Abstract: Processes for synthesizing new compounds that may usefully be employed in organic synthesis, especially in the synthesis of vitamin A or ?-carotene and derivatives thereof, e.g. canthaxanthin, astaxanthin or zeaxanthin are disclosed. The new compounds are especially useful as intermediates (building blocks) in the synthesis of vitamin A or ?-carotene, preferably vitamin A.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating feline Coronavirus infections using carbanucleoside compounds having a 1?-(4-aminopyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-7-yl) substituent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. An exemplary compound is (2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-(4-aminopyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-7-yl)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 signifies a C1-C15 alkyl moiety or a C2 to C18 alkenyl moiety, to their process of production as well as to their use in organic synthesis, especially as intermediates (building blocks) in the synthesis of vitamin A or ?-carotene or derivatives thereof, or other carotenoids, e.g. canthaxanthin, astaxanthin or zeaxanthin, preferably vitamin A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of 4-alkanoyloxy-2-methylbutanoic acid, as well as to the use of such compounds in organic syntheses, especially in processes forming intermediates (building blocks) for the synthesis of organic compounds comprising isoprene (isoterpene) units, such as ?-carotene or other carotenoids (e.g. canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin or astaxanthin) or as vitamin E or vitamin A as well as other structurally similar compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-(3-methylpent-2-en-4-ynyl)cyclohex-1-ene, highly enriched in the Z-isomer, and the use of such compounds in organic syntheses, especially in processes forming intermediates (building blocks) the synthesis of vitamin A or ?-carotene or other carotenoids, e.g. canthaxanthin, astaxanthin or zeaxanthin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier for delivering a substance to extracellular matrix-producing cells in the intestine, the carrier containing a retinoid as a targeting agent, and an agent for treating fibrosis of the intestine utilizing the carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel therapeutic agent and a novel treatment method for cancer. Specifically disclosed are: a targeting agent for a cell selected from the group consisting of a cancer cell and a cancer-associated fibroblast, which comprises a retinoid; a substance delivery carrier for the cell, which comprises the targeting agent; an anti-cancer composition utilizing the targeting agent or the carrier; an anti cancer-associated fibroblast composition; and a method for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel therapeutic agent and a novel treatment method for cancer. Specifically disclosed are: a targeting agent for a cell selected from the group consisting of a cancer cell and a cancer-associated fibroblast, which comprises a retinoid; a substance delivery carrier for the cell, which comprises the targeting agent; an anti-cancer composition utilizing the targeting agent or the carrier; an anti cancer-associated fibroblast composition; and a method for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of catalytic hydrogenation and, more particularly, to the use of specific ruthenium catalysts, or pre-catalysts, in hydrogenation processes for the reduction of ketones and/or aldehydes into the corresponding alcohol respectively. Said catalysts are ruthenium complexes comprising a tetradentate ligand (L4) coordinating the ruthenium with: —two nitrogen atoms, each in the form of a primary or secondary amine (i.e. a NH2 or NH group) or N-alkyl imine functional groups (i.e. a C?N group), and —two sulfur atoms, each in the form of thioether functional groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substance delivery carrier for an extracellular-matrix-producing cell in the bone marrow, which comprises a retinoid. Also disclosed in an agent for treating myelofibrosis by utilizing a substance capable of regulating the activity or proliferation of an extracellular-matrix-producing cell in the bone marrow.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a substance transfer carrier to an extracellular matrix-producing cell in the lung, which comprises a retinoid; a therapeutic agent for fibroid lung, which utilized the carrier; and a preparation kit of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substance delivery carrier for extracellular matrix-producing cells in the kidney, the carrier including a retinoid as a targeting agent, an agent for treating renal fibrosis utilizing the carrier, a process for producing them, a production kit, a method for treating renal fibrosis using the agent for treating renal fibrosis, etc.

