Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, compounds, and methods for lightening skin, using active compounds having the general structure: wherein each X is halo; m is 1 to 4; each R′ and R″ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C1-C10 alkyl, substituted C1-C10 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl, OR, OCOR, OCRROR, COR, CR(OR)OR, CONRR, COOR, CRROR, CN, SR, and NRR; each R is selected from hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, substituted C1-C10 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, and substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl; n is 1 to 5; Z is O; in an amount effective to lighten skin; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier therefor.

Abstract: An improved method of treating skin diseases comprises applying to the skin of a patient suffering such a skin disease an allantoin-containing composition in a therapeutically effective quantity. The allantoin-containing composition is a water-in-oil emulsion that includes allantoin and an emulsifier system that includes at least one emulsifier that is either an anionic emulsifier or a nonionic emulsifier. If the emulsifier is an anionic emulsifier, the emulsifier system can include beeswax. The nonionic emulsifiers used can include at least one nonionic emulsifier that is an ethoxylated ether or an ethoxylated ester whose carbon chain length ranges from 8 to 22 carbon atoms. Alternatively, the emulsifier system can include an acidic anionic polymer such as carboxypolymethylene and an anionic emulsifier. In another alternative, the emulsifier system can include the acidic anionic polymer and a nonionic emulsifier, or the acidic anionic polymer alone.

Abstract: Novel ultrasound methods comprising administering to a patient a targeted vesicle composition which comprises vesicles comprising a lipid, protein or polymer, encapsulating a gas, in combination with a targeting ligand, and scanning the patient using ultrasound. The scanning may comprise exposing the patient to a first type of ultrasound energy and then interrogating the patient using a second type of ultrasound energy. The targeting ligand preferably targets tissues, cells or receptors, including myocardial cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, tumor cells and the glycoprotein GPIIbIIIa receptor. The methods may be used to detect a thrombus, enhancement of an old or echogenic thrombus, low concentrations of vesicles and vesicles targeted to tissues, cells or receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating endoleaks arising from endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The disclosed methods involve the in situ sealing of endoleaks after placement of an endovascular prostheses in the abdominal aorta. Sealing of endoleaks is achieved by injection of either a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer fluid composition into the endoleak which composition in situ solidifies to seal the leak. Preferably, the biocompatible fluid composition comprises a contrast agent to allow the clinician to visualize the sealing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of gaseous microparticles for ultrasonic diagnosis, whose wall material is built up from polyesters of &agr;-, &bgr;- or &ggr;- hydroxycarboxylic acids, particles that are produced according to this process, as well as their use in medical diagnosis.

Abstract: A method of rendering antiseptic a packaged solid admixed emulsion for treating bleeding cuts and the like containing, dispersed therein, a bactericidal component that is solid at room temperature, such as cinnamic alcohol, but melts or liquefies at blood temperature upon contacting the blood, comprising elevating the temperature of the packaged emulsion and/or contacting with moisture briefly to commence such liquefying to wet the exterior surface of the solid emulsion, and with concurrent release of bactericidal vapor within the package, and the resulting antiseptic solid emulsion products produced thereby.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to targeted therapeutic delivery systems comprising a gas or gaseous precursor filled microsphere wherein said gas or gaseous precursor filled microsphere comprises an oil, a surfactant, and a therapeutic compound. Methods of preparing the targeted therapeutic delivery systems are also embodied by the present invention which comprise processing a solution comprising an oil and a surfactant in the presence of a gaseous precursor, at a temperature below the gel to liquid crystalline phase transition temperature of the surfactant to form gas or gaseous precursor filled microsphere, and adding to said microspheres a therapeutic compound resulting in a targeted therapeutic delivery system, wherein said processing is selected from the group consisting of controlled agitation, controlled drying, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A dermal absorption-promoting agent comprising p-methane-3,8-diol and 1,3-butylene glycol as well as a topical formulation containing the same; and a dermal absorption-promoting agent further comprising 1,3-butylene glycol, as well as a topical formulation containing such dermal absorption-promoting agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel vehicle for the delivery of biologically active agents. The vehicle, Maxcell™, is formulated from a novel combination of natural plant extracts and is comprised of Aloe vera polysaccharide fraction Immuno-10, cAMP, piperine, calcium phosphate and glycyrrhizinic acid.

