Abstract: The invention discloses a composition for the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis which includes an effective amount of an anti-lipase agent and/or an anti-protease agent in a suitable vehicle. The composition is designed to maintain an effective amount of the lipase and/or protease inhibitors and to be applied to tissues susceptible to fecal enzyme insult. The invention also discloses a composition for the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis which includes an effective amount of a sacrificial lipase substrate and/or, a sacrificial protease substrate in a suitable vehicle. The composition is designed to maintain an effective amount of the substrates and to be applied to tissues susceptible to fecal enzyme insult.

Abstract: A surface protection system consisting of three pieces, (1) cartridge-top, (2) absorbent core, and (3) base unit. The cartridge-top, made of semi-flexible material with a waffle grid design of drainage holes, traps and directs liquid spills into the absorbent core. The core is a thin layer of material attached to the entire underside of the cartridge-top, forming one unit. The core material, consisting of cotton-fluff and a super-absorbent polymer or fiber, holds and wicks the liquid away from the surface, turning it into a jell. The cartridge-top is snapped onto the top of the base unit covering it completely. It is disposed via routine trash collection during maintenance (usually weekly) and replaced by a fresh one. The base unit is also made of semi-flexible material and is extremely durable. It is placed on the floor under a urinal and secured to the floor to prevent its accidental displacement.

Abstract: A method to assess hypertension by measuring the amount of free and conjugated hydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETS) and metabolites of DHETs, which are metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) epoxygenases and epoxide hydrolases, in a biological sample which contains the DHETs (using any methods including GC/MS or ELISA) is disclosed. The method further included determining the amount of molecules containing a DHET-specific epitope immunoreactive with antibodies produced against DHETs present in the sample. This amount is compared with a control sample(s). Hypertension is determined through the comparison wherein the amount of increase of free and conjugated DHETs and metabolites of DHETs in the sample isolated from an organism. The present invention also provides a method to assess catalytic activity of AA epoxygenases using immunoassays by measuring the amounts of NADPH-independent epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and total (NADPH-dependent+independent) EETs.

Abstract: A method for preparing coatings of thin films onto solid particle has been achieved by in-situ simultaneous nucleation and deposition of dissolved material out of supercritical fluid, resultant film formation on the solid particles suspended in the supercritical fluid, and subsequent thermal conditioning of the coating in the particles. The coating method involves an enclosed system that provides: 1) for suspension of the solid particles to be coated; 2) for dissolution of the coating material in the supercritical fluid solvent; 3) for temperature or pressure swing operations causing film deposition/coating of the suspended solid particles and; 4) additional chemical addition and/or thermal cycles providing for any additional reactions required (such as polymerization).

Abstract: A device for use in the correct application and monitoring of the technique of ACF (Applied Cricoid Force) during tracheal intubation comprises a cylinder (1), a piston (2), seal (10) and either an aneroid gauge (3) or a calibrated spring (6) which provides resistance to force applied to the device and at the same time permits monitoring of the force applied. The device may also or alternatively be used as a training tool on a suitable patient substitute e.g. a table, bench or a manikin, until the trainee gains the experience and skills which enable them to reproduce the correct force when applying cricoid force directly on patients.

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transgenic mammal whose somatic and germ cells having a nucleic acid construct wherein the construct includes a mammalian promoter operably linked to a cDNA genomic sequence is provided for the overexpression of galanin. Also provided is a construct having cDNA for the overexpression of galanin. A method of making a transgenic mammal by producing a mammal having a construct for the overexpression of galanin is provided.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing powder foods or liquids has a scoop for containing the powder or liquid, and levelling means for levelling off the scoop contents, wherein the levelling means co-operates with a counter such that operation of the levelling means is adapted to advance the counter, the counter being characterised in that the counter may be reset to zero in a single step process.

Abstract: There is provided dendritic materials for enhanced performance of an energy storage device having a unimolecular micelle including branched building blocks. Also provided is an energy storage device having a lithium source, a hydrocarbon dendrimer based electrolyte made up of a unimolecular micelle including branched building blocks, insertional electrode, and a current conductor.

Abstract: An isolated and purified &agr;-N-acetyl-D-galactosaminidase from Clostridium perfringens is disclosed. A method for purifying and isolating the &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Clostridium perfringens by removing neuramidases is disclosed. A process for using the &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Clostridium perfringens in altering type A blood cells to type O blood cells is disclosed. A process for altering cells expressing blood group A epitope by using &agr;-N-acetylgalactosaminidase isolated from Clostridium perfringens in altering the cells expressing blood group A epitope to cells expressing blood group O epitope is disclosed.

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and useful apparatus for producing cell electrofusion is provided. The apparatus comprises: a. a chamber with a substrate disposed therein, b. means for directing the cells to be fused toward one side of the substrate; and c. a device for inducing fusion of the portion of the cells.

Abstract: A final fixation assembly includes a rod receiving ring for receiving a portion of a rod therein and including a compressible insert for receiving a portion of the rod therein in a noncompressed condition and conforming allowing the portion of the rod to fixedly lock the portion of the rod therein in a compressed condition. The rod receiving ring maintains the insert in the compressed condition when the insert is seated therein.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting TNF-&agr; from binding to TNF receptors by administering an effective amount of an inhibitory peptide. Also provided is a method of inhibiting TNF-&agr; functions by administering an effective amount of an inhibitory peptide. There also are provided peptides which have TNF-&agr; inhibitory properties. Also provided is a method of inhibiting TNF-&agr; binding to TNF receptors by administering an effective amount of peptides having the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID No. 1,2,3,4, wherein the peptides can be administered either singly or in combination.

Abstract: Diagnosis of overt, subclinical or potential autoimmune adrenal disease, by contacting a sample of body fluid with: (i) at least one epitope region of 21-hydroxylase which epitope region is essential for binding monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to 21-hydroxylase and/or autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase; and (ii) monoclonal or polycolonal antibodies to 21-hydroxylase. The degree of binding of the autoantibodies present in the sample to the relevant epitope region is monitored.

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; and R3 is hydrogen, methyl or carboxyl; which is useful in the treatment of seizure disorders. Processes are disclosed for the preparation of the compound. Intermediates prepared during the synthesis of the compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) comprising a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation, and is characterized by including an outer liner (14) comprising an expanded polyamide material disposed about the inner liner (12). The assembly (10) further includes a conductive strip (30) formed along the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges accumulating along the inner liner (12).