Abstract: The liquid vehicles can be used to create dilute solutions of water-soluble pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles are formulated to provide desired osmolalities, viscosities, pH, and taste masking capabilities to match the particular intentions of the user and to complement the inherent differences in the various oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles comprise an aqueous medium, an osmotic agent to adjust osmolality, a buffering agent, a viscosity agent, and sweeteners and flavoring agents to improve palatability.

Abstract: A biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable composite stent includes a bioabsorbable ceramic material dispersed and embedded in a biodegradable polymeric material. The bioabsorbable ceramic material is made of flakes that have a thin, flat shape. In one embodiment, the composite stent comprises a body of one or more layers of polymer alone coupled to layers of polymer in which the ceramic flakes are dispersed and embedded and the composite is coiled to form the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an association of poly (N-acryloyl glycinamide) with at least one active principle and/or at least one product which is visible in medical imaging, in a physiologically acceptable aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of drug delivery, cancer treatment and diagnosis and pharmaceuticals. This invention provides a method of making antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted immunoliposomes for the systemic delivery of molecules to treat and image diseases, including cancerous tumors. The invention also provides immunoliposomes and compositions, as well as methods of imaging various tissues. The liposome complexes are useful for encapsulation of imaging agents, for example, for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The specificity of the delivery system is derived from the targeting antibodies or antibody fragments.

Abstract: A bioprobe based on surface-modified single-phase BaGdF5:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for multi-modal bioimaging of fluorescent, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed X-ray tomography (CT) is disclosed herein. The modified UCNPs of the present invention are synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method with simultaneous surface modification of the nanoparticles. The surface-modified UCNPs of the present invention are useful in a variety of biomedical application fields due to their advantages in in vitro and in vivo multi-modal bioimaging such as small particle size up to 15 nm, substantially free of autofluorescence, low cytotoxicity, capable of being excited at near-infrared (NIR) wavelength, ability to deep cell penetration, long-lasting signal and long circulation time in vivo, different X-ray absorption coefficients at different photon energy levels between Ba and Gd, large magnetic moment, etc.

Abstract: A method of instantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections while smoothing the skin, which comprises applying a cosmetic composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a fractal particle based gel and refractive index matching polymers with respect to at least one of the fractal particles. The composition of the invention provides both optical blurring and skin smoothing effect on the skin.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and methods for occluding vascular structures and vascular malformations with radiopaque hydrogel filaments. The filaments can contain no support members and can be CT and MR compatible. Methods of forming such filaments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a high intensity radiopaque contrast agent is disclosed. The agent may be coated on or incorporated within bulk materials, which may then be subsequently utilized to fabricate a radiopaque medical device. Primary effects through chemistry include higher radiopaque concentrations per unit weight of the radiopaque element or agent. Secondary effects include selective placement of the radiopaque elements which may further enhance the radiopacity of the device with reduced requirements of the radiopaque agent. Such a radiopaque contrast agent may be produced in various forms such as a dendrimer and/or incorporated as the end groups of polymeric chain. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions that comprise: (1) a biodegradable polymer matrix; and (2) at least one biodegradable reinforcing particle that is dispersed in the matrix. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforcing particle is selected from the group consisting of porous oxide particles and porous semiconductor particles. In additional embodiments, the compositions of the present invention further comprise a (3) porogen particle that is also dispersed in the matrix. In further embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are also associated with one or more active agents. In various embodiments, the active agents are associated with the biodegradable polymer matrix, the biodegradable reinforcing particle, and/or the porogen particle. In various embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be utilized as scaffolds, such as scaffolds for treating bone defects.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Barium sulfate may also be provided to the core of the particles as a coating or absorbed within the core of the particles. The particles can be used to minimize blood flow to mammalian tissues by occluding at least a portion of a blood vessel of the mammal, or to deliver an active agent to a localized area within a body of a mammal by contacting a localized area with at least one of the particles. Further, the particles are useful in sustained release formulations including active agent(s) for oral administration, as tracer particles for injection into the bloodstream of a mammal or for use in enhanced ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: The present invention discloses Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescent albumin nanoparticles having a structure selected from a core structure or a core-shell structure. Also disclosed are a process of preparing these NIR fluorescent albumin nanoparticles, and a method of in vivo detection of pathologies, in particular cancer pathology, by using administering these NIR fluorescent albumin nanoparticles to a patient.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.

