Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polypeptide variants having modified Fc domains with improved potency and efficacy in activation of complement-dependent cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A respirable dry powder can include acetylsalicylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The dry powder can include a mixture of: (i) dry particles have a volume median geometric diameter (VMGD) less than 5 ?m; and (ii) dry particles have a volume median geometric diameter (VMGD) of about 15 ?m or more.

Abstract: Polypeptides with desirable biophysical properties such as solubility, stability, high expression, monomericity, binding specificity or non-aggregation, including monomeric human VHs and VLs, are identified using a high throughput method for screening polypeptides, comprising the steps of obtaining a phage display library, allowing infection of a bacterial lawn by the library phage, and identifying phage which form larger than average plaques on the bacterial lawn. Sequences of monomeric human VHs and VLs are identified, which may be useful for immunotherapy or as diagnostic agents. Multimer complexes of human VHs and VLs are also identified. The VHs and VLs identified may be used to create further libraries for identifying additional polypeptides. Further, the VHs and VLs may be subjected to DNA shuffling to select for improved biophysical properties.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for analyzing a medical condition of a user. The apparatus may include a user interface configured to receive user identification information inputted by the user, an analyzer, and a processor all disposed within a common housing. The analyzer is configured to receive a biological specimen from the user and to analyze the biological specimen to generate analysis information. The processor is configured to store and forward the analysis information and to receive prescription information. The apparatus may include a communication unit configured to transmit the user identification information and the analysis information to a doctor at a remote location for review and to receive the prescription information from the doctor. The apparatus then may dispense the prescribed medication or print a medication prescription.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for large-scale production of capped mRNA using SUMO-Guanylyl Transferase fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating cancer, with a combination of an arginase inhibitor and a chemotherapeutic agent. The invention further relates to methods of assessing efficacy of a cancer treatment by measuring arginine levels in a tumor.

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a disease by detecting an autoantibody that binds to flotillin1 and/or flotillin2 in a sample, a polypeptide comprising flotillin1 and/or flotillin2 or a variant thereof, which may be immobilized, a method of treating a disease by applying to a subject the polypeptide that binds to an autoantibody, an autoantibody binding to flotillin1 and/or flotillin2, a method for isolating the autoantibody, a pharmaceutical composition, a medical device and test kit comprising the polypeptide, are provided. A method for detecting the presence of an autoantibody is also provided.

Abstract: An array of transportable particle sets is used in a microfluidic device for performing chemical reactions in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and intersecting side channels, the main channel and side channels forming a plurality of intersections. The array of particle sets is disposed in the main channel, and the side channels are coupled to reagents. As the particle sets are transported through the intersections of the main channel and the side channels, reagents are flowed through the side channels into contact with each array member (or selected array members), thereby providing a plurality of chemical reactions in the microfluidic system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing pure or substantially pure D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate from glucose-6-phosphate and/or fructose-6-phosphate. The method may also be applied to protected and/or derivative forms of glucose-6-phosphate and/or fructose-6-phosphate so as to form protected/derivative forms of D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate, for use in further chemical reactions. The enzyme D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase (INO1) is contacted with the glucose-6-phosphate and/or fructose-6-phosphate to generate labeled or unlabeled, protected or unprotected D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate, which may be further reacted and/or purified.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating stroke are disclosed.

Abstract: Ghrelin signal peptide fragment assays and kits useful in the diagnosis, prognosis, risk stratification, assessing, staging, monitoring, categorizing and determination of further diagnoses and treatment regimens in subjects with various disorders, diseases and conditions including, pneumonia, heart failure, or pneumonia and heart failure or suspected pneumonia, heart failure, or pneumonia and heart failure, and methods for monitoring treatment.

