Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving biological material that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of univalent oxyanions and of iodide. The solutions comprise a first neutral solute having a molecular weight of at least about 335 and a solubility in water of at least about 0.3M, and a second neutral solute having a molecular weight of less than about 200 and having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. The inventive solutions preferably contain CaSO.sub.4, together with combinations of anions and cations from the protein-stabilizing ends of the Hofmeister series, such as K.sub.2 SO.sub.4. Solutions with raffinose or trehalose in combination with trimethyl amine oxide or betaine are particularly preferred.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel pyruvate compound for the treatment or prevention of reperfusion injury following ischemia, diabetic effects, cholesterol levels, injured organs, ethanol intoxication or as a foodstuff. The novel pyruvate compound is particularly a pyruvate thiolester, a glycerol-pyruvate ester or a dihydoxyacetone-pyruvate ester.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer controlled apparatus for perfusing, cooling, and warming a biological organ. The apparatus includes a programmable computer, selectively addressable arterial perfusate reservoirs having inputs and outputs in a recirculating fluid flow path, a main pump in the recirculating flow path for recirculating the fluid in said path, an organ pump that withdraws fluid from the recirculating fluid flow path and provides it to one or more organs in an organ flow path for subsequent return to the recirculating fluid flow path or discard, a temperature-controlled cabinet housing most components of the apparatus, and improvements that permit organ perfusion at temperatures below -10.degree. C., immersion cooling of the organ to allow organ temperature reduction to below -40.degree. C. to -140.degree. C., immersion warming of the organ, and elimination of stagnant fluid in the organ flow path by means of an organ bypass valve.

Abstract: A mutant urease of Klebsiella aerogenes characterized as .alpha.H219Q having a glutamine (Q) in position 219 in place of histidine (H). The resulting enzyme has a low affinity for substrate (high value of K.sub.m) and is particularly useful in assays and test kits for measuring urea concentrations in body fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides possessing urease activity of the type expressed naturally in C. pylori and immunogenic compositions comprising those polypeptides. This invention also relates to antibodies to polypeptides possessing urease activity and use of those antibodies to detect C. pylori.

Abstract: A flush-storage solution for flushing blood out of a donor organ and cold-storing the donor organ prior to transplantation is provided. The solution of the present invention includes mannitol as an impermeable solute. The present invention also provides an improved method of flushing and cold-storing donor organs as well as an improved method of transplanting donor organs into a recipient.

Abstract: A tissue engineering bioreactor is disclosed for growing three-dimensional tissue. Cells are seeded onto a mesh and provided with two media flows, each contacting a different side of the cells. The media flows contain different concentrations of nutrients, allowing nutrients to be delivered to the cells by diffusion gradient. The bioreactor can be used to grow liver tissue, and designed as an extracorporeal liver assist device in which blood or plasma is exposed to the three-dimensional liver tissue. The blood or plasma from a patient directed to flow against the liver tissue. The liver tissue is further exposed on its opposite side to media providing nutrients and gases. The device provides porous boundaries between the blood or plasma, tissue, and media, allowing nutrient and protein delivery by diffusion gradient to dialyze a patient's blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving biological material that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of univalent oxyanions and of iodide. The solutions comprise a first neutral solute having a molecular weight of at least about 335 and a solubility in water of at least about 0.3M, and a second neutral solute having a molecular weight of less than about 200 and having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. The inventive solutions preferably contain CaSO.sub.4, together with combinations of anions and cations from the protein-stabilizing ends of the Hofmeister series, such as K.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of organ and tissue perfusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing organs, such as the kidney and liver, for cryopreservation through the introduction of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant into them. To prepare the organ for cryopreservation, the donor human or animal, is treated in the usual manner and may also be treated with iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1. Alternatively, or additionally, the organ which is to be cryopreserved can be administered iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1 directly into its artery. The invention also relates to preparing organs for transplantation by a method for the removal of the cryoprotectant therefrom using low (such as raffinose, sucrose, mannitol, etc.

