Abstract: Disclosed are methods for using open-celled polymeric foam wound dressings made from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The wound dressings have a high capillary pressure and may reduce or obviate the need for treatments like negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT). Also disclosed are structures for HIPE foam wound dressings. The HIPE foam wound dressings typically include at least two layers of HIPE foam with different, but homogeneous, average cell sizes. The average cell sizes form a cell size gradient, with cell size typically decreasing from the front or face layer of foam toward the back layer of foam. The back layer of foam may be a collapsed layer, while the front layer or layers may be expanded. Compared with HIPE foams for other absorbent applications, the wound dressing foams may be higher in hydratable salts and higher in initial moisture levels.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detection of bacteria, especially Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, are provided using a unique combination of selective ingredients and two-phase culture (solid-phase culture gel and liquid-phase culture/enrichment broth) allows for high sensitivity and specificity of the kits for growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in the detection methods and kits. The invention, through the detection mechanism accomplished by the novel formulation of selective ingredients and the two-phase culture, allows for real-time detection of a single cell of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus within 24±2 hours of introducing a target sample to the Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus detection kits.

Abstract: An analyte sensing and monitoring system and method is provided that is particularly applicable to monitoring of analytes in cell cultures. The system and method relies on the initial diffusion rates of the analytes from the medium that contains the analytes being measured (e.g., cell culture) into a diffusion chamber that is inserted into the medium, and remote sensing of the analytes using an analyte sensing system that is coupled to the diffusion chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing metabolites of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) includes (i) selecting a cell line of C. sativus that produces one or more saffron metabolites in cell suspension culture, and (ii) growing the selected cell line in a suspension cell culture to produce the saffron metabolite.

Abstract: A diagnostic device includes a microscope configured to obtain image data on a plurality of cells and a computing device. The computing device is configured to receive the image data, identify at least a portion of each of the plurality of cells based on the received image data, determine at least one of a value of a morphological parameter for each identified at least a portion of the plurality of cells or a relative organization among the identified at least a portion of the plurality of cells, and calculate statistics for the plurality of cells based on the at least one of the determined values of the morphological parameter or the determined relative organization, the statistics including information suitable for distinguishing metastatic cells from non-metastatic cells. The diagnostic device further includes an output device configured to output the statistics for diagnosis.

Abstract: A method for at least one of determining and monitoring at least one condition of/in a three dimensional cell culture system comprising at least one growth section, the at least one condition being selected from the group consisting of a physiological condition, a vitality, and a metabolism status, the method includes determining the physiological condition using erythrocytes as detectors, determining and/or monitoring the vitality by measuring living cell fluorescent dyes, and determining and/or monitoring the metabolism status by at least one of measuring an autofluorescence of NADH and/or FAD, by determining a NADH/NAD+ ratio, and by determining a NADH/FAD ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting viable cells in a cell sample, using a membrane permeable fluorescent label that permeates both viable and non-viable cells and a membrane impermeant quencher that selectively permeates non-viable cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting viable cells in a cell sample, using a membrane permeable fluorescent label that permeates both viable and non-viable cells and a membrane impermeant quencher that selectively permeates non-viable cells.

Abstract: A method for processing a blood sample is provided that can improve the recovery rate of deformable rare cells that would easily pass through a filter and small rare cells while reducing the filtration area of the filter, and that can recover the rare cells alive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish and identifying microorganisms in said selected colony using MALDI. The method comprises the automated steps of locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish; obtaining a sample of said selected colony of microorganisms; depositing at least some of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms on a target plate; and transferring said target plate with said sample in an apparatus for performing MALDI for identification of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms. A sample of a colony of microorganisms is automatically deposited on a depositing spot such that the sample covers at most approximately half of said one of the depositing spots of the target plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to select strains of algal cells for biomass accumulation. Based on synthetic algae sample trajectories, an illumination profile is developed. Strains of algal cells co-cultured in a vessel can then be exposed to the illumination profile under controlled conditions. Properties of algae can be measured and superior strains selected for further cultivation and/or study.

Abstract: The application relates to a closing element for closing a container for samples for analysis, particularly biological samples. The application also relates to an assembly of a container and a closing element connected to the container. The application also relates to a device and method for analysing samples. The closure comprises a vent channel (6) with a bacterial filter (7), a penetrable element (5) and the vent channel is configured to be connected with an analyser and can be opened and closed.

