Abstract  Two novel functionalized polythiophenes, poly[3-(6-hydroxyhexyl)thiophene] and poly(3-octanethio-2,2'-bithiophene), were used as selective coating materials for quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. These conductive polymers on admixture with stearyl alcohol were deposited on QCM devices by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. These LB films exhibited a selective adsorption for the first-row transitions ions in the Irving-Williams order due to the complexation of metal ions with sulfur atoms in the polymers. These LB film coated QCM sensors were found applicable in detecting heavy metal ions in aqueous solution, which are major pollutants in wastewater. The coated QCM sensors can selectively adsorb heavy metal ions (Hg2+) from solution over a wide range from 0.1 to 100 ppm concentration by complexation with sulfur atoms in the polymers. The bound mercury could be removed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. The presence of ferrous, lead, cobalt, and chromium cations in the solution did not interfere with the detection of mercury ions.

Abstract  The hypothesized reaction mechanisms for U reduction by the dehydrogenation of hydroxyl groups and aliphatic hydrocarbonaceous moieties of lignite were verified by kinetic U reduction experiments using simple alcohols (1 -octadecanol and 2-propanol) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (n -octacosane). The rate constants and activation energies for U reduction by these alcohols are similar to those obtained for U reduction by lignite. The rate-determining step for U reduction by both simple and natural organic matter is hypothesized to be controlled by oxygen diffusion through U oxides. The equilibria of the system lignite-aqueous uranyl have been used to calculate standard free energy changes DELTAG-degrees for lignite dehydrogenation. Their comparison with those for the dehydrogenation of simple organic molecules supports the proposed reactions thermodynamically.

Abstract  Bladder dysfunction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major affliction associated with ageing. As the disease slowly progresses, the bladder changes from a state of compensation to decompensation, in which there are severe, irreversible alterations in bladder function. Using a rabbit model of partial outlet obstruction we have identified three major cellular changes in the bladder which result from such obstruction. These include progressive denervation, mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbances of calcium storage and release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Our hypothesis is that outlet obstruction results in bladder hypertrophy which induces ischaemia. This leads to a release of intracellular calcium, leading to activation of specific enzymes and generation of free radicals. These then attack the membranes of nerves, sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. We have demonstrated that pretreatment of rabbits with Pygeum africanum extract (Tadenan) significantly reduced the severity of both the contractile and metabolic dysfunctions induced by partial outlet obstruction. Our current hypothesis is that Tadenan may either prevent the activation of degradative enzymes (or generation of free radicals), or protect the intracellular membranes against the destructive effects of free radicals or degredative enzymes. In conclusion, identifying cellular mechanisms responsible for bladder dysfunction induced by partial outlet obstruction provides new possibilities for non-surgical treatment of BPH. Our studies on Tadenan support this concept that the bladder provides a novel target for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract  This research is focused on the immediate contribution of the bees and combs to honey volatiles in order to exclude these compounds as botanical-origin biomarkers for honey authentification. Therefore, the bees were closed in a hive containing empty combs under controlled food-flow conditions (saccharose solution). The obtained 'saccharose honey' probe samples were subjected to ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE), followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses (GC and GC/MS). A total of 66 compounds were identified. Higher alcohols made up ca. 50% of the total volatiles, mainly (Z)-octadec-9-en-1-ol, hexadecan-1-ol, and octadecan-1-ol, with minor percentages of undecan-1-ol, dodecan-1-ol, tetradecan-1-ol, pentadecan-1-ol, and heptadecan-1-ol. Other abundant compounds were saturated long-chain linear hydrocarbons, C(10)-C(25), C(27), and C(28), particularly C(23), C(25), and C(27)). Identified chemical structures were related to the composition of combs and cuticular waxes, and less to the bee pheromones. In addition, the impact of two-hour heat treatment at 80 degrees and one-year storage at room temperature on the same probe was investigated in order to identify thermal and storage artefacts. These findings can be considered as blank-trial probe (no plant source) for honey chemical profiling and identification of reliable botanical origin biomarkers.

