ABSTRACT Objective: To study the influence of different dialysis frequency on microinflammation for the maintenance haemodialysis patients. Methods: Fifty-three maintenance haemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease were divided into three groups. Groups A, B and C dialysed three times per week, twice per week and three times per 2 weeks, respectively. Total time was 1 year. The index of microinflammation state was measured in all patients before and after 1 year. Results: There were significant differences in the index of microinflammation state between any two groups. Conclusion: Patients who dialysed less than two times each week had a higher rate of microinflammation state. This showed that dialysis frequency was important for maintenance hae- modialysis.

ABSTRACT Chinese indigenous chicken breeds are geographically widespread, and a total of 116 indigenous chicken breeds are listed as Chinese national genetic resources. However, these indigenous chicken breeds are facing serious challenges as declining population and germplasm degeneration because lots of commercial chicken breeds had been introduced. In this study, the genetic variations of eleven Chinese indigenous chicken breeds of Sichuan province and three commercial chicken breeds were investigated based on the partial mitochondrial DNA D-loop of 487bp in length. 147 individuals from 14 breeds were examined and 34 haplotypes were observed. Genetic diversity analysis showed that the highest haplotype diversity level was found in Dahen Chicken (DH) population, while the Arbor Acres Chicken (WF) and Roman layer (RM) showed lower genetic diversity levels. The long-term artificial selection may lead to reduced nucleotide diversity. Genetic population differentiation analysis indicated that most of the variation (80.80%) was attributed to variations among breeds. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these individuals were divided into four distinct genetic clades, including cluster A, B, C and D. Eighteen haplotypes were classified as cluster A, eight haplotypes were classified as cluster B, five haplotypes were classified as cluster C and three haplotypes were classified as cluster D. There was no breed-specific clade. Our study firstly identified the population’s genetic structure of Chinese indigenous chickens and the most important commercial breeds in Sichuan province, though the genetic diversity of indigenous breeds did not suffer obvious decrease, but could be helpful for efficient artificial breeding selection and genetic resources conservation.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to establish dietary threonine (Thr) levels for Linwu ducks, aged 4 to 8 wk. Experimental diets formulated to contain 0.56, 0.61, 0.66, 0.71, 0.76, and 0.81% Thr fed to Linwu ducks. A total of 360 healthy Linwu female ducks with similar body weight (1183.89±3.83 g) were randomly divided into six groups, with five replicates in each group, and 12 ducks in each replicate. Samples were collected at 8 wk for the determination of growth performance, carcass traits, visceral organ indices, and serum biochemical parameters. As a result of this study, Thr level had no significant influence on the final weight, the daily gain, feed/gain ratio, and average daily intake (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant effects of dietary Thr on carcass traits and visceral organ indices (p>0.05). The pancreatic index was highest among all the treatments when the dietary Thr level was 0.66%. The different dietary Thr levels had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the concentration of total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glucose (GLU), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH). However, the serum MDA concentration in the 0.66% treatment was lower (P=0.068) than in the other treatments. In conclusion, Thr at 0.66% concentration may have an antioxidant activity and exert positive effect on Linwu ducks.

ABSTRACT Newcastle disease is a highly contagious disease responsible for major outbreaks and considerable economic losses in the poultry industry in China. There is still little information available regarding gene characterization of the NDV, especially in ducks and pigeons. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate NDV isolated from ducks and pigeons in Hubei, China. In this study, three NDVs from ducks and pigeons were isolated between 2013 and 2015.The fusion protein (F) gene of the NDV isolates was sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. The clinical signs and gross histopathological lesions were examined. Phylogenetic analysis of these strains indicated that all the sequences are classified as genotype II. The isolates shared a 112 G-R-Q-G-R-L 117motif at the F protein cleavage site, indicating that these three isolates strains are lentogenic. Necropsy and histopathology showed the typical pathological changes. It was concluded that commercial ducks and pigeons in Hubei province carry lentogenic NDV strains with regular genetic divergence, indicating that these species may act as the main reservoirs of NDV in poultry. Therefore, strategies and surveillance should be undertaken to reduce the risk of ND outbreaks.

