Abstract: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for over 50% of acute viral hepatitis cases worldwide. The inventors have now identified the precise sequence of infectious particle-associated ORF2 capsid protein. Strikingly, their analyses revealed that in infected patients, HEV produces three forms of the ORF2 capsid protein: ORF2i, ORF2g and ORF2c. The ORF2i protein is associated with infectious particles whereas ORF2g and ORF2c proteins are massively produced glycoproteins that are not associated with infectious particles and are the major antigens present in HEV-infected patient sera. Accordingly, the ORF2i and ORF2g proteins are thus the subject matter of the present invention as well as antibodies specific for the proteins and diagnostic assays (e.g. ELISA) for the diagnosis of Hepatitis E virus infection.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample are provided. The device can include an inclined capillary tube for transporting a sample fluid containing a sample and functionalized magnetic beads. The functionalized magnetic beads capture the target analyte from the sample fluid. A well is coupled with the inclined capillary tube for containing a developer solution and for receiving the sample fluid. In at least one embodiment a magnet is movably attached to the inclined capillary tube for attracting the magnetic beads of the sample fluid and moving the magnetic beads into the well. A calorimeter is disposed adjacent to the well for receiving heat output from a reaction caused by an enzyme reaction associated with the captured target analyte in the developer solution thereby allowing detection and quantification of the target analyte.

Abstract: Ultra-sensitive assays for the detection of mutations, e.g., from blood-based sources of tumor genetic material (circulating tumor cells or plasma), or other settings in which limiting amounts of DNA, e.g., tumor DNA, is available. The assay is exemplified in the estrogen receptor, but is broadly customizable to target mutations in other genes.

Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide is produced by adding graphene oxide and electrically active bacteria to a container. After a period of time reduced graphene oxide is produced by an interaction of the electrically active bacteria and the graphene oxide. The resulting composition of matter includes reduced graphene oxide and electrically active bacteria. The resulting composition of matter can be doped with a plurality of different elements.

Abstract: There is provided a non-PCR based method for construction of a DNA recombination fragment with necessary flanking regions homologous to a desired site of genetic manipulation within a target DNA required for recombination-based manipulation of said target DNA, comprising the steps of: A) identifying a desired site of insertion for a genetic element in said target DNA; B) locating an endogenous, native, half-site of a selected restriction endonuclease present upstream of the site within the DNA to be targeted for genetic manipulation and thereby defining the 5? extent of an upstream homology region; C) locating an endogenous, native, half-site of the same selected restriction endonuclease present downstream of the site within the DNA to be targeted for genetic manipulation and thereby defining the 3? extent of a downstream homology region; D) synthesising a flanking region cassette resulting in juxtapositioning of the upstream and downstream half-sites thereby causing formation of complete restriction site for

Abstract: A method is provided herein, wherein the method of capturing a target nucleic acid, comprises applying a nucleic acid capture probe to a capture zone of a needs definition, wherein the nucleic acid capture probe having a first molecular weight comprises at least a sequence that is complimentary to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid sequence and the nucleic acid capture probe is substantially immobilized at the capture zone of the substrate. The method further comprises applying a sample comprising the target nucleic acid having a second molecular weight to a sample application zone of the substrate; wherein the sample comprising the target nucleic acid flows across a length of the substrate from the sample application zone to the capture zone by lateral flow, and the target nucleic acid is captured by the nucleic acid capture probes by hybridization to the capture zone.

Abstract: A real time Taq-Man PCR assay for detecting multiple serotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) wherein the number of serotypes detected exceeds the number of colorimetric channels for detection. A biological sample is combined with three oligonucleotide primer/probe sets such that the probes and primers anneal to a target sequence. Each primer/probe set is at least preferential for a specific serotype of an organism. The first and second primer/probe sets are degenerate with respect to each other. The third primer/probe set is not degenerate with respect to the first and second primer/probe sets and discriminates for a third serotype. The third primer/probe set has a signal moiety that emits signal at a wavelength that is the same or different from the wavelength emitted by the signal moiety of the degenerate primer/probe set probes. The target sequences, if present, are amplified and detected.

