Abstract: The present inventions provides drug-drug conjugates, drug-porphyrin conjugates, nanoparticles of the conjugates, as well as modified nanoparticles having PEGylated exteriors or encapsulated by red blood cell vesicles. The conjugates, nanoparticles and nanocarriers are useful for treating cancers and other diseases, as well as for imaging diseased tissue or organs.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for tissue restoration are provided. The apparatus may include a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal tip, the catheter shaft defining lumens including an inflation lumen and a light fiber lumen, a coated balloon positioned on a translucent distal segment of the catheter shaft proximal to the distal tip in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the coated distal balloon comprising a translucent material and a coated material on an outer surface of the coated balloon, and a light fiber positioned in the catheter shaft in the light fiber lumen and extending through the translucent distal segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in situ preparation of cyano-bridged coordination polymers as metal nanoparticles within a biocompatible reverse micellar system by mixing at least two reverse micellar systems, each one containing at least one metal salt precursor. The invention also relates to the stabilization of theses nanoparticles by using a biocompatible reverse micellar system. This system takes part of the synthesis as a nanoreactor which comprises at least an acylglycerol, a sterol, lecithin, ethanol and water for the preparation of stable cyano-bridged metal nanoparticles without any use of additional stabilizer agent.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method of regenerating a nerve fiber in a damaged neural tissue of a patient, the method comprising the steps of: administering an aqueous formulation comprising superparamagnetic particles to the damaged neural tissue in the patient; applying a magnetic field in an orientation which is parallel to the nerve fiber; using the magnetic field for aligning the superparamagnetic particles; forming one or more aligned chains of the superparamagnetic particles in the magnetic field as a scaffold to guide directional growth of regenerating nerve cells; and reconnecting damaged nerve ends in the damaged neural tissue of the patient.

Abstract: MRI for radiotherapy simulation, planning and/or treatment guidance requires accurate motion assessment and real-time tumor monitoring. Clinical image-guided radiotherapy requires precise quality assurance of targeted tumor geometry and motion phase and amplitudes for both MRI and CT images. In various embodiments, the MRI-CT compatible phantom described herein is designed to validate the accuracy and performance of clinical procedures in both a 4D MRI sequence and 4D CT imaging, and to provide equivalent dynamic image contrast and quality for both imaging modalities. Additionally described is a PET compatible phantom.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) includes a nuclear imaging system (62), a timing optimization unit (40), a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (12), an MR reconstruction unit (38), and an attenuation map unit (50). The nuclear imaging system (62) receives nuclear decay data and generates at least one nuclear image (64) of a first resolution based on the received nuclear decay data of an imaged subject (16) and an attenuation map (52). The timing optimization unit (40) which selects a first and a second echo time for a modified Dixon (mDixon) pulse sequence and a sufficient number of repetition times (TRs) to generate an image of the subject (16) of at least a first resolution, with the phase angle difference between water and fat at the first and the second echo time being unequal to 0° and 180°. The MR scanner (12) applies the sequence to the subject (16) and receives MR data (32) from the subject. The MR reconstruction unit (38) reconstructs at least one MR image (44) based on the MR data (32).

Abstract: The invention describes a coordination polymer construct for multimodal imaging and therapy. The construct consists of a core particle made of a novel coordination polymer. The core is coated with a biocompatible coating that stabilizes the particles in a physiological environment. The biocompatible coating can contain attached targeting agents, imaging agents and therapeutic agents or combinations one or more of the targeting, imaging and therapeutic agents. When administered to a subject or a subject-derived specimen, the resulting coordination polymer core-shell construct enables multimodal imaging and therapy, which improves the diagnostic and treatment outcomes of the conditions or diseases where it is administered. The invention describes the novel material, base for the construct, methods for the preparation of the said construct and its use as a multimodal imaging and therapy agent.

Abstract: Amine functional polyamides comprise amine and ammonium groups along the polymer chain. Amine functional polyamides can be used as pharmaceutical agents and in pharmaceutical compositions. The amine functional polyamides are particularly useful in the treatment or prevention of mucositis and infection, specifically oral mucositis, surgical site infection, and lung infection associated with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: Methods for computing hemodynamic quantities include: (a) acquiring angiography data from a patient; (b) calculating a flow and/or calculating a change in pressure in a blood vessel of the patient based on the angiography data; and (c) computing the hemodynamic quantity based on the flow and/or the change in pressure. Systems for computing hemodynamic quantities and computer readable storage media are described.

