Abstract: There are disclosed a culture media and culture supplements for cultivating microorganisms, including Listeria spp and methods for culturing microorganisms including Listeria spp. There are also disclosed methods for detecting the presence of microorganisms including Listeria spp in samples.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for measuring molecular flux rates of molecules of interest in a tissue sample in spatially-organized manner and generating output (e.g., an image, a heat map, a contour map, a table or a database) representing the molecular flux rates of each spatially-defined location of the sample. Provided herein are also the output, as well as systems and computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for determining molecular flux rates of molecules of interest in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robust viability stain for methods utilizing elemental analysis. A population of cells is contacted with an effective dose of a non-chelated biomacromolecule-reactive metal derivative, which selectively crosses the plasma membrane of non-viable cells, and which covalently modifies a biological macromolecule within the cell, for a period of time sufficient to permit entry into non-viable cells. The population of cells is then washed free of unbound viability reagent; and the presence of the metal within the cells is detected, wherein non-viable cells are selectively labeled with the viability reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for the collection of donated stool, a collection chamber for depositing (or collecting), processing and harvesting stool from a donor and a process for the preparation of a composition comprising donated stool and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An essentially glutamine-free medium comprising a whole-cell glutamine biosensor, comprising a glutamine auxotrophic E. coli and a Lux reporter gene, for detecting glutamine in an analyte. The medium is useful in methods to detecting, screening, identifying and selecting nitrogen-fixing microbes and in methods of determining the nitrogen state of plants, plant products and soil.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of transcribable polynucleotides in plant cells, plant tissues, and plants. Compositions include regulatory polynucleotide molecules capable of providing expression in plant tissues and plants. Methods for expressing polynucleotides in a plant cell, plant tissue, or plants using the regulatory polynucleotide molecules disclosed herein are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the identification of various objects, particularly circulating tumor cells. In one aspect the system includes, but is not limited to, a scanning system, an image storage system, and an analysis system. The analysis system preferably identifies desired objects, such as complete cells, based on various criteria, which may include cell nuclear area or volume, CD-45 negative status, and cytokeratine positive status. Preferably included is a slide for containing the cells during the imaging step, the well including a planar bottom surface, a border at the periphery of the well defining sides for the well, the border being adjacent the bottom surface of the well and providing a fluidic seal there between. The invention herein provides for a single imaging well, providing for substantially a monolayer of objects, e.g., cells.

Abstract: The development of fluorescent bioprobes comprising organic fluorescent compounds that exhibit aggregation induced emission (AIE) properties, methods of producing the same, and their practical applications for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging.

Abstract: Methods of detecting bacterial contamination in a platelet concentrate are performed using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument and a sample holder. A sample of platelet concentrate can be held vertically or horizontally in a capillary in the sample holder. Alternatively, novel platelet storage bags modified to include an optically translucent window can be held within another variant of the sample holder. Still alternatively, platelet storage bags having one or more tubes detachably appended to the bag can be used. A sample is drawn off into an appended tube for placement directly into the sample holder. This method provides a number of related, non-invasive techniques for detecting whether bacteria has contaminated a platelet concentrate. Contamination indicators include a population of particles different from platelets, microparticles or proteins, bad-quality platelets, i.e. low DLS score, and very high or very low scattering intensity.

