Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides systems, methods, and kits for diagnosing and/or monitoring a bacteria-related condition of interest in a subject by providing a cell sensing system, each system containing a reporter molecule capable of detecting binding of a quorum sensing molecule and capable of generating a detectable signal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for detecting dicarboxylic acids using a transcription factor biosensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel immunogenic composition, vaccine and methods for making and using the immunogenic composition and vaccine. The immunogenic composition is capable of providing an immune response and/or a protective immunity into subjects, preferably mammals, against microorganism-associated disease. The immunogenic composition includes one or more extracellular proteins isolated from a microorganism capable of providing an immune response and/or a protective immunity into subjects against microorganism-associated disease. The isolated extracellular proteins range in molecular weight from about 10,000 Da to about 220,000 Da. Suitable microorganisms may include members of the genus Salmonella, Listeria, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Vibrio. Kits are also encompassed for detection, diagnosis and prevention of microorganism-associated disease.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions include a Clostridial neurotoxin component and a microsphere component. In certain compositions, the composition includes a botulinum toxin and a plurality of swellable microspheres. The compositions are administered to individuals, by injection and the like, to treat a cosmetic defect of deficiency.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to a vaccine against Vibrio cholerae comprised of V. cholerae outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Such vaccines are relatively stable, facilitating distribution. Inventive methods generally include administration of a vaccine against Vibrio cholerae by intranasal, intraperitoneal, oral or intragastric routes. Such vaccines confer immunity to the individual, and when administered to pregnant subjects, can be conferred to the offspring of individuals.

Abstract: A Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical composition comprising a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum toxin, wherein the Clostridial toxin present in the pharmaceutical composition is stabilized by a non-protein excipient such as a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a disaccharides, a trisaccharide, a polysaccharide, an alcohol, a metal, an amino acid, a surfactant and/or a polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: A novel dosing regimen for the administration of botulinum toxin based on the pattern, quantity, and location of neuromuscular junctions in the target tissue. Because the number of neuromuscular junctions in a target tissue remains generally stable throughout life and because the pharmacological effect of botulinum toxin is localized at the neuromuscular junction, dosing efficacy is unaffected by muscle mass, age of the patient, or body weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies immunologically specific for an attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) virulence-associated protein, products, compositions and methods and to their use thereof in the prevention of an AEEC infection in a mammal. The antibody of the invention is immunologically specific for an AEEC virulence-associated protein and is capable of preventing an in vivo AEEC intestinal infection when administered to a mammal. The antibody of the invention is preferably useful for preventing the development of A/E intestinal lesions associated with the AEEC. This is achieved by preferably using IgY antibodies immunologically specific for one or more AEEC virulence-associated proteins, such as Eae, Tir, EspA and Paa.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against S. epidermidis and other related staphylococci are provided. The immunogenic compositions can include immunogenic conjugates of poly-?-glutamic acid (such as ?DLPGA) polypeptides of S. epidermidis, or related staphylococci that express a ?PGA polypeptide. The ?PGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against S. epidermidis, or other staphylococci, in subjects to which the conjugates are administered. A method of treating an infection caused by a Staphylococcus organism that expresses cap genes is also disclosed. The method can include selecting a subject who is at risk of or has been diagonosed with the infection by the Staphylococcus organism which expresses ?PGA from the cap genes. Further, the expression of a ?PGA polypeptide by the organism can then be altered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid pharmaceutical composition of botulinum toxin which is improved in stability. It comprises botulinum toxin, polysorbate 20, and methionine and optionally isoleucine. Employing, instead of the animal-derived protein albumin or gelatin, a combination of polysorbate 20 and methionine and optionally isoleucine as botulinum toxin stabilizers, the liquid pharmaceutical composition eliminates the risk of contaminating the body with serum-derived pathogens or microorganisms and can be administered safely to the body. Also, the composition is convenient for use as a direct injection for patients. Superior to conventional compositions employing either detergents or amino acids in terms of the storage stability of botulinum toxin at 25˜370C as well as at refrigerated temperatures, the liquid pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is very useful for storing botulinum toxin under an emergency condition such as an environment without maintaining low temperature.

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: 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: Methods and compositions for immediately immunizing an individual against any molecule or compound are provided. The present invention is directed to an immunity linker with at least two sites; (1) at least one first binding site that binds to an immune response component in an individual, and (2) at least one second binding site that binds specifically to a desired compound or molecule, the target. The second binding sites are preferably thiolated aptamers that have the benefit of increased stability, resistance to degradation and longer circulating half life. Methods of making and using pharmaceutical compositions including immunity linker molecules having a thiolated aptamer are also provided.

Abstract: Bacterial virulence is repressed by compositions and methods for activating permanently a repressor of virulence factors. Compositions provided contain at least one non-metabolizable analog of guanine, guanosine, isoleucine and valine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of polypeptides derived from the Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin and the use thereof as immunogens for the production of vaccines and antitoxins, as well as research and drug development applications. Clostridium botulinum is responsible for food bone botulism, a severe and often deadly disease. Botulinum neurotoxin binds to neural cells and are translocated into the cytosol. The toxin then prevents neurotransmitter release by cleaving a SNARE protein. A double mutant E224A/E262 full length botulinum neurotoxin Type A holo form was successfully cloned and purified, which lacks the endopeptidase activity involved in the toxic action of the BoNT, and thus leading to its detoxification (DR BoNT/A). This new molecule can be used as an antidote against botulism, and also as a vaccine candidate for botulism. Due to the poor availability and extreme toxicity of native holo-toxin, a nontoxic form of the holo-toxin is highly desired for research and vaccine development.

Abstract: A high potency botulinum toxin pharmaceutical composition comprising two excipients (such as albumin and sodium chloride) in a weight to weight ratio of between about 1 and about 100.

Abstract: Bordetella pertussis p69 antigen is purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.

Abstract: This invention pertains to Lawsonia intracellularis bacterium of a serotype which is reactive with monoclonal antibody INT-LIC-02-02 as produced by hybridoma INT-LIC-02-02 deposited with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Micro-organismes of the Institut Pasteur at Paris France under nr. CNCM I-4049 but which is not reactive with antibody INT-LIC-01-28 as produced by hybridoma INT-LIC-01-28 deposited with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Micro-organismes of the Institut Pasteur at Paris France under nr. CNCM I-4048. The invention also pertains to vaccines for protection against an infection with Lawsonia intracellularis based on those novel bacteria, antibodies suitable for diagnosing the novel Lawsonia intracellularis serotype and hybridomas for producing the said antibodies.

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: The present invention includes cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium for use as a vaccine and a vaccine vector. In preferred embodiments, the cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium is a Mycobacteria, for example, Mycobacteria shottsii.