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PubMed1985

Toxicology information systems: a historical perspective.

Toxicology information systems have evolved swiftly from early, library-based bibliographic tools to advanced packages utilizing sophisticated computer and telecommunication technologies. These systems have evolved concurrently with the rapid expansion of the science of toxicology itself. Bibliographic files such as TOXLINE represent first attempts to handle the toxicology literature through on-line retrieval. Subsequent approaches applied the use of computers to provide literature-derived data, as in TDB or RTECS, or to capture data directly in the laboratory. Societal concerns about hazardous substances, manifested in legislation and regulations, have been responsible for the creation of many computerized systems. Advanced, integrated information management systems are being explored as a method of accessing a large number of independently maintained toxicology databases. Changes in information technologies such as the trend toward microcomputers and novel high-density storage devices will affect the future of toxicology information systems as will impending developments in toxicology itself related to biotechnology, analytical methodology, and alternatives to whole animal testing.

History, 20th Century↗
PubMed2004

History of the Journal of the American College of Toxicology.

This companion article to the History of the American College of Toxicology also is written in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the American College of Toxicology (ACT). It relates how the official journal of the College evolved from a privately owned publication, the Journal of Environmental Pathology and Toxicology (JEPT), into publications owned and managed by the College and its Board, for the first 17 years as the Journal of the American College of Toxicology (JACT) and currently as The International Journal of Toxicology (IJT). It relates how the first journal focused on toxicological studies, potential cancer causes and concerns associated with environmental contamination and chemical exposure safety issues. It tells how this journal was replaced by one more broadly based that addressed multiple industries and regulatory approaches, accepted previously unpublishable "no-effect" studies, so important in eliminating unwarranted animal use, and provided review articles, rather than only original research. It also described how the JACT evolved into an international journal finally recognized for its quality reviews and peer-reviewed research. Each of the three journals that represented the College is described, as well as interesting events associated with their development and publication, including the activities and contributions of the first four editors in chief, Drs. Myron A. Mehlman, Mildred S. Christian, Robert M. Diener and Harihara Mehendale.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Where is toxicology headed in the future?

Herbert Remmer was a pioneer in the study of the phenomenon of enzyme induction. He was also a leading figure, if not the foremost, in the development of the discipline of toxicology in Germany during his tenure as Professor of Toxicology at the University of Tübingen. Included here are some brief thoughts about where toxicology came from, where it is today, and what the future is. Toxicology is at a crossroads today, at an interface between basic science and applied projects. From its past as a descriptive discipline, it has incorporated a medley of concepts and technology from basic science. The usefulness of many approaches is now being evaluated. The hope is that toxicology will be able to be much more predictive in the future; a great need exists in the pharmaceutical industry. The shape of academic toxicology is also changing.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A survey of the Predictive Toxicology Challenge 2000-2001.

MOTIVATION: The Predictive Toxicology Challenge (PTC) was initiated to stimulate the development of advanced techniques for predictive toxicology models. The goal of this challenge was to compare different approaches for the prediction of rodent carcinogenicity, based on the experimental results of the US National Toxicology Program (NTP). RESULTS: 111 sets of predictions for 185 compounds have been evaluated on quantitative and qualitative scales to select the most predictive models and those with the highest toxicological relevance. The accuracy of the submitted predictions was between 25 and 79 %. An evaluation of the most accurate models by toxicological experts showed, that it is still hard for domain experts to interpret the submitted models and to put them into relation with toxicological knowledge. AVAILABILITY: PTC details and data can be found at: http://www.predictive-toxicology.org/ptc/.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The role of the toxicology laboratory in emergency medicine.II: Study of an integrated approach.