Abstract: When automatically classified results are different from judgment of a laboratory technician, the laboratory technician has to reselect the bacterial colonies one-by-one to be a pickup colony through watching the displayed image. To get rid of the inconvenience, provided is a pretreatment device for a bacteria test comprising: a specification unit by which an operator instructs to specify the number of bacterial colonies and the increased/decreased number of the bacterial colonies to be displayed; and a display unit for displaying classification results obtained following the operator's instruction. The pretreatment device for a bacteria test facilitates the automatically classified results to be brought close to the judgment of the laboratory technician, resulting in the saving of the time required for checking the appropriate bacterial colonies for the pickup colony.

Abstract: Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics and kits are provided.

Abstract: Provided are multiple correlations for relationships between MI value for a brightstock extract and the distillation cut point temperature used for separation of the vacuum resid that is used to form the brightstock extract. Based on these correlations, a BSE having a desired MI value can be formed based on an adjustment of the distillation cut point temperature. A first correlation establishes a relationship between a fractional weight boiling temperature for a vacuum resid fraction and a distillation cut point temperature for separating the vacuum resid fraction from at least one distillate fraction in a feedstock. A second correlation establishes a relationship between a fractional weight boiling temperature for a brightstock extract derived from the vacuum resid fraction, and the fractional weight boiling temperature for the vacuum resid fraction. A third correlation has been established between the fractional weight boiling temperature for the brightstock extract and a mutagenicity index value.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for isolating and detecting rare cells from a biological sample containing other types of cells, particularly including debulking that uses a microfabricated filter for filtering samples. The enriched rare cells can be used in a downstream process such as identification, characterization or growth in culture, or in other ways. Also included is a method of determining tumor aggressiveness or the number or proportion of cancer cells in the enriched sample by detecting telomerase activity, nucleic acid or expression after enrichment of rare cells. Also provided is an efficient, rapid method to specifically remove red and white blood cells from a biological sample containing at least one of the cell types, leading to enrichment of rare target cells including circulating tumor (CTC), stromal, mesenchymal, endothelial, fetal, stem, or non-hematopoietic cells et cetera from a blood sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for real-time detection of viable microorganisms comprising: a. addition of a cell-permeable, phototautomeric compound to a micro-organism or other living cell; and b. measuring the fluorescent emission of said phototautomeric compound. Preferably the phototautomeric compound is salicylic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-naphtoic acid or 1-hydroxy-2-naphtoic acid. Further, the assay can he used to assess the antibiotic effect of a test compound. This test can be used as a high—throughput screening for compounds with antibiotic activity. Also part of the invention is the use of a cell permeable phototautomeric compound in a method for determining the viability of micro-organisms and for assessing the antibiotic effect of a test compound.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a hyphal fungus in a sample by similarity comparisons between a mass spectrum of the fungus and reference spectra. The method includes growing fresh hyphae without any adhering contact to surfaces as to form a mycelium with undifferentiated hyphae cells. A sample is prepared from the hyphae cells, and a mass spectrum is acquired of the hyphae cell sample. The mass spectrum is matched with at least one reference spectrum.

Abstract: Tryptophan is used as the key native marker in cells to determine the level of aggressiveness of cancer cell lines using the native fluorescence spectroscopy. A ratio R of the fluorescence from tryptophan at 340 nm to that from the NADH at 440-460 nm is demonstrated to be associated with aggressiveness of the cancer cells. The higher the ratio R, the more aggressive the tumor towards metastasis.

Abstract: A nanosensor for detecting and quantifying lactate in different types of samples, such as tissues, intra-cellular and subcellular compartments, with high spatial and temporal resolution is disclosed. Methods comprising use of the nanosensor for quantifying the activity of lactate transporters, rates of cellular lactate production and cellular lactate consumption, and rate of mitochondrial pyruvate consumption are also disclosed. Methods for quantifying the transformation in energy metabolism that characterizes cancer cells with single-cell resolution and for detecting interference of candidate drugs with mitochondrial energetics are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a passive counter flow free microfluidic device for sorting a sample of flagellated cells is provided.

Abstract: The invention features devices and kits for capturing and culturing microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) and methods of using the devices and kits to detect microorganisms in environmental and other samples. The device includes a nutrient media having a flat growth area on which microorganisms can grow. Samples are collected by contacting the device with any environmental sample, e.g., rolling device on a work surface or exposing device to air, or by filtering a sample through a membrane. Microorganisms deposited on the membrane derive nutrients from the underlying media and grow into colonies that can then be detected using methods known in the art. The detected colonies can be imaged digitally or with film.

