Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of detecting a biological substance in the nasal secretion and diagnosing a disease following the detection of the biological substance wherein the biological substance is not related to a respiratory disease. The invention also provides treatment of the diseases following the detection of the biological substance and/or diagnosis of the disease. In some embodiments, the diseases are cancer, hepatitis, smell loss, taste loss, diabetes, and leprosy. The invention also provides a kit for diagnosing a disease. The present invention includes methods of analyzing samples from the nose for the detection of biological substances. In particular, nasal secretion or nasal mucus is collected and analyzed for biological substances. The results of this analysis are then suitable for use in diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of suitability of therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: A method of determining toxicity of a test agent in a tissue including A) incubating a test agent within a three-dimensional tissue engineered structure comprising a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, and wherein the first mold or polymer scaffold has microchannels comprising vessels that bifurcate, and B) obtaining information from step A) to assess toxicity.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of rapid detection of micro-colonies of microorganisms by changing their shape from a regular semi-sphere to a long and thin cylinder. Cells are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides, and attached to a filter from one side. A micro-channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro-channels (diameter of each channel=1-20 ?m, and length 100-1000 ?m). The micro-channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to a nutrient media agar block. Cells produce micro-colonies of a long and thin shape according the shape of the micro-channel. The growth of microorganisms in the micro-channels permits a change in the number of cells to accomplish light absorbance. Fewer cells need a shorter time to reproduce. Thus detection and counting of cells can be accomplished in a rapid fashion.

Abstract: The present application relates to a device and system for measuring cell motility comprising a supporting substrate which includes at least one cell receiving zone and an agent receiving matrix provided on a matrix receiving zone, wherein interposed between the cell receiving zone and the agent receiving matrix is a bridging portion. In addition, methods of using said device and system and a kit relating to the device is provided.

Abstract: A method for determining the content of a bioproduct in a cell culture comprises (a) loading a sample of the cell culture onto a density gradient comprising a density determination agent; (b) centrifuging the product of step (a) for a period of time sufficient to establish a density equilibrium between the cell culture sample and the density gradient; (c) measuring the density of the cell culture sample containing the bioproduct based on its density equilibrium, and (d) calculating the weight percent of the bioproduct in the cell culture using the equations: ?S=(x·?P)+(y·?B) x+y=1 wherein: ?S represents the density of the cell culture sample containing the bioproduct (in g/mL); ?P represents the density of the bioproduct in pure form (in g/mL); ?B represents the density of the cell biomass in the culture devoid of bioproduct (in g/mL); x represents the weight % of the bioproduct in the cell culture; and y represents the weight % of the cell biomass in the cell culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for production of gaseous ions from components of a condensed phase sample and analysis thereof, wherein one or more liquid jet(s) is/are directed to the surface of the sample to be investigated, where the impact of the liquid jet on the sample surface produces droplets carrying sample particles which are turned into gaseous ions via the evaporation of liquid or, if desired, by a subsequent ionization after the evaporation and the obtained sample particles are analyzed by a known method.

