Abstract: The invention provides genes that are unique either to Ehrlichia ruminantium strain Gardel or to Ehrlichia ruminantium strain Welgevonden, or allelic couples which are present in both strains but whose sequences differ between the two strains, as genetic markers to differentiate between these two strains. The invention also provides diagnostic methods using these genetic markers.

Abstract: The present invention provides analytical methods and related kits for detecting the presence of bacteria in a sample, determining the amount of bacteria in a sample, or determining the type of bacteria in a sample. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods suitable for the rapid detection, quantification, or identification of bacteria in a liquid sample by measuring bacterial ATP activity.

Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.

Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.

Abstract: A fixative for fixing biological materials contains a depot agent, preferably a polyamine and especially hexamethylenetetramine, which reacts chemically with positively charged ions, especially H+ from an acid, while forming a fixative, where the fixative is an aldehyde and especially formaldehyde, which in turn reacts chemically with the biological material to be fixed in order to fix it and is consumed in doing so. By adjusting the pH of a solution containing the depot agent, a chemical equilibrium reaction occurs between the depot agent, fixative and biological material, so that just as much fixative is continuously formed as can be immediately consumed by the biological material. With that, the fixative, and especially the hazardous formaldehyde, cannot escape. Thus, an externally formaldehyde-free fixative that at the same time has the excellent fixative properties of formaldehyde is created.

Abstract: An automated system for concentrating potentially harmful substances from various water types or other non-viscous liquids to facilitate detection of those substances is disclosed herein. The automated system comprises a water pressure driven or pump driven concentration unit that filters the test fluid through a hollow-fiber filter. Material collected on the filter is backflushed into a collection vessel by passing a small volume of sterile solution through the filter in the reverse direction. The automated system can be configured to be portable or to be integrated into a continuous liquid stream for online monitoring of test fluids. Optionally, an electronic signal at the end of the backflush sequence triggers a detector, such as an automated array biosensor, to begin processing and analyzing the sample.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods and materials for determining the presence or absence of bacterial or fungal infection in a blood sample. In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises exposing an anticoagulant treated blood sample to freezing the sample to a solid, followed by thawing of the sample and then agitation of the sample to develop foam and then observing the rate that foam dissolves.

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: Pegylated pyridinium and thiazolium compounds and methods of their use in medicine, research, industry, agriculture and recreational activities are disclosed. The present invention also provides methods of controlling microbial growth and infection. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of controlling microbial infestations relating to industrial and agricultural uses. The present invention can also be used to control insects.

Abstract: In a wide variety of human solid tumors, an aggressive, metastatic phenotype and poor clinical prognosis are associated with expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Met. Disclosed herein are (a) a monoclonal antibody named Met4, which antibody is specific for Met, and (b) a hybridoma cell line that produces Met4. The Met4 antibody is particularly useful for detecting Met in formalin-fixed tissue. Methods of using the Met4 antibody for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy are provided.

Abstract: A histological specimen retaining device for processing tissue. The histological specimen retaining device comprises a foldable permeable sheet having edges and a permeable target disposed on the foldable permeable sheet within the edges of said sheet thereby providing extended flap portions. The extended flap portions are foldable to overlap the target. The histological specimen retaining device also comprises a malleable securing strip attached to the permeable sheet of a length sufficient to secure said folded flap portions overlapping said target.

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: A method of efficiently removing or fixing donor cells from a native tissue of mammalian origin comprises immersing the tissue in a treating solution, and irradiating the tissue with microwave while maintaining the temperature thereof in the range between 0° C. and 40° C.

Abstract: This patent application discloses and describes a list of proteins that are found to be differentially expressed between normal endometrial epithelial cells and early stage cancerous endometrial epithelial cells. These proteins can be used either individually or in specific combinations in diagnostic and prognostic protein assays on various biological samples from endometrial cancer patients, or individuals suspected on having endometrial cancer. In addition, these proteins are also differentially expressed between normal endometrial epithelial cells and epithelial cells of other types of endometrial disease, and thus such diseases can be diagnosed using assays based on these proteins. The full length intact proteins can be assayed or peptides derived from these proteins can be assayed as reporters for these proteins.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of determining if a sputum sample contains dysplastic or carcinomic cells by obtaining a sputum sample containing cells. The sputum sample is labeled with TCPP to stain cells suspected to be dysplastic or carcinomic. The labeled sputum sample is excited with an excitation wavelength of light of about 475 nm+/?30 nm and emission at about 560 nm+/?30 nm is detected from cells identified to be macrophages. An imager focuses on the plasma membrane of one or more cells suspected to be dysplastic or carcinomic and emission at about 655 nm+/?30 nm, if present, is detected for TCPP labeled cells of the sputum sample after focusing on the plasma membrane of the cells of the sputum sample. Photon flux for each pixel of a sensor is measured to obtain a value for the imaged cell. The measured value is scored to determine if a cell is cancerous or dysplastic.

