Abstract: Recombinant chimeric antigens comprising unmodified and modified reactive polypeptide fragments of expressed product of the recombinant 56 kDa proteins of multiple strain of scrub typhus, such as Karp, Kato (Ktr56), Gilliam (Gmr56), and TA763 (TAr56). The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to a number of strains of scrub typhus, based on the strength of reaction toward the chimeric protein and as a component in vaccine formulations and production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects against heterologous infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the induction of an immune response to dengue virus. The method of inducing an immune response against dengue virus comprises administration of a non-replicating immunogen followed by a boost with a tetravalent live attenuated viral vaccine. Another aspect of the inventive subject matter is a method of inducing an immune response against dengue virus using a heterologous prime-boost regimen with the priming immunogen comprising a DNA expression system, an adenovirus expression vector or a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicon system and the boosting immunogen comprising the same without the DNA expression system. Each expression system contains DNA sequences encoding dengue viral proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition composed of secreted polypeptides derived from Campylobacter jejuni non-flagellar proteins that are coordinately expressed with the flagellar regulon. The invention also relates to a method of inducing an immune response to the non-flagellar protein polypeptides.

Abstract: Recombinant chimeric antigens comprising unmodified and modified reactive polypeptide fragments of expressed product of the recombinant 56 kDa proteins of multiple strain of scrub typhus, such as Karp, Kato (Ktr56), Gilliam (Gmr56), and TA763 (TAr56). The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to a number of strains of scrub typhus, based on the strength of reaction toward the chimeric protein and as a component in vaccine formulations and production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects against heterologous infections.

Abstract: This invention describes an adhesive used for bonding dental and medical biomaterials to hard tissues via a molecular bridge formed from calcium-reactive amines and acrylic or methacrylic ester monomers to hard tissues such as enamel, dentin, and bone. This formulation consists of an acid-stable polymerizable compound with multi-functional acrylate cross-linkers. This formula provides good self-adherence without prior preparation of the hard tissue substrates. The formulation can contain chemical- and/or light-activated free-radical initiators.

Abstract: Here, we describe a sensitive and specific assay and kit for the detection of chemokines having activity that is upregulated by Th-1 cytokines (such IFN-?) and chemokines that upregulate the activity of Th-1 cytokines (such as IFN-?). In a typical embodiment, detection of the chemokine monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG) provides a measure of the biological effect of IFN-? rather than direct quantitation of IFN-? or IFN-? secreting cells per se. Upregulation of MIG expression was observed following in vitro activation of PBMC with defined CD8+ T cell epitopes derived from influenza virus, CMV, or EBV, and in all cases this was antigen-specific, genetically restricted and dependent on both CD8+ T cells and IFN-?. Responses as assessed by the MIG assay paralleled those detected by conventional IFN-? ELISPOT, but the magnitude of response and sensitivity of the MIG assay were superior.

Abstract: A small, portable, hand-sized apparatus for detecting microorganisms or chemicals in liquid samples by fluorescence polarization. The apparatus operates using a low power excitation light source, such as an LED, in order to irradiate a sample with polarized light. Detection of emitted polarized light from the sample is detected in multiple planes simultaneously using low power detectors resulting in an elimination of error caused by drifts in intensity in sequential measurements and in reducing assay time.

Abstract: A computer-based device for providing spoken translations of a predetermined set of medical questions, upon the selection of individual questions. Translations are prerecorded into a number of languages, and the physician user, in cooperation with the patient, chooses the language into which the translations are made. Then the physician chooses the questions in the physician's own language that should be asked, then indicates his choice to the device, and the device speaks the corresponding questions in the language of a potential respondent.