Abstract: An object of the present invention is to identify a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with the onset and the advancement of inflammatory diseases such as myocardial infarction. The present invention provides a method for judging an inflammatory disease which comprises detecting at least 1 type of genetic polymorphism existing in at least one gene selected from the group consisting of the LBP-32 gene, the TSBP gene, and the WAP gene.

Abstract: A novel gene (EPM2A) that is deleted or mutated in people with Lafora's disease is described. The EPM2A gene encodes a protein having an active catalytic site of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. Many different sequence mutations as well as several microdeletions in EPM2A have been found that co-segregate with Lafora's disease.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of predicting the resistance of a tumor to molecularly targeted therapy and methods of predicting sensitivity of a tumor to DNA damaging therapy. The methods include: a) determining the level of expression of plurality of genes regulated by retinoblastoma tumor supressor (RB) in the individual, and b) comparing the level of expression of the plurality of genes regulated by RB in the individual with a level of expression of the plurality of genes regulated by RB in a control. The application is also directed to an RNA expression profile for the loss of RB.

Abstract: Provided are methods, materials and kits for analyzing DNA samples from bovine to determine whether the animal is a recessive carrier of a genetic mutation that is associated with arthrogryposis multiplex (AM). DNA-containing samples are analyzed by genetic testing to determine whether or not a deletion mutation is present in one of the alleles that are responsible for the AM genetic mutation. In an aspect the deletion encompasses the entirety of the ISG15 ubiquitin-like modifier (ISG15) gene. In an aspect the deletion further encompasses one or both of the 5? regulatory region of the hairy and enhancer split 4 (HES4) and of the agrin (AGRN) gene and of the first two exons of the AGRN gene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in specific genes that serve as biomarkers for sex-specific prenatal loss of a conceptus or embryo. There is provided herein methods and reagents for assessing the specific SNPs in those genes. The method useful in applying these SNPs in predicting an increased risk of prenatal loss is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and detection assays. More particularly, the present invention provides methods, and reagents including biochips for detecting the presence of, or distinguishing between, one or more analytes in a sample.

Abstract: Polymorphic variants (e.g., certain alleles of polymorphic markers) that have been found to be associated with high blood eosinophil counts, conditions causative of eosinophilia (e.g., asthma, myocardial infarction), and/or hypertension are provided herein. Such polymorphic markers are useful for diagnostic purposes, such as in methods of determining a susceptibility, and for prognostic purposes, including methods of predicting prognosis and methods of assessing an individual for probability of a response to a therapeutic agent, as further described herein. Further applications utilize the polymorphic markers of the invention include, screening methods and genotyping methods. The invention furthermore provides related kits, computer-readable medium, and apparatus.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings including block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and a linking moiety.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic formulations. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to cosmetic formulations for use on the skin (e.g., the skin of the face).

Abstract: A single nucleotide polymorphic site at position 10793 of the bovine POU1F1 gene is associated with improved longevity and milk product traits. Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a drug delivery system comprising at least one compartment consisting of (i) a drug-loaded thermoplastic polymer core, (ii) a drug-loaded thermoplastic polymer intermediate layer and (iii) a non-medicated thermoplastic polymer skin covering the intermediate layer, wherein said intermediate layer is loaded with (a) crystals of a first pharmaceutically active compound and with (b) a second pharmaceutically active compound in dissolved form and wherein said core is loaded with said second compound in dissolved form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pH-sensitive block copolymer obtained by copolymerization of: (a) a polyethylene glycol compound (A); and (b) at least one poly(amino acid) compound selected from the group consisting of a poly(?-amino ester) and poly(amido amine) or a copolymer thereof (B). A method for preparing the same block copolymer, and a polymer micelle type drug composition comprising the pH-sensitive block copolymer and a physiologically active substance that can be encapsulated with the block copolymer are also disclosed. The pH-sensitive block copolymer is obtained by polymerization of a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol compound with a pH-sensitive biodegradable poly(amino acid) compound. Therefore, the pH-sensitive block copolymer can form a micelle structure due to its amphiphilicity and ionization characteristics depending on pH variations, and thus can be used as drug carrier for target-directed drug delivery depending on pH variations in the body.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates or crosslinked HAs compositions for coating an implantable device are provided. The implantable device can be used for treating a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, high cholesterol, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of genetically screening large numbers of individuals to identify those individuals requiring follow-up testing for active Type I diabetes (T1D) is provided. The method includes obtaining a nucleic-acid containing biological sample from each individual and testing for the presence of specific combinations of HLA II alleles in the sample.

Abstract: Mixed micelles containing poly(L-histidine-co-phenylalanine)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer and poly(L-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer are a pH-sensitive drug carrier that release the drug in an acidic microenvironment, but not in the blood. Since the microenvironment of solid tumors is acidic, these mixed micelles are useful for treating cancer, including those cancers exhibiting multidrug resistance. Targeting ligands, such as folate, can also be attached to the mixed micelles for enhancing drug delivery into cells. Methods of treating a warm-blooded animal with such a drug are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to detection and measurement of gene transcripts in blood. Specifically provided is a RT-PCR analysis performed on a drop of blood for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases using tissue-specific primers. The present invention also describes methods by which delineation of the sequence and/or quantitation of the expression levels of disease-associated genes allows for an immediate and accurate diagnostic/prognostic test for disease or to assess the effect of a particular treatment regimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in blood and useful in diagnosing schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder as well as monitoring therapeutic efficacy of treatment for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The measurement of expression levels of the products of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers of the invention can be used to diagnose schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder. Measurement of the expression level of products of biomarkers of the invention using polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers of the invention are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as are compositions and kits containing said polynucleotides and proteins. Further encompassed by the invention is the use of the polynucleotides and proteins to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling the morphology and the release-rate of active agent from a coating layer for medical devices comprising a polymer matrix and one or more active agents. The methods comprise exposing a wet or dry coating to a freeze-thaw cycle. The coating layer can be used for controlled delivery of an active agent or a combination of active agents.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with coronary heart disease and in particular VT and response to drug treatment. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with liver fibrosis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, including groups of nucleic acid molecules that may be used as a signature marker set, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.