The effect of post-pyrolysis treatment on waste biomass derived hydrochar.

Hydrochars are materials with a promising future, as their high carbon content and porosity renders them suitable for uses including peat substitutes, soil remediation and carbon adsorbent precursors. Combining hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis offers the prospect to provide advanced materials with a higher porosity and carbon content. This approach would mitigate drawbacks associated to hydrochars, including phytotoxicity. This research studied the influence of pyrolysis temperature and heating time on the resulting properties of chars made from hydrothermal carbonization of biomass wastes at 200 °C for 4 h and compared them to biochars that had not received any prior hydrothermal carbonization. Interestingly, hydrochar followed by pyrolysis was able to result in phytostimulation, while, when only pyrolysis was carried out, phytotoxicity was eliminated, but no phytostimulant effect was observed. In addition, the results indicated that the higher and longer the pyrolysis temperature (from 350 to 550 °C) and duration time (from 1 to 5 h), respectively, the more microporosity was generated, while phytotoxicity was reduced. In addition, aromaticity and thermal stability significantly increased with pyrolysis treatment. Consequently, hydrochars improve their properties and offer more potential for environmental applications after a pyrolysis post-treatment.

Influence of pyrolysis parameters on phosphorus fractions of biosolids derived biochar.

Transforming biosolids into biochar, through pyrolysis, could result in more sustainable waste management. Influence of pyrolysis conditions (temperature, heating rate and residence time) on physico-chemical properties of biosolids (collected at Mount Martha Water Recycling Plant, Melbourne), phosphorus fractions and phosphorus forms was investigated. Twelve different biochar samples were produced at 400, 500 and 600 °C, at two heating rates (5 and 20 °C/min) and at two residence times (30 and 120 min). Biochar yield, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), elements (C, H and N) and BET surface area were analysed. Sequential extraction of P in biosolids and resultant biochars was done using Hedley method. Characterization was completed with SEM images and results from 31P liquid state NMR. Increased temperatures would not only increase the alkalinity, decrease EC and increase the adsorption capacity by increasing the surface area but also convert the readily available P to a less available pool. Therefore, this nutrient might be released to soil slowly over a longer period of time. The results showed that temperature, along with residence time and heating rate, had a significant effect on the characteristics observed. Therefore, all these factors need to be carefully considered when preparing biochar for use as a soil amendment.

Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet

Studies have suggested that total energy intake and diet composition affect lifespan and ageing. A high-fat diet induces oxidative stress and affects the development of diseases. In contrast, antioxidants are capable of reducing its harmful effects. Yerba mate beverages are an important source of antioxidants, but there is scarce knowledge about their effects on suppressing fat accumulation. Here, we investigated the compounds present in yerba mate extracts and assessed their effects on Drosophila melanogaster given a high cholesterol diet. LS-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of matesaponins, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines in all of the examined extracts. In Drosophila, under extract treatment conditions, the mean lifespan was significantly extended from 38 to 43 days, there was an increase in the ability to support induced stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, yerba mate extracts recovered the glutathione S-transferases (GST) activity and reduced the cholesterol level. Taken together, our results support that extracts can extend lifespan by reducing the detrimental effect of a high-fat diet in D. melanogaster, and this outcome can be associated with the compound content in the extracts. This study improves the understanding of natural interventions that reduce stress-induced oxidative damage, which is fundamental in promoting healthy ageing.

Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet.

Studies have suggested that total energy intake and diet composition affect lifespan and ageing. A high-fat diet induces oxidative stress and affects the development of diseases. In contrast, antioxidants are capable of reducing its harmful effects. Yerba mate beverages are an important source of antioxidants, but there is scarce knowledge about their effects on suppressing fat accumulation. Here, we investigated the compounds present in yerba mate extracts and assessed their effects on Drosophila melanogaster given a high cholesterol diet. LS-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of matesaponins, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines in all of the examined extracts. In Drosophila, under extract treatment conditions, the mean lifespan was significantly extended from 38 to 43 days, there was an increase in the ability to support induced stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, yerba mate extracts recovered the glutathione S-transferases (GST) activity and reduced the cholesterol level. Taken together, our results support that extracts can extend lifespan by reducing the detrimental effect of a high-fat diet in D. melanogaster, and this outcome can be associated with the compound content in the extracts. This study improves the understanding of natural interventions that reduce stress-induced oxidative damage, which is fundamental in promoting healthy ageing.