Abstract: This invention provides Chelating Complex Micelles as a drug carrier. The Chelating Complex Micelles can load drugs without changing their structure, and therefore extend the half-life of drugs in the human body. The chelating complex micelles contain a metal ion core, at least one polymer, and at least one drug molecule. The metal ion is considered as a Lewis acid while polymer chain and drug molecules are referred to as Lewis bases. The drug molecule is linked to the polymer via forming coordinate bonds with metal ion, and then self-assembled to form chelating complex micelles as a drug carrier.

Abstract: This invention provides Chelating Complex Micelles as a drug carrier. The Chelating Complex Micelles can load drugs without changing their structure, and therefore extend the half-life of drugs in the human body. The chelating complex micelles contain a metal ion core, at least one polymer, and at least one drug molecule. The metal ion is considered as a Lewis acid while polymer chain and drug molecules are referred to as Lewis bases. The drug molecule is linked to the polymer via forming coordinate bonds with metal ion, and then self-assembled to form chelating complex micelles as a drug carrier.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with automatically adapting MRI controlling parameters are described. One exemplary method embodiment includes configuring an MRI apparatus to acquire MR signal data using a non-rectilinear trajectory. The example method may also include acquiring MR signals, transforming the MR signals into image data, and selectively adapting the MRI controlling parameters based, at least in part, on information associated with the MR signals.

Abstract: There is provided an adjuvant capable of enlarging an ablation area and reducing ablation unevenness in a dielectric heating-assisted cancer treatment such as radiofrequency ablation used for treatment of hepatic cancer. The adjuvant includes a conductive substance such as a metal element (e.g., iron) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier of lipid dispersion, polymer solution or polymer dispersion.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and products, such as kits, useful for determining the apoptotic state of cells in an organism, comprising detecting the presence or abundance of at least one caspase affinity labeling agent in the cells of an animal into which at least one caspase affinity labeling agent has been introduced, wherein the presence or abundance of the caspase affinity labeling agent correlates with the apoptotic state of the cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a GO-Gd-DTPA (gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic-graphene oxide) complex, which is formed by an ester bond of graphene oxide (GO) and gadopentetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Since the GO-Gd-DTPA can stably exist in the body because it has high stability in water, it is expected that it can be effectively used as an MRI contrast agent.

Abstract: Nanocarriers are synthesized with polymers that respond to lower pH and/or ROS by being degraded. The compositions may be utilized to selectively deliver payloads within patients by responding to lower pH and/or ROS at localities within the patient. The present invention also features methods of synthesizing nanocarriers that are degraded by lower pH and/or ROS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for targeting an imaging agent to cells of an animal to detect localized infections. More particularly, localized infections are detected by targeting imaging agents to inflammatory cells having receptors for a vitamin by using vitamin-imaging agent conjugates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) using a combination of a trityl radical and a paramagnetic metal ion as the polarising agent leading to enhanced levels of polarisation in the sample to be polarised and to compositions and polarising agents for use in the method.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a contrast agent includes a blood vessel contrast enhancement particles configured to enhance contrast of a blood vessel of an object and a diseased tissue contrast enhancement particles configured to enhance contrast of a diseased tissue of the object. The blood vessel contrast enhancement particles have a first particle size larger than a gap of vascular endothelial cells under an EPR effect. The diseased tissue contrast enhancement particles have a second particle size smaller than the gap.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method is provided for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis that includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-21 receptor antagonist, wherein the subject has failed to respond treatment with beta interferon, thereby treating the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of 13C-MR detection using an imaging medium comprising hyperpolarised 13C-fumarate and imaging media comprising hyperpolarised 13C-fumarate for use in said method.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compounds, diagnostic agents, and related methods. In some cases, methods for treating patients are provided. More specifically, the disclosure provides compounds, diagnostic agents, and kits for detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring elastin rich tissues. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring the presence of coronary plaque, carotid plaque, iliac/femoral plaque, aortic plaque, renal artery plaque, plaque of any arterial vessel, aneurism, vasculitis, other diseases of the arterial wall, and/or damage or structural changes in ligaments, uterus, lungs or skin, as indicated by changes in total vessel wall area, internal lumen size, and exterior arterial perimeter.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compounds, diagnostic agents, and related methods. In some cases, methods for treating patients are provided. More specifically, the disclosure provides compounds, diagnostic agents, and kits for detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring elastin rich tissues. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring the presence of coronary plaque, carotid plaque, iliac/femoral plaque, aortic plaque, renal artery plaque, plaque of any arterial vessel, aneurism, vasculitis, other diseases of the arterial wall, and/or damage or structural changes in ligaments, uterus, lungs or skin, as indicated by changes in total vessel wall area, internal lumen size, and exterior arterial perimeter.

