Abstract: Compositions include an aqueous solution of an organic dye of molecular weight in the range of about 300 to about 1,000 and a density-enhancing material. An amount of the density-enhancing material in the aqueous solution is sufficient to achieve a density of about 1.0 to about 1.3 g/mL. The composition has a viscosity of about 3.5 to about 5.0 centipoise. The compositions are useful in assessing the adequacy of a liquid handling mixing device to mix a reaction mixture.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides the following: a cardiovascular disease primary prevention agent, which comprises as the active ingredient at least one selected from the group consisting of EPA, salts thereof, and esters thereof and is for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease by administration to subjects having a blood (serum or plasma) hs-CRP level of 1.0 mg/L or higher in spite of no history of cardiovascular disease; a combination marker comprising the blood hs-CRP value and serum EPA/AA ratio for evaluating the primary risk of cardiovascular disease in subjects having no history of cardiovascular disease; and a method for extracting subjects with high risk of cardiovascular disease and/or a method for preventing cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Herein is a fusion polypeptide with the formula R1-FC-R2, wherein R1 denotes a first Fc-receptor, R2 denotes a second Fc-receptor, and FC denotes a heavy chain Fc-region polypeptide, wherein R1 or R2 or both are present, wherein FC does not substantially bind to R1 and/or R2 and uses thereof.

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

Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting injury to the brain comprising: a) determining the level of a tight junction (TJ) protein in exosomes isolated from a test sample from a subject, wherein the TJ protein is occludin, claudin-3, claudin-5, claudin-12, ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, JAM-A, JAM-B or JAM-C, or any combination thereof; b) comparing the level of the TJ protein in the test sample to the level of the TJ protein in a control sample, wherein an elevated level of the TJ protein in the test sample relative to the level of the TJ protein in the control sample indicates that the subject has an injury to the brain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent, a treatment method and an inspection method for diseases caused by activation of neutrophils. More specifically, the invention relates to a neutrophil activation regulator which comprising a histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) as an active ingredient, and provides a therapeutic agent for diseases caused by neutrophil activation comprising the neutrophil activation regulator, a treatment method for diseases caused by neutrophil activation, and further an inspection method for diseases caused by neutrophil activation. The present invention is based on the neutrophil activation regulator including the HRG as an active ingredient. The present invention extends to the depressant agent for neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell interaction including the HRG of the present invention as an active ingredient, the treatment method for diseases caused by neutrophil activation and/or inflammatory diseases accompanied by neutrophil activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid molecules, called aptamers, that bind specifically to a small molecule fluorophore and thereby enhance the fluorescence signal of the fluorophore upon exposure to radiation of suitable wavelength. Molecular complexes formed between the novel fluorophores, novel nucleic acid molecules, and their target molecules are described, and the use of multivalent aptamer constructs as fluorescent sensors for target molecules of interest are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new class of synthetic carbohydrate receptor compounds comprising Formula I as described herein: (I). Other aspects of the present invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical delivery vehicles comprising the compound of Formula (I) The present invention is also directed to methods of treatment and diagnosis that involve the administration of a compound of Formula (I).

Abstract: An incubator including a container having an interior chamber capable of receiving a sample holder having samples, a lower heated surface disposed within the interior chamber of the container, and a movement mechanism coupled to the container and the lower heated surface. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured to move the lower heated surface to a position in which the lower heated surface essentially contacts the sample holder. A method of rapidly heating and incubating a sample for biochemical or immunological testing is further disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a test element for carrying out an immunological sandwich test for determining an analyte from a liquid sample containing a reagent zone or conjugate zone which contains a conjugate of an analyte binding partner and a label which can be detected directly or indirectly by visual, optical or electrochemical means (e.g. an enzyme, fluorescent or direct label etc.) wherein said conjugate can be dissolved by the liquid sample, a detection zone which contains a permanently immobilized (i.e. which cannot be detached by the liquid sample) binding partner for the analyte or for complexes containing the analyte; and a control zone which contains a permanently immobilized binding partner for the conjugate of analyte binding partner and label characterized in that the control zone additionally contains one or more permanently immobilized binding partner(s) for the analyte or for complexes containing the analyte.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for screening for colorectal cancer, the method comprising: screening a biological sample from an individual for one or more biomarkers selected from the group defined in Table 1 and/or Table 6, wherein the presence of or increased expression of the one or more biomarkers relative to a control sample is indicative that the individual is at risk of suffering from or is suffering from colorectal cancer. The invention also provides an array and kit suitable for use in the methods of the invention, methods of treating colorectal cancer and therapeutic agents for use in methods of treating cancer.

