Abstract: The present invention refers to a phospholipid-based compound, that is a phospholipid to which an X-ray contrast-giving moiety has been covalently linked, liposomes comprising said compound as well as the use of said liposomes as a diagnostic or contrast agent.

Abstract: A process for the production of a carboxylic acid by carbonylation of an alkyl alcohol or its reactive derivative comprises contacting the reactant with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction composition comprising: (a) an iridium catalyst or rhodium catalyst, (b) alkyl halide, (c) at least a finite concentration of water and (d) rhenium as promoter.

Abstract: A process for recovering and reusing a solvent and optical isomers, characterized by using a simulated moving packed bed which comprises an inlet for an eluent, an outlet for an extract containing an optical isomer strongly adsorbable on the packing, an inlet for a liquid containing an optical isomer mixture and an outlet for a raffinate containing an optical isomer weakly adsorbable on the packing in this order in a packed bed containing packings for optical resolution and arranged in a solvent circulation passage, and in which the inlets and the outlets are intermittently and successively moved in the direction of liquid flow in the packed bed: recovering the solvent and the optical isomer(s) from The resultant extract and/or raffinate; returning the recovered solvent into the solvent circulation passage; or when the solvent is not recovered, heating the extract or raffinate to racemize an undesired optical isomer and reusing the resultant solution containing a racemic modification for the separation of the

Abstract: An alkoxyphenylalkylamine derivative represented by the following formula: ##STR1## (wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 may be either the same or different from each other and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and substituted with a phenyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be either the same or different from each other and each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms and substituted with "a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group or an alkoxycarbonyl group" at the end, or, R.sup.1 and R.sup.

Abstract: A supplementary therapeutic agent for the treatment of immunodeficiency syndrome with reduced NK (natural killer) activity and an immunopotentiator preparation containing it are provided.A supplementary therapeutic agent for immunopotentiation which comprises L-cysteine, L-cystine, or L-glutamine, or salts thereof and is used in combination with an immunopotentiator such as lentinan, OK-432, sizofiran or the like, and an immunopotentiator preparation containing the agent. This combination of agents is useful as a supplementary therapeutic agent for the treatment of an immunodeficiency, such as low NK activity syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or congenital immunodeficiency syndromes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for selectively producing acetic acid and/or methyl acetate by the gas phase carbonylation of methanol with carbon monoxide; an improved process for producing acetic anhydride directly from the methyl acetate; and a novel method for sustaining the life time of a carbonylation or a hydroformylation catalyst by pretreating the carbon monoxide or the synthesis gas to be used in carrying out the gas phase carbonylation or the hydroformylation.

Abstract: Invented is a method of preventing or delaying the occurrence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive humans which comprises administering to such human an effective therefor amount of a substituted azaspirane.

Abstract: An inhibitor for restenosis after percutaneous coronary arterioplasty, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a compound of the following formula (1), (1') or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trifluoromethyl group, a nitro group, a C1-C6 alkyl group or a C1-C6 alkoxyl group, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be linked to form a methylenedioxy group; R.sup.3 is an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic group, an optionally substituted 5 to 7-membered cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group; R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an -S-glutathione residue, an -S-.alpha.-amino acid residue, or an aralkyl group optionally having substituent(s) in the aryl moiety; R.sup.5 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group, and R.sup.4 and R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting hair growth. The methods generally comprise the administration to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of the compositions of the present invention which employ a vasodilator in combination with estradiol and/or a 5-.alpha.-reductase inhibitor in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The compositions and methods of the present invention are suitable for the treatment of baldness, in particular, male pattern baldness.

Abstract: A method of accelerating the proliferation of endothelial cells with inhibition of NO synthases in warm-blooded animals comprising administering to warm-blooded animals an amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a .beta.-naphthoquinone of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of --NH--CO--NH.sub.2, --NH--C0--CH.sub.3 and --0H and their non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts in an amount sufficient to accelerate the proliferation of endothelial cells.

