Abstract: Provided is a method of storing a reagent in a microfluidic device. The reagent, in a liquid form, is loaded into reaction chambers arranged on the microfluidic device; followed by lyophilization as being contained in the microfluidic device.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for differentially and simultaneously quantifying two target analytes via a single assay operation with the use of a single type of reagent in each of the two steps, i.e., the first step and the second step. In this method, the reaction product associated with the first target analyte is detected at an early stage of the second step and the reaction product associated with the second target analyte is then detected.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described suitable to determine the effects of sample matrix on the detection of a label so as to allow correction for these sample matrix effects when using the label in an analytical detection technique. The method is particularly advantageous for use in a disposable molecular diagnosis cartridge.

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 object of the present invention is to provide a fast and simple method for fractional measurement of a small particle LDL. A method for quantifying a small particle low density lipoprotein in a test sample, comprising a first step for separating the small particle low density lipoprotein from other low density lipoproteins, and a second step for measuring cholesterol, triglycerides or proteins in the separated small particle low density lipoprotein.

Abstract: A fast and simple method for fractional measurement of a small particle LDL entails separating the small particle LDL and HDL from other lipoproteins, and then measuring cholesterol, triglycerides, or proteins in the separated small particle LDL.

Abstract: Described herein are supports for assaying an analyte and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins in a high density lipoprotein containing sample, said method comprising reacting the sample with a surfactant which preferentially reacts with high density lipoproteins in the sample, said surfactant being selected from hydroxyethyl glucamide derivatives and N-acyl-N-methyl glucamine derivatives, and measuring the amount of cholesterol in the high density lipoproteins, for example using an electrochemical technique.

Abstract: The invention provides a method capable of readily discriminating pathologic conditions and judging selection of a therapeutic drug, the degree of the therapeutic effect, discontinuation of medication, etc., wherein stages quantitatively judged by digitizing substances contained in urine, which is different from conventional methods for judging stages of an ulcerative colitis and an interstitial pneumonitis which are performed by observation of mucous lesions with endoscopy requiring the skill or by analysis of histological samples collected from the living body. The method measures the value of main metabolites of prostaglandin E (PGE-MUM) concentration in urine and judges stages between the pre-remission phase of and the remission phase of ulcerative colitis. The method also measures the value of the PGE-MUM concentration in urine and judges stages between the active phase and the non-active phase of interstitial pneumonitis.

Abstract: A method of eliminating the reactivity of lipoarabinomannan contained in a sample to a Limulus reagent including at least the step of allowing the sample containing lipoarabinomannan to coexist together with a metal salt or a buffer; and a method of assaying an endotoxin and a method of detecting an endotoxin-associated disease by using the above-described method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for determining the lipophilicity of a compound of interest comprising a) providing a layer, b) impregnating said layer with a solvent A, c) applying a dissolved compound of interest on the impregnated layer, d) adding a solvent B, e) removing the solvent B after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, and f) determining the quantity of the compound of interest in at least one of the solvent phases.

Abstract: A method for characterizing oxidative stress. The method includes dosing a ratio of HNE-to-DHN-protein in blood; comparing the ratio of HNE-to-DHN-protein in blood to a predetermined interval of ratio values associated with a predetermined level of oxidative stress; and classifying the oxidative stress as having reached the predetermined level if the ratio of HNE-to-DHN-protein in blood is within the predetermined interval of ratio values.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring apolipoprotein B100 (apo B) during the cholesterol subclass measurement process is provided which obviates the need for a separate apo B test.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube array structures comprise (a) a nanotube having an inner wall portion; and (b) a bilayer coating formed on the inner wall portions, with the bilayer coating comprised of surfactants. A secondary compound such as a protein, peptide or nucleic acid may be associated with the bilayer coating. The structures are useful for, among other things, affinity purification, catalysis, and as biochips.

Abstract: A method for determination of at least one of the lipid species in a biological sample comprising subjecting the sample to lipid extraction to obtain a lipid extract and subjecting the resulting lipid extract to multidimensional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using either precursor ion or neutral loss scanning (or both) of all naturally occurring aliphatic chains, lipid fragments and precursor ions leading to observed fragments to generate a multidimensional matrix whose contour densities provides structural and quantitative information directly without chromatography. A method for determination of lipid content and/or lipid molecular species composition and quantity directly from lipid extracts of a biological sample comprising subjecting said lipid extract to electrospray ionization multidimensional mass spectrometry by comparisons to standards and algorithms described herein.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a fast method for the determination of phospholipids in amniotic fluid samples by HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography). This innovative method presents high sensitivity, reproducibility and resolution. It has also the advantage of being of easy laboratorial interpretation, allowing the elimination of false results due to the contamination of the sample with blood or meconium.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a method for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol as test components in blood. Specifically, a method is used for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample, whereby cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample are quantified with a single measurement.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the determination of an analyte concentration (quantitative determination) or whether an analyte threshold level has been passed (qualitative determination) in a biological sample through employment of a disposable analytical microprocessor device. The device can include a batch-specific, self-executable algorithm for the calculation of the analyte concentration.

