Abstract: A non-aqueous fluidic system for extracting, filtering and concentrating lipid biomarkers from geological samples includes a sample input for receiving a sample, a combined comminution-extraction unit, a filter in fluid communication with the container, and a concentrator operable to receive the solvent phase from the filter and to concentrate lipid extracts for further analysis. The combined comminution-extraction unit has a container into which the received sample is introduced, a port through which one or more organic solvents are introduced into the container for mixing with the sample to thereby extract lipids into an organic phase, and a comminutor configured to rotate in the container to pulverize the sample to a uniform, reduced particle size and comprising a sonicator configured to agitate and disperse the sample into the one or more organic solvents.

Abstract: Embodiments of fiber substrate-based fluidic device and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. In one example, a method of manufacturing a fiber substrate-based fluidic device comprises bonding a hydrophobic film that is substantially transparent to a laser beam (e.g., a film that transmits at least 80% of the incident radiant power of the laser beam) to a hydrophilic substrate and ablating the hydrophilic substrate with the laser beam without ablating the hydrophobic film to form one or more fluidly sealed channels in the hydrophilic substrate.

Abstract: An assay system for measuring transfer of lipid from a donor model biomembrane to an acceptor model biomembrane generally includes a donor model biomembrane that has a lipid with a detectable label, a lipid transfer protein that specifically binds the detectable lipid, and an acceptor model biomembrane. At least one of the donor model biomembrane and the acceptor model biomembrane is a bicelle-dilution model membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing a molecule in a sample. The apparatus utilizes an electric field to draw molecules from a first chamber through an aperture, defined by a chemical layer, into a second chamber. The apparatus can detect a DNA molecule with, for example, 4, 5, or 6 unique base pairs. As molecules pass through the aperture, a sensor detects or measures a change in an electric parameter used to generate the electric field, thereafter translating the change in the electric parameter into information about the molecule. A divider element separates the first and second chambers and supports a chemical layer defining the aperture. The apparatus enables detection or measurement of molecules over prolonged time at a higher electric field strength than other nanopores, due to a combination of the shape of the divider, structural elements thereon, and thickness of the chemical layer at the aperture.

Abstract: A method for predicting the risk of recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation in a subject based on measuring the amount of the biomarker Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and optionally of at least one further biomarker in a sample from the subject is described. Also described is a method of diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation in a subject suspected to suffer from Atrial Fibrillation based on measuring the amount of the biomarker Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and optionally of at least one further biomarker in a sample from the subject. Also described are devices adapted to carry out the method of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to methods of performing a sample enrichment procedure, which comprise: adding a sample fluid that comprises at least one phospholipid and at least one target analyte to a sorbent that comprises a hydrophobic component and a cation exchange component, thereby resulting in sorbent with bound phospholipid and bound target analyte; adding an aqueous solution comprising an acidic compound and a salt; adding an organic solution to the sorbent thereby desorbing at least a portion of the bound phospholipid from the sorbent; and adding an elution solution to the sorbent, thereby desorbing at least a portion of the bound target analyte from the sorbent and forming a solution of the target analyte in the elution solution. In other aspects, the present disclosure pertains to kits, which may be used in conjunction with such methods.

Abstract: A diagnostic and decision support technology is provided for determining the presence, identity, and/or severity of an inherited lysosomal storage disorder. In particular, a mechanism is provided to detect and classify a lysosomal storage disorder in a human patient, which utilizes a logistic regression classifier determined based on a multi-variable-composite-biomarker comprising a specific set of physiological variables of the patient. This multi-variable statistical predictive biomarker approach may be employed for identifying persons whose attributes are consistent with features or glycogen storage diseases, such as late-onset Pompe disease.

Abstract: Diagnosing an oxidative stress (OS) in companion animals comprises screening a bodily fluid sample to detect the presence of an OS biomarker, selectively isoprostane and antioxidants, HODE, microRNAs, TAC, GSH, MDA, and TNF-alpha. The sample can be saliva.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing an analyte extracted from a sample using an adsorbent material.

