Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for diagnosing Parkinson's disease in which the method includes measuring the expression level of Parkinson's disease-related genes from a subject's nasal mucus sample, a composition for diagnosing Parkinson's disease, and a kit including the same.

Abstract: A method for aligning sequences of droplets in streams of an emulsion comprising target droplets and tag droplets, a tag droplet comprising first and second tags. A target droplet is split into first and second target droplets and a tag droplet is split into first and second tag droplets. Each of the first and second tag droplets comprise the first and second tags. The first target droplet and first tag droplet are in a first stream of droplets, and the second target droplet and second tag droplet are in a second stream of droplets. The method detects the first tag droplets and first target droplets in the first stream and the second tag droplets and second target droplets in the second stream, determines a first sequence of droplets in the first stream and a second sequence of droplets in the second stream, and compares these to align the sequences.

Abstract: A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Lack of safety and efficacy are the two major unwanted biological responses that play as critical bottlenecks for the success of drug candidates in drug discovery and development. Conventional systems and methods involve ineffective exploration and use of chemical information space and thereby, may fail to address safety and efficacy issues. Embodiments of the present disclosure provides an effective solution to the above bottle-necks with the effective exploration/search of chemical information space using effective statistical techniques that yield meaningful chemical information comprising relevant descriptors, fingerprints, fragments, optimized set of structural images, and the like. Further, it provides robust predictive models for the biological response, example renal toxicity using the selected chemical information in an automated manner for a given experimental data and alerts/rules that can be successfully employed to address failures of drug candidates during discovery and development.

Abstract: A diagnostically useful carrier includes a peptide including the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4 or a variant thereof. A kit, a composition, a detection method, use for detecting a neurological disease, a human autoantibody specifically binding to Drebrin and a therapeutic compound or combination for use in the treatment of a neurological use are also useful.

Abstract: Systems, computer-readable media, and methods using mass spectrometry to analyze a sample are provided. For example, a method includes: acquiring a precursor ion spectrum; analyzing the precursor ion spectrum to identify precursor ions that preliminarily match one or more peptides that each belong to at least one protein of interest for the analysis; selecting each of the identified precursor ions in an order according to a ranking protocol for maximizing the number of proteins that are identified in the sample; for each selected precursor ion: acquiring a corresponding product ion spectrum, determining whether the acquired product ion spectrum matches one of the peptides that belong to the set of proteins of interest, and identifying a matched peptide as being present in the sample; and identifying proteins of interest that are present in the sample based on the peptides that are identified as being present in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for in situ temperature-induced antigen retrieval of samples wherein all steps are performed under a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure on a sample immobilized on a sample support which can be further subjected to staining and imaging on the same sample support, optionally by cycle multiplexing that enables imaging of various molecular targets through multi-molecular read-outs on the same sample in a rapid, highly sensitive and reliable manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for enabling an individual having a cat allergy to have a cat as a pet. Such a method can include quantitatively determining a threshold in the individual for an environmental level of an allergen produced by the cat and selecting a cat or a breed of cat that creates an environmental level of the allergen that is less than the threshold. Additionally, such a method can include lowering the allergens disseminated by the cat by treating the environment inhabited by the cat during a time period where the cat expresses elevated allergens.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method by which a peptide having a specific binding capability that can be used for purification of a target molecule can be produced at a low cost, and specifically relates to a peptide fusion protein including one or more peptides having specific binding capability and a scaffold protein, the peptide being inserted into the amino acid sequence of the scaffold protein directly or via a peptide linker, and/or being linked to the N-terminal and/or C-terminal of the scaffold protein.

