Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation for stimulating the growth of gram-positive bacilli and increasing the acidity in the vagina which comprises sucrose and/to maltose, to the use of certain sucrose and/or maltose, in preparing the pharmaceutical formulation for stimulating the growth of gram-positive bacilli and increasing the acidity in the vagina, in particular to a method of stimulating the growth of gram-positive bacilli and increasing the acidity in the vagina, treating the reduction of gram-positive bacilli and the lowness of acidity in vagina as well as the vaginitis and the disturbance of vaginal bacterioflora accompanying the reduction of gram-positive bacilli, especially bacterial vaginal disease.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide NKT cell-activating agents, therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis and human type I diabetes), and abortifacients. The medicinal compositions according to the present invention comprise &agr;-glycosylceramides of the following formula (I), or a salt or a solvate thereof as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe and excellent antiallergic composition, and more particularly a preventive and therapeutic composition for atopic dermatitis, including an antiallergic composition blended with stachyose as an effective ingredient, and a medicine, food and beverage containing the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for increasing fecal hair excretion and for treating hairballs in a mammal by administering a composition comprising polyol fatty acid polyester. Further disclosed are veterinary or food compositions comprising the polyol fatty acid polyester.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement composition contains inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase substantially in the absence of lipase inhibitors. The composition can include touchi extract and phaseolamin as the alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitor, respectively. A method of limiting the absorption of carbohydrates contained in a foodstuff includes administering the nutritional supplement composition prior to consumption of the carbohydrates, and a method of promoting weight loss in an individual includes administering the nutritional supplement composition to the individual over a period of days.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid that can be used for preventing or treating hypohydration and the secondary consequences thereof. The fluid comprises one or more carbohydrates and minerals and is further characterized by a low osmolarity. The invention further relates to the use of such a fluid for medical, dietetic and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides disaccharide and trisaccharide C6 to C12 mixed fatty acid esters having a high alpha content. Yet still further, the invention provides chemical processes for the preparation of the materials disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprising a surfactant that is an alkyl-polyglycoside of formula I, wherein DP is the average degree of polymerisation and has a value of from 1 to 4, and R is an alkyl chain or a mixture of alkyl chains having a chain length of from 6 to 22 carbon atoms; or a derivative thereof for the administration of a medicament for inhalation.

Abstract: A glycosphingolipid having a sugar chain containing &agr;-glucosamine and &bgr;-glucosamine is disclosed. Such glycosphingolipid is advantageous in that possibly being manufactured in a facile and inexpensive manner, and that exhibiting moisturizing effect and immuno-enhancing activity.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are saccharide-derivatized oligosaccharides. The derivatized oligosaccharides preferably are prepared by extruding a malto-oligosaccharide mixture with a saccharide or mixture of saccharides having a DP ranging from 1 to 4. The products are low in digestibility, and thus in various embodiments are suitable for use as bulking agents, for controlled energy release products, and for other purposes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials, such as peptides, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, cells, or liposomes, in freeze dried particles suitable for intranasal administration. Methods provide spray freeze drying of formulations to form stable freeze dried particles for intranasal administration.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials, such as viruses, bacteria, cells, or liposomes, in freeze dried particles suitable for pulmonary administration. Methods provide spray freeze drying of formulations to form stable freeze dried particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prophylactic treatment against, or therapeutic treatment of Th2-mediated diseases or disorders, Vaccines useful in these methods of treatment are provided. The vaccines comprise as active agent immunogenic acyl glyceryl phosphatidyinositol manno-oligosaceharide.

Abstract: The efficacy of conventional cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is enhanced by the use of a therapeutic material which binds to and interacts with galectins. The therapeutic material can enhance apoptosis thereby increasing the effectiveness of oncolytic agents. It can also inhibit angiogenesis thereby moderating tumor growth and/or metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substance which strongly inhibits human &agr;-amylase and is effective for the prevention and treatment of hyperglycemia, for example, diabetes and the diseases caused thereby, and an &agr;-amylase inhibitor and a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for hyperglycemia containing the said substance as active principle.

