Abstract: Methods are provided for the detection of P-selectin associated with eosinophils and for the use of P-selectin as a biological marker for asthma. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for detecting P-selectin in a sample containing eosinophils and quantifying the total number of eosinophils. In another embodiment, the present invention relates a method for determining the proportion of eosinophils that are P-selectin positive and positive for at least partially activated ?-1 integrin. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to kits for the detection of P-selectin and for the detection of eosinophils that are both P-selectin positive and positive for at least partially activated ?-1 integrin. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a biological condition.

Abstract: Inspection arrangements of airborne floating bacteria for performing a biological light emission reaction by using an ATP light emission reagent on the basis of the ATP derived from viable cells in captured airborne floating bacteria in the air contained in the inspection sample, measuring the light emission quantity due to the biological light emission reaction, determining the ATP quantity contained in the inspection sample, and counting the number of cells in the airborne floating bacteria, the light emission quantity of the ATP light emission reagent is measured, and a measured value of light emission quantity of the ATP light emission reagent and a predetermined theoretical value corresponding to the measured value are compared, and thereby the reliability of the ATP light emission reagent to be used and the inspection results is evaluated at the same time.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detection of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms is provided. The device can include indicators to differentiate staphylococcal from non-staphylococcal microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The methods further include obtaining a differential count of staphylococcal and non-staphylococcal microorganisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the filed of medical diagnostics, specifically directed towards the field of bacterial vaginosis diagnostic methods, systems and apparatus. Also included is a multiplexed platform test for the diagnosis of infectious vaginitis.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a bacteriological test on plasma, comprising a sedimentation unit for a blood sample contained in a first container to separate the corpuscular part of the sample, which sediments on the bottom of the first container, from the liquid part or plasma, pick-up and inoculum means to pick up a portion of the surnatant, and to inoculate the portion in a culture ground inside a second container allowing a bacterial growth, optical measurement means, to effect measurements of the culture ground in order to determine the presence of bacteria and microorganisms, and processing means comprising a data bank, to collect measurement data, to construct a curve that represents the intensity of the radiation diverted by the culture ground in the measurement with respect to time, whose parameters are compared with reference values in order to determine typical analysis parameters, said values being characteristic for each bacterial species. Disclosed is further a corresponding method.

Abstract: A method for counting blood cells in a sample of whole blood. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a sample of whole blood; (b) depositing the sample of whole blood onto a slide, e.g., a microscope slide; (c) employing a spreader to create a blood smear; (d) allowing the blood smear to dry on the slide; (e) measuring absorption or reflectance of light attributable to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells in the blood smear on the slide; (f) recording a magnified two-dimensional digital image of the area of analysis identified by the measurement in step (e) as being of suitable thickness for analysis; and (g) collecting, analyzing, and storing data from the magnified two-dimensional digital image. Optionally, steps of fixing and staining of blood cells on the slide can be employed in the method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of a target microorganism in a liquid sample are provided. Methods comprise the steps of passing the liquid sample through a surface filter, placing the surface filter into contact with a culture device, incubating the culture device for a period of time and detecting the presence of a target microorganism. Methods may be used with an automated detection system.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for detecting objects in samples. The sample is held in the transmission path of light from a light source to a detector, whereby light from the light source interacts with objects in the sample. The patterns of light incident on the detector subsequent to its interaction with the objects are directly used to determine the presence of objects in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phenotypically distinct CD1dhigh CD5+ B cell subset that regulates T cell mediated inflammatory responses through the secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-IO). The invention also relates to the use of these IL-IO producing regulatory B cells in the manipulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and in the treatment of disease. Therapeutic approaches involving adoptive transfer of these regulatory B cells, or expansion of their endogenous levels for controlling autoimmune or inflammatory diseases and conditions are described. Ablation of this subset of regulatory B cells, or inhibition of their IL-IO production can be used to upregulate immunodeficient conditions, and/or to treat tumors/cancer. Diagnostic applications also are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for counting biomolecules or cells. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cell counting or biomolecule counting system including: a covered chamber having a known height and configured to hold a suspension of biomolecules or cells in a sample; at least one fluorescent light source connected to at least one fluorescent light beam narrowing device; a bright-field light source connected to a bright-field light beam narrowing device; a microscope objective; a detection device; a fluorescent filter assembly to allow only excitation light to illuminate the sample and allow only emission light from the sample to be imaged by the detection device; and a movable light shutter to block bright-field light during fluorescent detection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to counting techniques for counting biological agents on a biological growth plate or similar medium. In order to automate the counting of biological agents, a biological growth plate is inserted into a biological scanning unit. Upon insertion of the biological growth plate, the biological scanning unit generates an image of the plate. Then, the amount of biological agents that appear in the image, such as a number of bacteria colonies, can be counted or otherwise determined using image processing and analysis routines performed either by the scanning unit or an external computing device, such as a desktop computer, workstation or the like. A variety of counting rules are described herein that can be used to improve the accuracy of automated counts of biological agents on a biological growth plate.

