Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for assaying infectivity of viruses and potential treatments of such viruses in the upper respiratory tract using an air-liquid interface model with nasal epithelium cells; and treatment of viral infections of the upper respiratory tract by treating with bitter taste receptor agonists that stimulate NO production and/or antimicrobial protein production.

Abstract: The current invention provides an enclosure that can be placed over a patient in order to contain bodily fluids. The device includes a clear plastic sheet that fits snugly over a frame. The sides of the device contain access ports for physicians or their instruments to enter the patient’s area. These ports may be holes or hanging strips of sheet that overlap so that they form a sufficient seal while also allowing easy access to the patient when pushed aside. The bottoms of the sheet may contain weights to hold the sheet down. There is the possibility of including filters or positive/negative air flow ports. The entire device may be disposable. The frame may be solid, or the frame may pop open like an enclosure or umbrella. The device may also have straps that can be tightened underneath the bed or stretcher to secure the entire device in place.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for assaying infectivity of viruses and potential treatments of such viruses in the upper respiratory tract using an air-liquid interface model with nasal epithelium cells; and treatment of viral infections of the upper respiratory tract by treating with bitter taste receptor agonists that stimulate NO production and/or antimicrobial protein production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of RecA inhibitors as antibiotic agents, and provides RecA inhibitors useful in treating infections. Also provided are various compositions and methods associated with RecA inhibition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of RecA inhibitors as antibiotic agents, and provides RecA inhibitors useful in treating infections. Also provided are various compositions and methods associated with RecA inhibition.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying target genes whose partial or complete functional inactivation potentiates the activity of an antibiotic agent, e.g., a quinolone antibiotic. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that modulate expression of target genes or that modulate activity of expression products of target genes. Agents identified according to various methods of the invention potentiate the activity of antibiotics such as quinolones, aminoglycosides, peptide antibiotics and ?-lactams. Also provided are agents that suppress and/or retard resistance to antibiotics. The inventive methods provide potentiating agents and compositions comprising potentiating agents and antibiotics. Such agents and compositions can be used for inhibiting growth or survival of a microbial cell or of treating a subject suffering from or susceptible to a microbial infection.