Abstract: Provided herein relates to compositions and methods for lubrication of a surface. The surface amenable to the compositions and methods described herein can be a non-biological surface, a biological surface, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprising a phospholipid-coated silk microsphere can be used for lubrication of a surface. In some embodiments, the composition comprising a phospholipid-coated silk microsphere can be used for joint lubrication, e.g., for treatment of joint disorders such as arthritis.

Abstract: Otologic materials and methods are provided. For example, a cell-adhesive, biodegradable hydrogel scaffold loaded with time-released drugs for repairing chronic tympanic membrane perforations is disclosed, methods of making same and administering same are provided. This hydrogel may promote vascular in-growth and epithelial cell growth of the tympanic membrane with the purpose of closing the perforation and providing a barrier between the external and middle ear. The hydrogel is initially a liquid polymer that only gels upon exposure to specific conditions, such as exposure to light. This scaffold may simultaneously induce repair of the tympanic membrane while preventing or alleviating middle ear infection, thus filling a void in current tympanic membrane perforation therapies.

Abstract: The flavonoid family of phytochemicals, particularly those derived from soy, has received attention regarding their hormonal activity and their effects on human health and disease. The types and amounts of these compounds in soy and other plants are controlled by both constitutive expression and stress-induced biosynthesis. The health benefits of soy may therefore be dependent upon the amounts of the various hormonally active phytochemicals present. We have identified increased biosynthesis of the isoflavonoid phytoalexin compounds, Glyceollins I, II and III, in soy plants grown under stressed conditions (elicited soy), which exhibit marked anti-estrogenic effects on ER function.

Abstract: An electrocatalytic process for hydrogenating an unsaturated fatty acid, triglyceride, or mixtures thereof as an oil or fat is described. Current is passed through a cathode and hydrogen is generated in situ on the high surface area, low hydrogen overvoltage catalytic material used as the cathode in a reactor containing a liquid reaction medium (electrolyte) comprised of oil and/or fat, water and/or an organic solvent (e.g. t-butanol), and a supporting electrolyte salt. Typical catalytic cathodes comprise a granular or powdered Raney metal or an alloy thereof, platinum black, ruthenium black, or finely divided carbon powder containing platinum, palladium, or ruthenium. Typical supporting electrolyte salts include sodium p-toluenesulfonate, tetraethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, and sodium or potassium phosphate monobasic.A novel partially hydrogenated oil or fat product is obtained when the above process is carred out at temperatures less than 75.degree. C.

Abstract: Tinnitus symptoms were treated with furosemide, a loop diuretic, and reductions in tinnitus symptoms were observed.

Abstract: Tinnitus symptoms are treated with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) administered orally at dosages of 200-300 mg/day. Clinically significant reductions in tinnitus symptoms were observed.

Abstract: A decapeptide of the formula: Ac-A.sup.1 -A.sup.2 -D-Trp-Ser-Tyr-A.sup.3 -A.sup.4 -A.sup.5 -A.sup.6 -A.sup.7 -NH.sub.2 wherein each A.sup.1 and A.sup.2, independently, is D-Trp, D-.beta.-Nal, or D-p-X-Phe, wherein X is a halogen or CH.sub.3 ; A.sup.3 is D-.beta.-Nal, D-Trp, D-Lys, D-Arg, D-homo-Arg, D-diethyl-homo-Arg, or D-p-X-Phe, wherein X is a halogen or CH.sub.3 ; A.sup.4 is Phe, Tyr, pentafluoro-Phe, Trp, .beta.-Nal, or p-X-Phe, wherein X is a halogen or CH.sub.3 ; A.sup.5 is Arg or Lys; A.sup.6 is Pro or hydroxy-Pro; and A.sup.7 is Gly or D-Ala; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A compound having the formula K-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-M-Q-Arg-Pro-T, wherein K is N-Acetyl-Sarconsine or pGlu; is D-Phe, D-Trp, D-.beta.-Naphthylalanine, or D-4-X-Phe, wherein X is OH, F, Cl, Br, or Me; Q is Leu, Phe, 4-X-Phe, Trp, or .beta.-Naphthylamine (wherein X is OH, F, Cl, Br, or Me), or an N-Me-derivative thereof; and T is Gly-NH.sub.2, NHCH.sub.3, NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, or NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; provided that, when Q is Leu or N-Me-Leu, K cannot be pGlu; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.