ABSTRACT This study has the objective of investigating the effects of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions (TCM) on serum lipid, abdominal and hepatic fat percentage, cholesterol content in eggs, and mRNA expression of genes apoA I and apoB100. One hundred and thirty five healthy (300-day-old) layers were randomly assigned to three treatments. The hens in control group were fed with the basal diet. The hens in the experimental groups (TCM 1 and TCM 2) were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 1% TCM 1 and 1% TCM 2 respectively over a period of 60 days. Laying performance and the serum parameters relevant to fat metabolism were measured. The results showed that no significant differences were found in average daily feed intake and egg weight among three treatments. Average daily laying rate in TCM treatments was increased, and the cholesterol content in eggs was decreased. The serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in experimental treatments were decreased (p<0.05), while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was increased (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Additionally, abdominal fat percentage decreased in TCM 1 treatment (p<0.05), and hepatic fat percentage decreased in both TCM treatments (p<0.05). The expression of apolipoproteinA I (apoA I) and apolipoproteinB100 (apoB100) mRNA in the liver increased in both TCM treatments (p<0.05). These results suggest that the diet supplemented with TCM could increase the expression of apoA I and apoB100 mRNA in the liver, and decrease lipid content in the serum, and reduce egg cholesterol in layers.

The grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) and flatpod peavine (Lathyrus cicera L.) are the most economically important and widely cultivated Lathyrus species. However, their utilization is limited due to the presence of their endogenous toxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). Thus, a β-ODAP free variety should be developed through some plant breeding technique like either mutational breeding or genetic-manipulation. In this circumstance, the plant regeneration of Lathyrus species becomes a bottleneck. In the present study, an efficient system for in vitro regeneration of L. sativus with high β-ODAP levels, and L. cicera with low β-ODAP levels, was developed from different explants (axillary buds, leaves and stems). At first, the green nodular calli were induced from sterile seedlings. It was found that the pre-culture of sterile seedlings with 15 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA) was necessary for L. cicera, but not for L. sativus. All of these calli were able to differentiate into adventitious shoot formation when cultured further. Among those explants, leaf segments were the optimum because of their easy obtainment and high regeneration efficiency (i.e., 66.48% in L. sativus and 62.13% in L. cicera). Furthermore, it was found that the pre-treatment would significantly improve the efficiency for nodular calli induction in both varieties, although it was easier on explants of L. sativus than on those of L. cicera. When these in vitro-derived plantlets of the two Lathyrus species were planted on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) medium with α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) supplemented, 60% of them developed several roots. After being transplanted into soil, above 85% of each Lathyrus species grew well. The protocol would be useful for further expanding the propagation and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation to obtain low β-ODAP varieties.

Lathyrus sativus L. y L. cicera L. son las especies de Lathyrus más importantes económicamente y ampliamente cultivadas. Sin embargo, su utilización es limitada debido a la presencia de su toxina endógena β-N-oxalic-L-α, β-ácido diaminopropiónico (β-ODAP). De esta manera, se debería desarrollar una variedad libre de β-ODAP a través de alguna técnica de mejoramiento vegetal ya sea cruzamiento por mutación o manipulación genética. En este caso, la regeneración de las especies de Lathyrus se convierte en un cuello de botella. En este estudio, se desarrolló un sistema eficiente para la regeneración in vitro de L. sativus con altos niveles de β-ODAP y de L. cicera con bajos niveles de β-ODAP a partir de fuentes diferentes (yemas axilares, hojas y tallos). Primero se indujeron los callos nodulares verdes desde plántulas estériles. El pre-cultivo de plántulas estériles con 15 mg/L de 6-benciladenina (BA) fue necesario para L. cicera, pero no para L. sativus. Todos estos callos se diferenciaron en la formación de tallos adventicios cuando se continuó con su cultivo. Entre aquellos explantes, los segmentos foliares fueron óptimos debido a la facilidad de su obtención y alta eficiencia de regeneración (66,48% en L. sativus y 62,13% en L. cicera). Además, el pre-tratamiento mejoró la eficiencia de inducción de callos nodulares en ambas variedades, aunque fue más fácil en explantos de L. sativus que en aquellos de L. cicerea. Cuando estas plántulas de las dos especies de Lathyrus derivadas de cultivo in vitro se plantaron en medio Murashige y Skoog de media fuerza con ácido α-nafitalenacético suplementado, 60% de ellas desarrollaron varias raíces. Después de ser plantadas en suelo, más de 85% de cada especie de Lathyrus creció bien. El protocolo sería útil para seguir expandiendo la propagación y, vía la transformación genética mediada por Agrobacterium, obtener variedades con bajos niveles de β-ODAP.

