Abstract: A particulate glucomannan gel is produced by swelling a glucomannan-rich flour with water in the presence of ethanol, treating the swollen particles with an alkali to form gelled particles followed by drying. The dried gel particles are incorporated into hygenic or cosmetic preparations as a deposit-cleaning agent.

Abstract: Methods for treating periodontal disease and other diseased tissues that utilize a dye composition and laser energy. The laser energy (typically about 450 nm to about 600 nm) heats and destroys the diseased tissue and bacteria, while the dye composition causes the laser energy to be selectively absorbed by the targeted tissue. An argon gas laser that emits blue-green light may be used in conjunction with a red-orange dye that strongly absorbs light energy emitted by the argon gas laser. An 810 diode laser may be used in conjunction with the argon laser in order to provide additional heating properties.

Abstract: A method for whitening teeth that includes contacting at least one tooth with a composition that includes a bleaching agent; a carrier; and an acrylate/&agr;, &bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or anhydride copolymer such as an acrylate itaconate copolymer. The acrylate itaconate copolymer may be an alkali-swellable polymer and the composition may further include an alkaline additive.

Abstract: Topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological compositions for artificially tanning/darkening human skin to such extent as to resemble a natural tan, comprise a thus effective amount of at least one flavylium salt compound formulated into a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor, the at least one flavylium salt compound being unsubstituted at position-3 thereof, but otherwise substituted with at least one hydroxyl group or alkoxy radical; characteristically the amount of the at least one flavylium salt compound is such as to impart a skin coloration, within about 30 minutes after application onto a fair skin, at a rate of 2 mg/cm2, having a &Dgr;L* ranging from −0.5 to −20 in the L*a*b* colorimetric measuring system.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for the treatment of acne. The method and compositions comprise an orally ingested composition containing thymic peptides, vitamins, and minerals. Zinc, pantothenic acid, magnesium, pyridoxine, vitamins A and D, riboflavin, and folic acid are found to be essential to the composition. Also described is a topical composition comprising pantothenic acid that, when used in conjunction with the oral composition, resulted in a better response than either the oral or topical composition alone.

Abstract: The invention features a method for treating obesity in a patient by administering to the patient a polymer that has been substituted with one or more groups that inhibit lipases, which are enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of fat. The invention further relates to the polymers employed in the methods described herein as well as novel intermediates and methods for preparing the polymers.

Abstract: A degradable PEG hydrogel is described that, upon hydrolysis, releases conjugates of substantially non-peptidic polymers and biologically active molecules. For example, PEG and protein conjugates can be released in vivo from the hydrogels for therapeutic application.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions that have excellent storage stability even though they include a active component that is susceptible to degradation in an acidic environment are disclosed. The stabilized pharmaceutical composition of the invention includes a ring-opened 7-substituted-3,5-dihydroxyheptanoic or a ring-opened 7-substituted-3,5-dihydroxyheptenoic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as an active component and a stabilizing effective amount of at least one amido-group containing polymeric compound or at least one amino-group containing polymeric compound, or combination thereof; wherein the stabilized pharmaceutical composition does not contain a stabilizing effective amount of another stabilizer or a combination of other stabilizers.

Abstract: The invention involves the recognition of IL-9 as a molecule involved in induction of IL-10. Administration of IL-9 leads to protection against conditions where IL-10 production is warranted, such as infections by Gram negative bacteria. Examples of such conditions are septic shock and endotoxemia. Also a part of the invention are methods of treatment where IL-9 and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor are administered to a subject. Compositions, such as kits which include these two components are a part of the invention, as is treatment of conditions involving excess IL-10 production by administering an IL-9 inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by administering an interferon-&ggr; inhibitor. The invention further concerns pharmaceutical compositions and bispecific molecules useful in such method.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that hematologic disorders, e.g., both neoplastic (hematologic cancers) and non-neoplastic conditions, can be treated by the induction of mixed chimerism using myeloreductive, but not myeloablative, conditioning. Methods of the invention reduce GVHD, especially GVHD associated with mismatched allogeneic or xenogeneic donor tissue, yet provide, for example, significant graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and the like.