Abstract: RGD-chlorophyll and RGD-bacteriochlorophyll conjugates that home and accumulate in necrotic tumor domains much longer than in tumor non-necrotic domains are provided for use in minimally invasive tumor-targeted imaging, tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy, and/or on-line prognosis of necrotic tumors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil-in-water nanoemulsion for MRI, including: an aqueous phase, a fluorinated phase including at least one fluorinated oil, a surfactant at the interface between the aqueous and fluorinated phases, the surfactant comprising: at least one amphiphilic targeting ligand, at least one amphiphilic lipid, and at least one diblock or triblock fluorophilic compound, as well as to the use thereof as a contrast agent.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing tumors and augmentic therapeutic intervention and measuring response to cell stress using sphingomyelin containing liposomes. The liposomes can include radiotracers, contrast agents, chromophores, dyes, enzyme substrates, therapeutic agents, chemotherapeutic agents or DNA segments. The indicators enable measurement of the extent of cellular release of Acid SMase at a localized site of cell stress. The nanoparticles have the capacity to locally release their contents, be it imaging (for diagnosis) or therapeutic agents (to augment therapy).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro determination of physical or chemical parameters of diagnostic interest by use of a slow tumbling paramagnetic agent that is responsive to changes of said physical or chemical parameter through changes in the R2p/R1p ratio allowing the determination of the said parameter in a manner that is independent on the actual agent concentration.

Abstract: A contrast marker having a casing and a novel MRI contrast agent comprising metal complexes disposed around, within, or abuting the casing is provided. Such contrast markers may be placed in a strand, with or without a therapy seed, to produce a seeded strand useful for imaging and in connection with brachytherapy.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 18F or 19F-labeled molecules of use in PET, SPECT and/or MR imaging. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a complex with a group IIIA metal and binding of the complex to a bifunctional chelating agent, which may be directly or indirectly attached to the targeting molecule. In other embodiments, the 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. The disclosed methods and compositions allow the simple and reproducible labeling of molecules at very high efficiency and specific activity in 30 minutes or less. In preferred embodiments, the labeled molecule may be used for imaging in a subject without purification after labeling.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions in which nano-carriers are synthesized with polymers that respond to lower pH and/or ROS by being degraded. The compositions may be utilized to selectively deliver payloads within patients by responding to lower pH and/or ROS at localities within the patient. The present invention also features methods of synthesizing nano-carriers that are degraded by lower pH and/or ROS.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for targeted delivery of permanently-acting or temporarily-acting neurotoxins, neurosuppressants, or other compounds having a neurologic effect to specific locations of the heart, including for example, but not limited to, nodes of the cardiac autonomic nervous system such as the atrial ganglionated plexi (GP). Chemical ablation of the atrial GP as described herein via magnetically-targeted magnetically-susceptible nanoparticles can effectively suppress GP activity and atrial fibrillation related, thereto without permanent damage to either myocardium or intrinsic CANS.

