Abstract: A probiotic combination for inhibition of vancomycin-resistant enterococci includes Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CG, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The probiotic combination can inhibit growth, host cell attachment, or virulence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and also can inhibit virulence gene expression of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The virulence gene includes at least one of asa1, acm, ebpA, ebpB, ebpC, efaA, sagA, esp, sgrA, and scm genes.

Abstract: An aqueous ionic solution based on dissolved mineral salts, in particular intended for throat care, especially for the treatment, prevention and relief of manifestations related to sore throats. The aqueous ionic solution includes: by way of aqueous solvent, at least 20% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, of a hypertonic solution of mineral salts having an osmolality greater than 350 mOsm/kg; at least 50% of one or more polyols of plant origin, by weight with respect to the total weight of the ionic solution; at least one sucrose and C8-C24 fatty acid ester, by weight with respect to the total weight of the ionic solution; and a non-alcoholic extract of propolis and/or between 1% and 8% honey, by weight with respect to the total weight of the ionic solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a preparation comprising a probiotic bacterial strain and a prebiotic mixture comprising 5-70 wt % of at least one N-acetylated oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of Ga1NAc?1-3Ga1?1-4G1c, Ga1?1-6Ga1Nac?1-3Ga1?1-4G1c and combinations thereof, 20-95 wt % of at least one neutral oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of Gal?1-6Gal, Gal?1-6Gal?1-4Glc, Gal?1-6Gal?1-6Glc, Gal?1-3Gal?1-3Glc, Gal?1-3Gal?1-4Glc, Gal?1-6Gal?1-6Gal?1-4Glc, Gal?1-6Gal?1-3Gal?1-4Glc, Gal?1-3Gal?1-6Gal?1-4Glc, Gal?1-3Gal?1-3Gal?1-4Glc and combinations thereof and 2-50 wt % of at least one sialylated oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of NeuAc?2-3Gal?1-4Glc, NeuAc?2-6Ga1?1-4G1c and combinations thereof. The invention extends to food products comprising said preparation and to the use of the preparation in the prevention and treatment of infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the use of certain bacterial strains, particularly butyrogenic bacteria, for preparing a composition to treat and/or prevent Clostridium difficile infection. In particular, the invention relates to the use of butyrate-producing anaerobic fermenters of gut commensals in pharmaceutical or food compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Listeria bacteriophage designated ProCC P825. In particular, the present invention relates to the endolysin PlyP825 encoded by the novel phage ProCC P825 and uses of the novel endolysin PlyP825 for controlling Listeria contamination and infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fermenting fish skin by using Aspergillus. Also provided is a use of the fermentation liquid obtained by fermenting fish skin with Aspergillus obtained from the method in inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme and/or improving the survival of fibroblasts.

Abstract: A liquid plasma expander or resuscitation fluid composition for use in a subject in need thereof, comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of: (a) a keratin derivative (preferably alpha keratose, gamma keratose, or combinations thereof, and with basic alpha keratose preferred over acidic alpha keratose); and (b) an electrolyte solution, with the keratin derivative solubilized in the electrolyte solution to form a homogeneous liquid composition. Blood substitutes formed therefrom and methods of making and using the same are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are keratin compositions useful for treating ischemia and/or reperfusion injury, such as that associated with myocardial infarct, ischemic stroke, brain trauma such as traumatic brain injury, hypothermia, chronic wounds, and burns.

Abstract: A method for formulating a treatment for hepatitis C and sclerosis of the liver is disclosed. The method may comprise steps of processing bone marrow of a bone of a bird. To prepare the composition for feeding to a mammal, the mammal is prepared by purging the mammal's intestines of fecal matter. After purging the mammal's intestines of fecal matter, the processed bird bone is fed to the mammal. The mammal's feces is then collected and mixed with crushed pumpkin seed.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for fixing biological samples, particularly fecal samples used in the diagnosis of parasitic infection. The fixative composition of the present invention includes a zinc salt, an organic acid and water and permits staining of biological samples without use of toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde and mercury-containing compounds and without the use of additives such as polyvinyl alcohol. The fixative composition and methods are compatible with many diagnostic assays, including trichrome stains, iron hematoxlin, ELISA, fluorescent assays, and lateral flow assays.

