Abstract: The present disclosure may provide imaging method and system. The method may include obtaining a plurality of signals relating to a region of interest (ROI) of an object acquired by applying to the object a plurality of chemical exchange and saturation transfer (CEST) preparations with a plurality of offset frequencies; and generating an image of the ROI based on the plurality of signals. The plurality of CEST preparations may be configured to excite proton exchange of a substance in the ROI. The plurality of CEST preparations may be divided into one or more groups. Each of the one or more groups may include multiple CEST preparations with a same offset frequency among the plurality of offset frequencies. After a last CEST preparation in each of the one or more groups is applied to the object, the substance may reach a saturation degree that exceeds a saturation threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a method for the purification of biological macromolecular complexes. Typically, no chromatography steps are applied. That is, the present invention relates to a method for the purification of biological macromolecular complexes Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for crystallization of biological macromolecular complexes comprising the step of purification as described followed by crystallization in a reservoir solution containing a water-soluble polymer. Furthermore, purified biological macromolecular complexes obtainable by the method according to the present invention are provided as well as crystallized biological macromolecular complexes. Finally, a method for determining the suitability of a candidate compound for inhibiting the 20S proteasome of an individual is provided.

Abstract: Example embodiments associated with characterizing a sample using NMR fingerprinting are described. One example NMR apparatus includes an NMR logic that repetitively and variably samples a (k, t, E) space associated with an object to acquire a set of NMR signals that are associated with different points in the (k, t, E) space. Sampling is performed with t and/or E varying in a non-constant way. The NMR apparatus may also include a signal logic that produces an NMR signal evolution from the NMR signals and a characterization logic that characterizes a tissue in the object as a result of comparing acquired signals to reference signals. Example embodiments facilitate distinguishing diseased tissue from healthy tissue based on tissue component fractions identified using the NMR fingerprinting.

Abstract: A cartridge for collecting sample material may include a cartridge body and a fluid reservoir. The cartridge body may define a capless sample well port configured to receive the sample material and a fluidic channel in fluid communication with the capless sample well port. The fluidic channel may include a sample fluidic channel portion and may be configured such that an effect of gravity on the sample material within the sample fluidic channel portion does not overcome a capillary action of the fluidic channel. The fluidic channel may extend between the capless sample well port and the fluid reservoir. The fluidic channel may be configured to direct the sample material towards the fluid reservoir when a pressure is applied within the fluidic channel.

Abstract: A near-field device, including: a near-field receiver coupled to a near-field receiver antenna and a decoder circuit; wherein the near-field receiver antenna is configured to be capacitively coupled at a first location on a conductive structure; wherein the near-field receiver antenna is configured to receive a near-field signal from the conductive structure through the receiver's capacitive coupling; and wherein the decoder circuit is configured to detect variations in the near-field signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatuses for the free solution measurement of molecular interactions by backscattering interferometry. In one aspect, the invention relates to method and systems for detecting molecular interaction between analytes in free-solution wherein the analytes are label-free and detection is performed by back-scattering interferometry. Also disclosed are label-free, free-solution, and/or real-time measurements of characteristic properties and/or chemical events using the disclosed techniques. The disclosed methods can have very low detection limits and/or very low sample volume requirements. Also disclosed are various biosensor applications of the disclosed techniques. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for analyzing an NMR spectrum of a lipoprotein-containing sample. The method includes the following steps: a) defining a spectral range to be analyzed of at least 0.5 ppm of an NMR spectrum of a lipoprotein-containing sample; b) fitting a first spectral function of a first individual lipid component and at least one further spectral function of a further individual lipid component into the whole spectral range to be analyzed; and c) determining a concentration or an amount of the first individual lipid component and the further individual lipid component and therefrom a concentration or an amount of the first defined lipoprotein class or lipoprotein subclass in the lipoprotein-containing sample and optionally of each other defined lipoprotein class or lipoprotein subclass based on the fitting operations of step b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosis of a cancer, comprising the steps of (i) determining the level of antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a sample from a subject to be diagnosed, (ii) comparing the determined level in the sample to a control level derived from subjects without cancer; wherein a decreased level in the sample from the subject to be diagnosed as compared to the control level is indicative for cancer in the subject. Furthermore, the invention relates to method of predicting response and outcome of a treatment of a cancer with an inhibitor of EGFR activity.