Abstract: Compositions of and methods for using synthetic retinal derivatives as retinoid replacements and opsin agonists are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a substance transfer carrier to an extracellular matrix-producing cell in the lung, which comprises a retinoid; a therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis, which utilized the carrier; and a preparation kit of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Agents and methods for imaging a cell and/or a portion of tissue characterized by fibrosis, as well as to agents and methods for determining and/or diagnosing fibrotic diseases are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are polymer conjugates that can include a detectable label, a retinoid and a polymer. The polymer conjugates can be used to image a portion of tissue, deliver a detectable label to a portion of tissue or a cell and/or diagnosis a condition or disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a substance transfer carrier to an extracellular matrix-producing cell in the lung, which comprises a retinoid; a therapeutic agent for fibroid lung, which utilized the carrier; and a preparation kit of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for identifying one or more cofactors such as vitamins for individuals based on the genetic makeup of the individual by detecting the presence or absence of at least one genetic variant, determining a predisposition to cofactor remediable condition, generating a personalized nutritional advice plan based on the genetic variant. Also provided herein are formulations of cofactors determined by the genetic make-up of the individual and methods of determining and producing these formulations.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a substance transfer carrier to an extracellular matrix-producing cell in the lung, which comprises a retinoid; a therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis, which utilized the carrier; and a preparation kit of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Processes for the treatment of an aqueous mixture comprising a dipolar aprotic compound, comprise: a) an adsorption step, in which the aqueous mixture is brought into contact with a porous adsorbent, whereby the porous adsorbent is chosen such that the dipolar aprotic compound adsorbs to it more readily than water; b) a desorption step, in which the porous adsorbent is brought into contact with a desorbing agent, whereby a recovery solution is formed comprising the desorbing agent and the dipolar aprotic compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of an aqueous mixture comprising a dipolar aprotic compound, comprising: a) an adsorption step, in which the aqueous mixture is brought into contact with a porous adsorbent, whereby the porous adsorbent is chosen such that the dipolar aprotic compound adsorbs to it more readily than water; b) a desorption step, in which the porous adsorbent is brought into contact with a desorbing agent, whereby a recovery solution is formed comprising the desorbing agent and the dipolar aprotic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treatment of material transported through the device comprising at least one porous element consisting of solid, for example metallic, structure which allows cross-flow of the material through the porous element. The invention also relates to various types of uses of the device. A device in accordance with the invention is particularly useful to carry out chemical reactions under homogenous and heterogeneous conditions. Such a device hereinafter also referred as reactor may comprises a tube (1) having a cylindrical wall (2) with one inlet end (3) and one outlet end (4). Arranged in the tube (1) is at least one cylindrical porous element (5) consisting of solid metal structure, wherein said porous element (5) comprises a plurality of hollow spaces that are connected to each other and form an interconnected cavity network and wherein the at least one porous element (5) and the cylindrical wall (2) are made in one piece.

Abstract: An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of highly purified carotenoids from plant extracts, especially the marigold flower extracts, is disclosed. The process includes the formation, isolation and purification of carotenoids, primarily lutein and zeaxanthin, at lower temperatures with the use of at least a polar solvent and at least a non-polar solvent. The highly purified carotenoids so obtained are useful for human consumption, such as nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of reacting a primary allylic alcohol with a compound containing a) a metal selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Ce, Mn, Ni, Ru, Re, Zn and Co preferably Ag and b) an oxidant like TEMPO (2,2?,6,6?-tetra-methylpiperidin-1-oxyl) or its derivates and c) a co-oxidants selected from the group of peroxodisulfates (PDS), H2505, H2O2, NaOCl, O2, KOCl, and air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of ?-ionones and/or ?-ionones of the formulae (II) and (III) by acid catalyzed ring-closing of ?-ionone of the formula (I) wherein R1 to R7 are independently selected from hydrogen and C1-C4-alkyl, R8 is selected from hydrogen and C1-C4-alkyl and the hydroxyl group, R9 and R10 are independently selected from hydrogen and C1-C4-alkyl or R9 and R10 form together the oxygen of a carbonyl group, whereby if R9 and R10 form together the oxygen of a carbonyl group no ?-isomer is formed comprising: a) reacting a ?-ionone according to formula (I) in presence of a concentrated Brønsted-acid having a pKs<3, and an organic solvent that is substantially immiscible with the concentrated acid and with an diluted aqueous solution of said acid; b) hydrolysis of the reaction product obtained in step a) by addition of water; and phase separation into an organic phase comprising the ?-ionone and/or the ?-ionone of the formulae (II) and (III) and into an aqueous di

