Methods of normalizing vitamin B.sub.12 levels in patients with low vitamin B.sub.12 and methods of normalizing intersubject variability in the treatment of such patients are described. Methods of reducing MMA and/or homocysteine levels, and pharmaceutical compositions useful to effect such changes are also described.

Disclosed embodiments provide a method of improving systemic symptoms such as sensitivity to cold via an oral composition. The oral composition includes, as its effective component, a red vine leaf extract to improve a symptom selected from the group consisting of sensitivity to cold, general fatigue, general weariness, stiff shoulders, and neck stiffness.

Certain embodiments described herein pertain to optical sensors, systems and methods for continuous glucose monitoring. In some embodiments, methods of preparing a layered optical sensor are disclosed. The optical sensor can be formed by laminating a plurality of sheets together to form a final sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor tip comprises a oxygen conduit, an enzymatic layer, and an sensing layer. In some embodiments, the sensor includes a plurality of waveguides configured to direct light to and from a target material, such as an oxygen sensing polymer. Systems are also disclosed for an adhesive system for attaching an optical sensor-transmitter system. Methods and systems are also disclosed for a sensor inserter system. The inserter can include a lancet tip that includes a convex feature attached to a first surface of the lancet tip.

Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against C5 that inhibits terminal complement activation, showed activity in a preliminary 12-week open-label trial in a small cohort of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The present study examined whether chronic eculizumab therapy could reduce intravascular hemolysis, stabilize hemoglobin levels, reduce transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center global Phase III trial. It has been found that eculizumab stabilized hemoglobin levels, decreased the need for transfusions, and improved quality of life in PNH patients via reduced intravascular hemolysis. Chronic eculizumab treatment appears to be a safe and effective therapy for PNH.

Microspheres are produced by contacting an aqueous solution of a protein or other macromolecule with an organic solvent and a counterion, and chilling the solution. The microspheres are useful for preparing pharmaceuticals of defined dimensions.

The present invention relates to a symbiotic composition comprising a probiotic bacterial strain and a prebiotic growth medium which is specific to the growth of the probiotic bacterial strain, wherein the bacterial strain is capable of producing the same growth medium by reverse enzyme reaction. The present invention also relates to methods of producing and screening for such compositions.

Plant-based medicinal compounds or nutritional supplements in various carrier combinations are described. The carriers can include N-acylated fatty amino acids, penetration enhancers, and/or various other beneficial carriers. The plant-based composition/carrier combinations can create administration benefits.

The invention relates to MIC-1 compounds for use in the prevention and/or treatment of obesity, wherein the MIC-1 compounds is administered simultaneously, separately or sequentially with a GLP-1 compound.

The invention relates to MIC-1 compounds for use in the prevention and/or treatment of obesity, wherein the MIC-1 compounds is administered simultaneously, separately or sequentially with a GLP-1 compound.

A solvent-free method to extract THCA from cannabis, said method comprising: providing a source of THCA-containing cannabis plant; providing a source of natural oil; combining said source of THCA-containing cannabis and said source of natural oil into a blend; milling said blend; optionally, heating the blend during the milling; and extracting a THCA-containing liquid generated during the milling.