Abstract: An optical biological information detecting apparatus includes a light emitting unit which emits observation light of a specific wavelength band to optically observe a desired portion of a tissue of a skin of a human body, and an annular light guide unit which guides the observation light to a desired area of a surface of the skin corresponding to the desired portion of the tissue of the skin, and which annularly irradiates the observation light onto the desired area of the surface of the skin. The apparatus further includes a light receiving unit which is disposed at a position surrounded by the annular light guide unit, and which receives scattered light scattered by the desired portion of the tissue of the skin after the observation light is annularly irradiated onto the desired area of the surface of the skin by the annular light guide unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating an eye select locations for making incisions in areas of the cornea according to astigmatic keratotomy or radial keratotomy, make incisions in the selected areas of the cornea, apply a cross-linking agent to the selected areas of the cornea, and deliver photoactivating light from a light source to the selected areas of the cornea to initiate cross-linking activity in the selected areas of the cornea.

Abstract: Electroporation devices are provided which include a forceps-type member carrying first and second electrodes and a grip member carrying a third electrode. The third electrode is independently movable with respect to the first and second electrodes in order to vary the spatial configuration of the electrical field generated by the device and thus enable an improved range of action and efficacy. Methods for carrying out electroporation with such devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for iontophoretic delivery of a drug to on into a tissue, comprising an arrangement that prevents operation of the device at a current density that is higher than a predetermined value, the arrangement including first means responsive to a first data item, indicative of the surface area through which the current is to pass, as to set the maximal current allowed at the surface area indicated by the data item. The present invention also provides a method for iontophorectivally administering drug to or into a tissue, comprising determination of a maximal allowed level of current density and preventing application of current density above the maximal allowed level.

Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for urine voiding postponement, and methods for treating conditions such as central diabetes insipidus, enuresis, nocturia, urinary frequency or incontinence. The devices deliver a desmopressin flux through the skin of a patient in a low dose amount just necessary to achieve a desired anti-diuretic effect without undesirable side effects such as hyponatremia. The devices are designed to permit a state of normal urinary production to return quickly after the desmopressin flux is terminated.

Abstract: DNA dendrimers for targeted delivery of radiation absorbing nanoparticles and thermal ablation of cells and tissues are provided. Also provided are methods of making and methods of using the DNA dendrimers.

Abstract: A stimulating medical device comprising a stimulating assembly implantable proximate to nerve cells of a recipient having at least one agent delivery port and a plurality of electrical contacts; an electrical stimulation controller configured to generate electrical stimulation signals for application to a first population of the nerve cells via one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts; a pharmaceutical agent source configured to provide a pharmaceutical agent to the at least one delivery port for application to a second population of the nerve cells; and a pharmaceutical agent controller configured to control one or more of the pharmaceutical agent source and the at least one delivery port to cause selective application of the pharmaceutical agent to the second population of nerve cells.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization and enhance function of such cells. The cells include retinal and other excitable cells.

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: The aim of the invention is to provide a device for administering light to the skin, that is cost-effective, reliable, powerful, homogeneous, compact, sufficiently flexible that it stays in contact with the skin of the user, and safe, in that it does not present any risk in the event of excessive or inappropriate use by the user. To this end, the invention relates to an illuminated fabric having a transverse weft direction and a longitudinal warp direction, said fabric comprising, along its length, a plurality of groups of eight consecutive optical fibres interwoven with the textile fibres, each group being transversely woven according to a mixture of Satin 4 weaves, Satin 6 weaves, optionally with floats, and Satin 8 weaves.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating onychomycosis by applying a phototherapeutic agent to a nail structure, waiting for a period of at least three days, and exposing the nail to light that causes an activation reaction. The phototherapeutic agent may be amino levulinic acid, alkylated derivatives of ALA, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Abstract: Disclosed are a patch, system, and method for delivery of a permeant composition into a subject via at least one formed pathway through a biological membrane of the subject. The patch comprises a matrix, at least one hydrophilic permeant disposed within the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the permeant can dissolve in biological moisture received from the subject, and at least one permeability enhancer disposed within the matrix. Also disclosed are systems and methods for delivery of a permeant composition into a subject via at least one formed pathway through a skin layer of the subject.

