Abstract: The present application provides simple, specific and sensitive methods for detecting a target nucleic acid in a biological sample, detecting a pathogen in a biological sample, and diagnosing a disease in an individual, utilizing a combination of nucleic acid hybridization-based capture and ligation-enabled PCR. The methods are particularly useful for detecting low level nucleic acids and pathogens and for automation and processing of multiple biological samples.

Abstract: A method of constructing a circular template includes preparing a partially double stranded linear DNA molecule, and incubating the partially double stranded linear DNA molecule with a ligase capable of intra-molecular ligation of single stranded DNA molecules to generate a partially double stranded circular DNA molecule. A method of detecting DNA molecules includes the following steps. Target DNA molecules are isolated with probes to form partially double stranded linear DNA molecules. The partially double stranded linear DNA molecules are incubated with ligases capable of intra-molecular ligation of single stranded DNA molecules to generate partially double stranded circular DNA molecules. A circular sequencing of the partially double stranded circular DNA molecules is conducted by using the probes as primers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying components present in a preparation of virus particles, comprising: a) analyzing the preparation of virus particles with single molecule mass spectrometry to obtain a mass histogram; and b) interpreting the mass histogram of (a) to identify different components present in the preparation.

Abstract: Viral infection has been suspected in the development of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Using a custom viral microarray, hepatitis delta virus (HDV) genomes and antigens were detected in minor salivary glands of patients with pSS. Expression of HDV antigens in healthy mice led to a Sjögren's syndrome-like pathogenesis characterized by a reduction in salivary flow, increase in lymphocytic foci, and the development of an autoantibody profile similar to HDV-positive patients. Also described herein is the detection of HDV in patients diagnosed with lymphoma. Expression of HDV antigen in healthy mice resulted in the development of tertiary lymphoid structures characteristic of the early stages of lymphoma. A sensitive, nested qPCR assay to detect HDV transcript and/or HDV genome in patient samples is also described.

Abstract: A method of separating an analyte from a biological sample is described. The method comprises providing particles capable of binding said analyte when present in a solution in a container, said container comprising walls, wherein at least a part of said walls is flexible. The particles are suspended in the solution by exerting a force on the flexible part of the walls of the container more than one time. An aliquot of the suspended particles is then removed from the container. The removed aliquot is dispensed into a sample, and the sample is incubated under conditions suitable to immobilize said analyte on the particles. The particles with the bound analyte are then separated from other material and at least part of the biological sample is removed.

Abstract: A method for cardiovascular-dynamics correlated imaging includes receiving a time series of images of at least a portion of a patient, receiving a time series of cardiovascular data for the patient, evaluating correlation between the time series of images and the time series of cardiovascular data, and determining a property of the at least a portion of a patient, based upon the correlation. A system for cardiovascular-dynamics correlated imaging includes a processing device having: a processor, a memory communicatively coupled therewith, and a correlation module including machine-readable instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, perform the function of correlating a time series of images of at least a portion of a patient with a time series of cardiovascular data of the patient to determine a property of the at least a portion of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and techniques to increase the reliability of detecting virus infections, particularly lymphotropism, to eliminate false negative reactions in testing blood for the presence of lymphotropic viruses during enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and to better detect viruses with lymphotropism in biological materials having a concentration of virus particles lower than the sensitivity threshold of existing EIA and PCR methods, thereby making the techniques of the present invention more reliable.

Abstract: A method of analysing a sample including a microorganism of interest. The method includes exposing the sample to an antimicrobial; after exposing the sample to the antimicrobial, applying an absorption-based and/or scattering-based spectroscopic technique to the sample to obtain spectrum data whose spectral profile has been influenced by exposing the sample to the antimicrobial, wherein applying the absorption-based and/or scattering-based spectroscopic technique to the sample includes irradiating the sample with UV-Vis radiation; obtaining information regarding the susceptibility/resistance of the microorganism of interest to the antimicrobial from the spectrum data. The absorption-based and/or scattering-based spectroscopic technique may be applied to the sample no more than 60 minutes after the initial exposure of the sample to the antimicrobial.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to gp120 and neutralize HIV-1 are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, vectors and host cells are also provided. Methods for detecting HIV-1 using these antibodies are disclosed. In addition, the use of these antibodies, antigen binding fragment, nucleic acids and vectors to prevent and/or treat an HIV-1 infection is disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a nucleic acid primer set that amplifies a ZEBOV gene. An F1 sequence includes at least 13 consecutive bases included in SEQ ID NO: 31 or 64. An F2 sequence includes at least 13 bases included in SEQ ID NO: 62 or 63. An F3 sequence includes at least 13 bases included in SEQ ID NO: 29, 36, 38, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 or 61. A B1c sequence includes at least 13 bases included in SEQ ID NO: 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75. A B2c sequence includes at least 13 bases included in SEQ ID NO: 65 or 66. A B3c sequence includes at least 13 bases included in SEQ ID NO: 34, 67, 82 or 83.