Abstract: Provided is a novel use of alarin derived from a splice variant of galanin-like peptide (GALP) RNA and thus having an amino acid sequence similar to that of galanin, with a therapeutic agent of uremia, and the therapeutic agents of uremia according to the presently claimed subject matter include alarin as the main ingredient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of treating cancer by immune checkpoint blockade, or selecting patients for treatment with immune checkpoint blockers, by detecting tumors with high levels of T-lymphocytes with low levels of activation and proliferation. In various embodiments the tissue sample may be from a conventional biopsy. In various embodiments the cancer may be non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an organ-on-chip microfluidic device (10) comprising a first element (11), a second element (16), and a hydrogel layer (14) which is interposed between the first element and the second element. The shapes and dimensions of the first element, the second element, and the hydrogel layer are determined to enable the hydrogel layer to expand and retract in a given direction in the conditions of use disclosed herein, in particular to mimic organ functions in vitro. The present invention further relates to method of producing the microfluidic device and to application of said microfluidic device in biomedical field, especially for mimicking the architecture and function of organs.

Abstract: An adhesive for joining metals and resins is disclosed. The adhesive comprises 0.0001˜3 wt. % of amino silane, 0.0001˜1 wt. % of a crosslinker and 0.0001˜3 wt. % of an organometallic compound. In particular, the adhesive forms an adhesive layer that has a metal atomic ratio less than 50%.

Abstract: A sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a sample into the sample collection chamber. The sample collection system can additionally include a selectively movable sleeve valve configured to associate with the opening of the sample collection chamber. The sample collection system can include a sealing cap that is configured to associate with the selectively movable sleeve valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber having reagent(s) stored therein, and when the sealing cap is associated with the sample collection vessel, the selectively movable sleeve valve opens, dispensing the reagent(s) into the sample collection chamber. When the selectively moveable sleeve associates with the sample collection chamber, an outer sleeve slides relative to an inner vessel, opening the sleeve and dispensing reagent into the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: Bead-based analytical assays suitable for detecting changes in the abundance of target analytes in biological samples are disclosed. In an embodiment, an assay involves incubating a sample with one or several beads that are capable of binding several distinct analytes in an amount sufficient for detection by mass spectrometry from a single bead.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of immunotherapy, more particularly to the manufacture of cells for adoptive cell therapy. Provided herein are methods to prevent and/or reduce fratricide during manufacturing of such cells, particularly of cells expressing a chimeric NKG2D receptor. Also provided are cells and compositions comprising cells in which fratricide is prevented and/or reduced.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be operative to perform a dialysis process that includes a displacer infusion process. In one embodiment, a method for determining a displacer compound may include constructing a plurality of target protein quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, one for each of the plurality of binding sites, analyzing a set of candidate compounds using the plurality of QSAR models to determine a set of at least one potential compound with an affinity for binding to each of the plurality of binding sites, and selecting at least one displacer compound from the set of at least one potential compound. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides comprising a mutant human IgG4, which mutant human IgG4 is capable of increasing the binding to and activation of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-containing Fc?RIIb/c (CD32b), but not Fc?RIIa (CD32a). More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides comprising at least one human IgG4 with a lysine at position 409 (409K), using the EU index according to Kabat et al., which IgG4 is capable of binding to human CD32b/c with a statistically significant (p=0.05) higher binding affinity than a wild-type human IgG1 and than a wild-type human IgG4, for use in the prevention and/or treatment of an autoimmune disease or allergy, as further defined in the claims.

Abstract: Integrated devices that include a sample preparation component integrated with a detection component are disclosed. The sample preparation component may be a digital microfluidics module or a surface acoustic wave module which modules are used for combing a sample droplet with a reagent droplet and for performing additional sample preparation step leading to a droplet that contains beads/particles/labels that indicate presence or absence of an analyte of interest in the sample. The beads/particles/labels may be detected by moving the droplet to the detection component of the device, which detection component includes an array of wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metals and more particularly provides a device and a method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metals utilizing a rotary disc system.

