Abstract: Concentrates of various classical biocides in a polyester carrier resin when incorporated into a substrate resin, preferably a polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene, provide the substrate polymer which biocidal activity with superior resistance to discoloration (yellowing) than when the biocide is directly incorporated into the substrate polymer as a powder at the same total concentration.

Abstract: Polymers having non-thrombogenic properties can be prepared by copolymerizing monomers of at least three classes selected from (a) monomers having sulphate groups, (b) monomers having sulphonate groups, (c) monomers having sulphamate groups, (d) monomers having polyoxyalkylene ether groups, and (e) monomers having zwitterionic groups. The polymers can additionally be provided with anti-thrombogenic properties by including an additional comonomer having a pendant heparin (or hirudin, warfarin or hyaluronic acid) group. The polymers can be used as coating materials for medical devices, such as tubing or connectors, in order to provide them with non-thrombogenic, and optionally anti-thrombogenic, properties.

Abstract: A non-aqueous, single phase, non-thickened liquid air freshener or insecticidal composition having a flashpoint of greater than about 62° C. is provided. The composition contains: a) a polar solvent; b) up to about 10 wt % of a non-polar aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent; and c) a fragrance or an insecticide. The composition may be dispensed from a device having a chamber with at least one wall made of a material which enables a vapor of the composition to diffuse out of the chamber.

Abstract: A polymeric composition having antimicrobial properties and a process for rendering the surface of a substrate antimicrobial are disclosed. The composition comprises a crosslinked chemical combination of (i) a polymer having amino group-containing side chains along a backbone forming the polymer, (ii) an antimicrobial agent selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, gentian violet compounds, substituted or unsubstituted phenols, biguanide compounds, iodine compounds, and mixtures thereof, and (iii) a crosslinking agent containing functional groups capable of reacting with the amino groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlled release of a fumigant into a wooden structure to prevent decay of that structure. According to the present invention, a fumigant in an ampule or container is inserted into the wooden structure. The ampule or container is made of a polymeric material that does not react with the fumigant, but having walls which are permeable to the fumigant such that, when inserted into the wooden structure, the rate of release of the fumigant through the walls of the ampule is slow enough to continuously treat and arrest decay of the wooden structure, particularly decay caused by fungi, over extended periods of time (i.e., 1, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 or 30 years). The rate of release of the fumigant can be controlled by the type of fumigant, the shape of the container, the specific polymer used to make the container, and by the thickness of the container wall.

Abstract: The invention is directed to multi-functional N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives comprising a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having a terminal carbon, such as a poly(alkylene glycol), the terminal carbon of the polymer backbone being directly bonded to the nitrogen atom of a N-maleimidyl moiety without a linking group therebetween. The invention also provides two methods of preparing such linkerless N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives.

Abstract: A synergistic biocidal composition comprising a mixture of 2-propenal polymer (APC) and 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one (CIT) and 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one (MIT).

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives useful as water-soluble prodrugs are disclosed. These degradable poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives also have potential applications in controlled hydrolytic degradation of hydrogels. In such degradable hydrogels, drugs may be trapped in the gel and released by diffusion as the gel degrades, or they may be covalently bound through hydrolyzable carbamate linkages. Hydrolysis of these carbamate linkages releases the drug at a controllable rate as the gel degrades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting a toxin in an animal, such as a human, by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer having a plurality of pendant acid functional groups which are directly attached to the polymer backbone or attached to the polymer backbone by a spacer group. The spacer group can have a length in the range from 0 to about 20 atoms. The toxin is, typically, an exotoxin secreted by a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of preserving colloid-stabilized polymer emulsions against microbial attack and spoilage using selected cationic compounds. It is also directed to compositions containing colloid-stabilized polymer emulsions and cationic compounds that are resistant to contamination with biodeteriogenic microbes. It has been discovered that specific cationic compounds are particularly effective against biodeteriogenic microbes in preserving polymer emulsions that have been stabilized with protective colloids, such as poly(vinyl alcohol). Examples of suitable microbicidal cationic compounds are: substituted pyridinium salts, substituted guanidine salts, tetrasubstituted ammonium salts, and polymeric cationic compounds.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an area affected by a trauma, such as a corneal wound or internal trauma, comprising administering to the affected area a trauma treating effective amount of a composition comprising a polyanionic polymer.