Abstract: Benzyl alcohols having a chiral center at the benzylic carbon can be conveniently racemized by treatment with solid acids which are strongly acidic cation exchange materials. Racemization may be effected generally in the range from 20.degree.-150.degree. C. in aqueous or partly aqueous systems in combination with a water-miscible organic solvent to improve solubility of the alcohol. Similar racemizations may be effected for benzyl ethers and esters. This process is valuable for recycling of unwanted enantiomers obtained in the resolution of racemic mixtures.

Abstract: Supported catalyst, process for its preparation and its use for the preparation of vinyl acetateThe invention relates to improved Pd/K/Au, Pd/K/Ba and Pd/K/Cd supported catalysts, their preparation and their use for the preparation of vinyl acetate from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen in the gas phase. The stated catalysts are prepared by atomizing a solution of corresponding metal salts by means of ultrasonics and then applying them in such limited amounts and within such a limited time to the carrier particles, and beginning to dry them, so that the catalytically active metal salts cannot penetrate into the carrier particles as far as the core but only into a larger or smaller outer part.

Abstract: .beta.-Carotene and canthaxanthin, as representative carotenoids, and to a lesser extent, retinoic acid, a representative retinoid, undergo extensive oxidation to yield substances, insofar as oxidized .beta.-carotene is a model, which have properties useful as non-toxic agents active against cell proliferation, tumors, and tumorigenic viruses, and useful as promoters of cell differentiation. It is evident from chemical analysis of the highly oxidized .beta.-carotene product mixture that none of the various forms of vitamin A are present or are present only in minor amounts. Furthermore, the biological activities of oxidized canthaxanthin and retinoic acid, which cannot form, vitamin A, indicate the presence of active substances that are different from vitamin A. Although the anti-proliferative and differentiation promotion activities of oxidized .beta.-carotene resemble those of vitamin A itself, generally the effects are more powerful for oxidized .beta.-carotene in a wide variety of circumstances.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for renal disorder and a dialysis solution for extracorporeal hemodialysis which comprise a phosphoric acid diester of the following formula: ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof.Since the composition of this invention inhibits the formation of free radicals in the body, it can be advantageously used for the prophylaxis and treatment of various renal disorders such as glomerulonephritis, acute renal failure, uremia, adriamycin nephrosis, puromycin nephrosis, gentamicin- and cisplatin-induced disorders of the kidney, renal impairment due to paraquat and other agricultural chemicals, and immune complex nephritis. Moreover, the composition of this invention is also of use as a dialysis solution for extracorporeal hemodialysis with the propylactic/therapeutic effect on dialysis amyloidosis.

Abstract: Crystallization of adipic acid using low intensity ultrasonic agitation during crystallization results in purer product that is more readily handled. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbonylation catalyst useful for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid, acetic anhydride or both comprises a polymer support containing pendant pyrrolidone groups which support a rhodium species. Other polymeric supports capable of withstanding carbonylation temperatures of at least 150.degree. C. are disclosed for the carbonylation reaction in which rhodium levels in the reaction medium of greater than 500 ppm are contemplated.

Abstract: This invention is directed to spermicidal or cytocidal activity of fatty acids and monoglycerides. More particularly, this invention is directed to the killing of sperm and cells by fatty acids and monoglycerides. The invention is also directed to spermicidal or cytocidal compositions consisting essentially of inert carrier and an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of fatty acids and monoglycerides thereof, fatty alcohols, and ether and lysophosphatidylcholine derivatives.

Abstract: Corrosion metal contaminants are removed from a liquid composition comprising a carboxylic acid and/or an anhydride thereof, a rhodium carbonylation catalyst, and a carbonylation catalyst co-promoter by using a chelating resin selective for the removal of corrosion metals rather than carbonylation catalyst and co-promoter.

Abstract: Provided are 3-oxoadipate esters of certain polyols which are useful as crosslinkers in thermosetting coating compositions. Also provided are such thermosetting compositions comprised of a curable hydroxyl-functional polymer such as a polyester or acrylic and the crosslinkers of the present invention. Such compositions offer a significant improvement in curing temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and novel way of producing 4-acetoxystyrene. In this new process, 4-hydroxystyrene is acetylated, in the presence of an acetylation agent, under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure and for a sufficient period of time to form acetoxystyrene.