Abstract: Vessel perfusion and myocardial blush are determined by analyzing fluorescence signals obtained in a static region-of-interest (ROI) in a collection of fluorescence images of myocardial tissue. The blush value is determined from the total intensity of the intensity values of image elements located within the smallest contiguous range of image intensity values containing a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Vessel (arterial) peak intensity is determined from image elements located within the ROI that have the smallest contiguous range of highest measured image intensity values and contain a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Cardiac function can be established by comparing the time differential between the time of peak intensity in a blood vessel and that in a region of neighboring myocardial tissue both pre and post procedure.

Abstract: A method for determining an autofluorescence value of skin tissue of a subject, comprising the steps of: irradiating material of said skin tissue with electromagnetic excitation radiation of at least one wavelength and/or in at least one range of wavelengths; measuring an amount of electromagnetic, fluorescent radiation emitted by said material in response to said irradiation; and generating, based upon said measured amount of fluorescent radiation, a measured autofluorescence value for the concerning subject.

Abstract: A method of determining the functional activity of the MRP2 and/or MRP3 efflux pathway of a human or animal subject was disclosed. The method comprises (i) determining the level of a bile acid derivative in the blood of said human or animal subject at a predetermined time interval after introducing an amount of the bile acid derivative into the subject, and (ii) using the determination obtained in step (i) to indicate the functional activity of the MRP2 and/or MRP3 efflux pathway of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sensor that may be implanted within a living animal (e.g., a human) and may be used to measure the concentration of an analyte in a medium within the animal. The optical sensor may wirelessly receive and may be capable of bi-directional data communication. The optical sensor may include a semiconductor substrate in which various circuit components, one or more photodectors and/or a light source may be fabricated. The circuit components fabricated in the semiconductor substrate may include a comparator, an analog to digital converter, a temperature transducer, a measurement controller, a rectifier and/or a nonvolatile storage medium. The comparator may output a signal indicative of the difference between the outputs of first and second photodetectors. The measurement controller may receive digitized temperature, photodetector and/or comparator measurements and generate measurement information, which may be wirelessly transmitted from the optical sensor.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods of photodynamic treatment and diagnosis of cancer and non-cancerous conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, e.g. in the colon, and in particular hyperosmotic enema preparations for use in such methods. The enema preparations comprise a photosensitizer which is 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a precursor or derivative thereof, e.g. a 5-ALA ester, in combination with at least one hyperosmotic agent. The methods and preparations herein described are particularly suitable for use in photodynamic methods of treating and/or diagnosing colorectal cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an oblong optode sensing agent. The oblong optode sensing agent comprises a core and a semipermeable membrane, wherein the core comprises one or more sensors configured to bind to an analyte. In addition, methods of making and detecting the oblong optode sensing agents are disclosed.

Abstract: An analyte sensor is disclosed that comprises: a light source arranged for emitting light to a probe; a detector arranged to receive fluorescence light emitted from said probe in response to the light incident from the light source, and to generate an output signal; and a signal processor arranged to determine information related to the presence of an analyte at the probe based on at least the output signal of the detector, wherein the probe comprises nano-particles comprising fluorescent material for which the fluorescence changes in response to the presence of analyte.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an optical sensor capable of measuring two analytes simultaneously with a single indicator system. In preferred embodiments, the sensor comprises a fluorescent dye having acid and base forms that facilitate ratiometric pH sensing, wherein the dye is further associated with a glucose binding moiety and configured to generate a signal that varies in intensity with the concentration of glucose.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of glycated proteins or peptides (GPs) in a sample comprises carrying out the steps of assessing the sample for fluorescence, subjecting the sample to UV radiation, and reassessing the sample for an increase in fluorescence relative to any fluorescence assessed in said first assessing step, an increase in fluorescence at said reassessing step being indicative of the presence of GPs. The method may be useful for detecting disease such as diabetes.

