Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for scanning, detecting, and monitoring microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements. The methods are further directed to detection, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms on a solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements that are characteristic of said microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides an indirect pressure sensing system for non-invasive measurement of primary pressure in a sealed container, which communicates primary pressure changes from within the container, via a flexible diaphragm, to a secondary chamber wherein there is a defined relationship between the primary and secondary pressures, which enables a pressure sensor in the secondary chamber to generate a signal representing primary pressure in the sealed container, but to remain isolated from the contents of the sealed container. The pressure sensor can provide electrical outputs representing the pressure detected, and the outputs are fed to data processing means capable of producing a measurement of primary pressure. The system can have a liquid culture of cellular material (eg.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for high-throughput assessment of in vivo skin sensitizing activity of chemical compounds through detection of secretion levels of cytokine markers implicated in skin sensitization in combination with a multivariate analysis, using support vector machine (SVM) for feature selection. The invention includes a computational algorithm that will provide unbiased analysis on the skin cell secretome data and predict the level of skin sensitization. The invention allows accurate assessment of the level sensitizing potency of any chemicals in a high-throughput manner, which can eliminate the needs for animal experiments, potentially saving money and time.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting immune responses and antigen-specific cells are described herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the measuring toxicity, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of isotopically labeled citrulline for gnosing the presence or absence of a bacterial infection in the lungs of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting, characterizing, and compensating motion-related error of moving micro-entities are described. Motion-related error may occur in streams of moving micro-entities, and may represent a deviation in and expected arrival time or an uncertainty in position of a micro-entity within the stream. Motion-related error of micro-entities is observed in a flow cytometer, e.g., as pulse jitter, and is found to have a functional dependence on a parameter of the system. The pulse jitter can be compensated, according to one embodiment, by adjusting data acquisition observation windows. For the flow cytometer, a reduction of pulse jitter can improve measurement accuracy, resolution of doublets, system throughput, and enable an increase in an interrogation region for probing the micro-entities.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds and methods for hydrocyanines derived from near-infrared cyanine dyes, as reactive oxygen species probes in imaging. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides reduced dyes as substrates for ELISA and Western blots.

Abstract: Certain isolated motile cells spontaneously migrate unidirectionally through a mechanically confined space, such as a microcapillary channel, in the absence of an external gradient (e.g., a chemical gradient). Assays and methods for detecting motile cells, and identifying chemical agents that inhibit cell migration, can include detecting the movement of motile cancer cells through a microcapillary channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: The invention provides novel markers for classifying the housing systems of eggs. Classification methods as well as kits of parts using these novel markers are also herewith provided.

Abstract: A sterility test method includes: selecting strain and culture medium, preparing bacterial cultures, transcribing fingerprint characteristics in thermograms as indices to verify the characteristics, drawing the thermodynamic parameters of the thermogram, determining the positive judgment index and performing sterility test for the samples. A fully-enclosed bacteria collecting ampoule incubator includes bacteria collecting ampoule system, sample and liquid feeding system and peristalsis liquid discharge system. The sample and liquid feeding system is connected with the bacteria collecting ampoule system by the liquid intake tube; and the bacteria collecting ampoule system is connected with the peristalsis liquid discharge system by the liquid drainage tube. The invention is characterized by short inspection time, high sensitivity, high automation and accurate test results on microbial contamination. It can also provide the overall process curve on the growth conditions.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method selects one or more inflammatory markers to evaluate. The one or more inflammatory markers selected from the group consisting of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, NO, PGE2, IL-6, and IL-1?. The method determines a first expression level and a second expression level of the one or more inflammatory markers. The first expression level is associated with a positive control sample comprising a type of human macrophages. The second expression level is associated with a test sample obtained by exposing a food product to a digest, the type of human macrophages, and a pro-inflammatory compound. The method performs a comparison between the first expression level and the second expression level and designates the food product according to an anti-inflammatory standard based on the comparison.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for improving the survival of pancreatic ?-cell progenitors in culture are provided. Such methods may include contacting a population of pancreatic progenitor cells with an amino acid (aa) sequence comprising IKVAV (SEQ ID NO:1). In other embodiments, methods for (i) verifying the establishment of a population of pancreatic progenitor or stem cells and (ii) methods for generating or establishing a population of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells in vitro are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for pre-processing tissue samples containing cells of interest for various therapeutic procedures. Fibrous material may be extracted from the tissue sample through a shredding and separating device, resulting in a non-fibrous sample containing the cells of interest, which may then be washed and centrifuged to remove fluids, oil, and contaminants. The sample may then be digested in a large-volume container, and a piston within the container may push the resulting liberated cell suspension through a cell concentrator such as a hollow-fiber separation module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing cancer on the basis of the quantitative analysis of blood or tissue isotopes. The method can accurately diagnose cancer even when it is too small for current conventional technology to diagnose.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of microbial profiling of a sample using phenanthridium derivatives with a 2+ charge or higher.

