Abstract: Disclosed are amino acid sequences of polypeptides reacting with antibodies to Helicobacter pylori (HP), DNAs coding therefor, vectors containing said DNAs, transformants containing said vectors, a method for preparing said polypeptides by cultivating said transformants, and anti-HP antibody assaying reagents and HP gene detecting reagents comprising said polypeptides, thereby enabling specific, quantitative inspection of HP.

Abstract: A vaccine for the immunization of domestic fowl, such as turkeys and chickens, against E. coli infections (Colibacillosis) is disclosed which contains an effective amount of a live temperature sensitive mutant of E. coli dispersed in a physiologically acceptable, non-toxic liquid vehicle. The E. coli mutant disclosed exhibits growth at 32.degree. C. but not at 41.degree. C. and has a reversion frequency of less than about 1.times.10.sup.-8.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a selenium-carrier conjugate by covalently attaching (i) an organic selenium compound selected from the group consisting of RSeH, RSeR, RSeR', RSeSeR and RSeSeR', wherein R and R' are each an aliphatic residue containing at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of aldehyde, amino, alcoholic, carboxylic, phosphate, sulfate, halogen or phenolic reactive groups and combinations thereof, to (ii) a carrier having a constituent capable of forming a covalent bond with said reactive groups of said selenium compound to produce a selenium-carrier conjugate which is capable of specific attachment to a target site. The carrier may be a protein, such as an antibody specific to a bacteria, virus, protozoa, or cell antigen, including without limitation, cell surface antigens, a peptide, carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin, drug, lectin, plasmid, liposome, nucleic acid or a non-metallic implantable device, such as an intraocular implant or a vascular shunt.

Abstract: This invention relates to flagella-less strains of Borrelia and to novel methods for use of the microorganisms as vaccines and in diagnostic assays. Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the present invention encompasses flagella-less strains of other microorganisms belonging to the genus Borrelia. Accordingly, with the aid of the disclosure, flagella-less mutants of other Borrelia species, e.g., B. coriacei, which causes epidemic bovine abortion, B. anserina, which causes avian spirochetosis, and B. recurrentis and other Borrelia species causative of relapsing fever, such as Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia duttoni, Borrelia persica, and Borrelia hispanica, can be prepared and used in accordance with the present invention and are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-idiotypic antibodies directed against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This invention also relates to methods and compositions using such anti-idiotypic antibodies for the prophylaxis, treatment and diagnosis of gonorrheal infections.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various proteases, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Contemporary infection by Helicobacter pylori in a human or other mammal can be detected by detecting H. pylori-specific IgG antibody in saliva, or other mucous secretion, with an antigen preparation from H. pylori. Diagnosis depends on detection of the antigen-antibody complex. For improved reliability, the antigen preparation comprises H. pylori-derived components of about 265 kDa and about 340 kDa and is substantially free of an H. pylori-derived component of about 440 kDa. The antigen preparation may be immobilised onto a solid support such as a nitrocellulose strip.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting the presence of Serpulina hyodysenteriae in a biological sample, an oligonucleotide primer and an S. hyodysenteriae-specific oligonucleotide probe useful in that method, and an article of manufacture that contains the primers and/or probe. Also provided are an about 2.3-kb DNA fragment derived from genomic DNA of S. hyodysenteriae and encoding for an about 56 kDa polypeptide, a recombinant expression vector containing the DNA fragment, the 56 kDa polypeptide and a monoclonal antibody reactive with the peptide, and a method of assaying for antibodies reactive with the 56 kDa peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides encoded by the same, antibodies directed thereto and a method of preparing such polypeptides including: (a) inserting an isolated DNA molecule coding for a polypeptide which is immunoreactive with a 66 kDa polypeptide derived from Borrelia garinii IP90 into an expression vector; (b) transforming a host organism or cell with the vector; (c) culturing the transformed host cell under suitable conditions; and (d) harvesting the polypeptide. The isolated DNA molecule is preferably at least 10 nucleotides in length, and the method may optionally include subjecting the polypeptide to post-translational modification. The host cell can be a bacterium, a yeast, a protozoan, or a cell derived from a multicellular organism such as a fungus, an insect cell, a plant cell, or a mammalian cell.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting shock by measuring the concentration of cyclophilins in a patient's blood and comparing the measured concentration against a control. The severity of shock is then evaluated, an increase in cyclophilin concentrations over control levels being associated with severity. Measuring methods include enzymological techniques, such as rotomase activity assay; immunological procedures, such as radioimmunoassay and ELISA; peptide chemical processes, such as affinity chromatography; and radiochemical approaches, such as contacting the sample with radioactive cyclosporin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening or testing for insulin like growth factors, insulin like growth factor binding proteins and/or acid labile subunit by the use of a solid support. Blood is collected onto a solid support, such as paper, and subsequently the analytes of interest are extracted for testing.

