Abstract: Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are identified and characterized on the basis of a mass spectrometric measurement of their protein profiles with ionization by matrix-assisted laser desorption. In order to measure the microbial resistance to antibiotics, the protein profiles of microorganisms are measured after cultivation for a short time duration in nutrient media containing the antibiotics.

Abstract: A hanging droplet plate (1) comprises a predetermined number of droplet compartments (10) each being capable of receiving a droplet of a liquid. The respective droplet compartment (10) comprises a circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (102) which is arranged to surround a respective cavity (100) and which prevents a droplet from spreading beyond the microfluidic wetting barrier (102). The respective compartment (10) comprises a closed bottom (101) and at least one additional circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (104), each additional circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (104) which is arranged to surround a preceding circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (102). A wettable area (103) is arranged between two adjacently arranged microfluidic wetting barriers (102, 104).

Abstract: The present invention provides a phototoxicity test method using human retinal pigment epithelial cells, and so on.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to stromal antigen 2 (STAG2) and its role in diverse human cancers, including nucleic acids, polypeptides, vectors, cells and cell lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a HDAC inhibitor, a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or a salt thereof or a mixture thereof and a steroid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as well use of said pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancer as a pretreatment prior to other treatments. Said HDAC inhibitor or steroid may alternatively be administrated separately prior to additional treatments.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a delta-5 desaturase-defective gene and uses of the gene and/or the mutant in algal transformation.

Abstract: Provided is a microarray platform for the culture of cells atop combinatorial matrix mixtures; enabling the study of differentiation in response to a multitude of microenvironments in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use in generating induced hepatocytes by reprogramming non-hepatocyte cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of culturing cells in vitro in order to exploit the biochemical production ability of the cells to make metabolites that are evaluated and harvested for their biological effects. Also provided are systems for evaluating extracts from such cultured cells to characterize their biological activity(s), particularly with regard to impact on health, wellbeing, longevity, DNA maintenance, mitochondrial health and/or biogenesis, and so forth. Biologically active extracts, components thereof, and compositions (such as cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations) made comprising such, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for modulating Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-mediated signalling and proliferation based on agents that modulates the binding of GAS1, BOC and/or CDON to Ptch1 is disclosed. Methods and compositions for treating cancer using agents that inhibit the binding of GAS1, BOC and/or CDON to Ptch1 are also disclosed. Methods for identifying agents that may be used to inhibit Shh-mediated signalling/proliferation and cancer based on their capacity to inhibit the binding of GAS1, BOC and/or CDON to Ptch1 are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prostate cancer cell line CNCM deposit number I-4126, the use thereof for preparing resistant prostate cancer cell lines, the resistant prostate cancer cell lines, and the use of these prostate cancer cell lines for screening compounds of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for predicting or modeling a chemotherapy outcome for a given patient, to assist physicians in the selection of chemotherapeutic agents for individualized cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel family of alkylated halogenated di- and trisaccharides which exhibit pharmaceutical efficacy in the areas of permeation enhancers, anti-microbial effects, anti-fugal effects, facilitation of diagnostic procedures. The invention further includes methods of treatment and diagnostic kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), where R1 and R2, identical or different, are each independently a hydrogen atom or a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C12) alkyl group; R3 is a hydrogen atom or a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C6) alkyl group; R4 is a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C12) alkyl group or an aryl or heteroaryl group, said aryl and heteroaryl groups being non-substituted or substituted; and R5 is a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C12) alkyl group; or R4 and R5 are bonded to one another by a saturated hydrocarbon chain having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, optionally in hydrated form or in the form of a salt that is acceptable for being administered to animals or plants, for the use thereof as a potentiator of the effect of an antimicrobial agent or for the use thereof as an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of designing an inhibitor of the binding of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) glycoprotein (gp)120 to a CD4-receptor or to the integrin alpha4 beta7 (a4b7). The inhibitor interacts with at least two amino acid residues comprised in six motifs within the 3-dimensional structure of gp120. Also provided are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and uses thereof in the development of an inhibitor of the binding of a HIV gp120 to a CD4-receptor or an integrin alpha4 beta7 (a4b7). The inhibitors are useful for the prevention or treatment of an HIV infection and/or diseases associated with an HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro testing of specimens, such as biomaterials or implants, wherein the method comprises at least immersing at least a part of the test specimen into a liquid media, controlling the liquid media, controlling surrounding environment, providing a predetermined non-destructive force to the specimen, and measuring reactions of the specimen or constituents of the liquid media. Further it relates to an apparatus for in vitro testing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treatment of melanoma using an inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and to combination therapies that involve administering to a subject an inhibitor of oncogenic BRAF (e.g. BRAF(V600E)), as well as an inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). Assays for identifying compounds useful for the treatment of melanoma are also provided. The methods herein are directed to screening for compounds or agents that inhibit neural crest progenitor formation in a zebra fish model of melanoma.

