Application of bacterial nanocellulose film loaded with sodium nitrite, sumac, and black carrot extracts to reduce sodium nitrite, extend shelf life, and inhibit Clostridium perfringens in cooked beef ham.

This study aimed to develop innovative bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) films incorporated with sodium nitrite (SN), sumac extract (SE), and black carrot extract (BCE) to reduce sodium nitrite, extend shelf life, and inhibit Clostridium perfringens in cooked beef ham. The ham covered with BNC film immersed in SE (10 % w/v) + BCE (5 % w/v) + SN (125 ppm) (SE10BCE5SN125) exhibited the lowest microbial load (4.39, 4.32, 3.83, and 4.6 log cycles reductions in total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and C. perfringens, respectively) and the lowest oxidation rate (70 % reduction compared to control) on day 28 of storage. The samples covered with SE10BCE5SN125 film had also the lowest level of residual nitrite (64 % lower compered to positive control). Positive control (ham containing 120 ppm SN) and ham covered with SE10BCE5SN125 film had the highest redness. It was concluded that the films developed in this study have the potential to reduce the use of sodium nitrite in beef ham production.

Rebound methaemoglobinaemia secondary to intentional sodium nitrite ingestion.

We report a case of rebounding severe methaemoglobinaemia secondary to sodium nitrite ingestion, despite several administrations of methylene blue. The patient's clinical course was characterised by a series of alternating improvements and deteriorations and proved challenging for treating clinicians. On discussion with poisoning experts, it was hypothesised that a small amount of sodium nitrite remained in the gastrointestinal tract leading to prolonged absorption of the causative agent. Methaemoglobin levels returned to normal following the administration of multi-dose activated charcoal via a nasogastric tube 30 h after the initial presentation to hospital.

Effect of supplemented paprika oleoresin solution on the physicochemical properties and shelf-life of boiled pork sausages with nitrite reduction.

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the quality characteristics of reduced-nitrite boiled pork sausages (BPSs) with paprika oleoresin solution (POS) to compensate for the reduced sodium nitrite (NaNO2). Methods: POS was prepared by diluting paprika oleoresin with sunflower seed oil at a ratio of 1:20. BPSs were subjected to four different treatments: reference (REF), BPS added with 150 ppm NaNO2; control (CTL), BPS added with 37.5 ppm NaNO2; treatment 1 (TRT1), BPS added with 37.5 ppm NaNO2 and 0.1% POS; treatment 2 (TRT2), BPS added with 75 ppm NaNO2 and 0.1% POS). Results: The pH values of CTL were lower than those of other treatments. The a* values of TRT1 were higher than those of CTL, and those of REF were lower than those of TRT1 and TRT2. The b* values of TRT1 and TRT2 were higher than those of REF and CTL. The total plate counts of CTL were the highest among all treatments, and Enterobacteriaceae counts of CTL and TRT1 on the 14th day were higher than those of REF and TRT2. Conclusion: The combination of 75 ppm NaNO2 and 0.1% POS to BPS during storage had an antimicrobial effect similar to that of adding 150 ppm NaNO2. Thus, POS can be used to reduce the use of NaNO2 in meat products.

Metabolic reprogramming of corn oligopeptide in regulating sodium nitrite-induced canine hepatocyte injury via TGF/NF-κB signaling pathways and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis.

Sodium nitrite (SN), a prevalent food preservative, is known to precipitate hepatotoxicity upon exposure. This study elucidates the hepatoprotective effects of corn oligopeptide (COP) and vitamin E (VE) against SN-induced hepatic injury in canine hepatocytes. Canine liver cells were subjected to SN to induce hepatotoxicity, followed by treatment with COP and VE. Evaluations included assays for cell viability, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings demonstrated that COP and VE significantly ameliorated SN-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. It was evidenced by restored cell viability, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced cytoplasmic enzyme leakage, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and inflammatory cytokines, with COP showing superior efficacy. The RNA sequencing revealed that COP treatment suppressed the SN-activated aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway and TGF-ß/NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby mitigating amino acid depletion, apoptosis, and inflammation. Moreover, COP treatment upregulated genes associated with protein folding, bile acid synthesis, and DNA repair. Metabolomic analysis corroborated these results, showing that COP restored amino acid levels and enhanced bile acid metabolism, alleviating SN-induced metabolic disruptions. These findings offered significant insights into the protective mechanisms of COP underscoring its prospective application in treating liver injuries.

