Abstract: An emulsion includes a substantially continuous liquid medium, and a plurality of droplet structures dispersed within the substantially continuous liquid medium. Each droplet structure of the plurality of droplet structures includes an outer droplet of a first liquid having an outer surface; an inner droplet of a second liquid within the first droplet, the second liquid being immiscible in the first liquid, wherein the inner and outer droplets have a boundary surface region therebetween; an outer layer of block copolymers disposed on the outer surface of the outer droplet; and an inner layer of block copolymers disposed on the boundary surface region between the outer and the inner droplets.

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: The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of A? in the brain of a patient. Such methods entail administering agents that induce a beneficial immunogenic response against the amyloid deposit. The methods are useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preferred agents including N-terminal fragments of A? and antibodies binding to the same.

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: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor and therapeutic and diagnostic methods that employ the disclosed targeting ligands.

Abstract: Method and composition suitable for administering by direct convective interstitial infusion are disclosed. The method comprises: placing at least one direct convective interstitial infusion catheter in contact with the tissue, and pressuring the composition through the catheter. The composition is in a liquefied form having a viscosity above a predetermined value. The predetermined value is selected so as to improve infusion of the compositions into interstitial volumes of the tissue, while minimizing backflow of the compositions along an outer wall of the catheter or leakage into low resistance paths. It is demonstrated that high viscosity results in higher treatment efficiency.

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: A hyperpolarized MR imaging medium and a method of 13C-MR detection using a hyperpolarized MR imaging medium for the determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. The contrast media comprises hyperpolarised [13C, 2H]lactate.

Abstract: In a screening test method, and a device for implementing the screening test method, a diagnostic substance is provided that contains at least one biomarker connected with at least one ferromagnetic particle, the biomarker binding specifically to a target molecule that is formed by specific pathological prostrate tissue. The diagnostic substance is administered to the blood stream of a patient. A magnetometer is used to detect enrichment of the ferromagnetic particle in the prostrate, as an indicator of a level of the specific pathological prostrate tissue.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a micro-porous injectable, soft elastic, fully resorbable fibrin-based composition for use as a soft tissue lumen and void filler. The composition of the present application exhibits physical characteristics, such as mechanical properties, typically seen in elastomers and mechanical stability, which is superior to fibrin alone. A variety of properties of the composition of the present invention can be effectively fine-tuned and altered by adjusting type and content of the particles as well as of the plasticizer contained in the void filler composition.

Abstract: An imaging agent is disclosed for use in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The imaging agent includes a first substance and a second substance. The first substance includes at least one atom having non-zero nuclear spin providing a polarized magnetic orientation. The second substance is bound to the first substance and inhibits physical contact between the at least one atom and other atoms and molecules to thereby inhibit spin relaxation of the polarized magnetic orientation of the at least one atom.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance systems, devices, methods, and compositions are provided. A nuclear magnetic resonance imaging composition includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of ferromagnetic microstructures configured to generate a time-invariant magnetic field within at least a portion of one or more internal surface-defined voids. In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of ferromagnetic microstructures includes one or more targeting moieties attached thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as polyethylene glycol) (PEG) The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo The nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker A therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle Radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle to permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by various imaging techniques.

Abstract: Novel methods of synthesis of chelator-targeting ligand conjugates, compositions comprising such conjugates, and therapeutic and diagnostic applications of such conjugates are disclosed. The compositions include chelator-targeting ligand conjugates optionally chelated to one or more metal ions. Methods of synthesizing these compositions in high purity are also presented. Also disclosed are methods of imaging, treating and diagnosing disease in a subject using these novel compositions, such as methods of imaging a tumor within a subject and methods of diagnosing myocardial ischemia.

