Abstract: Glycosaminoglycans derived from K5 polysaccharide having high anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity and useful for the control of coagulation and as antithrombotic agents are obtained starting from an optionally purified K5 polysaccharide by a process comprising the steps of N-deacetylation/N-sulfation, C5 epimerization, O-oversulfation, selective O-desulfation, 6-O-sulfation, N-sulfation, and optional depolymerization, in which said epimerization is performed with the use of the enzyme glucoronosyl C5 epimerase in solution or in immobilized form in the presence of divalent cations. New, particularly interesting antithrombin compounds are obtained by controlling the reaction time in the selective O-desulfation step and submitting the product obtained at the end of the final N-sulfation step to depolymerization.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the treatment or prevention of allergic airways diseases, the suppression of allergic immune responses, and the induction protective immunity against allergic airways diseases wherein the methods comprise administering to subjects in need thereof an effective amount of a Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide and a Streptococcus pneumoniae exotoxin or exotoxoid, optionally together with one or more additional antigenic or immunomodulatory constituents, components or fractions of Streptococcus pneumoniae and/or immunopotentiators. Administration of individual components is also contemplated. Also provided are vaccine compositions suitable for use in accordance with methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of clinical conditions characterized by undesirable and/or abnormal selectin expression. In particular, the invention provides for the use of fucoidans for the detection of selectins using imaging techniques including ultrasonography, scintigraphy and MRI. Selectin-targeted imaging agents are provided that comprise at least one fucoidan moiety associated with at least one detectable moiety. Methods and kits are described for using these imaging agents in the diagnosis of clinical conditions such as thrombosis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, stroke and ischemic brain trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, tumor metastasis and tumor growth, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating FAM20C kinase action and identifying therapeutic agents for the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to Gram-negative bacteria carrying an inactivated gene encoding a glycosyltransferase involved in the synthesis of the core of the LPS of said Gram-negative bacteria, wherein said inactivated gene results in the synthesis of a LPS having a modified core. These strains have an attenuated virulence but induce a humoral immunity sufficient for ensuring vaccination of the host.

Abstract: The invention concerns nutritional compositions with fucosyllactose for use in stimulation of NK cells. The composition is suitable for infants.

Abstract: Synthetic cell culture surfaces, including a hydrophobe modified cellulose or an hydroxylated acrylate polymer composition and optionally including a silica source, cell culture coating and cell culture articles incorporating the composition, and methods of making and using the articles for cell culture, as defined herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for activating a solid support material with epoxy groups and for immobilizing ligands thereon, utilizing phase transfer catalytic conditions. The method permits the introduction of epoxy groups and specific nucleophilic ligands on the support material with a high level of substitution. Furthermore, the invention provides a general method for immobilizing a ligand for use in a wide variety of chromatographic separation procedures such as ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), reverse phase chromatography (RPC), or affinity chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a chemically modified polysaccharide, preferably starch, by using a microdevice. It further relates to the use of a microdevice for the chemical reactions of polysaccharides in heterogeneous mixtures. Examples of chemical modifications are acetylation, oxidation, hydroxypropylation and the like.

Abstract: A composition interacts with a biological cell system that includes bioactive molecules with biomolecular surfaces, cellular components and water molecules with a specific density. The composition includes a biologically active component that is constructed to increase an activity of a biological cell system by increasing the hydration of one or more components of that cell system. The biologically active component may include a primary carbohydrate clathrate subcomponent that increases the H-bonded structure of water, and a secondary solute subcomponent. The biologically active component may include an inclusion complex that is made up of a clathrate component and a complex-forming compound. The clathrate subcomponent may include amyloses or cyclodextrins. There is also a beverage and a method that improves cellular hydration in an animal, such as a human.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reactor systems, and catalysts for converting in a continuous process biomass to less complex oxygenated compounds for use in downstream processes to produce biofuels and chemicals. The invention includes methods of converting the components of biomass, such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, to water-soluble materials, including lignocellulosic derivatives, cellulosic derivatives, hemicellulosic derivatives, carbohydrates, starches, polysaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, sugars, sugar alcohols, alditols, polyols, diols, alcohols, ketones, cyclic ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and mixtures thereof, using hydrogen and a heterogeneous liquefaction catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of poly- and oligosaccharides and their nutritional effects. In particular, it relates to the application of ?-glucanotransferases in methods for preparing dietary fibers, including prebiotic oligosaccharides, and to novel oligosaccharides obtainable thereby. Provided is a method for producing a mixture of gluco-oligosaccharides having one or more consecutive (?1?6) glucosidic linkages and one or more consecutive (?1?4) glucosidic linkages, comprising contacting a poly- and/or oligosaccharide substrate comprising at least two (?1?4) linked D-glucose units with an ?-glucanotransferase capable of cleaving (?1?4) glucosidic linkages and making new (?1?4) and (?1?6) glucosidic linkages. Also provided are (isolated) gluco-oligosaccharides obtainable thereby, and their application in nutritional and cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: A filler for optical isomer separation which: allows a polymer compound derivative to be immobilized on the surface of a carrier at a high ratio and is excellent in optical separation ability. The filler is characterized in that the filler is obtained by modifying part of the hydroxy or amino groups of a polymer compound having hydroxy or amino groups with molecules of a compound represented by the following general formula (I): A-X—Si(Y)nR3-n, and is carried by a carrier through chemical bonding.