Abstract  In our study, oleyl oleate was synthesized through enzymatic esterification of oleic acid with oleyl alcohol using Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) immobilized on macroporous resin in a solvent-free system. CRL was immobilized flexibly on the support via aldehyde-dextran, and the effectiveness of aldehyde-dextrans, as cross-linking agents with different molecular weights, was compared and discussed. The impact of various factors, such as different molecular weights of dextran, molar ratio between oleic acid and oleyl alcohol, and the temperature and stability of enzymes, on esterification was investigated as well. Our study indicated that lipase immobilized by 20000 Da dextran yielded the best result. The optimal condition to produce oleyl oleate using immobilized CRL was found in our study and turned out to be molar ratio of 1, reaction temperature of 40 degrees C, and a 12-h reaction time to reach reaction equilibrium. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a high percentage yield of ester was achieved (92.6%). The immobilized CRL also reached a conversion rate of 86.7% with excellent stability even after 8 cycles. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Experimental data on the partitioning of amino acids (tryptophan, phenylalanine) and dipeptides (tryptophan-leucine, phenylalanine-leucine) between the aqueous feed phase and the organic solvent phase are presented. The organic solvent phase consists of a carrier, sodium di-2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate/quaternary ammonium salt/dioleyl phosphoric acid, dissolved in (Z)-9-octadecen-1-ol (an organic solvent). The equilibrium distribution coefficient for extractions is determined by varying the following experimental conditions: feed solution pH, initial feed phase concentration, and composition of organic phase. The partition coefficient for the stripping process is also determined by varying the stripping agent (sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate), the concentration, and the pH of the stripping solution. The extraction and stripping reaction coefficients are calculated by combining the experimental data and the kinetic expressions for interfacial reactions. The variation of the values of the coefficients with the solute type (i.e. amino acid or dipeptide) and with the operating conditions of the system di-2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate in (Z)-9-octadecen-1-ol is presented.

Abstract  Seven chemically designed monolayer compounds were synthesized and investigated with comparison to the properties and water evaporation suppression ability of 1-hexadecanol and 1-octadecanol. Increasing the molecular weight and polarity of the compound headgroup drastically altered the characteristics and performance of the monolayer at the air/water interface. Contrary to the common expectation the monolayer's lifetime on the water surface decreased with increasing number of ethylene oxy moieties, thus optimal performance for water evaporation suppression was achieved when only one ethylene oxy moiety was used. Replacing the hydroxyl headgroup with a methyl group and with multiple ethylene oxy moieties resulted in a loss of suppression capability, while an additional hydroxyl group provided a molecule with limited performance against water evaporation. Theoretical molecular simulation demonstrated that for exceptional performance, a candidate needs to possess a high equilibrium spreading pressure, the ability to sustain a highly ordered monolayer with a stable isotherm curve, and low tilt angle over the full studied range of surface pressures by simultaneously maintaining H-bonding to the water surface and between the monolayer chains. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  CONTEXT: Naturally occurring polyphenols including olive oil (OO) and its constituents hydroxytyrosol (HT) and tyrosol (TY), consumed in the Mediterranean diet, have shown to treat various ailments due to their remarkable antioxidant properties.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of OO and its phenolic compounds HT and TY against TCDD-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: TCDD was administered at a dose of 100 ng/kg p.o. for 20 d. Administration of OO (10 ml/kg; oral), HT (0.5 mg/kg; oral), and TY (30 mg/kg; i.p) was started 5 d prior to TCDD administration, and continued for 25 d with or without TCDD administration. At the end of the experiment (25 d), blood was taken for biochemical analyses and liver for the measurement of macromolecular damages, antioxidant status, expressions of CYP1A1, and apoptotic factors.

