Abstract  Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are known to cause depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and to contribute to global warming. For this reason, many researchers are investigating alternative CFCs. In the present study, bio-surfactants incorporating two oils, soy bean and canola, were prepared, and bio-surfactants in water in oil (W/O) and oil in water (O/W) types were produced, respectively. The phase behaviors of the as-prepared lauryl alcohol, caster oil, and oleic acid bio-surfactants were investigated under temperatures ranging from 4 to 60 degree C to find the optimal single phase. The bio-surfactants additionally were analyzed for biodegradability, cleaning efficiency, and degree of corrosion of several metals and plastics, taking into due consideration the industrial cleaning process for chemical impurities. For removal of flux (i.e., abietic acid that constitutes most of rosin) from 25 to 60 degree C temperature by sonication treatment, first, the biodegradability (%) of the four bio-surfactants, namely the W/O- and O/W-formulated soybean methyl ester (SME) and canola ethyl ester (CEE) types, were determined to be 94.66%, 95.60%, 94.43%, and 93.87%, respectively. Second, the cleaning efficiencies of the four bio-surfactants were 99%, 97%, 58%, and 15%, respectively, under the optimal cleaning conditions. Third, the degrees of maximal corrosion of caster iron and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by W/O SME, O/W SME, W/O CEE, and O/W CEE were recorded as -0.11/-7.65, -0.44/-5.79, -0.11/-11.80, and -0.12/-2.84 Delta mg/cm super(3), respectively. Compared with trichloroethylene (TCE)'s cleaning performance for oil-contaminated brake pads, the W/O SME bio-surfactant showed better ( similar to 99%) cleaning efficiency in <5 min. Conclusively, the W/O SME bio-surfactant was judged to be a proper CFC alternative for application to industrial cleaning processes.

Abstract  Yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH) with its cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD super(+)) could be stably encapsulated in liposomes composed of POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine). The YADH- and NAD super(+)-containing liposomes (YADH-NADL) were 100 nm in mean diameter. The liposomal YADH and NAD super(+) concentrations were 2.3 mg/mL and 3.9 mM, respectively. A synergistic effect of the liposomal encapsulation and the presence of NAD super(+) was examined on the thermal stability of YADH at 45 and 50 degree C. The enzyme stability of the YADH-NADL was compared to the stabilities of the liposomal YADH (YADHL) containing 3.3 mg/mL YADH without NAD super(+) as well as the free YADH with and without NAD super(+). Free YADH was increasingly deactivated during its incubation at 45 degree C for 2 h with decrease of the enzyme concentration from 3.3 to 0.01 mg/mL because of the dissociation of tetrameric YADH into its subunits. At that temperature, the coexistence of free NAD super(+) at 3.9 mM improved the stability of free YADH at 2.3 mg/mL through forming their thermostable complex, although the stabilization effect of NAD super(+) was lowered at 50 degree C. The turbidity measurements for the above free YADH solution with and without NAD super(+) revealed that the change in the enzyme tertiary structure was much more pronounced at 50 degree C than at 45 degree C even in the presence of NAD super(+). This suggests that YADH was readily deactivated in free solution due to a decrease in the inherent affinity of YADH with NAD super(+). On the other hand, both liposomal enzyme systems, YADH- NADL and YADHL, showed stabilities at both 45 and 50 degree C much higher than those of the above free enzyme systems, YADH/NAD super(+) and YADH. These results imply that the liposome membranes stabilized the enzyme tertiary and thus quaternary structures. Furthermore, the enzyme activity of the YADH-NADL showed a stability higher than that of the YADHL with a more remarkable effect of NAD super(+) at 50 degree C than at 45 degree C. This was considered to be because even at 50 degree C the stabilization effect of lipid membranes on the tertiary and quaternary structures of the liposomal YADH allowed the enzyme to form its thermostable complex with NAD super(+) in liposomes.

