Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for measuring levels of 25(OH)vitamin D (25OHD) in a mammalian fluid sample. The disclosure further relates to kits for measuring levels of 25(OH)vitamin D (25OHD) in a mammalian fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the labeling of two or more targets with different labels. Specifically, disclosed are compositions for biotin and the protection of biotin within multilabel assays which employ the biotin-biotin binding protein binding relationship for each distinct label in relation to targets such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies or cells. These multilabel assays are enabled through the use of biotin with desthiobiotin, orthogonal protecting schemes for biotin, or a combination of the approaches.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-based assay for the screening and the identification of inhibitors of NIK protein. The method according to the present invention allows the identification of compounds that inhibit NIK activity related to the phosphorylation of IKK1. The assay combines the use of transfected Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells with a non-radioactive, homogeneous proximity assay using an “acceptor” bead and a “donor” bead.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed directed at voriconazole derivatives, immunogens, signal generating moieties, antibodies that bind voriconazole and immunoassays for detection of voriconazole.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and a device for expediting delivery of an agent to a damaged bacterial cell. In one embodiment, the methods and devices are useful for screening candidate antibiotics. In another embodiment, the methods and devices described herein are used to determine susceptibility of bacteria to an antibiotic. The methods also provide a method for determining an appropriate antibiotic to treat an individual having a bacterial infection.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Methods, processes, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for predicting anti-androgen therapy response in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia based on a fluorometric assay and proteomics.

Abstract: A method for determining an appropriate treatment option for a patient who has been diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) but who may have thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), by analyzing the amount and/or enzyme activity of a von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) and the amount of vWF in a patient that has been diagnosed with DIC is disclosed. Using the method of the present invention, a differential diagnosis of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) can be made from among patients diagnosed with DIC, which could not previously be distinguished on the basis of only clinical findings or known markers. Also disclosed is a kit for determining an appropriate treatment option, the kit comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to ADAMTS13.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for diagnosing lymphoma in cats. The system allows a care giver to measure the enzymatic activity of thymidine kinase in a blood sample. The invention teaches that when the enzymatic activity of thymidine kinase in the blood stream of a cat is above 15.5 Units per liter, the cat has a high probability of having lymphoma. The invention allows for initial diagnosis, follow up after treatment for lymphoma and/or monitoring for example in breeds that prone to have lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting the preovulatory LH peak in a biological sample obtained from mammals and a kit for applying the method of detection. The present invention finds application notably in the veterinary and medical areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides the TWEAK receptor and methods for identifying and using agonists and antagonists of the TWEAK receptor. In particular, the invention provides methods of screening for agonists and antagonists and for treating diseases or conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as solid tumors and vascular deficiencies of cardiac or peripheral tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the level of amyloid beta protein in a cell or tissue, the methods generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention provides methods for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), and methods for treating cerebral angiopathy, in an individual, the methods generally involving administering to an individual having AD a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.

Abstract: A device for performing a biochemical analysis, especially in outer space, more particularly an immunoassay, in which analysis at least one analyte in a sample is determined selectively, having at least one reaction container which has at least one work volume which is intended for taking in a liquid volume and for performing at least one substep of an analysis reaction, and having at least one interface which is intended for connecting at least one work volume to a further media container.

Abstract: A detection apparatus and method for the automatic detection of particles, in particular biological particles, in a sample. The detection apparatus comprises a detection device for recording the particles, and a fluidic device for automatically conveying the sample to the detection device. The fluidic device comprises a treatment device for the automatic treatment of the particles for the purpose of detection, and the detection device comprises a flow cytometer for recording at least one physical parameter of the treated particles. The detection method includes operations performed by the detection device, the fluidic device, the treatment device and the flow cytometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predicting the effect of an immunotherapy against cancer in a patient based on new biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to a prognosis regarding the outcome based on said biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to panels of biomarkers for use in the above methods.

