Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method for providing image data of a hollow organ. The method includes applying a first contrast agent to a lumen of the hollow organ, to obtain a contrast agent filling of the lumen; applying a second contrast agent to a blood vessel system, the blood vessel system supplying a wall of the hollow organ, the second contrast agent having a different absorption spectrum than the first contrast agent; generating spectrally resolved computed tomography data of an examination area, the examination area including the hollow organ; calculating first image data indicative of a presence of the first contrast agent and second image data indicative of a presence of the second contrast agent by applying a material separation algorithm onto the spectrally resolved computed tomography data; and providing the image data of the hollow organ including the first image data and the second image data.

Abstract: There is provided a needle tip for extracting separated endodontic instruments from the root canal of a tooth. The needle tip is fabricated with a thermomechanically treated alloy exhibiting both shape memory and super-elasticity. There is also provided for a needle that includes a handle and a terminal tip, which is fabricated with a thermomechanically treated alloy. The alloy is thermomechanically treated nickel- titanium alloy. The needle is straight at room temperature and takes on a specific shape when inserted in the canal of the tooth from which the endodontic separated instrument is to be extracted. Also provided herein is a method for removal of endodontic separated instruments from the canal of a tooth.

Abstract: The present invention provides particulate contrast media for use in CT imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an enteric contrast medium formulation based on particles of low-Z elements selected from microparticles and nanoparticles. In various embodiments, the particles are coated with a material compatible with enteric administration of the formulation to a subject in need of such administration. The invention also provides methods for imaging of body parts simultaneously enhanced with contrast media of the invention and with other contrast media of a different type using CT imaging, including dual energy or spectral CT imaging. The invention also provides methods for the digital separation of CT signal produced by the contrast media of the invention from the CT signal produced by other contrast media or bodily tissues, to generate multiple resultant CT images with individual contrast materials subtracted or highlighted.

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: Compositions and methods for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or frequency labeled exchange (FLEX) imaging are disclosed. Beta-hydroxycarboxylate and beta-aminocarboxylate derivatives including salicylic acid, salicylates, salicylic acid prodrugs, N-alkyl/aryl/acyl/sulfonyl-anthranilic acid analogs, and any aromatic compound with OH/NH group ortho to the carboxylic acid group are disclosed. Such compounds can be used as general MRI organic contrast agents and produce significantly improved contrast in MR images detectable through CEST or FLEX.

Abstract: Radiopaque, iodinated, absorbable polyesters, polyester urethanes, and polyether-ester-urethanes with and without inorganic iodide micro-/nanoparticles dispersed or solubilized therein, and composite inorganic iodide micro-/nanoparticles in an absorbable polyester, polyester-urethane, polyester-ester, or polyether-ester urethane matrix are employed in medical devices and therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new formaldehyde-free binder composition for mineral wool products, wherein the binder composition is an aqueous composition containing starch, wherein an amount of 95 weight % or more of the starch is water-insoluble native starch, and an acrylic component. The present invention also relates to the use of this formaldehyde-free binder composition in the manufacturing of mineral wool insulation products. Finally, the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing the formaldehyde-free binder composition wherein a dispersion of starch, wherein an amount of 95 weight % or more of the starch is water-insoluble native starch, is brought in contact with the acrylic component at a temperature of not higher than 40° C.

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

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate active agent compositions comprising lysozyme as a surface stabilizer. Also encompassed by the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a nanoparticulate active agent composition of the invention and methods of making and using such nanoparticulate and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating x-ray attenuation, where the x-ray attenuation compound can comprise a molecule having at least two conformational states, a first k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a first position, and a second k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a second position, where the molecule changes from a first conformational state to a second conformational state in response to an external stimulus. Additionally, a first interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the first conformational state can be within a first harmonic error of 0 to about 0.2, and a second interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the second conformational state can be within a second harmonic error of about 0.8 to 1.0.