Abstract: A method of monitoring user interactions with a networked device includes receiving log data of a control signal of a networked device, the networked device associated with a user. An interaction monitoring system may analyze the log data of the control signal to determine a temporal feature of the control signal. A processing device may then classify a user interaction level for the user based on the determined temporal features and generate a feedback response to the user based on the user interaction level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic devices as well as methods of using these devices for detecting proteins of interest associated with diseases or disorders in mammals. In particular, the proteins of interest may be misfolded proteins associated with certain misfolded-protein disorders in mammals including those mammals suspected of or at risk of having such disorders.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for determining how to stimulate, monitor and/or inhibit virus production in whole blood culture. The invention relates to a test kit for performing the method and to the use of a suitable blood sampling system. The system can be used to determine how to activate or target latently HIV-infected cells, for clinical management of HIV treatments and for personalized therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides peptides that modulate an immune response in an individual. The present disclosure provides peptides that modulate cellular responses in vitro. The present disclosure provides compositions comprising the peptides. The peptides and compositions are useful in methods of modulating an immune response in an individual, which methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated device for accessing the viability of a wide range of organisms based on the metabolic production of fluorescent products from non-fluorescent substrates. Also provide are methods for detecting contaminants in a fluid and measuring the viability of organisms in a fluid or liquid. Components of the invention include the incorporation of a reusable filter to concentrate the organisms, the back flush of the filter to collect the organisms for assay, and the addition of the substrate in a fluorescent detection chamber to detect the enzymatic activity produced by viable organisms to detect the presence of such organisms.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for performing biological assays by using indicators that modify one or more optical properties of the assayed biological samples. The subject methods include generating a reaction product by carrying out a biochemical reaction on the biological sample introduced into a device and reacting the reaction product with an indicator capable of generating a detectable change in an optical property of the biological sample to indicate the presence, absence, or amount of analyte suspected to be present in the sample.

Abstract: A nucleic acid isothermal amplification method is based on a polymerase spiral reaction using only one pair of primers. The method employs a self-spiraling amplification method, and has a high amplification efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present novel systems, devices and methods for an automated biological sample analysis using mass-spectrometry. The time from sample introduction to the reporting of data, in some embodiments, takes a relatively short amount of time (e.g., several minutes). In some embodiments, a biological sample to be analyzed is a blood sample. For many applications, only a single drop of blood may be sufficient. Through the use of a mixture of standards with unique molecular mass, a quantitative analysis of the target analyte can be performed in a single MS run (for example), eliminating the need to create and analyze standard curves. One advantage of such embodiments may be that the system, devices, and methods can eliminate the need for batch creation since the requirement to amortize the time and effort of creating and analyzing standard curves can be eliminated.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer capsule loaded with transition metal particles having excellent water dispersibility and stability, and a method for preparing the same. Specifically, the polymer capsule loaded with transition metal particles according to the present invention includes a surface-modified polymer capsule surface-modified to thereby have a positive zeta potential in a dispersed state in water; and transition metal particles loaded on a surface of the surface-modified polymer capsule. In addition, a method for preparing a polymer capsule loaded with transition metal particles according to the present invention includes a) preparing a polymer capsule; b) surface-modifying the polymer capsule to prepare a polymer capsule having a positive zeta potential in a dispersed state in water; and c) sequentially adding a water-soluble transition metal precursor and a reducing agent to a water dispersion of the surface-modified polymer capsule obtained in step b).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosis and/or prognosis of lung cancer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining the level of a C4 activation fragment in a test sample, and (b) comparing the level of the test sample with the level of a C4 activation fragment detected in a control sample, wherein if the level of C4 activation fragment is higher than the level in a reference control, it is indicative that the subject suffers lung cancer or has a bad prognosis. The present invention further provides methods for determining the risk of suffering from lung cancer as well as for deciding whether to initiate a medical regimen and to determine the efficacy of said medical regimen, based on the determination of a C4 activation fragment. C4 activation fragment, used as marker, confers high sensitivity and specificity to the methods object of the invention.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a novel method for diagnosing, treating, or preventing a mood disorder. The method includes the step of measuring, by using a fusion protein, a level of the anti-fusion protein antibody in a biological sample.

