Abstract: Polymers containing nitrogen-halogen covalent bonds, i.e., N-halamine polymers, are provided for use in water treatment by reducing or removing microbes and toxic chemicals. Polymers containing one or more amide groups, guanidino groups, or groups derived from urethane or urea, are directly halogenated. The hydrolysis of N-halamine bonds is closely monitored by the presence of different electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups adjacent to the nitrogen(s) of the N-halamine groups, and the resultant polymer can be facilely reloaded with halogen. Released halogen is in the form of an oxidative halogen or a hypohalous acid, in an effective amount and in an extended period of time, to significantly reduce the amount of a wide range of microbes including Escherichia coli and bacteriophage MS2 in contaminated water. Sponges, beads, resins, gel, and membranes made from these polymers are used in water treatment.

Abstract: Polymers containing nitrogen-halogen covalent bonds, i.e., N-halamine polymers, are provided for use in water treatment by reducing or removing microbes and toxic chemicals. Polymers containing one or more amide groups, guanidino groups, or groups derived from urethane or urea, are directly halogenated. The hydrolysis of N-halamine bonds is closely monitored by the presence of different electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups adjacent to the nitrogen(s) of the N-halamine groups, and the resultant polymer can be facilely reloaded with halogen. Released halogen is in the form of an oxidative halogen or a hypohalous acid, in an effective amount and in an extended period of time, to significantly reduce the amount of a wide range of microbes including Escherichia coli and bacteriophage MS2 in contaminated water. Sponges, beads, resins, gel, and membranes made from these polymers are used in water treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method and formulations for treatment of wastewater by combination of a flocculant and surfactant are described herein. The co-addition of the flocculant with an anionic, cationic or non-ionic surfactant produces improved separation of contaminants from wastewater to yield pure or highly pure water. An optimal ratio between the flocculant and the surfactant applied allows for reduction of the amount of flocculant required to treat the wastewater.

Abstract: Described is a composition comprising one or more active ingredients coated, dispersed, or dissolved with a mucoadhesive polymer. Although subject to multiple uses, the composition, in some embodiments, is usable for treating rhinosinusitis.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.

Abstract: A composite scaffold for engineering a heterogeneous tissue is provided. The composite scaffold includes: (a) a first scaffold being capable of supporting formation of a first tissue type thereupon; and (b) a second scaffold being capable of supporting formation of a second tissue type thereupon; wherein the first scaffold and the second scaffold are arranged with respect to each other such that when the first scaffold supports the first tissue type and the second scaffold supports the second tissue type, a distance between any cell of the second tissue type and the first tissue type does not exceed 200 ?m.

Abstract: A system for upgrading raw water using a filter, for eliminating intrinsic factors of such water. Optionally the system includes a device for facilitating sustained release of extrinsic factors supplied by one or more capsules. Optionally the system includes also a dosing device for prolonging the constant supply of extrinsic factors to the drinking water to a period of time beyond that which is facilitated by one capsule laden with the factors. The filter of the system forces the gravitationally trickling raw water to meander through a path in which it reacts with a set of reactants. Upgraded after having passed through the filter, the water is collected and made available for dispensing through a spout. Optionally, one or more capsules laden with health promoting, nutritive, remedies or other beneficial factors are added to the upgraded water. A number of techniques for facilitating a substantially constant addition of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial chemicals is described.

Abstract: A tissue displacement/separation device is provided. The device includes a bladder which is expandable between a first tissue and a second tissue of a body. The bladder has an expanded shape which is selected capable of displacing or separating the first tissue from the second tissue in a manner suitable for protecting the first tissue from an effect of a treatment applied to the second tissue.

Abstract: Bioadhesive sticker tablets which are applied directly to vaginal, rectal and/or oral mucosa are described herein. In one embodiment, the sticker tablets are applied directly to ulcers or lesions in the oral cavity. The compositions adhere immediately upon administration, swell over time, and remain adherent to the ulcer or lesion for at least 60 minutes. The compositions can be in the form of single layer, double layer, or multilayer sticker tablets. The compositions provide immediate pain relief to the patient and promote rapid healing of the ulcer or lesion. The sticker tablet compositions contain one or more bioadhesive polymers. In one embodiment, the polymers are crosslinked polycarboxylic acids and polyols. The compositions contain at least one herbal agent and/or irritating compound, and optionally, a non-herbal active agent. The compositions can deliver an non-irritating effective dose of the agent for at least 60 minutes.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent is comprised of a stereocomplex of polylactide enantiomers. The unique characteristics of stereocomplex polymers allows for the stent to have variable material characteristics along its length, while retaining uniform geometry. Thus, the stent is designed to be flexible upon insertion through the blood vessels while still retaining its rigidity and support upon expansion within the vessel. Furthermore, the material characteristics can be manipulated such that high strengths are possible even with small thicknesses of struts within the stent.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric compositions that are liquids or pastes at temperatures below 37° C. are described. Immersion of the compositions in aqueous medium, such as body fluids, increases the viscosity of the composition resulting in the formation of a semisolid material. The polymeric material is a hydroxyalkanoic acid polyester derived from the copolymerization of at least one unsaturated hydroxy fatty acid copolymerized with hydroxyalkanoic acids of 2-6 carbons.

Abstract: A novel cyclosporine formulation, which is a pro-nanodispersion at room temperature, featuring solid particles of a relatively large particle size (at least about 150 nm) and yet which is a nanodispersion at body temperature.