Search Results (115)

Background/Objectives: Cannabis sativa is the source of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid with analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities that has demonstrated therapeutic potential in inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis. However, low bioavailability and poor water solubility restrict its topical application. This study attempted to improve CBD solubility and transdermal delivery using an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD)-based hydrogel system. Methods: CBD was stabilized in its amorphous form using an ASD strategy and incorporated into a hydrogel matrix. The CBD-ASD hydrogel was characterized by particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), rheological assessment, swelling studies, and diffusion experiments using Franz cells. Biological evaluations included cytotoxicity testing in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, wound-healing assays, RT-qPCR-based anti-inflammatory analysis, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus. Results: Physicochemical analyses confirmed successful amorphous dispersion of CBD within a stable hydrogel network. The formulation exhibited sustained drug release over 144 h, achieving 86.32% cumulative release with diffusion-controlled kinetics. Rheological and swelling properties demonstrated mechanical stability and hydration suitability for long-term topical application, while Franz diffusion studies confirmed effective transdermal permeation. The CBD-ASD hydrogel showed no cytotoxicity in HDF cells and significantly enhanced wound closure. It also downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Additionally, the formulation demonstrated 65.63 ± 10.00% DPPH radical scavenging activity and over 99% antibacterial inhibition. Conclusions: The CBD-ASD hydrogel represents a stable, multifunctional delivery platform that overcomes CBD solubility limitations and enhances therapeutic efficacy for inflammatory skin diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Left ventricular free wall rupture is a rare but catastrophic complication of acute myocardial infarction with extremely high mortality. Deaths occurring in water environments present unique forensic challenges requiring systematic evaluation of drowning, intoxication, trauma, and natural disease. This case report describes a fatal left ventricular free wall rupture occurring shortly after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), emphasizing the medicolegal differential diagnosis and the importance of comprehensive postmortem evaluation. Results: A 58-year-old man with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction underwent successful PCI with three drug-eluting stents and was discharged home. Six hours later, he developed severe back pain and was found unresponsive in a bathtub. Autopsy demonstrated a 2.6 cm transmural rupture of the anterolateral left ventricular free wall with 150 mL of hemopericardium. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), performed as part of routine forensic evaluation, had identified hemopericardium prior to autopsy. Histology showed coagulative necrosis with neutrophilic infiltration. The rupture site was remote from stented vessels with no procedural injury. Toxicology revealed therapeutic medication levels. Pulmonary and scene findings did not support drowning as a cause of death. Conclusions: Ventricular free wall rupture remains a relevant cause of sudden death following myocardial infarction despite successful revascularization. Comprehensive forensic evaluation integrating scene investigation, macroscopic autopsy findings, histopathology, and toxicology is essential to distinguish natural disease progression from accidental or iatrogenic causes in deaths occurring in water environments. This case highlights that ventricular free wall rupture can occur shortly after apparently successful PCI and underscores the importance of comprehensive forensic evaluation in water-associated deaths. Full article

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has ensured crop productivity but has also raised serious environmental and human health concerns, including water contamination, biodiversity loss, and intoxication risks. In this context, global strategies for sustainable agriculture, safer alternatives are urgently needed. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, examines the potential of agri-food by-products as sources of bioactive compounds for biopesticide development within a circular economy framework. Residues from major agri-food chains, including the olive, potato, banana, citrus, and winery industries, were systematically analyzed with respect to their phytochemical composition, such as phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and essential oils, and their reported bioactivity against insects, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. The mechanisms of action, technological recovery strategies, and formulation challenges are critically discussed. Additionally, regulatory challenges and opportunities in the European and U.S. markets are described together with the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in optimizing recovery processes and product development. By promoting biopesticides from agri-food biowaste, this approach contributes to sustainable production (SDG 12), innovation in industrial processes (SDG 9), and the protection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (SDGs 14 and 15), positioning food industry residues as a strategic resource for green crop protection. Full article

Codeine, an opioid analgesic present in many over-the-counter (OTC) formulations, is frequently misused through non-medical extraction techniques such as cold water extraction (CWE). These practices carry substantial risks, including incomplete removal of hepatotoxic co-formulants, contamination, and highly unpredictable dosing. We report a fatal case of a 29-year-old man who ingested codeine extracted from Antidol^® tablets in combination with energy drinks and psychotropic medications. Post-mortem LC–MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of codeine (0.66 µg/mL), morphine (0.02 µg/mL), hydroxyzine (2.52 µg/mL), alprazolam (0.15 µg/mL), paracetamol (30.64 µg/mL), and additional substances in blood samples. Concentrations of codeine and hydroxyzine exceeded therapeutic ranges and were consistent with values reported in fatal intoxications, confirming a poly-drug poisoning. This case highlights the danger associated with non-medical codeine use, particularly when combined with central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and underscores the need for stricter regulation of OTC codeine-containing products as well as improved public awareness of the risks associated with domestic extraction methods. Full article

