Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for the precise positioning of cells into highly organized tissue structures, which are suitable for use in the treatment of burn patients. Specific placement of cells onto substrata is obtained by the computer-controlled direct placement of cell suspension matrix material, which includes cells suspended by an extracellular matrix material, including cell adhesion proteins, collagens, gelatin (i.e., degraded collagen), and cyanoacrylates or other cellular glues. A fluorescence activated cell sorter is used to provide a stream or droplet stream of the biological material. Cells may also be positioned by means of computer-controlled placement of cell adhesion materials such as fibronectin to a substratum which is suitable for maintaining cell growth, followed by allowing cells to attach to those areas of the substratum where the cell adhesion material has been placed.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterization of in-situ microbial biofilm populations in subsurface groundwater. The device permits biofilm-forming microorganisms to adhere to packing material while emplaced in a groundwater strata, so that the packing material can be later analyzed for quantity and type of microorganisms, growth rate, and nutrient requirements.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in a specimen taken from a patient. The method includes providing a receptacle containing an aqueous solution and adjusting the solution to mimic the in vivo clinical conditions of the patient. The method further includes inoculating the solution with the specimen and then placing in the receptacle a slide coated with a carbon source to bait the nonparaffinophilic microorganism. The slide is then analyzed after exposure to the specimen to determine the presence or absence of the nonparaffinophilic microorganism. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention exploits the herein first reported, empirical observation that even though staphylococci produce the enzyme, beta-glucosidase, this genus of bacteria is not able to produce a metabolite that will enzymatically react with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, a substrate commonly used to detect the presence of beta-glucosidase produced by other bacteria. In view of this unexpected observation, one embodiment of the present invention includes a selective medium containing inhibitors to enhance staphylococci growth as well as a first glucopyranoside substrate, such as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and a second phosphatase substrate, Such as 6-chloro-3-indolylphosphate or 5-bromo-6-chloro-3-indolylphosphate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noninvasive method for diagnosing and/or predicting a rejection episode in a transplant patient, for example, in a heart transplant patient, by determining a rise in the frequency of thioguanine-resistant mutant peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Those resistant mutant cells have a deficiency in the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. The relative frequency of the mutant cells in the population from a sample can be determined by direct plating in the presence of a selection medium and by determining of the mutation by polymerase chain reaction technology.

Abstract: A method for analyzing solid material in a liquid sample comprises the steps of: distributing the sample equally by passage through a number of discrete wells adapted to retain the solid material, the concentration of solid material being such that it is absent in at least one well; and analyzing the wells for the presence of retained solid material. A device adapted for use in a method for analyzing solid material in a liquid sample comprises the combination of: a container for the sample; a unit comprising a number of discrete wells adapted to retain the solid material and allow the passage of liquid under the application of reduced pressure; structure for drawing liquid from the container and through the wells under reduced pressure; and a manifold or other element that provides uniform distribution of the sample passing from the container into the wells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for increasing the coherency of a thin tissue section cut from a tissue sample to obtain a resulting increase in throughput of the tissue section actually transferred onto a slide for pathological evaluation. The apparatus includes an outer housing having an open end. Sealed vessel means disposed within the outer housing releasably contains ammonium hydroxide. Applicator means in fluid communication with the open end receives ammonium hydroxide released from the vessel means and is used to apply the ammonium hydroxide to an exposed surface of a tissue sample prior to cutting a tissue section from the sample. The method includes swabbing the exposed surface of the tissue sample with the applicator means for approximately ten seconds.

Abstract: A test kit and method particularly for the quantitative determination of total coliform bacteria and E. coli particularly in large volume test samples, such as water, wherein the media includes an agent which changes color and a gelling agent which reacts or provides in situ with the test sample a semi-solid broth or media for incubation, thereby restricting the mobility of the growth bacteria and permitting a quantitative count of the separate, colored bacteria colonies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the rapid detection of Group A streptococci in clinical specimens, through the enzymatic digestion by a semi-purified Group C streptococcal phage associated lysin enzyme and the identification of the released antigens, through the reaction of a labelled ligand and its respective antigen or receptor. The labelled ligand can be included during the digestion of the bacteria, enabling the total assay time to be less than five minutes. The lysin enzyme is stabilized and can be lyophilized for in situ reconstitution.