Abstract: The present description relates to an in vitro method for the diagnosis of endometriosis, an in vitro method for the monitoring of endometriosis and a kit for the diagnosis of endometriosis and/or for the monitoring of endometriosis in a subject.

Abstract: The invention describes biomarkers which can be used to predict the likelihood that an individual will develop Diabetes. The biomarkers can also be used to screen large groups in order to identify individuals at risk of developing Diabetes.

Abstract: A pancreatic disease is tested for with high sensitivity even with simple equipment and a simple procedure. Provided is a method of detecting pancreatic disease including detecting a concentration of S100P in at least one of a pancreatic juice and a body fluid containing pancreatic juice collected from a test subject by immunochromatography. Additionally provided is a pancreas testing kit including an immunochromatography device that holds an anti-S100P antibody and a collection vessel that retains a protease inhibitor that inhibits an activity of a protease contained in the pancreatic juice.

Abstract: A first set of antibodies are bonded to a substrate, and are exposed to and bonded with target antigens. A second set of antibodies are bonded to nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle labeled antibodies are exposed to the targeted antigens. An electromagnetic write-head magnetizes the nanoparticles, and then a read-sensor detects the freshly magnetized nanoparticles. The substrate comprises a flexible film or a Peltier material to allow selective heating and cooling of the antigens and antibodies. Nanoparticles of different magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, compositions (e.g., capture complexes), and kits useful for enhancing the detection of antibodies in a test sample. The methods, devices, and compositions utilize detectable Fc-binding molecules such as Protein A, Protein G, and/or an Fc-specific antibody to amplify the signal of a detected antibody in immunoassays, such as lateral flow assays.

Abstract: In one aspect, a microfluidic device for multiple reactions is provided, which comprises a reaction channel comprising multiple reaction chambers connected to a closed chamber or an elastic balloon outside of the microfluidic device, wherein a wall of the closed chamber is an elastic membrane; and a control channel comprising an elastic side wall, wherein the intersections between the side wall of the control channel with the reaction channel form multiple pneumatic microvalves. In another aspect, a method for conducting multiple reactions using the microfluidic device is provided, which comprises: a) filling the reaction chambers with a sample; and b) applying pressure to the control channel to expand the elastic side wall of the control channel, wherein the expanded elastic side wall forms a pneumatic microvalve that separates the reaction chambers.

Abstract: A method identifies atypical antibodies in blood or blood product manufacturing processes that may produce false positives in quality control testing on intermediate or final products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a FCCS method for determining the concentration and/or the diffusion coefficient of at least a first labeled species, a second labeled species and/or a complex between said first and second labeled species, in a system, wherein the method comprises the steps of determining a cross-talk parameter K, wherein K is the ratio between the brightness of the first labeled species and the second labeled species at the centre of each focus, as detected for both species in the channel for detecting the second labeled species; using the cross talk parameter K for determining a displacement parameter ro and using K, ro, or both K and ro for determining the concentration and/or the diffusion coefficient of said first and/or a second labeled species and/or a complex between said first and second labeled species.

Abstract: Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-?1) are provided, particularly recognizing human and mouse TGF-?1 and not recognizing or binding TGF-?2 or TGF-?3. Particular antibodies are provided which specifically recognize and neutralize TGF-?1. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-?1, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens. The anti-TGF-?1 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof. Antibodies of this type are exemplified by the novel antibodies hereof, including antibody 13A1, whose sequences are provided herein.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to the collection of biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, and uses related to using a biopolymer substrate to collect biological samples for analysis.

Abstract: A method for evaluation of cancer diagnosis following cancer radiotherapy, comprising: providing a serum sample of a cancer patient prior to the cancer radiotherapy; and measuring a leukemia inhibitory factor concentration in the serum sample. Also provided is a method for potentiation of cancer radiotherapy, comprising: administrating a leukemia inhibitory factor inhibitor or a leukemia inhibitory factor receptor inhibitor to a subject in need of the cancer radiotherapy.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided herein that includes an instrument comprising an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detector, and a cartridge configured to fit within a portion of the instrument, wherein the cartridge includes at least one reagent including an ECL label and a blood collection holder. Also provided herein is a system that includes a diagnostic instrument, which includes a pump, an ECL detector, an incubator, a magnet, and an output device, and a cartridge configured to fit within a portion of the diagnostic instrument, a sample holder configured to fit within the cartridge, and a closed fluidic loop between the diagnostic instrument and the cartridge when the cartridge is fit within a portion of the diagnostic instrument, wherein the cartridge is configured to accept a sample from the sample holder and place the sample in fluidic communication with the diagnostic instrument via the closed fluidic loop.

