Influence of the dilution method on the intraocular duration of C3F8 in vitrectomy for macular hole: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the injection of small amounts of undiluted C3F8 with the traditional gas injection in vitrectomy for macular hole treatment. Methods: This clinical trial included 26 individuals divided into two groups. Group 1 received an intravitreal injection of 0.9-1.0 mL of 100% C3F8, and Group 2 received 15-20 mL of 20% C3F8. Results: The median intraocular gas duration was 31 days in Group 1 and 34 in Group 2. The median letter gains in corrected distance visual acuity for the 26th postoperative week were 20 letters in Group 1 and 12.5 in Group 2. The median intraocular pressure was normal in both groups. Primary anatomical success was 11/13 in both groups. Conclusions: The use of C3F8 gas in a small undiluted volume is an alternative that slightly reduces the duration of the gas without negatively affecting the anatomical and visual response.

Short-term effects of air pollutants on outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in Guiyang / 环境与职业医学

Background Affected by concentration, composition, and population tolerance of air pollutants, the relationship between air pollutants and population health has regional differences. There is still a research gap in Guiyang. Objective To explore the short-term effects of air pollutant concentrations in low-pollution areas on the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. Methods Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between air pollutants, meteorological factors, and respiratory outpatient volume from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020 in Guiyang City. A single pollutant distribution lag nonlinear model and a multi-pollutant interaction model were established based on Poisson distribution. A three-dimensional diagram was drawn to display the relationship between air pollutants and respiratory outpatient volume. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the attribution risk and lag effect of air pollutant concentration on outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in Guiyang City. Results The results of the single pollutant model showed that fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) elevated the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. The maximum relative risk (RR) and 95%CI values of PM2.5, NO2,CO, and SO2 appeared on Day 2, 0, 5, and 6, respectively, which were 1.019 (1.015, 1.023), 1.146 (1.122, 1.171), 1.129 (1.116, 1.143), and 1.046(1.040, 1.052), respectively. For every quartile concentration increment of PM2.5, NO2, CO, or SO2, the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases increased by 0.943% (0.111%, 1.782%), 4.050% (3.573%, 4.529%), 0.595% (0.317%, 0.874%), or 0.667% (0.235%, 1.100%), respectively. The maximum RR (95%CI) of O3 was 1.015 (1.007, 1.023) and appeared on Day 0. The results of multi-pollutant model showed that PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3 all elevated the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. The maximum RR values of PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2 and O3 appeared on Day 14, 0, 5, 7 and 0, respectively, which were 1.027 (1.021, 1.034), 1.213 (1.179, 1.248), 1.059 (1.043, 1.074), 1.016 (1.005, 1.026), and 1.024 (1.015, 1.033), respectively. Compared with the single pollutant model, the RR values of PM2.5, NO2, and O3 on the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in the multi-pollutant model showed an upward trend, while the RR values of CO and SO2 in the multi-pollutant model showed a downward trend. Conclusion The impact of low concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, CO, and SO2 on human health cannot be ignored.

A case of poisoning by oral lime sulfur / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Lime sulfur is a common bactericide with strong alkalinity, and is highly corrosive to humans and animals. It is rare for lime sulfur poisoning clinically. This article discusses the clinical manifestations of a patient who was poisoned by oral lime sulfur. After the poisoning, the mucosa of the lips and pharynx broke, fever, and pulmonary inflammation quickly appeared. The pulmonary CT showed slight interstitial changes in both lungs. Through high flow oxygen inhalation, fluid infusion, drainage, maintenance of water and electrolyte balance, protection of important organ functions, and other symptomatic support and treatment, as well as control of blood pressure, blood sugar, maintenance of circulatory function and other targeted measures, the patient's condition gradually improved.

Effect of sulfur fumigation on quality and safety of Lilii Bulbus / 中国中药杂志

Lilii Bulbus is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine with both medicinal and edible values, while the market products usually has the problem of sulfur fumigation. Therefore, the quality and safety of Lilii Bulbus products deserve attention. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was combined with principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) to analyze the differential components of Lilii Bulbus before and after sulfur fumigation. We identified ten markers generated after sulfur fumigation, summarized their mass fragmentation and transformation patterns, and verified the structures of phenylacrylic acid markers of sulfur fumigation. At the same time, the cytotoxicity of the aqueous extracts of Lilii Bulbus before and after sulfur fumigation was evaluated. The results showed that in the concentration range of 0-800 mg·L~(-1), the aqueous extract of Lilii Bulbus after sulfur fumigation had no significant effect on the viability of human liver LO2 cells, human renal proximal tubular HK-2 cells, and rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells. Moreover, the viability of the cells exposed to the aqueous extract of Lilii Bulbus before and after sulfur fumigation showed no significant difference. This study identified phenylacrylic acid and furostanol saponins as markers of sulfur-fumigated Lilii Bulbus for the first time, and made clear that proper sulfur fumigation of Lilii Bulbus would not produce cytotoxicity, providing a theoretical basis for the rapid identification and quality and safety control of sulfur-fumigated Lilii Bulbus.

