Abstract: A composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of zeaxanthin or its derivative for use in treating a malignant tumor and a method of using a pharmaceutically effective amount of zeaxanthin or its derivative either alone or together with one or more pharmaceutical agents for treating a malignant tumor. The tumor may be, but is not limited to breast cancer, cervix cancer, colon cancer, cutaneous melanoma, cutaneous squamous carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, osteosarcoma, prostate cancer, and uveal melanoma. The pharmaceutically effective amount of zeaxanthin is generally above about 0.5 mg/kg/d to about 20 mg/kg/d.

Abstract: A composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of zeaxanthin or its derivative for use in treating a malignant tumor and a method of using a pharmaceutically effective amount of zeaxanthin or its derivative either alone or together with one or more pharmaceutical agents for treating a malignant tumor. The tumor may be, but is not limited to breast cancer, cervix cancer, colon cancer, cutaneous melanoma, cutaneous squamous carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, osteosarcoma, prostate cancer, and uveal melanoma. The pharmaceutically effective amount of zeaxanthin is generally above about 0.5 mg/kg/d to about 20 mg/kg/d.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for providing graft recipients with epidermal melanocytes. Specifically, the methods and compositions of the invention provide for populations of epidermal melanocytes that may be isolated from a patient and cultured in vitro to generate a proliferating population of epidermal melanocytes that exhibit growth, migration and melanin production. The invention is based on the discovery of a culture medium composed of natural components, for culturing epidermal melanocytes that exhibit increased proliferative capacity, migratory behaviors and melanin production. The invention provides novel in vitro methods for culturing epidermal melanocytes, including those isolated from the skin of a healthy subject, to generate a proliferating population of epidermal melanocytes. The methods and compositions of the invention may be used for transplantation to treat patients having hypopigmentation or depigmentation skin disorders.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe which performs a two-dimensional scan is supported by a mount having a thread which is driven back and forth by a screw along a third axis. When a two-dimensional scan is completed in a first plane, a motor drives the mount along a guide to a second plane for the next scan. The separation between the planes being the same as the resolution in scanning within a plane. A housing having a slot with sidewalls is employed to guide the mount in traveling to successive plane locations along its axis. Means for orienting the housing in angular position and a support assembly provide moveable support to the orienting means so that minimal force is required to position the probe relative to the patient. An "auto-scroll" feature permits the operator to interactively pan through multiple, adjacent two-dimensional planes at programmable speeds and displacements along a third axis.