Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting antibody in a sample, where the antibody targets an antigen expressed by red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts. Rather than detecting the binding events between a particular antigen antibody pair (as in traditional agglutination based assays) the methods herein allow for multiplexed detection of clinically important allo-immune antibodies to blood group antigens. Specifically the method involves generating fluorescently encoded red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts with known antigen presentation and using them to detect the presence of antibody in serum/plasma with a fluorescent sandwich type immunoassay. The assay results can be read using flow cytometric or fluorescent microscope based imaging techniques.

Abstract: Improved methods for assaying the activity of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) enhance the signal-to-noise ratio by providing the substrate in donor particles with an aqueous core in the presence of suitable osmotic pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, reagents, and kits for assessing organ damage, such as damage due to ischemia reperfusion injury, in the course of a transplantation therapy and/or for assessing organ regeneration following transplantation therapy. The invention provides a method for determining an index of organ health in the course of transplantation therapy comprising measuring the expression level of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in the organ. Measuring the expression level of PBR is also useful for assessing the progress of organ regeneration in the course of transplantation therapy by comparing the index of organ health. The expression level of PBR may be used as a predictor of the outcome of transplantation therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for inhibiting ocular neovascularization in a patient. The method comprises administering to a patient an ocular neovascularization inhibiting amount of a water-soluble polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 7, and an ocular neovascularization inhibiting fragment thereof, which includes at least one of amino acid residue signature sequences HVGH (SEQ ID NO:10) and KMSAS (SEQ ID NO:11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for staining membranes, in particular, a method for selective staining of cells using voltage-sensitive dyes.

Abstract: Automated methods and devices that facilitate iterative staining of biological samples from imaging applications are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a small volume flow cell containing a biological sample, applying a stain to the biological sample, combining at least two precursor reagents to form an activated destaining agent and wherein the activated destaining agent decomposition rate is greater than or similar to the destaining reaction rate, and flowing the destaining agent over the biological sample at a flow rate that is greater than the decomposition rate of the activated destaining agent. The process of staining, combining and flowing may be iteratively repeated. Also disclosed herein are devices for iterative staining of biological samples comprising a flow cell, in fluid communication with a premixer, wherein the volume capacity of the premixer is smaller than about five times the volume capacity of the flow cell.

Abstract: The use of Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein E, fragments and mimetics thereof is provided for diagnostic, detection, prognostic and therapeutic applications In prion diseases. More specifically, the invention provides the use of Apolipoprotein B or fragments thereof for modulating or identifying modulators of the prion protein replication which are implicated in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathics and other prion diseases.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for heavy atom labeling of a target protein using a clonable tag. The clonable tag comprises a metal binding protein, or fragment thereof, such as metallothionein, which may be fused to a target protein of interest. The tag permits the target protein to be labeled with a heavy atom, such as gold, silver, or mercury, and thus permits visualization of the target protein by electron microscopy. Also provided are methods for purification of a target protein using metallothionein, or a fragment thereof, as an affinity tag. The metallothionein fusion may be purified on immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) column charged with a metal such as cadmium.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing Crohn's disease (CD) or anti-phospholipid syndrome by measuring levels of antibodies to glycans in a biological sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding molecules that specifically bind to the human Fc gamma receptor expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages (i.e. Fc?RIIIA), and in particular binding molecules that specifically bind the A form Fc?RIII but do not bind to the B form of Fc?RIII, as well as to the use of such binding molecules in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The invention further extends to polynucleotides encoding such binding molecules, host cells comprising such polynucleotides and methods of producing binding molecules of the invention using such host cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing diseases such as cancer and other conditions using biological samples. Liquid Tissue samples prepared from histopathologically prepared tissue obtained from a subject surprisingly can be used to identify and, optionally, to quantify analytes that are diagnostic of the presence of a disease, condition or syndrome in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or identifying Gram-positive bacteria with high GC content, in particular mycobacteria. The method comprises a nucleic acid amplification reaction and a subsequent hybridization reaction with suitable primers and probes. The invention furthermore relates to oligonucleotides, compositions, solid phases and kits which may be used for carrying out the method of the invention.