Abstract: Entry of .sup.13 C-enriched acetyl-CoA into the citric acid cycle results in scrambling of .sup.13 C into the various carbon positions of all intermediate pools. The eventual result is that the .sup.13 C resonances of all detectable intermediates or molecules exchanging with those intermediates appear as multiplets due to nearest neighbor spin-spin couplings. Isotopomer analysis of the glutamate .sup.13 C multiplets provides a history of .sup.13 C flow through the cycle pools. Relative substrate utilization and relative anaplerotic flux can be quantitated. A major limitation of the method for in vivo applications is spectral resolution of multi-line resonances required for a complete isotopomer analysis. It is now shown that (.sup.13 C)homonuclear decoupling of the glutamate C3 resonance collapses nine-line C4 and C2 resonances into three line multiplets. These three-line .sup.

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of semisolid particles or cells that have been chemically derivatized resulting in hydrazide functionalities covalently incorporated onto cell surface membrane molecules of the semisolid particles or cells, as well as a method for determining the levels of hydrazide groups on the particles or cells. The method involves the preparation and analysis of red blood cells chemically derivatized in such a manner that hydrazide functionalities have been covalently incorporated onto the cell membrane molecules, the preparation of hydrazine derivatized cells and the use of the novel cells in agglutination reactions to promote the attachment of antigens and antibodies to the hydrazine derivatized cells without loss of antibody activity or the blocking of the epitope of interest.

Abstract: A novel method for detecting chitin, and for diagnosing fungal infections (including yeast infections), with a chitinase or other chitin-specific binding protein. This method should allow the convenient, broad spectrum diagnosis of fungal infections in tissue samples or in body fluids. Fungal infections are a particular problem in immunocompromised hosts such as AIDS patients, where they can cause opportunistic infections. This invention overcomes difficulties experienced by prior methods of diagnosing fungal infections.

Abstract: A device for replica plating of cellular colonies. The device has a solid body with a first region and a first end coupled to a peripheral ridge. A ridge is disposed at the transition from the first region to the peripheral ridge. A sheet of material capable of transferring cellular colonies from one medium to another is placed over the first end and the first region. A locking element defining an aperture passes over the first region and the sheet of material creating a frictional fit which pulls the sheet of material taut over the first end. The sheet of material is compressed between the locking element and the peripheral ridge thereby holding the sheet of material in place.

Abstract: Processes are provided for removal of cells as cell pellets from liquid milk samples, or from cultures or extracts of other food materials or other materials of biological origin. The concentrated cells in the pellet can be analyzed by various techniques to determine the relative cell count, such as by lysing of the cells followed by measurement of ATP. Nucleic amplification, as by the polymerase chain reaction method, can be carried out using the cellular pellet directly, without need for isolation of nucleic acid from the cells. After the amplification, an assay can be carried out for amplified nucleic acid segment indicative of the presence of cells of interest in the sample. The invention thus provides methods for obtaining cellular components from samples of milk, and cultures or extracts of other materials, including food materials, and for determining relative contamination of milk and such other materials by microorganisms. The invention also provides kits for carrying out its various methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a cell sample from a liquid specimen utilizes a collection receptacle in which the specimen is deposited, with a filter media being place in communication with a discharge port in the collection receptacle and a transfer device for drawing specimen from the collection receptacle and through the filter for capturing the cellular component of the specimen on the filter media for defining a cell sample for analysis. The collection receptacle, filter media and carrier therefor and the transfer device may be supplied in kit form for use in a clinical environment. A hypobaric vessel may be used and the transfer device and this vessel may also serve as a disposal receptacle for the liquid specimen passed through the filter media.

Abstract: The present invention sorts microorganism populations from a mixture which contains more than one microorganism population. Microorganisms of different types vary in size, shape, and surface charge characteristics. These characteristics we believe contribute to the rate of migration for microorganisms under the influence of an electric field. Microorganisms of the same population (genus and species) will migrate similarly. By applying an electric field in a direction opposite the direction of fluid flow, separation is enhanced.

Abstract: A sampler for determining the microbiological safety or hygienic quality of surfaces comprising a scrubber-retainer which comprises a compressible liquid absorbing elastic element for scrubbing a test surface and releasably retaining a liquid, and a surrounding chamber to confine a region around the scrubber-retainer against the sample surface. The sampler includes a drive mechanism for moving the scrubber-retainer to scrub the test surface and release analytes from the test surface, and alternately compressing and decompressing the compressible material to allow liquid to be alternately released and absorbed, respectively, to produce a suspension of the released analytes.

