Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to methods and compositions relating to the differentiation and activity of brown adipocytes, and the therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for labeling or targeting cells whose plasma membrane has lost integrity, such as dead cells, such as for discriminating between live cells and cells whose plasma membrane has lost integrity; to an embodiment of the method for determining one or more values of one or more parameters of cells of a biological sample; to use of the method in an assay for screening drugs for therapy such as cancer therapy; to use of the method to monitor and/or determine the effectiveness of a therapy; to an assay kit; to a complex; to the complex for use as a medicament; to the complex for use in treatment of cancer(s) and/or plaque(s) and/or regeneration and/or supporting the immune system; and, to a dead cell.

Abstract: Methods for determining cell chirality using micropatterned substrates are disclosed. Also provided are methods for diagnosing diseases such as genetic diseases or cancer by comparing the chirality of sample cells from a subject with normal cells, and determining a difference in chirality between the sample cells and normal cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of microorganisms in a liquid sample. A vessel with an electrode disposed therein receives a volume of liquid to be tested. A second electrode is also provided, both electrodes in physical contact with the liquid sample. A time varying signal is applied to one electrode, and the other electrode is coupled to a phase sensitive signal detector. The phase sensitive signal detector determines a frequency at which an out of phase signal amplitude is zero. This zero-crossing frequency is used as a baseline, and changes in the zero-crossing frequency are an indication of microbial growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for culturing spirochetes, in particular Borrelia burgdorferi. The present invention also provides methods of identifying spirochetes present in a biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of diagnosing diseases cause by a spirochete infection, such as Lyme disease, syphilis, and multiple sclerosis. The present invention further provides methods for identifying spirochete susceptibilities to antimicrobials and antimicrobial compositions and cocktails. The present invention also provides methods for treating subjects suspected of having a spirochete infection.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for assays of bacterial spores. In particular, methods and apparatus for lateral flow immunoassay for bacterial spore detection and quantification, live/dead assay for bacterial spores, lifetime-gated measurements of bacterial spores and imaging bacterial spores using an active pixel sensor, and unattended monitoring of bacterial spores in the air are described.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.

Abstract: A method and point of use kit to determine under field conditions the presence and/or amount of a selected Pseudomonas species capable of bioremediating organic environmental pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.

Abstract: Provided is a composition of detection agents for living cells, especially epithelial tumor cells; the composition contains 0-5% folic acid, 0-10% folic acid complex, 0.01-5% methylene blue, 0.1-10% carbohydrate reducing agent, 2-6% acetic acid, and 3-95% water. Also provided is a preparation method for the composition of detection agents and kits containing the composition of detection agents.

Abstract: A spectroscopic method for spectroscopic detection and identification of bacteria in culture is disclosed. The method incorporates construction of at least one data set, which may be a spectrum, interference pattern, or scattering pattern, from a cultured sample suspected of containing said bacteria. The data set is corrected for the presence of water in the sample, spectral features are extracted using a principal components analysis, and the features are classified using a learning algorithm. In some embodiments of the invention, for example, to differentiate MRSA from MSSA, a multimodal analysis is performed in which identification of the bacteria is made based on a spectrum of the sample, an interference pattern used to determine cell wall thickness, and a scattering pattern used to determine cell wall roughness. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed, one embodiment of which incorporates a multiple sample analyzer.

Abstract: A novel type of dye systems comprises a selection of 10H-indolo[1,2-a]indole compounds (henceforth abbreviated as IO compounds) and (5H,7H)-indolo[1,2-a]quinoline compounds (henceforth abbreviated as IQ compounds) showing a solvatochromic effect and exhibiting strong fluorescence in a variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, oils, various solvents, emulsions. Also disclosed are various methods how the IO/IQ compounds can be administered, especially how they can be produced and administered in situ from a precursor, responding to external stimuli such as enzyme activity, temperature and so forth. The response of a precursor to external stimuli can also be used to determine the presence or absence of such stimuli.

