Ingestion Of Toxic Substances Research Articles

Nutraceuticals Health Benefits in Cancer

Abstract: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with multiple pathological components. Genetic abnormalities, infection or inflammation, poor diet, radiation exposure, work stress, and/or ingestion of toxic substances have all been associated with cancer development and progression. Early detection and treatment of cancer have been shown to increase the chances of survival and recovery and reduce the side effects of anticancer drugs. Anticancer drugs continue to cause negative side effects that negate treatment benefits in terms of hospitalization and survival. Many naturally occurring bioactive compounds are shown to have anticancer properties. That is, they can eliminate altered and cancer cells without harming their healthy counterparts. In particular, the following activities have been reported to support nutrition during cancer treatment: cell growth inhibition, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and minimized negative effects due to natural antioxidants. Keeping the side effects minimum helps patients adhere to anticancer therapy. Among currently available anticancer agents, dietary supplementation can be considered in conjunction with current chemotherapy to improve response and compliance in cancer patients. However, it should be noted that before discussing data from studies on bioactive plant supplements, it is important to ensure that the tests were performed according to protocol.

Forecasting health risks for the residents of Southern Russia through satellite and climate-based aridity indicators

BACKGROUND: The aridification of the Southern region of Russia will lead to a significant rise in the concentration of hazardous substances in groundwater over the long term. This phenomenon poses a serious threat to the environment and public health.
 AIM: To assess the potential of the multi-regression climate model in predicting the long-term health risks associated with the ingestion of toxic substances released from groundwater sources.
 METHODS: An assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks (HI) was conducted for the period 2017–2022, focusing on three groundwater basins in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. The study involved the analysis of toxicant concentrations in 1149 water samples at the 95th percentile. NDMI and De Martonne Index (DMI) values were calculated based on modified data obtained through Land Surface Temperature (LST) satellite analysis. These indices were then employed as predictors in our models, with the HI serving as the dependent variable.
 RESULTS: A significant contribution of chloroform to the overall risk pattern for groundwater in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region was observed. The maximum values were recorded in the Nizhnevolzhskiy groundwater basin (HQchildren/chloroform=3.20, HQadults/chloroform=1.37) in 2017. The satellite aridity index NDMI makes the greatest contribution to the reliability of the predictive model of long-term health risk dynamics that shape the oral intake of pollutants from groundwater in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. The lowest multiple regression value was noted for the health risk for adults (ry,x1,x2=–0.909, p=0.012) in the Severo-Prikaspiyskiy basin, the maximum was recorded in Ryn-Peskovsky basin for children (ry,x1,x2=–0.992, p=0.002). The DMI provides insignificant reliability in predicting long-term dynamics of non-carcinogenic health risks associated with toxicants circulating in arid ecosystems of the South of Russia. The greatest contribution of this predictor was observed for the health risk of children in the Ryn-Peskovsky basin (rx2/x1=–0.554, p=0.105).
 CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a significant potential for integrating NDMI in monitoring the social and hygienic quality of underground water in arid zones of Southern Russia. The NDMI indicator has demonstrated high resolution and sensitivity to water quantity in steppe vegetation, reflecting its accuracy for arid topography. This integration holds promise for enhancing the monitoring and management of underground water resources in Southern Russia.

Hepatic Portal Venous Gas (HPVG) after Ingestion of Chlorine Bleach: A Transient Phenomenon.

We present a case involving a 32-year-old man who ingested chlorine bleach with self-defeating intent. The ingestion of bleach can lead to a wide range of consequences, from mild mucosal burns to severe complications, rarely resulting in death. This case highlights the association between chlorine bleach ingestion and the development of hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG), a radiological finding traditionally thought to carry poor prognoses. The HPVG in this case resolved spontaneously within 24 h with conservative management, indicating its transient nature. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for HPVG after the ingestion of toxic substances .remain only partially understood. One hypothesis suggests that extensive damage to the gastrointestinal wall caused by caustic agent may allow enteric gas to enter the portal system. While HPVG after toxic ingestion is often transient, its consequences and potential risks should be carefully considered. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is suggested in cases with neurological symptoms. In conclusion, HPVG is not a specific disease but rather a manifestation of various underlying factors, and its development in the context of chlorine bleach ingestion represents an additional insight to its understanding. It can be associated with severe medical conditions, but it is also found in less severe cases that can be managed conservatively.

Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum and Borderline Personality Disorder: An Emerging Clinical Challenge Seeking Informed Interventions.

Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum and Borderline Personality Disorder: An Emerging Clinical Challenge Seeking Informed Interventions.

Self-mutilation Before or During Incarceration? A Study Conducted on Inmates in Bucharest Rahova Penitentiary

Self-injurious behavior prevails in teenagers, as they have deficiencies in abstract thinking, a cognitive immaturity. Adults resort to such practices to get rid of problematic situations, to draw attention to themselves, or when they are looking for help. The forms of manifestation include hair pulling, the production of excoriations on the skin, ingestion of toxic substances, objects, such as needles, razor blades, acute voluntary drug intoxication. If the practice of mutilation finds its essence, in traditions, customs or law, self-mutilation is a deliberate act, which depends on the will of each individual. Psychosocial, affective, and cognitive factors, the level of education and culture have greater or lesser weights in the subject's decision. The ambient environment and social context also play a role that can be decisive in self-aggressive behavior. Self-mutilation represents such behavior, which has been studied for years, without reaching definitive conclusions. This paper is looking at the causes and sources that push inmates to resort to self-harm and how to proceed in these cases, as well as the treatment and multidisciplinary assistance necessary to limit these deviant behaviors. The universe of the penitentiary offers an environment whose essential coordinates are due to failure, stress, despair, and of pathological origin. The peculiarities of this institution clearly leave their mark on authentic human experiences. What prompts the inmates to resort to such practices as self-agression? What is the symbolic language of self-harm? What are their intentions: to communicate something, to overcome a problem, to transfer emotional pain into a physical one, to show that they are different, to defend themselves, to punish themselves or others, to see blood, to check if they are alive? Does human aggression depend only on environment and education, or also on the hereditary factor?

Bitter taste sensitivity in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and its relevance to bitter deterrents of ingestion.

As the most favoured animal companion of humans, dogs occupy a unique place in society. Understanding the senses of the dog can bring benefits to both the dogs themselves and their owners. In the case of bitter taste, research may provide useful information on sensitivity to, and acceptance of, diets containing bitter tasting materials. It may also help to protect dogs from the accidental ingestion of toxic substances, as in some instances bitter tasting additives are used as deterrents to ingestion. In this study we examined the receptive range of dog bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs). We found that orthologous dog and human receptors do not always share the same receptive ranges using in vitro assays. One bitter chemical often used as a deterrent, denatonium benzoate, is only moderately active against dTas2r4, and is almost completely inactive against other dog Tas2rs, including dTas2r10, a highly sensitive receptor in humans. We substituted amino acids to create chimeric dog-human versions of the Tas2r10 receptor and found the ECL2 region partly determined denatonium sensitivity. We further confirmed the reduced sensitivity of dogs to this compound in vivo. A concentration of 100μM (44.7ppm) denatonium benzoate was effective as a deterrent to dog ingestion in a two-bottle choice test indicating higher concentrations may increase efficacy for dogs. These data can inform the choice and concentration of bitter deterrents added to toxic substances to help reduce the occurrence of accidental dog poisonings.

Assessing Children with Poor Coordination Can Be Tricky - A Review on Ataxia and Ataxia Mimickers and a Study of Three Children with Severe Epilepsy.

