Abstract: The present invention discloses chimeric plasmid SCP2 and SCP2* cloning vectors that are useful in Streptomyces and E. coli. The invention further discloses transformants and a method for detecting transformants of the aforementioned vectors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the routine primary culture of human colonic epithelial cells within a monolayer. 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) enhanced DNA synthesis an average of 8 fold when assayed by [.sup.3 h]dThd labeling indices (L.I.) in colonic epithelial cells from familial polyposis patients and in tubular adenomas. No such stimulation by TPA was seen in cells from high-risk patients without familial polyposis, or in cells from low-risk subjects.

Abstract: A method for placing individual living cells at identifiable locations is provided comprising the steps of:(a) providing a carrier having a plurality of apertures, the apertures being arranged in an ordered array and being sized to hold individual cells;(b) applying a fluid containing living cells to the carrier; and(c) applying a force to the cells to move the cells into the apertures.

Abstract: A method for the detection of microorganisms e.g. bacteria in a blood sample comprises staining the microorganisms with a fluorescent dye and observing the fluorescence emission of an expanded buffy coat. The expanded buffy coat is obtained by centrifuging the stained sample in a hematocrit tube containing a float which occupies most of the buffy coat volume. The expanded buffy coat further separates into sub-layers. Intracellular microorganisms congregate in and are detected in the granulocyte sub-layer. The method may be modified to assess phagocytic activity.

Abstract: A device for replicating moist bacterial or other cell colonies including a rigid layer, a resilient backing layer secured to one side of the rigid layer and a cell colony transfer surface made from an open-cell, flexible foam which includes a hydrophilic material therein and which surface is absorbent, porous, compliant and exhibits less resilience than said backing layer.

Abstract: A novel method for the diagnosis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (A.I.D.S.) is disclosed, involving the use of immunocytoadherence (rosette inhibition) techniques. The method is based on the discovery that the lymphocytes of A.I.D.S. patients are unusually resistant to antithymocyte serum, and that the plasma of A.I.D.S. patients is capable of conferring this resistance to normal lymphocytes. Accordingly, the diagnostic method involves performing rosette inhibition tests on the patient's lymphocytes or on lymphocytes from a healthy donor after treatment with the patient's plasma. Any observable lessening of inhibition in comparison with a control is related to the presence of A.I.D.S.

Abstract: A hand operated press is used for extracting cell sap from biological tissue, such as from leaf tissue of plants, as well as from animal tissue as a removable barrel that holds a suitable screen in place in a well. The barrel houses a plunger that is of small diameter so that when the barrel has tissue added to it the plunger is inserted and a substantial pressure may be exerted manually to insure rupturing the cell membranes and releasing all of the cell liquid (in plants called sap) for analysis. In the preferred form the screen holds at least one standard size filter paper disk in place so that the liquid is first forced through the screen to retain large solid particles, and the filter paper disk is wetted for use in a standard analyzer for direct analysis of the desired characteristics.

Abstract: The apparatus for continuously monitoring the microbial growth in oilfield water systems comprises a pipe (1) which is made of transparent material and which is sealed at both ends with screw-on caps (2) and is provided in each case with an inlet and outlet line (3, 4), and a plurality of steel sleeves which are held within the pipe at its upper edge by a bar (5) in the longitudinal direction of the pipe and at its lower edge by a rail with a U-shaped cross-section (6), the lower U-shaped rail being provided with recesses for receiving the steel sleeves and the upper bar being kept at a distance from the lower U-shaped rail by bolts (7).

