Abstract: The present invention provides a novel active ingredient which can be safely used in preventing, ameliorating or treating diseases related to the cartilage such as cartilage damages and cartilage disorders. Since the egg yolk protein hydrolyzate has an effect on chondrocyte proliferation promotion, it is useful as an active ingredient for preventing, ameliorating or treating cartilage disorders and for preventing, ameliorating or treating joint pain. The egg yolk protein hydrolyzate is a natural-origin material with high safety and, therefore, can be widely used in foods and drinks, medicines, feeds and the like which can be daily ingested.

Abstract: A method administers quaternary ammonium anti-cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonists in combination with acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors to treat either cognitive impairment or acute delirium. This therapy results in a modification of a cognitive disorder or disease, namely a slow down in the disease progression. In one preferred embodiment, the disease is dementia with Lewy Bodies. New formulations for quaternary ammonium anti-cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonists are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a malleable implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect site to promote bone growth, the malleable implant comprising: a biodegradable polymer, mineral particles, and an oxysterol, the implant configured to become moldable upon being wetted with a fluid. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: A method for extracting oil from sea cucumber material. The sea cucumber material is mixed with water and the mixture is heated at a predetermined heating temperature for a predetermined heating time interval. The pH value and temperature of the mixture are adjusted to be compatible with an enzyme. A predetermined amount of the enzyme is then added to the mixture. The mixture is incubated at a predetermined incubation temperature for a predetermined incubation time interval. After the incubation the oil is removed from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to material compositions comprising adult stem cells obtained from exocrine gland tissue and a supporting matrix having the shape of a thread structure and/or of a net. The supporting matrix preferably consists of a plastic material which is physiologically acceptable and degradable in the body. The material compositions of the invention are in particular suited for use in regenerative medicine, e.g. for regeneration of injured or damaged myocard tissue.

Abstract: A method for forming an extracellular matrix material (ECM) material includes providing at least an ECM composition containing ECM particles varying in their capacity for migration through a fluid medium, including at least one population of expanded ECM particles. The ECM composition is combined in a fluid medium to form a flowable ECM composition. The flowable ECM composition is subjected to a centrifugal force in a mold for a period of time sufficient to distribute the ECM particles according to differences in their physical characteristics. The ECM composition is dried to form a dried ECM material having a density gradient extending from a less dense region to a more dense region. The dried ECM material may formed as a porous, substantially acellular ECM material expandable in an aqueous fluid environment by at least 100% in volume.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the development of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) scaffolds derived from the forestomach of a ruminant. Such scaffolds are useful in many clinical and therapeutic applications, including wound repair, tissue regeneration, and breast reconstruction. In addition, the present invention features methods of isolating ECM scaffolds from mammalian organs, including but not limited to the ruminant forestomach. The invention further features laminated ECM scaffolds containing a polymer positioned between individual ECM sheets. The polymer may optionally contain bioactive molecules to enhance the functionality of the scaffold.

Abstract: Described in certain aspects are composite extracellular matrix material products including expanded collagenous materials in combination with non-expanded collagenous materials. Methods for their preparation and use are also disclosed. Certain expanded collagenous materials can be prepared by treating a first collagenous material with an alkaline substance under conditions effective to expand the first collagenous material, and recovering the expanded material. Expanded materials can exhibit beneficial persistence and tissue generation characteristics when implanted, and can be used in the formation of highly porous medical implant bodies which can be compressed to fractions of their original volume and will thereafter substantially recover their original volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions including an extract of mammalian omentum wherein the extract is a liquid portion of the mammalian omentum, such as an oil, extracted when the omentum is heated to a temperature of between 210 and 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Also disclosed are methods of making a composition including an extract of mammalian omentum wherein the method includes heating mammalian omentum to a temperature of between 212 degrees Fahrenheit and 225 degrees Fahrenheit, such as 215 degrees Fahrenheit and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Methods of use of the disclosed extracts and compositions are provided including methods of inducing or enhancing angiogenesis, methods of improving skin quality and methods of promoting hair growth and/or inhibiting hair loss.

Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating and using a whole-saliva leech extract. The methods can include feeding a phagostimulatory agent to a leech; inducing a regurgitation in the leech, the inducing including placing the leech in an environment having a temperature of less than about 0° C.; and, collecting an unrefined, whole saliva in the regurgitation of the cooled leech. The methods can include revitalizing the leech by warming it at a temperature ranging from about 5° C. to about 40° C. Stable, lyophilized, whole-saliva extracts of a leech are also provided, the extract having a stable activity when stored for use at a temperature below about ?20° C., the extract maintaining at least 70% of the activity for at least 6 months. The extracts can be used to treat solid tumors, treat liquid tumors, treat diabetes, treat a viral disease, treat a parasitic disease, treat an antibacterial disease, or serve as an anti-oxidant.

Abstract: A method for forming an extracellular matrix material (ECM) material includes providing at least an ECM composition containing ECM particles varying in their capacity for migration through a fluid medium, including at least one population of expanded ECM particles. The ECM composition is combined in a fluid medium to form a flowable ECM composition. The flowable ECM composition is subjected to a centrifugal force in a mold for a period of time sufficient to distribute the ECM particles according to differences in their physical characteristics. The ECM composition is dried to form a dried ECM material having a density gradient extending from a less dense region to a more dense region. The dried ECM material may formed as a porous, substantially acellular ECM material expandable in an aqueous fluid environment by at least 100% in volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus of extraction with the use of vacuum and can be used to extract the bioactive agents from raw materials. The method of extraction of materials, includes the heating the extractant, the preliminary extraction of raw materials with the heated rollers by means of extractant, the impregnation of raw material with extractant and extraction of raw materials in vacuum-impulsive mode by cycles, which include the heating with hot coolant gas not exceeding 39° C. and a creation of vacuum in the chamber in the regime of quick vacuum-impulsive exposure with stepwise multiple pressure drop from the atmospheric pressure to the pressure not more 0.0001 MPa, followed by keeping under vacuum to stabilize the temperature of the mixture and the vacuum relief at the end of the cycle.

Abstract: A method for treating a cancer, by determining a patient to have an ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) score of 0 or 1 and selecting that patient for treatment, and administering to the patient an effective amount of an immunomodulating composition comprising small molecular weight components of less than 3000 daltons, and having the following properties: (i) is extracted from bile of animals; (ii) is capable of stimulating monocytes and/or macrophages; (iii) is capable of modulating tumor necrosis factor production and/or release; (iv) contains no measurable level of IL-1?, IL-1?, TNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4, GM-CSF or IFN-?; (v) is not cytotoxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells; and (vi) is not an endotoxin.

Abstract: A process for hydrolyzing products with enzymatic activity remaining in peptone solutions after mucosa hydrolysis is provided along with a process for preserving mucosa tissue. Broadly, the processes are carried out by hydrolyzing mucosa tissue according to conventional heparin manufacturing processes wherein an excess quantity of proteolytic enzymes is used. The resulting peptone solution is then contacted with proteins or protein-containing materials in order to hydrolyze the proteins. In another embodiment, mucosa tissue is preserved by mixing it with a preserving agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid. The product preserved by hydrogen peroxide is low in ash, stable for at least a week, and has a reduced odor.

