Human Poisoning Research Articles

Acute rotenone poisoning: A scoping review

ContextRotenone is a toxic chemical found in various plants, including some used as food. Rotenone poisoning can be fatal and there is no antidote. Mechanistically, rotenone inhibits mitochondrial complex I, leading to reduced ATP production, compensatory glycolytic upregulation and secondary lactate production, and oxidative stress. Our literature review examined acute rotenone poisoning in humans, including exposure scenarios, clinical presentations, and treatments. MethodsWe searched five databases for relevant literature from database inception through the search date: July 12, 2022, pairing controlled vocabulary and keywords for “rotenone” with terms relating to human exposures and outcomes, such as “ingestion,” “exposure,” and “poisoning.” We included all peer-reviewed reports found using the search terms where the full English text was available. Data abstracted included the number, age, weight, and sex of the exposed person(s), country where exposure happened, exposure scenario, ingestion context, estimated dose, clinical features, whether hospitalization occurred, treatments, and outcomes. ResultsAfter removing non-qualifying sources from 2,631 publications, we identified 11 case reports describing 18 victims, 15 of whom were hospitalized and five died. Most cases occurred in private quarters where victims unknowingly consumed rotenone-containing plants. Vomiting and metabolic acidosis occurred most commonly. Some patients exhibited impaired cardiopulmonary function. Supportive treatment addressed symptoms and included gastric lavage and/or activated charcoal to remove rotenone from the stomach, vasopressors for hypotension, mechanical ventilation for respiratory insufficiency, and sodium bicarbonate for acidosis. Some patients received N-acetylcysteine to counter oxidative stress. ConclusionsRotenone poisoning, though rare, can be fatal. Exposure prevention is impractical since rotenone is found in some plants used as food or pesticides. Cases may be under-diagnosed because symptoms are non-specific and under-reported in English-language journals since most cases occurred in non-English speaking countries. Treatments are supportive. Exploring antioxidant therapy in animal models of rotenone poisoning may be indicated considering rotenone's mechanism of toxicity.

Strain typing and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella enterica Albany isolates from duck farms in South Korea

Salmonella enterica is distributed worldwide and is a common cause of bacterial food poisoning in humans and a serious public health problem. Although duck meat consumption has recently increased in Korea, studies on the epidemiological relationship between S. enterica contamination in duck farms are scarce. Salmonella enterica serovar Albany isolates recovered from duck farms were analyzed using two typing methods — IR Biotyper® (IRBT) and multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). The clustering results were compared with the epidemiological survey findings and the antimicrobial resistance profiles. From April 2019 to October 2020, 20 individual feces per farm from 5–6-week-old ducks were collected repeatedly from 105 duck farms. Salmonella spp. isolated from duck feces were identified using PCR and multilocus sequence typing to investigate the prevalence and distribution of the Salmonella serovars. The prevalence of S. enterica was 19%, and S. enterica Albany was the predominantly recovered isolate. The S. enterica Albany isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. MLVA and IRBT methods established relatedness and diversity among the S. enterica Albany isolates. Multidrug-resistant S. enterica Albany was distributed in all the farms. Antimicrobial resistance profiles reflected the duck farm characteristics and isolates recovered from the same farm showed an identical profile. Isolates repeatedly recovered from the same farm also showed identical IRBT clusters and MLVA groups. These findings suggest that the isolates remained on the duck farm and re-infected new duck flocks. Thus, proper cleaning and disinfection is required before the farms are repopulated.

