Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to a method for detecting the presence of a biological substance of interest in a test sample of saliva or oral fluid, comprising combining said test sample with a fluorescence-labeled ligand to said biological substance and detecting a change in the fluorescence polarization of said test sample produced by binding of said fluorescence-labeled ligand to said biological substance. In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, said method comprises additional steps for comparing the fluorescence polarization of said test sample with the fluorescence polarization of a control solution. Also provided is a miniaturized, portable apparatus for measuring the fluorescence polarization of a liquid sample.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions, devices, and methods are drawn to various antigens from the pathogen M. tuberculosis and their use in vaccines, therapeutic agents, and various diagnostic tests. In particularly preferred aspects, the antigens are immunodominant and have quantified and known relative reactivities with respect to sera of a population infected with the pathogen, and/or have a known association with a disease parameter.

Abstract: Based on detection of Treponema bacteria or Campylobacter bacteria present in a sample derived from the tonsil of a subject who has a positive result on at least one of a urinary protein test and a urinary occult blood test, or of a patient diagnosed with possible IgA nephropathy, presumed IgA nephropathy can be detected with a high accuracy, in a simple and quick manner without physical burden on subjects. Also, an IgA nephropathy patient for whom tonsillectomy is effective in therapy of IgA nephropathy can be selected with a high accuracy, in a simple and quick manner without physical burden on subjects.

Abstract: The invention herein generally relates to kits and methods for detecting the presence of a bacterium in a subject, for example, methicillin resistant S. aureus.

Abstract: A test kit for detecting an antibiotic or antibiotics containing a ?-lactam ring in a biological fluid is provided. The test kit includes at least one recognition agent, which is a receptor which specifically binds to antibiotics containing a ?-lactam ring and is obtained from Bacillus licheniformis. The test kit further contains at least one reference antibiotic immobilized on a solid support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining if an individual is infected by a staphylococcus bacterium, comprising: determining if antibodies directed against at least 2 proteins comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, and SEQ ID NO: 6, are present in a biological sample of the individual, and deducing therefrom that the individual is infected by a staphylococcus bacterium.

Abstract: A novel and rapid diagnostic method for anthrax infection is provided. Three B. anthracis gene products are described, as well as antibodies against the same, which may be used for the detection and monitoring of anthrax infection. Kits for the diagnosis of anthrax are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to spore surface display compositions comprising a spore having at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding for at least one polypeptide and operable to express the polypeptide on a surface of the spore. In some embodiments, the displayed polypeptide is displayed with a spore carrier protein. In some embodiments, the spore may be derived from a Clostriduim sp. such as Clostriduim taeniosporum. Spore display compositions of the disclosure may include vaccines, fusion proteins, drug delivery devices, systems for generating an antibody to an antigen/peptide expressed on a spore surface, an anticancer drug, an immobilized enzyme system, a system for serological reagent preparation, a contaminant removal system, a biocatalysis system, a screening platform, a nanotechnology platform, a bioanalytical sensor, a molecular electronic system and/or a signal processing system. Methods for making and using these compositions are described.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the rapid and specific detection of target microorganisms, cells, and the like. In one embodiment, the methods involve contacting a target microorganism (e.g., in a sample) with a permeabilization reagent that selectively permeabilizes or lyses the microorganism; contacting the selectively permeabilized microorganism with a detection reagent that is taken into the selectively permeabilized organism or that contacts metabolites or enzymes released by the selectively permeabilized microorganism, where the detection reagent produces a signal in the presence of said metabolites or enzymes; and detecting a signal produced by the detection reagent in the presence of the metabolites or enzymes wherein the strength of the signal indicates the presence and/or amount of the target microorganism in the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining if an individual is infected by Mycoplasma pneumonia, including, determining if antibodies directed against a protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 are present in a biological sample of the individual, and deducing therefrom that the individual is infected by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Abstract: Steviol glycosides have been discovered to bind the bitter taste receptor TAS2R44. Novel methods of identifying modulators and in particular inhibitors to the bitter taste of steviol glycosides and an inhibitor of steviol glycosides are provided.

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 a s identify animals not previously infected. The sequential utilization of the data guidelines is developed to minimize the adverse economic impact.

