Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method, a system, and a program for supplying immunodynamics-related information that is used in order to readily understand the immunodynamics of the cell-mediated immunity of a subject and to determine a method for treating or a method for preventing a disease and/or a symptom in a subject, This method, system and program supply immunodynamics-related information that is used in order to determine a method for treating or a method for preventing a disease and/or a symptom in a subject by analyzing the number of immunocompetent cells in blood.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of NKG2A-targeting agents for the treatment of cancers, notably head and neck cancers, in a patient having received prior treatment with cetuximab. This invention also provides advantageous combination regimens for use with NKG2A-targeting agents for the treatment of cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides BCMA binding molecules that specifically bind to human BCMA, conjugates comprising the BCMA binding molecules, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the BCMA binding molecules and the conjugates. The disclosure further provides methods of using the BCMA binding molecules to treat cancers that express cell surface BCMA. The disclosure yet further provides recombinant host cells engineered to express the BCMA binding molecules and methods of producing the BCMA binding molecules by culturing the host cells under conditions in which the BCMA binding molecules are expressed.

Abstract: A method for providing an image of a biological sample is disclosed. The method includes: obtaining an image of at least one biological sample; positioning the image of the at least one biological sample; assessing the image of the at least one biological sample; automatically segmenting the image of the at least one biological sample; while simultaneously determining a region of interest of the at least one biological sample; responsive to obtaining the image of the at least one biological sample and a control parameter of the at least one biological sample; and receiving the region of interest and providing an indication of a location of the region of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are controls for use in identifying any of a number of genotypes and/or for use in identifying or characterizing a disease or condition. The controls may be particularly useful for diagnostic tests that utilize circulating cell-free DNA or microRNA. A control may comprise a mixture of nucleic acids. In some embodiments, a control comprises liposomes, e.g., wherein nucleic acids of the control are associated with the liposomes. For example, the controls are useful for determining whether a fetus comprises an aneuploidy. Also disclosed are methods of using the controls.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for determining the presence or absence of certain microRNA biomarkers in a blood sample of a female patient. The microRNA biomarkers are associated with ovarian cancer. Also provided are methods for screening a female subject for the presence or absence of certain microRNA biomarkers, as well as methods for treating a female subject having an ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein include systems, devices, methods, and spillover editor for displaying and editing spillover values. A view of a spillover editor can comprise a triangular grid of rows and columns, representing flourophores, each comprising at least one display area and two spillover values. After receiving an adjusted spillover value, an adjusted view of the spillover editor can comprise adjusted plots determined using the adjusted spillover value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing an allergy, comprising the steps of bringing into contact of basophils from a whole blood sample of a patient with an allergen in an aqueous solution in the presence of whole blood, with a volume content of whole blood in the aqueous solution of at least 20 percent by volume, under conditions that allow activation of the basophils by the allergen, enrichment of the basophils from step a) and detection of activated basophils, wherein the detection is carried out in that the expression of a marker characteristic of activated basophils is detected by means of chemiluminescence; and a kit comprising a vessel for bringing the basophils into contact with the allergen, wherein the vessel is preferably a microtiter plate, optionally an allergen, an agent for detecting a marker characteristic of activated basophils by means of chemiluminescence, wherein the agent is preferably a ligand against the marker provided with a label capable of chemiluminescence and the

Abstract: Provided is a method for observing a sebaceous gland, the method making it possible to observe dynamics of a sebaceous gland which dynamics are close to dynamics of a sebaceous gland in a living body. The method includes: an anchoring step of anchoring a sebaceous gland structure to a support so that a sebaceous gland that is included in the sebaceous gland structure and is to be observed and the support are not in biological contact with each other, the sebaceous gland structure being obtained by removing all or part of each of dermis and hypodermis from a skin tissue; and an observation step of observing the sebaceous gland structure obtained in the anchoring step.

