Abstract: The present invention relates to a humanized antibody or functional fragment thereof which binds to a mammalian (e.g., human) CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) or a portion of the receptor and blocks binding of a ligand to the receptor. The invention further relates to a method of inhibiting the interaction of a cell bearing mammalian CCR2 with a ligand thereof, and to use of the antibodies and fragments in therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Dewaxing buffers containing a water-soluble organic solvent, methods for use thereof, and kits incorporating dewaxing buffers. The dewaxing buffers contain a water soluble organic solvent that has a boiling point of at least 80° C. The dewaxing buffers described herein can be used to quickly and efficiently remove embedding paraffin from slide-mounted tissue sections in an aqueous buffer solution at elevated temperature without fear of paraffin redeposition of the slides. In addition, the dewaxing buffers described herein can be used to perform dewaxing and HIER in a single step, which can substantially reduce protocol time and lower the risk of sample loss or damage.

Abstract: A method of particle separation, wherein a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam is provided. The collimated light source beam includes a beam cross-section. A body is provided, wherein the body defines a wall and a first channel in a first plane. The first channel includes a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the channel cross-section. The collimated light source beam is transmitted through the channel. A fluid sample is transmitted through the channel, fluid sample including a plurality of particles of a same type. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are separated axially along the collimated light source beam. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are retained against the wall in the collimated light source beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a biological fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an analysis cartridge having a channel and an analysis chamber, wherein the channel is in fluid communication with the analysis chamber and includes at least one hydrophobic interior wall surface; b) admixing one or more anti-adsorption agents with fluid sample disposed within the channel, wherein the anti-adsorption agents are operable to inhibit adsorption of fluid sample onto the interior wall surface of the channel; c) moving the fluid sample into the analysis chamber; and d) analyzing the sample within the analysis chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved multi-way cell sorter systems and methods. For example, provided are systems and methods for the collection of cells that are sorted in multiple directions. The systems and methods allow for the construction of a multi-way sorter (e.g., a ten-way sorter in the space that currently only allows four-way sorting). In addition the device may actively sense the arrival of drops (with cells of interest) at a sample tube, and trigger an alarm when the drops' arrivals deviate from an expected pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.

Abstract: A method of continuously verifying proper sort calibration in a droplet sorting flow cytometer by selecting a fraction of droplets estimated to have substantially zero probability of containing a particle; applying one charge of a set of charges to the selected droplets in order to form a test stream out of the selected droplets; illuminating the droplets in the test stream; and detecting any light emitted or scattered by any particles in the selected droplets.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for generating short tandem repeat (STR) profiles on each of a plurality of samples comprising, for each sample: a) isolating DNA from the sample; b) amplifying STR markers in the isolated DNA and c) analyzing the amplification product by electrophoresis.

Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyser.

Abstract: A method and devices analyze for the presence of cyanide in samples using colorimetric analysis of samples after contacting with cobinamide or monocyanocohinapmide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The presence of G76C, C213G, or C318A (SNP) in tvntr 4 or the presence of A238T, G427C, or T476C (SNP) in tvntr6 provides a reliable biomarker for the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The present invention further provides reagents used for detecting the SNPs to screen subjects for metronidazole resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and therapy of cancers expressing the HER2 receptor. The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof that recognise an epitope of the HER2 receptor truncated form CTF-611, said epitope being defined by a sequence included in SEQ ID NO: 2, and that are capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-616 (represented by SEQ ID NO:7), preferably additionally capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-613 (represented by SEQ ID NO:6). The invention also provides a method of cancer diagnosis using the disclosed antibodies, which comprises the detection of the presence of the HER2 receptor truncated form consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 in a patient sample.

