Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting soluble amyloid ? using curcumin-derived near infrared (NIR) imaging probes. Upon interacting with soluble amyloid ?, these probes undergo a range of changes, qualifying them as “smart” probes. In addition, the invention provides methods of detecting soluble amyloid ? by positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multimodal imaging based on the curcumin-derived NIR imaging probes and derivatives thereof.

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: The invention relates to a method of cardiac imaging using hyperpolarised 13C-pyruvate as MR imaging agent, which allows determination of the viability of cells in the myocardium.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter demonstrates that a spin state which has zero magnetic resonance signal, but an extremely long lifetime, can be used to store magnetization, which can then be recovered into an observable transition. Coupled with hyperpolarization techniques, this permits the preparation of a wide range of contrast agent molecules for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that have long effective relaxation time.

Abstract: As a substance used as a contrast agent for a method of nuclear magnetic resonance analysis or a method of magnetic resonance imaging, a substance with high selectivity and high sensitivity was demanded. According to the present invention, when a polymer having, in a side chain thereof, a sequence of a 1H—13C—15N, 1H—15N—13C or 1H—13C—13C bond, that is, a structure labeled with stable isotopes of 13C and 15N, is used, the abundance of such a sequence in one molecule can be increased, and hence, high selectivity and higher sensitivity can be attained when used as a contrast agent.

Abstract: Methods are described for preparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy contrast agents where the contrast agents are prepared from precursor molecules having at least four non-zero-spin nuclei that form two pairs of chemically equivalent or effectively equivalent nuclei, e.g., diphenylacetylene or diethyl oxalate. The precursor molecule is hyperpolarized and a sequence of one or more radiofrequency pulses is applied to transfer spin state population between the first and second pair of nuclei, thereby providing a non-equilibrium single state nuclear spin population. To detect the contrast agent, another sequence of one or more radiofrequency pulses is applied to transfer singlet order to polarization. No transformation of the molecular structure of the contrast agent is necessary for detection. Also described are methods of imaging targets using the contrast agents.

Abstract: Regions where metastatic cancer cells can exist are detected with high accuracy in a sentinel lymph node. Quantum dots are injected into the vicinity of a cancer in a living body, thereby identifying the location of the sentinel lymph node by means of fluorescence. Subsequently, the sentinel lymph node is extracted. With respect to the sentinel lymph node extracted with quantum dots injected, structural analysis is conducted by means of precision fluorescence measurement which uses a confocal fluorescence microscope for monomolecular observation. Specifically, the fluorescence intensity is measured with respect to each of multiple areas in the sentinel lymph nodes, and out of the multiple areas measured, one or more areas are detected as afferent lymph vessel inflow regions in descending order of fluorescence intensity.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-step process for the preparation of aqueous solutions of hyperpolarized molecules in which, in a single step, the said hyperpolarized molecules are separated from the crude solution by means of a fast phase-transfer extraction and isolated in an impurity-free aqueous solution, ready for use in the MRI diagnostic imaging of organs, region or tissues of the human or animal body.

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 present invention generally relates to paramagnetic contrast agents and a Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-MRI method for the non-invasive estimation of the delivery of a macromolecular anticancer drug or pro-drug within pathological tissues and, especially, in solid tumors and for the optimization of anticancer therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel heteroaryl substituted benzothiazole derivatives, precursors thereof, and therapeutic uses for such compounds, having the structural formula (I) below: and to their pharmaceutically acceptable salt, compositions and methods of use. Furthermore, the invention relates to novel heteroaryl substituted benzothiazole derivatives that are suitable for imaging amyloid deposits in living patients, their compositions, methods of use and processes to make such compounds. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of imaging amyloid deposits in brain in vivo to allow antemortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease as well as measuring clinical efficacy of Alzheimer's disease therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of 13C-MR imaging and/or 13C-MR spectroscopy of cell death using an imaging medium which comprises hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate.

Abstract: A noninvasive thermometry monitoring system for determining a temperature of tissue to which hyperthermia treatment is administered is disclosed. The monitoring system may incorporate magnetic nanoparticles having known moments such that once exposed to an alternating magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles increase in temperature. Imaging systems can disclose the magnetic nanoparticles within a patient. The temperature of the magnetic nanoparticles can be determined by comparing the magnetic nanoparticle with known temperatures for that type of magnetic nanoparticle. The image of the magnetic nanoparticles may be compared with surrounding tissue to determine the temperature of the surrounding tissue that is exposed to hyperthermia treatment.

