Abstract: A method for producing an improved antimicrobial material thereby producing a soft, dry, iodine/acetalized polyvinyl alcohol complex sponge material having a pleasing yellow-gold coloration which self-indicates activation of the antimicrobial elements in the complex.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition and method for reducing or alleviating the discomforting symptoms associate with menstruation, particularly menstrual pain. The composition is administered by topical or local administration to the uterus or vaginal tissues of a women in need thereof, and contains an omega fatty acid in combination with a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. Preferred omega fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, and preferred cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors include, ibuprophen, acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid. The composition may further include pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents, and may be locally applied via intracervical or intrauterine application, or may be topically applied to the skin of the lower abdomen.

Abstract: The present invention describes a prepolymer of aliphatic polyoxaesters containing amines and/or amido groups having polymerizable end groups that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like.

Abstract: Absorbent products, especially catemenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids, such as menstrual fluid, blood and wound exudates, comprise an amount of a compound effective to inhibit the production of Enterotoxin A, Enterotoxin B and/or Enterotoxin C by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when the products are brought into contact with the bacteria. The compositions of this invention are also useful to inhibit production of Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A, B and C, as well as hemolysins produced by Groups A, B, F and G streptococci in solution as well as being expected to be effective to inhibit such toxin and hemolysin production when used in conjunction with absorbent products. The compound is selected from the group consisting of monoesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; diesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved antimicrobial material thereby producing a soft, dry, iodine/acetalized polyvinyl alcohol complex sponge material having a pleasing yellow-gold coloration which self-indicates activation of the antimicrobial elements in the complex.

Abstract: Absorbent products, especially catamenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids, such as menstrual fluid, blood and wound exudates, comprise an amount of a compound effective to inhibit the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when the products are brought into contact with the bacteria. The compound is selected from the group consisting of monoesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; diesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; and mixtures thereof. The monoesters and diesters have at least one hydroxyl group associated with their aliphatic alcohol residue.

Abstract: The present invention describes a crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters containing amines and/or amido groups and blends thereof with other polymers that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The crosslinked aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention is formed from an aliphatic polyoxaester having a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:?O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)-- !Iand a second repeating unit of the formula:?--O--R.sub.12 --!.sub.U, XVIand optionally a third repeating unit with a formula selected from the group consisting of:?--O--R.sub.4 --!.sub.A, II?--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--!.sub.B, III(?--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)!.sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group wherein the aliphatic polyoxaester has been crosslinked.

Abstract: Monilial Vulvovaginitis is treated by application of a composition containing one or more substances which inhibit glucose transfer into cells and cell metabolism. The composition of the invention is conveniently combined with a suitable carrier such as a non-aqueous gel and other therapeutically useful components.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as catamenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids are disclosed which include an effective amount of a nitrogen containing compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The compound is one or more nitrogen containing compounds having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, inclusive of the carbonyl carbon, is an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can be the same or different. Moieties R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can be selected from hydrogen and an alkyl group having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms which may contain one or more substituent groups selected from ester, ether, amine, hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxyl salts, sulfonate, sulfonate salts and mixtures thereof. The compound is effective in substantially inhibiting the production of TSST-1 and Enterotoxin-B from S. aureus bacteria.

Abstract: Absorbent products, especially catamenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids, such as menstrual fluid, blood and wound exudates, comprise an amount of a compound effective to inhibit the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when the products are brought into contact with the bacteria. The compound is selected from the group consisting of monoesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; diesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; and mixtures thereof. The monoesters and diesters have at least one hydroxyl group associated with their aliphatic alcohol residue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of manufacturing a lyophilized suppository composition wherein said suppository is made in situ in an applicator cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel crystalline maltitol composition which essentially exhibits a porous and honeycombed structure and which possesses a very high degree of maltitol purity and a low density.This composition possesses outstanding functional properties, making its use particularly recommended for manufacturing tablets or various powders to be dissolved in water.The invention also relates to a novel process for enabling the crystalline maltitol composition to be manufactured.

Abstract: Absorbent products, especially catamenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids, such as menstrual fluid, blood and wound exudates, comprise an amount of a compound effective to inhibit the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when the products are brought into contact with the bacteria. The compound is selected from the group consisting of monoesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; diesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; and mixtures thereof. The monoesters and diesters have at least one hydroxyl group associated with their aliphatic alcohol residue.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as catamenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids have included an effective amount of a nitrogen containing compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The compound is one or more nitrogen containing compounds and their salts having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms; and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can be the same or different. R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are selected from hydrogen and an alkyl group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms. The alkyl groups of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can have one or more substitutional moieties selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl and carboxyl salts, and imidazoline. A method of inhibiting the production of exoprotein from Gram positive bacteria is also disclosed.

