Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions that include oxygen, a sugar or sugar alcohol, and an amino acid, wherein the amino acid is present in an amount sufficient to stabilize the oxygen. Also provided are aqueous diagnostic quality controls or calibration reagents and methods of stabilizing oxygen in a liquid solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recommending foods to a user based on health data, includes a database, a memory and a processor. The database stores user health data for each user within a plurality of users, including vitals, genotypic and phenotypic data, user food preference data and foods data that includes macronutrient and micronutrient data for foods that may be recommended to a user. The memory stores program instructions, including program instructions that are capable of (i) classifying user health data into predetermined diet types and micronutrient recommendations, (ii) filtering the food data to determine available foods for a user; (iii) a ranking available meals for the user based on the micronutrient recommendations and the food data, and (iv) translating micronutrient recommendations and/or food data for the available foods for the user into specific food recommendations for the user.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to enclosed desorption electrospray ionization probes, systems, and methods. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a source of DESI-active spray, in which a distal portion of the source is enclosed within a transfer member such that the DESI-active spray is produced within the transfer member.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to enclosed desorption electrospray ionization probes, systems, and methods. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a source of DESI-active spray, in which a distal portion of the source is enclosed within a transfer member such that the DESI-active spray is produced within the transfer member.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for accelerating the equilibration of a fluid, typically the reference fluid of an analyzer, are provided, the surface of the fluid being in contact with a gas phase. The device can comprise a cassette, which can be exchangeably inserted into an analyzer and which holds at least one flexible, gas-tight bag, in which the fluid and the gas phase are accommodated. The cassette or the analyzer can include at least one transmitting element, which can be caused to vibrate and which mechanically contacts the flexible bag in order to input mechanical energy into the liquid in at least one wall region.

Abstract: A pipette tip device for use in dispersive SPE. The device includes a pipette tip having a lower barrier, loose sorbent that is freely moveable during the extraction process, and a baffle system that is shaped to disrupt the flow of liquid sample that is aspirated into the pipette tip. The baffle system includes an insert that may be separate from or monolithic with the interior of the pipette tip.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte present in a fluid includes a fluorous sensing phase into which the analyte enters selectively in comparison with other components of the fluid.

Abstract: A fluorescence quenching based oxygen sensor can be prepared comprising a polystyrene polymer linked to pyrene. The fluorescence based sensor has the formula (I), Polystyrene-Y—R-Pyrene??(I); wherein Y is fluorescence quenching and R is an aliphatic linking group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms. The sensor can be coated onto a support and integrated with an LED excitation source and fluorescence detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining at least one evaluation parameter of a blood sample, comprising the following steps: providing (S4) at least one blood gas parameter; providing (S5) at least one hemostasis parameter; and determining (S6 . . . S10?) the at least one evaluation parameter as a function of the blood gas parameter and/or the hemostasis parameter.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide detector including a sensor component, where the sensor component has a colorimetric indicator salt of a colorimetric pH indicator and a lipophilic phosphonium quaternary cation, a transparent polymer vehicle or a plasticizer not being in a mixture with the colorimetric indicator salt; and a porous memory, a porous polymer membrane in one instance, the colorimetric indicator salt being deposited on a surface of the porous polymer membrane; the colorimetric indicator salt deposited on the porous polymer membrane does not include a transparent polymer vehicle or a plasticizer, and carbon dioxide detection systems using the detector.

Abstract: A method for transporting in a microfluidic conduit an aliquot of a liquid, possibly containing a substance I, which is dissolved in the liquid and typically exhibits charged groups and/or hydrophobic groups. The method is characterized in that the liquid contains an amphiphilic macromolecular substance.

Abstract: Provided is an optical sensing membrane, including a mixture of two or more fluorescent dyes for detection of dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and temperature, immobilized on a support, a detection device including the optical sensing membrane and a detection method using the detection device.

