Abstract: A microbe-specific medium for detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in a test sample within 24 hours and preferably within 18 hours. The testing medium provides a selective growth medium for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and includes specific nutrient indicators which only the target microbe can significantly metabolize and use for growth. The nutrient indicator contain a nutrient moiety and a detectable moiety linked together by a covalent bond. The nutrient indicators produce detectable signals only if the nutrient indicators are hydrolyzed by the Enterococci specific enzymes including ?-glucosidase and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of target microorganisms in a biological sample and of simultaneously determining the susceptibility of the microorganisms to antimicrobial agents. The target microbial organisms may be urinary pathogens. The methods include the steps of providing a multicompartment assay device with at least one compartment containing a medium capable of sustaining the growth of total viable microorganisms, at least one compartment containing a medium capable of sustaining the growth of target microorganisms, and at least one compartment containing an antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation medium. A biological sample is placed in each compartment and the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility of the target microorganisms which may be present is determined by analyzing which compartments exhibit microbial growth.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method is an assay involving contacting a biological sample from a felid with an env FIV polypeptide and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptide. The assay is optimized by adjusting the concentration of the sample and reagents, and the time and temperature of the incubation, so that antibodies in samples from vaccinated animals do not substantially bind to the polypeptide.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions in the form of a gel for controlled- or sustained-release of a pharmaceutically active agent and to methods for treating or preventing a condition in an animal by administering to an animal in need thereof the pharmaceutical compositions. One particular type of condition for which the pharmaceutical compositions are useful is a microbial infection, e.g., of the skin, ear, or eye, especially for veterinary applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions in the form of a gel for controlled- or sustained-release of a pharmaceutically active agent and to methods for treating or preventing or preventing a condition in an animal by administering to an animal in need thereof the pharmaceutical compositions. One particular type of condition for which the pharmaceutical compositions are useful is a microbial infection, e.g., of the skin, ear, or eye, especially for veterinary applications.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection and quantification of A. phagocytophilum (formerly known as Ehrlichia equi) antibodies and antibody fragments.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and compositions for selectively binding and/or detecting an aggregating abnormal form of a protein in the presence of non-aggregating normal form of the protein.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide sequence encoding canine pancreatic lipase polypeptides, allelic variants and fragments thereof. Vectors and host cells containing the polynucleotide sequences and methods for expressing the polypeptides. Monoclonal antibodies that specifically binds to the canine pancreatic lipase polypeptides. Cell lines secreting the monoclonal antibodies. Methods for determining the presence or amount of canine pancreatic lipase in a biological sample. The methods include using the monoclonal antibodies to specifically bind to canine pancreatic lipase polypeptides. The method includes using standards of recombinant canine pancreatic lipase. Devices and kits for performing methods for detecting canine pancreatic lipase in biological samples.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for extending the release times and lowering the toxicity of pharmacologically active compounds. The compounds comprise a salt of the pharmacologically active compound with a lipophilic counterion and a pharmaceutically acceptable water soluble solvent combined together to form an injectable composition. The lipophilic counterion may be a saturated or unsaturated C8-C22 fatty acid, and preferably may be a saturated or unsaturated C10-C18 fatty acid. The compounds precipitate in aqueous environments. When injected into a mammal, at least a portion of the composition precipitates and releases the active compound over time. Thus, the composition forms a slowly releasing drug depot of the active compound in the mammal. Therefore, the present invention enables one to provide a controlled dose administration of the active compound for a period of up to 15 days or even longer.

Abstract: A liposome formulation containing about 1% diclofenac is an effective topical anti-inflammatory topical treatment for lameness in horses. More particularly it has been discovered that a formulation containing vitamin E, phospholipid and diclofenac salt such as the sodium or potassium salt is a highly effective topical anti-inflammatory formulation that is particularly effective in treating lameness in horses.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device that utilizes capillarity-mediated, chromatographic transport, for the qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis of selected analytes in liquid samples. The device utilizes an applicator/collection device for collecting and administering the sample to the flow path such that reagent(s) flow through the applicator/collection device, washing the sample into the reaction pathway. The device further utilizes an air gap between the initial location of the reagent and the reaction pathway to funnel the reagent efficiently through the sample so as to collect all or substantially all of the sample and make it available for the reaction(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for extending the release times and lowering the toxicity of pharmacologically active compounds. The compounds comprise a salt of the pharmacologically active compound with a lipophilic counterion and a pharmaceutically acceptable water soluble solvent combined together to form an injectable composition. The lipophilic counterion may be a saturated or unsaturated C8-C22 fatty acid, and preferably may be a saturated or unsaturated C10-C18 fatty acid. When injected into a mammal, at least a portion of the composition precipitates and releases the active compound over time. Thus, the composition forms a slowly releasing drug depot of the active compound in the mammal. Therefore, the present invention enables one to provide a controlled dose administration of the active compound for a periods of up to 15 days or even longer.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining whether an animal is infected with West Nile Virus (WNV), or is either not infected or vaccinated with a WNV vaccine. The method includes contacting a biological sample from the subject with a first WNV polypeptide that is not an element of the WNV vaccine, and detecting whether antibodies in the sample bind to the WNV polypeptide. If the antibodies in the sample bind to the WNV polypeptide, it can be determined that the animal is naturally infected with WNV and if the antibodies do not bind to the polypeptide, it can be determined that the animal is either vaccinated or not infected.

Abstract: Reagent, method and kit for reducing the interfering peroxidase activity in a method of detecting an analyte in a sample where the method uses a peroxidase as a component of a signal producing system. The reagent includes a peroxide, a chromogen and sodium azide. The method includes the use of the reagent in a detection method.