Abstract: A method of disinfecting a medical device comprises three steps. First, a disinfectant is contacted with a process indicator and the medical device. The disinfectant comprises at least one aldehyde. The process indicator contains a synthetic amine-containing compound disposed on a substrate. The synthetic amine-containing compound comprises at least one of primary amino groups or secondary amino groups, and is reactive with the disinfectant to form at least one adduct. The synthetic amine-containing compound and the medical device are in fluid communication through the disinfectant. A predetermined disinfectant exposure criterion exists for contacting the disinfectant with the medical device. Second, the process indicator is spectrally observed and at least one parameter is obtained therefrom that is predictive of the predetermined disinfectant exposure criterion. The third step is determining that the predetermined disinfectant exposure criterion has been achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that includes a first agent selected including an agent that possesses anti-inflammatory activity or acetaminophen, phenacetin, tramadol and the like; a second agent selected from the group consisting of an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, an ionophore, and an adenosine 5-monophosphate-activated Protein kinase (AMPK) activator; a third agent that possesses or maintains serotonin activity.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises (a) a CETP inhibiting compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (b) a concentration-enhancing polymer, and (c) optionally one or more surfactants; wherein the compound has the structure shown as Formula I below. The composition raises HDL-cholesterol and lowers LDL-cholesterol.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and materials for treating pulmonary hypertension (PH) in a subject. Also provided herein is a method of diagnosing whether a has PH by detecting a PH marker. A PKG pulmonary hypertension marker has been identified and may be useful in predicting PH disease progression and assessing a subject's response to PH therapy.

Abstract: Compositions of matter and methods of treating cancer patients may prevent or limit cardiotoxicity during or after chemotherapy, and/or may prevent or lower resistance to anthracycline drugs, both of which are believed to be caused by the human enzyme carbonyl reductase. Thus, the compositions and methods may be used to reduce the dosages of anthracycline anti-cancer drugs necessary to produce a desired cancer-cell-killing performance. Preferred embodiments comprise treating cancer patients with a pharmaceutical composition comprising biphenyl compounds having two halogenated (or pseudo-halogenated) and/or hydroxylated, aryl groups that are linked by a bridging atom. The preferred composition of biphenyl compound(s) may be administered in a pharmaceutical composition also comprising at least one anthracycline compound, or may be administered separately than the at least one anthracycline compound. Especially-preferred biphenyl compounds include triclosan, hexachlorophene, and dichlorophene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) with a variety of therapeutic uses, more particularly the substituted cyclic alkylidene compounds are useful for selective estrogen receptor modulation.

Abstract: Kinetic stabilization of the native state of transthyretin is an effective mechanism for preventing protein misfolding. Because transthyretin misfolding plays an important role in transthyretin amyloid diseases, inhibiting such misfolding can be used as an effective treatment or prophylaxis for such diseases. Treatment methods are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to drinks and foods having osteogenetic function, each of which comprises as an active ingredient an effective amount of a culture of a propionic acid bacterium and/or a lactic acid bacterium, said culture containing 2-amino-3-carboxy-1,4-naphthoquinone; and preventives and/or remedies for metabolic bone diseases, each of which comprises as an active ingredient a naphthoquinone compound selected from the group consisting of 2-amino-3-carboxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone, 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 8-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2-(?-hydroxy-?-methylpentenyl)-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and salts thereof. These cultures and naphthoquinones promote bone metabolism and increase bone mass and bone strength.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical preparations for treating heart failure by administering to a human or animal subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of a) SOD mimics (e.g., Tempol), b) NADPH oxidase inhibitors (e.g., Apocynin) and c) other substance that inhibit or reduce the amount of superoxide present in the affected tissues (e.g., the subjects heart and/or blood vessels) and/or increase levels of nitric oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel honokiol derivatives, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the honokiol derivatives. These compounds and pharmaceutical compositions can be used in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. In particular, honokiol derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the derivatives, and methods for their use in the treatment of myeloma are provided.

Abstract: An additive mixture useful as a flame retardant is described. The mixture is comprised of (i) a poly(bromophenyl)alkane having in the molecule in the range of 13 to 60 carbon atoms and in the range of two to four aryl groups and (ii) a poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane having in the molecule in the range of 13 to 60 carbon atoms and in the range of two to four aryl groups, said poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane being in an amount which is greater than 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive mixture. A facile process for making the poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stilbene and quinone compounds related to combretastatin A-4 and their use as anticancer compounds and prodrugs. The compounds include those with an alkyl group on the double bond of cis or trans-stilbenes, compounds with one or more (and preferably 2 or 3) alkyl group substituents on the stilbene A ring, compounds with an alkoxy group other than methoxy at position 3, 4, and/or 5 of the stilbene A ring, compounds (or prodrugs) in which BOC amino acid esters are formed with the phenolic hydroxyl at the 3-position of the B ring and compounds (or prodrugs) based on a benzoquinone B ring. The present invention further relates to the photochemical reactions of stilbene compounds, either the above compounds disclosed for the first time herein or compounds based on prior art stilbenes.

