Abstract: A tropical composition is provided. The topical composition can be prepared by diluting a topical composition precursor with water and adding additional components, if desired. The topical composition precursor can be prepared by melt processing a hydrophobic polymer composition that includes repeating pyrrolidone/alkylene groups wherein the alkylene groups contain at least 10 carbon atoms, and a hydrophilic polymer composition including repeating carboxylic groups and/or repeating hydroxyl groups. A topical composition precursor and methods for manufacturing and using a topical composition are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A gel composition for use in etching the surfaces of teeth in preparation for prophylaxis, repair, or restoration, comprising an aqueous solution of an effective quantity of an acid; and a colloidal silica sol, wherein the silica portion of the sol comprises from about 3 to about 20 weight percent of the total etchant composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the rate of skin desquamation by incorporating an oat extract into a cosmetic composition suitable for application to mammalian skin. The composition is preferably free of known skin exfoliation agents.

Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition of the invention provides rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous thickened liquid composition containing the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite. The materials can be combined, blended into a smooth viscous material and can be immediately contacted with the target animals. The compositions of the invention provide rapid initial kill, consistent long term kill and chemical and rheological stability.

Abstract: The use of a composition comprising at least one organometallic compound which may be obtained by partial or total hydrolysis, and partial or total condensation, of at least one metallic precursor, to at least one of protect and strengthen a keratin material.

Abstract: A system for delivering solute to a target location within a mammalian body, the system including a medical device, a thermosensitive cellulose gel structure over the medical device, and a biologically active solute within said gel structure. The gel structure deswells and expels the biologically active solute with an increase in gel temperature. The invention includes a method of delivering solute to a target location, where the method includes the steps of providing a thermosensitive cellulose gel structure, wherein the gel structure is loaded with a solute; positioning the loaded gel structure to the target location; and increasing the temperature of the loaded gel structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating psoriasis and/or photo damage in humans with tazarotene in a topical composition from 0.01 to 15% by weight tazarotene, and an alpha or beta-hydroxy acid in a topical composition comprising from 1 to 25% by weight alpha or beta-hydroxy acid. Furthermore, the present invention relates to treating or preventing psoriasis and/or photo damage by topically applying to the skin of a human, tazarotene, such as a gel comprising 0.01% to 0.1%, tazarotene by weight, and an alpha hydroxy acid, such as a cream, comprising 5% to 20% alpha hydroxy acid, e.g. glycolic acid, by weight.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to anti-viral composition containing at least one zinc compound and at least one phenolic antioxidant (and optionally other ingredients such as at least one analgesic) at least one hydrocarbyl containing compound, and water. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating lesionous symptoms of a viral infection involving applying an effective amount of the zinc containing anti-viral composition to the lesions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyoxometalate topical composition for removing a contaminant from an environment, comprising a topical carrier and at least one polyoxometalate, with the proviso that the polyoxometalate is not H5PV2Mo10O40; K5Si(H2O)MnIIIW11O39; K4Si(H2O)MnIVW11O39; or K5CoIIIW12O40. The invention further relates to a method for removing a contaminant from an environment, comprising contacting the polyoxometalate topical composition of the present invention with the environment containing the contaminant for a sufficient time to remove the contaminant from the environment. The invention further relates to a modified polyoxometalate, wherein the modified polyoxometalate comprises the admixture of (1) a polyoxometalate and (2) a cerium compound, a silver compound, a gold compound, a platinum compound, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agent for treating skin diseases and/or functional disorders of the skin on the basis of different medicaments and/or auxiliary substances through promotion of penetration from topical formulations into the skin. According to the invention, the agent is composed of a hyaluronate lyase produced by microbial means and a medicament, preferably a hydrophilic medicament and/or auxiliary substances in different galenic formulations including colloidal carrier systems. The areas of application for the invention in human and veterinary medicament relate to the treatment, prophylaxis and/or metaphylaxis of skin diseases, functional disorders of the skin, the processes of skin ageing and dry skin conditions.

Abstract: An analgesic composition that can be applied topically comprises boric acid and a suitable carrier. The inventive analgesic composition can be used to provide pain relief to a person suffering from arthritis and any general pain associated with muscles or joints.

Abstract: A hair treatment composition which has a thickened fluid form comprising: (i) a first (shear gel) phase comprising at least one naturally derived polymer which is capable of forming a reversible gel, which polymer is present in the composition as a shear gel (i.e., a multiplicity of separate gel particles which have been formed by subjecting the polymer to shear while gel formation takes place), and (ii) a second (suspended) phase suspended therein.