Abstract: Compositions, kits and methods for treating and diagnosing subtypes of asthma patients are provided. Also provided are methods for identifying effective asthma therapeutic agents and predicting responsiveness to asthma therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Bioreactors suitable for housing a predetermined volume of liquid comprising nutrient medium and biological culture comprising: (a) a container having at least one interior wall; (b) at least one nutrient medium inlet; (c) at least one liquid outlet; (d) at least one gas inlet; (e) at least one gas outlet; and (f) at least one cylindrical sparging filter attached to the at least one gas inlet, wherein the sparging filter comprises a plurality of pores along its axis which permit gas to be emitted radially from the sparging filter into the liquid, wherein the diameter of the plurality of pores does not exceed about 50 ?m, and wherein the orientation of the at least one sparging filter within the container provides for immersion of the plurality of pores within the liquid and substantially uniform distribution of emitted gas throughout the liquid, and related methods of using said bioreactors to prepare various biological products.

Abstract: This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age.

Abstract: Method for enhancing the transfection rate of a mammalian expression vector in CHO cells.

Abstract: A dilution buffer for suspension and an enumeration method, which, for the measurement of the viable cell count of a microorganism contained within a sample, and particularly a powdered product such as a milk powder, yield more accurate measurement values than have conventionally been obtainable. A dilution buffer for suspension, used for preparing a suspension buffer of a sample when conducting a measurement of the viable cell count of a microorganism contained within the sample, wherein the dilution buffer contains polysorbates at a concentration of not less than 0.5%. Also, an enumeration method for a microorganism contained within a sample, the method including: preparing a suspension buffer of the sample using a dilution buffer for suspension containing polysorbates at a concentration of not less than 0.5%, and measuring the viable cell count of the microorganism contained within the suspension buffer.

Abstract: A cell analyzing apparatus, comprising: a parameter obtaining section for obtaining a characteristic parameter from a cell in a measurement sample; an imaging section for capturing an image of the cell in the measurement sample; an analyzing section for counting a cell in which the characteristic parameter meets a predetermined requirement among the cells in the measurement sample as a counting target and generating output data based on a counting result; a display section for displaying an image of the cell meeting the predetermined requirement and the output data; and an input section for receiving an instruction to specify the image displayed on the display section, wherein the analyzing section excludes a cell relevant to the specified image from the counting target and regenerates the output data is disclosed. A cell analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating microorganisms which can solve conventional problems in a treatment of counting the number of microorganisms, a proliferation treatment of microorganisms and a purification treatment of microorganisms is provided. A method of treating microorganisms in which any one of the intended treatments of a treatment of counting the number of microorganisms, a proliferation treatment of microorganisms and a purification treatment of microorganisms is carried out, the method including, before carrying out an intended treatment step, a pretreatment step of packing a predetermined amount of a sample solution containing the microorganisms in a closed container 22 and subjecting the closed container to high speed oscillating motion.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to a novel microfluidic device for the in it propagation of neoplastic cellagregates under conditions that mimic the physiological microenvironment found in tumors. The invention also describes methods of screening for therapeutic test agents and protocols that target proliferating and quiescent neoplastic cells within tumors.