Abstract: An object selecting device includes a container configured to store liquid, a plate configured to support a selection object by being immersed into the liquid stored in the container, and a holder configured to hold the plate in a state where a bottom surface of the plate and an inner bottom part of the container are separated. The plate includes a through hole at a support position. The through hole includes a tapered portion configured to allow the selection object to precipitate along a direction of gravity and support the selection object in contact with the inner wall surface of the through hole. An opening area at the upper end of the tapered portion is larger than that at the lower end of the tapered portion. Only the selection object can be supported out of the collection of objects having different shapes.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved multi-way cell sorter systems and methods. For example, provided are systems and methods for the collection of cells that are sorted in multiple directions. The systems and methods allow for the construction of a multi-way sorter (e.g., a ten-way sorter in the space that currently only allows four-way sorting). In addition the device may actively sense the arrival of drops (with cells of interest) at a sample tube, and trigger an alarm when the drops' arrivals deviate from an expected pattern.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of organ tissue regeneration using pluripotent cells derived from umbilical cord blood, compositions of these pluripotent cells, methods for further transforming these cells, and uses for these transformed cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for improving yield of sorted particles. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a system including: (a) a flow cytometer to analyze a sample, wherein the flow cytometer provides a parameter plot based on the analysis of the sample; (b) a user-interface, wherein a user can define a coincidence acceptance gate in the parameter plot, and wherein the coincidence acceptance gate identities a non-target particle population in the sample that may be accepted with a target particle in a subsequent sort analysis; and (c) a sort analysis system to sort particles within the sample, while accepting particles defined by coincidence acceptance gate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a foreign cell in a tissue of the upper intestinal tract, sold method comprising: (a) providing a sample of cells from the epithelium layer of the tissue of interest; (b) preparing the cells into a cohesive cluster; (c) staining cells from the cohesive cluster using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain; (d) observing the stained cells; and (e) inferring the presence or absence of foreign cell(s) from the observations of Id), The invention also relates to a method for aiding the diagnosis of an inflammatory condition of the upper intestinal tract in a subject, said method comprising detecting a foreign cell as described above, wherein detection of foreign cell(s) in step (e) infers that the subject has an inflammatory condition of the upper intestinal tract.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for visually monitoring, detecting, and/or determining the presence, absence, and/or growth of harmful or potentially harmful bacterial microorganisms beneath a wound dressing, in one example used to cover an indwelling central venous catheter or other catheter. A bacteria detection apparatus includes a barrier membrane, a permeable membrane for placement proximate a wound or a catheter insertion site, and an indicator between the barrier membrane and the permeable membrane for indicating the presence of bacteria proximate the permeable membrane. A method of using a bacterial growth detection apparatus is also provided.

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 multi-well plate can be loaded with a range of compliant substrates. Commerically-available assays can be used to test cellular responses across a plate with shear modulus from 50 to 51200 Pascals. Cells can be grown in the plates, and can be manipulated and analyzed. Hydrogels can be attached to the bottom of a well. The plates can support the attachment and growth of different cell types and can be compatible with standard 96-well and 384-well plate assays. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels can be reproducible and stable to increase the shelf life of the substrate. The hydrogel can be compatible with growth of a variety of cell types, various attachment ligands such as collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, or RGD peptides and can be coupled to the gel surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a sample that may contain bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group, a reaction medium comprising at least one fluorescent phosphatidylcholine phospholipase C (PC-PLC) substrate and an inhibitor of Gram-negative bacteria; (b) inoculating the reaction medium with the sample; (c) incubating the inoculated reaction medium; and (d) identifying the bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group by detecting the PC-PLC substrate hydrolysis reaction, in which the pH of the reaction medium and the time necessary for detecting the PC-PLC substrate hydrolysis reaction are adapted such that said hydrolysis reaction by bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group is detected before hydrolysis of the PC-PLC substrate by any Gram-positive bacteria other than those belonging to the Bacillus cereus group, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and compositions for the production of heterogeneous tissue from human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the purification, concentration and identification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored proteins (GPI-APs) from a biological sample (cells, tissues and/or blood/serum) in a patient or subject, including a human patient or subject. A new method to separate GPI-anchored glycoproteins, a class of glycoproteins found in all animal cells and fluids including serum, from other glycoproteins and proteins for the purpose of identifying potential biomarkers for various diseases, including cancer, especially breast cancer, vaginal cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. The method uses the alpha-toxin from Clostridium septicum to separate GPI-anchored glycoproteins for identification and optionally quantification. The GPI-APs so obtained may be used to raise antibodies for inclusion in an immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis or the monitoring of therapy of cancer in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature device for detecting, identifying and/or quantifying microorganisms in a sample. The device comprises a surface for contact with a sample to be analysed, said surface defining a pore and said pore comprising means for reporting the presence of a microorganism. The reporting means may comprise a solid or semi-solid substrate, a metabolic indicator; and a media and/or nutrients that support or encourage microbial growth.

