Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing polyepitope chimeric gene vaccines, designated as Epitopes Assemble Library Immunization (EALI). It involves the construction of expression libraries of polyepitope chimeric genes with different sizes and lengths using gene shuffling and random assembly so as to screen polyepitope chimeric gene vaccines. Immunization of the body with the gene libraries of the invention results in the induction of high level of specific antibodies and specific types of cytokines, and protection on the body.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a target agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two target agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the target agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one target agent. In more preferred embodiments, the target agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition suitable for administration to a subject, the composition comprising pharmacologically acceptable particulate material dispersed throughout a pharmacologically acceptable liquid carrier, the particulate material being maintained in the dispersed state by a steric stabiliser, wherein the steric stabiliser is a polymeric material comprising a steric stabilising polymeric segment and an anchoring polymeric segment, one or both of which are derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers that have been polymerised by a living polymerisation technique, wherein the steric stabilising polymeric segment is different from the anchoring polymeric segment, and wherein the anchoring polymeric segment has an affinity toward the surface of the particulate material and secures the stabiliser to the particulate material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer-metal complex composite, which comprises a block copolymer capable of serving as a constituent member of a polymeric micelle and a metal complex having MRI contrast ability, accumulates in a tumor-specific manner, achieves high image contrast even in a small amount, and has reduced side effects and a long retention time in blood. The polymer-metal complex composite of the present invention comprises a block copolymer (A) represented by general formula (a) and a metal complex (B) having MRI contrast ability, wherein the composite comprises a structure in which a carboxyl anion of poly(carbo) in the copolymer (A) is attached to the metal complex (B) via a metal atom (M).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising 2-deoxyglucose-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The compositions are useful in various applications, which are also provided.

Abstract: Nanoparticles zwitterionic polymers grafted thereto or grafted therefrom, and methods for making and using the nanoparticles. Zwitterionic nanogels, and methods for making and using the nanogels.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of discovering and mapping secondary binding sites on biological molecules (e.g., proteins), the effects, if any, of site occupancy on the primary function of the molecule, and the screening of small molecules against the secondary binding sites. The invention further provides novel complexes for modification of secondary binding sites and the resulting modified biological molecules.

Abstract: The preparation method of the magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) includes steps of: (a) reacting folic acid (FA) with Pluronic F127 (PF127) to form FA-PF127; (b) reacting poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) with FeCl3 to form PAA-bound iron oxide (PAAIO); and (c) reacting FA-PF127 with PAAIO via N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) mediation to form FA-PF127-PAAIO. FA-PF127-PAAIO is nontoxic and shows the superparamagnetic property at room temperature. The Nile red-loaded FA-PF127-PAAIO can be performed as the chemotherapy agent and the contrast agent on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging method for obtaining an image of a patient by means of a contrast agent wherein the method comprises subjecting the patient to an imaging method for which the contrast agent is suitable, wherein the contrast agent comprises: (a) a binding moiety; and (b) a recognition moiety capable of targeting the contrast agent to a site within the body of the patient, and wherein the binding moiety comprises a metal-binding protein, polypeptide or peptide which is bound to or encapsulates a magnetic or magnetizable substance.

Abstract: Renal extraction fraction (EF) is determined through use of computed tomography (CT) measurements of arterial blood before and after injection of a radiographic contrast agent into the blood and CT measurements of renal vein blood after injection of the radiographic contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions and methods utilizing delivery agents comprising protein cages, medical imaging agents and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A composite tissue formed in situ is provided. The composite tissue includes a synovial joint tissue; and a barrier material adhered thereto for sealing the synovial joint tissue against synovial fluid. Also provided is a method for regenerating synovial joint tissue in situ by excluding synovial fluid therefrom. The method includes providing a synovial joint tissue having a defect; and placing a barrier material in intimate contact with the defect for sealing the defect against synovial fluid. The barrier material includes a curable protein copolymer. The method further includes curing the protein copolymer in situ. The barrier material can include a crosslinked network, or a self gelled network of repeating elastin-like and fibroin-like polymer chains.

Abstract: Nanoparticle having a chitosan-polyethylene oxide oligomer copolymer coating, and methods for making and using the nanoparticle are provided. The nanoparticle can have a core that includes a material that imparts magnetic resonance imaging activity to the particle and, optionally, one or more of an associated targeting agent, fluorescent agent, or therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The disclosure provides elongated nanostructures useful for biological imaging and measurement. More particularly the disclosure provides nanoworms having an increased bioavailability compared to nanospheres.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that the human NELL-1 gene induces or upregulates bone mineralization. The NELL-1 gene or gene product thus provides a convenient target for screening for modulators of bone mineralization. In addition, NELL-1 can be used to facilitate repair of bone fractures and/or to generally increase bone density.