Abstract: A small diameter flexible electrode designed for subcutaneous in vivo amperometric monitoring of glucose is described. The electrode is designed to allow “one-point” in vivo calibration, i.e., to have zero output current at zero glucose concentration, even in the presence of other electroreactive species of serum or blood. The electrode is preferably three or four-layered, with the layers serially deposited within a recess upon the tip of a polyamide insulated gold wire. A first glucose concentration-to-current transducing layer is overcoated with an electrically insulating and glucose flux limiting layer (second layer) on which, optionally, an immobilized interference-eliminating horseradish peroxidase based film is deposited (third layer). An outer (fourth) layer is biocompatible.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for detecting blood in urine or feces includes a photodetector configured to detect a transient light emitted in a toilet bowl by luminol and an oxidizer catalyzed by iron in the blood. The apparatus may include dispensers for the luminol, the oxidizer and a base. The apparatus may include a microprocessor and a network connection and may perform statistical analyses, store data and alert the patient or a healthcare provider if blood is detected. The photodetector may be configured to detect light emitted in the toilet bowl by a fluorophore present in the water and excited by the transient light from the luminol and oxidizer.

Abstract: A blood coagulation system analyzing method includes acquiring information relating to the coagulability of blood based on a change generated in a complex permittivity spectrum measured in a coagulation process of the blood due to addition of a substance that activates or inactivates platelets to the blood.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a plurality of photochemical reaction stages, the microfluidic system comprising a computational processor, a plurality of electrically-controllable photochemical reaction stages, and a series of controllable interconnections for connecting the photochemical reaction stages. In an implementation, the computational processor controls the plurality of electrically-controllable photochemical reaction stages and the controllable interconnections so as to implement a multi-step photochemical synthesis function.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inducing differential stress resistance in a subject with cancer by starving the subject for a short term, administering a cell growth inhibitor to the subject, or reducing the caloric or glucose intake by the subject. The induced differential stress resistance results in improved resistance to cytotoxicity in normal cells, which, in turn, reduces cytotoxic side-effects due to chemotherapy, as well as improved effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method is provided for fluid flow containment in an open liquid environment at least partially defined by a surface. The method includes the step of positioning a microfluidic device over the surface. The microfluidic device defines a chamber having a height. A flow of fluid is applied in the chamber. The pressure of the flow of fluid is monitored and the height of the chamber is determined from the measured pressure of the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting lung cancer comprising detecting an elevated level of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject at risk for developing lung cancer. Further, a method is described for predicting risk of developing lung cancer in a subject comprising detecting an elevated level of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject. Additionally, a method of monitoring the success of lung cancer treatment is described comprising detecting levels of a CTAP III-related biomarker in a biological sample from a subject undergoing treatment for lung cancer for comparison with a previous level obtained from the subject. Multivariate analysis may be incorporated into these methods, evaluating such clinical, or demographic risk factors as age, sex, smoking history, smoking status, smoking family history, education level, COPD, socio-economic status, body mass index and lung function. Kits for conducting such methods are described.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production are provided. The compounds may modulate ROS production at defined sites without also altering energy production. Methods of using and identifying such compounds are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated electronic-micro fluidic device an integrated electronic-micro fluidic device, comprising a semiconductor substrate on a first support, an electronic circuit on a first semiconductor-substrate side of the semiconductor substrate, and a signal interface structure to an external device. A micro fluidic structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate, and is configured to confine a fluid and to allow a flow of the fluid to and from the microfluidic structure only on a second semiconductor-substrate side that is opposite to the first semiconductor-substrate side and faces away from the first support.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining composition and completion of an experiment are provided. One-computer-implemented method for determining composition and completion of an experiment includes determining one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and determining if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. One system configured to determine composition and completion of an experiment includes a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of data acquired during the experiment and to determine if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics. Another system configured to perform an experiment includes a measurement subsystem configured to acquire data during the experiment and a processor configured to determine one or more characteristics of the data during the experiment and to determine the composition of the experiment and if the experiment is completed based on the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing, and treating renal disease in a patient by having a test performed for detecting or quantifying one or more renal disease markers present in a test blood sample from the patient; and administering treatment to improve renal function. In particular embodiments, the test performed quantifies cis-aconitate, and the patient is identified as having the renal disease when a concentration of cis-aconitate present in the patient's test blood sample is higher than that of a control. Methods of the present invention can allow diagnosis and treatment of patients with early stage renal disease, such as early stage renal failure. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods for screening for a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for treating renal disease using one or more renal disease markers.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system and method for sorting a mixture of particles, such as a fluid switching sorting system for sorting selected particles which includes a control having a microprocessor programmed with instructions for implementing a control strategy for controlling the fluid delivery to the system to vary the rate at which fluid is delivered as a function of the purity or yield of a sub-population of particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of TFF3 in the diagnosis and detection of Barrett's esophagus using non-invasive, non-endoscopic methods.

