Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) of fetal aneuploidies. The present methods are based on analyzing cell-free fetal DNA (cff DNA) found in a pregnant woman's circulation through the next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Particularly, the present methods analyze the relative abundance of different fetal genomic fragments present in the maternal sample, where the fragments can be aligned to particular chromosomal locations of the fetal genome. The relative abundance information is indicative as to whether a particular chromosome is overrepresented or underrepresented in a fetal genome as compared to normal individuals, and thus can be used to detect fetal aneuploidy. Additionally, methods for increasing the positive predictive values (PPV) of NIPS by excluding false-positive detections are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining the presence or absence of an enteroviruses and parechoviruses in a biological sample. The methods involve identifying the presence or absence of a target nucleic acids from the viruses using direct amplification from a biological sample without a step of extraction of the nucleic acids, but retaining substantially the same specificity and sensitivity of methods assaying extracted nucleic acids. Also provided are methods of diagnosis using the methods provided and compositions and kits for the practice of the methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring treatment and monitoring progression of cancer by detecting the level of Ki-67 protein in an individual.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and kits directed to the detection of gene dysregulations such as those arising from gene fusions and/or chromosomal abnormalities, e.g., translocations, insertions, inversions and deletions. Samples containing dysregulated gene(s) of interest may show independent expression patterns for the 5? and 3? regions of the gene. The methods, compositions and kits are useful for detecting mutations that cause the differential expression of a 5? portion of a target gene relative to the 3? region of the target gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating RNA from whole urine and urine fractions for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and/or benign prostate hyperplasia. An exemplary method for diagnosing prostate cancer in an individual, said method comprises: (a) determining the amount of RNA encoding one or more diagnostic genes in the soluble urine fraction of a urine sample obtained from said individual; (b) comparing the amount of said RNA to a reference value for said one or more diagnostic genes, wherein said reference value is derived from the amount of RNA encoding said one or more diagnostic genes in one or more individuals that do not have prostate cancer; and (c) diagnosing said individual as having prostate cancer when the amount of said RNA is greater than said reference value.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the detection of in-frame deletion germline mutations in the CALR gene. Also provided are methods for determining the prognosis of myeloproliferative diseases and the likelihood of developing somatic mutations in genes involved in the JAK-STAT pathway.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating RNA from the soluble fraction of urine. The methods can be used for detecting the presence or absence of an RNA, or quantifying the amount of an RNA. The methods are useful for diagnosing an individual suspected of having a disease by detecting the level of RNA associated with the disease in the soluble fraction of urine. The methods are also useful for prognosing an individual diagnosed with a disease by detecting the level of RNA associated with the disease in the soluble fraction of urine.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and kits for detecting the presence or absence of gene dysregulations such as those arising from gene fusions and/or chromosomal abnormalities, e.g. translocations, insertions, inversions and deletions. The methods, compositions and kits are useful for detecting mutations that cause the differential expression of a 5? portion of a target gene relative to the 3? region of the target gene. The average expression of the 5? portion of the target gene is compared with the average expression of the 3? portion of the target gene to determine an intragenic differential expression (IDE). The IDE can then be used to determine if a dysregulation or a particular disease (or susceptibility to a disease) is present or absent in a subject or sample.

Abstract: Discloses are methods of identifying a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a sample wherein the methods involve detecting a S. aureus-specific nucleic acid sequence, mecA and mecC, in the sample. Kits for determining the presence of MRSA in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining the overall survival of maintenance hemodialysis patients. The methods include measuring low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and subfraction concentrations as prognostic tools for early mortality risk detection. For example, the presence of increased very small LDL concentration or decreased LDL particle size in blood-serum serves as a useful means for prognostic risk assessment and monitoring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for detecting Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis by detecting the presence of the IS481 and IS1001 genomic insertion sequences, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the diagnosis and evaluation of neoplastic disorders, particularly non-small cell lung cancer. Assays are described in which patient test samples are analyzed for the presence of one or more specific EML4-ALK fusion genes associated with neoplastic disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting and discriminating BRAF V600 mutations. Also provided herein are methods for diagnosis, prognosis, management, and treatment decisions of BRAF V600 mutation-related diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the diagnosis, or management of liver diseases, e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, using profiles of the miRNAs determined from cellular or acellular body fluids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining whether a patient exhibiting cystic fibrosis symptoms, or a patient at risk for cystic fibrosis, will benefit from treatment with one or more anti-cystic fibrosis therapeutic agents. These methods are based on detecting hereditary cystic fibrosis related mutations in small-volume dried biological fluid samples that are collected using a volumetric absorptive microsampling device. Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining the presence or absence of an enteroviruses and parechoviruses in a biological sample. The methods involve identifying the presence or absence of a target nucleic acids from the viruses using direct amplification from a biological sample without a step of extraction of the nucleic acids, but retaining substantially the same specificity and sensitivity of methods assaying extracted nucleic acids. Also provided are methods of diagnosis using the methods provided and compositions and kits for the practice of the methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining whether a patient exhibiting pertussis-like symptoms will benefit from treatment, with therapeutic agents that inhibit Bordetella holmesii. These methods are based on detecting Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, and Bordetella holmesii in a biological sample by assaying for the presence of the IS481, IS 1001, and hIS1001 target repeat elements, respectively. Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence or absence of expansion of CGG repeat sequence in the FMR1 gene presence or absence of expansion of CCG repeat sequence in the FMR2 gene are provided. The methods are useful in identifying an individual with normal/intermediate, versus premutation or full mutation allele of FMR1 gene and FMR2 gene due to the expansion of CGG repeats and CCG repeats in the 5?-untranslated region respectively. The methods are also useful for screening newborns for fragile X syndrome or for screening women to determine heterozygosity status with full premutation of the CCG repeat tract. The methods are also useful in estimating the premutation and full mutation carrier frequency and estimating the prevalence of FXTAS AND FXPOI in a population. The methods are simple, rapid and require small amount of sample.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and kits directed to the detection of gene dysregulations such as those arising from gene fusions and/or chromosomal abnormalities, e.g., translocations, insertions, inversions and deletions. Samples containing dysregulated gene(s) of interest may show independent expression patterns for the 5? and 3? regions of the gene. The methods, compositions and kits are useful for detecting mutations that cause the differential expression of a 5? portion of a target gene relative to the 3? region of the target gene.

Abstract: The present technology is related to methods for detecting genetic alterations underlying intracranial neoplasms such as pituitary adenomas, meningiomas, and craniopharyngiomas. The methods disclosed herein are useful in determining whether a patient harboring an intracranial tumor will benefit from or is predicted to be responsive to treatment with an individual therapeutic agent or a specific combination of therapeutic agents. Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.