Abstract    Esterification is the first step in the biodiesel production process from low cost feedstock, which is typically characterized by its high content (>5%) of free fatty acids (FFAs). Although multiple attempts have been made to describe the kinetics of the esterification process for this feedstock, there is no consensus regarding which model is the most suitable. In this paper, two models were evaluated as candidates to describe the esterification of grease trap wastes, a synthetic mixture of tallow fat and canola oil, and oleic acid, which all have a high degree of acidity. The first model considers a pseudo-first order reaction, whereas the second model considers the reversibility of the reaction. All parameters involved in these models are structurally identifiable and are estimated with the Levenberg-Marquardt method. A statistical analysis based on Akaike's weights show that the reversible model provides the best fit for all experimental runs compared to the first order model. This result was obtained from variations in catalyst loading and moisture content. Practical applications: The design and implementation of monitoring algorithms or robust control laws for a process carried out in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) require the knowledge of its dynamical mathematical model that contains a kinetic term. In the particular case of the esterification reactions for feedstock with high content of FFAs developed in the presence of homogeneous acid catalyst, there exists a discrepancy on the mathematical structure of such kinetic term. In this study we perform some batch experiments, considering industrial reagent grade alcohols, to deduce which model (among the two simplest kinetic models) better describes the esterification of oleic acid, grease trap wastes and a mixture of tallow fat and canola oil. Then, the results obtained from this basic research could be applied if monitoring-regulation tasks are required for the esterification of the feedstock considered herein when such esterification be carried out in a CSTR under industrial conditions. [Image omitted see PDF] Low cost feedstock has been esterified under variations in catalyst loading and initial moisture content. Two kinetic models were used to fit experimental data and a structural identifiability analysis has been conducted for each parameter contained in these models. According with Akaike's weights, the kinetic model that considers the reversibility of the esterification reaction provides the best fit for all experimental runs.

Abstract    Abstract Objective To provide an overview of research relevant to the Mediterranean diet. Design Personal perspectives. Setting International. Subject Populations in Europe, North America, Asia. Results Approximately 50 years ago, Keys and colleagues described strikingly low rates of coronary heart disease in the Mediterranean region, where fat intake was relatively high but largely from olive oil. Subsequent controlled feeding studies have shown that compared to carbohydrate, both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats reduce LDL and triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. Importantly, these beneficial metabolic effects are greater in the presence of underlying insulin resistance. In a detailed analysis within the Nurses' Health Study, trans fat from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (absent in traditional Mediterranean diets) was most strongly related to risk of heart disease, and both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat were inversely associated with risk. Epidemiologic evidence has also supported beneficial effects of higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and daily consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol. Together with regular physical activity and not smoking, our analyses suggest that over 80% of coronary heart disease, 70% of stroke, and 90% of type 2 diabetes can be avoided by healthy food choices that are consistent with the traditional Mediterranean diet. Conclusion Both epidemiologic and metabolic studies suggest that individuals can benefit greatly by adopting elements of Mediterranean diets.   To provide an overview of research relevant to the Mediterranean diet. Personal perspectives. International. Populations in Europe, North America, Asia. Approximately 50 years ago, Keys and colleagues described strikingly low rates of coronary heart disease in the Mediterranean region, where fat intake was relatively high but largely from olive oil. Subsequent controlled feeding studies have shown that compared to carbohydrate, both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats reduce LDL and triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. Importantly, these beneficial metabolic effects are greater in the presence of underlying insulin resistance. In a detailed analysis within the Nurses' Health Study, trans fat from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (absent in traditional Mediterranean diets) was most strongly related to risk of heart disease, and both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat were inversely associated with risk. Epidemiologic evidence has also supported beneficial effects of higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and daily consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol. Together with regular physical activity and not smoking, our analyses suggest that over 80% of coronary heart disease, 70% of stroke, and 90% of type 2 diabetes can be avoided by healthy food choices that are consistent with the traditional Mediterranean diet. Both epidemiologic and metabolic studies suggest that individuals can benefit greatly by adopting elements of Mediterranean diets.

