Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying a molecule that provides or enhances a sweet taste in the mouth and compositions containing such molecules. The methods involve determining the effect of a variety of known or new compounds on expression or functional activity of a glucose-transporter protein of the activity of an ATP-gated K+ channel (KATP) in a mammalian oral cell, taste cell, or heterologous cell that expresses the protein or channel.

Abstract: Hydroxamate substituted azaindoline cyanine dyes, conjugates thereof and methods of using the same are provided. The subject cyanine dyes include an azaindoline ring having a hydroxamate substituent. The dyes may further include a reactive group moieties (RGM) and/or a water soluble group. Also provided are conjugates of the subject dyes. Also provided are tandem conjugates including a fluorescent protein capable of energy transfer to the dye. Methods of detecting an analyte in a sample by contacting the sample with a detection reagent are provided. The detection agent may be a dye-conjugate that specifically binds the analyte, or may be a reactive dye which conjugates to the analyte. Also provided are compositions, e.g., kits, etc., incorporating such dyes which facilitate use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying an inhibitor of the aggregation of amyloid-? peptide (A?), comprising the steps of a) contacting at least one A? -peptide and/or the nitrated forms thereof with at least one candidate inhibitor that potentially specifically binds to a region in said A? -peptide capable of being nitrated, and b) detecting said inhibitor specifically binding to said region in said A? -peptide through detecting a lack of or a reduced aggregation of said at least one A? -peptide. The present invention is further directed at improved methods for treating neuronal degradation and particularly Alzheimer's disease, based on said inhibitor. The present invention is further directed at methods for diagnosing the aggregation of A? -peptide in the context of neuronal degradation and particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for evaluating the severity of a burn injury, which are based on the detection in a clinical fluid sample of skin metabolism products, such as collagen peptides which are released upon collagen degradation or synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively enriching and/or isolating microbial and optionally additionally viral nucleic acids from samples that contain a mixture of microbial cells, freely circulating nucleic acids and higher eukaryotic cells, and optionally additionally viruses, in a liquid, and to a kit for selectively enriching and/or isolating intracellular and extracellular microbial nucleic acids, and optionally additionally viral nucleic acids, from samples that contain a mixture of microbial and higher eukaryotic cells, freely circulating nucleic acids, in particular extracellular microbial nucleic acids, and optionally additionally viruses in a liquid.

Abstract: A method for identifying a compound which modulates the activity of acyl-coA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises the steps of contacting a stable isotope labeled fatty acid with cells in either presence or absence of the compound, extracting the cells with isopropyl alcohol, and determining the level of a stable isotope labeled triglyceride in the presence or absence of the compound; wherein a change in the level of the stable isotope labeled triglyceride indicates that the compound modulates the DGAT activity.

Abstract: Water soluble InAs(ZnCdS) semiconductor nanocrystals with bright and stable emission in the near infrared (NIR) wavelength range have been prepared. The NIR semiconductor nanocrystals can be functionalized to enable imaging of specific cellular proteins. In addition, the utility of the NIR region for in vivo biological imaging is clearly demonstrated by the superior ability of InAs(ZnCdS) semiconductor nanocrystals to image tumor vasculature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for pretreatment of a biological sample in the immunoassay of a protein contained in the biological sample. The method includes the steps of: (1) freezing the biological sample at a temperature higher than ?80° C., in particular at ?70° C. or higher; (2) thawing the frozen biological sample; and (3) solubilizing the biological sample using a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the pyrazoloquinazolinone and pyrroloquinazolinone derivatives of the general formula (I), as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions associated with altered glutamatergic signalling and/or functions, and/or conditions which can be affected by alteration of glutamate level or signalling in mammals, in particular their use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of acute and chronic neurological and/or psychiatric disorders.

Abstract: Specific binding members, particularly human antibodies, particularly recombinant antibodies, and fragments thereof, which are capable of binding to and recognizing neurons in the CNS and eliciting responses in CNS neurons are provided. The antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with nerve damage, injury or degeneration and neurodegenerative disease, and in particular in the treatment or alleviation of stroke or cerebral ischemia. The antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof of the invention may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or neuroactive agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof. The antibodies or active fragments thereof may be used in therapy for stroke or cerebral ischemia alone or in combination with thrombolytics such as TPA. Antibodies are exemplified by the antibodies IgM12 and IgM42 whose sequences are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention provides prognostic methods for evaluating the severity of NMO and NMO-associated diseases as well as methods of treating NMO and NMO-associated diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for the isolation of exosomes from biological fluids and tissues. Volume-excluding polymers are used to precipitate exosomes from biological samples thereby allowing exosome isolation by low-speed (benchtop) centrifugation or filtration. Further fractionation of exosomes after precipitation is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention or treatment of ischemia related organ damage.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing NKX6-1+ pancreatic progenitor cells and/or insulin producing cells from an endodermal cell population, the method comprising contacting the endodermal cell population with an EGF component, a Nicotinamide component and/or a Noggin component, optionally a combination of at least one EGF component and at least one nicotinamide component to induce the differentiation of at least one endodermal cell into a NKX6-1+ pancreatic progenitor cell, the combination optionally further comprising at least one Noggin component.

