Abstract: A composition comprises one or more free (unesterified) phytosterols and/or phytostanols which are substantially completely dissolved in one or more esterified phytosterols and/or phytostanols. The present invention further provides a composition comprising one or more esterified phytosterols and/or phytostanols which are substantially completely dissolved in an edible oil.

Abstract: A composition for use in softgel capsules comprises one or more esters of phytosterols and/or phytostanols which have been treated to enhance their flowability at ambient temperatures prior to or concurrent with softgel formation.

Abstract: A composition for use in foods, beverages and nutraceuticals that includes one or more non-sterol emulsifiers, each having an HLB value of greater than 14 and one or more sterols or stanols or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A stable emulsion in which an aqueous phase has one or more phytosterols or phytostanols, or mixtures thereof in free (non-esterified) form and an oil or fat phase has phytosterols or phytostanols, or mixtures thereof, in esterified form.

Abstract: Novel compounds, compositions comprising compounds, and methods for methods for preparing and using compounds are described herein. Methods of treating or ameliorating various conditions, including insulin resistance, pancreatic beta cell apoptosis, obesity, pro-thrombotic conditions, myocardial infarction, hypertension, dyslipidemia, manifestations of Syndrome X, congestive heart failure, inflammatory disease of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis, sepsis, type 1 diabetes, liver damage, and cachexia, by administering compounds described herein. Compounds presented herein may be used to modulate serine palmitoyl transferase activity.

Abstract: A catheter constituted of a single-pipe tube, and provided with a tip end portion (10) implanted in an abdominal cavity and a projection portion (12) projecting outward from the outer wall of the abdomen. A pair of cuffs (16, 18) are attached to the projection portion (12) and a reinforcing tube (14). Side holes (20) are drilled in the tip end portion (10), and each side hole is allowed to communicate with each other along the axial direction of the single-pipe tube by means of a groove (22) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the single-pipe tube.

Abstract: Novel compounds, compositions comprising compounds, and methods for methods for preparing and using compounds are described herein. Methods of treating or ameliorating various conditions, including insulin resistance, pancreatic beta cell apoptosis, obesity, pro-thrombotic conditions, myocardial infarction, hypertension, dyslipidemia, manifestations of Syndrome X, congestive heart failure, inflammatory disease of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis, sepsis, type 1 diabetes, liver damage, and cachexia, by administering compounds described herein. Compounds presented herein may be used to modulate serine palmitoyl transferase activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one aspect, novel derivatives comprising sterols and/or stanols and an NSAID selected from salicylic acids and arylalkanoic acids, including salts of these derivatives, and having one or more of the following formulae: 1

Abstract: A reagent for use in detecting the presence of aldehyde particularly in an aqueous solution, urine, or other body fluids comprising a solution sodium metabisulfite, phosphoric acid, basic fuchsin (BA 130) and deionized water. The sodium metabisulfite is present at about 8-12 grams, the phosphoric acid is present at 10 milliliters, the basic fuchsin is present at about 4.8-5.2 grams and the deionized water is present at about 995-1005 milliliters. A test kit including a sealed container having a predetermined amount of the reagent therein, a dispenser for obtaining a predetermined amount of a specimen to be tested and depositing it in the container and a color chart for comparing the color of the combined reagent and specimen after waiting period of between 2-5 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel derivatives comprising compounds in the androstane and androstene series, coupled with ascorbic acid, including salts thereof, and represented by one or more of the general formulae: 1

Abstract: A process for isolating and purifying phytosterols and phytostanols from tall oil pitch is disclosed which comprises the following steps:

Abstract: Novel phytosterol and/or phytostanol derivatives, including salts thereof, are represented by the general formulae: 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a esterified and subsequently hydrogenated phytosterol composition for use alone or for incorporation into foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and the like. The composition has the advantage of enhanced solubility/dispersability, increased molar potency and enhanced stability over naturally isolated phytosterol compositions. Methods for the esterification and subsequent hydrogenation of the phytosterols are also provided.

Abstract: A novel process for the fermentation of phytosterol compositions to androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, AD) and/or androstadienedione (androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, ADD) is disclosed. The process utilizes the micro-organism Mycobacterium MB 3683, and selected suitable solubilizing agents such as polypropylene glycol or silicone for solubilizing the phytosterol compositions at high concentrations in the nutrient medium. The innoculum of Mycobacterium MB 3683 is grown in a nutrient medium comprising Refiners molasses and inorganic salts.

Abstract: A method of preventing and/or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease in an animal comprises administering to the animal a phytosterol composition. A composition useful for preventing and/or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease in an animal comprises a phytosterol composition.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining whether a subject animal has an increased risk of cardiovascular or related disorder. The level of serum campesterol and beta-sitosterol are determined and a campesterol/beta-sitosterol ratio obtained. The ratio determined for the subject animal is compared with that of a normal control animal and correlated with the risk of cardiovascular or a related disorder.

Abstract: A stent for expanding lumens, formed of a wire member which has a zigzag configuration, first and second straight sections and a plurality of bends cross-linked with each other to form a plurality of turns. The stent need not provide means for connecting each wire member. The elasticity of the stent is uniform. The position of the stent in a body cavity is maintained since the longitudinal change of the stent is very small. Also the stent provides means for preventing restenosis of the lumens.

Abstract: A transparent gel composition is provided for dressing of skin wounds. The dressing is in the form of a sheet comprising dextrin and a water-swellable, cross-linked polymer selected from polyacrylamide or polymethacrylamide. The ratio of dextrin to polymer ranges from about 2:1 to 1:1.

Abstract: A gelled paste composition is provided for dressing of skin wounds. The dressing comprises:(i) a non-cross-linked, nonionic polyacrylamide or polymethacrylamide;(ii) a cross-linked salt of polyacrylic or polymethacrylic acid; and(iii) water. The components are present in the critical ratios of (i) to (ii) of from about 1:25 to 1:15; the ratio of (i) plus (ii) to (iii) being from about 10:1 to 1:3. Glycerine is also a desirable component and, when present, will be found in a ratio of water to glycerine ranging from 5:1 to 1:0.7.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use in conjunction with a lighted, hand held, surgical electrode holder and any electrosurgical current generator normally intended to function with a non-lighted, hand held surgical electrode holder, that permits delivery of illuminating current to the lighted holder's lamp, while simultaneously permitting on a selective basis, cutting current or coagulation current to pass through the holder's active electrode. In addition, the control apparatus provides the lamp with a delay shut-off which thereby permits a surgeon to inspect the site of surgery, either before or following surgery, when cutting or coagulation current does not flow.