Abstract: Methods for using focused light scattering techniques for the optical sensing of biological particles suspended in a liquid medium are disclosed. The optical sensing enables one to characterize particles size and/or distribution in a given sample. This, in turn, allows one to identify the biological particles, determine their relative particle density, detect particle shedding, and identify particle aggregation. The methods are also useful in screening and optimizing drug candidates, evaluating the efficacy and dosage levels of such drugs, and in personalized medicine applications.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence, quantity and identity of one or more microorganisms in a sample and a method for using the same. The apparatus is composed of one or more chambers and a sensing element for sensing microorganisms. In particular embodiments, the sensing element is an array of chemoresponsive dyes deposited on a substrate in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the combination of the dyes have a distinct and direct spectroscopic, transmission, or reflectance response to distinct analytes produced by the microorganism which is indicative of the presence, quantity and identity of the microorganism.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include cell culture liquid/gas-phase chamber devices and related methods that allow measurement of gas-phase components and their production rate as well as substances/mediators released into media by cultured cells in response to various stimuli. In embodiments disclosed herein, these chamber devices are cell culture liquid/gas-phase chamber devices. The gas and liquid phase compartments are separated by the cell culture liquid/gas-phase chamber devices so that there is no, or minimal, physico-chemical interaction between the liquid and gas phase compartments. As an example, these cell culture liquid/gas-phase chamber devices can be used to study the effects of various pharmacologic agents or other interventions on healthy or diseased cell metabolism by assessing a release of metabolic products in liquid (culture media) and the headspace under standardized conditions.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a method of selectively necrosing cells, comprising: providing a plurality cells, including at least one cancer cell and at least one non-cancerous cell; and administering to the cells a compound, including an HDM-2 targeting component and a cytotoxic component attached to the HDM-2 targeting component, wherein said compound comprises a membrane-active form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non human model animal for ulcerative colitis and its main complications such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and colorectal cancer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a transgenic non human animal model for ulcerative colitis and its main complications such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, and colorectal cancer comprising a targeted disruption in the IL10 and NOX1 genes so that IL10 and NOX1 are not expressed in said animal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and means for the neutralization, binding, and/or inactivation of antimicrobials in a test sample. The invention is also directed to a method of detecting the presence of one or more microorganisms in a test sample by culturing the test sample in a culture media comprising one or more primary amine-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention related to a saccharide-based cholera toxin detection sensor for detection of Vibrio cholerae and its use. More specifically, the present invention relates to a carbohydrate chip for detection of Vibrio cholerae, a method for detecting Vibrio cholerae using the same, and a method for preparing the same, where the carbohydrate chip comprises GM1 pentasaccharide, GM2 tetrasaccharide, asialo GM1 tetrasaccharide, GM3 trisaccharide, galactose-? 1,3-N-acetylgalactosamine, lactose, and sialic acid that are immobilized on the surface of a solid substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits pertaining to detecting live bacterial pathogens using sortase enzymes and reflective spectroscopy such as reflective interferometry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for labeling specifically living bacteria of a given category in a sample, the method including: a) incubating said bacteria of said sample with at least one analog of a monosaccharide compound, and b) contacting the bacteria with a labeling molecule having a second reactive group.

Abstract: Microbiota restoration therapy compositions and methods for manufacturing, processing, and/or delivering microbiota restoration therapy compositions are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a microbiota restoration therapy composition may include collecting a human fecal sample and adding a diluent to the human fecal sample to form a diluted sample. The diluent may include a cryoprotectant. The method may also include mixing the diluted sample with a mixing apparatus and filtering the diluted sample. Filtering may form a filtrate. The method may also include transferring the filtrate to a sample bag and sealing the sample bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of insect pests control, using methods and compositions which comprise of alpha-amylase analogous mutant inhibitors (?AIs). More specifically, the invention provides new ?AIs analogous mutant molecules for controlling insect pests, in particular boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis), partially or totally presenting reduction of the amylolytic activity of the digestive enzymes in the intestinal lumen of the insect. Other aspects of the invention include gene constructs containing the nucleic acid molecules that code for the alpha-amylase inhibitors, heterologous expression methods of the new molecules in the active form, and the use of these molecules for controlling insect pests. The invention also provides analogous synthetic genes optimized for their transformation and expression in plants.

Abstract: A microbial detection article and methods of using the same, the article comprising: a base member comprising a self-supporting water impervious substrate with first and second generally opposed major surfaces; a filter assembly defining a filter assembly aperture therein, and having a composite filter body mounted across the filter assembly aperture; wherein the composite filter body comprises: a microporous membrane, and a water-absorbent layer in fluid communication with the microporous membrane; and a cover sheet.

Abstract: Herein is described methods for a high-sensitivity means to measure the incorporation of stable isotope labeled substrates into RNA following stable isotope probing experiments (SIP). RNA is hybridized to a set of probes such as phylogenetic microarrays and isotope incorporation is quantified such as by secondary ion mass spectrometer imaging (NanoSIMS).