Abstract: Provided are methods for identifying and/or designing inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus biological activity. Also provided is a computer readable medium encoded with instructions executable by a CPU for performing the functions of identifying- or designing inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus biological activity, and a system comprising the computer readable medium and a CPU. Also provided are compounds identified and/or designed by the methods, methods of treatment including the compounds, methods of inhibiting S. aureus using the compounds, medicaments including the compounds for use in the treatment of S. aureus infection, or conditions related to S. aureus infection, and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds. Methods for identifying a bacterial cell that is resistant to methicillin are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borreliae, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.

Abstract: Provided is an immunoassay method whereby all Haemophilus influenzae strains can be simultaneously detected at a high sensitivity. Specifically provided is a method for immunoassaying all Haemophilus influenzae strains characterized in that an antibody that recognizes P4 antigen or P6 antigen of influenza viruses is used.

Abstract: A device for the detection of micro particles that can be marked by probes or antibodies capable of being detected by radiation has a filter, a supply system, and a detection system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a test kit and method for sensitively and rapidly detecting Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K1. By using immunochromatographic test, the test kit can sensitively, rapidly and specifically identify whether specimens contain Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K1. The sensitivity of the test kit preferably attains 1.4×105 cfu/50?.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an enriched antibody population, highly specific for an antigen of a surface polysaccharide, from a mycobacterium. In a related embodiment, the antibody is enriched by having been raised in an environment that maintains antigenically active antigen. These antibodies may be used in an immunoreactive environment for detecting the presence of a mycobacterial infection in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting protein complexes of sigma factors and interacting proteins in a sample containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Such methods are useful for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of tuberculosis in a subject. Also disclosed are methods for screening compounds that affect the interaction of one or more sigma factors with one or more interacting proteins.

Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are human binding molecules specifically binding to enterococci and having killing activity against enterococci, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of a condition resulting from Enterococcus.

Abstract: A method of using a biological indicator to detect and identify sources of fecal contamination such as leaking sewer lines, septic tanks, and holding lagoons, using a microorganism having a biological indicator including an exogenous DNA indicator sequence incorporated into the genome of the microorganism. The exogenous DNA indicator sequence functions as a detectable signal that may be detected by visual detection methods or direct detection methods of the indicator sequence itself.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to using magnetic particles and alternating magnet fields to separate a target analyte from a sample. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve contacting a sample with magnetic particles including first moieties specific for a target analyte, thereby forming target/particle complexes in the sample, flowing the sample through a channel including second moieties attached to at least one surface of the channel, applying alternating magnetic fields to the flowing sample to result in target/particle complexes being brought into proximity of the surface to bind the second moieties and unbound particles remaining free in the sample, binding the target/particle complexes to the second moieties, and washing away unbound particles and unbound analytes of the sample.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: Improved methods for detecting microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria in mixtures, are disclosed. Methods include passing a sample mixture through a filter device, which has been pretreated with a detergent, resuspending the filtrand in the filter membranes and detecting the presence of microorganisms in the filtrand.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the surprising and unexpected discovery that insects that are resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins have measurably altered alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as compared to insects that are susceptible to Cry toxins. This and other surprising discoveries reported herein have broad implications in areas such as managing and monitoring the development of insect resistance to B.t. toxins. For example, the subject invention provides a simple and fast assay (enzymatic or otherwise) for detecting ALP activity levels and thereby monitoring the development of resistance by insects to crystal protein insect toxins. There was no prior motivation or suggestion to go about resistance monitoring using this simple and easy approach.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: Recombinant chimeric antigens comprising unmodified and modified reactive polypeptide fragments of expressed product of the recombinant 56 kDa proteins of multiple strain of scrub typhus, such as Karp, Kato (Ktr56), Gilliam (Gmr56), and TA763 (TAr56). The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to a number of strains of scrub typhus, based on the strength of reaction toward the chimeric protein and as a component in vaccine formulations and production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects against heterologous infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunological method and, more particularly, a method for measuring cell-mediated immune reactivity (CMI) in mammals based on the production of IP-10. The invention further discloses an assay and a kit for measuring CMI to an antigen using whole blood or other suitable biological samples. The methods of the present invention are useful in therapeutic and diagnostic protocols for human, livestock and veterinary and wild life applications, thus the invention further relates to a method for diagnosing an infection in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for amplifying a signal in an immunochro-matographic assay for high-sensitivity detection of an analyte and an immunochromatographic kit using the method, which amplifies a signal by controlling a flow rate by discrimination between the size of a first indicator and the size of a second indicator.

