Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of non-biodegradable stents, and therein to non-biodegradable stents coated with at least one layer of a biodegradable polymer which maintains mechanical integrity of the coating both in storage and upon balloon expansion and which can optionally release drugs. The at least one polymer layer comprises a biodegradable polymer and a plasticizer. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such a non-biodegradable stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modifying mucous membranes. In particular, the present invention relates to treating diseases associated with mucous membranes by changing the intrinsic chemical composition and/or physical features of a target mucous membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a prosthesis comprising: one mesh delimited by a peripheral exterior edge, a frame fastened to said mesh and adopting the shape of said peripheral exterior edge of the mesh, said frame being set back from said peripheral exterior edge and being provided with two hinge points, the line passing through said two hinge points also passing through the center of the mesh and thus forming a line for folding the mesh in two, characterized in that said prosthesis further comprises at least two anchor pieces made of suturable material and located on a single face of the mesh on either side of said folding line, each piece having a fixed part linked to said mesh and a free part, said free part being linked to at least one thread-shaped element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry blends of polyanionic and polycationic macromolecules, solvating fluids serving as cell suspension fluids, hybrid gel compositions, and methods for treatment of patients with endocrine disorders by transplantation with such compositions. Hybrid gel compositions that promote a microenvironment suitable for cell viability and growth while maintaining a sufficient structural integrity for three-dimensional cell culture are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a medical device carrying at least on a portion of its 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 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 nordihydroguaiarectic acid, resveratrol and propyl gallate, and wherein scoring or cutting balloons as medical devices are excluded.

Abstract: A method of treating bone deficiencies includes applying a biocompatible structure to an implant surgical site. The biocompatible structure includes multiple polymer layers stacked to have a predetermined shape, multiple bone particle layers disposed between each of two neighboring polymer layers of the multiple polymer layers, and a coating surrounding the polymer layers and bone particle layers. Each of the polymer layers is formed with a polymer and first tissue forming nanoparticles. The predetermined shape is configured to conform to the implant surgical site.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, providing a substrate with a nanopatterned surface, casting the biopolymer matrix solution on the nanopatterned surface of the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer film on the substrate, where the solidified biopolymer film is formed with a surface having a nanopattern thereon. In another embodiment, the method also includes annealing the solidified biopolymer film. A nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes a solidified biopolymer film with a surface having a nanopattern is also provided.

Abstract: A composition for treating or preventing inflammatory-related conditions includes as an active principle a carrier which exhibits a plurality of a scavenger structure capable of mitigating the activity of a mediator of inflammatory-related conditions. The scavenger structure includes a nucleophilic center complying with the formula X1(—R?—)(—R?)mHn where: a) X1 is a single-bonded heteroatom selected amongst N, O and S and exhibits a free electron pair; b) m is 0 or 1 and n is 1 or 2; c) —R?— is a bivalent organic group providing attachment to the carrier via one of its free valences and to X1 at the other free valence; and d) R?— is a monovalent organic group attached to the X1 via its free valence. A method for treating or preventing inflammatory-related conditions in an individual suffering from such conditions includes: providing the composition; and contacting the mediator within or separate from the individual.

Abstract: Devices including a flexible substrate and a grafted polymer brush coating on at least one surface of the flexible substrate and methods for making and using such devices are provided herein. The grafted polymer brush included on the devices allow for controlled bending of the device during use.