Abstract: Novel fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are prepared where the nanoparticles are as small as 3 nm or up to 7000 nm in diameter and where the dye is bound within the metal oxide matrix. In some embodiments the invention, novel dyes are covalently attached to the matrix and in other embodiments of the invention a dye is coordinate or ionic bound within the metal oxide matrix. A method for preparing the novel covalently bondable modified fluorescent dyes is presented. A method to prepare silica comprising nanoparticles that are 3 to 8 nm in diameter is presented. In some embodiments, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are further decorated with functionality for use as multimodal in vitro or in vivo imaging agents. In other embodiments of the invention, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles provide therapeutic activity and incorporated therapeutic temperature monitoring.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), particularly NMR spectroscopy. It provides hyperpolarization methods offering enhanced sensitivity of detection over conventional NMR for studying the fate of a test compound in a biological system. The methods are particularly suitable for studying metabolism and toxicity of drugs. The resulting NMR sensitivity increase is advantageous in two key aspects of NMR detection: test compounds can be detected at lower concentrations and substantial time saving can be achieved in cases where extensive averaging is conventionally employed to increase the signal to noise ratio of the corresponding NMR spectra. The methods can be used for studios that were not practical or not possible using conventional NMR.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to compounds and methods for imaging myocardial perfusion, comprising administering to a patient a contrast agent which comprises a compound that binds MC-1, and an imaging moiety, and scanning the patient using diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and compositions for non-invasively assessing the molecular structure of biocompatible hydrogels using MRI analysis. It is shown that biocompatible hydrogels prepared from polymerizing macromolecules that are attached to a paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic contrast agents form reporter gels wherein monitoring of the changes in the structure of the hydrogels by MRI is facilitated by the presence of such paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic agents in the biocompatible hydrogel.

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: Capsules and particles with at least one encapsulated and/or entrapped agent, such as therapeutic agent, imaging agents, and other constituents may be produced by electrohydrodynamic processes. More particularly, the agent encapsulated in a vehicle, capsule, particle, vector, or carrier may maximize treatment and/or imaging of malignant cancers while minimizing the adverse effects of treatment and/or imaging.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a targeting agent, which enables the delivery of a drug to tumor sites or the imaging of tumor sites by utilizing its effect of accumulating to such tumor sites. The present invention provides a targeting agent for tumor site, which comprises a hydrophilic polymer-modified carrier coated with a gelatin-like protein that has repeats of a sequence represented by Gly-X—Y characteristic to collagen and has two or more sequences of cell adhesion signals in a single molecule wherein X and Y each independently represent an amino acid and a plurality of Gly-X—Y sequences may be the same or different.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit dosage of Apadenoson, a pharmacological stress agent, and use of the same as a pharmacologic agent for myocardial perfusion imaging.

Abstract: Agents and methods for imaging a cell and/or a portion of tissue characterized by fibrosis, as well as to agents and methods for determining and/or diagnosing fibrotic diseases are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are polymer conjugates that can include a detectable label, a retinoid and a polymer. The polymer conjugates can be used to image a portion of tissue, deliver a detectable label to a portion of tissue or a cell and/or diagnosis a condition or disease.

Abstract: Bilayer-nanoparticle compositions comprising a nanoparticle core and a lipid bilayer disposed around the exterior surface of the nanoparticle core are provided. In some embodiments, these bilayer-nanoparticle compositions may be dispersed in an aqueous solution. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for dendrimer conjugates useful for liver-specific delivery of therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agent is associated to the dendrimer through a enzyme-cleavable covalent linkage.

Abstract: Activity-based probes, which are specific for certain active cysteine proteases (caspase, cathepsin and legumain) and carry radioactive labels, are disclosed. The present probes comprise an acyloxymethyketone (AOMK) “warhead” that binds only to active enzyme. The probes further comprise peptide-like structure that targets the probe to a specific cysteine protease or protease family, and a radiolabel on the probe, which is bound to the targeted enzyme. It has been found that the present probes are stable in vivo and give specific target images distinguishable over background. The preferred probes are labeled with a positron-emitting agent such as 64Cu, 125I (SPECT) and 99mTc (PET). The probes show in vivo half-life and stability well suited for imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations for use in medical or diagnostic procedures comprising a stabilizing agent alone or in combination with an osmotic agent. In one embodiment, the stabilizing agent is a natural hydrocolloid, preferably locust bean gum, and the osmotic agent is a sugar-based compound, preferably mannitol. The present invention also relates to formulations and methods for distending an anatomic segment. The present invention further relates to formulations and methods for delineating an anatomic segment on a diagnostic image, for example. The formulations of the present invention are especially suitable for use with diagnostic imaging procedures including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging (MR), computer assisted tomography (CT), and CT-PET (position emission tomography), as well as other medical and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and products, such as kits, useful for determining the apoptotic state of cells in an organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides a MRI contrast agent configured to manipulate both the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times of surrounding water proton spins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for imaging a disease or condition in a mammal which includes the steps of; administering a therapeutically effective amount of a cell cycle inhibitor to effectively stop proliferation of eukaryotic cells at a cell cycle checkpoint between the G1 and S phase, stopping administration of the cell cycle inhibitor for a period of time, administering a marker to the mammal and imaging the mammal.

