Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer robot for caring for a patient. The robot includes a body section against which the upper half of the body of a patient is leaned, a first clamp which is rotatably provided on one side of the body section for supporting the upper half of the body of the patient, a second clamp, which is provided at a position adjacent to the first clamp so that the position of the second clamp is able to be changed, for supporting the lower half of the body of the patient, a prop which is extendedly arranged below the body for adjusting the height of the body section, and a transfer board, which is connected to the prop, for rotating and moving positions.

Abstract: A lifting system is provided for lifting a person who is incapacitated, where the lifting system includes a torso enclosure that may encase a substantial portion of the person's torso without requiring the person to slip one or both of their arms through the enclosure, and orthogonally-aligned structural straps positioned on the enclosure to stabilize and strengthen the enclosure during use, where portions of the straps are detached between two respective junction points to permit grasping of such straps by others when attempting to lift the incapacitated person.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus for a body part of an human and/or animal having a flexible backing, attaching means, a segmented flex frame, and a shape memory alloy on the segmented flex frame. The shape memory alloy can be connected to two terminals on the frame forming a circuit. A controller can be connected to the terminals applying current to the shape memory alloy at defined intervals providing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy.

Abstract: A walker seat may include a seat bottom and a support structure. The seat bottom may include an anterior region, a posterior region, an upper side, and a lower side. The lower side may include a central segment retention portion. The support structure may include a central segment, a left-side segment, and a right-side segment. The central segment may be retained by the central segment retention portion. The left-side segment may be extendable from a left side of the central segment, whereby the left-side segment extends beyond a left side of the seat bottom. Similarly, the right-side segment may be extendable from a right side of the central segment, whereby the right-side segment extends beyond a right side of the seat bottom.

Abstract: A leg rest for a walker contains: (a) a vertical post having a top; (b) a bifurcated semi-cylindrical hook having a horizontal axis attached to the top of the vertical post, the hook adapted for placement over a handle of a walker; and (c) a leg rest platform attached to one or more of the attachment receptacles of the vertical post.

Abstract: Example ambulation aid apparatus and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed and described herein. An example ambulation aid apparatus includes an ambulation aid body formed as a integral part, the integral part formed in monocoque construction to provide support for mobility of a user through the integral part, the integral part providing a plurality of grippable areas to facilitate user movement and support through the integral part. Another example ambulation aid apparatus includes a primary panel formed in monocoque construction to provide support for and assist in mobility of a user through the skin of the monocoque primary panel, the primary panel formed to interrelate with one or more subassemblies to provide an integrated monocoque part to assist in providing support for and improved mobility of the user through the integrated monocoque part. Example methods of manufacture are also disclosed and described.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas mist pressure bath apparatus for preventing, improving or curing a myocardial infarction by contacting a carbon dioxide gas mist to a skin and a mucous membrane of a living organism directly or through a clothing, thereby to improve or promote a circulation of a blood, includes a carbon dioxide gas mist-enclosing unit for enclosing the living organism; a gas supply unit for supplying a carbon dioxide gas; a carbon dioxide gas mist generating and supplying unit for pulverizing and dissolving the carbon dioxide gas into a liquid, and supplying the carbon dioxide gas mist into the carbon dioxide gas mist-enclosing unit; an exhausting device for exhausting the gas in the carbon dioxide gas mist-enclosing unit to an outside thereof; and a control device for controlling a supplying amount of the carbon dioxide gas mist from the carbon dioxide gas mist generating and supplying unit.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence, uncontrolled urination, and frequent urination in a human in need thereof is provided. The method includes placement of at least two calibrated, differential disturbances or protuberances under the human's feet.

Abstract: An apparatus having a container comprising a volume. The volume is configured to retain a single dose of a medication appropriate for a specific classification of a weight of a patient. A first indicia is disposed on an exterior surface of the container. The first indicia indicates a type of the medication. A second indicia is disposed on the exterior surface. The second indicia indicates the specific classification, wherein the container, pre-packaged with the single dose, is appropriate for a single use dosing of the patient having the specific classification.