Niveles de fertilización con calcio, magnesio y azufre en genotipos de arveja voluble (Pisum sativum L.) en Nariño

Nariño es el principal productor de arveja de Colombia. En su cultivo, se fertiliza con nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio, pero no se conoce el efecto de otros nutrimentos. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de diferentes niveles de calcio, magnesio y azufre sobre los componentes de rendimiento de arveja voluble, en los municipios de Gualmatán, Pupiales y Puerres, en suelos Andisoles y, en Ipiales y Potosí, en suelos Inceptisoles. En cada localidad, se utilizó un diseño de bloques completos al azar, con arreglo en parcelas divididas y tres repeticiones, donde el factor A correspondió a cinco genotipos de arveja y el factor B, a cinco niveles de fertilización con calcio, magnesio y azufre. Los resultados indicaron respuesta positiva de los rendimientos a la aplicación de estos elementos. El nivel de fertilización 112,5-50-25 kg.ha-1 de Ca, Mg y S, respectivamente, presentó mayor rendimiento que el nivel establecido por la información del análisis de suelos o testigo en Gualmatán, Pupiales y Potosí, mientras que, en Puerres, hubo respuesta al nivel más alto, 135-60-30, de los mismos elementos. Los otros niveles de fertilización fueron similares al testigo. En Ipiales, la variedad Sureña presentó rendimientos similares para todos los niveles de fertilización. San Isidro presentó su mayor rendimiento, con el nivel 112,5-50-25 kg.ha-1, de calcio magnesio y azufre. Las líneas con gen afila L3 y L18 igualaron los rendimientos de las variedades comerciales Sureña, Alcalá y San Isidro, en Potosí y en Pupiales.

Nariño is the main pea producer in Colombia. The crop is fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but the effect of other nutrients is unknown. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different levels of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur on the performance components of voluble pea in the municipalities of Gualmatán, Pupiales, and Puerres on Andisols, and in Ipiales and Potosí on Inceptisols soils. A randomized complete block design was used with divided plots and three replications, where factor A corresponded to five pea genotypes and factor B to five levels of fertilization with calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. The results indicated positive response of the yields to the application of these elements. The level of fertilization 112.5-50-25 kg.ha-1 of Ca, Mg, and S respectively, presented a higher yield than the level established by information from the soil analysis or control in Gualmatán, Pupiales and Potosí, while in Puerres there was a response at the highest level 135-60-30 of the same elements. The other levels of fertilization were similar to the control. In Ipiales Sureña variety presented similar yields for all fertilization levels. San Isidro presented its highest yield with a level of 112.5-50-25 kg.ha-1 of calcium, magnesium and sulfur. The lines with the L3 and L18 genes matched the yield of the commercial varieties Sureña, Alcalá and San Isidro in Potosí and Pupiales.

Correspondência de teor de dissulfeto de captopril com odor de enxofre em comprimidos de captopril 25 mg, provenientes de farmácias públicas (postos de saúde) e drogarias comerciais / Correspondence of captopril disulfide content with sulfur odor in 25 mg captopril tablets from public pharmacies (health clinics) and commercial drugstores

Introdução: O captopril (CP) é o medicamento de escolha para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial. Sua degradação leva à formação do dímero dissulfeto de captopril (DSCP), este associado a um odor forte no medicamento, podendo causar abandono do tratamento pelo paciente. Objetivo: Determinar DCSP, associar a percepção olfativa de odor de enxofre desprendido do produto e realizar a avaliação de bula de comprimidos de captopril 25 mg distribuídos pelos setores público e privado. Método: Foi verificado o desempenho do método de determinação do CP e DSCP pela Farmacopeia Brasileira 6a ed. por HPLC (DAD). Foram analisados 13 produtos de comprimidos de captopril 25 mg, sendo dois provenientes do setor público de lotes diferentes e mesmo fabricante e 11 do setor privado de diferentes fabricantes e lotes. Foram avaliados aspectos do comprimido quanto à percepção de odor, determinação de peso, identificação e teor de CP e de DSCP e análise do conteúdo da bula. Resultados: Dentre os 13, o medicamento vencido apresentou 4,4% de DSCP, os demais estavam de acordo com a especificação. Verificouse  correspondência do odor de enxofre perceptível com teor de DSCP acima de 0,5%. Considerando os textos de bula sobre odor de enxofre, as constatações foram: nenhuma informação (três produtos), odor característico (dois), leve odor de enxofre (um), leve odor de enxofre sem diminuir a eficácia (sete). Conclusões: As amostras apresentaram resultados satisfatórios para os ensaios realizados. Verificou-se falta de homogeneidade nas informações das bulas sobre o odor dos comprimidos. A percepção do paciente quanto ao odor de enxofre, mesmo dentro do limite tolerado de DSCP, pode levar a não aceitação do medicamento e consequente não adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão, além de gerar prejuízos ao SUS.

Introduction: Captopril (CP) is the drug of choice for the treatment of hypertension. Its degradation leads to the formation of captopril disulfide dimer (DSCP), associated with a strong odor in the drug, which can cause the patient abandonment of treatment. Objective: To determine DCSP, associate the olfactory perception of the sulfur odor given off by the product and carry out the evaluation of the package insert for captopril 25 mg tablets distributed in the public and private sectors. Method: The performance of CP and DSCP determination method of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia 6 ed was verified by HPLC (DAD). Thirteen products of 25 mg captopril tablets were analyzed, 2 of which came from the public sector from different batches and the same manufacturer: the other 11 came from the private sector from different batches and manufacturers. The samples were analyzed regarding appearance, odor perception, identification, weight determination, CP and DSCP content (by HPLC) and package insert content. Results: Among the 13, the expired drug had 4.4% DSCP; the others were in accordance with the specification. Correspondence of perceptible sulfur odor was established for drugs with DSCP content above 0.5%. Considering the texts on sulfur odor in the package inserts, the findings were: none information (3 products), characteristic odor (2), slight sulfur odor (1), slight sulfur odor without decreasing effectiveness (7). Conclusions: The samples showed satisfactory results for the tests performed. There was a lack of homogeneity in the information in the package inserts about odor of the tablets. The patient's perception of sulfur odor, even within the tolerated limit of DSCP, can lead to non-acceptance of the drug and consequent non- adherence to the treatment of hypertension, in addition to causing damage to the SUS.

