Abstract: The invention relates to ?-1,3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase polypeptides, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a bifunctional sialytransferase and a poly-sialytransferase and methods to use the fusion proteins for production of poly-sialylated end products, e.g. oligosaccharides and glycoproteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a puree preparation from Carica papaya fruit, said method comprising the following steps: the fruit or crushed fruit, especially in a sieved form, is cooked for at least 30 minutes at normal pressure, optionally in an aqueous solution which is at least twice the volume of the fruit; the fruit or crushed fruit which has been cooked is cooled over a period of time of at least 30 minutes in an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and the fruit or crushed fruit which has been cooled is optionally crushed, mixed and strained until a homogeneous puree is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of inducing smooth muscle relaxation, for example, a method of inducing relaxation of a vascular or a non-vascular muscle or a method of inducing relaxation of the microvasculature, in a subject in need thereof by promoting the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in the smooth muscle.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are flavanols, e.g. epicatechin, compositions such as pharmaceutical compositions containing an effective amount of flavanols, e.g. epicatechin, and methods of treatment or prevention of hypertension using the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of improving renal function comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising the inventive compounds. Also disclosed is a method of improving renal function where the subject is at risk of or suffering from renal failure.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising epicatechin and method of use of such compositions for inducing vasodilation of blood vessels in humans and veterinary animals.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article of manufacture comprising a polymeric compound of formula An and an additional NO-modulating agent and method of use thereof. Also disclosed and claimed is a method of making an article of manufacture comprising of the polymeric compound of formula An.

Abstract: A gene which encodes a murine leukocyte ?(1,3)fucosyltransferase capable of synthesizing the sialyl Lewis x determinant has been cloned.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions containing polyphenols, for example, cocoa polyphenols such as flavanols and their related oligomers, and methods for treating abnormalities in gap junctional communication of cells, such as cancer, heart arrhythmia, neuro-degenerative diseases and cognitive dysfunction.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inducing dephosphorylation of a hyperphosphorylated cell cycle regulatory protein in a tumor cell in which hyperphosphorylation of said protein contributed to cell transformation, the method comprising contacting the tumor cell with a procyanidin oligomer of five monomeric units connected via a C-4?C-8 linkage. Examples of such compounds are [EC-(4??8)]4-EC, and [EC-(4??8)]3-EC-(4??8)-C, wherein EC is epicatcchin and C is catechin.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated human pluripotent adult stem cells which express CD13, CD34, CD56 and CD117, and which do not express CD1O, which are capable of differentiating in all three germ lineages and differentiated cells derived therefrom.

Abstract: Polyphenol-containing compositions, for example procyanidins and derivatives thereof, and their use for treating hypertension are disclosed. Compositions may be used for human and veterinary use, and may be, for example, in a form of a food, a dietary supplement or a pharmaceutical.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods of anti-platelet therapy or prophylaxis comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of a procyanidin oligomer or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts, compounds, combinations thereof and compositions containing the same, such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, compounds and compositions, as well as uses for them, especially a polymeric compound of the formula An, wherein A is a monomer of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; R, X, Y and Z are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Foods and pharmaceuticals which contain cocoa and/or nut procyanidin(s) in combination with L-arginine are effective to induce a physiological increase in nitric oxide production in a mammal having ingested the product. A preferred food product is a confection, particularly a dark or milk chocolate containing nuts. The procyanidins may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as chocolate liquor and/or cocoa solids prepared from underfermented beans and nut skins. The L-arginine may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as nut meats, nut pastes, and/or nut flours, seeds, seed pastes, and/or seed flours, or gelatin. The beneficial health effects may include, for example, reduced blood pressure, resistance to cardiovascular disease, and anticancer activity.

Abstract: Cocoa extracts which include procyanidin monomers and their oligomers are useful in the modulation of inflammatory pathways, in the maintenance of the vascular health of a mammal and as an antibacterial treatment. The liquid or dry cocoa extracts can be included in foods, food supplements and pharmaceuticals for the inhibition of COX activity, the inhibition of LOX activity, the enhancement of nitric oxide production, the modulation of eicosanoids and endothelin, and the modulation of platelet activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising a cyclo-oxygenase modulator in combination with cocoa procyanidin monomers and/or oligomers, wherein the cyclo-oxygenase modulator is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin. Such compositions may be used for the treatment of cardiovascular related disorders.

Abstract: Polyphenol-containing compositions, for example cocoa procyanidin monomer and/or oligomer-containing compositions, and their use inhibiting bacterial growth are disclosed. Compositions may be used for human and veterinary animal administration and may be, for example, in a form of a food, a dietary supplement, or a pharmaceutical.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions containing polyphenols, for example, cocoa polyphenols such as procyanidins, in combination with at least one cholesterol lowering agent, and methods for improving vascular health including treating and preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.