Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for prophylaxis or therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The compositions and methods involve use of RNAi agents targeted to an anti-apoptotic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is IncRNA SAF (FAS-AS1) or HOXA-AS2. The RNAi agents preferentially induce apoptosis of HIV infected macrophages. RNAi agents, and macrophages containing the RNAi agents, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for prophylaxis or therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The compositions and methods involve use of RNAi agents targeted to an anti-apoptotic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is IncRNA SAF (FAS-AS1) or HOXA-AS2. The RNAi agents preferentially induce apoptosis of HIV infected macrophages. RNAi agents, and macrophages containing the RNAi agents, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for identifying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a sample. The invention involves use of a plurality of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probes and flow cytometry to detect the presence or absence of HIV in macrophages that are obtained from a mucosal surface. The invention is particularly useful for detecting HIV infection prior to seroconversion.

Abstract: Provided is a method for identifying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a sample. The invention involves use of a plurality of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probes and flow cytometry to detect the presence or absence of HIV in macrophages that are obtained from a mucosal surface. The invention is particularly useful for detecting HIV infection prior to seroconversion.

Abstract: Novel uses for diterpene modulators of macrophage phagosomal maturation are provided. The diterpene isotuberculosinol is used as an immune modulator, assay for pharmaceutical compositions and an isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis labdane-related diterpenoid virulence factor. A method of treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infectivity is further provided.

Abstract: Novel uses for diterpene modulators of macrophage phagosomal maturation are provided. The diterpene isotuberculosinol is used as an immune modulator, assay for pharmaceutical compositions and an isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis labdane-related diterpenoid virulence factor. A method of treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infectivity is further provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for use in identifying inhibitors of biochemical pathways important for persistent infection, allowing the identification and/or design of improved therapeutics for treating persistent infections by pathogenic microbes. Particularly disclosed is the importance of the glyoxylate shunt to the persistent phase of various infectious agents, including Mycobacteria, such as M. tuberculosis, and the identification of preferred targets for drug development, including the enzymes isocitrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase. Crystals and three-dimensional structures of M. tuberculosis ICL, without ligand and in complex with two inhibitors are also disclosed, for exemplary use in the design of inhibitors and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A document holder is disclosed including a semi-rigid inner member extending along at least a portion of the length of the holder. A layer of padding material is provided on one side of the inner member and a protective outer layer covers the padding material on the inner member. A suitable arrangement for securing at least one document against the inner member is provided along with a hinge that permits one portion of the holder to be folded over against the inner member in order to protect the document.

Abstract: A positive displacement explosive base dosing pump is provided with a drive motor 14 and has an outlet 22 connected via a flexible hose 24 to a lance 70. The lance 70 has a mixing device 72 therein and a reciprocable positive displacement gassing solution dosing pump has an outlet connected via a flexible conduit 54 to the lance and feeding into the lance upstream of the mixing device 72. The invention involves using the base dosing pump 12 to pump explosive base from a supply 78 along the hose 24 to the lance 70 while the gassing solution dosing pump 16 simultaneously pumps gassing solution from a supply 56 along the flexible conduit 54. The conduit 54 leads the solution into the lance 70 upstream of the mixing device 72 whereby the explosive base is mixed with the solution, so that a mixture issues from the lance 70 which become sensitized after reaction has taken place between the base and solution.