Abstract: The present invention provides an encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle contrast media for use in CT imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an enteric contrast medium formulation. An exemplary formulation comprises, (a) an enteric contrast medium comprising a encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle suspended in water. Exemplary encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle has a specific gravity between 0.2 and 1.5. In various embodiments, the encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle is suspended in aqueous media by an agent compatible with enteric administration of the formulation to a subject in need of such administration. In an exemplary embodiment, the contrast material is incorporated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in which the material is suspended homogeneously. In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle comprises 5% or more of the weight of the contrast material formulation.

Abstract: Provided are compounds, compositions, methods, and kits for increasing target specificity of a mannosylated carbohydrate polymeric therapeutic or diagnostic compound to reduce or eliminate localization of the mannosylated carbohydrate polymeric therapeutic or diagnostic compound to off-target sites. Mannosylated carbohydrate polymers are synthesized to be modified to be either polyanionic (i.e., net negatively charged) or electrostatically neutral, and using these polyanionic or neutral mannosylated carbohydrate polymers as competitors for polycationic (i.e., net positively charged) mannosylated carbohydrate polymers carrying small molecule drug payloads or imaging moieties to CD206 expressing cells in target tissues, such as tumors or other sites of inflammation.

Abstract: An oral care article in form of a strip for use in the oral cavity. The oral care article comprises a solid hydrophobic delivery carrier comprising solid hydrophilic particles comprising an active agent for oral care. The active agent(s) for oral care can include an anti-calculus agent, an anti-caries agent, an antimicrobial agent, a dentinal desensitizing agent, a bleaching agent, or combinations thereof. The concentration of the active agent for oral care at a first surface of the solid hydrophobic delivery carrier is greater than the concentration of the active agent at a second surface of the solid hydrophobic delivery carrier.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to methods of treating a tissue volume comprising (a) administering an implantable composition comprising a releasable membrane-active agent to a target site such that the membrane-active agent is locally released to the tissue volume and (b) performing irreversible, reversible and/or thermal treatment by application of a pulsed electric field to the tissue volume. In other aspects, the present disclosure pertains to embolic compositions that comprise releasable membrane-active agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particle showing a small non-specific adsorption, having a reactive functional group for chemically bonding a ligand thereto, and being suitable for an agglutination method; a particle for the agglutination method having a ligand chemically bonded to the particle; a reagent, a kit and a method for detecting a target substance, each for in vitro diagnosis, each of which contains the particle. The particle includes a polymer having a unit having a linker A in a side chain, wherein when both terminals of the linker A are represented by X1 and X2, the linker A has a reactive functional group for chemically bonding a ligand thereto in one of X1 and X2; one of X1 and X2 includes an ester structure; and a sum of bonds between atoms linearly connecting X1 and X2 is 18 to 24 and the X1 and X2 contain CH2 or CH.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to modified relaxin polypeptides, such as modified human relaxin 2 polypeptides, comprising a non-naturally encoded amino acid which is linked to a pharmacokinetic enhancer, and therapeutic uses of such polypeptides, such as for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) and/or conditions relating to fibrosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to modified relaxin polypeptides, such as modified human relaxin 2 polypeptides, comprising a non-naturally encoded amino acid which is linked to a pharmacokinetic enhancer, and therapeutic uses of such polypeptides, such as for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) and/or conditions relating to fibrosis.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for producing site specific PEG modifications to single domain antibodies (e.g., VHHs). Methods for producing site-specifically conjugated bivalent single domain antibodies (e.g., VHHs) are also provided. Methods for labeling (e.g., with a fluorophore or radionuclide) site-specifically PEGylated single domain antibodies and site-specifically conjugated bivalent single domain antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as localization markers during a surgical procedure. Adaptation includes incorporation of materials detectable under ultrasound during surgery, as well as features for co-registration with image guidance or other real-time imaging technologies during surgery. Such biopsy markers, when used as localization markers, improve patient comfort and reduce challenges in surgical coordination and surgery time. Additional disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as monitoring and/or detection apparatuses. Localization of an implanted marker may be done with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound image data is analyzed to identify the implanted marker. A distance to the marker or a lesion may be determined and displayed. The determined distance may be a distance between the ultrasound probe and the marker or lesion, a distance between the marker or lesion and an incision instrument, and/or a distance between the ultrasound probe and the incision instrument.

Abstract: An airway visualization system is described herein having an elongate delivery sheath and defining at least one lumen therethrough, wherein the length is positionable within an airway of a subject. An isolation component positioned near or at a distal end of the elongate delivery sheath is expandable to at least partially obstruct the airway and a controller is in communication with the delivery sheath. The controller is also configured to manipulate a fluid flow through the at least one lumen whereby a pressure change within the airway of the subject is imparted sufficiently to at least partially expand or collapse the airway to alter the density of the airway.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, are antibodies, antigen-binding antibody fragments, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs) that bind specifically to B7 homolog 6. Also provided herein are methods of using the same and cells comprising the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for vascular imaging and determining dynamic vascular parameters of blood flow. According to an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method of determining dynamic vascular parameters of blood flow, comprising acquiring two-dimensional projection images of a vascular region of interest at a predetermined frequency, the vascular region of interest being downstream of a site of vascular administration of a radio-opaque medium, identifying, within the acquired two-dimensional projection images, heterogeneities of the radio-opaque medium, and determining the dynamic vascular parameters of the blood flow based on spatial movements of the identified heterogeneities of the radio-opaque medium. In an embodiment, the predetermined frequency is greater than 100 Hz.

Abstract: A method for evaluating gastric and upper small intestine motility and emptying in a gastrointestinal tract of a subject using magnetic resonance imaging includes administering a contrast agent to the subject; acquiring, using an MRI system, a set of MR data from the subject using a three-dimensional volumetric pulse sequence. The volumetric pulse sequence has a temporal resolution and a spatial resolution configured to facilitate measurement of volumetric and motility parameters. The method further includes reconstructing a set of images using the set of MR data, segmenting each image in the set of images to isolate a region of interest in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, determining at least one volumetric and motility parameter based on the set of segmented images, and generating a report indicating the at least one volumetric or motility parameter.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is method for conjugating a metal chelating agent to a functionalized dextran by reacting a chelator with an aminated dextran backbone, where the chelator comprises a one, and only one, derivatized carboxylic acid group to form a chelator-dextran complex. In certain aspects, the dextran-chelator complex is substantially free of intra- or intermolecular crosslinking. In certain aspects, the functionalized dextran is an amine dextran, an alkynyl dextran, or a thiol dextran. In exemplary implementations, the functionalized dextran is an amine dextran. In further embodiments, one and only one carboxylic acid group on the chelating agent is derivatized as a N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester.

Abstract: In this patent, a method for improving interaction with tangible objects is disclosed. A user wearing an augmented reality head display unit sees tangible objects. A database comprising appropriate orientation and position of a first tangible object with a second tangible object is established. A virtual object to correspond to a second tangible object is generated and registered to the first tangible object with proper positioning and orientation according to the database. The user, by watching the virtual object, can far more easily align the first tangible object with the second tangible object. Thus, this patent can help in construction-type activities.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to compositions and method for detection, classification, and treatment of cancer. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to protease imaging sensors comprising a scaffold linked to an enzyme-specific substrate that includes a first detectable marker capable of being released from the prostate protease sensor when exposed to an enzyme present in cancer and a tumor imaging agent comprising a second detectable marker that is linked to the scaffold. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of monitor progression of a tumor in a subject based upon detection of detectable markers in a sample obtained from a subject who has been administered a protease imaging sensor, upon detection of a tumor imaging agent, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided are compounds, compositions, methods, and kits for increasing target specificity of a mannosylated carbohydrate polymeric therapeutic or diagnostic compound to reduce or eliminate localization of the mannosylated carbohydrate polymeric therapeutic or diagnostic compound to off-target sites. Mannosylated carbohydrate polymers are synthesized to be modified to be either polyanionic (i.e., net negatively charged) or electrostatically neutral, and using these polyanionic or neutral mannosylated carbohydrate polymers as competitors for polycationic (i.e., net positively charged) mannosylated carbohydrate polymers carrying small molecule drug payloads or imaging moieties to CD206 expressing cells in target tissues, such as tumors or other sites of inflammation.

