Abstract: A laser system including: a laser source operable to emit a first laser beam having a first operating wavelength and a second laser beam having a second operating wavelength; a fiber optic cable to guide and homogenize the first and second laser beams; an expander to increase the diameter of the first and second laser beams; a cylinder to guide the first and second laser beams and limit respective diameters of the first and second laser beams, wherein the cylinder is positioned after the expander on an optical path of the laser beam; a first optical system to collimate the first and second laser beams, wherein the optical system is positioned after the cylinder on the optical path of the first and second laser beams; a spot-size selector comprising a plurality of apertures, wherein the spot-size selector is positioned after the first optical system on the optical path of the first and second laser beams; and a second optical system to focus the first and second laser beams on a tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are teeth whitening compositions generally including an oxidizing agent, and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm. Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.

Abstract: The use of a combination of photodynamic therapy and an anti-VEGF agent in the treatment of conditions characterized by unwanted choroidal neovasculature is described. These conditions include wet age-related macular degeneration Preferred anti-VEGF agents are antibodies such as bevacizumab or ranibizumab Photosensitizers may be selected from green porphyrins such as BPD-MA (verteporfin) and the photodynamic activation of the photo sensitizer may be accomplished using a reduced fluence rate. The use may further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent such as dexamethasone.

Abstract: A laser system including: a laser source operable to emit a first and a second laser beam having first and second operating wavelengths, respectively; a fiber optic cable to guide and homogenize the laser beams; an expander to increase the diameter of the laser beams; a cylinder to guide the laser beams and limit respective diameters of the first and second laser beams, wherein the cylinder is positioned after the expander on an optical path of the laser beam; a first optical system to collimate the laser beams, wherein the optical system is positioned after the cylinder on the optical path of the laser beams; a spot-size selector comprising a plurality of apertures, wherein the spot-size selector is positioned after the first optical system on the optical path of the laser beams; and a second optical system to focus the laser beams on a tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Compositions comprising microaggregates containing hydrophobic drugs, as well as methods for their production, are described. Such microaggregates may include micelle structures or combinations thereof with liposomes, and constitute an effective delivery vehicle for a hydrophobic agent. Methods for microaggregate production include the use of preferred lipid compounds and processing conditions favoring the production of small aggregates for improved filter sterilization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are teeth whitening compositions generally including an oxidizing agent, and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm. Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds of formula I where Ar1 is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally substituted; where the —NR3R4 group is situated ortho to the NHC(?X) group; n=1 or 2; X=O or S; Y is O or S; and q=1 or 0. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula I and/or salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof. These compounds modulate the activation and inactivation of potassium channels. The compounds are useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders—such as seizure disorders—which are affected by modulation of potassium ion channels.

Abstract: This invention provides a compound of formula IA where X=0 or S; Y is 0 or S; q=1 or 0; and other substituents are defined herein. Such compounds can affect the opening of, or otherwise modulate, voltage-gated potassium channels. Such compounds useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders which are affected by activation or modulation of potassium ion channels. One such condition is seizure disorders.

Abstract: This invention provided compounds of formula I where W and Z are, independently, CH or N, and where other substituents are defined herein. Such compounds are potassium channel modulators. The invention also provides a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient and at least one of the following: a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula I; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula I; a pharmaceutically acceptable ester of a compound of formula I. The invention also provides a method of preventing or treating a disease or disorder which is affected by activities of potassium channels, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a salt or ester or solvate thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds of formula I where the dashed line represents an optional double bond; where R1 is phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazyl, furyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, or isothiazolyl, optionally substituted, and other substituents are defined herein. Such compounds are potassium channel modulators.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating individuals having a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which individuals have failed to respond to therapy with an IFN-? other than consensus interferon (CIFN), or who, following cessation of therapy with an IFN-? other than CIFN, have suffered relaspe. The methods generally involve a treatment regimen comprising administering a first dosing regimen of CIFN, followed by a second dosing regimen of CIFN. Ribavirin is administered with at least the second dosing regimen.