or both of a host compound and an antioxidant. The disclosed composition exhibits sufficient stability to be utilized in an automated staining process without undue degradation prior to use of the composition to stain a biological sample. Methods of using and making the stabilized composition also are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue sample support and orientation device comprising: (i) a base member formed of one or more materials which can be sectioned in a microtome and which is resistant to histological stains and to degradation from chemicals used to fix and process tissue; and (ii) a plurality of support members arranged on the base member in a predetermined spaced relationship, each of the support members having a stem portion and a head portion and formed of one or more materials which can be sectioned in a microtome and which is resistant to histological stains and to degradation from chemicals used to fix and process tissue, wherein the stem portion has a proximal end attached to the base member and a distal end attached to the head portion, and further wherein the head portion is dimensioned to engage and retain a tissue sample during processing thereof.

Abstract: A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for histological analysis. The processor comprises two retorts, wax baths, reagent containers, a pump and valve. The vale distributes the reagent from one container to either retort. Separate reagent lines connect the wax baths to the retorts. A method of infiltrating a sample containing a reagent such as a dehydrating reagent like an alcohol, where the infiltrating material is heated to a temperature at or above the boiling point of the reagent, to boil off the reagent when the tissue sample is contacted by the infiltrating material. The pressure in the retort may be reduced to lower the boiling point of the reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the cross-referencing of identification (1) of tissue slice supports (2), for microtomised analytical samples still to be mounted thereon, with identification information (3) of a tissue sample holder (4) of a tissue sample (5) which is not yet microtomised. The conventional problem of cross-referencing is improved in a simple manner, whereby the identification information (3) for the tissue sample holder (4) is automatically detected when positioned in the microtome (6) and an identification (1) corresponding thereto is automatically transferred to at least one tissue slice support (2) and that tissue slice support (2), provided with the identification (1), is dispensed for application of the tissue sample slice at the moment when a tissue sample slice must be applied to a tissue slice support (2).