Abstract: The present specification discloses improved liquid embolic compositions, methods of making such liquid embolic compositions, and methods and uses for such liquid embolic compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, methods for treating rhinosinusitis with P-glycoprotein inhibitors. A subject having rhinosinusitis is identified and then treated by administration to the subject an effective amount of a P-gp inhibitor. The subject having rhinosinusitis can be identified by one of skill in the art based on known methods, e.g., based on detection of the presence of symptoms, by endoscopy, or by computed tomography. The efficacy of the treatment can be monitored by methods known in the art, e.g., by monitoring symptoms, by endoscopy or computed tomography. The P-glycoprotein inhibitor can be delivered to the subject's nasal passage and sinuses by an inhalation device, by flushing, by spraying, or by an eluting implant surgically placed in the subject's nasal passage or sinuses. The P-glycoprotein inhibitor can also be administered in combination with one or both of a corticosteroid and an antibiotic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tomosynthesis with an x-ray filter are disclosed. The present technology provides performing breast tomosynthesis in the presence of an x-ray filter. For example, an x-ray filter may be placed between an x-ray source and breast tissue. The filter may proportionally filter out a subset of the energies emitted by the x-ray source. A filter may include characteristics to filter x-ray energies based on a k-edge of a contrast agent introduced into the breast, such that the breast tissue has relatively greater exposure to x-ray energies above the k-edge of the contrast agent to illuminate the contrast agent without substantial illumination of other breast tissue. Thus, tomosynthesis images similar to those obtained using subtraction may be acquired without software-based contrast enhancing techniques.

Abstract: The present application provides a system and method for quantifying perfusion using a dictionary matching approach. In some aspects, the method comprises performing a predetermined pulse sequence using an MRI system to acquire MRI data from the subject after having delivered a dose of a contrast agent to the subject. The method also includes comparing the MRI data to a dictionary to determine perfusion information, and generating, using the perfusion information, a report indicative of perfusion within the subject.

Abstract: A device and method for treating disease involves inserting a scope into a patient's body, the scope having a light source, a camera and a cartridge connected thereto. The cartridge has two chambers separated by membrane, a first one of the chambers containing a virus, and a second one of the chambers being connected to a plurality of microneedles configured for extending into the patient's tissue upon insertion of the scope. Cells from the patient are removed via suction from the microneedles and are deposited in the second chambers. The membrane is then broken to mix the virus with the cells to infect the cells, and the infected cells are then transported back into the patient to treat the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the medical field, in particular to the treatment of neurological disorders. More specifically the present invention relates to a nanoparticle or nanoparticles' aggregate for use in prevention or treatment of a neurological disease or at least one symptom thereof in a subject when the nanoparticle or nanoparticles' aggregate is exposed to an electric field, wherein the nanoparticle's or nanoparticles' aggregate's material is selected from a conductor material, a semiconductor material, an insulator material with a dielectric constant ?ijk equal to or above 200, and an insulator material with a dielectric constant ?ijk equal to or below 100. It further relates to compositions and kits comprising such nanoparticles and/or nanoparticles' aggregates as well as to uses thereof.

Abstract: Bi-specific fusion proteins with therapeutic uses are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such fusion proteins, and methods for using such fusion proteins to repair damaged tissue. The bi-specific fusion proteins generally comprise: (a) a targeting polypeptide domain that binds to an ischemia-associated molecule; and (b) an activator domain that that detectably modulates the activity of a cellular network.

Abstract: Disclosed are capped nanoparticles that are effectively trapped within an aqueous gelling solution to produce stable gels and function as a contrast agent for vascular imaging. The contrast agent has good radioopacity, is inexpensive to produce, and is safe to handle. This provides a new method to image the fine vasculature of biological systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxide having cubic shape, suitably functionalized for the release of targeting chemotherapeutic agents, i.e. selectively in the tumors being treated The invention also relates to the pharmaceutical compositions having such nanoparticles and to their use in combined oncological therapies of hyperthermia and chemotherapy, useful in particular in the treatment of ovarian tumors.

Abstract: Compositions of nanolipid carrier molecules comprising PEG molecules and solid and liquid lipids wherein the PEG has a molecular weight of between about 1000 and 5000 are described. Methods of administering nanolipid carrier molecules are also described. Also described is a method for treating fungal ocular infections by topical ocular administration of nanolipid carrier molecules comprising PEG molecules and solid and liquid lipids wherein the PEG has a molecular weight of between about 1000 and 5000.

