Abstract: Anhydrous formulations are formed of a diblock copolymer (X-Y) having a hydrophilic block X comprising residues of monomer x, and a hydrophobic block Y comprising residues of monomer y; an additive selected from a polymer and an organic solvent, where the solvent is water-miscible and biocompatible, and the polymer is hydrophobic or hydrophilic and comprises residues of monomers x and/or y, the polymer optionally having a molecular weight that is less than the molecular weight of the diblock copolymer; and a drug. Upon admixture with water, the anhydrous formulations form drug delivery vehicles, preferably in micellar form. The inclusion of polymer and/or organic solvent provides for the formation of micelles at an enhanced rate, and/or provides the formation of micelles having an enhanced ability to incorporate drug(s), and/or provides the formation of micelles having advantageous physical characteristics, e.g., advantageous viscosity and/or melting point.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprise a low-solubility drug adsorbed onto a high surface area substrate to form an adsorbate. The compositions in some embodiments include a concentration-enhancing polymer.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprised of low-solubility and/or acid-sensitive drugs and neutralized acidic polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved edible films for mucoadhesion are provided. The films include at least three types film forming agents other than pullulan, such as maltodextrins, hydrocolloids and fillers. Preferably, the maltodextrin has a dextrose equivalent of less than 20. Medicaments and other additive agents can also be incorporated into the edible films. In this regard, the edible films can be utilized to deliver or release the medicaments into an oral cavity, thereby providing effective oral treatment with respect to, for example, oral cleansing and breath freshening.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: Hypnotic pharmaceutical compositions are made from pellets and exhibit a modified release. Zolpidem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is a typical hypnotic. The pellets are preferably spherical and exhibit a dissolution profile that includes 60% of the hypnotic agent being release from the pellet not earlier than 5 minutes from the start of a specified in vitro dissolution test. Although the modified release profile can include 50% of the hypnotic agent being released not earlier than 15 minutes after the start of the dissolution test, the pellet preferably does not contain a release rate controlling excipient or coating. Instead, microcrystalline cellulose and the active constitute the majority of the pellet, e.g. 90% or more. Spherical pellets are also made by a convenient method that is applicable to any pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing chemical compounds, particularly pharmaceutical agents, using nanoparticulate compositions are described. The nanoparticulate compositions comprise a chemical compound, such as a pharmaceutical agent, and at least one surface stabilizer. The component chemical compound exhibits chemical stability, even following prolonged storage, repeated freezing-thawing cycles, exposure to elevated temperatures, or exposure to non-physiological pH conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel thixotropic oily vehicle comprising between about 0.2% to about 5% (w/w) of a colloidal silica and between about 0.2% to about 5% (w/w) of a hydrophilic polymer in an edible oil. The interaction between the hydrophylic polymer and the colloidal silica in the above concentration ranges confers thixotropy and a low viscosity under shear on the solution. The invention also relates to capsules filled with the above thixotropic solution used as a fill mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel drug delivery technology. More particularly the invention relates to a method of delivering at least one therapeutic compound or a formulation comprising the at least one therapeutic compound to a patient; to a throwaway or reusable device for delivering at least one therapeutic compound or a formulation comprising the at least one therapeutic compound to a patient in a manner as set out by the method; to a pioneer projectile for use in said method; to formulations for use in said method and to an injectate comprising a pioneer projectile and formulation. It also relates to a disposable component containing either a pioneer projectile or an injectate. The invention also relates to a throwaway or reusable device for delivering at least one therapeutic compound, or a formulation comprising the at least one therapeutic compound (hereafter drug) to a patient, and a method for administering a drug to a patient using said device.

Abstract: Particulate crystalline therapeutic substances are formulated with stabilizers to enhance contact between the crystalline therapeutic substances and the mucosal membranes to provide extended therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more antimicrobial metals, most preferably silver, preferably formed with atomic disorder, and preferably in a nanocrystalline form, for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. The nanocrystalline antimicrobial metal of choice may be used in the form of a nanocrystalline coating of one or more antimicrobial metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial metals, or a solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial metals.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating viral infection with an herbal composition comprising an active ingredient from herbs of at least one species selected from genus Isatis and the genus Baphicacanthus; formulating the extract into a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation; and administering said formulation to a mammal suffering viral infection. This invention also provides for a method of treating viral infection with an herbal composition wherein the formulation is in the form of a powder, syrup, tea, tincture, injection, topical solution, capsule, pill, granule, tablet, nebula, suppository or microcapsule.

