Pediculicidal activity of certain plant essential oils against head lice pediculus humanus capitis

This paper reports the pediculicidal activity of certain monoterpenoids of plant essential oils compared to several anti-head lice formulations. It also reports the molecular features required for a chemical to kill head lice. Live adult Pediculus humanus capitus were collected from children living in the Qabary area, Alexandria, Egypt and used in in vitro bioassays. The data demonstrated that the commercial formulation, Quick [0.5% malathion] was the most potent formulation against head lice, while Para plus was the least potent. It was clear that the potency of the tested monoterpenoids was at least similar to Quick. The data also revealed that, monoterpenoid phenols and alcohols were more potent against head lice than monoterpenoid aldehydes, esters and acyclic monoterpenoids. One of the molecular features that is evidently important for monoterpenoid toxicity against head lice is the presence of electronegative group such as a hydroxyl group. In conclusion, this study reports an alternative chemical control that is safer, and more effective against head lice

Behavioristic study of 14[C]-lindane in the aquatic ecosystem model

Lindane and its metabolites are widely distributed throughout the biotic and abiotic components of the aquatic environment. However, information about the kinetics of residue uptake, elimination, and metabolism is scant and incomplete. Metcalf et al [1973][1], studied the environmental fate of six organochlorine pesticides: Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Mirex, Lindane, and DDT [all ring labelled during 33 days in a model ecosystem. The radio labelled products were transferred through several food chains, e.g., alga Oedogonium cardiacum - snail. Physa; Plankton - water flea Daphnia mosquito Culex pipiens - fish Gambusia affinis the ecological magnification [EM] found in the organisms of the ecosystem is a result of successive concentrations through food chains or of direct adsorption through cuticle and gills. The various compounds were clearly concentrated for many folds directly from water into the organism, and the degree of concentration varied with the individual pesticide. In addition, they found that, bioconcentration was greatest with Daphnia, which has the largest ratio of surface to volume. Also, a substantial trend toward increased accumulation with time was indicated but some of the results showed an apparent decrease with time, suggesting degradation, and excretion. Hansen [1980][2], explained the uptake and transfer of the chlorinated hydrocarbon, lindane, in a laboratory fresh water food chain consisting of Chlorella sp., Daphnia magna and Gasterosteus aculeatus. He found that, the uptake was very rapid from the water while the uptake via food occurred relatively slow and depended on the feeding rate, while the rate of uptake from water was influenced by the sex and physiological condition of the organisms. Enan [1987 and 1987][3,4] found that the uptake, distribution, elimination and degradation of 14[C]- DDT were the net result of the interaction between temperature, pH and light, Also he found that, BR was high in fish than algae and snail at different conditions of the experiments. The present work was conducted to study the release, uptake and distribution of 14[C]- Lindane in the aquatic ecosystem model under different temperature, pH values and light or dark

Statistical approach to the persistent insecticide 14C-DDT in the aquatic ecosystem

The statistical approach to the persistent insecticide 14C-DDT in the aquatic ecosystem model using the 3-way ANOVA is performed. From the statistical analysis, it was observed that, generally, a significant change of 14[C]-DDT was found in the aquatic ecosystem components at different temperatures. Yet no significant differences in the concentration of radioactive material were found between light and dark and in different pH levels

Monitoring of organochlorine insecticide residues in human beings and some water bodies in Alexandria

30 samples of human adipose tissues, urine and breast milk of lactating mothers were collected from the Alex. Univ. hospitals. also, samples of different types of fish water streams and sediments were collected from Alex., Egypt. In all collected samples organochlorine insecticide residues were performed. From the obtained data it was found that three organochlorines [alpha-BHC, Lindane and DDT] were detected in all collected samples with different concentrations. Also, it was found that high levels of organochlorine were detected in adipose tissues as compared to the detected residues in milk and urine. In addition, fish liver contained more residues of the three organochlorine insecticides than fish muscles. Interviewing of the study samples revealed that the were suffered mainly from gastrointestinal and allergic complaints which were treated symptomatically. The relationship between their present complaints and the history of exposure to insecticides necessitates an epidemiological study

Mammalian selectivity of some insecticides

In the present study, the comparative differences between insects and mammals were carried out. The acute toxicity [LD] of Lannate and Dursban was determined against mice, rat and house fly. Also in- vitro study of the anticholinesterase action of the tested insecticides was determined. The obtained results showed that Lannate was more toxic than Dursban to mice rats and house fly. The mammalian selectivity ratio [MSR] was calculated and it was found that Dursban was more safe than Lannate. From in vitro studies, the results indicated clearly that Lannate was a good inhibitor of house fly, mice and rats acetylcholinesterase, respectively. The microsomal protein reduced the inhibitory power of Lannate against acetylcholinesterase of rats, mice and house fly. Also, Dursban was more potent inhibitor of house fly head acetylcholinesterase. On the other hand, microsomal protein reduced the inhibitory power of Dursban against mice, rat study it was found that the maximum inhibition of brain AChE from all sources occurred after 24 hours of treatment with Lannate. Moreover, an induction in the glutathione S-transferase activity occurred after Lannate treatment in house fly > mice > rats. Similarly, Dursban produced an induction in this activity in rats > mice > house fly. However, an inhibition in the activity of the enzyme was observed in house fly after 3, 12, 24 hours of exposure to Dursban

fate of 14C-DDT in the aquatic ecosystem utilizing nuclear techniques

Experiments were conducted to determine to uptake, distribution, bioaccumulation and elimination of 14[C]-DDT in aquatic model ecosystems under the influence of different pH values in dark and light at 26 +/- 1°C. Bioaccumulation ratios were high in the fish than algae and snails in dark and light at different pH values. From elimination data, it was found that, light was important for fish-residue loss, while snails need dark for residue loss except experiment at pH 8.2. Also some of residue loss were evolved as 14[CO][2] in elimination experiment

