Abstract: A therapeutic composition derived from a pre-activated photoactive compound and a conveyor for destroying tumor or other pathogenic biological contaminants infecting animal body tissues. The conveyor can either be a matrix support or an antibody. The activation of the photoactive compound to produce the pre-activated photoactive compound is carried out by the use of an activating agent. The pre-activated photoactive compound retains its therapeutic activity subsequent to activation. A method for preparing such a therapeutic composition is disclosed. Methods for treating animal body tissue, either outside the body or inside the body, infected with tumors or other pathogenic biological contaminants are disclosed.

Abstract: Method for imaging the interior of a three dimensional object. A non-selective composite hard RF pulse is generated in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Phase encoding pulses are generated along the first and a third axis, respectively, and a frequency encoding pulse comprised of a de-phasing portion and a re-phasing portion is generated along a second axis. During the re-phasing portion of the frequency encoding pulse, an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo containing information related to the object being imaged is produced. A next asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is then produced for next phase encoding pulses along the first and third axes. After an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is produced for all phase encoding pulses, an image of the object is produced from the series of produced asymmetrical fractional gradient echoes.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates a method of photodynamic inactivation of viruses having a membranous envelope, such as Herpes simplex type 1 and Human immunodeficiency type 1 viruses. The method uses substituted sapphyrin compounds to effect viral deactivation during radiation with light at or near the absorption wavelength of the sapphyrin compound. A highly reactive species selectively toxic to infectious agents is produced.One particular sapphyrin compound useful for the practice of the invention is 8,17-bis(carboxymethyl)-3,12,13,22-tetraethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyr in (Sapphyrin 2). The most preferred sapphyrin sapphyrin compound for the practice of the invention is 3,8,12,13,17,22-hexaethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyrin (Sapphyrin 1).The method is particularly suitable for inactivation of viruses in blood and blood products.

Abstract: A method for externally eradicating infectious pathogenic contaminants, such as enveloped viruses, bacteria, trypanosomal and malarial parasites, present in body tissues, such as blood, blood components, semen, skin, and cornea, before the treated body tissues are introduced into, or transplanted onto, the body of a human or an animal.

Abstract: A method for externally eradicating infectious pathogenic contaminants, such as enveloped viruses, bacteria, trypanosomal and malarial parasites, present in body tissues, such as blood, blood components, semen, skin, and cornea, before the treated body tisues are introduced into, or transplanted onto, the body of a human or an animal.