Abstract: A means for the extraction and crystallization of quassinoids such as quassin and neoquassin from natural sources containing these compounds, using compounds that are Generally Recognized As Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is provided. In particular, a means for extraction that does not require use of lead acetate, chloroform, methanol, or diethyl ether is provided. The process includes a means of removing non-polar and very polar substances from an extracted residue to enhance crystallization of quassinoids from the residue.

Abstract: A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.

Abstract: A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating hypercholesterolemia, including methods for increasing HDL cholesterol levels, using a composition comprising an extract from the Ortanique peel. The invention also relates to compositions and methods for treating hypercholesterolemia, including methods for increasing HDL cholesterol levels, using a composition comprising substantially similar amounts of tetramethylscutellarein and nobiletin by weight and/or a composition comprising substantially similar amounts of tetramethylscutellarein, nobiletin, and tangeretin by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromechanical pumping system for simulating the beating of heart in a cardiac surgery training environment. A computer-controllable linear actuator is used to control the electromechanical pumping system. In a preferred embodiment, the electromechanical pumping system is linked to a porcine heart. The heart is made to beat by inserting intra-ventricular balloons placed inside the heart and connected to the pumping system. When controlled by the electromechanical pumping system, the porcine heart is able to display normal and abnormal beating rhythms, as well as ventricular fibrillation. In addition, an electronic pressure sensor incorporated into the pumping system can be used to trigger a ventricular fibrillation mode when the porcine heart attached to the pumping system is handled by a trainee surgeon.

Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic compositions, in particular to therapeutic compositions made from Jamaican bitter yam that are substantially free of tannins and alkaloids and comprise fiber, and methods of making and using such therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Infections caused by parasitic nematodes of the genera Strongyloides, Ancyclostoma, Necator, Haemonchus, Ascaris, or Trichuris in humans and other mammals are treated by administration to an infected individual of an amount of a C8-C16-alpha,beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde. Such compounds are useful for killing nematode worms of the genera listed above. A particularly useful compound of this class, effective against S. stercoralis infections, is E-2-dodecenal, having structural formula (1).

Abstract: Anthurium species are important ornamental crops that are susceptible to infection by Xanthomonas campestris pv. Dieffenbachiae. Methods of identifying target plants that are resistant to or tolerant of Xanthomonas infection are described. Methods of predicting vase-life performance are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating hypercholesterolemia, including methods for increasing HDL cholesterol levels, using a composition comprising an extract from the Ortanique peel. The invention also relates to compositions and methods for treating hypercholesterolemia, including methods for increasing HDL cholesterol levels, using a composition comprising substantially similar amounts of tetramethylscutellarein and nobiletin by weight and/or a composition comprising substantially similar amounts of tetramethylscutellarein, nobiletin, and tangeretin by weight.

Abstract: A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which filamentous fungi are macerated and encapsulated in an inert matrix to form beads, which can be used to promote reactions carried out by the fungi. The beads are useful, e.g., for producing compounds and compound libraries.

Abstract: A means for the extraction and crystallization of quassinoids such as quassin and neoquassin from natural sources containing these compounds, using compounds that are Generally Recognized As Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is provided. In particular, a means for extraction that does not require use of lead acetate, chloroform, methanol, or diethyl ether is provided. The process includes a means of removing non-polar and very polar substances from an extracted residue to enhance crystallization of quassinoids from the residue.