Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a substantially purified Cytokine Inhibitory Factor (CIF) having certain characteristics, including the ability to inhibit RNA transcription of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&agr;), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1&bgr;), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Also disclosed is a method for substantially purifying the Cytokine Inhibitory Factor and a method for modulating the immune system of an animal using such composition.

Abstract: A food supplement, either in the form of a snack bar or a beverage, which contains one or more cartilage enhancing supplements is provided. The cartilage supplements include chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. The food supplement may additionally be fortified with cetyl myristoleate. The beverage is a mixture of a juice drink base which may include a water-based fruit flavored juice prepared using a pasteurization process at a relatively high temperature and a cartilage supplement solution which includes a cartilage supplement prepared at a relatively low temperature. The beverage may be carbonated, non-carbonated or concentrated. The preferred cartilage supplement is glucosamine, preferably associated with a counter ion, more preferably as glucosamine HCl. The supplement also contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium hydroxide powder.

Abstract: The invention concerns the association of an antagonist of &agr;-adrenergic receptors, for instance yohimbine, and a nitrogen monoxide donor, for instance arginine, with synergistic effect and useful for fighting against female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions having synergistic combinations of octoxyglycerin and at least one other antimicrobial agent in formulations which are more effective than prior art compositions without causing increased irritation to the skin of the average user. In certain embodiments, skin irritation may be minimized by low concentrations of antimicrobials and/or the presence of soothing compounds such as zinc. Preferred embodiments include combinations of octoxyglycerin, a quaternary compound, and at least one other antimicrobial agent. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is hypothesized that the unexpected antimicrobial effectiveness of combinations of octoxyglycerin may result from an enhancement of the permeability of microbes to antimicrobials caused by octoxyglycerin.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use for treating and cleaning the eye and is appendages of aqueous ionic solutions obtained from sea water whereof the ionic compositions is qualitatively that of sea water and quantitatively such that their pH ranges between 4 and 9, preferably between 7 and 8 and their osmolality ranges between 150 and 700, preferably between 250 and 350 mOsm/kg.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of preventing neurotoxicity by activated microglia. A method of treating a medical condition in a subject is provided, wherein said condition is affected by the presence of neurotoxins such as peroxynitrite or TNF-&agr;, said method comprising administering to the subject a compound that decomposes peroxynitrite or inhibits TNF-&agr; secretion but does not affect normal activity of microglia, wherein the decomposition of peroxynitrite alone is sufficient to alleviate the pathology of said condition.

Abstract: Three new safe pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with the present invention are for treatment and prevention of malignant pleural effusion and increase immune function comprise Lan Xiang Xi (LX) and polysaccharide of Dang Gui.

Abstract: A method of suppressing or curbing appetite and treating or preventing obesity comprising administering to a human or other mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of plant material derived or derivable from plants of the genera Stapelia and Orbea.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a pharmaceutical carrier and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cobaltacene-octgomet, stigmastan-3,5-diene, galoxolide, benzyl salicylate, eucalyptol, and &agr;-pinene. Also provided is a method of preparing a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising extracting a plant material in an organic solvent, contacting the extracted material to a chromatographic column, and eluting from the chromatographic column with a mobile polar phase to obtain a composition. The plant material is from Mammea Americana, Marchantaceae polymorpha, or Callistemon citrinus. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of a mycobacterium, comprising administering a composition comprising a carrier and at least one compound selected from among cobaltacene-octgomet, stigmastan, 3,5-diene, friedelin, galoxolide, benzyl salicylate, eucalyptol, and &agr;-pinene.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of premature ejaculation and/or hypersensitivity of sexual stimulation is provided. The composition contains purified sumsoo extract and purified ginseng extract containing saponin as the main component, without other herbal essential oil components.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions comprising extracts of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Notoginseng and Borneol. Said compositions comprise notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 which are active components for therapeutic applications. This invention also provides a method of preparation of the said compositions and a method of identification and determination of the amount of individual effective components of said compositions. Finally, this invention provides various uses of the compositions.

