Abstract: Provided herein is a novel breath test for assessing bacterial overgrowth. The test involves administration of a labeled sorbitol or sorbitol derivative to a subject and measurement of the label in breath and/or blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors using immunological- and growth factor-based reagents. In particular aspects, antibodies carrying diagnostic or therapeutic agents are targeted to the vasculature of solid tumor masses through recognition of tumor vasculature-associated antigens, such as, for example, through endoglin binding, or through the specific induction of endothelial cell surface antigens on vascular endothelial cells in solid tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrous, liquid, paste- or cream-like skin cleaning agents for the removal of strongly adhering soil, comprising anionic and/or amphoteric and/or non-ionogenic surfactants as washing-active substances, thickeners, at least one abrasive, and, optionally, adjuvants for the regulation of consistency, appearance, odor, and stability, such as pigments, fragrances, stabilizers, and preservatives, which skin cleaning agents are characterized by the fact that they comprise di-n-butyl adipate and/or di-isopropyl adipate as the exclusive solvents. These agents are obtained by homogeneously mixing the components, optionally under heating of the mixture. If a C8-C16 fatty alcohol which acts as consistency regulator is added, heating of the component mixture may be omitted. Besides, the addition of the fatty alcohol increases the detergent action.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved conjunctival insert for topical delivery of medication or lubrication into the conjunctival spaces and upon the ocular surface of human eye. Specifically, three physical designs are provided, differing by size, named “Large”, “Medium” and “Small”. Also provided are methods of treating ocular maladies and of lubricating or moisturizing a dry eye using the disclosed conjunctival inserts. Such inserts can also be used for veterinary practices in the cases of primates and quadrupeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-lethal methods of conditioning a recipient for bone marrow transplantation. In particular, it relates to the use of nonlethal doses of total body irradiation, total lymphoid irradiation, cell type-specific or cell marker-specific antibodies, especially antibodies directed to bone marrow stromal cell markers, NK cells, or the CD8 cell marker, cytotoxic drugs, or a combination thereof. The methods of the invention have a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to, the conditioning of an individual for hematopoietic reconstitution by bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, hematologic disorders, autoimmunity, infectious diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and the engraftment of bone marrow cells to induce tolerance for solid organ, tissue and cellular transplantation.

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: Methods are described for preventing and treating necrotizing enterocolitis in animals, including humans. Antibodies directed to PAF and/or TNF are shown to have a beneficial effect in animal models predictive of human therapy for the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a major life-threatening illness in neonates worldwide.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a cosmetic preparation containing Ilex resin which is isolated from leaves of Ilex aquifolium or Ilex paraguariensis, a method for isolating Ilex resin, and the Ilex resin obtained by this method. Skin treatment preparations containing Ilex resin produce a stable protective film on the skin. Hair treatment preparations containing Ilex resin intensify the color, increase luster, contribute to good wet combability, and improve the elasticity of the hair treated with the preparation.

Abstract: A treatment for xerostomia, employing a composition having the active ingredient of carbamide peroxide. The carbamide peroxide compound contains urea and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide remains stable until the carbamide peroxide is applied to the mouth and contacts the water inherent therein. On contact, the hydrogen peroxide is freed from the urea, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to react within the mouth. The resulting chemical and mechanical reaction stimulates saliva within the mouth and thereby relieves the symptoms of xerostomia.

Abstract: A gas emulsion for ultrasound contrast enhancement comprising a plurality of gas bubbles in a liquid medium, the gas bubbles comprising at least one fluoroether selected from the group consisting of CF3OCF2OCF3, CF3(OCF2)2OCF3, CF3(OCF2)3OCF3, and CF3(OCF2)4OCF3.

Abstract: Methods of identifying compounds that relax or stimulate arterial tension through their action on perivascular sensory nerve calcium receptors are described. Compounds identified through such methods are useful for the treatment of hypertension, hypotension and other diseases and conditions that alter normal physiological blood pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-sustained release pharmaceutical tablet composition which comprises a rapidly precipitating drug in an amount from about 5 to about 60% and at least one member selected from the group consisting of a binder in an amount of from about 2 to about 25% and a superdisintegrant in an amount from about 6 to about 40% where the rapidly precipitating drug, “binder” and superdisintegrant are mixed and compressed into a tablet without heating, solvent or grinding.

Abstract: Room temperature cure, antimicrobial coatings that demonstrate a balance of properties including low dissolution and good cohesion and adhesion are provided. Such coatings generally exhibit a greater zone of microbial inhibition, greater cohesion and a greater degree of adhesion to target surfaces when compared to high temperature cure, antimicrobial, hydrophilic coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating solid mass prostate tumors in a male mammal by use of a radiation composition.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to optoacoustic contrast agents and methods of diagnostic and therapeutic imaging using optoacoustic contrast agents.

Abstract: Novel gas filled microspheres useful as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents. The microspheres are prepared from a gas and/or a gaseous precursor, and one or more stabilizing compounds.

Abstract: Parboiled rice flour is used in lieu of other grain flour in medical foods to minimize antigenicity of the medical food product.

Abstract: A method for delivering a gas to a site comprising placing cells having gas vesicles under conditions that induce the cells to float to a surface of an aqueous medium, harvesting the cells from the surface of the medium, lysing the cells, separating the gas vesicles from the lysed cells, crosslinking the gas vesicles with a crosslinking agent, loading a gas into the gas vesicles, and placing the gas vesicles such that the gas is delivered to the site. Harvesting gas-vesicle-containing cells is achieved by placing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to rise to the surface of an aqueous medium--such as darkness, exponential growth stage, flocculation, or dissolved gas flotation--then collecting the cells from the surface of the medium. Gas vesicles are isolated by lysing the cells and separating the gas vesicles from the lysate. Once the gas vesicles are isolated, they can be modified, such as by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde.