Abstract: A method to analyze and diagnose specific bacteria in a biologic sample using spectroscopy is disclosed. The method includes obtaining the spectra of a biologic sample of a non-infected patient for use as a reference, subtracting the reference from the spectra of an infected sample, and comparing the fingerprint regions of the resulting differential spectrum with reference spectra of bacteria in saline. Using this diagnostic technique, specific bacteria can be identified sooner and without culturing, bacteria-specific antibiotics can be prescribed sooner, resulting in decreased likelihood of antibiotic resistance and an overall reduction of medical costs.

Abstract: A microorganism analyzer has a flow-through arrangement into which a microorganism-containing sample may be introduced, and a headspace connected or connectible to a gas analyzer. The headspace is connected to the flow-through arrangement so as to be affected by the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for preparing specimens of biological cells uniformly distributed over a substrate surface. The method comprises providing a suspension of biological cells in fluid, and then extracting biological target cells from the suspension to leave debris and contaminants behind. The extracted target cells are distributed over a substrate surface into a primary layer of cells coupled to the substrate surface with the remaining cells forming a secondary layer on top of the primary layer. The target cells forming the secondary layer are then removed to produce a substantially non-overlapping layer of target cells coupled to the substrate surface.

Abstract: Solid substrates and methods for their preparation are provided, where enhanced functionalization of solid substrates is achieved, so that higher levels of binding of a wide variety of moieties can be obtained. The surface is nitrated with a nitronium agent, where the nitro groups may be modified in a variety of ways to serve as sites for linking. The resulting solid substrates find use in therapy, diagnosis and processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effect of various agents on the growth of biological material (biofilm), microbially-influenced corrosion and the deposition of organic and inorganic contaminants is disclosed. The method and apparatus allow for the modeling of the growth of biological contaminants and the deposition of organic and inorganic materials on industrial equipment surfaces, such as those used in the pulp and papermaking industry. The device consists of a tray which includes recessed areas for receiving coupons, as well as fluid inlets and fluid outlets for permitting the flow of liquid samples over the coupons. The design and configuration of the apparatus provides a great deal of versatility in testing various biocidal and other agents under select environmental conditions.

Abstract: A filtration assembly can comprise a chamber for holding a fluid sample to be filtered and a cover assembly defining a petri dish into which a filter element can be placed for cultivating microorganisms present on the filter element. A filtration assembly can also comprise a sample reservoir for holding a fluid sample and a base for supporting the sample reservoir detachably connected to the sample reservoir. One of the sample reservoir and the base can have a projection extending around its periphery and the other of the sample reservoir and the base can have a groove extending around its periphery and detachably engaging the projection in a fluid-type manner around its periphery. A filtration assembly can also comprise a sample reservoir for holding a fluid sample to be filtered and a base for supporting the sample reservoir. The base can include a fluid port and communication with an interior of the sample reservoir and a skirt surrounding the fluid port for contact with a vacuum manifold.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cell purification and ablation is disclosed. The present invention comprises a laser system which directs radiant energy at computer or manually selected individual cells thereby disrupting DNA, RNA and protein structure in those cells. The present invention produces a purified tissue section containing relatively intact DNA, RNA or protein from only the untreated cells. This purified sample is suitable for amplification of material by PCR or other techniques for the analysis of molecular genetic features in the selected cells of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring, for instance, a biological material arranged in a given pattern, whereby the biological material is brought into contact with needles placed on the head of a robot and the biological material is transferred to a support, whereby the needles are hard metal needles fitted with a biocompatible coating. The biocompatible coating preferably consists of metal-nitrogen compounds. Preferably, an anticorrosion coating is applied underneath the biocompatible coating. Once the biological material has been arranged in a given pattern, the needles mounted on the robot head are arranged according to the same pattern. Preferably, the pattern corresponds to the pattern of the arrangement of microtitre plate wells. The invention also relates to a robot head fitted with the inventive hard metal needles. Said robot head particularly forms part of a picking and/or a spotting robot.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: The activity of intracellular chemical reactions of molecules is measured by the use of fluorescently labeled substrate molecules that undergo a change in electrophoretic mobility upon chemical reaction such as that catalyzed by an enzyme. Specificity is achieved by using labeled substrate molecules that can be acted upon only by specific enzymes. Thus the activity of a specific enzyme or class of enzymes can be determined. Measurements are made with the intracellular presence of such substrate molecules, at some time of interest, typically after exposure of the cell to a stimulus that activates a particular enzymatic pathway. To ensure accuracy, measurements must be made in a timely manner so as to minimize chemical reactions occurring subsequent to the time of interest. Fast controllable laser lysis is used to obtain the contents of a single cell into which reporter substrate molecules have been introduced.

