A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor (GMR sensor) for detecting analytes in the sample. The assembly is pneumatically and electronically mated with the reader unit via a pneumatic interface and an electronic interface such that the parameters may be implemented via the control unit. The pneumatic system is contained within the unit and has pump(s) and valve(s) for selectively applying fluid pressure to the pneumatic interface of the assembly, and thus through the communication channels, to move the sample and mixing material(s) through and to sensor. The control unit activates the pneumatic system to prepare the sample and provide it to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also processes measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

A method of detecting a biological sample includes the following steps. A magnetic sensor chip is provided, wherein the magnetic sensor chip includes a substrate and a magnetic sensing layer located on the substrate. Probes are connected to the magnetic sensor chip. A sample solution containing biological samples labeled with a first marker is provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the biological samples labeled with the first marker are hybridized with the probes. Magnetic beads labeled with a second marker are provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the magnetic beads labeled with the second marker are bound onto the biological samples labeled with the first marker. A signal sensed by the magnetic sensing layer is detected by a magnetic sensor.

A method of detecting a biological sample includes the following steps. A magnetic sensor chip is provided, wherein the magnetic sensor chip includes a substrate and a magnetic sensing layer located on the substrate. Probes are connected to the magnetic sensor chip. A sample solution containing biological samples labeled with a first marker is provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the biological samples labeled with the first marker are hybridized with the probes. Magnetic beads labeled with a second marker are provided on the magnetic sensor chip, so that the magnetic beads labeled with the second marker are bound onto the biological samples labeled with the first marker. A signal sensed by the magnetic sensing layer is detected by a magnetic sensor.

The present invention relates to a novel use of total cellular iron, preferably under the form of ferrous iron (Fe.sup.2+), as a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The invention also relates to methods using said iron marker, in particular for metastatic cancer diagnosis or treatment, for screening for compounds of interest, as well as for killing CSCs.

The present invention relates to a novel use of total cellular iron, preferably under the form of ferrous iron (Fe.sup.2+), as a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The invention also relates to methods using said iron marker, in particular for metastatic cancer diagnosis or treatment, for screening for compounds of interest, as well as for killing CSCs.

There are provided a urine testing apparatus and a urine testing method which can stabilize urine vitamins for several days and improve testing accuracy and convenience of a urine collection test of a subject. According to this urine testing apparatus, the inner wall surface of a urine collection storage container is coated with an aqueous citric acid solution or the like as a urine stabilizer. Alternatively, a dried or freeze-dried aqueous citric acid solution or the like as the urine stabilizer is stored in the urine collection storage container. On the other hand, according to the urine testing method of this invention, the aqueous citric acid solution or the like as the urine stabilizer is added to the collected urine sample, the vitamin concentration of at least 7 days after urine collection is stabilized to stabilize each urine vitamin for several days, thereby improving the convenience of the urine collection test of the subject. In particular, the urine concentrations of vitamins B can be stabilized to accurately test the nutrients lacking in the body of the subject.

In accordance with some embodiments herein, methods of determining signatures of HMGB1 isoforms in a subject are provided. In some embodiments, antibodies that bind specifically to HMGB1 isoforms are provided. In some embodiments, immunoassay kits are provided.

The disclosure provides a trace element detection test, whose items are spliced by different variety of strips, including: routine urine test paper, test paper, calcium iron and zinc test, each block corresponding to each color recognition test items test results of paper. The trace element test paper of the invention can conveniently and comprehensively judge the urine routine items in children's urine and the content of trace elements such as calcium, iron and zinc whether normal or not. The preparation method of the calcium detection test paper is simple and effective, and has the advantages of low one-time use, convenient use and fast and accurate detection result.

The disclosure provides a trace element detection test, whose items are spliced by different variety of strips, including: routine urine test paper, test paper, calcium iron and zinc test, each block corresponding to each color recognition test items test results of paper. The trace element test paper of the invention can conveniently and comprehensively judge the urine routine items in children's urine and the content of trace elements such as calcium, iron and zinc whether normal or not. The preparation method of the calcium detection test paper is simple and effective, and has the advantages of low one-time use, convenient use and fast and accurate detection result.

A chemigenetic calcium indicator and a method of measuring calcium are provided. The chemigenetic calcium indicator includes a calcium-binding protein domain attached to a ligand binding protein domain. The method of measuring calcium includes administering a chemigenetic calcium indicator to a subject and determining changes in fluorescence, the chemigenetic calcium indicator including a ligand binding protein domain having a calcium-binding protein domain and a dye-ligand conjugate attached thereto.