Abstract: A method for preparing a biofilm includes the steps of rinsing the biofilm. There is the step of staining the biofilm with potassium permanganate and water.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules unique to M. paratuberculosis. The invention also provides the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and antibodies having specific binding affinity for the polypeptides encoded by the M. paratuberculosis-specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention further provides for methods of detecting M. paratuberculosis in a sample using nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention. The invention additionally provides methods of preventing a M. paratuberculosis infection in an animal.

Abstract: This application includes description of antibodies for specifically detecting prions of human origin and methods for detecting pathogenic prions. In some embodiments, the antibodies bind to an epitope characteristic of a human prion protein which is not found in the prion proteins of other species. In some embodiments, the antibodies are not cross-reactive with cow, Syrian Gold hamster, mouse, or rat prions. The application also includes a conformation-dependent immunoassay method for detecting pathogenic prions in a sample containing a prion (PrP) protein. The PrP protein may be present in a first conformation and a second conformation, such as PrPc and PrPSc in which the two conformations have different binding affinity for the antibody used to detect them.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for non-invasive determination of the potential presence of one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin. The method of the invention comprises (i) obtaining a vibrational spectrum from the stratum corneum of the individual; (ii) determining the local natural moisturising factor content from the vibrational spectrum; (iii) optionally repeating steps (i) and (ii); and (iv) comparing the local natural moisturising factor content of the individual to a reference value, wherein said stratum corneum is stratum corneum of a location of the body of said individual at which said one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin has a stronger influence on the natural moisturising factor concentration than other factors influencing the natural moisturising factor concentration.

Abstract: A reagent for measuring platelets comprising Nile Blue hydrogensulfate, or Nile Blue and an acid, a reagent kit for measuring platelets comprising the reagent for measuring platelets, and a method for measuring platelets using the reagent or reagent kit.

Abstract: In the automatic processing of tissue samples in a tissue processor, the tissue samples are placed in a retort of the tissue processor. The tissue samples are exposed to a fixation reagent (FIX) in the retort. Afterwards, the tissue samples are exposed to a dehydrating reagent (ALK). Thereafter, the retort is cleared with an intermedium (INT) for removing the dehydrating reagent (ALK). Finally, the tissue samples are treated with a carrier material (CAR). Between the clearing of the retort with the intermedium (INT) and the treatment of the tissue samples with the carrier material (CAR), the retort is cleared with a carrier material protecting reagent (CARPRO) in which the intermedium (INT) and the carrier material (CAR) can be mixed.

Abstract: An antibody which reacts with N-acetylheparosan and heparan sulfate that is derived from bovine kidney but does not substantially react with heparan sulfate derived from a murine Engelbreath-Holm-Swarn tumor tissue, the antibody being produced with a hybridoma which is prepared using a substance composed of a protein and N-acetylheparosan bound to the protein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting lipid cores underneath thin fibrous caps (LCTC) and thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFA) in a subject in need of diagnosis for having a vulnerable plaque, a plaque at risk of disruption or thrombosis, or risk of an acute coronary syndrome, and for screening compounds for modulators of this process.

Abstract: Charged and neutral small fluorescent molecules based upon the styryl scaffold are useful as imaging agents for misfolded proteins such as amyloid plaque. Charged molecules are prepared using pyrrolidine catalyzed reactions by solution-phase synthesis. Neutral styryl molecules are prepared using acetic anhydride catalyzed reactions, Horner-Emmons reactions or Wittig reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing cells that are present as closed clusters. According to said method, a planar tissue preparation is subjected to an identification staining of the cell nuclei and a target structure staining of cell objects that is different from the identification staining. Digital images are recorded of the stained tissue preparation by means of an electronic image recording device and at least one image of a subsection of the tissue cut is displayed in at least one coloration. According to the inventive method, at least one parameter of the cell nuclei and at least one parameter of the cell objects labeled by target structure staining is restricted to a predetermined range of values. Cell nuclei and cell objects whose parameters correspond to the respective parameter range(s) are detected and optionally displayed using image processing algorithms in the image of said subsection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions useful for detecting whole parathyroid hormone at a physiological level and parathyroid fragments in a mammalian sample. Such detections may be useful to different parathyroid diseases or disorders in a subject, such as hyperparathyroidism and related bone diseases, from normal or non-disease states. One detects whole or non-fragmented (1 to 84) parathyroid hormone in a biological sample and optionally one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments that may or may not function as a parathyroid hormone antagonists. By either comparing values or using independently the value of either the one or more of a selection of non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragments, the whole parathyroid hormone, or the combination of these values one is able to differentiate parathyroid and bone related disease states, as well as differentiate such states from normal states.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing and/or stabilizing a sample, in which the sample is put into a permeable container with a maximum overall height of 10 mm, preferably of 5 mm, and the container filled with the sample is immersed in fixing and/or stabilizing agents and the sample is fixed and/or stabilized.

