Dietary Bioactive Peptide Alanyl-Glutamine Attenuates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal disorder threatening human health. Di-peptide alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) has various beneficial effects on gut health. However, its role and functional mechanism in treating IBD are still not clear. Therefore, the protective effects of Ala-Gln and glutamine (Gln) on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitic mice were investigated in this study. The results showed that oral supplementation of Ala-Gln or Gln significantly attenuated the colitis symptoms in mice, including body weight loss, colon length, disease activity index, histological scores, and tissue apoptosis. The concentrations of interleukin- (IL-) 1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase were significantly decreased, while the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased by Ala-Gln or Gln supplementation. The expression of occludin and peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) was significantly increased by Ala-Gln or Gln. Interestingly, Ala-Gln had better beneficial effects than Gln in alleviating colitis. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing showed that the DSS-induced shifts of the microbiome (community diversity, evenness, richness, and composition) in the mouse colon were restored by Gln and Ala-Gln, including Lactobacillus, Bacteroides_acidifaciens, Bacteroidales, Firmicutes, Clostridia, Helicobacter, and Bacteroides. Correspondingly, the functions of the microflora metabolism pathways were also rescued by Ala-Gln, including fatty acid metabolism, membrane transporters, infectious diseases, and immune system. In conclusion, the results revealed that Ala-Gln can prevent colitis through PepT1, enhancing the intestinal barrier and modulating gut microbiota and microflora metabolites.

Gut microbiota modulation and anti-inflammatory properties of mixed lactobacilli in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Correlations between gut microbiota activities and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment are gaining research interest. In our previous study, Lactobacillus acidophilus KLDS 1.0901, Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS 1.8701, and Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0318 showed antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of three tested strains and their mixture on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice. The three tested strains and their mixture significantly decreased the disease activity index (DAI), colon shortening, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Additionally, the three tested strains and their mixture improved the histological damage, increased the colonic mucous layer integrity, and exhibited lower levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while up-regulating colonic anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels, tight junction proteins (E-cadherin, zonulae occludens (ZO)-1, occludin and claudin-1) and mucin (MUC1 and MUC2) mRNA expressions to some extent. In addition, mixed lactobacilli showed better anti-inflammatory effects than single-strain treatment. Our study further revealed that mixed lactobacilli increased bacterial diversity and improved gut microbiota composition, increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. These results indicated that mixed lactobacilli supplementation could attenuate DSS-induced colitis by modulating the gut microbiota and repairing the intestinal barrier, which provided a scientific basis for its clinical application in the future.

Protective effects of tryptophan-catabolizing Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 against dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for the human body, whose intake is through the diet. Several studies support the theory that microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolite played a crucial role in maintaining the balance between gut microbiota and the mucosal immune system. Previously, we selected the Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 strain with high tryptophan-metabolic activity after the screening of 16 Lactobacillus strains. The current study aimed to assess the effects of L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 combination with tryptophan in improving ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and the potential mechanisms involved. Our results showed that L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 combined with tryptophan (LAB + Trp) decreased DAI score, MPO level, and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) concentration. It also increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) production, tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1), and mucin (MUC1 and MUC2) mRNA expressions. The level of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), an important tryptophan metabolite in the liver, serum, and colon, was elevated after LAB + Trp treatment, which further upregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mRNA expression to activate the IL-22/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, the supplementation with LAB + Trp modulated gut microbiota composition. The present study provided novel insights that can be used to reduce the number of UC patients by employing a method utilizing tryptophan-catabolizing Lactobacillus strains.

Dietary cranberry suppressed colonic inflammation and alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis in dextran sodium sulfate-treated mice.