Abstract: A method for analyzing biological samples is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving a fluid sample into a cartridge device, which comprises: a fluidic chamber; at least one microfluidic channel in fluid communication with the fluidic chamber; and a venting port configured to apply a pneumatic force to the fluidic chamber; and inserting the cartridge device into a reader device to perform measurements, wherein the cartridge device is positioned in a vertical or tilted position such that at least a portion of the fluid sample inside the fluidic chamber is pulled by gravity in a direction away from the venting port or towards the bottom of the fluidic chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating target substrates includes a microfluidic chip, comprising a plurality of processing units, each processing unit comprising: an inlet port, a plurality of first chambers connected to the inlet port by a fluid channel, the fluid channel comprising a plurality of valves, a plurality of second chambers, each of the second chambers connected to a respective first chamber by a fluid channel, each fluid channel including a controllable blocking valve, and a plurality of respective outlet ports, each outlet port in fluid communication with a respective one of said second chambers and each outlet port including a blocking valve. A magnet is adjacent the microfluidic chip and is movable relative to the microfluidic chip. A valve control is capable of actuating certain ones of the controllable blocking valves in response to a control signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel therapeutic vaccine approach that triggers a therapeutic antitumor response. The inventive approach is to selectively eliminate the carbohydrate sequences from tumor cells without affecting the tumor associated protein epitopes.

Abstract: A protein structure analysis method includes receiving a fluorescence emission spectrum generated by a protein sample at a first excitation wavelength, evaluating, from the fluorescence emission spectrum, an indication characteristic of a fluorescence response of the protein sample at the first excitation wavelength, and repeating the receiving and evaluating steps in relation to a plurality of fluorescence emission spectra generated by the protein sample at a different excitation wavelength to the first excitation wavelength. In addition, the method includes generating a non-linear relationship between excitation wavelength and indication characteristic of fluorescence response of the protein sample that includes an indication of at least one characteristic of the conformational state of the protein sample.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a Method for detecting a target moiety in a sample of biological specimens by: a) providing at least one conjugate with the general formula (I) An-P-Bm-Cq-Xo??(I) ?with A: antigen recognizing moiety; P: enzymatically degradable spacer; B: first binding moiety C second binding moiety X: detection moiety; n, m, q, o integers between 1 and 100, wherein B and C are non-covalently bound to each other and A and B are covalently bound to P b) labelling the target moiety recognized by the antigen recognizing moiety A with at least one conjugate c) detecting the labelled target moiety via detecting moiety X d) cleaving Cq-Xo by disrupting the non-covalent bond between Bm and Cq from the labelled target moiety e) cleaving the binding moiety Bm from the labelled target moiety by enzymatically degrading spacer P. The method is useful to identify target moieties on the biological specimens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an isolated CD4+ Treg cell population, wherein the Treg cells have signatures for i) identifying that the T-cells are CD4+ regulatory Tcells, ii) identifying that the Treg cells are tissue type tropic, i.e they can migrate to the diseased tissue, iii) optionally identifying that the Treg cells are tropic with respect to the diseased tissue, i.e. they are homing cells, iv) identifying that the Treg cells are emigrant cells, i.e. they originate from the target tissue, and v) optionally identifying that the Treg cells are retained in the target tissue and optionally one or more X-signatures and/or one or more Y-signatures and one ore more Z-signatures.

Abstract: Provided is a monitoring device having a control part for monitoring, wherein the control part for monitoring has a first data processing part, a second data processing part, and an indication value output part. The first data processing part generates, as indication values for optical axis adjustment, the first indication value showing the intensity of a light-receiving signal obtained from the particle analysis apparatus. The second data processing part generates, as indication values for gain adjustment of the light-receiving signal, the second indication value showing the intensity of a light-receiving signal obtained from the particle analysis apparatus, which is different from the aforementioned first indication value. The indication value output part outputs the first and second indication values to a display device.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining a tuberculosis assessment in a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include assaying a tuberculosis (TB) activated sample from the subject for at least one of: (i) CD154+ T cells; and (ii) T cells having a central memory phenotype, such as a CM1 phenotype, CM2 phenotype or a CM3 phenotype; to obtain a TB biomarker signature, and then deriving a tuberculosis assessment for the subject from the TB biomarker signature. Aspects of the invention further include reagents, devices, systems, and kits thereof that find use in practicing the subject methods are provided. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including TB diagnosis and monitoring of TB treatment.

