Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting expression and/or aberrant methylation patterns in genes such as the gene DCR1 and their potential to diagnose or prognose a cancer or to predict drug resistance/susceptibility. More specifically, the disclosure relates to oligonucleotides, primers, probes, primer pairs and kits to detect genes such as the gene DCR1, and in particular, methylated forms of genes such as the gene DCR1. The disclosure also relates to pharmacogenetic methods to diagnose or prognose a cancer, to determine suitable treatment regimens for cancer, and to determine methods for treating cancer patients based on expression and/or aberrant methylation patterns in genes such as the gene DCR1.

Abstract: Using a combination of analytic methods epigenetic silencing of markers in cancer have been determined. The cancers are generally those of the gastrointestinal tract including but not limited to esophageal, head and neck, gastric, pancreas, liver, and colon. The genes can be used for the early detection of cancer or can be used to identify adenomas that will likely progress to carcinomas. Therapeutic regimens based on the epigenetic silenced genes can be chosen and/or monitored. Kits for evaluating epigenetic silencing of these genes can be used for detection and monitoring.

Abstract: A device for collecting a number of bales whereby to form a group of bales comprises a plurality of parallel bale-collecting compartments divided into two groups, one on either side of a central longitudinal partition. The number of compartments corresponds to the number of rows to be provided in the group and the length of each compartment corresponds to the number of bales in each row. A pivotal diverter directs successive bales from a bale press to the alternate groups of compartments, and further pivotal diverters associated with the two groups distribute the bales among the compartments of that group.