Determination of concentrations of indoor air pollutants emitted from briquette combustion / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction@#This field assessment was performed to ensure the effective implementation of Order No. A/142 of the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia dated 30^th December 2021 and Order No. A/01 of the Head of the National Committee for Reducing Environmental Pollution dated 3^rd January 2022 and to monitor the level of indoor air pollutants emitted from traditional stoves and standard stoves. @*Purpose@#To determine the level of indoor air pollutants emitted from briquette combustion and to develop recommendations by comparing various types of stoves and dwellings. @*Materials and Methods@#Through analytical cross-sectional designs, three households from Songinokhairkhan district and one household from Chingeltei district were selected to participate in this assessment as they use briquettes for heating, vary in their dwelling types (ger (traditional Mongolian tent), house) and their stove types (traditional, standard), stay home during the day and chose to participate in the assessment. 24-hour continuous measurements were conducted for each dwelling and before taking measurements, we calibrated and adjusted the air suction velocity of the measuring instrument at the Central Metrology Laboratory. The monitor was placed at a distance of 0.5m from the stove and a height of 0.5-1.0m from the floor. The results were then compared with the Mongolian National Standard “General air quality and technical requirements MNS4585:2016” and WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality 2021. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 software, mean, ANOVA test, and if the p-value is less than 0.05, our results are statistically significant.@*Results@#The concentration level of SO₂ in houses with “Dul” stoves was within the level specified in the Mongolian standard MNS4585: 2016 and WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality 2021, while 24-hour SO₂ concentration in gers and houses with traditional stoves was 1.3-2.92 times higher than the standards. The 24-hour average concentration of nitrogen dioxide in houses with traditional stoves was 1.73 times higher than the Mongolian air quality standard MNS4585: 2016. There were statistically significant differences in the emission levels of SO₂ and NO₂ depending on dwelling and stove types (df=4, f=4.04, p=0.008 and df=4, f=17.17, p=0.001, respectively.). The 8-hour average (10,000 μg/m3) CO concentration was statistically significant for various types of dwellings and stoves (df=4, f=45.17, p=0.001), whereas there was a statistically significant difference in CO concentrations in gers with traditional stoves and gers with standard stoves in terms of morning, afternoon, and evening hours (df=3, f=33.17, p=0.001). @*Conclusion@#Indoor air pollutants in the households except for houses with “Dul” stoves have been determined to exceed the air quality standards set by the Mongolian air quality standards and WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality 2021.

The comparison of ambient air quality with raw coal and improved fuel consumption, Ulaanbaatar, 2018-2020 / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction@#Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risk to health. Ambient air pollution accounts for an estimated 4.2 million deaths per year due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Approximately 46% of the population resides in Ulaanbaatar, and over half of the population living in ger (traditional yurt dwelling) areas consumes raw coal, which leads to an increase in ambient air pollutants. The Government of Mongolia took a series of actions to reduce air pollution; one was the ban on the consumption of raw coal beginning on 15 May 2019. The aim of this study is to describe the Ulaanbaatar air quality related to briquettes usage during cold seasons. @*Material and Methods@#We used ecological research design in this study. Quantitative data about air quality of Ulaanbaatar city during the cold seasons (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr) in 2018-2020 years were analyzed from Department of air quality. These 5 indicators such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particles (PM_2.5, PM₁₀) and carbon monoxide were selected for statistical analysis. The SPSS-20 software was used to analyze the data. @*Ethics@#The methodology was approved by the Medical Ethics Sub-Committee of the Ach medical university on 5^th of February, 2021.@*Results@#The average sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the air have increased in October 2019–April 2020 compared to the previous five years. But carbon oxide, particular matter concentrations have decreased in the selected years. Sulfur dioxide (p <0.0001), nitrogen dioxide (p =0.001), PM₁₀(p <0.0001), and PM_2.5 (p <0.0001) are differentiated before and after the use of improved fuels by Wilcoxon signed rank test. However, the CO content did not differ from that of the briquette’s consumption (p =0.412).@*Conclusions@#During the cold seasons, the concentration of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide has increased in air of Ulaanbaatar after used briquettes, while the concentration of particulate matter has decreased during the cold seasons.

A death case of oral lime sulfur mixture poisoning / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University treated a patient with oral sulfur mixture poisoning on January 14, 2020. The patient presented with cyanosis and disturbance of consciousness as the first manifestations, accompanied by metabolic acidosis, shock, hypercalcemia and severe liver function and myocardial damage. The patient was given active treatment, including gastric lavage, blood purification, methylene blue application, correction of shock, organ support and other therapies. However the treatment was poor. Finally, the patient's family chose to give up and requested to be discharged from the hospital, and the patient died on the same day after follow-up.

