Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing eczema and/or psoriasis, wherein said method differentiates between eczema and psoriasis, and comprises determining the expression of at least two markers in a sample taken from an individual, wherein said at least two markers are selected from CCL27, NOS2, IL36G, KLK13, SOST, NPTX1, PLA2G4D, GDA, IL36A, TGM1, CLEC4G, IL13, TCN1, TMPRSS11D and RHCG, provided that said at least two markers consist of or comprise (a) CCL27 and NOS2; (b) CCL27 and KLK13; (c) IL36G and KLK13; (d) CCL27 and IL36G; (e) NOS2 and IL36G; (f) NOS2 and KLK13; (g) SOST; or (h) NPTX1; and assessing on the basis of the expression of said at least two markers whether the individual is afflicted with eczema and/or psoriasis.

Abstract: The disclosure provides solid compositions such as lyophilisates adhered to surfaces such as plasma-treated surfaces and related methods, uses, kits, intermediates, starting materials, and downstream products.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing a biological sample for an analyte of interest are provided that make use of a reaction chamber for receiving a reaction mixture, a housing positioned below the reaction chamber for receiving a test cassette, and a door that is positioned in the top portion of the housing. The door includes a ramp that extends downwardly into the housing such that biasing the ramp upwards opens the door into the cavity of the reaction chamber and places the reaction chamber in fluid communication with the insertion area to thereby allow the reaction mixture to flow onto a test cassette and allow for the determination of an amount of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: Disclosed are a glycated protein measurement sensor and a portable glycated protein measurement apparatus. The glycated protein measurement sensor includes: a sensing film (300) formed on a predetermined base material (100); and first and second unit sensors (10?, 10?) including a positive (+) electrode (400) and a negative (?) electrode (500) disposed facing each other at a predetermined distance on both ends of the sensing film (300). A ligand composition (600?) including an aromatic boron acid combined with a first target material (700) as an effective component is disposed on the first sensing film (300) of the first unit sensor (10?). Also, a receptor (600?) combined with the first or second target material (700) is disposed on the second sensing film (300) of the second unit sensor (10?). Here, the first target material (700) is a glycated protein (700?), and the second target material (700) is a protein (700?).

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an assay reagent and an assay for accurately measuring KL-6, in particular, an assay reagent and an assay for accurately measuring KL-6 in samples containing a rheumatoid factor and/or a nonspecific substance other than the rheumatoid factor. KL-6 in samples that contain a rheumatoid factor and/or a nonspecific substance other than the rheumatoid factor can be accurately measured using an immunoassay reagent comprising a solution at a pH of 4.0 to 5.5 containing a rheumatoid factor interference inhibitor and a solution of an insoluble carrier on which anti-KL-6 antibodies are immobilized.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from clozapine and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of clozapine in biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. The methods and compositions employ modified bioburden testing and the detection of peptidoglycan. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and utilizes “shield effect” to detect the dopamine under physiological condition, providing the reagent and method for dopamine detection.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for continuously detecting glucose concentration in a sample, including: (a) providing a biosensor comprising a transducer and a polysaccharide covered on the surface of the transducer; (b) providing a carbohydrate binding protein solution, wherein the carbohydrate binding protein has at least one receptor, and the receptor is capable of binding to the polysaccharide and glucose; (c) mixing a sample and the carbohydrate binding protein solution to form a mixture; (d) contacting the mixture with the biosensor; (e) detecting the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide by the biosensor, wherein glucose concentration of the sample is inversely proportional to the amount of carbohydrate binding proteins bound to the polysaccharide; and (f) refreshing the surface of the biosensor with a high concentration glucose solution.

Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for pretreating a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug for conducting an assay method for detecting the hydrophobic drug. A combination is provided in a medium that includes the sample, a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent includes a water miscible, non-volatile organic solvent and is present in the medium in a concentration sufficient to provide for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The medium, which may further include a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties. The pretreated sample may be subjected to an assay for determining the hydrophobic drug.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from lenalidomide and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of thalidomide and lenalidomide in biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantifying a peptide compound having a phenylalanine residue at the N-terminal, comprising measuring the content of heat generated by mixing 1) a peptide compound having a phenylalanine residue at the N-terminal, 2) cucurbit[7]uril, and 3) a metal ion in a solution.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample, which can be used to evaluate thyroid functions and to diagnose thyroid diseases. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies and antigens used for the detection of respective thyroid hormones and related antibodies in a serum sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying patients to be treated by dopamine agonist therapy comprising the step of analyzing a plasma or urine sample from said patient for concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), norepinephrine metabolites (NE metabolites), dopamine, dopamine metabolites, serotonin, serotonin metabolites, or fasting triglycerides, wherein one or more of: (a) NE metabolites, (b) NE/NE metabolites: dopamine/dopamine metabolites, (c) NE and serotonin, (d) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin, (e) NE and serotonin metabolites, (f) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin metabolites, or (g) NE is/are greater than about 30% over normal level; or dopamine/dopamine metabolites are less than about 30% below normal; or fasting triglycerides are greater than about 150 mg/dl and/or said patient has hypertension. The present invention is also directed to treating identified patients with dopamine agonist therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying patients to be treated by dopamine agonist therapy comprising the step of analyzing a plasma or urine sample from said patient for concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), norepinephrine metabolites (NE metabolites), dopamine, dopamine metabolites, serotonin, serotonin metabolites, or fasting triglycerides, wherein one or more of: (a) NE metabolites, (b) NE/NE metabolites:dopamine/dopamine metabolites, (c) NE and serotonin, (d) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin, (e) NE and serotonin metabolites, (f) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin metabolites, or (g) NE is/are greater than about 30% over normal level; or dopamine/dopamine metabolites are less than about 30% below normal; or fasting triglycerides are greater than about 150 mg/dl and/or said patient has blood pressure of greater than about 135/85 mm Hg. The present invention is also directed to treating identified patients with dopamine agonist therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying patients to be treated by dopamine agonist therapy comprising the step of analyzing a plasma or urine sample from said patient for concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), norepinephrine metabolites (NE metabolites), dopamine, dopamine metabolites, serotonin, serotonin metabolites, or fasting triglycerides, wherein one or more of: (a) NE metabolites, (b) NE/NE metabolites: dopamine/dopamine metabolites, (c) NE and serotonin, (d) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin, (e) NE and serotonin metabolites, (f) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin metabolites, or (g) NE is/are greater than about 30% over normal level; or dopamine/dopamine metabolites are less than about 30% below normal; or said patient has hypertriglyceridemai and/or hypertension . The present invention is also directed to treating identified patients with dopamine agonist therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for the detection of small quantities of amniotic fluid in the vagina. More specifically, the invention relates to the detection of PAMG-1 in the vagina using anti-PAMG-1 antibodies.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from lenalidomide and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of thalidomide and lenalidomide in biological fluids.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from risperidone and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of risperidone and paliperidone in biological fluids.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for pretreating a sample suspected of containing a hydrophobic drug for conducting an assay method for detecting the hydrophobic drug. A combination is provided in a medium. The combination comprises (i) the sample, (ii) a releasing agent for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties, and (iii) a selective solubility agent that provides for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The selective solubility agent comprises a water miscible, non-volatile organic solvent and is present in the medium in a concentration sufficient to provide for substantially equal solubility of the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites in the medium. The medium, which may further comprise a hemolytic agent, is incubated under conditions for releasing the hydrophobic drug and the metabolites from endogenous binding moieties.

