Abstract: An enzymatic reduction method, particularly a stereoselective enzymatic reduction method, for the preparation of compounds useful as intermediates in the preparation of taxanes.

Abstract: Compounds which are useful as inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis and thus as hypocholesterolemic agents are provided which have a quinoline or a pyridine anchor attached by means of a linker to a binding domain sidechain, which compounds inhibit the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a novel wound dressing providing superior absorption and preventing leakage is disclosed. The present dressing comprises a hydrocolloid-containing polymeric support layer either continuous or non-continuous and an occlusive backing layer overlying the support. In a preferred embodiment the present dressing further includes an adhesive on a skin-contacting surface of the support and an absorbent region interposed between the support and the backing layer.

Abstract: The connector assembly for double tubing includes a pair of interengageable coupling members that engage when latches on the respective coupling members are aligned in a predetermined nonlatching position. Locking of the coupling members together is accomplished by rotating one of the coupling members with respect to the other coupling member to interengage the respective latches of each coupling member. A latch section of one of the coupling members extends transversely of the coupling member body and a latch section of the other coupling member extends longitudinally of the coupling member body. A locking notch in one of the latch sections receives the other latch section to place the coupling members in a locked position when one of the coupling members is rotated to engage the latches. Further rotation of the coupling members unlatches the respective latch members to permit separation of the coupling members upon imposition of oppositely directed forces on each of the coupling members.

Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of Parkinson's disease or controlling movement of a Parkinsonian patient by administering an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, such as a sulfonyl urea, (for example, tolbutamide), or quinine.

Abstract: A transgenic animal model for arthritis is disclosed. The arthritic condition results from genetic (or immunologic) manipulations that result in the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of the animal being substantially limited relative to the TCR repertoire of a wildtype control animal. The TCR repertoire of the arthritic animal, albeit limited, is functionally viable. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to transgenic arthritic mice wherein arthritis results from (1) a transgenic allele which encodes and expresses TCR .alpha. and .beta. subunits that combine in T lymphocytes of the transgenic animal to form a TCR that recognizes an antigen comprising one or more epitopes of an oligopeptide derived from amino acids 41-61 of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease and/or (2) polypeptide arthritogenic self antigens derived from endogenous proteins.

Abstract: A container for receiving and separating blood plasma into its ingredients that has two sealingly coupled sections (1 and 2). One container section (2) and the adjacent portion of the other container section are made of solid material, and the two container sections are screwed together. The container sections (1 and 2) comprise their respective chambers (29 and 30) for receiving their respective fluid ingredients, and these chambers are interconnected through a connecting channel (31) through the abutting portions, at which the container sections (1 and 2) are screwed together. A valve seat (21, 27) is shaped at each end of the connecting channel (31) for each valve member (22, 16) for a sealing closing of the chambers (29, 30) in the separated state of the container sections (1, 2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preserved, yet non-cytotoxic alginate based hydrating gel system for the purpose of treating wounds that need moisture. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose and an alginate polymer blend impart sufficient viscosity to an aqueous solution to provide moisture to the wound. The blend reduces the cytotoxicity of a combination of preservatives incorporated into the system. More specifically, the invention relates to a wound hydrating gel comprising a) a hydrocolloid mixture of carboxymethylcellulose and sodium/calcium alginate, and b) a preservative system. This invention further relates to methods of preparing and using the wound hydrating gel.

Abstract: A method for the production of taxanes such as taxol. The method includes inducing formation of callus cells by contacting an explant tissue with a liquid medium without complete submergence of the tissue in the medium. The callus cells formed are employed in a liquid suspension cell culture to produce one or more taxanes.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 20, 40 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 30. A plurality of tabs 31, 32, symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 30, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The ring 30 is generally circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: A coupling, which may be an ostomy coupling but could be any kind of tube or pipe coupling, includes a first coupling member 10 and a second coupling member 30 which are mutually interengageable and which surround an orifice 70. The coupling also includes a resilient split ring 50 which encircles the two coupling members and has a handle member 51 which can be manipulated to cause the split ring to be deformed. This causes the radially-inwardly extending tabs 52 on the ring to be shifted between respective first positions in which the split ring is undeformed and the tabs lock the two coupling members together and respective second positions in which the split ring is deformed in such a way as to shift the tabs radially outwardly to positions where they permit separation of the two coupling members.The split ring is desirably made of a relatively rigid but springy plastics material, for example an acetal resin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for preparing antibodies which bind to specific isoforms of the human retinoic acid receptor-.gamma. (RAR-.gamma.). In addition, several monoclonal antibodies are described which bind to human RAR-.gamma., but not to mouse or which bind to RAR-.gamma.1, but not to RAR-.gamma.2. Methods and kits are described which allow one to detect the isotype of RAR-.gamma. which is expressed in a test sample. Such methods are useful in determining the tissue specific pattern of expression of various RAR-.gamma. isoforms.

Abstract: A container for receiving and separating blood plasma into its ingredients having two sealingly coupled sections (1 and 2). One container section (2) and the adjacent portion of the other container section are made of solid material, and the two container sections are screwed together. The container sections (1 and 2) have their respective chamber (29 and 30) for receiving their respective fluid ingredients, and these chambers are interconnected through a connecting channel (31) through the abutting portions, at which the container sections (1 and 2) are screwed together. A valve seat (21, 27) is shaped at each end of the connecting channel (31) for each valve member (22, 16) for a sealing closing of the chambers (29, 30) in the separated state of the container sections (1, 2).

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 80, 90 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 100. A plurality of tabs 101 symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 100, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The split ring 100 is for the most part circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention novel methods for cardiopulmonary bypass and organ transplant, each employing a potassium channel activator, are disclosed. The use of a potassium channel activator has been found to reduce the damage or ischemia induced by the bypass and transplant procedures.

Abstract: The ostomy bag includes a multi-stage filter system that provides contamination protection for a deodorizing filter in the system. The multi-stage filter system also includes protection elements that are impassable to semi-liquid waste material but permit passage of gaseous waste. The protection elements are located such that gaseous waste must pass through the protection elements before it passes through the deodorizing filter. In one embodiment of the invention, the protection elements include a fluid and gas-impermeable cover layer with fluid bypass ports. The fluid and gas-impermeable cover layer is followed by a barrier filter that restricts passage of semi-liquid waste material. The barrier filter is followed by a liquid-impermeable membrane that prevents passage of liquid. The liquid-impermeable membrane is followed by a moisture-absorbent pad that is adjacent the deodorizing filter.

Abstract: Enzymatic hydrolysis and esterification processes for the preparation of compounds useful as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and/or as intermediates in the preparation of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing an adverse reaction of the skin to the presence of a skin-sensitizing agent by administering an effective amount of a potassium-sparing diuretic.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are as defined herein. These compounds inhibit the action of angiotensin II and are useful, therefore, for example, as antihypertensive agents.

Abstract: A novel device and method for the application of two or more components of a fibrin sealant using a gas is disclosed. The novel device and method involve the concentric arrangement of annular apertures for each of the components concentric with and radially outward of a center gas discharge aperture in the exit end of a spray head. Reservoirs for each component, for example syringe cartridges or cylinders, are in dextrete fluid communication with the spray head and preferably can be activated by a common means.