Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods based on genetic polymorphisms that are associated with response to statin treatment, particularly for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease (such as myocardial infarction) and stroke. For example, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by these nucleic acid molecules, reagents and kits for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and variant proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid molecules and proteins as well as methods of using reagents and kits for their detection.

Abstract: Provided is a method for identifying and suppressing abnormal growth of fibroblasts at an early stage. Provided is a method for identifying the growth state of fibroblasts using as an index the level of expression of ETFB (electron transfer flavoprotein beta subunit), comprising: judging, in cases where the level of expression of ETFB is high, that there is a high probability that fibroblasts are abnormally growing; and judging, in cases where the level of expression of ETFB is low, that there is a high probability that fibroblasts are normally growing. Further, by inhibition of ETFB, abnormal growth of fibroblasts can be suppressed.

Abstract: Method for the detection of a target sequence comprising ligating two probes when annealed adjacent to the target sequence, hybridization of a compound primer to the ligated probes and after elongation of the compound primer, amplifying the elongated compound primer from primers annealing to primer binding sites provided in the compound primer and one of the probes to produce detectably amplicons.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel algorithms for designing oligonucleotides that do not substantially hybridize to a small group of unwanted transcripts, while hybridizing to most other transcripts. Such oligonucleotides are particularly useful as primers for reverse transcription. The invention also provides compositions containing oligonucleotides that do not substantially hybridize to a small group of unwanted transcripts, while hybridizing to most other transcripts.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of tumor-derived or associated extracellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) found circulating in blood plasma or serum fraction for the detection, monitoring, or evaluation of cancer or premalignant conditions. Specifically, this invention enables the extraction of circulating RNA from plasma or serum and utilizes nucleic acid amplification assays for the identification, detection, inference, monitoring, or evaluation of any neoplasm, benign, premalignant, or malignant, in humans or other animals, which might be associated with that RNA. Further, this invention allows the qualitative or quantitative detection of tumor-derived or associated extracellular RNA circulating in the plasma or serum of humans or animals with or without any prior knowledge of the presence of cancer or premalignant tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method for identifying IL-17 expressing T cells in a blood and/or tissue sample derived from a mammal, comprising analysing the methylation status of at least one CpG position in the gene IL-17A, wherein a demethylation of said at least one CpG position in said sample when compared to an analogous position in a non IL-17 blood cell is indicative for a IL-17 positive CD4 positive T cell. The analyses according to the invention can identify IL-17 positive T cells and distinguish them from all other cells in complex samples, such as, for example, other blood cells. The present invention furthermore provides an improved method for quantifying IL-17 positive T cells in complex samples based on a comparison of the IL-17A methylation with a methylation of at least one marker selected from the group of CD3, FOXP3, and/or GAPDH.

