Abstract: A method of detecting a target microorganism is disclosed. The method comprises providing a culture device with a selective culture medium and a detection article comprising a first indicator system. The selective culture medium facilitates the growth of an indicator microorganism. When an indicator microorganism is detected in a sample contacted with the culture medium, the detection article is contacted with the culture medium to detect the target microorganism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively inhibiting growth of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the mixed population with a selective agent which comprises a carrier moiety linked by a scissile linkage to a toxic moiety; wherein the selective agent is able to enter non-target cells in which the scissile linkage is cleaved, releasing the toxic moiety to exert a toxic effect on the non-target cells causing inhibition of the growth of the non-target cells, whereas the selective agent is unable to enter target cells and/or the scissile linkage is not cleaved in target cells and/or toxic moiety, if released from the selective agent, does not exert a toxic effect on the target cell; and (b) culturing the cells in conditions which allow for growth of non-inhibited cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of an overproducing Staphylococcus aureus strain comprising: (a) culturing a Staphylococcus aureus strain on a culture medium M1, M2 or M3, (b) optionally, recovering the strains thus produced from the culture medium, and also to the use of said strains for the production of polysaccharides.

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 relates to the identification, isolation, expansion and characterization of a specific type of adult stem cell. These adult stem cells are characterized in that they naturally express many of the markers of totipotency, which have hitherto generally been limited to embryonic cell populations. The cells of the invention display an unprecedented capacity for multi potency; they are able to differentiate into cell types of mesodermal, endodermal and ectodermal origin. These adult stem cells may be used as therapeutic agents including, without limitation, for the regeneration of tissue, particularly for regeneration of damaged cardiac tissue, such as myocardium.

Abstract: A method of conditioning urinary system cells for identification of abnormal cells is provided. The method is effected by contacting the urinary system cells with an extract from a Ficus plant or one or more components thereof thereby conditioning the abnormal cells for identification. Methods for subsequent detection of the abnormal cells are also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, method and non-transitory computer-accessible medium can be provided for generating an image of at least one tissue that can be subdivided into a plurality of strips. Using such exemplary systems, method and computer-accessible medium, it is possible to scan, using an optical arrangement to generate first information, a first portion of the tissue(s) along a first one of the strips while the tissue(s) can be mechanically moved in a first direction. Move the one tissue(s), by a distance equal to or less than a width of the first portion, in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction. Use the optical arrangement to generate second information, a second portion of the tissue(s) along a second one of the strips while the tissue(s) can be mechanically moved in a third direction, which can be approximately opposite to the first direction. Then the image can be generated based on the first information and the second information.

Abstract: A latent effervescent body comprising a selective agent is disclosed. A method of using the latent effervescent body in a method to selectively enrich a target microorganism is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a sample, a culture medium, and the latent effervescent body. The method further comprises contacting the sample, the culture medium, and the latent effervescent body under conditions to facilitate growth of the target microorganism. The method further comprises releasing the selective agent from the latent effervescent body. Optionally, the method includes detecting a microorganism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, systems, and tools for modeling liver inflammation and methods of using the same. The disclosure provides micropatterned hepatocyte co-cultures where individual cell populations remain functionally stable during long-term culture. The in vitro liver inflammation models of the present disclosure may be useful for evaluating inflammation-mediated toxicities of compounds in a pre-clinical setting.

Abstract: A method for forming a cell aggregate in the present invention is a method for forming a cell aggregate by using a culturing vessel and culturing an adhesive cell, wherein the culturing vessel is such that an amino group, a carboxyl group, and/or a hydroxyl group, and a group represented by a general formula of (in the formula, each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently an alkyl group with a carbon number greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 6 and m is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 6.) are present near a surface thereof and the adhesive cell is a mesenchymal stem cell, a hepatic cell, or a cancer cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument and a measurement apparatus and methodology that yields a measurement and test methodology that characterizes a population of cells/particles or detects a sub-population of cells/particles based on their detected mobility in a quick and efficient manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a sample measuring section including a detecting section for detecting a component contained in a sample and a flow path for feeding the sample to the detecting section; and a control section. The control section is programmed to automatically control the sample measuring section to flow a sample blank free of particles to the detecting section and detect a component contained in the sample blank to check a background of the detection after the sample measuring section performs washing of the flow path.

Abstract: An inverted microwell (102) provides rapid and efficient microanalysis system (100) and method for screening of biological particles (128), particularly functional analysis of cells on a single cell basis. The use of an inverted open microwell system (102) permits identification of particles, cells, and biomolecules that may be combined to produce a desired functional effect also functional screening of secreted antibody therapeutic activity as well as the potential to recover cells and fluid, and optionally expand cells, such as antibody secreting cells, within the same microwell.

