Abstract: The invention relates to a bridge assay that can be used on an automatic diagnostic apparatus in order to detect anti-thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies, wherein the chimeric TSH receptor used comprises the extracellular portion of the chimeric TSH receptor and is N-terminally fused to a protein causing secretion of the chimeric TSH receptor from culture cells, and the anchored chimeric TSH receptor is immobilized on paramagnetic particles.

Abstract: A kit for performing an assay for determining an analyte in a sample with an extended shelf-life, wherein the kit comprises a chemiluminescent cyclic dihydrazide, an enhancer, a co-enhancer, and a peroxide oxidizer. The kit is useful in blot assays and immunoassays for the detection of proteins and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Biomarkers useful for diagnosing and assessing inflammatory disease activity, for prediction of risk for progressive spinal and joint damage, in particular for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and for generating a dataset are provided, along with kits for measuring expression of the biomarkers. The invention also provides predictive models, based on the biomarkers, as well as computer systems, and software embodiments of the models for scoring and optionally classifying samples.

Abstract: A method for identifying a subject having at least an indication or predisposition for developing inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer based upon the presence of Salmonella AvrA protein, nucleic acids and antibodies is provided as is a method for treating Salmonella infection-related colorectal cancer using a Wnt1 agonist.

Abstract: Many strains of the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis carry a compact Cas9 (NmeCas9) that can serve to limit genetic exchange via natural transformation. Cas9 orthologues (including NmeCas9) have recently been adopted for RNA-guided genome engineering and DNA binding, adding to the need to define better their activities and properties. The present invention examines DNA cleavage activities and substrate requirements of NmeCas9, including a set of unusually complex PAM recognition patterns. Unexpectedly, NmeCas9 is found able to cleave single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) targets in a manner that is RNA-guided but both PAM- and tracrRNA-independent. Beyond the requirement for guide-target pairing, this activity has no apparent sequence requirements, and the cleavage sites are measured from the 5? end of the DNA substrate's RNA-paired region.

Abstract: Provided are a biomarker for diagnosing of the level of senescence, a composition and kit for diagnosing of the level of senescence to detect the biomarker, and a method of diagnosing the same. According to the composition and kit for the diagnosis of the level of senescence and the method of diagnosing senescence, the level of senescence of a subject is easily diagnosed, the health conditions of the subject are monitored, and a senescence-associated disease is prevented or diagnosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic and treatment of cancer, particularly melanoma, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer and colon cancer. In particular, the invention relates to an antibody directed specifically to CD146-positive tumors and its applications, particularly for use as a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, for use in a method of diagnostic or prognostic of a cancer, or for use as a radiotracer when labelled with a radioactive element.

Abstract: A C9orf72 DNA repeat expansion can be detected using a CRISPR Arrayed Repeat Detection System (CARDS). Based upon the compositions and methods supporting this platform primary cell cultures and/or blood cell smears can be tested under conventional clinical diagnostic laboratory conditions to diagnose genetically-based diseases having DNA repeat expansions, including but not limited to ALS. dCas9 constructs are also contemplated as having fluorescent proteins bound to any or all stem loop sequences, wherein detection of a plurality of dCas9 constructs having different colored fluorescent proteins can simultaneously detect at least six (6) different gene target loci.

Abstract: An assay system is provided of great sensitivity and portability where the presence of a specific target in a sample, as well as its concentration (qualification and quantification) is detected by reason of a potential or voltage in a closed circuit, built up a redox reaction. The reaction is produced by binding a capture moiety to an enzymatic redox reaction partner, allowing the capture moiety to bind to any target in the sample. In a homogenous assay, the method further comprises washing any such bound target. The bound target may be immobilized through use of a second capture moiety. Substrate for the enzyme is then added. The action on the substrate by the enzyme generates electrons, creating a potential across an anode and cathode which may be separated by a membrane.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide an immunochromatographic test piece that makes it possible to achieve both highly sensitive detection of a substance to be detected and a simple test piece structure, which are usually difficult to be made compatible with each other.

Abstract: An optical filter, a spectrometer including the optical filter, and an electronic apparatus including the optical filter are disclosed. The optical filter includes a first reflector including a plurality of first structures that are periodically two-dimensionally arranged, each of the first structures having a ring shape, and a second reflector spaced apart from the first reflector and including a plurality of second structures that are periodically two-dimensionally arranged.

