Abstract: An absorbent article (20) having an absorbent core comprising at least about 80% of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) by weight of its absorbent material. An acquisition-distribution system (ADS) (50) is at least partially disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet. The ADS extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article at least from a point A1 disposed at a distance D from the front edge to a point A2 disposed at a distance D from the back edge of the article, D being equal to 32% of the length L of the article. The ADS has a basis weight which may be at least 20% lower at the point A2 than at the point A1.

Abstract: A flexible gusset package containing a plurality of items is described. The package has a front surface having no seam; a rear surface opposite the front surface; a first surface adjacent the front and rear surfaces; a second surface having a closing seam and being opposite the first surface; an opposing pair of third and fourth surfaces respectively adjacent the first and second surfaces, the third and fourth surfaces having a first and second side seams, respectively; a pair of side gussets located in the third and fourth surfaces, respectively; and a pair of closing gussets located in the second surface, wherein the surfaces cooperatively define an interior compartment of the package, wherein the package is a laminate having a film layer facing the interior compartment and a paper layer, and wherein the second surface includes an area of the film layer where the closing seam is formed.

Abstract: External-injury waterproof protector, of long service life as a product. The structure of the limb-insertion opening enables completely shielding out water to protect an injured area. The protector has a flexible pouch body composed of a waterproofing material, with a mouth at either one or both ends, and an extensible/contractible annular constriction component hermetically and adhesively attached to the one or both pouch-body end(s). The annular constriction component is furnished with a tube portion formed to enable covering a portion of the four human limbs in a watertight state, and a brim portion formed projecting radially outward from a mouth edge of the tube portion. The tube portion favorably is formed at a narrower diameter than that of the other end of the pouch body. The brim portion arcuately slopes gently in a flaring form, lending the mouth of the annular constriction component an arcuate sloping surface.

Abstract: Powered patient support apparatuses—such as beds, cots, stretchers, or the like—include a plurality of user controls that allow a caregiver to control the steering and/or driving of one or more powered wheels from multiple different locations around the patient support apparatus (e.g. head end, foot end, and/or the sides). The control is carried out by force sensors that detect both an orientation of the applied forces and a magnitude of the applied forces. Translational and/or rotational movement is effectuated, depending upon the magnitude and direction of the forces, as well as the physical location of the applied force relative to a reference point on the support apparatus, such as the center. One or more object sensors may also be included in the support apparatus to assist in steering and/or navigating.

Abstract: A chemo mobile cart system for connecting a child transport vehicle to a mobile IV post assembly includes a quick-connect linkage having a platform and a quick-connect arm connectable to the mobile IV post assembly. The platform is releasably connected to the child transport vehicle, and a battery is disposed on the platform together with an inverter electrically connected to the battery. An electrical generator is electrically connected to the battery and disposed on or adjacent to the platform. The electrical generator is mechanically connected to the child transport vehicle and electrically connected to the battery to recharge the battery as the child transport vehicle moves across a support surface.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, includes an exit detection system that has, in some embodiments, multiple user-selectable modes. A first mode issues an alert in response to a static condition being met and the second mode issues an alert in response to a dynamic condition being met. The static condition may be defined by an unchanging boundary that triggers an alert if the occupant's center of gravity crosses the boundary. The dynamic condition may be defined by a changing boundary that triggers an alert if the occupant's center of gravity crosses it. The changing boundary may change based upon the occupant's height, weight, BMI, vital sign, or other characteristic. The changing boundary may also change based upon a position of one or more components of the person support apparatus, such as a siderail or Fowler section.

Abstract: A support belt assists caretaker in moving an ambulatory-impaired person. A strap has a plurality of attachment fixtures such as grommets that are longitudinally spaced and has a buckle for engaging the strap around a torso of an individual. The connector is engageable between a selected two of the attachment fixtures to draw one portion of the strap to closely encircle the ambulatory-impaired person and to form another portion of the strap into a grasping loop. A second support belt can be attached to the strap by two or more belt connector in order to double the portion of the torso encircled or to support buttocks or thigh of the ambulatory-impaired person.