Abstract: A printed circuit board structure is coated with an encapsulant within which microfluidic channels have been formed. The microfluidic channels are formed by soldering fluidic connections to metal traces on a surface of the printed circuit board structure prior to encapsulation. The metal traces are removed by etching after encapsulation to form microchannels within the encapsulant.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in a flow cytometer and a method of orienting particles with a baffle disposed within a nozzle. The baffle may be a baffle plate positioned in a fluid flow path to deflect a fluid stream and to orient particles in a desired orientation as they exit the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention.

Abstract: A blood coagulation detection device includes a micro channel unit, an optical signal unit, an opto-electronic conversion circuit, an amplifier circuit, and a filter circuit. The micro channel unit has a sample detection area. The optical signal unit transmits a reference light to the micro channel unit so as to form a message light. The opto-electronic conversion circuit receives the message light and converts the message light into an electrical signal. The amplifier circuit is electrically connected to the opto-electronic conversion circuit for amplifying the electrical signal. The filter circuit is electrically connected to the amplifier circuit for filtering the amplified electrical signal.

Abstract: Histochemical process compositions comprising at least one nanoparticle in an amount effective to reduce or substantially eliminate the average number of spots per slide that result from a sample staining protocol are disclosed. Various nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, including metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, ceramics, functionalized metals or metalloids, and other miscellaneous nanoparticles, such as carbon nanoparticles and diamond nanoparticles, can be used. The nanoparticle concentration typically is from about 2 parts per million to about 20 parts per million. One embodiment of a disclosed method concerns applying a histochemical process composition to a sample, followed by performing a staining protocol on the sample. Particular embodiments concern dispensing a nanosolution onto a sample using an automated system, heating the sample, and performing a sample staining process.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for classifying HER2+ breast tumors and for identifying new HER2+ breast tumor classes and subclasses. Methods for correlating tumor class or subclass with therapeutic regimen or outcome, for identifying appropriate (new or known) therapies for particular classes or subclasses, and for predicting outcomes based on class or subclass. New therapeutic agents and methods for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.

Abstract: An optical blood coagulation monitor and method. The monitor has a blood sample holder, a laser with its output light directed through the blood sample, a two-dimensional detector that is able to detect light at the laser light wavelength and that has a detector output, optics for imaging onto the detector laser light that is forward scattered by the blood, and a data analysis system, responsive to the detector output, that is adapted to analyze the detected light to provide information on time-resolved coagulation and clotting properties of the blood.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining an amount of an analyte in a test sample. The methods involve preparing a calibration curve using standard samples containing an isotopically-labeled standard in a biological matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A method of analyzing particles in a fluid stream including focusing a generally elliptical beam spot to a width less than the size of the particles. As particles pass through the beam spot electromagnetic radiation from the particles which is then detected and converted into electrical signals indicative of characteristics of the particles. The electrical signals may be digitally sampled to provide digital information which may be analyzed to extract information and to classify the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow cytometer (10) for in vitro assaying of human or animal whole blood and to an investigation method using the flow cytometer. Enhanced detection properties are achieved by it relative to the prior art cytometers of the same kind. Here, automated beam positioning is also solved. To these ends, collection of light scattered by the cellular components of human or animal whole blood and its transmission to suitable optical sensing elements take place by a coupling member with a particular end construction, in particular through one or more optical fiber bundles. Preparation of a blood sample for the assay, that is, mixing up said human or animal whole blood with appropriate reagents is performed by a hydro-pneumatical unit (12) of a particular design. Moreover, the actual assaying takes place in a flow cell (22) of a particular construction, which assists to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the present flow cytometer.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for particle sorting, particle patterning, and methods of using the same. The sorting or patterning is opto-fluidics based, in that particles are applied to individual chambers in the device, detection and/or analysis of the particles is carried out, such that a cell or population whose removal or conveyance is desired is defined, and the cell or population is removed or conveyed via application of an optical force and flow-mediated conveyance or removal of the part.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Example of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: A specimen transporter for transporting a specimen plate, one side of which is a smearing surface, to a specimen imaging apparatus, the specimen transporter comprising: a specimen transport section that transports the specimen plate to the specimen imaging apparatus; a posture changing section that receives the specimen plate from the specimen imaging apparatus with the smearing surface facing upward, and changes the posture of the specimen plate so that one end side in a longitudinal direction of the received specimen plate is positioned above the other end side; and a specimen inserting section that inserts the specimen plate, which posture is changed, into a plate storage rack.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies immunologically specific for human ARL-1 (also referred to AKR1B10), a species of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily of proteins. The invention also provides methods of making and methods of using said antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for encapsulating inorganic micro- or nanostructures within polymeric microgels are described. In various embodiments, viruses are encapsulated with microgels during microgel formation. The viruses can provide a template for in situ synthesis of the inorganic structures within the microgel. The inorganic structures can be distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the microgel, or can be distributed non-uniformly within the microgel. The inventive microgel compositions can be used for a variety of applications including electronic devices, biotechnological devices, fuel cells, display devices and optical devices.

