CEC02: From the Past to the Present: does Particle Toxicology Really Change?[Continuing Education Courses (CEC)]
Particle toxicology investigates the harmful effects of particles and fibres on living organisms, primarily human health. These materials originate from diverse sources, including industrial processes, pollution, construction, and natural environments. Understanding their toxicological properties is essential for risk assessment, regulatory development, and protective measures. Particles are found in air, food, water, and other matrices, leading to various exposure routes. Airborne particles, classified by size, can be coarse (2.5-10 µm), fine (<2.5 µm), or ultrafine (<0.1 µm). The latter two are particularly concerning due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system. Fibers, elongated particles, can be natural (e.g., asbestos) or synthetic (e.g., carbon nanotubes). Certain fibres are linked to severe health conditions, such as lung cancer. Particles and fibres induce toxic effects depending on their physicochemical characteristics, exposure concentration, and dose. Adverse health effects include respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. This course aims to provide up-to-date information on critical aspects of particle toxicology, including sample preparation, dosimetry, biodistribution, and toxicity at the port of entry and secondary organs. By understanding these aspects, we can develop effective risk management strategies and promote human health.
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From reactionary to anticipatory toxicology, we have come a long way
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From exposure to dose: the use of dosimetry models for In Vivo and In Vitro studies and information on biodistribution upon inhalation
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Toxicology of ingested particles
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Developmental Toxicity of (Nano)particles: The State of the Science
CEC05: The Emerging Psychoactive Drugs: Epidemiology, Consumption Modes, and Toxicities[Continuing Education Courses (CEC)]
The panorama of the new psychoactive drugs is enriched day by day with emerging toxicities and novel mechanisms of drug action. Some come from the diversion of drugs sold in pharmacies and others come directly from chemical synthesis carried out in clandestine laboratories. The opioid overdose epidemic alone killed 120,000 people in the United States in 2023. But other similarly dangerous substances are spreading worldwide despite surveillance and restrictive legislation. The objective of this CEC is to make an updated review of these new psychoactive substances, the involved chemistry structures and toxic consequences of their use. Scientists and clinical toxicologists need to adopt novel ways of capturing data on the epidemiology of use and potentials for toxicity related these novel substances. This session will be focused on a translational approach covering areas from mechanistic and epidemiological studies through to clinical data from poisoned patients. We will give an overview of the approaches used to investigate the patterns of toxicity of these molecules sweeping the spectrum of the novel stimulant, sedative and hallucinogenic drugs.
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The synthetic cannabinoids
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The NBOMe and new hallucinogenic designer drugs
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Gamma-hydroxybutyrate and analogues
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The fentanyloids and non-fentanyl synthetic opioids
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Ketamine and the novel arycyclohexamines
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Discussion
