Abstract: A pharmaceutically active composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more alpha-MSH or analogues thereof for use in the stimulation of integumental melanocytes in vertebrates in order to bring about the production of melanin is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved microsurgical instrumentation, and an improved method using a perfluorocarbon material for hydrokinetic manipulation, for the surgical treatment of complicated retinal detachments of the eye.

Abstract: A new class of nucleoside phosphoramidites which are relatively stable to permit isolation thereof and storage at room temperature. The phosphoramidites are derivatives of saturated secondary amines.

Abstract: A method of preparing a compound useful as a brightener in aqueous copper electroplating solutions comprising reacting a compound of the following formula: ##STR1## with a compound of the formula:HS--R.sub.2 --Z.sub.nwherein:R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each an alkylene containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an arylene, an alkylarylene, an arylalkylene or a heterocyclic group containing at least one nitrogen atom in its ring structure:x, y and z each is a hydrogen or a water-solubilizing group; andn is an integer of from 1 to 4; with the proviso that:when R.sub.1 is a heterocyclic group, x, y and z are hydrogen and R.sub.2 is an alkylene containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an arylene, an alkylarylene or an arylalkylene;when R.sub.2 is a heterocyclic group, x, y and z are hydrogen and R.sub.1 is an alkylene containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an arylene, an alkylarylene or an arylalkylene;when x or y is a water-solubilizing group, R.sub.

Abstract: Method for determining levels of sulfhydryl amino acids, particularly total homocysteine levels in samples of body tissue from warm-blooded animals, methods of detecting cobalamin and folic acid deficiency using an assay for total homocysteine levels, and methods for distinguishing cobalamin from folic acid deficiency using an assay for total homocysteine levels in conjunction with an assay for methylmalonic acid.

Abstract: An opaque, colored, hydrogel forming material is applied by a novel apparatus to hydrated soft contact lenses and cured in situ so as to form a pattern simulating the human iris in a number of colors.