Abstract: Fluorescent Schiff base compounds comprising a xanthene dye based moiety and an alkyl imidazole moiety. Methods of assessing these fluorescent Schiff base compounds as fluorescent probes for metal ions in Cu2+ chemosensing applications, methods of preparing the fluorescent Schiff base compounds and methods of detecting Cu2+ ions with the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibitors of the expression and/or activity of LIF for the treatment of cancer. Particularly, the present invention provides an in vitro method for designing a customized therapy for a patient suffering from cancer comprising (a) quantifying the expression levels of LIF in said patient, and (b) comparing said expression levels with control levels, wherein if the expression levels of LIF in said patient are greater than the control values, then an inhibitory agent of LIF is administered to said patient.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), in which—if required—the erythrocytes in a sample are haemolysed, the haemoglobin that is then released—if required—is contacted with a proteolytic agent and the glycated haemoglobin degradation products obtained in this way or otherwise are quantified is disclosed. In order to provide such a process and reagents employable therein that has/have the property of sufficient stability of the chemical compounds that are essential to the reaction, for the stabilization of the haemoglobin which is unfolded at a very low pH in the range from 1 to 3, at least one suitable stabilizer is present in the haemolysis solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cells, compositions and methods for the production of recombinant protein. In particular, the invention is directed to a production process for obtaining high levels of soluble recombinant CRM197 protein from E. coli. Cells preferably contain one or more mutations of disulfide reductase genes, so that disulfide reductase activity is reduced. The invention also relates to purification method for CRM197 as well as characterization of properly folded CRM197 protein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying human and non-human primate cells which respond to sweet tastants. These methods screen for human or non-human primate cells which express a polypeptide which binds to or responds to sweet tastants. These cells may be used in binding and functional assays to screen for compounds which modulate sweet taste.

Abstract: Method and kits are provided determining the presence or absence of parasitic helminth eggs in environmental samples, particularly fecal samples. The methods incorporate egg capture methods and the use of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine specific ligands for egg detection.

Abstract: Anaplasma phagocytophilum surface protein AipA and/or fragments thereof which comprise an invasin domain are used in compositions suitable to elicit an immune response to treat or prevent infections caused by tick-born bacteria of the Anaplasmatacaea family. AipA proteins and protein fragments or antibodies directed to AipA proteins and protein fragments are also used in diagnostic assays to detect exposure to and/or infection with Anaplasmatacaea. AipA and/or fragments thereof are also used for these purposes in combination with one or both of Asp14 and OmpA proteins and/or fragments thereof which comprise an invasin domain. Homologs of these proteins are also used in the compositions and assays.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for selectively detecting an alkyne-presenting molecule in a sample and related detection reagents, compositions, methods and systems.

Abstract: A molecular marker for detecting a cancer stem cell in a cell mass which is a subject of interest, wherein the molecular marker can be detected in a cancer stem cell contained in the subject of interest but cannot be detected in a normal cell and a cancer cell that is different from a cancer stem cell; a method for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell in a subject of interest by using the molecular marker as an measure; a kit for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell, which comprises at least a reagent for detecting the molecular marker; a polypeptide encoded by the molecular marker; an antibody capable of recognizing an epitope of an expression product of a gene derived from the molecular marker; a nucleic acid capable of inhibiting the expression of the molecular marker; and a nucleic acid vaccine comprising a gene derived from the molecular marker.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods for measuring the binding constant of a lipophilic or amphiphilic molecule acceptor for a lipophilic or amphiphilic molecule. Methods involve rapid, cell-free competition assays including a labeled lipophilic or amphiphilic molecule and nanoparticle.

Abstract: Provided is a test method for discriminating a liver injury type using as an indicator a level of lithocholic acid (hereinafter abbreviated as LCA) in a biological sample of a subject. That is, provided is a test method comprising measuring a level of LCA in a biological sample collected from a subject, and discriminating a liver injury type as hepatocellular injury type, cholestasis type, or a mixed type thereof using the measured level of LCA as an indicator.

Abstract: Methods for producing antibodies are provided and include transforming a plant cell with a nucleic acid encoding a heavy chain of an antibody, a light chain of an antibody, and a linking polypeptide connecting the heavy chain to the light chain. The nucleic acid is then expressed in the plant cell, such that, upon expression the linking polypeptide is cleaved to separate the heavy chain from the light chain. Isolated nucleic acid sequences, expression vectors, and transformed plant cells useful for producing the antibodies are also provided. Further provided are methods for treating a viral infection and include the steps of obtaining an antibody produced by the above-described methods and then administering the antibody to a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods useful for molecular and cellular separation, detection and quantification. The compositions provided herein comprise a nanostructure having magnetic property operably linked to an analyte-binding member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microorganism capable of fermenting arabinose to a desired product such as ethanol. In some embodiments, the organism is also capable of fermenting xylose. In some embodiments, the organism is capable of fermenting arabinose and xylose, and expresses one or more cellulases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for validating immunological detection reagents for use in detecting contaminating host cell components in a biological preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for culturing neuronal cells for transplantation into a subject. The methods include culturing neuronal cells with microparticles to provide a microparticle and neuronal cell culture composition, wherein the microparticles are coated with a compound that provides for attachment of neuronal cells. The present invention also provides methods of screening the cultured neuronal cells as well as kits and systems for use in the same.

Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of sensors. A sensor of the plurality of sensors has a sensor pad exposed at a surface of the sensor array. A method of treating the sensor array includes exposing at least the sensor pad to a wash solution including sulfonic acid and an organic solvent and rinsing the wash solution from the sensor pad.

Abstract: The present application relates to a continuous droplet flow microfluidic system, including a microfluidic chip including an optical detection section; a stage assembly including a microfluidic chip holder configured to receive the microfluidic chip and a plurality of heating elements arranged to heat a plurality of separate sections of the microfluidic chip to a corresponding plurality of different temperatures; and an optical detection system arranged to detect fluorescent light emitted from said optical detection section of the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: An immunochromatography for multi-item detection is provided which contains detecting and measuring fluorescence and light absorption respectively at once with a detection device. The immunochromatography contains using fluorescent particles and light absorbing particles, wherein the fluorescence excitation wavelength of the fluorescent particles and the absorption wavelength of the light absorbing particles are in the same wavelength region; and detecting and measuring, at once, the intensity of reflected light from a test area, the intensity of reflected light from another test area, and the intensity of reflected light from a non-test area other than the test areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staining method in which the fluorescent staining properties in a fluorescently-immunostained specimen are not reduced even when an oil-based mounting medium is used. The present invention also provides a method of preventing deterioration of a fluorescent label caused by irradiation with excitation light and improving the light resistance in a fluorescently-immunostained specimen obtained by the staining method. The biological substance detection method according to the present invention is a biological substance detection method for specifically detecting a biological substance from a pathological specimen, which includes the steps of: immunostaining the specimen with a fluorescent label; immobilizing the thus stained specimen; and mounting the thus immobilized specimen using a mounting medium including an organic solvent not freely miscible with water.

Abstract: An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method is disclosed and uses a full reaction of a Ru(bpy) marked protein-primary antibody, a biotinylated protein-secondary antibody to be tested, and a sample to be tested; addition of a Streptavidin-coated magnetic particle to form a complex comprising an antigen, an antibody, and a magnetic particle; adsorption to an electrode surface by the magnetic particle; addition of a dibutyl ethanolamine solution; and testing by an electrochemical method. Also disclosed is a corresponding electrochemiluminescence immunoassay detection kit.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a microfluidic device for gel electrophoresis is provided. The microfluidic device includes a sample channel configured to receive a sample; a stacking channel comprising a preloaded stacking reagent; and a separation channel comprising a preloaded separation reagent, wherein the preloaded stacking reagent has a physical characteristic different from that of the preloaded separation reagent; and wherein the sample channel, the stacking channel and the separation channel are in fluid communication with one another. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a microfluidic device for gel electrophoresis is also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, or methods are disclosed herein for treatment of disease in a vertebrate subject. The device can include a quasi-planar substrate; and one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types at least partially embedded within the quasi-planar substrate, wherein the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types is configured to interact with one or more cell types. The device can further include one or more sensors configured to detect at least one aspect of an interaction between the at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types and the one or more cell types; and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to responsively initiate modification of at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types, the quasi-planar substrate, and the one or more cell types.

Abstract: A method for separating a biological conjugate from an aggregate. The molecular weight of the biological conjugate ranges from about 10 kDa to about 1000 kDa. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (e) providing a mixture comprising the biological conjugate and the aggregate, wherein the biological conjugate has a molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 1000 kDa; (f) providing a chromatography column containing a gel, wherein the gel comprises at least one polysaccharide; (g) introducing the mixture of step (a) into the chromatography column; (h) recovering the biological conjugate from the column.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, kits and reagents for diagnosing fibromyalgia (FM) in an individual by determining whether the levels of one or more cytokines in the individual are altered, as compared to control levels. The altered level(s) or patterns of expression of the cytokines measured in the affected individual compared to the level from the control is predictive/indicative of FM in the individual.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the prognosis and/or diagnosis of vascular-related disorders in a subject and in particular pregnancy-related vascular disorders. The present disclosure is based on the finding that a positive correlation exists between positive prediction of a vascular disorder event in a subject and the concentration of the circulating marker NTproCNP (also referred to as NT-CNP) in humans and animals. In addition, the present disclosure is based on the finding that there is also a positive correlation between the occurrence of a vascular related adverse event during pregnancy and the concentration of the circulating marker NT-proCNP in the maternal circulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of treating cancer using a composition including a target-specific self-illuminative nanocomplex which includes a self-illuminative nanocomplex including a quantum dot and a modified self-illuminative protein (m-Rluc8), a targeted cancer-specific molecule and a hydrophilic polymer, and a method of preparing the composition. Since the high efficiency self-illuminative nanocomplex may have high target specificity by chemically binding to a target-specific molecule, it can be effectively used in cancer treatment using a nanometer-scale laser light source, and therefore it is expected to propose a new paradigm of nanoptic therapeutics.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention provide reagents and methods for the sensitive, quantitative and simultaneous detection of target analytes in complex biological samples by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). Some aspects of this invention provide affinity reagents encoded with mass reporters for the sensitive and quantitative translation of an analyte of interest into a mass tag. The reagents and methods provided herein have general utility in analyte detection and encoding, for example, in biomolecular profiling, molecular diagnostics, and biochemical encoding.