Abstract: Methods of promoting tolerance and inhibiting NK cell mediated attack in a human recipient to a swine graft are disclosed The methods include introducing into the recipient a swine hematopoietic stem cell which has been transformed with a transgene encoding a human MHC class I protein that inhibits recipient NK cell mediated attack.

Abstract: The invention relates to chondrocytes and chondrocyte cell-lines for use especially in studying arthritic conditions and also for developing skeletal tissue for use in repair and/or replacement surgery. The use of articular chondrocyte cell-lines which mineralize calcium to determine potentially beneficial therapeutic agents is disclosed. Further, the means for producing such cell-lines is also disclosed as well as the characteristics of such cell-lines. The use of hypertrophic chondrocyte cell-lines to produce matrix tissue is also disclosed. Further means of producing hypertrophic chondrocyte cell-lines is also disclosed as well as the charateristics of such cell-lines.

Abstract: Particles such as islet cells are encapsulated by a method that forms a coating of uniform thickness that conforms to the size and shape of the particles. Two substantially immiscible liquids of different densities are provided in a container as upper and lower liquids such that an interface exists between the liquids. The upper liquid is less dense and has a greater viscosity than the lower liquid which is a coating liquid containing particles to be encapsulated. A tube is positioned in the upper liquid such that an orifice of the tube is above the interface. A pump connected to the tube sucks liquid through the tube at a rate sufficient to form a spout containing substantially the lower liquid extending between the interface and the tube orifice. The spout has maximum diameter at the interface and decreases in diameter as the spout approaches the tube orifice.

Abstract: A chromium(III)-containing carbohydrase enzyme food supplement composition providing at least one cellulase fungal enzyme, at least one alpha amylase fungal enzyme, at least one hemicellulase fungal enzyme, at least on chromium(III) compound, and, optionally, at least one acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient suffering from a renal failure progressed to a stage at which an initiation of a dialysis therapy is required, comprising combining a peritoneal dialysis and an administration of a spherical carbon, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for inhibiting proliferation of neural cells. The neural cells can be tumor cells, glial cells, neuronal cells, and cells of the central or peripheral nervous systems. The method comprises contacting a neural cell with a molecule that disrupts the biological activity of a granulin molecule. In one embodiment, the molecule is an antibody directed against a granulin peptide. In other embodiments, the molecule is an antisense nucleotide directed against a granulin nucleic acid molecule, or a vaccine comprising a granulin peptide or a polynucleotide encoding a granulin peptide. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating cancer in a neural tissue using granulin-related molecules. Also provided is a method for identifying differentially expressed gene products that are translated from mRNA species, using antibody-based screening of a cDNA expression library.

Abstract: Methods are described for conjugating radioiodinated peptides or carbohydrate structures to proteins with improved yields and qualities of conjugates. In one method, specially designed radioiodinated bifunctional peptides containing nonmetabolizable amide bonds are coupled to antibodies. In a second method, radioiodinated nonmetabolizable bifunctional peptides, which also contain aminopolycarboxylates, are coupled to antibodies. In a third method, radioiodinated bifunctional aminopolycarboxylates are coupled to antibodies. In a fourth method, a hydrazide-appended antibody is coupled to a radioiodinated carbohydrate or a thiolated antibody is coupled to a hydrazide-appended and radioiodinated carbohydrate. In a fifth method a monoderivatized cyanuric chloride is used to conjugate thiolated antibody. Radioiodinated residualizing antibody conjugates made by these methods are particularly stable in vivo and are suitable for radioimmunodetection and radioimmunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, preferably the saponins used in said adjuvant combinations are haemolytic. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments.

Abstract: Cysteine-depleted CTL epitopes can elicit a stronger or more specific CTL response than the native, cysteine-containing CTL epitope of a disease associated antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disulfide-stabilized recombinant polypeptide molecules which have the binding ability and specificity for another peptide, such as the variable region of an antibody molecule. Methods of producing these molecules and nucleic acid sequences encoding these molecules are also described. In particular, the invention discloses Fv antibody fragments stabilized by a disulfide bond connecting the VH and VL regions of the Fv fragment. The &agr; and &bgr; chains of T cell receptors may be similarly stabilized by means described in the invention.

