Abstract: Composition for an acrylic bone cement for surgical or orthopedic use including a solid phase including a ternary mixture, consisting of a polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA) homopolymer, a methyl methacrylate-styrene (or MMA-styrene) copolymer and a methacrylate-methyl acrylate (or MMA-MA) copolymer, and a liquid phase containing at least an acrylic monomer.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutical formulations, nasal irrigation fluids, sachets, kits and the like comprising cephalosporin antibiotics, as well as methods of topical treatment of sinusitis and related conditions, methods of delivery of the formulations and fluids to the sinuses, methods of coating the sinuses, and methods of disruption and/or penetration of biofilms in the sinuses.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier methods, and related compositions, comprising administering immunosuppressants and MHC Class I-restricted and/or MHC Class II-restricted epitopes that can generate tolerogenic immune responses (e.g., antigen-specific T effector cell deletion).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a biocompatible composition and a method for preparing the same, and a hybrid composition of ?-glucan and hyaluronic acid is prepared by hybrid cross-linkage. The biocompatible composition of the present disclosure high stability against heat and bio-enzymes, and thus is capable of being used as a medical material.

Abstract: An implantable tendon protection system includes a body adapted to be implanted within a bursa overlying a tendon of a patient to protect the tendon. The body may be fixed to the tendon with adhesive, sutures, staples, and/or anchors. A surgical kit is provided with such a tendon protection system and an insertion cannula. Methods of protecting a tendon of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and that may restore or maintain at least partial patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and may be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits may include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods may include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, where the support is capable of restoring or maintaining at least partial patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for producing a biphasic nanocomposite scaffold comprising custom polymer-based core-shelled nanospheres by the physical and chemical attachment of two disparate polymeric materials whose composition can be readily modified with tissue-specific nanomaterials and products created using such methods. The custom nanospheres are constructed via co-axial wet electrospraying and can be employed to deliver compounds to the polymeric materials.

Abstract: Amorphous solid dispersions suitable for oral delivery comprising fenretinide or an analog thereof and at least one matrix polymer, and processes for making the dispersions, are disclosed. Also disclosed are solid oral formulations comprising the amorphous solid dispersions, as well as uses thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases or conditions treatable by fenretinide, including but not limited to cancers, conditions associated with a lipid imbalance, cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, conditions associated with inflammation or opportunistic infections, and other diseases such as diabetes, obesity, dry-form age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: An intravascular device configured to treat an aneurysm that includes a support structure including metal struts configured to be positioned in a body lumen and defining a central fluid passage that extends axially along the support structure, and a knitted mesh cover disposed over an exterior thereof and across a radial arc and along a length of the support structure sufficient to exceed an opening of an aneurysm to be treated, and the cover includes a polymer fiber having a diameter of at least 40 nanometers to 30 microns and apertures therethrough, the apertures being sized to prevent blood from passing through the device to prevent further expansion of the aneurysm. Devices including apertures that are at least 20 microns and sized to minimize or prevent an aneurysm-filling material from exiting the aneurysm through the knitted mesh cover and support structure, and methods of stenting, are also encompassed.

Abstract: Functionalized microscale 3D devices and methods of making the same. The 3D microdevice can be realized with the combination of top-down (lithographic) and bottom-up (origami-inspired self-assembly) processes. The origami-inspired self-assembly approach combined with a top-down process can realize 3D microscale polyhedral structures with metal/semiconductor materials patterned on dielectric materials. In some embodiments, the functionalized 3D microdevices include resonator-based passive sensors, i.e. split ring resonators (SRRs), on 3D, transparent, free-standing, dielectric media (Al2O3).

Abstract: A composition comprising microcapsules, the microcapsules containing both live mammalian ovarian granulosa cells and live mammalian ovarian theca cells, is described. In some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained in separate microcapsules in the composition; in some embodiments, the granulosa cells and the theca cells are contained together in the same microcapsules in the composition. The composition is can be used for estrogen, and optionally also progesterone, delivery, and hence is preferably free or essentially free of oocytes. Methods of using the same and pharmaceutical formulations containing the same are also described.

Abstract: A composition comprising an ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymer and an anti-fouling agent is provided. The composition selectively disintegrates in media of different ionic strengths. Also provided is a method of preventing fouling using the composition.

