Abstract: Antibodies to a therapeutic agent and its derivatives and conjugates are disclosed, including antibodies to argatroban and its derivatives and conjugates. The antibodies are useful as reagents in assays and diagnostic kits for determining the concentration of a therapeutic agent or its derivatives and conjugates in biological samples, and further have therapeutic uses in treatment for potential toxicity associated with stable therapeutic conjugates and derivatives, both in vivo and ex vivo.

Abstract: Providing an evacuated blood collection tube for blood collection rapidly, whereby serum of high purity can be isolated in a rapid and simple manner with no occurrence of fibrin deposition. Beads each coated with a blood coagulation-promoting enzyme comprising thrombin and batroxobin are contained in the evacuated blood collection tube. Preferably, thrombin is used in an amount of 0.1 to 3 IU and batroxobin is used in an amount of 0.25 to 2 BU, per 1 ml of collected blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 178 kDa glucose-inducible human fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA binding protein which has been purified to homogeneity and its binding element characterized. This large phosphoprotein binds to a novel repetitive element in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the FAS mRNA. In particular, the binding has been mapped to a 37 nucleotide stretch within the first 65 bases of the 3′ UTR of mRNA. The binding protein is useful for mediating FAS expression, for regulating lipoprotein secretion and cell growth and for screening of test compounds for activity as inhibitors of FAS.

Abstract: Cell membrane maintenance of red blood cells and platelet concentrates is improved by the addition of 1 mM-10 mM L-carnitine and derivatives. This improvement allows extension of the period of viability of packed red blood cells and platelet concentrations beyond current periods. Additionally, the materials so treated exhibit extended circulation half life upon transfusion to a patient. Improvements in membrane maintenance achieved by this method permit irradiation of sealed containers of blood products so as to substantially sterilize and destroy leukocytes in the same. Further, addition of L-carnitine or derivatives to plasma, red blood cells or platelet concentrates results in the suppression of bacrerial growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial bait for marine animals, comprising cell-free hemolymph of a horseshoe crab. The cell-free hemolymph of the horseshoe crab, which is the byproduct from the manufacture of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), is an excellent attractant to be used in artificial baits for marine animals. The baits according to the invention attract the target marine animals better than the horseshoe crab itself. Further, the baits of the invention seem to attract non-target game less than the target game. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a bait comprising cell-free hemolymph of a horseshoe crab, and a method of attracting marine animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biologically active serum-derived composition of matter (SDF), having a low molecular weight, being electrically charged at acidic pH and having absorption at 280 nm. The molecular weight of said SDF was determined by electron spray mass spectrometry and is of 316 Da. SDF of the present invention or its complex with ceruloplasmin (CP) have several therapeutic properties. For example, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of inducing terminal cell differentiation of leukemic cells, which as a result, may lose their ability to proliferate and their ability for self cell renewal. Further, SDF or the complex with CP is capable of stimulating the proliferation of early, normal progenitor cells and inhibiting enhanced angiogenesis. In addition, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of ex vivo expanding normal stem and progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biologically active serum-derived composition of matter (SDF), having a low molecular weight, being electrically charged at acidic pH and having absorption at 280 nm. The molecular weight of said SDF was determined by electron spray mass spectrometry and is of 316 Da. SDF of the present invention or its complex with ceruloplasmin (CP) have several therapeutic properties. For example, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of inducing terminal cell differentiation of leukemic cells, which as a result, may lose their ability to proliferate and their ability for self cell renewal. Further, SDF or the complex with CP is capable of stimulating the proliferation of early, normal progenitor cells and inhibiting enhanced angiogenesis. In addition, SDF or its complex with CP is capable of ex vivo expanding normal stem and progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method of preparing a solid-fibrin web is disclosed. The method includes drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web is suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of preparing a plasma-protein-containing medicament from citrated plasma or from a citrate-containing plasma fraction, the medicament being substantially free from undesired metals, which method comprises the following steps:

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunotolerant prothrombin complex preparation, a method of producing this preparation, as well as the use of the preparation for producing a medicament,