Clinical application of 99Tc m-sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy in the diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema after gynecological tumor surgery / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To explore the significance of 99Tc m-sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy in the diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema after gynecological tumor surgery. Methods:The clinical data of patients with lower limb lymphedema after gynecological tumor surgery in Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from May 2015 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. 99Tc m-sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy was performed in all patients. The results of lymphatic vessel imaging, lymph node imaging and their combination in the diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema were analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of lymphatic vessel imaging alone, lymph node imaging alone and their combination was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC), and the Youden index, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results:Among the 100 lower limbs of 50 patients, 56 limbs had lymphedema and 44 limbs had no obvious edema. When diagnosis was based on abnormal lymphatic vessel imaging alone, among 56 lower limbs with lymphedema, lower limbs lymphatic vessel imaging was positive in 38 (67.9%) and negative in 18 (32.1%); among 44 lower limbs without obvious edema, lower limbs lymphatic vessel imaging was positive in 6 (13.6%) and negative in 38 (86.4%); the sensitivity was 67.9%, the specificity was 86.4%, and the Youden index was 0.543. When diagnosis was based on abnormal lymph node imaging alone, among 56 lower limbs with lymphedema, lower limbs lymph node imaging was positive in 42 (75.0%) and negative in 14 (25.0%); among 44 lower limbs without obvious edema, lower limbs lymph node imaging was positive in 13 (29.5%) and negative in 31 (70.5%); the sensitivity was 75.0%, the specificity was 70.5%, and the Youden index was 0.455. When diagnosis was based on the combination of lymphatic vessel imaging and lymph node imaging, among 56 lower limbs with lymphedema, lymphatic vessel imaging and lymph node imaging were positive in 48 (85.7%) and negative in 8 (14.3%); among 44 lower limbs without obvious edema, lymphatic vessel imaging and lymph node imaging were positive in 14 (31.8%) and negative in 30 (68.2%); the sensitivity was 85.7%, the specificity was 68.2%, and the Youden index was 0.539. The AUC for the combined diagnosis of lymphatic vessel imaging and lymph node imaging was 0.781, the AUC for the diagnosis of abnormal lymphatic vessel imaging was 0.771, and the AUC for the diagnosis of abnormal lymph node imaging was 0.739 (all P < 0.01). Conclusions:99Tc m-sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy is of great help in the diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema after operation of gynecological tumors. The combination of lymph node imaging and lymphatic vessel imaging is more effective in the diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema.

A nested case-control study on association between self-reported occupational sulfur dioxide exposure and hypertension / 环境与职业医学

Background Current evidence on whether occupational sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure affects the risk of hypertension is still limited, and the research results of the effect of environmental SO2 exposure on risk of hypertension remain inconsistent. Objective To analyze the association between self-reported occupational exposure to SO2 and the risk of hypertension, and the potential dose-response relationship between the years of exposure to SO2 and the risk of hypertension. Methods Based on the Jinchang cohort, a nested case-control study design was adopted. A total of 841 newly diagnosed hypertension patients were followed up as the case group, and the control group was selected with 1∶1 individual matching based on non-occupational factors and occupational factors, respectively. The former matching conditions included age ±2 years old, same gender, working age ±2 years, and home address in the same sub-district. The latter was limited to working in the same workshop on the basis of the former conditions. Finally, the former included 717 controls and the latter included 488 controls. A unified questionnaire was used to collect general demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, history of diabetes, family history of hypertension, and information on occupational exposure to SO2 (self-reported history of occupational exposure to SO2 and years of exposure to SO2). Conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between occupational exposure to SO2 and hypertension, and the dose-response relationship between the years of SO2 exposure and the risk of hypertension. Results In the nested case-control study matching with the non-occupational factors, the OR of hypertension in workers with self-reported occupational exposure to SO2 was 2.39 (95%CI: 1.68-3.39); while when matching with the occupational factors, the OR of hypertension in workers with self-reported occupational exposure to SO2 was 1.48 (95%CI: 1.04-2.12). The results of the dose-response relationship showed that as the SO2 exposure years increased from 1-9 years, 10-19 years, 20-29 years, and 30 years and above, in the nested case-control study matching with non-occupational factors, the ORs of hypertension were 1.85 (95%CI: 0.68-5.08), 1.46 (95%CI: 0.58-3.67), 1.64 (95%CI: 1.00-2.67), and 4.95 (95%CI: 2.63-9.31), respectively; in the nested case-control study matching with occupational factors, the ORs of hypertension were 0.98 (95%CI: 0.40-2.41), 1.84 (95%CI: 0.72-4.70), 1.37 (95%CI: 0.82-2.29), and 2.44 (95%CI: 1.37-4.35), respectively. The two dose-response relationships were positive by χ2 trend test (Ptrend<0.05). Conclusion Self-reported occupational exposure to SO2 is associated with the risk of hypertension in the study population, and the hypertension risk increases with the increase of SO2 exposure years.

Rapid Identification of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with Different Sulfur Fumigation Levels Based on Ultra-fast Gas Phase Electronic Nose / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveIn order to find a fast odor-based method for the identification of sulfur fumigated Gastrodiae Rhizoma， an ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose technology was used to identify the odors of different degrees of sulfur fumigated Gastrodiae Rhizoma decoction pieces. MethodHeracles NEO ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose was employed to collect gas chromatograms of unsulfured and sulfured with different degrees of Gastrodiae Rhizoma decoction pieces， gas chromatograms were performed under programmed temperature （initial temperature of 40 ℃， 0.2 ℃·s-1 to 60 ℃， and then 4 ℃·s-1 to 250 ℃）， the sample volume was 5 mL， the incubation temperature was 65 ℃ and incubation time was 35 min. Kovats retention index and the AroChemBase database were used for qualitative analysis， and stoichiometric analysis was performed on this basis. Principal component analysis （PCA）， discriminant factor analysis （DFA） and partial least squares-discriminant analysis （PLS-DA） models were established to identify the Gastrodiae Rhizoma decoction pieces with different degrees of sulfur fumigation. ResultAccording to the comparative analysis of AroChemBase database， there were significant differences in the odor characteristics of sulfur fumigated and non-sulfur fumigated Gastrodiae Rhizoma， cyclopentane， acetone and heptane might be the odor components to distinguish the degree of sulfur fumigation in Gastrodiae Rhizoma decoction pieces. The identification index of PCA model was 81， the accumulative discriminant index of the discriminating factors was 92.09% in DFA model， the supervisory model interpretation rate of PLS-DA model was 0.963 and the predictive ability parameter was 0.956， indicating that PCA， DFA and PLS-DA models could well distinguish Gastrodiae Rhizoma decoction pieces with different sulfur fumigation degrees. ConclusionHeracles NEO ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose can be used as a rapid method to identify and distinguish Gastrodiae Rhizoma decoction pieces with different levels of sulfur fumigation. Meanwhile， it can provide a rapid， simple and green method and technology for identification of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces by sulfur fumigation.