Abstract: A hydrogel that comprises denatured human hair biomolecules intermolecularly crosslinked with disulfide bonds to form a hydrogel. The hydrogel may be prepared by reduction and denaturation of hair to provide keratins and other hair biomolecules that are crosslinked by the disulfide bonds to provide a firm, flexible, and useful biomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microbubble washing composition for washing a human body or an animal, a microbubble washing method using the microbubble washing composition, and a microbubble washing apparatus suitable for carrying out the method are provided which are capable of safely removing sebum and old keratin adhering to the surfaces of the pores in a short period of time, keeping the skin clean for a long period of time, preventing an odor. Specifically, the present invention provides a microbubble washing composition for washing a human body or an animal including a protease and a lipase, a microbubble washing method for washing a human body or an animal including washing a human body or an animal using a washing liquid containing the washing composition and microbubbles, and a microbubble washing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fermenting fish skin by using Aspergillus. Also provided is a use of the fermentation product obtained from the method in inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme and/or improving the survival of fibroblasts.

Abstract: A liquid plasma expander or resuscitation fluid composition for use in a subject in need thereof, comprising, consisting of; or consisting essentially of: (a) a keratin derivative (preferably alpha keratose, gamma keratose, or combinations thereof, and with basic alpha keratose preferred over acidic alpha keratose); and (b) an electrolyte solution, with the keratin derivative solubilized in the electrolyte solution to form a homogeneous liquid composition. Blood substitutes formed therefrom and methods of making and using the same are also described.

Abstract: A composition useful for protecting and/or repairing DNA from oxidative damages said composition comprising redistilled cow's urine distillate (RCUD) having components benzoic acid, and hexanoic acid, with ammonia content of the composition ranging between 5-15 mg/L, and optionally along with anti-oxidants; and a method of protecting and/or repairing DNA from oxidative damages using composition of claim 1, said method comprising steps of estimating the amount of folded DNA in a sample, mixing the said composition to the said DNA either before or after the exposure of the DNA to the oxidatively DNA-damaging agent, and determining percentage folded DNA in the mixture showing protection and/or repair of DNA from oxidative damages.

Abstract: This invention provides an antigen-free and immunologically inert tissue graft material and methods of preparing and using these tissue graft materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic system for disguising dermatological blemishes. The cosmetic system includes a viscous silicone material and a catalyst. The silicone material is pigmented with a cosmetic pigment according to a selected skin tone. In one aspect, the cosmetic system also includes a flocking agent. The flocking agent is mixed within the silicone material or the catalyst to provide texture. The cosmetic system also includes at least two cartridges. The cartridges hold the viscous silicone material and the catalyst, separately. Optionally, the cosmetic system includes a dispensing gun. The dispensing gun has a tip through which the silicone material and the catalyst may be dispensed, whereupon the silicone material and the catalyst are mixed and applied to a user's skin for curing. A method for disguising dermatological blemishes is also provided herein.

Abstract: A liquid plasma expander or resuscitation fluid composition for use in a subject in need thereof, comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of: (a) a keratin derivative (preferably alpha keratose, gamma keratose, or combinations thereof, and with basic alpha keratose preferred over acidic alpha keratose); and (b) an electrolyte solution, with the keratin derivative solubilized in the electrolyte solution to form a homogeneous liquid composition. Blood substitutes formed therefrom and methods of making and using the same are also described.

Abstract: A reagent and method for the specific and highly sensitive detection of C. parvum in which the reagent is an antibody for a soluble C. parvum sporozoite antigen and the method is an immunoassay in which the antibody is used to detect or quantify C. parvum sporozoite antigen in a sample. The sample is treated to cause excystation of C. parvum oocytes, thereby releasing a C. parvum sporozoite antigen, and combined with antibodies specific for the sporozoite antigen under conditions to form an antibody-antigen complex. Detection of the complex indicates the presence of C. parvum in the sample. The assay allows recognition and detection of C. parvum in turbid samples, and due to a lack of crossreactivity with other Cryptosporidium species, is specific for C. parvum contamination or infection. The assay is highly sensitive, allowing for the detection of less than 100 oocysts per milliliter of sample.

Abstract: A composition contains an inorganic substance obtained as a residue after incinerating skins of marine organisms, and chitin/chitosan. The composition is obtained by incinerating the skins of the marine organisms at a temperature within a range between 600° C. and 1000° C. to obtain the inorganic substance as a residue, obtaining a powdered inorganic substance from the inorganic substance, and kneading the powdered inorganic substance with chitin/chitosan powder.

