Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, compositions and software for enriching low abundance alleles in a sample. It is directed in particular to the use of an excess amount of reference blocking sequence in an amplification reaction mixture in order to improve the enrichment efficiency, and reduce cycle time, of full COLD-PCR.

Abstract: A composition comprising catalase, a preparation method and a use thereof, and a method for killing tumor cells are provided. The composition comprises a radionuclide labeled to a biomacromolecule, a soluble alginate and catalase. The composition can be injected into the tumor through an interventional treatment. A gel is formed when an alginate ion in the composition enters the tumor and encounters a calcium ion, such that the radionuclide and the catalase are uniformly confined in the tumor. The composition comprising catalase utilizes catalase to decompose dissolved oxygen generated from hydrogen peroxide in the tumor to advance the hypoxic state of the tumor cells, and the tumor cells are killed with radiation after the hypoxic state thereof has been advanced, and thus the invention has good prospects for applications in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a nucleic acid amplification method. The method comprises forming an enrichment culture by contacting a sample with a nutrient medium having a formulation that does not include a phosphate buffer component; holding the enrichment culture for a period of time at a temperature that facilitates growth of a target microorganism; after holding the enrichment culture, forming an aqueous composition by mixing a first volume of the enrichment culture with a second volume of a lysis buffer; contacting the aqueous composition with an effective amount of a water-insoluble material that sequesters a substance that interferes with a polymerase-mediated nucleic acid amplification reaction; subjecting the aqueous composition to a thermal lysis process; and, after subjecting the aqueous composition to the thermal lysis process, subjecting a portion of the aqueous composition to a nucleic acid amplification process. A composition for a lysis buffer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A secure transaction method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, for authorizing a transaction between a user having a personal communication device, a service provider, and a payment provider, include requesting a distribution of a location challenge code to the service provider and a distribution of a biometric data request to the personal communication device of the user, verifying the biometric data of the user based on a match of received biometric data from the user and with biometric data of the user stored in a storage unit, verifying that the location challenge code sent from the personal communication device of the user matches the distributed location challenge code, and sending a verification of authentication of the location challenge code and the match to the payment provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one biologically active agent (D) chemically conjugated to a peptide or oligopeptide with overall hydrophilicity (Pep). In some embodiments, the composition comprises D-Pep wherein the biologically active agents are linked to the Pep molecule via an chemical linker, such as amino acid linker. These compositions can be mixed with the other compositions to provide mixtures of nanofiber hydrogel structures that also can be used to locally deliver biologically active agents to tissues of interest. The methods and compositions disclosed herein are useful for sustained drug release when administered in situ to the tissue of interest.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for the enzymatic production of a thioester comprising incubating i) a first polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence LPXTG (SEQ ID NO: 01, wherein X can be any amino acid residue), ii) a second polypeptide that has at its N-terminus a cysteine amino acid residue or is a cysteinyl compound, and iii) a third polypeptide with sortase A activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for evaluating and/or predicting the outcome of a clinical condition, such as cancer, metastasis, AIDS, autism, Alzheimer's, and/or Parkinson's disorder. The methods can also be used to monitor and track changes in a patient's DNA and/or RNA during and following a clinical treatment regime. The methods may also be used to evaluate protein and/or metabolite levels that correlate with such clinical conditions. The methods are also of use to ascertain the probability outcome for a patient's particular prognosis.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining the T cell receptor affinity and sequence of antigen-specific T cells using a micropipette adhesion assay and single cell paired TCR?/TCR? sequencing. Further provided are methods for the treatment of viral infections or cancers by adoptive transfer of high affinity functional T cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides system and methods for detecting an analyte indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid. The present invention also provides for systems and method for detection a plurality of analytes, at least two of which are indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for evaluating and/or predicting the outcome of a clinical condition, such as cancer, metastasis, AIDS, autism, Alzheimer's, and/or Parkinson's disorder. The methods can also be used to monitor and track changes in a patient's DNA and/or RNA during and following a clinical treatment regime. The methods may also be used to evaluate protein and/or metabolite levels that correlate with such clinical conditions. The methods are also of use to ascertain the probability outcome for a patient's particular prognosis.