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 composition, method and device for the preparation of biological samples for subsequent LC-MS analysis using a combined and concurrent protein precipitation and solid phase extraction (SPE) process is described. Through an integrated combination of protein precipitation, filtration, and SPE using a novel zirconia-coated chromatographic media, interfering compounds, such as proteins and phosphate-containing compounds, are eliminated from the biological samples, affording a higher degree of analyte response during LC-MS analysis.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of disease. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate and reliable method to detect acute cardiovascular syndromes or disorders and to detect acute cardiovascular syndromes or disorders at earlier time points such that more aggressive interventions can be used in high risk subjects

Abstract: A method for predicting the level of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in a subject comprising: (a) determining a level of one or more lipid biomarkers in a sample from the subject, wherein the biomarkers are selected from the following: (i) phosphatidylcholine (PC) [16:1/16:1] (ii) diacylglycerol (DAG) [42:8] (iii) phosphatidylethanolamine-ether (PE-O) [32:5] (iv) phosphatidylcholine (PC) [18:0/22:5] (v) phosphatidylinositol (PI) [18:0/16:1] (vi) phosphatidylglycerol (PG) [20:3/20:3] (vii) phosphatidylglycerol (PG) [22:5/18:1] (b) comparing the levels of the biomarkers in the sample to reference values; wherein the levels of the biomarkers in the sample compared to the reference values are indicative of levels of EAT fat in the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring mortality risk in children with congenital cyanotic heart condition such as Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) including prioritizing ToF patients for medical treatment and determining that a ToF patient is eligible for urgent surgical correction. Some embodiments of the invention determine a prognosis in terms of a predicted survival probability within a timeframe wherein the pediatric subject awaits surgical correction, based on determining the amount of a marker, such as BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) in serial samples of blood plasma from the subject and determining a Tetralogy of Fallot Index (TOFI®) score from the biomarker values.

Abstract: A composition, method and device for the preparation of biological samples for subsequent instrumental analyses, such as GC, GC-MS, LC and LC-MS analysis, using a solid phase extraction (SPE) process is described. Through SPE process alone or an integrated combination of protein precipitation, filtration, and SPE using a hydrophobic zirconia-coated chromatographic media, interfering compounds, such as proteins, glycerides and phosphate-containing compounds, are eliminated from the biological, food, environmental and biotechnology samples, affording an enhanced analyte response during the instrumental analysis.

Abstract: A method is described for the diagnostic determination of the risk caused by an altered oxidative balance, comprising the photometric measurement of total cholesterol, hydroperoxides, and antioxidant capacity, on the basis of which the protective index, the oxidative index and the risk index caused by an altered oxidative balance (or ‘OBRI’) are calculated. This latter index has proved to be particularly dependable and reliable in determining the status of the oxidative balance in relation to cholesterol levels, being highly predictive of cardiovascular risk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, monitors and systems, useful, for example, for advanced detection of sepsis in a subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and compounds for isolating and detecting lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) are disclosed. Kits for performing the methods also are disclosed. LPAs are isolated from biological samples by liquid-liquid extraction followed by solid phase extraction. LPA species may be separated by HPLC, and the separated species may be identified and quantified. Also disclosed are embodiments of compounds capable of universally detecting a plurality of LPA species with substantially equivalent sensitivity. Embodiments of the disclosed compounds are useful for determination of total LPA concentration in a sample comprising a plurality of LPA species without separation of individual LPA species.

Abstract: Provided is a method for separately or simultaneously quantifying whole HDL-C and cholesterol in HDL subfractions: ApoE-Containing HDL-C and ApoE-deficient HDL-C. A method for enzymatically and separately quantifying cholesterol in the ApoE-deficient HDL comprising: adding a surfactant composed of a polyoxyethylene benzyl phenyl ether derivative to a test sample in a final concentration of 0.05 to 0.10%, reacting the test sample with cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase, and quantifying hydrogen peroxide generated. A method for enzymatically and separately quantifying cholesterol in ApoE-Containing HDL comprising: adding a surfactant composed of a polyoxyethylene benzyl phenyl ether derivative so as to obtain a final concentration of 0.15 to 0.75%, reacting the test sample with cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase, and quantifying hydrogen peroxide generated.

