Abstract: An external medicine for treating dermatitis wherein an adrenocortical steroid is included by a cyclodextrin; and 0.025 to 0.5% by weight of the adrenocortical steroid, 0.2 to 30% by weight of the cyclodextrin, and 0.5 to 55% by weight of dextran or pullulan are dissolved in an aqueous solution containing polysaccharide; and 0.5 to 55% by weight of xyloglucan, trehalose, laminaran, krestin, and pectin are blended. Grape sugar, mutan, lentinan, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are comprised in the medicine. The medicine has a higher cure effect on atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris.

Abstract: Degradable, crosslinked aminated dextran microspheres are described. The microspheres contain aminated dextran crosslinked with a crosslinking agent having two or more functional groups that are capable of reacting with the primary amine groups of the aminated dextran to form covalent bonds. The degradable, crosslinked aminated dextran microspheres may be useful for temporary therapeutic embolization and drug delivery.

Abstract: Methods for maintaining or improving the gastrointestinal health of animals susceptible to or suffering from poor gastrointestinal health by administering to the animal a gastrointestinal health maintaining or improving amount of a food composition comprising from about 1 to about 20% carbohydrate; from about 3 to about 10% total dietary fiber, wherein the total dietary fiber contains from about 10 to about 40% soluble fiber and from about 90 to about 60% insoluble fiber; and from about 0.1 to about 10% omega-3 fatty acids; wherein the composition has a digestibility coefficient of at least 80. Generally, the compositions are administered to the animal to prevent or treat diarrhea or to improve stool quality. Further, the compositions may be administered in conjunction with one or more probiotics, prebiotics, anti-gastritis drugs, anti-enteritis drugs, or anti-diarrhea drugs, microbial exopolysaccharides, or combinations thereof to maintain or improve gastrointestinal health.

Abstract: Described are skin-care compositions containing non denatured soy products and optionally other anti-cancer or anti-aging agents. The compositions can be applied topically to reduce the risk of UV-induced cutaneous tumors.

Abstract: This invention discloses the use of an E-selectin antagonist and a mobilizer of hematopoietic stem cells or progenitor cells in methods and compositions for treating or preventing immunocompromised conditions resulting from medical treatment. The present invention is particular relevant for prophylaxis and/or treatment of hematopoeitic disorders including neutropenia, agranulocytosis, anemia and thrombocytopenia in individuals receiving or proposed to receive treatments that target rapidly dividing cells or that disrupt the cell cycle or cell division.

Abstract: Pharmacological compositions, and methods for administration, of the type employing an iron oxide complex with a polyol or polyether. The methods of administration may comprise parenteral administration of an effective dose of the complex formulated in a biocompatible liquid delivered at a rate of from about 1 mL/sec to less than 1 mL/min and wherein upon administration the complex provides minimal detectable free iron in a subject, and minimal incidence of anaphylaxis. The pharmacological compositions are of the type employing a polyol or polyether iron oxide complex, which, upon parenteral administration to a subject, are substantially immunosilent, provide minimal anaphylaxis and minimal free iron, and undergo minimal dissolution in vivo.

Abstract: Fluid compositions and methods for lubrication of mammalian joints are disclosed, including both natural and artificial fluids. Synovial fluid acts to lubricate the bearing surfaces of bones and bone-like structures which are held in frictional contact within biological joints. Such fluids may be used to treat arthritic, injured, and diseased joints. Synovial fluid containing a dextran-based hydrogel with lipids provides enhanced rheological and tribological properties of such a fluid. Phospholipids are particularly useful in dextran-based compositions for synovial fluid. One phospholipid that can be used advantageously in synovial fluid is dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC).

Abstract: A microparticle includes an agglomerate of a hydrophilic active substance containing particle, which particle includes an amphiphilic polymer composed of a hydrophobic segment of poly (hydroxy acid) and a hydrophilic segment of polysaccharides or polyethylene glycol, and a hydrophilic active substance. It is characterized by an efficient inclusion of the hydrophilic active substance, and a release of the hydrophilic active substance at an appropriate speed in the human body, and is hence very useful as a DDS pharmaceutical preparation.

