This invention, entailsnucleic acid-based assays, for detecting the presence of pathogenic fungi such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Pneumocystis brasiliensis, and/or Penicillium marneffei within a sample. Within a healthcare setting, this particular approach can greatly reduce pathogen identification time, better direct treatments and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

This invention relates to assays for the detection and species-specific identification of Aspergillus fungi. Accurate clinical diagnosis of Aspergillus species has become increasingly important as certain species, such as A. terreus and A. fumigatus, are resistant to specific commonly employed antifungal compounds. Most contemporary fungal diagnostic methods are time-consuming and inaccurate.

This invention pertains to the development of oligonucleotides for the rapid nucleic acid-based identification of Candida or Aspergillus fungi species in biological samples. This identification is accomplished by the targeting the internally transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) region that are unique to various Candida species. The assay is sensitive, specific and rapid. Implementation of the technology will facilitate earlier specific diagnoses, and lead to better antifungal therapy implementation for infected patients.

This invention pertains to the development of oligonucleotides for the rapid nucleic acid-based identification of the Candida fungi species C. haemulonii, C. kefyr, C. lambica, C. lusitaniae, C. norvegensis, C. norvegica, C. rugosa, C. utilis, C. viswanathii, C. zeylanoides, C. dubliniensis, and C. pelliculosa within biological samples. This identification is accomplished by the targeting the internally transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) region that are specific for each species.

CDC researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies useful as diagnostics for diisocyanate (dNCO) exposure and for toxicity characterization of specific dNCOs. Currently, dNCOs are used in the production of all polyurethane products and are the most commonly reported cause of occupational-induced asthma and also linked to allergic contact dermatitis. Presumptive diagnosis of dNCO asthma is presently dependent on criteria such as work history, report of work-related asthma-like symptoms and nonspecific airway reactivity to methacholine challenge.

This invention relates to a warning system designed to protect individuals working near hazardous machinery. The system consists of a proximity-warning transmitter mounted to hazardous machinery and a receiver, worn by a worker, capable of detecting the transmitter signal. This worker-safety system can incorporate visual alerts and audible alerts. It also allows automatic shutdown of machinery upon receiver activation and may be particularly useful in the mining industry.

This technology provides a novel method of treating or preventing pruritis (itch) using natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) blocking agents. Itch (also known as pruritis) is a sensation that may be perceived as an unpleasant skin irritation and may drive an urge to scratch. Conditions such as, for example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, renal failure, liver cirrhosis and some cancers may cause persistent itch. Itch is triggered by somatosensory neurons expressing the ion channel TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1).

CDC researchers have developed methods of producing unlimited quantities of Group-C (GpC) rotavirus antigens. GpC rotaviruses are a major, worldwide cause of acute gastroenteritis in children and adults that is distinct from Group-A rotavirus. However, GpC rotaviruses cannot be grown in culture, resulting in a lack of tools for detection and treatment of GpC rotavirus disease.

CDC researchers have developed specific Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunogens for use in the development of RSV-directed vaccines and therapeutics. RSV is the most common cause of serious respiratory disease in infants and young children and an important cause of disease in the elderly. To date, efforts to make a mutually safe and effective vaccine have been largely unsuccessful.

CDC researchers have developed algorithmic methods for determining sigmoid curve optimums and calculating component concentrations. Sigmoid curves are commonly generated in bioassays and used to calculate results. Various techniques have been used to define the curve, analyze the observations, and calculate a concentration. This technology is an algorithmic approach to identifying the usable portion of a sigmoid curve.