Abstract: The invention provides for a proteomic approach for identification of specific bacterial protein profiles that may be used in the development of methods for the diagnosis of bacterial chronic sinusitis. The invention provides for methods for determining the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract of a subject using protein profiles of the pathogenic bacteria. The invention also provides for methods of diagnosing a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract of a subject using protein profiles of a pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the invention provides for devices, immunoassays and kits for identifying pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract.

Abstract: A novel lipoteichoic acid (LTA) was isolated from C. difficile, the structure of which is illustrated below wherein n is an integer between 1 and 20, R3 and R4 are independently selected from C 14:0, C 16:0, C 16:1, C 18:0 or C18:1 fatty acid or any combination thereof wherein one of COR3 or COR4 may be replaced by H. Further described are conjugates comprising the novel LTA and vaccines produced using the isolated LTA and the LTA conjugates. The invention also encompasses methods of conferring immunity against C. difficile comprising administering a vaccine of the invention, and methods of detecting C. difficile using the isolated LTA of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of the viable cells in an endodontic sample in or taken from an endodontic cavity in the tooth, such as the root canal, enables the rapid and low cost identification of the presence or absence of bacteria or other viable cell tissue in the endodontic space by first incubating a viable cell indicator with an endodontic sample for a pre-determined period suitable for chair-side test and then measuring and/or detecting a change in a parameter (e.g. fluorescence) associated with the viable cell indicator. Thereby, the required level of root canal treatment can be reached which minimizes the risk of re-infection without the time, cost and potentially harm of over-preparation and over treatment by the dental surgeon or of a re-treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are a deodorizer using an autotrophic microbe, and a method for preparing the same. The deodorizer is prepared through a culturing step for amplifying an autotrophic microbe of interest, a sterilizing and purifying step for removing impurities and harmful microbes other than the autotrophic microbe, and a harvesting step for collecting the filtered autotrophic microbes. The microbial deodorizes is effective for removing odorous emissions attributed to ammonia, trimethylamine, formaldehyde, and hydrogen sulfide and is safe to the body and the environment including air and water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of medical technology, which provides methods and apparatuses for identifying red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The methods may include: obtaining a forward-scattered light signal, a side-scattered light signal and an optional fluorescence signal from cells in a blood sample; obtaining a first two-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal and the side-scattered light signal, or obtaining a three-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal, the side-scattered light signal and the fluorescence signal; and identifying cells located in a predetermined area of the first two-dimensional scattergram or the three-dimensional scattergram as the red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The apparatuses perform the methods. The methods and apparatuses can have better identification accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses culture medium unit doses for cultivating microorganisms comprising at least two compositions, each composition packaged in a composition unit dose of a predetermined amount, the composition unit doses being used for combining one of each composition unit dose forming the culture medium unit dose. The composition unit doses being packaged separately and individually until a time the culture medium unit dose is to be prepared for use for cultivation of microorganisms, wherein the time one of each composition unit dose are combined thereby forming the culture medium unit dose. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the composition unit doses, and a kit for cultivating microorganisms, the kit comprising a combination of the composition unit doses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for parallel or sequential transgene stacking in plants to produce plants with selected phenotypes.

Abstract: Substrates for detecting microorganisms are provided, wherein the substrate comprises a set of molecular markers linked, optionally with linker molecules or moieties, to a di-, or tripeptide consisting of amino acids X1 and X2, or X1, X2 and X3, in which one of them, for example, X1, is a D-amino acid and the others, for example, X2 and X3, may be any D- or L-amino acid. The substrate preferably is used for the detection of Bacillus anthracis. Also provided are substrates for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, wherein the substrate comprises a set of molecular markers linked, optionally with linker molecules or moieties to a tri-, tetra-, or pentapeptide consisting of glycine amino acids. The invention further comprises methods for detecting microorganisms, specifically B. anthracis and P. aeruginosa, with the substrates of the invention and use of the substrate(s) in such a method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that allow analysis of macromolecular structures using laserspray ionization at intermediate pressure or high vacuum using commercially available mass spectrometers with or without modification and with the application of heat. The systems and methods produce multiply-charged ions for improved analysis in mass spectrometry.

