Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for detection of a nucleic acid target in a sample. The methods and compositions use primer directed amplification in conjunction with nucleic acid fragmentation. The methods have high sensitivity even in the presence of a large amount of non-target nucleic acid. Also provided are oligonucleotides and kits useful in the method. Exemplary nucleic acid targets are those with mutant gene sequence such as mutant sequence of the EGFR, APC, TMPRSS2, ERG and ETV1 genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancers with reduced or absent CDH1 using a RHOA dominant negative polypeptide or biologically active fragment thereof, and/or a nucleic acid encoding a RHOA dominant negative polypeptide or biologically active fragment thereof.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring inflammation status of a subject comprise determining levels of at least one neutrophil activation marker, or at least three markers, in urine samples taken from the subject at multiple time points, wherein increased levels of the at least one neutrophil activation marker, or at least one of the markers, in a urine sample are indicative of or predictive of an exacerbation of inflammation and/or wherein decreased levels of the at least one neutrophil activation marker, or at least one of the markers, in a urine sample following an increase are indicative or predictive of recovery from, or successful treatment of, an exacerbation of inflammation. Corresponding systems, test kits and computer programs are provided.

Abstract: The present application provides methods of treating a CNS disorder (such as glioblastoma and epilepsy) in an individual, comprising systemically (e.g., intravenously or subcutaneously) administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising an mTOR inhibitor (such as a limus drug, such as sirolimus or a derivative thereof) and an albumin, optionally further comprising administering a second agent (such as an anti-VEGF antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, or an alkylating agent).

Abstract: A racially unbiased mammogram analyzer includes an interface for receiving mammograms; a processor for extracting features of mammograms of general population; a processor for extracting features of mammograms of a specific race. In one embodiment, the general population mammogram features are represented by middle layers of a CNN and the race specific features are represented by the end layer of the CNN network. In one embodiment, the race specific layers of CNN change dynamically according to the race indication done explicitly. In one embodiment the race specific layers of CNN change dynamically according to the race indication given by race indication processor. In one embodiment, the race indications are computed by a network of parallel variational autoencoder networks. In one embodiment, the race indicator computes race specific information to the CNN and are provided by variational autoencoders.

Abstract: The present invention provides ribosomal RNA origami nanostructures and in particular nanostructures comprising RNA staples, composition comprising such origami nanostructures as well as methods for manufacturing such origami structures.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and compositions for protein and peptide sequencing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing assays in compartmentalized nano-volumes to screen for functional bispecific or multispecific biologics, including: providing a plurality of at least two distinct types of cells, wherein two or more first-type cells are engineered to express substantially a single genetic-variant per cell for a bispecific or multispecific biologic in a secreted form, wherein two or more second-type cells are selected or engineered to produce a positive reporter molecule signal that is triggered by a functional variant of the said biologic expressed by a first-type cell; providing a plurality of compartmentalized nano-volumes, wherein two or more nano-volumes are each provided with substantially one first-type cell, and one or more second-type cell(s); incubating the said nano-volumes over a period of time to allow the expression and secretion of the said biologics inside the said nano-volumes; collecting data representing the positive reporter molecule signal triggered by secreted biologics

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating induced cardiomyocytes and/or inducing a cardiomyocyte phenotype in cells in vivo or in vitro, such as by expression of ASCL1 or MYF6 and MYOCD. The present disclosure further provides gene-delivery vectors comprising one or more polynucleotides selected from ASCL1, MYF6, MYOCD, MEF2C, and TBX5. It further provides compositions comprising induced cardiomyocytes and provides methods of treating a heart condition, such as myocardial infarction. The disclosure also provides engineered myocardin proteins with an internal deletion, vectors encoding such engineered mycocardins, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions to detect MET exon 14 skipping using RT-PCR, and methods of treating individuals with MET exon 14 deleted cancers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling and detecting white blood cell population dynamic for diagnosis and treatment, e.g., of acute coronary syndrome or leukocytosis.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for amplifying alpha globin genes HBA1, HBA2 and HBA12 in a single PCR tube to determine an HBA genotype of a subject. This method employs five primers selected to accurate and sensitively identify the HBA1, HBA2, and HBA12, a gene found at a higher frequency in citizens of Saudi Arabia, by accurately annealing to nucleic acids in a biological sample and simultaneously amplifying sequences encoding the alpha globin genes. This invention includes a procedure and required reagents for the amplification of alpha globin genes in a single PCR tube.

