Abstract: A hypodermic syringe assembly includes a barrel having an open proximal end, a chamber for retaining fluid and a tip portion extending from a distal end of the barrel having a passageway therethrough communicating with the chamber. A needle cannula having a distal end extends outwardly from the tip portion and includes a lumen in fluid communication with the passageway. A needle shield assembly includes a resilient needle sheath having an open proximal end, a closed distal end, a sidewall defining a receptacle therein and is positioned within an elongate rigid shield having an open proximal end, a distal end and a sidewall therebetween. Structure for holding the sheath within the shield is provided so that the sheath cannot be removed from the shield during normal use of the syringe assembly. The sheath includes cannula sealing means at the distal end of the receptacle.

Abstract: Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, are treated by conducting lymphocytapheresis in a series of treatments until the peripheral blood lymphocyte count has been reduced to less than 500 cells/.mu.l and preferably to less than 300 cells/.mu.l and thereafter continuing such treatments while administering an immunosuppressive compounds such as azathioprine at about 2.5 mg/Kg per day and prednisone at about 15 mg per day sufficient to maintain the PBL count at less than 500 cells/.mu.l and preferably less than 300 cells/.mu.l.

Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface describing a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal barrel end having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A plunger rod includes an elongate body portion, a proximal end and a distal end with a stopper at the distal end. The stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement in the barrel. A locking element is positioned in the barrel between the plunger rod and the inside surface of the barrel. The locking element includes at least two proximally and outwardly facing non-parallel locking barbs, a distally and inwardly facing resisting edge and an inwardly facing driving edge. The driving edge is adaped to interact with the plunger rod to move the locking element along the barrel as the stopper is advanced distally along the barrel.

Abstract: A method of using an evaporating bandage which will drain and dry harmful body fluids from surgical incisions, wounds and burns and eliminate the problems associated therewith is disclosed. The bandage has a first layer made of an absorbent material and a second layer made of a non-absorbent material.

Abstract: A low cost disposable pair of training pants formed substantially entirely of paper. These pants include an outer paper sheet that defines the waist opening and leg openings, and an inner paper liner secured to inner surfaces of the outer sheet. The liner is selected for its water absorbency characteristics. The outer sheet may be selected primarily for its strength and flexibility.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wound dressing comprised by an assembly of microfungal fibres which have been treated with alkali to expose chitin and chitosan. The fibres may be derived from hyphae or from sporangiophores. The assembly may include other fibres, may be bleached and incorporate other additives such as silver as an anti-bacterial agent.

Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus infections, particularly AIDS, are treated by administering a psoralen compound which is subsequently activated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation (e.g. UVA light) whereby the activated psoralen compound attacks free virus and/or virus infected cells in the blood of the patient. The treated blood when presented to the patient's immune system engenders an effective immune response against the infection. The method has particular utility in the treatment of ARC patients who have depressed immune function.

Abstract: This polymer is based on acrylic acid and alkali metal acrylate; it has a degree of absorbency in respect of a physiological solution of 50 to 70 g/g, containing only 20 to 45% of acrylic acid, in molar proportions, and 80 to 55% of potassium acrylate. Its method of preparation is an oil-water suspension polymerization process which is carried out by introducing slowly, while being agitated, into the oil phase containing a protective colloid, a solution obtained starting from an aqueous solution of one or more polymerization initiators and an aqueous solution of the selected monomers, then eliminating any solvent until achieving a degree of dryness of 80.+-.10% by weight, thus isolating the desired copolymer. This polymer is suitable for use as an absorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oral applicator for the application of an active substance in the form of a hollow structure corresponding substantially in shape and dimensions to an external form of a crown of one or more natural teeth and adapted to contain the active substance, the hollow structure having one or more passage openings for the controlled release of certain amounts of the active substance, the passage openings being a buccal and/or palatal or lingual portion for the passage of saliva and of the active substance dissolved therein.

Abstract: A single-use disposable syringe. In the syringe, a reservoir is formed of two sheets of thermoplastic material having expanded central portions that form a pair of convex domes. Both of the domes are compressible, and a connecting member spaces apart the domes. In response to complete compression of both of the central portions together, the reservoir substantially collapses and each of the domes becomes concave to prevent the reservoir from being reformed and to prevent reuse of the syringe. After partial compression of both of the central portions together and partial collapse of the reservoir, the central portions expand to reform the reservoir and draw fluid into the reservoir, thereby aspirating a hypodermic needle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable diaper which is comprised of a UV light permeable material which will effectively contain excretements and maximize the surface area exposed to the phototherapeutic light.

