Prognostic value of cortisol and thyroid function tests in poisoned patients admitted to toxicology ICU

BACKGROUND: Prognostic value of cortisol and thyroid function tests(TFTs) has previously been evaluated in medical ICUs. We aimed to evaluate prognostic efficacy of cortisol and TFTs in critically ill poisoned patients admitted to toxicology intensive care unit(ICU).METHODS: In a prospective study of consecutively enrolled subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU, lab analyses included TFTs(total T3 and T4 as well as TSH) and cortisol levels drawn between 8 am–10 am during period of the first 24 hours post-ingestion/exposure. Simplified Acute Physiology Score Ⅱ(SAPS Ⅱ) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ) were recorded. All scores were compared to detect the best prognostic factor. Type of poisoning was also included.RESULTS: In 200 patients evaluated, 129 were male and mean age was 31 years. In general, SAPS Ⅱ, T4, and cortisol could prognosticate death. After regression analysis, only cortisol had such efficacy(P=0.04; OR=1.06; 95%CI=1.05–1.08; cut-off=42 μg/d L; sensitivity=70%; specificity=82%). Between aluminium phosphide(ALP)-and non ALP-poisoned patients, level of consciousness, mean arterial pressure, and cortisol level could prognosticate death in ALP poisoning(all Ps<0.001 in both uni and multivariate analyses). Median(interquartile range; IQR) GCS was 7(6, 10) and 15(8, 15) in non-ALP and ALP-poisoned patients(P<0.003). SAPS Ⅱ and APACHE Ⅱ could not prognosticate death at all.CONCLUSION: Cortisol best prognosticated outcomes for subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU. Its level is higher in ALP-poisoned patients probably due to the higher stress while they remain conscious till the final stages of toxicity and are aware of deterioration of their clinical condition or may be due to their significantly lower blood pressures.

Expression of heat shock protein 70 in lung tissuesof acute paraquat poisoned rats and interventionof ulinastatin

BACKGROUND： Paraquat （PQ） is an effective herbicide and is widely used in agricultural production, but PQ poisoning is frequently seen in humans with the lung as the target organ. Clinically pulmonary pathological changes are often used to predict the severity and prognosis of the patients. In this study, we observed the expression of heat shock protein 70 （HSP70） in rat lung after PQ poisoning and to investigate the therapeutic effects of ulinastatin.METHODS： Seventy-two adult healthy SD rats were randomly divided into a control group （group A, n=24）, a poisoning group （group B, n=24）, and an ulinastatin group （group C, n=24）. The rat models of acute PQ poisoning were established by intra-gastric administration of 80 mg/kg PQ to rats of groups B and C, and the rats of group C were intra-peritoneally injected with 100 000 IU/kg ulinastatin 30 minutes after poisoning. The expression of HSP70 in lung tissue was observed, and W/D and histopathological changes in the lung tissue were compared 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after poisoning. The expression of HSP70 in the lung tissue was assayed by using RT-PCR. All quantitative data were processed with one-way analysis of variance to compare multiple sample means.RESULTS： Compared to group A, the expression of HSP70 in the lung of rats in groups B and C increased signi？ cantly at all intervals （P〈0.05）. The pathological changes in lung tissue of rats with PQ poisoning included congestion, leukocytes in？ ltration and local hemorrhage, whereas those of group C were signi？ cantly lessened.CONCLUSION： Ulinastatin may ameliorate acute lung injury to some extent after PQ poisoning in rats by enhancing the expression of HSP70.

