Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and synthesis methods that pertain to biocompatible polymeric capsules capable of undergoing backbone degradation and cargo release upon exposure to biologically relevant concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (50-100 ?M of H2O2). In the invention, bio-responsive polyester bearing boronic ester triggers groups that degrade upon exposure to low concentrations of H2O2. The degradation is induced by transformation of a boronic ester to a phenol, which undergoes a quinone methide rearrangement to break down the polyester backbone.

Abstract: Iron oxide nano contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which have superior T2 contrast effect, and also can be used as a storage or a carrier for drugs and so on, are disclosed. The iron oxide nano contrast agents can be prepared by the steps of: coating surfaces of hydrophobic FeO nanoparticles with a coating material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol-phospholipid conjugate, dextran, chitosan, dimercaptosuccinic acid and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent to form hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles having hydrophilic surfaces and dispersibility in water; dispersing the hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles in water to oxidize FeO; and exposing the oxidized hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles to an acidic buffer to dissolve and remove interior unoxidized FeO portions, and thereby to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles having an interior space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo.

Abstract: Nanocarriers and methods of preparation and use of nanocarriers are presented. In some embodiments, a nanocarrier composition comprises an organic liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed therein; and a coating material disposed around the exterior surface of the organic liquid. Biological tissue may be imaged or treated by coming into contact with a nanocarrier composition, and, at least in some embodiments, irradiated.

Abstract: A delivery device for topical and systemic delivery of agents to targeted oral locations, such as mouth cancer cells, has been developed. The formulation includes a mucoadhesive polymeric matrix such as chitosan, which contains one or more therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents, taste masking agents, permeation enhancers, the therapeutic or diagnostic agent to be delivered, and a hydrophilic polymeric coating such as polyethyleneglycol (“PEG”). In the preferred embodiment, the matrix is formulated with one side having the PEG-mucoadhesive polymer exposed for topical placement onto epithelial or cancer cells in the mouth or other mucosal area and the side(s) facing the inside of the oral cavity being covered with a biocompatible, inert membrane that is impermeable to the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent(s) to be delivered.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance imaging of a human or animal body includes providing a spin crossover complex having the general formula [Mx+(Ly)Hw]AN)z wherein, MX+ is a positively charged metal ion, Ly is a heteroaromatic ligand containing at least one nitrogen atom in its ring system, AN is a negatively charged inorganic anion, w is 0, 1 or 2, x is 2 or 3, y is 2 or 3, and z is 2, 3 or 4. The spin crossover complex is applied as a contrast agent in a magnetic resonance imaging of the human or animal body.

Abstract: Radiotracer vorozole compounds for in vivo and in vitro assaying, studying and imaging cytochrome P450 aromatase enzymes in humans, animals, and tissues and methods for making and using the same are provided. [N-radio-methyl] vorozole substantially separated from an N-3 radio-methyl isomer of vorozole is provided. Separation is accomplished through use of chromatography resins providing multiple mechanisms of selectivity.

Abstract: Methods of imaging a living host using Raman nanoparticles; methods of generating a true image of a living host having been administered Raman nanoparticles; methods of multiplex imaging of a living host using a plurality of Raman nanoparticles; methods of generating multimodality images by combining Raman images with other functional/anatomical images; labeled Raman nanoparticles; and the like, are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides multivalent surface-crosslinked micelle (SCM) particles, crosslinked reverse micelle (CRM) particles, and methods of making and using them. The SCM particles can be used, for example, to inhibit a virus or bacteria from binding to a host cell. The inhibition can be used in therapy for the flu, cancer, or AIDS. The CRM particles can be used, for example, to prepare metal nanoparticles or metal alloy nanoparticles, or they can be used in catalytic reactions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method for detecting indications of the presence of liver disease and other fibrotic diseases using a magnetic-resonance based technique for measuring fine tissue and bone textures. Specifically, the invention focuses on adaptations to this prior art to facilitate assessment of the presence and severity of liver disease, lung disease, and other fibrotic disease by measuring spatial wavelengths characteristic of the specific disease process across an areal cross-section through an organ. The results may be presented using a mapping technique. In this way, the resolution of MR is extended further than possible with current MR imaging, so as to be able to measure the fine scale structures and tissue changes that are known to be characteristic of the degenerative processes involved in the development of these diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides Chelating Complex Micelles as a drug carrier. The Chelating Complex Micelles can load drugs without changing their structure, and therefore extend the half-life of drugs in the human body. The chelating complex micelles contain a metal ion core, at least one polymer, and at least one drug molecule. The metal ion is considered as a Lewis acid while polymer chain and drug molecules are referred to as Lewis bases. The drug molecule is linked to the polymer via forming coordinate bonds with metal ion, and then self-assembled to form chelating complex micelles as a drug carrier.