Abstract: Treating colorectal cancer in a stage IV uses a systemic chemotherapy, either a FOLFOX regimen or a FOLFIRI regimen. However, a method of predicting which of the regimens is effective to an individual patient would be advantageous. Provided is a biomarker that indicates which of the regimens, the FOLFOX regimen or the FOLFIRI regimen, is advantageous to select for a patient having colorectal cancer. The biomarker is characterized by being a gain in the copy number of at least one region on human chromosomes among 7p15.3, 7q34, 8q24.1, 8q24.2, 8q24.1-q24.2, 9q34.3, 13q12.2, 13q14.11, 13q22.1, 13q32.2-q32.3, 13q34, 20q12, 20q13.13, 20q13.2, and 20q13.3. Using such a biomarker enables to determine which, the FOLFOX regimen or the FOLFIRI regimen, is more advantageously selected.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and kits for authentication of botanical DNA fragments isolated from processed botanical products, including dietary supplements or nutraceutical compositions including botanical extracts.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes an inlet port configured to receive a sample, a first reaction chamber fluidically coupled to the inlet port, a first pump fluidically coupled to the inlet port, a second pump fluidically coupled to a mixing chamber, a metering channel fluidically coupled to the first reaction chamber and to the mixing chamber, and one or more second reaction chambers fluidically coupled to the mixing chamber. The first pump is configured to move fluid from the inlet port to the first reaction chamber and from the first pump to the inlet port. The second pump is configured to move fluid from the second pump to the mixing chamber, from the first reaction chamber to the mixing chamber, and from the mixing chamber to the one or more second reaction chambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibody sequences found in antibodies that bind to human CD25, in particular an anti CD25-a-674 antibody which do not block the binding of CD25 to IL-2 or IL-2 signalling. The claimed antibody binds to the epitopes: YQCVQGYRALHRGP (150 to 163) or SVCKMTHGKTRWTQP (166 to 180) on CD25 Antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof including such sequences can be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment, in particular for treating cancer.

Abstract: A quantum dot including a core including a first semiconductor nanocrystal including a Group III-V compound; and a semiconductor nanocrystal shell disposed on the core, the semiconductor nanocrystal shell including zinc, tellurium, and selenium, wherein the quantum dot does not include cadmium, and the semiconductor nanocrystal shell has a mole ratio of tellurium to selenium of less than about 0.025:1, a composition including the quantum dot, a quantum dot-polymer composite, a patterned layer including the composite, and an electronic device including the patterned layer.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an in vitro method for determining the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy in the absence of chemotherapy in a patient with HER2+ breast cancer comprising the detection and/or quantification of the expression of HER2 in an isolated biological sample of the patient, either (1) before or (2) before and during the anti-HER2 therapy in the absence of chemotherapy treatment. The present invention also refers to the use of a gene expression product of HER2 as a as an in vitro marker for determining the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy in the absence of chemotherapy in a patient with HER2+ breast cancer, or alternatively as an in vitro marker for deciding or recommending whether to initiate an alternative medical regime to anti-HER2 therapy without chemotherapy in a patient with HER2+ breast cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a body fluid extract comprising micro RNA.