Abstract: A storage-stable aerated gel composition comprising 30 to 97% by weight of water, 0.2 to 5% by weight of a gelling agent selected from xanthan gum, sodium alginate and neutralized carboxyvinyl polymer and 2 to 5% by weight of a fine particulate hydrophobic silicone-treated silica having a surface area of from 80 to 300 m2/g. The composition is in the form of fine particles of an aqueous gel containing the water and the gelling agent, the surface of which particles are coated with a coating of the finely divided particulate hydrophobic silica. The gel composition is prepared by mixing, under high shear conditions, the water and the fine particulate silica, and then adding to the resulting mixture, the gelling agent and mixing under high shear conditions.

Abstract: The aqueous hair fixing gel has special rheological properties so that it can be dispensed from a container without dripping or becoming stringy. It contains from 1.5 to 10 percent by weight of at least one itaconic acid monoester/acrylate copolymer and from 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of at least one non-ionic, anionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric hair-fixing polymer. The itaconic acid monoester has a formula CH2═C(COOR1)CH2COOR2, wherein one of R1 and R2 represents hydrogen and the other represents —(CH2CH2O)x—R3, x is between 1 to 100 and R3 is an alkyl group having 8 to 30 carbon atoms. The aqueous hair treatment gel has a pH of greater than 7 and a viscosity of preferably from 2000 to 50,000 mPa.s, as measured at 25° C. The gel is formulated so that there is a gel viscosity maximum as a function of shear rate with increasing shear rate, preferably between 0.1 to 5.0 s−1.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for slimming which includes, in combination with a cosmetically acceptable excipient, at least one compound having the formula (I) where R1 is a group bound by a peptidic bond and selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an acyl group, acyloxy group and a substituted or unsubstituted aminoacid; R2 is a group bond by a peptidic bond and selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an amine group, an alkoxy group, an alkylamine group, a silyloxy group or a substituted or unsubstituted aminoacid; and n is 3 or 4.

Abstract: Dried hemoactive materials comprise both a cross-linked biologically compatible polymer and a non-cross-linked biologically compatible polymer. The cross-linked polymer is selected to form a hydrogel when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer is chosen to solubilize relatively rapidly when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer serves as a binder for holding the materials in desired geometries, such as sheets, pellets, plugs, or the like. Usually, the cross-linked polymer will be present in a particulate or fragmented form. The materials are particularly suitable for hemostasis and drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polystyrene sulfonate-containing gel preparation for therapy of hyperpotassemia, wherein the particle size of polystyrene sulfonate is controlled within the range of at least 5-100 &mgr;m, the viscosity of its solution before gelation is adjusted depending on the particle size by adding a thickening agent, and the polystyrene sulfonate particles after gelation is uniformly dispersed therein. More preferably, a water-displacing agent is contained, whereby the amount of water in the preparation is reduced. This gel preparation does not cause a sense of foreign matter or a sense of roughness in the oral cavity upon ingestion and intake, thus making it unnecessary to drink water for ingestion, and further its water content is low, so that control of water intake is made easy, even in the case of a patient with renal insufficiency who is subjecting to restriction in intake of water to significant improve the quality of life of the patient.

Abstract: A deodorant or antiperspirant soft solid composition is filled into dispensing containers by injection moulding, i.e. under pressure, preferably in the vicinity of its normal setting temperature. The deodorant or antiperspirant composition is preferably continuously produced in a screw extruder, especially a twin screw extruder, controlled to deliver the composition in a suitably viscous state under low shear and particularly for formulations in which a particulate antiperspirant is suspended in a fluid carrier. The pressure in the injection head at the point of injection is greater than 120 kPa and in many instances from 800 to 2000 kPa. The combined process offers benefits for controlled fill of dispensing containers, particularly for formulations incorporating sensitive ingredients and offers tolerance in composition temperature at the time of fill.

Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition having a visible indicator aspect of the invention provides a softening, soothing, smoothing, relaxing property, a rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The indicator aspect provides ease of visually detecting the material on the animal skin and can indicate efficacy of the material. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous liquid composition containing the visual indicator combined with the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite.