Abstract: Markers and methods of diagnosis and monitoring of cancer through global glycome analysis.

Abstract: A porous structure includes a polysaccharide and having a multitude of pores wherein an average pore size of the pores is not smaller than 40 ?m and a ratio of the number of pores having a pore size not smaller than 50 ?m to the total number of the pores is not less than 30%. The porous structure improves the solubility of a polysaccharide in water.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: The application relates to nucleic acids which encode enzymes responsible for the production of the O-antigen of Francisella tularensis, and their use as or in the production of vaccines and in diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic compounds that are active on plants, especially as legume nodulation factors, and also as plant growth stimulators, and to methods for preparing such compounds, which are of formula (I).

Abstract: Novel aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharide compositions containing pendant dialdehyde groups are described that are more stable in aqueous solution than oxidized polysaccharides. The aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharides may be reacted with various amine-containing polymers to form hydrogel tissue adhesives and sealants that may be useful for medical applications such as wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, preventing leakage of fluids such as blood, bile, gastrointestinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, and preventing post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a long-chain inulin and its preparation from artichoke roots, to its use in foodstuffs and cosmetic preparations and to foodstuffs and cosmetic preparations which comprise the long-chain inulin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to droplet actuator devices and assay methods. The method may include immobilization of the enzymatic substrate including forming an inclusion complex with the substrate within an aqueous environment in contact with an oil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ?-galactosidase. Specifically disclosed are a ?-galactosidase derived from Bacillus circulans and a gene for the ?-galactosidase. The ?-galactosidase can be used, for example, in the production of milk, dairy products, fermented dairy products, galacto-oligosaccharides or supplements for foods.

Abstract: The present invention relates compounds of the formula: oligosaccharide-spacer-(GpIIb/IIIa antagonist), wherein the oligosaccharide is a negatively charged oligosaccharide residue comprising four to twenty five monosaccharide units, the charge being compensated by positively charged counterions, and wherein the oligosaccharide residue is derived from an oligosaccharide which has (AT-III mediated) anti-Xa activity per se; the spacer is a bond or an essentially pharmacologically inactive linking residue; the GpIIb/IIIa antagonist is a residue mimicking the RGD and/or K(QA)GD fragment of fibrinogen, comprising a carboxylate moiety and a basic moiety located within the residue at a distance of 10-20 ? from each other; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug or a solvate thereof; wherein the compound of formula I further comprises at least one covalent bond with a biotin label or an analogue thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved synthesis of a trisaccharide of the formula, novel intermediates used in the synthesis and the preparation of the intermediates.

Abstract: Provided are polysaccharide compositions capable of controllable hydrolytic degradation and suitable for controlled release of therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for synthesizing such compositions and a variety of applications in which the compositions may be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a formyl group-containing porous base matrix, comprising the steps of introducing a spacer in a formyl group-containing porous particle; and then oxidizing the spacer with periodic acid and/or a periodate, to transform the part of the spacer into a formyl group; wherein the formyl group content in the porous particle after introduction of the spacer is not more than 3 ?mol per 1 mL of the porous particle. Also, the present invention relates to a method for producing an adsorbent, comprising the step of immobilizing an amino group-containing ligand on the formyl group-containing porous base matrix. According to the present invention, a formyl-group containing porous base matrix and an adsorbent produced from the porous base matrix of which adsorption amount is high and which is has high strength and of which ligand is difficult to be leaked are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for producing amide bonds and reagents related thereto. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of producing an amide comprising mixing an O-silylated thionoester and an amine under conditions such that an amide is formed. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to mixing a thiolacid, a silylating agent, and an amine under conditions such that an amide is formed.