Abstract: Compounds useful for the early diagnosis of malignant tumors, multiple sclerosis, and especially Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias; especially compounds of Formula (I) wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, fluoro, iodo, alkyl, and aryl; R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and aryl; X is selected from the group consisting of CH2, CH2O, oxygen, OCH2, CH2S, SCH2, NH, N-alkyl, and N-aryl; Y is an optional spacer group, absent or selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, NH, N-alkyl, and N-aryl; and Z is selected from the group consisting of alkyl substituted with cyano, fluoro, or iodo and aryl substituted with cyano, fluoro, or iodo. In a preferred embodiment, R1 and R2 are hydrogen, X is CH2O, Y is absent, and Z is phenyl substituted with fluoro, cyano, or iodo. In some embodiments, Z is more specifically 18F-phenyl or 123I-phenyl or 131I-phenyl. Other compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for the detection of a detectable product formed from a compound of the present invention in the body of an individual. The detectable product may include a halide or a benzenetriol-based or benzenetetrol-based product of a dehalogenation reaction in the presence of FROS. In many embodiments, an indigo-like product formed from an indigogenic compound of the present invention may also be a detectable product for diagnostic purposes. This indigo-like product may have a higher residence time in tissues where it is formed, thus providing a detectable product localized to sites of high FROS. An indigogenic compound containing one or more radioactive isotopes is further provided for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate active agent compositions comprising lysozyme as a surface stabilizer. Also encompassed by the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a nanoparticulate active agent composition of the invention and methods of making and using such nanoparticulate and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Biocompatible, bioresorbable polymers comprising a plurality of monomeric repeating units containing an amide group, wherein said amide groups are N-substituted and the N-substituent and degree of N-substitution are effective to lower the melt viscosity, the solution viscosity, or both, compared to the same polymer without N-substitution.

Abstract: Methods for coating medical devices for implantation within a body vessel are provided comprising providing a cylindrical container, placing a medical device inside the cylindrical container, and applying a polymer in liquid form inside the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of compounds and to diagnostic compositions containing such compounds where the compounds are iodine containing compounds. The invention also relates to the use of such diagnostic compositions as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging and in particular in X-ray imaging, and to contrast media containing such compounds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for dual imaging and for dual chemotherapy and radiotherapy are disclosed. More particularly, the invention concerns compounds comprising the structure X1—Y—X2, wherein Y comprises two or more carbohydrate residues covalently attached to one another, X1 and X2 are diagnostic or therapeutic moieties covalently attached to Y, provided that when Y does not comprise a glucosamine residue, X1 and X2 are diagnostic moieties. The present invention also concerns methods of synthesis of these compounds, application of such compounds for dual imaging and treatment of hyperproliferative disease, and kits for preparing a radiolabeled therapeutic or diagnostic compound.

Abstract: Presented is a method for assessing dopamine transporter levels in a selected area of a subject's central nervous system by SPECT imaging comprising administering an injection of a labeled dopamine transporter ligand at approximately the time the subject is positioned for SPECT imaging and initiating a SPECT acquisition for a duration of about 30 minutes commencing at about 15 minutes after administration of labeled dopamine transporter ligand; and assessing, based on said SPECT acquisition, the amount of labeled dopamine transporter ligand that is bound to dopamine transporter.

Abstract: The present invention also provides methods and compositions for imaging and evaluating, e.g., blood flow or inflammation in a subject. Such evaluations are important in a number of clinical diagnoses, including assessing organ damage associated with angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, cancer, atherosclerosis, and the like, as well as assessing vessel leakages associated with aneurisms, diffuse bleedings after trauma, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to sterilized cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions with x-ray imagining capabilities, methods of making such compositions, and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: New intracorporeal photodynamic medicaments and certain medical uses and methods for use of such photodynamic medicaments for treatment of disease in human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. In preferred embodiments, such medicaments are used for treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the skin and related organs, the mouth and digestive tract and related organs, the urinary and reproductive tracts and related organs, the respiratory tract and related organs, the circulatory system and related organs, the head and neck, the endocrine and lymphoreticular systems and related organs, various other tissues, such as connective tissues and various tissue surfaces exposed during surgery, as well as various tissues exhibiting microbial or parasitic infection.