Abstract: A heating system for an EWOD device using a single, spatially-structured temperature control element, used to create a zone with a specific temperature profile. The heating system uses multiple contact regions between the temperature control element and the device. One or more contact regions are separated from the temperature control element by one or more thermally resistive layers that restrict heat flow from the temperature control element to the device, and further restrict lateral flow of heat between adjacent contact regions. The heating system can use materials with different thermal resistance to alter the heat flow to different regions. The spatial location of the contact regions is also used to determine the temperature profile within the device. The device has an optional temperature control element which offsets the low temperature point from the inlet temperature. This invention includes methods to process multiple droplets within the multiple temperature zones.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated assessment of spermatogenesis. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to drug development and testicular toxicity in safety evaluation studies, and more particularly to automatic assessment of spermatogenesis through a staging of seminiferous tubules using Artificial Intelligence/deep learning methods. A method disclosed herein includes detecting the seminiferous tubules by analyzing a testes tissue specimen and mapping the seminiferous tubules to detect and segment germ cells. The method includes classifying the seminiferous tubules into respective stages based on the segmented germ cells. The method further includes categorizing the seminiferous tubules into a normal category and an abnormal category based on the segmented germ cells. The method further includes categorizing the testes tissue specimen into the normal category and the abnormal category based on the classification of the seminiferous tubules for toxicity analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the prognosis of a breast cancer patient. More specifically, to provide information needed to predict the prognosis of a breast cancer patient, the method for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer including the following steps of the present invention comprises: (a) obtaining a biological sample from a breast cancer patient; (b) measuring the mRNA expression level of matrix metallopeptidase 11 (MMP11) and the mRNA expression level of cluster of differentiation 2 (CD2) from patient information or the sample of step (a); (c) normalizing the gene mRNA expression levels selected and measured in step (b); and (d) predicting the prognosis of breast cancer by combining the gene expression levels normalized in step (c), wherein overexpression of the MMP11 indicates a bad prognosis, and overexpression of CD2 indicates a good prognosis.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for identifying malignant skin lesions (e.g., malignant pigmented skin lesions). For example, methods and materials for using quantitative PCR results and correction protocols to reduce the impact of basal keratinocyte contamination on the analysis of test sample results to identify malignant skin lesions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metals and more particularly provides a device and a method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metals utilizing a rotary disc system.

Abstract: The invention provides in vitro methods of determining whether an individual has a pre-cancer or cancer comprising determining the presence or absence of one or more methylation markers of a methylation marker set in a urine sample of said individual; and determining whether the individual has pre-cancer or cancer based on the detection of the presence or absence of said one or more methylation markers in the urine sample, wherein the presence of said one or more methylation markers indicates that the individual has pre-cancer or cancer. The invention further provides methods for typing pre-cancer or cancer based on the the presence or absence of one or more methylation markers of a methylation marker set in a urine sample.

Abstract: By a genome-wide gene analysis of expression profiles of over 50,000 known or putative gene sequences in peripheral blood, the present inventors have identified a consensus set of gene expression-based molecular biomarkers associated with chronic allograft nephropathy and/or interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy CAN/IFTA and subtypes thereof. These genes sets are useful for diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and/or subtyping of CAN/IFTA.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Zika virus nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system for drug discovery, drug development, drug screening, or drug validation. The system includes: a sample chamber comprising a target protein and a drug candidate that may interfere with the target protein in the sample chamber, wherein the sample chamber is configured to: detect one or more of the following: (a) interference between the drug candidate the target protein and/or (b) one or more dynamics of the drug candidate on the target protein, wherein the one or more dynamics comprise affinity of the drug candidate to the target protein, and select the drug candidate if one or more desirable dynamics is detected. The system includes one or more immobilized surfaces and is configured to detect interactions between the drug candidate and the target protein at the single-molecule level.

Abstract: A method for detecting oncogenic growth and viability, and/or degree of cellular transformation and/or identifying an agent that inhibits cellular transformation is disclosed. The method including: providing a cellular sample, such as a sample of cells obtained from a subject or a cell line; culturing the cellular sample in low attachment conditions; and detecting growth and7or cell viability of the sample, wherein increased growth relative and/or viability relative to a control or control level indicative of basal growth and/or viability indicates cellular transformation. In some embodiments, the method includes introducing a n expression vector into cells of the cellular sample, wherein the expression vector comprises a gene product expression sequence being tested for transformation ability. In some embodiments the cellular sample is contacted with a test agent and growth and/or cell viability of the sample is determined to determine if the agent inhibits transformation.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: A GAPDH nucleic acid detection kit includes a primer set for detecting GAPDH nucleic acid. The primer set for detecting GAPDH nucleic acid includes a forward inner primer for GAPDH nucleic acids, a forward outer primer for GAPDH nucleic acids, a backward inner primer for GAPDH nucleic acids and a backward outer primer for GAPDH nucleic acids. The primer set for detecting GAPDH nucleic acid is used in a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnologies and in particular to the use of a nucleotide sequence having transcription promoter activity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell systems.

