Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the detection of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and/or 5-methylcytosine (5meC). In some embodiments, the present invention relates to methods and kits for detection of 5hmC and/or 5meC in nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA). In some embodiments, the present invention relates to detection of 5hmC in genomic DNA, e.g., mammalian genomic DNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions, and systems for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences, and in particular, sequences that contain consecutive repeats of a particular base. For example, a consecutive repeat of a particular base may be identified by a charged ion detection (e.g., hydrogen ion detection).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the nucleic acid composition in a total nucleic acid mixture comprising a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid. The method comprises: 1) treating the total nucleic acid mixture with a bisulfate, to convert the non-methylated cytosine in the total nucleic acid mixture into uracil, and obtain a converted total nucleic acid mixture; 2) subjecting the converted total nucleic acid mixture to multiplexed fluorescent quantitative PCR using a first set of amplification primers and a second set of amplification primers; and 3) based on the ratio R of the methylated amplification product to the non-methylated amplification product of the predetermined nucleic acid fragment, a methylation proportion M1 of the predetermined nucleic acid fragment in the first nucleic acid, and a methylation proportion M2 of the predetermined nucleic acid fragment in the second nucleic acid, determining the nucleic acid composition in the total nucleic acid mixture.

Abstract: Methods of distinguishing and identifying a patient with aggressive/indolent, prostatic adenocarcinoma comprising contacting a sample from the patient with a set of detectably labeled probes under hybridization conditions and determining the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in the sample; sets of probes for use in such methods; and kits comprising a set of probes and instructions for distinguishing or identifying a patient as having aggressive/indolent, prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: To provide a method for selectively detecting the methylation of particular cytosines in genomic DNA using a methylcytosine detection method using an anti-methylcytosine antibody to improve quantitativity and reliability. A method for detecting the methylated state of cytosine at a specific position contained in a nucleic acid, includes fragmenting the nucleic acid using a restriction enzyme; forming a double-stranded nucleic acid between the fragmented nucleic acid and a single-stranded nucleic acid having a base sequence capable of hybridizing with the fragmented nucleic acid but incapable of resulting in the formation of a base pair with cytosine at a specific position in the fragmented nucleic acid and a solid phase-binding site; binding the double-stranded nucleic acid on a solid phase using the solid phase-binding site; and measuring the amount of an antibody binding to the double-stranded nucleic acid on the solid phase.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for diagnosing a patient eosinophilic esophagitis, the methods based upon the patient's gene expression profile for a panel of genes. The methods can also be used to exclude a diagnosis of chronic esophagitis.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of molecular diagnostics and relates to a method for classifying samples obtained from patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma into three newly defined clusters. The invention also relates to a method for determining the prognosis of an individual diagnosed with multiple myeloma as well as a method for the prediction of the response to treatment of an individual diagnosed with multiple myeloma. More in particular, the invention provides a method for determining the disease outcome or the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma by classifying said patient into a high risk or a low risk category, based on a 92 gene classifier.

Abstract: Herein is provided a simple, reliable and accurate method for cellular analysis on hematology analyzers. In various aspects, the methods provide separation and/or differentiation between red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) by utilizing a fluorescent dye to selectively stain WBCs such that they emit stronger fluorescence signals. The method provides optimal detection limits on WBCs and RBCs, thereby allowing analysis of samples with sparse cellular concentrations. As few as one reagent may be used to prepare a single dilution for body fluid analysis, in order to simplify the body fluid analysis. Minimal damage to WBCs is attained using the lysis-free approach described in aspects of the disclosure.

