Abstract: A method for preserving biological material includes the steps of placing the biological material in thermal contact with a cryogenically coolable environment, cooling the surrounding environment to a temperature below the glass phase transition temperature of the biological material, applying radiant energy to the biological material to melt at least a portion of the biological material, and rapidly stopping the application of radiant energy to the biological material to rapidly cool and varify the melted portion of the biological material. The method produces cooling rates so rapid that the biological material is vitrified without an opportunity for ice crystals to form.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing bacterial contamination of a viral vaccine is disclosed. The method comprises adding an effective preserving amount of a polybiguanide-containing preservative composition to a solution containing vaccine virus or virus antigen. The method is particularly useful in preventing or reducing bacterial contamination of process solutions involved in the manufacture of influenza vaccines.

Abstract: A rapid method for modifying a viral capsid or envelope protein with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) is described. Also provided are methods of delivering a molecule using the PEG-modified viruses of the invention. Compositions containing the PEG-modified viruses of the invention, are characterized by improved gene expression, reduced neutralizing antibody and CTL production. Also provided are viral compositions having enhanced physical stability, in which the viruses are lyophilized in a formulation having a 1:1 ratio of sucrose and mannitol are provided.

Abstract: A cryoprotectant solution used for preserving biological material comprising cells is disclosed. The solution comprises dimethyl sulfoxide, an amide such as formamide, urea, acetamide, hydroxyurea, N-methyl formamide, and ethylene glycol or ethylene glycol in combination with propylene glycol wherein the propylene glycol replaces less than 8% w/v of the ethylene glycol.

Abstract: A method of harvesting and packaging marine substrate material with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method for the harvesting materials that are naturally rich with bacteria, such as sand, shells, aragonite, and crushed coral materials harvested from submerged marine environments, and packaging the harvested materials in specifically sized sealed containers, suitable for storage at room temperature and retail sale, such that marine bacteria are preserved in their natural habitat—in biofilms attached to the granular surfaces—for extended periods of time.

Abstract: The culture and preservation of Lactobacillus clearans require special considerations because the titer readily decreases. There is thus an urgent need for culture media and preservatives to prevent such a decrease in bacterial titer during both subculture and storage. The present invention relates to a culture medium in which at least one or more of sodium sulfide and ammonia is decreased by Lactobacillus clearans during culture with the addition of at least one or more of sodium sulfide and aqueous ammonia, as well as to a method for preserving Lactobacillus clearans in which at least one or more of a sulfur-containing amino acid, ovalbumin, bile powder, trehalose, raffinose, dead yeast cells, chlorella, rice bran, bran, soybean milk, and carrot juice is or are present as a preservative around the bacteria.

Abstract: A method for preserving immobilized or unimmobilized microbial cells having nitrilase activity and for stabilizing the nitrilase activity of unimmobilized or immobilized microbial cells has been developed. The unimmobilized or immobilized microbial cells are stored in an aqueous solution containing from about 0.10 M to the saturation concentration of an inorganic salt of bicarbonate or carbonate, including ammonium, sodium and potassium salts of bicarbonate or carbonate. Aqueous suspensions containing at least 100 mM bicarbonate or carbonate limit microbial contamination of the stored enzyme catalyst, as well as stabilize the desired nitrilase activity of the uninmmobilized or immobilized cells. Microorganisms which are characterized by an nitrilase activity and are stabilized and preserved by this method include Acidovorax facilis 72-PF-15 (ATCC 55747), Acidovorax facilis 72-PF-17 (ATCC 55745), Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746), and transformed microbial cells having nitrilase activity, preferably E.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A method of harvesting and packaging marine substrate material with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method for the harvesting materials that are naturally rich with bacteria, such as sand, shells, aragonite, and crushed coral materials harvested from submerged marine environments, and packaging the harvested materials in specifically sized sealed containers, suitable for storage at room temperature and retail sale, such that marine bacteria are preserved in their natural habitat—in biofilms attached to the granular surfaces—for extended periods of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation system, for cryopreserving a biopharmaceutical product that includes a cryopreservation compartment; a cryopreservation fluid located within the cryopreservation compartment; and a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial located within the cryopreservation compartment and surrounded by the cryopreservation fluid, and the biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial including a body that includes an oblong cross-section defining proximal and distal ends of the body, and at least one nucleating structure, coupled to a distal end of the body, and the body including a cryogenically stable material that is compatible with biopharmaceutical products. Also disclosed are cryopreservation vials and methods of cryopreserving biopharmaceutical products.

