Abstract: Method as well a kit for the performance of the method for the investigation of biological samples from a mammal for at least one component, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) Administering at least one marker substance to a mammal; (b) Waiting for a length of time which is sufficient for the at least one marker substance to reach the location of sample removal; (c) Removing a biological sample from the mammal; (d) Investigating the biological sample for the presence and/or amount of at least one marker substance or a derivative thereof; and, if the at least one marker substance or the derivative thereof is detectable in the biological sample; (e) Investigating the biological sample for an analyte.

Abstract: A method treats urogenital and/or intestinal tract cancer and includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one annexion protein, annexin of A3, to a mammal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent for blood analysis which may include: (1) a compound having the general formula I as a fluorescent dye, wherein n, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Y? are as defined in the specification; (2) a surfactant selected from cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and anionic surfactants. The present disclosure also provides a method to perform blood analysis including the following steps of: (a) mixing the blood sample with the reagent for blood analysis disclosed to form a cell suspension; (b) detecting the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals from the cells; and (c) differentiating and counting the cells in the blood in terms of the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing bacteria is described that includes an analytic sample preparation section for preparing an analytic sample by treating a specimen so as to generate a morphological difference between Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, a detector for detecting optical information from each particle contained in the analytic sample and an analyzing section for detecting Gram-positive bacteria contained on the basis of the detected optical information. A method for analyzing bacteria is also described.

Abstract: A blood analyzer comprising: a specimen preparation section for preparing a measurement specimen that is used to measure a white blood cell count among CBC measurement items; a measurement section for obtaining optical information from blood cells contained in the measurement specimen; and a controller carrying out operations comprising: classifying blood cells contained in the measurement specimen into at least white blood cells and blood cells suspected to be abnormal blood cells based on the optical information; obtaining distribution data of the white blood cells and distribution data of the blood cells suspected to be abnormal blood cells; counting the white blood cells based on the distribution data of the white blood cells; and determining presence or absence of the abnormal blood cells in the blood sample, based on the distribution data of the blood cells suspected to be abnormal blood cells. A blood analyzing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that isolated lymphocytes, such as human B-cells and CD4+ T-cell can be used to determine an amount of lymphocyte-associated anthrax lethal toxin activity present. Methods of using isolated lymphocytes to identify anthrax therapeutic agents and to determine the efficacy of a potential anthrax therapeutic are disclosed. Methods are also provided for diagnosing and treating anthrax infections.

Abstract: Mass cytometry method. In one aspect, the method includes providing a sample having at least one cell type and mixing the sample with material such as nanoparticles functionalized with affinity molecules for the at least one cell type. The sample is transported through a suspended microchannel resonator to record a mass histogram and a cell count for the at least one cell type is determined from the histogram.

Abstract: This method includes the following steps of: taking a sample of a cell solution from a sample flask, placing the sampled solution in a decantation chamber (2) arranged above the analysis plate (4), allowing the solution to decant in order to obtain a thin layer of cells on the analysis plate (4). It includes a step of measuring the cell density of the sampled solution, the measurement being carried out in the decantation chamber (2). A device for producing a cell analysis plate allowing such a method to be carried out is also described.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a biological particle in a sample medium include generating an Electrophoretic Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (EQELS) spectrum for the biological particle in the sample medium. The EQELS spectrum is compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of spectra, and each of the plurality of spectra correspond to an EQELS spectrum for one of a plurality of known biological particles. The biological particle in the sample medium is identified from the comparison.

Abstract: This invention describes rapid detection and identification of colonies or micro-colonies of microorganisms after regular or short (several hours) growth periods on light pellucid, molecule-permeable membranes installed on solid nutrient media. Colonies or micro-colonies appearing on a membrane can be easily transferred from a growth plate to another media such as, pure agar or paper filled with indicator substances or substrates. Filterable and non-filterable samples can be analyzed by this method. A multitude of different methods of detection and identification can be realized using this invention in a micro-colony format: detection and enumeration of all live cells or specific live cells; detection and simultaneous identification of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms; different immunological methods of detection; detection and enumeration using machine analysis such as automated image identifiers.