Diagnosis and treatment of organotin poisoned patients

BACKGROUND： With the development of industry and agriculture, organotin compounds have been widely used in China. Organotin compounds cause a common occupational poisoning. The toxicity of organotin was reported in animal studies; however the reports about human organotin intoxication are very rare. In this study we retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations of 15 organotin-poisoned patients who had been treated at our hospital from 2002 through 2007.METHODS： Fifteen patients with organotin poisoning were admitted to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine from 2002 to 2007. They were 9 males and 6 females, aged from 25 to 52 years. Clinical manifestations and Glasgow Coma Scales showed that the poisoning was mild in 4 patients, moderate in 6 and severe in 5. The severe patients were given glucocorticoid after hospitalization by intravenous guttae of 500 mg methylprednisolone for the first day, followed by 160 mg methylprednisolone per day for three days, and then 80 mg methylprednisolone per day for another three days. Potassium glutamate and sodium glutamate were intravenously dripped to reduce blood ammonia; intravenous guttae plus oral administration of potassium 9 g/day was used to correct intractable hypokalemia; sodium bicarbonate was used to correct metabolic acidosis, and sedatives were used to control spasm and twitch; mechanical ventilators were used in 4 patients with dyspnea.RESULTS： Most of the patients showed elevated level of blood ammonia, decreased level of blood potassium and metabolic acidosis, but some had demyelination changes shown by CT and MRI. Treatments included correction of metabolic acids, blood potassium and ammonia, and mechanical ventilation when necessary. For patients with injuries of the nervous system, glucocorticoids were given immediately after hospitalization. These patients showed intractable hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis during the treatment. Forteen patients recovered completely without long-term side-effect. One patient in the aphasiac stage restored the linguistic capacity during a 6-month follow-up.CONCLUSION： Elevated level of blood ammonia, decresed level of blood potassium, and metabolic acidosis are common in patients with organotin poisoning. Demyelination can be observed in patients with severe poisoning. The abnormalities of the patients are reversible alter suitable treatments.

The analysis of injured and poisoned patients during the construction of urbanization and industrialization from 1998 to 2002

Objective: To analyze the causes of injury and poisoning during construction of urbanization and industrialization and to explore proper measures. Methods: The data of the patients with injury and poisoning during construction of urbanization and industrialization treated in out hospital from 1998 to 2002 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The number of discharged patients of injury and poisoning accounted for (29.2)% of the total number ((49 800)) of discharged patients in the corresponding period in our hospital, which was greater than that of other city and county hospitals, and accounted for (94.3)% of the total number ((15 411)) of discharged patients of the Surgery Department in the corresponding period in our hospital. Injuries caused by motor vehicle traffic accidents, cutting and piercing instruments or objects, homicide and injury purposely inflicted by other persons and accidental falls held (78.9)%. The number of the inpatients in 2002 increased by (83.3)% compared with that of 1998, the number of injured and poisoned inpatients increased by (76.1)% and these patients aged mainly at age of 15-39 years, holding (80.1)%. In a year, the peak period of trauma patients was in summer because of hot weather; the fewest in February for the floating people went home for Spring Festival holidays. Conclusions: During construction of rural urbanization and industrialization, injuries and poisoning increase evidently and are the main tasks of surgical management. So to raise its treatment level and therapeutic effect is a key point.

The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.

Assessment of rehabilitation treatment for patients with acute poisoning-induced toxic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND:Poisoned patients often suffer damage to multiple systems,and those experiencing central nervous system disorders present more severe conditions,prolonged hospital stays,and increased mortality rates.We aimed to assess the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions for patients with toxic encephalopathy.METHODS:This retrospective,observational,comparative cohort study was performed at the teaching hospital affiliated of Nanjing Medical University,from October 2020 to December 2022.Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for toxic encephalopathy and exclusion criteria were included,and patients were divided into three subgroups according to Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS).Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected.The effect of the rehabilitation intervention on patients were assessed in the improvement of consciousness status(Glasgow Coma Scale[GCS]score),muscle strength and movement and swallowing function(Fugl-Meyer Assessment[FMA]scale,Water Swallow Test[WST],and Standardized Swallowing Assessment[SSA]).Subgroup analysis was based on different toxic species.RESULTS:Out of the 464 patients with toxic encephalopathy,184 cases received rehabilitation treatments.For the severe toxic encephalopathy patients,patients without rehabilitation intervention have a 2.21 times higher risk of death compared to patients with rehabilitation intervention(Hazard ratio[HR]=2.21).Subgroup analysis revealed that rehabilitation intervention significantly increased the survival rate of patients with pesticide poisoning(P=0.02),while no significant improvement was observed in patients with drug/biological agent poisoning(P=0.44).After rehabilitation intervention,significant improvement in GCS and FMA were observed in severe patients with toxic encephalopathy(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Active rehabilitation intervention for patients exposed to poisons that can potentially cause toxic encephalopathy may improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality rate in clinical practice.