Abstract: An automated system and method is provided for cultivating bacteria in a fluid medium and thereafter selectively discharging the fluid medium, wherein an initial supply of the selected strain or strains of bacteria is combined with nutrients and water in a biogenerator in the presence of air to promote mixing and bacterial cultivation. The system and method utilize a vortex created by recirculation of the fluid medium to achieve aeration and mixing without substantial foaming. The system and method are particularly useful for supplying bacteria to control grease accumulation in restaurant grease traps. The system and method use a biogeneration chamber which has a cylindrical sidewall and surface on the inner side. Further, the chamber has a top and a conical bottom. The top has inlet ports and a vent port. There is also a outlet port in the conical bottom.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding eleven different proteins of granulocytic erhlichia (GE), a tick-borne intracellular bacteria, have been isolated and sequenced completely. These DNAs were isolated as immunoreactive clones from a Lambda Zap II genomic library of GE DNA purified from infected HL60 cells. Three of the clones, E8, E80, and E46, contain open reading frames for four highly homologous proteins which appear to be part of a multigene family resembling the MSP-2 gene family of Anaplasma marginale. One clone, B3, contained a gene encoding the heat shock 70 protein. The other clones (W20, E74, and E82) contain open reading frames for proteins which have some homology to other bacterial proteins present in the nucleotide and protein databases. These and other GE antigens identified by immunoscreening of the genomic library are potentially useful as diagnostic reagents and vaccine candidates for GE.

Abstract: A method for preserving biological material includes the steps of placing the biological material in thermal contact with a cryogenically coolable environment, applying radiant energy to the biological material to maintain the temperature of the biological material at physiological temperatures, cooling the surrounding environment to a temperature below the glass phase transition temperature of the biological material, and rapidly stopping the application of radiant energy to the biological material. The method produces cooling rates so rapid that the biological material is vitrified without an opportunity for ice crystals to form.

Abstract: A method for long-term maintenance of intact nucleic acid is provided. The method comprises introducing a nucleic acid containing receptacle into a cavity of a storage device. The nucleic acid containing receptacle comprises an amount of isolated vertebrate nucleic acid in a cavity of the receptacle, wherein either the receptacle or storage device is formed of a natural material. The nucleic acid is retained in the cavity by a fastener. A sealant is introduced into the aperture of the cavity of the device to form a nucleic acid storage device.

Abstract: A method for the stabilization of nitrilase activity of unimmobilized or immobilized microbial cells has been developed. The unimmobilized or immobilized microbial cells are stored in an aqueous solution containing from 0.100 M to the saturation concentration of an inorganic salt of bicarbonate or carbonate, including ammonium, sodium and potassium salts of bicarbonate or carbonate. Aqueous suspensions containing at least 100 mM bicarbonate or carbonate limit microbial contamination of the stored enzyme catalyst, as well as stabilize the desired nitrilase activity of the unimmobilized or immobilized cells. Microorganisms which are characterized by an nitrilase activity and are stabilized and preserved by this method include Acidovorax facilis 72-PF-15 (ATCC 55747), Acidovorax facilis 72-PF-17 (ATCC 55745), and Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746).

Abstract: A bioreactor (10) has arranged within its internal chamber (14) a bundle of liquid-impermeable hollow tubes (16), which are used to freeze or vitrify a biologically active material seeded within the internal chamber. When the bioreactor is ready for use, the biologically active material may be thawed by perfusing the liquid-impermeable hollow tubes with a heated solution or heated vapor.

