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 invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine comprising 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: Provided herein are small molecule stimulators of neuronal growth, their preparation, and their use for treatment of neurological disorders. In one embodiment, provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical conditions associated with neurological disorders using the compounds and compositions provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising semi-crystalline ?-1-4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers (p-GlcNac) and methods utilizing such polymers modulation of vascular structure and/or function. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for stimulating, in a p-GlcNac concentration-dependent manner, endothelin-1 release, vasoconstriction, and/or reduction in blood flow out of a breached vessel, as well as for contributing to or effecting cessation of bleeding. The methods of the present invention comprise topical administration of materials comprising semi-crystalline p-GlcNac polymers that are free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids as well as other organic and inorganic contaminants, and whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a ?-1-4 conformation.

Abstract: An oligosaccharide useful for a Meningitidis A vaccine contains a first mannose unit having a spacer in the alpha configuration at C-1, which spacer is capable of conjugating to a protein, and which is connected to a second mannose unit through a 1,6-linkage which connects C-6 of the first unit to C-1 of the second unit, wherein the 1,6-linkage comprises a phosphonate. Related methods of making such compounds, analogous compounds, or intermediates thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel tumor specific phototherapeutic and photodiagnostic agents are disclosed. The compounds consist of a carbocyanine dye for visualization, photosensitizer for photodynamic treatment, and tumor receptor-avid peptide for site-specific delivery of the probe and phototoxic agent to diseased tissues. A combination of these elements takes full advantage of the unique and efficient properties of each component for an effective patient care management.

Abstract: An inventive substrate is provided which includes a substrate compound of formula A-B1-B2-B3-B4: wherein A is a sugar moiety; B1 is a linker moiety allowing the conjugation of moiety A and the remaining structure of the substrate; B2 is a linker moiety with a free reactive amino group so as to be available for reaction with carboxylic acids or detectable tags; B3 contains a permanently charged element such as a quaternary ammonium group so as to increase sensitivity for mass spectrometry analysis; and B4 of various carbon length conferring specificity amongst individual substrates in detection methods. Also provided is a molecule of the formula B1-B2-B3-B4, with similar structural characteristics to an enzymatic product produced by the action of a target enzyme on an inventive substrate. Further provided are methods for using inventive substrates for detecting enzymatic activity.

Abstract: New drug delivery systems (DDS) are described containing hyaluronic acid and a therapeutic agent, wherein the therapeutic agent is linked, directly or via a linker, to 6-aminohyaluronic acid and where the linkage of the drug or linker with 6-aminohyaluronic acid is realised by an amide bond. Preferred therapeutic agents for use in the present DDS are anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antitumor drugs. Preferred linkers are: succinic acid, succinic acid linked to aminoacids, succinic acid linked to peptides. The DDS are stable and free of undesired reaction by-products and impurities, and show a high level of pharmacological efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing targetable bioconjugates of hydralazine, a direct vasodilating agent previously shown to decrease tumor blood flow, oxygenation and interstitial fluid pressure in solid tumors. These bioconjugates are hydralazine prodrugs that contain hydralazine conjugated to biocompatible carrier molecules which specifically bind to sites that are expressed on a diverse variety of tumor cell types. These hydralazine prodrugs are preferably conjugated through an acid-labile hydrazone link that is designed to be stable in plasma and release hydralazine through acid-catalyzed hydrolysis in the acidic environment of the target tumor. Because these prodrugs are stable at physiological pH and in plasma, they are devoid of systemic vasoactive activity; however, they are acid-labile conjugates that can be hydrolyzed upon reaching the more acid environment of the tumor where the vasoactive activity of hydralazine is restored.

