Abstract: The present invention encompasses a therapeutic method which employs treatment of a disease such as cancer with triiodothyronine (T3) together with an anti-thyroid treatment such as treatment with an anti-thyroid agent, treatment with radioiodine and surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. A pharmaceutical composition comprising T3 and an anti-thyroid agent and a kit comprising the same are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: A vascular assessment apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to receive medical images of a coronary vessel tree of a subject from a medical imaging device and analyze the medical images to identify vessel segments within the coronary vessel tree. For each identified vessel segment, the apparatus is configured to analyze portions of the segment to determine at least one of a radius, diameter, or cross-sectional area of the vessel segment at the analyzed portions, determine resistances for the analyzed portions of the vessel segment based the radius, diameter, or the cross-sectional area at the analyzed portions, and combine the determined resistances for the analyzed portions of the vessel segment to determine a total resistance of the identified vessel segment. The example apparatus is also configured to determine flow rates at each identified vessel segment and calculate an index indicative of vascular function based on the determined flow rates.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for localized drug delivery. In at least one embodiment of a method of localized drug delivery, the method comprises the steps of placing a resorbable device within a tube, introducing the tube within a mammalian body at or near a tissue and/or organ within the mammalian body, and anchoring the resorbable device to the tissue and/or organ. Devices and systems useful for performing such a method are also disclosed herein, wherein an exemplary device comprises at least one drug release portion having at least one drug to be released over time and a binder intermixed with the at least one drug, and at least one resorbable anchor portion coupled to the at least one drug release portion.

Abstract: A composition includes a target pharmaceutical or biological agent, a solution containing the target pharmaceutical or biological agent, and substrate that is soluble in the solution. The substrate is capable of being solidified via a solidification process and the solidification process causes the substrate to become physically or chemically cross-linked, vitrified, or crystallized. As a result of the solidification process, particles are formed. The target pharmaceutical or biological agent within the solution retains proper conformation to ultimately produce a desired effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for producing a calcium sulphate hemihydrate with unique properties for use for therapeutic applications in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry. Calcium sulphate hemihydrate is a biocompatible and biodegradable inorganic substance and thus suitable as a carrier in pharmaceutical compositions, e.g. a controlled release composition, containing at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cyclic carbonate monomer containing double iodine, a biodegradable polymer prepared thereby and use. The polymer can be obtained by ring-opening polymerization of the cyclic carbonate monomer containing double iodine, without affecting the ring-opening polymerization and without a protection and deprotection process. The polymer which is obtained by ring-opening polymerization of the cyclic carbonate monomer of the present disclosure can be assembled into a nano-vesicle and a micelle as a drug carrier, a biological tissue scaffold or a CT contrast media.

Abstract: Provided is a slow release composition to promote bone growth, the slow release composition comprising: an oxysterol encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer to control the release of the oxysterol. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: An implantable hydrogel precursor composition can include: a cross-linkable polymer matrix that is biocompatible; and a plurality of polymer particles in the cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linkable polymer matrix can include a cross-linkable hyaluronic acid polymer that has cross-linkable functional groups. The hyaluronic acid polymer can be a methacrylated hyaluronic acid polymer. The methacrylated hyaluronic acid polymer can have a molecular weight from about 500 kDa to about 1.8 MDa. The polymer particles can include a cross-linked hyaluronic acid. The cross-linkable polymer matrix having the polymer particles has a yield stress. The cross-linkable polymer matrix having the polymer particles has shape retention at physiological temperatures. The composition can include live cells in the cross-linkable polymer matrix. The composition can include a biologically active agent in the cross-linkable polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a controlled release composition comprising a plurality of microparticles and a matrix, wherein: the plurality of microparticles comprises a first material; the matrix comprises a second material; and the melting temperature of the first material is higher than the melting temperature of the second material. Also provided are methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Devices and methods for brachytherapy treatment are disclosed. One aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment at the vaginal apex. Another aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment in the distal two-thirds of the vagina. Another aspect is a poly(methyl methacrylate) apparatus for brachytherapy treatment of cancers that are offset from the vaginal apex. Other aspects include methods for guiding needles for treatment of cancers at the vaginal apex, in the distal two-thirds of the vagina, and that are offset from the vaginal apex.

Abstract: A resorbable crosslinked form stable membrane containing a composite layer of collagen material and inorganic ceramic particles containing 1.5 to 3.5 weight parts of inorganic ceramic for 1 weight part of collagen material, sandwiched between two layers of elastic pretensed collagen material, wherein the elastic pretensed collagen material is collagen material that has been stretched such as to be in the linear/elastic region of the stress-strain curve, the collagen material comprising 50-100% (w/w) collagen and 0-50% (w/w) elastin.

