Abstract: A method for orally administering vitamin preparations is described which combine vitamin B.sub.12 (B.sub.12, cobalamin) and folic acid (folate), with and without pyridoxine (B.sub.6), for preventing and treating elevated serum homocysteine (HC), cystathionine (CT), methylmalonic acid (MMA), or 2-methylcitric acid (2-MCA) levels. These metabolites have been shown to be indicative of B.sub.12 and/or folic acid deficiencies. Further, it is likely that a B.sub.6 deficiency may be present with a B.sub.12 or folate deficiency. The method of the invention is also for use in lowering serum HC, CT, MMA, or 2-MCA in patients with or at risk for neuropsychiatric, vascular, renal or hematologic diseases. One embodiment of the invention is the use of a non-prescription formulation containing 2.0 mg B.sub.12 and 0.4 mg folic acid, with and without 25 mg B.sub.6. Another embodiment uses a prescription strength formulation containing 2.0 mg B.sub.12 and 1.0 mg folic acid, with and without 25 mg B.sub.6.

Abstract: A capacitor for use on silicon or other substrate has a multilayer electrode structure. In a preferred embodiment, a bottom electrode situated on the substrate has a bottom layer of Pt--Rh--O.sub.x, an intermediate layer of Pt--Rh, and a top layer of Pt--Rh--O.sub.x. A ferroelectric material such as PZT (or other material) is situated on the bottom electrode. A top electrode, preferably of identical composition as the bottom electrode, is situated on the opposite side of the ferroelectric from the bottom electrode.

Abstract: Skin care compositions and methods are provided for improving the appearance of skin affected by aging, photodamage and/or oxidative stress. Specifically, adhesive materials containing cosmetically active ingredients, e.g., one or more antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and/or E, or moisturizers are applied in concentrated dry powdered form to target areas including the frownline area of the forehead, the front of the neck, the crows-feet area near the eyes, the upper lip and the nasolabial area using a transdermal patch having an acidity approximating human skin acidity of 5.5, preferably by an appropriate ratio of ascorbic acid and ascorbate salts.

Abstract: An antimicrobial tubing connector for medical procedures, especially for extracorporeal connections as in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis tubing sets. A male portion includes a central tube surrounded by a sleeve radially spaced apart from the central tube to define an annular space. A mating female portion includes a tubular body which receives the central tube of the male portion and which is received by the annular space. A set of O-ring seals and mating threads produces a secure fluid-tight connection. An antimicrobial agent such as silver is deposited on one or more of several surfaces, preferably by a durable process such as ion assisted deposition, to prevent touch contamination. Either or both of the male and female portions may be capped with a separate cap, which may also receive the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A closure a container, including capability for counting and indicating the number of times the closure has undergone a cycle of closing and opening the container, and further for incorporating the closure into a device for for resisting the opening of the container by a child.

Abstract: Obstructive material is removed from a stent by modified electrosurgical ablation. A modified electrosurgical device having at least one electrode is positioned within the stent, and current is supplied to the electrode. The electrode is prevented from physically contacting the stent, such as by being situated within a groove on the device. The stent may, but need not be, grounded to the current source. The device may be properly positioned within the stent by using ultrasound transducers, fiber optics, or other means. Additionally, the device may be positioned by including at least two electrodes, and measuring the impedance therebetween, as the impedance will be relatively low when both electrodes are within a conductive stent. Therapeutic fluid may be supplied through the catheter, and energy may be supplied to increase the activity of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a knot such as a laparoscopy knot. Knot material containing a knot is wound around a ferrule surrounding a cylinder. A second ferrule surrounds the first ferrule so that the edge of the second ferrule abuts and attaches to the end windings of the knot material. Sliding the second ferrule pushes the windings of knot material including the knot off of the first ferrule and free of the cylinder. The cylinder, ferrules, and knot material containing the knot may be assembled as one disposable unit.

