Abstract: Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes, and for reducing weight gain. Such compounds are represented by formula (I) as follows: wherein Y and Z are defined herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a polymer hydrogel, comprising cross-linking a precursor comprising a hydrophilic polymer optionally in combination with a second hydrophilic polymer, using a polycarboxylic acid as the cross-linking agent. The invention further concerns the polymer hydrogel obtainable by the method of the invention and the use thereof in a number of different applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of blunting the postprandial glycemic response in a human by feeding an induced viscosity fiber system. The invention also relates to an induced viscosity fiber system and the liquid products that incorporate the induced viscosity fiber system. Further, the invention relates to a method of incorporating soluble fiber into a liquid product without the typical negative organoleptic or physical stability issues. The invention also relates to a method of inducing the feeling of fullness and satiety by feeding the induced viscosity fiber system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of blunting the postprandial glycemic response to a meal by feeding an acid controlled induced viscosity fiber system. The first component of the induced viscosity fiber system is anionic soluble fiber. The second component of the induced viscosity fiber system is water-insoluble, acid-soluble multivalent cations. The fiber system will typically be incorporated into a meal replacement nutritional. The present invention also refers to a method of delivering soluble fiber to diabetics and to persons needing to lose weight. Additionally, the invention refers to a method of promoting the feeling of fullness and satiety by feeding a nutritional product containing the induced viscosity fiber system.

Abstract: A liquid edible composition with a pH of more than 6, a viscosity below 600 mPas at a shear rate of 100s-1 and 20° C., and a viscosity of at least 125% of the aforementioned viscosity at a pH below 5 and a temperature of 37° C., the composition comprising at least 0.05 wt. % of pectin having a degree of methoxylation between 2 and 50 and/or of alginate; at least 5 mg calcium per 100 ml; and at least 0.1 wt. % indigestible oligosaccharide having a degree of polymerisation between 2 and 60. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for the treatment or prevention of overweight or obesity in mammals, the method comprising the enteral administration to a mammal of an effective amount of the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: Antiobestic agents and health foods containing as the active ingredient substances having an effect of adsorbing bile acid in the digestive tract, an effect of inhibiting intestinal circulation or an effect of inhibiting the absorption of exogenous lipids typified by pharmaceutically acceptable anion exchange resins. In particular, antiobestic agents and health foods characterized by lowering body weight and/or visceral fat content without reducing food intake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions without added iron and methods for prophylactic nutritional supplementation and therapeutic nutritional supplementation. Specifically, the method involves administering to an individual a composition comprising carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, alpha lipoic acid, and lutein, wherein the composition is free of added iron.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymannuronate composition including polymannuronate having molecular weight from about 4,000 to about 500,000 in a high purity. The composition can be used in producing nutritional compositions such as functional foods and health aids. Also, the composition can be used in a pharmaceutical composition along with a pharmaceutical carrier. The composition has various effects, including controlling serum lipids, preventing hyperlipidemia, preventing obesity, preventing diabetes, enhancing functions of liver, expelling heavy metals from a body, etc. Further disclosed is a process to producing the polymannuronate composition, in which alginate is hydrolyzed and then the polymannuronate components are isolated. Further disclosed herein is a composition produced by that process. In the hydrolysis, an organic acid is preferably used, and the isolation of the polymannuronate involves adjustment of pH of the resulting mixture of the hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and readily reproducible process for stabilizing biologically active substances by combining the biologically active substance witha a stabilizingmixture and drying the resulting mixture into a dry, amorphous product by means of convection drying. The invention also relates to the amorphous, microscopically homogeneous products which are obtained by this process, are in the form of powders and have a uniform geometric, in particular spherical, shape. The invention furthermore relates to the use of substance mixtures for stabilizing biologically active material, in particular proteins by means of spray drying.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement for use in managing carbohydrates and enhancing anabolism in mammals is described. The nutritional supplement contains regulated amounts of niacin, chromium, and vanadium, and optionally thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals mimic and/or enhance the physiological effects of insulin in the body. A method of using the composition is also described.

Abstract: A rapidly dispersible powder having use as a laxative and fiber supplement, comprising psyllium particles coated with gum arabic. The present invention also includes a method for making the powder that includes providing an effective quantity of gum arabic to a fluidized bed having the psyllium particles to make the rapidly dispersible powder. The present invention further includes a method for making a constipation treatment and a treatment for fiber supplementation.

