Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge, a detection method, and a detection device capable of stabilizing the liquid level of a sample accommodated in a chamber in a predetermined state. A cartridge 20, that is rotated around a rotating shaft 42 for detecting a target substance, is provided with a chamber 100 in which a sample containing a target substance is stored. The chamber 100 includes a first region 110 in which a sample is stored, a second region 120 disposed at a position closer to the rotating shaft 42 than the first region 110, and a protrusion 130 protruding from a position between the first region 110 and the second region 120 to the inner side of the chamber 100.

Abstract: A medical system for determining an analyte quantity in a blood sample via a cartridge that spins around a rotational axis. The cartridge may include: a separation chamber that separates blood plasma from the sample; a processing chamber containing a reagent with a specific binding partner which binds to the analyte to form an analyte specific binding partner complex; a first valve structure connecting the separation chamber to the processing chamber; a measurement structure to measure the quantity of the analyte, wherein the measurement structure includes a chromatographic membrane with an immobilized binding partner for direct or indirect binding of the analyte or the analyte specific binding partner complex, and an absorbent structure that is nearer to the axis than the membrane; a second valve structure connecting the processing chamber to the measurement structure; and a fluid chamber filled with a washing buffer and fluidically connected to the measurement structure.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specimen testing device and method thereof, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact and reliable specimen testing device and method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is in the area of coagulation analysis and relates to antibodies which bind specifically to an immune complex of prothrombin fragment F2/F1+2 and an F2/F1+2 neoepitope-specific antibody fragment, and to the preparation and the use thereof in methods for determining F2/F1+2.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biomedical and pharmacological research, in particular to the area of immunology, allergies and autoimmune diseases. The inventors have shown that SWAP-70 is a higher-level regulator for STAT-6 and BCL-6, the regulator being specific for IgE production in B-cells by amplifying the effect of STAT-6 and antagonizing the effect of BCL-6. The inventors have observed no influence of SWAP-70 on the expression of other genes that are likewise regulated by STAT-6 and/or BCL-6. In summary, it can be concluded that SWAP-70 positively regulates IgE production by shifting the interaction of the two antagonists STAT-6 and BCL-6 with regulatory elements of the IgE gene in favor of the activator STAT-6. Based on said findings, the invention provides a screening method which allows for identifying novel active agents that specifically inhibit IgE production.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to pulmonary autoantigens. The disclosure provides methods and kits for assessing whether a subject has or is predisposed to interstitial lung disease. Additionally the present disclosure provides methods of treatment and animal models of interstitial lung disease.

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

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising native and denatured human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and methods of making said compositions. Also provided herein are methods and kits for the detection of antibodies to native HLAs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antigenically effective peptide comprising, from the amino to the carboxylic terminal, the amino acid sequence: G P P W W P P I C D P P Q P S K T Q G Q S X1 G Q S X2 G X3 G X4 G X5 G X6 G X7 G K G K S X8 D K Q X9 K P G G P W X10 P E P (SEQ ID No. 1), wherein the amino acids X1-X10 are selected independently from an arginine residue or a citrulline residue and at least one of X1-X10 is a citrulline residue, or a functional fragment thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: Imaging a sample that includes phototransformable optical labels (“PTOLs”) with an optical system having a diffraction-limited resolution volume (DLRV), includes providing activation radiation to the PTOLs to activate a statistical subset of the PTOLs. A density of the PTOLs of the activated subset is less than an inverse of the DLRV. Excitation radiation is provided to the activated subset to excite activated PTOLs. Radiation emitted from the activated and excited PTOLs located at different focal planes of the optical system within the sample is detected with the optical system. The preceding steps are repeated one or more times, each time activating a different statistical subset of the plurality of PTOLs. Three-dimensional locations within the sample are determined, with a sub-diffraction-limited accuracy, of the activated and excited PTOLs based on the radiation emitted from the activated and excited PTOLs that is detected from the different focal planes of the optical system.

Abstract: Compositions are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include an isolated antibody or antigen binding antibody fragment characterized by binding specificity for a conjugate which is a reaction product of a protein moiety and an isocyanate moiety. Methods of detecting diisocyanate-protein conjugates in a sample are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include contacting a sample with one or more isolated antibodies or antigen binding antibody fragments characterized by binding specificity for corresponding diisocyanate-protein conjugate antigens.

