Abstract: A display device includes a biometric information value acquiring portion, a comparing portion, and a subject state determining portion. The biometric information value acquiring portion subsequently acquires a subject's biometric information value. The comparing portion compares a first biometric information value that is subsequently acquired by the biometric information value acquiring portion with a second biometric information value which is different from the first biometric information value that is subsequently acquired by the biometric information value acquiring portion. The subject state determining portion determines that the user could get a certain improvement owing to the treatment on the user on the basis of a comparison result by the comparing portion.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating or preventing muscle wasting resulting from an underlying disease or disorder, such as cancer cachexia. A therapeutically effective amount of a ketogenic supplement—such as R,S 1,3 butanediol diacetoacetate, R,S 1,3-butanediol acetoacetate diester, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof—is administered to a patient or subject in need. The ketogenic supplement may further include a medium chain triglyceride in combination with the ketone ester.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling the relative concentration of bromide ion used in the cyclic process for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous systems at aquatic facilities.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a copolymer which is a graft or block copolymer useful to change wettability and surface characteristics of biological surfaces. Methods for use of these formulations and coatings to change wettability and sterically stabilize, and lubricate biological surfaces in a subject, for example, in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, and to prevent adherence of unwanted proteins, for example in the treatment of contact lens intolerance, are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of upregulating regulatory T-cells, and treating diseases that would benefit from such upregulation, by administering an alpha-2 receptor agonist.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or treating an inflammatory response, condition or disease in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of a dilute stabilised hypochlorite solution to said mammal in need thereof as well as a means for mixing and administering fresh, dilute stabilised hypochlorite solution to the site where it is needed.

Abstract: The method of the current disclosure provides for methods of increasing sulfilimine bonds in collagen IV using bromide containing agents and conditions that either promote peroxidasin cross-linking of collagen IV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of chlorine dioxide compositions for treating cancerous tumors. The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cancerous tumors, including naïve, metastatic and recurrent cancers. The compositions comprise chlorine dioxide in an effective amount, which is injected into the cancerous tumor at least once, and often at least several times over the course of treatment. The chlorine dioxide compositions are injected directly into the cancerous tumor and the resulting tumor is effectively eliminated from the patient or subject over a period of one to several days to a few weeks, often after a single injection, or multiple injections at one session into the tumor. Often, an initial injection or multiple injections at one session are sufficient to dissolve the cancerous tumor. Often the cancer is eliminated (as evidenced by no remission) in a period of no more than several days to about two-three months and does not recur.

Abstract: Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating a wound to a surface tissue or a symptom thereof. The electrokinetically-altered fluids or therapeutic compositions and methods include electrokinetically-altered ioinic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated with said inflammatory responses by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treating a macrophage-associated neurodegenerative disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), or multiple sclerosis (MS) in a subject by administering chlorite in an amount effective to decrease blood immune cell activation. The invention also features methods of monitoring therapy by assessing blood immune cell activation before and after therapy.