Abstract: Methods for detecting HAV in a biological sample are provided, comprising amplifying a target nucleic acid comprising the sequence of HAV in a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture comprises a biological sample which may contain the target nucleic acid and set of oligonucleotides. The invention also provides kits for the detection of HAV.

Abstract: A system for expression-based discrimination of distinct clinical disease states in prostate cancer is provided that is based on the identification of sets of gene transcripts, which are characterized in that changes in expression of each gene transcript within a set of gene transcripts can be correlated with recurrent or non-recurrent prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Prognostic system provides for sets of “prostate cancer prognostic” target sequences and further provides for combinations of polynucleotide probes and primers derived there from. These combinations of polynucleotide probes can be provided in solution or as an array. The combination of probes and the arrays can be used for diagnosis. The invention further provides further methods of classifying prostate cancer tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auto biochemical analyzer and a sampling device and a sampling method thereof. The auto biochemical analyzer comprises a frame (100), a horizontal motion system, a vertical motion system, a sampling component and a transfer guide track (101), wherein the horizontal motion system comprises a first stepping motor (116); the vertical motion system comprises a second stepping motor (103); the first stepping motor (116) and the second stepping motor (103) are fixedly installed on the frame (100) respectively; the sampling component comprises a sampling needle holder block (114) and a sampling needle (111); and the stepping motors (116, 103) are both fixed to the frame. The analyzer is smart in motion, low in cost and compact in structure, and has the functions of open sampling and closed puncturing as well as conveying a sample to a specific position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of screening for a sortilin binding antagonist. In some embodiments, the methods include incubating an agent with a sortilin protein and a sortilin ligand, where the sortilin protein and sortilin ligand are each attached to a member of a fluorescence donor/acceptor pair, exciting the fluorescence donor of the fluorescence donor/acceptor pair, and detecting fluorescence emitted by the fluorescence donor at a second wavelength and fluorescence emitted by the fluorescence acceptor at a third wavelength. A decrease in the ratio of the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescence acceptor at the third wavelength to the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescence donor at the second wavelength, as compared to the ratio in the absence of the agent, indicates that the agent is a sortilin binding antagonist.

Abstract: Polymeric BODIPY dyes including light harvesting BODIPY unit-comprising multichromophores are provided. In some embodiments, the dyes are polymeric tandem dyes that include a light harvesting BODIPY unit-comprising multichromophore and an acceptor chromophore covalently linked to the multichromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith. The polymeric tandem dyes may be covalently linked to a specific binding member. Also provided are methods of evaluating a sample for the presence of a target analyte and methods of labelling a target molecule using compositions including the polymeric tandem dyes. Kits and systems for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based in part on the present inventors' appreciation that certain sequences within an HIV genome are more likely to successfully detect HIV across a breadth of HIV variants. The ability to detect and/or quantify the presence and/or load of HIV in a subject is important to, among other things, the diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals. The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery of oligonucleotide reagents that detectably amplify sequences from a greater breadth of HIV samples than certain prior reagents and/or that generate amplicons from HIV genomes from which certain prior reagents would not have generated amplicons. Oligonucleotide reagents as described herein provide unexpected benefits in the detection and/or quantification of the presence and/or load of HIV in a subject, and thereby in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV.

Abstract: A microarray including a plurality of detection areas and at least one mark is provided. The plurality of the detection areas are arranged in an array. The at least one mark is disposed among or beside the plurality of the detection areas. The at least one mark is configured for at least one of image focusing, positioning and splicing, wherein the at least one mark comprises a plurality of grid dots distributed in an area. The area comprises a plurality of zones arranged in an array, each of the plurality of the grid dots is disposed in one of the plurality of the zones, a number of the plurality of the grid dots is less than a number of the plurality of the zones, and the plurality of the grid dots form a two-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A method for therapy control of HPV16 positive carcinoma, an antibody for use in the corresponding diagnostic method as well as a test for performing the method. In particular, a serologic method for monitoring the development of the amount of antibodies in samples, which were taken from a patient before and after the treatment of a HPV16 positive carcinoma over a predetermined period of time. In addition, an immunologic test in the form of a kit, with which the method can be performed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dynamic multi-organ plates comprising two or more wells, wherein the wells are configured for cell or tissue culture growth; at least one transwell tube in fluid communication with the two or more wells; and a pump in fluid communication with the at least one transwell tube.