Abstract: Small scale morphology materials transport particles and viruses from within the material to a living or non-living surface or artificial representation thereof. These materials are polymer composite and have features or are measured in their entirety to be less than 100 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a copolymer and a substrate having a surface, at least one part of which is coated with an epilame agent comprising at least one compound in the form of a copolymer comprising V units, N units, optionally at least one M unit, and optionally at least one P unit, linked by covalent bonds by their main chains, wherein wherein W, X, Y, Z are spacer arms, T is a tracer group arranged to determine the concentration of epilame agent in an epilame-coating bath, L is a halogenated, preferably fluorinated, C1-C20 carbon moiety, A is a substrate anchoring moiety, Q is H, CH3, or a hydrocarbon chain different from T. The invention also concerns a method for coating such a substrate with epilame, said method comprising a step of checking the concentration of epilame agent in the epilame-coating bath by means of the tracer group and if necessary, a step of readjusting the concentration of epilame agent in the epilame-coating bath.

Abstract: An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is related to scoring or cutting balloon catheters carrying at least on a portion of their surface at least one oxidation-insensitive drug or oxidation-insensitive polymer-free 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 the at least one oxidation-insensitive drug is selected of taxanes, thalidomide, statins, corticoids and lipophilic derivatives of corticoids, and the at least one lipophilic antioxidant is selected of nordihydroguaiaretic acid, resveratrol and propyl gallate.

Abstract: Heart valve implants and methods utilizing those valves designed to reduce or eliminate the regurgitant jet associated with an incompetent atrioventricular valve. The heart valve implants, which are deployed via a transcatheter venous approach, comprise a collapsible framework connected to an anchored guide shaft, a valve portion and an apron which permits ingrowth of native heart tissue into the apron.

Abstract: The yield of a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device is increased. The mass productivity of the semiconductor device is increased. The semiconductor device is manufactured by performing a step of performing plasma treatment on a first surface of a substrate; a step of forming a first layer over the first surface with the use of a material containing a resin or a resin precursor; a step of forming a resin layer by performing heat treatment on the first layer; and a step of separating the substrate and the resin layer from each other. In the plasma treatment, the first surface is exposed to an atmosphere containing one or more of hydrogen, oxygen, and water vapor.

Abstract: A method for passivating a metal surface of a light-weight metal part is disclosed, wherein a conversion layer is applied to the surface of the light-weight metal part in a passivation step. A passivation step is carried out wherein an aqueous passivation solution is used to create a calcium phosphate-containing conversion layer (5) on the metal surface of the part, said conversion layer comprising oxides and hydroxides from the material of the part and from the passivation solution and containing amino acids.

Abstract: An antibacterial wound dressing is based on or derived from gel-forming fibers such as carboxymethyl cellulose or alginate fibers having silver ions linked thereto at some but not all of the exchangeable sites such that the distribution of silver ions over the exchangeable sites is substantially uniform. The silvered fibers for the wound dressing can be prepared by contacting an assembly of precursor gel-forming fibers having exchangeable sites under conditions which do not cause irreversible gelling of the fibers with an amount of a solution containing silver ions so as to link silver ions at some but not all of the exchangeable sites, the whole of the assembly of precursor gel-forming fibers being contacted essentially simultaneously with the entire solution containing silver ions.

Abstract: Provided herein relates to implantable devices and systems with dynamic silk coatings. In some embodiments, the dynamic silk coatings can be formed in situ or in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant (10) comprising: —a substrate (1) the surface of which comprising oxidized cellulose, said oxidized cellulose having a degree of oxidation ranging from 0.0 to 1, and —a multilayer coating covering said substrate, said multilayer coating comprising at least a first layer (2) adjacent said substrate, said first layer being formed of chitosan, and a second layer (3) adjacent said first layer, said second layer being formed of oxidized cellulose having a degree of oxidation ranging from 0.5 to 1. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such an implant.

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

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

Abstract: Meshes for use to control the movement of bodily fluids, such as blood, are described herein. The mesh can be partially or completely biodegradable or non-biodegradable. In one embodiment, the mesh is formed from one or more self-assembling peptides. The peptides can be in the form of fibers, such as nanofibers. The peptides can be assembled prior to formation of the mesh or after the mesh has been formed but before it is applied. Alternatively, the mesh can be prepared from unassembled peptides, which assemble at the time of application. The peptides can assemble upon contact with bodily fluids (e.g., blood) or can be contacted with an ionic solution to initiate assembly.

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: The present invention relates to an enlarged sample of interest for microscopy and methods for enlarging a sample of interest and the optical imaging of a sample of interest with resolution better than the classical microscopy diffraction limit, by synthesizing a swellable polymer network within a sample, it can be physically expanded, resulting in physical magnification.

Abstract: An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen.

Abstract: A system and method for improving mechanical assemblies, such as prosthetic implants, intended to be installed in living tissue such as bone. Force-imparting devices are adapted and may include angularity, which may be introduced with specialized additive manufacturing, which may impart congruent cross-sections while providing variable stiffness. In some cases, the variable stiffness may be “stretchy” in a longitudinal direction and “rigid” in a radial directional which may provide an assembly bias. Additive manufacturing may allow the material of a prosthesis to be varied (e.g., density/porosity) to create variable stiffness over a length.

