Showing papers by "Procter & Gamble published in 1999"

Effects of Risedronate Treatment on Vertebral and Nonvertebral Fractures in Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: Context Risedronate, a potent bisphosphonate, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Paget disease of bone and other metabolic bone diseases but, to our knowledge, it has not been evaluated in the treatment of established postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Risedronate therapy prevents corticosteroid-induced bone loss: a twelve-month, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.

Abstract: Objective Risedronate, a new pyridinyl bisphosphonate, is a potent antiresorptive bone agent. This study examines the safety and efficacy of daily, oral risedronate therapy for the prevention of corticosteroid-induced bone loss. Methods This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in 224 men and women who were initiating long-term corticosteroid treatment. Patients received either risedronate (2.5 mg or 5 mg) or placebo daily for 12 months. Each patient also received 500 mg of elemental calcium daily. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). Secondary measures included proximal femur BMD and incidence of vertebral fractures. Results After 12 months, the lumbar spine BMD (mean ± SEM) did not change significantly compared with baseline in the 5-mg (0.6 ± 0.5%) or the 2.5-mg (−0.1 ± 0.7%) risedronate groups, while it decreased in the placebo group (−2.8 ± 0.5%; P < 0.05). The mean differences in BMD between the 5-mg risedronate and the placebo groups were 3.8 ± 0.8% at the lumbar spine (P < 0.001), 4.1 ± 1.0% at the femoral neck (P < 0.001), and 4.6 ± 0.8% at the femoral trochanter (P < 0.001). A trend toward a decrease in the incidence of vertebral fracture was observed in the 5-mg risedronate group compared with the placebo group (5.7% versus 17.3%; P = 0.072). Risedronate was well tolerated, and the incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse events was comparable among the 3 groups. Conclusion Risedronate therapy prevents bone loss in patients initiating long-term corticosteroid treatment.

Nondestructive imaging of human cartilage glycosaminoglycan concentration by MRI.

Abstract: Despite the compelling need mandated by the prevalence and morbidity of degenerative cartilage diseases, it is extremely difficult to study disease progression and therapeutic efficacy, either in vitro or in vivo (clinically). This is partly because no techniques have been available for nondestructively visualizing the distribution of functionally important macromolecules in living cartilage. Here we describe and validate a technique to image the glycosaminoglycan concentration ([GAG]) of human cartilage nondestructively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The technique is based on the premise that the negatively charged contrast agent gadolinium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd(DTPA)2-) will distribute in cartilage in inverse relation to the negatively charged GAG concentration. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of cartilage explants demonstrated that there was an approximately linear relationship between T1 (in the presence of Gd(DTPA)2-) and [GAG] over a large range of [GAG]. Furthermore, there was a strong agreement between the [GAG] calculated from [Gd(DTPA)2-] and the actual [GAG] determined from the validated methods of calculations from [Na+] and the biochemical DMMB assay. Spatial distributions of GAG were easily observed in T1-weighted and T1-calculated MRI studies of intact human joints, with good histological correlation. Furthermore, in vivo clinical images of T1 in the presence of Gd(DTPA)2- (i.e., GAG distribution) correlated well with the validated ex vivo results after total knee replacement surgery, showing that it is feasible to monitor GAG distribution in vivo. This approach gives us the opportunity to image directly the concentration of GAG, a major and critically important macromolecule in human cartilage.

Functional Human Corneal Equivalents Constructed from Cell Lines

Abstract: Human corneal equivalents comprising the three main layers of the cornea (epithelium, stroma, and endothelium) were constructed. Each cellular layer was fabricated from immortalized human corneal cells that were screened for use on the basis of morphological, biochemical, and electrophysiological similarity to their natural counterparts. The resulting corneal equivalents mimicked human corneas in key physical and physiological functions, including morphology, biochemical marker expression, transparency, ion and fluid transport, and gene expression. Morphological and functional equivalents to human corneas that can be produced in vitro have immediate applications in toxicity and drug efficacy testing, and form the basis for future development of implantable tissues.