Abstract: Strains of bacteria characterized by exhibiting: (a) a 7&agr;-dehydroxylase activity of less than 50%, and (b) a bile acid deconjugation activity of less than 50%, and descendants, mutants and derivatives thereof preserving activities (a) and (b); and a pharmaceutical composition using one or more of such strains and use of same for preventing and treating diseases associated with or caused by an altered metabolism of bile acids.

Abstract: A bioreactor (10) comprises an elastic housing (12) and a plurality of hollow, porous fibers (14) disposed within the housing. The lumens of the fibers define an intrafiber compartment, and the outer surfaces of the fibers and the housing define an extrafiber compartment. A variable flow device (34) varies the flow of the perfusate through the intrafiber compartment. The variable flow device can include a flow restrictor (34) that variably restricts the discharge of a perfusate (26) from the intrafiber compartment or a pump for increasing the flow of the perfusate into the intrafiber compartment. The elastic housing can include a wall (28) with perforations (30) extending therethrough and an elastic membrane (32) tightly surrounding the wall or a wall with at least one expansion port extending therethrough and at least one extrafiber space expander 38 coupled to a one of the at least one expansion port.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to granulocytic ehrlichia (GE) proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules coding for GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins; purified GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins and polypeptides; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules; antibodies having binding affinity specifically to GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins and polypeptides; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of nucleic acids encoding GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.2, S11, E8, E46#1, and E46#2 proteins; a method of detecting nucleic acids encoding GE S2, S7, S22, S23, C6.1, C6.

Abstract: Methods for preserving micro-organisms including viruses, such that infectivity is retained, are provided, as well as the use of such methods in preparing e.g. vaccines.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention concerns three cosmid vectors which are suitable for fragment cloning of a size between 7 and 36 kb. These vectors consist of an E. coli ColE1 replica, an ampicillin resistance gene, a multiple cloning cassette, cos sites for in vitro packaging with the lambda packaging extracts as well as fragments from the genome of the bacteriophage lambda. The lambda sequences were selected in a way to prevent lytic processes, vector instabilities (deletions) and unwanted recombination events between lambda DNA and the fragment to be cloned. Depending on the length of the lambda fragment inserted in the corresponding vector heterologous fragments of different lengths can be cloned.

Abstract: An oxygen absorber is provided which is obtainable by mixing 10 to 60 parts by weight of a particulate thermoplastic resin having a softening point of 90 to 125.degree. C. and a particle diameter of 1 to 500 .mu.m with 100 parts by weight of an oxygen absorbing composition containing an ascorbic acid compound, water and an activated carbon. The oxygen absorber can inhibit overheat to prevent spontaneous ignition. Further, the activated carbon has a particle diameter of 0.1 to 2 mm and the ascorbic acid compound includes L-ascorbic acid, sodium L-ascorbate, calcium L-ascorbate and sodium D-iso-ascorbate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preserving mycorrhizal fungi for long-term storage using lyophilization. This enables use of the fungi for growing and acclimatizing micropropagated plants. The invention is especially useful for preserving mycorrhizal ericoid fungi for long-term storage and use in a soilless medium for growing micropropagated ericaceous plants.

Abstract: A method is presented for spray-drying whole microorganisms of Fusarium lateritium, Methylophilus methylotrophus, and Pseudomonas putida under conditions that the activity of cyanide hydratase, amidase and D-2-haloalkanoic acid halidohydrolase respectively are retained.

Abstract: A method is provided for preconditioning and cryopreservation of cells harvested from a donor. Cells are suspended in a cell conditioning and cryopreservation medium containing a cryopreservative such as Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and the suspension is incubated for a period of at least ten minutes and the cells are frozen. The medium includes adenosine, a calcium channel blocker, and a cell nutrient matrix comprising a sufficient amount of cell nutrients to sustain the metabolic needs of the cells during incubation without producing detectable levels of lactate or substantially depleting the nutrient substrates to maintain viability of the harvested cells. In some embodiments, a cryopreservative is added step-wise before the cell suspension is frozen and removed step-wise after the cell suspension is thawed.

