This invention relates to imageable polymers, particularly those comprising poly vinylalcohol and to methods for making them as well as to embolic microspheres comprising the polymers. The microspheres are imageable during embolization procedures and can be loaded with drugs or other therapeutic agents to provide an imageable drug delivery system.

An undergarment article has a fabric a fabric layer for wearing about a pelvic region of a person, a water-repellent layer coupled to a crotch portion of the fabric layer to form an inner chamber, and an inner pad disposed within the inner chamber between the water-repellent layer and the fabric layer. The inner pad is resistant to heat and includes a liquid-absorbent layer and a waterproof layer. The liquid-absorbent layer contacts the water-repellent layer and is effective for absorbing a volume of liquid greater than 2 fluid ounces. The waterproof layer is effective for restricting liquid from reaching the fabric layer. The crotch portion of the fabric layer and the water-repellent layer can be substantially elastic in at least one of a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction of the crotch portion. Methods for using the undergarment, kits and uses of the undergarment are also disclosed.

A composition containing biocompatible hydrogel encapsulating mammalian cells and anti-inflammatory drugs is disclosed. The encapsulated cells have reduced fibrotic overgrowth after implantation in a subject. The compositions contain a biocompatible hydrogel having encapsulated therein mammalian cells and anti-inflammatory drugs or polymeric particles loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs. The anti-inflammatory drugs are released from the composition after transplantation in an amount effective to inhibit fibrosis of the composition for at least ten days. Methods for identifying and selecting suitable anti-inflammatory drug-loaded particles to prevent fibrosis of encapsulated cells are also described. Methods of treating a disease in a subject are also disclosed that involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of the disclosed encapsulated cells to the subject.

A biodegradable lens-shaped patch useful for healing and treatment of ocular conditions is disclosed. The patch is formed from a biodegradable carrier which carries amniotic extract and/or placental extract. The lens-shaped patch may be shaped in the form of a conventional contact lens and it is applied to a corneal surface to enhance healing thereof. After a certain period of time, the patch dissolves on its own and it need not be removed from the eye by a clinician. In an embodiment, the patch includes a clear central section that may be refractory, and a biodegradable peripheral section.

Provided herein are compositions including oxotremorine (e.g., oxotremorine methiodide or Oxo-M) and 4-PPBP (e.g., 4-PPBP maleate). Also provided are methods of treating a connective tissue defect in a subject with oxotremorine and 4-PPBP. In addition, provided are scaffolds and methods of making same that include multiple fibers that include Oxo-M, 4-PPBP, and optionally icariin or kartogenin.

Provided is a radioactive microsphere including glass having a structure represented by a formula Ca.sub.3Si.sub.2O.sub.7 and yttrium oxide contained in the glass. The radioactive microsphere has sphericity of from 0.71 to 1, and is radioactive after being activated by neutron irradiation. A method for preparing a radioactive microsphere and a radioactive filler composition is further provided. The present disclosure can be used to treat tumor by delivering radioactive microspheres to the target tissue, and then radioactive microspheres are activated by neutrons to generate radiation. The radioactivity of microspheres disappears over time, and the microspheres were dissolved and absorbed by the bone tissue in the end.

Provided herein relates to compositions and methods for lubrication of a surface. The surface amenable to the compositions and methods described herein can be a non-biological surface, a biological surface, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprising a phospholipid-coated silk microsphere can be used for lubrication of a surface. In some embodiments, the composition comprising a phospholipid-coated silk microsphere can be used for joint lubrication, e.g., for treatment of joint disorders such as arthritis.

A method for preparing a degradable drug-loaded microsphere for embolization and a product obtained therefrom, includes the steps of: dissolving a degradable material in an organic solvent, then adding a drug and mixing well to form a suspension or solution; then pouring the drug-containing suspension or solution into an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, stirring, and thereafter adding water twice for dilution, to prepare the degradable drug-loaded microsphere. The microsphere prepared by the present invention has the advantages of having a controllable particle size, a high drug loading capacity, and a regular spherical shape, being convenient for sieve sizing and accurate particle-size indication, and being accurately targeted to an embolized blood vessel, and the like, and thus has a good application prospect in interventional embolization therapy.

A device for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a surgical cavity, including: a porous, mucoadhesive, freeze-dried polymeric matrix having first and second opposed surfaces, the matrix formed by a composition including chitosan; a plurality of particles embedded within the matrix, the particles containing the therapeutic agent and having a coating around the therapeutic agent, the coating including chitosan. The first surface of the matrix is configured to be applied to the surgical cavity; the device releases the particles through the first surface; the device is also sterilized and provides release of approximately 20% to 100% of the therapeutic agent within 20 minutes of application to the surgical cavity.

A sustained release pharmaceutical formulation for pain management comprises an active ingredient, and a water-miscible and hygroscopic network-forming material, the active ingredient being dispersed within the water-miscible and hygroscopic network-forming material. The pharmaceutical may comprise a hydrophobic component, wherein the active ingredient dispersed within the water-miscible and hygroscopic network-forming material are together dispersed in hydrophobic component. Optionally, the pharmaceutical formulation may be combined with a reinforcing member for providing a system for sustained release of the pharmaceutical formulation for pain management.