Boletim informativo de toxicologia: acidentes tóxicos com plantas - prevenção / Toxicology Newsletter: Toxic Plant Accidents - Prevention

No Brasil, ocorrem cerca de dois mil casos de intoxicação por ano por plantas tóxicas, e há uma prevalência de casos em crianças. Em crianças, as intoxicações acontecem por causa da curiosidade, fome e fácil acesso às plantas ­ sendo que a maioria dos casos desses acidentes ocorre dentro da própria casa ­, entre outros fatores. Em adultos, os casos estão relacionados ao uso dessas plantas para a medicação, como os opiáceos, e na tentativa de abortamento, entre outras utilizações. As intoxicações por plantas tóxicas representam cerca de 1 a 2% dos casos notificados no CIATOX em Goiás , comumente em áreas urbanas, porém muitos casos não são informados, e nem o paciente se encaminha ao serviço de saúde por não ter conhecimento das possíveis gravidades que esta intoxicação pode causar, mostrando esse baixo índice devido a subnotificação

In Brazil, there are about two thousand cases of poisoning per year by toxic plants, and there is a prevalence of cases in children. In children, poisoning happens because of curiosity, hunger and easy access to plants ­ and most cases of these accidents occur inside the house ­, among other factors. In adults, cases are related to the use of these plants for medication, such as opiates, and in an attempt to abort, among other uses. Poisoning by toxic plants represents about 1 to 2% of the cases reported in the CIATOX in Goiás, commonly in urban areas, but many cases are not reported, and even the patient is not referred to the health service because he is not aware of the possible seriousness that this intoxication can cause, showing this low rate due to underreporting

Ocurrence enzootic hematuria in buffaloes in Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects / Ocorrência de hematúria enzoótica em búfalos no Brasil: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos

It is reported the occurrence of enzootic hematuria (EH) in buffaloes in Brazil after performing an epidemiological survey and clinicopathological analises. To date, EH caused by ingestion of Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, a radiomimetic plant popularly known as "bracken fern", has not been described in this species in Brazil. Bovine EH is responsible for high economic losses in Brazil's Southeast Region not only because of the deaths it causes, but also owing to its negative effect on productivity. In São José do Barreiro County, São Paulo, some farmers in areas with a high incidence of bovine EH have been replacing cattle with buffaloes, based on the premise that the latter would be more resistant to poisoning by ingestion of Pteridium spp. However, even though initial observations indicated that buffaloes are indeed less sensitive than cattle to the toxic principle of Pteridium spp., cases of hematuria in this species have been reported. According to preliminary date, EH only occurs in buffaloes over six years of age. Macroscopic examination revealed a thickened urinary vesicle mucosa, along with multiple foci of ulcerated, exophytic, verrucous, and pedunculated lesions. In one of the buffaloes studied, the bladder wall was ruptured and exhibited marked secondary inflammation. Histologically, neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes similar to those described in cattle poisoned by Pteridium spp. were observed. The neoplasms found included papilloma, carcinoma in situ, urothelial carcinoma (low and high grade), inverted, microcystic, and trabecular variants, urothelial carcinoma with divergent differentiation (squamous and glandular), squamous cell carcinoma, lymphangioma, hemangioma, and hemangiosarcoma. There was also coexistence of epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Bovine papillomavirus particles were not detected by polymerase chain reaction in the bladder samples analyzed.

