Abstract: Described herein are various inventions and embodiments thereof, directed to systems, devices, and methods for analysis of a biofluid, as well as controlling a biofluid analysis system using a microfluidic device. Embodiments of biofluid analysis systems disclosed herein may provide analysis of a biofluid to identify and characterize one or more analytes. An apparatus may include a first layer defining a first opening and a second opening. The first layer may be substantially transparent. A second layer may be coupled to the first layer and define a microfluidic channel that establishes a fluid communication path between the first opening and the second opening. At least a portion of the second layer may be substantially opaque.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments directed to rotor devices, systems, and kits. Embodiments of rotors disclosed herein may be used to characterize one or more analytes of a fluid. An apparatus may include a first layer being substantially transparent. A second layer may be coupled to the first layer. The second layer may be substantially absorbent to infrared radiation. The second layer and the first layer may collectively define a set of wells. The first layer may define a base for each well of the set of wells. The second layer may define an opening for each well of the set of wells. At least one of the first layer and the second layer may define a sidewall for each well of the set of wells.

Abstract: A system for vaccinating swine according to one embodiment includes a housing having an open first end and an open opposite second end. The housing has a pair of side walls that are angled and non-parallel to one another such that at the second end only a single piglet can exit at one time. The system also includes a vaccination station for individually vaccinating piglets. The vaccination station is located between the pair of side walls in a region thereof that is sized to only permit one piglet to stand between the side walls. The vaccination station includes at least one sensor that detects the presence of the one piglet within the vaccination station and at least one spray nozzle positioned within the vaccination station such that a vaccine dose discharged therefrom is directed upwardly into facial areas of the piglet effectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection devices and methods of using such devices to detect minute quantities of a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a method of detecting a target analyte in a sample comprising mixing the sample with a first detection conjugate and a second detection conjugate in solution, wherein the first and second detection conjugates comprise metallic nanostructures coupled to binding partners that are capable of specifically binding to the target analyte if present in the sample to form a complex between the first detection conjugate, the analyte, and the second detection conjugate, wherein a change in an optical signal upon complex formation indicates the presence of the target analyte in the sample. Methods of preparing nanostructures and nanoalloys, as well as nanostructures and nanoalloys conjugated to binding partners, are also described.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof is provided that specifically binds to a region on a mammalian IL-31 protein involved with interaction of the IL-31 protein with its co-receptor, wherein the binding of said antibody to said region is impacted by mutations in a 15H05 epitope binding region selected from: a region between about amino acid residues 124 and 135 of a feline IL-31 sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 157 (Feline_IL31_wildtype); a region between about amino acid residues 124 and 135 of a canine IL-31 sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 155 (Canine_IL31); and a region between about amino acid residues 118 and 129 of an equine IL-31 sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 165 (Equine_IL31). Such antibodies can be in the form of veterinary compositions useful for treating IL-31-mediated disorders in cats, dogs, or horses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating a dog for canine diseases comprising administering to the dog therapeutically effective amounts of a vaccine, wherein the vaccine comprises viral antigens, a bacterin, or both, and wherein the vaccine is administered subcutaneously or orally according to the schedules provided herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating a dog for canine diseases comprising administering to the dog therapeutically effective amounts of a vaccine, wherein the vaccine comprises viral antigens, a bacterin, or both, and wherein the vaccine is administered subcutaneously or orally according to the schedules provided herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are immunogenic compositions that may be used, in some aspects, to induce an immune response against an Ehrlichia such as Ehrlichia cams. In some embodiments, the immunogenic composition comprises an E. canis bacterin and/or adjuvant, such as for example an emulsion or liposomal adjuvant. Related methods such as for diagnosis of or vaccination against ehrlichiosis are also provided.

