Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to custom medical devices and additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes for producing the same. Using certain materials and novel fabrication techniques, the present systems and methods can directly print nearly any size or shape medical device or instrument. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems and methods leverage stereolithography (“SLA”) and photo-curable polymers to produce custom, radiopaque medical devices and instruments.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system with at least two different power characteristics. The image data can be reconstructed using dynamic or enhanced reconstruction techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, compositions and methods for maintaining conditions in a cell culture and for measurement of conditions in the cell culture. In particular, the invention provides hydrogel materials, apparatus and methods for several non-invasive techniques of maintaining optimal or near-optimal nutrient and pH levels in cell cultures.

Abstract: Oral compositions containing high purity barium sulfate particles, preferably greater than 97.5% barium sulfate by weight of the particles, and an orally-acceptable carrier are effective for polishing or cleaning teeth and also exhibit enhanced fluoro compound and/or peroxide stability.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and associated methods to occlude structures and malformations with radiopaque hydrogel filaments with delayed controlled rates of expansion permitting the repositioning of the device once inside the structure or malformation. Further described is a device for implantation in an animal comprising a difunctional, low molecular weight ethylenically unsaturated shapeable macromer; an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and a radiopaque element, wherein said device contains no support members. Methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a therapeutically labeled napthodianthrone or phenanthro[1,10,9,8-opqra]perylene-7,14-dione compound, which comprises a chemical element or an isotope that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form sufficient to destroy neighboring cells or tissues for use in a targeted radiotherapy to enhance curability of a warm-blooded animal that has been subjected to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy. A particular advantage of present invention is that viable rim resistant to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy such as vascular targeting agent (VTA) can be supplemented by one single or repeated doses of a therapeutically radiolabeled small molecule necrosis-avid chemical compound treatment to enhance the curability.

Abstract: A bioprobe based on surface-modified single-phase BaGdF5:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for multi-modal bioimaging of fluorescent, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed X-ray tomography (CT) is disclosed herein. The modified UCNPs of the present invention are synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method with simultaneous surface modification of the nanoparticles. The surface-modified UCNPs of the present invention are useful in a variety of biomedical application fields due to their advantages in in vitro and in vivo multi-modal bioimaging such as small particle size up to 15 nm, substantially free of autofluorescence, low cytotoxicity, capable of being excited at near-infrared (NIR) wavelength, ability to deep cell penetration, long-lasting signal and long circulation time in vivo, different X-ray absorption coefficients at different photon energy levels between Ba and Gd, large magnetic moment, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of imaging dental tissue. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of imaging dental caries by administering a topical intra-oral composition that provides enhanced radiographic imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include anti-CD74 immunoconjugates and optionally a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. In preferred embodiments, the immunoconjugates comprise one or more anti-CD74 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, conjugated to a liposome or micelle. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the immunoconjugates and using the immunoconjugates in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In certain preferred embodiments, the therapeutic methods comprise administering to a subject with a CD74-expressing disease an anti-CD74 immunoconjugate and thereby inducing apoptosis of CD74-expressing cells. In more preferred embodiments, the CD74 immunoconjugate is capable of inducing cell death in the absence of any other therapeutic agent, although such agents may be optionally administered prior to, together with or subsequent to administration of the anti-CD74 immunoconjugate. The compositions may be part of a kit for administering the anti-CD74 immunoconjugates or compositions.

Abstract: Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy) phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Barium sulfate may also be provided to the core of the particles as a coating or absorbed within the core of the particles. The particles can be used to minimize blood flow to mammalian tissues by occluding at least a portion of a blood vessel of the mammal, or to deliver an active agent to a localized area within a body of a mammal by contacting a localized area with at least one of the particles. Further, the particles are useful in sustained release formulations including active agent(s) for oral administration, as tracer particles for injection into the bloodstream of a mammal or for use in enhanced ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: For particularly effective stem cell therapy a nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle has a first element consisting of a magnetic material, a support or envelope element consisting of a biodegradable material, a first substance containing an x-ray contrast agent, and a second substance containing stem cells. The stem cells are embodied such that they can be used for angiogenesis or for myogenesis.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of detecting colon disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, based on underexpression of Lipopolysaccharide Responsive Beige-like Anchor (LRBA). Advantageously, the invention may be used to test for inflammatory bowel disease using a blood sample from a subject before a more invasive test for colon disorders is employed. The invention also pertains to methods of treating a colon disorder in a subject in which the colon disorder is detected.

Abstract: Example compositions of liposomes with hydrophilic polymers on their surface, and containing relatively high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents for computed tomography are provided. Example pharmaceutical compositions of such liposomes, when administered to a subject, provide for increased contrast of extended duration, as measured by computed tomography, in the bloodstream and other tissues of the subject. Also provided are example methods for making the liposomes containing high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents, and example methods for using the compositions.

Abstract: The following abstract will replace all prior versions of the abstract in the application: The mixture comprises a vanilloid receptor agonist with a substance, which inhibits nerve regeneration. The mixture is suitable for use, especially, as a painkiller.

Abstract: A stool marker formulation for oral administration and suitable for use in CT Colography including a material adapted to provide marked stool which has a modified response to radiation relative to unmarked stool. Radiologically scanning the colon of a patient treated to produce marked stool produces data which can be manipulated to provide a representation of the colon including where present, a polyp. The active ingredient is preferably barium sulfate which has been destabilised to reduce its resistance to flocculation.

Abstract: Methods of imaging a portion of a body of a patient are provided. In the methods, a contrast agent including an iso-osmotic contrast agent is administered to the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the iso-osmotic contrast agent comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes, which make the PEG iso-osmotic. In a preferred embodiment, a positive contrast agent, such as an iodine-based contrast agent, is added to the PEG. The iso-osmotic contrast agent can be administered in volumes that are lower than previous contrast agents. The iso-osmotic contrast agent can be administered in combination with a positive intravenous contrast agent. At least one image of the portion of the patient's body is obtained, such as by computed tomography, after the contrast agent is administered. The methods can be used to image a pelvis, GI tract, and/or appendix of the patient. Iso-osmotic contrast agents are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-specific antibody or antibody fragment having at least one arm that specifically binds a targeted tissue and at least one other arm that specifically binds a targetable construct. The targetable construct comprises a carrier portion which comprises or bears at least one epitope recognizable by at least one arm of said bi-specific antibody or antibody fragment. The targetable construct further comprises one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents or enzymes. The invention provides constructs and methods for producing the bi-specific antibodies or antibody fragments, as well as methods for using them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantifying pharyngeal residue and aspiration of a patient by x-ray imaging of the patient's head and neck to produce a baseline image, applying an initial volume of x-ray opaque solution to a patient by mouth; x-ray imaging the head and neck of the patient having received the solution before and after swallowing to produce respective second and third images; and calculating a ratio of the pharyngeal residue volume to the initial volume to determine the proportion of the swallowed bolus that remain in the pharyngeal recesses; and calculating a ratio of the material entering the trachea to the known initial volume to determine the proportion of the swallowed bolus that has been aspirated; and if the volume of the original bolus is known, calculating the actual volume of the pharyngeal residue and aspiration. The apparatus includes a suitably programmed computer and an x-ray imaging system to collect image data.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities.

Abstract: A medical capsule having a capsule configuration of size permitting introduction in a body, adapted to be at least partially dissolved over time by remaining in the intestines for a predetermined time or more. The medical capsule includes an inner casing provided at both ends with a discharge outlet and, surrounding the periphery thereof, an outer casing with a substantially uniform thickness. The inner casing and the outer casing are made of a material dissolved in the digestive secretion of the intestines. When the medical capsule remains in the intestines by, for example, entering a narrow area of the intestines, the wall of the outer casing begins to be dissolved. By this dissolution, the inner space of the inner casing communicates through the discharge outlet with the outside of the medical capsule. Consequently, a filling, such as a dye, medicine, etc., of the inner casing flows into the intestines.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate products and include a contrast agent. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include a calcium source and a phosphate source are combined with setting fluid and a water-soluble contrast agent, e.g., a water-soluble barium salt, and the combined reactants are mixed to produce the flowable composition. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g., bone defects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable embolic medical device comprising a non-erodible, erodible or biodegradable material. The device preferably comprises one or more longitudinal filament members of varying cross sectional shapes which may or may not be coiled to suit a particular clinical need. The embolic device is placed through lumens and cavities to reach areas in the body which require embolism to achieve a particular clinical objective.

Abstract: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics.

Abstract: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targetable constructs which may be bound by a bi-specific antibody or antibody fragment having at least one arm that specifically binds construct. The targetable construct comprises a carrier portion which comprises or bears at least one epitope recognizable by at least one arm of said bi-specific antibody or antibody fragment. The targetable construct further comprises one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents or enzymes. The invention provides constructs and methods for producing the targetable constructs and bi-specific antibodies or antibody fragments, as well as methods for using them.

