Abstract: The disclosure relates to GRAIL-1 peptide products and methods to target mutant p53 for treating p53-mutant related disease conditions such as Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The disclosure also relates to methods to monitor the therapeutic response of treated BE and EAC patients by detecting expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGER) on BE and EAC cells.

Abstract: An implantable multi-photon optical probe includes a probe housing having a proximal end and a distal end implantable on a sample. The probe housing adapted to provide excitation energy to the sample and to collect emitted radiation from the sample. The probe housing includes scanning optics configured to receive excitation radiation, and to laterally and axially scan the excitation radiation over a field-of-view of the optical probe. A scanning lens is disposed in the probe housing configured to receive the excitation radiation from the scanning optics, and an objective lens reshapes and focuses the excitation radiation. A focusing lens is disposed to receive the excitation radiation and to focus the excitation radiation into the sample.

Abstract: A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying within 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing a high numerical aperture that allows for diffraction-limited resolution with sub-surface depths. The scanning mirror is formed on a fixed-position, scanning MEMS assembly and has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design. A series of spacers are used to retain beam focusing optical elements in fixed positioned relative to the scanning MEMS assembly for coupling with a single mode fiber.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to heterodimeric peptide reagents that specifically bind epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and epidermal receptor growth factor 2 (ErbB2), as well as methods for detecting, targeting, diagnosing and/or treating diseases of the esophagus, including esophageal carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), high grade dysplasia (HGD) of the esophagus, and Barrett's neoplasia in a patient using the heterodimeric peptide reagents.

Abstract: A scanning assembly for an optical instrument includes a reflector and a folded-beam spring assembly coupled to the reflector for deflecting the reflector for beam scanning. A lever suspension assembly is coupled to the folded-beam spring assembly and provides torsional movement of the reflector for beam scanning over a two-dimensional region, allowing for large total scan angles and large vertical displacements.

Abstract: A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying with 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing high numerical apertures that allow for diffraction-limited resolution in sub-surface scanning. The scanning mirror has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to CD44-binding peptide reagents, methods for detecting cells such as hepatocellular carcinoma cells using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting such cells using the peptide reagents.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a raw data set representing an image of a sample, identifying a first set of extremum by analyzing the raw data set using a metric algorithm, identifying a second set of extremum by analyzing the first set of extremum, and generating, based on the second set of extremum, a reconstructed image of the sample. A phase correcting scanner includes one or more processors, one or more scanner adapted to sequentially sample an object to generate a vector of raw data representing the object in a Lissajous pattern, and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing system to receive the vector of raw data, identify a first set of extremum by analyzing the raw data set using a metric algorithm, and identify a second set of extremum by analyzing the first set of extremum.

Abstract: An optical probe assembly as a confocal endomicroscope includes an optical focusing stage that focuses an output beam onto a sample and a mirror scanning stage that is movable for scanning the output beam in both a lateral two dimensional plane and an axial direction, using a side-view configuration. The side-view configuration allows for output beam illumination and fluorescent imaging of the sample with greater imaging resolution and improved access to hard to reach tissue within a subject.

Abstract: An optical probe assembly as a confocal endomicroscope includes an optical focusing stage that focuses an output beam onto a sample and a mirror scanning stage that is movable for scanning the output beam in both a lateral two dimensional plane and an axial direction, using a side-view configuration. The side-view configuration allows for output beam illumination and fluorescent imaging of the sample with greater imaging resolution and improved access to hard to reach tissue within a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2-specific peptide reagents, methods for detecting epithelial-derived cancer cells such as esophageal, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic or breast carcinoma cells using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting such cells using the peptide reagents.

Abstract: The disclosure provides peptides, including labeled peptides, that selectively bind to the cMet protein. The disclosure also provides methods of detecting dysplastic cells and tissue, e.g., in the colon, providing early identification of precancerous and cancerous tissue.

Abstract: A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying within 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing a high numerical aperture that allows for diffraction-limited resolution with sub-surface depths. The scanning mirror is formed on a fixed-position, scanning MEMS assembly and has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design. A series of spacers are used to retain beam focusing optical elements in fixed positioned relative to the scanning MEMS assembly for coupling with a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying with 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing high numerical apertures that allow for diffraction-limited resolution in sub-surface scanning. The scanning mirror has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to glypican-3-specific peptide reagents, methods for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma cells using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma cells using the peptide reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle drug carriers and methods of using the micelles to deliver drugs to target cells. The micelles are useful, for example, for carrying and targeting drugs for the treatment of cancer to cancer cells. As one example, the disclosure provides pegylated octadecyl lithocholate micelles that are labeled with a peptide ligand for colorectal neo-plasia and that carry the small molecule mTOR inhibitor rapamycin to colorectal cancer cells.

Abstract: A multi-photon optical probe includes a probe housing, a lateral scanning stage coupled to a lateral mirror assembly and a remote axial scanning stage coupled to an axial mirror assembly. The lateral scanning stage is adapted to scan output laser energy over a planar scan area of the sample by moving the lateral mirror assembly. The axial scanning stage is adapted to scan the output laser energy over a vertical depth range of the sample, which, combined with the planar scan area, forms a 3-dimensional volume. A controller operates in conjunction with a number of remote actuating legs coupled to the axial mirror assembly in order to provide level imaging plane which in turn provides for a clear scanned image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a raw data set representing an image of a sample, identifying a first set of extremum by analyzing the raw data set using a metric algorithm, identifying a second set of extremum by analyzing the first set of extremum, and generating, based on the second set of extremum, a reconstructed image of the sample. A phase correcting scanner includes one or more processors, one or more scanner adapted to sequentially sample an object to generate a vector of raw data representing the object in a Lissajous pattern, and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing system to receive the vector of raw data, identify a first set of extremum by analyzing the raw data set using a metric algorithm, and identify a second set of extremum by analyzing the first set of extremum.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to heterodimeric peptide reagents that specifically bind epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and epidermal receptor growth factor 2 (ErbB2), as well as methods for detecting, targeting, diagnosing and/or treating diseases of the esophagus, including esophageal carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), high grade dysplasia (HGD) of the esophagus, and Barrett's neoplasia in a patient using the heterodimeric peptide reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to HER2-specific peptide reagents, methods for detecting pre-cancer (dysplasia), early cancer and/or cancer using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting pre-cancerous (dysplastic) cells, and/or cancer cells using the peptide reagents.