The amnesic shellfish poisoning toxin, domoic acid: The tattoo of the king scallop Pecten maximus

Domoic acid (DA) is a potent neurotoxin produced by diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia and is responsible for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) in humans. Some fishery resources of high commercial value, such as the king scallop Pecten maximus, are frequently exposed to toxic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms and are capable of accumulating high amounts of DA, retaining it for months or even a few years. This poses a serious threat to public health and a continuous economical risk due to fishing closures of this resource in the affected areas. Recently, it was hypothesized that trapping of DA within autophagosomic-vesicles could be one reason explaining the long retention of the remaining toxin in P. maximus digestive gland. To test this idea, we follow the kinetics of the subcellular localization of DA in the digestive glands of P. maximus during (a) the contamination process — with sequential samplings of scallops reared in the field during 234 days and naturally exposed to blooms of DA-producing Pseudo-nitzschia australis, and (b) the decontamination process — where highly contaminated scallops were collected after a natural bloom of toxic P. australis and subjected to DA-depuration in the laboratory for 60 days. In the digestive gland, DA-depuration rate (0.001 day−1) was much slower than contamination kinetics. The subcellular analyses revealed a direct implication of early autophagy in DA sequestration throughout contamination (r = 0.8, P < 0.05), while the presence of DA-labeled residual bodies (late autophagy) appeared to be strongly and significantly related to slow DA-depuration (r = -0.5) resembling an analogous DA-tattooing in the digestive glands of P. maximus. This work provides new evidence about the potential physiological mechanisms involved in the long retention of DA in P. maximus and represents the baseline to explore procedures to accelerate decontamination in this species.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Plant Exposure in Patients Aged between 0 and 18 Years-A Six-Year Retrospective Study.

Exposure to plants accounts for approximately 5% of human poisoning cases reported by poison control centers in North America and Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate acute plant poisoning in patients aged 0-18 years admitted to a Romanian pediatric poison center, focusing on epidemiological and clinical aspects. A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2017 and 2022, analyzing medical records for demographic information, clinical features, biological findings, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. 71 patients (aged 7 months to 16 years) presented with acute plant poisoning. Most cases were unintentional (92.9%), peaking during the autumn season. Colocasia (18.3%), Dieffenbachia (9.8%), and Ricinus (5%) were the most frequently involved plants. Gastrointestinal symptoms, especially vomiting, predominated. The Poisoning Severity Score classified most cases as mild (52.1%), with no severe or fatal cases. The mean length of hospitalization was 1.8 days. Unintentional plant exposure, mainly in children under 5 years of age, accounted for more than 90% of cases. Gastrointestinal exposure and symptoms were prevalent, and treatment consisted mainly of symptomatic and supportive measures. Severe and fatal cases were rare, highlighting the generally favorable outcome and low incidence of severe poisoning in the pediatric population.

HYDRO-TELLURIC FLUOROSIS IN MOROCCO: TOXICITY, FLUOROPATHY AND CURRENT STATE OF PREVENTIVE ASPECTS

Prolonged exposure to fluorides causes chronic fluoride intoxication in humans and animals, which the main manifestation is, osteodental fluorosis. In Morocco, fluorosis affects a large number of animals, particularly ruminants, and constitutes a serious handicap in contaminated regions, both economically and in terms of health. It is identified by a change in the color, structure and orientation of the teeth, and by a change in the structure and texture of the bones. Regardless of the animal species affected, fluorosis appears after a relatively long period of exposure, from several months to several years, by disorders of phosphocalcic metabolism resulting in osteodental changes associated with various general symptoms. These lesions compromise the grip, chewing and movement of the animals, and thus cause malnutrition, a drop in productivity and sometimes may lead to death. These disturbances have the characteristic of being irreversible, since once installed, no treatment allows to eliminate them in a definitive way, prevention is therefore the only way to alleviate. In order to face this fluoride intoxication, farmers use mainly empirical methods, such as transhumance, the purchase of animals from fluoride free zones or their sale at a young age before the appearance of dental lesions. The reduction of ingestion by using water sources and feed with low fluoride content as well as the supplementation of minerals (Al, Mg, B, Ca) and vitamins (the case of vitamin C) to limit absorption, are also practiced. However, aluminum-based licking salt blocks and supplemented feed enriched with minerals and vitamins are no longer used due to the lack of financial means of some breeders and state financial support. While the preventive effects of calcium, magnesium and boron, have still not been the subject of clinical studies in ruminants. Decidedly, the lack of vulgarization and the socio-economic level of the population, as well as the lack of financial support, constitute the main obstacles in the ultimate goal of counteracting hydrotelluric fluorosis.

