Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing agglutinatable platelet fragments, in which native platelets are treated with ultrasound and a fixative. The platelet fragments are suitable for use in diagnostic assay methods which include an agglutination reaction, such as, for example, in a method for determining VWF activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing sulfide perfusion is described and includes a sulfide supply for introducing sulfide into fluid for perfusion, an apparatus for delivery of the perfusion fluid, a fluid chemistry monitor for monitoring the concentration of sulfide and other components of the perfusion fluid, and an electronic controller connected with the sulfide supply and the fluid chemistry monitor to control the sulfide supply to regulate the sulfide concentration of the perfusion fluid based on input from the fluid chemistry monitor.

Abstract: Kits are described for the treatment of acute or chronic dysfunction of cardiac muscle. The kit includes a platelet-rich plasma composition with a pH adjusting agent and a catheter or syringe for delivery of the platelet-rich plasma composition to dysfunctional cardiac muscle. The kit may also include a syringe for withdrawing blood from a patient and a centrifuge device to obtain platelet-rich plasma.

Abstract: Provides are improved methods for storing platelets and compositions that contain stored platelets for use in transfusions. The method entails obtaining a platelet concentrate from blood obtained from an individual and holding the platelet concentrate in at refrigerated temperatures under an atmosphere having a pressure of from 3.5 to 5 bars comprising more than 65% xenon and for at least one week. Also provided is a refrigerated composition that contains a platelet concentrate, wherein the platelet concentrate contains xenon, and wherein the platelet concentrate has been isolated from an individual for at least seven days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the enantioselective enzymatic reduction of keto compounds, in particular of 4-halo-3-oxobutyric acid esters, to the corresponding R-alcohols or S-4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid esters, respectively, using an R-specific oxidoreductase in the presence of a cofactor.

Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacture of optically-active, 2-(acyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolanes of Formula I comprising a preparation of a racemic compound and an enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of the enantiomers. The invention may further provide for the esterification and racemization of the by-product of the enzymatic reaction. In this manner, 2(R)-(benzoyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolane is prepared as a useful intermediate for manufacture of the anti-HIV drug Apricitabine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing an optically active (S or R)-?-amino acid represented by the formula (II): wherein R represents an alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, cycloalkyl group, aralkyl group, heteroarylalkyl group, aryl group or heteroaryl group, each of which may have a substituent(s), and * represents an asymmetric carbon atom, and an optically active (R or S)-?-amino acid ester represented by the formula (III): wherein R1 represents an alkyl group which may have a substituent(s), and * represents an asymmetric carbon atom, provided that it has an opposite absolute configuration to that of the compound of the formula (II), which comprises selectively reacting water with one of enantiomers of an ?-amino acid ester which is a racemic mixture and represented by the formula (I): wherein R and R1 have the same meanings as defined above, in the presence of a lipase or a protease in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state.

Abstract: A method for separating components from a patient sample is provided. In particular, the present invention provides a method for the separation of red blood cells or red blood cell components from a patient sample by the use of magnetic beads.

Abstract: A process is described to prepare a single enantiomer of an amino acid from its opposite enantiomer or from a racemic mixture, using an oxidase biocatalyst and a supported metal catalyst in separate, sequential reactions in water. The process can be operated in batch or continuous mode.

Abstract: A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel analogs of fresh human platelets for use in hematological instrument. Methods for preparing such analogs are also described.

Abstract: A process and system for converting animal waste to useful biofuel products, and more particularly a process and system for converting excrement from lactating dairy cattle to a combination of ethanol, methane, carbon dioxide and fertilizer is presented. The system uses a continuous process to place the animal waste into an aqueous mixture with a starter sugar and a digestive microorganism into a heated anaerobic digester. The products of the reactions within the digester include methane, which is extracted in a gaseous form, and ethanol and carbon dioxide, which are separated out of an aqueous solution in a distillation column. The water from the solution is recycled and the solid residue remaining in the digester is dried in a rotary kiln and granulated to form a fertilizer material.

Abstract: The present invention provides freeze-dried platelets and compositions comprising freeze-dried platelets for use as a diagnostic and calibration reagent for blood coagulation function. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing or monitoring blood coagulation function, including diagnosing or monitoring blood coagulation diseases and disorders. Kits for performing the methods of the invention are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-liquid biomaterial that may be used as a surgical sealant, a suture support, a blood flow controller, an adhesion reducing agent, an adhesion preventing agent, a tissue support, a tissue filler, a wound dressing or a combination thereof. The non-liquid biomaterial may comprise a blood derived material such as plasma, platelet poor plasma, platelet rich plasma or a material derived from blood containing tissue aspirate, such as bone marrow aspirate, a protein binding agent and a polymerizing agent. Methods for making and using the non-liquid biomaterial are also provided.

Abstract: A process for hydrolyzing products with enzymatic activity remaining in peptone solutions after mucosa hydrolysis is provided along with a process for preserving mucosa tissue. Broadly, the processes are carried out by hydrolyzing mucosa tissue according to conventional heparin manufacturing processes wherein an excess quantity of proteolytic enzymes is used. The resulting peptone solution is then contacted with proteins or protein-containing materials in order to hydrolyze the proteins. In another embodiment, mucosa tissue is preserved by mixing it with a preserving agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid. The product preserved by hydrogen peroxide is low in ash, stable for at least a week, and has a reduced odor.

Abstract: Methods are described for using compositions containing platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. A platelet-rich plasma composition is introduced into the muscle or soft tissue in the area of hypovascularity to treat the peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution for preservation, perfusion, and/or reperfusion of an organ, especially the heart, for transplantation. The solution contains peptide inhibitor(s) of protein kinase C ?II (PKC ?II) and/or of protein kinase C ? (PKC ?) and/or peptide activator(s) of protein kinase C ? (PKC?). Methods for using the inventive solution are also disclosed, including methods for preserving an organ for transplantation, for protecting an ischemic organ from damage, for attenuating organ dysfunction after ischemia, for maintaining nitric oxide release and/or inhibiting superoxide release in an ischemic organ, and for protecting an organ from damage when isolated from the circulatory system.