Sulfoxaflor exposure reduces bumblebee reproductive success.

Intensive agriculture currently relies on pesticides to maximize crop yield1,2. Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides globally3, but increasing evidence of negative impacts on important pollinators4-9 and other non-target organisms10 has led to legislative reassessment and created demand for the development of alternative products. Sulfoximine-based insecticides are the most likely successor11, and are either licensed for use or under consideration for licensing in several worldwide markets3, including within the European Union12, where certain neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam) are now banned from agricultural use outside of permanent greenhouse structures. There is an urgent need to pre-emptively evaluate the potential sub-lethal effects of sulfoximine-based pesticides on pollinators11, because such effects are rarely detected by standard ecotoxicological assessments, but can have major impacts at larger ecological scales13-15. Here we show that chronic exposure to the sulfoximine-based insecticide sulfoxaflor, at dosages consistent with potential post-spray field exposure, has severe sub-lethal effects on bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) colonies. Field-based colonies that were exposed to sulfoxaflor during the early growth phase produced significantly fewer workers than unexposed controls, and ultimately produced fewer reproductive offspring. Differences between the life-history trajectories of treated and control colonies first became apparent when individuals exposed as larvae began to emerge, suggesting that direct or indirect effects on a small cohort may have cumulative long-term consequences for colony fitness. Our results caution against the use of sulfoximines as a direct replacement for neonicotinoids. To avoid continuing cycles of novel pesticide release and removal, with concomitant impacts on the environment, a broad evidence base needs to be assessed prior to the development of policy and regulation.

The Sulfur Microbial Diet Is Associated With Increased Risk of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Precursors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Diet may contribute to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) before age 50 (early-onset CRC). Microbial metabolism of dietary sulfur produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gastrointestinal carcinogen that cannot be easily measured at scale. As a result, evidence supporting its role in early neoplasia is lacking. METHODS: We evaluated long-term adherence to the sulfur microbial diet, a dietary index defined a priori based on increased abundance of 43 bacterial species involved with sulfur metabolism, with risk of CRC precursors among 59,013 individuals who underwent lower endoscopy in the Nurses' Health Study II (1991-2015), a prospective cohort study with dietary assessment every 4 years through validated food frequency questionnaires and an assessment of dietary intake during adolescence in 1998. The sulfur microbial diet was characterized by intake high in processed meats, foods previously linked to CRC development, and low in mixed vegetables and legumes. Multivariable logistic regression for clustered data was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We documented 2911 cases of early-onset adenoma. After adjusting for established risk factors, higher sulfur microbial diet scores were associated with increased risk for early-onset adenomas (ORquartile [Q]4 vs Q1, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.56, Ptrend = .02), but not serrated lesions. Compared with the lowest, women in the highest quartile of sulfur microbial diet scores had significantly increased risk of early-onset adenomas with greater malignant potential (ORQ4 vs Q1, 1.65 for villous/tubulovillous histology; 95% CI, 1.12-2.43; Ptrend = .04). Similar trends for early-onset adenoma were observed based on diet consumed during adolescence. In contrast, no clear association for adenomas was identified after age 50. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings in a cohort of young women support a role for dietary interactions with gut sulfur-metabolizing bacteria in early-onset colorectal carcinogenesis, possibly beginning in adolescence.