Abstract: Agent for treatment and prevention of diarrhoea and gastric ulcers in animals and humans, consisting of a mixture of a pectinaceous plant fibre material with a phospholipid, said agent being obtained by adding to the plant fibre material prior to the admixture of phospholipid under intensive stirring a physiologically acceptable liquid organic substance having a surface tension which is significantly lower than that of water, and method of preparing said agent comprising mixing under intensive stirring the finely-milled, dried pectinaceous plant fibre material with 2 to 10% by weight of an organic substance based on the plant fibre material, preferably at least one alcohol, and subsequently adding under stirring from 5 to 15% by weight of lecithin based on the plant fibre material and heated to a temperature of more than 45.degree. C. to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a newly discovered class of polynucleotide decoys that is capable of competitively inhibiting the binding of transcription factors to the X-box sequence. This binding is necessary for the expression of MHC-II genes. The invention is also directed to methods of preparing these polynucleotide decoys, and methods of use thereof. In particular, we have identified a class of polynucleotide decoys that mimic the X-Box of MHC-II and competitively bind the MHC-II transcription factor RF-X, resulting in the modulation of MHC-II antigen expression. Thus, the invention can be used to inhibit the expression of HLA molecules on the surface of donor cells or organs, in order to render them invisible to the host's immune system, or in methods of treating an individual with an autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunctional expression of an MHC class II antigen.

Abstract: A stable, freeze-dried, and pharmaceutically acceptable formulation includes a protein, a buffer, alanine, and mannitol, at a mass ratio of mannitol/alanine being 0.1-1, wherein the formulation being useful in an assay kit.

Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence consisting of injecting human fibrin glue at or near the bladder neck until the urethral outflow resistance is restored. Human fibrin glue is the reaction product of human fibrinogen and thrombin in the presence of calcium chloride as catalyst.

Abstract: The drug consists of a two-part gelatine capsule filled with a non-toxic substance, low on burnable ingrediants, which enlarges its volume when set free in the stomach. The filling can be dissolved within the digestive tract of the human body, e.g. compressed cellulose. The person taking the drug experiences through the volume enlargement in the stomach for a certain time a feeling of fulness, hencely making it easier to lose weight.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one water insoluble crude fiber and at least one lipase inhibitor. The lipase inhibitor is present in an amount effective for treating adiposity. The lipase inhibitor is selected from lipstatin in pure form, a biomass comprising a lipase inhibitor, and tetrahydrolipstatin.

Abstract: A dietary fibre composition comprising a water-soluble, nononic cellulose ether having a cloud point not higher than 35.degree. C. in combination with a charged surfactant and optional additives in water, the ratio of surfactant to cellulose ether being 1:5 to 1:25 by weight, is a liquid solution at room temperature and a gel in the gastrointestinal tract at body temperature. The dietary fibre composition can be used as a bulk laxative and also as a slimming aid.

Abstract: A drug for preventing the absorption of food materials dissolved during digestion, a drug for preventing obesity, a drug for treating hyperlipemia, a drug for treating diabetes mellitus, and a drug for preventing constipation, wherein the flocculant and other auxiliary additives at request, are coated with the aquatic enteric material.

Abstract: A method for suppressing appetite comprising administering by mouth to a subject an amount of polycarbophil that is effective to suppress the appetite of the subject without inducing a laxative effect in said subject.

Abstract: A material for food of slow digestion and absorption, characterized by comprising a starchy material having an amylose content in the range of from about 25 to about 60% by weight and a modifier for modifying said starchy material and having the enzymatic reaction ratio with amylase decreased to not more than 95% of unmodified starchy material.

Abstract: An algin-containing food or beverage comprises a low-molecular weight algin which has a weight-average molecular weight in the range of 10,000-900,000 and still functions as a dietary fiber and has beneficial effects on the health. The algin can be prepared by subjecting a high-molecular weight naturally occurring algin or its derivative to heat treatment at a temperature of 100.degree.-200.degree. C. under pressure.

Abstract: A high-fiber, consumable bulk fiber composition, which may be used as a laxative, comprises powdered psyllium husks agglomerated with a water soluble, low viscosity gum, preferably gum acacia, to form a dry, free-flowing, water dispersible dietary fiber combinate. To form the dietary fiber combinate, the powdered psyllium husks are mixed with an aqueous solution of the water soluble, low viscosity gum, preferably by fluid bed agglomeration, and dried. The composition is employed to treat constipation by ingesting an effective amount of the dietary fiber combinate dispersed in water.

Abstract: Described is a method of decreasing the weight in mammals to a desired level comprising orally administering thereto an effective weight reducing amount of a non-toxic anion exchange resin containing composition for a desired period of time to achieve a desired weight reduction. Compositions useful for reducing weight in patients contain an anion exchange resin such as cholestyramine, colestipol or polidexide, with bran and optionally, artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Abstract: A cholesterol or body weight regulating material comprising an enzyme resistant starch is disclosed. A composition which contains said enzyme resistant starch is also disclosed. A food, food material, and beverage, containing said enzyme resistant starch are further disclosed. A method for regulating cholesterol or body weight is still further disclosed. Those are effective not only for lowering cholesterol level, but for preventing obesity.

