Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of sequences which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis (OA). The invention also provides a selection of sequences particularly useful in diagnosing the degree of advancement of osteoarthritis of an individual and in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for OA. The invention further provides for the use of these sequences as a tool to diagnose disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of sequences which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis (OA). The invention also provides a selection of sequences particularly useful in diagnosing the degree of advancement of osteoarthritis of an individual and in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for OA. The invention further provides for the use of these sequences as a tool to diagnose disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: The invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that are expressed in chondrocytes from any of the following developmental and disease stages: fetal, normal, mild osteoarthritic, moderate osteoarthritic, marked and osteoarthritic. The invention also relates to arrays and compositions comprising any combination of these nucleic acid sequences. The invention also provides for methods of using the arrays of the invention to diagnose osteoarthritis. The invention also provides for methods of identifying therapeutic agents that alter the level of expression of the nucleic acids of the invention or alter the anabolic level of a chondrocyte.

Abstract: Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a wireless sensor node (200) that is downstream of another wireless sensor node can provide (101) data as corresponds to a sensed condition and which is to be wirelessly transmitted upstream to a collection point via that other wireless sensor node and then determine (102) when to transmit that data as a function, at least in part, of data aggregation opportunities as may exist with respect to that other wireless sensor node. By one approach, a given data aggregation opportunity can comprise, for example, aggregating data regarding a plurality of temporally-differentiated sensed conditions and/or aggregating data from a plurality of wireless sensor nodes (such as, but not limited to, yet another wireless sensor node that is also downstream of the other wireless sensor node).

Abstract: In one aspect the invention is a method of testing for one or more colorectal pathologies or one or more subtypes of colorectal pathology (in one embodiment colorectal cancer) in a test individual by providing data corresponding to a level of products of selected biomarkers and applying the data to a formula to provide an indication of whether the test individual has one or more colorectal pathologies or one or more subtypes of colorectal pathology. In some aspects the method is computer based and a computer applies the data to the formula. In other aspects a computer system is configured with instructions that cause the processor to provide a user with the indication of whether the test individual has colorectal pathology. Also encompassed are kits for measuring data corresponding to the products of selected biomarkers which in some embodiments include a computer readable medium. Also encompassed are kits and methods of monitoring therapeutic efficacy of treatments for one or more colorectal pathologies.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods related to the identification, selection and use of biomarkers which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis. Also described are compositions and methods related to the identification, selection and use of biomarkers which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having a particular stage of Osteoarthritis. Also presented are methods for quantitating the biomarkers in a sample from an individual, for use in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of osteoarthritis.

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 individuals with mild osteoarthritis as compared with individuals without osteoarthritis. 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 kits containing said polynucleotides and proteins for use in diagnosing mild osteoarthritis. Further encompassed by the invention is the use of the polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the product of the biomarkers of the invention to monitor disease regression in an individual and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens. The invention also provides for methods of using the products of the biomarkers of the invention in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for osteoarthritis.

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 osteoarthritis and/or in a particular stage of osteoarthritis, as well as a means of selecting the novel biomarker combinations. The biomarkers of the invention may be utilized to diagnose arthritis, differentiate between two stages of osteoarthritis and diagnose a particular stage of osteoarthritis. The invention provides kits comprising polynucleotides and/or proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers of the invention. Such kits are useful in diagnosing arthritis, differentiating between two stages of osteoarthritis, diagnosing a particular stage of osteoarthritis monitoring disease progression, and monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for polymerization in ionic medium liquid at room temperature provide the benefit of allowing polymerization reactions to be carried out cheaply, and relatively quickly. The replacement of VOCs by these environmentally benign solvents has the further advantage of increased safety for chemical workers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of sequences which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis (OA). The invention also provides a selection of sequences particularly useful in diagnosing the degree of advancement of osteoarthritis of an individual and in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for OA. The invention further provides for the use of these sequences as a tool to diagnose disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of the role of beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and the ability of B2M to inhibit chondrocyte proliferation. The invention further relates to the identification of genes regulated by B2M (the “B2M related genes”).

Abstract: The invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that are expressed in chondrocytes from any of the following developmental and disease stages: fetal, normal, mild osteoarthritic, moderate osteoarthritic, marked and osteoarthritic. The invention also relates to arrays and compositions comprising any combination of these nucleic acid sequences. The invention also provides for methods of using the arrays of the invention to diagnose osteoarthritis. The invention also provides for methods of identifying therapeutic agents that alter the level of expression of the nucleic acids of the invention or alter the anabolic level of a chondrocyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of sequences which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis (OA). The invention also provides a selection of sequences particularly useful in diagnosing the degree of advancement of osteoarthritis of an individual and in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for OA. The invention further provides for the use of these sequences as a tool to diagnose disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.