Abstract: A filter for preparations including a sheet form filter frame made of flexible material and a porous filter sheet, in which said filter frame has an external size suitable to set on a slide glass and is slit to form an open-sided presser part with an opening bored therethrough and parallel framing parts. The filter sheet is applied to the under surface of the presser part, passed through both slits between the presser part and the parallel framing parts and adhered on the upper surface of the parallel framing parts. When using this filter, specimens are mounted on the filter sheet which is then sheared off between the presser part and the parallel framing parts. Subsequently, the filter frame is placed on a glass slide and then removed from the glass slide so as to only leave said filter sheet with the specimens mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method and culture and detection medium for selectively detecting yeasts of the species Candida albicans involving placing a sample to be analyzed directly in contact with (1) a culture and detection medium containing a nutrient base metabolized by yeasts, (2) a chromogenic or fluorigenic substrate capable of being hydrolyzed by a hexosaminidase enzyme that is associated with Candida albicans, and (3) at least one hexosaminidase-containing compound capable of activating hexosaminidase enzymes. A kit for carrying out the method for selectively detecting yeasts of the species Candida albicans is also provided.

Abstract: A method of selecting cells with enhanced secretion of a secretory product is disclosed. The method comprises exposing a population of cells to a secretagogue to result in the secretion of a secretory product from the cells and selecting from the population, cells that exhibit increased amounts of intracellular free calcium when exposed to the secretagogue. The method enables the selection of correctly regulated .beta. cells that secrete appropriate amounts of insulin in response to varying glucose levels.

Abstract: A process for identifying proteinaceous protoxins expressed by Bacillus thuringiensis genes is disclosed. According to the process, daughter toxins are first generated by subjecting a protoxin-containing material, such as parasporal crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis, to limited proteolysis with a proteolytic enzyme in an aqueous suspension having a pH above 9.5. The daughter toxins are then separated by high performance anion-exchange liquid chromatography at a constant pH in excess of 10 in an increasing gradient of a salt, preferably sodium chloride. The gradient conditions, which are specific for the column used, are achieved by employing a series of buffers having increasing concentration of the salt and introduced at a predetermined time and rate. The procedure provides a chromatogram showing clearly identifiable peaks of toxins and permits therefore the qualitative and quantitative characterization of the original mixture and isolation of the individual toxins.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or optimising a process in which a biological system comprising mixed cultures of microorganisms, biodegradable material, one or more biogenic fluorophores and optionally other soluble and/or insoluble and/or suspended substances in an aqueous environment is subjected to one or several separation processes and/or to chemical reactions and/or to biological treatment so as to obtain as a final product purified water which has a substantially lower content of biodegradable matter than the biological system, which method comprises monitoring the microbiological activity of the biological system and/or fluctuations thereof by on-line measurement of fluorescent emission and/or variations therein for at least one of the fluorophores in the system when irradiated with light and controlling one or several parameters of the process by using results from the measurement as measured variable(s) in an on-line automatisation system.

Abstract: A method for increasing the quantitation of microorganisms in cell-containing or cell-free blood samples, included those intended for blood product transfusion purposes, is provided which employs a sustained level of sodium polyanethol sulfonate throughout microbial replication on solid media. In another embodiment, purified saponin is combined with sodium polyanethol sulfonate to provide increased quantitation of microorganisms.

Abstract: A device for collecting a specimen, including (a) a test vessel for containing a solution containing an immunocomplex, which is a complex as a result of an antigen-antibody reaction between a specimen and a magnetic-labeled antibody containing a magnetic micro-particle and an antibody fixed to the micro-particle, (b) an external magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field, preferably a gradient magnetic field and applying it to the solution in the test vessel to effect local concentration of the immunocomplex to a predetermined position, (c) a magnetic member for collecting the immunocomplex at the position of local concentration, and (d) a moving mechanism for achieving relative movement between the magnetic member and the test vessel.