Abstract: A method of delivering therapy to a target site. The method includes (a) obtaining a base image of the target site, (b) injecting a dose of a mix of a therapeutic agent and a contrast agent into a first injection location at the target site via a needle passing through a catheter, (c) collecting sequential fluoroscopic images of a contrast agent dispersion cloud at the first injection location, (d) determining a contrast agent dispersion area from the sequential fluoroscopic images, (e) determining a therapeutic agent dispersion area from the contrast agent dispersion area, (f) marking the therapeutic agent dispersion area on the base image of the target site, and (g) repeating (b) through (f) until the target site is substantially covered with overlapping therapeutic agent dispersion areas corresponding to a plurality of injections at a plurality of injection locations at the target site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a patient (e.g., a human patient) in need thereof, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective regimen, the regimen comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a compound that targets 67 laminin receptor (67LR). In a particular embodiment, the compound that targets 67LR is an antibody or antibody fragment. In particular, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an antibody that binds to 67LR. The present invention also provides a method of treating cancer comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an antibody conjugate, wherein the antibody conjugate comprises an antibody that binds to 67LR linked to a therapeutic agent, a protein toxin, a cytotoxic agent or other moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoparticle having a linker connected to a long alkane or alkene chain, and a method for preparing the nanoparticle. The alkyl chain of C10-30 introduced with a ligand of the present invention can be coated on a hydrophobic nanoparticle through a noncovalent bond, enabling easy introduction of various ligands to the nanoparticle, and the nanoparticle having various functional groups prepared using the method can be applied to fluorescent detection, MRI, raman spectroscopy, optical detection, PET, SPECT, or gamma image device, and the ligand of the visualization agents can be modified to be used for new vessels detection, cancer cell detection, immunocyte detection, hepatocyte detection, cell death detection, and gene detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zcytor17lig polynucleotide, polypeptide and anti-zcytor17 antibody molecules. The zcytor17lig is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the immune system, and proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-generating composition, comprising a hetero-structure nanomaterial which comprises (a) a first material comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal chalcogen, a metal pnicogen, an alloy and a multi-component hybrid structure thereof; and (b) a second material comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of metal, metal chalcogen, metal pnicogen, alloy and the multi-component hybrid structure thereof; wherein the first material is enclosed in the second material; wherein at least one of the first material and the second material comprise a magnetic material. The specific loss power of the present nanomaterial is much higher than that of conventional nanomaterials (e.g., 40-fold higher than commercially accessible Feridex) and may be controlled by changing compositions or ratios of the first material and/or the second material.

Abstract: Translocator protein (TSPO) targeting compounds are described. Methods of making the compounds, and uses of the compounds for imaging are also described.

Abstract: There is provided signal modifying compositions for medical imaging comprising a carrier and signal modifying agents specific for two or more imaging modalities. The compositions are characterized by retention efficiency, with respect of the signal modifying agents that enables prolonged contrast imaging without significant depletion of the signal modifying agent from the carrier. The carriers of the present invention are lipid based or polymer based the physico-chemical properties of which can be modified to entrap or chelate different signal modifying agents and mixtures thereof and to target specific organs or tumors or tissues within a mammal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses that facilitate dissolving a hyperpolarized agent within a polarizer and transporting it to a receiver is provided. The methods include delivering water to a hyperpolarized agent contained within a polarizer, forming a hyperpolarized aqueous solution, transporting the aqueous solution through a fluid path system out of the polarizer, filtering the aqueous solution through a partical size exclusion filter to a receiver, and modifying the pH of the filtered hyperpolarized aquous solution with a dissolution medium contained in the receiver. Also disclosed herein are apparatuses for dissolving a hyperpolarized agent comprising a vial for containing a hyperpolarized imaging agent therein, a dissolution fluid path, a delivery fluid path, a particle size exclusion filter, and a receiver connected to the particle size exclusion filter and positioned to receive the filtered aqueous solution of the hyperpolarized imaging agent.

Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), selected magnetic dipoles in a subject are aligned with a main magnetic field for later manipulation, and signals received after such manipulations are used to create image representations of the subject. One drawback is that even powerful magnetic fields can only align a very small percentage of dipoles in the region of the field. Electromagnetic radiation endowed with orbital angular momentum (OAM) aligns dipoles along the direction of travel of the radiation, but at a much higher percentage; as high as 100% of the dipoles in the region can be aligned. Resultantly, resonance signals emanating from the region are several orders of magnitude stronger than signals emanated using traditional MRI techniques. All electromagnetic radiation, including visible light can be endowed with OAM and used to hyperpolarize a region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions in which nano-carriers are synthesized with polymers that respond to lower pH and/or ROS by being degraded. The compositions may be utilized to selectively deliver payloads within patients by responding to lower pH and/or ROS at localities within the patient. The present invention also features methods of synthesizing nano-carriers that are degraded by lower pH and/or ROS.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 18F or 19F-labeled molecules of use in PET, SPECT and/or MR imaging. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a complex with a group IIIA metal and binding of the complex to a bifunctional chelating agent, which may be directly or indirectly attached to the targeting molecule. In other embodiments, the 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. The disclosed methods and compositions allow the simple and reproducible labeling of molecules at very high efficiency and specific activity in 30 minutes or less. In preferred embodiments, the labeled molecule may be used for imaging in a subject without purification after labeling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-composite containing anionic and cationic polymers and a method for preparing thereof, and more particularly to a poly-gamma-glutamic acid (?-PGA)/chitosan/manganese iron oxide nanoparticle composite prepared by encapsulating iron oxide-based nanoparticles in a ?-PGA/chitosan polymer composite using the ionic self-assembly properties of poly-gamma-glutamic acid (?-PGA) and chitosan, which are biocompatible polymer materials, and to a method for preparing thereof. The present invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging nano-contrast agent based on a nanoparticle composite including iron oxide-based nanoparticles encapsulated in a self-assembled composite of anionic poly-gamma-glutamic acid (?PGA) and cationic chitosan.

Abstract: A new class of micro- and nano-particulate paramagnetic spin probes especially useful for magnetic resonance imaging techniques, including electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The probes are lithium phthalocyanine derivative compounds. Also provided are suspensions and emulsions comprising lithium phthalocyanine derivative probes. Also provided are noninvasive methods for measuring noninvasive methods of measuring oxygen concentration, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen metabolism, and nitric oxide concentration in a specific tissue, organ, or cell in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which are perylenequinone derivatives, their stereoisomers and atropisomers. These compounds can be particularly useful as photosensitizers or sononsensitizers in photodynamic or sonodynamic therapy. The invention also relates to various methods for using these compounds in photodynamic and/or sonodynamic therapy. The compounds also are useful as therapeutic agents for treating various hyperproliferative disorders.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells of a patient, the cells labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, for use in an imaging method for diagnosing a metastasizing cancer, wherein the local accumulation of the labeled precursor cells or bone marrow cells indicates the presence of a metastasizing tumor growth. At least one embodiment also relates to a method for imaging a metastasizing tumor tissue in a patient, wherein a) bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient, b) these precursor cells or bone marrow cells are labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, c) the precursor cells or bone marrow cells thus labeled are retransplanted or reinjected into the patient, and d) the presence of metastasizing tumor cells is depicted with an imaging method.