Abstract: Methods to prevent the rejection of immunogenic tissues in an animal by administering a non-immunogenic, poorly catabolized molecule in an amount sufficient to inhibit an immune response are described herein. Also described are compositions that are useful for inhibiting immune responses in animals that are recipients of cellular transplants. For example, these methods and compositions can be used to prevent the rejection of xenografted and allografted tissues in an animal.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a biomaterial that comprises an aqueous phase, polymer network, a second polymer included in said disclosure invention more particularly relates to a biomaterial including an aqueous phase and a first polymer network made of a first proteic or saccharidic polymer or a mixture of first proteic and saccharidic polymers, wherein the first polymer network and the aqueous phase define a first gel (A), the biomaterial including: a second proteic or saccharidic polymer or a mixture of the second proteic and saccharidic polymers, either in solution in the aqueous phase of the gel (A) or in the form of a gel (B), and a first enzyme for degrading said second polymer or second polymer network. The disclosure also relates to a method for making biomaterials, and to the uses of the biomaterial particularly for releasing active substances, and to a device for the controlled release of active substances that include the biomaterial.

Abstract: Compositions for improving the health of a subject comprise alpha-(1,2)-branched alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans, preferably with an average molecular weight between about 10 kDa and 70 kDa, between about 10% and 50% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains, and having at least partial indigestibility in the subject. Methods for improving the health of a subject comprise administering the composition to a subject in an amount effective to improve gut health, or to prevent or treat a gastrointestinal disorder, a cholesterol-related disorder, diabetes, or obesity. Methods for making oligodextrans having controlled size and controlled degree of branching comprise providing alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans having an average molecular weight between 0.5 and 100 kDa and introducing at least 10% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains onto the alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive formed by reacting an oxidized cationic polysaccharide containing aldehyde groups and amine groups with a multi-arm amine is described. The oxidized cationic polysaccharide-based polymer tissue adhesive may be useful for medical applications including wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, anti-adhesive applications and as a bulking agent to treat urinary incontinence. Additionally, due to the presence of the positively charged amine groups on the oxidized polysaccharide, the polymer tissue adhesive disclosed herein may promote wound healing and blood coagulation, and may possess antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions are provided that include a lubricant, a deturgescent agent, a glycosaminoglycan, and water. Methods of using the ophthalmic compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive formed by reacting an aminodextran containing primary amine groups with an oxidized dextran containing aldehyde groups is described. The dextran-based polymer tissue adhesive is particularly useful in medical applications where low swell and slow degradation are needed, for example sealing the dura, ophthalmic procedures, tissue repair, antiadhesive applications, drug delivery, and as a plug to seal a fistula or the punctum.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic composition which stabilizes the tear film during wearing contact lens, prevents eye dryness, imparts a favorable sensation in using, is highly convenient with no risk of misuse and shows a high efficiency in the course from manufacturing to sales. More specifically, the present invention provides a wetting solution—eye drops for contact lenses comprising (A) one or more member(s) selected from the group consisting of a cellulose-based polymer, a vinyl-based polymer, polyethylene glycol and dextran; and (B) a glucose.

Abstract: Methods to prevent the rejection of immunogenic tissues in an animal by administering a non-immunogenic, poorly catabolized molecule in an amount sufficient to inhibit an immune response are described herein. Also described are compositions that are useful for inhibiting immune responses in animals that are recipients of cellular transplants. For example, these methods and compositions can be used to prevent the rejection of xenografted and allografted tissues in an animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic composition which stabilizes the tear film during wearing contact lens, prevents eye dryness, imparts a favorable sensation in using, is highly convenient with no risk of misuse and shows a high efficiency in the course from manufacturing to sales. More specifically, the present invention provides a wetting solution—eye drops for contact lenses comprising (A) one or more member(s) selected from the group consisting of a cellulose-based polymer, a vinyl-based polymer, polyethylene glycol and dextran; and (B) one or more member(s) selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulfate, alginic acid and salts thereof; and (C) a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A solid or semisolid implant obtainable by providing a liquid composition comprising an aqueous solution of dextran with molecular weight of 1.0-100 kDa and introducing the liquid composition into the body of a mammal, whereby the implant is formed in situ in the body of the mammal. A process for preparing a composition useful for biomedical application, comprising the steps of providing a liquid composition comprising an aqueous solution of dextran having a molecular weight of 1-100 kDa; and bringing the liquid composition to solidify; whereby water is gradually eliminated from the liquid composition during the solidification. A biomedical article prepared from the composition.