Abstract: Methods for characterizing the near term risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event in a patient presenting with chest pain are provided. In one embodiment the method comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, chlorotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and an apparatus device for processing a biological and/or chemical sample. The device comprises at least one sample processing chamber having an inlet at a first end and a penetrable sealing layer at a second end that forms at least a part of an inner wall of the sample processing chamber. The sealing layer is adapted to seal off the sample processing chamber from the environment until said sealing layer is penetrated to form an outlet. The device and apparatus also includes an absorption layer, wherein upon penetration of said sealing layer, said absorption layer is in fluid contact with said sealing layer and is capable of absorbing fluid released from said sample processing chamber, via the outlet. The present invention also relates to a fluid separation device. The fluid separation device comprises a penetrable sealing layer adapted to form a wall of a sample processing chamber of the device of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus with a built-in sample tube reader and methods for rapidly obtaining measurements of creamatocrit, fat content and/or energy (caloric) content from low-volume fresh and frozen milk specimens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for determining the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in a sample. The test device has a continuous solid surface with at least one reaction area on the continuous solid surface, and the reaction area has, in dry form, a non-LDL inhibitor and a system for determining the concentration of cholesterol.

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: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.

Abstract: A coupling system can utilize a first receptacle and a second receptacle to couple syringes together. Syringes can be used to mix viscous material and/or dispense the viscous material. Furthermore, a kit can be provided that contains parts used in mixing and/or dispensing viscous material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of a multitude of steroid hormones by mass spectrometry are disclosed. The methods require minimal sample size and minimal preparation time. The methods include ionizing the hormones and analyzing the hormones by mass spectrometry. In addition, methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of steroid hormones are disclosed including ionization of the steroid hormones by photoionization.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to a method for detecting the presence of a biological substance of interest in a test sample of saliva or oral fluid, comprising combining said test sample with a fluorescence-labeled ligand to said biological substance and detecting a change in the fluorescence polarization of said test sample produced by binding of said fluorescence-labeled ligand to said biological substance. In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, said method comprises additional steps for comparing the fluorescence polarization of said test sample with the fluorescence polarization of a control solution. Also provided is a miniaturized, portable apparatus for measuring the fluorescence polarization of a liquid sample.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the morphological integrity of a membrane of lipid vesicles, such as liposomes, using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy including the steps of: a) labeling the lipid vesicles with an ESR-active probe; b) producing a sample by introducing a quantity of the labeled lipid vesicles into a test medium; c) producing a positive control by introducing a quantity of the labeled lipid vesicles into a control medium and optionally a negative control by introducing a quantity of the ESR-active probe into the test medium; d) obtaining ESR spectra of the controls and the sample; and e) comparing ESR spectra of the sample and controls to determine relative morphological integrity. Morphological integrity of lipid vesicles may be quantitatively determined in the test medium by obtaining difference spectra produced using the spectra of the sample and of the positive and/or negative control.

Abstract: The invention provides oxogenous markers, designed and synthesized for the measurement and characterization of oxidative/nitrosative stress levels, thus enable the identification of the type of reactive ROS/NRS involved, characterization of the damaged products and their formation kinetics, and thereby the identification of pathological conditions associated with oxidative/nitrosative stress, before appearing or at the stage of development.

Abstract: The subject application comprises methods for determining the occurrence of an ischemic event in a subject by determining an ischemia score based on the amount of at least two ischemia modified albumin markers. The ischemia modified albumin markers include complexes of fatty acids bound to albumin, albumin molecules with open Cys34 sites, albumin molecules that are products of oxidation at Cys34, albumin molecules with altered conformation or altered divalent metal binding due to the conformational change or oxidation at Cys34, and albumin molecules that have been oxidized at the N-terminus. Also included in the invention are ligands to each of the foregoing ischemia modified albumin markers. Further included are methods of determining the occurrence of an ischemic event by determining the amount of fatty acid that is complexed to albumin in a patient sample. In another embodiment, an ischemic event is determined by quantitating the relative amounts of reduced and oxidized forms of albumin Cys34.

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: Serum cav-1 is disclosed as a biomarker for prostate cancer that has the power to differentiate between prostate cancer and BPH patients.

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.