Abstract: Methods for producing a high resolution image of a sample are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes: detecting first and second sets of spatially-dependent emission signals from a sample labeled with a fluorescent polymeric dye; and producing a high resolution fluorescence image of the sample from the detected first and second sets of spatially-dependent emission signals. In some embodiments, the sample is a cell. Also provided are systems for imaging a sample that include a high resolution light microscope including a light source configured to irradiate a field of view with an excitation light; a photodetector configured to detect an emission signal: and a polarization modulator disposed in the light pathway between the light source and the photodetector; and a sample labelled with a polymeric dye and disposed in the field of view.

Abstract: One example discloses a near-field device, comprising: a near-field receiver coupled to a near-field receiver antenna and a decoder circuit; wherein the near-field receiver antenna is configured to be capacitively coupled at a first location of a first substance; wherein the near-field receiver antenna is configured to receive a first near-field signal from the first substance through the receiver's capacitive coupling; and wherein the decoder circuit is configured to compare an attribute of the first near-field signal to an attribute of a second near-field signal received from a second substance.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance examination of an examination object, in order to determine a substance by execution of a magnetic resonance fingerprinting procedure for examination of an examination object in which a substance is located, a magnetic resonance signal waveform of a voxel of an examination area of the examination object is acquired by a magnetic resonance fingerprinting recording procedure, and a signal comparison of the magnetic resonance signal waveform is made in a computer with a substance signal waveform stored in a database, and the result of the signal comparison is provided as an output from the computer.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods of identifying neuroblastoma differentiation-inducing compounds or agent and their use in treating neuroblastoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining a protein in a sample and the use of the method for the identification of aptamer target proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for using one or more polypeptide probes to profile an immune response. The polypeptide probe can be used to detect one or more antibodies from a sample. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides methods and compositions for characterizing a cancer based on the detection of one or more antibodies, such as autoantibodies.

Abstract: Monitoring cell (100) for performing an NMR measurement of a reaction fluid. The monitoring cell (100) has a hollow NMR sample probe (110) for receiving the reaction fluid. Inlet and outlet transport capillaries (112, 123) transport the reaction fluid to and from the sample probe (110). A feed line (306) and return line transport a temperature control fluid to and from the monitoring cell (100). An adapter head (108) couples the transport capillaries (112, 123) to the sample probe (110) and removably connects the sample probe (110) to an adapter section (106). The transport capillaries (112, 123) are positioned within the feed line (306) in parallel to one another. The feed and the return lines (306, 358) are attached to the adapter section (106) such that a reversal of the temperature control fluid stream occurs in the adapter section (106).

Abstract: Provided are a polymer composition on a substrate and a surface modification method which is non-selective to substrate materials. Chemical vapor deposition polymerization is used to deposit a maleimide-functionalized poly-p-xylylene coating on a substrate. The substrate is readily available to perform a thiol-maleimide coupling reaction under mild conditions so as to modify the surface thereof. Furthermore, through a tailored thiol-terminal molecule, a designer surface can be created via thiol-maleimide coupling on a substrate, and the resulting surface can exhibit various desired biological functions for biotechnological applications. Therefore, this modification technique can be applied to biological fields extensively.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of electrochemically detecting a target substance, a method of electrochemically detecting an analyte, and a detection set which have a theoretical advantage in the measurement sensitivity obtained by a conventional electrochemical detection method using a working electrode with a trapping substance immobilized, can reuse the working electrode, and can detect an analyte regardless of the size thereof, there is provided a method including: attracting the target substance containing a labeling substance in a liquid sample to a working electrode in which a trapping substance for trapping the target substance containing a labeling substance is not present; and electrochemically detecting the target substance containing a labeling substance.

