Abstract: This invention is directed to two highly purified neural calcium-activated neutral proteinase (CANP or calpain) inhibitors, known as high molecular weight calpastatin (HMWC) and low molecular weight calpastatin (LMWC). The invention also relates to recombinant DNA molecules which code for, and antibodies which bind to these proteins. The present invention is further directed to the use of these calpastatin proteins.

Abstract: A novel approach to study changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during apoptosis, and thereby identify cells committed to apoptosis is presented, methods used to study apoptosis and tyrosine phosphorylation at the single cell level are combined to study directly whether apoptosis in hematopoietic cells is associated with changes in cellular phosphotyrosine levels. The changes in cellular phosphotyrosine content strongly correlated with the appearance of features of cell death such as cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation and loss of membrane integrity.

Abstract: A method for protecting leukocytes in a blood sample, comprising contacting the blood sample with a preparation comprising an aliphatic aldehyde, a salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and optionally an agent to adjust isotonicity and hypotonically lysing erythrocytes in the blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new hyperosmolar preservation solution useful in supporting the simultaneous in vitro growth of, and preservation of vascular endothelial cells from large vessel and microvessel origins. In addition, the preservation solution of the present invention may be used for initial flushing, and as a perfusate for storage of organs intended for transplantation using a warm preservation technology at between 18.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. Among the components of the preservation solution are colloid, mucopolysaccharide, retinal-derived fibroblast growth factor and a high magnesium concentration. Also, the present invention is directed to a method for preserving, without extreme hypothermia, an organ intended to be transplanted using the preservation solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to flagella-less strains of Borrelia to novel methods for use of the microorganisms as vaccines and in diagnostic assays. Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the present invention encompasses flagella-less strains of other microorganisms belonging to the genus Borrelia. Accordingly, with the aid of the disclosure, flagella-less mutants of other Borrelia species, e.g., B. coriacei, which causes epidemic bovine abortion, B. anserina, which causes avian spirochetosis, and B. recurrentis and other Borrelia species causative of relapsing fever, such as Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia duttoni, Borrelia persica, and Borrelia hispanica, can be prepared and used in accordance with the present invention and are within the scope of the invention. Therefore, a preferred embodiment comprises a composition of matter comprising a substantially pure preparation of a strain of a flagella-less microorganism belonging to the genus Borrelia.

Abstract: Dyeing agents which are excellent in visual recognition of discernible or tangible components in a sample cause no coagulation of proteins, sugars or glycoproteins dissolved in the sample. An apparatus for image analysis of flow type stain particles uses the dyeing agents, and particles of discernible components suspended in a flowing sample can be detected so that images of the particles can be efficiently photographed and the discernible components can thus be analyzed by image processing of the thus-obtained image.

Abstract: The invention relates to dimers of unsymmetrical cyanine dyes, typically dimers of benzthiazole or benzoxazole derivatives, that exhibit enhanced fluorescence on binding with DNA or RNA, The dimers generally have the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which may be the same or different, are alkyl groups having 1-6 carbons;X is O, S, or N--R.sup.3, where R.sup.3 is H or an alkyl group having 1-6 carbons;Z is O, S, or N--R.sup.4, where R.sup.4 is H or an alkyl group having 1-6 carbons;n and s, which may be the same or different, =0, 1, or 2;Y is HC.dbd.CH; andp, m, q, and r=0 or 1, such that p+m=1 and q+r=1; andwhere -BRIDGE- has the general formula:--(CH.sub.2).sub..alpha. --[A.sup.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub..beta. --].sub.I [A.sup.2 --(CH.sub.2).sub..gamma. --].sub.II A.sup.3 --(CH.sub.2).sub..delta. --where .alpha., .beta., .gamma., and .delta., which may be the same or different, are integers greater than 1 and less than 5;I and II, which may be the same or different, =0 or 1; andA.sup.1, A.sup.2, and A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for stabilizing blood and comprises an aqueous solution of methacrolein and formaldehyde.

