Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing cercosporamide comprising culturing a fungus belonging to the genus Lachnum and/or fungus belonging to the genus Pseudaegerita and recovering cercosporamide from the culture thereof. In addition, the present invention provides cercosporamide acquired according to this production process. Further, the present invention provides novel microorganisms consisting of Lachnum fuscescens SANK 19096, Lachnum calycioides SANK 12497, Lachnum caesaliatum SANK 10906, and Pseudaegerita websteri SANK 11006.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing cercosporamide comprising culturing a fungus belonging to the genus Lachnum and/or fungus belonging to the genus Pseudaegerita and recovering cercosporamide from the culture thereof. In addition, the present invention provides cercosporamide acquired according to this production process. Further, the present invention provides novel microorganisms consisting of Lachnum fuscescens SANK 19096, Lachnum calycioides SANK 12497, Lachnum caesaliatum SANK 10906, and Pseudaegerita websteri SANK 11006.

Abstract: A method of isolating or purifying pravastatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt characterized by involving, in the process of isolating or purifying pravastatin or its pharmacologically acceptable salt, the step of extracting pravastatin using an organic solvent represented by the formula CH3CO2R wherein R represents an alkyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms or the step of decomposing impurities using an inorganic acid or an inorganic base; and compositions containing pravastatin sodium thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for purification of pravastatin or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof using a salting-out technique. Inorganic salts are added to an aqueous solution of pravastatin of a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof which was obtained from culturing of microorganisms, to selectively precipitate the pravastatin or pharmacologically acceptable salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveying system such as in an assembly line, more particularly to a plurality of transport cars without motor that are driven in close contact with each other on an endless path on guide rails having curved sections, and a friction feeder for moving the transport cars. The cars have a main body and a support for objects to be conveyed. The main body has a plurality of movable bodies and means for coupling the movable bodies to allow a relative yielding motion between the movable bodies at the curved sections in the conveying paths. Driven faces are formed on the movable bodies parallel to the running direction, and a feeder along the conveying path and having a motor driven feed roller that acts on the driven faces of the movable bodies.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a group of formula (II) or (III): ##STR2## R.sup.2 is alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl; R.sup.5 is hydrogen or a carboxy-protecting group; R.sup.a is a group of formula --OR.sup.6 ; R.sup.6 is hydrogen; R.sup.6a and R.sup.6b are each hydrogen, a hydroxy-protecting group, alkyl, alkanesulfonyl, halogenated alkanesulfonyl or arysulfonyl, and their salts and esters. Such compounds inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol, and can be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypercholesterolemia and of various cardiac disorders.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## [wherein R.sup.1 represents a group of formula (II) or (III): ##STR2## R.sup.2 is alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl; R.sup.5 is hydrogen or a carboxy-protecting group; R.sup.a is hydrogen or a group of formula and --OR.sup.6 ; R.sup.6, R.sup.6a and R.sup.6b are each hydrogen, a hydroxy-protecting group, alkyl, alkanesulfonyl, halogenated alkanesulfonyl or arylsulfonyl] and their salts and esters have the ability to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol, and can thus be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypercholesterolemia and of various cardiac disorders.

Abstract: Derivatives of ML-236B carboxylic acid, its salts and esters and corresponding lactone have a hydroxy group at the 3"-position and optionally also at the 6'-position. These derivatives may be prepared by the enzymatic hydroxylation of a corresponding ML-236B compound employing an enzyme produced by a microorganism of the genus Streptomyces or Amycolata, especially Streptomyces sp. SANK 62285, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62385, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62485, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62585, Amycolata autotrophica SANK 62781. Amycolata autotrophica subsp. canberrica SANK 62882 or Amycolata autotrophica subsp. amethystina SANK 62981. These derivatives have the ability to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract: 5-Amino-1-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentane-1,2,3,4-tetraol and 2-amino-4-(hydroxymethyl)-3a,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-4H-cyclopent[d]oxazole-4,5, 6-triol, which have the ability to inhibit the activity of sugar hydrolases, especially .beta.-glucosidase and sucrase and can thus be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of tumorous conditions, AIDS, diabetes and obesity, can be prepared by hydrolysis of trehazolin. 2-Amino-4-(hydroxymethyl)-3a,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-4H-cyclopent[d]oxazole-4,5, 6-triol can also be prepared by fermentation using newly isolated strains Micromonospora sp. SANK 62390, FERM BP-3521 and Amycolatopsis sp. SANK 60791, FERM BP-3513.

Abstract: Derivatives of ML-236B carboxylic acid, its salts and esters and corresponding lactone have a hydroxy group at the 3"-position and optionally also at the 6'-position. These derivatives may be prepared by the enzymatic hydroxylation of a corresponding ML-236B compound employing an enzyme produced by a microorganism of the genus Streptomyces or Amycolata, especially Streptomyces sp. SANK 62285, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62385, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62485, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62585, Amycolata autotrophica SANK 62781, Amycolata autotrophica subsp. canberrica SANK 62882 or Amycolata autotrophica subsp. amethystina SANK 62981. These derivatives have the ability to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract: A new compound, which we have named "Leualacin" has the formula (I): ##STR1## and may be prepared by cultivation of a microorganism of the genus Hapsidospora, especially Hapsidospora irregularis. The compound may be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases and disorders, especially hypertension.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## (in which: Z represents a group of formula ##STR2## A represents a group of formula ##STR3## B represents a group of formula ##STR4## R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.6 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group;R.sup.5 represents a carboxy group;R.sup.7 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an acyl group;X represents a halogen atom; andthe bond represents a double bond)and salts and esters of the carboxy group represented by R.sup.5 have useful anti-hypercholesteraemic activity and may be prepared from certain natural products obtainable by cultivation of microorganisms of the genera Penicillium or Monascus.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## (in which: Z represents a group of formula ##STR2## A represents a group of formula ##STR3## B represents a group of formula ##STR4## R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.6 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group;R.sup.5 represents a carboxy group;R.sup.7 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an acyl group;X represents a halogen atom; andthe bond represents a double bond)and salts and esters of the carboxy group represented byR.sup.5 and compounds of formula (II): ##STR5## (in which R.sup.1, is as defined above and R.sup.2 represents an .alpha.-methylbutyryl group; and R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom) have useful anti-hypercholesteraemic activity and may be prepared from certain natural products obtainable by cultivation of microorganisms of the genera Penicillium or Monascus.