RESULTS: TCDD administration resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of hepatic stress markers ALT (101.6 ± 3.07 IU/l), AST (295.0 ± 3.0 IU/l), and ALP (266.66 ± 3.7 IU/l). Also, biochemical analyses of liver reported elevation in nitrite and protein carbonyl content and depletion of NQO1 and HO. However, OO, HT, and TY restored the antioxidant status. Protein expressions by Western Blot technique showed an increase in the level of CYP1A1 and Bax and a decreased level of Bcl-2 on TCDD treatment, and vice versa on OO, HT, and TY treatment.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our work concludes that dietary supplementation of OO, HT, and TY could serve as a potential preventive drug for TCDD-induced hepatotoxicity.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease widely present in tropical and subtropical areas. Strongyloides stercoralis represents the main species that infects human beings. Ivermectin is the current drug of choice; however, issues related with treatment failure in patients with diabetes or infected with T-lymphotropic virus-1 make the identification of new molecules for alternative treatment a priority. In the present study, the activity of sphingosine-related aminoalcohol and diamine were evaluated against Strongyloides venezuelensis third-stage larva (L3) cultures and experimental infections in mice.

METHODS: The efficacy of each compound against L3 was assessed using both XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) assay and microscopic observation with concentrations ranging from 1 to 350 μM. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using J774.2 macrophage cell line and XTT assay. Lethal concentration 50 (LC50), selectivity index (SI) and structure-activity relationships were established. The activity compounds 4 (2-(ethylamino) hexadecan-1-ol), 6 (2-(butylamino) hexadecan-1-ol), 17 (tert-butyl N-(1-aminododecan-2-yl) carbamate) and 18 (tert-butyl N-(1-aminohexadecan-2-yl) carbamate) were further assessed against experimental S. venezuelensis infections in CD1 mice measuring reductions in the numbers of parthenogenetic females and egg passed in faeces. Mice were infected with 3,000 L3 and treated with 20 mg/kg/day for five days.

RESULTS: In the screening study of 15 aminoalcohols [lauryl (n = 9); palmityl (n = 13); stearyl (n = 15) and alcohol derivatives], the presence of a palmitol chain was associated with the highest efficacy against L3 (LC50 31.9-39.1 μM). Alkylation of the 2-amino group with medium size fragments as ethyl or n-butyl showed the best larvicidal activity. The dialkylation did not improve efficacy. Aminoalcohols 4 and 6 showed the highest SI (1.5 and 1.6, respectively). With respect to diamine derivative compounds, a chain size of sixteen carbon atoms (palmitoyl chain, n = 13), and the alkylation of the 2-amino group with medium-sized fragments, were associated with the highest lethal activities. The presence of carbamoyl group in diamines 17 and 18 yielded high SI (1.7 and 1.4, respectively). Infected mice treated with aminoalcohol 6 showed reduction in parthenogenetic females (59 %) and eggs in faeces (51 %).

CONCLUSIONS: These results support the potentiality of aminoalcohol and diamine sphingosine-related compounds as suitable prototypes for developing new promising drugs against strongyloidiasis.

Abstract  PURPOSE: Microemulsion (ME) systems allow for the microscopic co-incorporation of aqueous and organic phase liquids. In this study, the phase diagrams of four novel ME systems were characterized.

METHODS: Water and IPM composed the aqueous and organic phases respectively, whereas Tween 80 served as a nonionic surfactant. Transdermal enhancers such as n-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) and oleyl alcohol were incorporated into all systems without disruption of the stable emulsion.

RESULTS: A comparison of a W/O ME with an O/W ME of the same system for lidocaine delivery indicated that the O/W ME provides significantly greater flux (p < 0.025). The water phase was found to be a crucial component for flux of hydrophobic drugs (lidocaine free base, estradiol) as well as hydrophilic drugs (lidocaine HCl, diltiazem HCl). Furthermore, the simultaneous delivery of both a hydrophilic drug and a hydrophobic drug from the ME system is indistinguishable from either drug alone. Enhancement of drug permeability from the O/W ME system was 17-fold for lidocaine free base, 30-fold for lidocaine HCl, 58-fold for estradiol, and 520-fold for diltiazem HCl.

CONCLUSIONS: The novel microemulsion systems in this study potentially offers many beneficial characteristics for transdermal drug delivery.