Substitution of Animal Fat and Sodium Nitrite with Hemp Seed Oil: Effect on the Nutritional Value, Sensory Characteristics, and Shelf Life of Fermented Salami.

Recently, products of plant origin have been utilized to extend the shelf life of meat products. This study examined the impact of hemp seed oil as a replacement for animal fat and sodium nitrite on the nutritional, physicochemical, technological, and sensory traits of fermented salamis. Five treatments were prepared: S0 (100 mg/kg NaNO2), S1 (2% hemp oil and 50 mg/kg NaNO2), S2 (4% hemp oil and 50 mg/kg NaNO2), S3 (2% hemp oil), and S4 (4% hemp oil). The addition of hemp seed oil did not affect proximate composition but improved fatty acid composition and lipid quality nutritional indices. Microbial growth was consistent across all treatments. Active acidity (pH) and water activity (aw) were influenced by hemp seed oil and/or sodium nitrite. Salamis containing only hemp seed oil exhibited lower redness and chroma values during storage. Hemp seed oil led to higher lipid peroxidation, mitigated by sodium nitrite. The addition of hemp seed oil and varying levels of sodium nitrite significantly impacted salami texture. Sensory evaluation showed consumer acceptance of hemp seed oil-enhanced salamis. In conclusion, hemp seed oil can be used as a functional ingredient to improve the nutritional value and healthiness of fermented meat products when combined with reduced sodium nitrite content.

Impact of chlorogenic acid on submandibular salivary gland and liver of albino rats exposed to sodium nitrite.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to show how sodium nitrite alters the histology of submandibular salivary glands and livers of Albino rats, as well as how chlorogenic acid may have therapeutic benefits. METHODS: A sample size of thirty male Sprague Dawley Albino rats weighing between 100 and 150 g (5-6 weeks old) was randomly allocated into 3 equal groups. Group I: rats were used as controls and were given phosphate buffer solution, whereas Group II: rats were given an 80 mg/kg sodium nitrites (SN) daily dissolved in distilled water. The rats in Group III were given a daily dose of 80 mg/kg SN dissolved in distilled water and after 6 hours each rat received 50 mg/mL freshly prepared chlorogenic acid (CGA) every other day. For 12 weeks, all treatment modalities will be administered orally, every day. After the experiment, all rats were euthanized. Samples from salivary glands and livers were processed and stained with H&E and interleukin 6 (IL 6). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were detected using an ELISA assay. RESULTS: Groups III had nearly comparable findings to Group I regarding histological pattern with normal submandibular glands and livers features. Group III salivary gland treated with CGA exhibited higher SOD levels (20.60±4.81 U/g) in comparison to the SN group, and lower MDA levels (111.58±28.28 nmol/mg) in comparison to the SN treated samples. In comparison to the SN group, CGA treatment significantly reduced MDA levels in liver samples (167.56±21.17 nmol/mg) and raised SOD (30.85±6.77 U/g). CONCLUSIONS: Chlorogenic acid has a protective effect against salivary gland and liver toxicity induced by SN in rats. This was mediated via the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of CGA and the restoration of oxidant/antioxidant balance in rat salivary gland and liver.

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.

Repeated dose, 28-day oral toxicity study of curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to examine the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity of curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite in Wistar rats. METHODS: For this purpose, forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 6 each), encompassing untreated controls and experimental groups treated with curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite. Three rats from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under di-ethyl ether anesthesia after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy, respectively. Blood samples were collected for serum chemistry. All of the animals' livers, hearts, and kidneys were removed and sent for histopathological examination. RESULTS: After two weeks of inquiry, certain groups displayed higher hematological values, while others had lower values compared to the control group. AST, CK, and LDH enzyme activity were higher in groups 2-8, but urea concentrations were higher in groups 6 and 8. After four weeks, the Hb, MCH, and MCHC values in group 4 were greater, as were the WBC levels in groups 4 and 6, whereas other groups had lower MCV and WBC values. The weekly body weight gain was insignificantly different between treatment groups. Throughout the experiment, none of the animals perished. Male rats' liver, kidney, and heart underwent histopathological changes after ingesting curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, rats were more detrimental when curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin were ingested together than when they were consumed individually, as evidenced by histopathological abnormalities in the liver, kidneys, and heart.

Supplementation of Saussurea costus root alleviates sodium nitrite-induced hepatorenal toxicity by modulating metabolic profile, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite.

Emerging Trends of Self-Harm Using Sodium Nitrite in an Online Suicide Community: Observational Study Using Natural Language Processing Analysis.

Background: There is growing concern around the use of sodium nitrite (SN) as an emerging means of suicide, particularly among younger people. Given the limited information on the topic from traditional public health surveillance sources, we studied posts made to an online suicide discussion forum, "Sanctioned Suicide," which is a primary source of information on the use and procurement of SN. Objective: This study aims to determine the trends in SN purchase and use, as obtained via data mining from subscriber posts on the forum. We also aim to determine the substances and topics commonly co-occurring with SN, as well as the geographical distribution of users and sources of SN. Methods: We collected all publicly available from the site's inception in March 2018 to October 2022. Using data-driven methods, including natural language processing and machine learning, we analyzed the trends in SN mentions over time, including the locations of SN consumers and the sources from which SN is procured. We developed a transformer-based source and location classifier to determine the geographical distribution of the sources of SN. Results: Posts pertaining to SN show a rise in popularity, and there were statistically significant correlations between real-life use of SN and suicidal intent when compared to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (⍴=0.727; P<.001) and the National Poison Data System (⍴=0.866; P=.001). We observed frequent co-mentions of antiemetics, benzodiazepines, and acid regulators with SN. Our proposed machine learning-based source and location classifier can detect potential sources of SN with an accuracy of 72.92% and showed consumption in the United States and elsewhere. Conclusions: Vital information about SN and other emerging mechanisms of suicide can be obtained from online forums.

Food additives impair gut microbiota from healthy individuals and IBD patients in a colonic in vitro fermentation model.

Intestinal fibrosis is a long-term complication of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Changes in microbial populations have been linked with the onset of fibrosis and some food additives are known to promote intestinal inflammation facilitating fibrosis induction. In this study, we investigated how polysorbate 80, sucralose, titanium dioxide, sodium nitrite and maltodextrin affect the gut microbiota and the metabolic activity in healthy and IBD donors (patients in remission and with a flare of IBD). The Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) with a static (batch) configuration was used to evaluate the effects of food additives on the human intestinal microbiota. Polysorbate 80 and sucralose decreased butyrate-producing bacteria such as Roseburia and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Both compounds, also increased bacterial species positively correlated with intestinal inflammation and fibrosis (i.e.: Enterococcus, Veillonella and Mucispirillum schaedleri), especially in donors in remission of IBD. Additionally, polysorbate 80 induced a lower activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the three groups of donors, which can affect the intestinal homeostasis. Maltodextrin, despite increasing short-chain fatty acids production, promoted the growth of Ruminococcus genus, correlated with higher risk of fibrosis, and decreased Oscillospira which is negatively associated with fibrosis. Our findings unveil crucial insights into the potential deleterious effects of polysorbate 80, sucralose and maltodextrin on human gut microbiota in healthy and, to a greater extent, in IBD patients.

Causes of acquired methemoglobinemia - A retrospective study at a large academic hospital.

Methemoglobinemia is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the formation of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin that cannot bind oxygen. While there are some rare congenital causes of methemoglobinemia, most cases are acquired from the effects of specific drugs or environmental exposures. In this retrospective study, we analyzed a large data set of whole blood samples analyzed for methemoglobin at an academic medical center in Midwestern United States that provides both pediatric and adult services. For a 14 year timeframe (May 2009- June 2023), we performed detailed chart analysis of all patients with a methemoglobin concentration of 3.1 % or higher. For an earlier 13 year timeframe (January 1996-April 2009), we performed chart review for all patients with a methemoglobin concentration of 10.0 % or higher. For the 2009-2023 data, dapsone was the most frequent cause of methemoglobinemia (methemoglobin 3.1 % or higher) in both pediatric (73.3 %, 115 clinical encounters, 105 unique patients) and adult (65.3 %, 195 clinical encounters, 190 unique patients) populations. Inhaled nitric oxide as medical therapy was the next most frequent cause in both pediatric (18.1 %) and adult (13.2 %) populations. Causes associated with two or more unique episodes with methemoglobin concentrations of 10.0 % and higher included the following: dapsone (n = 40 episodes), benzocaine (n = 10), recreational use of amyl or isobutyl nitrite (n = 3), suicide attempt with sodium nitrite (n = 3 with 1 fatality; all 3 cases within last 3 years), food contaminated with nitrates (n = 2), and sepsis (n = 2). A total of 18 patients received treatment with methylene blue including 5 cases associated with benzocaine and all of the cases associated with amyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, sodium nitrite, and contaminated food. Only 3 patients with dapsone-associated methemoglobinemia received methylene blue, reflecting primary management by dose reduction or discontinuation of drug. Overall, our data reinforce previous studies showing dapsone, inhaled nitric oxide, and nitrites as common agents causing methemoglobinemia in a patient population seen at a medical center. Our data also are consistent with recent epidemiology trends showing increase in suicide attempts using sodium nitrite.

The Skeletal Muscle, the Heart, and the Liver Are the Major Organs of the Accumulation of Nitric Oxide Metabolites after Oral Nitrite Treatment.

Nitrite is a nitric oxide (NO) metabolite, which may be bioactivated to generate NO in vivo and supplement endogenous NO formation, especially in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, it is not known whether treatment with oral nitrite results in the accumulation of NO metabolites in different organs. Moreover, treatment with omeprazole, an inhibitor of gastric acid secretion, severely affects the gastric formation of S-nitrosothiols induced with oral nitrite treatment. However, no previous study has examined whether omeprazole affects the nitrite-induced accumulation of NO metabolites in different organs. This study examined in rats the effects of oral sodium nitrite treatment (15 mg/kg via gavage for 1 or 7 days) associated with omeprazole (10 mg/kg or vehicle) on nitrite and nitrate and nitrosylated species (RXNO) concentrations (measured using ozone-based chemiluminescence methods) assessed in the plasma, aorta, heart, liver, brain, and muscle. While our results showed that NO metabolite accumulation in different organs is not uniform, we found that the skeletal muscle, the heart, and the liver accumulate NO metabolites, particularly RXNO. This response was significantly attenuated by omeprazole in the heart and in the skeletal muscle. Together, these findings may indicate that the skeletal muscle, the heart, and the liver are major reservoir sites for NO metabolites after oral nitrite treatment, with major increases in nitrosylated species.

The Influence of Different Levels of Sodium Chloride, Sodium Nitrite, and Glucose on Biogenic Amines and Microbial Communities in Fermented Goat Meat Sausage.

The influence of different levels of sodium chloride, sodium nitrite, and glucose on the quality characteristics of spontaneously fermented goat meat sausage was investigated. The amounts of total biogenic amines in all the sausages ranged from 324.70 to 388.77 mg/kg; among them, spermine was the most abundant, with amounts ranging from 230.96 to 275.78 mg/kg. Increasing sodium chloride from 15 to 35 g/kg, the content of cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, tryptamine, and total amines decreased, and Enterobacteriaceae counts decreased at the same time. Increasing sodium nitrite from 150 to 250 mg/kg, the content of cadaverine, histamine, and total amines decreased, while Enterobacteriaceae counts decreased simultaneously. Increasing glucose from 10 to 40 g/kg, the content of cadaverine, spermidine, and total amines decreased. Enterococcus was the most abundant genus across all the samples, and the relative abundance of Enterococcus was reduced obviously by increasing sodium nitrite and glucose levels. The top 10 differential bacterial taxa for each additive group were respectively obtained, and microbial biomarkers for each level of additive within its group were acquired, respectively. Through Pearson correlation, Lactobacillus was positively correlated with phenylethylamine, tryptamine, tyramine, and cadaverine, Bacteroides and Sediminibacterium were positively correlated with phenylethylamine and putrescine, respectively, suggesting they have the potential to produce biogenic amines. The results provided references for controlling the accumulation of biogenic amines in fermented goat meat sausage via the addition of auxiliary additives during the processing.

Extracorporeal cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in a patient with missed diagnosis of sodium nitrite intoxication.

INTRODUCTION: Critical poisoning with sodium nitrite (NaNO2) can present challenges in promptly identifying and managing acute methemoglobinemia. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an overt self-intoxication by an initially unknown agent, leading to cardiac arrest. Despite prodromal signs of cyanosis, coma, desaturation, and hypotension, methemoglobinemia went unrecognized during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) as the point-of-care test failed to provide methemoglobin levels, leading to untreated methemoglobinemia. The blood flowing through the oxygenator notably maintained the same brown colour. Return of spontaneous circulation was never achieved, and the patient was declared dead after 60 min of unsuccessful resuscitation. Cause of death by means of NaNO2 voluntary ingestion was later clarified and confirmed by postmortem finding of elevated nitrite and nitrate concentration. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the risk of failure of ECPR in the context of cardiac arrest due to methemoglobinemia, emphasizing the critical need for prompt recognition of the causative agent and early administration of antidotes.