Abstract: A method, wherein a composition comprising Echinacea and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is administered to an animal or a human, in an amount effective to cause a hematinic effect in the animal or the human. The Echinacea composition of the present invention has minimal or no side effects and is effective, simple to prepare and relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea compositions including standardized amounts of at least two Echinacea components. More preferably the Echinacea compositions of the present invention include standardized amounts of at least three Echinacea components. Presently preferred Echinacea components are cichoric acid, Echinacea alkylamides and Echinacea polysaccharides. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for preparing Echinacea compositions, the methods including the step of combining amounts of at least two Echinacea components, preferably three Echinacea components, sufficient to yield an Echinacea composition including standardized amounts of each of the combined Echinacea components. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea extracts, and methods for preparing Echinacea extracts. Presently preferred Echinacea extracts are enriched in one or more members of the group consisting of polysaccharides, alkylamides and cichoric acid.

Abstract: This invention provides different compositions extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves. Said compositions comprise new active components. This invention also provides a method of preparation of the compositions and individual components of said compositions. Finally, this invention provides various uses of this composition.

Abstract: A composition for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth comprises fenugreek extract and a carrier, for example, hydroxylated lecithin and glycerine. The composition is preferably in the form of a spray which is applied beneath the tongue for translingual absorption.

Abstract: A non-aqueous method of extracting olive leaves, and products formed containing the olive-leaf extract. The resulting extract is used, preferably together with vitamins C, E and A or components thereof to form a skin treatment product that has efficacy as a photoprotectant and antioxidant.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating medical conditions caused by abnormal chloride ion flux with compositions containing active ingredients isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Bao-Ji-Wan (BJW). The compositions comprise any one, two, or three of the following: magnolol, honokiol, imperatorin, isoimperatorin or only magnolol, honokiol, imperatorin, isoimperatorin and a physiologically acceptable carrier. In preferred embodiments, the medical conditions include disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea and constipation.

Abstract: There is provided an extrusion head that is capable of largely increasing a production speed rather than a conventional head that extrudes supplies a high viscous melt-coating composition.

Abstract: A children's toy for making confections of preselected designs. The toy includes a base platform, and confection mold trays adapted to be stacked on the base platform. The base platform includes a vertical alignment structure for aligning the confection mold trays, as they are stacked on the base platform. The confection mold trays include at least one mold cavity for forming confections from a confection solution.

Abstract: A process and a device for reinforcing a convertible soft top (34) or the like, especially for motor vehicle convertible tops, the convertible soft top (34) being entirely or partially underlain with reinforcing components (bow 32). At least one reinforcing component (bow 32) is molded directly onto the convertible soft top (34) in an injection mold (24). For the case in which the convertible soft top (34) is not to be joined over its entire surface to the reinforcing component (bow 32), the part of the convertible soft top (34) which is not to be connected to the reinforcing component is routed out of the casting mold (24) via a branch channel (36).

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting an injection-molding product from an injection-molding machine, which makes it possible to reduce the time required to extract the injection-molding product and is safe, comprises: a support frame; a drive installed through the support frame for generating rotation; a first arm connected to the drive and pivotable according to the rotation of the drive; a first pulley fixedly installed to the support frame to be inserted into an end of the first arm; a second pulley connected to the first pulley via a transmission belt and rotatably coupled to the other end of the first arm; and a second arm connected to the second pulley and pivotable opposite to the pivotal direction of the first arm when the first arm pivots. In addition, a system for extracting an injection-molding product having such apparatus further comprises a conveyor and a roll-over machine.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes a plasticizing unit and a closing unit which has at least one column which passes through and is moveable relative to a supporting element. A jacket at least partially surrounds the column at formation of an annular space and bears directly against the supporting element, wherein the jacket has at least one connection piece for providing a communication between the annular space and a suction unit.

