Provided is a novel probe for a biological specimen for labelling by itself and clearly visualizing one of a specific cell and a specific cell organ in a living body, the probe having excellent spectral characteristics and exhibiting excellent storage stability. The probe for a biological specimen contains, as an active agent, at least one kind of compound represented by a general formula (I). ##STR00001##

Provided is a novel probe for a biological specimen for labelling by itself and clearly visualizing one of a specific cell and a specific cell organ in a living body, the probe having excellent spectral characteristics and exhibiting excellent storage stability. The probe for a biological specimen contains, as an active agent, at least one kind of compound represented by a general formula (I). ##STR00001##

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.

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.

The present disclosure provides compositions for in vivo imaging of hydrogen peroxide; and methods for detecting hydrogen peroxide in vivo. The compositions and methods find use in various diagnostic applications, which are also provided.

Described herein are methods of management of functional dyspepsia in a patient by administering an amylin analogue or a CCK composition to the patient. Methods of diagnosing such patient include a standard gastric-emptying assessment using a standardized solid meal along with measurements of blood glucose levels. Another method of diagnosing such patient includes a gastric-emptying scintigraphy assessment with labeled carbohydrates or other assessments to diagnose rapid carbohydrate gastric emptying.

Described herein are methods of management of functional dyspepsia in a patient by administering an amylin analogue or a CCK composition to the patient. Methods of diagnosing such patient include a standard gastric-emptying assessment using a standardized solid meal along with measurements of blood glucose levels. Another method of diagnosing such patient includes a gastric-emptying scintigraphy assessment with labeled carbohydrates or other assessments to diagnose rapid carbohydrate gastric emptying.

Photosensitive molecular switch, having a chelate ligand, a metal ion bonded coordinatively to the chelate ligand, the metal ion being selected from the group of metal ions consisting of Mn.sup.2+, Mn.sup.3+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Co.sup.2+ and Ni.sup.2+, a photochromic system which is bonded covalently to the chelate ligand and can be isomerized by irradiation, this system being bonded coordinatively to the metal ion in one configuration and not bonded to the metal ion in the other configuration.