Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits for identifying clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients at high risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Abstract: The invention concerns genes that have been identified as being involved in estrogen metabolism, and are useful as diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive markers in cancer. In particular, the invention concerns genes the tumor expression levels of which are useful in the diagnosis of cancers associated with estrogen metabolism, and/or in the prognosis of clinical outcome and/or prediction of drug response of such cancers.

Abstract: The invention concerns genes that have been identified as being involved in estrogen metabolism, and are useful as diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive markers in cancer. In particular, the invention concerns genes the tumor expression levels of which are useful in the diagnosis of cancers associated with estrogen metabolism, and/or in the prognosis of clinical outcome and/or prediction of drug response of such cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostics, especially to the detection of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Particularly, the invention provides a method for detecting the presence or absence of rheumatoid arthritis, or of a predisposition therefore or for monitoring rheumatoid arthritis in a subject using expression data of target genes related to immune system and tools of bioinformatics.

Abstract: The object of the present invention refers to an in vitro method for diagnosing colorectal cancer based on the determination from a biological sample obtained from a subject, of promoter methylation status of at least one of the genes APC, RARB2 and p14 and, optionally, MGMT and p16. Likewise, object of the present invention is a kit for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: The genes encoding ryanodine receptor homologs have been characterized from multiple insect families including lepidopteran tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), homopteran green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), corn plant hopper (Peregrinus maidis), cotton melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) and fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster). The full-length genes have been isolated, cloned and amplified in bacterial cells. Expression in insect cells shows that the recombinant protein folds into a functional calcium release channel.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro method for predicting clinical outcome of a patient affected with a non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), which method comprises determining the expression level of at least 8 genes in a biological sample of said patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying biomarkers that indicate a biological state, in particular cancer or predisposition to cancer.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses miRNA profiles and type-I IFN/IFN?-induced PD marker profiles in inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, such as myositis. The profiles may also be used in, for example, methods of treating patients, methods of monitoring disease progression of patients, and in diagnosing or providing a prognosis to patients having inflammatory or autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for identifying breast cancer patients that receive an increased benefit from the addition of a HER2-targeted therapy, for example adjuvant trastuzumab, to chemotherapy.

Abstract: The novel means by which an efficiency of ovum collection can be easily determined in bovine at gene level is disclosed. The present inventors performed the genomic linkage analysis using bovine populations with high and low efficiency of ovum collection and to identify GRIA1 gene, which encodes an ion channel protein, as a factor deeply related to an efficiency of ovum collection. Bovines having a mutation (e.g. the amino acid substitution of aa306) in GRIA1 produce significantly fewer ova on superovulatory treatment than those not having the mutation. Therefore, the efficiency of ovum collection can be determined based on the existence of a mutation in GRIA1 gene.

Abstract: Closures for containers and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment/the present disclosure provides a closure having a top portion (12), a bottom portion (14) and a side portion (16), an aperture (18) extending though the closure, a projection (20) extending from the closure and at least two rib members (36) on an interior of the projection. The projection may also include a cover (22). In another embodiment, a method for using a closure includes inserting a. spike member into a projection, piercing a membrane that hermetically seals a medical container, pushing rib members within the projection to center the spike member inserted into the projection, and tearing the membrane to create a vent hole in the membrane.

Abstract: Genomic actions and/or proteomic interactions for pathophysiological processes and for physiological processes are determined at associated redox state conditions. Protein interactions are correlated with oxygen tensions. Identification of markers for disease including epitopes is effected in the presence of simulated redox state perturbations. Screening for previously unknown receptors and activating ligands is carried out in the presence of alteration of redox state.

Abstract: The current invention relates to new tools and methods enabling neuroblastoma patient stratification into prognostic favorable or unfavorable groups. The invention is based on the re-analysis of published gene expression data-sets studying neuroblastoma tumors generating different prognostic gene lists. The overlapping gene lists were subsequently tested for their prognostic power on both the published tumor samples and on an unseen large set of unpublished samples, greatly increasing the statistical power of prognostic analyses. In addition, expression analysis of miRNAs in neuroblastoma tumors with different prognosis was performed. By doing this, the inventors could establish a neuroblastoma prognostic classifier with highly improved prognostic power, which is independent from the tumor sample set used to establish it. This classifier and its related prognostic tools and methods are thus perfectly suitable for routine clinical assessment of neuroblastoma prognosis.

