Abstract: A non-woven chopped fiber mat includes a mixture of glass fibers and synthetic fibers. The non-woven mat is formed using a binder composition that includes a binder resin, a coupling agent, and a corrosion inhibitor. The non-woven mat is non-corrosive and resistant to volatile unsaturated monomers such as styrene, but still remains fully compatible with solvent-containing polyester resins, such that it can be used in various pultruded products.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tissue products produced from adipose tissues, as well as methods for producing such tissue products. The tissue products can include acellular extracellular matrices. In addition, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for using such products.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include coatings comprising an oligomerized polyphenol layer. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can be used as an intermediate coated layer on a medical device that hydrogen bonds to a synthetic or natural polymer, which in turn can be used as a top coat or further associated with another coated layer. The multilayered coatings can provide properties such as hemocompatibility or lubricity. In other embodiments, the oligomerized polyphenol layer is used on a medical device as a hemostatic layer configured to contact blood and promote coagulation. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can also be used on the inner surface (e.g., inner diameter) of a medical device to prevent bacterial adherence. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can also be used on the surface of a in vitro diagnostic article, or a cell culture device to, promote adsorption of a biological molecule.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.

Abstract: A photocurable device injection system for creating in situ polymerization via light or free-radical to enable fractured bone fixation. The system comprises a photosensitive polymeric resin sensitive to light, temperature, oxygen, enzymes, or a combination thereof. The photosensitive polymeric resin may be configured to cure at room temperature or physiological temperature with a light source. The photosensitive polymeric resin may be configured to depolymerize with ultrasonication, sonication, or a combination thereof. The system further comprises an implantable 3-dimensional biocompatible pouch comprising an optical light guide. The system further comprises one or more micro-sized ultrasonication probes configured to contact a three-dimensional pouch by one or more openings. The one or more probes may be configured to enable polymer outflow.

Abstract: A treatment for obesity can include: providing a superabsorbent material that includes a porous network structure formed from a mixture of a plurality of water soluble polysaccharides that are not chemically crosslinked together; and administering the superabsorbent material to a subject in an effective amount to provide a treatment for obesity in the subject. The treatment can include at least one of: reducing weight of the subject; reducing rate of weight gain in the subject; or increasing rate of weight loss in the subject. The treatment of obesity can include at least one of: reducing caloric intake into the subject; reducing caloric absorption by the gut of the subject; absorbing caloric material from the gut of the subject into the superabsorbent material; or increasing transfer of caloric material from bloodstream into gut.

Abstract: Provided are a method for fabricating a highly elastic porous polymer membrane, a method for manufacturing a cell culture system using a porous polymer membrane fabricated by the fabrication method, and a cell culture system manufactured by the manufacturing method. The porous polymer membrane can be fabricated by spin coating a mixture solution containing a biodegradable elastomeric polymer and a water-soluble moisture absorbent in an optimum ratio while maintaining a high relative humidity. The porous polymer membrane has a uniform thickness and a uniform pore size and is highly elastic. In addition, the thickness and pore size of the porous polymer membrane can be controlled. The porous polymer membrane can induce active cell-cell interaction during cell co-culture due to its high porosity. The porous polymer membrane enables control over cell alignment or array due to its high biocompatibility and elasticity.

