Abstract  A study of the self-organization of nonionic surfactant span 60 (sorbitan mono stearate) in presence of fatty alcohol (stearyl, cetyl and lauryl) is presented. When ethanolic solution of the surfactant-fatty alcohol (1:1) mixture is added in water spontaneous large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) are formed which may potentially be useful vehicles for drug delivery purposes. Vesicular suspension has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, confocal laser scanning microscopy, dye entrapment and release studies. Surface tension measurement indicates the suitability of fatty alcohols towards spontaneous vesicle formation from span 60.

Abstract  Poly(L-lactide) has been widely used as a degradable material in environmental and biomedical fields; however, for many applications polylactide is not ideal due to its high crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and lack of functionalization. Strategies that provide routes to functionalized polyesters are necessary to produce materials with desired physical and chemical properties. We exploited two methods for polyester functionalization: the functional monomer approach and the post-polymerization modification approach. Copolymers of lactide and functionalized glycolides can provide a range of polymer properties that can be tailored based on copolymer composition. However, if the two comonomers have unequal reactivity towards polymerization, "blocky" polymers can form with unpredictable properties. We copolymerized rac-lactide with five disubstituted lactide monomers and determined their relative reactivity ratios, which can be used to predict copolymer architecture. Our results indicated that the size of the substituent on the lactide framework directly influences monomer reactivity ratios and homopolymerization rates. Adding functional groups, such as alcohols, increases the versatility of conventional polylactide, and permits further elaboration to enhance polymer hydrophilicity, provide attachment sites for biologically relevant molecules, and serve as branching sites in the synthesis of complex polymer architectures. We synthesized 3-benzyloxyoctyl glycolide, an AB glycolide monomer derived from oleic acid that places a benzyl-protected primary alcohol eight methylene units from the polymer backbone. Copolymerization of 3-benzyloxyoctyl glycolide with L-lactide yielded high molecular weight copolymers. Quantitative hydrogenolysis of the benzyl groups provided functional polylactides with pendent primary alcohols distributed along the polymer backbone. Initiation of L-lactide polymerization from a copolymer with 5 mol% alcohol sites generated amorphous PLA comb polymers that crystallized upon capping the hydroxy groups at the termini of the teeth. Post-polymerization modification via "click" chemistry provides a convenient route to functionalized polyesters. Using poly(propargylglycolide), an acetylene-functionalized polyglycolide, we prepared and characterized a family of degradable comb polymers that individually self-aggregate in aqueous solutions. The polymers encapsulate and release hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules and display thermoresponsive behavior from room temperature to > 60C. Furthermore, we described the synthesis, characterization, and applications of chemically cross-linked comb polymers that retain chemical functionality. The organic nanoparticles exhibit prolonged controlled release and are biocompatible.

Abstract  Increased environmental awareness and depletion of resources are driving industry to develop alternative fuels from renewable sources that are environmentally more acceptable. Biodiesel is a non petroleum based fuel that consists of alkyl esters from transestrification of the refined/edible types of vegetable oils alcohol and alkaline catalysts can be used. These catalysts require anhydrous conditions and feed stocks with low levels of free fatty acids (FFAs). Inexpensive feed stocks are used in biodiesel production to reduce its cost and to get rid of waste oils in environmentally friendly way. These oils may contain high levels of FFAs so it cannot be directly used with the base catalysts currently employed. Acid esterification reduces the FFAs content to the desirable level. The major factors that affect the conversion efficiency of the process are molar ratio of alcohol/oil, amount of catalyst, reaction temperature, catalyst type and stirring speed according to reaction duration. For this study, we used a model acid produced by mixing pure oleic acid with mixed oil (50% sunflower + 50% soybean oil). Methanol was used in the experiments due to its low cost. The best conversion efficiency obtained was 96.6% for a molar ratio of 6:1 at a temperature of 60 degree C, 2.5% H sub(2)SO sub(4) and stirring speed of 300 rpm. Finally, different types of waste cooking oil from home and restaurants were used to study the conversion efficiency compared with optimum conditions calculated for model acid oil to be used in biodiesel production with low cost.

