Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of down-regulating a T cell-mediated immune response, through activation or T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation of antigen-primed T cells in the presence of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (&agr;-MSH), which may be optionally enhanced by adding transforming growth factor-&bgr;2 (TGF-&bgr;2) approximately 4-6 hours after the start of the primed T cells' exposure to &agr;-MSH. Activation of the primed T cells may be mediated by presentation of the specific antigen to the primed T cells, or by an anti-TCR antibody or a T cell mitogen. As a result of the &agr;-MSH treatment modulating the T cell activation, antigen-specific, regulatory, CD4+/CD25+ T cells are generated that produce transforming growth factor-&bgr; (TGF-&bgr;) and can non-specifically down-regulate Th1-mediated inflammatory activities. The method may be used to down-regulate or suppress an autoimmune condition or a graft rejection in a transplant patient.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is --CH.sub.2 OH; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-8 alkyl; R.sub.3 is hydrogen or an amine protection group; and each R.sub.4 is hydrogen; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of fungal infections are described.

Abstract: A rotating drying chamber has a hot zone 6 and a cooler zone 10. The temperature in the hot zone 6 is high, whereas the temperature in the cooler zone 10 is lower. The material to be dried is held in the hot zone 6 for a shorter period of time than it is held in the cooler zone 10. The dried product is recovered through a discharge valve 17.

Abstract: A compound of formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is phenyl, substituted phenyl or a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing up to three heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen, optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, halogen or C.sub.1-6 alkoxy;X represents; ##STR2## wherein R.sup.Y is methyl or acetyl; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each is hydrogen, an aryl group, a heterocyclyl group or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group optionally substituted by an aryl group or a heterocyclyl group; and R.sup.4 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1-6 alkylcarbonyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclyl group, a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group optionally substituted by an aryl group or a heterocyclyl group;R.sup.5 represents, hydrogen, methoxy or --NHCHO; and Y is: ##STR3## wherein Y.sup.1 is oxygen, sulphur or --CH.sub.2 -- and Z represents hydrogen, halogen or an organic group such as C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, --CH.sub.2 Q or --CH.dbd.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is phenyl, 4-hydroxy phenyl, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl, 3,4-diacetoxyphenyl or a 5- or 6- membered heterocyclic ring containing up to three heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen, optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino, halogen or C.sub.1-6 alkoxy; and R.sup.2 is a sub-group of formula (A):--NH--R.sup.3 (A)wherein R.sup.3 is an optionally substituted C.sub.1-10 alkyl or C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl group; or R.sup.2 is a sub-group of formula (B):--NH--CO--R.sup.4 (B)wherein R.sup.4 is an aryl group, an optionally substituted C.sub.1-10 alkyl group or a C.sub.1-6 alkyloxy group optionally substituted by an aryl group.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (II): ##STR1## wherein X is halogen, hydroxyl or functionalized hydroxyl; Y is halogen, hydroxyl or alkoxy; R.sup.1 is a carboxylic acid group and ester thereof and amide derivative thereof or cyano; and R.sup.2 is hydrogen, a hydrocarbon, a heterocycle, a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylic acid ester, a carboxylic acid amide derivative, acyl, cyano, isocyano or an optionally substituted imine of the formula --CH.dbd.NZ or --N.dbd.CH.sub.2 wherein Z is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, sulphonyl, --SR.sup.a, sulphoxide --SR.sup.a, or sulphonate --SR.sup.a wherein R.sup.a is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or aryl, are useful as intermediates for the ultimate production of penicillins or cephalosporins.

Abstract: 7.alpha.-Methoxy-7.beta.-acylamino cephalosporins are prepared from 7.beta.-acylamino cephalosporins through formation of a ketenimine by the action of an acid halide, formation of an addition reaction adduct of this ketenimine, treatment of the adduct with a methoxide to form a 7.alpha.-methoxy ketenimine and hydrolysis of the latter ketenimine.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 3-substituted thiophenes which involves cyclization of a novel intermediate, avoids the use of previously employed expensive starting materials. The thiophenes are useful for the preparation of penicillins and cephalosporins.The process is for the preparation of a thiophene of formula (I): ##STR1## where R.sup.1 represents a carboxylic acid group, or an ester or amide thereof or a nitrile group; R.sup.2 represents a group suitable for use as an .alpha.-substituent in the side-chain of a penicillin or cephalosporin; which comprises treating a compound of formula (II): ##STR2## wherein X represents halogen or optionally functionalized hydroxyl, Y represents halogen, hydroxyl, or alkoxy; with a source of nucleophilic sulphur under basic conditions.

Abstract: 7.alpha.-Methoxy-7.beta.-acylamino cephalosporins are prepared from 7.beta.-acylamino cephalosporins through formation of a ketenimine by the action of an acid halide, formation of an addition reaction adduct of this ketenimine, treatment of the adduct with a methoxide to form a 7.alpha.-methoxy ketenimine and hydrolysis of the latter ketenimine.

Abstract: A class of ketenimine intermediates are prepared from 6-acrylaminopenicillins having an .alpha.-carboxy substituent in the side-chain, and are useful in the preparation of 6.alpha.-methoxy-.alpha.-carboxy penicillins.

Abstract: A class of ketenimine intermediates are prepared from 6-acylaminopenicillins having an .alpha.-carboxy substituent in the side-chain, and are useful in the preparation of 6.alpha.-methoxy-.alpha.-carboxy penicillins.