Abstract: Amphiphilic derivatives of amino acids or peptides are provided, comprising a polyhydroxylated hydrophilic part derived from a sugar, from a polyol, from an aminopolyol or from an oligosaccharide, and at least one hydrophobic part derived from a hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon, or a mixed fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon, saturated or unsaturated, having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, the hydrophobic part(s) being linked to the hydrophilic part by a junction bearing an amino acid or a peptide.

Abstract: Fluoroalkylated amphiphilic ligands are derived from aromatic amines of the bipyridine (I) or phenanthroline (II) types, and form complexes with platinum, palladium and ruthenium. ##STR1## In formulae (I) and (II), R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently a hydrogen atom, or a fluoroalkylated or hydrocarbon chain, provided at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a fluoroalkylated chain, and W represents a methylene, ester, ether, carbonyl or amide group.Fluoroalkylated ligands (I or II) and their complexes can be included in preparations comprising emulsions, dispersions, gels, or microemulsions, particularly in preparations for therapeutic use.

Abstract: A microbubble preparation formed of a plurality of microbubbles comprising a first gas and a second gas surrounded by a membrane such as a surfactant, wherein the first gas and the second gas are present in a molar ratio of from about 1:100 to about 1000:1, and wherein the first gas has a vapor pressure of at least about (760-x) mm Hg at 37.degree. C., where x is the vapor pressure of the second gas at 37.degree. C., and wherein the vapor pressure of each of the first and second gases is greater than about 75 mm Hg at 37.degree. C.; also disclosed are methods for preparing microbubble compositions, including compositions that rapidly shrink from a first average diameter to a second average diameter less than about 75% of the first average diameter and are stabilized at the second average diameter; kits for preparing microbubbles; and methods for using such microbubbles as ultrasound contrast agents.

Abstract: Amphiphilic derivatives of amino acids or peptides are provided, comprising a polyhydroxylated hydrophilic part derived from a sugar, from a polyol, from an aminopolyol or from an oligosaccharide, and at least one hydrophobic part derived from a hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon, or a mixed fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon, saturated or unsaturated, having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, the hydrophobic part(s) being linked to the hydrophilic part by a junction bearing an amino acid or a peptide.

Abstract: A fluorocarbon emulsion which exhibits reduced pulmonary gas-trapping properties in species-sensitive laboratory animals is disclosed. Additionally, the fluorocarbon component(s) exhibit short organ retention time(s). The emulsion includes an aqueous phase, an emulsifier, and a fluorocarbon (or fluorocarbon composition), having a vapor pressure of less than about 8 torr to reduce pulmonary gas-trapping, and having an organ retention half life of less than about 6 weeks and more preferably less than about 3 to 4 weeks.

Abstract: A system and software is described for calculating, in real-time, the mixed venous partial pressure of oxygen in a patient. The system uses a computer, an arterial pressure line and a blood chemistry monitor to assist a physician with an on-line system for accurately determining when to give a patient a blood transfusion or otherwise alter the clinical management of that patient.

Abstract: Storage stable fluorocarbon emulsions having a continuous aqueous phase and a discontinuous fluorocarbon phase, in which the fluorocarbon phase comprises a major amount of a first fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, and a minor amount of a second fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, in which the second fluorocarbon has a molecular weight greater than that of the first fluorocarbon and the second fluorocarbon includes a lipophilic moiety in its structure, whereby the second fluorocarbon serves to promote particle size stability in the emulsion while simultaneously providing favorably short organ retention times when administered to animals in vivo.

Abstract: A microbubble preparation formed of a plurality of microbubbles comprising a first gas and a second gas surrounded by a membrane such as a surfactant, wherein the first gas and the second gas are present in a molar ratio of from about 1:100 to about 1000:1, and wherein the first gas has a vapor pressure of at least about (760-x) mm Hg at 37.degree. C., where x is the vapor pressure of the second gas at 37.degree. C., and wherein the vapor pressure of each of the first and second gases is greater than about 75 mm Hg at 37.degree. C.; also disclosed are methods for preparing microbubble compositions, including compositions that rapidly shrink from a first average diameter to a second average diameter less than about 75% of the first average diameter and are stabilized at the second average diameter; methods and kits for preparing microbubbles; and methods for using such microbubbles as contrast agents.