Apparatus and method for using an intracutaneous microneedle array

Abstract: A microneedle array, constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds or of a molded plastic material, is provided to penetrate the stratum corneum and epidermis layers of skin, but not into the dermis. The microneedles can be used to either dispense a liquid drug, or to sample a body fluid. The delivery of drugs and sampling of fluids can be performed by way of passive diffusion (time release), instantaneous injection, or iontophoresis. A complete closed-loop system can be manufactured including active elements, such as micro-machined pumps, as well as passive elements such as sensors. A “smart patch” can thereby be fabricated that samples body fluids, performs chemistry to decide on the appropriate drug dosage, and then administers the corresponding amount of drug. An electric field may be used to increase transdermal flow rate. Such a system can be made disposable, and can be used with medical devices to dispense drugs by iontophoretic/microneedle enhancement, to sample body fluids (while providing an iontophoretically/microneedle-enhanced body-fluid sensor), and as a closed-loop drug delivery system with fluid sampling feedback using a combination of the other two devices. As a drug dispensing system, the microneedle array includes electrodes that apply an electric potential to the skin between the electrode locations. One of the electrode assemblies is filled with an ionized drug, and the charged drug molecules move into the body due to the applied electric potential. As a body-fluid sampling system, the microneedle array also includes electrodes to assist in moving fluid from the body into a receiving chamber, and which further includes a bioelectrochemical sensor to measure the concentration of a particular substance.

Apparatus and method for manufacturing an intracutaneous microneedle array

Abstract: One embodiment of a microneedle array is constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds using MEMS technology and standard microfabrication techniques to create hollow cylindrical individual microneedles. The resulting array of microneedles is designed to penetrate the stratum corneum and epidermis layers of skin, but not into the dermis. In a second embodiment, an array of hollow (or solid) microneedles are constructed of molded plastic, in which a micro-machining technique is used to fabricate the molds used in a plastic microforming process. Such molds contain a micropillar array and/or microhole array. The manufacturing procedures for creating plastic arrays of microneedles include: “self-molding,” micromolding, microembossing, and microinjection techniques. In the “self-molding” method, a plastic (e.g., polymer) film is placed on a micropillar array, the plastic is then heated, and plastic deformation due to gravitational force causes the plastic film to deform and create the microneedle structure. Using this procedure, only a single mold-half is required. When using the micromolding technique, a similar micropillar array is used along with a second mold-half, which is then closed over the plastic film to form the microneedle structure. The micro-embossing method uses a single mold-half that contains an array of micropillars and conical cut-outs (microholes) which is pressed against a flat surface (which essentially acts as the second mold-half) upon which the plastic film is initially placed. In the microinjection method, a molten plastic substance is injected between two micro-machined molds that contain microhole and micropillar arrays.

Indexing media content on the internet

Abstract: A method and apparatus for searching for multimedia files in a distributed database and for displaying results of the search based on the context and content of the multimedia files.

The Nomenclature of Cell Death: Recommendations of an ad hoc Committee of the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists

Abstract: The last several years have seen considerable confusion regarding the terms "apoptosis" and "necrosis" in pathology. This situation prompted the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists to charter the Committee on the Nomenclature of Cell Death, which was charged with making recommendations about the use of the terms "apoptosis" and "necrosis" in toxicity studies. The Committee recommends use of the term "necrosis" to describe findings comprising dead cells in histological sections, regardless of the pathway by which the cells died. The modifiers "apoptotic" and "oncotic" or "mixed apoptotic and oncotic" are recommended to specify the predominant morphological cell death pathway or pathways, when appropriate. Other standard modifiers, indicating the lesion distribution and severity, may also be used in conjunction with these. "Individual cell necrosis" (also known as "single cell necrosis") may be either of the apoptotic, oncotic, or mixed types. In many cases, more traditional terms such as "coagulation necrosis" may be used to convey a meaning similar to oncotic necrosis. It is important that pathologists use terms that accurately and concisely convey the level of information appropriate to the study's needs. Furthermore, toxicologic pathologists should actively help to disseminate these recommendations to other biologists and to regulatory authorities.

A method for high-sensitivity peptide sequencing using postsource decay matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method has been developed for de novo peptide sequencing using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. This method will facilitate biological studies that require rapid determination of peptide or protein sequences, e.g., determination of posttranslational modifications, identification of active compounds isolated from combinatorial peptide libraries, and the selective identification of proteins as part of proteome studies. The method involves fast, one-step addition of a sulfonic acid group to the N terminus of tryptic peptides followed by acquisition of postsource decay (PSD) fragment ion spectra. The derivatives are designed to promote efficient charge site-initiated fragmentation of the backbone amide bonds and to selectively enhance the detection of a single fragment ion series that contains the C terminus of the molecule (y-ions). The overall method has been applied to pmol quantities of peptides. The resulting PSD fragment ion spectra often exhibit uninterrupted sequences of 20 or more amino acid residues. However, fragmentation efficiency decreases considerably at amide bonds on the C-terminal side of Pro. The spectra are simple enough that de novo sequence tagging is routine. The technique has been successfully applied to peptide mixtures, to high-mass peptides (up to 3,600 Da) and to the unambiguous identification of proteins isolated from two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The PSD spectra of these derivatized peptides often allow far more selective protein sequence database searches than those obtained from the spectra of native peptides.