Abstract: A system to prepare an antimicrobial solution by the electrolysis of brine is presented where the antimicrobial solution is a solution comprising HOCl that contains a HOCl concentration of 100 ppm or more at a pH of approximately 6.5. The system includes an electrolysis cell that is provided with a constant current by a digital DC power supply controlled by a microprocessor and a controlled brine concentration at a controlled rate, which can also be controlled by the microprocessor to deliver a fluid that is continuously observed by a pH probe and an ORP probe that provides input to the microprocessor to adjust voltage, pump rate and/or flow rate in a programmed manner by the microprocessor. A method to produce the antimicrobial solution, including a sporicidal solution, by the novel system is presented.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a copolymer which is a graft or block copolymer useful to change wettability and surface characteristics of biological surfaces. Methods for use of these formulations and coatings to change wettability and sterically stabilize, and lubricate biological surfaces in a subject, for example, in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, and to prevent adherence of unwanted proteins, for example in the treatment of contact lens intolerance, are provided.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a mixture of catechin and quercetin in a molar ratio varying between 3:1 and 6:1, respectively, for the treatment of the immunosuppression induced in the skin by aggressive agents such as airborne pollutants, dehydrating agents, ultraviolet radiation, and thermal and osmotic shocks, and a pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutritional or cosmetic composition containing said mixture as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to anti-microbial formulations and methods of their use and production. The formulations of the present invention are effective as broad spectrum anti-bacterial agents with efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as anti-viral agents with efficacy against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, and as anti-fungal agents with efficacy against both vegetative and spore forms of microorganisms and against biofilms. The present invention includes anti-microbial compositions that have at least one surfactant, at least one acid, at least one peroxide (preferably hydrogen peroxide), peracetic acid, and water. The anti-microbial Formulations of the present invention may additionally contain an organic salt. The organic salt may be a salt of the same acid that is used in the Formulation or a salt of a different acid. Methods for production and use of the inventive compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Method of treating and/or preventing pulmonary arterial hypertension comprising administering effective amounts of ambrisentan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and riociguat or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A water treatment device and methods of treating water such as in aquaculture systems, are described. The water treatment device utilizes oxygen containing air that is exposed to ultraviolet radiation and to a magnetic field to treat the water resulting in reduced and controlled Vibrio bacterial levels in the treated water.

Abstract: A composition that includes ethylhexyl sulfate or a salt thereof, an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof, and a carrier. The ethylhexyl sulfate, or salt thereof, and the alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, or salt thereof, are present in a weight ratio of at least about 1:2. The composition can be used for killing or inhibiting a microorganism or pathogen (e.g., bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, enteric bacteria, virus, fungus, mold, mildew or powdery mildew).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to decreasing effects of local and/or regional anesthesia by administering to a patient in need thereof an agent selected from the group of agents consisting of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or an agent which induces formation of RNS and/or ROS. Exemplary agents which may be used include peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A composite for delivering extended-release of oxygen is disclosed. The composite can include a biocompatible polymeric support having a plurality of solid peroxide particles suspended therein. The polymer support can exhibit an oxygen tension value of at least 40 mmHg for a period of 14 days. The weight ratio of biocompatible polymeric support to solid peroxide particles can range from 1:1 to 99:1. Also disclosed is a method of using the composite to deliver oxygen to cells in both in vivo and in vitro environments.

Abstract: [Problem] The objective of the present invention is, in a kit that is for preparing a carbon-dioxide-containing composition containing an oxygen-containing gel composition and a carbonate-containing gel composition, to provide a formulation technology enabling uniform and easy mixing, uniform generation of carbon dioxide, and the prevention of dripping down when applied to skin. [Solution] In the kit for preparing a carbon-dioxide-containing composition, by means of selecting the combination of a gel composition (1) containing a hydrophobically modified alkyl cellulose, an acid, and water, and a gel composition (II) containing sodium alginate, a carbonate, and water, it is possible to obtain uniform mixing by means of a two-agent mixing device, uniform generation of carbon dioxide, and the prevention of dripping down when applied to skin.

Abstract: Provided are methods for enhancing hippocampal plasticity and hippocampal-mediated learning and memory, and/or enhancing the synaptic maturation of neurons, and/or optimizing or enhancing neuronal synaptic transmission, and/or enhancing intracellular oxygen delivery or utilization, and/or enhancing ATP synthesis, comprising administration, to a subject in need thereof of a sufficient amount over a sufficient time, of an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures (e.g., nanobubbles) having an average diameter of less than 100 nm (e.g., in at least one subject group selected from but not limited to normal subjects, subjects recovering from neurological trauma (e.g., accidents or injury to the brain, stroke, oxygen deprivation, drowning, and asphyxia), and subjects with learning disorders (e.g.

Abstract: Provided are electrokinetically-altered aqueous fluids (e.g., gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating an irritation, infection or inflammatory eye condition, comprising administering to, by contacting the eye of a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an electrokinetically-altered aqueous fluid. The electrokinetically-altered fluids or therapeutic compositions and methods include electrokinetically-altered ioinic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Other embodiments include particular routes of administration or formulations for the electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g.