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: The present invention relates to a new class of diazepine-derivatives as chelating agents for paramagnetic metal ions, the process for their preparation, and use of such paramagnetic complexes as contrast agents, particularly suitable for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis.

Abstract: A method for treating prostate related diseases in a subject, the method comprising i) optionally administering to subject an initial boost dose of one or more active substances and/or prodrugs, and ii) administering locally into the prostate a controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more active substances in a biodegradable ceramic carrier. The biodegradable hydrating ceramic may be selected from the group consisting of non-hydrated or hydrated calcium sulphate, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium fluoride, calcium silicate, magnesium sulphate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium fluoride, magnesium silicate, barium sulphate, barium phosphate, barium carbonate, barium fluoride, barium silicate, or mixtures thereof. In a specific embodiment, the biodegradable hydrating ceramic is non-hydrated or hydrated calcium sulphate.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging typically has excellent spatial resolution, but relatively poor temporal resolution. In contrast, positron emission tomography (PET) typically has excellent temporal resolution, but poor spatial resolution relative to MR. Resultantly, it is advantageous to use combined PET-MR imaging sequences to create hybrid or enhanced images that reap the benefits of both modalities. A contrast agent (80) that includes both a PET tracer (82) and MR contrast enhancement (86) can be used in such a combined modality setting. The contrast agent (80) also includes a targeting system (84) that allows the contrast agent (80) to pool in a region of interest.

Abstract: Iron oxide complexes, pharmacological compositions and unit dosage thereof, and methods for their administration, of the type employing an iron oxide complex with a polyol, are disclosed. The pharmacological compositions employ a polysaccharide iron oxide complex, wherein the polysaccharide is a modified polyol such as a carboxyalkylated reduced dextran. The complex is stable to terminal sterilization by autoclaving. The compositions are suitable for parenteral administration to a subject for the treatment of iron deficiencies or as MRI contrast agent. The complex is substantially immunosilent, provide minimal anaphylaxis and undergo minimal dissolution in vivo. The pharmacological compositions of the complex contain minimal free iron which can be quantified by a variety of methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeted delivery compositions and methods of using the compositions for treating and diagnosing a disease state in a subject.

Abstract: Use of benzimidazole-derived compounds of formula (I) according to the following structure, wherein x is a heteroatom selected from N, S, O, P, SO, SO2 and SO3, preferably from N, S and SO3 and most preferably from N and SO3; n may be 0 or 1, R1 is a group selected from formula (II) and formula (III) and R2 is a group selected from H and formula (IV) since the aforesaid serves for the production of a formulation used as a specific marker in the case of neurodegenerative diseases and tau pathologies.

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: A phantom for medical imaging instrumentation, the phantom including a first hydrogel matrix, said matrix containing additives for simulating the optical and acoustic properties of a living organ or tissue. In the phantom, the additives include Indian ink or haemoglobin, silica powder and titanium dioxide powder. The phantom may contain a tumor simulator in solid or liquid form. It may also comprise several hydrogel matrices, each matrix including additives in different concentrations depending on the organ or tissue simulated. A method of producing the phantom includes one or more freeze-thaw cycles for optimizing the characteristics of the phantom.

Abstract: The invention provides multimeric particle comprising metal-containing particles covalently bonded to one another by linker groups wherein at least some of said linker groups are cleavable. The invention further provides a contrast agent comprising said multimeric particles, along with a method of improving contrast of an image using said contrast agent.

