Abstract: Non-crosslinked derivatives of oligo/polysaccharides of formula I, wherein: X is OH, OM, NH—R1, O—R1; M is an alkaline or alkaline-earth metal, transition metal, or cation containing a quaternary nitrogen atom; Y is H or R2; R1: the residue of an oligo/polysaccharide; R2: the residue of a C1-C4 linear chain aliphatic carboxylic acid or citric acid; provided that at least one X is NH—R1 or O—R1, while the other two X are present in acid (OH) or salified form (OM).

Abstract: Biodegradable single-phase cohesive hydrogels useful, e.g., for the formulation of viscosupplementation compositions or compositions for filling wrinkles, contain a homogeneous blend of x polymers, which may be identical or different, crosslinked prior to the interpenetration thereof by mixing in the form of a single-phase hydrogel, wherein such crosslinked polymers are insoluble in water and miscible with one another, and x ranges from 2 to 5; in one embodiment, the hydrogels are such that the x polymers have identical or different degrees of crosslinking, at least one of the x polymers having a degree of crosslinking x1 and at least one of the x polymers having a degree of crosslinking x2, with x1 being greater than or equal to x2.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are for administration to the nasal tract. In particular, dry powder compositions are cellulose, and in particular hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and one or more therapeutic agents. It has been shown that administration of HPMC to the nasal cavity is capable of enhancing natural mucus. These powders, and the gel that forms when they are administered to the nasal tract, have now surprisingly been found to be a very effective way of intranasally administering therapeutic agents, and in particular, herbal or homeopathic agents.

Abstract: A biodegradable and water-soluble hemostatic material is provided. The hemostatic material comprises an oxidized regenerated cellulose salt having a degree of carboxylic acid oxidation not less than 5%, a degree of etherification of 0.2 to 1.2 and a number average molecular weight of 50,000 to 200,000. The hemostatic material according to the present invention offers improved hemostatic effect, absorbability and operability over existing hemostatic products. A method for preparing the hemostatic material is further provided.

Abstract: Cellulose powder having an especially excellent balance among moldability, fluidity and disintegrating property is provided. Cellulose powder having an average polymerization degree of 150-450, an average L/D (the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis) value of particles of 75 ?m or less of 2.0-4.5, an average particle size of 20-250 ?m, an apparent specific volume of 4.0-7.0 cm3/g, an apparent tapping specific volume of 2.4-4.5 cm3/g, and an angle of repose of 55° or less.

Abstract: An appetite suppressant composition that is effective for the control of mammalian weight and methods of administration of the composition of the invention are provided. The composition is a cellulose product prepared with ethanol preferably with added sweetener, spice(s), salt and protein for oral administration to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for extracting sterols from a high solids, thermochemically hydrolyzed corn fiber using ethanol as the extractant. The process includes obtaining a corn fiber slurry having a moisture content from about 20 weight percent to about 50 weight percent solids (high solids content), thermochemically processing the corn fiber slurry having high solids content of 20 to 50% to produce a hydrolyzed corn fiber slurry, dewatering the hydrolyzed corn fiber slurry to achieve a residual corn fiber having a moisture content from about 30 to 80 weight percent solids, washing the residual corn fiber, dewatering the washed, hydrolyzed corn fiber slurry to achieve a residual corn fiber having a moisture content from about 30 to 80 weight percent solids, and extracting the residual corn fiber with ethanol and separating at least one sterol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite hydrogel comprising a blend of an aqueous solution of an anionic polysaccharide or a derivative thereof, such as hyaluronan (also commonly referred to as hyaluronic acid) or a derivative thereof and an aqueous solution of methylcellulose or another water soluble cellulose derivative thereof, having dispersed polymeric particles, such as polymeric hydrophobic particles therein selected from micro particles and nanoparticles, and wherein the stability of the hydrogel is enhanced relative to the stability of the hydrogel alone. The polymeric particles may contain at least one therapeutic agent, in which case each therapeutic agent exhibits a linear sustained release rate that can be tuned or altered by selecting the appropriate polymer formulation of the micro particles and/or nanoparticles.