Abstract: The invention features methods, systems, and compositions for diagnosing non-central nervous system (non-CNS) disorders by detecting changes in gene expression in the CNS, e.g., in cerebrospinal fluid, in brain or spinal cord tissue samples, or other bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-radioactive markers that facilitate the detection and analysis of nascent proteins translated within cellular or cell-free translation systems. Nascent proteins containing these markers can be rapidly and efficiently detected, isolated and analyzed without the handling and disposal problems associated with radioactive reagents. Preferred markers are dipyrrometheneboron difluoride (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the identification of small molecules that inhibit MUC1 oligomerization, and the functions flowing therefrom. In addition, small molecules that prevent MUC1 oligomerization are disclosed. Identified molecules will find use in treating a variety of MUC1-related inflammatory conditions, including MUC1-related cancers.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations identified in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that can be used for a more accurate diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) and CF related disorders. Methods for testing a sample obtained from a subject to determine the presence of one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are provided wherein the presence of one or more mutations indicates that the subject has CF or a CF related disorder, or is a carrier of a CFTR mutation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of genetic markers patients with leukemia, especially including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at high risk for relapse, especially high risk B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and associated methods and their relationship to therapeutic outcome. The present invention also relates to diagnostic, prognostic and related methods using these genetic markers, as well as kits which provide microchips and/or immunoreagents for performing analysis on leukemia patients.

Abstract: Modulators of specific PACAP receptors are useful for treating inflammatory skin diseases having a neurogenic component, and more particularly rosacea and/or facial erythema, compositions containing these and screening methods are described for identifying PACAP signaling pathway modulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnosis and therapy of hematological malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, as well as solid tumors based on cytokine interleukin-16 (IL-16) and agents specifically targeting this antigen or cells expressing the same, e.g., antibodies. The inventors were able to prove that IL-16 is expressed and secreted at high levels by myeloma cells. Most importantly, the inventors have demonstrated for the first time that IL-16 supports the proliferation of the malignant cells. Therefore, this cytokine represents a particularly advantageous target in cancer therapy and diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cancer diagnostics and therapies and to the detection of alterations in cancer cells that are diagnostic, prognostic or predictive. In particular, the present invention provides a method for detecting and analyzing whether a patient suffering from a cancer is responsive to the treatment with an EGFR inhibitor. In the method, a tissue section from a cancer sample is subjected to assays based on immunohistochemistry and enzymatic metallography.

Abstract: Methods and compositions according to embodiments of the present invention are provided that specifically and sensitively detect alcohol consumption and whether alcohol consumption is moderate or high in a subject. Aspects of the present invention relate to assays of panels of proteins for detecting non-consumption, moderate consumption and high consumption of ethanol by a subject.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining whether a subject has a graft tolerant phenotype. In practicing the subject methods, the expression of at least 5 genes in a sample from the subject, e.g., a blood sample, is assayed to obtain a gene expression result for the at least 5 genes. The obtained gene expression result for the at least 5 genes is then employed to determine whether the subject has a graft tolerant phenotype. Also provided are compositions, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including the determination of an immunosuppressive therapy regimen.

Abstract: Assays, methods and kits for predicting survival outcome in a subject having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and for measuring a subject's response to DLBCL therapy involve specific miRNAs that are prognostic biomarkers for prediction of outcome of DLBCL patients. Expression of miRNAs miR-18a, miR-181a and miR-222 is associated with response to therapy and outcome of patients with DLBCL. Measurement of these miRs can be used to identify patients' outcomes in the clinic and allow tailoring of patient-specific therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting pregnancy. In at least one embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a stabilizing agent useful to completely or substantially prevent degradation or inactivation of a diagnostic marker for pregnancy in a body fluid comprising the diagnostic marker, and a detection agent capable of detecting the diagnostic agent.

Abstract: The present invention is partly based on the discovery that adverse factors can prevent an effective extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample and that novel and unexpected agents and steps may be used to mitigate or remove the adverse factors, thereby dramatically improving the quality of the extracted nucleic acids. As such, one aspect of this invention is a novel method for extracting high quality nucleic acids from a biological sample. The high quality extractions obtained by the novel methods described herein are characterized by high yield and high integrity, making the extracted nucleic acids useful for various applications in which high quality nucleic acid extractions are preferred, e.g., a diagnosis, prognosis or therapy evaluation for a medical condition.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for classifying, determining severity, and predicting clinical endpoints of scleroderma based upon the expression of selected biomarker genes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scraping instrument for collection of a biological sample, and a non-invasive method for obtaining nucleic acid from buccal mucosa epithelial cells using the scraping instrument. Such nucleic acid can be used for example for gene expression profiling, including to assess lung disease risk associated with airway pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomarker which is predictive for the clinical benefit of EGFR inhibitor treatment in cancer patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining whether a melanoma will metastasize or has metastasized to the small intestine in a subject by detecting or quantifying the expression of the CCR9, CCL25/TECK, or integrin ?4 gene. Also disclosed are methods for treating subjects so identified.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detection of biological substances in nasal specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs).

