Abstract: A single-stranded nucleotide fragment belonging to a variable region of the ribosomal RNA 23S of species of the genus mycobacterium. Probes and primers with sequences belonging to those of the single-stranded nucleotide fragments, a reagent and a method for identifying the mycobacterial species.

Abstract: In a process for the in vitro production of a culture or cell line infected by a viral strain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), a body sample is taken from an individual suffering from MS. The sample is cultivated in a culture medium that promotes the growth of infected cells to obtain a culture of primary infected cells. A sample of the culture of primary cells or a subculture of the latter is cultivated in series, by successive passages in the culture medium to obtain the culture or cell line infected by a virus associated with MS. The culture medium also contains a beta-interferon antibody or an antibody that is directed against an antigenically close molecule, the antibody playing an inhibiting role in viral expression and allowing long-lasting expression and propagation of the viral strain in the culture or cell line.

Abstract: A device and method for holding a predetermined volume of liquid having suspended particles. The device includes a container for holding the predetermined volume of liquid, the container having a tapered neck and a flat bottom. At least one conduit having a first end extending out a the tapered neck and the second end terminating at the flat bottom is disposed in the container. The conduit defining two chambers communicating with each other through a first passage formed at the bottom of the container and communicating with the atmosphere outside of the container by at least two openings. A pressure in a gas circuit flowing through the device is alternated between a positive pressure and a negative pressure using the two chambers.

Abstract: The method consists in the use of one compound of formula: X--NH--R in which X represents one 5-bromoindole-3-yle group and R represents the acyl radical of one amino acid selected between leucine and alanine, as tracer for demonstrating, by the formation of a colored product, a peptidase activity in a culture of micro-organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to probes and primers derived from the 16S ribosomal RNA of pathogenic species of the genus Corynebacteria. In addition, a method of detecting and/or identifying pathogenic species of the genus Corynebacteria utilizing the probes and primers is disclosed.

Abstract: Kit for detecting a specific target nucleic acid sequence using a labeled probe with signal amplification, which comprises in containers (i) a probe labeled with a tracer (ii) a suspension of insoluble particles on which are immobilized at least one series of oligonucleotide units all of which are identical and contain at least one sequence that specifically hybridize with the target nucleic acid sequence and at one sequence that specifically hybridize with tracer labeled probe. A method using the kit is also described.

Abstract: Test sample cards containing biological samples are moved through an analytical instrument past a card detection device and detected by the device. The card detection device has an actuator that reciprocates relative to a housing between first and second positions. The actuator has a surface that comes into contact with the card as the card is moved past the device. The actuator carries an optical interrupt flag which is used in conjunction with an optical sensor placed in proximity to the actuator. When the card comes into contact with the actuator, the actuator is moved from the first position to the second, or retracted position. This action moves the flag relative to the optical sensor, triggering the optical sensor and a detection of the card. In one possible embodiment, multiple cards are placed in a cassette for movement around the instrument. The cassette has a number of slots for the cards, one card per slot.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of a nucleotide sequence of interest comprising at least one nucleotide probe marked with a tracer. The methods include a reagent essentially comprising a linear backbone copolymer having lateral substituents, whose chain consists of a first type of repetitive unit and at least one other type of repetitive unit, in which at least one part of the units of the first type have a lateral substituent comprising a nucleotide unit, such a lateral substituent not being present on the other types of units. Each of said nucleotide units, all of which are identical, comprise at least one nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing with said sequence of interest and nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing with a probe, the reagent containing on average more than two of said nucleotide units, in molar equivalents, per mole of polymer. Such a reagent enables signal amplification to be obtained, and therefor lowers the sensitivity threshold.

Abstract: The invention features an analysing device (1) comprising a body (2) in which are arranged or provided: an intake aperture (3) for a starting liquid sample, a liquid flow circuit (5) comprising at least one operating cell (6) for a processed liquid sample, obtained from all or part of the original sample, communicating with the said intake aperture (3), the said flow circuit defining, in at least two dimensions of the card, one determined geometric line, such that any alteration in the card orientation in a three-dimensional reference frame, causes the liquid to flow under gravity only, from one part of the said circuit to another,for instance from one side or another of the operating cell, (6) characterised in that, the flow circuit (5) is continuous, and looped on itself between the said aperture (3) and the said operating cell (6).