Abstract: A cellulose derivative which has a suitable elastic modulus and viscosity when it is dissolved in water and is useful as an adhesion barrier. The cellulose derivative has a molecular weight of 5×103 to 5×106 and is composed of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of the following formulas (a), (b), (c) and (d) in predetermined amount: (X in the formula (c) is an alkali metal, and R4 and R5 in the formula (d) are each independently an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 28 carbon atoms).

Abstract: An antibacterial artificial hair of the present invention includes an artificial hair and organic resin particles adhering to the artificial hair. The organic resin particles are powdered fine particles including an organic resin and an aluminum salt that is chemically bonded to the organic resin. An antibacterial coating agent for artificial hair of the present invention is used for an artificial hair and obtained by dispersing the organic resin particles in an aqueous medium. The presence of the organic resin particles including the aluminum salt not only provides the luster and texture similar to those of human hair, but also imparts the antibacterial properties.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive formed by reacting an oxidized cationic polysaccharide containing aldehyde groups and amine groups with a multi-arm amine is described. The oxidized cationic polysaccharide-based polymer tissue adhesive may be useful for medical applications including wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, anti-adhesive applications and as a bulking agent to treat urinary incontinence. Additionally, due to the presence of the positively charged amine groups on the oxidized polysaccharide, the polymer tissue adhesive disclosed herein may promote wound healing and blood coagulation, and may possess antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: A refined oxidised cellulose (OC) material in various salt states having therapeutic treatments for skin. The micronized OC has a uniform particle size of the order of microns (0.001 to 0.050 mm). The OC is treated by further steps of oxidation, hydrolysis and refinement. The final product is chemically known as polyanhydroglucuronic acid, (PAGA). The salt versions of the OC are generally metal salts, such as sodium, calcium, zinc, copper, and silver.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous film coating solution, and the like, which has good acid resistance and sustained release properties as well as the flexibility suitable for the tablet compression force and are highly productive and cost efficient. The aqueous film coating solution of the present invention comprises an ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymer dispersion, a methacrylic acid copolymer LD, a plasticizer, titanium oxide and water, wherein the solid mass ratio of the ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymer dispersion, the methacrylic acid copolymer LD, the plasticizer and the titanium oxide is 100:(40 to 100):(5 to 50):(5 to 30) and the solid content thereof is 5 to 20 mass %.

Abstract: Water-insoluble cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose can be used to treat or prevent metabolic syndrome and/or one of the abnormalities of metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the manufacture of aminated or functionalized aminated polymers and their use in water-borne compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to personal care compositions containing aminated polymers and one or more other conditioning agents, surfactants and other active or inactive ingredients.