Abstract: Compounds are provided that are either fluorogenic or fluorophoric. Compositions and articles that include the compounds are also provided. Additionally, methods of detecting a microorganism using the compounds are provided. The compounds are fluorinated and can be used advantageously under acidic conditions.

Abstract: Use of a programmable device with capacitive touch screen for the analysis of a fluid sample as interface between a micro-fluidic device, this micro-fluidic device comprising at least one electrode and at least one micro-channel comprising an input for the introduction of the sample, and the processor of said programmable device with a capacitive touch screen.

Abstract: System and method for detecting and measuring chemical perturbations in a sample. The system and method are useful for non-invasive pH monitoring of blood or blood products sealed in storage bags.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for spectroscopic interrogation of the separated microorganism sample to produce measurements of the microorganism and characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism in the sample using said spectroscopic measurements.

Abstract: A test kit and test apparatus are provided for the detection of enzymes excreted by broken or ruptured bacteria cells in various environments, such as in the field, soil extracts, produce washing, slaughter houses, food preparation area's and other related or non-related areas where a quick test or rapid test is needed to obtain qualitative results. The method utilizes various components which allow for the collection of a sample from suspected contaminated areas. One method is to collect a sample from a pond or other water source possibly contaminated and by using a clean lab sample tube or clean plastic bag, a field hand mixer, a buffer, a pipette and a test strip with a reagent pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microorganism, of the order of lactic acid bacteria or analog, fragment, derivative, mutant or combination thereof. Said microorganism, or analog, fragment, derivative, mutants or combinations thereof can be co-aggregated with at least Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to CD4+ T cells, more specifically cytolytic or cytotoxic CD4+ T-cells and methods of obtaining and identifying them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are culture media, protocols and kits for diagnosis of toxigenic Clostridium difficile, where the culture medium comprises Cooked Meat Medium with glucose; yeast extract; taurocholate; cycloserine; and cefoxitin.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies generally include at least one assay bar that includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar. Each well includes a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end, and at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom surface of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a dispenser bar that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay bar, which includes one or more reservoirs that are configured to provide one or more reagents to the at least one secondary container located in each well of the assay bar.

Abstract: An affinity ligand-matrix conjugate of the structure Z-Spacer-[NX-A]m-NY-A-NK2 is useful for the isolation, separation, purification, characterization, identification or quantification of endotoxins in an aqueous system, wherein m is an integer of at least one; each A independently represents an optionally substituted linear, branched or cyclic saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; each X independently represents hydrogen or alkyl; Y is X or A-NX2; and Z is a support matrix attached to the ligand through an optional spacer arm (Spacer).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the semi-quantitative determination of cariogenic bacteria in a sample of saliva and/or plaque, in which the microorganisms contained in a sample of plaque or saliva are brought into contact with a carbon source that is fermented to acid by the cariogenic bacteria. The microorganisms are then incubated under conditions which make possible selective acid formation by the cariogenic bacteria. The acid formation is then detected by determining the pH at least once within a period of 12 hours after adding the carbon source, wherein the cariogenic bacteria are determined semi-quantitatively in the sample by comparison of the pH with at least one reference value. In addition, the invention provides kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: Automated sample processing systems may include onboard efficient high-speed mixing of at least two components with an automatic vertical force fluidic turbulent component mixer of which a mixed component may be aspirated and high-speed dispensed in a mixing vial. Other aspects may include single sweep applying a multi-treatment cleaning cycle to at least one slide. A multi-treatment cleaning cycle may include a washing treatment and a drying treatment. In yet other aspects the present invention may include an automated recovery sample processing system with the capability of detecting at least one immediate condition of a fortuitously terminated automatic sample processing run and perhaps even an automatic terminated sample processing run reconstruction calculator.