Abamectin poisoning: a case report and review of literature

Abamectin, a widely used insecticide in Sri Lankan agricultural practices is recognised to occasionally cause serious neurological and cardio-respiratory consequences, and very rarely fatalities following human intoxication. We report a young male presenting with agitation, generalised seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and metabolic acidosis following attempted suicide with abamectin ingestion. He improved after 48 hours of intubation, mechanical ventilation and supportive intensive care. This reported case and review of literature is aimed at creating awareness on toxicology and clinical manifestations of abamectin poisoning.

Production techniques and product characteristics of “Kaymak” produced in Türkiye

With its unique creamy structure, delicious consistency, slightly acidic taste and aroma, “kaymak” is a traditional dairy product that is consumed with honey and jam for breakfast, in the production of Turkish delight with cream and cream candy, or in Turkish desserts such as kadayif and baklava because of its many features that increase the ornamentation, flavor and nutritional value. In Türkiye, two types of “kaymak” are produced as “Afyon Kaymağı” and “Lüle Kaymağı”, especially in the Aegean region (Afyonkarahisar and its surroundings) and Central Anatolia, as well as in Ankara, Bursa, Edirne, Erzurum, Istanbul, Izmir, Kilis and Kocaeli provinces. It is also produced from buffalo milk in countries such as the Balkans, Middle East, Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and India. It is described by names such as “kajmak”, “kaimak”, “gemagh” or “geymar”. The fact that the “kaymak” produced by the traditional method has a very open production process to microbial contamination, is a product that does not undergo fermentation, has a high water content and is rich in usable nutrients, increases the importance of the risk of contamination after the pasteurization process. It is evaluated that “kaymak” can provide an extremely favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms that Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, coliform bacteria, Listeria spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella spp., Salmonella-Shigella, Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, total aerobic mesophyll bacteria, total aerobic psychrophilic bacteria, yeast and mould, which cause foodborne infections and food intoxications in humans and this situation may pose a risk for public health.

Ruthenium, rhodium decorated perfect and Te-vacancy MoTe2 monolayer for industrial hazardous gases detection and scavenging

With the rapid development of industry and soaring of the global economy, the atmospheric pollution and human poisoning problems turn to a harsh circumstance. Accurate online monitoring and scavenging of industrial hazardous gases have become a bottleneck in recent years. In this paper, the adsorption mechanism and electrical properties of Ruthenium, Rhodium decorated perfect and Te-vacancy MoTe2 monolayer towards hazardous gases (SO2, CO, NH3) were firstly explored based on density functional theory. Comparing the adsorption behavior differences between perfect surface MoTe2 and Te atom vacancy MoTe2 through the analysis of density of states differential charge density and molecular orbital theory. The results show that the dopant reduces the band gap and enhances the surface competence. In addition, the trapping ability of the metal-modified defective MoTe2 to hazardous gases is inferior to that of the perfect MoTe2, and both adsorption types are physico-chemical adsorption. Modified MoTe2 could obtain the ideal recovery time as a NH3 gas sensor. CO are more difficult to detach from the mixture’ surfaces, which is a good proof for the CO adsorbent. The data provides the basis for the design of metal particle decoration based MoTe2 nanomaterials employed in the detection and scavenging of hazardous gases.

Hazards Causing Human Food Poisoning

For confirming suitability of food products for human consumption it should be evaluated for hazards causing human food poisoning as microbial, fungal and parasitic contamination. Consumption of infected food products containing hazards causing human food poisoning could affect human health and lead to spread of pathogens. A hazard causing human food poisoning as Salmonella spp. is pathogenic to human when consumed via contaminated food. Human food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is an infection or irritation of the digestive tract that spreads through food or drinks. Hazards causing human food poisoning as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Harmful chemicals may also cause food poisoning. Food poisoning is most often acute, meaning it happens suddenly and lasts a short time. Most cases of food poisoning last less than a week, and most people get better on their own without treatment. In some cases, human food poisoning can last longer or lead to dangerous complications.