Abstract: The invention discloses a flexible, energy-self-sufficient UV dosimeter which optically indicates the absorbed dose on the basis of the intensity and duration of the irradiation via a color change. The invention contains one or more UV dosimeter modules. Exemplary UV dosimeter modules include at least one UV-sensitive photodiode (common electrode (11), hole conductor layer (21), UV absorber layer (22), cathode (23)) and an electrochromic element (common electrode (11), ion storage layer (12), electrolyte layer (13), electrochromic layer made of redox active material (14), transparent electrode (15)), between which an insulator (4) and a conductor track (5) are arranged. The electrochromic element accumulates the charge generated by the UV-sensitive photodiode and indicates this by means of a color change. The UV dosimeter can be produced as an integrated circuit using thin-film technology by successively applying and structuring organic or inorganic functional layers.

Abstract: A computerized system and method to allow a safe, secure and efficient real-time access to the patient's private health records (PHR) stored in the encrypted format in a remote Private Health Vault (PHV) database. The system uses patient's private encryption key for encrypting and decrypting PHR stored in the PHV, and the patient controls access to the PHR and authorizes by electronic communications with the PHV server to allow doctors to have limited in duration access to the patient PHR. The patient's private keys may be stored in a remote Key Bank database, separately form the PHV database, and the location of the patient's PHV data may also require transmission of the location id from a separate Mapping server. Additional security is also provided by determining digital proximity of the doctor's and patient's mobile devices to the node device in the doctor's office, and terminating access when patient leaves the facilities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for detection and discrimination of optical signals from a densely packed substrate. These have broad applications for biomolecule detection near or below the diffraction limit of optical systems, including in improving the efficiency and accuracy of polynucleotide sequencing applications.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is related to compositions, kits and methods comprising one or more oligomers targeting 16S rRNA target nucleic acid from Campylobacter species jejuni, coli and/or lari. Compositions include amplification oligomers, detection probe oligomers and/or target capture oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a nucleic acid detection method which takes advantage of the high specificity of hybridization techniques, reduces the time length and the number of steps required for detection of PCR products, and allows for easy and highly accurate detection by visual observation without the need of special equipment; and a nucleic acid detection device or kit. The invention provides a method for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample, which includes performing amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence to synthesize an amplification product having a partially double-stranded structure where a single-stranded region is added to each end of the target sequence, and hybridizing a nucleic acid sequence bound to a development medium and a nucleic acid sequence labeled with a labeling compound with the single-stranded regions of the amplification product to form a sandwich hybridization complex; and a detection device thereof.

Abstract: An object management device manages an object based on a microscopic pattern on the surface of the object included in an image of the surface of the object. The object management device has a position correction unit. The position correction unit aligns the image based on the microscopic pattern appearing in common on a plurality of objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides the following: a method for efficiently producing a reagent for detecting an antibody that specifically binds with an insoluble antigen protein present in a liquid sample; a reagent for antibody detection produced by the production method; and a use of the antibody. In a step for solubilizing an antigen protein, it is possible to efficiently solubilize and recover the antigen protein by using a cationizing agent; therefore, when compared to conventional methods, it is possible to efficiently produce a reagent for detecting an antibody that has bound to multiple antigen protein molecules in a carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for achieving sequence-specific organism detection and/or phenotype(s) using sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Also disclosed are related kits, cultures, and cells for detecting and/or phenotyping microorganisms in a sequence-specific manner.

Abstract: Assays used in conjunction with a thermal contrast reader are disclosed. In the assay, the test strip includes materials that can develop a thermal response if a target analyte is present in a sample. Linear flow assays include nanoparticles with high affinity binding to the analyte. Binding of the nanoparticles with an analyte in the sample is detected using thermal contrast. Analytes over a broad range of concentrations are detected in the linear flow assays. Methods of detecting target analytes and kits comprising lateral flow assays and thermal contrast reader are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double-stranded RNAi agents, targeting the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, and methods of using such RNAi agents to inhibit expression of AGT and methods of treating subjects having an AGT-associated disorder, e.g., hypertension.

