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Summary:

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have discovered a novel therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic target for thrombosis: Soluble Tissue Factor (sTF). NCI has generated first-in-class antibodies and platform selectively neutralizing pathological coagulation while preserving normal hemostasis.

CDC and collaborative researchers have developed a device allowing for simultaneous measurement of smooth muscle contractile/relaxant activity and transepithelial potential difference (Vt) [or short circuit currents (Isc)] and resistance (Rt) within an intact airway in vitro. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms of lung diseases, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, involves understanding the roles of airway smooth muscle and epithelium.

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. In 2016, there were 370 fatal falls out of 991 construction fatalities (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data). These deaths are preventable. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers must set up the workplace to prevent employees from falling from overhead platforms, elevated work stations, or into holes in the floor and walls.

A respirator protects the wearer from inhaling dangerous substances, such as chemicals and infectious particles. CDC developed devices and methods to detect and remove chemicals such as hydrogen cyanide, cyanogen, hydrogen sulfide, nitrite, and nitric oxide from the air for those wearing respirators. Cobinamide (a Vitamin B12 analog with a high affinity to cyanide) molecules are immobilized within a silica matrix that allows for the infiltration and containment of gaseous chemicals.

Airborne particles can have great impact on air quality, weather, and human health. In particular, long-term inhalation of toxic particulate matter in workplaces could pose a significant health risk. NIOSH scientists have developed a new, low-cost approach based on application of atmospheric radio frequency glow discharge (rf-GD) optical emission spectroscopy for near real-time measurement of elemental concentration in aerosols. The method involves collection of aerosol particles on an electrode tip in a coaxial microelectrode system, followed by excitation of the particles using rf-GD.

Anti-neoplastic drugs, also known as anti-cancer drugs or chemotherapy, are used in the treatment of many types of cancer. However, these drugs are harmful to healthy cells as well as the cancerous cells. Exposure of healthcare workers to anti-neoplastic drugs from contaminated surfaces and drug vials in hospitals and pharmacies is a continuing problem as the drugs can cause both acute and long-term effects. Although there are sensitive techniques to evaluate contamination, results from these tests take time and must be performed in a laboratory.

Lead (Pb) exposure can cause serious health concerns including abdominal pain, headaches, loss of appetite, memory loss, weakness, and other symptoms. Lead residues on human skin, especially on the hands of workers can be a significant health risk since such residues may be ingested during normal activities (e.g. eating, drinking, and smoking). A key component to reducing lead exposure is being able to identify areas of lead contamination.

Exposure to lead (Pb) has long posed serious health risks. Ingestion of lead from skin exposure can adversely impact every organ in the body; the kidneys, blood, nervous, and reproductive systems are most affected. Washing skin with soap and water is not sufficient to remove lead residues. To prevent adverse impacts from Pb exposure, exposed individuals need cleaning methods that will effectively remove Pb ions from the skin to less than the limit of identification (i.e., 10 µg or less).

The invention provides immunogen polypeptides comprising fragments of VAR2CSA protein expressed by P. falciparum as potential second-generation placental malaria vaccine candidates. VAR2CSA is the leading antigen target for a placental malaria vaccine, where associated antibody titers are correlated with protection. Aspects of the inventive immunogen polypeptides comprise all or portions of the chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) binding regions of VAR2CSA, as identified by a structural study of VAR2CSA conducted by the inventors, that possess great sequence conservation among P.