Historic air pollution exposure and long-term mortality risks in England and Wales: prospective longitudinal cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term air pollution exposure contributes to mortality but there are few studies examining effects of very long-term (>25 years) exposures. METHODS: This study investigated modelled air pollution concentrations at residence for 1971, 1981, 1991 (black smoke (BS) and SO2) and 2001 (PM10) in relation to mortality up to 2009 in 367,658 members of the longitudinal survey, a 1% sample of the English Census. Outcomes were all-cause (excluding accidents), cardiovascular (CV) and respiratory mortality. RESULTS: BS and SO2 exposures remained associated with mortality decades after exposure-BS exposure in 1971 was significantly associated with all-cause (OR 1.02 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.04)) and respiratory (OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.09)) mortality in 2002-2009 (ORs expressed per 10 µg/m(3)). Largest effect sizes were seen for more recent exposures and for respiratory disease. PM10 exposure in 2001 was associated with all outcomes in 2002-2009 with stronger associations for respiratory (OR 1.22 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.44)) than CV mortality (OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.25)). Adjusting PM10 for past BS and SO2 exposures in 1971, 1981 and 1991 reduced the all-cause OR to 1.16 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.26) while CV and respiratory associations lost significance, suggesting confounding by past air pollution exposure, but there was no evidence for effect modification. Limitations include limited information on confounding by smoking and exposure misclassification of historic exposures. CONCLUSIONS: This large national study suggests that air pollution exposure has long-term effects on mortality that persist decades after exposure, and that historic air pollution exposures influence current estimates of associations between air pollution and mortality.

Irritant nail dermatitis of chemical depilatory product presenting with koilonychia.

Chemical hair removal products are available as creams, gels, powders, aerosols and roll-ons and all of these forms work in the same way by breaking chemical bonds between sulfur atoms in the protein. Currently, the common active ingredients of these products are calcium thioglycolate, potassium thioglycolate, arsenic and sulfur minerals. Sulfur and arsenic containing products are important toxic chemicals which are mainly used for removing hair in developing countries. Irritant contact dermatitis accounts for 80% of all contact dermatitis reactions which are often occupation-related. Toluene sulfonamide, formaldehyde resin, acrylates and ethylcyanoacrylate are the most common irritants. Irritant nail dermatitis with plants has been well defined with Lobelia richardii flower, Compositae family and garlic. Although allergic dermatitis, irritant dermatitis and irritant nail dermatitis have been well demonstrated with chemicals, koilonychia is unusual presentation of irritant dermatitis. Here we describe a case of nail irritant dermatitis due to application of chemical depilatory product for hair removal presented with koilonychias. To our knowledge this is the first case of such presentation with koilonychia in the English literature.

Characteristics of extra-oral halitosis induced by functional constipation: a prospective cohort study.

Characteristics of extra-oral halitosis induced by functional constipation (FC) have never been revealed. To address this, this prospective cohort was conducted with 100 FC patients, who were divided into a halitosis group and a negative group. Organoleptic score (OLS) ⩾ 2 in nose breath was diagnosed as extra-oral halitosis. Concentration of overall volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) measured by Halimeter, concentration of hydrogen sulfide (HS), methanethiol (MT), dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and their total amount measured by OralChroma in nose breath was recorded asC-VSC,C-HS,C-MT,C-DMS andC-sum respectively. We found that 82% (82/100) of the FC patients had extra-oral halitosis. However, only 12.5% (3/82) and 1.22% (1/82) of halitosis group were correctly diagnosed with the current diagnostic threshold ofC-VSC ⩾ 110 parts per billion (ppb) and ⩾150 ppb.C-VSC,C-DMS andC-sum were significantly higher in the halitosis group compared to the negative group (allP< 0.001), with ratios of about 2.2 times, 3.1 times and 2.1 times respectively.C-HS andC-MT were low and not significantly different between the groups. Positive correlations were observed among OLS,C-VSC,C-DMS andC-sum. The area under curve of receiver operating characteristics ofC-VSC, C-DMS andC-sum for predicting FC-induced halitosis was 0.909, 0.9073 and 0.962 respectively, with the threshold values of ⩾36 ppb, ⩾52 ppb and ⩾75 ppb respectively. Therefore, we conclude that: (1) DMS is the primary contributor to FC-induced extra-oral halitosis. (2) OLS, Halimeter and OralChroma are consistent in detecting FC-induced extra-oral halitosis. (3) The diagnostic threshold for Halimeter should be adjusted toC-VSC ⩾ 36 ppb and the diagnostic threshold for OralChroma should be set asC-DMS ⩾ 52 ppb for diagnosing FC-induced extra-oral halitosis.

