Abstract: A particle includes a ferromagnetic material, a radiopaque material, and/or an MRI-visible material.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable composites, kits comprising the composites, implant devices comprising the composites, and methods of making and using same, including point of use methods.

Abstract: A water-swellable linear polymer is made by reacting together a polyethylene oxide of number average molecular weight less than 4,000, an aliphatic diol, and a difunctional diisocyanate. Controlled release composition comprises the polymer together with an active agent. The polymer is able to take up pharmaceutically active agents of molecular weight 200 to 20,000.

Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer.

Abstract: A method of administering an antibiotic to an animal in need thereof, including the step of injecting the antibiotic subcutaneously at the junction of a pinna with the cranium of the animal, is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of particles having different densities, methods of making these compositions, and methods of using these compositions for promoting tissue restoration in a patient.

Abstract: Bioactive implant for myocardial regeneration and ventricular chamber support including an elastomeric microporous membrane. The elastomeric microporous membrane being at least one non-degradable polymer and at least one partially degradable polymer. The non-degradable polymer is selected from polyethylacrylate and polyethylacrylate copolymerized with a hydroxyethylacrylate comonomer. The partially degradable polymer is selected from caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester and caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester copolymerized with ethylacrylate. The elastomeric microporous membrane further includes a nanofiber hydrogel, and cells. The bioactive implant, having one or two helical loops, contributes to the restauration of the heart conical shape.

Abstract: A method for attaching an implant to tissue is disclosed. In embodiments, a method includes applying a sprayable material to tissue, the sprayable material possessing functional groups capable of binding to tissue. The sprayable material also possesses functional groups capable of binding to an implant. In embodiments, the functional groups capable of binding to an implant include nucleotides. In such a case, the implant possesses complementary nucleotides capable of binding to the nucleotides on the sprayable material, thereby permitting hydrogen binding between the two. The implant may thus be affixed to tissue, and repositioned as necessary, prior to more permanent attachment utilizing means such as sutures, tacks, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite implant comprising: a prosthetic fabric having a first side and a second side, a non-porous film of bacterial cellulose secured to the first side of the fabric. The invention further relates to a method of making such an implant.

Abstract: A method of UV curing and corresponding resulting non-polymeric cross-linked gel are provided. The cross-linked gel can be combined with a medical device structure. The cross-linked gel can provide anti-adhesion characteristics, in addition to improved healing and anti-inflammatory response. The cross-linked gel is generally formed of a naturally occurring oil, or an oil composition formed in part of a naturally occurring oil, that is at least partially cured forming a cross-linked gel derived from at least one fatty acid compound. In addition, the oil composition can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other bioactive agent. The curing method can vary the application of UV light in both intensity and duration to achieve a desired amount of cross-linking forming the gel.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: An intrauterine device and more specifically an intracervical device (ICD) for the local release of drugs in the loco-regional treatment of tumours of the uterine cervix comprises an elongated stem (2) to be positioned in the cervical canal (15), this stem consisting of an inner hollow core (3) and a coating (4) containing a gradual-release drug, the stem being attached to: a first element (5) for blocking the stem (2) inside the uterine cavity (12), and located at the cranial or upper end; a second blocking element (7, 71) positioned inside the vagina (11), against the ectocervix (16), located at the caudal or lower end of the stem (2).

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of a poly(amic acid) in which ring opening polymerization is employed to react the monomers ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride and paraphenylenediamine in an aprotic solvent. The resulting poly(amic acid) composition is suitable as a biocompatible material, such as a biomedical implant, implant coating material, tissue scaffold material, controlled release drug delivery vehicle, and cellular growth substrate.

