Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a flavanolignan preparation with an improved liberation in comparison with one of the pure flavanolignans, characterized in that a) an aqueous-alcoholic solution of pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier materials and wetting agents is prepared, a flavanolignan is suspended in this solution and the mixture obtained is heated to the boiling temperature in order to form a clear solution or b) a flavanolignan and a wetting agent is suspended in alcohol, the suspension obtained is heated with stirring up to the formation of a clear solution, this is mixed with an aqueous solution of pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier materials and the mixture obtained is heated with stirring until a clear solution is present and that subsequently the clear solution obtained according to a) or b) is concentrated for the formation of a co-precipitate, filtered and the resulting co-precipitate dried in a vacuum.

Abstract: In a method of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and respiration sounds made by a patient, as well as the patient's heart rate, are recorded while the patient is sleeping. Signals indicative of snoring sounds and the time intervals therebetween are produced from the respiration sounds and recorded, and a first respiration disturbance index representing the number of intervals per hour between episodes of snoring is calculated. Signals indicative of the patient's heart rate are likewise produced and recorded, and the average heart rate is calculated. A second respiration disturbance index representing the number of episodes per hour in which the patient's heart rate remained at 90 to 109% of its average rate is calculated. A physician can then evaluate the first and second disturbance indices to determine whether obstructive apnea is indicated.Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An injection syringe for medical purposes, in which the syringe plunger or a plunger-side end of the syringe cylinder is shaped or provided with components to ensure at least one flow passage or connection between an inner cylindrical space of the cylinder and outer environment, when the plunger is partially, but not completely, introduced into the syringe cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of substantially pure silibinin from the fruit of Silybum marianum, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing it for the treatment of diseases of the liver.