Abstract: Compositions include highly-concentrated Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (A1PI) in a concentration greater than or equal to 100 mg/ml. Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared from these compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions can be suitable for subcutaneous administration. The highly-concentrated A1PI solutions can be obtained by single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for the treatment or prevention of infection-related immune conditions using compositions comprising IgM.

Abstract: A container for sterilizing flexible bags can be for pharmaceutical use. The container includes an upper flat structure including at least one element supporting the flexible bags and designed to accommodate a plug port of the flexible bag. The support element includes at least one fastening element, which is suitable for retaining the flexible bags once they are inserted into the support element. The container also includes a lower receptacle designed to contain the upper flat structure and to couple to the upper flat structure in a detachable manner. The container further includes a cap for hermetically sealing the lower receptacle.

Abstract: A method of preparing containers for blood-derived products includes filling the blood-derived product containers with the blood-derived product, of virally inactivating the blood-derived product containers, and detecting possible defects in the blood-derived product containers. The viral inactivation is carried out by placing the blood-derived product containers in contact with steam at sub-atmospheric pressure in a chamber adapted for that purpose.

Abstract: Compositions include highly-concentrated Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (A1PI) in a concentration greater than or equal to 100 mg/ml. Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared from these compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions can be suitable for subcutaneous administration. The highly-concentrated A1PI solutions can be obtained by single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF).

Abstract: Compositions and methods of the present invention prevent, inhibit or reduce the toxic effects of proteins and toxins secreted from microbes. A method for neutralizing microbial protein products in a subject comprises administering a composition to the subject, said composition comprising plasma-derived IgM and optionally one or more excipients in a pharmaceutical carrier, wherein the composition is administered in an amount effective to neutralize the microbial protein products.

Abstract: An automatic device for emptying bags of frozen blood product includes a product removal device, a product reception hopper, a transporter for transporting the bag from a reception area to the product removal device, and at least one cutter located in the path of the bag between the reception area and the product removal device. The at least one cutter is housed in a support configured to oscillate for absorbing energy of impacts of the bag against the cutter and to return the cutter to its initial position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic container-emptying device. The device is equipped with means for collecting and gravity-emptying containers and comprising a product collection zone. The device includes a dripper equipped with at least one element for supporting upside down containers. The dripper has two operating positions: a first positon for holding the containers to allow the product to drip onto the product collection zone and a second positon for ejecting said containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for emptying bottles containing frozen blood product. The apparatus comprises an automatic unit for checking the weight of emptied bottles. The automatic unit comprises a load detection system for measuring the weight of emptied bottles, an air pressure measuring unit for measuring the pressure in the room in which the emptying apparatus is located, and a measurement compensation unit for correcting the load value on the basis of the room pressure measurement. The weight-checking unit generates a “not empty” signal if the value of the corrected load is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A device for opening and closing container lids is configured for controlling the movement of a lid during the opening and closing of the lid. The device includes a fixed plate, which is connected to the container, a spring, which generates a force on the lid, the magnitude of which varies according to the relative position of the lid, and a common rotary shaft that hinges the lid to the fixed plate. The lid receives force of the spring at a point that is remote from the common rotary shaft such that the force exerted by the spring compensates for the weight of the lid.

Abstract: Modified hepatitis C virus polypeptides are described. The polypeptides include the HCV NS4a domain and modified NS3 domain. The polypeptides retain conformational epitopes. HCV immunoassays including the polypeptides are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for the treatment or prevention of infection-related immune conditions using compositions comprising IgM.

Abstract: A method and device detect defects in the closure of encapsulated vials. The method includes scanning a profile of the capsule and of the vial using a profilometer, thus obtaining a point cloud. From the point cloud obtained, calculating at least one of the following parameters: diameter or radius of the closure circumference of the capsule; angle of intersection between the lower skirt and the side of the capsule; length of the lower skirt; and/or a distance from the end of the lower skirt to the neck of the vial. The method determines whether any of the parameters calculated in the previous step exceeds a predetermined value. The device detecting defects in the closure of encapsulated vials includes a profilometer configured to scan a profile of the capsule and of the vial and a control device configured to execute the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for the treatment or prevention of infection-related immune conditions using compositions comprising IgM.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of the present invention prevent, inhibit or reduce the toxic effects of proteins and toxins secreted from microbes. A method for neutralizing microbial protein products in a subject comprises administering a composition to the subject, said composition comprising plasma-derived IgM and optionally one or more excipients in a pharmaceutical carrier, wherein the composition is administered in an amount effective to neutralize the microbial protein products.

Abstract: A method and device detect defects in the closure of encapsulated vials. The method includes scanning a profile of the capsule and of the vial using a profilometer, thus obtaining a point cloud. From the point cloud obtained, calculating at least one of the following parameters: diameter or radius of the closure circumference of the capsule; angle of intersection between the lower skirt and the side of the capsule; length of the lower skirt; and/or a distance from the end of the lower skirt to the neck of the vial. The method determines whether any of the parameters calculated in the previous step exceeds a predetermined value. The device detecting defects in the closure of encapsulated vials includes a profilometer configured to scan a profile of the capsule and of the vial and a control device configured to execute the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for the treatment or prevention of infection-related immune conditions using compositions comprising IgM.

Abstract: A method of treating a blood pressure disorder comprises identifying a patient having a blood pressure disorder, and administering a treatment regime comprising two or more rounds of plasmapheresis to the patient, wherein the treatment regime lowers blood pressure in the patient.

Abstract: A device for therapeutic plasma exchange includes an extracorporeal circuit, which includes a blood supply line, a separating unit, a line for infusion of formed elements, a line for infusion of replacement fluid, a blood plasma line, an anticoagulant line and at least one independent line for therapeutic drugs. The independent line can include a storage for the therapeutic drug, a conveyer of therapeutic drug, a propelling device and a controller configured to control flow of the therapeutic drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treatment of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-related conditions, and in particular to methods of treatment of HIF-related conditions comprising the administration of a composition comprising transferrins.