Abstract: The present invention relates generally to immunogens and their use in vaccine preparations. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a peptide or polypeptide or a derivative, homologue or analogue thereof which corresponds to, mimics, or cross-reacts with, B-cell or T-cell epitopes on surface polypeptides encoded by Mycoplasma pneumoniae or M. genitalium. The immunogens of the present invention are particularly useful in vaccine preparations for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of individuals against infections by Mycoplasma ssp. The present invention further provides diagnostic reagents for the detection of Mycoplasma ssp. in biological samples derived from individuals suspected of being infected therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic oligopeptides derived from the chemokine receptor protein for use in compositions and methods for the treatment, and prevention of inflammatory responses.

Abstract: Recombinant nodavirus related compositions are disclosed. These compositions include chimeric proteins in which a nodavirus capsid protein is present together with a heterologous peptide segment. The heterologous peptide includes at least one cell-specific targeting sequence, such as a B cell epitope, a T cell epitope, or a sequence specific for another cell type, such as a hepatocyte. The chimeric proteins can be assembled to form chimeric virus-like particles. The chimeric virus-like particles are useful in therapeutic applications, such as vaccines and gene-delivery vectors, and in diagnostic applications, such as kits for the testing of body tissue or fluid samples. Methods for the use of recombinant nodavirus related compositions in therapeutic and diagnostic applications are also described.

Abstract: Equine rhinovirus 1 (ERhV1) is a respiratory pathogen of horses which has an uncertain taxonomic status. The nucleotide sequence of the ERhV1 genome and amino acid sequence have been substantially determined (FIG. 2). The predicted polyprotein was encoded by 6,741 nucleotides and possessed a typical picornavirus proteolytic cleavage pattern, including a leader polypeptide. The genomic structure and predicted amino acid sequence of ERhV1 were more similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDV), the only members of the aphthovirus genus, than other picornaviruses. Nucleotide sequences coding for the complete polyprotein, the polymerase, and VP1 were analyzed separately. The phylogenetic trees confirmed that ERhV1 was more closely related to aphthoviruses than to other picornaviruses. Virion proteins and virus-like particles are described and probes, primers, antigens, vectors, diagnostics and tests developed.

Abstract: A method of treating skin disorders using a extract from the plant Mullein (genus Verbascum) and a composition including an extract from the plant Mullein (genus Verbascum) are described. The extract is obtained by cooking the leaves and roots of the plant Mullein in a pressure cooker with water. The resulting liquid extract is canned according to standard home canning procedures. The method is accomplished by applying the liquid extract to affected areas of the skin twice daily. Most subjects experience positive results within a period of approximately two weeks. Skin disorders that have been treated using this extract include the sun exposure related skin disorders, actinic keratoses, lentigines, seborrheic keratoses, and the inflammatory skin disorders including prurigo, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. The skin cancer, malignant melanoma, has also been treated using this method.

Abstract: An adhesive agent for application to human or animal skin, preferably for use in connection with ostomy or incontinence appliances, comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive and optionally additives conventionally used in adhesives of this kind and parts of or extracts from Aloe vera. Such adhesive prevents or alleviates skin problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skin external preparation comprising a compound of the formula (1), (2), (3) or (4). wherein X represents COOH, etc., Z represents CONH2, etc. and R1 and R7 individually represent a hydrogen atom, etc. The above-described compound has excellent effects, for example, for preventing or alleviating skin aging or inhibiting hair growth.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods of stimulating an immune response against the envelope protein of HIV-1. Immunogenic compositions include a purified oligomeric structure that comprises a C-terminally truncated form of HIV-1 gp160 protein that is missing the gp41 transmembrane domain. The gp120-gp41 proteolytic processing site is retained in one form of the composition and is deleted in a different form of the composition. In one embodiment, the engineered env protein is proteolytically cleaved, but the gp120 and gp41 components of the complex remain noncovalently associated. Immunization with these compositions advantageously stimulates the production of conformation-dependent antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides an AAV vector having a foreign DNA coding for a protein that boosts immunogenicity of cells. The invention also provides a vaccine containing such a vector and the use of both.