Abstract: The present invention includes assays and kits for detecting the assembly of an RNA binding protein-RNA complex and for detecting the activity of an RNA binding protein.

Abstract: Peptides useful in determining the presence of autoantibodies in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosis and prognosis using biomarkers comprising albumin-bound protein/peptide complex (ABPPC).

Abstract: The invention relates to in vitro method for quantitating the antibodies specific for High mobility group box I (HMGB1) contained in a sample, in particular a serum sample or a cerebrospinal fluid sample obtained from a patient, and the use of this method in the prognostic and/or diagnosis of neurological disorders. These methods are in particular applicable to the monitoring of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of a subject who is known to be infected with HIV and in the prognostic and/or diagnostic of the state of progression of Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the state of progression toward AIDS, in particular the state of progression or the state of progression toward neurological disorders associated with AIDS. Finally, the invention is also about method to determine the immune deficiency or level of immune activation of a patient, in particular a HIV-infected patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel peptides of use for detection and/or inhibition of anti-?1-adrenergic receptor antibodies. Certain embodiments concern uses of cyclic and/or linear peptides. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to novel peptides of use in diagnostic and/or pharmaceutical compositions. Some embodiments concern diagnosing and/or treating cardiac conditions. Cardiac conditions of the instant invention can concern infectious heart disease, non-infectious heart disease, ischemic heart disease, non-ischemic heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, myocarditis, cardiac dilatation, idiopathic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, immune-cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and any cardiac arrhythmia condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel peptides of use for detection and/or inhibition of anti-?1-adrenergic receptor antibodies. Certain embodiments concern uses of cyclic and/or linear peptides. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to novel peptides of use in diagnostic and/or pharmaceutical compositions. Some embodiments concern diagnosing and/or treating cardiac conditions. Cardiac conditions of the instant invention can concern infectious heart disease, non-infectious heart disease, ischemic heart disease, non-ischemic heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, myocarditis, cardiac dilatation, idiopathic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, immune-cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and any cardiac arrhythmia condition.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods of producing exosomes. The application also provides a method for preparing a protein composition comprising culturing an exosome-producing cell expressing a Nef-fusion protein comprising a Nef-derived peptide fused to a protein of interest; isolating exosomes from the exosome-producing cell culture; and purifying the protein of interest from the isolated exosomes. The application further discloses compositions that comprise exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein, as well as methods of using the Nef-fusion protein and exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides ?2 microglobulin as a biomarker for qualifying or assessing peripheral artery disease in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for in vitro prognosticating and/or diagnosing cerebral cerebral malaria, wherein said method comprises a step of detecting non-erythroid spectrin or fragments thereof, and/or antibodies directed against non-erythroid spectrin, in a biological sample. Reagents and kits for performing this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanosubstrates as biosensors, methods of making such nanosubstrates, and methods of using such nanosubstrates to detect biomarkers are described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detection of biological substances in nasal specimen.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of screening for HLA antibodies comprising detecting antibodies specific for native HLA antigens and denatured HLA antigens. The invention also provides for methods of removing antibodies specific for denatured HLA antigens or antibodies specific for native HLA antigens from a serum sample. In addition, the invention also provides for method of predicting whether a transplant recipient has an increased risk for rejecting the transplanted organ.

