Intoxication Induced by Urea Containing Diets in Broiler Chickens: Effect on Weight Gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, Hematological and Biochemical Profiles

Urea as a source of cheap non-protein nitrogen is used to adulterate fish and meat meals which are basic components of broiler diets. The present study was carried out to elucidate the effects of urea on weight gain, and hematological and biochemical profiles. A total of 48 broiler chicks were randomly allotted into 4 groups, designated Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 12 birds each. Birds in Groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed on diets containing urea at the levels of 1%, 2.5% and 4%, respectively. Birds in Group 1 served as control and were not exposed to urea. Experimentation period was for 3 weeks and experiment was terminated when birds were 42 days of age. Body weight of all intoxicated birds at the various intervals was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the untreated control. Compared with control, all intoxicated broilers manifested significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in all hematological parameters involving erythrocytic and total leucocytic counts, Hemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) on a dose- and time-pattern. In comparison with the control levels, biochemical profile of the intoxicated birds disclosed significant decrease in blood glucose level and significant increase in serum uric acid, urea, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Based upon the present data, it was concluded that the addition of urea to broiler diets bears serious sequences concerning the general health condition, performance, weight gain, and hematological and biochemical profiles.

A Retrospective Analysis of Intoxicated Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Institution Assessment in the Post-Pandemic Period

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with acute intoxication admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on intoxicated patients who admitted to ICU between January 2022 and January 2024. Data were collected from the patients medical records. The demographic characteristics, causes of intoxications, clinical parameters, the mean stay in the ICU, treatment modalities and prognosis were recorded. Results: A total of 2875 critically ill patients were admitted during the study period, and 109 (3.79%) of them were acute intoxications. Their mean of ages was 38.09 ± 12.29. The female-to-male ratio was 1.37/1. Drugs were found to be the primary cause (62.39%) of intoxications, and analgesics, antidepressants, and antibiotics were the most frequent agents. Suicidal attempts were present in 66 patients, most of them were female (62.13%) and between 17 - 24 years (40.91%). The other common causes of intoxications were carbon monoxide (CO) (22.02%), methyl/ethyl alcohol (8.26%) and mushroom (5.50%). The mean stay in the ICU was 2.69 ± 0.89 days. Mechanical ventilation was applied to 10 of our patients. Renal replacement therapy was required in 6 patients. Despite all treatments, 6 of our patients died, and we found the mortality rate to be 5.50%. Conclusion: Intoxications were more frequent in young female patients and drugs were the most common cause with suicidal intent. Unfortunately, CO poisoning continues to be a very important problem in our city. These findings provided significant information about the characteristics of intoxications in Karabuk.

Prevention and Cure of Acute Alcohol Intoxication in Mice by Administration of Compound of Japanese Raisintree Fruit, Lobed Kudzuvine Flower Bud and Lightyellow Sophora Root

[Objective] We aimed to investigate the preventive and therapeutical effect of compound of traditional Chinese drugs （Japanese raisintree fruit, lobed kudzuvine flower bud and lightyel ow sophora root） on acute alcohol intoxication in mice. [Method] Acute alcohol intoxication was induced by administering alcohol to mice. Three different doses （low, middle and high） of compound of traditional Chinese drugs were administered to mice before and after administering alcohol respectively to investigate the preventive and therapeutical effect of drugs on acute alcohol intox-ication through doing statistical analysis about drunk mice and their sleeping time. The concentration of malondialdehyde （MDA）, reduced glutathione （GSH） and triglyc-erides （TG） in liver was also determined to investigate the protective effect of drugs on liver. [Result] The efficacy of compound of traditional Chinese drugs on acute al-cohol intoxication was dose-dependent. High-dose administration decreased the number of drunk mice significantly compared with control group; middle- and high-dose administration reduced the sleeping time of drunk mice and the concentration of MDA and TG in liver tissue; three doses al increased the concentration of GSH. [Conclusion] The compound of Japanese raisintree fruit, lobed kudzuvine flower bud and lightyel ow sophora root had preventive and therapeutical effect on hangover, and it also had certain preventive and therapeutical effect on liver damage caused by alcohol.

