Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting analytes in a medium, and more particularly the present invention relates to an assay based on light diffraction which appears or changes upon the binding of analytes to their specific receptors laid out in patterns on a substrate, which has high sensitivity due to the appropriate choice of such patterns. The present invention is based on the principle that the pattern of recognition elements, which gives rise to the diffraction of the incident light in a diffraction-based assay, can be chosen in such a way so as to facilitate detection, and to enhance the signal to be detected compared to known gratings such as parallel straight lines. In one aspect the substrate itself has a surface topography designed to enhance the diffraction pattern signals. In another aspect the substrate is a diffractive optic element having the analyte-specific receptors affixed to the optic element.

Abstract: Disclosed are cloning and expression of a plurality of protein fragments of virB10, a Type IV Secretion System (TIVSS) in Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Such recombinant protein fragments are useful in the ELISA detection of anaplasma pathogen. The use of same as kits for ELISA is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for detecting the presence of a complex between a first reagent and a second reagent in solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for qualitative or quantitative detection of an analyte or its specific binding partner in complex biological samples. The invention further discloses algorithms using summary rate changes at selected wavelengths in the absorbance spectra of colloidal metal-labeled analytes or specific binding partners to identify intermolecular interactions between the analyte and its binding partner.

Abstract: A detection method and a detection kit for rapidly and specifically diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma genitalium infections are provided. The DnaK of Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Mycoplasma genitalium is used as an indicator.

Abstract: Sucralose-binding TAS2R bitter taste receptors have been identified. Novel methods to identify modulators and in particular inhibitors to the bitter taste of sucralose, and an inhibitor, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles including a metallic core having a length along each axis of from 1 to 100 nanometers and a coating disposed on at least part of the surface of the metallic core, wherein the coating comprises polydopamine, along with methods for making and using such nanoparticles. The metallic core may be gold, silver or iron oxide and the polydopamine coating may have other substances bound to it, such as silver, targeting ligands or antibodies, or other therapeutic or imaging contrast agents. The disclosed nanoparticles can be targeted to cells for treating cancer or bacterial infections, and for use in diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A biosensor based upon a vertically emitting, distributed feedback (DFB) laser is disclosed. In one configuration, the DFB laser comprises a replica-molded, one- or two-dimensional dielectric grating coated with a laser dye-doped-polymer as the gain medium. A sensor is also described in which the grating layer and the active layer are combined into a single layer. DFB lasers using an inorganic or organic thin film with alternating regions of high and low index of refraction as the active layer are also disclosed. The sensor actively generates its own narrowband high intensity light output without stringent requirements for coupling alignment, thereby resulting in a simple, robust illumination and detection configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are the cloning and expression of a novel antigen of Bartonella henselae. The recombinant polypeptide is found to be highly immunogenic and is useful as a diagnostic test antigen. The polypeptide of the present invention provides the basis of a diagnostic assay that is sensitive, rapid and accurate diagnosis of infection with Bartonella henselae using patient's sera. Disclosed also are the ELISA for both IgG and IgM and allows diagnosis of early and late infection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monoclonal antibody having very high affinity to anthrax toxin and potent toxin-neutralizing activity. Also disclosed are a composition for neutralizing anthrax toxin comprising the antibody and a kit for detecting anthrax toxin.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: Disclosed is the cloning, expression and purification of a hemolysin protein and its protein fragments in Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The recombinant hemolysin and its protein fragments are useful in the ELISA detection of anaplasma pathogen. The use of same as a kit for ELISA is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms and, more particularly, to methods for detecting microorganisms in a sample by incubating the sample at two temperatures to facilitate increased detection of the organism.

Abstract: A clinical testing assay device that can differentiate bacterial from viral infections is described. The assay device has a sample contact zone with an absorbent pad on which a test sample is deposited and a detection zone with a colorant indicator that is sensitive to bacteria cells. The colorant indicator changes color when exposed to a bacteria sample. The color change signal can manifest relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes, and with an intensity correlative to the concentration of bacteria in a test sample. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of detecting Borrelia proteins, nucleic acid sequences encoding these proteins, and subject antibodies to these proteins in a sample are disclosed.