Abstract: Aqueous polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) compositions and processes employing aqueous PVP, for use in mounting hematological, cytological and histological specimens on microscope slides.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of on-line detecting and assessing, in situ, he amount and characterization of microbial trace contamination in an associated ultra-pure water system is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, inter alia, a monitor/detector portion and an assessment/identification portion. The monitor/detector portion includes a contamination mass detector which nondestructively senses the presence of microbial biofilms in real time when grown upon the surface of a quartz crystal wafer portion of the contamination mass detector. The assessment/identification portion is configured to provide quantitative analysis of the microbial biofilms formations based on signature biomarker cellular components. A programmable controller is configured to integrate these and other portions into an automated apparatus, which is capable of providing real time chemical countermeasures to prevent the potential deleterious effect of the microbial trace contamination uncovered.

Abstract: A flow cytometer utilizes multiple lasers for excitation and respective fluorescence of identified dyes bonded to specific cells or events to identify and verify multiple events to be sorted from a sheath flow and droplet stream. Once identified, verified and timed in the sheath flow, each event is independently tagged upon separation from the flow by an electrical charge of +60, +120, or +180 volts and passed through oppositely charged deflection plates with ground planes to yield a focused six way deflection of at least six events in a narrow plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing detectable intestinal parasites. The method includes obtaining an intestinal mucosa sample (e.g. feces) having intestinal parasites, such as Dientamoeba fragilis; and contacting the obtained intestinal mucosa sample with an acridine base compound (e.g. acridine orange and/or acridine yellow, etc.) such that the intestinal parasites become differentially stained and detectable by a human eye when viewed through a fluorescence microscope. The apparatus includes a kit or the like which includes at least one vessel or vial. Preferably, two vials are contained within the kit with one vial having an isotonic salt solution including a salt, sodium chloride, potassium phosphate, etc., and the other vial containing an acridine biological staining compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerating at least one definitive biological reaction including increasing the accuracy of determinations made therefrom. The reaction involves selected viable biological cells which are prepared in a small sample volume and rapidly mixed with microspheres having antibody specific at least to specific ones of the cells bound thereto. The microspheres can be magnetic and the bound cells can be magnetically removed to analyze the remaining blood cell populations. The microspheres can be introduced sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing 3-dimensional antibiotic susceptibility tests includes a plate with culture medium thereon, the plate rotatably mounted to a support for selective rotation. A knife is located to cut a slit in the culture medium as the plate is rotated, with a dispensing stylus located to dispense inoculum into the slit formed by the knife. A wedge apparatus is mounted adjacent the plate with a wedge-shaped leg depending into the culture medium so as to compress the culture medium towards the center of the plate, to thereby force the walls of the slit together after the inoculum has been deposited within the slit. A method for performing modified 3-dimensional antibiotic susceptibility tests includes the step of uniformly spreading a test microorganism over the top surface of culture medium on a plate. A slit is then formed in the culture medium and a uniform stream of suspending medium with a test microorganism therein is dispensed in and along the length of the slit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and rapidly, retrieving, counting and/or analyzing at least one selected white blood cell population and/or subset thereof of a whole blood sample or portion thereof. A volume of a biological sample containing the white blood cells is prepared and at least one reactant specific or preferential at least to some selected biological cells is introduced thereto and rapidly mixed for a short period of time. The opacity and/or volume parameter of the cells can be modified and the mixture is then counted and analyzed in one or more steps to obtain the desired white blood cell population analysis.The biological sample can be a whole blood sample and the reactant can include or be a lyse or a monoclonal antibody bound to microspheres, which will bind to specific ones of the cells or a combination of lyse and microspheres with antibody bound thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vitro models of the in vivo rolling and arrest of leukocytes along the endothelial cell wall, which are important steps in the migration of leukocytes out of the blood stream and into tissue, as part of the inflammatory response. The in vitro models of the invention are functional under physiologic flow conditions resulting in physiologic shear stresses. In a specific embodiment, for modelling leukocyte rolling, the apparatus of the invention comprises a solid phase surface with rolling mediator molecules present thereon. Such rolling mediators are, for example, selectins and selectin ligands which have binding partners expressed on leukocytes. In another specific embodiment, for modelling leukocyte rolling followed by adhesion/arrest, the apparatus of the invention comprises a solid phase surface with both rolling mediators and integrin binding partners present thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively recovering fetal cells from a maternal blood sample. The method is performed on a blood sample from a pregnant woman having different first and second cell surface antigens expressed by a first allele of a polymorphic genetic locus and a second allele of a polymorphic genetic locus. The method separates maternal and fetal cells based on differential reactivities of the cells to antibodies specific for polymorphic cell surface antigens, particularly the HLA antigens. In particular, the fetal and maternal cells are separated based on the non-reactivity of the fetal cells to an antibody specific for a cell surface antigen encoded by a non-transmitted maternal allele. The method can be performed using solid phase-affixed antibody and recovering non-bound cells or using fluorescent labeled antibody and recovering unlabeled cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