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated feline calicivirus and mutants thereof, which were isolated from the urine of a cat with lower urinary tract disorder. The present invention further provides nucleic acid clones of the virus, in particular, a clone which encodes the capsid antigen of the virus. The present invention is useful for providing a live or killed virus vaccine comprising the virus or mutants thereof, a subunit vaccine comprising the capsid antigen of the virus, a nucleic acid vaccine encoding the capsid antigen of the virus, and a recombinant virus vector vaccine encoding the capsid antigen of the virus. The present invention also provides a method for isolating feline calicivirus from urine and an assay for diagnosing cats infected with feline calicivirus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a product of blood coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X which is virtually free of virus, the process comprising heating an aqueous liquid containing these factors in the presence of calcium ions and a chelating agent and, optionally, an amino acid, a saccharide or sugar alcohol, antithrombin III and/or heparin. The product can be used for the treatment of blood coagulation disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful as antimicrobial agents which include reptilian hemoglobin, the &agr; and &bgr; chains of hemoglobin free of heme, fragments of said proteins or polypeptide fragments thereof and combinations thereof. The compositions exert antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi that is comparable to known antimicrobial peptides from human neutrophils, cathepsin G and azurocidin. Sensitive organisms include Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aerioginosa, and the fungus Candida albicans. Methods for preparing the compositions also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful as antimicrobial agents which include mammalian hemoglobin, the &agr; and &bgr; chains of hemoglobin free of heme, fragments of the &agr; and &bgr; chains that result from cyanogen bromide cleavage of the &agr; and &bgr; chains, and synthetic peptides derived therefrom. The compositions exert antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi that is comparable to known antimicrobial peptides from human neutrophils, cathepsin G and azurocidin. Sensitive organisms include Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis, and the fungus Candida albicans. Methods for preparing the compositions also are provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge system for the formation of an autologous platelet gel wherein all of the blood components for the gel are derived from a patient to whom the gel is to be applied. First a platelet rich plasma and a platelet poor plasma are formed by centrifuging a quantity of anticoagulated whole blood that was previously drawn from the patient. The platelet rich plasma or platelet poor plasma is then automatically drawn out of the centrifuge bag and proportioned into separate chambers in a dispenser. The first portion is activated where a clot is formed and thrombin is obtained. The thrombin is then latter mixed with the second portion to obtain a platelet gel.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of immune-genetically active suspensions of which the initial substances are fluids or tissues from the human or animal body. Autohemotherapy, immune-stimulatory and/or immune-suppressive effects are employed. The suspensions thus produced can be used as pooled sera as desired.

Abstract: A method for isolating tissue repair promoting substances from human or animal blood, which method comprises collecting the human or animal blood from a single human or animal individual in a first container of a container system comprising at least first and second interconnected containers; centrifuging the container system containing said blood so as to separate the blood in various fractions including a plasma fraction; transferring at least part of the plasma fraction to said second container of the container system; subjecting the plasma fraction in said second container to a low temperature so as to obtain a precipitate comprising tissue repair promoting substances; concentrating said precipitate in said second container so as to obtain a first fraction comprising a major part of the non-precipitated material, and a second fraction comprising at least the major part of the precipitate and a minor part of the non-precipitated material; and separating said second fraction comprising the tissue repair pro

Abstract: The subject invention relates to fibrin sealants. More specifically, the subject invention relates to the use of a fibrin sealant wherein a composition comprising fibrin monomer or a composition comprising noncrosslinked fibrin is utilized as a component of the fibrin sealant.

Abstract: A method for controlling immune reactions to a foreign tissue or a foreign cell in a recipient host mammal to enhance tolerance of the recipient host mammal towards a grafted foreign tissue or a grafted foreign cell. This method involves administering a transferrin and a foreign tissue or a foreign cell antigen from the same genetic donor to a previously immunosuppressed recipient host mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of complement inhibitors, especially of C1 inactivator or of factors I or H, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical and for the prophylaxis and therapy of chronic inflammatory intestinal disorders, inflammatory skin disorders and purpura.

Abstract: A plasma concentrate comprising one of platelets and platelet releasate and from 5 to 400 mg/ml of fibrinogen. The concentrate further includes a physiologically acceptable carrier comprising water and physiologically acceptable inorganic and organic ions at a physiologically acceptable concentration. The fibrinogen in the concentrate is not significantly denatured. A method for processing blood is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for using a killed malaria parasite or an extract thereof in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing factor V-deficient plasma, in particular a factor V-deficient plasma from a starting plasma using antibodies, and a deficient plasma which is obtained in this way.