Abstract: The present invention aims to develop a method for specimen preparation, which ensures the maintenance of both tissue morphology and nucleic acid quality (particularly RNA quality). The present invention further aims to prepare a specimen by this method, from which desired cells are then collected by microdissection and analyzed for gene expression. A method for specimen preparation from various frozen or unfrozen organs or tissues (excluding hard tissues) of the whole body, which comprises the following steps: 1) fixing a target organ or tissue with PFA fixative; and 2) embedding the same in paraffin by the AMeX method.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel dyes, including coumarins, rhodamines, and rhodols that incorporate additional fused aromatic rings. The dyes of the invention absorb at a longer wavelength than structurally similar dyes that do not possess the fused aromatic rings. Many of the dyes of the invention are useful fluorescent dyes. The invention includes chemically reactive dyes, dye-conjugates, and the use of such dyes in staining samples and detecting ligands or other analytes.

Abstract: Cell based assays are used to assess the hepatotoxicity of a stimulus. Imaging technologies are used to analyze the effects of a stimulus on hepatocytes. Image analysis may characterize the stimulus on the basis of whether it is hepatotoxic, and if so what type of pathology is exhibited; e.g., apoptosis, necrosis, cholestasis, and/or steatosis.

Abstract: An analysis of type, state or other distinguishing features of individual cells from body fluids, smears or tissues includes the steps of depositing the cells, with a minimum possible overlap, on a mass spectrometric sample support, determining the coordinates of the cells, coating the sample support with a layer of small crystals of a matrix substance, positioning the cells, inside a mass spectrometer, according to their known coordinates with a movement device into the position of the laser focus, acquiring mass spectra of the individual cells with ionization of the cell components by matrix assisted laser desorption, and using the mass spectra for an analysis of type, state or other distinguishing features of the cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding of at least one tissue sample (8). The tissue embedding apparatus (1) encompasses an input unit (2), an image acquisition unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) is transferable to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding apparatus (1). The tissue sample (8) is embeddable in an embedding medium by means of the embedding unit (4). The embedded tissue sample is outputtable with the at least one output unit (5). At least one image of the tissue sample (8) is acquirable with the image acquisition unit (3).

Abstract: This invention describes unique patterns of distribution of ganglioside GM1 in non-capacitated sperm and demonstrates that the pattern of distribution of GM1 undergoes changes that can be correlated with the process of capacitation and/or with acrosomal exocytosis. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a method for determining the ability of sperm to respond to capacitation and/or acrosomal exocytosis stimuli. The method comprises determination of distribution pattern for GM1. The method can be used for both diagnostic and predictive purposes when assessing male reproductive fitness, and can also be used to assess the effects of any agent or environment on sperm including cryoprotective agents and protocols, and contraceptive agents.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for preparation of a biological sample for measurement of protein epitopes that allows for the preservation of intracellular protein epitopes and detection of signal transduction pathways based on the ability to capture transient activation states of the epitopes. The method provided by the invention allows for the rapid fixation of biological samples containing red blood cells, to ensure that epitopes of signal transduction molecules and other intracellular protein epitopes are preserved in the active state. The method of the invention further allows for lysis of red blood cells, thereby making it a useful method for cytometric analysis of biological samples, including, for example, whole blood, bone marrow aspirates, peritoneal fluids, and other red blood cell containing samples. The invention also provides a method to recover or “unmask” epitopes on intracellular antigens that have been made inaccessible by the cross linking fixative necessary to fix the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting a Trichomonas antigen in a fixed sample and for diagnosing Trichomonas infection by detecting a Trichomonas antigen in a fixed sample.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for the analysis of a blood sample are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of detecting and enumerating hard-to-ghost cells in a blood sample. Another embodiments is a method of analyzing reticulocytes in a blood sample. Methods of using blood count parameters are also provided.