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: A method of characterizing the protein O-GlcNAcylation site-specificity of an antibody. A method of detecting or quantitating the expression of site-specific O-GlcNAcylated proteins expressed in cells and biological samples. A method of diagnosing cancer in a host based on the cellular expression of site-specific O-GlcNAcylated proteins. A method of screening anti-cancer compounds according to their ability to increase a level O-GlcNAcylation of oncogene or tumor suppressor proteins. Methods of treating cancer in an animal host by administering compounds that increase a level of O-GlcNAcylated c-myc or p53 in cancer cells. A method of distinguishing subclasses of pancreatic cancer according to the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to an imidazole derivative, and a method of personalized pancreatic cancer treatment delivered according to the sensitivity subclasses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel selection system for use in a eukaryotic cell culture process and for expression of a recombinant product of interest. The selection system is based on the introduction of an exogenous functional membrane-bound folate receptor gene together with the polynucleotide or gene encoding the product of interest into a eukaryotic cell and can be widely utilized with eukaryotic cells for which cellular viability is dependent upon folic acid uptake.

Abstract: A blood cell analyzer comprises a flow cell configured to flow a measurement specimen containing blood cells, a first light source configured to emit light having a first wavelength, a second light source configured to emit light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, a first light receiving portion configured to receive first scattered light obtained by irradiating the blood cells passing through the flow cell with light from the first light source, a second light receiving portion configured to receive second scattered light obtained by irradiating the blood cells passing through the flow cell with light from the second light source, and a control section configured to discriminate at least red blood cells from the blood cells contained in the measurement specimen based on detection signals output from the first light receiving portion and the second light receiving portion, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for recombinational cloning. The compositions include vectors having multiple recombination sites with unique specificity. The methods permit the simultaneous cloning of two or more different nucleic acid molecules. In some embodiments the molecules are fused together while in other embodiments the molecules are inserted into distinct sites in a vector. The invention also generally provides for linking or joining through recombination a number of molecules and/or compounds (e.g., chemical compounds, drugs, proteins or peptides, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, etc.) which may be the same or different. Such molecules and/or compounds or combinations of such molecules and/or compounds can also be bound through recombination to various structures or supports according to the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for generating a metabolite profile of a stool sample and methods of assessing the status of a subject using the metabolic profile derived from a stool sample.

Abstract: A blood cell analyzer comprising a flow cell configured to flow a measurement specimen containing blood cells, a first light source configured to emit light having a first wavelength, a second light source configured to emit light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, a first light receiving portion configured to receive first scattered light generated by irradiating the blood cells in the measurement specimen with light from the first light source, a second light receiving portion configured to receive second scattered light generated by irradiating the blood cells in the measurement specimen with light from the second light source, and a control section configured to classify at least white blood cells from the blood cells contained in the measurement specimen, based on a detection signal output from the first light receiving portion and a detection signal output from the second light receiving portion.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of any specified substance in any medium. A sample of the medium is placed in a capsule, along with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for a target analyte. The solvent comes into contact with the medium in the capsule, and the capsule is agitated to create a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor, so that the sensor produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. The apparatus uses a disposable capsule where the medium in question is placed and the disposable capsule is placed inside a reader and analyzed for presence of the harmful substance.

Abstract: A biological detector includes a conduit for receiving a fluid containing one or more magnetic nanoparticle-labeled, biological objects to be detected and one or more permanent magnets or electromagnet for establishing a low magnetic field in which the conduit is disposed. A microcoil is disposed proximate the conduit for energization at a frequency that permits detection by NMR spectroscopy of whether the one or more magnetically-labeled biological objects is/are present in the fluid.

