Amide/Amino-Based Functional Additives for Lubricants: Structure, Antimicrobial Activity and Wear Resistance

The lubricating properties of the lubricants were tested under boundary friction conditions; it was found that the surface-active additives had reduced the wear mark and thus the value of the Goz/40 parameter (limiting load of wear). The introduction of a surfactant containing amide compounds into the oils and greases was highly effective in slowing down the oxidation process. Lubricants containing mono-15 ([3-(N,N,N-dimethylbuthylamine)propyl]hexadecanamide chloride) and 15-4-15 (tetramethylene-bis [3-(N,N,N-dimethylamine)propyl]hexadecanamide) additives were characterised by higher oxidation stability compared to the unmodified lubricants. Both of the analysed substances showed bactericidal properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritica. Tests of antibacterial activity in the lubricants with the addition of mono-15 and 15-4-15 confirmed that these lubricants can be considered bactericidal against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Formaldehyde-Free Resins for the Wood-Based Panel Industry: Alternatives to Formaldehyde and Novel Hardeners

Due to its carcinogenic properties, the presence of formaldehyde in resins and other industrial products has been a subject of great concern in recent years. The presented review focuses on modern alternatives for the production of wood-based panels; i.e., substitutes for formaldehyde in the production of amino and phenolic resins, as well as novel hardeners for formaldehyde-free wood adhesives. Solutions in which formaldehyde in completely replaced are presented in this review. Recent advances indicate that it is possible to develop new formaldehyde-free systems of resins with compatible hardeners. The formaldehyde substitutes that have primarily been tested are glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and dimethoxyethanal. The use of such substitutes eliminates the problem of free formaldehyde emission originating from the resin used in the production of wood-based panels. However, these alternatives are mostly characterized by worse reactivity, and, as a result, the use of formaldehyde-free resins may affect the mechanical and strength properties of wood-based panels. Nonetheless, there are still many substantial challenges for the complete replacement of formaldehyde and further research is needed, especially in the field of transferring the technology to industrial practice.

[4 cases of poisoning with the extract of yew (Taxus baccata) needles]

Four prisoners drank a decoction of yew (Taxus baccata) needles containing the toxic alkaloid taxine++ B. Two died in prison (one in the cell, the other shortly after admission to prison hospital, death was caused in both cases by cardiac arrest). Two other prisoners were admitted to the Warsaw Poisons Control Centre. One of them was in deep coma, with severe ventricular arrhythmias and had several episodes of ventricular fibrillation controlled with defibrillatory procedures. After an initial improvement (return of consciousness) his general condition deteriorated suddenly, he lost consciousness again, his circulation stopped and he died on the fourth day of hospitalization. The other patient drank a much smaller amount of the decoction. He was conscious, had bradycardia requiring transient endocavitary pacemaking, and had mild ventricular arrhythmia. He left the hospital in a very good condition after ten days of treatment. In both these cases long-standing excessive diuresis and corresponding considerable hypokalemia were observed. A synergism of the toxic effects of taxine++ B, digitalis glycosides and hypokalemia is considered very likely. In both cases atropine was effective for a short time in the control of bradycardia.