Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided comprising (A) 0.05-30% by weight of an amphiphatic lipid, (B) 0.05-30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, (C) 1-50% by weight, based on (b), of an ionic surfactant, and (D) 40-99% by weight of an aqueous medium, wherein said composition is transparent or semi-transparent, and wherein the ratio of (A)/[(B)+(C)] is 0.2-10, which is beautifully transparent or semi-transparent, and in which the amphiphatic lipids are stably microdispersed.

Abstract: A non-specific host defense cell augmentation technique for enhanced microorganism killing utilizes any phagocytosable, biocompatible particle to prime macrophages for enhanced oxidative response and bacterial killing. Patients can have the benefits of primed macrophages in one to four days, and experiments have demonstrated over a 100-fold increase in oxidative potential within this time period. The oxidative response and killing potential is non-immunospecific, meaning not one organism, not a vaccine, and broadly applicable simultaneously to bacteria and viruses as well as tumor cells. The effects have been demonstrated to have a seven day duration indicating non-tissue toxic residual effects and potential for repeated use at monthly intervals.

Abstract: A dermatological external agent such as a pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, or cosmetic comprising tetrahydroabietic acid, a salt thereof, and hydrogenated rosin and a salt thereof, formulated therein, has an excellent antibacterial action, is not harmful to the human body, and has an excellent stability.

Abstract: A packing material for the treatment of infections, particularly of the teeth and gums. A biocompatible, polymeric carrier material, typically calcium alginate, has dispersed therein an antibiotic ester which typically defines at least one ester group of 10 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule. The antibiotic ester is present in the polymeric carrier in an initial concentration sufficient to allow the continuous, controlled release of at least an inhibitory concentration of free antibiotic as a hydrolysis product from the antibiotic ester. The rate of release of free antibiotic is influenced by the presence of bacterial lipase, so that a higher concentration of infectious bacteria causes the release of higher concentrations of free antibiotic, hydrolyzed from the ester, in a feedback loop.

Abstract: Novel silica particulates especially adapted for formulation to dentifrice compositions exhibit unique physical and chemical properties. In one embodiment, silica particulates have a unique surface chemistry as to be at least 50% compatible with zinc values, and have a number of OH functions, expressed as OH/nm.sup.2, of at most 15 and a zero charge point (PZC) of from 3 to 6.5. In a second embodiment, particulates have a surface chemistry as to be at least 65%, and preferably at least 90% compatible with guanidine values, notably chlorhexidine, and acidity function thereof, Ho, of at least 3.3. In a third embodiment, silica particulates are compatible with organic amines, and have a pH, in aqueous suspension, which varies according to the equations pH.ltoreq.7.5-0.7 log(C) and pH.gtoreq.5.0-0.5 log(C) and which also varies as a function of the electrical conductivity thereof, according to the equations pH.ltoreq.8.5-0.4 log(D) and pH.gtoreq.7.0-0.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions for the sublingual or buccal administration of therapeutic agents (particularly polypeptides) which are normally degraded upon oral administration comprise such a therapeutic agent, a solvent, optionally a cosolvent and/or hydrogel, and an oral mucosal membrane transport enhancing agent which is selected from the group consisting of essential and volatile oils and inorganic and organic acids.

Abstract: A punctum plug for blocking lacrimal fluid flow through a punctum and an associated canaliculus composed of a hydrogel material and a hydrophobic coating which covers the exterior surface of the hydrogel material. The hydrophobic coating averts adsorption of proteinaceous materials onto the hydrogel. The punctum plug has a configuration which includes a generally cylindrical body member, an arcuate head at a first end of the body member, and a placement and retaining member at a second, peripheral end of the body member. An insertion port is located at the first end of the cylindrical body member for receiving a dilator/inserter tool. A hydrating port is fashioned at the peripheral end of the plug and partially extends through the placement and retaining member. The hydrating port is not coated with the hydrophobic material so that fluid in the canaliculus, or canalicular fluid, or preocular tear film may enter the interior portion of the plug and permit the hydrogel to expand to a desired configuration.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for coating a substrate with a strongly adherent hydroxyapatite coating, which allows for ingrowth of natural bone and strong bonding between the coating and the substrate. The procedure provides for repetitive coatings at varying concentrations of coating forming reagents, where the highest concentration is used initially. The coating has particular application for prostheses, where porous areas of the prostheses are completely coated with a thin sturdy coating of hydroxyapatite.