Abstract: Method pertains to a medical imaging device for simultaneously detecting fluorescence and Raman signals for multiple fluorescence and Raman signal targets. The method includes: injecting at least one marker particle including Raman markers and receptors into the body of an animal, which can be a human; irradiating a laser beam onto the body of the animal; and detecting the optical signals emitted by the marker particle after the irradiation of the laser beam separately as fluorescence signals and Raman signals. The simultaneous detection of multiple targets may be performed even without scanning optical signals emitted by the marker particle individually with different optical fibers. As an examination may be performed by injecting surface-enhanced Raman marker particles, into which fluorescent components are introduced, into the body of the animal using a spray or the like, weak Raman signals may be augmented so as to obtain a more accurate diagnosis result in real time.

Abstract: A reflectance-type optical sensor includes one or more photodiodes formed in a semiconductor substrate. A well having sidewalls and a bottom is formed in the top surface of the substrate, and a reflective layer is formed on the sidewalls and bottom. A light-emitting diode (LED) is mounted in the well, so that light emitted laterally and rearwardly from the LED strikes the sidewalls or bottom and is redirected in a direction generally perpendicular to the top surface of the substrate. The optical sensor can be fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques.

Abstract: Methods for treating a wound include positioning a wound filler having a coating agent containing a fluorescent material proximate the wound. The wound filler is removed after a time period. The wound is then scanned using a fluorescence scanner to determine whether a portion of the wound filler remains at the wound. In response to the portion of the wound filler remaining at the wound, the portion of the wound filler is removed. Other methods and systems are presented.

Abstract: A method for measuring a glomerular filtration rate in a mammalian kidney comprises a source of reporter and marker fluorescent molecules. The fluorescent molecules are introduced into the blood stream of a mammalian subject. Over a period of time, a measurement of the intensities of the reporter and marker fluorescent molecules is taken. A ratio is calculated to determine the health of the subject's kidney. This method measures volume of plasma distribution based on a fluorescence of a marker molecule relative to a fluorescence of a reporter molecule.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling or modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to fluid flow into the at least one lumen; at least one first reservoir disposed within the body and configured to include one or more bifunctional tags, wherein the one or more bifunctional tags are configured to selectively bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; and at least one second reservoir disposed in the at least one treatment region and configured to include one or more reactive components, wherein the one or more reactive components are configured to sequester the one or more bifunctional tags when bound to the one or more target components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue includes a catheter having an expandable balloon at a distal end, an illumination device positioned within the balloon for propagating light from an external light source for illuminating a tissue being treated to excite native nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) in the tissue, and an imaging device positioned within the balloon for detecting fluorescence from the illuminated tissue, the imaging device being configured to communicate detected NADH fluorescence to an external fluorescence camera.

Abstract: In medical imaging, a fiducial marker facilitates tissue image correlation that allows for image analysis, normalization and correction of the optical exposure and spectral and spatial distribution in order to compensate for the surface reflections, sub surface tissue interactions and spatial orientation of the excitation and imaging axes to the subject tissue. Using a cross comparison, clinicians can model tissue image data in different forms in order to reference and compare data from various spectral components and or from different images. This may enhance human interpretation between images including the variations between images even when the spectral, spatial and optical conditions or the image resolution or sensitivity are compromised. Such may be used to assess cosmetic, moisturizing, therapeutic materials and treatments.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided that is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in a biological sample. The device comprises a sampling portion (11), the sampling portion comprising flexible material adjustably conformable to a part of a human or animal body, at least a portion of the sampling portion being absorbent and configured to receive a biological sample directly from the body; and a test portion (12) in fluid engagement with the sampling portion, the test portion comprising one or more test zones (14). The sampling portion and test portion are configured such that at least a portion of the sample received by the sampling portion is transferable to the test portion such as to contact one or more of the test zones, and wherein each test zone is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in the sample.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to extend the usefulness of an iron-salen complex. The present invention is a new fluorochrome material containing Chemical Formula (I) below. However, M is Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Nd, Sm, Eu, or Gd.