Abstract: Clostridial toxin substrates comprising a lanthanide donor complex, an acceptor, and a Clostridial toxin recognition sequence including a cleavage site; methods for determining the activity of a Clostridial toxin from a test sample using such Clostridial toxin substrates; cell compositions comprising such Clostridial toxin substrates and a Clostridial toxin receptor; and methods for determining the activity of a Clostridial toxin from a test sample using such cell compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutation within the sap operon of an avirulent clone of a nontypeable strain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). The invention also relates to the NTHi sap operon genes and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to a novel 110 kDa NTHi outer membrane protein and the polynucleotide that encodes this outer membrane protein. Methods of screening for NTHi infection, and treating and preventing NTHi related disorders are also contemplated.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric taste receptors comprising the extracellular portion of one T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, and the transmembrane portion of another T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, preferably associated with a T1R3 polypeptide and a suitable G protein. These chimeric taste receptors and cells which express such chimeric taste receptors are useful in assays for identifying sweet and umami ligands as well in assays for identifying sweet and umami enhancers. Additionally, these chimeric taste receptors and cells which express same can be used to map and determine where specific sweet and umami ligands interact with their respective receptors and to elucidate the mechanism of receptor activation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind poly-?-D-glutamic acid (?DPGA), which is present on the surface of Bacillus anthracis. The disclosure also provides chimeric forms of the monoclonal antibodies, humanized forms of the monoclonal antibodies, and fragments thereof, as well as nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and fragments thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies are also disclosed herein. The disclosure further provides prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods of using the disclosed antibodies.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of recombinant, immunodominant Rickettsia typhi proteins. The invention also relates to a method for the use of the recombinant proteins, either singly or in combination, in detection and diagnostic assays. The proteins can also be used in anti-Rickettsia typhi immunogenic formulations.

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 animal not previously infected. The sequential utilization of the data guidelines is developed to minimize the adverse economic impact.

Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a method, an in vitro method and a detection system for detecting the presence of at least one biological molecule in at least one sample. The method can include, for example, providing a sample and/or a binding agent to a contact portion of a surface by way of at least one microfluidic channel; disposing a liquid crystal at the contact portion; determining whether the orientation of the liquid crystal changes after the sample contacts the binding agent, indicating the presence of the biological molecule; and determining length of bright region of the liquid crystal and/or change in interference color of said liquid crystal, and consequently indicating the quantity of said biological molecule. Also disclosed are methods of detecting biological molecules using at least one 4?-pentyl-biphenyl-4-R, where R may be at least one functional group selected from carboxylic acid, amine, aldehyde, and oligopeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated antigen from Streptomyces coelicolor that is useful for developing, inter alia, vaccines against pathogenic bacteria of humans and animals. The present invention also relates to vaccines and antibodies developed using the isolated antigen. The present invention also relates to methods of using the antigen, vaccines, and antibodies of the present invention to detect, treat, and prevent infection and diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems for the rapid and sensitive detection of organisms and molecules in samples. Reactants that produce Raman-active products are used in combination with Raman light scattering. The present disclosure can also be used to measure enzyme-kinetics.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to the endospore of the bacterium Clostridium difficile, methods of making such antibodies, and methods of using such antibodies, including methods of detecting C. difficile endospores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface exposed protein, which can be detected in Moraxella catarrhalis, having an amino acid sequence as described in SEQ ID NO: 1, an apparent molecular weight of 200 kDa and a capacity of selectively binding membrane bound or soluble IgD, to an immunogenic or IgD-binding fragment of said surface exposed protein, and to an immunogenic and adhesive fragment of said surface exposed protein. DNA segments, vaccines, plasmids and phages, non human hosts, recombinant DNA molecules and plants, fusion proteins and polypeptides and fusion products are also described. A method of detecting IgD, a method of separating IgD, a method of isolation of a surface exposed protein of Moraxella catarrhalis and a method for treatment of an autoimmune disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: Antibodies, polypeptides, and polynucleotides are provided for the detection, prevention, amelioration and treatment of diseases caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Abstract: A reaction medium for the culture and/or detection and/or identification of bacteria of the Legionella genus includes at least one siliceous compound, where the siliceous compound is a nonpolar silica. A method for detecting and/or identifying bacteria of the Legionella genus, includes bringing a sample that may contain bacteria of the Legionella genus into contact with a reaction medium comprising at least one siliceous compound, incubating, and detecting the presence of bacteria of the Legionella genus.