Abstract: The invention is to devices and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature for forming a diluted sample for analysis. The devices and methods also include a dilution verification feature for verifying the degree of dilution of the diluted sample. The devices preferably are capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions and methods of mitigating tissue damage and fibrosis in a patient by modulating latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein (LTBP4)-induced proteolysis of a Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF?) superfamily protein.

Abstract: The invention is a methodology which makes it possible to select from a very large number of cells, a single cell or cells of interest and obtain specific information from those cells in a rapid and efficient manner. As an example of the methodology, a large number of antibody producing cells such as plasma cells are separated so that these individual antibody producing plasma cells are placed in individual wells. The cells are allowed to produce antibodies and the antibodies in the wells are then contacted with a protein bound to a solid surface such as a well top. The protein universally and specifically binds antibodies in the wells. The surface or well tray top includes addresses configured such that each address is specifically related to one of the individual wells containing a cell producing antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody that recognizes human CD9 in its native form. The invention is also directed to a hybridoma cell line that produces the monoclonal antibody, and exosome isolation kits using the antibody.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a robust, sensitive, and specific assay for the detection and measurement of periostin levels in samples obtained from human patients having, or suspected of having an IL-13-mediated disease or disorder. The disclosure further provides novel antiperiostin monoclonal antibodies that recognize at least isoforms 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 of human periostin, and assay kits comprising one or more of these antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention makes use of immunoassays, such as sandwich ELISAs, to profile the circulating concentration of elastic fiber and microfibril fragments in samples from individuals with diseases associated with elastic fiber and/or microfibril degradation. Examples of such diseases include, Marfan's syndrome, aortic aneurysm, and scleroderma. Profiling the concentration of such fragments can be used to diagnose disease and monitor disease progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant polypeptides useful as hypoallergens. More specifically the present invention provides mutant Bet v 1 proteins and the use of such polypeptides as hypoallergens for desensitizing against birch pollen allergies. Furthermore, the invention provides vaccine formulations comprising such polypeptides; the use of such formulations; and to methods of vaccination against birch pollen allergy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, kits, compositions, and devices useful for detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and/or for differentiation of certain Ehrlichia species from others. In particular, the invention provides methods and kits useful for identifying species of Ehrlichia using populations of isolated peptides.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind to human fractional C-Reactive Protein (fracCRP), kits containing these antibodies and antibody fragments, and assays using these antibodies and antibody fragments.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising anti-transthyretin antibodies. The compositions are particularly useful for diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of amyloid diseases or symptoms thereof.

Abstract: A cell phone case including an additive for providing desired properties of the cell phone case. The additive can be a fragrance for improving a scent of the cell phone case. The additive can also include a antimicrobial agent to create an antimicrobial device effective in reducing or eliminating bacteria on a surface of the cell phone case.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and compositions for identifying a subject as infected with a parasite by detecting nucleic acid from an endosymbiont of the parasite in a sample from the subject. In certain embodiments, the parasite is a nematode that infects humans or dogs (e.g., D. immitis, O. volvulus, W. bancrofti, B. timori, or B. malayi) and the endosymbiont is Wolbachia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for generating a pool of oligonucleotides. The invention finds use in preparing a population or subpopulations of oligonucleotides in solution. The pool of oligonucleotides finds use in a variety of nucleic acid detection and/or amplification assays.

Abstract: Provided are methods employing antibodies directed against the signal peptide (SP) domain of various disease-associated polypeptides. These anti-SP antibodies detect cell surface expression of these SP domains and are used in methods of diagnosis and/or therapy. Provided is a method for determining the suitability for treatment of a subject suffering from a disease, whereby detection of cell surface expression of a specific SP indicates that the subject would benefit from therapy directed against this SP. Further, provided are methods for diagnosis of diseases based on the detection of endogenously produced anti-SP antibodies.

Abstract: Methods of detecting Cortisol in samples suspected of containing Cortisol are disclosed that utilize conjugates of 11-a-cortisol linked at the 3-position to an assay molecule. In addition, compounds are disclosed that have the formula: (structure) wherein L is a linking group and X is as further defined herein.

