Abstract: A rapid, sensitive method of separating and detecting microorganisms from a sample potentially containing microorganisms, such as but not limited to bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, and the like. The method relies on separation techniques to separate and concentrate the cells from the sample, together with chemical techniques to amplify the amount of detectable signal from low numbers of cells to provide a rapid and sensitive method of detecting microorganisms. This detection method may utilize: a filtration device; a centrifugation device; a system; a swab device; and kit comprising one or more of the devices and components to perform the present method of separating and detecting microorganisms in a sample potentially containing microorganisms. The sample may be a chemical, cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, or consumable good in its raw material, in-process, and/or finished product states that needs to be tested for any contaminating microorganisms prior to shipment to the consumer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for determination of a value for at least one parameter describing microbial activity of individual biological organisms in a liquid sample. Images, wherein individual biological organisms may be identified, are combined to provide optical sectionings of the biological organisms and the optical sectionings are analyzed to determine the value for said at least one parameter describing microbial activity of said individual biological organisms in each sample container.

Abstract: A method for analyzing planar sample is provided. In some cases the method comprises: (a) incubating the planar sample with a capture agent that is linked to an oligonucleotide, wherein the capture agent specifically binds to complementary sites in the planar sample; (b) reading a fluorescent signal caused by extension of a primer that is hybridized to the oligonucleotide, using fluorescence microscopy. Several implementations of the method, and multiplexed versions of the same, are also provided.

Abstract: A selective agent comprising a triclosan derivative for use in selective inhibition of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells. Preferably the triclosan derivative is a glycoside derivative, more preferably a pyranoside derivative. Suitably a selective medium comprising said selective agent and methods of culturing cells using the selective agent are provided.

Abstract: Naphthalene, benzene, toluene, xylene, and other volatile organic compounds VOCs have been identified as serious health hazards. Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for near-real-time in-situ detection and accumulated dose measurement of exposure to naphthalene vapor and other hazardous gaseous VOCs. The methods and apparatus employ excitation of fluorophors native or endogenous to compounds of interest using light sources emitting in the ultraviolet below 300 nm and measurement of native fluorescence emissions in distinct wavebands above the excitation wavelength. The apparatus of some embodiments are cell-phone-sized sensor/dosimeter “badges” to be worn by personnel potentially exposed to hazardous VOCs. The badge sensor of some embodiments provides both real time detection and data logging of exposure to naphthalene or other VOCs of interest from which both instantaneous and accumulated dose can be determined.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for strain-specific identification and assessment of susceptibility of microorganisms based on the response of sensors in a colorimetric sensor array to metabolic products of the microorganism.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a test device that detects microorganism growth by detecting a gas metabolite (e.g., carbon dioxide) produced during the growth of bacteria or other microorganism in a tested sample. The test device can contain a culture growth media separated from a detection area by a gas-permeable membrane. The gas-permeable membrane permits carbon dioxide to permeate into the detection area. The detection area includes a solidified mixture of pH indicators and a gelling agent in the form of a semi-permeable matrix. The optical properties, including the absorbance of light at various wavelengths, of the detection solution change with alterations in carbon dioxide concentration. This test device can then be placed in an incubation and optical detection instrument to monitor changes in optical properties of the detection are induced during microorganism growth in the culture medium.

Abstract: Provided are novel methods and compositions for administration of pharmaceuticals to subjects with dysphagia. Pharmaceuticals are associated with beads and administered with food, beverage or cosmetic to provide ease of administration to subjects with dysphagia. Environmental indicators are associated with beads for Quality Assurance.

Abstract: A bioreactor system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a cover which can be placed on the chamber to enclose the specimen within the chamber. A first member is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the chamber in a first direction, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. When the first member is in the closed position there is a substantially liquid proof seal between the cover and the chamber.

Abstract: Thus, provided herein are pericyte progenitor cells (e.g., isolated pericyte progenitor cells), methods for generating pericyte progenitors in clinically relevant numbers for various applications applying macromolecular crowding during cell culture, and methods of using the pericyte progenitor cells.

Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.

Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: A process for assaying a biological sample includes: receiving a reference sample by an acoustic article including: a resonator including: a substrate; a piezoelectric member; and a phase noise detector; disposing the reference sample on the piezoelectric member; producing a reference phase noise signal; detecting the reference phase noise signal; disposing a biological sample on the piezoelectric member; producing a first biological phase noise signal; detecting the first biological phase noise signal; contacting the biological sample disposed on the piezoelectric member with an antimicrobial agent; producing a second biological phase noise signal; detecting the second biological phase noise signal; and analyzing the first biological phase noise signal, the second biological phase noise signal, and the reference phase noise signal to assay the biological sample.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for detecting and determining ‘NBOMe’ family designer drugs is described. Also described are components for use in implementing the method, namely, antibodies, detection agents, solid state devices and kits as well as immunogens used to raise the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether or not a test sample contains a phytopathogenic oomycete selectively from two kinds of oomycetes of a phytopathogenic oomycete and a non-phytopathogenic oomycete. The method according to the present invention comprises: (a) putting the test sample on a front surface of a cellulose film; wherein the cellulose film has a thickness of not less than 0.5 micrometers and not more than 3.7 micrometers; (b) leaving the test sample at rest for not less than 4 hours and not more than 8 hours after the step (a); (c) observing a back surface of the film after the step (b); and (d) determining that the test sample contains the phytopathogenic oomycete, if an oomycete is found on the back surface of the film in the step (c).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for genetically modifying a filamentous fungus host for improved protein production. The method comprises that a filamentous fungus host is genetically modified to overexpress or to be deficient of specific genes. The invention relates also to the modified hosts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for improved production or for producing an improved composition of proteins, such as cellulases, hemicellulases, other proteins involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic material, or other proteins, in a filamentous fungus host.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether or not a test sample contains a phytopathogenic oomycete selectively from two kinds of oomycetes of a phytopathogenic oomycete and a non-phytopathogenic oomycete. The method according to the present invention comprises: (a) putting the test sample on a front surface of a cellulose film; wherein the cellulose film has a thickness of not less than 0.5 micrometers and not more than 3.7 micrometers; (b) leaving the test sample at rest for more than 8 hours and not more than 12 hours after the step (a); (c) observing a back surface of the film after the step (b); and (d) determining that the test sample contains the phytopathogenic oomycete, if an oomycete is found on the back surface of the film in the step (c).

Abstract: An elapsed-time determination apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores correlation information indicating a correlation between a state of a melanophore of a fish and an amount of time elapsed since the death of the fish; an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a fish; an analysis unit that detects a state of a melanophore of a fish by analyzing an image acquired by the acquisition unit; and a determination unit that determines the amount of time elapsed since the death of the fish in accordance with the state of the melanophore of the fish detected by the analysis unit, based on the correlation information, and outputs determination results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing the antibiotic resistance of a microorganism, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a reference mass spectrum of an antimicrobial compound, its enzymatic modification product, its molecular target, or of a substrate compound of a its modifying enzyme; (b) exposing a microorganism, a cell lysate thereof, or a growth medium supernatant thereof, to the antimicrobial compound or the substrate compound in aqueous liquid to thereby provide an exposed sample; (c) acquiring a mass spectrum of the exposed sample; (d) comparing the mass spectrum acquired in step c) with the reference mass spectrum of step (a), and (e) determining from the comparison whether modification of the antimicrobial compound, its modification product or its molecular target or of the substrate has occurred following the exposure, and establishing that the microorganism is potentially resistant to the antimicrobial compound when the modification is observed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein wherein the protein comprises a first and a second polypeptide chain, the first polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region and a biologically active molecule, and the second polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region without the biologically active molecule of the first chain. The invention also relates to methods of using and methods of making the chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plasmodium infection in a patient blood sample, wherein a differential analysis of the polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes in the sample is performed, and the distribution of the cell volume and the cell density, the number of thrombocytes in the sample, and the distribution of the cell density of the thrombocytes in the sample is determined.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing dyes and antimicrobial agents on a polymeric cover or housing for a medical device is disclosed and described. The surface may be that of a catheter, a connector, a drug vial spike, a bag spike, a prosthetic device, an endoscope, a surface of an infusion pump, a key pad, a touch screen or a handle. The surfaces may also be one or more of those associated with a infusion of a medicament or dialysis treatment, such as peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, where it is important that the working surface for the dialysis fluid be sterile. These surfaces include connectors for peritoneal dialysis sets or for hemodialysis sets, bag spikes, dialysis catheters, and so forth. A method for determining whether a surface has been sterilized, and a dye useful in so indicating, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Culture systems, devices and related methods and articles may automate the culturing or incubation process according to defined culturing protocols. Such may employ removable multi-well growth cassette. Wells may be subdivided into subwells. Such may employ removable media and waste cartridges and/or gas canisters to supply consumables, which may be supplied in kits, for example with processor executable culturing protocols. Direct fluidic coupling between growth cassettes and the removable cartridges or canisters may be employed. Operational and/or environmental conditions may be sensed or monitored, and may be used to adjust or alter operation. A microscopy subsystem may capture images which may be stored and/or analyzed. Analysis may be used to adjust or alter operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for genetically modifying a filamentous fungus host for improved protein production. The method comprises that a filamentous fungus host is genetically modified to overexpress or to be deficient of specific genes. The invention relates also to the modified hosts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for improved production or for producing an improved composition of proteins, such as cellulases, hemicellulases, other proteins involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic material, or other proteins, in a filamentous fungus host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to food safety and to the reliable detection of aflatoxins produced by aflatoxigenic aspergilli in the presence other fungal species in a natural fungal bouquet using volatile emissions as an indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for specific and direct detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria in a sample using a selective and differential isolation medium for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria comprising at least one chromogenic agent and tellurite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for genetically modifying a filamentous fungus host for improved protein production. The method comprises that a filamentous fungus host is genetically modified to be deficient or to overexpress specific genes. The invention relates also to the modified hosts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for improved production or for producing an improved composition of proteins, such as cellulases, hemicellulases, other proteins involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic material, or other proteins, in a filamentous fungus host.