Abstract: Featured are a biocompatible, injectable, self-setting, cohesive, bone-bonding and remodeling calcium phosphate composite material and its use in methods of repairing defective bone, e.g., in vertebroplasty augmentation and kyphoplasty.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for treatment of neuronal injury. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, and a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound. The biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent an intravenous administration, an intramuscular administration, an intrathecal administration, a subcutaneous administration, an epidural administration, a parenteral administration, a direct application onto or adjacent to a site of the pathological condition, and any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent may be delivered from a pump or an implant.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods for determining the total non-purgeable organic carbon in a sodium thiosulfate-containing sample. Further provided herein are methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate. Still further provided herein are methods of treatment comprising the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel includes a tubular woven fabric composed of a multifilament yarn A including a first polyester and a multifilament yarn B including a second polyester, and has an inner diameter of 8 mm or less and a layer thickness of 50 ?m or more and 250 ?m or less, wherein the multifilament yarn A has a single fiber fineness of 1.0 dtex or more and a total fineness of 33 dtex or less, the multifilament yarn B has a single fiber fineness of 0.08 dtex or less and a total fineness of 66 dtex or less, and the multifilament yarn B forms loops on an inner wall surface of the tubular woven fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocompatible and preferably biodegradable gradient layer system comprising at least one set of layers comprising a biocompatible and preferably biodegradable cross-linked polymer and at least one biocompatible and preferably biodegradable support layer, wherein a gradient is preferably formed with respect to the mechanical and/or physical properties of one or more layers of the at least one set of layers comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable cross-linked polymer and/or the at least one biocompatible and preferably biodegradable support layer. The at least one support layer preferably comprises a biocompatible and preferably biodegradable meltable polymer and/or a biocompatible and incorporable material. This biocompatible and preferably biodegradable gradient layer system may be used as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine, particularly as a wound dressing or for tissue support.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic sinusitis, including cystic fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neoplasia. The method involves administration, preferably oral, nasal or pulmonary administration, of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drugs (rapamycin or paclitaxel and their analogs) and an additive.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the preparation of chemically modified derivatives of chitosan with acrylic groups and their use in the field of enamel-dentin adhesives. Chitosan derivatives have physical-chemical features (hydrophilicity, presence of electrical charges on the chain) which allow them to interact with the organic part of the demineralized tooth. At the same time, the acrylic groups incorporated in the polymer chain allow the formation of a covalent bond with the restorative material used in the dental field that is typically composed of acrylic resins. By combining the adhesion to the tooth surface and the bond with the restorative material, the chemically modified chitosan described herein is able to increase the lifespan of the dental restoration and can thus find use in the field of adhesives, in particular enamel-dentin adhesives.

Abstract: The objection of this invention is to provide an article with a foamed surface having a porous structure in the surface of a plastic base, an implant and a method of producing them. The article has a body and a superficial layer formed in a surface of the body, the layer including small-diameter and large-diameter pores, wherein part of the small-diameter and large-diameter pores are open pores which are open at the surface of the layer; the open pores have small open pores with an average diameter of 5 ?m or less and large open pores with an average diameter from 10 to 200 ?m; and the large open pores have an inner wall with passages connected with the small-diameter large-diameter pores. The implant is the article itself or the article with a bioactive substance in the layer thereof. The method provides an example of producing the article and implant.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided that is adapted to treat various urological pelvic disorders, such as prolapse, incontinence, and the like. The delivery system can include at least one biologic loaded or otherwise provided with a bioactive agent. The biologic can comprise any drugs, hormones or steroids, stem cells, growth factors, proteins, and/or other bioactive agents to promote cell or tissue growth for the treatment and strengthening of organ walls or tissue. The biologic is generally adapted to controllably release the agent to the surrounding tissue or organ to provide a local and targeted delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocompatible, bioabsorbable derivatized non-crosslinked chitosan compositions optionally crosslinked to gelatin/collagen by 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) for biomedical use and methods of making and testing such compositions, including a modified acute systemic toxicity test. The compositions comprise derivatized chitosan reacetylated to a degree of N-deacetylation (DDA) of between about 15% and 40%. The compositions are typically bioabsorbed in about 90 days or less and can be made to bioabsorb at differing rates of speed. The compositions are initially soluble in aqueous solution below pH 6.5. The compositions have an acid content that can be adjusted between about 0% (w/w) and about 8% (w/w) to customize the composition for uses that require and/or tolerate differing levels of cytotoxicity, adhesion, composition cohesion, and cell infiltration into the composition.

