Prognostic significance of bone marrow 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: relation to iliac crest biopsy results.

AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of bone marrow (BM) 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake in relation to posterior iliac crest BM biopsy (BMB) results in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment integrated positron-emission tomography(PET)/computed tomography (CT) images of 512 DLBCL patients who underwent BMB and received rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy were analysed retrospectively. BM uptake was assessed visually and by maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax). Associations with lymphoma-specific survival (LSS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: FDG(+) BM was observed in 64 cases (41 focal, 12 heterogeneous, 11 diffuse). This finding distinguished iliac crest involvement (positive in 59 and negative in 453) with 89.6% accuracy (459/512) and 93.6% specificity (424/453). In BMB(+) patients, BM-to-liver SUVmax ratio >1.8 concurred perfectly with FDG(+) BM. During 52 months of follow-up, there were 156 lymphoma-related deaths. In the entire population, multivariate analysis revealed high International Prognostic Index (IPI; p<0.001), old age (p=0.003), bulky disease (p=0.011), BMB(+) (p=0.028), and FDG(+) BM (p=0.019) as independent predictors of worse LSS. In the BMB(+) subgroup, high National Comprehensive Cancer Network-revised IPI (NCCN-IPI; p=0.029) and FDG(+) BM (p=0.008) were significant independent predictors. Among BMB(+) patients with low to low-intermediate NCCN-IPI, FDG(+) BM was associated with significantly worse 2-year LSS (33.3% versus 100%; p=0.017). The same was true among those with high-intermediate NCCN-IPI (34.7% versus 76.9%.; p=0.026). CONCLUSION: Increased BM FDG in DLBCL is a predictor of worse LSS independent of BMB results and other prognostic variables including IPI/NCCN-IPI.

Environmental contamination in the isolation rooms of COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the extent of environmental contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for infection control and prevention. The extent of environmental contamination has not been fully investigated in the context of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. AIM: To investigate environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination in the isolation rooms of severe COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy. METHODS: Environmental swab samples and air samples were collected from the isolation rooms of three COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia. Patients 1 and 2 received mechanical ventilation with a closed suction system, while patient 3 received high-flow oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2; viral cultures were performed for samples not negative on rRT-PCR. FINDINGS: Of the 48 swab samples collected in the rooms of patients 1 and 2, only samples from the outside surfaces of the endotracheal tubes tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR. However, in patient 3's room, 13 of the 28 environmental samples (fomites, fixed structures, and ventilation exit on the ceiling) showed positive results. Air samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Viable viruses were identified on the surface of the endotracheal tube of patient 1 and seven sites in patient 3's room. CONCLUSION: Environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 may be a route of viral transmission. However, it might be minimized when patients receive mechanical ventilation with a closed suction system. These findings can provide evidence for guidelines for the safe use of personal protective equipment.

Derangement of PaCO2 requires physician attention in acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

The objective was to describe the prevalence of derangement of the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and to determine the association between PaCO2 and adverse cardiovascular events (ACVEs) in carbon monoxide (CO)-poisoned patients. Additionally, we evaluated whether the derangement of PaCO2 was simply secondary to metabolic changes. This retrospective study included 194 self-breathing patients after CO poisoning with an indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and available arterial blood gas analysis at presentation and 6 h later. The incidence rate of hypocapnia at presentation after acute CO poisoning was 67.5%, and the mean PaCO2 during the first 6 h was 33 (31-36.7) mmHg. The most common acid-base imbalance in 131 patients with hypocapnia was primary respiratory alkalosis. The incidence rate of ACVEs during hospitalization was 50.5%. A significant linear trend in the incidence of ACVEs was observed across the total range of PaCO2 variables. In multivariate regression analysis, mean PaCO2 was independently associated with ACVEs (odds ratio 0.051; 95% confidence interval 0.004-0.632). PaCO2 derangements were common after acute CO poisoning and were not explainable as a mere secondary response to metabolic changes. The mean PaCO2 during the first 6 h was associated with ACVEs. Given the high incidence of ACVEs and PaCO2 derangement and the observed association between the mean PaCO2 and ACVEs, this study suggests that (1) PaCO2 should be monitored in the acute stage to predict and/or prevent ACVEs and (2) further investigation is needed to validate this result and explore the early manipulation of PaCO2 as a treatment strategy.

The rivaroxaban-adjusted normalized ratio: use of the prothrombin time to monitor the therapeutic effect of rivaroxaban.