Abstract: Disclosed are a chitosan-chitosan-polyethylene oxide hydrogel formed via covalent bonding between chitosan derivatives crosslinked with an acrylate or methacrylate functional group-containing substance and a thiol functional group-containing substance and hydrogel microbeads thereof; a hyaluronic acid-hyaluronic acid-polyethylene oxide hydrogel formed via covalent bonding between hyaluronic acid derivatives crosslinked with an acrylate or methacrylate functional group-containing substance and a thiol functional group-containing substance and hydrogel microbeads thereof; and a chitosan-hyaluronic acid-polyethylene oxide hydrogel formed via covalent bonding between a chitosan derivative crosslinked with a (meth)acrylate functional group-containing substance as well as a hyaluronic acid derivative crosslinked with a (meth) acrylate functional group-containing substance and a thiol functional group-containing substance and hydrogel microbeads thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oligosaccharide derivative from an oligosaccharide mixture, the process being characterized in that the process comprises the steps of (a) introducing a lipophilic group into oligosaccharides of the mixture to obtain a mixture of oligosaccharide derivatives, and (b) treating the oligosaccharide derivative mixture by serotonin affinity column chromatography.

Abstract: A low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and/or its salt is obtained by dispersing hyaluronic acid and/or its salt in an acidic water-containing medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method for tagging of carbohydrates with active methylene compound. Particularly, it relates to the method for tagging of carbohydrates with active methylene compound comprising the step of preparing carbohydrate conjugate in which carbohydrate and methylene compound are combined by mixing carbohydrate mixture and methylene compound under aqueous polar aprotic solvent containing amine base catalyst. The tagging method of the present invention does not need many kinds of chemical reagent and the reactions can be taken even in the presence of certain amount of impurities. So, it can be used for the analysis of oligosaccharide present in the various kinds of samples.

Abstract: Adenoviral infections and in particular ocular adenoviral infections, e.g. keratoconjunctivitis, can be treated or alleviated by the administration of a substance, interfering with the interaction between the virus and the sialic acid receptor, in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: This disclosure presents embodiments of novel strains of Staphylococcus aureus that through genetic engineering produce type 5 capsular polysaccharide at greater levels than Staphylococcus aureus strain Reynolds.

Abstract: The present invention provides amide-substituted xanthene fluorescent dyes and reagent for the introduction of phosphonate or sulfo groups into the fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of beta linked low molecular weight polymers of galactosamine and glucosamine has been developed. Through the use of high amounts of activating agents, efficient coupling of stable monomers is achieved. Using this process, chain extension is through the addition of single monomers, providing populations of single chain length polyhexosamines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent which induces acceleration of hard tissue formation, acceleration of cell differentiation and increase in cellular alkaline phosphatase activity, by directly acting on the cell. Specifically, it provides a hard tissue formation promoter, a cell differentiation inducer and a cellular alkaline phosphatase activity reinforcing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, a glycosaminoglycan or a salt thereof that keeps sulfate group and has the characteristics of the following (1) and (2): (1) a basic structure is a disaccharide repeating structure consisting of a hexuronic acid residue and a glucosamine residue, (2) one or less of the position among a 2-position hydroxyl group of a hexuronic acid residue, a 6-position hydroxyl group of a glucosamine residue and a 2-position amino group of the glucosamine residue in the basic structure of the aforementioned (1) does not have the sulfate group.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bismuth hyaluronate, characterized in that the bismuth content is from 0.5% to 40%, and the glucuronate content is from 20% to 45%, based on dry weight. Also provided is a method for the preparation of said bismuth hyaluronate comprising reaction of a soluble hyaluronate salt with a bismuth salt in a basic aqueous solution, followed by steps of precipitation, filtration, desalting, dehydrating and drying to obtain the product. Further disclosed is the use of the bismuth hyaluronate in the manufacture of a medicament or health foods for preventing and treating gastrointestinal disorders, in particular ulcerous disorders of the GI tract. It has been proven in animal experiments to show a better therapeutic effect than products of the same type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic, gel forming, guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I, their use as absorbent materials, and to processes for producing same: Formula I wherein Z1, Z2, and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C10alkyl, substituted C1-C10alkyl, C5-C7cycloalkyl, and benzyl; and m is an integer ranging from to 2,000,000. The absorbent guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I have absorbent properties suitable for use in personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe hyaluronic acid base material that is suitable for use in practical hyaluronic acid pharmaceutical preparations capable of distribution at room temperature and having such a low viscosity that injection is easy. The hyaluronic acid pharmaceutical preparations can reside in a joint cavity for a prolonged period of time while exhibiting analgesic effects. More specfically, there is provide a hyaluronic acid modification product in which hyaluronic acid and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is bounded to a block polymer selected from PEO-PPO-PEO, PPO-PEO-PPO, PEO-PLGA-PEO, PLGA-PEO-PLGA, PEO-PLA-PEO and PLA-PEO-PLA. The hyaluronic acid modification product, despite capability of distribution at room temperature and ease in handling because of the low viscosity, can have its viscoelasticity rapidly increased after injection into a living body, so that it is highly useful in treatment of joint diseases, aid in surgical operation, repair of tissue, etc.