Increased consumption of fruits may decrease the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important etiological role in IBD. However, the mechanisms of action underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of dietary cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in the colon and its role on gut microbiota were unclear. In this study, we determined the anti-inflammatory efficacy of whole cranberry in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, as well as its effects on the structure of gut microbiota. The results showed that dietary cranberry significantly decreased the severity of colitis in DSS-treated mice, evidenced by increased colon length, and decreased disease activity and histologic score of colitis in DSS-treated mice compared to the positive control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the colonic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) were significantly reduced by cranberry supplementation (p < 0.05). Analysis of the relative abundance of fecal microbiota in phylum and genus levels revealed that DSS treatment significantly altered the microbial structure of fecal microbiota in mice. α diversity was significantly decreased in the DSS group, compared to the healthy control group. But, cranberry treatment significantly improved DSS-induced decline in α-diversity. Moreover, cranberry treatment partially reversed the change of gut microbiota in colitic mice by increasing the abundance of potential beneficial bacteria, for example, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and decreasing the abundance of potential harmful bacteria, such as Sutterella and Bilophila. Overall, our results for the first time demonstrated that modification of gut microbiota by dietary whole cranberry might contribute to its inhibitory effects against the development of colitis in DSS-treated mice.

Cottonseed Oil Protects Against Intestinal Inflammation in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Dietary products may protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through mechanisms such as forming gut microbiota structures and providing substrates for microbial metabolism. Recently, many studies have been conducted on diets that potentially alleviate or suppress IBD development. To assess the efficacy of dietary oils in treating IBD, we examined the protective effects of olive oil, coconut oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Treatment with cottonseed oil or corn oil ameliorated the severity of DSS-induced colitis, alleviating weight loss and preventing the shortening of the intestine. Moreover, cottonseed oil or corn oil treatment significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-17, as well as the expression of oxidative stress markers, including 8-hydroxyguanosine and nitrotyrosine in colon sections, compared with vehicle treatment. Cottonseed oil treatment inhibited intestinal fibrosis by reducing the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen, compared with vehicle treatment in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Cottonseed oil protects against intestinal inflammation and the development of intestinal fibrosis by reducing inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, and may therefore be useful as a dietary product with therapeutic benefits for IBD.

A novel combined process for efficient removal of Se(VI) from sulfate-rich water: Sulfite/UV/Fe(III) coagulation.

The efficient removal of Se(VI) from sulfate-rich water is challenging as most reported processes last for hours to days. In this study, a combined sulfite/UV/Fe(III) coagulation process was proposed for efficient Se(VI) removal from sulfate-rich water within a short time (∼1 h). In the presence of sulfate (1000 mg L-1), over 99% of Se(VI) (initially at 10 mg L-1) could be reduced by sulfite (5.0 mM) with a UV dose of 16 J cm-2 (within 20 min) into Se(IV) as the sole observed product. An alkaline pH (>9) was required for the reduction process, which was naturally obtained with the addition of sulfite. Scavenging experiments with N2O and NO3- both indicated that hydrated electrons (eaq-) were responsible for Se(VI) reduction by sulfite/UV. The presence of chloride, sulfate, phosphate, and carbonate (up to 10 mM) showed negligible influence on Se(VI) reduction, whereas nitrate and humic acid inhibited Se(VI) reduction to different extents depending on their concentrations. By Fe(III) coagulation, Se(IV) in the co-presence of sulfite and sulfate was efficiently removed at an OH-/Fe molar ratio of 1.8-2.8. The removal of Se(IV) by Fe(III) coagulation responded insignificantly to chloride, nitrate, or sulfate (up to 10 mM), whereas it was adversely affected at high levels of carbonate (10 mM) and phosphate (1 mM). The combined sulfite/UV/Fe(III) coagulation process was validated for the efficient removal of Se(VI) from synthetic sulfate-rich solution, simulated wastewater, and authentic smelting wastewater (in 1.1 h). The introduced sulfite underwent minor consumption during UV irradiation and was almost (∼90%) removed after coagulation.

Natural dietary compound naringin prevents azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced chronic colorectal inflammation and carcinogenesis in mice.