Abstract: An antimicrobial concentrate is manufactured from a carrier, a non-yellowing agent, one or more antimicrobial agents and optionally one or more modifiers, the carrier having a modified ethylene polymer and optionally an olefin polymer, and method of producing the concentrate by producing the carrier, having the modified ethylene polymer and optionally the olefin polymer, then compounding the carrier with a non-yellowing agent, one or more antimicrobial agents and optionally one or more modifiers, to form the concentrate, which does not exhibit chalking and clumping of antimicrobial agent on the surface thereof. An antimicrobial blend that is manufactured from the antimicrobial concentrate, a resin and optionally an additive, and method of producing the blend by combining the concentrate with the resin.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed which prevents the decay and deterioration of wooden objects caused by pests by using a controlled release device. This controlled release device utilizes polymers which incorporate pesticides. In the disclosed method, the controlled release device is placed in contact with the wood of the wooden object. The pesticide is gradually released from the device and absorbed into the wood structure. The pesticide absorbed by the wood creates a barrier or an exclusion zone to penetration by inserts. The controlled release device maintains a minimal effective level of pesticide in the barrier or exclusion zone for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which is excellent in the capability of removing leukocytes. It is further intended to provide a filter whereby both of leukocytes and platelets can be highly efficiently removed from a blood product containing leukocytes and platelets. The above objects can be achieved by using a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which comprises a unit originating in a hydrophobic polymerizable monomer, a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a basic nitrogen-containing part, and a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a protonic neutral hydrophilic part.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed which prevent the intrusion of insects onto wood structures by using a barrier capable of retaining pesticide. In the disclosed method, the barrier maintains a minimal effective level of insecticide for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for site specific delivery in the body including diseased vasculature (e.g., aneurysmal sacs, arteriovenous malformations, etc.), body lumens such as the vas deferens and fallopian tubes, cavities created in vivo for the purpose of tissue bulking, and the like. Also disclosed are methods employing such compositions as well as kits comprising such compositions.

Abstract: A fusion polypeptide is described having the amino acid sequence X-Y-Z, or portion thereof, comprising the amino acid sequence of a glycosylated interferon-beta (X); Y is an optional linker moiety; and Z is a polypeptide comprising at least a portion of a polypeptide other than glycosylated interferon-beta. It is preferred that X is human interferon-beta-1a. Mutants of interferon-beta-1a are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of gastrointestinal disease and/or cancer, and a method of weight gain, via the ingestion of polymeric compositions in humans, animals or birds in need of said treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing oral fungal infection includes applying a polymerizable monomer adhesive composition to an area afflicted with or susceptible to oral fungal infection, optionally with at least one of an additional anti-fungal agent, and allowing the polymerizable monomer composition to polymerize to form a polymer film over the area.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing tinea pedis, commonly known as Athlete's Foot, includes applying a polymerizable monomer adhesive composition to an area of skin afflicted with or susceptible to tinea pedis, optionally with at least one of an additional anti-fungal agent or a foot care additive, and allowing the polymerizable monomer composition to polymerize to form a polymer film over the area of skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating obesity, a method for reducing the absorption of dietary fat, and a method for treating hypertriglyceridemia in a patient and to particular polymers for use in the methods or in a manufacture of a medicament. The methods comprise the step of orally administering to a mammal, such as a human, a therapeutically effective amount of one or more fat-binding polymers. The administration of the fat-binding polymer of the invention facilitates the removal of fat from the body prior to digestion, with minimal side effects and low toxicity. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more fat-binding polymers are administered in combination with one or more lipase inhibitors, for example, lipstatin and tetrahydrolipstatin.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical form comprising a support material and at least a cell regulating factor and/or a cell proliferation promoter, preferably a growth factor. The invention is characterised in that the support material consists, for at least 90 wt. % of a composition based on methylidene malonate containing 0 to 10 wt. % of one or several methylidene malonate of formula (I) wherein: A and B independently represent a group (a) or (b) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a C1-C6 linear or branched alkyl group, and n is an integer ranging between 1 and 5; 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 50 to 90 wt. % of one or several methylidene malonate oligomer(s) having a molecular weight not more than 6000 and consisting of repeat units of formula (II) wherein A and B are such as defined above; 10 to 90 wt. %, preferably 10 to 50 wt. % of one or several methylidene malonate polymer(s) having a molecular weight more than 6000 and consisting of repeat units of formula (II).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of gastrointestinal disease and/or cancer, and a method of weight gain, via the ingestion of polymeric compositions in humans, animals or birds in need of said treatment. The invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer, the treatment and/or prevention of gastrointestinal disease and/or infection and/or diarrhea and a method for increasing weight gain in humans, animals or birds comprising administering to said humans, animals or birds an effective amount of a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition or feed additive, comprising an effective amount of a polymer and/or copolymer, having the repeating polymeric unit (I) wherein R is H or alkyl, usually C1 to C4, or this unit in hydrated, hemiacetal or acetal form, together with a pharmaceutically or veterinarally acceptable carrier, diluent, adjuvant, excipient and/or controlled release system.