Abstract: A heart and lung support assembly for extracorporeal support of a heart and one or both associated lungs, using the lungs of the donor as oxygenators. The heart and lung support assembly is controlled by an automated feedback control system to monitor and control various attributes of the heart, lungs, and blood, such that the heart and lungs may be stabilized for an extended period of time in an extracorporeal state. The heart and lung support assembly includes generally a housing, a chest cavity actuator assembly, a blood pressure controller assembly, and an automated monitor and feedback control system. The housing is provided for receiving the heart, lungs, and trachea after being removed from the donor patient as a unit. The chest cavity actuator assembly is carried on the exterior of the housing and is provided for simulating normal inhaling and exhaling by the donor lungs.

Abstract: The invention provides a diagnostic method of determining Kell genotype by the identification of the molecular basis of a Kell polymorphism. Specifically, the invention provides a method for determining K1/K2 genotype with great accuracy, overcoming problems associated with traditional serological typing methods. The diagnostic method of the invention preferably employs amplification of K1/K2 nucleic acid sequences, and optionally employs differential cleavage of K1- and K2-specific nucleic acid sequences by a restriction enzyme. Also provided are nucleic acid oligomers useful as probes or primers for the method of the invention. Furthermore, diagnostic kits for the determination of Kell genotype are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reagent for enzymatic determination of an analyte concentration in a patient wherein the degree of oxidation of a coenzyme is measured, characterized in that said reagent is stabilized against oxidation by a coenzyme reduction system comprising an enzyme and substrate pair selected so as to enable continuous regeneration of said coenzyme throughout storage of said reagent. Also disclosed is an improvement in an enzymatic method of determination of an analyte concentration in a sample body fluid wherein the degree of oxidation of a coenzyme is measured, the improvement comprising stabilizing a reagent comprising said coenzyme against oxidation by a coenzyme reduction system comprising an enzyme and substrate pair selected so as to enable continuous regeneration of said coenzyme throughout storage of said reagent. Also disclosed are reagents for the determination of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, ammonia and urea.

Abstract: Kits and methods for measuring enzyme activities and metabolites using NADH and NADPH analogs are disclosed. The analogs have extended stability in aqueous solutions and can used as replacements for NADH or NADPH cofactors in analytical procedures. Preferred aspects of the invention include kits containing the NADH and NADPH analogs for use in the measurement of ALT activity, AST activity, Urea, Ammonia, Salicylate, Triglycerides, Pyruvic Acid, Sorbitol Dehydrogenase activity, 5'-Nucleotidase activity, Creatine Kinase activity, 2,3-Diphosphoglyceric Acid, Adenosine 5'-triphosphate, .alpha.-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase activity, Lactate Dehydrogenase activity and the Carbon Dioxide content in analytical samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for: detecting and quantifying the release of chemical agents, such as anti-inflammatory drugs from the synovial cavity of a joint into the vascular system of the joint; directly measuring the effect of chemical agents on oxygen consumption and the oxygen extraction rate of the joint cells alone; directly and simultaneously measuring the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on hemodynamic parameters of the joint, and on transsynovial parameters of the joint, such as the permeability of the synovial membrane of a joint, the production of synovial fluid by the joint, and the composition of the synovial fluid of the joint. Each of these methods is useful for evaluating the efficacy of chemical agents on joint inflammation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilizing, seeding, culturing, storing, shipping, and testing vascular grafts is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seeding and culturing vascular grafts with human cells. The apparatus includes a fluid reservoir, a pump, an alternating pressure source, and at least one treatment chamber. By alternating pressure to a support structure within the treatment chamber upon which a vascular graft scaffold is positioned, a varying radial stress is placed on the scaffold. In an alternative embodiment, fluid is pumped directly through the vascular graft subjecting the vascular graft to radial and shear stresses. Applying shear and/or radial stresses to the vascular graft during seeding and culturing simulates physiological conditions.

