Abstract: Regions of B. anthracis protective antigen are provided representing sequences recognized by antibodies in subjects that have vaccine induced lethal toxin neutralizing anti-PA IgG responses. The recognition of these PA regions enhances the utility of anti-PA IgG reactivity as an immune correlate of protection against anthrax in a subject and increases predictive probability of survival. Also provided are vaccines that include at least one of these PA regions that when administered to a subject improve the predictive value of vaccine induced anti-PA IgG and TNA responses as immune correlates of protection against inhalation anthrax.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing opsonophagocytosis of a pathogen of interest are disclosed. The disclosed methods include administering to a subject an isolated P4 peptide, which includes the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1 and optionally an isolated opsonic antibody or a fragment thereof that specifically binds to an antigen present on the surface of the pathogen of interest. In some examples isolated complement protein or a fragment thereof (for example, a C3a, C3b, iC3b, C3d, C4b, or C5a fragment of a complement protein) is also administered. Compositions containing isolated P4 peptide and one or more isolated opsonic antibodies or a fragment thereof that specifically binds to an antigen present on the surface of a pathogen of interest are also disclosed. In some examples, the compositions also include isolated complement protein or fragment thereof, such as one or more of C3a, C3b, iC3b, C3d, C4b, or C5a.

Abstract: A process for detecting Bordetella spp. nucleic acid in a biological sample includes producing an amplification product(s) by amplifying one or more Bordetella spp. in a multiplex single chamber PCR assay, and measuring the amplification product(s) to detect or distinguish Bordetella spp. in the biological sample. Also provided are reagents and methods for detecting and distinguishing Bordetella spp. from each other and other bacteria or viruses. A kit is provided for detecting and quantifying one or more Bordetella spp. in a biological sample.

Abstract: Particles of a flow of aerosol are collected and analyzed by passing them through a housing having an inlet area, an outlet area, and a collection and analysis area. A collection electrode has a tip disposed in the flow path in the collection and analysis area. Particles are collected on the tip of the collection electrode. A microwave pulse is applied to the collection and analysis area such that a plasma is created. Atomic emissions produced during at least part of the microwave step are collected for analysis of the ablated particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rapid and universal assay for the detection of antigen-specific antibodies in biological samples. The assay allows for the detection of antigen-specific antibodies in any species, including species for which secondary antibodies or antisera have not been developed or are not available. Biological samples to be tested are directly labeled, such as with biotin, and contacted with antigen-bound microparticles. The presence of antigen-specific antibodies in the biological samples is detected using a binding partner for the label, such as a biotin binding partner, conjugated to a detectable label, such as a fluorophore. This improved test provides a total antibody assay that is capable of detecting all classes of antibodies simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pol I promoter derived from Vero cells and a recombinant vector containing the same. When the pol I promoter derived from Vero cells according to the present invention is utilized, viruses can be manufactured efficiently, and consequently, the manufacture of both seasonal influenza vaccine and pandemic vaccine can be prepared more quickly to usefully address either situation.

Abstract: Regions of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen are provided representing epitopes recognized by antibodies in subjects that have acquired immunity to Bacillus anthracis infection. The recognition of these epitopes correlates with autoimmunity in a subject. Also provided are vaccines that include at least one of these epitopes that when administered to a subject provide improved acquired immunity.

Abstract: Provided herein are new methods, primers, and kits for genotyping HIV-1, including group M viral strains. The methods can be used for HIV-1 drug resistance surveillance and monitoring, for example in resource-poor countries. The disclosed methods can detected more mixed HIV-1 population than previous methods. Given the high efficiency in genotyping diverse HIV-1 group M viral strains from plasma and dried blood spot (DBS) samples and substantial reagent cost saving, the disclosed methods can be used for HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping in both antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive and -experienced populations for surveillance purposes and patient monitoring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying flavivirus cross-reactive epitopes. Also provided are flavivirus E-glycoprotein cross-reactive epitopes and flavivirus E-glycoprotein cross-reactive epitopes having reduced or ablated cross-reactivity (and polypeptides comprising such epitopes), as well as methods of using these molecules to elicit an immune response against a flavivirus and to detect a flaviviral infection.

Abstract: Particles of a flow of aerosol are collected and analyzed by passing them through a housing having an inlet area, an outlet area, and a collection and analysis area interconnecting the inlet and outlet areas. A collection electrode has a tip disposed in the collection and analysis area and particles are collected thereon. After collection, the particles are ablated and atomic emissions are collected for analysis of the particles.