Abstract: A microbial pesticide containing a living Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, particularly, the Erwinia cartovora subsp. carotovora CGE234M403 strain, from which the pathogenicity of soft rot is deleted by mutagenesis and which is immobilized by mixing with a saccharide such as saccharose, glucose, fructose or sorbitol or beef extract and drying or freeze-drying the mixture under reduced pressure, as an active ingredient is applied to soil or plants, which are liable to suffer from soft rot, bacterial seedling blight of rice and black rot, in the form of a suspension, granules or powder to control the diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of bacteriological analysis for the selective detection of Salmonella and a medium for its implementation.The method is based on the specific capacity of Salmonella to ferment glucuronic acid or one of its salts, and not to produce .beta.-galactosidase.The medium comprises a nutrient which is metabolized by the bacteria, a chromogenic or fluorigenic compound capable of being hydrolyzed by the enzyme .beta.-galactosidase, glucuronic acid or one of its salts and a pH indicator.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the comparative effect of growth-affecting substances, such as antimicrobial drugs or antibiotics, on different cultures of microorganisms is disclosed. The cultures are plated on the surface of a culture medium (12), such as agar, in adjacent at least partially separated tracks, such as tracks formed as Archimedes spirals. The cultures may be different concentrations of the same microbe or a test culture and a reference culture. The growth-affecting substances (22) are placed in contact with the culture medium on which the cultures have been plated preferably in the form of disks containing a powdered growth-affecting substance which dissolves and diffuses differentially into the culture medium to produce zones (24) of inhibition of growth extending radially outward from the disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing the reactivity of living cells with respect to at least one product, comprising the formation of a strip on which cells are present, application of the side of said strip on which the cells are present to the bottom of a plate containing a series of transverse openings and application of said product or products in the wells formed by the openings and the strip.

Abstract: The presence of microorganisms in a liquid sample can be determined by a method comprising the steps of (a) filtering the liquid sample through a filter having a pore size which is small enough to prevent passage of microorganisms through the filter but large enough to permit passage of any free reducing agents present in the sample whereby microorganisms present in the sample are retained on the filter; (b) passing a test solution comprising a chromogenic reagent through the filter having the retained microorganisms thereon, said chromogenic reagent having an oxidation potential such that the reagent can be reduced by microbial dehydrogenase and said chromogenic reagent being selected such that reduction of the chromogenic reagent yields a visibly colored product; and (c) monitoring the filter for the formation of a visibly colored product, wherein the formation of a visibly colored product is indicative of the presence of microorganisms in the sample.

Abstract: A device for the preservation and analysis of samples, comprising a first container (1) and a second container (5) for containing a sample and a maintaining or culture liquid; said first container comprises at least two mutually communicating chambers (2, 3), of which a first chamber (2) comprises an element (7) carrying a culture medium and a distributor member (19), and the second chamber (3) comprises on its base (13) at least one element (14) projecting into the chamber itself and able to break at least one weakened portion (26) of the base (SA) of said second container (5), this latter being insertable into said second chamber (3).The method for seeding onto the face of the element (7) comprises distribution along paths extending substantially in mutually perpendicular directions which are preferably parallel and, respectively, orthogonal to the axis of the element (7).

Abstract: The use of bioluminescence on a filtration enrichment sample and a light measuring device allows microbial monitoring in liquids without sample incubation. All characteristics of this monitor are zero gravity compatible which makes it particularly suitable for applications such as monitoring microbial counts in water in a zero gravity, closed environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the contribution of one or more exogenously administered .sup.13 C-labeled substrates to acetyl-CoA. The measurement can be made in a tissue or cell using .sup.13 C NMR without the constraint of metabolic or isotopic steady-state. Furthermore, the method permits the determination even when spectral lines are broad due to B.sub.0 inhomogeneity, thereby opening the way for substrate utilization studies in vivo. The method does not require many of the simplifying assumptions involved in .sup.11 C or .sup.14 C methods, and, since a stable isotope, .sup.13 C, is used a wide variety of compounds with complex labeling patterns may be synthesized and studied.