Abstract: Chondroitin sulfate polysaccharides with defined sulfation patterns can be synthesized. These chondroitin polysaccharides can be used to identify chondroitin sulfate binding proteins. Further, compounds that modulate the activity of chondroitin sulfate binding proteins can be identified. For example, TNF-? was found to bind specifically to CS-E and CS-E can be used to modulate the interaction of TNF-? with the TNF receptor.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods of producing exosomes. The application also provides a method for preparing a protein composition comprising culturing an exosome-producing cell expressing a Nef-fusion protein comprising a Nef-derived peptide fused to a protein of interest; isolating exosomes from the exosome-producing cell culture; and purifying the protein of interest from the isolated exosomes. The application further discloses compositions that comprise exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein, as well as methods of using the Nef-fusion protein and exosomes containing the Nef-fusion protein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapid, non-invasive and highly specific and sensitive diagnostic assay for the identification of individuals with autoimmune chronic urticaria, which makes use of CD203c, and in some embodiments, additional proteins, as a marker for the disease. Test kits for diagnosis of an individual suspected of having autoimmune chronic urticaria are also disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of identifying compounds useful for treating autoimmune chronic urticaria and a method of treating autoimmune chronic urticaria.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for detecting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAHT), or the risk of developing PAHT, which includes determining the presence and/or amount of anti-tenascin C antibodies in a biological sample from a patient.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection involving substances that inhibit the ability of high mobility box 1 (HMGB1) protein to interact with natural killer (NK) cells. Therapeutic compositions comprising antibodies and drugs, such as glycyrrhizin, which bind to HMGB1. Methods of detecting or monitoring HIV infection involving detection or quantitation of HMGB1 or antibodies specific for HMGB1 in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as a novel diagnosis marker for type 1 diabetes mellitus, a type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnostic composition comprising alanyl-tRNA synthetase, glycyl-tRNA synthetase, asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase, or tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, a diagnostic kit comprising the same, and a diagnostic method using the same. The composition, the kit, and the method, according to the present invention, may be used for early diagnosis and confirmed diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus because type 1 diabetes mellitus can be easily diagnosed from a patient sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are synthetic peptides, methods and kits for easy detecting or diagnosing an autoimmune disease, particularly, Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), based on the detection of autoimmune antibodies with peptides derived from ?-2-glycoprotein-1 (?2-GPI).

Abstract: The present application relates to the isolation and analysis of populations of microvesicles and the identification of invasive microvesicles in the populations such as populations of microvesicles that are shed by tumor cells. Invasive microvesicles from tumor cells contain a variety of specific proteins, such as ARF6.

Abstract: A liposomal composition, preferably a vaccine, comprising liposomes formed of liposome forming compounds, containing coentrapped polysaccharide antigen and T-cell dependent protein carrier, such as tetanus toxoid or diphtheria toxin modified to render it non-toxic. The invention is of use in the production of vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing antibody mediated graft rejection and blood typing.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic apparatus including: a microfluidic structure for providing spaces for receiving a fluid and for forming channels, through which the fluid flows; and valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the channels in the microfluidic apparatus. The microfluidic structure includes: a sample chamber; a sample separation unit receiving the sample from the sample chamber and separating a supernatant from the sample by using a centrifugal force; a testing unit receiving the supernatant from the sample separation unit for detecting a specimen from the supernatant using an antigen-antibody reaction, and a quality control chamber for identifying reliability of the test.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of autoimmunity. More specifically, the present invention relates to the detection of autoantibodies to domain 4 of beta 2-glycoprotein I (?2-GPI) as an indicator for atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and use of proteins with clinical relevance to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, the invention provides the identity of marker proteins that specifically react with RA-associated autoantibodies. Also provided are methods, arrays and kits for using these proteins in the diagnosis of RA, and in the selection and/or monitoring of treatment regimens.

Abstract: The binding specificity of at least one plasma protein suspended or dissolved in a liquid medium is altered by exposing the protein to an oxidizing agent or an electric current sufficient to alter its binding specificity. A masked protein such as an autoantibody can be recovered from blood or blood products or extracts by oxidizing the protein to change its binding specificity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying modulators of cardiac troponin I activity as well as methods for using N-terminally truncated forms of cTnI to monitor the function of the circulatory system in general, and the heart in particular, of an organism such as man. Additionally, the invention provides methods of treating circulatory diseases, disorders or conditions, such as cardiac diseases and conditions, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a modulator of the N-terminal structure of cTnI, such as a molecule capable of binding to the N-terminus of full-length cTnI, a molecule that modulates cTnI phosphorylation and/or N-terminal proteolytic cleavage, or by administering N-terminally truncated cTnI or a polynucleotide encoding that protein or polypeptide.