Abstract: A patty-forming apparatus includes a mold plate having patty-forming cavities and a breather plate arranged over the mold plate. A fill slot is arranged below or above the mold cavities to fill food product into the mold cavity when the mold plate is in a fill position. The breather plate, arranged on a side of the mold plate opposite the fill slot, includes a fill recess open toward the mold plate and arranged to be in registry with the cavities when the mold plate is in the fill position to increase a transverse food product flow area along the longitudinal direction to assist filling of the cavity with food product.

Abstract: A source of dietary lipids containing anti-microbial fatty acids is added to a food composition intended for improving or maintaining the skin health and/or coat quality in a pet by preventing or regulating the growth of skin pathogens and of microflora responsible for the generation of body surface and coat odors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of yoghurt or other fermented milk products, comprising the following steps: inoculation of a starter medium with a starter culture, said starter culture comprising an exopolysaccharide-producing micro-organism. An exopolysaccharide production step wherein the pH of said starter medium is kept stable at a predetermined pH value at a suitable temperature, and an acidification step to allow clotting of the starter medium.

Abstract: Greeting cards and other items to be enjoyed by animals and pets combine an article composed of a non-toxic material which is typically chewable or fully consumable and digestible, in conjunction with a greeting that may include a graphical image (i.e., of an animal, pet, and/or pet owner), a textual message, or both. An edible greeting card embodiment assumes the form of a panel having a thickness, a perimeter, and front and back surfaces and at least one message on one or both of the front and back surfaces using and edible colorant or other medium. In embodiments utilizing two or more such panels or construction elements, joining means are provided in the form of a flexible strip threaded through holes, an edible adhesive or flexible edible hinge. Alternate embodiments may be suspended from a cage rail by a hook, wire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dough composition comprising propylene glycol alginate in an amount of 0.005 to 0.2% by weight of the total dough composition. Baked dough products according to present invention are springy in texture. Methods of preparing a baked dough product using the dough composition as described, and products made by this method are also provided.

Abstract: Puzzle candy pieces, that may assembled in a consumer's mouth to form structures of increased complexity, by manipulation of the pieces using the tongue, in combination with the walls and roof of the mouth, may take numerous different shapes. One type includes an annular piece and either a ball or plug insertable through the annular piece. Another includes candy bolts and nuts. The nut is manipulated and rotated in order to engage the bolt. Another includes a sardine-can-shaped base member into which a pair of plugs may be inserted. Yet another includes a female piece having a cross-shaped receptacle and a cross-shaped male piece which assemble to form a cubic shape. Still another is a dumbbell assembly formed from two identical end pieces which mate to a shaft piece. Finally, another includes a candy spring and candy doughnut which can be threaded onto the spring.

Abstract: A microwaveable package includes a support member; a bottom web; a food product; and a top web; where the seal between the top and bottom webs has a peel strength, before microwaving, of at least 4 pounds per inch, and a peel strength, after microwaving, of less than 2.5 pounds per inch. Alternatively, a microwaveable package includes a support member; a bottom web; a food product; and a top web; where the top web includes a sealant layer comprising an ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer, and the bottom web includes a sealant layer comprising a blend of between 60% and 90%, by weight of the sealant layer, of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, and between 10% and 40%, by weight of the sealant layer, of polypropylene. Methods of making the microwaveable packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention providing a food container capable of increasing the effect of air permeability has a plane jointed side located between a main body and a top cover of an unitarily molded container; a plurality of permeability holes are disposed on the said plane for increasing air permeability of the entire container, accelerating the cold storage and ripening process of the fruit so as to enhance the efficiency and save the laboring time; furthermore, a bottom portion of the said container main body is disposed with a plurality of L-shaped slot holes for draining the water; two sides of the slot holes are disposed with a flange protruding outwardly, a top end thereof is disposed with a convex post protruding outwardly and a concave slot is disposed between two adjacent convex posts to enable an inner and an outer rims of the container main body to form a concavo-convex structure; therefore, the fruit inside the container is not subjected to being touched by the holder's hand portion and cumulating the

