Abstract: This invention discloses a method of synthesizing targeting contrast agents for molecular imaging and targeting diagnosis and therapy, targeting contrast agents and targeting therapeutic agents and the use thereof.

Abstract: An image enhancing agent of a form comprising an effective quantity of an image enhancing material chemically or physically bound to or encapsulated within a support comprising, preferentially, an exine coating of spores of various plants or fungi, optionally with further excipients.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation containing magnetic vesicular particles is disclosed, wherein the magnetic vesicular particles each include magnetic microparticles within a lipid membrane, an organic compound having at least two groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, an amino group, a mercapto group, a sulfo group, a dithio group, a thiocarboxyl group and a dithiocarboxyl group is bonded to the magnetic microparticle, and the magnetic vesicular particles satisfy the following equation: 0.05?R/(r×100)?1.5 wherein R represents an average grain size of the magnetic vesicular particles and r represents an average particle size of magnetic microparticles included in the magnetic vesicular particles.

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: 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: This invention relates to a method and a system for generating a discriminatory signal for a neurological condition, where at least one probe compound that has a neurophysiologic effect is provided. Biosignal data are obtained from a subject based on biosignal measurements obtained from biosignal measuring device adapted for placement on a subject, wherein said biosignal data are obtained posterior to the administering of said probe compound to the subject.

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 invention provides, in a general sense, a new labeling strategy employing 99mTc chelated with ethylenedicysteine (EC). EC is conjugated with a variety of ligands and chelated to 99mTc for use as an imaging agent for tissue-specific diseases. The drug conjugates of the invention may also be used as a prognostic tool or as a tool to deliver therapeutics to specific sites within a mammalian body. Kits for use in tissue-specific disease imaging are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a block copolymer of polyethylene oxide and polycaprolactone, the polyethylene oxide having a number average molecular weight from about 2.0 to about 3.8 kD, the block copolymer having a fraction of polyethylene oxide of from about 11.8 to 18.8 percent by weight. The invention also concerns polymersomes made from such copolymers and to methods of making the polymersomes.

Abstract: A method for detecting gold or other nanoparticles conjugated to preferential locators commences by contacting tissue suspected of being neoplastic with gold nanoparticle/preferential locator conjugates for a time adequate for the conjugates to bind with the tissue. A beam of gamma photons (such as from, 99mTc) is directed at the conjugate bound tissue to remove electrons from the K-shell or L-shell, for example, of the gold nanoparticles. The removed electrons can be detected for locating neoplastic tissue or X-ray fluorescence corresponding to an electron transitioning from one shell to another shell can be detected, or by detecting resulting X-ray fluorescence corresponding to an electron transitioning from one shell to another shell, such as X-ray fluorescence arising from K-alpha emission corresponding to an electron transitioning from the L shell to the K shell. Additional X-ray fluorescing detecting molecules include Ag, I, Fe, Tc, Zn, Mn, Cr (trivalent).

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for killing and/or inhibiting the growth of a cancer cell via preferential entry of a cytotoxic compound. Preferential entry of the cytotoxic compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins, including the p18 and p28 truncations of azurin.

Abstract: An exemplary optical limiter device (100) has an optically transmissive substrate (102) and a layer (104) on a first surface (106) of the substrate, the layer having a trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene. The layer can be a thin film of the trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene, a layer material with a cavity containing a solution with the trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene, a sol-gel with a trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene, and a self assembled monolayer with a trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene. The layers of trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes can be vapor deposited, solution deposited and/or self assembled onto optical components. The third-order nonlinear properties of these films provide desired transmission characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is the surprising discovery that aminophospholipids, such as phosphatidyserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, are specific, accessible and stable markers of the luminal surface of tumor blood vessels. The present invention thus provides aminophospholipid-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic constructs for use in tumor intervention. Antibody-therapeutic agent conjugates and constructs that bind to aminophospholipids are particularly provided, as are methods of specifically delivering therapeutic agents, including toxins and coagulants, to the stably-expressed aminophospholipids of tumor blood vessels, thereby inducing thrombosis, necrosis and tumor regression.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoparticles coated with an inorganic nanoscale material herein referred to as core-shell nanoparticle, in which the core material has a wider band gap than the shell material. The described core-shell nanoparticles are very suitable for the application in photodynamic therapy due to their enhanced energy transfer ability.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compounds suitable for labelling or already labelled by 18F, methods of preparing such a compound, compositions comprising such compounds, kits comprising such compounds or compositions and uses of such compounds, compositions or kits for diagnostic imaging by positron emission tomography (PET).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating tissue in the thoracic cavity of a subject by the application of a cryogen, or using the cryogen to create an isotherm in proximity to the tissue to be treated. A wide variety of conditions may be treated using the methods of the invention including asthma, neoplastic disease and a variety of conditions characterized by inflammation in lung and chest tissue.

