Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a photoactivatable Porphyrin-Derivative in extracorporeal photophoresis (ECP) treatment, in which a patient's blood or part of it containing sad Porphyrin-derivative is/are exposed to light of a wavelength which activates said photoactivatable Porphyrin-Derivative.

Abstract: A method provided for determining a range for the amount of light-energy attenuating material that may be present in a suspension containing target cells (such as MNCs), light-energy attenuating matter (such as RBCs and plasma), and a light-energy activatable compound (such as psoralen) so that a desired therapeutic effect (such as the percentage of MNCs in which apoptosis occurs) is obtained when the suspension is subjected to a known amount of light energy. In a related aspect, a method is provided for preparing a suspension containing target cells, light-energy attenuating matter, and a light-energy activatable compound so that a desired therapeutic effect is obtained when the suspension is subjected to a known amount of light energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for detecting a member of a known binding pair in a sample, including a cell, where one member of the pair (termed the “receptor”) is expressed by a bacteriophage, which phage is then used to detect the presence of the other member of the pair (termed the “ligand” or “target”). Rather than detecting the binding of the phage using antibody-based technology, the present invention relates to detecting marker molecule associated with the phage. In one aspect, the invention relates to identifying an antigen-bearing moiety (e.g., a red blood cell antigen) of interest present on a cell, e.g., a red blood cell, using antibody-displaying bacteriophage, as well as detecting anti-red blood cell auto- or alloantibodies and/or complement in a sample, using antiglobulin reagent-displaying bacteriophage and detecting a marker molecule associated with the phage. In one aspect, the phenotype of the phage is not linked with the genotype of the phage.

Abstract: A treatment for subcutaneous fat and/or cellulite includes delivering a beam of radiation to a subcutaneous fat region disposed relative to a dermal interface in a target region of skin. The beam of radiation affects at least one fat cell in the subcutaneous fat region without causing substantial unwanted injury to the epidermal region and causes thermal injury to a dermal region to induce collagen formation to strengthen the target region of skin in a target region of skin. The treatment can include cooling an epidermal region of the target region of skin.

Abstract: Provided are a method and means permitting the simultaneous measurement of the reactive properties of more than 10,000 of antigen-stimulated lymphocytes being held on a chip. A microwell array comprises multiple wells capturing single cells and a coating layer on a principal surface around the wells containing a substance capable of binding to a substance produced by the cells in the wells. A method for screening a target cell comprises: causing specimen cells and a cell culture broth to be contained in the wells of the microwell array; culturing the cells in a state permitting the diffusion of substances from the wells into the coating layer; feeding a label substance binding specifically to a substance produced by a target cell onto the coating layer; and detecting the substance produced by the target cell by the label substance binding around the well to specify the target cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the cell activation of a target cell by an activator, said method having the following steps: provision of a probe measuring device with a probe sample arrangement having a measuring probe and a sample holder; loading of the probe sample arrangement with a target cell and with an activator assigned to the target cell, the measuring probe being loaded with the activator, and the sample holder being loaded with the target cell, or vice versa; relative mutual displacement of the measuring probe and the sample holder until contact is made between the target cell and the activator by means of a displacement apparatus of the probe measuring device; recording of measurement values, indicating binding between the target cell and the activator, for the measuring probe with the probe measuring device during the relative displacement of the measuring probe and the sample holder; and determination of a dimension for the cell activation of the target cell from

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating cells, particularly antibody-secreting cells that have a high likelihood of secreting antibodies specific for a desired antigen for the purpose of making monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample. A kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein present in the sample is also provided.

Abstract: Simple, high-precision cell tracking is realized. Provided is a method for tracking cells, comprising an image acquisition step (S1) of acquiring a plurality of observation images including a plurality of cells in the field of view at certain time intervals; a feature analysis step (S2) of analyzing predetermined brightnesses of the individual cells in the observation images acquired in the image acquisition step (S1); a grouping step (S3) of grouping the cells for each of the observation images on the basis of the brightnesses analyzed in the feature analysis step (S2) and a predetermined threshold value for classifying the brightnesses; and an associating step (S4) of associating, for each of the groups divided in the grouping step (S3), the cells whose morphological features are substantially the same between the observation images acquired at different times.

Abstract: There is provided a biochip stamping device. The biochip stamping device includes a stamping jig in which a first biochip is aligned; an inverting mechanism vertically inverting a second biochip; and a movement mechanism transferring the vertically inverted second biochip on the stamping jig to combine the first biochip and the second biochip.