Abstract: Methods which increase the bioavailability of beneficial gases in the circulatory system are provided. The methods involve administering agents that changes the binding affinity of a medicinal gas such as NO, CO, H2S, N2O, SO, SO2 and O2 for Hb and/or hemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs). The change results in increased release of gases carried by Hb and HBOCs. As a result, the concentration of the OH gases in circulation is raised, and they are more available to exert their beneficial effects, e.g. in the treatment of disease or conditions caused by low levels of the gases. The methods are optionally used together with administration of medicinal gases and/or administration of HBOCs and/or other non-HBOC gas carriers such as PFC, and as (or in conjunction with) diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bubble excluder device (2) adapted for use with, and attachment to, a probe (6) for continuous measurement of the cell density of a culture in a liquid medium; the bubble excluder device comprising an inlet and an outlet to allow flow of liquid through the device and bubble exclusion means (20) to reduce or prevent ingress of bubbles from the liquid medium outside the device.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a first reagent container to hold a first reagent container with a first record section which contains a first reagent management information; a second reagent container holder to hold a second reagent container with a second record section which contains a second reagent management information; a first information reader; a second information reader; a registration section for registering the combination of the first reagent and the second reagent based on the first reagent management information; a measurement section for conducting a measurement of a predetermined analysis item by using the first reagent and the second reagent corresponding to the combination registered by the registration section; and a processing section for processing a measurement result obtained by the measurement section, and for obtaining an analysis result of the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 3.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error.

Abstract: A process for producing a film of a hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of a fluidic component is provided comprising subjecting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component to a physicochemical pre-treatment, contacting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component with a solution of the hydrophilic polymer, replacing the solution of the hydrophilic polymer with a gaseous medium in such a manner that firstly the inner surfaces of the fluidic component remain wetted with part of the polymer solution, and removing the solvent to produce a film of the hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of the fluidic component. The hydrophilic polymer used has a surface wettability for aqueous solutions which is higher than the surface wettability of the inner surfaces of the fluidic component itself.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability (which can result from dysregulated arginine metabolism, e.g., due to increased arginase activity) by assessing in a sample from a subject the ratio of arginine to one or more, usually two or more, modulators of arginine bioavailability. In one embodiment, the ratio of arginine to (ornithine+citrulline) is assessed to aid in diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods for detecting enhanced risk of opioid-induced respiratory dysfunction in patients with normal levels of oxygen saturation. The method may comprise: (1) assaying blood of the patient for a normal level of oxygen saturation; (2) measuring the patient's respiration rate at rest for a normal rate; and (3) correlating the normal level of oxygen saturation and the normal rate of respiration with enhanced risk of opioid-induced respiratory dysfunction if: (a) the patient is at an altitude of about 1000 feet above sea level or greater; or (b) the patient's oxygen saturation level is normal but no greater than about 95%; or (c) the patient received prior dosing with intravenous opioid and is converted to dosing with an oral opioid. The method may further comprise administering opioids to a patient after detecting whether there is an enhanced risk of opioid-induced respiratory dysfunction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 3.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of respond immediately when a need to perform analysis of multiple items arises. The sample analyzer 1 includes a table 12 capable of holding a first rack 320 and a second rack 330; a reagent dispensing arm 120 which comprises a pipette part 121; a reagent dispensing driving section 120a for moving the reagent dispensing arm 120; a reagent barcode reader 350; and a control section 501 for controlling the reagent dispensing driving section 120a so as to move the pipette part 121 to a predetermined reagent aspirating position according to the identification information obtained by the reagent barcode reader 350.

Abstract: A method and a blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood are disclosed. A blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood includes a housing and a blood sample receptacle defined by the housing. A blood oxygen sensor is in communication with the blood sample receptacle and a test result indicator is in communication with the blood oxygen sensor. The indicator is responsive to the blood oxygen sensor for indicating whether a tested blood sample is arterial blood or venous blood.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a means of combining and configuring specific hydrophilic and dielectric materials in such a way as to allow an antimony/reference electrode pH sensor to be packaged and stored dry yet become fully hydrated to an activated state after exposure to aqueous liquids. The sensor is packaged and stored dry to maintain component stability and minimize component degradation. When the user removes the sensor from the package and the sensor tip is submerged in a hydration (ion conduction) media or solution, the hydrophilic coating along with the impregnated reference wick, absorb the fluid to create an electrolytic gel inside the reference wick, which activates the pH sensor.

