Abstract: A process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from a biological source, which composition is preserved and, especially pathogen free and is storage stable, preferably at room temperature. Further, the invention relates to the composition containing biologically active follistatin, which composition is available by the production process. The invention provides a process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from avian eggs, or from raw animal blood serum.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating composite liquids into components. Embodiments involve the use of a flexible membrane for separating a composite liquid into components. The composite liquid may include, in embodiments, a cellular containing liquid, such as whole blood or components of whole blood. In one specific embodiment, the composite liquid is a buffy coat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating blood, to a separation container and to a system, wherein different blood fractions—erythrocytes (64), buffy coat (65) and blood plasma (66)—are obtained, wherein blood is introduced into a separation container (1) and is then centrifuged into different superimposed, fluidically connected sections of the separation container, specifically a top section (4) for receiving the blood plasma (66), a middle section (3) for receiving the buffy coat, and a bottom section (2) for receiving the erythrocytes (64). The aim of the invention is to optimize the extraction of buffy coat. Said aim is achieved by means of the method and the separation container, wherein the optimization is geared to obtaining a defined phase boundary, and by means of the system, wherein the optimization is geared to achieving freedom from contamination from the time the blood enters the separation container and obtaining an easy-to-handle freezer container for cryopreservation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for illuminating the viruses in a circulatory blood, comprising the following steps of: 1) Adding an anticoagulant into a whole blood source and establishing a circulation system for the whole blood source; 2) Withdrawing the whole blood with the anticoagulant into a plasma-separating device for a separation, when finished, directly pumping the red-blood cells back into the whole blood source and transporting the plasma into a mixing transport pump after the separation; 3) Meanwhile, pumping a photosensitizer methylene blue into the mixing transport pump so that the methylene blue is mixed with the plasma and pumped together into a plasma container; 4) Using an illumination device to illuminate the plasma in the plasma container for virus illumination, and pumping the virus-illuminated plasma into a removing device for removing off the photosensitizer; 5) The methylene blue being absorbed by the removing device and the plasma illuminated being transfused back into the

Abstract: A method for washing platelets includes introducing anticoagulant into a platelet product container, drawing re-anticoagulated platelet product from the platelet product container, and introducing it into a centrifuge bowl. The centrifuge bowl separates the platelets from the supernatant in which they are suspended. The method then washes the platelets by introducing wash solution into the centrifuge bowl. As the wash solution is introduced into the bowl, it displaces the supernatant from the bowl and into a waste container. The method then introduces platelet additive solution into the centrifuge bowl, which displaces the wash solution from the centrifuge bowl and into the waste container and further wash the platelets. The method then repeatedly accelerates and decelerates the centrifuge bowl to resuspend the platelets in the platelet additive solution.

Abstract: A method for platelet preservation comprising placing a composition comprising platelets in a gas mixture comprising xenon and oxygen under pressure of about 0-10 Bars at a first temperature of about 18° C.-37° C. for a first period of time, and then subsequently cooling the composition to a second temperature of about 0,1° C.-6° C., and holding the composition under the pressure and in the second temperature for a second period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the preservation of blood platelets. In particular, the present invention provides a method which includes submitting the platelets to zeodration carried out at temperatures between 18° C. and 24° C. The dried platelets thus obtained can be preserved at room temperature for long period of time. The invention also provides kits and compositions for using the preserved platelets.

Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% 1-dodecanol 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags. The preferred design uses inner and outer containers, each made of transparent polyethylene sheets, where the inner compartments are filled with the solution and sealed, and then placed into each compartment in an outer container, wherein two compartments in the outer container are separated by a flattened and sealed portion of the polyethylene.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a solid-fibrin web are provided. One method may include drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and axially centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web may be suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism. Devices used in the methods may also be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for collecting blood that contain an anti-coagulant and an additive that delays clotting by inhibiting the contact pathway for thrombin generation. The additive is a coagulation contact pathway inhibitor additive that is at least one of a Factor XI inhibitor, a Factor XII inhibitor, a kallikrein inhibitor and combinations thereof, each in an amount effective to mediate or suppress the contact pathway for thrombin generation. Methods of making and using the devices, and kits containing the devices, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to enzymatic removal of type A and B antigens from blood group A, B, and AB reactive cells in blood products, and thereby converting these to non-A and non-B reactive cells. The invention further relates to using unique ?-N-acetylgalactosaminidases and ?-galactosidases with superior kinetic properties for removing the immunodominant monosaccharides of the blood group A and B antigens and improved performance in enzymatic conversion of red blood cells. The preferred unique ?-N-acetylgalactosaminidases and ?-galactosidases exhibit the following characteristics: (i) exclusive, preferred or no less than 10% substrate specificity for the type A and B branched polysaccharide structures relative to measurable activity with simple mono- and disaccharide structures and aglycon derivatives hereof: (ii) optimal performance at neutral pH with blood group oligosaccharides and in enzymatic conversion of cells: and (iii) a favorable kinetic constant Km with mono- and oligosaccharide substrates.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a composition, comprising hemoglobin or myoglobin, wherein in at least 40% of said hemoglobin or myoglobin the oxygen binding site is charged by a non-O2 ligand, and at least one further ingredient, a method for preparing said composition and the use of hemoglobin or myoglobin charged with a non-oxygen ligand for external treatment of wounds.

Abstract: A microchip for measuring platelet function by allowing blood to flow through a channel to induce platelet aggregation, wherein the microchip has a channel provided inside thereof, wherein at least a part of the channel is coated with collagen for allowing adhesion of platelets; a plurality of walls extend along the direction of the flow of blood in the channel and divide the width of the channel to form a channel dividing section; and the walls are treated to have a surface roughness (Ra) of 10 to 200 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood collection container capable of allowing blood to coagulate in a short time and preventing blood from coagulating with bubbles contained therein and thus preventing formation of bubbly clots when used to collect blood therein. A blood collection container 1 stores a blood coagulation promoting agent 4 for promoting blood coagulation and an antifoaming agent 5, which is a polyoxyalkylene or a derivative thereof. The amount of the antifoaming agent 5 is 2.0×10?3 to 0.2 mg per mL of blood to be collected in the blood collection container 1.

Abstract: Methods and a system for transfusing blood to a mammalian subject. The method includes obtaining a volume of donated red blood cells (RBCs), adding an enhancement composition to the RBCs to form a treated blood composition, incubating the treated blood composition to form an incubated blood composition, and administering the incubated blood composition to a patient. The system includes a functionally-closed, sterile Y-type tube set.

Abstract: The objective to be solved by the present invention is to provide a novel ice crystallization inhibitor which is industrially useful, which can be efficiently and stably produced in a safe process suitable for a food production without difficulty and which has excellent functions and properties. Also, the objective of the present invention is to provide an antibody which specifically reacts with the ice crystallization inhibitor, and a composition, a food, a biological sample protectant and a cosmetic which contain the ice crystallization inhibitor. Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a peptide which gives an indication of a protein having an ice crystallization inhibitory activity. The ice crystallization inhibitor according to the present invention is characterized in comprising a seed protein derived from a plant belonging to genus Vigna in Leguminosae, an allied species thereof or an improved species thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent for diluting a blood sample, comprising water, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having a hydroxyl value of 52 to 60, and an osmo-regulator for regulating the osmotic pressure of the reagent in the range of 150 to 400 mOsm/kg, as well as a method for measuring the mean corpuscular volume of a blood sample.

Abstract: A bioartificial liver system is described that incorporates a cell reservoir and hepatocyte spheroids to both increase the number of and longevity of cells in the system. Additional methods are also described for forming spheroid aggregates from isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract: A bioreactor for the formation of mature blood cells from haematopoietic stem cells is disclosed. The bioreactor comprises a first zone and a second zone. The first zone and the second zone are separated by a first membrane. The first membrane allows the preferential passage of red blood cells relative to the haematopoietic stem cells and their 5 other progeny excluding red blood cells. The first membrane is formed by at least a separating layer and a porous layer, where the porous layer is in contact with the first zone, such that the haematopoietic stem cells can be grown in the porous layer. The bioreactor comprises a third zone. The first zone and the third zone are separated by a second membrane, and the second membrane allows the passage of nutrients from the 10 third zone to the first zone and the passage of metabolites of the cells from the first zone to the third zone, while substantially preventing the passage of growth factors from the first zone to the third zone.

Abstract: A method for preserving and protecting cell-free nucleic acids located within blood plasma samples is disclosed, wherein a sample of blood containing nucleic acids is treated to reduce deleterious effects of storage and transport.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology described herein are based upon the discoveries that neturophil extracellular traps (NETs) provide a stimulus for thrombus formation and that NETs are present in stored blood products. Accordingly, some embodiments relate to methods of treating and preventing toxicity of NETs and thrombosis caused by NETs. Additional embodiments are directed towards methods of treating stored blood products to prevent transfusion-related injuries.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for using compounds that activate pyruvate kinase.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved sperm stimulating additive comprising a certain amount of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Addition of PPi in the media for human/animal in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves fertilization rate; addition of PPi in the semen extender for farm animal artificial insemination (AI) may improve pregnancy rates; furthermore, mammalian oocytes matured in vitro in a medium including PPi attain improved fertilization and developmental potential, while embryos cultured in medium supplemented with PPi have improved development to blastocyst.

Abstract: This invention provides methods utilizing a microfluidic device that can quickly and accurately discern differences in deformability between individual cells and sets of cells and continuously fractionate populations of cells based on their deformability. This information may be important in disease diagnosis and treatment efficacy monitoring. For example such a device may be able to determine the stage of malarial infection by using red blood cell deformability. Additionally, methods of the invention may be used as a tool to screen drugs that can make cells more flexible in diseases such as sickle cell anemia that causes sickle cell crises. The relatively low manufacturing and operation costs of methods of the invention enable this device to be used in resource-limited settings to diagnose and monitor disease.

Abstract: Antibodies or fragments thereof having CDR regions replaced or fused with biologically active peptides are described. Flanking sequences may optionally be attached at one or both the carboxy-terminal and amino-terminal ends of the peptide in covalent association with adjacent framework regions. Compositions containing such antibodies or fragments thereof are useful in therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.

Abstract: The present invention provides simple and rapid methods for measuring the function of a desired subset of lymphocytes, for example, T cells, B cells or NK cells. In addition, the present invention provides an all-in-one kit that contains reagents which permit a rapid and reliable analysis of the functions of T cells, B cells and NK cells obtained directly from whole blood or cord blood.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to methods and devices that can be used to induce functional organ structures to form within an implantation device by implanting it in vivo within the body of a living animal, and allowing cells and tissues to impregnate the implantation device and establish normal microenvironmental architecture and tissue-tissue interfaces. Then the contained cells and tissues can be surgically removed intact and either transplanted into another animal or maintained ex vivo by perfusing it through one or more of the fluid channels with medium and/or gases necessary for cell survival.

Abstract: A method and kit for assaying a cell sample for the presence of at least a threshold number of cells of a given type are disclosed. The kit includes an assay device having a sample chamber for receiving the cell sample and an elongate collection chamber containing a selected-density and/or viscosity medium and having along its length, a plurality of cell-collection regions, and particles which are capable of specific attachment to cells of the selected cell type, and which are effective, when attached to the cells, to increase the density or magnetic susceptibility of the cells. In operation, particle-bound cells and particles in the cell sample are drawn through the elongate collection chamber under the influence of a gravitational or selected centrifugal or magnetic-field force until the particle-bound cells and particles completely fill successive cell-collection regions in the collection chamber.

Abstract: A sperm cell process system providing to generate sperm cell insemination samples having controlled sperm cell fertility characteristics of sperm cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides sperm cell targeting ligands, including DNA-binding proteins, that bind target molecules on the surface of, accessible from the surface of, or inside mammalian sperm cells and methods for producing the sperm cell targeting ligands. The sperm cell targeting ligands are used to separate sperm cells based upon sperm cell qualities, such as whether the cells contain X chromosomes or Y chromosomes. The invention also provides methods of sperm cell purification using targeted radiofrequency absorption enhancers and transgenic animals with sex-skewed ejaculate.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for using compounds that activate pyruvate kinase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viral inactivated biological liquid or dry mixture and to its preparation. Principally, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a mixture derived from a platelet source.