Abstract: System for treating vascular disease comprising a balloon having an outer surface for temporary contact with a vessel wall when in an expanded state, a coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface, the coating including an initial amount of a cytostatic agent selected from the group consisting of Zotarolimus (ABT578), everolimus, pimecrolimus, and a combination thereof, the coating being capable of maintaining a therapeutically effective amount of the cytostatic agent on the outer surface for delivery to a vessel wall, and further wherein between about 4.9% to about 23% of the initial amount of the cytostatic agent on the outer surface remains disposed on the outer surface after delivery of the therapeutically effective amount of the cytostatic agent to the vessel wall, and optionally, a stent disposed on the balloon.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to amphiphilic compounds, self assembling compositions formed from the amphiphilic compounds and methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates for use in various medical devices, as well as methods and uses for such substrates and medical devices. In one particular embodiment, methods for enhancing cellular functions on a surface of a medical device implant are disclosed which generally comprise providing a medical device implant comprising a plurality of nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) thereon and exposing the medical device implant to cells such as osteoblasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent porous biodegradable polymer scaffold for in situ tissue regeneration in which two kinds of physiologically active substances having high differentiation potential and biocompatibility are introduced into the polymer scaffold and conjugated to the surface thereof, respectively, and a method for the preparation thereof. Since the intelligent porous biodegradable polymer scaffold exhibits improved biocompatibility and differentiation potential due to the introduction of physiologically active substances capable of efficiently inducing cell proliferation and differentiation into both the surface and the inside thereof, it can directly induce in situ tissue regeneration of the musculoskeletal system from stem cells in a living tissue after transplanting the polymer scaffold and stem cells into a human body without additional in vitro cultivation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reducing, treating or preventing postoperative pain or inflammation in a patient in need of such treatment, the methods and compositions comprising administering one or more biodegradable drug depots comprising a therapeutically effective amount of ketorolac or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a target tissue site, wherein the drug depot releases an effective amount of ketorolac or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof over a period of 3 to 10 days.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying fertility and/or spermatogenesis or spermiogenesis in a male mammalian subject involve administering to the subject or contacting the subject's testis cells, germ cells or sperm with a composition that modifies the activation, nucleic acid expression, protein expression, signaling or activity of one or more T1R3 receptors or an intermediate in the signaling pathways thereof in the subject's testis cells or germ cells. In another embodiment, the method further involves administering to the subject or contacting the subject's testis cells, germ cells or sperm with a composition that modifies the activation, nucleic acid expression, protein expression, signaling or activity of G-?-gustducin, or an intermediate in the signaling pathways thereof. Methods for screening a test molecule for its effect on spermatogenesis or spermiogenesis or fertility and compositions for modifying spermatogenesis or spermiogenesis or fertility in a mammalian subject, e.g.

Abstract: Ink formulations comprising bioactive particles, methods of printing the inks into three-dimensional (3D) structures, and methods of making the inks are provided. Also provided are objects, such as tissue growth scaffolds and artificial bone, made from the inks, methods of forming the objects using 3D printing techniques, and method for growing tissue on the tissue growth scaffolds. The inks comprise a plurality of bioactive ceramic particles, a biocompatible polymer binder, optionally at least one bioactive factor, and a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing solvent contents in drug-containing polymeric compositions. Specifically, the solvent contents in the drug-containing polymeric compositions are first reduced by one or more conventional drying methods, to a range from about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % of the total weight of the polymeric composition. Subsequently, the drug-containing polymeric compositions are further treated by one or more low temperature (i.e., having processing temperatures of less than 60° C.) drying methods for further reduction of the solvent content to less than 10,000 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bone substitute compositions and methods of their preparation, and their use in a wide variety of clinical applications. The compositions include calcium phosphate, acidic calcium salt, basic calcium salt, sodium hydrogen phosphate and porogen. The compositions further include a mixing liquid. The compositions can optionally include biological signaling molecules and/or a growth compound. Further, the compositions can optionally include a plasticizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell sheet for tissue repair and bio-artificial tissue engineering. The cell sheet comprises treated stem cell embedded in its self-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) and formed a cell sheet. The cell sheet is formed by isolating the stem cell, expanding the stem cell and treating the stem cell with biological factors or factors leading to the production of biological factors, to induce its differentiation, production of extracellular matrix and formation of a cell sheet in vitro. The cell sheet is used as a bioactive material or as an acellular material for the promotion of tissue repairs or used to form a bio-artificial organ for tissue replacement. The cell sheet of the present invention eliminates the need to use scaffolds for cell delivery. The cell sheet facilitates in vivo cell transplantation and provides some tensile mechanical strength for bearing early mechanical load during tissue repair.

Abstract: The disclosure provides hyaluronic acid (HA) gel formulations and methods for treating the appearance of the skin. The formulations hyaluronic acid and at least one additional ingredient. Methods for treating lines, wrinkles, fibroblast depletions, and scars with the disclosed composition are provided as well.

