Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for the treatment of respiratory illness in a mammal, such as wherein these compositions and methods are effective in preventing the onset of one or more of the symptoms of such respiratory illness or significantly mitigating the symptom if the mammal is already afflicted with such symptom. The compositions used in the methods herein include a first component selected from the group consisting of andrographis extracts, active components thereof, and mixtures thereof, and a second component selected from the group consisting of turmeric extracts, active components thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions that are useful in the prevention and treatment of common cold and influenza-like symptoms due to respiratory tract viral infections. These compositions comprise a guaiacol component, and a mucoadhesive polymer wherein the pH of the composition is about 5.5 or less.

Abstract: The present invention regards amplification of a signal from a hybridization-based oligonucleotide assay. In some embodiments, a bead comprises an oligonucleotide hybridized to a labeled polynucleotide from a sample, and a signal generated from a complex thereof is amplified through labeled antibodies directed to a receptor for the label. In particular embodiments, the assay provides information on gene expression.