Abstract  Cellular fatty acids of four rapid-growing mycobacterial species (Mycobacterium chelonei, M. fortuitum, M. phlei , and M. smegmatis ) were analysed by packed and capillary column gas chromatography after one, three, four, six, eight, and twelve days of incubation on Loewenstein-Jensen and Sauton agar media. Variations in incubation time did not affect the chromatograms except in the case of twelve-day incubated M. smegmatis . Mycobacteria cultivated on Sauton agar medium contained more tuberculostearic and less oleic acid compared with Loewenstein-Jensen. For informative and reproducible analytical results, the authors recommend using a chemically defined culture medium and splitless injection on a capillary column capable of separating not only the methyl esters of the cellular fatty acids acids but also the diagnostically important secondary alcohols containing 18 and 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract  A simple and sensitive method for the estimation of lipase activity in soils is reported. In this method, 50mg of soil is incubated with emulsified substrate, the fatty acids liberated are treated with cupric acetate-pyridine reagent, and the color developed is measured at 715 nm. Use of olive oil in this protocol leads to an estimation of true lipase activity in soils. The problem of released fatty acids getting adsorbed onto the soil colloids is obviated by the use of isooctane, and separate standards for different soils need not be developed. Among the various surfactants used for emulsification, polyvinyl alcohol is found to be the most effective. Incubation time of 20 min, soil concentration of 50 mg, pH 6.5, and incubation temperature of 37 degrees C were found to be the most suitable conditions for this assay. During the process of enrichment of the soils with oil, interference by the added oil is avoided by the maintenance of a suitable control, wherein 50 mg of soil is added after stopping the reaction. This assay is sensitive and it could be adopted to screen for lipase producers from enriched soils and oil-contaminated soils before resorting to isolation of the microbes by classical screening methods.

Abstract  This paper presents a study of enzymatic esterification of oleic-acid and i-amyl alcohol. The product of this reaction, i-amyl-oleate, is widely used as a bio-lubricant. During the esterification reaction, water is produced as a by-product, which has a disadvantageous effect on the reaction rate and enzyme activity. To enhance the effectiveness of the process, water should be removed. One of the most promising techniques for realizing this goal is pervaporation, which can be integrated on-line with the reaction system. Such integration can be realized in the form of a membrane reactor as was studied in this work. An immobilised lipase enzyme, Novozym 435 (Novo Nordisk, Denmark), which was taken as a catalyst in the experiments, proved to be very sensitive for the presence of water and alcohol in the reaction mixture. Below a certain level of water concentration, enzymatic catalyst activity is very low. From the other side, high initial concentrations of alcohol deactivate the catalyst. Both of these

Abstract  Either d- or l-leucine (10(-3)m) and unsaturated long-chain fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic (10(-4)m) significantly stimulated macroconidia germination of Microsporum gypseum. Saturated long-chain fatty acids did not affect germination, whereas saturated short-chain fatty acids such as caprylic, hexanoic, and butyric were completely inhibitory. Germination was followed by an increase in endogenous respiration and a decrease in dry weight of approximately 5% at 4 hr. Endogenous fatty acids and soluble carbohydrates were utilized significantly during germination. Tritiated leucine, uridine, and thymidine were incorporated respectively into protein, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fractions within the first 5 min of germination. Incorporation of oleic-1-C(14) into RNA and protein was significantly increased after germ tube development. Net synthesis of RNA and protein started prior to germ tube protrusion. Increase in DNA could be detected only later. A significant increase in RNA and protein during the 4th hr of germination was correlated with vegetative development. Inhibition of respiration and incorporation of leucine-H(3) and uridine-H(3) into corresponding macromolecules by dl-fluorophenylalanine and phenethyl alcohol started before germ tube appearance. Griseofulvin significantly inhibited incorporation of uridine-H(3) and thymidine-H(3), but not of leucine-H(3). This inhibition occurred only after initial vegetative development. In contrast to the two other inhibitors, which substantially inhibited germination, griseofulvin only slightly retarded the period of germination and did not affect respiration.

Abstract  Liquid--liquid extraction (LLE) of mixtures of butanol, 1,3-propanediol (PDO), and ethanol was performed using soybean-derived biodiesel as the extractant. The composition of the mixtures simulated the product of the anaerobic fermentation of biodiesel-derived crude glycerol, which has recently been reported for the first time by the authors. Using a biodiesel: with an aqueous phase volume ratio of 1:1, butanol recovery ranged from 45 to 51% at initial butanol concentrations of 150 and 225 mM, respectively. Less than 10% of the ethanol was extracted, and essentially no PDO was extracted. The partition coefficient for butanol in biodiesel was determined to be 0.91 ± 0.097. This partition coefficient is less than that of oleyl alcohol, which is considered the standard for LLE. However, butanol is suitable for blending with biodiesel, which would eliminate the need for separating the butanol after extraction. Additionally, biodiesel is much less costly than oleyl alcohol. If biodiesel-derived glycerol is used as the feedstock for butanol production, and biodiesel is used as the extractant to recover butanol from the fermentation broth, production of a biodiesel/butanol fuel blend could be a fully integrated process within a biodiesel facility. This process could ultimately help reduce the cost of butanol separation and ultimately help improve the overall economics of butanol fermentation using renewable feedstocks.