The utility of the toxicology laboratory in emergency medicine is directly related to both establishing communication between the toxicology laboratory and the clinical staff, and to providing reliable toxicology data while the diagnostic process is still in progress. When 604 patients, on whom a "complete toxicology screen" was requested, were evaluated using qualitative probes involving chemical spot tests, immunoassay, TLC and/or selected GC/HPLC methods, the resulting data were demonstrated to be of value. The ability of the clinician to accurately predict which, if any, of a large number of intoxicants were present in a given patient, was found to be minimal and as a result these combined tests were found to be essential in facilitating a proper diagnosis. Additionally, it was found that using only chemical spot tests, immunoassay and TLC in a combined qualitative approach detected 94-98% of all the substances eventually found within the population when it was further studied using more sophisticated instrumental methods. The integrated approach involving the initial establishment of a dialogue between the clinician and the toxicologist, use of simple qualitative analytical probes, confirmation of positive findings and prompt reporting of toxicology data is a viable way in which meaningful toxicology support can be provided while the diagnostic process is still underway.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Computer-assisted systems for forensic pathology and forensic toxicology.

A computer software, RättsBASE (RB), was developed for all forensic pathology units in Sweden and introduced in 1992. Simultaneously, a corresponding software, ToxBASE (TB), was developed for the Department of Forensic Toxicology, where all forensic toxicology in Sweden is managed. Both of the databases were created using dBASE IV, and the programming was carried out according to specifications from the staff at the forensic toxicology and forensic pathology units. since the development or RB and TB was coordinated, the systems can run together smoothly. The purpose of both systems was to automate the offices and to enable compilation of detailed statistics. Installation of Novell Netware and ISDN-connections (Integrated Service Digital Network) has enabled rapid communication between the units and easy compilation of nationwide statistics of forensic pathology and forensic toxicology. the systems offer a wide spectrum of reports and include a simple module for evaluation of the importance of the forensic efforts for th whole death investigation. The configuration of the softwares has also enabled processing of a large amount of related toxicological and autopsy data that in turn has yielded a base for compilation of toxicology interpretation lists. This article includes a summary of the features of the software and a discussion of its benefits and limitations.

Autopsy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Behavioral toxicology: from historical background to future trends.

In the 1960's and 70's some investigators started to use behavioral tests in toxicology, realizing that classical toxicological methods were inadequate to describe the negative effects on workers health caused by workplace neurotoxic exposures. Among the first publications were those of Helena Hänninen, who reported on exposure to CS2 (24, 22). In clinical examinations, these workers presented severe functional changes to the central nervous system (CNS), although there were no observable signs of frank brain damage. In experimental studies of effects from acute exposures to various chemicals, methods from classical toxicology were definitely not useful. Such investigations were performed with exposure to carbon monoxide and to different solvents. Studies were carried out in the US, Sweden, and Germany, and reported by Richard Stewart (53), Francesco Gamberale (15, 16), and Gerhard Winneke (63). Rapid development followed. Scientists active in behavioral toxicology gathered at various meetings, and in 1982 an international symposium dedicated solely to the use and development of behavioral testing techniques in toxicology was organized by Renato Gilioli. He then used the Scientific Committee of Neurotoxicology and Psychophysiology of the International Commission on Occupational Health as a platform for a series of triennal symposia. The 9th meeting was held in Korea 2005, and the 10th will be organized in Costa Rica 2008. By providing a basis for the exchange of scientific knowledge and ideas, these symposia have been successful in further advancing the development and application of behavioral techniques in toxicology. This history is presented in some more detail, and a few possibilities for further development of the area will be discussed.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1990

[Role and duties performed by a toxicologic laboratory in diagnosis of acute poisoning].

In late 1960's in Poland the problem of acute poisonings was separated from the others and found very important by itself. In consequence many toxicological centres were founded where toxicological laboratories were opened to make toxicological analyses. To make laboratory work more effective the analyst ought to enter into dialogue with the clinicist. Nowadays more often the analyst is expected to be an active not passive member of the team engaged in the process of treatment. Development of modern analytical methods enables improvement of clinical toxicological analytics. Toxicological analyst is obliged to fulfil many tasks which are imposed upon him by the clinicist; that is, to determine properly and as quickly as possible toxic substances especially in case of "complex poisoning", and to make qualitative and quantitative analyses which help to institute appropriate treatment. The analyst ought to choose proper analytical method very carefully and take also into account its purpose and usefulness. Economic approach to the method plays an important role too. Unfortunately, it is still underestimated in Poland. For toxicological analyst further development of analytical methods which can make his work easier, is of great importance. The same value for the analyst has close co-operation with the clinicist.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

Hospital-based toxicology: patterns of use and abuse.

