Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the immune response of a mammal to an antigen by engaging the OX-40 receptor on the surface of T-cells are disclosed, comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising a purified OX-40 receptor binding agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said composition is administered to the mammal such that the OX-40 receptor binding agent is presented to T-cells of the mammal during or shortly after priming of the T-cells by the antigen. Such compositions and methods can be used in immunization and cancer treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an incapacitant mixture comprising PAVA and a solvent, wherein the mixture capable of inducing temporary blindness in a human or animal. The mixture comprises less than 5 per cent PAVA and a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid composition for topical application, which is free of fillers, containing, in an aqueous phase, less than 20% of the total weight of the composition of a hydrophillic gelling system having the combination of at least 2% by weight of kappa-carrageenan, relative to the total weight of the composition, and at least one hydrocolloid chosen from xanthan gum and cellulose derivatives which are soluble in hot water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions primarily comprised of phospholipids, commercially known as lecithin, wherein the phospholipids form a solid mass—a liquid crystal phospholipid (LCP)—without the use of emulsifiers or other ingredients which are typically used as carriers for phospholipids. The invention also relates to the methods for making the phospholipid compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to a physical form of phospholipids and its use as a topical cosmetic skin bar, as a nutrient supplement or as a pharmaceutical dosage form if taken orally. Regardless of the exact shape of the new phospholipid composition, it comprises an amount of phospholipid equal to at least about 20% by weight of the total product. The new composition of the phospholipids appears as a solid which is produced by subjecting granular or powdered phospholipids to high levels of pressure which result in the formation of the solid phospholipid composition.

Abstract: Composition for pharmaceutical or cosmetic use, capable of providing enhanced bioavailability when ingested, comprising at least a pharmaceutical active ingredient, a lipophilic phase consisting of a mixture of fatty acid esters and glycerides, a surfactant (SA), and a cosurfactant (CoSA). The lipophilic phase consists of a mixture of C8 to C18 polyglycolized glycerides having hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of less than 16, this lipophilic phase representing from 32 to 75% of the total weight of the composition. The surfactant (SA) is chosen from the group comprising saturated C8-C10 polyglycolized glycerides and oleic esters of polyglycerol, this surfactant having an HLB of less than 16. The cosurfactant (CoSA) is chosen from the group comprising lauric esters of propylene glycol, oleic esters of polyglycerol and ethyl diglycol. The SA/CoSA ratio is between 0.5 and 6 and the hydrophilic phase of the final microemulsion is supplied after ingestion by the physiological fluid of the digestive milieu.

Abstract: A class of water insoluble iodophors comprising complexes of iodine with various nylons such as nylon-4,6, nylon-6, nylon-6,6 or other polyamides is disclosed. These nylons complexed with iodine can be made in various forms such as powders, pellets, molded objects, granules, films, monofilaments, and either non-woven or woven fabrics. These nylon based iodophors and other water insoluble iodophors herein disclosed can find product applications in the fields of air treatment, water treatment, public hygiene and medicine.

Abstract: A novel polyurethane based prepolymer useful in biomedical devices which provides high oxygen permeability and superior physical properties.

Abstract: Fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) has been shown, in double-blinded controlled clinical trials on patients with sickle cell anemia, to substantially reduce the pain suffered by such patients during the recurrent ischemic crises that are caused by red blood cell sickling. Tests on patients who have been hospitalized for such crises demonstrated that when they received an intravenous injection of FDP, they reported substantially lower pain levels during their hospital stays than control groups that received identical treatment without any FDP. Apparently, FDP has never previously been used or even tested in human clinical trials, to treat sickle cell anemia. In addition, FDP has never previously been reported to have any analgesic (pain-reducing) activity.

Abstract: A controlled release system for multiphasic, in vivo release of therapeutic amounts of botulinum toxin in a human patient over a prolonged period of time. The controlled release system can comprise a plurality of botulinum toxin incorporating polymeric microspheres.

