Abstract: A system and method for photoacoustic tomography of a sample, such as a mammalian joint, includes a light source configured to deliver light to the sample, an ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent to the sample for receiving photoacoustic signals generated due to optical absorption of the light by the sample, a motor operably connected to at least one of the sample and the ultrasonic transducer for varying a position of the sample and the ultrasonic transducer with respect to one another along a scanning path, and a control system in communication with the light source, the ultrasonic transducer, and the motor for reconstructing photoacoustic images of the sample from the received photoacoustic signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for the delivery of a therapeutic to epithelial cells through the use of a bile acid conjugated to a peptide, the peptide being ionically charged at physiological pH. The complex is well suited for oral and other forms of therapeutic administration of therapeutic drugs known in the art in order to exact systemic and/or localized effect. Intestinal epithelial cells, as well as non-epithelial cells within the gastrointestinal tract and other target cells receive with greater efficiency a charged therapeutic when delivered with an oppositely charged bile acid conjugate (BAC) through oral administration, direct injection, or infusive administrations, thereby increasing bioavailability.

Abstract: In a method for measuring cartilage condition biological markers, a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate is irradiated using a light source, the SERS substrate having deposited thereon a biological sample. Light scattered by the SERS substrate is received, and spectral content information associated with the received light is determined. A level of a cartilage condition biological marker in the biological sample is determined based on the spectral content information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for evaluating a connective tissue condition of a patient (e.g., a disease, a risk of developing a disease, a risk of developing a fracture, etc.). For example, an indicator associated with the connective tissue condition may be generated. First, tissue at a first location of the body of the patient is irradiated using a light source. The tissue may be irradiated in vivo through the skin or via an incision, for example. Alternatively, a biopsy of the tissue may be irradiated. Then, spectral content information for light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the irradiated tissue is determined. The spectral content information may be used, at least in part, to generate an indicator associated with a condition of connective tissue at a second location of the body of the patient, the second location remote from the first location. The indicator may, for example, assist a physician in diagnosing or ruling out the connective tissue condition.

Abstract: In a method for evaluating a connective tissue condition of a patient, an indicator of the supporting tissue condition may be generated. A portion of connective tissue of the patient is irradiated using a light source. The connective tissue may be irradiated in vivo through the skin or via an incision, for example. Alternatively, a biopsy of the connective tissue may be irradiated. Then, spectral content information for light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the connective tissue is determined. The spectral content information is used, at least in part, to generate the indicator. The indicator may assist a physician in diagnosing or ruling out the connective tissue condition, determining a risk of developing a disease, monitoring the progression of a disease, monitoring a response to treatment, etc.