Abstract: To provide an immunological detection method which can detect or quantify a pneumococcal antigen in a sample derived from a living body conveniently, rapidly, and with high sensitivity, and an antibody for use in the method. The present invention provides an antibody which specifically recognizes a pneumococcal F-antigen; a method for detecting or quantitating a pneumococcal antigen, characterized in that the method detects or quantitates a pneumococcal F-antigen in a sample derived from a living body through immunological assay employing the antibody; and a kit for detecting a pneumococcal antigen, the kit containing the antibody.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a diagnostic moiety indicative of exposure to an infectious organism in a biological sample taken from a human or animal, said method comprising use of a first and second fluorescently labelled reagent which are capable of binding to a diagnostic moiety or to a binding partner in competition with a diagnostic moiety, wherein labels on the first and second labelled reagents act as fluorescent donors and acceptors to one another, the proximity of the reagents to one another being detectable by measuring the emission of fluorescent energy from at least one of the labels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel haplotype of the human taste receptor hT2R50 in the T2R taste receptor family that responds to particular bitter ligands, i.e., 2-acetylpyrazine and ethylpyrazine. The present invention also relates to the use of this novel haplotype in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of the hT250 taste receptor. These compounds potentially may be used as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for modifying (blocking) hT2R50-associated bitter taste.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing in a host infection by or exposure to a mycobacterium which expresses ESAT-6 comprising (i) contacting a population of T cells from the host with one or more peptides or analogues selected from the peptides represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to 11 and analogues thereof which can bind a T cell receptor which recognizes any of the said peptides, and (ii) determining whether the T cells of said T cell population recognize the peptide(s) and/or analogue(s). The method may performed in vivo. Peptides and a kit which enable the method to be carried out are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a biological analysis device including: means for circulating a fluid to be analyzed, comprising a fluidic chamber, optical detection means based on a semiconductor, including a detection front face, a rear face and pads of electrical contacts located on this rear face.

Abstract: The present invention refers to human antibodies derived from human antibody libraries prepared from atherosclerotic plaques. It further refers to human antibodies able to immunologically recognize both human transgelin or fragments thereof and a protein with at least 50% similarity to OmpK36 (Outer membrane protein, Klebsiella, K36; GI: 295881594) or fragments thereof. Human transgelin is preferably transgelin 1 (Accession N° Q01995, GI:48255907). The antibodies further recognize an antigen in the atherosclerotic plaque and are useful for the preparation of immunodiagnostic reagents or assays to detect atherogenic diseases. The invention also relates to the use of anti-TAGLN monoclonal antibodies, showing cross-reactivity with a bacterial antigen having at least 50% similarity with OmpK36, for detecting antigens in the atherosclerotic plaque or as atherosclerotic related reagents in an immuno-competition assay.

Abstract: Cell-based methods for rapid real time assay of a presence of Clostridium difficile toxin and/or cells are provided, using an assay having a toxin-enhancing antibody and a sensitive cell line carrying FcyR receptors, and kits for this assay. An ultrasensitive cell based immunocytotoxicity assay for detecting less then 1 pg/ml of C. difficile toxins in clinical samples. A TcdA-specific monoclonal antibody, AIH3, was found to significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of TcdA to macrophages and monocytes. The AIH3-dependent enhancement of glucosyltransferase activity, cytoskeleton disruption, and TNF-a production induced by TcdA was demonstrated also in RAW 264.7 cells. Methods for high level recombinant expression of C. difficile toxins in Bacillus cells, and vectors for expression, strains of Bacillus carrying the vectors are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated, genetically modified, living non-mammal organism, having increased HMG-CoA-reductase activity compared to the wild type, and having reduced C24-methyltransferase and/or delta22-desaturase activity compared to the wild type. The invention is characterized in that the organism has increased dehydrocholesterol-delta70-reductase activity compared to the wild type. The invention further relates to different uses of such an organism, to a test kit comprising such an organism, and to a membrane extract of such an organism.

Abstract: Colorimetric sensors for detection of an analyte are disclosed. Methods of using the colorimetric sensor and a kit for the colorimetric detection of an analyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for sensitive and specific detection of target molecules, cells, or viruses. The inventive method uses large area imaging to detect individual labeled targets complexed with a target-specific selection moiety. The invention eliminates wash steps through the use of target-specific selection through one or more liquid layers that can contain optical dye and density agents. By eliminating washes the invention simplifies instrumentation engineering and minimizes user steps and costs. The invention uses sensitive image analysis to enumerate individual targets in a large area, is scalable, and can be deployed in systems ranging in complexity from manual to highly automated.

