There is described a method for the preparation of a hyperpolarised agent, wherein said agent comprises at least one —N.sup.−, —O.sup.− or —S.sup.− moiety (optionally protonated) and a secondary binding site; said method comprising: (i) preparing a fluid containing a polarisation transfer precatalyst and parahydrogen; (ii) introducing a co-ligand to interact with the transfer precatalyst to form a polarisation transfer catalyst; (iii) applying a magnetic field or radio frequency excitation to (ii), such that hyperpolarisation is transferred from parahydrogen to a target molecule; (iv) introducing a target molecule containing at least at least one —N.sup.−, —O.sup.− or —S.sup.− moiety, in conjunction with a secondary binding to form a hyperpolarised agent; wherein the co-ligand is selected from the group consisting of one or more of a sulfoxide, a thioester, a phosphine, an amine, CO, an isonitrile and a nitrogen heterocycle.

Multi-angle radiographic imaging enables 3D visualization of internal surgical targets like solid-tumors, heart vessels, blocked glands or any bodily cavities like fallopian or Eustachian tubes for diagnostics and surgery planning. Those images are dimensionally precise and easily replicated as life-forms with 3D printing for exact modeling. The “negative” aspects of the images are the diseased tissues requiring excision, as in a solid-tumor example. Needle biopsies are routine and can be radiographically guided. Similarly, guided needle delivery of a magnetic surgical fluid containing fullerenes into a target site, such as a solid tumor is less invasive than laparoscopic techniques. Introducing an external magnetic field force can then be used to propel, rotate and maneuver fullerenes into cellular matter or into tissue. Without such external force from the external magnetic field, the suspension of nanoparticles remains harmless due to their atomic scale, inertia and intrinsic repulsion from contact with nearby matter. Notably, fullerenes are hydrophobic and can move freely in biologic space (or interstitially) including amongst water molecules without contact. However, if energized and propelled by a controlled external magnetic source, the nanoparticle could readily penetrate cells, tissues, bone, or biological material. In addition to magnetic launching of the nanoparticles, rotation of the fullerene particles would create millions of nanoscale abrasive structures that can grind down larger structures like tissues, organs, or bones. By example, oscillating or reciprocal computer-controlled magnetic forces in radiographically defined space would activate fullerenes, inducing momentum and rotation that can exenterate a tumor, while chemically cauterizing small feeding vessels for hemostatic control and absent any damage to nearby normal, non-target matter. Essentially, biological material targeted with magnetically manipulated fullerenes could be ablated with a microscopic “sharpness” unattainable with conventional instrumentation. Magnetic forces are mathematically articulated and understood in highly precise terms, wherein objects subject to magnetic energy are controllable regarding mass, force and velocity. After completion of the surgical procedure, the magnetic fullerene fluid can be aggregated and removed along with flushing of attendant debris with a syringe or similar instrument.

Methods and kits for detecting a freely diffusing small molecule aldehyde in a subject or in a sample from a subject are described herein, comprising administering an aldehyde-binding compound of Formula I to the subject, or combining such a compound with the sample; and detecting the product of the compound of Formula I and the aldehyde. Detection of the product may involve imaging, such as MRI, CEST-MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging; or may involve fluorescence or an electrochemical detection method. Relevant aldehydes detected according to the described method can be used to determine the presence or severity of a concussion in a subject.

##STR00001##

Methods and kits for detecting a freely diffusing small molecule aldehyde in a subject or in a sample from a subject are described herein, comprising administering an aldehyde-binding compound of Formula I to the subject, or combining such a compound with the sample; and detecting the product of the compound of Formula I and the aldehyde. Detection of the product may involve imaging, such as MRI, CEST-MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging; or may involve fluorescence or an electrochemical detection method. Relevant aldehydes detected according to the described method can be used to determine the presence or severity of a concussion in a subject.

##STR00001##

Devices and methods for nasal administration of a pharmaceutical composition. In certain embodiments, the devices comprises a reservoir, a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an anatomic positioning device configured to position the conduit in a nasal cavity of a user. Particular embodiments include an actuator configured to transfer the pharmaceutical composition from the reservoir to the conduit and emit the pharmaceutical composition from the conduit.

Devices and methods for nasal administration of a pharmaceutical composition. In certain embodiments, the devices comprises a reservoir, a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an anatomic positioning device configured to position the conduit in a nasal cavity of a user. Particular embodiments include an actuator configured to transfer the pharmaceutical composition from the reservoir to the conduit and emit the pharmaceutical composition from the conduit.

The present invention relates to a compressed solid composition for MRI comprising a physiologically acceptable manganese (II) compound, its preparation and use for preparing an oral solution.

This document provides methods and materials involved in identifying and treating autoimmune GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) astrocytopathy, a novel meningoencephalomyelitis, in humans as well as methods and materials for identifying and offering early treatment for patients having autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy whose autoantibody profile predicts a high likelihood of having underlying cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma or teratoma).

This document provides methods and materials involved in identifying and treating autoimmune GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) astrocytopathy, a novel meningoencephalomyelitis, in humans as well as methods and materials for identifying and offering early treatment for patients having autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy whose autoantibody profile predicts a high likelihood of having underlying cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma or teratoma).

Provided is a novel nanoparticle, a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging containing the same, and a ligand compound used for production of the nanoparticle. The present invention relates to a nanoparticle including: a metal particle containing iron oxide; and a ligand which is bound to a metal atom on a surface of the metal particle and is represented by formula (3): ##STR00001## where m is an integer of 1 to 4, and a broken line represents a coordinate bond with a metal atom on the surface of the metal particle.