Abstract: An IgG1? monoclonal antibody to the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus has improved properties. In particular, this monoclonal antibody, designated 1H6, has reduced cross-reactivity to several tacrolimus metabolites. This antibody is suitable for performance of immunoassays such as homogeneous immunoassays to detect or determine the presence or concentration of tacrolimus in samples such as blood samples. The invention further includes derivatives of tacrolimus derivatized at a non-binding portion of the molecule useful in immunizing antibody-producing animals and in producing such monoclonal antibodies, as well as labeled derivatives of tacrolimus useful as tacrolimus analogues in such assays. The invention further includes immunoassay methods for the detection of tacrolimus and test kits useful in performing such immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining in a pharmaceutical test formulation the presence or absence of a peptide compound PYY3-36 represented by the following amino acid sequence: H-Ile-Lys-Pro-Glu-Ala-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Ser-Pro-Glu-Glu-Leu-Asn-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ala-Ser-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Val-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-X (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X is OH or a carboxy acid-protecting group, the method comprising (1) preparing a solution by mixing the pharmaceutical test formulation with cucurbit[7]uril in a solvent; and (2) thermally analyzing the solution prepared in Step (1).

Abstract: The invention is collecting nose sweat and testing the nose sweat for levels of calcium. Testing may be done using standard laboratory procedures for calcium detection, or may be done cow-side using a suitable test for calcium levels, such as a water hardness test kit or a suitable test strip.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunoassays which are highly specific for detection in biological samples of methamphetamine and other drugs of abuse of the methamphetamine group such as ecstasy and other ecstasy class drugs. More particularly, competitive assays are provided comprising: (a) contacting said sample with (i) a pseudoephedrine/carrier conjugate in which pseudoephedrine is linked via its hydroxyl group to the carrier and (ii) an antibody which is capable of binding both one or more drugs of the methamphetamine group and said conjugate; and (b) determining whether the binding of said antibody to said conjugate is reduced by the presence of said sample, a reduction in binding being indicative that the sample contains a methamphetamine group drug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying patients to be treated by dopamine agonist therapy comprising the step of analyzing a plasma or urine sample from said patient for concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), norepinephrine metabolites (NE metabolites), dopamine, dopamine metabolites, serotonin, serotonin metabolites, or fasting triglycerides, wherein one or more of: (a) NE metabolites, (b) NE/NE metabolites: dopamine/dopamine metabolites, (c) NE and serotonin, (d) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin, (e) NE and serotonin metabolites, (f) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin metabolites, or (g) NE is/are greater than about 30% over normal level; or dopamine/dopamine metabolites are less than about 30% below normal; or fasting triglycerides are greater than about 150 mg/dl and/or said patient has blood pressure of greater than about 135/85 mm Hg. The present invention is also directed to treating identified patients with dopamine agonist therapy.

Abstract: An improved extractive reagent composition and method for extracting an immunosuppressant drug, such as sirolimus, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, from blood samples while yielding a test sample extract that has low vapor pressure and is compatible with immunoassay components. The inventive reagent composition comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at least one divalent metal salt and water. The sample extracts resulting from use of each of these combinations have low vapor pressure and are compatible with immunochemistry assays.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and monitoring of ischemia, including but not limited to myocardial and cerebral ischemia, by measuring the concentration of molecules that do not originate from the ischemic tissue but whose concentration in the blood and other fluids changes as a consequence of the ischemic state.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for fluid sample collection and analyte testing, including a sample receiving member and at least one membrane test strip, and optionally a sample retention member, fingerprint acquisition pad, and/or fluid collector. It also provides a fluid collection apparatus having an absorbent material, compression element, and closure element, and optionally a lid that allows the apparatus to be used in conjunction with a fluid container. Also provided are methods of collecting, testing, and retaining a fluid sample and verifying the identity of one or more individuals associated with the sample, such as the test subject, test administrator, and/or witnesses.

Abstract: Acoustic wave devices coated with a biolayer are described for the detection target bio-molecules. The acoustic wave device is connected in an oscillator circuit, and the frequency shift ?f resulting from a biomolecular event is recorded. Further described are the use of Rayleigh wave surface acoustic wave devices for vapor phase detection as well as quartz crystal microbalance devices for liquid phase measurements. A biofilm on the surface of the acoustic wave device comprises of a layer of antibodies raised against a specific target molecule or antigen. Signatures for detection events are presented in the form of frequency shifts ?f(t).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to field test kits, methods, and compositions for the field detection of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and related materials in foodstuffs and drinks. The field test kit consists of a reaction chamber, a closed reaction vessel containing encapsulated chemicals, and a means of providing heat to the reaction chamber, all housed in a convenient construction. The function of the encapsulated chemicals is to produce a colorimetric reaction with MSG at very low concentrations.

