Abstract: A system is described for recovering a purified distillable component from a starting mixture utilizing a transition tank to receive a transition mixture distilled from a starting mixture, which is returned to the system for further distillation. The system includes a condenser which features an annular tube having cooling fins arranged inside and outside its annular region to improve its cooling efficiency, and a reflux column which features a flow distributor and a flow centralizer to improve mixing of the rising vapors with the descending liquid. The system also includes a temperature sensor located between the reflux column and the condenser for supplying temperature measurements used in the automatic, operator-less control of the system.

Abstract: Methods are provided to prepare a variety of tissues in a pathology-stable form keyed to the use of an aqueous solution of C.sub.2-6 dialdehyde and/or dialdehyde addition products, including the group consisting of glyoxal and/or glutaraldehyde in an amount sufficient to prevent autolysis and other degradative changes in various tissues. The said solution is capable of treating a tissue so as to maintain the tissue in a condition suitable for pathology and/or other experimental observation. The stabilizing solution is also useful to prepare parts or whole animals and plants in an anatomically preserved state for a prolonged period of time, and compositions useful in that method.

Abstract: Stable solid forms of preservative and embalming compositions are described which can be prepared by adding a sufficient amount of a chemical or chemicals containing at least one polar group capable of forming hydrogen and Van der Waal bonds with the reactive moieties of the aldehydes and antimicrobial agents in the preservative and embalming compositions. The amount of polar chemical(s) necessary to stabilize the reactive aldehydes and antimicrobial compounds/agents is based on a molar ratio of (i) polar groups in the stabilizing chemicals to (ii) reactive groups in the active preservative ingredient of at least 0.8.

Abstract: Hemin-like porphyrins can be prepared from chlorophylls and hemin, which may be used as intermediates to form functionally active porphyroproteins. The porphyrins can be reacted with apoproteins in vitro or added to a cell culture and combined intracellularly with apoproteins to form functionally active porphyroproteins.

Abstract: Hemin-like porphyrins can be prepared from chlorophylls which may be used as intermediates to form functionally active hemoproteins. The porphyrins can be reacted with apoproteins in vitro or added to a cell culture and combined intracellularly with apoproteins to form functionally active hemoproteins.

Abstract: A group of dialdehydes is disclosed having an even number of atoms in the shortest backbone chain connecting the two aldehyde groups which are useful as decontaminants, fixatives, preservatives, and embalming agents. Compared to conventional aldehydes having an odd number of backbone atoms, the even-numbered dialdehydes are approximately as effective in terms of decontaminant, fixative, preservative and embalming properties, yet they are substantially safer to people, animals, and plants, and the environment.

Abstract: A visualization system for identifying a biological sample in a preservative solution comprising a dye that (i) colors a biological sample in a manner in which the sample can be readily identified and retrieved from among the other contents of the medium; (ii) provides a colored sample that permits proper positioning of the material in a paraffin block prior to sectioning; and (iii) does not interfere with the subsequent processing of the sample at the processing laboratory.

Abstract: Methods are provided to prepare a variety of tissues in a pathology-stable form for microscopic examination by preserving the tissue with an aqueous solution of C.sub.2-6 dialdehyde and/or dialdehyde addition products, including glyoxal and/or glutaraldehyde in an amount sufficient to prevent autolysis and other degradative changes. The solution may further contain alcohols, chelating agents, buffers and acids. In one embodiment,-the aqueous solution contains glyoxal or glyoxal in the form of a bisulfite, hydrate or alcohol addition product and an osmotic controlling ionic and/or nonionic chemical. This solution prevents degradation of tissue without substantial cross-linking.

Abstract: A group of dialdehydes is disclosed having an even number of atoms in the shortest backbone chain connecting the two aldehyde groups which are useful as decontaminants, fixatives, preservatives, and embalming agents. Compared to conventional aldehydes having an odd number of backbone atoms, the even-numbered dialdehydes are approximately as effective in terms of decontaminant, fixative, preservative and embalming properties, yet they are substantially safer to people, animals, and plants, and the environment.

Abstract: A method of using saturated organic ring-containing compounds as clearing solvents for biological materials is described. The clearing solvents are equally effective or superior to conventional clearing solvents but they lack the toxic and noxious characteristics of conventional clearing solvents. The clearing solvents are used to replace the alcohol and/or other dehydrants in fixed biological materials and to remove wax from wax-imbedded biological materials.

Abstract: A visualization system for identifying a biological sample in a preservative solution comprising a dye that (i) colors a biological sample in a manner in which the sample can be readily identified and retrieved from among the other contents of the medium; (ii) provides a colored sample that permits proper positioning of the material in a paraffin block prior to sectioning; and (iii) does not interfere with the subsequent processing of the sample at the processing laboratory.

Abstract: Novel hydrogenated pyrimidine nucleosides and nucleotides are produced by catalytic hydrogenation, particularly in the presence of a rhodium catalyst. The novel compounds are specifically used to inhibit deaminating enzymes, which would inactivate cytosine arabinoside by conversion to uridine arabinoside. Cytosine arabinoside is used for its anti-viral, particularly anti-herpes and anticytotoxic activity in mammals and birds, as well as to destroy phages which interfere with the production of antibiotics. Novel formulations containing cytosine arabinoside and the hydrogenated pyrimidine nucleosides are advantageous to provide prolonged cytosine arabinoside effects.