Abstract: A lymphocytotoxic, but hematopoietic stem cell-sparing, high-dose amount of an oxazaphosphorine drug such as, for example, cyclophosphamide, administered post-transplantation can be used to reduce transplant rejection, including graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). In some embodiments, the transplants are bone marrow transplants or hematopoietic stem cell transplants carried out for the treatment of hematologic disorders, including hematologic malignancies and non-malignant hematologic disorders. In some embodiments, the transplants are carried out for the treatment of hereditary hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a cancer and in particular, a B-cell derived cancer, using a lymphocytotoxic but hematopoeitic cell sparing high-dose pulsed amount of an oxazaphosphorine drug in combination with immune therapeutics such as, for example, an autologous idiotypic vaccine and monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind B-cell specific antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating an autoimmune disorder, using a lymphocytotoxic but hematopoeitic cell sparing high-dose pulsed amount of an oxazaphosphorine drug in combination with immune therapeutics such as, for example, monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind B-cell specific antigens.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying subjects that are suitable for high-dose cyclophosphamide treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing and maintaining an immune response against a B-cell idiotype in a subject using an autologous anti-idiotypic vaccine. In one embodiment, the immune response is induced and maintained for treatment of a B-cell derived malignancy selected from among non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and mantle cell lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, devices, and methods for non-irritatively treating and preventing mucositis, such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Some aspects of the invention concern compositions comprising or consisting essentially of sodium phosphate buffer (e.g., sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasic) and calcium carbonate; mucoadministration devices and kits containing such compositions; and methods for treating or preventing mucositis conditions such as CRS, comprising mucoadministering a composition of the invention to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for non-irritatively treating and preventing non-invasive fungus-induced mucositis. Specifically, the invention involves compositions including a mucosally non-irritative mixture of amphotericin B and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such compositions can be non-irritatively mucoadministered to prevent, reduce, or eliminate chronic non-invasive fungus-induced mucositis conditions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of intraocular pressure determination is disclosed in which applanation tonometry is done with an ultrasonic transducer. The method allows for increased accuracy of intraocular pressure determination based upon adjustment of applanation tonometry for subjacent corneal thickness. The device allows for the operator to view the corneal surface and the pattern of dye to determine the precise endpoint of applanation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating mucositis (e.g., Alternaria-activated mucositis) that involves the direct mucoadministration of an active agent that is antifungal and antibacterial in an amount and for a duration effective to treat mucositis.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of intraocular pressure determination is disclosed in which applanation tonometery is done with an ultrasonic transducer. The method allows for increased accuracy of intraocular pressure determination based upon adjustment of applanation tonometry for subjacent corneal thickness. The device allows for the operator to view the corneal surface and the pattern of dye to determine the precise endpoint of applanation.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the contemporaneous creation of a digital copy of a written document using a self-contained, hand-held communications device. The self-contained device functions as a writing device and as a digital documenter. It allows for maintenance of position sense within a document thus enabling the user to write cursive, print, draw, write mathematical formulas, draw symbols, punctuate, edit and the like. The invention discloses a self-contained apparatus and method for determining position sense without reliance on special paper, pads, or attachments to the document. The system provides position sense during writing by quantitative comparative analysis of serial images of the surface imperfections of the document. Character generation is discriminated from noncharacter-generating positional changes such as spacing between words. Encryption of data output from the device provides privacy.

Abstract: Improved methods of spherical and astigmatic laser correction. By using an array of micro-charge coupled devices, a spatially-resolved refractive error map is generated which guides the treatment process. Improved astigmatic correction is provided by avoiding laser treatment of the unaffected cornea. Complex astigmatic corrections including lenticular astigmatism and mixed astigmatism are treated by first sphericizing the corneal surface before correcting the residual refractive error.

Abstract: A hand held device that functions as a writing instrument and a generator of digital copies of the written product. The device is configured like a writing instrument, having an elongated tubular body and a writing point. The device also has an internal position sensing devices, a written image detector, a microprocessor that converts movement of the instrument and the detected image into data and a transmitter to transmit the data to a digital device such as a computer.

Abstract: A microkeratome for improved corneal flap production for corneal surgery. The microkeratome, having a first aperture and a cutting blade, includes a second aperture located just below the plane of the cutting blade and through which a corneal plug protrudes in preparation for the lamellar cut of the microkeratome to create a uniformly thick lamellar flap of predetermined diameter and depth. The second aperture can include a second cutting blade. The microkeratome also includes a transparent applanation plate positioned at a predetermined distance above the plane of the cutting blade and an adjustable stop to prevent complete transection of the corneal flap.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the accuracy of PRK wherein a UV power meter is placed in the optical path of the laser beam. In one preferred embodiment, the power meter is placed distal to the last optical element so that any optical degradation that affects laser performance is taken into account. The meter consists of a UV-B cube and a pulnix camera with a software package. The meter is used to monitor the fluence of each laser pulse. The power meter is used to size each pulse and to quantify the energy in each pulse. Sensing means is employed to measure intraoperative pulse-to-pulse energy during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), using said data in conjunction with the location of the pulse within the ablation zone to determine the cumulative energy thus being achieved, and adjusting said laser to treat more or less at each point based upon the difference between the ideal cumulative energy map and the observed cumulative energy map derived from intraoperative power determination.

Abstract: A method of purchasing a product or service in which a tax-deferred savings instrument is used to provide for a full or partial refund to the consumer, while also proving a partially deferred or totally deferred payment to the provider of the service or product to the consumer. The method utilizes a computer system executing a computer program which can provide a full definition of the required tax-deferred savings instrument by solving after solving a set of equations which can be used to calculate a number of unknown variables upon the insertion of certain known variables into the computer program.

Abstract: A writing instrument that also functions as a computer peripheral. The writing instrument has the general configuration of a ball-point pen. The pen includes a ball for ink writing that is operatively associated with internal sensors that precisely detect the distance and direction of ball movement and relay that directional and distance data to a microprocessor which records a series of vectors similar to a computer mouse. The pen also includes interchangeable memory cartridge for the storage of the data and a wireless computer connect, for example infrared, that can communicate generated or stored data to an associated computer. The pen also includes an external LED data display, a speaker/microphone and an ink reservoir.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the contemporaneous creation of a digital copy of a written document using a self-contained, hand-held communications device. The self-contained device functions as a writing device and as a digital documenter. It allows for maintenance of position sense within a document thus enabling the user to write cursive, print, draw, write mathematical formulas, draw symbols, punctuate, edit and the like. The invention discloses a self-contained apparatus and method for determining position sense without reliance on special paper, pads, or attachments to the document. The system provides position sense during writing by quantitative comparative analysis of serial images of the surface imperfections of the document. Character generation is discriminated from noncharacter-generating positional changes such as spacing between words. Encryption of data output from the device provides privacy.

Abstract: A method of treating myasthenia gravis confined to the eyes iby administering, orally, a therapeutically effective dose the nucleotide (cGMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor Sildenafil either 100 mg. once a day, or 25 mg. four times a day. The object of this oral therapy being the alleviation of myasthenic complications such as diplopia and ptosis.

Abstract: The risk of drug resistance in HIV infection is reduced by profoundly suppressing the viral load using novel hematopoietic cells. Modified CD4 lymphocyte host cells are used to “capture” virons in a sterile micro-environment. The host's CD4 T-cell lymphocytes are replaced with lymphocytes derived from autologous or homologous stem cells which do not express the CKR-5 receptor, further inhibiting viral load.