Abstract: To provide a drug for actively metabolizing or excreting a pathogen occurring in vivo. The present invention is directed to a compound which is formed of (A) an adsorbent for a pathogen occurring in the blood or lymph, and (B) a ligand which is specific to an organ or cells capable of metabolizing or excreting the pathogen and which is bonded to the adsorbent via a linker or with no linker, and to a drug containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of bone injuries. The water insoluble microparticulate glucans used in the compositions comprise branched ?-(1.3)(1.6) glucan. The glucan compositions used in the present invention are essentially free of unbranched ?-(1.3)(1.6) glucan and non-glucan components.

Abstract: A composition for dissolving or reducing the viscosity of sputum on a surface of a device includes an effective amount of glycerol and an effective amount of dextran sulfate in a saline solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 30-50% and the effective amount of dextran sulfate is between about 10-30%. The composition may further include an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of nutraceuticals, and in particular to nutraceuticals comprising sulfated polysaccharides, Astragalus polysaccharides, resveratrol, and combinations thereof. These compositions find use in inducing physiological responses such, decreasing body fat, increasing lean body mass, alleviating the symptoms of colds, preventing the onset of colds, increasing energy, increasing the feeling of well-being in subjects, and improving skin tone and appearance.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for modulating a variety of biological factors to treat biological conditions associated with the factors. In one embodiment of the invention, a cysteamine compound is administered to a patient to treat hypercholesterolemia and/or complications associated with hypercholesterolemia. In another embodiment, a cysteamine compound is administered to a patient to prevent the onset of diabetes in an at-risk patient and/or treat or prevent the onset of diabetes-associated complications.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices, and compositions for dermal filling. Also described herein are dermal filler cross-linked compositions and methods for making such compositions. Such compositions comprise, for example, a cross-linked composition of hyaluronic acid, derivatives of hyaluronic acid or mixtures thereof, alginic acid, derivatives of hyaluronic acid or mixtures thereof and calcium ions.

Abstract: A method for extending the gelation time of an oxidized polysaccharide to react with a water-dispersible, multi-arm amine to form a hydrogel is disclosed. The extension of the gelation time is accomplished by using a chemical additive. The method also extends the time for the hydrogel to become tack-free, and may also be used to decrease the degradation time of the hydrogel. The chemical additive reacts with the functional groups of the oxidized polysaccharide or the water-dispersible, multi-arm amine, thereby reducing the number of groups available for crosslinking. The use of the resulting hydrogel for medical and veterinary applications is described.

Abstract: The present invention refers to use of dextran sulfate, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivate thereof, for manufacturing of a medicament for treatment of Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction (IBMIR). In addition, the invention refers to the use of dextran sulfate, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivate thereof, for manufacturing of a medicament for treatment of morphological disruption of cell transplants and graft-rejection of cell transplants caused by IBMIR. The invention may be applied to patients suffering from type I diabetes, in which porcine islets of Langerhans are transplanted in their portal vein. Administration of dextran sulfate according to the invention inhibits and prevents rejection and destruction of the transplanted islets and makes normoglycemia in the patients possible.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the adverse effects of complement pathway, activation products in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of Dextran Sulfate effective to inhibit formation of alternative complement pathway activation product.

Abstract: Methods are provided directed to administering a therapeutically effective amount of a prostaglandin EP4 agonist component to a mammal afflicted with or prone to affliction with a disease or condition selected from an esophageal ulcer, alcohol gastropathy, a duodenal ulcer, a gastric ulcer, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastroenteropathy and intestinal ischemia. Such administration results in treating or preventing the disease or condition.

