Abstract: Provided is a group of peripheral blood gene markers for screening benign and malignant pulmonary micro-nodules, comprising: gene sequences characterized by micronodular lung carcinoma as shown in SEQ ID NOs. 1-6, wherein the gene sequences exhibit differential expression in the peripheral blood of micronodular lung carcinoma patients and non-micronodular lung carcinoma patients. In addition, also provided is the use of the above-mentioned gene markers in preparing a product for early screening micronodular lung carcinoma. The gene markers of the invention used for early screening micronodular lung carcinoma, have high sensitivity and strong specificity; besides, they take peripheral blood, which is the easiest to collect in clinic, as the test sample.

Abstract: Provided is a means/method with which it is possible to quickly and efficiently detect bacteria that cause dental caries and evaluate dental caries. The present invention pertains to a DNA chip, etc., that carries, for example, the following probe (a) and at least one probe from among the following probes (b) and (c). (a) A probe comprising a nucleic acid that hybridizes to 16S rRNA specific to each of one or more oral bacteria to be detected, wherein the probe is any of the following sequences (i)-(iii): (i) at least one sequence selected from nucleotide sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 2-7; (ii) a complementary sequence of a sequence of (i); or (iii) a sequence substantially identical to a sequence of (i) or (ii). (b) A total amount indicator probe. (c) An absolute amount indicator probe of one type or a plurality of types.

Abstract: A method for determining a hyperexcitability in a subject comprising detecting a repeat expansion of TTTCA, TTTTA, or a complementary sequence thereof in a nucleic acid sample from the subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing lung cancer in a mammalian subject by use of 10 or more selected genes, e.g., a gene expression profile, from the blood of the subject which is characteristic of disease. The gene expression profile includes 10 or more genes of Table I or Table II herein.

Abstract: [Problems] Objects include providing a cover film for testing which can be well fixed to a substrate having a groove and with which a material that constitutes an adhesive layer does not invade into the groove and a specimen can be easily stored in the groove, providing a testing member including the cover film for testing, and providing a method of manufacturing the cover film for testing. [Solution] The cover film for testing (1) comprises a base material (10), a hydrophilic coating layer (20) laminated on a surface of the base material (10), and an adhesive layer (30) partially laminated on a surface of the hydrophilic coating layer (20) opposite to the base material (10), whereby the cover film for testing (1) has a region in which the adhesive layer (30) is absent and the hydrophilic coating layer (20) is exposed.

Abstract: A system may include a base assembly having a top and a bottom restable on a surface, with the base assembly comprising at least one trough having an upper opening into a cavity and a trough holder configured to hold the at least one trough. The system may also include a cover assembly mounted on the base assembly and configured to cover the at least one trough in the holder. The cover assembly may comprise a main cover portion including a cover wall extending over the at least one trough, with at least one aperture extending through the main cover portion and being substantially vertically aligned with the cavity of the at least one trough mounted on the base assembly. The cover assembly may also include a disc pressure portion configured to removably insert into the at least one aperture press against a disc positioned at the aperture of the main cover portion to move the disc toward the cavity of the at least one trough.

Abstract: Methods are described for screening a subject for risk of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A or for diagnosing Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or a predisposition for developing Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in a subject, by detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the mitofusin gene in a biological sample collected from the subject. Methods are also described for detecting the presence of a genetic polymorphism associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A in a sample of patient nucleic acid, by amplifying a mitofusin gene sequence in the patient nucleic acid to produce an amplification product; and identifying the presence of a Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A associated polymorphism in the amplification product.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a filtration device comprising an open bottomed multi-well plate, a planar spacer that comprises apertures, and a porous capillary membrane. In the device, the planar spacer is sandwiched between the multi-well plate and the porous capillary membrane and the planar spacer is bonded to both the multi-well plate and the porous capillary membrane via an adhesive. Kits and methods of making the device are also provide.