Analysis of Paraquat Intoxication Epidemic (2002-2011) within China

Paraquat, is a Bipy herbicide have been widely used in last decade in China. Because of its high human toxicity and mortality characteristics, paraquat has been gained considerable attention in recent years. In order to evaluate the epidemic status of paraquat harm to human health in China, 24 h hotline information about paraquat intoxication consultation from January Ist, 2002 to December 31st, 2011 was collected by experienced practitioners in the Poison Control Center （National Poison Control Center, NPCC）

Ischemic stroke due to carbon monoxide intoxication: Two case reports

Dear editor, Following its entrance into the human body through inhalation, carbon monoxide （CO） forms carboxyhemoglobin （COHb） by binding to hemoglobin （Hb） within the blood. Massive ischemic tissue necrosis occurs in 0.5%-1% of cases with CO poisoning. The affinity of CO to Hb is 200-250 times more when compared to the affinity of oxygen. As a result of CO binding to Hb, oxygen delivery to the tissues is reduced, and tissue hypoxia develops. This affects mostly the brain and heart, which are the organs with the highest demand for oxygen.

Changes in Tissue Metals After Cadmium Intoxication and Intervention With Chlorpromazine in Male Rats

Cadmium (Cd), one of the most dangerous heavy metals, has a very similar ionic radius to calcium (Ca). The interference of cadmium in calcium homeostasis may play an important role in cadmium toxicity. Recent reports indicate that calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors such as trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine (CPZ) could protect rodents against cadmium toxicity. It was also reported that pretreatment of mice with zinc (Zn) could reduce the adverse effects induced by cadmium. The aim of this study is to determine whether Cd changes the balance of other essential metals such as Zn and copper (Cu) in rat tissues, and whether CPZ can reverse these changes which are induced by cadmium intoxication. Adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with cadmium chloride (CdCl 2) (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg Cd/kg body weight) alone and 0.4mg Cd/kg in association with CPZ (5 mg/kg) daily for a week. The control animals were injected with normal saline only. The results showed that the cadmium content in the liver, kidney and testis increased significantly with a dose response relationship. Cadmium treatment markedly increased the Zn and Ca content in some of the tissues. Hepatic and renal metallothionein (MT) increased significantly after cadmium intoxication. CPZ treatment, however, reduced cadmium content in liver, but not blood and kidney. CPZ seemed to decrease the content of MT in liver and significantly increase the amounts of MT in kidney. These data suggest that the intervention of cadmium with tissue essential metals may play a role in cadmium toxicity in rats, and calmodulin inhibitors to some extent can reduce the adverse effect of cadmium by decreasing the cadmium load in tissues and reversing the unbalance of essential metals.

The New Approach to the Diagnostics and Treatment of Endogenous Intoxication in Patients with Burn Injury

Background: The main causes of mortality in patients with burn injury are the development of systemic inflammatory process, multiple organ failure and septic complications. The aim of the research: Improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the detection and elimination of endogenous intoxication in patients with burn injury. Materials and methods: The main study group consisted of 19 patients and the comparison group—of 10 patients with burn injury. 92 blood serum (BS) samples of the patients of the main group were tested, using the method of fluorescence spectroscopy (MFS). The advanced therapeutic tactics were proposed for the patients of both groups. The control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals (donors). BS of these patients was also tested using MFS. Results: Patients with burn injury have endogenous intoxication in their blood. The effective concentration of albumin is reduced in patients with burn injury due to the blockage of albumin binding centers by bacterial metabolism products. Fluorescence spectra (FS) of BS in patients with burn trauma and donors were obtained and investigated. Based on MFS results, an improved treatment regimen using infusion of albumin solution was proposed. Conclusions: An improved technique for the management of patients with burn injury is based on the use of MFS for the diagnostic evaluation of endogenous intoxication in them. The idea of pathological changes in albumin molecules in patients with burn injury is pathogenetically substantiated by the successful use of infusion of albumin solution in these patients on the basis of the MFS.

Cyanide Intoxication in Mice Through Different Routes and its Prophylaxis by α-Ketoglutarate

Antagonising effects of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) could be attributed to complexing of the reactive nucleophile (CN-) to form cyanohydrin in cyanide intoxication. However, an enormous protection obtained could not be delineated on account of possible in situ binding of α-KG given intraperitoneally (i.p.) in mice to cyanide administered through the same route. The present study was designed to see the efficacy of a-KG alone or in combination with sodium nitrite (SN) and/or sodium thiosulfate (STS) in male mice exposed to cyanide administered through subcutaneous (s.c.) or inhalation route. A technique for generation of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is also discussed. On the basis of protection index (PI), defined here as the LD50 of cyanide in protected mice/LD50 of cyanide in unprotected mice and survival time, STS + α-KG regimen was equipotent to the conventional SN + STS regimen. This is further substantiated by effect of α-KG in reducing plasma cyanide levels. The efficacy of α-KG remains undeterred irrespective of the route of cyanide intoxication, while the magnitude of protection varies.

