Abstract: This invention relates to a culture medium, a kit containing the culture medium and to a method for detection of a parasite such as Dientamoeba fragilis and/or another parasite. The culture medium of the invention is bi-phasic and includes a solid phase containing an egg slope or agar slope and a liquid phase containing a serum and a peptone.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying an inhibitor of LtaS comprising: (a) providing bacteria which comprise a mutation in the mbl gene or homologue thereof; (b) culturing the bacteria of (a) in the presence of a test substance under conditions of low magnesium; (c) monitoring the growth of the bacteria; wherein growth or more rapid growth of the bacteria compared to growth in the absence of the test substance is indicative that the test substance is an inhibitor of LtaS.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I: 1

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing 2.beta.-substituted-methylpenicillin derivative of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is H or carboxyl protecting group, R.sub.1 is H or halo, R.sub.2 is H, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, azido, lower alkylthio, phthalimide or a group --NHR.sub.3 (wherein R.sub.3 is H or acyl), and --N Y is an optionally substituted monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 nitrogen atoms in the ring structure, the process comprising reacting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein X is Cl or Br, and R, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above with a heterocyclic compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein --N Y is as defined above.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of 1'-ethoxy carbonyloxy ethyl esters of penicillins, wherein a compound of the formula ##STR1## in which A is phenyl, phenoxy or 4-hydroxyphenyl, B is hydrogen, an amino group or a protected amino group and Z is hydrogen or a cation selected from the group of alkali metal, tri (lower alkyl ) ammonium and tetra (lower alkyl) ammonium, is reacted with 1-bromoethyl ethyl carbonate in an organic solvent and when B is a protected amino group the protecting group is split off to yield a primary amino group.There are also provided novel compounds of the formula ##STR2## in which Ph is phenyl and R is CH.sub.3 -- or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 --.

Abstract: The novel compound .alpha.-bromodiethylcarbonate, novel methods for the preparation thereof, its use in the preparation of 1-ethoxycarbonyloxyethyl esters of penicillins and cephalosporins, and improvements in the method for preparing such esters.

Abstract: There are presented compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and m are as described herein.

Abstract: .beta.-Lactam antibiotics having an .alpha.-formamido substituent on the carbon atom adjacent to the carbonyl group of the .beta.-lactam ring and in particular bicyclic compounds having the partial structure: ##STR1## Intermediates and processes for the preparation of the compounds are further disclosed.