Abstract: Methods for reducing cholesterol in a subject can include: providing a superabsorbent material that includes a porous network structure formed from a mixture of a plurality of water soluble polysaccharides that are not chemically crosslinked together; and administering the superabsorbent material to a subject in an effective amount to reduce cholesterol in the subject. The reduction of cholesterol includes at least one of: reducing total cholesterol of the subject; reducing a rate of total cholesterol increase in the subject; or increasing a rate of total cholesterol decrease in the subject. The reduction of cholesterol includes at least one of: reducing cholesterol intake into the subject; reducing cholesterol absorption by the gut of the subject; or absorbing cholesterol material from the gut of the subject into the superabsorbent material. The reduction of cholesterol is by reduction of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol or high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to discogenic cell populations, methods of deriving, and methods of using them. The presently described discogenic cell populations may be used to restore or regenerate damaged, diseased, or missing intervertebral discs of a subject. The presently described discogenic cell populations can be derived from and administered or implanted into a subject, or may be derived from an unrelated donor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bioactive hydrogels derived from human blood plasma. More particularly, the disclosure relates to multifunctional materials for cell encapsulation, cell culture platforms, medical treatment apparatus and methods, more particularly, hydrogels derived from human blood components and technologies for use of such materials in research, biomedical treatment, biotech and pharmaceutical industry. The disclosure further relates to 3D printable scaffolds, sponges, foams, fibers, particles, capsules, membranes and injectable systems comprising said hydrogel. Additionally, this disclosure allows for the controlled placement of biologically active components that may be delivered by the hydrogel compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making wear and oxidation resistant polymeric materials by high temperature melting. The invention also provides methods of making medical implants containing cross-linked antioxidant-containing tough and ductile polymers and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: An embolic device for placement in a body lumen, includes: an elongated member having a linear configuration when in room temperature, the elongated member being configured to form a first three-dimensional structure in response to body temperature; wherein the elongated member comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, the second segment being located between the first segment and the third segment; wherein the first segment and the third segment are configured to change their respective shapes in response to the body temperature; and wherein the second segment that is located between the first segment and the third segment has a shape that is independent of the body temperature.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of means for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable material that supports tissue ingrowth that eventually replaces the material leaving little or no original material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for ligament augmentation strap assembly. The ligament augmentation strap assembly includes an ligament augmentation strap inserted through a hole previously drilled through two adjacent bones; and a safe-release bone fastener attached to end of the ligament augmentation strap and configured to collapse when a force greater than a threshold is applied from the ligament augmentation strap.

Abstract: A cerasome delivery system for targeting activated cd44 molecule, a preparation method and use thereof: a surface of a cerasome is partially modified by a targeting ligand, the targeting ligand being a ligand which may specifically bind to an activated cd44 molecule. The cerasome delivery system may be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of vulnerable plaque or diseases associated with vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: Thermally stable absorbable fiber populations, i.e. fiber populations that do not undergo thermally induced crystallization, can be intermixed to yield a stabilizing effect without altering morphological properties of a first fiber system. By addition of a stabilizing fiber population one may minimize thermally induced shrinkage and maintain physical properties of electrospun materials in the as-formed state. In one particular abstract, medical barrier materials may be formed from the electrospun materials to provide improved medical barriers for treatments.

Abstract: A folded expandable gastro-retentive device and its uses in human medical care include, inter alia, appetite suppression in a subject in need thereof. The expanded device can be included in kits.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for reducing virulence of microorganisms. In particular, the present invention provides HMGB1 and variants and mimetics thereof for use in reducing virulence of microorganisms (e.g., in disease).

Abstract: A method of using a self-adjusting stent assembly includes estimating body lumen diameter(s) associated with a portion of a body lumen in which a stent assembly will be placed; determining, based on the estimated diameter(s), target expanded stent diameter(s) of the stent assembly which is to be placed in the portion of the body lumen; selecting the stent assembly for stenting the portion of the body lumen, wherein the stent assembly is configured to: expand from an initial to expanded diameters within a range of expanded diameters; wherein the range of expanded diameters is from about 9 mm to about 5.5 mm; and wherein the target expanded stent diameter(s) is/are within the range of expanded diameters; and apply a chronic radial force to a wall that forms the portion of the lumen, wherein the radial force is less than about 0.33 N/mm; and implanting the stent assembly in the portion of the body lumen.

Abstract: Bio-Inks and methods of using compositions comprising the bio-Inks are disclosed. 3-D tissue repair and regeneration through precise and specific formation of biodegradable tissue scaffolds in a tissue site using the bio-inks are also provided. Specific methylacrylated gelatin hydrogels (MAC) and methacrylated chitosan (MACh) preparations formulated with sucrose, a silicate-containing component (such as laponite), and/or a cross-linking agent (such as a photo-initiator or chemical initiator), as well as powdered preparations of these, are also disclosed. Kits containing these preparations are provided for point-of-care tissue repair in vivo. Superior, more complete (up to 99.85% tissue regeneration within 4 weeks applied in situ), and rapid in situ tissue repair and bone formation are also demonstrated.