Abstract: A method of testing an organic sample to provide an indication of the level of bacteria and/or number of somatic cells present in the sample, the method including collecting the sample and contacting the sample with a reagent which reacts with ATP to produce light emissions, and subsequently, at the beginning (O) of a measurement period (A, B), contacting the sample with an extractant in the presence of the reagent, the extractant rupturing cells present in the sample to release cell-bound ATP to react with the reagent to produce light emissions, and immediately after contacting the sample with the extractant, detecting the light emissions with a light detecting device (18), and the method includes during an initial measurement period (A) immediately after contacting the sample with the extractant, detecting the level of light emissions, and in a subsequent measurement period (B), detecting the level of light emissions, statistically analysing the detected values to determine a rate of change of light emissio

Abstract: The histamine detection method of the invention includes: a reaction step of causing a sample solution possibly containing histamine to react with 2,3-naphathalene dicarboxylaldehyde at PH of less than 10; and a detection step of detecting histamine based on a color change in the reaction step. The arrangement of this histamine detection method ensures the good color development in a visible region and thus enables easy and quick detection of histamine.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of DP2 receptors in biological samples is disclosed. The induction and detection of DP2 receptors expressed on activated human neutrophils is presented. Also presented are diagnostic kits for the detection of DP2 receptors in biological samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for identifying inhibitors and activators of eukaryotic potassium channels, in which a mutated S. cerevisiae cell is used whose endogenous potassium channels TRK1, TRK2 and TOK1 are not expressed functionally, but which expresses heterologously a eukaryotic potassium channel to be studied. Other subject matters of the invention are mutated S. cerevisiae cells which do not express TRK1, TRK2 and TOK1, and the preparation and use of these mutated S. cerevisiae cells.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system and related method, among other things, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system includes first, second, and intermediate slab formations, the last of which has formed therewithin a microfluidic channel, a lens structure arranged proximate the microfluidic channel, and a light conveying structure arranged proximate to the lens structure. The lens structure is configured to direct a portion of light to proceed between the channel and the conveying structure. The intermediate slab formation is sandwiched between the other two slab formations. In at least another embodiment, the system includes a microfluidic prism arranged proximate to the second end of a light conveying structure. Light emanating from a microfluidic channel is provided to the conveying structure at the first end, conveyed to the second end, and provided to the prism, which outputs a plurality of portions of the light at different frequencies in different directions.

Abstract: Methods for determining genetic status of a fetus from a sample of maternal blood comprise enriching nucleated red blood cells in the sample, including both fetal and maternal nucleated red blood cells. The nucleated red blood cells are then differentiated from all other blood cells in the enriched sample, and the nucleated red blood cells genetically screened to determine the genetic status. The nucleated red blood cells may be differentiated by immobilizing all enriched blood cells on a solid phase and locating the nucleated red blood cells for interrogation. Optionally, the nucleated red blood cells may be sorted and separated from other enriched blood cells in a liquid phase.

Abstract: A cell culture substrate having at least one area for culturing a cell on a substrate, characterized in that the culturing area comprises an area releasably holding a biologically active substance having a biological activity to the cell and an area for immobilizing a biologically active substance having a biological activity to the cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to counting techniques for counting biological agents on a biological growth plate or similar medium. In order to automate the counting of biological agents, a biological growth plate is inserted into a biological scanning unit. Upon insertion of the biological growth plate, the biological scanning unit generates an image of the plate. Then, the amount of biological agents that appear in the image, such as a number of bacteria colonies, can be counted or otherwise determined using image processing and analysis routines performed either by the scanning unit or an external computing device, such as a desktop computer, workstation or the like. A variety of counting rules are described herein that can be used to improve the accuracy of automated counts of biological agents on a biological growth plate.

Abstract: A reagent for blood analysis includes: (1) a compound having the general formula I; and (2) at least one surfactant selected from cationic surfactants and nonionic surfactants. In another aspect a method for differentiating and counting blood cells is provided, the method includes the following steps: (a) mixing a blood sample with the reagent for blood analysis according to the present disclosure to form a cell suspension; (b) detecting scattered light signals and fluorescence signals of cells in the blood sample; and (c) differentiating and counting the cells in the blood sample based upon the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals. The reagent for blood analysis may be effective for identifying and counting erythroblasts and/or basophils in a blood sample to be detected, and meanwhile counting leukocytes therein.

Abstract: Immunoreactivity to collagen V is associated with development of atherosclerosis. Methods disclosed herein for modulating atherosclerosis and reducing an effect thereof, involve inducing immunological tolerance to collagen V. Methods for evaluating a risk of an individual to develop atherosclerosis and methods for diagnosing atherosclerosis are disclosed herein.