Abstract: Biomarkers predictive of responsiveness to integrin beta7 antagonists, including anti-beta7 integrin subunit antibodies, and methods of using such biomarkers are provided. In addition, methods of treating gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are provided. Also provided are methods of using such predictive biomarkers for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting highly accurate data for diagnosis, useful in diagnosing the presence or absence of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, or gallbladder carcinoma, and a kit for diagnosis. When the concentration of CEACAM1 in a blood sample collected from a test subject is detected using a kit for diagnosis comprising an antibody specifically binding to CEACAM1 or a labeled product thereof, or the like and the CEACAM1 concentration is higher than the concentration of CEACAM1 in a blood sample derived from a non-carcinoma control subject or higher than a certain threshold value (cutoff value), data can be collected for diagnosing the test subject as having a high possibility of having extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, or gallbladder carcinoma.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for screening clinical or biological samples to determine the presence of L-form bacteria within the sample. Methods include contacting a sample to a liquid growth medium and incubating the liquid growth medium at a temperature lower than 37 degrees C. The liquid growth medium is monitored for L-form bacterial growth. An amount of the liquid growth medium is transferred as an inoculant to a solid growth medium, and the solid growth medium is incubated under conditions that maintain a hydrated state of the inoculant to enable the L-form bacteria to efficiently interface with the solid growth medium and continue to grow.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained.

Abstract: A floor control for a video application operating on a wireless device employing a video bearer may be modified by a video application function (AF). A policy and charging rules function (PCRF) may receive from the video AF, a first request, in response to the modifying the floor control. The first request may comprise one or more quality of service (QoS) parameters indicating a QoS of the video bearer. The PCRF may decide one or more policy and charging control (PCC) provisions for the QoS provided for the video application. The PCRF may transmit to a policy charging enforcement function (PCEF), a second request comprising the one or more PCC provisions for the QoS. The PCEF may enforce the one or more PCC provisions for the QoS on a popularity of packet transmitted via the video bearer to the wireless device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products can be used for displaying and analyzing data. A method operates by receiving and displaying flow cytometry data in a tree plot, which represents multiple variations of classified flow cytometry data within an interface of computer that includes an input device. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the tree plot associated with characteristics and sub-sets of the data. In an example, one or more histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots representing the data are displayed within the interface. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots, corresponding to characteristics and sub-sets of the data. In an example, updated histograms and plots are displayed in the interface substantially immediately based upon selected characteristics and subsets of the data.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of flow cytometry and more particularly to a panel of antibody reagents conjugated to fluorescent compounds. Provided are reagent compositions, comprising at least eight distinct fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies comprising a set of at least there identification antibodies for the identification of a leukocyte population of interest and at least four characterization antibodies for further characterization and/or classification of said leukocyte population. Also provided are kits and methods related to the reagent compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods that employ OX40 (CD134), a TNFR superfamily protein, agonists. The invention includes among other things administering an OX40 agonist alone or in combination with a viral antigen, or live or attenuated virus, to treat a viral infection, or for vaccination or immunization.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of flow cytometry and more particularly to a panel of antibody reagents conjugated to fluorescent compounds. Provided are reagent compositions, comprising at least eight distinct fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies comprising a set of at least three identification antibodies for the identification of a leukocyte population of interest and at least four characterization antibodies for further characterization and/or classification of said leukocyte population. Also provided are kits and methods related to the reagent compositions.

