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Toxins Nov 2023is a medicinal flowering plant that is rich in bioactive compounds with various biological properties. species, known for causing significant crop losses and mycotoxin...
is a medicinal flowering plant that is rich in bioactive compounds with various biological properties. species, known for causing significant crop losses and mycotoxin contamination, pose threats to food safety and human health. While synthetic fungicides are commonly employed for fungal management, their environmental impact prompts the ongoing development of alternative methods. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of flower extracts in inhibiting the in vitro growth and biosynthesis of mycotoxins by and strains. The extracts were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction using CO (SC-CO). The effects of various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) were assessed on a potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium using the "poisoning" technique. flower extracts reduced mycelium growth by 0 to 30.59% for and 27.71 to 42.97% for . Ergosterol content was reduced by up to 88.87% for and 93.17% for . Similarly, the amounts of synthesized mycotoxins produced by both strains were also lower compared to control cultures. These findings are a preliminary phase for further in vivo tests planned to determine the fungistatic effect of flower extracts on cereal substrates as seedlings incubated in controlled environments and under field conditions. Their phytotoxicity and biological stability, as well as the possibility of formulating a bio-preparation to protect cereals against infections, will be evaluated.
Topics: Humans; Fusarium; Carbon Dioxide; Mycotoxins; Edible Grain; Fungicides, Industrial
PubMed: 37999514
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110651 -
PloS One 2023Reliable identification of plant species in the digestive tract of a deceased animal often represents the major key to diagnose a lethal intoxication with poisonous...
Reliable identification of plant species in the digestive tract of a deceased animal often represents the major key to diagnose a lethal intoxication with poisonous plants in veterinary pathology. In many cases, identification of the species is challenging or even impossible because the diagnostic morphological features have been degraded, and because the interpretation of such features requires a considerable expertise in plant anatomy and biodiversity. The use of DNA barcoding markers can support or even replace classical morphological assessment. While these markers have been widely used for plant taxonomy, their forensic application to clarify causes of animal poisoning is novel. In addition, we use specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms as fingerprints. This allows for a clear decision even in cases, where the conventionally used statistical e-values remain ambiguous. In the current work, we explore the feasibility of this strategy in a couple of exemplary cases, either in concert with anatomical diagnostics, or in cases where visual species identification is not possible, or where chemical toxin detection methods are not well established, complex, time consuming and expensive.
Topics: Animals; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; DNA; Plants, Toxic; Plant Poisoning; Forensic Medicine; Genetic Markers; DNA, Plant; Mammals
PubMed: 37967132
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292275 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023This paper summarizes and analyzes the clinical data of a patient with Occupational hydrogen sulfide poisoning admitted to our hospital on March 4, 2023. On the morning...
This paper summarizes and analyzes the clinical data of a patient with Occupational hydrogen sulfide poisoning admitted to our hospital on March 4, 2023. On the morning of March 2, 2023, the patient worked at an environmental energy company (waste treatment plant) in Shandong Province for the first time, The job was to flush the sludge from the walls of the sludge treatment tank (anaerobic tank) with a water gun, which can release hydrogen sulfide gas. When the patient was about to start work after entering the tank for about 1 min, he suddenly smelled a harsh and pungent odor, felt dizzy and weak, and then the patient suddenly fainted. After hearing the sound of the patient fainting, the workman waiting at the entrance of the tank immediately called someone to go into the tank and quickly pull the patient out, and sent to the local hospital. In the local hospital, the patient was confused, accompanied by irritability, convulsion and other manifestations, and was treated with sedation and nutritional support. Two days later, the patient's condition did not improve. For further diagnosis and treatment, the patient was transferred to the Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases in our hospital. After comprehensive treatment in our hospital, the patient got better and was discharged. Subsequent reexamination and follow-up showed that the patient recovered well. The work unit of the patient did not provide any personal protective equipment. According to the field investigation after the accident, the pipeline around the sludge treatment tank was blocked by sludge, resulting in a large amount of high concentration of HS accumulated in the tank, causing the patient to faint soon after entering the tank, and his worker should be in the tank for a short time, and no health abnormalities were found. Hydrogen sulfide has a strong irritation to the human body, which can lead to asphyxia or even death in severe cases. The safety prevention and prevention knowledge of hydrogen sulfide poisoning should be popularized among enterprises and workers to reduce the occurrence of such incidents.
Topics: Male; Humans; Hydrogen Sulfide; Sewage; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 37965501
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1226282 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023In recent years, the phenomenon of acute poisoning and organ damage caused by organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has been a frequent occurrence. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one...