Abstract: Multiple samples are taken from multiple units of food product to be tested for pathogen or other microbes, with the samples being pooled for composite testing, individual testing being required only in the event that the pool indicates positive.

Abstract: An analysis result providing system comprising, a sample analyzing section which analyzes a sample collected from a subject, a validation section which validates an analysis result obtained by the sample analyzing section, an e-mail sending section which sends, when an analysis result of the sample collected from the subject has been validated by the validation section, an e-mail for providing the analysis result; and a handheld device which is carried by the subject and which is capable of receiving the e-mail sent by the e-mail sending section and displaying a content of the e-mail.

Abstract: A sample analyzing system comprising: a first sample analyzer including a first measurement unit for measuring a sample and a first control unit for controlling the first measurement unit; and a second sample analyzer including a second measurement unit for measuring the sample and a second control unit for controlling the second measurement unit; wherein the first control unit is configured to transmit an activation signal for activating the second sample analyzer when a predetermined condition is met for the first sample analyzer; and the second control unit is configured to activate the second sample analyzer when the activation signal is received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional bioreactor for cell sorting and cell culture in vitro. Said bioreactor comprises five main elements, including an adjustable magnetic field, a multifunctional cell supporting system, a protective perfusion system and a computerized control system. Said methods are for the application of the said bioreactor. The said bioreactor has the functions of cell expansion, cell directed differentiation and cell separation (sorting). It allows its all functions carried out in one reaction chamber.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the concentration of one or more target organisms in a water sample. The methods involve adding a tagged reagent to a water sample, wherein the tagged reagent is water soluble; and determining a concentration of at least one bacteria in the water sample based on an intensity of an emission emitted from the water sample in response to exposure to light having a known wavelength. An apparatus including a reaction chamber; a reversible pump, a reagent source comprising a fluorophore-tagged reagent, a light source, an optical detector disposed to detect fluorescence emitted from the reaction chamber in response to light emitted from the light source; a processor configured to communicate with the reversible pump, the reagent source, the light source, and the optical detector, the processor being configured to determine the concentration of one or more target organisms in a water sample, and optionally transmit the resulting data to a remote location.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample processing apparatus. The sample processing apparatus includes: a reader configured to read, from a storage medium attached to a sample container containing a sample or a sample rack supporting the sample container, an analysis value which has been generated by a sample analyzer analyzing the sample for a predetermined analysis item; a sample processing section which comprises an operating mechanism configured to perform an operation for processing the sample, and a controller configured to control the operating mechanism of the sample processing section so as to perform processing on the sample based on the analysis value read by the reader.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting microcystin in water from reflected light, and also includes devices for the measurement, calculation and transmission of data relating to that method.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the rapid and robust screening test agents for adipogenic activity. Agents testing positive in the assays are good candidate agents for wrinkle reduction, normalizing skin appearance after reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, e.g., grafted tissue on burn victims, normalizing skin appearance during and after wound healing, and the like. In certain embodiments the methods involve providing mammalian test cells with adipogenic potential wherein said cells are primed for, but withheld from differentiation into adipocytes; contacting the cells with the test agent(s); and screening said test cells for an adipocyte phenotype wherein the presence of a feature characteristic of an adipocyte is an indicator that said test agent is adipogenic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting (e.g., by flow cytometry) a target compound, cell or particle, wherein the target is labelled with a detectable luminescent compound. The method comprises utilizing as the detectable luminescent compound a compound comprising a porphyrinic macrocycle such as a porphyrin, chlorin, bacteriochlorin, or isobacteriochlorin. In particular embodiments, the detectable luminescent compound comprises a compound of the formula A-A?-Z-B?-B, wherein: A is a targeting group or member of a specific binding pair that specifically binds the detectable luminescent compound to the target compound, cell or particle; A? is a linker group or covalent bond; B? is a linker group or covalent bond; B is a water-soluble group; and Z is the porphyrinic macrocycle.

Abstract: A cell-lysate extract based assay reagent for detecting quorum sensing signals is generally provided, along with methods of making and using the same. The assay reagent generally includes a cell-lysate extract formed from a biosensor bacterium (e.g., Agrobacterium tumefaciens NTL4 (pCF218)(pCF372)) and a detecting substrate (e.g., an absorbance-based or luminescence-based substrate). The cell-lysate extract can be prepared by (1) disrupting the cell membranes of the biosensor bacterium to release the cellular components into a solution, (2) centrifuging the resulting solution, and (3) removing the resulting supernatant solution.

