Abstract: According to a first embodiment, there is provided a sustained-release preparation comprising a water-insoluble or slightly water-soluble polyvalent metal salt of a water-soluble physiologically active substance which is not an endothelin antagonist, and a biodegradable polymer. The sustained-release preparation of the first embodiment is highly efficient in incorporating the water-soluble physiologically active substance and suppresses the initial burst of the water-soluble physiologically active substance. The sustained-release preparation of the present invention is capable of releasing the water-soluble physiologically active substance while retaining its bioactivity after administration in vivo. Furthermore, the water-soluble physiologically active substance in the sustained-release preparation is kept stable for a long period of time, with little loss of bioactivity.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, there is provided a sustained-release preparation comprising a water-insoluble or slightly water-soluble polyvalent metal salt of a water-soluble physiologically active substance which is not an endothelin antagonist, and a biodegradable polymer. The sustained-release preparation of the first embodiment is highly efficient in incorporating the water-soluble physiologically active substance and suppresses the initial burst of the water-soluble physiologically active substance. The sustained-release preparation of the present invention is capable of releasing the water-soluble physiologically active substance while retaining its bioactivity after administration in vivo. Furthermore, the water-soluble physiologically active substance in the sustained-release preparation is kept stable for a long period of time, with little loss of bioactivity.

Abstract: Disclosed are a monoclonal antibody having affinity for PACAP, a partial peptide thereof, a precursor thereof or VIP; a hybridoma cell which produces the above monoclonal antibody; and an immunoassay for assaying PACAP by a competitive method or a sandwich method using the above antibody, whereby PACAP can be specifically detected with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sulfur-containing heterocyclic compound of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein ring A is a benzene ring which may be substituted; R is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group which may be substituted; B is a carboxyl group which may be esterified or amidated; X is --CH(OH)-- or --CO--; k is 0 or 1; and k' is 0, 1 or 2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.Also, it provides a process for producing the compound (I) or a salt thereof and a pharmaceutical preparation for use in the treatment of osteoporosis comprising the compound (I) or salt thereof.The compounds (I) and salts thereof show excellent bone resorption inhibitory activity.

Abstract: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor is provided as a promoter of calcium absorption in mammals. The examples of the inhibitor are shown by the formula; ##STR1## wherein A stands for a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 acyclic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted by hydroxyl, phenoxy, thienyl, furyl, pyridyl, cyclohexyl or phenyl group which itself may be further substituted, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cyclic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted by hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl, methyl or amino group, or a sugar residue.There is also provided a calcium preparation which contains an .alpha.-glucosidase inhibitor and a calcium source.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a metal body by means of injection molding that comprises the steps of mixing and kneading a metal powder with short fibers such as metallic fibers, carbon fibers and an organic binder, injection-molding the kneaded mixture to form a green body, removing the organic binder from the green body, and sintering the brown body. The short fibers are added in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 20 wt. % against 100 wt. % of the metal powder and have a melting point of at least 350.degree. C., and at the time of sintering the fibers not less than 30 vol. % become fused and then integrated with the metal. The short fibers act as a reinforcement, strengthening the brown body as well as preventing deformation and cracking of the green body during debinding.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl and Y is carboxyl or a group convertible to carboxyl is effective for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.

Abstract: A slow descender includes a rope pulley and a braking apparatus which restricts the rotation speed of the rope pulley. The braking apparatus includes a mechanical braking device containing a centrifugal brake which has centrifugal weights, a V-shaped lining part cooperating with the weights, and a speed multiplying gearing device connecting the rope pulley and the centrifugal friction brake. The slow descender further includes an oil hydraulic braking device of the vane pump type or of the inscribed gear pump type.