Abstract: The spectral method for quantifying hemoglobin fragility caused by smoking is based on decreased concentration of tryptophan and elevated concentrations of the biomolecules nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and porphyrin in the presence of hemoglobin fragility. The method involves the steps of obtaining a blood sample from a patient who is a smoker; separating blood plasma from the samples; obtaining synchronous excitation spectra (SXS) of the blood plasma with a spectrofluorometer at a scan offset of 70 nm and at a scan offset of 10 nm; comparing the patient's SXS with the SXS of normal control samples; and diagnosing hemoglobin fragility when the excitation maxima of NADH, FAD, and porphyrin are between 30% and 70% higher than the maxima for these metabolites in the normal control samples, or when the excitation maximum for tryptophan is 60% of the control sample.

Abstract: A bio-nano-chip (BNC) technology that works in connection with non-invasive samples, such as saliva, cheek swab or urine samples that can be easily performed by non-specialists, such as security personnel and police officers is disclosed. The microfluidic system for drug testing includes an analyzer or reader having a housing containing a slot for receiving a cartridge, a drug testing cartridge, a processor having a user interface, an optical or energy sensing means, and a means for moving fluid.

Abstract: The present invention identities biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.

Abstract: Provided is a compound comprising the structure: (SIG)-(SI-MOD)m. In this compound, SIG is a signaling molecule, SI is a self-immolative structure bound to SIG such that SIG has a reduced signal relative to the signal of SIG without SI, MOD is a moiety bound to SI that is subject to modification by an activator, and m is an integer from 1 to about 10. With this compound, when MOD is modified by an activator, SI is destabilized and self-cleaved from SIG such that SIG generates an increased signal. Also provided is a method of determining whether a sample comprises an activator, using the above-described compound. Additionally provided is a method of determining whether a cell comprises a nitroreductase using the above-described compound where nitroreductase is the activator. Further provided is a method of determining whether a mammalian cell is hypoxic using the above-described compound where nitroreductase is the activator.

Abstract: Hydrophilic, chemiluminescent acridinium compounds containing zwitterions are disclosed. These acridinium compounds, when used as chemiluminescent labels in immunochemistry assays and the like, exhibit decreased non-specific binding to solid phases and provide increased assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Specimen collection slides, methods of fabricating and methods of utilizing such specimen collection slides whereby each specimen collection slide includes a top rigid layer with an opening, a bottom rigid layer with an opening substantially the same size as the top layer opening, a middle rigid section having an opening larger than the openings in both the top and bottom layers, and a filtration media residing within the opening in the middle section. The top, bottom and middle are secured together to provide the resultant slide with thickness and rigidity that lends the slide to be utilized in automated handling processes and instruments. The middle section of the slide encases the filtration media and sandwiches it between the top and bottom layers so that the filtration media is protected from damage. Each slide may have its own unique identifier.

Abstract: Methods aiding in the diagnosis of certain neuropathies are disclosed, in which the titer of antibodies to a disulfated heparin disaccharide is assessed in a test sample from an subject. Also disclosed are apparatus and kits that can be used in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Described is an epitope tag useful in affinity-based applications. The invention further includes fusion proteins, methods for preparing fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins and recombinant host cells that contain these nucleic acid molecules. The invention also relates to nanobodies and other affinity ligands specifically recognizing the epitope tag, and uses thereof in affinity-based applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices, compositions, and kits for monitoring neuromodulation efficacy based on detecting changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers associated with neuromodulation, as well as methods and processes of performing neuromodulation that incorporate monitoring of neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in level or activity of one or more target biomarkers.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-surgical assays that can be used to determine whether an animal that has a non-postpartum anestrous period of three months or greater, such as a dog or a cat, has been spayed. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, kits and methods that allow correlation of levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone with the state of being spayed.

