Abstract: A novel reductase which is an enzyme that can catalyze the reduction of methionine sulfoxide resides in proteins is described. The enzyme has been found in E. coli, Euglena gracilis, Tetrahymena pyriformis, Hela cells, rat tissue and spinach. The enzyme has an estimated molecular weight of about 18,000-20,000. It can be used to restore biological activity to proteins inactivated by oxidation of methionine residues.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of thymosin .alpha..sub.1 from desacetylthymosin .alpha..sub.1 in the presence of an acetylating agent and a biologically active ribosome preparation. Thymosin .alpha..sub.1 is useful in increasing T-cell numbers and normalizing immune function in patients with thymic dependent primary immunodeficiency diseases and in cancer patients who are immunodepressed.

Abstract: Propionic acid oximes of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl of from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkyl of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkenyl of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms or alkynyl of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a cyclopentane or cyclohexane ring which can be mono-, di- or trisubstituted with alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is hydrogen, halogen or nitro with the proviso that R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are not simultaneously hydrogen, processes for their manufacture, herbicidal compositions containing these compounds as the active ingredient and methods of use of the herbicidal compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A highly specific assay for plasma vitamin B.sub.12 levels in humans is disclosed. The assay employs intrinsic factor preparations obtained from mouse or rat stomachs, which intrinsic factors are free of R-protein and thus react specifically with vitamin B.sub.12 in a competitive binding assay. Detection of vitamin B.sub.12 levels is utilized in the diagnosis of several clinical disorders, such as pernicious anemia, a disease state which results in reduced circulating levels of vitamin B.sub.12 in the blood.

Abstract: An immunochemical process and compositions for determining rapidly and accurately the amount of creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) in biological fluids. The process employs a triple antibody technique which leads to the formation of an immuno-complex having a measurable label. This process and the resulting complex are useful in determining whether a patient has suffered a myocardial infarct.

Abstract: Novel substituted diphenyl tertiary phosphines of a pyrrolidine carboxylic acid derivative and their use as catalysts in the enantioselective hydrogenation of .alpha.-keto-.beta.,.beta.-dimethyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine which is a potent antitumor agent. The process comprises cleaving the acyl groups from a 1-(5-deoxy-2,3-di-O-acyl-.beta.-D-ribofuranosyl)-5-fluorouracil, a novel intermediate in the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing 7.sub..alpha. -hydroxylated steroids by fermenting or reacting a steroid to be hydroxylated with microorganisms of the genus Botryodiplodia or enzyme extracts thereof until hydroxylation occurs. The invention process produces steroid compounds which are pharmacologically valuable substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel sugar esters and glycosides especially derivatives of D-glucopyranoside and D-glucopyranaronate suitable for the treatment of neoplasms, acne, psoriasis and dermatoses.

Abstract: Orally administrable pharmaceutical compositions in the form of a soft gelatin capsule containing a prostaglandin and ascorbic acid or ascorbyl palmitate which are dissolved in polyethylene glycol or polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters of fatty acids or combinations thereof. The compositions are especially useful in improving bioavailability and stability of the prostaglandin in pharmaceutical dosage form.

Abstract: A device for the detection of microorganisms in a fluid sample comprising a first container a liquid nutrient medium and a second container containing one or more solid nutrient media, said containers being detachably connected so that the media can be brought into contact, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of detecting microorganisms in a fluid sample comprising introducing a sample of the fluid to be tested into a first container containing a liquid medium and incubating if desired; connecting said first container to a second container containing one or more solid media so that said media can be brought into contact; bringing the liquid and solid media into contact; incubating and determining the growth of microorganisms on the surface of the solid media.

Abstract: Novel reagents for the determination of Wassermann antibodies comprising a compound selected from those represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein n is a whole number from 12 to 16 inclusive andR is phenyl or substituted phenyl and salts thereof.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of 1.alpha.,3.beta.-dihydroxy-.DELTA..sup.5 -steroids from steroids such as 1.alpha.,2.alpha.-epoxy-cholesta-4,6-dien-3-one, which is reacted with lithium in liquid ammonia in the absence of a proton donator and subsequently reduced by repeated alternative additions of a proton donator, said additions being followed in each case by an equivalent amount of lithium. The final product, a 1.alpha.,3.beta.-dihydorxy-.DELTA..sup.5 -steroid, is useful in the synthesis of derivatives of cholecalciferol.

Abstract: A process for asymmetrically hydrogenating through the use of microorganisms a double bond connected to tertiary carbon atom in an olefinic aliphatic compound to produce a tertiary, optically active aliphatic compound useful as an intermediate for optically active Vitamins E and K.

Abstract: Two related polypeptides, thymosin .beta..sub.3 and thymosin .beta..sub.4, have been isolated from Thymosin fraction 5. These peptides have been characterized and sequenced. Thymosin .beta..sub.3 has 50 amino acid residues while thymosin .beta..sub.4 has 43 amino acid residues corresponding identically to the amino terminal 43 amino acids of thymosin .beta..sub.3. The compounds have useful biological activity as evidenced by their ability to induce terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) positive cells in T-cell populations. The invention described herein was made in part in the course of work under a grant or award from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

Abstract: Enkephalin-like compounds can be extracted from bovine adrenal glands, showing opiate agonist activity and immunoreactive with enkephalin antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for preparing 5-cyano-4-methyl-oxazole, comprising reacting 5-carbamoyl-4-methyl-oxazole with a lower alkanecarboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a nickel or copper catalyst. The product, 5-cyano-4-methyl-oxazole, is an intermediate in the synthesis of vitamin B.sub.6.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with 9.alpha.-chloro-17-(m-iodobenzyloxy) steroids and a process for their manufacture. The subject compounds are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmacologically-active substances and have themselves been found to exhibit pharmacological activity.

Abstract: Novel carboxyl terminus analogs of .beta.-endorphin are described. The carboxyl terminus of such analogs is selected from lower alkyl amide, glycine, glycinamide, or polyglycine. These analogs exhibit either greater analgesic activity than the parent .beta.-endorphin and/or increased binding activity in an opiate binding assay.

Abstract: Novel cholestane derivatives, which can be used as intermediates in the manufacture of 25,26-dihydroxy-cholecalciferol, as well as a process for their preparation is described.