Abstract: It is an object of the present inventions to produce a pharmaceutical composition for the iontophoresis wherein a drug stability is excellent, and it is easy to blend and fill up when manufactured and it is possible to manufacture at low cost. A pharmaceutical composition for an iontophoresis according to the present invention, is characterized in that the composition contains a nonionic synthetic polymer, betamethasone sodium phosphate and solvent. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of a pharmaceutical composition for an iontophoresis according to the present invention, the composition is characterized in that the nonionic synthetic polymer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of a pharmaceutical composition for an iontophoresis according to the present invention, the composition is characterized in that the mixing amount of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is 0.5 to 30.0 percent by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are formulations of dexamethasone or a prodrug thereof suitable for delivery by ocular iontophoresis and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cosmetic treatment of non-acneic oily skin, comprising the step consisting in: exposing said non-acneic oily skin to a first quasi-monochromatic light of artificial origin having a dominant wavelength peak between 300 and 700 nm, better still between 400 and 650 nm, even better still between 560 and 620 nm.

Abstract: An electronic assembly for iontophoresis transdermal delivery of at least one drug includes an input mechanism configured to receive at least one parameter for iontophoresis transdermal delivery of the at least one drug. The electronic assembly further includes a controller configured to select current intensity and a voltage modulation based on the at least one parameter. The controller is further configured to generate a voltage waveform based on the selected current intensity for a drug delivery period.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of addictive cravings e.g., from nicotine. An embodiment of a method for such delivery comprises positioning at least one electrode assembly in electrical communication with a patient's skin. The assembly includes a solution comprising a therapeutic agent which passively diffuses into skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract agent is used to retain agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. In particular embodiments, a dose of agent may be delivered on-demand using an input from the patient using an inhalation sensing device which mimics an inhaled form of tobacco.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device (10) for the treatment of corneal diseases such as keratocanus and glaucoma, comprises a moulding head (12), a suction body (14) and a UV lamp (15). The moulding head (12) has a hollow cylindrical configuration and includes a rigid moulding lens (18) for shaping the cornea of an eye (11) of a patient. The lens is curved and defines a plurality of apertures therein. The suction body (14) has a hollow cylindrical configuration. The lamp (15) is fitted to the suction body. Moulding head (12) and suction body (14) together define a chamber (32) from which air is evacuated so as to induce a partial vacuum within the chamber (32) for attracting the cornea onto the lens (18). A photo-sensitizer is applied to the eye and while the cornea is held against the mould, it is irradiated with UV light by lamp (15) so as to cross-link collagen fibres in the cornea.

Abstract: Systems and methods are providing for treating a patient with continuous low irradiance photodynamic therapy. A disclosed method includes applying a photosensitizer to the patient; applying a conformable skin facing light applicator to the patient; and providing continuous low irradiance photodynamic therapy through the light applicator. A disclosed system includes a light applicator having a fiber optic cloth. The light applicator is conformable so that it can be worn against a patient's skin and the fiber optic cloth has a two dimensional surface that emits light in a direction toward a patient's skin. In this aspect, the power of the light emitted from the two dimensional surface in a direction toward a patient's skin is less than or equal to about 5 mW/cm2.

Abstract: An electrode for an iontophoretic drug delivery system includes a retainer having a malleable characteristic. The retainer and a conductor are connected to a platform. The conductor and a dose controller are electrically coupled to the iontophoretic drug delivery system. A drug delivery matrix is operably connected to the platform and proximate the conductor wherein the conductor, the drug delivery matrix, and the dose controller cooperate to deliver a drug to a user when the electrode is affixed to the user and operably connected to the iontophoretic drug delivery system.

Abstract: Apparatus, method, computing devices, and computer programs related to photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy, methods of use thereof, and a method for detecting abnormal tissue, are provided.

Abstract: Solubilizing compositions are provided. The compositions comprise at least one zwitterionic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant. In one embodiment, the compositions may be useful for solubilizing and remodeling and/or removing tissue on or beneath a patient's skin, optionally in conjunction with the application of energy to a region of interest on the skin. In one embodiment, at least one analyte may be collected and analyzed from the solubilized tissue.

Abstract: A transdermal permeant delivery system for delivery of at least one permeant composition into a tissue membrane of a subject including a disposable substrate having at least a portion of a bottom surface of a first release liner connected to an upper surface of the substrate and a patch having a backing layer and a reservoir that is selectively removable from the top surface of the first release liner. In a connected position, a first portion of the backing layer of the patch is releaseably mounted to a top surface of the first release liner in spaced registration with a poration area of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of photodynamic therapy to treat diseased cells in an animal is generally provided. According to the method, 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-6-[3?-(R,S)amino-4?-hydroxy-butan-1-one]-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one or an analog thereof is administered to the animal such that the 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-6-[3?-(R,S)amino-4?-hydroxy-butan-1-one]-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one or an analog thereof accumulates in the diseased cells. Then, the diseased cells containing 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-6-[3?-(R,S)amino-4?-hydroxy-butan-1-one]-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one or an analog thereof is exposed to light energy (e.g., ultraviolet light).