Abstract: A rotator cuff exercise machine has a frame, a body support member spaced from the frame such that the user sits facing the frame, a weight resistance, a pulley system mounted 15.degree. to 45.degree. off center to the left side of the frame, a pulley system mounted 15.degree. to 45.degree. off center to the right side of the frame and a pair of wrist cuffs. The user reaches diagonally downward across his or her body to the lower opposite side of the machine and either grasps a handle or attaches the wrist cuff to cable end means of the pulley system. The user then exercises in a manner which imitates the motion of an athlete throwing a ball, changing the weight resistance as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identification through telephony signaling, including formatting an incoming or outgoing basic telephone signal, and storing or retrieving information pertaining thereto. A conversion device is connected on the tip and ring side of a telephonic device. The caller identification information provided by the telephone company on incoming calls or the dual tone multiple frequency signal on outgoing calls is formatted into ASCII character text which is used as an index to a relational database. Information relating to the formatting signal is read and/or written to the database, and displayed on a display unit or printed, while the call is in progress.

Abstract: A closure for a container, including means for counting and indicating the number of times the closure has undergone a cycle of closing and opening the container, and further including means for incorporating the closure into means for resisting the opening of the container by a child.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid from the body of a patient, such as in paracentesis and thoracentesis, is provided. Fluid may be withdrawn via a needle assembly including a sharp introducing needle and a retractile blunt needle. The needle assembly may be withdrawn after the introduction of a drainage catheter, and a valve with multiple sealing points prevents body fluids from leaking from the device through the needle space and prevents communication between the atmosphere and the patient through the needle space. A second drainage port may be used after the needle is withdrawn.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and using a dialysis collection bag for peritoneal dialysis treatment, and the dialysis collection bag itself. A collection bag is fabricated with a sterilization tablet therein, having a soluble coating over a sterilization agent. When the collection bag is filled with used dialysis solution at the completion of the dialysis therapy, the soluble coating dissolves over a known period of time such as about 30 minutes. The delayed dissolution allows time to take a specimen sample of the unadulterated used dialysis solution. When the dissolution of the coating is completed, the tablet releases the sterilization agent to sterilize the used dialysis solution, so that pathogens are destroyed to prevent the transmission of disease in the event the collection bag is disposed of improperly.

Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.

Abstract: A dynamic random access memory device having a ferroelectric thin film perovskite (Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x)TiO.sub.3 layer sandwiched by top and bottom (Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x)RuO.sub.3 electrodes. The memory device is made by a MOCVD process including the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate, heating the substrate, exposing the substrate to precursors including at least Ru(C.sub.5 H.sub.5).sub.2, thereafter exposing the substrate to precursors including at least TiO(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 and thereafter exposing the substrate to precursors including at least Ru (C.sub.5 H.sub.5).sub.2.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for the testing the integrity of a dialyzer prior to use. The dialyzer is tested on the same hardware used for the treatment of dialysis. The dialysate and blood sides of the dialyzer are primed in the normal manner. The blood and saline lines are clamped while the venous line is vented to the atmosphere. The ultrafiltrate flow rate is increased until the blood side fluid is ultrafiltered. The dialysate side is monitored for pressure increases. If the pressure does not increase, the test fails.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a site of metals, particularly radioactive metals, is provided. The contaminated material is contacted with pulverized bone, which sorbs the metals from the contaminated material. The bone may be derived from any animals having bone, such as cattle. Prior to use, the organic compounds of the bone are removed, so that inorganic bone composed primarily of hydroxylapatite is obtained. The morphology of the bone, including its crystalline structure and porosity, is maintained. As an alternative to bone derived from animals, synthetic inorganic bone composed of hydroxylapatite and having a physical structure equivalent to animal-derived bone may be used.

Abstract: A device for transferring liquid between the body of a patient and a syringe includes a syringe barrel defining a bore, a plunger that may slide through the bore to force liquid into or out of the bore, and a pump capable of sliding the plunger. The pump housing positively connects to the bore by sliding a protrusion formed on the exterior of the pump housing into an indentation formed within the interior surface of the bore.