We examined 949 consecutive toxicology requests to determine (a) the identity and relative frequency of the most commonly detected drugs in our hospital population; (b) degree of concordance between clinical impression and laboratory analysis; (c) influence of age and sex upon the numbers and results of toxicologic analyses; (d) temporal pattern of our annual toxicology case-load; (e) temporal and sexual distribution of various common drugs; (f) drugs most often found together; and (g) frequency with which inappropriate toxicology request were received. Laboratory analysis agreed with clinical impression in only 17.4% of cases. Age and sex correlated with the detection of specific drugs. But for benzodiazepines, no consistent temporal pattern was present regarding either type or number of drugs detected. Certain days of the week demonstrated a statistically significant effect upon the number of toxicology requests received, while seasons, holidays, and lunar phases had no influence. Inappropriate requests comprised 9% of the total annual toxicology caseload.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Clinical toxicology literature: where is it?

Acquiring and continuously updating current literature from medical journals for a poison information center's (PIC) reference file is an essential, but difficult and expensive, task. Due to budgetary concerns and limited space, it is not feasible to purchase and store a large number of periodicals at a PIC. To determine, for acquisition purposes, which journals provide the largest number of clinical toxicology manuscripts, an extensive review of non-toxicology journals specializing in emergency medicine, pediatrics, pharmacology, and general medicine was conducted. Twelve issues of each journal were evaluated to identify citations pertaining to clinical toxicology (original research, reviews, case reports, letters, abstracts, editorials). One hundred seventy-four citations were identified. Emergency medicine journals accounted for 63% of the clinical toxicology citations, general medicine 18%, pediatrics 12%, pharmacology 5%, and miscellaneous 2%. Review articles and case reports comprised the majority of citations followed by original research, and letters to the editor. Forty percent of the citations were in Annals of Emergency Medicine, 22% in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, and 7% in the American Journal of Medicine. Only a limited number of non-toxicology medical journals have a sufficient number of clinical toxicology citations in them to justify their purchase for a PIC.

Periodicals as Topic↗
PubMed2006

The minipig in toxicology.

The use of pigs (Sus scrofa) in biomedical research is well established in particular in surgical and physiological research. For years both pigs and minipigs have been used in pharmacology and toxicology to answer specific questions when the more conventional species have been found unsuitable. The development of minipigs has resulted in strains of more manageable size than the domestic pig. Because of their well-accepted physiological and other similarities to humans, minipigs are becoming increasingly attractive toxicological and pharmacological models. There are several strains of minipigs (Göttingen, Yucatan, Sinclair, Hanford and other). This presentation is based on experience primarily with the Göttingen minipigs. In toxicology in Europe minipigs have become very popular for pharmaceutical studies in place of dogs and primates. Minipigs have been shown to be sensitive to a wide variety of drugs and chemicals. It has become obvious that minipigs can be used for all routes of administration, and in many cases are preferable to dogs or primates for metabolic or pharmacological reasons. There are advantages over the traditional non-rodent species in relation to specific responses to particular drug classes. Their use in general toxicology testing employing the continuous intravenous infusion, dermal or inhalation route has been described in detail in the literature. Background data on toxicological endpoints (ophthalmology, clinical pathology, ECG, organ weight, histopathology and reproduction parameters) have been well-established allowing studies to be interpreted. In the context of this conference, histopathology and toxicopathology data of spontaneous or drug-induced origin are available in the scientific literature. Now there is good supply of high-quality minipigs of known disease status. There are advantages over the traditional non-rodent species in relation to the ethical difficulties of use of animals in biomedical research. Consequently, there are scientific, economic and sociological reasons that make minipigs good toxicological and pharmacological models. The principal disadvantage is that toxicity testing in minipigs may require more test compound than the traditional species.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cocaine withdrawal severity and urine toxicology results from treatment entry predict outcome in medication trials for cocaine dependence.