Abstract: A polymer substrate functionalized with a functionality comprising at least one cyclic, metal ion coordinating ligand group, the cyclic ligand group comprising at least 3 metal ion coordinating donor atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition containing hyaluronic acid (HA) or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof preserved with a cationic preservative and related methods. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutically-acceptable salt is sodium hyaluronate. In another embodiment, the cationic preservative includes benzalkonium chloride (BAK).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives, in particular multiple, e.g. double cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivatives. The invention also provides novel cross-linked HA derivatives, products containing them and their uses in medical and pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a phosphorylcholine group-containing polysaccharide wherein the aldehyde derivative-containing compound obtained by the oxidative ring-opening reaction of glycerophosphorylcholine is added to a polysaccharide containing amino groups as well as a new polysaccharide having phosphorylcholine groups obtained from this manufacturing method. The object of the present invention is to provide a phosphorylcholine group-containing polysaccharide that is superior in biocompatibility and moisture retention, and is useful as a polymer material for medical use, as well as a simple method of manufacturing it. The polysaccharide of the present invention is utilized, for example, in artificial organs, biomembranes, coating agents for medical tools, drug delivery, and in cosmetics.

Abstract: A method of identifying an agent that enhances the anti-microbial activity of cationic anti-microbial peptides by blocking the inhibitory effects of the proteinase/glycosaminoglycan pathway, which method comprises: (i) providing, as a first component, a cationic anti-microbial peptide; (ii) providing, as a second component, bacteria; (iii) providing, as a third component, part of all of the components of a proteinase/glycosaminoglycan pathway such that the third component reduces the antimicrobial effect of the first component, for example, a glycosaminoglycan or bacteria or bacteria and a proteoglycan or a bacterial proteinase or a bacterial proteinase and a proteoglycan; (iv) contacting the first, second and third components with a test agent under conditions that would permit the killing of the bacteria by the antimicrobial agent in the absence of the third component, and that would permit the inhibition of the anti-microbial activity of the first component by the third component in the absence of the test

Abstract: The present invention is directed to chitosan-derivative compounds and structures, methods of making chitosan-derivative compounds and methods for controlling, inhibiting and enhancing microbial populations in a variety of environments. The present invention is also directed to the control, inhibition and enhancement of microbial populations in animals, particularly humans. The microbial populations include bacteria, viruses and other pathogens where control of microbial populations are a necessity. The chitosan-derivative compounds of the present invention include chitosan-arginine compounds, related chitosan-L/D unnatural amino acid compounds, chitosan-acid amine compounds, chitosan-L/D natural amino acid derivative compounds, co-derivatives of the chitosan-derivative compounds, salts of the chitosan derivative compounds, and chitosan-guanidine compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to homogeneous phase enzyme-catalyzed processes for producing modified chitosan polymers or oligomers. An enzyme is reacted with a phenolic substrate in the presence of a chitosan polymer or oligomer to produce a modified chitosan polymer or oligomer. The invention also includes modified chitosan polymers or oligomers produced by the novel processes, in particular modified chitosan polymers or oligomers having useful functional properties, such as base solubility and/or high viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral formulations of Sulodexide for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with both insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Oral formulations containing doses adapted for administration to obtain a reduction in albumin excretion in patients with both micro and macro albuminuria and to produce lasting improvement in albumin excretion rate are provided. Methods of treating diabetic nephropathy using these formulations are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with film-forming compositions containing hydrolysates of the exopolysaccharide YAS34 for the use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, food, cosmetic or other products like films for wrapping food, aspics or jellies, preferably for predosed formulations like soft or hard capsules.

