Mechanisms of persistence and impact of ordinary heterotrophic organisms in aerobic granular sludge.

The stability of granules, contaminant removal and microbial structure of an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) process were investigated with a focus on ordinary heterotrophic organisms (OHOs). Long-term stable granules and high removals of COD (97 %), NH4+ (98 %), P (85 %) and total N (77 %) were achieved. Sequencing analyses identified 6.6 % of phosphorus-accumulating organisms in the sludge, concordant with the observed bio-P removal capacity. However, OHOs were the most abundant bacteria in the sludge (70-93 %) without resulting in unstable aggregates. Under current dogmas of microbial competition in activated sludge, it seemed contradictory that OHOs could persist in the long term in the AGS where COD was depleted beginning in the anaerobic phase. Microbial analyses showed that OHOs could survive in granules by micropredation, proteolysis, fermentation and EPS consumption. Heterotrophic-nitrification/ aerobic-denitrification was an active pathway in the AGS. These findings contribute to a better understanding of microbial competition in AGS and its stability.

Disfagia en ancianos que viven en residencias geriátricas de Barcelona / Dysphagia in the elderly living in nursing homes Barcelona

El 15% de las personas mayores de 65 años sufre disfagiay la prevalencia en residencias geriátricas (RG) se estimaen un 40%. Objetivos: conocer la prevalencia de ancianoscon disfagia en RG de Barcelona y describir el estadofuncional (físico y psíquico), edad, sexo, patologías, fármacosque inciden en la posible aparición de la disfagia yvalorar las medidas dietéticas adoptadas por las RG parael manejo de la disfagia. Métodos: se han estudiado1.777 residentes de 66 RG valorados por la Unidad deAtención Domiciliaria Geriátrica (UADG) hasta septiembrede 2008. El estudio se realiza mediante un cuestionarioelaborado por la UADG asesorado por NestléNutrition. Resultados: el perfil de las personas con disfagiaes de mujeres mayores de 85 años con dependenciafísica importante y deterioro cognitivo severo. La mitadpresenta algún tipo de demencia. La prevalencia de disfagiaes del 5,40%. La disfagia a líquidos es del 88,52%. Lautilización de espesantes comerciales es reducida. La prevalenciade disfagias a texturas mixtas es del 76,03%. Ladieta triturada se da en el 79,16%. Utiliza dieta adecuadael 87,5%. La disfagia sólo consta en la historia clínica enel 13,54%. Conclusiones: la disfagia debe quedar reflejadaen la historia clínica. El personal de las RG necesitaformación para reconocer los signos de alerta indicativosde disfagia. Las medidas dietéticas son fundamentales (AU)

15% of people over 65 suffer dysphagia and prevalence ingeriatric residences (GR) is estimated at 40%. Objectives:to determine the prevalence of dysphagia in elderly in GRat Barcelona and to describe the functional status (physicaland mental), age, sex, diseases, drugs that affect the possibleoccurrence of dysphagia and to assess dietary measurestaken by the GR to management of dysphagia. Methods:we studied 1.777 residents of 66 GR, assessed by the GeriatricHome Care Unit (UADG) until September 2008.The study was conducted by questionnarie prepared by theUADG, advised by Nestlé Nutrition. Results: the profile ofpeople with dysphagia are women over age 85 with significantphysical dependence and severe cognitive impairment.Half have some form of dementia. The prevalence ofdysphagia is 5.40%. Dysphagia to liquids is 88.52%. Theuse of commercial thickeners is reduced. The prevalence ofmixed textures dysphagia is 76.03%. The crushed diet isgiven in 79.16%. They use proper diet 87.5%. Dysphagiais only recorded in history at 13.54%. Conclusions:dysphagia should be reflected in the history. The GR staffneed training to recognize the warning signs suggestive ofdysphagia. Dietary measures are essential (AU)