Abstract: This disclosure provides prostate cancer cell lines established from spontaneously immortalized, extremely tumorigenic and clonogenic primary prostate tumor. These cell lines represent unique cancer cell and cancer stem cell (CSC) models for preclinical prostate cancer studies and CSC-targeted drug development, which is of high value for pharmaceutic companies producing anti-cancer agents, as well as for the broad range of basic and translational research focused on cancer cell and CSC biology, stem cell behavior, cancer development and metastasis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for selecting a treatment composition, or therapy, for the treatment of a cancer, such as prostate or breast cancer, in a patient wherein the treatment composition includes administering a combination of at least two components selected from two different classes of compounds. Methods for treating a patient using the selected treatment composition are also provided, together with methods for monitoring the efficacy of the treatment composition during a treatment period.

Abstract: The present invention identifies the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, including the enzyme oxidosqualene cyclase, as new protein targets for anti-tumor therapeutics. The present invention further provides a class of oxidosqualene cyclase inhibitors containing a tertiary amine linked with aromatic ring structures, as a new class of anticancer agents. Compounds disclosed herein have been tested in 19 cell lines including breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer (including drug-resistant lung cancer H69AR), colon cancer, ovarian cancer (including drug-resistant OVCAR-3), and pancreatic cancer cells, as wells as in human breast and prostate xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, and have been shown to be active.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral care mouth rinse compositions formulated as stable oil-in-water emulsions comprising: (a) at least about 0.025% by weight of a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent, (b) at least about 0.05% by weight of an essentially water-insoluble volatile oil, and (c) at least about 50% by weight water, wherein the emulsion comprises oil droplets having an average mean particle size of about 350 nm or less. Examples of quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent include cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), tetradecylpyridinium chloride, N-tetradecyl-4-ethyl pyridinium chloride or domiphen bromide.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing fluid assessment method comprising introducing test organisms into a first section of a first tub, allowing organisms less than a first size to pass into a second section of the first tub, allowing organisms less than the first size to flow into a first section of a second tub, allowing organisms less than a second size to pass into a second section of the second tub, allowing organisms less than the second size to flow into a first section of a third tub, allowing organisms less than a third size to pass into a second section of the third tub, selecting test organisms of a desired testing size, dividing the selected test organisms into a control group and test group, subjecting the test group to the wellbore servicing fluid or a component, and assessing the acceptability of the wellbore servicing fluid or component.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising polynucleotides and polypeptides having ALS activity and tolerance to at least one ALS inhibitor are provided. In specific embodiments, the sequence has an increased preference for 2-ketobutyrate, when compared to an appropriate control, such as for example, HRA, and/or a preference for 2-ketobutyrate similar to a native ALS. Further provided are nucleic acid constructs, plants, plant cells, explants, seeds and grain having the ALS inhibitor tolerant sequences. Various methods of employing the ALS inhibitor tolerant sequences are provided. Such methods include methods for producing an ALS inhibitor tolerant plant, plant cell, explant or seed and methods of controlling weeds in a field containing a crop employing the plants and/or seeds disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms. The invention further provides methods for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms in situ within a single system.

Abstract: Combinations of PI3K inhibitor compounds having Formula I and chemotherapeutic agents, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for treating hematopoietic malignancies. Methods of using such combinations for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hepatocyte-like cells. Also disclosed are methods of making the cells and using the cells.

