Journal of Clinical Toxicology最新文献

{"title":"Envenomations in Humans Caused by the Venomous Beetle Onychocerus albitarsis: Observation of Two Cases in São Paulo State, Brazil","authors":"A. Als, Castilho Al, Borges de Sa AL, Haddad V Jr","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000392","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000392","url":null,"abstract":"Beetles (Coleoptera) are the most diverse group of animals in the world and occur in many environments. In Atlantic and Amazon rainforests, the scorpion-beetle Onychocerus albitarsis (Cerambycidae), can be found. It has venom glandules and inoculators organs in the antenna extremities. Two injuries in humans are reported, showing different patterns of skin reaction after the stings.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89035976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impacts of Blood Lead Level on Trace Element Status and Hematological Parameters in Anemic Children from Beni-Suef, Egypt","authors":"Gamal M. Taha, M. Afify, Waleed M. Elmalah, Manerva R. Gaber","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000383","url":null,"abstract":"Anemia is a world widespread health problem among infants and children, and it is often associated with an alteration in blood level of some heavy metals and essential trace elements. The aim of our study is to evaluate the association of blood lead levels (BLL) ≥ 10 μg/dl with anemia, and its effect on hematological parameters and some essential trace elements in children. This study was performed on 100 children (mean age 8.2 ± 2); they fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 75 anemic group (HB ≤ 10 g/dl) and 25 non-anemic control group (HB>10 g/dl). Blood samples were taken from subjects for estimating hematological parameters and ferritin levels along with serum level for lead, zinc, copper and iron which were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Approximately 79% of the studied children had blood lead levels (BLL) ≥ 10 μg/dl, and the blood lead level range of 1.56-26.7 μg/dl. The Serum zinc, iron and ferritin levels in children of the anemic group were significantly (p<0.001) lower than control. However, The Serum copper concentration of the anemic group were not found to significantly (p=0.92) differ from the control group. There were significant negative correlations of blood lead levels with iron (r=-0.395), zinc (r=-0.401) and serum ferritin (r=-0.609) levels among all studied children with (P<0.01). In addition to a significant negative correlations of blood lead levels with hemoglobin (HB) (r=-0.884), hematocrit (HCT) (r=-0.819) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (r=-0.452) levels among anemic group with (P<0.01). In conclusion, blood Lead level ≥ 10 μg/dl was significantly associated with risk of anemia, hematological parameters affection and also altered the status of essential trace elements. Therefore, theses parameters can be used as biomarkers for chronic lead toxicity.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"44 1","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75889542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Study of MicroRNA-24 Expression in Aflatoxin B1 Exposed Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cirrhosis","authors":"A. Attia, D. Elhammady, Maha R. Habeeb, N. Abbas, M. Zaki","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000382","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000382","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Over 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) sufferers occur in developing countries as a result of exposure to hepatitis B or C viruses, through formation of cirrhosis or viral integration into host DNA on the part of HBV, or due to ingestion of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) causing DNA damage in hepatic tissue with generation of mutations, particularly in p53 tumor suppressor gene. MicroRNAs are noncoding RNAs that have an effect on oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression, hence partaking in carcinogenesis. A connection between HCC and dysregulated expression of microRNAs has been repeatedly demonstrated, suggesting that circulating microRNAs might potentially be used as biomarkers for pre-clinical HCC detection. We aimed in this study to assess the role of micro-ribonucleic acid-24 (microRNA-24) expression in patients with cirrhosis and HCC who have experienced high levels of AFB1 exposure.Materials and Methods: Fifty HCC and 24 hepatic cirrhosis patients, in addition to 20 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Aflatoxin B1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and microRNA-24 was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR).Results: Both aflatoxin B1 levels and microRNA-24 expression were found to be significantly increased in all patient groups in comparison to controls, more so in the HCC than cirrhotic group (p˂0.0001). A highly significant correlation was detected between levels of AFB1 and amount of microRNA-24 expressed in both patient groups relative to their control counterparts (p˂0.0001). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve performed to evaluate the ability of microRNA-24 to differentiate between HCC and cirrhosis showed that it had sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 63% at cutoff 1.3, which was highly significant (p˂0.0001).Conclusion: Increased aflatoxin B1 levels detected in patients with cirrhosis and HCC further support previous studies evaluating the level of exposure of the Egyptian population to this carcinogen and support the critical role of aflatoxin B1 in the appearance of HCC. In addition, microRNA-24 expression levels demonstrated in both cirrhosis and HCC might be valuable for use as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for diagnosis of HCC.