Novel Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) Technique to Quantify Brain Metabolites

With respect to quantification of metabolites in the brain, conventional methods of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) yield results that are highly variable and highly dependent on the sequence type being applied. This invention describes a novel MRS technique that involves preparing longitudinal steady states at different flip angles using trains of RF pulses interspersed with field gradients to quantify metabolites.

Novel Peptide of <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em> Surface Adhesion A (PsaA) Protein Associated with Adherence and Uses Thereof – for Vaccine Candidate, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Development

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumonia), bacteria commonly referred to as pneumococcus, are a significant cause of disease resulting in 1.5 million deaths every year worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The major types of pneumococcal disease are pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis (infection of the tissue covering of the brain and spinal cord). Less severe pneumococcal illnesses include ear and sinus infections.

The CDC 2009 Influenza A H1N1 (Flu) Pandemic Real-time RT-PCR Panel including Pandemic Influenza A and Pandemic H1 Assays

CDC researchers have developed probes and primers for detecting the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus in patient samples using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) methods. These primers and probes were originally developed in 2009 and were cleared by the FDA as part of a domestic human diagnostic testing panel in June 2010. These were also updated to increase specificity and/or sensitivity of the detection methods.

A Novel Reagent for Labeling PET Tracers at Trifluoromethyl Groups

The molecular imaging technique of positron emission tomography (PET) is an increasingly important tool in biomedical research and in drug discovery and development. Many small molecule drugs and potential PET radiotracers carry trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups. Because CF3 groups are generally considered to be metabolically stable, there is a strong interest in developing drugs with these groups.