Abstract  The aim of the study was to enhance the antioxidant properties of fish burgers with microencapsulated propolis. Spray-drying process was used to microencapsulate propolis (30g in 100mL of ethanol 70% v/v) by means of gum Arabic and Capsul in different ratios (1:6 for gum Arabic and Capsul and then 1:20 just for Capsul). Once defined the optimal microencapsulation conditions, an alcohol-free powder able to mask the strong odor of propolis was obtained, thus promoting a potential food application as source of phenolics and antioxidants. Specifically, 5% w/w of spray-dried propolis was incorporated in fish burgers. To improve their sensory properties, new ingredients such as potato flakes (3%, 5%, 7% and 10% w/w) and extra virgin olive oil (9% w/w) were tested and optimized to give a final fish product with good acceptability. Proper tests on burgers also demonstrated an effective increase of both phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Practical Applications Propolis exhibits strong antioxidant properties because of its high content of polyphenols. Thus, it can be potentially used as natural food additive and functional food ingredient, but its application to food products is still limited because of its strong and unpleasant taste and odor that generally compromise food acceptability. The results of this study increase the possibility to embed the propolis as a microencapsulated natural ingredient in various foods to enhance antioxidant properties and phenolic contents.

Abstract  The Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) Stearyl Ethers are polypropylene ethers of stearyl ether that function as skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Few data on the PPG Stearyl Ethers were available. Data on chemically related PPG Butyl Ethers were reviewed as a further basis for the assessment of safety. The amounts of PPG Butyl Ethers absorbed from the digestive tract were inversely proportional to the molecular weights on the compounds; skin penetration was slow to nil. During metabolism, the butyl group was removed and oxidized, and the chains were fragmented, oxidized to weak acids, and eliminated in the urine. Little acute oral toxicity was seen in animal studies. In general, the PPG Butyl Ethers were very toxic by the intravenous route and were slightly toxic to nontoxic by the intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. The smaller molecular weight ethers were generally more toxic than the larger molecular weight ethers. PPG-2 Butyl Ether vapor was nontoxic by the inhalation route. Undiluted PPG-15 Stearyl Ether was practically nonirritating to the eyes of rabbits, and PPG Butyl Ethers had minor to moderate conjunctival irritation, opacity, and iritis. PPG-15 Stearyl Ether was slightly irritating to rabbit skin. PPG-2 Butyl Ether caused minor, transient erythema and desquamation during a 4-hour occlusive patch test. PPG-2 Butyl Ether did not irritate the skin of pregnant mice, was nontoxic to dams, and was not teratogenic. PPG-9-13 Butyl Ether was noncarcinogenic when fed to rats. PPG-40 Butyl Ether was nonsensitizing in clinical tests. These data were considered by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel to support the safety of PPG Stearyl Ethers at their current use concentrations (2% to 10%, but not greater than 25%). Data on the component ingredients, Propylene Glycol, PPG, and Steraryl Alcohol, from previous cosmetic ingredient safety assessments were also considered and found to support the safety of PPG Stearyl Ethers.

Abstract  Three new iso-oleic ester derivatives (i.e., isopropyl ester (IOA-iPrE, 6), n-butyl ester (IOA-n-BuE, 7), and 2-ethylhexyl ester (IOA-2-EHE, 8)) were synthesized from iso-oleic acid (IOA, 4) using a standard esterification method. These esterified alcohols were chosen because of their bulky and branched-chain alkyl groups which can reduce melting point in comparison to a smaller alkyl group such as methyl ester. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cloud point and pour point results showed that esters 6, 7, and 8 had much lower melting transition temperatures and cold flow properties than the methyl (IOA-FAME, 5) and parent 4. The oxidative and thermal stability by pressure (P-DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results also showed a very similar trend where the bulkier and branched-chain alkyl esters had better stability than the smaller headgroup esters. Practical applications: Since saturated fats have high melting points, they are solids which can be harmful to our health and can cause damage to machinery. There is an urgent need to develop methods to produce fats with low melting points to replace the unwanted fats. In this paper, a series of modified branched-chain fatty acid ester derivatives (i.e., iso-oleic acid esters) that are liquid at room temperature with enhanced fluidity were synthesized. These ester fats have been found to perform much better than the original fatty acids and saturated fats. These findings are important as these iso-oleic ester fats can potentially replace solid materials which are often problematic at low temperatures. Iso-oleic ester derivatives containing bulky and branched-chain alkyl groups exhibit reduce melting point in comparison to a smaller alkyl group such as methyl ester. Iso-oleic ester derivatives containing bulky and branched-chain alkyl groups exhibit reduce melting point in comparison to a smaller alkyl group such as methyl ester.