Abstract: Engineered human tissue constructs are provided that are suitable for use in making humanized animals for use in pharmaceutical development. Humanized animals having the constructs implanted in vivo are provided. Methods of making and using the tissue-engineered constructs and humanized animals are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for the enumeration of mammalian cell micronuclei, while distinguishing micronuclei from the chromatin of dead and dying cells. The method utilizes differential staining of chromatin from dead and dying cells, to distinguish the chromatin from micronuclei and nuclei that can be detected based upon fluorescent emission and light scatter following exposure to an excitatory light source. Counting of micronuclei events relative to the number of nuclei can be used to assess the DNA-damaging potential of a chemical agent, the DNA-damaging potential of a physical agent, the effects of an agent which can modify endogenously-induced DNA damage, and the effects of an agent which can modify exogenously-induced DNA damage. Kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to M1 polypeptides that can be utilized as vaccines and/or antigens for generation of anti-M1 polypeptide antibodies for prophylactic treatment of individuals who are susceptible to infection by influenza virus. The anti-M1 polypeptide antibodies of the invention are useful for treatment of individuals infected with influenza virus, or useful for prophylactic treatment of individuals who are susceptible to infection by influenza virus, or for immune-suppressed individuals who cannot generate an effective antibody response.

Abstract: There is method for detecting the presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample comprising the steps of: allowing an inorganic fluorescent particle to conjugate with a detection biomolecule that is bound to said target analyte, if present in said sample, said target analyte additionally being bound by a capture biomolecule immobilized on or within a nanostructure; and detecting the fluorescence emitted by said inorganic fluorescent particle, said nanostructure being capable of generating a surface plasmon resonance effect when excited by a light source to substantially increase the fluorescence emitted by said inorganic fluorescent particle, wherein the detected fluorescence indicates the presence of said target analyte in said sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods of enriching populations of human pluripotent stem cells that are induced to differentiate to cardiomyocyte progenitor cells and cardiomyocyte cells. The cell populations can be enriched by isolating cells that express SIRPA. The invention also related to in vitro-enriched populations of cardiomyocyte cells and cardiomyocyte progenitor cells obtained from populations of pluripotent stem.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to O8E with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods for treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies specific for the CSF-1R, compositions comprising said antibodies and methods of treatment using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that mutations in KCNJ5 are associated with adrenal diseases and disorders. The invention includes compositions and methods for the assessment, characterization and treatment of adrenal diseases and disorders, based upon the presence or absence of a KCNJ5 mutation that is associated with an adrenal disease or disorder.

Abstract: A method to detect a biomarker in saliva wherein the biomarker is an extracellular mRNA, comprises detecting the extracellular mRNA in the cell-free saliva; transcriptome analysis of saliva comprises detecting a transcriptome pattern in the cell-free saliva; a method to detect genetic alterations in an organ or in a gene in the organ by analyzing saliva, comprises detecting a transcriptome pattern and/or the mRNA profiling of the gene in cell-free saliva; a method to diagnose an oral or systemic pathology disease or disorder in a subject, comprises: detecting profile of a biomarker associated with the pathology disease or disorder, in particular mRNA and/or protein, in cell-free saliva and/or serum; kits comprising identifier for at least one biomarker for performing at least one of the methods; and use of salivary biomarker salivary and/or serum mRNAs as biomarkers for oral and/or systemic pathology, disease or disorder.

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.