Abstract: Described herein is a method, system and computer program for analyzing a colorimetric assay that includes obtaining an image of the assay, optionally correcting for ambient lighting conditions in the image, converting the intensity data for at least one of the red channel, the green channel, or the blue channel to a first data point, recalling a predetermined standardized curve, comparing the first data point with the standardized curve, and identifying the value for the assay parameter from the standardized curve.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for detecting enzyme activity in a live organism (e.g., animal) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to encoding samples. More specifically, it relates to barcodes and compositions involving upconverters and methods including them. In a composition aspect of the invention, a composition comprising two or more lanthanide materials is provided. Each lanthanide material comprises a host, an absorber, and an emitter, and the materials emit detectable electromagnetic radiation upon excitation with absorbable electromagnetic energy. One or more relative ratios of emission intensities uniquely identify the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the parallel isolation and/or purification of RNA and DNA from the same fixed biological sample, the quantification and analysis of the nucleic acids isolated by the process according to the invention, to a kit for the parallel isolation and/or purification of RNA and DNA from a fixed sample and to the use of this kit for the diagnosis, prognosis, decision with respect to therapy and/or the monitoring of the therapy of a disease.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that may be used in the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. In particular, the present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies referred to as 10F4 and 3C5 and to other monoclonal antibodies (e.g., murine, human or humanized) having similar properties thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides transdermal optical analysis systems, test sensors, methods, and kits for determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid sample. The system includes a transdermal test sensor including an aqueous material including at least one analyte selective reagent and at least one optically active moiety. The optical system preferably uses fluorescent spectroscopy to correlate fluorescent emission or adsorption from a dye with the analyte concentration of the sample. An optical light source and/or detector may be housed with the aqueous material in a housing or external to the housing of the aqueous material.

Abstract: Physical condition under stress can be controlled by using adiponectin in blood as a stress marker and measuring a level thereof. Moreover, endotoxin activity can be inhibited by using adiponectin.

Abstract: Method for detecting and quantifying an analyte in a liquid sample, using a test strip and magnetic particles as a detectable label and based on the detection of an amount of magnetic particles which become bound to a reading zone of a test strip as a result of performing the method, said amount being linked through a function to the analyte content of the sample, wherein the magnetic particles exhibit a nonlinear magnetization characteristic, which test strip is made of porous material and is arranged inside a case, cartridge or the like to form an assay device, wherein in its part surrounding the reading zone, the case is made of a material that is permeable to magnetic field, wherein for the reading of the reaction, the assay device is positioned in a measure cell of a magnetic reading device which detects the amount of magnetic particles in the reading zone by submitting it to at least one excitation magnetic field having about 90% of its power within one frequency band or a plurality of frequency bands,

Abstract: Non-invasive methods are provided herein for the diagnosis of melioidosis with specific antibodies capable of detecting molecules associated with melioidosis in a biological fluid, such as urine or serum. These molecules can be identified using proteomic methods, including but not limited to antibody based methods, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), a radioimmunoassay (RIA), or a lateral flow immunoassay. Methods of inducing an immune response to melioidosis are also disclosed. The methods include the use of the immunogenic melioidosis polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides, and/or viral vectors encoding an immunogenic melioidosis polypeptide, alone or in conjunction with other agents, such as traditional melioidosis therapies. Also disclosed are methods for treating a subject having melioidosis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell wall C-polysaccharide antigen of Streptococcus pneumoniae which contains not more than 10% by weight of protein, and preferably less which has been purified with 0.1N Na OH prior to deproteinizing. Also disclosed are polyvalent antibodies raised against Streptococcus pneumoniae which have been affinity purified by passing them over a chromatographic affinity matrix to which is coupled the purified and at least partially deproteinized antigen to render them antigen-specific.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject, a method for identifying whether a subject is in need for a therapy of heart failure or a method for determining whether a heart failure therapy is successful. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing biological polymers such as DNA or proteins, on a solid support, by ionocovalent bond, for making biochips, and the resulting chips obtained by the method. Also, a kit for the preparation of the chips.

Abstract: Colloidal silica particles containing a fluorescent dye compound, composed of a silica particle containing a silica component and a fluorescent dye compound chemically bound or adsorbed thereto, wherein the colloidal silica particles containing a fluorescent dye compound have an average diameter of 30 nm or less, and wherein said silica particles are used simultaneously as fluorescent-labelling nanobeads; a fluorescent nano-material comprising said colloidal silica particles; and a biochip and an assay method using the same.

