Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that inhibition or inactivation of FAMIN (‘fatty acid metabolism-immunity nexus’; C13orf31; LACC1 (laccase domain containing 1)) reduces tumourigenesis and stimulates cell-mediated immune responses. Method of treating cancer or stimulating cell-mediated immune responses in an individual by reducing FAMIN activity in the individual are provided. Also provided are methods of activating T cells in vitro using FAMIN deficient immune cells and stimulating cell-mediated immune responses comprising administering (a) a population of FAMIN deficient immune cells; or (b) a population of T cells activated in vitro by a population of FAMIN deficient immune cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that FAMIN (fatty acid metabolism-immunity nexus; LACC1, C13orf31)) is a trifunctional purine salvage enzyme that displays a unique combination of adenosine deaminase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase and methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activities. Methods of measuring FAMIN activity and screening for FAMIN modulators are provided that comprise determining the adenosine deaminase activity, purine nucleoside phosphorylase activity and/or methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity of an isolated FAMIN protein.

Abstract: Provided herein are MiIP-Seq assays and methods for detecting and/or identifying an immune-stimulating microbe in a patient sample. Also provided herein are methods for diagnosing an infectious disease or identifying a previously uncharacterized microbe in a patient sample. The methods and assays described herein are advantageous over existing methods in that they (i) do not require a culture step for microbe expansion, (ii) are not specific for a particular microbe and can be used to identify a previously uncharacterized microbe, and (iii) permits rapid processing due to the lack of a microbe culture step.

Abstract: Provided herein are MiIP-Seq assays and methods for detecting and/or identifying an immune-stimulating microbe in a patient sample. Also provided herein are methods for diagnosing an infectious disease or identifying a previously uncharacterized microbe in a patient sample. The methods and assays described herein are advantageous over existing methods in that they (i) do not require a culture step for microbe expansion, (ii) are not specific for a particular microbe and can be used to identify a previously uncharacterized microbe, and (iii) permits rapid processing due to the lack of a microbe culture step.

Abstract: The particle filter for waste gases includes a porous filter body traversed by honeycomb-form channels and resistance heating elements for burning-off of soot particles. The resistance heating elements are in a zone adjacent an entry end of the filter body and include perforated strips of sheet metal including longitudinal strips which are bent into U-shaped heat conductors. Cross strips create, on destruction of individual heat conductors, an electrical current detour path. The resistance heating elements are inexpensive to produce and easy to install.