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The article refers to 28th publication by the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association that provides an update on recent progress in the consideration of flavoring ingredients generally recognized as safe under the Food Additives Amendment. Topics include definition as per 1958 Food Additives Amendment of Drug and Cosmetic Act; naturally occurring mixtures derived from plants or other natural sources used For the flavoring of food; and toxicological properties.

Systematic toxicological analysis (STA) is an important step in medicolegal investigations of death, poisoning, and drug use. The primary goal is the detection and confirmation of potentially toxic compounds in evidence. This article describes a workflow using nontargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for reliable compound identification. Tandem mass spectrometry was performed on a low-resolution quadrupole-quadrupole-linear ion trap instrument. Acquired spectra were submitted to automated library search, and positive matches were verified by expert reviewing. After validation, the nontargeted LC-MS/MS technique was integrated in the STA service provided by our laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic toxicological analysis (STA) is an important step in medicolegal investigations of death, poisoning, and drug use. The primary goal is the detection and confirmation of potentially toxic compounds in evidence. This article describes a workflow using nontargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for reliable compound identification. Tandem mass spectrometry was performed on a low-resolution quadrupole-quadrupole-linear ion trap instrument. Acquired spectra were submitted to automated library search, and positive matches were verified by expert reviewing. After validation, the nontargeted LC-MS/MS technique was integrated in the STA service provided by our laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A science experiment for the quantification of 12 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dried blood spots is presented using analysis by gas chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and a straightforward sample extraction method. It describes instrumentation and sample preparation for the experiment. It highlights the use of dried blood spot cards for toxicological studies.

Problem/Condition: An estimated 50,000 persons die annually in the United States as a result of violence-related injuries. This report summarizes data from CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) regarding violent deaths from 16 U.S. states for 2009. Results are reported by sex, age group, race/ethnicity, marital status, location of injury, method of injury, circumstances of injury, and other selected characteristics. Reporting Period Covered: 2009. Description of System: NVDRS collects data regarding violent deaths obtained from death certificates, coroner/medical examiner reports, and law enforcement reports. NVDRS data collection began in 2003 with seven states (Alaska, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, South Carolina, and Virginia) participating; six states (Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin) joined in 2004, four (California, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Utah) in 2005, and two (Ohio and Michigan) in 2010, for a total of 19 states. This report includes data from 16 states that collected statewide data in 2009. California is excluded because data were collected in only four counties. Ohio and Michigan are excluded because data collection did not begin until 2010. Results: For 2009, a total of 15,981 fatal incidents involving 16,418 deaths were captured by NVDRS in the 16 states included in this report. The majority (60.6%) of deaths were suicides, followed by homicides and deaths involving legal intervention (i.e., deaths caused by police and other persons with legal authority to use deadly force, excluding legal executions) (24.7%), deaths of undetermined intent (14.2%), and unintentional firearm deaths (0.5%). Suicides occurred at higher rates among males, non-Hispanic whites, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and persons aged 45-54 years. Suicides occurred most often in a house or apartment and involved the use of firearms. Suicides were preceded primarily by mental health, intimate partner, or physical health problems or by a crisis during the previous 2 weeks. Homicides occurred at higher rates among males and persons aged 20-24 years; rates were highest among non-Hispanic black males. The majority of homicides involved the use of a firearm and occurred in a house or apartment or on a street/highway. Homicides were preceded primarily by arguments and interpersonal conflicts or in conjunction with another crime. Characteristics associated with other manners of death, circumstances preceding death, and special populations also are highlighted in this report. Interpretation: This report provides a detailed summary of data from NVDRS for 2009. The results indicate that violent deaths resulting from self-inflicted or interpersonal violence disproportionately affected adults aged <55 years, males, and certain racial/ ethnic minority populations. For homicides and suicides, relationship problems, interpersonal conflicts, mental health problems, and recent crises were among the primary factors that might have precipitated the fatal injuries. Because additional information might be reported subsequently as participating states update their findings, the data provided in this report are preliminary. Public Health Action: For the occurrence of violent deaths in the United States to be better understood and ultimately prevented, accurate, timely, and comprehensive surveillance data are necessary. NVDRS data can be used to monitor the occurrence of violence-related fatal injuries and assist public health authorities in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies to reduce and prevent violent deaths at the national, state, and local levels. The continued development and expansion of NVDRS is essential to CDC's efforts to reduce the personal, familial, and societal costs of violence. Additional efforts are needed to increase the number of states participating in NVDRS, with an ultimate goal of full national representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of an acutety poisoned patient involves the taking of an appropriate history,assessment of the level of consciousness, ventilation and circulation, a physical examination, and requesting appropriate toxicological and non-toxicological investigations. Diagnosis is based on the history, circumstantial evidence (if available), a cluster of common features (if present) and, occasionally, the results of biochemical or toxicological analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks at the future of biobutanol as the future fuel. It discusses some of the challenges in the adoption of biobutanol as fuel, including its high toxicity to biological systems. It identifies the situations that would prompt growth in the use of the chemical, including the shift from starch and sugar as fuel alcohol feedstocks. In addition, the article describes the suitability of chemical and physical properties of biobutanol for use as a liquid fuel than ethanol.