Abstract: A system and method for indirectly measuring calcium ion efflux from a cell of a subject by using manganese ions as a surrogate marker for calcium is disclosed. Manganese ion efflux is measured with a MEMRI T1-mapping method while the calcium-sodium exchanger is inhibited.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a contrast enhancement agent comprising an iron chelate having structure I and salts thereof wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence a hydroxy group, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, and b is 0-4; R2-R7 are independently at each occurrence hydrogen, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R1-R7 is a hydroxy group or a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group; and wherein Q is one or more charge balancing counterions. Also provided are a metal chelating ligand having structure IX and medical formulations comprising the contrast enhancement agent I.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases and disorders including cancer and various other angiogenic-dependent diseases, vascular malfunctions, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), hemorrhagic processes and treatment of pain, in particular tumor-related pain by drug delivery and/or therapeutic embolization using microspheres. More particularly the invention relates to microspheres containing non-ionic contrast agents, to compositions comprising these microspheres, as well as methods for preparing and using such compositions for embolization therapy. The invention further relates to compositions and methods using detectable microspheres for targeted drug delivery, irrespective of whether embolization is also needed.

Abstract: Provided are signal modifying compositions for medical imaging comprising a carrier and two or more signal modifying agents specific for two or more imaging modalities. The compositions are characterized by retention efficiency, with respect to the signal modifying agents, which enables prolonged contrast imaging without significant depletion of the signal modifying agents from the carrier. The carriers of the present invention are lipid based or polymer based, the physico-chemical properties of which can be modified to entrap or chelate different signal modifying agents and mixtures thereof and to target specific organs or tumors or tissues within a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of hyperpolarized 89Y. Hyperpolarized 89Y may be used as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents for sensitive detection and imaging.

Abstract: A method and system for simply and efficiently determining quantities of a preselected material in a particular solution by the placement of at least one superparamagnetic nanoparticle having a specified functionalized organic material connected thereto into a particular sample solution, wherein preselected analytes attach to the functionalized organic groups, these superparamagnetic nanoparticles are then collected at a collection site and analyzed for the presence of a particular analyte.

Abstract: The invention provides a scanning suspension comprising a particle which is capable of at least in part disturbing a magnetic field, wherein said particle comprises a diameter of at least 1 ?m, and use thereof for obtaining a scanning image. Preferably, said particle comprises holmium and a composition capable of essentially maintaining its structure during irradiation. A particle of the invention is suitable for preparing a kit of parts, comprising a diagnostic and a therapeutic composition which both comprise particles of the invention with essentially the same chemical structure, wherein said therapeutic composition is more radioactive than said diagnostic composition. Said kit of parts is especially suitable for treatment of a tumor. First, the distribution of a particle of the invention within an individual can be determined with a scanning image obtained with said scanning composition.

Abstract: An immuno-therapy for treatment of a tumor is provided. An effective dose of a composition containing a low dose of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle is administered to a tumor. Once the composition has been administered, it is recommended to avoid any means that would cause direct cytotoxic effects to the cancer cells and to normal/healthy tissue. The combination of composition-administered cancer cells with the avoidance of direct cytotoxic effects has been shown to be successful to inhibit the growth of the cancer cells or result in aptosis of the cancer cells. Additional dose(s) can be administered when it is determined that: (i) the tumor starts to grow and/or (ii) the remaining composition falls below a threshold. The immuno-therapy method is a safe, clinically applicable, ready-to-use theranostic approach for cancer patients who are unable to start chemoradiotherapy in a timely manner, i.e. an effective interim or adjunctive treatment for patients.

Abstract: Macrophages sequester and aggregate ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) in their lysosomes. The amount of USPIO loading of macrophages depends upon the route and dose of administration, and the pharmacokinetics of accumulation and removal. Both fixed macrophages and activated macrophages associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer phagocytize USPIOs, and the loaded macrophages can serve to identify the extent of a macrophage-dependent disease as well as to direct treatment options. Furthermore, the absorption of energy from incident electromagnetic waves by the aggregated nanoparticles can be used for conformal thermotherapy. The USPIOs can further be used to carry drugs to the same activated macrophages. The co-administered drugs can be bound to the USPIO by condition-dependent releasing links that are responsive to local pH or heating.