Seismic Response Analysis of Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Tank Constructed on Loess Soil

Introduction: Liquid storage tanks are an essential container structure widely used in various industries. In earthquake disasters, liquid storage tanks cause not only direct disasters but also induce secondary severe disasters, such as fires, explosions, nuclear leaks, and human and animal poisoning. The latest research on seismic analysis of structures showed that soils with different stiffness can affect the seismic response characteristics of surface structures, and various irregular topographies can also alter the degree of seismic-induced damage to surface structures. Studying the seismic response of liquid storage tanks can mitigate the risk of earthquake damage to these vital structures. Methods: This study used finite element simulations. Three sizes of liquid storage tanks with different aspect ratios were selected, including the squat, square, and slender tanks. Three conditions were considered for the tanks' liquid: empty, half-filled, and fully filled. Two types of topographies were considered, including flat and step-like slope topography with an inclination angle of 116.6°. Nine natural earthquake records were used for seismic analysis and divided into three categories: high-frequency, medium-frequency, and low-frequency. Established finite element models were validated through comparison with the results of other studies. The dynamic time history analysis was carried out for each finite element model. The tank's base shear forces, the normal stress in the tank wall, the shear stress in the tank bottom, and the maximum displacement of the tank wall were measured and compared. Results: The step-like slope topography and loess soil significantly amplified the seismic response of the liquid storage tank. Moreover, as the liquid height and the tanks’ aspect ratio increased, the seismic damage intensity also increased. The seismic response of the liquid storage tank was generally more sensitive to low-frequency and medium-frequency seismic records. The Eurocode 8’s equation underestimated tanks’ base shear when located on a step-like slope topography. Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrated the significant effect of irregular topography and loess soil on the seismic response of liquid storage tanks. Therefore, it was concluded that they should be considered when liquid storage tanks are designed for seismic actions.

Pharmaco-toxicological effects of the novel tryptamine hallucinogen 5-MeO-MiPT on motor, sensorimotor, physiological, and cardiorespiratory parameters in mice—from a human poisoning case to the preclinical evidence

RationaleThe 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT, known online as “Moxy”) is a new psychedelic tryptamine first identified on Italian national territory in 2014. Its hallucinogen effects are broadly well-known; however, only few information is available regarding its pharmaco-toxicological effects.ObjectivesFollowing the seizure of this new psychoactive substances by the Arm of Carabinieri and the occurrence of a human intoxication case, in the current study we had the aim to characterize the in vivo acute effects of systemic administration of 5-MeO-MiPT (0.01–30 mg/kg i.p.) on sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, thermoregulation, and stimulated motor activity (drag and accelerod test) in CD-1 male mice. We also evaluated variation on sensory gating (PPI, prepulse inhibition; 0.01–10 mg/kg i.p.) and on cardiorespiratory parameters (MouseOx and BP-2000; 30 mg/kg i.p.). Lastly, we investigated the in silico ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) profile of 5-MeO-MiPT compared to 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT).ResultsThis study demonstrates that 5-MeO-MiPT dose-dependently inhibits sensorimotor and PPI responses and, at high doses, induces impairment of the stimulated motor activity and cardiorespiratory changes in mice. In silico prediction shows that the 5-MeO-MiPT toxicokinetic profile shares similarities with 5-MeO-DIPT and DMT and highlights a cytochrome risk associated with this compound.ConclusionsConsumption of 5-MeO-MiPT can affect the ability to perform activities and pose a risk to human health status, as the correspondence between the effects induced in mice and the symptoms occurred in the intoxication case suggests. However, our findings suggest that 5-MeO-MiPT should not be excluded from research in the psychiatric therapy field.

