Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterial infections and provides a method of diagnosing infections of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), the causative agent of Johne's disease. In addition, the invention also provides as kits for use in the diagnosis of Map infections and vaccines/immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: A method for screening compounds for their ability to interact with transmembrane proteins is provided. Also provided is a method for determining whether proteins such as transmembrane proteins are able to oligomerise.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes tetrahydropyran nucleoside analogs, oligomeric compounds prepared therefrom and methods of using the oligomeric compounds. More particularly, tetrahydropyran nucleoside analogs are provided, having one or more chiral substituents, that are useful for enhancing properties of oligomeric compounds including nuclease resistance and binding affinity. In some embodiments, the oligomeric compounds provided herein hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA.

Abstract: The invention is directed to ?1-6 glucans, compositions, diagnostic kits, and devices comprising the same, and methods of use thereof in modulating immune response and treating, delaying progression of, reducing the incidence or severity of cancer, infection, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. The ?1-6 glucans of certain embodiments of the invention are enriched for O-acetylated groups and/or conjugated to a solid support or linked to a targeting moiety. The ?1-6 glucans of certain embodiments of the invention recruit immunoglobulin G antibodies to mediate complement and neutrophil killing. The conjugated ?1-6 glucans of certain embodiments of the invention are targeted to cells to stimulate the immune response at the target location by activating complement-mediated lysis and recruitment of neutrophils.

Abstract: Provided herein are kits and methods for assays with internal calibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to optoelectronic systems for detecting one or more target particles. The system includes a reaction chamber, a specimen collector, an optical detector, and a reservoir containing cells, each of the cells having receptors which are present on the surface of each cell and are specific for the target particle to be detected, where binding of the target particle to the receptors directly or indirectly activates a reporter molecule, thereby producing a measurable optical signal.

Abstract: Provided herein methods for determining whether a subject, particularly a human subject, is at risk of developing, having, or experiencing a complication of cardiovascular disease, and methods of treating subjects who are identified by the current methods of being at risk for cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotein A-I related biomolecules in a bodily sample from the subject. Also, provided are kits and reagents for use in the present methods. Also provided are methods for monitoring the status of cardiovascular disease in a subject or the effects of therapeutic agents on subjects with cardiovascular disease. Such method comprising determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotein A-I related molecules in bodily samples taken from the subject over time or before and after therapy.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a host infection by or exposure to a mycobacterium which expresses ESAT-6 comprising (i) contacting a population of T cells from the host with one or more peptides or analogues selected from the peptides represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to 11 and analogues thereof which can bind a T cell receptor which recognises any of the said peptides, and (ii) determining whether the T cells of said T cell population recognise the peptide(s) and/or analogue(s). The method may performed in vivo. Peptides and a kit which enable the method to be carried out are provided.