Abstract: The invention provides ribA polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding ribA polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ribA polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: An amorphous solid dispersion of efonidipine hydrochloride having a high intestinal absorbability can be formed by subjecting a mixture containing efonidipine hydrochloride of the formula (I), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate and optionally a thermostabilizer to a step A of heat treatment at from 85 to 140° C. or mechanochemical treatment at from 0 to 140° C., and then to a step B of dipping treatment into a water-containing solution, impregnation treatment with a water-containing solution or contacting treatment with a water vapor-containing gas; or treating the above-mentioned mixture with a hot steam at from 100 to 140° C. and a high pressure. Further, in the above-mentioned step A, the mixture is subjected to high frequency heating, making it possible to give a solid dispersion of efonidipine hydrochloride having a high intestinal absorbability without using the step B. This process is quite advantageous in the production in that the use of an organic solvent is not required.

Abstract: The stable multiple emulsion of the X/O/Y type contains at least one X/O phase in which X is an oil-immiscible component and O an oil phase. The X/O phase can contains an active substance, possibly in solid form, for example for medical, cosmetic or technical applications. The Y phase can be an aqueous phase, an aqueous liquid, preferably liquid-crystalline, gel or a W/O/W emulsion and serves as carrier for the at least one X/O phase. The X/O phase is produced using an emulsifier that has an HLB value equal to or less than 6 and/or is a W/O emulsifier. The preparation of the X/O phase itself and its diffusion in the Y phase are done with standard stirring tools. The drops of the X/O phase have long-term stability and, even when greatly diluted, do not interact with the Y phase or the drops or other X/O phases dispersed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are anhydrous antiperspirant gel-solid stick compositions which comprise a particulate antiperspirant active; a solid non-polymeric gellant that is substantially free of dibenzylidene alditol, n-acyl amino acid derivatives, organic polymeric gellants, and inorganic thickening agents; and an anhydrous liquid carrier having an average solubility parameter of from about 3 to about 13 (cal/cm3)0.5 wherein the composition has a visible residue index of from about 11 to about 30 L-value, a product hardness of from about 500 gram-force to about 5,000 gram-force, a ratio of an elastic to viscous moduli of from about 0.1 to about 100. The refractive indices of the particulate antiperspirant active, solid non-polymeric gellant, and anhydrous liquid carrier are not matched. The solid non-polymeric gellant is preferably a crystalline material having an average particle size of less than about 1 &mgr;m, and/or has an elongated particle morphology having an aspect ratio of greater than about 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a stable natural pigment composition comprising combining (a)a liquid hydroalcoholic base containing a natural pigment, a UV absorber, and an antioxidant, with (b) an absorbent base containing a porous bead, and allowing the absorbent base to absorb the liquid base. The invention also relates to the natural pigments per se as well as cosmetic compositions containing them.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active biaromatic amido compounds have the structural formula (I): in which Ar is a radical selected from among those of the following formulae (a)-(e): and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: Methods and preparations for overcoming problems associated with the local application of honey are disclosed. The preparations include active ingredients of honey and a base including components selected from the group consisting of oils, gelling agents, emulsifiers and combinations thereof. Although honey is preferably used as is, the active ingredients of honey, including vitamins, sugars, enzymes, hormones, amino acids and minerals, may be extracted from honey or other natural products or synthesized. Potential applications for the present invention include topical treatments for therapeutic, cosmetic and nutritional purposes, including hair growth, hair loss prevention and wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-tanning compositions comprising an effective amount of DHA in combination with an effective amount of propolis extract. The compositions provide self-tanning compositions which can produce a tan with enhanced coloration. The self-tan produced using the compositions of the present invention is more natural looking. In another embodiment of the present invention, the compositions comprise DHA combined with caffeic acid phenethyl ester.