A Transcriptome Analysis of Neural Tissue of Litopenaeus vannamei After Acute Exposure to Alexandrium pacificum

Alexandrium pacificum(A.pacificum)is a typical paralytic shellfish poisonous dinoflagellate.Harmful algal blooms(HABs)caused by this species can bring serious environmental problems and economic losses to the aquaculture industry.In this study,transcriptome sequencing and analyses were performed on the neural tissue of Litopenaeus vannamei(L.vannamei)after acute exposure to A.pacificum disrupted solution for 72 h,and differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified.The results showed that,compared with the control samples,300 DEGs were identified in the experimental group,of which 194 were up-regulated,and 106 down-regulated.The gene ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in the cortical cytoskeleton organization,troponin complex,amylo-alpha-1,6-glucosidase and thymidine phosphorylase.Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis found that DEGs were mainly enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation process,intercellular tight junctions and mitophagy.The results showed that the proteoglycans,signaling pathways,and various metabolic processes that regulate cell proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis all played an essential role in the response of L.vannamei to A.pacificum toxins.

Chlorfenapyr poisoning:mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies

BACKGROUND:Chlorfenapyr is used to kill insects that are resistant to organophosphorus insecticides.Chlorfenapyr poisoning has a high mortality rate and is difficult to treat.This article aims to review the mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies for chlorfenapyr poisoning.DATA RESOURCES:We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed,Web of Science,and SpringerLink from their beginnings to the end of October 2023.The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews,clinical guidelines,retrospective studies,and case reports on chlorfenapyr poisoning that focused on its mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies.The references in the included studies were also examined to identify additional sources.RESULTS:We included 57 studies in this review.Chlorfenapyr can be degraded into tralopyril,which is more toxic and reduces energy production by inhibiting the conversion of adenosine diphosphate to adenosine triphosphate.High fever and altered mental status are characteristic clinical presentations of chlorfenapyr poisoning.Once it occurs,respiratory failure occurs immediately,ultimately leading to cardiac arrest and death.Chlorfenapyr poisoning is diflcult to treat,and there is no specific antidote.CONCLUSION:Chlorfenapyr is a new pyrrole pesticide.Although it has been identified as a moderately toxic pesticide by the World Health Organization(WHO),the mortality rate of poisoned patients is extremely high.There is no specific antidote for chlorfenapyr poisoning.Therefore,based on the literature review,future efforts to explore rapid and effective detoxification methods,reconstitute intracellular oxidative phosphorylation couplings,identify early biomarkers of chlorfenapyr poisoning,and block the conversion of chlorfenapyr to tralopyril may be helpful for emergency physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Privacy-Preserving Large-Scale AI Models for Intelligent Railway Transportation Systems:Hierarchical Poisoning Attacks and Defenses in Federated Learning

The development of Intelligent Railway Transportation Systems necessitates incorporating privacy-preserving mechanisms into AI models to protect sensitive information and enhance system efficiency.Federated learning offers a promising solution by allowing multiple clients to train models collaboratively without sharing private data.However,despite its privacy benefits,federated learning systems are vulnerable to poisoning attacks,where adversaries alter local model parameters on compromised clients and send malicious updates to the server,potentially compromising the global model’s accuracy.In this study,we introduce PMM(Perturbation coefficient Multiplied by Maximum value),a new poisoning attack method that perturbs model updates layer by layer,demonstrating the threat of poisoning attacks faced by federated learning.Extensive experiments across three distinct datasets have demonstrated PMM’s ability to significantly reduce the global model’s accuracy.Additionally,we propose an effective defense method,namely CLBL(Cluster Layer By Layer).Experiment results on three datasets have confirmed CLBL’s effectiveness.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Latent Variables in Mitigating Data Poisoning Attacks in the Context of Bayesian Networks:An Empirical Study

Bayesian networks are a powerful class of graphical decision models used to represent causal relationships among variables.However,the reliability and integrity of learned Bayesian network models are highly dependent on the quality of incoming data streams.One of the primary challenges with Bayesian networks is their vulnerability to adversarial data poisoning attacks,wherein malicious data is injected into the training dataset to negatively influence the Bayesian network models and impair their performance.In this research paper,we propose an efficient framework for detecting data poisoning attacks against Bayesian network structure learning algorithms.Our framework utilizes latent variables to quantify the amount of belief between every two nodes in each causal model over time.We use our innovative methodology to tackle an important issue with data poisoning assaults in the context of Bayesian networks.With regard to four different forms of data poisoning attacks,we specifically aim to strengthen the security and dependability of Bayesian network structure learning techniques,such as the PC algorithm.By doing this,we explore the complexity of this area and offer workablemethods for identifying and reducing these sneaky dangers.Additionally,our research investigates one particular use case,the“Visit to Asia Network.”The practical consequences of using uncertainty as a way to spot cases of data poisoning are explored in this inquiry,which is of utmost relevance.Our results demonstrate the promising efficacy of latent variables in detecting and mitigating the threat of data poisoning attacks.Additionally,our proposed latent-based framework proves to be sensitive in detecting malicious data poisoning attacks in the context of stream data.