Abstract: A bag for pet burial or cremation or for holding cremation ashes comprises a sheet of material onto which or into which the deceased pet is to be received; and in one aspect a pocket within the sheet in which a farewell note can be placed. In an other aspect the sheet of material is formed into a pouch having an opening into which a deceased pet may be placed and a first flap which can be folded over the opening to close the pouch. In a further aspect there is a bag comprising a sheet of material on to which the deceased pet may be received and wrapped in the sheet; at least one set of at least one button on a periphery of at least one side of the sheet; and at least two button holes on each side of each set of the at least one button for adjustable securing of the wrapped material.

Abstract: A device for assisting the realignment of the pelvis comprises a pair of arms (3,5) connected together at one end of each arm by a connection member (7) allowing relative rotation of the two arms in a plane passing through the longitudinal axes of both arms and also about an axis passing through the connected ends of the arms. A method of using such a device is disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-function, adjustable chiropractic table comprises a body section fixed to a table frame. A cervical section is movably attached to the table frame and securable at a desired angle. The cervical section comprises a padded head support, forehead strap, and neck bolsters. The head support is slidably mounted in a tray and translatable therein using a scissors mechanism, for linear axial traction. Pivotally mounting the tray to the cervical section permits lateral traction. A four-bar linkage, including a base frame, permits raising/lowering of the table using an actuator activated by a foot triggered wave switch comprising proximity sensors. The body section comprises a chest, lumbar, and leg sections. The chest section is replaceable with a treatment nodule comprising hot and cold compresses, or a laser enhanced spinal decompression therapy apparatus comprising a laser driven by two linear actuators to emit light according to one or more treatment protocols.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for training the muscles of the upper torso and/or for relaxing the spinal column of a person, with a movable carriage for receiving the person, and with a guide path along which the movable carriage with the person is guided and moved in such a way that kinetic energy is applied at least intermittently to the person for distraction of the torso or of the spinal column of the person. According to the invention, provision is made that the person on the movable carriage is received on the support lying in a substantially horizontal position, that the hips, legs and/or feet of the person on the support are fixed with a fixing arrangement, and that the movable carriage, with the person lying on it, is moved substantially horizontally along the guide path.

Abstract: A lower limb of an exoskeleton or a bipedal robot, having a thigh segment (1), a leg segment (3) and a foot (4). The leg segment includes two connecting rods (3a, 3b) having proximal ends that are articulated along parallel axes on the thigh segment, the two connecting rods having distal ends articulated along parallel axes on the foot.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for treatment of wrist joint proprioception. The system includes a manipulandum unit and a controller. The unit includes a base, a handle, a linkage assembly, and motors. The base supports a subject's forearm, and the handle is gripped by the palm. The linkage assembly connects the handle to the base, and establishes three DOFs. The motors are operatively connected to the linkage assembly. The controller is programmed to actuate, and receive feedback information from, each of the plurality of motors. Further, the controller is programmed to perform wrist proprioception assessment operations by actuating the plurality of motors to effectuate movement of the handle relative to the base in a prescribed manner indicative of position motion sense acuity as an objective measure of wrist proprioception functioning. The controller is optionally further programmed to perform rehabilitation training via controlled operation of the unit and a virtually reality environment.

Abstract: An assisting torque setting apparatus and method, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate a reference gait model by applying body information of a user to a predetermined body model, and set an optimal assisting torque by adjusting an assisting torque provided from a walking assistance apparatus to the user based on the reference gait model is disclosed.

Abstract: A motion assist device for assisting a motion such as a walking motion of a user includes: a pair of femoral part support units (3L, 3R) configured to be worn by two femoral parts of a user, a single power source (4, 70) for producing power and a power transmission unit (20; 60; 91, 92) for transmitting the power of the power source to the femoral part support units as an opposite phase motion, wherein the power transmission unit includes a differential unit (22; 63, 64; 93, 94) for accommodating a same phase motion of the two femoral part support units. The device may further include a control unit (5) configured to actuate the power source when the femoral part support units are undergoing the opposite phase motion, and to keep the output end of the power source stationary when the femoral part support units are undergoing the same phase motion.

