Abstract: The present invention is directed to new 5-ALA derivatives, particles and formulation thereof, related methods of preparation and methods of use thereof. In particular, the invention relates to compounds of the invention, particles and formulation thereof useful in the treatment of a cancer and/or the diagnosis of a cancer cell such as in photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new 5-ALA derivatives, particles and formulation thereof, related methods of preparation and methods of use thereof. In particular, the invention relates to compounds of the invention, particles and formulation thereof useful in the treatment of a cancer and/or the diagnosis of a cancer cell such as in photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new 5-ALA derivatives, particles and formulation thereof, related methods of preparation and methods of use thereof. In particular, the invention relates to compounds of the invention, particles and formulation thereof useful in the treatment of a cancer and/or the diagnosis of a cancer cell such as in photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new 5-ALA derivatives, particles and formulation thereof, related methods of preparation and methods of use thereof. In particular, the invention relates to compounds of the invention, particles and formulation thereof useful in the treatment of a cancer and/or the diagnosis of a cancer cell such as in photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis.

Abstract: A device for the pulsed release of an amount of fluid stored in a storage housing (2) has a locking device (7) formed by a piston-cylinder arrangement (8). The arrangement has a cylinder housing (9) subdivided into a first working chamber (11) and a second working chamber (12) by a working piston (10). An electrorheological or magnetorheological valve (14) in the form of a gap (15) or an opening is arranged between the working chambers (11, 12) in the circumference (13) of the working piston (10) or in the working piston (10).

Abstract: A device for the pulsed release of an amount (3) of fluid that is stored in a storage housing (2) includes a piston (5) biased by a first spring (4) and movable within the storage housing (2) to dispense the fluid by the spring bias, when triggered by an actuator (6) to release a lock holding the piston in place (7). The lock (7) has individual catches (8) keeping the piston (5) in its pretensioned position and, when actuated by the actuator (6), releases the piston (5).

Abstract: Enzyme-activatable photosensitizing polymer conjugates are disclosed for photochemotherapeutic treatment of human diseases and disorders, bacteriologic or virologic indications, cosmetic applications and other pathologic situations. These polymer conjugates may comprise a polymer carrier, a photosensitizer, a quencher, a targeting molecule and/or a biocompatibilizing unit. These macromolecular conjugates may be designed to guide to the target tissue a photosensitizing agent in an inactive, non-phototoxic form. However, upon entering the target environment, in which certain enzymes are presently active, the conjugate may release its photosensitizers in its fully active form, resulting in a highly localized activation of the photoactive agent. Also described here are methods, compositions and kits for the preparation and testing of such photochemotherapeutic conjugates.

Abstract: This invention relates to dry pharmaceutical compositions comprising an active ingredient which is 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a precursor or derivative of 5-ALA, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compositions may be used in the photodynamic treatment (PDT) or photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of cancer, pre-cancerous conditions and non-cancerous conditions. The invention relates further to irradiation devices comprising dry compositions and the use of such devices in the photodynamic treatment (PDT) or photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of cancer, pre-cancerous conditions and non-cancerous conditions.

Abstract: A method for hair removal from a skin area by selective photo-inactivation of the pilo-sebaceous apparatus using derivatives of ALA with alkylene-glycol chains. Selectivity of the method is further enhanced by treatment of the epidermis by agents reducing PpIX levels in the epidermis. Side effects are diminished by using short drug/light intervals.

Abstract: 1. Device for the pulsed release of an amount of fluid (3) which can be stored in an accumulator housing (2). 2. A device for the pulsed release of an amount of fluid which can be stored in a storage housing (2) is characterized in that a locking device (7) is formed by a piston-cylinder arrangement (8) having a cylinder housing (9) that is subdivided into a first working chamber (11) and a second working chamber (12) by a working piston (10), an electrorheological or magnetorheological valve (14) in the form of a gap (15) or an opening being arranged between the working chambers (11, 12) in the circumference (13) of the working piston (10) or in the working piston (10) as such.

Abstract: A device for the pulsed release of an amount (3) of fluid that is stored in a storage housing (2), in particular for implementing a start-stop function in automatic transmissions, with a piston (5) that is supported against a first energy storage device (4) and that, with the capacity to move within the storage housing (2), limits in conjunction with the latter the amount (3) of fluid that can be held and that, when triggered by an actuation means (6) and released by a locking means (7), pushes the amount (3) of fluid out of the storage housing (2) in a pulsed manner, the locking means (7) having individual catch means (8) that in the locked position keep the piston (5) in its pretensioned position, and that, when actuated by the actuation means (6), release the piston (5) in a release position, is characterized in that in any travel position of the piston (5), the catch means (8) are at least partially in contact with the inside wall of the piston (5) facing them, and that for locking of the piston (5), the

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving enzyme-activatable fluorophore polymer imaging agents for photodetection of specific tissues and/or human diseases and disorders are provided. In certain embodiments, the imaging agent comprises a hydrophilic polymer backbone (e.g., poly(L)lysine), a hydrophobic fluorophore, and a hydrophilic solubilizing agent. The solubilizing agent may comprise a quarternary ammonium group (e.g., a 1-methylnicotinic group) to enhance self-quenching of the fluorophore. Various methods for the generation and purification of imaging agents are also provided, including methods involving solid phase probe extraction or ion exchange purification.