[Effect of posture on spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic pain syndromes: analysis of energy requirements in different patient postures]. / Efecto de la postura en la estimulación medular en pacientes con síndromes de dolor crónico. Análisis del gasto de energía dependiendo de la postura del paciente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients being treated with spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain complain of variable paresthesias, particularly in relation to changes in posture. Such changes affect the great majority of patients with implantable pulse generators, requiring them to use the external programmer for avoidance of painful paresthesias or even to disconnect the generator, leading to loss of pain relief. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the pulse charge needed for stimulation and the patient's different postures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study of 70 patients treated with spinal cord stimulation in the following postures and situations: decubitus position, standing, seated, and walking. With the patients standing, we analyzed the thresholds of perception, pain, and pain relief, as well as the therapeutic range. Studies were performed in all patients. Later, data were analyzed by anatomical positioning of the stimulator (cervical, thoracic, sacral, occipital, or subcutaneous). RESULTS: In the analysis of the therapeutic range in the overall group we identified statistically significant differences between decubitus and standing positions and between decubitus position and walking. At the level of the thoracic spine differences were identified between all positions except between standing and walking and between seated and decubitus positions. At the level of the cervical spine, no significant differences were detected. Analysis of the pulse charge showed a significant difference in the decubitus position, in which less charge was needed to achieve satisfactory stimulation. When electrodes implanted at the cervical and thoracic levels were compared, differences were found between standing and seated positions (P=.04) but none between decubitus position or walking and the other positions. CONCLUSION: Stimulation systems are not currently designed to adapt to changes in distance between the electrodes and nerve fibers. Improvements are required in this respect.

Efecto de la postura en la estimulación medular en pacientes con síndrome de dolorcrónico. Análisis del gasto de energía dependiendo de la postura del paciente / Effect of posture on spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic pain syndromes: analysis of energy requirements in different patient postures

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los pacientes con dolor crónico tratados con estimulación medular pueden referir cambios enla percepción de las parestesias, especialmente con los cambios posturales. Estos cambios afectan a la gran mayoría de pacientes con implantes medulares, obligándolesa hacer uso de su programador de paciente para no sufrir parestesias dolorosas e incluso a su desconexióncon la consiguiente pérdida del alivio del dolor. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comprobarcómo se relacionan los cambios posturales con la carga por impulso de los generadores de estimulaciónmedular. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacionaldescriptivo en 70 pacientes tratados con estimulación medular en las siguientes posturas: decúbito, bipedestación,sedestación y deambulación. Con los pacientes en bipedestación se analizaron umbrales de percepción,doloroso y terapéutico, así como el rango terapéutico. El estudio se hizo en la totalidad de los pacientes y, posteriormente, se analizaron por separado los diferentes grupossegún la localización anatómica del estimulador (cervical, torácico, sacro, occipital o subcutáneo). RESULTADOS: El análisis del rango terapéutico reflejóuna diferencia estadística, en el grupo global, entre las posiciones de decúbito y bipedestación y entre las posicionesde decúbito y deambulación. A nivel torácico se apreciaron diferencias entre todas las posiciones excepto entre bipedestación y deambulación y entre la de sedestación y decúbito. A nivel cervical, no se apreciaron diferenciasestadísticamente significativas. En el análisis de la carga por impulso se apreció una diferencia estadísticamentesignificativa con respecto a la posición de decúbito: la carga necesaria para obtener una estimulación satisfactoria fue menor. Al comparar los electrodosimplantados a nivel cervical y torácico se reflejó diferencia (p = 0,04) entre bipedestación y sedestación, sin diferencias en decúbito ni en deambulación(AU)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients being treated with spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain complainof variable paresthesias, particularly in relation to changes in posture. Such changes affect the great majority of patients with implantable pulse generators, requiring them to use the external programmer for avoidance of painful paresthesias or even to disconnect the generator, leading to loss of pain relief. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the pulse charge needed for stimulation and the patient’s different postures.MATERIAL AND METHODS: bservational study of 70 patients treated with spinal cord stimulation in the following postures and situations: decubitus position, standing, seated, and walking. With the patients standing, we analyzed the thresholds of perception, pain,and pain relief, as well as the therapeutic range. Studies were performed in all patients. Later, data were analyzed by anatomical positioning of the stimulator (cervical, thoracic, sacral, occipital, or subcutaneous).RESULTS: In the analysis of the therapeutic range in the overall group we identified statistically significantdifferences between decubitus and standing positions and between decubitus position and walking. At thelevel of the thoracic spine differences were identified between all positions except between standing and walking and between seated and decubitus positions. At the level of the cervical spine, no significant differenceswere detected. Analysis of the pulse charge showed a significant difference in the decubitus position, in whichless charge was needed to achieve satisfactory stimulation. When electrodes implanted at the cervicaland thoracic levels were compared, differences were found between standing and seated positions (P=.04) but none between decubitus position or walking and the other positions(AU)

