Abstract: Hydrolyzed gelatin has been found to provide an improvement in taste and mouthfeel when incorporated in small amounts into chewable tablets containing ingredients requiring taste masking. Medicinals and nutritional supplements may now be prepared as chewables for those who find tablets difficult to swallow, for example children and older adults, or for those who prefer the convenience. There is a particularly large improvement in the taste and mouthfeel of chewables incorporating magaldrate and/or calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A buffered aspirin tablet composed of a uniform mixture of aqueous-based polymer coated aspirin, a buffering system and a hydrophillic gel-forming matrix material. The buffering system and matrix material provide a microenvironment on in vitro dissolution of about pH 5. The tablet does not require the use of multilayers and may be prepared by direct compression with conventional equipment.

Abstract: The invention discloses an antimicrobial composition composed of a hypothiocyanate generating system adjusted to a pH between about 1.5 and about 5 with a di or tricarboxylic acid. This composition provides synergistically improved antimicrobial action. With the addition of the organic acid, the antimicrobial composition provides effective cidal activity against Gram negative microorganisms in 20 minutes or less. The composition is particularly effective against Salmonella and may be used to provide greater than 6 logs reduction in viable cell count.

Abstract: A method for producing a tablet shine coating by either (a) alternately spray flooding the surfaces of tablets with a clear aqueous coating solution which is devoid of plasticizers, such as a solution consisting essentially of about 6% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, about 0.06% sodium hexametaphosphate and about 0.006% lecithin by weight in water, and flash drying the tablets, or (b) alternately spray flooding the surfaces of coated tablets with water and flash drying the tablets.

Abstract: Histamine derivatives, immunogen conjugates comprising histamine or said histamine derivatives coupled to immunogenic carrier materials and antibodies prepared against such immunogen conjugates are disclosed. Such antibodies are useful in immunoassays for determining histamine release in biological fluids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting a gene encoding .alpha.amylase from a nucleic acid sample suspected of containing said gene. Said methods utilize oligonucleotide probes of consensus sequences deduced from highly conserved DNA sequences of various Bacillus species.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies capable of immunoprecipitating labeled dihydropyridine receptor material from digitonin-solubilized skeletal muscle triads are disclosed. Said antibodies recognize a 170,000 dalton protein subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor.

Abstract: A therapeutic method of treatment of hemoglobinopathy by administration of a drug capable of blocking the Ca.sup.+2 channel in and out of muscle cells. Drugs known to possess this capability are 1,4-dihydropyridines, .beta.-phenethylamines, benzothiazepines, ethylenediamines and diaryl alkyl amines. These drugs are known to block the influx of Ca.sup.+2 into the cardiac muscle and are known to be useful in treatment of such heart muscle conditions as angina. It has now been unexpectedly discovered that such drugs can be used to treat hemoglobinopathy.

Abstract: A growth medium suitable for increasing the yield of plasminogen activator obtained from plasminogen activator-producing cells. The growth medium is composed of a 1:1:1 (by weight) mixture of Waymouth's MB752/1, Dulbecco MEM and Ham's F-12. The growth medium is preferably supplemented with growth factors.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for inhibiting gastric secretion in an individual for whom such therapy is indicated is disclosed. The method comprises administering to such an individual an effective inhibitory amount of certain derivatives of 15-deoxy-16-hydroxy-prostaglandin E.sub.1 esters.

Abstract: A method for suppressing withdrawal symptoms in an opioid-induced tolerant or physically dependent individual is disclosed. The method comprises administering to such individual an effective amount of a calcium channel blocking drug or pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic salt thereof to suppress said withdrawal in said individual. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in suppressing withdrawal symptoms in an opioid-induced tolerant or physically dependent individual.

Abstract: Disclosed are 1,4-dihydropyridine immunogen conjugates of immunogenic carrier materials coupled to a 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative. Said conjugates are useful for the preparation of antibodies thereto which antibodies may be used in immunoassays for 1,4-dihydropyridine compounds. An affinity column useful for the purification of said antibodies is also disclosed.