Abstract: Liposome and lipidic particle formulations of compounds are prepared by dissolving in a solution of liposome-forming lipids in an aprotic solvent such as DMSO, optionally containing a lipid-solubilizing amount of a lower alkanol, and either injecting the resulting solution into an aqueous solution, or the aqueous solution into the resulting solution. The resulting liposome or lipidic particle suspension may then be dialyzed or otherwise concentrated. This method is particularly useful for compounds which are poorly-soluble in aqueous solution, but is generally useful for any compound or combination of compounds which can be dissolved in the aprotic solvent or aprotic solvent/lower alkanol mixture.

Abstract: A functional food which comprises a glucosyltransferase and/or a fructosyltransferase each having a water-soluble polysaccharide production ability, and a base therefor.

Abstract: Method and refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by releasing enzyme(s) and/or other agents into the cornea which temporarily soften the cornea. The convex cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens(es) which has a concave curvature that will correct the refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzyme/agent then dissipates from the cornea as it "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape and the lens is removed.

Abstract: A bait composition comprising 3,5-xylyl N-methylcarbamate contained in a bait material, and useful for exterminating vermin by lure feeding.

Abstract: A method of modifying salts of alginic acid in situ for prevention and treatment of various intra-articular and extra-articular (spine) complications modifies the alginate in situ to an insoluble gel. This in situ modification provides a final product which can be compressed within the intra-articular space thus remaining localized. The modified material can have varied mechanical strengths and thus varied degradation times and can serve as a matrix for localizing and slowly releasing therapeutic agents. The modified material is biocompatible and biodegradable, thus requiring no reoperation for removal.

Abstract: Polypeptides derived from the G domain of the A chain of laminin and having sequences of at least about 5 amino acids, and which exhibit heparin/glycosaminoglycan binding, cell adhesion and cell spreading capacity are described.Medical devices such as prosthetic implants, percutaneous devices and cell culture substrates coated with a composition including the described polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical cement of high biocompatibility, useful in orthopedic, maxillofacial and dental applications, comprising a calcium alkali phosphate cement with relatively high surface pH of about 7 or higher, and having a wide variety of chemical compositions, permitting flexibility in controlling the bioresorption rate by changing the chemical composition of the cementing powder.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent composition. A polymeric material characterized as having surface anionic reactive sites is mixed with a source of multivalent metal ions to render the polymeric material sorbent of aqueous liquids. A dispersant is then added to form a wet slurry which is subsequently dried to a granular consistency.

Abstract: A method of treatment for nasal and sinus dysfunction is disclosed comprising topically applying a horseradish, sinigrin or allyl isothiocyanate preparation to affected mucosa. Preparations for the treatment of nasal and sinus dysfunction are also disclosed, including preparations of horseradish, sinigrin and allyl isothiocyanate.

Abstract: Substituted (1.alpha.,2.beta.,3.alpha. or .beta.,4.alpha.,5.alpha. or .beta.)-2,3,4-trihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentylamines are inhibitors of alpha-mannosidase and alpha-fucosidase and are useful immunostimulants, antiviral and antimetastatic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified protease such that a protease is coupled to a polysaccharide via a triazine ring. This modified protease is considerably stable, safe and active as compared with the conventional modified proteases and immobilized proteases. Therefore, cosmetic products containing this modified protease are less liable to undergo aging, easier to use and improved in effect on the skin.

Abstract: A sebaceous excitosecretory agent comprising at least one of undecylenic acid, its salts, its esters, and its amide derivatives as an active ingredient. A process for exciting secretion of sebum comprising the step of applying onto a skin surface the above sebaceous excitosecretory agent. The sebaceous excitosecretory agent has a long-lasting action to excite secretion of sebum.