Laundry detergents comprising modified alkylbenzene sulfonates

Abstract: Modified alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant mixtures comprise a mixture of specific branched and non-branched alkylbenzene sulfonate compounds, and are further characterised by a 2/3-phenyl index of 160-275. Detergent and cleaning products containing these mixtures are also claimed.

Alkoxylated cationic detergency ingredients

Abstract: Alkoxylated cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, are used in detergent compositions.

Cleansing articles for skin and/or hair which also deposits skin care actives

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially dry, disposable, personal cleansing article useful for both cleansing the skin or hair and delivering skin care actives onto the skin or hair. These articles are used by the consumer by (i) wetting the dry article with water and (ii) generating lather by subjecting the wetted article to mechanical forces, e.g., rubbing. The article comprises a water insoluble substrate, a lathering surfactant, and a skin care active component. Preferably, the articles of the present invention further comprise a deposition aid and/or a conditioning component.

Understanding single-species and model ecosystem sensitivity: Data-based comparison

Abstract: Risk assessments for compounds released to the environment typically rely on single-species toxicity studies to predict concentrations at which effects may be observed. These single-species toxicity studies are usually conducted with a few species, cultured under optimum conditions (diet, temperature, light, etc.) and tested in clean water with constant exposure to the compound of interest. Chronic toxicity data are then extrapolated to the ecosystem during risk assessments to predict concentrations that will not adversely impact the environment. Several approaches have been developed that apply statistical methods to estimate toxicant concentrations adversely affecting a small percentage of single species (e.g., 5%). There are several rarely stated, and infrequently tested, biological and statistical assumptions required to make this extrapolation. One test of the ability to use single-species toxicity data to protect ecosystems is to compare effects on single species with effects on experimental and natural ecosystems (e.g., microcosms, model ecosystems, field). Towards this end, we summarized the chronic single-species and experimental ecosystem data on a variety of substances (n = 11), including heavy metals, pesticides, surfactants, and general organic and inorganic compounds. Single-species data were summarized as genus-specific geometric means using the NOEC or EC20 concentration. Genus mean values spanned a range of values with genera being affected at concentrations above and below those causing effects on model ecosystems. Geometric mean model ecosystem no effect concentrations corresponded to concentrations expected to exceed the NOEC of 10 to 52% of genera. This analysis suggests that laboratory-generated single-species chronic studies can be used to establish concentrations protective of model ecosystem, and likely whole ecosystem, effects. Further, the use of the 5% of genera affected level is conservative relative to mean model ecosystem data but is a fairly good predictor of the lower 95% confidence interval on the mean model ecosystem NOEC.

Breast-feeding and risk of childhood acute leukemia.

Abstract: Background: Breast-feeding is well known to have a protective effect against infection in infants. Although the long-term effects of breast-feeding on childhood cancer have not been studied extensively, a protective effect against childhood Hodgkin’s disease and lymphoma has been suggested previously from small investigations. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that breast-feeding decreases the risk of childhood acute leukemia. Methods: A total of 1744 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 1879 matched control subjects, aged 1‐14 years, and 456 children with acute myeloid l eukemia ( AML) a nd 5 39 matched control subjects, aged 1‐17 years, were included in the analysis. Information regarding breast-feeding was obtained through telephone interviews with mothers. All leukemias combined, histologic type of leukemia (ALL versus AML), immunophenotype of ALL (early pre-B cell, pre-B cell, or T cell), and morphology of AML were assessed separately in the data analysis. Results: Ever having breast-fed was found to be associated with a 21% reduction in risk of childhood acute leukemias (odds ratio [OR] for all types combined = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70‐0.91). A reduction in risk was seen separately for AML (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.57‐1.03) and ALL (OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.69‐0.93). The inverse associations were stronger with longer duration of breast-feeding for total ALL and AML; for M0, M1, and M2 morphologic subtypes of AML; and for early pre-B-cell ALL. Conclusion: In this study, breast-feeding was associated with a reduced risk of childhood acute leukemia. If confirmed in additional epidemiologic studies, our findings suggest that future epidemiologic

Skin deodorizing and sanitizing compositions

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions comprising an odor controlling agent and select sanitizing agents for deodorizing and sanitizing skin surfaces. Articles of manufacture and methods of deodorizing and sanitizing the skin using disclosed compositions are also disclosed.