Abstract: Described is a method for determining an analyte in a sample suspected to contain the analyte, by a) contacting the sample with a first and a second capture compound for the analyte, wherein the first and second capture compounds are non-identical capture compounds, and the capture compounds compete in binding to the analyte; b) contacting the capture compounds contacted with the sample with a specifier, wherein the specifier competes in binding to the capture compounds with the analyte; c) determining the amount of complexes having the specifier and a capture compound; and d) determining the analyte in a sample based on the result of step c). Also disclosed is a method for improving the specificity of an indirect immunoassay for determining an analyte, as well as kits, devices, and uses related to the methods.

Abstract: Methods for the rapid detection of the presence or absence of Zika virus in a biological or non-biological sample are described. The methods can include performing an amplifying step, a hybridizing step, and a detecting step. Furthermore, primers and probes targeting Zika virus and kits are provided that are designed for the detection of Zika virus.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting antigen binding agents in samples. Aspects of the methods include detection of the aggregation of antigen binding agents with polynucleotide-bound antigens by sensitive proximity-based association of the antigen-bound polynucleotides. Aspects of the methods also include methods for the detection of such proximity-based association through nucleic acid amplification. In addition, compositions, e.g., reagents, kits, and devices, useful in practicing various embodiments of the methods are provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic resonance-based disease detecting system may comprising a spectrum analyzer assembly comprised of one of a spectrum analyzer with an internal tracking generator or a spectrum analyzer with a separate signal generator, a radiating antenna electronically connected to the spectrum analyzer assembly output and configured to radiate a subject with an electromagnetic field based on a resonant frequency signal, wherein radiating a subject with the electromagnetic field generates a subject spectrum; a receiving antenna configured to receive the subject spectrum; a spectrum analyzer electronically connected to the receiving antenna and configured to receive the subject spectrum from the receiving antenna; and a processor, the processor being operatively connected to the spectrum analyzer assembly, the radiating antenna, the receiving antenna, and the spectrum analyzer, wherein the processor is configurable to store and control the resonant frequency signal generated by the spectrum analyzer assembly

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid constructs and gene therapy vectors that comprise an ATP7B variant for use in the treatment of conditions associated with a deficiency or dysfunction of Copper-transporting ATPase 2, and particularly of Wilson's disease. An AAV vector devised according to the invention significantly reduced urine Cu excretion, and liver Cu content in Wilson's disease mice treated with the vector, while ceruloplasmin activity was significantly restored. On the other hand, the administration of the vector resulted in the normalization of serum transaminases' levels and of liver histology, together with a marked reduction of the inflammatory infiltrate.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining a sample from a subject include providing a sample collection room within a retail store; and obtaining a sample from a subject at a retail location. Sample collection rooms may house a sample analysis device or system. Samples may be small, e.g., a finger-stick capillary blood sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing arthritis or other joint degrading disease in a subject which comprises determining whether there is a presence or increase of lubricin having a joint tissue posttranslational modification, in a blood sample from the subject, the presence or increase of the lubricin having the joint tissue posttranslational modification indicating arthritis or other joint degrading disease in the subject. The invention further provides a kit or protocol for detecting arthritis or other joint degrading disease by detecting lubricin, the lubricin comprising a joint tissue posttranslational modification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for evaluating and/or predicting the outcome of a clinical condition, such as cancer, metastasis, AIDS, autism, Alzheimer's, and/or Parkinson's disorder. The methods can also be used to monitor and track changes in a patient's DNA and/or RNA during and following a clinical treatment regime. The methods may also be used to evaluate protein and/or metabolite levels that correlate with such clinical conditions. The methods are also of use to ascertain the probability outcome for a patient's particular prognosis.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, the preS antigen on infectious hepatitis B virus (HBV) particles can provide B and T ceil epitopes that promote the humoral and cellular responses and enhance the seroprotection rate by overcoming non-responsiveness to the S antigen-only vaccines. Therefore, compositions and methods are disclosed using the preS antigen to develop vaccines and immune therapies for treating or preventing hepatitis B infection, in particular, virus-like particles (VLPs) are disclosed that contain the preS antigen on its surface. These VLPs can be used alone or in combination with vaccines containing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to vaccinate subjects against HBV as well as to activate T ceils for adoptive T cell therapy to eradicate HBV infected hapatocytes.