Abstract: A method operable to more accurately monitor the state and function of the cervix is provided. Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to detection of fluorescence from the female mammalian cervix. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to predicting true term and preterm labor and delivery, characterizing the function and state of the cervix, and for assessing and monitoring the efficacy of treatments for the cervix. Embodiments of the present disclosure use light induced fluorescence (LIF) via a non-invasive optical probe to accurately and quantitatively measure changes in the cervical tissue during pregnancy and labor. As gestational age increases, the LIF decreases. Ideally, cervical collagen should be at a minimum just prior to delivery. The present invention can be used to monitor the state and function of the cervix during pregnancy, as well as efficacy of cervical treatments during pregnancy.

Abstract: A system for non-invasive measurement of parameters relating to a biological tissue comprising: a plurality of light sources, each operable to emit a light signal with one or more predetermined wavelengths; a light detector for detecting light from the tissue as a result of illumination by the sources, and means for applying modulation functions to the light emitted to implement code division multiplexing, each source being associated with a different function, wherein the functions are selected so that there is substantially no cross correlation between them, and wherein the sources have overlapping spectra.

Abstract: A method includes directing toward a portion of a subject's body a first pulse of electromagnetic energy. While the portion is in a functional state due to the first pulse, a second pulse is directed toward the portion. At a second-pulse time, reflected energy due to the second pulse is detected. While the portion is in a functional state due to the first and second pulses, a third pulse is directed toward the portion. At a third-pulse time, energy of the third pulse, reflected from the portion, is detected. In response to detecting the pulses at the second-pulse time and the third-pulse time, a characteristic of the portion is quantified resulting from (a) the functional state due to the first pulse and (b) the functional state due to the first and second pulses. A clinical state of the subject is identified. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Vessel perfusion and myocardial blush are determined by analyzing fluorescence signals obtained in a static region-of-interest (ROI) in a collection of fluorescence images of myocardial tissue. The blush value is determined from the total intensity of the intensity values of image elements located within the smallest contiguous range of image intensity values containing a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Vessel (arterial) peak intensity is determined from image elements located within the ROI that have the smallest contiguous range of highest measured image intensity values and contain a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Cardiac function can be established by comparing the time differential between the time of peak intensity in a blood vessel and that in a region of neighboring myocardial tissue both pre and post procedure.

Abstract: A non-invasive measurement of biological tissue reveals information about the function of that tissue. Polarized light is directed onto the tissue, stimulating the emission of fluorescence, due to one or more endogenous fluorophors in the tissue. Fluorescence anisotropy is then calculated. Such measurements of fluorescence anisotropy are then used to assess the functional status of the tissue, and to identify the existence and severity of disease states. Such assessment can be made by comparing a fluorescence anisotropy profile with a known profile of a control.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for detecting an analyte, configured to be implanted in a body of a subject. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a distal portion and also a membrane permeable to the analyte. The membrane is coupled to the distal portion of the fiber and surrounding a sampling region at least in part, by being fitted over the distal portion of the fiber. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for assessing a physiological state of a mammalian retina in vivo, the methods of this aspect of the invention each include the steps of (a) irradiating a portion of a mammalian retina, in vivo, with light having a wavelength in the range of from 600 nm to 1000 nm at an intensity sufficient to stimulate two-photon-induced fluorescence in the retina; and (b) assessing a physiological state of the retina by analyzing the fluorescence.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for using a transcutaneous detection system to measure the quantity of a circulating organ activity detection analyte in the blood, and thereby assay the activity of an organ. A preferred organ for assay is the human liver and a preferred indicator is indocyanine green (ICG) dye The procedure is under the control of a monitor/controller having a visual display and capable of providing cues to the operator. A sensor array apparatus for use in conjunction with the system monitor/controller is configured for increased sensitivity of assaying organ function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peritoneal dialysis sampling system to be used together with a peritoneal dialysis system which is programmed to deliver fluid to a peritoneal cavity of a patient and to drain the fluid from the cavity, said peritoneal dialysis system comprising a supplying line and supplying means for supplying dialysis fluid to the peritoneal cavity, a draining line and draining means for draining the fluid from the cavity, said peritoneal dialysis sampling system comprising an automatic sampling system which is able to automatically sample volumic fractions of the dialysate contained in the peritoneum of the patient at specific time intervals in order to evaluate the peritoneal membrane characteristics and/or improve the peritoneal dialysis for a given patient.