Abstract: Described is a method and device for conserving organs, body extremities and pieces of body tissue by means of an extracorporal circulation system. Conservation is carried out at room temperature or body temperature. Long-term conservation is carried out using three discrete circulation systems, the first supplying the organs, extremities or pieces of tissue with an aqueous physiological nutrient concentrate or with blood or with a blood product. The oxygen is physically dissolved and supplied through a dialysis membrane by the second circulation system, metabolite exchange and detoxication also taking place at this membrane. The third circulation system cuts in automatically, under timer control, to flush out the tissue. During flushing, circulation system (1) and (2) are switched off in order to avoid the liquids mixing with each other. The various elements of the device are connected up by means of disposable tubing or tubing made of sterilizable material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bacteria-coding identification method,bacteria biochemical properties identifying papers which detect the biological properties using this method, and apparatus or means useful for identifying the genus and species of bacteria using the coding identification method and biochemical properties-identifying papers.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence of multiple rget antigens or antibodies in the sample, which comprises presenting the sample to a plurality of different binding sites, wherein at least two of the sites are binding sites for different known target antigens or antibodies, each known binding site is composed of at least one molecule of a ligand-enzyme complex attached to a support, and the ligand-enzyme complex is a ligand attached to an enzyme in proximity to the enzyme's active site such that the enzymatic activity of the ligand-enzyme complex is changed when the target antibody or antigen is present in the sample. The ligand-enzyme complex embraces nonenzymatic reporter molecules such as electrochemiluminescent compounds. The method also includes assaying each binding site for a change in enzymatic or other reporter activity compared to a control value. A device for performing simultaneous detection of multiple target antigens or antibodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: An incubation limit marker for revealing the growth of contaminants present in a sample includes at least one strain or category of classically contaminant bacteria in dehydrated form which, once regenerated, will be present at a maximum concentration of 10.sup.3 CFU/ml. The incubation limit marker also includes a medium used for the dehydration of the contaminant bacterium or bacteria which includes a substrate capable of being degraded by the bacterium or bacteria. The incubation limit marker further includes an indicator of the growth of the bacterium or bacteria, for example, constituted by a colored indicator of changes in pH. A process for the "in vitro" detection of the susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to various antibiotics present in MIC (i.e., Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) in culture or antibiogram media is carried out directly from the sample of the infected medium, in the presence of the above marker, used as a signal which limits the reading time of the antibiogram.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for vascularizing tissue, a method for improving vascularization of ischemic tissue, and a method for improving the viability of grafted tissue or tissue survival in gradient ischemia of heart, brain or skin, comprising administering locally to the grafted or ischemic tissue or the site of the graft an effective amount of a compound comprising an alk-1-enyl glycerol derivative.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is used to determine out of range specific gravity of adulterants in a urine sample. An aliquot of the urine is mixed with a buffer and ion detector and thereafter with a polymer activator for ion detection. The mixture is analyzed by setting a spectrophotometer in the automatic analyzer at about 600 nanometers, setting the calibrating value for specific gravity at 1.000 and 1.0500 and reading a color change to determine the presence of adulterants.

Abstract: An artificial plasma-like substance having at least one water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agent selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, dextran 40 and dextran 70, and albumin which is buffered by lactate and has a pre-administration pH of between 5 and 6.5 is disclosed. Also disclosed is an artificial plasma-like solution having at least two water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agents one of which is eliminated from the circulation slowly and the other of which is eliminated from the circulation quickly. Supplimentation of the plasma-like solution with certain ions is described. A system for administration of the plasma-like solution to a subject wherein the system comprises a first and second solution each having particular buffers is described. The plasma-like solution including cryoprotective adducts is also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial plasma-like substance having at least one water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agent selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, dextran 40 and dextran 70, and albumin which is buffered by lactate and has a pre-administration pH of between 5 and 6.5 is disclosed. Also disclosed is an artificial plasma-like solution having at least two water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agents one of which is eliminated from the circulation slowly and the other of which is eliminated from the circulation quickly. Supplimentation of the plasma-like solution with certain ions is described. A system for administration of the plasma-like solution to a subject wherein the system comprises a first and second solution each having particular buffers is described. The plasma-like solution including cryoprotective adducts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of organ and tissue perfusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing organs, such as the kidney and liver, for cryopreservation through the introduction of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant into them. To prepare the organ for cryopreservation, the donor human or animal, is treated in the usual manner and may also be treated with iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1. Alternatively, or additionally, the organ which is to be cryopreserved can be administered iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1 directly into its artery. The invention also relates to preparing organs for transplantation by a method for the removal of the cryoprotectant therefrom using low (such as raffinose, sucrose, mannitol, etc.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing urease in an assay reagent for determination of urea nitrogen in a sample and a method for accurately determining urea nitrogen in a sample are disclosed. After urea nitrogen in the sample is reacted with urease in the presence of an organic boron compound, the amount of ammonia formed by the reaction is determined.

