Abstract  A strain, Pseudomonas sp. X-2-45, with high and stable lipolytical activity was screened by continuously subculturing a lipase-producing bacterium P. sp. LP-1 in culture medium containing Jatropha oil as a sole carbon source. Its hydrolytic activity was 29.79 U/mL, which was increased by 288% as compared to that of parent strain. Furthermore, the growth and lipase synthesis of X-2-45, its catalytic ability to hydrolyze vegetable oils, as well as ester synthesis between fatty acids and organic alcohols were studied. Results showed that rates of bacterial growth and lipase synthesis were significantly raised. Bacterial biomass and lipase activity reached the highest level after 30 h of incubation. Moreover, growth stationary period was prolonged and lipase produced exhibited good stability in culture media during incubation period. Hydrolytic activity of P. sp. X-2-45 lipase toward Jatropha oil was increased by 378% as compared to parent strain, suggesting that acclimation to Jatropha oil was an effective approach for improving substrate selectivity of lipase. Finally, results of ester synthesis catalyzed by P. sp. X-2-45 lipase indicated that this lipase could catalyze esterification reactions between lauric acid and n-butanol, n-octanol, 1-dodecanol or glycerol, palmitic acid or stearic acid and methanol, n-octanol, 1-dodecanol or glycerol, oleic acid and methanol, n-butanol, n-octanol, 1-dodecanol or glycerol.

Abstract  The 96 h EL values could not be accurately determined due to large variations in cell concentrations. The EC50 values determined are reliant on confounding factors due to the concentrations used (exceedinly higher than the limit of solubility) and therefore should be treated with caution. The water solubility of octadecanol is 0.0011 mg/L at 25oC [SIDS dossier on 1-octadecanol, 1993b; Budavari, 1996]. The results indicate that no toxic effects were present at the limit of solubility of the test substance, i.e. EL50 and NOEC >0.0011 mg/L (>LoS).

Abstract  In a reliable study conducted according to draft OECD guideline 422, in which groups of 12 male and 12 female rats were given up to 2000 mg/kg bw/day in the diet for 45 or about 54 days respectively, the NOAEL was 2000 mg/kg bw/day.

Abstract  Petroleum middle distillates (PMDs), a class of hydrocarbons which boil between 350-700 degrees F, are tumor promoters in mouse skin. The promotional activity is produced under conditions that also result in local changes, including chronic irritation and epidermal hyperplasia. The present study was conducted by comparing equal weekly doses of irritating and minimally or nonirritating test materials, to assess whether tumor promotion was a secondary response to these effects. Four PMDs, C10-C14 normal paraffins (NP), lightly refined paraffinic oil (LRPO), Jet Fuel A (JF), and steam-cracked gas oil (SCGO), were evaluated. Test materials were applied undiluted (2x/week) or as 28.6% (7x/week) or 50% (4x/week) concentrations in mineral oil for 52 weeks following initiation with dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA). When applied undiluted, all materials produced moderate irritation and significant increase in tumor incidence. When NP, LRPO, or JF were applied in mineral oil diluent, skin irritation was generally ameliorated and few, if any, tumors were produced. SCGO was irritating and produced a significant increase in tumor frequency when administered in mineral-oil diluent. These data indicate that the promotional activity of straight-run PMDs is likely related to chronic irritation at the application site and not to dose. Thus, when used appropriately in the absence of prolonged irritation, these materials should not present a tumorigenic hazard to humans.

Abstract  HAPAB The possibility that there may be a relationship between the physiological activity of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and hepatic steatogenesis in rats following the ingestion of sodium selenite, ethanol, isopropanol, carbon tetrachloride, ethionine or DDT was investigated. Female Wistar rats weighing 200 to 220 g were divided into two groups. Ethyl stearate (emulsion) was administered i.v. at 0.75 ml/100 g body weight to members of the first group to partially block the RES. The second group (control) was given water only. After 72 hr, the animals were given the following compounds p.o. after being fasted for 8 hr: water, 1 ml/100 g body weight (control); paraffin oil, 1 ml/100 g (control); sodium selenite, 1.752 mg/100 g equal to 0.8 mg selenium/100 g; ethanol, 0.6 g/100 g; isopropanol, 0.4 g/100 g; carbon tetrachloride, 0.25 ml/100 g; ethionine, 75 mg/100 g; or DDT, 30 mg/100 g. Carbon tetrachloride, ethionine and DDT were administered in paraffin oil while sodium selenite, ethanol and isopropanol were administered as aqueous solutions. The treated animals were given free access to water only and after 16 hr the control of the blockage of the RES was determined by measuring the granulopexic function of the liver by evaluating the clearance of colloidal carbon particles following the i.v. injection of carbon (Gaillard et al., 1966)t The test animals were sacrificed by decapitation and their blood was collected on heparin and centrifuged. The liver was excised, weighed and homogenized in an Ultra-Turrax apparatus in an icy aqueous sodium chloride solution at a proportion of 1g/9 ml solution (9 g sodium chloride/1 water). Hepatic and serum fatty acids were determined by the Albrink method (1959). Liver and serum triglycerides were determined according to the methods of Butler et al. (1961) and Van Handel and Zilversmit (1957), respectively. Total hepatic nitrogen was determined by the method of Johnson (1941). Treatment with sodium selenite, ethanol, isopropanol, carbon tetrachloride, ethionine or DDT produced significant elevations in hepatic triglycerides and fatty acids in animals that were not given ethyl stearate. The increase in hepatic triglycerides and fatty acids observed in rats in which the RES was partially blocked by ethyl stearate was considerably lower. The described treatments had little or no effect on the levels of serum triglycerides and fatty acids. The results of this study indicate that the physiological function of the RES must be intact if hepatic steatogenesis is to occur following the ingestion of toxicants. 1970