Abstract: A composition for the permanent shaping of human hair, with good waving capability while avoiding damage to the hair, comprises at least one reducing agent and 0.1% to 15% by weight, calculated to the total composition, of 2-methyl-1.3-propanediol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled release drug delivery system comprising a drug which is susceptible to enzymatic degradation by enzymes present in the intestinal tract; and a polymeric matrix which undergoes erosion in the gastrointestinal tract comprising a hydrogel-forming polymer selected from the group consisting of (a) polymers which are themselves capable of enhancing absorption of said drug across the intestinal mucosal tissues and of inbihiting degradation of said drug by intestinal enzymes; and (b) polymers which are not themselves capable of enhancing absorption of said drug across the intestinal mucosal tissues and of inhibiting degradation of said drug by intestinal enzymes; wherein when the matrix comprises a polymer belonging to group (b) the delivery system further comprises an agent which enhances absorption of said drug across the intestinal mucosal tissues and/or an agent which inhibits degradation of said drug by intestinal enzymes and when the matrix comprises a polymer belon

Abstract: A gel formulation is combined with a bactericidal concentrate which is a liquid mixture of about 1000 parts by volume of ultra pure water having an electrical resistance of 16-26 megohms, total dissolved solids of less than 0.04 parts per million and a specific conductance of less than 0.10 mho with about 1.2 to 3 parts by volume of Willard Water as prepared in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,943. The bactericidal liquid concentrate in the amount of 3.5 to 12 ml in one liter of gel formulation is applied directly to a skin surface area having a burn or other dermal lesion to protect the area from bacterial contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more noble metals selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, in a nanocrystalline form, for the treatment of a hyperproliferative skin disorder or disease such as psoriasis. Among the noble metals, silver is preferred for such treatment. The nanocrystalline noble metal of choice may be used in the form of a nanocrystalline coating of one or more noble metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more noble metals, or a solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more noble metals.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide-containing viscous composition wherein carbon dioxide bubbles are retained in an aqueous viscous composition. Use of the composition makes it possible to treat or ameliorate itching accompanying mucocutaneous diseases or mucocutaneous disorders, mucocutaneous injury, dental diseases, skin ulcer, cryesthesia and numbness caused by peripheral circulatory disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, nervous system diseases, keratosis, constipation, unwanted hair re-growing after depilation, cosmetic troubles in the skin or hair, partial obesity, etc. while exerting little side effects.

Abstract: Ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice, are removed from a human or animal host after applying a composition to the affected area that causes desiccation of the organism. In one embodiment, treatment is effected by applying a substantially anhydrous composition that has a strong affinity for water. As the composition hydrates, it desiccates the pests and facilitates their mechanical removal, such as by combing.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the permeability of skin or mucosal tissue to topical or transdermal application of local anesthetic agents. The methods entail the use of a base in order to increase the flux of the agent through a body surface while minimizing the likelihood of skin damage, irritation or sensitization. The permeation enhancer can be an inorganic or organic base. Compositions and transdermal systems are also described.

Abstract: A viscous gel for delivering minor effective amounts of active substances through the nasal membrane into the body.

Abstract: Microemulsion gels a) based on water in oil type microemulsions, comprising an oil phase which is essentially composed of not easily volatile components, an aqueous phase containing one or more polyethoxylated W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more polypropoxylated W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more polyethoxylated and polypropoxylated W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more monoesters, diesters, polyesters of polyols as W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more monoethers, diethers, polyethers of polyols as W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more dimethicone copolyols as W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more fatty alcohols or fatty acids as W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more sorbitan esters as W/O emulsifiers and/or one or more methyl glucose esters as W/O emulsifiers, and also comprising if desired one or more O/W emulsifiers, obtained in such a way that a mixture of basic components comprising an aqueous phase, an oil phase, one or more inventive emulsifiers is produced, being the HLB value of the emulsifier or emulsifier combina

Abstract: A method for strengthening a hydrogel of a naturally-occurring gelling agent, or a derivative thereof, including the step of adding at least one glycol to the gelling agent of the general formula: HO—(CH2)n—OH, HO—(CH2—CH2O)x—H, HO—(CH2—CH2—CH2O)y—H; and, HO—(CH2—CH[CH3]—O)y—H, in which, n is from 2 to about 8; x is from 6 to about 30; and, y is from 4 to about 20. Also useful of those of the general structure: HO—[C(R1)(R2)—C(R3)(R4)]—OH, in which, R1, R2, R3, R4 are capable of being —H in all four positions, or H in 0, 1, 2, 3 positions and —CH3 or —C2H5 in any or all of the non-H occupied positions.