Biodegradation and elimination of 14C-Lindane in the aquatic ecosystem model

Behaviouristic study of 14[C]-Lindane in the aquatic ecosystem model was carried out under different laboratory conditions of temperature, pH, light and dark. In addition, soil microbial degradation of the insecticide using biometer flask was done. The obtained data revealed that, from TLC experiment, 5 metabolites of 14[C]-Lindane were obtained in the fish, snail and algae. The produced metabolites differed according to the organisms and the conditions under test. Also, the obtained data showed that, the elimination of 14[C] was higher from snail than from fish under all the tested conditions. The rate of elimination from fish was higher at pH 8.2 other than the other tested pH values. Moreover, the concentration of 14[C] presented in water, reflected the eliminated amounts from both snail and fish. Finally, from the biodegradation experiment, it was found that the presence of microorganisms of soil and the effect of high temperature [35°C] gave the maximum degradation level of 14[C]-Lindane

Chemical determination of warfarin in rodenticide workers

Plasma warfarin and its metabolite in urine were determined in male workers occupationally exposed to this anticoagulant. Also, bleeding and coagulation times were noted. In addition the exposure index that measures the relative levels of occupational exposure was calculated. The results showed an elevation in plasma and urine warfarin concentration. Also, the bleeding and coagulation times were prolonged indicating deterioration in coagulation mechanism. The exposure index indicated a high chronic exposure level

Statistical analysis of fate of organochlorine insecticide [14C-Lindane] using radiotracer technique

Statistical analysis of fate of organochlorine insecticide [14[C]-Lindane] in aquatic media was performed in the present study. From the obtained data it was found that, after 60 days of experiment, the higher concentration of radioactive material in water was detected in alkaline media [pH=8.2] at 35°C in the light. Meanwhile, the higher concentration of the radioactive material in soil was observed at 15°C in the different pH levels [5.5, 7.0 and 8.2]. In addition, the bioaccumulation level of 14[C]-Lindane in fish, snail and algae was found at higher temperatures [35°C] in all tested pH levels in either light or dark. On the other hand, 3-Way Analysis of Variance [ANoVA] showed that, the different levels of temperatures affected significantly the behaviour of the insecticides in aquatic ecosystem

Relation of tissue copper levels and the induction of delayed neuropathy in rabbits by organophosphorus insecticides

Male Baladi rabbits were acutely and sub-chronically introxicated with organophosphorus insecticides-cyanofenphos [Surecide] and profenophos [Curacron]. The two tested organophosphorus insecticides were compared for their ability to produce a delayed neuropathy in intoxicated rabbits. Moreover, the copper content in serum, brain, spinal cord, sciatic nerve and liver of rabbits was determined. The whole studies revealed that cyanofenphos was capable to induce delayed neurophathy in rabbits, while profenophos did not in the tested doses. Also, a significant disturbance in the copper content was caused by the tested insecticides

Effects of praziquantel [biltricide] on healthy miceI- Haematological study

In order to detect the possible adverse effects of praziquantel, 40 healthy mice were used in the experiment. Each one was given the drug at a dose of 40 mg per kg body weight orally by stomach tube. Hematological investigations as determination of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit percent and total erythrocytic count were done at intervals of 24 hours after drug administration, 72 hours an at the end of each week for 6 weeks. Five mice were used as a comparative control group. The results obtained revealed that the host developed macrocytic hypochromic type of anemia with transient polycythemia at the end of 1s week then developed macrocytic hypochromic anemia from the end of 2nd week onwards

Effects of praziquantel [biltricide] on healthy mice: II- Hepatobiochemical and hepato-renal histopathological studies

This work was designed in order to study the effect of praziquantel on some hepatobiochemical and hepatorenal histopathological changes of healthy mice treated with a single oral dose of 40 mg per kgm body weight. Forty mice were used in the experiment as a study group. Five of the treated mice and five controls were killed at different time intervals 24, 72 hours and then weekly for a period of 6 weeks. The obtained results revealed that significant changes of hepatoenzymes viz glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT], Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were appeared. Hepatolipogram was affected significantly. Not only that but hepatoelectrolytes were also interrupted during the period of experiment. On the other hand, no histopathological changes were detected in the liver and kidney tissues of the treated group as compared with the control

In-vitro interaction of cypermethrin and permethrin with protein, RNA biosynthesis and some biochemical enzymes in rabbit's liver and brain

The values of biochemical parameters, determined in this work under the influence of permethrin and cypermethrin indicated that, permethrin showed significant decrease of liver and brain RNA and protein biosynthesis, while, cypermethrin had a different effect against liver and brain. It increased brain RNA protein biosynthesis, and liver RNA. At the same time cypermethrin decreased liver protein biosynthesis. On the other hand permethrin and cypermethrin decreased the activities of liver and brain alkaline phosphatase [AP] and monoamine oxidase [MAO], while, they enhanced liver and brain glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT] and glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT] in adult male rabbits

Selective toxicity of fenitrothion to white male mice and culex pipens larvae

The insecticidal toxicity of different forms of fenitrothion to mosquito larvae was not parallel to their in-vitro inhibition of cholinesterase. On the other hand, there was a good correlation between acute toxicity of these forms to white mice and their in-vitro anticholinesterase activity