Abstract: The methods described herein enable the evaluation of compounds on subjects to assess their therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects. The target of analysis is the underlying biochemical process or processes (i.e., metabolic process) thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Molecular flux rates within the one or more biochemical processes serve as biomarkers and are quantitated and compared with the molecular flux rates (i.e., biomarker) from control subjects (i.e., subjects not exposed to the compounds). Any change in the biomarker in the subject relative to the biomarker in the control subject provides the necessary information to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of an administered drug or a toxic effect and to develop the compound further if desired. In one aspect of the invention, stable isotope-labeled substrate molecules are administered to a subject and the label is incorporated into targeted molecules in a manner that reveals molecular flux rates through one or more metabolic pathways of interest.

Abstract: The methods described herein enable the evaluation of compounds on subjects to assess their therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects. The target of analysis is the underlying biochemical process or processes (i.e., metabolic process) thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Molecular flux rates within the one or more biochemical processes serve as biomarkers and are quantitated and compared with the molecular flux rates (i.e., biomarker) from control subjects (i.e., subjects not exposed to the compounds). Any change in the biomarker in the subject relative to the biomarker in the control subject provides the necessary information to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of an administered drug or a toxic effect and to develop the compound further if desired. In one aspect of the invention, stable isotope-labeled substrate molecules are administered to a subject and the label is incorporated into targeted molecules in a manner that reveals molecular flux rates through one or more metabolic pathways of interest.

Abstract: A method of and test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes micro particles, a substrate in an amount that is sufficient to support log phase growth of the target microbe until a detectable characteristic signal is produced in the test mixture and sample admixture, and an amount of vitamin, amino acid, element and salt ingredients; b) combining the powdered test mixture and sample to form the admixture; and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: The disclosure includes: a coating composition, comprising a powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent and surface-modified nanoparticles disposed in the powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent; a coated film that includes a transparent film coated with the coating composition; and a device for growing microorganisms, including the coated film releasably attached to at least a portion of a body member that includes a self-supporting and water-proof substrate.

Abstract: A method of and test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes micro particles, a substrate in an amount that is sufficient to support log phase growth of the target microbe until a detectable characteristic signal is produced in the test mixture and sample admixture, and an amount of vitamin, amino acid, element and salt ingredients; b) combining the powdered test mixture and sample to form the admixture; and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: The use of free, extractable lipids found in bacteria for identification of bacterial species and subspecies is described. Bacteria have been found to differ sufficiently in their extracted lipid compositions to effect identification using thin layer chromatographic techniques. Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, and Burkholderia mallei have been distinguished in this manner. Lipopeptides specific to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, but not to the closely related bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium have also been used as a basis for bacterial subspecies identification using mass spectrometry and seroreactivity.

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 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 evaluation kit for a microorganism detecting device includes an immobilized microorganism. A manufacturing method for an evaluation kit for a microorganism detecting device includes immobilizing a microorganism. An evaluating method for the microorganism detecting device includes detecting an immobilized microorganism by the microorganism detecting device. The immobilized microorganisms may be dispersed in a solvent. The solvent may be water. The immobilized microorganisms may be immobilized with an aldehyde. The aldehyde may be formaldehyde. The immobilized microorganisms emit, for example, fluorescent light.

Abstract: The present invention claims an isolated nucleotide sequence characterized by encoding the PFR1 protein of Leishmania infantum or a fragment thereof. This PFR1 protein or a fragment thereof comprises at least a selected immunodominant epitope between the following group: SEQ ID No: 1, SEQ ID No: 2, SEQ ID No: 3, SEQ ID No: 4, SEQ ID No: 5, SEQ ID No: 6, SEQ ID No: 7 and SEQ ID No: 8, where the immunodominant epitope is able to induce an antigen-specific T cell cytotoxic immune response in an animal, against the kinetoplastids causing the leishmaniasis disease. The immunodominant epitopes are cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activators and they present a high binding affinity for A2 type MHC Class I molecule.

Abstract: Illumination apparatus for illuminating growth plates in a biological growth plate (122) scanner are described herein, the apparatus including one or more illumination modules (140) for illuminating the front surface of the biological growth plate located (122) on a plate support surface (120) in the scanner. The illumination modules may include a plurality of light emitters (142), a homogenization cavity (141), an extraction element and a concentration element to (144), e.g., improve uniformity in the illumination delivered to the biological growth plate (122).