Abstract: A method is provided for using ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators or other compounds that interact with the ?2? calcium channel subunit in combination with one or more compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects to treat and/or alleviate the symptoms associated with painful and non-painful lower urinary tract disorders in normal and spinal cord injured patients. According to the present invention, ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators include GABA analogs (e.g. gabapentin and pregabalin), fused bicyclic or tricyclic amino acid analogs of gabapentin, and amino acid compounds. Compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects include antimuscarinics, ?3 adrenergic agonists, spasmolytics, neurokinin receptor antagonists, bradykinin receptor antagonists, and nitric oxide donors.

Abstract: A method is provided for using ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators or other compounds that interact with the ?2? calcium channel subunit in combination with one or, more compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects to treat functional bowel disorders in patients in need of treatment. According to the present invention, ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators include GABA analogs including gabapentin and pregabalin, fused bicyclic or tricyclic amino acid analogs of gabapentin, and amino acid compounds. Compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects include antimuscarinics, ?3 adrenergic agonists, spasmolytics, neurokinin receptor antagonists, bradykinin receptor antagonists, and nitric oxide donors.

Abstract: A method is provided for using ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators or other compounds that interact with the ?2? calcium channel subunit in combination with one or more compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects to treat pain. According to the present invention, ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators include GABA analogs (e.g., gabapentin and pregabalin), fused bicyclic or tricyclic amino acid analogs of gabapentin, and amino acid compounds. Compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects include antimuscarinics, ?3 adrenergic agonists, spasmolytics, neurokinin receptor antagonists, bradykinin receptor antagonists, and nitric oxide donors.

Abstract: A method is provided for using ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators or other compounds that interact with the ?2? calcium channel subunit in combination with one or more compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects to treat and/or alleviate the symptoms associated with painful and non-painful lower urinary tract disorders in normal and spinal cord injured patients. According to the present invention, ?2? subunit calcium channel modulators include GABA analogs (e.g. gabapentin and pregabalin), fused bicyclic or tricyclic amino acid analogs of gabapentin, and amino acid compounds. Compounds with smooth muscle modulatory effects include antimuscarinics, ?3 adrenergic agonists, spasmolytics, neurokinin receptor antagonists, bradykinin receptor antagonists, and nitric oxide donors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating at least one symptom of irritable bowel syndrome selected from the group consisting of: abnormal stool frequency, abnormal stool form, abnormal stool passage, passage of mucus and feeling of abdominal distension in a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the pain and discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome is also reduced. The method comprises administering to a subject in need of treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that has 5-HT3 receptor antagonist activity and NorAdrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (NARI) activity.

Abstract: A computer-based system permitting a visually impaired user to interact with tactile graphic-based interactive software applications is provided. The system includes a host computer having a data processor and a drive for running the interactive software applications and a pressure sensitive work pad. The work pad has X and Y pressure sensitive members disposed in a grid array for providing unique location output signals corresponding to each different location on the grid array. The work pad is operatively connected to the host computer and an overlay comprising a sheet is placed over an upper surface of the work pad. The overlay having a work space which bears tactile indicia which corresponds to a selected one of the interactive software applications and also includes a tactile graphical user interface (TGUI) formed thereon. The TGUI has a plurality of tactile control members which generate location output signals when pressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to said subject a specified amount of a compound having 5-HT3 receptor agonist activity or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or solvate thereof. The subject in need of treatment is suffering from GERD, including nocturnal GERD.

Abstract: A system that provides a means for blind or visually impaired people to navigate through a complex environment using auditory cues. Two-way transceiver devices, held by the person, connect through a communications network to a computer system. The computer system activates appropriate auditory signals that are output from audio beacons located throughout the environment based on input provided through the transceiver. Additional interactivity can be incorporated into the system by means of the computer system.

Abstract: A device and method for adding the perception of flavoring to a product that is consumed from a receptacle. The device is a cover for a receptacle, wherein a person can drink from a receptacle through the structure of the cover. At least a portion of the receptacle cover is scented with a desired fragrance. Furthermore, the scented portion of the receptacle cover enters the mouth when a person is drinking through the receptacle cover. As the scented portion of the receptacle cover is taken within the mouth, the receptacle cover scents the air contained within the mouth. By scenting the air inside the mouth, the nose is saturated by the desired fragrance and a more effective olfactory sense deception is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating at least one symptom of a lower urinary tract disorder in a subject in need of treatment wherein the symptom is selected from the group consisting of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary urge incontinence, nocturia and enuresis. The method comprises administering to a subject in need of treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that has 5-HT3 receptor antagonist activity and NorAdrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (NARI) activity.