Abstract: A polyacrylamide hydrogel includes co-polymerized acrylamide, bisacrylamide and N-hydroxyethylacrylamide

Abstract: CD48, a surface-marker molecule present in eosinophils, is disclosed herein as a key molecule in allergic conditions, particularly in allergic airway inflammations like asthma, allergy and nasal polyposis. CD48 is thus presented as a target molecule in the treatment of said conditions. In addition, diagnostic methods, and a kit for the diagnosis of allergic inflammatory conditions are described, based on the detection of CD48 expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnostic and/or prognostic of a neurological disease characterized by an inflammation process in a subject comprising measuring the amount of myeloid derived microvesicles in a cerebrospinal fluid sample obtained from the subject. The invention further relates to a method for predicting and/or monitoring the efficacy of a treatment for a neurological pathology or for monitoring a neurological disease progression.

Abstract: Mixtures of cell types can be analyzed by having at least two signal markers, with at least one at three different levels to provide a barcode for each cell type. The mixture of cells may be subjected to a common candidate moiety and the effect of the moiety on the cells determined along with identification of the cell by the barcode. Conveniently, surface marker proteins and labeled antibodies can be used to create the barcode and the cells analyzed with flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides, recombinant materials, and transgenic mice, as well as methods for their production. The polypeptides and polynucleotides are useful, for example, in methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds (e.g., agonists or antagonists) using the GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention, and for treating conditions associated with GPCR dysfunction with the GPCR polypeptides, polynucleotides, or identified compounds. The invention also provides diagnostic assays for detecting diseases or disorders associated with inappropriate GPCR activity or levels.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising enriched extracellular vesicles, wherein the extracellular vesicles express VSEL markers. The extracellular vesicles are used to treat or regenerate damages or injured tissue in a subject.

Abstract: Blocking reagent compositions, as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided. Aspects of the composition include a blocking reagent that binds to the cell surface but does not specifically bind to a targeted first cell surface antigen. Also provided are system and kits that include the compositions.

