Protocol of Investigation on Sudden Death at Autopsy, Including Molecular, Genetic and Toxicology Testing

The role of the autopsy: 1) Whether the death is ascribable to a natural or unnatural cause and when natural, if cardiac or extra-cardiac;2) The nosology of the cardiac diseases and the mechanism of cardiac death, whether arrhythmic or mechanical;3) If the cardiac disease is inherited, screening and counselling of the next of kin is required. About 30% of sudden deaths is ascribable to genetically determined morbid entities, mostly transmissible with the autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, so that 50% of the first degree relatives are genetically affected (“carriers”) and exposed at risk;4) If toxic or illicit drug abuse was involved.

A Comparison of Turnaround-Times for Two Popular Specimen Types Used for Newborn Toxicology: Meconium and Umbilical Cord Tissue

Background: Prenatal exposure to illicit substances is responsible for several long-term negative health consequences. It is critical for healthcare professionals to know the extent and scope of prenatal substance exposure in their cases. Several studies exist with mixed results comparing the effectiveness of umbilical cord tissue (UCT) and meconium (MEC) as toxicology specimen types. The specific aim of this study is to compare the use of UCT and MEC regarding the time interval between the birth of the neonate, receipt of the specimen at the laboratory, and the hospital’s receipt of the final toxicology report. Method: The study queried de-identified results of 5358 consecutive UCT and 706 MEC from our laboratory. Results: The mean time from birth to receipt of the specimen at the laboratory for MEC and UCT was 4.5 days ± 2.9 days and 2.8 days ± 1.9 days, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for MEC was 6.9 days ± 3.8 days, 5.7 days ± 3.3 days, and 8.4 days ± 3.8 days for all MEC specimens, negative MEC, and positive MEC, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for UCT was 4.3 days ± 2.4 days, 3.5 days ± 2.2 days, and 5.4 days ± 2.2 days for all UCT, negative UCT and positive UCT, respectively. Discussion/Conclusion: Receipt of drug test results of the neonate prior to release from the hospital is critical. This study shows that UCT offers an advantage when results are needed quickly to make informed decisions about the health and well-being of newborns.

A perspective on molecular and cellular biology-based developmental toxicology biomarkers

The process of development is intricate and couple-dependent phenomenon.Accordingly,the study of molecular and cellular biology-based developmental toxicology biomarkers increasingly is becoming an important part of risk assessment and management of chemicals for detection of health outcomes and/or biological endpoint like cytotoxicity,cell death,etc.Since,the evolution of developmental toxicology field a number of tools/markers have been developed or addressed to deal with developmental outcomes,which can ultimately be used for the development of adverse outcome pathways(AOPs)of developmental toxicants.As a result,this paper provides an overview of the current state of developmental toxicology biomarkers and describes the strategies used in the selection and evaluation of such biomarkers in the context of developmental toxicity studies.Here,we discuss about the biological markers that are directly linked to developmental toxicity with respect to future revolutionary perspectives.Additionally,this chapter will address different associated outcomes of developmental exposure by intriguing advance techniques.The discussion focuses on the challenges associated with the development of biomarkers for developmental toxicity and highlights some of the recent advances in this area.Finally,the chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the future prospects for the use of molecular and cellular biology-based developmental toxicity biomarkers.Hope the present state of the art will provide a succinct summary of recent developments of biomarkers of developmental toxicology.

Advances in Pharmacology and Toxicology of Marine

The natural alkaloids extracted from Chinese herbal medicine have shown high medicinal value in vivo and in vitro, such as bacteriostasis, anti-virus, anti-tumor and anti-inflammation. This paper focuses on matrine and reviews its action mechanism and toxicological action. It is concluded that the medicinal prospect of matrine is very broad, but more basic research and clinical trials are needed for more comprehensive evaluation.

The application of omics technologies to toxicology

The application of omics technologies,including genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics and metabolomics,has the potential to revolutionize toxicology by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of toxicity,identifying potential biomarkers of exposure or effect,and enabling personalized risk assessments for individuals.Each omics approach has its own challenges,including data analysis and interpretation,but the integration of multiple omics approaches can provide a more comprehensive understanding of toxicity.The use of omics technologies for personalized risk assessments can inform targeted interventions and improve public health outcomes.While challenges remain,the potential benefits of omics technologies in toxicology make it an exciting area of research for the future.