Descreve-se, através de levantamento epidemiológico e avaliação clínico-patológica, a ocorrência de hematúria enzoótica (HE) em búfalos no Brasil. Essa condição, causada pela ingestão da planta radiomimética Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, conhecida popularmente como "samambaia" ou "samambaia do campo", até então não havia sido descrita nessa espécie no Brasil. Na Região Sudeste, a HE bovina é responsável por elevadas perdas econômicas, devidas não apenas aos óbitos, mas também em função da queda de produtividade. No município de São José do Barreiro/SP, alguns produtores de áreas com alta incidência de HE bovina, vêm substituindo os bovinos por búfalos, com base na premissa de que estes seriam mais resistentes à intoxicação. Embora, de acordo com observações iniciais, os búfalos realmente sejam menos sensíveis que os bovinos ao princípio tóxico de Pteridium spp., ainda assim, tem-se verificado a ocorrência de casos de hematúria nessa espécie. De acordo com o levantamento inicial, a HE só ocorre em búfalos com idade a partir de seis anos. Ao exame macroscópico, verificou-se a mucosa da bexiga espessa, com múltiplos focos de lesões ulceradas, exofíticas, papiliformes, verrucosas, pedunculadas. Histologicamente, foram observadas alterações neoplásicas e não neoplásicas semelhantes às descritas nos bovinos com HE. Entre as neoplasias foram encontrados papiloma, carcinoma in situ, carcinoma urotelial (baixo e alto grau), variantes invertida, microcística e trabecular, carcinoma urotelial com diferenciação divergente (escamosa e glandular), carcinoma de células escamosas, linfangioma, hemangioma e hemangiossarcoma. Ocorreu também coexistência entre neoplasias epiteliais e mesenquimais. Não foram detectadas partículas de papilomavírus bovino pelo teste PCR nas amostras de bexiga analisadas.

Identifying Plant Poisoning in Livestock in North America.

Poisonous plant intoxication is one of the first considerations for various livestock diseases and unexplained animal deaths. Although toxic plants commonly poison livestock, obtaining a definitive diagnosis is difficult and challenging. This article provides a framework to help livestock producers, veterinarians, and diagnosticians reach the most accurate and definitive diagnosis. For this discussion poisoning caused by plants containing dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids is used to provide examples and suggestions for investigating and sampling. It is also used to show how to recruit expert collaborators, diagnostic resources, and information sources to amass required expertise, information, and laboratory results to produce the best diagnosis.

Neurotoxic Plants that Poison Livestock.

In the western United States, poisonous plants most often affect grazing livestock, and the related livestock losses are estimated to cost the grazing livestock industry more than $200 million annually. Many of these toxic plants contain neurotoxins that damage or alter the function of neurologic cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The objectives of this article are to present common North American neurotoxic plants, including conditions of poisoning, clinical disease, pathologic changes, and available diagnostics, to identify poisoned animals and the potential prognosis for poisoned animals.

Plant-Induced Myotoxicity in Livestock.

Many toxic plants, ingested by livestock while grazing or eating contaminated processed feed, produce myoskeletal or myocardial lesions that sometimes have irreversible consequences. Some myotoxic plants are lethal after ingestion of very small amounts whereas others require consumption for many days to several weeks to produce disease. Incorporation of field studies, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology, and chemical identification of plants, toxins, and metabolites in animal samples is essential for an accurate diagnosis. This review introduces toxic plants that cause myotoxicity, reviews toxins and lesions, discusses analyses for making an accurate diagnosis, and summarizes treatments and recommendations to avoid future poisonings.

Plants Containing Urinary Tract, Gastrointestinal, or Miscellaneous Toxins that Affect Livestock.

Whether exposed by grazing toxic range or pasture plants or by eating contaminated feed, there are plant toxins that produce urinary tract disease, gastroenteritis, and other miscellaneous or multisystemic diseases. Diagnosis can be challenging and requires incorporation of field studies, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology, and chemical identification of plants, toxins, and metabolites in animal samples. The objectives of this review are to introduce poisonous plants that commonly poison livestock in North America; describe clinical and pathologic lesions they produce in livestock; and present current technology available to identify poisoning, treat affected animals, and minimize or avoid poisoning additional animals.

Hepatotoxic Plants that Poison Livestock.

