Abstract: Disclosed are small molecule non-peptidic compounds, as well as methods and compositions for the treatment of angiotensin-related diseases and disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, renal diseases, inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, bone marrow diseases and cancer. In particular, the invention provides compounds, methods and compositions for the treatment of metabolic diseases and disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, diabetes-related cardiovascular disorders, diabetes-related dermal ulcerations, diabetes related hypertension, and diabetes-related ophthalmic diseases.

Abstract: An integrated circuit sensor array includes a semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer over the substrate; and a first transistor on the insulating layer. The first transistor includes an exposed functionalized channel region in between a source region and a drain region for sensing an analyte in a medium. The integrated circuit sensor array also includes a second transistor formed on the insulating layer, where the second transistor includes an exposed channel region between source and drain regions for sensing a potential of the medium. Further, a voltage bias generator is conductively coupled to the semiconductor substrate for providing the transistors with a bias voltage, the voltage bias generator being responsive to the second transistor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing a nanoarray-in-microarray assay is provided, which can be used to estimate a protein concentration in a sample solution. A plurality of nanodots are fabricated on a surface having at least one affinity binder. One or more microspots are superimposed over the nanodots on predetermined regions of the surface, each of the microspots comprising at least one antibody. An assay process is performed on the surface, and the surface is imaged to acquire optical images of the nanodots within each microspot. Image analysis algorithms are the performed on the optical images to identify bindings on individual ones of the plurality of nanodots.

Abstract: Clostridium difficile disease involves a range of clinical presentations ranging from carrier status with other causes of symptoms to mild and self-limiting diarrhea to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis and megacolon. Cases of C. difficile are treated differently depending on the presence and then the severity of disease. Patients that are carriers may not receive treatment with concern of causing the disease. Mild to moderate cases may be treated with metronidazole while severe and relapsing cases are often treated with vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Current molecular assays are highly sensitive for detecting toxigenic C. difficile and cannot rule out carrier status. Utilization of a biomarker panel that includes C. difficile antigen (GDH), toxins A and B, and fecal lactoferrin allows clinicians to differentiate between a carrier state and active state of C. difficile and allows for monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test kit capable of rapid and highly sensitive detection. The test kit is provided with a first member, which contains a region in which is held a labeling substance with a label immobilized on a substance that specifically binds with a substance to be detected, and a second member, which has a detection zone where the labeling substance is captured through the substance to be detected, which is connected downstream of the first member in the developing direction, and which allows the labeling substance contained in a liquid sample that flows in from the first member, to develop into the detection zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detection of abnormal PrP in a sample of blood or urine, said method comprising: (a) diluting the sample with buffer to comprise final concentrations of (i) 10 mM to 500 mM buffer agent; (ii) 1% to 10% w/v bovine serum albumin; and (iii) 1% to 8% w/v CHAPS; (b) adding steel particles and incubating to allow PrP binding; (c) washing the steel particles to remove diluted sample; and (d) detecting abnormal PrP captured on the steel particles using antibody capable of binding said abnormal PrP. The invention also provides compositions and kits.

Abstract: A series of protein A mutants having high alkali resistance, and methods of using the protein A mutants are provided. The protein A mutants have a high binding affinity for regions of immunoglobulin proteins other than the complementarity determining regions. The protein A mutants can be coupled to a solid support for immunoglobulin isolation, or conjugated to a label for immunoglobulin detection. This series of protein A mutants has high chemical stability under alkaline conditions of pH 13-14, and can also be used as chromatography ligands for purification procedures that use alkaline solutions under harsh conditions, such as Clean-In-Place (CIP). Also provided are methods of immunoglobulin separation and purification, and alkali regeneration of affinity chromatography medium that uses protein A as a ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, compositions (e.g., capture complexes), and kits useful for enhancing the detection of antibodies in a test sample. The methods, devices, and compositions utilize detectable Fc-binding molecules such as Protein A, Protein G, and/or an Fc-specific antibody to amplify the signal of a detected antibody in immunoassays, such as lateral flow assays.