Abstract: Antimicrobial metal-based compositions, which are photostable, non-staining, and which are easily absorbed into lipophilic matrices, contain silver cations, complexed by acyclic polyether polymers through the formation of a "host-guest relationship" where the acyclic polyether is the "host" and the silver cation is the "guest," wherein stabilization of this "host-guest relationship" is accomplished through the use of excess anions. The compositions are useful for topical treatment of infections caused by bacteria, fungus and viruses in humans and animals and for treating medical devices, foams and adhesives to impart infection-resistance.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new aliphatic polyoxaesters that is bioabsorbable and may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The aliphatic polyoxaesters of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--] Iand a second repeating unit of the formula:[--O--R.sub.12 --].sub.U, XVIand optionally a third repeating unit with a formula selected from the group consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P,--O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group.

Abstract: A virucidal, spermicidal vaginal gel consisting essentially of povidone iodine having a povidone to iodine ratio of about 15:1 or higher containing from about one percent to about twenty percent low molecular weight povidone having a molecular weight of about 20 kd or lower, the gel having a viscosity such that a conical body drawn from a body of the same does not visibly slump at 37C. for a period of at least one minute and a method of preventing sexual transmission of disease and preventing pregnancy using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention teaches that relatively low levels of serum progesterone, 1 to 6 ng/ml, may be used to prevent endometrial cancer. The vaginal delivery of progesterone using a cross-linked polycarboxylic polymer produces this low serum progesterone level while also providing the full secretory transformation of the endometrium, indicating the efficacy of the progesterone. Such low levels of serum progesterone will decrease the risk of breast cancer experienced by women undergoing hormone replacement therapy ("HRT") and minimize the potential of other undesirable progesterone associated side effects.

Abstract: A dissolvable element containing an agent material is used for local administration of the agent material in an internal body area. The dissolvable element is made of dissolvable polymer material and/or complex carbohydrate material which are food grade materials and have selected dissolving properties, such that it remains in substantially solid form before use, and dissolves due to human body temperatures and moisture during use to release the agent material in a desired timed release and dosage. As a contraceptive, the dissolvable element is preferably a film made of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and/or carboxymethyl cellulose. The dissolvable element may be formed as a laminate of different film layers for compound release properties, or it may be ground into particles and incorporated in a tampon or suppository. The dissolvable element may be foamed as a means for increasing its dissolution rate.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, intended to be contacted with a mucosa. The composition contains, on the one hand, at least one constituent active against the viruses and bacteria responsible for the said sexually transmitted diseases and, on the other hand, a product inhibiting the penetration of the active constituent across a mucosa, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle adapted to the topical administration of this composition. Advantageously, the product inhibiting penetration is a film-former capable of forming a film with which the active constituent or constituents are associated.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: A dissolvable element containing an agent material is used for local administration of the agent material in an internal body area. The dissolvable element is made of dissolvable polymer material and/or complex carbohydrate material which are food grade materials and have selected dissolving properties, such that it remains in substantially solid form before use, and dissolves due to human body temperatures and moisture during use to release the agent material in a desired timed release and dosage. As a contraceptive, the dissolvable element is preferably a film made of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and/or carboxymethyl cellulose. The dissolvable element may be formed as a laminate of different film layers for compound release properties, or it may be ground into particles and incorporated in a tampon or suppository. The dissolvable element may be foamed as a means for increasing its dissolution rate.

Abstract: Absorbent products, especially catemenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids, such as menstrual fluid, blood and wound exudates, comprise an amount of a compound effective to inhibit the production of Enterotoxin A, Enterotoxin B and/or Enterotoxin C by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when the products are brought into contact with the bacteria. The compositions of this invention are also useful to inhibit production of Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A, B and C, as well as hemolysins produced by Groups A, B, F and G streptococci in solution as well as being expected to be effective to inhibit such toxin and hemolysin production when used in conjunction with absorbent products. The compound is selected from the group consisting of monoesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; diesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides graft copolymers that are highly absorbent to aqueous electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: A rod-shaped medical tampon for releasing an active substance, including (a) a tampon core of compressed fibers selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, and acetate fibers; (b) a tampon cover surrounding said tampon core and being firmly bonded to one another by a glue, the tampon cover comprising a hardened collagen foam or a hardened gelatin foam impregnated with a retardant including a dissolved active substance to be released; and (c) a retrieval string connected to at least one of said tampon core and said tampon cover.

