On-site in vitro Diagnostic: Real-time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Detection of HIV-2 Groups A and B

This CDC-developed technology entails a nucleic acid-based HIV-2 in vitro diagnostic assay that is well-suited for use in mobile testing units/vehicles or resource-limited settings, for example, many areas of West Africa. Because HIV-2 requires unique treatment regimens, accurate, early diagnosis is crucial for effective care and directing treatment. Recently, new HIV testing recommendations have been proposed for laboratory settings, which include the use of a HIV-1/HIV-2 discriminatory assay.

Occupational Health: Wearable Kneel-Sit Support Device for Manual Labor and Heavy Industry Applications

This CDC-developed technology describes a novel ergonomic device that supports a portion of the worker's weight while kneeling, relieving the knee pressure and pain common to many manual labor occupations. Unfortunately, many of the devices that have been used in the past to relieve pressure on the knees are bulky, heavy, and of questionable durability.

AMA1-RON2 Complex-Based Vaccine Against Malaria

This technology relates to a malaria vaccine composed of a protein complex of Apical Membrane Antigen (AMA1) and rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2) with an adjuvant. AMA1 is a crucial component of the Plasmodium invasion machinery and is a leading candidate for antimalarial vaccine development. AMA1-based vaccines have shown ability to block red cell invasion in in vitro assays, but protection has so far not translated to in vivo human infections.

Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease with Synthetic Amphipathic Peptides

The invention is directed to treatment of chronic kidney disease by administering a synthetic, amphipathic helical peptide known as 5A-37pA, and novel derivatives thereof. Scientists at NIDDK have demonstrated that invention peptides antagonize activity of a particular scavenger receptor known as CD36. Using an in vivo model, NIDDK scientists have shown that invention peptides slowed progression of chronic kidney disease and can potentially be utilized as a therapeutic treatment.

Novel Enzyme-Based Immunoassay for Simultaneous Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Antigen and Antibody in Human Serum or Plasma

CDC scientists have developed a novel enzyme immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen and circulating HCV antibodies. Serological testing procedures for HCV circulating antibodies are well established. There is, however, a window of time between HCV infection and seroconversion that generates an opportunity for false negative results. This period varies from two months in immunocompetent subjects to six to twelve months in immunodeficient patients.

Novel Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccines

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and is associated with certain types of cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, gastric carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. There are currently no vaccines against EBV on the market and there is only supportive treatment available for EBV infection.

Polypeptides and Methods for Enhancing and Balancing Monovalent or Multivalent Flavivirus Vaccines

CDC researchers have developed a potent immunogenic enhancer polypeptide useful for improving flavivirus vaccines. Flaviviruses such as dengue virus (1, 2, 3 and 4), Japanese encephalitis virus, Murray Valley encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, yellow fever virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus are a great burden on public health. This technology describes an identified CD4+ T cell epitope occurring within the E-glycoprotein of West Nile virus and methods of using this polypeptide to increase vaccine immunogenicity in monovalent vaccines.

A Novel Demodulation System in X-ray Imaging

In various x-ray imaging methods, including scattering correction and phase contrast imaging, intensity modulation in space is introduced into the projection images by the use of masks, gratings, or apertures. The present invention relates to a process to demodulate the modulation. The current demodulation processes are either to remove the modulation pattern through digital processing or to move the modulation pattern on the detector in a series of images that requires mechanical movements of a component and tends to lose some information of the imaged object.

Inhibition of HIV Infection through Chemoprophylaxis Using Emtricitabine and Tenofovir

The invention is directed to prophylactic administration of emtricitabine (FTC) in combination with tenofovir or its prodrug, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), to protect against transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Also disclosed are other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs) that, when administered in combination, protect against HIV infection.