Abstract: The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the use of 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds as therapeutics in mammalian bone fracture repair. In addition, the instant invention relates to novel 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compound receptors which can be employed in the development of compounds capable of facilitating fracture repair in animals. The instant invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such receptors as well as vectors, host cells, transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acids and screening assays employing such receptors.

Abstract: The invention generally features methods for providing hepatocytes from a variety of cell sources, particularly pluripotent stem cells, therapeutic compositions featuring such cells, and methods of using them for the treatment of subjects.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders are described. Methods include culturing a cell sample of a test subject with a tryptophan-containing energy source and examining the culture to determine the ability of the cells of the test subject to properly metabolize tryptophan. A determination that a subject does not properly metabolize tryptophan is an indication that the subject may be afflicted with autism. Methods can be utilized as a quick and reliable diagnostic tool for autism spectrum disorders and may provide a unifying model for the genetic heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining mycotoxin production in an interior environment which includes a search for a chemical fingerprint comprising at least one target molecule that is a VOC, optionally cyclic, associated with mycotoxin production, preferably selected from the group comprising cububene, cadiene, copaene, ylangene, D germacrene, muurolane, 1,1-dimethylbutylbenzene, 1,1,2-trimethyl-propyl-benzene, 1-hexyltetradecylbenzene, tetratetracontane, 1-ethyldecylbenzene, hydroxytoluene butylate, 1-butyloctylbenzene, 1-propylnonylbenzene, 2-methylisoborneol and at least one sesquiterpene.

Abstract: A system and method for concentrating samples. The system can include a first container adapted to contain a sample. The first container can include a first portion and a second portion adapted to be removably coupled to the first portion. The system can further include a second container comprising the second portion and a third portion adapted to be removably coupled to the second portion. The method can include centrifuging the first container in a first orientation toward the second portion of the first container; retaining a concentrate of the sample in the second portion of the first container; and centrifuging the second container in a second orientation toward the third portion of the second container, such that the concentrate retained in the second portion is moved into the third portion of the second container, the second orientation being different from the first orientation.

Abstract: The device for spraying a reagent onto a support (81) adapted to retain microorganisms on a predetermined surface (82), comprises a spraying bell (3) as well as a nozzle (71) for emitting a jet of droplets of said reagent into a spraying chamber (34) comprised by said bell (3), said device also comprising an absorbent pad (5) mounted against said bell (3) transversely to said jet and closing said chamber (34) from the opposite side to said nozzle (71) with the exception of a circular central opening (51) provided in said pad (5), the diameter of said central opening (51) being adapted to enable a portion of said jet, when said device faces said support (81) and is at a predetermined distance therefrom, to pass through said central opening (51) over its entire area and be deposited on the whole of said predetermined surface (82) of said support (81).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a set of seeds which are genetically identical to the male gametes from which they arise, which may comprise placing a limited number of paternal gametes that have the form of tetrads or dyads on the stigma of a flower to fertilize maternal egg cells to obtain a number of zygotes; and inducing the loss of maternal chromosomes from the zygotes to obtain a seed set containing a limited number of seeds in which the maternal chromosomes are absent. In a preferred embodiment the father plant exhibits suppression of chromosome recombination or second division restitution (SDR) during meiosis.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of analysis for example biological analysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample placed in a closed container, said method comprising essentially the following steps: a) Place said sample in contact in the container with at least one culture medium and a support capable of capturing the microorganism(s) to be detected, b) Close the container, c) Place the container under conditions capable of allowing the growth of the microorganism(s), d) Detect, inside said closed container, using detection means, the presence of the microorganism(s) fixed onto the capture support.

Abstract: The methods described herein are based on the observation that oscillations in breath isotope ratio data can be used for the purpose of identifying an “unhealthy” state in an organism such as a human. Described herein are methods of determining the state of health of an individual, such as the transition from healthy to infected, by identifying changes in oscillation modes in breath isotope ratio data. Changes in the frequency and/or amplitude of the oscillation modes are correlated with the heath of the individual. The methods can advantageously be used to provide information about the health of an individual in shorter periods of time than previous methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for the diagnosis of a biological sample is disclosed. An embodiments of the apparatus includes a probe, a probe head distally connectable to the probe, the probe head further comprising a plurality of electrode elements thereby forming an electrode array where each electrode element is variably actuatable to apply an electrical signal to the biological sample; an RF signal source for applying the electrical signal to the electrode array; an electrode selector adapted and configured to switch the electrical signal from the RF signal source between the plurality of electrode elements; and a detection circuit for analyzing a dielectric property received from the biological sample. Methods and kits for diagnosing a biological sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for efficient differentiation into blood cells. Specifically, in the present invention, when blood cells are produced from pluripotent stem cells such as ES cells or iPS cells in vitro, the cells are cultured under a low oxygen partial pressure to increase the efficiency of differentiating the pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic progenitor cells, erythroid progenitor cells, and the like, so as to increase the number of finally obtained, desired blood cells.