Abstract  BACKGROUNDThere is little published information on the coronary risk characteristics of Palestinian women. However, there are documented lifestyle differences as well as socioeconomic inequalities between Arab and Jewish women in Israel.OBJECTIVESTo compare the risk factor characteristics of coronary heart disease patients in Palestinian and Israeli women.METHODSThis study included 546 women (444 Jews and 102 Arabs) aged 35-74, all residents of Jerusalem, who underwent cardiac catheterization at the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center between 2000 and 2003, and were confirmed to have coronary artery disease. Data on multiple risk factors were obtained from patient interviews and files.RESULTSCompared with Jewish women, Arab women had a higher prevalence of diabetes, had borne more children, were younger, had a lower socioeconomic status, consumed less alcohol and more olive oil, suffered more passive smoking and were less physically active. On the other hand, fewer Arab women had dyslipidemia, used hormone replacement therapy and had a family history of CHD.CONCLUSIONSCompared to Jewish women, Palestinian Arab women in Jerusalem appear to have more diabetes and exhibit lifestyle factors that generally increase the risk for CHD. Greater attention to primary prevention in this ethnic group is needed. This study suggests the need to investigate determinants of the metabolic syndrome and the possible role of passive smoking in Arab women as well as modes of intervention via health promotion and risk factor management in this population.

Abstract  SummaryOrganic acids, fat hydrolysis, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of a new brine cheese which combines characteristics of Halloumi and Feta cheeses during its ripening in whey brine (100gNaClL-1) were studied. Thermotolerant protease of Mucor miehei as a coagulant enzyme and a mixture of thermotolerant starter cultures Enterococcus faecium 0165 (0.5% w/w) and Lactobacillus casei 80 10D were used. Good quality new Halloumi-type cheese was produced with higher proteolysis than traditional Halloumi cheese kept in whey brine. The volatile compounds identified comprised alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, hydrocarbons and sulphur compounds. Ethanol was the dominant volatile compound determined. Lactic acid was the dominant acid produced; its concentration increased during ripening, reaching a maximum value of 9929mgkg-1 at day 30. Acetic acid was also found in high amounts, which increased during cheese ripening. Lipolysis of cheese was not intense. The most abundant acids of the mature cheese were palmitic, oleic and acetic acid. The Halloumi-type cheese scored higher in the sensory analysis when fresh than did the mature cheese.

Abstract  Alcohol ingestion may promote lipid peroxidation, and the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver lipids may be essential for the generation of liver damage through this mechanism. The aim of this study is to examine fatty acid composition of liver lipids in chronic alcoholics with and without histological liver damage. A percutaneous liver biopsy was performed to 28 patients hospitalized for treatment of their alcoholism. Liver total lipids were extracted from a portion of the tissue sample and fatty acid composition was measured by gas chromatography. Another piece of the sample was sent for histological study. Six patients had histological cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis in their biopsies, the rest of the patients had minimal changes. Patients with liver damage had higher levels of oleic acid and total monoenoic fatty acids, a higher 18:1/18:0 ratio, lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a lower 20:4/18:2 ratio, and a lower peroxidability index in liver total lipids, than patients without liver damage. Alcoholic patients with asymptomatic liver damage have less unsaturated fatty acids in liver total lipids than their counterparts with normal livers.