Abstract: Provided herein are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents comprising a compound having a structure represented by: Y—X—Z, wherein, X is: Fe(III) or Mn(II), and Y and Z are each independently selected from pyrophosphate and bisphosphonate (e.g., 1-hydroxybisphosphonate), or a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrate and/or salt thereof. Methods of use of the MRI contrast agent are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for bone formation, fracture treatment, bone grafting, bone fusion, cartilage maintenance and repair and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions comprising one or more compound(s) disclosed herein, such as clotrimazole, honokiol, magnolol, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus, spironolactone, fluticasone, fluticasone propionate, fluticasone furoate, linezolid, telmisartan, chlorambucil, retinol, isotretinoin, acitretin, etretinate, retinoic acid (tretinoin), teniposide, mitomycin C, cytarabine, decitabine, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, vinorelbine, valrubicin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, pixantrone, plicamycin, pazopanib, topotecan, camptothecin, irinotecan, sunitinib, derivatives, or salt thereof, for use in bone growth processes.

Abstract: Preparations containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) and methods of making and using same. The HGF and HA preparations can be prepared together in solution as an injectable fluid without gelatinization, or impregnated within a porous hydrophilic matrix material with, or without, cross-linking of the HA with the matrix material. The preparations can be used as a dermal filler or to generate and promote healing of cartilage, vertebral discs, connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments and bone in vivo.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. Disclosed are medical scaffolds configured for placement within a sinus of a patient, methods of making the implants and methods of treatment. The scaffolds comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, a conformal coating over the tubular scaffold and optionally, a drug coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating gastrointestinal tissue (e.g., esophageal tissue).

Abstract: Implantable matrices and methods are provided. The matrices are configured to fit at or near a target tissue site, the matrices comprise biodegradable materials and ligands bound to the matrices and are configured to bind receptors and allow influx of cells into the implantable matrices, wherein the ratio of ligands to receptors is from about 1.5 to about 0.5.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of inducing and maintaining osteogenic potential in mesenchymal stem cells and compositions for doing the same. The compositions this invention comprise collagen 7 (C7), the NC1 domain of C7, or the 27 kD fragment of C7. Also provided are methods for treating bone diseases and correcting bone defects by applying compositions of this invention or by first priming ex vivo mesenchymal stem cells with compositions of this invention and then applying the primed mesenchymal stem cells to the patient. The invention further provides a mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis induction kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a stabilized biodegradable polymeric composition useful as a controlled release delivery system for peptide agents. The compositions of the present invention comprise a) a beneficial salt of a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analog formed with a strong acid that minimizes or prevents the interaction/reaction between the LHRH and the polymer in an organic solution; b) a biodegradable polymer; c) a pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent; and d) optionally one or more excipients. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: The novel positively charged pro-drugs of NSAIAs in the general formulas (1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d) “Structure 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d” were designed and synthesized. The compounds of the general formulas (1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d) “Structure 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d” indicated above can be prepared from metal salts, organic base salts, or immobilized base salts of NSAIAs with suitable halide compounds. The positively charged amino groups in the pro-drugs in this invention largely increase the solubility of the drugs in water and will bond to the negative charge on the phosphate head group of membrane. Thus, the local concentration of the outside of the membrane or skin will be very high and will facilitate the passage of these pro-drugs from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. This bonding will disturb the membrane a little bit and may make some room for the lipophilic portion of the pro-drug.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic diseases or conditions with aural pressure modulating agent compositions and formulations administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disease or condition, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).

Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include drug delivery coatings and devices including the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a drug delivery coating including a polymeric layer. The polymeric layer can include a hydrophilic outer surface. The coating can also include a matrix contacting the hydrophilic outer surface. The matrix can include a particulate hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a cationic agent. The polymeric layer can further include a hydrophilic polymer having pendent photoreactive groups and a photo-crosslinker including two aryl ketone functionalities. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A method of creating a hydrogel, comprising the step of condensing first and second functional groups, wherein the first group comprises a molecule or macromolecule of interest containing two or more hydroxylamine or aminooxy groups and the second group comprises a molecule or macromolecule of interest containing two or more aldehyde/ketone/other reactive oxo groups, under conditions such that a hydrogel forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomaterial for cell or tissue culture, based on a polymeric carrier, which contains at least one crosslinkable hydrophilic polymer. The polymer is functionalized with groups that are selected from maleimide, vinylsulfonic, acrylate, alkyl halide, azirine, pyridyl, thionitrobenzene acid groups, or arylating groups. The invention relates further to a method of production of said biomaterial, and the use of particular functionalizing groups for the production of a biomaterial for the cultivation of tissue and/or cells. The biomaterial can have biofactors that exert a particular action on cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose having high elastic modulus coupled with high absorbance capacity when swollen in simulated gastric fluid/water (1:8) and simulated intestinal fluids. The invention further provides methods of making the crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, compositions comprising the crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose and methods of using the crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, for example, for treating overweight or obesity or for enhancing glycemic control.