Abstract: Seaweed supplement is included in diet of mammals and poultry to enhance immune response. In one embodiment, pasture forage is treated with seaweed supplement. When cattle or lambs are grazed on seaweed supplement treated endophyte-infected forage, immune function is preserved or depressed immune function is reversed. The enhanced immune function continues to the feedlot finishing phase even though no seaweed supplement is fed in that phase. In an independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to pigs exposed to PRRS disease to impart resistance to said disease and improve performance. In still another independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to lactating mares prior to weaning to mitigate the stress of weaning.

Abstract: A feed additive for ruminants, comprising dried glutamic acid fermentation solubles, dried corn fermentation solubles, or a mixture of dried glutamic acid fermentation solubles and dried corn fermentation solubles, wherein said dried solubles have been dried to a total moisture content of less than 30% by weight at a temperature not less than about 80° F. and not more than about 900° F.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical and/or food composition comprising a suitable pharmaceutical and/or food vehicle and a heat shock protein and at least conformation or sequential epitopes of an antigenic structure inducing a graft versus host, an allergic or autoimmune reaction.

Abstract: Improved bioavailability method of one or more of certain pharmaceutically active compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, or combinations thereof that include administering a non-toxic, therapeutically effective amount of the compounds combined with at least one cyclodextrin to a mammal in need of treatment of gastric acid related diseases.

Abstract: Improved polymeric devices are disclosed which slowly and gradually release drugs or other chemicals, for use as wound dressings that gradually release antibiotics, analgesics, or other useful drugs directly onto the surfaces of wounds. These polymers also provide other sustained-release devices, such as capsules that will gradually release a drug the entire time they remain in the digestive system, until the inert polymer is excreted in feces. These devices are created by reacting: (1) a hydrophilic polymer such as poly(2-hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate); (2) a solvent such as polyethylene glycol; (3) a plasticizing agent that promotes hydrogen bonding, such as dimethylsulfoxide in a quantity which is substantially reduced compared to prior formulations; and (4) the drug or chemical that is to be slowly released by the final device. The quantity of DMSO has been reduced from about 5%, in previously-known polymer systems, to about 0.1% in these improved devices.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for rejuvenating the appearance of skin with reduced or minimal potential for skin irritation, in the form of a lotion, creme, solution or gel, or applied onto a carrier, includes about 0.5 to 50 wt. % in an aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic solution of a solvent-free, high molecular weight terpolymer of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride-isobutylene, said composition having a pH of 1.5 to 5.

Abstract: Transdermal drug delivery compositions comprising pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres that contain a softening agent and/or a drug. Typically the microspheres contain at least 10 wt-% of a softening agent. The drug and/or softening agent can be incorporated into the microspheres during or after their formation.

Abstract: The invention includes a patch and method for transdermal delivery of bupropion base. In the method of this invention, a patient is administered a bupropion base in an amount effective to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and to prevent or reduce craving of nicotine in said patient. Alternatively, an effective amount of bupropion base is delivered to alleviate depression in a patient or to treat obesity. A transdermal patch includes a bupropion base. The bupropion base can be mixed with an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier.

Abstract: An improved method of treatment for anxiety and/or depression provides a quicker and more robust anxiolytic/antidepressant activity to a patient suffering from depression. The method comprises the concurrent administration of effective doses of certain azapirones, such as buspirone, given in a manner that suppresses formation of the 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine metabolite; and a 5-HT1A autosomal receptor antagonist, such as pindolol.

Abstract: A vaccine comprising a liposome preparation including at least one B-cell malignancy-associated antigen, IL-2, alone or in combination with at least one other cytokine, and at least one type of lipid molecule, is useful in a method of inducing humoral and cellular immune responses against malignant B-cells in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating atherosclerosis. The compositions comprise unilamellar liposomes having an average diameter of 100-150 nanometers. Methods for treating atherosclerosis employing the compositions of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), preferably rhSOD, is used in liposomes, optionally mixed with hyaluronic acid and/or at least one physiologically acceptable carrier, and other optional additives, to prepare a pharmaceutical composition useful against increased concentrations of superoxide radicals and/or the damage caused thereby. The compositions are administered topically, preferably as gels or ointments, to prevent and/or heal human fibrotic tissue degeneration diseases, in particular induratio penis plastica (Peyronie's Disease).