Abstract: This invention relates a method for analysing a biological sample by imaging, wherein sample processing and detection and optionally pre-treatment is performed in a single container. The invention further relates to a kit for use in said method.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for high throughput testing of biological samples that may or may not comprise microorganisms. The methods include the use of a diagnostic multiplexing panel (DMP) specifically designed for the simultaneous identification of a plurality of potential microorganisms that may be present in the biological sample via a primer extension reaction directed a highly conserved nucleic acid sequences in the microorganisms under test. The biological sample is typically immobilised on a solid substrate at a first location before being transferred to a second location for analysis using the DMP. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly suited to diagnosis of the presence of infectious pathogens in the biological sample, for example for diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying one or more cells based on the level of one or more products secreted by the cells.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling environmental allergens in articles including toys, bedding, clothing and the like that tend to collect house dust mite and other allergens. One method involves seeding an article with house dust mites, exposing the article to conditions that promote accelerated growth of house dust mites (10, block 100), washing the article to remove house dust mites (20, block 200), testing the washed article to determine that the level of dust mite remaining in the washed article is below a predetermined level (50, block 200), repeating the washing step a number of times approximating the number of washes the article is expected to undergo during its normal useful lifetime (20, block 200) and finally passing the article through a series of quality control tests (30 and 40 block 300) so that the article may be assured as washable to control its mite and allergen levels without loss of integrity and safety over a plurality of wash cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling instrument adapted for taking a sample in situ and in vivo or taking a sample ex vivo of a target tissue or body structure, in a maximum quantity of less than 10?6 g, said instrument comprising an elongated active member (10) with a distal operative end i11) having at least one retaining surface (12) arranged for contacting directly said target tissue or body structure, capturing and retaining molecules of said target tissue or body structure thereto.

Abstract: The invention shows a method for patch-clamp experiments on cells or similar structures, where at least one cell is inserted into the lumen of a capillary and is positioned inside the capillary so, that a sufficiently tight seal with a resistance exceeding 1, preferably 10 GigaOhm develops between cell membrane and inner surface of the capillary. Along its length said capillary has at least at one position a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of said cell. Preferably the cell is inserted and positioned in the capillary by pressure, suction, sedimentation or centrifugation of a suspension or solution containing said cell. An apparatus for performing experiments using this method is described.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sampling, testing and validating test lots, comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples; enriching the test lot samples; removing portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample, and individual testing of the enriched test lot samples, using at least one suitable detection assay for a target microbe or organism, wherein when such testing is negative all test lots are validated, and wherein when such testing is positive with respect to the modular composite sample, or with respect to an individual enriched test lot sample, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a portion of respective initially-negative enriched test lot samples and obtaining negative results.

Abstract: The subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient isolation and purification of stem cells. Specifically, conductive immunopolymers with stem cell specific antibodies can be used to remove stem cells from biological fluids.

Abstract: There is provided a device for partitioning a liquefied sample into discrete volumes. The device includes a bottom member; a top member disposed adjacent the bottom member; and at least one channel member disposed between the top and bottom members. The at least one channel member is at least partially defined by the top and bottom members and has first and second end portions. The first end portion of the at least one channel has an opening to receive liquid and the second end portion of the at least one channel has a reaction compartment and a vent opening. Accordingly, when the liquefied sample is introduced to the first end portion, capillary action assists in causing the liquefied sample to travel from the first end portion to the second end portion and at least a portion of the liquefied sample is caused to remain in the reaction compartment.

Abstract: Methods are provided for accurately predicting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Methods of the invention increase the positive predictive value of chemosensitivity assays by assessing both the ability of a chemotherapeutic to destroy cells and the genetic propensity of those cells for resistance. Results obtained using methods of the invention provide insight into the in vivo effectiveness of a therapeutic, and lead to more effective chemotherapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system for determining factors secreted from patient cells, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested and cultured. One particularly important tissue sample preparation technique is the initial preparation of cohesive multicellular particulates of the tissue sample. The tissue sample technique of the present invention is also-useful in assaying expression and/or secretion of various markers, factors or antigens present on or produced by the cultured cells for diagnostic purposes and for using such expression to monitor the applicability of certain candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents and the progress of treatment with those agents.