Abstract: A wipe for anti-microbial disinfecting includes a flexible substrate and an anti-microbial ion source integrated on the substrate. The flexible substrate is made entirely or in part of woven fiber cloth, non-woven fiber cloth, woven synthetic cloth, non-woven synthetic cloth, or natural fiber cloth. The anti-microbial ion source is configured to dissolve in an aqueous solution to form an anti-microbial solution. The flexible substrate is configured to absorb the anti-microbial solution for use in cleaning.

Abstract: A method for generating a non-thermal plasma having predetermined ozone concentration includes: providing an at least approximately closed volume as a reaction region; activating a plasma source and generating a non-thermal plasma in the reaction region. The plasma is held in the reaction region at least until a predetermined ozone concentration is reached or the ozone concentration falls below a predetermined upper limit for the ozone concentration.

Abstract: An antimicrobial solution for disinfecting instruments in an automatic sterilization device, the solution comprising: a peracid reaction product formed in situ from combining a liquid acetyl donor with a solid source of peroxide, wherein the in situ reaction takes place in the sterilization device, along with a containment and delivery ampule for use in an automatic sterilization device, and methods for disinfecting a medical instrument employing the inventive antibacterial solution.

Abstract: A skin treatment method which includes ionizing oxygen and then mixing the ionized oxygen with saline solution to produce an energized saline solution is disclosed. The method further includes applying the energized saline solution to the skin as a mist-like spray to treat the skin. The system used to carry out the method includes an oxygen concentrator for generating oxygen and an ionizer for imparting an electric charge to the oxygen to produce ionized oxygen. The system also includes a bag of saline solution as well as a peristaltic pump for pumping the saline solution from the bag to a spray nozzle mounted in a handheld wand. The concentrator further includes apparatus for pumping or delivering the oxygen and ultimately the ionized oxygen to the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle mixes and atomizes the ionized oxygen and saline solution to produce a spray-like mist of the same which is then applied to an individual's skin.

Abstract: A digital measurement system and method for optical applications including a mobile client device having a digital camera and an audio port, and a laser measurement device having a laser and a magnetic card reader. The laser measurement device and the magnetic card reader are electrically connected to the audio port of the mobile client device. The mobile client device is configured to activate the laser at the same time as the digital camera is activated, capture an image of a patient, and calculate position of wear measurements based on a location of a laser mark in the captured image. The mobile client device also allows an order for a frame and lenses to be submitted to a ophthalmic laboratory, and payment transactions to be processed using the magnetic card reader.

Abstract: A polyantiseptic antimicrobial pharmaceutical composition for oral use, for the hygiene and treatment of oral diseases of bacterial, mycotic or viral etiology, for over-the-counter sale, without contraindications. The composition does not contain phenolic or, chlorophenolic compounds, and consists of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, eugenol, natural camphor, zinc sulphate, sodium fluoride, xylitol, cetylpyridinium chloride and excipients. The formulation is used to deodorise, disinfect, astringe and soothe inflammation of the oral area, avoids the neoformation of bacterial plaque, prevents tooth cavities, inhibits the formation of dental tartar, improves the resistance of teeth to cavities, and treats and prevents oral aphthous ulcers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable paste comprising bioactive glass spheres having a size distribution of 50-425 ?m, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight range of 200-700 g/mol, medium molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight range of 700-2500 g/mol and high molecular weight polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight range of 2500-8000 g/mol, with the proviso that the molecular weight of the low molecular weight polyethylene glycol and of the medium molecular weight polyethylene glycol differ from each other by at least 80 g/mol and that the molecular weight of the medium molecular weight polyethylene glycol and of the high molecular weight polyethylene glycol differ from each other by at least 300 g/mol.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of fixing an antibacterial agent, by which method it is possible to impart articles of a wide range of materials with excellent antibacterial property and good persistence of antibacterial activity. Specifically, the method of fixing an antibacterial agent, comprises the steps of: subjecting a surface of an article to a surface treatment of providing the surface with oxygen-containing functional groups; and then subjecting the article to a treatment using an antibacterial agent composition including a silicon-containing compound (a) represented by general formula (1) below.