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: 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: An improved ion source and means for collecting and focusing dispersed gas-phase ions from a remote reagent chemical ionization source (R2CIS) at atmospheric or intermediate pressure is described. The R2CIS is under electronic control and can produce positive, negative, or positive and negative reagent ions simultaneously. This remote source of reagent ions is separated from a low-field sample ionization region by a stratified array of elements, each element populated with a plurality of openings, wherein DC potentials are applied to each element necessary for transferring reagent ions from the R2CIS into the low-field sample ionization region where the reagent ions react with neutral and/or ionic sample forming sample ionic species. The resulting sample ionic species are then introduced into a mass spectrometer, ion mobility spectrometer or other sensor capable of detecting the sample ions.

Abstract: Production of biopharmaceuticals from CHO cells requires generation of master-, working- and post-production cell banks of high quality, partly under GMP conditions. An optimal cryopreservation strategy is needed for each new production cell line, particularly with regard to the desire to establish production processes that are completely devoid of serum or even any animal components and to ensure robust thaw performance for reliable production. Here we describe a novel strategy employing flow cytometric (FC) analysis of Annexin V-stained cells for high-throughput characterization of CHO cell banks. Our data show that this method enables evaluation of a cryopreservation procedure just 6 h after thaw.

Abstract: The invention is related to diagnostic methods for detecting transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) such as BSE and scrapie and related disease in humans. The invention provides use of guanidine thiocyanate (gdnSCN), or a functional equivalent thereof, for treating at least one sample derived from a mammal, including humans, for reducing the risk of scoring a false-positive test result in testing the sample for the presence or absence of aberrant prion protein.

Abstract: A method, and associated kit, for assaying the activity of lysosomal enzymes present in dried bodily fluids and cell tissue samples, such as ?-L-iduronidase, ?-D-galactosidase, ?-D-glucosidase, chitotriosidase, total ?-D-galactosidase and ?-D-galactosidase A, hexosaminidase A and B, ?-D-mannosidase, ?-D-mannosidase, ?-L-fucosidase, N-acetyl-?-galactosaminidase, arylsulfatases, sphingomyelinase, ?-galactocerebrosidase, iduronate-2-sulfatase and ?-D-glucuronidase.

Abstract: A method of rapidly assaying nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity in white blood cells contained within a blood sample. A method according to the invention includes the steps of: (a) labeling the white blood cells with a white blood cell-specific label; (b) depolarizing the labeled white blood cells with an isotonic depolarizing solution; (c) contacting the labeled white blood cells with a dye and a P2X7 agonist in an amount sufficient to activate nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity; (d) contacting the labeled white blood cells with a divalent cation in an amount sufficient to deactivate nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity; and (e) analyzing dye uptake in labeled white blood cells whereby nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity is quantified by the amount of dye taken up in labeled white blood cells treated with P2X7 agonist relative to labeled white blood cells in the absence of P2X7 agonist.

Abstract: A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform comprising at least one of the following: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method of the invention comprises using a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow kilometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles.

Abstract: Asymmetric cyanine fluorescent dyes are represented by general formula I. These kinds of dyes may be used as a staining agent for nucleic acids, with the spectra at 600-900 nm in the near-infrared region and without interference from background fluorescence. These kinds of dyes may be useful with small-type red semiconductor lasers as the light source (such as 633 nm). Compositions comprising these dyes and methods for staining biological samples using these dyes or compositions are also provided.

Abstract: An automatically operating apparatus designed as a table-top apparatus for the reproducible production of cell or tissue samples to be examined and arranged on specimen slides comprises, located its center, a rotatably supported, advance device having arranged on its periphery a plurality of modular processing stations at a distance from the advance device. Receiving devices provided in the peripheral region of the advance device are disposed to receive specimen slides on which automatically segmented cell and tissue segments can be positioned in a reproducible and correctly aligned manner. The cell and tissue segments are durably fixed in position on the specimen slides with the use of a curable adhesive, and the specimen slides, after being delivered, are subjected to further treatment processes in a further treatment device.