Abstract: Water-dispersible sugar-free powdered, bulk laxative compositions containing cellulose ethers as the active agent are disclosed. These bulk laxative compositions form smooth, palatable dispersions in water which dispersions contain a therapeutically effective amount of the cellulose ether.

Abstract: A liquid nutritional product for trauma and surgery patients has a caloric density of about 1.2 to 1.5 Kcal/mL and a calorie to nitrogen ratio of about 112:1 to 145:1. A portion of the protein system comprises partially digested protein, and supplemental L-arginine provides about 1-3% of the total calories in the product. The lipid system has a ratio of linoleic acid to alpha linoleic acid in the range of about 3.5:1 to about 5.5:1.

Abstract: Described is a method of decreasing the weight in mammals to a desired amount comprising the steps of ingesting an effective weight reducing amount of a cholestyramine for a desired period of time to achieve a desired weight reduction. Compositions useful for reducing weight in patients contain cholestyramine, bran and optionally, artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Abstract: Food compositions comprising a composition containing a water-soluble dietary fiber and protein with an isoelectric point in acidic region, contents of said water-soluble dietary fiber and said protein being in such a ratio as forming gel when an aqueous solution of said composition gets in touch with gastric juice.The food compositions are orally received in aqueous solution after dissolved in hot water. Being an aqueous solution facilitates intake and gel formation in the stomach allows retention in the stomach for a long period of time thereby preventing overeating. Moreover, the gel absorbs saccharide contained in other food and drink staying in the stomach thereby delaying absorption of saccharide into the body.As examples of the water-soluble dietary fiber are mentioned carrageenan and guar gum, and as examples of the protein are mentioned casein and salts thereof. Weight ratio of the water-soluble dietary fiber to the protein is about 1:0.5-1:8.

Abstract: A method for preparing microcapsules which comprises:dispersing a hydrophobic oily liquid containing a pre-wall former in a continuous aqueous phase, the aqueous phase containing a chain extender which comprises a water soluble polyfunctional compound capable of reacting with the pre-wall former upon dispersion of the hydrophobic oily liquid in the continuous aqueous phase; andforming capsule walls around the droplets of the hydrophobic oily liquid in the continuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a metal ion coordinated polyamine resin in which a non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable chelating metal ion is coordinated with a cross-linked and non-digestible polymeric amine selected from the group consisting of: (a) polyamine resins with a hydrophilic backbone, of the formula: ##STR1## wherein P represents a hydrophilic, cross-linked and non-digestible homopolymer backbone, m is an integer varying from 1 to 10 inclusive, and n, o and p are, independently, integers varying from 2 to 12 inclusive; (b) polyamine resins with a hydrophobic backbone, of the formula:P'--[NH(CH.sub.2).sub.n ].sub.m NH.sub.2 (II)wherein P' represents a hydrophobic, cross-linked and non-digestible homopolymer backbone, m is an integer varying from 0 to 6 inclusive and n is an integer varying from 2 to 12 inclusive; and (c) cross-linked copolymers of a polyethylenepolyamine containing from 2 to 6 ethylene units and epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: A process for preparing microcapsules which comprises dispersing a hydrophobic oily liquid in a continuous aqueous phase, the hydrophobic oily liquid containing a pre-wall former and at least one chain extender, the chain extender being a polyhydric compound which is capable of reacting with the pre-wall former at a rate such that the chain extender does not substantially react with the pre-wall former prior to dispersing the hydrophobic oily liquid in the continuous aqueous phase; and forming capsule walls around the droplets of hydrophobic oily liquid in the continuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: An antihyperlipidemic pharmaceutical or dietary supplement composition for oral use consisting essentially of a combination of niacin and a gel-forming dietary fiber, and a method of lowering cholesterol levels with such oral pharmaceutical composition, or by the simultaneous oral administration of the active ingredients thereof, which eliminates the usual undesirable flushing and itching side effects of niacin while effectively lowering cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol levels, is disclosed.

Abstract: An antihyperlipidemic pharmaceutical or dietary supplement composition for oral use consisting essentially of a combination of niacin and guar gum, and a method of lowering cholesterol levels with such oral pharmaceutical composition, or by the simultaneous oral administration of the active ingredients thereof, which eliminates the usual undesirable flushing and itching side effects of niacin while effectively lowering cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol levels, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for dehydrating glucides and applicable to those glucides of which the molecule includes at least one ketose type group, being characterized in that the glucide is made to react without addition of water with a hydrogen halide, whereupon the hydrogen halide is eliminated by evaporation in order to collect the formed disaccharide anhydride.The invention also relates to novel products characterized by essentially consisting of saccharide anhydrides of which the molecule includes two saccharide cycles linked to each other by two acetal bonds included in a dioxane cycle. As a rule at least one of the saccharide cycles is that of fructose (and may be substituted), and this cycle is linked by a spirane bond to the dioxane cycle.Product application as food additives.