Abstract: A material for culture media comprises a fiber layer; a polymeric compound layer A free of a color former and a selecting agent; and a polymeric compound layer B containing a color former and/or a selecting agent, which are put in layers in this order. The material permits the precise and rapid microbial test of subjects having a curvature or unevenness to some extent. In addition, the material can save space required for the test and can reduce the amount of waste generated after the practical use thereof.

Abstract: A comprehensive and integrated system for monitoring (identifying, tracking and analyzing) an individual patient's malignancy through the duration of a malignancy as to a specific patient is provided. The method of the present invention allows for initial identification of a malignancy, identification of malignancy-specific cellular or secretal markers, identification of cellular or secreted markers indicative of complications, study of the invasiveness and aggressiveness of the malignancy, study of the growth rate of the malignancy, study of the effect of therapies on the malignancy as compared to control cells of the same patient (chemosensitivity versus toxicity) and the identification of a therapeutic index (i.e., the ratio of chemosensitivity:toxicity), study of tumor morphology and study of histological, cytochemical and immunocytochemical markers.

Abstract: Simple equations that relate glucose, glutamate, glucuronate, and phenylacetylglutamine 13C NMR multiplet areas to gluconeogenesis and pyruvate recycling during metabolism of [1,2,3-13C3]propionate are presented. This indicates that a direct measure of gluconeogenesis, pyruvate recycling, and anaplerosis may be obtained from a single 13C NMR spectrum of suitably prepared blood or urine samples collected after oral administration of enriched propionate, acetaminophen, and phenylacetate.

Abstract: A cell activity assay apparatus (“CAAA”) and method using electromagnetic radiation detection beams to measure the activity, e.g., chemotactic response, includes an opaque membrane having a plurality of off-axis pores which prevent experimentally significant amounts of the electromagnetic radiation from traversing the membrane. The membrane is fabricated from opaque films that have been either ablated with substantially off axis excimer laser electromagnetic radiation to form pores, or bombarded by substantially off-axis charged particles and then etched to form pores.

Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The specification relates to a method for the detection and collection of samples of microorganisms, such as mold spores, from the air and from surfaces utilizing a collection device that employs a substantially dry growth medium which is hydrated by a premeasured volume of liquid after microorganism collection on the dry growth medium has occurred. The specification also relates to a microorganism collection and detection kit comprising a microorganism collection device having a substrate and a layer of dry growth medium applied thereon, and a container of a premeasured volume of hydrating liquid.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus for preparing a sample to be used for detecting specimens such as microorganisms isolated on a filter so as to enumerate microorganisms in the sample has a turntable on which multiple sample bases are formed, a filter insertion unit, an extractant spray apparatus, a luminescent reagent spray apparatus and a filter removal unit, disposed in order along a periphery of the turntable in a direction of rotation of the turntable. By eliminating the need to move filters between processing operations as well as any special skill required in the spraying of the extractant and reagent, the sample preparation apparatus can provide accurate microorganism counts quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: A method for holding samples for analysis and an apparatus thereof includes a testing plate with a pair of opposing surfaces and a plurality of holes. Each of the holes extends from one of the opposing surfaces to the other one of the opposing surfaces. The holes are arranged in groups, where each group has at least two rows and two columns of holes. The groups are arranged in sets, where each set has at least two rows and two columns of groups. To analyze samples, at least one of the opposing surfaces of the testing plate is immersed in a solution to be analyzed. A portion of the solution enters openings for each of the holes in the immersed opposing surface. Once the holes are filled with solution, the testing plate is removed and is held above a supporting surface. Surface tension holds the solution in each of the holes. The solution in one or more of the holes is then analyzed and the solution in one of these holes is identified for further study.

Abstract: The present invention reates to a method for detecting activated ras protein. The method includes immobilizing a protein on a solid support, incubating the immobilized protein with lysates from cultured cells, where the lysates include activated ras protein, and determining the amount of activated ras protein bound to the immobilized protein. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting ras oncogenic related malignancy in a human subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring exfoliated cells from a variety of specimen collection devices to a preservation fluid contained in a specimen vial. The apparatus comprises an interior frame member which is inserted into the specimen vial. The interior frame member includes a cross-bar member and an open-ended well. The cross-bar member includes a blade which provides an edge for scraping exfoliated cells from a spatula type specimen collection device. The cross-bar member also provides a lower edge for disconnecting a broom sampling head from a broom type collection device of disconnecting a combination type sampling head from a Combi™ type specimen collection device. The open-ended well comprises a sloped interior wall and a lower edge for removing exfoliated cells from a brush sampling head on a brush type collection device.