Abstract  Summary. Ceteareths, used in cosmetics as surfactants, are the polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethers of Cetearyl Alcohol (q.v.). In addition to limited safety test data on Ceteareths, the report summarizes findings from the CIR reports on PEGs, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, and Steareths. Ceteareths were used in a total of 680 formulations in 1996. Data from 1984 indicated use at up to 50% (Ceteareth-12); recent data from one company indicated that Ceteareth-15 was used up to 10% (5% had been the maximum concentration reported in 1984). Creams containing Ceteareth-20 enhanced drug absorption. Ceteareth-15 (10% in formulation) was minimally irritating to rabbits after a single dermal exposure. In ocular studies, ethoxylated Cetearyl Alcohol solution was a severe irritant to unrinsed rabbit eyes and moderately irritating to rinsed eyes. In clinical studies, Ceteareth-15 (1.5% in formulation) produced minimal irritation when tested in both a 4- and 21-day patch test, and was not a sensitizer when tested (1.35% in formulation) in an RIPT. Conclusion. Based on the available data, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that Ceteareth-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, -12, -13, -14, -15, -16, -17, -18, -20, -22, -23, -24, -25, -27, -28, -29, -30, -33, -34, -40, -50, -55, -60,-80, and -100 are safe as used in cosmetic formulations. Ceteareths should not be used on damaged skin.

Abstract  A valid assessment of selective aerobic degradation on organic matter (OM) and its impact on OM-based proxies is vital to produce accurate environmental reconstructions. However, most studies investigating these effects suffer from inherent environmental heterogeneities. In this study, we used surface samples collected along two meter-scale transects and one longer transect in the northeastern Arabian Sea to constrain initial OM heterogeneity, in order to evaluate selective aerobic degradation on temperature, productivity and alteration indices at the sediment-water interface. All of the studied alteration indices, the higher plant alkane index, alcohol preservation index, and diol oxidation index, demonstrated that they are sensitive indicators for changes in the oxygen regime. Several export production indices, a cholesterol-based stanol/stenol index and dinoflagellate lipid- and cyst-based ratios, showed significant (more than 20%) change only over the lateral oxygen gradients. Therefore, these compounds do not exclusively reflect surface water productivity, but are significantly altered after deposition. Two of the proxies, glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether-based TEX86 sea surface temperature indices and indices based on phytol, phytane and pristane, did not show any trends related to oxygen. Nevertheless, unrealistic sea surface temperatures were obtained after application of the TEX86, TEX86L, and TEX86H proxies. The phytol-based ratios were likely affected by the sedimentary production of pristane. Our results demonstrate the selective impact of aerobic organic matter degradation on the lipid and palynomorph composition of surface sediments along a short lateral oxygen gradient and suggest that some of the investigated proxies may be useful tracers of changing redox conditions at the sediment-water interface.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. The application of Salmonella/microsomal mammalian tests to column chromatography fractions isolated from river and marine sediments collected in the vicinity of Barcelona City, Spain, demonstrated a positive response (TA98+S9 mix) among the polar fractions. Chemical analysis by high resolution gas chromatography coupled to negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HRGC-NICI MS) provided sensitivity and selectivity to detect several mutagenic chemical classes. Among them, nitrated PAHs, azaarenes, aromatic amines, anhydrides, and ketones were identified. A total of 116 compounds were tentatively identified, 22 for the first time, of which 16 possessed mutagenic activity. However, a lack of correlation between chemical composition and fraction mutagenicity in the medium polarity fractions, especially in the river sediment, was evidenced. The occurrence of multiple interactions between components in spiked organic extracts is demonstrated.

