Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing a T-cell response against a EGFRvIII in a subject. These method comprise administering to a subject a composition which expresses at least one immunogenic polypeptide, the amino acid sequence of which comprise a plurality of EGFRvIII polypeptide sequences, the sequence of which each comprise EEKKGNYV (SEQ ID NO: 3), and/or administering the polypeptide itself.

Abstract: The invention provides immunogenic polysaccharide protein conjugates comprising capsular polysaccharides from N. Meningitidis serogroup X and methods for preparation thereof. The present invention relates to N. meningitidis X saccharide-carrier protein conjugates prepared by a conjugation reaction. Accordingly, the instant invention relates to multivalent meningococcal polysaccharide protein conjugate composition comprising capsular saccharide from serogroups X and at least one capsular saccharide from A, C, W135 and Y wherein, i) polysaccharides A C W135 X are sized mechanically whereas polysaccharide Y is sized chemically, ii) all saccharide are conjugated to carrier protein via a linker with a cyanylation conjugation chemistry iii) all saccharide to protein ratios in final conjugates are between 0.2-0.6 and iv) at least two different carrier proteins selected from the group consisting of TT, DT and CRM197 are utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating kits for rapid diagnosis of malaria, in order to determine or to test the sensitivity and specificity thereof. To that end, the reactive strips of the diagnostic kits are exposed to different concentrations of the malaria parasite in a method that allows data on sensitivity and specificity indicated on the technical sheet of the kit to be ascertained.

Abstract: Methods, assays, and apparatus are disclosed for testing of antigens associated with intestinal and/or blood-brain barrier permeability. For example, blood, saliva or other bodily fluid can be tested for binding (1) to a bacterial toxin (preferably a lipopolysaccharide), and (2) binding to tissue antigens selected from at least one of (a) a gut-related antigen and (b) a blood brain barrier-related antigen. Analysis of test results can be used to assist in detecting and diagnosing diseases associated with leaky gut syndrome (whether due to paracellular or transcellular pathways, and whether due to bacterial toxins or some other cause) and/or to diseases associated with excessive blood brain barrier permeability, which are contemplated herein to include both neuroinflammation and/or neuroautoimmunity conditions, and especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, or peripheral neuropathy, and major depression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified botulinum toxin comprising a natural heavy chain and a modified light chain, characterized in that the modification of the light chain resides in that it comprises (i) an extension of the chain on its N-terminus which has the structure -(C)n-(tag)m-(X)l- in the direction from the N- to the C-terminal end, wherein C represents a cysteine residue, tag represents any tag and X represents the residue of any naturally occurring amino acid, n represents an integer from 1 to 50, m represents 0 or 1, and l represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 50, and in that (ii) at least one of the cysteine residues in the extension of the chain is coupled to at least one chain of PEG.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition that includes a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin A and/or a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin B. Each mutant toxin includes a glucosyltransferase domain having at least one mutation and a cysteine protease domain having at least one mutation, relative to the corresponding wild-type C. difficile toxin. The mutant toxins may further include at least one amino acid that is chemically crosslinked. In another aspect, the invention relates to antibodies or binding fragments thereof that binds to said immunogenic compositions. In further aspects, the invention relates to isolated nucleotide sequences that encode any of the foregoing, and methods of use of any of the foregoing compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions containing non-pathogenic, germination-competent bacterial spores, for the prevention, control, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, disorders and conditions and for general nutritional health.

Abstract: Improved formulations for transdermal delivery of botulinum toxin are disclosed. The formulations include, for example, botulinum toxin non-covalently associated with a positively charged backbone having branching or efficiency groups. The formulations also include a partitioning agent, oligo-bridge, or polyanion bridge, and may optionally contain a viscosity modifying agent. The formulations are designed for topical application onto the skin of a patient and may be used to treat wrinkles, hyperhidrosis, and other health-related problems. Kits for administration are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the diagnosis and prevention of B. abortus infection are provided.