Sida tuberculata (Malvaceae): a study based on development of extractive system and in silico and in vitro properties.

Sida tuberculata (Malvaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Here, we aimed to investigate the different extractive techniques on phytochemical parameters, as well as to evaluate the toxicity and antioxidant capacity of S. tuberculata extracts using in silico and in vitro models. Therefore, in order to determine the dry residue content and the main compound 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) concentration, extracts from leaves and roots were prepared testing ethanol and water in different proportions. Extracts were then assessed by Artemia salina lethality test, and toxicity prediction of 20E was estimated. Antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenger assays, ferric reducing power assay, nitrogen derivative scavenger, deoxyribose degradation, and TBARS assays. HPLC evaluation detected 20E as main compound in leaves and roots. Percolation method showed the highest concentrations of 20E (0.134 and 0.096 mg/mL of extract for leaves and roots, respectively). All crude extracts presented low toxic potential on A. salina (LD50 >1000 µg/mL). The computational evaluation of 20E showed a low toxicity prediction. For in vitro antioxidant tests, hydroethanolic extracts of leaves were most effective compared to roots. In addition, hydroethanolic extracts presented a higher IC50 antioxidant than aqueous extracts. TBARS formation was prevented by leaves hydroethanolic extract from 0.015 and 0.03 mg/mL and for roots from 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL on egg yolk and rat tissue, respectively (P<0.05). These findings suggest that S. tuberculata extracts are a considerable source of ecdysteroids and possesses a significant antioxidant property with low toxic potential.

Sida tuberculata (Malvaceae): a study based on development of extractive system and in silico and in vitro properties

Sida tuberculata (Malvaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Here, we aimed to investigate the different extractive techniques on phytochemical parameters, as well as to evaluate the toxicity and antioxidant capacity of S. tuberculata extracts using in silico and in vitro models. Therefore, in order to determine the dry residue content and the main compound 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) concentration, extracts from leaves and roots were prepared testing ethanol and water in different proportions. Extracts were then assessed by Artemia salina lethality test, and toxicity prediction of 20E was estimated. Antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenger assays, ferric reducing power assay, nitrogen derivative scavenger, deoxyribose degradation, and TBARS assays. HPLC evaluation detected 20E as main compound in leaves and roots. Percolation method showed the highest concentrations of 20E (0.134 and 0.096 mg/mL of extract for leaves and roots, respectively). All crude extracts presented low toxic potential on A. salina (LD50 >1000 µg/mL). The computational evaluation of 20E showed a low toxicity prediction. For in vitro antioxidant tests, hydroethanolic extracts of leaves were most effective compared to roots. In addition, hydroethanolic extracts presented a higher IC50 antioxidant than aqueous extracts. TBARS formation was prevented by leaves hydroethanolic extract from 0.015 and 0.03 mg/mL and for roots from 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL on egg yolk and rat tissue, respectively (P<0.05). These findings suggest that S. tuberculata extracts are a considerable source of ecdysteroids and possesses a significant antioxidant property with low toxic potential.

Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of hydro-ethanolic extracts from Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa and B. variegata.

Bauhinia species are known to have hypoglycemiant and antioxidant activities. Here, hydro-ethanolic leaf extracts from Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa and Bauhinia variegata, collected in a Pampa biome region of Brazil, were investigated to characterize their chromatographic profile, flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant activity (TBARS and DPH assays). The extracts were obtained from dried and fresh leaves. The total flavonoid content was assessed by spectrophotometric determination, and the results ranged between 572.08 and 1,102.99 µg mL-1. Moreover, flavonoids were more predominant in B. variegata than in B. forficata subsp. pruinosa. HPLC analysis detected a complex profile of phenolic compounds, being the flavonoid kaempferitrin founded B. forficata subsp. pruinosa; in addition, other kaempferol and quercetin derivatives were present. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated a different behavior depending on the species, leaf treatment and extract concentration. In general, B. variegata extracts obtained from fresh material presented higher antioxidant potential, which can be attributed to the predominance of flavonoids in their chemical composition.