Abstract: Provided are methods of delivering at least one pharmaceutical agent to the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject, methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of treating a neurological disorder or pain in a subject that include forming a SEM graft in the skull base of the subject and administering at least one pharmaceutical agent onto the SEM graft in the skull base of the subject. Also provided are methods of forming a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject, compositions for administration onto a SEM graft in the skull base or into an endonasal reservoir or endonasal reservoir device in a subject, and devices for administering such compositions onto a SEM graft in the skull base of a subject.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising a fluorinated block and a non-fluorinated block and method of making the block copolymer are provided. Also provided herein are a coating on an implantable device comprising the block copolymer and method of using the implantable device.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain for extended periods of time are provided. The treatments include the administration of one or more drug depots intraspinally wherein the drug depots include an effective amount of a benzodiazepine, such as midazolam, formulated within a polyorthoester. By administration of one or more drug depots, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to chronic pelvic pain syndromes, 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: Drug loading of polymeric materials can be adjusted by selection of materials and/or adjusting processing steps in formation of an implantable drug-loaded device.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemically modified hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives containing hydrazido groups directly linked to the glucuronic acid residues of HA. Said hydrazido groups are used to obtain crosslinked and labeled HA derivatives. The invention further relates to methods of preparation of said HA derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical composition containing nemorubicin hydrochloride incorporated in microspheres. The compositions are useful for chemoembolization, particularly for loco regional treatment of tumors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogel composition and methods of using the same. The hydrogel composition may include precursors that react with each other upon contact as well as precursors that react upon contact with an initiator. In embodiments, the resulting hydrogels may have varying levels of crosslinking with both denser and less dense regions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides a drug layer formed on a surface region of a medical device, the drug layer comprised of a drug deposition and a carbonized or densified layer formed from the drug deposition by irradiation on an outer surface of the drug deposition, wherein the carbonized or densified layer does not penetrate through the drug deposition and is adapted to release drug from the drug deposition at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A solid buffer including one or more ion exchange materials, wherein said solid buffer has a volumetric buffering capacity greater than about 20 mM H+/(L·pH unit) and further wherein, when said material is in an environment capable of transporting H+ ions, said solid buffer is adapted to cause the death of at least one target cell within or in contact with said environment. A selectively permeable barrier layer may be provided covering the solid buffer.

Abstract: A method for treating a periodontal disease affecting a periodontal pocket of a patient. The method comprises inserting an oral delivery device into the periodontal pocket at a frequency of about once every 4 days to about once every 6 weeks. The oral delivery device is a controlled release solid unit dosage form suitable for insertion into a periodontal pocket of a patient, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one anti-inflammatory agent, at least one antibacterial agent, or the combination of at least one anti-inflammatory agent and at least one antibacterial agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of promoting bone healing by locally administering a vanadium-based insulin mimetic agent to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides a new use of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds for manufacture of medicaments for accelerating bone-healing processes. In addition, the invention also encompasses a bone injury treatment kit suitable for localized administration of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds or compositions thereof to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Provided is a cell adhesion inhibitor which exhibits low cytotoxicity and an excellent cell adhesion prevention effect; a tool and an apparatus each having a surface modified through application of the cell adhesion inhibitor thereto; a method for producing each of the surface-modified tool and apparatus; a biomedical structure and a production method therefor; and a microchannel device and a production method therefor. The invention provides a cell adhesion inhibitor comprising, as an active ingredient, a polymer comprising a repeating unit having a sulfinyl group in a side chain thereof.

Abstract: Hydrophobic ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymers with enhanced degradation properties are described. Between the ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymeric portion and the hydrophobic portion exists a linker portion having a silyl ether chemistry that facilitates degradation of the polymer. Biodegradable matrices can be formed from these polymers, and the matrices can be used for the preparation of implantable and injectable medical devices wherein the matrix is capable of degrading in vivo at an increased rate. Matrices including and capable of releasing a bioactive agent in vivo are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drug delivery device including a biodegradable housing and a hydrogel within the biodegradable housing. The housing, the hydrogel, or both, may include a bioactive agent. Also disclosed is a method of drug delivery including the steps of forming the biodegradable housing, in embodiments a hydrogel, suspending a bioactive agent in the hydrogel, and introducing a second hydrogel and/or precursors of a second hydrogel into the biodegradable housing.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors in the prevention or treatment of restenosis and other vascular proliferative disorders.