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes comprising determining at least one metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to have a predisposition for diabetes and comparing said at least one metabolite to a reference, whereby a predisposition for diabetes is to be diagnosed. Moreover, the present invention encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising said data collection. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a system comprising means for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium. Further encompassed by the present invention are diagnostic means comprising at least one metabolite and the use of said at least one metabolite for the manufacture of diagnostic means for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel therapeutic agent and a novel treatment method for cancer. Specifically disclosed are: a targeting agent for a cell selected from the group consisting of a cancer cell and a cancer-associated fibroblast, which comprises a retinoid; a substance delivery carrier for the cell, which comprises the targeting agent; an anti-cancer composition utilizing the targeting agent or the carrier; an anti cancer-associated fibroblast composition; and a method for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process comprising a condensation step wherein a starting aldehyde or ketone is made to react with an ester of an ?-haloacid to form an epoxy compound, whereby the reaction is carried out in the presence of a dipolar aprotic compound selected from the group consisting of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), hexamethylphosphorous triamide (HMPT), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and urea derivatives of the following formula: (III) wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 may each independently be H or a C1-C4 alkyl group and whereby R2 and R3 may together form a heterocyclic group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of an aqueous mixture comprising a dipolar aprotic compound, comprising: a) an adsorption step, in which the aqueous mixture is brought into contact with a porous adsorbent, whereby the porous adsorbent is chosen such that the dipolar aprotic compound adsorbs to it more readily than water; b) a desorption step, in which the porous adsorbent is brought into contact with a desorbing agent, whereby a recovery solution is formed comprising the desorbing agent and the dipolar aprotic compound.

Abstract: A process for preparing carotenoids, in which the process includes reacting a dialkoxy dialdehyde in a double Wittig condensation with a phosphonium salt of or in a double Wittig-Horner condensation with a phosphonate. The carotenoids include, for example, ?-carotene, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, astaxathin, lycopene and croceptin, which are useful as nutraceuticals, food colorants, and feed additives.

Abstract: A method of treating said musculoskeletal and connective tissue inflammations including osteoarthritis and associated articular and periarticular inflammations, and non-articular Rheumatism including capsulitis, tendonitis, fibrositis, and perarticular inflammations is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid. Preferably, the treatment method includes administering to a patient of an initial dosage of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid for an initial treatment period, and thereafter administering a maintenance dosage of the composition.

Abstract: An alkali metal alkoxide or alkaline earth metal alkoxide in granular form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting carotenoids from green plant materials using supercritical fluid extraction. A first and second supercritical fluid extraction is performed on the green plant composition at two different pressures to obtain two extracts. The first extract includes substantial amounts of &bgr;-carotene. The second extract may have a controlled concentration of &bgr;-carotene, and includes substantial amounts of lutein.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically pure acetylenediols of the formulae R-I and S-I and their further reaction to give meso-zeaxanthin are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for selective liquid phase hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds of the general formula I, where R1 and R2 are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen or a saturated or a mono- or polyunsaturated straight-chain or branched, optionally substituted C1-C20-alkyl radical, an optionally substituted aryl radical or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, to give the corresponding alcohols of the general formula II where R1 and R2 are each as defined above, in the presence of hydrogen and a Pt/ZnO catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically pure acetylenediols of the formulae R-I and S-I 1

Abstract: There are disclosed a disulfone compound of formula (1): wherein Ar denotes an aryl group that may have a substituent, R1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a protective group of a hydroxyl group and the wavy line means that the disulfone compound is an E or Z geometrical isomer or a mixture thereof, a method for producing the same, intermediate compounds therefore and a process for producing retinol through the disulfone compound.

