Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel variant of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (S16AhTERT), which displays properties distinct from those of wildtype telomerase reverse transcriptase. Accordingly, the amino acid sequence of S16AhTERT and nucleic acid sequences encoding same are presented herein, as are methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising PTRF polypeptides, nucleic acids, and PTRF binding proteins useful for tissue regeneration and the treatment and prevention of disorders relating to cell membrane damage and repair.

Abstract: Extracellular matrix bioscaffolds capable of supporting the formation and growth of tumors from tumor cells introduced thereto containing tumor associated macrophages and carcinoma-associated fibroblast-like cells cultured under conditions effective to provide a cellular matrix capable of supporting the formation and growth of tumors from tumor cells introduced to the matrix. Bioscaffold kits and methods for using the bioscaffolds for testing, identifying and development of known or novel anti-cancer therapeutics are also disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated, latently infected T cell lines are provided that can be utilized in high throughput screening to discover compounds capable of activating HIV-I. The T cell lines harbor a latent HIV-I derived vector pro virus, which upon activation expresses a marker for late viral gene expression due to the insertion of the marker gene in the position of HIV-I envelope.

Abstract: Serum antibody assays capable of distinguishing cases of inactive TB from cases of active TB include a combination at least three M. tuberculosis protein antigens, at least one for which a positive response is consistent with inactive TB and antigens, and at least one for which a negative response is consistent with inactive TB. Preferred assays further distinguish other TB classes. Also, antigen kits for performing such assays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel method of measuring telomere length comprising determining the DNA content (Dx) of a sample, determining the telomeric content (T) of a sample, and determining the value of T/Dx.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for predicting the optimal amounts of radiopharmaceutical and/or chemotherapy agents to administer to a patient, by determining the level of saturation of the therapeutic agents in the patient's cells. The method comprises measuring cellular incorporation of the candidate therapeutic agents in a target cell population on a cell-by-cell basis. The method is able to identify an optimal cocktail of therapeutic agents for treatment of a disease. A method of high-throughput drug discovery incorporating this method, and a 2-stage targeting method of treating a disease using this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Substituted triazole compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are presented. Also presented are methods for treating a pathology linked to a hyperproliferative disorder by administering the substituted triazole compounds to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Opioid receptor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are presented. Also presented are methods for treating a condition mediated by an opioid receptor by administering an effective amount of the opioid receptor compound to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel markers and assays for autism based on the association of GSTM1 with autism. The invention relates to the use and application of as a susceptibility marker for autism. GSTM1 may be combined with other markers in methods and assays for diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis, and assessment of autism. The invention further relates to a likelihood ratio test. In addition, the present invention discloses a novel method for identifying individuals who are genetically susceptible to have offspring with autism wherein the genotype of GSTM1, alone or in combination with other genetic markers, is determined.

Abstract: A method for probing a target sequence of messenger ribonucleic acid molecules (mRNA's) in a fixed, permeabilized cell, said target sequence including at least 30 non-overlapping probe binding regions of 15-100 nucleotides, comprising immersing said cell in an excess of at least 30 nucleic acid hybridization probes, each singly labeled with the same fluorescent label and each containing a nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a different probe binding region of said target sequence; washing said fixed cell to remove unbound probes; and detecting fluorescence from said probes.

Abstract: Therapies and assays to screen for small molecules that can have therapeutic use in the control of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and other alpha-synucleinopathies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery of a novel family of enzymes designated herein as mRNA interferases that exhibit endoribonuclease activity. The novel finding of the present inventors, therefore, presents new applications for which mRNA interferase nucleic and amino acid sequences, and compositions thereof may be used to advantage. The invention also encompasses screening methods to identify compounds/agents capable of modulating mRNA interferase activity and methods for using such compounds/agents. Also provided is a kit comprising mRNA interferase nucleic and/or amino acid sequences, mRNA interferase activity compatible buffers, and instruction materials.

Abstract: Method and systems for determining if one or more animals has mastitis and for monitoring animals and the quality of the milk they produce are disclosed. Systems and test assays disclosed are used to determine the quantity of proteasomes and proteins thereof, the activity of proteasome enzymes, the quantity of proteasome bound and regulating proteins, and the quantity of ubiquinated protein. Components and reagents for use in the systems and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel IFN-?/? independent ligand receptor system which upon engagement leads, among other things, to the establishment of an anti-viral state is disclosed. Further disclosed are three closely positioned genes on human chromosome 19 that encode distinct but highly homologous proteins, designated IFN-?1, IFN-?2, IFN-?3, based, inter alia, in their ability to induce antiviral protection. Expression of these proteins is induced upon viral infection. A receptor complex utilized by all three IFN-? proteins for signaling is also disclosed. The receptor complex is generally composed of two subunits, a novel receptor designated IFN-?R1 or CRF2-12, and a second subunit, IL-10R2 or CRF2-4, which is also a shared receptor component for the IL-10 and IL-22 receptor complexes. The gene encoding IFN-?R1 is generally widely expressed, including many different cell types and tissues. Expression of these proteins is induced by immune events, including, for example, upon viral infection.

Abstract: A method for site-specific detection and early diagnosis of periodontal disease using periodontal pocket fluid biomarkers is disclosed.

Abstract: Recombinant bacterial triple-helical collagen-like proteins comprising two or more repetitive sequences of Gly-Xaa-Yaa yielding high-stability polymeric constructs without the need for post-translational modifications and which may incorporate one or more functional domains of biological or structural importance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reliably predicting the likelihood of a response to placebo among subjects in, or potentially enrolling in, clinical trials.

Abstract: A novel isoform of tropomyosin is disclosed. The isoform is closely related to epithelial human tropomyosin (hTM) and more particularly to hTM5 except the last coding exon. The novel isoform, is called TC22. Northern blot analysis with TC22-specific probe revealed that normal culture cell lines and normal epithelial tissues expressed very little, if at all, TC22 message, whereas their transformed counterparts and tumor tissues including dysfunction of the alimentary canal, significantly increased the expression of TC22. Assays directed at determining the level of TC22 are useful in diagnostics and therapeutics of dysfunction of the alimentary canal. Specific antibodies and mimics for TC22 are also disclosed for use in diagnostics and therapeutics of dysfunction of the alimentary canal.