Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified actinobacteria for the production of an enzyme having chitosanase activity. The genetically modified actinobacteria have a reduced (or abolished) activity of the CsnR polypeptide. Such reduced activity can be obtained by reducing the capacity of expressing the csnR gene, its corresponding transcript or expressing a dominant-negative CsnR polypeptide. Such genetically modified actinobacteria are less dependent (and, in some embodiment, totally independent) on the presence of chitosan in the culture medium for producing an enzyme having chitosanase activity. In addition, the genetically modified bacteria produce less proteases in the culture medium and ultimately provide a chitosanase end-product with higher purity.

Abstract: The present application concerns a thermostable chitosanase, originally identified in Paenibacillus sp., having an optimal temperature of about 80° C. when measured at a reaction time of about 10 minutes. Also contemplated are variants of this chitosanase (sharing more than 81% identity) as well as fragments thereof. The present application further concerns nucleic acid molecules encoding the chitosanase, vector comprising them as well as host cell expressing them. Methods of producing the thermostable chitosanase as well as using it for generating low molecular weight chitosan and chitosan oligosaccharides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Combinations of therapeutic compounds for prophylaxis or treatment of hyperlipidemia and hyperlipidemia related disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia and the resultant atherosclerosis in a mammal. The combinations are useful for reducing serum cholesterol, and/or cholesteryl ester, triglycerides, phospholipids and fatty acids in a mammal. The methods of the preferred embodiments comprise administering to a mammal a first amount of polychitosamine and a second amount of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin).

Abstract: Combinations of therapeutic compounds for prophylaxis or treatment of hyperlipidemia and hyperlipidemia related disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia and the resultant atherosclerosis in a mammal. The combinations are useful for reducing serum cholesterol, and/or cholesteryl ester, triglycerides, phospholipids and fatty acids in a mammal. The methods of the preferred embodiments comprise administering to a mammal a first amount of polychitosamine and a second amount of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin).

Abstract: Combinations of therapeutic compounds for prophylaxis or treatment of hyperlipidemia and hyperlipidemia related disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia and the resultant atherosclerosis in a mammal. The combinations are useful for reducing serum cholesterol, and/or cholesteryl ester, triglycerides, phospholipids and fatty acids in a mammal. The methods of the preferred embodiments comprise administering to a mammal a first amount of polychitosamine and a second amount of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin).

Abstract: The preferred embodiments relate to chitin derivatives for prevention or treatment of hyperlipidemia, such as hypercholesterolemia and the resultant atherosclerosis in a mammal. The preferred embodiments are useful for reducing serum cholesterol, and/or cholesteryl ester, triglycerides, phospholipids and fatty acids in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a fibrate (e.g. ciprofibrate, gemfibrozil, benzafibrate, and fenofibrate) and a polychitosamine (e.g. chitosan) having molecular weights of less than 650 Kda and degrees of deacetylation of from 70% to 100%. Uses of said compositions for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and associated conditions (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease) or as functional foods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of chemically treating plant biomass with an enzyme system that retains function at low pH and high temperature. Enzyme preparations enriched in xylanase enzymes which retain activity in low pH and high temperature are described. Such preparations may be utilized in a crude unpurified form, and are especially useful in the production of pulp and paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a naturally occuring, isolated and characterized microorganism producing hydrolase enzyme, specifically, chitosanase; chitosanase isolated thereof; the nucleic acid sequence of the portion of the gene encoding this chitosanase; complete amino acid sequence of this chitosanase; hybrid plasmids containing the related gene; host microorganisms transformed with the plasmids; recombinant microorganisms overexpressing the enzyme; and to enzymatic treatment of chitosan with the aforementioned enzyme resulting in molecular weight decrease, viscosity decrease and increase of solubility of chitosan in water.

Abstract: A toy doll having arms which move in response to the upper torso of the doll being pivoted about a horizontal axis. As the upper torso of the doll is tilted back and forth, a pin engaged to the lower torso of the doll slidably engages the upper curved surfaces of a cam support mounted in the upper torso causing a forked plate rotatably mounted on the support to rotate back and forth. Rotation of the forked plate causes a crown gear to rotate which engages two gears with detents rotatably mounted on a shaft. As a result, the two gears with detents rotate in opposite directions causing arm connectors attached to the doll's arms to also rotate in opposite directions. As such, the doll's arms move back and forth in opposite directions as the upper torso is tilted back and forth. A spring disposed around the shaft and between the two gears with detents allows the two gears to disengage from the arm connectors preventing damage to the doll when the arms of the doll are twisted improperly by a child.