Abstract: A composition for increasing the presence of glutathione in cells and for treating or preventing impaired liver function. The composition includes a precursor of gluthathione, and enhancer of glutathione biosynthesis, and a third component which is a lignan or the third component is a combination of an enhancer of gluthathione regeneration and an enhancer of glutathione-mediated conjugation. The precursor of gluthathione is cysteine or is a functional equivalent of cysteine which yields cysteine when administered to a mammal undergoing treatment.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide perfumes that is effective on physiologically manifested stresses and the perfume compositions comprising the same that is effective on stress reduction. The invention provides the stress relieving perfumes wherein the active component is valerian oil, especially fatty acid-removed valerian oil, and stress relieving perfume compositions containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved extract of Scutellaria lateriflora, a method of preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical composition prepared from the present extract suitable for treating anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, muscle tension and spasm, and related manifestations and disorders in humans and other mammals. The invention also relates to an improved method of treating anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, muscle tension and spasm, and related manifestations and disorders in humans and other mammals by administering the improved extract of Scutellaria lateriflora.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for inducing smoking cessation comprising as active ingredient alkaloids from Radix ipecauanhae. In smoking cessation program using the composition, the considerable number of volunteers participated in the program became nausea and thus ultimately to have no craving for smoking.

Abstract: The invention provides novel saponin mixtures and compounds which are isolated from the species Acacia victoriae and methods for their use. These compounds may contain a triterpene moiety, such as acacic or oleanolic acid, to which oligosaccharides and monoterpenoid moieties are attached. The mixtures and compounds have properties related to the regulation of apoptosis and cytotoxicity of cells and exhibit potent anti-tumor effects against a variety of tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods of monitoring the proliferation of cultured prostate cancer cells in the presence of silymarin, methods of treating an individual with prostate cancer or at risk of developing prostate cancer, and methods of reducing the risk of recurrence of prostate cancer in an individual who had previously been treated for prostate cancer. Methods of the invention further include treating an individual with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with silymarin as well as methods of screening for compounds that inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The invention provides for compositions and articles of manufacture containing silymarin in particular formulations, and silymarin with a second compound that also exerts an effect on the androgen receptor.

Abstract: A composition is obtained from Banyan tree bark that has insulin antisecretory and cytotoxic properties. The composition can be useful in treating conditions characterized by hyperinsulinism including insulinoma and infant hyperinsulinism.

Abstract: Method for obtaining tannin by extracting plant resources with mangrove, acacia, pine, eucalyptus, oak, hemlock and the like with lower alcohol or lower alcohol/water, or extracting outer bark of radiata pine (Pinus radiata) with water, lower alcohol or lower alcohol/water, and an adhesive containing said extracted substance for adhering woody materials such as veneer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an enzymatic method for making oenological tannins starting with lumps of wood and an enzymatic method for transforming tannins into tannins for wine-making purposes. The inventive method comprises a step which consists in contacting the lumps of wood or tannins with an aqueous solution comprising a composition containing enzymes of the cellulase class. The invention also concerns an enzymatic composition mainly consisting of enzyme of the cellulase class for making oenological tannins, comprising an endocellulase activity, a xylanase activity a &bgr;-mannanase and/or &agr;-amylase activity.

Abstract: A composition including an extract of buckwheat seed and a fractionation product of the extract of buckwheat seed useful for the prevention and therapy of aging is disclosed. The composition prevents, treats and improves aging phenomena such as the symptoms of Alzheimer's syndrome and pathological lesions of the brain. Further, the composition activates and improves the function of a brain including the ability to learn, memorize, and think, as well as providing other physiological benefits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Vitex agnus castus extract wherein the extract is obtained by extracting dried and pulverized fruits of the plant Vitex agnus castus with a 90-100% ethanol solvent, separating the extraction solution from the rest of the plant material, removing the solvent from the extraction solution and recovering the extract. The present invention also provides for a dietary supplement comprising a Vitex agnus castus extract having a linoleic acid content of at least ten weight percent by the composition and a calcium source and the use of the extract and dietary supplement to treat conditions particularly affecting women.