Abstract: Mycoplasma contamination of a known cell line is detected by collecting a Raman spectrum of a targeted volume within a sample, the targeted volume containing a known cell line of interest, obtaining a reference spectrum uniquely associated with the known cell line where the obtained reference spectrum is known to be free of mycoplasma and comparing, using a processing device, the reference spectrum to the collected spectrum. Mycoplasma is further detected by identifying whether there are unnatural molecular compositions within the collected spectrum based upon the comparison of the reference spectrum to the collected spectrum and providing an indication as to whether mycoplasma is detected in the collected Raman spectrum based upon whether unnatural molecular compositions are identified within the collected spectrum.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an action includes (1) obtaining a first stem-cell data related to a subject before performing the action, (2) performing the action on the subject, (3) obtaining a second stem-cell data related to the subject after performing the action, and (4) identifying the effect of the action on the subject based on the first stem-cell data and the second stem-cell data. The subject may be a human or an animal. The action may be taking a drug or taking a nutrient or dietary supplement, which may include fucoidan. Each of the first and second stem-cell data may include the count of a type or types of stem cells and/or the percentage of the type or types of stem cells and may be obtained by the same method including counting cells using a cell counter or cell counting device such as flow cytometer.

Abstract: A selective agent comprising a triclosan derivative for use in selective inhibition of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells. Preferably the triclosan derivative is a glycoside derivative, more preferably a pyranoside derivative. Suitably a selective medium comprising said selective agent and methods of culturing cells using the selective agent are provided.

Abstract: A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device comprises a container with at least one section transparent to light, a growth zone located in said container containing a mixture of growth media capable of supporting growth of the microorganisms, and at least one indicator substrate that changes its optical properties due to growth of the microorganisms. A detection zone is located in the container adjacent to the transparent section, and a barrier layer comprising porous solid material separates the two zones, allowing diffusion of molecules and ions of metabolic by-products of the organisms, while preventing microorganisms and particulate matter of the test sample from penetrating into the detection zone.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to methods of determining the location of a bacterial load in the lungs of a subject.

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism for use in quantification of homocysteine and methionine and a method of quantifying homocysteine and methionine in a sample by using the microorganism.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting spoilage of the contents of a packet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of holding panels (125, 130) disposed in opposed spaced relationship with each other to define a gap therebetween in which the packet (102) is retained with one packet sidewall facing one holding panel and the other packet sidewall facing the other holding panel. At least one squeezing member (178, 180) is operable to squeeze at least a portion of the packet while the packet is retained between said holding panels. A cutting member (160) is movable to cut at least one inlet in the packet. A probe (150) is moveable relative to the panels for insertion through the at least one inlet in the packet to position the probe within the packet, and the probe is operable to assess at least one characteristic of the contents of the packet indicative of spoilage of the contents of the packet.