Abstract: The current invention relates to nucleic acid impurities in a composition comprising a parvoviral vector. In particular, the current invention shows that DNA impurities are not randomly encapsulated within a parvoviral virion. The invention therefore relates to a method for identifying and quantifying a nucleic acid impurity in a composition comprising a parvoviral vector. Finally, the current invention relates to method of determining whether a composition comprising a parvoviral vector is regarded as clinically pure.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with prenatal screening and in particular non-invasive prenatal screening, as well as primers, primer sets and kits. In one instance, the invention provides a method of prenatal screening comprising: (a) amplifying a region encompassing the site of a mutation site responsible for the disorder, the amplification being performed on a DNA sample obtained from a pregnant female which comprises both maternal and fetal DNA; (b) sequencing a plurality of products from the amplification and determining whether or not the mutant allele is represented at a different frequency to that expected from the genotype of the pregnant female alone.

Abstract: Described are methods and kits for identifying a subject at risk of, or having, a sensory neuropathy related disease, such as sensory neuropathies. In particular, the disclosure is based on the determination of mutations in the SPTLC2 gene causing sensory neuropathies.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a control unit. The control unit detects, on a basis of an optical image of a cell in culture captured at a first imaging interval, whether there is a change in a state of the cell, and switches, when detecting the change in the state, an imaging mode from the first imaging interval to a second imaging interval shorter than the first imaging interval.

Abstract: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has the worst overall mortality of any solid tumor, with only 7% of patients surviving after 5 years. To evaluate the clinical implications of genomic alterations in this low cellularity tumor type, we deeply sequenced the genomes of 101 enriched pancreatic adenocarcinomas from patients who underwent potentially curative resections and used non-invasive approaches to examine tumor specific mutations in the circulation of these patients. These analyses revealed somatic mutations in chromatin regulating genes including MLL and ARID1A in 20% of patients that were associated with improved survival. Liquid biopsy analyses of cell free plasma DNA revealed that 43% of patients with localized disease had detectable circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in their blood at the time of diagnosis. Detection of ctDNA after resection predicted clinical relapse and poor outcome, and disease recurrence by ctDNA was detected 6.5 months earlier than with standard CT imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligomer compounds (oligomers), which target Tau mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of Tau protein. Reduction of Tau protein expression is beneficial for the treatment of certain medical disorders, e.g., a neurological disorder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolated compounds including a nucleic acid sequence capable of hybridizing to an RNA sequence 10 to 270 nucleobases downstream of the transcription start site of a mammalian microRNA-379 transcript; method of treating diabetic nephropathy in a subject with the compounds; and method of inhibiting expression of a mammalian microRNA-379 megacluster with the compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of, and assay and kits for, detecting and diagnosing arterial plaque rupture using the expression of miR-222, mi-221 and circ284. Also disclosed are methods of treating arterial plaque rupture and methods of identifying agents for use thin the treatment of arterial plaque rupture.

Abstract: A splice variant of bcr-abl mRNA that produces BCR-ABL protein with a truncated C-terminus and its role in resistance to treatment with kinase inhibitors is disclosed. Vectors for expressing the truncated gene product are provided as well as recombinant cells that express the truncated gene product from a cDNA construct. Also provided are methods compositions and kits for detecting the BCR-ABL splice variant. Additionally, methods for screening BCR-ABL kinase domain inhibitors which rely on the recombinant cells and methods of predicting likelihood for resistance of a CML patient with a BCR/ABL translocation respond to treatment with one or more BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A imaging device 1-D nanomaterials is provided. The device includes: a first light source, a second light source, a microscope with a liquid immersion object, and a carrier. The first light source is configured to provide a first incident light and the second light source is configured to provide a second incident light, the first incident light and the incident light are not parallel to each other. The carrier is configured to contain a 1-D nanomaterials sample and a liquid, both the 1-D nanomaterials sample and the liquid immersion object are immersed in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for assessing the predisposition of a subject to weight loss attainable by applying one or more dietary interventions to a subject and/or the predisposition of a subject to maintenance of weight loss following one or more dietary interventions which method comprises determining the nucleotide of the subject at one or more polymorphic positions selected from: (i) position 101 of SEQ ID NO:1 (rs953211) (ii) position 101 of SEQ ID NO:2 (rs1509290) (iii) position 101 of SEQ ID NO:3 (rs1509289) and/or detecting one or more biomarkers genetically linked to said polymorphic positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic cell stretching device comprising a source of variable pressured hydraulic fluid hydraulically coupled to a flexing chamber. The flexing chamber has at least one cell well. The cell well has a membrane subjected to the variable pressured hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating corneal endothelial cells (CECs) includes a housing with an interior wall that defines a hollow interior of the housing. At least four fluid channels are formed in the housing with two of the channels terminating in respective openings in an upper portion of the interior wall and two of the channels terminating in respective jets in the upper portion of the interior wall. A convex projection is centrally located on the circular base of the hollow interior and is configured to receive an inverted cornea. A circular insert for the housing has an opening therein in which the convex projection projects when the insert is mated with the lower portion of the interior wall. CECs are harvested from the inverted cornea.

