Abstract: Provided herein are compounds having the structure of Formula Ia, wherein the compounds comprise a therapeutic agent having the configuration of [diacid]-[linker]-[an amylin analog], in which the amylin analog has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, with a proviso that the amino acid sequence comprises one or more of the following amino acid substitutions: N14E, V17R, Y37P, F15E, L16E, V17E, or any combination thereof, and the compounds have an anion: cation molar ratio of from about 1:1 to about 1:3, and methods of using thereof for the treatment of metabolic diseases or disorders, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, overweight, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and for reducing weight in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for making a hyperpolarized fluid are provided, which include exposing a fluid and parahydrogen to a catalyst. The hyperpolarized fluid can be introduced to a subject. The hyperpolarized fluid can be included in methods of imaging a subject. Also provided are methods that use the hyperpolarized fluids for detecting protein ligand interactions and for enhancing the NMR signals of biopolymers having chemically exchangeable protons.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided. Systems and methods of the subject invention can include the use of nanoparticles (for example, nanophosphors) within a sample to be imaged. Excitation with radiation, such X-ray radiation, can be performed on the nanoparticles to give rise to a change in one or more resonance parameters of the nanoparticles, and this change can be measured using magnetic resonance imaging to provide localization information.

Abstract: New compositions of tissue-equivalent three-dimensional polymer gel dosimeters based on acrylamide (AAm), N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), N-(Hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (NHMA), diacetone acrylamide (DAAM) and N-Vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) monomer with ethylene glycol co-solvent have been introduced in this invention for radiotherapy dosimetry. The dosimeter was irradiated with 6 and 15 MV linear accelerator at absorbed doses up to 10 Gy. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-spin relaxation rate (R2) for water proton surrounding polymer formation was used to investigate the degree of polymerization of the five gels. The effect of additives, dose rate, radiation energy, stability of the polymerization after irradiation, were investigated on the dose response of the gels.

Abstract: A highly reliable and highly efficient air suspension system for a vehicle is provided by improving the trackability of stroke control with respect to pressure fluctuations applied to a linear compressor, suppressing stroke increase due to pressure drop, preventing piston collision, and increasing a flow rate by reducing dead volume. To realize this, the air suspension system includes an air suspension that supplies and discharges compressed air to adjust a length, a compressor body in which a piston reciprocates in a cylinder to compress air, a linear motor that reciprocates the piston, a tank that is connected to the air suspension or the compressor body and stores compressed air, a solenoid valve that opens and closes the air suspension or the tank, and an inverter that changes power supplied to the linear motor according to an open and closed state of the solenoid valve to perform position control of the piston.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophilic carbon nanohorn aggregate comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate having an oxygen-containing functional group introduced at a tip of a carbon nanohorn, and a cyclodextrin which is capping the tip of the carbon nanohorn and being stabilized.