In recent years, the phenomenon of acute poisoning and organ damage caused by organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has been a frequent occurrence. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used organophosphorus pesticides. The main active components of ginseng stems and leaves are total ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins (GSLSs), which have various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor activities. We speculate that these could have great potential in the treatment of severe diseases and the relief of organophosphorus-pesticide-induced side effects; however, their mechanism of action is still unknown. At present, our work aims to evaluate the effects of GSLSs on the antioxidation of CPF in vivo and in vitro and their potential pharmacological mechanisms. Mice treated with CPF (5 mg/kg) showed severe intestinal mucosal injury, an elevated diamine oxidase (DAO) index, the decreased expression of occlusive protein-1 (ZO-1) and occlusive protein, an impaired intestinal mucosal oxidation system and intestinal villi relaxation. In addition, chlorpyrifos exposure significantly increased the contents of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the oxidative-stress-related indicators superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione SH (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC); elevated the level of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA); reversed the expression of Bax and caspase; and activated NF-κB-related proteins. Interestingly, GSLS supplementation at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reversed these changes after treatment. Similar results were observed in cultured RAW264.7 cells. Using flow cytometry, Hoechst staining showed that GSLSs (30 μg/mL, 60 μg/mL) could improve the cell injury and apoptosis caused by CPF and reduce the accumulation of ROS in cells. In conclusion, GSLSs play a protective role against CPF-induced enterotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated apoptosis and alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Chlorpyrifos; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; NF-kappa B; Panax; Saponins; Organophosphorus Compounds; Pesticides; Oxidative Stress; Glutathione; Apoptosis; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 37958950
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115968 -
Harmful Algae Nov 2023The impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on economies, public health, ecosystems, and aquaculture across the globe have all increased in recent decades, and this has... (Review)
Review
The impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on economies, public health, ecosystems, and aquaculture across the globe have all increased in recent decades, and this has been acutely the case in China. Here, we review the history of HABs and HABs research in China, as well as recent trends in HABs and future prospects of HAB science in China. The most updated analyses demonstrated that the number of HAB events, the number of HAB species, the aerial coverage of HABs, and the impacts of HABs in Chinese waters during the 21 century were all higher than that during the last two decades of the 20 century. The increase in the number of HABs in China has been significantly correlated with the increased discharge of ammonium and total phosphorus into coastal waters (p < 0.01 for both). Notable newly recognized events this century have included chronic HABs caused by Prorocentrum donghaiense and Karenia mikimotoi, a paralytic shellfish poisoning event caused by Gymnodinium catenatum that sickened 80 people, brown tides caused by Aureococcus anophagefferens, green tides caused by Ulva prolifera, golden tides caused by Sargassum horneri, and the disruption of a nuclear power plant caused by a bloom of Phaeocystis globosa. A series of key discoveries regarding HABs has been made this century including documentation of nearly all known HAB toxins in Chinese waters, discovery of novel cyst-formation and/or life stages of multiple HABs-causing species, identification of the chemical and physical oceanographic drivers of multiple HABs including those formed by P. donghaiense, K. mikimotoi, and U. prolifera, and the successful mitigation of HABs via the use of modified clay approaches. Future research prospects highlighted include the use of macroalgae as a means to prevent, mitigate, and control (PCM) HABs and the process by which multi-disciplinary studies involving molecular approaches (omics), remote in situ detection, artificial intelligence, and mega-data analyses might be used to develop refined and realistic HAB forecasting platforms. Collectively, this review demonstrates the significant evolution of HAB science since the 20 century in China and demonstrates that while HABs in China are complex and widespread, recent and on-going discoveries make the development of detailed understanding and effective measures to mitigate the negative effects of HABs a hopeful outcome in the coming years.
Topics: Humans; Harmful Algal Bloom; Ecosystem; Artificial Intelligence; Dinoflagellida; China
PubMed: 37951615
DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102499 -
Microorganisms Oct 2023Natural metabolites from beneficial fungi were recognized for their potential to inhibit multidrug-resistant human and plant fungal pathogens. The present study...
Natural metabolites from beneficial fungi were recognized for their potential to inhibit multidrug-resistant human and plant fungal pathogens. The present study describes the isolation, metabolite profiling, antibacterial, and antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of soil fungi. Among the 17 isolates, the AK-7 isolate was selected based on the primary screening. Further, the identification of isolate AK-7 was performed by 18S rRNA sequencing and identified as (with 99.90% similarity). Additionally, the ethyl acetate extract of the strain AK-7 (AK-7 extract) was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis, and the results showed different functional groups and bioactive metabolites. Consequently, a secondary screening of antibacterial activity by the agar well diffusion method showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. The AK-7 extract exhibited notable antifungal activity by a food poisoning method and showed maximum inhibition of 77.84 ± 1.62%, 56.42 ± 1.27%, and 37.96 ± 1.84% against , and phytopathogens. Consequently, the AK-7 extract showed significant antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals with IC values of 59.084 μg/mL and 73.36 μg/mL. Further, the anticancer activity of the AK-7 extract against the human ovarian teratocarcinoma (PA-1) cell line was tested by MTT and Annexin V flow cytometry. The results showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and exhibited apoptosis with an IC value of 82.04 μg/mL. The study highlights the potential of the strain AK-7 as a source of active metabolites and natural antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer agent, and it could be an excellent alternative for pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.