Abstract: A cell isolating device and method is provided to concentrate or isolate cells with specific characteristics from a mixture of different cell types. One embodiment may comprise two subtypes of antibodies that are directly conjugated to biotin (Abb) and conjugated to a fluorescent molecule (Abf). The conjugated antibodies (Abb+Abf) bind to the target cells in a mixed cell suspension. The cell suspension is then passed over an immobilized avidin or streptavidin substrate on a glass microscope slide. The biotinylated target cells adhere to the avidin/streptavidin substrate, while the unbound cells are washed off and collected in a wicking member. Captured cells on the avidin/streptavidin substrate may then be visualized directly using a fluorescent microscope or detected and enumerated via an on-board fluorescent detection device. Additional chemicals and/or physical manipulation may then be applied to the device to release viable target cells for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a polymerized form of formaldehyde is available in granular form containing a polymerized form of formaldehyde, such as paraformaldehyde, a buffer, such as sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, and a stabilizer, such as hydroxymethyl cellulose, or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. When added to an aqueous solvent, the paraformaldehyde can dissolve in alkaline solution, and depolymerizes into a formaldehyde solution containing a stabilizer. Optionally a second member of the buffer pair or another buffer or pH adjuster can be used The stabilized depolymerized formaldehyde solution is then ready for use, or can be modified by addition of other substances, such as sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate. Additionally, an additional buffer may be included in the granular mixture to increase the rate at which the solid dissolves and depolymerizes.

Abstract: Fluorescent dyes useful for detecting a target material in biological assays an electron donating moiety which is linked by a conjugated ?-electron bridge to an electron accepting moiety. The ?-electron bridge includes at least one carbocyclic ring structure or heterocyclic ring structure. The electron accepting moiety is a carboxylic acid, a salt of a carboxylic acid, or has the formula: wherein: X8 is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, and (CH2)n6-Z2?, where Z2? is a monovalent anion; and n6 is an integer from 1 through 10; and Q3 is O or S.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising the following steps: a) use of a support which has at least two different microparticle populations immobilized thereon; b) measuring the fluorescence of the support from step a) with an optical resolution 1, said resolution 1 permitting differentiation of microparticle singlets, doublets, triplets, multiplets and monolayers and determination of the localized position of individual immobilized microparticles; c) contacting the support from step a) with the sample to be analyzed; d) performing at least one additional measurement of the fluorescence of the support during or after contacting in accordance with step c) with a resolution 2; e) assigning the fluorescence values measured with resolution 2 to the individual microparticle singlets, doublets, triplets, multiplets and monolayers locally identified on the support in accordance with step b) and assigned to a particular acceptor molecule population; f) determining the change in fluorescence.

Abstract: A device includes a carrier element with a surface prepared for direct or indirect coupling or receiving of cells, at least one optical detector to receive a luminescence signal, the detector being integrated into the carrier element below the prepared surface, a cover covering the prepared surface to form a cavity, the cover having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and an excitation source connected to the inlet opening. The excitation source constitutes a reservoir for a chemical or biological excitation substance or medium that influences the metabolism of the cell, with metabolic processes being made visible by luminescence and detected by at the least one optical detector.

Abstract: A portable sampling device (2) for obtaining a biological sample from a subject comprises sample collection means (8) for excising a biological sample (14) from a subject, and sample containment means (6) for containing excised sample (14) and sample preservative (12) for preserving excised sample. The sample collection means (8) includes sample cutting means (18) adapted, inuse, to cut into the subject and release the biological sample therefrom.

Abstract: IGF1R biomarkers useful in a method for identifying and monitoring a mammal that will respond therapeutically to a method of treating cancer comprising administering an IGF1R modulator, wherein the method comprises (a) exposing the mammal to the IGF1R modulator and (b) measuring in the mammal the level of the at least one biomarker, wherein a difference in the level of the at least one biomarker measured in (b) compared to the level of the biomarker in a mammal that has not been exposed to the IGF1R modulator indicates that the mammal will respond therapeutically to the method of treating cancer and (c) wherein the level of the biomarker in a mammal after exposure to a IGF1R modulator indicates that the mammal has responded therapeutically to the method of treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting the presence and quantitating the amount of glycogen from a biological sample. This method employs PAS staining with detection in the infrared range.

Abstract: Subject matter of the invention is a lysis reagent formulation for binding components of a sample in the form of a tablet comprising a multitude of magnetic particles which are held together with the aid of excipients, a chaotropic salt and an excipient and the use of this lysis reagent formulation in analytical tests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a biological material, comprising the steps i) providing a biological material, and ii) contacting the biological material with a first non-aqueous composition comprising: (a1) 10 to 90 vol. % methanol, and (a2) at least one additional additive, and (a3) optionally an acid. iii) transferring the biological material into a second composition (B) comprising up to 99 vol. % ethanol as well as to a new composition for preservation of a biological material usable in said method and the biological material resulting from this method, a method for the analysis of a treated biological material, various kits as well as the use of the composition in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal chelator and methods that facilitate binding, detecting, monitoring and quantitating of heavy metal ions in a sample.