Abstract: Nanoparticles including tacrolimus, and a method for providing nanoparticles including tacrolimus as well as to nanoparticles including tacrolimus that are obtainable by said method. Also relates to the nanoparticles including tacrolimus for use as a medicament. Further relates to a mucoadhesive buccal film containing the nanoparticles including tacrolimus and the mucoadhesive buccal film for use as a medicament, especially in pediatric patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiolabelled material comprising a polymer, a radioactive isotope, and an immobilizing agent, wherein the immobilizing agent is capable of immobilizing the radioactive isotope on or in the polymer, and wherein the immobilizing agent is a macromolecule comprising a polycation with multiple pendant metal-chelating side-chains. The invention also relates to a process for making a radiolabelled material, to use of a radiolabelled material for the preparation of medicaments for treating cancer and/or for radiation imaging and to use of a radiolabelled material in the treatment of cancer. There is further described use of an immobilizing agent to immobilize a radioactive isotope on or in a polymer.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a patient-specific frequency for ultrasound therapy of a target within the patient are provided. The method includes: (a) for at least one segment of an ultrasound transducer and for each of a plurality of ultrasound frequencies within a test range, sonicating the target and measuring a parameter correlated with an amount of ultrasound energy absorbed in the target; and (b) for each said at least one segment, selecting for subsequent ultrasound therapy, among the frequencies within the test range, a frequency corresponding to a value of the measured parameter that itself corresponds to a maximum amount of ultrasound energy absorbed in the target.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for susceptibility contrast imaging of nanoparticles at low magnetic fields. A susceptibility-based MRI technique, such as imaging with a balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) pulse sequence, may be used for imaging a contrast agent such as biocompatible superparamagnetic nanoparticles at ultra-low fields. The contrast agent and imaging technique may be used to improving the visibility of anatomical structures and detecting diseases, such as cancer, with low-field MRI.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a site in mucosal tissue is provided. The system includes a porous, mucoadhesive polymeric matrix having a first and a second opposed surfaces. The matrix is formed by a composition including chitosan. The composition may also include any or all of a hydration promotor, a microparticle adhesion inhibitor, and a microparticle aggregation inhibitor. A plurality of microparticles having an average diameter between 500 nm and 2000 nm are embedded within the matrix. The microparticles contain a therapeutic agent and have a coating around the therapeutic agent. The first surface of the matrix is configured to be attached to the site in the mucosal tissue and the matrix is configured to provide controlled release of the microparticles through the first surface. The coating of the microparticles includes chitosan so as to provide controlled release of the agent from the microparticles.

Abstract: Anti-angiogenic agents or polypeptides have an amino acid segment substantially similar to domain one of CD2. The polypeptide has a ?-sheet formed by two segments. Methods of using such agents and polypeptide are also included.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for determining different states of a contrast agent in different types of tissue can involve generating a magnetic resonance waveform for the contrast agent in an examination region that includes multiple tissue types. The contrast agent may have different relaxation-shortening effects in each different tissue type. The generated waveform may be compared to database waveforms to determine the concentration of the contrast agent in each tissue type in the examination region.

Abstract: Computational algorithms integrate and analyze data to consider multiple interdependent, heterogeneous sources and forms of patient data, and using a classification model, provide new learning paradigms, including privileged learning and learning with uncertain clinical data, to determine patient status for conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or non-ARDS.

Abstract: Provided are a GPC3 and ASGPR1 double-targeted transgenic immune effector cell and use thereof. The cell is an immune effector cell capable of identifying the gene modification of GPC3 and ASGPR1 simultaneously, and the cell can be used in the treatment of GPC3 and ASGPR1 double positive tumours, such as liver cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (1) or a salt thereof, or a complex of the compound or the salt with a metal, in the formula (1), A1 represents a chelate group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or the like; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or the like; and Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 are the same or different and each represent a nitrogen atom or CR3 or the like wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group or the like; L1 represents a group represented by the formula (3) wherein R13, R14, R15, and R16 are the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or the like; L2 represents an optionally substituted C1-6 alkylene group; and L3 represents an optionally substituted C1-6 alkylene group.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions of metal-binding fluorinated compounds and associated methods for producing cellular labels for tracking cells by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and related methods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to delayed gelation agents comprising a degradable polymeric cage containing therein one or more gelation agents. The cage degrades in situ, e.g, in an oil reservoir, thus releasing the gelation agent(s), which can then crosslink second polymers in situ to form a gel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for personalized sudden cardiac death risk prediction that generates fingerprints of imaging features of cardiac structure and function. One or more fingerprints and clinical data may be used to generate a risk score. The output risk score may be used to predict the time of death in order to select high-risk patients for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment.