Abstract: A medium for the culture and detection of target microorganisms, having at least one natural or synthetic specific substrate configured to detect at least one enzyme activity or metabolic activity of the target microorganisms and at least one compound that inhibits or delays the germination of spores of microorganisms, other than the target microorganisms, that are capable of interfering with the culture and detection of the target microorganisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for investigating neurogenesis, neural cell proliferation and differentiation. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods for identifying pharmaceutical agents capable of modulating neurogenesis and neural cell proliferation, methods of screening for genes that modulate neurogenesis and proliferation of neural progenitor cells, and methods of identifying pharmaceutical agents as candidate modulators of neurogenesis and neural proliferation or differentiation. The present disclosure also relates to methods for identifying pharmaceutical agents to characterize and modulate neurogenesis, pharmaceutical agents identified by such methods, methods for treating patients with such pharmaceutical agents, and compositions containing such pharmaceutical agents. Accordingly, the present methods enable elucidation of the mechanisms that control neurogenesis, brain development and function in healthy animals and in disorders of the nervous system.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids contain cells including blood, bone marrow, urine, vaginal tissue, epithelial tissue, tumors, semen, and spittle are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide and generating a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and method for utilizing multi-color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: A method for detecting and enumerating viable microorganisms in a sample suspected of containing said microorganisms (1) contacting said microorganisms of said sample with at least one repair compound and a growth medium, and (2) incubating the product of steps (1), and (3) detecting and quantifying said viable microorganisms, in which the microorganisms are of the species Legionella pneumophila, and in which the repair compound directly or indirectly causes an effect on the metabolism to reduce the oxidative stress of the microorganism. The invention also includes a kit for more accurately detecting and enumerating viable microorganisms of the species Legionella pneumophila in a sample suspected of containing said microorganisms.

Abstract: A magnetic sifter is adapted for manipulation of biological cells by providing a greater pore density at the edge of the sifter than at the center. Application of an external magnetic field to the sifter causes high magnetic fields and field gradients at the sifter pores. These conditions are suitable for capturing magnetically tagged or labeled cells at the sifter pores. Altering the external magnetic field can provide controlled capture and/or release of magnetically labeled cells from the sifter pores. The purpose of having a greater pore density at the periphery of the sifter than at the center is to provide improved flow rate uniformity through the sifter. Such flow rate uniformity is advantageous for cell quantification.

Abstract: To provide a molecular probe for imaging of pancreatic islets. A molecular probe for use in imaging of pancreatic islets is provided. The molecular probe includes any one of the following polypeptides; polypeptides represented by the following formulae (1), (5), and (9); and polypeptides having homology with the foregoing polypeptides; Z-DLSXQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2? (1) Z-DLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLXNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2? (5) B-DLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2? (9) where X in the formulae (1) and (5) and B—in the formula (9) indicate that an amino group is labeled with a group represented by the formula (I) below having an aromatic ring, wherein A represents either an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic heterocyclic group, R1 represents a substituent that contains radioactive iodine, R2 represents either a hydrogen atom or a substituent different from that represented by R1, and R3 represents any one of a bond, a methylene group, and an oxymethylene group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for efficiently producing recombinant proteins. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for calculating the protein in inclusion bodies before the refolding step in large scale recombinant protein production, thereby improving the efficiency of the refolding step and overall yield and quality of the sample protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, economical yet efficient method of creating transplant tolerance in organ transplant patients without the continuous need for costly immunosuppressive drugs with serious adverse effects. The invention essentially deals with the administration of a novel composition to the patient which consists of adipose tissue derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) combined with bone marrow derived Haematopoietic Stem Cells(HSC) and MSC and peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). This helps in creating transplant tolerance ie. Stable adequate allograft function with minimum/no rejection using very low dose of immunosuppressive medication. The invention also deals with a simple method of isolating Mesenchymal Stem cells from human adipose tissue without using any xenogenic material.