Abstract: A Method for inducing human neural stem/progenitor cells to differentiate into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and application thereof comprises following steps of: pre-treating neural stem cells derived from different resources in pre-treatment medium including bFGF and EGF for culturing; and inducing neural stem cells after pre-treating with inducing medium including PDGF-AA, bFGF and NT3, so as to differentiate into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Main markers of the OPCs obtained by the method, such as NG2, O4, A2B5 and PDGFR, have a positive rate of 80˜90%. The OPCs obtained thereby is capable of proliferating steadily in the OPCs inducing medium for at least 10 generations and simultaneously maintaining biological characteristics thereof unchanged. The OPCs induced by the present invention can be applied in treating myelin-associated diseases or researching on drug screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to precursor cells to hepatic stellate cells, compositions comprising same and methods of isolating same. The surface antigenic profile of the precursors is MHC class Ia negative, ICAM-1+, VCAM-1+, ?3-integrin+. In addition to expression of these surface markers, the cells also express the intracellular markers desmin, vimentin, smooth muscle ?-actin, nestin, hepatocyte growth factor, stromal derived factor-1? and Hlx homeobox transcriptional factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of soluble CD163 as a prognostic marker for the assessment of the risk for contracting a disorder, in particular for contracting diabetes and/or a liver disorder. The invention also relates to the use of CD163 as a prognostic marker for assessing lifetime expectancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for detecting one or more analytes in a sample and/or for classifying a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and systems which can be used to detect the analytes in real time and which rely on flowing through a microfluidic device one or more types of sensor molecule each comprising a domain that binds one or more analytes, a chemiluminescent donor domain and an acceptor domain, wherein the separation and relative orientation of the chemiluminescent donor domain and the acceptor domain, in the presence and/or the absence of analyte, is within +50% of the Forster distance.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis and/or therapy control of systemic sclerosis is disclosed wherein soluble CD90 is detected in body fluids. By measuring the concentration of soluble CD90 certain forms of diseases can be differentiated by applying the ex vivo method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide having the formula: St-R1-S1-Q-S2-R2 wherein St is a stalk sequence which, when the polypeptide is expressed at the surface of a target cell, causes the R and Q epitopes to be projected from the cell surface; R1 and R2 are a Rituximab-binding epitopes each having the an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No. 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 or a variant thereof which retains Rituximab-binding activity; S1 and S2 are optional spacer sequences, which may be the same or different; and Q is a QBEnd1O-binding epitope having the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2 or a variant thereof which QBEnd1O-binding activity. The invention also provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding such a polypeptide and uses thereof in adoptive cell transfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more markers selected from the group consisting of Clusterin, Heart-type fatty acid binding protein, Hepatocyte growth factor, Interferon gamma, Interleukin-12 subunit beta, Interleukin-16, Interleukin-2, 72 kDa type IV collagenase, Matrix metalloproteinase-9, Midkine, and Serum amyloid P-component as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for the identification of a compound having immunosuppressant activity, wherein a candidate compound is analyzed whether it blocks the Ca2+ flux in coronin 1 expressing cells and/or in coronin 1 negative cells. A candidate compound is identified as having immunosuppressant activity if it blocks the Ca2+ flux specifically in coronin 1 expressing cells. Further described are upstream assays wherein the impact of a candidate compound on coronin 1 trimerization is measured, and downstream assays wherein the impact of a candidate compound on diacyl glycerol (DAG) generation, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) levels and/or inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP3) generation or on nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) nuclear localization is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarkers for use in determining the sensitivity of patients to therapy with ?v?6 integrin inhibition or therapy with TGF-? pathway inhibitors. The biomarker profiles disclosed herein provide individualized gene and protein profiles which will aid in treating diseases and disorders which are amenable to treatment with therapies designed against ?v?6-integrin and/or TGF-? pathway inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention is based in part on a chemically defined method of generating neural stem cells (NSCs) and dopaminergic (DA) neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The DA neurons of the invention can be derived from hPSCs and NSCs. The present invention also provides reagents and kits useful for the derivation of neural stem cells and dopaminergic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics and kits are provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present application teaches methods and compositions for tissue clearing in which whole organs and bodies are rendered macromolecule-permeable and optically-transparent, thereby exposing their cellular structure with intact connectivity. In some embodiments, the present application teaches PACT, a protocol for passive tissue clearing and immunostaining of intact organs. In other embodiments, the present application teaches RIMS, a refractive index matching media for imaging thick tissue. In yet other embodiments, the application teaches PARS, a method for whole-body clearing and immunolabeling.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for identifying a compound which modulates the activity of a voltage-gated protein. In certain embodiments, the voltage gate protein is a voltage-gated ion channel. In certain embodiments, the voltage-gated protein is a voltage sensitive phosphatase. In certain embodiments, the voltage-gated protein used in conjunction with the methods of the invention is modified to altered permeability or voltage sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modifying fertility in a male mammalian subject by contacting the subject's testis cells, germ cells or sperm with a sufficient amount of a composition comprising a ligand that binds, activates, or inhibits activation of, a TAS2R receptor expressed on the cells. Also described are methods for screening a test molecule for its effect on fertility by examining changes in male germ cells, testis cells or sperm resulting from contact with a molecule that binds, activates, or inhibits activation of, a TAS2R receptor expressed on the cells. Compositions for modifying fertility in a mammalian subject, e.g., contraceptive products, include a ligand that binds, inhibits or activates a TAS2R receptor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for the identification or validation of compounds capable of causing ribosomal frameshifting and the use of the compounds identified by the methods described herein to produce a stabilized SMN?Ex7 protein and treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of an amyloidosis such as Alzheimer's disease in a subject in need thereof, characterized in that it comprises administering an inhibitor of the interaction between A? globulomer and the P/Q type voltage-gated presynaptic calcium channel to said subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection and/or diseases and disorders associated with chlamydial infection in a subject.

