Abstract: The present invention teaches a micro-porous injectable, soft elastic, fully resorbable fibrin-based composition for use as a soft tissue lumen and void filler. The composition of the present application exhibits physical characteristics, such as mechanical properties, typically seen in elastomers and mechanical stability, which is superior to fibrin alone. A variety of properties of the composition of the present invention can be effectively fine-tuned and altered by adjusting type and content of the particles as well as of the plasticizer contained in the void filler composition.

Abstract: This invention is in the fields of medicine and neurology, and relates to methods and agents for early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. More particularly, the present invention provides the method for evaluating the health of central nervous system neurons in a human patient, comprising the steps of: a) administering to said patient a population of molecular complexes comprising (i) a polypeptide capable of activating neuronal endocytosis, axonal transport, and synaptic transfer; and (ii) an imaging agent suited for determining location and evaluating neuronal transport of said molecular complexes within said patient; and b) using at least one imaging method to determine location and evaluate neuronal transport of said molecular complexes within said patient.

Abstract: New diagnostic agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and methods for use of such agents for imaging of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such agents is a radiolabeled halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. Preferably, the radiolabeled halogenated xanthene is radiolabeled Rose Bengal or a functional derivative of Rose Bengal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations for use in medical or diagnostic procedures comprising a stabilizing agent alone or in combination with an osmotic agent. In one embodiment, the stabilizing agent is a natural hydrocolloid, preferably locust bean gum, and the osmotic agent is a sugar-based compound, preferably mannitol. The present invention also relates to formulations and methods for distending an anatomic segment. The present invention further relates to formulations and methods for delineating an anatomic segment on a diagnostic image, for example. The formulations of the present invention are especially suitable for use with diagnostic imaging procedures including, but not limited to magnetic resonance imaging (MR), computer assisted tomography (CT), and CT-PET (Position emission tomography), as well as other medical and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The cargo compound may be a nucleic acid and specifically a DNA, RNA or anti-sense. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a brain cancer cell and/or across the blood-brain barrier. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transport peptides derived from Neisseria outer membrane proteins, such as Laz. The invention also provides synthetic transit peptides comprised of the pentapeptide AAEAP. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer, and specifically brain cancer, as well as other brain-related conditions. Further, the invention provides methods of imaging and diagnosing cancer, particular brain cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gastro-retentive diagnostic assembly (GRDA) for use in determining a condition of a subject's gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), comprising a folded single or multi-layered device comprising a diagnostic utility, such as a contrasting agent, the device prior to folding being essentially planar, and included in a delivery system for oral intake, the delivery system being adapted to release the device once in the stomach, whereupon release said device unfolds into an unfolded shape that results in the retention of the device in the stomach. Further provided are methods of determining a condition of a subject's GI tract by the use of the GRDA of the invention, as well as uses of a single or multi-layered device comprising a diagnostic utility when in a folded or unfolded shape, and method of preparing the GRDA of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for photo-initiated carbonylation with carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide using alkyl/aryl iodides with sulfoxides and triethylamine are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled acids, and pharmaceutical acceptable salts and solvates are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated kits and method for PET studies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to iodine containing compounds containing a central cyclopropane scaffolding moiety allowing for the arrangement of three iodinated phenyl groups bound thereto. The invention also relates to the use of such diagnostic compositions as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging and in particular in X-ray imaging and to contrast media containing such compounds.

Abstract: A decoy inactive carrier composition is administered simultaneously with a targeted composition containing vehicles for delivering a desired agent to a biological target. This simultaneous administration enhances the delivery of the targeted composition to the desired location in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an organic radiographic contrasting agent containing an aliphatic or alicyclic backbone and multiple halogen-substituted aromatic groups. Each of the halogen-substituted aromatic groups in the radiographic contrasting agent is substituted with at least three halogen atoms and is covalently attached to the aliphatic or alicyclic backbone. The present invention also discloses a radio-opaque polymeric material comprising the radiographic contrasting agent and at least one polymer. The radiographic contrasting agent is physically admixed with the at least one polymer or physically embedded or dispersed in the at least one polymer. The radio-opaque polymeric material provides enhanced contrasting intensity in radiographic imaging. The radio-opaque polymeric material can be applied on at least a portion of one surface of a medical device. The radio-opaque polymeric material can also be used to construct a medical device, a component thereof, or a portion of a component thereof.