Abstract: A device for delivery of copper to the skin for therapeutic effect. A flexible patch is formed of a matrix material embedded or intermixed with copper particles. The matrix material is selected for its compatibility with the human skin. The patch is held in a conforming manner by a sleeve or other means to retain the patch against a targeted skin area. A contact area of the patch contains at least a portion of the copper particles, the surfaces of which are put in contact with the skin. Silicone is a preferred matrix material. The invention includes elastic braces including a copper containing patch and designed for encompassing a knee, wrist or other portion of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique process and apparatus for making a new matrix material called a shearform matrix which results in transformation of the morphology of a feedstock. The process is characterized by increasing the temperature of a nonsolubilized feedstock carrier to a point where it will undergo internal flow, followed by upwardly ejecting a stream of the feedstock and then subjecting it to disruptive fluid shear force which separates it into separate parts or masses which have a transformed morphology. The shearform matrix may include other ingredients such as oleaginous material and actives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel liquid formulations for the controlled and sustained release of insecticidally active compounds by means of a heat source and the water-based pre-solutions required for preparing these formulations.

Abstract: Methods are provided for inhibiting stenosis following vascular trauma or disease in a mammalian host, comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective dosage of a therapeutic conjugate containing a vascular smooth muscle binding protein that associates in a specific manner with a cell surface of the vascular smooth muscle cell, coupled to a therapeutic agent dosage form that inhibits a cellular activity of the muscle cell. Methods are also provided for the direct and/or targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to vascular smooth muscle cells that cause a dilation and fixation of the vascular lumen by inhibiting smooth muscle cell contraction, thereby constituting a biological stent.

Abstract: The invention features a method for generating new tissue by obtaining a liquid hydrogel-cell composition including a hydrogel and tissue precursor cells; delivering the liquid hydrogel-cell composition into a permeable, biocompatible support structure; and allowing the liquid hydrogel-cell composition to solidify within the support structure and the tissue precursor cells to grow and generate new tissue. The invention also features a tissue forming structure including a permeable, biocompatible support structure having a predetermined shape that corresponds to the shape of desired tissue; and a hydrogel-cell composition at least partially filling the support structure, wherein the hydrogel-cell composition includes a hydrogel and tissue precursor cells. The new tissue forming structure can be used in new methods to generate various tissues (e.g., to treat defective tissue) including new bone, cartilage, and nervous tissue such as spinal cord tissue. The invention also new isolated nervous system stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an iodine-containing nasal moisturizing saline solution, a method for the prevention and/or treatment of sinusitis and related conditions associated with nasal congestion, an iodine-containing mouthwash solution and a method for the prevention and/or treatment of sore throats caused by bacteria and viruses. The nasal moisturizing saline solution is made of water, sodium chloride, iodine, buffer and a preservative. The mouthwash solution is made of iodine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Lipopolyamines useful for the transfection of nucleic acid and methods of preparation thereof are disclosed. The lipopolyamines are of general formula I, in which R4 comprises at least one C10-C22 aliphatic radical.

Abstract: The efficiency of encapsulating a drug into a liposomal formulation is increased by use of a lipid having a carbon chain containing from about 13 to about 28 carbons during preparation of the liposomes. Preferably the liposomes are multivesicular liposomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides glycophospholipid and peptide-phospholipid conjugates comprising a phospholipid moiety and a saccharide or peptide moiety joined by an ether linkage comprising a secondary or tertiary amine. The conjugate structure of the invention comprises a flexible spacer arm between the phospholipid and saccharide or peptide moieties which, being variable in length, serves to optimize saccharide or peptide bioactivity. This invention further provides a method for the synthesis of such conjugates comprising the step of reductive amination. The method is efficient, economical and provides a high yield of product. Glycophospholipid and peptide-phospholipid conjugates of the invention can be incorporated and, optionally, chemically polymerized in self-assembling systems such as membranes, bilayers, films, liposomes and the like, and find utility diagnostically and therapeutically in medical and immuno-biological applications.