Abstract: Novel microgels, microparticles and related polymeric materials capable of delivering bioactive materials to cells for use as vaccines or therapeutic agents. The materials are made using a crosslinker molecule that contains a linkage cleavable under mild acidic conditions. The crosslinker molecule is exemplified by a bisacryloyl acetal crosslinker. The new materials have the common characteristic of being able to degrade by acid hydrolysis under conditions commonly found within the endosomal or lysosomal compartments of cells thereby releasing their payload within the cell. The materials can also be used for the delivery of therapeutics to the acidic regions of tumors and sites of inflammation.

Abstract: A composition for promoting bacterial proliferation and selectively proliferating Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei is disclosed, which includes a dextran. A variety of biological activities originating from L. casei subsp. casei can be sustained in a living body by selectively growing-proliferating and colonizing L. casei subsp. casei in the intestine of a human being, animal, or the like or by selectively growing-proliferating L. casei subsp. casei in the intestine, without supplying L. casei subsp. casei at all times.

Abstract: Infective aggregating forms of proteins such as PrP, amyloid, and tau are bound selectively in the presence of the normal form protein using a polyionic binding agent such as dextran sulphate or pentosan (anionic), or polyamine compounds such as pDADMAC (cationic) under selective binding conditions including the use of n-lauroylsarcosine at mildly alkaline pH, and may then be assayed.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and compositions for selectively binding and/or detecting an aggregating abnormal form of a protein in the presence of non-aggregating normal form of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention is a minimally invasive clinical method for closing hernias and other abnormal openings existing within the body; and is a unique alternative to conventional surgery and routine surgical techniques for correcting such medical defects. The clinical applications for the present methodology can be used for the in-vivo closure of small sized lumens and voids which naturally occur and exist internally within the soft connective tissue and organs of the living human body; can be employed to advantage for the closure of hernias generally; and is focused upon the closure of umbilical hernias specifically.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of dermal ulcers. The water insoluble microparticulate glucans used in the compositions comprise branched ?-(1,3)(1,6) glucan. The glucan compositions used in the present invention are essentially free of unbranched ?-(1,3)(1,6) glucan and non-glucan components.

Abstract: Described herein are polysaccharide gel formulations including at least one inhibitor of polysaccharide degradation and methods of making the same. The methods described herein involve the steps of providing at least one polysaccharide and incorporating at least one inhibitor of degradation into the polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the incorporating step comprises 1) mixing the at least one inhibitor with the at least one polysaccharide at a highly hydrated state thereby encapsulating the at least one inhibitor in a polysaccharide network, and 2) dehydrating the polysaccharide network thereby controlling release kinetics or final swell ratio. In another embodiment, the incorporating step comprises 1) encapsulating at least one inhibitor into a biocompatible or biodegradable vessel and 2) combining the polysaccharide and the vessel into a gel formulation. The polysaccharide gel formulations described herein can be used for a variety of cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of connective tissue injuries. The water insoluble microparticulate glucans used in the compositions comprise branched ?-(1,3)(1,6) glucan. The glucan compositions used in the present invention are essentially free of unbranched ?-(1,3)(1,6) glucan and non-glucan components.

Abstract: Chemical compounds, being the alkyl sulfate of sulfated saccharides, particularly, dextrin, dextran, and cyclodextrin, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. The compounds of the invention provide antiviral activity, particularly in the treatment and prevention of sexually-transmitted diseases. Methods of treating viral infection and preventing viral transmission include administration include administration of the compounds of the invention orally, topically, subcutaneously, by muscular injection, by intraperitoneal injection and by intravenous injection.

Abstract: Water soluble iron carbohydrate complex obtainable from an aqueous solution of iron (III) salt and an aqueous solution of the oxidation product of one or more maltrodextrins using an aqueous hypochlorite solution at a pH-value within the alkaline range, where, when one maltodextrin is applied, its dextrose equivalent lies between 5 and 20, and when a mixture of several maltodextrins is applied, the dextrose equivalent of the mixture lies between 5 and 20 and the dextrose equivalent of each individual maltodextrin contained in the mixture lies between 2 and 40, process for its production and medicament for the treatment and prophylaxis of iron deficiency conditions.

