Abstract: Variant factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of Neisseria meningitidis, compositions comprising such proteins, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response against Neisseria spp. bacteria in a subject, particularly against a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain.

Abstract: Variant factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of Neisseria meningitidis, compositions comprising such proteins, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods and compositions for rapidly extracting and amplifying nucleic acids from a sample where the sample is combined with an extraction reagent comprising a reducing agent to form a mixture and incubating said mixture at ambient temperature for a period of time not exceeding 30 minutes to generate a nucleic acid extract. In certain embodiments of the method, the nucleic acid extract is subjected to a nucleic acid amplification reaction. In certain aspects, oligonucleotide primers specific for nucleic acids of Chlamydia species and/or Neisseria species are added prior to initiating the amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions methods and composition relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of cancers having a cell surface de-N-acetylated sialic acid antigen, e.g., an at least partially de-N-acetylated ganglioside and/or a de-N-acetylated sialic acid-modified cell surface protein.

Abstract: Variant factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of Neisseria meningitidis, compositions comprising such proteins, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus, and methods of using same, for collecting blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment that includes an umbilical cord retaining assembly and a blood collection assembly rotatably connected to the umbilical cord retaining assembly. A cord cutting blade, which is carried by the blood collection assembly, functions to cut the umbilical cord when the blood collection assembly is rotated relative to the umbilical cord retaining assembly. After the umbilical cord is cut, blood flows by force of gravity into the blood collection region of the blood collection assembly to which a blood collection bag can be interconnected.

Abstract: Factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of N. meningitidis, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response against Neisseria spp. bacteria in a subject, particularly against a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain.

Abstract: Variant factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of Neisseria meningitidis, compositions comprising such proteins, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides dietary formulations comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. The present invention further provides methods of treating various conditions, generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a subject dietary formulation.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include devices and methods for correcting a torso deformity of a patient. The devices include a suction chamber for placement around the torso deformity and to provide negative pressure to the torso deformity; and a measurement component coupled to the suction chamber. The measurement component is adapted to indicate a relative distance between the torso deformity and a distal surface of the suction chamber. The methods include positioning a torso deformity correcting device around a torso deformity on a torso of a patient. The methods further include withdrawing air from the suction chamber to apply negative pressure within the suction chamber to displace the torso deformity, and setting a negative pressure level by measuring the relative distance of the torso deformity and the distal surface of the suction chamber that is indicated by the measurement component.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing, and compositions comprising, an isolated alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivative bearing a non-reducing end enriched for one or more de-N-acetyl residues and resistant to degradation by exoneuraminidase. A representative production method involves: (i) treating an alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid precursor having a reducing end and a non-reducing end with sodium borohydride under conditions for de-N-acetylating the non-reducing end; and (ii) isolating alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivative having one or more de-N-acetylated residues and a non-reducing end that is resistant to degradation by exoneuraminidase. Isolated alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivatives that comprise a non-reducing end de-N-acetyl residue are provided, as well as antibodies specific for the derivatives, compositions comprising the derivatives, kits, and methods of use including protection against and detection of E. coli K1 and N.

Abstract: Variant factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of Neisseria meningitidis, compositions comprising such proteins, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response against Neisseria spp. bacteria in a subject, particularly against a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain.

Abstract: A computer system for facilitating care of a patient with a rare, complex, or chronic medical condition is provided. The system may include a server and a patient data module programmed to receive patient medical records pertaining to a patient, process the patient medical records to extract patient medical data pertaining to the patient, create a patient webpage specific to the patient which includes the patient medical data, and store the patient webpage. The system may also include a patient identification card provided to the patient which has an internet URL corresponding to the patient webpage encoded within a machine readable code. The patient data module may be programmed to receive, from a computer, a request to view the internet URL and transmit the patient webpage to the computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides dietary formulations comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. The present invention further provides methods of treating various conditions, generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a subject dietary formulation.

Abstract: Factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of N. meningitidis, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: Variant factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of Neisseria meningitidis, compositions comprising such proteins, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing individual cell composition in a heterogeneous cell population may include, in one embodiment, a deposition plate having an array of microwells disposed therein, and a cover plate substantially overlying the deposition plate. A pair of electrodes may be associated with one or more of the microwells, and may be configured to generate an electric field within the associated microwell.