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.

Construction of an l-cysteine hyper-producing strain of Escherichia coli based on a balanced carbon and sulfur module strategy / 生物工程学报

l-cysteine is an important sulfur-containing α-amino acid. It exhibits multiple physiological functions with diverse applications in pharmaceutical cosmetics and food industry. Here, a strategy of coordinated gene expression between carbon and sulfur modules in Escherichia coli was proposed and conducted for the production of l-cysteine. Initially, the titer of l-cysteine was improved to (0.38±0.02) g/L from zero by enhancing the biosynthesis of l-serine module (serAf, serB and serCCg) and overexpression of CysB. Then, promotion of l-cysteine transporter, increased assimilation of sulfur, reduction or deletion of l-cysteine and l-serine degradation pathway and enhanced expression of cysEf (encoding serine acetyltransferase) and cysBSt (encoding transcriptional dual regulator CysB) were achieved, resulting in an improved l-cysteine titer (3.82±0.01) g/L. Subsequently, expressions of cysM, nrdH, cysK and cysIJ genes that were involved in sulfur module were regulated synergistically with carbon module combined with utilization of sulfate and thiosulfate, resulting in a strain producing (4.17±0.07) g/L l-cysteine in flask shake and (11.94±0.1) g/L l-cysteine in 2 L bioreactor. Our results indicated that efficient biosynthesis of l-cysteine could be achieved by a proportional supply of sulfur and carbon in vivo. This study would facilitate the commercial bioproduction of l-cysteine.

The application of ammonium sulphate and amino acid on cotton: effects on can improve growth, yield, quality and nitrogen absorption / Aplicação de sulfato de amônio e aminoácido no algodão: efeitos sobre o crescimento, o rendimento, a qualidade e a absorção de nitrogênio

A field study was carried out to determine the influence of foliage applied plant growth promoter and retardant in improving soil applied sulphur fertilizer use efficiency in cotton during two consecutive summers 2014 and 2015. Experimental trial comprised of three different sources of sulphur (ammonium sulphate, potassium sulphate and elemental sulphur) and foliar spray of plant growth promoter and growth retardant including tap water was taken as control. Among treatments soil applied ammonium sulphate with foliage applied amino acid produced maximum plant height, sympodial branches, pods per plant, seed cotton yield, fiber yield, biological yield, protein contents, oil contents and leaf nitrogen uptake as compared to the other treatments. Whereas, soil applied potassium sulphate with foliar spray of mepiquat chloride on cotton significantly improved the boll weight and leaf potassium uptake. We conclude that soil applied ammonium sulphate and foliage spray of amino acid was more effective in improving the productivity and quality attributes of cotton.

Foi realizado um estudo de campo para determinar a influência do promotor de crescimento das plantas e retardador da folhagem em algodão, para melhora da eficiência do uso de fertilizantes à base de enxofre aplicados no solo durante dois verões consecutivos (2014 e 2015). O ensaio experimental foi composto de três fontes diferentes de enxofre (sulfato de amônio, sulfato de potássio e enxofre elementar) e pulverização foliar do promotor de crescimento de plantas e retardador de crescimento, incluindo água da torneira que foi tomada como controle. Entre os tratamentos, o sulfato de amônio aplicado no solo com aminoácido aplicado na folhagem produziu o máximo na altura da planta, ramos simodiais, capulhos por planta, rendimento de algodão em caroço, rendimento de fibra, rendimento biológico, conteúdo de proteínas, conteúdo de óleo e absorção de nitrogênio nas folhas quando comparado a outros tratamentos. Enquanto o solo fertilizado com sulfato de potássio e aplicação foliar de cloreto de mepiquat no algodão melhorou, significativamente, o peso do capulho e a absorção de potássio nas folhas. Sulfato de amônio aplicado no solo e a aplicação foliar de aminoácidos foram mais eficazes na melhora dos atributos de produtividade e qualidade do algodão.

Integrated smart hyperspectral imaging and CARS-based characteristic band selection for rapid determination of SO_2 content in sulphur-fumigated Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix / 中国中药杂志

In order to realize the rapid and non-destructive detection of SO_2 content in sulphur-fumigated Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, this paper first prepared the sulphur-fumigated Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix samples with the usage amount of sulphur being 0, 2.5%, and 5% of the mass of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix pieces. The SO_2 content in different batches of sulphur-fumigated Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix was determined using the method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, followed by the acquisition of their hyperspectral data within both visible-near infrared(435-1 042 nm) and short-wave infrared(898-1 751 nm) regions by hyperspectral imaging. Meanwhile, the first derivative, AUTO, multiplicative scatter correction, Savitzky-Golay(SG) smoothing, and standard normal variable transformation algorithms were used to pre-process the original hyperspectral data, which were then subjected to characteristic band extraction based on competitive adaptive reweighted sampling(CARS) and the partial least square regression analysis for building a quantitative model of SO_2 content in sulphur-fumigated Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix. It was found that the accuracy of the quantitative model built depending on the visible-near infrared spectra was high, with the determination coefficient of prediction set(R■) reaching 0.900 1. The established quantitative model has enabled the rapid and non-destructive detection of SO_2 content in sulphur-fumigated Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, which can serve as an effective supplement to the method described in Chinese Pharmacopeia.

Protective Effect of Alkaloid-rich Extract of Brimstone Tree (Morinda lucida) on Neurotoxicity in the Fruit-fly (Drosophila melanogaster) Model

Afr. J. Biomed. Res. Vol. 24 (May, 2021); 257- 263 Research Article Protective Effect of Alkaloid-rich Extract of Brimstone Tree (Morinda lucida) on Neurotoxicity in the Fruit-fly (Drosophila melanogaster) Model Nwanna E.E. Functional Food, Nutraceutical and Phytomedicine unit Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Akure PMB 704, Nigeria ABSTRACT Brimstone plant is one of the medicinal plants found in Nigeria used in fore-lore medicine with little scientific information on its alkaloid constituents. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of alkaloid-rich compounds from the plant in manganese- induced (MgCl2) neurotoxicity in the fruit fly. In addition, alkaloid compounds will be characterized using gas chromatograph coupled with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Alkaloid-rich extract was prepared by solvent extraction method, fruit flies were pre-treated with the extract (0.5 ­ 1.0mg/ml) in a fortified diet before induction with MgCl2. The survival rate and negative geotaxis were observed. Thereafter, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, antioxidantive potentials in in -vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS) thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), total thiol content, nitric oxide (NO*), hydroxyl oxide (OH*) scavenging ability, ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) and 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) (ABTs*) radical scavenging ability were carried out on the flies' homogenate. Results obtained revealed that the alkaloid-rich extract regulated the neuro-protective activity of AchE, reduced the reactive oxygen species level in the induced flies with an increased in antioxidantive potential, higher survival rate and increases in the life span of the flies with 50% reduction in the mortality rate. The GC-MS showed a total of (1.55/100mg) of different plant-derived alkaloids such as dicentrine, atropine, aporphine. These alkaloids-rich compounds were found to have anti-oxidative, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti- cholinergic activities. In conclusion, this study suggests that alkaloids from brimstone plant could be the reason for the observed biological activities for the prevention of neuronal related complications.

Stocks and Distribution of Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System Treated with Phosphates

