Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: A controlled release microcapsulate pharmaceutical formulation for burst-free, sustained, programmable release of hydrophocib bioactive agent over a duration from 24 hours to 100 days comprising: and a blend of end-capped uncapped biocompatible, biodegradable poly(lactide/glycolide).

Abstract: Biodegradable pharmaceutical compositions and method for treating bacterial infections therein.

Abstract: A method of making a vaccine for anthracis that inolves a bacterial expression system and production and use of protective antigen (PA) against Bacillus anthracis. The PA immunogen is useful in a vaccine against human anthrax. The PA can be produced by an asporogenic organism which produces the desired antigen, which is then harvested from the supernatant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bacterial expression system for production of protective antigen (PA) against bacillus anthracis. Recombinant asporogenic B. anthracits that are derived from &Dgr;Sterne-1(pPA102) and show inability to bind the dye when grown on Congo Red Agar can be screened and asporogenic strains isolated using methods of the invention. organisms of the invention lacking spore-forming function may be killed by heat shock at temperatures as low as 60° C. for 60 minutes. Hence, contamination of the environment with viable spore-forming organisms is easily avoided and decontamination is easily accomplished.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression cloning and functional characterization of the CD36-binding domain of Sequestrin. Sequestrin is a surface protein of 215-250 kD size which does not vary in size between parasite strains. The Sequestrin gene appears to be single-copy-number within the genome; noncytoadherent laboratory parasite strains carry the sequestrin gene but fail to express the protein. Sequestrin binds with high affinity to CD36. Sequestrin protein and sequence can be used as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool.

Abstract: Methods for developing vaccines to protect from neurotoxins of C. botulinum have been developed. Truncated BoNT/A proteins of about 15-30 kDa in size produced immune responses that provided protection from neuronal damage by botulinum neurotoxins.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions containing as active agents paromomycin in combination with gentamicin. When given in combination, the compositions appear much more effective than when given alone. Furthermore, the compositions of the invention were found to be effective against several species of Leishmania that were not effectively inhibited by the prior art compositions.

Abstract: An inactivated dengue virus vaccine to immunize and protect humans against dengue fever is described. The vaccine is based on dengue viruses which have been propagated to high titers in suitable cells, purified and inactivated under conditions which destroy infectivity but preserve immunogenicity, a high level of which is demonstrated in animal models.

Abstract: Highly conserved polypeptide sequences derived from gp41 and gp120, preferably from eleven to twenty-one amino acids in length, are joined (for example, via DNA recombinant techniques) to a non-HIV protein or polypeptide sequence comprising an amino-acid sequence not naturally encoded by the HIV genome, thereby forming a fusion protein. Such fusion proteins possess attributes that make them suitable for use in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV infection.

Abstract: An inactivated dengue virus vaccine to immunize and protect humans against dengue fever is described. The vaccine is based on dengue viruses which have been propagated to high titers in suitable cells, purified and inactivated under conditions which destroy infectivity but preserve immunogenicity, a high level of which is demonstrated in animal models. Uses of the inactivated dengue virus for detecting antibodies to dengue and kits therefor are also described.

Abstract: A multi-component three dimensional energetic device and the method of maacturing it. The method includes the steps of forming a quantity of an energetic material into a plurality of sheets having relatively no appreciable thickness, and then cutting at least one required shape from the surface of a portion of each of the plurality of sheets to define an opening for at least one inlay of a different material. An inlay of the different material is placed in the openings to form a plurality of stackable shapes that are then bonded together to form the multi-component three dimensional energetic device. The preferred embodiment includes forming the inlay from an energetic material that is different from the sheet energetic material. Optionally a bonding agent may be admixed with at least one of the materials to facilitate bonding to form the device. The bonding agent may or may not be an energetic material, as desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that toxicity to mustard may be euated by diagnostic test means disclosed herein. Upon electrophoretic separation (sodium dodocyl sulfate polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)) of buffered extract of human skin cells (normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK)) which had been exposed to mustard-type chemical compounds a band at approximately 50,000 to 80,000 daltons molecular weight was found. The protein band constitutes a biomarker. The marker protein can be used either to raise protective antibodies to protect against the protease or may be used in a kit for identifying presence or absence of the marker in study of tissues taken from individuals who may have been exposed to mustard poisoning.

Abstract: A recombinant protein encompassing a C-terminal protion from the structural envelope glycoprotein and an N-terminal portion from non-structural protein one of dengue type 2 virus was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with Staphylococcal protein A. The recombinant protein was found to provide protection against lethal challenge with dengue 2 in mice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the true distance and relative velocity between first and second objects. The apparatus comprises a transceiver located at the first object which measures a first transit time for the transmission of a first signal from a first object to a second object and for the reflection of the first signal from the second object back to the first object. The transceiver further measures a second transit time for the transmission and reflection of a second signal, the second signal being transmitted immediately upon the reflection of the first signal back to the first object. First and second transit times can be used to calculate first and second apparent distances between the first and second objects, respectively. The apparatus also includes calculating means for determining the relative velocity between the first and second objects using the first transit time and the second transit time.

Abstract: Vaccines for the induction of immunity to malaria, based on aluminum hydroxide-treated, lipid A- and malarial antigen-containing liposomes, are described. Vaccines of this sort are useful in both humans and animals.

Abstract: This invention provides for recycling parasites and maintaining long-term cultures of P. vivax and P. ovale. Preferred conditions include 1) the immediate transfer of parasites to human reticulocytes during the first and second in vitro culture cycles, 2) the use of McCoy's 5A medium modified with L-glutamine containing 25 mM HEPES buffer supplemented with 20% human AB serum, 3) the continual addition of reticulocytes to the culture every 34-44 hours after the beginning of a new culture cycle, and 4) the use of alternate static (growth and differentiation phase) and shaker (invasion phase) culture.

Abstract: A recombinant protein encompassing the complete envelope glycoprotein and a portion of the carboxy-terminus of the membrane/premembrane protein of dengue 2 virus was expressed in baculovirus as a protein particle. The recombinant protein particle was purified and found to provide protection against lethal challenge with dengue 2 virus in mice.

Abstract: Sialic acids have the ability to prevent hyposialylation of cells as comptive inhibitors of endogenous sialidase. It is now also possible to develop antibodies to mammalian sialidase that significantly reduce influx of neutrophils into inflammatory sites.

Abstract: Provided is a flow-through cell culture chamber having an internal chamber or containing cultured cells defined in part by transparent cover slips. Fastening and retainer structures are utilized to urge the cover slips towards one another and seal the internal chamber. The retainer structures are constructed and arranged such that when they are drawn towards one another and contact opposing surfaces of the cell culture chamber body, sufficient pressure is provided against the cover slips to seal the internal chamber.