Abstract: A microbubble preparation formed of a plurality of microbubbles comprising a first gas and a second gas surrounded by a membrane such as a surfactant, wherein the first gas and the second gas are present in a molar ratio of from about 1:100 to about 1000:1, and wherein the first gas has a vapor pressure of at least about (760-x) mm Hg at 37.degree. C., where x is the vapor pressure of the second gas at 37.degree. C., and wherein the vapor pressure of each of the first and second gases is greater than about 75 mm Hg at 37.degree. C.; also disclosed are methods for preparing microbubble compositions, including compositions that rapidly shrink from a first average diameter to a second average diameter less than about 75% of the first average diameter and are stabilized at the second average diameter; methods and kits for preparing microbubbles; and methods for using such microbubbles as contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nonterminally iodinated fluorinated compositions. The compositions, including, dispersions, emulsions, microemulsions, and gels are useful for biomedical applications, particularly radiography and scintigraphy. The compounds used in the invention preferably have the following general formula:R.sub.F CH.dbd.CIR.sup.1wherein,R.sub.F is a linear, branched, or cyclic first fluorocarbon radical, having 2 to 12 carbon atoms in which 50 to 100% of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms; andR.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of a second fluorocarbon radical and a hydrocarbon radical, wherein,the second fluorocarbon radical is linear, branched, or cyclic, having 2 to 12 carbon atoms in which 50 to 100% of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms; andthe hydrocarbon radical is linear, branched, or cyclic, having 2 to 14 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Compositions for topical application in gel form comprising a fluorocarbon or perfluorocarbon compound or mixtures thereof at a concentration of at least about 75% v/v, a minor quantity of a surface active agent and an aqueous phase.The compositions provide a storage-stable high concentration fluorocarbon gel that is prepared without the use of thickeners or additional stabilizing agents. The gels are useful in formulations for pharmaceutical, cosmetic purposes and for other products as well.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging is disclosed, which uses microbubbles particularly selected for their properties of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing partial liquid ventilation, in connection with which a liquid such as an oxygen carrying fluorocarbon liquid is introduced into the lung and removed from the lung of a patient while the patient is simultaneously breathing an oxygen-carrying breathing gas.

Abstract: A multiple method step for delivering a medicament to the lungs, in connection with which, a biocompatible perfluorocarbon liquid is introduced into the lungs and the a microparticulate medicament is introduced into the lungs where it is dispersed into the pulmonary spaces which are filled or coated with the perfluorocarbon liquid.

Abstract: New fluorinated derivatives useful as surfactants or in the transport of drug or markers, or in drug targeting, and preparations containing the derivatives, for medical, cosmetic and veterinary uses, having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.F is a fluorinated radical, X is a linear or branched alkylene, R.sup.1 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sup.2 is a radical having at least one OH group, R.sup.3 is a radical derived from an amino acid or a peptide, 1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.50 and 0.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.200 with 0.2.ltoreq.n/n+m.ltoreq.1.These derivatives can be used as prodrugs or in formulating pharmaceutical, cosmetic and veterinary preparations, in biology and medicine, notably in compositions acting as carriers of oxygen and other gases, of contrast agents, or as carriers of substances used in therapy, or as carriers of markers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method and a novel apparatus for the concentration, separation, and purification of contaminated chemical compounds, wherein the chemical compound is less volatile than the contaminant. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-aqueous fluorocarbon composition for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiographic imaging (X-ray or computed tomography), particularly imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The invention also relates to an improved fluorocarbon composition with enhanced contrast effects in the GI tract. This invention further discloses an improved fluorocarbon composition having improved palatability. The invention further provides improved preparations for radiographic imaging or MRI. Methods for producing and using such preparations are disclosed, as are methods for improving the palatability of non-aqueous liquids. Finally, methods for improving imaging are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.

Abstract: A composition for use in visualizing tissues comprising a physiologically-acceptable fluorocarbon liquid and a visualizable label such as a chromophore or visible or fluorescent dye associated therewith; preferably the fluorocarbon is in the form of an emulsion and the label has a lipophilic moiety. Also disclosed are methods for labeling and visualizing cells and tissue, such as those of the reticuloendothelial system.

Abstract: A method for facilitating autologous blood use by a patient facing a loss of blood, comprising the steps of removing and preferably storing a portion of the patient's blood, intravenously administering a biocompatible liquid in sufficient quantity to substantially maintain the patient's hemodynamic stability, wherein the liquid comprises an effective oxygen-delivery enhancing amount of a biocompatible synthetic oxygen carrier, after which the patient undergoes a loss of blood, and then readministering blood to the patient, preferably the stored blood. In one embodiment, the biocompatible liquid further comprises a hemodiluent and the hemodiluent is administered separately from the oxygen carrier.