Abstract: A method for evaluating vascular endothelium function in a human subject comprises monitoring changes in intensity of NADH fluorescence signal emitted from skin tissue cells of an upper limb of said subject as a function of time, wherein said changes result from reactive hyperaemia caused by blocking and releasing blood flow in the same upper limb of said subject. A system for evaluating vascular endothelium function in a human subject comprises a means for illuminating a skin on an upper limb of said subject with exciting light, a means for measuring intensity of fluorescence signal emitted from the skin and recording changes of said intensity of the fluorescence signal over time; and a restriction means for blocking and releasing blood flow in the upper limb of said subject.

Abstract: In one aspect a method of determining the functional activity of the MRP2 and/or MRP3 efflux pathway of a human or animal subject, comprises: (i) determining the level of a bile acid derivative in the blood of said human or animal subject at a predetermined time interval after introducing an amount of the bile acid derivative into the subject; and (ii) using the determination obtained in step (i) to indicate the functional activity of the MRP2 and/or MRP3 efflux pathway of the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring blood parameters such as chromophore, for example haemoglobin, concentration and blood flow detects light scattered from tissue surface (20) with a multispectral detector (24) that is sensitive to light across a range of different wavelengths. Algorithms are described that demonstrate extraction of chromophore information from scattered light occupying two, red and green or blue, or three bands of the visible spectrum. Simultaneous extraction of blood flow information from scattered laser light occupying either the same or a distinct spectral band is also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a system and method for noninvasive, non-destructive fluorescent measurement. More specifically, the disclosure provides a non-invasive metrology system and method to monitor levels of fluorescent chemicals in the blood. A major application for the invention is field-based non-invasive blood testing for micro-nutrient deficiency and diseases resulting from it, such as Iron deficient anemia. The invention may help reduce or eliminate the need for blood drawing, sending the sample to a blood lab and having to wait for a result.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a storing section in which information concerning a drug kinetics in a living body is stored in advance for each of plural kinds of fluorescent drugs; a processing section that acquires information concerning diagnosis start timing corresponding to a desired fluorescent drug based on information stored in the storing section, information concerning a target region to which the desired fluorescent drug is administered, information concerning a method of administering the desired fluorescent drug to the target region, and information indicating start of the administration of the desired fluorescent drug; and a light source control section that controls radiation of excitation light for exciting the desired fluorescent drug to a stop state until the diagnosis start timing is reached and controls, at and after the diagnosis start timing, the radiation of the excitation light to a state in which the excitation light can be radiated.