The article presents a calendar of events related to the field of chemistry. Conferences entitled "The 45th Annual Society of Toxicology Convention and Exhibition" will be held on March 5 to 9, 2006 in San Diego, California, "PittCon 2006: The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy" will be held on March 12 to 17, 2006 in Orlando, Florida and "The 97th Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research" will be held on April 1 to 5, 2006 in Washington, D. C.

The article focuses on how chemists evaluate environmental contaminants of emerging concern in the U.S. Some environmental chemists are using better analytical techniques and the tenets of green chemistry to examine environmental pollutants of emerging concern. Another scientist suggested the use of computational toxicology software to determine chemical properties and environmental toxicity of new chemicals. These techniques enable researchers to easily assess the environmental impact of new contaminants.

Reports on collaborative research efforts in 2004 to translate basic research into practical toxicogenomic tools. Potential of toxicogenomics to simplify everything from drug development to environmental regulation; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on genomics and proteomics. INSETS: Don't Ask, Don't Tell;Playing With Bigger Chips.

Reports on the efforts of U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers in devising drug development strategies that will assess the toxicology of drugs. Drug companies' aim to eliminate offending functionalities that produce reactive metabolites; Techniques employed for assessing drug toxicology; Need for a coordinated effort between chemists, biochemists, and biologists.

Focuses on the training of fire paramedics offered by the Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center in conjunction with the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology. Use of Poisoning Treatment Paradigm as an approach to treat an acute toxicological emergency; Coverage of the Arizona Toxmedic Program; Importance of hazmedic training for fire fighters.

Describes the properties and characteristics of butyraldehyde identified as a very hazardous chemical. Comparison of butyraldehyde with the other three hydrocarbon derivative compounds or aldehydes; Flammability; Nonfire release hazards; Mitigation techniques for butyraldehyde damage during fire and non-fire scenarios; Protective clothing and equipment for hazardous materials response teams.

The article presents information on the Goby Fish which is helps the corals from poisonous and invasive seaweeds and acts as an essential line of defense. It informs that goby fish save the day by eating this toxic seaweed which is avoided by most of the other fishes. It further informs that the antagonistic relationship between corals and seaweeds is under study.

The article deals with the efforts of the Human Toxicology Project Consortium in the U.S. to accelerate the development of 21st-century toxicology. The consortium, which comprised of a coalition of corporations, the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences and the Humans Society of the U.S., held a meeting in November 2010 to discuss the current scientific landscape and toxicology's transformation into a science that is both predictive and compassionate. Information on the Tox21 project of several government agencies in the U.S. is provided.

The article offers information on chemical toxicity of the eye. It mentions that chemical toxicity can be caused from any contact lens solution and care products. It also states the signs and symptoms including mild sensitivity and discomfort due to diffuse corneal staining. The recommended treatment for toxicity is palliative therapy that will include the use of artificial tears or gels.