Effects of PDE10A inhibitor MK-8189 in people with an acute episode of schizophrenia: A randomized proof-of-concept clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: PDE10A inhibition represents a potential mechanism for treating schizophrenia. PDE10A inhibitors increase cyclic nucleotides in striatal neurons, thereby mimicking the effects of dopamine receptor D2 antagonists and D1 agonists. We evaluated the PDE10A inhibitor MK-8189 for treating schizophrenia. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, phase 2a, multicenter, inpatient trial in adults experiencing an acute episode of schizophrenia. Participants were randomized 2:2:1 to once-daily MK-8189 12 mg, placebo, or risperidone 6 mg (active control) for 4-weeks. The primary outcome was change-from-baseline in total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at 4 weeks. RESULTS: The number of treated participants was 90 for MK-8189, 89 for placebo, and 45 for risperidone. MK-8189 demonstrated a trend towards improvement versus placebo for change-from-baseline in PANSS total score after 4 weeks (difference = -4.7 [95 % CI: -9.8,0.5], P = 0.074). The active control risperidone was superior to placebo on PANNS total score (difference = -7.3 [95 % CI: -14.0,-0.6], P = 0.033), demonstrating assay sensitivity, while MK-8189 and risperidone did not significantly differ (difference = 2.6 [95 % CI: -4.0,9.2], P = 0.440). MK-8189 had a nominally significant effect on PANSS positive subscale score compared to placebo (difference = -2.2 [95 % CI: -3.8,-0.5], P = 0.011). Discontinuation of MK-8189 treatment due to an adverse event was low (<10 %). Extrapyramidal symptoms occurred with MK-8189 but were mostly mild and transient. Compared with placebo, MK-8189 reduced body weight while risperidone increased weight. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that PDE10A inhibition may produce antipsychotic effects and associated weight loss and that further trials with PDE10A inhibitors are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03055338.

Effect of chewing gums containing the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri on oral malodour.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of chewing gums containing probiotic bacteria on oral malodour. The null hypothesis was that no difference would be displayed compared with placebo gums. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five healthy young adults with self-reported malodorous morning breath completed this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over trial. The design included run-in and wash-out periods interspersed by two intervention periods of 14 days each. The subjects were instructed to chew one gum in the morning and one in the evening containing either two strains of probiotic lactobacilli (L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289) or placebo. The outcome measures were (i) organoleptic scores (0-5) by a certified test panel, (ii) concentration of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) measured with a Halimeter and (iii) concentration of VSC after a cysteine rinse. Registrations were made at baseline and after each intervention period. Differences between the groups were assessed by non-parametric paired statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: The median organoleptic score was similar (score 2) in both groups at baseline. After 14 days of treatment, the organoleptic scores were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Assessments of the VSC levels displayed no significant differences between the groups, either before or after rinsing with L-cysteine. No adverse effects were registered. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that probiotic chewing gums may have some beneficial effect on oral malodour assessed by organoleptic scores. The results indicate that the probiotic gum may affect bacteria that produce malodourous compounds other than VSCs.

Comparison of different treatment modalities for oral halitosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects on intra-oral halitosis by a mouth rinse containing zinc acetate (0.3%) and chlorhexidine diacetate (0.025%) with and without adjunct tongue scraping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one subjects without a diagnosis of periodontitis were randomized in a cross-over clinical trial. Organoleptic scores (OLS) were assessed to define intra-oral halitosis by total volatile sulfur compound (T-VSC) measurements and by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Twenty-one subjects with a mean age of 45.7 years (SD: ±13.3, range: 21-66). The OLS were significantly lower following active rinse combined with tongue scraping (p < 0.001) at all time points. Immediately after, at 30 min, and at day 14, the T-VSC values were lower in the active rinse sequence than in the negative rinse sequence (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). At 30 min and at day 14, the hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) and methyl mercaptan (MM) values were lower in the active rinse sequence compared to the inactive rinse sequence (p < 0.001). The inactive rinse sequence with tongue scraping reduced T-VSC at 30 min (p < 0.001) but not at 14 days. Similar reductions in T-VSC, H(2)S and MM were found in the active rinse sequence with or without tongue scraping. CONCLUSION: The use of a tongue scraper did not provide additional benefits to the active mouth rinse, but reduced OLS and tongue coating index.