Abstract: A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand, walk or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame. A motorized drive helps the user move with ease. The drive can be computer controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locomotion aid (1) for people with limited mobility, comprising at least one frame (1?), frame legs (2) which are connected to the frame (V) at a first end (2?) and the second ends (2?) of which are equipped with casters (3), a hip lock or a lumbar lock (8) which is connected to the frame (1?) via a return mechanism (7) and via a mounting (6), and a seat (9) with an integrated brake triggering mechanism, wherein the seat (9) interacts with the hip lock (8), the return mechanism (7), which is in the form of a spring for example, and the mounting (6) when the seat is actuated by the person such that the brake triggering mechanism (5?) can be triggered.

Abstract: A mobility assisting walker device with a folding frame assembly, a pair of non-swiveling wheels, a pair of friction pads, a pair of support handles and a pair of lift arms is disclosed. The non-swivel wheels are mounted to the bottom front portion of the folding frame and the friction pads mounted to the bottom rear portion of the frame. The support handles are mounted to the top portion of the frame assembly. The lift arms are each attached to the outer slidable juncture of the frame. The folding frame assembly is capable of going from a narrow, storage position to a wide use position by a user raising or lowering the lift arms. The frame assembly configured to allow the user to have maximum stride capability while using the walker device. A preferred embodiment includes the friction pads are constructed from injection molded high sticktion TPE plastic.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an image display system 1 includes an input unit 50 and an information processing unit 10; wherein an input unit has a massaging apparatus 54 for massaging a human body part, and a microphone 52 placed inside or outside the massaging apparatus to detect sounds near the massaging apparatus; and the information processing unit has a sound volume determination means 310 for determining whether or not the sound volume of the sounds detected by the microphone exceeds a pre-determined threshold, and a display means 90 for displaying content constituted by a combination of image data and sound data, by modifying them according to the determination result as determined by the sound volume determination means. The image display system can augment massaging.

Abstract: A stimulation device is provided in accordance with one embodiment. The stimulation device includes a chamber which has a flexible wall portion. A drive unit of the stimulation device is in physical communication with the flexible wall portion so as to cause deflections of the flexible wall portion in opposing directions, thereby resulting in a changing volume of the chamber. The changing volume of the chamber results in modulated positive and negative pressures with respect to a reference pressure. An opening of the stimulation device is for applying the modulated positive and negative pressures to a body part. The stimulation device includes a control device for controlling the drive unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stimulation device for the clitoris, having the following: a housing which is formed to be substantially pin-shaped; a pressure field generation device having a drive unit that generates a pressure field in a hollow space made of temporally alternating negative and positive pressures, and a control device which controls the drive unit; wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis which extends from a front end of the housing up to a back end of the housing, and wherein an opening is provided in the front end of the housing for placing over the clitoris, and wherein the hollow chamber is arranged inside the housing and is connected to the opening of the housing.

Abstract: An expert system facilitates non-surgical manual semi-occlusion method for treating Reperfusion Injury (RI). This technique involves a four phase framework: (1) palpating a soft tissue structure or segment of the body in order to bring blood flow to the area—called the “Touch”; (2) placing a contact point at the nearest proximal vascular branch that supplies the specific target structure and creating manual tension at a vector running 90° to the elongate axis of the artery to act as a manual tourniquet—called the “Activation”; (3) maintaining the vector of tension until a pulse is felt under the contact point and then waiting for the pulse to adequately diminish—herein called the “Pulse”; and (4) applying a stretch on the nerve that supplies the Structure or Segment, both locally and centrally, in order to occlude the blood supply to the nerve for 30 seconds—called the “Neurovascular Stretch.