Abstract: Avilamycin derivatives, gene technology biosynthesis processes for their production, medications containing these compounds, as well as the use of these compounds for the production of a active agent against infectious diseases, as well as nucleic acids, proteins, and gene clusters and corresponding cells that are connected to the production of these avilamycin derivatives are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are cosolvent evaporation methods and compositions for improving the solubility of hydrophobic compounds, including therapeutic agents such as anticancer drugs, polyene antibiotics, antilipidemic agents, and hydrophobic compounds used in various industries, and/or for reducing the toxicity of certain hydrophobic therapeutic agents, especially polyene antibiotics, in particular, Amphotericin B (AmB), and therapeutics such as paclitaxel, tamoxifen, an acylated prodrug or an acylated cis-platin, by incorporating these agents within micelles comprising an amphiphilic block-forming copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to sulfated oligosaccharides, and in particular to the use of certain sulfated oligosaccharides as agents for lowering blood levels of triglycerides such as, for example in treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of therapeutic compounds designed to interfere between the binding of ligands and their receptors on cell surface. More specifically, it provides products and methods for inhibiting cell migration and activation using lipid assemblies with surface recognition elements that are specific for the receptors involved in cell migration and activation.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunopotentiating composition and to a composition accelerating the production of interferon-&ggr;, both comprising lactosuclose as an active ingredient. In particular, the invention provides such compositions in the form of a foodstuff. Oral administration or ingestion of the compositions enhances biophylaxis mechanism (immunological function) in the digestive tract, thus achieving significant treating and preventing effects on intestinal infections and like diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing unstimulated whole saliva in a patient. The method comprises orally administering an effective amount of a disaccharide, such as maltose, trehalose, or anhydrous crystalline maltose, to the patient in a dosage form such as a lozenge. The disaccharide can also be administered in combination with an effective amount of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a disaccharide in combination with vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The method is used to treat diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia.

Abstract: This invention relates to the compositions and method of treating and preventing arthritis, repairing of articular joint surfaces and the relief of symptoms associated with arthritis. The composition comprises bio-affecting agents to reduce nitric oxide production and increase chondroprotective agents. The preferred composition comprises; nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, nitric oxide scavangers, and amino sugars. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and nitric oxide scavengers reduce the level of nitric oxide, the free radical responsible for the degradation of articular cartilage. Amino sugars are the building blocks of articular cartilage and have anti-inflammatory actions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing nitric oxide production by a cell in vitro or in a mammal by a cell by contacting the cell with chitosan or its derivatives in an amount effective to reduce nitric oxide production in the cell.

Abstract: A method of making a derivatized aminoglycoside includes reacting an aminoglycoside with at least 2 equivalents of a divalent metal ion in an aprotic solvent to complex two neighboring amino group and hydroxyl group pairs; reacting the non-complexed amino groups with a protecting reagent to provide protecting groups; removing the divalent metal ion to provide two unprotected amino groups; reacting one of the unprotected amino groups with a reactive substance containing an linker, a carrier, or a label; and removing the protecting groups. This method can be used to produce novel compounds and reagents.

Abstract: The present invention is an oil-in-polyhydric-alcohol type warming base agent containing the following ingredients:

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel imaging probes and methods for using the probes in diagnostic imaging processes and other imaging processes to determine physiological functions.

Abstract: A method for the inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in a human or other warm-blooded animal patient in need of such treatment, comprises administration to the patient of an effective amount of at least one sulfated oligosaccharide, wherein the oligosaccharide has the general formula I: R1—(Rx)n—R2  (I) wherein R1 and R2 and each Rx represents a monosaccharide unit, all of which may be the same or different, adjacent monosaccharide units being linked by 1→2, 1→3, 1→4 and/or 1→6 glycosidic bonds and n is an integer of from 1 to 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a non-digestible carbohydrate in the manufacture of a composition for treating or preventing pathogenic bacteria in the large intestine of a pet animal. It also provides a method for the prevention or treatment of a pathogenic bacteria in the large intestine of a pet animal, the method comprising administering to said pet animal a composition which comprises a non-digestible carbohydrate.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polydispersed saccharide composition in which a fructan-containing material is dissolved in water prior to partial enzymatic treatment of the fructans.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition that includes a material that is susceptible to degradation and a preserving agent in an amount effective to preserve the material comprising one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. The preserving agent can include a single reduced malto-oligosaccharide species or a plurality of such species. Further disclosed is a method of preserving a material. The method generally includes contacting the material with a preserving agent containing a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. Solutions, powders, glasses, gels, and the like containing the chemically reactive material(s) and a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species may be prepared.