Abstract: A container assembly such as a petri dish or a contact plate for use as a sampling device for microorganisms includes a base member, a lid and a locking mechanism that provides a secure locking engagement between the lid and the base member. The locking mechanism is designed such that does not lock except upon application of a specific intentionally applied compressive force, and which may be readily disengaged from locking engagement without the need for a rotational movement or torsional force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for genetically modifying a filamentous fungus host for improved protein production. The method comprises that a filamentous fungus host is genetically modified to overexpress or to be deficient of specific genes. The invention relates also to the modified hosts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for improved production or for producing an improved composition of proteins, such as cellulases, hemicellulases, other proteins involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic material, or other proteins, in a filamentous fungus host.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an object-capturing device which accurately detects objects such as microorganisms captured at a test site. The object-capturing device of the present invention includes a capturing dish holding a carrier, which captures objects (microorganisms), on a first side of the capturing dish. The capturing dish has a through hole extending from the first side to a second side of the capturing dish. The object-capturing device is used in a way such that, after the objects are captured with the carrier directed upward, the carrier is directed downward and reagents for detecting the objects are contacted with the objects captured on the carrier through the through hole.

Abstract: A method for filtering a gas includes sparging a gas through a liquid within a compartment of a container. In one embodiment the container can comprise a flexible bag. The sparged gas is passed from the container through a gas filter of a filter assembly. A partial vacuum is applied to the gas filter so that the partial vacuum assists in drawing the gas through the gas filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining differentiation level of pluripotent stem cell, comprising a step of determining a flatness of cultured pluripotent stem cell, wherein the flatness is an indication.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant phages, a Wip1 p23 receptor binding protein and a Wip1 p24 receptor binding protein that bind to Bacillus anthracis. The disclosure further provides methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a test sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes organic micro particles in a form that promotes the formation of a microbial biofilm, operative amounts of essential vitamins and elements needed to support growth of the target microbe, and a metabolizable substrate which can be metabolized by the target microbe t the extent needed to support continued reproductive growth thereof, and which cannot be metabolized by other viable microbes in the test sample, whereupon a sensible characteristic of the sample is altered when the substrate is metabolized; b) providing a test sample obtained from a biological, environmental, or food source, and combining the test sample in unprocessed form with the test mixture to form an admixture: and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for non-invasively measuring changes in a specimen suspected of containing one or more microbes, by monitoring changes in the dielectric constant of the specimen caused by metabolic processes of such microbes.

Abstract: A method for performing a target analyte assay of a thin film anticoagulated blood sample, wherein the target analyte is the presence or absence of specific phagocytosis and/or binding of particles coated with a particular antigen or antigens by white blood cells present in the anticoagulated blood sample, wherein the particles are coated with the particular antigen or antigens, which antigens are similar or identical to antigens expressed by a defined pathogenic infectious agent of interest.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for production of ethanol from cellulosic biomass. The present invention also relates to production of various co-products of preparation of ethanol from cellulosic biomass. The present invention further relates to improvements in one or more aspects of preparation of ethanol from cellulosic biomass including, for example, improved methods for cleaning biomass feedstocks, improved acid impregnation, and improved steam treatment, or “steam explosion.