Abstract: A polypeptide linker comprising an antibody-binding region and an enzyme cleavage region, and related compositions, kits, and methods of using same.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for performing a biochemical analysis, especially in outer space, wherein at least one analyte in a sample is determined qualitatively and/or quantitatively by means of selective binding of an analyte-specific pair composed of a binding substance and a detection substance to the analyte and by labeling by a labeling substance, and wherein the sample, the binding substance, the detection substance and the labeling substance are mixed in a reaction vessel in one method step. It is proposed that the mixing be brought about by means of mixing bodies.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluorescent probes for screening and characterization of compounds binding to protein kinase CK2, measurement of concentration of the catalytically active form of CK2 and imaging of CK2 activity in cells and tissues. The CK2-selective probe of the present invention interacts with binding sites of both substrates of the catalytic subunit of CK2 and therefore can be used for characterization of all inhibitors binding to the active site of CK2 in the binding/displacement assay. The high affinity of the probe affords the detection of the enzyme at low concentration and characterization of inhibitors in a wide affinity range. The invention also relates to the application of the probes for mapping and monitoring of CK2 activity in cells, tissues and live organisms.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a first species' Ig-CTF in a biological sample comprising exposing the biological sample to a first antibody of a second species that preferentially binds the first species' Ig-CTF or an antigen binding fragment of the antibody, forming a mixture, exposing the mixture to a second antibody or antigen-binding fragment of a third species that preferentially binds the first species' Ig, and detecting the Ig-CTF in the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention lies in the field of visualization and quantification of immobilized targets in samples using immunochemical means. The methods of the invention utilize an immunostaining system allowing visualizing single target units in samples as distinct dots. In particular, the invention relates to methods and reagents for visualization and quantification of molecular targets immunostained in histological samples and use of said method and reagents in medical diagnostic. However, the visualization and quantification methods of the invention are applicable to a variety of targets in different samples and allow precise quantifying both relative and absolute amounts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay for the identification of agents which can modulate TOR-mediated phosphorylation of substrate proteins. The assays of the invention utilize substrate proteins whose amino acid sequence contains the Ser/Thr motif recognized by TOR. Naturally occurring TOR which may be used in the methods of the invention include TOR isolated from a variety of species, particularly mammalian tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cascade enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, more precisely a cascade enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using magnetic microparticles (MMPs) immobilized with the target antigen specific primary antibody and silica nanoparticles (SPs) immobilized with a cascade reaction initiator and the antigen-specific secondary antibody. When the method of the present invention is applied in the detection of an antigen in biosamples, the detection sensitivity can be significantly increased.

Abstract: Soluble human M-CSF receptor is provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing such receptor, kits containing a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders associated with M-CSF such as bone loss in a subject afflicted with an osteolytic disease.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an isolated mutant insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) having an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:1 over its entire length and comprises at least one amino acid substitution at any of amino acid residues 332, 339, 341, 359, 360, 361, 374, 429, 609, 898, 899 or 901 of the sequence. The mutant IDE has a differential activity relative to that of wild-type IDE. Also provided is a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a ultra-high-sensitivity assay in which the assay can be made on a commonly used assay apparatus such as an absorptiometer and a plate reader or with naked eyes. The high-sensitivity assay in which the assay can be made on a commonly used assay apparatus or with naked eyes can be provided by combining an enzyme cycling method using thio-NAD(P) as a coenzyme, a labeling enzyme and a substrate for the labeling enzyme optimally, and by amplifying thio-NAD(P)H, which is a signaling substance, exponentially and then quantifying the thio-NAD(P)H colorimetrically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colorimetric method for detecting bacterial or fungal pathogens by detecting peptidoglycan or (1-3)-?-D-glucan in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, kits and systems for signal amplification that can be used for many analytes. For example, a method of detecting an analyte in a sample includes contacting the sample containing the analyte with a detecting agent, wherein the detecting agent contains a specific binding agent that binds the analyte and zinc nanoparticles wherein the zinc nanoparticles and specific binding agent are coupled together; exposing the analyte bound to the specific binding agent which is coupled to the zinc nanoparticles to an acidic condition to release zinc ions from the zinc nanoparticles; contacting the released zinc ions with an indicator to generate a signal; and detecting the signal. The disclosed bioassay can be used in clinical and non-clinical settings. For example, the method can be used for clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment-effectiveness or for testing for the presence of a substance like biological or chemical agents.

