Abstract: The invention relates to N-deacetyl-lysogangliosides and physiologically acceptable salts thereof, especially those of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents --CH.dbd.CH(CH.sub.2)nCH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 (CH.sub.2)nCH.sub.3 ;n is 12 or 14;R.sup.1 represents ##STR2## or hydrogen; and R.sup.2 represents hydrogen or acetyl; for use in therapy.The compounds are useful as inhibitors of phospholipases A.sub.2, and of superoxide production, as antiproliferative and immunosuppressant agents in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The invention also relates to the use of N-deacetyl-lysogangliosides for the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment of the aforementioned conditions.

Abstract: A non-anticoagulant (NAC) form of heparin which shows antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells is useful in the prevention of restenosis and other conditions benefited by antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells. This NAC form of heparin is prepared by oxidizing heparin/heparan sulfate to a desired level with periodate followed by reduction of the resulting aldehyde groups; all under conditions which prevent depolymerization of the heparin.

Abstract: Various peptides having affinity for sulfated polysaccharides such as heparin, dextran sulfate and Pentosan polysulfate are bound to resins and used in affinity chromatography to prepare anti-HIV sulfated polysaccharides.

Abstract: Sodium N-acetylneuraminate trihydrate herein provided is represented by the following formula: ##STR1## The sodium N-acetylneuraminate trihydrate can be prepared, for instance, according to a method which comprises the steps of: dissolving sodium N-acetylneuraminate in water or in a mixture of water and an organic solvent; allowing the resulting solution to stand; precipitating and separating the resulting crystals of sodium N-acetylneuraminate.trihydrate; and then drying the separated crystals. The sodium N-acetylneuraminate trihydrate has very low hygroscopicity and hence can be handled without any difficulty in the form of powder.

Abstract: A complex of branched beta cyclodextrin and steroid is formed by mixing a steroid and a branched beta cyclodextrin together in water for a period of about 4 to 24 hours under ambient conditions. The solubility of the steroid is increased about 95 times by employing the complex.

Abstract: Cationic polysaccharide derivatives are prepared by reacting a polysaccharide with a polycationic reagent having one polysaccharide reactive group and at least two cationic groups. Suitable reagents include polycationic alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic amines, some of which are novel compositions. The polycationic polysaccharide derivatives prepared from these reagents are useful in the manufacture of paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the elimination of steroid compounds contained in a substance of biological origin by complexing the steroidal compounds by means of a cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium, under agitation at a temperature between 20.degree. and 80.degree. C. and then separating the complexes so formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new synthetic process for the preparation of anti-tumor agent Etoposide (VP16-213). the process, which has shorten reaction route, simple procedure, high yield and low materials cost, therefore facilitates the commercial manufacture of etoposide.

Abstract: Synthetic glycosaminosyl transferase-V acceptors and inhibitors are disclosed. Minimal trisaccharide inhibitors and acceptors specific for GnT-V, which is associated with the ability of cells to metastasize are useful, in diagnosis and treatment of conditions characterized by metastatic cells.

Abstract: Circulating heparin in a mammal may be neutralized without substantial depletion of platelets or leukocytes by administering to the mammal a heparin neutralizing amount of purified PF4 or rPF4 or a heparin neutralizing fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an antidote to blood anticoagulants comprising Factor VIII or fragments of Factor VIII which retain its activity or a substance which increases its concentration in blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel sweet compounds derived from the leaves of the subtropical weed Abrus precatorius, and their use as sweeteners. In particular, the present invention contemplates four novel sweet compounds isolated from A. precatorius or A. fruticulosus, and particularly, Abrusosides A, B, C and D and related compounds. The present invention also contemplates the use of these abrusosides and related compounds as sugar substitutes. The present invention contemplates the use of Abrusosides A-D as individual components or in mixtures, in a method for sweetening comestibles, foodstuffs, beverages and medicinal agents.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical composition are provided for the treatment of autonomic nervous system abnormalities caused by Chagas' diseases by the administration of gangliodises, particularly a mixture of ganliosides GM.sub.1, GD.sub.1a, GD.sub.1b, and GT.sub.1b.

Abstract: A purified oligosaccharide consisting of a hexasaccharide with a native molecular weight of 959 which can be isolated from the cell walls of Streptococcus oralis. The oligosaccharide is able to significantly block the interaction between the human oral plaque bacteria Streptococcus oralis H1 and Capnocytophaga ochracea ATCC 33596. This purified oligosaccharide contains saccharide components found to inhibit many know interactions between plaque bacteria and may be effective in prevention, inhibition and reversal of dental plaque deposits. The oligosaccharide may be applied effectively when incorporated in toothpastes, mouth wash, etc.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient to reduce or prevent an acute or chronic inflammation or an ischaemic state which comprises administering to such patient an effective amount therefor of efomycin A, E or G.

Abstract: A phytohormone for inducing root hair curling and root nodulation in the roots of leguminous plants particularly in the absence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The phytohormone comprises a pentassaccharide having a fatty acid condensed on the non-reducing end. a method for treating the roots of leguminous plants for inducing root hair curling and root nodulation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for curing autoimmune diseases is disclosed. The composition comprises as an effective component an acidic heteropolysaccharide which is secreted by a callus induced from a plant belonging to the genus Polianthes L. The acidic heteropolysaccharide can be prepared as a uniform product by the application of plant tissue culture methods and exhibits superior capability of removing immunocomplexes with the least side effects.

Abstract: Complexes of saponins from Centella asiatica, terminalia sp. and Terminalia sericea and relevant aglycons with phospholipids are described. The saponins may be asiaticoside, madecassicoside and sericoside. The molar ratio of phospholipids to saponins is from 0.5 to 2. The phospholipids are selected from the group consisting of soy lecithins, phospholipids from bovine or swine brain or cutis, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine in which the acyl groups can be the same or different and are mostly derived from palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic acids. Pharmaceutical compositions and the method of treatment are also described.

Abstract: A process for the depolymerization and supersulfation of heparin and the so obtained supersulfated heparins are disclosed. The process comprises treating heparin with oleum containing from 2 to 6% free sulfuric anhydride at a temperature from -10.degree. to +20.degree. C. The obtained heparins have molecular weights from 2000 to 5000 and a sulfation degree from 3.4 to 4.3. All of them are endowed with a remarkable antithrombotic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sulphated glycosamino glycuronan with antithrombotic activity consisting essentially of salts of dermatan sulphate, chondroitin sulphate and heparan sulphate, characterized bya) an average molecular weight between 4000 and 8000 daltons;b) a nitrogen content between 2.4 and 3.0%;c) a sulphur content between 7.5 and 9.5%;d) a sodium content between 9 and 11%;e) a dermatan sulphate content between 5 and 25%;f) a chondroitin sulphate content less than 9%;g) an anti-Xa activity between 11 and 20 .mu./mg; andh) an antithrombin III dependent antithrombin activity of less than 1 .mu./mg.