Background: The prothrombin time may be used to monitor the plasma concentration of rivaroxaban. However, there is variability in the responsiveness of rivaroxaban to different thromboplastins. We aimed to develop a rivaroxaban-monitoring method using the prothrombin time to reduce the differences in the sensitivity among reagents. Methods: Rivaroxaban-spiked pooled normal plasma at a 0-1000 ng/ml concentration was used to generate a rivaroxaban-adjusted sensitivity index (SI) values, and was tested with three thromboplastins. The warfarin-adjusted international sensitivity index (ISI-warfarin), rivaroxaban-adjusted sensitivity index (SI-rivaroxaban), international normalized ratio (INR) calculated with ISI-warfarin, normalized ratio (NR) calculated with SI-rivaroxaban, and their coefficient of variances (CVs) were compared. The NR-rivaroxaban value was compared with the results of an anti-Xa assay. Results: The ISI-warfarin and SI-rivaroxaban using different thromboplastins were 1.02 and 1.88, respectively, with Thromborel S, 0.90 and 1.00 using Recombiplastin 2G, and 1.30 and 1.15 using Neoplastin CI-plus. Between-thromboplastin variability expressed as CV were 6.3%-25.1% when expressed as INR-warfarin and 1.7%-4.7% when expressed as NR-rivaroxaban. CVs for the NR-rivaroxaban with another laboratory were significantly lower than those for INR-warfarin. Anti-Xa assay v NR-rivaroxaban correlation coefficients were 0.97-0.99. Conclusion: Using a rivaroxaban-specific NR effectively minimises inter-thromboplastin variability. By utilizing a NR-rivaroxaban, standardized prothrombin time results could be rapidly obtained, especially useful in standardizing the therapeutic effect of rivaroxaban.

The expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1) and HCN2 in the rat trigeminal ganglion, sensory root, and dental pulp.

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1) and 2 (HCN2) are abundantly expressed in primary sensory neurons and contribute to neuronal excitability and pathological pain. We studied the expression of HCN1 and HCN2 in the rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and axons in the dental pulp, and the changes in their expression following inflammation, using light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry and quantitative analysis. HCN1 and HCN2 were expressed predominantly in large-sized, neurofilament 200-immunopositive (+) or parvalbumin+ soma in the TG whereas they were expressed mostly in unmyelinated and small myelinated axons in the sensory root. The expression was particularly strong along the plasma membrane in the soma. In the dental pulp, majority of HCN1+ and HCN2+ axons coexpressed calcitonin gene-related peptide. They were expressed mainly in the peripheral pulp and pulp horn where the axons branch extensively in the dental pulp. The expression of HCN1 and HCN2 in TG neurons increased significantly in rats with experimentally induced inflammation of the dental pulp. Our findings support the notion that HCN1 and HCN2 are expressed mainly by both the soma of mechanosensitive neurons in the TG and peripheral axons of nociceptive neurons in the sensory root, and may play a role in the mechanisms of inflammatory pain from the dental pulp.

Long-term follow up of HIV-1-infected Korean haemophiliacs, after infection from a common source of virus.

In the early 1990s, 20 haemophiliacs (HPs) were infected with a common source of HIV-1 viruses through the contaminated clotting factor IX. The aim of this study is to review 20 HPs infected with a common source of virus. The enrolled patients have been consecutively treated with Korean red ginseng (KRG), zidovudine (ZDV) or two-drug therapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We determined full-length pol gene over 20 years and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and reviewed medical records. Eighteen HPs experienced various opportunistic infections or clinical manifestations. There were significant inverse correlations between the HLA prognostic score and the annual decrease in CD4+ T-cell counts prior to HAART (AD) (P < 0.05) and the amount of KRG and the AD (P < 0.01). From 1998, the HPs had been treated with HAART. Each of the two patients died without and with HAART regimen respectively. At present, 16 HPs have been alive with HAART. Among the 16 HPs, 12 and 4 are on HAART-plus-KRG and HAART only respectively. Eleven HPs including 2 HPs with G-to-A hypermutations had revealed resistance mutations. Ten and two HPs have shown poor adherence and incomplete viral suppres-sion on HAART respectively. Virological failure based on WHO guidelines was not observed on KRG-plus-HAART. Two HPs revealed additional resistance mutations against two classes on KRG-plus-HAART. As a nationwide study, we first report overall features on clinical course of Korean haemophiliacs. Further education on the importance of drug adherence is needed.

Mindfulness predicts lower affective volatility among African Americans during smoking cessation.