Abstract: Methods for identifying new therapeutic activities for known therapeutic agents, as well as systems for practicing the same, are provided. Aspects of the invention further include are methods and compositions for the treatment of an acute graft rejection (AR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Discs large homolog (DLG), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Discs large homolog (DLG). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorder associated with the expression of DLG.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. A reagent comprises a conjugate of a small molecule linked to a terminal glycine amino acid of a synthetic 26 amino acid melittin peptide. In the method a combination is provided that comprises a sample and the aforementioned reagent. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen to the reagent to form a complex. One or both of the presence and amount of the complex is detected and related to one or both of the presence and amount in the sample of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen.

Abstract: An assembly for processing a sample is provided. The assembly comprises a first body having a plurality of spaced-apart conduits and a second body having a plurality of chambers wherein each conduit is fluidically connected to a separate chamber. The assembly forms a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path comprising a conduit and a chamber. An analyte capture element is detachably attached to a conduit and is in fluidic communication with the liquid flow path of the conduit. Optionally, the assembly further may comprise a third body comprising a plurality of reservoirs. The assembly can be used to process a liquid sample for detecting an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and the treatment of familial thoracic aortic aneurysms caused by TGFB2 loss of function mutations. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for determining whether a subject is predisposed to thoracic aortic aneurysms comprising detecting a TGFB2 loss of function mutation wherein the presence of the mutation indicated that the subject is predisposed to thoracic aortic aneurysms. The present invention also relates to a transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGF-?2) polypeptide for use in the prophylactic treatment of a subject who has been considered as predisposed to thoracic aortic aneurysms by the method of the invention (i.e. a subject having one TGB2 loss of function mutation according to the invention).

Abstract: Protein ubiquitylation, an essential post-translational modification, regulates almost every cellular process including protein degradation, protein trafficking, signal transduction, and DNA damage response in eukaryotic cells. The diverse functions of ubiquitylation are thought to be mediated by distinct chain topologies resulting from eight different ubiquitin linkages, chain lengths, and complexities. Currently, ubiquitin linkages are generally thought to be a critical determinant of ubiquitin signaling. However, ubiquitin chain lengths, another key element of ubiquitin signaling, have not been well documented especially in vivo situation during past three decades from the discovery of ubiquitin. The reason of this was simply because no method has been available for determination of ubiquitin chain length in endogenous ubiquitylated substrates. In the present invention, a practical technique for determining the actual length of substrate-attached polyubiquitin chains from biological samples is established.

Abstract: In embodiments disclosed herein, a diagnostic system is provided having a cartridge comprising at least one needle; at least one reservoir; at least one fluidic seal; and at least one fluidic channel of a fluidic pathway, wherein the cartridge is configured to store at least one reagent and at least one waste material on the cartridge. The diagnostic system is provided also having a diagnostic instrument comprising the fluidic pathway; an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection system; and a pump, wherein the fluidic pathway begins and ends in the cartridge and has a substantially single direction of flow in a pathway fluidically connecting the diagnostic instrument and the cartridge.

Abstract: Thus, herein is reported a method for analyzing/characterizing circulating immune complexes (CICs) formed in vivo comprising a size-exclusion chromatography of a sample obtained from a mammal to which the drug had been administered at least once for determining the weight/size of the immune complexes, optionally a second non-SEC chromatography, and at least one immunoassay, whereby the immune complex is characterized by the correlation of the immune complex size and the immunoassay result/read-out. Also reported herein is the use of a method as reported herein for determining a correlation to altered pharmacokinetics, for determining loss or reduction of efficacy, for determining neutralization of natural counterparts of the drug, for determining immune and hypersensitivity reactions, including serum sickness/type III hypersensitivity reaction/immune complex-mediated disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining recovered heart function in a subject based in the biomarker ceruloplasmin in patient samples. Also disclosed are computer systems, kits and software.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting antibodies against the TpN17 antigen of Treponema pallidum in an isolated sample wherein a peptide sequence of Vibrio cholerae lipoprotein 15 (VcLp15) or a partial sequence thereof is used as a reagent for reduction of interference, i.e. for minimizing false positive results. In addition the invention relates to fusion polypeptides comprising a VcLp15 peptide sequence and a chaperone, to their use as an additive in an immunoassay for said reduction of interferences and for minimizing false positive results and to a reagent kit for detecting antibodies against Treponema pallidum antigens in an isolated sample comprising a TpN17 antigen and said VcLp15-chaperone fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods, reagents, kits and systems are disclosed for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte where all reagents are soluble in aqueous solution. One assay method includes treating a sample suspected of containing the analyte under conditions such that if the analyte is present, an activator is brought into reactive configuration with a chemiluminescent compound to activates it. The sample is also treated with an agent to reduce signal not related to analyte. Finally, the sample is treated with a trigger solution thereby producing light from the activated chemiluminescent compound. No reagents are associated with a surface or other solid phase.