Porcine model characterizing various parameters assessing the outcome after acetaminophen intoxication induced acute liver failure

To investigate the changes of hemodynamic and laboratory parameters during the course of acute liver failure following acetaminophen overdose.METHODSEight pigs underwent a midline laparotomy following jejunal catheter placement for further acetaminophen intoxication and positioning of a portal vein Doppler flow-probe. Acute liver failure was realized by intrajejunal acetaminophen administration in six animals, two animals were sham operated. All animals were invasively monitored and received standardized intensive care support throughout the study. Portal blood flow, hemodynamic and ventilation parameters were continuously recorded. Laboratory parameters were analysed every eight hours. Liver biopsies were sampled every 24 h following intoxication and upon autopsy.RESULTSAcute liver failure (ALF) occurred after 28 ± 5 h resulted in multiple organ failure and death despite maximal support after further 21 ± 1 h (study end). Portal blood flow (baseline 1100 ± 156 mL/min) increased to a maximum flow of 1873 ± 175 mL/min at manifestation of ALF, which was significantly elevated (P < 0.01). Immediately after peaking, portal flow declined rapidly to 283 ± 135 mL/min at study end. Thrombocyte values (baseline 307 × 103/µL ± 34 × 103/µL) of intoxicated animals declined slowly to values of 145 × 103/µL ± 46 × 103/µL when liver failure occurred. Subsequent appearance of severe thrombocytopenia in liver failure resulted in values of 11 × 103/µL ± 3 × 103/µL preceding fatality within few hours which was significant (P > 0.01).CONCLUSIONDeclining portal blood flow and subsequent severe thrombocytopenia after acetaminophen intoxication precede fatality in a porcine acute liver failure model.

Antidotal administration of 4—dimethylaminophenol in cyanide intoxication and acute hemorrhage in dogs

Thirty-two mongrel dogs were divided into 4 groups.24 dogs of the 3 therapeutic groupswere inflicted with mild,medium,and severe hemorrhage through right femoral artery bleeding untilthe arterial systolic pressure dropped to 9.33,6.67 and 5.33 kPa,respectively,and then intoxicatedby intravenous NaCN 2.5mg/kg 3min after intoxication,intravenous 4-dimethylaminophenol(DMAP) 2 mg/kg was given.8 dogs of the control were inflicted with mild hemorrhage and similar-ly intoxicated,but no treatment was given.The changes of hemodynamics,blood gases andmethemoglobin were observed in the dogs.It was found that all the dogs of the control died with-in 5 min after administration of NaCN.DMAP could exert an excitatory effect on hemodynamicsand rescue the animals from death.The excitatory effect of DMAP became weaker whilehemorrhage became more severe.DMAP could further disturb the oxygen-caring capacity ofhemoglobin because of the formation of large amounts of methemoglobin when it was used as an anti-dote for cyanide intoxidation accompanied with acute hemorrhage.

Catechol-Bisphosphonate Conjugates: New Potential Chelating Agents for Metal Intoxication Therapy

In a quest for better chelating therapy drugs for the treatment of intoxication by Fe, Al, oractinides, two new series of mixed catechol-bisphosphonate through amide linkage were synthesized.Benzyl group was used as protecting group to avoid the breakage of amide by acid hydrolysis orimcomplete reaction in silylation-dealkylation using bromotrimethylsilane.

