Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and device to desorb an analyte using heat to allow desorption of the analyte molecules, where the desorbed analyte molecules are ionized with ambient temperature ionizing species. In various embodiments of the invention a current is passed through a mesh upon which the analyte molecules are present. The current heats the mesh and results in desorption of the analyte molecules which then interact with gas phase metastable neutral molecules or atoms to form analyte ions characteristic of the analyte molecules.

Abstract: A Mixture of substances is provided for precise calibration of the mass scale of mass spectrometers equipped with ion sources that operate at atmospheric pressure (AP) with ionization of the analyte molecules, for example by APCI (chemical ionization), or by APPI (photoionization), often at high temperatures of up to 470° C. Out of physical reasons, the mass scale of any time-of-flight mass spectrometer deviates in the lower mass range from the theoretical relation between charge-related mass m/z and flight time t. A closely spaced arrangement of low mass calibration reference points is necessary if high mass accuracy is to be achieved for substances of low molecular weight. APCI and APPI sources are increasingly used in time-of-flight mass spectrometers with orthogonal ion injection (OTOF MS) for the detection of non-polar and weakly polar compounds, in particular, for analyte molecules with relatively low molecular weights.

Abstract: This invention provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of analytes, methods for forming the MIPs and detecting the analyte using the MIPs. The MIP comprises templated sites which are formed using a mimic of the analyte such that a reporter compound can be selectively attached at the templated sites, thus providing a site selectively tagged and templated MIP.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of DHA and EPA. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting DHA and EPA by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using of the sizes and levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, the ?641 allele of the promoter of the gene encoding apolipoprotein C-3 (APOC-3), the 405 allele of the gene encoding cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), adiponectin, CETP and APOC-3, for determining and increasing an individual's likelihood of longevity and of retaining cognitive function during aging, and for determining and decreasing an individual's likelihood of developing a cardiovascular-, metabolic- or age-related disease.

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: The present invention relates in particular to methods of detecting predisposition to or diagnosis and/or prognosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and related disorders. More specifically, the invention relates to development, validation and application of new biomarkers, which can be used for detecting the presence or risk of CMT disease and related disorders. In particular, the present invention relates to metabolite, lipid, carbohydrate and proteinaceous biomarkers that can be measured in biological body fluids and easily available extracts of biopsies, which can be used to aid in the detection, prediction of drug treatment and follow up of this treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including CMT disease. The present invention also relates to methods for identification of CMT disease subtypes, assessing the responsiveness to the treatments and the efficacy of treatments in subjects having CMT or a related disorder.

Abstract: When assessing the start time of the limulus reaction between biogenous biologically active substances and LAL and using the reaction start time to determine the concentration of the biogenous biologically active substances, in order to exclude the influence of progressive changes which occur regardless of the conditions of the limulus reaction, the strength of transmitted light or scattered light in the liquid mixture of the measurement sample and LAL is detected, the variation (delta) in the transmittance or number of gel particles is acquired at set intervals, and the time when the variation (delta) crosses a threshold value is taken as the reaction start time. Furthermore, the time intervals when acquiring the abovementioned delta are not uniform, and either change over time from the start of measurement as defined by a time function, or multiple sequences with differing time intervals are prepared in advance.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a biomarker which is highly correlated to the conventional biomarkers of metabolic syndrome or life-style related disease in a wide range of subjects to be tested, including subjects of special health check-up aged between 40 and 74, or an advantageous method for detecting metabolic syndrome or life-style related disease. The object can be solved by a method for detecting metabolic syndrome or life-style related disease characterized by comprising the step of measuring the concentration of choline plasmalogen in a sample to be tested.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous nanoscale membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane can be used as a filtration device to screen agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions. In one embodiment, the membrane allows for screening agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions using a small sample volume with efficient high-throughput screening applications.

