Abstract: This invention relates to a method for inactivating parasites in blood cell-containing compositions by incubating a mixture of the blood cell-containing composition, a phthalocyanine dye and a quencher and optionally irradiating this mixture with red light. This invention further relates to a method of sterilizing blood cell-containing compositions which contain lipid enveloped viruses and blood borne parasites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a viral infection in a subject. The method comprises administering to the subject an amount of 5-aminolevulinic acid and an iron-chelating agent to cause virus-infected cells to accumulate protoporphyrin in amounts such that upon application of a sufficient dose of red light, the virus-infected, protoporphyrin-accumulated cells will be destroyed; and applying a sufficient dose of red light to the virus-infected, protoporphyrin-accumulated cells to destroy the virus-infected, protoporphyrin-accumulated cells.

Abstract: The invention provides monospecific antibodies that are specifically reactive with fibrinopeptide B (FPB) and with fibrinogen and fragments thereof containing the amino acid sequence defined by SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides anti-FPB probes, including monospecific anti-FPB antibodies that have been detectably labeled. In addition, the invention provides methods of using the monospecific antibodies for detection of fibrinopeptide B, as well as reagents and kits for performing the methods. For example, the invention provides a method for detecting fibrinopeptide B with specificity in biological samples such as blood samples, by using the antibody to immunometrically bind to the fibrinopeptide B. Diagnostic methods for determining information associated with atherogenesis and/or thrombogenesis. The invention further provides continuous cell lines (hybridomas) that produce monospecific anti-FPB antibodies.

Abstract: A red blood cell containing composition is presented which has reduced potassium ion leakage after irradiation in a virus photoinactivation process. The irradiated red blood cell containing composition comprises red blood cells, a photosensitizer, and sufficient vitamin E or derivatives thereof to prevent potassium leakage. Preferred photosensitizers are aluminum phthalocyanines, AlPcS.sub.4 or Pc5. A preferred vitamin E derivative is Trolox.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of causing the degradation of fibrin(ogen) (i.e., fibrin, fibrinogen, and related substances) by means of a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase, such as MMP-3. The method of the invention may be performed in vitro to provide diagnostic information characterizing fibrin(ogen) and the fibrinolytic physiology. The method may also be performed in vivo as a method of thrombolytic therapy in which a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase is administered to a subject to degrade thrombus in situ. The invention further provides compositions containing a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase for the performance of fibrinolytic or thrombolytic procedures. Also provided are kits which include a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase for performing fibrinolytic or thrombolytic procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides nonspecific antibodies which are specifically reactive with the .alpha..sub.E subunit of fibrinogen or a fragment thereof, but not with other portions of the fibrinogen molecule. The invention also provides anti-.alpha..sub.E probes, including nonspecific anti-.alpha..sub.E antibodies which have been detectably labeled. In addition, the invention provides methods of using the nonspecific antibodies for detection of the .alpha..sub.E subunit and fragments thereof, as well as reagents and kits for performing the methods. Diagnostic methods for determining information associated with atherogenesis and/or thrombogenesis, as well as for determining information associated with pregnancy status or outcome. The invention further provides continuous cell lines which produce monospecific anti-.alpha..sub.E antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a diagnostic method of determining Kell genotype by the identification of the molecular basis of a Kell polymorphism. Specifically, the invention provides a method for determining K1/K2 genotype with great accuracy, overcoming problems associated with traditional serological typing methods. The diagnostic method of the invention preferably employs amplification of K1/K2 nucleic acid sequences, and optionally employs differential cleavage of K1- and K2-specific nucleic acid sequences by a restriction enzyme. Also provided are nucleic acid oligomers useful as probes or primers for the method of the invention. Furthermore, diagnostic kits for the determination of Kell genotype are provided.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for inactivating extracellular and intracellular viruses in a platelet containing composition is presented. The improvement in the process comprises adding a sensitizer to the platelet containing composition and irradiating the composition containing the sensitizer with UVA1 in the absence of UVA2 for a period of time sufficient to inactivate the viruses while retaining the functionality of the platelet containing composition. A quencher or mixture of quenchers of type I and type II photodynamic reactions may be advantageously added to the composition prior to irradiation.

Abstract: A therapeutic product formed from a high concentration of white blood cells having a high degree of cell viability. The white blood cells are sequestered from their normal population presence in whole blood by placing the blood into a container and preventing coagulation of the blood, separating the blood into two components, one of which is extremely rich in white blood cells through the use of a reagent and centrifugation, sequestering the white cell concentration, and freezing the white cells.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a first and a second component of a biological adhesive, such as a fibrin sealant, wherein the applicator comprises a housing having a first dispensing conduit for dispensing the first component and a second dispensing conduit for dispensing the second component. A pressure supply conduit is in communication with the dispensing conduits and both a first reservoir containing the first component, and a second reservoir containing the second component. A first pressure regulator, also in communication with the first reservoir, controls the pressure supplied through the pressure supply conduit to the first reservoir and a second pressure regulator, also in communication with the second reservoir, controls the pressure supplied through the pressure supply conduit to the second reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides a diagnostic method of determining Rh genotypes by the identification of the molecular basis of Rh polymorphisms. Specifically, the invention provides a method for directly determining Dd and associated CcEe genotypes with great accuracy, overcoming problems associated with traditional serologic typing methods and leading to a direct discrimination of D/D, D/d, and d/d genetic status. The diagnostic method allows genotyping of fetuses to assess the risk of hemolytic diseases caused by Rh alloimmunization and genetic counseling and/or testing of couples to predict the outcome of pregnancies in relation to Rh incompatibilities. The method of the invention preferably employs amplification of Rh nucleic acid sequences, and employs differential cleavage of RhD-, RhCc- and/or RhEe-specific nucleic acid sequences by a restriction enzyme. Furthermore, diagnostic kits for the determination of Rh genotypes are provided.