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: Methods of identifying compounds that potentiate the activity of antifungal agents, potentiators identified by these methods, and methods of using potentiators are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including providing at least one test mixture including a test sample, at least one marker complex, wherein each marker complex includes a particle, a marker, and one member of a coupling group, a first binding material selected to bind to a portion of the analyte, a second binding material selected to bind with a portion of the analyte other than the portion of the analyte for which the first binding material is selected, analyte analog, and/or marker conjugate. The at least one test mixture is passed through a membrane. The amount of marker on the membrane is detected and correlated to the presence or amount of analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: Specially modified microbial growth surfaces improve bacterial recovery or counts when testing for the presence or absence of microbial cells or performing microbial enumerations.

Abstract: A microchannel chip for counting floating microparticles with an optical method is provided. The depth of the microchannel chip is made to be a depth of field such that a clear and sharp optical image of microparticles can be obtained, without necessarily diluting the microparticle mixture inside the microchannel. Consequently, a microparticle counting instrument can easily count microparticles shown on an optical image of the microchannel. Particularly, it enables to count more easily the number of CD3 cells CD4 cells or CD8 cells in white blood cells being stained, without lysing or diluting red blood cells. Therefore, the microchannel chip can advantageously used for counting the number of CD3 cells, CD4 cells or CD8 cells in blood of an AIDS patient to monitor the progression of AIDS.

Abstract: A process for measuring total microbiological content in an aqueous medium includes adding a fluorescent dye to the aqueous medium, measuring the fluorescent signal in the aqueous medium to obtain a baseline fluorescent signal, releasing intracellular content of the microbiological matter into the aqueous medium by lysing the microbiological matter, measuring the fluorescent signal in the aqueous medium with the released intracellular content of the microbiological matter to obtain a second fluorescent signal, subtracting the baseline signal from the second fluorescent signal to obtain a net fluorescent signal and equating the net fluorescent signal with a microbiological content. Methods for measuring biofilm and adjusting for background noise are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising compound for induction of apoptosis, a method for inducing cancer cell apoptosis, a method to suppress lymphocyte activation, a method to improve intracellular trafficking of misfolded mutants and a screening method to identify additional compounds useful for inducing apoptosis, and more specifically, it relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising imidazole derivatives as active gradients for induction of apoptosis to treat various diseases including cancers and immune-related diseases, the method of inducing apoptosis by treating cancer cells with the said pharmaceutical composition, the method of inactivating human lymphocytes by treating lymphocytes with the said pharmaceutical composition, the method of improving intracellular trafficking of misfolded mutants by treating cells containing the mutants with the said pharmaceutical composition, and the screening method for identifying additional compound useful for inducing apoptos

Abstract: System and method for differentiating tissue margins in a biological sample using pulsed laser excitation and time-gated detection. A region containing a biological tissue is irradiated with substantially monochromatic pulsed laser light to thereby produce Raman scattered photons. The Raman scattered photons are detected using time-gated detection to thereby obtain a Raman spectroscopic image from the irradiated region characteristic of either a neoplastic portion or a non-neoplastic portion of the region containing the biological tissue. A boundary between a neoplastic portion and a non-neoplastic portion is differentiated and the boundary location in the Raman spectroscopic image is displayed.

Abstract: Disappearance of a cell population, designated CD4+ CD44v.low, has been shown to be associated with cachexia and lymphopenia, and those conditions can be treated or delayed by administering those cells to a patient. In addition, disclosed are assays for those cells for diagnosing or prognosticating cachexia and/or lymphopenia and the end of the honeymoon period in Type I diabetes. Furthermore, disclosed herein are methods related to the use of CD4+ CD44v.low cells in promoting insulin-secreting beta cell mass.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for the analysis of particle analyzer data are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of analyzing immature reticulocytes in a blood sample, including the steps of: preprocessing the blood sample; measuring the blood sample by a detection including a reticulocyte-maturity measurement and a light scatter measurement; analyzing blood cell distribution patterns to identify a set of reticulocyte events; differentiating immature reticulocytes from mature reticulocytes using the reticulocyte-maturity measurement and the light scatter measurement; and reporting immature reticulocytes. The immature reticulocyte fraction may be one aspect that is reported.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for comparing the content of a specific cell subpopulation in cell suspension samples by determining the count of cells of said subpopulation per unit volume in each sample, using a flow cytometer with fixed volume acquisition, but without the use of an internal or external standard. Thus, the effect of a test compound on cell viability can be determined, especially the cytotoxic or cytostatic effect of anticancer drugs. The method is a useful tool for predicting the biological activity of cytotoxic or cytostatic compounds on cells of the same kind as the cells in the sample. Furthermore, a kit for performing the method is provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and quantifying bacterial spores on a surface. In accordance with the method: a matrix including lanthanide ions is provided on the surface containing the bacterial spores; functionalized aromatic molecules are released from the bacterial spores on the surface; a complex of the lanthanide ion and the aromatic molecule is formed on the surface; the complex of the lanthanide ion and the aromatic molecule is excited to generate a characteristic luminescence of the complex on the surface; and the bacterial spores exhibiting the luminescence of the complex on the surface are detected and quantified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a disease state mediated by pathogenic cells. The method comprises the steps of combining with an ex vivo patient sample a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula Ab-X wherein the group Ab comprises a ligand that binds to the pathogenic cells and the group X comprises an imaging agent, and detecting the pathogenic cells that express a receptor for the ligand using flow cytometry.