Abstract: Methods of treating HMGB1-mediated inflammation by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an MD2-antagonist to a subject in need thereof are described. The novel MD2 antagonist tetrapeptide P5779 is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated sample preparation and processing of protein corona are described herein, as well as its application in the discovery of advanced diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An on-line system that performs concentration and solvent exchange in order to improve a detection level of analytes by a liquid chromatograph (LC) is provided. The on-line system comprises: a first pump and a second pump for supplying a solvent; a liquid chromatograph (LC) including a separation column (SC) connected to the first pump; a trapping column (TC) for collecting the analytes separated from the separation column; a concentration column (CC) for concentrating the analytes collected in the trapping column (TC); a detector; and first to third switching valves that communicate fluid with at least one of the first or second pumps. An analysis method using the same is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for breast cancer detection.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a molecular electronics sensor array chip comprises: (a) an integrated circuit semiconductor chip; and (b) a plurality of molecular electronic sensor devices disposed thereon, each of said sensor devices comprising: (i) a pair of nanoscale source and drain electrodes separated by a nanogap; (ii) a gate electrode; and (iii) a bridge and/or probe molecule spanning the nanogap and connecting the source and drain electrodes, wherein the molecular electronic sensor devices are organized into an electronically addressable, controllable, and readable array of sensor pixels.

Abstract: A medical testing apparatus for a user to help to authenticate and track the process of a test kit that is received into the medical test apparatus, the test kit includes components of an extended nasal/oral swab, a buffer tube, a reagent disposed within the buffer tube, a nozzle cap, and a test card, the kit is for testing for a presence or a non-presence of an infection that utilizes an internet connected electronic device with a camera for communication to third parties. The apparatus includes a test stand that is configured to partially receive the electronic device and to partially receive the test kit in a positional alignment to for the camera to record an unique identification code for each test kit component, and for the camera user facial recognition, further the test stand camera records infection status.

Abstract: A flow measuring device detecting a fluid volume quantity since a start of a measurement includes a processing device determining a current flow rate parameter at measurement times using measurement data of a sensor, to increase a volume quantity based on a current flow rate parameter when operating in a first operating mode, and to keep the volume quantity constant when operating in a second mode. The processing device stores the current flow rate parameter for each measurement time in a data memory, resulting after several measuring times in storing previous flow rate parameters determined at these measuring times. Upon satisfying a switchover condition, depending on the current flow rate parameter, during operation in the second mode, the processing unit switches over to the first mode, and the volume quantity increases as a function of the current flow rate parameter and a predefined number of previous flow rate parameters.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sensor arrangement comprises a first micropump, e.g. a microfluidic or peristaltic pump, having a normally closed (NC) safety valve, e.g. at the micropump output, a second micropump, e.g. microfluidic or peristaltic pump, having a normally closed (NC) safety valve, e.g. at the micropump output, and a sensor having a sensor chamber, e.g. a sensor cavity or sensor volume, with a sensor element, e.g. an active sensitive region or layer, in the sensor chamber, wherein the sensor is configured to provide a sensor output signal based on a condition of the fluid, e.g. a gas or liquid, in the sensor chamber. The sensor chamber of the sensor is fluidically coupled between the first and second micropump, and the first and second micropump are configured to provide a defined operation mode of the sensor arrangement based on the respective activation or operation condition of the first and second micropump for providing (1.) a defined negative fluid pressure in the sensor chamber, (2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cancer cell separation, and more specifically, relates to a method for cancer cell separation using micro-vibration.

Abstract: A time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic test paper card for testing clothianidin. A binding pad includes a detection microsphere and a quality control microsphere thereon, wherein the detection microsphere is a fluorescent microsphere coated with a clothianidin monoclonal antibody on the surface thereof, the quality control microsphere is a fluorescent microsphere coated with a rabbit anti-tag protein on the surface thereof. An NC film is provided with a detection line and a control line. The lengths of the detection line and the control line are the same as the width of the NC film. A first clamping part is arranged at one end of the sample pad. A second clamping part and a third clamping part are respectively arranged at two ends of the binding pad. A fourth clamping part is arranged at one end of the NC film, the other end of the NC film is joined with an absorption pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasensitive assay platform for the detection of nucleic acids such as microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important biomarker for diseases including cancer. The platform allows high throughput detection of multiple nucleic acid sequences miRNAs on the single-molecule level using fluorescence labeling, molecular barcoding, and flow based detection and multiparametric data analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant reverse transcriptase (RT) with increased thermal stability relative to the wildtype, a nucleic acid encoding the mutant RT, a cell comprising the mutant RT or the nucleic acid, a kit comprising the mutant RT, the use of the mutant RT for cDNA synthesis, method for reverse transcription of RNA comprising synthesizing cDNA with the use of the mutant RT and a method for detecting an RNA marker in a sample with the use of the mutant RT.