The liver is one of the most commonly affected organs by ingested toxicants. This article familiarizes veterinarians with clinical signs, serum biochemistry changes, necropsy findings, and field information found in livestock poisonings with hepatotoxic plants. The focus is on the most common plant-derived hepatotoxins important to livestock in North America. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are covered in greater detail than the other toxins, because they are likely the most important plant-derived toxins worldwide in livestock, wildlife, and even human exposure. Additionally, many of the principles discussed regarding clinical diagnosis of pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication can be applied to the other poisonous plants listed.

Plant-Induced Photosensitivity and Dermatitis in Livestock.

Whether poisoned by grazing certain toxic plants, by eating contaminated feed, or by topical contact with plant toxins, certain plants poison livestock causing photosensitivity and dermatitis. These dermal lesions are rarely fatal, and with appropriate therapy and protection from additional exposure most lesions heal with few permanent sequelae. However, these lesions often result in costly production losses and missed opportunities. The objectives of this review are to briefly introduce toxic plants that result in photosensitivity and dermatitis, review the toxins and pathogenesis of plant-induced skin disease, and summarize treatments and recommendations to avoid poisoning.

Plant-Induced Reproductive Disease, Abortion, and Teratology in Livestock.

Whether poisoned by grazing toxic plants or by eating feeds that are contaminated by toxic plants, affected livestock often have compromised reproductive function including infertility, abortion, and fetal deformities. Certainly all diagnostic tools-field studies, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology as well as chemical identification of plant and plant toxins in animal samples-are essential to make an accurate diagnosis, to develop intervening management strategies and to improve the reproductive performance. The objectives of this review are to briefly introduce toxic plants that are reproductive toxins, abortifacients, or teratogens.

Epidemiological aspects of natural poisoning by Prosopis juliflora in ruminants in semiarid areas of the state of Bahia, Brazil, invaded by the plant / Aspectos epidemiológicos da intoxicação natural por Prosopis juliflora em ruminantes em áreas do semiárido baiano invadidas pela planta

Poisoning by Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) leads to neurological signs, cachexia and death, mainly in cattle and goats. Although the uncontrolled spread of mesquite in the Caatinga biome (biological invasion), which alters the epidemiological conditions of intoxication by this plant, has been proved for approximately 20 years, strategies for its control and prophylaxis still remain out of date. These new epidemiological conditions have allowed the uncontrolled consumption of large amounts of in natura mesquite pods by ruminants for long periods in invaded pastures, thus resulting in increased history of poisoning. This study aimed to describe the new epidemiological aspects of P. juliflora poisoning in cattle and goats, 78 years after the introduction of this plant in the country, with emphasis on its degree of invasion, and to update the control and prophylaxis measures of this intoxication and the mapping of areas of outbreak occurrence in the semiarid region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Seven outbreaks of natural mesquite poisoning, two in goats (OB 1 and OB 2) and five in cattle (OB 3, OB 4, OB 5, OB 6, and OB 7), were studied in loco in the municipalities of Juazeiro, Iaçu, Tucano, Santa Teresinha, Barra do Mendes, Barra and Tabocas do Brejo Velho. In the studied outbreaks, clinical-epidemiological (OB 1 to OB 7) and histopathological (OB 1, OB 2, OB 3, and OB 5) findings were compatible with mesquite poisoning, and this was the first anatomopathological proof of poisoning by this plant in this state. In addition, in the state of Bahia, disease occurs in an area approximately three times larger than previously known. On the farms investigated, mesquite introduction occurred between 1980 and 2005, through the single planting of an average of 33 seedlings. Since then, propagation of this plant has occurred progressively, with gradual invasion of native pastures, which enabled the evaluation of plant spread (biological invasion) on these farms 15 (OB 2), 25 (OB 7), 30 (OB 5 and OB 6), 35 (OB 3) and 40 (OB 1 and OB 4) years after its introduction. Historical information on the introduction and spread of mesquite in the state of Bahia had never been analyzed. In 2020, a degree of mesquite invasion an average 59.57% was verified in the pastures of the seven farms where the outbreaks occurred. The great biological invasion capacity of this plant drew attention, especially in OB 5. The high degree of mesquite invasion observed (new epidemiological conditions) justifies the increased number of cases of poisoning observed in this study. Processing of P. juliflora pods (grinding) was not carried out on any farm (OB 1 to OB 7), and ruminants uncontrollably consumed large amounts of pods in natura for long periods in invaded pastures, which allowed massive dispersal of seeds through feces over decades. The main factors responsible for the gradual invasion of pastures by mesquite over time were absence of crop management plans (silvicultural treatments) and lack of knowledge by producers on disease etiology. Given the new epidemiological conditions, restriction of animal access to in natura pods in pastures and supply of mesquite bran are crucial for the control and prophylaxis of this poisoning, as consumption of in natura pods had a strong correlation with the high degree of invasion in the pastures where the seven outbreaks occurred. Additionally, although the commercialization of pods and exploitation of wood of mesquite trees can provide livestock farmers with extra income - being the correct management for areas invaded by this plant, such practice is either not yet known or not carried out technically or satisfactorily by farmers. In addition to being a threat to the Caatinga's biodiversity, the increasing invasion of semiarid areas by mesquite 78 years after its introduction in the Northeast region of Brazil, is a risk for herds, since the occurrence of poisoning outbreaks may become more frequent. Therefore, it is highly advisable that effective measures be adopted to control P. juliflora propagation.(AU)

