Abstract: The novel compound, 3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrolidone, is effective as a transdermal enhancer for the absorption of drugs through the skin of humans and animals. The 3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrolidone is prepared from delta-butyrolactone which is converted to methyl 2,4-dibromobutyrate, this intermediate is reacted with methylamine to form N-methyl-2,4-dibromobutyramide, this intermediate is converted to 3-bromo-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone by ring closure, and the 3-bromo-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is reacted with an alkaline earth metal carbonate or alkaline metal carbonate to form 3-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: Compounds selected from the group consisting of a compound of the formula ##STR1## and compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein x is 1 or 2,Y is carbobenzoxy or benzoyl, andXR is ##STR3## have use as elastase enzyme inhibitors. Particularly potent are the L-proline diastereomers.Elastase Enzyme inhibitory compositions comprise a carrier and an elastase enzyme inhibiting amount of the compounds of the invention.A method of selectively inhibiting the enzyme elastase in an animal or a human in need of such treatment comprises administering to the animal or human an enzyme elastase inhibiting amount of one of the compounds of the invention or a composition thereof.

Abstract: The novel compound, 3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrolidone, is effective as a transdermal enhancer for the absorption of drugs through the skin of humans and animals. The 3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrolidone is prepared from delta-butyrolactone which is converted to methyl 2,4-dibromobutyrate, this intermediate is reacted with methylamine to form N-methyl-2,4-dibromobutyramide, this intermediate is converted to 3-bromo-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone by ring closure, and the 3-bromo-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is reacted with an alkaline earth metal carbonate or alkaline metal carbonate to form 3-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: Compounds useful as inhibitors of the enzyme elastase are of the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of R"O--Suc-- where R" is lower alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms and CF.sub.3 CO--; X is oxygen or sulfur; R' is selected from the group consisting of straight or secondary branch-chained alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 2 to 3 carbon atoms, alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and benzyl, and R is selected from the group consisting of susbstituted or unsubstituted phenyl wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of nitro, and pentafluoro; benzyl, CH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3, 1-lower alkyl tetrazolyl, 1-phenyltetrazolyl, 2-thioxo-3-thiazolidinyl-, pyridyl and benzothiazolyl, provided that when R is paranitrophenyl, R' is other than tertiary-butyl, benzyl or cyclohexyl, and when X is sulfur, R is other than benzyl.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter comprising a imidazole-containing polymer, the imidazole groups being chemically bound to said polymer.

Abstract: A radiodiagnostic agent comprising a solid, insoluble nontoxic synthetic resin, such as polystyrene, bearing a detectable amount of technetium 99m thereon. This agent is useful for analyzing the gastrointestinal tract, for example, for gastric emptying time, by means of a gamma camera.