PttKN1 gene (Populus tremula × P. tremuloides KNOT-TED1) was isolated from the vascular cambium of a hybrid aspen. Previous studies on transformed plants with the PttKN1 gene suggested that it plays roles in plant development (typically in meristem initiation), maintenance and organogenesis in simple-leaved species. To investigate the gene functions further, sequence analysis of the deduced amino acid was conducted. The results suggested that the gene belongs to the class I KNOX gene (KNOTTED1-like homeobox genes) family and might play important roles in plant development by coding a transcription factor. The gene was introduced into Cardamine hirsuta using the floral dip method mediated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The primary transformed plants were obtained via kanamycin selection. Compared to the wild type, the kanamycin resistant plants demonstrated several morphological alterations, such as abnormal cotyledons, abnormal shoot meristem, fattened stem, and lobed and cup-shaped leaves. RT-PCR results showed that the above fve types of kanamycin resistant plants expressed the same specific PttKN1 gene band. This suggested that the morphological alterations were caused by the insertion and expression of the gene. However, these phenotypes were similar to other PttKN1 transformed plants, despite the fact that C. hirsuta is a species with compound leaves and the other species have simple leaves. Therefore, the functions of the PttKN1 gene on compound-leaf species have yet to be investigated via the comparison between related species such asArabidopsis thaliana and C. hirsuta.

ABSTRACT Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a lethal complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation which limits its application. Psoralen was utilized in the treatment of GVHD as a second-line method, which is also known as extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP). In the process of ECP, mononuclear cells must be isolated from the body in advance. Then a photosensitizer, 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP, 200 μg/L for the final concentration), would be added to the cell suspension before its exposure to ultraviolet A [UVA; 365 nm, 2J/cm2]. The disposed lymphocytes re-infused into the body account for 5% to 15% of the lymphocytes in the body. The process of ECP is complicated, expensive and very labour intensive, which limits its popularity. We hypothesized that psoralen should be activated by UVA, and should be kept in activation for a relatively long time before it gets in contact with mononuclear cells. This kind of psoralen is called previously activated psoralen (PAP), which may have the same effects on GVHD as ECP, but would be much easier and economical to work with.

RESUMEN La enfermedad de injerto-contra-huésped (EICH, o GVHD por las siglas en inglés) es una complicación letal del trasplante alogénico de células madre hematopoyéticas que limita su aplicación. El psoraleno se utilizó en el tratamiento de EICH como método de segunda línea, también conocido como fotoquimioterapia extracorpórea (F EC). En el proceso de FEC, las células mononucleares tienen que ser aisladas del cuerpo por adelantado. Entonces un fotosensibilizador, 8-methoxypsoraleno (8-MOP, 200 μg/L para la concentración final), se añadirá a la suspensión de células antes de su exposición a radiación ultravioleta A [UVA; 365 nm, 2J/cm2]. Los linfocitos eliminados re-infundidos en el cuerpo representan del 5% al 15% de los linfocitos en el cuerpo. El proceso de FEC es complicado, costoso, y requiere mucho trabajo, lo cual limita su popularidad. Partimos de la hipótesis de que el psoraleno debe ser activado por rayos UVA y debe mantenerse en activación por un tiempo relativamente largo, antes de que se ponga en contacto con las células mononucleares. Este tipo de psoraleno se denomina psoraleno activado previamente (PAP), el cual puede tener los mismos efectos sobre la EICH que la FEC, pero de manera mucho más fácil y económica.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antagonistic activity of two endophytic fungal strains, Pseudocercospora kaki and Penicillium sclerotiorum, isolated from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, against the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe grisea. The inhibitory activity of the two endophytes against M. grisea in dual-culture was compared with that in monoculture. It was confirmed that the broth and its ethyl acetate extract of the dual-culture had a much stronger inhibition activity against M. grisea than the monocultures of P. kaki and P. sclerotiorum. The antagonism index of the broth and ethyl acetate extract from dual-culture to the mycelial growth of M. grisea was 78.02% ± 2.19% and 62.81% ± 2.29%, respectively, in different incubation periods. Qualitative analysis of ethyl acetate extract by GC-MS revealed that the number of bioactive compounds was greater in dual-culture than in monoculture. Compared to the ethyl acetate extract from monoculture, there were 10 constituents of bioactive compounds from dual-culture; however, there were only 6 types and 5 types from P. kaki monoculture and P. sclerotiorum monoculture, respectively. Glycerol; 4-Hydroxyphenyl ethanol; 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroxy valeraldehyde and 1,2-Benzene-dicarboxylic acid dicyclohexyl ester were found in the ethyl acetate extracts of P. kaki, P. sclerotiorum and the dual culture. Based on the composition of the ethyl acetate extract of the dual culture of the endophytic fungi it might be possible to make a bioformulation for the biocontrol of the plant pathogen.

