A novel method of detecting and diagnosing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections by monitoring sample headspace concentrations of selected methyl ketones, particularly 2-nonanone and 2-undecanone. In an alternate embodiment, such diagnosis may be made by monitoring the headspace concentration of methyl mercaptan to diagnose the extent of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Expeditious methods for increasing such concentrations are also disclosed which include additions of selected nutrients to incubated sample mixtures.
Convenient methods for judging mouth odor with the use of an artificial mouth odor prepared by a convenient method which load any burdens neither on the operator nor on the subjects. Saliva collected immediately after wake-up is cultured under anaerobic conditions and head space components of the thus cultured saliva are analyzed, or anaerobic bacteria contained in the collected saliva are counted.
A novel method of detecting and diagnosing lung cancers by monitoring and analyzing expired lung air for the presence of selected aromatic amines, particularly aniline and ortho-toluidine, is provided.
O-derivatized alginic acid antigens capable of eliciting opsonizing antibodies in vivo are described. The O-derivatized antigens show enhanced antigenicity and immunogenicity relative to native, non-O-derivatized alginic acid antigens, particularly the MEP antigen of P. aeruginosa. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the O-derivatized antigens of the invention are also described. The invention also pertains to use of the compositions as vaccines, in immunodiagnostic assays, and in methods for producing monoclonal antibodies reactive against the antigen. Methods for forming O-derivatized alginic acid antigens of the invention are described. A non-O-derivatized starting material is reacted in a solvent with an alkyl anhydride derived from a fatty acid.
A method for detecting compounds of interest in bodily fluids, including exhaled breath and blood. The present invention uses biosensors that mimic naturally occurring cellular mechanisms, including RNA oligonucleotide chains or "aptamers," in combination with molecular beacons or nanotechnology to provide an effective and efficient method for diagnosing a condition and/or disease within a patient. The subject invention also provides a method for screening those analytes/biomarkers likely to be present in exhaled breath.