Abstract: A stable sustained release theophylline formulation is prepared by incorporating theophylline into a semi-solid matrix comprising polyglycolized glycerides (GELUCIRE® excipient) and a mixture of nucleation enhancers. Theophylline is admixed with molten GELUCIRE to make the sustained release formulation. The nucleation enhancer composition is then incorporated in the admixture to make the sustained release formulation resistant to changes in dissolution upon aging. Orally administrable compositions are prepared by filling gelatin capsules with the formulation. The polyglycolized glycerides (GELUCIRE) and the nucleation enhancer composition also can be used as an excipient system for preparing sustained release pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A solid preparation characteristically containing for a binder methyl cellulose whose MeO content is 27.5-31.5 wt % and whose 2 wt % aqueous solution has a viscosity of 2-12 cP at 20° C. The present invention can provide a solid preparation which has an adequate hardness and at the same time disintegrates quickly for easy absorption.

Abstract: In particular, the invention relates to a new, clearly dissolving ibuprofen effervescent formulation and a process for the preparation of this formulation. Ibuprofen or (±)2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-propionic acid has the following structural formula and has been for years a proven, non-steroidal antiphlogistic from the group of phenylpropionic acid derivatives, which shows effectiveness in veterinary experimental inflammation models by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.

Abstract: A dosage form containing cetirizine as an immediate release component and pseudoephedrine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as a controlled release component. A portion of the pseudoephedrine can also be incorporated as an immediate release component. The dosage form is free of alcohols having a molecular weight lower than 100 and reactive derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to spherical granules having a uniform grain size and a uniform density which are suitable for a controlled-release preparation, a process for producing the same, and a spherical granule preparation using the same. Specifically, the invention relates to a process for producing spherical granules comprising the steps of: wetting powder materials comprising one or more kinds of pharmaceutical substances and have a mean particle size of from 1 to 100 &mgr;m; charging the wet powder materials into a centrifugal fluidized granulating apparatus; spraying a liquid to the wet powder materials at a rate of less than 3% based on the plastic limit of the powder materials per min.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the effect of anti-tumor agents on solid tumors is provided. The method comprises administering to an individual an anti-tumor agent and a hematocrit elevator. The hematocrit elevator may be administered before or concurrently with the anti-tumor agent.

Abstract: A liquid food based on a protein hydrolysate and a method for manufacturing the liquid food. The food is manufactured by preparing a solution of a starting material containing proteins, adjusting the pH of the solution, sterilizing the solution, aseptically adding to the solution a proteolytic enzyme in an amount which is sufficient to produce the desired degree of hydrolysis, aseptically packaging the sterilized solution, and allowing the solution and enzyme to effect hydrolysis after packaging.

Abstract: A novel mineral-containing functional beverage is produced by adding weathered hermatypic coral to a water solution of an oxide or/and carbonate of an alkaline earth metal, such as calcium or magnesium. In particular, the ratio of the calcium or magnesium oxide or/and carbonate to the weathered hermatypic coral is from 0.01 to 1 part of the former to from 5 to 9.99 parts of the latter. A powdered mineral-containing functional food is produced by subjecting the water solution to spray drying or freeze drying.

Abstract: A liquid feed bottle for an infant having a body made from a container portion bonded to a teat with an orifice. The body holds a liquid feed such as milk. A cap is bonded or sealed to the body and protects the teat. A cap portion is initially detachable from the body by pulling and removing a tear strip, the cap portion thus released being subsequently securable on the body by a press fit.