Abstract: Methods and kits for the isolation of organisms. Such methods and kits are particularly useful for concentrating and recovering viable organisms from food material. The recovered organisms are of sufficient number and purity to allow detection using a biochip device.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence and quantity of bacterial spores, which includes adding an electrophilic alcohol and an acid anhydride to a sample, admixing the sample with a solvent, and analyzing the sample. The sample may be analyzed by injecting the mixture into a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectra detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of studying floating living cell by confining the cells floating in an aqueous medium in picowells located on a bottom surface of a top wall of a chamber. Disclosed is also a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on a bottom surface of the chamber. Also disclosed is a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on an internal surface and at least one moveable wall, a force applicator configured to removeably apply a substantially uniformly distributed force around the periphery of the moveable wall in a direction to retain the moveable wall secured to the chamber.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method for testing a fluid for contamination by a mycobacterial organism. A plurality of individual standardized samples may be acquired from a plurality of predetermined sampling points and pooled into a pooled sample. The pooled sample may be analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction technique and the results compared against a pool concern level which is calculated from an individual concern level that governs each individual standardized sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for selecting and/or for qualitative and/or quantitative detection of predetermined biological cells from or in a sample containing biological cells, the sample being mixed with a predetermined combination of at least two antibodies and/or antibody derivatives, which bind preferentially with their binding sites to different epitopes of the cells to be selected or detected, and/or with at least one biospecific antibody and/or antibody derivative, which binds preferentially with its two binding sites to different epitopes of the cells to be selected or detected, which are separated from the sample with cells marked with at least one of the antibodies and/or antibody derivatives, and the separated cells being tested with a predetermined combination of at least two molecular-biological detection reagents, the at least two detection reagents reacting preferentially with at least one component of the cells to be selected or detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.

Abstract: An improved system for screening a multiple of candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents for efficacy as to a specific patient, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested, cultured and separately exposed to a plurality of treatments and/or therapeutic agents for the purpose of objectively identifying the best treatment or agent for the particular patient. Specific method innovations such as tissue sample preparation techniques render this method practically as well as theoretically useful. One particularly important tissue sample preparation technique is the initial preparation of cohesive multicellular particulates of the tissue sample, rather than enzymatically dissociated cell suspensions or preparations, for initial tissue culture monolayer preparation.

Abstract: A device for measuring an extracellular potential of a test cell includes a substrate having a well formed in a first surface thereof and a first trap hole formed therein. The well has a bottom. The first trap hole includes a first opening formed in the bottom of the well and extending toward a second face of the substrate, a first hollow section communicating with the first opening via a first connecting portion, and a second opening extending reaching the second surface and communicating with the first hollow section via a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the first hollow section, greater than a diameter of the second connecting portion, and smaller than a diameter of the test cell. The device can retain the test cell securely and accept chemicals and the test cell to be put into the device easily.

Abstract: A device for detecting bacterial endospores in a sealed container. The device has a suction tube connected to an aerosol concentrator containing a lanthanide salt solution, a suction pump engaged to the aerosol concentrator, an excitation energy source and an optical set-up for directing the excitation energy source to the lanthanide salt solution and collecting photoluminescence generated by the excited lanthanide salt solution. A method for detecting bacterial endospores is also provided.

Abstract: A system for qualifying cells of a cell sample labeled with a magnetic or magnetizable moiety is provided. The system includes a cell sample holder for holding a cell of the cells and a first cell analyzer which includes a magnetic field source for applying a magnetic field to the cell and a sensor for qualifying and/or quantifying an effect of the magnetic field on the cell.

Abstract: A sampling system and method may use a kit that has a package enclosing a swab and a receptacle. The swab may have a shaft and a tip. The tip may be substantially made of calcium alginate. The receptacle may contain a diluent, such as sodium citrate, and glass beads. The swab may be used in an environment to sample microorganisms present on surfaces or in equipment. The kit may be used in a method of sampling and the resulting sample may be used in a method of quantitative testing.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Parkinson's Disease (PD), comprises measuring the level of expression of one or more AD markers (Table 1) or PD markers (Table 2) in a sample of platelets isolated from a person suspected of having AD or PD, and determining whether the levels of expression are altered compared to a control.