Abstract Conservation agriculture practices can contribute to changes in soil nutrient dynamics over time. This experiment evaluated the changes in total stocks and distribution of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur concentrations in soil, during 60 months, in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) due to anticipated fertilization of sources and doses phosphates applied in soil surface. The experiment was conducted over a period of five years, under Typic Dystrudept, using a randomized block design, in an incomplete factorial scheme (3×3+1), with four replications. Treatments consisted of three sources of P [triple superphosphate (TSP), rock phosphate - Arad (RP) and magnesium thermophosphate (MTP)], along with four doses of P (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 P2O5 total). Samples of soil were collected in 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 and 20-30 cm layers at 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after beggining of experiment where the following chemical attributes were evaluated: (i) total organic carbon (TOC); (ii) total nitrogen Kjeldahl (TNK); (iii) available P by ion exchange resin method (P-IER); and (iv) available S-SO4 2-. The ICLS conditions provided increased total stocks and concentrations of TOC, TNK, P-IER and S-SO4 2- over time. The applications of different phosphates had no influence on soil TOC concentrations during the five years of experimentation. The concentrations of TNK, P-IER and S-SO4 2- showed an increase in different layers of soil, with the application of sources and doses of P. The P fertilization practice that was anticipated can consist of an efficient management of soil fertility, using properly managed conservation systems.

Molecular ecological network reveals the response of metallurgical microorganisms to energy substrates / 生物工程学报

By analyzing the shift of microbial communities under different iron/sulfur ratios, the response of metallurgical microorganisms to energy substrates was investigated based on molecular ecological networks. High-throughput sequencing of microbial samples from different domesticated batches was conducted to analyze the changes in community composition, alpha and beta diversity. Based on the molecular ecological network, the interactions between microorganisms under different iron/sulfur ratios were explored. Keystones were identified to analyze the community response to energy substrates. In the process of domestication based on different energy substrates, the dominant species in the in iron-rich and sulfur-less community were Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and A. ferriphilus. A. thiooxidans accounted for up to 90% in the sulfur-rich and iron-less community after 3 domesticating batches. The results of alpha and beta diversity analysis show that the domestication process of sulfur-rich and iron-less substrates reduced the diversity of microbial communities. Molecular ecological network analysis shows that the keystones were all rare species with low abundance. During the domestication by sulfur-rich and iron-less energy substrates, the bacterial species had a closer symbiotic relationship and the community was more stable. Through this domestication experiment, the impact of different energy substrates on microbial aggregation was clarified. Domesticating metallurgical microorganisms by using sulfur-rich and iron-less energy substrates made the microbial colonies to be more stable, which was conducive to the oxidation of iron and sulfur, promoting the dissolution of sulfide minerals. Our findings provide a reference for the directional domestication of metallurgical microorganisms.

Colonic Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Hidden in Actinomycosis / 대한소화기학회지

Actinomycosis can mask malignant diseases. This paper reports a case of colonic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which was misdiagnosed as abdominal actinomycosis. A 76-year-old woman presented with right flank pain and weight loss. Abdominal CT and colonoscopy revealed a huge ascending colon mass. Despite the initial impression of a malignancy, a colonoscopic biopsy revealed no malignant cells, but sulfur granules and a filamentous organism suggesting actinomycosis. Intravenous penicillin G was administered under the impression of abdominal actinomycosis but her condition deteriorated rapidly. Follow up CT showed markedly increased colon mass and new multiple nodular lesions around the ascending colon. Sono-guided percutaneous biopsy of the nodular lesion was performed. The pathological result was DLBCL. The patient was scheduled to undergo chemotherapy but the patient expired due to cancer progression. The diagnosis of gastrointestinal infiltrating tumors is often difficult because a superficial biopsy usually does not provide a confirmative diagnosis. This case highlights the difficulty in making a correct diagnosis of lymphoma due to the concomitant actinomycosis. Malignant conditions must be considered in cases of actinomycosis with no response to antimicrobial therapy.

Long-term Outcome of Incision and Curettage Treatment in Patients with Lacrimal Gland Ductulitis