Abstract: A process for preparing aqueous polymer dispersions by means of a polymerization, conducted in an aqueous system, of at least one free-radically polymerisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of a polymerisation initiator, wherein the pH of the aqueous dispersion is adjusted during the preparation process by adding at least two different, basic reagents, at least one of said basic reagents being added in a plurality of stages.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlled release of a fumigant into a wooden structure to prevent decay of that structure. According to the present invention, a fumigant in an ampule or container is inserted into the wooden structure. The ampule or container is made of a polymeric material that does not react with the fumigant, but having walls which are permeable to the fumigant such that, when inserted into the wooden structure, the rate of release of the fumigant through the walls of the ampule is slow enough to continuously treat and arrest decay of the wooden structure, particularly decay caused by fungi, over extended periods of time (i.e., 1, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 or 30 years). The rate of release of the fumigant can be controlled by the type of fumigant, the shape of the container, the specific polymer used to make the container, and by the thickness of the container wall.

Abstract: A method for treating pathogenic toxins in a mammal, such as a human, comprising treating the mammal with a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer comprising a cationic group attached to the polymer backbone. The polymer can be a homopolymer or a copolymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is a copolymer comprising a monomer having a pendant ammonium group and a hydrophobic monomer.

Abstract: A method for reducing oxalate levels in a patient that includes administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of non-absorbable amine polymers such as a polymer characterized by a repeat unit having the formula: 1

Abstract: Polymers containing amino acid and/or polypeptide moieties in their backbones or pendant to their backbones are made by metathesis. A method of making an amino acid or polypeptide containing polymer includes the steps of: providing a amino acid, amino alcohol, or polypeptide-containing monomer; forming a reaction mixture by contacting the monomer with an agent capable of catalyzing the polymerization of the monomer into a polymer; and placing the reaction mixture under conditions that result in the formation of the polymer in reaction mixture.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions include an ophthalmically acceptable carrier component, for example, an aqueous-based carrier, and a plurality of polyanionic component portions having different molecular weights. In one embodiment, the polyanionic component includes a first polyanionic component portion having a first molecular weight; and a second polyanionic component portion having a different second molecular weight. Each of the first and second polyanionic component portions is present in an amount effective to provide lubrication to an eye when the composition is administered to an eye. Methods of making and using such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid surface material with a filler and an antibacterial agent in a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix, which has antibacterial effectiveness that can be restored when lost or diminished with time and use.

Abstract: Compositions comprising non-ionic block copolymers are useful for the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory and proliferative diseases and for reducing graft/implantation rejection. The present invention also relates to methods of treating animals having various autoimmune, inflammatory and proliferative diseases. The present invention also relates to methods of reducing inflammation in an animal comprising administering the compositions of the invention. Also, the present invention relates to methods of reducing autoimmune responses and to methods of reducing graft/implantation rejection comprising administering the compositions of the inventions. A typical embodiment is a mixture of Pluronics F127 and L61.

Abstract: A dental composite material that comprises a polymerizable resin composition; a filler system comprising polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane fillers; and a curing system. The dental composite material is useful for a variety of dental materials, treatments, and restorative functions including crown and bridge materials, fillings, adhesives, sealants, luting agents or cements, denture base materials, orthodontic materials and sealants, and other dental restorative materials.

Abstract: A synergistic biocidal composition comprising a mixture of 2-propenal polymer (APC) and 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one (CIT) and 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one (MIT).

Abstract: A lubricant coating vehicle for medical devices used to reduce the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture. The lubricant coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of a urethane pre-polymer.

Abstract: An angiogenic material is prepared which promotes extensive vascularization when implanted in animal tissue. The angiogenic material is preferably used in microcapsule coatings and microspheres for implantation in animals. In microcapsules, the angiogenic material promotes better exchange of nutrients, waste products and cellular products between encapsulated cells and the circulatory system of the host animal. Preferably, the angiogenic material consists of a biocompatible polymer and a vascularizing compound consisting of polymerizable compounds capable of forming anions. Microspheres containing the angiogenic material may be used to assist in recovery of ischemic heart muscle by injection of the microspheres into the heart muscle or blood vessels serving the ischemic area. Also disclosed is a method of forming small microcapsules and microspheres by passing cell aggregates or air bubbles through layers of a density gradient.

Abstract: PEG-IFN-&bgr; conjugates, where a PEG moiety is covalently bound to Cys17 of human IFN-&bgr;, are produced by a process of site specific PEGylation with a thiol reactive PEGylating agent. A pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating infections, tumors and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are also provided. The invention further relates to a method for the stepwise attachment of PEG moieties in series to a polypeptide, and more particularly to IFN-&bgr;.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing biologically active compounds that slowly release the biologically active compound. These compositions may be directly incorporated into the locus to be protected or may be applied to a structure in a coating.

