Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent member positioned between a topsheet and a backsheet is provided. The absorbent member contains at least one layer that comprises porous superabsorbent particles, wherein the particles exhibit a relative humidity microclimate of about 67% or less after being exposed to an atmosphere having a temperature of about 23° C. and relative humidity of 80% for a time period of 20 minutes.

Abstract: A lateral flow device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. More specifically, the lateral flow device contains a porous membrane that defines a barrier zone for separating red blood cells from blood plasma (includes plasma in which clotting factors haven been removed), which may then flow to a subsequent detection zone for analysis. The barrier zone is formed from a blood cell barrier composition that includes an unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid or an ester thereof. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe such unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid molecules undergo autoxidation in the presence of air and hemoglobin to release peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) via oxidative saturation of double bonds. In turn, the released peroxides are believed to induce the formation of echinocytes or crenated blood cells.

Abstract: A decolorizing composition that can discharge the color of blood, menses, or other stains is provided. More specifically, a peroxide, cell lysing agent, chelating agent, antioxidant, and other optional ingredients are selectively employed to achieve an aqueous composition that exhibits good shelf stability and stain removal properties. The composition, for example, may maintain about 70% or more, in some embodiments about 80% or more, and in some embodiments, about 90% or more of its initial hydrogen peroxide (H202) content subsequent to being aged at ambient temperature (˜25° C.) for 2 weeks.

Abstract: A method and system for rapidly detecting Candida on the skin of a host, such as an infant with diaper rash, is provided. The method includes contacting a dermal sample with a colorant that exhibits a certain spectral response (e.g., color change) in the presence of Candida. For example, the colorant may change from a first color to a second color, from colorless to a color, or from a color to colorless. The colorant is typically capable of differentiating between Candida (e.g., Candida albicans) and other microorganisms commonly associated with diaper rash, such as S. aureus and E. coli. Thus, when a dermal sample is placed into contact with the colorant, the color change may simply be observed to determine whether the infection is caused by Candida. If the color change occurs to a certain extent (e.g., from yellow to bright red), it may be determined that the test sample contains Candida. Likewise, if a color change occurs to a lesser extent (e.g.

Abstract: A method and system for rapidly detecting Candida on the skin of a host, such as an infant with diaper rash, is provided. The method includes contacting a dermal sample with a colorant that exhibits a certain spectral response (e.g., color change) in the presence of Candida. For example, the colorant may change from a first color to a second color, from colorless to a color, or from a color to colorless. The colorant is typically capable of differentiating between Candida (e.g., Candida albicans) and other microorganisms commonly associated with diaper rash, such as S. aureus and E. coli. Thus, when a dermal sample is placed into contact with the colorant, the color change may simply be observed to determine whether the infection is caused by Candida. If the color change occurs to a certain extent (e.g., from yellow to bright red), it may be determined that the test sample contains Candida. Likewise, if a color change occurs to a lesser extent (e.g.

Abstract: A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microoryanisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms.

Abstract: A cosmetic wipe that contains a first nonwoven layer having first and second opposing surfaces is provided. The first nonwoven layer contains fibers formed from a polymer composition and is generally opaque in nature. A second nonwoven layer is laminated to the first surface of the first nonwoven layer. The second nonwoven layer contains a colorant that imparts a certain color to the second layer. Prior to use, the colored second layer is not generally visible when viewed from the second surface of the first layer due to the opaque nature of the first layer. However, sebum or other bodily oils absorbed by the first layer during use can prevent light from adequately reflecting from the layer. Thus, at least a portion of the first layer becomes translucent or transparent so that the color of the second layer becomes visible to a user. This provides a variety of benefits, including the ability for a user to evaluate if or how much sebum was removed from the skin so that makeup, etc.

Abstract: A warming product (e.g., mask, glove, sock, etc.) configured to provide heat to the body part of a user is provided. The warming product contains a thermochromic composition that undergoes a color change at a certain temperature. The color change may signal to a user that the warming product is hot, thus providing an indication that the desired treatment is still functioning. Likewise, the color change may signal that the product is cool, thus providing an indication that the treatment is complete.

Abstract: A cooling product (e.g., mask, glove, sock, etc.) configured to provide a cooling effect to the body part of a user is provided. The cooling product contains a thermochromic composition that undergoes a color change at a certain temperature. The color change may signal to a user that the cooling product is cold, thus providing an indication that the desired treatment is still functioning. Likewise, the color change may signal that the product is warm, thus providing an indication that the treatment is complete.

Abstract: A wound suture containing a solvatochromatic indicator that undergoes a color change in the presence of bacteria often associated with surgical site infection is provided. Such a color change provides a “real time” indication of the onset of infection, which may alert medical staff to apply an appropriate antimicrobial treatment (e.g., antibiotic) to the patient (e.g., human or animal) before a more serious infection occurs. The patient may also be able to accurately monitor the condition of a wound after discharge from the hospital. Further, the lack of a color change may provide the medical staff or patient with the assurance that the area is generally free of infection and clean.