Background: Beverage intake is a consequential yet underappreciated driver of health in Mediterranean settings. Comparative evidence for Spain and Italy based on harmonised measures is scarce. This study addresses that gap by profiling beverage portfolios and their sociodemographic correlates in parallel adult samples from both countries. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults in Spain (n = 483) and Italy (n = 403) using aligned, validated instruments (NutSo-HH; NutSo-HH-Ita). Outcomes were water (Wtr), sugar-sweetened soft drinks (Sfd), juice (Juc), energy drinks (End), coffee (Cff), alcohol (Alc), and episodes of intoxication (Gtd). Associations were assessed via non-parametric tests, multivariable linear models, and an EBIC-selected Gaussian graphical model (GGM). Main results: Italians reported higher Alc and Gtd; Spaniards reported higher Sfd and Juc. Wtr was comparable across countries, and Cff differences were marginal. Age and sex emerged as the most consistent correlates (older age and male sex with higher Alc; younger age with higher Sfd), whereas education and income were not stable determinants. The GGM suggested behavioural clustering of Sfd–Juc–End, with weak partial correlations for other beverages after adjustment. Implications: Distinct country profiles imply differentiated priorities. In Spain, interventions could prioritise reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake among younger adults through age-targeted primary care counselling, mandatory water (and unsweetened milk) availability in schools, tiered excise taxes on sugar-sweetened drinks, and restrictions on child- and youth-directed marketing of high-sugar beverages. In Italy, primary care and community health services could routinely screen adults for risky alcohol use and deliver brief, culturally attuned advice that promotes lower-risk patterns of wine consumption during meals. Given the cross-sectional design, self-report measures, and non-probabilistic sampling, findings should be interpreted as context-sensitive markers rather than causal determinants; nevertheless, they highlight concrete prevention approaches and regulatory levers for each country’s beverage-related health risks. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on neurobehavioral testing in young Wistar rats and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Thymus ciliatus (TEO) essential oil to attenuate the damage induced by this chemical toxin. Methods: The essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation (yield of 2.26%), and the characterization by GC-MS indicates that the major components of Thymus ciliatus oil are thymol (63.33%), p-cymene (13.4%), and σ-terpinene (6.69%). Acute BPA intoxication was induced with a dose of 50 mg/kg orally for 60 days. The neurobehavioral evaluation, performed using a comprehensive set of tests including the forced swim test, dark/light box, Morris water maze, open field test, and sucrose preference test, clearly demonstrated that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure induced significant neurobehavioral impairments. Results: These impairments included reduced exploratory behavior indicative of heightened stress, anxiety, and depressive-like states, as well as deficits in memory and learning. Furthermore, BPA intoxication was associated with metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia along with histopathological evidence of brain tissue damage. However, TEO treatment attenuated these adverse effects by restoring neurobehavioral function. Molecular docking analysis revealed an affinity between the major essential oils identified in T. ciliatus, BPA, and the 5HT2C receptor and the MAO, AChE, and BChE enzymes, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying BPA’s effects on behavior and memory. In addition, TEO also showed an interaction with these molecules, suggesting a therapeutic potential against BPA. These findings underscore the promising role of TEO in mitigating the poisonous effects of BPA and pave the way for additional research into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic uses of natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of toxic diseases. Thymol, the major compound in TEO, exhibited activity related to the dopamine and serotonin pathways, so it could have potential antidepressant properties. Conclusions: Thymol might be a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease while also preventing histological damage in the brain. Full article

The knowledge of the routes of excretion of the toxins accumulated by molluscs is a key step in designing methods that accelerate depuration. In this work, the excretion route, in mussels and cockles, of the main diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins in Europe (okadaic acid and dinophysistoxin-2) after natural intoxication were studied. During depuration, the amounts of free toxins and their derivatives were quantified in bivalves, faeces, and water. Most toxins (>98%) were excreted through faeces as acyl derivatives (most likely 7-O-acyl esters), independent of the ratio between these derivatives and free toxins in soft tissues. The small proportion of toxins excreted into water mostly constituted the free forms of the toxins. Both species shared the same route even though they contained very different proportions of free toxins in their soft tissues. No substantial changes in this general pattern were observed during the experiment. The esters of fatty acids with 16 carbon atoms were the most abundant in both soft tissues and faeces, but they were not the same in mussels and cockles. Most of the variability in ester proportions can be attributed to the species more than to their differential excretion (water or faeces) suggesting that there are not large differences in the depuration of the different esters. Full article