Abstract: A sustained release preparation of prostaglandin I derivatives, which is highly safe and has stable drug-releasing and absorption properties, is disclosed. In the orally administrable preparation, the active component is a prostaglandin I derivative and the release-controlling component is a hydrogel base.

Abstract: Acylcarnitine analogues having alkyl side chains of 10 to 30 carbon atoms display excellent spermicidal and anti-HIV activity, a well as being potent inhibitors of the growth of Candida albicans.

Abstract: Orally administrable compositions comprising cation cross-linked polysaccharides are provided. The compositions have the ability to mask the taste and delay the release of an active material included therein. A novel method for the preparation of the compositions is also provided. The cation cross-linked polysaccharide is preferably selected from alginic acid and demethylated pectin and the composition further comprises a digestible polymer, preferably chosen from starch, starch derivatives, &agr;-glucans, peptides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cosmetic formulation. The cosmetic formulation comprises a plurality of spheres having a first desiccated volume and having a second hydrated volume. The hydrated volume is greater than the desiccated volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the rate of skin exfoliation by incorporating a water-soluble Vitamin E derivative into a cosmetic composition that contains water and is suitable for application to mammalian skin. The composition has a pH from about 4.5 to 9 and can increase the rate of natural skin exfoliation by at least 10%.

Abstract: A stable composition including a water-sensitive pharmacologically active agent, such as an enzyme, an antibiotic or a vitamin, a hydrophilic non-polar primary solvent, an optional hydrophilic non-polar secondary solvent and optional pharmaceutical or cosmetic adjuvants to enhance appearance for topical use. Where the water-sensitive or water-degradable component is L-Ascorbic acid and the principal solvent is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (“NMP”) the composition is stable for many months at a concentration of L-Ascorbic acid of up to about 40 % w/v. This composition using NMP as a solvent and enhancer of skin penetration together with appropriate adjuvants is useful for preparing dermatological topical dosage for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the control of various diseases in bee-hives by applying to the bee-hives an effective amount of an essential oil in a slow-release formulation whereby the term oils embraces but is not limited to oils extractable from plant or the essential component thereof such as monoterpenes like menthol, geraniol, thymol, myrcene, citral, limonene, carene, camphor, eugenol, or cineol (eucalyptol); natural oils like lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, or neem oil; or organic acids like formic acid, acetic acid or oxalic acid. Most preferred are monoterpenes like thymol or menthol. Most preferred is thymol.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the permeability of skin or mucosal tissue to transdermally administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The method involves use of a specified amount of a hydroxide-releasing agent, the amount optimized to increase the flux of the NSAID through a body surface while minimizing the likelihood of skin damage, irritation or sensitization. Formulations and drug delivery systems for co-administering a hydroxide-releasing agent with an NSAID are provided as well.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a composition for local percutaneous delivery of a drug such as a muscle relaxant, more particularly cyclobenzaprine in an organogel cream. The composition is applied by the patient directly to the skin over accessible muscles of mastication i.e., masseter and temporalis. The composition is rapidly absorbed through the skin to provide control of harmful habits such as bruxism and tooth clenching. The composition can also be applied to the skin overlying these muscles to control muscle hyperactivity (spasm) and/or trigger points, from other causes. The composition can be formulated to include another active agent such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, for example ketoprofen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-aerosol shaving composition in the form of a gel, preferably a clear gel. The non-aerosol shaving gel comprises water, an alkanolamine soap, preferably a triethanolamine soap, and a solubilizing agent for the soap, wherein the soap is completely dissolved in the water and the amount of soap and solubilizing agent is sufficient to provide the soap in the hexagonal liquid crystal phase in the composition. The present invention is also directed to an improved shaving method in which a shaving composition of the present invention is applied to an area of skin, then said area is shaved, preferably with a wet razor.