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: Devices, systems, methods and kits for the collection, stimulation, stabilization and analysis of biological samples, including blood samples, are disclosed. An embodiment of the invention includes a container having a side wall, a bottom wall and a closure member defining an internal compartment having arranged therein a partition defining and fluidly separating first and second chambers in the internal compartment, the first chamber positioned in association with the closure member to receive the biological sample; in which at least one wall is constructed of an elastically deformable material; in which the first chamber contains at least one stimulating agent; in which the second chamber contains at least one stabilizing agent; and in which the first and second chambers can be placed in fluid communication by a user without opening or otherwise compromising the fluid integrity of the internal compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a visualizing agent comprising a Janus Green B(JGB), and a visualizing method by using the same. More specifically, the method comprising A method of visualizing the intravascular threadlike structure (Bonghan duct) floating inside a lymphatic vessel comprising injecting JGB into the lymphatic tissue to be stained, and conducting microscopy. The present invention provides a major breakthrough in cellular anatomy and physiology. Further studies of its histological aspects and physiological functions suggest the possibility of critical new insights in both biology and medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stabilizing compositions, methods and kits for chemiluminescent assays.

Abstract: Blood diluent for use in the analysis of blood components may include at least one purine compound or salt thereof. The blood diluent may also include at least one of alkali metal salt and/or at least one organic buffers and/or inorganic buffer. The blood diluent may be utilized to stabilize blood cells during storage and facilitate the analysis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of selectively lysing non-viable cells from a cell population within a sample, the method including selectively lysing non-viable cells by mixing a cell-containing sample with a lysis buffer including a non-ionic surfactant and a divalent cation salt.

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: Improved systems and methods for tissue processing are described here. The chemical process and the construction of the apparatus are simplified by using only two different solutions in two separate reaction modules. They are compatible with processing of tissue specimens for genetic analysis, histology, in situ antibody binding and hybridization, archival preservation of morphology and nucleic acids, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods for producing a protein extract from cells, such as cells or cellular samples containing viral proteins, are provided. In general terms, the methods may involve: increasing the pH of the cells to a pH of at least about pH 10.0 to produce an intermediate composition, and then, in the presence of a non-ionic detergent such as a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, neutralizing the pH of the intermediate composition to produce the protein extract. Such methods can be used in conjunction with methods for detecting one or more target proteins in a sample, such as viral proteins. Systems, kits and compositions for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

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: A method of staining or pre-staining at least one cell is provided. The method comprising contacting the at least one cell with a staining agent selected from the group consisting of an extract of a Ficus elastica plant, a C23H44O4 and a proanthocyanidin, thereby staining or pre-staining the at least one cell. Also provided are methods of detecting cells of different differentiation stages and methods of diagnosing cancer and metabolic diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for wetting objects with a liquid by means of a system for carrying a specimen slide that is disposed at a distance from a platform. To reduce liquid consumption, the specimen slide is raised or lowered relative to the platform by means of a system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new class of biomarker in patient samples comprising dimers of cell surface membrane receptors. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of determining the status of a disease or healthful condition by correlating such condition to amounts of one or more dimers of cell surface membrane receptors measured directly in a patient sample, in particular a fixed tissue sample. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of determining a status of a cancer in a specimen from an individual by correlating measurements of amounts of one or more dimers of cell surface membrane receptors in cells of the specimen to such status, including presence or absence of a pre-cancerous state, presence or absence of a cancerous state, prognosis of a cancer, or responsiveness to treatment. Preferably, methods of the invention are implemented by using sets of binding compounds having releasable molecular tags that are specific for multiple components of one or more types of receptor dimers.

