Polymorphism Evaluation of TLR2 Gene Associated with Endometritis Infection in Buffalo Reared in Egypt

Aims: The objective of this study is to monitor the evolution of organochlorine residues levels in kola nuts collected from various actors in the eastern producing region of Côte d'Ivoire. Study Design: Kola nuts samples were collected from farmers, collectors and urban stores in the Eastern of Côte d’Ivoire. Place and Duration of Study: Health Department of Hydrology Health and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2016-2019. Methodology: A total of 225 samples were analyzed using Gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (Agilent 7010B Triple Quadrupole GC/MS System). Results: Data showed that all 21 pesticides analyzed were detected in kola nuts samples. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in OCPs sub-group used by actors during the three-crop studied. The mean levels of HCHs, DDTs and cyclodienes were ranged from 5±1– 136.67±77.3 µg/kg FW, 5±1 – 116.67±63.2 µg/kg FW and 5±1 - 145±63.2 µg/kg FW, respectively. Otherwise, farmer’s levels of OCPs were lower than those detected in kola nuts from collectors and urban stores samples. Thus, compared to the MRL set by the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization, the farmer’s samples are lower than limits fixed, unlike the contents registered with collectors and urban stores. In the latter, nearly 80% to 100% of kola nuts collected are contaminated with hexachlorinated residues (HCHs) and heptachlor. Conclusion: There is the need to keep monitoring ecotoxicological chemical substances in kola nuts produced in Côte d’Ivoire and take steps that ensure health safety of end users. Care should be taken since residues could pose chronic health risk for adults and children.

Management of Organochlorine Exposure to Health Risks in Asia – A Review

@#Organochlorine organic pesticides used on a large scale still pose a great health hazard to humans and animals. Organochlorine pesticides contribute to reduced disease, higher yields and increased production. This research was to review various articles on management of organochlorine exposure and health risks. This research used multiple search engines (Scholar, PubMed). A few significant keywords were chosen to discover considers that fit this theme. Organochlorine as Persistent Organic Pollutants are difficult to remove from the environment. There are several health-causing effects of organochlorine most of which are chronic diseases (i.e., pulmonary function, cancer, reproductive issue). Organochlorine control in the environment is needed to reduce health effects, especially in farming communities, personal protective equipment including masks and gloves is also necessary. Local government may also promote and doing a prevention program from the danger of the use of pesticides in agriculture.

Assessment of the susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia based on WHO diagnostic doses of larvicides

@# Susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) sampled from residential areas in Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia, was evaluated based on the WHOrecommended doses of organochlorine and organophosphate larvicides. To determine susceptibility status, larval bioassays were carried out and post 24-hour mortalities based on WHO resistance classifications were adopted. The results demonstrated that Ae. albopictus larvae were resistant toward 5 out of the 8 larvicides tested. Larvae from all populations were resistant against bromophos, fenitrothion, malathion, temephos and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), with mortalities ranging from 0.00 to 89.33%. Dieldrin, on the other hand, could induce 100.00% mortalities in all populations, followed by fenthion and chlorpyrifos, with mortalities ranging from 97.33 to 100.00% and 81.33 to 100.00% respectively. Despite most populations exhibiting similitude in their resistance status, larvae from Sandakan exhibited the highest resistance level whereas the lowest level was observed in Keningau. In view of the inadequacy of some larvicides in controlling Ae. albopictus in this study, integrated management such as insecticide rotation or combination of interventions is warranted.

Determination of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum from different place / 中草药

Objective: The content of 16 kinds of organochlorine pesticides including As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum from different places were determined. Methods: The content of As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu in T. hemsleyanum from different places were determined by ICP-MS, and organochlorine pesticides were determined by GC. Results: The contents of heavy metals in T. hemsleyanum were Pb≤4.167 7 mg/kg, Cd≤0.194 6 mg/kg, As≤0.455 0 mg/kg, Hg≤0.042 4 mg/kg, Cu≤7.892 5 mg/kg. Organochlorine preticides were lower in T. hemsleyanum. Conclusion: The method is simple, efficient and accurate, which can be used for the safety evaluation of T. hemsleyanum.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and hematological alterations: A survey of farm residents in the South of Brazil / Exposição ocupacional a agrotóxicos e alterações hematológicas: Estudo transversal em moradores rurais do Sul do Brasil