Abstract: Described are non-invasive methods for imaging pancreatic inflammation in living mammals using Magnetic Nanoparticle Probes (MNPs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an MRI contrast agent that includes zinc-containing water-soluble metal oxide nanoparticles and has an improved contrast effect. The zinc-containing water-soluble metal oxide nanoparticles are characterized by addition of zinc to a matrix comprising the metal oxide nanoparticles or by substitution of metal in the matrix, resulting in the improved contrast effect of MRI. In addition, the zinc-containing metal oxide nanoparticles of the present invention include the MRI contrast agent t having hybrid structures of “zinc-containing metal oxide nanoparticle—biologically/chemically active material” in which the nanoparticle is conjugated with a bioactive material such as proteins, antibodies, and chemical materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of metal nanoparticles for the preparation of a composition for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease by MRI.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material consisting of an aqueous dispersion of PEG-coated nanoparticles of maghemite. The process for preparing said material consists in polymerizing ethylene oxide in the presence of nanoparticles of maghemite in an aqueous dispersion. The polymerization is initiated using reactive groups which are capable of initiating the polymerization of ethylene oxide without the addition of a catalyst, and which are attached to the nanoparticles of maghemite by means of a coupling agent comprising an alkoxysilyl group and one or more of said reactive groups. Applications: contrast agent for MRI.

Abstract: There are described nanoparticles of magnetic metal oxides employable in constructs consisting in polymer particles possibly also incorporating pharmacologically active substances.

Abstract: Matrix-enhancing molecules, such as TGF-?, are conjugated to or immobilized on scaffolds to increase ECM production by cells for tissue engineering, tissue regeneration and wound healing applications. The matrix-enhancing molecule is conjugated to a tether, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) monoacrylate, for attachment to a tissue engineering or cell growth scaffold. The matrix-enhancing molecule retains activity after attachment to the scaffold, and causes cells growing in or on the scaffold to increase extracellular matrix (ECM) production, without substantially increasing proliferation of the cells, even when the scaffold additionally contains cell adhesion ligands. The increased ECM produced by the cells aids in maintaining the integrity of the scaffold, particularly when the scaffold is degradable, either by hydrolysis or by enzymatic degradation.

Abstract: A nanostructure and methods of synthesizing same. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, a hydrophobic protection structure including at least an amphiphilic copolymer, wherein the hydrophobic protection structure encapsulates the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, and at least one amino-terminal fragment (ATF) peptide or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody conjugated to the amphiphilic copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imaging of an animate human or non-human animal body, which method comprises: administering parenterally to said body a particulate material comprising a matrix or membrane material and at least one contrast generating species, which matrix or membrane material is responsive to a pre-selected physiological parameter whereby to alter the contrast efficacy of said species in response to a change in the value of said parameter; generating image data of at least part of said body in which said species is present; and generating therefrom a signal indicative of the value or variation of said parameter in said part of said body. The invention also relates to contrast media for imaging a physiological parameter.

Abstract: The invention discloses one glyco-molecular imaging method for grade classification of liver fibrosis and its glyco-molecular imaging agent. The agent combining with glyco-molecular imaging method for liver targeting could be used to differentiate the grade of liver fibrosis and follow-up evaluation of the therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomimetic contrast agent comprising an amine-functionalized iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core a targeting ligand attached to the nanoparticle core via a linker and an inert outer layer of a hydrophilic polymer conjugated to the targeting ligand and imaging methods using the biomimetic contrast agents. Also, provided is a dual functional contrast agent comprising a metal-doped iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core, an inert layer of gold coating the nanoparticle core and a biodegradable cationic polymer linked thereto. The dual functional contrast agent is complexed to a therapeutic gene and when transfected into mesenchymal stem cells comprises a dual contrast agent and gene delivery system. In addition, methods of using the dual functional system are provided. Furthermore, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents and the dual contrast agent and gene delivery system are provided.

Abstract: A chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agent is provided. One embodiment includes a ligand and a functional group linked to the ligand. The functional group has a hydrogen exchange site and is capable of undergoing a change in chemical functionality by enzyme catalysis or reaction with a metabolite to change the chemical exchange rate or the MR frequency of the hydrogen exchange site.