Recent research suggests that mindfulness benefits emotion regulation and smoking cessation. However, the mechanisms by which mindfulness affects emotional and behavioral functioning are unclear. One potential mechanism, lower affective volatility, has not been empirically tested during smoking cessation. This study examined longitudinal associations among mindfulness and emotional responding over the course of smoking cessation treatment among predominantly low-socioeconomic status (SES) African American smokers, who are at high risk for relapse to smoking and tobacco-related health disparities. Participants (N = 399, 51% female, mean age = 42, 48% with annual income <$10,000) completed a baseline measure of trait mindfulness. Negative affect, positive affect, and depressive symptoms were assessed at five time points during smoking cessation treatment (up to 31 days postquit). Volatility indices were calculated to quantify within-person instability of emotional symptoms over time. Over and above demographic characteristics, nicotine dependence, and abstinence status, greater baseline trait mindfulness predicted lower volatility of negative affect and depressive symptoms surrounding the quit attempt and up to 1 month postquit, ps < 0.05. Although volatility did not mediate the association between greater mindfulness and smoking cessation, these results are the first to show that mindfulness is linked to lower affective volatility (or greater stability) of negative emotions during the course of smoking cessation. The present study suggests that mindfulness is linked to greater emotional stability and augments the study of mindfulness in diverse populations. Future studies should examine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on volatility and whether lower volatility explains effects of mindfulness-based treatments on smoking cessation.

The small molecule indirubin-3'-oxime activates Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and inhibits adipocyte differentiation and obesity.

OBJECTIVES: Activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway inhibits adipogenesis by maintaining preadipocytes in an undifferentiated state. We investigated the effect of indirubin-3'-oxime (I3O), which was screened as an activator of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, on inhibiting the preadipocyte differentiation in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: 3T3L1 preadipocytes were differentiated with 0, 4 or 20 µM of I3O. The I3O effect on adipocyte differentiation was observed by Oil-red-O staining. Activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in I3O-treated 3T3L1 cells was shown using immunocytochemical and immunoblotting analyses for ß-catenin. The regulation of adipogenic markers was analyzed via real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting analyses. For the in vivo study, mice were divided into five different dietary groups: chow diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with I3O at 5, 25 and 100 mg kg(-1). After 8 weeks, adipose and liver tissues were excised from the mice and subject to morphometry, real-time RT-PCR, immunoblotting and histological or immunohistochemical analyses. In addition, adipokine and insulin concentrations in serum of the mice were accessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Using a cell-based approach to screen a library of pharmacologically active small molecules, we identified I3O as a Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activator. I3O inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into mature adipocytes and decreased the expression of adipocyte markers, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, at both mRNA and protein levels. In vivo, I3O inhibited the development of obesity in HFD-fed mice by attenuating HFD-induced body weight gain and visceral fat accumulation without showing any significant toxicity. Factors associated with metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia were also improved by treatment of I3O. CONCLUSION: Activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway can be used as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome and implicates I3O as a candidate anti-obesity agent.

Peripheral G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels are involved in δ-opioid receptor-mediated anti-hyperalgesia in rat masseter muscle.

BACKGROUND: Although the efficacy of peripherally administered opioid has been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies, the underlying mechanisms of its anti-hyperalgesic effects are poorly understood. G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are linked to opioid receptors in the brain. However, the role of peripheral GIRK channels in analgesia induced by peripherally administered opioid, especially in trigeminal system, is not clear. METHODS: Expression of GIRK subunits in rat trigeminal ganglia (TG) was examined with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Chemical profiles of GIRK-expressing neurons in TG were further characterized. Behavioural and Fos experiments were performed to examine the functional involvement of GIRK channels in δ-opioid receptor (DOR)-mediated anti-hyperalgesia under an acute myositis condition. RESULTS: TG expressed mRNA and proteins for GIRK1 and GIRK2 subunits. Majority of GIRK1- and GIRK2-expressing neurons were non-peptidergic afferents. Inhibition of peripheral GIRK using Tertiapin-Q (TPQ) attenuated antinociceptive effects of peripherally administered DOR agonist, [D-Pen(2), D-Pen(6) ]-enkephalin (DPDPE), on mechanical hypersensitivity in masseter muscle. Furthermore, TPQ attenuated the suppressive effects of peripheral DPDPE on neuronal activation in the subnucleus caudalis of the trigeminal nucleus (Vc) following masseteric injection of capsaicin. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that peripheral DOR agonist-induced suppression of mechanical hypersensitivity in the masseter muscle involves the activity of peripheral GIRK channels. These results could provide a rationale for developing a novel therapeutic approach using peripheral GIRK channel openers to mimic or supplement the effects of peripheral opioid agonist.

Water extract of gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) enhances migration of human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts with increased lipid synthesis in an in vitro wound scratch model.