Abstract: Method for detection of a biological material in a sample. The method includes the steps of liquifying the sample (if necessary) and pouring the liquified sample into the incubation plate. The incubation plate has a generally flat horizontal surface and the surface is divided into a plurality of at least 20 recessed wells. Each well is adapted to hold an aliquot of liquid and is sized and shaped, and formed of a suitable material, to hold the aliquot within the well by surface tension. Any excess liquid from the liquified sample is poured from the surface of the plate. The method then involves incubating that incubation plate until the presence or absence of the biological material is determined.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin to a patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired Constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components obtained according to the above sample collection methods. Also provided within the invention are novel breast pump and breast pump adapter devices which incorporate a solid phase sample collection medium integrated within the breast pump or adapter or otherwise fluidly connected therewith.

Abstract: A culture monitor (10) for microbiological testing of a liquid sample includes a housing having a liquid inlet (30) and a liquid outlet (32, 34), and a liquid sample filtration means inside the housing between the liquid inlet (30) and the liquid outlet (32, 34). The liquid sample filtration means including a filter medium (16) so that a liquid sample entering the housing through the liquid inlet (30) passes through the filter medium (16), with microorganisms present in the liquid sample being retained on the filter medium (16) and spent liquid or filtrate passing through the filter medium (16). A reservoir (53) is provided in the housing downstream of the liquid sample filtration means relative to the liquid inlet (30), with a volume of a rehydration agent for a dehydrated culture medium being provided in the reservoir (53), or the reservoir (53) being adapted to retain during filtration, as a rehydration agent, a portion of the filtrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of tyramide coating cells or particles for physical separation, using catalyzed reporter deposition and serial amplification staining. A catalyzed reporter deposition or an analyte dependent enzyme activation system is described for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte of interest on the surface of a cell by physical separation. Also described is a method for serial amplification staining by tyramide coating cells or particles which possess an analyte of interest or a solid phase to which an analyte is bound.

Abstract: A method for screening large cell populations for isolation of mutants that express a target activity. The products of the screening method are disclosed. Various activities, including enzymatic activities can be selected.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay system for identifying a hydrogen-gas-producing organism, including a sensor film having a first layer comprising a transition metal oxide or oxysalt and a second layer comprising hydrogen-dissociative catalyst metal, the first and second layers having an inner and an outer surface wherein the inner surface of the second layer is deposited on the outer surface of the first layer, and a substrate disposed proximally to the outer surface of the second layer, the organism being isolated on the substrate.

Abstract: A functional linker for a polypeptide in which two alpha or beta globin-like domains are genetically fused is determined by screening a library of genetically fused polypeptides, in which the linker region is varied, for the ability to participate in the formation of hemoglobin-like protein, as measured by the protein's response to carbon monoxide. In a preferred embodiment, cells expressing the protein turn red as a result of carbon monoxide pressure.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay for detecting a negative-strand RNA virus in a sample and a genetically engineered cell for use in the assay are disclosed. The cell expresses a heterologous DNA-dependent RNA polymerase that synthesizes a minigenome or miniantigenome of the RNA virus from a cDNA template present in the cell. The cell also expresses the nucleocapsid proteins of the negative-strand virus that are necessary for replication of the minigenome or miniantigenome. Infection of the cell by the negative-strand virus results in expression of a reporter gene product encoded by the miniantigenome.

Abstract: A control and system for blood testing, including a control having morphologically fixed and stabilized blood cells that have been added to a diluent. The control and system can be used advantageously for indirect acute protein plasma measurement, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate testing.

Abstract: A method of measuring the apoptosis-inducing activity of a substance in cultured, isolated cells from a subject is provided, comprising: a) obtaining a sample of cells from a subject; b) isolating a single cell suspension from the sample; c) placing the cells in culture conditions; d) exposing the cells in culture to the putative apoptosis-inducing substance; e)incubating the cultured cells; f) measuring in a serial manner the optical densities of the culture to obtain an optical density curve; and g) correlating the slope of a line representing an increase over time in optical density, due to cellular membrane distortion and blebbing, with an increase in apoptotic activity. Methods of determining the anti-leukemic activity of a substance, resistance to anti-leukemic substances and the relative effectiveness of anti-leukemic agents are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for obtaining from an initial population of cells a plurality of subpopulations of cells having a similar density by growing samples from the initial population in medium having a limiting nutrient. Also provided are methods for using such subpopulation of cells to identify members of an initial population, either spontaneously occurring or induced by mutagenesis, having altered and/or preferred phenotypes.