Abstract: Fluorescently labeled microsphere calibration and quality control particles for use in establishing standardized fluorescence detector setup, monitoring daily QC of flow cytometers and quantitative calibration of the fluorescence detectors in traceable units of measure (molecules equivalent soluble fluorescence; MESF).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a system of cell detection and analysis. The present invention may incorporate at least an optical source, a fluidic chip and a detection module. Cells may be caused to flow within the fluidic chip and specifically past a detection window section accessible by the optical source. The flowing cells may be identified and/or analyzed. The detection module may specifically count the cells of interest as they flow past the detection window section of the chip. The detection module may further be operable to generate or otherwise capture images of the cells as they flow past the window and to use these images collectively for the purpose of analyzing the cells. The present invention may be portable and operable in remote locations.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an article for the detection of a microorganism in a liquid sample. The article comprises a microporous membrane and a barrier layer to selectively regulate the contact between the sample and a detection reagent. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a microbial test unit for detecting microbes in a compressed gas. The microbial test unit includes a decompression region and a sampling region in fluid communication with the decompression region and separated from the decompression region by a plate. The decompression region and the sampling region define a flow path. An inlet communicates with the decompression region such that compressed gas entering the decompressing region is incident on the plate for effectuating decompression of the gas prior to the gas passing into the sampling region. The microbial test unit may be used in conjunction with a growth medium substrate to form a microbial test system. The microbial test unit provides the ability to test compressed gas directly input to the unit due to positive pressure from the compressed gas pushing the microbes onto the microbial growth substrate.

Abstract: A staining composition for use in making biofilm detectable on viable tissue wherein the composition preferentially stains the biofilm and comprises a staining agent in a quantity effective to stain said biofilm and render it detectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or absence of a microorganism, said method including the steps of: 1) providing an enclosure containing a liquid or semi-solid phase consisting of a biological medium capable of containing a living form of said microorganism, nutritional elements, and an enzymatic substrate which is specific to said microorganism and which can be metabolised into at least one VOC metabolite, and a gaseous phase adjacent to said liquid or semi-solid phase; 2) exposing at least said liquid or semi-solid phase to conditions that are propitious for said microorganism to metabolise said enzymatic substrate into a molecule of said VOC metabolite; and 3) determining, by optical transduction, the presence or absence of said VOC metabolite, characterised in that the latter interacts with a nanoporous matrix, said matrix being implemented in a form that is separate from said enzymatic substrate, and in that the detection, by optical transduction, of a change in the

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for labeling dithiol-containing analytes, including a substituted, optionally hydro-, optionally hetero-, monoarsenical anthracene compound comprising a 4? rotation blocking group and a 5? arsenic, and that exhibits a detectable increase or shift in fluorescence when the arsenic reacts with two thiols of a rotation-blocking binding target molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for scanning, detecting, and monitoring microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements. The methods are further directed to detection, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms on a solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements that are characteristic of said microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and kits for safely removing and inactivating topical therapeutic or cosmetic compositions. The methods and kits according to the invention are particularly well suited for removing and inactivating highly toxic substances.

Abstract: The invention provides a quick method for detecting the genus of Bacillus in samples from oil reservoirs, which comprise: collecting samples from oil reservoirs; inactivating microbes except for spore-forming Bacillus in the samples through high temperature; collecting spores from the samples; incubating the collected spores in a medium, and stimulating to resurrect Bacillus under in situ temperatures of the oil reservoirs; etecting the resurrected Bacillus in the cultures using molecular biological techniques. The present invention provides an effective method to detect the genus of Bacillus in samples from oil reservoirs, which is conducive to the discovery of the functional Bacillus for microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) and to revealing the ecosystem of Bacillus in oil reservoirs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel smart packaging, designed using a novel material comprising a partially polar adsorbent solid base impregnated with a solution of vanillin, which allows the growth of microorganisms in different types of products to be detected visually without having to be in direct contact with the microorganism or with the medium containing same.

Abstract: A process comprises (a) providing (1) at least one sample suspected of comprising at least one coliform strain, (2) at least one culture device comprising at least one culture medium that is hydrated or hydratable, and (3) at least one particulate concentration agent that is substantially optically transparent when in contact with the culture medium in the culture device when the culture medium is hydrated; (b) placing the particulate concentration agent in contact with the sample such that at least a portion of the coliform strain is bound to the particulate concentration agent to form coliform-bound particulate concentration agent; (c) placing the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium; (d) incubating the culture device comprising the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium, the culture medium being hydrated; and (e) optically detecting the presence of the coliform strain without separating the coliform strain from the part

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, comprising a combination of two enzymatic substrates for alpha-glucosidase.