Abstract: Provided is a fecal condition improving composition containing (a) a compound selected from the group consisting of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid, esters thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, (b) a water-soluble and hardlyfermentable dietary fiber, and (c) a water-soluble and fermentable dietary fiber. The composition of the present invention is useful as a food or beverage, or a pharmaceutical for improving the fecal condition of humans or animals, more specifically, inhibiting intestinal clamping due to imbalance of the autonomic nervous system caused by psychological stress or dietary change, suppressing abdominal pain or discomfort, improving the fecal condition, and ameliorating constipation.

Abstract: A method of culturing human or mammalian mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or osteoblastic cells to form corresponding cell aggregates evenly distributed in the culturing medium having a reduced content of cells with fibroblast morphology comprises contacting MSC or OC with a water-soluble cellulose derivative over a period of from 1 day to one or two weeks. Also disclosed are a corresponding aggregates, a culture medium and a pharmaceutical composition, and uses of the aggregate, the culturing medium and the composition.

Abstract: Compositions for treating anal and vaginal inflammations while maintaining normal vaginal floral activity utilizing magnesium and alkali metal salts at an acidic pH.

Abstract: A polymer dispersion or solution containing a hydrophobic polysaccharide, which is dispersed or dissolved in liquid phase, and plasticizer composition of the polysaccharide, whereby at least 10% by weight of the plasticizer composition is formed from alkenyl succinic anhydride. The invention also relates to the preparation of polymer dispersions and solutions and to the films and coatings produced from them. The dispersions according to the invention are stable, and coating with excellent film-forming properties can be prepared from them.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymeric particles comprises the steps of i) drying a hydrogel to produce a dried hydrogel, ii) separating incompletely dried polymeric particles from the dried hydrogel, and iii) drying the separated-off incompletely dried polymeric particles, wherein the separated incompletely dried polymeric particles are comminuted before said drying iii).

Abstract: A process for thickening a liquid food comprises admixing an effective amount of an aqueous concentrate thickener composition with a liquid food which is capable of being thickened by a concentrate thickener composition. Preferably, the aqueous thickener concentrate is contained in a package and consists essentially of fully hydrated xanthan gum and water in a concentration suitable for thickening a portion of liquid food to facilitate its consumption by a person with dysphagia. A method of preparing the packaged aqueous concentrate thickener comprises preparing the aqueous concentrate thickener composition and packaging the aqueous concentrate thickener in packages suitable for sending the packaged aqueous concentrate thickener to a locale of a person with dysphagia.

Abstract: The problem of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic composition, which has a moisturizing effect, and whose ability to inhibit hyaluronidase activity is high. According to the present invention, by using one or more substances selected from sulfated cellulose and a salt thereof in combination with polyhydric alcohol, the moisturizing effect of sulfated cellulose and the ability to inhibit hyaluronidase activity can be further improved, and thereby the above-described problem can be solved. In addition, the present invention can provide a cosmetic composition having excellent stability through inclusion of an electrolyte having pH buffering ability.

Abstract: This invention relates to substantially anhydrous warming, non-toxic and nonirritating lubricating compositions containing polyhydric alcohols and an insulating agent as well as gel and jelly compositions related thereto. The invention also relates to methods of using such compositions for lubrication, administration of active ingredients and for preventing or treating dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: The process for producing a cellulose film, to be used for covering, regenerating, repairing and healing of skin and tissue lesions, such as sores, ulcers, burns, wounds etc. by means of cultivation, in a culture medium comprising nitrogen and carbon sources, of microorganisms comprising the Acetobacter xylinum species; the culture medium moreover comprises at least one microorganism belonging to the Leuconostoc genus.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing disorders, diseases, and symptom of reflux, that is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), in the laryngopharynx caused by pepsin comprises orally administering to the laryngopharynx of a patient an effective amount of cellulose powder. A method for treating or preventing damage to the lining membranes of at least some of the aerodigestive tract, the damage caused by pepsin, comprises coating at least some of the lining membranes with an effective amount of a cellulose powder. Upon inhalation of the powder, the powder coats the lining membranes. Upon coating the lining membranes, the powder becomes a gel. The gel prevents the pepsin from binding with the lining membranes, thereby preventing damage caused by pepsin in laryngopharyngeal reflux or in extra-esophageal reflux.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of dermal ulcers. 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: Physiologically acceptable films, including edible films, are disclosed. The films include a water soluble film-forming polymer, such as pullulan, and a taste masked pharmaceutically active agent, such as dextromethorphan. The taste masking agent is preferably a sulfonated polymer ion exchange resin comprising polystyrene cross-linked with divinylbenzene, such as AMBERLITE. Methods for producing the films are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are polysaccharide gel formulations including at least one inhibitor of polysaccharide degradation and methods of making the same. The methods described herein involve the steps of providing at least one polysaccharide and incorporating at least one inhibitor of degradation into the polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the incorporating step comprises 1) mixing the at least one inhibitor with the at least one polysaccharide at a highly hydrated state thereby encapsulating the at least one inhibitor in a polysaccharide network, and 2) dehydrating the polysaccharide network thereby controlling release kinetics or final swell ratio. In another embodiment, the incorporating step comprises 1) encapsulating at least one inhibitor into a biocompatible or biodegradable vessel and 2) combining the polysaccharide and the vessel into a gel formulation. The polysaccharide gel formulations described herein can be used for a variety of cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of cellulose sulfate or chitosan for the manufacture of an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition for the treatment of inflammation.

