Abstract: A composition comprising, per liter of aqueous solution, from 30 to 350 g polyethylene glycol, from 3 to 20 g of an ascorbic acid component selected form the group consisting of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulphate, preferably from 1 to 15 g thereof, and optionally one or more electrolytes selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and preferably also comprising flavorings, is effective in cleansing the gut in preparation for a endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. It is safer than conventional sodium phosphate-based gut cleansing compositions, and hence can be used for patients who would be at risk with sodium phosphate-based compositions, and is better tolerated than conventional PEG-based compositions, leading to better patient compliance and enabling effective out-patient use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the depolymerization of glycosaminoglycanes characterized by the use of high-energy radiation in the presence of an organic compound selected from the group consisting of ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, amides and formic acid. The invention also relates to intermediate depolymerized heparin having a molecular weight of between 1,000 and 5,500, absorbance at 400 nm below 0.300 and ratio SO3?/COO?equal to or higher than in the starting heparin. The intermediate depolymerized heparin can be dissolved in a buffer solution and fractionated by gel permeation for obtaining the desired molecular weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides comprising a helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion for eliciting an immune response against endogenous cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing HDL cholesterol in a mammal by stimulating an immune response that inhibits the function of CETP. Such an immune response can be induced by immunizing with CETP or fragments of CETP (together termed “CETP Peptides”) which contain an epitope capable of stimulating such a response. The peptides can be conjugated to a carrier, such as KLH or ovalbumin, in order to increase immunogenicity. Adjuvants can also be administered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the stabilization, purification or/and isolation of nucleic acids from material samples, in particular, stool samples, which can contain impurities and inhibitors or interfering substances. The invention further relates to a reagent kit for carrying out said method. The basis of the invention is, in particular, a method for purification, stabilization or/and isolation of nucleic acids from material samples, whereby a buffer is added to the sample containing the nucleic acids, with a pH value of 2 to 7, a salt concentration of at least 100 mM, or/and a phenol neutralizing substance. According to the invention, pure nucleic acids which may be amplified can be obtained from faecal samples by a simple method, which are suitable for diagnostic proof of infections, in particular, bacterial or viral infections, or mutations, in particular, for tumour-specific DNA mutations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of compounds presenting a high compatibility with tissues and organic fluids. Such new compounds are polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, containing nitro groups —ONO2 covalently bonded to the saccharide structure. Preferably, the polysaccharides according to the invention are prevalently formed of disaccharide repeating units formed of uronic acid and hexosamine. These compounds, in psychological conditions, selectively release NO, allowing a reduction in the amount of NO needed to achieve a determined therapeutical effect. This result has been achieved by functionalizing polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, with subsituents containing a ONO2 ? group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the stabilization, purification or/and isolation of nucleic acids from biological materials, in particular stool samples which may contain contaminations and interfering substances. Furthermore, a reagent kit suitable for carrying out the method of the invention is described.

Abstract: Methods of treating autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, characterized by faulty MHC class I antigen complex presentation are disclosed which involve exposure of the immune system of an individual susceptible to such disease to correctly associated MHC class I antigen complexes. Such treatment may involve obtaining cells from the individual, treating the cells to correct faulty MHC class I antigen presentation, then reinfusing the treated cells. Alternatively, syngeneic or haplotype-matched allogeneic lymphoid cells expressing normal levels of MHC class I antigen complexes may be used or intact MHC class I antigen complexes isolated from such lymphoid cells may be used in such treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device and a method for dispensing liquids, preferably reagents, in an essentially automated and finely dosed manner. The dispensing device comprises a first duct that is connected to a storage element for storing the liquid to be dispensed. In addition, a conveying element for conveying the liquid through the fist duct is provided, whereby the liquid has to be dispensed. Liquid is transported from the storage element and is conveyed into the first duct by the conveying element. Moreover, the dispensing device is provided with a closing device that is arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the liquid in relation to the conveying element and serves for quickly closing and quickly opening the first duct. The aim of the invention is to regulate the pressure of the liquid in the region between the conveying element and the closing device. A device for regulating the pressure of the liquid in this region is provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods of inducing bubble nucleation to overcome problems commonly associated with preservation by foam formation. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of using bubble nucleation in foam formation to preserve sensitive biological materials. Preferred methods of inducing bubble nucleation include, mixing, chamber rotation, crystals, and ultrasound.

Abstract: This invention relates to formulations and methods for preserving sensitive biologicals, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic cells by drying. More particularly, the invention relates to preservation mixtures containing viruses or cells and protectants, including a combination of a methylated monosaccharide and a disaccharide, or oligosaccharide, wherein the mixtures are adapted to stabilize these during dehydration and subsequent storage at ambient and higher temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compositions for isolating and/or stabilizing nucleic acids in or from microorganisms—such as prokaryotes, fungi, protozoa or algae. The composition contains, as an essential ingredient, a cationic compound of general formula Y+R1R2R3R4X? wherein Y may denote nitrogen or phosphorus, R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently of one another may denote an unbranched or branched C1-C20-alkyl and/or a C6-C20-aryl group as well as a C6-C26-aralkyl group, and X? may denote an anion of an inorganic or organic, mono- or polybasic acid.