Abstract: The invention relates to soluble highly branched glucose polymers having a reducing sugar content of less than 1%, characterized in that they have a level of ?-1,6 glucoside bonds greater than 10%, preferably of between 12 and 30%, a Mw value of between 0.35×105 and 2×105 daltons, and an osmolality having a value of between 1 and 15 mOsm/kg. The invention also relates to their method of production and their applications in the Paper-Carton, Textiles, Cosmetics, and particularly Pharmaceutical and Food industries, and still more particularly in the fields of enteral and parenteral nutrition, peritoneal dialysis as a glycemia inhibiting and/or regulating agent, as an energy source during physical activities and as a digestion regulating agent.

Abstract: A process for producing a self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative, which includes irradiating, with radioactive rays, a mixture of a starting alkyl cellulose derivative (the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is 1 through 3, the alkyl group may be substituted by a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, and the carboxyl group may form a salt) (100 parts by weight) and water (5–2,000 parts by weight), and thus obtained self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative has an improved biodegradability and excellent water-absorbability.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory polysaccharides can be preferentially extracted from food-grade microalgae using an aqueous ethanol extraction procedure. The resulting preparations exhibit extremely potent immunostimulatory activity. The preferential extraction of these immunostimulatory polysaccharides is dependent on the concentration of ethanol used and the extraction temperature. The most efficient conditions are 50% ethanol concentration at temperatures between 60° and 70° C. The isolated polysaccharide preparations are potentially useful as a botanical or pharmaceutical preparation to improve immune function.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of polysaccharide derivatives for the preparation of biocompatible and biodegradable biomaterials with absorbent properties for body fluids and physical hemostatic activity, to be used in both venous and arterial vascular anastomoses to create a physical hemostatic barrier and to prevent scar tissue formation and formation of post-surgical adherence of the vessels to the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A complex, water soluble polysaccharide fraction having potent immunostimulatory activity isolated from Aloe vera. The polysaccharide fraction has an apparent molecular weight above 2 million daltons. Its major glycosyl components are glucose, galactose, mannose and arabinose. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions containing the instant polysaccharide fraction, optionally in combination with acceptable pharmaceutical carriers and/or excipents. These pharmaceutical compositions may be used to provide immunostimulation to an individual in need of such treatment by administering to such an individual an effective amount of the composition. The polysaccharide fraction is also useful as a component of dietary supplements and as a standardization component of commercial Aloe products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysaccharide conjugates that comprise: a polysaccharide that binds to surface-receptors present on Antigen Presenting Cells, conjugated to one or more compounds having stable carbonyl groups covalently attached, either directly or via a bifunctional linker. The conjugates are useful as immuno-stimulants and adjuvants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particular polymer which is derived from a copolymer polysaccharide formed by a main chain comprising similar or different anhydrohexose units and branches including at least one neutral or anionic anhydropentose and/or anhydrohexose unit. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said polymer in the treatment of aqueous media, in particular the treatment of aqueous effluents containing heavy metals, the treatment of waste water, drinking water and for sludge conditioning. Said derivative polymer comprises one or more units bearing an oxime function at least at position C2.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for the efficient synthesis of oligosaccharides on a solid support, e.g., formed by subunit addition to terminal subunits immobilized on solid-phase particles. In certain embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention is used in combinatorial methods, e.g., as described herein, of synthesizing oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceuticals, foods and drinks, food additives, animal feeds and feed additives comprising an N-acylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof, and an amino sugar or a salt thereof and/or a glycosaminoglycan or a salt thereof as active ingredients, use of an Nacylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof for the production of an arthritis preventing or treating agent, and a method for preventing or treating arthritis which comprises administering an N-acylated hydroxyproline derivative or a salt thereof, and an amino sugar or a salt thereof and/or a glycosaminoglycan or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A new use of a suitable colloidal mixture of hyaluronic acids, of different molecular weights mixed together in a proper ratio in the treatment of the cutaneous diseases is described.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new class of cross-linked derivatives of partially N-deacetylated hyaluronic acid or derivatives thereof, comprising at least one repeating unit of formula (I) hereinafter depicted and a process for the preparation of said cross-linked derivatives, comprising a multicomponent condensation reaction involving the carboxy groups and the amino groups originating from a partial N-deacetylation of hyaluronic acid or derivatives, together with an aldeyde and an isocyanide. The derivatives thus obtained can be used, alone or in association with biologically and/or pharmacologically active substances, for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, biomaterials, surgical and healthcare articles, slow release systems and for the coating of biomedical objects.