Abstract: A process is presented for transfusing cells which have been sterilized with radiation and a quencher of type I and type II photodynamic reactions. The cells are removed from a donor and exposed to virucidally effective amount of radiation in the presence of a quencher of type I and type II reactions, or a mixture of a quencher for type I reactions and a quencher of type II reactions. Subsequently, the sterilized cell containing fraction is returned to the donor.

Abstract: gpD protein, the major subunit of the Duffy blood group antigenic system, has been isolated. gpD protein contains the receptor, by which P. vivax enters red cells and causes malaria. gpD has significant sequence homology with human and rabbit interleukin-8 receptors and, therefore, gpD protein likely is a new class of chemoattractant cytokines receptor. gpD protein cDNA has a quasi-total homology with a human hippocampus cDNA clone HHCMF86 and, therefore, gpD protein or a homologous protein may be present as a neuropeptide receptor in brain. gpD protein is present in all red cell progenitors and it may be a receptor for cell proliferation and/or differentiation. gpD protein cDNA identifies in human kidney a mRNA of the same size as the bone marrow. Since the kidney is not and has no potential to become an erythropoietic organ, this putative chemoattractant receptor may have essential renal functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for activating prothrombin to thrombin in a prothrombin complex composition comprising at least prothrombin, Factors V, VII, IX, and X, and phospholipid, comprising the steps of: (a) cold-incubating the prothrombin complex composition with 2-15 mM of Ca.sup.2+ ions at a pH of 6.5-8.0 and at a temperature of 2.degree.-8.degree. C. until Factor VII contained in the composition is activated; and (b) incubating the cold-incubated composition at a pH of 6.5-8.0 and at a temperature of 10.degree.-25.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to activate prothrombin contained in the composition to thrombin.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for inactivating extracellular and intracellular viruses in a platelet containing composition is presented. The improvement in the process comprises adding a sensitizer to the platelet containing composition and irradiating the composition containing the sensitizer with UVA1 in the absence of UVA2 for a period of time sufficient to inactivate the viruses while retaining the functionality of the platelet containing composition. A quencher or mixture of quenchers of type I and type II photodynamic reactions may be advantageously added to the composition prior to irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention describes a biologically compatible bioadhesive sealant composition comprising fibrin glue and liposomes for use in mammals, including humans. Fibrin glue of the invention comprises fibrinogen and thrombin which are mixed together in various modes with liposomes and applied to a site of injury, to a wound, or to a surgical or nonsurgical incision or opening. In accordance with the invention, the liposomes are embedded within the fibrin glue after coagulation has occurred, and may release bioactive substances contained within their aqueous interiors to promote healing and protection during the recovery process. The bioadhesive composition of the invention promises to maintain hemostasis after surgeries and improves upon existing glues or gel formulations due to its complete biological compatibility, its formation in situ, and its provision of bioactive therapeutics via entrapped liposomes directly to the site.

Abstract: An improved process for inactivating an extracellular lipid enveloped virus or an intracellular lipid enveloped virus which may be present in an extracorporeal composition containing red blood cells by subjecting the composition to a virucidally effective amount of a phthalocyanine compound and red light of a fluence rate of at least above about 5 mW/cm.sup.2. Quite contrary to what would have been expected, it has been found that higher light fluence rates are, in fact, more protective of red blood cells than are lower light fluence rates.

Abstract: The present invention describes a biologically compatible bioadhesive sealant composition comprising fibrin glue and liposomes for use in mammals, including humans. Fibrin glue of the invention comprises fibrinogen and thrombin which are mixed together in various modes with liposomes and applied to a site of injury, to a wound, or to a surgical or nonsurgical incision or opening. In accordance with the invention, the liposomes are embedded within the fibrin glue after coagulation has occurred, and may release bioactive substances contained within their aqueous interiors to promote healing and protection during the recovery process. The bioadhesive composition of the invention promises to maintain hemostasis after surgeries and improves upon existing glues or gel formulations due to its complete biological compatibility, its formation in situ, and its provision of bioactive therapeutics via entrapped liposomes directly to the site.

Abstract: The present invention describes a biologically compatible bioadhesive sealant composition comprising fibrin glue and liposomes for use in mammals, including humans. Fibrin glue of the invention comprises fibrinogen and thrombin which are mixed together in various modes with liposomes and applied to a site of injury, to a wound, or to a surgical or nonsurgical incision or opening. In accordance with the invention, the liposomes are embedded within the fibrin glue after coagulation has occurred, and may release bioactive substances contained within their aqueous interiors to promote healing and protection during the recovery process. The bioadhesive composition of the invention promises to maintain hemostasis after surgeries and improves upon existing glues or gel formulations due to its complete biological compatibility, its formation in situ, and its provision of bioactive therapeutics via entrapped liposomes directly to the site.

Abstract: gpD protein, the major subunit of the Duffy blood group antigenic system, has been isolated. gpD protein contains the receptor, by which P. vivax enters red cells and causes malaria. gpD has significant sequence homology with human and rabbit interleukin-8 receptors and, therefore, gpD protein likely is a new class of chemoattractant cytokines receptor. gpD protein cDNA has a quasi-total homology with a human hippocampus cDNA clone HHCMF86 and, therefore, gpD protein or a homologous protein may be present as a neuropeptide receptor in brain. gpD protein is present in all red cell progenitors and it may be a receptor for cell proliferation and/or differentiation. gpD protein cDNA identifies in human kidney a mRNA of the same size as the bone marrow. Since the kidney is not and has no potential to become an erythropoietic organ, this putative chemoattractant receptor may have essential renal functions.