Abstract: An injection apparatus includes an injection frame; a cylinder member attached to the injection frame; an injection member disposed within the cylinder member such that the same can rotate and can advance and retreat; a rotary slide member attached to the injection member; a stator attached to the injection frame, and a rotor disposed radially inward of the stator to be rotatable relative to the stator. The rotor includes a hollow, cylindrical member disposed radially outward of the rotary slide member and movably relative to the rotary slide member, and a magnet attached to the cylindrical member. In this case, the rotor has a cylindrical member and a magnet and can transmit generated rotation directly to the rotary slide member. Therefore, a transmission mechanism which consists of an output gear, a counter drive gear, a counter driven gear, a rotary member, etc. becomes unnecessary; and generation of noise due to meshing engagement of gears and other components can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device used for vulcanising or cross-linking under pressure and increased temperature shaped bodies that consist especially of rubber mixtures. According to the invention the shaped body is first dipped into a bed of fine-grained pourable or free-flowing bulk material with the sections to be vulcanised and the bulk material is brought into evenly tight contact with the surfaces of the shaped body while the bulk material is pressurised and brought to the elevated temperature at least in the region adjoining the section of the shaped body to be vulcanised.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A pair of frame members are connected in laterally spaced, parallel relation; and, when mounted on a molding machine, the frames extend perpendicularly to the centerline of the machine's mandrels. A major center portion of each frame is excised to provide a pair of aligned window-like openings surrounded by perimetric portions of the frames. Actuators are secured between the spaced frame members and have extensible piston rods attached to mold segments for advancing and retracting the same within the openings. Movement of a machine platen occurs along an axis which penetrates the openings; and, piston rod movement is generally normal to movement of the platen.

Abstract: A tablet press machine (100) comprises: a hopper (1) for feeding a powder or granular product (2) to a first disc (3a) that rotates about an axis (X) and is equipped with evenly distributed holes or dies (3); a second and third disc (4, 6) that are positioned above and below the first disc (3a), respectively, rotate about the axis (X) and support respective pluralities of upper and lower reciprocating punches (5, 7). The punches (5, 7) are driven towards and away from each other when they are aligned with the dies (3) in such a way as to compress the product (2). Each of the punches (5, 7) comprises a cylindrical shank (8), one end of which is equipped with a working head (10) and sealed protection means (11) acting on the cylindrical shank (8) itself.

Abstract: An assembly for the compression molding of articles made of plastic material, composed of a main male plug and a complementary male plug which comprise a stem, actuated by an actuation element with a spindle guided in a tubular tang provided with a molding head cooperating with the main male plug; a first spring, arranged on the spindle acting between a collar of the spindle and the tubular tang; a second spring, arranged on the spindle acting on the collar or on the end of the tang that lies opposite the molding head, to determine an inactive molding step of the complementary male plug, a compression step, and a reduced compression step.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for an extruder for producing plastic profiles which is provided for the purpose of being disposed between an extrusion cylinder and an extrusion die, with the basic body of the adapter comprising a flow channel which is delimited at one outer side by a wall surface of the basic body and at one inner side by a deflection body which is rigidly connected with the basic body. A careful homogenization of the melt can be achieved in such a way that the deflection body is provided with a substantially spherical arrangement and is exclusively held by a holding pin which is situated downstream and is connected via bridges with the adapter.

Abstract: A device for releasing and removing flexible synthetic material elements from a molding surface, comprising a molding surface on which the elements are arranged, a unit for gripping the elements that can be actuated from a lower position, in which it is in contact with the element, to an upper position, the grip unit comprising a tubular body that has a vertical axis and, in a downward region, an edge for compressing, in the lower position, the peripheral region of the element onto the molding surface, forming thereat a region that forms a seal with the surface, the molding surface being provided with a blower for conveying a stream of air under the element in order to release it from the molding surface.

Abstract: A feeding system (10) for epoxy mould compound (EMC) pellets which has a supply bowl (12) situated outside the clean environment (24) of a conventional automatic moulding machine (26). A tube (16) extends from the supply bowl (12) to a buffer hopper (14) within the clean environment and which is located above the feeder bowl (28) of the automatic moulding machine (26). EMC pellets are transported through the tube (16) from the supply bowl (12) into the buffer hopper (14) via a vacuum suction system (34), (36) which is connected to the tube (16) in proximity to the buffer hopper (14). A counter air flow may be provided to slow the speed of the pellets as they enter the buffer hopper. Batches of the pellets accumulated in the buffer hopper (14) are periodically released into the feeder bowl (28) of the automatic moulding machine (26). The vacuum transportation system reduces dust from the pellets.

