Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hydrophilic matrix tablet suitable for the once-a-day administration of valproate compounds such as divalproex sodium. The tablet comprises from about 50 weight percent to about 55 weight percent of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of valproic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester of valproic acid, divalproex sodium, and valpromide; from about 20 weight percent to about 40 weight percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent lactose, from about 4 weight percent to about 6 weight percent microcrystalline cellulose, and from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of silicon dioxide; all weight percentages based upon the total weight of the tablet dosage form. Other aspects of the invention relate to the use of this formulation in the treatment of epilepsy and to methods for manufacturing this dosage form.

Abstract: A method of treating organic erectile dysfunction, particularly vasculogenic erectile dysfunction comprises administering to a male in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of apomorphine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro-drug thereof.

Abstract: A novel process for preparing enantiomerically-pure 3-methyl-5-(1-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkyl)-2-pyrrolidinyl)isoxazole in high yield, wherein a protected pyrrolidine or 2-oxo-pyrrolidine starting material is reacted with a suitable organic anion and a resulting beta-keto oxime intermediate is cyclized and dehydrated, as well as intermediates useful in the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## useful as regulators of nitric oxide synthase that indirectly modulate cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, for treating disorders of vascular smooth muscles, macrophages, neurons, platelets, bronchial smooth muscles, optic muscles and gastrointestinal smooth muscles, sickle cell anemia and diabetes.

Abstract: 2-Nitroaryl or 2-cyanoaryl compounds of the formula ##STR1## pharmaceutical compositions thereof, intermediates useful in the preparation of these compounds, and methods for treating disorders of vascular smooth muscles or diseases of the cartilage, macrophages, neurons, platelets, bronchial smooth muscles, optic muscles and gastrointestinal smooth muscles, in addition to sickle cell anemia, diabetes, synovitis, chondroarthritis and osteoarthritis by employing these compounds.

Abstract: A fluorescence polarization immunoassay for detecting the presence of methadone in a test sample is provided, based upon competition between methadone and a fluorescently labeled tracer for the binding sites on an antibody specific for methadone. The concentration of methadone in the sample determines the amount of tracer that binds to the antibody. The amount of tracer-antibody complex formed can be quantitatively measured and is inversely proportional to the quantity of methadone in the sample. Tracers used as reagents and immunogens used to raise antibodies for use as reagents are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting .beta.-lactamases which may be present in a sample by using a disclosed chromogenic precipitating substrate. A sample is exposed to a disclosed .beta.-lactamase substrate and a colored precipitate forms in the presence of an active .beta.-lactamase.

Abstract: A regioselective process for the preparation of .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester is disclosed. A controlled aqueous coupling reaction between .beta.-methyl-L-aspartate-N-carboxyanhydride and L-phenylalanine produces the aspartyl methyl ester of .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine which is subsequently hydrolyzed and selectively esterified without isolation. The hydrochloride salt of .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, which is selectively precipitated from the esterification mixture, can be neutralized to .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester.

Abstract: A method for isolating superoxide dismutase. The method involves contacting red blood cells containing proteinaceous impurities with a water-miscible organic solvent at a pH in the range of 5 to 8 and a temperature of from 15.degree. to 50.degree. C., removing the impurities and obtaining purified superoxide dismutase.

Abstract: Analogues of PGE.sub.1 having the structural formula, ##STR1## in which J is R-hydroxymethylene or S-hydroxymethylene; R.sub.1 is hydrogen; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or together with R.sub.4 is a methylene chain of 2 to 3 carbon atoms such that a cycloalkyl of 5 to 6 carbon atoms inclusive is formed; R.sub.3 is hydrogen or methyl, or together with R.sub.4 is a methylene or a lower alkylated methylene chain of 2 to 5 carbon atoms such that a cycloalkyl or a lower alkylated cycloalkyl of 4 to 7 carbon atoms inclusive is formed, or together with R.sub.4 is bicycloalkyl or bicycloalkenyl moiety having the formula: ##STR2## such that a bicycloalkyl or bicycloalkenyl compound is formed, wherein m and n are integers having a value from 0 to 3, p is an integer having a value from 0 to 4 and q is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4 and wherein the double bond of such bicycloalkenyl is in the m, n, p, or q bridge; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or methyl or together with R.sub.2 or R.sub.