Abstract: Among other things, for use in directional motion of chiral objects in a mixture, a field is applied across the chamber and is rotating relative to the chamber to cause rotation of the chiral objects. The rotation of the objects causes them to move directionally based on their chirality. The method applies to sugars, proteins, and peptides, among other things, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring apolipoprotein B100 (apo B) during the cholesterol subclass measurement process is provided which obviates the need for a separate apo B test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic tests, methods and kits that are useful to assess a subject's risk of developing a pathologic condition related in part to the presence of HDL oxidation product. Measuring the quantity of one or more HDL oxidation products present in the blood is useful in evaluating risk for developing or evaluating the severity of a disease or evaluating response to treatment for such a disease as, for instance, cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting an analyte in a test sample using acridinium-9-carboxylate aryl esters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an analyte includes a sensor chamber for detecting an analyte, an analyte feed chamber, a distributor, and a controller for controlling the transport medium flow. The distributor includes an annular channel with four connections with a switchable isolating device between two connections. The controller controls the distributor for flushing the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber without passing through the analyte feed chamber and for measuring the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber while passing through the analyte feed chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for fabricating air-stable supported lipid bilayer membranes. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of producing supported lipid bilayer membranes stabilized by sterol groups that are covalently tethered to a solid surface. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to air-stable supported lipid bilayer membranes produced by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for optically detecting lipoproteins, in particular lipoprotein(a), in a sample. In some embodiments, the methods include contacting a sample with an associative lipophilic dye, subjecting the sample to electrophoretic separation through a separation medium, and detecting the dye. Kits comprising microchips for performing a separation of lipoproteins, including lipoprotein(a), are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating lipid-related diseases and disorders, e.g., hyperlipidemia, hyper-triglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type II diabetes, and for modulating lipid biosynthesis, lipid transport, plasma triglyceride levels and/or plasma cholesterol levels, by modulating the expression or activity of PGC-1?. Methods for identifying compounds which are capable of treating or preventing a lipid-related disease or disorder are also described.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a data base which contains data for HDL2b, LDL IIIa & LDL IIIb and LDL IVb subclasses all in mg/Dl and which is correlated to cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A coupling system can utilize a first receptacle and a second receptacle to couple syringes together. Syringes can be used to mix viscous material and/or dispense the viscous material. Furthermore, a kit can be provided that contains parts used in mixing and/or dispensing viscous material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.

Abstract: Provided is a method of distinguishing among Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, Stanford type B acute aortic dissection, and acute myocardial infarction, which are mutually similar in terms of clinical symptoms, and a kit for the distinguishment. Specifically, provided is a method of distinguishing among Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, Stanford type B acute aortic dissection, and acute myocardial infarction, which comprises detecting both D-dimer and H-FABP in blood separated from a person suspected of having acute aortic dissection and suspected of having acute myocardial infarction, and establishing the diagnosis on the basis of the concentrations detected, and a kit for the distinguishment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for characterizing a carbohydrate polymer by identifying at least two binding agents that bind to the carbohydrate polymer. Binding is preferably determined by contacting the carbohydrate polymer with substrate that contains a plurality of first saccharide-binding agents affixed at predetermined locations on the substrate. The carbohydrate polymer is allowed to contact the substrate under conditions that allow for formation of a first complex between the first saccharide-binding agent and the carbohydrate polymer. A second saccharide-binding agent, which preferably includes a label, is also contacted with the carbohydrate polymer under conditions that allow for formation of a second complex between the second binding agent and the first complex. Identification of the first and second binding agent allows for characterization of the polysaccharide.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the presence or amount of 5-?-dihydro-3-keto steroids (ADKSs) comprising the steps of preparing a sample for chromatographic separation, subjecting the sample to chromatographic separation, subjecting the chromatographically separated sample to atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), and detecting the amount of alkylated parent ions using mass spectrometry or methylated daughter ions by mass spectrometry after collisionally induced dissociation of the alkylated parent ions. Tandem mass spectrometry of ADKSs with a 6-member A ring and a 3-keto group using APPI and methanol as the alkoxy donor will produce methylated daughter ions with a mass/charge ratio of 85.0. Quantitation of this alkylated daughter ion provides a method to detect very low levels of ADKSs such as DHT. This method can also be used for the simultaneous detection of ADKSs and non-ADKSs.

Abstract: For use in estimating or predicting bioaccumulation of a chemical analyte, even a surfactant, log Pow values for the analyte may be determined by calculating the log of the ratio of the concentrations of the analyte in n-octanol and in water, equilibrated using a slow-stir method. In this method, samples of the analyte are prepared and stirred in n-octanol and water (or other largely immiscible solvents) at a rate sufficiently low to avoid emulsions over time at a constant temperature. After stirring, the n-octanol layer and the water layer are sampled and the quantity of analyte in each measured.