Abstract  Increased environmental awareness and depletion of resources are driving industry to develop viable fuels from renewable resources. Vegetable oils are one alternative being considered for the production of renewable fuels. Surfactant reverse micelle microemulsions can be used as an alternative method for reducing high viscosities of vegetable oil without chemical wastes generated from the transesterification reaction. The objective of this research is to study the effects of surfactant saturation, unsaturation, and ethylene oxide groups on the phase behavior, kinematic viscosity, and microemulsion-droplet size with the goal of formulating optimized surfactant based biofuel. Four nonionic surfactants, stearyl alcohol (saturated), oleyl alcohol (unsaturated), methyl oleate (unsaturated with ester group), and Brij-010 (EO groups), were investigated in this research. It was found that the presence of methyl oleate unsaturated surfactant can greatly reduce the bulk viscosity and produce uniformly size of microemulsion droplets while use the least amount of surfactant for solubilizing ethanol-in-oil in the system. Thus, these results show that reverse micelle microemulsion can produce biofuels with desirable viscosity and fuel properties as compared to diesel. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  This paper presents the effect of adding different amounts of zinc into the composition of Zn-Mn/oleylamine core/shell ferrite nanoparticles (NPs). For this purpose, acetylacetonate as a main precursor, oleylamine as a surfactant and surface modifier, and stearyl alcohol as a co-surfactant were used for thermal decomposition synthesis of this ferrite. Monodispersed core/shell ferrite NPs synthesized with several compositions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed single-phase nanoparticles around 10 nm without any impurities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed single-phase spinel with ultra-thin layers of oleylamine on the surfaces that make the particles separated from each other. Thermogravimetric studies could also measure the amount of surfactant around the NPs. Moreover, the DC magnetic properties of the samples were studied using the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The M-H curves for all the samples showed negligible hysteresis loops indicating the superparamagnetic behaviour of the NPs. Furthermore, maximum saturation magnetization was measured for the sample with Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 with 45 amu.gr(-1), suggesting that this composition could be an excellent candidate for biomedical applications such as hyperthermia and imaging. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Pygeum africanum (PA) extract on the proliferation of cultured human prostatic myofibroblasts and fibroblasts; this extract is used for treating urinary disorders associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary cultures of prostatic stromal cells were obtained from histologically confirmed human BPH by enzymatic digestion. Cell proliferation was measured by 5-bromo2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) incorporation assays, and cytotoxicity by luminescent quantification of adenylate kinase activity.

RESULTS: Cultured cells were labelled by an anti-vimentin antibody, and most of them by an alpha-smooth-muscle-actin antibody, revealing the presence of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. BrdU incorporation tests showed that proliferation of cultured human stromal cells, stimulated by fetal calf serum, by basic fibroblast growth factor and by epidermal growth factor, was dose-dependently inhibited by PA extract (5-100 microg/mL). Except at 100 microg/mL, no acute cytotoxicity of the extract was detected after 24 h of culture. Similarly, the extract dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells, but to a lesser extent; whatever the dose of extract, no acute toxicity was evident on this cell line.

CONCLUSION: PA extract inhibits the proliferation of cultured human prostatic myofibroblasts and fibroblasts. We propose that cultured human prostatic cells offer a reliable model for preclinical screening of therapeutic agents, and to study the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of proliferation.

Abstract  Herbs, especially the weedy ones, are minerals powerhouses. Getting those minerals isn't as easy as taking a tincture (alcohol extracts little to no minerals) or swallowing a pill (minerals are poorly utilized from encapsulated herbs) but it isn't difficult either. At the Wise Woman Center we include mineral-rich herbs in our daily diet; it's easy, tasty, and very rewarding. How do we do it? 1) Drink 1-2 cups nourishing herbal infusion each day. 2) Eat wild plants in salad. 3) Dress salads with olive oil, tamari, and 1-2 tablespoons of a tonifying herbal vinegar. Vinegar is the ideal medium for extracting minerals from fresh herbs. Making them is easy and fun. Chop the herb finely, enough to fill any jar. Add enough room temperature pasteurized apple cider vinegar to fill the jar to the top. (Be careful not to put in too much herb; an eight-ounce jar will hold a cup of chopped herb and about six ounces of vinegar.) Cork your jar or cover it with plastic wrap, and don't forget the label. For best mineral extraction, wait at least six weeks before using the vinegar. (You can eat the pickled roots and leaves or discard them.) To learn more, read "Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way, Alternative Approaches for Women 30-90" by Susun S. Weed (Ash Tree, Woodstock NY, 1992). Susun is the author of four highly-acclaimed books on women's health: Healing Wise; Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year; Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way; and Breast Cancer? Breast Health! the Wise Woman Way. Founder of the Wise Woman Center, she also advises the California Institute of Integral Studies and the Pottenger Foundation for Wise Traditions. Her work has inspired millions of women to respect their inner wisdom and to trust the healing power of common weeds, simple ceremony, and compassionate listening. For a free schedule of classes with Susan Weed, write PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498 or visit her online at: www.susunweed.com.