Both cocaine withdrawal symptoms, measured by an instrument called the Cocaine Selective Severity Assessment (CSSA), and urine toxicology results obtained at the start of treatment have been shown to predict treatment outcome in outpatient cocaine dependence treatment. This study further evaluates the predictive validity of the CSSA and urine toxicology results, alone and in combination. Subjects included 76 cocaine-dependent individuals who participated in 7-week, outpatient, pilot medication trials for cocaine dependence. Predictor variables included CSSA scores and results from a urine toxicology screen obtained on the first day of medication treatment. Successful outcome was defined as 3 continuous weeks of self-reported abstinence from cocaine confirmed by urine toxicology screens. Predictive validity was assessed by logistic regression analysis. Both the urine toxicology screen and the CSSA scores were significant predictors of 3 weeks of continuous abstinence from cocaine, and the inclusion of both variables significantly improved the predictive validity of either variable alone. Urine toxicology results and CSSA scores obtained at treatment entry are useful predictors of outcome in outpatient cocaine dependence treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Carbon nanotubes: a review of their properties in relation to pulmonary toxicology and workplace safety.

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are an important new class of technological materials that have numerous novel and useful properties. The forecast increase in manufacture makes it likely that increasing human exposure will occur, and as a result, CNT are beginning to come under toxicological scrutiny. This review seeks to set out the toxicological paradigms applicable to the toxicity of inhaled CNT, building on the toxicological database on nanoparticles (NP) and fibers. Relevant workplace regulation regarding exposure is also considered in the light of our knowledge of CNT. CNT could have features of both NP and conventional fibers, and so the current paradigm for fiber toxicology, which is based on mineral fibers and synthetic vitreous fibers, is discussed. The NP toxicology paradigm is also discussed in relation to CNT. The available peer-reviewed literature suggests that CNT may have unusual toxicity properties. In particular, CNT seem to have a special ability to stimulate mesenchymal cell growth and to cause granuloma formation and fibrogenesis. In several studies, CNT have more adverse effects than the same mass of NP carbon and quartz, the latter a commonly used benchmark of particle toxicity. There is, however, no definitive inhalation study available that would avoid the potential for artifactual effects due to large mats and aggregates forming during instillation exposure procedures. Studies also show that CNT may exhibit some of their effects through oxidative stress and inflammation. CNT represent a group of particles that are growing in production and use, and therefore, research into their toxicology and safe use is warranted.

Carbon↗
PubMed2006

Toxicology as a nanoscience?--disciplinary identities reconsidered.

Toxicology is about to establish itself as a leading scientific discipline in addressing potential health effects of materials on the nanosize level. Entering into a cutting-edge field, has an impact on identity-building processes within the involved academic fields. In our study, we analyzed the ways in which the entry into the field of nanosciences impacts on the formation of disciplinary identities. Using the methods of qualitative interviews with particle toxicologists in Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the USA, we could demonstrate that currently, toxicology finds itself in a transitional phase. The development of its disciplinary identity is not yet clear. Nearly all of our interview partners stressed the necessity of repositioning toxicology. However, they each suggested different approaches. While one part is already propagandizing the establishment of a new discipline--'nanotoxicology'--others are more reserved and are demanding a clear separation of traditional and new research areas. In phases of disciplinary new-orientation, research communities do not act consistently. Rather, they establish diverse options. By expanding its disciplinary boundaries, participating in new research fields, while continuing its previous research, and only vaguely defining its topics, toxicology is feeling its way into the new fields without giving up its present self-conception. However, the toxicological research community is also discussing a new disciplinary identity. Within this, toxicology could develop from an auxiliary into a constitutive position, and take over a basic role in the cognitive, institutional and social framing of the nanosciences.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of questionnaire screening and urine toxicology for detection of pregnancy complicated by substance use.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of structured questionnaire screening and prenatal urine toxicology for the detection of substance use by pregnant women, and to describe substance use patterns in a group of women presenting to a university-based obstetric clinic. METHODS: All patients presenting to our obstetric clinic for their first prenatal visit were evaluated for evidence of current use of alcohol or any illicit substances. Nursing personnel administered an extensive questionnaire, which included detailed questions about past and current substance use patterns. Urine samples were examined by a commercial laboratory for alcohol and a number of illicit substances. Current users were defined as those who admitted use within the past 30 days or who had positive urine toxicology. RESULTS: Fifty-eight of 302 patients (19.2%) were identified as current users of alcohol or illicit substances. Only 17 of 41 women (41.5%) with toxicologic evidence of recent use admitted to current use. Only 17 of 34 (50.0%) admitting to current use had toxicology positive for any substance. Patients with a history of multiple past substance use were significantly more likely to have positive urine toxicology than those without such a history (26.1 versus 7.4%; P < .005). Among current users, multiple substance use (34.5%) and cigarette smoking (52%) were common. CONCLUSION: A screening combination of structured questionnaire and universal urine toxicology identifies more current users than either technique alone, and neither is clearly superior to the other. A history of multiple substance use may be an important indicator of current use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[The use of pharmacological criteria in the toxicological evaluation of veterinary drugs].