Abstract: A derivative of a 55 kDa extracellular protein from Photobacterium damselae subsp. Piscicida is the basis for a vaccine against Photobacterium infection, and thereby protects fish from pasteurellosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode an antigen from a Moraxella catarrhalis (Meat) species, a vector which comprises such nucleic acid molecule, and a host cell comprising such vector. Furthermore, the invention provides antigens from a Moraxella catarrhalis species, as well as fragments and variants thereof, a process for producing such antigens, and a process for producing a cell which expresses such antigen. More specifically, such antigens are produced by or associated with bacterial infections caused by Moraxella catarrhalis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide with an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO:1. The present invention further relates to the nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the polypeptide, vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, and host cells for the expression of the polypeptides. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the polypeptide as a human medical, veterinary medical or diagnostic substance, as an antimicrobial substance in food, in cosmetics, as disinfecting agent or in the environmental field.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, devices and kits for rapid detection and identification of one or more live target microorganisms in a liquid sample or grown on plates containing nutrient media. The invention includes mixing one or more target microorganisms with one or more aptamers and/or one or more antibodies, each conjugated to a reporter compound and specific for a first site on one or more target microorganisms to form a mixture. The mixture is placed on a permeable membrane having immobilized thereon one or more aptamers linked to an amine compound, and/or one or more antibodies, each specific for a second site on one or more target microorganisms or a site on the aptamer conjugate and/or antibody conjugate. A detection solution is added to the membrane and detection and identification of one or more target microorganisms is achieved in about one hour or less.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of antigens are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor comprising an electronic circuit electrically coupled to a type III-V semiconductor material, for example indium arsenide (InAs) and an antibody contacting the type III-V semiconductor material. The sensor produces measurable N changes in the electrical properties of the semiconductor upon antibody-antigen binding events. Electrical properties measurable by the electronic device may include resistivity, capacitance, impedance, and inductance. A method of detecting an antigen using sensors of the invention. A method of detecting a reaction of an analyte to a stimulus using sensors of the invention. Sensor arrays comprising multiple sensors of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human monoclonal antibody specific for the serotype IATS 01 of P. aeruginosa, and a hybridoma producing said monoclonal antibody. In addition, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one antibody or at least one nucleic acid encoding said antibody.

Abstract: In this application are described fully human monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize F1 or V antigen of Y. pestis and epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of plague infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the control of virulence of infectious bacteria by modulating the extra-cellular concentration of bacterial cell signalling molecules. Derivatives of cell signalling molecules are conjugated to suitable carrier proteins and used to isolate high affinity receptors recognizing the native signal molecule(s). By binding to signalling molecules, the receptors reduce and maintain extra-cellular concentrations of signal molecules below the threshold level that would otherwise result in certain opportunistic pathogens adopting a virulent form, and can transform virulent organisms to non-virulent states. These receptors have applications for the treatment of individuals with susceptibility to infection, the treatment of patients with existing infections, in disease monitoring and management, and in related applications where the host for infection is an animal or plant.

Abstract: Leptospira outer membrane proteins (OMPs) LP1454, LP1118, LP1939, MCEII, CADF-like1, CADF-like2, CADF-like3, Lp0022, Lp1499, Lp4337, Lp328 or L21 are provided. The OMPS can be used as tools for developing effective vaccines or diagnostic methods for leptospirosis. Expression vectors for the OMP genes are further provided. The antigenic properties of the Leptospira OMPs can be used to create, manufacture or improve vaccines. Vaccines, including but not limited to DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines, and T-cell epitope vaccines based on the foregoing OMPs are also provided. Methods for producing such vaccines are also provided. Also provided are methods for using Leptospira OMP genes, proteins and antibodies for therapeutic treatment and serological diagnosis techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides Chlamydia antigens for use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection. In particular, the invention provides antigens CT733, CT1 53, CT601, CT279, CT443, CT372, CT456, CT381, CT255, CT341, CT716, CT745, CT387, CT812, CT869, CT166, CT175, CT163, CT214, CT721, CT127, CT043, CT823 and/or CT600 from C. trachomatis for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: A highly sensitive assay is disclosed which combines immunomagnetic enrichment with multiparameter flow cytometric or image cytometry to detect, enumerate and characterize carcinoma cells in the blood. The present invention incorporates the conjugation of different antibodies to the same ferrofluid. This has the effect of making the ferrofluid polyspecific with respect to the antigens that the ferrofluid will bind. The multiple antibodies present on the same ferrofluid do not appear to block or otherwise interfere with each other. Such ferrofluids have the highly desirable effect of being able to bind specifically to more than one type of cell. The assay is especially useful to enable the capture of CTCs that have low EpCAM expression, but high expression of other tumor markers; Accordingly, the assay facilitates the biological characterization and staging of carcinoma cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and treatment of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys infection.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid sample having microbiological target species therein to concentrate the species and collect lysate is disclosed. The liquid sample comprises non-target microbiological particles, inorganic particles, and microbiological target species. The liquid is passed through a prefilter medium to allow the target species to pass through as filtrate and retain non-target microbiological products and inorganic particles thereon. The filtrate is contacted with a main filtration medium adapted to retain the target species thereon as retentate. The retentate is lysed to form a lysate containing target material that was enveloped within the microbiological target species. The microbiological species may comprise cell containing or viral material. Target materials comprise intracellular nucleic acids, or in the case of viral sampling, nucleic acids encased within the protein sheath or coating of the virus.

