Abstract: A compress suitable for use in hot and cold treatments of an animal or human body part is described, such compress comprising a flexible container containing a formulation comprising an aqueous solution and discrete particles of a crosslinked, water-absorbing polymer. In one embodiment, the compress is contained in a sealed plastic bag. The formulation used in the compress can further comprise an anti-freeze agent, a salt compound, a glycol compound or mixtures thereof. The crosslinked, water-absorbing polymer in one embodiment is polyacrylamide or sodium polyacrylate.

Abstract: A process for the degradation of keratin, keratinaceous material, collagen or collagenaceous material comprising contacting keratin, keratinaceous material, collagen or collagenaceous material with an enzyme material isolated from a culture of Micrococcus sedentarius. The enzyme material comprises one or more proteases having the ability to degrade keratin, keratinaceous material, collagen or collagenaceous material. The enzyme material is water soluble, non-dialysable through a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of 10 kDa, has an isoelectric point of 4.6 or 2.7, a molecular weight of 30.3 kDa or 50 kDa, an optimum pH for protease activity at about 8.2 or at about 10.2 and an optimum temperature for protease activity at about 40.degree. C. or 46.degree. C.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerized polymer, a process for its preparation and its use in the form of an adhesive particularly in surgical or medical dressings or plasters wherein the polymer is derived by polymerizing in an aqueous emulsion a composition comprising:(A) a substantially water-insoluble monomer; with(B) (1) a substantially water-insoluble polar monomer; and/or(B) (2) a substantially water-insoluble polyfunctional monomer; in the presence of a substantially water-soluble surfactant which has been converted to a substantially water-insoluble form after polymerization of monomers (A) and (B).

Abstract: An enzyme material isolated from a culture of Micrococcus sedentarius which comprises one or more proteases having an ability to degrade protein, including human callus. In one embodiment the enzyme material is water soluble, non-dialyzable through a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of 10 kDa, has an isoelectric point of 4.6, a molecular weight of 30.3 kDa, an optimum pH for protease activity at about 8.2, and functions at an optimum temperature of about 40.degree. C. In another embodiment, the enzyme material is water-soluble, non-dialyzable through a membrane having a molecular weight cut off of 10 kDa, has an isoelectric point of 2.7, a molecular weight of 50 kDa, an optimum pH for protease activity at about pH 10.2, and functions at an optimum temperature of about 46.degree. C.