Abstract  The consumption of pellets and alternative biofuels, such as some agricultural residues, has experienced a tremendous growth in Mediterranean countries, which has changed the panorama of biomass burning emissions. To apply source apportionment models, specific chemical signatures for smoke aerosols are necessary. In this study, filter samples of fine particles (PM sub(2.5)) from the combustion of four different types of pellets and three agro-fuels (shell of pine nuts, olive pit and almond shell) in a pellet stove were collected. The PM sub(2.5) samples were extracted with dichloromethane/methanol and the dried extracts were silylated before injection into the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The analysis included monosaccharide anhydrides, resin acids, methoxyphenols and sterols. The amounts emitted were highly variable and dependent on both biofuel and combustion temperature. On average, the anhydrosugar particle mass fractions for the seven biofuels were 30 to 70 times lower than the values reported for manually fired systems. The highest levoglucosan emissions were observed for olive pit. Levoglucosan to mannosan ratios ranged from values around 2 for pellets and shell of pine nuts to much higher quotients, similar to those reported for hardwood combustion. Irrespective of biofuel, vanillin and vanillic acid were always present in the smoke samples. Coniferyl alcohol was only detected in samples from the combustion of olive pit and pellets with the highest softwood content. Sinapyl alcohol was exclusively emitted by olive pit. Dehydroabietic and isopimaric acids were represented in emissions whether from all type of pellets or from shell of pine nuts, whilst abietic acid was only quantifiable in PM sub(2.5) from the combustion of pellets made of coniferous wood. Sitosterol was solely detected in smoke particles from shell of pine nuts and olive pit.

Abstract  A strictly anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium (3.0-5.0 x 0.4-0.8 microns), designated strain SR3T (T = type strain), which stained Gram-positive and possessed a Gram-positive type cell wall was isolated from a methanogenic pilot-scale digester fed with olive mill wastewater (Sfax, Tunisia). It utilized a number of carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sorbose, galactose, myo-inositol, sucrose, lactose, cellobiose), organic compounds (lactate, betaine, sarcosine, dimethylglycine, methanethiol, dimethylsulfide), alcohol (methanol) and all methoxylated aromatic compounds only in the presence of yeast extract (0.1%). The end products from carbohydrate fermentation were H2, CO2, formate, acetate and ethanol, that from lactate was methanol, those from methoxylated aromatics were acetate and butyrate, and that from betaine, sarcosine, dimethylglycine, methanethiol and dimethylsulfide was only acetate. Strain SR3T was non-motile, had a G+C content of 44 mol% and grew optimally at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4 on a glucose-containing medium. Phylogenetically, the closest relatives of strain SR3T were the non-methoxylated aromatic-degrading Clostridium xylanolyticum, Clostridium aerotolerans, Clostridium sphenoides and Clostridium celerecrescens (mean similarity of 98%). On the basis of the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics of the isolate, it is proposed to designate strain SR3T as Clostridium methoxybenzovorans sp. nov. The type strain is SR3T (= DSM 12182T).

Abstract    The biobased aromatic triols were designed and synthesized from oleic acid, 10-undecenoic and erucic acid using optimized chemical reactions and purifications. Three aromatic triols were synthesized followed by cyclotrimerization of stearoyl alcohol, 10-undecyn-1-ol, and behenolic ester to obtain the aromatic triols and aromatic derivatives, and subsequent reduction of carboxylate groups to give primary hydroxyl groups. The analyses of these biobased aromatic triols were performed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A series of biobased segmented polyurethanes based on these aromatic triols, 1,4-butanediol as a chain extender and 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) as a coupling agent, were synthesized. The sample materials were prepared with a hard-segment content up to 50%. The morphologies and thermal stability of these polyurethanes were studied by the FTIR spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The results showed that it could be feasible to use the renewable resources to manufacture the applicable and green materials.

Abstract  The accumulation of nucleic and protein (amino nitrogen) components as decomposition products of the prcoess of autolysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells was studied at 50 degree C under the effect of various membranotropic additives. The influence of the added n-alcohols, n-fatty acids and several peptides was investigated in the range of concentration of 0.1-0.5 M. The maximal acceleration of the autolysis has been demonstrated under the effect of additvies with a hydrophobicity of 7.5-8.5 ccal/M. In all the investigated concentrations stearic acid and octadecyl alcohol have an inhibitory influence. The role of the hydrophobic influences and the mechanism of autolysis are discussed.