Abstract: A sensor for biomolecules includes a silicon fin comprising undoped silicon; a source region adjacent to the silicon fin, the source region comprising heavily doped silicon; a drain region adjacent to the silicon fin, the drain region comprising heavily doped silicon of a doping type that is the same doping type as that of the source region; and a layer of a gate dielectric covering an exterior portion of the silicon fin between the source region and the drain region, the gate dielectric comprising a plurality of antibodies, the plurality of antibodies configured to bind with the biomolecules, such that a drain current flowing between the source region and the drain region varies when the biomolecules bind with the antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified form of saturation assay, which is based on the measurement of a free or unbound labelled reagent fraction (such that there is an increase in signal in the presence of analyte) and employs trapping zones to concentrate said unbound or free labelled fraction to avoid loss of sensitivity. Preferably, the assay is a membrane assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F peptides and compositions comprising them. The present invention also relates to methods of evaluating anti-RSV antibody binding to F peptides. The present invention also relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to an F peptide of the present invention. The invention further provides methods and protocols for the administration of F peptides and/or antibodies that immunospecifically bind to F peptides for the prevention, neutralization, treatment of RSV infection. Additionally, the methods of the invention may be useful for the treatment, prevention and the amelioration of symptoms associated with RSV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound which inhibits the binding of activin B to ALK3 receptor or a compound which is an inhibitor of activin B expression or ALK3 receptor expression for use in the treatment of anemia of inflammation. The invention also relates to a method for diagnosis anemia of inflammation in a patient comprising: determining the expression level of Activin B in a sample obtained from said patient; and comparing said expression level to a threshold value.

Abstract: A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) marker conjugate is provided. The SERS marker conjugate comprises a metallic nanoparticle and an organometallic material attached to a surface of the metallic nanoparticle. A biosensor comprising a plurality of the SERS marker conjugates and a method of forming the SERS marker conjugate is also provided.

Abstract: An anti-antibody reagent for use in a competitive or sandwich simplex or multiplex assay, said reagent comprising one or more labeled anti-antibodies for the primary antibodies to be determined in the assay, the reagent further comprising a corresponding unlabeled anti-antibody in an excess or near excess concentration with respect to their binding partners.

Abstract: An assay for citrullinated fragments of SOCS-2, Alpha 1 anti tyrpsin, versican, biglycan, laminin, or other protein having a terminal antibody binding site comprising citrulline in a blood derived sample shows diagnostic relevance in relation to rheumatoid arthritis or fibrotic disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of CXCL5 as a marker for assessing hormone escape in prostate cancer cells. The invention further provides diagnostic methods and kits for assessing hormone escape in prostate cancer cells, and CXCL5 antagonists for use in the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer and/or hormone escape in prostate cancer.

Abstract: Described herein are assays for determining total suspended solids (TSS) in liquids. Here TSS can be determined by flowing turbid liquid samples in a porous medium. Using such an assay, TSS can be determined with small volumes of liquid and in short times without the need for dedicated optics and instruments. The assays can be used to determine total suspended solids in any liquid medium, for example, the assay can be used in an immunoprecipitin assay to determine the amount of antigen or antibody present in blood or other fluid.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing cancer in a subject are disclosed. The method includes detecting the level of expression of one or more cancer markers in a biological sample obtained from the subject; and comparing the level of expression of the one or more cancer markers in the biological sample to a normal level of expression of the one or more cancer markers. The one or more cancer markers comprises CXCL13 or CXCR5 or both CXCL13 and CXCR5. Also disclosed is a kit for detecting cancer or monitoring cancer progression.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device, such as a FET sensing cell, which includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, an active layer over the first dielectric layer, a source region in the active layer, a drain region in the active layer, a channel region in the active layer situated between the source region and the drain region, a sensing film over the channel region, a second dielectric layer over the active layer, wherein an opening is formed in the second dielectric layer and the sensing film is located within the opening, a first electrode located within the second dielectric layer and a fluidic gate region located over the second dielectric layer and extending into the opening. The present disclosure also provides a method for improving the sensitivity of a device by adjusting a sensing value.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an isolated particle comprising very high density, ultra small, lipid depleted apo B containing particles, and may also contain cytokeratin 8. The isolated particle is useful in diagnostic assays, which are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.