Positive contrast localization of magnetic (e.g. superparamagnetic) particles in vivo or in vitro by means of SWIFT-MRI using the imaginary component of MR image data in combination with an anatomic reference image derived from the real or magnitude component.

In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus for determination of a measurement variable that is relevant to a function of an organ of a patient, a first longitudinal relaxation rate R.sub.1.sup.1 is determined before a contrast medium is administered to the patient. A second longitudinal relaxation rate R.sub.1.sup.2 is determined after a contrast medium is administered to the patient. A property of the contrast medium in the organ is determined based on R.sub.1.sup.1 and R.sub.1.sup.2. The measurement variable is determined based on the property of the contrast medium in the organ.

Described herein are systems, methods, and instrumentalities associated with generating multi-contrast MRI images associated with an MRI study. The systems, methods, and instrumentalities utilize an artificial neural network (ANN) trained to jointly determine MRI data sampling patterns for the multiple contrasts based on predetermined quality criteria associated with the MRI study and reconstruct MRI images with the multiple contrasts based on under-sampled MRI data acquired using the sampling patterns. The training of the ANN may be conducted with an objective to improve the quality of the whole MRI study rather than individual contrasts. As such, the ANN may learn to allocate resources among the multiple contrasts in a manner that optimizes the performance of the whole MRI study.

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate a method for magnetic resonance imaging, which can include acquiring, by applying an imaging pulse sequence, magnetic resonance data associated with a region of interest of a subject. The imaging pulse sequence can include a plurality of RF pulses configured to generate a desired image contrast, and an outer-volume suppression (OVS) module to attenuate the signal outside the region of interest. The method can further include reconstructing, from the acquired magnetic resonance data, a plurality of reduced field of view (rFOV) magnetic resonance images corresponding to the region of interest.

Described herein is a method of inducing vascular inflammation using modified paramagnetic nanoparticles with improved therapeutic loading efficiency and enhanced circulation properties. The method comprises loading lipophilic agent into the fatty acid coatings of a paramagnetic nanoparticle (PMNP). In certain embodiment, the lipophilic agent is lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Described herein is a method of inducing vascular leakiness. In certain embodiment, the method induces a significant enhancement of vascular leakiness in a human body. In certain embodiments, the vascular leakiness allows for enhanced local delivery of nanoparticle and non-nanoparticle based therapeutics, imaging agents and theranostics. Also described herein is a method of using the PMNP for the treatment of diseases. In certain embodiments, the method of treatment is a combination therapy. Described herein are imaging of therapeutic delivery of PMNP and diagnostic methods using the PMNP. Also described herein is a diagnostic kit that comprises the PMNP.

The present invention teaches devices and methods for hyperpolarization by parahydrogen induced polarization. The invention teaches several significant improvements over previous designs, including a heating block, an enhanced solenoid component, and pinch valves and tubing that provide a sterile environment for the sample. All of these advancements can be accomplished while keeping costs to produce the device relatively low.

An imaging processing method that acquires first and second overlapping image data sets by performing first and second measurements on an overlapping location at first and second times, wherein the first and second times are different times; determines whether the first and second overlapping image data sets have substantially a same image quality; and generating and outputting, a first weighted overlapping combined image by combining (a) first weighted image data generated by applying a first weight to an overlapping frequency range of the overlapping image data set having a higher image quality and (b) second weighted image data generated by applying a second weight to the overlapping frequency range of the overlapping image data set having a lower image quality, wherein the first weight is larger than the second weight.

The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for fusing Phase Contrast Angiography (PCA) with anatomic images to create a perforator PCA (pPCA) data set. In the pPCA) method, vascular and anatomic information may be provided by different MRI sequences. A four-point acquisition scheme may be used for 3D PCA acquisition of vascular images. Anatomical MRI images are acquired and may be enhanced with image post-processing techniques. The vascular and anatomical images may be combined with image fusion to create a high resolution map of abdominal wall vasculature. This high resolution map visualizes not only the size and location of the DIEP perforators, but also their relationship with surrounding tissue, and the blood flow velocity within them. As such, the fused pPCA image has substantially higher SNR and CNR than CTA image of the same slice thickness.

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.

This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.