Abstract: A system comprised of an apparatus and a test device is described. The test device and the apparatus are designed to interact to determine the presence or absence of an analyte of interest in a sample placed on the test device.

Abstract: Compositions useful to induce anti-TACA immune response and kits comprising the same and methods of using the compositions to treat and prevent cancer are disclosed. Isolated human antibodies which bind to a carbohydrate mimetic peptide and methods of making the same and using the same to treat and prevent cancer are disclosed. Isolated human NK cells useful to kill tumor cells, and isolated human dendritic cells, and methods of making the same and using the same to treat and prevent cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for separating particles and/or catalyzer for particle reaction in a fluid. The device comprising array of passageways fabricated on a die wherein the passageway size is controlled by actuators. The passageway size is monitored and the actuators controlling the passageway size are activated conditionally upon the passageway size monitoring. Using movable actuators the passageway can achieve passageway size that is less then the fabrication minimal resolution. Proper locating, setting and/or activation of the actuators create passageways that can perform filtration of particles, trapping of particles and catalyzing particles reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of inhibitors of Notch signalling pathway selected from the group consisting of 6-(4-Tert-Butylphenoxy)Pyridin-3-Amine (I3), its derivatives, in treating and/or preventing cancers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of using NMR relaxation rates (R2) of water molecules as an indicator of the extent of aggregation of biopharmaceutical formulations. The biopharmaceutical can be evaluated nondestructively without the vial or container being opened or protective seal compromised (i.e., broken). The method is applicable to all biopharmaceuticals and the water signal obtained by magnetic resonance relaxometry is very strong and sensitive because water is used as the solvent and is present in high (>90%) concentrations in every biopharmaceutical formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting cancer using a protein expressed in various cancers, and a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of such cancer using the protein as an indicator. Furthermore, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition containing a cancer antigen peptide derived from the protein. More particularly, the method comprises the step of determining the presence or amount of an eEF2 polypeptide or an eEF2 antibody in a sample obtained from a subject.

Abstract: A method including identifying one or more structures in adjacent sequences of one or more proteins that can be mimicked by a peptide; and assembling a peptide that mimics the one or more secondary structures. A method including assembling epitopes of linked pairs of discontiguous peptide subsequences that mimic one or more structures in sequences of a protein; and assaying antibodies against the epitopes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of enhancing in vivo efficacy of an active agent, comprising: administering to a subject an active agent that is coupled to a bioelastic polymer or elastin-like peptide, wherein the in vivo efficacy of the active agent is enhanced as compared to the same active agent when administered to the subject not coupled to (or not associated with) a bioelastic polymer or ELP.

Abstract: The present invention includes, but is not limited to, methods, assays, and compositions for preparing libraries of nucleic acid molecules from biological samples, and for detecting and measuring the abundances of nucleic acid molecules, including RNA and DNA. The methods, assays, and compositions of the present invention provide in whole or in part for the detecting and measuring the abundances of nucleic acid molecules, and particularly but not limited to those nucleic acids that have structures that cannot be determined reliably by routine alignment to a reference sequence or concatenation of smaller sequences by matching homologous ends.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions, methods and kits for detecting pH in samples using pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes. The compounds disclosed herein are novel xanthene-derivative dyes comprising an aniline moiety with one or more electron donating groups, which dyes are for detecting pH in samples either in vitro or in vivo. Also described herein are processes for preparing said dyes for use in the disclosed compositions, methods and kits.

Abstract: Systems and methods to assess the health of various microbiomes and to identity species therein are disclosed. Described assessments and identifications can inform treatment decisions if a microbiome is determined to have a less than optimal balance of bacterial species within it; the presence of one or more negative species; and/or the absence of one or more positive species.

