Abstract: Provided herein are compositions that includes AAVs and AAV vectors that include a sequence encoding a SARS-CoV-2 polypeptide or a fragment thereof. Also provided herein are methods and materials for making and using AAVs and AAV vectors to generate immunity to a coronavirus in a subject.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin for placement in a crotch portion of an undergarment of a wearer having a longitudinal axis and being further characterized by having at least one preferential bending zone extending obliquely in relation to the longitudinal axis. The preferential bending zone may be created by mechanically embossing the surface of the sanitary napkin to locally densify the absorbing materials of the article. The preferential bending zone causes the sanitary napkin to resist lateral compression forces exerted by the thighs of the wearer and thereby prevents bunching of the article on the undergarment. The preferential bending zone also enhances fluid distribution by channeling the fluid away from the point of contact. The advantages of the present invention are increased efficiency of the sanitary napkin in collecting bodily fluids and greater comfort for the wearer of the napkin, particularly when the napkin is thin.

Abstract: A quick-connect fastener for removably fastening a component between a first abutment and a moveable shaft. The first abutment is part of a base member and optionally a second abutment may be attached to a shaft. The shaft extends through the base member and is connected to a hand-operated actuator. The quick-connect fastener further includes a locking mechanism that has two mating parts; one mounted to the shaft, and the other mounted to the base member. As a user moves the hand-operated actuator between a locked position and a release position, the first mating part moves both angularly and in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in relation to the second mating part. The movement of the two mating parts in relation to each other causes the spacing between the first and second abutments to vary, thereby allowing a component to be fastened and unfastened between the two abutments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing sanitary absorbent articles suitable for placement within a crotch portion of an undergarment of a wearer, the absorbent article having a main body and a flap projecting laterally from a respective longitudinal side of the main body, the first flap having to longitudinal sides, each longitudinal side projecting laterally outward from the first longitudinal side of said main body intermediate the transverse sides of said main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that has the ability to protect the undergarment of the wearer from being soiled by menstrual liquid. The sanitary napkin has a main body with panels that originate from its longitudinal side edges. A distal end of each panel that is continuous with the respective longitudinal side edge is folded underneath and affixed to the barrier later of the main body to form a looping member and a freely extending flap. As a result the effective affixation point of each flap is located inwardly of the respective side edge of the main body.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, or incontinence pad having a cover layer that is fluid permeable, an absorbent system and a liquid-impervious barrier layer under the absorbent system to prevent collected liquid to escape therefrom. The fluid-permeable cover layer is attached to the liquid-impervious barrier layer to form a flange seal enclosing the absorbent system. The flange seal includes two zones, namely a first zone and a second zone separated by a common boundary, each zone manifesting different mechanical properties. The first zone that resides closer to the outer edge of the flange seal is more resistant to shear stresses than the second zone residing near the inner edge of the flange seal. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of the flange seal being torn during use of the sanitary absorbent article.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a main body including at least three superposed functional layers, namely a fluid permeable body facing layer, an absorbent layer and a liquid impermeable undergarment facing layer. The sanitary napkin has flaps adapted to be folded around the edges of an undergarment of a wearer. The flaps are physically associated with respective longitudinal sides of the main body and are characterized by a rigidity sufficient to cause the longitudinal sides to fold upwardly when the flaps are parted to receive between them the crotch portion of the undergarment of the user. The upwardly folded longitudinal sides form upstanding barriers to limit the likelihood of failure as a result of side leakage.

Abstract: A pressure cell for subjecting a liquid-absorbent article to static compression; employed for conducting liquid-absorbency test procedures. The pressure cell includes an inflatable bag which compresses the absorbent article while conforming to its tri-dimensional configuration in order to achieve a uniform pressure distribution. The pressure cell is particularly suitable for conducting tests on non-planar, anatomically shaped absorbent articles or test samples that undergo a change in volume upon wetting. The invention also extends to a method for conditioning a liquid-absorbent article by the application of pressure during experimental liquid-absorbency procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary napkin that is thin (less than 5 mm in thickness), highly absorbent and has a lateral flexibility allowing for controlled deformation when in use, namely the assumption of a “W” pattern (good for absorption performance) or a “M” pattern (which enhances comfort). This controlled deformation provides a good comfort potential and simultaneously reduces the likelihood of bunching due to compression forces exerted laterally against the napkin by the thighs of the wearer. In a specific example, the sanitary napkin is characterized by a lateral stiffness of not less than about 400 g and comprises a cover layer, a barrier layer and an second absorbent layer having at least one preferential bending zone which allows the napkin to adopt a certain three-dimensional deformation profile in response to lateral compression.

Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing a layer of a laminated, disposable absorbent product, such as a fluid-permeable cover layer, an absorbent core layer or a fluid-impervious backing layer thereof, with a comparatively small amount of waste matter. The method comprises the steps of longitudinally cutting a continuous web of starting material according to a cyclic pattern constructed with line segments corresponding to the edge contour of the disposable absorbent product. The cutting operation divides the continuous web in two strips, each strip having a patterned longitudinal edge whose outline corresponds to the cyclic pattern. The strips are crossed and joined to one another in a parallel and in a phase relationship to form a compound web having longitudinal edges producing repeatedly the edge contour of the disposable absorbent product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel absorbent structure and absorbent products containing this absorbent structure. More particularly, the absorbent structure of this invention contains a high-loft, bulky, low-density cover layer, a higher density transfer layer, a very high density, retentive reservoir layer and an impermeable barrier layer. The cover and barrier layers are sealed around their periphery and, preferably, all the layers are bonded to each other to form a unitized structure.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent article having a high absorption capacity and a short fluid penetration time. The liquid-absorbent article comprises sphagnum moss material containing an effective amount of cross-linked cellulosic fibers. The liquid-absorbent article is well-suited for use as an absorbent component of a disposable absorbent product, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad, an adult brief, a wound dressing, a nursing pad, a tampon pledger, or as desiccant for packaging materials to keep goods dry during shipping or storage. The invention also extends to a novel method for manufacturing the liquid-absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an adult disposable brief or an urinary pad, among others, including a liquid-permeable cover layer, and absorbent core and a liquid-impervious layer for preventing body exudate entrapped in the absorbent core from contacting the wearer's undergarment or skin. A secondary liquid containment structure for intercepting body exudate leaking past the side edges of the absorbent product is mounted underneath the liquid-impervious layer. The containment structure includes a transversely extending strip of absorbent material such as non-woven fabric, having longitudinal end portions forming liquid-acquisition zones. The central portion of the absorbent strip constitutes a reservoir layer for collecting the body exudate discharged on the liquid-acquisition zones.

Abstract: An absorbent product containing sphagnum moss selected from the group of botanical sections consisting of PALUSTRIA, ACUTIFOLIA, RIGIDA, SUBSECUNDA and CUSPIDATA. The invention also extends to a novel method for manufacturing a highly absorbent structure and to a method for evaluating the liquid absorbent properties of a sphagnum moss composition.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a substance that imparts a desirable property to a body of water. The dispensing package comprises a water permeable bag of non-woven fabric enclosing a predetermined quantity of particulated product, such as tea or coffee that releases a flavouring substance in steeping liquid. The non-woven fabric has a thermally activated bonding surface permitting to permanently close the bag by peripherally heat-sealing the bag walls to one another. The heat-sealing operation is performed by driving in the wall portions to be joined a multitude of heated projections that rapidly transfer heat to the thermally activated bonding layers in order to quickly effect the seal. The resulting joint area displays a plurality of perforations formed by the heated projections. The invention also extends to a method and apparatus for heat-sealing the dispensing package.

Abstract: A three-dimensional non-woven fabric with a thermally activated adhesive surface well suited for use as a facing fabric for covering a fibrous mat. The fabric comprises two adjoining fiber layers, namely an adhesive layer including bond-forming fibers fusible at a predetermined temperature and a facing layer of fibers having a considerably higher melting temperature than the bond-forming fibers. The fibers of both layers are mechanically engaged one with another and are arranged flat-wise in bundles interconnected at junctures by protuberant fiber packings disposed in a staggered relationship throughout the fabric. Bond-forming fibers are concentrated in the apex portions of the fiber packings to form the thermally activated adhesive surface. The invention also extends to a process for manufacturing the three-dimensional non-woven fabric, based on the so-called "rosebud" technique for producing foraminous webs.

Abstract: A highly flexible absorbent material useful in sanitary napkins, diapers and the like is obtained by preparing an absorbent board which includes integral reinforcing fibers, and partially shearing the board into a plurality of narrow strips without substantially cutting or breaking the reinforcing fibers. The resulting material is extremely flexible in the tranverse direction and maintains its integrity due to the presence of the reinforcing fibers which interconnect adjacent strips. The absorbent material is preferably composed of a mixture of peat moss and synthetic reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent compositions, to methods for handling and immobilizing particulate absorbents, and to absorbent articles produced from the absorbent compositions. Absorbent materials such as cross-linked, water-insoluble and water-swellable particulate polymers are immobilized and safely handled by adding thereto an aqueous liquid such as water or saline in amounts sufficient to form hydrates in which the water comprises from 20% to 80% by weight of the total hydrate. The hydrates may be extruded, sprinkled, or sprayed and can be incorporated into absorbent articles such as diapers and tampons by conventional means. The hydrates unexpectedly increase the total water absorbency of the absorbent on a dry basis.