El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad antagonista de dos cepas de hongos endofíticos, Pseudocercospora kaki y Penicillium sclerotiorum, aislados de las hojas de Camellia sinensis, en relación al patógeno del tizón del arroz Magnaporthe grisea. La actividad inhibitoria de las dos cepas endófitas sobre M. grisea en cultivo dual se comparó con aquella en monocultivo. Se confirmó que el caldo y su extracto de etil acetato del cultivo dual tuvieron una actividad mucho más inhibitoria sobre M. grisea que los monocultivos de P. kaki y P. sclerotiorum. Los índices antagonistas del caldo y extracto de etil acetato del cultivo dual sobre el crecimiento del micelio de M. grisea fueron 78,02% ± 2,19% y 62,81% ± 2,29%, respectivamente, en diferentes períodos de incubación. El análisis cualitativo del extracto de etil acetato por GC-MS reveló que el número de compuestos bioactivos fue mayor en el cultivo dual que en el monocultivo. Comparado al extracto de etil acetato del monocultivo, hubo 10 compuestos bioactivos en el cultivo dual; sin embargo, hubo solo 6 tipos en el monocultivo de P. kaki, y 5 tipos en el monocultivo de P. sclerotiorum. Glicerol; 4-Hidroxifenil etanol; 1,2,3,4-tetrahidroxi valeraldehido y ester biciclohexil 1,2-benceno-ácido bicarboxílico se hallaron en los extractos de etil acetato de P. kaki, P. sclerotiorum y el cultivo dual. Basado en la composición del extracto de etil acetato del cultivo dual del hongo endofítico se podría hacer una formulación biológica para el control biológico del patógeno vegetal.

Irregular root configurations which often challenge the requirements of successful root canal treatments are always misleading doctors to incorrect clinical judgments and treatment planning. In this article we describe a rare case of CBCT C-shaped mandibular premolar with a huge area of invagination measuring 6 mm ´ 3 mm, which we termed a "radicular rift valley" from a 76-year-old man. Considering the complex process of differential diagnosis, the overall status of disease condition and the will of the patient we proposed five treatment plans and finally conservatively chose plan B composed of both RCT and periapical scaling. A related literature review is also added into this article to describe the whole situation of root invagination, to stress the importance of the vigilance of diagnosis and to provide reference views for future similar diseases.