Abstract: A fluidic centripetal apparatus for testing components of a biological material in a fluid is presented. The fluidic centripetal device is adapted to be received within a rotatable holder. The apparatus comprises a fluidic component layer having fluidic features on at least a front face and a bottom component layer bonded to a rear of the fluidic component layer thereby creating a fluidic network through which the fluid flows under centripetal force. In one embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a bottom-Tillable chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, the chamber inlet being provided at an outer side of the bottom-fillable chamber.

Abstract: A system for providing colorimetric and ratiometric comparison and quantification for medical test results, comprising a testing device including an alignment target and including a plurality of immunoassay test strips, the plurality of immunoassay test strips each including a test line and a control line, and a colorimetry device configured to operate with a mobile device, the mobile device including a camera and a software application stored thereon, wherein the software application provides executable instructions to detect color properties of a color of the test line and a color of a control line of at least one of the plurality of immunoassay test strips, determine a risk value for each of at least one disease risks tested using the biologic sample, wherein the risk value is a rating determined from the color properties of the color of the test line, and provide medical test results based on the risk value.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ion generation using modified wetted porous materials. In certain aspects, the invention generally relates to systems and methods for ion generation using a wetted porous substrate that substantially prevents diffusion of sample into the substrate. In other aspects, the invention generally relate to ion generation using a wetted porous material and a drying agent. In other aspects, the invention generally relates to ion generation using a modified wetted porous substrate in which at least a portion of the porous substrate includes a material that modifies an interaction between a sample and the substrate.

Abstract: Isolated mutant dengue virus E protein variants are disclosed. The variant comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and has one or more amino acid residue substitutions at position corresponding to Asn8 (N8), Arg9 (R9), Val12 (V 12) and/or Glu13 (E13). The variant may comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to the SEQ ID NO: 1 and lack an infection-enhancing antibody-binding motif comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 at domain I. An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding the variant, a plasmid expressing the variant, a plasmid expressing a virus-like particle comprising the variant, a DNA vaccine, and a method of detecting the presence of a dengue virus in a biological sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions that are useful for enriching a particular population of nucleic acids (a “population of interest”) within a complex mixture of nucleic acids. The population of interest may make up a minor portion of a complex mixture of nucleic acids. The methods and compositions provided herein are useful for detecting, predicting, diagnosing, or monitoring a disease or disorder, particularly a disease or disorder caused by a foreign microbe or pathogen.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of scarless genomic engineering in microorganisms, such as Bacillus, and provides for new molecular tools and methods which enable scarless genetic editing using at least one counterselectable marker that has been codon optimized for the microorganism. The disclosure allows for the high-throughput introduction of stable genetic edits to a genome using either plasmid or linear DNA constructs for genetic engineering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of at least one biological agent, comprising a support on which a barcode is disposed, at least one area of which is functionalised by at least one aptamer capable of selectively immobilising said biological agent, said aptamer per se being directly or indirectly bonded to a pigment molecule capable either of producing colour, or of changing colour following the immobilisation of the biological agent by said aptamer.