Abstract: A method of preparing a capturing agent for a selected biopolymer or bioparticle, includes the steps of: a) selecting a desired biopolymer or bioparticle, and b) providing a support matrix modified to have, at predetermined conditions, such a net negative surface charge and net surface hydrophobicity in relation to the net negative surface charge and the net surface hydrophobicity of the selected biopolymer or bioparticle that the modified support matrix is capable of selective interaction and capture of the biopolymer or bioparticle through a resulting net hydrophobic interaction being the actual hydrophobic interaction minus the actual electrostatic repulsion. The use of such a capturing agent as a therapeutically active substance, as well as in chromatography and diagnosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to fertilization modulation compounds and process for implementing them.

Abstract: A ribose-related compound is added to whole blood or packed red cells which have suboptimal function as measured by decreased levels of 2,3-DPG in order to rejuvenate the red blood cells to normal function as seen by raised levels of 2,3-DPG. Two representative ribose-related compounds are D-ribose and inosine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compounds, compositions thereof, and methods capable of delivering modified inositol hexaphospahte (IHP) comprising an internal pyrophosphate ring to the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compounds, compositions thereof, and methods that enhance the ability of mammalian red blood cells to deliver oxygen, by delivering IHP to the cytoplasm of the red blood cells.

Abstract: A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: Treatment methods/devices are provided for attenuating/inactivating the pathogenic microbes found in biological fluids e.g. blood/blood products including human single-donor-fresh-frozen-plasma, platelet concentrate, red blood cells, blood clotting factors. An Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy method is used to eliminate multiple (resistant) bacteria, viral agents, fungi, parasites and other undetected or non-easily detected pathogenic microbes or particles in blood and blood products without affecting their biological properties. Resistant bacteria are difficult to be eliminated. This is especially true in the case for S. aureus and related strains, Staphylococcus epidermidis or Propionibacterium acnes, Borrelia species and other bacteria found on skin. Further embodiments eliminate undetected or non-easily detected viral agents contaminating blood/blood products responsible for spreading hepatitis, Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome and other blood borne viral diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for predicting the embryonic progression of a preimplantation embryo, comprising measuring in the insemination medium (IM) in which an oocyte was fertilized and subsequently incubated in vitro, thereby generating a pre-implantation embryo, at 18-24 hrs post fertilization, the levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in the insemination medium (IM), wherein a level of NOx of at least about 1.3 ?M indicates that the preimplantation embryo is likely to progress to the blastocyst stage by culture day (CD) 5.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for using compounds that activate pyruvate kinase.

Abstract: A method for preserving erythrocytes comprising the steps of obtaining an erythrocyte concentrate; subjecting the erythrocyte concentrate to a gas system that includes 65% to 100% by volume and optionally one or more ballast gases from 0% to 35% by volume; and, maintaining the erythrocyte concentrate that has been subjected to the gas system at a temperature that is above the freezing point of the erythrocyte concentrate and up to a temperature of about 30° C.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for using compounds that activate pyruvate kinase.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified platelets having a reduced platelet clearance and methods for reducing platelet clearance. Also provided are compositions for the preservation of platelets. The invention also provides methods for making a pharmaceutical composition containing the modified platelets and for administering the pharmaceutical composition to a mammal to mediate hemostasis.

Abstract: A micro fluidic apparatus includes a sample chamber that divides a sample into a first fluid layer and a second fluid layer due to a centrifugal force; a first enriching unit a that receives the first fluid layer from the sample chamber, forms a first complex of a first fine particle and the first target material, and separates the first complex from the first fluid layer using a density difference; and a second enriching unit that receives the second fluid layer from the sample chamber, forms a second complex of a second fine particle and the second target material, and separates the second complex from the second fluid layer using a density difference.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosis and prognosis using biomarkers comprising albumin-bound protein/peptide complex (ABPPC).