Abstract: Biological preparations or specimens are treated for a subsequent microscopic inspection. For this purpose it is necessary that the inner structure that is to be studied does not change prior to and during inspection. It is thus necessary to subject the specimens to a chemical and/or mechanical pretreatment for increasing the permeability of the specimen surface to a fixation substance in the form of an aqueous solution that contains an aldehyde fixation agent, preferably a highly volatile fixation agent or substance. The exposure of the specimens to the fixation substance takes place by immersion and/or spraying and/or fumigation. The fixation agent is preferably volatile and in the form of an aldehyde proportion of about 5% by volume or of an acrolein proportion of about 10% by volume.

Abstract: In examining the progress of patients before and after a cataract operation, the morphology of cornea endothelium cells used in medical treatment, may be determined from a cornea endothelium cell image with less labor. Center points of two-dimensionally continuous cells of a cornea endothelium cell image are entered into a computer, and peripheral points obtained by determining peripheral points which are center points of the cells within a specified distance from one center point are sorted clockwise. If an angle formed by successive two peripheral points and the center point is less than a specified angle, the greater of the two peripheral points in distance from the center point is excluded from the peripheral points.

Abstract: A fixative-stain system, which gives superior preservation of nuclear detail, is free from toxic mercury compounds, and which is simple and easy to use, includes a zinc salt and a cobalt salt, in combination, as a fixative, and at least one of Chlorazol Black E, Fast Green FCF and May-Grunwald stains, and preferably the three in admixture, as a staining composition. The fixative may also be used alone. The present fixative-stain system is suitable for fixing and staining all types of parasites such as enteric and other parasites which infect animals and humans.

Abstract: A visualization system for identifying a biological sample in a preservative solution comprising a dye that (i) colors a biological sample in a manner in which the sample can be readily identified and retrieved from among the other contents of the medium; (ii) provides a colored sample that permits proper positioning of the material in a paraffin block prior to sectioning; and (iii) does not interfere with the subsequent processing of the sample at the processing laboratory.

Abstract: A method and composition for fixing and stabilizing tissues, cells, and cell components such that the antigenic sites are preserved for a useful period of time. The fixative employs compounds that are less toxic, non-flammable, and that stabilize the cell with minimal damage to and alteration of the cell morphology. In particular, the cell antigenic sites are left intact so that studies with monoclonal antibodies may be conducted. The invention also discloses a method for developing a positive control for test reagents and for test instrumentation.

Abstract: Methods are provided to prepare a variety of tissues in a pathology-stable form for microscopic examination by preserving the tissue with an aqueous solution of C.sub.2-6 dialdehyde and/or dialdehyde addition products, including glyoxal and/or glutaraldehyde in an amount sufficient to prevent autolysis and other degradative changes. The solution may further contain alcohols, chelating agents, buffers and acids. In one embodiment,-the aqueous solution contains glyoxal or glyoxal in the form of a bisulfite, hydrate or alcohol addition product and an osmotic controlling ionic and/or nonionic chemical. This solution prevents degradation of tissue without substantial cross-linking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bisulfite-based tissue fixative that improves morphology, antigen retention, and antigenicity. The fixative is suitable for use with sections of frozen tissue, cytology preparations (including touch preparations and blood smears) and other specimens used for immunohistochemical analysis. The fixative comprises an acidic buffer and a bisulfite salt in an effective amount for tissue fixation. In a preferred embodiment, the tissue fixative comprises a bisulfite salt in a concentration of from about 0.01 to about 0.25M, preferably, 0.02 to 0.25M, in an acidic buffer having a pH of from about 2 to about 6.

Abstract: A cell fixative composition for fixing the internal components of a cell without disrupting the cell surface components is disclosed. The composition contains a compound for preserving intracellular morphology, a compound for fixing internal components of the cell, a compound which facilitates transportation of components across the cellular membrane, and a compound for increasing permeability of cell membranes. Methods for analyzing cells which have been fixed using the composition are also disclosed.