Abstract: The use of a selective chemical and bioorthogonal reaction providing a covalent ligation such as the Staudinger ligation, in targeted molecular imaging and therapy is presented, more specifically with interesting applications for pre-targeted imaging or therapy. Current pre-targeted imaging is hampered by the fact that it relies solely on natural/biological targeting constructs (i.e. biotin/streptavidin). Size considerations and limitations associated with their endogenous nature severely limit the number of applications. The present invention describes how the use of an abiotic, bio-orthogonal reaction which forms a stable adduct under physiological conditions, by way of a small or undetectable bond, can overcome these limitations.

Abstract: New intracorporeal photodynamic medicaments and certain medical uses and methods for use of such photodynamic medicaments for treatment of disease in human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. In preferred embodiments, such medicaments are used for treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the skin and related organs, the mouth and digestive tract and related organs, the urinary and reproductive tracts and related organs, the respiratory tract and related organs, the circulatory system and related organs, the head and neck, the endocrine and lymphoreticular systems and related organs, various other tissues, such as connective tissues and various tissue surfaces exposed during surgery, as well as various tissues exhibiting microbial or parasitic infection.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the design, synthesis and development of a new class of chemotherapeutic agents for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments in a mammal, particularly a human, believed to be at risk of suffering from a hormone-responsive disorder. In an aspect of the invention, such treatments include therapeutic compositions comprising novel steroidal antiestrogen and antiandrogen compounds. In a preferred aspect, such a novel compound of the present invention has an address and a message component, which are made into a single composite entity for more aggressive intervention and effective treatment of hormone-responsive disorders, thereby prolonging the disease-free interval for the patient and reducing a number of side effects.

Abstract: This invention relates to biotechnology, more particularly, to water-soluble polymeric delivery systems for the imaging, evaluation and/or treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Using modern MR imaging techniques, the specific accumulation of macromolecules in arthritic joints in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats is demonstrated. The strong correlation between the uptake and retention of the MR contrast agent labeled polymer with histopathological features of inflammation and local tissue damage demonstrates the practical applications of the macromolecular delivery system of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-CSAp antibodies and anti-CSAp antibody fusion proteins that are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of various cancers, including colon cancer.

Abstract: Medical applications for an infrared emitting composite are provided. The infrared emitting composite includes an infrared emitting agent dispersed in a matrix material, where the composite emits light of a wavelength range substantially non-absorbent to animal fluid or tissue. A system and method for detecting an infrared emitting composite are also provided. Exemplary applications for an infrared emitting composite include medical devices and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Oral contrast compositions are used as an aid for CAT scans and are ideally fast-flowing and good tasting for assisting in quick preparation of a patient in today's extremely active and busy emergency rooms. An oral contrast used for CAT scans of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, small intestines, colon and rectum is formed from water, diatrizoate meglumine, diatrizoate sodium, preservatives and flavorings.

Abstract: A novel dual functioning excipient for metal chelate contrast agents is disclosed. The present excipient, Xm[X?(L?)]n, which is the calcium or zinc salt of the calcium or zinc complex of an organic ligand, enhances safety in that it is able to scavenge both free metal ions and free organic ligand.

Abstract: High energy phototherapeutic agents or radiosensitizer agents comprised of a halogenated xanthene, or other related agents that exhibit a preference for concentration in biologically sensitive structures in diseased tissue, and methods of treating and imaging using such radiosensitizer agents in such diseased tissue are described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric form of thyroid hormone, or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Compositions of the polymeric forms of thyroid hormone, or thyroid hormone analogs, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positive contrast agent composition containing meglumine diatrizoate, sodium diatrizoate, simethicone, famotidine and aspartame in predetermined amounts that is orally administered to a patient for clinical evaluations of appendicitis wherein a positive contrast effect is achieved. Methods of use include orally administering individual doses of the composition approximately 50 minutes prior to appendix visualization using computerized axial tomography.