Abstract: Biomarkers predictive of responsiveness to integrin beta7 antagonists, including anti-beta7 integrin subunit antibodies, and methods of using such biomarkers are provided. In addition, methods of treating gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are provided. Also provided are methods of using such predictive biomarkers for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical diagnostics. In particular, it relates method and kits for identification and classification of IgE-related diseases, e.g. Type I hypersensitivity, as well as for monitoring of treatment efficacy, for instance anti-IgE therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for aiding in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in an individual. In particular, the present invention is useful for determining whether the individual does not have either celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and has IBS and/or a subtype thereof. Thus, the present invention provides an accurate diagnostic prediction of IBS and is useful for guiding treatment decisions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of controlling the direction and/or movement of migratory cells. Specifically, the invention is directed to the identification of novel chemorepellents and unimodal fugetaxins, their agonists and antagonists which alter or affect the movement of cells involved in immune, inflammatory or cancerous phenotypes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and genotyping techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule having a target-specific primer sequence; an anti-tag sequence 5? of the target-specific primer sequence; a tag sequence 5? of the anti-tag sequence; and a blocker between the anti-tag sequence and the tag sequence is disclosed. Compositions containing such a nucleic acid molecule and methods of using such a nucleic acid molecule are also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit for reagents for use in an acoustic apparatus includes a first fluid that is a lysis fluid, a second fluid having an acoustic contrast that is greater than that of the first fluid, and a reagent for labeling a particle.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising native and denatured human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and methods of making said compositions. Also provided herein are methods and kits for the detection of antibodies to native HLAs.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for more efficiently, easily, and accurately detecting asbestos without changing the asbestos detection criterion of the phase-contrast microscope/electron microscope method as compared with the phase-contrast microscope/electron microscope method, a phase-contrast microscope and a fluorescence microscope are used in combination to detect asbestos contained in a test sample after the test sample is made contact with an asbestos-binding protein having a fluorescent label.

Abstract: Provided is an assay method using an encoded particle-based platform. In the assay method, first, a plurality of encoded particles having codes distinguishable from one another according to kinds of included target materials are prepared. The plurality of encoded particles are provided onto a plate including a plurality of wells by pipetting, and disposed in the plurality of wells by a self-assembly method. An analyte is provided into the plurality of wells. The codes of the plurality of encoded particles disposed in the plurality of wells are decoded. The target materials of the plurality of encoded particles are released to cause a reaction between the target materials and the analyte.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of screening for HLA antibodies comprising detecting antibodies specific for native HLA antigens and denatured HLA antigens. The invention also provides for methods of removing antibodies specific for denatured HLA antigens or antibodies specific for native HLA antigens from a serum sample. In addition, the invention also provides for method of predicting whether a transplant recipient has an increased risk for rejecting the transplanted organ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide vaccines, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and associated methodologies that promote the immune-mediated regression of tumors expressing an onconeural antigen, e.g. a cdr-2 antigen, HuD antigen. The cancer peptide vaccines of the present invention are antigenic peptides capable of being faithfully presented on the MHC I complex of a target cell or antigen presenting cell. This external cellular presentation of these peptides promotes a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune response against tumor cells expressing these proteins, thereby, inducing immunological reactivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to compounds and methods for imaging myocardial perfusion, comprising administering to a patient a contrast agent which comprises a compound that binds MC-1, and an imaging moiety, and scanning the patient using diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an antibody against a small protein encoded by the intermediate stage transcript of HHV-6 (SITH-1) in a biological sample. The method of the present invention includes the following steps: 1) providing the SITH-1 protein; 2) binding the SITH-1 protein provided in step 1) to a carrier; and 3) contacting the biological sample with the SITH-1 protein-bound carrier prepared in step 2) to detect the SITH-1 protein antibody.

Abstract: A novel class of embryo derived peptides are described (Preimplantation factor) that were generated synthetically and were tested on peripheral blood immune cells and shown to block activated but not basal immunity, inhibiting cell proliferation and creating a TH2 type cytokine bias, in addition PIF enhance endometrial receptivity by increasing adhesion molecules expression. PIF biological activity appears to be exerted by specific binding to inducible receptors present on the several white cell lineages. PIF peptides, which are immune modulators therefore may have diagnostic and non toxic therapeutic applications in improving fertility, reducing pregnancy loss as well may be useful when administered for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for prevention xenotransplants rejection.

