Abstract: The Invasive Agent Treatment System incorporates the pairing of energy fields with nano-particles to cause a thermal effect in the nano-particles, which thermal effect is transmitted into the biological cells of the invasive agent. The energy fields are derived from at least one or a combination of the following: an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field (EM), an acoustic field, and an optical field. The Invasive Agent Treatment System provides the necessary coordination among the characteristics of the nano-particles, concentration of nano-particles, duration of treatment, and applied fields to enable the generation of precisely crafted fields and their application in a mode and manner to be effective with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. The invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors. The methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors. In embodiments, the methods comprise the use of high aspect ratio nanoparticles with or without modified surface chemistry.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser including a fluid reservoir and a body receiving a dispenser member that is connected to the reservoir and an actuator member for actuating the dispenser member; a dispenser and diffuser head forming a fluid dispenser orifice and an application wall for applying the fluid coming from the dispenser orifice onto the skin; a module having a source of radiation emitting monochromatic light of 400 nm to 700 nm and having anti-inflammatory action and/or a stimulating action for stimulating skin-regeneration metabolisms. The dispenser and diffuser head include a source housing and the body includes a module housing communicating with the source housing so that the source of radiation extends in the source housing of the head.

Abstract: Improved pharmacokinetic profiles for the iontophoretic delivery of sumatriptan are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the activation of species and/or the delivery of species to a target environment using harmonic generation materials are generally described.

Abstract: Conjugates are provided which comprise a membrane permeable drug linked to a moiety that is not membrane permeable. Attachment of the moiety that is not membrane permeable prevents the drug from crossing cell membranes and entering cells. However, exposure to light either i) breaks the linkage, releasing the drug and allowing it to enter cells; or ii) converts the non-membrane permeable moiety to a membrane permeable form, allowing the entire conjugate to enter the cell, where the drug is released from the conjugate by cleavage. The membrane permeable drugs are thus delivered to cells at locations of interest, e.g. cancer cells in a tumor, in a temporally and spatially controlled manner.

Abstract: Provided herein are linear nucleic expression cassettes and methods of using same in a non-invasive method of vaccination. The method combines electroporation and linear DNA constructs encoding antigens to elicit antigen-specific immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for illuminating the viruses in a circulatory blood, comprising the following steps of: 1) Adding an anticoagulant into a whole blood source and establishing a circulation system for the whole blood source; 2) Withdrawing the whole blood with the anticoagulant into a plasma-separating device for a separation, when finished, directly pumping the red-blood cells back into the whole blood source and transporting the plasma into a mixing transport pump after the separation; 3) Meanwhile, pumping a photosensitizer methylene blue into the mixing transport pump so that the methylene blue is mixed with the plasma and pumped together into a plasma container; 4) Using an illumination device to illuminate the plasma in the plasma container for virus illumination, and pumping the virus-illuminated plasma into a removing device for removing off the photosensitizer; 5) The methylene blue being absorbed by the removing device and the plasma illuminated being transfused back into the

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and kits comprising a therapeutic agent linked to a cleavable substrate, wherein the cleavable substrate is capable of being cleaved by cathepsin E. Also provided are methods of treating one or more symptoms of a disease or disorder characterized by expression of cathepsin E in a subject and methods of eliminating a cancer cell characterized by expression of cathepsin E using the provided compositions and kits. Further provided herein are methods of detecting the presence of a cancer cell or detecting a cathepsin E expressing cell using a photosensitizer linked to a cleavable substrate, wherein the cleavable substrate is capable of being cleaved by cathepsin E.

Abstract: A device for delivering an active agent to a dermal or mucosal surface comprising: a) a first portion configured to define a delivery surface for presentation to a dermal or mucosal surface to deliver an active agent; and b) a second portion configured as a body to be held by a user further comprising a means for driving the passage of the active agent across the dermal or mucosal surface wherein the first portion and the second portion are adapted to be releasably interconnected and wherein the means for driving the passage of the active agent across the dermal or mucosal surface comprises an electromagnetophoresis dermaportation device located immediately adjacent the point of interconnection to the first portion.

Abstract: Provided is a neural device including a nanowire and a support layer. Further, provided is a neural device including: a substrate, at least one nanowire which is fixed on the substrate at a lengthwise end thereof to extend vertically and inserted into nerves to obtain electrical signals from nerve fibers or apply electrical signals to the nerve fibers; and a support layer which is formed on the substrate and which surrounds and supports at least one portion of the nanowire.

