Abstract: Killer toxins that may have activity against organisms, such as pathogenic organisms, and organisms that express the killer toxins are disclosed herein. The organism may be a recombinant organism or it may endogenously express a killer toxin. In some embodiments, a composition comprises one or more organisms, such as one or more Saccharomyces yeasts, and/or one or more killer toxins, such as K1, K2, and/or K1L toxins. In other embodiments, compositions comprise nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, or combinations thereof, comprising one or more killer toxins. Compositions can include one or more additional components, such as, but not limited to, a buffer, carrier, adjuvant, additional therapeutic, or combinations thereof. Kits that comprise one or more organisms and/or killer toxins are described. Uses of the organisms and/or killer toxins can include administration to a subject to treat an infection by one or more yeasts, such as Candida glabrata.

Abstract: A spa filter cartridge cleaning apparatus configured to substantially remove contaminants from a spa filter cartridge. The cleaning apparatus further includes a container that has a plurality of walls configured to define an interior volume of sufficient size to receive a spa filter cartridge therein. A cleaning cylinder is disposed within the container and functions to be mateably connected with the hollow core of a spa filter cartridge. The cleaning cylinder further includes a plurality of apertures that function to discharge cleaning liquid disposed within the cleaning cylinder. An attachment mechanism operably connects the cleaning cylinder to a water source. A pinion gear is operably connected to one end of the cleaning cylinder and functions to rotate the cleaning cylinder for increased cleaning effectiveness of the spa filter cartridge secured thereto.