Las configuraciones radiculares irregulares que a menudo desafían las exigencias de un tratamiento de canal radicular exitoso, son siempre engañosas llevando al especialista a juicios clínicos y planificación de tratamientos erróneos. En este artículo se describe, en un hombre de 76 años de edad, un raro caso de un premolar mandibular que mediante CBCT se observa la forma de C con un área enorme de invaginación midiendo 6 mm x 3 mm, lo que hemos denominado un "Rift valley radicular ". Teniendo en cuenta el complejo proceso de diagnóstico diferencial, el estado general de enfermedad y la voluntad del paciente, se propusieron cinco planes de tratamiento y, finalmente, se eligió el plan B conservador compuesto por el tratamiento del canal radicular y tratamiento periapical. Una revisión de la literatura relacionada se añade en este artículo para describir las situación de invaginación radicular, haciendo hincapié en la importancia del diagnóstico y para proporcionar referencias para enfermedades similares futuras.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to assess knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS among the migrant female workers in the restaurant industry in Guangzhou City, China. METHODS: We performed a questionnaire survey using a judgmental sampling method in the health examination clinic of Yuexiu District of Guangzhou during March 2011. A total of 428 participants completed and returned the questionnaires and data were analysed by descriptive statistics, t-test, one way ANOVA, and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Of 428 respondents, the average score of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge was 19.6 (full marks, 26). Knowledge on HIV/AIDS among respondents was classified as poor for 8.2%, fair for 42.5%, and good for 49.3%. The average score of AIDS-related attitudes of respondents was 7.2 (full marks, 10). Most of the respondents (88.8%) had relatively positive attitudes toward AIDS. Unmarried status, ages less than 30 years old and higher levels of education had higher scores of knowledge. Among the respondents who had sex experiences, 57.7% (130/225) reported that they never or only some of the time used condom. The young, unmarried women had significantly higher proportion of condom use than those above 30 years old, and/or married ones. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a half of respondents had only moderate and low levels of awareness about HIV/AIDS knowledge, although most of them had tolerant and positive attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. In addition, a relatively lower rate of condom use was reported. The findings indicate that there exists broad space for improvement of knowledge and behaviours toward HIV/AIDS for migrant women in China.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los conocimientos y actitudes relacionadas con el VIH/SIDA entre las trabajadoras emigrantes en la industria de restaurantes en la ciudad de Guangzhou, China. MÉTODOS: Realizamos una encuesta en forma de cuestionario utilizando un método de muestreo a juicio en la clínica de examen de salud del distrito de Yuexiu de Guangzhou en marzo de 2011. Un total de 428 participantes llenaron y entregaron los cuestionarios, y los datos fueron analizados mediante estadísticas descriptivas, prueba t, ANOVA unidireccional, y prueba de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: De las 428 encuestadas, la puntuación media de los conocimientos relacionados con el VIH/SIDA fue 19.6 (puntuación máxima, 26). El conocimientos sobre el VIH/SIDA entre las encuestadas fue clasificado de pobre por el 8.2 por ciento, aceptable por el 42.5%, y bueno por el 49.3%. La puntuación promedio de las actitudes relacionadas con el SIDA entre las encuestadas fue 7.2 (puntuación máxima, 10). La mayoría de las encuestadas (88.8%) tenían actitudes relativamente positivas hacia el SIDA. El estado civil de soltero, las edades menores de 30 años, y los niveles de educación más altos, estuvieron asociados con puntuaciones más altas de conocimiento. Entre las encuestadas que tenían experiencias sexuales, el 57.7% (130/225) reportó no haber usado condones nunca, o sólo algunas veces. Las mujeres jóvenes solteras hicieron un uso del condón en proporción significativamente mayor que las mujeres mayores de 30 años, y/o las casadas. CONCLUSIONES: En general, la mitad de las encuestadas tenía sólo niveles de conciencia moderados y bajos en cuanto a conocimientos de VIH/SIDA, aunque la mayoría de ellas tenía actitudes tolerantes y positivas hacia el VIH/SIDA. Además, se reportó una tasa relativamente baja de uso del condón. Los hallazgos indican que existe un amplio espacio para mejorar tanto los conocimientos como las conductas hacia el VIH/SIDA para las mujeres emigrantes en China.

