Abstract: A method of treating a neurodegenerative disease in a subject in need thereof comprises: (a) administering the subject an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor such as alpha-difluoromethylornithine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in an amount effective to treat the disease; and concurrently (b) administering the subject a polyamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in an amount effective to reduce damage to the gastroinestinal tract of the subject by the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor.

Abstract: Apparatus useful in sensing intraocular pressure are provided. The apparatus generally include a rigid tube defining a hollow through space sized and adapted to allow a flexible catheter of a pressure sensor or transducer used to sense IOP to pass in or in fluid communication with the hollow through space. The apparatus includes stabilizing structure for facilitating fixing of the tube in a desired position or angular orientation within the eye. The present apparatus more effectively maintains the position or angle of the flexible catheter or distal end portion of the pressure sensor or in the eye relative to a similar pressure sensor transducer including a flexible catheter without the rigid tube and/or without the stabilizing structure.

Abstract: Ophthalmically therapeutic materials, such as liquid-containing compositions and polymeric drug delivery systems, include a therapeutic component which includes an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist that is cleared from the anterior segment of an individual's eye to which the material is administered. The alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist may have a vitreal half-life greater than about three hours. The present materials are effective in treating an ocular condition(s) that affect the anterior segment of an eye, or the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The materials are suitable for intravitreal or periocular administration and can provide prolonged drug delivery and therapeutic benefits to patients to which the materials have been administered. The alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonists can be provided in liquid-containing formulations and/or bioerodible and/or non-bioerodible polymeric implants and microparticles. Methods of making and using the present materials are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulators of P2Y10. Various modulators are disclosed, including an antibody that binds specifically to P2Y10. The present invention also relates to methods of activating resting T lymphocytes and inhibiting the proliferation of activated T lymphocytes. Methods of upregulating trascription of P2Y10 mRNA in a resting T lymphocyte, methods of inducing expression of P2Y10 on the surface of a resting T lymphocyte and methods of activating a T lymphocyte are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceuticals and methods of treating an immune disease.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants can be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular vasculopathy or glaucoma, including reduction of an elevated intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Drug delivery systems suitable for administration into the interior of an eye of a person or animal are described. The present systems include a drug delivery element that provides directional delivery of one or more drugs to a desired target site in the eye and remain invisible to the individual in which the element is placed. The present drug delivery systems may include an adhesive portion that adheres the drug delivery element to the retina of the eye, and/or a polymeric envelope substantially surrounding the drug delivery element to form an intravitreal implant. The envelope may enhance the stability and handling of the implant when the implant is being placed in the eye. Methods of producing and using the drug delivery systems are also described.

Abstract: A chemical conjugate for administration to a patient undergoing photodynamic therapy includes a photoactive compound coupled to a leakage reducing agent that is structured to reduce leakage of the photoactive compound from a patient's vasculature. The leakage reducing agent may be a bulking agent to reduce, for example, sterically reduce, the permeability of the photoactive compound through the blood vessel, or it may be a ligand that binds to endothelial cells of a patient's choriocapillaries. The conjugate may be used in methods of reducing secondary damage associated with photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining the condition of a pneumatic system air dryer are provided. An output of the pneumatic valve or of a conduit interconnected to the outlet of the pneumatic valve is positioned such that a discharge passed through the pneumatic valve while the valve is open is in view of an operator and/or is directed to a moisture sensor. Moreover, the discharge and/or an output device interconnected to the moisture sensor is in view of the operator while the operator is in a position to operate the pneumatic valve. An observation volume with a sight glass or window and/or a moisture sensor can be provided to facilitate the observation or detection of moisture or oil in the discharge.

