Fatal and non-fatal outcome by accidental intoxication with paint thinner.

Although poisonings (fatal and non-fatal) due to intentional or accidental acute exposure to toluene or toluene mixture fumes have been previously reported in the literature, several issues concerning lethal doses or lasting post-exposure neuropathological impairments still remain unclear. Two male painters (18 and 30 years old) were accidentally exposed to toxic concentrations of paint diluent fumes containing toluene (TL), acetone (ACT) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (60:15:15 w/w/w respectively) during their work in an underground reservoir. Both workers were found unresponsive by colleagues and were immediately transferred to the regional hospital.

A tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism in the CYP19 gene and breast cancer susceptibility in a Greek population exposed and not exposed to pesticides.

Epidemiological studies have suggested that hormones, genetic factors, and environmental agents are significant risk factors in breast carcinogenesis. Some pesticides have the ability to act as xenoestrogens in vivo. The CYP19 gene encodes the aromatase enzyme which is involved in the estrogens biosynthetic pathways.

New nystatin polymeric complexes and their in vitro antifungal evaluation in a model study with Fusarium oxysporum.

Six water-soluble nystatin-polyvilnylpyrrolidone complexes with respective MW of 10 kDa (NC1), 25 kDa (NC2), 30 kDa (NC3), 40 kda (NC4), 90 kDa (NC5), 360 kDa (NC6) were synthesized. The activity of the complexes was compared with that of nystatin against growth and spore germination of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.

Mammographic findings and occupational exposure to pesticides currently in use on Crete.

This is a preliminary report of an outreach mammographic-screening programme on Crete. The screening is part of a study to test if occupational exposure to pesticides in greenhouses (mainly organophosphates and organocarbamates), may increase the risk of malignant or premalignant findings in mammographic examination. A total of 1062 women (aged 40--75 years) were recruited between 1988 and 1993 and followed-up until 1998: 522 worked for at least 10 years in greenhouses for more than 4 h daily (exposed), and 540 never worked in agriculture (non-exposed).

Solitary crossed renal ectopia.

A case of a solitary crossed renal ectopia in a 45-year-old male patient with a simple renal bruise during traffic accident is presented. A brief review of the literature and the embryogenesis of this extremely rare congenital anomaly are discussed.

Pesticide deposition in hair: preliminary results of a model study of methomyl incorporation into rabbit hair.

This work studied the incorporation of methomyl, a carbamate insecticide, into the hair of New Zealand white rabbits. A total of 600 mg methomyl was administered by drinking water over 4 mo, and acetylcholinesterase activity in serum was monitored. At the end of the dosing period, hair from the back of the rabbits was cut off, and the methomyl concentration was measured using ELISA and HPLC.

Acute intoxication and recovery following massive turpentine ingestion: clinical and toxicological data.

Reports of acute turpentine intoxication, particularly containing toxicological data, are poorly verified in the literature. This report regards the intentional massive ingestion of turpentine solution in an elderly woman who developed mainly central nervous system manifestations, then had an impressive and quick total recovery although the initial prognosis was very bad. Blood and urine levels of turpentine were monitored using gas chromatography and at the early toxicogenic stage were 28 micrograms/mL and 15 micrograms/mL respectively.