[The metallic profile: a new biological concept].

Considerable advances have been made in metals and metalloids analysis over the past decade. This analysis is a basic stage in deficiency or toxicity assessment. A recently introduced technique, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is progressively replacing atomic absorption.

Silent hypersensitivity to Escherichia coli asparaginase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

This prospective study aimed to assess the incidence of silent hypersensitivity to Escherichia coli asparaginase in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Thirty-three children with newly diagnosed ALL were included in the study and treated according to the FRALLE 2000 protocol. The 'A group' (n = 18) differed from the 'B-T group' (n = 15) by a less intensive chemotherapy, the absence of concurrent prednisone therapy, and different asparaginase administration modalities during the second intensification.

[A new medical concept: the metallic profile].

Over the past decade great progress has been made in metals and metalloids analysis. This analysis is a basic stage in toxicity assessment and is indispensable in achieving a realistic evaluation of substance toxicity. A recently introduced technique, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is progressively replacing atomic absorption.

Application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry multielement analysis in fingernail and toenail as a biomarker of metal exposure.

The application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to multielement analysis in fingernail and toenail as biological indices for metal exposure is presented. The ICP-MS measurements were performed using a Thermo Elemental X7CCT series. Fingernail specimens were obtained from 130 healthy volunteers, and paired fingernail and toenail samples from 50 additional healthy volunteers of both sexes were collected as well.

[Inductively coupled plasma: a promising new tool with application in human toxicology and public health].

The authors describe the use of inductively coupled plasma to detect 32 metals and metalloids in blood, urine, hair and nails. They also report the first case of gadolinium overdose documented by blood analysis with this method Metal speciation, a new approach developed in our laboratory, can distinguish between toxic and non toxic metals.