Abstract: A method of making a skin composition that includes an effective amount of skin care agent selected to inhibit HMGB1 stimulation of human melanocytes. The method includes determining the level of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), messenger RNA associated with the expression and/or regulation of HMGB1 (HMGB1 mRNA), and/or micro-RNA associated with the expression and/or regulation of HMGB1 (HMGB1 miRNA) present in the test sample, and identifying the test agent as a skin tone agent when there is no increase in HMGB1 level, a downregulation in transcription of HMGB1 mRNA, and/or an upregulation of HMGB1 miRNA. The method also includes identifying a test agent as a skin tone agent when the test agent inhibits or prevents an increase in melanocyte dendricity and/or body size caused by HMGB1, and incorporating the skin tone agent in a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An automated method of isolating and analyzing an analyte using a form-locking gripping mechanism. An analytical system comprising consumables and a handler, wherein the handler and consumable interact with a form-locking gripping mechanism are also included.

Abstract: A gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric assay kit for nucleic acids from viral, bacterial and other microorganisms that detects unamplified or amplified polynucleotides in clinical specimens using unmodified AuNPs and oligotargeter polynucleotides that bind to a pathogen's nucleic acids. A method for detecting a pathogen comprising contacting a sample suspected of containing microbes with a polynucleotide that binds to pathogen nucleic acid and with gold nanoparticles, detecting the aggregation of nanoparticles, and detecting pathogen polynucleotides in the sample when the nanoparticles aggregate (solution color becomes blue) in comparison with a control or a negative sample not containing the virus when nanoparticles do not aggregate (solution color remains red).

Abstract: A method of screening for a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia and a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia are provided. The following are provided: a method of screening for a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia, comprising a step of culturing chondroprogenitor cells under conditions in which the cells are brought into contact with a test substance and conditions in which the cells are not brought into contact with the test substance and a step of determining the SOX9 promoter activity, cAMP level, or degree of phosphorylation of CREB in the cells or the extracellular matrix volume in a culture; and a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia, comprising as an active ingredient an adenylate cyclase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining whether a protein binds to a specific DNA sequence. This method is useful in particular for identifying modifications to the DNA sequence (e.g. methylations) via the binding of proteins that specifically recognize those modifications (e.g. antibodies), but also to identify the binding sequence on DNA of a variety of proteins.

Abstract: A system and methods for detection of a nucleic acid including forming a plurality of nucleic acid detection complexes are described, each of the complexes including a nucleic acid analyte, a detection agent and a functionalized probe. The method further including binding the nucleic acid detection complexes to a plurality of functionalized particles in a fluid sample and separating the functionalized particles having the nucleic acid detection complexes bound thereto from the fluid sample using a density media. The nucleic acid analyte is detected by detecting the detection agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to coded, labeled probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' label codes. Methods of making and using such probes are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays systems and methods for detection of chromosomal abnormalities and status of single loci associated with monogenic or polygenic traits in a sample containing nucleic acids from a maternal and a fetal source.

Abstract: Methods for the differentiation of a 5-hydroxymethyl modification of a cytosine residue of interest in a nucleic acid molecule from (i) a 5-methyl modification of the cytosine residue of interest or (ii) an unmodified cytosine residue of interest, the methods making use of the capability of transcription-activator-like effector (TALE) proteins to preferentially bind with strong affinity to nucleic acid sequences containing non-modified cytosine residues or 5-methyl modified cytosine residues, and to bind, if at all, with only strongly reduced affinity to nucleic acid sequences containing 5-hydroxymethyl modified cytosine residues. The present invention further relates to respective uses of TALE proteins for the differentiation of a 5-hydroxymethyl modification of a cytosine residue of interest in a nucleic acid molecule from (i) a 5-methyl modification of the cytosine residue of interest or (ii) the unmodified cytosine residue of interest.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for detecting biomolecular interactions based on the motion of nanomotors. In one aspect, a method of detecting biomolecular interactions based on a motion of a nanomachine includes functionalizing a nanomachine with a capture probe adapted to interact with biological targets; and detecting a presence of the biological targets in an environment based on a motion of the nanomachine.

Abstract: Methods of quantifying a N2-carboxyethyl-2?-deoxyguanosine (CEdG) levels in biological samples and comparing those levels to known normal levels can diagnose a number of disorders, including diabetes and cancer. Methods can also determine whether therapies for disorders are effective by measuring CEdG levels before and after treatment. Measurement of CEdG levels occurs using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.