Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a disease site in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically or diagnostically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the therapeutic or diagnostic agent coupled to an albumin binding peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides selective for cancer tissue, particularly prostate or ovarian cancer tissue. The method may comprise identifying endogenous mimeotopes of such peptides, such as GRP78, IL-11R? and hsp90. Antibodies against such targeting peptides or their mimeotopes may be used for detection, diagnosis and/or staging of prostate or ovarian cancer. In other embodiments, the compositions and methods concern a novel type of gene therapy vector, known as adeno-associated phage (AAP). AAP are of use for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to particular tissues, organs or cell types, such as prostate or ovarian cancer. In still other embodiments, targeting peptides selective for low-grade lipomas may be used for detection, diagnosis and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Examples of compositions of liposomes and methods of making the same containing high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents for computed tomography are provided. Example 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 stable, that is, resistant to leakage of the contrast-enhancing agents, including the extrusion of the liposomes at high pressures and at high flow rates per total pore area of the extrusion filters.

Abstract: Presented is a method for assessing dopamine transporter levels in a selected area of a subject's central nervous system by SPECT imaging comprising administering an injection of a labeled dopamine transporter ligand at approximately the time the subject is positioned for SPECT imaging and initiating a SPECT acquisition for a duration of about 30 minutes commencing at about 15 minutes after administration of labeled dopamine transporter ligand; and assessing, based on said SPECT acquisition, the amount of labeled dopamine transporter ligand that is bound to dopamine transporter.

Abstract: A method for determining the liver performance of a living organism, in particular a human, comprising administering at least one 13C labelled substrate, which is converted by the liver by releasing at least one 13C labelled metabolization product, and determining the amount of the at least one 13C labelled metabolization product in the exhalation air over a definite time interval by the means of at least one measuring device with at least one evaluation unit is disclosed. Using this method, it is possible to describe the measured initial increase of the amount of the at least one 13C labelled metabolization product in the exhalation air using a differential equation of first order and to determine a value Amax (DOBmax) and a time constant tau of the increase of the amount of 13C labelled metabolization product from the solution of the differential equation of first order.

Abstract: A nano-capsule construct for imaging and therapeutic uses and method for production are provided. One nano-probe embodiment based on genome-depleted plant brome mosaic virus (BMV) whose interior is doped with indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA-approved near infrared fluorescent dye, is used to illustrate the invention. The material encapsulated in viral shell components may be coated with functionalized coatings such as branched, dendritic polymer coatings to improve longevity and distribution in the body as well as antibody conjugation for increased target specificity. The constructs can also be coated with ferromagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, enabling the ICG-containing capsules to be used as nano-probes with the capability of being detected in both optical and magnetic resonance imaging. The capsules may be produced by purifying a plant or animal viruses and disassembling the viruses to provide virus shell components.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods of photodynamic treatment and diagnosis of cancer and non-cancerous conditions, and in particular to improved enema preparations for use in such methods, said enema preparations comprising a photosensitiser which is 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a precursor or derivative thereof, e.g. a 5-ALA ester. Such preparations may further comprise one or more viscosity enhancing agents, mucoadhesive or mucolytic agents, penetration enhancers or chelating agents. The methods and preparations herein described are particularly suitable for use in photodynamic methods of treating and/or diagnosing cancer and non-cancerous conditions in the colon and/or rectum.

Abstract: Modified viruses and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including cancer, and as anti-tumor and/or antiangiogenic agents. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Proteins that bind IL-1? and IL-1? are described along with their use in compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing IL-1-related disorders and for detecting IL-1? and IL-1? in cells, tissues, samples, and compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of materials sciences and medicine and relates to an agent, which can be used, for example, as a contrast medium for the localization of cancer cells. The object of the present invention is to disclose an agent which sensitively and selectively recognizes the site and the type of the molecules or cells to be examined. The object is attained through an agent composed at least of bio-shuttle molecules to which endohedral fullerenes are coupled by way of peptide-based molecules, wherein the endohedral fullerenes are hydrophobic and correspond to the formula A3-xMxZ@C2n in which x=0 to 3 and n?34, A means rare earths and/or transuranic elements, M means metals, Z means non-metals and C means carbon. The object is further attained through a method in which hydrophobic endohedral fullerenes are coupled with bio-shuttle molecules by way of an irreversible Diels-Alder reaction with an inverse electron demand (DARinv).

