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A novel extractant for removal of hazardous metals from preservative-treated wood waste.

The purpose of this study was to develop a one-step metal extraction process that would effectively remove hazardous elements from wood powder or chips of western hemlock [Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.] treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) preservative. In addition, we tested this method for wood treated with other copper-based preservatives such as ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ) and copper, boron, and azole (CuAz). A bioxalate solution consisting of 0.125 M oxalic acid adjusted to pH 3.2 with sodium hydroxide was tested for its ability to extract chromium, copper, and arsenic from wood treated with CCA and copper from ACQ, CuAz, or a mixture of CCA-, ACQ-, and CuAz-treated wood in single step. The extraction proceeded efficiently with 6 h of treatment, and was insensitive to the differences in chemical characteristics, including solubility of individual elements. After 6 h of treatment, approximately 90% of chromium, copper, and arsenic were effectively removed from wood treated with CCA or a mixture of CCA, ACQ, and CuAz and 90% of copper from ACQ- and CuAz-treated wood. These results demonstrate that the solvent extraction technique using pH-adjusted bioxalate solution with sodium hydroxide is a promising method for pollution minimization by various types of wastes contaminated with heavy metals and arsenic.

Metals↗

The effect of natural toxins on reproduction in livestock.

Reproductive efficiency is the most important economic factor in livestock production. Thus, the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal regulatory axis, accessory sexual organ functionality, and the complex events involved in fertilization, implantation, and embryonic and fetal development may be sensitive to therapeutic agents, environmental pollutants, and natural toxicants. There are many factors that adversely affect reproduction, one of which is toxic substances in the diets of animals. Toxic materials can affect reproductive success by causing abortions, interfering with libido, estrus, oogenesis, or spermatogenesis, causing emaciation and subsequent abnormal mating behavior, birth defects, and increasing the time between parturition and rebreeding. Examples of natural toxicants in poisonous plants interfering with reproduction are numerous. Abortion in livestock from locoweeds, ponderosa pine needles, broom snakeweeds, fescue, and others are reported in studies. Selenium and seleniferous forage inhibit estrus in cattle and swine. Emaciation and temporary illness from sneezeweeds, bitterweed, locoweed, larkspur, lupines, and others may interfere with mating. Embryonic loss and birth defects from Veratrum, lupines, locoweeds, poison hemlock, and so on, may occur. As suggested, toxins have many diverse and economically adverse effects on reproductive performance in livestock.

Animals↗

Ultrasound studies of the effects of certain poisonous plants on uterine function and fetal development in livestock.

Ingestion of locoweed (Astragalus spp. and Oxytropis spp.) by pregnant livestock may result in fetal malformations, delayed placentation, reduced placental and uterine vascular development, hydrops amnii, hydrops allantois, abnormal cotyledonary development, interruption of fetal fluid balance, and abortion. Ultrasonography of pregnant sheep fed locoweed demonstrated that abortion was first preceded by changes in fetal heart rate and strength of contraction and structural changes of the cotyledons, followed by increased accumulation of fetal fluid within the placental membranes and death of the fetus. During pregnancy the toxic agent in locoweed (swainsonine) apparently passes through the placental barrier to the fetus and during lactation through the milk to the neonate. Poison-hemlock (Conium maculatum), wild tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), and lunara lupine (Lupinus formosus) all contain piperidine alkaloids and induce fetal malformations, including multiple congenital contractures and cleft palate in livestock. Ultrasonography studies of pregnant sheep and goats gavaged with these plants during 30 to 60 d of gestation suggests that the primary cause of multiple congenital contractures and cleft palate is the degree and the duration of the alkaloid-induced fetal immobilization.

Animals↗

Combined dialysis and plasma-exchange in acute renal failure.