Abstract: By detecting an antibody which immunologically reacts with amylase ?2-A in a sample, AIP or FT1DM is examined or the possibility of developing FT1DM is determined. For instance, detection of this antibody is carried out by an immunological method using an antigen which immunologically reacts with this antibody. The antigen is preferably a partial fragment containing the amino acid sequence of amino acid numbers 299 to 511 of human amylase ?2-A (SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapid, non-invasive and highly specific and sensitive diagnostic assay for the identification of individuals with autoimmune chronic urticaria, which makes use of CD203c, and in some embodiments, additional proteins, as a marker for the disease. Test kits for diagnosis of an individual suspected of having autoimmune chronic urticaria are also disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of identifying compounds useful for treating autoimmune chronic urticaria and a method of treating autoimmune chronic urticaria.

Abstract: A method for determining the risk of an individual of suffering from inflammation, opportunistic infection or disruption of immunoglobulin metabolism, comprising (a) determining the level of fragmentation or modification of Fc function of immunoglobulins in a sample taken from the individual and (b) determining thereby the risk of inflammation, impaired immune response or opportunistic infection. The invention also provides the use of a trypsin inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment or prevention of a disorder associated with elevated trypsin activity which is correlated with IgG fragmentation or modification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide aptamer which mimics particularly the human platelet antigene HPA-Ia epitope present on the platelet GPIIb/IIIa molecules and which is capable of neutralizing the binding of HPA-I a specific antibodies (anti-HPA-1 a). This peptide aptamer is advantageously used in a method for detecting and identifying HPA-I a specific antibodies in human serum, in a diagnostic kit for screening and identifying antibodies, in an immunoassay and a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosis or prognosis of IgA nephropathy in a subject based on detection of the expression level of one or more biomarker genes selected from the group consisting of thymosin ?4 (Tmsb4), serine or cysteine proteinase inhibitor clade E member 2 (Serpine2), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (OPN), butyrophilin-like-2 (BTNL2), S100 calcium binding protein A8 (S100A8), Cystatin C (CysC), and any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides among other things methods and kits based on assaying for cardiac troponin autoantibodies, either in conjunction with an assay for cardiac troponin and/or as an independent indicator of cardiac pathology, such as myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and/or ischemic heart disease. Assay methods of the invention can be employed among other things to identify cardiac pathology, or risk thereof, in subjects who have an autoimmune disease or who are related to an individual with an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the invention also provides a method of determining whether a subject having, or at risk for, a cardiac pathology is a candidate for immunosuppressive therapy or immunoabsorption therapy. The invention also provides kits and kit components that are useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of genetic variants. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose and/or predict susceptibility to Crohn's Disease in an individual by determining the presence or absence of anti-Cbir1 reactivity and the presence or absence of TLR5 risk variants. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of NFKB1 haplotype H3 and/or ASCA expression. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of Cbir1 specific peripheral blood T cell proliferation.

Abstract: A method of screening a sample of body fluid obtained from an animal subject for analyte autoantibodies reactive with one or more antigenic molecules selected from pancreatic islet cell antigenic molecules and insulin, or one or more variants, analogues, derivatives or fragments thereof, and a kit for use in such a method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an immunological test kit for predicting the risk of transplant rejection by detecting anti-AT1 receptor auto-antibodies in biological materials of a patient to be examined, e.g. by an immune reaction with the AT1 receptor or functionally analogous peptides or proteins thereof. The invention is also directed to the use of the AT1 receptor or functionally analogous peptides or proteins in order to predict (diagnose) the risk of transplant rejection. Said risk exists if anti-AT1 receptor auto-antibodies can be detected in such biological materials, e.g. in body fluids or tissues.

Abstract: A bioassay employing a first group including a lanthanide ion carrier chelate and a first recognition element, a second group including an antenna ligand and a second recognition element; where the lanthanide ion carrier chelate binds strongly to lanthanide, or the lanthanide ion carrier chelate binds moderately to lanthanide, and an agent complexing the lanthanide ion is additionally employed at a concentration of at least 1 pmol/l. The antenna ligand binds weakly to the lanthanide ion. Analyte recognition by the first recognition element and by the second recognition element results in either chelate complementation and increased fluorescence, or chelate discomplementation and decreased fluorescence.