Abstract: A method for analyzing blood cells includes: preparing a measurement specimen for classifying white blood cells, by mixing a sample with a reagent in order to hemolyze red blood cells contained in the sample and to fluorescently stain nucleic acid in white blood cells contained in the sample; detecting, by flowing the prepared measurement specimen in a flow cell, fluorescence emitted from each blood cell in the measurement specimen and two types of scattered light at respective different angles, and obtaining a fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals; and classifying the white blood cells into at least four groups and detecting neoplastic lymphocytes, by performing analysis using at least three types of parameters based on the obtained fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medium for the detection and/or identification of Salmonella, including Salmonella lactose+.

Abstract: A method detects the degree of spoilage of food by exposing a food sample to an excitation wave having a first wavelength of about 340 nm or about 380 nm, wherein the excitation wave has a bandwidth of 40 nm or less. The excitation wave is permitted to interact with the food sample and return emission spectra. A detector detects the emission spectra. A predetermined threshold value is established which defines when a food sample is or is not spoiled. The emission spectra is analyzed at a second wavelength of about 400 nm, about 450 nm or about 530 nm to provide a test or measured value of the emission spectra indicative of the degree of spoilage of the food sample. Whether or not a food sample is spoiled beyond the predetermined threshold is determined by comparing the measured value to the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing or predicting B-cell rejection in a subject. In one example, for assessing transplant rejection, the method includes determining an antigen presenting index by comparing uptake of a donor antigen to uptake of a reference antigen in a biological sample obtained from the subject. In another example, for assessing GVHD, the method includes determining an antigen presenting index by comparing uptake of a recipient antigen to uptake of a reference antigen in a biological sample obtained from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of microbiological testing of food. It relates to a kit comprising a reaction medium containing at least one inhibitor of Gram-negative bacteria and a fluorescent substrate specific for PC-PLC. It further relates to a diagnostic kit for identifying bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group comprising a container of a selective or nonselective reaction medium with a pH between 6.8 and 8.0, the medium comprising at least one inhibitor of Gram-negative bacteria and a fluorescent phosphatidylcholine phospholipase C (PC-PLC) substrate.

Abstract: Computerized methods and systems, and computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, for utilizing a time-to-positivity associated with a blood culture to generate at least one treatment recommendation are provided. Methods according to embodiments of the present invention may include receiving an indication that a blood culture is positive for the presence of a particular bacterium, determining a time-to-positivity for the presence of the bacterium, and automatically generating at least one treatment recommendation utilizing the time-to-positivity. If desired, the method may further include one or more of receiving verification of the indication that the blood culture is positive for the presence of the bacterium in question and communicating the positivity determination as appropriate, e.g., utilizing alerts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for direct detection and differentiation of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in a sample comprising (i) inoculation with said sample of a culture medium comprising at least meropenem and/or ertapenem and at least one chromogenic agent, (ii) incubation of said culture medium under conditions allowing the growth of carbapenem-resistant bacteria, and (iii) detection of colonies formed on said culture medium corresponding to carbapenem-resistant bacteria, as well as a culture medium suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of enriching rare cells, such as cancer cells, from biological samples, such as blood samples. The methods include performing at least one debulking step on a blood sample and selectively removing at least one type undesirable component from the blood sample to obtain a blood sample that is enriched in a rare cell of interest. In some embodiments magnetic beads coupled to specific binding members are used to selectively removed components.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target microorganism is disclosed. The method comprises providing a culture device with a selective culture medium and a detection article comprising a first indicator system. The selective culture medium facilitates the growth of an indicator microorganism. When an indicator microorganism is detected in a sample contacted with the culture medium, the detection article is contacted with the culture medium to detect the target microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing eukaryotic cells (e.g., animal or plant cells) in a multi-test format. In particular, the present invention provides methods and kits for obtaining a complex metabolic profile of animal cells. In addition, the present invention provides tools for assaying the effects of candidate compounds (e.g., hormones) on substrate utilization by mammalian cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting bacteria in fluids, including blood, platelets and other blood products for transfusion, and urine. The methods are based on lysing the bacteria to release ATP and detecting the ATP. Eukaryotic cell contamination is a problem to be overcome, because eukaryotic cell contain large amounts of ATP. Thus, some of the methods involve separating intact eukaryotic cells (e.g., platelets) from intact bacterial cells before lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme that catalyzes a reaction, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Typically, the enzyme is luciferin, and the reaction is monitored by detecting light produced by the luciferin. Other methods of the invention involve contacting a fluid sample with a support surface that binds bacterial cells, lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for isolating and/or culturing microorganisms are provided. The devices comprise one or more semi-permeable membranes and may additionally include a growth medium for the microorganism. The devices and methods described herein can be used to isolate and culture both known and novel microorganisms from any environment.