Abstract: A method for detection of a precursor T cell or precursor B cell, a method for evaluation of the property of a hematopoietic precursor cell in a source for transplantation, and a kit for use in the evaluation are disclosed. A precursor T cell or precursor B cell can be detected by co-cultivating a stromal cell line with a monocyte. By using the detection method, a precursor T cell or precursor B cell can be quantified and can also evaluate the property of a hematopoietic precursor cell in a source for transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a bacteria analyzer comprising: a detector comprising: a light source for irradiating light on a measurement sample prepared from a specimen and a reagent; and a light receiving unit for receiving light generated by irradiating the light on the measurement sample from the light source; a scattergram data acquirer for acquiring scattergram data for generating a scattergram having information related to size of the bacteria contained in the specimen and fluorescence information generated by the bacteria as parameters; a bacteria number acquirer for acquiring number of bacteria contained in a plurality of regions on the scattergram for each region; and a form determiner for determining a form of the bacteria contained in the specimen.

Abstract: A method for determining the quantity of microbiological objects during the cultivation thereof comprises determining a modification of studied microorganism cells' population, measuring the morphological composition thereof by determining the cells' size distribution in a liquid medium according to intensity changes of the light dispersed thereby. The method comprises probing a liquid flow by monochromatic coherent light, recording signals relating to the interaction between the probing radiation and the cells by measuring amplitudes and durations of impulses of the light dispersed by medium particles, plotting functions, according to measurement results, as two-dimensional distributions of normalized values of the amplitudes and durations in the form of statistic parameters of the dispersed light intensity. According to the functions, the size distribution of the cells and decomposition products of the liquid nutrient medium during the cultivation thereof are obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high throughput system for the objective, standardized determination of colony forming units in populations of hematopoietic cells and indication of successful engraftment. Further disclosed is a laboratory information management system that provides electronic storage of images and data associated with cord blood units.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the amount of two or more analytes of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods involve determining a ratio of a detected amount of a single analyte of interest, to the sum of a detected amount of each of the analytes of interest plus a detected amount of a control, wherein the amount of each analyte of interest is directly or inversely related to the ratio for each analyte of interest.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an economical flow-through method for determining amount of target proteins in a sample. An antibody preparation (whether polyclonal or monoclonal, or any equivalent specific binding agent) is used to capture and thus enrich a specific monitor peptide (a specific peptide fragment of a protein to be quantitated in a proteolytic digest of a complex protein sample) and an internal standard peptide (the same chemical structure but including stable isotope labels). Upon elution into a suitable mass spectrometer, the natural (sample derived) and internal standard (isotope labeled) peptides are quantitated, and their measured abundance ratio used to calculate the abundance of the monitor peptide, and its parent protein, in the initial sample.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and quantifying bacterial spores on a surface. In accordance with the method: bacterial spores are transferred from a place of origin to a test surface, the test surface comprises lanthanide ions. Aromatic molecules are released from the bacterial spores; a complex of the lanthanide ions and aromatic molecules is formed on the test surface, the complex is excited to generate a characteristic luminescence on the test surface; the luminescence on the test surface is detected and quantified.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and quantifying bacterial spores on a surface. In accordance with the method: a matrix including lanthanide ions is provided on the surface containing the bacterial spores; functionalized aromatic molecules are released from the bacterial spores on the surface; a complex of the lanthanide ion and the aromatic molecule is formed on the surface; the complex of the lanthanide ion and the aromatic molecule is excited to generate a characteristic luminescence of the complex on the surface; and the bacterial spores exhibiting the luminescence of the complex on the surface are detected and quantified.