Abstract: Providing a method for monitoring an analyte extracted from a patient and delivering a permeant composition to the patient. The method includes the steps of a) contacting a poration device to a tissue membrane of the patient, the poration device including at least one porator array; b) actuating poration of the tissue membrane using the at least one porator array in the poration device; c) extracting the analyte from the porated tissue membrane by way of the at least one porator array; d) analyzing the analyte to determine a concentration of the analyte within the tissue membrane; and e) delivering a permeant composition to the tissue membrane by way of the at least one porator array.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles. The heat (temperature) and photoacoustic sound wave production inside the target tissue is measured. The desired temperature is achieved using a laser and photoacoustic imaging technique. Hyperthermia treatment of tissue applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturation. The hyperthermia treatment may further comprise platelet-derived treatment. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. The temperature to which the target site is treated ranges from about 39° C. to about 58° C., and may last from about 5 seconds to about 30 minutes. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream to flow through the target site.

Abstract: There is provided a skin rejuvenation composition which comprises at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant, and at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An implant for a living body is designed so that the drug release level can be adjusted to make it possible to perform treatment corresponding to the severity of disease state and the effectiveness of the drug on each individual. The implant includes a drug, and is inserted into a target part of a living body to effect sustained release of the drug, the implant including a photoactive agent that accelerates the release of the drug when irradiated with laser light. The implant is inserted into a living body, and laser light is appropriately applied to the implant to adjust the release level of the drug released into the living body. An eye disease or the like is treated using the above method.

Abstract: There is provided a wound healing composition which comprises at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant and at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In addition, a method of topically treating wounds using at least one oxidant and at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant followed by illumination of said photosensitizer is disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a skin rejuvenation composition which comprises at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant, and at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells. In one embodiment, the method provides a synergetic effect with chemotherapy.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy chip structure comprising: a base, an energy chip and a protective layer; wherein the base includes an inner space, the energy chip is arranged inside the inner space and for emitting a stabilizing electric wave, and the protective layer is attached to a top of the energy chip and covered the inner space via a packaging and storage method. Accordingly, the energy chip structure of the present invention is able to provide energy beneficial to the health of human bodies.

Abstract: Optimized bio-synchronous drug delivery begins with establishing a bio-synchronous treatment protocol that incorporates individual temporal and innate biological characteristics into a pharmacological treatment plan. The bio-synchronous treatment protocol is thereafter initiated using bioactive agent delivery device. Bio-synchronous drug delivery includes continual collection of patient data such as physical, psychological, temporal and environmental characteristics. This data is analyzed so to not only determine an initial treatment protocol but to also determining whether modification to the ongoing bio-synchronous treatment protocol is required. And, responsive to determining a modification is required the system modifies the bio-synchronous treatment protocol and use of delivery device. These modifications and treatment protocols can include reactive and proactive psychological support supplied to the patient in a variety of formats.

Abstract: A bioactive agent delivery device having a plurality of reservoirs wherein each reservoir houses a solvent provides a means for separable and segregated delivery of bioactive agent(s) to a patient. The device can include a plurality of absorbent materials wherein each absorbent material is pretreated with a bioactive agent and a delivery mechanism operable to deliver to any of the plurality of absorbent materials a controlled portion of solvent from any of a plurality of reservoirs. A diffusion layer interposed between the absorbent materials and an epidermis transfers the bioactive agent from the absorbent materials to the epidermis for delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: An LED induced tattoo removal system and method of use that utilizes an ultra bright LED having a principal peak with a peak at 640 nm-700 nm for tattoo removal without causing collateral skin damage and without causing pain to a subject is disclosed. The tattoo removal method includes an LED, which generates light in a specific range of wavelengths proven to be effective for this purpose. The method also includes optionally applying a vasodilator after the LED exposure and further includes optionally utilizing an electrical or chemical heat source after the LED exposure. The tattoo removal method comprises irradiation of the tattooed region using ultra bright LED light for a timed interval and the optional application of a vasodilator formulation, which increases blood circulation to the tattooed skin region and also increases the concentration macrophage cells in the treated skin region to metabolize the tattoo ink and its by-products.