Abstract: Chitosan-containing blends and methods of dissolving and using chitosan are disclosed. A blend includes a solid acid or a solid agent that generates a proton in situ in the presence of water mixed together with a dry solid chitosan, and may optionally contain other components. The blends are in a dry, free-flowing, particulate form. Methods of dissolving a blend typically comprise adding a quantity of the blend to a low volume of water and mixing until the chitosan and solid acid or solid agent are dissolved and then further diluting this mixture by the addition of water, or used as-is. Devices containing the blends are also described along with methods of using the devices, such as for controlled release of solubilized chitosan in a body of water, such as a stream, containing impurities (e.g., particles, sediment, or suspended matter or dissolved substances) to cause flocculation or precipitation of such impurities.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel starchy substance having a retrogradation-resistance, a process for producing the starchy substance efficiently from a material starch by enzymatic reaction, and uses thereof. The present invention attains the above object by providing branched starch having 6-?-maltosyl- and/or 6-?-maltotetraosyl-structure(s) with a marked retrogradation-resistance, a process for producing the branched starch without lowering the molecular weight of material starch, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imprinted polymer nanoparticles. In particular, the present invention provides imprinted polymer nanopaticles polymerized in the presence of a target molecule (e.g., peptide), wherein the imprinted polymer nanoparticles comprise vinyl, acryl, and/or methacryl monomers, wherein the monomers have affinity for the target molecule. The present invention also relates to methods of using imprinted polymer nanoparticles in biomoacromolecular purification methods (e.g., to purify monoclonal antibodies or hormones), in toxin elimination methods (e.g., hemoperfusion), in diagnostics, in research, as well as in therapeutic methods (e.g., therapeutic methods where antisera or monoclonal antibodies are normally employed).

Abstract: A sensor for detecting of an analyte in a solution phase comprises a plurality of functionalised silver nanoplates wherein a functionalising agent is directly bonded to the surfaces of the nanoplates. The nanoplates provide a detectable wavelength shift change in their local surface plasmon resonance spectrum in response to the binding of an analyte. Two or more of the nanoplates may be electromagnetically coupled.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating lifestyle-related disease is provided. Also provided is a food useful for the prevention or treatment of lifestyle-related disease. The pharmaceutical composition contains, as an active ingredient, a sugar in which a mannose unit makes up 66% or more in terms of the number of mannose units and which has a polymerization degree of 3 to 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a long-chain inulin and its preparation from artichoke roots, to its use in foodstuffs and cosmetic preparations and to foodstuffs and cosmetic preparations which comprise the long-chain inulin.

Abstract: A method for producing a cross-linked hyaluronic acid in accordance with the present invention comprises: (a) cross-linking at least one polymer at a temperature, from about 35° C. to about 60° C., for a reaction time of from about 0.1 hour to about 72 hours with a cross-linking agent; and (b) lowering the temperature in step (a) to form about 10° C. to about 30° C. for a reaction time of from about 48 hours to about 28 days to obtain the cross-linked hyaluronic acid, whereby, a cross-linking agent content in a product of the method can be decreased so the product does not require purification.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of identifying molecules that cooperatively and positively interact with either a ligand or a target molecule of a ligand/target molecule pair, or molecules that interact with a ligand/target molecule complex.

Abstract: A molecular delivery system including a plurality of nanowires (e.g., Si NWs), each of the nanowires having a surface layer formed of a silicon-containing material and a covalently bound linker (e.g., silane linker) attached to the surface layer and optionally including a substrate to which the nanowires are adhered or a molecule to be delivered attached to the linker. Also disclosed is a method of delivering into a cell an exogenous molecule.

Abstract: Ulcer is a serious oxidative stress induced disease with complex pathologic events including upregulation of H+K+ ATPase of parietal cell (PC) membrane, damage of mucin layer around PC, PC-DNA damage etc. The polysaccharide (GRPP) fraction and antioxidant extract (GRAOX) of ginger was examined for their ability to inhibit H+ K+ ATPase. Results indicated that the inhibition of H+ K+ ATPase activity which causes acidity in the lumen of the stomach, also exhibited better H+K+ ATPase inhibition (PPI) at the IC50 of 27.2 ?g (GRPP) and 16.5 ?g GAE (AOX) respectively than the known antiulcer proton pump blocker Lansoprazole (19.3 ?g). Further the antioxidant activity in antioxidant extract (GRAOX) by various assay systems was examined such as Reducing power, Free radical scavenging (FRS), DNA and cytoprotection systems etc. GRAOX exhibited concentration dependent reducing power ability at 5-25 ?g equivalent of phenol. FRS activity with IC50 of 6.8 ?g equivalent of phenol etc. At 0.