Abstract: Methods are presented for concurrent or sequential administration of pharmaceutical compositions of adenosine, dipyridamole, or combinations thereof, at dosages below the respective single agent doses. Methods are provided for detecting the presence and/or assessing the severity of myocardial ischemia during pharmacologic stress tests. Methods include sequential administration of a dipyridamole bolus followed by intravenous infusion of adenosine and concurrent administration of adenosine and dipyridamole with or without dipyridamole pretreatment. The methods are useful for exploiting the vasodilating abilities of adenosine at doses at which side effects related to adenosine are substantially reduced while optimal coronary artery perfusion is achieved. Also presented are compositions, unit dosage forms, and kits that are useful in performing the methods.

Abstract: A method is taught that provides for transmucosal delivery of a biological cargo and optical molecular imaging probes to a subject animal or human. At least one biological cargo-laden nanoparticle imaging probe is provided in a form that will be absorbed via mucosal tissue. The biological cargo-laden nanoparticle imaging probe is delivered to the mucosal tissue of the animal or human. The method further may include steps of providing a support member adapted to receive the subject in an immobilized state; positioning the subject on the support member; and after the delivering of the imaging probe, imaging the immobilized subject using a multimodal imaging system.

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 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: An composition in a method for noninvasively monitoring the expression of therapeutic transgene delivered ex vivo and in vivo for the treatment of diseases includes the step of quantitatively imaging a reporter gene expression which is coupled to a therapeutic gene on a plasmid vector to infer levels, location, or duration of the therapeutic gene expression in the targeted tissues or organs. The reporter gene is imaged using a radiopharmaceutical for scintigraphic imaging of the gene expression interactions with the reporter gene, namely positron emission tomography, gamma camera or single-photon emission computed tomography. The genes are delivered with a liposome encapsulated reporter-therapeutic linked transgene vector with balanced reporter/therapeutic transgene expression. A transgene composition includes the reporter gene linked to the therapeutic gene or genes incorporated in and delivered by a liposome encapsulated reporter-therapeutic linked transgene vector.

Abstract: A non-invasive in vivo technique is disclosed, useful for example in detecting cancers and micrometastases. The technique may be used to selectively deliver drugs to target cells such as tumors, metastases, micrometastases, and individual malignant cells. Ligands with specificity for a target cell receptor, and optionally drug molecules as well, are covalently bound to magnetic nanoparticles, either directly or through a spacer molecule. The ligand precludes the need for a separate coating layer. For example, human breast cancer cells express receptors both for luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin (LH/CG), and for luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH). These cells can be specifically targeted by iron oxide nanoparticles covalently linked to LH/CG or LHRH. The nanoparticles are incorporated into the cancer cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. The specific accumulation in targeted cancer cells enhances resolution for imaging, therapy, or both.

Abstract: Modified or attenuated therapeutic viruses in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent, and methods for administering therapeutic viruses in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent to a subject for controlling viral titer, are provided. The combination of a therapeutic virus and chemotherapeutic agent can be used in methods of treating diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents. The combination can also be used as a preventive measure or as a treatment to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with oncolytic viral therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mimetopes of anti-PSMA antibodies and their use for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastatis thereof. The present invention also relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of prostate cancer. Furthermore the present invention relates to assay systems and kits for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastasis thereof.

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: The present invention provides novel compounds that find use as imaging agents within nuclear medicine applications (e.g., PET imaging and SPECT imaging). The present invention also provides imaging compositions for use within nuclear medicine applications. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of imaging.

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: Modified viruses encoding transporter proteins and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods, such detection and imaging of tumors. The viruses also can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and more particularly to encapsulated contrast agents and methods for using the same.

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

Abstract: A diagnosis substance for application in a method for diagnosis of pathological tissue, contains at least one virus population with virus particles specifically binding to target molecules typical of a specific pathological tissue, with a label that is detectable with the use of a detection device being bound to the virus particles. In a method for production of such a diagnosis substance, the principle of directed biological evolution is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast media having a low concentration of contrast agent (active ingredient) and/or low Hounsfield value for use in medical or diagnostic procedures, or for therapeutic use. In one alternative embodiment, the contrast media are comprised of a contrast agent, alone or in combination with a stabilizing agent or osmotic agent. The present invention is directed to a contrast media having a Hounsfield value less than 250. In another embodiment, the contrast media comprises a contrast agent, such as a less than 2% w/v barium-based compound. In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to formulations and methods for distending and imaging an anatomic segment of an individual.