Abstract: A method of concentrating proteins from whole blood comprising exposing whole blood to covalently crosslinked hydrogel to remove water from the blood into the hydrogel to thereby concentrate the proteins in the whole blood. The hydrogel may absorb, for example, 50% or 90% of the water from the blood while excluding proteins with a weight of more than about 15,000 Daltons. In some embodiment, the hydrogels are dry, sterile, and spherical.

Abstract: Methods to prevent the rejection of immunogenic tissues in an animal by administering a non-immunogenic, poorly catabolized molecule in an amount sufficient to inhibit an immune response are described herein. Also described are compositions that are useful for inhibiting immune responses in animals that are recipients of cellular transplants. For example, these methods and compositions can be used to prevent the rejection of xenografted and allografted tissues in an animal.

Abstract: Formulations have been developed for pulmonary delivery to treat or reduce the infectivity of diseases such as vital infections, especially tuberculosis, SARS, influenza and respiratory synticial virus in humans and hoof and mouth disease in animals. Formulations for pulmonary administration include a material that significantly alters physical properties such as surface tension and surface elasticity of lung mucus lining fluid, which may be a surfactant and, optionally, a carrier. The formulation may be administered as a powder where the particles consist basically of the material altering surface tension. The carrier may be a solution, such as an alcohol, although an aqueous solution may be utilized, or a material mixed with the material altering surface tension to form particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an adsorption material which has been modified with polynuclear metal oxide hydroxides for influencing the calcium level and, in particular, for treating or/and preventing atherosclerotic vascular diseases or/and disturbances of bone metabolism.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the compositions are provided for an enhanced magnetic resonance imaging agent and a hematinic agent, the agents comprising carboxyalkylated reduced polysaccharides coated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides. Methods of use of the carboxymethyl reduced dextran as a plasma extender are provided.

Abstract: A method of lowering blood glucose in a mammal includes injecting a therapeutically effective amount of crystallized dextran microparticles and insulin to the mammal to lower blood glucose of the mammal. The composition may be a one phase or a structured multi-phase composition for controlled release of insulin over an extended period of time.

Abstract: Described herein are polysaccharide gel formulations including at least one inhibitor of polysaccharide degradation and methods of making the same. The methods described herein involve the steps of providing at least one polysaccharide and incorporating at least one inhibitor of degradation into the polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the incorporating step comprises 1) mixing the at least one inhibitor with the at least one polysaccharide at a highly hydrated state thereby encapsulating the at least one inhibitor in a polysaccharide network, and 2) dehydrating the polysaccharide network thereby controlling release kinetics or final swell ratio. In another embodiment, the incorporating step comprises 1) encapsulating at least one inhibitor into a biocompatible or biodegradable vessel and 2) combining the polysaccharide and the vessel into a gel formulation. The polysaccharide gel formulations described herein can be used for a variety of cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Methods to prevent the rejection of immunogenic tissues in an animal by administering a non-immunogenic, poorly catabolized molecule in an amount sufficient to inhibit an immune response are described herein. Also described are compositions that are useful for inhibiting immune responses in animals that are recipients of cellular transplants. For example, these methods and compositions can be used to prevent the rejection of xenografted and allografted tissues in an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an immunogenic LHRH composition and more particularly to an immunogenic LHRH composition comprising a LHRH C-terminal fragment of at least five amino acids. The present invention is useful, inter alia, as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for the modification of fertility and behaviour patterns of animals, the achievement of livestock production gains such as increasing growth, decreasing feed conversion ratios or the control of unwanted organoleptic characteristics or the treatment of disorders of the reproductive organs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the administration of copper to an animal using a composition containing copper dextran. A method is described for increasing the copper levels in an animal by the administration of a composition containing copper dextran. A preferred method of administration is intra muscularly. The use of this composition has been found to both address copper deficiencies in an animal, particularly deer.

Abstract: A composition for promoting bacterial proliferation and selectively proliferating Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei is disclosed, which includes a dextran. A variety of biological activities originating from L. casei subsp. casei can be sustained in a living body by selectively growing-proliferating and colonizing L. casei subsp. casei in the intestine of a human being, animal, or the like or by selectively growing-proliferating L. casei subsp. casei in the intestine, without supplying L. casei subsp. casei at all times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following sterilization of the immobilized biologically active entities.