Abstract:
There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An in vitro system for identifying agents capable of inhibiting or preventing oxidative damage is provided. The disclosed in vitro system comprises a mouse fibroblast culture derived from a transgenic mouse capable of expressing a reporter gene regulated by a human elastin promoter and a chemical means for generating reactive oxygen species within the mouse fibroblast culture. Also disclosed is a method for using this in vitro system for identifying agents capable of inhibiting or preventing oxidative damage. The disclosed method comprises adding a test agent suspected of providing protection against oxidative damage to the mouse fibroblast culture, adding a chemical means for generation of reactive oxygen species to the culture, determining human elastin promoter activity in the culture exposed to the test agent after a selected time period, and comparing the determined human elastin promoter activity in the culture exposed to the test agent to the activity of the same promoter in a control fibroblast culture wherein a decrease in the determined human elastin promoter activity is indicative of the test agent inhibiting or preventing oxidative damage.
Abstract:
Methods of preventing photoaging and other types of sun damage by topically applying a composition containing a serine protease inhibitor or milk are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising serine protease inhibitors or milk for the prevention of photoaging and other types of sun damage are also provided.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a method of treating one or more skin conditions using pulsed, scanned, or continuously administered laser light in multiple wavelength ranges. The skin conditions that can be treated include vascular lesions and/or dermal remodeling by administering to the skin, energy having a wavelength ranging from 570-598 nanometers, and reducing or removing unwanted hair by administering to the skin energy having a wavelength ranging from 550-560 nanometers or from 598-1100 nanometers. The various energies are provided by the same laser and can be administered in any order or simultaneously.
Abstract:
Methods for preventing photoaging and other types of sun damage and promoting wound healing by topically applying a nitroxide containing compound are provided.
Abstract:
There are disclosed compounds for assisting triplet absorption in a laser, such as a pulsed-dye laser, the compounds comprising at least one molecule chosen from nitroxides and nitrones. In one embodiment, the disclosed compounds may be mixed with the dye of a dye laser in an amount sufficient to assist in triplet absorption. In one embodiment, the nitroxide compound comprises tempol[4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyloxy, free radical]. Also disclosed are methods of using the disclosed compounds to control the triplet absorption of a dye laser or improve the performance or life span of a gaseous or solid laser.
Abstract:
Methods of treating inflammatory skin diseases such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug eruptions, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune disorders, urticaria or hives, and inflammation associated with skin infections by topical or systemic administration of a nitroxide containing compound are provided.
Abstract:
A irradiation attachment for an optical fiber which provides an output of light that has a highly uniform intensity. The device includes a hollow spherical shell having a diffusive reflective surface or target supported therein. Light is directed into the hollow spherical shell so that it reflects off the diffusive reflective surface or target. The reflected light is internally reflected off the inner surface of the hollow spherical shell several times before passing through an output aperture. As a result of the internal reflection within the hollow spherical shell, the light leaving the device has a highly uniform intensity. The device is particularly useful for photodynamic therapy.
Abstract:
A method of optimizing photodynamic therapy in which retained concentrations of photosensitizers administered are measured on a real time basis by percutaneous measurements of fluorescence. A light weight hand held fluorometer is used to percutaneously measure fluorescence emitted by photosensitizers in a tissue situs that is subject to photodynamic therapy. The use of real time determinations of the concentration of photosensitizers allow optimization of illumination intensity and duration.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.