Abstract: Biodegradable single-phase cohesive hydrogels useful, e.g., for the formulation of viscosupplementation compositions or compositions for filling wrinkles, contain a homogeneous blend of x polymers, which may be identical or different, crosslinked prior to the interpenetration thereof by mixing in the form of a single-phase hydrogel, wherein such crosslinked polymers are insoluble in water and miscible with one another, and x ranges from 2 to 5; in one embodiment, the hydrogels are such that the x polymers have identical or different degrees of crosslinking, at least one of the x polymers having a degree of crosslinking x1 and at least one of the x polymers having a degree of crosslinking x2, with x1 being greater than or equal to x2.

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: Mucus-penetrating liposomal nanoparticles and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The nanoparticles contain one or more lipids, one or more PEG-conjugated lipids, and optionally one or more additional materials that physically and/or chemically stabilize the particles. The nanoparticle have an average diameter of about 100 nm to about 300 nm, preferably from about 100 nm to about 250 nm, more preferably from about 100 nm to about 200 nm. The particles are mobile in mucus. The liposomes can further contain one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic agent to be delivered to a mucosal surface, such as the CV tract, the colon, the nose, the lungs, and/or the eyes. The liposomes can further contain one or more CEST agents to allow real time imaging of the particles in a live animal. The particles may also further contain an imaging agent, such as a fluorescent label.

Abstract: Reagents and methods useful for the synthesis of conjugates comprising guanidinylated cyclic acetals are provided. Also provided are methods for increasing the cellular uptake of various therapeutic compounds and treatment modalities using these conjugates.

Abstract: A method of forming a structure having selectively placed carbon nanotubes, a method of making charged carbon nanotubes, a bi-functional precursor, and a structure having a high density carbon nanotube layer with minimal bundling. Carbon nanotubes are selectively placed on a substrate having two regions. The first region has an isoelectric point exceeding the second region's isoelectric point. The substrate is immersed in a solution of a bi-functional precursor having anchoring and charged ends. The anchoring end bonds to the first region to form a self-assembled monolayer having a charged end. The substrate with charged monolayer is immersed in a solution of carbon nanotubes having an opposite charge to form a carbon nanotube layer on the self-assembled monolayer. The charged carbon nanotubes are made by functionalization or coating with an ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The invention involves bioresorbable stents which elute nitric oxide (NO). The stent is comprised of three main key design elements: a bioresorbable scaffold, a bioresorbable polymeric coating layer(s), and NO-releasing nanoparticles incorporated in the bioresorbable polymeric coating layer, and optionally also in the scaffold. The NO-releasing nanoparticles are made of nontoxic biocompatible and biodegradable materials; for example a chitosan polymer and optionally a sugar.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engineered collagen composition comprising collagen, wherein the collagen composition is compressed to form a gradient of at least one physical property. Methods of using and of manufacturing the engineered collagen compositions of the present disclosure are also provided.

Abstract: It relates to a device comprising (a) a core comprising polyurethane; (b) a sheath comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, said sheath substantially or completely surrounding said core; and (c) one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients dissolved or dispersed in said core and/or said sheath; and to a process for its preparation.

Abstract: An intra-articular pharmaceutical composition is used for the treatment and/or the prevention of acute or chronic osteoarticular diseases and acute or chronic osteoarticular symptoms especially osteoarthritis. The composition includes a possibly adequate pharmaceutical carrier or diluent, a glycosaminoglycan, a compound activating the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor, an anti-inflammatory agent and stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (2) for cell therapy, said device being designed to be applied on a living tissue and having at least a tight preferably biocompatible first wall (22), designed to form a cavity (24) between said wall and said tissue, and further comprising means (7) to feed a healing substance in said cavity.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine in a fiber at or near a target site, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discogenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. When appropriate fiber formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this pain relief can be continued for at least three days.