Abstract: Provided are a method for promoting insulin secretion, a method for suppressing the elevation of a blood glucose level, a method for ameliorating diabetes mellitus, a method for promoting growth of an animal, and a method for increasing an insulin level in breast milk. These methods comprising administering at least one member selected from the group consisting of a di- or a higher saccharide containing galactose, a derivative thereof, a saccharide containing N-acetylneuraminic acid, and a derivative thereof, to a patient in need thereof or an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition which includes a sugar and a Krebs cycle intermediate, or salt thereof, or a precursor of a Krebs cycle intermediate. Krebs cycle intermediates include citric acid, aconitic acid, isocitric acid, &agr;-ketoglutaric, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, and oxaloacetic acid, and mixtures thereof. Precursors of Krebs cycle intermediates are compounds converted by the body to form a Krebs cycle intermediate. The present invention also relates to administration of the pharmaceutical composition to treat an individual for a disorder involving impaired mitochondrial function and to improve cerebral function in an individual having impaired cerebral metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patch for controlled topical or transdermal delivery of effective levels of cosmetic, dermatological, and pharmaceutical active ingredients onto the skin, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, with minimal discomfort and ease of use. The patch can be transparent or clear and comprises a rate-controlling matrix layer. The matrix layer comprises water-sensitive, bioadhesive, film forming polymers, a water soluble oligomer, and a surfactant. The cosmetic, dermatological, and pharmaceutical active ingredients are soluble or dispersed in the matrix. The patch becomes tacky when wetted and adheres onto the skin. The adhesive properties of the patch are sufficient to maintain the patch in place on the skin for the recommended treatment period while allowing the patch to be readily removed without causing skin irritation or leaving adhesive residue on the skin.

Abstract: The present invention refers to pharmaceutical compositions containing monosialoganglioside GM1 or a derivative thereof, namely, the inner ester AGF2 and the methyl ester AGF4, suitable for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. A further object of the present invention is a therapy for Parkinson's disease based on the associated administration of the aforesaid compounds and, in addition, the N-dichloroacetyl lyso GM1 (LIGA 20) with known pharmaceuticals active in the aforesaid treatment, in particular with L-dopa and/or BDNF.

Abstract: Stable, biologically compatible pharmaceutical compositions in the form of water-in-oil microemulsions (w/o), for the sustained release by parenteral administration of active ingredients which are hydrophilic or are made hydrophilic by suitable derivatization, a process for the preparation of said microemulsions and the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of at least a polysaccharide substance having at least five saccharide units and comprising at least some single-unit motifs thereof, at least a substituent bearing at least a negative charge selected among the group comprising in particular the sulphate, acetate, phosphate, phosphonate groups, for preparing a medicine for activating apoptosis by increasing the number of apoptosis receptors at the cell surface, said receptors being those of the group comprising Fas, TNF, TRAIL, CD40, preferably Fas and TNF, receptors.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of at least an oligosaccharide comprising 2 to 6 sugars and containing at least 2 galactose units, preferably 2 vicinal end-of-chain galactose motifs, or a plant extract containing same, as a cosmetic or dermatological agent, in particular for stimulating the beta-endorphin production in the skin. The invention enables to provide care for sensitive skins, in particular to fight against skin sensitivity, uncomfortable reactions, to provide sensations of well-being, and to produce a local analgesic action.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel glycosides and glycoconjugates, glycoamino acids, and methods for the synthesis thereof. In another aspect, the present invention provides novel clustered glycopeptides and methods for the synthesis thereof. In still another aspect, the present invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer, preferably for the prevention of recurrence of cancer, and methods for inducing antibodies in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need, an effective amount of any of the inventive glycopeptides as disclosed herein, either in conjugated form or unconjugated and in combination with a suitable immunogenic carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sugar-modified liposome having a sugar chain bonded to its membrane surface, preferably through a linker protein, and having excellent absorption qualities, particularly in the intestine. The molecular structure and quantity of the sugar chain is selectively varied to allow the liposome to be delivered in a targeted manner to selected cells and tissues. The liposome is applicable to medicinal drugs, cosmetics and other various products in the medical/pharmaceutical fields, and it is especially useful in a therapeutic drug delivery system that recognizes target cells and tissues, such as cancer cells, and in the delivery of drugs or genes locally to a selected region, or in a diagnostic cell/tissue sensing probe.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide NKT cell-activating agents, therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis and human type I diabetes), and abortifacients. The medicinal compositions according to the present invention comprise &agr;-glycosylceramides of the following formula (I), or a salt or a solvate thereof as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to monovalent oligosaccharides and their use, for example, in the treatment and prevention of mammalian disease caused by infection with Shiga toxin (ST) or Shiga-like toxin (SHL). In particular, the trisaccharide globotriose (i.e., galactose &agr;1,4 galactose &bgr;1,4 glucose) may be used to competitively inhibit binding of the toxins to their cellular targets.

