Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.

Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned.

Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned. Oral ingestion of dosages of zeaxanthin after a noticeable darkening of the skin has been achieved further enhances a tanned appearance and/or protects against sun damage.

Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned.

Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.

Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.

Abstract: Pre-treatment using a xanthin carotenoid (preferably 3R,3?R-zeaxanthin) can improve the benefits and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a light-activated drug (such as verteporfin) in patients who suffer from unwanted retinal blood vessel growth, including the “wet” (exudative) form of macular degeneration. Before a PDT treatment, patients are given a regimen of orally-ingested zeaxanthin for a period of at least 1 and preferably at least 2 to 3 weeks, at dosages of at least 3 and preferably at least 10 milligrams per day. Since zeaxanthin imparts a yellowish color to the macula, a preferred dosage should increase a patient's macular pigment density before the PDT treatment is performed.

Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a capsule or tablet, sized and designed for oral ingestion by a human, containing the 3R-3?R stercoisorner of zeaxanthin. The 3R-3?R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin constitutes at least about 90 percent of all zeaxanthin, while S-S and S-R stereoisomers constitute less than about 10 percent of all zeaxanthin in the capsule or tablet. The capsule or tablet contains a sufficient quantity of the 3R-3?R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin to cause a detectable increase in zeaxanthin concentration in retinal tissue, or at least about 0.5 milligrams. It can be concentrated into an oily fluid or prepared in a microencapsulated granular formulation. The zeaxanthin can also be added to various types of foods, such as margarine, dairy products, syrup, cookie dough, and meat preparations. When consumed, the zeaxanthin can help treat and prevent eye diseases including macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss.

Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can; give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3′R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making the 3R-3'R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable or heavily dominant (more than about 90%) stereoisomer, for human ingestion. Zeaxanthin, a yellowish pigment which is naturally present in macular cells in the center of the human retina, absorbs blue and near-ultraviolet light radiation, thereby protecting the retinal cells against phototoxic damage. Zeaxanthin preparations which contain only the desired R--R isomer can be produced by a strain of Flavobacterium multivorum cells (ATCC accession number 55238). These cells (and other cells transformed with their zeaxanthin-producing genes) do not create any detectable quantities of the undesired S--S or S-R isomers of zeaxanthin, and they do not synthesize significant quantities of other carotenoids which might compete against zeaxanthin for alimentary uptake after oral ingestion.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3'R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable isomer, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The pure R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating or preventing macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss, by administering a preparation of zeaxanthin which contains the 3R-3'R stereoisomer as a sole or heavily dominant stereoisomer. Zeaxanthin, a yellowish pigment which is naturally present in macular cells in the center of the human retina, absorbs blue and near-ultraviolet light radiation, thereby protecting retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The purified R-R isomer of zeaxanthin can be taken orally as a prescription drug by patients suffering from macular degeneration, and it can also be used as a nutritional supplement, in forms such as a vitamin pills or food additives, by anyone who wants to reduce his or her risk of macular degeneration, which is widespread among people over the age of about 50 or 60.

Abstract: Zeaxanthin is produced using Flavobacterium multivorum. The process and the nutrient medium used in the process provide greater zeaxanthin and cell yields per liter, at a lower cost, and more rapidly than known methods and microorganisms. Biomass compositions containing the microorganism of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Zeaxanthin is produced using Flavobacterium multivorum. The process and the nutrient medium used in the process provide greater zeaxanthin and cell yields per liter, at a lower cost, and more rapidly than known methods and microorganisms. Biomass compositions containing the microorganism of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A palatability enhancer composition for pet food comprises a pyrophosphate salt or an acid phosphate salt. The palatability enhancer may also include at least one of the following: an organic acid, a flavor, and phosphoric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of unique palatability enhancing materials, particularly suited for pet foods, from filamentous fungi biomasses. The palatability enhancing materials are produced by forming a slurry of a filamentous fungal biomass, and preferably an added proteinaceous material, such as meat, which is then autolyzed, in the absence of an added autolysis initiator, at a pH sufficient to form a palatability enhancing autolysate preferably at a pH of between about 2.5 and 10, most preferably of about 3.0 to 7.5. Autolysis is preferably performed at two distinct temperature stages during which endogenous protease and nuclease activity is initiated during the first stage and endogenous nuclease activity is increased during the second temperature stage, followed by substantial deactivation of endogenous protease activity.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of undesirable flavor components contained in a vegetable protein material such as a soy isolate, is described. An aqueous slurry of the vegetable protein material is formed and contacted with a mold of the genus Rhizopus or Aspergillus under conditions that are sufficient to reduce the level of undesirable flavor components in the protein material, yet insufficient to result in substantial replication or growth of the mold.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3′R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable isomer, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The pure R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.