Abstract: A method for a mobile therapy provider to provide mobile therapy to a patient is disclosed. The mobile therapy provider receives an authorized prescription to provide therapy services, such as water therapy services, to the patient. The mobile therapy provider also verifies that medical insurance is available to the patient to cover the cost of the therapy. An appointment is scheduled with the patient to provide the mobile therapy services at an agreed upon location. A mobile therapy vehicle having therapy equipment is dispatched to the location agreed upon with the patient. An attending therapist provides the patient with the required type and scope of therapy in the mobile therapy vehicle. The results of therapy session are sent by the mobile provider to the insurance provider for payment and to the licensed health care professional.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for providing air and water to hot tub jets. The present teachings include jet assemblies, manifold assemblies, and related components, as well as methods of assembling hot tubs involving these components. In some cases, the present teachings describe the use of dual extrusion tubing to route air and water through adjacent, connected fluid conduits. In some cases, the present teachings describe a “press-and-click” method of connecting various components.

Abstract: A platform for conditioning meridian functions includes a pedal and a bracket mechanism; the bracket mechanism includes: a bracket and an angle adjusting mechanism; the angle adjusting mechanism includes: a first angle adjusting mechanism and a second angle adjusting mechanism; the first angle adjusting mechanism includes: a first support rod, a first adjusting sleeve, a first gear shaft and a first adjusting groove; the second angle adjusting mechanism includes: a second support rod, a second adjusting sleeve, a second gear shaft and a second adjusting groove; the first adjusting groove and the second adjusting groove are symmetrically provided in plurality. By providing the angle adjusting mechanism, different inclination angles of the pedal can be realized, and the combined design of the angle adjusting mechanism, the support rods and the adjusting sleeves effectively improves the stability and security of a pack up angle adjusted by a support plate of the pedal.

Abstract: A lid for a blister package has a continuous pattern of wire on an adhesive surface of a substrate. The continuous pattern has multiple detector segments, and the detector segments have respective destructible portions of wire at locations on the substrate corresponding to cavities of a blister sheet. Each detector segment has an outer connector portion and an inner connector portion. The outer connector portion and the inner connector portion of each detector segment are adjacent, and pairs of successive detector segments are connected by the inner connector portion of the one detector segment and the outer connector portion of the next detector segment. The continuous pattern of wire is severed at the outer connector portions and inner connector portions of the plurality of detector segments in order to disconnects the detector segments one from another, and form terminal ends of the detector segments.

Abstract: A BAK removal device is constructed as a plug of microparticles of a hydrophilic polymeric gel that displays a hydraulic permeability greater than 0.01 Da. The polymer hydrophilic polymeric gel comprises poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA). The particles are 2 to 100 ?m and the plug has a surface area of 30 mm2 to 2 mm2 and a length of 2 mm to 25 mm and wherein the microparticles of a hydrophilic polymeric gel has a pore radius of 3 to 60 ?m.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medicament delivery device, comprising a medicament cartridge adapted to contain a medicament and a stopper slidably arranged within the cartridge. The stopper-comprises a rigid body that is enclosed partially by a soft sealing component.

Abstract: A delamination resistant glass pharmaceutical container may include a glass body comprising a borosilicate glass having a Type 1 chemical durability according to USP <660>. At least an inner surface of the glass body may have a delamination factor less than or equal to 10. A thermally stable coating may be positioned around at least a portion of the outer surface of the glass body. The thermally stable coating may be an outermost coating on the outer surface of the glass body and the outer surface of the glass body with the thermally stable coating has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.7. The thermally stable coating comprising at least one of a metal nitride coating, a metal oxide coating, a metal sulfide coating, SiO2, diamond-like carbon, graphene, and a carbide coating.

Abstract: A method for the preparing mixtures of pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical substances (11, 11?) includes arranging a preparation container (3, 3?, 3?) already made up with ingredients in a receptacle (2) of a device (1, 1?, 1?) feeding a fluid (10) from a storage container (4, 4?) into the preparation container (3, 3?) via a feed line (6), preparing the ingredients with the fluid (10, 10?) into a substance mixture (11, 11?), and removing the substance mixture (11, 11?) from the preparation container (3, 3?, 3?) into a receiving container via a discharge line (12, 12?, 12?). A device also is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A cartridge for dispensing a pre-measured buffering agent together with a medical fluid such as dental anesthetic. The cartridge includes a sharp piercing element at one end, a frangible barrier proximate the piercing element, and a traveling closure. The buffering solution is in a chamber between the barrier and the closure. When loaded into a syringe and subjected to operating pressures, the barrier is pierced, enabling the buffering solution to mix with the medical fluid. Continued pressure propels a desired, controlled mixture into a tissue of a patient. A dye may be included for visual confirmation of mixing. The invention may be regarded as the cartridge, a syringe having the cartridge, or a kit, with or without a syringe, or cartridges having closures of different types.