A Randomized Clinical Trial on Therapeutic Effects of Myrtus communis L. Cream on Chronic Skin Lesions and Quality of Life of Sulfur Mustard-exposed Veterans

Abstract: Sulfur mustard is one of the chemical warfare agent. It rapidly reacts with the cutaneous tissues and other tissues, leading to various devastating long-term effects on human health. Mustard-exposed veterans suffer from its chronic skin problems, including itching, burning sensation, and eczema. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (myrtle) on chronic skin lesions and quality of life of sulfur mustard-exposed veterans. In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 60 sulfur mustard-exposed patients were evaluated. Thirty patients received myrtle essence 5% cream (case group) and 30 patients received Eucerin cream (placebo group) twice in a day for one month. Then, We assessed the chronic skin problems and itching-related parameters (such as the itching time, severity, distribution, frequency, and calculated itching score), duration of sleep, number of waking up at night, and quality of life in the both groups. Our analysis of data revealed that application of myrtle cream effectively decreased skin problems including; itching and burning sensation. Additionally, myrtle markedly decreased skin lesion symptoms such as excoriation in the case group as compared with before treatment. Noticeably, myrtle cream significantly improved quality of life of the patients in the case group. The present study provides more in-depth information regarding the protective role of myrtle on the sulfur mustard-induces skin complication. Also, myrtle effectively improved quality of life of the sulfur mustard-exposed veterans.

Influência do enxofre elementar adicionado em um resíduo da mineração visando à liberação de nutrientes no solo / Influence of elementary added sulfur on a mining waste for nutrient release in soil

RESUMO No estado da Paraíba e no Brasil, a exploração do mineral vermiculita tem gerado grande volume de resíduos no entorno das mineradoras, que tem se tornado um passivo ambiental significativo, com potencial poluente ou contaminante. Dessa forma, neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a influência de proporções do enxofre elementar (fonte p.a) adicionado ao resíduo da exploração de vermiculita sobre a liberação de nutrientes no solo. Para tanto, foi realizado experimento em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em fatorial 5×8, sendo 5 proporções de enxofre elementar (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 g.kg−1) adicionadas ao resíduo de vermiculita e 8 períodos de incubação (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 e 105 dias) da mistura resíduo-enxofre, com 4 repetições, totalizando 160 parcelas experimentais. Durante 105 dias de incubação, a cada 15 dias, foram determinados, na mistura solo-resíduo-enxofre, os teores disponíveis de K, Na, Ca, Mg, P, SO4−2 e os valores de pH. O resíduo de mineração associado ao enxofre elementar proporcionou, na mistura, aumento significativo nos teores de sulfato, cálcio e fósforo disponíveis, redução do pH e dos teores de K. Os teores de Mg não foram influenciados pela adição do "aditivo"; já em relação aos teores de Na, houve aumento significativo. Conclui-se que a mistura rejeito-enxofre tem potencial para incrementar os teores de alguns nutrientes do solo. Contudo, seu uso pode ser limitado em solos com dificuldade de drenagem em razão do acúmulo excessivo de sódio trocável.

ABSTRACT In the state of Paraíba and in Brazil, the exploitation of the vermiculite mineral has generated a large volume of waste in the vicinity of the mining companies, which has become a significant environmental liability, with polluting or contaminating potential. Thus, in this work, the objective was to evaluate the influence of proportions of elemental sulfur (source p.a) added to the vermiculite exploration residue on the release of nutrients in the soil. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 5 × 8 factorial, with five proportions of elemental sulfur (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g.kg−1) added to the vermiculite residue and eight incubation periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days of incubation) of the residue-sulfur mixture, with four replications, totaling 160 experimental plots. During 105 days of incubation, every 15 days, the available contents of K, Na, Ca, Mg, P, SO4−2 and pH values were determined in the soil-residue-sulfur mixture. The mining residue associated with elemental sulfur, provided in the mixture, significant increase in the contents of sulfate, calcium and phosphorus available, reduction of the pH and of the contents of K. The contents of Mg were not influenced by the addition of the "additive", already in relation to Na levels, there was a significant increase. In conclusion, It is concluded that the sulfur-tailing mixture has the potential to increase the contents of some nutrients in the soil, however, its use may be limited in soils with drainage difficulties due to excessive accumulation of exchangeable sodium.