Abstract: The invention concerns X-ray contrast medium-protein conjugates and in particular X-ray contrast medium-albumin conjugates, medicaments comprising X-ray contrast medium-protein conjugates, processes for the production of such conjugates as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contrast agent comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein each of the nanoparticles comprises: (a) a signal generating core; and (b) a polymeric shell coated on the signal generating core, wherein the polymeric shell comprises a water soluble hydoxysilyl- or alkoxysilyl-functionalized polymer and wherein the polymer shell is thermally crosslinked through hydroxysilyl or alkoxysilyl groups of the polymer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying disease status according to various aspects of the present invention include delivering one or more imaging agents to all or parts of the body for disease observation, screening and/or detection. The methods and apparatus may deliver imaging agents that include any suitable disease-associated compositions, such as riboflavin carrier protein (RCP) and/or RCP modifications and antibodies thereof, labeled with an imaging label. In one embodiment, the imaging agents may be delivered to a selected site or sites in the body and subsequently observed using an imaging method. In another embodiment, the imaging agents may be delivered throughout the body for screening applications. In yet another embodiment, the imaging agents may be delivered throughout the body to detect a reduction and/or increase in cellular metabolism.

Abstract: Bispecific single chain antibody molecules are disclosed which may be used to advantage to treat various forms of cancer associated with the overexpression of members of the EGFR protein family.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing and treating a bronchial asthma by classifying a patient's asthma as Type I, Type II or Type III based on the patient's symptoms is disclosed. The symptoms for the three types of asthma are disclosed together with recommended treatment guidelines for each type to optimize treatment regiments based on symptoms.

Abstract: Highly hydrophilic indole and benzoindole derivatives that absorb and fluoresce in the visible region of light are disclosed. These compounds are useful for physiological and organ function monitoring. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnosis of renal and cardiac diseases and for estimation of blood volume in vivo.

Abstract: This invention describes how to modify a fibrin-binding protein, such as tPA, with a contrast agent, such as iodine. This substance could then be given to a patient suspected of having a blood clot by an intravenous route, and then detected by a radiographic study at a short pre-determined time later. Appropriate therapy is started immediately as determined by the radiographic study.

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

Abstract: A CT radiographic imaging process implements a processing operation on images in order to detect the use of a saline solution. When a saline solution is detected, it extracts a component or a portion of a component that does not appear to be contrasted in the initial images, for example, in the case of cardiac imaging, the right cavity of the heart. The imaging system comprises means for implementing this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that selectively bind to cells undergoing perturbations and alterations of their normal plasma membrane organization, such as cells undergoing apoptosis or activated platelets. The invention further provides methods for utilizing said compounds in medical practice, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): and their use as targeting vectors that bind to receptors associated with angiogenesis. Such compounds may thus be used for diagnosis or therapy of, for example, malignant diseases, heart diseases, endometriosis, inflammation-related diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for RGD compounds that include a multimeric RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (Arg-Gly-Asp)) peptide, methods of making the RGD compound, pharmaceutical compositions including RGD compound, methods of using the RGD compositions or the pharmaceutical compositions including RGD compositions, methods of diagnosing and/or targeting angiogenesis related disease and related biological events, kits for diagnosing and/or targeting angiogenesis related disease and related biological events, and the like. In addition, the present disclosure includes compositions used in and methods relating to non-invasive imaging (e.g., positron emission tomography (PET) imaging) of the RGD compounds in vivo.

Abstract: Methods of imaging tumors are disclosed. The methods utilize an endothelin ETB receptor agonist or an endothelin ETA receptor antagonist, in combination with an imaging agent, to detect a tumor in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Bacteriophage-based contrast agents and a method for the production thereof are disclosed. The bacteriophages, in at least one embodiment, contain a first fusion protein comprising a phage-surface protein and a ligand specific for an identifiable target structure and a second fusion protein comprising a phage-surface protein and a peptide binding a signal generating molecule.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation containing magnetic vesicular particles is disclosed, wherein the magnetic vesicular particles each include magnetic microparticles within a lipid membrane, an organic compound having at least two groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, an amino group, a mercapto group, a sulfo group, a dithio group, a thiocarboxyl group and a dithiocarboxyl group is bonded to the magnetic microparticle, and the magnetic vesicular particles satisfy the following equation: 0.05?R/(r×100)?1.5 wherein R represents an average grain size of the magnetic vesicular particles and r represents an average particle size of magnetic microparticles included in the magnetic vesicular particles.

Abstract: Highly hydrophilic indole and benzoindole derivatives that absorb and fluoresce in the visible region of light are disclosed. These compounds are useful for physiological and organ function monitoring. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnosis of renal and cardiac diseases and for estimation of blood volume in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-naturally occurring lipoprotein nanoplatform (“LBNP”) comprising at least one cell surface receptor ligand; at least one lipoprotein; and at least one diagnostic agent and/or at least one therapeutic agent. In embodiments of the present invention, the cell surface receptor ligand is not a low-density lipoprotein receptor ligand and the cell surface receptor ligand is covalently bonded to the apoprotein. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising LBNPs and methods of making the LBNPs.

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.