Abstract: The present invention includes hyaluronic acid complexes of a monovalent alkali metal salt of hyaluronic acid and a tetra alkyl ammonium halide that are suitable for incorporation with tissue scaffolds that are suitable for use in repair and/or regeneration of muscoloskeletal tissue and that include a biodegradable, porous substrate made from a biodegradable, hydrophobic polymer, where the hyaluronic acid complex is substantially insoluble in water at room temperature, yet soluble in mixtures of organic and aqueous solvents in which the selected hydrophobic polymer is soluble.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the structural analysis of a saccharide, comprising: a) providing on a surface a plurality of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific binding agents; b) contacting said surface with a saccharide to be analyzed, or with a mixture comprising a plurality of fragments of said saccharide; c) washing or otherwise removing unbound saccharide or saccharide fragments; d) adding to the surface obtained in step c) an essentially sequence- and/or site-specific marker, or a mixture of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific markers; e) acquiring one or more images of the markers that are bound to said surface; and f) deriving information related to the identity of the saccharide being analyzed from said image.

Abstract: By the reaction of chitosan with iminothiolactones such as 2-iminothiolane, thiol groups can be covalently immobilized on the polymer. The resulting chitosan derivatives exhibit thiol groups which are capable of forming inter- and intramolecular disulfide bonds. Because of this crosslinking process the viscosity of polymer solutions is strongly improved. Moreover, the cationic character of the polymer is strongly improved.

Abstract: Compositions and kits comprising combinations of ?-glucans and specific immunoglobulins are disclosed. The compositions and kits are useful in methods of preventing or treating infection by a pathogenic microorganism, in which ?-glucan is administered to a subject, and specific antibodies to a pathogenic microorganism are introduced into the subject.

Abstract: An orally administered soft gelatin formulation preparation of low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (HA) for use as a nutritional supplement to provide the primary benefit of internally causing the softening of the human skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionalized polymer which can be used extensively in the field of medical drugs as well as medical devices and which is obtainable in an organic synthetic manner from glycosaminoglycan controlling adhesion, migration and proliferation of cells via linkage to various cellular growth factors or cytokines or direct interactions with the cells. The functionalized polymer of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a carbohydrate corresponding to at least a part of the basic structure of glycosaminoglycan introduced into a vinyl-type polymer chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of compounds presenting a high compatibility with tissues and organic fluids. Such new compounds are polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, containing nitro groups —ONO2 covalently bonded to the saccharide structure. Preferably, the polysaccharides according to the invention are prevalently formed of disaccharide repeating units formed of uronic acid and hexosamine. These compounds, in psychological conditions, selectively release NO, allowing a reduction in the amount of NO needed to achieve a determined therapeutical effect. This result has been achieved by functionalizing polysaccharides essentially formed of units of uronic acid and/or hexosamine, with subsituents containing a ONO2 ? group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to folic acid-polysaccharide complexs and method of preparation thereof, more particularly relates to folic acid-Dextran complexs, method of preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions having said complex as active component and uses of said composition in therapy of tumors. The folic acid-polysaccharide complexs of the present invention have general formula of: (X)n—Y, wherein X is identical or different, and is selected from folic acid, derivatives of folic acid and other substances that can enter into cell via the pathway of folic acid receptor; Y is polysaccharide; n?1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable polycation composition for delivery of an anionic macromolecule, comprising a polysaccharide chain having an amount of saccharide units ranging from 2 to 2000 and at least one grafted oligoamine per 5 saccharide units, wherein said oligoamine is selected from the group consisting of a linear, branched and cyclic alkyl amine having at least two amino groups.