Abstract: An integrated MRI and MRS system includes a plurality of different classifiers for detecting the likelihood of the new data to be one of the different diseases/conditions in different body organs, and even the progression of the disease, disease state and condition within that organ. An interface module receives information on the individual including region of the body and potential disease/condition; and provides this information to a data analysis unit which automatically dictates which coil, the scanning protocol and classifier.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include (i) receiving a video stream for encoding, (ii) determining that the video stream is associated with an application, (iii) analyzing the video stream to label one or more regions of a frame within the video stream with a semantic category, (iv) determining, based at least in part on the application with which the video stream is associated, a prioritization of the semantic category, and (v) allocating encoding resources to one or more portions of the frame that comprise at least a part of the one or more regions of the frame based at least in part on the prioritization of the semantic category. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conjugated cationic dendrimer comprising end groups conjugated to charge-shielding groups, wherein some charge-shielding groups are chemically linked to active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating quantitative histological features of a subject's tissue based on medical images of the subject are provided. For instance, quantitative histological features of a tissue are estimated by comparing medical images of the subject to a trained model that relates histological features to multiple different medical image contrast types, whether from one medical imaging modality or multiple different medical imaging modalities. In general, the trained model is generated based on medical images of ex vivo samples, in vitro samples, in vivo samples or combinations thereof, and is based on histological features extracted from those samples. A machine learning algorithm, or other suitable learning algorithm, is used to generate the trained model. The trained model is not patient-specific and thus, once generated, can be applied to any number of different individual subjects.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a lung are disclosed. The method may include deploying a catheter into an airway of the lung, and discharging a media into the airway through the catheter. The media may be configured to increase elasticity of lung tissue in the vicinity of the airway or occlude the airway.

Abstract: A method to quickly adjust the size of micelles and then return the micelles to a persistent state is provided. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a method for block copolymer micelle growth under high-?N solution conditions where ultrasonic cavitation facilitates rapid solution-gas interface production that accelerates micelle growth by an order of magnitude over other methods such as vortexing. The persistent micelles formed by the method of the present invention can then be used for controlled delivery of dispersions in organic electronic coatings, paint, or drug delivery applications and can also be used to control the pore size of films that include an oxide, a nitride, a carbide, a metal, or a carbon material.

Abstract: Provided are imaging agents comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of their use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating 3D soft microstructures. The system comprises injecting a pressurized, curable liquid into certain structural layers induces folding and allows the 2D structures to reconfigure into a 3D form In addition to the injection of a curable liquid that permanently reconfigures the structure of the system, in an embodiment this method also allows for the injection of other liquids into certain actuator layers that enable motion in certain portions of the system Furthermore, the system allows for handling of colored fluids that are passed to visualization layers. The method of creating such a system depends on taking advantage of laser machining of the individual layers to influence the behavior of how different portions bend and move.

Abstract: Provided are methods for nuclear spin polarization enhancement via signal amplification by reversible exchange at very low magnetic fields. The spin polarization is hyperpolarization of isotopically enriched heteronuclei by using a catalyst and parahydrogen to create a complex using iridium and applying magnetic fields in the microtesia range to transfer the spin order from parahydrogen to the complex.

Abstract: A system for hyperpolarizing a substance is provided. The system includes a cryostat and a polarizer. The cryostat is operative to generate radicals within the substance by exposing the substance to electromagnetic radiation. The polarizer is operative to hyperpolarize the substance via the radicals. Once the substance is polarized, the radicals contained within the substance are quenched by adjusting a temperature of the substance to greater than or equal to a melting point of the substance. In embodiments, the polarizer may then rapidly freeze the substance.