Abstract: Mechanisms for complications of renal failure and processes for treating the same are disclosed. They include contacting a biological fluid (e.g. blood) with a filter body, the filter body having immobilized thereon either a CD36 receptor or a CD36 receptor fragment or a SCARB1 receptor or a SCARB1 receptor fragment, the blood having a reduced quantity of oxidatively modified proteins after contacting the filter body. They also include administering an antagonist drug to a patient that blocks the binding activity of the RAGE receptor or the CD36 receptor or the SCARB1 receptor. Diagnostic methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or the early stages thereof or a predisposition to said disease. Said method is based on quantitative determination of a mitogenically expressible surface marker, in particular CD69, and peripherally accessible cells, e.g. skin cells or lymphocytes, (a) prior to and (b) after mitogenic stimulation. A specific stimulation index a:b is an indication of Alzheimer's disease or early stages thereof or of a predisposition to said disease. The invention also relates to kits which are suitable for carrying out the inventive method of diagnosis.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide chimeric receptors containing a mouse Fc? receptor extracellular domain and a human Fc? receptor transmembrane domain, or chimeric receptors containing a mouse Fc? receptor extracellular domain and a human ? chain transmembrane domain. Another objective of the present invention is to provide methods for measuring the ADCC activity of mouse antibodies and methods of screening for mouse antibodies having ADCC activity, using the chimeric receptors. To accomplish the above-mentioned objectives, the present inventors produced chimeric molecules by fusing the extracellular domain of mouse Fc?R3 or mouse Fc?R4 with the transmembrane domain/intracellular domain of human ? chain or human Fc?R3, and expressed the chimeric molecules in human NK92 cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the prognostic evaluation of a patient suspected of having, or having, cancer by assessing the expression of IMP3 in a biological sample of a patient. Methods can be used at the time of initial diagnosis of malignant tumors to identify a group of patients with a high potential to develop progression or metastasis later. Therefore, methods not only are able to provide very useful prognostic information for patients but also can help clinicians to select a candidate patient likely to benefit from early and aggressive cancer therapy. Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer associated with expression of IMP3 are also provided.

Abstract: Fluorescent quinolizinocoumarin compounds substituted with electrophilic reactive groups that bind thiol compounds are described. The compounds are useful in detecting oxidative stress and processes associated therewith in live cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic assay device for assaying at least one property of a liquid sample, the device comprising: (i) a liquid sample application region; (ii) at least one test flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; (iii) a reference flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; and (iv) a junction region, at which the test flow path and the reference flow path contact one another, the junction region typically comprising an outlet, conduit, chamber or other portion which permits the onward flow of liquid; wherein a liquid flowing along the reference flow path, upon reaching the junction region, has the effect of preventing the flow of liquid along the test flow path. The invention relates to a fluidic device for the passage of a liquid. It also relates to an assay device suitable for measurement of the amount and/or presence of an analyte in, or property of, a fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to objectively assess treatment outcomes in Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) behaviors by obtaining expression profiles (e.g., mRNA expression and/or protein expression profiles) for one or more genes at two or more different time points, for example, before and after treating a subject known to have or suspected of having an RDS affliction. Analysis, for example, of mRNA and/or protein expression levels and/or patterns can be conducted before admission to a treatment facility, followed by testing at one or more various designated times during and after a subject's treatment. Such methods may also be combined with other tests, and can be used in diagnosis and treatment of RDS and RDS behaviors, including drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction, overeating, gambling, sexual addiction, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising: detecting the level of an integrin ?1 subunit, an integrin ?2 subunit, and/or an integrin ?3 subunit in a blood sample. Also provided is a reagent kit for diagnosing VTE, comprising a substance capable of specifically binding to the integrin ?1 subunit, the integrin ?2 subunit, and/or the integrin ?3 subunit.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of molecular medicine. It provides antagonistic compounds for frizzled-1 and/or frizzled-2 receptors, which may be useful in molecular imaging of the wound healing process after myocardial infarction and in therapeutic intervention into wound healing after remodeling of the heart, thereby ameliorating the consequences of myocardial infarction. The invention provides a method for antagonizing frizzled-1 or frizzled-2 receptors, wherein the receptor is contacted with a composition comprising a linear fragment of Wnt3(a) or Wnt5a or a functional analogue thereof, which comprises at least one cysteine residue, one threonine residue, one aspartic acid residue and one glycine residue.

Abstract: A method, optical apparatus and system for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer. One configuration includes an objective lens coaxially aligned with the flow of particles being analyzed for collecting emissions at a detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improved diagnosis of dysplasias based on simultaneous detection of INK4a gene products and at least one marker for cell proliferation. Particularly the present invention provides a method for discriminating dysplastic cells over-expressing INK4a gene products from cells over-expressing INK4a gene products without being dysplastic by detection of a marker suitable for characterizing the proliferation properties of the respective cell. The characterization of the proliferation properties may comprise the detection of a marker or a set of markers characteristic for active cell proliferation and/or a marker or a set of markers characteristic for retarded or ceased cell proliferation. The method presented herein thus enables for a specific diagnosis of dysplasias in histological and cytological specimens.