Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for display of proteinson spore surface and a method for improving protein with rapidity using the same, which comprises the steps of (i) preparing a vector for spore surface display comprising a gene construct containing a gene encoding spore coat protein and a gene encoding a protein of interest, wherein, when expressed, the gene construct expresses a fusion protein between the spore coat protein and the protein of interest, (ii) transforming a host cell with the vector for spore surface display; (iii) displaying the protein of interest on a surface of a spore of the host cell; and (iv) recovering the spore displaying on its surface the protein of interest.

Abstract: Vibrio cholerae accessory cholera enterotoxin (ACE) activates a calcium dependent chloride channel. Ace and Ace analogs can be administered to patients to treat diseases involving defects in chloride secretion by the cystitis fibrosis transmembrane receptor (CFTR). Cystic fibrosis, Dent's disease, X-linked nephrolithiasis, X-linked recessive hypophosphatemic rickets, autosomal dominant myotonia congenita and autosomal recessive general myotonia can be treated by the administration of Ace or an Ace analog. For cystic fibrosis, administration of Ace or an Ace analog increases chloride secretion in the lungs which increases the amount of airway surface water in the lumen of the lungs.

Abstract: A screening method for gastritis is provided. The method involves the serological measurement of at least two of the following analytes: H,K-ATPase antibodies, Helicobacter pylori antibodies and the concentration of pepsinogen I; and the evaluation of the results in comparison with results from normal individuals. The evaluation scheme provides an initial, non-invasive identification of individuals with various forms of gastritis.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods of maintaining desired recombinant genes in a genetic population of cells expressing the desired gene. The methods utilize microbial cells that have an inactivating mutation in a native essential gene encoding an enzyme which catalyzes a step in the biosynthesis of diaminopimelic acid (DAP). The cells also have an extrachromosomal vector that includes the desired gene and which is capable of homologous recombination with a chromosome of the microorganism. The vector also has a recombinant complementing gene encoding a functional replacement of the native essential gene. The cells of the invention are particularly useful for components of vaccines, including DNA vaccines.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA containing a sequence (1) coding for a polypeptide heterologous to a filamentous haemagglutinin of Bordetella (Fha) fused within the reading frame to a sequence (2) located upstream from the first sequence. Sequence (2) codes for at least part of the Fha precursor, which part comprises at least the N-terminal region of a truncated mature Fha protein, which contains the interaction site of Fha and heparin and the secretion domain. This Fha protein is under the control of a promoter recognized by the cell polymerases of B. pertussis and is inserted into a B. pertussis cell culture, is expressed in the culture and excreted into the cell culture medium. The invention uses both the abilities of Bordetella and particularly B.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. The device includes a substrate which defines a sample-distribution network having (i) a sample inlet, (ii) one or more detection chambers, and (iii) channel means providing a dead-end fluid connection between each of the chambers and the inlet. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: A composition comprising Transferrin binding proteins A and B is described (TbpA and TbpB). The composition is suitable for use in vaccines and for treatment of Gram negative bacterial infection, particularly meningococcal infection, demonstrating a broad spectrum of protection to a number of different bacterial pathogens. Also described are compositions comprising Tbps and other components, such as neisserial outer membrane vesicles and Cu,Zn-Superoxide dismutase. Methods for preparation of these compositions and their uses in vaccination against disease are further provided.

Abstract: An antigen composition and method for the detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum and the diagnosis of syphilis are described. The antigen composition contains synthetic cardiolipin and synthetic lecithin. The antigen composition may additionally contain cholesterol and an alcohol. The antigen composition is useful as an immunoreagent in immunoassays for the detection of antibodies associated with T. pallidum infection. The methods are sensitive and specific for T. pallidum infection.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of cationic therapeutic proteins, including but not limited to basic proteins such as NT-3 and BDNF, can be increased by generating analogs that have a lower isoelectric point and, preferably, also a lower protein charge relative to the protein of native sequence.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods useful in the control of non-mammalian pests and, particularly, plant pests. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides new Bacillus thuringiensis toxins useful for the control of lepidopterans. The subject invention further provides nucleotide sequences which encode the toxins of the subject invention. The nucleotide sequences of the subject invention can be used to transform hosts, such as plants, to express the pesticidal toxins of the subject invention. The subject invention further concerns novel nucleotide primers for the identification of genes encoding toxins active against pests. The primers are useful in PCR techniques to produce gene fragments which are characteristic of genes encoding these toxins. The primers are also useful as nucleotide probes to detect the toxin-encoding genes.

Abstract: A method for isolating casein and calcium phosphate as separate products from a milk source, comprising the steps of: a) contacting the milk source with carbon dioxide under pressure in order to precipitate the casein; b) separating the casein from the milk source while maintaining the pressure to obtain a casein fraction and a whey fraction; and c) releasing the pressure from the whey fraction to allow calcium phosphate to precipitate therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of avian antibodies and/or antigen binding fragments thereof, for the production of a drug for treatment and/or prevention of respiratory tract infection. The drug is administered through local application at the oral cavity and/or pharynx.

Abstract: An immunoassay for Sarcocystis neurons antibodies in equines is described. The immunoassay uses blocking of Sarcocystis antigens by antibodies to Sarcocystis sp. other than Sarcocystis neurona in connection with the immunoassay.