Superiority of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate versus Frozen Fresh Plasma in Cardiology Patients with Warfarin Intoxication–Observational Study

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse the reversibility of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by comparing prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) versus frozen fresh plasma (FFP) in cardiology patients with serious warfarin intoxication. Methods: This was an observational and retrospective study comprising 67 patients (18 in group I [PCC] and 49 in group II [FFP]). The primary endpoint was the reversal of anticoagulant effect of warfarin after 2 and 24 hours of PCC or FFP administration. Comparisons between the groups were made using T-test and Q-square. Multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression, and the results were considered significant when p Results: The medium dose used was 27.6 UI/kg of PCC and 14.5 ml/kg of FFP. Significant differences were observed between groups I and II in the INR reversibility measurements after 2 hours (33.3% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.001) and 24 hours (38.9% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.009) as well as in the occurrence of pulmonary edema (5.6% vs. 42.9%, OR = 11.10, p = 0.04). The AUC for PCC was 0.891 (CI 95% [0.72 - 1.0]), and for FFP, it was 0.291 (CI 95% [0.09 - 0.49]). Conclusions: PCC is better than FFP treatment in reversing the warfarin intoxication after 2 and 24 hours of administration. Furthermore, PCC showed lower pulmonary edema in cardiology patients.

A severe case of levothyroxine intoxication successfully treated in intensive care unit

Levothyroxine intoxication is a rare clinical entity which is usually asymptomatic. However, severe symptoms such as respiratory failure, malignant hyperthermia, seizures, arrhythmia, and coma have been reported. In this case report, a patient who ingested high dose (15 mg) levothyroxine for suicide and admitted to intensive care unit was presented. There was a decrease in Glasgow coma score in the follow-up. The patient was intubated due to acute respiratory failure. Gastric lavage, activated charcoal, methylprednisolone, cholestyramine and therapeuthic plasma exchange were administered. Despite ingestion of high dose of levothyroxine, thyrotoxicosis symptoms resolved with appropriate treatment and the patient was discharged from the intensive care unit.

Acute Renal Failure Secondary to Paracetamol Intoxication: A Case Report

Renal damage secondary to paracetamol intoxication is rare, estimated between 1% and 2% of intoxication cases. Its pathophysiology is still debated, the clinical involvement consisting in an acute tubular necrosis with a good prognosis if it is rapidly treated. Renal damage can sometimes occur without prior hepatic damage, and the onset of renal manifestations is generally between the 2nd and 7th day after taking paracetamol. If its management remains exclusively symptomatic, its late onset can sometimes lead to serious metabolic complications. It is therefore important to systematically monitor renal function following paracetamol drug intoxication. We report the case of a 60-year-old male subject hospitalized for the management of voluntary drug intoxication (VDI) with paracetamol complicated by acute hepatocellular failure and acute renal failure. His management required extrarenal purification (hemodialysis) and the evolution was favorable with recovery ad integrumof renal function. Conclusion: Although less known and of unelucidated physiopathology, nephrotoxicity secondary to voluntary drug intoxication with paracetamol is a reality and can lead in extreme cases to the use of extrarenal purification technique (hemodialysis).

Digoxin intoxication： An old enemy in modern era

Objectives Although development of new treatment modalities limited digoxin usage, digoxin intoxication is still an important issue which could be easily overlooked. In this report, we analyzed a case series definitively diagnosed as digoxin intoxication in the modern era. Methods We analyzed 71 patients hospitalized with digoxin intoxication confirmed by history, complaints, clinical and electrocardiograph （ECG） findings, and serum digoxin levels 〉 2.0 ng/mL, during a five year period. The demographic and clinical data, indications for digoxin use, digoxin dosage, concurrent medications, laboratory data, hospital monitoring, and ECG findings were obtained from all patients. Results Thirty-eight of 71 patients （53.5%） had symptoms of heart failure during admission or later. Sixty-four percent of patients were older than 75 years. The percentage of females was 67%. Atrial fibrillation, hypertension and gastrointestinal complaints were more frequent in the females （64% in females, 30% in males, P = 0.007; 81% in female, 52% in males, P = 0.01; 50% in female, 17.3% in males, P = 0.008, respectively）. The mortality rate during the hospital course was 7%. Conclusions This report demonstrated the reduced mortality rates in patients with digoxin intoxication over the study period. Gastrointestinal complaints are the most common symptoms in this population.

Patient with hepatocellular carcinoma related to prior acute arsenic intoxication and occult HBV:Epidemiological,clinical and therapeutic results after 14 years of follow-up

Little is known about the long-term survivors of acute arsenic intoxication. We present here a clinical case report of a man with chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection who developed hepatocellular carcinoma four years after acute arsenic poisoning. HBsAg was detected in serum in 1990 when he voluntarily donated blood. In 1991, the patient suffered from severe psychological depression that led him to attempt suicide by massive ingestion of an arsenic-containing rodenticide. He survived with polyneuropathy and paralysis of the lower limbs, and has been wheelchair-bound since then. During participation in a follow-up study conducted among HBV carders, abdominal ultrasound detected a two-centimeter liver mass consistent with hepatocellular carcinoma. The tumor was confirmed by computed tomography （CT） and magnetic resonance image （MRI）. Because of his significant comorbidity, the patient received palliative treatment with transarterial lipiodol chemoembolization （TACE） on three occasions （1996, 1997 and 1999）. At his most recent visit in lay 2005, the patient was asymptomatic, liver enzymes were normal and the tumor was in remission on ultrasound.