Abstract  Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to cause an inhibition of A431 cells in G2 phase within approximately 10 min, i.e., shortly before mitosis (Kinzel et al., Cancer Res., 50: 7932-7936, 1990). This system has been used to study the proposed role phospholipid metabolites, particularly phosphatidic acid (PA), may play (Kaszkin et al., Cancer Res., 51: 4328-4335, 1991) in the extracellular control of cells at the physiological restriction site in G2 phase. A431 cells responded to EGF with a dose-dependent formation of phosphatidic acid (PA) which correlated with the dose-dependent G2 delay as well as with their time courses. The G2 delay induced by EGF as well as PA mobilization were effected in conditioned medium or in fresh medium containing bovine serum albimun instead of serum, i.e., under the conditions necessary for precursor studies to be carried out. The major pathway of PA formation was probably via phospholipase C-mediated breakdown of phosphatidylinositol and diacylglycerol kinase: (a) the dose response of PA formation correlated with that of total inositol phosphate accumulation; (b) little diacylglycerol was found and then only at a high EGF concentration; (c) prelabeling with [1-14C]arachidonic acid resulting in a large specific labeling of phosphatidylinositol led to an EGF-induced, dose-dependent formation of radioactive arachidonyl-PA (correlated with that of total PA and inositol phosphate), but in the presence of a primary alcohol not to the formation of radioactive phosphatidylalcohol; (d) prelabeling with [1-14C]oleic acid led to the EGF-induced formation of labeled PA, which in the presence of a primary alcohol was only slightly reduced to the advantage of very low levels of labeled phosphatidyl alcohol, thus demonstrating that an EGF-effected activation of phospholipase D did occur but contributed little to the general PA level. An alternative mobilization of PA was attempted with the phorbolester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), which was shown to activate phospholipase D in A431 cells and to elicit PA from a phospholipid pool which was not significantly labeled with radioactive arachidonic acid. The TPA-induced degree of PA formation and of the G2 delay correlated. Both phenomena were considerably larger with fresh medium containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin instead of serum than in conditioned medium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Abstract  The effects of various polyoxyalkylene glycols (PAG) of different molecular mass, colza oil and oleic acid were studied on Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown without aeration in sequential batch culture on beet molasses wort. It was observed that PAG improve cell growth, viability and alcohol production with the best efficiency when their molecular mass was between 2000 and 3300 Da. Plasma membrane analysis revealed the presence of a higher percentage of ergosterol but a low percentage of lanosterol in cells showing the best viability. Colza oil had no significant action while oleic acid had a positive effect similar to that of the most efficient surfactant tested in this study.

Abstract  To investigate the use of solvent mixtures as test media replacing olive oil in migration tests, the interaction of polystyrene with mixtures composed of various amounts of tert.butyl acetate (mimicking the ester functions of oil) and of a low molecular weight alcohol (methanol, ethanol and isopropanol as inert co-solvent) was studied, using FTIR. Isopropanol, which has a lesser tendency to form hydrogen bonds in the plastic, can be used as main component of alternative fatty test media, its aggressiveness to polystyrene being tailored by adjusting the concentration of tert.butyl acetate. Concentrations below 20% seem useful on the basis of the mechanism of displacement of the alcohols.

Abstract  General methods for the conversion of unsaturated fatty acids into alcohols and amines and the preparation of lipidic 1,2-diamines were developed. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the synthetic lipidic compounds was tested against two different cell lines (P388 and NSCLCN6). Oleyl amine was the most active among the lipidic alcohols and monoamines. However, the saturated lipidic 1,2-hexadecanediamine exhibited the highest cytotoxicity (IC50 0.1 microgram/ml and 1.1 micrograms/ml).