Abstract: Subject of the invention is a method for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, comprising the steps of a) providing a sample from a patient, b) determining in the sample the level and/or activity of at least one marker, which is indicative of a glucose consumption disorder, c) comparing the level and/or activity to a known standard and d) deducing whether the patient has, or is susceptible to, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining efficacy of a cyclodextrin therapy in a subject afflicted with a disorder involving oxysterol accumulation. These methods comprise: obtaining a first body fluid sample from the subject prior to cyclodextrin administration; administering cyclodextrin; obtaining at least one second body fluid sample after the cyclodextrin administration; subjecting the body fluid samples to chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis to determine concentration of 24-hydroxycholesterol and/or cholestane-3?,5?,6?-triol; and determining magnitude of difference between the 24-hydroxycholesterol and/or cholestane-3?,5?,6?-triol concentration of the body fluid samples, whereby an increase or stabilization of 24-hydroxycholesterol concentration, or a reduction of cholestane-3?,5?,6?-triol concentration in the at least one second sample compared to the first sample, indicates efficacy of the cyclodextrin therapy.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method of estimating the amount of unreacted starting materials (glycerides, methyl esters, etc.) and the composition of a biodiesel using TLC in conjunction with a lipophilic dye, Nile Red is described herein. The dye based TLC method of the present invention is convenient and provides significant advantages over existing methods for estimating the purity of a biodiesel composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for the analysis of delta 5 steroid compounds in a sample using supported liquid extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method that enables quantification of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein 3 (HDL3) in a test sample without requiring a laborious operation is disclosed. The method for quantifying cholesterol in HDL3 comprises: Step 1 wherein a surfactant that reacts with lipoproteins other than high-density lipoprotein 3 is reacted with a test sample to transfer cholesterol to the outside of the reaction system; and Step 2 wherein cholesterol remaining in the reaction system is quantified. The method enables specific quantification of HDL3 cholesterol in a test sample using an automatic analyzer without requirement of a laborious operation such as ultracentrifugation or pretreatment. Further, quantification of the HDL2 cholesterol level can also be carried out by subtracting the HDL3 cholesterol level from the total HDL cholesterol level obtained by a conventional method for quantifying the total HDL cholesterol in a test sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-invasive diagnostic method of endometrial receptivity which includes collecting and comparing lipid biomarker patterns to reference lipidomic biomarkers, particularly prostaglandins PGE2 and/or PGF2?. The method is especially applicable for determining status fertility of a mammalian female, preferably, a woman.

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: 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: Provided are methods for determining the presence or amount of testosterone in a test sample, comprising ionizing all or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample to produce one or more testosterone ions that are detectable in a mass spectrometer. All or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample is ionized to produce one or more testosterone ions, which may be isolated and fragmented to produce precursor ions. A separately detectable internal testosterone standard can be provided in the sample. In a preferred embodiment, the reference is 2,2,4,6,6-d5 testosterone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and kits for determining the presence or absence, and the amount if present, of vitamin D analogs in samples. One embodiment of the present method for detecting the presence or absence of vitamin D analogs in a sample comprises the steps of adding an effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent to the sample to form a cationic treated sample. The effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent enhances the signal from vitamin D analogs upon analysis by mass spectroscopy.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using of the sizes and levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, the ?641 allele of the promoter of the gene encoding apolipoprotein C-3 (APOC-3), the 405 allele of the gene encoding cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), adiponectin, CETP and APOC-3, for determining and increasing an individual's likelihood of longevity and of retaining cognitive function during aging, and for determining and decreasing an individual's likelihood of developing a cardiovascular-, metabolic- or age-related disease.

Abstract: The current invention relates to sensing elements and devices comprising at least one amphipathic lipid-binding protein or fatty acid binding protein, wherein the binding proteins are associated with a luminescent reporter group. The binding proteins and luminescent reporter groups are encapsulated within a hydrogel matrix that comprises at least one co-monomer, wherein the co-monomer is present at a concentration that decreases or inhibits micelle formation of the amphipathic lipid. Binding of the amphipathic lipid or fatty acid to the appropriate binding protein can produce at least one detectable change in the property of the luminescent reporter group.