Abstract This study sought to investigate the association of exposure to organochlorine (OC) and non-persistent pesticides with hematological parameters in an agricultural population in Southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 275 farm workers and their families in Farroupilha-RS. A questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, duration, frequency and type of pesticide used, among others. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum concentration of 24 OC pesticides and hematological parameters. Associations were explored through linear regression, controlling for confounders. Lifetime use of chemical classes other than organophosphates and dithiocarbamates were associated with decreased number of lymphocytes, while subjects sampled in the high pesticide use season showed higher number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin level. Detectable serum levels of many OC pesticides were associated with lower counts of white blood cells, particularly eosinophils. Although mostly null associations were observed between pesticide use and hematological parameters, findings may suggest that OC pesticides could lead to hematological alterations among agricultural workers.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a exposição a organoclorados (OC) e agrotóxicos não persistentes e os parâmetros hematológicos em uma população agrícola de Farroupilha-RS. Foi utilizado um questionário para coletar informações sobre fatores sociodemográficos e de estilo de vida, duração, frequência e tipo de pesticidas utilizados, entre outros. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas e analisadas quanto a concentração sérica de 24 pesticidas OC e parâmetros hematológicos. As associações foram exploradas através de regressão linear, controlando por confundidores. O uso cumulativo de classes químicas diferentes de organofosforados e ditiocarbamatos associou-se com diminuição do número de linfócitos enquanto indivíduos que tiveram suas coletas sanguíneas realizadas na estação de maior uso de agrotóxicos tinham contagem de eritrócitos e hemoglobina maiores. Níveis séricos de diversos pesticidas organoclorados foram associados com contagens mais baixas de células brancas do sangue, particularmente eosinófilos. Embora as associações com o uso de agrotóxicos tenham sido, em geral, nulas, os resultados podem sugerir que os pesticidas OCs poderiam levar a alterações hematológicas entre os trabalhadores agrícolas.

Level of endosulfan among women in Talwandi Sabo Block of Southern Punjab, India

Endosulfan is one of the most prevalent organochlorine pesticides used in the agricultural sector in the developing countries including India. It affects the physiological functioning of different organ systems including nervous, immune, hepatic, and reproductive system. Realizing the safety and health concern, restrictions have been imposed at various levels, but the usage has still continued in the plantation crops. Owing to pesticide beneficiary of north India, the cotton belt commonly called the Malwa region of Punjab was evaluated for identifying the levels of Endosulfan in the blood samples of women working in agricultural fields. Gas chromatograph with electron capture detector was used for detecting the levels of endosulfan metabolites among twenty active female workers. The mean level of endosulfan recorded in the tested population was observed to be 2.22 ppb. It is difficult to draw a certain conclusion based on these findings because the subjects were less in number. However, detection of even very low concentrations of endosulfan residues signifies its continued accessibility to the women population. Encouragement of more such population-based research needs to be adopted to determine the body burden of such pesticides in humans. The effective implementation of the ban on Endosulfan could be checked by a combined retrospective and prospective study to infer a justifiable impact.

QuEchERS pretreatment coupled to gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to fast determination of 34 pesticide residues in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma / 中国中药杂志

This study proposed a quantitative method for 34 pesticides including organochlorine,organophosphorus and pyrethroids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herbs and medicinal slices,and analyzed the pesticide residues of collected Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma samples from different regions. With acetonitrile extraction and optimized Qu Ech ERS purification,the 32 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herbs and medicinal slices were analyzed by matrix matching standard curve quantitative analysis under GC-MS/MS multi-response monitoring( MRM) mode. This study investigated the pretreatment of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma samples based on the Qu Ech ERS method of Chinese Pharmacopoeia( 2015 edition,4),and the result showed that the recoveries of some pesticide was low and pigment has a strong interference in analysis,which result in worse purification effect. Therefore,this paper further optimized the Qu Ech ERS method and corrected the matrix matching standard curve method,and compensated the qualitative and quantitative effects of matrix effects on the detected target compounds in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The results showed that 34 kinds of pesticide had good linear( R~2 of 0. 996 4 or higher) within a covering 0. 01-0. 2 mg·kg~(-1) concentration range. The limits of quantitation are less than 0. 01 mg·kg~(-1). This method was further applied to the simultaneous determination of 34 pesticide residues of typical organochlorine,organophosphorus and pyrethroids in 32 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herbs and medicinal slices. Six batches containing beta-endosulfan,thiosulphate,o,p'-DDD and thrta-cypermethrin were detected,but none of them exceeded the limit of pesticide residues stipulated in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the EU Pharmacopoeia. This study indicates that the established method is rapid,convenient,accurate,and sensitive,which provides a rapid and efficient method for the simultaneous determination of typical organochlorine,organophosphorus and pyrethroids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.