Abstract  Investigations are reported, with tabulated and graphical results, using a model activated-sludge tank to study the biological degradation of non-ionic detergents based on alkylene oxides. In contrast to the results previously obtained with Dubaral, a biologically-hard alkylbenzenesulphonate (see Wat. Pollut. Abstr., 1964, 37, Abstr. No. 1478), neither detergents containing a high number of condensed molecules of ethylene oxide (represented by Slovasol O, a condensation product of oleyl and cetyl alcohols with 20 molecules of ethylene oxide) nor those with a low number of molecules of ethylene oxide (represented by Slovasol S, a condensation product of lauryl alcohol with 4 molecules of ethylene oxide) interfered with processes of purification or nitrification in the activated-sludge tank when present in the influent in concentrations of 10 or 20 mg per litre. but concentrations of 20 mg per litre caused foaming. although the foam was coarser, less stable, and less in quantity than that produced by Dubaral. Although Slovasol S is rapidly attacked by bacteria, Slovasol O is not degraded and may cause foaming in streams if the sewage-works effluent is insufficiently diluted. However, some of the Slovasol O is adsorbed on the activated sludge and discharged with the excess sludge into the digestion tanks. Determinations of chemical oxygen demand showed that the 4 hour permanganate test is not suitable for determining pollution by non-ionic detergents, as the values obtained are too low; the dichromate reflux method is more suitable.

Abstract    Table olives are healthy and nutritious products with high contents of monounsaturated fatty acids, phenolics, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Understanding sensory cues affecting consumer preferences would enable the increase of olive consumption. The objectives of this study were to characterize the sensory properties of commercial sliced black ripe olives from different regions, including California, Egypt, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, and to examine the preferences of California consumers for sliced black ripe olives. Sensory profiles and preferences for 20 sliced olive samples were determined using descriptive analysis with a trained panel and a consumer test with 104 users and likers of table olives. Aroma and flavor characteristics separated the olives according to country of origin, and were the main determinants of consumer preferences for sliced olives, even though the biggest differences among the samples were in appearance and texture. Total of 2 consumer segments were identified with 51 and 53 consumers, respectively, that both liked Californian products, but differed in the olives they disliked. Negative drivers of liking for both segments included alcohol, oak barrel, and artificial fruity/floral characteristics; however, consumers from Cluster 1 were further negatively influenced by rancid, gassy, and bitter characteristics. This study stresses the need for sound and appealing flavor quality for table olives to gain wider acceptance among U.S. consumers. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Abstract  The use of several food-grade vegetable oils (corn oil, canola oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil and soyabean oil), as extractants for the recovery of certain organic chemicals from aqueous solutions are described. The organic compounds tested included short-chain aliphatic alcohols, acids, esters and aldehydes and simple aromatic compounds commonly found in fermentation broths and food processing mixtures. The type of oil used was not significant with respect to extraction efficiency. In general, alcohols and acids were poorly recovered while esters, aldehydes and aromatics were satisfactorily recovered from model aqueous solutions at 24C. Caffeine was poorly extracted from water. Increasing temperature tended to increase extraction for most of the readily extractable compounds. Acidulated fatty acid, also tested as an extractant, was less desirable due to the formation of emulsions with the aqueous phase.

Abstract  The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of estradiol on ethanol-induced alterations of beta-endorphin (beta-EN) and met-enkephalin (ME) levels in specific brain regions of ovariectomized rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (100-124 g) adapted to a 12-hour light, 12-hour dark illumination cycle were used in these studies. Animals were ovariectomized under pentobarbital anesthesia. After a recovery period of 14 days, ethanol (3 g/kg as 22.5% solution in saline, i.p.), estradiol (50 micrograms/kg in 0.2 ml of olive oil, s.c. in the dorsal neck region), or a combination of ethanol and estradiol were administered to rats at 11:00 h. Control animals were injected intraperitoneally with 2 ml saline and subcutaneously with 0.2 ml olive oil. Animals were sacrificed by decapitation 2 h later. The brains were immediately removed; the cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and midbrain were dissected and their beta-EN and ME levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Ethanol administration significantly decreased both beta-EN and ME levels in the hypothalamus. Administration of estradiol alone also resulted in a significant decrease in beta-EN and ME levels in the hypothalamus. Additionally, concurrent administration of ethanol and estradiol showed a decrease in the levels of beta-EN and ME in the hypothalamus. Co-administration of ethanol with estradiol also caused a significant decrease in the levels of beta-EN in midbrain. However, ME levels were increased in the midbrain after concurrent administration of estradiol and ethanol. ME levels also increased in the hippocampus and cortex after co-administration of estrogen and ethanol. These results clearly indicate that estradiol significantly alters ethanol-induced effects on beta-EN and ME levels in specific brain regions of ovariectomized rats. The present findings may in part explain sex differences in alcohol effects.