Abstract: A novel pathway in cancer cell metabolism is identified. Targeting of any gene, protein, or enzyme that modulates activity or flux through this pathway, including, but not limited to IDH1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2), aconitase 1 (ACO1), aconitase 2 (ACO2), glutaminase (GLS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and transaminase, provides effective means of inhibiting tumor growth.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for identifying inhibitors of Rv0256c functions, e.g., inhibitors of Rv0256c expression, DNA binding, nuclear localization and iNOS inhibition.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods of characterizing antibiotic agents according to the effect the antibiotic agent has on a bacterial cell. This allows for rapid screening of potential antibiotic agents, e.g., for improved antibiotics, and classification of antibiotic agents. The present techniques also allow for profiling of bacterial strains for susceptibility of antibiotic agents and, e.g., determining which are most susceptible to particular modes of action.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating a subject with a mycobacterial infection. The methods comprise administering to the subject a Cu+/++ boosting therapeutic. Also provided are compositions comprising a Cu+/++ boosting therapeutic. Further provided are methods of screening for a Cu+/++ boosting therapeutic.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing a Foxp3+ T regulatory cell (Treg) related disease in a subject in need thereof comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of a histone/protein acetyltransferase (HAT). Methods for identifying an agent useful for treating or preventing a Foxp3+ T regulatory cell (Treg) related disease comprise (a) contacting a candidate agent with a test sample comprising Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs), and (b) comparing a function of the Foxp3+ Tregs in the test sample with that in a control sample, wherein inhibition of the function of the Foxp3+ Tregs in the test sample when compared with the control sample indicates that the candidate agent is an agent useful for treating or preventing a Foxp3+ Treg related disease.

Abstract: This invention is a method and kit for preparing a Tumor in Dish model for use in screening anti-cancer agents and analyzing cancer growth and development.

Abstract: Bacterial virulence is repressed by compositions and methods for activating permanently a repressor of virulence factors. Compositions provided contain at least one non-metabolizable analog of guanine, guanosine, isoleucine and valine.

Abstract: Methods for selecting chemotherapeutic agents for treating a cancer are provided that include the steps of providing a cancer cell sample having a population of bulk cancer cells and a population of cancer stem-like cells, culturing a first portion of the cancer cell sample in a hydrodynamic focusing bioreactor under microgravity conditions and for a period of time to selectively enhance the population of cancer stem-like cells and selectively kill the population of bulk cancer cells, contacting the cancer stem-like cells with one or more chemotherapeutic agents, and then selecting the one or more chemotherapeutic agents for treating the cancer if there is an increase in an amount of cytotoxicity. Methods for treating a cancer are also provided in which the identified chemotherapeutic agents are administered to a subject. Further provided are methods for identifying a test compound useful for treating a cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for screening drugs or antibiotic activity by screening a drug for activity to disrupt a toxin-antitoxin complex in a bacterial cell.

Abstract: A method of the present invention for treating malaria includes the step of administering, to a human or an animal, a therapeutically effective amount of drug for suppressing calcium ion exit from an intracellular organelle of the malaria parasite to an outside of the intracellular organelle and/or calcium ion entry from an outside of a cell of the malaria parasite into the cell.

Abstract: A system is provided that simulates the in vivo micro-environment of three-dimensional cellular structures or bodies, such as tumors. The system simulates the pressure gradients and fluid flows of the vascular and lymphatic systems as well as the interstitial and capillary transport mechanisms between the 3D cellular structure and the vascular and lymphatic systems. The system can be used to introduce drugs or drug delivery carriers to a tumor, for example, to assess the uptake capability and effect on the tumor. The system maintains the viability of the tumor cells for a sufficiently long period of time to permit testing of several different drugs and/or delivery carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine. More particularly, described herein are biological markers associated with phenotypical and/or genotypical alterations in a cell and to methods for assessing mammalian cells. Also described are methods for assessing the condition of a population of cells, methods for assessing carcinogenicity of compounds and methods for quantitatively determine the quality of cell populations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer. In particular, the present invention identifies and characterizes the FANCI polypeptide as a vital component of the Fanconi anemia pathway and discloses inhibitors of FANCI and methods of using same. Such inhibitors are useful in inhibiting DNA damage repair and can be useful, for example, in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Arylomycin analogs are provided, wherein the analogs can have broad spectrum bioactivity. Resistance to the antibiotic bioactivity of natural product arylomycin in a range of pathogenic bacterial species has been found to depend upon single amino acid mutations at defined positions of bacterial Signal Peptidases (SPases), wherein the presence of a proline residue confers arylomycin resistance. Arylomycin analogs are provided herein that can overcome that resistance and provide for a broader spectrum of antibiotic bioactivity than can natural product arylomycins such as arylomycin A2. Methods for determining if a bacterial strain is susceptible to narrow spectrum arylomycin antibiotics, or if a broad spectrum analog is required for treatment, is provided. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of bacterial infections, and methods of synthesis of arylomycin analogs, are provided.

Abstract: A fluid-delivery device includes an array of needles. The needle can deposit a hollow and/or porous tube into a tissue of a subject, and the porous tube can contain one or more fluid agents. The hollow and/or porous tube can control the rate at which the agents diffuse into the tissue. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of porous tubes along parallel axes in a tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue; based on the evaluation, candidate agents or subjects can be selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy.

