Abstract: The present invention is directed to the generation and use of recombinant rotavirus fusion proteins as immunogens to produce a protective immune response from immunized individuals. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a recombinant rotavirus fusion protein vaccine composition comprising a rotavirus subunit protein or immunogenic fragment thereof, and an adjuvant in combination with the recombinant rotavirus subunit fusion protein. In one aspect of this embodiment, the recombinant rotavirus fusion protein comprises a rotavirus subunit protein and a fusion partner protein in genetic association with the rotavirus subunit protein, wherein the fusion partner protein does not interfere with expression and immunogenicity of the rotavirus subunit protein, the fusion partner protein prevents complex formation by the rotavirus subunit protein, and the fusion partner protein facilitates purification of the recombinant rotavirus fusion protein.

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: Disclosed is a skin lightening composition comprising a) a safe and effective amount of at least one water soluble reducing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, sodium hydrogen sulfite, potassium, hydrogen sulfite, sodium, metasulfite, potassium metasulfite, ammonium sulfite, ammonium hydrogen sulfite, formic acid, oxalic acid and mixtures thereof and b) cosmetically acceptable carrier for the water soluble reducing agent wherein the composition is substantially free of hydroquinone or its derivatives. Also disclosed is a method for skin lightening in mammals comprising topically applying to the skin the above composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture and methods for treating pain and increasing tissue healing and rehabilitation in patients suffering from injury and/or inflammation of the muscle and/or joints and/or skeletal system. The articles of manufacture include a source of topical heat and a set of instructions in association with the heat source. The set of instructions provides instructions for performing specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation. The methods include applying topical heat to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation in combination with specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating non-psychotic disorders by administration of atypical antipsychotic medications, in particular, risperidone. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of treating the eating disorder Bulimia Nervosa and Bulimia-related eating disorders, by administration of antipsychotic medications from the group of compounds designated as atypical antipsychotic mediations. Typical dosage amounts may range from 0.1 milligrams to 4 milligrams per day and may be administered in any dosage forms known in the art, including, but not limited to oral, intramuscular, rectal, transdermal, sustained release forms, controlled release forms, delayed release forms, and response release forms.

Abstract: The thermal body wraps of the present invention comprise a unified laminate structure having at least one continuous layer of a flexible material having a substantially rectangular, dog bone-like shape and having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, a plurality of heat cells, and means for releasably attaching the thermal body wrap to a user's body. Preferably the heat cells are placed into positions fixed within or to the unified structure of the thermal body wraps, relative to each other and sufficiently close to provide controlled, sustained, and uniform heat to the body or body part of the user.

Abstract: Throat drops suitable for relief of cough and cold symptoms comprise a cooling composition and a warming composition in distinct and discrete regions thereof, the cooling and warming compositions being adapted to provide sequential relief profiles. The cooling composition includes from about 0.001% to about 10%, by weight, cooling agent, and the warming composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 1.0%, by weight, warming agent.

Abstract: A confectionery product, suitable for the relief of cough and cold like symptoms, includes from about 0.5% to about 80%, by weight, of a coolant composition and from about 20% to about 99.5%, by weight, of a flavour composition in separate, distinct and discrete regions thereof. The coolant and flavour compositions are adapted to provide different release profiles.

Abstract: Psyllium-containing drink mix compositions comprising acid (e.g., citric acid) and granulated, less water soluble base (e.g., calcium carbonate agglomerated with maltodextrin).

Abstract: A method of making a gas permeable material having a diffusive gas permeability at 0.21 atmosphere diffusive driving force in the range of about 0.5.times.10.sup.5 cm.sup.3 /100 square inches/day to about 2.times.10.sup.5 cm.sup.3 /100 square inches/day. The method comprises the step of coating a pattern of spots of a gas impermeable material onto a porous substrate, followed by a step of enlarging the pattern of spots to cover greater than about 95% of the porous substrate such that the gas permeability occurs only through openings between the pattern of spots. The gas impermeable material is preferably a hot melt adhesive and the porous substrate is preferably a nonwoven. The step of enlarging the pattern of spots includes smearing substantially circular spots into oblong spots as the pattern of spots is printed onto the porous substrate until the oblong spots partially overlap. The smearing is achieved by operating a printing screen at a surface speed higher than a draw rate of the porous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal packs comprising a unified structure having at least one continuous layer of a semirigid material which softens when heated. The thermal packs also comprise a plurality of individual heat cells, which typically comprise an exothermic composition, spaced apart and fixed throughout the unified structure. The material of the continuous layer or layers provide sufficient rigidity to maintain structural support of the heat cells, to prevent unacceptable stretching of structures of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use of the thermal packs, and to deter easy access to heat cell contents, while also providing good overall drape characteristics when heated. The thermal packs, when incorporated into body wraps, pads, and the like, provide efficient and effective heat coverage by having excellent conformity with various body forms.

Abstract: Psyllium-containing drink mix compositions comprising acid (e.g., citric acid) and granulated, less water soluble base (e.g., calcium carbonate agglomerated with maltodextrin).

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral compositions having enhanced organoleptic characteristics of fattiness, creaminess, soothing, satisfaction, and full mouthfeel, and comprises acylglycerol compounds having substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 attached at the positions of the OH.sup.- groups of a glycerol backbone. The substituents R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids having from 16 carbon atoms to 22 carbon atoms and R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of R.sub.1, OH, PO.sub.3 HR.sub.4, and C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 carboxylic acids, wherein R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of OH, choline, inositol, serine, and ethanolamine. The oral compositions of the present invention being substantially free of free conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having one or more thermal packs comprising a unified structure having at least one continuous layer of semirigid material, which has different stiffness characteristics over a range of temperatures, and a plurality of heat cells, wherein the heat energy is applied to specific areas of the upper back, neck and shoulders. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having good conformity to user's upper back, neck, and shoulders which provides consistent, convenient, and comfortable heat application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having one or more thermal packs comprising a unified structure having at least one continuous layer of semirigid material, which has different stiffness characteristics over a range of temperatures, and a plurality of heat cells, wherein the heat energy is applied to specific areas of the upper back, neck and shoulders. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having good conformity to user's upper back, neck, and shoulders which provides consistant, convienent, and comfortable heat application.