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: A conjugate protein comprising a GM-CSF or fragment thereof linked to an IL-21 or fragment thereof is described. The conjugate protein has unexpected immune activating and tumoricidal properties and is useful in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods, devices and systems for performing asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) to detect and monitor cellular growth and/or behavior. Cluster rotation of magnetic particles for AMBR is descried. In particular, described herein are systems for the parallel analysis of multiple wells of a sample plate. Also described herein are methods for controlling the illumination and imaging of rotating magnetic particles.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and agents that target nanog expression or activity for treating or preventing cancer. Alternative methods involve diagnosing cancer stage or type by identifying presence of cancer cells expressing nanog. Other embodiments relate to methods of identifying agents that modulate nanog.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a system for toxicity identification in water. The system includes a cell maintenance device having a cooling component that maintains an internal storage area of the cell maintenance device within a temperature range of 4 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. Fluidic biochips in the cell maintenance device include one or more testing components for receiving living poikilothermic cells and at least one water test sample. A test unit receives the fluidic biochips and monitors a response to exposure of the poikilothermic cells to the water test sample. In at least one embodiment, the test unit is able to identify the degree of toxicity of the water sample within 60 minutes of receiving the fluidic biochip.

Abstract: A system, a composition, a method and a kit for identifying anti-bacterial agents are provided. The invention described herein is useful in identifying inhibitors of any bacterial stress response. Moreover, the invention can be applied to any sRNA and its target, any transcription factor and its target, and any transcription factor/sRNA pair (i.e., a transcription factor that regulates a sRNA). In particular, the present invention provides a system, a composition, a method and a kit for the identification of cyclic peptides that block the ?E pathway in Escherichia coli.

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: The present invention concerns the sector of chemical, clinical, bacteriological and immunological analyses and more specifically it concerns the use of a strip of impregnated paper in order to determine, in the simplest, most economical and most accurate way, the correct Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (M.I.C.) of antibiotic molecules to be administered to patients as claimed in patent No. EP 0 157 071.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating target components from a source fluid includes one or more source channels connected to one or more collection channels by one or more transfer channels. The target components of the source fluid can be magnetic or bound to magnetic particles using a know binding agent. A source fluid containing magnetically bound target components can be pumped through the source channel of the microfluidic device. A magnetic field gradient can be applied to the source fluid in the source channel causing the magnetically bound target components to migrate through the transfer channel into the collection channel. The collection channel can include a collection fluid that is stagnant until a predefined volume of source fluid is processed or a predefined volume of target components accumulate in the collection channel, at which point collection fluid can be pumped into the collection channel to flush the target components out of the collection channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human gene ZNFN3A1 whose expression is markedly elevated in a great majority of HCCs compared to corresponding non-cancerous liver tissues. The gene encodes a protein having a zinc finger domain as well as a SET domain and has been found to form a regulatory complex with RNA helicase and RNA polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of distinguishing dead cells from live cells using phenanthridium derivatives with a 2+ charge or higher.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the measuring toxicity, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the treatment or prevention of a fungal infection in a host comprising the administration to the host a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a CCA1 inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel family of biologically active neuropeptides and the nucleic aid molecules coding for same. The peptides are derived for the C-terminus of the teneurin family peptides (Ten M1-4). These novel peptides, referred to as teneurin C-terminal associated peptides (TCAPs) are active in neuronal communication and are implicated in a number of neuropathologies. They are particularly useful in modulating stress responses and anxiety and in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Formula (I) and (II). The present invention relates to the use of a new lupane derivative of general formula (I) or (II), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, crystal form, complex, hydrate, or hydrolysable ester thereof, for preventing and/or inhibiting tumor growth and for treating cancer and other proliferative diseases, more particularly for treating leukemia, liver, cervical, colon and prostate cancer. The present invention also relates to the synthesis of these compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions which contain them.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and a device for expediting delivery of an agent to a damaged bacterial cell. In one embodiment, the methods and devices are useful for screening candidate antibiotics. In another embodiment, the methods and devices described herein are used to determine susceptibility of bacteria to an antibiotic. The methods also provide a method for determining an appropriate antibiotic to treat an individual having a bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for real-time detection of viable microorganisms comprising: a. addition of a cell-permeable, phototautomeric compound to a micro-organism or other living cell; and b. measuring the fluorescent emission of said phototautomeric compound. Preferably the phototautomeric compound is salicylic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-naphtoic acid or 1-hydroxy-2-naphtoic acid. Further, the assay can he used to assess the antibiotic effect of a test compound. This test can be used as a high—throughput screening for compounds with antibiotic activity. Also part of the invention is the use of a cell permeable phototautomeric compound in a method for determining the viability of micro-organisms and for assessing the antibiotic effect of a test compound.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that isolated lymphocytes, such as human B-cells and CD4+ T-cell can be used to determine an amount of lymphocyte-associated anthrax lethal toxin activity present. Methods of using isolated lymphocytes to identify anthrax therapeutic agents and to determine the efficacy of a potential anthrax therapeutic are disclosed. Methods are also provided for diagnosing and treating anthrax infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction medium for gram-negative bacteria having a beta-lactam antibiotic resistance mechanism, comprising: a marker for a beta-lactam antibiotic resistance mechanism, which is cefepime, an inhibitor of a resistance mechanism other than said beta-lactam antibiotic resistance mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods of detecting protein-protein interactions in living cells, as well as detecting the formation and/or inhibition of protein-protein interactions in cells.