Abstract: Finding biologically relevant cancer markers is key to developing an effective treatment. Once specific antigens have been identified that are present on the cell population responsible for propagating tumors, T cells can be genetically altered to target these antigens and then used for personalized T cell therapy. A method to identify and select peptide antigens that effectively associate with and are presented by host HLA surface molecules originating from tumor cells responsible for the persistence and propagation of a cancer has been developed. The system of using these data to produce T cells engineered to express T cell receptors recognizing the peptide antigens is used in the production of a personalized adoptive T cell therapy for cancer that eliminates the cells capable of tumor propagation and cancer progression. The system is especially useful in the production of cancer treatments to achieve complete durable remission of cancers of epithelial origin.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed that comprises predicting 1 one or more first reaction products which may result from subjecting an analyte to one or more reactions of interest, calculating 2 one or more first masses or mass to charge ratios and one or more first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections of at least some first reaction product ions which may be generated from the one or more first reaction products under first conditions, and calculating one or more second masses or mass to charge ratios and one or more second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections of at least some second reaction product ions which may be generated from the one or more first reaction products under second different conditions.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry comprises ionizing a sample eluting from a separation device in order to generate a plurality of parent ions. The method further comprises generating a target list of ions, which includes a predicted mass to charge ratio, a predicted chromatographic retention or elution time, and a predicted ion mobility drift time, derived from a model. Multiple cycles of operation are then performed as the sample elutes from the separation device. Each cycle of operation includes mass filtering the parent ions so that selected ions having mass to charge ratios within a first mass to charge ratio range are onwardly transmitted to a fragmentation or reaction device. The target list is then checked and the model is updated accordingly. The first mass to charge ratio range can then be adjusted in response to the updated model.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a polyketide synthase (PKS) capable of synthesizing a 3-hydroxycarboxylic acid or ketone. The present invention also provides for a host cell comprising the PKS and when cultured produces the 3-hydroxycarboxylic acid or ketone.

Abstract: Agents that specifically bind to an opioid receptor in a conformationally specific way can be used to induce a conformational change in the receptor. Such agents have therapeutic applications and can be used in X-ray crystallography studies of the receptor. Such agents can also be used to improve drug discovery via compound screening and/or structure-based drug design.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of determining the presence of autoimmune disease with the use of glycan biomarkers. A method of improving the detection sensitivity of trace glycans from a mixture of glycans and a microfluidic chip therefor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic platform can be used for the detection and quantification of multiple HIV subtypes in whole blood with localized surface plasmon resonance. Among other things, this nanoplasmonic platform provides a viable way to detection and quantification of viral load at a point of care with significantly less cost, time, and laboratory resources than existing methods of detection. Although an example of HIV detection in whole blood is provided, the nanoplasmonic platform is adaptable to detect other pathogens and infectious agents or macromolecules.

Abstract: There is provided protein biomarkers and methods for their use in diagnosing and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) as well as methods for assessing the severity of the diseases.