Abstract: [Problems] The object is to improve the absorbability of a heterocyclic compound including s-triazine and a pyrimidine derivative in vitro. [Means for Solving Problems] Disclosed is, for example, an amorphous body of a heterocyclic compound as represented by the general formula (I) [wherein each of R's and others is as defined in the description] including s-triazine and a pyrimidine derivative, or a hydrate, a solvate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the heterocyclic compound. Also disclosed is a process for producing the amorphous body. Further disclosed are: a solid dispersion comprising the amorphous body; and a medicinal preparation comprising the solid dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic composition which stabilizes the tear film during wearing contact lens, prevents eye dryness, imparts a favorable sensation in using, is highly convenient with no risk of misuse and shows a high efficiency in the course from manufacturing to sales. More specifically, the present invention provides a wetting solution—eye drops for contact lenses comprising (A) one or more member(s) selected from the group consisting of a cellulose-based polymer, a vinyl-based polymer, polyethylene glycol and dextran; and (B) a glucose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: An orally administrable implement for expanding in a stomach of an animal, including a mammal, to fill a space in the stomach, is provided for weight control. The implement includes: a fluid-permeable expandable container having a first dimension and a second dimension; and a plurality of clusters comprising a swellable material contained within the container and capable of swelling when contacted with a fluid; whereby when the implement is ingested, the fluid in the stomach enters the container causing the clusters therein to swell and the container to expand from the first dimension to the second dimension.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic composition which stabilizes the tear film during wearing contact lens, prevents eye dryness, imparts a favorable sensation in using, is highly convenient with no risk of misuse and shows a high efficiency in the course from manufacturing to sales. More specifically, the present invention provides a wetting solution—eye drops for contact lenses comprising (A) one or more member(s) selected from the group consisting of a cellulose-based polymer, a vinyl-based polymer, polyethylene glycol and dextran; and (B) one or more member(s) selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulfate, alginic acid and salts thereof; and (C) a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present composition is capable of forming a particle film and comprises: (a) less than 99.65% by weight of at least one particle; (b) at least one volumizing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) cellulose selected from the group consisting of ethyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and ethyl methyl cellulose and present in an amount greater than 0.35% by weight; and (ii) non-cellulosic component or cellulose other than said cellulose (i) present in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight; and optionally (c) at least one spreader. The composition may be used to form agricultural films.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of bone injuries. The water insoluble microparticulate glucans used in the compositions comprise branched ?-(1.3)(1.6) glucan. The glucan compositions used in the present invention are essentially free of unbranched ?-(1.3)(1.6) glucan and non-glucan components.

Abstract: A novel treatment for topical inflammatory conditions such as acne, eczema, shingles, insect bites and hives is provided, consisting of the application of a pharmaceutical cream or ointment which incorporates hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (“HPMCAS”) in a micronized form and which preferably contains one or more thickeners, a bio-adhesive agent and water so that the formulation, when applied, can stick to the area to be treated.

Abstract: A physical blend of inverse thermal gelling and shear-thinning, thixotropic polymers that has a lower gelation temperature than the thermal gelling polymer alone is provided. The blend results in an injectable hydrogel that does not flow freely at room temperature, but is injectable due to its shear-thinning properties. The thermal-gelling properties of the polymer promote a more mechanically stable gel at body temperature than at room temperature. The polymer matrix gel has inherent therapeutic benefit and can also be used as a drug delivery vehicle for localized release of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the visual acuity of a person in need thereof which comprises topically administering to said person, in an effective amount, an ophthalmic composition comprising an aqueous carrier component; and an effective amount of a tonicity component comprising a material selected from a combination of compatible solute agents, wherein said combination of compatible solute agents comprises two polyol components and one amino acid component and wherein said polyol components are erythritol and glycerol and said amino acid component is carnitine.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for modulating a variety of biological factors to treat biological conditions associated with the factors. In one embodiment of the invention, a cysteamine compound is administered to a patient to treat hypercholesterolemia and/or complications associated with hypercholesterolemia. In another embodiment, a cysteamine compound is administered to a patient to prevent the onset of diabetes in an at-risk patient and/or treat or prevent the onset of diabetes-associated complications.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a fine core particle, which comprises a coating layer having a uniform thickness, and which can be used to produce, at a high yield, a small granule causing no sandy feeling in the oral cavity when the fine core particle is applied to a fine granule or an orally-disintegrating tablet. According to the present invention, there is provided a core particle, which comprises 50% by mass or more of microcrystalline cellulose, and which has a mean particle diameter of less than 100 ?m, a relative flow index of 7.0 to 30.0, a specific surface area of less than 0.15 m2/g, and a tapped bulk density of 0.80 g/mL or more.

Abstract: The composition and method for healing tissues is a medicinal composition for facilitating the growth, protection and healing of tissues and cells in animals and humans. The composition is formulated as a either a powder, gel, paste, film, fluid injectable, rehydratable freeze-dried paste or sponge, sprayable solution, topically applied patch with adhesive and reservoir system, an intermediate for coatables such as films and bandages, a matrix for membranes, or as a matrix of flexible polymer(s), or delivered as either an orally ingestible liquid, tablet or capsule. The main ingredient of the formulated compositions is hydrolyzed collagen, which can be combined with polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid or salts thereof, or a glucosamine salt, and mixtures thereof. The composition may be formulated as an aqueous eye drop solution.