Abstract: A sample analyzer: measures a measurement sample including a sample and a reagent; creates a calibration curve based on first measurement data obtained by measuring a measurement standard sample including a standard sample and the reagent; provides calibration curve specifying information for specifying the calibration curve to the calibration curve; acquires an analysis result by processing second measurement data obtained by measuring the measurement sample based on the calibration curve; and stores the analysis result and the calibration curve specifying information provided to the calibration curve used in the process of the second measurement data in correspondence to each other.

Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a CO2 or O2 sensor is disclosed, hi one implementation, a polymer solar cell can be connected to the HEMT for use in an infrared detection system. In a second implementation, a selective recognition layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. For carbon dioxide sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, PEI/starch. For oxygen sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, indium zinc oxide (IZO). In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of carbon dioxide and oxygen in exhaled breath or blood.

Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a chemical sensor, a digital to analog converter, and microcontroller formed therein. The chemical sensor detects the presence of a chemical and outputs an analog signal to the digital to analog converter. The analog to digital converter converts the analog signal to a digital signal. The analog to digital converter outputs the digital signal to the microcontroller. Microcontroller calculates a value of the concentration of the selected chemical.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system comprising a meter and a disposable cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample typically blood that is drawn into the cartridge by capillary action, negative pressure, positive pressure, or a combination thereof. The cartridge has at least one flow path, and includes at least one optical chamber for spectroscopic measurement, and at least one biosensor for biosensor measurement. The meter has a sample slot for receiving the disposable cartridge. The cartridges have electrical output contacts, and the meter slot has electrical input contacts. When the output contacts mate with the input contacts, the optical chamber becomes positioned for spectroscopic measurement. The present invention can provide joint-diagnostic spectroscopic and biosensor measurements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 2.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extracorporeal filtration and detoxification system and method generally comprise separating ultrafiltrate from cellular components of blood, treating the ultrafiltrate independently of the cellular components in a recirculation circuit, recombining treated ultrafiltrate and the cellular components, and returning whole blood to the patient. A recirculation circuit generally comprises an active cartridge including active cells operative to effectuate a selected treatment; in some embodiments, the active cells are the C3A cell line.

Abstract: A sensor probe for in-situ measurement of pH in a human tissue (e.g., cardiovascular) environment comprises a hollow needle having a tip and a back end. The tip is insertable into the tissue. An optic cable comprises a light conduit surrounded by a cladding. A first end of the light conduit is inserted from the back end of the needle and extends to within a predetermined distance of the tip to define a cavity within the tip. A porous dye layer is contained within the cavity, wherein the dye layer has a response to excitation light delivered through the light conduit that varies according to the pH of the tissue environment. An overcoat layer is deposited on the dye layer, wherein the overcoat layer is ionically permeable and substantially opaque at a light wavelength corresponding to the variable response of the dye layer.

Abstract: A method and a blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood are disclosed. A blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood includes a housing and a blood sample receptacle defined by the housing. A blood oxygen sensor is in communication with the blood sample receptacle and a test result indicator is in communication with the blood oxygen sensor. The indicator is responsive to the blood oxygen sensor for indicating whether a tested blood sample is arterial blood or venous blood.