Abstract: Mucosal adjuvants for vaccines contain water-soluble polyanionic polymers which have anionic constitutional units obtained from acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, ethylsulphonic acid, vinylsulphuric acid, vinylsulphonic acid, styrenesulphonic acid, vinylphenylsulphuric acid, 2-methacryloyloxyethane sulphonic acid, 3-methacryloyloxy-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, 3-methacryl amido-3-methylbutanoic acid, acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid, vinylphosphoric acid, 4-vinylbenzoic acid, 3-vinyl oxypropane-1-sulphonic acid, N-vinylsuccinimidic acid, and salts of the foregoing. The polyanionic polymers may further have hydrophobic constitutional repeating units, such as alkylesters, cycloalkylesters, hydroxyalkylesters, ethers, glycols, aromatic groups and salts thereof. The adjuvants containing the polyanionic polymers are used in vaccines for the induction or enhancement of mucosal immune responses.

Abstract: A powder-based solid cosmetic composition is provided having a hardness not greater than 75 as measured by an Asker hardness tester type C1L, a porosity of at least 0.4 and an impact resistance of at least 5. A process is also provided for making the powder-based solid cosmetic composition. The composition according to the present invention has excellent skin feel upon use and is not easily broken.

Abstract: The invention is directed to multi-functional N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives comprising a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having a terminal carbon, such as a poly(alkylene glycol), the terminal carbon of the polymer backbone being directly bonded to the nitrogen atom of a N-maleimidyl moiety without a linking group therebetween. The invention also provides two methods of preparing such linkerless N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided comprising ingestibles and a thermochromic composition which is informative as to the temperature history of the ingestible, either prior or contemporaneous with use. Various solid or liquid ingestible compositions are provided for determining storage temperature, temperature of the user, temperature of the ingestible, particularly comestibles, and the like. Of particular interest are polydiacetylene polymers which may be formulated to provide compositions having transition temperature over a broad temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting a toxin in an animal, such as a human, by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer having a plurality of pendant acid functional groups which are directly attached to the polymer backbone or attached to the polymer backbone by a spacer group. The spacer group can have a length in the range from 0 to about 20 atoms. The toxin is, typically, an exotoxin secreted by a pathogenic microorganism, such as a bacterium.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating urinary incontinence in a mammal wherein a composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and a contrast agent is delivered to the periurethral tissue of the mammal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating a hair-bearing surface of a warm-blooded animal, including humans, dogs and cats infested with an ectoparasitic insect, such as lice and/or fleas. Compositions and methods are also disclosed for preventing the infestation or re-infestation of an ectoparasitic insect, such as lice and/or fleas on a hair-bearing surface of a warm-blooded animal, including humans, dogs and cats. The compositions include either a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol or a water-soluble polyalkylene oxide mixed with a polymer or copolymer comprising polyalkylene oxide having carboxylic acid-containing residues. Methods of the invention include topical application to a hair-bearing surface of an effective amount of a composition of this invention, and maintaining the same on the surface for a sufficient period of time to treat the surface.

Abstract: A method of preventing and/or reducing deposition of denatured proteins on a contact lens while worn on the eye involves distilling in the eye an ophthalmically compatible composition including tromethamine in an amount effective to prevent or reduce protein denaturation. The compositions preferably include a demulcent, and may include conventional eye drop components such as a preservative, a buffering agent, a chelating agent, an osmolality adjusting agent, and/or a surfactant.

Abstract: Preparations for preventing bile acid diarrhea which comprise containing a bile acid adsorbent coated with a polymer so as to allow the release thereof around an area from the lower part of the small intestine to the cecum; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of bile acid re-absorption inhibitors with the above preparations for preventing bile acid diarrhea (e.g., antihyperlipidaemic agent).

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing tinea cruris, commonly known as Jock Itch, includes applying a polymerizable monomer adhesive composition to an area of skin afflicted with or susceptible to tinea cruris, optionally with at least one of an additional anti-fungal agent or a skin care additive, and allowing the polymerizable monomer composition to polymerize to form a polymer film over the area of skin.

Abstract: A synergistic biocidal composition comprising a mixture of 2-propenal polymer (APC) and 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one (CIT) and 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one (MIT).

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: A BIOCOMPATIBLE HYDROGEL, is provided for use in the treatment of humans for cosmetic and functional defects (e.g. in mammas, vocal cords, penis, etc. as endoprostheses), in the provision of intratissue storage sites the prolonged-action medicinal preparations, in various applications as electroconductive immersion media, and in the life-long tamponing of caverns. It contains an acrylamide-based polymer produced in the presence of an initiator of radical polymerization in apyrogenic water as the dispersion medium. An increase in elasticity, shape retention capability, and stability of bulky implants, as well as corresponding therapeutic and cosmetic efficacy, mainly in the endoprosthetic applications is achieved due to the hydrogel containing cross-linked polyacrylamide produced by using a biocompatible cross-linking agent, such as methylene-bis-acrylamide, and preferably a mixture of ammonium persulfate and tetramethylethylenediamine as the initiator of polymerzation.