Abstract: Epigenetic methods for assessing pluripotency of a cell population, such as a stem cell culture are provided. For example, pluripotency can be assessed by determining DNA methylation status at the RAB25, NANOG, PTPN6, MGMT, GBP3 and/or LYST gene regions. Kits and reagents for testing cells are likewise provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker composition for diagnosing resistance to bacterial blight of soybean; a composition for diagnosing resistance to bacterial blight of soybean, comprising a primer which specifically binds to a marker gene; a diagnostic kit for diagnosing resistance to bacterial blight of soybean, comprising the composition; and a method for diagnosing resistance to bacterial blight of soybean. As described above, with the use of the marker gene for diagnosing resistance to bacterial blight of soybean according to the present invention, it is possible to breed varieties that are resistant to bacterial blight of soybean, thus providing disease-resistant and high-quality, superior varieties.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of STEC bacteria based on the presence of nucleic acid sequences, in particular, to a PCR-based method for detection, and to oligonucleotide molecules and reagents and kits useful therefore. This method is preferably employed to detect STEC bacteria in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to isolated polynucleotides, replication compositions, kits, and reagent tablets for carrying out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence or absence of, or for discriminating between, blood type variants, including RHD*r?s, RHD*DIIIa, RHD*DIVa-2, RHCE*css and RHCE*ce733G. The method comprises genotyping a sample obtained from a human subject at one or more positions in intron 7 of the RHD gene and/or in intron 7 of the RHCE gene. The invention also provides products, in particular, probes, primers and kits for use in the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with cardiovascular disorders, particularly acute coronary events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, and genetic polymorphisms that are associated with responsiveness of an individual to treatment of cardiovascular disorders with statin. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of multiplexed analysis of oligonucleotides in a sample, including: methods of probe and target “engineering”, as well as methods of assay signal analysis relating to the modulation of the probe-target affinity constant, K by a variety of factors including the elastic properties of target strands and layers of immobilized (“grafted”) probes; and assay methodologies relating to: the tuning of assay signal intensities including dynamic range compression and on-chip signal amplification; the combination of hybridization-mediated and elongation-mediated detection for the quantitative determination of abundance of messages displaying a high degree of sequence similarity, including, for example, the simultaneous determination of the relative expression levels, and identification of the specific class of, untranslated AU-rich subsequences located near the 3? terminus of mRNA; and a new method of subtractive differential gene expression analysis which requires only a single color label.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to isolated nucleic acid sequences, methods of use thereof, and workflows for detection of several Listeria species in a sample, particularly in a food or environmental sample. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be used to detect one or more species or strains of Listeria from each other, for example L. grayi may be detected independently of other Listeria spp. Some embodiments also describe a duplexed assay that can detect L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, L. welshimeri, L. seelgeri, L. marthii (formerly incertae-sedis), L. ivanovii, and L. grayi. Kits for detection of Listeria are also described. In some embodiments, methods and kits of the disclosure may comprise a TAQMAN® assay. In some embodiments, 0.2-2 cfu of Listeria spp. are detected using the compositions, methods and kits after a 24-28 hour enrichment period.

Abstract: Provided are an oligonucleotide which realizes specific and highly sensitive detection of toxigenic C. difficile, and a method for detecting toxigenic C. difficile, the method employing the oligonucleotide. 1) A primer pair containing an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2; or a primer pair having complementary sequences to the nucleotide sequences. 2) A primer pair containing an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 4, and an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5; or a primer pair having complementary sequences to the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the optimization of cleavage of RNA species by RNase H. In some embodiments, the invention provides oligonucleotides that possess two or more regions of differing conformation, and at least one transitional nucleobase positioned between the regions that is capable of modulating transfer of the helical conformation characteristic of the region bound to the 3?hydroxy thereof, to the region bound to the 5? hydroxyl thereof.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides useful for determining the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a primer set used for transformation that imparts a uracil requiring property by deleting or destroying a gene coding for orotidine-5-phosphate decarboxylase in Moorella bacteria. The present invention is accomplished by a primer set that is used for creating a uracil requiring strain obtained by deleting or destroying a gene coding for orotidine-5-phosphate decarboxylase in Moorella bacteria by homologous recombination and is represented by SEQ ID No. 1 and 2 that amplify an upstream region adjacent to said gene coding for orotidine-5-phosphate decarboxylase.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detection of cancers associated with methylation of hMLH1 promoter DNA in a subject. The method comprise assaying for the presence of methylated hMLH1 promoter DNA in a bodily fluid from a subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises reacting DNA from the sample with a chemical compound that converts non-methylated cytosine bases but not methylated cytosine bases, to a different nucleotide base. The compound-converted DNA is then amplified using a methylation-sensitive polymerase chain reaction (MSP) employing primers that amplify the compound-converted DNA template. The present invention also provides nucleotide primer sequences for use in the methylation-sensitive PCR assay.

Abstract: This invention relates to the genetics of gender discrimination in the dioecious date palm. Methods of the present invention involve analyzing DNA or RNA from a date palm plant, tissue, germplasm, or seed for the presence of (i) a nucleic acid sequence or genotype that identifies the sex of the plant, tissue, germplasm, or seed or (ii) a molecular marker in linkage disequilibrium with the nucleic acid sequence or genotype. Also disclosed are kits for selecting male and female date palm plants prior to flowering, methods of breeding a date palm plant, and a method of planting a date palm seed of a known sex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to PRAME specific primers and probes, diagnostic kits and methods. The invention further relates to treatment of specific populations of cancer patients suffering from PRAME expressing tumours.

Abstract: A marking apparatus (1) for marking an item (12). The apparatus comprises: means to receive the item; a nucleic acid marker; means to release a marking fluid (8); and a distribution mechanism (11) coupled to the nucleic acid marker and the means to release the marking fluid. The means to release the marking fluid can be activated to release the marking fluid such that the distribution mechanism disperses a mixture of the nucleic acid marker and the marking fluid onto the item.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), Map 10 or GFP-expressing Map K-10) using a phage-delivery system, and demonstrate high efficiency allelic exchange. Additional exemplary aspects provide non-naturally occurring slow-growing strains of mycobacteria (e.g., Map, M. bovis, M. tuberculosis) having at least one gene deletion (e.g., pknG, relA, lsr2, panC, panD, proC, trpD, sapM (MAP3432), lysA_1, leuD, and leuC, and deletion mutants at the orthologous loci of two known virulence genes in pathogenic mycobacteria (relA and pknG) and one gene related to colony morphology and biofilm formation in fast growing mycobacteria (lsr2) were made. Further aspects provide novel vaccines comprising such deletion mutants, or portions thereof, and methods for making said vaccines. Yet further aspects provide methods for protecting a mammal from virulent Map, M.

Abstract: Nucleic acid oligonucleotide sequences are disclosed which include amplification oligomers and probe oligomers which are useful for detecting multiple types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) associated with cervical cancer. Methods for detecting multiple HPV types in biological specimens by amplifying HPV nucleic acid sequences in vitro and detecting the amplified products are disclosed.

Abstract: A process of detection of pandemic swine flu virus H1N1 type in a sample is provided herein. Also provided are highly specific oligonucleotides useful for rapid detection of swine flu virus in a sample, as well as swine flu virus specific isothermal gene amplification assay for early clinical diagnosis of H1N1 human patients.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for detection of probiotic bacteria strains intentionally provided to animals comprising: providing an animal with a known amount or number of probiotic bacteria; following a pre-determined time, obtaining a biological sample suspected of comprising the inoculated probiotic bacteria from the animal; and quantitatively detecting the amount of probiotic bacteria in the biological sample.

Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting M. genitalium nucleic acid in a sample, comprising: (i) amplifying a nucleic acid sequence comprising a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 (Mg219 gene); and (ii) detecting said amplified nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: MicroRNA genes are highly associated with chromosomal features involved in the etiology of different cancers. The perturbations in the genomic structure or chromosomal architecture of a cell caused by these cancer-associated chromosomal features can affect the expression of the miR gene(s) located in close proximity to that chromosomal feature. Evaluation of miR gene expression can therefore be used to indicate the presence of a cancer-causing chromosomal lesion in a subject. As the change in miR gene expression level caused by a cancer-associated chromosomal feature may also contribute to cancerigenesis, a given cancer can be treated by restoring the level of miR gene expression to normal. microRNA expression profiling can be used to diagnose cancer and predict whether a particular cancer is associated with an adverse prognosis. The identification of specific mutations associated with genomic regions that harbor miR genes in CLL patients provides a means for diagnosing CLL and possibly other cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for high-resolution clonal typing of Escherichia coli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for determining the presence or absence of HAV in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for diagnosis of lung cancer including an antibody specific to GPI specific phospholipase D1 (GPLD1) protein, which is an effective biomarker for early diagnosis of lung cancer, and a composition for diagnosis of lung cancer including a primer or probe specific to a nucleic acid encoding the GPLD1 protein. The lung cancer diagnostic marker may be effectively used in early diagnosis of lung cancer and also, is very useful for evaluating progression of a disease and prognosis before and after treatment of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a diagnostic kit for diagnosing the presence of Parkinson's disease in a human subject. The method includes the steps of: (1) extracting RNA molecules from a blood sample of the human subject to define a test sample; (2) measuring the amount of each RNA molecule having Sequence ID Nos. 1-14 in the test sample; (3) comparing the amount of each of the RNA molecules having Sequence ID Nos. 1-14 to the amount of RNA molecules having Sequence ID Nos. 1-14 present in a control sample to determine how many of the RNA molecules of Sequence ID Nos. 1-14 are present in a significant amount in the test sample greater or less than in the control sample to define a number of biomarkers; and (4) diagnosing the presence of Parkinson's disease in the human subject if the number of biomarkers is equal to or greater than five.

