Abstract: A novel hypoglycemically active triterpenoid compound isolated in purified, preferably substantially purified, form from Salacia spp., processes for obtaining the novel triterpenoid compound, compositions comprising the triterpenoid compound and methods for use a hypoglycemic agent, for example, in the treatment of diabetes, are described. In a preferred embodiment, the triterpenoid compound is obtained from Salacia prinoides. As an agent for the treatment of diabetes, the novel triterpenoid is useful for treating insulin-dependent (type I) and/or non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes.

Abstract: A unitary wound closure device adapted to permit a wound on a patient to be viewed while the closure device is secured to the patient. The device includes a body having sufficient flexibility for it to be folded against itself. The body includes first and second surfaces facing away from one another, a securing portion having a length and width sufficient to secure facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition with one another and a viewing portion having a length and width sufficient to circumscribe the wound on the patient. A first quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the first surface of the body to adhere the securing portion of the body to the patient. A second quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the second surface of the body to adhere the viewing portion to the patient and the securing portion when the viewing portion is folded over and onto the protecting portion and the patient.

Abstract: A device to secure a surgical instrument to a patient that comprises an elongated flexible body. A first quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the body to adhere a portion of the body to the patient. A second quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the body to adhere a portion of the surgical instrument to the body. A method of securing a surgical instrument to a patient, comprising the steps of inserting a first portion of the surgical instrument into the patient. A first portion of an elongated flexible material is then secured to a patient. A second portion of the elongated flexible material is folded over a second portion of the surgical instrument. The second portion of the elongated flexible material is secured to the first portion of the elongated flexible material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and pharmaceutical compositions formulated therewith. This invention is also directed to a method for treating helminthiasis and for inhibiting reverse transcriptase activity in an animal by the administration of compounds of Formula (I).

Abstract: A Thermal Pack is shown for use in treating a localized injury. The pack includes a porous outer bag and a non-porous inner bag which is foldable between a retracted position within the outer bag and an extended position in which the inner bag protrudes from the outer bag for filling. A flap extends from the open mouth of the inner bag for creating a funnel to facilitate filling the inner bag when the inner bag is in the extended position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retread curing ring apparatus for mounting on a tire retread assembly which comprises a tire carcass having a retread area, integral side walls with inner edges, a preformed tread strip positioned on the retread area, and a flexible envelope or bag surrounding the entire retread assembly. The retread curing ring apparatus is positioned adjacent to each side of the tire carcass. The curing ring apparatus comprises a circular body with a recess adjacent to its bottom edge and positioned in said recess a circular elastomeric gasket having a channel at its bottom edge for attachment to the curing ring. The gasket is prepared from a plastic or rubber material and comprises a plurality of circumferential ribs adjacent the bead of the tire carcass which enables the clamp assemblies mounted circumferentially on the curing ring to hold the curing ring and the tire assembly in an airtight engaged position during the retread process.