Abstract: A PAA nanoparticle containing a covalently linked fluorescent dye and a post-loaded tetrapyrrolic photosensitizer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for water soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polymeric melanin (PEG-melanin) nanoparticles, methods of using the PEG-melanin nanoparticle, methods of making the PEG-melanin nanoparticle, methods of imaging a diseases or condition (e.g., pre-cancerous tissue, cancer, or a tumor), and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in multimodal imaging (e.g., photoacoustic, nuclear, magnetic, fluorescent, and the like).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptide reagents, methods for detecting colon pre-cancer (dysplasia with non-polypoid or polypoid morphology) or cancer using the peptide reagents, and methods for targeting pre-cancerous or cancerous colon cells using the peptide reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating LAL deficiency comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of lysosomal acid lipase with an effective dosage frequency. Methods of improving growth and liver function, increasing LAL tissue concentration, and increasing LAL activity in a human patient suffering from LAL deficiency are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for, inter alia, determining the presence of leukemia cells in a subject, determining the change or potential change in the number of leukemia cells in the subject with time, determining whether a tissue in a subject contains a plurality of leukemia cells or a plurality progenitor leukemia cells, and determining whether a leukemia therapy administered to a subject is capable of decreasing the number of leukemia cells in a tissue of the subject.

Abstract: A nanoparticle composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxide; and a phosphorylated polyol comprising at least two phosphate groups. The polyol comprises one or more hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of polyethylene ether moieties, polypropylene ether moieties, polybutylene ether moieties, and combinations of two or more of the foregoing hydrophilic moieties. A method of making the nanoparticle composition is also provided. The nanoparticle compositions provided by the present invention may be used as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the differential diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia or chronic alcoholism, by imaging the brain of a subject to detect any or all of the markers phosphocreatine (PCr), N-acetyl aspartate divided by the total creatine signal (NA/Crt), and synaptic phosphodiester (sPDE), and determining any increase or decrease in the presence of such markers compared to normal levels in specified anatomic areas of the brain. The output of such a method, resulting from such imaging, is presented to be viewed by a diagnostician in order to support the differential diagnosis based on the data output.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and materials for diagnosing and treating neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Abstract: A diagnostic agent composition is provided which comprises a nanoparticle composition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The nanoparticle composition comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxide and a phosphorylated polyol, wherein the phosphorylated polyol comprises at least two phosphate groups and one or more hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of polyethylene ether moieties, polypropylene ether moieties, polybutylene ether moieties, and combinations of two or more of the foregoing hydrophilic moieties. The disclosure provides detailed guidance on methods of making and using such diagnostic agent compositions. The diagnostic agent compositions provided by the present invention are useful as contrast agents for medical diagnostic imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and X-ray imaging. The diagnostic agent composition may be administered to a subject via a variety of techniques, among them injection, inhalation, and ingestion.

Abstract: A method of producing a drug coated balloon that comprises the steps of: subjecting a balloon catheter with a folded and wrapped balloon thereon to a pre-annealing step to induce a fold/wrap memory in the resulting pre-annealed balloon; unfolding the pre-annealed balloon sufficiently to expose the full circumferential surface of the balloon by application of an inflation pressure that retains said fold/wrap memory; applying a drug coating formulation to the unfolded balloon surface; releasing pressure to relax the balloon and induce creasing along fold memory; and evacuating the balloon slowly to induce refolding and rewrapping of the balloon. The method overcomes the need to use a folding apparatus to fold and wrap a drug coated balloon.

Abstract: Novel normoxic N-(Hydroxymethyl) acrylamide (NHMAGAT) polymer gel dosimeters for MRI scanning are introduced for radiotherapy planning system. The composition of the NHMAGAT polymer gel and method of making the NHMAGAT polymer gel dosimeter are disclosed. The dosimeters are irradiated with Varian Rapid Arc linear systems at different absorbed doses. The results show that the percent depth dose and 2D plan dose distribution of NHMAGAT polymer gel dosimeters are in a good agreement with the ionization chamber measurements and CT planned dose distribution, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates a T1-T2 dual-modal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) contrast agent, comprising (a) a first layer consisting of T1 contrast material; (b) a second layer consisting of T2 contrast material; and (c) a separating layer which is present in a space between the first layer and the second layer, and inhibits a reciprocal interference between T1 contrast material and T2 contrast material, and a heat-generating composition and a drug delivery composition having the same. The T1-T2 dual-modal contrast agent of the present invention may generate both T1 and T2 signal and thus observe the signal complementarily, resulting in accurate diagnosis through reduction of misdiagnosis. Further, T1 and T2 MR imaging may be simultaneously obtained by simple operation within the same MR imaging device, enabling to remarkably reduce a diagnosis time and diagnosis cost.

