Abstract: A method for enhancing production of Vitamin D within a person's skin includes a source of Vitamin D, a sunlight exposure indicator, and a sunscreen. Vitamin D, for example, cod liver oil, is applied to the skin topically via a patch or towlette, or ingested orally. The exposure indicator is worn by the user and changes its state to indicate that the person has been exposed to sunlight for a predetermined period of time. The user preferably waits a sufficient time for the Vitamin D to be absorbed into the skin, and then exposes his or her skin to direct sunlight, and monitors the exposure indicator to determine if it has changed state. The user applies the sunscreen to the user's skin after the exposure indicator changes state.

Abstract: A method for enhancing production of Vitamin D within a person's skin includes a source of Vitamin D, a sunlight exposure indicator, and a sunscreen. Vitamin D, for example, cod liver oil, is applied to the skin topically via a patch or towlette, or ingested orally. The exposure indicator is worn by the user and changes its state to indicate that the person has been exposed to sunlight for a predetermined period of time. The user preferably waits a sufficient time for the Vitamin D to be absorbed into the skin, and then exposes his or her skin to direct sunlight, and monitors the exposure indicator to determine if it has changed state. The user applies the sunscreen to the user's skin after the exposure indicator changes state.

Abstract: A kit for enhancing production of Vitamin D within a person's skin includes a source of Vitamin D, a sunlight exposure indicator, and a sunscreen. Vitamin D, for example, cod liver oil, is applied to the skin topically via a patch or towlette, or ingested orally. The exposure indicator is worn by the user and changes its state to indicate that the person has been exposed to sunlight for a predetermined period of time. The user preferably waits a sufficient time for the Vitamin D to be absorbed into the skin, and then exposes his or her skin to direct sunlight, and monitors the exposure indicator to determine if it has changed state. The user applies the sunscreen to the user's skin after the exposure indicator changes state.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful in treating cancer. The compositions include a synergistic combination of an antineoplastic thiol-binding mitochondrial oxidant with an antineoplastic nucleic acid binding agent, an antineoplastic antimetabolite base analog, or docetaxel. Also provided are methods of assaying the synergistic effects of the combinations and methods of treating cancer using the synergistic combinations.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful in treating cancer. The compositions include a synergistic combination of an antineoplastic thiol-binding mitochondrial oxidant with an antineoplastic nucleic acid binding agent, an antineoplastic antimetabolite base analog, or docetaxel. Also provided are methods of assaying the synergistic effects of the combinations and methods of treating cancer using the synergistic combinations.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system (100) for a payload (102). The vibration isolation system provides a level of vibration isolation for all vibration translational and rotational components, while minimizing the moment of the payload mass relative to the isolation system. The system includes a base (104) and a plurality of vibration isolators (114). Each vibration isolator includes a semi-rigid first support member (202) having first portion (204) positioned below the base and an opposing second portion (206) positioned above the base, and a second support member (208) having a first portion (210) fixed to the base and an opposing second portion (212) extending above the base. An elastomeric coupling (228) couples the first support member to the second support member at a height that is approximately equal to a height of a center of gravity (302) of a combined mass of the base and the payload above the base.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system (100) for a payload (102). The vibration isolation system provides a level of vibration isolation for all vibration translational and rotational components, while minimizing the moment of the payload mass relative to the isolation system. The system includes a base (104) and a plurality of vibration isolators (114). Each vibration isolator includes a semi-rigid first support member (202) having first portion (204) positioned below the base and an opposing second portion (206) positioned above the base, and a second support member (208) having a first portion (210) fixed to the base and an opposing second portion (212) extending above the base. An elastomeric coupling (228) couples the first support member to the second support member at a height that is approximately equal to a height of a center of gravity (302) of a combined mass of the base and the payload above the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new uses of S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl dihydrogen phosphorothioate, (amifostine) and other aminothiol compounds to treat and reverse toxicities caused by therapeutic agents, radiation treatment or diabetes. In particular, the invention provides a method for treating neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with the administration of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method for treating pre-cancerous conditions including non-cancerous lesions and non-invasive carcinoma insitu, in cutaneous, and muco-cutaneous regions of the body includes topical application of combinations containing alpha-DFMO and an anti-inflammatory agent selected from the group comprising a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or a combination thereof. The conditions which may be topically treated with the combination of the present invention include actinic keratoses, vulvar neoplasia, and pre-cancerous conditions of the lip, nostrils, nails, and anus. In one case, the topical steroid triamcinolone is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a second case, the topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory diclofenac is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a third instance, both triamcinolone and diclofenac are combined with the alpha-DFMO.

