Abstract: This invention relates to a novel form of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor fluvastatin, more specifically to a highly crystalline form of fluvastatin sodium, referred to as fluvastatin sodium form B. The invention also relates to processes for production of fluvastatin sodium form B, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising fluvastatin sodium form B, and to the use of fluvastatin sodium form B in medical treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting guide instrument and method for enabling high-precision resection of the head (caput femoris) (8) of the neck (5) of a human femur (collum femoris) at a predetermined cutting angle (.alpha..sub.c) to the femoral shaft (9) and on a predetermined cutting level (L.sub.c) with respect to the proximal end of the caput (8). A support part (11) is fixed to the femur during the resection. A longitudinal guide carrier (12) is supported by the support part (11) and is aligned along the femoral collum (5) at said predetermined cutting angle (.alpha..sub.c) to the femoral shaft (9). A cutting guide (13) is supported by and movable along the axis (D--D) of the guide carrier (12) to a cutting position corresponding to the predetermined cutting level (L.sub.c). The invention also relates to the use of the instrument for performing such resection.

Abstract: There are provided compounds of formula (I), ##STR1## wherein D represents a five membered heterocyclic aromatic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N or S, optionally substituted at a carbon atom by halogen, trifluoromethyl, alkyl C1 to 6, nitro or cyano, and which is connected to the remainder of the compound of formula (I) through a carbon atom; A represents N(X) or CH(--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --NXY); U represents NH, O or CH.sub.2 ; V represents (CH.sub.2).sub.a ; W represents (CH.sub.2).sub.b ; a, b, m, X and Y are as defined in the specification, together with processes for their preparation and compositions containing them. Compounds of formula (I) are nitric oxide synthetase inhibitors and are useful in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of GABA.sub.B receptor agonists for the inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, and for the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antiviral compound selected from the group consisting of foscarnet, acyclovir, valaciclovir, penciclovir and famciclovir, in admixture with galactolipids and a polar solvent. The pharmaceutical composition can be used in a prophylactic and/or curative treatment of herpesvirus infections in mammals including man, by topical or parenteral administration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for keeping the dispensing parts on a device for administering a sterile preparation for local treatment containing a preservative-free preparation free from bacterial growth. This is achieved in that the dispensing part is allowed to dry quickly after each use. The invention is also directed towards a cap to be used in this method.

Abstract: A compound of formula ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or 1; m is 0 or 1; p is 0 or 1; X is oxygen or sulfur; Y is CH, N or NO; W is oxygen, H.sub.2 or F.sub.2 ;A is N or C(R.sup.2); G is N or C(R.sup.3); D is N or C(R.sup.4);with the proviso that no more than one of A, G, and D is nitrogen, but at least one of Y, A, G, and D is nitrogen or NO;R.sup.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl;R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, OH, OC.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, CO.sub.2 R.sup.1, --CN, --NO.sub.2, --NR.sup.5 R.sup.6, --CF.sub.3, --OSO.sub.2 CF.sub.3 or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, respectively, may together form another six membered aromatic or heteroaromatic ring sharing A and G, or G and D, respectively, containing between zero and two nitrogen atoms, and substituted with one to two of the following substituents: independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.

Abstract: A fixture (301) of a dental implant system for implantation in bone tissue (312, 314) of the maxilla or mandible by displacement thereof in a forward direction for supporting a superstructure such as an abutment, the fixture having a forward end, a rearward end (330) which presents an interfacing surface (350) for interfacing with an interfacing surface of the superstructure and an outer surface (305) which forwardly of a predetermined position (307) on the outer surface is adapted for interlocking with bone tissue of the maxilla or mandible. The interfacing surface of the fixture is structurally isolated from the fixture outer surface to a level which is both forwardly of the interfacing surface and the predetermined position on the fixture outer surface.

Abstract: A generally flat, elongate inhaler is disclosed. The inhaler has a bend or a projection in its body that provides a guide to the user as to how far the inhaler should be inserted into the mouth.

Abstract: A single-use, disposable inhaler comprising: (1) a housing open at both ends, one end forming an air inlet and the other forming an air outlet, thereby defining an air flow path through the inhaler; and (2) an internal plate spaced above and below the housing, oriented parallel to the axis of the inhaler and parallel to the air flow path. The internal plate comprises a storage cavity formed therein, located near the air inlet, in which a single dose of a pharmaceutically active compound is placed. An individual using the inhaler inhales through the air inlet, creating an air stream which lifts the powder out of the storage cavity, into the air stream, and to the user.

Abstract: A device for the transmission of one-way torque comprising an outer annular member having a plurality of radially inwardly projecting teeth each comprising a driving surface and a cam surface, and a shaft concentrically mounted with respect to the outer annular member and comprising a plurality of drive elements each having a driving surface and a cam surface. Rotation of the shaft or outer annular member in its driving direction causes engagement of a driving surface of at least one drive element with a driving surface of at least one tooth thereby resulting in joint rotation of the shaft and outer annular member. Rotation of the shaft or outer annular member in its non-driving direction causes engagement of the cam surface of at least one drive element with the cam surface of at least one tooth resulting in additional relative movement, substantially radially, between the drive element and tooth, thereby preventing rotational movement being transmitted between the shaft and the outer annular member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis for uni-condylar or bi-condylar replacement of a joint in a human body and in particular to the tibia side of a knee joint. By means of an elongate fixture, a prosthetic plate is secured in position in a pre-prepared tibia portion and is allowed to heal, without further surgery being required. The invention also relates to a device for preparing the knee joint for prosthetic reception.

Abstract: Novel homodimers that include cysteine-containing peptides having 4-15 amino acid residues can be administered to modulate the immune response in an animal.

Abstract: An inhalation device for providing a substance in a dispersed state, comprising internal surfaces for ducting the substance and containing the same in a dispersed state and a mechanism for creating vibrations in at least some of the internal surfaces.

Abstract: An inhaler for administering powder by inhalation and a method of constructing the same, the inhaler including a member which defines a chamber for containing desiccant, the member including first and second parts which when fitted together define the chamber for containing desiccant and include cooperating detent means for holding the same together on fitting, wherein the first part has an outer surface provided with at least one of an internal or external spline and the second part has an inner surface provided with at least one of the other of an internal or external spline, the splines being dimensioned and spaced relative to the cooperating detent means such that, when the first and second parts are fitted together, the at least one external spline is engaged within the at least one internal spline before any resistance to further insertion is caused by the cooperating detent means.

Abstract: A method for the prophylaxis and treatment of dyspeptic symptoms comprising administering angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists in pharmaceutical preparations is disclosed.

Abstract: A blister pack arrangement comprises at least one blister pack with individually openable blisters including a number of blisters containing placebo (placebo blisters), and a number of blisters containing an active pharmaceutical drug (drug blisters). Indicia means provides user information that indicates a predetermined sequence in which said blisters are to be opened during a trial period, said sequence being such that the placebo blisters are to be opened before the drug blisters. The blisters are not identifiable with each other either by sight or by said indicia means. An initially secret treatment code is to be broken after the trial period, revealing when in said sequence a switch is made from placebo to active drug.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition which is a combination of the ACE inhibitor ramipril and a calcium antagonist of one of the dihydropyridine type compounds felodipine, nitrendipine, nifedipine and lacidipine. The pharmaceutical composition is for use in the therapy and treatment of hypertension.