Abstract: This present invention discloses use of a chloroform/solvent mixture extraction at different solvent-to-feed ratios, followed by evaporation and extraction with ethyl acetate/water; followed by chromatography of the water phase in Teflon or other non-polar resin and Silica gel column chromatography for recovering of individual triterpene glycosides (saponins) of high purity from the freeze dried or spray dried cooking water or dried powderized tissues of the industrial processed sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa. A resulting glycoside Frondoside A stimulates lysosomal activity of peritoneal macrophages, phagocytosis and oxidative burst in the macrophages at concentrations significantly less than for acute toxicity, hemolysis and sea urchin embryo toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for preventing surgical adhesions during surgery. Tissue surfaces and/or surgical articles involved in the surgery are separated by a biomaterial provided in the form of a non-crosslinked, decellularized and purified mammalian tissue (e.g. bovine pericardium). The biomaterial effectively inhibits fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions, while also serving as a scaffold for recellularization of the tissue site.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-inflammatory composition containing humate, such as insoluble, granular, other insoluble, or soluble humate, particularly Menefee Humate®. The invention also includes other anti-inflammatory compositions containing humate and at least one additional anti-inflammatory agent such as indomethacin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The invention includes a method of treating acute or chronic inflammation in an animal, including a human, by administering one of these compositions. A method of facilitating the therapeutic effect of a therapeutic drug in an animal by co-administering humate is also provided.

Abstract: A bear derived isolate found in denning black bears or black bears from which food has been withheld for at least two weeks when injected into another mammal produces reduced heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, reduced temperature, and a wakeful tranquility not unlike the phenomena of the denning black bear. The isolate is taken from either the serum or urine of such denning bear. The method of the invention involves the steps of fractionating the serum or urine of a denning black bear to produce fractions of varying potency.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovery of compounds by adsorption fish scales. The method can be used for natural and synthetic compounds such as various natural pigments including astaxanthin in an esterified or not and synthetic astaxanthin in free form, or other carotenoid compounds. Fish scales with an adsorbed compound may be used as a source of the compound both for human and animal consumption. In particular, fish scales with adsorbed astaxanthin provide a calcium-rich nutritional supplement with beneficial anti-oxidant properties.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the preparation of putamen ovi, putamen ovi having a defined grain size distribution, and to the use of putamen ovi for the treatment of calcium deficiency and other disease conditions.

Abstract: A biocompatible graft material and a method for making the same are disclosed. The method of making the graft material involves freezing and subsequently thawing a donated tissue sample in a bleach solution. The tissue is then washed in a detergent solution, treated with antimicrobial agents, and soaked in a hypertonic solution. The tissue is thereafter treated with sodium hydroxide and later hydrogen peroxide to yield the desired biocompatible graft material.

Abstract: A bear derived isolate found in denning black bears or black bears from which food has been withheld for at least two weeks when injected into another mammal produces reduced heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, reduced temperature, and a wakeful tranquility not unlike the phenomena of the denning black bear. The isolate is taken from either the serum or urine of such denning bear. The method of the invention involves the steps of fractionating the serum or urine of a denning black bear to produce fractions of varying potency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for processing poultry feathers. In one embodiment, the method for processing poultry feathers comprises contacting a plurality of poultry feathers having an average particle size with a detergent capable of imparting a static charge to the plurality of poultry feathers; reducing the average particle size of the plurality of poultry feathers; increasing entanglement of the plurality of poultry feathers; adding an anionic polymeric adduct to the plurality of poultry feathers; adding a cationic species to the plurality of poultry feathers; and dewatering the plurality of poultry feathers. In another embodiment, a composition for processing poultry feathers, comprises a detergent capable removing at least a portion of fats and oils from a poultry feather and imparting a static charge to the poultry feather; an antimicrobial compound; an anionic polymeric adduct; and a cationic species.

Abstract: The present invention describes a material and a method for controlling fungi. The method consists of disposing a naturally formed chitinase about an area to be protected. The naturally formed chitinase is produced from worm castings and the worm castings may be disposed naturally, in the form of timed-release pellets, or in a liquid form. The area to be protected includes plants and structures. The naturally formed chitinase may be disposed about the base of the plant or structure, or on the leaves of the plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of extracts from marine ooze. To extract a larger proportion of the cosmetically and balneologically active ingredients from the ooze, the process proposes paraffinum subliquidum, ethanol, dimethicone a water/ethanol mixture and a mixture of water/ethanol/glycerin/propylene glycol. The mixture is extracted while stirring it either for 24 to 30 hours at room temperature or 1 to 3 hours at 50° to 70° C. and is filtered. The filtrate has a proportion of active ingredients from the marine ooze.

Abstract: A plasma expander and blood substitute comprising a therapeutic amount if a solution of alpha-keratose, a soluble fraction of keratin, as an oncotic agent with nutrient growth properties suitable as a transport vehicle for the natural or synthetically formed elements of blood. The solution of alpha-keratose is non-antigenic, does not require blood typing, is free of disease producing viruses and may be stored indefinitely at ambient temperatures in the lyophilized state.