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 present invention relates to diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) derivates and metal complexes thereof, and radiation sources and contrast agents including the metal complexes. More particularly, the present invention relates to DTPA derivatives, which contain iodine and are useful as contrast agents for diagnosing renal function, metal complexes of the DTPA derivatives with 99mTc, 166Ho, 111In, 90Y, 153Sm, 186Re, 188Re, 68Ga, or 177Lu, which are useful as liquid radiation sources for treating vascular stenosis and contrast agents for diagnosing renal function, and radiation sources and contrast agents including the metal complexes. The DTPA derivatives and metal complexes thereof are safe because the metal complexes are excreted via the kidneys and bladder within several minutes from the time of use as liquid radiation sources for treating vascular stenosis, and are cost-effective because they are potentially useful as contrast agents and as agents for diagnosing renal function.

Abstract: A method of pereparing a rediographic contrast medium containing liposomes is disclosed, comprising (a) dissolving a phospholipid and a sterol in a supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide in the presence of a compound containing a hydroxyl group or a polyalkyleneoxide group, (b) adding thereto an aqueous solution containing an iodine compound to form micelles and (c) discharging the carbon dioxide to form liposomal vesicles enclosing the iodine compound.

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

Abstract: New diagnostic agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and methods for use of such agents for imaging of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such agents is a radiolabeled halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. Preferably, the radiolabeled halogenated xanthene is radiolabeled Rose Bengal or a functional derivative of Rose Bengal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of compounds and to diagnostic compositions containing such compounds where the compounds are iodine containing compounds. More specifically the iodine containing compounds are chemical compounds containing an aliphatic central moiety allowing for the arrangement of three iodinated phenyl groups bound thereto. The invention also relates to methods of diagnosis and imaging employing such diagnostic compositions as contrast agents in particular in X-ray imaging, and to contrast media containing such compounds.

Abstract: New intracorporeal photodynamic medicaments and certain medical uses and methods for use of such photodynamic medicaments for treatment of disease in human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. In preferred embodiments, such medicaments are used for treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the skin and related organs, the mouth and digestive tract and related organs, the urinary and reproductive tracts and related organs, the respiratory tract and related organs, the circulatory system and related organs, the head and neck, the endocrine and lymphoreticular systems and related organs, various other tissues, such as connective tissues and various tissue surfaces exposed during surgery, as well as various tissues exhibiting microbial or parasitic infection.

Abstract: High energy phototherapeutic agents or radiosensitizer agents comprised of a halogenated xanthene, or other related agents that exhibit a preference for concentration in biologically sensitive structures in diseased tissue, and methods of treating and imaging using such radiosensitizer agents in such diseased tissue are described herein.

Abstract: A positive contrast agent composition containing meglumine diatrizoate, sodium diatrizoate, simethicone, famotidine and aspartame in predetermined amounts that is orally administered to a patient for clinical evaluations of appendicitis wherein a positive contrast effect is achieved. Methods of use include orally administering individual doses of the composition approximately 50 minutes prior to appendix visualization using computerized axial tomography.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of (S)-N,N?-bis[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]-5-[(2-hydroxy-1-oxo-propyl)amino]-2,4,6-triiodo-1,3-benzendicarboxamide (iopamidol) starting from 5-amino-N,N?-bis[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]-2,4,6-triiodo-1,3-benzenedicarboxamide (II) which process comprises a) reacting the compound of formula (II) with a suitable protecting agent, to give a compound of formula (III) wherein R is a group of formula A or B wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom, a C1÷C4 straight or branched alkoxy group, R2 is hydrogen, a C1÷C4 straight or branched alkoy group and R3 ?is a C1÷C4 straight or branched alkyl group, a trifuoromethyl or a trichloromethyl group; b) acylating the amino group in position 5 of the intermediate compound of formula (III), by reaction with a (S)-2-(acetyloxy)propanoyl chloride to give a compound of formula (IV) wherein R is as defined above; and c) removing all the acyl groups present in the compound of formula (IV) under basic conditions, with prior cleavage of the cyclic pro