Plaguicidas e hipotiroidismo en agricultores en zonas de cultivo de plátano y café, en Quindío, Colombia / Pesticides and hypothyroidism in farmers of plantain and coffee growing areas in Quindio, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos Determinar relación entre hipotiroidismo y plaguicidas en sangre. Metodología Estudio de corte transversal, en agricultores y sus compañeros(as) permanentes en municipios productores de plátano y café. Se calculó muestra representativa. Se realizaron pruebas de función tiroidea, se utilizó un lector de ELISA Stat Fax 303/Plus, en una longitud de onda 450 nm. Se determinó la residualidad de plaguicidas organoclorados, se implementó un método de microextracción dispersiva en fase líquida (DLLME) asistida por sonicación, y se empleó cromatografía de gases con detector de micro captura de electrones (GC-µECD) para el análisis. Resultados Se incluyeron 819 participantes, 58,7% hombres y 41,3% mujeres; promedio de edad 48,1 años. Prevalencia de hipotiroidismo manifiesto 1,2% y de hipotiroidismo subclínico 6,7%, mayor prevalencia en personas mayores de 60 años (2,6% y 8,9% respectivamente). Se encontró asociación no causal de hipotiroidismo subclínico con plaguicidas organoclorados 4,4'-DDE (sig.0,006), Heptacloro (sig.0,04), y Endosulfán I (sig.0,02). Los anticuerpos antiperoxidasa (Anti TPO) ≥ 60 lU/ml se asociaron con h. subclínico, OR 2,6. Conclusiones La prevalencia de hipotiroidismo hallada es similar a lo referido en la literatura, es menor que en áreas urbanas; la prevalencia de hipotiroidismo subclínico es mayor y con riesgo de progresión a hipotiroidismo franco cuando se relaciona con Anti-TPO positivos, razón por la cual se requiere seguimiento en estos pacientes. Se asociaron a h. subclínico 3 plaguicidas organoclorados. Se recomienda tamizaje de TSH en personas de 40 y más años sobre todo si están expuestas a los agroquímicos mencionados.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives To establish the correlation between hypothyroidism and blood pesticide levels. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study in agricultural workers and their permanent partners in plantain and coffee producing municipalities as reference population. A representative sample was estimated and thyroid function tests were performed using ELISA Stat Fax 303/Plus reader, at a wavelength of 450 nm. Organochlorine pesticide residuality was determined, a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) assisted by sonication was implemented, and a gas chromatography-micro-electron capture detector (GC-pECD) was used for the analysis. Results 819 participants, 58.7% men and 41.3% women were included; their average age was 48.1 years. Prevalence of symptomatic hypothyroidism (1.2%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (6.7%) was observed, with a higher prevalence in people older than 60 years (2.6% and 8.9%, respectively). Non-causal association was found between subclinical hypothyroidism and the organochlorine pesticides 4,4'-DDE (sig.0,006), Heptachlor (sig.0,04), and Endosulfan I (sig.0,02). Antiperoxidase (Anti TPO) antibodies ≥60 lU/ml were associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (OR 2.6). Conclusions The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the studied population is similar to that reported in the literature, and lower than in urban areas. In turn, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is higher and positive anti-TPO values are related to risk of progression to frank hypothyroidism, which is why follow-up is required in these patients. Three organochlorine pesticides were associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. TSH screening is recommended in people aged 40 and over, especially if they are exposed to the aforementioned agrochemicals.(AU)

Research progress on pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials and pesticide removal methods / 中草药

Recently, with the increasing demand of Chinese medicinal materials production, the use of pesticides during cultivation has also increased, which caused seriously pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials. At present, pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials have resulted in severe impacts on quality, safe usage and export of Chinese medicinal materials. This article reviews the research progress on three major pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials over the past ten years, and the data showed that the residual situation of organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides and pyrethroid pesticides in Chinese medicinal materials are still serious, but the research status is not optimistic. Meanwhile, the statistical result from current feasible pesticide removal methods showed that the usage frequency of physical method is higher than that of chemical removal method, in addition, biological methods have not yet popularized in Chinese medicinal materials. Furthermore, different pesticide removal methods were evaluated according to the characteristics of pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials and the particularity of each method. As a result, a pesticide removal method by using genetic engineering technology that is green, efficient and environmental friendly was recommended, which won’t destroy the active ingredients of Chinese medicinal materials. The feasible measures to improve pesticide residues in Chinese medicinal materials are prospected in this article.