Abstract: A process for the determination of H. pylori in a fecal specimen comprising (a) dispersing a fecal specimen suspected of carrying H. pylori in a sample diluent; (b) contacting the fecal specimen in the diluent with a first polyclonal antibody for H. pylori antigen to form a complex of the antibody and the antigen; (c) separating said specimen and said complex; (d) exposing the complex to a second polyclonal antibody for said antigen and a portion of the antibody reacting with said complex, one of said first and second antibody being bound to a solid carrier and the other being labeled with a detection agent; and (e) determining the amount of the labeled antibody and in turn determining the presence of H. pylori antigen in said fecal specimen.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a methodology which employs cold perfusion of donor organs with a colloid preservation solution at a selected perfusion pressure which avoids tubular reabsorption and consequent energy loss. The present invention is also directed towards the direct continuous measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) through measurement of urine formation during the perfusion period. The present invention further provides a method to assess afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole vascular patency. The present invention further contemplates the maintenance of tubular patency during perfusion. The present invention is also directed to a method for monitoring cold ischemia damage as an indication for timing and dosage of nephrotoxic immunosuppressant agents, e.g., Cyclosporin A. The present invention still further contemplates a device for performing the test of the present invention.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions comprising a polysaccharide oncotic agent, a physiologically compatible buffer, a simple hexose sugar, dissolved chloride salts of calcium, sodium and magnesium, and a dissolved organic salt of sodium are disclosed. The solutions are effective substitutes for blood and may be used to preserve the biological integrity of the organs of a mammalian donor organism as shown by superior anatomical integrity of cryopreserved organs and tissues of subjects perfused with the solution. The solutions may be used for maintaining a partially or substantially completely exsanguinated subject at normal temperatures and at temperatures substantially below those normally maintained by a mammal and may be used in conjunction with hypobaric environments to maintain such partially or completed exsanguinated subjects alive without infusing blood back into the subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new preservation solution useful for the initial flushing and for the storage of organs intended for transplantation using a warm preservation technology, between 18.degree. C. and 37.degree. C. Among the components of the preservation solution are a basal mammalian cell culture medium comprising one or more serum proteins, growth factors, particularly retinal-derived growth factor mucopolysaccharides, and emulsified liquid fluorocarbons, and cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved test composition for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis, gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma by the detection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and the enzyme catalase associated with such conditions. The new test composition differs from the prior art agar compositions in being an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, urea, monobasic sodium phosphate and bromthymol blue as an indicator, and in being far more rapid than the prior art test compositions.

Abstract: A composition containing taxol for the ex vivo preservation or perfusion of organs for implantation in a subject requiring such implantation, or for cardioplegia, is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition is provided which is a transducing polymer having from 1 to 20 crosslinks per polymer molecule and selected from the group consisting of amphoteric co- or ter-polymers of pI between 6.2 to 8.0 of acrylic acid, alkyl methacrylate, and N,N-dimethly-aminoethyl methacrylate, the amphoteric co- or ter-polymer immobilized on a surface. Also provided is a method for the preparation of an analyte-responsive polymer immobilized on a surface in which the steps are a. mixing a solution of a crosslinker and the claimed transducing polymer, b. applying the solution of step a to a surface, and c. then curing the polymer to a ratio of from 1 to 20 crosslinks per transducing polymer molecule. Acoustic and optical methods for detecting analtyes are also provided which use an analyte-responsive polymer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of determining the amount of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which comprises reacting an HDL-containing sample with cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase in the presence of a reagent for aggregating lipoproteins except HDL, and determining the amount of hydrogen peroxide or reductive co-enzyme formed therein.