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for preventing cross-contamination of biochemical test wells included in a microtiter test plate which comprises the covering of the biochemical test wells with a porous barrier that has been impregnated with an approximately 10% (W/V) solution of a solid, water soluble compound and then dried before use, the impregnating material being one selected form a group of chemical compounds consisting of inorganic acid phosphates, the acid salts of amino acids and the polycarboxylic organic acids which are relatively non-volatile, non-hygroscopic and non-toxioc to humans and bacteria while remaining effective to neutralize alkaline gases without attacking the barrier material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the simultaneous application of a multiplicity of liquid samples to an object stage (2), more especially of sera to an object stage overgrown with cell cultures. In this connection, according to the invention the liquid samples are pressed with the aid of a multipipette (3) through a funnel plate (4), which rests immovably on the object stage (2) and which has a multiplicity of funnel-shaped containers (5) disposed side by side in a plane. The funnel plate (4) is then preferably left on the object stage (2) overgrown with cell cultures, until such time as incubation of the applied serum has taken place. By means of the process according to the invention, running of the sera is avoided and handling in a simple and reliable manner for the purposes of the laboratory investigation is guaranteed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selective removal of specific biological cells or specific antigens or antibodies, from fluid containing their mixture with other biological cells and particulates are described. Filtration by this biochemical filter system is effected in a continuous closed-loop fluid flow path. The apparatus described herein comprises a source of fluid containing specific biological cells, antigens or antibodies to be removed; a source of complementary cells or complementary antibodies for the antigens and complementary antigens for the antibodies which can form large agglutinates following a biochemical reaction a reaction chamber providing conditions favorable for fast clump formation following the reaction; a filter for trapping large agglutinates; one or more pumps to regulate various flow rates; and necessary connecting links to form a closed-loop fluid flow path that includes the sources of biological cells, antigens or antibodies and complementary cells, reaction chamber, and filter chamber.

Abstract: A device of the present invention for sterile sampling of culture liquor from a fermenter comprises a sampler (1) positioned on the fermenter (3) in the zone of stirring the culture liquor and a sterile sample collector (11). The sampler (1) is fashioned as a normally closed valve whose body (4) has a circular projection (8) on the side of contact with the sample collector (11). The sample collector (11) is made evacuated and has a normally closed valve (12) mounted on its neck, the body (13) of which on the side of contact with the sampler (1) is provided a circular groove (17) conjugated with the circular projection (8) of the sampler (1). Upon superposition and interaction of the latter is formed a sealed conduit (19) for the passage of culture liquor from the fermenter (3) to the sample collector (11).

Abstract: A method for obtaining fetal cells for diagnostic examination comprises removing detached cells from the uterine cavity and outer surface of the amnionic sac. The cells are then incubated in the presence of a separation antibody which binds preferentially to either fetal cell antigens or maternal cell antigens for a time sufficient to permit antibody-antigen binding to occur. Cells having said separation antibody bound thereto are separated for the mixture. The separation antibody can be an anitbody binding preferentially to fetal cell antigens and not significantly to maternal cell antigens or it can be an antibody binding preferentially to maternal cell antigens and not significantly to fetal cell antigens. The antibody can be bound to an insoluble support prior to the incubation, and separation can be effected by separating the insoluble support from the cell mixture following the incubation.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a microorganism which produces a desired substance. The method involves overlaying a membrane on an agar surface in a predetermined orientation. Microorganisms are grown on the membrane and the substance allowed to pass into the agar. The membrane is removed and a detectable reaction between the substance and one or more reagents is observed. The location of the microorganism to be detected can be determined by the predetermined orientation, and the microorganism can be isolated by removing it from the membrane. When the substance is not secreted by the microorganism, the microorganisms are lysed releasing the substance for passage into the agar. The microorganisms producing the substance can be located on replicate plates and isolated.

Abstract: A system is provided for receiving, maintaining and processing blood samples for the subsequent separation and testing thereof. A pre-packaged blood sample receiving vessel is provided containing appropriate additives and a quantity of beads or other physical bodies for subsequent lysis, centrifugation, and separation of the sample. An additional pre-packaged arrangement is provided at the lab for the handling and removal of the lysed, centrifuged and separated sample in order to obtain the desired portion of the sample for appropriate laboratory testing procedures.