Abstract: Compounds of methamphetamine derivatives having a meta-substituted alkyl linker on the benzene ring and a protective group on the nitrogen of the methamphetamine hapten. Such compounds have the structure. wherein R1 is an alkyl linker comprising 2-15 carbon atoms and 0-6 heteroatoms, R2 is a leaving group, and R3 is a protecting group.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted material made from polymerizing a monomer having the structural formula (OR)3Si—B-A-B—Si(OR)3. A is a divalent organic group, B is a saturated or unsaturated divalent hydrocarbon group or a covalent bond, and R is an independently selected saturated or unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon group. A preconcentrator having: a container comprising in inlet and an outlet and the above material within the container. The inlet is capable of allowing a fluid to enter the container. The outlet is capable of being coupled to a sensor and of allowing the fluid to exit the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A template (a molecule preferably of molecular size >500 Da, or a larger entity such as a cell, virus or tissue sample) is dissolved or suspended in a fluid. The fluid is frozen, and the template is removed (e.g. by dissolution or electrophoresis, or mechanically) to leave an “imprinted” frozen fluid. This is capable of selectively adsorbing the template substance. It is usable as a separation medium, a recognition element in sensors and assays, and as a catalyst.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to lamotrigine analogs that have substituents at the triazine 3-position and on the benzene 4-position and 5-position. The lamotrigine analogs can include immunogenic moieties that can be used to prepare anti-lamotrigine antibodies, or antigenic moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays for lamotrigine. Also, the lamotrigine analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the lamotrigine analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with lamotrigine for binding with anti-lamotrigine antibodies.

Abstract: A rapid immunochromatographic assay system is provided for measuring the amount of glycated albumin in a blood sample relative to the total level of albumin in the sample. The assay system is comprised of a disposable cassette that contains the test strips and testing reagents, and a measurement device that automatically reads, calculates and displays the test results over a period of time. The test cassette contains two test strips that are used to measure glycated albumin and total albumin respectively. The strips are contiguous beneath the single sample application well so that the same sample is tested simultaneously by both test strips. Part of the sample will migrate thru the glycated albumin test strip where it will react with the glycated albumin test reagents to yield a glycated albumin result, while part of the sample will migrate thru the total albumin test strip where it will react with the total albumin test reagents to yield a total albumin result.

Abstract: Topiramate analogs have substituents at the sulfamate group, 9-position, or 10-position. Topiramate analogs may include immunogenic moieties to prepare anti-topiramate antibodies, or antigenic moieties for immunodiagnostic assays. Also, the topiramate analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the topiramate analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with topiramate for binding with anti-topiramate antibodies. Such an immunodiagnostic assay can be used for detecting the presence of topiramate in a sample obtained from a subject previously administered topiramate by the following: combining an anti-topiramate antibody and a topiramate analog with a sample to form a first composition; allowing any free topiramate from the sample and the topiramate analog to compete for binding with the antibody; detecting binding between the topiramate analog and the antibody.

Abstract: Disclosed are screening processes for identification of compounds that may inhibit complex formation between C-reactive protein and fibronectin. Compounds identified by the disclosed methods may be utilized to inhibit the target analytes that are known to occur during skin aging as well as during the course of several diseases. Accordingly, inhibitory compounds identified by the disclosed methods may be utilized to prevent and treat damaged tissue, inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular conditions, renal conditions, periodontal conditions and obesity, among other conditions. For example, the compounds identified by the disclosed methods may be utilized to treat tissue that has suffered trauma, e.g., burns or wounds, as well as tissue that is inflamed due to any of several causes.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to topiramate analogs that have substituents at the sulfamate group or at the 9-position or 10-position. The topiramate analogs can include immunogenic moieties that can be used to prepare anti-topiramate antibodies, or antigenic moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays for topiramate. Also, the topiramate analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the topiramate analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with topiramate for binding with anti-topiramate antibodies.