PURPOSE: To describe the effects and long-term outcomes of incision and curettage treatment in patients with lacrimal gland ductulitis.METHODS: Twenty-four patients (24 eyes) with lacrimal gland ductulitis who were treated at Saevit Eye Hospital from June 2010 to November 2016. All patients underwent incision and curettage through the lacrimal ductule, and granules or concretions were removed. After the procedure, oral and topical antibiotics, oral anti-inflammatory agent were used for a week. Clinical presentations of the patients were analyzed. The resolution of symptoms and inflammatory signs and recurrence were evaluated more than 12 months after the procedure including telephone follow-up by a specialist nurse.RESULTS: Common symptoms were a painful, swelling mass with mucous discharge (17 eyes) and conjunctival injection (7 eyes) at the lateral canthal area. During the procedure, 22 patients (91.7%) had typical sulfur granule of Actinomyces, and 10 patients (41.7%) had many cilia in the expressed debris from the ductule. Twenty-three of 24 patients had resolution of symptoms after the procedure and all but one patient (95.8%) showed no recurrence.CONCLUSIONS: Incision and curettage is a simple and less invasive procedure that may be considered as a first treatment option for lacrimal gland ductulitis. Furthermore, incision and curettage of the affected lacrimal ductule has been shown to be effective at minimizing long-term recurrence of lacrimal ductulitis.

A Putative Adverse Outcome Pathway Relevant to Carcinogenicity Induced by Sulfuric Acid in Strong Inorganic Acid Mists

Based on epidemiological studies, an International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group determined that strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid are carcinogenic to human even though, sulfuric acid, per se, is not. Accumulative studies indicate that there is a link between chronic occupational exposure to sulfuric acid mists and an increased risk of laryngeal cancer. Unintended, acute exposure to sulfuric acid mists can cause corrosive damage to target tissues depending on the route of exposure. This review compares the toxicity and carcinogenicity of sulfuric acid mists compared to other strong inorganic acid mists. It also examines the routes and duration of exposure (short-term, prolonged, and long-term). In vivo evidence does not support or refute the carcinogenicity of sulfuric inorganic mists even though its co-carcinogenic or promoting potential has been considered. On the basis of existing evidence on sulfuric acid mist toxicity, we suggested a putative adverse outcome pathway (AOP) relevant to carcinogenicity caused by mists containing sulfuric acid. A possible key factor involved in sulfuric acid mist carcinogenesis is the genotoxic effects of low pH since it can increase instability in chromosomes and DNA. A putative AOP for sulfuric acid mist carcinogenicity would help generate better risk assessments and more accurate predictions regarding the risk of developing cancer due to prolonged exposure. Establishing an AOP would also be useful for future studies examining the carcinogenicity of other strong inorganic mists.

Clinical evaluation of cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwash in halitosis

Halitosis is a very common disease that affects the majority of the population and is characterized by unpleasant odor during expiration. Anaerobic bacteria produce a range of malodorous substances including volatile sulfur compounds. To reduce oral malodor, the amount of oral microorganisms should be managed through brushing, scraping, and use of antibacterial agents. In this study, a mouthwash containing 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride was tested on 22 candidates with oral malodor for two weeks to confirm oral malodor reduction through the use of antibacterial mouthwashes. Volatile sulfur compound measurements were significantly lower after using the mouthwash than before using it; thus, the mouthwash effectively reduced oral malodor.

Colonic Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Hidden in Actinomycosis / 대한소화기병학회잡지

Actinomycosis can mask malignant diseases. This paper reports a case of colonic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which was misdiagnosed as abdominal actinomycosis. A 76-year-old woman presented with right flank pain and weight loss. Abdominal CT and colonoscopy revealed a huge ascending colon mass. Despite the initial impression of a malignancy, a colonoscopic biopsy revealed no malignant cells, but sulfur granules and a filamentous organism suggesting actinomycosis. Intravenous penicillin G was administered under the impression of abdominal actinomycosis but her condition deteriorated rapidly. Follow up CT showed markedly increased colon mass and new multiple nodular lesions around the ascending colon. Sono-guided percutaneous biopsy of the nodular lesion was performed. The pathological result was DLBCL. The patient was scheduled to undergo chemotherapy but the patient expired due to cancer progression. The diagnosis of gastrointestinal infiltrating tumors is often difficult because a superficial biopsy usually does not provide a confirmative diagnosis. This case highlights the difficulty in making a correct diagnosis of lymphoma due to the concomitant actinomycosis. Malignant conditions must be considered in cases of actinomycosis with no response to antimicrobial therapy.