A intoxicação por Prosopis juliflora (algaroba) cursa com sinais neurológicos, caquexia e morte, principalmente em bovinos e caprinos. Embora a disseminação descontrolada da algaroba na Caatinga (invasão biológica) tenha sido comprovada há cerca de 20 anos, o que altera as condições epidemiológicas dessa intoxicação, as estratégias de controle e profilaxia permanecem desatualizadas. Essas novas condições epidemiológicas permitem o consumo descontrolado de grande quantidade de vagens in natura de algaroba, por longos períodos, nas pastagens invadidas, o que tem resultado em aumento dos históricos de intoxicação. Objetivou-se com esse estudo descrever os novos aspectos epidemiológicos da intoxicação por P. juliflora em bovinos e caprinos, 78 anos após a introdução da planta no país, com ênfase no grau de invasão da planta, bem como atualizar as medidas de controle e profilaxia dessa intoxicação e das áreas de ocorrência dos surtos no semiárido baiano. Foram estudados in loco sete surtos (S1 a S7) de intoxicação natural por algaroba, sendo dois em caprinos (S1 e S2) e cinco em bovinos (S3, S4, S5, S6 e S7) no semiárido baiano (Juazeiro, Iaçu, Tucano, Santa Teresinha, Barra do Mendes, Barra e Tabocas do Brejo Velho). Nos surtos estudados, os achados clínico-epidemiológicos (S1 a S7) e histopatológicos (S1, S2, S3 e S5) foram compatíveis com intoxicação por algaroba, sendo essa intoxicação comprovada, pela primeira vez, com exames anatomopatológicos na Bahia. Ademais, na Bahia a doença ocorre em uma área cerca de três vezes maior do que a, até então, conhecida. Nas fazendas estudadas a introdução da algaroba ocorreu entre 1980 e 2005, através do plantio único de, em média, 33 mudas. Desde então, a disseminação da planta ocorreu de forma progressiva, invadindo gradativamente as pastagens nativas, o que permitiu avaliar a disseminação da planta (invasão biológica) nessas fazendas cerca de 15 (S2), 25 (S7), 30 (S5 e S6), 35 (S3) e 40 (S1 e S4) anos, após sua introdução. Informações históricas acerca da introdução da algaroba e sua disseminação na Bahia nunca haviam sido estudadas. Em 2020, verificou-se que nas pastagens das sete fazendas onde os surtos ocorreram, o grau de invasão por algaroba alcançou, em média, 59,57%. Chamou a atenção a grande capacidade de invasão biológica da planta, sobretudo, no S5. O alto grau de invasão da algaroba observado (novas condições epidemiológicas) justificou o aumento dos casos de intoxicação verificados nesse estudo. O beneficiamento das vagens (moagem) não era realizado em nenhuma fazenda (S1 a S7) e os ruminantes consumiam de forma descontrolada (livre) grande quantidade de vagens in natura, por longos períodos, nas pastagens invadidas, o que possibilitou a dispersão massiva das sementes da planta pelas fezes ao longo das décadas. O que aliado à inexistência de um plano de manejo do cultivo (tratamentos silviculturais) e ao desconhecimento da etiologia da doença pelos produtores foram os principais fatores responsáveis pela invasão gradativa da planta nas pastagens, ao longo dos anos, o que justifica o aumento dos casos de intoxicação observados na Bahia. Frente às novas condições epidemiológicas, a restrição do acesso dos animais as vagens in natura nas pastagens e o fornecimento do farelo de algaroba são cruciais para o controle e profilaxia dessa intoxicação, pois o consumo das vagens in natura teve forte correlação com o alto grau de invasão das pastagens onde os sete surtos ocorreram. Adicionalmente, embora a comercialização das vagens e a exploração da madeira da algaroba possam proporcionar renda extra aos pecuaristas e serem boas formas de manejo de áreas invadidas por algaroba, tais práticas ainda não são conhecidas ou não são realizadas de forma técnica ou a contento. A crescente invasão da algaroba no semiárido, 78 anos após a sua introdução no Nordeste, além de ser uma ameaça à biodiversidade da Caatinga é um risco para os rebanhos, visto que, a ocorrência de surtos de intoxicação podem se tornar mais frequentes. Desta maneira alerta-se para adoção de medidas efetivas de controle da propagação descontrolada da algaroba.(AU)