BACKGROUND: Although organic extracts of gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) have been shown to promote wound healing, the wound healing effects of water extracts of gromwell (WG) that are commonly used in traditional remedies have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether WG promotes the migration and/or proliferation of cultured human keratinocytes (CHK) or dermal fibroblasts in parallel with increases in lipid synthesis during in vitro wound healing. METHODS: CHK or fibroblasts were treated with 1-1,000 µg/ml WG for up to 48 h following scratch wound formation. Cell migration was assessed by measuring coverage (in percent) from the wound margin, while cell proliferation and lipid synthesis were determined by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA fractions, and [(3)H]palmitate or [(3)H]serine incorporation into lipid fractions, respectively. RESULTS: Low-dose WG (1 µg/ml) enhanced the wound coverage for both CHK and fibroblasts at 24 h, while cell proliferation was not altered in either cell types. Synthesis of both total lipids and individual lipid classes, including phospholipids, sphingolipids and neutral lipids, were found to be increased at 24 h in CHK treated with 1 µg/ml WG; in similarly treated fibroblasts, only the syntheses of sphingolipids (such as ceramides and glucosylceramides), but not other lipid species, were significantly increased. In contrast, a higher dose of WG (10-1,000 µg/ml) did not enhance wound coverage, and 100 µg/ml WG neither altered cell proliferation nor lipid synthesis in both CHK and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Low-dose WG (1 µg/ml) enhances the migration of both CHK and fibroblasts with increased lipid synthesis in an in vitro wound scratch model.

Affective reactivity during smoking cessation of never-quitters as compared with that of abstainers, relapsers, and continuing smokers.

Much effort has been devoted to examining the differences in postcessation affective experience between smoking abstainers and relapsers. However, little attention has been given to the affective changes of smokers who, despite their motivation to quit, fail to achieve even a brief period of abstinence. Using affect-modulated startle response and self-report questionnaires, we measured the postcessation affective changes of 115 smokers (60 men, 55 women) who participated in a laboratory investigation of affective reactivity during smoking cessation. Among our participants, 34 were abstainers (16 men, 18 women), 16 were never-quitters (8 men, 8 women), 19 were relapsers (8 men, 11 women), and 46 were controls (28 men, 18 women). We found a significant Stimulus Valence × Session × Group interaction effect on startle responses, which suggested that while abstainers, relapsers, and control exhibited the prototypical affect-modulated startle response across postcessation sessions, never-quitters displayed an atypical response pattern in which emotional pictures no longer modulated the startle response. Never-quitters also reported increasingly higher negative and lower positive affect across postcessation sessions. Using affect-modulated startle response and self-report questionnaires, this study found a significant difference in the affective reactivity between smokers who could and smokers who could not establish an initial abstinence of 24 hours.

Use of red palm oil in local snacks can increase intake of provitamin A carotenoids in young aborigines children: a Malaysian experience.

INTRODUCTION: Carotenoid-rich red palm oil (RPO)-based snacks have been provided to children in impoverished communities to improve their vitamin A status. The non-availabilty of information on the acceptability of RPO-based snacks by Malaysian aborigines (Orang Asli) children forms the basis of this study. METHODS: Twenty-one Orang Asli children, majority of whom had normal body mass index for age (BMI-for-age) and aged 4.73 +/- 0.92 years in Sungai Tekir, Negeri Sembilan were provided with three freshly-prepared snacks (springroll, curry puff or doughnut) each containing one teaspoon or 5 ml of RPO per serving, on separate mornings. On the fourth morning, one serving each of all 3 different snacks was provided together on a plate to every child for consumption and preference for the snacks recorded. The children's habitual vitamin A intakes were assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid retention tests for the prepared snacks were performed by column chromatography. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of the children did not meet their RNI for vitamin A. Based on acceptance criterion of consuming at least one-half serving of the snacks provided, springroll and curry puff recorded 100% acceptability while doughnut had 82% acceptability. Preference of snack was in the order, springroll (47%) > doughtnut (35%) > curry puff (18%), but a Z-test test for proportions showed no statistical significance. Carotenoid retention tests showed great variation between snacks namely, doughnut (100%) > springroll (84%) > curry puff (45%). CONCLUSION: The overall findings indicate that the RPO-based snacks are highly acceptable and can be used to improve the dietary intake of provitamin A carotenoids of Malaysian Orang Asli children.

A 13-week subchronic toxicity study of hinokitiol administered in the diet to F344 rats.