Abstract: A material useful as a MRI contrast agent used for medical imaging, drug delivery platform or other functions are provided as a class of non-gadolinium and non-iron oxide based materials that comprise Prussian blue materials or analogue materials. The materials may be used as T1-weighted and/or T2-weighted MRI contrast agents for imaging, including cellular imaging, in clinical diagnosis and biomedical research applications. The agent is a compound created from Prussian blue materials that is non-toxic, and can be internalized by cells through endocytosis. The Prussian blue materials may also be used for drug delivery applications. The Prussian blue materials may be administered orally to a subject in either medical imaging or drug delivery applications or dual modality MRI-Fluorescence imaging agent.

Abstract: A dendritic polymer and a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent employing the same. The magnetic resonance contrast agent includes the dendritic polymer according to the structure of SP-DZ-L)i)j or SP-DX-Z-L)i)j, wherein, S is cyclosilane moiety with j silicon oxygen residual groups, and j is not less than 2; P is CH2CH2Ol, and l is not less than 1; D is a C3-30 dendritic moiety having n oxygen residue, and n is not less than 3; X is C3-30 moiety having bi-functional groups; Z is a C3-20 moiety having a plurality of functional group; and L is a metal cation.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring MR imaging data from a subject includes administering positively-charged nitroxides or gadolinium chelates for in vivo mitochondrial labeling, acquiring MR imaging data from the subject, and reconstructing an image of the subject having enhanced contrast in areas including metabolic and/or mitotic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydroxyapatite doped with Fe2+ ions and Fe3+ ions which partially substitute the calcium ions in the crystal lattice. The hydroxyapatite is characterized by an intrinsic magnetism of 0.05 to 8 emu/g, measured by applying a magnetic field of 34 Oe, due to the presence of magnetic nano-domains in the crystal lattice of HA, given the limited amount of magnetic secondary phases present, less than about 3% by volume. The intrinsically magnetic hydroxyapatite can be loaded with biological substances selected in the group consisting of proteins, genes, stem cells, growth factors, vascularization factors, active substances and drugs, under the control of an external magnetic field, as a carrier and release agent for biological substances or drugs, as a contrast agent in diagnostics or for bone or osteocartilage regeneration.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for imaging and for chemotherapy and radiotherapy are disclosed. More particularly, the invention concerns agents comprising a targeting moeity comprising a beta-adrenergic receptor targeting compound conjugated or embedded with ethylenediamine. The present invention also concerns methods of application of such agents for imaging and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and kits for preparing a radiolabeled therapeutic or diagnostic agent.

Abstract: Alkyl cyanoacrylate compositions and methods for making those compositions, utilizing high purity monomeric starting materials, formed into more viscous oligomers, and combined with a plasticizer and inhibitor to provide a single-container, storage stable medical cyanoacrylate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming an oxidatively-stable aqueous Eu(II) complex by synthesizing ligands that coordinate to large, soft, electron rich metals like Eu(II). The invention also provides an oxidatively stable aqueous Eu(II) complex. The complex can be used for a variety of purposes some of which include, but are not limited to, in paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer, as a medical diagnostic, as a semiconductor, and for use in forming materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to dendritic chelated compounds, to methods for producing the same and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The dendritic chelated complexes of the present invention have the following formula (I): [[MC]En-[D]m-X1p1X2p2X3p3X4p4]z?zB+ (I), where m is a magnetic or scintigraphic marker, C is a chelating agent of the marker M, E is a spacer, n=0 or 1, D is compound capable of forming a dendritic structure, m is an integer equal to 1 or 2 or 4, X1 is a group increasing the complex lipophily, p1 is an integer from 0 to 12, X2 is a group increasing the complex specificity for a particular organ, p2 is an integer equal to 1 or 2 or 4, X3 is a group having a therapeutic activity, p3 is an integer equal to 0, 1, 2 or 4, X4 is a CH3 group, p4 is an integer from 0 to 12, B is a counter-ion, z is an integer equal to 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4. The invention can be used in the field of pharmacy, more precisely in medical imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging with prolonged blood retention. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds that are characterized by an image enhancing moiety (IEM); a protein plasma binding moiety (PPBM); and a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring MR imaging data from a subject includes administering positively-charged nitroxides or gadolinium chelates for in vivo mitochondrial labeling, acquiring MR imaging data from the subject, and reconstructing an image of the subject having enhanced contrast in areas including metabolic and/or mitotic activity.