Abstract: A collagen coated cell growth plate comprises a substrate coated with a storage stable coating of collagen fibrils. The method of preparing the collagen coated cell growth plates comprises dispensing biologically active collagen fibrils suspended in distilled water, onto a tissue culture dish. Thereafter, the dish containing the collagen fibril suspension is placed in a laminar flow hood provided with a sterile air stream and ultraviolet light. The fibrils sediment and adhere to the bottom of the dish, the water evaporates in the sterile air stream and is removed in the laminar flow hood exhaust, and the ultraviolet light ensures that the resulting thin layer of collagen fibrils is sterile and ready for the inoculation of living cells. The method yields a convenient precoated cell growth plate which can maintain reasonable shelf life when kept at room temperature without any significant decrease in cell growth support properties.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining the extent of mold contamination of grain and other mold-susceptible bulk food. The mold spores are selectively extracted from a small representative sample of the grain or other food by admixing with a solvent. After washing with a detergent, the extracted spores are suspended in a sterile solution and, in the case of heavy contamination, a series of graduated dilutions of known concentration are prepared. A measured sample of suspended spores is transferred to a nutrient growth medium and maintained under growth conditions until all possible spore colonies have developed. The spore colonies are counted. Since the dilution factor is known, the number of fungal spores in the original sample of stored product can readily be calculated.

Abstract: A portable apparatus to enable rapid determination of an individual's ABO blood group and Rh blood type and a method of using such apparatus. The apparatus has a plurality of microtubes joined together which contain blood taken from an individual. The assembly of microtubes is connected during use to an assembly of reaction chambers containing blood typing reagents. The apparatus enables rapid visualization of the test reactions within the reaction chambers, and may be used in locations removed from a laboratory to determine the ABO blood group and Rh blood type of an individual.

Abstract: A method for isolating a mutant microorganism is described. The method comprises the steps of: (a) separately microencapsulating in a semi-permeable membrane each or a small number of microorganisms from a microorganism population containing said mutant; (b) growing said microencapsulated microorganisms including treating to induce a detectable difference between microcapsules containing mutant microorganisms and those containing non-mutant microorganisms; and (c) separating said microcapsules containing mutant microorganisms from those containing non-mutant microorganisms based on said difference.

Abstract: A method for screening bacteria to select strains which will suppress Pythium spp. in small grain crops under field conditions and a method for applying field-suppressive bacteria to suppress Pythium spp. in a commercial setting are described. Four Pseudomonas strains which passed the screen test are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for taking samples from a ermenter having such a construction as to enable sterilization of the equipment for taking the sample simultaneously with the procedure of sample taking. The possibility of inadvertently contaminating a fluid being sampled is prevented. The apparatus comprises a sampler (1) provided at the inlet with a valve (3), a by-pass valve (27) mountable at the outlet of a fermenter (39), and a separating chamber (19) between the valves (3) and (27). The chamber (19) has a nipple (40) with a valve (28) for feeding a sterilizing agent to the sampler (1). An additional valve (7) is secured at the inlet of the sampler (1), a housing of the valve (3) functioning as a shut-off member of this valve (7). The chamber (19) is capable of reciprocating motion in the direction of travel of the shut-off members (4) and (6) and engagement therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring a desired one of bacterial colonies grown in a medium in a culture Petri dish onto a medium in a test Petri dish or a test tube by using a bacterial colony pick-up/transfer element of the disposable type or a bacterial colony pick-up/transfer element of the reuse type and by using various mechanisms controlled by a computer.

Abstract: A system for the production and maintenance of genomic libraries of recombinant DNA in a fixed geometric array arranged so that such libraries may be accurately replicated and maintained with the same set of individual DNA inserts occupying reproducible locations and comprising,(a) sets of individual bacterial colonies or plaques of bacteriophage which contain inserts of animal or plant DNA and are present in so large a number that there will be a high probability that the complete library will contain each DNA sequence of all of the sequences present in an animal or plant genome; to be established in subarrays which can individually be replicated,(b) a subsystem for picking up inocula from each of a geometric array simultaneously and transferring them to a second similar geometric array, including carrying and aligning means for maintaining a transfer means in superposed relationship with respect and for raising and lowering the transfer means into and out of proximity to said colonies or plaques, and(c) a s

Abstract: A method for the rapid detection of virus and viral antigens associated with somatic cells in biological test samples is disclosed. The method comprises lysing the cells with a lytic agent to reveal virus or viral antigens for participation in a virus detection system. The lytic agent is chosen for its biological neutrality in the detection system, particularly its inability to produce a cytopathic effect in tissue culture.

Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms is described comprising a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate; a layer of adhesive coated on the substrate, the adhesive being non-inhibitory to the growth of microorganisms; and a cold-water-soluble powder adhered uniformly to the surface of the adhesive, the powder comprising a gelling agent and/or nutrients for growing microorganisms. Another device is described comprising a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate; a coating coated directly on the substrate, the coating being substantially water-free and consisting essentially of a cold-water-reconstitutable material comprising a gelling agent and/or nutrients for growing microorganisms; and a cover sheet releasably adhered to the bottom member, the cover sheet being substantially impermeable to bacteria and water vapor. The devices are activated by the addition of water or an aqueous test sample.

Abstract: A motility-immunoimmobilization method permits the detection of a particular motile organism, such as Salmonella, in a sample.

Abstract: Process and device for the detection of pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, in blood in the presence of an anticoagulant agent. The pathogen is separated in an extracorporeal circulation of the blood with a biocompatible adsorbent which selectively binds the pathogen and thereafter detects by bacteriological, mycological, virological or electron microscopic methods.

Abstract: A method and a device are proposed for the injection of very small amounts of samples into cells (74) with the aid of a microcapillary (10). During the injection, a constant injection pressure of about 0.12 bar, provided by a pressurized cylinder (46) is applied to the microcapillary (10), which is reduced after the completion of the injection to a holding pressure of 0.02 bar until the next cell (64) is to be injected. A high-pressure (p.sub.1) supplied from another pressurized cylinder (44) serves for blowing out the microcapillary tip (12). A three-way valve (42) permits simple and rapid switching between the various pressures (p.sub.1, p.sub.2 and p.sub.3). Reproducible amounts of sample in the range from 10.sup.-11 ml to 10.sup.-13 ml can be injected reproducibly, simply and rapidly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating the growth interacting substance potency and growth ratio for the intersections of a scanning spot with a track of visible microbial colonies on an interaction plate. The potency is a measure of the weight of a growth interacting substance which is deposited on the interaction plate per unit volume of the growth culture medium. The growth ratio is a measure of the growth interacting substance effect on growth of colonies of microbes on the interaction plate along the path of interaction of the scanning spot with visible microbial colonies.

Abstract: A method for testing microbial interaction with growth affecting substances. A pattern of a microbe containing solution is applied on an interaction plate in a programmed concentration. A solution of a growth interacting substance is applied on the interaction plate in a programmed potency in a pattern which contacts the microbe containing solution to cause contact of the microbes with the growth interacting substance. The resultant plate is incubated for a time sufficient to produce visible microbial colonies on the interaction plate. The potency of a growth interacting substance is determined at any point of interest on the incubated interaction plate by correlating the position of the point of interest with the programmed volume of the growth interacting substance deposited at that point.

Abstract: A pad assembly for use in a microorganism culture test is provided which comprises, in sterile conditions, a water-absorbing pad which is impregnated with a culture medium for culturing given microorganisms and dried, a filter member bonded to the upper surface of said water absorbing pad and having submicron pores of a size capable of substantially preventing the microorganisms from passing therethrough, and a coating of an antibiotic deactivating agent applied to the upper surface of said filter member or to the common surface between said filter member and said water-absorbing pad, as well as testing apparatus having the pad assembly mounted in a vessel. The invention eliminates the adverse effect of antibiotics in a sample to be tested which will otherwise inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the sample to adversely alter test results.

Abstract: A replicator (10) having an impregnation head (32) utilizing a plurality of floating pins (42) is the subject of this patent application. The pins (42) extend slidably through a platen (34) of the head (32) so that, as lower ends of the pins (42) engage an upper surface (24) of a test medium (14) to deposit broths (20) containing test isolates thereon, the pins (42) will slide upwardly relative to the platen (34) so that recesses are not formed in the surface (24) of the test medium (14).

Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms is described comprising a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate; a layer of adhesive coated on the substrate, the adhesive being non-inhibitory to the growth of microorganisms; and a cold-water-soluble powder adhered uniformly to the surface of the adhesive, the powder comprising a gelling agent and/or nutrients for growing microorganisms. Another device is described comprising a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate; a coating coated directly on the substrate, the coating being substantially water-free and consisting essentially of a cold-water-reconstitutable material comprising a gelling agent and/or nutrients for growing microorganisms; and a cover sheet releasably adhered to the bottom member, the cover sheet being substantially impermeable to bacteria and water vapor. The devices are activated by the addition of water or an aqueous test sample.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and system of obtaining a culture and placing the culture in a gaseous environment for transporting and incubating the culture. The method and system includes a fixed or portable small cylinder of a desired gaseous mixture, a nozzle secured to the outlet valve of the cylinder, a plurality of different sized zip-lock bags and a plurality of petri dishes or an equivalent type means for growing a culture.

Abstract: A micro-organism of the Beggiatoa type is cultured with agitation under aerobic conditions in an aqueous nutrient medium and the biomass and/or the culture medium is collected. The micro-organism used may be obtained from baregine. The bacteriostatic substance produced may be used for skin massages or as an ingredient for a cosmetic product, for example for the skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transfer mechanism for microorganisms and more specifically, to a device for duplicating a growth pattern of microorganisms. The apparatus comprises a body and a transfer material on one surface of the body. The transfer material is brought into contact with a primary medium having a growth of microorganisms on the surface thereof, and transfers that growth to at least one secondary medium. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use with a hydrophobic grid membrane filter. This apparatus replaces slow and cumbersome methods for transferring microorganisms from a primary medium to a secondary medium and is an automated and efficient apparatus to effect such transfer. This device makes it now possible to transfer and duplicate the colonies of microorganisms growing on a hydrophobic grid membrane filter to fresh or different culture media.

Abstract: An integral device for preparing a smear of blood or other sample on a glass slide or other surface is disclosed. The device includes as an operatively integral structure an elongate reservoir having a tip at one end for drawing blood into the reservoir, for example by capillary action or aspiration, and delivering controlled quantities of blood from the reservoir to a slide. Attached to the opposite end of the reservoir a smearing device has an edge cooperable with the surface of the slide to smear blood deposited by the tip. Using the device, a person would manually hold the same in position to draw blood via the tip into the reservoir, would then manipulate the device to deposit a quantity of blood onto the surface of a slide, and while still holding the device would turn the same to place the smearing edge in contact with the slide and would effect relative movement therebetween to smear the blood.

Abstract: A method for identifying and locating dental microorganisms and a device for use in the method, wherein a strip of flexible material, having a back site identifying surface and a front velvet-like surface, is placed in contact with a selected site in the oral cavity, to retain microorganisms on the velvet-like surface, and then the microorganism-containing surface is used to transfer the microorganisms onto suitable substrates that will make possible their identification.

Abstract: Symbiotic microorganisms such as nitrogen fixing bacteria and phosphorus-providing fungi are isolated from nodules and mycorrhiza on the roots of host plants by sterilizing the surface and subsurface areas of root tissue with an aqueous solution of a fixative containing osmium tetraoxide. The osmium tetraoxide is highly soluble in water, and volatilizes at room temperature to form a vapor which penetrates subsurface air pockets in root tissues to kill contaminating microorganisms. The osmium tetraoxide also provides a visual indicator of its progress through plant tissue by a progressive darkening of such tissue from the surface of root samples toward their centers. In this manner, the sterilization can be halted before the centrally located causitive bacteria is destroyed.

Abstract: A device is provided for blind subculturing in place of a standard petri dish, which device eliminates the need for a separate needle and syringe. The device includes a culture media in combination with an absorbent fiber disc adjacent the culture media for absorbing inoculum and maintaining it adjacent the media gel. In addition, a mounted needle is included in the device for penetrating the septum of a standard culture bottle, for withdrawing the inoculum. Means are provided for readily removing the culture media from the device momentarily for inspection, with the means including a cooperating closure assembly on the device utilizing a conventional petri plate as the top and/or bottom cap or closure.

