Abstract: Proteins, fragments and functional derivatives of a Plasmodium falciparum merozoite-stage thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said products.

Abstract: Synthetic antibody derivatives having at least two F regions covalently linked so as to enhance Fc activity for example effector recruitment. The use of such derivatives in the treatment of conditions where killing of cells is required for example cancer therapy. Methods for the preparation of derivatives are also described.

Abstract: A prenatal screening test for risk of Down's Syndrome in a foetus, which is carried out on a maternal blood sample before the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy, by assaying the sample for a metabolite of feto-placental activity which is affected by the presence of Down's Syndrome, selected from unconjugated oestriol; progesterone; 16-alpha-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (16-alpha-hydroxy-DHEAS); and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). An additional assay for alpha-fetroprotein and/or human chorionic gonadotrophin may be included.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides having substantially specific binding affinity towards C. difficile DNA are disclosed, especially oligonucleotides specific to the C. difficile A-toxin gene. Such oligonucleotides are useful as DNA probes and PCR primers in the detection of C. difficile in human clinical samples, e.g. fecal samples.

Abstract: A serine protease inhibitor, similar in some respects to .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin (AAT) but having an unglycosylated molecular weight on PAGE of 32.+-.1 kDa, has been discovered. cDNA encoding the active protein has been cloned and sequenced, so the sequence of the protein has been revealed. Recombinant DNA technology enables the natural polypeptide sequence and related proteins to be prepared, for example by expression in E. coli. The inhibitor may prove useful in the treatment of emphysema, arthritis or septic shock.

Abstract: A modified polymer is described comprising a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a graft copolymer between (1) a preformed thermoplastic polymer and (2) a monomer composition comprising (a) at least one polymerisable monomer containing a polymerisable group and at least one functional polymer-modifying group and (b) at least one comonomer containing at least two polymerisable groups, said copolymer being substantially free of unbound monomer. Such polymers can be produced by reacting together, in a melt and in the presence of free radicals whilst applying shear to the melt, the preformed thermoplastic polymer to be modified, the polymerisable monomer, and the comonomer, thereby to graft said monomer to said preformed polymer leaving substantially no unbound monomer, the reaction being continued for a period of time sufficient to produce a graft copolymer that is thermoplastic and can be blended with an unmodified polymer. A free radical generator can be added, if desired.

Abstract: An organic compound is bonded to a powdered solid support to produce, for example, a chromatographic stationary phase, by introducing to a bed of powdered material the vapor of a precursor of the compound to be bonded which precursor is selected from those which produce a gas phase by-product of the bonding reaction. The gas generated by the reaction is utilized as the fluidizing gas. This permits the use of fluidized bed techniques on extremely low particle size powders. One example is the reaction of alkylchlorosilanes with silica gel to produce stationary phases with bonded carbon chains, derived from the alkyl groups, of up to 24 carbon atoms. A second feature of the method is the hydrothermal pretreatment of the bed of powder with steam to precondition the support.

Abstract: A package (1) for the production and/or storage of plants, comprising a sealed container (2) for the plants in which at least a portion of the container is a membrane assembly of at least two selectively permeable membrane layers, an innermost membrane (5) having relatively high permeability to both gases and water vapor and an outermost membrane (6) having relatively high permeability to gases but being substantially impermeable to water vapor, said outer membrane layer (6) being strippable from the package leaving the innermost membrane (5) intact.

Abstract: A compound which has the biological action of inducing cell differentiation has general chemical formula (I), in which R.sub.1 is a straight or branched chain or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl group; R.sub.2 is an alkoxy or hydroxy group; R.sub.3 is a hydrogen or halogen atom; and, R.sub.4 is a halogen atom. Preferred values for the groups are R.sub.1 =C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alkyl; R.sub.2 =methoxy; and, either or both of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 =chlorine. The compounds: 1) 2,6-dihydroxy-3,5-dichloro-4-methoxy valerophenone; 2) 2,6-dihydroxy-3,5-dichloro-4-methoxy butyrophenone; and, 3) 2,6-dihydroxy-3-chloro-4-methoxy valerophenone are of particular interest.