Abstract: The invention is based on observing that LIF is capable of activating the self-renewal of tumor stem cells in cancer, in particular gliomas, which indicates that the inhibition of LIF, and generally of IL-6 type cytokines, can be used in therapeutic compositions for the treatment of diseases associated with unwanted proliferation. The invention also relates to a method for the identification of compounds capable of blocking/inhibiting the proliferation of stem cells, and to an in vitro method for the diagnosis of diseases associated with unwanted cell proliferation in a subject or for determining the predisposition of a subject to suffer said disease associated with unwanted cell proliferation, or for prognosis of average life expectancy of subjects suffering from said tumors.

Abstract: The present invention describes stem cells and progenitor cells derived from hemangiomas, including testing of angiogenic inhibitors using these cells. The invention as described is useful in providing a process to culture and propagate hemangioma stem cells and generate xenograft models to develop treatments for infantile hemangiomas and other types of vascular lesions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a biological indicator (BI) test utilizing oxygen sensing within a microenvironment as a means for determining the presence of viable microorganisms capable of growth, a method for biological indicator (BI) testing for determining the completeness of a sterilization cycle utilizing oxygen sensing as the means for determining the presence of viable microorganism survival, a device for determining oxygen content in a biological indicator (BI) assay vessel containing an optical oxygen sensor, and a method and device for determining antimicrobial drug resistance or sensitivity to a contaminated sample.

Abstract: The invention features a oligonucleotide of formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or prodrugs thereof: which are capable of inducing an anti-viral or an antibacterial response, in particular, the induction of type I IFN, IL-18 and/or IL-1? by binding to RIG-I. The invention relates to methods of making and using modified oligonucleotide comprising at least one triphosphate or analogs thereof. The invention further relates to methods for treating various disorders and diseases such as viral infections, bacterial infections, parasitic infections, tumors, allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and immunosuppression.

Abstract: Induction of telomere shortening, G2 arrest and apoptosis in telomerase positive cancer cells using acyclic nucleoside analogs has been disclosed. In addition, methods for impairment or prevention of tumorigenic telomerase positive cells from having a chance to grow into a tumor and methods for promoting tumor regression (decrease in size of an established tumor) using acyclic nucleoside analogs has been disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for identifying, producing or rationally designing sulfated polysaccharide molecules that have antiplasmodial activity. Also provided are sulfated polysaccharide molecules having antiplasmodial activity, as well as methods for treating and preventing diseases including malaria with such molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for functional expression of higher plant nitrate transporter (Nrt) genes in Pichia pastoris, an in vivo nitrate uptake assay using these Pichia pastoris transformants and an assay for readily identifying successful transformants.