Abstract: The use of at least one carbonate of natural origin as a plasticizer in a film-forming cosmetic composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, a film-forming polymer and a solvent medium.

Abstract: An amide of hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof which comprises at least one repetitive unit of general formula (1).: wherein R?NR6R7, or alcoholic group of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, OH, O—, alcoholic group of hyaluronic acid, amino group of deacylated hyaluronic acid; R1, R2, R3, R4?H, SO3—, acyl group derived from a carboxylic acid of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, —CO—(CH2)2—COOY; Y=negative charge, or H; R5?—CO—CH3, H, SO3—, acyl group derived from a carboxylic acid of the aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic series, acylic group of hyaluronic acid; R6=is H or a aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstituted; R7=is H or an aliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstituted; wherein at least one of R or R5 forms an amide group.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a polymer for the manufacture of an antiviral pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a rhinovirus infection, wherein the polymer is cellulose sulfate.

Abstract: A method for minimizing tissue adhesion at an injured site is provided, the method comprising applying a biocellulose material to the injured site, whereby the adhesion of the tissues at the injured site is minimized, wherein the biocellulose material is at least partially dehydrated. Another embodiment provides an implantable material, which effectively prevents cell adhesion and has desirable mechanical properties.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for weight bearing surface, i.e., intervertebral disc (‘disc’), between spinous processes and articular cartilage, repair. Compositions include fibrosis inducing agents for facilitating fibrosis in or on the site in need of repair in order to form fibrotic connective tissue. In addition, methods are provided for distracting the appropriate disc space during treatment of a disc in need of repair, and in particular treatment of the disc in need of repair with a fibrosis inducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissolving the components of gel forming materials suitable for use in wound care comprising the steps of admixing said components with an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid may be selected from the group of tertiary amine N-oxides, N,N-dimethyl formamide/nitrogen tetroxide mixtures, dimethyl sulphoxide/paraformaldehyde mixtures and solutions of limium chloride in N,N-dimethyl acetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices, and compositions for dermal filling. Also described herein are dermal filler cross-linked compositions and methods for making such compositions. Such compositions comprise, for example, a cross-linked composition of hyaluronic acid, derivatives of hyaluronic acid or mixtures thereof, alginic acid, derivatives of hyaluronic acid or mixtures thereof and calcium ions.

Abstract: The invention provides a cellulose derivative having a repeating unit of the formula below, a composition including the cellulose derivative and a phospholipid, a method for production thereof, and an adhesion barrier including the cellulose derivative or the composition. In the formula, R1, R2, and R3 are —H, —CH2—COOH, —CH2—COOX, or —CH2CO-phosphatidylethanolamine, and X is an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal. The degree of substitution of —CH2—COOH and —CH2—COOX is 0.3 to 2.0 in total, and the degree of substitution of —CH2CO-phosphatidylethanolamine is 0.001 to 0.05.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical composition for treating Meniere's disease, comprising saccharides or sugar alcohols as an active ingredient and polysaccharides, wherein the ratio by weight of the saccharides or sugar alcohols to the polysaccharides is about 100:2 to 100:50. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may eliminate the cathartic effect caused by saccharides or sugar alcohols to ensure the endolymphatic hydrops decompression effect. Therefore the effect of the therapeutic composition of the present invention is improved. The pharmaceutical composition may provide in gel, powder, granule form or the like.