Abstract: Method and systems for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device are disclosed. In one method, a powdered material is provided into a die cavity of a tablet press and an electronic device is dispensed from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press into the die cavity. The powdered material and the electronic device are compressing to form a tablet. A system comprises a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch. The upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet. A tape-and-reel carrier tape is operatively coupled to the tablet press, where the carrier tape is configured for holding the electronic device. A transfer mechanism is used to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity.

Abstract: A device is provided for storing, organizing, and dispensing prescription pills that includes a clamshell container configured to house a pill tray, pill tray lid, and sliding card. The pill tray contains an array of pill chambers that are covered by the pill tray lid, or alternatively, by an adhesive foil seal. The clamshell container includes a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having an array of pill holes that correspond with the chambers of the pill tray. The top of the sliding card has markings corresponding to the pill chambers beneath it and slides over the pill tray and beneath the top portion of the claim shell. Pills are placed within the pill holes on top of the sliding card. When the sliding card is removed, the pills fall through the pill holes and into the pill chambers of the pill tray.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use for desensitizing a subject to an allergen via regions of the oral mucosa are provided.

Abstract: A hygienic pacifier is set forth. The pacifier includes a base section having a nipple extending therefrom. The base section has a cross-sectional thickness. A substantially spherical recoil shield section is integrally formed with the base section. The shield section forms a wall having a cross-sectional thickness that is thinner in cross section than the cross-sectional thickness of the base section. The wall has recoil properties due to the spherical geometry of the shied section. The wall forms a shield around the nipple when recoiled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-part dental adhesive composition that exhibits excellent adhesive property and bond durability to a tooth structure (particularly dentin) and has high stability to ambient light, in which respective components have been mixed uniformly. The present invention is a one-part dental adhesive composition including a polymerizable monomer (A) having an acidic group, a polymerizable monomer (B) having a fluorocarbon group represented by the general formula (1), water (C), and a polymerization initiator (D). A content of the polymerizable monomer (A) having an acidic group is 5.5 to 35 parts by weight in 100 parts by weight of the total amount of polymerizable monomers. (In the formula, R1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and Rf denotes a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention provides a foamable composition for tooth bleaching which can be a one- or two-component system. The system has at least one peroxide compound, and at least one foaming agent. The composition can also contain at least one source of calcium, strontium and mixtures thereof, at least one de-sensitizing agent and at least one source of phosphate. The composition can produce a longer-lasting, collapsible foam structure with enhanced whitening action. The foamable composition can also be a one-component multi-phase system. A two-component composition can be packed in a two-compartment syringe. The syringe can also be fitted with a dispensing tip which may or may not have a static mixer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-phase emulsion comprising an aqueous-gel outer phase comprising water and an emulsifier comprising a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 10 to 19; and a water-in-oil inner phase comprising water, an oil, and a silicone polyglucoside containing emulsifier, wherein the water phase of the water-in-oil inner phase does not include a salt.

Abstract: Oral delivery systems including at least one encapsulated active are provided. The oral delivery systems include at least one active component; and a polymer matrix at least partially encapsulating the at least one active component. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix has a tensile strength of at least about 6,500 psi and/or includes at least one polymer having a water absorption of about 0.01% to about 50% by weight. The at least one active component may be an oral care active, which may be encapsulated alone or in combination with other actives, such as a taste masking active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing perfume-containing microcapsules with a polyurea wall that can be used in home or personal care products, as well as to the microcapsules themselves and consumer products that contain these microcapsules. The process of the invention uses a combination of aromatic and aliphatic polyisocyanates in specific relative concentrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite and oral care compositions for use in the mouth to retard the accumulation of dental plaque and/or calculus. The composite is a microaggregate comprising polymer coated, surfactant stabilized particles of a substantially insoluble metal, metal salt or metal oxide, for example zinc oxide. Also methods for retarding the accumulation of dental plaque and/or calculus are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel topically-applied skin and face coating and paint compositions comprising near infrared reflecting pigments and hydrogels swollen with aqueous solution and/or with simulated sweat. The invention further provides methods of making and using the compositions. The novel compositions protect the skin of the wearer from damage due to intense external heat or thermal flux and simultaneously divert thermal energy to a complementary evaporative cooling mechanism. The compositions protect skin from external thermal fluxes, conform to skin chemistry, and are easy to apply and remove.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions comprising water, at least one biosurfactant and at least one fatty acid, which are characterized in that the fraction of the sum of all surfactants in the composition is from 1 to 30% by weight, and that the fraction of fatty acid, based on the sum of fatty acid and surfactants, is from 0.1 to 20% by weight, and to the use thereof as or for producing bath additives, shower gel, shampoos, conditioners, body cleansers or skin cleansers.