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for producing a package containing high moisture content particulate plant material intended for human consumption or for use as animal feed stock which will preserve same without the particulate plant material undergoing a drying process, the method involving either providing a flexible walled container or alternatively forming such a container from a web of plastics material cling film (15), at least partially filling the flexible walled container with particulate plant material via a delivery chute (17) into an upper open mouth of the flexible walled container, pressing the particulate plant material to expel air therefrom, closing the flexible walled container and preferably applying two circumferentially extending bands (22, 23) of plastics material film overlapping one another at 90° around the closed flexible walled container with sufficient web thicknesses and tension to compress the flexible walls of said container inwardly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a candy sucker article. Specifically, the candy sucker article includes a candy sucker in combination with a container having multiple compartments and/or multiple suckers.

Abstract: Food Preservation Container with a main container body and a circular lid. The lid has a built in on-off switch, air pump, ozone generator, timing circuit, pressure switch, vacuum switch, solenoid valve, power indicator light, vacuum indicator light, pressure indicator light and power supply. The container has a circular opening. The opening has a plurality of outwardly facing tabs about its circumference. The lid has a plurality of mating inwardly facing tabs that can interface with said outwardly facing tabs. The lid has a secondary floating inner lid, said inner lid having a soft rubber gasket attached to its perimeter, said inner lid capable of being forced toward the lip of said container opening by a cam attached to a hinged lever located on the front of said circular lid. The components contained within said lid arranged in such a way that said air pump automatically turns on when the user twists said lid onto said container opening thereby activating said on-off switch which turns on said pump.

Abstract: A plurality of container bags containing matters such as plural kinds of seasoning sources or two kinds of liquids of a two-liquid mixture adhesive are allowed to be cut simultaneously so that the contained matters can be taken out simultaneously. The container bags according to the present invention is such that two continuous container bags for individually containing two kinds of are made of sheets comprising synthetic resin films and joined together. Further, a fold line for folding up the two container bags is formed in the joint portion, and a notch used to form a contained-matter take-out opening is formed at a position on the fold line.

Abstract: Packaging methods and apparatus for bonding a lidding web to a tray web, characterized in that the lidding web is placed under tension in both the longitudinal and lateral directions before being bonded to a tray web. A tray web having recesses and channels that form a conduit when the tray web is overwrapped with a lidding web is provided. A lidding web has microperforations to control the transfer of gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food preservative which contains an antibacterial substance having a high safety and which enhances the preservability of a food without exerting an adverse influence to the taste and flavor of the food; and a method for preserving a food.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing adhesion between confectionery articles stored or processed in contacting relationships. The method comprises the step of applying a solid fat based material to the confectionery articles in an amount effective to substantially reduce adhesion when the confectionery articles are in contacting relationships, thereby reducing adhesion of the confectionery articles to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating soft confectionery centers with chocolate. The method comprises the steps of: mixing the soft confectionery centers having a bed temperature of from about 0° C. to about 15° C.; applying chocolate onto the soft confectionery centers, wherein the chocolate is at a temperature of from about 36° C. to about 50° C.; and cooling the chocolate covered soft confectionery centers.

Abstract: Processing and packaging for perishable goods, such as beef, in a conduit wherein oxygen is substantially excluded and suitable gases such as carbon dioxide are provided at a suitable pressure and in such a manner as to increase the quantity of the gases dissolved in the perishable goods to extend the shelf life of the goods and decontaminate the goods.