Abstract: Methods, reports and systems for generating insulin resistance indexes for assessing decreased insulin sensitivity and/or levels of insulin resistance using a plurality of different measured lipoprotein particle parameters.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia provides a method, and use thereof, of diagnosing and/or predicting atherosclerosis or CVD by detecting the lipid concentrations or lipid ratios of a biological sample and comparing it to a control and has identified specific lipid markers that are more specific and sensitive in detecting and predicting atherosclerosis and CVD than currently utilized clinical markers. Also provided is an antibody towards said lipids, and the use thereof for predicting, diagnosing, preventing and/or treating atherosclerosis or CVD. The invention additionally relates to kits comprising lipids and/or an antibody thereto, for use in the prediction and/or diagnosis of atherosclerosis or CVD.

Abstract: This invention provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of analytes, methods for forming the MIPs and detecting the analyte using the MIPs. The MIP comprises templated sites which are formed using a mimic of the analyte such that a reporter compound can be selectively attached at the templated sites, thus providing a site selectively tagged and templated MIP.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and prognostic assays for heart disease. More particular, the present invention provides an assay for diagnosing the presence or extent of development of heart disease or its classification or state thereof. The assay of the present invention is also useful in the stratification of a subject with respect to a risk of developing heart disease. The assay of the present invention is also capable of integration into pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic and reporting system.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for measuring low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in a body fluid, which is able to selectively measure low density lipoprotein cholesterol in a body fluid without using a low density lipoprotein cholesterol-selective surfactant having a risk of generating endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The present invention provides a method for measuring low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in a body fluid, which comprises measuring low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by using (a) cholesterol esterase and (b) cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase, in the presence of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer and a polyglyceryl ether.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition (composition for suppressing re-elevation of cholesterol) that has the effects of suppressing re-elevation of cholesterol in patients with high cholesterol or pre-high cholesterol, and that can therefore be used to suppress re-elevation of cholesterol in those patients. The present invention also provides a composition which, due to the effects described above, can be used to prevent or treat conditions or diseases caused by high cholesterol due to cholesterol re-elevation, specifically hypercholesterolemia, arteriosclerosis and diseases and conditions stemming therefrom. The composition of this invention uses as an active component an edible protein hydrolysate, preferably a globin proteolysate or a peptide consisting of Val-Val-Tyr-Pro.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel sensor for the estimation of total cholesterol in human blood serum using molecular imprint of cholesterol. Human blood serum contains 150-250 mg/dl cholesterol. The present invention provides a sensor device and a process for the fabrication of ISFET (Ion Selective Field Effect Transister) coated with molecular imprint of cholesterol on the SiO2+Si3N4 dielectric gate of the said electrode. The molecular imprint of cholesterol (MIPC) anchored in to a silica matrix sensing material is identified as a sensing material which has specific selectivity towards the cholesterol in presence of other organic constituents in human blood serum.

Abstract: An activated partial thromboplastin time measuring reagent, including a first reagent containing a phospholipid and an activator and a second reagent containing a herparin neutralizer and a calcium salt is disclosed. An activated partial thromboplastin time measuring method, and a determination method for determining a presence or absence of a blood coagulation inhibitor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for estimating portal blood flow and hepatic function in a subject is provided. In one example, the STAT test is an in vitro simplified, convenient test intended for screening purposes that can reasonably estimate the portal blood flow from a single blood sample taken 60 minutes after orally administered deuterated-cholate. The test can be administered to a patient having, or suspected of having, Chronic Hepatitis C, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), or any chronic liver disease.

Abstract: Compositions comprising the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR?)-ligand 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (16:0/18:1-GPC) are disclosed. These compositions may be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of PPAR?-related liver disorders including, but not necessarily limited to, fatty liver disease, to lower lipid and triglyceride levels, and to increase high density lipoprotein levels in animals. Foods modified with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (16:0/18:1GPC) may be used to improve the metabolism of animals.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are disclosed. More specifically the present invention relates to the measurement of small molecules (metabolites) in human plasma that are found to have different abundances between persons with a clinical manifestation of ASD and subjects not expressing symptoms of ASD. Further, this invention relates to the monitoring of putative therapeutic strategies designed to ameliorate the biochemical abnormalities associated with ASD.

