Abstract: A method of suppressing or curbing appetite and treating or preventing obesity comprising administering to a human or other mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of plant material derived or derivable from plants of the genera Stapelia and Orbea.

Abstract: The present invention is an immunostimulatory composition that bolsters or enhances the immune system in injured, diseased, traumatized or otherwise critically ill patients whose own immune system has been compromised thereby. The ready to feed, liquid formulation comprises glutamine which is stabilized and highly bioavailable in the form of a peptide bound glutamine. Other components comprise the free amino acids such as arginine, a nucleobase such as RNA and omega-3 and omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: A fat-rich powder provides the complete nutritional needs of an at-risk infant no more than one year old, who has acquired a milk allergy, such as cow's milk allergy (“CMA”), and/or an allergy to protein in “soy milk”, as well as digestive or absorption problems resulting in a damaged gut. Because such an infant must derive all its protein from amino acids it is not fed any ingredient derived from mammalian milk, but a combination of amino acids with nucleotides in specified amounts along with free L-glutamine, maintaining specified ratios of their relative amounts, which ratios in the ranges stated are found to be beneficial for healing of the infant's damaged gut, and for promoting cell division to assure its normal growth. A typical feeding of 32.

Abstract: An improved thickened instant coffee beverage mix, comprising a mix of from about 15-90%, preferably 27%, maltodextrin with the rest, to 100%, of an agglomerated starch, and also 0.05-2.0% of mono- and di-glycerides or other wetting agents such as propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitan monosterate and other emulsifiers, including 0.05-10.0% vegetable oils, together with coffee flavorants, which can be quickly dissolved in water of at least 120° F. water without delay or forming clumps; and an improved thickened instant tea or cocoa beverage mix which can be quickly dissolved in water of at least 120° F. water without delay or forming clumps, comprising 12-50% agglomerated starch as the thickening agent, together with sugar and protein components.

Abstract: A fat-rich powder provides the complete nutritional needs of an at-risk infant no more than one year old, who has acquired a milk allergy, such as cow's milk allergy (“CMA”), and/or an allergy to protein in “soy milk”, as well as digestive or absorption problems resulting in a damaged gut. Because such an infant must derive all its protein from amino acids it is not fed any ingredient derived from mammalian milk, but a combination of amino acids with nucleotides in specified amounts along with free L-glutamine, maintaining specified ratios of their relative amounts, which ratios in the ranges stated are found to be beneficial for healing of the infant's damaged gut, and for promoting cell division to assure its normal growth. A typical feeding of 32.

Abstract: A catheter retention device comprises an oval base with a centrally located bore there through, an elevated disk portion surrounding said bore and two retention ring housing elements with centrally disposed bores whose axis are perpendicular to one another. The retention device is useful in securing the catheter so that any inadvertent physical force or traction exerted against it will not move the catheter or pull it from its incision. The catheter itself is threadably inserted through all the bores of the retention device which is then attached to the patients body at the ostomy site with sutures, tape or liquid adhesives. Preferably, the retention device is used in conjunction with gastrostomy or jejunal feeding tubes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel nutritional dietary composition that can be formulated for oral and enteral administration. The formulation derives substantially all of its protein from soy protein isolate or, in a second embodiment, from soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate. If desirable, up to 10.0 wt. % of the soy protein component can be replaced with caseinates, free amino acids and mixtures thereof. A carbohydrate such as corn syrup, a gum such as carrageenan gum, a non-reactive magnesium source and optionally, dietary soy protein concentrate as well as various vitamins and other excipients may also make-up the rest of the formulation. The high soy composition provides an inexpensive and high nutritional quality source of protein.

Abstract: A novel meat extender composition for boosting the nutritional value of meat contains a four component dry mix system of whey protein concentrate, maltodextrin, a starch and non-fat dry milk. Additional vitamins, minerals, spices and a flavor enhancer may also be added to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the meat which is preferably ground or chopped for easier consumption.

Abstract: L-arginine found essential to enhance the glomerular function of the kidneys is used &phgr; formulate a low viscosity, calorie-dense, nutritional product for a person having renal failure. In a product free of citric acid or citrates, for oral ingestion, the taste of arginine is counteracted by lactic, malic or adipic acid; in a formulation for tube-feeding, citric acid and citrates in a specified ratio controls the product's stability. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is controlled, as is the caloric distribution and water content; the amounts of vitamins and minerals included provide a nutritionally complete formulation.

Abstract: L-arginine found essential to enhance the glomerular function of the kidneys is used to formulate a low viscosity, calorie-dense, nutritional product for a person having renal failure. In a product free of citric acid or citrates, for oral ingestion, the taste of arginine is counteracted by lactic, malic or adipic acid; in a formulation for tube-feeding, citric acid and citrates in a specified ratio controls the product's stability. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is controlled, as is the caloric distribution and water content; the amounts of vitamins and minerals included provide a nutritionally complete formulation.

Abstract: Glycine is indicated to prevent or treat acute or chronic graft rejection, optionally in combination with an immunosuppressant or an immunomodulating agent.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel nutritional dietary composition that can be formulated for oral and enteral administration. The formulation derives substantially all of its protein from soy protein isolate or, in a second embodiment, from soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate. If desirable, up to 10.0 wt. % of the soy protein component can be replaced with caseinates, free amino acids and mixtures thereof. A carbohydrate such as corn syrup, a gum such as carrageenan gum, a non-reactive magnesium source and optionally, dietary soy protein concentrate as well as various vitamins and other excipients may also make-up the rest of the formulation. The high soy composition provides an inexpensive and high nutritional quality source of protein.

Abstract: An improved thickened instant coffee beverage mix, containing a mix of from about 15-90%, preferably 27%, maltodextrin with the rest, to 100%, of an agglomerated starch, and also 0.2-0.3% of mono and diglycerides, together with coffee flavorants, which can be quickly dissolved in water of at least 120° F water without delay or forming clumps.

Abstract: An improved immunomodulatory therapy for enhancement of depressed host defense mechanisms and improving allograft survival rates comprising the use of omega-9 unsaturated fatty acids to alter the immune response associated with organ transplantation. It is administered optionally in conjunction with an immunomodulatory diet comprising arginine and its salts, or metabolic precursors of arginine, together with an immuno-suppressive treatment comprising the administration of cyclosporine or other immuno-suppressants and optionally, with or without a donor specific transfusion. An especially preferred source of the omega-9 unsaturated fatty acids is canola oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use glycine in the preparation of a medicament or nutritional formulation for the prophylaxis and/or therapy of renal dysfunction induced by cyclosporins or ascomycins.