Myocarditis has been reported in male F344 rats given a diet containing hinokitiol (HT). A subchronic toxicity study was here performed to re-evaluate toxic effects of HT in both sexes of F344 rats with dietary administration at concentrations of 0%, 0.02%, 0.07% and 0.2% for 13 weeks. Significant reduction of body weight gain was noted in 0.2% males and 0.07% and above females. Significant decrease in RBC counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit was detected in 0.07% and 0.2% females. Significant increase in MCV was observed in 0.07% and above males and 0.2% females. In the rats given 0.07% and 0.2%, significant increase in total protein and albumin were detected in males, and in total cholesterol in females. Significant increases in total cholesterol, urea nitrogen and creatinine were also detected in the 0.2% males. Significant increase in relative liver weights was detected in the 0.07% and above males and females. Absolute and relative heart weights were significantly decreased in the 0.07% and above males. Based on the above findings the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of HT for both male and female rats was estimated to be 0.02%, translating into 12.7 and 14.8 mg/kg b.w./day, respectively. Myocarditis was not evident in the present study.

The serotonin transporter gene and startle response during nicotine deprivation.

Affective startle probe methodology was used to examine the effects of nicotine administration and deprivation on emotional processes among individuals carrying at least one s allele versus those with the l/l genotype of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin) Transporter Linked Polymorphic Region, 5-HTTLPR in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene [solute ligand carrier family 6 member A4 (SLC6A4) or SERT]. Smokers (n=84) completed four laboratory sessions crossing deprivation (12-h deprived vs. non-deprived) with nicotine spray (nicotine vs. placebo). Participants viewed affective pictures (positive, negative, neutral) while acoustic startle probes were administered. We found that smokers with the l/l genotype showed significantly greater suppression of the startle response when provided with nicotine vs. placebo than those with the s/s or s/l genotypes. The results suggest that l/l smokers, who may have higher levels of the serotonin transporter and more rapid synaptic serotonin clearance, experience substantial reduction in activation of the defensive system when exposed to nicotine.

Recurrence after successful treatment among patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to elucidate the rate of recurrence after successful treatment. Of 123 MDR-TB patients, 90 were declared as 'cured' or 'treatment completed' after individualised treatment; four (4.4%) experienced recurrence. All patients with recur- rent MDR-TB were documented as 'treatment completed' after treatment. Recurrence of MDR-TB is possible after successful treatment, particularly among those documented as 'treatment completed'.

Anti-atherogenic property of ferulic acid in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed Western diet: comparison with clofibrate.

Anti-atherogenic effect of ferulic acid (0.02%, w/w) was investigated in comparison with the clofibrate (0.02%, w/w) in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apo E(-/-)) mice fed Western diet. Concentrations of total cholesterol (total-C), apolipoprotein B (apo B) in the plasma and epididymal adipose tissue weight were significantly lower in the ferulic acid and clofibrate supplemented groups compared to the control group. The ratio of apo B to apo A-I was also significantly lower in those groups than in the control group. Activities of hepatic ACAT and HMG-CoA reductase were only significantly lower in the ferulic acid and clofibrate groups, respectively than in the control group. The numbers of mice that exhibited aortic fatty plaque were 8/10 in control groups vs. 0/10 in the ferulic acid or clofibrate group. The activities of anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and paraoxonase) in the hepatocyte and erythrocyte were significantly higher in the ferulic acid group than in the control group. In contrast, hepatic TBARS level was only markedly lower in the ferulic acid group. These results provide a new insight into the anti-atherogenic property of ferulic acid in the apo E(-/-) mice fed a Western diet.

A 13-week subchronic toxicity study of dietary administered saponin-rich and isoflavones-containing soybean extract in F344 rats.

A subchronic toxicity study of soybean extract was performed in F344 rats with dietary administration at concentrations of 0%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% for 13 weeks. No mortality or abnormal clinical signs in any group were observed. Body weight gains were decreased with a tendency for reduction of feed intake in the 1.25% and above female and 5% male groups. In males, absolute and relative liver weights were increased in the 1.25% and above groups. In females relative kidney weights were increased in the 1.25% and above groups. Other significant changes such as decreased RBC and hematocrit and increased urea nitrogen were detected in the 2.5% and/or 5% groups. On histopathological observation, atrophy of the ventral prostate was observed in all animals in the 5% male group. Mucification and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium and increased atretic follicles in ovaries were noted in 2.5% and 5% female rats. Based on the above findings the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level for male and female rats was estimated to be 1.25% (707.2 and 751.8 mg/kg b.w./day, respectively).

A case of ricin poisoning following ingestion of Korean castor bean.

Ricin is a member of a group of protein toxins whose cytosolic target is the 28S rRNA of the 60S ribosomal subunit. It was recently introduced as a weapon of terrorism in some countries. There is little evidence about the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of ricin poisoning. The case history is reported of a patient with ricin poisoning who presented with nausea and vomiting following ingestion of Korean castor bean.