Abstract: The present invention is compositions and methods for improving seed germination rates or speed using a composition comprising at least one high valency silver ion. The compositions and methods of the present invention are effective in treating biofilms.

Abstract: The invention is a method and composition for treating biofilm using a silver deposition compound. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the anti-biofilm agent is used to preserve or disinfect plant material, including seeds, leaves, stems, vessels, flowers, roots and fruits.

Abstract: The invention comprises 1) an oral composition, including an oral rehydration composition or solution, comprising an effective amount of a compound selected from epidermal growth factor (EGF) and agonists to the epidermal growth factor receptor, 2) a kit comprising an oral rehydration composition containing an effective amount of a compound selected from epidermal growth factor and agonists to the epidermal growth factor receptor, and 3) methods for the treatment and prevention of dehydration and diarrhea, and enhancing intestinal healing, reducing bacterial colonization, reducing the incidence of weight loss, increasing food uptake, enhancing rehydration, and enhancing mucosal healing in an animal having diarrhea.

Abstract: The present invention is safe photodynamic agents and their use in treating microbial contamination.

Abstract: The invention is a method and composition for treating biofilm using a high valency silver ion.

Abstract: This invention is a diagnostic plate that can be used to select antibiotic combinations with efficacy against microorganisms growing as a biofilm. The plate allows growth of biofilm on a plurality of projections, and the subsequent simultaneous challenge of biofilms on all projections of the plate to independent concentrations and combinations of anti-biofilm agents. Resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is higher when they grow as a biofilm, as compared to when they grow in a planktonic state which is usually used to determine their level of antibiotic sensitivity. Growth of microorganisms that slough off the biofilm in the anti-biofilm agent challenge determines the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) which relates to sensitivity of the microorganisms in a planktonic state. Growth of any surviving microorganisms from the biofilm in a subsequent recovery step determines the Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) which relates to the sensitivity of the microorganisms growing as a biofilm.

Abstract: This invention is a diagnostic plate that can be used to select antibiotic combinations with efficacy against microorganisms growing as a biofilm. The plate allows growth of biofilm on a plurality of projections, and the subsequent simultaneous challenge of biofilms on all projections of the plate to independent concentrations and combinations of anti-biofilm agents. Resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is higher when they grow as a biofilm, as compared to when they grow in a planktonic state which is usually used to determine their level of antibiotic sensitivity. Growth of microorganims that slough off the biofilm in the anti-biofilm agent challenge determines the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) which relates to sensitivity of the microorganisms in a planktonic state. Growth of any surviving microorganims from the biofilm in a subsequent recovery step determines the Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) which relates to the sensitivity of the microorganisms growing as a biofilm.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions to regulate biofilm formation. In particular, the invention relates to regulation of biofilm formation by modulating the GacA/GacS regulatory system.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of propagating Cryptosporidium in cell culture. The methods supports the complete life cycle or Cryptosporidium and produces all known forms of the parasite in addition to two novel forms. Cryptosporidium parasites propagated in vitro can be used to produce a vaccine composition for immunizing animals against Cryptosporidium infection.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing footrot, in particular bovine footrot, by administering Porphyromonas and/or Prevotella and/or subunits and/or toxins thereof or neutralizing agents such as antibodies thereto. A model useful for evaluating the effectiveness of footrot treatments or preventatives is also provided.

Abstract: New utilities for epidermal growth factor (EGF) are described. In particular, EGF is useful in preventing gastrointestinal colonization by pathogens.

Abstract: This invention relates to treating or preventing pathogenic infections with an epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF is capable of inhibiting pathogenic colonization of pathogens in a variety of tissue or cell types. Since pathogenic colonization is essential for pathogenic infection, EGF can be used as an effective preventive and therapeutic agent for pathogenic infections, particularly in the urogenital tract.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing footrot, in particular bovine footrot, by administering Porphyromonas and/or Prevotella and/or subunits and/or toxins thereof or neutralizing agents such as antibodies thereto. A model useful for evaluating the effectiveness of footrot treatments or preventatives is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing footrot, in particular bovine footrot, by administering Porphyromonas and/or Prevotella and/or subunits and/or toxins thereof or neutralizing agents such as antibodies thereto. A model useful for evaluating the effectiveness of footrot treatments or preventatives is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or treating gastrointestinal colonization of a pathogen in an animal by administration of epidermal growth factor is described. A method of increasing weight gain in an animal by administrating epidermal growth factor is also described. The epidermal growth factor can be administered orally for example in the feed or drinking water of the animal. Since EGF is useful in inhibiting or treating intestinal colonization by a pathogen and is also effective in promoting weight gain, EGF is useful in treating a wide range of intestinal infections. In one embodiment, a method of treating or inhibiting enteric colibacillosis using epidermal growth factor is described.