Abstract: The methods described herein enable the evaluation of compounds on subjects to assess their therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects. The target of analysis is the underlying biochemical process or processes (i.e., metabolic process) thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Molecular flux rates within the one or more biochemical processes serve as biomarkers and are quantitated and compared with the molecular flux rates (i.e., biomarker) from control subjects (i.e., subjects not exposed to the compounds). Any change in the biomarker in the subject relative to the biomarker in the control subject provides the necessary information to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of an administered drug or a toxic effect and to develop the compound further if desired. In one aspect of the invention, stable isotope-labeled substrate molecules are administered to a subject and the label is incorporated into targeted molecules in a manner that reveals molecular flux rates through one or more metabolic pathways of interest.

Abstract: A family of insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Also included are polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding the polypeptides and insect viruses and cells expressing the polypeptides. Transgenic plants and insects expressing the insecticidal polypeptides are also described. The insecticidal polypeptides may be employed in methods and compositions for treating insects, insect larvae, and plants.

Abstract: Methods of tests that assess the expression of DPC4 (SMAD4) to identify subjects with pancreatic cancer that are likely or unlikely to respond to treatment with BTK inhibitors; methods of treating subjects based on identification of said subjects as likely to respond to treatment with BTK inhibitors; therapeutic targets for cancers, particularly cancers with inactivated DPC4 gene or protein; methods of screening of new therapeutic agents using the target; pharmaceutical composition comprising BTK inhibitors, such as PCI-32765 or derivatives thereof, for cancer treatment; and kits that facilitate the performance of the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of inducing latency in Mycobacterium permits preparation of an in vitro model system of latent mycobacterial infection. Latency is induced in a pure culture of Mycobacterium by exposing it to multiple stress conditions, including a low nutrient culture medium without glycerol, a low pH, a relatively high level of carbon dioxide and a relatively low gas phase oxygen level. An in vitro model of mycobacterial infection employs macrophages induced from THP1 cells which are then infected with Mycobacterium. The infected macrophages are grown under hypoxic conditions to induce latency in the mycobacteria. The in vitro model of infection is useful in evaluating compounds for activity against latent mycobacteria.

Abstract: Fusobacterium is a genus of gram-negative, filamentous, anaerobic bacteria found as normal flora in the mouth and large bowel, and often in necrotic tissue. A comparison of microbial ribonucleic acids (RNA) between colorectal carcinoma (CRC) tissue and adjacent normal control tissue found the over-representation of F. nucleatum in CRC tissue. RNA abundance was measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplifying RNA from the tissue, constructing libraries, sequencing the RNA in the libraries, pairing sequences from CRC and normal tissue, and quantifying RNA abundance. Detection of Fusobacterium in a gastrointestinal sample is indicative of gastrointestinal cancer.

Abstract: Tumor stem cells can be obtained by culturing a tumor cell population, and exposing the cultured tumor cell population to free radicals. In certain embodiments, the free radical agent can be a nitric oxide (NO) donor. In one embodiment, the free radical agent can be Diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA NONOate) or agents that constitutively increase cellular nitric oxide, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors or L-arginine, or agents that increase NO synthase in the population. The methods can further include inducing stem cells present in the population to expand and/or inducing dedifferentiation of tumor cells into tumor stem cells. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of selecting stem cells from a tumor cell population.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a two organism model system that can be used to identify virulence factors. The system is also useful in the process of drug delivery. More specifically, we have established valid fungal infection in caenorhabditis elegans with an invading pathogen, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Because both species are genetic model organisms, the assay can be used to identify host and virulence factors involved in such interactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing the antibiotic resistance of a microorganism, said method comprising the steps of (a) providing a reference mass spectrum of an antimicrobial compound, its enzymatic modification product, its molecular target, or of a substrate compound of a its modifying enzyme; (b) exposing a microorganism, a cell lysate thereof, or a growth medium supernatant thereof, to said antimicrobial compound or said substrate compound in aqueous liquid to thereby provide an exposed sample; (c) acquiring a mass spectrum of the exposed sample; (d) comparing the mass spectrum acquired in step c) with the reference mass spectrum of step (a), and (e) determining from said comparison whether modification of said antimicrobial compound, its modification product or its molecular target or of said substrate has occurred following said exposure, and establishing that said microorganism is potentially resistant to said antimicrobial compound when said modification is observed.