Abstract: Disclosed are viruses, and vaccines comprised of and made from such viruses, that include a heterologous nucleic acid segment encoding ?-1,3-galactosyltransferase (?-1,3-GT) such that the nucleic acid segment expresses ?-1,3-GT when the virus infects a host cell. Such viruses produce proteins having ?-1,3-galactose. The presence of ?-1,3-galactose on proteins of infected cells can powerfully stimulate the immune response of the host against the viral proteins of the virus, thus enhancing the effect of the virus as a vaccine. Also disclosed are vaccines that include and/or are produced by such viruses. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such viruses and vaccines, such as administering to a subject in need thereof a vaccine as disclosed and such as making a vaccine that includes one or more viral proteins expressed by a virus as disclosed.

Abstract: A porous copper-based filter material that is electrodeposited with nanotwin copper to provide anti-pathogenic properties, particularly against Covid-19 or the SARS virus. The nanotwin copper is a thin layer of (111) oriented nanotwin copper microstructure.

Abstract: Compositions and immunoassays for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific antibodies in a biological sample are provided. The compositions are antigens from SARS-CoV-2 such as the proteins N, M, S, S1, S2?, NSP1, ORF3a, ORF3b, ORF7a, ORF7b and ORF8, fused to a light emitting protein. The compositions are useful in immunoassays for detecting antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 antigens. A preferred immunoassay is the luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS) to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity. The current or present exposure or infection with SARS-CoV-2 can be detected and/or diagnosed using the disclosed compositions and methods. Typically, the presence and/or elevated amount of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the individual’s biological sample compared to a control is indicative of current or past exposure or infection with SARS-CoV-2 as discussed herein.

Abstract: Presented herein are live-attenuated viruses and methods of generating thereof from a parental virus through a plurality of nucleotide substitutions in the viral genome. The nucleotide substitutions result in a change in codon usage bias within codons of one or more protein encoding sequences and no change in amino acid sequences of the proteins. The live-attenuated viruses display unaltered replication in avian hosts for propagation, but attenuated replication in mammalian hosts, when compared to the replication of the parental virus. The live-attenuated viruses in a form of improved vaccines can be used to elicit protective immune responses.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample.

Abstract: Presented herein are live-attenuated viruses and methods of generating thereof from a parental virus through a plurality of nucleotide substitutions in the viral genome. The nucleotide substitutions result in a change in codon usage bias within codons of one or more protein encoding sequences and no change in amino acid sequences of the proteins. The live-attenuated viruses display unaltered replication in avian hosts for propagation, but attenuated replication in mammalian hosts, when compared to the replication of the parental virus. The live-attenuated viruses in a form of improved vaccines can be used to elicit protective immune responses.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides pyrimidinyl compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds may be used for the inhibition of influenza. In particular, the compounds of the invention may be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A, most particularly H1N1 or H5N1 influenza. The compounds of the invention can also be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Arthrobacter sialophilus, an orthomyxovirus, a paramyxovirus, a parainfluenza virus, mumps virus, Newcastle disease virus, fowl plague virus or Sendai virus.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated novel virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The hSARS virus is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to known member of Coronaviridae. The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the hSARS virus. Furthermore, the invention provides the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from the hSARS virus and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods, including vaccines. In addition, the invention provides chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and antibodies immunospecific to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of a novel human coronavirus, coined as coronavirus-HKU1 (“CoV-HKU1”), isolated in Hong Kong from a patient who had a recent history of visit to Schenzhen, China. The virus belongs to the order Nidovirales of the family Coronavirdae, being a single-stranded RNA virus of positive polarity. The invention also provides the deduced amino acid sequences of the complete genome of the CoV-HKU1. The nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of the CoV-HKU1 are useful in preventing, diagnosing and/or treating the infection by CoV-HKU1. Furthermore, the invention provides immunogenic and vaccine preparations using recombinant and chimeric forms as well as subunits of the CoV-HKU1 based on the nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of the CoV-HKU1.

Abstract: The present invention provides pyrimidinyl compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds may be used for the inhibition of influenza. In particular, the compounds of the invention may be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A, most particularly H1N1 or H5N1 influenza. The compounds of the invention can also be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Arthrobacter sialophilus, an orthomyxovirus, a paramyxovirus, a parainfluenza virus, mumps virus, Newcastle disease virus, fowl plague virus or Sendai virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-throughput diagnostic assay for the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). In particular, the invention relates to a high-throughput reverse transcription-PCR diagnostic test for SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The present assay is a rapid, reliable assay which can be used for diagnosis and monitoring the spread of SARS and is based on the nucleotide sequences of the N (nucleocapsid)-gene of the hSARS virus. The present method eliminates false negative results and provides increased sensitivity for the assay. The invention also discloses the S (spike)-gene of the hSARS virus. The invention further relates to the deduced amino acid sequences of the N-gene and S-gene products of the hSARS virus and to the use of the N-gene and S-gene products in diagnostic methods. The invention further encompasses diagnostic assays and kits comprising antibodies generated against the N-gene or S-gene product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated novel virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The hSARS virus is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to known member of Coronaviridae. The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the hSARS virus. Furthermore, the invention provides the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from the hSARS virus and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods, including vaccines. In addition, the invention provides chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and antibodies immunospecific to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated novel virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The hSARS virus is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to known member of Coronaviridae. The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the hSARS virus. Furthermore, the invention provides the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from the hSARS virus and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods, including vaccines. In addition, the invention provides chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and antibodies immunospecific to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated novel virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The hSARS virus is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to known member of Coronaviridae. The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the hSARS virus. Furthermore, the invention provides the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from the hSARS virus and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods, including vaccines. In addition, the invention provides chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and antibodies immunospecific to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of a novel human coronavirus, coined as coronavirus-HKU1 (“CoV-HKU1”), isolated in Hong Kong from a patient who had a recent history of visit to Schenzhen. China. The virus belongs to the order Nidovirales of the family Coronavirdae, being a single-stranded RNA virus of positive polarity. The invention also provides the deduced amino acid sequences of the complete genome of the CoV-HKU1. The nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of the CoV-HKU1 are useful in preventing, diagnosing and/or treating the infection by CoV-HKU1. Furthermore, the invention provides immunogenic and vaccine preparations using recombinant and chimeric forms as well as subunits of the CoV-HKU1 based on the nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of the CoV-HKU1.