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions which provide high bioavailability of the active ingredients from the group of cyclosporin, at the same time permitting concentrations in dosage forms higher than 10%.

Abstract: The present invention describes a two-stage pharmaceutical combined preparation for hormonal contraception containing at least 30 daily unit doses, which preparation, in its first stage, comprises as hormonal active ingredient a combination of an oestrogen preparation and, in a dose that is at least sufficient to inhibit ovulation, a gestagen preparation, in single stage form and, in the second stage comprises as hormonal active ingredient an oestrogen preparation only, wherein the first stage comprises a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 77 daily discrete or continuous unit doses and the second stage comprises 5, 6 or 7 daily discrete or continuous unit doses, and wherein the total number of daily units is equal to the total number of days of the desired cycle of a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 84 days.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations, in oral unit dosage forms, have one or more active ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, or combinations thereof combined with at least one cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel sustained release composition and method for making such a composition of diclofenac and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The composition of the present invention provides a sustained release formulation of diclofenac and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which is suitable for once daily administration and provides controlled and long lasting in vivo release. The composition comprises: (a) about 5-25% by weight of hydroxyethyl cellulose; (b) about 5-75% by weight of lactose; (c) about 0-3% by weight of silicone dioxide; (d) about 0.5-5% by weight of PVP; (e) about <3% by weight of talc; and f) about <3% by weight of magnesium stearate.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to two-part polymer compositions that rapidly form covalent linkages when mixed together. Such compositions are particularly well suited for use in a variety of tissue related applications when rapid adhesion to the tissue and gel formation is desired. In particular, they are useful as tissue sealants, in promoting hemostasis, for drug delivery, in effecting tissue adhesion, in providing tissue augmentation, and in the prevention of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A gastric remaining preparation having a configuration entirely different from that of the conventional ones. It comprises a swollen molding having a mesh-like cross-section and an apparent density of less than 1, containing an acid-resistant polymer compound as a predominant component as well as at least an auxiliary blowing agent and a drug substance. The molding can be produced by using a multi-screw extruder.

Abstract: Synthetic polymer-based carrier vehicles for delivery of nucleic acid material to target cells in biological systems are made by self-assembly of the nucleic acid with cationic polymer material so as to condense the nucleic acid and form a polyelectrolyte complex and reacting the complex with hydrophilic polymer material which bonds to the complex forming a hydrophilic coating that stabilizes the complex and provides an outer protective steric shield. The carrier vehicles are useful for gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a sustained release drug delivery system which comprises a core of active ingredient, an enteric coating, a second coating of active ingredient and lastly a readily gastric-soluble protective coating. In another embodiment, the sustained release drug delivery system comprises a core of active ingredient, an enteric coating; a second coating of active ingredient; a second enteric coating and a third coating of active ingredient The sustained release dosage form of this invention is useful for pharmaceutically active ingredients that have limited aqueous solubility, especially phenytoin sodium, and other pH dependent soluble drugs.

Abstract: A rapidly dispersible powder having use as a laxative and fiber supplement, comprising psyllium particles coated with gum arabic. The present invention also includes a method for making the powder that includes providing an effective quantity of gum arabic to a fluidized bed having the psyllium particles to make the rapidly dispersible powder. The present invention further includes a method for making a constipation treatment and a treatment for fiber supplementation.

Abstract: A composition for inducing or potentiating an immune response, preferably a CTL, T helper cell, or neutralizing antibody response in a subject, comprising an antigen and/or a non-antigen bioactive agent capable of inducing or potentiating such an immune response encapsulated in a polymeric composition, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a blend of (a) a polymer present in an amount sufficient to provide structural integrity to the polymeric composition, and (b) a rapidly biodegradable component, a rapidly dissolving component, a rapidly swelling component, or a component that causes osmotic rupture of the encapsulated polymeric composition is disclosed. Single polymer compositions for achieving such an immune response are also disclosed. Methods for inducing or potentiating a CTL, T helper cell or neutralizing antibody response using the above-identified compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Copolymers designed for use as particulate carriers containing functionalizable amino acid subunits for coupling with targeting ligand are described. The copolymers are polyesters composed of &agr;-hydroxy acid subunits such as D,L-lactide and &agr;-amino acid subunits such as serine or in the preferred embodiment, terpolymers of D,L-lactide and glycolide and &agr;-amino acid subunits such as serine. Stable vaccine preparations useful as delayed release formulations containing antigen(s) or antigen(s) and co-adjuvants encapsulated within or physically mixed with polymeric microparticles are described. The particulate carriers are useful for delivering agents to the immune system of a subject by mucosal or parenteral routes to produce immune responses, including antibody responses.

