Abstract: A composition comprising polymer particles and a carrier, wherein the polymer particles are a mixture of at least a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first polymer is at least partially soluble or dispersible in the carrier, and wherein the polymer particles are arranged such that they can join together to form a scaffold of polymer particles, and wherein the composition is administrable to a human or non-human animal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) are configured for sustained-release of anti-proliferative drug into the wall of a blood vessel (to prevent in-stent stenosis), and for sustained-release of leptin antagonist into the lumen to be carried by the blood and be uptaken by tissue cells that were subjected to IRI.

Abstract: Described herein are iodine-based particles which can be used as contrast agents for x-ray radiology. Also described herein are methods, software modules and hardware modules for imaging iodine-based particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to osteoinductive putties and other implantable compositions for repair of bone defects and other medical uses. Specifically, the technology pertains to carriers for use in implantable compositions, such as osteoinductive putties. The osteoinductive putties are made entirely from donor tissue such as demineralized bone matrix, and the putties have excellent physical properties. The present disclosure relates to osteoinductive putties, carriers, compositions, implants, kits, methods of making and methods of using any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A microporous gel system for certain applications, including biomedical applications, includes an aqueous solution containing plurality of microgel particles including a biodegradable crosslinker. In some aspects, the microgel particles act as gel building blocks that anneal to one another to form a covalently-stabilized scaffold of microgel particles having interstitial spaces therein. In certain aspects, annealing of the microgel particles occurs after exposure to an annealing agent that is endogenously present or exogenously added. In some embodiments, annealing of the microgel particles requires the presence of an initiator such as exposure to light. In particular embodiments, the chemical and physical properties of the gel building blocks can be controlled to allow downstream control of the resulting assembled scaffold. In one or more embodiments, cells are able to quickly infiltrate the interstitial spaces of the assembled scaffold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 1D nanofibers quasi-aligned, grid structure cross-laminated, and pore distribution and size controlled 3D polymer nanofiber membrane, and manufacturing method thereof. A 3D polymer nanofiber membrane controlled in pore size and porosity is formed by employing an electrospinning pattern forming apparatus that includes double insulating blocks quasi-aligns nanofibers in a specific direction by transforming an electric field and includes a current collector rotatable in 90°. Additionally, the 3D polymer nanofiber membrane may be used for air filters, separator, water filters, cell culture membranes, and so on by allowing various properties thereto through a functional surface coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomimetic membrane compositions and methods for making and using them.

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: The present disclosure provides intra ocular implants and methods of using same to treat various refraction errors in a patient's eye.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a thicker animal cell composition by a simple and less expensive method. Namely, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for culturing a thicker animal cell composition by eliminating the hypoxia associated with animal cell compositions, a method for producing an animal cell composition containing unicellular algae, and an animal cell composition. The present invention provides a method for culturing an animal cell composition in a culture medium in the presence of unicellular algae and under exposure to light. According to the method of the present invention, oxygen can be continuously supplied in the culture medium, cell damage is alleviated, and a thicker cell composition can be obtained in the absence of a capillary network.

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating cross-aligned fiber in an electrospinning device, comprising a multiple segment collector including at least a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment, the intermediate segment positioned between the first and second segment to collectively present an elongated cylindrical structure; at least one electrically chargeable edge conductor circumferentially resident on the first segment and circumferentially resident on the second segment; a connection point on the first segment and on the second segment, the connection points usable for mounting the elongated cylindrical structure on a drive unit to rotate around a longitudinal axis; the elongated cylindrical structure holding electrospun fiber substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis when the edge conductors are excited with a charge of opposite polarity relative to charged fiber, and attracting electrospun fiber on to its surface around the longitudinal axis at least when the edge conductors are absent

