Abstract: The present application describes methods of treating or reducing the onset or occurrence of childhood atopic disease. In particular, it relates to an integrated solution that accounts for temporal and sequential administrations of three different and specific approaches for optimal effectiveness in treating or reducing the onset or occurrence of childhood atopic disease.

Abstract: Umbilical cord sensors for monitoring biomarkers and other information associated with an umbilical cord are provided. Some exemplary embodiments of sensors include both an outer body and expandable inner body, with both bodies being disposed at least partially around an umbilical cord, the inner body being disposed within the outer body. The expandable inner body defines a receiving channel for receiving the umbilical cord, and is selectively expanded and contracted to engage and disengage with the umbilical cord. One or more biosensors and/or one or more sampling features can be included as part of the umbilical cord sensors, with the biosensors measuring one or more parameters and the sampling features obtaining one or more biomarkers associated with the umbilical cord. Exemplary methods of using umbilical cord sensors during the childbirth process are also provided, among other sensor configurations and methods of use.

Abstract: A method to predict a propensity of an infant to develop atopic dermatitis. The method includes observing the expression of S100A8/A9 on a skin area of an infant; comparing the expression to determined standard, wherein the determined standard is ascertained by measuring a level of the biomarker in a subject or pool of subjects who have demonstrated an absence of atopic dermatitis; and determining the propensity of an infant to develop atopic dermatitis, wherein an increase in the expression as compared to the determined standard indicates propensity of the infant to develop atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel T-cell epitopes of bacterial products. The epitopes of the invention may be employed in the preparation of conjugates between the epitopes and medically useful antigens, haptens, or antigenic determinants. These conjugates are capable of eliciting antibody responses similar to conjugates of antigens covalently coupled to carrier proteins, and in a vaccine composition, provide a safe and more economic conjugate vaccines.

Abstract: The production of stable hybrid cell lines that secrete human monoclonal antibodies against bacterial toxins by fusing post-immunization human peripheral blood lymphocytes with nonsecretor mouse myeloma cells is described. Using the method, protective monoclonal antibodies against tetanus toxin and diphtheria toxin were produced that bind tetanus toxin and diphtheria toxin in vitro, respectively, and prevent tetanus and diphtheria in vivo in animals, respectively.