The article reports on the controversy surrounding the issue of lethal injection in the United States. According to the author, the controversy stems in part from a dearth of toxicological studies on the three-drug protocol used in nearly every state with a death penalty. Some scientists disagree that the protocol is effective in rendering an inmate unconscious for the whole of the procedure.

Presents the roundtable discussion of optometrists on issues related to contact lens care problems. Factors to consider in recommending contact lens use to patients; Toxicity of PHMB-based preservative systems; Overview of the study utilizing a corneal grid system to describe staining. INSET: SIGNIFICANTLY LESS STAINING WITH POLYQUAD.

Discusses tools and techniques for studying toxicogenomics. Increase in awareness of grave potential for pharmaceutical side effects and drug-drug interactions; Measure of toxic events; Effects of human genetic variation on drug toxicity and efficacy.

Focuses on organophosphate pesticide exposures. Characteristic of organophosphate pesticides; Mechanism of damage caused to the nervous system; Symptoms of excessive stimulation.

Reports on research conducted which sought to define and analyze dermal exposure. Examination of findings by researchers at Stanford University; Role of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 in research on dermal exposure; Presentation of a dermal exposure profile generated by the DERM equation. INSET: Exposure profiles highlight intermittent activity.

The article discusses the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) annual meeting held in Orlando, Florida as of January 2018 featuring issues such as consumer outreach and antimicrobials defense. Topics include views of Mike Prentiss, senior manager at Procter & Gamble (P&G), on ingredient communication efforts in 2017, proving topical antimicrobial products as safe and effective to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and views of Steve Christenson, on toxicology and microbiology work.

The article offers information on the toxicity of feed additive Roxarsone that contains arsenic used in poultry production and exposure to arsenic metabolites causes cancer.

The article reports that according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, exposure science, toxicology, and epidemiology are focusing on how disruption of biological pathways causes disease.

The article focuses on the importance of addressing the hazards of fire in tunnels under construction along with ground collapse which may result to low-probability events. It says that the smoke from the fire presents the greater risk to the people underground which could be hot and contain toxic products of combustion depending on the fuel source. It mentions the three elements of the fire triangle which may start a fire including fuel, oxygen, and ignition.

The article informs about the concern of educators in the U.S. regarding the slow development progress made by the universities and colleges in the U.S. related to concepts of green chemistry and toxicology in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. It informs that students should have the knowledge of 12 principles of green chemistry. Information about steps taken by institutions for the introduction of green chemistry concepts in lectures is also presented.

The article presents information on the development of new computational tools by the researchers at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for risk assessment of chemicals on human health and the environment. EPA intends to use computational toxicology tools for hazard and risk assessments of chemicals. The computational toxicology techniques will enable EPA to research on chemicals used for hydraulic fracturing and EPA's move will have wide implications on chemical companies.

The article discusses the findings of a study issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 6, 2011 on health risks from exposure to dioxins, furans and certain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). A discussion on the process EPA uses to determine the toxicity of 28 PCB substances is briefly presented. Also noted are the recommendations for a shift to the factors adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005.

This article addresses the safety issue associated with dietary supplements. A study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), released in May 2010, raised the issue of trace contamination of botanical dietary supplements with heavy metals and pesticides. Richard B. van Breemen of the University of Illinois, Chicago points out the need to standardize all botanical dietary supplements. Particular focus is given to the results of a study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) on the potential toxicity of these supplements.

Focuses on the concerns raised by scientists on the potential health effects of nanomaterials. Investigation into the effects of nanoparticles on the lungs and on the skin by the National Toxicology Program, a part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health; Criticism on the amount of funding allocated by the government for nanoparticle effect investigations; Efforts of nanomaterial manufacturing firms to conduct studies.

Reports on toxicity of four topical ophthalmic antibiotics to corneal epithelial cells. moxifloxacin; evofloxacin; Gatifloxacin; Ofloxacin.

Provides information related to toxicogenomics. Study on the interaction among people's genes, chemical substances in the environment and disease; Relationship between genes and the toxic properties of chemicals; Series of biochemical steps resulting in and including the production of a specific protein by a specific gene.