Abstract: A surgical stapler end effector comprises a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a buttress assembly. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a deck. The staple cartridge is operable to drive the staples through the deck. The anvil is movable from an open position toward the staple cartridge to reach a closed position. The anvil includes an underside having staple forming surface configured to receive staples driven through the deck. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material is configured to removably secure the buttress body to the deck of the staple cartridge or the underside of the anvil. The adhesive material comprises a malleable bioabsorbable polymer.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that can release a therapeutic agent comprising a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir can comprise a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in a patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. The length of the channels extending from the first side to the second side may comprise an effective length greater than a distance across the porous structure from the first side to the second side. The therapeutic device may comprise a penetrable barrier to inject therapeutic agent into the device when implanted in the patient.

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: Methods for depositing desired materials formed on different locations of a substrate with different materials using a selective deposition process for semiconductor applications are provided. In one embodiment, a method of forming a structure with desired materials on a substrate includes disposing organic materials on a surface of a substrate, performing a thermal treatment process to form polymer brush materials from the organic materials selective on a first region of the substrate, and selectively forming a material layer on a second region of the substrate uncovered by the polymer brush materials.

Abstract: Provided are a light source unit for an endoscope and an endoscopy system, which clarify the color difference between a first dye and a second dye in an observation image. The light source unit has a white LED light source and a band limiting section. The white LED light source has an excitation light source that emits blue excitation light and a phosphor layer that emits yellow fluorescence upon receipt of the excitation light. As a mixture of the fluorescence and part of the excitation light, the white LED light source outputs light having an intensity spectrum continuous across blue, green and red regions. The band limiting section reduces part of the output light in a wavelength band of not lower than a threshold. The threshold is not less than 650 nm. At the threshold, the first dye (pyoktanin) has an optical reflectance of not less than a constant value, whereas the second dye (indigocarmine) has an optical reflectance of substantially zero.

Abstract: A vascular assessment apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to receive a stenotic model having measurements of a coronary vessel tree of a subject, the stenotic model created from a set of medical images recorded before the subject underwent a stent procedure. The apparatus is also configured to receive a post-medical image of the coronary vessel tree of the subject after the stent has been placed into the coronary vessel tree and identify vascular features within the post medical image that correspond to vascular features that are provided among the set of medical images. The apparatus is further configured to modify geometrical information for the corresponding vascular features in the stenotic model to create an updated stenotic model from the identified vascular features of the post medical image and calculate an index indicative of vascular function, based, at least in part, on the updated stenotic model.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide multi-stage biodegradable drug delivery platforms and methods for the subcutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents (TA). Embodiments of the platform may be configured to subcutaneously deliver a first dose of a first TA which is absorbed into the body and/or blood stream (BBS) to produce a first therapeutic effect for a first selectable time period (STP), and subsequently after a second STP, deliver a second dose of a second TA which is absorbed into the BBS to produce a second therapeutic effect for a third STP. An embodiment of the platform may comprise a body having a tissue-penetrating end, a primary cavity having a first TA dose and a shell having a secondary cavity having a second TA dose. The first TA dose is released after the first STP and the second TA dose is released after the second STP by biodegradation of the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inducing osteogenesis in a subject comprising administrating a chitosan material to the a subject in need of osteogenesis, wherein the chitosan material having a chitosan with a degree of deacetylation at the range of 70%˜90%, and the chitosan is 0.15% by weight of the chitosan material. The method of the present invention can induce bone-forming and promote osseointegration around an implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides topical dermal compositions including microsphere encapsulated isotretinoin. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or amides of isotretinoin are also contemplated for use in the practice of the invention. The compositions of the invention are useful for treating a variety of conditions associated with excess sebum production, such as, for example, acne.

Abstract: The present invention provides implants comprising a therapeutic drug and a polymer containing polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA). The present invention also provides methods of maintaining a therapeutic level of a drug in a subject, releasing a therapeutic drug at a substantially linear rate, and treating schizophrenia and other diseases and disorders, utilizing implants of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention pertains to implantable medical devices for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Some devices according to the invention have a titanium reservoir, and a porous titanium oxide based membrane to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The reservoir contains a formulation of the active agent, and means to promote water uptake into the reservoir upon implantation. In some embodiments the means include a gas with a higher solubility in than air water.

Abstract: Tissue fillers derived from decellularized tissues are provided. The tissue fillers can include acellular tissue matrices that have reduced inflammatory responses when implanted in a body. Also provided are methods of making and therapeutic uses for the tissue fillers.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method for treating an interruption of a cerebral artery in a subarachnoid space at risk of interruption caused by brain injury in a mammal, which reduces signs or symptoms of at least one delayed complication associated with brain injury using a flowable sustained release particulate composition.

