Abstract: An antibacterial wound dressing is based on or derived from gel-forming fibers such as carboxymethyl cellulose or alginate fibers having silver ions linked thereto at some but not all of the exchangeable sites such that the distribution of silver ions over the exchangeable sites is substantially uniform. The silvered fibers for the wound dressing can be prepared by contacting an assembly of precursor gel-forming fibers having exchangeable sites under conditions which do not cause irreversible gelling of the fibers with an amount of a solution containing silver ions so as to link silver ions at some but not all of the exchangeable sites, the whole of the assembly of precursor gel-forming fibers being contacted essentially simultaneously with the entire solution containing silver ions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects in need of muscle growth, muscle repair, improved muscular and neuromuscular control, and treatments for neuromuscular and neurological disorders, including brain disorders. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptides may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide and/or peptide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto a location where muscle growth, muscle repair, or improved muscular and neuromuscular control is desired, or on another suitable portion of the skin.