Production and optimization of biodiesel using mixed immobilized biocatalysts in packed bed reactor.

Vegetable oils are used as raw materials for biodiesel production using transesterification reaction. Several methods for the production of biodiesel were developed using chemical (alkali and acidic compounds) and biological catalysts (lipases). Biodiesel production catalyzed by lipases is energy and cost-saving processes and is carried out at normal temperature and pressure.

Heterogeneous distribution of serum prolactin values in apparently healthy young women, and the effects of oral contraceptive medication.

Controversy over effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) on serum prolactin (PRL) levels from retrospective studies suggested performing a prospective study. Statistical analyses of PRL levels in 552 reproductive-age, nonmedicated women indicated a provisionally lognormal distribution of values less than 15 ng/ml, contaminated by a small number of abnormally high values less than or equal to 90 mg/ml. Truncated samples were used to estimate a "normal range" of PRL levels for three subsets of the study sample, classified according to number of weeks after pregnancy.

Galactorrhea associated with primary hypothyroidism. Report of two cases.

Two patients with primary hypothyroidism and galactorrhea are described. Elevated serum prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were present. Following adequate thyroid hormone replacement restoration of clinical euthyroidism and cessation of galactorrhea occurred with a fall of both TSH and prolactin levels to normal.