Abstract: A composition for reducing cell apoptosis is disclosed. The composition contains from about 0.01% to about 0.15% of a mixture of avacado lipid unsaponifiables and soybean lipid unsaponifiables which protects against the apoptotic effect of phorbol myristyl acetate (PMA). The composition also prevents the inhibition of cellular aging and for protection of the skin against negative environmental factors and pollutants.

Abstract: The present invention is of a food spread containing a mixture of at least one edible oil of natural or synthetic origin and a monoglyceride. The oil is preferably one or more of the oils from the group of olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, nut oils, walnut oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, mustardseed oil, camelina oil, chia oil, flaxseed oil, perilla oil, fish oil, palm oil, sesame oil, wheatgerm oil, jojoba oil or corn oil. More preferably an oil such as avocado oil, fish oil, palm oil or olive oil is used and most preferably the oil is olive oil and fish oil. The monoglycerides used are preferably derivatives of oleic, or palmitic acid. The oil is present preferably in an amount of from about 85 to about 98 percent and most preferably in an amount of from about 93 to about 96 percent. The more monoglyceride used, the greater the degree of solidity of the food spread at room temperature.

Abstract: An improved micromethod for the quantitative determination of endotoxins with Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (L.A.L.) reagent is based on the discovery that if L.A.L. reagent and a sample containing microquantities of endotoxin are incubated in a capillary tube, a clot will be formed in the plug preventing any outflow of liquids when low hydrostatic pressure is applied. Increasing the pressure will eventually force out the clot plugging the capillary and the liquid will suddenly erupt giving a clear yes-no indication of the presence of endotoxin. The hydrostatic pressure indicated to cause this eruption is a relatively precise indication of the extent of clotting which, in turn, is indicative of the concentration of endotoxin in the liquid. A kit which can be used to perform this test is also disclosed.