Question of the Day – Monday, February 12, 2024

What is the lethal dose of nicotine for adult humans? According to the cited reference, “0.5-1.0 mg/kg can be lethal doses for adults.” Kamble A, Khairkar P, Kalantri SP, Babhulkar S. Fatal Suicidal Attempt by Deliberate Ingestion of Nicotine-containing Solution in Childhood-onset Depression Mediated through…

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Question of the Day – Friday, February 9, 2024

What is the main mechanism by which caffeine is thought to interact when present in physiologically relevant concentrations? Caffeine is thought to primarily antagonize adenosine receptors. According to the cited reference, caffeine antagonizes the A1 (brain, spinal cord, eye, adrenal gland, heart, and skeletal muscle…

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Question of the Day – Thursday, February 8, 2024

Historical QOD 2/12/2009: The compound melamine has recently been in the news relative to its presence in infant formula and milk products causing illness (and deaths) among infants in China. Why was melamine put into these products? Melamine, a nitrogen containing compound) was illegally added…

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Question of the Day – Wednesday, February 7, 2024

What toxicant is contained in the bark, leaves, and fruits of Aesculus californica, commonly known as the California Buckeye tree or California horse-chestnut tree? Aesculin, a saponin glycoside. According to the cited reference, “Young leaves and flowers are considered to be highly toxic. However, the…

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Question of the Day – Tuesday, February 6, 2024

What is coturnism? According to the cited reference, consumption of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) can cause a toxic myopathy associated with an acute rhabdomyolysis termed coturnism. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, myalgias, and muscle cramps. Laboratory abnormalities can include myoglobinuria, and elevated AST,…

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Question of the Day – Monday, February 5, 2024

Identify the toxin below: Coniine. Coniine is the most potent of eight nicotinic alkaloids found in poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). According to the cited reference, “These alkaloids are selective nicotinic-type acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs) agonists that have effects on both autonomic and skeletal muscles. Initial symptoms…

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Question of the Day – Friday, February 2, 2024

There are various hypotheses as to how the Pitohui, I. kowaldi, and dendrobatid frogs acquired their toxicity. What is one unifying theory? According to the cited reference, “It is proposed that melrid beetles may be a source of batrachotoxins as they are observed to be…

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Question of the Day – Thursday, February 1, 2024

Historical QOD 2/11/2009:  What is “Crystal Dex”? “Crystal Dex” is the crystalline product resulting from the single phase acid base extraction technique used by some to obtain a purified form of dextromethorphan. Hendrickson RG, Cloutier RL. “Crystal dex:” free-base dextromethorphan. J Emerg Med. 2007 May;32(4):393-6….

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Question of the Day – Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Both the hooded pithoui bird and neotropical frogs from the genus Phyllobates concentrate batrachotoxins. While contact with these frogs can cause severe symptoms, exposures from birds are milder. What is the most likely reason for the observed difference? According to the cited reference the most…

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Question of the Day – Tuesday, January 30, 2024

According to an article by Koivusalo, et al, in toxic paracetamol ingestions what benefit is there in the use of MARS therapy in addition to NAC? Improvement in liver function which can allow hepatic recovery or allow time for bridging to transplantation. Koivusalo AM, Yildirim…

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