Abstract: Provided is a mechanism capable of easily grasping or analyzing the relation between three or more variables. An information processing apparatus (100) includes a control unit (130) that accepts the designation of a variable of interest among multiple variables including three or more variables with respect to data including values of the multiple variables, and outputs first information indicating the strength of the relation between the variable of interest and the combinations of explanatory variables including two or more explanatory variables among the multiple variables.

Abstract: To provide an immunochromatographic test device capable of accurate diagnosis even when an excess sample is introduced. Provided is the immunochromatographic test device consisting: a test strip; a lower housing including a plurality of support bases that support the test strip; and an upper housing including a dropping hole for dropping a sample into the test strip and a detection window in a direction in which the sample introduced from the dropping hole develops on the test strip, wherein a width of the support base that supports portion of the test strip exposed from the detection window is smaller than a width of the test strip, or wherein among the plurality of support bases, the width of the support base arranged on the lower housing between a position corresponding to the detection window and a position corresponding to the dropping hole is larger than the width of the test strip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions and kits useful for the enhanced pH gradient cation exchange chromatography of a variety of analytes. In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to chromatographic elution buffer solutions that comprise a first buffer salt, a second buffer salt, a third buffer salt, and fourth buffer salt. The first buffer salt may be, for example, a diprotic acid buffer salt, the second buffer salt may be, for example, a divalent buffer salt with two amine groups, the third buffer salt may be, for example, a monovalent buffer salt comprising a single amine group, and the fourth buffer salt may be, for example, a zwitterionic buffer salt. Moreover, the buffer solution has a pH ranging from 3 to 11.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage in a subject. The method includes the steps of: a) obtaining a skin sample from the subject; b) analyzing expression levels in the skin sample of UVR-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) listed in Table 8 or a subset thereof; and c) comparing the expression levels of the UVR-induced DEGs to a control skin sample; wherein, when the expression levels of the UVR-induced DEGs in the skin sample is above or below the level of each of the UVR-induced DEGs in the control sample, the subject is identified as likely being afflicted with UVR-induced skin damage. Also provided are methods for measuring the effectiveness of a test agent in reducing ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced damage.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel methods of continuously monitoring the performance of an atmospheric pressure ionization (API) system. The methods of the invention allow for improved quality monitoring of the processes that leads to the formation of ions at atmospheric pressure. The methods of the invention further allow for continuously monitoring for the quality of the ion formation process in API without the addition of extraneous material (such as labelled compounds or control known compounds) to the system being monitored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying markers for systemic sclerosis (also scleroderma; SSc) and to the markers identified with the aid of this method, which can differentiate between SSc and other autoimmune diseases on the one hand and between different SSc subgroups on the other hand. The invention also relates to panels, diagnostic devices and test kits which comprise these markers, and to the use and application thereof, for example for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy control of SSc. The invention also relates to methods for screening and for validating active substances for use in SSc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of promoting local bone growth by administering a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist to a mammalian patient in need thereof. Preferably, the Sost antagonist is an antibody or FAB fragment selectively recognizing any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-23. The Sost antagonist may be coadministered together or sequentially with a matrix conducive to anchoring new bone growth. Orthopedic and Periodontal devices comprising an implantable portion adapted to be permanently implanted within a mammalian body and bearing an external coating of a Sost antagonist are also disclosed, as it a method of increasing bone density by administering to a mammalian patient a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist together with an antiresorptive drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanochemical based synthesis of perfluoropyridine monomers, polymers made using such monomers and methods of making and using articles comprising such polymers. Such perfluoropyridine monomers are easily chemically tuned have the strength needed for high temperature applications and the flexibility needed for low temperature applications. In addition, to the aforementioned monomers, a mechanochemical based synthesis for such perfluoropyridine monomers is provided. All of the aforementioned performance application advantages are also found in polymers comprising Applicants' perfluoropyridine monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and a fluorescence detection device for reaction analysis. The nucleic acid amplification apparatus of the present invention uses a plurality of blocks having different reaction temperatures by independent temperature control and the movement between the blocks is performed along sliding recesses formed in the blocks, enabling to greatly shorten the total amplification time (TAT). In the fluorescence detection device of the present invention, the positions of the light source and the photodetector are very unique for the reaction vessel in which an excitation light is provided and an emission light is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of fused thiophene derivatives and their uses for treating diseases such as infection, cancer, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, iron storage disorders and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: A biological sample, for example blood, serum, or plasma, is evaluated for the presence of anti-Zika virus (ZIKV) IgM- and IgG antibodies specific for ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) by measuring the signal intensities of such antibodies in an immunoassay of the sample. Subjects are scored as being positive or negative for ZIKV infection based on the combined results of such determinations.