Abstract: The solid, form-stable gel for hair treatment contains an aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic base; from 0.5 to less than 2 percent by weight of a carrageenan or a mixture of carrageenans and at least one carrageenan-amount-reducing additive selected from the group consisting of hair fixing polymers, amphiphilic associative thickeners, monoalcohols with 1 to 5 carbon atoms and polyalcohols with 2 to 5 carbon atoms. The carrageenan or mixture of carrageenans and the at least one additive are contained in the gel in respective amounts so that the gel is solid and form-stable, i.e. has a resistance of at least 0.15 N to a compressive force applied at 2000 and 65% relative humidity by means of an 8 mm diameter cylindrical piston that is depressed at a rate of 0.5 mm/s until a compression depth of 1 mm is reached after which the piston is removed at a rate of 0.5 mm/s.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to pharmaceutical compositions that enable control of drug, delivery properties and the development of optimal drug delivery strategies customized for particular drugs and particular diseases. The composition includes a dissolved pharmaceutical that has the capacity to permeate the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis and become available systemically, and a pharmaceutical in a microparticulate state that does not readily cross the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The dissolved and microparticulate pharmaceuticals may be the same or different pharmaceuticals. Methods for the preparation and use of the compositions are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the invention finds particular use in a formulation for the topical application of dapsone for the treatment of acne. In another preferred embodiment, the invention finds particular use for the treatment of herpes lesions.

Abstract: Suspensions, emulsions or dispersions of therapeutically active agents which are water insoluble or water intolerant such as nutritional supplements, herbal products, drugs, bacteria, yeast, vitamins and minerals are prepared as suspensions in edible vegetable oils such as orange, lemon, soybean, cotton seed, peanut, canola corn oil, sunflower, safflower, palm kernel, palm and coconut. The active therapeutic agent may be in crystalline or amorphous form, it may be a liquid as for example an oil such as vitamin B or beta carotene, or a preparation of a comminuted plant structure such as flower, parts, leaf; stern, root or tree bark, or an extract of a dried plant structure or a freeze dried preparation of a vital bacteria or yeast. The suspension is formed by active mixing of the active agent and oil.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving administration of drugs through the use of heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition including a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 35:65 to 100:0, between at least 0.5% and 8.0% by weight thickener system comprised of at least two emulsifiers, each emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition free of auxiliary thickeners has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23° C. and wherein each emulsifier is comprised of at least one hydrophobic group and at least one hydrophilic group. The composition is useful as a presurgical scrub replacement, a lotion or other hand preparation.

Abstract: A thickening system for aqueous medium, which can be used in the fields of cosmetics, dermatology or hygiene, comprising at least one amphiphilic polymer comprising at least one fatty chain and at least one hydrophilic unit, and at least one protein.

Abstract: Microemulsion gels based on microemulsions of the oil-in-water type in which the droplets of the discontinuous oily phase are joined to one another by one or more crosslinking substances, the molecules of which are distinguished by at least one hydrophilic region, which has an extension which is capable of bridging the customary distance between the microemulsion droplets, and by at least one hydrophobic region, which is capable of entering into a hydrophobic interaction with the microemulsion droplets.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of wounds and skin injuries are described. The compositions, which include gellan gum, increases in viscosity once applied to the wound to form an immobile gel. The composition may be in sprayable form or dispersed in an aqueous solution. Methods of making and using the compositions are also described.

Abstract: A gel-type adhesive composite bandage (10) is provided which can be used in the treatment of fungus-involved or discolored toe nails, or for general wound treatment. The bandage (10) includes a base (12) having a preformed recess (16), with a humectant-containing gel (18) within the recess (16). An adhesive-coated web (14) is applied over the base (12) and gel (18). The web (14) is strippable from the base (12) with the gel (18) adhered to the web (14). In the use, the web (14) is removed from the base (12), and the exposed gel (18) is applied directly to the affected toe mail or wound. The remaining portions of the adhesive-coated web (14) is then used to maintain the web (14) and gel (18) in place. The gel (18) preferably includes a polymeric matrix having a substantial quantity of water soluble humectant (for example, glycerin) entrapped within the matrix.

Abstract: The invention provided relates to the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complexes in combination with gelling agents to produce strong disinfectants which not only physically stabilize biohazardous and infectious wastes but also kill pathogens contained in the wastes. The gelling agents include polyacyrlates that are superabsorbents.

Abstract: Photoablatable modulator for use in Laser ablation processes on the cornea consisting of a mixture of collagen and vegetable gelatins which is formed in situ on the corneal surface to be treated. A small quantity of a solution at a temperature higher of that of the cornea is applied on the corneal surface and is shaped to form an optically centered lenticule by means of a special device. The solution solidifies at corneal temperatures and forms a rigid gel which adheres strongly on the corneal surface. A dye added in the solution enables the visual monitoring of the ablation process. The lenticular modulator produced with the disclosed method is customized to provide an ablation profile that smoothes the corneal surface and additionally removes the geometrical irregularities that may pre-exist on it. The final shape of the cornea corresponds to the shape of the mold used for the preparation of the modulator.