Abstract: Oligomers useful for determining the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a test sample.

Abstract: Provided are methods and kits for determining predisposition of a subject to develop a kidney disease, by identifying in a sample of the subject at least one APOL1 polypeptide variant which is characterized by a higher trypanolytic activity on Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense as compared to the trypanolytic activity of wild type APOL1 polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 on the Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense under identical assay conditions; or at least one APOL1 nucleotide mutation in the APLO1 genomic sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the at least one nucleotide mutation or polypeptide variant being in linkage disequlibrium (LD) with the S342G mutation in the APOL1 polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, wherein presence of the APOL1 polypeptide variant indicates increased predisposition of the subject to develop the kidney disease.

Abstract: A system for monitoring growth media within a controlled environment is provided and includes a well plate having a plate top and a plate side and defines at least one well cavity. The plate top includes a top opening and the plate side includes a side opening and the side opening is communicated with one of the at least one well cavity. The system includes a sensor assembly unit that includes a unit structure defining a reference material chamber containing a reference material, a sensor chamber having a chamber opening, and a base chamber. Additionally, the system includes a reference electrode communicated with the reference material and the base chamber. A media sensor is provided and is communicated with the chamber opening and a media sensor electrode communicated with the media sensor. The reference electrode and media sensor electrode are communicated with a processing device.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis are provided.

Abstract: A cell-culture container includes a container main body and a presser member. The container main body has a recessed part for containing a cell-culture solution. The presser member is a member that is removably fitted onto an upper side of the recessed part. The presser member has a lower surface, which makes contact with an upper surface of the cell-culture solution in a fitted state, and a bubble-discharge part, which enables the discharge of bubbles in the cell-culture solution to the exterior. Such an arrangement enables accurate observation by the elimination of a meniscus in a culture container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a polynucleotide sequences encoding a xylanase. More specifically, the present disclosure provides for polynucleotide sequences with codon mutations encoding a xylanase.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the amplifications of sequences in the BRCA1 locus, which sequences have ends consisting of or are framed with sequence stretches present at least twice in the BRCA1 locus, and which amplification results in at least two or at least three, especially three, tandem copies of the amplified sequence; methods for determining a predisposition to diseases or disorders associated with these amplifications, including predisposition to ovarian cancer or breast cancer and methods for detecting amplifications with similar features in other loci.

Abstract: This invention is related to the area of characterization of inflammation in relation with the gut microbiota, in metabolic and autoimmune disorders. In particular, it relates to the identification of gene signatures which can be used as a marker predictive of inflammation associated diseases, such as liver-related metabolic disorders, in particular to the evolution of benign steatosis towards its most severe forms (steatohepatitis and cirrhosis) or autoimmune disorders, in particular inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis). These gene signatures can therefore be used as a means of diagnosis, prognosis, stratification for drug studies, for monitoring patient and for assigning an appropriate treatment.

Abstract: Using an RT-PCR platform, detection of gene transcripts highly expressed in prostate tissue and expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with mCRPC can provide a more reliable and robust prediction of poor overall survival than that of CTC enumeration in mCRPC. Disclosed is the identification of five genes, KLK3, KLK2, HOXB13, GHRL2 and FOXA1, the detection of two (2) or more transcripts of which predicts overall poor survival. The test is performed on blood samples that have been collected in collection tubes that stabilize intracellular RNA, require minimal on-site processing and can be easily stored and shipped for subsequent extraction of total RNA from whole blood for RT-PCR.