Medicamentos, plantas, tóxicos, enfermedades y lactancia: una ayuda en español en Internet / Drugs, plants, toxins, diseases and breastfeeding: ana aid in Spanish on the Internet

Los beneficios de la lactancia materna, para el niño y la madre, su familia, el sistema sanitario y la sociedad en general, están muy bien documentados en múltiples publicaciones. Suprimir una lactancia sin un motivo de peso es una grave irresponsabilidad desde el punto de vista sanitario. Más del 90% de las mujeres pueden tener que tomar medicamentos o productos de fitoterapia durante el periodo de lactancia, lo que constituye un motivo clásico de cese de la lactancia, pese a no estar demostrado su peligro real más que en un pequeñísimo porcentaje de productos: fenindiona, amiodarona, derivados del ergot, antineoplásicos, y oduros y psicodrogas de abuso. Del mismo modo, sólo 6 enfermedades de la madre contraindican o hacen prácticamente imposible la lactancia. Con sentido común, unos conocimientos básicos de farmacología y pediatría y buenas guías (libros, revistas y páginas web), podemos asesorar a las mujeres que lactan, deben tomar remedios para alguna dolencia o sufren una enfermedad. Las madres huirán de informaciones erróneas, basadas sólo en prejuicios o en el Vademécum. Una página web(www.e-lactancia.org), en español y de sencillo manejo, nos ayudará a tomar decisiones acertadas antemás de 1.400 opciones diferentes implicadas en la lactancia materna

The benefits of breast feedingf or the infant, the mother, the family, the health care system and society in general are well documented in numerous scientific publications. The medical advice for weaning a child without a justified reason is an act of irresponsibility from an ethical point of view. Moret han 90% of women might need to take some type of medication while breastfeeding their babies at any time, this being a commonly alleged reason for weaning. However, only a few drugs have been shown to represent a real hazard: phenindione, amiodarone, ergot derivatives, antineoplastic agents, iodides and drugs of abuse. Seemingly, only six maternal diseases are considered to contraindicate breast feeding or make it nearly impossible. By exercising common sense, applying basic knowledge of Pharmacology and Pediatrics and using up dated guidelines (e.g. books, journals and web resources), we should be able to adequately advise those lactating mothers who require medication. Therefore, healthcare givers are committed to offering them proper assistance since mothers will ultimately reject misin formation or recommendations based on prejudice so rreleased by the industry, like that contained in the Physician's Desk Reference. A website, www.e-lactancia.org, an easy-touse resource in both Spanish and English, will help us make appropriate decisions concerning more than 1.400 options that a lactating mother may have to confront

Effect of age of feed restriction and microelement supplementation to control ascites on production and carcass characteristics of broilers.

Three experiments were conducted, from January until September 2001, to estimate the optimized age to apply feed restriction to control mortality from ascites, with no negative effects on production and carcass characteristics of broilers. For each experiment, 1,200 1-d-old mixed Ross x Peterson chicks were reared in floor pens (50 chicks in each) and fed commercial feed. Feed restriction was applied for 8 h/d for 14 d at 21 or 28 d of age in experiment 1, 14 or 21 d in experiment 2, and 7 or 14 d in experiment 3. In experiments 2 and 3, a microelement supplement (without or with) was tested; the control groups received feed ad libitum and no supplement. Body weight gain, feed conversion, total mortality, and mortality from ascites, leg problems, and carcass characteristics were considered at the end of each experiment. The data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, or as a 2 x 2 factorial to estimate main and interaction effects (experiments 2 and 3). Additional analyses, including the control, were done; means comparisons were by orthogonal contrasts. The production and carcass characteristics of the restricted groups were lower than the control but were not statistically different in experiments 2 and 3, although the optimized age for feed restriction was at 7 d. Total mortality and mortality from ascites decreased by restriction, but leg problems increased without supplement. The results indicated that quantitative feed restriction and microelement supplementation at 7 d of age reduced mortality from ascites and leg problems and permitted compensatory growth sufficient to equal the production characteristics of the control group at 49 d of age. However, it is necessary to determine the specific microelements to be supplemented and to estimate the effects of season and genetic line.