Abstract: Assay devices, systems, methods, and kits useful for detection of analytes in a bodily fluid sample, such as saliva, are disclosed herein. Assay devices may include a fluid sample collector and an assessment unit to which the fluid sample collector couples. The fluid sample collector may include a cap with a plunger and absorbent member that collects a bodily fluid sample. Insertion of the plunger into the assessment unit during coupling provides pressure-driven fluid flow through a filter rapidly delivering bodily fluid filtrate to one or more test panels which provide the assay result. In embodiments, an on-board light source enables a user to readily detect changes in a test panel indicative of the presence of an analyte thus providing an opportunity for obtaining rapid results with improved confidence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controls for NGS methods. The present application discloses plasmids, kits, their uses and methods involving the controls according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method of marking a hydrated tissue specimen for mechanical testing is provided. The method includes adding a metal nanoparticle precursor solution to a reducing agent solution to form a mixture; incubating the mixture to form a plurality of aggregated metal nanoparticles, where each of the aggregated metal nanoparticles includes a plurality of individual metal nanoparticles; separating the plurality of aggregated metal nanoparticles from a supernatant by means of centrifugation or gravitational settling; resuspending the plurality of aggregated metal nanoparticles in a buffer solution to form a colloidal metal nanoparticle suspension; and soaking the hydrated tissue specimen in the colloidal metal nanoparticle suspension, where at least a portion of the plurality of aggregated metal nanoparticles adhere to the hydrated tissue specimen in a random pattern of speckles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting the presence or absence of an analyte in samples, comprising: a collection chamber for receiving liquid sample, comprising an opening; a testing element for testing the analyte in liquid sample; and a cover body for covering the opening of the collection chamber; wherein the apparatus further comprises a prompting device for prompting if the cover body is covered to a specified location, the prompting device gives prompt by making a sound, wherein the prompting device comprises a non-elastic element and an elastic element, the non-elastic element is located on the collection chamber, the elastic element is located on the cover body, the elastic element is a part of the cover body. It is easy to perform detection using this apparatus, with low processing cost.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a test element for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, a test element for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, a method for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, a system for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid and a method for manufacturing a test element for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing a multiplexed diagnostic assay, such as for two or more different targets in a sample, is described. One embodiment comprised contacting the sample with two or more specific binding moieties that bind specifically to two or more different targets. The two or more specific binding moieties are conjugated to different haptens, and at least one of the haptens is an oxazole, a pyrazole, a thiazole, a nitroaryl compound other than dinitrophenyl, a benzofurazan, a triterpene, a urea, athiourea, a rotenoid, a coumarin, a cyclolignan, a heterobiaryl, an azo aryl, or a benzodiazepine. The sample is contacted with two or more different anti-hapten antibodies that can be detected separately. The two or more different anti-hapten antibodies may be conjugated to different detectable labels.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: a culture medium that enables the growth and/or detection of microorganisms, said sample and a sensitized solid support; b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth and/or detection of microorganisms; and c) observing, in real time, the appearance of an agglutination indicating the presence of the microorganism(s) or confirming said presence when said microorganisms are detected in said culture medium, when step b) has been completed, and a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits for enriching for one or more nucleic acid sequences of interest in a sample. The methods include providing a circular ligase, one or more 5? hook probes and/or one or more 3? hook probes and contacting the sample comprising the nucleic acids with the circular ligase and one or more 5? hook probes and/or one or more 3? hook probes under conditions to allow the hook probes to selectively bind to the one or more nucleic acid sequences of interest, and under conditions to form one or more hook products, each hook product comprising the hook probes and the one or more nucleic acid sequences of interest.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying anti-neutrophil-cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in a sample of bodily fluid from a patient suspected of suffering from an autoimmune disease, including the steps of contacting human polymorphonuclear neutrophils able to release extracellular traps (NETs) with microspheres to produce NET-coated microspheres, contacting the NET-coated microspheres with the sample of bodily fluid, and labeling and subsequent analyzing of anti-neutrophil-cytoplasmic antibodies by flow cytometric methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring dynamic hydraulic conductivity and permeability associated with a cell layer are disclosed. Some systems include a microfluidic device, one or more working-fluid reservoirs, and one or more fluid-resistance element. The microfluidic device includes a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a barrier therebetween. The barrier includes a cell layer adhered thereto. The working fluids are delivered to the microfluidic device. The fluid-resistance elements are coupled to one or more of the fluid paths and provide fluidic resistance to cause a pressure drop across the fluid-resistance elements. Mass transfer occurs between the first microchannel and the second microchannel, which is indicative of the hydraulic conductivity and/or dynamic permeability associated with the cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a number of targeted nucleic acid FISSEQ library construction methods. Targeted FISSEQ can exhibit several benefits, such as enhanced sensitivity and/or shorter assay time in the detection, identification, quantification, and/or determining the nucleotide sequence of the target species, relative to “random” or “whole-omic” detection via FISSEQ.