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: This invention relates generally to the freeze-drying of formulations comprising a polynucleotide, a block copolymer and a cationic surfactant. In the presence of a cryoprotectant or bulking agent, a formulation can be freeze-dried, whereby upon reconstitution of the dried formulation, the microparticles maintain their optimal size and aggregation or fusion is avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent sensor for phosphate ion and phosphorylated peptide, which comprises a phosphate anion-selective fluorescent compound expressed by the following general formula (1).

Abstract: According to the following steps, live cells, injured cells, VNC cells and dead cells of a microorganism in a test sample are detected by flow cytometry: a) the step of treating the test sample with an enzyme having an activity of decomposing cells other than those of the microorganism, colloidal particles of proteins or lipids existing in the test sample, b) the step of treating the test sample with a topoisomerase poison and/or a DNA gyrase poison. c) the step of treating the test sample treated in the steps a) and b) with a nuclear stain agent, and d) the step of detecting the microorganism in the test sample treated with the nuclear stain agent by flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and fluorescent compounds that facilitate detecting and labeling of a fusion protein by being capable of selectively binding to an affinity tag. The fluorescent compounds have the general formula A(B)n, wherein A is a fluorophore, B is a binding domain that is a charged chemical moiety, a protein or fragment thereof and n is an integer from 1-6 with the proviso that the protein or fragment thereof not be an antibody or generated from an antibody. The present invention provides specific fluorescent compounds and methods used to detect and label fusion proteins that contain a poly-histidine affinity tag. These compounds have the general formula A(L)m(B)n wherein A is a fluorophore, L is a linker, B is an acetic acid binding domain, m is an integer from 1 to 4 and n is an integer from 1 to 6.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a receptor, other than an immunoglobulin, wherein the receptor binds to a MUC1 tumor antigen independently of an major histocompatibility complex (MHC).

Abstract: A method for detecting aberrant phenotypes expressed by neoplastic cells includes the steps of: 1) staining one or more normal/reactive samples and one neoplastic sample with multiple combinations of monoclonal antibodies, 2) measuring fluorescence emissions associated to the stained cells, 3) storing two independent list mode data files of information on light scatter and fluorescence characteristics of each cell, 4) creating new data files by mixing list mode data from the data file containing information the neoplastic sample into the data file containing information on the normal samples, 5) defining corresponding to normal cells and areas corresponding to empty spaces in normal/reactive samples that may be occupied by tumor cells in neoplastic samples, 6) identifying events corresponding to neoplastic cells and events corresponding to normal cells coexisting in a multidimensional space, and 7) establishing the most relevant phenotypic aberrations displayed by the neoplastic cells as compared to their nor

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of detecting and quantifying endotoxin in a sample in which endotoxin derived from gram-negative bacteria cannot be accurately detected or quantified by the method described in Commentary of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Fourteenth Edition, Hirokawa Publishing Co. 2001 B-63. It has been found that the above object can be achieved by performing an endotoxin test using a lysate reagent in which the lysate reagent is added into a sample in the presence of albumin and/or globulin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of quantitative estimation of carbonaceous particles in biological samples such as biological cells and tissues.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a specific peptide fragment of LYVE-1 which can serve as an epitope of a lymphatic vessel-specific antibody, and an antibody recognizing the above peptide fragment. A peptide fragment comprising an amino acid sequence: Ser Lys Lys Thr Asp Lys Asn Pro Glu Glu Ser Lys, or the peptide fragment in which an amino acid as a linker to the C-terminal or the N-terminal thereof is added.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-step Gram staining method. The method is conducted by using a clean slide, followed by adding 10˜30 ?l primary stain from a reagent kit, adding an equivalent amount of specimens uniformly on said slide without drying and frame fixing, then immediately adding 30˜60 ?l counter-stain on said slide for incubating 15 seconds, rinsing with water, and finally examining under a microscope, the result appears color contrast on the center of the slide between the Gram-negative bacteria performing light red color and the Gram-positive bacteria performing deep purple color.

Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.