Abstract: A plasma coating device for treating a wound comprises a plasma chamber having: one or more electrodes, a gas supply inlet, a plasma outlet exposed to ambient pressure, and an ignition system operatively connected to the electrodes for providing a non-thermal equilibrium plasma within the plasma chamber. An aerosol delivery system is operable to introduce a bioresorbable material as an aerosol into the plasma, to produce a coating on the wound surface.

Abstract: Cyanine compounds having the general formula I, conjugates, complexes, and compositions comprising the cyanine compounds are provided. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) dye pairs and viability dyes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an intermediate and the process for making the same. This intermediate is useful in the process for making polysaccharides, and more particularly fondaparinux.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions that function to remove cholesterol from a mammal suffering from an elevated cholesterol level. The composition includes a polysaccharide having attached thereto at least one cyclic oligosaccharide. In a particular embodiment, the foregoing composition further includes at least one cell-targeting agent. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions for removing or reducing cholesterol and other lipids in a mammal suffering from an elevated level of cholesterol and/or other lipid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preventing flooding of a cavity within a shoot restraint of a manufactured seed by lowering the water potential of the nutritive media relative to the water potential of a plant embryo disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A composition nutritional containing dietary fibres is useful for the treatment of muscle wasting, if the dietary fibre comprise at least 30 wt. % of galacto-oligosaccharides or other oligosaccharides having mainly anhydropyranose units, and having a chain length of 3-10 units. The composition may further contain other oligo- or polysaccharides, especially polysaccharides having a majority of anhydrofuranose units.

Abstract: A hyaluronic acid compound which is a reaction product between hyaluronic acid and a phosphatidyl ethanolamine. This compound has biocompatibility and bio-safety, and can be formed into a hydrogel or molded form having a certain shape. Making use of these properties, it is used to treat a knee joint, prevent the accretion of a tissue after an operation and keep a skin wet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccines, and in particular vaccines comprising antigens of low isoelectric point at pH 7.0, in particular the capsular polysaccharide or oligosaccharide of H. influenzae B (PRP). Immunogenic compositions and methods of making such compositions are presented in which the PRP is surprisingly protected from immune interference by adding a polyanionic polymer (such as PLG—poly-L-glutamic acid) to the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for skin external application containing a Chamaecyparis obtusa polysaccharide as an active ingredient, and more particularly to a composition for skin external application containing a Chamaecyparis obtusa polysaccharide, which improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles by promoting collagen production, shows an excellent skin-whitening effect by inhibiting melanogenesis, improves skin moisturization by promoting keratinocyte differentiation, and has excellent anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration effects.

Abstract: A delivery system for use in the oral cavity, the system comprising a carrier for a bioactive substance. The carrier has a surface comprising oxygen-binding sites (X), and at least one link comprising a pentose group and one or more additional sugar groups, the pentose group being bonded to one of said oxygen binding sites (X) and wherein one or more bioactive molecules (R) are bonded directly to one of the sugar groups of the at least one link or to one or more substituents on one or more sugar groups in the at least one link.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising an antigen and a dendritic cell targeting component. A charged group is covalently attached to a dendritic cell ligand and is electrostatically associated with the dendritic cell targeting component.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gadolinium complex formed by coordination of gadolinium to the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid dianhydride (DTPA) moiety of a pullulan-DTPA conjugate formed by an ester bond between pullulan and DTPA, a preparation method thereof, an MRI contrast composition comprising the complex, and a method of providing information for diagnosis of disease using the complex as an MRI contrast agent. The pullulan-DTPA-Gd complex has a long in vivo half-life, low toxicity, and high MRI signal intensity resulting in clear MRI images, compared to prior gadolinium complexes, indicating that it is advantageously used as an MRI contrast agent. In addition, it is possible to obtain MRI images allowing one to differentiate between diseased liver tissue and normal liver tissue, indicating that it is used as an MRI contrast agent for the liver.