Abstract: Provided are protective and deleterious diabetes-mediating proteins and polynucleotides encoding same, transgenic animals expressing a diabetes-mediating protein, drug screening methods for identifying a test compound capable of altering the expression of a diabetes-mediating protein, and methods of preventing or ameliorating diabetes by administering a compound capable of altering the expression of a diabetes-mediating protein.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles consisting of a polymer which is a metal chelating agent coated with a magnetic metal oxide, wherein at least one active agent is covalently bound to the polymer, said nanoparticles may optionally further comprise at least one active agent physically or covalently bound to the outer surface of the magnetic metal oxide. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these nanoparticles may be used, inter alia, for detection and treatment of tumors and inflammations.

Abstract: Iron oxide nanoparticles comprising functional groups of the formula —X—NH2 on the outer surface of said nanoparticles, wherein X is selected from O, NR, NH or S, where R is C1-7 alkyl and conjugate particles comprising an iron oxide nanoparticle linked via a bond of formula —C?N—X— to a cell targeting ligand, where X is selected from O, NR, NH or S, where R is C1-7 alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contrast agent comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein each of the nanoparticles comprises: (a) a signal generating core; and (b) a polymeric shell coated on the signal generating core, wherein the polymeric shell comprises a water soluble hydoxysilyl- or alkoxysilyl-functionalized polymer and wherein the polymer shell is thermally crosslinked through hydroxysilyl or alkoxysilyl groups of the polymer.

Abstract: An engineered lipoprotein including (a) a core particle or a plurality of core particles, each core particle has (i) an inner part comprising a hydrophilic active agent and a hydrophilic portion of an amphiphilic cholesterol and (ii) an outer part including a hydrophobic portion of the amphiphilic cholesterol, (b) a layer surrounding the core particle or a plurality of core particles, the layer includes a phospholipid, (c) an apoprotein associated with the layer, and optionally, (d) a homing molecule associated with at least one of the apoprotein or the phospholipid.

Abstract: A contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging which stably circulates in the blood for a long period and which targets solid tumors, with which clear images of cancers may be obtained is disclosed. The contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging comprises as an effective ingredient a polymeric micelle having gadolinium (Gd) atoms in an inner core and an outer shell including hydrophilic polymer chain segments, which micelle is delivered to a tissue(s) and/or site(s) of solid tumor(s) in vivo, whose micellar structure is dissociated after being accumulated in the tissue(s) and/or site(s).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an embolizing material which is easily handleable and stable in quality and is solved by providing an embolizing material comprising an ester derivative of a polysaccharide having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000-500,000 daltons and an average substitution degree of acyl group of over two; an embolizing agent for arteriovenous aneurysm, which comprises the embolizing material and an appropriate physiologically acceptable water-soluble organic acid; and a method of producing an embolizing agent, which comprises a step of dissolving the embolizing material in an appropriate physiologically acceptable water-soluble organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention describes SAGE (sdph3.10) and sdp3.5 tumor associated nucleic acids, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. Also included are polypeptides and fragments thereof encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies relating thereto. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of a sdph3.10 and/or sdp3.5 gene product.

Abstract: A charged biomaterial including at least one first hydrophilic polymer, and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with a second hydrophilic polymer substantially identical to or different from the first hydrophilic polymer, wherein the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with the second hydrophilic polymer are distributed substantially homogeneously and substantially without aggregates in the first hydrophilic polymer. A process for preparing a charged biomaterial including forming an aqueous solution of hydrophilic monomers and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with a hydrophilic polymer including monomers substantially identical to or different from the hydrophilic monomers, polymerizing the solution and forming a polymer hydrogel in which are distributed substantially homogeneously and substantially without aggregates the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: An encapsulated chelate dendritic polymer and an encapsulated ligand dendritic polymer are disclosed which have unique properties. These encapsulated chelate dendritic polymers may have associated with its dendritic polymer surface target directors, proteins, DNA, RNA (including single strands) or any other moieties that will assist in diagnosis, therapy or delivery of this encapsulated chelate dendritic polymer. These encapsulated dendritic polymers are suitable as contrast agents for use in imaging in an animal, for other imaging techniques, for EPR, and as scavenger agents for chelant therapy. Formulations for these uses are also included within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Microspheres of the present invention may further be provided with physical and/or chemical enhancements within the particles' cores to enhance visualization of the embolized tissue using a variety of medical imaging modalities, including conventional radiography, fluoroscopy, tomography, computerized tomography, ultrasound, scintillation, magnetic resonance, or other imaging technologies.