While ataxia is a relatively common presenting feature in pediatric patients, it represents only one possible cause of uncoordinated movements. Other possible causes of uncoordinated movements include ingestion of toxic substances, musculoskeletal diseases, psychogenic disorders, extrapyramidal movement disorders, peripheral neuropathies, spasticity from any cause, and epilepsy. Therefore, primary health care providers must recognize and exclude other etiologies of uncoordinated movements before attaching the label “ataxia” to any patient presenting with poor coordination. Once the presence of ataxia is confirmed, the cause should be investigated. As ataxia may be vestibular, sensory, or cerebellar in origin, medical practitioners must evaluate the diverse symptoms and signs to effectively differentiate the various types of ataxia. Three case studies are presented to illustrate the complexity associated with the assessment of ataxia. Each case will discuss a pediatric patient who displays cerebellar ataxia as a concurrent feature of a gene-specific developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. These cases will provide an example of how ataxia may be differentiated from other causes of uncoordinated movements related to epilepsy and anti-seizure medications, namely: nonconvulsive seizures, postictal state, and medication side effects or toxicity. The assessment of poor balance can be challenging at times; however, with knowledge of the differential diagnosis of poor balance, medical practitioners will be able to confidently determine the presence of true ataxia from various ataxia mimickers, thereby allowing for timely and accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management.

Analysis of ingestion admissions in a midsized pediatric intensive care unit.

Pediatric ingestion of toxic substances is a complicated cause of morbidity. Currently, there is limited literature on toxic ingestions resulting in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions. A retrospective study was conducted to quantify the number and financial costs of admissions for toxic ingestion. Secondary objectives were to determine common types of ingestions and interventions as well as examine the relationship between intentional ingestion status and patient age. Data were obtained from a retrospective review of records from April 2016 through August 2018 from a PICU located in the Midwestern USA. There were 360 unique patient encounters used in primary analyses. Intentional ingestion and suicidal ideation documented in 72% and 54% of patients, respectively.Patients younger than nine had an 87% (95% confidence interval: 80%, 92%) lower risk for intentional ingestion. The median lengths of stay were 1.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.0, 1.0) days with a median cost of $2498 (IQR: $1870, $3592) USD. There was no patient mortality identified in the sample. The types of ingestions appeared to match those of the National Poison Control Database. Lengths of stay were short and had a non-nominal cost. A greater age was associated with an increased risk of intentional ingestions.

Successful Multiorgan Donation From a Brain-dead Donor Following Liquid Nicotine Voluntary Intoxication: A Case Report.

Successful Multiorgan Donation From a Brain-dead Donor Following Liquid Nicotine Voluntary Intoxication: A Case Report.

Finding food in a novel environment: The diet of a reintroduced endangered meso-predator to mainland Australia, with notes on foraging behaviour.

Translocated captive-bred predators are less skilled at hunting than wild-born predators and more prone to starvation post-release. Foraging in an unfamiliar environment presents many further risks to translocated animals. Knowledge of the diet and foraging behaviour of translocated animals is therefore an important consideration of reintroductions. We investigated the diet of the endangered meso-predator, the eastern quoll Dasyurus viverrinus. We also opportunistically observed foraging behaviour, enabling us to examine risks associated with foraging. Sixty captive-bred eastern quolls were reintroduced to an unfenced reserve on mainland Australia (where introduced predators are managed) over a two year period (2018, 2019). Quolls were supplementary fed macropod meat but were also able to forage freely. Dietary analysis of scats (n = 56) revealed that quolls ate macropods, small mammals, birds, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and frogs, with some between-year differences in the frequency of different diet categories. We also observed quolls hunting live prey. Quolls utilised supplementary feeding stations, indicating that this may be an important strategy during the establishment phase. Our study demonstrated that, in a novel environment, captive-bred quolls were able to locate food and hunt live prey. However, foraging was not without risks; with the ingestion of toxic substances and foraging in dangerous environments found to be potentially harmful. Knowledge of the diet of reintroduced fauna in natural landscapes is important for understanding foraging behaviour and evaluating habitat suitability for future translocations and management.