Abstract: A tablet splitter has a top portion that includes a splitting wedge with first and second angled sides defining a leading edge, and a bottom portion that includes a platform. The platform has a flexible matrix and a flexible tablet stabilizer disposed atop the flexible matrix for holding a tablet. The leading edge of the splitting wedge contacts the tablet and causes the flexible matrix and the flexible tablet stabilizer to flex thereunder. The tablet splits in response to the contact with the splitting wedge upon receiving a sufficient amount of force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for optical three-dimensional modeling that offers desirable shape accuracy in optical three-dimensional modeling, and that provides desirable transparency and mechanical characteristics upon being cured. The present invention relates to a composition for optical three-dimensional modeling comprising a polymerizable monomer (a), an ultraviolet-absorbing inorganic particle (b), and a photopolymerization initiator (c).

Abstract: Applicants have identified a critical skin benefit package that can be used in liquid alcohol sanitizing compositions that provides lower amounts of skin conditioners in combination with a specific ratio of different emollients that provide improved skin health with chronic repeated use. The package also provides improved skin feel with without a tacky residue upon drying.

Abstract: Compositions for cosmetics containing (A) one or more kinds of N-mono long-chain acyl basic amino acids, and (B) one or more kinds of N-mono middle-chain acyl basic amino acids, and compositions for cosmetics further containing (C) an inorganic powder, provide cosmetics that give, on application, a comfortable silky feeling and, to the skin after application, a natural translucency, good luminous finish and a uniform feeling of the skin surface, and have adhesiveness to the skin and high covering power.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant nucleic acids comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more cosmetic proteins (e.g., one or more human collagen proteins); viruses comprising the recombinant nucleic acids; compositions (e.g., cosmetic formulations) comprising the recombinant nucleic acids and/or viruses; methods of their use; and articles of manufacture or kits thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to satin lip compositions including at least one silicone resin comprising at least one T unit, at least one silicone acrylate copolymer, at least one silicone wax, at least one volatile hydrocarbon oil, and at least one non-volatile hydrocarbon oil having a molecular weight greater than 400 g/mol, as well as to methods of making such compositions and methods of applying such compositions to lips.

Abstract: A water absorbing resin has a siloxane skeleton which is a copolymer containing a structural unit derived from a polymerizable vinyl monomer (A) shown by the general formula (1), a structural unit derived from a polymerizable vinyl monomer (B) shown by the general formula (3), and a structural unit derived from an organopolysiloxane (C) having polymerizable groups at the both terminals thereof shown by the general formula (4). The water absorbing resin has a siloxane skeleton that is capable of thickening an aqueous composition without making it sticky, together with a cosmetic containing the same.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for treating compromised skin is disclosed, providing improved skin barrier repair and maintenance properties. The composition of matter comprises at least one lipid selected from a group consisting of lipids defined by a predetermined lipid profile and at least one skin nutrient selected from a group consisting of nutrients defined by a predetermined nutrient profile, but is substantially free of petrolatum. This composition of matter produced a surprising improvement when applied to cracked skin of, e.g., diabetes mellitus patients or other individuals with dry or damaged skin.

Abstract: A topical composition for treating age spots and wrinkles includes at least one first skin-whitening agent, at least one wrinkle-reducing agent, and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the composition includes two whitening agents and two wrinkle-reducing agents. The skin-whitening agents include a tyrosinase-inhibiting glycosylated hydroquinone and a blend of alpine plant-based extracts. The wrinkle-reducing agents include avian egg extract and stabilized vitamin C.