Abstract: Granulysin peptides are small antimicrobial agents with potent activity. A pharmaceutical composition comprising granulysin peptides as an active agent is administered therapeutically to a patient for exfoliation, e.g. for the treatment of skin lesions.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy) phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Barium sulfate may also be provided to the core of the particles as a coating or absorbed within the core of the particles. The particles can be used to minimize blood flow to mammalian tissues by occluding at least a portion of a blood vessel of the mammal, or to deliver an active agent to a localized area within a body of a mammal by contacting a localized area with at least one of the particles. Further, the particles are useful in sustained release formulations including active agent(s) for oral administration, as tracer particles for injection into the bloodstream of a mammal or for use in enhanced ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel spill resistant formulations comprising either a weak base or a weak acid as the pharmaceutical ingredient, a liquid base, a clay and a water soluble cellulose ether. The clay and cellulose ether allow for a broader pH range into which the pharmaceutically active agent may be dispersed or dissolved, and therefore allows for easier preparation and formulation of the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a high intensity radiopaque contrast agent is disclosed. The agent may be coated on or incorporated within bulk materials, which may then be subsequently utilized to fabricate a radiopaque medical device. Primary effects through chemistry include higher radiopaque concentrations per unit weight of the radiopaque element or agent. Secondary effects include selective placement of the radiopaque elements which may further enhance the radiopacity of the device with reduced requirements of the radiopaque agent. Such a radiopaque contrast agent may be produced in various forms such as a dendrimer and/or incorporated as the end groups of polymeric chain. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing and treating a human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor in a subject is disclosed. The method includes administering to the subject, an effective amount of composition having a peptide 12-20 amino acid residues in length and selected for its ability to bind preferentially to a subtype of human GBM cells identified as brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) or highly invasive glioma cells (HIGCs).

Abstract: The invention relates to novel spill resistant formulations comprising either a weak base or a weak acid as the pharmaceutical ingredient, a liquid base, a clay and a water soluble cellulose ether. The clay and cellulose ether allow for a broader pH range into which the pharmaceutically active agent may be dispersed or dissolved, and therefore allows for easier preparation and formulation of the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Method as well a kit for the performance of the method for the investigation of biological samples from a mammal for at least one component, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) Administering at least one marker substance to a mammal; (b) Waiting for a length of time which is sufficient for the at least one marker substance to reach the location of sample removal; (c) Removing a biological sample from the mammal; (d) Investigating the biological sample for the presence and/or amount of at least one marker substance or a derivative thereof; and, if the at least one marker substance or the derivative thereof is detectable in the biological sample; (e) Investigating the biological sample for an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hyperproliferative diseases. Specifically, the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a modified Reoviridae virus, wherein the Reoviridae virus is conjugated to a hydroxylated hydrocarbon or a polycationic polymer to reduce the clearance of the composition and reduce the immunogenicity of the composition. Yet further, the invention relates to methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease by administering to a patient an effective amount of the modified Reoviridae virus.

Abstract: Example compositions of liposomes with hydrophilic polymers on their surface, and containing relatively high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents for computed tomography are provided. Example pharmaceutical compositions of such liposomes, when administered to a subject, provide for increased contrast of extended duration, as measured by computed tomography, in the bloodstream and other tissues of the subject. Also provided are example methods for making the liposomes containing high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents, and example methods for using the compositions.

Abstract: Compositions for embolization are disclosed herein. The compositions disclosed can have a matrix-forming component, a solid-aggregate material, and a rheology modifying agent, wherein the matrix-forming component includes at least alkyl cyanoacrylate monomers, a stabilizer, and a plasticizer, and the solid-aggregate material includes at least a radiopacifier. The composition and a method of administering the composition are useful for treating vasculature abnormalities, particularly when the composition solidifies upon contact with an ionic environment, such as blood.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of F-18 labeled molecules of use, for example, in PET imaging techniques. In particular embodiments, the labeled molecules may be peptides or proteins, although other types of molecules including but not limited to aptamers, oligonucleotides and nucleic acids may be labeled and utilized for such imaging studies. In preferred embodiments, the F-18 label may be conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a metal complex and binding of the F-18-metal complex to a chelating moiety, such as DOTA, NOTA, DTPA, TETA or NETA. In other embodiments, the metal may first be conjugated to the chelating group and subsequently the F-18 bound to the metal. In other preferred embodiments, the F-18 labeled moiety may comprise a targetable conjugate that may be used in combination with a bispecific or multispecific antibody to target the F-18 to an antigen expressed on a cell or tissue associated with a disease, medical condition, or pathogen.

Abstract: A stool marker formulation for oral administration and suitable for use in CT Colography including a material adapted to provide marked stool which has a modified response to radiation relative to unmarked stool. Radiologically scanning the colon of a patient treated to produce marked stool produces data which can be manipulated to provide a representation of the colon including where present, a polyp. The active ingredient is preferably barium sulfate which has been destabilised to reduce its resistance to flocculation.

Abstract: Methods of imaging a portion of a body of a patient are provided. In the methods, a contrast agent including an iso-osmotic contrast agent is administered to the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the iso-osmotic contrast agent comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes, which make the PEG iso-osmotic. In a preferred embodiment, a positive contrast agent, such as an iodine-based contrast agent, is added to the PEG. The iso-osmotic contrast agent can be administered in volumes that are lower than previous contrast agents. The iso-osmotic contrast agent can be administered in combination with a positive intravenous contrast agent. At least one image of the portion of the patient's body is obtained, such as by computed tomography, after the contrast agent is administered. The methods can be used to image a pelvis, GI tract, and/or appendix of the patient. Iso-osmotic contrast agents are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast media having a low concentration of contrast agent (active ingredient) and/or low Hounsfield value for use in medical or diagnostic procedures, or for therapeutic use. In one alternative embodiment, the contrast media are comprised of a contrast agent, alone or in combination with a stabilizing agent or osmotic agent. The present invention is directed to a contrast media having a Hounsfield value less than 250. In another embodiment, the contrast media comprises a contrast agent, such as a less than 2% w/v barium-based compound. In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to formulations and methods for distending and imaging an anatomic segment of an individual.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an X-ray visible drug delivery device for subdermal administration of a contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Microspheres of the present invention may further be provided with physical and/or chemical enhancements within the particles' cores to enhance visualization of the embolized tissue using a variety of medical imaging modalities, including conventional radiography, fluoroscopy, tomography, computerized tomography, ultrasound, scintillation, magnetic resonance, or other imaging technologies.

Abstract: Bioelastomers are disclosed for use in methods of binding compounds including immunoassay methods, in biosensors and methods or regenerating biosensors, and in methods for targeting the delivery of a compound to a particular location within an animal subjects. In general, the bioelastomer is conjugated to a binding compound, which is in turn used to bind a compound of interest. For targeted compound delivery, the bioelastomer is conjugated to the compound to be delivered.

Abstract: A contrast agent system for X-ray and computed tomography diagnostics has a dissolvable microcapsule in which a substance or substance mixture that releases CO2 upon contact with a bodily fluid is enclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to rapidly form and load cells and cell-derived vesicles. Loaded materials can include imaging agents, drugs and magnetic particles. Methods are also presented to additionally target the loaded cells or vesicles, leading to new forms of imaging, treatment, diagnosis, and detection by a large number of techniques. The preparation and use of reduced sized cells that retain subset characteristics of the parent cell are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, systems and reagents for providing contrast media that are compatible with osteoinductive factor induced bone formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hyperproliferative diseases. Specifically, the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a modified Reoviridae virus, wherein the Reoviridae virus is conjugated to a hydroxylated hydrocarbon or a polycationic polymer to reduce the clearance of the composition and reduce the immunogenicity of the composition. Yet further, the invention relates to methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease by administering to a patient an effective amount of the modified Reoviridae virus.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy) phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Barium sulfate may also be provided to the core of the particles as a coating or absorbed within the core of the particles. The particles can be used to minimize blood flow to mammalian tissues by occluding at least a portion of a blood vessel of the mammal, or to deliver an active agent to a localized area within a body of a mammal by contacting a localized area with at least one of the particles. Further, the particles are useful in sustained release formulations including active agent(s) for oral administration, as tracer particles for injection into the bloodstream of a mammal or for use in enhanced ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A method whereby non-immunogenic intraspecies proteins are used as carrier compounds to deliver imaging agents and pharmaceutical drugs to tumors in the human patient. This invention describes the propensity of certain solubilized cellular receptor proteins to localize in necrotic or inflamed areas of tumors but not in healthy normal tissues. Two examples of these receptors are tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) and the interleukin receptors (IL-R). By combining various pharmaceutical agents with these receptor proteins it is possible to localize these agents within the necrotic or damaged areas of the tumor where they will have the greatest therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides binding moieties for fibrin which have a variety of uses wherever detecting, isolating or localizing fibrin, and particularly fibrin as opposed to fibrinogen, is advantageous. Particularly disclosed are synthetic, isolated polypeptides capable of binding fibrin and recognizing the form of polymerized fibrin found in thrombi. In addition, the polypeptides have a slow dissociation rate from fibrin, which improves their ability to form a contrast image at the site of a fibrin clot, making the disclosed binding moieties particularly useful as imaging agents for thrombi.