Abstract: A gastric vest system for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals. The gastric vest system may include a trapezoidal-shaped vest having a left edge, a right edge, an upper indentation, and a lower indentation, and the trapezoidal-shaped vest is configured to be wrapped around a stomach or a modified stomach of a mammal to cover a lesser curvature and a greater curvature of the stomach or the modified stomach.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a cell tissue, including a culturing step of culturing cells capable of serving as a feeder inside opening pores and communicating pores of a porous film having a plurality of the opening pores provided on a surface thereof and the communicating pores communicating mutually adjacent opening pores with one another; and a porous film including a plurality of opening pores provided on a surface thereof and communicating pores communicating mutually adjacent opening pores with one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inducing proliferation of and/or differentiating cells comprising contacting cells with compounds within the methods of the invention. The present invention further provides cells obtainable by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for ligation. The ligation apparatus or band provides topical active agent(s) that alleviate pain during various ligature procedures. This invention also relates to a method that includes applying a loop or band around a body part for elastomeric ligation, whereby the band material supplies a topical active agent (s) to the body part to reduce the pain of ligation.

Abstract: A universal low-profile intercranial assembly includes a mounting plate and a low profile intercranial device composed of a static cranial implant and an interdigitating functional neurosurgical implant. The low profile intercranial device is shaped and dimensioned for mounted to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A highly safe and inexpensive bone repair material that stably exhibits high antibacterial activity for a long time in a living body by supporting a large amount of an iodine ion and is excellent in apatite forming ability and preservability. The material includes a substrate made of titanium or titanium alloy and a titanate film on a surface of the substrate, the film composed of a large number of crystalline masses having a crystal structure and containing a calcium ion and an iodine ion, wherein the mass contains layers having a Ti—O skeleton and the calcium and the iodine ions adsorbed between the layers.

Abstract: Various pharmaceutical applications of low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) fragments include: treating tumors, conjunctival diseases, xerophthalmia, vitreous opacity, myofascitis, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, cerebral infaretion, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, periodontal diseases, herpes zoster, burns, pains, pruritus, acute pancreatitis, and postoperative abdominal mucosal adhesions, helping with body recovery after chemotherapy and facial cosmesis, reducing subcutaneous fat etc. Moreover, an injection containing the LMW-HA fragments and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. The injection is injected into the subcutaneous fat layer of the abdomen for facial cosmesis and anti-aging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition including a probiotic and a prebiotic for treatment of stunting in children. More particularly, the pharmaceutical composition includes at least one Lactobacillus specie(s) as a probiotic and at least one oligosaccharide as a prebiotic. The present invention further provides a method of treatment of stunting including administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition including a probiotic and a prebiotic to children in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating Major depressive disorder by orally administering to a subject a composition containing a Radix Polygalae (Polygala tenuifolia Willd) extract (PDC-1421). A solid dosage form of PDC-1421 can be prepared into the gelatin capsule. The oral administration of PDC-1421 in healthy volunteers was safe and well-tolerated for the daily dose from 380 mg to 3800 mg. The composition can be administered chronically over at least 25 days; the daily dose is administered once per day, twice per day, or three times per day, wherein each dose is 380-760 mg of the botanical extraction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tissue engineering, and more particularly to a method for treating or repairing rotator cuff or other tendon tears or damage using scaffold-free 3-dimensional engineered tendon constructs.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a labor assistance system comprising a perianal support member and grip. The perianal support member includes a contact surface, an inner surface opposing the contact surface, and a rigid compression element. The contact surface has a generally continuous compression surface apex extending from the contact surface in a first direction, oriented to extend from an anterior edge to a posterior edge along a midline axis in a sagittal plane of the patient without substantially interfering with the birthing canal of the patient. The grip is coupled to the inner surface between the anterior edge and the posterior edge of the support member. The present disclosure also describes an intrapartum pelvic floor support device that is applied to tissue in the perianal and/or anococcygeal regions of the patient during an intrapartum period to support the anococcygeal region tissues and at least a portion of the pelvic floor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pharmaceutical composition for combination therapy for preventing or treating cancer, which contains a first pharmaceutical ingredient containing a drug conjugate wherein an anticancer agent is bound at one end of an amphiphilic peptide represented by SEQ ID NO 1 and a poloxamer; and a second pharmaceutical ingredient containing an anti-PD-L1 antibody; as active ingredients. The pharmaceutical composition significantly inhibits cancer growth in in-vivo experiments and exhibits an effect of significantly enhancing immunotherapeutic effect by activating immune cells in cancerous tissues. In particular, the pharmaceutical composition for combination therapy according to the present disclosure has superior tumor accumulation efficiency and selectivity as compared to existing anticancer agents, and is very stable with little toxicity to normal tissues other than cancerous tissues.