Abstract: A method for protecting skin is provided, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need an effective amount of an orchid callus extract, and the extract is a polar solvent extract of a callus of orchid leaves. The method is especially for moisturizing skin, increasing skin tenderness, increasing skin abundance, increasing skin elasticity, tightening skin, reducing skin textures, delaying skin aging, assisting in increasing content of collagen, repairing skin tissues, preventing skin lesions, and/or promoting wound healing.

Abstract: Novel drug carriers capable of targeted and/or pH dependent release of biologically active agents into selected pH environments including the gastrointestinal (GI), ophthalmic, urinary, or reproductive tracts. Unexpectedly, carriers including free fatty acids (FFA) are able to deliver biologically active agents to various pH environments. Such targeted delivery is tailorable and useful for active agents that are: (a) injurious to the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), (b) acid labile, (c) impermeable/insoluble compounds in GI fluids, (d) susceptible to first pass metabolism, and/or (e) cause stomach irritation, upset, or dyspepsia.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a method of treating a patient in need of treatment, comprising identifying a patient in need of treatment for stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, myocardial infarction, shock, organ ischemia, ventricular arrhythmias, ischemic injury, or hypoxia/ischemia; administering a bolus of glyburide to the patient; and administering a continuous infusion of glyburide to the patient at from about 15 ?g/hr and about 300 ?g/hr, wherein the continuous infusion glyburide is administered for a period of time more than about 20 hours.

Abstract: Biomedical devices for implantation with decreased pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth are disclosed. The device includes biocompatible materials and has specific characteristics that allow the device to elicit less of a fibrotic reaction after implantation than the same device lacking one or more of these characteristic that are present on the device. Biocompatible hydrogel capsules encapsulating mammalian cells having a diameter of greater than 1 mm, and optionally a cell free core, are disclosed which have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides oral, chewable dosage forms that are suitable for delivery of one or more active ingredients to a consumer, particularly a human individual. The dosage forms can be configured as multicomponent compositions formed of: a first component including a gummy composition; a second component that is a particulate material or is a pre-formed solid unit or plurality of pre-formed solid units; and an active ingredient. The second component can be, for example, in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable oral dosage unit, such as a tablet, a caplet, a soft shell capsule, a hard shell capsule, a microcapsule, or a pastille.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a chewing gum composition comprising polyhexanide for the treatment and/or prevention of an infectious disease in the oral cavity. The present disclosure also describes a chewing gum composition formulated for the controlled release of polyhexanide and optionally, at least one additional water-soluble antiseptic agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for delivering a mucoadhesive composition to the oral cavity of a subject. The mucoadhesive composition comprises one or more active agents, a mucoadhesive polymer, and water. The present disclosure is further related to a method for treating a disease, disorder, or condition, such as pharyngitis, aphthous stomatitis (canker sore), bacterial infection, radiation-induced mucositis, fibromyalgia, and diabetes, comprising administering the mucoadhesive composition to the oral cavity of a subject. The present disclosure is also related a mucoadhesive composition comprising one or more active agents, a mucoadhesive polymer, and water.

Abstract: A process for preparing a dry powder formulation for inhalation comprising a combination of an anti-cholinergic, a long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, and a corticosteroid is provided.

Abstract: Dry powder formulations for inhalation comprising a combination of an anticholinergic, a long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, and, optionally, an inhaled corticosteroid are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of an inflammatory and/or obstructive airways disease.

Abstract: Described herein is a sugar-depleted fruit or vegetable juice product, wherein said juice product is a fruit or vegetable juice or juice-retaining fruit or vegetable derived matter, wherein said juice product contains at least about 5 g/l gluconic acid and said juice product contains any two or three, of (i) at least about 0.5 g/l Ca2+, (ii) at least about 1 g/l K+, and (iii) at least about 0.1 g/l Mg2+. Also provided are methods of producing the same and the use thereof to assist in maintaining the health and well-being of a subject and in the treatment and prevention of medical ailments, specifically those associated with the over-consumption of glucose and/or sucrose or inappropriate metabolism of glucose, e.g. metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type II, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension and liver steatosis.