Abstract: RBC and platelet (Plt) alloimmunization requires antigen-matched blood to avoid adverse transfusion reactions. Some blood collection facilities use unregulated Abs to reduce the cost of mass screening, and later confirm the phenotype with government approved reagents. Alternatively, RBC and Plt antigens can be screened by virtue of their associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We developed a multiplex PCR-oligonucleotide extension assay using the GenomeLab SNPStream platform to genotype blood for a plurality of blood group antigen-associated SNPs, including but not limited to: RhD (2), RhC/c, RhE/e, S/s, K/k, Kpa/b, Fya/b, FY0, Jka/b, Dia/b, and HPA-1a/b.

Abstract: RBC and platelet (Plt) alloimmunization requires antigen-matched blood to avoid adverse transfusion reactions. Some blood collection facilities use unregulated Abs to reduce the cost of mass screening, and later confirm the phenotype with government approved reagents. Alternatively, RBC and Plt antigens can be screened by virtue of their associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We developed a multiplex PCR-oligonucleotide extension assay using the GenomeLab SNPStream platform to genotype blood for a plurality of blood group antigen-associated SNPs, including but not limited to: RhD (2), RhC/c, RhE/e, S/s, K/k, Kpa/b, Fya/b, FY0, Jka/b, Dia/b, and HPA-1a/b.

Abstract: A method for detecting the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis includes isolating DNA from a biological sample suspected of containing the bacteria. The method further includes subjecting the DNA to a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification method utilizing at least one primer derived from a cell division gene. The method may further include characterizing an indicator of a Staphylococcus epidermidis phenotype of interest. The method additionally includes detecting the bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis by visualizing the product of the polymerase chain reaction. Amplification products of cell division genes and virulence genes are also provided.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.

Abstract: A method of cell-based therapy for treating an autoimmune disease is disclosed. The method is directed at stimulating leukocytes and/or dendritic cells to interrupt autoimmunity in a host. The method provides a Fc? receptor-specific complex or a complex which results in the co-crosslinking of Fc?-chains for treating the leukocytes and/or dendritic cells which are in turn used to elicit an autoimmune interruption response in a subject with an autoimmune disease. The Fc? receptor-specific complex and/or complex which results in the co-crosslinking of Fc?-chains is used to treat a biological sample comprising leukocytes and/or dendritic cells from a patient, and upon reintroducing said biological sample to the patient, the pre-treated dendritic cells illicit an autoimmune interruption response in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric hirudin protein comprising a carrier attached to the N-terminus of hirudin, with an intervening plasmin cleavage site. The chimeric hirudin protein contains a relatively inactive form of hirudin. However, when such chimeric hirudin protein being cleaved by plasmin in the vicinity of a clot and, ultimately causing the release of active hirudin and the reduction of the size of the clot. The chimeric hirudin protein exhibited much slower clearance in mice than unfused wild-type hirudin.

Abstract: A deformable container (5) containing a fluid product to be tested includes a flexible outer wall (10) enclosing a main cavity (9) therein for holding the fluid product and at least one appendix (14) for containing a sample volume to be tested. The appendix is displaceable from a first position, wherein the appendix is invaginated within a periphery of the deformable container, and a second position, wherein the appendix protrudes outwardly from the outer wall and defines a second cavity (7) therein for a sample fluid volume, such as to permit testing of the sample volume within the appendix (14). The appendix is displaced into the second position by the fluid product within the deformable container when pressure is applied to the outer wall to force the sample volume of the fluid product from the main cavity of the deformable container into the second cavity of the appendix.

Abstract: A chelation structure and method of forming and using the chelation structure. The chelation structure has a backbone that includes a linear sequence of monomeric backbone units, at least one polymer side chain, and at least one chelator side chain. The side chains are each covalently coupled to the backbone at one of the monomeric backbone units by a bond that is independently biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The chelation structure is synthesized by Radical Addition Fragmentation Transfer (RAFT), Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), or Free Radical Polymerization (FRP). The chelation structure, individually or in combination with a shuttle chelator, may be introduced into a mammal to bind an amount of a substance in a mammal, the substance being at least one of a metal and heme. The chelation structure has a log stability constant exceeding that of the shuttle chelator for binding the substance within cells of the mammal.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a pathological condition by detecting microparticles in a sample of bodily fluid using dynamic light scattering (DLS) is disclosed. The detection of microparticles in the bodily fluid by DLS may be used as an indicator of existing disease, to evaluate a risk of disease, as well, as to monitor the efficacy of a treatment for disease.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a pathological condition by detecting microparticles in a sample of bodily fluid using dynamic light scattering (DLS) is disclosed. The detection of microparticles in the bodily fluid by DLS may be used as an indicator of existing disease, to evaluate a risk of disease, as well as to monitor the efficacy of a treatment for disease.