The effect of mouthrinses on oral malodor: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to systematically review the literature regarding the impact of mouthrinses on oral malodor and present evidence for the treatment effects of mouthrinses on oral malodor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed-MEDLINE, the Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE were searched through February 10, 2012 to identify appropriate studies. Volatile sulphur compound measurements, organoleptic measurements and tongue coating were selected as outcome variables. SEARCH RESULTS: The independent screenings of 333 unique titles and paper abstracts revealed 12 publications (12 experiments) that met the eligibility criteria. Means and standard deviations were extracted. The results were separated into short-term (<3 weeks) and longer-term (≥3 weeks) studies. CONCLUSION: In this review, nearly all mouthwashes with active ingredients had beneficial effects in reducing oral malodor in both short- and longer-term studies. The most compelling evidence was provided for chlorhexidine mouthwashes, and those that contained a combination of cetyl pyridinum chloride and zinc provided the best evidence profile on oral malodor. Little data with respect to tongue coating were available, and none of the studies showed a beneficial effect for this parameter.

[Clinical importance and diagnosis of halitosis]. / A halitózis klinikai jelentosége és diagnosztikája.

The origin of halitosis comes from the Latin word "halitus" meaning 'breath, exhaled air', and in the Hungarian terminology it means bad and smelly breath. The human body emits a number of volatile molecules, which have a peculiar odour. Their presence is influenced by several factors, such as genetic, nutritional and psychological factors. Since bad breath belongs to taboo subjects, halitosis can often lead to social isolation. To determine the incidence of halitosis, an exact diagnosis is needed which sometimes predestinates the possible treatment as well. Investigators estimate the incidence about 50% in the whole population. The male/female ratio is the same and the incidence is growing with age. The diagnosis can be genuine halitosis, pseudo halitosis and halitophobia. We can divide the genuine type into physiological and pathophysiological subtypes. The cause of the halitosis usually can be found in the oral cavity. The volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by some of the oral bacteria are responsible for its development. Only 10% of the causes are extraoral, mostly inflammation of airways or gastrointestinal disorders. The judgment of halitosis is based on three objective methods: the organoleptic, the sulphide monitoring and the gas cromatography methods. Since the origin of the halitosis is mainly the oral cavity, dentists should treat them. Beyond the dental treatments the enhancement of the oral hygiene, the continuous motivation and monitoring are also very important, such as the use of tongue cleansing and special anti-malodour rinses.

First evidence of dermo-protective activity of marine sulfur-containing histidine compounds.

Among natural products, ovothiol (ovo), produced by marine invertebrates, bacteria, and microalgae, is receiving increasing interest for its unique antioxidant properties. Recently, ovo has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in an in vitro model of endothelial dysfunction and in an in vivo model of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ovo and its precursor 5-thiohistidine (5-thio) in comparison with ergothioneine (erg), in human skin cells and tissues upon inflammation. We used both an in vitro and ex vivo model of human skin, represented by a keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT) and skin biopsies, respectively. We observed that ovo, 5-thio, and erg were not cytotoxic in HaCaT cells, but instead exerted a protective function against TNF-α -induced inflammation. In order to get insights on their mechanism of action, we performed western blot analysis of ERK and JNK, as well as sub-cellular localization of Nrf2, a key mediator of the anti-inflammatory response. The results indicated that the pre-treatment with ovo, 5-thio, and erg differently affected the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. However, all the three molecules promoted the accumulation of Nrf2 in the nucleus of HaCaT cells. In addition, gene expression analysis by RTqPCR and ELISA assays performed in ex vivo human skin tissues pre-treated with thiohistidines and then inflamed with IL-1ß revealed a significant downregulation of IL-8, TNF-α and COX-2 genes and a concomitant significant decrease in the cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α production. Moreover, the protective action of ovo and 5-thio resulted to be stronger when compared with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid drug currently used to treat skin inflammatory conditions. Our findings suggest that ovo and 5-thio can ameliorate skin damage and may be used to develop natural skin care products to prevent the inflammatory status induced by environmental stressors and aging.