Abstract: A heterogeneous edible spread having a water-in-oil composition and a varigate composition is disclosed. The water-in-oil composition and the varigate composition have humectant concentrations that result in each of the compositions having substantially the same water activity, resulting in a spread having superior appearance, taste and texture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the decontamination of agricultural products by reacting the toxins and microorganisms, contaminating the product, with ozone. The ozone is generated on site and upon demand, thus eliminating ozone waste associated with long periods of ozone storage. The systems of the invention provide efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly use of ozone for product decontamination by optimizing the delivery of ozone to the contaminated product, monitoring and controlling the pressure in the treatment systems, monitoring and controlling the heat generated during the treatment of contaminated product with ozone, and controlling ozone release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for detoxifying shellfish contaminated with paralytic toxin. Actually no industrial method has been described that is 100% effective for detoxification of shellfish containing this type of toxins. Decontamination is achieved through a process involving the chemical treatment of shellfish. This chemical treatment consists of preincubating and then cooking the shellfish in an alkaline pH solution. This treatment can be combined with one or more other procedures for the reduction of the products' final toxicity, these other procedures including, for example, partial shellfish detoxification by depuration, removal of the most toxic parts, and commercial cooking/canning of the shellfish. The process reduces total toxicity levels in shellfish to values below 80 &mgr;g of eq. STX/100 g shellfish, independently of the toxin profile, or the initial toxicity present in the shellfish.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag arrangement and packaging method for packaging bone-in cuts of meat using two bags to provide a double wall of film surrounding the cut of meat for bone puncture resistance. Both bags are bottom sealed bags formed of a heat shrink film, the inner bag has an interrupted bottom seal to provide an opening for venting air between the bags and the outer bag has a continuous bottom seal. The outer bag is longer than the inner bag so the outer bag can be closed without involving any portion of the inner bag in the closure. The bone-in cut of meat is inserted first into the first bag and then the first bag and its contents are inserted into the second bag, the bags are evacuated and then the outer bag is closed.

Abstract: To make a piece of bread, such as a croissant, an apparatus is provided to prevent a sheet of dough from being loosely rolled up, to prevent the sheet from being unevenly rolled up, and to firmly roll the sheet up. The apparatus includes a conveyor that feeds the sheet and a roll-up roller that is moveable up and down above the conveyor, so that the rotation of the roll-up roller and the feeding of the conveyor allow the sheet for bread, such as a croissant, to be firmly rolled up.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining dough blocks to form a continuous dough sheet. The dough blocks are cut from a dough mass and drop into a space between first and second groups of rollers. The first and second groups of rollers include horizontally-paired rollers arranged in tiers and forming a substantially V-shaped space for receiving the dough blocks, with the uppermost pair of rollers being separated by a first horizontal gap which is wider than a second horizontal gap separating the lowermost pair of rollers. The first group of rollers are rotated in a direction (e.g., clockwise) which is opposite to that of the second group of rollers. In addition, the first group of rollers is alternately moved toward and away from the second group of rollers, thereby applying vibrations to the dough blocks.

Abstract: Food cooking apparatus for melting cheese disposed on a food product. The cheese topped food product, for example a bun half, burger patty and cheese stack, is transferred in and out of a cooking chamber by a trolley. Entry of the trolley to the cooking chamber starts a cooking cycle. A steam generator provides pressurized steam from a location just above the cheese by a distance of up to about 2.0 inches for a short time until the cheese is melted. The trolley carries a transport medium upon which the food product is placed. A plurality of holes is disposed in the medium to remove from it any water formed by condensation. The steam generator includes a heated platen and a lid that form a steam generating chamber. Water is injected into the chamber onto the heated platen in a small enough quantity that substantially all of the water is converted to steam substantially instantaneously.

Abstract: A method for providing an expandable half-product is described comprising a starchy farinaceous material, wherein the starch molecules of the farinaceous material are unidirectionally aligned and form a matrix of randomly aligned starch molecules upon exposure to microwave radiation to form a puffed half-product having at least twice the dimensions of the unmicrowaved half-product.

