Abstract: The present disclosure provides enzymatic methods for generating stereoisomerically pure products by resolving a racemic mixture of N-protected ?-lactams with a lipase from Candida antarctica with high stereospecificity. The presence of a carbamate protecting group, such as the tert-butoxycarbonyl group protecting group, on the ?-lactam enhances enzyme catalysis and stereoselectivity.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for identifying compounds that inhibit JNK and MLK kinase activity as drugs for treating a mammal susceptible to or having a neurological condition. This invention also discloses methods for preventing neuronal cell death and treating neurological conditions that involve neuronal cell death, particularly neurodegenerative diseases characterized by glutamine or kainate mediated toxicity, such as Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Based on previous evidence suggesting positive effects of fever on in vivo hematopoiesis, the effect of hyperthermia on the expansion and differentiation of megakaryocytes (MKs) in ex vivo cultures of CB CD34-enriched cells has now been tested. Cells were cultured at 37° C. or 39° C. for 14 days in cytokine conditions optimized for MK development, and analyzed periodically by microscopy, flow cytometry and colony assays. Compared to 37° C., cultures maintained at 39° C. produced much more total cells (5×), MK progenitors (9×) and total MKs (7×), and showed accelerated (3-4 days) and enhanced MK maturation with increased yields of proplatelets and platelets (11.7×). The increased number of CD34+ cells and myeloid progenitors in the 39° C. cultures also suggested a general stimulatory effect of hyperthermia on the expansion of more primitive stem/progenitor cells and of cells of other lineages.

Abstract: A process is described for analyzing enzyme-catalyzed conversions of nonpolymeric substrates to nonpolymeric products with the aid of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, preferably in the presence of an internal standard on a specific carrier material.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a polymer which is scarcely eluted, has a high biocompatibility and is useful in a filter for selectively eliminating leucocytes. It is also intended to provide a filter for selectively eliminating leucocytes, a filtration apparatus for selectively eliminating leucocytes and a system for selectively eliminating leucocytes, each having the above-described polymer. The above objects can be achieved by providing a polymer which comprises from 8% by mol to 45% by mol of a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer having a polyalkylene oxide chain, from 30% by mol to 90% by mol of a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer having a hydrophobic group, and from 2% by mol to 50% by mol of a unit originating in polymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for analyzing an analyte in a hydrogel contact lens following its wear on the eye, comprising the steps of (a) physically or chemically inducing a volume reduction of the hydrogel contact lens and thereby squeezing the analyte out of the polymer material making up the contact lens and (b) feeding the analyte obtained according to step (a) into an analyzer. The process of the invention provides a new concept for noninvasively measuring various analytes occurring in the tear fluid that is comfortable to the user.

Abstract: A storage solution to maintain and perfuse organs awaiting transplantation comprising (a) an isotonic balanced solution comprising a physiologically acceptable amount of potassium, mono acidic phosphate, biacidic phosphate, chloride, sodium and bicarbonate ions; (b) 50-250 mM glucose; (c) 0.2-20 mM of an alkanoyl L-carnitine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof; (d) 1-100 mM of L-carnitine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof; (e) water is described. The storage solution can also include other components such as anti-oxidants and/or chelating agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for purifying teicoplanin A2 comprising: (i) a primary pre-purification step of purifying a filtrate of fermentation broth of a strain using a synthetic adsorbent; (ii) a secondary pre-purification step of purifying the primary pre-purification solution using a cation exchange resin having a high cross-linkage, a catalytic resin or a chelate resin; (iii) a final purification step of purifying the secondary pre-purification solution using a reversed phase resin; and (iv) a powder-forming step. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain teicoplanin A2 with a higher purity through a relatively simple process without using an excessive amount of an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for in vitro determination of the digestibility of proteins in a nutritional product. The method utilized gastric and intestinal enzymes that are standardized for in vitro digestion process that mimics the in vivo digestive process. Further, specificity in digestion is determined by an amino acid profile.

Abstract: A microbiological culture for triggering microbiological processes in bodies of water, soils, sediments, and/or muds contains chemo-lithoautotrophic bacteria that are immobilized. The bacteria are immobilized in a matrix having the form of capsules, gels, or gel spheres. The matrix material is selected from a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the processes of racemization and deprotection of special N-protected amino acids in the acylase/racemase system for the total conversion of special N-protected racemic amino acids into optically pure amino acids.

Abstract: Migrastatin and a migrastatin analog can be produced by fermentation of Streptomyces platensis NRRL 18993 and used in pharmaceutical formulations to treat cancer and/or inhibit metastasis of cancer cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma carrying contaminants and cellular matter that are capable of entraining contaminants. The systems and methods separate cellular matter from the plasma by filtration, thereby removing contaminants entrained within the cellular matter. The system and methods add to the plasma a photoactive material. The systems and methods emit radiation at a selected wavelength into the plasma to activate the photoactive material and thereby eradicate the contaminant that is free of entrainment by cellular matter.

Abstract: Compositions including a non-pathogenic lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as a Bacillus species, spores or an extracellular product of B. coagulans, formulated for oral administration to the intestinal tract for inhibiting bacterial gastrointestinal infections are described. Methods and systems using the compositions for treating gastrointestinal infections, particularly sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to dura substitutes to be used as prostheses for dural defects in the field of neurosurgery and processes for producing the same. The present invention provides artificial dura mater materials comprising sheets of microbial-derived polysaccharide processed to have the necessary strength characteristics, conformability and physical properties.

Abstract: Tissue preservation media comprising a polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene copolymer are used to preserve tissues and organs for storage and transplantation. In particular embodiments, the polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene copolymer is Pluronic F68 or FLOCOR (CRL-5861; purified poloxamer 188), and the medium is Steinhardt medium, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene copolymer-supplemented Optisol GS or polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene copolymer-supplemented ViaSpan.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterilizing a bioactive material which comprises contacting the bioactive material with hydrogen gas and while the bioactive material is in contact with hydrogen gas, irradiating the bioactive material with ionizing radiation to sterilize the material.

Abstract: A method of dyeing keratin-containing fibers, especially human hair, which comprises using dyes of formula (1), wherein X? is an anion.

Abstract: There is provided a method for assessing the quality of platelet concentrates for determining their suitability for transfusion. More specifically dynamic light scattering measurements of the samples containing platelets are obtained and parameters, such as hydrodynamic radius and relative number of platelet-derived microparticles, are derived from these measurements that are indicative of platelet quality.