Abstract: A sample analyzer and sample analyzing method perform following: a) mixing a sample with at least one of a first reagent and a second reagent, thereby preparing a measurement specimen; b) storing, in a memory, standard curve data corresponding to a reagent to be used in the step a) for preparing a measurement specimen; c) measuring the measurement specimen thereby obtaining measurement data; d) processing the measurement data based on the standard curve data, thereby obtaining an analysis result; and e) when the first, reagent and the second reagent are of the same type, determining a reagent to be used for the measuring between the first reagent and the second reagent, based on information regarding standard curve data stored in the memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor board comprising a plate-like body comprising a body material and having two surfaces substantially parallel to each other, and at least one optical sensor and at least one non-optical sensor, the sensors being positioned at the same surface of the body, wherein the body includes a first area having a thickness D1 of the body material and a second area having a thickness D2 of the body material, where D1>D2>0, the at least one optical sensor being positioned at the second area.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for detecting a blood characteristic in a patient. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise detecting a first modulating signal at a first wavelength, detecting a second modulating signal at a second wavelength, and determining a relative amplitude of the first and second modulating signals. Further, embodiments of the present invention may comprise regressing the first and second modulating signals relative to one another, wherein a first uncertainty value in the first modulating signal and a second uncertainty value in the second modulating signal are accommodated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of fluorogenic probes for reactive oxygen species. Exemplary probes of the invention utilize a boronate deprotection mechanism to provide high selectivity and optical dynamic range for detecting H2O2 in aqueous solution over similar reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide, nitric oxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and hydroxyl radical; Peroxyresorufin-1 (PR1), Peroxyfluor-1 (PF1), and Peroxyxanthone-1 (PX1) are first-generation probes that respond to H2O2 by an increase in red, green, and blue fluorescence, respectively. The boronate dyes are cell-permeable and can detect micromolar changes in H2O2 concentrations in living cells, including hippocampal neurons, using confocal and two-photon microscopy. The unique combination of ROS selectivity, membrane permeability, and a range of available excitation/emission colors establishes the potential value of PR1, PF1, PX1, and related probes for interrogating the physiology and pathology of cellular H2O2.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for monitoring a patient's breath chemistry comprising a plurality of components, including a self-condensing pH sensor distally mounted on a catheter, a transmitter with hydration sensing circuitry for the pH sensor, and, a processing receiver/data recorder. The specifically designed self-condensing pH sensor located on the distal end of the catheter is designed to be inserted into the patient's airway. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH is accomplished by using the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor, providing for real-time monitoring of patient airway pH values.

Abstract: Formats for the optical testing of fluids are manufacturing using modular format components. The format components are constructed so that matching format components can be mated together to form a single format for optical testing. Formats may be manufactured using pin-and-hole construction so that pins on optical format components mate with holes on opposing format components. Optical read surfaces provided on optical format components oppose each other in a completed optical format to form a read area.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for monitoring the status of a cell that consumes oxygen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of confining the cell in a sensing volume, measuring dynamically intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell, and determining the status of the cell from the measured intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.

Abstract: An oxygen sensitive probe comprises a monofunctional derivative of an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye covalently attached to a water soluble and/or hydrophilic macromolecular carrier. The probe may be a chemical conjugate of a monofunctional phosphorescent porphyrin dye and a poly(ethyleneglycol), polypeptide or polysaccharide.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood gas test is carried out by a method that utilizes a venous blood sample together with a pulse oximeter and a plurality of mathematical equations. The method generates the following data points of the blood: (i) the pH level; (ii) the [H+] concentration; (iii) the [HCO3?] concentration; (iv) the partial pressure of carbon dioxide; and (v) the oxygen saturation level. Mathematical formulas, tables, and chemical equations provide a simple method by which a doctor or other medical professional can easily calculate the blood gas data without the need for an arterial blood sample or specialized machines. Blood gas measurements are obtained from a patient in a faster, safer and less painful manner than tests that require an arterial blood sample. In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for locating a dysfunctional organ in a patient is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting disorders of iron metabolism and in particular the differential diagnosis of disorders of iron metabolism by means of three independent parameters. The differential diagnosis can be used to classify disorders of iron metabolism and to recommend the required treatment and to monitor the progress and response to treatment.

Abstract: We describe an improved method for generating sizable numbers of mature dendritic cells from nonproliferating progenitors in human blood. The first step or “priming” phase is a culture of T cell depleted mononuclear cells in medium supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4 to produce immature dendritic cells. The second step or “differentiation” phase requires the exposure to dendritic cell maturation factor such as monocyte conditioned medium. Using this two-step approach, substantial yields are obtained. The dendritic cells derive from this method have all the features of mature cells. They include a stellate cell shape, nonadherence to plastic, and very strong T cell stimulatory activity. The mature dendritic cells produced according to this invention are useful for activating T cells.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, such as a condition associated with elevated arginase activity, using an arginine- and/or arginase-inhibitor based therapy, which therapies include administration of arginine or an arginase inhibitor, either alone or in combination. The invention also contemplates administration of magnesium with arginine, an arginase inhibitor, or with arginine-arginase inhibitor combination therapy. The invention also features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with arginase activity by assessing the ratio of arginine to ornithine in samples from a subject.

Abstract: Fluorescent pH detector and methods for measuring pH using the fluorescent pH detector.