Abstract: Methods of alleviating the symptoms of hemoglobinopathies, including, but not limited to, sickle cell disease, ?-thalassemia, and hemoglobin H disease are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering an inhibitor selected from a ?-arrestin1/2 inhibitor and/or a GRK2 inhibitor to the subject. Methods of inhibiting adhesion of sickle red blood cells to endothelial cells and adhesion to and activation of leukocytes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a propionate inulin ester for the reduction of appetite, food intake and/or calorie intake and/or to improve insulin sensitivity in a subject, and for the treatment or prevention of obesity or diabetes. The invention also provides compositions comprising a propionate inulin ester, methods using propionate inulin esters, functional food containing propionate inulin ester and methods of making propionate inulin esters.

Abstract: (Purpose) The present invention provides a technology capable of simply performing individual authentication with high accuracy by extracting the feature of the vein pattern and the feature of the palm print shape of the person to be authenticated from a single original image data photographed using a visible light image acquisition unit (e.g. visible light camera). (Solution) An authentication light source 11 irradiates light which contains at least red light in the visible light region toward a palm of human body. An authentication image acquisition unit 12 acquires at least one reflection image to form by the light which is irradiated from the authentication light source 11, and is reflected on the palm of human body. An authentication image processing unit 13 performs image processing of the reflected image, and extracts the shape of palm print and the shape of veins in the palm respectively from a single sheet of the reflected image for the authentication to generate the authentication data.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for effectively measuring cholesterol using a small amount of blood. The apparatus for measuring cholesterol includes a cartridge where an upper case having a sample transferring membrane is movably coupled to a lower case having a sample measuring membrane; a cartridge accommodation unit configured to accommodate the cartridge therein; a memory configured to store therein setting information for sample measurement; and a controller configured to align the membranes of the upper case and the lower case with each other, by horizontally moving the lower case of the cartridge, according to the stored setting information, and configured to contact the membranes of the upper case and the lower case with each other, by vertically moving the upper case for sample transfer on each alignment position.

Abstract: The invention provides novel, simple, reliable and effective methods for separating various lipids from biological samples. In certain embodiments, the invention provides HILIC-based UHPLC separation methods. In one embodiment, the methods of the invention offer an efficient and rapid separation of ether glycophospholipids (e.g., plasmalogens) from their diacyl or monoacyl counterparts within the same lipid class. In certain instances, the invention relates to the use of a Waters ACQUITY UPLC® system.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and apparatus determine a subject's risk of having or developing CHD using a calculated HDL particle risk number and/or a mathematical model of risk associated with HDL particles that adjusts concentrations of at least one of the subclasses of small, medium and large HDL particle measurements to reflect predicted CHD risk. A calculated LDL particle risk number may also be generated as well as a lipoprotein particle index derived from the ratio of RLDL/RHDL.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of toxicological assessments for risk stratification of chemical compounds. Specifically, it relates to a method for diagnosing increased peroxisomal proliferation. It also relates to a method of determining whether a compound is capable of inducing such peroxisomal proliferation in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating increased peroxisomal proliferation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a data collection including characteristic values of at least five metabolites, a data storage medium including data collection, and a system and a device for diagnosing increased peroxisomal proliferation. Finally, the present invention pertains to the use of a group of metabolites or means for the determination thereof for the manufacture of a diagnostic device or composition for diagnosing increased peroxisomal proliferation in a subject.

Abstract: Biomarkers and methods are disclosed for diagnosing the risk of a myocardial infarction in an individual by measuring the levels of a set of biomarkers in a sample from an individual. A risk score is calculated for the individual by weighting the measured levels of the biomarkers. The risk score then is used to identify whether the individual is likely to experience a myocardial infarction. In addition, kits are disclosed that include a set of reagents for specifically measuring biomarker levels in a sample from an individual.