Abstract: Medical devices, substrates and biologic therapies for bone repair and guided tissue regeneration are disclosed. More particularly, bone graft substitutes and bone void fillers which comprise a porous collagen matrix and calcium deficient hydroxyapatite ceramic granules for delivery of osteoinductive or other therapeutic agents are disclosed.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising a base polymer comprising recurring units containing an optionally substituted amino group and iodine exhibits a high sensitivity, high resolution, low edge roughness (LER, LWR) and small size variation, and forms a pattern of good profile after exposure and development.

Abstract: Described is a versatile surface modification approach to, for example, modularly and orthogonally functionalize nanoparticles (NPs) such as, for example, PEGylated nanoparticles, ith various types of different functional ligands (functional groups) on the NP surface. It enables the synthesis of, for example, penta-functional PEGylated nanoparticles integrating a variety of properties into a single NP, e.g., fluorescence detection, specific cell targeting, radioisotope chelating/labeling, ratiometric pH sensing, and drug delivery, while the overall NP size remains, for example, below 10 nm.

Abstract: An image processing system is provided. The image processing system includes a display, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores processor-executable code that when executed by the processor causes receiving an image of a region of interest of a patient with a medical tube or line disposed within the region of interest, detecting the medical tube or line within the image, generating a combined image by superimposing a first graphical marker on the image that indicates an end of the medical tube or line, and displaying the combined image on the display.

Abstract: A method for promoting spine fusion inside intersomatic cages, comprising placing a fusion cage between two vertebral bodies, and injecting a bone cement paste inside said fusion cage, said bone cement paste containing a powder component comprising ?-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP) particles having an average size greater than or equal to 9 ?m, and a liquid component comprising blood.

Abstract: A 3D virtual hand is generated and is geo-registered to a tangible object. When the tangible object changes in position, so too does the 3D virtual hand. When the tangible object changes in orientation, so too does the 3D virtual hand. The 3D virtual hand is displayed on an extended reality head display unit. Applications include, but are not limited to, teaching music lessons.

Abstract: An embolic material contains at least one type of polymer and a liposoluble contrast medium. A method for producing an embolic material includes extruding a raw material that is in a molten state into a solvent, and cooling the raw material so as to solidify the raw material. The raw material contains a polymer and a liposoluble contrast medium.

Abstract: In this patent, a method and apparatus for improving analysis of a 3D printed object is provided. A first portion of a 3D dataset is selected for 3D printing. The 3D dataset is geo-registered to the 3D printed object. A second portion of the 3D dataset is displayed on a head display unit (HDU). Additional advanced features are discussed herein. An example would be performing 3D printing of a heart from a CT scan and displaying the aorta and inferior vena cave on the HDU geo-registered to the 3D printed heart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for improving peripheral circulation and lymph drainage. The composition includes at least one extract of a fatty plant, at least one extract of a plant having astringent properties, and at least one extract of a plant with one or more effects including anti-inflammatory, formation of new, healthy collagen fibrilles, antiseptic properties, antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals, antiedematous, vitaminazing, and stimulating wound healing. The composition may be used to treat at least one of varicose veins, swollen legs, painful legs, stasis dermatitis, swollen arms, indurated arms, hematomas, ecchymosis, periorbital dark circles, periorbital swelling, and hemorrhoids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article or an interface having a distribution of a first partially spherical indentation and at least a second partially spherical indentation contained within the first indentation to form a multi-component or “compound” shape that is referred to as a “compound” or “nested” dimples or indentations. These compound dimples or indentions may be concentric and are etched or otherwise formed into a surface or interface of an article to enhance the ultrasonic imaging. Exemplary articles may be needles of the type used to conduct nerve blocks or the interface may be the surface of such a needle, cannula, catheter, catheter tip or similar article.

Abstract: An adhesive free self-fusing material being either of open or closed cell polymer (silicone) based material that can be used to create a permanent elastic band for compression and support dressings. The proprietary polymer material upon contact with itself, initiates a “room temperature” reaction of self-vulcanization with the contact surfaces of itself. This eliminates the need for any adhesives which some patients experience negative reactions. In an example embodiment, the material comprises Vinyl stopped polydimethyl siloxane, amorphous silica, and dimethylpolysiloxane.