Abstract: Bioelastomers are disclosed for use in methods of binding compounds including immunoassay methods, in biosensors and methods or regenerating biosensors, and in methods for targeting the delivery of a compound to a particular location within an animal subjects. In general, the bioelastomer is conjugated to a binding compound, which is in turn used to bind a compound of interest. For targeted compound delivery, the bioelastomer is conjugated to the compound to be delivered.

Abstract: Contrast agents and methods for making them are presented that use Fe nanoparticles that produce higher clarity and particularity in MRI imaging. Various alloys and core compounds are presented that may be used to produce such higher clarity MRI images.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a particle comprising a lanthanide chelate, comprising polymerizing a lanthanide chelate derivative with one or more monomers, wherein the lanthanide chelate derivative has the formula M-L-Y (I), wherein Y is a lanthanide chelate; L is a linker and M is a polymerizable moiety. The invention concerns also the novel lanthanide chelate derivative M-L-Y (I). Further, the invention concerns a novel particle comprising a lanthanide chelate covalently bound to an organic polymer or copolymer via a linker.

Abstract: Methods for high resolution imaging of a suspected target tissue are encompassed by the invention. Such methods include administering low resolution and high resolution contrast agents specific to targeted cells or tissues. The contrast agents are allowed to bind to the target cells or accumulate in a target tissue. A low resolution imaging technique is used to localize an accumulation of the low resolution contrast agent in a target tissue. A high resolution image of the target tissue is then obtained to localize an accumulation of the higher resolution contrast agent, allowing the generation of a higher resolution image than that obtained by the use of the low resolution contrast agent alone. These methods may utilize nanoparticles optionally in an emulsion as a contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of polymer-coated paramagnetic particles, defined as paramagnetic particles non-covalently coated with polymeric materials, which optionally possess targeting ligands, therapeutic agents, or carrier ligands. By selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the coated paramagnetic particles are suitable for a wide variety of methods for controlled delivery of the particles. The invention also relates to methods and uses of imaging, diagnosing, and treating diseased or cancerous tissue using the particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides macromolecular contrast media for diagnostic imaging modalities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle vaccines comprised of a carrier, particularly polymerized lipids, having multiple copies of an antigen or combinations of different antigens displayed on the carrier. Such antigen-displaying nanoparticles may also display a targeting molecule on its surface in order to direct it to a specific site or cell type to optimize a desired immune response. The present invention also relates to encapsulating an antigen or combinations of different antigens within such nanoparticles, with or without a targeting molecule displayed on its surface. The antigens used in this invention are effective to produce an immune response against a variety of pathological conditions.

Abstract: An improved contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging comprises particles to each of which is coupled a multiplicity of chelating agents containing paramagnetic ions. In the improved agent, the position of the ion is offset from the surface of the particle so as to improve the relaxivity imparted by the contrast agent. A tether offsetting the chelate from the surface of the particle may optionally contain cleavage sites permitting more facile excretion of the chelated paramagnetic ion.

Abstract: Various biodegradable polyglutamate-amino acids comprising recurring units of the general formulae (I) and (II) are prepared. Such polymers are useful for variety of drug, biomolecule and imaging agent delivery applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hyperproliferative diseases. Specifically, the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a modified Reoviridae virus, wherein the Reoviridae virus is conjugated to a hydroxylated hydrocarbon or a polycationic polymer to reduce the clearance of the composition and reduce the immunogenicity of the composition. Yet further, the invention relates to methods of treating a hyperproliferative disease by administering to a patient an effective amount of the modified Reoviridae virus.

Abstract: A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. X may be cleaved extracellularly or intracellularly. The molecules of the present invention may be linear, cyclic, branched, or have a mixed structure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection of Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis antibodies and antibody fragments.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition consisting of identical repeating units, each unit having a charge motif composed of a positively charged free amino moiety and a negatively charged moiety, wherein the positively charged free amino moiety and the negatively charged moiety of each charge motif are separated by at least one neutral amino acid, and wherein the positively charged free amino moiety of one of the charge motifs is separated by a distance of at least 8 amino acids from the positively charged amino moiety of another charge motif, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Said pharmaceutical composition is useful for inducing IL-2, activating T cells to produce a T helper 1 cytokine profile, suppressing IgG antibody response to specific antigen, promoting allograft survival, reducing postoperative surgical adhesion formation, and/or protecting against abscess formation associated with surgery, trauma or diseases that predispose the host to abscess formation.