Abstract: An injectable composite material for bone repair comprises a biological tissue material and bioceramics in order to serve as a three-dimensional scaffold for bone regeneration. The biological tissue material consists of microfibers having a naturally cross-linked structure without additional physical or chemical cross-linking, has superior biological compatibility, and can be slowly and completely degraded in vivo. The bioceramics in the composite material serves as a reinforcing phase. When combining the biological tissue material with the bioceramics, the composite material provides a template for bone tissue regeneration to effectively induce bone growth. The injectable composite material for bone repair can be used to fill bone defects, particularly critical-sized bone defects, and can be combined with a biological agent such as bone marrow to improve its biological activity.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a live cartilaginous material useful for implantation into a patient. A method of treating a patient comprising implanting a cartilaginous material prepared according to the provided method in an anatomical site in a patient also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for the repair of an inguinal hernia, which prosthesis (1) is intended to be implanted by a posterior or open laparoscopic route and comprises: an openworked textile (2) made of biocompatible material, comprising a first face (2a) intended to be placed facing the biological tissues of the inguinal region, and a second face (2b) arranged opposite said first face and intended to be placed facing the peritoneum, said first face being provided with fastening means that are able to fix said textile in said biological tissues of the inguinal region, characterized in that at least a part of said second face (2b) is covered with a non-porous coating (7) composed of a material that is hydrosoluble at 37° C. and non-hydrosoluble at 25° C. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a prosthesis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides tissue grafts, such as vascularized bone grafts, and methods for preparing and using such tissue grafts. In some embodiments the tissue grafts are made using pluripotent stem cells, such as autologous pluripotent stem cells. In some embodiments, the tissue grafts are made by creating a digital model of a tissue portion to be replaced or repaired, such as a bone defect, partitioning the model into two or more model segments, and then producing tissue graft segments having a size and shape corresponding to that of the model segments. Such tissue graft segments may be assembled to form a tissue graft having a size and shape corresponding to that of the tissue portion to be replaced or repaired.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a polyelectrolyte coating comprising at least one polycationic layer consisting of at least one polycation consisting of n repetitive units having the formula (1) and at least one polyanionic layer consisting of hyaluronic acid. The polyelectrolyte coating has a biocidal activity and the invention thus further refers to the use of said polyelectrolyte coating for producing a device, in particular a bacteriostatic medical device, more particularly an implantable device, comprising said polyelectrolyte coating, and a method for preparing said device and a kit.

Abstract: [Problem] An adhesion-preventing material having a high adhesion-preventing effect has been demanded. [Solution] An adhesion-preventing material including a sterilized biocompatible sponge-like laminate, wherein the sponge-like laminate comprises a sponge-like first layer and a sponge-like second layer each of which is at least partially crosslinked with a curing agent and comprises a low-endotoxin alginic acid monovalent metal salt, the alginic acid monovalent metal salt in the first layer has a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 2,000,000, the alginic acid monovalent metal salt in the second layer has a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 1,000,000, the weight average molecular weights are measured by a GPC-MALS method after a decrosslinking treatment, and the weight average molecular weight of the alginic acid monovalent metal salt in the first layer is higher than that in the second layer.

Abstract: Provided is an implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth. The implant comprises an oxysterol uniformly disposed in an acellular tissue matrix (ATM). The acellular tissue matrix can be porcine collagen, which in some cases is crosslinked. The implant can contain an acellular porcine crosslinked collagen in an amount of about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. % of the implant and an oxysterol in an amount of about 5 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the implant. The oxysterol can be Oxy133 monohydrate or an Oxy133 polymorph. Methods of making and using the implant are further provided.