Abstract: Spectroscopic filter arrays and methods for making spectroscopic filter arrays are provided. The arrays are formed using a dispersion of filter particles having selected moieties attached to the surface of the particles and a microarray having complementary moieties formed in an array on a substrate, such that each filter particle is attached to a selected region of the microarray. The moiety on the substrate may be RNA or DNA or other molecule. The substrate may be a surface of a photodetector array, a transparent plate that may be placed in registration with the photodetector or a stamp used to transfer the filter array to a photodetector array.

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: To provide a technology of staining nuclei of cells, microorganisms and the like by a simple operation and observing their forms. There is provided a cell nucleus observation substrate including an introduction part into which a sample liquid containing cells is introduced and an observation area within which the cells in the sample liquid introduced from the introduction part is held, copper being disposed on a flow path of the sample liquid in the introduction part and the observation area so that the copper being capable of contacting with the sample liquid. In the cell nucleus observation substrate, the cells in the sample liquid introduced from the introduction part is contacted with copper, nucleic acids therein will emit fluorescence and is held within the observation area. Accordingly, in the cell nucleus observation substrate, the cells including the nuclei being fluorescence stained can be observed at the observation area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for the discretization and manipulation of sample volumes that is simple, robust, and versatile. It is a fluidic device that partitions a sample by exploiting the interplay between fluidic forces, interfacial tension, channel geometry, and the final stability of the formed droplet and/or discretized volume. These compartmentalized volumes allow for isolation of samples and partitioning into a localized array that can subsequently be manipulated and analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detection of a compound of interest that is present at low levels in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of detection of a compound of interest in solution by a nucleic acid-labelled binding construct, separation of the unbound nucleic acid-labelled binding construct, and the detection of the bound nucleic acid-labelled binding construct in the solution phase. The present invention is particularly adaptable to be used in conjunction with a nucleic acid amplification reaction for detecting the presence or absence of the nucleic acid portion of binding construct in a sample indicating the presence or absence of the compound of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising inhibitors of mTorC1 and/or mTorC2. In some aspects, the invention provides for treatment regimens resulting in enhanced treatment efficacy and better tolerability.

Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA methods and kits for VEGF as an antigen are provided to detect types of VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and can be used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering airborne radioactive iodine is provided. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior space and comprising an inlet for receiving air and an outlet for discharging the air; and a composition placed in the interior space for trapping airborne radioactive iodine between the inlet and the outlet. The composition comprises one or more salts selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal chloride and an alkaline earth metal chloride. A method of filtering airborne radioactive iodine is further provided. The method includes providing the foregoing apparatus at a nuclear facility and blowing air to flow from the inlet to the outlet and contact the composition placed in the interior space, whereby airborne radioactive iodine is trapped in the interior space.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize an antibody or a fragment thereof specifically recognizing a cofilin 1 protein, and a method for detecting and testing gastrointestinal cancer with high detection performance, which comprises performing immunoassay of the cofilin 1 protein using the antibody or a fragment thereof. An immunoassay of cofilin 1 protein is characterized by measuring cofilin 1 or a fragment thereof in a sample using 2 or more types of anti-cofilin 1 monoclonal antibody or fragments thereof specifically recognizing different peptide regions in the amino acid sequence constituting the cofilin 1 protein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ICE-cleaved alpha-synuclein fragments as biomarkers for alpha-synuclein-associated disease or disorder and/or for ICE-regulator therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer of the compound represented by formula [1]: and the compound represented by formula [2]: to a glycidyl group of which an anion exchanging group is introduced; a filler for measuring an acidic group binding to a perfluoro compound at a terminal, which comprises the polymer; a column filled with the filler; a method for measuring said perfluoro compound having an acidic group at a terminal by using the column; a filler or a column filled with the filler comprising the polymer for measuring a drug; and a method for measuring a drug by using the column.

Abstract: An insulin resistance marker, a method of evaluating insulin resistance, a method of screening a substance that improves insulin resistance, and a pharmaceutical composition for improving insulin resistance are provided. The insulin resistance marker includes a polypeptide comprising at least any 15 continuous amino acids in the specific amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (sequence of a proepithelin protein). The insulin resistance marker includes a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of (1) a polynucleotide comprising at least any 45 continuous bases in the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 encoding the above specific amino acid sequence, and (2) a polynucleotide that is complementary to the polynucleotide of (1).