Rapid identification of Gloriosa superba and Colchicum autumnale by melting curve analysis: application to a suicide case involving massive ingestion of G. superba.

The plant species Gloriosa superba and Colchicum autumnale produce extremely poisonous colchicine as a major toxic metabolite. Almost all previous studies on colchicine poisoning have focused on drug analysis and clinical and pathological aspects. In this study, we developed a rapid, highly sensitive method to identify G. superba and C. autumnale. This method, which can distinguish between G. superba and C. autumnale using even minute amounts of plant material, is based on duplex real-time PCR in combination with melting curve analysis. To discriminate between the two genera of colchicine-containing plants, we designed new primer pairs targeting the region of the ycf15 gene, which is present in C. autumnale but not G. superba. By producing PCR amplicons with easily distinguishable melting temperatures, we were able to rapidly and accurately distinguish G. superba from C. autumnale. The new primer pairs generated no PCR amplicons from commercially available human DNA or various plant DNAs except for G. superba and C. autumnale. Sensitivity testing indicated that this assay can accurately detect less than 0.031 ng of DNA. Using our method in conjunction with colchicine drug analysis, we successfully identified G. superba in the stomach contents of a suicide victim who ingested massive quantities of a colchicine-containing plant. According to these results, duplex real-time PCR analysis is very appropriate for testing forensic samples, such as stomach contents harboring a variety of vegetables, and enables discrimination between G. superba and C. autumnale in forensic and emergency medical fields.

Spontaneous poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) in a sheep herd in southeastern Brazil.

Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) is considered the most important toxic plant affecting livestock farming in Brazil. This study describes an outbreak of spontaneous poisoning by P. marcgravii in sheep. Forty-nine sheep died while showing clinical signs of sudden death after having access to the plant. During the necropsy, P. marcgravii leaves were observed in the rumens of the animals. Histopathological analysis demonstrated hydropic degeneration of the kidneys. Monofluoracetate concentration obtained in Palicourea samples was 0.53% (5.3 µg/mg). These findings collectively indicate that the affected animals died from poisoning due to P. marcgravii.

