Abstract: A transplantable artificial tissue matrix structure containing viable cells which is suitable for insertion into the body is made by polymerizing precursors in an aqueous solution to form a shape retaining solid matrix comprising viable cells, matrix polymer and reversible gel polymer. The solution contains a matrix polymer precursor, a reversible gel polymer precursor, and viable cells. The reversible gel polymer is dissolved and removed to yield an insoluble, porous matrix containing viable cells. The conditions and reagents are selected to maintain the viability of the cells. The invention is particularly suitable for artificial transplant matrix tissue containing pancreatic islet cells.

Abstract: A transplantable artificial tissue matrix structure containing viable cells which is suitable for insertion into the body is made by polymerizing precursors in an aqueous solution to form a shape retaining solid matrix comprising viable cells, matrix polymer and reversible gel polymer. The solution contains a matrix polymer precursor, a reversible gel polymer precursor, and viable cells. The reversible gel polymer is dissolved and removed to yield an insoluble, porous matrix containing viable cells. The conditions and reagents are selected to maintain the viability of the cells. The invention is particularly suitable for artificial transplant matrix tissue containing pancreatic islet cells.

Abstract: A culture device is disclosed specifically suitable for identifying microorganisms such as Mollicutes comprising a container having opposed transparent optically flat side walls and a nutrient agar medium adhering to the inner surface of a first side wall, and having therein a liquid nutrient medium. During incubation, the nutrient agar medium is spaced apart from the liquid medium with a humid gas phase between the mediums, and the nutrient agar medium can be examined with a microscope through the first wall without opening the container.

Abstract: A culture device is disclosed specifically suitable for identifying microorganisms such as Mollicutes comprising a container having opposed transparent optically flat side walls and a nutrient agar medium adhering to the inner surface of a first side wall, and having therein a liquid nutrient medium. During incubation, the nutrient agar medium is spaced apart from the liquid medium with a humid gas phase between the mediums, and the nutrient agar medium can be examined with a microscope through the first wall without opening the container.

Abstract: An immunologic assay for determining the presence of one or more phospholipids in a biological fluid. The method includes adding an ethanolic solution of diacylphosphatidylcholine or alkyltrimethylammonium halide and cholesterol to the biological fluid forming a macromolecular aggregate complex suspension. To the macromolecular aggregate complex solution is then added either an additional quantity of the biological fluid or a buffer reagent. The product of the reaction is then added to antibody molecules to the phospholipid and examined to determine the presence of the phospholipids.The method is particularly useful in determining the presence of phosphatidylglycerol in a sample of amniotic fluid.

Abstract: An immunologic assay for determining the presence of one or more phospholipids in a biological fluid. The method includes adding an ethanolic solution of diacylphosphatidylcholine or alkyltrimethylammonium halide and cholesterol to the biological fluid forming a macromolecular aggregate complex solution. To this solution is added antibody molecules to the phospholipids in an aqueous buffered medium causing an agglutination reaction. The product of the reaction is then examined to determine the presence of the phospholipids.The method is particularly useful in determining the presence of phosphatidylglycerol in a sample of amniotic fluid. Thus, the assay may be used in evaluating fetal lung maturity.