Transducers, kits, systems, and methods for determining a concentration of an analyte are described. In an embodiment, the transducers include a chromophore; and an enzyme physically associated with the chromophore. In an embodiment, the transducer is configured to catalyze a reaction comprising a plurality of reaction elements. In an embodiment, the plurality of reaction elements comprises one or more reactants including the analyte and one or more products. In an embodiment, an amount of fluorescence emitted from the chromophore is determined by a concentration of a reaction element of the plurality of reaction elements.

Transducers, kits, systems, and methods for determining a concentration of an analyte are described. In an embodiment, the transducers include a chromophore; and an enzyme physically associated with the chromophore. In an embodiment, the transducer is configured to catalyze a reaction comprising a plurality of reaction elements. In an embodiment, the plurality of reaction elements comprises one or more reactants including the analyte and one or more products. In an embodiment, an amount of fluorescence emitted from the chromophore is determined by a concentration of a reaction element of the plurality of reaction elements.

Methods and compositions for treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria are described. In some aspects, the disclosure features a method of treating a subject suffering from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), comprising subcuta-neously administering to the subject pegcetacoplan.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a method which is for assessing the differentiation state of cells and by which the differentiation state of a wide variety of cells can be assessed; and gelatin nanoparticles which can be used in said method. The purpose is achieved by a method for assessing the differentiation state of cells, the method comprising a step for observing the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) or mRNA (Pdk1) encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 in cells. Said method can be carried out by using gelatin nanoparticles which are used for assessing the differentiation state of cells and carry a probe capable of detecting Pdk1 or PDK1.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a method which is for assessing the differentiation state of cells and by which the differentiation state of a wide variety of cells can be assessed; and gelatin nanoparticles which can be used in said method. The purpose is achieved by a method for assessing the differentiation state of cells, the method comprising a step for observing the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) or mRNA (Pdk1) encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 in cells. Said method can be carried out by using gelatin nanoparticles which are used for assessing the differentiation state of cells and carry a probe capable of detecting Pdk1 or PDK1.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method of detecting Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome in an individual comprising detecting the presence of a mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, wherein detection of a mutated SDHB, SDHD or a combination thereof indicates that the individual is positive for CS or CS-like syndrome. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for developing Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome comprising detecting the presence of a mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, wherein detection of a mutated SDHB, SDHD or a combination thereof indicates that the individual is at risk for developing for CS or CS-like syndrome. In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to an article of manufacture for detecting Cowden syndrome (CS) or Cowden-like syndrome in an individual, comprising one or more agents that detects mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, and instructions for use.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method of detecting Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome in an individual comprising detecting the presence of a mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, wherein detection of a mutated SDHB, SDHD or a combination thereof indicates that the individual is positive for CS or CS-like syndrome. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for developing Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome comprising detecting the presence of a mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, wherein detection of a mutated SDHB, SDHD or a combination thereof indicates that the individual is at risk for developing for CS or CS-like syndrome. In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to an article of manufacture for detecting Cowden syndrome (CS) or Cowden-like syndrome in an individual, comprising one or more agents that detects mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, and instructions for use.

Compounds and methods are provided for inhibiting an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Methods of treating cancer are also provided. The ALDH-inhibitor can be a compound that is based on a cyclic guanidine, or an imidazolium core. In certain embodiments, the ALDH-inhibitor compound is a substituted cyclic guanidine, or a substituted imidazolium compound. Aspects of the methods include methods of selectively inhibiting a particular ALDH family member. In some cases, the subject compounds are ALDH1 B1-selective inhibitors. In some cases, the subject compounds are ALDH1A3-selective inhibitors.

A handheld device comprising a housing; a replaceable reagent cartridge including a plurality of liquid cartridges; a collection device, wherein the collection device is used to collect a urine sample from a user; a plurality of electrical components including a LED display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth; and a microfluidics platform allowing reagents from the plurality of liquid cartridges to be combined with the urine sample to create a reaction, wherein the reaction is measured with a plurality of sensors and analyzed.

A handheld device comprising a housing; a replaceable reagent cartridge including a plurality of liquid cartridges; a collection device, wherein the collection device is used to collect a urine sample from a user; a plurality of electrical components including a LED display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth; and a microfluidics platform allowing reagents from the plurality of liquid cartridges to be combined with the urine sample to create a reaction, wherein the reaction is measured with a plurality of sensors and analyzed.