Abstract: New diagnostic agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and methods for use of such agents for imaging of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such agents is a radiolabeled halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. Preferably, the radiolabeled halogenated xanthene is radiolabeled Rose Bengal or a functional derivative of Rose Bengal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Halogenated amino acid analogues for use in diagnosis, which compounds have the general formula (I) wherein: R is (C1–C6) alkyl optionally substituted with thioether or ether oxygen atom when n=0, or a substituted aromatic or heteraromatic ring when n=1–6; and m=0 or 1; and X is a halogen atom.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate natural ? amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a ? amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3–5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a ? amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of A?17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups include cyclic, heterocyclic, polycyclic and branched alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the use of X-ray contrast media that act as universal antigens that are labeled herein as “pseudoantigens.” X-ray contrast media have the potential to exist in an aggregated state that is greater in increased concentrations. In this aggregated state, contrast media assume the role of multivalent antigens and can successfully compete with any other antigens involved in antibody-antigen reactions that lead to anaphylaxis. In this competition, the large quantity of contrast media serves to inhibit the adverse effects of antibody-antigen reactions without the contrast media itself creating antibodies or creating toxicity problems.

Abstract: A liposome containing a hydrophobic iodine compound represented by the following general formula (I) as a membrane component: R1—CO2—R2 wherein R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted 2,3,5-triiodophenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted 3,4,5-triiodophenyl group; and R2 represents a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms, and an X-ray contrast medium, which comprises said liposome which is used for radiography of a vascular disease.

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

Abstract: The present application is directed to the use of X-ray contrast media that act as universal antigens that are labeled herein as “pseudoantigens.” X-ray contrast media have the potential to exist in an aggregated state that is greater in increased concentrations. In this aggregated state, contrast media assume the role of multivalent antigens and can successfully compete with any other antigens involved in antibody-antigen reactions that lead to anaphylaxis. In this competition, the large quantity of contrast media serves to inhibit the adverse effects of antibody-antigen reactions without the contrast media itself creating antibodies or creating toxicity problems.

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

Abstract: A crystalline composition of pharmacologically acceptable non-toxic salt of diatrizoic acid and a low calorie non-sweetened drink mix provides an orally administrable gastrointestinal contrast medium which results in a sufficient and faster rate of contrast in poorly compliant patients undergoing computerized axial tomographic examinations for acute abdomen. The non-toxic salt of diatrizoic acid medium may consist of meglumine diatrizoate or sodium diatrizoate and the low calorie non-sweetened drink mix may be that sold with the trademark Crystal Light Methods of use include orally administering individual doses of approximately 8 ounces of the composition in beverage form a pre-determined period before the examination depending on the particular gastrointestinal area to be examined.

Abstract: Iodinated and/or brominated derivatives of aromatic dihydroxy monomers are prepared and polymerized to form radio-opaque polymers. The monomers may also be copolymerized with other dihydroxy monomers. The iodinated and brominated aromatic dihydroxy monomers can be employed as radio-opacifying, biocompatible non-toxic additives for other polymeric biomaterials. Radio-opaque medical implants and drug delivery devices for implantation prepared from the polymers of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula (I) wherein m is 0 or 1, and n is 1 or 2; are disclosed and claimed in the present application, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds and their use in therapy, in particular in the management of pain.

Abstract: An contrast agent for therapeutic or diagnostic treatment comprises a fullerene scaffold and an iodinated moiety bonded to the scaffold. The agent may further comprise a water solubilizing moiety bonded to the scaffold, which may be a serinol malonodiamide, hydroxyl, and 1,3-diol. The fullerene scaffold may comprise an empty fullerene or an endohedral fullerene. A method for making the agent includes a) synthesizing iodinating moieties, b) protecting serinols, forming protected serinols, c) attaching the protected serinols to the iodinated moieties, forming iodinated serinols, d) attaching the iodinated serinols to the fullerene scaffold, and, optionally, d) de-protecting the serinols. Also disclosed are a method for providing diagnostic treatment to a patient comprising administering to said patient a radiopaque effective amount of a contrast agent comprising a fullerene scaffold and an iodinated moiety, a method of making a blood pool agent.

Abstract: A liposome containing a hydrophobic iodine compound such as a 1,3,5-triiodobenzene derivative having at least one substituent containing 18 or more carbon atoms as a membrane component, and an X-ray contrast medium containing the liposome for use in radiography of a vascular disease and the like.

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 present invention provides a radio-opaque composition including a polymer or monomer, wherein the polymer or monomer has a non-leachable radio-opaque moiety. The non-leachable radio-opaque moiety is covalently attached to the polymer or monomer.

Abstract: A liposome containing a hydrophobic iodine compound represented by the following general formula (I) as a membrane component:

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