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: The present invention provide reagents and methods of using the reagents, for example, on automated staining devices, that facilitate detection of two or more antigens in a sample simply and efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of providing detection probes being labeled with a first reporter, which detection probes are capable of binding to the analyte, providing a solid support, providing capture probes being bound or capable of binding to the solid support, which capture probes are capable of binding to the analyte, thus concentrating the analyte on the solid support, contacting the sample with the detection probes, the solid support and the capture probes, and detecting the detection probes, wherein the detection of detection probes is conducted in the presence of quenching probes binding to surplus detection probes not being bound to the analyte and thereby quenching at least partially an emission of the first reporter of said surplus detection probes and/or the solid support is labeled with a second reporter different from the first reporter, imaging the sample at an emission wavelength of the second reporter, generating a m

Abstract: A method of segmenting biological cells in a picture so that the biological cells represent a foreground of the picture includes a step of applying a first fast marching algorithm to the picture or to a pre-processed version of same in order to obtain a first fast marching image. In addition, the method includes a step of segmenting the first fast marching image or a further-processed version of same into a plurality of homogeneous regions. Furthermore, the method includes a step of mapping each of the homogeneous regions to one node of a graph, respectively. In addition, the method includes a step of classifying each homogeneous region either as background or foreground on the basis of the graph. Moreover, the method includes a step of applying a second fast marching algorithm within the homogeneous regions classified as foreground so as to segment the foreground into individual biological cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies, said antigenic molecules carried by the erythrocytes consisting of antigenic molecules carried not only by the erythrocytes, but also by at least one other cell population, other than the blood group antigen molecules, said method comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes or erythrocyte membrane fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plurality of antigenic molecules carried by erythrocytes and/or a plurality of anti-erythrocyte antibodies of an individual, comprising bringing a sample into contact with distinguishable beads, on which are attached a) antibodies specific for said antigens, or b) erythrocytes, erythrocyte membrane fragments or blood group antigens.

Abstract: A process for treating biological targets in a fluid of a biological organism, including introducing a fluid comprising a biological target to an assembly comprising an inlet connected to receive the fluid and an outlet connected to pass the fluid from the assembly, wherein the assembly comprises a flow chamber for conveying a flow of the fluid, and a capture zone comprising a target-specific binding agent, wherein during flow of the fluid through the flow chamber, the biological target undergoes flux rolling along the target-specific binding agent.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that antibodies specific for preproproteins or preproteins, which are synthesized by certain types of cells or tissues, can be used in immunohistochemistry assays to discriminate between the intracellular component of the protein (including the preproprotein, preprotein and/or proprotein forms of the protein) from the secreted component of the same protein. Accordingly, provided herein is an immunohistochemical method for specific detection of the intracellular form of a protein in a biological sample using an antibody specific for the preproprotein or preprotein form of the protein. In particular examples, the protein is albumin or an immunoglobulin light chain. Also disclosed herein are preproprotein-specific ore preprotein-specific antibodies that can be used to detect specific cell types, tissue lesions or other pathological foci and metastases by IHC. In particular, antibodies that specifically bind human preproalbumin, but do not bind the secreted form of albumin are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes carrying out at least a first processing of a sample (2), the processing being adapted to mark pathological cells among the sample cells; and carrying out several image acquisitions of the sample (2) provided on an analysis plate (6) in order to obtain images each representing an area of the analysis plate (6) wherein the images set side by side define an image (20) of the entire sample. The method further includes automatically running all the acquired images of the sample (2) on a display at a predetermined running speed, the speed being adapted for enabling an observer to analyze the image and to determine if the represented sample area includes potentially pathological cells or not; and stopping the running if at least one abnormality is detected that may indicate the presence of a pathological cell.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. A wide variety of shapes of fibers and other materials can be produced from this system through the use of polymerizable material.

Abstract: The present invention is related to accurate detection methods for the measurement only of myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels or neutrophils, preferably equine neutrophils, in complex biological samples. The present invention is further related to ELISA and SIEFED assays for such detection. SIEFED detection sensitivity of active peroxidase activity was found to be enhanced by the addition of nitrite. Such MPO measurement finds its use in many applications such as the prediction, diagnosis and/or monitoring of pathologies correlated with neutrophil activation and/or destruction; the evaluation of drugs and/or immunomodulators; the assessment of immune responses, either natural and/or after treatment with immunomodulators and/or drugs; and the study of cells and their ability to fight microorganisms and/or to destroy them.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors for insect toxicity. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and an insect receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane. Also provided are a method and kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample.

