Abstract: Recombinant chimeric antigens comprising unmodified and modified reactive polypeptide fragments of expressed product of the recombinant 56 kDa proteins of multiple strain of scrub typhus, such as Karp, Kato (Ktr56), Gilliam (Gmr56), and TA763 (TAr56). The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to a number of strains of scrub typhus, based on the strength of reaction toward the chimeric protein and as a component in vaccine formulations and production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects against heterologous infections.

Abstract: An acoustic-electronic stethoscope that filters aberrant environmental background noise. The chest piece employs acoustic vents to inhibit resonant amplification of noise and contains a diaphragm design that focuses vibrational energy to a raised ring, which transfers and further focuses the energy to a piezoelectric polymer sensor with dual elements. The ensuing electrical signal is then preamplified with the low frequency sound, comprising predominantly background noise, filtered out. The stethoscope contains a binaural head set and output jack for down loading of data. Furthermore, areas normally subject to exposure and damage to water, such as the chest piece and headset, are water-tight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining early onset of motion sickness by brain imaging. The method discloses an objective means of determining the onset of motion sickness by evaluating a specific region of the brain. The method can also be utilized in evaluating the predisposition toward motion sickness in workers in occupations prone to motion sickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant immunogenic composition from Rickettsia typhi. The invention also relates to a method for the use of the recombinant proteins in detection and diagnostic assays and as a component in formulations for the induction of an anti-R. typhi immune response.

Abstract: Methods for modulating HIV-1 fusion cofactor expression by manipulating an accessory molecule on the surface of T cells, such as CD28, are described. The invention encompasses methods for modulating HIV-1 fusion cofactor expression by stimulating or inhibiting one or more intracellular signals which result from ligation of a surface receptor on a T cell which binds a costimulatory molecule. In one embodiment, expression of an HIV-1 fusion cofactor, such as CCR5, is downregulated by stimulating a CD28-associated signal in the T cell.

Abstract: A recombinant, refolded non-fusion polypeptide expressed from a truncated r56 gene of the causative agent of scrub typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi for the Karp, Kato and Gilliam strains has been produced. The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to scrub typhus, screening for and/or identification of at least one infectious strain-similarity (i.e. a Karp-like, Kato-like or Gilliam-like strain) based on its strength of reaction toward a truncated protein and as a component in vaccine formulation sand production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of prior exposure to Coxiella. burnetii infection by antibody-based assays using recombinant, immunodominant C. burnetii polypeptides. The invention also relates to the design of biotin or His-tagged C. burnetii proteins useful in the antibody-based assays as standardized antigen reagents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of prior exposure to Coxiella burnetii infection by antibody-based assays using recombinant, immunodominant C. burnetii polypeptides. The invention also relates to the design of biotin or His-tagged C. burnetii proteins useful in the antibody-based assays as standardized antigen reagents.

Abstract: A scrub typhus diagnostic method and vaccine using a composition comprising truncated r47 protein and truncated r56 protein is disclosed. Vaccines composed of r56 protein variants are also disclosed. Methods of reducing HIV viral loads using r47 and r56 proteins and antibodies raised against r47 and r56 are also disclosed.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition, and method of using the composition to elicit an immune response to Campylobacter jejuni. The composition is an isolated polysaccharide polymer composed of one or more forms of disaccharide polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container for the collection and temporary storage of amalgams and other mercury wastes. The container can include a hollow body with air-tight lid, and one or more mercury sorbents contained in a filter bag. The filter bag covers the inside surface of the hollow body and has holes that allow air exchange between the air in the hollow body and the sorbents. As air exchange occurs, mercury vapors released from dental wastes binds to the mercury binding materials. A self-closing door was made on the lid, which automatically closes after each waste disposal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temporary dental formulation useful as a durable, temporary restorative. The formulation changes color during mixing to assist the operator in ensuring adequacy of mixing and enhancing visualization during placement.

Abstract: A recombinant, refolded non-fusion polypeptide expressed from a truncated r56 gene of the causative agent of scrub typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi for the Karp, Kato and Gilliam strains has been produced. The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to scrub typhus, screening for and/or identification of at least one infectious strain-similarity (i.e. a Karp-like, Kato-like or Gilliam-like strain) based on its strength of reaction toward a truncated protein and as a component in vaccine formulation sand production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of recombinant, immunodominant Rickettsia typhi proteins. The invention also relates to a method for the use of the recombinant proteins, either singly or in combination, in detection and diagnostic assays. The proteins can also be used in anti-Rickettsia typhi immunogenic formulations.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to a recombinant 110 kDa protein from O. tsutsugamuchi, Karp, Kato and Gilliam strains and for a DNA expression system containing DNA encoding the 110 kDa protein of O. tsutsugamuchi. The invention also relates to the use of these recombinant contructs in a formulation for the induction of a protective immune response against O. tsutsugamuchi invection using. The inventive subject matter also relates to a recombinant 110 kDa O. tsutsugamuchi protein or 110 kDa fragments for the production of antigen for use in immunodiagnosistic asssays for scrub typhus.

Abstract: A scrub typhus vaccine comprising truncated r47 protein and truncated r56 protein is disclosed. Vaccines composed of r56 protein variants are also disclosed. Methods of reducing HIV viral loads using r47 and r56 proteins and antibodies raised against r47 and r56 are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant DNA and polypeptide sequence of an immuno-dominant phage particle associated protein from Bartonella bacilliformis. The recombinant protein is easily produced permitting the conduct of more accurate and rapid diagnositic assays for the detection of B. bacilliformis infection with reduced reagent and equipment requirements over that required by currently available methods of diagnosis. The DNA and polypeptide sequence is also useful in vaccine preparations against B. bacilliformis.

Abstract: An inline filter assembly to be used in conjunction with surgical or other procedures, near the patient or chairside in dental operations, that is capable of removing, by filtration, particulate matter from waste-water. The filter assembly is configured to permit easy and rapid changing of filters. The filter assembly also contains a series of stopcocks to permit easy and quick changing of filters while maintaining suction to the patient.

Abstract: Five fluorogenic probe hydrolysis reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (TaqMan™) assays are described for serotype-specific detection of dengue 1–4 and group-specific detection of dengue viruses. Type- and group-specific oligonucleotide primers and fluorogenic probes were designed against conserved regions of the dengue genome. The invention provides TaqMan PCR assays, which are rapid, sensitive, and specific screening and serotyping tools for the epidemiological study of dengue infections.

Abstract: This invention comprises a recombinant protein comprising the maltose binding protein (MBP) of Escherichia coli fused to amino acids 5–337 of the FlaA flagellin of Campylobacter coli VC167 which has provided evidence of immunogenicity and protective efficacy against challenge by a heterologous strain of campylobacter, Campylobacter jejuni 81–176 in mammals. The invention further comprises a recombinant DNA construct encoding the immunodominant region (region I through III) of flagellin from Campylobacter spp. for use as a component of a vaccine against Campylobacter diarrhea. The invention therefore represents an effective treatment against Campylobacter but avoids inducing the autoimmune Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), a post-infection polyneuropathy caused by Campylobacter molecular mimicry of human gangliosides which has hampered the development of vaccines heretofore.