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for improving drug efficacy in a patient having an obstructed airway in a lung. Such methods modulate nerve activity in the autonomic nervous system of a patient to reduce obstruction of an airway in a lung of the patient prior to administering a drug to the patient. These methods are especially useful in improving efficacies of bronchodilators in treating obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Reinforced biocomposite materials having a unique treated surface, in which the surface may comprise a plurality of layers. According to at least some embodiments, medical implants are provided that incorporate novel structures, alignments, orientations and forms comprised of such reinforced bioabsorbable materials, as well as methods of treatment thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. More specifically, a drug-eluting scaffold is implanted in the middle meatus to treat chronic sinusitis for weeks to months.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods that are effective to improve NO production in vivo and/or to increase NO levels in blood. Such compositions and methods are useful to improve sexual function in males and females.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bone graft material using 3D printing of a DLP system. The method includes (1) dispersing a powder material including calcium phosphate-based ceramics in a solvent; (2) recovering the calcium phosphate-based ceramics by removing the solvent from a solution in which the calcium phosphate-based ceramic material is dispersed in Step 1; (3) producing a photocurable resin composition by adding a binder resin including a crosslinking agent and a photoinitiator to the calcium phosphate-based ceramics obtained in Step 2; (4) performing 3D rapid prototyping on a bone graft material molded body from the composition for a bone graft material produced in Step 3 by 3D printing of a DLP system; and (5) debinding and sintering organic materials remaining in the bone graft material molded body subjected to prototyping in Step 4.

Abstract: A method of magnetic resonance imaging a target tissue in a subject includes a step of administering a first Eu2+-containing complex to the subject. The first Eu2+-containing complex has a reduction potential that is more negative than a reduction potential for a selected compound present in the target tissue. A first set of images of the target tissue in the subject is then taken by T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink including at least one particle including a first material; and at least one liquid vehicle; wherein the particle includes at least one particle including a second material and at least one nanoparticle dispersed in the second material; wherein the first material and the second material have an extinction coefficient less or equal to 15×10?5 at 460 nm. The invention also relates to inks, light emitting materials including at least one ink, patterns including at least one ink, particles deposited on a support, optoelectronic devices including at least one ink and method for depositing an ink on a support.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating conditions or diseases of the nose, ear, or throat with an expandable device having a drug coating. The expandable devices may be delivered to a body cavity in a low-profile configuration and expanded to contact surrounding tissue. The expandable devices may deliver or release the drug coating to the tissue. Multiple expansions of a single device may be employed during treatment. Various coating excipients and manufacturing parameters for the expandable devices may also be adjusted to enhance or slow transfer of the drug coating and/or release of the drug to the target tissue site. The drug transferred to the tissue may act as an in situ depot that enables maintenance of a therapeutic level of locally delivered drug for a desired time period after removal of the expandable devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanogel comprising a polyamine-based polymer cross-linked by oxamide bonds, a preparation method of the nanogel, a contrast agent for ultrasound imaging comprising the nanogel, a composition for ultrasound diagnosis of inflammatory diseases comprising the contrast agent, a preparation method of the contrast agent, and a method for providing information for diagnosis of inflammatory diseases using the composition for ultrasound diagnosis.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various sinus scaffolds having fiber-based and non-fiber based designs, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. These designs vary in form, dimension, and delivery location (i.e. maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal sinuses, and middle meatus). In addition therapeutic agent(s) may optionally be included within the scaffolds for local delivery over a brief or extended period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resilient foam and methods of making the foam. The resilient foam includes a derivatized polyanionic polysaccharide and has an open-cell structure. When the resilient foam is contacted with water, the foam forms a thixotropic hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating LDL cholesterol-related diseases, containing a ribosome-binding preparation; a food composition; and a method for preventing or treating LDL cholesterol-related diseases by using the composition. According to the present invention, the ribosome-binding preparation selectively increases the expression of an LDL receptor in intestinal epithelial cells so as to promote LDL absorption in blood and tissue, such that LDL level in the blood can be reduced, thereby being useful for preventing or treating various LDL cholesterol-related diseases including LDL hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and apoplexy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coating of a range of functional heparins onto the surface of a substrate for which hemocompatibility is a key functional characteristic, such that the functionality of the functional heparin is maintained. The approach employs a metal coordination complex to bind to the substrate with the functional heparin binding to the metal coordination complex to thereby impart hemocompatibility.