Abstract    Two new iridoids were isolated and identified to three known ones, namely, loganic acid ( 2 ), sweroside ( 3 ), and 7- O -tigloylsecologanol ( 4 ), from the stems of Viburnum erosum . Dried stems of V. erosum were extracted with 80% methanol (MeOH), and the concentrated extract was partitioned successively with ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n -butyl alcohol ( n -BuOH), and H 2 O. Five compounds were isolated after repeated silica gel (SiO 2 ), octadecyl SiO 2 (ODS), and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography of the EtOAc fraction. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined based on spectroscopic data from 1 H- and 13 C-NMR, DEPT, and 2D-NMR (gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC) data. The new iridoids were identified as 3,7-dihydroxy-8-methyl-cyclopenta[ c ]pyran-4-carboxylic acid ( 1 ) and rel -(1 S ,5 R ,9 S )-9-ethenyl-1-( -D-glucopyrinosyloxy)-5,9-dihydro-5-{2-[(2-methylbut-2-enoyl)oxy]ethyl}-1 H -pyran-4-carboxylic acid ( 5 ) and named viburnin and epi-7- O -tigloylsecologanolic acid, respectively. This is the first report of the isolation of these five iridoids from V. erosum .

Abstract  Results are given of investigations at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas into the use of monomolecular films to reduce evaporation losses from reservoirs. Experiments showed that a water saving of 50 per cent could be obtained by adding a minimum of 1.6 lb of a mixture of hexadecanol and octadecanol (Aquasave) per day per acre. In field tests, excess Aquasave applied in solution produced a saving of 17-18 per cent. No significant saving was obtained when Aquasave was applied as an emulsion in rod form, as dispersion of film from the rods was prevented by growths of algae and by calcium and magnesium ions in the water combining with the soap used in the emulsion. Losses of the chemical resulting from bacterial action were not decreased by the addition of an antibiotic. The economic aspects of applying Aquasave are considered.

Abstract  Antibacterial activities of different solvent extracts of young and old leaves has been evaluated against Pseudomonas aeureginosa (ATTCC10145) an opportunistic bacteria by Agar Well Diffusion Method. Extracts of olive leaves have been prepared by using standard extraction methods and DMS was used as vehicle for all the extracts. Amikacin was used as standard drug to which P. aeruginosa was found sensitive. Augmentin to which this bacteria is resistant was used to check combine effect (if any) with olive leave extracts. Ether, Chloroform and Alcoholic extracts of old and young leaves with or without Augmentin supplementation were used to evaluate the antibacterial activities against P. aeruginosa and all of these extracts were found active. The effect was displayed as concentration dependent for all the extracts tested in this study. The ether extract showed maximum activity which was more than the alcohol, chloroform extracts and Amikacin used as standard in this study. Augmentin supplementation to these extracts does not exert any additional inhibitory effect in the activities of olive leave extracts. Minimum inhibitory concentration was also determined and it was found that extracts of both old and young leave have inhibitory effect of which was found concentration dependent. There was no significant difference between antibacterial activities of old and young leaves. The outcome of present study suggests that these extracts have every potential to be used as neutraceuticals.

Abstract  Zeolite Y, with a Si/Al ratio 3.1, was prepared using Iraqi kaolin and tested as a catalyst in the liquid-phase esterification of oleic acid (a simulated free fatty acid frequently used as a model reaction for biodiesel production). XRD confirmed the presence of the characteristic faujasite structure of zeolite Y, and further analysis was conducted using BET adsorption, FTIR spectroscopy, XRF, DLS particle size and SEM. A range of experimental conditions were employed to study the reaction; alcohol/oleic acid molar ratio, temperature, and catalyst mass loading. The optimum conditions for the reaction were observed at 70 degree C, 5 wt% catalyst loading and 6:1 ethanol to oleic acid molar ratio. The oleic acid conversion using the zeolite prepared from kaolin was 85% after 60 min, while the corresponding value for a commercial sample of HY zeolite was 76%. Our findings show that low Si/Al ratio zeolite Y is a suitable catalyst for esterification, which is in contrast to the widespread view of the unsuitability of zeolites, in general, for such applications.

Abstract  The antidiabetic effect of an alcohol extract of olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of the olive leaves extract (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg body wt) for 14 days significantly decreased the serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) while it increased the serum insulin in diabetic rats but not in normal rats (p < 0.05). A comparison was made between the action of olive leaves extract and glibenclamide (600 microg/kg), a known antidiabetic drug. The antidiabetic effect of the extract was more effective than that observed with glibenclamide.