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: A nanoconjugate is formed from a self-assembled unilamellar vesicle (ULV), at least one contrast agent which may be a MRI contrast agent, a radioisotope or a fluorophore, and at least one antibody, which may be an IgG or an antibody fragment such as a single-domain antibody. The nanoconjugate be targetted with the antibody to receptors specific to certain disease states, and thus be used in diagnostic and imaging methods using the properties o contrast agent.

Abstract: The present application provides compositions and methods using bioorthogonal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction for rapid and specific covalent delivery of a “payload” to a ligand bound to a biological target.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or abnormal vasculature in the body are provided. The method comprises introducing into the region of an AVM a composition comprising a nucleophilic component, such as a thiol, and a component containing a conjugated unsaturated bond, such as an acrylate through a catheter, whereby the composition crosslinks within the body to block or occlude the AVM.

Abstract: A compound for injecting locally into an intratumoral space of a body made of a mixture of a biocompatible wax, admixed with biocompatible oil. The compound is liquid at a temperature above body temperature but compatible with the life of healthy cells. It exhibits an increasing viscosity with decreasing temperature and becomes a solid close to body temperature. The compound is then metabolized by the human body.

Abstract: For particularly effective stem cell therapy a nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle has a first element consisting of a magnetic material, a support or envelope element consisting of a biodegradable material, a first substance containing an x-ray contrast agent, and a second substance containing stem cells. The stem cells are embodied such that they can be used for angiogenesis or for myogenesis.

Abstract: Use of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A as a marker for inflammatory conditions, and in particular, for acute coronary syndromes is described.

Abstract: Timed-bioresorbable particulates, particularly microspheres or fibers, may be used as a vehicle for delivery of radioisotopes, such as Y-90 and Pd-103 for localized radiotherapy, or as an embolic device. These particulates may also be embedded in polymers, or dispersed in injectable gels or other injectable media for the treatment of various cancers. The benefit of bioresorption, the ability to control the ratio of radioisotopes in the particulate, especially the gamma and beta ratios such as In-111/Y-90 ratio in a particulate, and the benefit of non-conductive implants are disclosed.

Abstract: Nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 2000 nm, wherein said nanoparticles comprise a polymer having pendant cleavable iodine substituted groups are provided. Processes for preparing the nanoparticles and their use as a contrast agent for X-ray imaging are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for biomaterials, characterised in that it comprises a calcium phosphate, in which the molar ratio Ca/P is 1 to 2, sintered with a medical imaging contrast agent uniformly distributed in the composition mass. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the same and to the medical uses thereof.

Abstract: A molecular probe for labeling myelin includes a fluorescent trans-stilbene derivative.

Abstract: Nano-particles are molded in nano-scale molds fabricated from non-wetting, low surface energy polymeric materials. The nano-particles can include pharmaceutical compositions, taggants, contrast agents, biologic drugs, drug compositions, organic materials, and the like. The molds can be virtually any shape and less than 10 micron in cross-sectional diameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of diagnosing painful intervertebral discs. The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a painful intervertebral disc.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the diagnosis, treatment, and medical management of cancers. The methods include the use of antibodies and other binding molecules that specifically bind to one or more nucleotide salvage pathway enzymes (SPEs) selected from the group consisting of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), deoxycytidine kinase (dCK); and thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) and complexes comprising SPEs, for detection of the SPE(s) on or in cancer cells and/or on or in body fluids and tissues of cancer patients. Binding of SPEs is useful in the methods provided herein for diagnosing cancer, determining prognosis of cancer and assessing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Immunoassay systems for use in the methods are also provided, including sandwich immunoassays. In addition, an amino acid sequence comprising a novel TK1 binding site is provided, as well as nucleotide sequences encoding it.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds for cancer therapy or diagnosis and more specifically to the use of a non-toxic B subunit of Shiga toxin mutant as a vector for diagnostic products or drugs in over-expressing Gb3 receptor cells, such compounds having the following formula: STxB-Z(n)-Cys-Y(m)-T wherein STxB is the Shiga Toxin B subunit or a functional equivalent thereof, Z(n) wherein n is 0 or 1 and when n is 1, Z is an amino-acid residue devoid of sulfhydryl group, or is a polypeptide, Cys is the amino-acid residue for Cysteine, T is a molecule linked by a covalent bound to the S part of Cys, selected in a group comprising: agents for in vivo diagnosis, cytotoxic agents, prodrugs, or enzymes for the conversion of a prodrug to a drug, Y(m) wherein m is 0 or 1 and when m is 1, Y is a linker between T and Cys, said linker being either cleavable or not cleavable for the release of T after the internalization of the hybrid compound into said cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to radiolabelled MMP selective compounds, a processes for the preparation thereof, and uses thereof. The derivatives of the invention have formula (I) wherein Y represents O, CH2, (CH2)2, S, NH, or C(?O)NH; X represents 1-5 substituents, wherein said substituents can be the same or different and wherein at least one of said substituents comprises a radioisotope suitable for PET and/or SPECT and/or a ?-emitter; Z is S; Q is chosen from the group consisting of 3-pyridyl and carboxyl; and R is chosen from the group consisting of C(?O)—NH—OH, (II), (IV). The MMP selective compounds of the invention are selective for MMPs and can be used for the identification and treatment of unstable atherosclerotic plaques.