Data complexity-based batch sanitization method against poison in distributed learning

The security of Federated Learning(FL)/Distributed Machine Learning(DML)is gravely threatened by data poisoning attacks,which destroy the usability of the model by contaminating training samples,so such attacks are called causative availability indiscriminate attacks.Facing the problem that existing data sanitization methods are hard to apply to real-time applications due to their tedious process and heavy computations,we propose a new supervised batch detection method for poison,which can fleetly sanitize the training dataset before the local model training.We design a training dataset generation method that helps to enhance accuracy and uses data complexity features to train a detection model,which will be used in an efficient batch hierarchical detection process.Our model stockpiles knowledge about poison,which can be expanded by retraining to adapt to new attacks.Being neither attack-specific nor scenario-specific,our method is applicable to FL/DML or other online or offline scenarios.

Severe liver injury and clinical characteristics of occupational exposure to 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide: A case series

Background:The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide is a key intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.However,no literature currently exists on 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning in humans.This study aimed to reveal the health hazard of this chemical for humans and summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with occupational 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning.Methods:This observational study included four patients with 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning from June 2022 to July 2022.The entire course of the incidents was described in detail.Blood 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide concentrations were detected by a mass spectrometer.Hema-toxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess liver injury,and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate hepatic mitophagy.Results:The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide powder(99%purity)entered the human body mainly via the skin and respiratory tract due to poor personal protective measures.The typical course of 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning was divided into latency,rash,fever,organic dam-age,and recovery phases in accordance with the clinical evolution.Rash and fever may be the important premonitory symptoms for further organ injuries.The chemical was detected in the blood of all patients and caused multiple organ injuries,predominantly liver injury,including kidney,myocardium,and micro-circulation.Three patients recovered smoothly after comprehensive treatments,including artificial liver therapy,continuous renal replacement therapy,glucocorticoids,and other symptomatic and supportive treatments.One patient survived by liver transplantation.The postoperative pathological findings of the removed liver showed acute liver failure,and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the abundance of mitophagy in residual hepatocytes.Conclusions:This study is the first to elaborate the clinical characteristics of patients with 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning.The chemical enters the body through the respiratory tract and skin during industrial production.The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning causes multiple-organ dysfunction with a predominance of liver injury.Liver transplantation may be an effective option for patients with severe liver failure.The mechanisms of liver injury induced by 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide might involve abnormal mitochondrial function and mitophagy.

Severe aconite poisoning successfully treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation:A case report

BACKGROUND Most species of aconite contain highly toxic aconitines,the oral ingestion of which can be fatal,primarily because they cause ventricular arrhythmias.We describe a case of severe aconite poisoning that was successfully treated through venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO)and in which detailed toxicological analyses of the aconite roots and biological samples were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male presented to the emergency room with circulatory collapse and ventricular arrhythmia after ingesting approximately half of a root labeled,“Aconitum japonicum Thunb”.Two hours after arrival,VA-ECMO was initiated as circulatory collapse became refractory to antiarrhythmics and vasopressors.Nine hours after arrival,an electrocardiogram revealed a return to sinus rhythm.The patient was weaned off VA-ECMO and the ventilator on hospital days 3 and 5,respectively.On hospital day 15,he was transferred to a psychiatric hospital.The other half of the root and his biological samples were toxicologically analyzed using LC-MS/MS,revealing 244.3 mg/kg of aconitine and 24.7 mg/kg of mesaconitine in the root.Serum on admission contained 1.50 ng/mL of aconitine.Beyond hospital day 2,neither were detected.Urine on admission showed 149.09 ng/mL of aconitine and 3.59 ng/mL of mesaconitine,but these rapidly decreased after hospital day 3.CONCLUSION The key to saving the life of a patient with severe aconite poisoning is to introduce VA-ECMO as soon as possible.