Dois novos quinenóides chiritalona A and B, e uma nova neolignina 7'E-4,9-dihidroxi-3,3',5'-trimethoxi-8,4'-oxineolign-7'-en-9'-al, além dos conhecidos (-)-8-hidroxi-α-dunniona, digiferruginol, 2,5-dimetoxi-1,4-benzoquinona e hederagenina, foram isolados do caule de Chirita longgangensis var. hongyao. As estruturas dos novos compostos foram elucidadas por análise detalhada de dados obtidos pela técnicas de NMR (ressonância magnética nuclear) e MS (espectrometria de massas), e a configuração absoluta de chiritalona A foi determinada por análise de difração de raios X de monocristal utilizando o parâmetro Flack. A atividade inibitória dos compostos com relação ao vírus da síndrome respiratória e reprodutiva suína (PRRSV) foi medida pelo método do efeito citopático (CPE). Digiferruginol e hederagenina apresentaram efeito fraco com relação ao PRRSV com valor IC50 de 80,5 ± 16,9 µmol L-1 (SI = 19,9) e 43,2 ± 7,4 µmol L-1 (SI = 13,1), respectivamente.

Two new quinonoids chiritalone A and B, and a new neolignan 7'E-4,9-dihydroxy-3,3',5'-trimethoxy-8,4'-oxyneolign-7'-en-9'-al, along with known (-)-8-hydroxy-α-dunnione, digiferruginol, 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone and hederagenin, were isolated from the stems of Chirita longgangensis var. hongyao. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed analysis from NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and MS (mass spectrometry) data, and the absolute configuration of chiritalone A was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using the Flack parameter. The inhibitory activity of compounds against porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) was measured by the cytopathic effect (CPE) method. Digiferruginol and hederagenin showed weak effect on PRRSV with an IC50 value of 80.5 ± 16.9 µmol L-1 (SI = 19.9) and 43.2 ± 7.4 µmol L-1 (SI = 13.1), respectively.

A brand-new type of multifunctional nanocomposites with high DC conductivity and enhanced mechanical strength was fabricated. Ionic liquid functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs-IL) were embedded into epoxy matrix with covalent bonding by the attached epoxy groups. The highest DC conductivity was 8.38 x 10-3 S.m-1 with 1.0 wt. (%) loading of CNTs-IL and the tensile strength was increased by 36.4% only at a 0.5 wt. (%) concentration. A mixing solvent was used to disperse CNTs-IL in the epoxy monomer. The dispersion and distribution of CNTs-IL in the polymer matrix were measured by utilizing both optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively.

The research work presented in this paper deals with the characterisation of the internal structure of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), incorporating both gyratory compacted samples produced in the laboratory and field cores. The primary objective was to determine the optimum trim depth on either end of laboratory-moulded HMA cylindrical samples that would optimise the air void (AV) uniformity in the test specimens. The analysis was based on the X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) scanning tests and subsequent image analyses. Two Texas HMA mixes, namely a coarse-graded (Type B) and a fine-graded (Type D) mix, with gyratory samples compacted in the laboratory to two different heights (110 and 164 mm) were evaluated for their internal structure in terms of the distribution of both the AV content and AV size. Analysis of the results indicated that the coarse-graded HMA mix (Type B) and the taller (164 mm in height) gyratory-moulded samples would be more likely associated with a more heterogeneous distribution of the AV content and AV size, respectively. Supplemented with field cores, the X-ray CT results indicated significantly poor AV content distribution (i.e. higher AV content and weakest area) at the ends, particularly in the top and bottom 20 mm zone of the samples. Thus, for 150 mm diameter samples of height equal to or greater than 110 mm, trimming a minimum of 20 mm on either side of the gyratory compacted samples should be given due consideration without compromising the specimen aspect ratio and NMAS coverage requirements (NMAS - nominal maximum aggregate size). In general, test specimens should always be cut from the middle zone of the SGC moulded samples where the AV is less heterogeneously distributed.

Dois novos alcaloides tipo-licopódio, acetil-licoposerramina M e palcernina A foram isolados de extratos de plantas inteiras de Palhinhaea cernua L. juntamente com dez compostos previamente identificados. As estruturas dos dois novos compostos foram elucidadas por métodos espectroscópicos e difratometria de Raios X de monocristal usando o parâmetro Flack.

Two new Lycopodium alkaloids, acetyllycoposerramine M and palcernine A were isolated from whole plant extracts of Palhinhaea cernua L. together with ten previously identified compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses using the Flack parameter.