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: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dry stick test device for determining an analyte in a milk sample by chemical assay. At least one reagent pad is provided by impregnating a first porous material with an aqueous solution including a reagent capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of the analyte or an indicator compound for the analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state. The reagent pad is dried. A development pad is provided by impregnating a second porous material with an aqueous solution including at least one controlling compound which, when in a moistened state, is capable of providing a condition required for the reagent to react with the analyte to provide the detectable signal. The impregnated second porous material is dried. The first porous material is immobilized with the second porous material, on a solid support, to obtain the dry stick test device.

Abstract: Better patterning methods, including for better methods for forming biomolecular arrays, including a method comprising: providing a tip and a substrate surface, disposing a patterning composition at the end of the tip, depositing at least some of the patterning composition from the tip to the substrate surface to form a deposit disposed on the substrate surface, wherein the patterning composition comprises at least one lipid, optionally at least one solvent, and at least one patterning species different from the lipid and the optional solvent. The lipid can be a phospholipid such as DOPC. The patterning species can be an oligonucleotide or a protein. Microarrays and nanoarrays can be prepared including nanoscale resolution of deposits. The lipid can activate patterning or increase the rate of patterning. Simplified tip preparation can be achieved. Nanoscopic, SPM, and AFM tips can be used.

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: Disclosed are methods for evaluating the potential or activity of a test compound to induce phospholipidosis in a target subject, for managing patient treatment, and for diagnosing a lysosomal storage disorder in a human subject.

Abstract: A sensitive and specific method of detecting chemical species, viruses and microorganisms is presented to improve performance of molecular-recognition-based assays utilizing particles decorated with molecular recognition agents such as antibodies and DNA probes, and observing analyte-dependent changes in the response of the particles to forces such as magnetic or gravitational forces or Brownian thermal fluctuations.

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 method for the prevention or treatment of a condition selected from type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome comprising activating a GITRL pathway. Methods for screening for substances to treat these conditions, diagnosing or predicting these conditions and selecting and monitoring therapies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for differentially diagnosing dementia or the risk of dementia in a patient. The method comprises obtaining a sample from the patient; analyzing the sample to obtain quantifying data for one or more than one metabolite marker; comparing the quantifying data for the one or more than one metabolite marker to corresponding data obtained from one or more than one reference sample; and using the comparison to differentially diagnose dementia or the risk of dementia. The method may also assist in assessing dementia or the risk of dementia in a patient. The present invention is also directed to metabolite markers and compounds useful in the present method.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for the analysis of delta 5 steroid compounds in a sample using supported liquid extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method for the separation of particles of different densities using a step-wise gradient density extraction method as described herein where a sample is suspended in a liquid volume of an extracting medium of specific density and the particles that have a density less than or equal to that of the extracting medium of specific density can be recovered from a horizonatally rotatable hollow disk or a removable receptacle within a horizontally rotatable hollow disk designed for such purposes while the particles that have a density greater than the extracting medium of specific density form a deposit which can be cycled through the extraction process in an iterative fashion by varying the density of the extracting medium allowing the recovery of discrete particles of differing densities from a test sample.

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: Methods for the diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are disclosed. More specifically the present invention relates to the measurement of small molecules (metabolites) in human plasma that are found to have different abundances between persons with a clinical manifestation of ASD and subjects not expressing symptoms of ASD. Further, this invention relates to the monitoring of putative therapeutic strategies designed to ameliorate the biochemical abnormalities associated with ASD.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of pretreating a sample containing a glycated amine as an analyte, thereby enabling highly reliable measurement of a glycated amine. A glycated amino acid in the sample is degraded by causing a fructosyl amino acid oxidase (FAOD) to act thereon, and thereafter, a FAOD further is caused to act on the glycated amine as the analyte in the sample to cause a redox reaction. The amount of the glycated amine is determined by measuring the redox reaction. The substrate specificity of the FAOD caused to act on the glycated amino acid may be either the same as or different from that of the FAOD caused to act on the glycated amine. When using the same FAOD, a FAOD is caused to act on the glycated amino acid to degrade it, and thereafter, the sample is treated with a protease to inactivate the FAOD and also to degrade the glycated amine.