Abstract: A dry mixture, a liquid menstrum, and a method, are described for use in detecting the presence or absence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”) in a first generation biological or environmental specimen sample. First generation specimen samples that can be analyzed include nasal swabs, lesion swabs, skin swabs, throat swabs, food swabs, tanning salon swabs, gym swabs, restaurant swabs, hotel swabs, and the like. The menstrum and method include an anti-ribosomal antibiotic component that will selectively prevent Methicillin Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (“MSSA”) from growing in the menstrum, while allowing MRSA to grow in the menstrum. The menstrum also includes components which will stimulate growth of MRSA, plus coagulase reacting factors which will cause the menstrum to clot in the event that MRSA is present in the sample. The menstrum also includes components which will produce a detectable signal in the clot, which signal indicates the presence of MRSA in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-step Gram staining method. The method is conducted by using a clean slide, followed by adding 10˜30 ?l primary stain from a reagent kit, adding an equivalent amount of specimens uniformly on said slide, then immediately adding 30˜60 ?l counter-stain on said slide for incubating 15 seconds, rinsing with water, and finally examining under a microscope, the result appears color contrast on the center of the slide between the Gram-negative bacteria performing light red color and the Gram-positive bacteria performing deep purple color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the production of reactive oxygen species in a cellular population. The invention also relates to a method for determining the need for an antioxidant treatment of a male subject, and to a method for identifying a substance that can reduce the reactive oxygen species in a cellular population.

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: A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform comprising at least one of the following: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method of the invention comprises using a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow kilometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles.

Abstract: A method of measuring a metabolic activity (MA) of a cell is provided. The method comprising independently measuring in an extracellular environment of the cell, time-dependent acidification profiles due to secretion of: (i) non-volatile soluble metabolic products; (ii) non-volatile soluble metabolic products and volatile soluble metabolic products; and (iii) volatile soluble metabolic products; wherein at least one of the time dependent acidification profiles is indicative of the metabolic activity of the cell. Also provided are clinical methods which make use of the assay.

Abstract: A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform comprising at least one of the following: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method of the invention comprises using a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow kilometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles.

Abstract: A method for the production of 2-butanol by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanol product.

Abstract: The invention includes a compound represented by the following structural formula: wherein is described herein. The compounds of the invention are useful in staining embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: A process for preparing reagents for a microorganism detection test comprising: a) centrifuging medium containing a microorganism; b) filtrating the supernatant from (a); c) preparing diluted samples of the filtrate from (b); d) treating the diluted samples from (c) with an E/M field; e) detecting signals emitted from (d) using a solenoid; f) selecting samples from (e) whose signal amplitude is ?1.5 times greater than background noise emitted by water or that present a frequency displacement towards higher values; g) placing the diluted samples from (f) into an enclosures protecting against external electromagnetic fields; h) splitting a diluted sample from (g), volume by volume, into two tubes, T1 and T2, where tube T1 is protected from external electromagnetic field interferences, and reference tube T2 is also placed in a protective enclosure and subjected subsequently to the presence or contact of a sample suspected of containing a specific microorganism.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention relates to a method for identifying the presence of particular bacteria in a sample. The method includes collecting a sample that includes or has been exposed to the particular bacteria and detecting, in the sample, at least one volatile organic compound indicative of the presence of the bacteria.

Abstract: Methods of determining the amount of microorganisms present in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amphiphilic polymers, and micelles and compositions comprising the same, and their use in a variety of biological settings, including imaging, targeting drugs, or a combination thereof for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated cultivation and measurement device for label-free detection and classification of cellular alterations, in particular for generation and characterisation of cell-spheroids and monitoring the condition of the cell-spheroids in real time, comprising a) a mounting device for a cultivation chamber plate, b) an amplifier board linked with the contacts for the microelectrodes in the mounting device, c) a rotary shaker, on which the amplifier board and the mounting device for the cultivation chamber plate are placed, and d) a control unit, that is linked with the amplifier board and the rotary shaker, wherein the control unit allows recording, analyzing of data and controlling of the movement of the rotary shaker. The cultivation chamber plate has several culture reservoirs, wherein the bottom of each culture reservoir forms a microcavity and each microcavity features microelectrodes on the microcavity walls. The mounting device has contacts for the microelectrodes.