Abstract: Compounds having formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates or N-oxides thereof are provided and are useful for binding to CXCR7, and treating diseases that are dependent, at least in part, on CXCR7 activity. Accordingly, the present invention provides in further aspects, compositions containing one or more of the above-noted compounds in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: A method and a kit for detecting myelin basic protein are provided. The method comprises administering an agent, which binds to myelin basic protein (MBP), to a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, and determining myelination by detecting the agent resided in the subject. The amount of the agent present in the subject is indicative of a myelin-associated neuropathy. A method of quantifying an amount of MBP present in a tissue sample is also provided, wherein the method comprises contacting the tissue sample with the same agent, detecting the agent present in the tissue sample; and quantifying an amount of the agent present in the tissue sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for targeted delivery of permanently-acting or temporarily-acting neurotoxins, neurosuppressants, or other compounds having a neurologic effect to specific locations of the heart, including for example, but not limited to, nodes of the cardiac autonomic nervous system such as the atrial ganglionated plexi (GP). Chemical ablation of the atrial GP as described herein via magnetically-targeted magnetically-susceptible nanoparticles can effectively suppress GP activity and atrial fibrillation related, thereto without permanent damage to either myocardium or intrinsic CANS.

Abstract: Self-sterilising products, and in particular novel products comprising phthalocyanine derivatives bound to polymers, a process for the preparation of said products and their use for preparing self-sterilising industrial and medical articles or devices, are described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a therapeutically labeled napthodianthrone or phenanthro[1,10,9,8-opqra]perylene-7,14-dione compound, which comprises a chemical element or an isotope that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form sufficient to destroy neighboring cells or tissues for use in a targeted radiotherapy to enhance curability of a warm-blooded animal that has been subjected to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy. A particular advantage of present invention is that viable rim resistant to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy such as vascular targeting agent (VTA) can be supplemented by one single or repeated doses of a therapeutically radiolabeled small molecule necrosis-avid chemical compound treatment to enhance the curability.

Abstract: The invention provides MRI contrast agents which provide a high sensitivity and which have an optimised body retention time. These agents enable the mapping of the local pH, temperature, oxygen concentration or other metabolites in a patient's body by the use of Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST). Particularly pH and temperature mapping are useful for the detection of small cancer lesions and localized inflammation respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for indirectly measuring calcium ion efflux from a cell of a subject by using manganese ions as a surrogate marker for calcium is disclosed. Manganese ion efflux is measured with a MEMRI T1-mapping method while the calcium-sodium exchanger is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trialkoxysilanes having structure I wherein R1 and R2 are independently at each occurrence a C1-C3 alkyl group; R3 is independently at each occurrence a hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl group; R4 is a C1-C5 aliphatic radical, a C7-C12 aromatic radical, or a C5-C10 cycloaliphatic group; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; q is 1, 2 or 3; and X? represents a charge balancing counterion. The trialkoxysilanes are useful for the preparation of nanoparticulate diagnostic imaging agent compositions.

Abstract: A fluid path system includes a vial containing a pharmaceutical product therein. A dissolution fluid path is also included in the fluid path system, the dissolution fluid path having an output end in fluid communication with the vial and an input end attached to a pressure vessel containing a dissolution medium. A delivery fluid path is also included in the system having a first end hermetically attached to the vial to transport therefrom a mixture of dissolved pharmaceutical product and dissolution medium and a second end connected to a receiving vessel to receive the mixture. A dissolution fluid path valve is positioned between the pressure vessel and the dissolution fluid path to control flow of the dissolution medium, and a delivery fluid path valve is also included in the fluid path system to control flow of the mixture from the delivery fluid path to the receiving vessel.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of clinical conditions characterized by undesirable and/or abnormal selectin expression. In particular, the invention provides for the use of fucoidans for the detection of selectins using imaging techniques including ultrasonography, scintigraphy and MRI. Selectin-targeted imaging agents are provided that comprise at least one fucoidan moiety associated with at least one detectable moiety. Methods and kits are described for using these imaging agents in the diagnosis of clinical conditions such as thrombosis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, stroke and ischemic brain trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, tumor metastasis and tumor growth, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing nanoparticles for medical imaging, including a metal core, an organic stabilizing layer containing gem-bisphosphonate compounds and at least one hydrophilic biodistribution ligand.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the real-time visualization of an endogenous biomolecule to clarify the mechanisms of various diseases and enable diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Specifically provided is a novel method for visualizing an endogenous biomolecule by using a magnetic resonance method (including Overhauser MRI and the electron spin resonance method). The aforesaid visualization method, whereby an endogenous biomolecule is visualized on a real-time basis, comprises: a step for treating a living organism to be examined by a magnetic resonance method and thus acquiring data of the endogenous biomolecule; a step for processing the data of the endogenous biomolecule thus obtained to give imaging data; and a step for displaying the imaging data thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides liposome compositions containing substituted ammonium and/or polyanion, and optionally with a desired therapeutic or imaging entity. The present invention also provide methods of making the liposome compositions provided by the present invention. The present invention also provides for the methods and kits for the delivery of liposomal compositions to the brain.