Abstract: A gas sampling system includes a sample trapping module having a gas pump and a power supply, and a removable magazine that fits within a port of the trapping module. The magazine contains a non-volatile electronic memory, which controls operation of the trapping module, and has a rotating carousel for holding sample tubes. Individual sample tubes are sealed at each end by a cap that has a needle-pierceable septum, and contain a solid collector material to trap chemical and biological contaminants in a gas sample drawn through the sample tube. Individual sample tubes are moved into and out of a sampling location by incremental rotation of the carousel and, while at the sampling location, a pair of hollow bore needles are inserted through the sample tube end caps to allow the drawing of a gas sample through the tube.

Abstract: A transfer loop has a loop, a stem, and an optional main body member. The loop is connected to the stem and encloses a slit resulting in a discontinuous loop. The slit is positioned either to one side of the loop or at the bottom of the loop and aligned relative to the long central axis of the transfer loop. The transfer loop is adapted to pick up an aliquot of fluid from a first surface and to release the aliquot of fluid downward onto a second surface. Specifically, the aliquot of fluid is directed through the slit and deposited in a non-random manner onto the second surface. More specifically, pressure does not have to be applied to the stem to cause the loop to flatten against the second surface in order to facilitate release of the aliquot of fluid.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing footrot, in particular bovine footrot, by administering Porphyromonas and/or Prevotella and/or subunits and/or toxins thereof or neutralizing agents such as antibodies thereto. A model useful for evaluating the effectiveness of footrot treatments or preventatives is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for gene transfer into a culture of primitive stem cells which comprises a prestimulation step of adding a blocking agent to block at least one inhibitor of a cell cycle of said primitive stem cells. The prestimulation is time-limited for a period of less than approximately 36 hours so that said culture of primitive stem cells retains hematopoietic potential.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a test microorganism is a known microorganism, involving use of an agent that specifically affects the growth of the known microorganism. The invention also features a method of identifying E. coli O157:H7 that are based on the following criteria: a test microorganism is E. coli O157:H7 if the microorganism is (i) E. coli, (ii) incapable of fermenting sorbitol, and (iii) susceptible to infection by AR1 phage.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus and process for obtaining microbial samples from a suspect surface, such as a meat processing facility, animal carcass, and the like, wherein a agar saturated porous plastic foam strip is placed in contact with the suspect surface and thereafter incubated to indicate the presence and quantity of microbial growth on the suspect surface. The porous plastic foam strip is attached to one surface of a double faced adhesive tape with the other tape face being adhesively attached to a spool on a hand roller to permit hand pressure application of the porous plastic sampler to the test surface. For use of the sampler without the roller, one surface of the double face adhesive tape is attached to a plastic strip and the sampler may be hand positioned directly on the suspect test surface. Agar for specific known bacteria may be employed to saturate the porous plastic foam sampler.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive sheet for the detection of microorganisms, which comprises a laminate of an adhesive layer mainly composed of a water-soluble polymer and a water-permeable membrane which does not allow passage of the microorganisms; a pressure sensitive adhesive sheet for the detection of microorganisms, wherein the surface of the adhesive layer has a contact angle with water of not more than 90°; and a method for detecting a microorganism, which comprises bringing the surface of an adhesive layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive sheet into contact with the surface of a test object, and then bringing the surface of the adhesive layer into contact with water, said adhesive layer or water containing a chromogenic reagent. The use of the laminate makes it possible to leave only stained microorganisms on the water-permeable membrane and to precisely observe the color developed by the microorganisms.

Abstract: A mutant Pseudomonas ayucida strain No PTA-806 which is able to selectively cleave organic C—N bonds and reduce the nitrogen content of organic carbonaceous materials is described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to offer a microorganism-detecting apparatus where the microorganism causing a food poisoning can be detected/identified by a simple operation and also a disposal treatment can be conducted safely and surely. An apparatus for achieving the object is as follows: The apparatus for detecting microorganism as mentioned below is portable and enables one to selectively incubate and detect the microorganism (particularly those which are a cause of food poisoning) without skillfulness and the detecting apparatus containing pathogenic microorganism (such as that which is a cause of food poisoning) can be safely and surely disposed.