Abstract: A device for carrying out urease tests for combined antrum/corpus biopsies to diagnose gastro-intestinal illnesses has a carrier plate, a schematic representation of the stomach on the plate, at least one opening in the plate at the locations corresponding to the corpus and the antrum in the schematic representation of the stomach, an evaluation scale for assessment of the urease test and an area for data on the patient and for clinical data.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel pyruvate compound for the treatment or prevention of reperfusion injury following ischemia. The novel pyruvate compound is particularly a pyruvate thiolester. Preferably, the thiol is selected from a cysteine or a methionine amino acid. In a particularly preferred form, the compound is an N-acetyl ethyl ester of the cysteine or methionine amino acid.

Abstract: This invention provides a hepatic graft preservative composition containing a phosphoric acid diester compound of the formula: ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof and a method for viable preservation of the hepatic graft using the above substance.The hepatic graft preservative composition and hepatic graft preserving method of this invention inhibit hepatic microcirculation disturbance following cold storage-reperfusion of the liver to effectively prevent necrosis of hepatocytes and is, therefore, useful for the preservation of the hepatic graft.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for extending the survival time of mammalian lung tissue subjected to ischemia, by which said tissue is perfused with a preservation solution comprising a therapeutic dose of the delta opioid DADLE ([D-Ala.sup.2,D-Leu.sup.5 ]-Enkephalin) under hypothermic conditions.

Abstract: Enzyme activity is measured promptly with a high accuracy by introducing an enzyme, the activity of which is to be measured, into a column comprising a hollow tube packed with a filler comprising a support and a substrate that can be recognized by the enzyme, which is immobilized on the support, and measuring the amount of the obtained decomposition product of the substrate.

Abstract: Analytical reagents designated "release tags", for labeling molecular species with a highly detectable signal group which can be released in the form of a volatile compound at a desired point in an analytical procedure. In one embodiment, the release tags have the formula(SgCo).sub.x L(Rx).sub.rwherein each Sg is a signal group bearing one or more electronegative substituents, L is any of a wide variety of groups which when attached to a carbonyl group form a readily cleaved linkage, each COL moiety is a release group which upon scission releases signal group Sg in the form of a volative compound, and each Rx is a reactivity group for attaching the release tag compound to a molecular species to be labeled. In a second embodiment, the release tags have the formulaSgReRxwherein Sg and Rx are defined as above and Re is a release group which is an olefin, .alpha.-hydroxy ketone or vicinal diol. Conjugates of the release tag compounds and assay methods employing them are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for immunomodifying a graft so that it is nonthrombogenic and substantially nonimmunogenic when transplanted into a recipient. In an ex vivo process, the lumenal surfaces of blood vessels comprising the vasculature within the graft are coated with an extracellular matrix, or membrane synthesized therefrom, that renders the surface substantially nonimmunogenic and nonthrombogenic to the recipient, while maintaining the viability of the donor graft vascular endothelial cells remaining underneath the coating. In addition, the extracellular matrix may provide a surface, exposed to the lumen, that can support efficient re-endothelialization with vascular endothelial cells allogeneic or preferably autologous with respect to the recipient receiving the graft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of obtaining plant-derived delipidated extracts that inhibit apoptosis, the extracts obtained, compositions containing said extracts and methods of using said compositions. FIG. 11 is a bar graph which illustrates a lower incidence of diarrhea in rats treated with methotrexate and fed a diet of compositions of the claimed invention as compared to controls.