Abstract: Described herein is the synthesis of reinforced adhesive complex coacervates and their use thereof. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates are composed of (a) at least one polycation, (b) at least one polyanion, and (c) a reinforcing component. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein can be subsequently cured to produce strong, cohesive adhesives. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates have several desirable features when compared to conventional adhesives. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates are effective in wet or underwater applications. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates described herein, being phase separated from water, can be applied underwater without dissolving or dispersing into the water. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates have numerous biological applications as bioadhesives and bioactive delivery devices.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for blood flow are provided. In general, an implant can be configured to be implanted in bone and to delay clotting of blood flowing from the bone. The implant can include an anti-coagulation agent to delay the clotting of the blood. The anti-coagulation agent can be a coating on the implant, can be natural to a material forming the implant, or can be impregnated into a material forming the implant. In an exemplary embodiment, the implant is implanted in a bone in a surgical procedure for securing a soft tissue to bone, such as a rotator cuff repair procedure or an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair procedure.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are provided that are produced from a blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic biodegradable polymers. The polymeric materials can form fibers, nonwoven fabrics, films, coatings, etc. A compound can be incorporated in the polymeric materials. The delivery of the compound can be controlled by diffusion of the compound from the polymeric material and during biodegradation of the polymeric material. The release rate is controlled by varying the composition of the polymeric material to control diffusion rates of the compound and/or biodegradation rate of the polymeric material. This technology provides methods for delivering and controlling release rates of pesticides and related compounds in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. When adhered to plants or plant parts, the polymeric materials can provide protection from insect and disease pests. In pellet or capsule form, pesticides can be delivered into seed furrows along with crop seeds, providing similar protection.

Abstract: Nanoscale probes for forming stable, non-destructive seals with cell membranes. The probes, systems including these probes, and methods of fabricating and using the probes described herein may be used to sense from, stimulate, modify, or otherwise effect individual cells or groups of cells. In particular, described herein are nanoscale cellular probes that may be used to fuse with, and in some variations span, the lipid membrane of a cell to provide stable and long lasting contact to the cell. Thus, the probes described herein may be used as part of a system, method or device that would benefit from stable, non-destructive access to and across a cell membrane. In some variations the nanoscale probe devices or systems described herein may be used as part of a drug screening procedure.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, and opposing anterior and posterior portions. At least a portion of the top surface, the bottom surface, or both surfaces has a roughened surface topography including both micro features and nano features, without sharp teeth that risk damage to bone structures, adapted to grip bone through friction generated when the implant is placed between two vertebrae and to inhibit migration of the implant. The roughened surface topography typically further includes macro features and the macro features, micro features, and nano features overlap. Also disclosed are methods of using such implants and processes of fabricating a roughened surface topography on a surface of an implant. The process includes separate and sequential macro processing, micro processing, and nano processing steps.

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 wound dressing comprising: an air-impermeable backing sheet having an aperture for attachment of a suction element; an air-permeable screen layer on a wound facing side of the backing sheet; and a substantially air-impermeable hydrogel layer extending across a wound facing side of said screen layer and joined in substantially airtight fashion to a periphery of said backing sheet around said screen layer. Also provided is a wound treatment system comprising a wound dressing according to the invention and a source of suction in fluid communication with said aperture.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hemostatic composition comprising crosslinked gelatin in particulate form suitable for use in hemostasis, wherein the composition is present in paste form containing 15.0 to 19.5% (w/w), preferably 16.0 to 19.5% (w/w), 16.5 to 19.5% (w/w), 17.0 to 18.5% (w/w) or 17.5 to 18.5% (w/w), more preferred 16.5 to 19.0% (w/w) or 16.8 to 17.8% (w/w), especially preferred 16.5 to 17.5% (w/w), and wherein the composition comprises an extrusion enhancer.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction by isolating a target lung portion from the rest of the lung with a mass of extracellular matrix (“ECM”) material. The procedure can be performed by locating a tube within the lumen of an airway to be obstructed and depositing an amount of flowable or other ECM in the open space until the lumen is occluded. Optionally, the procedure may be performed by delivering a plug substantially comprised of ECM material into the lumen of an airway to be obstructed. Further optionally, the ECM plug may include a one-way valve to allow air and mucous to escape from the isolated lung portion.

