Abstract: This invention relates to improved electrophysiological assays that measure sodium conductance activity of a delta or alpha human epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) expressed in a test cell in the presence and absence of delta hENaC enhancers. The improvement comprises contacting the test cells with an amount of sodium ion, typically from at least 15 mM to 140 mM, for a time sufficient, e.g. for at least 5 minutes to an hour, prior to the test cells being screened against at least one putative enhancer. It has been surprisingly discovered that this sodium pretreatment enhances assay sensitivity, especially assays that use membrane potential or ion sensitive dyes that detect changes in conductance fluorimetrically. These enhancer compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing) salty taste perception and for treating disorders involving aberrant hENaC function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, purification and characterization of the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Ochrobactrum intermedium strain LMG3306, and their use as immunostimulant of mammalians, the process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical compound for the treatment and/or prevention of the sepsis and adjuvant for a vaccine in immunosupressed animals and against Leishmania.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific fungal species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the fungal species, and specifically identifying the fungal species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the mycotoxin, and identifying the myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nutrition, health and wellness. In particular the present invention relates to probiotics and ways to increase their effectiveness. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a combination of probiotics with secretory IgA and possible uses of this combination. For example a use of a composition comprising secretory IgA and at least one probiotic for the preparation of a product to treat or prevent infection is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a peptide which binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA), for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for treating sepsis or septic shock, wherein the peptide comprises the amino acid sequence of apolipoprotein CI (apoCI) or a part thereof that comprises at least the amino acids of the C-terminal helix of apoCI. The use of human apoCI is preferred. The peptide can be administered clinically to patients who have sepsis or threaten to develop sepsis. Measurement of the apoCI content in blood can be utilized for determining the severity and prognosis of the course of the septic condition or for monitoring an anti-sepsis treatment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prepare DNA, RNA, and a protein from one cell and to provide a convenient preparation method with high reproducibility. To prepare a protein, DNA, and RNA from a cell, nuclear and cytoplasmic separation is performed, and a protein, DNA, and RNA are then extracted.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an economical flow-through method for determining amount of target proteins in a sample. An antibody preparation (whether polyclonal or monoclonal, or any equivalent specific binding agent) is used to capture and thus enrich a specific monitor peptide (a specific peptide fragment of a protein to be quantitated in a proteolytic digest of a complex protein sample) and an internal standard peptide (the same chemical structure but including stable isotope labels). Upon elution into a suitable mass spectrometer, the natural (sample derived) and internal standard (isotope labeled) peptides are quantitated, and their measured abundance ratio used to calculate the abundance of the monitor peptide, and its parent protein, in the initial sample.

Abstract: The present invention involves extracting from Legionella bacteria, particularly L. pneumophila bacteria, an essentially protein-free O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen, coupling this antigen to an activated chromatographic column through a protein spacer molecule which is first conjugated to the antigen, utilizing the column thus prepared for the affinity purification of raw polyvalent antibodies to the same Legionella bacterium from which the O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen was separated—thereby obtaining antigen-specific antibodies which are useful for the rapid detection of the corresponding Legionella bacterium or its antibody in human bodily fluids such as urine, sputum, blood and the like or in environmental samples suspected of harboring the Legionella bacterium.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions (such as for example, culture media) for culturing Clostridium difficile and producing the C. difficile Toxins A and B.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for producing oocysts. The oocysts produced according to the invention find use in the manufacture of vaccines. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of Eimeria oocysts. Vaccines containing Eimeria oocysts, sporocysts and/or sporozoites produced according to the present invention may be used to immunize birds against coccidiosis either in ovo or post hatch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific fungal species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the fungal species, and specifically identifying the fungal species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the mycotoxin, and identifying the myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Abstract: A modified arthropod, an arthropod-modifying bacterium, and use thereof as an agent for control of diseases transmitted by arthropods, particularly mosquitoes, is provided. More specifically, an isolated arthropod-adapted Wolbachia bacterium capable of modifying one or more biological properties of a mosquito host is provided. The modified arthropod may be characterized as having a shortened life-span, a reduced ability to transmit disease, a reduced susceptibility to a pathogen, a reduced fecundity, and/or a reduced ability to feed from a host, when compared to a corresponding wild-type arthropod.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polypeptides that include amino acid sequences within botryococcene synthase from different algal species. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for increasing the production level of a botryococcene hydrocarbon molecule in a cell. The method includes increasing expression of a polynucleotide sequence that encodes botryococcene synthase in the cell. In a further aspect, the invention relates to an algal cell having a polynucleotide sequence that is genetically engineered to express a higher level of botryococcene synthase than a corresponding wild type algal cell, wherein the cell produces an increased level of a botryococcene hydrocarbon molecule than a corresponding wild type algal cell.

Abstract: This invention provides novel antimicrobial peptides and formulations thereof. The peptides and/or formulations are effective to kill or to inhibit the growth and/or proliferation of various bacteria, yeast, and fungi.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a recombinant Yersinia pestis bacterium and a vaccine comprising a recombinant Yersinia pestis bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a recombinant Edwardsiella bacterium, and compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi infection, useful in the prevention and/or treatment of the Chagas disease. More specifically, the present invention relates to a recombinant mutant trans-sialidase enzyme that can be used as an efficient vaccine, without side effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified biotin-binding protein comprising an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or its modified sequence and having a biotin-binding activity and replacement selected from the group consisting of: 1) replacement of the 36th serine residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid residue that does not form a hydrogen bond; 2) replacement of the 80th tryptophan residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a hydrophilic amino acid residue; 3) replacement of the 116th aspartic acid residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid residue that does not form a hydrogen bond; 4) replacement of the 46th proline residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a threonine, serine, or tyrosine residue and replacement of the 78th threonine residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid residue that does not form a hydrogen bond; 5) replacement of the 46th proline residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with a threonine, serine, or tyrosine residue and replacement of the 116th aspartic acid residue of SEQ ID NO: 2 with an amino acid that