Abstract: The present invention provides a growth medium and kit containing a nicotine analog and use of the same in a method for enhancing the growth of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination vaccine against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and M. tuberculosis and/or M. bovis for use in methods of immunizing a subject against mycobacterial infection, preventing or treating mycobacterial infection, and preventing a disease associated with mycobacterial infection.

Abstract: This invention is a method for immunizing, preventing or treating a Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis-associated disease or condition by screening subjects for markers indicative of predisposition or susceptibility to a Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis-associated disease or condition and administering a Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis vaccine or prophylactic or therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a growth medium and kit containing a nicotine analog and use of the same in a method for enhancing the growth of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination vaccine against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and M. tuberculosis and/or M. bovis for use in methods of immunizing a subject against mycobacterial infection, preventing or treating mycobacterial infection, and preventing a disease associated with mycobacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as the etiological agent of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease. As such, methods for monitoring efficacy of a anti-MAP therapy and determining whether a blood sample is suitable for transfusion are provided based upon presence, absence or amount of MAP nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions composed of at least one Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) antigen, or attenuated or killed MAP for use in methods of immunizing a human against a MAP infection, preventing or treating a MAP infection, and preventing a human disease associated with a MAP infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as the etiological agent of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease. As such, methods for monitoring efficacy of a anti-MAP therapy and determining whether a blood sample is suitable for transfusion are provided based upon presence, absence or amount of MAP nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as the etiological agent of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease. As such, the present invention provides a method for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease by detecting the presence of MAP nucleic acid molecules as well as methods for inhibiting the proliferation of MAP and treating a MAP infection using anti-MAP agents. Pharmaceutical compositions containing anti-MAP agents and methods for determining the antibiotic susceptibility of MAP isolated from a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as the etiological agent of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease. As such, the present invention provides a method for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease by detecting the presence of MAP nucleic acid molecules as well as methods for inhibiting the proliferation of MAP and treating a MAP infection using anti-MAP agents. Pharmaceutical compositions containing anti-MAP agents and methods for determining the antibiotic susceptibility of MAP isolated from a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions composed of at least one Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) antigen, or attenuated or killed MAP for use in methods of immunizing a human against a MAP infection, preventing or treating a MAP infection, and preventing a human disease associated with a MAP infection.

Abstract: A process for treating obesity and/or related motor disorders by providing electrostimulation to one or more anatomical sphincters along the length of the gastrointestinal tract is provided. The present process provides improved control of obesity and other syndromes related to motor disorders of the stomach and/or gastrointestinal tract. Preferably, the present method is used in combination with electrostimulation of the stomach (preferably along the lesser curvature), and even more preferably in combination with electrostimulation of the lower or distal end of the lesser curvature (i.e., towards the pylorus) of the stomach. The process comprises artificially altering, using sequential electrical pulses for preset periods of time, the natural gastric motility of the patient to slow food transit through the digestive system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implant device which is designed and adapted use in laparoscopic surgery. This implant device is especially adapted for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera. The implant device has an elongated body having on, or near, its distal end a flexible attachment member which can be folded back on to the elongated body and attached to the elongated body thereby forming a closed loop around the tissue of interest. By “looping” around or through the tissue of interest, the attachment member and the elongated body are securely attached to the tissue and will resisted displacement even in cases where the tissue is subject to vigorous, periodic peristaltic movement within the body (e.g., digestive organs).

Abstract: A method for placement of electrostimulation leads in the mediastinum is provided. More particularly, this invention relates to placement of electrostimulation leads in the mediastinum using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: A surgical suturing tool comprising a suture needle holder and suture needle is disclosed. The needle includes a groove in its sidewall which leads to a blind hole to receive one end of a suture which is secured therein by swedging.

Abstract: DNA vectors containing an effective upstream enhancer region of a tissue or organ specific mammalian promoter of an endogenous gene and a selected gene useful in delivery of the selected gene to a tissue or organ of an animal are provided. A method for evaluating the efficacy of agents in facilitating transfection is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument holder, adapted to be received and retained by an operating room table clamping apparatus is disclosed. The inventive holder is particularly suited for adjustably mounting and stabilizing a laparoscope, endoscope or similar instrument which has an elongated shaft. The holder comprises a clamping assembly mounted at one end of the holder for holding the shaft of the instrument. The clamping assembly includes a pair of movable jaws adapted for being closed about the shaft of the instrument. Means carried by another end of the holder for cooperating with the operating room table clamping apparatus are provided.