Naringin, a natural occurring flavonoid compound, enriches in citrus fruits. We aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of naringin on colitis and chronic inflammation-driven carcinogenesis. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to AOM/DSS to induce colorectal inflammation and carcinogenesis. Naringin by oral administration prevented AOM/DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and carcinogenesis without significant side effects. Naringin attenuated the severity of colitis and colorectal adenomas through inhibiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), pro-inflammatory mediators GM-CSF/M-CSF, IL-6 and TNF-α and the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 cascades in colorectal tissues. Naringin-treated mice exhibited normalized structures of colorectal tissues. Electron microscopy analysis showed the suppression of robust endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced autophagy. Naringin inhibited the secretion of the ER-spanning transmembrane proteins, such as GRP78 ATF6, IRE1α and activated PERK phosphorylated eIF-2α and complex of autophagosomes ATG3, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, ATG16 and ATG16L1 in the colorectal mucosal cells. CONCLUSION: Naringin prevented colitis and colorectal carcinogenesis through suppressing robust ER stress-induced autophagy in colorectal mucosal cells. Naringin could develop a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of ulcerative colitis and colorectal tumor.

How sulfate-rich mine drainage affected aquatic ecosystem degradation in northeastern China, and potential ecological risk.

Mining activity is an increasingly important stressor for freshwater ecosystems. However, the mechanism on how sulfate-rich mine drainage affects freshwater ecosystems is largely unknown, and its potential ecological risk has not been assessed so far. During 2009-2016, water and macroinvertebrate samples from 405 sample sites were collected along the mine drainage gradient from circum-neutral to alkaline waters in Hun-Tai River, Northeastern China. Results of linear regressions showed that sulfate-rich mine drainage was significantly positively correlated with the constituents typically derived from rock weathering (Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3-+CO32-); the diversity of intolerant stream macroinvertebrates exhibited a steep decline along the gradient of sulfate-rich mine drainage. Meanwhile, stressor-response relationships between sulfate-rich mine drainage and macroinvertebrate communities were explored by two complementary statistical approaches in tandem (Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis and the field-based method developed by USEPA). Results revealed that once stream sulfate concentrations in mine drainage exceeded 35mg/L, significant decline in the abundance of intolerant macroinvertebrate taxa occurred. An assessment of ecological risk posed by sulfate-rich mine drainage was conducted based on a tiered approach consisting of simple deterministic method (Hazard Quotient, HQ) to probabilistic method (Joint Probability Curve, JPC). Results indicated that sulfate-rich mine drainage posed a potential risk, and 64.62-84.88% of surface waters in Hun-Tai River exist serious risk while 5% threshold (HC05) and 1% threshold (HC01) were set up to protect macroinvertebrates, respectively. This study provided us a better understanding on the impacts of sulfate-rich mine drainage on freshwater ecosystems, and it would be helpful for future catchment management to protect streams from mining activity.

Fermented herbal formula KIOM-MA-128 protects against acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in mice.

BACKGROUND: Colitis is a well-known subtype of inflammatory bowel disease and is caused by diverse factors. Previous research has shown that KIOM-MA elicits anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects on various diseases. KIOM-MA-128, our novel herbal formula, was generated from KIOM-MA using probiotics to improve the therapeutic efficacy. We investigated whether KIOM-MA-128 has protective activity in a mouse model of acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). METHODS: Colitis was induced by DSS administered to ICR mice in drinking water. KIOM-MA-128 (125 or 250 mg/kg) was orally administered once per day. The body weights of the mice were measured daily, and colonic endoscopies were performed at 5 and 8 days. Colon length as well as histological and cytokine changes were observed at the end of drug administration. RESULTS: KIOM-MA-128 has pharmacological activity in an acute colitis model. KIOM-MA-128 reduced the loss of body weight and disease activity index (DAI) and inhibited the abnormally short colon lengths and the colonic damage in this mouse model of acute colitis. Moreover, KIOM-MA-128 suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and maintained the integrity of the tight junctions during DSS-induced colitis. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that KIOM-MA-128 protects against DSS-induced colitis in mice and suggested that this formula might be a candidate treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Persistent sulfate formation from London Fog to Chinese haze.