Abstract: Administration of a corticotropin-releasing factor (or a salt or analog thereof) decreases the leakage of blood components into tissues produced by various adverse medical conditions. Thus, treatments with corticotropin-releasing factor are useful in systemic inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorptive support and a method for the determination of ammonium ions in aqueous solutions by the Berthelot method using one absorptive support. The absorptive support is impregnated with a phenol derivative.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method for generating a functional hybrid bioprosthesis. Tissue formed naturally of interstitial collagens is treated to kill native cells and remove potentially immunologically active soluble molecules. Then it may be treated sequentially with extracellular matrix adhesion factor such as fibronectin, extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan such as heparin, and growth factor appropriate to the cell type required to function within the matrix, and incubating the transplant tissue matrix with cells that are either allogeneic or autologous for the recipient thereby imparting to the matrix the characteristics of the cell type and tissue selected. Tissues with a variety of functional bioactivities can thus be formed in vitro prior to graft transplantation or implantation which will exhibit reduced or no stimulation of an immunological response in the recipient.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to products and processes used to determine the presence of Enterobacteriaceae in a sample and particularly relates to a bacterial culture medium which may be used in products and processes to allow early detection and enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae in a sample. The bacterial culture medium which facilitates the early detection and enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae contains a selected amount of glucose, pH indicator and buffer which prevent diffusion of colored indicator zones associated with growing bacteria in the medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new hyperosmolar preservation solution useful in supporting the simultaneous in vitro growth of, and preservation of vascular endothelial cells from large vessel and microvessel origins. In addition, the preservation solution of the present invention may be used for initial flushing, and as a perfusate for storage of organs intended for transplantation using a warm preservation technology at between 18.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. Among the components of the preservation solution are colloid, mucopolysaccharide, retinal-derived fibroblast growth factor and a high magnesium concentration. Also, the present invention is directed to a method for preserving, without extreme hypothermia, an organ intended to be transplanted using the preservation solution.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of enzymatically determining the pH of a specimen (e.g., a solution or a biological fluid) and a kit for conducting the method. The present method involves mixing (1) a specimen with (2) an enzyme and (3) one or more substrates for the enzyme in a buffered solution having a pH effective to provide a direct proportional relationship between the activity of the enzyme and the pH of the specimen; determining the activity of the enzyme; and correlating the activity of the enzyme to the pH of the specimen. Each of the sample, the enzyme, the substrate and the buffered solution is present in an amount effective to provide the direct proportional relationship between the activity of the enzyme and the pH of the specimen.

Abstract: A test kit for the rapid detection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy tissue to diagnose gastric disease is described which includes a chemical test composition for the bacteria, a tray-like means including means to visibly display the test composition, means to handle a biopsy specimen and insert it in the test composition, and indicia to determine the results of the test.

Abstract: A regeneration chamber for promoting and controlling the growth of biological nerves, including a chamber enclosing and defining a volume in which biological nerves are to be grown, an input port for injecting agents for promoting and controlling the growth of the biological nerves into the chamber, and an output port for receiving agents and biological nerve growth byproducts from the chamber. The input port and chamber have at least one input passage therebetween for the flow of agents from the input port into the chamber and the output port and chamber have at least one output passage therebetween for the flow of agents and biological growth byproducts from the chamber into the output port. The input and output passages are proportioned to reduce increases and decreases in pressure in the chamber and a chamber may have a plurality of input ports and output ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional cell culture system which can be used to culture a variety of different cells and tissues in vitro for prolonged periods of time. In accordance with the invention, cells derived from a desired tissue are inoculated and grown on a pre-established stromal support matrix. The stromal support matrix comprises stromal cells, such as fibroblasts actively growing on a three-dimensional matrix. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc. The stromal matrix provides the support, growth factors, and regulatory factors necessary to sustain long-term active proliferation of cells in culture. When grown in this three-dimensional system, the proliferating cells mature and segregate properly to form components of adult tissues analogous to counterparts found in vivo.