Abstract: A measurement device that includes a plurality of lines for conveying a reaction container containing a sample and measures a predetermined material included in the sample while conveying the reaction container by the plurality of lines, wherein the plurality of lines include: a first reaction line for conveying a reaction container at a first convey speed; a second reaction line for conveying a reaction container at a second convey speed; and a measurement line for measuring a predetermined material included in a sample reacted with a reagent within the reaction container in the first reaction line and a sample reacted with a reagent within the reaction container in the second reaction line, the measurement line conveying the reaction containers at a third convey speed that is higher than the first convey speed and the second convey speed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that employ derivatives of 2-cyano-6-hydroxy- or 2-cyano-6-amino-benzothiazole, for example, in a bioluminogenic reaction. The invention further provides methods for detecting or determining the presence of molecules and/or enzymes, the modulator activity of such molecules, and/or the activity of such enzymes. The methods are adaptable to high-throughput format.

Abstract: 1. Use of (v) a gene coding for a protein phosphatase 1 E having SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2, and/or (vi) a transcription product of the gene coding for a protein phosphatase 1 E having SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2, and/or (vii) a translation product of the gene coding for a protein phosphatase 1 E having SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2, and/or (viii) a fragment, or derivative, or variant of (i) to (iii). for identifying or for testing agents for the treatment and/or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The polynucleotide encoding the antigen Wb123 from the filarial nematode Wuchereria bancrofti, the major causative organism of lymphatic filariasis is provided, along with the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. Methods for making the WM23 antigen, recombinant vectors encoding the Wb123 polynucleotide, and methods of detection of the Wb123 antigen through luciferase immunprecipitation, ELISA and other detection systems are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that employ derivatives of 2-cyano-6-hydroxy- or 2-cyano-6-amino-benzothiazole, for example, in a bioluminogenic reaction. Also provided are novel compounds that can be used in the methods. The invention further provides methods for detecting or determining the presence of molecules and/or enzymes, the modulator activity of such molecules, and/or the activity of such enzymes. The methods are adaptable to high-throughput format.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a reporter gene construct. The reporter gene construct comprises a transcriptional regulatory sequence and a reporter gene that is functionally bound to downstream of the transcriptional regulatory sequence. The reporter gene construct is activated dependently of environment and the reporter gene codes for a protein producible of producing a free radical by the activation of the transcriptional regulatory sequence.

Abstract: The methods of the disclosure provide fluorescence-based assays for calcineurin activity, especially in isolated T cells. The methods include the stimulation of the T cells with agents that specifically target the TCR with or without influencing co-stimulatory pathways. One TCR agonist is monoclonal antibodies specific for CD3, which more precisely distinguish the inducible activity of calcineurin than does an alternative method targeting the T cell receptor (CD3) combined with CD28 costimulation. This method more accurately distinguishes between the measured level of calcineurin activity of T cells from immunosuppressed transplant recipients and normal individuals, and thus has improved diagnostic accuracy with respect to the response of an individual to immunosuppressant therapy following an organ transplant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compound of formula I: and their use as chemiluminescent and/or bioluminescent reagents.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target analyte in a sample, including executing electrowetting-mediated droplet operations and thereby: combining one or more immunoassay reagent droplets comprising magnetically-responsive beads having affinity for the target analyte with one or more sample droplets potentially comprising the target analyte to yield a first combined droplet; beginning with the combined droplet, effecting a droplet-based washing protocol to wash the magnetically-responsive beads to yield a first washed droplet comprising the washed magnetically responsive beads; and combining the droplet comprising the washed magnetically responsive beads with a droplet comprising a reporter molecule having affinity for target analyte captured on the magnetically-responsive beads to yield a second combined droplet; beginning with the second combined droplet, effecting a droplet-based washing protocol to wash the magnetically-responsive beads to yield a second washed droplet comprising the washed magnetically responsive

