Truncated forms of human complement factor H.

By the use of Western-blot analyses with polyclonal anti-(Factor H) antibodies, two low-Mr protein species of Mr 41,000 and 37,000 under non-reducing conditions and 43,000 and 40,000 under reducing conditions are consistently detected together with the well-known 155,000-Mr Factor H in human plasma and serum. These two additional species are also found in plasma, urine and synovial fluids. The 41,000-Mr species but not the 37,00-Mr species is detected by a monoclonal anti-(Factor H) antibody directed at the N-terminal part of Factor H. The 37,000-Mr species but not the 41,000-Mr species is detected by a monoclonal anti-(Factor H) antibody directed at the C-terminal part of Factor H. The 41,000-Mr and 37,000-Mr species are different from the well-characterized 36,000-Mr N-terminal tryptic fragment of Factor H. They are likely to represent translational products of the short Factor H mRNA species of 1.8 kb and 1.2-1.5 kb occurring in human liver that we have recently described

The MEDICALIP Project: Toward the screening of the cytomegalovirus

International audienceince rubella vaccine was established, cytomegalovirus infection has become the most frequent cause of congenital infections. The French Health Authority is urging a diagnosis at birth for newborns. Since no screening device is commercially available, a consortium has been established to set-up an original device. The project has been funded by the French National Research Agency. The device consists of a disposable cartridge containing the biological sample and the reactive liquids required for immuno-fluorescencence detection on a functionalized surface. It also consists of a mobile reader used to drive the fluids onto the biosensor and to ensure the optical measurement. Positive and negative samples can be discriminated with a fluorescence intensity ratio of 3

A mobile device for screening the cytomegalovirus at the newborn's bed

International audienceSince rubella vaccine was established, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has become the most frequent cause of congenital infections. Before deciding of the benefit of screening in this populations, the French Health Authority (HAS) is urging a diagnosis at birth for newborns. Since no screening device is commercially available, a consortium has been established to set-up an original device. The consortium consists of 3 academic institutions and 2 private companies, and the study has been funded by the French National Research Agency. The device consists of a disposable cartridge containing the biological sample and the reactive liquids required for immunofluorescencence detection on a functionalized surface. It also consists of a mobile reader used to drive the fluids onto the biosensor and to ensure the optical measurement. Up to now, positive and negative samples can be discriminated with a fluorescence intensity ratio of 3