Abstract: A microbiocidal solution is provided that includes an electrolyzed saline solution, ozone, and active chlorine species producible via electrolysis that is usable to sanitize and disinfect a surface or substance. A method for producing a microbiocidal solution is provided that includes preparing a dilute saline solution and subjecting the dilute saline solution to electrolysis to produce an electrolyzed saline solution and active chlorine species and including ozone. A method also is provided for disinfecting a surface or substance using a microbiocidal solution where ozone disinfects via high oxidization properties and the active chlorine species provides a residual disinfectant effect. The microbiocidal solution may also include hydroxyl radicals and oxy-chloro species.

Abstract: A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material.

Abstract: Reactive compositions are provided, having biocidal and chemical decontamination/neutralization properties, comprising a hygroscopic polymer and an active, which are useful in a variety of commercial, healthcare and military applications and a wide variety of contaminants, including without limitation chemical and biological warfare agents. The reactive compositions are renewable or rechargeable after use by exposure to an additional application of the active and do not require removal, disposal or replacement of the originally applied composition. Methods for preparing and applying the reactive compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemically treated solution and method for cut flower and plant preservation, the solution having potassium, hypochlorous acid, dissolved oxygen, and a surfactant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising: obtaining characteristics of a cleaning or disinfection application; querying a database comprising experimental relationships, theoretical relationships or both, between the characteristics of the cleaning or disinfection application and a composition; determining one or more compositions suitable for the cleaning or disinfection application based on the characteristics and the database.

Abstract: There is disclosed a formulation for creating a rapid penile erection within 30 minutes. In an embodiment, a lozenge has a preparation configured to create a rapid penile erection. The preparation is effective to create the rapid penile erection with sildenafil citrate in a range of 50-100 mg. The preparation is effective to create the rapid penile erection with tadalafil in a range of 5-40 mg. The preparation is effective to create the rapid penile erection with vardenafil hydrochloride in a range of 5-40 mg. In various embodiments, the formulation includes a solvent configured to permeate skin. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating a wound to a surface tissue or a symptom thereof. The electrokinetically-altered fluids or therapeutic compositions and methods include electrokinetically-altered ioinic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated with said inflammatory responses by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g.

Abstract: A tooth whitening system comprising a dental tray having a surface operable to confront a tooth surface, and a tooth whitening composition comprising a whitening agent and a hydrophobic polymer carrier. The tooth whitening composition is preferably substantially non-water soluble. A tooth whitening kit is also provided using a dental tray and the tooth whitening composition comprising a whitening composition and a hydrophobic polymer carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for attracting bed bugs with novel attractants and new and improved methods to enable their use to attract, monitor or trap bed bugs for surveying, monitoring, mitigation and management purposes. Known mammal pheromones were discovered to be useful as bed bug kairomone attractants. A method of delivering non-volatile attractants by using the attractive heat source to heat and volatilize the attractants was discovered to be the optimal method to disseminate the kairomones. A new method of generating low levels of carbon dioxide is disclosed, and the combination of kairomones, carbon dioxide and heat is shown to attract bed bugs.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a wound, said method comprising the step of injecting an effective amount of an oxygen-containing fluid into said wound at a location below a surface of said wound, said step of injecting being carried out through a conduit having one or more outlets for said fluid, wherein substantially all of said outlets are positioned below the surface of the wound during said step of injecting. Injection of oxygen directly into the wound tissue below the wound surface provides enhanced wound healing.

Abstract: Provided are electrokinetically-altered aqueous fluids (e.g., gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating an irritation, infection or inflammatory eye condition, comprising administering to, by contacting the eye of a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an electrokinetically-altered aqueous fluid. The electrokinetically-altered fluids or therapeutic compositions and methods include electrokinetically-altered ionic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Other embodiments include particular routes of administration or formulations for the electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g.