Abstract: A cleansing composition containing the following components (A) and (B): (A) an ether carboxylate of Formula (1) R1—O—(CH2CH2O)n—CH2—COOX (1) wherein —R1 represents a linear or branched C4-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group, —n represents a number from 0.5 to 20, and —X represents a hydrogen atom or a cation selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, an alkylammonium, an alkanolammonium, and a glucammonium; and (B) an ether carboxylate of Formula (2) R2—O—(CH2CH2O)m-CH2—COOY (2) wherein —R2 represents a linear or branched C12-C22 alkyl or alkenyl group, —m represents a number from 0.5 to 20, and —Y represents a hydrogen atom or a cation, selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, an alkylammonium, an alkanolammonium, and a glucammonium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a para-aminophenol compound of formula (I) the addition salts thereof with an acid and the solvates thereof, dye composition comprising the latter and a dyeing process.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning and sanitizing dental appliances and dentures having at least one of anti-viral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, germicidal, and anti-microbial properties and comprising (a) a surfactant system having a quaternary amine as a first component and a nonionic surfactant as a second component, (b) peppermint oil, (c) a quaternary salt additive, (d) propolis resin extract, (e) antibiotic additive, and (f) Triclosan.

Abstract: A personal care composition is disclosed comprising a pH tuneable gellant. The pH tuneable gellant has a formula of: wherein R1 and R2 are aminofunctional end-groups; L1 is a backbone moiety having molecular weight from 14 to 500 g/mol; and at least one of L1, R1 or R2 comprises a pH-sensitive group; wherein R5 is an aminofunctional moiety; L2 is a backbone moiety having molecular weight from 14 to 500 g/mol; and at least one of L2 or R5 comprises a pH-sensitive group; and mixtures of [I] and [II]. The personal care composition may take a variety of forms such as a leave-on composition or an emulsion or may comprise one or more actives or agents.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a depilatory active; and a surfactant, wherein the composition has a Yield Stress of from about 1 Pascal (Pa) to about 1500 Pa, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Compositions containing a solution of a polyfunctional aziridine component in a non-reactive solvent, and methods of applying such compositions to proteinaceous substrates, such as fingernails and toenails, to provide primed substrates which may be further coated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dyeing and/or lightening keratin fibres such as the hair, using i) at least one direct dye bearing a disulfide, thiol or protected-thiol function and ii) at least one non-cellulose-based thickening organic polymer, iii) at least one alkaline agent, iv) at least one reducing agent and optionally v) at least one surfactant. The invention also relates to a composition comprising the ingredients i) to iv) and optionally v), to the use of the combination of i), ii), iii), iv) and optionally v) for the dyeing and/or lightening of keratin fibres, and to a multi-compartment kit comprising the ingredients i) to iv) and optionally v). The dyeing process and the composition according to the invention especially afford a long-lasting coloration on keratin fibres, which is strong, chromatic and/or homogeneous, with or without the use of an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition effective in reducing skin wrinkles. The composition comprises a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, preferably the compound of chemical formula 1, more preferably, mirodenafil as an active ingredient. Further disclosed is a method for reducing skin wrinkles using the composition.

Abstract: A non-pressurized container that contains one or more of: a foamable composition of minoxidil, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a dihydrotestosterone blocker in a formulation with a precise density and viscosity to yield a foam with a temperature sensitivity and shear strength designed for inverted application and immediate targeted release at body temperature under a minimal hand applied pressure to the scalp.

