Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter is provided. The analog-to-digital converter includes: a sample/hold circuit; a digital-to-analog converter; a plurality of comparison circuits; a control logic; and a digital register, wherein the plurality of comparison circuits include: a first comparison circuit configured to output a first comparison result signal in a first operation period; a second comparison circuit configured to, in a second operation period, calibrate an offset of a second comparison result signal based on a reference signal corresponding to the first comparison result signal among a plurality of reference signals and output the calibrated second comparison result signal; and a third comparison circuit configured to, in a third operation period, calibrate an offset of a third comparison result signal based on a reference signal corresponding to the calibrated second comparison result signal and output the calibrated third comparison result signal.

Abstract: Film-forming polymers that contain covalently-attached or non-covalently bound light-filtering, e.g., UV-absorbing, compounds and their use as a skin-protectant coating, such as a sunscreen, are disclosed.

Abstract: A topical composition includes a nanoemulsion of a plurality of hydrophobic particles having a hydrophilic coating therein. The hydrophobic particles are derived from the same or different hydrophobic material and each hydrophobic particle has a melting point below the melting point of the respective hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic particles comprise a mean particle size of less than about 10 nm, and the nanoemulsion further includes one or more pharmaceutically active agents.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting and treating an individual subject having an increased risk for acne scarring.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention is directed to a device for use as a cryosyringe and a cryo-storage vial. The device includes a first end and a second end and has an outer wall defining a lumen between the first and second ends. Both the first end and the second end include threads configured for attaching a first cap to the first end and a second cap to the second end. The device can also include a syringe plunger adapter, such that the cryo-storage vial is convertible into a cryosyringe to ensure sterility of the contents. Similarly, a luer-lock adapter can be included to further convert the device into a cryosyringe. The device and its components are formed from a cryo-resistant material. The device can therefore withstand liquid nitrogen temperatures necessary to preserve cell viability and be injected without compromising sterility to dispense the cellular therapy.

Abstract: A punch biopsy tool includes a punch cutting element which includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cutting edge along a bottom edge, and which defines an aperture between the inner surface and the outer surface. The punch biopsy tool also includes a flexible cutting element which is disposed along the inner surface of the punch cutting element and is configured to be pulled through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of autologous fibroblasts. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising autologous fibroblasts and uses thereof to alter skin identity. In certain embodiments, volar fibroblasts can be expanded for the ability to induce volar skin at the stump site in amputees. In other embodiments, fibroblasts from haired scalp can be expanded to ameliorate alopecias.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device for performing a skin biopsy that includes a generally curved blade to cut the skin at a predetermined depth disposed within or an integral part of a blade holder assembly. The blade holder assembly has an outer surface and the generally curved blade is coupled to the outer surface of the blade holder assembly. The device also includes a housing having an outer wall and said outer wall defining an interior space within the housing, such that the blade holder assembly and generally curved blade are disposed substantially within the inner space of the housing. The device also includes a handle coupled to the blade holder assembly and configured to rotate the blade holder assembly and in turn the generally curved blade within the inner space of the housing to perform the skin biopsy or removal of skin conditions.

Abstract: Rosacea is treated with a composition comprising an antimicrobial and at least one of an anti-inflammatory and a non-retinoid inhibitor of at least one of NF-KB, AP-1, MMPs, adhesion molecules, TLRs, and CD14. The composition may further comprise a retinoid.

Abstract: Methods are provided for ascertaining and measuring RPTP-? activity in response to insults such as UV irradiation and with respect to administration of a treatment and/or composition. Attenuation of EGFR activity by RPTP-? affects aspects of photoaging, including damage to the skin, suppression of the immune system, DNA damage, and connective tissue degradation. Intervention with respect to the effects of photoaging can include protection of RPTP-? from oxidation. The methods can be used for discovery of anti-aging treatments, adjuncts, or other preventative treatments, such as sunscreens.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: UVB radiation of about 300-310 nm wavelength and UVA radiation of about 380-390 nm wavelength, each of which exists in solar light, induces MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) in human skin that degrade the collagen of the dermal matrix. This degradation contributes to photoaging of human skin, which can be prevented by blocking these wavelengths of solar radiation. In contrast, diseases that result in the overproduction of collagen can be treated by exposing the affected with to radiation having wavelengths in those regions, for these wavelengths not only induce MMPs but also inhibit collagen biosynthesis. For lighter skinned people so affected, the UVA wavelengths are preferred because of the reduced amount of erythema, whereas dark skinned people can be treated with the UVB radiation because they generally do not suffer from erythema.

Abstract: UVB radiation of about 300-310 nm wavelength and UVA radiation of about 380-390 nm wavelength, each of which exists in solar light, induces MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) in human skin that degrade the collagen of the dermal matrix. This degradation contributes to photoaging of human skin, which can be prevented by blocking these wavelengths of solar radiation. In contrast, diseases that result in the overproduction of collagen can be treated by exposing the affected with to radiation having wavelengths in those regions, for these wavelengths not only induce MMPs but also inhibit collagen biosynthesis. For lighter skinned people so affected, the UVA wavelengths are preferred because of the reduced amount of erythema, whereas dark skinned people can be treated with the UVB radiation because they generally do not suffer from erythema.

Abstract: Rosacea is treated with a composition comprising an antimicrobial and at least one of an anti-inflammatory and a non-retinoid inhibitor of at least one of NF-??, AP-1, MMPs, adhesion molecules, TLRs, and CD14. The composition may further comprise a retinoid.

Abstract: Rosacea is treated with a composition comprising an antimicrobial and at least one of an anti-inflammatory and a non-retinoid inhibitor of at least one of NF-KB, AP-1, MMPs, adhesion molecules, TLRs, and CD14. The composition may further comprise a retinoid.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for ameliorating various effects of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. The compositions include an ingredient that prevents photoaging from MED and subMED radiation, namely a direct acting MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibitor. The compositions can include another, indirect MMP inhibitor, such as a retinoid, certain other compounds (such as N-acetylcysteine, 2-furildioxime, and vitamin C), tetracyclines, and if a retinoid is used then in addition optional compounds that inhibit the CYP-26 (chytochrome P-450) mediated metabolism of retinoids such as ketoconazole and other azole compounds. In the method, the composition is applied prior to exposure to the sun; for direct acting MMP inhibitors, application should be just prior to exposure, and if indirect inhibitors such as retinoids are used in addition, then application of the indirect inhibitor should be at least about seven hours prior to exposure.

Abstract: Chronological aging of human skin can be delayed with the topical application of an MMP inhibitor, preferably a retinoid (an indirect MMP inhbitor); retinoids also normalize procollagen biosynthesis. Chronological aging, or natural aging, is evidenced in elderly (80+ years old) skin by increased MMP levels and decreased procollagen levels when compared with younger individuals. Prophylactic treatment of not yet chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and restores procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from elderly skin show that a single treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae. Such benefits are helpful in preventing bruising, tearing, and ulceration of elderly skin. Accordingly, prophylactic treatment begun much earlier in life with an MMP inhibitor and/or a retinoid delays the onset of such symptoms.