Oral cancer awareness at chemist's and herbalist's shops: new targets for educational interventions to prevent diagnostic delay.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether chemist's and herbalist's shops were offering appropriate advice for patients seeking guidance on a potentially malignant oral lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using the standardised patient approach on a representative sample of chemist's and herbalists' shops in Galicia (Spain). The introductory statement was "I have a painful ulceration on the tongue for about a month now. What would you advise?" The study sample was selected by stratified random sampling for a 5% precision, and contacted by telephone. To disclose a hypothetical bias in telephone answers, another study was designed for two provinces where pharmacies were visited in one province and herbal shops in the other one. RESULTS: A total of 460 establishments out of 1534 were contacted: 306 pharmacies (66.5%) and 154 herbalist's shops (33.5%). Patients were adequately referred from pharmacies significantly more frequently than were from herbalist's shops, which mostly prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) remedies (86.4%). Community pharmacy assistants resulted more likely to recommend OTC remedies (55.6% vs. 13%) and significantly less likely to refer patients to a dentist or physician than pharmacists. The most frequent OTC offered at chemists' were mouthwashes, while herbalist's shops prescribed propoleum (50%) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) preparations (23.8%). CONCLUSION: New off-clinical counsellors (herbalists and pharmacy assistants) have been identified as potential creators of patient diagnostic delay in oral cancer, as well as the need for increasing oral cancer awareness amongst community pharmacists. Educational strategies to improve advice and referral should be designed for these collectives.

Caracterização de preparações extrativas obtidas de Passiflora alata Curtis / Characterization of extracts prepared from Passiflora alata Curtis

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo fazer uma análise comparativa da qualidade de preparações extrativas obtidas de Passiflora alata Curtis, além de descrever esse processo. O extrato líquido foi obtido por refluxo utilizando água como solvente em proporção 1:10. A preparação líquida foi submetida à secagem em spray dryer utilizando aerosil® e fosfato de cálcio como adjuvantes tecnológicos. A eficiência de extração foi avaliada através da determinação do resíduo seco e do teor de flavonoides totais por técnica de espectrofotometria no UV. O extrato seco foi avaliado quanto à viabilidade tecnológica a partir da determinação das características de granulometria e da estabilidade em ambientes de umidade relativa controlada. O teor de flavonoides totais para o extrato seco apresentou redução quando comparado à solução extrativa, indicando possível influência do processo de secagem na composição do material. Os resultados de caracterização tecnológica demonstraram que o processo de secagem utilizado garante uma uniformidade de tamanho particular, embora seja observada uma tendência de higroscopicidade do material em ambientes de elevada umidade relativa. As técnicas empregadas se mostraram viáveis para uso em ensaios quali-quantitativos aplicados à determinação da qualidade dos extratos desenvolvidos.

This paper describes a process to prepare liquid and dried aqueous extracts from aerial parts of Passiflora alata Curtis (sweet passionfruit) and reports a comparative analysis of the extractive preparations obtained. The extractive solution was obtained by refluxing the plant material with water in the proportion 1:10 (w/v). The aqueous extract was dried in a spray-dryer, with Aerosil® and calcium phosphate as processing aids. The extraction efficiency was assessed by weighing the dry residue and assaying the total flavonoid content by UV spectrophotometry. The particle size and hygroscopicity of the spray-dried powder were determined in order to assess its technological viability. In the solid state, the total flavonoid content was reduced, relative to the aqueous extract, which indicates a possible influence of the drying process on its composition. The technological characterization demonstrated that this drying process leads to particle size uniformity, though a tendency to hygroscopicity can be observed under conditions of high relative humidity. The analytical techniques employed proved to be viable for qualitative and quantitative assays used for quality control of the extracts developed in this study.