Abstract: Provided are formulations including a contrast agent selected from glucosamine, a salt thereof and a glucosamine derivative, for use in imaging.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary gas exchange and/or alveolar-capillary barrier status include obtaining at least one MRI image and/or image data of 129Xe dissolved in the red blood cells (RBC) in the gas exchange regions of the lungs of a patient. The image is sufficiently sensitive to allow a clinician or image recognition program to assess at least one of pulmonary gas exchange, barrier thickness or barrier function based on the 129Xe MRI RBC image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of Dixon-type MR imaging. It is an object of the invention to provide a method that enables Dixon water/fat separation with high SNR and with improved noise propagation in the water/fat separation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quantum dot light emitting device including a ligand-substituted quantum dot light emitting layer with a polymer having amine groups. The introduction of the ligand-substituted quantum dot light emitting layer with a polymer having amine groups changes the energy level of an electron transport layer and enables control over the charge injection properties of the device so that the flow of electrons can be controlled. In addition, the ligand substitution is effective in removing oleic acid as a stabilizer of quantum dots to prevent an increase in driving voltage caused by the introduction of the additional material, achieving markedly improved efficiency of the device. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating the quantum dot light emitting device.

Abstract: A method of predetermining the time profile of a contrast agent concentration at a vessel position is provided in the context of contrast agent-enhanced MRI of a region of interest only during the initial flooding-in phase of the contrast agent into the vessel situated in the region of interest. The method includes establishing a broadening of a contrast agent bolus profile according to the equation ?W=W2?W1 wherein W1 is a first width of the contrast agent bolus profile at a first vessel position and W2 is a second width of a contrast agent concentration profile at a second vessel position within the region of interest. The broadening is established by determining at least one flow parameter which is dependent on at least one blood flow property of the patient at a third vessel position thereof and which correlates with the broadening of the contrast agent profile.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute for use in orthopedic bone grafting procedures comprising a radiolucent bone graft substitute combined with a temporary radiopaque agent. Methods of making and using the composition are also disclosed. Bone graft substitutes have become an effective means of regenerating bone in orthopedic procedures where bone loss results from surgically created defects or traumatic injury to the bone. Bone graft substitutes include mineral-based materials such as hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphates, and calcium phosphosilicates as well as allograft-derived materials and xenograft-derived materials such as collagen-based matrices and demineralized bone matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prodrug or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprising an GLP-1/Glucagon agonist linker conjugate Z-L1-L2-L-Y—R20, wherein Y represents an GLP-1/Glucagon agonist moiety; and -L is a linker moiety—by formula (Ia), wherein the dashed line indicates the attachment to one of the amino groups of the GLP-1/Glucagon agonist moiety by forming an amide bond. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said prodrugs as well as their use as a medicament for treating or preventing diseases or disorders which can be treated by GLP-1/Glucagon agonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new class of dimeric macrocycles capable of chelating paramagnetic metal ions, their chelated complexes with the paramagnetic metal ions and the use thereof as contrast agents, particularly suitable for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides multifunctional nanoparticles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to multifunctional nanoparticles having one or more of nucleic acid ligands; and methods of using such nanoparticles for treatment and/or diagnosis of diseases and conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for administration of a formulation of resiniferatoxin (RTX) to provide cardiac sympathetic afferent denervation when applied in an amount and concentration sufficient to chemically denervate vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1)-expressing CSAR (cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex) afferents. There is further disclosed a method for treating heart failure or hypertension and its related indications selected from the group consisting of increased sympatho-excitation, cardiac hypertrophy, increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lung edema, and combinations thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of RTX directly to a tissue site selected from the group consisting of epicardium, a T1-T4 dorsal root ganglion and intrathecally to the T1-T4 region of the spinal column.

Abstract: Ascorbate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is described for use in carrying out a method, or for the preparation of a medicament for carrying out a method, of enhancing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image of a body or body region such as an organ or organ region in a subject. The method is carried out by parenterally administering ascorbate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the subject in an MRI image-enhancing amount; and then generating, by MRI of the subject, an image of the body or body region. The ascorbate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof enhances the MRI image.