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"28 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89918025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiologic Profile of Accidents Involving Thalassophryne nattereri in Alagoas","authors":"Rafaella Rodrigues Santos das Neves, H. A. M. Tenório, H. J. V. Pereira","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000373","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000373","url":null,"abstract":"Accidents caused by aquatic venomous animal’s present lower occurrence than those involving terrestrial ones due to their habitat and especially to underreporting. Among the animals which cause these accidents, the Thalassophryne nattereri fish is emphasized in the northwestern coast of Brazil, especially in the state of Alagoas. With its particular venom inoculation apparatus, two dorsal and two lateral canaliculated spines, this envenoming causes pain, fever, severe local inflammatory reaction, formation of erythema and swelling, often are evolving to necrosis. The treatment received is limited to the administration of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications, with the latter in order to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. Many of the injured do not seek medical attention and end up using home remedies. In this context, we carried out a survey to quantify the occurrence of this type of accidents in two fishing communities belonging to the Mundau lagoon, located in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, by applying questionnaires and collecting data through patient records along with the Secretariat of Health of the State of Alagoas. The results obtained indicate the most common group of injured persons: men at working age who use fishing as mean of survival and have especially their feet and hands injured in this type of accident. It is possible to conclude that these accidents caused by Thalassophryne nattereri occur with high frequency during fishing activities in the state of Alagoas. The envenoming drives the fishermen away from their work and leads to other complications to the life and health of the injured, as well as to their economic activity. This type of study makes this sort of accident noticeable for the society, such approach has never been conducted in the state of Alagoas and we believe that it might stimulate the interest in deepen the knowledge on toxins, the development of more efficient medical treatments and accident prevention.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"26 1","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86808987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology of Work-Related Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure in Western Zhejiang Province, China","authors":"P. Tian, Yuanhai Zhang, T. Weng, L. Ni, Bin Xu, Jianfen Zhang, Bingxin Pan, C. Ye, Xingang Wang","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000398","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000398","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns are one of the most frequent chemical burns in western Zhejiang province of China, and most of them are work-related. This study documents the epidemiology of HF burns in the region using burn data from a local specialized hospital. Results from this survey will assist in the planning of prevention strategies for high-risk occupations and groups. Methods: A 13 y retrospective analysis was conducted including all patients with work-related HF exposure admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Zhejiang Quhua Hospital, Zhejiang Province, China, between January 2004 and December 2016. Information obtained from eligible patients included sex, age, education, season distribution, type and nature of enterprise, cause of HF injury, and HF concentration. Data regarding time lag from injury to medical treatment, burn sites and sizes, accompanying injuries, treatments, and prognosis were also assessed. Results: A total of 316 patients (294 males, 22 females; average age: 39.5 ± 10.31 y) were admitted for work-related HF burns. These patients were divided into the FI group (170 patients) and the NFI group (146 patients). The incidence of HF burn injury has increased gradually over the last 13 y period, although several slight fluctuations were observed in several years. There was a significant difference in education level between the FI and NFI groups. Compared to the state-owned enterprises, private enterprises seemed to contribute most of the work-related HF injuries. These HF injuries were caused by varying concentrations of HF solution. The average concentration of HF in the FI group was significantly higher than that in the NFI group. However, the time lag from injury to medical treatment in the FI group was shorter than that in the NFI group. The most common burn sites in the FI group were the head, neck, arms, and legs, while the hand was the most frequently involved site in the NFI group. The average burn area was significantly larger in the FI group than the NFI group. In terms of accompanying injuries, there were higher rates of morbidity in the FI group than the NFI group. Accordingly, the FI group showed a higher poisoning severity score than the NFI group. Fifty-two patients underwent surgery, including 31 from the NFI group and 21 from the FI group. Most of the surgeries involved early eschar excision and skin grafting performed in the ER, while most surgeries, including amputation and flaps, were performed in patients in the NFI group. More sequelae were observed in the NFI group. Conclusions: Work-related HF burns are preventable. The high morbidity of HF burns in western Zhejiang Province is related to the industrial structure of the area. The related enterprises and local authorities are encouraged to launch and upgrade their safety policies, as well as to provide the necessary occupational education and training to high-risk populations based on the differences in characteri","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"3 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86276889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Rare Case of Drunk Driving in Japan: Alcohol-related Sleepwalking","authors":"Ayako Himemiya-Hakucho, T. Fujimiya","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000402","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000402","url":null,"abstract":"Alcohol has been identified as a potential precipitating factor for parasomnia, particularly sleepwalking (SW), which categorized in a classic form of non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder. The police consulted us regarding the association between alcohol consumed, blood alcohol concentration, and the behavior of a drunken driving suspect with complete memory loss. We report a rare case of a Japanese drunk driver who possibly experienced alcohol-related SW, based on the statements of the suspect, pharmacokinetic analyses of breath alcohol concentration, testimonies of the witnesses, driving recorder data, and medical records. We concluded that the suspect should be considered non-compos mentis when the drunken driving offense was committed because he might not have been able to control his behavior while in a SW state. However, if he again commits crimes during SW under the influence of alcohol, the crimes should not be excusable because he is now aware of his alcoholrelated complicated characteristics.