Abstract: A method for determining and/or engineering photosynthetic mutant algal strains comprising: (A) pre-screening wild-type or parent strains to select for photosynthetic efficiency; (B) cause genetic mutations in the group of wild-type and/or parent strains from pre-screening (A) to form genetic mutant strains; (C) screening the genetic mutant strains for photosynthetic efficiency in mass cultures; and (D) further screening the genetic mutants resulting from screening (C) by measuring biomass productivity to select strains having relatively high biomass/lipid/starch productivity.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a method and a device for detecting device colonization. Disclosed herein is an indwelling medical device configured to detect a biofilm. The device comprises a substrate configured to contact blood and a detecting material, disposed with the substrate, configured to detect the presence of a biofilm thereon. The detecting material is soluble in blood, removable by kidneys from the blood, and passable to urine by the kidneys for detection in the urine. A method for detecting the growth of a biofilm on an indwelling medical and a method for making an indwelling medical device are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for indwelling medical devices for detection of luminal catheter colonization. A substrate for use as an indwelling medical device includes an elevated biofilm releasing medium including a dye for release into urine on the occurrence of an elevated biofilm build-up on the substrate in the urine; and an elevated pH releasing medium including a dye on the substrate different from the dye used to detect biofilm build-up for release into urine on the occurrence of an elevated pH level in the urine. Methods of manufacture and use of the disclosed indwelling medical devices are also described.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of treatment of an autoimmune disease involving a specific tolerance induction (“STI”) event, wherein the method includes: collecting a first sample from the patient prior to the STI event; detecting an STI event or performing a procedure that correlates in time to an STI event; collecting a second sample from the patient after the STI event; preparing lymphocytes from the first and second samples; preparing and sequencing DNA or cDNA from the prepared lymphocytes; identifying sequences of prevalent T or B cell receptors (“prevalent receptor sequences”) among the lymphocytes of the second sample; selecting a regulatory lymphocyte that carries at least one prevalent receptor sequence, which selected regulatory lymphocyte (i) expresses at least one prevalent receptor sequence or (ii) is generated from an autologous or allogeneic naïve lymphocyte, which naïve lymphocyte is engineered and induced to become a regulatory lymphocyte that expresses at least one prevalent recep

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved sperm stimulating additive comprising a certain amount of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Addition of PPi in the media for human/animal in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves fertilization rate; addition of PPi in the semen extender for farm animal artificial insemination (AI) may improve pregnancy rates; furthermore, mamalian oocytes matured in vitro in a medium including PPi attain improved fertilization and developmental potential, while embryos cultured in medium supplemented with PPi have improved development to blastocyst.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the non-invasive imaging of embryos to determine whether they are euploid or aneuploid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample, the method essentially including the following steps: a) in a first container, bringing the sample into contact with at least one culture medium, b) placing the first container in suitable conditions to permit growth of the microorganism or microorganisms, c) bringing some or all of the mixture being made of the sample and the culture medium into contact with a reaction mixture and a substrate for capturing the microorganism(s) in the first container or in a second container, the reaction mixture having a device for detecting the microorganism(s); d) detecting, within the first or second container, the presence of the microorganism or microorganisms detected by the detecting device and fixed on the capture substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of detecting a predetermined biological activity. The method includes using an aqueous mixture comprising a first indicator reagent with a first absorption spectrum and a second indicator reagent. The second indicator reagent is converted by the predetermined biological activity to a second biological derivative with a second emission spectrum. The first absorbance spectrum includes detectable absorbance in at least a portion of wavelengths present in the second emission spectrum. The first indicator reagent is received and concentrated from an aqueous liquid by a substrate, facilitating the detection of the second biological derivative.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a use of a fluorescent saccharide-based derivative in cell detection. The fluorescent saccharide-based derivative is obtained from a reactive material through an imine formation reaction, and the reactive material is selected from a composition (A) or a composition (B). The composition (A) includes a reducing sugar compound and an amino group-containing compound having at least one primary amino group. The composition (B) includes an amino sugar compound and a carbonyl group-containing compound, and the amino sugar compound contains at least one primary amino group.

Abstract: A kit and method for evaluating in vitro the effect of a xenobiotic (e.g., a biologic drug) on drug metabolism in hepatocytes. The kit comprises a first culture of hepatocytes, a portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and instructions for incubating the first culture of hepatocytes with the portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and analyzing the activity, expression, or a combination thereof of a biomarker in the hepatocytes to evaluate the effect of the xenobiotic on drug metabolism in the hepatocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for detecting particles, in particular parasites, in drinking water adapted to on-line application. In particular, the invention b) relates to a method for detecting parasites in water, said method comprising: Passing at least a part of the water through a filter; Applying indirect sonication with ultrasound to said filter to release parasites which have been collected in said filter without disrupting said parasites; Collecting parasites for detection; and Detecting the collected parasites. This serves to collect parasites in the filter and/or increase the concentration of parasites before the filter and/or disrupt aggregates without disrupting the parasites per se. The invention further relates to a concentration device for filter filtration concentration of particles from a volume of a fluid. The concentration device comprises an ultrasonic transducer that is configured to clean the filter.

Abstract: Species of human-derived bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class have been shown to induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon and suppress immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used to prevent and treat immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: We describe the use of chemically defined media for the fermentative production of valuable compounds on an industrial scale. Microbial strains which are suitable for fermentation on an industrial scale using a chemically defined medium include fungal, yeast and bacterial strains. Suitable strains can be obtained as wild type strains or by screening and selection after mutagenic treatment or DNA transformation.