Abstract: An iontophoretic drug delivery device storage apparatus and a method of using that device is disclosed. The device comprises a fluid reservoir, an electrode assembly and a tray apparatus. The fluid reservoir is capable of retaining a medicament and has a sealed fluid chamber defined by at least one seal. The seal includes a weaker region and a pinch-like configuration associated with that region such that application of pressure to the fluid reservoir breaks the weaker region of the seal, releasing the retained medicament. The electrode assembly comprises an active electrode, at least two passive electrodes a medicament carrying region, and a moat region around the medicament carrying region so that once fluid is delivered from the fluid reservoir to the electrode assembly the fluid is substantially retained in the medicament carrying means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are activatable conductive compositions and methods of making and using activatable conductive compositions. In particular, activatable conductive monomers polymers are described and electrically conductive coatings that include activatable conductive polymers.

Abstract: Inhibitors of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL and compositions containing the same are disclosed. Methods of using the Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitors in the treatment of diseases and conditions wherein inhibition of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL provides a benefit, like cancers, also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to apparatus, systems, methods, and compositions for purifying cells (e.g., adipocytes, stem cells) from mammalian tissues (e.g., adipose tissues). For example, the present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and compositions for purifying and/or preserving adipocytes and/or stem cells from fat tissue of a mammalian subject according to some embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an electrotherapeutic system including a first and second electrode. Each electrode includes a respective resistance wherein during operation of the electrotherapeutic system, an electrochemical reaction involving one or both of the electrodes varies the respective resistance of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A switch operated therapeutic agent delivery device is described. Embodiments of the operated therapeutic agent delivery device include a switch that can be operated by a user, a device controller connected to the switch through a switch input where the device can actuate the device when certain predetermined conditions are met, and a switch integrity subcircuit which is used to detect a fault or a precursor to a fault.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for use of photolyzable nitric oxide donors for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: Provided is a method of transfecting cells of the cochlea with an agent by electroporation, and in certain embodiments using a cochlear implant to provide at least one electroporation electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating cell proliferation disorders comprising (1) administering to the subject at least one activatable pharmaceutical agent that is capable of activation by a simultaneous two photon absorption event and of effecting a predetermined cellular change when activated, (2) administering at least one plasmonics-active agent to the subject, and (3) applying an initiation energy from an initiation energy source to the subject, wherein the plasmonics-active agent enhances or modifies the applied initiation energy, such that the enhanced or modified initiation energy activates the activatable pharmaceutical agent by the simultaneous two photon absorption event in situ, thus causing the predetermined cellular change to occur, wherein said predetermined cellular change treats the cell proliferation related disorder, and the use of plasmonics enhanced photospectral therapy (PEPST) and exiton-plasmon enhanced phototherapy (EPEP) in the treatment of various cell proliferation

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for ocular application of an active principle (1) comprising a main electrode (2) including an insulating layer, an adhesive layer designed to bind the insulating layer to a conductive layer, characterized in that the main electrode comprises a zone (21, 22) designed to be urged into contact with an eyelid.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for radioisotope-photodynamic therapy for treating cancer. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods for administering a radiation emitter, a rare-earth doped down-converting nanophosphor and a photosensitizer for treating cancer.

Abstract: Provided is a therapeutic agent capable of treating allergic rhinitis in a safe, simple, and noninvasive manner substantially without side effects and physical distress to patients. Provided is a therapeutic agent for allergic rhinitis for 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or a derivative thereof, or a salt of the 5-aminolevulinic acid or the derivative as an active ingredient, and used in ALA-PDT in which light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm is irradiated; and particularly provided is a therapeutic agent for allergic rhinitis in a locally applied solution form, a water-soluble ointment-dissolved form, a jelly-dissolved form, or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for improving drug efficacy in a patient having an obstructed airway in a lung. Such methods modulate nerve activity in the autonomic nervous system of a patient to reduce obstruction of an airway in a lung of the patient prior to administering a drug to the patient. These methods are especially useful in improving efficacies of bronchodilators in treating obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Implantable drug-doped component, e.g., a cochlear implant, including host material, a host-embedded drug, a sacrificial material integrated with the host. Sacrificial material facilitates release of drug from the component. Sacrificial material facilitates release through creation of voids in the host upon dissolution of sacrificial material upon contact with a solvent, e.g., perilymph fluid upon implant. Host can be polysiloxane, or silicone rubber. Drug can be anti-inflammatory, growth factor, antibody, anti-oxidant, antibiotic, corticosteroid. Sacrificial material can be: glucose monomer, sugar, cyclodextrin, dissolvable or resorbable at implant site, a salt, bioresorbable material, hyaluronic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid. Sacrificial material can be the host, and can facilitate release of drug through changing a property of sacrificial material, e.g., by exposing component to ethanol wash.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end with a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft. The system also includes an actuator having an accumulator. The actuator is in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device and is configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously. The accumulator assists in maintaining a generally constant pressure when the actuator causes each valve device to close.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery device and method for eluting a therapeutic agent to a target location are disclosed. The therapeutic agent delivery device may comprise a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and an electrochemical layer including a neurotoxin located between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are adapted to be connected to a voltage source. When the first conductive element and the second conductive element are connected to the voltage source, an electrochemical reaction occurs causing the neurotoxin to release from the electroactive layer and elute to a target location.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient with a neurological or psychiatric disorder, comprising applying stimulation to at least a portion of the patient's subcaudate white matter of the subcaudate area under conditions effective to provide the patient with at least a partial relief from the neurological or psychiatric disorder. The stimulation may be electrical and/or pharmacological.