Screening of plant extracts for antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities.

Methanolic and aqueous extracts derived from 43 plant species, selected either from ethnobotanical or chemotaxonomical data, were screened for their antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The cytotoxic activity against KB cells was also determined. Eight extracts had IC50 values of less than 10 microg/ml against Leishmania donovani. The most active was Triclisia patens with an IC50 value of 1.5 microg/ml against Leishmania donovani. Annona purpurea and Alstonia macrophylla had IC50 values below 10 microg/ml against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Annona purpurea was the most cytotoxic against KB cells.

Lista integrada de criterios diagnósticos para la esquizofrenia (LIDESQ) / Integrated list of criteria diagnoses for the schizophrenia (LIDESQ)

En el presente trabajo nosostros elaboramos un instrumento útil para el uso clínico y la investigación. El resultado es una lista de síntomas para facilitar el diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Los ítems (55 en total) han sido creados tras la integración de los criterios para esquizofrenia de las clasificaciones internacionales CIE-10 y DSM-IV, pero se incluyen también otros criterios y clasificaciones como los de Kraepelin, Bleuler, Schneider, Langfeldt, Feighner, Astrachan y Taylor/Abraham (AU)

Specific allergens enhance elastase release in stimulated neutrophils from asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND: The presence of the three forms of IgE receptor - the heterotrimeric high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc(epsilon)RI), the low-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc(epsilon)RII/CD23) and the Mac-2/IgE-binding protein (epsilonBP) - has been demonstrated on human neutrophils. We have previously shown that specific allergens are able to activate functional responses by neutrophils from allergic patients sensitized to those allergens. Neutrophils are present at the sites of allergic inflammation. The primary (azurophilic) granules of neutrophils contain a variety of enzymes, such as elastase, that might potentiate inflammation. It is not known whether specific allergens are able to elicit elastase release by neutrophils from allergic patients. In addition, we attempted to evaluate the relationship between neutrophil degranulation and lung function of the patients, measured as FEV(1). METHODS: Neutrophils were challenged in vitro with the specific allergens that produced clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients. The cells were also challenged with allergen to which the patients were not sensitive. Neutrophils from normal subjects were challenged with allergens as control. RESULTS: The in vitro challenge of neutrophils with allergens to which the patients were sensitive elicited a release of elastase by these cells. The in vitro activation of neutrophils was highly allergen specific; allergens other than those accounting for clinical symptoms did not evoke elastase release, and allergens were ineffective on neutrophils from healthy donors. A significant inverse correlation was observed between elastase release and patients' lung function, measured as FEV(1). CONCLUSION: An IgE-dependent mechanism might promote elastase release by neutrophils at allergic sites. There is a significant inverse relationship between levels of elastase released by neutrophils from allergic patients and lung function, as assessed by FEV(1).

Determination of phenols, flavones, and lignans in virgin olive oils by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array ultraviolet detection.

A simple analytical method for the quantitative determination of phenols, flavones, and lignans in virgin olive oils was developed. The polar fraction was isolated from small amounts of oil sample (2.5 g) by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using diol-phase cartridges, and the extract was analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC coupled with diode array UV detection. Chromatographic separation of pinoresinol, cinnamic acid, and 1-acetoxypinoresinol was achieved. Repeatability (RSD < 6.5%), recovery (> 90%), and response factors for each identified component were determined. SPE on amino-phase cartridges was used for isolating acidic phenols and as an aid for phenol identification. For the first time, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl acetate was detected in olive oils. The aldehydic structure of the ligstroside aglycon was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The colorimetric determination of total o-diphenolic compounds by reaction with molybdate was consistent with their HPLC determination. Differences between results obtained by liquid-liquid extraction and SPE were not statistically significant.