Abstract: Present invention is related to an aqueous coloring composition for keratin fibers especially human hair. The object of the present invention is an aqueous hair coloring composition comprising at least one direct dye and at least one alkyl methicone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair treatment composition capable of imparting good finger combability, body and manageability to the hair treated therewith and dried, and to a method for producing the composition. The hair treatment composition contains a cationized hydroxypropyl cellulose (A) and at least one treating agent (B) selected from a hair-coloring dye, an oxidizing agent, an alkali agent and a keratin-reducing agent.

Abstract: Epilatory compositions may be formed from: 40 to 80 wt % water; 5 to 30 wt % of a mixture of at least one polyvinyl alcohol and at least one polyvinyl alcohol copolymer; 1 to 15 wt % plasticizer, where the plasticizer is a linear or branched composition having from 3 to 15 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. Pore strip, keratonic plug removal, and other cosmetic applications may be formed from a similar composition, where the plasticizer is a linear, cyclic, or branched composition having greater than 25 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. The adhesive properties of the formulations may be tailored, where a low OH content may result in increased adhesion relative to plasticizers having a high OH content.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are provided, which are capable of having a tightening and/or curling effect on a human integument when applied thereto. Cosmetic compositions according to the invention typically include a cosmetically acceptable vehicle and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer of either a poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) or a poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate). The tightening and/or curling effect of these cosmetic compositions is prolonged and substantially resistant to environmental stresses such as increased heat or humidity.

Abstract: A depilatory cream composition comprising •a depilatory active; and, •a conditioning complex; wherein the conditioning complex comprises: •one or more of: a glycol carboxylate, a dialkyl ether of formula R1—O—R2 wherein R1 and R2, independently of one another, represent linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl groups having from 6 to 28 carbon atoms; and, an aliphatic alkyl mono-alcohol having at least 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain; •a silicone or an optionally branched alkane containing at least 12 carbon atoms; •an ethoxylated fatty alcohol and/or ethoxylated fatty ester with an HLB value of 13 or above; and, •a conditioning agent •water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the repair of subcutaneous or dermal tissue in a subject, comprising in one aspect the injection of a suspension of allogeneic dermal fibroblasts into the subject. By injecting a suspension of allogeneic cells, the invention provides, for example, long-term augmentation of the subadjacent tissue without the disadvantages that accompany the preparation and/or use of presently available materials such as autologous fibroblasts cells or collagen. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the augmentation of subcutaneous or dermal tissue in a subject, which method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a suspension of allogeneic dermal fibroblasts; and (ii) injecting an effective volume of the suspension into tissue subadjacent to the subcutaneous or dermal tissue so that the tissue is augmented. The method is preferably cosmetic.

Abstract: A high-throughput, tiered screening method of indentifying test agents that exhibit prebiotic activity on human skin commensal microorganisms and cosmetic compositions that include such agents. The method includes determining the metabolite level of a culture and comparing the metabolite level to a control value. The assay further comprises performing a plate count using the culture when the metabolite level of the culture is greater than its corresponding control value. The plate count results are compared to another control value, and the test agent is identified as a prebiotic agent when the number of colonies present in the plate count assay of the culture is greater than the second control value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a biodegradable multi-layer device suitable for medical applications are provided, wherein the device is formed from multiple film-layers configured to have different characteristics from one another such as different release profiles for therapeutic agents, adhesive properties, stiffness properties, and solubility properties. The film-layers may include a solid fibrinogen component. A device having multiple film-layers may take a non-adherent form during delivery to a target location within or on tissue, and thereafter may be exposed to moisture to take an adherent form on the tissue. The device may include a number of additives, including materials to improve the mechanical properties of the device, or one or more therapeutic or contrast agents.

Abstract: A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to percutaneous administration of drugs and vaccines in form of solid penetrating needles, “injectable needles”, comprising a polymeric matrix resulting from the polymerization of a polymerizable paste or mixture. The injectable needles are hard enough to penetrate the skin and can be administered percutaneously by simple pusher or injector delivery devices. The manufacturing procedure of the injectable needles allows for the incorporation of the drug as preformulated stable microparticles and incorporation of modifying agents to modulate stiffness, solubility and drug release. Drugs formulated in these injectable needles offer a safe, simple and effective alternative to conventional percutaneous drug delivery systems based on hypodermic needles and syringes that require refrigerated storage and reconstitution prior to administration.