Abstract  Soluble copper (Cu) preparations are both acute/chronic irritants and effective anti-inflammatory agents in rats. Copper is a prevalent component in several folk remedies for arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are reported to have higher-than-normal levels of serum copper, mainly associated with albumin. The anti-arthritis drug, D-penicillamine (Pn), efficiently strips Cu from some of its (pharmacologically inert) storage forms, e.g. Cu-albumin, Cu-polynucleotides yielding low M.W. Cu-Pn complexes, which show anti-inflammatory activity (ca. 5 X phenylbutazone) in rats irritated with carrageenan, oleyl alcohol, sodium urate and adjuvants. Under certain conditions Pn also blocks the amine-oxidase activity of caeruloplasmin, a circulating copper protein which is elevated in inflamed animals (an 'acute phase reactant'). Drugs, nutritional factors and the disease process may all possibly affect the movement of copper in vivo between inert reversible pharmacoactive reversible toxic forms.

Abstract  Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) production in southwest and northeast China has grown to over 100,000 ha in the last 20 years thanks to the fruit's high nutritional and economic value. As blueberry acreage increases, the diversity of diseases and challenges for control are gaining more attention. In August 2010, stem and branch blight occurred on Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) at commercial farms in Lijiang and Zongdian, Yunnan Province (southwestern China), with crop damage ranging from 10 to 15%. Typical symptoms of the disease were blight and dieback on the stems with lesions extending along entire branches. Diseased samples (phloem and xylem sectors in the wood) were washed with running tap water, disinfected with 2% sodium hypochlorite, then 70% alcohol, rinsed in sterile distilled water, plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 28 degree C. Fungal isolates developed copious, white aerial mycelium that became dark gray after 4 to 5 days and formed black pycnidia after 18 days. Conidia were hyaline, aseptate, thin walled, fusiform, and measured 21 to 27 x 4 to 6 mu m. Identity was confirmed by analysis of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region ITSI-5.8S -ITS2 with primers ITS1 and ITS4. BLAST searches showed 99% identity with Botryosphaeria dothidea isolates from GenBank (Accession Nos. AB693904 and JF800139). Representative sequences of B. dothidea from Highbush Blueberries from China were deposited into GenBank (Accession No. JX096631). On the basis of morphological and molecular results, the fungus isolated from diseased Highbush Blueberries stem was confirmed to be B. dothidea. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on 2-year-old blueberry seedlings (Highbush Blueberries). Mycelial plugs (2 to 3 mm in diameter) of B. dothidea from actively growing colonies (PDA) were applied to same-size bark wounds in the center of the stems. Inoculation wounds were wrapped with Parafilm. Control seedlings received sterile PDA plugs. Inoculated and control seedlings (five each) were kept in a greenhouse and watered as needed. After 12 days, all of the inoculated but none of the control blueberry seedlings showed dark vascular stem tissue. B. dothidea was reisolated from symptomatic tissues, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. No symptoms were visible in the control seedlings. B. dothidea has been reported as a pathogen of sycamore (3), olives (1), and peach (2). However, no research has been conducted on stem blight of blueberry caused by B. dothidea in southwest or mainland China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. dothidea on blueberry in southwest China.

