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.

Abstract: Methods for determining the effect of a Clostridal toxin on muscle are disclosed. In particular, methods for determining a potency and/or diffusion of a toxin based on a nuclear index and/or the extent of muscle atrophy are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detection and prediction of mastitis. The method comprises the steps of determining the values of mastitis indicators and comparing the values with predetermined standards, wherein deviation from the standards provides a measure of mastitis.

Abstract: The invention features a biologically pure culture of a newly identified single-celled organism Spiky Rotating Cells (SPR), methods to diagnose an SPR infection in a human patient, an instrument for collecting and detecting an SPR infection, and methods for treating an SPR infection.

Abstract: A test kit for determining qualitatively or quantitatively the presence of one or more analytes in a fluid sample, comprising an assay device together with a reading device which engages with the assay device and wherein precisely located engagement of the assay device with the reading device is essential for accurate reading of the assay result, wherein precisely located engagement of the assay device with the reading device causes a ‘lock-and-key’ interaction, ie. a unique 3-dimensional interaction, between the assay device and reading initiation means of the reading device.

Abstract: The production of a purified extracellular bacterial signal called autoinducer-2 is regulated by changes in environmental conditions associated with a shift from a free-living existence to a colonizing or pathogenic existence in a host organism. Autoinducer-2 stimulates LuxQ luminescence genes, and is believed also to stimulate a variety of pathogenesis related genes in the bacterial species that produce it. A new class of bacterial genes is involved in the biosynthesis of autoinducer-2.

Abstract: Purified, host-specific, non-toxic, wide host range and virulent bacteriophage preparations that are effective in killing bacterial organisms in vivo are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions containing these bacteriophages, methods of making the bacteriophage preparations and methods of treating bacterial infections using the compositions. Methods of treating bacterial infections using the compositions containing the bacteriophages in combination with conventional antibiotics also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes the isolation and purification of histidine-tagged functional portions of intimin (his-tagged intimin or his-intimin), a protein associated with the ability of certain strains of pathogenic bacteria to adhere to epithelial cells. The invention further describes the use of intimin as an antigen to promote a protective immune response. In addition, the invention describes the combination of intimin with one or more other antigens and administration of the combination to promote a protective immune response against intimin and the one or more antigens. One aspect of the invention is the administration of intimin to target specific epithelial cells to promote a protective immune response to intimin proteins. Additional aspects of the invention include the use of intimin or intimin combined with one or more antigens and administration of the combination to target gastrointestinal mucosa and stimulate an immune response.

Abstract: The production of a purified extracellular bacterial signal called autoinducer-2 is regulated by changes in environmental conditions associated with a shift from a free-living existence to a colonizing or pathogenic existence in a host organism. Autoinducer-2 stimulates LuxQ luminescence genes, and is believed also to stimulate a variety of pathogenesis related genes in the bacterial species that produce it. A new class of bacterial genes is involved in the biosynthesis of autoinducer-2.

Abstract: Methods for treating psychiatric disorders include intracranial administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin type A, to a human patient.

Abstract: Novel methods, membrane supports and immunodiagnostic test kits for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection, are disclosed. The methods can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment of an infection. The methods, supports and kits employ both type-common and type-specific H. pylori antigens and can conveniently be performed in a single-step assay format. The methods provide for highly accurate results and discriminate between H. pylori Type I and H. pylori Type II infection so that an accurate diagnosis can be accomplished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection and quantitation 8-OH-Ade in biological specimens. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a group of highly specific monoclonal antibodies reactive with the modified nucleoside structure 8-OH-Ade, and to various immunoassays for 8-OH-Ade utilizing these monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention may be used in assays for diagnosing or monitoring the progression of certain types of cancer, in addition to a variety of other diseases associated with mutagenesis resulting from oxidative damage of DNA. Assays utilizing the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention may also be used to analyze or monitor toxicant exposure, such as from environmental sources. The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention were prepared with the immunogen 8-OH-adenosine coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), not to 8-OH-Ade directly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a live mutant Leishmania in the preparation of a vaccine and to vaccine formulations for use in immunizing mammals, such as dogs and/or humans. The mutant Leishmania comprises at least one defective cysteine proteinase gene.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated polynucleotides that encode the MurD protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Purified and isolated MurD recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurD proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the of expression of murD and inhibitors of the activity of MurD, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention satisfies needs in the art by providing intimin, the Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) adherence protein, alone or as a fusion protein with one or more other antigens, expressed by transgenic plants and the use of those plants as vehicles for stimulating a protective immune response against EHEC and the one or more other antigens. Various plant species are transformed to protect various animal species and also humans against EHEC, against pathogens expressing intimin-like proteins, and against pathogens expressing any of the one or more other antigens to which intimin may be fused. The eae gene encoding intimin, a functional portion thereof, or a recombination that encodes a fusion protein is put under the control of a constitutive plant promoter in a plasmid and the plasmid is introduced into plants by the type of transformation appropriate for the particular plant species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunological test kit and immunoassay using a first immobilized antibody having affinity for a specific antigen. The invention is characterized by a second and third antibody being specific for different determinants of the antigen and modified with cross-linkable oligonucleotides. For detection, the oligonucleotides are amplified, whereby only such oligonucleotides will be amplified which have been cross-linked to each other. In this way unspecific background is avoided and detection is possible down to single molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides, prolyl tripeptidyl-peptidases, and active analogs, active fragments or active modifications thereof, having amidolytic activity for cleavage of a peptide bond present in a target peptide having at least 30 amino acids. Isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding isolated prolyl tripeptidyl-peptidases are also provided, as are methods of reducing growth of a bacterium by inhibiting a prolyl tripeptidyl-peptidase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for assessing the risk of peptic ulcer by determining the presence and topographic phenotype of gastritis in an individual, by determining quantitatively the pepsinogen I and gastin-17 concentrations in a serum sample from the said individual, selecting a method-specific reference value and cut-off value for respective analyte, assessing the topography and phenotype of gastritis based on a comparison of the pepsinogen I and gastrin-17 concentrations so determined with their respective method-specific reference and cut-off values, and correlating the so assessed gastritis phenotype with the risk for peptic ulcer. Preferably also Helicobacter antibodies are determined in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadly reactive vaccine against Gram-negative bacteria which is composed of a biological glycan-pilus conjugate. The conjugate core is a common pilus type to which is attached the glycan of choice in vivo. Pooling of these bioconjugates produces a multivalent vaccine. These pili give high bronchial titers when delivered by the intranasal route. Mice vaccinated with pure glycosylated P. aeruginosa strain 1244 pili in this manner are protected against respiratory challenge with P. aeruginosa strain 1244. The present invention further relates to a DNA and amino acid sequence of a new gene, pilO, which is capable of glycosylating pilin of Gram-negative bacteria and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunoassays, binding assays, solid phase substrates (12) and other devices with an antigen or antibody or ligand or receptor (11) embedded into a solid phase substrate (12). The antigen or antibody is mixed with a molten thermoplastic and formed into the solid phase substrate (12).