Abstract: “METHOD FOR REMOVING ESSENTIAL OIL FROM INDUSTRIALLY-PRODUCED NON-CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE”, characterized for comprising a first stage, in which s the non-concentrated and raw orange juice is submitted to a heat exchanger (B), which heats it at a temperature ranging between 55° C. and 75° C.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a braid shaped puffed extrudate. A tube or other peripheral containment vessel is placed at the exit end of an extruder die that produces two or more extrudate streams. A circular air stream is then introduced into the peripheral containment vessel downstream of the glass transition point, thereby causing the extrudate streams to braid together within the containment vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of various ferulic acid amides as pungent compounds and aroma compounds having a heat-generating effect in preparations used in nutrition, oral hygiene or consumed for pleasure.

Abstract: The sugar-free cream icing employs a sugar-free composition of 50-100% erythritol, 0-50% bulking agent, 0-1% emulsifier, and 0-1% high intensity sweetener. The icing employs 50-70% of the sugar-free composition, 10-50% shortening and 5-20% water.

Abstract: Sweetness improving agents capable of improving sweetness characteristics, in particular, aftertaste characteristics. More particularly, the sweetness improving agents contain as the active ingredient a yeast extract, in particular, one containing sodium 5′-inosinate and/or sodium 5′-adenylate, sodium 5′-guanylate; sodium 5′-uridylate and sodium 5′-cytidylate, each in an amount of 1 to 15% based on the weight of the yeast extract, and 1 to 20% of sodium glutamate.

Abstract: A soft frozen fruit flavored dairy milk product is disclosed of water, sucrose sugar sweetener, fruit juice and dairy milk of 3 to 5 weight percent dairy milk fat with coalesced fat globules present to enhance the sucrose sugar sweetener, free of added emulsifiers, stabilizers, artificial coloring and without introduction of air in the mix, wherein two separate freezing steps develop a mouthfeel with components of the fruit flavor and coalesced fat globules.

Abstract: Methods of making acid and rennet-based cheeses include processing a previous lot of milk to produce curds and whey from the previous lot of milk, and removing the whey from the curd. For cottage cheeses, curds are washed with a wash water. Whey and wash water (when used) include fine particles of curd, which are collected, added, and mixed into a subsequent lot of milk preferably using a mixer such as a homogenizer or colloid mill. Mixing preferably reduces the fine particle size of at least a plurality of the fine particles and increases the total amount of surface area thereof. Fine particles are reincorporated into the matrix of the curd made from the subsequent lot of milk, which increases curd yield. Also provided is a higher yield cheese that is made from a subsequent lot of milk that includes fine particles of curd from a previous lot of milk.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of proteins from a liquid milk product wherein the liquid milk product is mixed with a precipitating agent selected from ethanol and acetone and the mixture agitated for a period of time sufficient to form a precipitate which is subsequently recovered. The proteins recovered include enzymes which are normally destroyed during pasteurization.

Abstract: An egg-based powder is made available as a gelling and emulsifying component in fermented foods of the drinks, dessert, fromage frais and set or creamy yogurt type and is remarkable in that the entire properties of the eggs are preserved while ensuring the absence of salmonella by using only natural components.

Abstract: An amorphous solid cast feed product is made by solidifying a substantially liquid agricultural byproduct. The byproduct may be selected from stillage, condensed fermented corn solubles, stillage, condensed distillers solubles, whey, condensed whey solubles, or any mixture thereof. The amorphous solid cast feed product may further include an exogenous source of a carbohydrate, a fat, a vitamin, a mineral, and/or nitrogen, as well as a sulfonated lignin material, a recycled animal waste product, and/or another miscellaneous fibrous material. The substantially liquid agricultural byproduct may first be condensed by heat, then solidified by being cooled in a mold. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for operating and controlling electroless plating, which comprises plating a substrate with a plating solution, the substrate is controlled at a constant temperature between 25° C. to 200° C., and the plating solution is kept at a lower temperature than that of the substrate. According to the method of the present invention, superior depositing rates can be achieved, undesired spontaneous decomposition of the plating solution at high temperature can be avoided and no stabilizers are necessary.