Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic medical device, and in particular to a blood cell analyzer which by manual or automatic operation withdraws and analyzes a minimal amount of blood that is stored in open or sealed vials. The analyzer includes a manually operated self cleaning sampling device for open vials and an automated self cleaning sampling device for sealed vials fitted with a pierceable cap.

Abstract: There is provided cyclic peptides of the general formula where x represents any amino acid sequence or analogues located from amino acid 586 to amino acid 602 gp4l (HIV-1) y represents any amino acid sequence or analogues located from amino acid 611 to amino acid 620 gp4l (HIV-1); and a and b represent the amino and carboxy terminals, respectively, as well as substituents which are effective to make the peptides more useful as an immunodiagnostic reagent. These cyclic peptides alone or in admixture with certain linear peptides are particularly useful in detecting HIV antibodies.

Abstract: There is provided cyclic peptides of the general formula wherein x represents the amino terminus, one amino acid or amino acid sequence starting with amino add 604 and going back as far as amino acid 586 (gp41-HIV-1); and y represents the carboxy terminus, an amino acid or amino acid sequence starting with amino acid 612 and extending up to amino acid 629 (gp41-HIV-1). There is also provided peptides of the general formula wherein x1 represents the amino terminus, one amino acid or amino acid sequence starting with amino add 596 and going back as far as amino acid 578 (gp42-HIV-2) and a and b represent the amino and carboxy terminals, respectively, as well as substituents which are effective to make the peptides more useful as an immunodiagnostic reagent; and y1 represents the carboxy terminus, an amino acid or amino add sequence starting with amino acid 604 and extending up to amino acid 613 (gp42-HIV-2) and a and b are as defined previously.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides of the general formulae: wherein x represents an amino acid sequence from position 585 to 604 (gp41-HIV-1) with at least one of a lysine at position 586 or a lysine at both positions 585 and 586; x2 represents an amino acid sequence from position 585 to 604 (gp41-HIV-1); y represents an amino acid sequence from position 612 to 629 (gp41-HIV-1); e and f represent one or more epitopes included in the amino acid sequence extending from 586 to 629 (gp41-HIV-1) or from 578 to 613 (gp36-HIV-2); and a and b represent the amino and carboxy terminals, respectively, as well as substituents effective to make the peptide more useful as an immunodiagnostic. Peptides of formula III have one or both of e and f present.

Abstract: A vial cap holder and cap piercer for holding vials of varying sizes sealed with pierceable caps, said holder comprising: a frame, a holder adjustably mounted to said frame, a plate mounted on said frame below said holder, the plate having an aperture, a cup mounted on top of said plate for receiving a pierceable cap of said vial, a retractable needle for piercing the pierceable cap of the vial and to communicate with the contents of the vial, a driver for extending and retracting said needle, and a tongue pivotally mounted to the holder, the tongue having a beveled surface for receiving the vial.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel peptides and mixtures thereof useful for detecting HCV infections. These peptides are also useful as active ingredients in vaccines against HCV infection.

Abstract: This invention discloses linear and cyclic peptides of the E1 and E2 glycoproteins of the rubella virus. These peptides and analogues, mixtures and combinations of them are useful in detecting and quantifying antibodies raised against the rubella virus. They are also useful in raising antibodies to the rubella virus for use in the diagnosis of and protection against rubella viral infections.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel linear peptides and mixtures and chemical combinations thereof useful for detecting and quantifying HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections. These peptides are also useful in vaccines against HTLV-I and HTLV-II vital infections.

Abstract: Heterocyclic antitumor compounds are described, which are useful in the treatment of cancer and tumors in vitro, such as breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, renal cancer, CNS cancer and melanoma. Pharmaceutical compositions and method of preparing the compounds are also described.

Abstract: Linear and cyclic peptides of the E1 and C protein of the rubella virus are disclosed. These peptides and analogues, are useful in detecting and quantifying antibodies raised against the rubella virus. They are also useful in raising antibodies to the rubella virus for use in the diagnosis of and protection against rubella viral infections.