Abstract: A blood test instrument using a disposable cartridge and a method of measuring a blood sample using the instrument are disclosed. The instrument includes a cell counting station for counting blood cells by electrical resistance measurement, a pressure actuating component adapted to apply a pressure alternately on two flexible receptacles of a disposable cartridge removably placed in the instrument to cause flowing of a mixture of a blood sample and a liquid agent between the two receptacles to obtain proper mixing, and a conduit adapted to deliver the mixture to the cell counting station for counting. After measuring the blood sample, the instrument withdraws a washing liquid contained in another receptacle of the disposable cartridge and uses the washing liquid to clean the instrument and to deliver the mixture back to the cartridge for disposal.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a fermenting process, wherein the method comprises collecting samples of biological cells from a fermenting tank, obtaining the state information of the current biological cells based on the collected samples, comparing the state information of the current biological cells with preset target status information to obtain the difference between the state information of the current biological cells and preset target state information, and controlling the feed rate of nutritional solution into the fermenting tank. Real time control of biological fermenting process is thus accomplished based on the state information of the biological cells during fermentation, and the consistency during fermentation is improved. Complicated mathematical modeling and man-made data analysis are not required for the method and device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining pulse height distribution by using an apparatus comprising: an analogue to digital pulses height categorisation unit comparing the pulse to analogue threshold voltages and counting each event within each pulse height category using a micro controller. The method may comprise the steps of i) selecting a first set of threshold voltages, ii) performing a first measurement using the first set of threshold voltages, iii) selecting a new set of threshold voltages different from the first set of threshold voltages, iv) performing a new measurement using the new set of threshold voltages, v) determining cell size distribution based on the first measurement and the new measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a specimen containing particles that can be difficult to differentiate. The system and method determines a first collective count of a selected group of particles in the specimen, treats at least a portion of the specimen to alter a subgroup of the selected group of particles, determines a second collective count of any of the selected group of particles in the treated portion of the specimen, and subtracts the second collective count from the first collective count to determine a differentiation count for the subgroup of particles altered by the treating of the specimen. The system and method is described with the example of determining concentrations of red and white blood cells in a specimen (e.g. spinal fluid), using auto-particle recognition techniques, without attempting to distinguish and count red versus white blood cells co-existing in the same specimen portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing leukocytes, by which the leukocytes can be classified and measured stably with high accuracy even when a dilution ratio of a sample containing the leukocytes is low or a flow velocity during the analysis is slow, and an analysis reagent used for the analysis method. The analysis method of the present invention includes the steps of mixing a sample containing leukocytes and erythrocytes and an analysis reagent containing a surfactant that reacts with leukocytes; and measuring the leukocytes by passing a mixed solution of the sample and the analysis reagent through a fine through-hole, measuring a signal detected when the mixed solution passes through the fine through-hole, and classifying and counting the leukocytes in the sample. The analysis reagent further contains a nonionic surfactant, and the nonionic surfactant has a sugar residue as a hydrophilic region and an aliphatic chain as a hydrophobic region.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: a culture medium that enables the growth and/or detection of microorganisms, said sample and a sensitized solid support; b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth and/or detection of microorganisms; and c) observing, in real time, the appearance of an agglutination indicating the presence of the microorganism(s) or confirming said presence when said microorganisms are detected in said culture medium, when step b) has been completed, and a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides in part methods of treating cancers of a specific organ or tissue by administering a composition that is antigenically specific for one or more microbes that are pathogenic in the specific organ or tissue in which the cancer is situated. The formulations of the invention thereby facilitate activation of an immune response to a cancer in a particular tissue or organ. The compositions may for example include killed or attenuated microbial pathogens, such as whole killed bacterial cells, and may be administered at sites distant from the cancer, for example the skin. In some embodiments, microbial species of endogenous flora that are known to cause infection in the relevant organ or tissue may be used in the formulation of the antigenic compositions. In alternative embodiments, exogenous microbial pathogens that are known to cause infection in the relevant organ or tissue may be used in the formulation of the antigenic compositions.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a predetermined cell included in a biological sample; a sample preparation section for preparing a measurement sample from the biological sample and a predetermined reagent; and a controller configured to generate, based on a detection result by the detector, concentration information reflecting a concentration of the predetermined cell in the biological sample and to control, based on the concentration information, the amount of the biological sample supplied to the sample preparation section.

Abstract: A system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in urine samples which includes: 1) several disposable cartridges for holding four disposable components including a centrifuge tube, a pipette tip having a 1 ml volume, a second pipette tip having a 0.5 ml volume, and an optical cup or cuvette; 2) a sample processor for receiving the disposable cartridges and processing the urine samples including transferring the processed urine sample to the optical cups; and 3) an optical analyzer for receiving the disposable cartridges and configured to analyze the type and quantity of micro-organisms in the urine sample. The disposable cartridges with their components including the optical cups or cuvettes are used in the sample processor, and the optical cups or cuvettes containing the processed urine samples are used in the optical analyzer for identifying and quantifying the type of micro-organism existing in the processed urine samples.