Presents the intuition of J. Paul Gilman, head of the environmental Protection Agency's (APA) Office of Research & Development, on computational toxicology in the U.S. Usage of microarrays; Impact of chemical exposure on gene function; Coordination of pharmaceutical industry with APA on the use of computational toxicology.

Reports the assessment of Environmental Protection Agency on the risks of organophosphate pesticides on human health in New Mexico. Mechanism of toxicity of organophosphate residues; Ways of using pesticides; ability of organophosphates to inhibit cholinesterase.

Reports on the launch by Chemical Abstracts Service of a toxicology database called Toxcenter. Provision of information concerning drugs, chemicals and foods; Comparison of Toxcenter to the TOXLINE database.

Reports on a research which revealed that colchicine is present in some packages of commercial dietary supplements such as Ginkgo biloba and that it accumulates in the placental blood of women using those supplements during pregnancy. Biologically active alkaloid cited as a possible danger to pregnant women and fetuses; Comments on the study.

Announces the release of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) estimates of the outdoor air concentrations of 32 toxic compounds across the United States, in August 2000, as part of its National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA). Chemicals assessed by the EPA; Phases of NATA; Basis for the NATA data; States not included in the assessment.

Reports on the investigation of the safety of plasticizers diisonomyl phthalate (DINP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) by the National Toxicology Program's Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction. Examination of risks posed to reproductive health; Evidence showing negative effect of high doses.

The author discusses the importance of testing toxicity for improving the risk management decisions. Topics discussed include partnership of federal agencies to develop a human on a chip for predicting toxicology to inform safety decisions, the report "Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy" released by the National Research Council in 2007, and importance of chemical testing to improve the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The article reports on hazard studies being conducted by the National Toxicology Program on crude 4-methylcyclohexamethanol (MCHM) that leaked into the Elk River that affected the drinking water of 300,000 people near Charleston, West Virginia in 2014.

The article focuses on the key strategic priorities for the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) in 2015 including sustainability, chemical management and education and outreach. According to Ernie Rosenberg, ACI president and chief executive officer (CEO), reformation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is ACI's top legislative priority.

The article discusses research on the development of a computer modelling technique for evaluating chemical compound safety, conducted by British researchers and published in an issue of "Chemical Research in Toxicology" journal.

Reports that phthalate plasticizers used in soft vinyl baby toys and medical devices are not harmful to humans according to a panel of scientists and medical experts. Convening of the panel by the American Council on Science and Health; Members of the panel; Recommendations.

Focuses on the risk assessment of insecticide chlorpyrifos released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Reaction of manufacturer Dow AgroSciences on the assessment; Concerns on the risks posed by the insecticide in residential settings; Action of chlorpyrifos on nerve transmission enzyme cholinesterase; Comments by the Environmental Working Group on the assessment.

Talks about the toxic mold that has been linked to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) ailments found in the walls and ventilation system of Tottenville Library in Staten Island, New York. Cost of the 1993 renovation of the building; Number of children that has been killed in Cleveland due to the toxic mold; Scientific name of the toxic mold.

Reports on federal regulations forcing a reduction in the use of the paint stripper methylene chloride because of concern over its toxicity to humans. Inclusion of chemical as toxic air contaminant under Clean Air Act of 1990; Petition for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to reconsider decision limiting human exposure to the chemical; Qualities of methylene chloride as paint stripper.

The article reports that National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has set up panels of members to set standards and improve the research in forensic science as part of Organization of Scientific Area Committees in the U.S. for chemistry areas including toxicology and trace materials.

The article reports on round-robin testing of toxicology tests conducted by North Carolina State University which aim to assess pulmonary health effects of exposure to engineered nanomaterials. The testing comes after an epidemiological study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health which aims to evaluate health risk of workers exposed to carbon nanotubes and nanofibers.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Assessment and Management of Paracetamol Poisoning in Adults" by Janice Pettie and Margaret Dow which appeared in the July 10, 2013 issue.

The article offers information on the study based on determining the role of Klebsiella terrigena , an intestinal bacteria, in causing melamine toxicity in humans.