Abstract: The method for detecting and identifying a variant C. difficile strain in a sample is characterized by the following steps: (a) obtaining a sample of excreta or tissue from a human or animal patient body; (b) bringing the sample into contact with at least one antibody from each of at least three of the antibody groups group I, group II, group III, group IV, group V and group VI; (c) detecting the antibody reaction and constructing the reaction pattern; (d) comparing the reaction pattern obtained in (c) with reference patterns from known C. difficile strains and C. difficile strains the presence of which is to be tested in the investigation test; (e) assessing the agreement between the reaction pattern obtained in (c) and the reference pattern as indicative of the presence of the C. difficile strain of the reference pattern concerned in the sample.

Abstract: A method for accurately counting desired cells or microorganisms (viable bacteria) in a sample fluid in which contaminants are included is provided. One or plural types of membrane-permeable fluorochromes whose fluorescence amount is amplified by binding to a nucleic acid and glycerin are added to a sample fluid containing cells or microorganisms to be counted and allowed to stand for a certain time. Glycerin is added before or after or simultaneously with the mixing of the sample fluid and the fluorochrome(s). The cells or microorganisms to be counted are counted by staining the cells or microorganisms to be counted, followed by irradiating with light having a specific wavelength to detect the fluorescence emitted from the cells or microorganisms.

Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method to evaluate the sulfoxidizing activity in a microbiologic process detecting the presence of the spermidine biomarker produced by the micro organisms that participate in such process.

Abstract: A viable particle counting apparatus 77 includes devices 10, 70, 2. The device 10 radiates a light with a predetermined wavelength toward a liquid containing a detection target. The device 70 reduces a Raman-scattered light emitted from the liquid out of lights emitted due to an interaction of the light radiated by the device 10 with the target or the liquid and selects an autofluorescence light emitted from the target. The device 2 determines whether or not the target contained in the liquid is a viable particle, based on a light obtained after the Raman-scattered light is reduced by the device 70. The device 10 radiates the light with a wavelength that causes the autofluorescence light and the Raman-scattered light to be different in peak wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing an existing or developing acute pneumonia induced by a microorganism by detecting one or more volatile organic compound(s) in a subject's sample and the use of one or more volatile organic compound(s) for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenza and optionally opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans.

Abstract: A process for obtaining an adapted strain of Pseudomonas includes the following steps: deleting the genes ExoS, ExoT, aroA and IasI in an initial Pseudomonas strain cultivated in a LB medium; progressively cultivating this strain in a chemically defined medium based on a glucose minimal medium supplemented with magnesium and calcium; wherein the adapted strain presents the same toxicity and secretion capacities than the initial strain, and its doubling time when cultivated in the chemically defined medium is less than 60 minutes. An adapted strain is furthermore treated to become ‘killed but metabolically active’.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes and proteins involved in the sporulation of Mycobacteria and the use thereof in the technical fields of immunology and medicine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass spectrometric method for determining microbial resistances to antibiotics. The invention provides specific methods comprising cultivation in synthetic media, in which several amino acids, preferably only a single amino acid, are isotopically labeled by incorporating 13C, 15N, 18O or 34S. If several amino acids are isotopically labeled, they are labeled in such a way that they are each heavier than the corresponding unlabeled amino acids by the same integer mass difference ?m. This ensures that the mass shifts of the peaks always amount to an integer multiple of the mass difference ?m. The total mass difference can be kept relatively small by selecting suitable amino acids. A mass shift of the protein peaks in media with antibiotics indicates that the microbes are resistant. A second embodiment first produces isotopically labeled microbes, which are then tested for their resistance by cultivating them in normal media.

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: A method for detecting and counting the microorganisms in a sample is described. The method comprises: a) selectively enriching the microorganism sought in the sample, b) inducing or activating at least one enzymatic activity of the microorganism, c) immunomagnetically concentrating the microorganism, d) fluorescently labeling the microorganism, and e) detecting and analyzing the fluorescence making possible the numeration or counting of the microorganisms sought by flow cytometry, filtration cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract: Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that incorporate an aza-benzazolium ring moiety are described, including cyanine dyes substituted by a cationic side chain, monomeric and dimeric cyanine dyes, chemically reactive cyanine dyes, and conjugates of cyanine dyes. The subject dyes are virtually non-fluorescent when diluted in aqueous solution, but exhibit bright fluorescence when associated with nucleic acid polymers such as DNA or RNA, or when associated with detergent-complexed proteins. A variety of applications are described for detection and quantitation of nucleic acids and detergent-complexed proteins in a variety of samples, including solutions, electrophoretic gels, cells, and microorganisms.