Copper contamination in coastal water environments poses a significant health risk, and traditional treatments for copper intoxication include gastric lavage, chelation, and hemodialysis. Recent research suggests that probiotics may help mitigate heavy metal toxicity by promoting biosorption in the intestinal tract. To explore this potential, we investigated the protective effects of Heyndrickxia coagulans (H. coagulans) against copper-induced toxicity in rats. After eight weeks of exposure, rats receiving both copper and H. coagulans exhibited significant improvements in renal function, lipid profiles, antioxidant enzyme activity, and histological markers compared to the copper-only group. However, liver function remained largely unchanged, suggesting a more pronounced protective effect on renal health. These findings highlight the potential of H. coagulans as a supportive intervention for mitigating the adverse effects of copper intoxication. Full article

Thallium poisoning, which may be accidental or criminal, presents with a non-specific clinical picture but is rapidly progressive. A delay in diagnosis may cause the appearance of serious, often irreversible, and sometimes fatal lesions. Prompt treatment with Prussian Blue before toxicological confirmation results in immediate improvement in cases of intoxication, without appreciable side effects, and is, therefore, recommended as an “ex juvantibus” strategy in cases of suspected thallium poisoning. A successfully treated case of poisoning is presented as an example of this strategy. An analysis of the contaminated well water the patient had unknowingly drunk subsequently showed pollution over 75 times higher than the potable limit, and plasma levels revealed values 267 times higher than the normal range. All the test results were received when the patient undergoing treatment had improved so much that she had been discharged from hospital. To complete the study, we conducted a scoping review to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the latency in the diagnosis of intoxication and health effects. The review of 30 articles covering 115 cases of thallotoxicosis confirmed that early treatment with Prussian Blue offers the best chance of achieving complete recovery. Full article

This study was aimed at extracting, characterizing, and exploring the detoxification activity of the peptide-containing polysaccharide from Agaricus balchaschensis. An anion adsorption fraction was acquired through hot water extraction. Its structure was analyzed, and the potential protective effect against cadmium-intoxicated mice was explored. Structural analysis revealed that the principal component of the peptide-containing polysaccharide of A. balchaschensis (ABPCP) is polysaccharide, which consists of glucose, mannose, galactose, and xylose, containing (1 → 4)-linked α-D-glucan, (1 → 3)-linked β-D-Glcp, (1 → 4)-linked β-D-Glcp, (1 → 6)-linked β-D-Glcp, (1 → 6)-linked β-D-Manp, (1 → 3)-linked β-D-Galp, (1 → 6)-linked β-D-Galp, and (1 → 4)-linked β-D-xylan. The amino acid content of ABPCP is 11.747 mg/g. Threonine, serine, glutamate, glycine, alanine, cysteine, valine, methionine, lysine, and arginine were detected in ABPCP, among which the content of glutamate was the highest. The alleviating effect of ABPCP on cadmium poisoning in mice was investigated. ABPCP significantly reduced the cadmium content in serum and the heart, kidneys, and liver, which indicates that ABPCP could promote cadmium discharge. ABPCP also significantly decreased serum nitric oxide, endothelin-1, urea, uric acid, and serum creatinine, alleviating kidney and liver damage caused by cadmium. All these results manifest that ABPCP can lower the cadmium content in organs and alleviate the damage to kidneys and livers damaged by Cd. Full article

The aim of our research was to understand the impact of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure on various physiological and behavioral aspects in adult Wistar rats, and to evaluate the efficacy of a Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (EOC) treatment in restoring the damage caused by this toxin. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, a yield of 12.70% was obtained for EOC, and the GC-MS characterization of this essential oil revealed that its principal major components are eugenol (80.95%), eugenyl acetate (10.48%), β-caryophyllene (7.21%), and α-humulene (0.87%). Acute OTA intoxication was induced by an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 289 µg/kg/b.w. every 48 h for 12 doses, resulting in significant reductions in the body and brain weights of exposed rats when compared with controls. The neurobehavioral analysis using several behavioral testing techniques, such as the forced swimming, the dark/light test, the Morris water maze, and the open field test, clearly revealed that OTA exposure causes neurobehavioral disorders, including decreased locomotor activity, a reduced willingness to explore the environment, reflecting a state of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as impaired memory and learning. In addition, OTA intoxication has been associated with metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia and hypercortisolemia. However, treatment with EOC mitigated these adverse effects by improving body and brain weights and restoring neurobehavioral function. The in silico analysis revealed significant affinities between clove oils and two tested esterase enzymes (ACh and BuChE) that were more than or similar to the four neurotransmitters “dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamic acid” and the co-crystallized ligands NAG, MES, and GZ5. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of EOC in combating the toxic effects of OTA and pave the way for future research into the mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of poison-induced diseases. Full article