Abstract: Red blood cell-derived vesicles (RDV) as a nanoparticle drug delivery system. The RDV are smaller than one micrometer, capable of encapsulating and delivering an exogenous substance into cells. The substance may be at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorophores, nucleic acids, superparamagnetic compounds and therapeutic agents. The RDV are capable of delivering encapsulated substances into cells including stem cells. The delivered substance within the cell or stem cell may be traced or tracked using a suitable device either in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic nanostructures as theranostic agents, which provide dual function as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising magnetic nanostructures and their use as targeted therapeutic agents for cancers (e.g., medulloblastoma) and Alzheimer's disease and related diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Clonal strains of vaccinia viruses are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying and isolating attenuated and oncolytic clonal strains from virus preparations. Modified recombinant forms of the clonal strains also are provided. The clonal strains and virus preparations can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic methods, in particular for therapy and diagnosis or monitoring treatment of proliferative disorders, including neoplastic diseases, such as, but are not limited to, solid tumors and blood cancers.

Abstract: Cyclen-based chelates can be used as contrast agents for multi-modal imaging of tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates are preferably polyazamacrocyclic molecules formed from 1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane (“cyclen”) having varying chelating ions, phosphoester chains, and light harvesting moieties. By changing the chelating ion, phosphoester chain length and/or the light harvesting moiety different imaging techniques, such as MRI, CT, fluorescence and absorption, x-ray and NIR, may be employed to image the tissue cells. Additionally, the cyclen-based chelates may be conjugated to provide for site-specific delivery of the cyclen-based chelate to the desired tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates may also be delivered to the tissue cells by attaching the cyclen-based to a polymeric delivery vehicle. Although these cyclen-based chelates have a wide variety of application, the preferred use is for imaging of cancer cells, such as brain cancer, for improving resection of a cancerous tissue.

Abstract: A drug carrier with thermal sensitivity, a manufacturing method thereof, and a use thereof are disclosed. The drug carrier comprises a nano-magnetic particle, a drug, a composite polymer, and a dense silica shell. The nano-magnetic particle and the drug are encapsulated in the composite polymer which is formed by self-assembly a water-soluble polymer (such as poly vinyl alcohol) and a thermosensitive copolymer (such as Pluronic F68 or Pluronic F127). The stability and drug release of the drug carrier a can be adjusted by combining PVA and thermosensitive copolymer with a different ratio. When an external magnetic field was applied, the cores exhibit significant size shrinkage and the diameter of the drug carrier decreases more than 10 folds due to the change of temperature, which causes burst-like drug release because of shell destruction and physical collapse of the drug carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides stem cells loaded with bi-functional magnetic nanoparticles (nanoparticle-loaded stem cells (NLSC)) that both: a) heat in an alternating magnetic field (AMF); and b) provide MRI contrast enhancement for MR-guided hyperthermia. The nanoparticles in the NLSC are non-toxic, and do not alter stem cell proliferation and differentiation, the nanoparticles do however, become heated in an alternating magnetic field, enabling therapeutic applications for cancer treatment. NLSC can deliver hyperthermia to hypoxic areas in tumors for sensitization of those areas to subsequent treatment, thus delivering therapy to the most treatment-resistant tumor regions. The heating of diseased tissue either results in direct cell killing or makes the tumor more susceptible to radio- and/or chemotherapy. The NLSC of the present invention can be used for MR image-guided hyperthermia in oncology, in stem cell research for cell tracking and heating, and for elimination of mis-injected stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of traumatic brain injury by detecting A? protein aggregates associated with traumatic brain injury. These A? protein aggregates are detected using peptide and peptide mimic probes that preferentially associate with A? protein aggregates associated with traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: The invention provides a radiolabeled affibody molecule comprising a fragment of an IgG-binding domain of protein A from Staphylococcus aureus, a bifunctional linker, and a radiolabel comprising 18F or 76Br, wherein the bifunctional linker links the fragment and the radiolabel. The affibody molecule binds with high affinity to select receptors, which are over-expressed in certain cancers. Since the radionuclides emit a positron, the in vitro and in vivo binding characteristics of the radiolabeled affibody can be assessed using diagnostic imaging.

