Abstract: At least seven genes have been identified which encode proteins generally identified as pregnancy specific protein (SP1), also known as pregnancy specific beta glycoprotein (PSBG). These genes have been found using human placental SP1 labelled cDNA in a number of mammalian species, including human, baboon, cow, sheep, goat, pig and rat, and non-mammalian species, including fish and bird. The genes are classified on the basis of their nucleotide sequence, structure, glycosylation sites, restriction enzyme mapping, and tissue of origin. Genes have been found in cells of human placenta origin (three groups); in intestinal cells; in cells of both testis and placental origin; in tissue of testis origin; and in HeLa cells. One clone encodes a SP1-like protein which is specifically found in placenta aThe United States Government has rights in this invention by virtue of National Institute of Health funding Grant No. HD21793.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of modified whey with the assistance of lactic acid bacteria for use in manufacturing washing-active substances, as well as, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including the step of at least partially freeing the way of lactose by utilizing suitable lactic acid bacteria on the basis of fermentation.

Abstract: A process for producing alginate capsules comprises slowly introducing an aqueous alginate solution into crosslinking solution of a polyvalent metal salt. The aqueous alginate solution has mannuronic units (M) and guluronic units (G) in a molar ratio between 0.4 and 1.9 and preferably an amount of (G) blocks greater than 50%. Preferably, the alginate is a sodium alginate having a viscosity, in a 0.5% solution in water at 25.degree. C. lower than 20 mPa.s measured with a TV Contraves viscosimeter having a No. 1 measurement body in the presence of a calcium chelate. The alginate concentration is between 0.2 and 2 weight percent. The polyvalent metal salt concentration in solution is from 3.4.times.10.sup.-3 to 6.8.times.10.sup.-2 M.The alginate capsules are employed in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: A process of inactivating infectious viruses in a cell-containing or a protein-containing composition containing such viruses, comprising contacting such composition with an effective amount of at least one aryl diol epoxide of the formula ##STR1## in which X is an aromatic ring system having from 3 to 6 used rings,for a sufficient period of time substantially to inactivate said viruses without incurring substantial disruption or inactivation of cells or without incurring substantial protein denaturation.

Abstract: An inhibitor of angiogenin and method of use of the inhibitor, wherein the inhibitor inhibits the angiogenic activity of angiogenin. The inhibitor is dispensed at a suitable concentration within a physiologically compatable medium, suitable for administration to an animal in sufficient quantity to inhibit the biological activity of naturally occurring angiogenin within the animal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soft tissue augmentation material from human placenta homogenized to pass through a surgical needle, preferably a 30 gauge surgical needle, and cross-linking collagen molecules of the material by gamma irradiation. Also disclosed are methods of making the injectable soft tissue augmentation material and using it in human beings.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a composition for the local treatment of the epidermis comprising at least two active constituents, characterized in that one of these constituents is a product resulting from the condensation of N-methyl-p-methoxyphenethylamine with formaldehyde or product of the aromatic polyamine-type. It particularly relates to a composition for treating the scalp, particularly for treating alopeciae and alopecia aerata or pelada comprising, as second active constituent, a placental extract containing proteinic compounds and sulfurized amino acids. Application to the treatment of the epidermis, particularly of the scalp.

Abstract: External preparations of 1 melanogenesisinhibitory agent contain, as active ingredients, a placental extract of pregnant cows and kojic acid or a derivative thereof. The placental extract of pregnant cows is a very effective melanogenesis-inhibitory substance, which acts through a mechanism different from that of the known extract of fully-matured human placenta and markedly diminishes the overall activity of tyrosinase isozymes (T.sub.1, T.sub.2 and T.sub.3). The external preparations, which utilize the synergistic effect between this unique substance and kojic acid or a derivative thereof (a known melanogensis-inhibitory substance), are effective for the relief and prevention of pigmentation diseases, such as liver spots.