Abstract: The method of the invention produces modified milk protein concentrates using cation exchange to replace divalent ions with monovalent ions. The modified milk protein concentrate produced may be converted into a gel which may be a cheese-like product itself, or used to make end products such as cheeses, cheese-like products, savory products, desserts, confectionary products and intermediate food products.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved process for making a cheese product using transglutaminase. The method comprises the steps of providing a dairy liquid, crosslinking and curding the dairy liquid by adding an acidifying agent and a transglutaminase to the dairy liquid under conditions sufficient to crosslink at least a portion of proteins in the dairy liquid to provide both a curd comprising a crosslinked dairy liquid and a liquid whey, cutting and cooking the curd, separating the curd from the liquid whey, and collecting the curd. Many specific embodiments are provided. Additionally, the current invention provides a product made by the process. The cheese products, especially soft cheeses such cream cheese and cottage cheese, exhibit less syneresis than similar cheeses prepared by conventional methods.

Abstract: A process for extracting carotenoids from a carotenoid-containing starting material produced by microorganisms is described. Said starting material is admixed with edible solvent to effectuate the transfer of carotenoids. Separation of the carotenoid-enriched edible solvent is improved by the formation of a “cake”, composed of said carotenoid-containing particulate solids, and, as required, a certain quantity of suitable filtration aid to modify the cake's consistency. Mechanical aids accelerate the separation of the carotenoid-enriched edible solvent. Said mixture may be hydrated to aid the removal of solids and gums from the carotenoid containing edible solvent. The carotenoid-enriched edible solvent is filtered though said cake to reduce the particulate load including any undesirable microbial load. A counter-current process increases the carotenoid concentration of the extract.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a laminated edible product such as a candy product. This apparatus includes a support capable of movement; a coaxial die assembly for depositing one or more layers of a fluid material onto the support; a die holder, for supporting the coaxial die assembly and being positioned above the support; and one or more drive assemblies for providing oscillating movement between the coaxial die and the support.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modified atmosphere package comprises supplying a first package including a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen. A retail cut of raw meat is placed within the first package and the first package is sealed. A second package substantially impermeable to oxygen is supplied. The first package is covered with the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. A mixture of gases is supplied into the pocket. The gas mixture comprises from about 0.1 to about 0.8 vol. % carbon monoxide and at least one other gas to form a low oxygen environment so as to form carboxymyoglobin on a surface of the raw meat. The oxygen is removed from the pocket so as to sufficiently reduce an oxygen level therein so as to inhibit or prevent the formation of metmyoglobin on the surface of the raw meat. The second package is sealed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modified atmosphere package comprises supplying a first package including a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen. A retail cut of raw meat is placed within the first package and the first package is sealed. A second package substantially impermeable to oxygen is supplied The first package is covered with the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. A mixture of gases is supplied into the pocket. The gas mixture comprises from about 0 01 to about 0 8 vol % carbon monoxide and at least one other gas to form a low oxygen environment so as to form carboxymyoglobin on a surface of the raw meat.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modified atmosphere package comprises supplying a first package including a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen. A retail cut of raw meat is placed within the first package and the first package is sealed. A second package substantially impermeable to oxygen is supplied. The first package is covered with the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. A mixture of gases is supplied into the pocket. The gas mixture comprises from about 0.1 to about 0.8 vol. % carbon monoxide and at least one other gas to form a low oxygen environment so as to form carboxymyoglobin on a surface of the raw meat. The oxygen is removed from the pocket so as to sufficiently reduce an oxygen level therein so as to inhibit or prevent the formation of metmyoglobin on the surface of the raw meat. The second package is sealed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the replacement of collagen or cellulose casings and food wrappings with a porous, permeable, absorbent paper or cellophane containing peeling aid and optionally liquid smoke or another food colorant or flavorant in order to deliver color and/or flavor to the encased food.

Abstract: An in-shell egg pasteurization system configured to pasteurize and handle eggs includes a loading system configured to accept and load an in-shell egg. The system also includes a microwave system configured to impart microwave energy to the yolk of the in-shell egg to heat the yolk to a first predetermined temperature and to impart microwave energy to the albumen of the in-shell egg to heat the albumen to a second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Finings comprising a silica sol which is added to beer during the lagering process have at least two peaks in the particle size distribution curve of the colloidal particles of said silica sol, of which particle diameters Dp and Dq are in the range of 20 nm Dp 40 nm and 150 nm Dq 600 nm, respectively.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for a food container which includes an inner member (which can be a cup or a bottle) for holding a particulate food; an outer member (which can be a second cup or a second bottle) adapted to receive the inner member, with a space between the inner and the outer members, for a liquid food; where the inner member interlocks with the outer member and openings are provided for the discharge of the liquid food; and the particulate food and the liquid food can be consumed simultaneously by tilting the container towards the mouth of the user to discharge or withdraw particulate food from the inner member and liquid food from the outer member through the aperture.

