Abstract: Group C streptococcal antibody levels in a serum sample can be determined via passive protection test in susceptible animals. Test is based on property of protective antibody in the serum sample to reduce the virulence of a group C streptococcal challenge and provides a means for detecting whether an animal (e.g. horse) is susceptible to infection by group C streptococcal organism.

Abstract: Infectivity and replication of influenza viruses in successive numbers of cells of the same liquid cell culture is assured by including a protein hydrolyzing enzyme in the culture during virus incubation. Technique overcomes "one-step growth cycle" of virus and allows commercial influenza vaccine production from liquid cell cultures instead of from more costly embryonated chicken eggs. Resulting vaccine is thus substantially free of egg proteins.

Abstract: A broad spectrum anthelmintic composition useful for eliminating nematodes and cestodes from carnivores. Composition comprises anthelmintically effective amounts of compounds which act systemically and via direct contact in carnivore gut, the compounds being carried in a vehicle which provides simultaneous systemic and direct contact availability of the compounds. Preferred composition comprises febantel and praziquantel compounds in an aqueous paste-like formulation.

Abstract: A novel casting or splinting package is disclosed wherein a sheet comprising a textile substrate impregnated or coated with a water-curable resin system is non-sealably confined between a sheet of resilient, non-water-absorptive material and a sheet of flexible, non-water-absorptive material. The assembled sheets are enclosed in a porous envelope. In use, the casting or splinting package is immersed in water, squeezed to remove excess water, and then applied to and formed about the body part to be immobilized or supported whereupon the package becomes rigid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a needle assembly comprising a needle, a needle-retaining portion, a removable needle protector portion, and a resilient member for removing liquid from the surface of the needle which is disposed around the needle rearward of its point. The liquid removing member has a needle-accommodating opening with a diameter approximately that of the outside diameter of the needle. The member is contained within the needle protector portion and removable from the needle with the removal of the needle protector portion from the assembly. Also disclosed are blood bag systems comprising a donor bag and the aforementioned needle assembly.

Abstract: Injection site device comprising an elastomeric plug closing a fluid entry port and held in a compression fit by means of an open overcap bonded to the outer surfaces of the entry port.

Abstract: A ready-to-use liquid elemental diet comprising a nutritionally acceptable combination of carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid components, the combination having a pH ranging from about 3.0 to 4.4, being non-browning at elevated temperatures, and including, as the lipid component, a stable emulsion comprising a lipid source, an emulsifier and a starch modified with succinic anhydride in quantities sufficient to maintain emulsion stability in the pH range of about 3.0 to 4.4.

Abstract: Device for activating or inactivating a liquid pump on the basis of the electrical conductivity of a liquid. Device comprises, in combination, a housing having a passageway through which a liquid can flow, a pair of conductivity-sensing electrodes disposed near or in the passageway, means for connecting the passageway to a liquid pump, and means for connecting the electrodes to a conductivity-dependent pump activator connected to the pump. Device provides through-the-probe pumping and is adaptable for manual operation or in-line liquid control.

Abstract: Influenza antibody levels in serum can be measured via plaque reduction neutralization (PRN) technique. Test is more sensitive and specific for measuring anti-infective influenza antibodies than present hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test and can be used for measuring seronegativity or suceptibility to infection.

Abstract: Pesticidal concentrate comprising o-isopropoxyphenyl methylcarbamate and an acidifying agent dissolved in a liquid, water soluble, dispersion medium.

Abstract: A plastic bag containing a platelet concentrate is disclosed wherein the viability of platelets remains at a high level even after storage at 22.degree. C. for up to five days. The bag in which the platelet concentrate is stored comprises walls of polyvinyl chloride film containing tri 2-ethylhexyl trimellitate as plasticizer together with epoxidized vegetable oils for heat stabilization of the film. The film may also contain metal soaps in preferred formulations.

Abstract: Existing and potential prekallikrein activator (PKA) can be removed from an immune serum globulin (ISG) solution using an ion exchange material to remove both existing PKA and a kallikrein-activatable precursor to PKA (Factor XII) found to be present in ISG solutions.

Abstract: Low concentration pyrogens in fat emulsions can be determined by using Limulus lysate test procedures. A preferred lysate was observed to have a relatively low calcium ion concentration.

Abstract: A previously undescribed hydrolytic enzyme has been successfully isolated from human plasma and purified to homogeneity. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 70,000 daltons, has a Km for the substrate H-D-Phe-Pip-Arg-PNA of about 0.057 mM, a K.sub.I for benzamidine of about 1.1.times.10.sup.-5 M, is bindable to and elutable from insoluble barium salts, is inhibited by antithrombin III, especially in the presence of heparin, and, in vitro, has been found to activate and degrade human Factor VIII, activate human Factor V, and inhibit platelet aggregation induced by ADP, epinephrine, or collagen, thus providing a substance useful for antithrombotic studies.

Abstract: Improvements in inner and outer closures for containers are disclosed. The outer closure is characterized by a cap member having a top wall, a side wall and a base adapted for sealing to the neck of a container. Two score lines extend across the top wall with finger gripping means attached at the apex where the two score lines meet. One score line extends down the side wall to connect with a third score line near the base which extends completely around the cap. The other score line extends down the side wall to an intermediate position and diverges away and terminates a short distance from the one score line. By pulling on the finger gripping means, the entire cap member above the third score line is removed in one piece. The inner closure comprises a plastic member sealed at its periphery to the mouth of the neck and includes a vertically aligned spike-entry port and an additive port which is oriented at an angle away from the entry port.

Abstract: An improvement in a closure system for containers in which a cap member sealed at its base to an annular flange about the neck of the container is removeable by a cutting ring. The cap includes an upwardly projecting brim at the base separated from the side wall of the cap to provide an annular groove. The groove has at least one tapered recess. The cutting ring which can be positioned around the side wall of the cap has at least one depending tab with an inwardly directed sharpened projection. Normally, the tab rests in the recess of the groove. Upon rotation of the cutting ring, the tab is forced inwardly causing the sharpened projection to sever the side wall of the closure.

Abstract: An improvement in a fluid flow valve is disclosed. The valve comprises a combination of flexible tubing joined to a tubular member having a membrane closing off the passageway in the tubular member. A pointed spike having at least three radially projecting ribs extending longitudinally is located within the tubing adjacent the membrane and is movable by external manipulation of the tubing whereby the spike ruptures the membrane and creates a passageway permitting fluid to flow freely through the tubular member and adjoining tubing.

Abstract: Surgically implantable skeletal ligament having secured thereto at least one deformable collar having a velour-like outer surface adapted to invite tissue ingrowth. In use, the collar portion of the ligament is positioned within a surgically prepared passageway in a bone to protect the ligament from bone abrasion and to assist in ligament attachment by accepting tissue ingrowth into the velour-like surface.