Abstract: The invention provides magnetic resonance imaging methods for detecting cardiac diseases including myocardial fibrosis. Specifically, the invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence that could be used to perform magnetization transfer (MT) or chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) in the heart.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion ferritin protein wherein a ferritin heavy chain polypeptide is fused to a peptide, wherein the peptide is fused to the C-terminal end of the ferritin heavy chain; and the peptide includes at least a portion of a Mms6 protein sequence and at least one heterologous amino acid at its N-terminal end. The invention further provides methods of use of the ferritin fusion protein for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract: The invention provides magnetic resonance imaging methods for detecting cardiac diseases including myocardial fibrosis. Specifically, the invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence that could be used to perform magnetization transfer (MT) or chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) in the heart.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion ferritin protein wherein a ferritin heavy chain polypeptide is fused to a peptide, wherein the peptide is fused to the C-terminal end of the ferritin heavy chain; and the peptide includes at least a portion of a Mms6 protein sequence and at least one heterologous amino acid at its N-terminal end. The invention further provides methods of use of the ferritin fusion protein for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for inhibiting the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in a target cell. Particularly, the present invention relates to antisense polynucleotides complementary to a lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) mRNA and uses thereof for inhibiting tumor progression and tumor metastasis. The present invention further relates to uses of LEDGF/p75 polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding same for treating endothelial cell related conditions, particularly inflammation and edema.

Abstract: An online Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent (BOLD)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for functional clinical guidance or monitoring a therapeutic modality involving treatment by a sensitizer which, upon excitation by the appropriate sensitizing radiation, initiates local oxygen consumption, comprising: (i) generating a BOLD-weighted MR-image of the target region of interest within the patient's body (time t0); (ii) administering said sensitizer to the patient; (iii) irradiating the target region while the patient is subjected to continuous MR imaging; (iv) generating a sole or a plurality of T2* weighted sequential BOLD MR-images during and/or after irradiation (time t); (v) processing the data generated at time t0 and time t and generating a color-coded difference or ratio map on a pixel by pixel basis; and (vi) analyzing the processed data. The method is preferably applied to photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Abstract: A composition-of-matter is provided. The composition-of-matter comprising a chelator moiety-hyaluronan complex bound to a solid support. Also provided are methods of in-situ assessing hyaluronidase activity using such compositions.

Abstract: Imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging are disclosed. Methods of monitoring angiogenesis and the growth and remission of tumor tissue are also disclosed. Methods of monitoring blood clot formation and dissolution are additionally disclosed. Methods of monitoring wound healing are further disclosed. A kit for obtaining an image of a biological structure is further disclosed.

Abstract: An online Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent (BOLD)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for functional clinical guidance or monitoring a therapeutic modality involving treatment by a sensitizer which, upon excitation by the appropriate sensitizing radiation, initiates local oxygen consumption, comprising: (i) generating a BOLD-weighted MR-image of the target region of interest within the patient's body (time t0); (ii) administering said sensitizer to the patient; (iii) irradiating the target region while the patient is subjected to continuous MR imaging; (iv) generating a sole or a plurality of T2* weighted sequential BOLD MR-images during and/or after irradiation (time t); (v) processing the data generated at time t0 and time t and generating a color-coded difference or ratio map on a pixel by pixel basis; and (vi) analyzing the processed data. The method is preferably applied to photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Abstract: Imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging are disclosed. Methods of monitoring angiogenesis and the growth and remission of tumor tissue are also disclosed. Methods of monitoring blood clot formation and dissolution are additionally disclosed. Methods of monitoring wound healing are further disclosed. A kit for obtaining an image of a biological structure is further disclosed.

Abstract: A composition-of-matter is provided. The composition-of-matter comprising a chelator moiety-hyaluronan complex bound to a solid support. Also provided are methods of in-situ assessing hyaluronidase activity using such compositions.

Abstract: Imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging are disclosed. Methods of monitoring angiogenesis and the growth and remission of tumor tissue are also disclosed. Methods of monitoring blood clot formation and dissolution are additionally disclosed. Methods of monitoring wound healing are further disclosed. A kit for obtaining an image of a biological structure is further disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for targeting a contrast agent to tissues and organs for improved diagnosis of tumors and for prognosis and follow-up of cancer therapy by X-ray imaging. The delivery system includes a conjugate or complex of a macromolecular carrier and a contrast agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) a compound having a heavy element with an atomic number in the range of 75 to 92, and (b) a compound having an element with a property of an abrupt change in its X-ray attenuation coefficient within the energy range used for radiography, said macromolecular carrier of said conjugate or complex being optionally linked to a specific tissue marker molecule.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a means for protecting a patient, including a transplant patient, from reperfusion injury by administering CM101 or GBS toxin isolated from Group B &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. The present invention also includes a method to protect a tissue or organ against reperfusion injury in a transplant patient.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a means of treating a patient having a wound, especially by minimizing scarring and accelerating wound healing, by administering CM101 or GBS toxin isolated from Group B &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. Types of wounds that may be treated include surface and internal wounds. The method of the present invention also includes administration of CM101 or GBS toxin to surgery patients having tumors in order to facilitate wound healing and minimize the likelihood of tumor progression.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a means of treating a patient having a wound, especially by minimizing scarring and accelerating wound healing, by administering CM101 or GBS toxin isolated from Group B &bgr;-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria. The method of the present invention also includes administration of CM101 or GBS toxin to surgery patients having tumors in order to facilitate wound healing and minimize the likelihood of tumor progression.

Abstract: The present invention includes a means of treating a patient having a keloid. Specifically, the invention includes a method for excising the keloid and administering a GBS toxin isolated from Group B &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria.

Abstract: Imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging are disclosed. Methods of monitoring angiogenesis and the growth and remission of tumor tissue are also disclosed. Methods of monitoring blood clot formation and dissolution are additionally disclosed. Methods of monitoring wound healing are further disclosed. A kit for obtaining an image of a biological structure is further disclosed.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a means of treating a patient having a wound, especially by minimizing scarring and accelerating wound healing, by administering CM101 or GBS toxin isolated from Group B .beta.-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria. The method of the present invention also includes administration of CM101 or GBS toxin to surgery patients having tumors in order to facilitate wound healing and minimize the likelihood of tumor progression.