Abstract  Leaves of Olea europaea, cultivar Nocellara del Belice, were examined with respect to the medium-polar fraction, obtained by an ethyl acetate extraction of the whole extract. In the medium polar fraction, we isolated the two hydroxy-phenyl-ethyl alcohols (hydroxyl-tyrosol and tyrosol) that are the main component of olives. In addition, we isolated a flavonoidic compound, aromadendrine, a dihydroflavonol yet known but quite rare in nature. It is the first time that aromadendrine is isolated in O. europaea and we studied the aromadendrine biological activity. In particular, the ability of aromadendrine to reduce the inflammation induced in normal keratinocytes using an in vitro cell model was evaluated. The results of the present research indicate aromadendrine as a novel component in O. europaea with effective activity against skin inflammation.

Abstract  Epidemiological studies suggest that olive oil intake is associated to a reduced risk of cancer. Recently, the chemopreventive activity of olive oil has been attributed to its unique phenolic compounds represented by phenolic alcohols, hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol: 3,4-DHPEA) and tyrosol (p-hydroxyphenylethanol: p-HPEA), and their secoiridoid derivatives 3,4-DHPEA-EA (oleuropein aglycon), p-HPEA-EA (ligstroside aglycon), 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, p-HPEA-EDA (oleocanthal), and oleuropein. Several studies have demonstrated that these compounds are able to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in different tumor cell lines. These in vitro effects have been recently summarized in several reviews. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the in vivo anti-cancer activities of secoiridoid phenols as evidenced by either animal models of carcinogenesis or human intervention trials. From the literature research through "PubMed" and "Web of Science", 16 animal studies and 5 human intervention trials were identified and included in the review. Most of the animal studies have confirmed the ability of these compounds to inhibit the carcinogenesis process at both initiation and promotion/progression phases. All human intervention trials have investigated the effects of olive oil phenols on DNA damage. Among the five selected studies, three have shown a significant preventive effect on oxidative DNA damage in terms of reduction of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in urine, in mitochondria DNA of mononuclear cells and in lymphocyte DNA. The other two studies failed to see an effect on the urinary excretion of either etheno-DNA adducts or oxidation products of guanine. Further investigations are necessary to clarify the real chemopreventive potential of olive oil secoiridoid phenols on humans performing intervention studies on populations at high cancer risk.

Abstract  To investigate a possible correlation between selective modification and degradation of enzymes, the susceptibility to intracellular yeast proteinases A and B of yeast enzymes treated with fatty acids was tested. Enzymes used were glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, which are sensitive to the denaturing modification caused by fatty acids, and alcohol dehydrogenase which is insensitive. Proteinases and substrate enzymes were all pure preparations. Without modification by fatty acids, at neutral pH, the three enzymes are remarkably resistant to degradation by both proteinases. Treatment with myristic or oleic acid definitely enhances the susceptibility to proteolysis of the sensitive glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, whereas it leaves negligible that of the insensitive alcohol dehydrogenase. The selective effect of fatty acids on the degradation is pH-dependent: with proteinase A it was lost at acidic pH. Since intracellular levels of free fatty acids near or even higher than 1 mM were actually measured in yeast cells, it is possible that free fatty acids, in some cellular conditions, affect yeast enzyme composition. However, the control of specific enzyme degradation in yeast is still an open question.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk of prostate cancer associated with foods and nutrients, including individual fatty acids and carotenoids.