Abstract: A medical device includes a body defining an exterior surface, and a coating including a therapeutic agent-containing nanoparticle disposed on the exterior surface of the medical device. The nanoparticle may include a brush-arm star polymer. The therapeutic agent may be paclitaxel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-free, multi-layered medical device having bespoke, multifunctional bioactivity for the purpose of regeneration of skeletal tissues. The medical device may actively promote homing of stem cells into the medical device and promote their differentiation into the required cell type and promote de-novo tissue formation. The invention includes methods of making the medical device, uses of the medical device in promoting regeneration of the articular cartilage of a joint surface and in promoting healing and regeneration of skeletal tissues, for example, meniscal cartilage, tendon and ligament tissues and also healing of bone tissue indications such as fractures.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition is provided. The polyurethane composition includes a first part of a first polytetramethylene oxide, a second polytetramethylene oxide, and a castor oil based polyol. The second polytetramethylene oxide has a higher viscosity than the first polytetramethylene oxide. The polyurethane composition also includes a second part of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. Also provided is a fiber optic cable assembly incorporating the polyurethane composition as an overmold. The overmold has a glass transition temperature of less than ?40° C. measured according to differential scanning calorimetry. Further provided is a method of applying an overmold to a fiber optic cable assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for providing improved surgical implants. Embodiments of the implants may include a thin porous sheet formed on a mandrel. The porous sheet that is formed has an interconnected pore structure that may be compressed by a heat compression mold without losing porosity. Additional membrane materials or other layer materials may be applied to one of the face surfaces of the porous sheet or to one of the edges of the porous sheet. For example, a solid membrane surface may be compressed, bonded, welded, or secured a surface face or an edge of the porous sheet. The solid membrane may be compressed or laminated to the upper surface, lower surface, or both. The solid membrane may be welded to at least one edge of the porous sheet (by, for example, being butt welded, thermally bonded, or heat compressed to the at least one edge).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and unit dosage forms that are effective to improve sexual performance. Such compositions and unit dosage forms are useful to increase duration of sexual intercourse, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, and improve erectile function in men.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in repairing and/or regenerating tissues are disclosed. A hydrogel precursor composition comprising functionalized tissue particles and functionalized hyaluronic acid that can be deposited into an implant site and converted into a crosslinked hydrogel network which retains the tissue particles at the implant site is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of forming functionalized tissue particles and functionalized hyaluronic acid for use herein. Kits containing reagents for producing the hydrogel precursor composition are also disclosed, along with methods of producing the hydrogel precursor composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a nitric oxide-generating adherent coating, comprising: preparing a buffer solution containing polyphenol compounds, organic selenium or sulfur compounds and soluble copper salts; then contacting a base material with the solution, and washing and drying to obtain a target product. The nitric oxide-generating material prepared by the method can be used for any medical device, such as an intravascular stent, or materials and any complex-shaped base material, and has the capability of scavenging free radicals and catalyzing RSNO to produce nitrogen monoxide, and also has a response function of reduced glutathione (GSH), an antimicrobial function and all the physiological functions possessed by nitrogen monoxide.

Abstract: There is described inter alia a device having a surface comprising a layered coating wherein the outer coating layer comprises a plurality of cationic hyperbranched polymer molecules characterized by having (i) a core moiety of molecular weight 14-1,000 Da (ii) a total molecular weight of 1,500 to 1,000,000 Da (iii) a ratio of total molecular weight to core moiety molecular weight of at least 80:1 and (iv) functional end groups, whereby one or more of said functional end groups have an anti-coagulant entity covalently attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to topical antiviral compositions, delivery systems, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Provided herein is a bone repair composition that is composed of periosteum containing an angiogenic growth factor(s), cancellous bone chips containing viable osteogenic cells, and, optionally, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) chips. Also provided herein are articles of manufacture and methods of use thereof to treat bone defects.

Abstract: The present invention refers to release matrices which include a material that can be released in a controlled way or with predefined kinetics into a surrounding medium, reaction vessels comprising said release matrices, and release system further comprising a medium which is able to dissolve the embedded material. The present invention further refers to the use of release matrices in several applications and the production method for such matrices. The present invention also relates to a method that al lows control of the release rate of materials from polymer matrices with several factors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method perform supersonic cold-spraying to deposit N and P-type thermoelectric semiconductor, and other polycrystalline materials on other materials of varying complex shapes. The process developed has been demonstrated for bismuth and antimony telluride formulations as well as Tetrahedrite type copper sulfosalt materials. Both thick and thin layer thermoelectric semiconductor material is deposited over small or large areas to flat and highly complex shaped surfaces and will therefore help create a far greater application set for thermoelectric generator (TEG) systems. This process when combined with other manufacturing processes allows the total additive manufacturing of complete thermoelectric generator based waste heat recovery systems. The processes also directly apply to both thermoelectric cooler (TEC) systems, thermopile devices, and other polycrystalline functional material applications.

Abstract: A heart valve implant comprising a supporting stent, a heart valve element, and a skirt. The skirt includes or is formed of at least one molded body, wherein the molded body is made of dried treated bacterial cellulose that has a swelling capacity that is greater than untreated bacterial cellulose of the same type.

