Abstract: This invention relates to mouse and human EGFH2, and to variants thereof and to polynucleotides encoding EGFH2. This invention also relates to therapeutic agents related to the polynucleotides and proteins.

Abstract: Knockout of the meningococcal mltA homolog gives bacteria that spontaneously release vesicles that are rich in immunogenic outer membrane proteins and that can elicit cross-protective antibody responses with higher bactericidal titres than OMVs prepared by normal production processes. Thus the invention provides a bacterium having a knockout mutation of its mltA gene. The invention also provides a bacterium, wherein the bacterium: (i) has a cell wall that includes peptidoglycan; and (ii) does not express a protein having the lytic transglycosylase activity of MltA protein. The invention also provides compositions comprising vesicles that, during culture of bacteria of the invention, are released into the culture medium.

Abstract: M-CSF-specific antibody RX1 is provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing antibody RX1, kits containing a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of preventing and treating bone loss in a subject afflicted with an osteolytic disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands within the genomes of several Group A and Group B Streptococcus serotypes and isolates. The adhesin islands are thought to encode surface proteins which are important in the bacteria's virulence. Thus, the adhesin island proteins of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS or GBS infection. For example, the invention may include an immunogenic composition comprising one or more of the discovered adhesin island proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe accessory device for adjustment of a predefined partial syringe dosage comprises a recess (10) for receiving a syringe body (14). Additionally, within a single portion (12) a slot (16) is located. Within the slot (16) a syringe flange (18) or finger grip can be held. To obtain a predefined dosage of liquid within the chamber of the syringe body (14), a plunger (26) is pressed in the chamber (14) in the direction of the arrow (38) until the plunger head (44) contacts a stopping means (24) whereby the stopping means is performed by a stopping surface (24) of the single portion (12). The invention further provides a kit comprising said syringe accessory device and its use for adjusting defined liquid dosages in syringes.

Abstract: HCV E1E2 compositions comprising E1E2 antigens, submicron oil-in-water emulsions and/or immunostimulatory nucleic acid sequences are described. The compositions can be used in methods of stimulating an immune response in a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A known surface adhesin (NadA) in Neisseria meningitidis contains sequences which correspond to the fusion peptide, HR1 repeat and HR2 repeat seen in the envelope protein of viruses. Fusion inhibitors may thus be used to inhibit meningococcal infection, and the invention provides a compound that can bind to the heptad repeat sequence(s) HR1 and/or HR2 of the NadA adhesin on the surface of a meningococcus, thereby inhibiting the ability of the meningococcus either to infect a host organism or to spread an existing infection.

Abstract: Compositions incorporating small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) and certain lipid-conjugated polyamide compound-based delivery vehicles that are particularly useful in the delivery siRNA and other polynucleotides to cells. Also, methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the combination of antigens directed against bacteria and viruses, their uses and the preparation of medicaments in order to confer protection against infectious diseases. In particular, the invention relates to a combination vaccine comprising at least one antigen of Clostridium tetani, at least one antigen from Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and at least one antigen from the TBE-flavivirus suitable to confer seroprotection against diseases and medical conditions caused by these pathogenic organisms.

Abstract: Group A streptococcal (GAS) antigens useful for providing immunity against pyogenes infection.

Abstract: Influenza viruses for use in preparing human vaccines have traditionally been grown on embryonated hen eggs, although more modern techniques grow the virus in mammalian cell culture e.g. on Vero, MDCK or PER.C6 cell lines. The inventor has realised that the conditions used for influenza virus 5 culture can increase the risk that pathogens other than influenza virus may grow in the cell lines and have identified specific contamination risks. Suitable tests can thus be performed during manufacture in order to ensure safety and avoid iatrogenic infections.

Abstract: A machine tool comprising at least one machining unit having at least one work spindle for accommodating tools in order to machine workpieces in a working area is provided with a first and a second transport device, by which workpieces are transported between the working area and a loading/unloading station. A second machining unit is arranged laterally next to the first machining unit in such a way that, alternating with the first machining unit, it can reach the workpieces in the working area from the same direction.

Abstract: Compounds having formula I are provided where the variables have the values described herein. Pharmaceutical formulations include the compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and combinations with other agents. A method of treating a patient comprises administering a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of predicting the course of malignant disease and more specifically to methods which use SERPINE2 as a prognostic indicator of disease in cancer patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new indole and benzimidazole compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or prodrugs thereof, compositions of the new compounds together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and uses of the new compounds.

Abstract: The invention is based on the use of solid phase extraction for separating conjugated saccharide from unconjugated saccharide in sample, e.g. a vaccine. Solid phase extraction (SPE) provides faster and more reproducible separation of conjugated saccharides from unconjugated saccharides, thereby allowing quantitative separation of these saccharides. The separation of conjugated and unconjugated saccharide using SPE may be advantageously combined with a quantitative conjugate analysis to provide improved quality control for conjugate vaccines. The SPE separation is compatible with existing quantitative conjugate analysis techniques, such as high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD).

Abstract: Methods for prophylactically or therapeutically treating severe pneumonia involve administration of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) or a TFPI analog to patients suffering from or at risk of developing this condition. The methods involve the use of continuous intravenous infusion of TFPI or a TFPI analog, preferably at low doses to avoid adverse side effects.

Abstract: The invention is based on methods that allow analysis of mixed meningococcal saccharides from multiple serogroups even though they share monosaccharide units. With a combination of saccharides from serogroups C, W135 and Y, the invention analyses sialic acid, glucose and galactose content. The glucose and galactose results are used to directly quantify saccharides from serogroups Y and W135, respectively, and the combined glucose and galactose content is subtracted from the sialic acid content to quantify saccharides from serogroup C. The three serogroups can thus be resolved even though their monosaccharide contents overlap. The three different monosaccharide analyses can be performed on the same material, without interference between the monosaccharides and without interference from any other saccharide materials in the composition (e.g. lyophilisation stabilisers).

Abstract: The degree of polymerisation (DP) is an important parameter for analysis of saccharide antigens, particularly in glycoconjugates. The invention provides methods that can be used to measure DP for capsular saccharides, particularly for meningococcal saccharides e.g. from serogroups W135 and Y. A preferred method is based on reduction of terminal sialic acid residues on saccharides, with DP then being calculated by comparing the molar ratio of total sialic acid to reduced sialic acid.

Abstract: A machine tool center (10) displays at least one machine tool (11, 12, 13) which has a working area (17) accessible through an operator door (16) to process workpieces (21). Furthermore, a loading/unloading station (14) for the workpieces (21) and a loading device (22) which transports the workpieces (21) between the loading/unloading station (14) and the respective machine tool (11, 12, 13) and changes these at the machine tool (11, 12, 13) are also provided. In the new machine tool center (10) the loading device (22) is arranged below the working space (17) of the machine tool (11, 12, 13) (FIG. 1).