Abstract: All of bio-related substances, such as cells or bacteria, are placed at single and independent positions. A flow cell according to the present invention is used for analyzing a bio-related substance and includes a flow passageway and an injection opening and a discharge opening that are connected to the flow passageway. The flow passageway is provided with trapping structural members for trapping the bio-related substance. The trapping structural members include a structure forming a dead water region in which the bio-related substance is trapped.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzing method comprising: flowing a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a sample and reagent through a flow cell; irradiating particles in the measurement specimen flowing through the flow cell with linearly polarized light and thereby producing scattered light; detecting a change of polarization condition of the scattered light produced by the particles; and discriminating erythrocytes from crystals in the measurement specimen based on the change of polarization condition.

Abstract: A wear-indicating metalworking fluid is provided that includes a lubricant base; and a wear-indicating agent. A method of determining wear in a metalworking fluid includes providing wear-indicating metalworking fluid that contains a lubricant base and a wear indicating agent; and observing the visual appearance of the metalworking fluid. A change in visual appearance of the metalworking fluid when compared to an unused metalworking fluid indicates wear of the metalworking fluid.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device.

Abstract: A tissue tester for providing an indication of the presence of disease including a first paper tissue sheet; and a filter patch treated with a color changing indicator affixed to the first paper tissue sheet. The tester may also consist of a single sheet of filter paper treated with a solution of turmeric and alcohol. The color indicator changes from yellow to brown when disease is indicated in respiratory secretions.

Abstract: A sorting flow cytometer identifies an undesirable drop charge sequence that is preassigned to adjacent drops before the drops have separated from a fluid stream. An example of an undesirable drop charge sequence is a sequence of adjacent drops that are charged with sufficiently high opposing charges that, after the drops are formed, would result in merging of the adjacent drops. The sorting flow cytometer adjusts the assignment of drop charges to avoid the undesired drop charge sequence.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel multi-targeted microbiological screening and monitoring methods having substantial utility for monitoring and control of microbial growth and contaminants, microbiological processes, predictive microbiology, and for exposure and risk assessment. Microbial markers shared by both target and index microbes are used in novel methods for microbial monitoring, monitoring of microbial performance potential, trend analysis, and statistical process control (SPC) in processes or systems that are receptive to a plurality of genetically distinct microbes.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods utilizing an improved strain of bacteria, a Lac+ Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain of bacteria.

Abstract: Herein are described a set of novel specific human enhancers for specific forebrain cell types used to study and select for human neural progenitor cells. This approach enables the ability to generate interneurons from human ES, iPS and iN cells, making them available for human transplantation and for molecular/cellular analyses. These approaches are also directly applicable to generating other neuronal cell types, such as cortical and striatal projection neurons, which have implications for many human diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for the identification of the presence or absence of cancer cells in a biological sample, more particularly a method for the identification of the susceptibility or resistance to a treatment with CD20 agonists of cancer cells in a biological sample, the methods including determining the level of expression of the gene Cyclon in the cells and comparing the level of expression to the level of expression in a non-cancer cell, wherein a level of expression higher than the level of expression in a non-cancer cell is an indication of the presence of a cancer cell, more particularly an indication of cancer cells with a resistance to treatment with antagonists. Kits for the determination of a level of expression of the Cyclon gene in a biological sample, a method for the identification of Cyclon expression antagonists, and methods for treating patients are provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits are disclosed for detecting microorganisms that produce glucose oxidase. The method includes providing a culture medium and a hydrogen peroxide indicating reagent comprising a chromogenic substrate that can provide a detectable chromogenic reaction indicating the presence of a microorganism that produces glucose oxidase, and additional methods are disclosed for differentiating microorganisms by the detection of an additional chromogenic reaction.

Abstract: A new class of pH sensitive fluorescent dyes and assays relating thereto are described. The dyes and assays are particularly suited for biological applications including phagocytosis and monitoring intracellular processes. The pH sensitive fluorescent dyes of the present invention include compounds of Formula I: wherein the variables are described throughout the application.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides transformed human pluripotent stem cell (t-hPSC). t-hPSCs are not dependent on Oct4 for renewal and survival, however exhibit a sensitivity to reduced levels of the transcription factor Nanog. Also provided are methods of culturing cells for use in a cell-based screening assay comprising placing one or more transformed human pluripotent stem cells into a receptacle and culturing said stem cells in the receptacle to form a monolayer of stem cells without cell overlap. Methods of screening compounds using t-hPSCs are also described.

Abstract: A microwell device is provided. The device includes a plate having a upper surface. The upper surface has first and second recesses formed therein. Each recess has an outer periphery. First and second portions of microwells are formed in upper surface of the plate. The first portion of microwells are spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess and the second portion of microwells spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess. A first barrier is about a first portions of the microwells for fluidicly isolating the first portion of the microwells and a second barrier about a second portions of microwells for fluidicly isolating the second portion of the microwells.

