Abstract: The present invention presents the isolation, characterization and synthesis of oligosaccharides of Bacillus anthracis. Also presented are antibodies that bind to such saccharide moieties and various methods of use for such saccharide moieties and antibodies.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates to synthetic immunoreactive peptides. These peptides are approximately 20-25 amino acids in length which are portions of the N termini of the M proteins of the most prevalent United States (U.S.) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes. At least some of the synthetic peptides can be recognized by M type-specific antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies and/or anti-attachment antibodies without eliciting tissue cross-reactive antibodies. In another aspect, it relates to compositions or vaccines comprising these synthetic serotype-specific peptides, including polypeptides and proteins. The invention may also be isolated antibodies which are raised in response to the peptides, compositions or vaccines. The invention further relates to kits for using the peptides, compositions, or antibodies.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, a method for immobilizing a lipoidal antigen, comprising cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol, on a solid support (such as a nitrocellulose membrane) is described. The ability to immobilize a lipoidal antigen on a membrane satisfies a long-felt need for a membrane-based assay for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies. Also described are immunoassay devices for concurrently performing treponemal and non-treponemal tests for syphilis.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, a method for immobilizing a lipoidal antigen, comprising cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol, on a solid support (such as a nitrocellulose membrane) is described. The ability to immobilize a lipoidal antigen on a membrane satisfies a long-felt need for membrane-based assay for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies. Also described are immunoassay devices for concurrently performing treponemal and non-treponemal tests for syphilis.

Abstract: Methods of thermally inactivating a rotavirus are provided according to the present invention which include exposing the rotavirus to a temperature in the range of about 50° C.-80° C., inclusive, for an incubation time sufficient to render the rotavirus incapable of replication or infection. The thermally inactivated rotavirus is antigenic and retains a substantially intact rotavirus particle structure. Vaccine compositions and methods of vaccinating a subject against rotavirus are provided which include generation and use of thermally inactivated rotavirus.

Abstract: Methods of detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), are disclosed. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of S. pneumoniae is screened for the presence or absence of that nucleic acid. The presence of the S. pneumoniae nucleic acid indicates the presence of S. pneumoniae. Determining whether the S. pneumoniae nucleic acid is present in the sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between a S. pneumoniae probe, such as a S. pneumoniae lytA probe, a S. pneumoniae psaA probe, or a S. pneumoniae ply probe. Probes and primers for the detection of S. pneumoniae are also disclosed. Kits and arrays that contain the disclosed probes and/or primers also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and adjuvants for enhancing an immune response to RSV in a host, wherein the methods and adjuvants comprise a source of a CD40 binding protein. Preferably, the CD40 binding protein is CD40L and the source is a vector comprising a promoter operatively linked to a CD40L coding region. The enhanced immune response produced by the adjuvants and methods of the current invention includes both increased expression of Th1 cytokines and increased production of antibody.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an acoustic plethysmograph for measuring pulmonary function of an animal, such as a mouse. The plethysmograph in exemplary embodiments can measure thoracic tidal volume of an unrestrained animal. The plethysmograph in exemplary embodiments acoustically excites the chamber containing the animal and detects changes in the acoustic pressure in the chamber, which correlate to the thoracic tidal volume of the animal. Unlike the conventional whole-body plethysmograph, this acoustic plethysmograph provides a direct measure of thoracic tidal volume. The plethysmograph also can be configured to measure chamber flow (the flow of air into and out of the chamber). Specific airway resistance of the animal can then be determined from the thoracic tidal volume and plethysmograph flow measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including primers and probes, which are capable of interacting with the disclosed nucleic acids, such as the nucleic acids encoding the reverse transcriptase or protease of HIV as disclosed herein. Thus, provided is an oligonucleotide comprising any one of the nucleotide sequences set for in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Also provided are the oligonucleotides consisting of the nucleotides as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Each of the disclosed oligonucleotides is a probe or a primer. Also provided are mixtures of primers and probes and for use in RT-PCR and primary PCR reactions disclosed herein. Provided are methods for the specific detection of several mutations in HIV. Mutations in both the reverse transcriptase and the protease of HIV can be detected using the methods described herein.