Abstract  Little is known about the fate and the effects of phthalic acid monoesters. Various of these monoesters ranging from n-butyl to isononyl monoester have been evaluated in respect to their biodegradation behaviour and their acute aquatic toxicity. All esters are readily biodegradable, achieving degradation rates of 90% and more. The acute toxicity values strongly depend on the carbon chain length of the alcohol moiety. The short chain specimen have LC/EC50 around and above 100 mg/l, with values levelling off to around 30 mg/l for the isononyl monoester.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. RRM LITERATURE REVIEW RAT DIGESTIVE SYSTEM TOXICOLOGY HEPATOTOXICITY ALIPHATIC ALCOHOLS HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS CARBON TETRACHLORIDE TOXICITY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASE

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Although many allergens in metalworking fluids (MWF) are identified, there are still some MWF components, which are not sufficiently investigated concerning their sensitizing properties.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate sensitization to 10 frequently used MWF components, which are not part of the established MWF test series, in metalworkers with suspected occupational dermatitis due to MWF.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Oleyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, dimethylolurea, 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine, imazalil, 1-amino-2-propanol (monoisopropanolamine; MIPA), 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol (AEPD), 2,5-bis(n-octyldithio)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, zinc alkyl dithiophosphate and dibenzyl disulfide have been patch tested in 144 patients.

RESULTS: 7 patients reacted positively to the formaldehyde releaser 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine, and 6 of these patients also reacted to formaldehyde and/or other formaldehyde releasers. 4 patients reacted positively to myristyl alcohol tested at 10% petrolatum (pet.). Additionally, 20 doubtful or irritant reactions occurred. 1 patient each reacted positively to oleyl alcohol, MIPA, and AEPD. None of the other test substances mentioned above elicited any clear-cut positive reaction. Patch testing with well-known MWF allergens showed proportions of positive reactions, which were comparable to those from other studies, e.g. 11% to monoethanolamine, 8% to colophonium and 3%-5% to various preservatives.

CONCLUSIONS: 4,4'-methylenebis morpholine may be an important MWF allergen, although clinical relevance could not be stated definitely in every case. Myristyl alcohol should not be patch tested at 10% pet., but at a lesser concentration, due to irritant properties.

Abstract  A 28-year-old woman presented with a several year history of persistent itchy and scaly erythema on the lips, which appeared after using five different kinds of lipsticks, A–E. Because we suspected contact dermatitis to ingredients of these lipsticks, we patch tested her with the lipsticks A–E (as is) and the ingredients of lipsticks D and E provided by the manufacturers. The patient showed positive reactions to all lipsticks and oleyl alcohol (10% pet.), diisostearyl maleate (40% pet.), glyceryl isostearate (1% pet.), and Lithol Rubine BCA (Pigment Red 57, Red 202; CAS 5281-04-91) (1% pet.) (Table 1). These concentrations were the same as those in lipsticks D and E. Three normal controls showed negative reactions to these ingredients. Our patient stopped using these lipsticks, now only occasionally using lip cream free from these allergens and she is now symptom free.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HSL) occurs in 20% to 40% of the US population. Although the disease is self-limiting in persons with a healthy immune response, patients seek treatment because of the discomfort and visibility of a recurrent lesion.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether docosanol 10% cream (docosanol) is efficacious compared with placebo for the topical treatment of episodes of acute HSL.

METHODS: Two identical double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted at a total of 21 sites. Otherwise healthy adults, with documented histories of HSL, were randomized to receive either docosanol or polyethylene glycol placebo and initiated therapy in the prodrome or erythema stage of an episode. Treatment was administered 5 times daily until healing occurred (ie, the crust fell off spontaneously or there was no longer evidence of an active lesion) with twice-daily visits.

RESULTS: The median time to healing in the 370 docosanol-treated patients was 4.1 days, 18 hours shorter than observed in the 367 placebo-treated patients (P =.008; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2, 22). The docosanol group also exhibited reduced times from treatment initiation to (1) cessation of pain and all other symptoms (itching, burning, and/or tingling; P =.002; 95% CI: 3, 16.5); (2) complete healing of classic lesions (P =.023; 95% CI: 1, 24.5); and (3) cessation of the ulcer or soft crust stage of classic lesions (P <.001; 95% CI: 8, 25). Aborted episodes were experienced by 40% of the docosanol recipients versus 34% of placebo recipients (P =.109; 95% CI for odds ratio: 0.95, 1.73). Adverse experiences with docosanol were mild and similar to those with placebo.

CONCLUSION: Docosanol applied 5 times daily is safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent HSL. Differences in healing time compared favorably with those reported for the only treatment of HSL that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.