Abstract: An additive mixture useful as a flame retardant is described. The mixture is comprised of (i) a poly(bromophenyl)alkane having in the molecule in the range of 13 to 60 carbon atoms and in the range of two to four aryl groups and (ii) a poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane having in the molecule in the range of 13 to 60 carbon atoms and in the range of two to four aryl groups, said poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane being in an amount which is greater than 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the additive mixture. A facile process for making the poly(bromophenyl)bromoalkane is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or reducing cellular and tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) released by phagocytic or endothelial cells in response to various disease states or pathologies. The methods of the present invention are useful in preventing and treating a variety of disease states or pathological situations in which ROMs are produced and released. The methods of the present invention contemplate reducing ROM-mediated damage by reducing the production and release of ROMs.

Abstract: The invention provides low viscosity iodinated aryl compounds, useful as X-ray contrast agents of formula I wherein n is 0 or 1, and where n is 1 each C6R5 moiety may be the same or different; X denotes a bond or a group providing a 1 to 7 atom chain linking two C6R5 moieties or, where n is 0, X denotes a group R; each group R is a hydrogen atom, an iodine atom or a hydrophilic moiety M or M1, two or three non-adjacent R groups in each C6R5 moiety being iodine and at least one R group in each C6R5 moiety being an M or M1 moiety; each M which may be the same or different, is a non-ionic hydrophilic moiety; and each M1 independently represents a —CHOHCON(R1)2 group wherein each R1, which may be the same or different, is a hydrogen atom, an OH group or a C1-6 alkoxy or optionally hydroxylated C1-5 alkyl group; at least one R group in the molecule being an M1 moiety; and isomers thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for preventing and treating sexual dysfunctions in patients by orally administering at least one &agr;-adrenergic receptor antagonist and at least one compound that elevates endogenous nitric oxide or endothelium-derived relaxing factor in vivo. The present invention also describes orally administrable compositions comprising at least one &agr;-adrenergic receptor antagonist and at least one compound that elevates endogenous nitric oxide or endothelium-derived relaxing factor in vivo. In the present invention, the &agr;-adrenergic receptor antagonist is preferably yohimbine or phentolamine, and the compound that elevates endogenous nitric oxide or endothelium-derived relaxing factor in vivo is preferably L-arginine.

Abstract: The invention provides low viscosity iodinated aryl compounds, useful as X-ray contrast agents, of formula C6R6 wherein three non-adjacent R groups are iodine and the remaining R groups are non-ionic, hydrophilic moieties, said compound being water soluble at 20° C. to a concentration of at least 350 mgl/ml and which in aqueous solution at 20° C. at a concentration of 350 mgl/ml has a viscosity no greater than 13.8 mPas.

Abstract: One can impart outstanding resistance against collapse under pressure to gas-filled microvesicle used as contrast agents in ultrasonic echography by using as fillers gases whose solubility in water, expressed in liter of gas by liter of water under standard conditions, divided by the square root of the molecular weight does not exceed 0.003.

Abstract: The invention provides low viscosity iodinated aryl compounds, useful as X-ray contrast agents, of formula I ##STR1## (wherein n is 0 or 1, and where n is 1 each C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moeity may be the same or different; each group R is a hydrogen atom, an iodine atom or a hydrophilic moiety M or M.sub.1, two or three non-adjacent R groups in each C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moiety being iodine and at least one, and preferably two or three, R groups in each C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moiety being M or M.sub.1 moieties; X denotes a bond or a group providing a 1 to 7 atom chain linking two C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moieties or, where n is 0, X denotes a group R; each M independently is a non-ionic hydrophilic moiety; and each M.sub.1 independently represents a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group substituted by at least one hydroxyl group and optionally linked to the phenyl ring via a carbonyl, sulphone or sulphoxide group, at least one R group being an M.sub.1 moiety; with the proviso that where n is zero either at least one M.sub.

Abstract: The invention provides low viscosity iodinated aryl compounds, useful as X-ray contrast agents, of formula I ##STR1## (wherein n is 0 or 1, and where n is 1 each C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moeity may be the same or different; each group R is a hydrogen atom, an iodine atom or a hydrophilic moiety M or M.sub.1, two or three non-adjacent R groups in each C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moiety being iodine and at least one, and preferably two or three, R groups in each C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moiety being M or M.sub.1 moieties; X denotes a bond or a group providing a 1 to 7 atom chain linking two C.sub.6 R.sub.5 moieties or, where n is 0, X denotes a group R; each M independently is a non-ionic hydrophilic moiety; and each M.sub.1 independently represents a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group substituted by at least one hydroxyl group and optionally linked to the phenyl ring via a carbonyl, sulphone or sulphoxide group, at least one R group being an M.sub.1 moiety; with the proviso that where n is zero either at least one M.sub.