Abstract: Conjugated capsular saccharides from meningococcal serogroups C, W135 and Y are safe and immunogenic in humans when combined in a single dose. This effect is retained when a conjugated capsular saccharide from serogroup A is added. These conjugated antigens can be stably combined in a single aqueous dose without the need for lyophilization. Broad protection against serogroup B infection can be achieved by using a small number of defined polypeptide antigens. These polypeptide antigens can be combined with the saccharide antigens without loss of protective efficacy for any of the five serogroups. Efficacy if retained even if a Hib conjugate is added. The efficacy of a serogroup W135 conjugate is enhanced by addition of protein antigens derived from a serogroup B strain. Addition of a Hib conjugate to meningococcal conjugates enhances the overall activity against meningococcus serogroup W135.

Abstract: A method for using a candida antigen in the treatment of psoriasis. In an embodiment, the method comprises periodically administering, to a patient having psoriasis, a candida antigen until clearance of the psoriasis is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides cells that have been genetically manipulated to have an altered capacity to produce expressed proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to Gram-positive microorganisms, such as Bacillus species having enhanced expression of a protein of interest, wherein one or more chromosomal genes have been inactivated, and preferably wherein one or more chromosomal genes have been deleted from the Bacillus chromosome. In some further embodiments, one or more indigenous chromosomal regions have been deleted from a corresponding wild-type Bacillus host chromosome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms. The invention further provides methods for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms in situ within a single system.

Abstract: A method of detecting antibodies to syphilis antigens includes providing a syphilis detection kit having a screening solid-phase platform with a screening portion coated with non-treponemal syphilis antigens. The screening portion is fabricated by initially dissolving cholesterol in an organic solvent and further diluting the dissolved cholesterol in an ethanol solution comprising cardiolipin and lecithin to form an antigen solution, permitting the antigen solution to evaporate at the screening portion and at least partially coating the screening portion with an antigen coating, and stabilizing the antigen coating into a syphilis antigen complex by overcoating the antigen coating with an overcoat solution comprising an inert protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: said sample, a medium that enables the growth of the target microorganism(s), and a cell population capable of being lysed by the target microorganism(s); b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth of the target microorganism(s); and c) observing, in real time, lysis of the cell population indicating the presence of the target microorganism(s). The present invention also relates to a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Yersinia outer protein M (YopM)in the prevention and/or treatment of psoriasis by cutaneous, intradermalor subcutaneous administration. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of YopM in the treatment of plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, arthritis psoriasis.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide a beneficial biological effect for a subject, and/or a method of treating the subject using the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured to trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject. The apparatus may rely on a non-invasive mechanism to elevate Glutathione levels in the subject. The apparatus may not require a traditional power source such as a battery or wall plug in order to be effective in elevating Glutathione levels in the subject. To trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject, the apparatus may transmit communication to the body of the subject that results in increased levels of Glutathione within the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents and methods for purifying pertussis toxin (PT).

Abstract: Described herein are microorganisms that are modified so that they have an increased ability to be recognized by the innate immune system of a eukaryote, relative to an unmodified microorganism. A microorganism may be a gram-negative bacterium that has been modified to produce high potency lipopolysaccharide, e.g., Yersinia pestis expressing LpxL. Such modified microorganisms may be used as vaccines for protection against an infection by the unmodified microorganism. They may also be used as delivery vehicles of one or more heterologous antigens, e.g., antigens from pathogens or those associated with a hyperproliferative eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: The invention provides novel surface coat proteins of Clostridium spp. spores, and nucleic acids encoding such proteins. The invention extends to various uses of these nucleic acids and proteins, as antigens for use in vaccine design and construction, and to vaccines per se, and in diagnostic test kits and methods for the detection of Clostridium spp. infections. In addition, the nucleic acids and proteins can be used as potential targets for therapeutic drugs for the prevention or treatment of Clostridium spp. infections.