METHODS: Population-based case-control study of 858 men aged <70 years at diagnosis with histologically confirmed prostate cancer of Gleason Grade 5 or greater, and 905 age-frequency-matched men, selected at random from the electoral rolls. Dietary intakes were assessed with a 121-item food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS: Inverse associations with prostate cancer were observed for (Odds ratio, OR, 95% confidence intervals, 95% CI for tertile III compared with tertile I) allium vegetables 0.7, 0.5-0.9; p trend 0.01, tomato-based foods 0.8, 0.6-1.0; p trend 0.03 and total vegetables 0.7, 0.5-1.0; p trend 0.04. Margarine intake was positively associated with prostate cancer 1.3, 1.0-1.7; p trend 0.04. The only statistically significant associations observed with nutrients were weak inverse associations for palmitoleic acid ( p trend 0.04), fatty acid 17:1 ( p trend 0.04), and 20:5 n-6 ( p trend 0.05); and a non-significant trend for oleic acid ( p trend 0.09). Neither total, nor beverage-specific, intake of alcohol was associated with risk.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, diets rich in olive oil (a source of oleic acid), tomatoes and allium vegetables might reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Abstract  Blood free fatty acids and their composition were investigated in 25 alcohol abusers hospitalized for detoxication. Blood samples were collected at the admission to the hospital and following detoxication therapy. Free fatty acids were assayed with Dole's technique whereas their composition with gas chromatography. Liver functioning was evaluated with the aid of the following tests: AspAT, AlAT, AP, bilirubin concentration, and thymol test. An increase in free fatty acids concentration was seen in 12 out of 25 patients prior to detoxication. Blood serum free fatty acids were within normal limits in all except one patient after detoxication. A decrease in linoleic acid levels was seen in both total fatty acids and free fatty acids before detoxication. It is more marked in total fatty acids than in free fatty acids and persists after detoxication. Linoleic acid content in free fatty acids returns to the normal values following detoxication. An increase in oleic acid level accompanying a decrease in linoleic acid concentration is probably secondary to the stimulation with hydrogen excess formed during alcohol fermentation.

Abstract  The attachment of alkoxy side chains to biodiesel and the associated effects on its cold flow properties are reported. High oleic methyl ester biodiesel was epoxidized using peroxy formic acid and subsequently alkoxylated using nine different alcohols employing BF3-ethereate complex as catalyst. A low molar excess for alcohols was used at moderately low reaction temperatures (40a50ADGC). A high conversion for attachment of alkoxy group ranging 84%a93% was achieved with excellent selectivity. Cloud points, pour points, and kinematic viscosities were measured to evaluate the cold flow properties of modified biodiesel. The lowest cloud point a11ADGC and pour point a14ADGC were obtained with n-decoxy biodiesel. Elevated kinematic viscosities were observed for all alkoxylated products. The lowest kinematic viscosity (6.26 mm2ADTsa1) was observed for methoxy biodiesel. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 13C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) were used for structural elucidation. The reported alkoxylation route has high conversion rate and is convenient to implement.

Abstract  The Mediterranean diet has long been related to a lower cardiovascular disease risk; however, more recent evidences also indicate that it has a favourable effect on adiposity and type 2 diabetes. Review of the available literature in relation to Mediterranean diet and metabolic syndrome. Several components of Mediterranean diet patterns have been inversely related with body mass index. They are considered to be modulators of insulin resistance, can exert beneficial effects on blood pressure, improve atherogenic dyslipidemia or attenuate the inflammatory burden associated with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome has been associated with dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, legumes and fish, moderate in alcohol and low in red meat, processed meat, refined carbohydrates and whole-fat dairy products. There is much evidence suggesting that the Mediterranean diet could serve as an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, which could help to fight diseases related to chronic inflammation, including metabolic syndrome.

Abstract  The olive oil phenol hydroxytyrosol (3), as well its metabolite homovanillic alcohol (4), were subjected to chemoselective lipase-catalysed acylations, affording with good yield 10 derivatives (5-14) bearing C(2), C(3), C(4), C(10) and C(18) acyl chains at C-1. Hydroxytyrosol (3) and its lipophilic derivatives showed very good DPPH. radical scavenging activity. Compounds 3, 4 and their lipophilic analogues 5-14 were subjected to the atypical Comet test on whole blood cells: 3 and its analogues 5 and 6, with little hydrophobic character (logP

Abstract  Pyridine was coupled covalently to a nonionic ethoxylated alcohol: octaethylene glycol n-hexadecyl ether. This modified surfactant was found to be a reversible, competitive inhibitor of horse serum cholinesterase. The surfactant bound irreversibly, in aqueous media, to octadecyl-bonded reverse phase silica particles commonly used for high-performance liquid chromatography. With this packing, a 280-fold purification of cholinesterase from horse serum and a 79-fold purification of human serum cholinesterase were accomplished, with yields greater than 80%, using a 2-cm-long column and a 7-min elution time.