Abstract: Described are smoking cessation devices and kits for determining an advantageous time for a subject to quit smoking, and/or for extending the duration of smoking abstinence, based on serum levels of anti-nicotine antibodies. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(?) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(?) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods for reducing the adverse effects of nicotine. This application describes the use of nicotine carrier conjugates in decreasing the toxic effects of nicotine on a fetus.

Abstract: A negatively-charged Staphylococcus antigen contains amino acids and a N-acetylated hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. The antigen is common to many coagulase-negative strains of Staphylococcus, including S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. hominis. Staphylococcus strains that carry the antigen include many clinically significant strains of Staphylococcus. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing Staphylococcus infection. Vaccines of the antigen and of whole cells that carry the antigen also are disclosed.

Abstract: Staphylococcal and Enterrococcal glycoconjugate vaccines are disclosed for use in preventing or treating bacterial infection in an immune-compromised individual. Such vaccines contain an immunocarrier and a conjugate of a polysaccharide or glycopeptide surface antigen from a clinically-significant bacterial strain. The vaccines can be used for active protection in immune-compromised individuals who are to be subjected to conditions that place them at immediate risk of developing a bacterial infection, as would be case in the context of a catheterization or a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A high yielding and short process for preparing the 3?-aminomethylnicotine hapten of general formula I permits the isolation of the hapten in very pure quantities. The process can be adapted for the synthesis of a single stereoisomer or mixtures of stereoisomers, such as the stereoisomers trans-Ia and trans-Ib: Compounds of general formula I are useful for the preparation of hapten-carrier conjugates in the treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating staphylococcal bacterial infection in an individual is disclosed. A vaccine based on a conjugate of PS1 polysaccharide antigen can be used for active protection in individuals who are to be subjected to conditions that place them at immediate risk of developing a bacterial infection, as would be case in the context of a catheterization or a surgical procedure. Alternatively, antibodies raised in response to the antigen can be used to treat or to provide passive protection to individuals. The method can be used in a population of patients at risk for infection by various species of Staphylococcus or various types of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Abstract: A majority of E. faecalis and E. faecium clinical isolates fall into two groups and three groups, respectively. Distinct antigens are associate with each of the five groups. The Enterococcus antigens are readily obtained from strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium, and can elicit production of protective antibodies. Accordingly, the antigens are useful for vaccines which protect against infection by clinically significant (pathogenic) Enterococcus isolates. The antigens and antibodies generated to the antigens are also useful in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(?) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating staphylococcal bacterial infection in an individual is disclosed. A vaccine based on a conjugate the 336 polysaccharide antigen can be used for active protection in individuals who are to be subjected to conditions that place them at immediate risk of developing a bacterial infection, as would be case in the context of a catheterization or a surgical procedure. Alternatively, antibodies raised in response to the antigen can be used to treat or to provide passive protection to individuals. The method can be used in a population of patients at risk for infection by various species of Staphylococcus or various types of Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Compositions and kits comprising combinations of ?-glucans and specific immunoglobulins are disclosed. The compositions and kits are useful in methods of preventing or treating infection by a pathogenic microorganism, in which ?-glucan is administered to a subject, and specific antibodies to a pathogenic microorganism are introduced into the subject.

Abstract: A negatively-charged Staphylococcus antigen contains amino acids and a N-acetylated hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. The antigen is common to many coagulase-negative strains of Staphylococcus, including S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. hominis. Staphylococcus strains that carry the antigen include many clinically significant strains of Staphylococcus. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing Staphylococcus infection. Vaccines of the antigen and of whole cells that carry the antigen also are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting gastrointestinal absorption of phosphorous in an individual. The composition includes a quantity of calcium acetate sufficient to bind the phosphorous in the gastrointestinal tract of the individual. The calcium acetate has a bulk density of between 0.50 kg/L and 0.80 kg/L and is dimensioned to form a caplet for fitting within a capsule in a manner that optimizes the volume of the capsule. Also provided is a method for administering the calcium acetate composition of the present invention to an individual to reduce phosphorous absorption by binding with the phosphorous in their gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(−) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.