Abstract: In this patent, we teach a method and apparatus for displaying flow-type visualization features that move in accordance with fluid dynamics models on extended reality displays. A user is able to select the type of flow of interest and the type of flow of non-interest and then display the type of flow of interest unhindered by the type of flow of non-interest. This technique has applications in medicine, such as modeling flow inside of the carotid artery. Also, outside of the medical field, this technique can have applications, such as in aeronautical engineering.

Abstract: A monomer having formula (I): wherein in formula (I), groups and variables are the same as described in the specification.

Abstract: A process for preparing an iodinated fatty acid ethyl ester includes steps of subjecting a fatty acid ester to a protonation reaction with phosphoric acid to form a protonated fatty acid ester, and subjecting the protonated fatty acid ester to an iodination reaction with an alkali metal iodide to obtain an iodinated fatty acid ester.

Abstract: The invention features methods of treating a proliferative disorder characterized by elevated Pin1 marker levels and/or reduced Pin1 Ser71 phosphorylation in a subject by administering a retinoic acid compound. Additionally, the invention features methods of treating proliferative disorders (e.g., proliferative disorders characterized by elevated Pin1 marker levels) by administering a retinoic acid compound in combination with another anti-proliferative compound. Finally, the invention also features methods including high-throughput screens for discovering and validating Pin1 inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for and methods of optically imaging tissues or cells using imaging agents having desirable in vivo properties that result in improved signal-to-background ratio.

Abstract: A thermal tag includes a power source to generate current along a resistive path and a plurality of infrared-emitting features positioned along the resistive path to emit infrared light along an infrared-emitting pattern, wherein the plurality of infrared-emitting features include one or more infrared-emitting stripes on a first surface of the thermal tag defining a pattern region and a plurality of infrared-emitting dots within a portion of the pattern region to provide a thermal-diffusion resistant pattern for activity monitoring.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal include a first I-III-VI semiconductor material and have a luminescence quantum yield of at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%. The nanocrystal can be substantially free of toxic elements. Populations of the nanocrystals can have an emission FWHM of no greater than 0.35 eV.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article or an interface having a distribution of a first partially spherical indentation and at least a second partially spherical indentation contained within the first indentation to form a multi-component or “compound” shape that is referred to as a “compound” or “nested” dimples or indentations. These compound dimples or indentions may be concentric and are etched or otherwise formed into a surface or interface of an article to enhance the ultrasonic imaging. Exemplary articles may be needles of the type used to conduct nerve blocks or the interface may be the surface of such a needle, cannula, catheter, catheter tip or similar article.

Abstract: A colon imaging system, including an imaging capsule, having: a. a radiation source providing X-Ray and gamma radiation with energies sufficient to induce X-Ray fluorescence from nanoparticles that adhere to cancerous tissue, and which were administered to a patient in a solution prior to examining the colon with the imaging capsule; b. a detector for detecting particle energy of particles emitted responsive to the provided radiation and forming count information disclosing a number of particles detected for each energy level; c. a transceiver for transferring the count information to an external computer for analysis, and also having a computer for constructing images of an inside of the colon based on the count information; wherein the images provide an indication of locations in the colon of which the nanoparticles adhere to.

Abstract: Feature amount calculation unit determines that the diagnosis target is a bone portion of a subject, and calculates a feature amount of a density of the radiation image based on a soft region in a radiation image acquired by irradiating a photographic subject with radiation. An image processing unit performs image processing including gradation processing on the radiation image, such that the feature amount becomes the target density, to acquire a processed radiation image.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article or an interface having a distribution of a first partially spherical indentation and at least a second partially spherical indentation contained within the first indentation to form a multi-component or “compound” shape that is referred to as a “compound” or “nested” dimples or indentations. These compound dimples or indentions may be concentric and are etched or otherwise formed into a surface or interface of an article to enhance the ultrasonic imaging. Exemplary articles may be needles of the type used to conduct nerve blocks or the interface may be the surface of such a needle, cannula, catheter, catheter tip or similar article.