Abstract: A sample analyzing method includes: denaturing DNA by heating a measurement specimen; bleaching the measurement specimen to inhibit autofluorescence from the measurement specimen; binding a fluorescent dye to a test substance in the measurement specimen; and capturing an image of fluorescence originated from the fluorescent dye by irradiating the measurement specimen with light. The DNA denaturation treatment is performed before the bleaching.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preparing a sample for immunological staining are provided. Compositions include kits comprising a first solution comprising a surfactant and a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. Methods comprise contacting a sample, such as cells or tissues, with a first solution comprising a surfactant and then contacting the sample with a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. The method does not require extreme heat for antigen retrieval and therefore, maintains the cellular morphology of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and oligonucleotides for detecting and analyzing the nucleotide sequence of a reverse transcriptase (RT) region of the polymerase (Pol) gene of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). In certain embodiments, a target RT region is amplified and subjected to DNA sequencing. The sequence obtained is compared to one or more DNA sequences characteristic of an HBV genotype or serotype, and/or one or more DNA sequences characteristic of an HBV mutation that confers resistance to a drug or vaccine, to determine the HBV genotype or serotype of the amplified product and/or the presence or absence of one or more DNA sequences characteristic of an HBV mutation that confers resistance to a drug or vaccine.

Abstract: Seroprotection analysis systems, kits, and techniques are described for testing oral fluid for the presence of protective levels of antibodies of interest. In one aspect, the presence of protective levels of target antibodies indicates a test subject has achieved a target seroprotection level, such as but not limited to a target seroprotection level following vaccination. A collection kit can include a swab that enables collection of oral fluid containing antibodies from both dentulous and edentulous individuals, a container that can be pre-filled with an extraction solution, and a nozzle that can be coupled to the container to form a fluid-tight device. A user can use the nozzle to seal the swab in the container and to compress the swab within the container.

Abstract: The present disclose provides methods and systems for amplifying and quantifying nucleic acids and for detecting the presence or absence of a target in a sample. The methods and systems provided herein may utilize a device comprising a plurality of partitions separated from an external environment by a gas-permeable barrier. Certain methods disclosed herein involve subjecting nucleic acid molecules in the plurality of partitions to conditions sufficient to conduct nucleic acid amplification reactions. The nucleic acid molecules may be subjected to controlled heating in the plurality of partitions to generate data indicative of a melting point(s) of the nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Method for the detection and classification of PRRSV-infections in swine herds, comprising a) the incubation of tissue samples taken from the animals with at least one antigen capable to bind a neutralizing antibody against the Type I-virus possibly present in the animal and with at least one antigen capable to bind a neutralizing antibody against the Type II-virus possibly present in the animal, b) testing whether a binding of antibodies against the Type I-virus and/or the Type II-virus has taken place and c) determining from the presence of possible epitope-antibody complexes whether an infection of the PRRSV I-Type and/or PRRSV II-Type is present in the herd and diagnostic compositions for such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of a target nucleic acid sequence by a PTOCE (PTO Cleavage and Extension) assay. The present invention detects a target nucleic acid sequence in which the PTO (Probing and Tagging Oligonucleotide) hybridized with the target nucleic acid sequence is cleaved to release a fragment and the fragment is hybridized with the CTO (Capturing and Templating Oligonucleotide) to form an extended duplex, followed by detecting the presence of the extended duplex. The extended duplex provides signals (generation, increase, extinguishment or decrease of signals) from labels indicating the presence of the extended duplex and has adjustable Tm value, which are well adoptable for detection of the presence of the target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method polyclonal stimulation of T cells, the method comprising contacting a population of T cells with a nanomatrix, the nanomatrix comprising a) a flexible matrix, wherein said matrix is of polymeric material; and b) attached to said polymeric flexible matrix one or more polyclonal stimulatory agents which provide activation signals to the T cells; thereby activating and inducing the T cells to proliferate; wherein the nanomatrix is 1 to 500 nm in size. At least one first and one second stimulatory agents are attached to the same or to separate flexible matrices. If the stimulatory agents are attached to separate beads, fine-tuning of nanomatrices for the stimulation of the T cells is possible.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an asymmetric PCR amplification method for preparation of single-stranded product and primers and kits useful therefor.

