Abstract: Systems and methods for accelerating tissue processing by treating tissue samples and one or more tissue processing agents with infrasonic vibrations are discussed. Some non-limiting examples of tissue processing agents include a tissue fixative, dehydrating agent, clearing agent, impregnating agent, embedding agent, tissue stain, enzyme, or another chemical that diffuses into the tissue sample when the sample is being preserved or prepared for microscopic examination. The infrasonic vibrations can have a frequency from about 10 to about 600 Hz. The infrasonic vibrations can have an amplitude that is sufficiently high, when combined with the frequency, to induce turbulent mixing of the processing agent and accelerate tissue processing. The tissue sample may optionally be vibrated with ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrations can have a frequency and amplitude that are sufficiently high to induce turbulent mixing of the processing agent and to accelerate tissue processing.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal conditions. In the methods, a sample of gastrointestinal secretions is obtained from a control group; or a group who has been diagnosed with either healthy gastrointestinal tracts or with a gastrointestinal condition, like chronic diarrhea. The control group samples are analyzed in any suitable manner to determine the levels of gastrointestinal secretions, including one or more autophagy-related proteins, cytokeratins, digestive enzymes, or other proteins. The results of the sample analysis are used to create a database containing profiles of normal and abnormal gastrointestinal secretions. As the database is created and specific secretion level abnormalities are identified, patients may be diagnosed with these abnormalities and be treated by adjusting the levels of specific secretions.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for distinguishing and sorting cells. In particular it includes methods for distinguishing and sorting post-mitotic and post-meiotic daughter cells into two classes according to differential cellular features. Labeling, tagging, or marking of the cells' chromatin proteins, RNA, or DNA may assist in distinguishing the daughter cells. In some embodiments, two cell classes may be studied and the cells' proteins, glycoproteins, and RNA may be identified and subset. Information from these subsets may then be used to distinguish and sort the two classes of cells from similar tissues according to protein, glycoprotein, and RNA makeup.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for freezing a tissue sample in preparation of sectioning. Generally, the apparatus comprises a chuck and a tissue heat sink that are adapted to rapidly freeze a tissue sample before being sectioned in a cryostat. While the chuck and heat sink may be made of any suitable material, in some cases, the chuck and heat sink include copper, a copper alloy, bronze, or a bronze alloy. To keep the chuck and heat sink from tarnishing, they can be covered with a non-tarnishing coating material, such as tetrafluoroethylene. Additionally, in order to secure the tissue sample that is embedded in a cutting medium to the chuck, the chuck preferably includes one or more dovetail-shaped apertures, such as a dovetail-shaped groove.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accelerating tissue processing by treating tissue samples and one or more tissue processing agents with infrasonic vibrations are discussed. Some non-limiting examples of tissue processing agents include a tissue fixative, dehydrating agent, clearing agent, impregnating agent, embedding agent, tissue stain, enzyme, or another chemical that diffuses into the tissue sample when the sample is being preserved or prepared for microscopic examination. The infrasonic vibrations can have a frequency from about 10 to about 600 Hz. The infrasonic vibrations can have an amplitude that is sufficiently high, when combined with the frequency, to induce turbulent mixing of the processing agent and accelerate tissue processing. The tissue sample may optionally be vibrated with ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrations can have a frequency and amplitude that are sufficiently high to induce turbulent mixing of the processing agent and to accelerate tissue processing.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preventing artifacts in tissue samples fixed with an aldehyde-based fixative are described. The methods include fixing a tissue sample with an aldehyde-based fixative, such as a formalin fixative agent. After fixation, the tissue sample can be contacted with separate solutions that each contain an artifact preventing composition or a tissue stain. However, because the artifact preventing composition may increase the stain's shelf-life, the stain and the composition are preferably mixed before being added to the sample. The artifact preventing composition can include one or more amino acids, polyamines, and/or Schiff-base-forming compounds. The components of the composition can bind to or react with free fixative to prevent fixative artifacts.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal conditions. In the methods, a sample of gastrointestinal secretions is obtained from a control group; or a group who has been diagnosed with either healthy gastrointestinal tracts or with a gastrointestinal condition, like chronic diarrhea. The control group samples are analyzed in any suitable manner to determine the levels of gastrointestinal secretions, including one or more cytokeratin I subtypes, cytokeratin II subtypes, antimicrobial proteins, mitochondria, and digestive enzymes. The results of the sample analysis is used to create a database containing profiles of normal and abnormal gastrointestinal secretions. As the database is created and specific secretion level abnormalities are identified, patients may be diagnosed with these abnormalities and be treated by adjusting the levels of specific secretions.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for distinguishing and sorting cells. In particular it includes methods for distinguishing and sorting post-mitotic and post-meiotic daughter cells into two classes according to differential cellular features. Labeling, tagging, or marking of the cells' chromatin proteins, RNA, or DNA may assist in distinguishing the daughter cells. In some embodiments, two cell classes may be studied and the cells' proteins, glycoproteins, and RNA may be identified and subset. Information from these subsets may then be used to distinguish and sort the two classes of cells from similar tissues according to protein, glycoprotein, and RNA makeup.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing hard water deposits through the use of a microorganism growth medium are disclosed. Any known or novel growth medium may be used for the purpose of removing hard water deposits. The growth medium may be applied to the hard water deposits, left long enough for background ambient bacteria to grow and release their byproducts, and the medium and cells or microorganisms that have grown may then be removed using any conventional method. In some variations of embodiments of the methods, growth media may be inoculated with specific types of cells and/or microorganisms, it may be heated or cooled, it may mixed, and/or it may be kept moist to optimize cell or microorganism proliferation.