Perceptions of vulture supplementary feeding site managers and potential hidden risks to avian scavengers

AbstractUnder the current African vulture crisis, supplementary feeding sites (SFS), which provide carrion resources, have become a popular conservation tool to address vulture declines. In South Africa, this practice is unregulated and the context in which SFS operate and their adherence to best management practices is currently unknown. In this study, we conducted a survey with SFS managers regarding the management of their SFS to evaluate potential conservation implications of different practices. Half of the SFS surveyed were associated with livestock farming. Overall, most managers (84%) perceived some benefit from running an SFS, largely attributed to cleaning services provided by vultures. Over half of the managers perceived no disadvantages from running SFS. We found a positive correlation between numbers of vultures seen at SFS and the amount of food provided there. Despite unintentional and intentional poisoning being identified by experts as the most critical threats to vultures in Southern Africa, only 47 and 24% of managers, respectively, listed these as potential threats to vultures, highlighting limited understanding of current vulture conservation issues. Most managers (85%) vetted carcasses for provisioning suitability based on whether they had been treated with veterinary drugs, but relatively few managers (10%) did the same for lead (Pb) contamination. Only 30% of managers considered threats to vultures when they decided on a location for their SFS. Overall, this study unveils that at many SFS, safety conditions are not met and vultures may be exposed to risks, such as the ingestion of toxic substances (e.g., Pb) or electrocution by energy infrastructure. To minimize unintended negative consequences from SFS, it will be essential to increase the interaction between SFS managers and conservation practitioners, to increase the flow of information on best management practices and enforce stringent and clear guidelines that minimize any risks to vultures.

Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Cats: An Assessment of Risks and Benefits.

Simple SummaryOutdoor access for companion cats is a controversial topic. Some have suggested that outdoor access can negatively impact the welfare of companion cats through increased risks of disease and parasites, injury or death due to traffic, predation or ingestion of toxins, and becoming lost. In addition, cats can negatively influence their environments due to the predation of small birds and mammals, and they are sometimes a nuisance to human neighbors. Despite these concerns, recent estimates suggest that many owners still allow their cats outside, likely because it also provides cats with exercise, and allows them to perform natural behaviors, such as hunting, exploring, and climbing. While some suggest that cats need outdoor access, others recommend ways for cats to meet these needs indoors by providing enrichment and properly supervising cats during outdoor access. This review examines the risks and benefits associated with outdoor access for cats, as well as what is currently known about peoples’ practices, knowledge, and attitudes about the provision of outdoor access for cats.Uncontrolled outdoor access is associated with a number of welfare concerns for companion cats, including increased risks of disease and parasites, injury or death due to traffic, predation or ingestion of toxic substances, and getting permanently separated from their owner. In addition, cats pose a threat to local wildlife due to predatory behaviors, and can sometimes be a nuisance to human neighbors. Despite these concerns, recent estimates suggest that many owners are still providing their cats with uncontrolled outdoor access, likely because it also offers welfare benefits by allowing cats to perform natural behaviors, such as hunting, exploring, and climbing. While some have suggested that outdoor access is necessary to meet cats’ behavioral needs and to prevent related behavioral problems, others have recommended various environmental enrichment strategies that can be developed to meet these needs within an indoor environment or through supervised and controlled outdoor access. This review examines the welfare issues and benefits associated with outdoor access for cats, as well as what is currently known about peoples’ practices, knowledge, and attitudes about the provision of outdoor access for cats.

The Good Tastes Study: Associations Between Infants’ Physiological Regulation and Responses to Bitter Green Vegetables (P11-083-19)