Combined use of plasma-exchange and dialysis therapy in 3 different cases of acute renal failure is presented. The first is a case of acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis caused by hemlock poisoning. Plasma-exchange was effective in improving the signs of rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. The second is a case of acute renal failure in an IgG-kappa myeloma. After 9 sessions of plasma-exchange, performed simultaneously with CAPD, a significant fall in the plasma and urine light chains levels was obtained. After the recovery of normal renal function, CAPD was prosecuted to remove light chains. The last is a case of acute renal failure in a patient with a mesangiocapillary nephritis and a high level of circulating immune complexes (CIC). He underwent steroid therapy and daily sessions of hemodialysis, followed by plasma-exchange, which permitted a fall of the CIC level, until a normal renal function was achieved. In conclusion, plasma-exchange combined with dialysis, is an useful tool for the management of acute renal failure caused by toxic proteins.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Prevalence of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in white-tailed deer from New Hampshire.

Parelaphostrongylus tenuis was found in 79 (62.2%) of 127 white-tailed deer heads (Odocoileus virginianus) collected in New Hampshire. Prevalence of infection was higher in fawns and male deer, but older female deer (5.0 + years) had a higher intensity of infection (3.1) than any other age or sex class. Male deer in forest cover type 2 (northern hardwoods-hemlock-white pine) had a significantly greater prevalence of infection than the females in the same habitat (P less than .05). Adult females had a higher prevalence of infection (67.0%) than female fawns (20%) in forest cover type 1 (spruce-fir-northern hardwoods). In the craniums examined, P. tenuis was found most frequently in the tentorium cerebelli (23.6%) while the falx cerebri, the most prevalent site of infection in fawns, was a significantly less frequent site of infection in older deer (P less than .02). Male deer of age class 3.5 years had a significantly higher rate of infection in the dura mater-olfactory lobe than any other age or sex group (P less than .02). The cavernous sinus was the most frequent site of parasitism in male fawns (25.0%) and was the second most common location in all deer (13.4%).

Animals↗

Pharmacologically active plant metabolites as survival strategy products.

The fact that plant organisms produce chemical substances that are able to positively or negatively interfere with the processes which regulate human life has been common knowledge since ancient times. One of the numerous possible examples in the infusion of Conium maculatum, better known as Hemlock, a plant belonging to the family umbelliferae, used by the ancient Egyptians to cure skin diseases. The current official pharmacopoeia includes various chemical substances produced by secondary plant metabolisms. For example, the immunosuppressive drugs used to prevent organ transplant rejection and the majority of antibiotics are metabolites produced by fungal organisms, pilocarpin, digitalis, strophantus, salicylic acid and curare are examples of plant organism metabolites. For this reason, there has been an increase in research into plants, based on information on their medicinal use in the areas where they grow. The study of plants in relation to local culture and traditions is known as "ethnobotany". Careful study of the behaviour of sick animals has also led to the discovery of medicinal plants. The study of this subject is known as "zoopharmacognosy". The aim of this article is to discuss the fact that "ad hoc" production of such chemical substances, defined as "secondary metabolites", is one of the modes in which plant organisms respond to unfavourable environmental stimuli, such as an attack by predatory phytophagous animals or an excessive number of plant individuals, even of the same species, in a terrain. In the latter case, the plant organisms produce toxic substances, called "allelopathic" which limit the growth of other individuals. "Secondary metabolites" are produced by metabolic systems that are shunts of the primary systems which, when required, may be activated from the beginning, or increased to the detriment of others. The study of the manner in which such substances are produced is the subject of a new branch of learning called "ecological biochemistry".

Animals↗

[Neurological syndromes linked with the intake of plants and fungi containing a toxic component (I). Neurotoxic syndromes caused by the ingestion of plants, seeds and fruits].