Abstract: Tissue and other body structures may be protected using a hydrated composition made from free-flowing substantially collagen-free rehydratable polysaccharide particles and rehydratable polysaccharide sponges. Rehydration of the particles without clumping may be carried out be dispersing the particles in a biocompatible water-miscible polar dispersant such as ethanol and combining the dispersion with sufficient aqueous solvent for the particles to convert them to a cohesive hydrogel. The hydrated composition may assist in returning an injured, inflamed or surgically repaired surface to a normal state, e.g., through one or more healing mechanisms such as modulation of an inflammatory response, phagocytosis, mucosal remodeling, reciliation or other full or partial restoration of normal function.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of connective tissue 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 method of preparation of a fungal glucane hydrogel having antibacterial and immunostimulant activity by alkaline deproteination and subsequent elimination of water-soluble components consists in that the obtained insoluble glucan is subsequently hydrated by wet grinding at a rotational speed of 3000 to 9000 rpm for 10 to 20 min. to a swelling volume in water of 50 to 500 ml/g. Then it is adjusted by heat sterilization at a temperature of 90 to 110° C. for 20 to 30 min., what results in a gel which is formed by fungal polysaccharide with the ?-(1,3)-D-bond in the principal chain, with a concentration of 0.5 to 3% by weight. The fungal glucane hydrogel may be utilized for preparation of cosmetical, pharmaceutical and foodstuff products.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a nonwoven layer containing an ionically crosslinked polymer can be used to control the release of active ingredients. The substrate can be a melamine foam and contain a surfactant and an alginate polymer crosslinked with calcium.

Abstract: Film with high solubility in water, comprising a starch, a cellulose and a cosmetic, aromatic, pharmaceutical and/or food substance in a quantity exceeding 10% on the total film weight.

Abstract: Processes for altering surface properties of pigment particles are provided. The processes include coating the particles with ionic natural polysaccharides or ionic derivatives of natural polysaccharides, providing enhanced properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of blunting the postprandial glycemic response in a human by feeding an induced viscosity fiber system. The invention also relates to an induced viscosity fiber system and the liquid products that incorporate the induced viscosity fiber system. Further, the invention relates to a method of incorporating soluble fiber into a liquid product without the typical negative organoleptic or physical stability issues. The invention also relates to a method of inducing the feeling of fullness and satiety by feeding the induced viscosity fiber system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles of glucans, particularly oxidized cellulosed for use in medicine. The invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases or disorders associated with or mediated by allergens.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic agent by providing a cross-linked polymer encapsulating the therapeutic agent to a site in a patient. The degradation rate of the cross-linked polymer is correlated with a local concentration of an indicator, and the therapeutic agent is released as the cross-linked polymer degrades.