Abstract: A method of preparing a catalyst for a fuel cell includes no carbon support. The method of preparing a catalyst for a fuel cell includes preparing a first metal nanoparticle having a polyhedral shape, growing a second metal along the edge of the first metal nanoparticle, and removing the first metal nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies against FZD10. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for diagnosing FZD10-related diseases using such an antibody, methods for detecting a FZD10 protein, methods for determining drug efficacy after treatment with FZD10 inhibitors, and methods of screening for subjects in whom treatment with FZD10 inhibitors is highly effective, and provides diagnostic reagents containing such an antibody.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for pharmacology model optimization based on distributed data acquisition. A computer system stores a first pharmacology model associated with a drug dosage model for a particular medication. The computer system receives patient data including pharmacological data and data values for a drug identifier and a pharmacology model identifier. The pharmacological data being associated to drug dosing for the particular medication. The computer system aggregates the received data into a first data set based on the drug identifier value. The computer system optimizes the first pharmacology model using the first data set, thereby generating a second pharmacology model. The computer system provides access to the optimized second pharmacology model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly sensitive and specific methods for detection of nucleic acids, which for example are useful for detection of rare mutations, or for detection of low-abundance variants in nucleic acids sequences. The methods involve an asymmetric incremental polymerase reaction (AIPR) followed by an exponential polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: A particle measuring method, a sample processing method, and a particle imaging apparatus capable of efficiently acquiring information effective in pathological diagnosis or the like are provided. The particle measuring method comprises a step (S13) of labeling and amplifying, within a particle, a target nucleic acid in the particle, a step (S14) of labeling a surface target polypeptide on the surface of the particle and/or target nucleic acid different from the first target nucleic acid, and a step (S2) of measuring the labeled target nucleic acid and the labeled target polypeptide and/or other labeled target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, methods and kits for performing immunoassay tests to detect for at least progesterone or analytes of progesterone on a sample in association with diagnosing problems and issues associated with corpus luteum functionality. The immunoassay devices and methods may be used in conjunction with diagnostic reader systems and/or a base unit for obtaining a sensitive read-out of the immunoassay results. The immunoassay devices and methods may utilize a competitive binding-like assay and a sandwich binding assay to detect at least progesterone or analytes of progesterone in a sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to vaccination compositions, for example, against human papillomavirus, Zika virus, and flu virus. The disclosure also relates to vectors for producing the virus-like particles and immune complex platforms of the vaccination compositions.

Abstract: A grille lighting system includes a light emitting lamp that includes one or more walls defining an inner space isolated from outside, a light emitting material disposed in the inner space and configured to emit light when the light emitting material contacts air, and a shutter disposed on the one or more walls, wherein the shutter is configured to be opened to allow introduction of outside air to the inner space from outside and further configured to be closed to block introduction of outside air to the inner space. The system further includes a controller configured to control operation of the shutter and cause the shutter to be opened and closed such that when the shutter is opened, the outside air is introduced to contact the light emitting material, which causes the light emitting material to emit light.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides testers for detecting a bacterial infection and methods of production and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to mass spectral analysis. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve analyzing a tissue sample using a mass spectrometry technique, in which the technique utilizes a liquid phase that does not destroy native tissue morphology during analysis. Due to the use of a liquid phase that does not destroy native tissue morphology during analysis, a subsequent staining technique can be performed on the tissue sample and an overlaid image can be produced of a mass spectral image and a staining image.

Abstract: A method for producing RNA is provided. Objective RNA is produced by culturing a coryneform bacterium having an expression unit for the objective RNA, which has been modified so that the activity of ribonuclease III is reduced, in a medium, to express the objective RNA and accumulate the objective RNA in cells of the bacterium, and collecting the objective RNA from the cells.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to wireless detection of analytes (such as bacteria) labeled by electrically, dielectrically, or magnetically active nanoparticles, for example in quality control monitoring for food supply chain management. The disclosed apparatus includes a detection vessel or vial, a resonant sensor tag, an inductively coupled reader to induce and detect resonance in the sensor tag, and an active nanoparticle for labeling. The disclosed wireless detection apparatus and methods use active nanoparticles for the development of wireless sensor systems which can be designed to be compatible with the existing RFID technology infrastructure. For example, commercial RFID readers (e.g., hand-held) used for tracking and tracing operation can be used with the disclosed apparatus to induce and measure a corresponding resonance frequency.

Abstract: Method, composition, kit and system for isolating amplifiable nucleic acid from specimens preserved in a liquid-based cytology preservative that contains formaldehyde. The technique relies on the use of 2-imidazolidone and a protease enzyme, such as proteinase K, at elevated temperatures. Advantageously, RNA can be isolated and used as a template in nucleic acid amplification reactions.