Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies prepared against platelet ?3 integrin useful in antithrombotic therapy or in models of thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and anti-angiogenesis. The antibodies are prepared using ?3 integrin deficient (?3?/?) mice immunized against platelets or ?3 integrin fragments.

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: Methods of detecting bacterial contamination in a platelet concentrate are performed using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument and a sample holder. A sample of platelet concentrate can be held vertically or horizontally in a capillary in the sample holder. Alternatively, novel platelet storage bags modified to include an optically translucent window can be held within another variant of the sample holder. Still alternatively, platelet storage bags having one or more tubes detachably appended to the bag can be used. A sample is drawn off into an appended tube for placement directly into the sample holder. This method provides a number of related, non-invasive techniques for detecting whether bacteria has contaminated a platelet concentrate. Contamination indicators include a population of particles different from platelets, microparticles or proteins, bad-quality platelets, i.e. low DLS score, and very high or very low scattering intensity.

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, FYO, 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, FYO, Jka/b, Dia/b, and HPA-1a/b.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coagulation proteins and complexes thereof with anticoagulation proteins for the lysis of blood clots or other applications affected by accelerated plasmin production. 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, with or without being in complex with a serpin, comprising a basic C-terminal amino acid, wherein the coagulation protein may be a derivative of Factor X or 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.

Abstract: There is provided FV derivatives that reduce blood clotting activity, by reducing thrombin generation, when compared to wild-type FV. In particular, the FV of the present invention comprises single-point and multi-point mutations, encompassed by aspartic acid 79 to glutamic acid 119 of the wild type sequence (SEQ ID NO:2). The derivatives can be used to treat patient with conditions necessitating reduced clotting activity.

Abstract: A method of detecting, characterizing and treating viral infection is provided. In particular, a strategy of molecular mimicry is provided for characterizing viral behavior and/or a predisposition for a given viral outcome in vivo. Novel compositions are also provided for detecting, characterizing and treating viral infections.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies prepared against platelet ?3 integrin useful in antithrombotic therapy or in models of thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and anti-angiogenesis. The antibodies are prepared using ?3 integrin deficient (?3?/?) mice immunized against platelets or ?3 integrin fragments.

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, FYO, Jka/b, Dia/b, and HPA-1a/b.

Abstract: A synthetic platelet substitute that interacts with platelets and the (sub)endothelium, comprising: (a) a carrier molecule comprising lipidic particles with a cross-linked surface mesh, the lipidic particles comprising: an inner lipidic particle of pharmaceutically acceptable particle-forming lipids; hydrophilic polymer chains linked to the surface of the lipidic particle, the hydrophilic polymer chains comprising a crosslinkable end group at free ends thereof; and cross-linker groups linking the end groups of the hydrophilic polymer chains to form the cross-linked surface mesh; and (b) at least one receptor molecule attached to the surface of the carrier molecule. The receptor molecule can be a peptide moiety specific for ligands involved in platelet function.

Abstract: A method for producing a composition of lipidic particles coated with a cross-linked surface mesh, the method comprising the steps of: (i) preparing lipidic particles comprising pharmaceutically acceptable lipids, (ii) binding hydrophilic polymer chains to the surface of the lipidic particles, and (iii) cross-linking the hydrophilic polymer chains to form the cross-linked surface mesh. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising surface modified lipidic particles prepared according to this method are also described. The lipidic particles resist fusion with red blood cells and platelets in vitro, and are amenable to further derivatization by targeting molecules for controlled release of component and contents, thus providing a new generation of drug carrier systems.

Abstract: There is provided a method for assessing the quality of platelet concentrates for determining their suitability for transfusion. More specifically dynamic light scattering measurements of the samples containing platelets are obtained and parameters, such as hydrodynamic radius and relative number of platelet-derived microparticles, are derived from these measurements that are indicative of platelet quality.

Abstract: A method and composition for inhibiting phagocytosis of blood cells. The method involves providing a nitrophenyl compound or thimerosal with administration of the compound to a host having an auto or alloimmune disease to inhibit phagocytosis of blood cells.

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: There is provided FV derivatives that reduce blood clotting activity, by reducing thrombin generation, when compared to wild-type FV. In particular, the FV of the present invention comprises single-point and multi-point mutations, encompassed by aspartic acid 79 to glutamic acid 119. The derivatives can be used to treat patient with conditions necessitating reduced clotting activity.

Abstract: A method for cryopreserving cells entails the liposomal delivery of intracellular sugar(s), such as trehalose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, and combinations thereof, into cells and tissues, such as red blood cells, for enhancing post-thaw viability. This method enables rapid and easy delivery of protective molecules into cells which thus greatly simplifies the preparation of cells for cryopreservation. Furthermore, as much lower concentrations of intracellular protectant are used, the method allows red blood cells containing the liposomally-delivered intracellular sugar to be transfused into a patient immediately following the thaw without having to first remove any of the cryoprotectant sugar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting an in vivo alloimmune response, and to the use of a soluble recombinant human CD40L protein containing the active binding site with CD40. In particular, a soluble 18 KDa recombinant CD40L is used to inhibit an in vivo alloimmune response.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preventing or treating viral infections using members of the annexin proteins family. In particular annexins 1 and 5 as well as inhibitors of heterotetrameric annexin 2, such as antibodies, significantly reduce the production of virus progeny.

Abstract: The invention relates to primer-specific and mispair extension assays for identifying gene variations, such as in different genotypes or subtypes of a given genotype. The assay includes extending a nucleic acid sequence from a patient sample with extension products of the primer, characterizing the extension products, and comparing the extension products with known nucleic acid sequences of various genotypes for determining the genotype of the nucleic acid sequence extended. In the assay, at least one primer or the dNTPs is labeled.