Abstract: Described are packaged, sterile medical graft products containing controlled levels of a growth factor such as Fibrob-last Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). Also described are methods of manufacturing medical graft products wherein processing, including sterilization, is controlled and monitored to provide medical graft products having modulated, known levels of a extracellular matrix factor, such as a growth factor, e.g. FGF-2. Preferred graft materials are extracellular matrix materials isolated from human or animal donors, particularly submucosa containing extracellular matrix materials. Further described are ECM compositions that are or are useful for preparing gels, and related methods for preparation and use.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for concentrating a fluid and for treating a patient with the concentrated fluid. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing (12) defining a separation chamber (14), a filter housing (48) containing a filter (46) comprising a filter element, a piping (44) for moving concentrated fluid from the separation chamber to the filter, and ports (32) for pressurizing the concentrated fluid past the filter element of the filter. The present invention also provides a variety of uses of concentrated body fluids, including autologous concentrated body fluid. The concentrated fluids can be used for example in surgical applications, including graft applications such as allograft, xenograft and autograft applications.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided methods of use in companion animals of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli.

Abstract: The present invention provides anticoagulant piscine gill glucosaminoglycans, high affinity anticoagulant piscine glycosaminoglycans anticoagulant glycosaminoglycans extractable from salmon guts, skin, tail or gills and salts and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides for a rapid and convenient method of simultaneous collection of both genomic and diagnostic information from a single sample on a bibulous pad by differential extraction of the diagnostic information from the genomic information. It is a surprising discovery of this invention that a PCR assay on the contents of the bibulous pad provides results comparable in reliability, specificity, and sensitivity to the best available serum (blood) based assays. The assays of this invention can be used to confirm each other, either by detecting the genomic information leading to the diagnostic information, or by detecting in the genomic information, a predisposition to a disease and confirming the presence of the disease through diagnostic testing.

Abstract: A remodelable spacer for use in a bone plating procedure is fabricated from an extracellular matrix material. The remodelable spacer is positionable between a bone plate and a bone during an orthopaedic plating procedure. A method of using a remodelable spacer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is compositions and methods for inhibiting growth of an abnormally proliferating cell in a mammal; methods include inhibiting growth of abnormally proliferating cells after tumor resection, and methods of recruiting stem cells to a site of malignancy; compositions include liquid or semi-solid extracellular matrix compositions having specified concentrations of extracellular matrix.

Abstract: A process for hydrolyzing products with enzymatic activity remaining in peptone solutions after mucosa hydrolysis is provided along with a process for preserving mucosa tissue. Broadly, the processes are carried out by hydrolyzing mucosa tissue according to conventional heparin manufacturing processes wherein an excess quantity of proteolytic enzymes is used. The resulting peptone solution is then contacted with proteins or protein-containing materials in order to hydrolyze the proteins. In another embodiment, mucosa tissue is preserved by mixing it with a preserving agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid. The product preserved by hydrogen peroxide is low in ash, stable for at least a week, and has a reduced odor.

Abstract: A method to improve the health and growth of suckling dairy calves on dairy farms includes supplementing calves' diets with a ruminal fluid preparation obtained from the rumen of a cow. This supplement provides the calves with the protection needed to develop faster and healthier. It also leads to a decreased incidence of scours in the treated calves.