Abstract: This invention relates to multifunctional detection agents useful for providing high-resolution, in vivo imaging of biochemical activity in a living organism. Methods of using these multifunctional detection agents may comprise administering them into a living organism, and then estimating the localization of the detection agent using one modality (i.e., MRI), while concurrently estimating the level of biological activity using a second modality (i.e., optical imaging). One of the multifunctional detection agents comprises a magnetic resonance component and an optical imaging component. The magnetic resonance component comprises a contrast agent that is always activated or “on”. The optical imaging component comprises a plurality of activatable contrast agents or dyes, at least two of which are different from one another, wherein at least one of the activatable contrast agents can be activated or turned “on” only in the presence of a particular event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation for restenosis prevention. The preparations for restenosis prevention known as yet do not reach sufficient active agent concentrations in the affected sections of the vascular walls as higher doses cause undesirable side effects. The present invention is a preparation to which at least one antihyperplastic agent is added that has a distribution ratio between butanol and water .gtoreq.0.5. The lipophilic active agent is absorbed by the vascular wall fast and in sufficient quantity. The preparation may be a liquid that can pass through capillaries and may contain a contrast agent so that the active agent is transferred into the vascular wall without any additional effort while the usually required contrast radiograms are taken. The preparation may also be applied to a catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation for restenosis prevention. The preparations for restenosis prevention known as yet do not reach sufficient active agent concentrations in the affected sections of the vascular walls as higher doses cause undesirable side effects. The present invention is a preparation to which at least one antihyperplastic agent is added that has a distribution ratio between butanol and water .gtoreq.0.5. The lipophilic active agent is absorbed by the vascular wall fast and in sufficient quantity. The preparation may be a liquid that can pass through capillaries and may contain a contrast agent so that the active agent is transferred into the vascular wall without any additional effort while the usually required contrast radiograms are taken. The preparation may also be applied to a catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus prepares a medical device from a polymeric composition having properties such as increased visibility of the device and the ability to deliver therapeutic and other agents. The device is constructed with additives incorporated into the polymeric structure, such as a material that increases visibility of the device, while still maintaining desired mechanical characteristics such as high radial stiffness, minimized recoil values, and improved flexibility. The device can assume a wide range of geometries that are adaptable to various loading conditions In order to include performance-enhancing additives to the medical device without affecting mechanical performance, the additives are localized in discrete regions of a polymer structure from which a medical device will be formed. For example, a medical device can be prepared from a polymer form such as a tube containing radiopaque agent localized at its ends or in a desired pattern along the device.

Abstract: Low density microspheres, methods for preparing same, and use of same as contrast agents are described. The microspheres have a void which contains a gas or the vapor of a volatile liquid selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, tetraalkyl silanes and perfluorocarbons.

Abstract: New diagnostic agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and methods for use of such agents for imaging of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such agents is a radiolabeled halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. Preferably, the radiolabeled halogenated xanthene is radiolabeled Rose Bengal or a functional derivative of Rose Bengal.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compounds for labelling conjugates with metals which comprise the steps of coupling the conjugate to a support surface; introducing a complex-forming metal to the support; and collecting the metal-conjugate complex released from the support. The metal catalyzes cleavage of the conjugate from the support upon complex formation resulting in a solutions substantially free of unlabeled conjugate.

Abstract: A medical device comprising radiopaque water-dispersible metallic nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are released from the medical device upon implantation of the device. The medical device of the present invention is sufficiently radiopaque for x-ray visualization during implantation, but loses its radiopacity after implantation to allow for subsequent visualization using more sensitive imaging modalities such as CT or MRI. The nanoparticles are formed of a metallic material and have surface modifications that impart water-dispersibility to the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be any of the various types of radiopaque water-dispersible metallic nanoparticles that are known in the art. The nanoparticles may be adapted to facilitate clearance through renal filtration or biliary excretion. The nanoparticles may be adapted to reduce tissue accumulation and have reduced toxicity in the human body. The nanoparticles may be applied directly onto the medical device, e.g.