Abstract: A reduction inhibitory agent for active oxygen eliminating activity which comprises cyclotetrasaccharide, i.e., cyclo{→6}-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→), as an effective ingredient, a method for inhibiting the reduction of active oxygen eliminating activity which comprises incorporating either cyclotetrasaccharide or the reduction inhibitory agent into plant edible products and/or plant antioxidants, and a composition where the reduction of active oxygen eliminating activity of the plant edible products and/or plant antioxidants has been satisfactorily inhibited by the method.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation which ensures stability and solubility of a hexacyclic camptothecin derivative prepared by adding a ring having a water-soluble group to camptothecin, wherein a pH-adjusting substance and, as occasion demands, a sugar or a sugar alcohol are added to the hexacyclic camptothecin derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carbohydrate mixture for dietetic foods administered by the enteral or parenteral route and pharmaceuticals, characterized in that said mixture consists of (a) monosaccharide(s), (b) oligosaccharide(s) (at most hexasaccharides) and (c) polysaccharide(s) (at least heptasaccharides), where the mixing ratio a, b, c, in respect of weight, is: &agr;=1, b=40 to 1000, and c=1 to 50, and in that it contains at least 1 weight percent of fucose occurring either freely and/or bound to an oligosaccharide and/or a polysaccharide. According to the invention, the carbohydrate mixture has both a nutritional and a biological effect which is considerably greater than the corresponding action of the individual constituents.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of at least one oligomannoside produced by chemical synthesis which is homologous to a wall oligomannoside of an infectious organism or pathogen, or a derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to chemical conjugates (herein referred to as polysaccharide adjuvant-antigen conjugates) that have a polysaccharide backbone capable of binding to the cell surface of Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), to which is covalently attached (a) one or more molecules having a stable carbonyl group (i.e. an aldehyde and ketone group that is capable of reacting with amino groups to form an imine or Schiff base), and (b) one or more polypeptides or peptides that are capable of eliciting an immunogenic response when covalently attached to polysaccharide backbone. Also disclosed are methods for making the conjugates and methods of using the conjugates to enhance the potentiation of an immune response in a mammal. Also disclosed is a method of vaccination, and pharmaceutical and veterinary compositions comprising one or more of the polysaccharide adjuvant-antigen conjugates of the present invention.

Abstract: Substituted propanolamine derivatives, their pharmaceutically tolerated salts and physiologically functional derivatives thereof are described. Also described are compounds of formula I in which the radicals have the abovementioned meanings, and their physiologically tolerated salts, physiologically functional derivates and processes for their preparation. The compounds are suitable as, for example, hypolipidemics.

Abstract: Substituted propanolamine derivatives, their pharmaceutically tolerated salts and physiologically functional derivatives thereof are described. Also described are compounds of formula I in which the radicals have the abovementioned meanings, and their physiologically tolerated salts, physiologically functional derivates and processes for their preparation. The compounds are suitable as, for example, hypolipidemics.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of fucanes for obtaining medicines for modulating metalloprotease and inhibiting leukocytic elastase. Said medicines help activate collagen synthesis inhibit proliferation of gingival fibroblasts, and activate proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. They are useful in particular for treating periodontal pathologies and dermal lesions.