Liquid transport member for high flux rates between two port regions

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid transport member with significantly improved liquid handling capability, which has at least one bulk region and a wall region that completely circumscribes said bulk region, and which comprises a port region, whereby the bulk region has an average fluid permeability kb which is higher than the average fluid permeability kp of the port regions.

Environmental monitoring for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, alcohol ethoxylate, alcohol ethoxy sulfate, alcohol sulfate, and soap

Abstract: An extensive monitoring program was executed jointly by the Dutch Soap Association (NVZ) and the Dutch authorities. Flow proportional samples of raw, settled, and treated sewage from seven representative municipal sewage treatment plants were collected over three consecutive days. The samples were analyzed for detergent surfactants, including linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), alcohol ethoxylate (AE), alcohol ethoxylated sulfate (AES), alcohol sulfate, (AS) and soap, using state-of-the-art analytical methods. All surfactants were removed by more than 99% during sewage treatment. The concentrations of the surfactants in the treated sewage averaged 39 μg/L for LAS, 6.2 μg/L for AE, 6.5 μg/L for AES, 5.7 μg/L for AS, and 174 μg/L for soap. These measured surfactant concentrations form the basis for the exposure element of the aquatic risk assessment for the surfactants studied. In addition, the field studies indicated that in-sewer removal can play a significant role in reducing the concentrations of surfactants entering the sewage treatment plant.

Oral care compositions comprising chlorite and methods

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral care compositions, including therapeutic rinses, especially mouth rinses, as well as toothpastes, gels, tooth powders, chewing gums, mouth sprays, and lozenges (including breath mints), comprising at least a minimally effective amount of chlorite ion, wherein preferably the pH of the final composition is greater than 7 and level of chlorine dioxide or chlorous acid is less than about 50 ppm, preferably is essentially free of chlorine dioxide or chlorous acid. This invention further relates to a method for treating or preventing gingivitis, plaque, periodontal disease, and/or breath malodor, and/or for the whitening of teeth, in humans or other animals, by applying a safe and effective amount of the chlorite ion composition to the oral cavity.

Battery having a built-in controller

Abstract: A multiple-cell battery having a built-in controller is disclosed that extends the run time of the battery. The controller may extend the run time of the battery, for example, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is greater than a cut-off voltage of an electronic device, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is less than the nominal voltage of the electrochemical cell of the battery, or by protecting the electrochemical cell from current peaks. The controller may also include a ground bias circuit that provides a virtual ground so that a converter may operate at lower cell voltages. The battery may be a single-cell battery, a universal single-cell battery, a multiple-cell battery or a multiple-cell hybrid battery. The individual cells of the multiple-cell battery may be connected in series or parallel. In addition, the individual cells may have a controller in each cell that is capable of performing one or more functions to extend the run time of the cell.

Process for preparing cross-bridged tetraaza macrocycles

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a cross-bridged tetraaza macrocyclic ligand having formula (I) wherein each R is independently C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl, -(CH2)xCO2M, and mixtures thereof; provided both of the R units are not methyl; M is hydrogen or a salt forming cation; x is from 1 to 6; each index n is independently from 0 to 3; by contacting a di-quaternary cis tetracycle precursor with hydrogen in the presence of a palladium catalyst in an aqueous solution having a pH of at least about 10 at a temperature of about 40 °C to about 100 °C.

Viscous fluid bodily waste management article

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The waste management element preferably has an Acceptance Under Pressure value of greater than about 0.50 grams of a viscous fluid bodily waste per square inch of the waste management element per milliJoule of energy input. The waste management element preferably also has a Storage Under Pressure value of at least about 0.70 grams of the viscous fluid bodily waste per square inch of the waste management element. The waste management element may also have an Immobilization Under Compressed Inversion value of greater than about 70% of the viscous fluid bodily waste accepted by the waste management element.

Amine reaction compounds comprising one or more active ingredient

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product of reaction between a primary and/or secondary amine and one or more active ingredients. By the present invention, there is provided a release of the active component over a longer period of time than by the use of the active itself.

Disposable absorbent article having an improved topsheet

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Disposable article having proactive sensor

Abstract: A disposable article having a sensor that predicts an impending event such as an elimination of bodily waste. The article may also include an actuator that performs a responsive function when the sensor predicts the impending event.

Absorbent article having improved integrity and acquisition

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, and the like, that have components that are bonded for improved integrity and an unbonded window on their body-facing side for improved acquisition are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a topsheet that is fused to an underlying liquid pervious or absorbent layer at a plurality of individual bonded areas. The absorbent articles have an unbonded window that is substantially free of bonded areas, which is surrounded by regions of the absorbent article that contain bonded areas.