Abstract: The present invention discloses peptides obtained from the MUCD1 domain of the saliva mucin glycoprotein MUC7. The peptides are between 8 and 20 amino acids in length and have a net positive charge. The peptides are obtained from the C-terminus of the MUC7D1 protein. These peptides are useful as antifungal and antibacterial agents. A method of using these peptides as antifungal and antibacterial agents is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treatment of premature ejaculation and/or hypersensitivity of sexual stimulation is provided, which contains a therapeutically effective amount of a purified essence of Bufonis venenum for prevention or treatment of dysspermia or the symptom of non-controlled ejaculation in male, due to premature ejaculation and/or hypersensitivity of sexual stimulation. The Bufonis venenum may be a purified essence of Bufonis venenum extracted by use of one or more organic solvent selected from a group consisting of ethyl acetate, dichloromethane or chloroform, and concentrated, and is purified and fractionated by use of silica gel column. The composition may be formulated in a pharmaccutically acceptable formulation of ointment, suspension, gel, spray, patch or solution.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods that rely on the use of one or more assays that assess cellular activation are provided. The assays are performed on whole blood or leukocytes, and indicate individually or in combination the level of cardiovascular cell activation, which is pivotal in many chronic and acute disease states. These results of the assays are used within a clinical framework to support therapeutic decisions such as: further testing for infectious agents, anti-oxidant or anti-adhesion therapy, postponement and optimal re-scheduling of high-risk surgeries, classifying susceptibility to and progression rates of chronic disease such as diabetes, atherogenesis, and venous insufficiency; extreme interventions in trauma cases of particularly high risk and activation-lowering therapies. Also provided is as composition derived from a pancreatic homogenate that contains circulating cell activating factors, which can serve as targets for drug screening to identify drug candidates for use in activation lowering therapies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food composition containing an effective quantity of rennetted milk for preventing or treating dental caries or dental plaque. The invention also relates to a method of preparing the composition.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Disclosed are an antler herb medicine and a preparing method thereof. The antler herb medicine is prepared by fermenting a mixture of antler and gizzard membrane at 20-60° C. In the mixture, the weight ratio of antler to gizzard membrane is within the range of 1:10 to 10:1. The antler herb medicine contains all of the efficacious components of antler, rather than selected components. Also, the fermentation of antler brings about a great change in the composition of antler, converting high molecular weight proteins into low molecular weight proteins and polypeptides, so that the antler herb medicine is greatly improved in uptake rate in the body. Thus, the antler herb medicine can show medicinal effects of antler at a small amount.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The invention is a psyllium containing snack bar. Also included as part of the invention are processes for making snack bars. The product may be used in a therapeutic or dietary regime, for purposes such as increasing dietary fiber or for reducing cholesterol. Dry mixes for making psyllium containing snack bars are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of matter are described for treatment of inflammatory autoimmune and other diseases by administration of lipid fractions of sea cucumber tissue. Compositions of matter useful for inclusion in aquatic and human diets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method to improve the health and growth of suckling dairy calves on dairy farms includes supplementing calves' diets with a ruminal fluid preparation obtained from the rumen of a cow. This supplement provides the calves with the protection needed to develop faster and healthier. It also leads to a decreased incidence of scours in the treated calves.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions comprising substantially purified salivary glycoproteins and carbohydrate ligands thereof which are useful in methods for the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection. The invention also includes methods for the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection comprising contacting a composition of the invention with a human patient. Additionally, the invention includes antibodies and kits useful in the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains an acid addition salt of a basic drug and a fatty acid or bile acid. The acid addition salts thus formed exhibit enhanced transmucosal and transdermal penetration of the basic drug. The acid addition salts, an inclusion complex containing said salts and a use of said salts are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of manufacturing implantable biocompatible cell encapsulation devices, wherein the cell encapsulation devices have a jacket made of a permeable, biocompatible material that is loaded with a core made of a reticulate foam scaffold having interconnected pores, with cells that are dispersed in the interconnected pores.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for isolating antitumor agents, inhibiting enterocytogenins, from pig intestinal mucosa. It further provides the antitumor agents, which are nucleopeptides. Additionally the invention provides methods for suppressing the growth of certain tumor cells comprising administering an inhibiting enterocytogenin to tumor cells.

Abstract: The use of complex lipids, especially lecithin, as additives to stabilize water-soluble pharmaceutical preparations of digestive enzyme mixtures containing lipases and proteases, especially pancreatin-containing digestive enzyme mixtures, which are suitable for preparing aqueous solutions for continuous introduction into the gastrointestinal tract by means of a tube, against a decrease in lipolytic activity under the influence of moisture.

Abstract: This patent relates to the obtaining of two pharmaceutical forms--pulvis and ampules of the veterinary medical preparation "Enterogenin". The bioactive ingredient of the preparation is isolated by fractionation of pig small intestinal mucosa cell, extraction with acetic acid, sedimentation with ethyl alcohol, ion-exchange chromatography and diaflo ultrafiltration in the range of 0.5-2 kDa. The bioactivity of the preparation is related to two nucleopeptides: guanosine tripeptide and adenosine heptapeptide. The basic criterion for the biological action of "Enterogenin" pulvis and ampules is the activation of biosynthesis of nucleic acids and specific proteins in the muscles, liver, intestines and spleen.

