Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for patient-specific optimization of imaging protocols. According to an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for generating a patient-specific imaging protocol, comprising acquiring scout scan data, the scout scan data including scout scan information and scout scan parameters, generating a simulated image based on the acquired scout scan data, deriving a simulated dose map from the generated simulated image, determining image quality of the generated simulated image by applying machine learning to the generated simulated image, the neural network being trained to generate at least one probabilistic quality representation corresponding to at least one region of the generated simulated image, evaluating the determined image quality relative to a image quality threshold and the derived simulated dose map relative to a dosage threshold, optimizing.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for assessing a risk of ventricular arrhythmias for a patient. For example, the method may comprise receiving ECG data obtained from the patient; analyzing the ECG data to detect abnormal QRS peaks; determining the risk of ventricular arrhythmias for the patient based on the detected abnormal QRS peaks; and providing an indication of the risk of ventricular arrhythmias for the patient. The system may be configured to perform this method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and devices for coregistering imaging data to form three-dimensional superimposed images of target such as a tumor or a surgical bed. A three-dimensional map can be generated by projecting infrared radiation at a target area, receiving reflected infrared radiation, and measuring depth of the target area. A three-dimensional white light image can be created from a captured two-dimensional white light image and the three-dimensional map. A three-dimensional fluorescence image can be created from a captured two-dimensional fluorescence image and the three-dimensional map. The three-dimensional white light image and the three-dimensional fluorescence image can be aligned using one or more fiducial markers to form a three-dimensional superimposed image. The superimposed image can be used to excise cancerous tissues, for example, breast tumors. Images can be in the form of videos.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a body having a first end portion configured to be held in a user's hand and a second end portion configured to direct light onto a surgical margin. The device includes at least one excitation light source configured to excite autofluorescence emissions of tissue cells and fluorescence emissions of induced porphyrins in tissue cells of the surgical margin. A white light source is configured to illuminate the surgical margin during white light imaging of the surgical margin. The device includes an imaging sensor, a first optical filter configured to permit passage of autofluorescence emissions of tissue cells and fluorescence emissions of the induced porphyrins in tissue cells to the imaging sensor, and a second optical filter configured to permit passage of white light emissions of tissues in the surgical margin to the imaging sensor. Systems and methods relate to imaging devices.

Abstract: A portable, handheld device for fluorescence-based imaging is provided. The device comprises a wireless communication device having a sensor configured to detect optical signals. The device further comprises an assembly configured to receive and secure the wireless communication device therein. The assembly includes a housing, at least one light source coupled to the housing, a power supply, and an optical filter holder coupled to the housing and configured to receive one or more optical filters. An endoscope portion of the device is positioned relative to the sensor to visualize at least a portion of a confined anatomical space and to receive optical signals from a visualized, illuminated portion of a target positioned within the confined anatomical space. A processor of the device includes image analysis software and is configured to produce a composite representation of the illuminated portion of the target positioned within the confined anatomical space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and devices for coregistering imaging data to form three-dimensional superimposed images of a biological target such as a wound, a tumor, or a surgical bed. A three-dimensional map can be generated by projecting infrared radiation at a target area, receiving reflected infrared radiation, and measuring depth of the target area. A three-dimensional white light image can be created from a captured two-dimensional white light image and the three-dimensional map. A three-dimensional fluorescence image can be created from a captured two-dimensional fluorescence image and the three-dimensional map. The three-dimensional white light image and the three-dimensional fluorescence image can be aligned using one or more fiducial markers to form a three-dimensional superimposed image. The superimposed image can be used to track wound healing and to excise cancerous tissues, for example, breast tumors. Images can be in the form of videos.

Abstract: A tissue phantom is disclosed. The tissue phantom includes a first portion having the optical properties of healthy tissue and a second portion having the optical properties of cancerous tissue. Additionally, a method of calibrating an optical instrument is disclosed. The method includes illuminating a tissue phantom with excitation light from the optical instrument, detecting optical emissions emitted by the tissue phantom in response to illumination with the excitation light, and calibrating the optical instrument based upon the detected fluorescence.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for obtaining samples of tissue for analysis by mass spectrometry. A region of interest can be identified in tissue using image data from a first imaging modality that is other than mass spectrometry. At least one tissue sample can be acquired using a tissue sampler from a sampling location related to the region of interest. Mass spectrum data can be generated for the acquired tissue samples using a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, polarimetry may be used on a tissue slice, mass spectrometry may be performed on the same tissue slice and then H&E imaging may be performed on the same tissue slice.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to transthyretin (TTR). The antibodies can be used for treating or effecting prophylaxis of diseases or disorders associated with TTR accumulation or accumulation of TTR deposits (e.g., TTR amyloidosis). The antibodies can also be used for diagnosing TTR amyloidosis and inhibiting or reducing aggregation of TTR, among other applications.

Abstract: A system for fluorescence-based imaging of a target includes at least one excitation light source configured to emit a homogeneous field of excitation light and positioned to uniformly illuminate a target surface with the homogeneous field of excitation light during fluorescent imaging, a power source, and a portable housing configured to be held in a user's hand during imaging. The housing contains a lens, a filter, an image sensor, and a processor. The filter is configured to permit optical signals responsive to illumination of the target surface and having a wavelength corresponding to at least one of bacterial autofluorescence and tissue autofluorescence to pass through the filter to the image sensor. The at least one excitation light is adjacent to the housing so as to be positioned between the target surface and the image sensor during fluorescent imaging.

Abstract: A method of screening for contamination during food production is disclosed. The method includes applying an exogenous, bacteria-specific contrast agent to a surface to be screened, wherein the surface to be screened is one or more of a food product, a food-preparation surface, a food-handling surface, and a food-equipment surface. The surface is illuminated with excitation light emitted by at least one light excitation light source of a handheld device and optical signals responsive to illumination of the surface are filtered with at least one optical filter of the handheld device.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating comprises one or more fibers, the one or more fibers including fiber portions meeting at an apex and a bottom location to form a three dimensional cage; a detector attached to each of the fiber portions for receiving light and transmitting light along each of the fiber portions, respectively; and an illumination member situated within the cage. A method for illuminating a hollow member includes the steps of inserting one or more fibers into the hollow member, wherein one or more fibers include fiber portions that meet at a location to form a three-dimensional cage; permitting light to emit from within the three-dimensional cage and towards the fiber portions; receiving light at distinct locations on each of said fibers; and allowing each of the fibers to transmit the light received on each of the fiber portions out of the hollow member.

Abstract: A method for fluorescence-based imaging of a target to detect contamination and/or pollutants is disclosed. The method includes labelling a pre-selected biomarker at the target, illuminating the target with excitation light emitted by an excitation light source and having at least one wavelength or wavelength band causing at least the pre-selected biomarker to fluoresce, detecting fluorescence emissions of at least the pre-selected biomarker with an image detector of a handheld imaging device, and determining the presence, location, and/or quantity of contamination and/or pollutants on and/or in the illuminated target based on the detected fluorescence emissions of at least the pre-selected biomarker.

Abstract: There is described herein a method for inducing Tc22 lineage T cells from a population of CD8+ T cells, the method comprising: a) providing a population of CD8+ T cells; b) activating the population of CD8+ T cells; and c) culturing or contacting the population of CD8+ T cells with IL-6.

Abstract: Provided herein are perfusion fluids for enzymatically cleaving A-antigens from a donor organ, and methods, uses, associated therewith. In particular, the perfusion fluids comprise two enzymes, GalNAcDeacetylase and Galactosaminidase and the fluids may further comprise a buffered extracellular solution and/or a crowing agent. Furthermore, the compositions described herein were found to have activity at temperatures and pH levels suitable for cell viability.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the depth and fluorophore concentration of a fluorophore concentration below the surface of an optically absorbing and scattering medium suitable for use in fluorescence-based surgical guidance such as in tumor resection is described. Long-wavelength stimulus light us used to obtain deep tissue penetration. Recovery of depth is performed by fitting measured modulation amplitudes for each spatial frequency to precomputed modulation amplitudes in a table of modulation amplitudes indexed by optical parameters and depth.

Abstract: A system for fluorescence-based imaging of a target includes at least one excitation light source configured to emit a homogeneous field of excitation light and positioned to uniformly illuminate a target surface with the homogeneous field of excitation light during fluorescent imaging, a power source, and a portable housing configured to be held in a user's hand during imaging. The housing contains a lens, a filter, an image sensor, and a processor. The filter is configured to permit optical signals responsive to illumination of the target surface and having a wavelength corresponding to at least one of bacterial autofluorescence and tissue autofluorescence to pass through the filter to the image sensor. The at least one excitation light is adjacent to the housing so as to be positioned between the target surface and the image sensor during fluorescent imaging.

Abstract: A method of capturing a population of T-Cell receptor and/or immunoglobulin sequences with variable regions within a patient sample, the method comprising: extracting and/or preparing DNA fragments from the patient sample; ligating a nucleic acid adapter to the DNA fragments, the nucleic acid adapter suitable for recognition by a pre-selected nucleic acid probe; capturing DNA fragments existing in the patient sample using a collection of nucleic acid hybrid capture probes, wherein each capture probe is designed to hybridize to a known V gene segment and/or a J gene segment within the T cell receptor and/or immunoglobulin genomic loci.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein compositions, methods, uses and systems for reducing pain in a patient that emanates from a body area, preferably spine or joint. Methods of treatment or prevention are described for a disease or condition selected from degenerative disc disease, disc injury, pain, arthritis, or suspected arthritis.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein compositions, methods, uses and systems for reducing pain in a patient that emanates from a body area, preferably spine or joint. Methods of treatment or prevention are described for a disease or condition selected from degenerative disc disease, disc injury, pain, arthritis, or suspected arthritis.