Treatment of a patient with aconitine poisoning using veno-arterial membrane oxygenation:A case report

BACKGROUND Aconitine poisoning is highly prone to causing malignant arrhythmias.The elimination of aconitine from the body takes a considerable amount of time,and during this period,patients are at a significant risk of death due to malignant arrhythmias associated with aconitine poisoning.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old male patient was admitted due to accidental ingestion of aconitinecontaining drugs.Upon arrival at the emergency department,the patient intermittently experienced malignant arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia,ventricular fibrillation,ventricular premature beats,and cardiac arrest.Emergency interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation were promptly administered.Additionally,veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO)therapy was initiated.Successful resuscitation was achieved before ECMO placement,but upon initiation of ECMO,the patient experienced recurrent malignant arrhythmias.ECMO was utilized to maintain hemodynamics and respiration,while continuous blood purification therapy for toxin clearance,mechanical ventilation,and hypothermic brain protection therapy were concurrently administered.On the third day of VA-ECMO support,the patient’s respiratory and hemodynamic status stabilized,with only frequent ventricular premature beats observed on electrocardiographic monitoring,and echocardiography indicated recovery of cardiac contractile function.On the fourth day,a significant reduction in toxin levels was observed,along with stable hemodynamic and respiratory functions.Following a successful pump-controlled retrograde trial occlusion test,ECMO assistance was terminated.The patient gradually improved postoperatively and achieved recovery.He was discharged 11 days later.CONCLUSION VA-ECMO can serve as a bridging resuscitation technique for patients with reversible malignant arrhythmias.

Vascular endothelium,a promising target for effectively treating fulminant diquat intoxication?

Following the withdrawal of paraquat,diquat(DQ)has emerged as the predominant herbicide.When people come into contact with or ingest DQ,may lead to poisoning and potentially fatal outcomes.Reports suggest that the mortality of DQ poisoning can be as high as 50%.DQ poisoning can be categorized as mild,moderate to severe or fulminant.In cases of fulminant poisoning,victims often succumb to multiple organ failure within 48 h.This presents a significant challenge in the clinical management.Scholars have discovered that oxidative stress,inflammatory injury,and cell apoptosis play crucial roles in the DQ poisoning.However,the underlying connection of the extensive organ damage remains unknown.The abnormal function and activity of endothelial cells(EC)should play a crucial role in tissue damage caused by DQ due to rich microcirculation and high sensitivity to perfusion in the vulnerable organs.However,reports on DQ-induced EC injury is rare.We made a preliminary discovery-the presence of severe vascular endothelial damage in the kidneys and lungs affected by DQ.Therefore,we hypothesize that DQ poisoning may be attributed to EC damage,ultimately resulting in multiple organ failure.

Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome due to high-dose cantharidin poisoning:A case report

BACKGROUND This report delves into the diagnostic and therapeutic journey undertaken by a patient with high-dose cantharidin poisoning and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Particular emphasis is placed on the comprehensive elucidation of the clinical manifestations of high-dose cantharidin poisoning,the intricate path to diagnosis,and the exploration of potential underlying mechanisms.CASE SUMMARY A patient taking 10 g of cantharidin powder orally subsequently developed MODS.The patient was treated with supportive care,fluid hydration and antibiotics,and hemoperfusion and hemofiltration therapy for 24 h and successfully recovered 8 d after hospital admission.Cantharidin poisoning can cause lifethreatening MODS and is rare clinically.This case underscores the challenge in diagnosis and highlights the need for early clinical differentiation to facilitate accurate assessment and prompt intervention.CONCLUSION This article has reported and analyzed the clinical data,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of a case of high-dose cantharidin poisoning resulting in MODS and reviewed the relevant literature to improve the clinical understanding of this rare condition.

Poisonous Plants of the Karakalpak Part of the Ustyurt Plateau (Uzbekistan)

The article presents the composition and current state of poisonous plants distributed on the Ustyurt plateau. Ustyurt is one of the largest deserts in Central Asia, differing from other deserts of the world in geographical location, relief, flora and fauna and other features. The territory of Ustyurt occupies 21.3 million hectares, of which the Karakalpak part accounts for 7.2 million hectares. Poisonous alkaloid-bearing plants of the Karakalpak part of the Ustyurt plateau Anabasis aphylla, Atriplex flabellum, Kalidium capsicum, Salsola arbusculaeformis, Salsola foliosa, Aellenia subaphylla, Anabasis brachiata, Rheum tataricum, Capparis spinosa, Glycyrrhiza aspera. Alkaloid-bearing plants that are not eaten or poorly eaten by cattle Ephedra distachya, Delphinium songaricum, Anabasis salsa, alkaloid-bearing plants eaten by animals without harm Carex physodes, Eremopyrum orientale, Agrophyllum repens, Astragalus amodendron, Astragalus villosissimus, species of the genera Calligonum, Salsola. Poisonous plants of the Karakalpak part of the Ustyurt plateau. An analysis of the pasture flora of the Karakalpak part of the Ustyurt plateau shows that 62 species of wild poisonous plants belonging to 49 genera and 19 families grow here. Although these plants are considered poisonous, but in modern pharmaceutics and medicine, they are used as medicinal.

