Abstract: Forms of GAS25 (streptolysin O) which are not toxic but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for malaria testing which enables testing for the presence of malaria infection and the extent of the infection in a convenient manner; and a reagent or kit which can be used in the method. The method for malaria testing according to the present invention includes the step of detecting a liver-type fatty acid binding protein present in urine collected from a subject animal. The extent of infection is determined to be higher when a larger amount of the liver-type fatty acid binding protein is present in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing Trichomonas infection by detecting an antibody that specifically binds a Trichomonas ?-actinin protein in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, roundworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of whipworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a mammalian sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: parasitic helminth cuticlin proteins; parasitic helminth cuticlin nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such cuticlin proteins; antibodies raised against such cuticlin proteins; and compounds that inhibit parasitic helminth cuticlin activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic helminths.

Abstract: A line of cultured mammalian cells includes HERG1b subunits and optionally HERG1a subunits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies to NOGO, pharmaceutical formulations containing them and to the use of such antibodies in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of neurological diseases/disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the presence or severity of tissue fibrosis in an individual by detecting ?2-macroglobulin (?2-MG) in a sample from the individual; detecting hyaluronic acid (HA) in a sample from the individual; detecting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in a sample from the individual; and diagnosing the presence or severity of tissue fibrosis in the individual based on the presence or level of ?2-MG, HA and TIMP-1.

Abstract: Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering a immunosuppressive agent.

Abstract: Polypeptides capable of binding human IL-13 and/or of binding human IL-4 in the presence of IL-4 R? can be used in medicine, in diagnosis and in screening for agonists/antagonist of IL-13/IL-4. One such polypeptide is shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: Provided are methods for diagnosing the propensity of a subject to develop skin inflammation, in particular, psoriasis. Also provided are methods of treatment with antagonists of IL-17, IL-19, and/or IL-23.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of the IL-2 common gamma chain (c?c) and related molecules for the modulation of signal activities controlled by NIK, and some new such molecules.

Abstract: 5-mer peptides that can inhibit calpain I and calpain II are disclosed. The peptide sequence is as follows: Leu or Ala)-(Xaa)-(Asp or Glu)-(Xaa)-(Leu or Met), where Xaa can be any amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate or rodent receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof, and antibodies against these receptor proteins. Methods of using these compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel antibodies against growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), including antibody fragments, which inhibit GDF-8 activity in vitro and in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, preventing, or treating degenerative disorders of muscle, bone, or insulin metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to secreted soluble ?2?-2, ?2?-3 or ?2?-4 calcium channel subunit polypeptides and their preparation, corresponding nucleic acids, recombinant vectors and host cells, as well as screening assays using same.

Abstract: Administration of IL-21 results in decreasing autoimmune responses and thereby provides a beneficial treatment for autoimmune diseases. Specific autoimmune diseases that may be treated include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, ankylosing spondilitis, scleroderma, Type I diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis and asthma. Pharmaceutical compositions can include IL-21 polypeptides and active fragments thereof.

Abstract: Methods of regulating angiogenesis, ischemic injury and/or wound healing by modulating the activity of leptin, particularly as mediated by the leptin receptor, and/or the interaction between leptin and the leptin receptor. Correspondingly, these methods can also be used to treat diseases mediated by angiogenesis, including wound healing, tumors and tumor metastasis, diabetic microangiopathy, retinal neovascularization, neovascularization of adipose tissue and fat metabolism, revascularization of necrotic tissue, enhancement or vascularization in microvascular transplants, and ovarian follicle maturation. Assays for identifying agents that modulate leptin and/or leptin receptor-mediated angiogenesis and/or wound healing and their use in treating angiogenesis-mediated diseases or conditions involving wound healing are also disclosed.