Inhibition of biological desulfurization by organosulfur: a review / 生物工程学报

As a green and economic emerging technology, biological desulfurization is popular. However, biological desulfurization is inhibited by organosulfur in the treatment gases which cannot be ignored. This article summarizes relevant studies on the influence of organosulfur on biological desulfurization in recent years, including the types and physicochemical characteristics of organosulfur, the influence of organosulfur on the desulfurization process, the reaction mechanism of organosulfur, the interplay between organosulfur and some operating conditions, and species of microorganisms that are tolerant to organosulfur. Methods for mitigating the effect of organosulfur on the desulfurization process are discussed, to provide references for the stable and efficient operation of biological desulfurization.

Crude extract of the tropical tree Gallesia integrifolia (Phytolaccaceae) for the control of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae / Extracto crudo del árbol tropical Gallesia integrifolia (Phytolaccaceae) para el control de larvas de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Introduction: Phytoinsecticides are alternatives to control insects in different stages, Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng.) Harms, Phytolacaceae family, popularly known as pau d'alho, garlic tree, and guararema in Brazil, is known due to its strong alliaceous odor because of the presence of sulfur molecules in the plant. This species presents biological activity and potential insecticide effect that is still unexploited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the biological activity of the ethanolic crude extract from G. integrifolia leaves, flowers, and fruits on the control of Aedes aegypti third-stage larvae and pupae. Methods: The botanical material was collected in city Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil at the coordinates (23º46'16" S & 53º19'38" WO), and altitude of 442 m, the fruits of G. integrifolia were collected in May and the leaves and flowers in December 2017. The crude extracts of G. integrifolia leaves, flowers, and fruits were prepared by dynamic maceration technique. The chemical composition of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry. The insecticidal activity of the crude extracts of G. integrifolia were carried out on larvae and pupae of A. aegypti in concentrations between 0.001 to 25 000 mg/mL, and afterwards the lethal concentrations that kill 50 % (LC50) and 99.9 % (LC99.9) were determined by probit analysis. Anticholinesterase activity was determined by bioautographic method at concentrations from 0.000095 to 50 mg/mL. Results: The yield of G. integrifolia crude extracts were 8.2, 9.1, and 17.3 % for flowers, fruits, and leaves, respectively. The chemical composition of G. integrifolia extracts was characterized by presence of fatty acid esters, phytosterols, vitamins, oxygenated diterpenes and organosulfur compounds. The flower extract presented the high amount of sulfur compounds (20.2 %) such as disulfide, bis (2-sulfhydryl ethyl) (11.9 %), 2,3,5-trithiahexane (6.2 %), 1,2,4-trithiolane (1.1 %), and 2,4-dithiapentane (1.1 %). Regarding the insecticidal activity, flower extract showed highly active with LC99.9 of 0.032 mg/mL and LC99.9 of 0.969 mg/mL on A. aegypti larvae and pupae, respectively, and the highest inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (0.00019 mg/mL) ex situ. The flower extract presented anticholinesterase and larvicide activity, respectively, 12.8 % and 35.6 % greater than the control temephos. Conclusions: This study opens new perspectives on the use of extracts from G. integrifolia as a bioinsecticide alternative for the control of A. aegypti larvae and pupae.

Introducción: Los fitoinsecticidas son alternativas para el control de insectos en diferentes etapas, Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng.) Harms, familia Phytolacaceae, conocida popularmente como pau d'alho, árbol de ajo y guararema en Brasil, es conocida por su fuerte olor aliáceo debido a la presencia de moléculas de azufre en la planta. Esta especie presenta actividad biológica y potencial efecto insecticida que aún no está explotado. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad biológica del extracto crudo etanólico de las hojas, flores y frutos de G. integrifolia en el control de las larvas y pupas de la tercera etapa de Aedes aegypti. Métodos: El material botánico fue recolectado en la ciudad de Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil (23º46'16" S & 53º19'38" W), a una altitud de 442 m y los frutos de G. integrifolia fueron recolectados en mayo de 2017 y las hojas y flores en diciembre del mismo año. Los extractos crudos de hojas, flores y frutos de G. integrifolia se prepararon por técnica de maceración dinámica. La composición química de los extractos se determinó por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. La actividad insecticida de los extractos crudos de G. integrifolia fue evaluada en larvas y pupas de A. aegypti en concentraciones entre 0.001 a 25 000 mg/mL, y las concentraciones letales que matan 50 % (CL50) y 99.9 % (CL99.9) de larvas fueron determinados por análisis de probit. La actividad anticolinesterasa fue evaluada por método bioautográfico en concentraciones de 0.000095 a 50 mg/mL. Resultados: El rendimiento de los extractos crudos de G. integrifolia fue de 8.2, 9.1 y 17.3 % para flores, frutos y hojas, respectivamente. La composición química de los extractos de G. integrifolia se caracterizó por la presencia de ésteres de ácidos grasos, fitosteroles, vitaminas, diterpenos oxigenados y compuestos organosulfurados. El extracto de las flores presentó alta cantidad de compuestos de azufre (20.2 %) como disulfuro, bis(2-sulfhidril etilo) (11.9 %), 2,3,5-tritiahexano (6.2 %), 1,2,4-tritiolano (1.1 %) y 2,4-ditiapentano (1.1 %). En relación con la actividad insecticida, el extracto de las flores mostró una gran actividad con CL99.9 de 0.032 mg/mL y CL99.9 de 0.969 mg/mL en larvas y pupas de A. aegypti, respectivamente, y la inhibición más alta de la enzima acetilcolinesterasa (0.00019 mg/mL) ex situ. El extracto de las flores presentó actividad anticolinesterasa y larvicida, 12.8 y 35.6 %, respectivamente, mayor que el control temephos. Conclusiones: Este estudio abre nuevas perspectivas sobre el uso de extractos de G. integrifolia como alternativa bioinsecticida para el control de larvas y pupas de A. aegypti.

