Abstract: We analyzed bone marrow from 67 patients from a phase 2 study of farnesyltransferase inhibition with tipifarnib (R115777, ZARNESTRA®), in older adults with previously untreated, poor-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for N-Ras mutations, global gene expression, and/or quantitative PCR (qPCR) of specific genes. Microarray profiling identified a two-gene expression ratio (RASGRP1:APTX) which provided the greatest accuracy for predicting response to tipifarnib. We demonstrated that this classifier could predict response to tipifarnib in an independent set of 54 samples from relapsed or refractory AML, with a NPV and PPV of 92% and 28%, respectively (odds ratio of 4.4). Therefore, in both newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory AML, this classifier improves the overall response rate by approximately 50% while maintaining a high NPV, and significantly improves patient overall survival.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for predicting the prognosis of squamous cell lung cancer by observing regulatory changes in select miRNA sequences. These sequences may include hsa-mir-146b, hsa-mir-191, hsa-mir-206, hsa-mir-299-3p, hsa-mir-155, hsa-mir-15a, hsa-mir-122a, hsa-mir-513, hsa-mir-184, hsa-mir-511, hsa-mir-100, hsa-mir-10a, hsa-mir-453, hsa-mir-379, hsa-mir-202, hsa-mir-21, hsa-mir-126, hsa-mir-494, hsa-mir-432, hsa-mir-370, and combinations of these sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for designing ophthalmic lenses, and lenses produced by this method, which lenses corrects both low order and high order wavefront aberrations of the lens wearer's eyes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic injector that includes a pressurized gas source, an actuator, a driver, and a dispenser. The dispenser of the injector includes a reservoir for containing a desired amount of a chosen medicament and a needle, such as a hypodermic needle, suitable for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intra-articular delivery of the chosen medicament. The actuator actuates the transmission of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the driver, and as pressurized gas is delivered to the driver, the driver exerts at least an injection force. The injection force is of sufficient magnitude to expel a chosen medicament through the needle of the dispenser within a desired amount of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids.

Abstract: A method of prognosticating metastasis in a breast cancer patient involves identifying differential modulation of each gene (relative to the expression of the same genes in a normal population) in a combination of genes as well as kits for employing the method.

Abstract: A control deck and system for controlling and driving blood fluids through an extracorporeal blood circuit kit. In one aspect, the invention is a deck having an improved mechanism for securing a cassette in place during treatment operations. The improved deck comprises catches for slidably receiving tabs of the cassette and one or more rotating clamps for locking and securing the cassette in a loaded position. In another aspect the invention is a system for controlling and driving blood fluids having infrared communication abilities to transmit and receive real time data. In still another aspect, the invention is a system for controlling and driving blood fluids having an upright tower design that reduces the footprint of the system. In this embodiment, a centrifuge chamber is positioned in an upper portion of the system while the control deck and photoactivation chamber are located in a base portion of the system.

Abstract: A method of extracting RNA from biological systems (cells, cell fragments, organelles, tissues, organs, or organisms) is presented in which a solution containing RNA is contacted with a substrate to which RNA can bind. RNA is withdrawn from the substrate by applying negative pressure. No centrifugation step exceeds thirty seconds. Preferably, the RNA is diluted prior to filtration and one or more wash steps can be used to remove interferents. In one such method, except for DNA shearing and drying steps, centrifugation is not undertaken during the extraction step.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for improving the yield for separating components of fluids, for example biological or sensitive fluids such as blood, and improving the component yield, for example, from donated whole blood by separating its components by density in a centrifuge bowl with a multi-axial lumen. The apparatus, system, and method eliminate the need to batch-type separate blood and can reduce the time needed to treat patients suffering from T-cell or white blood cell mediated diseases or conditions to less than 70 minutes. In one aspect, the invention is a centrifuge bowl (10) comprising an outer housing (100); a core (200); a lower plate (300); a lumen (400); a first bowl channel (420) within said lumen (400) for inflowing said fluid (800); a second bowl channel (410) for removing a first separated fluid component (810); and a third bowl channel (740) for removing a second separated fluid component (820).

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of a tumor or a cancerous condition includes detecting the expression of RELP proteins, related polypeptides and proteins, or nucleic acid molecules indicative of such expression are presented. These methods include antibody-based assays and molecular diagnostic assays such as PCR-based methods.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for mixing a liquid within a disposable aspirating probe tip so that most of the liquid is forced to move past a transition zone between two different inside diameters to cause rotational mixing. The apparatus and method can be used to provide agglutination of blood, which in turn can be used for blood typing. The probe tip can comprise a single integral piece, or two separate portions. The transition zone can comprise a sharp demarcation between inside diameters, or a smooth one.

Abstract: The invention is a method of making a coated contact lens with desirable physiological performance. Preferably, the lenses are made from hydrophobic contact lens substrate with a hydrophilic coating material. The hydrophobic lens substrate is coated with a hydrophilic material having an expansion factor greater than one. The coated lenses have low physical defect and surface roughness profiles.

Abstract: Improved dry-operative ion-selective electrodes and their use are described. The dry-operative ion-selective electrodes include an internal reference electrode comprising a water-soluble salt dispersed in a polymer binder consisting essentially of a monomer having at least one carboxyl group and a hydrophobic monomer. The polymer provides reduced brittleness, good interlayer adhesion and high salt tolerance.

Abstract: Acylphosphine initiators used in making ophthalmic lenses are stabilized by the addition of an acid to the monomer mix used to make the lenses.

Abstract: A wettable silicone hydrogel made by including a high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer into the silicone hydrogel monomer mix is presented. The hydrophilic polymer is entrapped in the hydrogel with little or no covalent bonding between it and the hydrogel matrix.

Abstract: A dry analytical element is disclosed which can be used to sensitively and rapidly detect and quantitate protein. The assays are carried out using a dye that reacts with protein and molybdate ion to produce a measurable change in the spectral absorption of the dye. Also disclosed are polymers which stabilize and enhance the accuracy of the assay, and compounds which reduce interference by bicarbonate.