Abstract: Providing Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2)-activated genes products, e.g. SOD1 and CAT, in their use in the prognosis of an OPA1 gene- or OPA1 gene product-deficit-induced disease, or related complications, e.g. optic atrophy and optic neuropathy, in a biological sample selected from fibroblasts, epithelial cells, blood samples or a mixture thereof, of a patient affected or suspected to be affected by the disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for the direct detection of pathogen in a sample using unmodified metallic nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles. The method may employ colorimetric detection. The combination of unmodified metallic nanoparticles and colorimetric detection provides a method that is simple, rapid, and economical compared to prior art methods that require modified nanoparticles or expensive detection equipment. The method does not require labeling of the target pathogen and is capable of detecting a broad spectrum of pathogens.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing hepatitis virus infection or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers present on exosomes in a bodily fluid sample from the subject is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method for monitoring the course of a hepatitis virus infection or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject and a method for-monitoring effectiveness of treatment to a subject with an anti-hepatitis virus agent based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers present on exosomes in bodily fluid samples from the subject, as well as a kit for diagnosing hepatitis virus infection and/or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers on exosomes in bodily fluid samples from the subject.

Abstract: Processes that produce microorganisms that can be incorporated into microbial-based products that result in high viable cell yields and shelf-stable products. Among other things, these microbial-based products inhibit pathogenic growth. In one application, the microbial-based products take the form of a supplement. In another application, the microbial-based products take the form of a food additive. When used as a supplement or food additive for animals, and in particular for cattle, the following benefits are noted: (i) increased weight gain-to-feed intake ratio (feed efficiency), (ii) improved average daily weight gain, (iii) improved milk yield, and (vi) improved milk composition by dairy cows. Both Lactobacillus strains MB101 having ATCC Accession Number PTA-121710 and MB102 having ATCC Accession Number PTA-121711 are particularly affective at producing these results, and the effects of which can be enhanced by Propionibacterium.

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 (V12) 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: A probe qPCR master mix is provided. In some embodiments, the master mix comprises nucleotides, an enzyme comprising a polymerase activity and a flap endonuclease activity, a chelating agent at a concentration greater than 5 ?M, and a divalent cation. The relatively high concentration of chelating agent stabilizes the flap endonuclease activity during storage. As such, the polymerase and flap endonuclease activities may be substantially the same before and after storing the master mix for 7 days at 37° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-influenza detection kit comprising monoclonal antibodies and a method of detecting multiple influenza viruses using the kit. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-influenza detection kit comprising monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to influenza type A, type B, subtype H1, subtype H3 and subtype H5, and to a method of detecting influenza viruses using the kit. The multi-influenza detection kit comprising monoclonal antibodies according to the present invention can simultaneously detect influenza types A and B and subtypes H1, H3 and H5, and thus is useful for the rapid and highly sensitive on-site detection and diagnosis of influenza.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of a Reprogramming factor, in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of a Reprogramming factor. The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Reprogramming factors.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a p-type semiconductor layer in which a surface at a contacting side with detection target gas is covered with tertiary amine and two electrodes electrically coupled with each other through the p-type semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A buoyancy enabled separation method for isolation from a sample including a variety of different cells a sparse subset of cells that is differentiated by a plurality of different cell surface markers. Microbubbles conjugated to antibodies are applied sequentially in a container with the previously used microbubbles disrupted prior to applying the next microbubbles conjugated to a different antibody. A system that includes a syringe-like container with a plunger and closeable opening. Further, a method for activating and expanding isolated T cells by applying antigen presenting microbubbbles having a flexible lipid shell mimicking an antigen presenting cell for generating immunological synapses.

Abstract: There is described a process for improving precision in an analytical test for a target analyte in a sample. The process includes prior to analyzing the sample for a target analyte via a biosensor, introducing to an analytical zone defined by the biosensor a fluid comprising an effective amount of the target analyte.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for performing image processing in connection with phenotypic analysis. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive electronic numerical information corresponding to pixels reflective of at least one external soft tissue image of an individual and access geographically dispersed genetic information stored in a database. The geographically dispersed genetic information may include numerical data that correlates anomalies in pixels in soft tissue images of a plurality of geographically dispersed individuals to specific genes or to specific genetic variants.