Comparison of removal torque of dual-acid etched and single-acid etched implants in rabbit tibias / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: Chemically strong-acids (HF and HCl/H₂SO₄) dual etching implant surfaces have higher strengths of osseointegration than machined implant surfaces. However, the dual acid treatment deteriorates the physical properties of the titanium by weakening the fatigue resistance of the implant and causing microcracks. The removal torque comparison between the dual-acid etched (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, HS) and single-acid etched implants (hydrochloric acid, H) could reveal the efficiency of implant surface acid treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine 3.75 × 4 mm dual-acid etched SLA implants and nine single-acid etched SLA implants were inserted into New Zealand rabbit tibias. After 10 days, removal torque, roughness, and wetting angle were measured. RESULTS: Mean removal torque values were as follows: Mean removal torque were 9.94 Ncm for HS group and 9.96 Ncm for H group (P=.995). Mean surface roughness value were 0.93 µm for HS group and 0.84 µm for H group (P=.170). Root mean square roughness (RSq) values were 1.21 µm for HS group and 1.08 µm for H group (P=.294), and mean wetting angle values were 99° for HS group and 98° for H group (P=.829). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the removal torques, roughness, or wetting angles of the two groups. CONCLUSION: In this experiment, we found no significant difference in removal torque, roughness, or wetting angle between dual-acid etched and single-acid etched implants.

Fate and toxicity of spilled chemicals in groundwater and soil environment I: strong acids

We reviewed the chemical/physical properties, toxicity, environmental fate, and ecotoxicity of strong acids in soil and groundwater environments. We recommend that sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid be classified as chemicals of priority control based on volumes used, toxicity, carcinogenicity, and past significant spill events. Understanding the behavior and transport of spilled strong acids in soil and groundwater environments requires a multi-disciplinary approach, as they can undergo a variety of geochemical and biochemical reactions with complex geomedia. The toxicity of spilled acid is dependent on the characteristics of the geomedia exposed to the acid and the amount of residual protons following acid–substrate interaction. Soil texture, cation exchange capacity, mineral composition, bedrock type, and aluminum content may be important factors affecting the toxicity of spilled acid in soil-groundwater environments. We expect that the results of this study will contribute preliminary data for future research on chemical spills.

Diagnosis and Management of a Cryptoglandular Actinomycotic Fistula-in-Ano: An Update on 7 New Cases and a Review of the Literature

PURPOSE: Primary anal actinomycosis of cryptoglandular origin, a rare cause of anal suppurative disease, requires specific management to be cured. The aims of this retrospective study were to describe clinical, morphological, and microbiological features of this entity and to evaluate management practices for new cases observed since 2001. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series conducted at the Diaconesses-Croix Saint-Simon Hospital in Paris. RESULTS: From January 2001 to July 2016, 7 patients, 6 males and 1 female (median, 49 years), presenting with an actinomycotic abscess with a cryptoglandular anal fistula were included for study. The main symptom was an acute painful ischioanal abscess. One patient exhibited macroscopic small yellow granules (“sulfur granules”), another “watery pus” and a third subcutaneous gluteal septic metastasis. All patients were overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2). Histological study of surgically excised tissue established the diagnosis. All the patients were managed with a combination of classical surgical treatment and prolonged antibiotic therapy. No recurrence was observed during follow-up, the median follow-up being 3 years. CONCLUSION: Actinomycosis should be suspected particularly when sulfur granules are present in the pus, patients have undergone multiple surgeries or suppuration has an unusual aspect. Careful histological examination and appropriate cultures of pus are needed to achieve complete eradication of this rare, but easily curable, disease.