Abstract: Ice crystal growth inhibiting agents and process for preparing an extract of these agents in which Zoarces viviparus blood is extracted, it is cooled, the supernatant constituting the Zoarces viviparus serum containing the ice crystal growth inhibiting agents is collected, and then the supernatant is frozen. The present invention also relates to a process for using these agents for the manufacture of a food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, the composite comprising an oxidized glutathione-based compound, which has a disulfide bond, and a metal material, in particular where the metal is either platinum or palladium. The oxidized glutathione-based compound and metal material can be present in a ratio of 3000 to 1 and preferably 1000 to 1. The oxidized glutathione-based compound can be oxidized glutathione itself or salts or derivatives. A feature of the invention is that the composite has a more stabilized disulfide bond than the oxidized glutathione-based compound itself. Methods for preparing the composite are provided, such methods being beneficial in that the composite is provided in high yields and at high purity. Methods for treating various medical conditions with the composites of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a method for the removal of all types of human and animal skin warts using a technique of cauterization wherein slaked lime is applied to wart and then the surface of wart is scratched by using the stem of betel leaf.

Abstract: An herbal composition is used to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with migraines and other types of headaches. The preferred herbal composition includes white willow bark extract, kava kava root extract, feverfew extract, ginger root extract, Guarana extract, and Vitamin B6. The herbal composition may be combined with liposomes to carry the composition. The result is an herbal composition that can be applied sublingually for rapid, effective pain relief.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells by administering an extract of Melothria indica Lou to the cancer cells. The invention also includes a method of using an extract of Melothria indica Lou to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by administering the extract to the cancer cells. The cancer cells can be leukemia cells and prostate cancer cells. Further included in the invention is a method for purifying the Melothria indica Lou into an extract used for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.

Abstract: A process of producing an azadirachtin-rich aqueous solution is disclosed which comprises de-oiling by pressing whole or ground neem seeds to remove a first proportion of the oil content; extracting the de-oiled neem seeds with a polar organic solvent in which the azadirachtin is soluble but in which polysaccharides and proteins are not substantially soluble; partitioning the organic solvent solution against water to form an aqueous solution of azadirachtin and the remaining oil; and separating the remaining oil from the azadirachtin-rich aqueous solution. Additional steps of the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A processed egg product obtained by partially hydrolyzing, with a use of protease, the yolk to which a saccharide and lysophospholipids have been added. A method for producing a processed egg product, comprising the step of partially hydrolyzing yolk containing 1 to 30% of a saccharide based on the weight of the yolk and 3 to 20% of lysophospholipids based on the weight of the yolk with 0.01 to 0.3% of a protease based on the weight of the yolk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for applying electrostatically charged particles of an edible coating material to a surface of a food product to be coated, incorporates a fluidizing hopper for containing the material. The hopper includes an agitating system including an agitator blade and lifting blades to stir and lift the material while air is forced through a microporous fluidizing plate into the material. The fluidized material is withdrawn from the hopper through a venturi pump and supplied to an application gun. The application gun includes a corona discharge through which the fluidized material is forced to create charged particles of the fluidized material. The fluidized particles are directed to a food product item to be coated. The quantity of coating material is predetermined and is precisely controlled by shutting off the air pressure supply to the venturi pump to avoid excessive overspray of the particles.

Abstract: An improved ingredient and method of provides a bread dough with an acid environment conducive to preserving a baked good prior to baking without deleteriously affecting the bread dough prior to baking.