ObjectivesInfants are predisposed to reject bitter tastes in order to prevent the ingestion of toxic substances. Thus, some infants may respond to bitter flavors with a physiological response consistent with how they respond to environmental threat, with implications for their behavior. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is an index of parasympathetic regulation of the heart, which decreases in response to challenging or threatening stimuli (i.e., RSA withdrawal), allowing the individual to engage in a fight or flight response (Porges, 2007). Here, we examined whether RSA withdrawal (RSAW) was associated with infants’ behavioral reactions to bitter green vegetable purées. MethodsInfants/toddlers (n = 106; 57 males) tasted a familiar food (rice cereal) and a novel food (kale purees) offered by their caregivers (94% mothers) during a laboratory visit. Trained coders watched video recordings to tally infants’ rejections (e.g., head turns, spoon swatting) and rate their degree of acceptance (4-point scale; 0 = refusal to 3 = anticipation). Three disposable electrodes were placed on the infants’ chest areas prior to feeding to measure heart rate (R-waves). Data were edited and used to calculate RSA values in 15-s epochs using CardioBatch Plus (Brain-Body Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill). RSAW scores were calculated by subtracting average RSA during the kale tasting from average RSA during the familiar food baseline task; higher scores indicated greater RSAW. Multiple regression models were used to examine associations between RSAW and infants’ reactions to the kale (rejections, acceptance) after controlling for child age (months) and the amount of time since they last ate (minutes). ResultsRegression models predicting novel food rejection (F(3,82) = 8.78, R2 = .49) and acceptance (F(3,83) = 9.81, R2 = .51) were significant. After controlling for covariates, greater RSAW was associated with more rejection behaviors (β = .21, P = .03) and less acceptance (β = -.24, P = .01). ConclusionsInfants who demonstrated greater RSAW during the kale feeding also responded to the kale with a behavioral “fight” response—greater rejection of the food. This study provides preliminary evidence that when infants reject bitter green vegetables, their physiological responses reflect a reaction to environmental threat. Funding SourcesThe Sugar Association.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (Pres) Presenting with Status Epilepticus in the Context of Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis

Background: PRES is an increasingly recognized cliniconeuroradiological disorder, presenting with headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, altered consciousness and visual disturbances. It is mainly associated with kidney disease, organ transplantation, immunosuppressives, autoimmune diseases and eclampsia. Typical MRI findings include white matter vasogenic edema predominantly affecting the posterior parietaloccipital lobes of the brain. The symptoms may persist for several days and the radiological findings resolve within few weeks. Case-diagnosis/treatment: We report a previously healthy 7-year old patient, who presented with status epilepticus, following a 2-day history of nausea, vomiting and headache. The patient was apyrexial and had no history of epilepsy or recent history of head trauma or ingestion of toxic substances. During the seizures, raised systolic blood pressure was recorded. Periorbital edema and proteinuria were noted for 24 hours post-seizure. Persistent microscopic hematuria and hypertension were also recognized. Based on a positive personal history of tonsillitis 2 weeks before the onset of the seizures, persistent microscopic hematuria, raised blood pressure for one week, low C3 and C4 levels, raised Antistreptolysin O titer and typical MRI findings that resolved 4 weeks later, PRES was diagnosed in the context of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Conclusions: PRES should always be considered in patients with glomerulonephritis presenting with acute hypertension and rapidly progressive neurological manifestations. Since it is often unsuspected, prompt recognition and treatment is important for the resolution of the symptoms and radiological features, as well as for preventing unnecessary investigations and therapies.

Sweet and bitter taste in the brain of awake behaving animals.

Taste is responsible for evaluating the nutritious content of food, guiding essential appetitive behaviors, preventing the ingestion of toxic substances, and helping ensure the maintenance of a healthy diet. Sweet and bitter are two of the most salient sensory percepts for humans and other animals; sweet taste permits the identification of energy-rich nutrients while bitter warns against the intake of potentially noxious chemicals1. In mammals, information from taste receptor cells in the tongue is transmitted through multiple neural stations to the primary gustatory cortex in the brain2. Recent imaging studies have shown that sweet and bitter are represented in the primary gustatory cortex by neurons organized in a spatial map3,4, with each taste quality encoded by distinct cortical fields4. Here we demonstrate that by manipulating the brain fields representing sweet and bitter taste we directly control an animal’s internal representation, sensory perception, and behavioral actions. These results substantiate the segregation of taste qualities in the cortex, expose the innate nature of appetitive and aversive taste responses, and illustrate the ability of gustatory cortex to recapitulate complex behaviors in the absence of sensory input.

