Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting tau pathology are described. The compositions for detecting tau pathology comprise a targeting ligand that specifically binds to a cell surface marker of tau pathology, wherein the targeting ligand is linked to a liposome that includes an imaging agent. The compositions can be used in a method for imaging tau pathology in a subject that comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition to a subject and imaging at least a portion of the subject to determine if that portion of the subject exhibits tau pathology. The compositions can also be used to detect tau pathology in biological samples obtained from a subject.

Abstract: Improved nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 or other molecular diagnostic testing are discussed herein. Swab designs for adult use are not suitable for pediatric use. Swabs for pediatric use need to be smaller and more flexible to navigate delicate pediatric nasopharyngeal cavities. A novel use of maxillofacial CT scans to aid in the design of pediatric nasopharyngeal swabs satisfying such criteria is discussed. Further, the novel swabs are also suitable for 3D printing.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting tau pathology are described. The compositions for detecting tau pathology comprise a targeting ligand that specifically binds to a cell surface marker of tau pathology, wherein the targeting ligand is linked to a liposome that includes an imaging agent. The compositions can be used in a method for imaging tau pathology in a subject that comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition to a subject and imaging at least a portion of the subject to determine if that portion of the subject exhibits tau pathology. The compositions can also be used to detect tau pathology in biological samples obtained from a subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting tau pathology are described. The compositions for detecting tau pathology comprise a targeting ligand that specifically binds to a cell surface marker of tau pathology, wherein the targeting ligand is linked to a liposome that includes an imaging agent. The compositions can be used in a method for imaging tau pathology in a subject that comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition to a subject and imaging at least a portion of the subject to determine if that portion of the subject exhibits tau pathology. The compositions can also be used to detect tau pathology in biological samples obtained from a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a plurality of liposomes having an average diameter of less than 400 nanometers, wherein the plurality of liposomes comprise: a first lipid or phospholipid; a second lipid or phospholipid which is derivatized with a polymer; and a sterically bulky excipient capable of stabilizing the liposomes; a third lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a polymer terminated with an integrin targeting component; DSPE or a fourth lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a group binding a contrast enhancing agent wherein the plurality of liposomes optionally encapsulates a payload component consisting of one or more bioactive agents.

Abstract: Readily available hydrophilic and small organofluorine moieties were condensed via “click chemistry” to generate nonionic hydrophilic fluorinated molecules with unique 19F MR signatures. These were used to fabricate stable liposome formulations for imaging various tissue types. This approach was tailored to exploit the broad spectrum of organic 19F molecular species and to generate probes with distinct 19F MRI signatures for simultaneous assessment of multiple molecular targets within the same target volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards new chemical entities based on a lipid-paramagnetic metal ion chelate. The lipid portion of the compound intercalates into the membrane of a liposome. The compounds of the invention find particular use as paramagnetic contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging. It has been surprisingly discovered that the liposomal contrast media do not substantially cross the placental barrier into the vasculature of the fetus(es) when administered to a pregnant subject. These novel compounds are useful in the diagnosis of disorders and diseases in both gravid and non-gravid subjects. The invention is also directed towards pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the uses of these compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a plurality of liposomes having an average diameter of less than 400 nanometers, wherein the plurality of liposomes comprise: a first lipid or phospholipid; a second lipid or phospholipid which is derivatized with a polymer; and a sterically bulky excipient capable of stabilizing the liposomes; a third lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a polymer terminated with an integrin targeting component; DSPE or a fourth lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a group binding a contrast enhancing agent wherein the plurality of liposomes optionally encapsulates a payload component consisting of one or more bioactive agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting tau pathology are described. The compositions for detecting tau pathology comprise a targeting ligand that specifically binds to a cell surface marker of tau pathology, wherein the targeting ligand is linked to a liposome that includes an imaging agent. The compositions can be used in a method for imaging tau pathology in a subject that comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition to a subject and imaging at least a portion of the subject to determine if that portion of the subject exhibits tau pathology. The compositions can also be used to detect tau pathology in biological samples obtained from a subject.

Abstract: Provided are aromatic compounds, phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates comprising the aromatic compounds, and liposome compositions including the phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates. The liposomal compositions may be useful for imaging of Alzheimer's Disease, for example, imaging of the amyloid-? plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Provided are aromatic compounds, phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates comprising the aromatic compounds, and liposome compositions including the phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates. The liposomal compositions may be useful for imaging of Alzheimer's Disease, for example, imaging of the amyloid-? plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards new chemical entities based on a lipid-paramagnetic metal ion chelate. The lipid portion of the compound intercalates into the membrane of a liposome. The compounds of the invention find particular use as paramagnetic contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging. It has been surprisingly discovered that the liposomal contrast media do not substantially cross the placental barrier into the vasculature of the fetus(es) when administered to a pregnant subject. These novel compounds are useful in the diagnosis of disorders and diseases in both gravid and non-gravid subjects. The invention is also directed towards pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the uses of these compounds.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for objectively characterizing a pathological lesion in a patient. The method comprises: introducing into the patient a contrast enhancing agent; subjecting the patient to magnetic resonance imaging to obtain an image; and applying a 3-D autocorrelation function to a subdomain of interest of the image to obtain at least one 3-D autocorrelation spectrum. The method may further comprise comparing the at least one 3-D autocorrelation spectrum to a pre-existing 3-D autocorrelation spectrum that is characteristic for the pathological lesion. In one example, the methods and compositions may be useful for identifying and objectively characterizing amyloid plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Readily available hydrophilic and small organofluorine moieties were condensed via “click chemistry” to generate nonionic hydrophilic fluorinated molecules with unique 19F MR signatures. These were used to fabricate stable liposome formulations for imaging various tissue types. This approach was tailored to exploit the broad spectrum of organic 19F molecular species and to generate probes with distinct 19F MRI signatures for simultaneous assessment of multiple molecular targets within the same target volume.

Abstract: Lipid-based nanoparticle compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise lipid-hydrophilic polymer-amyloid binding ligand conjugates, and may be liposomal compositions. The compositions, including the liposomal compositions, may be useful for imaging and/or the treatment of amyloid-? plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Provided are aromatic compounds, phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates comprising the aromatic compounds, and liposome compositions including the phospholipid-polymer-aromatic conjugates. The liposomal compositions may be useful for imaging of Alzheimer's Disease, for example, imaging of the amyloid-? plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Vesicle compositions are provided that comprise a therapeutic compound. The vesicle compositions may be capable of releasing the therapeutic compound in response to the presence of an external trigger. The vesicle compositions may comprise a plurality of biocompatible vesicles. The biocompatible vesicles may comprise a therapeutic compound for treatment of a patient in need thereof, and one or more cross-linkages between two or more of the biocompatible vesicles, each cross-linkage comprising a chemical sensing moiety and a sensed moiety. In some embodiments, the therapeutic compound may be any compound that provides palliative, curative, or otherwise beneficial effects to a patent.

Abstract: Provided herein are nanoparticle-based gadolinium (Gd) agents which may be used, e.g., in T1-weighted MR imaging (MRI). In various embodiments, dual-Gd liposomal agents are provided which contain both core-encapsulated Gd as well as surface-conjugated Gd. In various embodiments, these agents were observed to deliver a higher concentrations of Gd and result in substantial improvements in signal to noise ratios and contrast to noise ratios. Also provided are methods for in vivo imaging and/or treating diseases such as cancer or tumor in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.

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.