Abstract: A contrast agent for angiography is disclosed, in particular, for examining animal or human bodies or components thereof such as members or organs thereof, comprising an essentially oil-based apolar contrast component for X-ray examinations, the contrast component having a contrast component viscosity in the range of 30-100 mPas. The contrast agent is characterized in that the contrast component is present in a mixture with at least one further apolar component, the viscosity of which is less than or at most equal to the contrast component viscosity. Methods for angiography examination are also disclosed, in which such a contrast agent or also a polar contrast agent are used at least periodically and applications of such contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting soluble amyloid ? using curcumin-derived near infrared (NIR) imaging probes. Upon interacting with soluble amyloid ?, these probes undergo a range of changes, qualifying them as “smart” probes. In addition, the invention provides methods of detecting soluble amyloid ? by positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multimodal imaging based on the curcumin-derived NIR imaging probes and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Methods of imaging tumors are disclosed. The methods utilize an endothelin ETB receptor agonist or an endothelin ETA receptor antagonist, in combination with an imaging agent, to detect a tumor in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: A method of detecting an accessory cancer lesion, comprising an administration step wherein indocyanine green is administered to a living body, an irradiation step wherein a target organ suspected of having cancer is surgically exposed and irradiated with excitation light of indocyanine green, an imaging step wherein a near-infrared fluorescence intensity distribution image from the excited indocyanine green in the target organ is obtained, and an identification step wherein an area having the near-infrared fluorescence in the intensity distribution image, excluding the area detected in preoperative examination or intraoperative macroscopic observation, is identified as an accessory cancer lesion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) using a combination of a trityl radical and a paramagnetic metal ion as the polarising agent leading to enhanced levels of polarisation in the sample to be polarised and to compositions and polarising agents for use in the method.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluorophore-containing compositions and configurations wherein proximity between the fluorophore and one or more protective agents (PAs) modifies the lifetime of fluorescent and/or dark states, their frequency of occurrence, and the total lifetime of fluorescence in order to appropriately modify the photophysical characteristics of the fluorophore. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions and configurations.

Abstract: Provided are a preparation process of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent having a step of adding, to a first fine emulsion having a particle size of 0.5 ?m or less prepared by applying a predetermined pressure to a first mixture containing a first hydrophobic compound, an emulsifying agent, and an aqueous phase, a second hydrophobic compound compatible with the first hydrophobic compound, thereby preparing a second mixture; and a step of stirring and shaking the second mixture in a hermetically sealed state, thereby embedding the second hydrophobic compound in the first fine emulsion to prepare a second fine emulsion having a particle size of 0.5 ?m or less; a diagnostic or therapeutic agent prepared by the process; and an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: The disclosure provides metal nanocomposites including one or more metal nanoparticles having a hydrophobic surface and at least partially enclosed by cationic and hydrophilic polymers. The metal nanocomposites are useful as among others, a contrast agent, a diagnostic composition or a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates, such as gadolinium nanoparticle conjugates, nanoparticle conjugates including polymers, conjugation to targeting agents and therapeutic agents, and their use in targeting, treating, and/or imaging disease states in a patient.

Abstract: A method for treating a human patient is provided, including administering a radiolabeled form of a therapeutic agent to the patient at a first substantially non-therapeutically-effective dose, wherein pharmacological activity of the therapeutic agent is not due to radioactivity of the therapeutic agent. The method also includes determining information related to a biodistribution of the radiolabeled form of the therapeutic agent in the patient by performing a radioimaging procedure on the patient. Responsively to the information, a decision is made whether or not to treat the patient by administering the therapeutic agent to the patient. If the decision is made to treat the patient, the patient is treated by administering the therapeutic agent to the patient at a second therapeutically-effective dose. If the decision is made not to treat the patient, treatment of the patient with the therapeutic agent is withheld. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a multivalent product including a nanoparticle with a metal, metal alloy, or metal oxide core, a plurality of non-polymerizing ligands bound to the nanoparticle, and a plurality of paramagnetic ions coupled to the nanoparticle by the ligands. Methods of making and using the multivalent product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compound comprising a metal chelate linked to a hexose carrier for use as a metallopharmaceutical diagnostic or therapeutic agent is provided. The compound is suitable for imaging by single-photon emission computed tomography, computer assisted tomography, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, fluorescence imaging or x-ray.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the effect of a compound on vasomotor response in vivo comprises the steps of administering said compound to a rabbit and measuring the diameter of the vessel lumen of a central ear artery of said rabbit in comparison with the baseline diameter of the vessel lumen of said central ear artery of said rabbit, said baseline diameter being measured prior to the administration of said compound.

Abstract: Imaging agents that comprise labeled substrates of the cystine/glutamate antiporter of cells, whereby the methods of use comprise introducing the labeled agents into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter, which are then reduced to a labeled cysteine, and subsequently detected in the cell.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction by addition of one or more photoprotective compounds to the reaction mixture and allowing the reaction to proceed for a period that is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.

Abstract: A method of forming an injectable radioactive composition, the method comprising the steps of: (a) depositing a solid form of technetium onto a carbon crucible; (b) preheating the solid form of technetium to remove any carrier; (c) plasma ablating the technetium and portions of the carbon crucible; (d) allowing the carbon and technetium metal to co-condense from the gas phase to produce a nanoparticle composite aerosol in an inert gas; (e) dispersing the nanoparticle composite in water containing a low concentration of surfactant using an electrostatic precipitator; (f) size fractionating the nanoparticle dispersion by filtration with hydrophilic membranes of known pore size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives represented by Formula I. X1 and X2 of Formula I may be characterized as electron withdrawing groups, while Y1 and Y2 of Formula I may be characterized as electron donating groups. Pyrazine derivatives of the present invention may be utilized in assessing organ (e.g., kidney) function. In a particular example, an effective amount of a pyrazine derivative that is capable of being renally cleared may be administered into a patient's body. The pyrazine derivative may be capable of one or both absorbing and emanating spectral energy of at least about 400 nm (e.g., visible and/or infrared light). At least some of the derivative that is in the body may be exposed to spectral energy and, in turn, spectral energy may emanate from the derivative.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for effectively and accurately measuring a patient response upon administration of one or more drugs to the patient. The methods are more sensitive than current methodologies. Also described herein are compositions comprising an analgesic and a sufficient amount of an antihistamine to enhance the analgesic properties of the analgesic. With respect to these compositions, the methods described herein are useful for evaluating qualities of pain, definite improvement, and one or more bodily functions of a subject afflicted with pain. The compositions described herein are useful in improving the quality of pain in a subject or a bodily function of a subject afflicted with pain or definite improvement of a subject afflicted with pain.

Abstract: A contrast marker for indicating a presence of a target cell in an environment comprises a fluorophore, an NMP, and a short spacer and a long spacer linking the fluorophore to the NMP. The short spacer holds the fluorophore at a quenching distance from the NMP and the long spacer holds the fluorophore at a fluorescence enhancing distance from the NMP. The short spacer is configured to be cleaved by a molecule characterizing the target cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agents capable of binding to myelin basic protein in a subject. Also provided are methods for the detection of myelin-associated neuropathy comprising identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, administering to a subject an agent that binds specifically to myelin basic protein, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting the agent present in the subject. A kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein is also provided.