El dolor lumbar en el año 2009 / Lumbar pain in 2009

Todo el mundo reconoce la frecuencia tan elevada de las lumbalgias y su importante repercusión socioprofesional. El dolor lumbar es una de las patologías más frecuentes en las consultas de medicina general y de los especialistas del aparato locomotor (traumatólogos, reumatólogos y rehabilitadores). Tiene características de epidemia en las sociedades más desarrolladas y ha sido denominado por algunos autores como la “enfermedad del siglo”. Entre las consultas médicas, después de los síntomas del resfriado le siguen inmediatamente los dolores de espalda.El mantenimiento en el empleo de los trabajadores que sufren de la espalda y la prevención de la lumbalgia crónica constituyen preocupaciones crecientes de los responsables de la salud pública en razón de los costes elevados que esta problemática de salud genera en la colectividad. Para hacer frente a este problema mayor de salud pública, la literatura científica, apoyándose principalmente en estudios escandinavos y norteamericanos, propone y considera muy importante la actuación médica precoz y adecuada de la lumbalgia en la fase aguda (AU)

Almost everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their lives and recognizes the very high frequency of lower back pain and its significant social and occupational impact. Low back pain is one of the most common conditions in general practice consultations and musculoskeletal specialists (orthopedists, rheumatologists and rehabilitation). It has characteristics of an epidemic in most developed societies, and has been dubbed by some as "disease of the century". Between doctor visits, after cold symptoms followed immediately back pain.The job retention of workers suffering from back and preventing chronic back pain are growing concerns of those responsible for public health because of the high costs this creates health problems in the community. To address this major public health problem, the scientific literature, relying mainly on studies Scandinavian and North American, proposes and attaches great importance to early and appropriate medical intervention in low back pain in the acute phase (AU)

La carga funcional inmediata con implantes en pacientes edéntulos mandibulares. Técnica de Maló / Inmediate implant loading in mandible edentulous patients. Technique of Maló

Introducción. El objetivo del presente estudio era valorar los resultados clínicos de la carga inmediata en el tratamiento con implantes oseointegrados de la mandíbula edéntula. Pacientes y métodos. Los pacientes edéntulos completos fueron tratados con implantes Microdent® con superficie con chorreado de arena y grabada con ácidos para la rehabilitación de la mandíbula edéntula mediante la colocación de 4 implantes en el sector anterior con carga funcional inmediata. Los implantes fueron evaluados durante 1 año. Resultados. 10 pacientes (6 varones y 4 mujeres) fueron tratados con 40 implantes (20 rectos y 20 inclinados) de 14-16 mm de longitud y fueron cargados de forma inmediata con una prótesis completa de resina atornillada. Los hallazgos clínicos indican una supervivencia y éxito de los implantes del 100% ya que ningún implante se ha perdido durante el año de seguimiento clínico. Conclusiones. Este estudio indica que la carga inmediata de los implantes en el tratamiento de la mandíbula edéntula constituye un tratamiento odontológico con una elevada tasa de éxito (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of immediate loading in the treatment with osseointegrated implants of edentulous mandible. Methods. Edentulous patients were treated with Microdent® sandblasted-etched surface implants for rehabilitation of mandible by insertion of 4 implants in anterior area with immediate loading. A follow-up were of 12 months. Results. 10 patients (6 men and 4 women) were treated with 40 implants (20 straight and 20 inclined) with a length of 14-16 mm and were loaded immediately with a acrylic screw full denture. Clinical findings showed a survival and success rate of implants of 100%. No implants were lost during the follow-up period. Conclusions. This study indicate that immediate loading of implants in the treatment of edentulous mandible constitute a dental treatment treatment with a high success rate success (AU)