Abstract: Novel radioactive seeds for brachytherapy and a reproducible method of manufacturing the seeds is described, wherein the seeds contain either Pd-103 or I-125 disposed within a cured resin matrix.

Abstract: The use of an organosiloxane bearing at least one ultraviolet-absorbing group in, and for the preparation of,.a cosmetic or dermatological composition as an agent for protecting the colour of artificially coloured keratin fibres against the effects of UV radiation, in particular solar radiation.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an acid susceptible proton pump inhibitor and one or more NSAIDs in a fixed formulation, wherein the proton pump inhibitor is protected by an enteric coating layer. The fixed formulation is in the form of an enteric coating layered tablet, a capsule or a multiple unit tableted dosage form. The multiple unit dosage forms are most preferred. The new fixed formulation is especially useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal side-effects associated with NSAID treatment.

Abstract: New fluorinated derivatives useful as surfactants or in the transport of drug or markers, or in drug targeting, and preparations containing the derivatives, for medical, cosmetic and veterinary uses, having the formula: wherein RF is a fluorinated radical, X is a linear or branched alkylene, R1 is H or CH3, R2 is a radical having at least one OH group, R3 is a radical derived from an amino acid or a peptide, 1≦n≦50 and 0≦m≦200 with 0.2≦n/n+m≦1. These derivatives can be used as prodrugs or in formulating pharmaceutical, cosmetic and veterinary preparations, in biology and medicine, notably in compositions acting as carriers of oxygen and other gases, of contrast agents, or as carriers of substances used in therapy, or as carriers of markers.

Abstract: Adhesive material from the fimbriae (esp. Type 1) of bacteria or synthetic analogues or fragments thereof is combined with a drug to provide for attachment to the gut of a mammal, thereby prolonging the transit time of the drug through the gut. The 28 kDa polypeptide from E. coli Type 1 fimbriae is the preferred adhesive material (“adhesin”). The drug is presented in a carrier such as albumin, a polylactide/glycolide copolymer or alginate microcapsules. The adhesin may be incorporated in the carrier during preparation thereof, adsorbed onto the carrier after preparation, or covalently linked thereto, for example with carbodiimide.

Abstract: Skin prick test for the determination of the predisposition of an individual to develop marginal periodontitis, said kit comprising: (a) a first reagent containing a known quantity of a surface structure common to anaerobic Gram negative pathogens which is capable of triggering the inflammatory response associated with periodontitis and gingivitis; (b) second reagent containing an agonist to said individual; (c) a negative control; and (d) instructions for the use of said kit; and a method for such determination of predisposition.

Abstract: An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 5.0 to about 6.5. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.

Abstract: Novel gas filled microspheres useful as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are provided.

Abstract: Nimesulide topical formulations are provided in the form of liquid crystals. The emulsifier cetylstearyl glycoside is used, and constituents of the lipid phase such as caprylic/capric triglycerides and jojoba oil, consistence factors such as cetylstearyl alcohol. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation thereof. The formulations have advantages such as higher stability, better release and absorption of nimesulide, and a higher bioavailability of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the spray freeze dry preparation of dry powder formulations of therapeutic proteins suitable for administration via pulmonary delivery.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system has a membrane plug retention mechanism which can also be used to control the delivery rate of a beneficial agent from the osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery device includes an implant capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent. Holes are formed along a side wall of the implant capsule at an open end of the capsule. When the membrane plug is inserted into the open end of the capsule the membrane material swells into the holes in the capsule side wall creating a large frictional force which prevents expulsion of the membrane plug. A beneficial agent delivery rate of the osmotic delivery system is controllable by varying the size and number of the holes to change the amount of exposed surface area of the membrane plug. An increase in the surface area of the membrane plug exposed to the exterior environment causes a corresponding increase in the liquid permeation rate of the membrane and thus, increases the beneficial agent delivery rate.