Abstract: The present invention is related to compositions and methods to treat, ameliorate and/or prevent morbidity and/or mortality from microbial infections. In particular, bacterial infections that are associated with the production and release of bacterial toxins. For example, many Clostridia bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, release toxins resulting in tissue and organ damage and death, even after antibiotic therapy that either reduces or eliminates the bacteria. In particular, various peptides, polypeptides, and proteins are disclosed herein that either inactivate Clostridium difficile toxin and/or reduce Clostridium difficile toxin production.

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 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 present invention relates to growing and testing any cell type in a multitest format. The present invention is suited for the characterization of microorganisms, as well as animal and plant cells. The present invention is also particularly suited for analysis of phenotypic differences between strains of organisms, including cultures that have been designated as the same genus and species. The present invention is also suited for the analysis of phenotypic differences between cell lines. In some embodiments, a gel forming matrix is used. The present invention provides methods and compositions for the phenotypic analysis and comparison of eukaryotic, as well as prokaryotic cells. The present invention further provides novel methods and compositions for testing the effect(s) of biologically active chemicals on various cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: The present invention relates to using multitest panels to improve the effectiveness, throughput, and efficiency of testing and commercial development of biologically active compounds, in particular those useful in human, animal, and plant health. In particular, the present invention provides phenotype microarrays suitable for testing biologically active compounds for their potential application in clinical, veterinary, and plant health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing any cell type in a multitest format. The present invention is suited for the characterization of microorganisms, as well as animal and plant cells. The present invention is also particularly suited for analysis of phenotypic differences between strains of organisms, including cultures that have been designated as the same genus and species. The present invention is also suited for the analysis of phenotypic differences between cell lines. In some embodiments, a gel forming matrix is used. The present invention provides methods and compositions for the phenotypic analysis and comparison of eukaryotic, as well as prokaryotic cells. The present invention further provides novel methods and compositions for testing the effect(s) of biologically active chemicals on various cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: The present invention relates to using multitest panels to improve the effectiveness, throughput, and efficiency of testing and commercial development of biologically active compounds, in particular those useful in human, animal, and plant health. In particular, the present invention provides phenotype microarrays suitable for testing biologically active compounds for their potential application in clinical, veterinary, and plant health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: The present invention provides easy-to-use, adaptable, and convenient solutions to a heretofore unmet need for instruments that can incubate and kinetically monitor assays, especially multiwell assays. In particular, the present invention finds use in monitoring assays contained within various test formats, including, but not limited to microtiter plates, miniaturized test panels (e.g., MICROCARDS™), and petri plates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and media for the growth, enrichment, isolation, and presumptive identification of enteric pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella. In particular, the organisms commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections of humans and other animals are distinguished based on their growth, colonial morphology and color. The present invention is also directed to methods and media for the growth, enrichment, isolation and presumptive identification of enteric pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella isolated from food, water, dairy, and environmental samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in which an anti-capsule compound is used in order to prevent false positive results. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms which commonly produce capsules (e.g., Kkebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium, Chryseobacterium, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Gordona, Kytococcus, Jonesia, Rhodococcus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Cellulomonas, Brevibacterium, Arcanobacterium, Tsukamurella, Acinetobacter, Cryptococcus, etc.), as well as organisms of medical, veterinary, commercial, and/or industrial importance from various and diverse environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to kits, methods, and compositions for the characterization of various microorganisms. In particular, the present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments. For example, the kits of the present invention are particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the characterization of various microorganisms. In particular, the present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments. For example, the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi. The methods employ a testing system wherein an aqueous suspension of microorganisms is introduced to one or more test substrates comprising redox purple (8-hydroxy-11-methyldibenz-?b,e!?1,4!oxazepin-2-(11H)-one) and a gelling agent. The methods detect the response of the microorganisms to the test substrates. A testing device comprising a plurality of testing wells is well suited for the present invention.

Abstract: Testing of samples in a small, closed, and easy-to-fill device. Simultaneous filling of a large number of test wells using a novel gas-venting design, allowing for multiparameter testing and/or identification of bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the characterization of various microorganisms. In particular, the present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments. For example, the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi.