Abstract: Injectable bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of promoting hair growth or preventing hair loss in a mammal. In one aspect, the method includes administering interdermally or subcutaneously an agent containing an active ingredient comprising bFGF and a pharmaceutically acceptable substance, wherein bFGF is administered in a dose of 1 ?g to 100 ?g per 1 cm2 of the target area of hair growth treatment or hair loss prevention and a composition for use in the method.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing neointima stenosis are disclosed. The methods generally involve the use of a TGF? inhibitor, a SMAD2 inhibitor, an FGF Receptor agonist, a Let-7 agonist, or a combination thereof, to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) of vascular endothelial cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC) at sites of endothelial damage. The disclosed methods can therefore be used to prevent or inhibit neointimal stenosis or restenosis, e.g., after angioplasty, vascular graft, or stent. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts using a composition that inhibits Endo-MT. A cell-free tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions, implantation devices and methods for stimulating an immune response to infection are discussed. In some examples, the compositions, implantation devices or methods of regulating the amplification of an adaptive immune response to infection involves use of one or more particles locally at a surgical or implant site to control bacterial infections without detrimental systemic side-effects. In some examples, the particles can be coated or layered onto the surface of an implantable device or material. In other examples, the particles can be injected into the site of implantation.

Abstract: Methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye are described, comprising: implanting into the vitreous of the eye of an individual a bioerodible implant comprising a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and a bioerodible polymer, wherein the implant delivers the agent to the vitreous in an amount sufficient to reach a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.05 ?g/ml dexamethasone within about 48 hours and maintains a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.03 ?g/ml dexamethasone for at least about three weeks.

Abstract: A bioscaffolding can be formed within a post-myocardial infarct region sufficient to cause attenuation of a rate of myocardial infarct expansion. A bioscaffolding may further be formed in the post-myocardial infarct region to cause an increase in posterior left ventricular wall thickness. The gel or bioscaffolding can be formed from a mixture of gel components of different gelation systems. For example, a bioscaffolding can be formed by mixing at least two different components of at least two different two-component gelation systems to form a first mixture and by mixing at least two different components (other than the components that make up the first mixture) of the at least two different two-component gelation systems to form a second mixture.

Abstract: Effective treatments of acute pain for extended periods of time are provided. The treatments include the administration of one or more drug depots at or near a target site wherein the drug depots include an effective amount of clonidine formulated within a polyorthoester. By administration of one or more drug depots at or near the target site, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discongenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least twenty-five days, at least fifty days, at least one hundred days or at least one hundred and thirty-five days.

Abstract: The present invention is related to scoring or cutting balloon catheters carrying at least on a portion of their surface at least one drug or drug preparation and at least one lipophilic antioxidant at a ratio of 3-100% by weight of the at least one lipophilic antioxidant in relation to 100% by weight of the drug, wherein a combination of the at least one drug being a limus drug and the at least one lipophilic antioxidant being butylated hydroxytoluene is excluded.

Abstract: A method includes administering a cosmetically or dermopharmaceutically effective quantity of exopolysaccharide of a bacterial strain isolated from Pseudoalteromonas sp. with deposit number CNCM I-4150 to at least one of skin, mucous membranes, hair and nails for the treatment and/or care of the skin, mucous membranes, hair and/or nails, and cosmetic and/or dermopharmaceutical compositions including the exopolysaccharide. In particular, the method and composition are suited to treatment of the aging of skin and for the treatment and/or care of disorders, conditions and/or diseases which are a result of a lack or decrease in hydration.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a magnetic ECM are disclosed. The ECM comprises positively and negatively charged nanoparticles, wherein one of said nanoparticles contains a magnetically responsive element. When the magnetic ECM is seeded with cells, the cells will be magnetized and can be levitated for 3-D cell culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to implant materials that are based on hydraulic cements in the form of one or more pastes, suspensions or dispersions that contain mineral and/or organic and/or organomineral solids and that react, when combined or when reacted with an aqueous liquid, to a solid in a cement-type initiation reaction. The invention also relates to the use of these materials as technical, medical-technical and/or pharmaceutical products, especially as bone cements, bone replacement materials, bone glues, dental filling materials and implantable active ingredient carriers.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a controlled release oral dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a drug susceptible to abuse together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; the dosage form further including a gelling agent in an effective amount to impart a viscosity unsuitable for administration selected from the group consisting of parenteral and nasal administration to a solubilized mixture formed when the dosage form is crushed and mixed with from about 0.5 to about 10 ml of an aqueous liquid; the dosage form providing a therapeutic effect for at least about 12 hours when orally administered to a human patient.

Abstract: Biologically active extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus L. and compositions comprising the extract are described. The invention also provides therapeutic uses of the extract and compositions, in particular for promoting healing of bone and cartilage injuries, and the promotion of bone and cartilage formation.

Abstract: A bioremodelable encasement structure comprising a pouch formed from at least one sheet of bioremodelable material, the pouch including an internal region that is configured to receive a device therein, the bioremodelable material comprising mesothelial tissue.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bone regeneration material suitable for bone (in particular, alveolar bone) regeneration. The present invention provides a non-woven fabric containing a bone prosthetic material wherein the bone prosthetic material is included between biocompatible fibers that constitute the non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric may be suitably used as a bone regeneration material (in particular, a dental bone regeneration material).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to protect a medical device from scarring a body after implanting the device in the body by creating a bonding matrix on a surface of the device; exposing the surface to hyaluronic acid (HA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG); cross linking the HA or PEG; and preventing capsular contracture after implanting the device in the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include lubricious medical device coatings. In an embodiment the invention includes a coating for a medical device including a first layer comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatized with a photoreactive group; and a first cross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactive groups; a second layer disposed on the first layer comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatized with a photoreactive group; a second cross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactive groups; and a polymer comprising polyacrylamide, the polymer derivatized with at least one photoreactive group. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for protection of tissues subject to ischemic and/or reperfusion damage is provided. The method includes administering to the tissue a composition comprising nanodevices. The nanodevices can take the form of, for example, polymeric nanoparticles or lipidic nanoparticles. The nanodevices also find use in methods for reducing ischemic injury in tissue at risk of such injury, such as heart and brain tissue.

Abstract: An expandable member that is configured to engage an interior region of a prosthetic valve and capable of transitioning from a pre-deployment configuration at a pre-deployment temperature, where the expandable member is capable of being positioned in the valve at an interior valve region when the valve is disposed in a cardiovascular structure, to a post-deployment configuration when the expandable member is subjected to cardiovascular tissue temperature, where an outer surface region of the valve proximate the interior valve region is placed in intimate contact with host cardiovascular tissue of the cardiovascular structure at a first position and seals perivalvular leaks present at the first cardiovascular structure position.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and at least two pharmaceutical agents on a substrate, comprising the following steps: providing a stent framework; depositing on said stent framework a first layer comprising a first pharmaceutical agent; depositing a second layer comprising a second pharmaceutical agent; Wherein said first and second pharmaceutical agents are selected from two different classes of pharmaceutical agents.

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: Embodiments of the present technology include a graft for administration at a treatment site of a patient. The graft may include a human cadaveric bone material bonded together with a polymeric binder. The human cadaveric bone material may include demineralized bone particles. The demineralized bone particles may have an average diameter less than 1.1 mm, less than 750 ?m, less than 500 ?m, or less than 250 ?m. The human cadaveric bone material may include non-demineralized bone, cancellous bone, and/or cortical bone in embodiments. In some embodiments, bone from animals other than humans may be used, and the patient may be an animal other than a human.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable injectable composition for bone augmentation comprising fibrin, a contrast agent and calcium salt-containing particles, as well as a method for bone augmentation in a patient suffering from a bone disorder comprising injecting said composition into a non-mineralized or hollow portion of said bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hemocompatible material comprising a synthetic substrate and animal biological tissue, according to which said animal biological tissue is dehydrated and adhered to said synthetic substrate by means of a dispersion of the material forming said synthetic substrate. According to the invention, the animal biological tissue is only dehydrated chemically by immersing said animal biological tissue in a bath consisting of a solution containing at least 80 wt % of polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: Pre-polymers for use as tissue sealants and adhesives, and methods of making and using thereof are provided. The pre-polymers have flow characteristics such that they can be applied through a syringe or catheter but are sufficiently viscous to remain in place at the site of application and not run off the tissue. The pre-polymers are also sufficiently hydrophobic to resist washout by bodily fluids. The pre-polymers are stable in bodily fluids; that is the pre-polymer does not spontaneously crosslink in bodily fluids absent the presence of an intentionally applied stimulus to initiate crosslinking. Upon crosslinking, the adhesive exhibits significant adhesive strength in the presence of blood and other bodily fluids. The adhesive is sufficiently elastic that it is able to resist movement of the underlying tissue. The adhesive can provide a hemostatic seal. The adhesive is biodegradable and biocompatible, causing minimal inflammatory response.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hemostatic or tissue sealing material having (a) a peptide having a sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid analog sequence thereof, and (b) a scaffold for said peptide or amino acid analogue sequence. The scaffold is preferably hemostatic, such as a natural or genetically engineered absorbable polymer, a synthetic absorbable polymer, or combinations thereof. The natural or genetically engineered absorbable polymers can be selected from the group consisting of a protein, a polysaccharide, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) within a matrix provided. By adding calcium and/or phosphate ions to the matrix, one may foster greater bone regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to GDF-5 related proteins having an improved capability of inducing cartilage formation and a reduced capability of inducing bone formation. The novel proteins are particularly useful in the treatment of cartilage defects, wherein the formation of bone tissue is undesirable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are medical products with a layer of dehydrated modified basement membrane preparation formed thereon. The basement membrane has been modified before dehydration of remove low molecular weight components. Methods of making and using the products also are disclosed.

Abstract: A molding composition formulation is provided of a thermoset cross-linkable polyol having unsaturated backbone comprising the structure defined by formula 1: (1) a reinforcing filler; and optionally, a flame retardant, a UV stabilizer or a composition comprising one of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to quality control methods using inorganic binding peptides, wherein inorganic entities are identified using inorganic-binding peptides specifically binding to the inorganic entity of interest. In particular, the invention includes a method for the identification of defects or inhomogeneities on a surface by detecting an inorganic entity of interest. It further includes a method for the isolation of powder particles comprising an inorganic entity of interest from a mixture of powder particles. In addition, the present invention relates to inorganic-binding peptides comprising the amino acid sequence MTWDPSLASPRS (SEQ ID NO: 31) and the amino acid sequence LNAAVPFTMAGS (SEQ ID NO: 32), respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides gradient porous scaffolds for bone regeneration and osteochondral defect repair, methods for making such gradient porous scaffolds, and methods for using the gradient porous scaffolds.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one microbe-promoting agent associated with at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface, the at least one microbe-promoting agent configured to promote attraction, colonization, and growth of at least one type of commensal microbe, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.

Abstract: A multi-sheet extracellular matrix (ECM) structure for tissue regeneration, the ECM structure having joined first and second ECM sheet members and an agent dispersal network disposed between the sheets, the dispersal network being configured to receive and transfer a bioactive agent through the network and, when the ECM structure is attached to tissue, administer the bioactive agent to the tissue.

Abstract: Bioimplants and methods of making the bioimplants are provided. The bioimplants comprise biological tissues having conjugated thereto adjunct molecules. The biological tissues are sterilized with a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a water soluble carbodiimide. The processes of making the bioimplants include a process in which an adjunct molecule is conjugated to a biological tissue during the sterilization process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel are provided that include introducing a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material into the puncture. The plug may include at least one of first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter can provide a nanotube-reinforced polymer composite material comprising a plurality of nanotubes, each nanotube being formed of a plurality of cyclic peptide molecules, disposed within a polymer matrix, such as a biodegradable polymer matrix. A cyclic polymer, such as a cyclic 8-mer, composed of amino acid residues of alternating absolute configurations (D/L, R/S), can self-assemble into nanotubes useful for preparation of the composite polymer material of the invention. For example, the cyclic peptide (QL)4, wherein the glutamine and leucine residues are of opposite absolute configuration, self-assembles into nanotubes, which when formed into a reinforced polymer composite including poly(caprolactone), provides a biocompatible material of greater tensile strength and Young's modulus compared to the poly(caprolactone) material alone. The nanotubes can be prepared by a vapor equilibration technique or by a solvent-nonsolvent precipitation technique.

Abstract: Methods for treating sepsis are provided and include the administration an effective amount of cerium oxide nanoparticles to a subject in need thereof. The sepsis being treated can include polymicrobial sepsis and can include the administration of about 0.1 mg/kg to about 1.0 mg/kg of the cerium oxide nanoparticles. The administration of the cerium oxide nanoparticles further allows one or more of the symptoms of sepsis to be treated. Methods of treating an inflammatory disorder that make use of cerium oxide nanoparticles are further provided.

Abstract: A pouch structure formed from extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from small intestine submucosa (SIS) that includes an internal region configured to receive a medical device therein. The pouch structure is configured to modulate inflammation of damaged biological tissue and induce cell and tissue proliferation, bioremodeling of the damaged biological tissue, and regeneration of tissue structures with site-specific structural and functional properties, when implanted in a subject.

Abstract: A bioremodelable encasement structure comprising a pouch formed from at least one sheet of bioremodelable material, the pouch including an internal region that is configured to receive a device therein, the bioremodelable material comprising mesothelial tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) suitable for total disc replacement in a mammal and methods of fabrication. The IVD comprises a nucleus pulposus structure comprising a first population of living cells that secrete a hydrophilic protein and an annulus fibrosis structure surrounding and in contact with the nucleus pulposus structure, the annulus fibrosis structure comprising a second population of living cells and type I collagen. The collagen fibrils in the annulus fibrosis structure are circumferentially aligned around the nucleus pulposus region due to cell-mediated contraction in the annulus fibrosis structure. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating tissue-engineered intervertebral discs.

Abstract: Disclosed are fouling resistant filtration membranes comprising a polymeric thin-film membrane comprising a surface. Also disclosed are methods of modifying thin-film filtration membranes, thereby improving, for example, the anti-fouling properties of the membranes. Also disclosed are methods of purifying water using the disclosed membranes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A bioremodelable encasement structure comprising a pouch formed from at least one sheet of bioremodelable material, the pouch including an internal region that is configured to receive a device therein, the bioremodelable material comprising mesothelial tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a patient suffering from the metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, or prediabetes, comprising the step of increasing the ratio of dopaminergic neuronal to noradrenergic neuronal activity within the central nervous system and particularly the hypothalamus of the central nervous system of the patient.

Abstract: The method for preparing a tissue construct for medical purposes uses endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) which have not been passaged multiple times and have a content of EOEC (early outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells) and LOEC (late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells). These cells and fibroblasts and/or muscle cells, viz. myoblasts, myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells or the progenitors thereof, are, in the form of living cells, seeded onto a matrix or introduced into a matrix in order to yield the tissue construct following further treatment steps. The matrix is preferably a protein preparation, more particularly a fibrinogen preparation. Both the cells and the fibrinogen preparation can be obtained from a single blood sample from a patient. Apart from the preparation of bypass materials, prosthetic vascular graft, tissue patches, conduits and the like, the EOEC-containing EPC culture or suspension is suitable as means for cell transplantation.

Abstract: A dental implant set has: an implant, a granular bone substitute material, and a membrane. To provide an implant set of this type, by which the process of augmentation is improved, the bone substitute material and the membrane are of a hard and solid consistency.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a bone regeneration material kit, a paste-like bone regeneration material, a bone regeneration material, and a bone bonding material, which contain particles including a bioabsorbable polymer; and can fill a bone defect or damage and secure the mechanical strength of the bone in the short term and can promote regeneration of the patient's own bone in the long term. In addition, they can exhibit anti-washout properties after filling even when they are in contact with water such as blood or biological fluids. The present invention relates to a bone regeneration material kit comprising: a particle comprising a calcium salt and having an inositol phosphate or salt thereof adsorbed on the surface; a particle comprising a bioabsorbable polymer; and an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: The application provides customized aortic stent and stent graft devices and methods for the manufacture thereof. The customized aortic stent or stent graft are patient-specific in that they conform to at least part of the ascending aorta, aortic arch and/or thoracic aorta.