Abstract: In a wide variety of human solid tumors, an aggressive, metastatic phenotype and poor clinical prognosis are associated with expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Met. Disclosed herein are (a) a monoclonal antibody named Met4, which antibody is specific for Met, and (b) a hybridoma cell line that produces Met4. The Met4 antibody is particularly useful for detecting Met in formalin-fixed tissue. Methods of using the Met4 antibody for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy are provided.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting magnetic particles in a sensitive region of a sample chamber includes a dump region. Magnetic particles can be moved by magnetic forces from the sensitive region into the dump region which is arranged such that the magnetic particles cannot return to the sensitive region by pure sedimentation. The separation between the sensitive and the dump region can optionally be enforced by a barrier.

Abstract: A clinical testing assay device that can differentiate bacterial from viral infections is described. The assay device has a sample contact zone with an absorbent pad on which a test sample is deposited and a detection zone with a colorant indicator that is sensitive to bacteria cells. The colorant indicator changes color when exposed to a bacteria sample. The color change signal can manifest relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes, and with an intensity correlative to the concentration of bacteria in a test sample. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing agglutinatable platelet fragments, in which native platelets are treated with ultrasound and a fixative. The platelet fragments are suitable for use in diagnostic assay methods which include an agglutination reaction, such as, for example, in a method for determining VWF activity.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying an antigen that is present in different amounts in two different samples. In general, the methods involve generating a first and second distinguishably labeled population of antibodies that reactive to the two samples, contacting the first and second labeled populations of antibodies with a plurality of antigens; and identifying any resultant antigens that are differentially bound by the first and second populations of antibodies. The antigens may be on the surface of cells e.g., animal cells, or on a solid support. Once identified, the nucleic acid encoding an antigen of interest may be identified and sequenced to reveal the identity of the antigen of interest. Kits for performing the methods are also provided. The methods find most use in medical and research applications, in particular, for identifying cell surface targets for immunotherapy and drug discovery.

Abstract: Extracorporeal cell-based therapeutic devices and delivery systems are disclosed which provide a method for therapeutic delivery of biologically active molecules produced by living cells in response to a dynamic physiologic environment. Exemplary designs are disclosed. In a first exemplary embodiment the device includes long hollow fibers in which a layer of cells are grown within the intraluminal volume or within a double hollow-filled chamber. In another exemplary embodiment the device includes a wafer or a series of wafers forms a substrate onto which cells are grown. The wafer(s) are then inserted into a device. The devices are intended to be extracorporeal. Disclosed is a device for delivering a pre-selected molecule, for example, a hormone, into a mammal's systemic circulation. The device may also deliver a member of different cell products. The device comprises an anchoring element that can be anchored to an inner wall of an extracorporeal tube for blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of revealing a biological process using a FRET measurement, which comprises the following steps: incorporating, into a measurement medium containing a lipid membrane, a biological entity X coupled with a first member of a pair of FRET partners and a second biological entity Y coupled with the second member of the pair of FRET partners, the energy-donating member of the pair of FRET partners having a long lifetime and the members of said pair of FRET partners being located on either side of the lipid membrane; exciting the measurement medium at the excitation wavelength of the energy-donating member; and measuring the FRET signal or the variations in said signal emitted in said culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing agglutinatable platelet fragments, in which native platelets are treated with ultrasound and a fixative. The platelet fragments are suitable for use in diagnostic assay methods which include an agglutination reaction, such as, for example, in a method for determining VWF activity.

Abstract: In a wide variety of human solid tumors, an aggressive, metastatic phenotype and poor clinical prognosis are associated with expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Met. Disclosed herein are (a) a monoclonal antibody named Met4, which antibody is specific for Met, and (b) a hybridoma cell line that produces Met4. The Met4 antibody is particularly useful for detecting Met in formalin-fixed tissue. Methods of using the Met4 antibody for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting antibody in a sample, where the antibody targets an antigen expressed by red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts. Rather than detecting the binding events between a particular antigen antibody pair (as in traditional agglutination based assays) the methods herein allow for multiplexed detection of clinically important allo-immune antibodies to blood group antigens. Specifically the method involves generating fluorescently encoded red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts with known antigen presentation and using them to detect the presence of antibody in serum/plasma with a fluorescent sandwich type immunoassay. The assay results can be read using flow cytometric or fluorescent microscope based imaging techniques.