Abstract: A process of water degumming an edible oil (preferably a crude edible oil) comprising the steps of: a) admixing approximately 0.1-5% w/w water with an edible oil (preferably a crude edible oil) and a lipid acyltransferase, b) agitating the admixture for between about 10 minutes and 180 minutes at about 45 to about 900 C, and c) separating the oil phase and the gum phase. Preferably said lipid acyltransferase is a polypeptide having lipid acyltransferase activity which polypeptide is obtained by expression of the nucleotide sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 49 or a nucleotide sequence which as has 70% or more identity therewith; and/or is obtained by expression of a nucleic acid which hybridizes under medium stringency conditions to a nucleic probe comprising the nucleotide sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 49; and/or is a polypeptide having lipid acyltransferase activity which polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 68 or an amino acid sequence which as has 70% or more identity therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. The invention further provides methods and compositions for distinguishing acute ischemic stroke from other forms of stroke and TIAs and “stroke mimic” events. Moreover, methods and compositions are provided to facilitate the treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients.

Abstract: Subject of the invention is a test strip for the detection of equol by a color change. Subject of the invention are also methods for producing the test strip, methods for using the test strip, and uses of the test strip.

Abstract: Markers and methods useful for assessing coronary artery disease in a subject are provided, along with kits for measuring their expression. Also provided are predictive models, based on the markers, as well as computer systems, and software embodiments of the models for scoring and optionally classifying samples.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of biomarkers. In particular, the present invention relates to biomarkers such as PC-O 44:4 that can be used, for example for detecting and/or quantifying visceral adiposity and/or changes in visceral adiposity. This biomarker may also be used to diagnosing the effect of a change in lifestyle on visceral adiposity in a subject.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to the collection of biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, and uses related to using a biopolymer substrate to collect biological samples for analysis.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices fabricated from paper that has been covalently modified to increase its hydrophobicity, as well as methods of making and using thereof are provided herein. The devices are typically small, portable, flexible, and both easy and inexpensive to fabricate. Microfluidic devices contain a network of microfluidic components, including microfluidic channels, microfluidic chambers, microwells, or combinations thereof, designed to carry, store, mix, react, and/or analyze liquid samples. The microfluidic channels may be open channels, closed channels, or combinations thereof. The microfluidic devices may be used to detect and/or quantify an analyte, such as a small molecules, proteins, lipids polysaccharides, nucleic acids, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, particles, viruses, metal ions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for the analysis of testosterone in a sample using supported liquid extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods of studying, interrogating, analyzing, and detecting particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. Methods of identifying binding partners, modulators, inhibitors, and the like of particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise immobilizing or trapping the particle, substance, and the like.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.

Abstract: The inventors have proposed a novel panel of human serum protein biomarkers for diagnosing hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Presently there is no reliable non-invasive way of assessing liver fibrosis. A 2D-PAGE based proteomics study was used to identify potential fibrosis biomarkers. Serum from patients with varying degrees of hepatic scarring induced by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was analyzed. Several proteins associated with liver scarring and/or viral infection were identified. These proteins include the inter-?-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 fragments, complement factor H-related protein 1, CD5L, Apo L1, and ?2GPI. Increased and decreased thiolester cleavage of a2M and Complement C3, respectively, was also detected. The concentrations of these novel biomarkers can be determined using an immunoassay where the concentrations would reflect the extent of fibrosis. A fibrosis scoring scale for each of the novel biomarkers is proposed.

Abstract: Using NMR/MS based metabonomics and targeted lipidomics approaches the inventors have explored the metabolic phenotypes of aging and longevity in a cohort compromising centenarians, elderly and young adults. The inventors have identified biomarkers for a reduced risk of developing ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders and propose a method of diagnosing a lifestyle that allows delaying and/or avoiding ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders using hydroxy-sphingomyelin SM-OH-22:1 as biomarker.