Abstract: A device for performing a cell study. The device comprises a plate having a plurality of wells, each configured for containing aqueous solution and having a well bottom with a plurality of picowells and a plurality of biosensors each configured for measuring at least one cell characteristic while being in contact with the aqueous solution in a respective the well. The position of each the biosensor in a respective the well is limited by at least one pin.

Abstract: Described are charge reversible polymers, peptides and their resulting colloidal particles, comprising polymers and peptides having primary and secondary amines that are protected as easily hydrolysable amides. The amides are charge-reversible such that at neutral pH they are negatively charged but become positively charged at pH less than 6 and thus are relatively stable at neutral pH but quickly hydrolyze at pH below 6. Incorporating a drug in a micelle or a polymer comprised of the charge-reversible polymers or peptides provides a drug carrier for delivering the drug preferentially to the solid tumor or other targeted cells.

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: There is provided mechanisms for the detection of an analyte in a sample. The mechanisms utilize at least a first measurement channel comprising a detection reactant corresponding to the analyte to be detected, and at least a microstructure associated with the first measurement channel. When the mechanisms are in use, the sample is introduced into the first measurement channel and propagated by way of the first measurement channel towards the microstructure. If the analyte is present in the sample, the analyte interacts with the detection reactant to form a networked product, and the microstructure is configured to filter the networked product.

Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for the detection of an analyte in a sample. The mechanisms utilize at least a first measurement channel comprising a detection reactant corresponding to the analyte to be detected, and at least a microstructure associated with the first measurement channel. When the mechanisms are in use, the sample is introduced into the first measurement channel and propagated by way of the first measurement channel towards the microstructure. If the analyte is present in the sample, the analyte interacts with the detection reactant to form a networked product, and the microstructure is configured to filter the networked product.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to envelope protein 2 of HCV of genotype 2a but does not immunologically react with envelope protein 2 of HCV of genotype 1a.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising proteins that bind specifically to adalimumab are disclosed herein. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody specific for the cytokine TNF-? and was developed to treat TNF-? mediated inflammatory diseases. In one aspect of the instant invention, the binding proteins are antibodies directed toward adalimumab. These antibodies, including binding fragments thereof, can be used in a clinical setting as well as for research and development. For example, these anti-adalimumab antibodies can be employed to neutralize adalimumab.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, which does not require a complicated operation such as an enzyme treatment and a heat treatment. The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, including a step of extracting a dermatophyte component from a sample with a treatment liquid containing a non-ionic surfactant or a zwitterionic surfactant, and a kit for diagnosing dermatophyte infection, containing a treatment liquid comprising the above surfactant, and an antibody specifically recognizing a dermatophyte component, which are housed in separate containers.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay is capable of detecting and differentiating viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In some preferred embodiments, bimodal methods and devices determine if an infection is bacterial and/or viral. A dual use two strip sample analysis device includes a first lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect MxA and a low level of C-reactive protein and a second lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect high levels of C-reactive protein. In some preferred embodiments, the sample is a fingerstick blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits, apparatus and methods for determining a biological condition in a mammalian subject, the method includes incubating a specimen from a patient with at least one composition in a kit for a predetermined period of time to form at least one reaction product, when the subject has said biological condition, and receiving an indication of the at least one reaction product responsive to at least one reporter element in the kit thereby providing the indication of the biological condition in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an assay reagent and an assay for accurately measuring KL-6, in particular, an assay reagent and an assay for accurately measuring KL-6 in samples containing a rheumatoid factor and/or a nonspecific substance other than the rheumatoid factor. KL-6 in samples that contain a rheumatoid factor and/or a nonspecific substance other than the rheumatoid factor can be accurately measured using an immunoassay reagent comprising a solution at a pH of 4.0 to 5.5 containing a rheumatoid factor interference inhibitor and a solution of an insoluble carrier on which anti-KL-6 antibodies are immobilized.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample may include introducing a sample into a vessel, the vessel having proximal and distal ends, the sample being introduced into the proximal end of the vessel; incubating the sample in the vessel with a substance capable of specific binding to a preselected component of the sample; propelling components of the incubated sample, other than the preselected component, toward the proximal end of the vessel by clamping the vessel distal to the incubated sample and compressing the vessel where the incubated sample is contained; propelling the preselected component toward a distal segment of the vessel by clamping the vessel proximal to the preselected component and compressing the vessel where the preselected component is contained; and mixing the preselected component with a reagent in the distal segment of the vessel.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and a system for effecting testing on a sample, such as for medical testing. The apparatus includes a sample chip (30) provided with at least two chambers (48, 50) within which analyte and a sample to be tested can be located, one chamber being a mixing chamber (48) and the other a detection chamber (50), the latter being provided with a sensor or means to enable sensing of one or more parameters pertaining to the sample. A detector unit (70, 170) includes a slot (76) for holding a sample carrier (30), drive means (94) for moving parts of a sample from the mixing chamber (48) to the detection chamber (50), such as by electromagnetic force, sensing means (60) for sensing the one or more parameters, a diagnostic unit (84) for analyzing the sensed parameters and a display unit (72) for displaying the results of the test to a user. The test unit (70, 170) is preferably handheld, which the sample carrier (30) is preferably in the form of a disposable chip.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and compositions for detecting target molecules present on cells and tissues. In particular, the methods involve adding primary antibodies such as scFv-targeted lactamase that are directed against a target of interest (e.g., cancer markers) to a tissue sample, followed by adding a lactam-containing compound and finally a lactamase reporter system. In some preferred embodiments, the lactamase reporters are fluorescent reporters that bind to the test tissue. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the test tissue contains at least once cancer cell and/or at least one cancer-associated marker.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting the presence of known or unknown toxic agents in a fluid sample. Targets in the sample are bound to releasable receptors immobilized in a reaction region of a micro- or nano-fluidic device. The receptors are selected based on their affinity for classes of known toxic agents. The receptors are freed and the bound and unbound receptors separated based on differential electrokinetic mobilities while they travel to a detection device.

