Abstract: The compounds of the invention are generally described by the formula (1): B1Z*2B3Z*4X*5Q6F7X8X9X10X11, (2): B1X2X3X4X5Q6F7X8X9X10X11, or (3): B1X2B3X4Z5Q6F7Z8X9X10X11 and the salts, esters, amides, and acyl forms thereof. Each position represented by a letter indicates a single amino acid residue: B is a basic or polar/large amino acid or a modified form thereof; X is a small or hydrophobic amino acid or a modified form thereof; X* is a small or polar/large amino acid or a modified form thereof; Z is a polar/large or hydrophobic amino acid or a modified form thereof; Z* is Proline or a polar/large or hydrophobic amino acid or a modified form thereof. As described below, one or more of the peptide linkages between the amino acid residues may be replaced by a peptide linkage mimic. These compounds may be used as molecular building blocks to create compounds that are optimized for inhibiting the protease activity of Botulinum B and tetanus toxins.

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins, the most potent of all toxins, induce lethal neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction. The light chains (LC) of these dichain neurotoxins are a new class of zinc-endopeptidases that specifically cleave the synaptosomal proteins, SNAP-25, VAMP, or syntaxin at discrete sites. The present invention relates to the construction, expression, purification, and use of synthetic or recombinant botulinum neutoroxin genes. For example, a synthetic gene for the LC of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was constructed and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The gene product was purified from inclusion bodies. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product was stable in solution at 4° C. for at least 6 months. This rBoNT/A LC was proteolytically active, specifically cleaving the Glu-Arg bond in a 17-residue synthetic peptide of SNAP-25, the reported cleavage site of BoNT/A.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for making large amounts of highly pure colonization factors. The methods of the present invention differ from prior art methods in that host cells which express the colonization factor of interest are cultured in media comprising more than about 50 ?g/l of an antibiotic, the media is centrifuged and then filtered with a 0.2 ?m filter tangential flow cartridge and a 300,000 MW cut-off filter, and a divalent cation is added. As disclosed herein the colonization factors made by the method of the present invention may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating or preventing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions of attenuated dengue virus. More specifically, the attenuated virus is produced by serial passage in PDK cells. The invention also provides methods for stimulating the immune system of an individual to induce protection against all four dengue virus serotypes by administration of attenuated dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4 virus.

Abstract: In this application is described a protective DNA vaccines against infection with HFRS- and HPS-associated hantaviruses. The vaccines were constructed by subcloning cDNA representing the medium (M) (encoding the G1 and G2 glycoproteins) into the DNA expression vector pWRG7077. Animals vaccinated with the M construct developed a neutralizing antibody response. Passive transfer experiments show that serum from vaccinated animals, when injected on days 4 or 5 after challenge, protected animals from lethal disease.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparation and expression of synthetic genes encoding polypeptides containing protective epitopes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The invention is also directed to production of immunogenic peptides encoded by the synthetic genes, as weel as recovery and purification of the immunogenic peptides from recombinant organisms. The invention is also directed to methods of vaccination against botulism using the expressed peptides.

Abstract: The device performs the function of opening and/or closing lids attached to containers, and more particularly child-proof lids in at least some embodiments. The device preferably includes a base, a post, an arm, a mechanism that converts straight movement to rotation movement, and a plate to engage the lid of a container. The conversion mechanism in at least some embodiments includes a spring.

