Factors contributing to the development of tobacco dependence

The prevalence of smoking is explained by social norms in society in most countries of the world, the force of the narcotic action of tobacco poisons, and the realization of interests of large transnational monopolies. A person who starts smoking gradually develops a physical and psychological dependence on nicotine: 80% of people who begin experimenting with cigarettes get "hooked" and quickly become regular smokers. Almost all those who start smoking under the age of 18 experience difficulties aspiring to get rid of this vice till the end of their days. The analysis of the content and orientation of the subculture of tobacco smokers allows speaking about it as an antisystem and an extremely negative phenomenon, since it contributes to the inclusion and fixation of tobacco smoking. The complexity of the relationship between tobacco smokers and the different levels of their social environment determines the relevance of the study set out in the article.

The use of stress tests in the expert assessment of the health and safety of divers

The results of the analysis of methodical literature are presented and the most informative methods and the optimal order of their implementation for the assessment of special professionally important physiological functions of persons associated with diving are recommended for practical application. The procedure of carrying out and criteria of an estimation of recommended tests is stated: checks of barofunction; estimations of stability to decompression intravascular gas formation; toxic action of oxygen, narcotic action of nitrogen, a functional condition of divers at carrying out hypoxic test. A promising technique for assessing resistance to hypercapnia is recommended. This is undoubtedly important for medical personnel providing medical care to persons working in conditions of high pressure. Th e proposed unification of expert test effects will improve the safety and efficiency of diving and caisson operations, will contribute to the prevention of professionally caused diseases.

Fatal intoxication with hydrocarbons in deltamethrin preparation

Pyrethroid insecticides are very widely used in agriculture and household due to high effectiveness and low toxicity to humans. We have described a case of a fatal oral intoxication with decis, the insecticide containing pyrethroid (deltamethrin) in a hydrocarbon base. Pyrethroids, including deltamethrin, undergo rapid biotransformation by liver enzymes, which limit their systemic toxicity. Thus, we assume that in the presented case, fatal outcome of poisoning with decis was rather connected with toxic effects of hydrocarbon base (solvent naphtha) than with deltamethrin action. In the described case, detection of aromatic hydrocarbons in blood and lung tissue and their metabolites in urine confirms that these substances were absorbed from gastrointestinal tract to the systemic circulation. Predominant among the clinical outcomes in our patient was profound depression of CNS with apnea, which could be connected with narcotic action of organic solvents. The cardiac arrest was in mechanism of asystolia with prior non-responsive to catecholamines bradycardia and vascular collapse. We connect it with hydrocarbon-induced cardiotoxicity. It is worth remembering that many pyrethroid-containing insecticides are formulated in a hydrocarbon base. Intoxication with such preparations should always be considered not only as poisoning with pyrethroid alone but also as intoxication with hydrocarbons.

Cimetidine Potentiation of Narcotic Action

A report of a cimetidine-methadone interaction is presented, with a discussion of the possible mechanism of action involved. Exaggeration of narcotic effects by cimetidine—and the potential hazards thereof—are cited as matters of concern, in view of the widespread use of cimetidine and the increasing use of narcotic analgesics for chronic pain.