Physical and Sexual Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Although several studies have examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and drug use among women in drug treatment programs, more information is needed to delineate differences, as a function of the specific drug used. Data from a random sample of 416 women attending methadone programs were analyzed to elucidate the differential associations between IPV and use of the following: marijuana only, cocaine only, heroin only, or cocaine and heroin. Prevalence of IPV among this sample far exceeded estimates from the general population. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, use of cocaine only was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing IPV compared with no drug use. Similar results were found for women using both cocaine and heroin. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The influence of macromolecular architecture on the critical aggregation concentration of large amphiphilic starch derivatives

A range of hyperbranched emulsifiers were prepared by reaction between starch and 2-octen-1-yl succinic anhydride (OSA, commonly used in the food industry), under slightly basic conditions in water, leading to starches bearing hydrophobic OSA groups randomly distributed along the chains. By using different starch backbones and varying the amount of OSA during the synthesis, amphiphilic OSA-modified starches were obtained that formed aggregates in water and having controlled structural parameters. These parameters were characterized using ¹H NMR, multiple-angle laser light scattering and size-exclusion chromatography. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) was measured for samples with different levels of OSA modification, of macromolecular size and degree of starch branching. Increasing the dispersity in macromolecular size and/or degree of OSA substitution noticeably decreased the CAC. The results are interpreted in terms of the branching structure and conformation of the modified starches: all findings can be understood in terms of the various influences of molecular size, composition and flexibility. The structural factors affecting the CAC of large hyperbranched surfactants are found to be similar to those seen with smaller and simpler branched synthetic surfactants.     

Environmentally friendly methods of water disinfection: The chemistry of alternative disinfectants

The risk of disease from microbiological organisms far surpasses any chemical risk associated with water treatment by chemical oxidation. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum, common microbiological contaminants, sometimes have fatal consequences to individuals with weak immune systems. Because effective environmentally friendly oxidants are available and accessible for treating drinking water, utilities throughout the industrialized world are investigasting alternative disinfection/oxidation practices. Chlorine dioxide and ozone are frequently used to remove taste and odor problems, color and to inactive problem microbiological species. To understand the unique value of ozone and chlorine dioxide in water treatment, one must start with the chemistry.     

Oxidative Stability of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) and Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Oil Blends

Chia and sesame oils are important sources of essential fatty acids; however, their ω-3:ω-6 proportions do not comply with nutritional recommendation. A feasible approach to improve the ratio is to blend different oils, but only after understanding physical and chemical changes of the new matrix. Objective of the investigation was to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and the oxidative stability index (OSI), using the Rancimat method, of chia-sesame oil blends. The four ω-3:ω-6 blends tested (1:4, 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10) were exposed to temperatures of 110, 120, and 130 °C. The OSI values of the mixtures varied between 6.24–8.08, 3.07–4.00, and 1.62–2.01 hours for each temperature, respectively. In addition, their mean activation energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Q₁₀ were 88.4 kJ/mol, 85.2 kJ/mol, −41.1 J/mol K, and 2.0. Finally, a shelf life prediction performed at 25 °C indicated stability times between 80 and 123 days. Therefore, combining chia and sesame oils produced blends with a good balance of essential fatty acids.