Abstract: Dynamic colorectal PDT methods, devices and photosensitizer compositions to treat abnormal cell growth in anal tissue such as perianal and intra-anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III are presented. Dynamic colorectal PDT method comprises the steps of administering topically, intravenously or orally a photosensitizer composition; irradiating; monitoring treatment parameters before, during and/or after irradiation. Photosensitizer composition comprises Temoporfin and excipients/carriers, appropriate for the application method. An applicator is provided for colorectal PDT treatments enhancing irradiation delivery and monitoring treatment parameters. Preferably, applicator is made of a material, used to monitor the fluence rate simultaneously while doing optical spectroscopy. Measurement probe devices are provided for monitoring PDT treatment parameters in-vivo.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method of optoacoustic monitoring of blood concentrations of one or more constituents by directing a flow of a patient's blood through a substantially transparent vessel to optoacoustically detect a concentration of one or more constituents. To detect constituents, pulses of laser light can be passed through the blood flow at one or more frequencies in order to generate an altered laser emission from the exposed blood, and/or induce detectable optoacoustic responses from the constituents. The detectable responses can be detected and measured by analyzing an alteration of the laser emissions and/or the frequency, slope and/or amplitude of the optoacoustic responses for different constituents in the blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-invasive methods of and uses for in vivo imaging tumor vasculature in a subject comprising detecting a fluorescence labelled anti-CD31 antibody. In a further aspect the present invention relates to non-invasive methods of and uses for in vivo monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of an anti-angiogenic agent in a subject comprising detecting a fluorescence labelled anti-CD31 antibody. In addition, a kit for use in the methods of the present invention is provided which comprises a fluorescence labelled anti-CD31 antibody and means for near-infrared fluorescence imaging to detect the antibody in a subject.

Abstract: The image processing device includes: a first image acquisition section that acquires a first image, the first image being an image that includes an object image including information within a wavelength band of white light; a second image acquisition section that acquires a second image, the second image being an image that includes an object image including information within a specific wavelength band; a candidate attention area detection section that detects a candidate attention area based on a feature quantity of each pixel within the second image, the candidate attention area being a candidate for an attention area; a reliability calculation section that calculates reliability that indicates a likelihood that the candidate attention area is the attention area; and a display mode setting section that performs a display mode setting process that sets a display mode of an output image corresponding to the reliability calculated by the reliability calculation section.

Abstract: Devices, systems and method for in vivo analysis. For example, an in vivo device includes: a reaction chamber to store a detecting reagent able to react with a sample collected in vivo; and optionally a labeled-substance chamber to store a labeled substance able to bind to at least a portion of a compound resulting from a reaction of the detecting reagent and the sample.

Abstract: Multivalent fluorescent probes and methods of using these multivalent fluorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo imaging are described.

Abstract: An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body.

Abstract: The present invention detects a fluorescent signal from AGEs at a blood vessel tissue of an individual to determine the condition of the tissue of the individual. This solves a problem that in measurement of AGEs used in diagnosis of diabetes, data indicative of fluorescent spectrum from AGEs at the skin of a forearm varies depending on where to measure on skin of even the same forearm, which results in variations in measurement values, leading to unreliable data and incorrect measurement result.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus suitable for determining properties of in vivo tissue. An illumination system communicates light at a plurality of broadband ranges to an optical probe, which can comprise a flexible probe. Light homogenizers and mode scramblers can be employed in some embodiments. The optical probe can physically contact the tissue, or can be maintained separate from the tissue. The optical probe receives light from the illumination system and transmits it to tissue, and receives light diffusely reflected in response to the broadband light, emitted from the in vivo tissue by fluorescence thereof in response to the broadband light, or a combination thereof. The optical probe can communicate the light to a spectrograph which produces a signal representative of the spectral properties of the light. An analysis system determines a property of the in vivo tissue from the spectral properties.

Abstract: An endoscopic diagnosis system includes first and second narrowband light sources for emitting respectively first and second narrowband lights having a wavelength range different from each other, a first image sensor for receiving reflected light of the first narrowband light illuminating a subject to acquire a narrowband light image in a narrowband light observation mode, a second image sensor for receiving first autofluorescence emitted from the subject as the first narrowband light illuminates the subject to acquire a first autofluorescence image in a first autofluorescence observation mode and receiving second autofluorescence emitted from the subject as the second narrowband light illuminates the subject to acquire a second autofluorescence image in a second autofluorescence observation mode, and a light source controller for increasing emission amounts of the first and the second narrowband light in the first and the second autofluorescence observation mode.