Abstract: This invention relates to optical imaging probes and the use of such probes for diagnosing and monitoring disease, and disease treatment. The optical imaging probes of the current invention can be used to identify and characterize normal and diseased tissues with regards to altered metabolic activity.

Abstract: A molecular probe for use in detection of cancer cells expressing an Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule that binds in a homophilic fashion in a subject includes a targeting agent that specifically binds to and/or complexes with a proteolytically cleaved extracellular fragment of the Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule.

Abstract: A biomarker for pancreatic beta-cell mass comprising measuring the levels of CFC1 in the serum of a subject is described. The biomarker provides a noninvasive means for measuring pancreatic beta cell mass that is particularly useful for monitoring the efficacy of treatments for metabolic disorders such as Type I or Type II diabetes, including pancreatic islet cell transplantations.

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: Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities.

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: The present invention provides a molecular assembly which is less likely to accumulate in tissue other than cancer tissue, is highly safe for a living body, and can be prepared by a simple and safe method and whose particle size can be easily controlled. The present invention provides a molecular imaging system and a molecular probe useful for the system, and a drug delivery system and a molecular probe useful for the system. The present invention provides a method for preparing molecular assembly, by which the particle size of molecular assembly having a signal group or a drug can be arbitrarily controlled in order to allow the molecular assembly to effectively accumulate in cancer tissue by utilizing EPR effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic, detection, screening and imaging methods. In various embodiments, methods of diagnosis, detection, screening and imaging include administering a cationic steroid antimicrobial or CSA to a subject having or at risk of having an infection or a hyperproliferative disorder (e.g., a tumor, cancer or neoplasia) in an amount effective to diagnose or detect the infection or the hyperproliferative disorder (e.g., a tumor, cancer or neoplasia) in the subject. In a particular aspect, a detectable CSA, namely CSA-13 labeled with 99mTc is used to detect the presence of an infection.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for particles with a surface including an adhesion material. The adhesion material may be selectively activated in response to radiation. The particles may be distributed proximate to a target through a fluid system. Radiation may be emitted toward the target causing the adhesion material to activate. The activated adhesive material on the surface of the particles may adhere to the target providing a fiducial mark or reference point. The fiducial mark may be visible through a medical imaging technique. In some examples, the particles may be nanoparticles. In some examples, the radiation may be infrared radiation.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, two image data records of two computed tomography pictures of the object are provided that have been recorded in the context of a different spectral distribution of the X-radiation. For voxels of at least one interesting slice, there is calculated from the two image data records a ratio r that is yielded from measured or averaged X-ray attenuation values of the respective voxel or its environment in the context of the different spectral distributions of the X-radiation and prescribed X-ray attenuation values of soft tissue in the context of the different spectral distributions of the X-radiation according to a prescribed calculation rule. Upon overshooting of a threshold value for the ratio r the respective voxel is assigned either contrast agent or calcium-containing material as a function of the magnitude of r.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gels which gelate in situ and are suitable for nucleus (gel bodies of the intervertebral disks) replacement, and to a process and to an apparatus for administration thereof, to the use thereof and to a vessel which comprises an inventive PVA gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-specific antibody or antibody fragment having at least one arm that specifically binds a targeted tissue and at least one other arm that specifically binds a targetable construct. The targetable construct comprises a carrier portion which comprises or bears at least one epitope recognizable by at least one arm of said bi-specific antibody or antibody fragment. The targetable construct further comprises one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents or enzymes. The invention provides constructs