Abstract: Multi-modal tumor imaging of neuroblastoma is essential for tumor staging, response evaluation and detection of relapsed diseased. The present invention provides a norepinephine analogue with a near-infrared (near-IR) dye, W765-BG, that efficiently and stably detects neuroblastoma in vivo using near-IR optical imaging. Confocal microscopy and optical imaging of neuroblastoma xenografts shows cell specific uptake and reveals exceptional tumor retention with a high tumor-to-tissue ratio up to 7 days after injection of W765-BG.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enrichment and isolation of endogenous transcription factors and their complexes. Also, this invention provides corresponding tandem arrays of concatenated transcription factor response elements (catTFRE). The method employs the property of transcription factors binding to sequence-specific DNA elements during regulation of gene expression. The catTFREs are designed and synthesized as concatenate dual copies of DNA response elements for various transcription factors. The DNA sequence of synthesized catTFRE is cloned to a target vector. Biotinylated catTFRE with 200 bp arms is prepared by PCR strategy. For enrichment and isolation of endogenous transcription factors and their complexes, the biotinylated catTFRE is immobilized to streptavidin-coated magnetic beads and then incubated with nuclear extract. Thereby endogenous transcription factors and their complexes are isolated from nuclear extract.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the expression, secretion and use of novel compositions for use as, e.g., vaccines and antigen delivery vectors, to delivery antigens to antigen presenting cells. In one embodiment, the vector is an anti-CD40 antibody, or fragments thereof, and one or more antigenic peptides linked to the anti-CD40 antibody or fragments thereof, including humanized antibodies.

Abstract: A method of treating patients in need of treatment for a cardiac disorder has been found which comprises administering to the patient a seven carbon fatty acid compound or derivative thereof, wherein the compound or derivative thereof is able to readily enter the mitochondrion without special transport enzymes. A dietary formulation suitable for treatment of heart tissue in cardiac or surgical patients has been found which comprises a seven-carbon fatty acid chain, wherein the seven-carbon fatty acid chain is characterized by the ability to transverse the inner mitochondrial membrane by a transport mechanism which does not require carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, carnitine palmitoyltransferase II, or carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase and the ability to undergo mitochondrial ?-oxidation, and wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of n-heptanoic acid or a derivative thereof, a triglyceride comprising n-heptanoic acid or a derivative thereof, and triheptanoin or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating the effects of catabolism in a patient by providing the patient with an amount of an odd-chain fatty acid sufficient to increase the intracellular ratio of AMP to ATP and reduce the activity of AMPK.

Abstract: A method for using the blood transcriptional profile of patients with stage IV melanoma to generate networks associated with the possibility of prolonged survival and networks associated with clinical responses to dendritic cell (DC) vaccination as measured by tumor regression are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for adaptively determining a model of visual performance of a test subject comprising the step of exposing a test subject to a plurality of trials. Each trial comprises the steps of identifying the stimulus pattern to test, generating a stimulus pattern on a display, determining whether the stimulus pattern generated an OKR, updating the model to incorporate the OKR results, and determining whether the updated model is acceptable. The trials can be iteratively repeated until the model for visual performance is acceptable.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for targeting the LOX-1 receptor on immune cells and uses for the anti-LOX-1 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of a patient suspected of having a colorectal cancer comprising obtaining one or more samples of the patient, determining a level of expression of miR-148a or the level of methylation of a miR-148a promoter, and predicting a response to a cytotoxic chemotherapy cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecule compositions comprising MiniVectors™ encoding a nucleic acid sequence and methods of gene therapy using MiniVectors encoding a nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex.

Abstract: A novel network of tumorigenic prognostic factors is identified that plays a critical role in advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) pathogenesis. This interactome is interconnected through a central tumor suppressive microRNA, miR-198, which is able to both directly and indirectly modulate expression of the various members of this network to alter the molecular makeup of pancreatic tumors. When this tumor signature network is intact, miR-198 expression is reduced and patient survival is dismal; patients with higher miR-198 present an altered tumor signature network, better prognosis and increased survival. Further, MiR-198 replacement reverses tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. embodiment of the disclosure is a method of treating cancer in an individual, comprising the step of increasing the level of active microRNA-198 molecules in the pancreatic cancer tumor cells of the individual by an amount sufficient to cause an improvement in the pancreatic cancer in the individual.

Abstract: According to the present invention, acquired metabolic derangements or fatty acid disorders in humans that are manifested by a deficiency in at least one enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism are treated with a five carbon or a fifteen carbon fatty acid source. Rapid nutritional supplementation can also be provided to a mammalian cell by providing either a five carbon or fifteen carbon fatty acid source. Dietary formulations suitable for human consumption comprising either a five carbon fatty acid, a fifteen carbon fatty acid or triglycerides thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and preparation of immunogenic antigens for the production of customized cancer vaccines that include dendritic cells that are contacted with an antigen that includes heat-shocked cancer cells.

Abstract: An exercise machine which includes a frame which is connected to a series of pivotable links. A user sits on one of the links and applies force, typically with his legs, to a drive link. At least two of the links are connected by some form of resistance, such as hydraulic cylinder. When the user presses against one of the links, resistance is applied, through the links, by the weight of the user and the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A bifunctional shRNA-based composition and methods for knocking down the expression of the PDX-1 oncogene in target cells is described herein. The invention also provides methods to deliver the shRNA-containing expression vectors to target tissues overexpressing the PDX-1 oncogene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecule compositions comprising minivectors encoding a nucleic acid sequence and methods of gene therapy and prophylaxis against infection using minivectors encoding a nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: We have discovered that phospholipids diundecanoyl (C11:0-C11:0) and dilauroyl (C12:0-C12:0) phosphatidylcholine (PC) act as agonists of the LRH-1 receptor. We have also shown that administration of these lipids to diabetic mice reduces blood glucose levels. On the basis of these discoveries, the present invention features compositions that include these lipids and structurally related lipids. Also featured are methods of treating metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel disease, lowering blood glucose levels, and increasing LRH-1 receptor activity in a subject by administration of these lipids.

Abstract: Blood and tissue markers of the metabolic status, risk of health complications in Fabry disease patients and as a biomarker to follow the efficacy of treatment in animal models and patients with Fabry disease comprising tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), precursors and metabolites of BH4, and other related co-factors is disclosed herein. The present invention further describes the use of BH4 therapy as a treatment option for Fabry disease to prevent, slow or reverses vascular cardiac and renal manifestations of Fabry disease.

Abstract: According to the present invention, acquired metabolic derangements or fatty acid disorders in humans that are manifested by a deficiency in at least one enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism are treated with a five carbon or a fifteen carbon fatty acid source. Rapid nutritional supplementation can also be provided to a mammalian cell by providing either a five carbon or fifteen carbon fatty acid source. Dietary formulations suitable for human consumption comprising either a five carbon fatty acid, a fifteen carbon fatty acid or triglycerides thereof is also disclosed.