A microtome has a sectioning apparatus that comprises a microtome blade, for sectioning histological samples into thin prepared sections. The microtome is characterized in that an optical reading apparatus is present which reads an optically readable image pattern on the microtome blade, generates analog or digital image signals corresponding to the read image pattern and conveys the image signals to a control apparatus of the microtome.

A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, under-cutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, under-cutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

The present invention relates to methods for diagnosing a disease by determining via multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) whether or not mRNA species and/or at least one miRNA species of disease-associated biomarkers ar present in a sample obtained from a subject, and by determining by multiplex sequencing whether or not said mRNA species of disease-associated biomarkers and/or said miRNA species of disease-associated biomarkers of step (a) are present in said sample. The present invention also relates to kits for performing the methods for diagnosis as described and provided herein as well as use of such kits for performing the methods for diagnosis as described and provided herein.

The present invention relates to methods for diagnosing a disease by determining via multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) whether or not mRNA species and/or at least one miRNA species of disease-associated biomarkers ar present in a sample obtained from a subject, and by determining by multiplex sequencing whether or not said mRNA species of disease-associated biomarkers and/or said miRNA species of disease-associated biomarkers of step (a) are present in said sample. The present invention also relates to kits for performing the methods for diagnosis as described and provided herein as well as use of such kits for performing the methods for diagnosis as described and provided herein.

A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue cassette, a frame, a lid, and a frame-cassette connector. The tissue cassette formed of a first material has a recess including a body with at least one side wall and a bottom wall and is formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. The tissue cassette is movably coupled to the frame by a frame-cassette connector. The lid is coupled to the frame. The lid and the tissue cassette are capable of moving from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame, and in the second position the bottom wall and at least a portion of the side wall extend beyond a bottom edge of the frame for sectioning in a microtome.

A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue cassette, a frame, a lid, and a frame-cassette connector. The tissue cassette formed of a first material has a recess including a body with at least one side wall and a bottom wall and is formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. The tissue cassette is movably coupled to the frame by a frame-cassette connector. The lid is coupled to the frame. The lid and the tissue cassette are capable of moving from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame, and in the second position the bottom wall and at least a portion of the side wall extend beyond a bottom edge of the frame for sectioning in a microtome.

Disclosed is plate or film for collecting and analyzing a sample. The plate or film includes a surface and a plurality of slices from the sample immobilized on the surface. Further, the plurality of slices are cut from the sample with equal thickness, and the plurality of slices are placed on the surface of the plate or film following their cutting order.

Disclosed is plate or film for collecting and analyzing a sample. The plate or film includes a surface and a plurality of slices from the sample immobilized on the surface. Further, the plurality of slices are cut from the sample with equal thickness, and the plurality of slices are placed on the surface of the plate or film following their cutting order.

A composition of the present disclosure includes an aqueous dispersion of epoxy resin particles. The epoxy resin particles include at least two 1,2-epoxide groups. The composition further includes one or more anti-adhesive agents, one or more anti-microbial agents, or a combination of one or more anti-adhesive agents and one or more anti-microbial agents.