Current research is mostly focused on the impact of fertilizers on human health when they are ingested through food; the main form of this is chronic damage. Intoxication through oral ingestion of fertilizer is an extremely rare situation. We report a case of a 38-year-old man that attempted to commit suicide by ingesting only 20 mL of a water-soluble fertilizer. Acute kidney injury occurred early, which showed that the toxicity could not be ignored. It was necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition, the patient experienced gastrointestinal dysfunction and a severe inflammatory response; inflammatory markers increased rapidly. Physicians implemented antimicrobial stewardship to reduce antimicrobial drug resistance and the risk of hospital infection, and the patient’s inflammatory response was well controlled. Although the damage was severe, the patient quickly recovered to normal after appropriate treatment. The prognosis is very good. This successful case provides guidance for clinical treatment. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), is a prominent cause for liver cirrhosis. MASH-cirrhosis is responsible for liver complications and there is no specific treatment. To develop new therapeutic approaches, animal models are needed. The aim of this study was to develop a fast animal model of MASH-cirrhosis in rats reflecting the human disease. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) injections in combination with a high-fat Western diet (WD) were used to induce MASH-cirrhosis. To accelerate liver injury, animals received phenobarbital (PB) in their drinking water using two different regimens. Rats developed advanced MASH-cirrhosis characterized by portal hypertension, blood biochemistry, hepatic ballooning, steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Importantly, rats receiving low-dose PB for the long term (LT) showed ascites after 6 weeks, whereas rats with high-dose short-term (ST) PB developed ascites after 8 weeks. ST- and LT-treated rats showed increased portal pressure (PP) and decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP). Of note, hepatocyte ballooning was only observed in the LT group. The LT administration of low-dose PB with CCl₄ intoxication and WD represents a fast and reproducible rat model mimicking decompensated MASH-cirrhosis in humans. Thus, CCl₄ + WD with LT low-dose phenobarbital treatment might be the preferred rat animal model for drug development in MASH-cirrhosis. Full article

In light of the growing plastic waste problem worldwide, including in agriculture, this study focuses on the usefulness of both conventional, non-degradable plastics and environmentally friendly bioplastics in the agricultural sector. Although conventional plastic products are still essential in modern, even ecological agriculture, the increasing contamination by these materials, especially in a fragmented form, highlights the urgent need to search for alternative, easily biodegradable materials that could replace the non-degradable ones. According to the literature, polymers are widely used in agriculture for the preparation of agrochemicals (mostly fertilizers) with prolonged release. They also play a role as functional polymers against pests, serve as very useful super absorbents of water to improve crop health under drought conditions, and are commonly used as mulching films, membranes, mats, non-woven fabrics, protective nets, seed coatings, agrochemical packaging, or greenhouse coverings. This widespread application leads to the uncontrolled contamination of soil with disintegrated polymeric materials. Therefore, this study highlights the possible applications of bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional polyolefins or other environmentally persistent polymers. Bio-based polymers align with the strategy of innovative agricultural advancements, leading to more productive farming by reducing plastic contamination and adverse ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. On the other hand, advanced polymer membranes act as catching agents for agrochemicals, protecting against environmental intoxication. The global versatility of polymer applications in agriculture will not permit the elimination of already existing technologies involving polymers in the near future. However, in line with ecological trends in modern agriculture, more “green” polymers should be employed in this sector. Moreover, we highlight that more comprehensive legislative work on these aspects should be undertaken at the European Union level to guarantee environmental and climate protection. From the EU legislation point of view, the implementation of a unified, legally binding system on applications of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics should be a priority to be addressed. In this respect, the EU already demonstrates an initial action plan. Unfortunately, these are still projected directions for future EU policy, which require in-depth analysis. Full article

Chronic copper intoxication via drinking water induces diseases and physiological toxicity. Bamboo charcoal has been applied in the treatment of copper (Cu²⁺) in water. However, the adsorption by micron bamboo charcoal (MBC) of trace Cu²⁺ in tap drinking water and the underlying factors behind it have not been sufficiently reported. In this study, to improve the adsorption by MBC of trace levels of Cu²⁺ in drinking water, MBC was thermo-modified and characterized. Through batch experiments, the adsorption equilibrium was analyzed, and isotherm models were simulated. The removal rates and the optimization were investigated through a general full factorial design including the thermo-modified temperature (MT), initial concentration (C₀), and dosage. The results indicated that the thermo-modification significantly improved the removal by MBC of Cu²⁺ at trace level C₀. The satisfactorily low level of 0.12 ± 0.01 mg⋅L⁻¹ was achieved in the range of C₀ from 0.5 to 2.0 mg⋅L⁻¹ within the short contact time of 0.5 h. The processes conformed to the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isothermal models at a C₀ lower than 4.0 mg⋅L⁻¹ and higher than 8.0 mg⋅L⁻¹. The correlation between C₀ and dosage played an important role in the removal of Cu²⁺. This work proposes the application of the ecofriendly material MBC and an optimization mode in the removal of trace Cu²⁺ from tap drinking water. It is also revealed that the positive and negative correlation and the “critical point” of the removal rate with dosage depend on the initial concentrations. Full article