Advances in Toxicology of Nε-(carboxymethyl)-lysine(CML)

Advanced glycation end-products （AGEs） are products of non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, lipids or nucleic acids and other macromolecules. To be spe- cific, Nε-（carboxymethyl）-Iysine （CML） is one of the most important components of AGEs, which is wildly distributed in the body and can be formed in vivo or in food processing and heating processes. Previous studies have shown that CML is a ma- jor immunological epitope in AGEs and plays an important role in diabetes and its complications, as well as in the development and progression of aging. This review summarized recent advances in major source, toxicological hazard and control mea- sures of CML.

Pharmacokinetics and toxicology of therapeutic proteins:Advances and challenges

Significant progress has been made in understanding pharmacokinetics (PK),pharmacodynamics (PD),as well as toxicity profiles of therapeutic proteins in animals and humans,which have been in commercial development for more than three decades.However,in the PK arena,many fundamental questions remain to be resolved.Investigative and bioanalytical tools need to be established to improve the translation of PK data from animals to humans,and from in vitro assays to in vivo readouts,which would ultimately lead to a higher success rate in drug development.In toxicology,it is known,in general,what studies are needed to safely develop therapeutic proteins,and what studies do not provide relevant information.One of the major complicating factors in nonclinical and clinical programs for therapeutic proteins is the impact of immunogenicity.In this review,we will highlight the emerging science and technology,as well as the challenges around the pharmacokinetic-and safety-related issues in drug development of mAbs and other therapeutic proteins.

Research advances in phytochemistry,pharmacology and toxicology of oleanolic acid

Oleanolic acid(OA)is a pentacyclic triterpenoid chemical component that exists in natural plants with a molecular formula of C30H48O3 and a molecular weight at 456.71 g·mol-1.OA is widespread in traditional Chinese herbal medicine(Ligustri Lucidi Fructus,Achyranthis Bidentate Radix,Red Sage)and berries(blueberries,grapes).In recent years,because of the extensive pharmacological effects of OA,its advantages in disease treatment have become increasingly prominent and gradually attracted the attention of pharmaceutical researchers.OA has effective therapeutic effects on a series of chronic diseases such as inflammation,cancer,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases through multiple signaling pathways and various targets.Especially in cancers,such as colorectal cancer,liver cancer,gastric cancer,lung cancer,breast cancer and other malignancies,OA presents substantial efficacy.However,its poor aqueous solubility,needy bioavailability,and unsatisfactory pharmacological activity excessively restrict its clinical application.More importantly,the improper utilization of OA can cause adverse reactions,toxic effects and even damage to organs in some specific situations.With the discovery of various pharmacological effects,the complex action mechanisms of OA,the continuous progress in structural modification of OA,as well as the synthesis of OA derivatives,its application is expanding gradually.Among numerous studies,there is a clear indication that OA and its derivatives,if fully developed,may provide an alternative and cheaper treatment for a variety of chronic diseases.However,the specific molecular mechanisms of OA and its derivatives as an alternative therapy and supplementary therapy for cancer,diabetes,cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases remain to be clarified.Therefore,it is necessary to further study the pharmacokinetics,pharmacological activity,specific targets and related mechanisms of OA to lay a solid foundation for drug development and the application of OA in clinical settings.

Review on pharmacological and toxicologyical effects of oleum azadirachti oil

Oleum azadirachti consists of the oil obtained from dried seeds of Azadirachta indica A.Juss.(family:Meliaceae).Local names of Azadirachta indica A.Juss.are Abodua,aforo-oyinbo,anwe egyane,arista,azad dirakht,azadarakht,azedarach and bead tree.Indigenous to India,and widely distributed in South and South-East Asia and cultivated in Africa,the South Pacific Islands,South and Central America and Australia,and in southern Florida and California,United States of America,it is a straight-boled deciduous tree,which is 6-25 m high.Bark is dark-brown,externally fissured with a buff inner surface and fibrous fracture,Leaves alternately arranged,pinnately compound and up to 40 cm long,and composed of 8-18 short-petiolate narrow-ovate,pointed and curved toothed leaflets,3-10 cm long and 1-4 cm wide arranged in alternate pairs.The major constituents are oxidized tetranortriterpenes including azadirachtin(azadirachtin A),azadiriadione,epoxyazadiradione,azadirone,nimbidin,nimbin,deacelylnimbin,salannin,gedunin,mahmoodin,17-hydroxydiradione and related derivatives.It is of various medicinal uses,such as a contraceptive for intravaginal use,a mosquito repellent,and treatment of vaginal infections,treatment of gastric ulcers,cardiovascular disease,malaria,rheumatism and skin disorders,external applications for treatment of septic wounds,ulcers and boils,treatment of allergic skin reactions,asthma,bruises,colic,conjunctivitis,dysmenorrhoea,fever,gout,headache,itching due to varicella,kidney stones,leukorrhoea,psoriasis,scabies,sprains and muscular pain,and wounds.It is also used as an emmenagogue.tonic,stomatic and vermicide.In conclusion,the plant oil had antifertility,antihyperglycaemic,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,antiviral,antiulcer,estrogenic,immune,contraceptive,autibacterial,insect repellent,and skin treatment effects.