Fucoidan Modulated Oxidative Stress and Caspase-3 mRNA Expression Induced by Sulfoxaflor in the Brain of Mice.

The current study aimed to investigate the role of fucoidan in the oxidative and apoptotic effects of sulfoxaflor, a neonicotinoid sulfoximine insecticide, in the brain of Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Sulfoxaflor and fucoidan were administered to mice at doses of 15 mg/kg/day (1/50 oral LD50) and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively, by oral gavage for 24 h or 7 days. The tGSH, TBARS and protein levels, and GPx, GR, and GST enzyme activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Caspase-3 gene expression level was determined by RT-PCR. Data analysis showed that brains of sulfoxaflor-treated mice exhibited higher TBARS levels; GPx, GR, and GST enzyme activities; and caspase-3 expression levels, as well as lower levels of tGSH. Co-administration of fucoidan and sulfoxaflor reduced the TBARS levels, increased tGSH levels, and increased GPx, GR, and GST enzyme activities. Fucoidan also decreased the sulfoxaflor-induced up-regulation of caspase-3 mRNA expression. Results of the present study showed that sulfoxaflor caused oxidative stress by inducing lipid peroxidation and altering GSH-dependent antioxidants in the brain of mice. In addition, sulfoxaflor may trigger apoptotic cell death shown by the up-regulation of caspase-3. Fucoidan treatment modulated all the aforementioned alterations in the brain of mice. It was concluded that fucoidan might have antioxidant effects that support the GSH-dependent antioxidant system and can play a modulator role in oxidative stress and caspase-3 expression in the brain of sulfoxaflor treated-mice.

Cancer mortality in a Swedish cohort of pulp and paper mill workers.

PURPOSE: To study cancer mortality among Swedish pulp and paper mill workers by main mill pulping process and department, and to present the Swedish part of an international exposure measurements database. METHODS: A cohort of 18,163 male and 2,290 female workers at four sulfate and four sulfite mills, enrolled from 1939 to 1999, was followed up for mortality during 1952-2001. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) relative to the general Swedish population were calculated. RESULTS: There were 1,340 malignant cases out of 5,898 deaths. Total cancer mortality was not increased in either sulfate or sulfite mill workers, or by gender. Lung cancer mortality was increased among female workers (SMR 1.70, 95% CI 1.04-2.63), especially in paper production, but not among male workers (SMR 0.91, 95% CI 0.79-1.04). Exposure to wood dust and sulfur dioxide frequently exceeded occupational exposure limits. CONCLUSIONS: Female paper production workers had an increased mortality from lung cancer.

Effects of some drugs on human erythrocyte glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase: an in vitro study.

Inhibitory effects of some drugs on glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase from the erythrocytes of human have been investigated. For this purpose, at the beginning, erythrocyte glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was purified 2256 times in a yield of 44.22% by using ammonium sulphate precipitation and 2', 5'-ADP Sepharose 4B affinity gel. Temperature of +4°C was maintained during the purification process. Enzyme activity was determined with the Beutler method by using a spectrophotometer at 340 nm. This method was utilized for all kinetic studies. Ketotifen, dacarbazine, thiocolchicoside, meloxicam, methotrexate, furosemide, olanzapine, methylprednizolone acetate, paricalcitol, ritodrine hydrochloride, and gadobenate-dimeglumine were used as drugs. All the drugs indicated the inhibitory effects on the enzyme. Ki constants for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were found by means of Lineweaver-Burk graphs. While methylprednizolone acetate showed competitive inhibition, the others displayed non-competitive inhibition. In addition, IC(50) values of the drugs were determined by plotting Activity% vs [I].