Abstract: A complex of an immunogen and a support molecule, characterized in that the immunogen is coupled covalently to a support molecule, wherein the support molecule is a polypeptide fragment which is able to bind specifically to mammalian serum albumin is disclosed. The invention also relates to the use of such complexes to treat RSV infection, as well as vaccines derived from such complexes.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is: an immunogenic or vaccine composition for inducing in an equine host an immunological response against equine pathologies containing at least one plasmid that contains and expresses in vivo in an equine host cell nucleic acid molecule(s) having sequence(s) encoding antigen(s) of the equine pathogen(s); and, methods for using and kits employing such compositions.

Abstract: An isolated strain of Hepatitis B virus designated Human Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen-‘S’-133 Oon Strain (Methionine to Threonine) of Cell. Also, an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide which is a mutant major surface antigen of a strain of hepatitis B virus, such polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which differs from the amino acid sequence of a major surface antigen of a wild type hepatitis B virus in that the amino acid at position number 133 of such polypeptide is a threonine rather than methionine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing non-infections parvovirus capsids and to diagnostic assays and vaccines utilizing same. The invention further relates to recombinant baculoviruses encoding parvovirus structural proteins and host cells infected therewith. The invention also relates to a method of packaging and delivering genetic information utilizing the noninfectious capsids.

Abstract: A mucosal vaccine for Neisseria based on native outer membrane vesicles (NOMV) prepared from genetically engineered vaccine strain and unexposed to detergents is described. Methods for extending this vaccine approach to other Gram negative bacteria are also decribed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a vaccine composition against enteric infection caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria in humans. E. coli strains selected from different known strains each having the ability of expressing a certain type of colonization factor antigens are grown in a liquid culture medium. Finally formalin-killed E. coli strain having substantially preserved antigenic and hemagglutinating properties of said certain type of colonization factor antigens, is mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and/or diluent. Further disclosed is a method of preventing an enteric infection caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria in humans, whereby a vaccine composition comprising inactivated E. coli strain is administered to a human being for the prevention of said infection.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product includes a container constructed from a material containing one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, and ionomeric resins. The container defines an interior space. A volume of a fluoroether-containing inhalation anesthetic is contained in the interior space defined by the container.

Abstract: Stable, biocompatible cosmetic or dermatological oil-in-water emulsions (I), containing fatty acids and alcohols, glycerides, ethoxylated esters, non-polar lipids and consistency components, are new. Cosmetic or dermatological oil-in-water emulsion preparations (I) contain (by weight): (a) 0.1-5% 14-22 C fatty acid(s); (b) 0.2-10% fatty acid mono- and/or diglyceride(s); (c) 0.1-5% ethoxylated fatty acid ester(s); (d) 0.5-10% non-polar lipid(s); (e) 0.5-7.5% fatty alcohol(s); and (f) 0.5-7.5% lipophilic consistency source(s) having a melting point or drop point of at least 30 degrees C. The sum of the contents of (a)-(c) is at most 12% and the lipid phase optionally contains up to 40% (based on this phase) of polar lipids.

Abstract: A cosmetic product and the like, including a deodorant, comprising a dicarboxylic acid and sodium bicarbonate preferably dihydroxybutanedioic acid and sodium bicarbonate and most preferably comprising cream of tarter and sodium bicarbonate. A mixture of sodium bicarbonate, cream of tarter and water forms a paste which hardens into a solid over a period of a few hours. The mixture provides a solid material which is highly stable. It does not dissolve quickly and does not effervesce, but instead remains essentially stable and retains it's solid form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially uniform, discontinuous films of a skin care product having a defined average particle size, particle spacing and coverage value. The films provide improved skin appearance, e.g., good apparent coverage and a natural look. The films can be formed by any method which provides the defined particle size, particle spacing and coverage value, including silk screening and the like and electrostatic spray techniques. The films are preferably formed by electrostatically spraying the composition onto the skin.