Sulfate aerosols exert profound impacts on human and ecosystem health, weather, and climate, but their formation mechanism remains uncertain. Atmospheric models consistently underpredict sulfate levels under diverse environmental conditions. From atmospheric measurements in two Chinese megacities and complementary laboratory experiments, we show that the aqueous oxidation of SO2 by NO2 is key to efficient sulfate formation but is only feasible under two atmospheric conditions: on fine aerosols with high relative humidity and NH3 neutralization or under cloud conditions. Under polluted environments, this SO2 oxidation process leads to large sulfate production rates and promotes formation of nitrate and organic matter on aqueous particles, exacerbating severe haze development. Effective haze mitigation is achievable by intervening in the sulfate formation process with enforced NH3 and NO2 control measures. In addition to explaining the polluted episodes currently occurring in China and during the 1952 London Fog, this sulfate production mechanism is widespread, and our results suggest a way to tackle this growing problem in China and much of the developing world.

Efficacy of chelation therapy to remove aluminium intoxication.

There is a distinct correlation between aluminium (Al) intoxication and neurodegenerative diseases (ND). We demonstrated how patients affected by ND showing Al intoxication benefit from short-term treatment with calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (chelation therapy). Such therapy further improved through daily treatment with the antioxidant Cellfood. In the present study we examined the efficacy of long-term treatment, using both EDTA and Cellfood. Slow intravenous treatment with the chelating agent EDTA (2 g/10 mL diluted in 500 mL physiological saline administered in 2 h) (chelation test) removed Al, which was detected (using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) in urine samples collected from patients over 12 h. Patients that revealed Al intoxication (expressed in µg per g creatinine) underwent EDTA chelation therapy once a week for ten weeks, then once every two weeks for a further six or twelve months. At the end of treatment (a total of 22 or 34 chelation therapies, respectively), associated with daily assumption of Cellfood, Al levels in the urine samples were analysed. In addition, the following blood parameters were determined: homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate, as well as the oxidative status e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and glutathione. Our results showed that Al intoxication reduced significantly following EDTA and Cellfood treatment, and clinical symptoms improved. After treatment, ROS, oxLDL, and homocysteine decreased significantly, whereas vitamin B12, folate and TAC improved significantly. In conclusion, our data show the efficacy of chelation therapy associated with Cellfood in subjects affected by Al intoxication who have developed ND.

Biodeterioro de monumentos y biorremediación: estado actual y perspectivas futuras / Monuments biodeterioration and bioremediación: current condition and future perspectives

Durante siglos se ha intentado detener el proceso natural de destrucción de la piedra en construcciones y monumentos mediante obras de mantenimiento y reparación, usando técnicas y materiales tradicionales en siglos pasados como los morteros de cal y arena. A partir de la segunda mitad del siglo XX, se introducen los materiales poliméricos y sintéticos. En las últimas décadas, con el desarrollo de la biotecnología, las propuestas de restauración han cambiado drásticamente y se suponen superiores a los métodos tradicionales. Sin embargo, en algunos casos, los resultados no parecen convincentes. En la primera década del siglo XXI se está prestando una especial atención a la producción de calcita por bacterias en relación con un proceso de consolidación de la piedra deteriorada. La limpieza de frescos y pinturas con enzimas o mediante tratamiento con bacterias es otro de los temas que despierta una especial atención en la restauración y conservación de monumentos. La biotecnología tiene mucho que ofrecer pero debe superar las barreras que actualmente la convierten en una técnica prometedora en el campo de la conservación del patrimonio aunque, aún, de difícil aplicación a monumentos. Su utilización se efectúa en ensayos u objetos de dimensiones abarcables, mientras que su aplicación a escala industrial está aún por desarrollar (AU)

For centuries the man has tried to stop the natural process of deterioration of the building stones and monuments through maintenance and repairing works, using traditional techniques and materials such as mortar of lime and sand. From the second half of the 20th century, polymer and synthetic materials were introduced in conservation. In recent decades, with the application of biotechnology, the restoration proposals have changed dramatically and are supposed to be superior to traditional methods. However, in some cases, the results do not seem convincing. In the first decade of the 21st century a special attention is being paid to the production of calcite by bacteria as a process of consolidation of deteriorated stone. Cleaning of frescoes and paintings by enzymes or bacterial treatments are another issues that arouses a special attention in the restoration and conservation of monuments. Biotechnology has much to offer but must overcome the barriers that currently make it a promising technique in the field of cultural heritage conservation though, even, of difficult application to monuments. Currently, their use is restricted to test on object of manageable size, while its implementation on an industrial scale is yet to be developed (AU)

[Recent researches of synthetic mercury sulfide in traditional medicine system].