Abstract: A method for extending the gelation time of an oxidized polysaccharide to react with a water-dispersible, multi-arm amine to form a hydrogel is disclosed. The extension of the gelation time is accomplished by using a chemical additive. The method also extends the time for the hydrogel to become tack-free, and may also be used to decrease the degradation time of the hydrogel. The chemical additive reacts with the functional groups of the oxidized polysaccharide or the water-dispersible, multi-arm amine, thereby reducing the number of groups available for crosslinking. The use of the resulting hydrogel for medical and veterinary applications is described.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel agarose, methylcellulose, and dextran hydrogels. Further disclosed are methods of making and using the hydrogels.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of two polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aqueous biocompatible gel composition of polysaccharides characterized in that it comprises a mixture of at least two polysaccharides one of which is capable of being gelled by chemical process and the other by heat process and the use of such a composition for preparing an implant. The inventive composition is characterized in that it further contains biological tissue extracts and/or an active pharmaceutical principle alone or combined.

Abstract: Enteric film coating systems for orally ingestible substrates such as pharmaceutical tablets and dietary supplements are disclosed. In preferred aspects, the enteric film coatings include an ethylcellulose dispersion and a substantially gastro-insoluble pore former such as sodium alginate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing comprising a microbial-derived cellulose for treatment of specific types of chronic wounds, including pressure sores, venous and diabetic ulcers. The wound dressing is capable of donating liquid to dry substrates is also capable of absorbing exudating wounds.

Abstract: This application describes a bioresorbable biocellulose suitable for medical and surgical applications. In particular, the invention describes periodate oxidized microbial cellulose that can be produced to have any mechanical and degradation profile, depending on the desired application of the oxidized cellulose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing comprising a microbial-derived cellulose for treatment of specific types of chronic wounds, including pressure sores, venous and diabetic ulcers. The wound dressing is capable of donating liquid to dry substances is also capable of absorbing exudating wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing microfibrillar polysaccharide comprising treating a polysaccharide in an aqueous suspension comprising an oxidant and at least one transition metal, mechanically delaminating said polysaccharide such that microfibrillar polysaccharide is formed. The invention also relates to microfibrillar polysaccharide obtainable by the method.

Abstract: A process for producing a polysaccharide sponge comprises the steps of (A) freezing a photoreactive polysaccharide solution, and (B) irradiating the frozen photoreactive polysaccharide solution with light to crosslink the photoreactive polysaccharide, thereby obtaining the polysaccharide sponge. The process includes simplified steps requiring no removal of solvent, and has such an advantage that impurities are easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic fluids containing ionic liquids and containing no stabilisation agents or containing selected stabilisation agents. These magnetic fluids can be used in different fields of industry, for example as an ink, as a damping fluid, as a sealing fluid, in imaging applications, in sink flotation techniques, in biomedical applications, as a reaction medium to perform chemical reactions, as a reversible seal for occluding blood vessels in living organisms in medical therapy or as a transportation means and/or delivery means for chemical substances at a selected location within a chemical or biological system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mucomimetic and ophthalmic solutions comprising a cationic multimeric antimicrobial agent such as polyaminopropyl biguanide and a magnesium, calcium or magnesium/calcium complex of an anionic polymer such as hyaluronate, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate or mixtures thereof. In specific embodiments, the solutions include additional components such as a surfactant, preferably polysorbate 20, a viscosity-modifying agent, preferably hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, a tonicity agent and a buffer. The solutions are biocompatible with and are highly comfortable when administered to mucous membranes, including those of the eye, as well as are effective disinfectants.

Abstract: The composition and method for healing tissues is a medicinal composition for facilitating the growth, protection and healing of tissues and cells in animals and humans. The composition is formulated as a either a powder, gel, paste, film, fluid injectable, rehydratable freeze-dried paste or sponge, sprayable solution, topically applied patch with adhesive and reservoir system, an intermediate for coatables such as films and bandages, a matrix for membranes, or as a matrix of flexible polymer(s), or delivered as either an orally ingestible liquid, tablet or capsule. The main ingredient of the formulated compositions is hydrolyzed collagen, which can be combined with polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid or salts thereof, or a glucosamine salt, and mixtures thereof. The composition may be formulated as an aqueous eye drop solution.