Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of a novel repressor located between ˜1.2 kb to ˜1.6 kb from the translation start site of the IFN-?1 promoter. The present invention provides a method of using siRNAs against ZEB1 (binds to the repressor region) and BLIMP-1 (binds outside the repressor region) and increases the promoter activity of IFN-?1 (i.e., increases the production of IFN-?1 protein). siRNAs against ZEB1 mRNA or BLIMP-1 mRNA increase IFN-?1 gene activity. There is provided a therapeutic application of siRNAs against ZEB1 and BLIMP-1 mRNAs in treating a mammal (including a human) by increasing the production of IFN-?1 protein that promotes an anti-viral response as well as treats asthma diseases and colon diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of quantifying microflora in vaginal samples. Quantitative assessment of vaginal microflora by real-time PCR to create a profiling of Lactobacillus species, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera Type 1 and Type 2 and BVAB2 permits evaluation of bacterial vaginosis. Kits containing reagents for quantitative assessment of microflora are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of attenuating activity of the gene promoter of CIP2A. siRNAs are used to target against Ets1 and Elk1 transcriptional factors, thereby blocking the binding of Ets1 and Elk1 to the CIP2A gene promoter. It is disclosed that the siRNAs targeted against Ets1 and Elk1 attenuate the gene expression of CIP2A. A kit containing siRNA reagents for attenuating the CIP2A gene expression is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The presence of G76C, C213G, or C318A (SNP) in tvntr 4 or the presence of A238T, G427C, or T476C (SNP) in tvntr6 provides a reliable biomarker for the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The present invention further provides reagents used for detecting the SNPs to screen subjects for metronidazole resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting CIP2A protein in a bladder tissue. Methods and compositions are provided herein for detecting and diagnosing bladder cancer by obtaining a bladder tissue from a human subject suspected of bladder cancer, followed by detecting CIP2A protein or mRNA levels in the bladder tissue using Western blot analysis or ELISA to specifically detect CIP2A protein or qRT-PCR to specifically detect CIP2A mRNA. The present method permits specific detection of CIP2A protein or mRNA in bladder tissue as a biomarker for bladder cancer in humans.