Abstract: An anti-adhesion sheet for placement upon the anterior wall of a vertebral body, wherein the sheet has a radius of curvature that is less than that of the anterior wall of the vertebral body.

Abstract: A multifunctional cross-bridged tetraaza macrocyclic compound has at least one side arm that comprises a moiety that is capable of forming a bond with another molecule, which has a targeting moiety that directs the compound to a site a marker substance. The compound is chelated to a medically active material that generates a signal for diagnostic imaging or produces a therapeutic effect at the site of the marker substance. A method for detecting, diagnosing, and/or treating a disease that produces the marker substance uses a conjugate comprising the multifunctional cross-bridged tetraaza macrocyclic compound.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate products and include a contrast agent. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include a calcium source and a phosphate source are combined with setting fluid and a water-soluble contrast agent, e.g., a water-soluble barium salt, and the combined reactants are mixed to produce the flowable composition. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g., bone defects.

Abstract: A pair of anatomic orientation stickers may include a left-hand sticker comprising a radiopaque material forming a figure “L” and an adhesive backing attached thereto, and a right-hand sticker comprising a radiopaque material forming a figure “R” and an adhesive backing attached thereto. The stickers may be sufficiently flexible and biocompatible, and the adhesive backings are sufficiently adhesive, to permit removable application on a curved skin surface.

Abstract: The invention is based on the realisation that inflamed plaques in blood vessel walls, which are potentially vulnerable to rupture, can be detected at elevated temperatures which are lower than previously realised. In particular, the low temperatures at which inflamed plaque can be detected are often associated with systems in which blood flow is generally close to normal in particular temperature differences above zero but not more than 0.39° C. have been found to be indicative of the presence of inflamed plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that selectively bind to cells undergoing perturbations and alterations of their normal plasma membrane organization, such as cells undergoing apoptosis or activated platelets. The invention further provides methods for utilizing said compounds in medical practice, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel thioflavin derivatives, methods of using the derivatives in, for example, in vivo imaging of patients having neuritic plaques, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the thioflavin derivatives and method of synthesizing the compounds. The compounds find particular use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients having diseases where accumulation of neuritic plaques are prevalent. The disease states or maladies include but are not limited to Alzheimer's disease, familial Alzheimer's disease, Down's Syndrome and homozygotes for the apolipoprotein E4 allele.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to new, monomeric, perfluoroalkyl-substituted metal complexes, processes for their production, and their use in diagnosis and therapy. The compounds according to the invention are suitable especially as in vivo contrast media in nuclear spin tomography (MRT). They can preferably be used as blood-pool agents and as lymphographic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides, in a general sense, a new labeling strategy employing 99mTc chelated with ethylenedicysteine (EC). EC is conjugated with a variety of ligands and chelated to 99mTc for use as an imaging agent for tissue-specific diseases. The drug conjugates of the invention may also be used as a prognostic tool or as a tool to deliver therapeutics to specific sites within a mammalian body. Kits for use in tissue-specific disease imaging are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides diagnostic procedures wherein the presence or absence of a cell-proliferating disorder, e.g., a breast cancer, may be determined. The imaging agents of the invention include alpha-fetoprotein hydrophilic analogs which have been determined to target cancers, e.g., breast cancer, and are also anti-cell proliferating in nature. These modulators contain amino acid structures which are arranged as a hydrophilic analog of an alpha-fetoprotein. The modulator may be a peptide; a peptidomimetic; or may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable scaffold, such as a polycyclic hydrocarbon to which is attached the necessary amino acid structures. The imaging agents of the invention further comprise an imaging moiety that allows for the imaging of the area targeted by the imaging agent.

Abstract: Described are new cascade polymer complexes, compositions containing them and use of the complexes in diagnosis and therapy, particularly for magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography imaging.