Abstract: Micro droplets are accurately placed in a reaction well. The reaction well (5) is formed in one surface of a well base (3). A channel base (11) is placed on the well base (3). The channel base (11) has, in its surface joined to the well base (3), a liquid introduction channel (12a) and a reaction well air vent channel (18a). The channel base (11) also has a recess (27) formed opposite to the reaction well (5) and recessed upward from the upper surface of the liquid introduction channel (12a). When viewed from above, a shoulder part (26) of the recess (27) is placed near the connection part between the reaction well (5) and the liquid introduction channel (12a) and is closer to the center of the reaction well (5) than a shoulder part (16) of the reaction well (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a group of specific probes directed to cleavage site of hemagglutinin precursor protein of avian influenza virus subtypes H5, and provides a method for rapid pathotyping of H5 avian influenza virus. The present invention further provides a kit containing the probes and the kit is easy-to-use, low-cost, high sensitivity, enabled the molecular pathotyping of H5 viruses by a simpler and faster means that conventional methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the presence or absence of N. gonorrhoeae in a sample is determined using nucleic acid-based testing methods using primers and/or probes that bind to opcA gene region of N. gonorrhoeae.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of human neutrophil marker interleukin 8 receptor B (IL8Rb) for detection of bladder cancer, and more particularly to the use of EL8Rb for discriminating between transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC) and inflammatory conditions of the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rice whole genome breeding chip and the application thereof. The rice whole genome breeding chip of the present invention is Rice60K, an SNP chip manufactured based on Infinium technique. Each chip can detect 24 samples simultaneously and contains 58,290 SNP sites. The marker sites have DNA sequences represented by SEQ ID NO.1-58290. The chip can be used in molecular marker fingerprint analysis of the rice variety resources, in genotype identification of the hybrid progeny population, in identification of the variety authenticity, in analysis and screening of the genetic background of the breeding materials, and in association analysis of the agronomic traits, having wide application prospects.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule utilizable for Salmonella detection is provided. The nucleic acid molecule which binds to Salmonella includes any of the following polynucleotides (a) to (d): (a) a polynucleotide composed of any of base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 17; (b) a polynucleotide composed of a base sequence obtained by deletion, substitution, insertion, and/or addition of one or more bases in any of the base sequences in the polynucleotide (a) and is bound to Salmonella; (c) a polynucleotide composed of a base sequence having an identity of 80% or more to any of the base sequences in the polynucleotide (a) and is bound to Salmonella; and (d) a polynucleotide composed of a base sequence complementary to a polynucleotide which hybridizes to the polynucleotide (a) composed of any of the base sequences under stringent conditions and is bound to Salmonella.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies includes: a common substrate formed from a flexible resilient polymeric material and having a plurality of wells formed therein; and a plurality of rigid cell carriers releasably connected to said common substrate, with said carriers arranged in the form of an array, and with each of the carriers resiliently received in one of the wells. A method of collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies with such an apparatus is carried out by depositing a liquid media carrying cells on the apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said the carriers; and then (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by gradual application of release energy to each carrier from the cavity in which it is received (e.g., by pushing with a probe).

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved monitoring of excitation-contraction coupling and excitable cells are provided, which provide millisecond time resolution. The system is capable of continuously monitoring excitation-contraction coupling in a relatively high-throughput manner. The system includes a device for monitoring cell-substrate impedance, an impedance analyzer capable of impedance measurements at millisecond time resolution, electronic circuitry that can engage the device and selectively connect two or more electrode arrays of the device to the impedance analyzer and a software program that controls the electronic circuitry and records and analyzes data obtained from the impedance analyzer.

Abstract: Oligomers useful for determining the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a test sample.