Abstract: Methods of detecting influenza, including differentiating between type and subtype are disclosed, for example to detect, type, and/or subtype an influenza infection. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of an influenza virus, is screened for the presence or absence of that nucleic acid. The presence of the influenza virus nucleic acid indicates the presence of influenza virus. Determining whether the influenza virus nucleic acid is present in the sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between an influenza specific probe, influenza type specific probe, and/or subtype specific probe and an influenza nucleic acid. Probes and primers for the detection, typing and/or subtyping of influenza virus are also disclosed. Kits and arrays that contain the disclosed probes and/or primers also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus or of a chimeric immunogenic flavivirus antigen comprising sequence from more than one flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a sampling apparatus that utilizes one or more cyclone separators to collect airborne particles from the atmosphere. In one representative embodiment, the sampling apparatus includes a collection-vessel retaining member that is adapted to be removably coupled to a collection vessel. The retaining member has an air-inlet conduit for permitting air to flow through the open end of the collection vessel and an air-outlet conduit for permitting air to exit the open end of the collection vessel. The air-inlet conduit and the air-outlet conduit are configured to cause air flowing into the collection vessel to establishes a cyclonic flow path, which causes airborne particles to separate out from the air stream and collect in the collection vessel.

Abstract: A safety device for measuring and indicating the level of a ladder having rungs extending between a pair of elongated ladder rails, the safety device comprising a housing dimensioned to be inserted into one of the rungs of the ladder, an electronic sensor disposed in the housing, a controller disposed in the housing, which is in electronical communication with the sensor, at least one indicator, and a power supply for supplying power to the device. The electronic sensor measures the inclination of the ladder to produce a measured inclination which the controller compares to a stored predetermined level value to produce a comparison signal. The at least one indicator receives the comparison signal and indicates to the user the comparison signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against avian or pandemic influenza. The compositions include adenovirus vectors comprising avian influenza antigens, recombinant adenovirus and immunogenic compositions comprising such recombinant vectors and adenovirus. Methods for eliciting an immune response against avian or pandemic influenza involving administering such adenovirus vectors or recombinant adenovirus are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, a method for immobilizing a lipoidal antigen, comprising cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol, on a solid support (such as a nitrocellulose membrane) is described. The ability to immobilize a lipoidal antigen on a membrane satisfies a long-felt need for a membrane-based assay for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies. Also described are immunoassay devices for concurrently performing treponemal and non-treponemal tests for syphilis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting and/or differentiating among Candida organisms, including C. albicans and C. dubliniensis, are disclosed. Exemplary methods involve screening a sample suspected of containing at least one or more Candida sp. for the presence or absence of a nucleic acid sequence specific for each such fungal pathogen. Some disclosed methods permit the rapid and simultaneous detection and identification of several fungal pathogens (e.g., up to 100 fungi) in a single sample.

Abstract: The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules containing transcription units which encode the flavivirus M and E protein antigens. The flaviviruses include Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue, yellow fever virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus. The nucleic acids function to provide the M and E protein antigens when the nucleic acid resides in an appropriate host cell, especially when the host cell is the cell of a subject. The invention also encompasses a vaccine whose active agent is the nucleic acid. The invention further encompasses the cultured host cells when they contain within them nucleic acid molecules containing the transcription units. The invention in addition encompasses a method of immunizing a subject against flavivirus infection by administering to the subject an effective amount of a vaccine containing a nucleic acid molecule containing the transcription unit of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including primers and probes, which are capable of interacting with the disclosed nucleic acids, such as the nucleic acids encoding the reverse transcriptase or protease of HIV as disclosed herein. Thus, provided is an oligonucleotide comprising any one of the nucleotide sequences set for in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Also provided are the oligonucleotides consisting of the nucleotides as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Each of the disclosed oligonucleotides is a probe or a primer. Also provided are mixtures of primers and probes and for use in RT-PCR and primary PCR reactions disclosed herein. Provided are methods for the specific detection of several mutations in HIV. Mutations in both the reverse transcriptase and the protease of HIV can be detected using the methods described herein.

Abstract: An antigen composition and method for the detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum and the diagnosis of syphilis are described. The antigen composition contains synthetic cardiolipin and synthetic lecithin. The antigen composition may additionally contain cholesterol and an alcohol. The antigen composition is useful as an immunoreagent in immunoassays for the detection of antibodies associated with T. pallidum infection. The methods are sensitive and specific for T. pallidum infection.