Abstract: This invention includes a fluorophore-tagged antimalarial represented by the following structural formula (1) or a salt thereof. This invention relates to the synthesis of fluorophore-tagged antimalarials and describes the synthesis of a fluorophore-tagged antimalarial. These fluorophore-tagged antimalarials can be used to image live cells to determine the location of the antimalarial in the cell, identify drug resistance and growth related pathways in Plasmodium isolates, identify new drug targets and chemo-sensitizers to reverse drug resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for determining the cardiotoxicity of a chemical compound, comprising a substrate (10) carrying a deformable stack (34), said stack being partially detached from the substrate by a cavity (32) allowing an out-of-plane deformation of the stack, said stack comprising a first deformable layer (16), a second deformable layer (20) and a multi-electrode structure (18) sandwiched between the first and second deformable layers, the second deformable layer carrying a pattern of cardiomyocytes (28) adhered thereto; and a liquid container (26) mounted on the substrate for exposing the cardiomyocytes to the chemical compound. A method of manufacturing such a device is also disclosed. The present invention further relates to the use of the device for drug target discovery and/or drug development and a method for developing a disease model for a disease that is caused by or modified by stretching of cells, in particular a cardiac disease model.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the development of a novel human mast cell line, USF-MC1. USF-MC1 is a mast cell precursor present in human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) that may be sustained in culture in the absence of exogenous cytokines to serve as a convenient experimental model of human mast cell activation. The SCF-independent human mast cell line USF-MC1 responds to IgE-mediated and IgE-independent stimuli in a way comparable to that of LAD2. USF-MC1 cells are useful for investigation of IgE-mediated activation mechanisms of human mast cells, contributing to the development of effective treatments for allergic disorders and other disorders. The subject invention provides a ready source of human mast cells for research, including pharmacological studies for the screening of various agents, and toxicologic, e.g., for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The mast cells can also be used as biofactories, for the large-scale production of biomolecules.

Abstract: A method for determining microbial contamination of allograft products includes providing an extraction vessel having an outer container and a removable inner basket, placing the allograft product into the inner basket, providing an extraction fluid in the outer container of the extraction vessel, positioning the inner basket in the outer container, so that the allograft product and the inner basket are submerged in the extraction fluid and agitating the extraction fluid for a predetermined amount of time and analyzing the extraction fluid for microbial contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel of biomarkers associated with angiogenesis, and the use of such biomarkers (genes, proteins, homologues and analogs thereof) to regulate angiogenesis. Methods for identifying compounds useful for regulating angiogenesis and conditions related thereto are disclosed.

Abstract: The present inventors revealed a TTF-1-specific oncogenic process by elucidating the molecular mechanism regulated by the master regulatory factor TTF-1. The present inventors focused on the elucidation of the essence of the lineage-specific survival signal which is a novel canceration signal. Thus, the present inventors found that the expression of ROR1, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase, is induced by the master regulatory factor TTF-1, and demonstrated the presence of a characteristic canceration signal transduction system.

Abstract: Described herein are progenitor cancer cells and cell lines isolated from human breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions and the uses of these cells or cell lines in drug design, drug screening, and monitoring in vivo therapy. The DCIS malignant precursor cells or cell lines are epithelial in origin, are positive for markers of autophagy, show at least one genetic difference from normal cells of said fragment, form 3-D tube-like structures or ball aggregates, or are inhibited in formation of 3-D structures and migration by treatment with chloroquine.

Abstract: A method for the detection of microorganisms in a sample comprising contacting said sample with a biosensor concentration module, allowing microorganisms to grow for a first period of time and detecting growth of discrete microorganisms as an indication of the presence of said microorganisms.

