Abstract: A method of treating aldehyde-tanned biological tissue minimizes in vivo calcification and reduces cytotoxicity without impairing the mechanical strength of the tanned tissue. The method includes the step of treating the aldehyde-tanned biological tissue with at least one liquid polyol having the formula: ##STR1## where R is CH.sub.2 OH or an alkyl group, and R' is H, an alkyl group or an O-acyl where the acyl is C.sub.2 -C.sub.9 or a carboxyalkyl; or ##STR2## where R is H or an alkyl group, and R' is H, an alkyl group, O-alkyl or O-carboxyalkyl. Preferred polyols are propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 2,3-butylene glycol and glycerol, and the polyol is preferably a diol.

Abstract: A method for improving the quality of an aliment, such as an alcoholic liquor, by removing impurities such as carbamates, sulfites and bioamines, includes contacting an aliment containing the impurity with a container formed of a membrane permeable to the impurity. The container encloses a non-diffusible reactant such as binding agents, neutralizing agents, oxidizing agents, transesterifying agents and hydrolyzing agents. The container and the contents are separated from the aliment after a period of time sufficient for the reactants to react with the impurity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a development for alleviating the adverse side-effects of taking non-steroid analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin, by also ingesting vitamin A (or B-carotene) formulations. It has been found that vitamin A ingestion has a salutary and therapeutic effect, in that the vitamin A decreases toxicity, including ulcerogenesis, due to ingestion of such agents, e.g. aspirin. Aspirin per se is a very effective medication with pronounced analgesic properties, including the temporary relief of minor aches and pains, and is widely used (in small amounts) with no ill effects. However, since aspirin is a mild anti-coagulant, it sometimes causes bleeding of stomach ulcers, or aggravates pre-existing conditions of that nature. Thus the concomitant administration of vitamin A per se to humans taking aspirin is very effective in decreasing toxicity and inhibiting ulcerogenesis and bleeding in the stomach.