Abstract: In certain described embodiments, implantable medical materials comprise a scaffolding material, a liquid organic binder, and entrapped calcium-containing particles. The medical materials can incorporate an osteoinductive factor such as a protein. The scaffolding material can bind the factor. In additional described embodiments, implantable medical materials include an osteoconductive scaffolding material, an incorporated osteoinductive factor, and a biodegradable barrier material effective to delay release of the factor from the scaffolding material. The scaffolding material can bind the factor. Also described a methods for preparing and implanting the described medical materials.

Abstract: Anchoring a tendon to a bone is achieved by forming a tunnel in the bone and employing a self-anchoring integrally formed anchor body. A portion of the tendon is wrapped around the anchor body and then the anchor body is driven into the tunnel to attach the tendon to the bone.

Abstract: Biocompatible microparticles include an ophthalmically active cyclic lipid component and a biodegradable polymer that is effective, when placed into the subconjunctival space, in facilitating release of the cyclic lipid component into the anterior and posterior segments of an eye for an extended period of time. The cyclic lipid component can be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the cyclic lipid component can be encapsulated by the polymeric component. The present microparticles include oil-in-water emulsified microparticles. The subconjunctivally administered microparticles can be used to treat or to reduce at least one symptom of an ocular condition, such as glaucoma or age related macular degeneration.

Abstract: A composition including PPF or a PPF copolymer that can be used to fabricate biodegradable structures. The composition can be used in 3-D patterning (e.g., 3-D printing and sterolighography) methods. For example, 3-D patternable compositions include PPF or a PPF copolymer, a photoinitiator or photoinitiators, and a resolution control inhibitor or inhibitors. The compositions can be used to make biodegradable structures (such as cardivascular scaffolds). The biodegradable structures can be surface functionalized. The biodegradable structures can be used in methods of blood delivery in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for modulating tumor cell dissemination, in particular metastatic cancer cells. In particular, the invention relates to an agent for modulating metastatic tumor cell dissemination for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a metastatic cancer wherein the agent is a capture agent and/or a chemoattractant for tumor cells. The invention also relates to a product, comprising an agent for modulating metastatic tumor cell dissemination, and to a method of treatment or prevention of cancer.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a breakable capsule, which is characterized by having no adhesion between capsules each other, having no over time change of the capsule contents, having excellent heat resistance and moisture resistance, being easily ruptured under the pressure imposed by the fingers, having good cracking feeling, and releasing the content and the present invention relates to a breakable capsule, which comprises a capsule having a content and a capsule shell, wherein the capsule is characterized by having an oily ingredient as a content, having at least a shell-forming material as a capsule shell, and satisfying the following equations (1) and (2), 150<(X)<630??(1) wherein (X) represents crush strength (g)/outer diameter of a capsule (mm), 0.15?(Y)?0.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for selectively killing senescent cells and for treating senescence-associated diseases and disorders by administering a senolytic agent. Senescence-associated diseases and disorders treatable by the methods using the senolytic agents described herein include cardiovascular diseases and disorders associated with or caused by arteriosclerosis, such as atherosclerosis; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; osteoarthritis; senescence-associated ophthalmic diseases and disorders; and senescence-associated dermatological diseases and disorders.

Abstract: A process is provided for the making of estetrol starting from a 3-A-oxy-estra-1,3,5(10),15-tetraen-17-one, wherein A is an C1-C5 alkyl group, preferably a methyl group, or a C7-C12 benzylic group, preferably a benzyl group. This process is particularly suitable to industry.

Abstract: A method for making a biomaterial comprising providing at least one polypeptide fraction chymotryptically isolated and extracted from fibroin, and adding the at least one extracted polypeptide fraction to a hydrogel precursor before gelling, wherein the at least one isolated and extracted polypeptide fraction is selected from a soluble fraction Cs, and a precipitated fraction Cp. A biomaterial comprising at least one of the isolated and extracted polypeptide fractions incorporated in a hydrogel or a hydrogel precursor. Use of the biomaterial for constructing, regenerating, repairing, replacing or augmenting soft or hard tissue; as an in vitro or in vivo construct; as a coating material; or as a cell, molecule or particle delivery medium. Use of the isolated and extracted polypeptide fraction Cs for promoting osteoinduction, osteoconduction or osteogenesis. Use of the isolated and extracted polypeptide fraction Cp for enhancing a mechanical compressive modulus of a material into which it is incorporated.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix barrier structure for delivery of one or more bioactive agents from an implantable medical device is described. In an embodiment, a biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix barrier structure is included. The biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix can include a body structure formed of a compliant material comprising one or more compliant biocompatible polymers and one or more bioactive agents. The body structure can define a central aperture through which a subcutaneous element of an implantable medical device passes. Other embodiments are included herein.