Abstract: Mixtures of cell types can be analyzed by having at least two signal markers, with at least one at three different levels to provide a barcode for each cell type. The mixture of cells may be subjected to a common candidate moiety and the effect of the moiety on the cells determined along with identification of the cell by the barcode. Conveniently, surface marker proteins and labeled antibodies can be used to create the barcode and the cells analyzed with flow cytometry.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for methods for detecting the internalization of a transmembrane protein of interest expressed at the surface of a cell. More specifically, the methods involve (a) labelling the protein of interest with a fluorescent metal complex, the lifetime of which is greater than 0.1 ms, (b) adding to the reaction medium a composition capable of causing the internalization of the protein of interest, (c) adding to the reaction medium (1) a modulating agent which is a fluorescent FRET acceptor compound compatible with the fluorescent metal complex, the final concentration of which in the reaction medium is greater than 10?7M; or (2) a reducing agent, the redox potential of which is less than +0.1 V and preferably between 0.25 and 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to envelope protein 2 of HCV of genotype 2a but does not immunologically react with envelope protein 2 of HCV of genotype 1a.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of carboxylic acids, present in human sweat, as natural ligands of a specific subgroup of seven olfactory receptor (OR) belonging to class 1 within the OR classification. The invention encompasses the use of the interaction of OR polypeptides and carboxylic acids as the basis of screening assays for agents that specifically modulate the activity of the seven ORs of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccharide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: An assay for identifying an individual having or at risk of developing vascular calcification, said assay comprising obtaining a blood sample from an individual and measuring the level of a vesicular compound in a matrix vesicle present in the blood sample from said individual; wherein an increased level of said compound indicates an individual at risk of developing vascular calcification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A compound selected from the group consisting of 4-quinolone and derivatives thereof, homoserine lactone derivatives, and indole and derivatives thereof, and salts thereof have an action of a microbial activity improvement agent, and when it is used for a microbial activity improvement method and a biological waste treatment method, the compound or the salt thereof is useful to achieve the improvement in the treatment capacity that transcends the limit of improvement in the treatment capacity of conventional biological waste treatment facilities.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting thyroid hormone blocking immunoglobulin (TBI). The invention's methods are sensitive and specific for TBI, and may be used for the dual detection of both TBI and TSI. The invention's compositions and methods are useful for the diagnosis of diseases that are associated with the presence of TBI and/or TSI, for monitoring the progress of disease and/or treatment regimens, therapeutics, vaccines, etc., and for assisting clinicians in making treatment decisions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of viruses, and in particular to detection of viruses using a liquid crystal assay format. In the present invention, virus binding in a detection region is identified by changes in liquid crystal orientation caused by virus binding independent orientation caused by any topography associated with the detection region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lateral flow devices using two dimensional features, preferably, uniform two dimensional test and control signal readout patterns, and the methods for detecting an analyte using the lateral flow devices.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a calorimeter for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. The calorimeter can include a substrate, a hermetically-sealed, thermally decoupled central reaction zone associated with the substrate, at least one droplet transport region, and detection electronics. The at least one droplet transport region can be associated with the substrate and configured to merge a reagent droplet with a sample droplet including the fluid sample to form a reaction droplet in the central reaction zone. The detection electronics can be in electrical and/or thermal communication with the central reaction zone and associated with the substrate. The calorimeter can be configured to detect a heat of reaction produced by a reaction event between the target analyte and a capture reagent upon formation of the reaction droplet.

Abstract: Methods of determining levels of activity of bacteria in the lungs of patients are described, in which levels of a marker of a bacterial iron scavenging processes (for example, siderophores) and levels of a secreted bacterial protein are measured over time. Changes in the measured levels over time allow levels of bacterial activity to be determined, and exacerbations of bacterial infection to be predicted and/or monitored. Additional markers may also be used. The methods of the invention may also be used for monitoring effectiveness of antibiotic treatment of lung infection. The invention is particularly useful for monitoring P. aeruginosa levels in lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. Kits for use in the methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting (e.g., by flow cytometry) a target compound, cell or particle, wherein the target is labelled with a detectable luminescent compound. The method comprises utilizing as the detectable luminescent compound a compound comprising a porphyrinic macrocycle such as a porphyrin, chlorin, bacteriochlorin, or isobacteriochlorin. In particular embodiments, the detectable luminescent compound comprises a compound of the formula A-A?-Z—B?—B, wherein: A is a targeting group or member of a specific binding pair that specifically binds the detectable luminescent compound to the target compound, cell or particle; A? is a linker group or covalent bond; B? is a linker group or covalent bond; B is a water-soluble group; and Z is the porphyrinic macrocycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for regulating hair growth. Specifically, the invention relates to regulating hair growth by regulating the activity one of the prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptors, DP-2 (GPR44). Compositions and methods for regulating hair growth include inhibiting hair growth by administering a DP-2 agonist, or stimulating hair growth by administering a DP-2 antagonist.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a novel biomarker which provides a link between a distinct clinical phenotype and a biochemical effect of an autoantibody on an enzyme implicated in disease pathogenesis. In particular, the present invention provides an isolated or purified human autoantibody to PAD3 protein. Methods of diagnosis of subjects for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using these antibodies as well as diagnosis of the severity of RA in the subject, and methods for monitoring treatment of a subject with RA are also provided. The biomarkers provided herein are also useful in the diagnosis of connective tissue-interstitial lung disease (CT-ILD) in patients having or suspected of having RA.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide: a test kit for an antibody titer or an antibody against a periodontal disease-causing bacterium in a blood sample, which enables the testing on a periodontal disease in patients having a wide scope of immunotypes with high accuracy and can be treated by an automated device at a high speed; a periodontal disease-causing bacterium antigen protein which can be suitably used in the kit; a method for testing an antibody titer or the presence of an antibody in a blood sample using the kit; and a kit for typing strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Abstract: A method for predicting a need for Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in a patient comprises: determining a concentration of pi glutathione S transferase-(?GST) in a first urine sample from the patient; and wherein a need for RRT is predicted when the ?GST concentration is determined to be elevated in comparison to a patient without kidney injury. The method according to the invention can further comprise detecting for the presence of risk factors for RRT in a patient, the risk factors including elevated serum creatinine concentration, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycaemia, proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia.