Abstract: A lateral flow test system having an optical reader, a lateral flow cartridge and a computer system is provided. The lateral flow cartridge includes a porous test strip with a reading window into the porous test strip exposing an exposed zone of the porous strip. The optical reader has a reader housing and a slot for inserting the cartridge into the reader housing. The optical reader has an illumination arrangement adapted for illuminating the exposed zone of the porous strip when the cartridge is inserted into the slot. The optical reader further has a video camera configured for acquiring a series of digital images comprising the exposed zone of the porous strip. The computer system receives sets of pixel data representing the plurality of consecutive digital images and calculates wetting progress along the length of the exposed zone of the porous strip based on the sets of pixels data.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant viral vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes for use in safe immunizations to protect against a variety of pathogens. The invention also relates to multivalent compositions or vaccine comprising one or more recombinant viral vectors for protection against a variety of pathogens. The present invention relates to methods of making an using said recombinant viral vectors.

Abstract: An improved stabilization buffer for use in the lyophilization of Neospora and other protozoans is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved lyophilization method, which includes controlling ice nucleation during the freezing step.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to sol-gel polymer composites that comprise chitosan, a hydrophilic polymer, a polysiloxane, and a gelation agent in a suitable medium. Advantageously, the sol-gel polymer composite can form a durable seal or strong solid in response to one or more physiological stimulus. The disclosure further relates to medical and veterinary uses of the composite, particularly, methods and delivery systems for reducing or preventing the incidence of a mammary disorder in a dairy animal. More particularly, the disclosure includes methods and sol-gel polymer composite compositions for creating a physical barrier on the teat surface or in the teat canal or cistern of a non-human animal for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders such as mastitis wherein the sol-gel polymer creates a seal in response to one or more physiological stimulus.

Abstract: A vaccine composition for immunizing and/or protecting a mammal against an IL-31 mediated disorder is provided, wherein the composition includes: the combination of a carrier polypeptide and at least one mimotope selected from a feline IL-31 mimotope, a canine IL-31 mimotope, a horse IL-31 mimotope, and a human IL-31 mimotope; and an adjuvant. Such vaccines can be in the form of pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating or protecting mammals such as cats, dogs, horses, or humans against IL-31-mediated disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Mycoplasma bovis immunogenic compositions useful in raising an immune response in animals against M. bovis. Also disclosed herein are methods for generating a protective response against infections in mammals caused by M. bovis.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments directed to rotor devices, systems, and kits. Embodiments of rotors disclosed herein may be used to characterize one or more analytes of a fluid. An apparatus may include a first layer being substantially transparent. A second layer may be coupled to the first layer to collectively define a set of wells. The second layer may define a channel, and the second layer may be substantially absorbent to infrared radiation. A third layer may be coupled to the second layer. The third layer may define an opening configured to receive a fluid. The third layer may be substantially transparent. The channel may establish a fluid communication path between the opening and the set of wells.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments directed to rotor devices, methods, and systems. Embodiments of rotors disclosed herein may be used to characterize one or more analytes of a fluid. A method may include bonding a first layer and a second layer using two-shot injection molding. The first layer coupled to the second layer may collectively define a set of wells. The first layer may be substantially transparent. The second layer may define a channel. The second layer may be substantially absorbent to infrared radiation. A third layer may be bonded to the second layer using infrared radiation. The third layer may define an opening configured to receive a fluid. The third layer may be substantially transparent. The channel may establish a fluid communication path between the opening and the set of wells.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, methods to make it and related polypeptides, polynucleotides, and various components. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides and a diagnostic kit to distinguish between naturally infected and vaccinated animals are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, methods to make it and related polypeptides, polynucleotides, and various components. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides and a diagnostic kit to distinguish between naturally infected and vaccinated animals are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, methods to make it and related polypeptides, polynucleotides, and various components. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides and a diagnostic kit to distinguish between naturally infected and vaccinated animals are also provided.

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides of general formula X0X1X2C X3X4X5CX6X7X8X9CYX10X11CX12X13 are provided. Also provided are certain formulations containing these peptides and methods of using these peptides for treating skin infections in an animal in need thereof.