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles having luminol covalently linked thereto and optionally functionalized with an oligonucleotide and bacterial or viral detection assays. In one aspect, the detection system for detecting an analyte in a sample comprises a light-shielding container having a fiberoptic cable for transmitting light generated within the light-shielding container to a photodetector; a plurality of functionalized nanoparticles deposited in solid form on or within a support, such that the support is located within the light-shielding container; wherein the functionalized nanoparticles comprise nanoparticles covalently attached to one or more chemiluminescent moieties; and a reagent system which causes the chemiluminescent moieties to produce light in the presence of the reagent system and the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A detection instrument determines whether a specimen container (e.g., blood culture bottle) is positive for presence of microbial agent growth therein. When the container is deemed positive it is made available (e.g, transferred or exposed to) to an automated instrument performing identification and/or characterization of the microbial agent. The identification and/or characterization instrument removes a portion of the sample from the specimen container and places it into a disposable separation and concentration device. The microbial agent is concentrated via optional selective lysis of non-microbial agent cellular material which may be present and centrifugation. A reading module reads the concentrated microbial agent using spectroscopic methods, e.g., measurements of intrinsic fluorescence. Such interrogation may occur while the microbial agent remains concentrated in the disposable device.

Abstract: A method for sorting pluripotent cells using a compound which is eliminated from the pluripotent cells through the MDR1 transporter.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of detection, by mass spectrometry, of at least one marker of at least one mechanism of resistance to at least one antimicrobial, resistance of at least one microorganism contained in a sample, characterised in that the antimicrobial is a carbapenem, and said resistance markers are proteins or peptides. Preferably, said proteins or peptides are proteins from said microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to an apparatus having a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. In some examples, the valve is opened by bringing a magnet in proximity to the valve element to provide a magnetic force that delaminates the valve element from the adhesive coating. In particular, the apparatus can be useful for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.

Abstract: Lentiviral packaging cells and methods for producing the same are provided herein. Specifically, lentiviral packaging cells capable of producing lentiviral vector suitable for use in clinical trials are provided. Methods for producing lentiviral packaging cells capable of producing lentiviral vector suitable for use in clinical trials are described.

Abstract: A method of the identification of Bacillus species by direct in-situ analysis of MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectometry) in which spore-forming bacteria are applied intact without any pretreatment, and an analysis system of distinctive biomarkers which allow Bacillus spores to be distinguished. Rapid and accurate detection and identification of Bacillus species can be achieved by the method and analysis system.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for detecting the presence of anastomotic leakage in the abdominal cavity through a dual action catheter placed in the vicinity of a surgery site. A portion of the dual action catheter may be affixed around the surgery site, for example, coiled around the surgery site on the intestine. Through openings on the catheter near the surgery site, a neutral fluid such as saline solution may be injected and extracted through the same openings resulting in retrieval of fluids in the same are. By testing the extracted fluids, chemical and biochemical activity within the abdominal cavity may be determined in order to gauge the start of any anastomotic leakage.

Abstract: A device is described including a lid, a collection portion support, and a collection portion with a surface for receiving a biological sample, the lid includes a window and a window holder, the surface defines a first plane, the collection portion includes a first, a second, and a third position markers, each position marker indicates a center point marker, the center points define a second plane that has a line of intersection with the first plane, the device has an interior volume defined partially by the collection portion support, the collection portion, the window, and the window holder, the window allows visual inspection of the position markers, the collection portion support has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with a fluid path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet via the interior volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and kits for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating cancer, e.g., pancreatic cancer, or inflammation, by determining the presence of circulating epithelial in a biological sample and further identifying the tissue of origin using a tissue-specific biomarker, e.g., Pdx-1.

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 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 disclosure provides culture devices and methods useful for detecting acid-producing bacteria in a sample. The devices include a nutrient medium and a pH indicator to detect and differentiate acid-producing microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating acid-producing microorganisms. The methods further provide for the detection of gas-producing acid-producing bacteria.

Abstract: An integrated device for diagnostic analyzes used to verify the presence of bacteria in at least a biological sample mixed with a eugonic culture medium in liquid form, to classify at least the type of bacteria, and to test a series of antibiotics, selected from a group of characteristic antibiotics at least for the type of bacteria identified, identifying those effective to determine the antibiotic therapy. The device comprises, inside an integrated structure, first containing means provided with containing elements in which the biological samples to be analyzed are distributed, second containing means comprising recipients or micro-plates thermostated with wells containing a eugonic culture medium in liquid form in which a first fraction of the biological samples to be analyzed is dispensed, and a first recipient and second recipients or plates with a relative first well and second wells in which a further fraction of the biological samples which resulted positive to the analysis is dispensed.