Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and prevention of ungulate diseases caused by the spirochete bacteria Treponema. The invention specifically relates to isolated cultures of this spirochete and isolated nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: Methods of inactivating pathogens in biological materials, and biological materials that have been so treated, are provided. The inactivation methodology employs UV radiation, by devices such as lasers, to cause inactivation of pathogens, such as viruses.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and prevention of ungulate diseases caused by the spirochete bacteria Treponema. The invention specifically relates to isolated cultures of this spirochete and isolated nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new family of cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides isolated from bovine neutrophils herein named beta defensins. Thirteen structurally homologous peptides were purified to homogeneity from a granule-rich cytoplasmic fraction of purified blood neutrophils. These antimicrobial compounds are useful in human and veterinary medicine, and as agents in agricultural, food science, and industrial applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and prevention of ungulate diseases caused by the spirochete bacteria Treponema. The invention specifically relates to isolated cultures of this spirochete and isolated nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new family of cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides isolated from bovine neutrophils herein named beta defensins. Thirteen structurally homologous peptides were purified to homogeneity from a granule-rich cytoplasmic fraction of purified blood neutrophils. These antimicrobial compounds are useful in human and veterinary medicine, and as agents in agricultural, food science, and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new family of cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides isolated from bovine neutrophils herein named beta defensins. Thirteen structurally homologous peptides were purified to homogeneity from a granule-rich cytoplasmic fraction of purified blood neutrophils. These antimicrobial compounds are useful in human and veterinary medicine, and as agents in agricultural, food science, and industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a broad spectrum antimicrobial compound that includes a tryptophan-rich peptide exhibiting antimicrobial activity. A method of microbicidal inhibition or microbistatic inhibition of microbial growth is also provided. The method includes administering to an environment capable of sustaining microbial growth a microbicidally or microbistatically effective amount of a tryptophan-rich peptide exhibiting antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A method for treating cutaneous and corneal wounds as well as certain microbial-related diseases comprises topically applying a defensin peptide to the affected tissue. The compositions comprise a natural, synthetic, or analog defensin molecule having both a mitogenic activity capable of stimulating cell growth and an antimicrobial activity capable of inhibiting the growth of a wide variety of pathogens. In addition to therapeutic use, the defensins are useful as mitogens in cell and tissue culture media.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for adding fluids to, or removing fluids from, a body part or organ of an animal which minimizes animal trauma and permits rapid, easy, repeated fluid or low viscosity gel transfers. The apparatus includes a tubular fluid-conveying element adapted for fixed connection to the animal, along with a flexible fluid conduit connected between the element and a specific internal body part or organ, such as a cow's uterus. In use, a syringe is employed to introduce or remove fluids from the body part, through the tubular element and connected conduit. The invention is especially adapted for introducing and recovering cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies or other biologically active products in large mammals, and fascilitates monitoring of antibody production as well as administration of nutrients to enhance cell line growth.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for adding fluids to, or removing fluids from, a body part or organ of an animal which minimizes animal trauma and permits rapid, easy, repeated fluid or low viscosity gels transfers. The apparatus includes a valve assembly having a tubular fluid-conveying element adapted for fixed connection to the animal, along with a fluid conduit connected between the valve element and a specific internal body part or organ, such as a cow's uterus. In use, a syringe is employed to introduce or remove fluids from the body part, through the valve assembly and connected conduit. The invention is especially adapted for introducing, recovering cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies or other biologically active products in large mammals, and facilitates monitoring of antibody production as well as administration of nutrients to enhance cell line growth.