Abstract: A biological soil detector is provided, having: a solid support member; a specific indicator immobilized on the solid support member; and a retaining member which holds the solid support, the retaining member and solid support are configured so that the solid support will readily contact a surface being tested for the presence of biological soil. A method for the use of the detector is also provided, the method including the following steps: contacting the biological soil detector with a surface; withdrawing the biological soil detector from the surface; and inspecting the solid support member of the detector to determine whether the specific indicator immobilized has interacted with biological soil. In still another aspect, the invention provides biological soil detector and a method for using the detector in which the detector includes: a solid support member that has been treated with at least one amine or quaternary functional coating; and a specific indicator immobilized on the coating.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes that are specific for pathogenic yeasts and which may be used for the detection of such yeasts in biological samples are described. These probes are specific for yeast species within the clade of Candida albicans and other pathogenic ascomycetous yeasts, and may be used singly or in a multiplex hybridization assay system.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.

Abstract: Methods for the non-invasive collection of a liquid sample in small quantities, such as urine for testing hydration in infants and incontinent adults, directly at the source of that sample, isolation of the collected sample from a testing site, the transportation of that sample to a site for testing contained within the device itself, and the selective application of some or all of the specimen to a testing apparatus contained within the device itself, with a minimum of specimen handling required. Other aspects include a method and device for facilitating the reading of the result of the specimen test by a skilled or unskilled user, including means for determining that no adequate sample has been delivered to the testing site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for automatically eliciting a thermal avoidance response in nematodes, particularly in order to test pharmaceutical substances. The device (10) has a bearing surface (12) on which sample containers (14) of nematodes (16) are disposed, a laser (18), a selective laser-beam interrupter (27) to regulate the length of the laser pulse, aft and a scanner (22) for projecting and focussing the laser beam and for controlling a deflection. A light source (28) illuminates the sample container (14) with light, which brings about a contrast in the nematodes in the container. An additional light source (29) can also illuminate the sample container (14) with light in order to excite fluorescence-labeled areas of the nematodes, causing them to fluoresce. A real-time image processing device connected to the camera (30) determines the respective positions of all areas relevant for laser irradiation of the nematodes and makes this information available to a controller (32).

Abstract: In a microdissection method and a microdissection system, first and second objects are transported from a preparation to first and second collection devices, respectively, so that a position of the second collection device relative to the first collection device substantially corresponds to a position of the second object relative to the first object in the preparation.

Abstract: Lysis/resealing process for preparing erythrocytes which contain an active ingredient (e.g. aspariginase or inositol hexaphosphate), the process comprising the following steps: (1) placing a globular concentrate in suspension in an isotonic solution having a haematocrit level which is equal to or greater than 65%, with refrigeration at from +1 to +8° C., (2) measuring the osmotic fragility based on a sample of erythrocytes from that same globular concentrate, preferably on a sample of the suspension obtained in step (1), (3) lysis and internalisation procedure of the active ingredient, inside the same chamber, at a temperature which is constantly maintained at from +1 to +8° C., comprising allowing the erythrocyte suspension having a haematocrit level which is equal to or greater than 65% and a hypotonic lysis solution which is refrigerated at from +1 to +8° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterile collection package and methods for sample procurement and manipulation including microbial and forensic testing. The collection package comprises a tissue or sample collection container with a sealable opening, at least one drain container, and at least one tubing set that connects the tissue or sample collection container and the drain container, the tubing set further optionally comprising a sampling hub for withdrawing sample fluid for microbial and forensic testing. Samples, such as donated tissues, diseased tissues and article and tissues for forensic analysis are mixed with a sampling solution in the collection container and aliquots of the sampling solution are withdrawn through the sampling hub for microbial and/or forensic testing.

Abstract: The invention aims to efficiently collect microorganisms from a test sample and accurately detect and quantify the collected microorganisms. A microorganism-collecting chip of the invention basically comprises a filter for removing contaminants and a filter for trapping microorganisms. A microorganism-collecting kit comprises the foregoing microorganism-collecting chip and a suction filtration unit. The suction filtration unit is, for example, a negative pressure tube provided at an opening with a rubber stopper. The microorganism-collecting chip has a liquid specimen injection container for injecting a liquid specimen and a hollow needle capable of penetrating the rubber stopper mounted at the opening of the negative pressure tube. The liquid specimen injected into the liquid specimen injection container is suction-filtered with a pressure of the negative pressure tube.