Breath malodor reduction with use of a stannous-containing sodium fluoride dentifrice: a meta-analysis of four randomized and controlled clinical trials.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of a novel stannous-containing sodium fluoride dentifrice in reducing malodor-causing volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels versus a standard marketed fluoride (negative control) anti-caries dentifrice using pooled data from independent clinical trials. METHODS: Four randomized and controlled, evaluator-blinded, 3- or 4-period, 2-treatment crossover clinical studies were conducted at four separate centers in Asia and the United States in subjects with a baseline VSC score of > 100 ppb. Following a week-long acclimation period, subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence specifying the order of use of a stannous-containing sodium fluoride dentifrice and a negative control dentifrice (Crest Cavity Protection). VSC levels were assessed at four time points using a Halimeter during each treatment period: (1) baseline prior to treatment; (2) 3-4 hours after baseline and a single brushing; (3) 24 hours post-baseline and after two total brushings ("overnight"/"morning breath"); and (4) 27-28 hours post-baseline following three total product uses. Brushing instructions were standardized and required two minutes of timed toothbrushing with the assigned dentifrice. Washout periods of at least 2 days separated the treatment periods. RESULTS: A total of 100 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The stannous-containing dentifrice showed statistically significantly greater breath benefits via VSC reduction compared to the negative control dentifrice (P < 0.047) at all three time points. The stannous-containing dentifrice provided increasingly greater superior relative breath protection benefits of 7.7% at Hour 3-4 post-baseline, 10.6% after 24 hours ("overnight"/"morning breath"), and 24.5% at Hour 27-28. Similar malodor reduction benefits in favor of the stannous-containing dentifrice relative to the negative control were observed for each individual study.

Therapeutic potential of sulfur-containing natural products in inflammatory diseases.

Owing to the prevalence of chronic inflammation and its related disorders, there is a demand for novel therapeutic agents capable of preventing or suppressing inflammation. Natural products (NPs) are well established as an important resource for drug development and provide an almost infinite array of molecular entities. Sulfur-containing NPs (i.e., NPs containing one or more sulfur atoms) are abundant throughout nature, from bacteria to animals. The aim of this review was to survey the emerging evidence on role of sulfur-containing NPs, such as glutathione, garlic-derived sulfur compounds, Epipolythiodioxopiperazines (EPTs), Isothiocyanates (ITCs), and Ergothioneine (EGT), in the control of inflammation and to determine the possible underlying mechanisms. A discussion of how hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gaseous signaling molecule, links sulfur-containing NPs and their anti-inflammatory action is also performed. This review may help to further the development of sulfur-based compounds by providing a guide for structure-activity relationship-based modification for use in modern medicinal chemistry. However, as this field is still in its infancy, the review is concluded by an overview of the progression of these promising entities as therapeutic agents.

Field rates of Sivanto™ (flupyradifurone) and Transform® (sulfoxaflor) increase oxidative stress and induce apoptosis in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.).

Pesticide exposures can have detrimental impacts on bee pollinators, ranging from immediate mortality to sub-lethal impacts. Flupyradifurone is the active ingredient in Sivanto™ and sulfoxaflor is the active ingredient in Transform®. They are both relatively new insecticides developed with an intent to reduce negative effects on bees, when applied to bee-attractive crops. With the growing concern regarding pollinator health and pollinator declines, it is important to have a better understanding of any potential negative impacts, especially sub-lethal, of these pesticides on bees. This study reports novel findings regarding physiological stress experienced by bees exposed to field application rates of these two insecticides via a Potter Tower sprayer. Two contact exposure experiments were conducted-a shorter 6-hour study and a longer 10-day study. Honey bee mortality, sugar syrup and water consumption, and physiological responses (oxidative stress and apoptotic protein assays) were assessed in bees exposed to Sivanto™ and Transform®, and compared to bees in control group. For the longer, 10-day contact exposure experiment, only the Sivanto™ group was compared to the control group, as high mortality recorded in the sulfoxaflor treatment group during the shorter contact exposure experiment, made the latter group unfeasible to test in the longer 10-days experiment. In both the studies, sugar syrup and water consumptions were significantly different between treatment groups and controls. The highest mortality was observed in Transform® exposed bees, followed by the Sivanto™ exposed bees. Estimates of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species indicated significantly elevated oxidative stress in both pesticide treatment groups, when compared to controls. Caspase-3 protein assays, an indicator of onset of apoptosis, was also significantly higher in the pesticide treatment groups. These differences were largely driven by post exposure duration, indicating sub-lethal impacts. Further, our findings also emphasize the need to revisit contact exposure impacts of Sivanto™, given the sub-lethal impacts and mortality observed in our long-term (10-day) contact exposure experiment.