Abstract: Described herein are novel polynucleotides associated with viral infections. The polynucleotides are miRNAs and miRNA precursors. Related methods and compositions that can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of those medical conditions are disclosed. Also described herein are methods that can be used to identify modulators of viral infections.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more beating parameters for use in cardiomyocyte beating analysis including: providing a cell analysis device including wells, each well including a sensor capable of monitoring beating of cardiomyoctes in millisecond time resolution; adding cardiomyocytes to the wells; monitoring the beating of the cardiomyocytes in millisecond time resolution to obtain a plurality of beating measurements; and calculating one or more beating parameters from the plurality of beating measurements.

Abstract: A method for amplifying a target nucleic acid present in a sample includes introducing, via an entrance opening of a planar fluidic assembly, a sample containing one or more target nucleic acids into a flow channel of the planar fluidic assembly, the flow channel extending from the entrance opening to an exit vent and having a substantially uniform cross-section. A plurality of nucleic acid primers that are complementary to a portion of the one or more target nucleic acids are disposed at locations within and along the flow channel. The method further includes subjecting the sample introduced into the flow channel to a primer-based amplification reaction using the nucleic acid primers, wherein the primer-based amplification reaction produces amplified product of the one or more target nucleic acids, and retaining the amplified product at one or more of the locations within the flow channel during the primer-based amplification reaction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the presence or absence of an individual's DNA in a sample containing DNA from two or more contributors. A panel of a plurality of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is used. For each SNP in the panel, it is determined whether the minor allele of the SNP is present in the sample, and whether the minor allele is present in the individual's DNA. If the number of minor alleles that are present in the individual's DNA that are also present in the DNA sample is above a predetermined threshold, the individual's DNA is concluded to be present in the sample. Also provided is an array of DNA molecules for use in the method, as well as a method for estimating the number of individuals contributing to a DNA containing sample.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining the concentration of nucleic acids in a sample in a microfluidic device. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement having a) a first chamber into which a the sample is introduced, b) an element in the first chamber for carrying out a number of cycles of an amplification reaction to be carried out in cycles for amplifying nucleic acids, c) a second chamber, connectable to the first chamber by way of fluidic communication, equipped with an element to determine concentrations of amplified nucleic acids, d) a control unit to introduce a defined volume of a solution containing reagents for the amplification reaction into the first chamber and to transfer a defined volume from said first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for counting biomolecules or cells. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cell counting or biomolecule counting system including: a covered chamber having a known height and configured to hold a suspension of biomolecules or cells in a sample; at least one fluorescent light source connected to at least one fluorescent light beam narrowing device; a bright-field light source connected to a bright-field light beam narrowing device; a microscope objective; a detection device; a fluorescent filter assembly to allow only excitation light to illuminate the sample and allow only emission light from the sample to be imaged by the detection device; and a movable light shutter to block bright-field light during fluorescent detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing melting curve analyses of nucleic acids on a microarray is described. The present method includes varying the temperature of a fluid on a microarray to dissociate and remove target DNA, scanning the mircoarray for fluorescence, collecting the target DNA removed from the microarray, and reusing the collected target DNA and the microarray. The apparatus of the present disclosure includes a microarray stage, a light source and detector, and a temperature controller, wherein the temperature controller is configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid within a sample chamber on the microarray such that the temperature of the fluid is varied during the analysis such that target DNA is dissociated from the microarray, and wherein the light source is directed to the microarray and the resulting fluorescence is perceived by the detector.

Abstract: A portable system for real time detection of the presence of an infectious agent in a biological sample employs a reagent which detects the presence of a specific infectious agent in the sample, and emits a detectable signal when the reagent reacts with the sample and detects the presence of the infectious agent. A test cartridge has a reaction chamber for receiving the sample and the reagent. The reaction chamber has a predetermined internal geometry and at least one inner surface. Introducing the sample and the reagent into the test cartridge mixes the sample and the reagent. A testing unit receives the test cartridge, and includes a sensor for detecting an emitted detectable signal. The detection of the emitted detectable signal is indicative of the presence of the infectious agent in the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for systems, and components thereof, for detecting and/or analyzing light. These systems can include, among others, optical reference standards utilizing luminophores, such as nanocrystals, for calibrating, validating, and/or monitoring light-detection systems, before, during, and/or after sample analysis.