Multi-objective optimization of methionine+cysteine levels in diets for growing pigs / Nivel óptimo multiobjetivo de metionina+cisteína en dietas para cerdos en crecimiento / Otimização multiobjetivo do nível de metionina+cisteína em dietas para suínos em crescimento

Abstract Background: The addition of synthetic methionine to growing pig diets should consider the requirements of the methionine+cysteine complex, as most cysteine is obtained through dietary methionine. Objective: To determine an optimal level of methionine+cysteine (Met+Cys) in growing pig diets. Methods: Ninety-nine hybrid (Yorkshire×Landrace×Duroc) barrows were used in a completely randomized design (initial body weight: 25.90±3.99 kg). Nine levels of Met+Cys (0.500, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.600, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, and 0.700%) were evaluated during 35 days. To determine a multi-objective optimal level of Met+Cys, growth performance and strongly related carcass traits were evaluated. Results: Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed:gain ratio (FGR) showed a linear response to the dietary Met+Cys level (p<0.05), with estimated optimal concentration at 0.700%. Average daily gain (ADG) did not show any effect on the Met+Cys level (p>0.05). Carcass characteristics were not affected by the Met+Cys concentration (p>0.05). The multi-objective optimal level for ADG, ADFI, and FGR was 0.667% Met+Cys. Conclusions: According to our results, 0.667% Met+Cys is the best concentration in diets for growing pigs.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las dietas para cerdos en crecimiento deben adicionarse con metionina sintética para suplir los requerimientos del complejo metionina+cisteína (Met+Cis), pues ellos producen gran parte de la cisteína que requieren a partir de la metionina dietaría. Objetivo: determinar el nivel óptimo multiobjetivo de Met+Cis en dietas para cerdos en crecimiento. Métodos: noventa y nueve machos castrados híbridos (Yorkshire×Landrace×Duroc) se utilizaron en un diseño completamente al azar (peso vivo inicial: 25,90±3,99 kg). Se evaluaron nueve niveles de Met+Cys (0,500, 0,525, 0,550, 0,575, 0,600, 0,625, 0,650, 0,675 y 0,700%) durante 35 d. Para determinar el nivel óptimo multiobjetivo de Met+Cis se consideraron las variables de rendimiento de crecimiento y características de la canal que mantienen una fuerte interrelación. Resultados: el promedio de consumo de alimento diario (ADFI) y la conversión alimenticia (FGR) mostraron una respuesta lineal al nivel de Met+Cis en la dieta (p<0,05), con una concentración óptima estimada en 0,700%. El nivel de Met+Cis no afecto a la ganancia diaria de peso (ADG; p>0,05). La concentración de Met+Cis tampoco afectó las características de la canal (p>0,05). El nivel óptimo multi- objetivo de Met+Cis para ADFI, FGR y ADG fue 0,667%. Conclusión: los resultados indican que 0,667% de Met+Cis es la mejor concentración en la dieta para cerdos en crecimiento.

Resumo Antecedentes: a adição de metionina em dietas para suínos em crescimento deve ser feita para atender às exigências do complexo metionina+cisteína (Met+Cis), porque grande parte da cisteína é obtida através da dieta com metionina. Objetivo: determinar o nível multiobjetivo ótimo de Met+Cis em dietas para suínos em crescimento. Métodos: noventa e nove suínos machos castrados híbridos (Yorkshire×Landrace×Duroc) foram utilizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com peso inicial de 25,90±3,99 kg. Nove níveis de Met+Cis (0,500, 0,525, 0,550, 0,575, 0,600, 0,625, 0,650, 0,675 y 0,700%) foram avaliados em suínos em crescimento por 35 d. Para determinar o nível multiobjetivo ótimo de Met+Cis, foram consideradas as variáveis de comportamento de crescimento e características do canal que mantêm uma forte inter-relação. Resultados: a ingestão média diária de alimentos (ADFI) e a conversão alimentar (FGR) mostraram uma resposta linear ao nível de Met+Cis na dieta (p<0,05), estimando a concentração ótima em 0,700%. O ganho de peso diário (ADG) não mostrou efeito devido ao nível de Met+Cis na dieta (p>0,05). As características da carcaça não foram afetadas pela concentração de Met+Cis na dieta (p>0,05). Com ADFI, FGR e ADG, o nível ótimo de Met+Cis foi obtido, encontrando este nível em 0,667%. Conclusões: os resultados indicam que 0,667% de Met+Cis é a melhor concentração na dieta para suínos em crescimento.

Surgical results regarding the correction of macular hole with and without face-down posturing using 25% SF6 gas: a retrospective case series / Resultados cirúrgicos para correção de buraco macular com gás SF6 a 25% com e sem orientação postural: Série retrospectiva de casos