Neonatal mortality associated with sodium monofluoracetate in kids fed with colostrum from goats ingesting Amorimia septentrionalis / Mortalidade neonatal associada ao monofluoroacetato de sódio em cabritos alimentados com colostro de cabras ingerindo Amorimia septentrionalis

Sudden deaths after colostrum ingestion in kids and lambs born to mothers grazing in areas with Amorimia septentrionalis have been reported in the Brazilian northeastern semi-arid region, in Paraíba state. This study aimed to determine whether the sodium monofluoracetate (MF) contained in A. septentrionalis is eliminated in milk, causing the death of kids. After confirming gestation on the 25th day after mating, 26 goats were randomly distributed into three groups. In Group 1, eight goats received fresh leaves of A. septentrionalis in daily doses of 1g/kg body weight, administered at three different periods during gestation: from days 91 to 100, 116 to 125, and from day 140 until delivery day. In Group 2, consisting of 10 females, eight goats received 1g/kg body weight of A. septentrionalis dried and milled leaves, fed daily from the 140th day of gestation until delivery. The other two goats of this group did not ingest the plant during gestation and after delivery the colostrum supplied to their kids was replaced by colostrum of goats from that same group that had ingested the plant. Eight goats from Group 3 (control) did not ingest A. septentrionalis. Seven goats from Group 1 showed signs of poisoning from 2nd to 8th days of plant administration, in all periods, and recovered within 7 to 12 days. Another goat presented severe clinical signs and was submitted to euthanasia in extremis. Two goats aborted. Four kids, from two goats, received colostrum and, after 15 minutes, presented depression, breathing wheezing, lateral recumbence, bleating, and death. Two goats gave birth at night; the two kids were found dead and, at necropsy, it was verified that they were born alive. The last goat in this group gave birth to two kids which showed no signs of poisoning after colostrum ingestion. In Group 2, the eight goats that ingested dry leaves of the plant presented tachycardia and engorgement of the jugular veins; six aborted, and the kids of the other two goats died immediately after delivery without ingesting colostrum. The three kids of the two goats that did not ingest the plant during gestation did not show signs of poisoning after ingesting colostrum from the goats that had ingested the plant. In Group 3, all females kidded normally and the kids showed no signs of poisoning. Ten leaf samples of A. septentrionalis contained 0.00074% ±0.00018 MF. These results demonstrate that the MF of A. septentrionalis is eliminated in colostrum and may cause the death of kids. As in previous reports, the plant also caused abortion.(AU)

Mortes súbitas, após a ingestão do colostro, em cabritos e cordeiros nascidos de mães que pastejam em áreas com Amorimia septentrionalis são relatadas no semiárido da Paraíba. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se o monofluoracetato de sódio (MF) contido em Amorimia septentrionalis é eliminado pelo leite, causando a morte dos cabritos. Após a confirmação da gestação no 25º dia após a cobertura, 26 cabras foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em três grupos. No Grupo 1, oito cabras receberam folhas frescas de A. septentrionalis em doses diárias de 1g/kg de peso vivo, administradas em três períodos diferentes durante a gestação: entre os dias 91 a 100, 116 a 125 e do 140º dia até o parto. No Grupo 2, composto por 10 fêmeas, oito cabras receberam 1g/kg de peso vivo de folhas secas e trituradas de A. septentrionalis, fornecida diariamente do 140º dia de gestação até o parto. As outras duas cabras desse grupo não ingeriram a planta durante a gestação e, ao parirem, o colostro fornecido aos seus cabritos foi substituído pelo colostro de cabras, desse mesmo grupo, que ingeriram a planta. Oito cabras do Grupo 3 (controle) não ingeriram A. septentrionalis. Sete cabras do Grupo 1 apresentaram sinais de intoxicação entre o 2º e 8º dia de administração da planta, em todos os períodos, e se recuperavam em 7 a 12 dias. Outra apresentou sinais clínicos graves e foi eutanasiada in extremis. Duas cabras abortaram. Quatro cabritos, oriundos de duas cabras, receberam colostro e, após 15 minutos, apresentaram depressão, respiração ofegante, decúbito lateral, berros e morte. Dois cabritos, nascidos de duas cabras que pariram durante a noite, foram encontrados mortos e os achados de necropsia permitem afirmar que nasceram vivos. A outra cabra desse grupo pariu dois cabritos que, mesmo mamando o colostro, não apresentaram sinais de intoxicação. No Grupo 2, as oito cabras que ingeriram a planta seca apresentaram taquicardia e ingurgitamento das veias jugulares; seis abortaram e os cabritos das outras duas morreram imediatamente após o parto, sem ingerir colostro. Os três filhotes das duas cabras que não ingeriram a planta durante a gestação não apresentaram sinais de intoxicação após ter ingerido colostro das cabras que tinham ingerido a planta. No Grupo 3, todas as fêmeas pariram normalmente e os filhotes não apresentaram sinais de intoxicação. Dez amostras de folhas de A. septentrionalis continham 0,00074% ± 0,00018 de MF. Estes resultados demonstram que o MF de A. septentrionalis, além de causar abortos, é eliminado pelo colostro podendo causar a morte dos cabritos.(AU)