Bioactive compounds from Celaenodendron mexicanum.

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the CHCl3-MeOH extract of the leaves of Celaenodendron mexicanum by means of the brine shrimp lethality test and chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of three carboxylic acid triterpenes, the new tirucalla-type triterpene, 3 alpha-hydroxytirucalla-7,24Z-dien-26-oic acid, 3-oxotirucalla-7,24Z-dien-26-oic acid, and epi-oleanolic acid, and three biflavonoids amentoflavone, podocarpusflavone A, and podocarpusflavone B. Four non-active compounds friedelin, maytensifolin B, 3 beta-hydroxyfriedelan-16-one, and celaenodendrolide were also obtained. epi-Oleanolic acid was the most active against brine shrimps with LC50 value of 23.3 microM. In addition, all isolates were tested for in vitro antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities. 3-Oxotirucalla-7,24Z-dien-26-oic acid and epi-oleanolic acid showed the highest activity against Leishmania donovani promastigotes with IC50 values of 13.7 and 18.8 microM, respectively. Only 3-oxotirucalla-7,24Z-dien-26-oic acid showed activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei bloodstream forms with IC50 value of 16.8 microM.

Oxoaporphine alkaloids and quinones from Stephania dinklagei and evaluation of their antiprotozoal activities.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of Stephania dinklagei yielded six compounds including, two zwitterionic oxoaporphine alkaloids, N-methylliriodendronine, and 2-O,N-dimethylliriodendronine, two oxoaporphine alkaloids, liriodenine, and dicentrinone, one aporphine alkaloid, corydine, and one anthraquinone, aloe-emodin. Apart from corydine, the isolates have not been reported as constituents of S. dinklagei. N-Methylliriodendronine, and 2-O,N-dimethylliriodendronine are reported for the first time as natural products. All isolated compound were tested for antiprotozoal activity and cytotoxic activities in vitro. N-Methylliriodendronine was the most active against L. donovani amastigotes (IC50 = 36.1 microM). Liriodenine showed the highest activity against Leishmania donovani, and Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values of 26.16 and 15 microM, respectively. Aloe-emodin was the only compound active (IC50 = 14 microM) against T. b. brucei.

Effect of thioacetamide and dexamethasone on serum lipids in rats fed on high-fat sunflower or olive oil diets.

We have previously reported that high-fat diets develop hepatic steatosis and, depending on the fat quality, affect serum lipid levels differently (J Nutr Sci Vitaminol, 1997, 43, 155-160). The aim of this work is to study the influence of high-fat diets (14% sunflower or olive oils) on serum lipids in a model of hepatic acute damage induced by thioacetamide, and their influence when dexamethasone is administered before thioacetamide injection. Serum lipids and hepatic collagen have been evaluated using biochemical methods, and the steatotic process by histological staining. The results showed that hepatic steatosis and fibrosis are developed either by high-fat diets or thioacetamide injection. Pretreatment with dexamethasone did not decrease the hepatic collagen content. Thioacetamide injection alone or pretreatment with dexamethasone produced increase in serum tryglicerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C in both high-fat diet groups, and a HDL-C increase in the olive-oil group, even though the atherogenic indices (HDL/TC and HDL/TG) were different depending on the enriched diet. The administration of high-fat diets to study the influence of the fat quality on health and disease should be interpreted carefully due to the ability of the diets themselves to cause hepatic damage.

A pilot study on bacterial viability in acne. Assessment using dual flow cytometry on microbials present in follicular casts and comedones.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic therapy is one of the main methods of acne treatment, however, bacterial resistance is on the rise and can affect the treatment outcome. Quantitative bacteriologic cultures are the gold standard methodology for the assessment of such a problem; however, certain important biological aspects remain uncovered. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of minocycline and lymecycline in sebaceous follicle infundibula and comedones of acne patients. METHOD: We used a recently introduced flow cytometric method, allowing a distinction to be made between viable, injured (presumably resistant), and dead microorganisms. RESULTS: Minocycline (100 mg) proved to be superior to lymecycline (600 mg) in abating the microflora harboring in the sebaceous follicles of acne patients. CONCLUSIONS: The dissimilar bioavailability and antimicrobial efficacy between the two bacteriostatic agents may impart different clinical efficacy.