Abstract: Provided are antigenic polypeptides of HIV envelope glycoproteins which are constructed based on amino acid mutation of attenuated live vaccine of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus, DNA constructions and recombinant virus vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, antibodies against said polypeptides as well as uses thereof in preventing and treating HIV infection. Said antigenic polypeptides and vaccines can induce high titer neutralization antibodies against HIV in organism.

Abstract: A miniaturized, ruggedized, field-deployable Portable Exposure Assessment System (PEAS) is used to remotely monitor workers and provide real-time warning of exposure to musculoskeletal injury conditions via alarm and smart-phone transmission. The PEAS unit wirelessly acquires exposure data from sensors; conducts initial data analysis; triggers proximal and remote alarms; sends out text messages with abnormal data, GPS locations, and time stamps to a safety office; and saves data for more extensive assessment. Sensor technology is used in this field-deployable system to simultaneously measure and collect the body loads and awkward postures imposed by package handling as well as driving-related, low-frequency vibration exposures. Wireless technology is used to set up wireless communication links between the sensors and a data logger and between the data logger and a smart phone with GPS, date/time stamp and text messaging capabilities.

Abstract: We have developed DNA and viral vectors that can be used, alone or in combination, as a vaccine against one HIV clade, subtype, or recombinant form of HIV or against multiple HIV clades, subtypes, or recombinant forms. Moreover, the vectors can encode a variety of antigens, which may be obtained from one clade or from two or more different clades, and the antigens selected and/or the manner in which the vectors are formulated (e.g., mixed) can be manipulated to generate a protective immune response against a variety of clades (e.g., the clades to which a patient is most likely to be exposed; with the proportions of the components of the vaccine tailored to the extent of the patient's risk to a particular clade or clades).

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, oxidized cardiolipins, which may be conjugated with a variety of attachment molecules, such as BSA, KLH, biotin, synthetic protein MAPS, IgY, streptavidin, or avidin, are described. Such oxidized cardiolipin, alone or complexed with one or more attachment molecules, are useful to detect anti-lipoidal antibodies in subjects, for example, when used in lateral flow devices. Lateral flow devices are described that permit the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and that permit the co-detection of nontreponemal and treponemal antibodies in biological samples.

Abstract: A sonic aerosol generator is provided that provides a constant concentration of particulate aerosol over a long exposure time to an animal. The concentration of aerosols is maintainable for greater than 30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/m3 or more. The aerosol generator is used to expose subject to high concentrations of aerosols that more accurately represents the levels that may be seen in a workplace environment.

Abstract: Rabies Virus compositions and methods are provided. The full-length sequence of Rabies Virus strain Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) is disclosed. A reverse genetics system for producing recombinant ERA virus and derivatives thereof is provided, along with compositions including ERA and/or ERA derivative strain viruses, nucleic acids and/or proteins. In some instances, the compositions are immunogenic compositions useful for the pre- or post-exposure treatment of Rabies Virus.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions and methods of their use in detection and identification of a chordopoxvirus in a sample, such as diagnosis of an infection in a subject. The compositions and methods allow for detection and identification of all non-avian low-GC content chordopoxviruses, identification of most known high-GC content chordopoxvirus, and species-specific detection of Canarypox virus, Fowlpox virus, and Sealpox virus.

Abstract: Methods of producing a pathogen with reduced replicative fitness are disclosed, as are attenuated pathogens produced using the methods. In particular examples, the method includes deoptimizing one or more codons in a coding sequence, thereby reducing the replicative fitness of the pathogen. Methods of using the attenuated pathogens as immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting Chlamydophila, including differentiating between species of Chlamydophila and/or strains of Chlamydophila psittaci are disclosed, for example to detect and genotype a Chlamydophila psittaci infection. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of a Chlamydophila, is screened for the presence of that nucleic acid. The presence of the Chlamydophila nucleic acid indicates the presence of the Chlamydophila bacterium. Determining whether a Chlamydophila nucleic acid is present in a sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between a Chlamydophila specific primer, a Chlamydophila psittaci specific primer, and/or a Chlamydophila psittaci genotype-specific primer and the Chlamydophila nucleic acid containing sample. Thus, primers for the detection, species-specific and/or genotype-specific identification of Chlamydophila psittaci are disclosed. Kits that contain the disclosed primers also are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cell line that expresses protein of Seq. No. 1, and a method for screening an anticancer compound of uterine cervical cancer by using the same. The stable cell line that expresses oncoprotein E6 of a human papillomavirus type 16 variant strain is used to determine a difference in amounts of expression of tumor suppressor genes, such as p53, between E6 protein of the reference strain and E6 protein of a variant strain, thereby screening an anticancer compound of uterine cervical cancer, etc. Further, it is possible to develop an anticancer agent of uterine cervical cancer.