Tratamiento del Síndrome de Dolor Miofascial con Toxina Botulínica tipo A / Botulinum toxin type A in the management of Myofascial pain syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de dolor miofascial (SDM) se caracteriza por áreas dolorosas de la musculatura esquelética y por la evidencia clínica y electromiográfica de contracción de bandas musculares sobre las cuales existe un punto cuya presión desencadena un dolor intenso local y referido (punto gatillo). La fisiopatología es incierta pero una posible explicación sería la lesión del músculo por microtraumatismos, sobreuso o espasmo prolongado. La toxina botulínica la produce el microorganismo Clostridium botulinum en condiciones anaeróbicas y se trata de una de las sustancias más potentes que se conocen. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional prospectivo en el que hemos estudiado la aplicación de la toxina botulínica tipo A en el tratamiento del síndrome de dolor miofascial en una serie de 20 pacientes. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a una infiltración diagnóstica de la musculatura lumbar o del músculo piramidal con 8 ml de ropivacaína al 0,2% y 6 mg de fosfato sódico de betametasona y 6 mg de acetato de betametasona. Para la localización de los músculos utilizamos referencias anatómicas y administramos de 3 a 5 ml de contraste hidro-soluble para asegurarnos mediante fluoroscopia de la correcta localización de la aguja. La administración de toxina botulínica se realizó siguiendo el mismo método utilizado en las infiltraciones diagnósticas. Decidimos utilizar una dosis de 250 U de Dysport® en cada músculo a infiltrar sin pasar en ningún caso de 1000 U para un mismo paciente. La eficacia del tratamiento se basó en el control del dolor según la Escala Visual Analógica basal (EVA 1), a los 15 días (EVA 15), a los 30 días (EVA 30) y a los 90 días (EVA 90) de las infiltraciones y el test de Lattinen evaluado antes del tratamiento (TLT 1) y al final del estudio (TLT 2). Todos los pacientes fueron preguntados acerca de posibles efectos secundarios. Finalmente se registró el grado de satisfacción del paciente al finalizar el estudio: excelente, buena, regular o mala. Resultados: En todos los pacientes la infiltración diagnóstica fue considerada como positiva con la posterior administración de la toxina botulínica. En todos los casos se produjo una reducción en la EVA de al menos el 50% a los 15 y a los 30 días. A los 90 días, esta reducción mayor o igual al 50% se mantuvo en 13 de los 20 pacientes, mientras que en los 7 pacientes restantes esta reducción fue inferior al 50%. La EVA media inicial fue de 7,7 ± 1,2 de desviación estándar y el TLT medio inicial de 12 ± 2,3, existiendo una alta correspondencia con la EVA. La evolución de la EVA media en los controles posteriores fue: EVA 15 = 3,34 ± 2,5; EVA 30 = 3,54 ± 2,37 y EVA 90 = 4,94 ± 2,83. El TLT medio a los 90 días fue de 7,43 ± 3,49. Tan solo una paciente refirió debilidad muscular ligera en piernas durante las 48 horas posteriores a la infiltración que cedió de forma espontánea. La satisfacción con el tratamiento fue excelente en 10 pacientes (50 %), buena en 7 (35 %) y regular en 3 (15 %). Ningún paciente calificó la experiencia como mala. Conclusión: La infiltración muscular con toxina botulínica tipo A en el tratamiento del SDM se muestra como un tratamiento eficaz y seguro (AU)

Introduction: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition characterised by painful areas of skeletal muscle and by the clinical and electromyographic evidences of contraction of muscle’s band associated with trigger points. Trigger points are locally tender muscle areas when active and refer pain through specific patterns to other areas of the body. The physiopathology is unknown and a possible explication could be to muscle lesion caused by microtrauma, overuse, excessive strain o prolonged spasm.Botulinum toxin is produced by the microorganism Clostridium botulinum in anaerobic conditions and is one of the strongest known substances. Material and methods: It is an observational prospective study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the muscular injection of the botulinum toxin in reducing pain in the MPS in 20 patients. All patients had a diagnostic injection of the lumbar musculature or the piriformis muscle of 8 ml of 0.2% ropi-vacaine and 6 mg of sodium betamethasone phosphate and 6 mg of acetate betamethasone in each muscle. We used anatomical references to localise each muscle and we injected 1 ml of hydrosoluble contrast to confirm by radioscopy guidance the correct localization of the needle in the muscle to treat. The administration of the botulinum toxin was carried out using the same method used for the diagnostic infiltrations. We decided to use one dose of 250 U of Dysport® in each muscle and we exceeded 1000 U in none patient. The assessment of the treatment efficacy was based on the pain reduction according to the visual analog scale (VAS) on the first day of the injection (VAS 1), at day 15 (VAS 15), day 30 (VAS 30) and day 90 (VAS 90) after insertion of the botulinum toxin and the test of Lattinen was evaluated before the treatment (TLT 1) and at the completion of the study (TLT 2). All patients were asked regarding side effects and the grade of satisfaction at the end of the study was defined as excellent, good, regular or bad. Results: In all patients, the diagnostic injection was considerate positive with the posterior administration of the botulinum toxin. There was at least a reduction of 50% of the pain in the EVA in the 20 cases at day 15 and 30. At day 90, the reduction of the pain at 50% was maintained in 13 patients and less than 50% in the rest of the patients. The initial median EVA was 7.7 ± 1.2 standard desvia-tion and the TLT median initial of 12± 2.3. The evolution of the EVA median in the following controls was EVA 15 = 3,34 ± 2,5; EVA 30 = 3,54 ± 2,37 y EVA 90 = 4,94 ± 2,83. The median TLT at day 90 was de 7,43 ± 3,49. Only one patient referred mild muscle weakness of the lower limbs during 48 hours following the injection that improved spontaneously. The satisfaction was excellent in 10 patients (50%), good in 7 (35%) and average in 3 (15%). None of the patient qualified the experience as bad. Conclusion: The muscular injection of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of MSP is effective and safe (AU)

Colostomy closure using local anesthesia.