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating patients which methods comprise methods for predicting responses of cells, such as tumor cells, to treatment with therapeutic agents. These methods involve measuring, in a sample of the cells, levels of one or more components of a cellular network and then computing a Network Activation State (NAS) or a Network Inhibition State (NIS) for the cells using a computational model of the cellular network. The response of the cells to treatment is then predicted based on the NAS or NIS value that has been computed. The invention also comprises predictive methods for cellular responsiveness in which computation of a NAS or NIS value for the cells (e.g., tumor cells) is combined with use of a statistical classification algorithm. Biomarkers for predicting responsiveness to treatment with a therapeutic agent that targets a component within the ErbB signaling pathway are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a retroviral vector comprising (a) a 3?LTR; and (b) an insert having (i) a promoter, (ii) a sequence encoding an immunomolecule selected from the group consisting of cytokines, adhesion molecules, costimulatory factors, tumor associated antigens and tumor specific antigens, and (iii) a poly A signal, respectively, said promoter, sequence encoding an immunomolecule and poly A signal being aligned in a 5? to 3? orientation, wherein the insert is positioned within the 3?LTR in the orientation opposite to that of the 3?LTR. This invention further provides a genetically manipulated cell useful for treating or preventing a malignant tumor in a patient which a) expresses at least one immunomolecule selected from the group consisting of cytokines, adhesion molecules, costimulatory factors, tumor associated antigens and tumor specific antigens; and b) is allogenic to the patient.

Abstract: We disclose agents useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions that would benefit from improved muscle function and including pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic tests for determining the predisposition of a subject, in particular a male subject, to cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Previously unknown mutations of the CACNA1C and CACNB2b genes are disclosed which are involved in ion channel disruptions associated with shorter than normal QT interval and ST segment elevation syndrome. These mutations are utilized to diagnose and screen for shorter than normal QT interval and ST segment elevation syndrome, thus providing modalities for diagnosing syncope and/or sudden cardiac death and/or predicting susceptibility to syncope and/or sudden cardiac death. Nucleic acid probes are provided which selectively hybridize to the mutant nucleic acids described herein. Antibodies are provided which selectively bind to the mutant polypeptides described herein. The mutations described herein are also utilized to screen for compounds useful in treating the symptoms manifest by such mutations.

Abstract: Receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of diseases and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method that uses enzyme-treatment of whole soybeans or partially defatted soybeans to select soybeans with improved bioactivity or bioactivities. The invention further provides a soybean plant and seed with a non-transgenic mutation conferring enhanced bioactivity as an hydrolysate when compared to hydrolysate from other seeds, for instance in a cell-based assay, including reduced cancer cell viability; increased LDL receptor activity; reduced lipid accumulation; increased adiponectin expression; decreased FAS and LPL expression; reduced production of NO and PGE2, and expression of iNOS and COX-2; higher antioxidant activity; promotion of growth of bifidobacteria; and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria; for instance when compared to other seeds tested as hydrolysates.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of diagnosing, predicting and/or monitoring the development or progress of an airway tissue inflammatory response in a mammal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of diagnosing, predicting and/or monitoring the development or progress of an airway tissue inflammatory response by analysis of activin and/or follistatin levels in the breath condensate of said mammal. The present invention further provides a method for predicting, diagnosing and/or monitoring conditions associated with or characterised by the onset of an airway tissue inflammatory response. Also provided are diagnostic agents useful for detecting activin expression levels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polynucleotide sequence of the novel G-Protein Coupled Receptors EP3-11 OR EP3-12. The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences comprising the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 20 or SEQ ID NO: 21 or nucleic acid sequences that hybridize to SEQ ID NO: 20 or SEQ ID NO: 21 or its complimentary strand having at least 40% sequence identity. The invention also provides the human EP3-11 or EP3-12 as targets for the identification of compounds useful for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, reproduction disorders and cancer as a result of relative quantification of the mRNA distribution in different human tissues by expression profiling. The invention also provides assays for the identification of compounds modulating EP3-11 or EP3-12.

Abstract: Novel methods of treating proliferative disorders characterized by elevated Her-2, and the patient is then administered an effective amount of an HSP90 inhibitor.