Abstract: The present disclosure is in the field of in vitro diagnostics and relates to an easily automatable binding assay for establishing a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which binding assay uses Fc?RIIa protein-coated particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional, easily automatable assay for establishing a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). What is measured is the secretion of PF4 (platelet factor 4) from activated thrombocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an aggregate of an aggregate-forming polypeptide of a biosample, comprising (a) a step of spiking a dimer type of the aggregate-forming polypeptide into the biosample to be analyzed; (b) a step of incubating a resultant product of step (a) to further form an aggregate of the aggregate-forming polypeptide; (c) a step of contacting a resultant product of step (b) with a binding agent-tag in which a signal-generating tag is bound to a binding agent that binds to the aggregate of the aggregate-forming polypeptide; and (d) a step of detecting a signal which is generated from the binding agent-tag bound to the aggregate of the aggregate-forming polypeptide.

Abstract: A fluid characterization measuring instrument is disclosed that comprises a sample vessel for a bulk complex sample fluid having a capacity that is substantially larger than a domain size of the complex sample fluid and that is sufficiently large to cause bulk scattering effects to substantially exceed surface effects for the complex fluid sample, a coherent light source positioned to illuminate the bulk complex sample fluid in the sample vessel and a first fibre having a first end positioned to receive backscattered light from the sample after it has interacted with the sample. The first fibre can also be positioned close enough to an optical axis of the coherent light source and to the sample vessel to substantially decrease a contribution of multiply scattered light in the backscattered light.

Abstract: An optofluidic diagnostic system and methods for rapid analyte detections. The system comprises an optofluidic sensor array, a test plate and an optical detection cartridge. The sensor array supports one or more distinct sensor units, each having a reactor section designed to temporarily enter a series of different kinds of wells in the test plate. One kind of well is a sample reservoir that holds reagent solution to be transferred into the reactor section. Another kind of well is a drainage chamber that removes reagent solution from the reactor section. A third kind of well is a colorant reservoir that holds a colorant reagent transferable into a reactor section. Finally, the sensor unit is transferred to the optical detection cartridge where it is placed into an isolation booth during the optical detection process so that its flat observation face is stationed in a viewing window opposite an optical detector lens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring the prostaglandin E main urinary metabolite (PGE-MUM), in which a mixture solution of a urine sample treated with alkali can directly be subjected to an antigen-antibody reaction system in an immunoassay of PGE-MUM, without neutralization and dilution followed by dispensation. The method of measuring PGE-MUM includes the steps of: a) mixing a urine sample with an alkaline aqueous solution, and b) subjecting the mixture solution resulting from a) to an immunoassay using a bicyclo PGE-MUM-immobilized or anti-bicyclo PGE-MUM antibody-immobilized solid phase to measure PGE-MUM in the urine sample, wherein the immunoassay is performed in a weakly-acidic basal buffer solution in the presence of a second pH buffering agent which exerts a buffering effect in the basic range and is different from the pH buffering agent contained in the basal buffer solution, and in the presence of a cationic surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, devices, systems and kits as described including, without limitation, reagents and mixtures for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, sequencing by synthesis methods. In particular, the present invention contemplates the use of photoprotective mixture of compounds as imaging reagents to improve stability and storage of fluorescent compounds, including but not limited to, nucleotides with fluorescent labels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plurality of antigens that together form a panel of immunoreactive molecules suitable for identifying candidates for prostate cancer examination. Methods for identifying antibodies indicative of a pre-malignant or malignant prostate are disclosed. Further disclosed are kits that can be used to practice the above methods.

Abstract: A method for characterizing stem cell differentiation includes harvesting differentiation media supernatant containing secreted analytes from key time points during a stem cell differentiation, performing at least one of a qualitative and a quantitative analysis of the differentiation media supernatant with respect to at least one secreted analyte, and identifying trends in analyte expression based on at least one of the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the differentiation media supernatant.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, devices, systems and kits as described including, without limitation, reagents and mixtures for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, sequencing by synthesis methods. In particular, the present invention contemplates the use of polyphenolic compounds, known as antioxidant additives, to improve the efficiency of Sequencing-By-Synthesis reactions. For example, gallic acid (GA) is shown herein to be one of many exemplary SBS polyphenolic additives.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of protein chemistry. In particular, mixed buffer compositions are formulated that allow an accurate identification of agent-induced changes in protein melting point temperatures. Such buffer compositions provide for methods that determine the specific effects of exogenous agents on protein stability, cryoprotective effects and/or protein quality control (e.g., synthesis and/or extraction purity validations).

Abstract: A semiconductor quantum dot is provided with a non-metallic substrate, and has a particle size ranged from 0.3 to 100 nm. A method of carrying out a chemical reaction or a photoluminescence reaction by using the semiconductor quantum dot is also provided. A redox reaction of a target sample is carried out, an active substance is generated, or an electron-hole pair is produced from the semiconductor quantum dot by providing the semiconductor quantum dot with a predetermined energy. Photons are released by the combination of the electron-hole pair so as to perform the photoluminescence reaction.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip including a reaction region and a detection region connected to the reaction region by a flow passage, the detection region including copper.