The feasibility of performing colostomy closures using local anesthesia was evaluated. The subjects comprised 14 patients: 2 with colostomies involving a mucous fistula and 12 with loop colostomies. Patients who had colostomies with mucous fistulas separated by 10cm or more were excluded from this study. All patients were graded as ASA 1 (according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists). The bowel was evaluated by colonoscopy in 6 patients and by barium enema in 8 patients. Bowel preparation was performed with Colayte and all patients were given prophylactic antibiotics. Closure of the colostomy was extraperitoneal and the time taken to perform the operation ranged from 40 to 120min. Tolerance was regarded as excellent in 9 patients, good in 3, and average in 2. There were 3 anastomotic leaks that resolved without further surgical treatment, 2 wound infections, and 1 bowel obstruction that was successfully treated with medication. Patients were discharged 2-22 days postoperatively, after a mean period of 9 days. Local anesthesia offers a safe and effective alternative to general or regional anesthesia for surgical closure of colostomies.

Occurrence of usnic acid in Usnea laevis Nylander (lichenized ascomycetes) from the Venezuelan Andes.

The presence of usnic acid in the lichen Usnea laevis Nyl. from the Venezuelan Andes was detected through chromotographic (TLC) and spectroscopic (IR, MS, 1H-NMR) methods. This compound was present in a concentration of 2.7% in the thallus. Usnic acid has a reported antibiotic activity and the lichen is utilized for medicinal purposes by Andean farmers.

Effects of Concanavalin A, fed as a constituent of Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis L.) seeds, on the humoral immune response and performance of broiler chickens.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the lectin, Concanavalin A (Con A), contained in raw Jack bean (JB) (Canavalia ensiformis, L.) seeds on the immunological response of broilers. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was prepared to which either 2.5, 5, or 10% of ground raw Jack bean (RJB) seeds was added. The RJB seeds contained 24 g Con A/kg on a dry matter basis, as measured by rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Similar diets were prepared by using the same levels of JB after toasting at 190 C for 16 min. In addition, the basal diet was pair-fed to groups of chicks at the level of feed intake of chicks fed the 10% RJB diet. Each diet was fed to six groups of six chicks for 6 wk. At 5 wk, 15 of chicks from each diet were immunized against Brucella abortus (BA) and the anti-BA antibody titers were determined 1 wk later by ELISA. Antibody production against Con A was also measured by the same method. Binding of Con A to intestinal villi and subsequent endocytosis were confirmed by microscopic examination using a specific peroxidase-antiperoxidase-staining technique. Performance was recorded weekly. Feed intake and weight gain were reduced (P < 0.05) only by the diet containing 10% RJB, indicating that broiler chicks can tolerate daily intakes of 100 mg of Con A over 6 wk without affecting growth. Toasted JB diets supported adequate chick performance. The antibody response to BA did not differ with dietary treatment. Serum from chicks fed raw JB also contained antibodies against Con A. The bursa of Fabricius, thymus, spleen, and pancreas dry weights, as a percentage of dry body weight, were not affected by the experimental diets. The data indicated that Con A binds to the cells of the gastrointestinal tract, passes into the general circulation and, eventually, elicits an immunological response without affecting the production of antibodies to BA.

Occurrence of psilocybin and psilocin in Psilocybe pseudobullacea (Petch) Pegler from the Venezuelan Andes.

Using thin-layer chromatographic and spectroscopic (UV) methods two Psilocybe species from the Venezuelan Andes were analysed for the hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin. These species are: P. montana (Pers. ex Fr.) Kumm and P. pseudobullacea (Petch) Pegler. Both hallucinogens were found in P. pseudobullacea, while P. montana was found to be exempt of these compounds.