Metabolic disorder of fatty acids and bile acids caused by organochlorine pesticides:research progress / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Organochlorine pesticides(OCP)exist widely in the environment,which may threaten human health and cumulate for years once absorbed in the body.OCP metabolites in the body are associated with metabolic disorders.In vivo and in vitro exposure of OCP could enhance hepatic fatty acid synthesis, and interfere in the β-oxidation of fatty acids by impairing the function and structure of mitochondria in hepatocytes. Moreover, OCP can increase secondary bile acid formation by modulating of gut microbiota and reduceing ileal bile acid re-absorption,resulting in compensatory increase of hepatic bile acid synthesis. This review summarizes the mechanism of fatty acid and bile acid metabolic abnormalities caused by OCP.

Determination of 19 Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Sargassum Fusiforme by GC-MS / 中国药师

Objective:To establish a GC-MS method for determing 19 organochlorine pesticide residues in sargassum fusiforme. Methods:Nineteen organochlorine pesticide residues were simultaneously determined by GC-MS, and the established method was vali-dated. The HP-5 gas chromatography column (30 m × 0. 25 mm,0. 25 μm) was used. The column temperature was programming in-creased with initial temperature of 70℃, maintaining for 1min, then raising to 180℃ with a rate of 15℃·min-1 ,and then raised to 280℃ with a rate of 4℃·min-1 to keep 7min. The inlet temperature was 240℃. The MS detector was used with EI source at 230℃, and analysis mode was multiple reaction monitoring. Results:Sargassum fusiforme was analyzed. The separation degree of the standard and samples met the requirements. The recoveries of the organochlorine pesticides were 72%-127% except for hexachlorobenzene, and the relative standard deviation also met the requirements. The experimental results showed that the 19 organochlorine pesticides were not detected out in sargassum fusiforme. Conclusion: The method provides the technical parameters for the determination of organo-chlorine pesticide residues in sargassum fusiforme.

Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction with Fe3O4-Grafted Nitrogen-Doped Graphene for Determination of Four Organochlorine Contaminants in Environmental Water Samples / 分析化学

Fe3O4-grafted nitrogen-doped graphene (Fe3O4/N-G) nanomaterials were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method, and its adsorption properties were discussed preliminarily.It was demonstrated that the adsorption of parachlormetaxylenol on Fe3O4/N-G was not limited to uniform monolayer adsorption and the adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic mode.Then, an ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction with Fe3O4/N-G as the magnetic adsorbent has been developed for the determination of four compounds including triclosan, chloroxylenol, hexachlorobenzene and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl in environmental water samples, in combination with gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.Several factors related to extraction efficiencies, such as the amount of adsorbent, extraction time, sample pH and desorption conditions were investigated.The proposed preparation procedure was as follows: 6.0 mg of Fe3O4/N-G was dispersed into 100 mL of water sample under ultrasound.After 15 s, the Fe3O4/N-G carrying four compounds was separated from the water sample by an external magnetic field.Then, the targets were eluted from Fe3O4/N-G with 3 mL of ethanol and 2 mL of dichloromethane, sequentially.Finally, the eluent was dried under a mild stream of nitrogen and reconstituted with methanol and dichloromethane (1∶1, V/V) for the subsequent GC-MS/MS analysis.Under the optimized condition, an excellent linearity was observed in the range of 0.1-10 ng/L for the four compounds, with the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9983 to 0.9999.The limits of detections (S/N=3) ranged from 0.05 to 0.6 ng/L and the limits of quantity (S/N=10) ranged from 0.2 to 2.4 ng/L.The mean recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 68.2% to 99.6%.The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intraday and interday were in the range of 3.3%-6.9% and 3.4%-9.4% (n=6), respectively.The proposed method was demonstrated to be simple and feasible for the trace analysis of antimicrobial agents and organochlorine contaminants in environmental water samples.