Abstract: An implantable drug-delivery sleeve for an elongate component of an implantable medical device. The sleeve includes a tubular substrate having a lumen configured to receive the elongate component so as to allow relative displacement of the substrate and the elongate component, wherein the substrate is shaped so as to be retained stationary at a desired position along the elongate component, and a drug releasably carried by the substrate.

Abstract: A device for treating human keratinous materials includes an electrical appliance comprising a handpiece and a reader, and an applicator suitable for being removably fastened on the handpiece. The applicator includes a solid cosmetic or dermatological composition for applying to the keratinous materials, and/or an applicator element including fibers and/or cells suitable for enabling a cosmetic or dermatological composition to be applied on keratinous materials. The applicator also includes an encoder for encoding information arranged to be read by the reader. The operation of the handpiece depends on the information read.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a photosensitizer which is 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a derivative (e.g. an ester) of 5-ALA, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a composition for use in methods of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on an animal, wherein said PDT comprises: (a) administering to said animal a composition comprising said photosensitizer; and (b) photoactivating said photosensitizer, and wherein side-effects (e.g. pain and/or erythema) of said PDT are prevented or reduced by use of one or more of (i)-(iv): (i) said composition comprises said photosensitizer in a concentration of less than 10% wt (e.g. 0.5 to 8% wt), (ii) said composition is administered for less than 2 hours (e.g. 30 minutes to 90 minutes) prior to said photoactivation, (iii) said photoactivation is carried out with a light source having a fluence rate of less than 50 mW/cm2 (e.g. 5 to 40 mW/cm2), (iv) said photoactivation is carried out with sunlight.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and compositions for treating conditions associated with angiogenesis, and, more specifically, the invention relates to methods and compositions for treating conditions associated with angiogenesis using vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) inhibitors. The invention also relates to methods and compositions for treating conditions associated with lymphangiogenesis using VAP-1 inhibitors.

Abstract: A retainer (34) is provided for holding a microprotrusion member (44) for application of the microprotrusion member (44) to the stratum corneum with an impact applicator (10). The microprotrusion member (44) includes a plurality of microprotrusions (90) which penetrate the stratum corneum to improve transport of an agent across the stratum corneum.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. One such device may include an anode assembly having an anode housing and an anode configured to electrically couple to a power source, the anode assembly being configured to contact and remain against a surface of the eye. The device may also include a cathode assembly having a cathode housing and a cathode configured to electrically couple to the power source, the cathode assembly being configured to contact and remain against the surface of the eye. Additionally, the device may include at least one active agent reservoir functionally associated with at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT method can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-angiogenesis factor, for example, angiostatin or endostatin, or with an apoptosis-modulating factor. Furthermore, the selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT may be further enhanced by coupling a targeting moiety to the photosensitizer so as to target the photosensitizer to choroidal neovasculature.

Abstract: Improved pharmacokinetic profiles for the iontophoretic delivery of sumatriptan are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to non-invasively deliver a therapeutic amount of energy to a treatment site to fragment particulate material. More specifically, an external power source is provided for transmitting energy non-invasively through the skin and body of a patient to a medical implant. The medical implant, including an energy focusing device, is surgically positioned at the treatment site. The energy focusing device is configured to receive the transmitted energy and directing therapeutic energy to the treatment site to fragment particulate material.