Abstract: A method for the enrichment of dendritic cells from the peripheral blood of a mammal is described. Peripheral blood having mononuclear cells from a mammal is provided. The mononuclear cells are separated from the peripheral blood. The mononuclear cells are separated into a first cell population having substantially lymphocytes and a second cell population having substantially myeloid cells. The myeloid cells are separated into a third cell population having substantially monocytes and a fourth cell population having substantially dendritic cells. Also described are purified dendritic cell populations, vaccine compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer using dendritic cells, and kits useful for the enrichment of dendritic cells from blood.

Abstract: System and methods treat plasma carrying contaminants and cellular matter that are capable of entraining contaminants. The systems and methods separate cellular matter from the plasma by filtration, thereby removing contaminants entrained within the cellular matter. The system and methods add to the plasma a photoactive material. The systems and methods emit radiation at a selected wavelength into the plasma to activate the photoactive material and thereby eradicate the contaminant that is free of entrainment by cellular matter.

Abstract: Compositions for treating or preventing dental caries and/or middle ear infections. These compositions comprise antibodies to dental caries and/or antibodies to bacteria causing middles ear infections and/or an agent preventing the adhesion, accumulation or reporduction of the pathogens of tooth or middle ear. The preferred agent is xylitol. Methods for using these compositions are also included.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal suffering from hypotension by administering intermolecularly- or intramolecularly-crosslinked stroma-free hemoglobin to the mammal.

Abstract: A multiple coagulation test system and method for determining an appropriate coagulation promoting substance for administration to a patient as a therapy for improving clotting function in said patient has at least three sample wells. One of the wells is for testing a baseline clotting indicator time of a patient's blood to serve as a control sample. Each of the other wells are for testing clotting indicator times of different coagulation promoting substances when mixed with the patient's blood. The coagulation promoting substances are agents or combination of agents capable of improving clotting function in the patient. An appropriate therapy for improving clotting function in the patient is determined by comparison of the baseline control clotting indicator time with the clotting indicator times of the coagulation promoting substances mixed with the patient's blood. Generally, the agent giving the lowest clotting indicator time is selected as an appropriate treatment for reducing hemorrhaging begun.

Abstract: Therapeutic treatment of septic shock comprises administering to an animal stroma-free hemoglobin, typically at a dose ranging from the least amount effective to increase perfusion, up to a dosage of about 2500 milligrams kilograms per of body weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to new prothrombin mutants or derivatives thereof which comprise one or more changes in their protein sequence as compared to natural protein, are either inactive or have an activity of approximately 10% at the most, preferably approximately 0.25% at the most, of the natural protein and which have a binding capacity relative to natural ligands (natural or synthetic anticoagulants) substantially corresponding to that of the natural protein. Furthermore, the use of mutated prothrombin mutants or derivatives, respectively, as pharmaceutical preparations is described.

Abstract: A stabilized aqueous liquid preparation of human blood coagulation factor XIII, prepared by recombinant DNA technology, from the group consisting of galactose, sucrose, sorbitol, glutamate, aspartate and histidine and where little reduction in biological activity occurs even when stored for a longer time.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for treating blood. If pressure constraints occur during the execution of blood treatment, the pump flow rates are rapidly decelerated to remove the pressure constraints so that the treating operation will restore the normal state as quickly as possible. After the pressure constraints have been removed, the pump flow rates are restored at a preset acceleration without causing any excessive pressure buildup due to an abruptly increased load. If the pump flow rates immediately after the start of operation of the processor are increased through two stages of acceleration, the target flow rates can be rapidly reached without exerting any abrupt load on the processor and, hence, without causing an excessive pressure buildup.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to fibrin sealants. More specifically, the subject invention relates to the use of a fibrin sealant wherein a composition comprising fibrin monomer or a composition comprising noncrosslinked fibrin is utilized as a component of the fibrin sealant.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to fibrin sealants. More specifically, the subject invention relates to the use of a fibrin sealant wherein a composition comprising fibrin monomer or a composition comprising noncrosslinked fibrin is utilized as a component of the fibrin sealant.