The Major Postharvest Disease of Onion and Its Control with Thymol Fumigation During Low-Temperature Storage

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the major vegetable crops in Korea that are damaged and lost by pathogenic fungal infection during storage due to a lack of proper storage conditions. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate control measure using thymol to increase the shelf life of onions. To control fungal infections that occur during low-temperature storage, it is necessary to identify the predominant fungal pathogens that appear in low-temperature storage houses. Botrytis aclada was found to be the most predominant fungal pathogen during low-temperature storage. The antifungal activity of the plant essential oil thymol was tested and compared to that of the existing sulfur treatments. B. aclada growth was significantly inhibited up to 16 weeks with spray treatments using a thymol solution. To identify an appropriate method for treating onions in a low-temperature storage house, thymol was delivered by two fumigation treatment methods, either by heating it in the granule form or as a solution at low-temperature storage conditions (in vivo). We confirmed that the disease severity was reduced up to 96% by fumigating thymol solution compared to the untreated control. The efficacy of the fumigation of thymol solution was validated by testing onions in a low-temperature storage house in Muan, Jeollanam-do. Based on these results, the present study suggests that fumigation of the thymol solution as a natural preservative and fungicide can be used as an eco-friendly substitute for existing methods to control postharvest disease in long-term storage crops on a commercial scale.

Paciente con trombosis venosa profunda recidivante por factor V Leiden y respuesta al tratamiento homeopático / Patient with recurrent deep venous thrombosis by factor V Leiden and response to homeopathic treatment

El tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) es un problema de salud significativo, con morbimortalidad cercana al 30%. El factor V Leiden (FVL) es una forma "mutada" del factor V normal que se inactiva 10 veces más lentamente, produciendo estados de hipercoagulación y trombosis. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años de edad en quien, a raíz de un episodio de TVP se diagnosticó su condición de portadora de enfermedad por FVL de carácter homocigota. Transcurridos 8 años del primer episodio y estando aún bajo tratamiento convencional, el alto nivel de dímeroD (DD) señalaba alto riesgo de sufrir nuevos episodios de TVP. En ese momento se inició tratamiento con medicación homeopática unicista constitucional, en baja dinamización y dosis diarias, observándose una rápida caída en las cifras de DD cambiando así el pronóstico de futuras recidivas y llevando a los hematólogos a suspender el tratamiento convencional. No hubo recidivas hasta el presente y el Doppler venoso muestra rehabilitación del lecho venoso. (AU)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant health problem with morbidity and mortality around 30%. Factor V Leiden (FVL) is a "mutated" form of the normal factor V which is inactivated 10 times slower causing hypercoagulation states and thrombosis. The present articles describes the case of a 23-year-old women in whom that status of homozygous was diagnosed on the occasion of a VTE episode. High dimer-D (DD) levels 8 years later and still under conventional treatment high pointed to high risk for recurrence of VTE. Homeopathic treatment was started (constitutional unicast) in low potency and daily doses. DD fell rapidly, and thus the prognosis changed, leading hematologists to withdraw conventional treatment. Disease did not relapse to this day and venous Doppler sonography evidenced rehabilitated vein system. (AU)

Paciente con trombosis venosa profunda recidivante por factor V Leiden y respuesta al tratamiento homeopático / Patient with recurrent deep venous thrombosis by factor V Leiden and response to homeopathic treatment

El tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) es un problema de salud significativo, con morbimortalidad cercana al 30%. El factor V Leiden (FVL) es una forma "mutada" del factor V normal que se inactiva 10 veces más lentamente, produciendo estados de hipercoagulación y trombosis. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años de edad en quien, a raíz de un episodio de TVP se diagnosticó su condición de portadora de enfermedad por FVL de carácter homocigota. Transcurridos 8 años del primer episodio y estando aún bajo tratamiento convencional, el alto nivel de dímeroD (DD) señalaba alto riesgo de sufrir nuevos episodios de TVP. En ese momento se inició tratamiento con medicación homeopática unicista constitucional, en baja dinamización y dosis diarias, observándose una rápida caída en las cifras de DD cambiando así el pronóstico de futuras recidivas y llevando a los hematólogos a suspender el tratamiento convencional. No hubo recidivas hasta el presente y el Doppler venoso muestra rehabilitación del lecho venoso. (AU)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant health problem with morbidity and mortality around 30%. Factor V Leiden (FVL) is a "mutated" form of the normal factor V which is inactivated 10 times slower causing hypercoagulation states and thrombosis. The present articles describes the case of a 23-year-old women in whom that status of homozygous was diagnosed on the occasion of a VTE episode. High dimer-D (DD) levels 8 years later and still under conventional treatment high pointed to high risk for recurrence of VTE. Homeopathic treatment was started (constitutional unicast) in low potency and daily doses. DD fell rapidly, and thus the prognosis changed, leading hematologists to withdraw conventional treatment. Disease did not relapse to this day and venous Doppler sonography evidenced rehabilitated vein system. (AU)