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 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: The present invention pertains to a three compartment structured polymer nanoparticle (core-shell-corona) for multimodal imaging with specificity for cells or cellular components, thus enabling more advanced diagnostic approaches and targeted therapy on the cellular level without the use of additional biologically active materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer comprising a segment of Formula (I): wherein, R is either absent or a linking group, n is an integer greater than 0; and m is an integer from 1 to 6.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to compounds and methods for imaging myocardial perfusion, comprising administering to a patient a contrast agent which comprises a compound that binds MC-1, and an imaging moiety, and scanning the patient using diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent comprising a biodegradable material having dissolved therein an acid scavenging agent. The biodegradable material may be PLLA or PLGA. The acid scavenging agent may be also a pharmaceutical agent, for example an antiproliferative agent, coronary vasodilator agent and/or a bronchodilator. Preferably the acid scavenging agent is dipyridamole and/or mopidamol. The invention also provides a method of preparing a biodegradable material for use in the stent of the invention comprising: (i) preparing a formulation of the biodegradable material and the acid scavenging agent; (ii) heating the formulation to melt the biodegradable material and the acid scavenging agent so as to dissolve the agent in the material; and (iii) collecting and cooling the formulation of step (ii).

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a probability that a subject has a medical condition are disclosed herein. The methods comprise calculating the probability of a medical condition using biomarker values and the rate of change of the biomarker values over time. In most embodiments, the methods comprise relations and calculations that require computer systems to execute the methods of the invention. Systems of the invention may include computer systems, as well as medical systems, such as biomarker assays and courses of medical action.

Abstract: A new class of micro- and nano-particulate paramagnetic spin probes useful for magnetic resonance imaging techniques, including electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The probes are lithium phthalocyanine derivative compounds. Also provided are suspensions and emulsions comprising lithium phthalocyanine derivative probes. Also provided are noninvasive methods for measuring noninvasive methods of measuring oxygen concentration, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen metabolism, and nitric oxide concentration in a specific tissue, organ, or cell in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a micelle for use in biological applications, the micelle comprising: a substantially water-insoluble conjugated polymer which exhibits luminescence or fluorescence from about 300 nm to about 1500 nm of the electromagnetic spectrum: a biocompatible surfactant and/or lipid: and a MRI active agent.

Abstract: A method and system for affecting a thrombus after ischemic stroke. The method may include injecting a plurality of magnetic particles into a bloodstream and moving or distorting a thrombus formed or lodged in the bloodstream using a magnetic force to manipulate the magnetic particles. The method may include conjugating ferromagnetic particles, paramagnetic particles, or superparamagnetic particles to a thrombus-specific attachment agent such as an anti-fibrin antibody, and injecting the conjugated particles into the bloodstream. Thereafter, the thrombus may be agitated, broken apart, or dissolved using a magnetic field to exert a magnetic force on the conjugated particles. The method may also include injecting a thrombolytic agent into the bloodstream to interact with and further dissolve the thrombus.

Abstract: Lipid-based nanoparticle compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise lipid-hydrophilic polymer-amyloid binding ligand conjugates, and may be liposomal compositions. The compositions, including the liposomal compositions, may be useful for imaging and/or the treatment of amyloid-? plaque deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Provided are the use of the disclosed compounds as imaging agents and methods for in vivo imaging and detection of pathological characteristics unique to synuclein diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods based on implantable contrast agents that are useful for imaging tissue and organs.