Abstract: Perfluorocarbon hydrides, either alone or in combination with other perfluorocarbon compounds, may be introduced into a non-vascular animal space as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or conventional x-ray procedures. In the image generated by these systems, the fluorocarbon introduced into the space is contrasted with the remaining body tissues or spaces to distinguish the fluorocarbon-occupied space from other tissues and spaces. Perfluoroctyl hydride vaporizes at body temperature, and its gas phase, which also provides an effective contrast to tissues, is disclosed in imaging areas of comparatively large void volume while using a lower fluorocarbon dose then than required for fluid fluorocarbon. Perfluorocarbon hydrides offer less radiodensity to x-ray imaging and less hydrogen density to MRI imaging, and are disclosed as diluents for perfluorocarbon bromides in applications where concentrated brominated compounds are found to cause imaging artifacts.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials exhibiting certain magnetic and biological properties which make them uniquely suitable for use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents to enhance MR images of animal organs and tissues. More particularly, the invention relates to the in vivo use of biologically degradable and metabolizable superparamagnetic metal oxides as MR contrast agents. Depending on their preparation, these metal oxides are in the form of superparamagnetic particle dispersoids or superparamagnetic fluids where the suspending medium is a physiologically-acceptable carrier, and may be uncoated or surrounded by a polymeric coating to which biological molecules can be attached. These materials are administered to animals, including humans, by a variety of routes and the metal oxides therein collect in specific target organs to be imaged; in the case of coated particles, the biological molecules can be chosen to target specific organs or tissues.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system, is provided which includes, in combination, an impermeable backing member, a release rate controlling membrane, and, a reservoir containing a medicinally active ingredient; the improvement in such system is based on the fact that said membrane is heat and pressure sealed to said backing without the use of a separate adhesive and is formed of a substantially linear block copolymer which is a reaction product of an amino functional polydiorganosiloxane which forms soft segments in said reaction product and a diisocyanate which forms "hard" segments, said copolymer having a glass transition temperature between 50.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. said soft segments comprising from 60 to 90 percent by weight, based on the weight of said copolymer.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter comprising a cannula for insertion into a vascular system of a patient coated with hydrophilic polymer containing, in the polymer, an effective amount of polymyxin to prevent the growth of microorganisms is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for the collection of bodily excretion having an expandable storage member in the form of bellows. The bellows having a minimum size prior to excretion, but increase in volume with the increase of waste liquid or solid passed from the body, thereby assuring that such waste liquid or solid is contained in the expandable storage without leakage no matter how much excretion may be discharged. The device has a guide strip for directing the flow of the excretion toward the expandable storage member at its rear part. The guide strip is made of a mass of spongy material compressed in the form of a thin sheet. It is effective to absorb and collect the excretion quickly by enlarging and restoring to its initial stress-free volume.

Abstract: This invention relates to porous, biodegradable materials in which the pore size, biodegradation rate, and pore volume fraction are controlled and within values at which skin contraction rates around an implant-containing wound are delayed or slowed.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin is provided with inwardly arcuate sides and elastic positioned centrally longitudinally along each of the sides and outward from the seal which attaches a fluid permeable cover directly to a fluid impermeable baffle. The elastic constricts the sides of the napkin to provide a cup-shaped profile with the bottom of the profile corresponding generally to the perineal area of the wearer.

Abstract: A diaper/incontinent device for children or adults is disclosed. The diaper comprises a front portion and a back portion connected by a crotch portion, the crotch portion includes leg openings which allow the diaper to be attached around the legs and waist of the user. The front portion of the diaper further includes a reclosable penile opening which extends from the waist opening through the center of the front portion down into the crotch portion of the diaper. The opening ins held closed by tape fastener or the like. The penile opening comprises a pair of flaps which overlap each other in a closed position and which can be pulled apart to allow the user to urinate therethrough in an open position. The opening can then be reclosed and/or resealed. The penile opening can be advantageously formed without otherwise disturbing the secure attachment of the diaper around the user's legs and waist.

Abstract: A disposable panty having a tubular body portion with an hour-glass configuration to provide an intermediate crotch portion and opposing front and rear waist portions. A sanitary napkin is disposed within the crotch portion between the outer and inner layers of the body portion. A ribbon member passes through the front and rear waist portions to secure the pantry to the wearer, where the ends of the ribbon member are removably secured together. The sanitary napkin includes a frame member provided with absorbent balls disposed in the opening of the frame member to increase the absorption of the menstrual discharge. A flexible liquid impervious material is disposed between the outer layer of the body portion and the sanitary napkin to prevent the passage of the menstrual discharge to the outer layer. The panty with the sanitary napkin can be folded upon itself to function solely as a sanitary napkin.