Described herein are methods for the alteration and/or transfer of fungal functional traits, e.g., phenotypic activity, via the controlled transfer of endohyphal symbionts, e.g., bacteria, among fungal species. Also described are methods for the identification of endohyphal bacterial symbionts as determinants of cellulase and ligninase activity in fungi, and the use of endohyphal bacterial symbionts to alter the activity, including cellulase and ligninase activities, of the fungi. In particular, the fungi described herein are endophytic fungi, that is, fungi which colonize living, and subsequently senescent, plant tissue.

The present invention relates to determination of the microorganism content in material comprising cellulose within the pulp and paper industry. The material comprising cellulose is enzymatically pretreated and microorganisms are determined using PCR based technology.

Described herein are methods for the alteration and/or transfer of fungal functional traits, e.g., phenotypic activity, via the controlled transfer of endohyphal symbionts, e.g., bacteria, among fungal species. Also described are methods for the identification of endohyphal bacterial symbionts as determinants of cellulase and ligninase activity in fungi, and the use of endohyphal bacterial symbionts to alter the activity, including cellulase and ligninase activities, of the fungi. In particular, the fungi described herein are endophytic fungi, that is, fungi which colonize living, and subsequently senescent, plant tissue.

Chromogenic substrates for -D-glucuronidase activity comprising monoglucuronides of some 1,2-dihydroxyaromatic derivatives. When cleaved these form soluble colored conjugates with multivalent metal ions such as iron ions. The substrates may be used in conjunction with chromogenic substrates for other enzymes in microbial detection and identification especially involving liquid media. Microbes can be grown in the presence of the substrates and the compounds providing the metal ion. The substrates are particularly useful for detecting -D-glucuronidase-positive E. coli. Synthetic methods for making the compounds are described.

This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting and/or treating coccidioidomycosis (e.g., valley fever). For example, methods and materials for using a rapid antibody lateral flow assay to detect anti-CTS1 antibodies are provided. Methods and materials for treating coccidioidomycosis (e.g., valley fever) in a mammal (e.g., a human) identified as having anti-CTS1 antibodies via a lateral flow assay also are provided.

Methods that may be used for the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds. Further provided are cells that may be used in the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds, as well as a kit for the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds.

Methods that may be used for the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds. Further provided are cells that may be used in the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds, as well as a kit for the electrochemical detection of multiple parameters, including chemical compounds.

Provided are recombinant amebocyte clotting factors, their formulation and use in determining the presence and/or amount of a microbial endotoxin in a sample. Also provided is a cartridge containing the recombinant amebocyte clotting factors for determining the presence and/or amount of a microbial endotoxin in a sample.

Aluminum coated glass slides provide a novel glycan array platform. Specifically, aluminum coated glass slides increase sensitivity of fluorescent based assay methods. Additionally, aluminum coated glass slides allows for mass spectroscopic analysis of carbohydrates and provide a platform for examining activity of cellulases. The unique properties of ACG slides include: 1) the metal oxide layer on the surface can be activated for grafting organic compounds such as modified oligosaccharides; 2) the surface remains electrically conductive, and the grafted oligosaccharides can be simultaneously characterized by mass spectrometry and carbohydrate-binding assay; and 3) the slides are more sensitive than transparent glass slides in binding analysis.

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods related to the detection of coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). In particular, the present disclosure provides novel compositions and methods related to the detection and/or quantification of coccidioidomycosis in a subject using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) that measures coccidioidal CTS1 antigen and/or anti-CTS1 antibodies in human serum.