An Analysis of Suicide Attempts in Jaén Province (Andalusia-Spain)

AimSuicide is the leading cause of non-accidental death in Spain across both sexes and all age groups; however, data on suicide attempts by region are heterogeneous and little reported. This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic and epidemiological variables most strongly related to suicide attempts in Jaén province.MethodData on people who had attempted suicide over a 26-month period (2009–2011) were collected from the emergency departments of two hospitals via their electronic medical record systems specific to the Autonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain). Descriptive and frequency statistics were obtained and the relationship among variables was examined.ResultsSuicide attempters were aged 24 to 53 years, being primarily women (65.25%). The most frequent suicide method was medication ingestion (85.55%); thus, ingestion of toxic substances has become the preferred method among women (LR(3) = 14.731; p = .02). The hospitals discharged the patients (46.44%) or referred them to mental health services in the area (20.08%) following a suicide attempt. There were more hospital discharges when the attempt involved ingestion of toxic substances or self-harm (LR(12) = 20.603; p = .05), and in winter and spring (LR(12) = 69.772; p < .001).ConclusionThe need for emergency departments to have prevention and intervention procedures in place, specifically designed for suicide attempts and at-risk individuals, is discussed.

Risk factors for hazardous events in olfactory-impaired patients.

Normal olfaction provides essential cues to allow early detection and avoidance of potentially hazardous situations. Thus, patients with impaired olfaction may be at increased risk of experiencing certain hazardous events such as cooking or house fires, delayed detection of gas leaks, and exposure to or ingestion of toxic substances. To identify risk factors and potential trends over time in olfactory-related hazardous events in patients with impaired olfactory function. Retrospective cohort study of 1047 patients presenting to a university smell and taste clinic between 1983 and 2013. A total of 704 patients had both clinical olfactory testing and a hazard interview and were studied. On the basis of olfactory function testing results, patients were categorized as normosmic (n = 161), mildly hyposmic (n = 99), moderately hyposmic (n = 93), severely hyposmic (n = 142), and anosmic (n = 209). Patient evaluation including interview, examination, and olfactory testing. Incidence of specific olfaction-related hazardous events (ie, burning pots and/or pans, starting a fire while cooking, inability to detect gas leaks, inability to detect smoke, and ingestion of toxic substances or spoiled foods) by degree of olfactory impairment. The incidence of having experienced any hazardous event progressively increased with degree of impairment: normosmic (18.0%), mildly hyposmic (22.2%), moderately hyposmic (31.2%), severely hyposmic (32.4%), and anosmic (39.2%). Over 3 decades there was no significant change in the overall incidence of hazardous events. Analysis of demographic data (age, sex, race, smoking status, and etiology) revealed significant differences in the incidence of hazardous events based on age (among 397 patients <65 years, 148 [37.3%] with hazardous event, vs 31 of 146 patients ≥65 years [21.3%]; P < .001), sex (among 278 women, 106 [38.1%] with hazardous event, vs 73 of 265 men [27.6%]; P = .009), and race (among 98 African Americans, 41 [41.8%] with hazardous event, vs 134 of 434 whites [30.9%]; P = .04). Increased level of olfactory impairment portends an increased risk of experiencing a hazardous event. Risk is further impacted by individuals' age, sex, and race. These results may assist health care practitioners in counseling patients on the risks associated with olfactory impairment.

PO-0993 Epidemiology Of Drug Overdose/poisoning In Paediatric Population In A Single Centre Over 2 Year Period