Abstract: A protein isolated from crude extracts of Hirudo medicinalis is disclosed, which strongly inhibits the binding to collagen of platelets and their subsequent activation, which leads to platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Additionally the protein prevents binding of von Willebrand factor to collagen. Described is a method for isolation and purification of the protein as well as its use for blocking collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The new protein (Brandinin) has a molweight of approximately 15 kD, binds to collagen but has no collagen-cleaving activity. The protein is useful in the prophylaxis, prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseaeses and for coating of blood-contacting materials, rendering them thromboresistant.

Abstract: An electrostatic process for coating a biological material with a uniform, continuous polymer layer by discharging a suspension of the biological material in a gellable coating polymer solution in a continuous stream through an orifice. The stream is attenuated to form droplets by maintaining an electrostatic voltage between the needle and the gelling solution which is sufficient to maintain an attraction of at least 1.times.10.sup.6 newtons on the stream of liquid leaving the needle, and the droplets are collected in a gelling solution. A preferred product is pancreatic islets having a continuous, smooth coating of high polymannuronate non-fibrogenic alginate having a thickness of at least 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: The preparation of a saliva composition substantially viable for therapeutic use in saliva-deficient individuals involves exogenously treating saliva to inactivate microorganisms by contacting with chlorhexidine or ionizing radiation. Pharmaceutically active agents may be added to the saliva composition.

Abstract: A novel anticoagulant/modulator factor isolated from the saliva of the meinal leech Hirudo medicinalis, specifically inhibiting bovine Xa factor but not inhibiting bovine thrombin.

Abstract: There is described herein a wound healing enhancing medicinal composition formulated from the salivary protein Lumicarmine. Lumicarmine is a phosphoglycoprotein with a molecular weight of 34.5 kD. About 80% of the total amino acid residues are proline glycine and glutamic acid and another 10% are lysine and arginine. Lumicarmine stains pink violet after gel electrophoresis and staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 dye.

Abstract: A protein isolated from crude Haementeria officinalis extract which blocks stimulation of platelet aggregation by collagen. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 16,000. A method of isolating the protein and using the protein to prevent or delay blood coagulation by blocking the stimulation of platelet aggregation by collagen is also described. The protein is useful in the prevention, prophylaxis, therapy and treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: A method for the concentration and purification of biomolecules is described and comprises introducing the biomolecule into an aqueous/organic solvent system and bringing about a phase separation by addition of salts, where the pH at which the concentration takes place, the solvents suitable for the aqueous/organic solvent system, and the nature of the salt are determined in a series of tests one embodiment concerns concentration of hirudin by using propanol, butanol or acetone a the solvent and sodium chloride as the salt.

Abstract: A ready to use heterograft membrane for replacement of injured skin which is prepared by extraction of a mucous membrane from an esophagus of bovine origin. The tissue-equivalent membrane resulting from this process is applied on burns, cuts or wounds to protect the affected area and generally provide an optimum condition for the proliferation of epidermal cells. The membrane has an affinity with tissue cells and integrates to the living tissue. Afterwards, it falls off, leaving the wound area prepared for homografting, or when the epidermis has completely regenerated.

Abstract: A composition of matter useful as an inhibitor of blood platelet aggregation, for the treatment of various clinical disorders such as thrombotic, inflammatory and immunological disorders. This composition of matter is derived from the saliva of leeches of the Hirudinidae family. The composition contains various components, all having molecular weights lower than 2,000 daltons. The composition has an inhibitory activity against platelet aggregation induced by various aggregating agents, including Platelet Activating Factor-acether (PAF-acether), arachidonic acid, thrombin, ADP and epinephrine.