Abstract: This disclosure provides reagents and methods of predicting the responsiveness of a patient to NaPi2b-targeted antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., NaPi2b-targeted antibody-polymer-drug conjugates).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits to assess an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation and/or the severity of tissue injury from radiation in a patient. The invention also relates to algorithms used to calculate an absorbed dose of radiation based on biomarker measurements of a plurality of biomarkers that are altered relative to a normal control in the event of radiation exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to binary vectors based on compatible and autonomous origins, specifically based on the pBBR1 and RK2 replication origins. These binary vectors are useful for having a wide range of hosts, for their maintenance in Agrobacterium sp. and Escherichia coli, and as a new tool for plant synthetic biology as well as a flexible framework for assembly, transfer and characterization of multiple DNA elements. The binary vectors disclosed are small, preferably less than 3.8 kb in size, stable, include an origin compatible with the most commonly used binary T-DNA vectors, comply with current standards for plant synthetic biology, and allow the administration of multiple T-DNA cassettes by means of the multiplexing of the vectors. The present invention also relates to methods for transferring and expressing nucleic acid sequences using said binary vectors, and to the uses of the same.

Abstract: A method for searching for a modification site of a peptide molecule includes: calculating, by a computer, a second steric structure of the peptide molecule by using data of a first steric structure of the peptide molecule, the first steric structure being a steric structure of the peptide molecule in a complex structure of a target molecule and the peptide molecule, the second steric structure being a stable steric structure of the peptide molecule in a state where a steric configuration of a main chain of the peptide molecule in the first steric structure is fixe; and comparing data of the second steric structure with the data of the first steric structure in order to search for a side chain having a difference in steric configuration between the two steric structures.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for minimizing a false result in an assay measurement for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises pretreating both an antibody and a sample to be subjected to a non-agglutination immunoassay. In the method the antibody and the sample are combined with a pretreatment agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxyphenyl-substituted C1-C5 carboxylic acids and metallic salts thereof and halogen-substituted C1-C5 carboxylic acids and metallic salts thereof in an amount effective to enhance the accuracy of the non-agglutination immunoassay.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a bioreactor and/or mixing container that includes an outer wall and a spectroscopy cell arranged in and/or on the outer wall. The spectroscopy cell includes a first optical area and a second optical area arranged opposite the first optical area. The first optical area and the second optical area can be set at at least two different distances from one another. A specimen-receiving area is located between the first optical area and the second optical area.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions comprising at least one assembly comprising a peptide and a major histocompatibility complex (MHC), wherein the peptide is an integral component of the MHC, wherein the peptide is attached to a surface at its C-terminus through a linker and wherein the peptide is synthesized on the surface. In certain embodiments, the compositions comprise a plurality of assemblies in a spatially-ordered array. The disclosure provides methods for making and using these compositions.