Assessment of human health risk associated with the presence of pesticides in chicken eggs

The presence of pesticides in the environment is highly toxic to environment and human health. Aim of the study was determination, quantification and assessment of associated health risk due to presence of pesticide residues in chicken eggs using high pressure liquid chromatography. HPLC method was successfully employed and validated. From collected samples pesticides were extracted in presence of petroleum ether and acetonitrile. Bifenthrin and Difenoconazole residues were found in all samples with different concentration exceeding maximum residue limits (MRL) of Codex Alimentarius Commission. However imidacloprid was not detected in any sample. Concentration of bifenthrin in house egg samples ranged from 0.256206 to 4.112387 mg/kg while in poultry farm samples it varied from 1.5862 to 5.80796 mg/kg. Difenoconazole was found in concentration of 0.02835 mg/kg, 1.7668 mg/kg, 3.7205 mg/kg, 21.8937 mg/kg 21.9835 mg/kg, 19.26407 mg/kg in samples collected from houses while and in poultry farm samples its detected concentration was 10.939 mg/kg, 12.3296 mg/kg, 29.3617 mg/kg, 18.6116 mg/kg, 40.0523 mg/kg and 19.2335 mg/kg. Concentrations of both pesticides Bifenthrin and Difenoconazole exceeded the MRLs (0.05 mg/kg). Health risk index surpassed 1 (the cut off value) for Difenoconazole in seven samples while for Bifenthrin values were less than 1, indicating the possibility of potential medium to long term health risk associated with ingestion of contaminated eggs.(AU)

Un análisis comparativo cualitativo de signos y síntomas de intoxicación con mezclas a base de heptacloro / A qualitative comparative analysis of signs and symptoms of heptachlor-based mixtures poisoning

Las mezclas químicas o la presencia conjunta de signos y síntomas de intoxicación crónica son dos de los principales desafíos para el estudio toxicológico y epidemiológico de la exposición a plaguicidas. En este estudio fue explorada la aplicabilidad del análisis cualitativo comparativo con conjuntos nítidos (csQCA) para superar estas difcultades. Los datos de síntomas y signos clínicos de intoxicación de 43 trabajadores del cultivo de arroz en Guamo y Espinal (Tolima, Colombia) fueron recolectados, y se midió la presencia de heptacloro en sangre total con cromatografía de gases con detector de captura de electrones. Se realizaron tablas de verdad con las principales confguraciones (presencia conjunta de signos y síntomas), y se evaluó su consistencia y cobertura. En 90,70 % de los trabajadores se detectó heptacloro. Cuarenta y nueve signos y síntomas fueron reportados, siendo los más frecuentes las alteraciones del sueño, el mareo y la visión borrosa. Cinco confguraciones resultaron asociadas con la detección de heptacloro en sangre (cobertura: 0,872 y consistencia: 0,971), aunque sólo tres resultan útiles para la práctica clínica. Este procedimiento permitió diseñar un listado de tamizaje para detección de individuos con exposición a heptacloro. La experiencia mostró uno de los potenciales uso de csQCA en toxicología. Futuros estudios podrán explorar mejor el valor predictivo de estos hallazgos en diversas poblaciones.

Chemical mixtures or the conjoint presence of signs and symptoms of chronic poisoning are two of the main challenges to the toxicologic and epidemiologic study of exposure to pesticides. In this study was explored the applicability of crispsets qualitative comparative analysis (csQCA) to overcome these diffculties. Data on symptoms and signs of poisoning from 43 agricultural workers living in Guamo or Espinal (Cundinamarca, Colombia) were collected, and the presence of heptachlor was measured in total blood with gas chromatography with electron capture detector. Truth tables with main confgurations were performed, and consistence and coverage were estimated. Heptachlor was detected among 90.70% of workers. Forty-nine symptoms and signs were reported, being the most frequent sleep disorders, dizziness and blurred vision. Five confgurations were associated with the detection of heptachlor in blood (coverage: 0.872 and consistence: 0.971), although only three are useful for clinical practice. This procedure allowed the design of a list of screening for detection of individuals with exposure to heptachlor. This experience showed one of the potential uses of csQCA in toxicology. Future studies may further explore the predictive value of these fndings in different populations.

