Abstract: Method, compositions and apparatus for the treatment of tumors by systemic deprivation of an essential amino acid, preferably of arginine, by extracorporeal treatment of the patient's blood characterized by molecular exchange between the blood and a dialyzing fluid which contains most of the essential low-molecular substances found in blood plasma with the exception of at least one of the essential amino acids. The release of muscular protein amino acids can be limited by use of an insulin/glucose clamp. The treatment process can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe (10) comprising a barrel (14) for containing medicament or other liquid, movable piston means (16) including a shaft (40) provided with a chamber (42) and frangible chamber sealing means (20), needle mounting means (22) disposable within barrel (14), spring means (18) for imparting movement to needle mounting means (22), and restraining means (28) in barrel (14) comprising an annular structure (36) located towards first end (30) of barrel (14) extending inwardly thereof and containing a plurality of radially-extending weakened portion (38), wherein needle mounting means (22) when in a first position extends partway from first end (30) and is restrained from movement by engagement with restraining means (28), the restraining means (28) being operable to release needle mounting means (22) when piston (16) approaches first end (30) and then to engage and restrain piston (16) from reverse movement, the needle mounting means (22) on release having been propelled through frangible diaphragm (66

Abstract: A body member is held in place over a foot cast by flexible straps having hook-and-loop faster material. A wheel housing supports a wheel such that in a first orientation of the body member relative to a floor the traction pad is in contact with the floor and the wheel is disposed away from the floor so as to provide traction, and in a second orientation of the body member relative to the floor the traction pad is away from the floor and the wheel is disposed in rolling contact with the floor so as to reduce the traction. The wheel housing can include a toe stop. An adjustable fastening arrangement includes the flexible straps which pass through molded slots of the body member to permit sliding of the flexible strips. An O ring can be used in the adjustable fastening arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of assessment of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in a transferrin containing body fluid, said method comprising the steps of:i) obtaining a transferrin containing liquid sample of or derived from a said fluid;ii) contacting said sample with a source of iron ions;iii) subsequently contacting said sample with an anionic ion exchange resin at a pH such as to cause carbohydrate-deficient transferrin to be retained by said resin;iv) subsequently contacting said resin with an eluant serving to release carbohydrate-deficient transferrin into the eluate from said resin;v) collecting a volume of said eluate substantially free from tetra- and penta-sialo transferrin; andvi) assessing the transferrin variant content in said volume of eluate.By including at least a proportion of the trisialotransferrin in the eluate, it is possible to use relatively simple assessment techniques such as turbidimetry in the assay.

Abstract: The detailed shaving device includes a spring-mounted, infinitely-positionable, rotating razor blade with a full 360-degree range of motion which is attached to a handle having an angular offset for improved grip. The shaving device allows the user to lock and release the razor blade from its angular position relative to the handle and includes a knob for adjusting the rotation of the blade. The characteristics of spring mounting, infinite position adjustment, and razor blade rotation allow the user to accurately shave difficult to reach areas of the body.

Abstract: A dental bleaching composition having enhanced effectiveness and reduced sensitivity, its method of use, and a kit containing the ingredients for making the composition. The dental bleaching composition comprises hydrogen peroxide, an inert silica compound, sodium hydroxide, and a discrete inert particulate pigmented material in the form of a gel with a pH of about 9.5 to 10. The dental bleaching composition is placed on the teeth to be bleached, exposed to argon laser energy, and removed. The process is then repeated for a number of cycles. Neutral sodium fluoride is then applied to the bleached teeth for at least 10 minutes to reduce or eliminate post-bleaching sensitivity.

Abstract: A Helmholtz resonator loudspeaker having a capsule shape that may be truncated at one or both ends. When the housing is truncated, dampening material may be added at the truncated portion. Legs or a stand aid in the physical stability and to further assist the acoustics. The resonator tube is located on the interior of the housing chamber with one end opening into the interior concentric with an axis running along the length of the capsule and the other end exiting the housing below the speaker.

Abstract: An immuno-enhancer composition of at least one oligoelement selected from the group consisting of sodium selenite, magnesium chloride, manganese chloride, zinc chloride, cobalt, cerium, molybdenum, and silicon; and phospholipase A2. The preparation of the oligoelement and phospholipase A2 composition and its use in immunotherapy, treatment of oncologic diseases and degenerative diseases.

Abstract: A low priming volume integrated centrifugal pump and membrane oxygenator comprising a housing (10) containing a mass transfer bed (40) comprising gas permeable hollow membrane fibers (38) placed circumferentially in a ring around an impeller (30). The mass transfer bed (40) is formed by a multiple wrap of a fiber ribbon (42) comprising at least two layers of fibers (38) bonded in precise orientation with fibers in alternate layers positioned in line with the opening between fibers in the layers above and below. Adhesion means ensure precise orientation of the fibers (38). Priming volume is further reduced by a small impeller flow channel volume.