Abstract: A composition for oral substance coating, a covering material for an oral substance or an edible container, includes an indigestible and water-insoluble dietary fiber derived from a plant, alga or fungus, or a hemicellulose or protopectin, and an oral substance uses the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellooligosaccharide composition comprising, as the main ingredient, at least one cellooligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, cellopentaose and cellohexaose, which is in the powdery form having an average L/D value of 3.0 or lower, a bulk density of 0.80 g/mL or lower and an angle of repose of 60° or lower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dermal vaccine formulations, designed for targeted delivery of an immunogenic composition to a dermal compartment of skin including the intradermal and epidermal compartments. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention comprise an antigenic or immunogenic agent, and at least one molecule, e.g., a chemical agent, which enhances the presentation and/or availability of the antigenic or immunogenic agent to the immune cells of the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment resulting in an enhanced immune response. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention have enhanced efficacy as the antigenic or immunogenic agent is delivered to the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment with enhanced presentation and/or availability to the immune cells that reside therein.

Abstract: The invention provides sulfated oxidised regenerated cellulose compounds, sulfated alginates, and the salts and hydrates thereof. The compounds are obtained by sulfation of oxidised regenerated cellulose with sulfur trioxide. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, in particular compositions for the treatment of medical conditions mediated by a matrix metalloproteinases and anticoagulant pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: It is to provide a material to inhibit spine/spinal cord adhesion in the form of a sponge, a film or a suspension to be used for the purpose of assisting/accelerating the tissue healing. An adhesion inhibiting material for a spine/spinal cord surgery in the form of a sponge, a film or a suspension to be used for reducing the degree of adhesion or for inhibiting adhesion caused by a spine/spinal cord surgery, which contains a crosslinked acid polysaccharide.

Abstract: A physical mode of action pesticide for application on plants and in soils, and methods of manufacture and application, comprising an active ingredient in the form of a polymer in a concentration of less than 0.1% wt., a surfactant, a co-solvent and a diluent in a hydrocolloid suspension. The suspension polymer is preferably a polysaccharide having a molecular weight of 10,000 to 25,000,000, and preferably in the range of about 600,000. The pesticide preferably also includes a targeting ingredient for directing the active ingredient to a particular target.

Abstract: The use of chemically modified dicarboxy polysaccharides for the topical treatment of the eyeball are described. The modified polysaccharides provide a carrier in solutions for the treatment of the eyeball to obtain a timed release.

Abstract: A treatment protocol by which a renal stone patient is administered a chelating agent, generally once a day and preferably by mouth, during a treatment phase and is later administered the same chelating agent once a week, during a “maintenance” phase. The chelating agent is most preferably ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and may be provided in a dosage form having an enteric coating and at least one external cathode and at least one external anode to create a galvanic current upon contact of the dosage form with the patient's intestinal contents.

Abstract: A preparation for the treatment of diarrhoea comprising a bulking agent and an anti-diarrhoeal agent wherein the anti-diarrhoeal agent is provided in the form of an anti-motility agent.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose derivative is useful for preventing or reducing oxidative stress or oxidative cell injury in tissues of an animal and in particular for regulating Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 gene expression and/or ATPF1 gene expression in non-adipose tissues of the animal.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided which is prophylactically and/or therapeutically effective for a conformational disease typified by Alzheimer's disease, prion disease, and amyloidosis. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention includes as an active ingredient one or more cellulose ethers selected from a cellulose ether having a structural unit represented by the general formula (1): in which at least one R is selected from CH3, C2H5, CH2CH2OH, CH2CH(OH)CH3, and CH2COOM; while other R is H; and M is selected from H, Na, K and Ca, an alkali metal salt of the cellulose ether, an aliphatic acid ester of the cellulose ether, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an adsorption material which has been modified with polynuclear metal oxide hydroxides for influencing the calcium level and, in particular, for treating or/and preventing atherosclerotic vascular diseases or/and disturbances of bone metabolism.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a method and device for facilitating hemostasis and wound healing. In particular, the invention relates to the device comprising a polymeric material disposed on a scaffold that facilitates hemostasis and wound healing.