Association of organochlorine pesticides with the mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) & cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes in idiopathic preterm birth.

Background & objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) is an important cause of prenatal death, neonatal morbidity and mortality and adult illness. Increased inflammation occurs in normal parturition, and inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are found to be higher in PTB cases. The present study was planned to investigate the association of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with mRNA expression of inflammatory pathway genes such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in preterm delivery (PTD) cases. Methods: Maternal blood samples of PTD (n=30) cases and equal number of term delivery (n=30) were collected at the time of labour. Women occupationally exposed to OCPs and other high risk factors such as anaemia, hypertension, bacterial vaginosis, renal and heart disease, diabetes, etc. were excluded. The OCP levels were estimated by gas chromatography, and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and COX-2 genes were analysed using real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: Significantly higher levels of β-HCH (beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, 95% CI=2.08-4.633, P=0.001), p’p’-DDE (para, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, 95% CI=0.546-2.551, P=0.003), and o’p’-DDD (ortho, para-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, 95% CI=0.004-0.690, P=0.047) were observed in maternal blood of PTB cases as compared to term delivery. The mRNA expressions of COX-2 and TNF-α genes were 3.13 and 2.31 folds higher in PTB cases in comparison to term delivery. Linear positive correlations were observed between period of gestation (POG) and ΔCt of COX-2 and TNF-α genes. Interpretation & conclusions: Environmental factors such as OCPs may be associated with inflammatory events showing gene-environment interaction in PTB cases. Evaluating the molecular control of inflammation along with gene environment interaction may be used as a model to explore the aetiology of idiopathic PTB cases and may be considered for the prognosis of adverse reproductive outcomes.

Determination of 666 and DDT pesticide residues in Anoectochili Roxburghii Gemma Terminalis by gas chromatography / 中草药

Objective: Determination of 666 (BHC) and DDT residues in Anoectochili Roxburghii Gemma Terminalis. Methods: Using gas chromatography (GC) for limited detecting the eight kinds of organochlorine pesticide residues, such as BHC (α-BHC, β-BHC, γ-BHC, and δ-BHC) and DDT (PP '-DDE, PP'-DDD, OP '-DDT, and PP'-DDT) in Anoectochili Roxburghii Gemma Terminalis. Results: Linear BHC and DDT standard curve were good, the correlation coefficient was 0.9988-0.9997, the average recovery rates were 95.4%-98.9%, 1%-2.98% RSD. The detection limitation was 0.0053-0.021 g/L. Result of Chinese herbal medici: β-BHC for G 0.0009mg/kg(Among them, α-BHC, γ-BHC, δ-BHC, PP'-DDE, OP'-DDT, PP'-DDD, PP'-DDT not detected) Conclusion: The method is accurate, reliable, scientific, and feasible, and has higher sensitivity and linear range, which can be used for quality control of pesticide residues in water.

Determination of organochlorine pesticide in aquatic products by gas chromatography / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective A method for quantitative determination of 16 kinds of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) in aquatic prod-ucts by gas chromatography (GC)was established .Methods The sample was extracted by acetonitrile ,purified by Carb/NH2 ,and then determined by GC .Results The linear relations of 16 kinds of OCPs were good at 0 .05 - 1 .00 mg/L(r> 0 .998) .The limit of detection of OCPs was in the range of 0 .04 - 0 .31 μg /kg(S/N = 3) .When the standard levels were 50 ,100 ,200 μg /kg ,the recovery rates were 72 .6% - 115 .2% ,the relative standard deviations were 0 .6% - 7 .5% .Conclusion The method established in this stud-y is applied to the determination of 16 kinds of OCPs in real samples with satisfactory results .