Abstract  INTRODUCTIONThe effect of chronic co-administration of alcohol (Alc) and lipid-lowering drugs on hepatic function has not been extensively evaluated. We studied the effects of administering Alc together with a 3-hydroxy-3 methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor [simvastatin (S)].MATERIALS AND METHODSMale Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were randomized and divided into 4 groups of 10 each. They were fed (once a day) via a stomach tube with: 1) 2 ml of olive oil; group Oil, 2) with Oil + 2 ml of 25% v/v pure Alc in water; group Alc + Oil, 3) with Oil + S (65 micrograms/100 g body weight); group S + Oil, 4) with Oil + Alc + S; group S + Alc + Oil. Another 13 male Wistar rats were only fed a standard laboratory diet (control group). After 8 weeks blood samples were drawn and the livers were removed. Blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP), total protein, albumin, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were measured. Liver histopathology was also assessed.RESULTSDifferences were found between the control group and tube-fed groups in glucose (p < 0.001). No differences were found among tube-fed groups in blood glucose, ALT, total protein, albumin, AP and TC. AST activity was significantly higher in the Alc + Oil than in the Oil or S + Oil groups (p < 0.001 for both comparisons) demonstrating the effect of Alc on AST. The AST did not differ significantly in the Oil or S + Oil groups indicating a lack of effect of S. Furthermore, S significantly reduced the Alc-induced increase in AST (Alc + Oil vs S + Alc + Oil; p = 0.042). The TG concentration was significantly higher in the Alc + Oil group compared to the Oil, S + Oil and S + Alc + Oil groups (p = 0.02). Therefore, S significantly decreased the alcoholinduced increase in TG. Liver histopathology was similar in all groups and within the normal range.CONCLUSIONA moderate amount of Alc daily together with S is safe in rats. Additionally, S administration in Wistar rats diminishes the Alc-induced TG and AST rises.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: The results of some epidemiologic studies conducted by using questionnaires suggest that dietary fat composition influences diabetes risk. Confirmation of this finding with use of a biomarker is warranted.

OBJECTIVE: We prospectively investigated the relation of plasma cholesterol ester (CE) and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition with the incidence of diabetes mellitus.

DESIGN: In 2909 adults aged 45-64 y, plasma fatty acid composition was quantified by using gas-liquid chromatography and was expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Incident diabetes (n = 252) was identified during 9 y of follow-up.

RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex, baseline body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, physical activity, education, and parental history of diabetes, diabetes incidence was significantly and positively associated with the proportions of total saturated fatty acids in plasma CE and PL. The rate ratios of incident diabetes across quintiles of saturated fatty acids were 1.00, 1.36, 1.16, 1.60, and 2.08 (P = 0.0013) in CE and 1.00, 1.75, 1.87, 2.40, and 3.37 (P < 0.0001) in PL. In CE, the incidence of diabetes was also positively associated with the proportions of palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1n-7), and dihomo-gamma-linolenic (20:3n-6) acids and inversely associated with the proportion of linoleic acid (18:2n-6). In PL, incident diabetes was positively associated with the proportions of 16:0 and stearic acid (18:0).

CONCLUSIONS: The proportional saturated fatty acid composition of plasma is positively associated with the development of diabetes. Our findings with the use of this biomarker suggest indirectly that the dietary fat profile, particularly that of saturated fat, may contribute to the etiology of diabetes.

Abstract  Fatty acid conjugation of alcohols, catalyzed by fatty acid ethyl ester synthase (FAEES), results in the formation of lipophilic esters. Although the activity of FAEES is reported in almost all organs, including plasma, the interrelationship among various proteins expressing FAEES activity in different organs/tissues is not well understood. Earlier, we have reported an inhibition of FAEES activity in human hepatoma cells by tri-o-tolylphosphate (TOTP; serine esterase inhibitor). The present study was undertaken to further characterize the hepatic, plasma, and pancreatic FAEES in rats after ip injection of 10, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg TOTP in corn oil or vehicle alone. After 18 h, animals were euthanized and FAEES activity in the plasma and postnuclear fractions of hepatic and pancreatic homogenates were assayed by measuring the ester formation following incubation with [1-(14)C]oleic acid and ethanol or methanol as substrates. Significant inhibition of FAEES activity was observed in hepatic postnuclear fraction. The esterase activity also showed a pattern similar to fatty acid ethyl and methyl ester synthesizing activity. A trend similar to hepatic synthesizing and hydrolyzing activities was also found in the plasma of TOTP-treated rats. However, no inhibition of synthetic activity toward formation of fatty acid ethyl or methyl esters or p-nitrophenyl acetate hydrolyzing activity was observed in the pancreas of rats after TOTP exposure. Our results also show that the protein expressing FAEES activity in the pancreas does not cross-react with antibodies to rat adipose tissue FAEES using Western blot analysis, which recognizes approximately 60- and approximately 84-kDa proteins in the liver and plasma, respectively. Furthermore, the inhibition in liver is at the functional level of enzyme as no change was observed between control and treated animals by immunohistochemistry. We conclude that fatty acid ethyl or methyl ester synthesizing enzyme(s) in the liver and plasma, which are inhibited by TOTP, are different from that present in the pancreas.

