Astrocyte Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells with StemPro Embryonic Stem Cell Serum Free Medium for Research and Potential Therapeutic Use

This technology includes an innovative method for differentiating astrocytes from neural stem cells (NSCs). The process involves using Life Technologies StemPro embryonic stem cell serum-free medium to initially guide NSCs towards a neuronal lineage. Over a period of 28-35 days, as the cells are continually passaged, neurons gradually die off, leading to the proliferation of astrocytes. By the end of this differentiation protocol, approximately 70% of the cells exhibit markers characteristic of mature astrocytes, specifically GFAP.

Monoclonal Antibodies for Detection of Stachybotrys chartarum (a Fungus)

CDC NIOSH researchers have developed a simple and rapid detection technique for Stachybotrys chartarum (a type of mold that commonly grows on wet building materials) by producing monoclonal antibodies which reacts with proteins in Stachybotrys chartarum. These antibodies can be used in immunologic detection assays to detect and possibly quantify Stachybotrys chartarum in environmental samples, and to our knowledge, they do not cross react with other fungi.

Nucleic Acid Detection of the Fungal Pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum from Clinical and Environmental Samples

This invention relates to detecting Histoplasma capsulatum by PCR using oligonucleotide probes specific for the fungus. Histoplasmosis is a mycotic infection of varying severity, usually localized in the lungs. Caused by H. capsulatum, infections are usually symptomatic but can develop into chronic disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Diisocyanate Specific Monoclonal Antibodies for Occupational and Environmental Monitoring of Polyurethane Production Exposure-related Asthma and Allergy and Clinical Diagnosis

CDC researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies useful as diagnostics for diisocyanate (dNCO) exposure and for toxicity characterization of specific dNCOs. Currently, dNCOs are used in the production of all polyurethane products and are the most commonly reported cause of occupational-induced asthma and also linked to allergic contact dermatitis. Presumptive diagnosis of dNCO asthma is presently dependent on criteria such as work history, report of work-related asthma-like symptoms and nonspecific airway reactivity to methacholine challenge.

Non-radioactive, Miniature Bipolar Aerosol Particle Charger for Personal, Portable Instrumentation

This CDC developed invention is a novel device for a miniature, nonradioactive bipolar charger to electrically charge aerosol particles for use in personal and portable aerosol instrumentation. Such devices are an integral component of aerosol instruments employing electrical mobility-based techniques. Current, commercial state-of-the-art mobility instruments employ aerosol chargers using radioactivity to achieve bipolar particle charging and, therefore, are not suitable for field-portable instruments.

Cylindrical Handle Dynamometer for Improved Grip-Strength Measurement

CDC researchers have developed an improved dynamometer device and method for measuring maximum hand grip force or grip-strength. Human test subjects were used in conducting experiments to evaluate the handle and to assess the measurement method. In contrast to the currently used "Jamar handle" grip strength dynamometer devices, the cylindrical handle proved to be able to determine the overall grip strength for a subject, as well as show the grip force distribution around the circumference of the handle.

Physiologic Sampling Pump Capable of Rapidly Adapting to User Breathing Rate

This CDC developed physiologic sampling pump (PSP) overcomes shortcomings of previous devices by the use of calibrated valves in conjunction with a constant speed pump. This novel approach obviates typical PSP inertia that inherently limits system response, functionality and accuracy. All prior PSP designs have attempted to follow a user's breathing pattern by changing pump speed, thereby altering sampling rate. In that approach, pump inertia will limit system response and function due to the time required to adjust speed.

Inexpensive, Personal Dust Detector Tube/Dosimeter Operating on a Gas Detector Tube Platform

This CDC developed dust detector tube is designed to provide inexpensive, short-term, time weighted average dust exposure data feedback directly to device users. This invention operates upon a conventional gas detector tube platform and can be used with any low volume pump that can electronically measure pump back pressure. The device consists of three sections: the first defines the size of the dust and removes moisture, the second uses a filter whose pressure differential corresponds with cumulative dust loading, and a final section employs a pressure transducer.

Auscultatory Training System and Telemedicine Tool with Accurate Reproduction of Physiological Sounds

This CDC developed auscultatory training apparatus includes a database of prerecorded physiological sounds (e.g., lung, bowel, or heart sounds) stored on a computer for playback. Current teaching tools, which utilize previously recorded sounds, suffer from the disadvantage that playback environments cause considerable distortion and errors in sound reproduction. For example, to those trainees using such systems, the reproduced respiratory sounds do not “sound” as if they are being generated by a live patient.

Mining Safety: Personal Dust Monitor Filters for Accurate, Quantifiable Spectrometric Analysis and Assessment of Worker Exposure Levels

This CDC-developed invention pertains to a novel dust monitor filter that is specially constructed of organic materials for spectrometric analysis, ultimately allowing for detection and accurate quantification of a particular chosen analyte (e.g., crystalline silica/quartz dust that may lead to silicosis).
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