Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and imaging vulnerable plaque and other inflammatory conditions in a patient rely on the delivery of conversion electron-emitting sources and other radionuclides to regions of exposed collagen in the vasculature or other body lumens. The conversion electron-emitting sources or other radionuclides are coupled to a collagen-binding substance and administered to the vasculature or other body lumen to permit binding for imaging and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for preparation of a tissue augmentation material. A polysaccharide gel composition is prepared with rheological properties selected for a particular selected application. The method includes preparing a polymeric polysaccharide in a buffer to create a polymer solution or gel suspending properties in the gel and selecting a rheology profile for the desired tissue region.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing collagen fibrils in a cornea are disclosed. The stabilization may be effected by treating the cornea with a protein that crosslinks collagen fibrils, such as decorin. The stablization methods include treatment of corneas before, during, or after a surgical procedure, treatment of keratectasia, and treatment of keratoconus.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for preparation of a tissue augmentation material. A polysaccharide gel composition is prepared with rheological properties selected for a particular selected application. The method includes preparing a polymeric polysaccharide in a buffer to create a polymer solution or gel suspending properties in the gel and selecting a rheology profile for the desired tissue region.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for preparation of a tissue augmentation material. A polysaccharide gel composition is prepared with rheological properties selected for a particular selected application. The method includes preparing a polymeric polysaccharide in a buffer to create a polymer solution or gel suspending properties in the gel and selecting a rheology profile for the desired tissue region.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the permeability of corneal epithelium to facilitate the diffusion of agents into the collagen fibrillar network of the stroma are provided. Used in combination, these methods open the epithelium to facilitate diffusion of stabilization molecules into the stroma and dissociate bridging molecules from stromal collagen fibers, thereby priming the collagen fibrillar network for restabilization by stabilization molecules. These methods can be used to increase the effectiveness and longevity of non-invasive corneal reshaping, such as orthokeratology, for correcting myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Abstract: Methods of strengthening the biomechanical properties of the cornea by exposing the cornea to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator are described. These methods can be used to treat keratoconus. They can also be used to treat ectasia following a surgical procedure, or to strengthen the cornea prior to a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for preparation of a tissue augmentation material. A polysaccharide gel composition is prepared with rheological properties selected for a particular selected application. The method includes preparing a polymeric polysaccharide in a buffer to create a polymer solution or gel suspending properties in the gel and selecting a rheology profile for the desired tissue region.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing collagen fibrils in a cornea are disclosed. The stabilization may be effected by treating the cornea with a protein that crosslinks collagen fibrils, such as decorin. The stablization methods include treatment of corneas before, during, or after a surgical procedure, treatment of keratectasia, and treatment of keratoconus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications for eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane preparations and eggshell membrane isolates. The invention is directed to treating a mammal that will benefit from the administration of naturally occurring material found in eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane, eggshell membrane isolates and combinations thereof by administering to the mammal a composition containing eggshell membranes processed eggshell membrane, eggshell membrane isolates and combinations thereof, alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications for eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane preparations and eggshell membrane isolates. The invention is directed to treating a mammal that will benefit from the administration of naturally occurring material found in eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane, eggshell membrane isolates and combinations thereof by administering to the mammal a composition containing eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane, eggshell membrane isolates and combinations thereof, alone or in combination with other active ingredients.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for preparation of a tissue augmentation material. A polysaccharide gel composition is prepared with a programmable rheology for a particular selected application. The method includes preparing a polymeric polysaccharide in a buffer to create a polymer solution or gel suspending particles in the gel and selecting a rheology profile for the desired tissue region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-inflammatory activity of eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane preparations and eggshell membrane isolates. The invention is directed to eggshell membrane compositions exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity as measured by effects on down-regulating pro-inflammatory plasma antigens in mammals that had orally ingested such compositions. This information supports the potential benefits from administration of naturally occurring material found in eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane, eggshell membrane isolates and combinations to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and imaging vulnerable plaque and other inflammatory conditions in a patient rely on the delivery of conversion electron-emitting sources and other radionuclides to regions of exposed collagen in the vasculature or other body lumens. The conversion electron-emitting sources or other radionuclides are coupled to a collagen-binding substance and administered to the vasculature or other body lumen to permit binding for imaging and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Two types of compositions having an eye-drop delivery system are used during or after an orthokeratology procedure to prevent or retard relaxation of corneal tissue back to the original anterior curvature of the cornea. Each composition functions independently from the others and is a different approach of preparing a stabilizing agent. The first composition is directed to a biologically compatible composition comprising fibril associated collagens with interrupted triple helices (FACITs) and/or small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycans (SLRPs). The fibril associated collagen family includes various types of collagens, such as type VI, type XX, type XII, and type XIV. The small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycans family includes decorin, keratocan, biglycan, epiphycan, lumican, mimecan, and fibromodulin. The second composition includes the enzyme found as a normal component of tissues, plasma, or epidermis, such as transglutaminase.