A Rare Cause of Acute Anisocoria in a Child: The Angel's Trumpet Plant.

Anisocoria is a significant finding in several ocular and potentially life-threatening neurological disorders. The angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens), widely used as a garden plant, is a natural alkaloid with anticholinergic effects containing high levels of scopolamine. The authors present a pediatric case of acute anisocoria secondary to contact with the angel's trumpet plant. This case report emphasizes the importance of considering herbal mydriatics in patients with acute, isolated, unilateral mydriasis. It is also important to raise public awareness about the potential risks of the angel's trumpet plant, particularly in areas close to schools and playgrounds. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55:e33-e35.].

Detection of swainsonine and calystegines in Convolvulaceae species from the semiarid region of Pernambuco / Detecção de swainsonina e calisteginas em espécies de Convolvulaceae da região semiárida de Pernambuco

Numerous plant species worldwide including some Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) and Sida (Malvaceae) species in Brazil cause lysosomal storage disease in herbivores and are known to contain swainsonine and calystegines as the main toxic compounds. The aim of this work was to determine swainsonine and calystegines concentrations in species of Convolvulaceae from the semiarid region of Pernambuco. Seven municipalities in the Moxotó region were visited and nine species were collected and screened for the presence of swainsonine and calystegines using an HPLC-APCI-MS method. The presence and concentration of these alkaloids within the same and in different species were very variable. Seven species are newly reported here containing swainsonine and/or calystegines. Ipomoea subincana contained just swainsonine. Ipomoea megapotamica, I. rosea and Jacquemontia corymbulosa contained swainsonine and calystegines. Ipomoea sericosepala, I. brasiliana, I. nil, I. bahiensis and I. incarnata contained just calystegines. The discovery of six Ipomoea species and one Jacquemontia species containing toxic polyhydroxy alkaloids reinforces the importance of this group of poisonous plants to ruminants and horses in the semiarid region of Pernambuco. Epidemiological surveys should be conducted to investigate the occurrence of lysosomal storage disease associated to these new species.(AU)

Numerosas espécies de plantas em todo o mundo, incluindo algumas espécies de Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) e Sida (Malvaceae) no Brasil, causam doença de armazenamento lisossomal em herbívoros e são conhecidas por conterem swainsonina e calisteginas como princípios tóxicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a concentração de swainsonina e calisteginas em espécies de Convolvulaceae da região semiárida de Pernambuco. Sete municípios na região do Sertão do Moxotó foram visitados, onde foram coletadas amostras das folhas de nove espécies de Convolvulaceae para avaliação da presença de swainsonina e calisteginas utilizando-se cromatografia líquida com espectrometria de massa. A presença e concentração destes alcaloides nas folhas de plantas da mesma espécie e dentre as espécies foram muito variáveis. Seis novas espécies de Ipomoea e uma espécie de Jacquemontia contendo swainsonina e/ou calisteginas são relatadas neste estudo. Ipomoea subincana continha apenas swainsonina. Ipomoea megapotamica, I. rosea e Jacquemontia corymbulosa continham swainsonina e calisteginas. Ipomoea sericosepala, I. brasiliana, I. nil, I. bahiensis e I. incarnata continham apenas calisteginas. A descoberta de novas espécies de Ipomoea e Jacquemontia contendo alcaloides polihidroxílicos tóxicos reforçam a importância deste grupo de plantas tóxicas para ruminantes e equinos na região semiárida de Pernambuco. Pesquisas epidemiológicas devem ser realizadas para investigar a ocorrência de doença de depósito lisossomal associada a essas novas espécies.(AU)