Abstract: A single use, dysphagia kit is provided for conducting a modified barium swallow, that provides a container of liquid barium sulfate solution of a thin liquid consistency, a container of liquid barium sulfate solution of a nectar consistency, a container of liquid barium sulfate solution of a honey consistency, a container of barium sulfate solution of a semi-solid consistency; a solid food substance containing barium sulfate, a plurality of spoons, a plurality of drinking straws, and a package for holding the ingredients. The solid food substance includes a cookie with barium sulfate icing, a sandwich cookie with barium sulfate filling, or a cookie with barium sulfate included as an ingredient during baking.

Abstract: A stool marker formulation for oral administration and suitable for use in CT Colography including a material adapted to provide marked stool which has a modified response to radiation relative to unmarked stool.

Abstract: A barium sulfate-based powder is produced by bringing barium ions (A) into contact with sulfate ions (B) in the presence of one or more metallic ion species (C) selected from the group consisting of lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, calcium ions, zinc ions, and aluminum ions. Thus, barium sulfate-based powders having various characteristics and thus satisfying functional requirements for cosmetics can be obtained.

Abstract: A stool marker formulation for oral administration and suitable for use in CT Colography including a material adapted to provide marked stool which has a modified response to radiation relative to unmarked stool. Radiologically scanning the colon of a patient treated to produce marked stool produces data which can be manipulated to provide a representation of the colon including where present, a polyp. The active ingredient is preferably barium sulfate which has been destabilised to reduce its resistance to flocculation.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions suitable for use in embolizing blood vessels which compositions comprise a polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a contrast agent. The polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile, polyurethane, polyvinylacetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose and copolymers of urethane/carbonate and copolymers of styrene/maleic acid.

Abstract: New and sensitive methods for imaging the perfusion of tissues and the extravasation of blood out vessels have been developed. The present invention is useful in the imaging of microperfusion in organ tissues (e.g., heart, liver, brain and kidneys) to aid in evaluating the perfusion status of organs on the level of the smallest blood vessels (i.e. capillaries). The present invention also provides methods and compositions for imaging and evaluating macrophages and plaque, e.g., vulnerable plaque. Such evaluations are important in a number of clinical diagnoses, including assessing organ damage associated with angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, and the like, as well as assessing vessel leakages associated with aneurisms, diffuse bleedings after trauma, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating urinary incontinence in a mammal wherein a composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and a contrast agent is delivered to the periurethral tissue of the mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: A composition comprising of a monomer component comprised of at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate and at least one inhibitor, and a second component comprised of a resultant aggregate structure formed from an alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer, an alkyl esterified fatty acid and an opacificant agent where said composition forms a resultant aggregate structure when said composition contacts an anionic environment. The compositions are useful for filling, occluding, partially filling or partially occluding an unfilled volume or space in a mass in an anionic environment. The composition are also useful for ablating diseased or undesired tissue by cutting off the blood supply to the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating endoleaks arising from endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The disclosed methods involve the in situ sealing of endoleaks after placement of an endovascular prostheses in the abdominal aorta. Sealing of endoleaks is achieved by injection of either a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer fluid composition into the endoleak which composition in situ solidifies to seal the leak. Preferably, the biocompatible fluid composition comprises a contrast agent to allow the clinician to visualize the sealing process.

Abstract: Disclosed are a viscosity-standardized combination of solutions and a method of using the solutions for the diagnosis of dysphagia and for radiographic imaging of the oropharynx.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of intravenous contrast agents for projection mammography and novel devices for carrying out projection mammography. The invention therefore relates to the use of intravenous contrast agents for producing a diagnostic medium for projection mammography. With the additional intravenous administration of contrast agent, projection mammography attains a sensitivity comparable to the most modern methods, such as magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) while having a wider range of applications and avoiding the cost of MRT. This novel method is simple and can be carried out without special inconvenience for the patients. It a) considerably improves sensitivity for demonstrating focal lesions in the mammae and b) provides additional information on the character of previously detected lesions.

Abstract: A stool marker formulation for oral administration and suitable for use in CT Colography including a material adapted to provide marked stool which has a modified response to radiation relative to unmarked stool.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating endoleaks arising from endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The disclosed methods involve the in situ sealing of endoleaks after placement of an endovascular prostheses in the abdominal aorta. Sealing of endoleaks is achieved by injection of either a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer fluid composition into the endoleak which composition in situ solidifies to seal the leak. Preferably, the biocompatible fluid composition comprises a contrast agent to allow the clinician to visualize the sealing process.