Abstract: An engine cranking system includes an engine, a cranking motor coupled to the engine, a battery, a capacitor and an ignition switch. A first relay is connected between the cranking motor and system ground. A second relay is moveable between at least an open-circuit condition and a closed-circuit position to complete an electrical path connecting the capacitor with the cranking motor. The first relay is connected between the capacitor and the second relay. In one embodiment, a running engine sensory component is coupled between the first relay and system ground. In another embodiment, the engine cranking system includes a running engine sensory component connected to a relay and a control module connected to the relay and the capacitor. In one embodiment, a momentary switch is coupled between the capacitor and the relay.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track.

Abstract: A system for transporting and dewatering solids in a fluid system. An auger is used to transport solids and provide first stage compaction. A dewatering plate having a restricted opening provides second stage compaction and dewatering. The auger maybe be shafted or shaftless. First stage compaction is achieved by a change in helical pitch of the auger immediately preceding the location of the dewatering plate.

Abstract: Photocosmetic device for use in medical or non-medical environments (e.g., a home, barbershop, or spa), which can be used for a variety of tissue treatments. Radiation is delivered to the tissue via optical systems designed to pattern the radiation and project the radiation to a particular depth. The device has a variety of cooling systems including phase change cooling solids and liquids to cool treated skin and the radiation sources. Contact sensors and motion sensor may be used to enhance treatment. The device may be modular to facilitate manufacture and replacement of parts.

Abstract: A user interface provides historical and hierarchical search and navigation modes through previously selected and hierarchically linked multimedia applications, documents and directories. The system permits a search for information through hierarchically linked documents accessible via the Internet in which an individual document contains a reference link to a succeeding document. The systems includes an input processor for receiving a user entered search information item identifying an object associated with at least one of the hierarchically linked documents. An Internet processor for searching and identifying a plurality of child documents hierarchically linked to a parent document identified by the object and excluding non-hierarchically associated documents in response to user initiation of a hierarchical search. An output processor processes data identifying the plurality of child documents for communication to a reproduction device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing an indelible mark on each page of a document which has been sent by FAX. The sender's FAX machine applies a clear/transparent chemical or ink message on the surface of the document which contains information such as the FAX machine identification number, telephone number of the FAX recipient, and the time and date of the FAX transmission. The information is printed and is invisible to the naked eye, but becomes visible underneath a low voltage UV light. The light is placed above the tray in which completed faxes are temporarily stored to make the mark visible to the operator to assure that each page of the document was separately sent. A separate pen light allows a sender or management person to confirm that a document has been properly and completely transmitted. Visible ink may be used if desired.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body (100) disposable within a chamber (103) of a housing (101) and capable of being fluidly sealed with respect to the housing (101) when the valve is closed. At least one radial passage (117) is disposed in the valve body (100). At least one axial passage (119) is disposed in the valve body (100) in fluid communication with the at least one radial passage (117). When the valve at least partially opens, a fluid path opens between the valve body (100) and the housing (101), which fluid path (301) in is fluid communication with the at least one radial passage (117), and fluid from within the housing (101) is capable of passing out of the at least one axial passage (119).

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular vasculopathy or glaucoma, among others.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants can be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular vasculopathy or glaucoma, among others or to improve vision in a normal eye.

Abstract: A method for treating a posterior ocular condition so as to improve vision is provided. The method includes the steps of placing into an eye, a bioerodible implant comprising an anti-inflammatory component and a bioerodible polymeric component, introducing a photoactive agent into the eye, and irradiating the eye with electromagnetic radiation, for example light energy, in order to activate the photoactive agent in the eye and treat the posterior ocular condition, thereby improving a patient's vision.

Abstract: A method for treating an ocular condition is provided. The method includes the steps of placing into an eye, a bioerodible implant comprising an anti-inflammatory component and a bioerodible polymeric component in order to provide extended dosing of anti-inflammatory agent to the eye, and treating the eye with photodynamic therapy. The step of treating the eye with photodynamic therapy may include introducing a photoactive agent into the eye, and irradiating the eye with electromagnetic radiation, for example light energy, for example laser energy, in order to activate the photoactive agent in the eye and treat the ocular condition.