Abstract: The differential expression of select miRNA in plasma and bile among patients with PDAC, chronic pancreatitis (CP), and controls were measured. Patients (n=215) with treatment-naïve PDAC (n=77), CP with bile or pancreatic duct pathology (n=67), and controls (n=71) that had been prospectively enrolled in a Pancreatobiliary Disease Biorepository at the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were identified. Controls were patients with choledocholithiasis but normal pancreata. The sample was separated into training (n=95) and validation (n=120) cohorts to establish and then test the performance of PDAC Signature Panels in diagnosing PDAC. The training cohort (n=95) included age-matched patients with CP and controls. Panels were derived from the differential expression of 10-candidate miRNA in plasma or bile.

Abstract: The differential expression of select miRNA in plasma and bile among patients with PDAC, chronic pancreatitis (CP), and controls were measured. Patients (n=215) with treatment-naïve PDAC (n=77), CP with bile or pancreatic duct pathology (n=67), and controls (n=71) that had been prospectively enrolled in a Pancreatobiliary Disease Biorepository at the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were identified. Controls were patients with choledocholithiasis but normal pancreata. The sample was separated into training (n=95) and validation (n=120) cohorts to establish and then test the performance of PDAC Signature Panels in diagnosing PDAC. The training cohort (n=95) included age-matched patients with CP and controls. Panels were derived from the differential expression of 10-candidate miRNA in plasma or bile.

Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.