Abstract: A new use of OsDGD2? gene in breeding of male sterile rice materials is disclosed. The OsDGD2? gene deletion mutant created by technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is stable in male sterility, with no negative impact on female fertility and other traits (such as photosynthesis), making it uniquely superior in cross breeding and utilization of heterosis.

Abstract: Provided is a PCR primer pair, comprising: a first primer and a second primer, wherein the first primer comprises a first specific sequence and a first random sequence; the first specific sequence is located on 3? end of the first primer, and the first random sequence is located on 5? end of the first primer; the second primer comprises a second specific sequence and a second random sequence, the second specific sequence is located on 3? end of the second primer, and the second random sequence is located on 5? end of the second primer; moreover, the first specific sequence and the second specific sequence are an upstream primer and a downstream primer directed to a target sequence respectively, and the first random sequence and the second random sequence are inverse complementary.

Abstract: The present application is to provide a composition and method for stabilizing and maintaining the viability of hardy microorganisms from sample collection to downstream analysis. In particular, there is a method for preserving viable hardy bacteria, such as Mycobacteria, Bacillus anthracis, or Clostridium difficile, in a biological sample, comprising contacting the biological sample with a stabilization composition, wherein the stabilization composition comprises a chelating agent, a denaturing, a salt and has a pH between about 6 and about 11.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for determining platelet reactivity where the levels of Fc?RIIa on the surface of platelets is measured and if the levels of Fc?RIIa are greater than a reference value, the platelets have enhanced reactivity.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for adjunctive therapy using 25-hydroxyvitamin D are disclosed. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D may be administered with an agent that increases the risk of hypocalcemia, such as cinacalcet or a salt thereof, and/or an anticancer agent. The adjunctive therapy is effective to treat and prevent iatrogenic hypocalcemia and/or secondary hyperparathyroidism, as well as delay cancer progression and the time to a post-treatment skeletal related event.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the treatment of multiple myeloma. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating multiple myeloma (MM) in an individual, the method comprising: administering to the individual an effective amount of trichostatin A (TSA).

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is directed to mutant Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) proteins that have the ability to bind to siderophores, such as enterochelin, and to chelate and transport iron, and that are excreted in the urine. Such NGAL mutants, and complexes thereof with siderophores, can be used to clear excess iron from the body, for example in the treatment of iron overload. The NGAL mutants of the invention also have antibacterial activity and can be used in the treatment of bacterial infections, such as those of the urinary tract.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of cancer diagnosis. Specifically, it relates to a method for diagnosing pancreas cancer in a subject comprising the steps of determining in a sample of a subject suspected to suffer from pancreas cancer the amount of at least one biomarker selected from the biomarkers shown in Table 1 and comparing the said amount of the at least one biomarker with a reference, whereby pancreas cancer is to be diagnosed. The present invention also contemplates a method for identifying whether a subject is in need of a pancreas cancer therapy comprising the steps of the aforementioned methods and the further step of identifying a subject in need of a pancreas cancer therapy if said subject is to be diagnosed to suffer from pancreas cancer. Contemplated are, furthermore, diagnostic devices and kits for carrying out said methods.

Abstract: Provided are methods, for selectively analyzing a cell sample. Viable cells are dyed with a membrane-permeable fluorescent dye, and nonviable cells are dyed with a membrane-impermeable fluorescent quenching dye. The cells are illuminated to cause fluorescent emission from the membrane-permeable fluorescent dye in the viable cells and the membrane-impermeable fluorescent quenching dye in the non-viable cells. The cells are then quenched for at least a portion of fluorescence of the membrane-permeable fluorescent dye in the nonviable cells by the membrane-impermeable fluorescent quenching dye. The cells are then analyzed for viable and nonviable cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent and method for detecting a replication-competent lentivirus (RCL) by fluorescence quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In particular, the present invention provides a primer and probe combination for detecting RCL, and a method for performing detection using said primer and probe; the present invention also provides a reagent kit comprising said primer and probe. The primer and probe combination of the present invention detects RCL with high amplification efficiency and good specificity, and can be used for RCL detection and RCL monitoring of clinical patient peripheral blood samples which may occur during a production process.