Abstract: Emulsifier-free cosmetic or dermatological preparations, which are finely dispersed systems of the oil-in-water type, comprising 1. an oil phase, 2. an aqueous phase and 3. one or more types of micronized, inorganic pigments which a) have an average particle size of less than 200 nm, and whose particles b) have both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, i.e. have an amphiphilic character, and thus position themselves at the water/oil interface, and which c) are selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, which d) are optionally coated on the surface and also optionally comprising further cosmetic or pharmaceutical auxiliaries, additives and/or active ingredients.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling fossorial rodents are disclosed. The composition is a mixture of water, a foaming agent and a respiratory irritant. The respiratory irritant is preferably finely ground white mustard seeds. The mixture is aerated through a nozzle and pumped into the rodent burrow to exterminate the resident rodent.

Abstract: A multi-phase suspoemulsion containing as essential components a) 1 to 50% by weight of particular fungicidal benzimidazoles or precursors liberating them as microsuspended solids particles, b) 5 to 60% by weight of an emulsion comprising a fungicidal ingredient (b1) and, in combination with (b1), at least one component (b2) or (b3), in a water diluted form is useful to protected timber against fungal timber pests; (b1) represents the fungicidal compounds fenpropimorph, fenpropidin, tridemorph, aldimorph and spiroxamine, (b2) represents particular azole fungicides, and (b3) represents particular benzoic esters.

Abstract: A medical device of metallic or non-metallic material coated with a combination of antiseptics and a method for coating such an implant with a combination of antiseptics is provided. Different combinations of antiseptics can be used for different types of medical devices depending on the spectrum of organisms that cause the infections related to each device. The combination of different antiseptics has a synergistic effect against certain bacteria and fungi. The combination of antiseptic can be applied to the surface of a metallic device by dissolving the combination of antiseptics and a polymeric sticking agent in an acid solution to form an antiseptic solution, and applying the antiseptic solution, in an effective concentration to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal organisms, to at least a portion of the surfaces of the medical device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a novel fibrin polymer structure is disclosed. The novel fibrin polymer structure useful, for example, as a surgical sealant, is comprised of a plurality of discrete, droplets of polymerizing or polymerized fibrin each encapsulated by a “skin” of fibrin polymer. These fibrin-skin encapsulated droplets are applied so as to be built up one upon the other, layer by layer, to form an integral sealant structure. The cumulative effect of the encapsulating skins of those droplets which form the sealant surface is a surface skin which unexpectedly resists cell penetration but enhances cell migration across the surface. The sealant structure of the present invention can be prepared by spray delivery of fibrin polymer forming materials wherein the time required for the materials to commence polymerizing after mixing is less than or equal to the transit time of said materials from the applicator tip to the target surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ocular tissue regeneration inducer which comprises, as an active ingredient, a hydrophilic polymer mainly composed of alkylene glycol units or vinyl monomeric units having a nondissociating hydrophilic group. The composition can induce the regeneration of ocular tissues such as the cornea, the crystalline lens, and the vitreous body.

Abstract: A nasal and pharyngeal spray solution for use in spraying into the nose and mouth to protect the mucosa from noxious viruses, bacteria and fungi and excessive drying, in situations of high risk, such as the cabins of commercial aircraft, comprises a saline solution of Proanthocyanidins and ascorbic acid. The “fresh mix” delivery system is an appropriately closed, sterile, oxygen-excluding, pressurized container.

Abstract: A nutritional intervention composition is provided for enhancing the efficacy of an orally administered lipase inhibitor comprising a protein component of at least a glycomacropeptide or caseinmacropeptide, at least one C12-18 fatty acid comprising at least oleic acid and a fiber preferably comprising both soluble and insoluble fibers. The composition is administered concurrently with the lipase inhibitor to negate the action of the latter in inhibiting the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) which, in turn, reduces the feeling of satiety and stimulates appetite. These effects are all countered by the subject compositions which stimulate release of CCK and increase the level of bile in the intestine. These effects achieved by the subject nutritional intervention compositions, while not directly increasing the effectiveness of the lipase inhibitor, nonetheless enhance its efficacy.