OBJECTIVE: Herein, the synthesis, component, microstructure and pharmacological and toxicology researches of the Synthetic Mercury Sulfide (S-HgS) a kind of common drug in Chinese, Mongolia, Tibetan medicine, and Indian medicine system were summarized. The similar cognition about mercury toxicity & pharmacological action from some Asian regions was analyzed, and it can supply some useful direction for the traditional Asian medicine system. METHOD: Recent literatures both domestic and abroad were summarized and analyzed. RESULT: S-HgS is the basis of Vermilion, Mongolia-Vermilion, Zuotai, and Ras-sindoor. Athough the processes of synthesis are very different, but the microstructure and pharmacological & toxicology of S-HgS is similar. CONCLUSION: S-HgS has a far-ranging application,and unique curative effect. New technology such as nanotechnology can be used for improving the advancement of traditional Asian medicine.

Ahram mineral water-induced sulfate keratopathy: histopathologic, electron microscopic, and confocal scan features.

PURPOSE: To characterize histopathologic, electron microscopic, and confocal scan features of Ahram mineral water (AMW)-induced keratopathy in cadaver corneas. METHODS: Seven cadaver globes were examined, 5 of which were exposed to AMW from the corneal side for different durations (30 seconds and 3, 15, 30, and 60 minutes) and the other 2 were considered as control. After performing confocal scan on each cornea, we excised the corneoscleral rim and sent it for histopathologic evaluation. Scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic examinations were performed on the cornea exposed to AMW for 60 minutes. RESULTS: Depending on the time of exposure, the confocal scan features varied from intraepithelial high-contrast deposits to subepithelial bulla formation. The histopathologic features ranged from diffuse intracytoplasmic sulfur deposits to subepithelial bulla formation. Scanning electron microscopic examination disclosed rather diffuse irregular bright deposits of high sulfur content over the surface epithelium and together with focal cellular destruction and micro-hole formation in the case with 60-minute exposure. On transmission electron microscopy, electron-lucent bulky deposits were found underneath the basal epithelial cells and between their basement membrane and Bowman layer. Confocal scan of the control corneas disclosed nonspecific anterior stromal haze and Descemet folds, with no evidence of intraepithelial deposits. No pathologic finding was noted on histopathologic examination of the control corneas. CONCLUSIONS: AMW induces sulfate keratopathy of mainly anterior corneal involvement and with various histopathologic, confocal microscopic, and electron microscopic features even with short-time exposure.

Sucrose fatty acid sulphate esters as novel vaccine adjuvant.

In search for novel adjuvants for human and veterinary vaccines, we focus on synthetic carbohydrates because microbial carbohydrates function as important alarming signals to the immune system. Mono- and disaccharides were added chemically with various functional groups and adjuvant activity and reactogenicity were determined in parallel. In our test model, we used poor immunogens to identify the most effective adjuvants and non-rodent mammals to facilitate extrapolation to humans. Disaccharides added with both fatty acid and sulphate esters and immobilized on a vehicle exerted high adjuvanticity. Chemical structure and presentation of the compound were optimized for a maximal in vivo performance. The formulation selected for human therapeutic vaccines (designated as 'CoVaccine HT') consists of a sucrose fatty acid sulphate ester immobilized on the oil droplets of a submicron emulsion of squalane-in-water. Both humoral and cell-mediated responses were enhanced in a dosedependent fashion against a wide range of antigens, e.g. inactivated viruses, bacterial subunits, recombinant proteins, virus-like particles and peptide-protein conjugates. Remarkably high booster reactions indicated strong immunological memory established by the first contact between host and antigen in presence of the adjuvant. In comparison with existing adjuvants, CoVaccine HT revealed similar or even higher adjuvanticity than mineral oil emulsions (O/W, W/O or O/W) but significantly lower reactogenicity. We concluded that CoVaccine HT is a promising adjuvant as it combines the efficacy of strong adjuvants with the safety of mild ones, is effective towards various types of antigens in large non-rodent mammals and is a chemically defined, stable, aqueous formulation.

