Abstract: Described herein are methods for providing the pulsed delivery of a 5HT2A agonist to a subject upon administration of a device to the subject. The device is composed of biodegradable polymers such that when administered to the subject, the polymers on the surface of the device erode, releasing the bioactive agent. In one aspect, the device is composed of alternating layers of biodegradable polymers, where every other layer includes the bioactive agent. In a further aspect, one or more of the layers are composed of a mixture of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and a poloxamer. The layers that do not include the bioactive agent functions as “blanks,” which can be used to control the release rate of the bioactive agent. In a still further aspect, one or more sides of the device can be coated such that the bioactive agent is released from only one side of the device.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of a protein with an amino acid sequence according to SEQ. ID. NO. 1 or a naturally occurring fragment or variant thereof for identifying infections with S. aureus in a human sample. More specifically, IgE molecules specific for SEQ. ID. NO. 1 are detected in the sample of the patient. Many atopic dermatitis patients have IgE specific for SEQ. ID. NO. 1.