Taxonomical outlines of bio-diversity of Karnataka in a 14th century Kannada toxicology text Khagendra Mani Darpana

Origin of ancient Indian toxicology can be dated back to vedic literature.Toxins of both animate and inanimate world were very well understood during the era.Rig and Atharva vedic texts describe such details.After classifying such toxins,Charaka Samhitha,thebasic literature of Indian Medicine used gold and ghee as panaceas to counter act them.Ayurveda considers toxicology as one among the eight specialized branches of medical wisdom.Unfortunately,the available literature on this is very limited.Moreover,they have been discussed briefly in Charaka and Sushrutha Samhitha.Mangarasa I,a Jain scholar who lived on the foothills of the Western Ghats,in Southern India in 1350 A.D.,felt this vacuum and composed an independent,elaborate Kannada text on toxicology.His less known text Khagendra Mani Darpana(KMD)is the first ever documented complete text on toxicology in the world.Medieval Indian wisdom on plant and animal diversities are very well reflected in this unique toxicological text.Centuries past to Linnean era,KMD gives vivid descriptions on zoological and botanical diversities of the time.This astonishing fact is an evidence of our ancestor's curiosities about the nature around them.A critical overview of the bio-diversity described in KMD text is discussed in this paper.

A perspective on toxicology of Conus venom peptides

The evolutionarily unique and ecologically diverse family Conidae presents fundamental opportunities for marine pharmacology research and drug discovery.The focus of this investigation is to summarize the worldwide distribution of Conus and their species diversity with special reference to the Indian coast.In addition,this study will contribute to understanding the structural properties of conotoxin and therapeutic application of Conus venom peptides.Cone snails can inject a mix of various conotoxins and these venoms are their major weapon for prey capture,and may also have other biological purposes,and some of these conotoxins fatal to humans.Conns venoms contain a remarkable diversity of pharmacologically active small peptides;their targets are an iron channel and receptors in the neuromuscular system.Interspecific divergence is pronounced in venom peptide genes,which is generally attributed to their species specific biotic interactions.There is a notable interspecific divergence observed in venom peptide genes,which can be justified as of biotic interactions that stipulate species peculiar habitat and ecology of cone snails.There are several conopeptides used in clinical trials and one peptide(Ziconotide) has received FDA approval for treatment of pain.This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of cone shells and focus on the molecular approach in documenting their taxonomy and diversity with special reference to geographic distribution of Indian cone snails,structure and properties of conopeptide and their pharmacological targets and future directions.

Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology(CJPT)started its publication in 1986.It is amonthly and distributed to readers both at home and abroad.This journal is collaboratiyely sponsored by the Chinese Pharmacological Society,the Chinfese Society of Toxicology and BeijingInstitute of Pharmacology and Toxicology.This journal focuses on the presentation of the latestfindings in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology in order to promote academic exchangesworldwide and steer this sphere of research forward.

