Abstract: Novel unnatural ceramide related compounds, for instance, (2S, 3S)-2-tetracosanamido-octadecane-1,3-diol are herein provided, which are useful as intermediates in preparing ceramide moieties employed in the preparation of glycolipids and gangliosides known as tumor markers or molecular markers and which are prepared by, for instance, subjecting a chiral compound represented by the following formula: ##STR1## to deacetal treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for preparing 3-O-(sodium(5-acetamide-3,5-dideoxy-alpha-D-glycero-D-galacto-2-noneuro pyranosyl)onate-1,2-di-O-tetradecyl-Sn-glycerol (3) consisting essentially of hydrolyzing a 3-O-(C.sub.1-5 alkyl(5-acetamide-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-di-deoxy-alpha-D-glycero-D-ga lacto-2-noneuropyranosyl)onate)-1,2-di-O-tetradecyl-Sn-glycerol (1) in a single step, in an aqueous lower aliphatic alcohol solution of an alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process for preparing a compound represented by the formula ##STR1## In accordance with this invention, the compound is prepared by reacting a compound represented by the formula ##STR2## with glycolic acid in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel compound having the following formula: ##STR1## This compound is a useful intermediate for the preparation of N-glycolylneuraminic acid: ##STR2##

Abstract: This invention provides a novel compound having a formula such as ##STR1## This invention also provides a process for preparing such a compound.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel compound expressed by the following formula (1): ##STR1## [wherein R.sup.1 denotes a hydrogen atom or CH.sub.3 CO--, R.sup.2 denotes --COOR.sup.4 (R.sup.4 denotes Na or a methyl group) or ##STR2## (R.sup.5 denotes a hydrogen atom, --COC.sub.6 H.sub.5 or --Si(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 and R.sup.3 denotes ##STR3## (R.sup.5 denotes a hydrogen atom, --COC.sub.6 H.sub.5 or --Si(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.3) when R.sup.2 is --COOR.sup.4 (R.sup.4 denotes Na or a methyl group) or denotes --COOR.sup.4 when R.sup.2 is ##STR4## and a method of preparation thereof. The above novel compounds of present invention are useful as a tumor maker, a molecular marker for cells having the ability of differential induction, or an intermediate of the synthesis thereof.

Abstract: An expectorant capable of acting on the rheological properties of sputum and capable of directly promoting the ciliary motion. The expectorant contains N-acetylneuraminic acid or a pharmaceutically active salt thereof.

Abstract: Sialic acid derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, trityl, or acyl, R.sup.2 is hydrogen or acyl, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are individually glycerolglycoside, dialkylglycerol, alkoxycarbonyl or carboxyl.These compounds may be employed as a useful intermediate for the synthesis of biologically active substances and may be employed as an inhibitor of hydrolytic enzyme, a reagent for affinity chromatography for purifying enzyme, or a synthetic antigen.

Abstract: A novel N-acetylneuraminic acid derivative, represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein the R.sup.1 groups are, independently, hydrogen or acetyl; R.sup.2 is a nucleoside residue; and R.sup.3 is carboxyl or methoxycarbonyl.The N-acetylneuraminic acid derivative is useful in inhibiting metastasis of cancer cells. Also provided is a process for the preparation of the derivatives.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel compound having a formula such as ##STR1## This invention also provides a process for preparing such a compound. The novel compound has excellent immunological activity.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel compound having a formula such as ##STR1## This invention also provides a process for preparing such a compound. The novel compound has an excellent immunological activity.

Abstract: A wheelchair is disclosed in which a body support frame pivoted to a main frame can move from a seated posture to a stand-up posture and vice versa without using an external elevating force. The wheelchair includes the main frame for supporting driving wheels and auxiliary wheels and a body support frame formed by interconnecting a lower limb support member, a waist support member and a back rest member to one another. The forward portion of the main frame and the tip portion of the waist support member are turnably supported by a pivot, and an extension member for turnably supporting the waist support member with the pivot as the support point is interposed between the main frame and the waist support member. The motive force for the stand-up operation of the body support frame relies upon the push-up force of the user of the wheelchair (the body lift-up force of the user by his or her upper limbs) and the force of the extension member.

Abstract: Nucleoside or glucose derivatives of N-acetylneuraminic acids are provided, which have immunological activity, are clinically useful, as an immuno suppressive, in particular to treat autoimmune disease such as collagenosis disease without causing any serious side-effects and may be prepared by subjecting a halide of N-acetylneuraminate derivative together with a nucleoside or a glucose to Koenigs-Knorr reaction.