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to compare the anatomical success rates of vitrectomy and SF6 gas tamponade for macular hole surgery with and without postoperative face-down posturing. Methods: This was an observational, longitudinal, and retrospective case series analysis. The study included 52 eyes from 52 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with trypan blue-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling and 25% SF6 tamponade for stages 2, 3, and 4 macular holes. After surgery, all patients were provided with a postoperative postural regimen: 31 patients were instructed not to maintain face-down posturing, whereas 21 were instructed to maintain face-down posturing for 7 days. The primary outcome measure was the macular hole closure rate. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info 7.1. Results: A total of 47 (90.3%) patients achieved hole closure. The nonface-down posturing group and face-down posturing group obtained closure rates of 90.3% and 90.4%, respectively; these rates were not significantly different. Statistical analysis revealed that no significant differences existed in sex, age, hole duration, hole stage, preoperative visual acuity, or postoperative visual acuity between the two groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that macular hole surgery with the use of short duration gas (SF6) is safe and effective and that maintaining a postural orientation of nonface-down posturing is also safe. However, these recommendations should be assessed further in a prospective and randomized study to comprehensively delineate the associated benefits and risks.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar as taxas de sucesso anatômico da vitrectomia e tamponamento de gás SF6 na cirurgia de buraco macular com e sem a postura pronada pós-operatória. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, longitudinal e retrospectivo de séries de casos. O estudo incluiu 52 olhos de 52 pacientes submetidos à vitrectomia posterior via pars-plana com peeling de membrana limitante interna auxiliada por azul trypan e tamponamento com gás SF6 a 25% para os estágios 2, 3 e 4 dos buracos maculares. Após a cirurgia, todos os pacientes foram orientados a manter um regime postural pós-operatório: 31 pacientes foram orientados a não realizar posição pronada de cabeça, enquanto 21 foram orientados a manter uma pronada pós-operatória por 7 dias. O objetivo principal foi a análise da taxa de fechamento do buraco macular. A análise estatística foi realizada usando Epi-Info 7.1. Resultados: Um total de 47 (90,3%) pacientes obtiveram fechamento do buraco macular. O grupo de postura não pronada e o grupo de postura pronada obtiveram taxas de fechamento de 90,3%, e 90,4%, respectivamente; essas taxas não foram significativamente diferentes. A análise estatística revelou que não houve diferenças significativas relacionadas ao gênero, idade, duração do buraco macular, estágio do buraco macular, acuidade visual corrigida pré e pós-operatória entre os dois grupos. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que a cirurgia para buraco macular com o uso de gás de curta duração (SF6) é segura e eficaz e que a manutenção de uma orientação pós-operatória de não-pronada também é segura. No entanto, essas recomendações devem ser avaliadas em um estudo prospectivo e randomizado para delinear de forma abrangente os riscos e benefícios associados.

Protease em dietas com baixa proteína contendo farinha de Penas para codornas de corte / [Protease in low-protein diets for meat-type quails containing feather meal]

Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação de protease em dietas com baixa proteína contendo farinha de penas (FP) sobre o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de codornas de corte. Foram utilizadas 240 codornas, machos, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x 3 (com e sem protease x 3 níveis de FP (0%, 5% e 10%)), totalizando seis tratamentos (dieta reduzida (DR) em 8% da exigência de proteína bruta e aminoácidos + 0% FP; DR + 5% FP; DR + 10% FP; DR + 0% FP + protease; DR + 5% FP + protease e DR + 10% FP + protease), quatro repetições de 10 codornas por parcela, nas fases de oito-21 dias e oito-35 dias de idade. Observou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre os níveis de FP e protease no ganho de peso de oito-21 dias. Os níveis de FP influenciaram (P≤0,05) o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de oito-21 e oito-35 e a conversão alimentar de oito-21 dias. Verificou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre aprotease e a inclusão de FPpara o peso corporalaos 35 dias. Conclui-se que aFP pode ser utilizada em até 5% em dietas para codornas de corte semsuplementação comprotease.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate protease supplementation in low-protein diets containing feather meal (FP) on the performance and carcass yield of meat-type quails. Twenty male quails were used in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (with and without protease x 3 FP levels (0, 5 and 10%)), totaling six treatments (Reduced diet (RD) in 8 % of the requirement of crude protein and amino acids + 0% FP; RD + 5% FP; RD + 10% FP; RD + 0% FP + protease; RD + 5% FP + protease and RD + 10% FP + protease), four replicates of 10 quails per plot, in the phases of 8-21 days and 8-35 days of age. Interaction (P≤0.05) was observed between FP and protease levels on weight gain over the period of 8-21 days. The levels of FP influenced (P≤0.05) the feed intake and the weight gain of 8-21 and 8-35 and the feed conversion ratio of 8-21 days. There was interaction (P≤0.05) between protease supplementation and FP inclusion for body weight at 35 days. It is concluded that FP can be used up to 5% in diets for meat-type quails without protease supplementation.(AU)

Halitosis en otorrinolaringología: una revisión de la literatura / Halitosis in otolaryngology: a review of the literature

RESUMEN La halitosis es un motivo de consulta frecuente y que puede repercutir de gran manera en la calidad de vida de quien la presenta. Puede dividirse en halitosis genuina, pseudohalitosis y halitofobia. De las halitosis genuinas, cerca del 90% son secundarias a patología de la cavidad oral. En otorrinolaringología, las principales causas responden a tonsilolitiasis, patología rinosinusal y cuerpos extraños nasales. Existen distintos métodos diagnósticos que permiten medir e identificar la halitosis, con sus beneficios y desventajas. Las medidas generales de higiene oral, así como intervenciones específicas deben estar basadas en la evidencia a cargo de un equipo multidisciplinario que permita garantizar mejores resultados.

ABSTRACT Halitosis is a frequent health problem, that can have a huge impact in the quality of life of those affected. It can be classified as genuine halitosis, pseudohalitosis and halitophobia. Of genuine halitosis, approximately 90% is originated from the oral cavity. In otorhinolaryngology, most frequent causes are tonsiloliths, rhinosinusitis and nasal foreign bodies. There are different diagnostic methods, each one with its benefits and disadvantages. General measures of oral hygiene, as specific interventions must be evidence-based in charge of a multidisciplinary team that guarantees better results.