Abstract: Methods, kits and systems for determining whether a reaction occurs between a chimeric transmembrane receptor and an intracellular interaction partner thereof within a cell.

Abstract: A facile method of localising sulfhydryl (—SH) group containing biomolecules, in particular peptides, to the membranes of living cells and enveloped viruses and a kit for use in a biological laboratory in accordance with the method.

Abstract: The invention features methods and kits for determining the presence of, or a predisposition to develop, Sjögren's syndrome in humans. The invention features methods to detect changes in the levels of one or more LMP-2 protein isoforms, in particular phosphorylated isoforms of LMP-2, and to detect changes in cellular protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination in samples from Sjögren's patients.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of determining whether a non-purified sample contains a target protein bound to a ligand of interest comprising the steps of: a) exposing said non-purified sample to a temperature which is capable of causing or enhancing precipitation of the unbound target protein to a greater extent than it is capable of causing or enhancing precipitation of the target protein bound to said ligand; b) processing the product of step a) in order to separate soluble from insoluble protein; and c) analyzing either or both the soluble and insoluble protein fractions of step b) for the presence of target protein, wherein said target protein is not detected on the basis of enzymatic activity of a tag, peptide, polypeptide or protein fused thereto. Particularly, the invention may be used to determine whether drugs can bind to their protein targets in samples derived from patients to ascertain whether a certain drug can be used in a therapy for that patient.

Abstract: Provided is a derivative of 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol. Also provided is a protein conjugated to the above derivative. Further provided is an antibody composition comprising antibodies that specifically bind to 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol. Additionally, a method of making antibodies that specifically bind to 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol is provided. Also, a method of assaying for 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol is provided. Additionally provided is a kit for detecting 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prophylactic and therapeutic methods of immunization against neoplastic and infectious diseases. The invention provides a method for identification of novel immunogens and compositions of such immunogens that are useful for eliciting immune responses against antigens associated with neoplastic or infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits useful in preparing labeled molecules, which are useful in the detection of binding partners.

Abstract: A membrane-coated particle composition and methods comprising a particle surrounded by a native cell membrane are disclosed. The cell membrane may contain selected receptors or binding components. At least a portion of the receptors or binding components are oriented on the membrane-coated particle in the same or similar orientation as in the native cell membrane. The membrane-coated particle(s) finds use, for example, in contexts of basic research, proteomics, drug discovery, drug delivery, medical diagnostics, and aspects of patient care.