Abstract: An ultra-high temperature pasteurized liquid (UHT) milk concentrate provides a reconstituted milk beverage that tastes like fresh milk. A direct steam injection process is used to form the UHT milk concentrate having at least about 30% by weight, preferably 35% to 45% by weight, nonfat milk solids having a shelf stability of at least 30 days. The UHT milk concentrate is homogenized and aseptically packaged for subsequent mixing in conventional beverage dispensers with water at volume ratios of about 3:1 to 4:1 of water to concentrate to make a beverage that tastes like fresh milk.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low calorie, palatable fiber-containing, sugar substitute composition suitable for use as a substitute for table sugar (for use on cereals, fruits, in hot or iced tea and coffee, etc.) and in the preparation of baked foods and other prepared solid and semi-solid foods.

Abstract: A process for producing a vegetable food which is alternative to meat, which process consists of the steps of providing a mixture consisting essentially of 45 to 99.9% by weight of gluten and 0.1 to 55% by weight of a flour selected from the group consisting of cereal flours, legume flours and mixtures thereof, admixing said mixture of gluten and flour with water or vegetable broth, in a ratio of 1 kg of said mixture per 0.8 to 1.0 liter of water or vegetable broth, kneading the admixture until a dough is obtained, stuffing the dough into synthetic casings, which are closed with clips or laces at their ends, so as to obtain shaped pieces, cooking the thus-obtained shaped pieces for 105 to 120 minutes, during which time the dough expands and finds room by lengthening, and a meat-like fibrous structure develops, wherein fibers show a moderate orientation in the longitudinal direction and, in certain portions, a twisted orientation.

Abstract: The oil or fat composition of the invention contains a monoacylglycerol and/or a diacylglycerol in a total amount of 5-100 wt. % and which exhibits an index of stability against oxidation (induction time as measured through a Rancimat test conducted at 100° C.) of 7 or higher, wherein the monoacylglycerol and/or the diacylglycerol contain, as fatty acid constituents, &ohgr;3 unsaturated fatty acids in amounts of 15-90 wt. %. Through ingestion thereof in a small amount without drastically changing the person's lifestyle, the highly harmless oil/fat composition of the present invention provides effects for reducing and preventing accumulation of body fat, for reducing and preventing accumulation of visceral fat, and for prevention and treatment of obesity; and exerts an excellent prevention and treatment effect on life-style related diseases through long-term ingestion. Thus, the composition of the present invention is useful for foods, pharmaceuticals and pet food or feed.

Abstract: A fat-rich powder provides the complete nutritional needs of an at-risk infant no more than one year old, who has acquired a milk allergy, such as cow's milk allergy (“CMA”), and/or an allergy to protein in “soy milk”, as well as digestive or absorption problems resulting in a damaged gut. Because such an infant must derive all its protein from amino acids it is not fed any ingredient derived from mammalian milk, but a combination of amino acids with nucleotides in specified amounts along with free L-glutamine, maintaining specified ratios of their relative amounts, which ratios in the ranges stated are found to be beneficial for healing of the infant's damaged gut, and for promoting cell division to assure its normal growth. A typical feeding of 32.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polar lipid-rich materials and preferably phospholipids. Preferably the polar lipid-rich materials are separated and recovered from de-oiled native raw materials by extraction with water and alcohol and use of density separation to separate the resulting mixture. The invention also includes an improved process for de-oiling the native raw material before extraction and recovery of the polar lipids.

Abstract: A complete integral pelletized animal feed which is easily and economically prepared with a potato component. This invention combines hay, oats, and potato waste with a primary and secondary supplement premix. The potato component acts as a binder which makes it possible to pelletize the combined components. The composite animal feed is a complete food requiring no further supplementation. The instant invention provides an economical, one-step, integral, composite animal feed which incorporates potato waste and a primary and secondary supplement premix forming a complete animal feed. The instant invention is economically produced using potato waste, and economical to use since no further supplementation is necessary. Further, the complete feed with primary and secondary supplements has the capacity to improve performance characteristics in, for example race or show horses, far beyond what might be expected if the individual components were singly incorporated into the animal's diet.