Abstract: A liposomal composition comprising a sterol-modified lipid and a purified mycobacterial lipid cell wall component or analog or derivative thereof is described. The composition is useful as a lipid antigen-presenting vehicle for the detection of lipid antigen specific biomarker antibodies in antibody containing biological samples in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. The purified lipid cell wall component is typically a purified mycolic acid or a mixture of mycolic acids from a mycobacterium that produces mycolic acids. The sterol-modified lipid is typically a phospholipid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-1-microglobulin for use in the treatment of a mitochondria-related disease.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes: arranging first and second light emitting elements, each having a pair of electrodes disposed on a surface opposite to a main light emitting surface, on a base body adjacent to each other with the electrodes facing upward; forming a light shielding member at least covering the electrodes of each of the first and second light emitting elements and a portion between the first and second light emitting elements; forming recesses by removing portions of the light shielding member so that at least a portion of each of the electrodes of the first and second light emitting elements are exposed from the light shielding member; and forming electrically conductive members in the recesses so that each of the electrically conductive members is in contact with a corresponding one of the electrodes of the first and second light emitting elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood sample analyzing method including preparing a measurement specimen by mixing a blood sample with a measuring reagent of fibrin and a fibrinogen degradation product (FDP); acquiring, based on a time-dependent change in optical information obtained by optically measuring the measurement specimen, first information indicating an FDP concentration and second information indicating a curving degree of a time course curve showing the time-dependent change of the optical information; and determining an enhanced fibrinolytic state of the blood sample or acquiring a value related to a D dimer of the blood sample based on the first information and the second information.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a starch in a sample are provided. The methods include the steps of initially incubating the sample in the presence of an amylase-containing medium and subsequently subjecting the sample to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect ions characteristic of the starch in the sample. The amylase-containing medium can include an amylase and blood plasma or the amylase-containing medium can include an amylase and a component selected from the group consisting of about 90-92% water or buffered water, about 8% protein, about 0.9% salt, and/or about 1.1% organic substances. The incubating step can be done in conditions that permit digestion of the starch by the amylase.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the detection of cardiovascular disease, e.g., acute coronary syndrome, heart failure and/or pulmonary embolism, in high body mass index (BMI) individuals, e.g., with a BMI of 25-29, or 30 or above, and those with impaired renal function.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for use in detecting gabapentin in a sample suspected of containing gabapentin are disclosed. Gabapentin derivatives are used to produce gabapentin conjugates. A gabapentin-immunogenic carrier conjugate may be used as an immunogen for the preparation of an anti-gabapentin antibody. A gabapentin-detectable label may be used in a signal producing system in gabapentin assays.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides derivatives of 3-substituted piperidine-2, 6-diones, non-covalently bound complexes with serum albumin, pharmaceutical compositions of the same, and methods of use thereof. The non-covalently bound complexes are significantly more water-soluble than the parent compounds, and are useful for the treatment of a cancer, such as multiple myeloma.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of identifying target nucleic acids by using coded molecules and its analysis by translocation through a nanopore. Generally, coded molecules are subject to a target polynucleotide dependent modification. The modified coded molecule is detected by isolating the modified coded molecules from the unmodified coded molecules prior to analysis through the nanopore or by detecting a change in the signal pattern of the coded molecule when analyzed through the nanopore.

Abstract: The present invention provides anti-CTLA-4 antibodies having enhanced ADCC activity, and their use in treating cancer. In one embodiment, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is ipilimumab, and ADCC activity is enhanced by introducing G236A, S239D, A330L and I332E mutations (“GASDALIE”) into the Fc region of the heavy chain constant domain.

Abstract: Methods to fabricate tightly packed arrays of nanoparticles are disclosed, without relying on organic ligands or a substrate. In some variations, a method of assembling particles into an array comprises dispersing particles in a liquid solution; introducing a triggerable pH-control substance capable of generating an acid or a base; and triggering the pH-control substance to generate an acid or a base within the liquid solution, thereby titrating the pH. During pH titration, the particle-surface charge magnitude is reduced, causing the particles to assemble into a particle array.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay comprising the steps of: (a) providing the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay; and (b) qualifying the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay. More particularly, the ligand-receptor binding assay involves the steps of combining appropriate reagents in which receptors attached to a solid support, a sample suspected of containing a ligand, and a conjugate comprising a label form a complex in which the label is present at a concentration that is directly proportional to the amount of ligand present in the sample. Alternatively, the ligand-receptor binding assay involves the steps of combining appropriate reagents to perform a ligand-receptor binding assay in which receptors attached to a solid support, a sample suspected of containing a ligand, and a conjugate comprising a label form a complex in which the label is present at a concentration that is inversely proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides new water soluble polymers for the use in industrial processes, where large quantities of water is handled, such as sludge dewatering and papermaking. These new polymers are water soluble cross-linked block copolymers, wherein the block copolymers are cross-linked together using a cross-linking agent. Each of the block copolymers contain two different blocks, and these blocks are formed from different monomers. The blocks are linked together with a molecular spacer derived from a bifunctional initiator used during the polymerization of the blocks. The monomers used in polymerizing the blocks are different with each other and they are selected from a group consisting of N-vinylformamide, acrylic acid, acrylamide and water-soluble derivatives thereof.