<h3>Bagkround</h3> Unintentional ingestion of toxic substances (cigarette), drug overdose and mucosal injuries due to corrosive liquate (house cleaners, batteries) remains common paediatric problem, with estimated annual admissions 94/100,000 population. <h3>Methods</h3> We retrospectively recorded all patients admitted due to drug overdose-toxic/corrosive substance ingestion to the 3rd Department of First Paediatrics, of the National University of Athens Greece, from 3/2012–3/2014. <h3>Results</h3> In total 190 patients were recorded, with mean age 41 ± 39 months. The study population was further divided into 4 age-groups: babies (0–12 months), toddlers (1–3 years), prepubertal children (4–8 years) and teenagers (&gt;9 years). Males were predominant in younger age (68%, 57% and 62% in group 1, 2 and 3 respectively), while females were predominant during pubertal age (75%), (p &lt; 0.05). Babies’ main hospitalising reason was cigarette ingestion (55%). Toddlers were equally admitted due to cigarette (34%), corrosive liquate ingestion (22%) or drug overdose (33%). Drug overdose was mainly recorded in prepubertal children (60%), while teenagers mainly suffered by drug (45%) or alcohol overdose (40%), (p &lt; 0.001). Regarding the duration of the hospitalisation, younger patients (groups 1, 2 and 3) discharged in &lt;24 h (91%, 80% and 75% respectively), 55% of teenagers however had to stay for &gt;24 h (p &lt; 0.001). No differences were recorded regarding the socialeconomical/educational status of the families, notable is however that 27% of the patients were self-discharged, unlike doctors’ suggestions. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Young males with unintentional cigarette ingestion/drug overdose, or teenage females with alcohol/drug overdose comprise the profile of our typical patient. Despite the initial family stress, 25% of the patients are shortly after admission self-discharged.

Agricultural Development and Human Welfare: A Precarious Relationship Implicated by Genetically Modified Organisms

Absent further international oversight, the relationship between human welfare and agricultural development will dangerously become inversely related. The inverse nature of the relationship between human welfare and agricultural development is due to the delicate position of developing nations. Such a delicate position involves agricultural technology, food security, food production, food supply, and food access. The key element of such factors is the debate over agricultural biotechnology, otherwise known as genetically modified crops (“GM crops”). Such genetic modifications have been scientifically created with the aim of enhancing their productivity. Such productivity is understood as a crop’s yield and tolerance to pests, diseases and drought. Through a complicated series of steps, GM crops ultimately result in seed development and technological licensing. The debate, fueled by agricultural biotechnology, stems from the market domination of GM crops by multinational corporations such as Monsanto. Multinational corporate dominance in the global markets has brought forth power structure shifts and allegations of monopolies. Such a shift has required the implementation of national biosafety policies and laws. Beyond national polices, agricultural biotechnology has also fueled institutional shifts. The largest of such institutional shifts is in the field of intellectual property. Due to the fact that the multinational corporations essentially own the seeds and rights to produce the food byproduct, farmers or other seed companies cannot reproduce the seeds freely. Many critics argue that such companies are controlling the global food supply. Beyond controlling the global food supply, GM crops have also posed possible threats to the “environment through gene flows and to human health through ingestion of toxic substances.” Such an impact questions whether the risks outweigh the benefits.

Risk for ingestion of toxic substances in children with Prader–Willi syndrome

Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have several common findings that may predispose to ingestion of potentially dangerous items. This study examined whether individuals with PWS have an increased prevalence of toxic ingestions. A survey regarding history of ingestions in PWS individuals and sibling controls was designed, piloted, and distributed on-line. The subjects were individuals with PWS (N = 129). The subjects' non-PWS siblings served as controls (N = 134). Participants who completed the anonymous online survey were either the parents or the primary caretaker of individuals with PWS. Responses were submitted by 141 participants, providing information about 130 PWS subjects (M/F: 66:64) and 134 sibling controls. Subjects and controls ranged in age from 2 to 18 years at the time of the survey. Eleven participants did not answer the questions regarding ingestions. History of toxic ingestion was more prevalent in PWS subjects (20% vs. 2% of controls). Several features of PWS, including history of searching for food and eating unusual objects, along with decreased cognitive ability, appeared to associate with increased prevalence of toxic ingestion in PWS individuals. PWS children appear to have an ∼12-fold increased risk of ingesting toxins compared to the general population. Geneticists should include this information in counseling and in recommendations to primary care providers. Also, poison control centers need to be aware of this association and of the physiological and behavioral aspects of PWS that may complicate the diagnosis and management of a toxic ingestion.