Abstract  Silica gel is a useful support for the lipases of Geotrichum candidum. Esterification of selected fatty acids and alcohols proceeded to 85-92% conversion in hydrocarbon solvents, and the degree of esterification was increased to 96-98% by adding 4 angstroms molecular sieves at later stages of reaction. The equilibrium ratio of ester to fatty acid (butyl oleate to oleic) was determined for the supported lipase in a number of solvents and ranged from 92:8 in hexane and isooctane to 16:84 in t-butanol. The essential character of the enzyme seemed unimpaired by deposition onto silica gel as judged by fatty acid selectivity and stereoselectivity.

Abstract  In this article, polyvalent-metal salts of phosphotungstate were prepared by a double decomposition method. Bismuth phosphotungstate was found to be the most efficient catalyst in the esterification of n-butanol with oleic acid. The physical properties of bismuth phosphotungstate were characterized by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry. The molar ratio of alcohol to acid, the dosage of catalyst, reaction time, reaction temperature, and the recycling of the catalyst on the conversion of fatty acids were investigated. The optimized conditions are as follows: molar ratio of alcohol to oil is 1.8:1, the amount of catalysts is 5 wt% (based on the weight of fatty acid), reaction time is 4 h, and reaction temperature is 100 degree C. Under optimum conditions, the highest conversion of fatty acids is 90.1%. Moreover, this catalyst is easily recovered and can be reused at least five times.

Abstract    By reductive glyceride cleavage food fats of different origin, converted to free glycerol and to fatty alcohols of the corresponding fatty acids, were investigated. Multielement IRMS-analysis (δ^sup 13^C, δ^sup 18^O) of the decomposition products was performed in order to develop GC-IRMS methods to the authenticity assessment of food fats. For this reason glycerol from olive oils of definite origin, as well as glycerol of commercially available edible fats and oils, was analysed. Furthermore, the determination of ^sup 18^O/^sup 16^O and ^sup 13^C/^sup 12^C isotope ratios of commercial glycerols from different origins was achieved. In addition, δ^sup 13^C^sub VPDB^ values of fatty alcohols corresponding to genuine fatty acid moieties were measured and their usability in view of fat authenticity assessment is discussed.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Abstract  The effects of the surfactants, alcohol ethoxylate, amine ethoxylate, amine oxide and SDS on cell membranes were investigated using the lipid soluble spin label 5-doxyl stearic acid (5-DS). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy revealed that the action of the surfactants was to significantly increase membrane fluidity of Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The action of these surfactants as biocides was investigated and found to be dependent on the type of organism tested. There was, however, no direct correlation between enhanced membrane fluidity observed due to the action of the surfactants and biocidal activity. Data presented suggest that perturbing the fluidity of the cytoplasmic membrane is not immediately responsible for cell death.

Abstract  Objectives. Pretreatment with oral tadenan (TAD) has been shown to possess a protective effect on bladder dysfunction-induced obstruction. We evaluated the functional influence of cotreatment and post-treatment with oral TAD on the frequency/volume characteristics of micturition of conscious rats stimulated with exogenous dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to induce experimental prostate growth.

Methods. Studies were done on 36 adult Sprague-Dawley male rats, treated daily for 6 weeks and grouped as follows: group 1, sesame oil during weeks 1 and 2, peanut oil during weeks 3 to 6; group 2, DHT (1.25 mg/kg subcutaneously) dissolved in sesame oil as vehicle during weeks 1 and 2 and peanut oil during weeks 3 to 6; group 3, DHT (1.25 mg/kg subcutaneously) dissolved in sesame oil as vehicle and TAD (100 mg/kg orally) in peanut oil during weeks I and 2 and TAD during weeks 3 to 6; and group 4, DHT in sesame oil during weeks 1 and 2 and TAD in peanut oil during weeks 3 to 6. The characteristics of frequency/volume were monitored biweekly and at the sixth week.

Results. Controls showed no significant changes from baseline values in volume or frequency during the entire study period. DHT treatment produced a significant increase in frequency (1.9 +/- 0.3 to 3.0 +/- 0.4/hr) and a significant decrease in volume (1.8 +/- 0.3 to 1.2 +/- 0.1 mL). In groups 3 and 4, no significant changes occurred in frequency or volume. By the sixth week of observation, the effects of DHT treatment decreased to control values in all groups. A significant increase in prostatic weight (1191 +/- 11 to 1434 +/- 17 mg/kg) was produced by DHT treatment and TAD cotreatment suppressed growth to 1390 +/- 8.4 mg/kg.

Conclusions. TAD cotreatment or post-treatment suppressed the effects of DHT on micturition, and TAD cotreatment regressed a developing increase in prostatic weight. Post-treatment TAD administration did not reduce already established growth.