Abstract: A method for selecting transfected cell clones employs a transparent container that includes a lower-most surface that is covered with a transparent, thin sheet. The method includes the steps of: growing transfected cell clones on the transparent sheet within a growth medium in the transparent container; excising areas of the transparent sheet that support a transfected cell clone; and placing the excised transfected cell clone in a cell growth medium for further replication. The transparent sheet contained within the transparent container is provided with a peripheral adhesive area that enables it to remain in place when a transfected cell clone is excised.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for both the positive and negative selection of at least one mammalian cell population from a mixture of cell populations utilizing a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed. One desirable application of this method is the separation and purification of mammalian hematopoietic cells. Target cell populations include human stem cells.

Abstract: In a cell analyze apparatus, a light beam is irradiated onto cells (or particles like the cells) flowing through a flow cell so as to measure cell light information for each cell with respect to a plurality of parameters (for example, the forward scattered light intensity, the right angle scattered light intensity and the intensity of fluorescence by different dye). Based on a minimal point of a histogram associated with the cell light information with respect to one or more parameters, the cell population is subdivided into fractions. When the minimal point is missing in the histogram, the parameters above are converted by use of a predetermined conversion expression (for example, a coordinate conversion is effected on the parameters) such that a minimal point is detected from the histogram of cell light information related to the new parameters obtained by the conversion, thereby subdividing an objective cell population.

Abstract: A method for measuring the number of living microorganisms in a specimen which comprises entrapping the microorganisms on a hydrophobic filter after the dyeing thereof, or alternatively dyeing the microorganisms after entrapping them on the hydrophobic filter, removing excessive coloring matter by washing, and then determining the number of the microorganisms by the degree of coloration thereof. A kit for measuring the number of living microorganisms which comprises a hydrophobic filter, a syringe to which the filter is fittable, a coloring matter solution, a cleaning solution, and a color reference table. The present invention enables the rapid and convenient measurement of the number of living microorganisms in the specimen without use of special equipment. In accordance with the present invention, the measurement is usually completed within ten minutes.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided for selectively culturing motile bacteria such as Salmonella, Camplylobacter, and others. One embodiment entails providing a carrier partly dipping into the liquid nutrient medium but projecting above a surface of the liquid nutrient medium, the carrier containing supported (e.g. gelled) nutrient medium and having an opening below the surface of the liquid nutrient medium for contact between the liquid medium in the culture vessel and the supported medium of the carrier. Migration of the motile bacteria from the liquid into the supported medium during the culture is thereby facilitated. The sample and the nutrient media are incubated to allow growth of any motile bacteria present in the sample in the liquid medium, and to allow migration of the motile bacteria during the culture into the supported medium.

Abstract: A method of detecting in a sample CTL specific for a particular virus, e.g. HIV, comprises contacting the sample with a support carrying immobilized antibodies to a surface antigen on T cells; separating the support and attached materials; contacting the separated support with target cells matched to the HLA type of the source of the sample and with HLA matched peptide epitope of the virus that interacts with the CTL of interest; and monitoring lysis of the target cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of screening agents. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of testing the cancer preventing activity of a drug and of testing an agent for its ability to prevent cell transformation.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying mutans streptococci in the saliva of an individual is provided comprising the steps of(a) collecting a sample of saliva on the surface of a solid carrier strip;(b) introducing the sample on the solid carrier strip into a liquid medium which is selective for mutans streptococci and incubating in the liquid medium for a period of time sufficient to allow growth of visible colonies of mutans streptococci; and(c) detecting and counting colonies of mutans streptococci on the surface of the solid carrier strip. The invention further provides a kit for carrying out the method of the invention. The kit includes a solid carrier strip for obtaining a sample, an incubation vessel sized to accept the solid carrier strip, and a selective medium for growth of mutans streptococci.

Abstract: A device useful for growing aerobic microorganisms, particularly molds. The device employs a relatively small amount of water reconstitutable medium that can be sealed in order to prevent desiccation and contamination of the medium yet still provide an adequate supply of air to the medium, by the use of a membrane underlying the medium, to support the growth of aerobic microorganisms.