Abstract: Particles made of a viscoelastic medium, are injectable gel particles, and have a size, when subjected to a physiological salt solution, in the range of from 1 to 5 mm. The particles are useful in a soft tissue augmentation implant. The implant includes particles of a viscoelastic medium, wherein a major volume of the particles are injectable gel particles The implant is useful in a method of soft tissue augmentation in a mammal, including man, comprising subepidermal administration at a site in said mammal where soft tissue augmentation is desirable, of an implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of treating hemolytic diseases such as sickle cell anemia using kinase inhibitors, for example, compounds that inhibit the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK). In some embodiments a method is presented to prevent thrombosis in blood vessels of patients with a hemolytic disease comprising the step of: administrating to a patient having at least one hemolytic disease a therapeutically effective amount of at least one SYK inhibitor. In some embodiments the method includes repeatedly administering the SYK kinase inhibitor to a patient.

Abstract: Provided herein injectable implant compositions useful for acceleration of bone fracture healing, treatment of dental or oral pathologies, and controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: Ketamine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are disclosed. When administered orally the ketamine derivatives provide increased bioavailability of ketamine in the systemic circulation. The ketamine derivatives can be used to treat neurological diseases, psychological diseases and pain.

Abstract: A cell culture matrix is provided that has a substrate with a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a thickness separating the first side and the second side, and a plurality of openings formed in the substrate and passing through the thickness of the substrate. The plurality of openings allow flow of at least one of cell culture media, cells, or cell products through the thickness of the substrate, and provides a uniform, efficient, and scalable matrix for cell seeding, proliferation, and culturing. The substrate can be formed from a woven polymer mesh material that provides a high surface area to volume ratio for cells and good fluid flow through the matrix. Bioreactor systems incorporating the cell culture matrix and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A composition including, (a) a mineral particle, (b) endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells, and (3) hyaluronic acid, is provided. Moreover, a kit which includes: a syringe, a mineral particle covered with endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells organized in 2 or more cell layers attached to the mineral particle, and hyaluronic acid, is also provided. Last, a method for filling a gap in a bone of a subject in need thereof, including contacting the gap with a composition of: (a) a mineral particle, (b) endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells, and (3) hyaluronic acid is provided.

Abstract: Implantable bone compositions are provided. The implantable compositions comprise hydratable bone putties. The hydratable bone putties comprise porous ceramic granules having an average diameter from about 50 ?m to 800 ?m. The porous ceramic granules comprise hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate. The implantable bone compositions further include collagen carriers. In some embodiments, the hydratable bone putty can be hydrated to form a non-settable flowable cohesive cement or gel. Methods of making and using the implantable compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression of a medical condition related to ischemia/reperfusion in a subject using GJA1-20k as a therapeutic agent. The invention further provides a method of protecting a cell from metabolic stress, using GJA1-20k. The invention also provides for a composition and/or gene expression vector comprising GJA1-20k.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating obesity comprises a volume filling device formed by at least two segments and is provided and following implantation, the device is placed resting against the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patient's appetite.

Abstract: Methods to fabricate objects by 3D printing of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof have been developed. In one method, these objects are produced by continuous fused filament fabrication using an apparatus and conditions that overcome the problems of poor feeding of the filament resulting from the low softening temperature of the filament and heat creep along the fed filament. Methods using an apparatus including a heat sink, a melt tube, a heating block and nozzle, and a transition zone between the heat sink and heating block, with the melt tube extending through the heat sink, transition zone, and heat block to the nozzle are disclosed. 3D objects are also printed by fused pellet deposition (FPD), melt extrusion deposition (MED), selective laser melting (SLM), printing of slurries and solutions using a coagulation bath, and printing using a binding solution and polymer granules.

Abstract: Glaucoma treatment devices are disclosed. In various example, the glaucoma treatment devices include multiple microporous layers arranged together to form a microporous body configured to help facilitate evacuation of fluid from a fluid-filled body cavity, and reabsorption of the evacuated aqueous humor by the body through tissue surrounding the glaucoma treatment device. In some examples, the glaucoma treatment device includes one or more portions configured to resist cellular ingrowth, and one or more portions configured to permit cellular ingrowth.