Becton Dickinson and Company Limited

Other

William E Keating

James A Down

Richard L Moore

James A Garrett

Keith Edward Thornton

Sha-Sha Wang

William A Nussbaumer

Craig C Whiteford

Jillian A Robson

Michael C Little

Adriann J Howard

John J Flanagan

Allen S Reichler

Adriann H Walters

Deborah R Howard

Margaret S Dey

Adriann J Walters

Methods for predicting the development of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing sepsis are provided. In one method, features in a biomarker profile of the subject are evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis if these features satisfy a particular value set. Methods for predicting the development of a stage of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing a stage of sepsis are provided. In one method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to have the stage of sepsis if these feature values satisfy a particular value set. Methods of diagnosing sepsis in a subject are provided. In one such method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis when the plurality of features satisfies a particular value set.

Diagnosis of sepsis

Methods for processing samples which may contain mycobacteria which are compatible with both conventional culturing techniques and nucleic acid analysis. It has been found that the harsh chemical treatment previously thought necessary to obtain efficient lysis can be eliminated without loss of lysis efficiency, thereby eliminating reagents which may inhibit subsequent nucleic acid-based reactions. Heat alone is sufficient to lyse mycobacteria, even in buffers which do not contain detergents, chelators, enzymes, etc. Residual reagents introduced by conventional sample processing methods for culture can be successfully removed from the processed pellet without significant loss of microorganisms by at least two washings with saline, water, or buffers compatible with nucleic acid analysis and appropriate centrifugation.

Sample processing method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The invention provides a rapid process for lysing Mycobacteria. In one embodiment is provided a process for lysing Mycobacteria which comprises exposing the bacteria to a lysis effective amount of heat. A particularly effective method for providing the necessary heat is in the form of forced hot air such as in a forced hot air oven. The process of the invention is particularly advantageous since only one step is involved, it is expedient compared to prior methods, and little instrumentation is necessary. By practicing the present invention it is possible to lyse Mycobacteria with minimal effort. In addition, practicing the invention results in liberating cellular components including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Mycobacteria. Not only is DNA liberated, but the DNA is suited for subsequent analysis by way of probe hybridization, restriction enzyme analysis, and the like.

Process for lysing Mycobacteria

The invention provides a rapid process for lysing Mycobacteria. In one embodiment is provided a process for lysing Mycobacteria which comprises exposing the bacteria to a lysis effective amount of heat. The process of the invention is particularly advantageous since only one step is involved, it is expedient compared to prior methods, and little instrumentation is necessary. By practicing the present invention it is possible to lyse Mycobacteria with minimal effort. In addition, practicing the invention results in liberating cellular components including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Mycobacteria. Not only is DNA liberated, but the DNA is suited for subsequent analysis by way of probe hybridization, restriction enzyme analysis, and the like.

Process for lysing mycobacteria

The invention provides a rapid method for lysing Mycobacteria. In one embodiment is provided a method for lysing Mycobacteria which comprises exposing the bacteria to a lysis effective amount of the enzyme achromopeptidase. The method of the invention is particularly advantageous since only one step is involved, it is expedient compared to prior methods, and little instrumentation is necessary. By practicing the present invention it is possible to lyse Mycobacteria with minimal effort. In addition, practicing the invention results in liberating cellular components including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Mycobacteria. Not only is DNA liberated, but the DNA is suited for subsequent analysis by way of probe hybridization, restriction enzyme analysis, and the like.

Method for lysing Mycobacteria using achromopeptidase

An anti theft vehicle system for motor vehicles and the like is provided which uses a magnetically or optically encoded card inserted into a card reader mounted in the vehicle to limit operation of the vehicle. The vehicle ID number is stored in a control computer along with continuously updated date and time. If the vehicle ID of the card and computer match, and the data and time are within the authorized operation date and time encoded on the card, the vehicle will operate. The remaining time of authorized use is displayed. If there is no match the vehicle ignition and fuel line are blocked and hood is locked thereby foiling any attempt to circumvent this security system by bypassing it. Should the operator inadvertently leave the card in the reader while attempting to leave the vehicle the vehicle ignition will continue to operate until the card is removed thereby reminding the operator to remove the card. Additional data may be encoded upon the card for purposes of accounting or inventory control.

Anti theft system for motor vehicles and the like

Growing community of inventors

Durham, NC, United States of America

William E Keating