Arh Hig Rada Toksiko
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Arh Hig Rada Toksiko · Jun 2006
Pyridinium, imidazolium and quinuclidinium compounds: toxicity and antidotal effects against the nerve agents Tabun and Soman.
This paper discusses the toxicity and antidotal effects of 32 compounds. Screening studies have shown that these compounds combined with atropine are effective antidotes against the organophosphate nerve agents Tabun and/or Soman, having a therapeutic factor equal or greater than 2.0 when tested in mice or rats. We analysed the results of these studies, and recommend that these compounds should be studied in more detail simultaneously with conventional antidotes (PAM-2, HI-6, Toxogonin, TMB-4) in order to assess whether they could broaden the choice of compounds now available for the treatment of organophosphate poisoning.
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Pyrethrins, natural extracts of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and Chrysanthemum cocineum flowers, and pyrethroids, synthetic analogues and derivatives of pyrethrins, are powerful insecticides. They are widely used in households and insect control in pets or livestock, in textiles such as carpets, wallpapers, furniture and clothes, as well as in agriculture, forestry and public health services. This article brings a list of pyrethrin and pyrethroid insecticides registered for use in plant protection in Croatia. ⋯ Another important toxicological mechanism is allergenicity, which is more pronounced with pyrethrins than with synthetic pyrethroids. Because there is no antidote for pyrethrin and pyrethroid poisoning, treatment is symptomatic and supportive. The article discusses the measures for poisoning prevention and alleviation of exposure to pyrethrins and pyrethroids in occupational settings and in general population.
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Arh Hig Rada Toksiko · Dec 2005
Case ReportsMultidose activated charcoal in the treatment of carbamazepine overdose with seizures: a case report.
Serious complications after carbamazepine poisoning, such as coma, seizures, respiratory failure, cardiac conduction abnormalities, and death are more likely with serum levels greater than 170 micromol L(-1). We report a case of a single massive carbamazepine overdose in a 19-year-old male, following attempted suicide, without prior history of seizure disorder. On admission, three hours after ingestion, serum carbamazepine concentration was 179 micromol L(-1) and Glasgow Coma Scale scored 6. ⋯ Twelve hours after ingestion, two repeated generalised myoclonic seizures were noted when serum carbamazepine levels peaked at 181 micromol L(-1), and were successfully treated with diazepam. Carbamazepine serum level fell within the therapeutic range 63 hours after ingestion and the patient was discharged without any long-term sequelae. As there is no antidote for carbamazepine poisoning, supportive treatment remains the only, but usually potent option.
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The background to and current status of the drink driving law in the United Kingdom is explained. Screening tests and analytical methods for alcohol in blood, breath and urine are described. ⋯ Special reasons why a licence should not be withdrawn are considered together with the effect of medication on alcohol levels. Finally, the question of whether legal limits in the United Kingdom are too high is considered together with whether the punishments imposed are too severe.
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The amount of waste produced is connected with the degree of a country's economic development; more developed countries produce more waste. This paper reviews the quantities, manipulation and treatment methods of medical waste in Croatia, as well as hazardous potentials of medical waste for human health. Medical waste must be collected and sorted in containers suitable for its characteristics, amount, means of transportation and treatment method in order to prevent contact with environment and to protect people who are working with waste. ⋯ Data on waste treatment effects on human health are scarce, while environmental problems are covered better. Croatian medical waste legislation is not being implemented. It is very important to establish a medical waste management system that would implement the existing legislation in all waste management cycles from waste production to treatment and final disposal.