Abstract: Packaging such as a blockbase sack (201) suitable for packing of particulate material has an inner bag having two layers of polyethylene, surrounded by an outer bag (201) having three layers of polyethylene. Each bag has a closed bottom and has an open top (208) prior to filling. After filling of the inner bag, the inner bag is closed by a first heat seal along zone (205) in a heat-sealing operation, which can be performed through the outer bag (201) in such a way that the outer bag (201) is not heat sealed to the inner bag at that point. The outer bag (201) is closed by a second seal (207) located between the first seal (205) and the top of the bag (208). A frangible zone (206) is located between the first (205) and second (207) heat seals to enable the outer bag (201) to be removed from the sealed inner bag by cutting or tearing along the frangible zone (206).

Abstract: A ready-for-use cookie dough which can be preserved in the refrigerator and which is prepared from flour, sugar, baking powder and fat, containing between about 0.3 and 1.5% baking powder and provided in a precut form or in a form with grooves. Preferably, the dough is provided with score lines or grooves that define equally sized portions that can be broken off or pulled apart and then baked to form individual cookies. In addition, the block can be formed of different dough layers or strips, or each portion can be provided with a different color, stamping, decoration or filling. If desired, the portions can be of different configurations or shapes.

Abstract: A process for microwave heating a pre-packaged frozen entree so that the heated pre-packaged frozen entree exhibits improved taste or appearance characteristics. The process includes providing the pre-packaged frozen entree in a container. The frozen entree has at least two food components. Each of the food components is discretely and loosely frozen. One of the food components is removed from the container. The food components that remain in the container are heated with microwave radiation for a first selected time interval. The food components are replaced into the container and another one of the food components is removed from the container. The food components that remain in the container are heated with microwave radiation for a second selected time interval. Each of the components is heated to a selected degree so that each of the food components does not experience a decrease in taste or appearance characteristics that would result from over-heating.

Abstract: A process for drying antioxidant-rich berries (such as blueberries) to preserve their antioxidant action and their antioxidant compounds is disclosed. The process may conventionally dry the antioxidant-rich berries to remove 0 to 90% of the initial mass of water associated with them, but the important step is subjecting the antioxidant-rich berries to vacuum microwave drying (VMD) at an absolute pressure of 0 to 200 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) (preferably 30 to 60 mm Hg) and 0.1 to 2 watts of microwave power/gram of berries (preferably 0.

Abstract: A dual texture pet or animal food product having inner and outer components. The soft inner component contains a mixture of lipid and solid ingredients and has a water activity, aw, less than about 0.65 and a total moisture content less than about 15 wt %. The outer component is a cereal based shell containing at least one ingredient comprising a carbohydrate, fat, protein or combination thereof, the shell component having a total moisture content less than about 20 wt %. The shell component completely surrounds the soft inner component and is formed by the co-extrusion of the soft inner component within the shell component to form one dual component pet or animal food product.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared by steam cooking raw potato pieces, mashimg, drying and comminuting into flakes. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

Abstract: The invention concerns in general a method for the extraction of fruit juice concentrate, to produce a higher yield of fruit juice than that achieved by known methods. For this purpose juice is first extracted from the fruits in a juice extraction unit (1), producing a mixture of pulp and fruit juice. This mixture of pulp and fruit juice is then divided into pulp and primary juice (2). This pulp is then separated into pulp residues and secondary juice (7). The secondary juice is then pasteurised (8) and mixed with the primary juice.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing a corrugated pasta sheet, facilitating the adherence of the sauce to the surface, in which the pasta sheet is obtained by forcibly extruding the dough through a slot in a die plate, comprising the stages during which at least one surface of the sheet is crimped repeatedly using at least one raised arm-type flexible, elasticized blade whose free end comes into contact with the sheet. The blade is inflected reciprocally by the dragging action exerted on it by the sheet as it passes through the slot and by the returning action produced by its elastic properties. An apparatus putting into operation the method described above also forms part of the invention.

Abstract: Cooked-extruded-expanded sweet snack having a porous texture, a low specific weight and a biscuit and caramel flavor. The snack includes non-fat milk solids, an oil or fat, hydrolyzed amylaceous material having a DE of from 5 to 45, and optionally, non hydrolyzed amylaceous material, a sugar or a phosphate. The snack has a diameter of 10 to 20 mm, a length of 30 to 100 mm, or both, and can be coated with a chocolate or sugar coatings.