Assessment of toxicology knowledge in the fourth-year medical students:Three years of data

BACKGROUND:Pharmacology and toxicology are core content knowledge for physicians.Medical students should demonstrate understanding of general pharmacology and basic treatment of poisoning.The objective of this study was to measure the knowledge of the 4th-year medical students(MS4)on these topics over 3 years.METHODS:A multiple-choice exam(15 questions)was administered to MS4 students in spring of 2010,2011,and 2012.Questions were developed by medical toxicologists to evaluate basic knowledge in three areas:pharmacologic effects(PE),treatment of poisoning(TOP),and pharmacokinetics(PK).The students were grouped by intended specialtiesinto pharmacologic intense(anesthesia,emergency medicine,internal medicine,pediatrics,and psychiatry),less pharmacologic intense specialties(dermatology,OB/GYN,ophthalmology,pathology,physical medicine and rehabilitation,radiology,and surgery)and by completion of a pharmacology or toxicology elective.Mean group scores were compared using ANOVA.RESULTS:Totally 332 of 401(83%)students completed the survey.Mean scores were stable over the three years,higher for students completing a toxicology rotation and for students entering a pharmacologically intense specialty.CONCLUSION:The external validity is limited to a single medical school with incomplete participation and content was limited by the survey length.Consistent results over the three-year period and correlation of performance with completing a toxicology rotation and intent to enter a pharmacology intensive specialty suggest this survey may correlate with toxicology knowledge.Implementation of required core courses focused on toxicology may improve core content knowledge in fourth year medical students.

Genetic Toxicology of Lanthanum Trichloride in Mice

In the present paper, the damage ratio of mice medulla cells, which were fed on LaCl_3 treated food, was surveyed by imitating a biological chain of ecosystem. And it was attempted to provide the toxicological basis for the rational application of the rare earth elements.

STUDY OF PROPERTIES AND TOXICOLOGY OF MEDICAL ORGANIC SILICON GEL CRYSTALS

The authors perpared artifical crystals from silicon elastomer, which ensured medical purity, studied how to improve the light transmittance and the characteristics of moulding (sulfurization). This material has been applied to many clinical cases.

Quality Assurance in Toxicology Studies in Developing Countries

As developing countries become more involved in the international chemical trade, they must adhere to certain requirements for importation of their chemicals into foreign countries. These developing countries will be required to provide basic safety information on their chemical products, including data developed from chemical and toxicologic testing. These data must be developed in accordance with the national requirements of the importing country. Many importing countries have adopted the OECD Test Guidelines and the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) as primary guidance to assure the quality of laboratory data. These procedures provide a basis for internationally acceptable data. Several countries have incorporated many of these provisions into their national laws or administrative procedures. These procedures describe the process of documenting the conduct of laboratory studies, including recording of data, reporting of study results, and storage of data gathered. This process is intended to assure the quality and integrity of the data so that, if required, the study can be reconstructed by an auditor or an inspector. Details of these procedures and their applicability to the international chemical trade are discussed. 1989 Academic Press, Inc.

An Overview on Biological Markers in Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology: Concepts, Definitions and Use in Risk Assessment

Reproduction and development are complex couple-dependent processes. Risk assessment for these health outcomes requires the use of biomarkers to link exposures to disease. Biological markers of susceptability, external dose, internal dose, biologically effective dose, early or late biological responses, altered reproductive or developmental function, and reproductive or developmental disease are introduced. Using these biomarkers it is possible to define a biologically based risk assessment methodology for reproductive and developmental toxicity. Risk assessment for reproductive toxicity requires definition of male and female fecundity, couple-specific factors, spontaneous abortion, rate, and other factors. Using using sperm count as a biomarker for male fecundity, an example of a reproductive risk assessment using biomarkers is performed.

Importance of the Development of Veterinary Toxicology in Argentina

The different types of toxic substances that affect farm animals in Argentina are described. These substances include (a) toxic plants, such as Solanum glaucophyllum. Baccharis coridifolia, Festuca arundinacea; (b) mycotoxins, such as zearalenone, tremorgenic mycotoxins, and ergoalkaloid; (c) trace elements, such as fluorine, copper, molybdenum, and arsenic; and (d) others, such as toxic algae and pesticides. The direct and indirect economic loss of farm animals associated with these toxic substances in Argentina is roughly estimated at 50 million dollars a year. A number of recommendations are made to ameliorate the situation. 1989 Academic Press, Inc.

Call for Papers International Symposium on Toxicology Jointly Sponsored by the China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Pharmacological Society

The scientific program will consist of symposia and poster sessions. Topics related to theoretical and applied research in the domain of toxicology and toxicological studies on chemicals of public concern will be welcome. The presenter’s name, address, and telephone and FAX numbers should be submitted along with the title of the presentation and whether it is oral or poster. Deadline: April 15, 1990. Papers should be submitted to: