Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for differential phase contrast microscopy by transobjective differential epi-detection of forward scattered light are provided. In some embodiments, a microscope objective comprises: a housing with mounting threads at a second end; optical components defining an optical axis, comprising: an objective lens mounted at a first end, configured to collect light from a sample placed in a field of view, the plurality of optical components create a pupil plane at a first distance along the optical axis at which rays having the same angle of incidence on the objective lens converge at the same radial distance from the optical axis; a photodetector within the housing offset from the optical axis at a second distance along the optical axis; and another photodetector within the housing at second distance along the optical axis and offset from the optical axis in the opposite direction from the first photodetector.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for differential phase contrast microscopy by transobjective differential epi-detection of forward scattered light are provided. In some embodiments, a microscope objective comprises: a housing with mounting threads at a second end; optical components defining an optical axis, comprising: an objective lens mounted at a first end, configured to collect light from a sample placed in a field of view, the plurality of optical components create a pupil plane at a first distance along the optical axis at which rays having the same angle of incidence on the objective lens converge at the same radial distance from the optical axis; a photodetector within the housing offset from the optical axis at a second distance along the optical axis; and another photodetector within the housing at second distance along the optical axis and offset from the optical axis in the opposite direction from the first photodetector.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for differential phase contrast microscopy by transobjective differential epi-detection of forward scattered light are provided. In some embodiments, a microscope objective comprises: a housing with mounting threads at a second end; optical components defining an optical axis, comprising: an objective lens mounted at a first end, configured to collect light from a sample placed in a field of view, the plurality of optical components create a pupil plane at a first distance along the optical axis at which rays having the same angle of incidence on the objective lens converge at the same radial distance from the optical axis; a photodetector within the housing offset from the optical axis at a second distance along the optical axis; and another photodetector within the housing at second distance along the optical axis and offset from the optical axis in the opposite direction from the first photodetector.

Abstract: An exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium can be provided that can, for example, can be provided so as to receive regarding at least one portion of an ophthalmic sample(s) based on a radiation(s) provided from the sample(s). In addition, it is possible to determine whether an inflammation marker(s) is present in a portion(s) of the sample(s) based on the information. Further, an identification can be performed as to that an abnormality(s) exists in a further anatomical structure based on the determination. The further anatomical structure can be different from the sample(s).

Abstract: Diffuse fluorescence flow cytometers and methods of using them include a plurality of excitation sources and a plurality of detectors, all circumferentially arranged about a space for accommodating a limb of a subject. Tomographic reconstructions of cells within the limb are made by varying the intensity and direction of excitation and then analyzing the results.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for improving homing of cells including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Compositions include compounds described herein as capable of inducing expression by MSCs of cell surface homing ligand molecules such as CD1 la, promoting increased firm adhesion by MSCs in an in vitro shear flow assay, increasing binding to an adhesion molecule such as E-selectin or ICAM-1, and/or demonstrating anti-inflammatory activity upon in vivo systemic administration in cell therapy using human MSCs. Also described are screening methods to identify small molecule compounds for improving a homing function of MSCs.

Abstract: An exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium can be provided that can, for example, can be provided so as to receive regarding at least one portion of an ophthalmic sample(s) based on a radiation(s) provided from the sample(s). In addition, it is possible to determine whether an inflammation marker(s) is present in a portion(s) of the sample(s) based on the information. Further, an identification can be performed as to that an abnormality(s) exists in a further anatomical structure based on the determination. The further anatomical structure can be different from the sample(s).

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry by using blood vessels as flow chambers through which flowing cells can be monitored in a live subject in vivo without the need for withdrawing a blood sample. In some embodiments, one or more blood vessels are illuminated with radiation so as to cause a multi-photon excitation of an exogenous fluorophore that was previously introduced into the subject to label one or more cell types of interest. In some other embodiments, rather than utilizing an exogenous fluorophore, endogenous (intrinsic) cellular fluorescence can be employed for in vivo flow cytometry. The emission of fluorescence radiation from such fluorophores in response to the excitation can be detected and analyzed to obtain information regarding a cell type of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells within a treatment region of the RPE. The methods include (a) depositing a selected amount of energy on a test region of the RPE; (b) determining an extent to which microcavitation has occurred in the test region; and (c) on the basis of the determination, either depositing the selected amount of energy on the treatment region, or depositing an increased amount of energy on the test region, and repeating steps (b) and (c).

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry by using blood vessels as flow chambers through which flowing cells can be monitored in a live subject in vivo without the need for withdrawing a blood sample. In some embodiments, one or more blood vessels are illuminated with radiation so as to cause a multi-photon excitation of an exogenous fluorophore that was previously introduced into the subject to label one or more cell types of interest. In some other embodiments, rather than utilizing an exogenous fluorophore, endogenous (intrinsic) cellular fluorescence can be employed for in vivo flow cytometry. The emission of fluorescence radiation from such fluorophores in response to the excitation can be detected and analyzed to obtain information regarding a cell type of interest.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry by using blood vessels as flow chambers through which flowing cells can be monitored in a live subject in vivo without the need for withdrawing a blood sample. In some embodiments, one or more blood vessels are illuminated with radiation so as to cause a multi-photon excitation of an exogenous fluorophore that was previously introduced into the subject to label one or more cell types of interest. In some other embodiments, rather than utilizing an exogenous fluorophore, endogenous (intrinsic) cellular fluorescence can be employed for in vivo flow cytometry. The emission of fluorescence radiation from such fluorophores in response to the excitation can be detected and analyzed to obtain information regarding a cell type of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto the retina. A scanner is optically coupled to the radiation source to control movement of the beam in two dimensions to allow a scan over the retina. A controller applies control signals to the scanner to adjust beam movement to illuminate a plurality of retinal locations in a temporal sequence according to a predefined pattern. The device can be operated in one mode to effect selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelial cells, or in another mode to effect thermal photocoagulation of the retina.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto the retina. A scanner is optically coupled to the radiation source to control movement of the beam in two dimensions to allow a scan over the retina. A controller applies control signals to the scanner to adjust beam movement to illuminate a plurality of retinal locations in a temporal sequence according to a predefined pattern. The device can be operated in one mode to effect selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelial cells, or in another mode to effect thermal photocoagulation of the retina.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for performing flow cytometry. In one embodiment, blood circulating through one or more retinal blood vessels of a subject is illuminated in-vivo so as to excite a plurality of fluorescent-labeled cells contained in the blood. The fluorescence radiation emitted by the excited cells is then detected and analyzed to count the cells from which fluorescence is detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto the retina. A scanner is optically coupled to the radiation source to control movement of the beam in two dimensions to allow a scan over the retina. A controller applies control signals to the scanner to adjust beam movement to illuminate a plurality of retinal locations in a temporal sequence according to a predefined pattern. The device can be operated in one mode to effect selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelial cells, or in another mode to effect thermal photocoagulation of the retina.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells within a treatment region of the RPE. The methods include (a) depositing a selected amount of energy on a test region of the RPE; (b) determining an extent to which microcavitation has occurred in the test region; and (c) on the basis of the determination, either depositing the selected amount of energy on the treatment region, or depositing an increased amount of energy on the test region, and repeating steps (b) and (c).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in-vivo flow cytometry to obtain desired information regarding one or more cell types of interest flowing through a subject's circulatory system. In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of the subject's circulating blood is illuminated with radiation having multiple wavelength components, and the backscattered radiation generated in response to the excitation radiation is detected at a plurality of scattering angles and analyzed to derive the desired information.

Abstract: A method of scanning a laser beam across a set of cells includes during a first interval, scanning a laser beam across a set of cells; and during a second interval, deflecting the laser beam away from the set of cells. The first interval is selected to cause microcavitation in at least a portion of the cells from the set of cells.