Abstract: According to the following steps, live cells, injured cells, VNC cells and dead cells of a microorganism in a test sample are detected by flow cytometry: a) the step of treating the test sample with an enzyme having an activity of decomposing cells other than those of the microorganism, colloidal particles of proteins or lipids existing in the test sample, b) the step of treating the test sample with a topoisomerase poison and/or a DNA gyrase poison. c) the step of treating the test sample treated in the steps a) and b) with a nuclear stain agent, and d) the step of detecting the microorganism in the test sample treated with the nuclear stain agent by flow cytometry.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting cancer cell growth using HDAC10 inhibitors are provided. Methods of treating cancer in a subject using HDAC10 inhibitors are also provided. In certain embodiments, at least one second inhibitor selected from an autophagy inhibitor, an AMPK inhibitor, and methyl pyruvate is also used in the methods. Dose packs comprising HDAC10 inhibitors and at least one second inhibitor are provided. Methods of identifying HDAC10 inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for using label free optical biosensors for performing cell assays. In certain embodiments the assays can be performed in highthough put methods and can be multiplexed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the compounds useful in the prevention and/or treatment of tumours. More specifically the present invention relates to inhibitors of the activity of the electron transport chains and/or the mitochondrial TCA cycle in glioma-initiating cells (GICs) for use in a method for preventing and/or treating tumours presenting glioma-initiating cells (GICs) in a subject who has undergone a prior removal of a tumour glioma bulk. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition containing the inhibitors of the invention and a screening method for identifying the inhibitors of the invention.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to pyrazolo pyrimidine derivatives useful as, inter alia, inhibitors of short chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family of NAD(P)(H) dependent oxido-reductases. More specifically, the invention relates to pyrazolo pyrimidine derivatives, including derivatives and analogs of SDR inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing derivatives and analogs of SDR inhibitors, methods of making derivatives and analogs of SDR inhibitors and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of label-free detection of changes in cell populations and mixed cell populations.

Abstract: A laboratory method and a test specimen for efficiently and accurately assessing and validating the efficacy of an antimicrobial to treat pathogens on a beef carcass. The method and model employ one or more carcasses from calves that have not received colostrum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of phage therapy for the treatment and control of bacterial infections. In particular, the present invention is directed to the novel bacteriophages F1245/05, F168/08, F170/08, F770/05, F197/08, F86/06, F87s/06 and F91a/06, isolated polypeptides thereof, compositions comprising one or more of the novel bacteriophages and/or isolated polypeptides and methods for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infection, either alone or in combination with other antibacterial therapies, e.g., antibiotics or other phage therapies.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing antibodies having noncovalent, self-binding properties are disclosed. Such autophilic antibodies can bind cellular receptors to promote apoptosis of target cells and enhance therapeutic efficacies in the treatment of patients with debilitating or life-threatening diseases. Representative diseases targeted by the autophilic antibodies are lymphomas, breast cancers, colon cancers, and melanomas. Autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and other neuro-degenerative conditions, as well as graft or transplant rejection, are among other treatable conditions.

Abstract: RNA transcripts representing a fusion of a human SLC45A3 nucleic acid and a human ELK4 nucleic acid that are associated with prostate cancer are described. Compositions and methods useful for detection of fusion transcripts of human SLC45A3 and ELK4 genetic sequences associated with cancer and useful for cancer therapy are provided.

Abstract: A method of producing an in vitro microtumour comprising: seeding a colorectal neoplastic cell into a three dimensional scaffold comprising polysaccharide co-polymer; providing said cell with a culture medium that supports the growth thereof; and incubating said cell in said scaffold for a time sufficient for microtumors to form, wherein said polysaccharide copolymer comprises glutaronate and mannuronate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns.

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: A high-throughput, anchorage-independent assay is described, which screens compounds for inhibition of cancer cell growth. The assay utilizes a three-dimensional matrix or semi-solid media transfected with the subject compound, and enables live colony growth determination and imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to assess the biological safety of an agent. The method involves contacting one or more test agents to a culture of C. elegans and analyzing the culture for meiotic disruption, wherein an increase in meiotic disruption of the C. elegans, indicates that the test agent(s) has reduced biological safety to mammals. An increase in meiotic disruption of the C. elegans also indicates a likelihood that the test agent is a reproductive toxicant in higher animals, such as humans. Also disclosed are methods to identifying disruptors of fat homeostasis in a mammal. The method involves contacting one or more test agents to a culture of C. elegans and analyzing the culture for fat content, wherein a change in the fat content, as compared to an appropriate control, indicates that the test agent(s) is a likely disruptor of mammalian fat homeostasis.