Abstract: One form of the present invention is directed to a method of remyelinating demyelinated axons by treating the demyelinated axons with oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions which permit remyelination of the axons. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes by administering to the subject oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions effective to treat the condition mediated by a loss of myelin or a loss of oligodendrocytes. A further aspect of the present invention relates to an in vitro method of identifying and separating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from a mixed population containing other mammalian brain or spinal cord cell types.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid, accurate, sensitive, and low-cost detection method for screening a biological sample for one or more desired bacterial species. The inventive method employs a two-step multiplex real-time PCR assay that comprises an internal amplification control and specific primer sets to detect and discriminate bacterial species based the unique melting temperatures of specific DNA sequences of each strain.

Abstract: Biomarkers relating to cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy, are provided, as well as methods for using such biomarkers as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. In addition, methods for modulating the respective disorders or conditions of a subject are also provided. Also provided are suites of small molecule entities as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of quantitating or detecting a microorganism, capable of detecting a live microorganism at high sensitivity and more precisely. A method of quantitating a microorganism of interest, using as an index the amount of rRNA of the microorganism of interest is provided.

Abstract: Method of diagnosis of IVF viability. The method includes ascertaining a subject's AMH level from testing and then selecting one pregnancy or live birth prognosis category that applies to the ascertained AMH level by matching the ascertained AMH level with an applicable one of a plurality of ranges of AMH levels pertaining to an age of the subject. The matching indicates the prognosis category that applies, i.e., (that is, good, intermediate or poor. In view of the diagnosis, a method of administration of AMH may be pursued to increase probability of pregnancy or live birth chances. Alternatively, the administration of AMH may be at AMH levels that will terminate pregnancy or increase the chance of miscarriage.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to biomedical devices including a porous layer forming a support structure for a biological probe and methods of making the same. The porous layer can be a porous silicon containing layer. The pore size can be adjusted such that various size biological probes can be incorporated into the pores. Further, the porous silicon containing layer can be used to support a biofunctionalizing layer.

Abstract: Herein is reported an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of anti-drug antibodies against a drug antibody in a sample comprising a capture drug antibody and a tracer drug antibody, wherein the capture drug antibody and the tracer drug antibody are employed in a concentration of 0.5 ?g/ml or more, the sample is incubated simultaneously with the capture drug antibody and the tracer drug antibody for 1 to 24 hours, the capture drug antibody and the tracer drug antibody are derivatized via a single lysine residue, the sample comprises 10% serum, and oligomeric human IgG is added to the sample prior to the incubation with the capture drug antibody and the tracer drug antibody.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of tumor therapeutics and diagnostics. Specifically, it relates to a peptide comprising at least 8 amino acids in length which are present as contiguous amino acid sequence in the human Isocitratdehydrogenase Type 1 (IDH1), wherein said peptide has at least one amino acid exchange from R to H at a position corresponding to position 132, for use in preventing and/or treating cancer. Further contemplated is a medicament comprising the said peptide.

Abstract: Theranostics platforms for identifying drugs and nutraceuticals for treatment of rare disease are described. The platforms comprise (a) a cell-phenotype image-enhancing instrument; (b) a drug/nutraceutical library; and (c) a computer-implemented system for analyzing a response of an optically-visible rare-disease cell phenotype to a drug or nutraceutical from the drug/nutraceutical library.

Abstract: To provide a test substance measurement method and a test substance measurement kit adapted to improve the accuracy of the measurement of a test substance. A test substance measurement kit includes: fluorescent particles which are modified with a first binding substance having specific bindability to a test substance; non-fluorescent particles which are modified with a second binding substance having no specific bindability to the test substance; and a substrate on which a first metal film to which a third binding substance having specific bindability to the test substance is fixed, and a second metal film to which a fourth binding substance having no bindability to the test substance, but having bindability to the first binding substance is fixed, and which has a smaller thickness than the first metal film are formed.