Acquired methemoglobinemia in a third trimester puerpera and her premature infant with sodium nitrite poisoning:A case report

BACKGROUND The common cause of sodium nitrite poisoning has shifted from previous accidental intoxication by exposure or ingestion of contaminated water and food to recent alarming intentional intoxication as an employed method of suicide/exit.The subsequent formation of methemoglobin(MetHb)restricts oxygen transport and utilization in the body,resulting in functional hypoxia at the tissue level.In clinical practice,a mismatch of cyanotic appearance and oxygen partial pressure usually contributes to the identification of methemoglobinemia.Prompt recognition of characteristic mismatch and accurate diagnosis of sodium nitrite poisoning are prerequisites for the implementation of standardized systemic interventions.CASE SUMMARY A pregnant woman was admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University due to consciousness disorders and drowsiness 2 h before admission.Subsequently,she developed vomiting and cyanotic skin.The woman underwent orotracheal intubation,invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV),and correction of internal environment disturbance in the ICU.Her premature infant was born with a higher-than-normal MetHb level of 3.3%,and received detoxification with methylene blue and vitamin C,supplemental vitamin K1,an infusion of fresh frozen plasma,as well as respiratory support via orotracheal intubation and IMV.On day 3 after admission,the puerpera regained consciousness,evacuated the IMV,and resumed enteral nutrition.She was then transferred to the maternity ward 24 h later.On day 7 after admission,the woman recovered and was discharged without any sequelae.CONCLUSION MetHb can cross through the placental barrier.Level of MetHb both reflects severity of the sodium nitrite poisoning and serves as feedback on therapeutic effectiveness.

Paradoxical systemic toxicity by inhaled paraquat poisoning: A case report

Rationale:Multi-organ failure is a symptom of paraquat poisoning,resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates.Though paraquat is widely available,poisoning through inhalation is rare.Patient’s Concern:A 37-year-old male reported to the emergency department with complaints of vomiting after an alleged history of inhalation of paraquat while at work.Diagnosis:Paraquat poisoning.Interventions:Supportive management along with multiple sessions of hemodialysis.Outcomes:Renal complications caused by paraquat were improved after multiple sessions of hemodialysis.However,the patient developed respiratory complications and later due to persistent hypoxemia and non-responsive to supportive therapy,he succumbed to his illness.Lessons:Acute kidney injury is a complication of paraquat poisoning.However,kidney involvement with the inhalational mode is rare.It is caused by reduction and oxidation cycles,as well as the formation of reactive oxygen species,necessitating hemodialysis as the treatment.Without a clear history,a specific clinical trait,or a diagnostic test,diagnosis can be difficult.Our case thus highlights the inhaled paraquat poisoning,presenting with acute kidney injury with late respiratory impairment as a consequence.

Death from caustic ingestion:A case report

Rationale:Acute caustic ingestion from suicidal intent is not usual in emergency departments in developed countries.One of the substances commonly ingested by suicidal patients,phosphoric acid,tends to cause multi-system derangements.Patient’s Concern:A 41-year-old male patient presented with complaints of throat discomfort,severe generalized abdominal pain,and multiple episodes of hematemesis after ingesting a restroom cleaning solution.Diagnosis:Poisoning by acute caustic ingestion(containing<30%phosphoric acid and<4%ethylene glycol).Interventions:The patient was administered 50 mL of 8.4%sodium bicarbonate solution followed by an isotonic sodium bicarbonate solution running at 500 mL/h,a hyperkalemia kit,ceftriaxone,metronidazole,omeprazole,and atropine.The patient then underwent urgent hemodialysis.Outcomes:The patient suffered gastrointestinal bleeding as a result of local caustic injury.In addition,his course of illness was complicated by severe acidemia from high anion gap metabolic acidosis and deranged electrolytes(hyperphosphatemia,hyperkalemia,and hypocalcemia).He developed multi-organ failure and eventually demised.Lessons:The clinician needs to be mindful of the multi-system complications arising from such a caustic ingestion.These patients need to be monitored closely for deterioration,and have prompt management of the various arising complications,to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.