Abstract: A method of antigen-capture assays that uses the detection of antigens secreted into liquid culture is provided. Also provided are antibodies to Mycobacterium avium complex-specific antigens, and diagnostic kits and systems for the detection of the presence of mycobacteria in liquid samples.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting molecular interactions, particularly protein-protein interactions, using at least two inactive, weakly-complementing ?-lactamase fragments are provided. The invention allows detection of such interactions in eukaryotic and mammalian cells, in situ or in vitro. Detection of molecular interactions in mammalian cells is not limited to the nuclear compartment, but can be accomplished in the cytoplasm, cell surface, organelles, or between these entities. Methods provided utilize novel compositions comprising fusion proteins between molecules of interest and inactive, weakly-complementing ?-lactamase fragments. Association of the molecules of interest brings the corresponding complementary ?-lactamase fragments into close enough proximity for complementation to occur and ?-lactamase activity to be observed. The invention is useful in the study of protein-protein interactions, functional genomics, agonist and antagonist screening and drug discovery.

Abstract: Isolation of biological or chemical organisms can be accomplished using a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) system. The SERS system can be a single or a stacked plurality of photonic crystal membranes with noble-metal lined through pores for flowing analyte potentially containing the biological or chemical organisms. The through pores can be adapted to trap individual biological or chemical organisms and emit SERS spectra, which can then be detected by a detector and further analyzed for viability of the biological or chemical organism.

Abstract: The invention is a herd management schema based upon the inventor's analysis of the natural history of bovine infection due to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) and related genomic variants and upon the ability of two distinct Map ELISA tests to sequentially or in parallel determine prior and current Map infection and evidence of active mycobacterium replication. Interpretation of the test results are integrated into sequential directives designed to enhance productive retention of infected animals as well as identify animals not previously infected. The sequential utilization of the data guidelines is developed to minimize the adverse economic impact.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly.

Abstract: A molecular construct capable of fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET), comprising a linker peptide, a donor fluorophore moiety and an acceptor fluorophore moiety, wherein the linker peptide is a substrate of a botulinum neurotoxin selected from the group consisting of synaptobrevin, syntaxin and SNAP-25, or a fragment thereof capable being cleaved by the botulinum neurotoxin, and separates the donor and acceptor fluorophores by a distance of not more than 10 nm, and wherein emission spectrum of the donor fluorophore moiety overlaps with the excitation spectrum of the acceptor fluorophore moiety; or wherein the emission spectra of the fluorophores are detectably different. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid expressing the construct, kits comprising said construct and cell lines comprising said nucleic acid. Further provided are methods of detecting a BoNT using the above described construct via FRET, and methods for detecting a BoNT using surface plasmon resonance imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered Clostridium difficile type IV pilin (tfp) genes, type IV pilin proteins which can serve as a diagnostic marker for identification of patients infected with C. difficile, and vaccines comprising type IV pilin proteins, antigenic fragments and variants thereof for therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable mixture comprising surface-modified particles which are obtained by reacting metal oxide or semimetal oxide particles with at least one compound selected from among silicon-comprising compounds bearing one, two or three alkoxy radicals and at least one solvent, at least one surface-active substance or a mixture thereof, the use of these particles in systems in which they are brought into contact with at least one solvent, where the mass ratio of solvent to modified particle is greater than 500, and also the use of these particles in agglomeration-deagglomeration cycles.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions for a diagnostic method for detecting TB in non-human primates that is easy to use, sensitive, and specific. The method utilizes recombinant mycobacterial antigens, such as polyfusion proteins. The method utilizes an antigen-antibody-antigen arrangement to detect TB infection in nonhuman primates. The method can detect IgM antibodies to TB, in addition to IgG antibodies, providing ability to detect TB earlier in nonhuman primate TB infection as compared to conventional TB tests.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the simultaneous detection of different bacteria, comprising the following steps: coupling one or more species of bacteriophage tail proteins onto a support, incubating the support coupled with the bacteriophage tail proteins with a sample, optionally removing the sample and the bacteria of the sample not bound to the bacteriophage tail proteins, contacting the bacteria bound to the bacteriophage tail proteins with the bacteriophages and/or bacteriophage proteins specifically binding the bacteria to be detected, removing the bacteriophages and/or bacteriophage proteins not bound to the bacteria, and performing the detection reaction by means of an enzyme coupled to the specifically binding bacteriophages and/or bacteriophage proteins or by means of an immuno assay.

Abstract: The invention is comprised, in part, of a surface that contains more than one component or construct. Such heterogenous surface compositions and configurations, related systems and methods for sensing particle or analyte interaction therewith can selectively and/or differentially interact with a range of particles/analytes, in lieu of specific molecular sensor-analyte interactions for each particle. These interactions of various analytes or particles can differ sufficiently in strength and range between multiple analyte types or particles to effect a separation of analytes or particles mixtures, in a way that requires no sensing or detection. With incorporation of a sensing mechanism, discrimination/detection of different compounds within an analyte mixture can be accomplished.