The influence of ultraviolet blood irradiation and oxygenation on oxygen free radicals metabolism in rabbits with soman intoxication

Objective: To investigate the effect of ultraviolet blood irradiation and oxygenation (UBIO) on the metabolism of oxygen free radicals in rabbits with acute soman intoxication. Methods: One hundred rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, intoxication group, routine therapy group. UBIO therapy group and combined therapy group. After 14 d, the concentration of malondiadehyde(MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathionperoxidase(GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) in serum were determined respectively. Results: Compared with the normal control group, the concentration of MDA and activity of CAT in the intoxication group were significantly higher (P < 0. 05). but SOD. GSH-Px activity and T-AOC were significantly lower (P<0. 05). After UBIO or combined therapy, serum MDA level was significantly lower in comparison with intoxication group (P<0. 05). but the activity of SOD. GSH-Px, CAT and T-AOC were higher than intoxication group(P<0. 05). Conclusion: There is an obvious oxygen free radical injury in rabbits with a-cute soman intoxication. UBIO can improve the antioxidation ability of rabbits and may be applied to treat acute soman intoxication as adjunctive therapy.

Chelation in Metal Intoxication XLIV: Efficacy of α-Mercapto β-(5-Substituted, 2-Furyl) Acrylic Acids in Mobilizing Intracellularly Bound Cadmium in Rat

The efficacy of α mercapto β (2_furyl) acrylic acid (MFA), α mercapto β (5_sodiumsulfonate, 2_furyl) acrylic acid (MSFA) and α mercapto β (5_acetoxymethyl, 2_furyl) acrylic acid (MAFA) to mobilize intracellularly bound cadmium in liver and kidney was investigated in rats pre_exposed to cadmium. MFA was effective in reducing cadmium levels of hepatic and renal supernatant cytosolic fraction (SCF) while MSFA and MAFA were effective in lowering cadmium levels of renal SCF and hepatic SCF respectively. All the chelating agents also enhanced the excretion of cadmium more in feces than in urine. However, substitution on the furan ring lowered cadmium mobilizing efficacy of the parent compound, MFA. The treatment with MFA did not affect the status of endogenous zinc and copper while the treatment with MSFA and MAFA enhanced their excretion. MSFA increased hepatic and renal zinc and renal copper while MAFA increased their copper levels.

Ameliorative effect of naringenin in intoxication cases recovery

The use of bioactive compounds as alternative medicine in the treatment of some intoxication cases is growing in the last years.Flavonoids are one of these bioactive compounds that are plant-based dietary nutrients.Naringenin is the most influential flavonoid wherein it is found in citrus fruits such as orange,grapefruit,and mandarin.A lot of studies showed the ability of naringenin to scavenge free radicals in different body tissues preventing oxidative stress toxicity and lipid peroxidation.Therefore,naringenin can protect many body organs and systems against toxic manifestations of many drugs and toxic agents.So,it prevents the liver,kidney,heart,testes,and neurological system from toxic effects of a wide range of toxicants.Moreover,it can also ameliorate manifestations of cytotoxicity and developmental toxicity based on its efficacy as an antioxidant.

Metformin Intoxication: A Case of a Combination of Severe Hypoglycaemia and Severe Lactic Acidosis (LA)

Metformin is a worldwide used and effective antihyperglycemic agent. It is generally well tolerated but contraindicated in severe renal dysfunction. Metformin does not cause hypoglycaemia, however this case describes hypoglycaemia after an overdose. Another well-known, but rare and potentially life-threatening complication of metformin is the occurrence of LA, the so-called metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA). The severe consequences of an overdose of metformin, as well as the pathophysiologic mechanisms and the clinical consequences of LA in combination with severe hypoglycaemia are described in this report. Early recognition and swift clinical intervention is of paramount importance in case of auto-intoxication with metformin to prevent a lethal outcome.