Abstract: A method of performing an immunologic evaluation of a subject, comprising collecting a whole blood sample from the subject, maintaining the sample for at least 6 hours after collection, purifying a population of cells comprising lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells from the maintained sample, optionally by a process incorporating a positive or negative affinity selection step to remove granulocytes, and using the purified cells in a cell-mediated immunoassay (CMI assay).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing three-dimensional actin structures having a well-defined shape and displaying improved mechanical rigidity. This method comprises the steps of (a) providing a polymerization solution comprising actin monomers, a branching agent and a capping agent, (b) providing at least one surface having thereon a pattern which is coated with a nucleating agent, and (c) contacting the at least one surface of step (b) with the polymerization solution of step (a) so as to induce the polymerization of actin and obtain the said desired three-dimensional actin structure. Applications of the present invention in various technological fields such as microelectronics are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a sample metering device, comprising a sample holding chamber oriented between a sample entry port and a sample extraction unit, wherein a portion of said extraction unit defines a metered volume of a sample. A diluent may be transported over and/or through the extraction unit to form a diluted sample for sample analysis. In another embodiment, the invention is to an apparatus and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature, capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field is provided. The devices and methods of the invention preferably are well-suited for high range sample dilution.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a plurality of processing vessels and a collector. The collector funnels portions of the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessels. Sequential density fractionation is the division of a sample into fractions or of a fraction of a sample into sub-fractions by a step-wise or sequential process, such that each step or sequence results in the collection or separation of a different fraction or sub-fraction from the preceding and successive steps or sequences. In other words, sequential density fractionation provides individual sub-populations of a population or individual sub-sub-populations of a sub-population of a population through a series of steps.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring whether a subject will be sensitive or resistant to treatment with an anti-SMAD7 therapy are disclosed. The methods are based on the determining of the amount of CCR9+ FOXP3+ T cells, CCR9+ IFN-gamma+ T cells, CCR9+ IL17A+ T cells, FOXP3+ T cells, IFN-gamma+ T cells, and/or IL17A+ T cells in a sample from the subject. Measurement of T cell populations may be determined by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and/or ELISA.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are provided for determining the activation state of a signal transduction pathway signaling protein. There exists a need in the art for methods that can monitor the efficacy of a signal transduction inhibitor in a patient. Other needs exist for detecting and monitoring certain disease or disorders that are associated with aberrant activation of a signal transduction pathway signaling protein. The present assay provides a highly sensitive assay that is also useful in patient populations in which obtaining a large cellular sample is difficult, for example, neonates.

Abstract: An optical engine for use in a bench top flow cytometer, the optical engine comprising a set of lasers; a different set of beam shaping optics for each laser, wherein each set comprises two lenses to adjustably focus light horizontally along an x-axis to a same horizontal position and vertically along a y-axis to a different vertical position along a same plane; collection optics for collecting fluorescence from the flow cell; filtration optics that filter the collected fluorescence from the flow cell into different detection channels according to wavelength ranges; and a detector for each detection channel that converts the filtered fluorescence to electrical signals, wherein electrical signals are processed so that the fluorescence from each laser at the different vertical positions is distinguished at the same detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) disease and distinguishing between active TB and latent TB infection in a subject is described herein. A sample from the subject is stimulated with at least one Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection phase-dependent antigen selected from Rv0081, Rv2032, Rv1737c, Rv2389c, Rv0867c, TB18.2, Rv2099c, Rv1733c, M.tb PPD, PHA and ESAT-6/CFP-10 and the presence of at least one host marker in the sample is detected, the host marker being selected from EGF, TGF-?, TNF-?, VEGF, RANTES, IL-12(p40), IL-12(p70), IL-10, IP-10, IFN-?2, fractalkine, IFN-?, IL-13, IL-1Ra, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, MIP-1?, ENA-78, BCA-1, TARC, X6-Ckine, eotaxin, eotaxin-2, SCF, APOA-1, APOE, HPALBN, HCF, Serum amyloid protein A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid protein P (SAP), TIMP-1, MIP-1?, IL-6, GM-CSF, IL-1?, MMP-9, MMP-2, MCP-1, TRAIL, IL-15, IL-17F, IL-22, TNF-?, MCP-2 and MCP-4. Additional host markers may also be detected in an unstimulated sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.