Avoiding cantharidin through ionotropic receptors

The discernment and aversion of noxious gustatory stimuli profoundly influence homeostasis maintenance and survival of fauna. Cantharidin, a purported aphrodisiac, is a monoterpenoid compound secreted by many species of blister beetle, particularly by the Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria. Although the various advantageous functions of cantharidin have been described, its taste analysis and toxic properties in animalshave been rarely explored. Our study using Drosophila melanogaster examines the taste properties of cantharidin along with its potential hazardous effect in the internal organs of animals. Here, we find that cantharidin activates bitter taste receptors. Our findings show that specific ionotropic receptors (IR7g, IR51b, and IR94f) in labellar bitter-sensing neurons, along with co-receptors IR25a and IR76b, are responsible for detecting cantharidin. By introducing the IR7g and IR51b in sweet and bitter neurons, naturally expressing IR76b and IR25a, we show that these genes are sufficient for cantharidin perception. Moreover, we witness the deleterious ramifications of cantharidin on survival and visceral integrities, shedding light on its hazardous effect.

A fast and reliable LC-MS-MS method for the quantification of saxitoxin in blood plasma samples.

Saxitoxins (STXs) are potent neurotoxins produced by marine dinoflagellates or freshwater cyanobacteria known to cause acute and eventually fatal human intoxications, which are classified as paralytic shellfish poisonings (PSPs). Rapid analysis of STXs in blood plasma can be used for a timely diagnosis and confirmation of PSPs. We developed a fast and simple method of STX extraction based on plasma sample acidification and precipitation by acetonitrile, followed by quantification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Our approach provides the results ≤30 min, with a limit of detection of 2.8 ng/mL and a lower limit of quantification of 5.0 ng/mL. Within-run and between-run precision experiments showed good reproducibility with ≤15% values. Standard curves for calibration were linear with correlation coefficients ≥0.98 across the assay calibration range (5-200 ng/mL). In an interlaboratory analytical exercise, the method was found to be 100% accurate in determining the presence or absence of STX in human plasma specimens, with recovery values of 86-99%. This simple method for STX determination in animal or human plasma can quickly and reliably diagnose STX exposures and confirm suspected PSP cases to facilitate patient treatment or expedite necessary public health or security actions.

Occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular characterization of Salmonella enterica from chicken products and human in Wasit Governorate of Iraq

Background: Salmonella infections are considered the most common foodborne pathogens responsible for zoonotic infections and food poisoning in humans and animal species such as birds. Antimicrobial resistance is considered a global anxiety, because it cause human public health repercussions, as well as lead to increase in animal morbidity and death. Aim: The aims of this study are the isolation and identification of Salmonella enterica, as well as to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility test and the molecular characteristics using PCR and sequences for isolates from chicken products (eggs, livers and minced meat) and human in the Wasit Governorate of Iraq. Methods: A total of 300 samples (150 chicken product samples including eggs, livers, and minced meat, and 150 human fecal samples) were collected from the Wasit governorate of Iraq from January to December 2022. The bacterial isolation was done according to recommendations of ISO 6579 standard and the Global Foodborne Infections Network laboratory protocol WHO 2010. Serotyping test and Antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) were done by using 19 antibiotic agents according to the recommendations of CLSI, 2022 by using disc diffusion susceptibility test and Vitik 2 test. Finally, the suspected isolates were confirmed using the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and sequencing for a unique rRNA gene. Results: The results showed that the isolation percentage of S. enterica in chicken products was 8.66% (12% eggs, 6% livers and 8% minced meat), while in humans it was 4.6%. Also, showed 100% of S. Typhi in human. While, in chicken eggs S. Typhi, S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis were 50%, 33.33% and 16.66%, respectively. Also, showed 100% of S. Typhimurium in both livers and minced meat. The AST in human isolates showed resistance to Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Ceftriaxone, while no resistance to Amoxicillin, Pipracillin, Ertapenem, Imipenem, Meropenem, Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim, Azithromycin, and Tetracycline. In chicken products isolates were resistance with different percentages to Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, and Trimethoprim; while no resistance to Amoxicillin, Pipracillin, Ertapenem, Imipenem, Meropenem, Fosfomycin, Azithromycin and Ceftriaxone. Sequencing by using rRNA gene was done for four PCR products. Conclusion: This study showed the presence of genetic mutations for S. enterica which led to variations in the molecular characteristics, and antimicrobial drug resistance of S. enterica isolated from chicken products and human.