Systematic Review of Fatal Sodium Nitrite Ingestion Cases: Toxicological and Forensic Implications.

Documented cases of sodium nitrite toxicity are almost exclusively caused by accidental ingestion; however, self-poisoning with sodium nitrite represents an increasing trend in nitrate-related deaths. This systematic review summarizes the most crucial evidence regarding the fatal toxicity of sodium nitrite. It identifies gaps and differences in the diagnostic forensic approaches and the detection methods of sodium nitrite intoxication. A total of eleven research articles were selected for qualitative and quantitative data. Most of the studies (6/11) were case reports. Fifty-three cases of fatal intoxication with sodium nitrite were chosen for the review. More research is required to develop cost-effective techniques and uniform cutoffs for blood nitrite and nitrate levels in the event of deadly sodium nitrite poisoning. There is still a lack of critical information on other matrices and the impact of time since death on toxicological results in such situations. The available evidence provides useful recommendations for forensic pathologists and health practitioners engaged in instances of sodium nitrite poisoning or death. The data should also set off alarm bells in the public health system, in prosecutor's offices, and for policymakers so that they may undertake preventative measures to stop and restrict the unregulated market for these substances.

Suicide by sodium nitrite poisoning: Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2018-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Suicide by sodium nitrite may be an emerging trend in the United States. Our mixed-methods study aims to: (1) describe the rates of suicides secondary to sodium nitrite self-poisoning in the United States between 2018 and 2020 and (2) characterize the use of sodium nitrite as a suicide method. METHODS: Using NVDRS data, descriptive statistics, population-based incident rates/year and incidence estimates across 50 states were calculated. An inductive thematic analysis characterized the use of sodium nitrite as a suicide method on review of medical examiner and law enforcement reports. RESULTS: 260 incidents were identified as suicides secondary to self-poisoning with sodium nitrite/nitrate across 37 states and 1 territory-69% of which occurred in 2020. The typical victim was a white male student with a known depressive disorder and a history of suicidal thoughts (n = 120). The annual suicide rate using sodium nitrite increased from 0.01-0.09/100,000 person-years over the three-year period. Online forums were used to share knowledge on the procurement and preparation of sodium nitrite poisoning. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium nitrite self-poisoning is an increasingly used planned suicide method among young people. Further studies are required to identify the impact of means safety interventions on the incidence of sodium nitrite self-poisoning incidents.

Modern suicide trend from internet.

INTRODUCTION: The most common suicide methods vary slightly from country to country, partly related to the availability of effective means. Societal development over the years and especially the advent of the Internet has enabled the sudden spread of new suicide methods. Recently, especially since 2019, intentional sodium nitrite poisoning has appeared on many social networks as an increasingly popular method of suicide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There was performed a retrospective-prospective study of the autopsy protocols of the Medico-Legal Departments of the Healthcare Surveillance Authority in Slovakia, in a period of 15 years (2008-2022). We performed the analysis of cases of death due to nitrite poisoning, focusing on cases of intentional self-harm. In all selected cases, we present complete information, including photo documentation from the place of death, as well as the results of the performed autopsy and the results of additional laboratory examinations. RESULTS: We did not record any fatal cases of unintentional, accidental consumption of sodium nitrite in Slovakia, nor any fatal cases of homicidal poisoning by this substance. However, there were three cases of intentional self-harm (completed suicide) by sodium nitrite poisoning (in 2019, 2020 and 2022). CONCLUSIONS: The correct diagnosis of the cases of sodium nitrite poisoning deaths is possible only based on evaluating all the information obtained, a thorough examination of the body and the crime scene, and the correct interpretation of the findings found during a subsequent autopsy and the results of the toxicological analysis.

Lewis acid-promoted direct synthesis of isoxazole derivatives.

Isoxazole derivatives were synthesized via a one-pot method utilizing 2-methylquinoline derivatives as template substrates, sodium nitrite as a nitrogen-oxygen source, and solely using aluminum trichloride as the additive. This approach circumvents the need for costly or highly toxic transition metals and presents a novel pathway for the synthesis of isoxazole derivatives.