Abstract: Rapid setting high strength calcium phosphate cements and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the cements include fine and coarse calcium phosphate particulate reactants and a cyclodextrin which, upon combination with a setting fluid, produce a flowable composition that rapidly sets into a high strength product. The flowable compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g., bone defects such as fractures.

Abstract: The specification provides methods for isolating extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles can be efficiently isolated, e.g., from biological fluids or cell culture media, using a heparin-coated solid support.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some aspects, to orthopedic implants for securing soft tissue to bone and methods for using the same. One particular implant comprises a first exposed porous surface region, having pores for promoting bone ingrowth, and a second exposed porous surface, having pores for promoting soft tissue ingrowth. At least some of the pores of the first exposed porous surface region may be seeded with osteocytic factors and at least some of the pores of the second exposed porous surface region may be seeded with fibrocytic factors. Such orthopedic implants can advantageously facilitate regeneration of the soft tissue to bone interface.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hemostatic composition comprising: a) a biocompatible polymer in particulate form suitable for use in hemostasis, and b) one hydrophilic polymeric component comprising reactive groups.

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: Medical articles are described, comprising a lens and a pharmaceutical composition incorporated into the lens, the compositions consisting essentially of a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-bacterial agent (such as moxifloxacin), a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-inflammatory agent (such as prednisolone) and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Methods for fabricating the medical articles and using them are also described.

Abstract: Articles and methods for stem cell differentiation are generally described. In some embodiments, an article for stem cell differentiation may comprise an oxygen permeable substrate having at least a portion of a surface coated with a matrix. The matrix may allow the surface chemistry of the substrate to be altered, such that the cell-substrate surface interactions may be finely controlled without substantially affecting the oxygen permeability of the substrate. The surface chemistry may be altered to promote directed stem cell differentiation by, e.g., modification of the matrix surface with a specific density of biological molecules. In some embodiments, methods for stem cell differentiation may comprise directing the differentiation of stem cells on the articles, described herein, under suitable environmental conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to truncated growth factors and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the truncated growth factors.

Abstract: Compositions comprised of a delivery vehicle or delivery system and an active agent dispersed within the delivery vehicle or system, wherein the delivery vehicle or system contains a polyorthoester polymer and a polar aprotic solvent. Also disclosed are low viscosity delivery systems for administration of active agents. The low viscosity delivery systems have a polyorthoester polymer, a polar aprotic solvent and a solvent containing a triglyceride viscosity reducing agent. Compositions described include an amide- or anilide-type local anesthetic of the “caine” classification, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), along with related methods, e.g., for treatment of post-operative pain or for prophylactic treatment of pain. The compositions are suitable for delivery via, e.g., direct application and instillation, intradermal injection, subcutaneous injection, and nerve block (perineural).

Abstract: An antithrombogenic material includes a coating material containing: a polymer containing, as a constituent monomer, a compound selected from the group consisting of alkyleneimines, vinylamines, allylamines, lysine, protamine and diallyldimethylammonium chloride; and an anionic compound containing a sulfur atom and having anticoagulant activity; and a base material whose surface is coated with the coating material; wherein the polymer is covalently bound to the base material; and an abundance ratio of nitrogen atoms to an abundance of total atoms as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on a surface of the base material is 6.0 to 12.0 atomic percent.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing attachment of soft tissues to a metal prosthetic device. In one embodiment a construct is provided comprising a metal implant having a porous metal region, wherein said porous region exhibits a nano-textured surface.