Abstract: Blood and blood component container having in continuous communication therewith a receptacle adapted to receive and define a given component or sub-component when contents in the container are separated. In preferred embodiments, the container is a flexible bag having a tapered portion adjacent the receptacle to assist migration of a given component or sub-component into the receptacle during centrifugation and at least a portion of the container is supported by a cup-like device, the inner surface of which conforms to the outer surface of the bag and communicating receptacle.

Abstract: A generally flat, elongated edge-sealed polymeric blood bag having a length to width ratio of at least 2 to 1 and one end portion in tapering communication with a connected tubing. When the bag is filled with a mixture of blood components which are then separated, the tapering end portion expands to form a funnel-like guide for directing a separated component from the bag through the tubing in a substantially unobstructed manner. Bag is especially useful for separating and isolating the components of a neocyte/gerocyte red blood cell mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of growing a mixture of two or more species of lactic acid producing bacteria whose growth rates are differently affected by the pH of the nutrient growth medium. The method involves maintaining the pH of the medium at a low level which actively selects for the growth of one species until that species has reached the desired concentration. The pH is then raised to a level that actively selects for the growth of another species and maintained at this level until that species has reached the desired concentration. The method is especially useful for preparing a starter culture for Italian type cheese containing a mixture of coccus and rod bacteria because the ratio of these bacteria, one to the other, can be closely controlled.

Abstract: Immune serum globulins (ISG) can be made substantially free of infectious retroviruses by storing the ISG in a liquid state at conditions of pH, temperature and time sufficient to inactivate substantially all infectious retroviruses. Preferred inactivation methods involve use of either of two specified storage conditions: (1) at a pH equal to or less than about 4.25 at a temperature of about 27.degree. C. for at least 3 days, or (2) at a pH equal to or less than about 6.8 at a temperature of about 45.degree. C. for at least about 8 hours.

Abstract: Double-protected needle assembly comprising a needle-handle portion and a needle-protecting portion. The needle-handle portion includes a bevel-tipped needle attached to and extending from it into the needle-protector portion. The needle protecting portion comprises a rigid, tamper proof member completely enclosing the needle and attached to the needle-handle portion at a resilient tear seal member adapted to break when a twisting force is applied to either the handle portion or the protecting member. The tear seal is adapted to remove liquid from the surface of the needle when the protector is withdrawn to expose the needle. Within the protector, but not attached thereto, is a relatively soft inner tubular enclosure completely enclosing the needle extending beyond its bevel tip and adapted to prevent contact of the bevel tip with any portion of the rigid protector during assembly or when the protector is removed.

Abstract: Closed filtering system for relatively fast and efficient removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture. System comprises at least two blood bags in closed communication with each other via an intermediate filter assembly comprising a housing containing continuous filtering fiber. A preferred housing is tapered and the fiber preferably has a generally Y-shaped cross sectional area and it is adapted to permit substantial removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture with minimal red blood cell hemolysis when the mixture is diluted with preservative solution and passed from one bag to the other at a relatively high flow rate. Filtration is completed within 24 hours, preferably within 6 hours, of whole blood donation.

Abstract: A generally flat, elongated edge-sealed polymeric blood bag having a length to width ratio of at least 2 to 1 and one end portion in tapering communication with a connected tubing. When the bag is filled with a mixture of blood components which are then separated, the tapering end portion expands to form a funnel-like guide for directing a separated component from the bag through the tubing in a substantially unobstructed manner. Bag is especially useful for separating and isolating the components of a neocyte/gerocyte red blood cell mixture.

Abstract: Blood bag having affixed thereto a label, portions of which are adapted to permit enhanced gas transmissibility between the interior and exterior of the bag. In preferred embodiments the affixed label has an outwardly facing surface adapted to provide useful information about the bag or bag contents and an inwardly facing surface having raised portions and depressed portions with the label generally adhering to the bag surface via only the raised or selected raised portions.