Abstract: A device and methods for monitoring status of at least one cell, wherein the cell has a membrane forming a substantially enclosed structure and defining an intracellular space therein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a second substrate supported by the first substrate, the second substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface, a body portion between the first surface and the second surface, a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, wherein the body portion defines a first passage between the first side surface and the second side surface and an opening on the first surface of the second substrate and in fluid communication with the first passage, and sidewalls positioned above the first surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample are provided. Devices of the present invention comprise a means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface. In one embodiment, the means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface comprises a syringe that can be used to draw a sample from an opening to a test surface. In other embodiments, the device also provides means for diluting a sample.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic collector for low cost, high throughput, high efficiency sampling and concentration of bioaerosols. The device is small enough to be portable and can be contained within or placed on the wall of a typical office or hospital building. The collector comprises one or more collector modules, each having an ionizing electrode, a conical outer electrode, a wet collection electrode, and a liquid collection system. Airflow through a collector module may be partially blocked to enhance the collection of smaller particles and the collection electrode may comprise multiple, programmable electrodes to focus particle deposition onto a smaller area. Particles are collected into a small volume of liquid to facilitate subsequent analysis by an attached analyzer or at a remote site.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying one or more cells based on the level of one or more products secreted by the cells.

Abstract: A microorganism detecting kit according to the present invention includes a self-adhesive layer 102 containing the following compounds incorporated therein: 4?,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride 2 for staining living and dead cells, propidium iodide 3 for staining dead cells, 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate 4 for staining living cells and 4-methylumbelliferyl-?-D-galactoside 5 reacting with a substance derived particular microorganisms, a support 103 and a grip portion 6. Microorganisms deposited to a specimen are deposited to the self-adhesive layer 102, and then, the compounds react with the microorganisms and are bonded individually to the microorganisms to color them. The microorganism detecting kit, a microorganism counting apparatus and a microorganism counting process according to the present invention are used to confirm of the presence of living and dead cells, dead cells and living cells by counting the colored cells in an adding manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for preparing a body fluid for a bacteriological analysis thereof comprising a container provided with a chamber (4) wherein a piston (5) is mobile between an opening position and a closing position, the chamber (4) including a separation zone (7) and means for introducing (15, 16) a fluid into said chamber and the piston (5) including a closure means (8) co-operating with the separation zone (7) so as to define an upper volume (9) and a lower volume (10) on either side of said zone, the upper volume (9) and the lower volume (10) mutually communicating when the piston (5) is in opening position and being tightly isolated from each other when the piston (5) is in closing position. The invention also concerns a preparation method using such a device (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for isolating and detecting rare cells from a biological sample containing other types of cells. In particular, the present invention includes a debulking step that uses a microfabricated filters for filtering fluid samples and the enriched rare cells can be used in a downstream process such as identifies, characterizes or even grown in culture or used in other ways. The invention also include a method of determining the aggressiveness of the tumor or of the number or proportion of cancer cells in the enriched sample by detecting the presence or amount of telomerase activity or telomerase nucleic acid or telomerase expression after enrichment of rare cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is test device and method for detection of sample analytes in which after sampling has occurred a closure is provided. Such a test device and method can be usefully employed to detect a variety of analytes including microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods of binding and detecting a microorganism on a solid substrate. The microorganism is bound on a solid substrate covalently bound to a capture agent having a saccharide moiety. A lectin capable of binding to the microorganism and the saccharide moiety of the capture agent is added to the sample to bind the microorganism on the solid substrate. Further provided are biosensor devices, such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device or a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device, that incorporate the solid substrate for the detection of microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).