Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (Ihb) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with an acid or a base or a stereoisomer thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of a disease associated with increased cytokine release, wherein Y? is O or NR2?; Z is N or CR2?; X is NR2?, O or S; R2? is H, alkyl, —C(O)NR7, —C(O)Re, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylamino, alkylamino, heteroaryl, or aryl; R3 is H, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, amine, alkylamine, morpholino, N-methylpiperazine, CF3, or OCF3; R2a is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, benzyl or heteroaryl.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing cellulose membranes in the form of flat films, tubular films, or hollow filaments with improved biocompatibility, cotton fibers, in particular linters, are treated in alkaline liquor in a single-stage process with gaseous molecular oxygen. In addition, the invention relates to cotton fibers prepared in this manner, especially linters, membranes made therefrom, and their use for hemodialysis.

Abstract: Alkylglycosides are manufactured by continuous reaction of monosaccharides with fatty alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst, comprising continuously adding the monosaccharides, fatty alcohols, and catalysts to a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The reaction takes place under steady-state conditions with a conversion of 97%.+-.2.5% relative to the monosaccharide used. Water is removed continuously from the CSTR during the reaction, and the reaction mixture is removed from the CSTR in an amount which essentially corresponds to the amount of reactants and catalysts added.