INTRODUCTION: A wide range of plants, seeds and fruits used for nutritional and medicinal purposes can give rise to neurotoxic symptoms. DEVELOPMENT: We review the neurological pathology associated with the acute or chronic consumption of plants, seeds and fruits in human beings and in animals. Of the plants that can trigger acute neurotoxic syndromes in humans, some of the most notable include Mandragora officinalis, Datura stramonium, Conium maculatum (hemlock), Coriaria myrtifolia (redoul), Ricinus communis, Gloriosa superba, Catharanthus roseus, Karwinskia humboldtiana and Podophyllum pelatum. We also survey different neurological syndromes linked with the ingestion of vegetable foodstuffs that are rich in cyanogenic glycosides, Jamaican vomiting sickness caused by Blighia sapida, Parkinson dementia ALS of Guam island and exposition to Cycas circinalis, Guadeloupean parkinsonism and exposition to Annonaceae, konzo caused by ingestion of wild manioc and neurolathyrism from ingestion of Lathyrus sativus, the last two being models of motor neurone disease. Locoism is a chronic disease that develops in livestock feeding on plants belonging to Astragalus and Oxytropis sp., Sida carpinifolia and Ipomea carnea, which are rich in swainsonine, a toxin that inhibits the enzyme alpha mannosidase and induces a cerebellar syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The ingestion of neurotoxic seeds, fruits and plants included in the diet and acute poisoning by certain plants can give rise to different neurological syndromes, some of which are irreversible.

Administration, Oral↗

[The First School of Vienna and Samuel Hahnemann's pharmaceutical techniques].

The First or Elder Vienna School of Medicine was initiated by Gerard van Swieten, the famous pupil of Herman Boerhaave. The aim of this school was to put medicine on new scientific foundations-promoting unprejudiced clinical observation, botanical and chemical research, and the introduction of simple but powerful remedies. One of the products of this school was Anton Störck (1731-1803), appointed Director of Austrian public health and medical education by Empress Maria Theresia. Following the tradition of the Vienna School, Störck was the first scientist to systematically test the effects of so-called poisonous plants (e.g., hemlock, henbane, meadow saffron). Discovering new therapeutic properties in previously dreaded plants, Störck used himself as a subject in experiments to determine tolerable dose levels. As a result of his investigations, Störck was able to successfully treat his patients using the drugs he discovered. Samuel Hahnemann's later writings, including his "Organon", show that he was considerably influenced by Störck's ideas. In fact, Hahnemann's clinical teacher at Vienna was a follower of Störck, Joseph Quarin. Hahnemann's elaborate system of validating homeopath material can be seen as a development and refinement of the techniques he learned in Vienna.

Austria↗

Education and distance learning: changing the trends.

Training and instruction are activities deeply ingrained in human relations and derive from the critical need for the young to learn survival skills. The responsibility in primitive society for such training almost certainly fell to parents who continued their pedagogical role after childhood issues to include hunting, gathering, fine motor activities and other life skills needed for personal or family survival. Such instruction only ended when the young were ready for independent life and- contribution to tribal well-being. Delegation of teaching to others was inevitable. Teaching has become a specialty and has at least one interesting story in ancient literature. Ulysses was certain to be away at the Trojan War and subsequent adventures for many years. He would not be able to provide his son, Telemachus, with the guidance and training to prepare him for adulthood. Therefore, he asked Mentor to act In Loco Parentis and instruct the young man toward competence and adult success. Teaching as a profession and discipline has been through many stages and many controversies. Socrates was a great teacher with a distinct technique for learning by questioning. His influence on his students was profound. Plato was such a good student he recorded all the master's works. Socrates has never been credited with even the briefest lecture note. As great as he was Socrates was forced to drink the bitter hemlock because his teaching was considered a corruption of youth rather than a proper preparation for effective adulthood. Dissonance between the expectations of learners, parents and teachers has a rich history. Certainly even now education is not something the professoriate may invent for the naïve learner and then expect grateful acquiesce with faithful learning. Learning has -dimensions in human psychology and communication. The learners' autonomy, privacy and motivation cannot be denied. Learning is collaboration with teacher and the endpoint is the acquisition of new knowledge or skill.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Cicuta toxicosis in cattle: case history and simplified analytical method.