Abstract: Antibodies for detecting the presence of C-terminal hGPIIb fragment of the platelet receptor GPIIb-IIIa in a body fluid sample are disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant multivalent hybrid protein vaccine against multiple serotypes of group A streptococci that may result in rheumatic fever. The vaccine can also evoke other protective antibodies of the mucosal type DNA sequences e.g. genes which encode the necessary amino acids that carry our the desired epitopes. A method of vaccination against streptococcal infections and compositions for carrying out the same.

Abstract: Vaccines, composed of antigens absorbed on alum or formulated in an alum-containing composition, have enhanced immunogenicity over existing vaccines. The vaccines of the invention are characterized by their combination with 2-120 .mu.g per kg or 0.1 to 6 mg by dose, preferentially 6-60 .mu.g per kg or 0.3 to 3 mg per dose, of a hydrosoluble muramyl peptide.

Abstract: Mycobacterium proteins, in particular those of M. bovis, having molecular weights between approximately 44.5 and 47.5 kD. These proteins can have molecular weights of approximately 45 kD or 47 kD and isoelectric pH of approximately 3.7 (45 and 47 kD proteins) and 3.9 (47 kD proteins).These proteins or hybrid proteins containing a part of their sequences can be used as vaccines or as drugs, or for the detection and monitoring of tuberculosis in particular in man and in cattle.

Abstract: A poly-3-hydroxybutyrate metabolic pathway essential for Helicobacter pylori survival in a host is provided. A novel Helicobacter pylori Coenzyme A transferase (Hp CoA-t), thiolase and PHB synthase as well as methods for their preparation and use are provided. Hp CoA-t and thiolase polynucleotides and proteins are provided as well as detection and preparative methods using such molecules. Methods for the determination of a propensity to develop gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastric cancer is provided for by detection methods. Methods are also provided for the use of Hp CoA-t, thiolase or PHB synthase proteins and fragments retaining enzymatic activity in the identification of potential drug candidates for the treatment of some types of gastric disease. Pharmaceutical compositions containing Hp CoA-t protein fragments, antisense nucleic acids or other inhibitors of Hp CoA-t, thiolase and PHB synthase as well as methods for their use in the treatment of some types of gastric disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to detect canine IgE using a canine Fc epsilon receptor (Fc.sub..epsilon. R) to detect canine IgE antibodies in a biological sample from a canid. The present invention also relates to kits to perform such methods.

Abstract: Multi-layer puncture-resistant biaxially oriented coextruded films or tubings are disclosed for use in dilatation balloon catheters. The catheter balloons so formed comprise a first, inner layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin; a second layer of a thermoplastic inomeric olefin copolymer secured to the outside surface of the first layer; and an optional third layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin secured to the outside surface of the second layer. Processes for forming the dilatation catheter balloons herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of tetanus toxoid, which process comprises incubating purified tetanus toxin with 0.2 to 1% (v/v) formaldehyde in the presence of 0.005 to 0.25M lysine for from 24 to 32 days at a pH of from 6.0 to 8.0 and a temperature of from 30 to 45.degree. C.

Abstract: A molecular sensing apparatus comprises a first electrode (10), a second electrode (12), a first molecule (20), a second molecule (22), and a third molecule (34). The first molecule (20) has a first chain of nucleic bases (30) and a first group (24). The first group (24) is bound to the first electrode (10). The second molecule (22) has a second chain of nucleic bases (32) and a second group (26). The second group (26) is bound to the second electrode (12). The third molecule (34) is bound to the first molecule (20) and the second molecule (22). A method which uses the molecular sensing apparatus is disclosed.