Abstract: A new bacteria species within the genus Streptococcus is disclosed, designated as Streptococcus sp PT DSM 8747. From this bacteria species a lipoteichoic acid LTA can be isolated which has a lipid anchor, galacto-furanosyl-beta-1-3-glycerol with different rests of fatty acids esterified to the two adjacent hydroxy groups in the glycerol moiety and a non-glycosylated, linear, unbranched GroP chain. The hydrophilic backbone may comprise 10 glycerophosphate units esterified with D-alanine in an extent of about 30%. The invention further concerns a pharmaceutical composition with the LTA, optionally together with a monokine and/or hyaluronidase, a method of treating cancer comprising administrating an antitumor effective amount thereof, a method of producing the LTA, and degradation products of the LTA and their use.

Abstract: A therapeutic method comprising counteracting or preventing pathologies mediated by IL-5, including those characterized by eosinophil infiltration, degranulation and inflammation, by administering to a mammal in need of such therapy, one or more compounds that bind to the eosinophil sulfonylurea receptor, optionally in combination with one or more topical anesthetics and/or glucocorticoids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing an agent from a suspension of cells using a semi-permeable membrane. In one aspect of the invention, the cells are used to bioprocess a biological fluid after removal of the agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the safe, effective, and efficient storage and transport of microbial cultures and comprises a vial and cap combination wherein the cap comprises an immobilized desiccant and the vial comprises viable microorganisms lyophilized in a lyophlization medium. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the storage and transport of bacterial cultures. The present invention is suitable for use in circumstances where long-term storage of microbial cultures is desired.

Abstract: After the cryopreservation of living cells, the cells in a post-thaw recovery stage are supported by a gas permeable medium. This medium comprises at least one polyfluorinated compound. This compound may be gassed, for example with oxygen where oxygenation is required.

Abstract: Improved fermentation activity of microorganisms in a polysaccharide gel such as an alginate gel is obtained after dehydration, staorage and rehydration by soaking the gel containing the microorganisms prior to dehydration in a sugar solution to provide in the gel an amount of sugar of at least 100 g/kg and less than 500 g/kg of gel, preferably less than 300 g/k of gel. The dehydration may be carried out in a fluidized bed or by lyophilization. The gel may be in the form of beads or fibers having a double layer structure formed by an internal layer or core of gel containing the microorganisms and an external lay er or envelope of gel essentially devoid of the microoraganisms. The sugar is preferably xylose, glucose, fructose, lactose or sucrose, and the sugar solution may contain a polyol such as sorbitol, inositol or glycerol to provide in the gel an amount of polyol of at least 30 g/kg of gel.

Abstract: A host fungus of a fungivorous nematode is inoculated on a solid medium or an artificial liquid medium containing an industrial vegetable waste or by-product, and then the nematode whose whole body have been sterilized is inoculated and mass-cultivated. Fungivorous ability of the nematode can be kept by subculturing using different host fungus on every culturing stage. The nematodes, when maintained about 10 days in an aerobic condition at 20-25.degree. C. with a relative humidity gradually inclined from high to low and dried to anhydrobiotic conditions, can be preserved for a long time. The nematode can be used for biological control of soil pathogens and soil insect pests.

Abstract: A lactase-containing preparation is prepared for use by mammals having a lactase deficiency. A dried bacterial culture containing lactase is mixed with a desiccant such as silicon oxide to stabilize water content of the dried culture. A unit dosage of the resultant stabilized dried bacterial culture is encapsulated in an ingestible capsule such as gelatin capsule. The capsule is coated with an enteric polymer, and the coated capsule is treated under vacuum pressure to remove oxygen and moisture. The treated coated capsule has an extended shelf-life at room and elevated temperatures, and provides lactase activity for at least 10 hours after ingestion. The dried bacterial culture may be in freeze dried form. Suitable bacterial cultures are Lactobacillus acidophillus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Abstract: Fixed-dried human blood platelets and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The platelets, upon reconstitution: adhere to thrombogenic surfaces; do not adhere to non-thrombogenic surfaces; undergo shape change (spreading) upon adhering to a thrombogenic surface; adhere to one another to form a hemostatic plug upon adhering to a thrombogenic surface; and release their granular contents. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the same are also disclosed. The platelets are preferably fixed by means of a fixative such as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, or glutaraldehyde, or fixed by means of a permanganate fixate. The platelets are preferably dried by lyophilization.