Abstract    Background The biodiesel production can be carried out by transesterification using either chemical or enzymatic process. The enzymatic transesterification is more promising as it offers an environmental friendly option compared to the chemical process, where the lipases with high catalytic efficiency and good stability play a key role. Hence, it is of great value to identify novel lipases which are suitable for biodiesel production. Results A lipase gene (ReLipA) from Rhizomucor endophyticus was cloned and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. ReLipA shared the highest identity of 61 % with the lipases from Rhizopus delemar, Rhizopus oryzae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The recombinant lipase (ReLipA) was secreted as an active protein with the highest activity of 1961 U mL-1 in a 5-L fermentor by high cell-density fermentation. ReLipA was purified to homogeneity with a recovery yield of 75.7 %. The purified enzyme was most active at pH 6.0 and 40 °C, respectively, and it was stable up to 55 °C. ReLipA displayed 75 % of its maximal activity at 0 °C, indicating that it is a cold-adapted lipase. It exhibited broad substrate specificity toward various p-nitrophenyl esters and triglycerides. ReLipA hydrolyzed triolein to release mainly 1,2-diolein without the formation of 1,3-diolein, suggesting that it is a sn-1,3 regiospecific lipase. Furthermore, ReLipA synthesized different types of oleates by esterification using oleic acid and short chain alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, and butanol) as the substrates with the highest conversion yield of 82.2 %. Therefore, the cold-adapted lipase may be a good biocatalyst in ester synthesis in biodiesel industry. Conclusions A novel cold-adapted lipase was identified and characterized. The high yield and excellent properties may confer the enzyme with great potential for biodiesel production in bioenergy industry. This is the first report on a cold-adapted lipase from Rhizomucor species.

Abstract    dl-Octadecyl α-glyceryl ether (batyl alcohol) was synthesized and tested for its inhibiting action on the rat leucopenia induced by administration of N-methyl-bis(2-chloroethyl)amine N-oxide.

Abstract  The effects of benzene or hexane used as spreading solvents on the surface pressure-area isotherms of octadecanol and stearic acid were investigated. It was found that monolayers of stearic acid expanded more than those of octadecanol when benzene liquid or vapour was added to the surface. Benzene vapour was irreversibly adsorbed on a monolayer of stearic acid. Monolayers of octadecanol expanded when the concentration of benzene in the subphase was increased. An expansion of the monolayer with age was observed; this was greater for octadecanol than for stearic acid. Aging could be attributed to changes in the structure of the monolayers as well as to contamination. Expansions resulting from both aging and solvent effects were greater at low surface pressures.

Abstract  Citric acid--neopentylene glycol--citric acid (CNC) triblock claw molecule as a fuel additive was applied as a diesel fuel low-temperature flow improver. Some of the other molecules--such as stearic acid and hexadecyl alcohol--are trapped with the above-synthesized claw molecule. The claw molecule, which is hydrophilic before the other molecules trapped into the suitable sites of the claw molecule, becomes soluble in diesel fuel. The claw molecule structure was further confirmed by 1H NMR and IR spectra. The cold filter plugging point of diesel of adding the claw molecule was measured and discussed. The experimental results showed that the newly developed low-temperature flow improver has a good sensibility to diesel of different batches and different composition. When dosage is 600 Delta *mg/g, the reduction value of cold filter plugging point is up to 6 units.