Abstract: Diterpenes of the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is --CH.sub.2 --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH--R.sup.3 or --CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2 --R.sup.3,R.sup.3 is --CH.sub.2 OH, --CHO, --COOH or --COOR.sup.4,R.sup.4 is alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms,A is ##STR2## and R.sup.2 is H, pentoses, hexoses, di-/oligosaccharides or amino sugars,are suitable for production of medicaments having immunomodulatory action, in particular stimulating T-cells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the protection of moist stratified squamous epithelia against damage from exposure to noxious luminal agents. Protection of moist stratified squamous epithelia against these noxious luminal agents is afforded by chemical compounds having one of the following reactive groups in their molecule: X--SO.sub.3.sup.-, where X represents oxygen or carbon, and XO.sub.4.sup.= or X.sub.2 O.sub.7.sup.=, where X represents an element from group VIb or sulfur of group VIa of the periodic table. Compounds that provide protection against injury to moist stratified squamous epithelia that illustrate the protective characteristic of these reactive species are the sulfonates, the sulfate esters and the tetrahedral-shaped divalent oxy-anions of the transition metals in group VIb or of sulfur.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reducing the galactose content of galactomannan by means of a substantially specific galactosidase enzyme preparation in which the galactomannan is incubated in the form of a hydrated preparation containing 2-70 percent by weight of galactomannan. Preferable this preparation contains 8-50 percent by weight of galactommanan. The process yields galactomannans with a reduced content of galactose of which those containing 15 to 19 percent of galactose are novel compound. These latter products are used with advantage in foodstuffs and cosmetic preparations.

Abstract: A new gel-like composition of matter containing a complex carbohydrate with a high degree of carboxyl substitution cross-linked by an organic cross-linker has been developed. The cross-linkers have complex ring structures, e.g., polynuclear or heterocyclic compounds, which permit development of two distinct partial positive charges under conditions where a carbohydrate is negatively charged. Antibiotics are the preferred cross-linking agents and a method of sustained release of the antibodies is also disclosed.