Poisoning of cattle by water hemlock roots is a common occurrence. The experience of our Pathology Branch has been that the roots will be found in the esophageal groove with no obvious signs of root in the rumen. Confirmation of the presence of cicuta poisoning is done by analysis for cicutoxin in either the roots of the plants on which the animals were grazing or on the root material removed from the esophageal groove. This report describes a rapid and simple analysis for cicutoxin, cicutol and related compounds (1).

Animals↗

Practical toxicologic diagnosis.

Strychnine toxicosis is characterized by inducible tetanic seizures and metaldehyde poisoning by fine fasciculations progressing to generalized tremors and seizures. Intoxication with 1080 causes seizures, random running movements, vomiting, defecation, urination, acidosis and hyperglycemia. Intoxication with rodenticides causing coagulopathy is characterized by hemorrhage into body cavities but not necessarily external hemorrhage. Anticholinesterase insecticides cause salivation, urination and defecation, while chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides cause CNS disturbances. Ethylene glycol intoxication results in ataxia, depression, coma, vomiting and tachypnea, followed by acute renal failure. Urea poisoning causes bloat and CNS signs in cattle. Monensin intoxication in horses lasts several days and causes stiffness, colic, uneasiness and recumbency. Salt poisoning results in depression, seizures and hypernatremia. Lead poisoning is associated with central and peripheral nervous system signs, as well as increased numbers of nucleated RBC and basophilic stippling of RBC. Arsenic poisoning results in GI pain, diarrhea, weakness and death. Copper toxicosis in sheep is manifested by hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria. Plants that may intoxicate domestic animals include sorghum, greasewood, halogeton, water hemlock, Japanese yew, larkspur, lupine, milk-weed, philodendron, oleander, castor bean and precatory bean.

Animals↗

Common toxic plant ingestions.

This article focuses on some of the more common dangerous plant and mushroom ingestions, discussing toxic components, early symptoms, and treatment. Among the plants considered are oleander, foxglove, hemlock, dieffenbachia, and Amanita phalloides. Details concerning recognition of toxic species are intentionally omitted in an effort to avoid potentially dangerous errors in identification.

Ricinus communis↗

[The attempts at drug therapy of cancer by Anton Störck (1731-1803). History of experimental pharmacology in the old Vienna Medical School].

The essay deals with the development of medical research in Vienna - especially the development of therapeutic drugs. This progress is related to the philosophical, historical, and political background of the enlightened absolutism and the reformatory efforts of van Swieten during the regency of Maria Theresia in Austria. Anton Störck's research on hemlock (Conium maculatum) is used as an example. The method of Störck's research-work is described. Furthermore it is demonstrated to what extent Störck's data, deduced from empirical examinations, are integrated in the official medical system, i.e. Boerhaave's iatromechanic system. Finally the attempt is made to correlate these processes of medical history with the scientific-historical model of Thomas Kuhn.

Animals↗

Insect succession on buried carrion in two biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia.

We established a database of insect succession on buried carrion in two biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia over a 16-month period beginning June 1995. Pig (Sus scrofa L.) carcasses were buried shortly after death in the Coastal Western Hemlock and Sub-boreal Spruce biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia. Buried pigs exhibited a distinct pattern of succession from that which occurred on above-ground carrion. The species composition and time of colonization for particular species differed between the two zones. Therefore ideally, a database of insect succession on buried carrion should be established for each major biogeoclimatic zone. We did not observe maggot masses on any of the buried carcasses; therefore, the presence of maggot masses may indicate a delayed burial. Soil temperature was a better indicator of internal buried carcass temperature (r2 = 0.92, p < 0.0001) than was ambient air temperature (r2 = 0.60, p < 0.0001); thus soil temperature should be used to determine developmental rates of insects for determination of the postmortem interval by a forensic entomologist.

Animals↗