Abstract: A method may include placing a first device on a first side of a skin portion of a subject and transferring a material through the skin portion of the subject from the first device to a subdermal second device disposed on a second side of the skin portion of the subject.

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: The invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating skin disorders related to Propionibacterium acnes, comprising a step consisting in applying, to acneic skin, a dermatological composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one anionic surfactant in an amount ranging from 0.001% to 0.05% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and a step consisting in applying, to the treated skin, light radiation having a wavelength of between 360 and 450 nm, for at least 3 minutes.

Abstract: Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O2 into singlet oxygen which causes cross-linking within the corneal tissue. The rate of cross-linking in the cornea is related to the concentration of O2 present when the cross-linking agent is irradiated with photoactivating light. Accordingly, the embodiments control the concentration of O2 during irradiation to increase or decrease the rate of cross-linking and achieve a desired amount of cross-linking.

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: There is provided wound healing composition which comprises at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of actuating 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: Hydrophobic weak base compounds such as hydrophobic weak base chemotherapeutic agents (which are not an anthracycline) for use in the treatment of medical conditions such as proliferative disease or disorder in a subject, in combination with illumination of a region in a body of the subject which is characterized by the presence of proliferating cells, are disclosed. The hydrophobic weak base compound and a wavelength of illumination are selected such that the hydrophobic weak base compound acts as a therapeutically effective photosensitizer when exposed to the illumination.

Abstract: Provided are nanoparticles and formulations which are useful for cosmetic, diagnostic and therapeutic applications to mammals such as humans.

Abstract: Provided are nanoparticles and formulations which are useful for cosmetic, diagnostic and therapeutic applications to mammals such as humans.

Abstract: Devices and methods for therapeutic photodynamic modulation of neural function in a human. One embodiment of a method in accordance with the technology includes administering a photosensitizer to a human, wherein the photosensitizer preferentially accumulates at nerves proximate a blood vessel compared to non-neural tissue of the blood vessel. The method can further include irradiating the photosensitizer using a radiation emitter positioned within the human, wherein the radiation has a wavelength that causes the photosensitizer to react and alter at least a portion of the nerves thereby providing a therapeutic reduction in sympathetic neural activity. Several embodiments of the technology are useful for disrupting renal nerves, such as renal denervation, for treating hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and other indications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high frequency aesthetic device including: a high frequency transmitting part adapted to transmit the high frequency generated from an external high frequency generating source; and an aesthetic medicine injecting part adapted to apply the high frequency to a patient's skin and inject an aesthetic medicine into the skin, wherein the high frequency transmitting part and the aesthetic medicine injecting part are mechanically separable from each other. The aesthetic medicine injecting part and the high frequency transmitting part are separable from each other, thereby providing the convenience in use during the surgery, and the degree of insertion of the needle is checkable quantitatively, thereby conducting the surgery in more accurate manner. Additionally, the high frequency aesthetic device is capable of minimizing the damage of the blood vessels during the tunneling through the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled healing of ocular erosions is described. The apparatus comprising; an optical surface comprising an energizable controller capable of being programmed to transmit energy from an energy source onto/into an ocular surface, through the use of a current generator in electrical connection with energy emitting contacts capable of transmitting an electric field. The controller, current generator and energy emitting contacts are biocompatible or encapsulated by a conductive biocompatible layer to allow positioning of said apparatus in an ocular surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable light pen dispensing device comprising: a housing, an electronics module located in said housing and comprising a light source capable of irradiating skin and stimulating regeneration of the skin to treat skin disorders, a battery for powering the electronics module, wherein the light source comprises one or more LEDs, wherein the electronics module comprises drive means arranged to control the operation of the light source to emit light in a mixed driving mode so as to limit the temperature of the LED while ensuring a sufficient fluency allowing for the skin to be treated.