Abstract: Implantable devices formed of or coated with a material that includes a polymer having a non-fouling acrylate or methacrylate polymer are provided. The implantable device can be used for treating or preventing a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, patent foramen ovale, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, swellable, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres useful for tissue bulking. The invention also relates to methods of tissue bulking, particularly for the treatment of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, urinary incontinence, or urinary reflux disease, using the injectable compositions.

Abstract: Formulations, mixtures, compositions and techniques for improved treatment options for osteoarthritis and intra-articular joint degeneration. The formulations and compositions are provided in the form of injectable aqueous formulations that increase the delivery of a lubricating agent (lubrication molecules) into the joint to resist breakdown, decrease free radical production (by neutralizing these radicals), and increase removal of superoxide byproducts in the synovial fluid. The injectable aqueous formulations are preferably administered into the intra-articular space of an intra-articular joint. The lubricating formulation includes molecules of lubricin and SOD, hyaluronic acid and SOD, or lubricin and SOD and hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronic acid and lubricin, or Vitamin E and SOD or hyaluronic acid, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing a bone matrix solution, a bone matrix implant, and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of cell culture using the same. The invention further relates to bone matrix scaffolds comprising one or more bone matrix nanofibers, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of culturing cells and promoting differentiation of stem cells using the same.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system includes a therapeutic agent delivery platform and a therapeutic guest agent. The therapeutic agent delivery platform is capable of being implanted in a tissue being treated. The platform includes a substrate and at least one host molecule coupled to the substrate. The therapeutic guest agent is capable of reversibly coupling with the host molecule when administered to the tissue being treated. The reversible coupling is defined by the binding affinity between the host molecule and the therapeutic guest agent. The therapeutic guest agent is delivered at a rate determined by the affinity release rate between the host molecule and the therapeutic guest agent. The degradation rate of the therapeutic guest agent may be slower than the affinity release rate between the host molecule and the therapeutic guest agent.

Abstract: An electrode array, having application as a cochlear implant, includes a tube formed of Parylene defining a hollow channel. A substrate formed primarily of Parylene is supported by the tube. In turn, a plurality of metallic electrodes and feed lines are supported by the substrate. Numerous voids are defined by the tube which opens into the hollow channel. The size and spacing of the voids regulate stiffness and curl of the tube to provide excellent fit within the cochlea.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent with in particular a coated basic body made of an implant material the use of lithium salts as a coating material or a component of an implant material for stents and the use of lithium salts in a method for restenosis prevention. The inventive stent having a basic body made of an implant material is characterized in that (i) the basic body has a coating which comprises or consists of a lithium salt, and/or (ii) the implant material is biocorrodible and the basic body contains a lithium salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates compositions for delivering therapeutic agents from a medical device including an expandable and collapsible structure and methods employing them. A lipid coating including one or more fatty acids increases the amount of therapeutic agent released from the device at the delivery site. The therapeutic agent can be in a matrix including a hydrophilic polymer or an amphiphilic polymer. Release and adhesion coatings can also facilitate delivery of therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing PCL-comprising microparticles, to microparticles obtainable by said process, to gel hence obtained and to several uses of the gel such as for the preparation of a medicament for treating a skin abnormality or disfigurement, and/or for controlling bladder function and/or controlling gastric reflux and/or for treating erectile dysfunction and/or for treating vocal cords. The gel may also be used for cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surfaces having a protein-resistant hydrogel layer and methods for preparing a protein-resistant hydrogel layer on a surface. The protein-resistant hydrogel layer is formed by a protein-crosslinked water soluble polymer that is contacted with a surface to form a thin protein-resistant hydrogel layer on the surface.

Abstract: Oxalate decarboxylase crystals, including stabilized crystals, such as cross-linked crystals of oxalate decarboxylase, are disclosed. Methods to treat a disorder associated with elevated oxalate concentration using oxalate decarboxylase crystals are also disclosed. Additionally disclosed are methods of producing protein crystals.