Abstract: Method for the determination of enzymatic activity in which a sample is added to a well in or a defined surface of a liquid-saturated porous matrix covering a thin layer of a substance sensitive to enzymatic lysis deposited on the solid surface of a carrier. The sample is permitted to diffuse or migrate electrophoretically in the matrix and react with the substance sensitive to enzymatic lysis. The matrix is then removed whereon lysis can be indicated on the solid surface. The enzyme-containing sample can be a bacteria colony on the matrix. Plastic material is preferred for the solid surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved grid for use in counting the bacterial colonies present in defined areas of a spirally-deposited liquid sample containing steadily decreasing concentrations of a chemical to be tested, such grid being characterized by a transparent overlay upon which is imprinted a spiral defined by outlining the side margins of its convolutions while leaving the area therebetween blank, the spiral including at least two complete revolutions with common margins therebetween positioned to overlie the deposition spiral, the convolutions of the grid spiral being of constant width and not less than approximately three combined deposition spiral convolutions, the rate of divergence of the grid spiral convolutions being greater than those of the deposition spiral such that the former intersect the latter at least twice each revolution, and with at least a portion of the grid spiral being segmented to divide same into a plurality of discrete areas positioned to overlay areas of the deposition pa

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the sterility of the dry contents of a sterile ampoule. A dual channel needle is inserted into the container and a dissolving solution is injected into the ampoule to form a solution. A rinsing solution is circulated into the interior of the apparatus to remove that solution which is then directed to means for culturing and incubating a filtrate of the solution to determine whether microorganisms are present therein. The needle is retained by hand into the ampoule and held by the cap of the closed transfer chamber during rinsing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for growing bacteria from an initial population to a final predetermined population, said device including a medium for such growth and a means for obtaining a predetermined population for inoculation of said medium.

Abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed by contacting the blood serum of a patient with anaplasma antigen derived from a vertebrate infected by an organism of the genus Anaplasmataceae and thereafter contacting the antigen with an indicator for human immunoglobulin components.

Abstract: A perforated gel-supporting structure with a temporary seal attached to it divides a cylindrical dish into cylindrical compartments A and B. Microorganisms are grown on agar poured into compartment A. The dish is inverted, the seal removed, and a second nutrient medium is poured into compartment B. Antibiotic substances produced by the microorganisms diffuse through the agar and inhibit growth of pathogens which have been inoculated into compartment B.

Abstract: A method of detecting mold toxin infected grains. The method involves obtaining a gaseous sample from the grain which is representative of the volatiles which are produced within the grain, and thereafter determining by gas chromatographic analysis of said gaseous sample, if the grain contains volatiles known to be produced by mold toxin infected grains.

Abstract: A culture collecting swabbing tip is carried on one end portion of a small diameter flexible wire which enables the tip to reach into a curved and narrow body passage. A sleeve-type handle is telescoped slidably onto the other end portion of the wire and enables the effective length of the wire to be adjusted so that the wire can fit into an outer transport tube but can be effectively lengthened to reach into a long body passage. The transport tube contains a glass ampoule which may be broken to moisten the swabbing tip with a culture-sustaining transport media after a culture has been collected on the tip.

Abstract: A device for the detection of microorganisms in a fluid sample comprising a first container a liquid nutrient medium and a second container containing one or more solid nutrient media, said containers being detachably connected so that the media can be brought into contact, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of detecting microorganisms in a fluid sample comprising introducing a sample of the fluid to be tested into a first container containing a liquid medium and incubating if desired; connecting said first container to a second container containing one or more solid media so that said media can be brought into contact; bringing the liquid and solid media into contact; incubating and determining the growth of microorganisms on the surface of the solid media.

Abstract: The movement of an air mass is monitored by releasing a tracer entity at a iven location, collecting a sample of air at a different location and analyzing the collected sample of air for the presence of the tracer entity by using Bacillus thurengiensis as the tracer entity and by analyzing for the presence of the bacterium by effecting a culture in a medium capable of supporting bacterial growth and preferably containing citrate as the sole source of assimilable carbon.