The toxicological evaluation of residues of veterinary drugs in foods of animal origin, which is done within the framework of the Netherlands Veterinary Drugs Act, is based on an EEC guide line in which, in addition to the clinical and analytical criteria, the requirements regarding the pharmacological and toxicological evaluation are laid down. In principle, this evaluation is based on classical toxicological criteria. As veterinary drugs have a specific pharmacological action, it is essential that these pharmacological effects should be in included in the toxicological evaluation in view of an adequate protection of public health. The selected starting point is that a pharmacological effect desired in a target animal is regarded as an undesirable effect in consumers. In this presentation, two examples are referred to, viz. the bèta agonist clenbuterol and the bèta-blocking agent carazolol; the approach is compared with a 'classical' toxicological evaluation. This shows that the acceptable daily intake in human individuals (ADI), based on pharmacological criteria is lower by a factor of approximately 50 than is the ADI on the basis of 'classical' toxicological criteria. This clearly illustrates the value of this approach in protecting the health of consumers.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The substance abuse subtle screening inventory is more cost effective and has better selectivity than urine toxicology for the detection of substance abuse in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the SASSI as a screen for substance abuse in pregnancy with the patient history and toxicology screening. STUDY DESIGN: On 560 patients the substance abuse history and urine toxicology was obtained at registration in the prenatal clinic. Each patient also completed the SASSI questionnaire. The SASSI was compared with each screen individually and the result of the SASSI and the patient's history were combined for comparison with the toxicology results. RESULTS: SASSI was found to be more selective as a screen for substance abuse than urine toxicology and it gave a profile of alcohol use which was absent on the toxicology screen. CONCLUSIONS: The SASSI is a more effective clinical tool for identifying substance abuse and more cost effective than toxicology screening.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Twenty-five years of behavioral toxicology within occupational medicine: a personal account.

Decisive for my long-term involvement in behavioral toxicology were the hours spent in interviewing and testing patients with occupational poisonings during the first years of my career as a clinical psychologist within the framework of occupational medicine. Important auxiliary factors were the innovative and inspiring scientific climate at our Institute, and the supportive kind of scientific education provided by this environment during the years. It has been rewarding and exciting to follow the international progress of behavioral toxicology. Advances in this special domain of research were and are partly related to advances in occupational epidemiology and toxicology, in neurotoxicology and other allied disciplines, as well as to advances in other branches of psychology. But the major challenge to behavioral toxicology during the first decades of its existence has been finding its place and role within these disciplines. Important challenges for the next decades are defining further the exposure-effect relationships as a basis for the standard setting, extending the surveillance of neurotoxic hazards to the developing countries, and searching for better understanding of the practical significance o neurobehavioral effects, eg, from the point of view of the afflicted individual. To realize these aims, further efforts are needed to coordinate the field of behavioral toxicology and to augment communication between those immediately involved.

Finland↗