Abstract: The invention is a saline lock and intravenous catheter combination that is simple to use. The device preferably includes a hub and a catheter with the hub having a first port and a second port. A further embodiment provides a needle in communication with the device. The invention also includes a method for using the device in combination with a needle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against ricin toxin and its subunits. The Mabs were initially selected based upon their ability to bind to ricin and its individual subunits in a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Several candidates were selected for further evaluation, including their ability to inhibit ricin intoxication in vitro and for their utility as immunodiagnostic reagents. As disclosed herein, the Mabs may be used in immunoassays. Also disclosed, are use of the Mabs to inhibit ricin-mediated eukaryotic cell cytotoxicity in vitro, thereby indicating that these Mabs may be used to prevent and treat ricin intoxication in vivo. Kits comprising the Mabs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing the stage or aggressiveness of cancer and particularly breast and prostate cancer by measuring the deviation of levels of fatty acid binding proteins in mammalian tissue or body fluids from normal levels of fatty acid binding proteins. The invention relates to a family of key proteins called fatty acid binding proteins which are involved in metabolism of AA and other lipids and how they affect the proliferation of cancer cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-contact monitoring devices, and more particularly, non-contact respiration monitoring devices. According to the invention there is provided a monitoring device having a body defining an air monitoring channel between an air inlet and an air outlet. Disposed in monitoring channel is a respiration detection means, such as a flap-valve, which operates with associated logic circuitry to report the presence or absence of respiration via visual and audible displays. The device may be configured to attached, or be integrally connected to, the air input orifice of an air filter canister of a gas mask or the like. Alternatively, the device may be associated with the air output orifices or valves of a gas mask or the like.

Abstract: In this application is described substrates for high-throughput assays of clostridial neurotoxin proteolytic activities. Two types of substrates are described for use in assays for the proteolytic activities of clostridial neurotoxins: (1) modified peptides or proteins that can serve as FRET substrates and (2) modified peptides or proteins that can serve as immobilized substrates. In both types a fluorescent molecules is present in the substrate, eliminating the requirement for the addition of a fluorigenic reagent. The assays described can be readily adapted for use in automated or robotic systems.

Abstract: In this application is the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium vivax (SalI) PvMSP-1 p42. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant PvMSP-1 p42 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a vaccine.

Abstract: A needle with fiber optic capability for spectrophotometric analysis includes a needle assembly including a needle body having an open tip and side radiation ports. A fiber optic element is disposed in the needle assembly for carrying electromagnetic radiation to the open tip area for transmission to a target area. Fiber optic bundles in communication with the radiation ports are disposed in the needle body for transmitting backscattered radiation to a light detector or sensor for spectrophotometric analysis. The needle assembly may include barbs for anchoring the device in place.

Abstract: An improved method and system for performing speech reception threshold testing includes calibrating one or more recorded spoken words to have substantially the same sound energy and presenting the one or more calibrated recorded spoken words to a test subject. A speech reception threshold of the test subject is measured by utilizing the one or more calibrated recorded spoken words wherein the speech reception threshold measured is indicative of a sound level at which the test subject can recognize the presented recorded spoken word or words.

Abstract: An improved method and system for performing speech intelligibility testing includes calibrating one or more recorded spoken words to have substantially the same sound energy and presenting the one or more calibrated recorded spoken words to a test subject. Speech intelligibility of the test subject is measured by utilizing the one or more calibrated recorded spoken words wherein the speech intelligibility measured is indicative of a percentage of the calibrated word or words that the test subject successfully identified.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigens that stimulate protective antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Also disclosed herein are proteins encoded by cssA and cssB genes as well as constructs containing the genes and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are 2-guanidinylimidazolidinedione compounds having the structural formula A or B wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxyl, amino, alkylamino or aralkyl, and wherein R3 is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylaryl, sulfonyl, alkylsulfonyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of making thereof. Also disclosed are methods of treating, preventing, or inhibiting malaria with the 2-guanidinylimidazolidinedione compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the 2-guanidinylimidazolidinedione compounds, and kits.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is characterized by accepting voice input defining at least one spoken word; and calibrating the at least one spoken word in response to at least one defined speech-energy criterion. In one embodiment, a related system includes but is not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the foregoing-referenced method embodiment; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the foregoing-referenced method embodiments depending upon the design choices of the system designer.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody to a consensus peptide of the formula: VEKKNITVTASVDPTIDLLQADGSALPSAVALTYSPA (SEQ ID NO. 1) is described. The monoclonal antibody of the invention binds exclusively to the sequence SAVALTYS (SEQ ID NO. 2) and has use as a diagnostic and for prophylaxis against illness arising from E. coli which produce the CS4-CFA/I family of proteins and for treatment of disease arising therefrom.