Abstract: Nonfouling copolymers and hydrogels comprising positively charged repeating units or latent positively charged repeating units and negatively charged units or latent positively charged units.

Abstract: An extracellular matrix (ECM) structure for tissue regeneration, the ECM structure having a a sheet member comprising small intestine submucosa (SIS), the SIS sheet member being folded and laminated proximate the sheet member edge, wherein a folded laminated ECM structure having a cavity therein is formed, the ECM structure further including an ECM composition that is disposed in the ECM structure cavity, the ECM composition including liver basement membrane, urinary bladder submucosa, a mesenchymal stem cell and a growth factor.

Abstract: A method for creating tubular inserts is useful for creating custom fitted inserts that correspond to the anatomy of a patient and solve the problem of pressure points, wear of the implant, damage to surrounding tissue, and denting. Surface measurements of the affected portion of a patient's internal cavity are obtained. Those measurements are used to design a core. The core is 3D printed with a soluble material. The core is wrapped with a thin filament or film such that the contours from the core develop on the outer surface of the covering. The covering is hardened and the core is dissolved away, leaving a custom-made implant device that can be deposited in the patient's cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating an individual having (suffering from) an acute myocardial infarction and drug eluting stents useful for treating such individuals. These methods include treating an individual by introducing, such as by surgically inserting, at a site of an acute coronary artery occlusion upstream of the site of acute myocardial infarction, a drug eluting stent (DES) that is capable of eluting from 25 pg to 950 pg of IGF-1 directly into the coronary circulation. The treatment is specifically directed to stimulation of repair or survival of damaged cardiac muscle or left ventricular remodeling.

Abstract: A protein crosslinker delivery device includes a body and a protein crosslinker held in a synthetic or natural biodegradable polymer. The body, a coating on the body, or an attachment to the body can contain the protein crosslinker holding biodegradable polymer. The release rate of the crosslinker and total amount of crosslinker released can be controlled by varying the concentration of the crosslinker and by varying the composition and structural characteristics of the degradable polymer. Surface eroding, bulk eroding and naturally occurring biodegradable polymers can be used in conjunction with a variety of nontoxic or minimally-toxic protein crosslinking agents. The devices can be used to treat mechanically damaged, deformed, and nutritionally deficient connective or soft tissues such as the knee meniscus, the spinal disc, the cornea, ligaments and tendons, the soft palate, and skin.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft systems includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based solid substrates for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which solid substrates comprise or are made to ultimately comprise three phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable biomedical implant is disclosed. The implant includes a tubular scaffold comprising a plurality of interconnected polymer struts. The interconnected polymer struts defines a plurality of deformable cells. The polymer struts have an average thickness of no more than 150 ?m. Methods for making the bioabsorbable biomedical implant, including the methods for making the fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials for the tubular scaffold, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aptamer comprising or consisting of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3 and/or a nucleic acid sequence being at least 80% identical to one of SEQ ID No. 1, 2 and 3 for use in therapy and/or diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, wherein the autoimmune disease is cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), idiopathic cardiomyopathy, Chagas' cardiomyopathy, Chagas' megacolon, Chagas' megaesophagus, Chagas' neuropathy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, scleroderma, psoriasis, Raynaud syndrome, pre-eclampsia, kidney allograft rejection, myocarditis, glaucoma, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, malignant hypertension, and/or Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: An ocular stent for insertion in an anterior chamber of an eye is provided. The stent facilitates the restoration of the structure of an irideocorneal angle of the anterior chamber for treating structural changes from ocular aging. The stent includes: a continuous annular central portion; an anterior portion protruding in an anterior direction from the central portion and being configured to provide variable contact around a circumference of the stent with a surface of a transition zone between a trabecular meshwork and a corneal endothelium of the eye; and a posterior portion extending in a posterior direction from the central portion, the posterior portion being configured to contact a portion of a peripheral iris of the eye. A method for stabilizing the irideocorneal angle of the anterior chamber using a stent is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A therapeutics delivery system, and methods of making and using same, are disclosed for environments that rapidly clear any injected therapeutics, such as a patient's eye. The therapeutics delivery system releases the drug in a therapeutically effective concentration for a desired duration of time with a predefined drug kinetics. In one embodiment, the embodiments of the present disclosure release a therapeutically effective concentration for a longer time period than other delivery systems, for instance from a day to a week. Certain embodiments comprise a therapeutics dispensing device comprising a biodissolvable hydrogel matrix for long term drug release that allows the device to be placed directly at the injured site, e.g., onto the surface at or near the injury, and retained there rather than through injection, whether locally or systematically.