A biphasic accelerated strand exchange amplification strategy for culture-independent and rapid detection of Salmonella enterica in food samples.

Salmonella enterica is a common foodborne pathogen that can cause food poisoning in humans. The organism also infects and causes disease in animals. Rapid and sensitive detection of S. enterica is essential to prevent the spread of this pathogen. Traditional technologies for the extraction and detection of this pathogen from complex food matrices are cumbersome and time-consuming. In this study, we introduced a novel strategy of biphasic assay integrated with an accelerated strand exchange amplification (ASEA) method for efficient detection of S. enterica without culture or other extraction procedures. Food samples are rapidly dried, resulting in a physical fluidic network inside the dried food matrix, which allows polymerases and primers to access the target DNA and initiate ASEA. The dried food matrix is defined as the solid phase, while amplification products are enriched in the supernatant (liquid phase) and generate fluorescence signals. The analytical performances demonstrated that this strategy was able to specifically identify S. enterica and did not show any cross-reaction with other common foodborne pathogens. For artificially spiked food samples, the strategy can detect 5.0 × 101 CFU mL-1S. enterica in milk, 1.0 × 102 CFU g-1 in duck, scallop or lettuce, and 1.0 × 103 CFU g-1 in either oyster or cucumber samples without pre-enrichment of the target pathogen. We further validated the strategy using 82 real food samples, and this strategy showed 92% sensitivity. The entire detection process can be finished, sample-to-answer, within 50 min, dramatically decreasing the detection time. Therefore, we believe that the proposed method enables rapid and sensitive detection of S. enterica and holds great promise for the food safety industry.

Boron nitride nanoplate-based strand exchange amplification with enhanced sensitivity and rapidity for quantitative detection of Staphylococcus aureus in food samples.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common foodborne pathogens that can cause serious food poisoning and infectious diseases in humans. Standard identification approaches include nucleic acid amplification, but current amplification tools suffer from low amplification efficiency, resulting in the risk of low sensitivity and long detection time. Herein, boron nitride nanoplates (BNNPs) were chosen as an additive for enhancing the sensitivity and rapidity of strand exchange amplification (SEA), thereby successfully expanding the application of nucleic acid detection for detecting Staphylococcus aureus in food samples. As a result, SEA based on boron nitride nanoplates (BNNP-SEA) was employed for sensitive and rapid detection of foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Compared with classical SEA, the BNNP-based SEA assay was more than 10-fold sensitive, and the detection time was reduced by 15 minutes. The optimized BNNP-based SEA shows a wide linear range from 40 pg to 50 ng in a diluted solution of the target DNA with a low detection limit of 40 pg. Moreover, the BNNP-based SEA achieves the quantitative detection of Staphylococcus aureus in different food samples (pork, beef, mutton, duck, milk and shrimp). In contrast to the classical SEA, the BNNP-based SEA method enabled sensitive and rapid detection of Staphylococcus aureus in the above food samples at concentrations as low as 5 × 103 CFU mL-1. The BNNP-based SEA assay is specific, sensitive and reliable, offering a valuable diagnostic technology for routine analysis in food safety research.

Brazilian Psychiatric Association Consensus for the Management of Acute Intoxication: general management and specific interventions for drugs of abuse.