Abstract: Therapeutic agents which target heat shock protein (hsp) 27 in vivo are used to provide treatment to individuals, particularly human individuals, suffering from prostate cancer and other cancers that overexpress hsp27. A therapeutic agent, for example an antisense oligonucleotide or RNAi nucleotide inhibitor with sequence specificity for hsp27 mRNA, for example human hsp27 mRNA, is administered to an individual suffering from prostate cancer or some other cancer expressing elevated levels of hsp 27 in a therapeutically effective amount. The therapeutic agent is suitably formulated into a pharmaceutical composition which includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and packaged in dosage unit form. A preferred dosage unit form is an injectable dosage unit form.

Abstract: An assay system and methods are described where patient samples containing genomic DNA are analyzed for the presence of known genetic polymorphisms using a universal reporter strategy. In a preferred embodiment, the amplified DNA is localized at test sites in an array of sites on a microchip followed by a series of hybridization reactions that screen for the presence of a single mutation from among a number of mutations, and allow the identification of specific mutations. In addition to universal reporters, the assay may use blockers and discriminators for screening and identification of known polymorphisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the genotype of a Cruciferous vegetable plant for a plant with an increased glucosinolate level, comprising obtaining a sample of nucleic acids from said plant or a portion thereof and detecting in said nucleic acids a polymorphism at the Myb28 locus that is genetically linked to an increased glucosinolate level.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to diagnosing and treating a VMAT-2 deficiency disease are described. Provided are methods for screening for, diagnosing or detecting a risk of developing a VMAT-2 deficiency disease comprising detecting the presence of a VMAT-2 variant in a sample of a subject, wherein the presence of the VMAT-2 variant is indicative that the subject has a VMAT-2 deficiency disease or an increased risk of developing a VMAT-2 deficiency disease compared to an individual having wild type VMAT-2. Also provided are methods of treating a VMAT-2 deficiency disease with a dopamine agonist.

Abstract: We found mutations of the R132 residue of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in the majority of grade II and III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas as well as in glioblastomas that develop from these lower grade lesions. Those tumors without mutations in IDH1 often had mutations at the analogous R172 residue of the closely related IDH2 gene. These findings have important implications for the pathogenesis and diagnosis of malignant gliomas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying an animal having a genotype associated with resistance to bacterial infection comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample from said animal; (b) determining the alleles at one or more markers of the SAL1 locus to identify the genotype of the marker, wherein said SAL1 locus lies between 54.0 MB to 54.8 MB of chicken Chromosome 5 or an equivalent thereof; and (c) determining whether the genotype is a genotype associated with resistance to bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel technology that involves improved primer design. These primer pairs have a wide range of applications and provide high sensitivity and specificity.

Abstract: Assays for characterization of genotypic mutations of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) showing a resistance to anti-HCV drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining the expression level of a gene of interest in a nucleic acid sample by RT-qPCR. More specifically, procedures for determining the impact of a gDNA contamination on the measured total signal have been developed allowing the correction of the signal originating from the above said gDNA. A further aspect of the invention refers to a mean by which the sensitivity qPCR primers toward gDNA can be determined.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from the p15 arm of chromosome 11 and methods of use.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from the from the p15 region of chromosome 11 encoding human and tumor suppressing subtransferable candidate 4 (TSSC4) and methods of use.