Abstract: A food additive composition in a ground particulate composition containing multiple vitamins, calcium citrate, sugar, minerals, herbs, at least 70% to 80% by volume of different types of grains, 10%-20% by volume of beans, berries, and cloves. Two different compositions containing dried (1) vegetables and (2) fruits are formulated, and the nutritious and flavorful additive compositions can be added to food being cooked or while eating out.

Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal feed additives comprising galactanase enzymes. More specifically the invention relates to animal feed additives comprising a arabinogalactan endo-1,4-&bgr;-galactosidase and/or an arabinogalactan endo-1,3-&bgr;-galactosidase.

Abstract: An improved method for the treatment of melanoma and skin diseases which utilizes a zinc chloride fixative mixture is provided. The active ingredients of the fixative mixture include zinc chloride (a deeply penetrating, tissue killing histologic preservative), and the anti-cancer plant alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine. Zinc chloride allows the surgeon to perform a complete conventional surgical excision around and below a melanomatous tumor through painless, bloodless dead tissue, and because the microscopic structures are fixed in place by the zinc chloride, the excised tissue can be examined by a pathologist to confirm complete excision and clearance of the melanoma. Although zinc chloride fixative paste has been shown to be an effective treatment for human skin cancer and melanoma, this treatment has been overlooked by the medical community. The paste is difficult to maintain and complicated to apply to the affected skin.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the permeability of skin or mucosal tissue to a topically or transdermally administered pharmacologically or cosmeceutically active peptide, polypeptide or protein. The method involves use of a specified amount of a hydroxide-releasing agent, the amount optimized to increase the flux of the peptide, polypeptide or protein through a body surface while minimizing the likelihood of skin damage, irritation or sensitization. Formulations and drug delivery devices employing hydroxide-releasing agents as permeation enhancers are provided as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) containing desoxypeganine (1,2,3,9-Tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazoline) as the active component, wherein the TSS includes a back layer impermeable to desoxypeganine and an adhesive reservoir layer that contains 10-80 weight percent polymeric material, 0.1-30 weight percent desoxypeganine and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and optionally a softening agent in proportions of 0.1-30 weight percent.

Abstract: Compositions containing at least one organic phospholipid capable of forming bilayers in aqueous solution; at least one amphoteric surfactant; and at least one nonionic surfactant present in an amount by weight equal to or greater than the amount of the phospholipid; where the phospholipid and surfactants are present in a combined amount sufficient to allow at least one water-insoluble ingredient selected from waxes and unneutralized and partially neutralized water-insoluble polymers, resins, and latexes to be incorporated into an aqueous solution. A delivery system containing the composition and methods for styling hair and for treating keratinous substances are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to microcapsules encapsulating an aqueous solution of a protein, drug or other bioactive substance inside a semi-permeable membrane. The microcapsules are formed by interfacial coacervation where shear forces are limited to 0-100 dynes per square centimeter. The resulting uniform microcapsules can then be subjected to dewatering in order to cause the internal solution to become supersaturated with the dissolved substance. This dewatering allows controlled nucleation and crystallization of the dissolved substance. The crystal-filled microcapsules can be stored, keeping the encapsulated crystals in good condition for further direct use in x-ray crystallography or as injectable formulations of the dissolved drug, protein or other bioactive substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to high drug load granulation of (E)-&agr;-[2-n-butyl-1-[(4-carboxyphenyl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-5-yl]methylene-2-thiophenepropionic acid in the anhydrous form, a process for its production, compositions containing the compound and methods of using the compound to block angiotensin II receptors and to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure and renal failure.

Abstract: A multiple-unit sustained release tablet characterized by consisiting of a granular part and a powdery part, each granule comprising a matrix composed of a water-insoluble polymer and an active ingredient. Another tablet characterized in that each granule is coated with a release-controlling film. The object of the present invention is to provide a multiple-unit sustained release tablet showing little change in dissolution speed caused by the compression in the tableting step.

Abstract: A multilayer tablet for oral administration containing at least one Tramadol layer including Tramadol or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof; at least one diclofenac layer including diclofenac or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one separating layer which separates the tramadol layer(s) and the diclofenac layer(s) from each other.