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"221 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77538647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case Report: A Case of Methotrexate Intoxication Presenting as a Pseudo-Disseminated Herpes Zoster Infection","authors":"Mathieu Boudreau-Frenette, G. Girouard","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000397","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000397","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Methotrexate intoxication is a rare and potentially fatal situation that can occur with weekly oral prescription. Case presentation: We report the case of 55-year-old women who suffered from an inadvertent methotrexate intoxication associated with daily ingestion. She was initially reported as having a disseminated herpes zoster infection. Multiple negative herpes-simplex virus cultures along with a confirmed medication misusage confirmed our diagnosis. Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of the early recognition of methotrexate toxicity, which can have potential devastating consequences associated with daily ingestion. Healthcare providers need to be informed about the potentially devastating consequences of a dosage error and gain the tools to prevent such unfortunate events.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"64 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88947591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Case of Altered Mental Status in the Setting of Bromethalin Toxicity","authors":"M. Bayoumi, K. Muddassir","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000394","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000394","url":null,"abstract":"Bromethalin is one of four different types of rodenticide ingredients. Accidental or intentional ingestion of that poison can cause serious symptoms and signs that would require hospitalization and might lead to death. It works by depleting ATP from brain and liver mitochondria by uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation process which leads to disruption of the function of sodium/potassium ion pumps in those organs causing cerebral edema with intracranial hypertension. Our case presented with altered mental status after patient was found down in his car with green discoloration around mouth and holding Tomcat rat poison in one hand and a bottle of Vodka on the other hand. Patient was intubated and admitted to ICU. Supportive care was started and later on was weaned off mechanical ventilation and improved over the course of his hospital stay.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"24 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82557805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Camphor Induced Seizures in an Adult- A Revisit","authors":"Jain Jyoti, D. Neeraj, Yarky Anu, S. Ajay","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000396","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000396","url":null,"abstract":"In Nineteenth century camphor was produced by distillation of the tree bark of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) however now a days it is obtained artificially from oils like turpentine. Camphor is used to relieve pain, coryza, haemorrhoids, osteoarthritis and is an ingredient in of many over-the-counter drugs. In India the most popular use of camphor still remains in the spiritual prayers and pujas offered daily even in an ordinary household. Seizures can occur as soon as minutes after ingestion of camphor. Seizures associated with camphor have been reported in young children after accidental ingestion, dermal, and inhalational exposure. We report a case of camphor self-ingestion in an elderly female who experienced generalized tonic clonic convulsions with no previous history of seizure disorder. On evaluation she had no other plausible explanation for seizures but for camphor toxicity. She was treated supportively with no seizure recurrence.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"07 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85855349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute Atrial Fibrillation Induced by Organophosphorus Poisoning: Case Report","authors":"M. Abdelnaby","doi":"10.4172/2161-0495.1000370","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0495.1000370","url":null,"abstract":"Organophosphorus poisoning (OPP) remains a major clinical and public health problem in developing countries. OP compounds act as irreversible cholinesterase inhibitors. Toxicity of these compounds leads to cholinergic excess symptoms through the muscarinic, nicotinic, and central nervous system receptors . Cardiac complications include cardiac arrest, pulmonary oedema, and arrhythmia. Rarely, myocardial infarction has also been reported. Cardiac injury is a strong predictor of death in these patients . We are reporting a case of OP poisoning in a child recently admitted to our facility with acute onset of atrial fibrillation which reverted to sinus rhythm by direct current (DC) cardio version and detoxification of OP component.","PeriodicalId":15433,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Toxicology","volume":"1 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83203865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}