Cutaneous wounds produced by capsaicin treatment of newborn rats are due to trophic disturbances.

The purpose of this study was to show that the occurrence of skin ulcers observed in animals neonatally treated with the neurotoxin capsaicin coincide with trophic disturbances. In addition, cutaneous lesions increased when self-grooming and scratching behaviors reached maturity. The temporal course of cephalic cutaneous wounds in neonatally capsaicin-treated rats was evaluated in animals wearing and not wearing plastic collars from postnatal day (P) 21 until P45. The collars were used to prevent self-grooming and scratching. Beginning on P21, capsaicin-treated rats under both conditions showed transient skin ulcers distributed throughout the head and neck regions. In the capsaicin-treated group without collars, lesions reached their greatest severity by P40, when self-grooming and scratching behaviors obtained adult characteristics. Furthermore, no lesions were detected after 25 days. In the capsaicin-treated rats that wore plastic collars, the widest distribution of skin lesions occurred on P55, after which time lesions vanished detection by 25 days. In this latter group, the cutaneous lesions were exacerbated when collars were removed. Data suggest that transient cutaneous wounds associated with neonatal capsaicin administration may be mediated via capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons that are involved in trophic and regenerating neural mechanisms.

High-fat sunflower and olive oil diets affect serum lipid levels in steatotic rat liver differently.

This work describes the long-term effects of two different diets, one rich in olive oil and the other in sunflower oil, on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels after the establishment of fatty liver in rats 8 and 15 months old. The serum lipid and lipoprotein levels as well as the steatotic process have been evaluated by biochemical and histological methods, respectively. The results showed that fatty liver was well developed with both long-term high-fat diets, and hepatocytes were filled with many lipid droplets. This process was more evident in the portal zones, where fat hepatocytes were more numerous. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and HDL-C levels were highest in the sunflower oil fed rats, whereas the TG and LDL-C levels were highest in the olive oil group. Finally, the atherogenic indexes (HDL/TC, HDL/LDL, HDL/(TC-HDL)) were higher in the sunflower oil diet group than in the olive oil group.

Schistosoma: rate of glucose import is altered by acetylcholine interaction with tegumental acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholinesterase.

The blood dwelling stages of schistosomes have acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and nicotinic-like acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) on their teguments. Both AChE and nAChR are concentrated on the dorsal surface of the adult male, a major surface for nutrient uptake for the worm pair. Exposure of tegumental AChE and nAChR to acetylcholine (ACh), the natural ligand of these molecules, has a consequence for the transporting function of this membrane in some schistosome species. The rate of glucose uptake in vitro by Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis adult worm pairs was enhanced by approximately 60% at blood concentrations of ACh. Schistosoma mansoni did not show a similar response. The specificity of the ACh interaction with nAChR and AChE was shown by ablation of the effect with specific antagonists of nAChR (d-tubocurarine and alpha-bungarotoxin) and an inhibitor of AChE (BW284C51). The primary effect occurs on the tegument since alpha-bungarotoxin and BW284C51 do not penetrate the schistosome tegument. The species differences in reliance on this mechanism are consistent with their relative sensitivities to the AChE inhibitory drug, metrifonate.

Pinocembrine: a bioactive flavanone from Teloxys graveolens.

Bioactivity directed fractionation of the acetone extract of Teloxys graveolens (Willd.) Weber (Chenopodiaceae), using the brine shrimp lethality test, led to the isolation of 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (pinocembrine) (LC50 = 4.25 micrograms/ml) as the only active compound. Pinocembrine also exhibited fasciolicide, ovicide and larvicide activities on newly excysted Fasciola hepatica, on infective eggs of Ascaridi galli and on stage three larvae of Stomoxys calcitrans, respectively.