Abstract: An evanescent catheter system having a tip portion of an optical fiber capable of securely measuring fluorescence intensity or fluorescence spectrum of a substance around a catheter tip, without being hindered by optical absorption of hemoglobin in erythrocytes in blood, and being capable of calculating an existing amount of a fluorescence-emitting substance existing in an evanescent light generating part. A protecting layer 22 and a cladding 23 are removed from an upper semicircular part of a core 24 at a tip of a catheter 21 to expose the core 24. When excitation light 29 is incident, evanescent light 25 is generated on the upper semicircular part of the core 24 and a fluorescent substance generates emits fluorescence 30. An interference filter 26 filters out the excitation light and only the fluorescence 30 reaches the photodiode 28, permitting a measuring device to measure an existing amount of the fluorescent substance.

Abstract: A device for determining a concentration-related quantity of a fluorescent contrast agent applied to an object (2), in particular a turbid medium. Said device generally comprises a source (4) of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the object (2) at an excitation wavelength and at least one first detecting means (6, 7.1, 7.2, . . . , 8) for detecting fluorescent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the contrast agent at a fluorescence wavelength, said first detecting means producing fluorescence intensity data (F). The proposed device further comprises at least one second detecting means (6, 7.1, 7.2, . . .

Abstract: An exemplary implantable microarray device includes an inlet for a body fluid, a plurality of individual reaction cell arrays where each reaction cell array includes a series of reaction cells configured to receive the body fluid, a sensor array to sense a reaction result for an individual reaction cell array where the reaction result corresponds to a reaction between the body fluid and at least one reagent in each of the reaction cells of the individual reaction cell array and a positioning mechanism to position an individual reaction cell array with respect to the sensor array. Various other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor unit functionally stable in an implant, for performing qualitative and/or quantitative in vivo determination of an analyte, including a connection area (3) having at least one binding site for the analyte (7), the connection area undergoing a spatial change when the analyte binds to the binding site. The sensor unit further includes first (1) and second (5/9) fluorescently active regions bound to the connection area (3) in a manner such that, when a spatial change occurs to the connection area (3) due to the analyte binding to the connection area (3), the distance between the first fluorescently active region (1) and the second fluorescently active region (5/9) changes without the bonds of the fluorescently active regions (1, 5/9) to the connection area (3) being broken, and wherein one or both of the fluorescently active regions (1, 5/9) includes more than 60% by weight of an anorganic material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of hospital acquired infections. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential infection site or for periodic in vitro monitoring of tissue or fluid from a patient and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of a pathogen at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods utilize fluorophore pairs that optically interact with one another according to Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) mechanism. One member of the pair or a cofactor that interacts with an enzyme to form a member of the pair may be tethered to a device by a substrate that is specific for an enzyme expressed by a targeted pathogen. Upon interaction of the enzyme with the substrate, an optically detectable signal may be altered or initiated, detection of which may then provide information as to the existence of the pathogen at the site.

Abstract: White light and excitation light are applied to an internal body part. An electronic endoscope captures a normal image of the internal body part irradiated with the white light, and a special image of autofluorescence emitted from living body tissue of the internal body part irradiated with the excitation light. An object distance detector detects an object distance between a CCD and an inspection area of the internal body part based on the normal image. A binning processing section applies a binning process to the special image. There are two types of binning processes, i.e. an intensity adjustment process and a resolution adjustment process. In the intensity adjustment process, the binning number is increased with increase in the object distance. In the resolution adjustment process, the binning number is decreased with increase in the object distance. Which process to perform is determined by operation on a processing type selector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of the concentration of a non-volatile analyte in an aqueous sample medium, with the use of an optical sensor which contains a luminescent dye and is calibrated at the user site by means of a single-point-calibration. To enable the user to completely dispense with all calibration media a luminescence measurement value is obtained at the user site with the sensor in contact with the aqueous or bloodlike sample medium, which value is referenced to the relative characteristic obtained at the factory site and to a measured dry calibration value obtained at the user site, the concentration of the non-volatile analyte being deduced from these data.