Abstract: Provided herein are assays and kits useful for avoiding “prozone phenomenon” or “hook effect” and which expand the range of accurately measurable analyte concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed is the invention to conduct immuno-adsorption of free 25(OH) vitamin D from blood or blood components, notably serum or plasma, after which the absorbed material is measured. A fluoro-alkyl surfactant is used to enhance the solubility of Vitamin D and allow the measurement of free Vitamin D. The invention thus employs a binding protein to absorb the free 25(OH) vitamin D. Thereafter the binding protein comprising the 25-OH vitamin D is subjected to a competitive binding assay with a labeled vitamin D compound, preferably radiolabeled, fluorescent labeled, luminescent labeled, biotin labeled, gold labeled or enzyme labeled. Alternatively the immunocaptured 25-OH vitamin D can be quantitated by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods of growing bacterial host cells in a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bag to produce plasmid DNA or express recombinant protein. The LDPE bag is filled with media, an antibiotic, and host bacterial cells that have been transformed with plasmid DNA encoding a protein of interest. The LDPE bag is sealable to the external environment and incubated at a growth temperature until a desired concentration of bacteria is achieved. When plasmid DNA is desired, host cells are harvested and plasmid DNA is separated from host cell components. When recombinant protein is desired, expression is induced while host cells are in the LDPE bag, followed by the harvest and separation of the recombinant protein. The LDPE bags are sterile and conducive to bacterial growth equal to or greater than that afforded by conventional shake flasks under similar growth conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancement of the uniform reaction on the porous materials. Comparing with the conventional Western blotting method, the present invention is successfully demonstrated capability on increasing the immune-detection signal intensity and only needs one order of magnitude less of the processing time by applying two orders of magnitude less dosage usage-amount compared to those operated in the conventional method.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting neutralizing antibodies to leptins, including metreleptin, as well as identifying subjects having such neutralizing antibodies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: The disclosed Hi-C protocol can identify genomic loci that are spatially co-located in vivo. These spatial co-locations may include, but are not limited to, intrachromosomal interactions and/or interchromosomal interactions. Hi-C techniques may be applied to many different scales of interest. For example, on a large scale, Hi-C techniques can be used to identify long-range interactions between distant genomic loci.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the use of lipoplex nanoparticle chips and arrays in the detection of/diagnosis of a disease or condition.

Abstract: Novel adoptive immunotherapy compositions comprising co-cultured lentiviral vector-transduced autologous antigen presentation cells and T cells are provided herein as well as are methods of use of same in a patient-specific combination immunotherapy that can be used to treat cancers and other diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Methods for detecting antigen-specific antibodies in a biological sample are described. The disclosed methods can be used for the diagnosis of a variety of autoimmune and infectious diseases. The methods use a neodymium magnet to efficiently isolate immune complexes. The disclosed methods are rapid, highly specific and sensitive, require very small volumes of biological sample, and do not require the use of radioactivity. With these advantageous features, the disclosed methods are amendable for point-of-care testing (POCT), which is currently not available for the detection of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune disease or for the detection of many pathogen-specific antibodies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting blood and other liquid samples. A sample holder may include a cap and porous element arranged to receive a blood or other liquid sample. The porous element may be stored in a sealed container, e.g., immediately after blood sample collection, and the sample dried while sealed in the container.

Abstract: A method produces a conductive paste comprising 15-20% by weight of PDMS and 80-85% by weight of metallic micro-nano particles, wherein the conductive paste is obtained by repeated addition of singular doses of PDMS to a heptane diluted PDMS low viscosity liquid containing the metallic micro-nano particles, wherein the heptane fraction is allowed to evaporate after addition of each of the singular doses of PDMS. A method forms a conductive path on a support layer, wherein the conductive path is encapsulated by an encapsulation layer comprising at least one via through which at least one portion of the conductive path is exposed, the method comprising filling the at least one via with the conductive paste.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways in tumor cells. Information on the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways derived from use of the invention can be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and in the design of cancer treatments.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens.