Abstract: A method of treating chronic disorders associated with the presence of abnormal microflora or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract involves removing the host's existing enteric microflora and substitution of feces from a disease screener donor or composition comprising microorganism selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides and E. coli.

Abstract: An insecticidal bait composition which is particularly useful against social insects, such as cockroaches and ants is disclosed. The bait composition comprises a solid or semi-solid bait matrix including a food material for an insect and one or more non-microencapsulated insecticides in an amount effective to act essentially as a primary kill agent and one or more microencapsulated insecticides, excluding pyrethroids, in an amount effective to act essentially as a secondary kill agent, the non-microencapsulated insecticide and microencapsulated insecticide being the same or different.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: (i) a non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (ii) a formulation comprising an aqueous solution of a volatile fraction (VF) prepared from the extract of at least one plant derived material and its therapeutic uses; (iii) a process of manufacturing the formulation from the plant derived material; (iv) a probiotic composition comprising the non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism of the invention and/or other probiotic microorganism(s) and the formulation of the invention, and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (v) a composition for industrial applications comprising the formulation of the invention and microorganism(s) of industrial applicability; and (vi) industrial processes and apparatuses in which the latter composition is used.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: (i) a non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (ii) a formulation comprising an aqueous solution of a volatile fraction (VF) prepared from the extract of at least one plant derived material and its therapeutic uses; (iii) a process of manufacturing the formulation from the plant derived material; (iv) a probiotic composition comprising the non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism of the invention and/or other probiotic microorganism(s) and the formulation of the invention, and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (v) a composition for industrial applications comprising the formulation of the invention and microorganism(s) of industrial applicability; and (vi) industrial processes and apparatuses in which the latter composition is used.

Abstract: The present invention describes a material and a method for controlling fungi. The method consists of disposing a naturally formed chitinase about an area to be protected. The naturally formed chitinase is produced from worm castings and the worm castings may be disposed naturally, in the form of timed-release pellets, or in a liquid form. The area to be protected includes plants and structures. The naturally formed chitinase may be disposed about the base of the plant or structure, or on the leaves of the plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating organic material before decay or freeze drying. In the method, organic material, preferably refrigerated or frozen is subjected to a splitting treatment. Subsequently, the material is freeze dried. Next, the material is deposited for decay. The invention also relates to a decayable container, as well as an apparatus for performing the disclosed method.

Abstract: This invention describes a collagen construct uniquely suited as a substrate for production of biologically active wound dressings, skin equivalents or skin substitutes. The collagen construct of the invention comprises a porous collagen sponge and a cell-impermeable transitional layer between the sponge and the boundary surface of the cell-impermeable transitional layer. Optionally, a further layer conducive to the attachment of cells, e.g. keratinocytes, may be coated as a third layer on the cell-impermeable layer. The sponge layer may be seeded with dermal cells, or other suitable cells and the boundary surface or the third layer may be seeded with epithelial cells, e.g. keratinocytes. The process used for the production of this construct also is described.

Abstract: Disclosed are an antler herb medicine and a preparing method thereof. The antler herb medicine is prepared by fermenting a mixture of antler and gizzard membrane at 20-60° C. In the mixture, the weight ratio of antler to gizzard membrane is within the range of 1:10 to 10:1. The antler herb medicine contains all of the efficacious components of antler, rather than selected components. Also, the fermentation of antler brings about a great change in the composition of antler, converting high molecular weight proteins into low molecular weight proteins and polypeptides, so that the antler herb medicine is greatly improved in uptake rate in the body. Thus, the antler herb medicine can show medicinal effects of antler at a small amount.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method for the formation of unique poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels, articles that are made from such hydrogels, unique odor-providing pest repellent compositions and their uses to repel pests.

Abstract: The present invention describes a material and a method for repelling insects. The method consists of disposing a naturally formed chitinase about an area to be protected. The naturally formed chitinase is produced from worm castings and the worm castings may be disposed naturally, in the form of timed-release pellets, or in a liquid form. The area to be protected includes plants and structures. The naturally formed chitinase may be disposed about the base of the plant or structure, or on the leaves of the plant.

Abstract: A hoist is collapsible into a storage box which is preferably mounted in place of a rear bumper on a pickup truck. The hoist has a tubular base which houses the swing arm of the hoist in the collapsed mode. The base of the storage box is reinforced to support the forces of the hoist and allow it to rotate 360 degrees.