Abstract: A surgical marking system has been developed that can be easily used during surgery to mark an area of the body, e.g., the margins of a tumor resection cavity, for post-operative radiation therapy or subsequent evaluation by CT, MRI, or radiography. This marker system is formed as a semi-liquid solution that is expelled into the resection margins as a stream that quickly polymerizes in situ into a solid or semi-solid strand that adheres to the surrounding tissue. Several of these strands may be placed to outline the cavity surface. One or more of the polymerizing agents contain one or more imageable markers for post-operative imaging or therapy. The method allows a surgeon to outline the margins of a surgical site in all directions. In addition, radioactive isotopes or therapeutic drugs can be added to the marker strands for in situ therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter deliver.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions suitable for use in embolizing blood vessels which compositions comprise a polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a contrast agent. The polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile, polyurethane, polyvinylacetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose and copolymers of urethane/carbonate and copolymers of styrene/maleic acid.

Abstract: An orally ingestible baked radiopaque product comprising (a) fat, (b) sweetener, (c) moisturizing agent, (d) x-ray contrast agent, (e) flour and (f) optionally flavoring agent useful for evaluating swallowing food having a dry rood texture. The x-ray contrast agent is interspersed throughout the product by mixing it into the product prior to baking it. The product is used in the detection of dysphagia. A method and dough useful for preparing the product.

Abstract: A non-implantable CT and MRI marker has a first component formed of at least one of a silicone resin and a fluorcarbon resin and a second component comprised of at least one of an elastomer and an organogel contained in the first component.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating urinary incontinence in a mammal wherein a composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and a contrast agent is delivered to the periurethral tissue of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conjugate wherein GP (glycoprotein) Ib and a lipid are bonded via polyalkylene oxide. The present invention also provides a complex (GPIb lipid complex) containing this conjugate and a free lipid. The GPIb lipid complex is expected to have a potential for practical application in a wide range, as a platelet substitute, a pharmaceutical agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of angiopathy, vascular damage and thrombosis, a diagnostic for vWF deficiency and the like, a biological or medical reagent, a reagent for screening platelet aggregation suppressant or antithrombosis, and the like. The GPIb lipid complex of the present invention is also useful as a diagnostic for finding the location of vascular lesion or thrombus formation, or a therapeutic agent thereof. Moreover, the GPIb lipid complex of the present invention is also superior in retention property in blood, which enables continuous expression of a pharmacological action.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: The invention provides X-ray contrastable plastics materials with low-molecular weight iodine compounds, a process for preparing X-ray contrastable plastics materials with low molecular weight iodine compounds, the use of low molecular weight iodine compounds to improve the X-ray contrast in transparent plastics materials and toys with improved X-ray contrast containing low molecular weight iodine compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions suitable for use in embolizing blood vessels which compositions comprise a polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a contrast agent. The polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile, polyurethane, polyvinylacetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose and copolymers of urethane/carbonate and copolymers of styrene/maleic acid.

Abstract: Method as well a kit for the performance of the method for the investigation of biological samples from a mammal for at least one component, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) Administering at least one marker substance to a mammal; (b) Waiting for a length of time which is sufficient for the at least one marker substance to reach the location of sample removal; (c) Removing a biological sample from the mammal; (d) Investigating the biological sample for the presence and/or amount of at least one marker substance or a derivative thereof; and, if the at least one marker substance or the derivative thereof is detectable in the biological sample; (e) Investigating the biological sample for an analyte.