Abstract: Provided is a method of using soluble CD14 or peptides derived therefrom for protecting cells from death, specifically from apoptotic cell death. Further provided are compositions including CD14 or CD14 peptides and methods for protecting cells, in particular lymphocytes, from apoptotic cell death. The compositions and methods are relevant, in particular, for the treatment of various immune deficiencies associated, for example, with cell transplantation procedures, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases such as HIV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: said sample, a medium that enables the growth of the target microorganism(s), and a cell population capable of being lysed by the target microorganism(s); b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth of the target microorganism(s); and c) observing, in real time, lysis of the cell population indicating the presence of the target microorganism(s). The present invention also relates to a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for evaluating and using the specific properties of a particular epithelial cell present in a biological sample. Accordingly, the invention relates to a system for the culture of epithelial cells, in which at least one clonal culture is sown with a single epithelial cell directly extracted from a biological sample of epithelial tissue. The invention also relates to a method for the culture of epithelial cells, that particularly comprises the production of clonal cultures, each being sown with a distinct and unique epithelial cell directly extracted from a biological sample of epithelial tissue, the evaluation of the cellular growth in the clonal cultures, and advantageously the analysis of the capacity of the cellular material from the clonal cultures to reconstruct a three-dimensional epithelium representative of native tissue.

Abstract: An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the isolation, identification, and quantification of red blood cells and red blood cell precursors at different developmental stages. Also disclosed are methods for monitoring ex vivo proliferation and differentiation of red blood cells and red blood cell progenitors.

Abstract: A method for quantifying an amount of a viable microorganism includes subjecting a fluid sample suspected of containing a viable microorganism to a temperature change, and correlating the temperature history of the fluid sample to the amount of the viable microorganism contained in the fluid sample. The method may include the steps of bringing, the fluid sample to a first temperature, and transferring the fluid sample to a second temperature that is different than the first temperature. After the step of transferring, next is the step of measuring a temperature change in the fluid sample over a predetermined period of time. The temperature change may then be correlated to the amount of the viable microorganism contained in the fluid sample. The method finds use in a variety of applications, including evaluation of compositions or compounds potentially having microbicidal, microbiostatic, or growth enhancing properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a SNAP-25 substrate which includes (i) a green fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a portion of SNAP-25 that includes a BoNT/A, BoNT/C1 or BoNT/E recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the green fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple. Further provided herein is a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a tagged toxin substrate which includes (i) a fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple.

Abstract: A spectrometric sensor for measuring a spectra value of a flowing fluid. The spectrometric sensor comprises a light source for emitting a first light flux toward a sample of the flowing fluid, a light detector for measuring a first intensity of a reflection of the first light flux from the flowing fluid and a second intensity of a second light flux received via the flowing fluid, and a control unit configured for generating at least one spectra value according to at least one of the first and second intensities.

Abstract: A method of detecting target cells and pathogens in a test sample concentrates to target cells in solution by filtering or capturing the target cells on a solid support. The target cells are tagged with a fluorescent dye and dispersed in a solution or suspension. The resulting solution or suspension are introduced to a fluorometer to specifically identify and quantitate the target cells. The target cells can be lysed or whole when introduced to the fluorometer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the detection of microbes in liquids, in air and on non-living surfaces in which samples are exposed to frequency-modulated electromagnetic radiation of specific energies capable of exciting various metabolites, cofactors and cellular and spore components, with the microbial cells to be sampled (and more specifically the excited metabolites, cofactors and/or other cellular components) contained therein emit fluorescence that can be measured that is similarly frequency-modulated provided that the excitation frequencies are longer than the fluorescence lifetime of the excited intrinsic microbial fluorophore.

Abstract: A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device includes a container having at least one section transparent to light with an incubation zone defined in the container, the incubation zone containing growth media in which the sample is cultured. A detection zone containing a matrix composed of a polymeric material which is substantially transparent to light, and at least one indicator reagent sensitive to carbon dioxide gas generated by the microorganisms in the incubation zone is located in the transparent section of the matrix. The matrix is configured to facilitate penetration of external light aimed at the transparent section of the container and interaction of the external light with the indicator reagent to yield interactive light that escapes through the transparent section of the container, said interactive light is being indicative of the presence and/or concentration of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of an automated hematology analyzer and the detection of the light scattered, absorbed, and fluorescently emitted by each cell. More particularly, the aforementioned method involves identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of a light source having a wavelength ranging from about 400 nm to about 450 nm and multiple in-flow optical measurements and staining without the need for lysing red blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel combination therapy useful in the treatment of autoimmune disease that increases or maintains the number of functional cells of a predetermined type in a mammal by killing or inactivating autoimmune cells and re-educating the host immune system.