Abstract: A universal piercer device for a parenteral fluid dispensing container can be vented and non-vented, alternatively, for use with rigid and collapsible dispensing containers. The universal piercer device includes a venting passage with an air filter, and a reusable, fluid impermeable, pressure-sensitive adhesive seal. The venting passage can include a check-valve.

Abstract: Blood and blood component container having in continuous communication therewith a receptacle adapted to receive and define a given component or sub-component when contents in the container are separated. In preferred embodiments, the container is a flexible bag having a tapered portion adjacent the receptacle to assist migration of a given component or sub-component into the receptacle during centrifugation and at least a portion of the container is supported by a cup-like device, the inner surface of which conforms to the outer surface of the bag and communicating receptacle.

Abstract: Closed filtering system for relatively fast and efficient removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture. System comprises at least two blood bags in closed communication with each other via an intermediate filter assembly comprising a housing containing continuous filtering fiber. A preferred housing is tapered and the fiber preferably has a generally Y-shaped cross sectional area and it is adapted to permit substantial removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture with minimal red blood cell hemolysis when the mixture is diluted with perservative solution and passed from one bag to the other at a relatively high flow rate. Filtration is completed within 24 hours, preferably within 6 hours, of whole blood donation.

Abstract: Method of treating an infection of dimorphic, highly chitinous fungi, the method comprising administering therapeutically effective amounts of a nikkomycin or derivative thereof. Treatment is especially suited for infections of medically significant fungi having cell walls with about 10-20% by weight chitin in the parasitic phase. Such fungi include Coccidiodes immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for introducing anti-bacterial agents, for example, quinolone carboxylic acid derivatives into blood bag systems for preventing massive bacteria growth in stored blood and blood components. The quinolone carboxylic acid derivative can be added to a collection container before, during or after the collection of blood and blood components. The addition of a quinolone carboxylic acid derivative to blood bag systems allows for increase in storage time for blood and blood components without the threat of massive bacterial contamination.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient suffering from glomerulonephritis comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of nitrendipine.

Abstract: Method and composition for providing a non-toxic, sterile, virally inactivated human transferrin preparation for use in cell culture systems. The method comprises saturation of the transferrin with an excess of iron, removal of free iron radicals and unwanted proteins, and pasteurization of the iron-bound transferrin substantially free of iron radicals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for treating gram negative septicemia/endotoxemia to decrease lung damage in a host by parenterally administering a therapeutically effective amount of antithrombin III and alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor.

Abstract: Closed filtering system for relatively fast and efficient removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture. System comprises at least two blood bags in closed communication with each other via an intermediate filter assembly comprising a housing containing continuous filtering fiber. A preferred housing is tapered and the fiber preferably has a generally Y-shaped cross sectional area and it is adapted to permit substantial removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture with minimal red blood cell hemolysis when the mixture is diluted with preservative solution and passed from one bag to the other at a relatively high flow rate. Filtration is completed within 24 hours, preferably within 6 hours, of whole blood donation.

Abstract: Normal plasma from donors who have not been vaccinated with a P seudomonas vaccine or had a Pseudomonas infection can be screened for higher than normal titers of naturally occurring antibody to four or, preferably, two of seven Fisher Immunotypes of Pseudomonas. Those plasmas with higher titers of such antibody can be pooled and fractionated to give hyperimmune serum globulin having high titers of antibody against all seven Fisher Immunotypes. The product may be treated to render it intravenously injectable and the so-prepared material is effective in treating patients with Pseudomonas infection. Also disclosed is a novel antibody preparation including minimum titers of the seven Fisher Immunotypes.

Abstract: Affinity purification of Factor VIII:C, both plasma derived and genetically engineered, using coupled phosphatidylserine (PS) as the predominant phospholipid (PH) results in a high degree of purity of Factor VIII:C, similar to that previously demonstrated with monoclonal antibodies specific to either Factor VIII:C or von Willebrand factor. Phospholipids that can be used in combination with PS are phosphatidycholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE).

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific to serotypic determinants on the flagella of a microorganism and found to be useful in inhibiting motility.