Concentrations of toxic heavy metals and trace elements in raw milk of Simmental and Holstein-Friesian cows from organic farm.

Concentrations of toxic heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb)) and major nutritional and trace elements (Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn) were analyzed in the milk of Simmental (n = 20) and Holstein-Friesian (n = 20) cows from an organic farm. Elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma emission atomic spectrometry. The conducted research showed that the milk of Simmental cows was characterized by the more advantageous mineral composition and lower concentration of noxious heavy metals compared to the milk of Holstein-Friesian cows. In the milk of Simmental cows, significantly lower concentrations of Pb and Cd (P < 0.001) and Cu (P < 0.05) and significantly higher concentrations of Fe and Mg (P < 0.05) as well as nonsignificantly higher concentrations of Ca, Mn, and Se were found. In the milk of both breeds, very low Cu concentrations were recorded. The higher-than-recommended concentration of Pb in milk was also found. In the milk of both breeds, the significant positive correlations between concentrations of the following elements were observed: Pb-Cd, Pb-Se, Cd-Se, Cd-Mn, Zn-Cu, Zn-P, Ca-P, Ca-Mg, and Mg-P. The correlations between other elements within each of the analyzed breeds separately were also found.

[Acute novel drugs poisoning among patients of Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Lodz, Toxicology Unit, hospitalized in the years 2008-2012--epidemiology, clinical state]. / Ostre zatrucia nowymi srodkami psychoaktywnymi wsród pacjentów oddzialu Toksykologii Instytutu Medycyny Pracy w Lodzi w latach 2008-2012-- rozpowszechnienie, obraz kliniczny zatrucia.

UNLABELLED: Intoxication with novel recreational drugs poses significant challenge for medical staff due to diagnostic difficulties, complex clinical pattern, resulting from polyethiology of poisoning and potential risk of life threatening complications. OBJECTIVES: Description of clinical pattern novel drug intoxication. METHODS: retrospective review of medical records patients hospitalized in the Toxicology Unit (TU) with diagnosis of intoxication with novel recreational drugs. RESULTS: During the period from 2008-2010--431 patients were admitted to TU with mentioned above diagnosis. 159 (36.9%) patients were positive for ethanol with its average concentration in blood 150 mg%. Presence of other substances like amphetamine, cannabinoids, atropine, ephedrine, carbamazepine, benzodiazepines and dextrometorphan was confirmed. The most frequent clinical symptoms observed on admission were: anxiety, agitation, complaints associated with circulatory system and vertigo Average pulse rate and both: diastolic and systolic pressure were within normal limits, however authors noted slight tendency toward tachycardia. One patients died due to multiorgan failure. Average period of hospitalization amounted 2.24 days. Co-poisoning with ethanol was associated with higher frequency of circulatory system disturbances. RESULTS: Clinical pattern of poisoning with novel drugs could partially correspond with mild sympathomime. tic syndrome.

[Toxic liver injuries--a current view on pathogenesis. Part II]. / Toksyczne uszkodzenie watroby--wspólczesny poglad na etiopatogeneze. Czesc II.

Liver plays an important role in biological detoxication of xenobiotics. During this process, one can observe the inactivation and successful elimination of metabolites and toxic substances. The metabolic reactions responsible for detoxications include phases I and II. The phase I reactions increase polarity of xenobiotics through inserting new functional groups to xenobiotic molecules, while during phase II conjugation to endogenous hydrophilic molecules results in potent increase in polarity and water solubility. Phase III involves the transport process mediated by transmembranous transporter proteins, which remove a large number of xenobiotics from blood into liver. Oxidative stress and oxidation of lipids may lead to liver injury. Functional impairment of mitochondrial metabolism is associated with intensive production of reactive oxygen species. The underlying mechanisms during mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to cellular necrosis and apoptosis.

[Poisoning with weever fish venom: a case report]. / Zatrucie jadem ostrosza (Trachinus draco)--opis przypadku.

Poland's access to the EU causes that there is the risk of poisoning from sources outside Poland. This is confirmed by the case reported below. The Weeverfish Trachinus draco lives in the coastal waters of West Africa and Europe (including those of the Mediterranean Sea) and belongs to the most poisonous fish species. The venom of Trachinus draco contains proteins that cause cellular membrane depolarisation, and haemolysis. A 35-yr. man was admitted to the Toxicological Department of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine for symptoms, such as: a strong pain, swelling and reddening of the left leg, that had appeared after contact with an unidentified fish when he had been enjoying a bath in the Mediterranean Sea. In the additional examinations, slight abnormalities were detected only in the results of blood agglutination test. The patient was discharged from the hospital 7 days later in good condition.