Abstract: A novel prostate tumor associated gene (designated 24P4C12) and its encoded protein is described. 24P4C12 is highly expressed in prostate tissue xenografts, providing evidence that it is turned on in at least some prostate cancers. 24P4C12 provides a diagnostic and/or therapeutic target for prostate and other cancers.

Abstract: A blood crossmatching apparatus, kit and methods for testing the compatibility of mammals for blood transfusion. Particulate layers in the apparatus allow nonagglutinated red blood cells to permeate through, while agglutinated red blood cells cannot. The apparatus also has a density solution. The density solution separates white blood cells from red blood cells in the whole blood when centrifuged, without lysing the red blood cells. Thus, the apparatus can be used to test whole blood.

Abstract: This invention provides bioactive conjugates. The bioactive conjugates include: (1) a cell recognition moiety that binds to ?2 macroglobulin receptor ?2-MR and (2) a bioactive moiety which: (a) has a biological activity, (b) does not function solely as an immunogen to invoke an immune response and (c) does not have ADP ribosylating activity. The bioactive conjugates of this invention are useful in methods of transporting the bioactive moiety across a polar epithelial membrane. Thus, this invention provides methods for parenteral administration of proteins without injection.

Abstract: A regulable molecular motor micropower biosensor comprises: a rotary motor, an optical energy conversion device, a signal molecular output device, a power resource system, a protective layer, a supporting material, and a bilayer lipid membrane fixing material. The molecular motor micropower biosensor is used for detecting biological macromolecules, viral molecules, etc.

Abstract: The invention includes Rh(D) binding proteins, including antibodies, and DNA encoding such proteins. Methods of generating such proteins and DNAs are also included.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modifying surfaces using hydroxyl terminated PEG are described herein. The surfaces so modified are useful in detection of synthetic and natural product organic molecules, organometallics, biomolecules, particles, or cells.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process for preparing a sensitivity control for blood group determination including dissolving an amount of an antigen in water to give an antigen solution of known concentration, contacting the antigen solution with cells to allow insertion of antigen molecules into the cell membranes of the cells to give transformed cells or contacting the antigen solution with cells that have been modified by the insertion of a linker molecule into the membranes of the cells to allow attachment of antigen molecules to the linker molecules to give transformed cells, washing the transformed cells to give a transformed cell solution, and determining the concentration of the transformed cell solution to enable the solution to be used as a sensitivity control for blood group determination.

Abstract: The present invention describes semi- and fully-automated methods and reagents therefor for the assay and analysis of body fluid samples, particularly non-blood samples. The methods and reagents are especially useful for the assay and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The reagent compositions sphere and fix all cells in the sample in suspension. Reported results can include red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, WBC differential values, cell-by-cell volumes and dry-mass concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting antibody in a sample, where the antibody targets an antigen expressed by red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts. Rather than detecting the binding events between a particular antigen antibody pair (as in traditional agglutination based assays) the methods herein allow for multiplexed detection of clinically important allo-immune antibodies to blood group antigens. Specifically the method involves generating fluorescently encoded red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts with known antigen presentation and using them to detect the presence of antibody in serum/plasma with a fluorescent sandwich type immunoassay. The assay results can be read using flow cytometric or fluorescent microscope based imaging techniques.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biological assays where cells can be classified and enumerated using flow cytometry optical instrumentation. The invention combines information from multi-angle, light scatter from the cell itself and multi-angle light scatter from small, optically resonant particles that are selectively bound to surface molecules on the cell to carry out classification and enumeration. This light scatter method enables an instrumentation system that is simple to use, inexpensive to build, and mechanically robust; making it suitable for use in remote clinical environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating or diagnosing a disorder associated with production of peroxisome in a cell, comprising a polypeptide which has cysteine protease activity and directly processes peroxisomal enzymes targeted by PTS1 or PTS2 signals. Preferably, the polypeptide is encoded by Tysnd1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits and assay system for detecting drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis of suspected patient. The system of the present invention largely reduces the whole process of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis detection in less than 5 hours.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay system, kits and methods for detecting microorgansims (especially for M. tuberculosis) of suspected patient. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the integration of thermal and magnetic control in the same apparatus to largely reduce the whole process of M. tuberculosis detection is less than 5 hours.