Abstract: Example embodiments associated with characterizing a sample using NMR fingerprinting are described. One example NMR apparatus includes an NMR logic that repetitively and variably samples a (k, t, E) space associated with an object to acquire a set of NMR signals that are associated with different points in the (k, t, E) space. Sampling is performed with t and/or E varying in a non-constant way. The NMR apparatus may also include a signal logic that produces an NMR signal evolution from the NMR signals and a characterization logic that characterizes a tissue in the object as a result of comparing acquired signals to reference signals. Example embodiments facilitate distinguishing prostate cancer tissue from normal peripheral zone tissue based on quantitative data acquired using NMR fingerprinting in combination with apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC) values or perfusion values acquired using DWI-MRI or DCE-MRI.

Abstract: The invention provides a newly discovered oxadiazole class of antibiotics. The oxadiazoles impair cell-wall biosynthesis and exhibit activities against the Gram-positive bacteria such as the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant and linezolid-resistant S. aureus. For example, 5-(1H-indol-5-yl)-3-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (antibiotic 75b) was efficacious in a mouse model of MRSA infection, exhibiting a long half-life, a high volume of distribution, and low clearance. Antibiotic 75b antibiotic is bactericidal and is orally bioavailable. This class of antibiotics can be used as a therapeutic agent against infections by Gram-positive bacteria such as MRSA.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a sealing system for a dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) system. In one embodiment, a system comprises: a reservoir including an inlet opening; an outer tube; and a tapered seal shaped to seal against the inlet opening and the outer tube, the tapered seal including: a first section removably coupleable to a second section; a through-hole formed by a first plurality of inner surfaces of both the first section and the second section, the through-hole shaped to encircle the outer tube; and a vacuum channel extending through, from an outer surface to an inner surface of the first plurality of inner surfaces, one of the first section and second section. In this way, the tapered seal may be coupled around the fluid passage without inserting a tip of the fluid passage through the through-hole of the tapered seal, thereby maintaining a sterility of the system.

Abstract: 3D cine MR angiography systems and methods are disclosed for use during the steady state intravascular distribution phase of ferumoxytol. The 3D cine MRA technique enables improved delineation of cardiac anatomy in pediatric patients undergoing cardiovascular MRI.

Abstract: Provided are imaging agents comprising a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating uterine fibroids, wherein a uterine fibroid treatment agent comprising collagenase in an amount effective to cause shrinkage of uterine fibroids is injected or inserted into the uterine fibroid.

Abstract: The present invention includes 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenylboronic esters, which react with hydrogen peroxide to form 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, which is an anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oxidant compound, as well as microparticles and compositions thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the invention may be used to treat or prevent oxidative stress and/or inflammation, including ischemic disease.

Abstract: A method for determining a change over time in a biomarker in a region to be examined of a patient is provided. The change is determined from magnetic resonance data using a magnetic resonance measuring system with sequences and protocols for measuring the biomarkers by functional resting state connectivity by rsfMRI, perfusion values, magnetic resonance spectra of voxels, or morphometry of organs. A control unit has programs which evaluates the biomarker and a data memory which stores the results of the evaluation and additional data. During a first examination, a quantity result of the biomarkers is determined and stored in the data memory. During a follow-up examination, at least one previous item of the result and additional data from the first examination stored in the data memory are used for determining a quantitative change in the biomarker.

Abstract: Hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles are prepared by a water-in-oil method from natural polymers that are water miscible, a hydrophobic polyol and a crosslinking agent. The hydrogel nanoparticles are auto fluorescent and can be used for imaging of cells and a biological entity. The hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles can include magnetic nanoparticles and carry desired bioactive entities. The hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles are useful for diagnostics and as therapeutics purposes including drug delivery, imaging of drug migration, and selectivity by the tagging or binding of the hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles with appropriate antibodies or antigens.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary gas exchange and/or alveolar-capillary barrier status include obtaining at least one MRI image and/or image data of 129Xe dissolved in the red blood cells (RBC) in the gas exchange regions of the lungs of a patient. The image is sufficiently sensitive to allow a clinician or image recognition program to assess at least one of pulmonary gas exchange, barrier thickness or barrier function based on the 129Xe MRI RBC image.