Transmammary transfer of toxicity to nursing kids from Isocoma pluriflora (rayless goldenrod) dosed to lactating goats.

Rayless goldenrod (RG; Isocoma pluriflora) poisons livestock in the southwestern U.S., west Texas, and northern Mexico. The putative toxin(s) have historically been thought to be benzofuran ketones. Goats have been used successfully as a model of RG poisoning. The transmammary transfer of toxicity to offspring from lactating goats has not been studied, thus the objective of this study was to determine if nursing kids would become poisoned via mother's milk when the dams were dosed with RG. Twelve lactating goats (6 controls and 6 treated; all with twin kids) were dosed via oral gavage with alfalfa or rayless goldenrod at 2% of BW per day for 14 days. Two kids showed overt clinical signs near the end of the study; however, no dams showed clinical signs, and none developed exercise intolerance or muscle weakness. After day 11 of treatment, the RG kids showed increased (P < 0.05) serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine kinase (CK) activities until exposure to the plant via mothers' milk ended. Serum CK activity of kids declined rapidly over 7 days after transmammary exposure ended. Histopathology revealed that one kid had extensive myonecrosis that involved both myocardium and skeletal muscles. The other kids from RG-treated does had minimal myocyte degeneration and necrosis characterized by individual myofiber swelling, hypereosinophilia and loss of striation. Benzofuran ketones were not detected in the milk of lactating goats; further, dosing with RG did not alter milk composition. In summary, milk ingestion from does dosed with >300 mg/kg BW of benzofuran ketones from RG over 14 days increased mean CK concentrations in treated kids compared to controls; however kids rapidly recovered when exposure ended. Additional work is needed to better define benzofuran ketone metabolism, toxicity, and animal susceptibility.

Bacteria and poisonous plants were the primary causative hazards of foodborne disease outbreak: a seven-year survey from Guangxi, South China.

BACKGROUND: Foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health problem. However, data regarding epidemiological characteristics are still lacking in China. We aimed to analyze the characteristics of foodborne diseases outbreak from 2010 to 2016 in Guangxi, South China. METHODS: A foodborne disease outbreak is the occurrence of two or more cases of a similar foodborne disease resulting from the ingestion of a common food. All data are obtained from reports in the Public Health Emergency Report and Management Information System of the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and also from special investigation reports from Guangxi province. RESULTS: A total of 138 foodborne diseases outbreak occurred in Guangxi in the past 7 years, leading to 3348 cases and 46 deaths. Foodborne disease outbreaks mainly occurred in the second and fourth quarters, and schools and private homes were the most common sites. Ingesting toxic food by mistake, improper cooking and cross contamination were the main routes of poisoning which caused 2169 (64.78%) cases and 37 (80.43%) deaths. Bacteria (62 outbreaks, 44.93%) and poisonous plants (46 outbreaks, 33.33%) were the main etiologies of foodborne diseases in our study. In particular, poisonous plants were the main cause of deaths involved in the foodborne disease outbreaks (26 outbreaks, 56.52%). CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria and poisonous plants were the primary causative hazard of foodborne diseases. Some specific measures are needed for ongoing prevention and control against the occurrence of foodborne diseases.