Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of connective tissue injuries. The water insoluble microparticulate glucans used in the compositions comprise branched ?-(1,3)(1,6) glucan. The glucan compositions used in the present invention are essentially free of unbranched ?-(1,3)(1,6) glucan and non-glucan components.

Abstract: A free-flowing, hydrophobic starch composition has a near-neutral dry product pH. Methods for making the hydrophobic starch composition by preparing an aqueous mixture comprising a starch, a siliconate, and an acid, where the aqueous mixture has a near-neutral pH, and drying the starch solids to obtain a hydrophobic starch. Novel fuel compositions comprise hydrophobic starch which can be used in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. Hydrophobic starch compositions may be used as fuels or fuel components. Novel methods of fueling and operating internal combustion engines use hydrophobic starch as fuel or fuel components.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of preparations of the plant Curcuma longa or other curcumin-containing plants, curcumin or curcumin derivatives for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of conditions associated with excessive formation of leucotrienes and/or prostaglandins and to the use of preparations of the plant Curcuma longa or other curcumin-containing plants, curcumin or curcumin derivatives for the production of medicaments for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of conditions associated with excessive formation of leucotrienes and/or prostaglandins.

Abstract: Disclosed are a glycosidation catalyst comprising at least one of heteropoly acids represented by the formulaH.sub.a X.sub.p M.sub.q O.sub.r .multidot.bH.sub.2 Owherein X is P, As, Si or Ge, M is at least one species selected from the group consisting of Mo, W and V, a is 3 4 or 6, b is an integer of 0 to 30, p is 1 or 2, q is 12 or 18, and r is 40 or 62, with the proviso that when X is P or As, a is 3 or 6; when X is Si or Ge, a is 4; and further (1) when X is P or As and a is 3, or when X is Si or Ge and a is 4, M is at least one species selected from the group consisting of Mo, W and V, p is 1, q is 12 and r is 40; and (2) when X is P or As and a is 6, M is Mo or W, p is 2, q is 18 and r is 62, and a process for preparing a glycoside derivative by using said catalyst.