Abstract: Methods for packaging Metarhizium fungal cultures or conidia are described. In one embodiment, the fungal culture is provided within an insect infection chamber that attracts insects, then infects them with a lethal dosage of fungus, where the packaging maintains high humidity within the chamber, allows free exchange of gases, and is impermeable to microbes, including fungal spores, viruses, and bacteria. In a second embodiment, the fungal conidia are packaged under conditions which maintain high viability even after long-term storage at both 25.degree. C. and 37.degree. C., i.e., low relative humidity and oxygen. The conidia can then be reactivated for the use in the control of insects such as cockroaches, flies, ants, soft-bodied insects, turf pests, and caterpillars.

Abstract: This invention provides a purified immortalized human endothelial cell infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Ehrlichia canis. Also provided is a method of simultaneously screening a sample from a human subject for the presence of E. chaffeensis and Rickettsia rickettsii comprising contacting the sample with immortalized human endothelial cells under conditions which allow infection of the cells and detecting the presence of infection, the presence of infection indicating the presence of E. chaffeensis and/or R. rickettsii. The invention also provides a method of screening a sample from a human subject for the presence of E. chaffeensis comprising contacting the sample with endothelial cells under conditions which allow infection of the cells by E. chaffeensis and detecting the presence of infection by E. chaffeensis, the presence of infection by E. chaffeensis indicating the presence of E. chaffeensis in the sample. Finally, the invention provides a method of culturing E. chaffeensis or E.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to granulocytic Ehrlichia. In particular, the present invention relates to a cell line selected from the group consisting of a promyelocytic leukemia cell line, an acute myelogenous leukemia cell line, a histiocytic lymphoma cell line, a monocyte macrophage-like cell line, an acute monocytic leukemia cell line, and an embryonic lung cell line wherein the cell line is infected with granulocytic Ehrlichia, a method of continually growing granulocytic Ehrlichia, vaccines comprising granulocytic Ehrlichia or granulocytic Ehrlichia antigens, methods of preventing ehrlichiosis in an animal, antibodies to granulocytic Ehrlichia, and methods for identifying granulocytic Ehrlichia in an animal.

Abstract: Methods for the in vitro cultivation, propagation, and production of antigens of Ehrlichia phagocytophila genogroup granulocytic Ehrlichia species, including Ehrlichia equi and the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in promyelocytic leukemia cell cultures, such as HL60 and KG-1 cell lines.

Abstract: A method for the high yield, agricultural production of Enteromorpha clathrata involving repeated steps of supplying brackish or seawater to a pond containing Enteromorpha clathrata.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for cryopreserving somatic cells are provided. In one embodiment, a cell cryopreservation medium is provided which includes an effective amount of arabinogalactan to maintain the viability of cells upon freezing, storage and thawing. The cells may be cooled or frozen during storage to a temperature about or below 4.degree. C., for example, to about -196.degree. C. In one preferred embodiment, ultrarefined arabinogalactan is provided in the cryopreservation medium, optionally in combination with a second cryopreservation agent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide. The medium can be used for the cryopreservation of a wide variety of different cell types from different sources. For example, mammalian cells, including porcine, canine, human, equine, rodent and bovine cells can be cryopreserved in the medium. The presence of arabinogalactan in the medium protects the viability of cells in the medium during the process of freezing, storage and thawing.

Abstract: A solid or semi-solid culture medium, designated Campy-Cefex, for the isolation of Campylobacter species. The culture medium includes:(a) a nutrient medium with an energy source effective to support growth of Campylobacter;(b) agar;(c) blood;(d) a first selective agent selected from cycloheximide, its salts, or mixtures thereof; and(e) a second selective agent selected from cefoperazone, its salts, or mires thereof.In use, the sample to be analyzed is inoculated onto the Campy-Cefex culture medium, and subsequently incubated for a sufficient time and under conditions effective to promote growth of Campylobacter. Following incubation, the culture medium may then be examined for the presence of any colonies of Campylobacter.