To present the Brazilian Psychiatric Association's Consensus on the Management of Acute Intoxication. A group of experts selected by the Brazilian Psychiatric Association searched for articles on the MEDLINE (by PubMed) and Cochrane databases, limited to human studies and acute intoxication. Working groups reviewed these materials for appropriateness to the topic and the quality of the work. A survey was conducted using the Delphi method to produce a table of agreed recommendations presented at the end of the systematic review. Three survey rounds were held to reach consensus. Support for intoxication should start with Initial Management: Resuscitation/Life Support/Differential Diagnosis. For this, the group proposed the following sequence of assessments: A (airway), B (breathing), C (circulation), D.1 (disability), D.2 (differential diagnosis), D.3 (decontamination), D.4 (drug antidotes), E (enhanced elimination). The group of experts then presented specific interventions for the main drugs of abuse. Management of intoxication with drugs of abuse is complex and requires systematic protocols. The group suggests adoption of the A-B-C-D-E technique first, with constant investigation. Then, specific conduct and support until remission of intoxication. The literature is still scarce in evidence on the subject. Therefore, this consensus was necessary. We believe that at present this document can help psychiatric, general, and emergency physicians deal with emergency psychiatric episodes due to acute intoxication. This work could stimulate future studies on the topic.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Enteric Bacteria from Poultry Farms in Kano State, Nigeria

With poultry being the most abundant domestic animals worldwide, poultry farms have emerged as a prospective and widely distributed business industry in Nigeria. The outbreak of several deadly diseases that cause economic loss and discourage poultry keeping is a major challenge to poultry farming. The main goal of this study is to isolate and identify different enteric bacteria and to find the antimicrobial sensitivity profile against the pathogens isolated from specific poultry farms in Kano State. A total of 50 samples, including both poultry feed and droppings, were collected from five different poultry farms for analysis to detect the presence of enteric bacteria. The results revealed that all bacterial isolates displayed varying levels of resistance to the tested antibiotics, but they were completely susceptible to Sulfamethoxazole and Cephalexin. In general, the results of this study indicate that these samples serve as sources of E. coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Proteus mirabilis in poultry. These pathogenic bacteria pose a health threat, potentially leading to food poisoning and infections in both animals and humans. Consequently, efficient control measures such as proper management and handling of poultry birds, and sensitization of farmers on the abuse of antibiotics are crucial to prevent cross-contamination within poultry houses and ensure the provision of high quality poultry products.

Alexandrium spp.: From Toxicity to Potential Biotechnological Benefits.

Many dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium are well known for being responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs), producing potent toxins that cause damages to other marine organisms, aquaculture, fishery, tourism, as well as induce human intoxications and even death after consumption of contaminated shellfish or fish. In this review, we summarize potential bioprospecting associated to the genus Alexandrium, including which Alexandrium spp. produce metabolites with anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, as well as anti-Alzheimer applications. When available, we report their mechanisms of action and targets. We also discuss recent progress on the identification of secondary metabolites with biological properties favorable to human health and aquaculture. Altogether, this information highlights the importance of studying which culturing conditions induce the activation of enzymatic pathways responsible for the synthesis of bioactive metabolites. It also suggests considering and comparing clones collected in different locations for toxin monitoring and marine bioprospecting. This review can be of interest not only for the scientific community, but also for the entire population and industries.

Molecular Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus Exotoxins.

Staphylococcus aureus stands as one of the most pervasive pathogens given its morbidity and mortality worldwide due to its roles as an infectious agent that causes a wide variety of diseases ranging from moderately severe skin infections to fatal pneumonia and sepsis. S. aureus produces a variety of exotoxins that serve as important virulence factors in S. aureus-related infectious diseases and food poisoning in both humans and animals. For example, staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) produced by S. aureus induce staphylococcal foodborne poisoning; toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), as a typical superantigen, induces toxic shock syndrome; hemolysins induce cell damage in erythrocytes and leukocytes; and exfoliative toxin induces staphylococcal skin scalded syndrome. Recently, Panton-Valentine leucocidin, a cytotoxin produced by community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA), has been reported, and new types of SEs and staphylococcal enterotoxin-like toxins (SEls) were discovered and reported successively. This review addresses the progress of and novel insights into the molecular structure, biological activities, and pathogenicity of both the classic and the newly identified exotoxins produced by S. aureus.