Abstract: Methods and products for maintaining a target pH range of an environment including at least one organism are provided. A method can include releasing a carbon source to the environment. A method can further include allowing the carbon source to be metabolized by the at least one organism and lower a pH of the environment. The method can also include releasing a nitrogen source to the environment. The method can additionally include allowing the nitrogen source to be metabolized by the at least one organism and increase the pH of the environment. The releasing of the carbon source to the environment and the releasing of the nitrogen source to the environment can be selectively timed to control the pH of the environment to the target pH range of the environment.

Abstract: Methods and products for maintaining a target pH range of an environment including at least one organism are provided. A method can include releasing a carbon source to the environment. A method can further include allowing the carbon source to be metabolized by the at least one organism and lower a pH of the environment. The method can also include releasing a nitrogen source to the environment. The method can additionally include allowing the nitrogen source to be metabolized by the at least one organism and increase the pH of the environment. The releasing of the carbon source to the environment and the releasing of the nitrogen source to the environment can be selectively timed to control the pH of the environment to the target pH range of the environment.

Abstract: A composition for providing or maintaining a healthy skin microbiota and methods of providing or maintaining a healthy skin microbiota are disclosed. The composition can be a prebiotic composition that can include a carrier and a skin microbiota balancing agent. In some aspects, the skin microbiota balancing agent can include at least one combination of carbohydrate sources including a first carbohydrate source and a second carbohydrate source. The skin microbiota balancing agent can be configured to provide at least two of the following desired ratios: a first desired ratio of Corynebaderium to Staphylococcus of 1.3, a second desired ratio of Corynebaderium to Micrococcus of 1.4, and a third desired ratio of Staphylococcus to Micrococcus of 1.1. The carbohydrate sources may be D-alanine, D-threonine, L-alanyl-glycine, succinic acid, ?-keto-glutaric acid, m-tantaric acid, bromo succinic acid, mucic acid, phenylethyl-amine, inulin, oxalic acid, pectin, Tween 40 etc.

Abstract: Lateral-flow assay and time-resolved fluorescence technologies provide a sensitive tool for detecting norovirus particles in a sample. A flow-through assay device employs norovirus and norovirus G2 antibodies. The lateral-flow assay includes a conjugate pad having conjugated probes. The conjugated probes are particles modified with a binding member that is configured to bind with a norovirus. The particles also have a fluorescent label. A general method of detecting the virus includes (i) preparing a sample with contaminants, (ii) processing the sample and depositing it onto the assay device, and (iii) measuring the fluorescence signal.

Abstract: Lateral-flow assay and time-resolved fluorescence technologies provide a sensitive tool for detecting norovirus particles in a sample. A flow-through assay device employs norovirus and norovirus G2 antibodies. The lateral-flow assay includes a conjugate pad having conjugated probes. The conjugated probes are particles modified with a binding member that is configured to bind with a norovirus. The particles also have a fluorescent label. A general method of detecting the virus includes (i) preparing a sample with contaminants, (ii) processing the sample and depositing it onto the assay device, and (iii) measuring the fluorescence signal.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow assay that can provide an indication of Gram negative (GN) or Gram positive (GP) infection (or both) within 30 minutes, and desirably in less than 15 minutes. The immediate result would signal the presence of Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, or no bacteria detected. The detection level would be above a specific bacterial concentration threshold that is clinically significant infection source (e.g. 10^3 cfu/ml) versus the presence of a colonizing bacteria that is not a part of the active infection.

Abstract: A fibrous web that includes a cationic polymer that contains a cationic monomer comprising a cationic functional group having an affinity for the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria and a hydrophobic monomer comprising a hydrophobic functional group is provided. The molar ratio of the cationic monomer to the hydrophobic monomer is greater than about 1:1. The affinity of the cationic polymer for the bacteria allows the web to capture bacteria, thereby removing them from a surface or liquid, without the use of harsh chemicals, and also inhibiting their spread to other surfaces and liquids that may contact the web.

Abstract: A fibrous web that includes a cationic polymer that contains a cationic monomer comprising a cationic functional group having an affinity for the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria and a hydrophobic monomer comprising a hydrophobic functional group is provided. The molar ratio of the cationic monomer to the hydrophobic monomer is greater than about 1:1. The affinity of the cationic polymer for the bacteria allows the web to capture bacteria, thereby removing them from a surface or liquid, without the use of harsh chemicals, and also inhibiting their spread to other surfaces and liquids that may contact the web.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow assay that can provide an indication of Gram negative (GN) or Gram positive (GP) infection (or both) within 30 minutes, and desirably in less than 15 minutes. The immediate result would signal the presence of Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, or no bacteria detected. The detection level would be above a specific bacterial concentration threshold that is clinically significant infection source (e.g. 10?3 cfu/ml) versus the presence of a colonizing bacteria that is not a part of the active infection.