Abstract: Semi-enteric controlled release formulations are comprised of a biological active agent such as an antibiotic that is blended with a water-soluble bulking agent, the mix then coated onto an inert core. The coated active core is further coated with a mixture comprised of an acrylic copolymer, bulking agent and pH dependent food acid. These different coating components possess different solubility characteristics which result in a gradual release of the active in both the stomach and small intestine that provides an increased bioavailability of the active drug.

Abstract: A method for forming vehicles for encapsulating passenger molecules which have been named solvent dilution microcarriers (SDMCs), and the products of this process, are disclosed which allows for immediate or delayed formation of the encapsulating vehicles following creation of a shelf-stable formed solution by dissolution of amphipathic bilayer-forming materials, appropriate solvent, and the passenger molecule, addition of aqueous solution, and further addition of solvent. The SDMCs are organized from the formed solution by dilution into an aqueous system, aerosolization, or rehydration in situ. A dressing material is formed by adsorbing said shelf-stable formed solution onto said material.

Abstract: A process and compositons for reducing post-surgical adhesion formation/reformation in mammals following injury to organs situated in mammalian body spaces. Aqueous, thermally reversible gel compositions, preferably at mammalian body fluid pH, comprising a polyoxyalkylene polymer and an ionic polysaccharide are applied to injured areas of the organs situated in body cavities such as, the peritoneal, pelvic, or pleural cavity. The aqueous gels are rendered thermally irreversible upon contact with a counter-ion.

Abstract: A prophylactic agent for controlling venereal diseases. As an active microbicidal component, the agent has an ammonium compound having hydrolyzable ester group.

Abstract: A sustained and controlled release form of iodine is achieved by a complex of polyvinyl alcohol and the iodine characterized by a low water solubility. The polyvinyl alcohol may be reacted to form hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal sponge and the sponge is topically applied as an antimicrobial agent which releases controlled amounts of iodine sufficient to kill germ cells with minimal toxicity to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides an intra-vaginal device prepared using ingredients which slowly release in the vagina over a significant period of time. The present intra-vaginal device also usefully serves as a drug release means for controllably releasing a drug in the vagina. A method for controlled drug release in the vagina is also disclosed.

Abstract: An antimicrobial superabsorbent composition of a cross-linked hydrophilic sodium salt form of a partially neutralized acrylic acid-based polymer gel having covalently bonded thereto a silane. The composition can be in the form of flakes, strips, powders, filaments, fibers, or films, and may be supplied to a substrate in the form of a coating.

Abstract: The invention is for a vaginal dispenser comprising a wall surrounding an internal lumen and having a pair of ends with one end placed inside the other end to form a closed dispenser. A vaginally administrable beneficial agent is housed in the lumen for release by the dispenser over time.

Abstract: A crosslinked polymer network comprising the reaction product of a polyethylene oxide and a polyglycidoxypropylsiloxane is described. These materials form hydrogel networks having very high partition coefficients for selected pharmaceuticals and are suitable for controlled drug release and water purification.

Abstract: A method for producing, in a functionally agonadal human female body, an environment suitable for the implantation, nutrition, and development of an embryo, comprising the placement of at least one carrier containing at least one releasable steroid hormone into the vagina of the human female.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating microorganism infection on wounds by applying to the microorganisms on the wounds an effective amount or a protein or fragment or residue selected from the group consisting of fibronectin, fibrinogen, collagen, laminin and chondronectin the protein of fragment or residue thereof.

Abstract: A method of prophylactics with respect to detoxification of Staphylococcus aureus and other toxins by ascorbic acid, salts and esters, topically applied by means of carriers which are otherwise regularly employed in the area where Staphylococcus aureus or other bacteria colonize, such as a pharmacological appliance including gauze pads, an absorbant mass or pad associated with menses, douches, and contraceptive compositions.

Abstract: A method of prophylactics with respect to deodorization by ascorbic acid, salts and esters, topically applied by means of carriers which are otherwise regularly employed in the vaginal area, such as a pharmacological appliance including gauze pads, an absorbant mass or pad associated with menses, douches, and contraceptive compositions.