Abstract: Calixarene conjugates useful for imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are described. Said calixarene conjugates comprise (i) a calixarene backbone, and (ii) at least one imaging moiety linked thereto, and may be of the formula: ##STR1## wherein at least one of the R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 substituents comprises an imaging moiety, the remaining R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 substituents are spectator groups, J is an ortho-linker, and n is an integer from 4 to 8. Imaging moieties useful for CT imaging include those comprising two or more iodine atoms. Imaging moieties useful for MRI include (i) organic moieties comprising four or more fluorine atoms; (ii) nitroxyl spin labeled moieties; and (iii) metal chelate moieties.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging agent including a plurality of block copolymers forming a micelle, the block copolymers including a hydrophilic polymer linked to a hydrophobic polymer, and the hydrophobic polymer including a backbone incorporating radiopaque molecules via covalent bonds.

Abstract: This invention provides a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor composition comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one member of the group consisting of various phenanthrene derivatives, typically represented by the following general formula (1), and salts thereof. ##STR1## The nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor composition of this invention is useful for the prophylaxis and therapy of nitric oxide-associated diseases such as endotoxin shock.

Abstract: One can impart outstanding resistance against collapse under pressure to gas-filled microvesicle used as contrast agents in ultrasonic echography by using as fillers gases whose solubility in water, expressed in liter of gas by liter of water under standard conditions, divided by the square root of the molecular weight does not exceed 0.003.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents for enhancing the contrast in an ultrasound image. These agents are extremely small bubbles, or "microbubbles," comprised of specially selected gases. The microbubbles described herein exhibit long life spans in solution and may be produced at a size small enough to traverse the lungs, thus enabling improved ultrasound imaging of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. Also disclosed herein is a method for selecting gases from which contrast agents may be produced. The method is based on calculations using inherent physical properties of gases and describes a means to associate the properties of a gas with the time for dissolution of a microbubble comprised of the gas.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging agent including a plurality of block copolymers forming a micelle, the block copolymers including a hydrophilic polymer linked to a hydrophobic polymer, and the hydrophobic polymer including a backbone incorporating radiopaque molecules via covalent bonds.

Abstract: Ultrasound contrast media comprising gaseous perfluoropentane and gaseous perfluorohexane are disclosed.

Abstract: Organic compounds for diagnostic imaging which contain at least one aryl group which has been derivatized to contain at least one perfluoro-1H,1H-neopentyl moiety are provided. The perfluoro-1H,1H-neopentyl groups produce a single magnetic resonance to insure a maximum signal to noise ratio. One compound disclosed is 2-O-oleoylglycerol 1,3-bis(7'-{3",5"-di[2"',2"'-di(trifluoromethyl)3"', 3"',3"'-trifluoropropyl]phenyl}heptanoate). In the preferred embodiment, a lipid emulsion is provided as a carrier vehicle to deliver the derivitized analog to a mammalian recipient. Methods to use these compounds in MRI and computerized tomography are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents for enhancing the contrast in an ultrasound image. These agents are extremely small bubbles, or "microbubbles," comprised of specially selected gases. The microbubbles described herein exhibit long life spans in solution and may be produced at a size small enough to traverse the lungs, thus enabling improved ultrasound imaging of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. Also disclosed herein is a method for selecting gases from which contrast agents may be produced. The method is based on calculations using inherent physical properties of gases and describes a means to associate the properties of a gas with the time for dissolution of a microbubble comprised of the gas.

Abstract: Triarylcyclopropane derivatives in which one or more of the aryl groups includes a hydroxy as a substituted or unsubstituted or alkoxy or side chain substituent. The compounds are useful as antiestrogens and anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: Anti-estrogenic cyclopropyl analogs such as 1,1-dichlorocis-2,3-diphenylcyclopropane, when administered to a subject function as anti-tumor agents to prevent the development of estrogen-dependent tumors in the subject and substantially arrest the growth and metastatic involvement of existing estrogen-dependent tumors in the subject. Further, the anti-estrogenic cyclopropyl analogs may be used as anti-estrogenic agents and as fertility agents in the treatment of female infertility. The cyclopropyl analogs useful as anti-tumor, anti-estrogenic and female fertility agents have the general structure ##STR1## wherein: X is a halogen or hydrogen atom;R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms, a monocyclic group, a hydroxy substituted monocyclic group, an alkoxy substituted monocyclic group in which the alkyl substituent contains from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms or an acetoxy substituted monocyclic group;R.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which Ar is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl, or thienyl; Z is oxygen, sulfur, or methylene; and Ar' is 2-methyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl, 3-phenoxyphenyl, 4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl, or 6-phenoxy-2-pyridyl exhibit pyrethroid-like insecticidal and acaricidal activity and are relatively harmless to aquatic fauna.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for employing diphenylhalonium ion to elicit sodium nitroprusside-like effects in vivo, and to enhance cardiac contractility.