Abstract: A urobilinogen control standard composition, control standard device and a method for preparing such composition are disclosed. The composition comprises a substituted indole:nonionic detergent solution which is reactive with p-diethylaminobenzaldehyde and hydrochloric acid. The composition is produced by dissolving the substituted indole in a selected nonionic detergent and diluting the solution to a predetermined level. The device is a carrier matrix impregnated with a solution of a substituted indole and a nonionic detergent.

Abstract: A method for detecting weakly expressed cell membrane antigens or antibodies thereto which involves contacting cells to be tested with a lipoprotein substance substantially free of heteroagglutins and isoagglutins, containing cholesterol and phospholipid. The lipoprotein substance is obtained from animal plasma.

Abstract: A method is provided for purifying uricase by decreasing the amount of active catalase present. The method involves adjusting the pH of a catalase-containing uricase preparation to a pH in the range of about 11 to 13 to inactivate the catalase and recovering a uricase preparation substantially free of active catalase.

Abstract: A method and test device for determining the glucose concentration in a test sample containing from 1/2 to 10 percent glucose are disclosed. The method and test device involve impregnating the carrier with an enzymatic testing composition which includes glucose oxidase, peroxidase and a chromogen. The carrier is subsequently impregnated with from 0.5 to 1.5 percent by weight polystyrene. Contact of the carrier with a glucose-containing test sample produces a detectable response whereby the glucose concentration can be determined.

Abstract: A method for removing pyrogenic material from bovine thrombin is disclosed. The method involves forming a complex of a blue dye and a polysaccharide and equilibrating the complex with a low ionic strength salt solution. Bovine thrombin is added to the complex. The pyrogenic material is removed from the bovine thrombin by washing the bovine thrombin with a low ionic strength salt solution, and the pyrogen-free bovine thrombin is recovered.

Abstract: A method for increasing the milk coagulating activity of microbial rennet obtained from Mucor pusillus microorganisms. The method involves acylating Mucor pusillus microbial rennet enzyme with maleic, citraconic, phthalic, cis-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic, homophthalic, 3-nitro-phthalic, bromomaleic or dichloromaleic anhydride.

Abstract: A method and test device for determining the glucose concentration in a test sample containing from 1/2 to 10 percent glucose are disclosed. The method and test device involve impregnating the carrier with an enzymatic testing composition which includes glucose oxidase, peroxidase and a chromogen. The carrier is subsequently impregnated with from 0.5 to 1.5 percent by weight polystyrene. Contact of the carrier with a glucose-containing test sample produces a detachable response whereby the glucose concentration can be determined.

Abstract: Analogues of PGE.sub.1 having the structural formula, ##STR1## in which J is R-hydroxymethylene or S-hydroxymethylene; R.sub.1 is hydrogen; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or together with R.sub.4 is a methylene chain of 2 to 3 carbon atoms such that a cycloalkyl of 5 to 6 carbon atoms inclusive is formed; R.sub.3 is hydrogen or methyl, or together with R.sub.4 is a methylene or a lower alkylated methylene chain of 2 to 5 carbon atoms such that a cycloalkyl or a lower alkylated cycloalkyl of 4 to 7 carbon atoms inclusive is formed, or together with R.sub.4 is bicycloalkyl or bicycloalkenyl moiety having the formula: ##STR2## such that a bicycloalkyl or bicycloalkenyl compound is formed, wherein m and n are integers having a value from 0 to 3, p is an integer having a value from 0 to 4 and q is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4 and wherein the double bond of such bicycloalkenyl is in the m, n, p, or q bridge; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or methyl or together with R.sub.2 or R.sub.

Abstract: A method and test device for determining the glucose concentration in a test sample containing from 1/2 to 5 percent glucose. The method and test device involve incorporating urea-formaldehyde resin in a carrier matrix and subsequently impregnating the carrier with an enzymatic testing composition which includes glucose oxidase, a peroxidatively-active compound and a chromogen. Contact of the carrier with a glucose-containing test sample produces a detectable response whereby the glucose concentration can be determined.

Abstract: An improved discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis process for measuring the migration of a macromolecule through the gel is disclosed. The improvement involves the use of thymol blue, phenol red, o-cresol red, orange G, m-cresol purple and mixtures, as a tracking dye.