Abstract: Device for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest from a biological by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. The device provides a biosensor which is more accurate, reliable and the results of which are more reproducible. Analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological markers associated with gastric cancer. In particular, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing gastric cancer (GC) in a subject, the method including: measuring an expression level of one or more proteins in the subject, wherein the one or more proteins are selected from the group consisting of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), clusterin, insulin like growth factor binding protein complex acid labile subunit (IGFALS), and afamin; comparing the expression level of the or each protein in the subject to a reference expression level for the or each protein; and diagnosing GC in the subject on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, devices, systems and kits as described including, without limitation, reagents and mixtures for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, sequencing by synthesis methods. In particular, the present invention contemplates the use of polyphenolic compounds, known as antioxidant additives, to improve the efficiency of Sequencing-By-Synthesis reactions. For example, gallic acid (GA) is shown herein to be one of many exemplary SBS polyphenolic additives.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunoassay analyzer capable of discriminating between normal coloring due to a specific immunoreaction and abnormal coloring due to a cause other than the specific immunoreaction in a measurement region of a sample analysis tool. An immunoassay analyzer 1 of the present invention includes an optical detection unit 4 and a determination unit 5. The optical detection unit 4 includes an optical signal measurement unit for measuring an optical signal at each of two or more different wavelengths including a main wavelength for detecting color change due to the specific immunoreaction and a sub-wavelength(s) other than the main wavelength. The determination unit 5 includes a discrimination unit for comparing the respective optical signals at the two or more different wavelengths and discriminating between the color change due to the specific immunoreaction and color change due to a cause other than the specific immunoreaction based on a comparison criterion determined previously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for purifying a target protein, comprising steps of: bringing a fusion protein containing an amino acid sequence of a peptide tag, an amino acid sequence of a cleavable site of a protease and an amino acid sequence of a target protein, into contact with the protease in a solution, to cleave the peptide tag from the fusion protein; and bringing the solution containing the peptide tag, the target protein and the protease into contact with an ion exchange resin to separate the target protein and the peptide tag, thereby acquiring a solution containing the target protein, wherein, in the fusion protein, the amino acid sequence of a cleavable site of the protease exists between the amino acid sequence of the peptide tag and the amino acid sequence of the target protein, and the peptide tag is polyanionic or polycationic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid, sensitive method for forensic drug testing in a post-mortem subject using oral fluid collected from the post-mortem subject. The method comprises collecting a sample of oral fluid from a post-mortem subject, analyzing the oral fluid sample qualitatively to detect the presence of one or more non-naturally occurring drugs, analyzing the oral fluid sample quantitatively to determine concentration of the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject, and identifying the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject. The detection and quantification in oral fluid is more sensitive and faster than detection and quantification of the non-naturally occurring drugs in blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue collected from the same post-mortem subject. Further, the qualitative and quantitative results are obtained in as little as three hours.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of using novel Babesia antigen peptides in detecting Babesia spp. in a sample. The methods may be adapted to assays suitable for high blood volume screening, use for clinical diagnosis of patients with babesiosis, or assaying blood contaminated with Babesia spp., such as B. microti.

Abstract: Biosensors are disclosed for detecting ligand binding at ectopic Olfactory Receptors. Methods of identifying novel ectopic Olfactory Receptors are also disclosed. Ligands for ectopic Olfactory Receptors are disclosed as well as methods for using these ligands to interact with ectopic Olfactory Receptors, including the use of such ligands in the treatment and/or mitigation of disease conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a functional derivative of a Photoactive Yellow Protein (PYP), or a functional fragment thereof, for fluorescently labelling particles, e.g. proteins, or surfaces, which is capable of binding reversibly a fluorogenic chromophore of formula (I), and which is capable of enhancing the brightness of the fluorogenic chromophore upon complexation thereto; and of inducing the spectral shift of the fluorogenic chromophore through the ionization of an auxochromic group thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes a liquid direct fluorescence antibody assay that is rapid and sensitive to detect respiratory virus in infected cells. The assay includes centrifugation of the specimen, incubation of sample and reagents in solution, and detection of the absence or presence of respiratory virus. Sapogenin is used as a detergent to permeabilize the cells for entry of the monoclonal antibodies to react with intracellular antigens. The cells are stained with fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies against the viral antigens along with a background stain and a fluorescent nuclear stain. This counter staining decreases background and allows co-localization of antigen and nuclear structures for enhanced detection.

Abstract: Method, system and an article of manufacture for clustering and thereby identifying predefined antigens reactive with undetermined immunoglobulins of sera derived from patient subjects in need of diagnosis of disease or monitoring of treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, kits, and compositions for medical imaging relating to fluorescent dyes entrapped in erythrocytes. Also disclosed therein are methods, and compositions further comprising erythrocytes entrapping at least one therapeutically active agent, as well as methods for releasing the entrapped therapeutically active agent(s). Disclosed herein also are methods for preparation of the cells entrapping dye and therapeutically active agent(s) in a freeze-dried form that makes them readily available and easy to use in a clinical environment.