Abstract: Chronic sinusitis is treated by the application of cold plasma or plasma-activated species to the infected mucosal surfaces through use of an endoscope having a steerable end which may be projected into the sinus cavities through the nasal cavity. The cold plasma is generated at either the distal end of the endoscope with a power source by application of a power, or at the distal end by gas and electrical connections extending through the endoscope. The cold plasma or plasma-activated species act to destroy bacterial cells but not eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus capable of charging ion on a face contacting portion is provided. The massaging apparatus capable of iontophoresis has an effect to make isometrics permeated deeply through skin by charging ion on the face contacting portion. Further, the massaging apparatus capable of iontophoresis has another effect to prevent cosmetics from deterioration in advance by providing the airless pump container for blocking inflow of air. Further, the massaging apparatus capable of iontophoresis has still another effect to increase credibility by including the self-awareness portion for making user aware whether ion is charged on the face contacting portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject are provided. In one aspect, an ocular device for delivering an active agent through a cornea of an eye of a subject can include a housing configured to couple to the eye of the subject and a corneal seal coupled to the housing and positioned in the housing to encircle the cornea during use to form a corneal region. The device can also include an active agent reservoir coupled to the housing and positioned to release active agent into the corneal region, and a pressure regulator coupled to the housing and operable to introduce negative pressure between the housing and the eye. The corneal seal is operable to fluidically isolate the corneal region from the sclera in response to the negative pressure, thus minimizing contact of the active agent with the sclera.

Abstract: A device and methods for increasing the permeability of the skin's surface to fluid and/or drug delivery is described. The device comprises an abrasive media to remove the outer layer of the stratum corneum, while at the same time applying an electric current that stimulates the skin under the stratum corneum, and delivers fluids from a supply reservoir. The device may also have a vacuum function which evacuates fluid and skin debris from the surface of the skin and delivers the evacuated fluid and skin debris to a waste (or collection) container.

Abstract: A polymeric hydrogel composition is described for the delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent when an electrical stimulus is applied to the composition. The composition comprises a polymer which forms the hydrogel, such as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with diethyl acetamidomalonate (DAA), an electroactive polymer such as polyaniline and a pharmaceutically active agent such as an analgesic, and in particular, indomethacin. The composition can be subcutaneously implanted at a targeted site and under normal conditions, the active agent will be entrapped in the hydrogel itself. However, upon the application of an electric current to the hydrogel, the active agent will be released. When the electric current is removed, the change is reversed and the active agent will cease to be released. In one embodiment of the invention, the hydrogel composition is for use in alleviating chronic pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a L-nucleic acid as intracellularly active agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anticancer prodrug consisting of peptide of acetyl-SEQ ID NO: 1-linker-anticancer drug. The anticancer prodrug effectively provides an anticancer drug unstable in acid or base, such as doxorubicin, in a form of prodrug. Thus, the anticancer prodrug exists as a non-toxic inactive form when administered into the body, but effectively releases the anticancer drug as an active ingredient in the target area in the presence of caspase activated by radiation or UV treatment after administered into the body. Accordingly, the anticancer drug exhibits selective anticancer effects on cancer cells, thereby maximizing the therapeutic effect and minimizing the side-effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: A stimulating needle and catheter system, including components, is provided such that the position of the stimulating needle or the stimulating catheter may be identified after insertion into the body of a patient by electrically stimulating and thus locating a specific nerve. Use of the needle and catheter system is eased by providing the system to the medical practitioner in a unitary structure. That is, the needle and catheter are connected by a catheter lock. The catheter lock is attached to the hub of the needle and can be actuated to either firmly grip the catheter or allow the catheter to move axially with respect to the lock and needle assembly. Thus, supplying the catheter to the practitioner already locked into the catheter lock allows the practitioner to insert the needle into the patient and, when ready, release the catheter for disposal through the needle into the patient. This and other disclosed features allow the medical practitioner to focus attention on the medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides an ocular iontophoresis device for delivering medication, the device comprising a medication reservoir suitable for being positioned on the eye, at least one medication in solution in the reservoir, an active electrode disposed in the reservoir, and a passive electrode, the device including at least one medication dissolved in non-saline water, the said solution having a lying in the range 6.5 to 8.5, the medication having a pKa lying in the range about 5.5 to about 9.5 and includes an active principle which is associated with an additive, such as a dendrimer, a polymer, a nanoparticle, a microsphere, a liposome, or an emulsion, and having an ionic form of valency greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for effectively delivering an anticancer drug into cancer cells by binding the anticancer drug to pH-sensitive metal nanoparticles so as to be separated from cancer cells. The pH-sensitive metal nanoparticles according to the present invention may be heated by photothermal therapy, thereby effectively killing cancer cells in conjunction with the isolated anticancer drug.

Abstract: A method of treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea or papulopustular rosacea in a subject comprises exposing the subject's skin in need thereof to narrow-band infrared radiation in an effective dose to treat erythematotelangiectatic rosacea or papulopustular rosacea and essentially not to cause photothermolysis of the skin.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating skin for aesthetic, functional, health or other purposes are described. According to various embodiments, materials are delivered to or formed in or on the skin at multiple depths or heights in a pattern to form a hologram in or on the skin.