Abstract: A method for treating animal tissue with acylation agents to alter the net charge and net charge density of the treated tissue for therapeutic applications is provided. The method involves applying an alkaline solution to the exposed tissue surface area. This results in deprotonation of ?-amino groups of lysine residues on the exposed tissue proteins so that the tissue proteins have a net charge. Then, an acylating agent is applied and the acylating agent reacts with the tissue protein to form a protein complex having an altered net charge. Acylating agents such as sulfonic acids, sulfonyl chlorides, and acid chlorides can be used. The method can be used to treat a wide variety of human tissues including the human cornea for correcting myopia. The method can also be used to treat skin tissue, so that there is an increase in dermal thickness and pliability. The method can be further used to treat articular cartilage.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes novel methods for localized and controlled staining of intact corneal tissue surfaces to provide therapeutic benefits in ophthalmic applications, such as for example, the correction of iris defects, the correction of corneal tissue scarring, and the creation of a pupil in aniridia. A first method for staining tissue surfaces is directed to covalently bonding sulfonic acid dyes to deprotonated proteins in tissue. Another disclosed method is directed to staining corneal tissue surfaces with black sulfonic acid dye compositions, particularly for forming black rings on the corneal surface.

Abstract: An accelerated method of orthokeratology includes the steps of softening of the cornea with a softening agent, applying a mold to reshape the cornea to a desired anterior curvature, and rapidly restabilizing or “fixing” the corneal tissues so that the cornea retains its new configuration. A chemical softening agent, such as glutaric anhydride is applied to the cornea to soften the cornea, after which a specially designed mold of predetermined curvature and configuration is applied to the cornea. Slight downward pressure is applied to the mold for a predetermined period of time to re-shape the cornea. The mold is maintained in position while a stabilizing agent, such as a UV light source, is positioned above the mold. The stabilizing agent, i.e. UV light, is applied to the cornea for a predetermined time, wherein the stabilizing agent immediately restabilizes the corneal tissue so that the cornea immediately retains its shape upon removal of the mold.

Abstract: An accelerated method of orthokeratology includes the steps of softening of the cornea with a softening agent, applying a mold to reshape the cornea to a desired anterior curvature, and rapidly restabilizing or "fixing" the corneal tissues so that the cornea retains its new configuration. A chemical softening agent, such as glutaric anhydride is applied to the cornea to soften the cornea, after which a specially designed mold of predetermined curvature and configuration is applied to the cornea. Slight downward pressure is applied to the mold for a predetermined period of time to re-shape the cornea. The mold is maintained in position while a stabilizing agent, such as a UV light source, is positioned above the mold. The stabilizing agent, i.e. UV light, is applied to the cornea for a predetermined time, wherein the stabilizing agent immediately restabilizes the corneal tissue so that the cornea immediately retains its shape upon removal of the mold.