Abstract: Viral material, in the isolated or purified state, in which the genome comprises a nucleotide sequence chosen from the group including sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, their complementary sequences and their equivalent sequences, in particular nucleotide sequences displaying, for any succession of 100 contiguous monomers, at least 50% and preferably at least 70% homology with the said sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, respectively, and their complementary sequences.

Abstract: A freeze valve for a substantially single-phase fluid contains a pipe designed to receive fluid in a flow area, a cold source and a heat source. The cold source and the heat source are placed in thermal contact with the pipe. The pipe is positioned in relation to the cold source and the heat source in such a way so as to permit the freezing of fluid passing through the pipe, thereby closing the passage through the pipe, or the heating of the fluid, thereby opening the passage. The pipe contains, for example, a metallic material that is mechanically strong and capable of dissipating heat by the Joule effect.

Abstract: Method of assaying hapten in a sample, in which said sample is placed in contact with antibodies capable of recognizing hapten and with a predetermined quantity of a reagent capable of competing with said hapten-fixing antibodies. The reagent is a conjugate formed by a single-stranded fragment of nucleic acid with a compound capable of being recognized by said hapten-recognizing antibodies. The fixed or unfixed reactant is detected by antibodies capable of recognizing the nucleic acid fragment of said conjugate. Detection of said reactant by anti-fragment antibodies of said nucleic acid enhances, in particular, the sensitivity of the assay.

Abstract: Polypeptide able to react specifically with an antibody directed against the C33 antigen of hepatitis C virus, and that has a peptide sequence including all or part of the Asp-Gly-Ala-Lys-Phe-Ser-Ser-Arg-Leu-Gly-Ala-Ala-Gly-Ala SEQ ID NO: 1 sequence, or a sequence derived from this peptide sequence recognized by the antibody. This polypeptide has applications for detection of C33 antigen and anti-C33 antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligonucleotide primers and probes that can specifically hybridize to the rDNA or rRNA of at least one species of the genus Rickettsia.

Abstract: A set of probes for determining HLA-DR types or sub-types includes at least one of the following probes:TGGCAGCTTA AGTTT;CCTAAGAGGG AGTG;GCGAGTGTGG AACCT; andAAGACAGGCG GGC.

Abstract: Composition including two pathogenic and/or infective agents associated with multiple sclerosis, namely a first agent which consists of a human virus possessing reverse transcriptase activity and related to a family of endogenous retroviral elements, or a variant of the virus, and a second agent, or a variant of the second agent, these two pathogenic and/or infective agents originating from the same viral strain chosen from the strains designated, respectively, POL-2 deposited with the ECACC on Jul. 22, 1992 under Accession Number V92072202 and MS7PG deposited with the ECACC on Jan. 8, 1993 under Accession Number V93010816, and from their variant strains.

Abstract: The detection and characterization of yeasts belonging to the species Candida krusei is disclosed. A specific probe, in particular a DNA probe for detecting and, in particular, identifying the species Candida krusei and typing (infraspecific characterization) Candida krusei strains, is particularly disclosed. The expected results are achieved by means of a probe selected from the following genetic (or related) tools:at least one portion of at least one DNA and/or RNA fragment (F) with a size of 7-4 kb, said fragment being specifically hybridizable with the DNA and/or RNA of Candida krusei while not coding for rRNA;at least one portion of the transcription and/or translation products of (F);and a combination of the abovementioned tools.The probe may be used in medical diagnostics and industrial therapeutical tests.

Abstract: An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.

Abstract: A process for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of an analyte in a sample. The process includes providing a sample containing an analyte of interest in a liquid phase, providing at least one reagent having super-paramagnetic reactive metal particles linked to a substance that binds to the analyte, contacting the sample and the reagent to allow binding of the analyte in the sample and the reagent, applying a magnetic field to the mixture of sample and reagent, and detecting the presence of the analyte in the sample. The device includes a support for the sample and reagent, means for contacting the sample and reagent, magnetic means for confining and separating the analyte from the other components of the sample, and detection means for qualitative and/or quantitative measurement of the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for in vitro culture of cells infected by a virus associated with multiple sclerosis and to the infected cell lines thus produced. According to the invention, the process includes: a) cultivation of human cells infected by a viral strain to obtain at least one culture of primary cells infected by the viral strain, b) cultivation of non-infected human cells permissive to the viral strain to obtain at least one permissive culture, c) cocultivation of at least one sample of a culture of infected primary cells and one sample of the permissive culture to obtain a first infected derived culture, d) cultivation in series of the first infected derived culture. The invention is used in particular in the pharmaceutical diagnostics industry sector.