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 invention can provide a method of determining the presence, location, quantity, or a combination thereof, of a biological substance, comprising: (a) exposing a sample to a plurality of targeted nanoparticles, where each targeted nanoparticle comprises a paramagnetic nanoparticle conjugated with one or more targeting agents that preferentially bind with the biological substance, under conditions that facilitate binding of the targeting agent to at least one of the one or more biological substances; (b) subjecting the sample to a magnetic field of sufficient strength to induce magnetization of the nanoparticles; (c) measuring a magnetic field of the sample after decreasing the magnetic field applied in step b below a threshold; (d) determining the presence, location, quantity, or a combination thereof, of the one or more biologic substances from the magnetic field measured in step (c).

Abstract: The invention relates to nanocrystals, containing one or more metals as defined in the specification; having a size of 2 to 200 nm; having a defined, three-dimensional polyhedral structure, optionally functionalized by ligands and/or embedded crystals. The invention further relates to monodisperse assemblies of such nanocrystals, to formulations and devices comprising such nanocrystals as well as to the manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: The current application is directed to methods of treating or ameliorating myocardial ischemia, an acute coronary event, and a myocardial reperfusion injury comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of deferiprone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a patient in need thereof. The application is also directed to reducing the risk for myocardial reperfusion injury as well as promoting the beneficial remodeling of cardiac tissue in a patient, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of deferiprone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a patient before, during or after reperfusion therapy. The application also includes methods of selecting a patient for treatment of reperfusion injury and subsequently treating the selected patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel approach for effective ex vivo and in vivo imaging of blood and establishes the feasibility of blood as an effective agent for CEST to generate sufficient CEST contrast relative to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Symmetrically and asymmetrically branched homopolymers are modified at the surface level with functional groups that enable forming aggregates with water insoluble or poorly water soluble pharmaceutically active agents (PAA). The aggregates formed are specifically induced by interaction of PAA and homopolymer and are different from aggregates that are formed by the polymer alone in the absence of the PAA or by the PAA alone in the absence of the polymer. Such aggregates can be used to improve drug solubility, stability, delivery and efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the nanotechnology-based therapy of one or more mammalian diseases. Disclosed are gold-in-porous silicon nanoassemblies that are effective in the targeted and localized treatment of one or more human hyperproliferative disorders, including, for example, cancer of the breast. Methods of systemic administration of these nanoassembly vectors are disclosed that facilitate direct thermal ablative therapy of selected tissues using a localized application of near-infrared energy to the target site, wherein the gold-in-porous silicon nanoparticles release heat to destroy the surrounding cancerous tissue.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods provide improved spatial and temporal resolution over conventional magnetic resonance renography (MRR). Example apparatus and methods reconstruct under-sampled three-dimensional (3D) data associated with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals acquired from a kidney. The data is reconstructed using a 3D through-time non-Cartesian generalized auto-calibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) approach. Example apparatus and methods produce a quantized value for a contrast agent concentration in the kidney from a signal intensity in the data based, at least in part, on a two compartment model of the kidney. The two compartment model includes a plasma compartment and a tubular compartment. The quantized value describes a perfusion parameter for the kidney or a filtration parameter for the kidney.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dendrimer synthesis. Specifically, the present invention relates to dendrimer compositions (e.g., scaffolds) capable of copper-free click conjugation for use in the synthesis of functionalized dendrimers, and methods of use of the same.

Abstract: Novel, non-toxic cobalt-based contrast and imaging agents for use in enhanced medical imaging modalities and processes are described, as well the manufacture of markers containing such contrast agents is described, and uses for such imaging markers and contrast agents in a variety of therapeutic applications and devices.

Abstract: Nanoparticle having a crosslinked chitosan-polyethylene oxide oligomer copolymer coating to which O6-benzylguanine is covalently coupled, compositions that include the nanoparticle, and methods for using the nanoparticle to treat brain cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, including metastatic prostate cancer. Related pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Featured are a new class of reporter genes including reporter compositions as well as methods, MRI systems and MRI imaging kits related thereto. The genes according to the present invention provide MR contrast when the sample/subject is irradiated at a specific off-resonance radio-frequency (RF frequency), where the contrast mechanism utilizes chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique for imaging.

Abstract: Compositions and/or mixtures comprising peptide amphiphile compounds comprising one or more contrast agents, as can be used in a range of magnetic resonance imaging applications.