PubMed: 37894138
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102480 -
Toxicology Reports Dec 2023is a toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides throughout all its parts, thereby posing severe health risks upon ingestion. The clinical manifestations of oleander...
INTRODUCTION
is a toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides throughout all its parts, thereby posing severe health risks upon ingestion. The clinical manifestations of oleander poisoning closely resemble those of digoxin toxicity, encompassing a of gastrointestinal symptoms, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cardiac disturbances. This scientific case report describes a case of accidental intoxication resulting from the consumption of an oleander leaves infusion misidentified as bay laurel leaves.
CASE REPORT
An 84-year-old patient consumed an oleander leaves infusion, and after four hours experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. He contacted the poison control center (PCC) and was advised to go to the emergency department (ED). Upon arrival, the patient presented stable vital signs without cardiac irregularities. The PCC recommended the administration of activated charcoal, vigilant monitoring, including electrocardiography (ECG). Subsequent ECGs assessments revealed the presence of third-degree atrioventricular block; in consultation with the PCC, digoxin-specific antibodies and external pacing were necessary. The patient was discharged on the eighth day in good hemodynamic condition, and outpatient follow-up visits showed clinical stability.
DISCUSSION
This study offers insights for the management of similar cases. The limitations of conventional assays in measuring oleander cardiac glycosides were observed, emphasizing reliance on clinical evaluation. The patient's trajectory, remaining asymptomatic despite severe ECG changes post-ingestion, underscores the importance of prolonged clinical monitoring.
PubMed: 37885923
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.10.010 -
Nature Communications Oct 2023The sudden mortality of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 provoked considerable public interest and speculation. Poaching and...
The sudden mortality of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 provoked considerable public interest and speculation. Poaching and malicious poisoning were excluded early on in the investigation. Other potential causes included environmental intoxication, infectious diseases, and increased habitat stress due to ongoing drought. Here we show evidence of the mortalities in Zimbabwe as fatal septicaemia associated with Bisgaard taxon 45, an unnamed close relative of Pasteurella multocida. We analyse elephant carcasses and environmental samples, and fail to find evidence of cyanobacterial or other intoxication. Post-mortem and histological findings suggest a bacterial septicaemia similar to haemorrhagic septicaemia caused by P. multocida. Biochemical tests and 16S rDNA analysis of six samples and genomic analysis of one sample confirm the presence of Bisgaard taxon 45. The genome sequence contains many of the canonical P. multocida virulence factors associated with a range of human and animal diseases, including the pmHAS gene for hyaluronidase associated with bovine haemorrhagic septicaemia. Our results demonstrate that Bisgaard taxon 45 is associated with a generalised, lethal infection and that African elephants are susceptible to opportunistically pathogenic Pasteurella species. This represents an important conservation concern for elephants in the largest remaining metapopulation of this endangered species.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cattle; Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Elephants; Pasteurella; Pasteurella multocida; Ecosystem
PubMed: 37880229
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41987-z -
Cureus Sep 2023This case report reveals a rare incident of unintended Jimson weed () exposure within a family in the United States. In this narrative, a pregnant 36-year-old Asian...
This case report reveals a rare incident of unintended Jimson weed () exposure within a family in the United States. In this narrative, a pregnant 36-year-old Asian woman and her family unknowingly ingested homemade soup infused with Jimson weed leaves. This led to symptoms such as vomiting, dry mouth, blurred vision, flushed skin, breathing difficulties, and hallucinations. While the woman and her daughter quickly recovered, the husband's severe hallucinations required intensive care. The episode underscores the vital importance of accurate plant identification, particularly in homegrown produce. Recognizing and understanding anticholinergic poisoning symptoms becomes crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention, preventing such occurrences. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the potential risks concealed within our everyday environments.
PubMed: 37868440
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45604 -
Nutrients Oct 2023As an important resource insect, the is widely distributed in the eastern and central parts of China. The cicada slough is one of the traditional crude drugs in East... (Review)
Review
As an important resource insect, the is widely distributed in the eastern and central parts of China. The cicada slough is one of the traditional crude drugs in East Asia, and the main component is polysaccharide, which has the functions of anti-convulsion, relieving asthma and improving lipid metabolism. The parasitoid fungus which grows inside the cicada nymphs and forms the fruiting bodies on the surface of the host's carcass, is also known as the "cicada flower" in China. The is another old, traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used as a tonic and medicine to nourish and regulate human immunity for centuries. For the further development and utilization of the golden cicada, this paper summarized the from the aspects of their biological characteristics, distribution area, life cycle, history of edible and medicinal use, edible methods and nutritional compositions; emphatically introduced the edible and potential medicinal value of the ; and specifically expounded the research progress of its application. As one popular insect food, the prospects for the development of have also been put forward, especially in artificial breeding technology, food safety risk assessment and medicinal value utilization.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Plant Breeding; Cordyceps; Hemiptera; China
PubMed: 37836550
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194266