Abstract: Membranes suitable for use in membrane distillation are provided. Such membranes may include nano-fibrous layers with adjustable pore sizes. The membranes may include a hydrophobic nano fibrous scaffold and a thin hydrophilic protecting layer that can significantly reduce fouling and scaling problems.

Abstract: A granule form e d from a tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface separated by a matrix, and at least one core defining an opening extending through the tubular body. The outer surface of the matrix is adapted to permit fluid flow into and out of the matrix.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods described herein relate to treating cancerous tumors using radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In some embodiments, a method of treatment includes administering radiation therapy targeting a tumor, isolating a segment of a vessel proximate to the tumor, and administering a dose of a chemotherapeutic agent to the segment of the vessel. The method can further include waiting a period of time after administering the radiation therapy before administering the dose of the chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, a catheter device including first and second occluding elements can be used to isolate the segment of the vessel.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a hyaluronate-coated high-functional suture and a high-functional suture manufactured thereby, and more particularly to a method of manufacturing a high-functional suture and a high-functional suture manufactured thereby, wherein a suture for internal and external surgery derived from a conventional chemical synthetic material is coated with a hyaluronate as a biocompatible material, thus improving biocompatibility, functionality and ease of use.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally provides implantable medical devices and implants that may be removed on-demand from a subject's body at any time after their implanting in the body, without necessitating invasive procedures.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to dosage forms containing an enantiomerically enriched or pure bupropion such as enantiomeric excess of (S)-bupropion, enantiomerically enriched (S)-bupropion, or enantiomerically pure (S)-bupropion and methods of using these dosage forms. These dosage forms may be administered to human beings in a reduced amount as compared to the amount of racemic bupropion that would be administered in the same situation.

Abstract: Provided is a lyophilized implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the lyophilized implant containing a biodegradable polymer in an amount of about 0.1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of the implant, mineral particles in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 75 wt. % of the implant, and an oxysterol in an amount of about 5 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the implant. Methods of making and using the implant are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting progression of or preventing renal disorder, the method comprising applying a cell sheet composition for inhibiting progression of or preventing renal disorder to at least one part of the surface of a kidney, wherein the part of the surface is uncovered by a fibrous capsule of the kidney. The present invention also provides a cell sheet composition for inhibiting progression of or preventing renal disorder, the cell sheet composition comprising a cell that has a function of producing a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The present invention also provides a method of producing a cell sheet composition for inhibiting progression of or preventing renal disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a superhydrophilic biodegradable cross linked foam membrane and a process for preparation of said foam membrane from a seaweed polysaccharides by blending with amino biopolymers/amino acids/proteins/amino compounds followed by crosslinking with a naturally occurring cross linker, genipin. The foam membrane can be used as a substitute for synthetic membrane for varied applications including membrane separation for oil-water emulsions, oil-water mixtures and other aqueous-organic mixtures under ambient conditions. These foam membranes can be recycled and reused more than three times without considerable decrease in flux rate and stability. The separation methodology of the mixtures using the foam membrane of the present invention is gravity-driven and therefore, simple and energy-efficient.

Abstract: A three-dimensional porous polyurethane scaffold for repairing central nerve injuries and a preparation method are disclosed. The scaffold includes three-dimensional porous polyurethane, wherein the compression modulus of the three-dimensional porous polyurethane is 0.001-10.0 MPa and the pore diameter is 10-200 ?m. The three-dimensional porous polyurethane scaffold has an efficient central nerve repair function without additionally inoculating functional cells or factors and can partially restore the original nerve function of tested animals, the preparation method is simple and it has a great prospect of application.

Abstract: A peptide-inorganic material composite film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a unit peptide including 4 to 15 amino acids, and a transition metal oxide hybridized with the unit peptide, wherein the unit peptide includes at least two tyrosines, and the plurality of unit peptides positioned adjacent to each other have a form in which the tyrosines are linked.

Abstract: Product for cleaning, sanification and hygienization, comprising a base solution with sanificant and/or hygienizing action to which probiotic bacteria and bacteriophage elements are mixed; the probiotic bacteria being preferably of the Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus pumilus genera, while the bacteriophage elements comprise, as an alternative or in combination, bacteriophages of the Caudavirales, Microviridae, Leviviridae, Inoviridae, Tectiviridae, Corticoviridae families.