Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for rapid and inexpensive detection of hyposmia or anosmia, diminishment or loss of the sense of smell. Sudden onset of diminishment or loss of the sense of smell is an early sign of infection with SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19; detecting the sudden onset of diminishment or loss of the sense of smell can therefore be used to rapidly screen a population for persons who should undergo diagnostic testing for a SARS-CoV-2 infection, and more generally to screen persons for olfactory disorders.

Abstract: Fluorescent compositions with enhanced fluorescent intensity are provided. Methods for using the fluorescent compositions in medical imaging are also provided. The enhanced fluorescent compositions can be a mixture or solution comprising a fluorescent dye and a light-scattering emulsion or fluorescence-enhancing diluent. The fluorescent dye, e.g., indocyanine green (ICG), is activated by near-infrared radiation. The fluorescence-enhancing diluent can be milk, infant formula, intravenous fat emulsions, soy bean oil, egg phospholipids, Intralipid, Liposyn, Nutralipid, Soyacal, Travamulsion, SMOFlipid, Clinoleic, Lipovenoes and/or combinations thereof. The fluorescent intensity of the enhanced fluorescent composition can be 5 to 20 or more times greater than that of the fluorescent dye in solution without added fluorescence-enhancing diluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating bladder disease, including urinary incontinence, which involves intravesical administration of quaternary antimuscarinic compounds having longer duration of effect and fewer side effects than standard treatments.

Abstract: Diagnostic assessment and therapeutic treatment of pelvic pain disorders, including bladder disorders, bowel disorders, and/or reproductive tissue or organ disorders that are characterized by increased expression of the neuropeptides CGRP and/or PACAP. Additionally, applicants have developed a transgenic non-human model for pelvic pain disorders, where the transgenic animal expresses in bladder sensory neurons a recombinant neuropeptide implicated in the pelvic pain disorder.

Abstract: Diagnostic assessment and therapeutic treatment of pelvic pain disorders, including bladder disorders, bowel disorders, and/or reproductive tissue or organ disorders that are characterized by increased expression of the neuropeptides CGRP and/or PACAP. Additionally, applicants have developed a transgenic nonhuman model for pelvic pain disorders, where the transgenic animal expresses in bladder sensory neurons a recombinant neuropeptide implicated in the pelvic pain disorder.

Abstract: Compositions comprising antimuscarinic compounds that have been modified to render them substantially irreversible, such as by quaternization of the heterocyclic ring nitrogen, have improved properties when administered intravesically for treatment of bladder diseases, particularly urinary incontinence. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment using these improved compounds or improved routes of administration re disclosed.

Abstract: Methylecgonidine (MEG; anhydroecgonine methylester), is produced when cocaine base ("crack") is heated. MEG alone and in combination with cocaine was tested for action on isolated tracheal rings stimulated to contact with acetylcholine. At micromolar concentrations, cocaine sensitized tracheal rings, increasing both the potency and efficacy of acetylcholine-induced contraction. Surprisingly, MEG, at nanomolar concentrations and above, non-competitively and irreversibly antagonized acetylcholine-induced contraction independently of the actions of cocaine. MEG also displayed antihistaminic activity. Therefore, MEG and anticholinergically active derivatives or analogues thereof are useful in the prevention or treatment of a disease or disorder treatable by an antimuscarinic anticholinergic agent, an anti-histaminic agent or a spasmolytic agent, in particular bronchoconstriction in a number of pulmonary diseases such as asthma.

Abstract: Methylecgonidine (MEG; anhydroecgonine methylester), is produced when cocaine base ("crack") is heated. MEG alone and in combination with cocaine was tested for action on isolated tracheal rings stimulated to contact with acetylcholine. At micromolar concentrations, cocaine sensitized tracheal rings, increasing both the potency and efficacy of acetylcholine-induced contraction. Surprisingly, MEG, at nanomolar concentrations and above, non-competitively and irreversibly antagonized acetylcholine-induced contraction independently of the actions of cocaine. MEG also displayed antihistaminic activity. Therefore, MEG and anticholinergically active derivatives or analogues thereof are useful in the prevention or treatment of a disease or disorder treatable by an antimuscarinic anticholinergic agent, an anti-histaminic agent or a spasmolytic agent, in particular bronchoconstriction in a number of pulmonary diseases such as asthma.