Age-Related Changes in Sulfur Amino Acid Metabolism in Male C57BL/6 Mice

Alterations in sulfur amino acid metabolism are associated with an increased risk of a number of common late-life diseases, which raises the possibility that metabolism of sulfur amino acids may change with age. The present study was conducted to understand the age-related changes in hepatic metabolism of sulfur amino acids in 2-, 6-, 18- and 30-month-old male C57BL/6 mice. For this purpose, metabolite profiling of sulfur amino acids from methionine to taurine or glutathione (GSH) was performed. The levels of sulfur amino acids and their metabolites were not significantly different among 2-, 6- and 18-month-old mice, except for plasma GSH and hepatic homocysteine. Plasma total GSH and hepatic total homocysteine levels were significantly higher in 2-month-old mice than those in the other age groups. In contrast, 30-month-old mice exhibited increased hepatic methionine and cysteine, compared with all other groups, but decreased hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine and homocysteine, relative to 2-month-old mice. No differences in hepatic reduced GSH, GSH disulfide, or taurine were observed. The hepatic changes in homocysteine and cysteine may be attributed to upregulation of cystathionine β-synthase and down-regulation of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase in the aged mice. The elevation of hepatic cysteine levels may be involved in the maintenance of hepatic GSH levels. The opposite changes of methionine and SAM suggest that the regulatory role of SAM in hepatic sulfur amino acid metabolism may be impaired in 30-month-old mice.

Sulfur dioxide limit standard and residues in Chinese medicinal materials / 中国中药杂志

The traditional sulfur fumigation processing method has been widely used in the initial processing and storage of traditional Chinese medicinal materials due to its economy, efficiency, convenience, high operability and effect on mold and insect prevention. However, excessive sulfur fumigation of traditional Chinese medicinal materials would lead to the changes in chemical compositions, and even endanger human health. This study showed that traditional Chinese medicinal materials were sulfur fumigated directly after being harvested for quick drying, or fumigated after being weted in the storage process for preventing mold and insects. We found that the sulfur dioxide limits for traditional Chinese medicinal materials were stricter than those for foods. Based on the existing limit standards, we obtained the data of sulfur dioxide residues for 35 types of traditional Chinese medicinal materials in a total of 862 batches. According to the limit standard in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (150， 400 mg·kg⁻¹), the average over-standard rate of sulfur dioxide was as high as 52.43%, but it was reduced to 29.47% if calculated based on the limit for vegetable additive standard (500 mg·kg⁻¹). Sulfur fumigation issue shall be considered correctly: sulfur dioxide is a type of low toxic substance and less dangerous than aflatoxin and other highly toxic substances, and a small amount of residue would not increase the toxicity of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. However, sulfur fumigation might change the content of chemical substances and affect the quality of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Furthermore, the exposure hazards of toxic substances are comprehensively correlated with exposure cycle, exposure frequency, and application method. In conclusion, it is suggested to strengthen the studies on the limit standard of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, formulate practical and feasible limit standard for sulfur dioxide residues in traditional Chinese medicinal materials that are consistent with the medication characteristics of traditional Chinese medicinal materials and can guarantee people's demand for safe medication.