Abstract: The present disclosure describes the identification and use of aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using previously described methods. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for the identification and use of aptamers to one or more targets within a histological or cytological sample, which have slow rates of dissociation. The aptamers may be used to assess localization, relative density, and presence or absence of one or more targets in cytological and histological samples. Targets may be selected that are specific and diagnostic of a given disease state for which the sample was collected. The aptamers may also be used to introduce target specific signal moieties. In addition to target identification, the aptamers may be used to amplify signal generation through a variety of methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides aptamers that specifically bind to the EGF receptor in a sample, and diagnostic and analytical methods using those aptamers.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a slide assembly device having a static tooling base which is statically and solidly affixed to a base such as a table and a moveable tooling arm that is rotatable about a hinge connected to the static tooling base, so that moveable tooling arm rotates about the hinge in a manner similar to a book cover opening and closing. The embodiments further provide an upper slide chuck that is removably attachable to the moveable tooling arm and a lower slide receiver that is removably attachable to the static tooling base. The upper slide chuck is configured to hold an experimental slide via a vacuum mechanism to engagedly hold the experimental slide to the upper slide chuck while the moveable tooling arm is rotated about the hinge from an open-book position to a closed-book position.

Abstract: Aptamers that bind IL-6 are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising IL-6 aptamers are provided, as well as methods of treating conditions using the aptamers are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of nucleic acid chemistry, specifically to 5-position modified uridines as well as phosphoramidite and triphosphate derivatives thereof. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the identification and use of aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using previously described methods. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for the identification and use of aptamers to one or more targets within a histological or cytological sample, which have slow rates of dissociation. The aptamers may be used to assess localization, relative density, and presence or absence of one or more targets in cytological and histological samples. Targets may be selected that are specific and diagnostic of a given disease state for which the sample was collected. The aptamers may also be used to introduce target specific signal moieties. In addition to target identification, the aptamers may be used to amplify signal generation through a variety of methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for producing aptamers that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for producing photoreactive aptamers that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. In addition, the disclosure describes aptamer constructs that include a variety of functionalities, including a cleavable element, a detection element, and a capture or immobilization element.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. In one embodiment, a test sample is contacted with an aptamer that includes a tag and has a specific affinity for a target molecule. An aptamer affinity complex that includes an aptamer bound to its target molecule is allowed to form. If the test sample contains the target molecule, an aptamer affinity complex will generally form in the test sample. The aptamer affinity complex is optionally converted to an aptamer covalent complex that includes an aptamer covalently bound to its target molecule. The aptamer affinity complex (or optional aptamer covalent complex) can then be detected and/or quantified using any of a variety of methods known to one skilled in the art, including using a solid support, using mass spectrometry, and using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR).

Abstract: Embodiments provide a slide assembly device having a static tooling base which is statically and solidly affixed to a base such as a table and a moveable tooling arm that is rotatable about a hinge connected to the static tooling base, so that moveable tooling arm rotates about the hinge in a manner similar to a book cover opening and closing. The embodiments further provide an upper slide chuck that is removably attachable to the moveable tooling arm and a lower slide receiver that is removably attachable to the static tooling base. The upper slide chuck is configured to hold an experimental slide via a vacuum mechanism to engagedly hold the experimental slide to the upper slide chuck while the moveable tooling arm is rotated about the hinge from an open-book position to a closed-book position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of nucleic acids and, more particularly, to aptamers capable of binding to toxins produced by Clostridium difficile; diagnostic kits and methods comprising such aptamers; and methods of making and using such aptamers.

Abstract: Aptamers that bind IL-6 are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising IL-6 aptamers are provided, as well as methods of treating conditions using the aptamers are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are provided. Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic steatosis are also provided. Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are also provided.

Abstract: The present application includes biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits for the detection, treatment and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). In one aspect, the present application includes the identification of biomarkers that can be used alone or in various combinations for the detection of TB, including those set forth in Tables 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 to 12. In another aspect, the application provides biomarkers that can be used alone or in various combinations to diagnose or prognose TB or follow treatment response. In another aspect, methods are provided for diagnosing TB in an individual, where the methods include detecting, in a biological sample from an individual, at least one biomarker value corresponding to at least one biomarker selected from the group of biomarkers provided in Tables 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 to 12, wherein the individual is classified as having TB, or the likelihood of the individual having TB is determined, based on the at least one biomarker value.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the isolation, identification and purification of aptamers having sufficiently high affinity and specificity to capture and immobilize intact sperm cells in the presence of female epithelial cells and other non-sperm semen components. The present disclosure also describes affinity-based methods for the detection of sperm cells in samples, including from forensic sample surrogates consisting of swab eluates containing a mixture of HeLa cells and sperm cells. The present disclosure describes methods for eluting sperm cell samples from swabs; methods for purifying sperm cells and methods for amplification and analysis of male DNA. The affinity-based system described herein is inexpensive, simple to use and easily implemented in forensic laboratories.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits for the detection and diagnosis of cancer generally and pancreatic cancer specifically. In one aspect, the disclosure provides biomarkers that can be used alone or in various combinations to diagnose cancer generally or pancreatic cancer specifically. In another aspect, methods are provided for diagnosing pancreatic cancer in an individual, where the methods include detecting, in a biological sample from an individual, at least one biomarker value corresponding to at least one biomarker selected from the group of biomarkers provided in Table 1, wherein the individual is classified as having pancreatic cancer, or the likelihood of the individual having pancreatic cancer is determined, based on the at least one biomarker value.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes biomarkers, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits for the detection and diagnosis of cancer. In one aspect, methods are provided for diagnosing mesothelioma where the methods include detecting, in a biological sample, at least one biomarker value corresponding to at least one biomarker selected from the biomarkers provided in Table 1, wherein an individual is classified as having mesothelioma, or the likelihood of an individual having mesothelioma is determined, based on the at least one biomarker value. In another aspect, methods are provided for diagnosing cancer generally where the methods include detecting, in a biological sample at least one biomarker value corresponding to at least one biomarker selected from the biomarkers provided in Table 17, wherein an individual is classified as having cancer generally, or the likelihood of an individual having cancer is determined, based on the at least one biomarker value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of nucleic acids and, more particularly, to aptamers capable of binding to ?-NGF; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such ?-NGF aptamers; and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods for obtaining biological samples of improved quality. It encompasses the identification of markers or proteins in biological samples that are altered due to variations in sample collection, handling and processing. They are also useful for correcting variations in measured results for disease biomarkers. Further, they can permit the rejection of samples or groups of samples as necessary if it is determined that their collection method was not in accordance with the predetermined protocol. Other advantages useful to the skilled artisan are described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for generating nucleic acid ligands that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for generating photoreactive nucleic acid ligands that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. The disclosure further describes nucleic acid libraries having expanded physical and chemical properties and their use in SELEX and photoSELEX; methods for increasing the crosslinking efficiencies of photoaptamers; methods for producing photoaptamers having selective modifications that enhance functionality and minimize non-specific photoreactions; and methods for generating truncated nucleic acid ligands from nucleic acid ligands of longer length. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers obtained by using any of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the field of nucleic acid chemistry, specifically to 5-position modified uridines, as well as, oligonucleotides comprising said 5-position modified uridines. The present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers comprising said 5-position modified uridines that are capable of binding to target molecules.