Abstract: A gelatin or a chemically modified product thereof contains 10 to 50% by mass of a high-molecular weight component, and a low-molecular weight component in such an amount that a value obtained by subtracting a low-molecular weight component content from a high-molecular weight component content is greater than or equal to 0% by mass.

Abstract: Systems, devices, media, methods, and kits are disclosed to integrate and exchange information of analyte analysis kits. Analyte analysis can be performed and presented using in association with advertising or questions.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and kits for generating recombinant bacteriophage genomes.

Abstract: Volume susceptibilities (?s) of dispersoid particles (s) dispersed in a dispersion medium (m) are first obtained by magnetophoresis. Affinity of the dispersoid particles (s) for the dispersion medium (m) is then analyzed using the volume susceptibilities (?s) of the respective dispersoid particles (s) and a volume susceptibility (?m) of the dispersion medium (m).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits, and method for determining the levels of expression of human polyoma or papillomavirus species and RNA transcripts. These levels can be used for the prognosis of risk of developing virally-induced cancers. The ratio (R) between early and late transcripts is indicative of HPV infections associated with higher risk of developing genital neoplasia and cancer.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices test markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections, to differentiate between colonization and active infection, and to better diagnose microbiologically unconfirmed patients. In other embodiments, detecting a presence of MxA in combination with either the bacterial biomarker C-reactive protein or the bacterial biomarker procalcitonin increases the specificity of the bacterial biomarker with a concurrent improvement in sensitivity.

Abstract: A method and system of ablating melanin are provided. Stepwise multi-photon fluorescence is induced in melanin within a region of tissue. The fluorescence is detected, and at least a portion of the melanin from which the fluorescence is detected is ablated. The system and method can use a continuous wave laser in the near infrared range for the inducement and ablation of melanin, providing high resolution at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides for stable nucleotide reagents used for nucleic acid amplification by PCR and RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase-PCR) that comprises modified nucleoside polyphosphates. The present invention also provides for methods for using the modified nucleoside polyphosphates for detecting the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample in an amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses functionalized nanomembranes, a method for preparation and their use. The functionalized nanomembrane comprises a) a first layer comprising a nanomaterial, b) a second layer comprising a biorepulsive material, the second layer being attached to at least one side of the first layer, and c) affinity groups, attached to the second layer.

Abstract: Presented herein are cyclic peptides that specifically bind to a cell surface molecule, thereby allowing cell/tissue-specific targeting. The cyclic peptides can be attached to an agent, for example, a polypeptide such as an antibody, e.g., a cell-penetrating antibody. Cyclic peptide-containing cell/tissue-specific cell-penetrating antibodies described herein are capable of targeted delivery in a cell type-specific or tissue-specific (i.e., cell/tissue-specific) manner. The cell/tissue-specific cell-penetrating antibodies described herein can be used as an effective anticancer agent for cancer that overexpresses a cell membrane protein that specifically binds to the fused cyclic peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining at least one sequence of interest of a fetus of a pregnant mother. In various embodiments, the method can determine one or more sequences of interest in a test sample that comprises a mixture of fetal cellular DNA and mother-and-fetus cfDNA. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining whether the fetus has a genetic disease. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining whether the fetus is homozygous in a disease causing allele when the mother is heterozygous of the same allele. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining whether the fetus has a copy number variation (CNV) or a non-CNV genetic sequence anomaly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for the detection of multiple analytes using a single solid phase. The present disclosure also relates to the preparation of solid phases that include receptacles having affixed thereto antibodies directed to at least two different analytes. The methods of the present disclosure can be used, for example, for the quantitative detection of analytes in a sample and the measurement thereof.

Abstract: An image analyzing method is provided and includes: extracting a first feature vector according to global information of a digital image; dividing the digital image into multiple regions, and inputting each region into a convolutional neural network to obtain a second feature vector; merging the first feature vector with the second feature vectors to obtain a third feature vector; and performing an image analyzing process according to the third feature vector.