Abstract: There are provided a dihalogen derivative represented by formula (2): wherein X represents a halogen atom and R2 represents a protective group for a hydroxyl group; a process for producing the same; and a process for producing vitamin A by use of said dihalogen derivative.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dihalo-compound of formula (1): wherein X1 and X2 represent different halogen atoms, R represents a hydrogen atom or a protective group for a hydroxyl group, and a process for producing vitamin A derivative via a sulfone derivative of formula (5): wherein Ar represents an optionally substituted aryl group, and R represents the same as defined above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making vitamin A from ethynyl-retro-&agr;-ionol using an allene acetate as intermediate.

Abstract: There is provided a compound of the formula[I]: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a protective group for a hydroxyl group; and A represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a group of the formula A1: Q represents Q3: when A represents a halogen atom or a protective group for a hydroyl group, A represents Q4:  wherein R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom or a protective group for a hydroxyl group; and when A represents a hydrogen atom, Q is Q2:

Abstract: An improved, and useful, topical transdermal delivery composition for the alleviation and treatment of dermatitis, eczema, lupus, dry, cracked, flaking, peeling, and itching skin infirmites of the foot, which has as its constituents, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, vitamin A, tocopheryl linoleate, and tincture of benzoin to restore organic oil lipids that are essential for the health of the dermal areas of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of alcohols by reduction of the carbonyl function in substrates belonging to the class of aldehydes, ketones, esters or lactones, which substrates may contain unsaturated functions other than carbonyl. This process includes the steps of reacting the carbonyl substrate with stoichiometric amounts of a silane in the presence of catalytic amounts of an active zinc compound which is monomeric and not a hydride, hydrolyzing the thus-obtained siloxane with a basic agent, and separating and purifying, if necessary, the thus-obtained alcohol. The catalytically active compound is generally obtained by the reaction of an oligomeric or polymeric precursor compound of zinc with a complexing agent.

Abstract: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease of the liver characterized by inflammation and damage to the liver cells. Typically, steatohepatitis involves inflammation of the liver related to fat accumulation, and mimics alcoholic hepatitis but is observed in patients who seldom or never consume alcohol. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can lead to serious liver damage, and ultimately cirrhosis. The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the treatment or alleviation of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and the pharmaceutical formulations for their administration to a human. Specifically, compositions comprised of lecithin, antioxidants and vitamin B complex are administered parenterally, most preferably by oral administration. Specific therapeutic formulations include admixtures of these compounds and specific dosage formulations include daily oral administrations of these compounds in tablet or powder forms.

Abstract: Skin aging and related conditions can be effectively treated with a conjugate of a retinoid and a bioactive organic acid preferably selected from among alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and keto-acids; preferred conjugates include retinyl glycolyl ether and retinyl glycolate (as either the ester or reverse ester).

Abstract: Multiple micro-encapsulations of a high concentration oleophilic substance using heat to set the primary particle renders the composition suitable for the production of free-flowing powders or beadlets. Microencapsulation involves forming an emulsion out of the oleophilic substance and a polymer, and then use heat setting and/or cross-linking the polymer encapsulates the oleophilic composition. This process is then repeated with a second polymer or third polymer, and with or without cross-linked via the same or different mechanism to further protect the oleophilic substance.

Abstract: Multiple micro-encapsulations of a high concentration oleophilic substance using heat to set the primary particle renders the composition suitable for the production of free-flowing powders or beadlets. Microencapsulation involves forming an emulsion out of the oleophilic substance and a polymer, and then use heat setting and/or cross-linking the polymer encapsulates the oleophilic composition. This process is then repeated with a second polymer or third polymer, and with or without cross-linked via the same or different mechanism to further protect the oleophilic substance.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.