Abstract: Described is a system for efficiently producing live Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) organisms using laboratory animals, preferably Mongolian gerbils. Some important steps are: providing at least one breeding pair; administering to each of such breeding pair a sufficient antibiotic in sufficient dosage to destroy essentially all parasites which might be passed to offspring, especially Trichomonas; permitting such breeding pair to produce and rear offspring as production animals; preventing breeding by the production animals by separating males from females in separate cages; immune-suppressing each production animal sufficiently to permit propagation of live E. bieneusi organisms; infecting each production animal with love E. bieneusi organisms administered in an amount sufficient for such organisms to propagate but insufficient to kill the production animal; and, during a production period following such infecting, collecting the feces of each production animal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of culturing rickettsiae in Ixodes scapularis cell lines. The methods of the invention provide for culture of microorganisms such as Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia canis, and Rickettsia rickettsii. A method of the invention involves incubating a rickettsia with an Ixodes scapularis tick cell culture in a culture medium under reduced oxygen and increased CO.sub.2 at a sufficient temperature until growth of the rickettsia is detected. The culture medium comprises a medium suitable for the growth of invertebrate cells supplemented with an organic buffer. The cell culture method can be used in large scale production of rickettsia containing products useful in diagnostic assays and vaccine preparations.

Abstract: A method of making a genetically-engineered cell line which is susceptible to infection by foot-and-mouth disease virus and allows the virus to replicate is disclosed. The method involves fusing the DNA encoding ICAM-1 with the DNA encoding an antibody specific for foot-and-mouth disease virus and expressing the resulting chimeric cell surface receptor protein. The chimeric cell surface receptor protein allows foot-and-mouth disease virus to bind, leading to subsequent infection and replication of foot-and-mouth disease virus. A genetically-engineered cell which expresses the chimeric cell surface receptor protein is also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the safe, effective, and efficient storage and transport of microbial cultures. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the storage and transport of bacterial cultures. The present invention is suitable for use in circumstances where long-term storage of microbial cultures is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition capable of stimulating plant growth and to a method of preparing such a composition. Furthermore, a method of stimulating the growth of a plant such as a vegetable plant, sugar cane, a fruit tree, a tropical plant, or a grass by administering to the plant the composition under conditions such that the stimulation is effected is also disclosed.

Abstract: A test kit for the rapid detection and drug sensitivity of malaria is presented. The test kit of the present invention comprises a unique microscope/slide incubation chamber which permits rapid detection of malaria in wet blood samples using a regular transmitted light microscope to detect opaque hemozoin particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition capable of stimulating plant growth and to a method of preparing such a composition. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a microbial culture containing microorganisms having thickened cell walls. The microorganisms are prepared by passing the microorganisms having cell walls through a magnetic field having two magnets of like north poles which face the microbial culture to be treated. Upon the treatment in the magnetic field the cell walls of the microorganisms become thickened and are effective as an ingredient of a plant growth stimulating composition. Furthermore, a method of stimulating plants such as a vegetable plant, sugar cane, a fruit tree, a tropical plant or a grass is disclosed and is carried out by applying the composition to the plant to effect stimulation of the growth of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biological control of plant diseases and concerns new microorganisms belonging to the genus Nectria, as well as their use for controlling fungal infections in plants. The invention also concerns compositions comprising new strains of the genus Nectria and their use for these purposes. The invention also provides a method of screening effective control organisms from microbial strains isolated from soil.

Abstract: Methods for preserving an infectious recombinant virus for subsequent reconstitution are provided. Within one aspect, the method comprises the steps of (a) combining an infectious recombinant virus with an aqueous solution comprising a saccharide, a high molecular weight structural additive, a buffering component and water to form an aqueous suspension, thereby stabilizing the infectious virus; (b) cooling the aqueous suspension containing the virus to a temperature below the glass transition state temperature or below the eutectic point temperature of the formulation; and (c) removing water from the cooled aqueous suspension by sublimation to form a lyophilized virus having less than 10% water by weight of the lyophilized virus, the virus being capable of infecting mammalian cells upon reconstitution.