Abstract: Nutritionally balanced, firm, flexible gels are prepared in shapes attractive to animals, e.g. in the shape of fish for fish-eating animals, the gels comprising: A. At least one gelling agent, e.g. a gelatin and/or a gum; B. At least one animal protein; and C. Water. The gel optionally comprises other nutritionally valuable ingredients such as various oils and fats, plant protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and the like. In one embodiment, the gel is prepared by first blending the appropriate ingredients into a homogenous mass, casting the mass into a block, and then cutting the block into the desired shapes using a patterned cutter.

Abstract: A stable composition containing milk, fruit or vegetable juice, gum-based stabilizers, and a composition containing an amino acid, an organic acid or inorganic acid, and a metal ion is disclosed. The composition is useful as a stable beverage with a pH from 3.0 to 7.0, preferably 3.0 to 4.6.

Abstract: To prepare a food product, dehydrated pregelatinized starch and a mixture of hydrated gelatinized starch, fat and water are introduced into an apparatus for mixing and cooling the same to a temperature between −8° C. and −3° C. so that a frozen mixture is obtained from the apparatus, and then the frozen mixture is cut into portions and the portions are frozen. The hydrated gelatinized starch may be prepared by treating a dehydrated pregelatinized starch in admixture with water and fat so that it hydrates and swells, or it may be obtained by heating native/raw starch in admixture with water and fat by heating to hydrate and gelatinize the starch.

Abstract: A coffee-type beverage base is prepared by light roast method under 200° C. and originated from grain and legume. This coffee substitute has a pleasant aroma, and can be used as a carrier of nutritional supplement or herb therapy as well as an additive of coffee, tea, or chocolate. This novel drink is especially suitable for individuals who suffer from conditions making them coffee intolerant, e.g., pregnancy, or those who suffer form hypoglycemia, hypertension, arrhythmia, insomnia, or gastric irritation.

Abstract: Glyceride fat which comprises a mixture of glycerides originating from seed oils which have not substantially been subjected to chemical modification, which glycerides are derived from fatty acids which comprise (a) at least 10 wt. % of C18-C24 saturated fatty acids (b) which comprise stearic and/or arachidic and/or behenic acid and/or lignoceric acid (c) oleic and/or linoleic acid, while (d) the ratio of saturated C18-acid/saturated (C20+C22+C24)-acids ≧1, preferably ≧5, more preferably ≧10, which glycerides contain calculated on total fatty acid weight (e) ≦5 wt. % of linolenic acid (f) ≦5 wt. % of trans fatty acids (g) ≦75 wt. %, preferably ≦60 wt. % of oleic acid on total fatty acids on position 2 of the glyceride molecule which glycerides contain calculated on total glycerides weight (h) ≧8 wt. % HOH+HHO triglycerides (i) ≦5 wt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing good quality low fat spreads (20-60%) more preferably in the range of 20-45% or 20-40% fat. This is achieved by the use of non gelling hydrocolloids to provide higher viscosity to the aqueous phase, however at a concentration which results in a water continuous emulsion. The emulsifier levels and types are chosen to result in a water continuous emulsion in the tank, while resulting in a fat continuous spread once hot inverted prior to cooling.

Abstract: The temperature sensitive differential of the solubilities of various isoflavone fractions is used to initially separate the fractions by heating an aqueous soy molasses or soy whey feed stream. The temperature of the feed stream is selected according to the temperature at which a desired isoflavone fraction or fractions become soluble. Then, the heated feed stream is passed through an ultrafiltration membrane or reverse osmosis in order to concentrate the solids. The resulting permeate is put through a resin adsorption process carried out in at least one liquid chromatography column to further separate the desired isoflavone fractions. Various processes are described for drying and crystallizing the isoflavone fractions to a powder. A solvent is then added to the isoflavone fraction to dissolve impurities and rehydrate the dry powder. Usually, the rehydrated isoflavone is used as an ingredient in a food ingredient or food product.