Abstract: Described herein is a method that comprises: —placing a bone material, containing hydroxyapatite and organic substances, in contact with an extraction liquid that gives rise to a first liquid phase, containing the organic substances and possibly impurities extracted from the bone material, and a second solid hydroxyapatite phase, containing the hydroxyapatite; and —separating the liquid phase and the solid hydroxyapatite phase. The extraction liquid is an aqueous extraction solution brought to a temperature between 150° C. and 300° C. and a pressure between 150 kPa and 350 kPa.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pharmaceutically acceptable, stable, and optically clear oil-in-water nanoemulsions (intensity-averaged diameter<100 nm) with an oil phase comprising>10% w/v of long chain triglyceride, total surfactant and cosurfactant concentration less than that of oil phase and without the use of alcohol as cosolvent in the aqueous phase. The nanoemulsions of this disclosure have extremely favorable particle size distribution, optical clarity, and product stability against Ostwald ripening with high levels of oil concentrations. Poorly water soluble, therapeutically active agents and others can be incorporated in the nanoemulsion systems to improve their solubility/stability in aqueous medium or to enhance their delivery for use in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and other applications by oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intra muscular, inhalation, nasal, topical, ocular, and transdermal routes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel bone matrix (BM) materials, and methods for preparation and use of the demineralized bone matrix materials and compositions therefrom. The methods of preparation include the use of a closed-vessel demineralization system, as well as simple, easily reproducible process steps, and significantly shortened times for demineralization. These novel BM materials do not require the inclusion of carriers and/or delivery agents, or the addition of binders, and can be made in various forms, including a clay, putty, crush, powder, or gel. The novel BM compositions and methods disclosed herein may, illustratively, have applications in the medical field, such as in surgical bone graft applications, in the repair and/or regeneration of bone and bone-related tissue, and the like.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an implant in which cells are arranged in a fine pattern that is available for immediate implantation and that does not need to be removed after implantation is provided. The present invention relates to a cell-containing sheet, which comprises cells and a support comprising a bioabsorbable material, in which the support has a cell adhesion protein-containing layer on the surface thereof and the cells form a pattern on the support.

Abstract: Nanofiber-based biomaterials containing fibroin for wound repair and tissue replacement and, more particularly, heart valve replacement.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis. Disclosed are biodegradable medical scaffolds for placement within sinus cavity of a patient, methods of making the implants and methods of treatment. The scaffolds comprise a structure having a substantially tubular configuration and a therapeutic-agent-containing layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides both compositions comprising Methylobacterium and compositions comprising Methylobacterium that are depleted of substances that promote growth of resident microorganisms on a lettuce plant or seed. Also provided are methods for improving lettuce production, methods of making the compositions, and methods of treating a lettuce plant or seed with the compositions comprising Methylobacterium.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through tissue to a vessel includes an elongate occlusion member including an expandable member, a cartridge carried on the occlusion member, and a sealant carried within the cartridge. The cartridge includes an outer member and a pusher member within the outer member. The sealant is disposed within the outer member adjacent the expandable member distal to the pusher member. During use, the occlusion member is introduced into a puncture until the expandable member and the sealant extend from the puncture into the vessel. The expandable member is expanded, and withdrawn until the expanded expandable member contacts the vessel wall, thereby withdrawing the sealant back into the puncture. The outer member is withdrawn to expose the sealant within the puncture, while the pusher member prevents removal of the sealant, and then the cartridge, occlusion member, and pusher member are successively removed.

Abstract: The method of treating delayed healing of a wound associated with diabetes includes administering to the wound a composition comprising an anti-senescence compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The anti-senescence compound may be 18?-Glycyrrhetinic acid, a Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) inhibitory compound, or a Polymerase I Transcript Release Factor (PTRF-1) inhibitory compound. The anti-senescence compound may be effective in preventing and/or reversing premature cellular senescence. The anti-senescence compound may be effective in promoting healing of a wound, e.g., delayed or incompletely healed wound. The anti-senescence compound may be effective in promoting healing of a delayed healing wound or chronic wound of a diabetic patient, such as a diabetic ulcer or venous ulcer.

Abstract: A nanoimprint lithography template including, inter alia, a body having first and second opposed sides with a first surface disposed on the first side, the second side having a recess disposed therein, the body having first and second regions with the second region surrounding the first region and the recess in superimposition with the first region, with a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the first region being spaced-apart from the second side a first distance and a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the second region being spaced-apart from the second side a second distance, with the second distance being greater than the first distance; and a mold disposed on the first side of the body in superimposition a portion of the first region.