Abstract: Topical alpha-DFMO is mixed with a hydrophillic ointment base, along with at least one additional active drug, for treating actinic keratoses by topical application to human skin tissues. In one case, the topical steroid triamcinolone is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a second case, the topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory diclofenac is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a third instance, both triamcinolone and diclofenac are combined with the alpha-DFMO. In all such instances, topical application of such combinations was found to inhibit squamous cell cancer, and the combined effect of such components, when selected in appropriate proportions, in inhibiting squamous cell cancer cells is significantly greater than the effectiveness of each such component by itself.

Abstract: Topical alpha-DFMO is mixed with a hydrophillic ointment base, along with at least one additional active drug, for treating actinic keratoses by topical application to human skin tissues. In one case, the topical steroid triamcinolone is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a second case, the topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory diclofenac is combined with the alpha-DFMO. In a third instance, both triamcinolone and diclofenac are combined with the alpha-DFMO. In all such instances, topical application of such combinations was found to inhibit squamous cell cancer, and the combined effect of such components, when selected in appropriate proportions, in inhibiting squamous cell cancer cells is significantly greater than the effectiveness of each such component by itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new uses of S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl dihydrogen phosphorothioate, (amifostine) and other aminothiol compounds to treat and reverse toxicities caused by therapeutic agents, radiation treatment or diabetes. In particular, the invention provides a method for treating neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with the administration of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new uses of S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl dihydrogen phosphorothioate, (amifostine) and other aminothiol compounds to treat and reverse toxicities caused by therapeutic agents, radiation treatment or diabetes. In particular, the invention provides a method for treating neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with the administration of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: An automatic gain control (AGC) system includes at least one variable-gain component having a controllable gain over a gain control range and a sensor for sensing an amplitude of a signal from the at least one variable-gain control component. The sensor may have an operating window based upon the signal that is smaller than the gain control range of the at least one variable-gain component. The AGC system may also include a controller responsive to the sensor for controlling the at least one variable-gain component according to coarse and fine gain values to set the amplitude of the signal within the operating window of the sensor. The controller may implement at least one coarse gain jump from a current coarse gain value to a new coarse gain value when the sensor indicates the amplitude is outside the operating window. The controller may further implement movement to a fine gain value when the sensor indicates the amplitude is in the operating window.

Abstract: An automatic gain control (AGC) system includes at least one variable-gain component having a controllable gain over a gain control range and a sensor for sensing an amplitude of a signal from the at least one variable-gain control component. The sensor may have an operating window based upon the signal that is smaller than the gain control range of the at least one variable-gain component. The AGC system may also include a controller responsive to the sensor for controlling the at least one variable-gain component according to coarse and fine gain values to set the amplitude of the signal within the operating window of the sensor. The controller may implement at least one coarse gain jump from a current coarse gain value to a new coarse gain value when the sensor indicates the amplitude is outside the operating window. The controller may further implement movement to a fine gain value when the sensor indicates the amplitude is in the operating window.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for quantitatively measuring the progression of a lesion toward malignant disease by digitizing images of clinical samples of biopsied lesions using a microphotometer that includes a video camera, and a computer that includes a video frame capture board. The digitized image is analyzed to locate the borders of cell nuclei within the captured video image, and one or more chromatin texture features within such nuclei are processed by the computer to arrive at a numerical value. This numerical value is compared to a monotonic progression curve that has been previously established by using the same procedure on known clinical samples ranging from normal tissue to malignant disease. The method can also be used to test the efficacy of chemopreventive drugs and treatments.

Abstract: A method for treating palmar-plantar erythrodysethesia syndrome includes applying to affected areas a therapeutically effective amount of a dimethyl sulfoxide solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new uses of S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl dihydrogen phosphorothioate, (amifostine) and other aminothiol compounds to treat and reverse toxicities caused by therapeutic agents, radiation treatment or diabetes. In particular, the invention provides a method for treating neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with the administration of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and a kit for deactivating spills or leaks of HIV infected blood or anticancer drugs by applying to the leak or spill an aqueous solution containing calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. In order to thicken the aqueous solution and thus keep it from spreading beyond its intended area of application, the solution of calcium hypochlorite contains methylcellulose. In addition to chemically deactivating the active anticancer drug, the solution of the invention also effectively decolorizes it, thus preventing permanent stains on any surface or fabric with which the anticancer drug comes into contact.

Abstract: A salve includes a water-miscible, hydrophilic cream vehicle, 1-22% by weight a-DFMO, and no absorption enhancer. The salve is preferably contained in an ointment tube permanently sealed at one end to preclude exposure to light and air. The salve is applied as a preventative in an appropriate amount twice daily to skin exposed to actinic radiation. An initial application of a salve including 10% by weight A-DFMO is preferred to minimize the risk of skin irritation without compromising the therapeutic value of the salve. The salve shows no systemic uptake, thereby eliminating systemic toxicities that result from other techniques for administering the drug.