Variaciones en los patrones de pigmentación y de color de larvas de poblaciones naturales de anofeles albimanus de Colombia

Color and pigmentation variants of Anopheles albimanus of third and fourth instar larvae were described from field populations in four different geogaphic and ecological areas in Colombia, together with their frecuency. These variants include three of the head capsule, nine of body pigmentation and of body color. Also, curved antennal sabers and antennal pigmentation are described. We report the ocurrence of high level of polymorphys in body color, pigmentation pattern and other visible traits. A brief description of each variant its frequency in each populations is included.Fueron observados el patrón de pigmentación y el color del cuerpo de las larvas de III y IV estadio en poblaciones naturales de Anopheles albimanus procedentes de cuatro áreas geográficas y ecológicas diferentes. Se incluyen tres variantes de la cápsula de la cabeza, el sable curvado de las antenas y la pigmentación; nueve variantes de la pigmentación del cuerpo y 17 del color del cuerpo. Se informa la alta variación en los patrones de color y otras características visibles. Se incluye una breve descripción de cada variante y la frecuencia observada en cada población

Bioavailability study of arsenic and mercury in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) using an animal model after a single dose exposure

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are increasingly being used as alternative medicines in many countries, and this has caused concern because of adverse health effects from toxic metal bioavailability such as mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As). The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability of As and Hg from TCM after a single exposure dose using an animal model of female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into 6 groups which included four groups treated with sodium arsenite (NaAsO2), arsenic sulfide (AsS), mercuric chloride (HgCl), mercuric sulfide (HgS), and two groups treated with TCM containing high Hg or As (Liu Shen Wan: As 7.7-9.1% and Hg 1.4-5.0%; Niuhang Jie du Pian: As 6.2-7.9% and H

The magical and medicinal usage of Stangeria eriopus in South Africa

The underground caudex of the cycad Stangeria eriopus is used extensively by several ethnic groups in South Africa, mainly as an ingredient in magical potions but also as an emetic. An assessment of two main outlets showed that 3410 plants were sold in the month of July 1992; continued usage of this material now threatens the remaining plant populations. A proximate analysis of the caudex material gives high carbohydrate content with only small percentages of fat, protein, fibre and ash. An unusually high content of sodium sulphate may explain the efficacy of Stangeria-containing preparations as an emetic. The phytosterols sitosterol and stigmasterol are present in a 4:1 ratio while the fatty acid component comprises palmitic, oleic, stearic and arachidic acids. Twelve amino acids were identified in the material, including the non-protein amino acids p-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and pyroglutamic acid. The candidate neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine could not be detected but cycasin is present at the levels of 0.17% and 0.21% in fresh and dry caudex material, respectively and appears to be accompanied by the related toxin, macrozamin

Deterministic model for simulating the predation of Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus on Aedes aegypti /

no.S-17