Abstract: In determining the size of particles in a flowing sample, initially scattered light is detected on a detector, in the form of images, standardization of the measured images takes place and determination of an offset and of an angle of rotation at least of a partial region of two temporally successive images relative to each other is effected. Two images congruent are subdivided into many partial areas with respectively a specific number of pixels and averaging of the brightness values of each individual partial area is implemented. Subsequently, the average brightness value of a partial area of the first image is correlated with the average brightness value of the partial area made congruent with this partial area in the second image (cross-correlation between the images). For each pair of congruent partial areas of the images, a correlation value is thereby produced.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods of identifying neuroblastoma differentiation-inducing compounds or agent and their use in treating neuroblastoma.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for magnetic particle conjugates, methods of making the magnetic particle conjugates, methods of using magnetic particle conjugates, micelles (also referred to as a “magnetic composite nanocarrier” (MC-NC)), methods of making micelles, methods of using micelles, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for selectively amplifying a target DNA sequence from a nucleic acid sample, which method comprises running a PCR amplification of a nucleic acid sample suspected of comprising at least one target DNA sequence that differs from a reference DNA sequence at at least one predetermined target mutation site; wherein said method employs a blocking oligonucleotide complementary to a portion of the reference DNA sequence comprising the target mutation site, with the exception of a least one mismatch outside the target mutation site.

Abstract: An immunoassay test apparatus, including: a label signal sensor that detects label signals emitted by at least one label conjugated to an antibody or antigen of an immunoassay test device such as a lateral flow test strip or microfluidic cartridge, and outputs sensor data representing the detected label signals; a label imaging component that processes the sensor data to generate label data representing spatial locations of the detected label signals; a test result image generator that processes the label data to generate test result image data representing a visual image of the spatial arrangement of the detected label signals; and a display component that displays the test result image to a user of the immunoassay test apparatus to enable the user to evaluate the result of the immunoassay test.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic chip and its modification method and application in detection of food bacteria quality, includes the following steps: changing a functional group —CH3 on the internal surface of micro-fluidic channel of micro-fluidic chip to a functional group —OH through modification; Supplying amino silane reagent to the micro-fluidic channel; supplying dendritic polymer as modified by —COOH to internal surface of the micro-fluidic channel after drying; grafting primer of aminated aptamer RCA on terminus 5? and hybrid from its padlock probe on dendrimer on internal surface of the micro-fluidic channel; wherein, the padlock probe is the complementary sequence of the aptamer of the target pathogenic bacteria to be tested; after that, supplying RCA reaction reagent to the micro-fluidic channel to make aptamer RCA generate long-chain aptamer in series. The present invention adopts two RCA reactions of varied functions in combination, and uses dendritic polymer to modify internal surface of the chip.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of biological agents are generally described. Target biological agents may be detected by use of a sensor, which in some situations is a nanowire. An external electric field is applied in some embodiments to induce an electric dipole. The induced electric dipole is detected, allowing detection of the biological agent.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for detecting viral nucleic acids. Targets that can be detected in accordance with the invention include HBV and/or HIV-1 and/or HCV nucleic acids. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as hybridization probes and amplification primers that facilitate detection of very low levels of HBV nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed are agents (e.g., peptides, polypeptides, proteins, small molecules, antibodies, and antibody fragments that target senescent cells) and methods of their use for imaging senescent cells in vivo and for treating or preventing cancer, age-related disease, tobacco-related disease, or other diseases and disorders related to or caused by cellular senescence in a mammal. The methods include administering one or more of the agents of the invention to a mammal, e.g., a human. The agents, which specifically bind to senescent cells, can be labeled with a radioactive label or a therapeutic label, e.g., a cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: Several microfluidic chips are used to significantly accelerate the time to identify and quantify microbes in a biological sample and test them for antibiotic resistance, particularly for urinary tract infections. A first microfluidic chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify and quantify any microbes present. The same or a similar chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify microbes with DNA or RNA known to indicate antibiotic resistance. Another microfluidic chip tests for antibiotic susceptibility of any microbes by growing them in very small wells in the presence of antibiotics, reducing the time required for such testing by as much as 95%. Another microfluidic chip runs traditional urinalysis or similar tests.