Abstract: A method for increasing perfusion in a mammal suffering from cardiogenic shock by administering a perfusion-increasing effective amount of intermolecularly- or intramolecularly-crosslinked stroma-free hemoglobin to the mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating cystic fibrosis and other pathological conditions in mammals using hepatocyte growth factor ("HGF"). The invention also provides articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF.

Abstract: A method for increasing perfusion in a mammal suffering from stroke by admninistering a perfusion-increasing effective amount of intermolecularly- or intramolecularly-crosslinked stroma-free hemoglobin to the mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of patients with blood coagulation diseases which are caused by coagulation factor deficiency and/or inhibitors of coagulation factors, whereby the composition as a FEIB-activity and is characterized in that it has Factor VIIa and at least one further active ingredient and the activity of at least 10 Factor VIIa units per unit FEIBA. Additionally, the invention comprises a method for the production of the pharmaceutical preparation and its use.

Abstract: A method for reduction of the viral infectiousness of potentially infectious material, such as human or animal body fluids or fractions derived therefrom from which biologically active substances can be isolated, wherein the infectiousness is due to non-lipid-coated viruses characterized in thatsaid potentially infectious material for the isolation of said biologically active substances is treated witha hydrophobic phase which is essentially insoluble in water and is capable of forming a two-phase system with said potentially infectious material, andsaid hydrophobic phase is separated from the potentially infectious material thus treated.

Abstract: The present invention is a fibrin sealant and a method for producing a fibrin sealant from fish blood. Whole blood is drawn from the donor fish and centifuged to separate blood cells from plasma. Prothrombin and fibrinogen are extracted from this plasma, and the prothrombin is activated to thrombin. The fibrinogen and thrombin components are then combined as needed to form the fibrin sealant.

Abstract: A feed supplement is disclosed comprising animal plasma purified from animal blood which is granulated. Animals fed this supplement experienced a significantly higher average daily gain and increased average daily feed intake when compared with a control of feed supplemented with plasma protein powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the quantification of coagulation factor VIIa (F VIIa) in FVIIa- or FVII/FVIIa-containing solutions by means of selective binding to immobilized soluble thromboplastin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a final drug product comprising coagulation factor VIII in an aqueous solution with a reduced concentration of oxygen. In this way, the factor VIII activity can be retained during storage to a surprisingly high degree. The factor VIII activity can be retained for a prolonged period of time, if the final drug product further comprises an inert gas and/or an antioxidant. The present invention also relates to processes for reducing the oxygen concentration of the aqueous solution, and a method for improving the stability of factor VIII in an aqueous solution by storing the solution under an inert gas atmosphere. By the present invention it is possible to retain at least 50% of the initial activity of factor VIII after storage for at least 6 months at a temperature of 2 to 10.degree. C. and a pH of the solution of 6.5 to 8.5.

Abstract: This invention is directed to solid compositions, for example, lyophilized forms, of fibrin monomer. These compositions are useful wherever fibrin monomer could be employed, e.g., as a surgical sealant to provide hemostasis.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to fibrin sealants. More specifically, the subject invention relates to the use of a fibrin sealant wherein a composition comprising fibrin monomer or a composition comprising noncrosslinked fibrin is utilized as a component of the fibrin sealant.

Abstract: A process for preparing thrombin which comprises treating a mixture comprising prothrombin, factor Xa, factor Va, and phospholipids with calcium ions, at a pH of 6.0-7.0 is provided. In particular the pH of 6.0-7.0 may be generated by the addition of the calcium ions or by buffering the preparation to a pH of 6.0-7.0. Thrombin preparations so produced may be subjected to further purification and are particularly stable even when substantially free of exogenous stabilizing agents such as proteins, sugars, polyol and mixtures thereof, and may be subject to freeze-drying and a virus inactivation by heat treatment.

Abstract: There is provided a bodily fluid simulant made from red blood cells in an amount between about 10 and about 60 weight percent, egg white in an amount between 20 and 50 weight percent, and plasma.

Abstract: A blood product, exclusive of albumin, inactivated relative to infectious agents, the blood product conforming to a total virus reduction factor of at least 40, having a biological acitity of at least 50%, based on its activity prior to effecting inactivation of the infectious agents, the blood product being producible from conventional blood products and being virus-safe.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reagents, and test kits for evaluating the effect of a test composition on APC response by employing factor Va.sup.R506Q Methods and compositions for treating patients suffering from reduced APC response are also provided.