Abstract: Disclosed are lipidomimetic compounds of formula I (I) wherein: G represents a group satisfying formula II: HO—CH2—{CH(OH)—CH2-0}m-CH2—{C(=0)-0-CH2})q— formula II each n independently is an integer from 1-30; m is an integer from 1-10; q is 0 or 1. These compounds can be added to the lipid bilayer of thermosensitive liposomes, for the purpose of aiding in the prevention of leakage of the liposomes' contents at 37° C., and retarding clearance from circulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that mutations in KCNJ5 are associated with adrenal diseases and disorders. The invention includes compositions and methods for the assessment, characterization and treatment of adrenal diseases and disorders, based upon the presence or absence of a KCNJ5 mutation that is associated with an adrenal disease or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of radicals, which are useful as polarizing compounds. Exemplary radicals are represented by compounds of Structural Formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV) as described herein.

Abstract: Formulations of neutral retinoids, in particular fenretinide (HPR) in the form of lipid nanoparticles, solid dispersions and emulsions are disclosed. These compositions are used to treat diseases that are amenable to treatment by HPR, such as neoplastic diseases by achieving higher and more prolonged concentrations of HPR in the subject. The key steps for preparing lipid nanovesicles of HPR include mixing and sonication, sterile filtration, without or without lyophilization for long-term stable storage, and employ processes and materials that are scalable from the laboratory to the manufacturing level. The formulation are suitable for injection into human or animal patients without causing allergic or hypersensitivity responses by avoiding chemical surfactants and animal sources of phospholipids in their manufacture.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 18F- or 19F-labeled molecules of use in PET, SPECT and/or MR imaging. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a complex with a group IIIA metal and binding of the complex to a bifunctional chelating agent, which may then be directly or indirectly attached to the targeting molecule. In other embodiments, the 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. The disclosed methods and compositions allow the simple and reproducible labeling of molecules at very high efficiency and specific activity in 30 minutes or less. In preferred embodiments, the bifunctional chelating agent bound to 18F- or 19F-metal complex may be conjugated to the molecule to be labeled at a reduced temperature, e.g. room temperature.

Abstract: A method of performing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The methods may include: a) generating a compound comprising a first nuclear species (I1), a second nuclear species (I2), a third nuclear species (S), a heteronuclear coupling asymmetry (|J1S?J2S|) and a nuclear singlet state spin order localized on I1 and I2; b) transferring the nuclear singlet state spin order into heteronuclear magnetization localized on S by applying a single, non-recursive pulse sequence at a low magnetic field in the strong coupling regime of protons; and c) performing NMR spectroscopy or MRI with the compound comprising heteronuclear magnetization localized on S. The |J1S?J2S| may be non-zero. The pulse sequence may include a plurality of sequential radio frequency pulses separated by independent evolution interval.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various methods and systems for manufacture, transport and delivery of material including highly polarized nuclei that is in a hyperpolarized state.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various methods and systems for providing hyperpolarized materials as well as the hyperpolarized materials so provided. In addition, methods of providing hyperpolarized materials, such as agents, to end users from a remote location are also provided.

Abstract: A novel nanoemulsion formulation useful for the delivery of docetaxel chemotherapeutic agents is provided, as well as methods of their preparation and use in cancer patients and for cancer imaging.

Abstract: A method of hyperpolarising a magnetic resonance (MR) agent is suitable for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The method includes providing a solution comprising the MR agent suitable for use in MRI or MRS and at least one relaxation agent, the relaxation agent being a paramagnetic metal ion having an electron spin relaxation time of less than 1×10?10 seconds at 20° C. The method further includes exposing the solution to a temperature of less than 5 K and a magnetic field of at least 1 T. The relaxation agent may, for example, be dysprosium.