Abstract: Method and assay devices for the detection of the presence or amount of biological material, analyte(s), or microorganism(s) in a sample. The method includes the steps of liquefying the sample (if necessary) and distributing the liquefied sample over the surface of the assay device. The device may comprise an incubation plate, a dip stick device, or other devices. The devices have at least one reagent provided within the devices. Some devices have a generally flat horizontal surface which is divided into a plurality of recessed wells. Others have one or more surfaces with reagent island(s) immobilized thereon. Each well or reagent island is adapted to hold an aliquot of liquid. The wells or reagent islands are sized and shaped, and formed of a suitable material, to hold the aliquot within the well or reagent island by surface tension. Any excess liquid from the liquefied sample is drained from the surface of the device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for monitoring at least one condition in a patient comprising the steps of (a) obtaining samples from the patient over a period of time; (b) flowing the samples, or gases associated with or produced by the samples, over at least one gas sensor; c) measuring the response or responses of the at least one gas sensor; and (d) correlating the response or responses with the occurrence or state of the at least one condition. A method for identifying a micro-organism comprising the steps of (a) providing at least one gas sensor; (b) compiling a database of responses to at least one known micro-organism under a variety of culturing conditions; c) abstracting gas or vapor from a detection region and flowing the same over the at least one gas sensor and observing the response of the sensor or sensors; and (d) comparing the response to the database.

Abstract: The invention is directed to VESPR polypeptides as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the VESPR polypeptide, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding VESPR, and methods for preparing VESPR polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of diabetes involving free radicals. In particular, the present invention is directed to the treatment or prophylactic intervention of diabetes. The present invention demonstrates that MnSOD can play a protective role against cytokine killing, and provides strategies for engineering cell lines as islet surrogates for transplantation therapy of diabetes mellitus. Further, the present invention shows that &bgr;-cell destruction and dysfunction in adipogenic diabetes is mediated via fatty acids. Methods and compositions for ameliorating this disorder are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for targeting toxic antimetabolites to gram negative infections. It provides a means of taking advantage of a key disease resistance mechanism to activate these drugs locally, and to overcome the resistance phenotype of the microbes. The invention further provides a method for selecting for antibiotic sensitivity, since a likely mechanism by which organisms are likely to gain resistance to the prodrugs is via loss of enzyme activity, which will make the bacteria sensitive to antibiotics once again.

Abstract: A sentinel chamber for containing microorganisms in a matrix, and methods for the use of the chamber in studying organisms in the field. The matrix is typically the same material as that within which the chamber will be placed. The chamber is made of a cylindrical body having a porous filter at each end. The filter at one end is contained under a snap-on cap, making the filling of the chamber quick and easy. The method of the invention uses the sentinel chambers to study the characteristics and survival of a sentinel organism in a particular environment. The medium present in the environment (i.e. soil, manure, sewage sludge, etc.) is placed in the sentinel chamber and a quantity of the sentinel organism (i.e. C. parvum oocysts) is injected into the medium. A filter is placed across the open end of the chamber, and held in place by the cap. The sentinel chamber is then buried or immersed in the environment (i.e. a field, manure pile, septic tank).

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a novel MTG of Staphylococcus aureus. Also provided are vectors and transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the MTG and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit the enzymatic activity of the MTG.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the minimum inhibitory concentration of an antibiotic for a target microorganism is provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for the detoxification of a mixture of nitrile compounds, or a mixture of nitrile and amide compounds by conversion of the nitrile compound(s) to the corresponding amide or acid compounds using a pure culture of an induced microorganism strain capable of converting a nitrile moiety to an amide or acid moiety. If an amide is formed or is present in the mixture, the amide can be further converted, using the present methods for detoxification, to the corresponding acid. The acid can then, if desired, be further degraded to CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O and biomass. The induced pure cultures are able to detoxify a mixture of nitriles or a mixture of nitrites and amides which are typically present, in high concentration(s), in nitrile production waste streams.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus which has holder stations (41, 42) for individual parts (3, 5) of a microorganism settlement device (1). This settlement device (1) comprises a lower part (30 with a nutrient medium (4) and a lid (5). The lower part (3) is located in the first holder station (41). The apparatus further has an actuating arrangement (10) designed such that the lid (5) can be moved in controlled manner between the two holder stations (41, 42).