Abstract: Provided are a multiple immunoassay apparatus on a chip in which a structure comprising multiple microfluidic channels is associated with a tissue sample, which allows immunohistochemical reactions to be conducted therein, to examine various markers specific for certain diseases, and a method for performing multiple immunoassays using the same. The multiple immunoassay apparatus comprises: at least one antibody-introducing unit through which at least one antibody is introduced into the apparatus; at least one reaction unit in which the antibody reacts with a sample in an immunohistochemical pattern; and at least one fluid outlet through which a fluid including the antibody is discharged outside the apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods for diagnosing and monitoring IgAN in a subject. In practicing one aspect of the subject methods, a sample from a subject is analyzed for the presence of one or more specific autoantibodies to determine the IgAN phenotype of the subject. Also provided are compositions, systems, kits and computer program products that find use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay is capable of detecting and differentiating viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In some preferred embodiments, bimodal methods and devices determine if an infection is bacterial and/or viral. A dual use two strip sample analysis device includes a first lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect MxA and a low level of C-reactive protein and a second lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect high levels of C-reactive protein. In some preferred embodiments, the sample is a fingerstick blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of detecting and identifying antigens that are shed into human bodily fluids during infection. The disclosed method allows circulating antigens associated with a particular infection to be detected within minutes or hours from testing as compared to days required with the current methods. Methods of identifying diagnostic indicators/targets for a given condition or disease are disclosed which include immunizing a veterinary subject with biological fluids obtained from a human infected with particular antigens to identify diagnostic targets for immunoassay. Also disclosed are methods of diagnosing and monitoring a B. pseudomallei-associated condition, such as melioidosis. Point-of-care immunoassays are also provided that can be used to diagnose or monitor the efficacy of a B. pseudomallei-associated condition treatment. These immunoassays can also be used for rapid diagnosis of infection produced by B. pseudomallei, such as meliodosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer membrane produced using a microchannel capable of easily forming bilayer membranes such as planar lipid bilayer membranes in large quantities, and a production method thereof. A process for producing a bilayer membrane of the present invention comprises forming a state where two liquid phases or liquid and gaseous phases each containing amphipathic molecules are alternately arranged in a microchannel, discharging one of the two liquid phases or the gaseous phase of the liquid and gaseous phases through branch minichannels formed in the wall on one side or in the walls on both sides to contact the remaining liquid phases adjacent to each other, and thereby forming a side-by-side arrangement of bilayer membranes comprising the amphipathic molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize anthrax lethal factor (LF), edema factor (EF), and/or protective antigen (PA). The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, fully human or humanized antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-parameter analysis methods for determining the presence or absence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in a cervical sample and for screening cervical abnormality in a cervical sample. The invention also provides an apparatus and automated methods for screening cervical abnormality in a sample. The invention further provides a sampling device and a sample collection assembly for collecting cell samples, including cervical samples.

Abstract: The present invention stems from the finding that the extracellular domain of CD31 proteins present on blood leukocytes is shed and released in the circulation as a soluble form of CD31. A method for detecting shed CD31 is further disclosed. The invention therefore relates to a method for detecting a shed ectodomain of a transmembrane protein such as CD31 and to the use of such a method as a diagnostic tool. The invention further provides methods for determining whether a candidate protein is part of a molecular complex.

Abstract: Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter provide an isolated polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, fragments thereof, and/or epitopes thereof. Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter also provide methods for diagnosing a Strongylus vulgaris infection in a subject that comprises providing a biological sample from the subject and contacting the sample with the present isolated polypeptide, fragment thereof, and/or epitope thereof. In some embodiments the Strongylus vulgaris infection can be detected during a prepatent period. In further embodiments the subject is a horse.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of isolating and using a population of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in a variety of preventative and therapeutic approaches to autoimmune diseases, graft-versus-host disease and transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac intervention based on the determination of GDF-15 in a sample of a subject in need of a cardiac intervention. Moreover, the present invention pertains to a method for predicting the risk of mortality or a further acute cardiovascular event for a subject suffering from a cardiovascular complication based on the determination of GDF-15 and a natriuretic peptide and/or a cardiac troponin in a sample the said subject. Also encompassed by the present invention are devices and kits for carrying out the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means and a method for specifically measuring a substance such as a small substance with high sensitivity by a sandwich method. Specifically, the present invention provides an antibody capable of specifically binding to an affinity complex and a method of measuring of the affinity complex comprising measuring the affinity complex using the antibody capable of specifically binding to the affinity complex. The antibody of the present invention may be a full-length antibody. The antibody of the present invention may also have a region derived from an immunoglobulin from an animal having an ability of gene conversion (e.g., a complementarity-determining region, a framework region, or a variable region). Examples of at least one factor that constitutes the affinity complex include a small substance or a protein (e.g., antibody).

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polypeptides and cells comprising the polypeptides. The polypeptides and cells are used in methods to identify and/or isolate cells producing a protein with specific biological functions. In particular, the methods may be used for identifying, selecting, and isolating cells producing antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for identifying fatigue, disease states associated with fatigue, recovery from fatigue and/or physical performance capability in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits, apparatus and methods for determining a biological condition in a mammalian subject, the method includes incubating a specimen from a patient with at least one composition in a kit for a predetermined period of time to form at least one reaction product, when the subject has said biological condition, and receiving an indication of the at least one reaction product responsive to at least one reporter element in the kit thereby providing the indication of the biological condition in the subject.