Abstract: A method and assay kit for determination of thymidine kinase (TK) activity in a biological sample, such as blood, serum, plasma, Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, ascites, tissues, cells and extracts thereof, is described. The method comprises contacting, in a buffer, a Basic Reaction Mixture comprising: solid surface-attached primer and/or template, a modified deoxy nucleoside, such as BromodeoxyUridine, IododeoxyUridine, Fluorodeoxy-Uridine or VinyldexoyThymidine as a kinase enzyme substrate, a phosphate donor, a nucleotide polymerizing enzyme, and a kinase enzyme source devoid of TK activity, such as a yeast extract, with the biological sample. After incubation the amount of modified deoxy nucleoside that has been incorporated into the solid surface-attached primer and/or template, is determined and the TK activity present in the biological sample is directly proportional to the amount of incorporated modified deoxy nucleoside.

Abstract: The present application discloses a labeled nucleotide comprising a label attached via a linker, wherein said labeled nucleotide has the formula wherein R1 is a residue with a negative net charge, preferably selected from the group consisting of a phosphate group, and a sulphate group; wherein R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H2, OH2, and O; wherein “n” is an integer between 0 and 16; wherein “a” is an integer between 1 and 10; wherein SP is absent or a spacer; wherein X is said label; and wherein Y is a nucleotide or nucleoside. Furthermore, oligonucleotides comprising a labeled nucleotide according to the present invention and the use as a primer in amplification based methods is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Plasmid vectors have been widely used as a carrier of a DNA sequence capable of expressing a target RNA in cells. However, construction of these plasmid vectors requires technical skill and time. Thus, a quicker and easier method is required therefor. To solve this problem, a method using a linear DNA that has been amplified by the PCR method is examined. However, this method is disadvantageous in that RNA expression in cells is extremely low. Under these circumstances, the present inventors attempted to develop an RNA expression method using a linear DNA which can be produced mainly by using the PCR method alone and which enables a high level of RNA expression. As the results of intensive studies on terminator sequences to be used in a linear DNA, the present inventors found a smallest unit of a terminator sequence enabling linear DNA expression equivalent to that when using a plasmid vector.

Abstract: Two genes required for this mercury methylation have been identified in bacteria and archaea. These genes are the hgcA gene and hgcB, a corrinoid protein that facilitates methyl group transfer to Hg, and a corrinoid protein-associated ferredoxin with two [4Fe-4S] binding motifs involved in generating cob(I)almin, respectively. The invention provides nucleic acid probes and primers for detecting methylmercury and or for assessing mercury methylation potential in environmental, clinical and other samples. The invention also provides antibodies against these proteins, antibodies against these proteins, methods of using the antibodies and methods of biocatalysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of differentiating and characterizing IBV, CSFV and NDV strains, and identifying new strains using high resolution melt technology. The present invention also provides primers and kits for use with such methods.

Abstract: Methods for introgressing an allele of interest of a locus associated with a yield trait into Zea mays germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include providing a Zea mays plant that contains an allele of interest of a locus associated with a yield trait, wherein the locus associated with the yield trait is identifiable by PCR amplification of a Zea mays nucleic acid with a pair of oligonucleotides primers as disclosed herein, and introgressing the allele of interest into Zea mays germplasm that lacks the allele. Also provided are methods for identifying Zea mays plants that contain at least one allele associated with improved yield, improved maize plants, elite Zea mays plants, biomass produced from improved Zea mays plants, isolated and purified genetic markers, and compositions that include an amplification primer pair capable of amplifying a Zea mays nucleic acid to generate a Zea mays marker amplicon.

Abstract: Various methods and compositions are provided for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with improved resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detecting at least one marker locus that is associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In other embodiments, the method further comprises detecting at least one marker profile or haplotype associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In further embodiments, the method comprises crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Further provided are markers, primers, probes and kits useful for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with improved resistance to soybean cyst nematode.