Abstract: An in vitro method that allows detection of hepatitis C by detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and antibodies to HCV core protein (anti-core antibodies) in a single assay is provided. Cross-reactivity is eliminated in the method preferably by utilizing short peptides, each of which has an amino acid sequence that corresponds to an immunodominant region of the native core protein but which does not wholly encompass the epitope bound by the antibodies utilized in the method. The method can be used to detect the presence of HCV in a subject, and/or to determine the suitability of donor blood or blood products for transfusion purposes. Also provided are diagnostic kits for carrying out the method and a process for selecting suitable capture peptides and monoclonal antibodies for use in the combination method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the detection of cardiac markers on a droplet actuator. An aspect provides a method of assaying a cardiac marker in a biological sample from a subject, the method including providing a droplet actuator, loading the biological sample and assay reagents on the droplet actuator, executing droplet operations to create sample droplets from the sample and reagent droplets from the reagents on the droplet actuator, and executing droplet operations using the sample droplets and reagent droplets to produce a detectable signal indicative of the quantity of the cardiac marker in the biological sample. Still other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the reduction of atherosclerotic plaques and the decrease in the level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, serum LDL cholesterol, and serum HDL cholesterol. The present invention also relates to methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and mycoplasma associated diseases.

Abstract: Test kit for the detection of an analyte in an aqueous solution, including chromatographic test strips for a hapten-antihapten complex and first and second standardized vessels for receiving and positioning test strips, which include first and second hapten-coupled receptors against the analyte dried onto the interior wall for the formation of the hapten-antihapten complex, where a portion of the standardized vessels further include a known amount of analyte embedded in a glass-like layer of trehalose, which are dried onto the interior wall of the control vessel so that they dissolve during reaction of the sample with the hapten-coupled receptors. Through this standardization, analytes in unknown samples may be safely detected by immunochromatography within minutes through a hapten-antihapten complex.

Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: An assay device for performing an assay on a liquid sample using a detection conjugate capable of binding to an antigen and containing a label. The device includes a substrate surface having a sample addition zone, a reaction zone and an absorbing zone, the zones being connected by at least one fluid passage, wherein the device has a first functionality verifying feature located between the sample addition zone and the reaction zone, and a second functionality verifying feature located within the absorbing zone. Both functionality verifying features are capable of undergoing a detectable change when contacted by the sample, in which the assay device further includes at least one alignment verification zone. There is further provided a kit of parts and a method of conducting an assay.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a convenient and effective means for quantifying an antigen-specific canine or human IgE.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting analytes in a test sample. Embodiments include methods for quantitatively detecting analytes within a range of concentrations. In an embodiment the method includes a lateral flow test strip with multiple test areas for capturing a labeled receptor to provide a detectable signal.

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 provides system and methods for detecting an analyte indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid. The present invention also provides for systems and method for detection a plurality of analytes, at least two of which are indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid.

Abstract: Device to detect at least an analyte, comprising a transparent substrate (2), having a first surface (3) with which a light source (7) is associated, and a second surface (4) on which a plurality of biological protein probes (12) are disposed, a layer (6) of polymer being interposed between said second surface (4) and said biological protein probes (12). A marker (fluorophore) is associated with said analyte, having determinate characteristics of fluorescence and/or phosphorescence correlated to the emission wavelength of the light source (7). Said light source (7) is suitable to emit a light radiation in a range of wavelengths equal to 400-550 nm, inside which range the absorption peak of said marker (fluorophore) used is comprised. The value of the distance (“s”) between the wavelength corresponding to the absorption peak of the marker (fluorophore) and the wavelength corresponding to the emission peak of fluorescence (phosphorescence) is comprised between 25 and 150 nm.

Abstract: A method for isolating Hepatitis A virus or Spring viremia of Carp virus. A virus probe is prepared by linking a magnetic bead-conjugated Protein G with an anti-HAV (Hepatitis A Virus) antibody or an anti-rhabdovirus antibody. The virus probe is contacted with a sample to be analyzed to form a virus probe-virus complex. The virus probe-virus complex is then isolated. It may specifically isolate Hepatitis A virus or Spring viremia of Carp virus from a sample mixed viruses.

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: A method of detecting prostate tumorigenesis in a subject, the method including the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from the prostate of the human subject, (b) detecting quantitatively or semi-quantitatively in the sample a level of expression for PKC-? and (c) comparing the expression level in (b) to a level of expression in a normal control, wherein overexpression of PKC-?, with respect to the control, indicates the presence of prostate cancer in the subject. The present invention is based upon the discovery that PKC-? levels are elevated during prostate tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the proliferation rate of the tumor correlates with the level of PKC-?. The invention also provides methods of treating prostate cancer by administering to the subject a compound that inhibits the expression of PKC-?. The compound can be a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the detection of an analyte in a droplet of fluid comprising the steps of providing a solid phase with a hydrophobic surface comprising at least one capture zone on which at least one binding agent with affinity for the analyte is immobilized, applying said droplet to the surface of said solid phase, applying a force that makes the droplet travel along the surface of said solid phase along a predetermined path thereby allowing the droplet to repeatedly contact said binding agent on the capture zone, applying conditions wherein said analyte is allowed to bind to said binding agent and detecting a complex of analyte and binding reagent at the position of the capture zone. The effect of a moving droplet is that the reactants in the droplet are well mixed which eliminates the risk of diffusion limitation. Such advantageous mixing is not obtained with conventional assays in which the surface is continuously exposed to the liquid.

Abstract: A method of performing a bioassay comprising activating capsules containing a signal precursor that is hydrolysable from a latent form in which substantially no signal is generated to a form in which it is able to generate a detectable signal, said activating comprising treating said capsules with heat and with an acid or a base catalysing solution, the combination of said heat and the pH of the catalysing solution being such as to hydrolyse said precursor to the form in which it is able to generate a detectable signal.