Abstract: A method for displaying a computer-generated determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The method requires providing a digitized image of a mammogram, displaying the digitized image, and selecting a region of interest directly on the displayed digitized image. The digitized image is then processed so that classifier data of the lesion in the user-selected region of interest are generated and displayed. A system for displaying a determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The system includes a display for presenting a digitized mammogram and an input device in communication with the display for selectably indicating a region of interest on the displayed mammogram. The system also includes a processor for generating classifier data related to a characterization feature within the region of interest. The classifier data is presented on the display.

Abstract: Cyanine dye bioconjugates useful for diagnostic imaging and therapy are disclosed. The conjugates include several cyanine dyes with a variety of bis- and tetrakis (carboxylic acid) homologs. The compounds may be conjugated to bioactive peptides, carbohydrates, hormones, drugs, or other bioactive agents. The small size of the compounds allows more favorable delivery to tumor cells as compared to larger molecular weight imaging agents. The various dyes are useful over the range of 350 to 1300 nm, the exact range being dependent upon the particular dye. The use of dimethylsulfoxide helps to maintain the fluorescence of the compounds. The inventive compounds are useful for diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluoresence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the contrast of an image of a sample, comprises forming an image of a mixture, by exposing the mixture to electromagnetic radiation. The mixture comprises the sample and microparticles. The enhancement is particularly suitable for optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: In a PET apparatus 1, in a calculation processing unit 50, for each frame, radiation data for a region of interest K of a measurement-subjected part H is extracted, and then the optimum administration rate of a labeled substance T is calculated based on the radiation data such that the radiation concentration for the region of interest K will be steady regardless of the physiological state (blood flow rate etc.) of the subject S. In an administration rate control unit 60, feedback control of the administration rate of the labeled substance into the subject S is carried out based on the calculated optimum administration condition. As a result, the change in the amount accumulated of the labeled substance T in the region of interest K between before and after administration of a drug being tested Y can be obtained easily and precisely in real time as the amount of change in the radiation concentration, and it becomes possible to grasp the measurement results rapidly and easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Halogenated amino acid analogues for use in diagnosis, which compounds have the general formula (I) wherein: R is (C1–C6) alkyl optionally substituted with thioether or ether oxygen atom when n=0, or a substituted aromatic or heteraromatic ring when n=1–6; and m=0 or 1; and X is a halogen atom.

Abstract: The use of radio-labeled antitumor drugs in the treatment of solid tumors by the method of administering a radio-labeled anticancer drug to a patient and imaging at least a part of the patient using Positron Emission Tomography imaging is described. The method can be used to monitor delivery of antitumor drugs to tumors, to predict the effectiveness of therapy with a particular antitumor drug or combination of antitumor drugs, to assess the effectiveness of modulators of cellular accumulation, to individualize therapy and to evaluate the effectiveness of antitumor drugs with respect to particular cancers. Particularly preferred drugs are labeled taxanes, e.g., 11C-paclitaxel and 11C-docetaxel, labeled anthracyclines, e.g., 11C-doxorubicin and 11C-epirubicin, and other radiolabeled drugs, e.g. 11C-topotecan, 11C-SN-38, and 11C-imatinib. The invention further describes antitumor drugs labeled with the radioactive label 11C and methods of preparing radio-labeled drugs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to accurately determine spatial parameters (for example, the diameter, cross-sectional area and segment length) of bodily structures like human arteries. This is done by determining the three-dimensional position of these structures from two monoplane X-ray angiographic images obtained at arbitrary but different orientations with respect to the structure of interest. The images may be taken at a different moment, so a monoplane X-ray system can be used. Movement of the structure of interest in between the two X-ray exposures is allowed. The three-dimensional information obtained this way is subsequently used to correct the measurements of above mentioned parameters for commonly encountered error sources.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the use of X-ray contrast media that act as universal antigens that are labeled herein as “pseudoantigens.” X-ray contrast media have the potential to exist in an aggregated state that is greater in increased concentrations. In this aggregated state, contrast media assume the role of multivalent antigens and can successfully compete with any other antigens involved in antibody-antigen reactions that lead to anaphylaxis. In this competition, the large quantity of contrast media serves to inhibit the adverse effects of antibody-antigen reactions without the contrast media itself creating antibodies or creating toxicity problems.