Abstract: New testing methodology for the evaluation of the protection of the Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) for the respiratory tract against biological agents, characterized in that different machineries are used to reproduce the usage of the PPE, simulating a breathing through the Sheffield's head and self-respirator. The apparatus consists of: a) a viral and/or bacterial aerosol generator b) a test chamber containing the Sheffield's head c) a respirator simulating breathing and adjusting the inspiration and expiration frequency d) a suction system delivering the samples of air withdrawn in different points to the bubblers to determine the viral and/or bacterial concentrations.

Abstract: A method for land management comprising measuring, as a measure of effectiveness of the method, soil quality of a soil sample collected from land under management by determining fungal; bacterial ratio of said soil sample by substrate induced respiration combined with selective inhibition by multiple soluble inhibitors selected with reference to the land under management to measure soil quality of the land under such management. A nutrient application programme for a specified crop is controlled on the basis of determined fungal bacterial ratio. Such measure can be employed to identify the availability of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur to plants as such availability is mediated by soil microorganisms. Action to increase plant availability of nutrients and soil biological activity may be initiated if required. The measurements may also be an indicator of sustainability of land management method. Application of the method to olive and wheat growing is demonstrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring changes in cell volume generally includes introducing cells into a chamber having a volume between 2 and 100 times the volume of the introduced cell. A first electrically conductive extracellular fluid is introduced into the chamber and a current is applied. The voltage induced by said current flow is measured. The first fluid is exchanged with a second electrically conductive extracellular fluid and a current is applied. The voltage induced by said current flow is measured. The first induced voltage result and the second induced voltage result are used in conjunction with known voltages induced by such current flows to monitor changes in the volume corresponding to fluid flow between the cell and an extracellular fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for the detection of mastitis or other disease from a body fluid of a mammal for example from cow's milk. The device and method relates to a wedge microfluidic chamber for using a minimal amount of fluid and being able to use the device to observe leukocytes in a mono-layer for the purpose of disease detection, cell counts or the like.

Abstract: A set of 10 or more standards containing a defined number of particles from 1000 to 1,000,000 wherein the defined number of particles is within a degree of error of 10% or less between each standard of the set.

Abstract: A method for performing an immunoassay is described. The method is particularly useful for detecting extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) producing microorganisms. The method is particularly useful for detecting microorganisms which produce extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) also known as exocellular polysaccharides, capsule, and/or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In a preferred method for detecting microorganisms which produce EPS, LPS, or both, the EPS and/or LPS is extracted from a sample with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to produce molecular aggregates which are then preferentially bound to colored polystyrene latex particles over other components in the sample, and the bound EPS and/or LPS detected using a lateral flow immunoassay apparatus which has immobilized thereon antibodies specific for the EPS and/or LPS. The method can also be used to detect particular viruses, for example viruses of the potyviridae or tobamoviridae group.

Abstract: A system for detecting a wide range of microbial organisms, including virus, and determining concentrations in near real-time to determine titer, without the requirement to grow micro-organisms includes an electrometer configured to measure photo-induced interfacial voltages and an electrode assembly with a substrate and at least one electrode on a surface of the substrate electrically coupled to the electrometer. An attachment factor is applied to an exposed surface of each electrode. The attachment factor is effective for interaction with the microbial organism. A transparent vessel for containing the electrolytic solution is provided. The microbial organism may be contained in the electrolytic solution or applied to the coated electrode before being submerged in the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The invention enables efficient, rapid, and sensitive enumeration of living cells by detecting microscopic colonies derived from in situ cell division using large area imaging. Microbial enumeration tests based on the invention address an important problem in clinical and industrial microbiology—the long time needed for detection in traditional tests—while retaining key advantages of the traditional methods based on microbial culture. Embodiments of the invention include non-destructive aseptic methods for detecting cellular microcolonies without labeling reagents. These methods allow for the generation of pure cultures which can be used for microbial identification and determination of antimicrobial resistance.

Abstract: The invention is a procedure for measuring the binding of an entity (ligand) to a surface by using a hapten-conjugated version of the ligand (hapten-ligand). An excess of the hapten-ligand is presented to the binding surface and excess (unbound) hapten-ligand is washed off. Bound hapten-ligand is then solubilized (removed) and applied to a membrane support or separated by electrophoresis and applied to a membrane support. Known amounts of hapten-ligand are similarly applied to the membrane, to provide for hapten-ligand standards. The membrane-bound hapten-ligand is detected by application of an enzyme-conjugated antibody to the hapten; or by application of an antibody to the hapten followed by application of an enzyme-conjugated antibody to the anti-hapten antibody. The resultant membrane-associated enzyme is detected and quantitated by the application of a color or light-producing substrate which reacts with the enzyme.