Exposição a pesticidas organoclorados e desenvolvimento cognitivo em crianças e adolescentes residentes em uma área contaminada no Brasil / Exposure to organochloride pesticides and the cognitive development of children and adolescents living in a contaminated area in Brazil

Avaliar o desempenho cognitivo de crianças e adolescentes residentes em uma área contaminada com pesticidas organoclorados (OC), e fatores associados à exposição. Métodos: realizou-se um estudo seccional com 102 indivíduos entre 6-16 anos residentes em Cidade dos Meninos, RJ, entre 2012-2013. Uma subamostra de 46 destas crianças dispunha das concentrações séricas de pesticidas OC e hormônios tireóideos, determinados entre 2003-2004. Local de residência materna e tempo de amamentação foram informados por todos os participantes. Desempenho cognitivo foi avaliado pela escala WISC-III. Utilizou-se regressão multivariada para explorar as associações. Resultados: pelo menos 40 por cento das crianças apresentaram inteligência inferior à média (QI<90) em seis domínios cognitivos. A função executiva demonstrou o menor escore. Local de residência materna e tempo de amamentação não associaram-se à cognição, exceto a função executiva. Níveis de alfahexaclorocicloexano (HCH) associaram-se a redução de 0,45, 0,33 e 0,46 pontos nas áreas de execução, resistência à distração (RD) e velocidade de processamento (VP), respectivamente; gama-HCH associou-se a redução de 1,74 pontos na RD e 1,84 pontos na VP; e p,p’-DDT (dicloro-difenil-tricloroetano) relacionou- se a menor pontuação (-0,81) na VP. Observou-se leve associação inversa entre os níveis de triiodotironina total e organização perceptual. Conclusões: resultados sugerem que a exposição crônica aos pesticidas OC poderia acarretar déficits cognitivos nestas crianças e adolescentes...

To assess the cognitive performance of children and adolescents living in an area contaminated with organochloride (OC) pesticides and factors associated with exposure. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 individuals aged between 6 and 16 years living in Cidade dos Meninos, in the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro, between 2012 and 2013. A subsample of 46 of these children had serum concentrations of OC pesticides and thyroid hormones determined between 2003 and 2004. Information on place of residence of the mother and duration of breastfeeding were provided for all participants. Cognitive performance was assessed using the WISC-III scale. Multivariate regression was employed to investigate associations. Results: at least 40 percent of the children presented with below average intelligence (IQ<90) in six cognitive categories. Executive function was the lowest score. Place of residence of the mother and duration of breastfeeding were not associated with cognition, except for the executive function. Levels of alphahexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were associated with a reduction of 0.45, 0.33 and 0.46 points in the areas of execution, resistance to distraction (RD) and processing speed (PS), respectively; gamma-HCH was associated with a reduction of 1.74 points in RD and 1.84 points in PS; and p,p’-DDT (dichlorodiphenyl- trichloroethane) was associated with a lower score (-0.81) in PS. A slight inverse association was found between levels of total triiodothyronine and perceptual organization. Conclusions: the results suggest that chronic exposure to OC pesticides may have led to cognitive deficiencies in these children and adolescents...

Determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in 13 Miao medicines in Guizhou by UAE-SPME-GC method / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish a new gas chromatography method coupled with ultrasound-assisted extraction and solid-phase microextraction for rapid analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs) in 13 Miao medicines in Guizhou. METHODS: Flos Lonicerae Japonicae was used as an optimization object. Before being analyzed by GC, the sample was extracted by organic solvent and ultrasound, then enriched by SPME. RESULTS: Under the optimized conditions, the linearities of eight kinds of OCPs ranged from 12.5 to 500 ng · g-1, all with good correlation coefficients. The spiked recoveries ranged from 70.4% to 119.8% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 8.9% to 14.1%. The detection limits were 1.03-3.45 ng · g-1. CONCLUSION: UAE-SPME-GC method simplifies the preparation steps for traditional Chinese medicines by direct sample enrichment and analysis thus sparing further purification. It is a convenient, environmentally-friendly and rapid method.

Physiological Characterization of Fungal Inoculum for Biotechnological Remediation of Soils

The aim of this work was to study the bioremediating potential of Lentinus crinitus CCIBt2611 according to the physiological condition of the inoculum. Inoculum was prepared using sugarcane ground husk (C:N 90), at several physiological ages and applied in soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol. The inoculum's potential was assessed by evaluating the mycelium's vigor at soil's colonization, determination of peroxidase and phenoloxidase activities, in vitro degradation of Remazol Brilliant Blue R and in vivo degradation of pentachlorophenol. The results showed that the assessed parameters were relevant to identify the quality of the inoculum. For L. crinitus, 10 day old inoculum showed good soil-colonization speed with significant enzymatic activities, indicating the role of Manganese-dependent peroxidase and laccase in degradation, and efficient degradation of pentachlorophenol.