Abstract: A reusable coating for a nanopore structure is disclosed herein. A nanopore structure includes a substrate comprising a nanochannel and a monolayer of a chemical compound disposed onto at least a portion of a surface of the nanochannel. The chemical compound forms a reversible bond with at least one analyte binding compound introduced into the nanochannel. Methods for making and using the reusable coating are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry powder inhaler comprising: a dry powder medicament comprising fluticasone propionate, salmeterol xinafoate and a lactose carrier; wherein, the delivered dose of salmeterol per actuation is less than 50 ?g; and wherein the dose provides a baseline-adjusted FEV1 in a patient of more than 150 mL within 30 minutes of receiving the dose. A method of treating a patient includes administering to a patient a dry powder medicament having fluticasone propionate, salmeterol xinafoate and a lactose carrier; wherein, the delivered dose of salmeterol per actuation is less than 50 ?g; and wherein the dose provides a baseline-adjusted FEV1 in a patient of more than 150 mL within 30 minutes of receiving the dose.

Abstract: Provided herein are artificial membranes of mycolic acids. The membranes may be unsupported or tethered. These membranes are long lived and highly resistant to electroporation, demonstrating their general strength. The mycolic acid membranes are suitable for controlled studies of the mycobacterial outer membrane and can be used in other experiments, such as nanopore analyte translocation experiments.

Abstract: Provided is a method for assessing cardiovascular risk in Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes patients. The method involves obtaining data from a Type 2 diabetes patient or a Metabolic Syndrome patient and determining a Fayad/Schentag index which includes a Glucose Supply Index (S) to an Insulin Demand Index (D) ratio. The Fayad/Schentag index is used in scoring cardiovascular risks of Metabolic Syndrome patients and for recommending and implementing therapeutic interventions that can be shown to lower cardiovascular risk.

Abstract: An analytical device for analysis of chemical or biological samples, a method of using such a device, based on rotation of the device, integrated sample dosing and optical detection, and a system comprising such a device are disclosed. The analytical device comprises a device body having a liquid processing unit. The liquid processing unit comprises a mixing chamber for mixing a sample with a reagent, a sample dosing chamber for delivering a defined volume of the sample to the mixing chamber, and a reagent channel for delivering the reagent to be mixed with the sample, wherein the mixing chamber also serves as a detection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of biomarkers. In particular, the present invention relates to biomarkers such as PC-O 44:6 that can be used, for example for detecting and/or quantifying visceral adiposity and/or changes in visceral adiposity. This biomarker may also be used to diagnosing the effect of a change in lifestyle on visceral adiposity in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for continuous measurement of triglyceride digestibility during a meal. A stable isotope labeled triglyceride and a free fatty acid tracer are added to the meal. The ratio between a ratio of isotope labeled fatty acid produced after digestion to free fatty acid tracer represents the percentage of digestion of triglycerides by lipase from the pancreas.

Abstract: Using NMR/MS based metabonomics and targeted lipidomics approaches the inventors have explored the metabolic phenotypes of aging and longevity in a cohort compromising centenarians, elderly and young adults. The inventors have identified biomarkers for a reduced risk of developing ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders and propose a method of diagnosing a lifestyle that allows delaying and/or avoiding ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders using 9-oxo-HODE as biomarker.

Abstract: Biomarkers relating to pancreatic Beta-cell function, pancreatic Beta-cell glucose sensitivity, insulin resistance, and/or pancreatic Beta-cell-related disorders are provided. Methods based on the same biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: A substrate mimicking intercellular lipids in stratum corneum consisting of a substrate and a lipid membrane formed on the substrate, wherein the lipid membrane is formed from ceramide, palmitic acid and cholesterol, and the ceramide, palmitic acid and cholesterol are present at a mass ratio of 20-70%:10-60%:20-40% (ceramide:palmitic acid:cholesterol).