Described are drug carriers useful in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided drug release comprising a shell capable of releasing an enclosed biologically active agent as a result of a local stimulus, e.g. energy input, such as heat, wherein the shell encloses a .sup.19F MR contrast agent. Preferably, the carrier also acts as a contrast enhancement agent for MRI based on the principle of Chemical Exchange-dependent Saturation Transfer (CEST). To this end the shell encloses a cavity that comprises a paramagnetic chemical shift reagent, a pool of proton analytes, and the .sup.19F contrast agent, and wherein the shell allows diffusion of the proton analytes.

Described are drug carriers useful in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided drug release comprising a shell capable of releasing an enclosed biologically active agent as a result of a local stimulus, e.g. energy input, such as heat, wherein the shell encloses a .sup.19F MR contrast agent. Preferably, the carrier also acts as a contrast enhancement agent for MRI based on the principle of Chemical Exchange-dependent Saturation Transfer (CEST). To this end the shell encloses a cavity that comprises a paramagnetic chemical shift reagent, a pool of proton analytes, and the .sup.19F contrast agent, and wherein the shell allows diffusion of the proton analytes.

The present invention is in the field of pharmaceuticals and chemical industries. In particular, one aspect of the present invention relates to methods for labeling, imaging and detecting the beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, oligomers, and fibrils in vitro and in vivo via magnetic resonance and florescence imaging by using modified carbazole-based fluorophores. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of reducing and preventing aggregation of beta-amyloid peptides for Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as of treating and/or preventing Alzheimer's disease by using the modified carbazole-based fluorophore. The modified carbazole-based fluorophore according to an embodiment of the present invention is prepared by conjugating a carbazole-based fluorophore with magnetic nanoparticles to form a conjugate which is permeable to blood brain barrier of a subject being introduced therewith.

Compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, including for the diagnosis and treatment of Cytokine Storm and Cytokine Release Syndrome. The compositions may include a conjugate of a nucleoside analog, a chelator, and a label for use as imaging and therapeutic agents.

Provided are novel human copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, also known as superoxide dismutase 1 or SOD1, specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for SOD1 are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for SOD1 targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.

There is provided a lysine oligomer derivative, wherein an ε-amino group and a carboxyl group of lysines are linked via a peptide bond, and a group capable of generating or absorbing electromagnetic wave is bonded to a C-terminal carboxyl group, an N-terminal amino group and/or an α-amino group. This lysine oligomer derivative has the characteristic of specifically accumulating in the cartilage matrix and can generate or absorb an electromagnetic wave, and is, therefore, useful as a cartilage tissue marker.

An environmentally sensitive membrane binding polypeptide, pH (low)-sensitive membrane peptide (pHLIP) has improved insertion kinetics balanced with solubility to selectively target acidic tissues.

A method of using an imaging contrast agent is provided for hydrogen magnetic resonance imaging (H MRI). The agent uses replacement and chemical exchange of hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) on obtaining MRI images for comparison. An isotonic physiologic saline solution with deuterium oxide (D.sub.2O) is made. The solution is intravenously injected to obtain the intensity alterations on MRI images. The injected D.sub.2O is perfused into tissue and replaces the original water. Exchanges between H and D occur and a solution of hydrogen deuterium oxide (HDO) is obtained. After such mechanisms, MRI images are compared for differences. Thus, a novel, non-radioactive, non-toxic and non-invasive MRI agent is provided for people who are allergic to general imaging agents.

A radiopaque particulate material one or more of SiO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, La.sub.2O.sub.3, Na.sub.2O and MgO and useful for embolization which optionally includes therapeutic components that are released in vivo.

A radiopaque particulate material one or more of SiO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, La.sub.2O.sub.3, Na.sub.2O and MgO and useful for embolization which optionally includes therapeutic components that are released in vivo.