The relationship between volatile sulphur compounds, tongue coating and periodontal disease.

The purpose of the present study was to observe the casual levels of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in volunteers with different clinical scores of tongue coating, periodontal pockets depth and Gingival Bleeding Index. Seventy-two subjects who attended for the first time at the dental clinic of the University were randomly selected for intra-oral and periodontal examinations. Systemic and dental histories were also obtained. The subjects were unaware of all procedures. The level of VSC was assessed by using a portable sulphide monitor (Halimeter; Interscan Co., Chatsworth, CA, USA). High tongue coating levels were related with more VSC counts (multivariate anova, P = 0.01). No statistically significant relation (multiple linear regression, P > 0.05) was observed among the VSC levels considering age, bleeding and periodontal pockets sites (depth > 4 mm). We concluded that the tongue coating was one of the main factors influencing the VSC levels.

Antitumoral activity of a sulphur-containing platinum complex with an acidic pH optimum.

UNLABELLED: Platinum complexes are essential tools for cancer treatment despite their toxic side effects. Here we describe a new platinum complex with sulphurs as complexing atoms (thioplatin). PURPOSE: To demonstrate that the antitumoral activity of a new sulphur-containing platinum compound (thioplatin) depends on a slightly acidic pH. METHODS: Platinum uptake by tumour cells and interaction with DNA was determined at slightly acidic or alkaline pH. To demonstrate low in vivo toxicity the effects of thioplatin on body weight, blood urea nitrogen, white blood cell count and the histopathological appearance of small intestines and kidneys were evaluated at doses that displayed antitumoral effects against human small-cell lung cancer and human colorectal cancer xenotransplants in nude mice. RESULTS: The slightly acidic pH optimum of thioplatin was proven by the altered electrophoretic mobility of plasmid DNA, quantitation of the platinum content in the DNA of tumour cells and cytotoxicity studies. Thioplatin displayed antitumoral activity without severe side effects such as weight loss, renal ischaemia, destruction of villi in the small intestine or leukopenia as observed at comparable doses of cisplatin. Furthermore, probably due to its lipophilic nature, thioplatin was taken up readily even by cisplatin-resistant cells. In vivo studies with human tumour xenografts in nude mice showed a therapeutic index of thioplatin five to ten times higher than that of cisplatin.

Clinical assessment of oral malodor by the electronic nose system.

A recently developed electronic nose has not yet been clinically applied to evaluations of oral malodor. This investigation sought to determine whether an electronic nose could clinically assess oral malodor. Twenty-nine healthy adults and 49 patients were assessed by results of an actual organoleptic test, a score representing malodor strength with an electronic nose in "top-note" mode (top-note score), and measurements of volatile sulfur compound (VSC) concentrations. The correlation coefficient between top-note and actual organoleptic scores (r = 0.71) was comparable with the log VSC and actual organoleptic scores (r = 0.63). However, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic plots for top-note score was significantly larger than that for log VSC. In logistic regression analyses with top-note score as a dependent variable, probing depth, tongue coating, and plaque control record each had independent associations. Our findings suggest that the top-note score from an electronic nose examination may be useful for the clinical evaluation of oral malodor.