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A substrate is reacted to generate a chromogenic reaction product, and a reaction stop reagent that is a sulfonic acid is added to stop and stabilize the reaction product. The absorbance properties of the chromogenic reaction product can be maintained over significantly longer periods of time of that of conventional reagents and methods. The sulfonic acid can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and safer detection of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: An immunocapture-based in vitro kinase assay on an integrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidics platform that can reproducibly measure kinase activity from as few as 3,000 cells is described. For this platform, the standard radiometric 32P-ATP labeled phosphate transfer assay was adopted. Implementation on a microfluidic device required the development of methods for repeated trapping and mixing of solid-phase affinity micro beads. A solid state beta-particle camera imbedded directly below the microfluidic device was used to provide real-time quantitative detection of the signal from this and other microfluidic radio bioassays. The integrated device can measure ABL protein kinase activity from BCR-ABL positive leukemia patient samples, and can measure the small molecule phosphorylation such as phosphorylation of the deoxycytidine analog 18F-FAC by deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) isolated from cell lysates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying candidate compounds for the treatment of leukemia and diagnostic methods based on histone methylation and HoxA5 promoter activity.

Abstract: In an immunochromatographic assay method for assaying a specimen by reacting a reagent held by a carrier and the specimen with each other, and by obtaining an image signal by imaging a reagent portion that has been reacted, and by measuring, based on the image signal, the color-developed state of the reagent caused by the reaction, the carrier holds reagents in such a manner that they do not extend continuously for the full length of the carrier in any one of two-dimensional directions along the surface of the carrier. A morphological opening operation is applied to the image signal, with respect to each of the two-dimensional directions, by using a structuring element the size of which is less than or equal to a signal change width of the reagent portion that has developed color, and the color-developed state is measured based on the image signal after the opening operation.

Abstract: In an immunochromatographic assay method for performing an assay related to a specimen by reacting a reagent held by a carrier and the specimen with each other, and by obtaining an image signal by imaging a reagent portion by a camera, and by measuring, based on the image signal, the color-developed state of the reagent, a morphological opening-operation is applied to the image signal by using a structuring element the size of which is less than or equal to a signal-change-width of the reagent portion that has developed color, and a morphological opening-operation is applied to the image signal by using a structuring element the size of which is larger than the signal-change-width of the reagent portion that has developed color. The color-developed state is measured based on a difference signal obtained by performing a subtraction between the image signals to which the opening-operations have been applied respectively.

Abstract: This invention discloses the first cellular acetylated substrate protein of SIRT3, Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (AceCS2), which is a mitochondrial matrix protein. AceCS2 is reversibly acetylated at lysine 642 (Lys642) in the active site of the enzyme. The mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT3 interacts with AceCS2 and deacetylates Lys642 both in vitro and in vivo. Deacetylation of AceCS2 by SIRT3 activates the acetyl-CoA synthetase activity of AceCS2. Thus, a mammalian sirtuin directly controls the activity of a metabolic enzyme via reversible lysine acetylation. Modulators of the acetylation status or the activity of AceCS2 are useful for the treatment of pathological conditions, such as type II diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.

Abstract: A system for detecting presence of an organism having an enzyme in a sample, comprising: a cartridge for containing the sample and a substrate such that the enzyme can react with the substrate to produce a biological molecule; a partitioning element mounted in a recess in a base of the cartridge, the partitioning element allowing partitioning of the biological molecule thereinto; a light source for irradiating the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element; and, a detector for detecting fluorescence of the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element, the detected fluorescence being indicative of presence of the organism in the sample; wherein the light source is in a raised cartridge mount of the system that mates with the recess in the base of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

Abstract: A system for detecting presence of an organism having an enzyme in a sample, comprising: a cartridge for containing the sample and a substrate such that the enzyme can react with the substrate to produce a biological molecule; a partitioning element mounted in a recess in a base of the cartridge, the partitioning element allowing partitioning of the biological molecule thereinto; a light source for irradiating the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element; and, a detector for detecting fluorescence of the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element, the detected fluorescence being indicative of presence of the organism in the sample; wherein the light source is in a raised cartridge mount of the system that mates with the recess in the base of the cartridge. Also provided is a method for calibrating said system and quality control cartridges for use in same.