The impairments of neoblast division in regenerating planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.) caused by in vitro treatment with cadmium sulfate.

The effects of cadmium sulfate on the neoblast mitotic activity in regenerating planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.) were investigated. Mitotic abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations were evaluated after 6-h treatment and 24-h recovery period. The blastema were fixed, and examined cytologically through routine lactoorceine squash preparations. Mitotic indices were also determined. Cadmium sulfate induced a dose-dependent decrease in neoblast mitotic activity, accompanied with disturbances in distribution of cells over mitotic phases. Different cytological abnormalities with varying frequency were observed. Marked mitotic depression was concentration-dependent. Toxic effects of cadmium in regenerating planarian were mainly associated with mitotic spindle disturbances. Immediately after treatment mitotic abnormalities were prevalent over chromosomal and C-mitosis was the most prominent one. After 24-h recovery period a prevalence of mitotic over chromosomal aberrations was still present in animals treated with two higher concentrations of cadmium sulfate. However, the proportions of cells with chromosome stickiness in all treated animals were significantly increased compared to their post-treatment values. Observed mitotic impairments could be related to mitotic arrest contributing to retardations and delays, especially in animals treated with the highest concentration tested. The results obtained indicated usefulness of short term invertebrate assays as an alternative to in vitro pre-screening of toxic chemicals.

Diagnostic approach and management of occupational asthma by persulfate salts in a hairdresser.

An 18-year-old female hairdresser, nonsmoker and nonatopic, developed rhinoconjunctivitis followed by asthma after working for 18 months. The methods that were necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis of occupational asthma are explained, as well as the medical management performed to improve her asthma over the next 12 months. Tryptase and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were determined before and after specific bronchial challenge. The application of these parameters as complementary diagnostic methods in some cases of occupational asthma is described. Clinical and functional control performed some months later demonstrated an increase in nonspecific bronchial responsiveness after avoidance, likely related to an upper respiratory infection.

Zinc supplementation of chelation therapy in saturnism. Preliminary study.

The effect of zinc supplementation of chelation therapy in saturnism was studied in 20 patients hospitalized in the Clinic of Occupational Diseases of the Colentina Hospital. In 10 patients 400 mg/day zinc sulphate in two uptakes was administered concomitantly with the chelation therapy. The other 10 patients received only chelation therapy. The period necessary for the correction of the anemic syndrome was estimated comparatively by studying the evolution of the following parameters: hemoglobin, reticulocytes, red blood cells with basophilic granulations. Zinc supplementation of the chelation therapy had a favourable effect by reducing the necessary period for the correction of anemic syndrome.

Effects of high iron and sulfate ion concentrations on dry matter digestion and volatile fatty acid production by ruminal microorganisms.

The inhibitory effects of iron- and sulfate-containing compounds on the in vitro digestion of a balanced forage diet by mixed populations of ruminal microorganisms were examined in batch cultures. Compounds containing ferrous and ferric cations consistently inhibited DM digestion by up to 36% when added Fe concentrations in cultures were between 100 and 1,000 mg/L. Increased sulfate concentrations of up to 200 mg/L or chloride concentrations of up to 635 mg/L were not associated with decreased DM digestion. Ammonium sulfate additions that provided 200 mg/L of added sulfur increased (P less than .05) digestibility by 10%. Sulfate-containing iron salts tended to be less inhibitory than chloride salts and were associated with increased gas production during digestion. Ferric chloride inhibited (P less than .05) microbial activities at lower concentrations than ferrous chloride. Data suggest that excessive iron supplementation or contamination of feeds with iron-containing pollutants may decrease microbial activities in the rumen.