Current efforts to technically use microalgae focus on the generation of fuels with a molecular structure identical to crude oil based products. Here we suggest a different approach for the utilization of algae by translating the unique molecular structures of algae oil fatty acids into higher value chemical intermediates and materials. A crude extract from a microalga, the diatom Phaeodactylum...

The recent publication by Kelly et al. (1998) of their study on sucrose polyesters (SPE) raised concerns about the possible gastrointestinal (GI) and nutritional effects of olestra. These concerns were echoed in the popular press (‘Doubts raised over anti-obesity fat substitute’. The Times, 11 August 1998.). Olestra’s potential to cause GI and nutritional effects has been carefully reviewed by ...

An injectable PEG/polyester thermogel with strong X-ray opacity was designed and synthesized through the conjugation of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid to the hydrophobic end of the mPEG-PLA diblock copolymer for the first time.

The tuberculin skin test for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in cattle lacks specificity if animals are sensitized to environmental mycobacteria, as some antigens in purified protein derivative (PPD) prepared from Mycobacterium bovis are present in nonpathogenic mycobacteria. Three immunodominant TB antigens, ESAT6, CFP10, and Rv3615c, are present in members of the pathogenic Mycobacterium tubercu...

BACKGROUND Transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer implies blind manipulation of the intrathoracic esophagus. We report a secure hemostatic method with gauze packing in transhiatal esophagectomy. METHODS The gauze-packing technique is utilized for hemostasis just after removal of the thoracic esophagus during transhiatal esophagectomy. After confirming cancer-free margins, the abdomin...

To detect Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization, the nasopharynx is sampled using a swab placed in skim milk-tryptone-glucose-glycerol (STGG) transport medium, and then the swab specimen or STGG medium is cultured or subjected to PCR. We evaluated the effect of swab composition and compared the sensitivities of detection of culture and PCR using swabs and swab-containing medium. Calcium alginat...