Abstract: There is provided a method of diagnosing a disease state in a subject. The disease state is caused or effected by pneumococcal infection. The method includes obtaining a biological test sample from the subject. The biological sample includes at least one metabolite selected from the group consisting of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcarnitine, acetone, myo-inositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine. A respective concentration of each one of the at least one metabolite is compared with a predetermined concentration value associated with a corresponding one of the at least one metabolite. The predetermined concentration value is indicative of the disease state. For example, the biological sample includes any one of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcamitine, acetone, myoinositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine. As a further example, the biological samples include any combination of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcamitine, acetone, myo-inositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that an amplification of the CYP24 gene or an increase in CYP24 activity is a marker for the presence of, progression of, or predisposition to, a cancer (e.g., breast cancer). Using this information, this invention provides methods of detecting a predisposition to cancer in an animal. The methods involve (i) providing a biological sample from an animal (e.g. a human patient); (ii) detecting the level of CYP24 within the biological sample; and (iii) comparing the level of CYP24 with a level of CYP24 in a control sample taken from a normal, cancer-free tissue where an increased level of CYP24 in the biological sample compared to the level of CYP24 in the control sample indicates the presence of said cancer in said animal.

Abstract: A device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor. The device comprises a display adapted to display information to a user. The device further comprises at least one user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the device. The device further comprises a body portion including at least one opening formed therein, the at least one opening being of sufficient size to receive the test sensor. The device further comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of stored analyte concentrations. The device further comprises a processing feature adapted to inhibit the stored analyte concentrations from being displayed on the display.

Abstract: A collection device for use in connection with off-device testing of collected samples. The device includes a first panel having one or more apertures for receiving samples, a second panel opposite the first panel, and a removable tab having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is aligned with at least one of apertures on the first panel and constructed such that depositing the sample through the at least one aperture causes the sample to be directly deposited on the first portion of the tab, and the second portion includes a sample-free grasping area accessible from an exterior of the device for removing the tab. A method of obtaining a sample is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the test device for platelet aggregation detection comprising: —an element (1) for receiving a blood sample—a capillary tube (3) connected at a first end (31) to said element (1) and at a second end (32) to a pressure lowering device (5) to pump said blood sample through said capillary tube (3)—at least a pair of facing electrodes (8) on the capillary tube—a device for measuring an impedance between said pair of facing electrodes. The invention also relates to a process for using this device, comprising: a) receiving a blood sample and pumping it through the capillar tube (3) b) determining a dynamic change of the value of the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes (8).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods useful in multiplex cell-based assays for compound screening employing imaging instrumentation. The methods described herein offer high content information relating to the biological potency of test agents, off-target effects and cellular toxicity of potential drug candidates.

Abstract: A method for identifying persons with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus utilizing selected biomarkers described hereafter either alone or in combination. The present invention allows for broad based, reliable, screening of large population bases and provides other advantages, including the formulation of effective strategies for characterizing, archiving, and contrasting data from multiple sample types under varying conditions.