Abstract: An anti-microbial preservative for use in ophthalmic and dermatologic products. The preservative includes from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Additionally, the preservative does not generate chlorine dioxide within the pH range of 5.0-8.8. Also included are an antimicrobial ophthalmic and dermatologic compositions for direct application onto an eye or skin of a living being including from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Also included are methods for treating dryness of the eyes and skin disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, psoriasis, etc.) and for disinfecting and cleansing contact lenses while in place upon an eye by applying the composition to the eye or to the contact lens.

Abstract: Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating a wound to a surface tissue or a symptom thereof. The electrokinetically-altered fluids or therapeutic compositions and methods include electrokinetically-altered ionic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated with said inflammatory responses by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to methods of treating emphysema and COPD with a GHK tripeptide. The invention further relates to methods of determining the state of the lungs using biomarkers described herein.

Abstract: A gas storage container, such as a gas cylinder, is filled with a gas mixture comprising a first gas and a second gas under pressure by feeding a liquid/solid mixture comprising liquefied first gas and solidified second gas into the gas storage container; closing the gas storage container to the passage of gas into or out from the container; and allowing said liquefied first gas and said solidified second gas to become gaseous within said closed gas storage container. Such a process is easier and more energy efficient as compared to direct compression processes, and is safer and results in less wastage as compared to direct liquid injection processes.

Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein relate to electrokinetically altered gas-enriched fluids, methods of making the same, systems for making the same and/or methods of treatment utilizing the gas-enriched fluids for eye related conditions and/or diseases. In certain embodiments, the electrokinetically altered gas-enriched fluid is oxygen-enriched water. Certain embodiments relate to cosmetic and/or therapeutic fluids and/or methods of treatment utilizing the fluids to treat a cosmetic and/or therapeutic symptom related to eye conditions and/or diseases.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods for increasing perfusion in hypoxic regions of tissues in subjects. Also provided are methods for treating diseases and/or disorders associated with hypoxia in subjects, methods for increasing sensitivity of tumors to radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments, methods for delaying tumor growth in subjects, and methods for inhibiting tumor blood vessel growth in subjects. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods involve administering to subjects in need thereof a first composition selected from the group consisting of a nitrosylated hemoglobin and an agent that induces nitrosylation of endogenous hemoglobin in the subject and a second composition comprising a hyperoxic gas. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods also include treating a tumor with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, or combinations thereof. Also provided are inhalable gases that can be employed in the presently disclosed methods.

Abstract: The invention proposes an antiseptic composition for use as bone cement, in particular an antiseptic polymethylmethacrylate bone cement, that can be cured and comprises a content of at least one component that is a compound with an oxidising effect or from which a compound with an oxidising effect can be released. Preferably, hydrogen peroxide is or can be released. In this context, it is particularly preferred to use an adduct or a salt of hydrogen peroxide that releases hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water or aqueous conditions. The antiseptic polymethylmethacrylate bone cement can be used for mechanical fixation of primary total articular endoprostheses, for mechanical fixation of revision total articular endoprostheses, and for producing spacers.

Abstract: Hydrogel compositions are provided (a) that have a continuous hydrophobic phase and a discontinuous hydrophilic phase, (b) that have a discontinuous hydrophilic phase and a continuous hydrophilic phase, or (c) that are entirely composed of a continuous hydrophilic phase. The hydrophobic phase, if present, is composed of a hydrophobic polymer, particularly a hydrophobic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), a plasticizing elastomer, a tackifying resin, and an optional antioxidant. The discontinuous hydrophilic phase, if present, is composed of a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, particularly a crosslinked cellulosic polymer such as crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose. For those hydrogel compositions containing a continuous hydrophilic phase, the components of the phase include a cellulose ester composition or an acrylate polymer or copolymer, and a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding thereto.