Abstract: There is provided a non-water soluble drug delivery composition comprising a conjugate and a polymer matrix wherein exposure of the composition to electromagnetic radiation at a suitable pre-determined wavelength and intensity induces release of the active ingredient from the composition. The conjugate is attached to the polymer matrix through non-covalent interactions. There is also provided a drug delivery apparatus formed from the drug delivery composition.

Abstract: An encoding/decoding apparatus and method using a low-density parity-check code (LDPC code) is disclosed. Basic column group information, serving as a set of information regarding positions of rows with weight 1, is extracted from a reference column in each column group of a predetermined parity-check matrix. Column group information transforms the positions of rows with weight 1 into positions whose lengths are within a required parity length. A parity-check matrix is generated according to the generated column group information. Data is encoded or decoded based on the generated parity-check matrix.

Abstract: Intermediate compositions and in particular gels and suspensions for a foam composition comprising adapalene are described. Also described, is the dermatological use of such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions which comprise delivery vehicles having stably associated therewith non-antagonistic combinations of two or more agents, such as antineoplastic agents, are useful in achieving non-antagonistic effects when combinations of drugs are administered.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for delivering pharmaceutical and/or imaging agents within and/or through the dermal, mucosal and other cellular membranes, and across the blood-brain barrier, utilizing a fusogenic protein. The fusogenic protein is associated with a phospholipid membrane, such as a liposome. The liposome may include dioleoylphosphatidylserine, a negatively charged long-chain lipid. Alternatively, the liposome is comprised of a mixture of negatively charged long-chain lipids, neutral long-chain lipids, and neutral short-chain lipids. Preferred fusogenic proteins include saposin C and other proteins, polypeptides and peptide analogs derived from saposin C. The active agent contained within the liposome may comprise biomolecules and/or organic molecules. This technology can be used for both cosmetic and medicinal applications in which the objective is delivery of the active agent within and/or beneath biological membranes or across the blood-brain barrier and neuronal membranes.

Abstract: Graft copolymer polyelectrolyte complexes are disclosed for the efficient delivery of anionic, cationic or polyelectrolyte therapeutic agents into biological cells, and for maintaining the biological activity of these molecules while in serum and other aqueous environments are provided. Such complexes comprise (1) an anionic graft copolymer containing an anionic polymer backbone, with pendent carboxylic acid groups and pendant chains containing amphipathic or hydrophilic polymers covalently bonded to a portion of the pendant carboxylic acid groups, (2) one or more anionic, cationic or polyelectrolyte therapeutic agents, and (3) optionally a liposome optionally containing an additional therapeutic agent. Also disclosed are functional nanoparticles containing the complexes.

Abstract: The present invention is an aqueous dispersible magnetic nanoparticle formulation with a high drug loading capacity used for sustained drug delivery. The formulated magnetic nanoparticles are composed of an iron oxide core coated with a long chain polymer, which provides aqueous dispersibility without the use of surfactant. A method is developed for the functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles for use in biomedical field.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a carotenoid composition, a process for producing a carotenoid composition, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a mesoporous silica nanoparticle, a mesoporous silica nanoparticle, and applications thereof are provided. The method includes fractionating a mesoporous silica nanoparticle suspension to produce size-fractionated mesoporous silica nanoparticle. The method further includes etching the size-fractionated mesoporous silica nanoparticle to produce synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticle having a hollow, porous morphology configured to receive one of a therapeutic agent and an imaging material. The etching includes differential etching of silica from areas of low polymeric density within the mesoporous silica nanoparticle and re-depositing of the silica in areas of higher polymeric density existing near the surface of the mesoporous silica nanoparticle. A target material is loaded into the synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticle and a controlled released of the target material is provided by decreasing the physiological pH of the surface of the mesoporous silica nanoparticle.