Abstract: This application is directed generally to minicircle DNA vectors for the vaccination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The transgene expression cassette in the minicircle DNA vector includes: a eukaryotic translation initiation nucleotide sequence, a mutant nucleotide sequence that encodes a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) capsid polyprotein precursor that contains at least one mutation to eliminate a restriction enzyme recognition site, a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protease that cleaves the MEW capsid polyprotein precursor into plurality of FMDV capsid proteins and a translational regulatory element to regulate the expression of the protease. The minicircle DNA vectors can be transfected directly into the cell of a mammalian host. When transfected into the mammalian host cell, virus-like particles can be produced intrinsically to stimulate the mammalian host's immune system to develop adaptive immunity toward foot-and-mouth disease.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating a subject with dysphagia or other neurological disease, neurological disorder, neurological injury, neurological impairment or neurodegenerative disease that affects voluntary motor control of the hyoid, pharynx, larynx, or oropharyngeal area is disclosed. A device of the invention generally comprises a vibrotactile stimulator for applying at least one stimulus to the outside surface of a subject's neck; a connector for attaching the vibrotactile stimulator to an outside surface of the subject's neck, and a switch control communicatively connected to the vibrotactile stimulator to selectively engage a manual stimulation module and/or automatic stimulation module. Stimulation of an outside surface of the throat area of a subject by a device of the invention stimulates a swallowing reflex in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for expanding an antigen specific T cell from a population of cells. The method of the present invention comprises contacting a population of cells with an MHC restricted antigenic glypican-3 peptide. In some instances, the T cell is expanded using monocyte-derived dendritic cells and defined MHC restricted antigenic glypican-3 peptides. In one embodiment, high-affinity antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) can be cloned from the antigen specific T cell.

Abstract: A miniaturized, ruggedized, field-deployable Portable Exposure Assessment System (PEAS) is used to remotely monitor workers and provide real-time warning of exposure to musculoskeletal injury conditions via alarm and smart-phone transmission. The PEAS unit wirelessly acquires exposure data from sensors; conducts initial data analysis; triggers proximal and remote alarms; sends out text messages with abnormal data, GPS locations, and time stamps to a safety office; and saves data for more extensive assessment. Sensor technology is used in this field-deployable system to simultaneously measure and collect the body loads and awkward postures imposed by package handling as well as driving-related, low-frequency vibration exposures. Wireless technology is used to set up wireless communication links between the sensors and a data logger and between the data logger and a smart phone with GPS, date/time stamp and text messaging capabilities.

Abstract: Although it can be farnesylated, the mutant lamin A protein expressed in Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) cannot be defarnesylated because the characteristic mutation causes deletion of a cleavage site necessary for binding the protease ZMPSTE24 and effecting defarnesylation. The result is an aberrant farnesylated protein (called “progerin”) that alters normal lamin A function as a dominant negative, as well as assuming its own aberrant function through its association with the nuclear membrane. The retention of farnesylation, and potentially other abnormal properties of progerin and other abnormal lamin gene protein products, produces disease. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) (both direct effectors and indirect inhibitors) will inhibit the formation of progerin, cause a decrease in lamin A protein, and/or an increase prelamin A protein. Decreasing the amount of aberrant protein improves cellular effects caused by and progerin expression.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating kidney and muscle dysfunction that involves use of therapeutic amounts of N-acetyl mannosamine.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing opsonophagocytosis of a pathogen of interest are disclosed. The disclosed methods include administering to a subject an isolated P4 peptide, which includes the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1 and optionally an isolated opsonic antibody or a fragment thereof that specifically binds to an antigen present on the surface of the pathogen of interest. In some examples isolated complement protein or a fragment thereof (for example, a C3a, C3b, iC3b, C3d, C4b, or C5a fragment of a complement protein) is also administered. Compositions containing isolated P4 peptide and one or more isolated opsonic antibodies or a fragment thereof that specifically binds to an antigen present on the surface of a pathogen of interest are also disclosed. In some examples, the compositions also include isolated complement protein or fragment thereof, such as one or more of C3a, C3b, iC3b, C3d, C4b, or C5a.

Abstract: This invention relates to bispecific fusion proteins effective in viral neutralization. More specifically, such proteins have two different binding domains, an inducing-binding domain and an induced-binding domain, functionally linked by a peptide linker. Such proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding them, and their production and use in preventing or treating viral infections are provided. One prototypical bispecific fusion protein is sCD4-SCFv(17b), in which a soluble CD4 fragment (containing domains D1 and D2) is fused to a single chain Fv portion of antibody 17b via a linker.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a novel tumor suppressor, referred to as p28ING5, nucleic acid molecules encoding this protein, and methods of making and using these molecules. Also provided are methods of ameliorating, treating, detecting, prognosing, and diagnosing diseases and conditions associated with abnormal p28ING5 expression, such as neoplasia. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of thermally inactivating a rotavirus are provided according to the present invention which include exposing the rotavirus to a temperature in the range of about 50° C.-80° C., inclusive, for an incubation time sufficient to render the rotavirus incapable of replication or infection. The thermally inactivated rotavirus is antigenic and retains a substantially intact rotavirus particle structure. Vaccine compositions and methods of vaccinating a subject against rotavirus are provided which include generation and use of thermally inactivated rotavirus.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of prostate associated disorders are disclosed.