Abstract: Described herein are polysaccharide gel formulations including at least one inhibitor of polysaccharide degradation and methods of making the same. The methods described herein involve the steps of providing at least one polysaccharide and incorporating at least one inhibitor of degradation into the polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the incorporating step comprises 1) mixing the at least one inhibitor with the at least one polysaccharide at a highly hydrated state thereby encapsulating the at least one inhibitor in a polysaccharide network, and 2) dehydrating the polysaccharide network thereby controlling release kinetics or final swell ratio. In another embodiment, the incorporating step comprises 1) encapsulating at least one inhibitor into a biocompatible or biodegradable vessel and 2) combining the polysaccharide and the vessel into a gel formulation. The polysaccharide gel formulations described herein can be used for a variety of cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: Water-soluble cellulose derivatives are useful in methods of preventing or treating metabolic syndrome or a symptom or condition associated with the metabolic syndrome in an individual, and in particular for preventing or treating one or more of the symptoms a) hypertension, b) proinflammatory or inflammation state and c) prothrombotic state.

Abstract: A water-insoluble cellulose derivative, such as ethyl cellulose is useful for preventing or reducing oxidative stress or oxidative cell injury in tissues of an animal and in particular for influencing the level Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 (SCD1) gene expression or ATP synthase mitochondrial F1 complex assembly factor 1 (ATPAF1) gene expression in non-adipose tissues of the animal.

Abstract: (1) A tissue-covering medical material which comprises a soluble cellulose derivative having been made hardly soluble in water, which is used with a purpose of being embedded in the body or applied to the tissue, and (2) a method for producing the tissue-covering medical material as defined in (1), which comprises, as a method to make a soluble cellulose derivative hardly soluble in water, freezing and thawing an acidic solution of the soluble cellulose derivative, are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of (1-3)-?-glucan derived from barley capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject.

Abstract: A sperm-blocking agent is disclosed. The composition comprises an aqueous solvent a gum which is a polysaccharide having about 0.3 to 10 wt % of the composition, wherein the polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of celluloses and their derivatives, hemi-cellulose, fiber, starches and their derivatives, polydextrans and their derivatives, pectins and their derivatives, seaweed polysaccharids, their salts and derivatives and natural gums; and a lubricant being alcohols having about 0.5 to wt % of the composition, wherein the alcohol is at least one selected from polyethene glycol having a molecular weight of over 200, polypropylene glycol having a molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) polymers and glycerin; wherein the viscosity of the composition is above 9000 cst.

Abstract: A method of inactivating viruses is provided. The method comprises the step of topically applying an antimicrobial composition comprising: an organic acid; and an anionic surfactant mixture having a characteristic selected from the group consisting of: a linear alkyl chain having a chain length of from about C4 to about C12 and a total head group size of at least about 4 Angstroms; a branched alkyl chain having a chain length of from about C4 to about C12; an unsaturated alkyl chain having a chain length of from about C4 to about C12; and combinations thereof to an area in need of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric compositions comprising a biodegradable copolymer that possesses shape-memory properties and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of materials (e.g., a coating) containing such compositions. The polymeric compositions can also contain at least one non-fouling moiety, at least additional biocompatible polymer, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric compositions are formulated to possess good mechanical, physical and biological properties. Moreover, implantable devices formed of materials comprising such compositions can be delivered to the treatment site in a conveniently compressed size and then can expand to dimensions appropriate for their medical functions.

Abstract: A spherical cellulose material wherein the cellulose material is a water-insoluble polysaccharide formed by ?-1,4-type sugar chain linkages, the degree of crystallinity is 70% or greater, and macrofibrils are formed radially from the center to the periphery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite devices comprising a tissue-engineering scaffold and an anionic polysaccharide/structural protein coating. The composite devices are useful for the reparation and regeneration of tissue, particularly in the treatment of chronic wounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing an antimicrobial sponge material for medicinal use, comprising the steps of: treating an anionic polysaccharide with a solution of a silver salt to produce a complex of the anionic polysaccharide with silver; dispersing said complex in aqueous ascorbic acid to form an acidified dispersion, followed by freeze-drying or solvent-drying the dispersion to form the sponge material. Also provided is a photostabilized antimicrobial sponge material comprising an anionic polysaccharide complexed with silver (I) ions, wherein the sponge further comprises ascorbic acid, and the sponge has a substantially white colour that is substantially stable against discoloration on exposure to light. Also provided are wound dressings comprising such materials, and the use of such materials in medicine.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of (1-3),(1-4)-?-glucan derived from barley capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose derivative is useful for preventing or reducing oxidative stress or oxidative cell injury in tissues of an animal and in particular for regulating Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 gene expression and/or ATPF1 gene expression in non-adipose tissues of the animal.