and methods for producing the bi-specific antibodies or antibody fragments, as well as methods for using them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticles. More particularly, the present invention relates to creating a hybrid gold/gold sulfide nanoparticle with a chitosan matrix surrounding the metallic nanoparticle and a method for making the same. The chitosan-coated gold/gold sulfide nanoparticles can then be incorporated with additional therapeutic or diagnostic compounds such as iodine, antibodies, or other suitable compounds. The nanoparticles of the present invention have the dual capabilities of absorbing near infrared wavelength light to (1) act as a therapeutic agent by generating heat energy effective for cell ablation or for release of therapeutic compounds embedded in the chitosan matrix and (2) creating diagnostic benefit by incorporation of X-ray or MRI contrast-agents.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a delivery system administered to the lung preferably by inhalation comprising a polymer-based nanoparticle; and a linker comprising a first portion non-covalently anchored to said nanoparticle, wherein at least part of said first portion comprises a hydrophobic/lipophilic segment embedded in said nanoparticle; and a second portion comprising a coupling group, preferably a maleimide compound, exposed at the outer surface of said nanoparticle. In accordance with one embodiment, the delivery system comprises one or more targeting agents, each covalently bound to said coupling group, preferably maleimide compound, and is administered as an aerosol in the therapy or diagnosis of lung cancer or bronchial dysplasia. In accordance with yet another embodiment, the delivery system comprises a drug and/or a radiopharmaceutical and/or a contrasting agent. A specific example for a linker in accordance with the invention is octadecyl-4-(maleimideomethyl)cyclohexane-carboxylic amide (OMCCA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antibodies and their use for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastasis thereof. The present invention also relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of prostate cancer. Furthermore the present invention relates to assay systems and kits for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastasis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radio-opaque composition comprising a cleavable, preferably enzymatically-cleavable, derivative of a physiologically tolerable organoiodine compound and a non-acrylic polymer wherein said derivative is incorporated in said non-acrylic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting a cancer cell in an individual, methods of grading a cancer, and methods of treating a cancer. The methods involve use of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that comprise a moiety that provides for selective association with, and/or metabolic uptake into, a cancer cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for targeting an imaging agent to cells of an animal to detect localized infections. More particularly, localized infections are detected by targeting imaging agents to inflammatory cells having receptors for a vitamin by using vitamin-imaging agent conjugates.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities.

Abstract: Renal extraction fraction (EF) is determined through use of computed tomography (CT) measurements of arterial blood before and after injection of a radiographic contrast agent into the blood and CT measurements of renal vein blood after injection of the radiographic contrast agent.

Abstract: Methods useful for effecting prophylaxis or treatment of amyloidosis, including AA Amyloidosis and AL amyloidosis, by administering peptides comprising neoepitopes, such as AA fragments from a C-terminal region of AA, and antibodies specific for neoepitopes of aggregated amyloid proteins, for example, antibodies specific for the C-terminal region of AA fibrils. Antibodies for inhibition of formation and/or increasing clearance of amyloid deposits in a patient thus effecting prophylaxis or treating amyloid disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of synthesizing acoustically active biodegradable hollow spheres with a size below 1 micron. By using water soluble organic solvents and pegylated polymers, direct precipitation of these spheres is facilitated leading to a fast and convenient preparation route.

Abstract: Compositions of matter and methods for inhibiting drusen or drusen-like deposits and/or for treating diseases related to drusen or drusen-like deposits in human or animal subjects by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of i) a conformational epitope of an aggregate that contributes to the formation or biosynthesis of drusen or drusen-like deposits and/or ii) an antibody that binds to a conformational epitope of an aggregate that contributes to the formation or biosynthesis of drusen or the drusen-like deposit.