Abstract: A lateral flow device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. More specifically, the lateral flow device contains a porous membrane that defines a barrier zone for separating red blood cells from blood plasma (includes plasma in which clotting factors haven been removed), which may then flow to a subsequent detection zone for analysis. The barrier zone is formed from a blood cell barrier composition that includes an unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid or an ester thereof. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe such unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid molecules undergo autoxidation in the presence of air and hemoglobin to release peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) via oxidative saturation of double bonds. In turn, the released peroxides are believed to induce the formation of echinocytes or crenated blood cells.

Abstract: A technique for identifying a vein in a patient is disclosed. The technique involves the application of a thermochromic ink to a venous area on the skin of a patient (e.g., human or animal). The thermochromic ink comprises thermosensitive color-changing microcapsules that contain a proton-accepting chromogen and a desensitizer. The desensitizer possesses a melting point above which the chromogen is capable of becoming protonated, thereby resulting in a color change. Thereafter, the venous area is observed for the color change.

Abstract: A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for rapidly assessing upper respiratory conditions is provided. More specifically, the method involves contacting a sample obtained from the upper respiratory tract of a host with a test strip. The test strip contains an indicator that provides a broad spectrum response in the presence of bacteria, mold, yeast, or other microorganisms that is different than its response in the presence of viruses. This allows for a rapid and simple assessment as to whether the test sample is infected with a virus or some other microorganism. To help a clinician identify the proper course of treatment, it may also be desirable to obtain further information about the particular type of microorganism present. In this regard, the test strip contains any array of one or more differentiating indicators that provides a certain spectral response in the presence of different types of microorganisms.

Abstract: A decolorizing composition that can discharge the color of blood, menses, or other stains is provided. More specifically, a peroxide, cell lysing agent, chelating agent, antioxidant, and other optional ingredients are selectively employed to achieve an aqueous composition that exhibits good shelf stability and stain removal properties. The composition, for example, may maintain about 70% or more, in some embodiments about 80% or more, and in some embodiments, about 90% or more of its initial hydrogen peroxide (H202) content subsequent to being aged at ambient temperature (˜25° C.) for 2 weeks.

Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a substrate treated with a decolorizing composition that can discharge the color of bodily exudates is provided. More specifically, a boundary zone located at the periphery of the substrate is treated with the decolorizing composition. Thus, when the substrate is incorporated into an absorbent article, the decolorizing composition may help discharge color at the edges of the article where leakage is most likely to occur. An interior zone of the substrate, however, is left substantially untreated with the decolorizing composition. This enables a user to observe and inspect the bodily exudates for infection or other health related conditions, and also allows the decolorizing composition to be applied only to those portions of the substrate needed to achieve the desired effect so that the untreated zone can continue to fulfill its other functions.

Abstract: A deodorizing container for the disposal of absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, diapers, wipes, etc., is provided. More specifically, the container includes an odor control ink that contains an odor-reducing anthraquinone that is capable of interacting with malodorous compounds commonly associated with biological fluids (e.g., menses, urine, etc.).

Abstract: A deodorizing release liner for use in absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, is provided. More specifically, one or more surfaces of the release liner are coated with an ink that contains an odor control agent capable of reducing odor associated with a bodily fluid (e.g., menses, urine, etc.). The release liner is initially positioned adjacent to an adhesive located on the absorbent article. To use the absorbent article, the liner may be peeled away from the adhesive and then discarded, either alone or in conjunction with a used absorbent article (e.g., in a container).

Abstract: A deodorizing container for the disposal of absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, diapers, wipes, etc., is provided. More specifically, the container includes an odor control ink that contains a plurality of nanoparticles modified with a transition metal. It is believed that the modified nanoparticles are capable of adsorbing malodorous compounds commonly associated with biological fluids (e.g., menses, urine, etc.).

Abstract: A method and system for rapidly detecting Candida on the skin of a host, such as an infant with diaper rash, is provided. The method includes contacting a dermal sample with a colorant that exhibits a certain spectral response (e.g., color change) in the presence of Candida. For example, the colorant may change from a first color to a second color, from colorless to a color, or from a color to colorless. The colorant is typically capable of differentiating between Candida (e.g., Candida albicans) and other microorganisms commonly associated with diaper rash, such as S. aureus and E. coli. Thus, when a dermal sample is placed into contact with the colorant, the color change may simply be observed to determine whether the infection is caused by Candida. If the color change occurs to a certain extent (e.g., from yellow to bright red), it may be determined that the test sample contains Candida. Likewise, if a color change occurs to a lesser extent (e.g.