Abstract: A cardiac troponin I ultra-sensitive detection reagent kit, a preparation method, and a detection method. The reagent kit comprises at least one first anti-cardiac troponin I antibody marked with a trace marker and at least one second anti-cardiac troponin I antibody coated on magnetic microspheres, the first anti-cardiac troponin I antibody and cardiac troponin I binding site being different from the second anti-cardiac troponin I antibody and cardiac troponin I binding site. The reagent kit may further comprise a diluent capable of significantly reducing non-specific binding in a detection process, so as to further increase the detection accuracy and sensitivity. The method using the reagent kit to detect cardiac troponin I sensitively and accurately detects the amount of cardiac troponin I in a sample, and provides more timely and reliable information for the early diagnosis and treatment of AMI.

Abstract: The invention concerns soluble and antigenic HTLV p24 variants that can be fused to chaperones and their use in diagnostic applications such as immunoassays for detecting antibodies against HTLV-I or HTLV-II in an isolated biological sample. In particular, the invention relates to a soluble HTLV-I or HTLV-II p24 antigen comprising either the N- or the C-terminal domain of p24 and lacking the other domain. Moreover, the invention covers recombinant DNA molecules encoding these HTLV-I and -II fusion antigens as well as their recombinant production using expression vectors and host cells transformed with such expression vectors. In addition, the invention focuses on compositions of these HTLV p24 antigens with HTLV gp21 antigen and on an immunoassay method for detection of HTLV antibodies using the antigens of the invention. Also the use of HTLV p24 antigens in an in vitro diagnostic assay as well as a reagent kit for detection of anti-HTLV-antibodies comprising said HTLV antigens is encompassed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for analyzing a glucose state. A method may include identifying a target glucose state and an initial glucose state. The method may include calculating a target return path for a transition from the initial glucose state to the target glucose state. The target return path may comprise at least one intermediate glucose state associated with the transition from the initial glucose state to the target glucose state. The target return path may be calculated based on a hazard associated with the at least one intermediate glucose state of the target return path.

Abstract: A biological process indicator is provided for validating a treatment process in which the amount or activity of a contaminant in a sample is reduced. The indicator comprises a thermostable kinase covalently linked to a biological component, with the proviso that the biological component is not an antibody. Methods of preparing the indicator, and methods of using the indicator, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides miniaturized lateral flow chromatographic and lateral flow chromatographic microarray devices (LFM). The miniaturization of lateral flow nucleic acid detection achieved by the present invention offers reduced reagent use, femtomole sensitivity, excellent linear dynamic range, and rapid detection. Moreover, the small feature sizes of capture oligonucleotides renders the potential information capacity of the platform comparable to more traditional spotted fluorescence microarrays as well as improving sensitivity. The LFM devices exemplified herein enable analytes to be detected within 10 seconds from the time of sample introduction to the LFM device. Sample volumes may be as low as about 10 microliters, significantly reducing assay costs and ameliorating reagent storage logistics. Additionally, the miniaturization of lateral flow opens the door to highly multiplexed assays, allowing many proteins or nucleic acids to be detected in a single assay.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a biological sample for testing by Maldi where such methods are selected based on sample parameters. Maldi scores are obtained for a range of sample parameters (e.g. McFarland, dispense volume and number of dispenses). From the data, sample preparation parameters can be selected for a biological sample being prepared for Maldi testing. One sample preparation strategy uses multiple dispenses of sample with an intervening drying step, which yields more accurate Maldi scores, particularly for samples at the low range of McFarland values (e.g. below about 2).

Abstract: The method is for quantification of purity of sub-visible particle samples. A sample to be analyzed is place in an electron microscope to obtain an electron microscopy image of the sample. The sample contains objects. The objects that have sizes being different from a size range of primary particles and sizes being within the size range of primary particles are enhanced. The objects are detected as being primary particles or debris. The detected primary particles are excluded from the objects so that the objects contain debris but no primary particles. A first total area (T1) of the detected debris is measured. A second total area (T2) of the detected primary particles is measured.

Abstract: The cMethDNA method of the present invention is a novel modification of the QM-MSP method (U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,849), specifically intended to quantitatively detect tumor DNA (or other circulating DNAs) in fluids such as serum or plasma at the lowest copy number yet reported. Unique compared to any other PCR-based assay, a small number of copies of a synthetic polynucleotide standard (STDgene) is added to an aliquot of patient serum with standards for a plurality of genes of interest (TARGETgene). Once total DNA is purified PCR is performed wherein the STDgene and the TARGETgene are co-amplified with the same external primer set, and the amplicons present in a dilution of the first PCR reaction are subjected to real time PCR, and quantified for each gene. Methods of making the STDgene standards and the use of the cMethDNA methods and kits containing the same are disclosed.