Abstract: This application relates to agents capable of specifically recognizing GPIb?, a key receptor required for platelet adhesion and aggregation. More specifically, this application relates to monoclonal antibodies and derivatives thereof capable of specifically recognizing both the murine and the human GPIb?. These monoclonal antibodies and derivatives are particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of thrombosis as well as research tools.

Abstract: The described apparatus for analyzing a biological sample includes a first analysis instrument fluidly connected to a reservoir for receiving a first flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a measurement of a property of the biological sample. A second analysis instrument is fluidly connected to the reservoir for receiving a second flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The second analysis instrument includes a thermally controlled chamber. A flow stopping device stops the second flow within the thermally controlled chamber in order to allow the second analysis instrument to perform the thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The first analysis instrument may include, for example, a hematology analyzer or a flow cytometer, and the second analysis instrument may include, for example, a dynamic light scattering instrument.

Abstract: A method for storing and using platelets and an associated platelet structure. At least one modified platelet is formed. Each modified platelet includes a platelet and at least one polymerated chemical. Each polymerated chemical includes a polymer covalently bonded directly to the platelet or includes the polymer and a linker molecule such that the linker molecule is covalently bonded to the platelet and the polymer is covalently attached to the linker molecule. The polymer of each polymerated chemical of each modified platelet is polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG derivative. Forming each modified platelet does not include modifying the platelet membrane of each platelet with a glycan-modifying agent. The at least one modified platelet is stored in a temperature range below 0° C. After being stored, the at least one modified platelet may be introduced into a subject to treat a condition related to a reduced platelet function.

Abstract: A method for preventing bacterial biofilm formation in a blood product, the method comprising modifying a blood product with a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG derivatives and mixtures thereof. Preventing bacterial biofilm formation in this way increases the planktonic to adherent ratio of any contaminating bacteria, and thereby facilitates detection of bacterial contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a platelet additive solution (PAS) comprising a viscosity increasing agent. The use of a PAS comprising such a viscosity increasing agent, especially at concentrations effective to achieve a viscosity similar to that of blood plasma, promotes platelet recovery during extraction from pooled buffy coats and provides for easier platelet production by maintaining the red cell/platelet-rich-supernatant interface.

Abstract: A method for storing and using platelets and an associated platelet structure. At least one modified platelet is formed. Each modified platelet includes a platelet and at least one polymerated chemical. Each polymerated chemical includes a polymer covalently bonded directly to the platelet or includes the polymer and a linker molecule such that the linker molecule is covalently bonded to the platelet and the polymer is covalently attached to the linker molecule. The polymer of each polymerated chemical of each modified platelet is polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG derivative. Forming each modified platelet does not include modifying the platelet membrane of each platelet with a glycan-modifying agent. The at least one modified platelet is stored in a temperature range below 20° C. for at least one hour. After being stored, the at least one modified platelet may be introduced into a mammal.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a pathological condition by detecting microparticles in a sample of bodily fluid using dynamic light scattering (DLS) is disclosed. The detection of microparticles in the bodily fluid by DLS may be used as an indicator of existing disease, to evaluate a risk of disease, as well as to monitor the efficacy of a treatment for disease.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.

Abstract: A sample holder holds various sizes of capillaries or cuvettes for use in dynamic light scattering (DLS) or quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS), such as in DLS of fluid samples such as platelet solutions, whole blood, colloids or the like. The sample holder has a base with a stationary backing member and a sliding, rail-mounted clamping member that is magnetically biased toward the backing member. The sample holder has Peltier-type thermoelectric heating/cooling elements that extend the full height of the clamping and backing members to optimize heat transfer efficiency. The sample holder further includes horizontal slots that enable collection of scattered light from various angles around the device. Finned heat sinks are mounted above and below the horizontal slots on the outwardly facing surfaces of the backing and clamping members to stabilize the temperature of the fluid sample in the sample holder without interfering with incident or scattered light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coagulation proteins for the lysis of blood clots. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for accelerating the dissolution of a blood clot through the administration of at least one coagulation protein comprising a basic C-terminal amino acid, wherein the coagulation protein may be a derivative of Factor X, Factor V or a combination thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prophylaxis of blood clots are also provided, wherein, the methods and products of the present invention advantageously accelerate clot dissolution while potentially minimizing the adverse side-effects, such as hemorrhaging, seen with other clot dissolving agents. The present invention also provides a method for detecting a fibrinolytic potential in a subject.