Abstract: Enzyme-activatable photosensitizing polymer conjugates are disclosed for photochemotherapeutic treatment of human diseases and disorders, bacteriologic or virologic indications, cosmetic applications and other pathologic situations. These polymer conjugates may comprise a polymer carrier, a photosensitizer, a quencher, a targeting molecule and/or a biocompatibilizing unit. These macromolecular conjugates may be designed to guide to the target tissue a photosensitizing agent in an inactive, non-phototoxic form. However, upon entering the target environment, in which certain enzymes are presently active, the conjugate may release its photosensitizers in its fully active form, resulting in a highly localized activation of the photoactive agent. Also described here are methods, compositions and kits for the preparation and testing of such photochemotherapcutic conjugates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a 5-aminolevulinic acid ester (E-ALA) solution for producing a pharmaceutical preparation useful for diagnosing and/or treating tissue and/or cell pathologies by local radiation exposure using radiation emitted by a light source energy followed, in the case diagnosis, by detection of fluorescent protoporphyrin IX (Pp1X). The E-ALA concentration in the solution is less than 1% and ranges between 0.01% and 0.5%. The low E-ALA concentration in the solution increases Pp1X synthesis and homogenises its distribution in the cell layers while highly reducing the secondary toxicity for the treated cells.

Abstract: A perforation apparatus of the tobacco-processing industry for perforating a wrapper of a rod-shaped article includes at least one optical radiation source to generate at least one primary beam. Optical elements are operative to split the at least one primary beam into at least four mutually non-overlapping partial beams to produce at least four perforation zones offset in an axial direction of the rod-shaped article. Partial beams arranged mirror symmetrically to each other with respect to a mirror plane of the rod-shaped article are derived from the same primary beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and to an apparatus for perforating the tubular wrappers of plain or filter cigarettes and other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry. The articles are advanced sideways at the periphery of a rotary drum-shaped carrier which cooperates with a device serving to roll them about their longitudinal axes while the wrappers are being perforated by one or more pulsating beams issuing from one or more lasers and passing through a stationary cylinder lens on their way to the facets of a rotating cylindrical mirror which directs the beam(s) across the axis of the carrier and pivots the beam(s) about such axis on its or their way radially outwardly of the carrier toward a first set of stationary deflecting mirrors.

Abstract: This invention relates to oligonucleotide targeting agents and their use in the treatment of diseased cells by selective photochemotherapy (PCT). PCT is a method of treating human diseases and disorders, bacteriological indications and other pathological conditions. PCT is based on the topical or systemic application of a photosensitizing agent, a precursor or pro-drug thereof, which preferentially accumulates in the target tissue. Irradiation of the photosensitizing agent located in the target tissue with electromagnetic radiation of an appropriate wavelength and the interaction of the thus excited photosensitive moiety with oxygen leads to tissue damage and destruction of the irradiated areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and to an apparatus for perforating the tubular wrappers of plain or filter cigarettes and other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry. The articles are advanced sideways at the periphery of a rotary drum-shaped carrier which cooperates with a device serving to roll them about their longitudinal axes while the wrappers are being perforated by one or more pulsating beams issuing from one or more lasers and passing through a stationary cylinder lens on their way to the facets of a rotating cylindrical mirror which directs the beam(s) across the axis of the carrier and pivots the beam(s) about such axis on its or their way radially outwardly of the carrier toward a first set of stationary deflecting mirrors.

Abstract: A method for hair removal from a skin area by selective photo-inactivation of the pilo-sebaceous apparatus using derivatives of ALA with alkylene-glycol chains. Selectivity of the method is further enhanced by treatment of the epidermis by agents reducing PpIX levels in the epidermis. Side effects are diminished by using short drug/light intervals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a 5-aminolevulinic acid ester (E-ALA) solution for producing a pharmaceutical preparation useful for diagnosing and/or treating tissue and/or cell pathologies by local radiation exposure using radiation emitted by a light source energy followed, in the case diagnosis, by detection of fluorescent protoporphyrin IX (Pp1X). The E-ALA concentration in the solution is less than 1% and ranges between 0.01% and 0.5%. The low E-ALA concentration in the solution increases Pp1X synthesis and homogenises its distribution in the cell layers while highly reducing the secondary toxicity for the treated cells.