Abstract: A method for detecting a methylated genomic locus is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) treating a nucleic acid sample that contains both unmethylated and methylated copies of a genomic locus with an agent that modifies cytosine to uracil to produce a treated nucleic acid; b) amplifying a product from the treated nucleic acid using a first primer and a second primer, wherein the first primer hybridizes to a site in the locus that contain methylcytosines and the amplifying preferentially amplifies the methylated copies of the genomic locus, to produce an amplified sample; and c) detecting the presence of amplified methylated copies of the genomic locus in the amplified sample using a flap assay that employs an invasive oligonucleotide having a 3? terminal G or C nucleotide that corresponds to a site of methylation in the genomic locus.

Abstract: Enantiomeric pairs of molecular wires comprised of oligomeric nucleic acids, wherein the oligomers of each wire possess identical nucleobase pair sequences and thus identical conductivity as between wires, are constructed and used to sense biological or chemical entities of interest at the cellular or molecular level. The oligomeric molecular wires conduct voltage inputs to sensing subsystem integrated circuitry, either from an electrostatic potential arising from a targeting agent (i.e., a capture agent) binding to an intended biological or chemical target molecule, or from an electrostatic potential associated with a reference molecule that has non-specific interactions with the environment. The chirality of the oligomers imparts selectivity to either the targeting agent or the reference molecule during assembly of the sensing subsystem.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed for recommending beauty products for a subject by using a DNA sequencer to generate genetic information; aggregating genetic information, beauty trend data, and cosmetic product response from a patient population; deep learning with a computer to generate at least one computer implemented classifier that predicts matching beauty products based on the genetic information, beauty trend data, and cosmetic product response from a patient population; and recommending one or more beauty products for the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the methods and compositions provided herein relate to the selective cleavage of target nucleic acids. Some embodiments include recombinase-mediated selective cleavage of target nucleic acids with single-stranded nucleic acid probes and a recombinase. Some embodiments also include the enrichment of non-target nucleic acids in a sample by selective cleavage of target nucleic acids in the sample, and removal of the cleaved target nucleic acids from the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving one or more electronic slide images associated with a tissue specimen, the tissue specimen being associated with a patient and/or medical case, partitioning a first slide image of the one or more electronic slide images into a plurality of tiles, detecting a plurality of tissue regions of the first slide image and/or plurality of tiles to generate a tissue mask, determining whether any of the plurality of tiles corresponds to non-tissue, removing any of the plurality of tiles that are determined to be non-tissue, determining a prediction, using a machine learning prediction model, for at least one label for the one or more electronic slide images, the machine learning prediction model having been generated by processing a plurality of training images, and outputting the prediction of the trained machine learning prediction model.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a process to identify a patient likely to have OSCC by taking a sample containing miRNA from epithelial cells from the patient's oral cavity and determining the relative level of expression of miRNA sequences which have different levels of expression in epithelial cell OSCC tissue than in benign tissue. The epithelial cells are those that form the mucosal epithelium that consists mainly of keratinocytes with some immune cells. It involves determining the relative level of expression of at least miRNA sequences hsa-miR-130-3p, hsa-miR-7-5p, hsa-miR-101-3p and hsa-miR-146b-5p. It also involves discriminating between benign oral lesions and OSCC using a sample of epithelial cells of the lesion and determining the relative level of expression of miRNA sequences which have different levels of expression in epithelial cell OSCC tissue than in benign tissue. It uses the relative level of expression of at least miRNA sequences hsa-miR-196a-5p and hsa-miR-873-5p.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining whether an HLA allele is lost in a tumour in a subject, wherein said method comprises the step of determining the specific copy number of said HLA allele in said tumour. The invention also relates to a method for treating cancer in a subject, comprising targeting a neoantigen which is predicted to be presented by an HLA molecule encoded by an HLA allele which has been determined not to have been lost in a tumour in said subject.

Abstract: The invention features immunogenic compositions containing anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) polypeptides and methods of use thereof. The immunogenic compositions and methods of the invention may be used to treat a disease associated with ALK in a subject, such as cancer (e.g., a solid tumor cancer or an ALK+ cancer).