DNA methylation in the association between pesticide exposures and type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Numerous epidemiological studies have found that pesticide exposure is associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes(T2D);however,the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.DNA methylation may play a role in this process.AIM To identify the genes associated with pesticide exposure and T2D by reviewing the current literature.METHODS We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for relevant studies that examined the association between pesticide exposure and DNA methylation,and studies on DNA methylation and T2D through January 15,2024.RESULTS We identified six genes(Alu,CABLES1,CDH1,PDX1,PTEN,PTPRN2)related to pesticide exposure and T2D.We also suggested future research directions to better define the role of DNA methylation in the association between pesticide exposure and T2D.CONCLUSION DNA methylation of specific genes may play a vital role in the association between pesticide exposure and T2D.

Correction:Making the Complicated Simple:A Minimizing Carrier Strategy on Innovative Nanopesticides

The Nano-Micro Letters(2024)16:193,article by Shangguan et al.,entitled“Making the Complicated Simple:A Minimizing Carrier Strategy on Innovative Nanopesticides”(Nano-Micro Lett.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01413-5),was published online on 14 May,2024,with errors.The structural formulas and captions of the three acyl chlorides in Fig.3A were wrong.They should be as shown below.

On-site rapid detection of multiple pesticide residues in tea leaves by lateral flow immunoassay

The application of pesticides (mostly insecticides and fungicides) during the tea-planting process will undoubtedly increase the dietary risk associated with drinking tea. Thus, it is necessary to ascertain whether pesticide residues in tea products exceed the maximum residue limits. However, the complex matrices present in tea samples comprise a major challenge in the analytical detection of pesticide residues. In this study, nine types of lateral flow immunochromatographic strips (LFICSs) were developed to detect the pesticides of interest (fenpropathrin, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, carbendazim, chlorothalonil, pyraclostrobin, and iprodione). To reduce the interference of tea substrates on the assay sensitivity, the pretreatment conditions for tea samples, including the extraction solvent, extraction time, and purification agent, were optimized for the simultaneous detection of these pesticides. The entire testing procedure (including pretreatment and detection) could be completed within 30 min. The detected results of authentic tea samples were confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), which suggest that the LFICS coupled with sample rapid pretreatment can be used for on-site rapid screening of the target pesticide in tea products prior to their market release.

Screening and pilot-scale evaluation of a highly efficient pesticide-degrading Pseudomonas sp.strain BL5

The widespread use of pesticides has caused serious harm to ecosystems,necessitating effective and environmentally friendly treatment methods.Bioremediation stands out as a promising approach for pollutant treatment,wherein the metabolic activities of microorganisms can transform toxic pesticides into compounds with lower or no toxicity.In this study,we obtained eight pesticide-degrading strains from pesticide-contaminated sites through continuous enrichment and screening.Four highly efficient pesticide-degrading strains(degradation ratios exceeding 80%)were identified.Among them,Pseudomonas sp.BL5 exhibited the strongest growth(exceeding 10^(9) CFU·ml^(-1))and outstanding degradation of benzene derivatives and chlorinated hydrocarbons at both laboratory and pilot scales,with degradation ratios exceeding 98%and 99.6%,respectively.This research provides new tools and insights for the bioremediation of pesticide-related pollutants.

Multi-Residue Analysis of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Vegetable Using GC-MS

This study investigates the levels of pesticide residues in Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum subsp. Tuberosum) and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum). The samples were minced in a food processor initially subjected to extraction followed by cleanup using solid phase extraction (SPE) column. Separation was performed on a GC capillary column (Rtx-5 ms-30 m × 0.25 mm× 0.25 μm). The sample was injected by using splitless mode, helium as the carrier gas followed by quadrupole mass spectrometry detection. The mobile phase flow rates, column temperatures, and MS parameters were all optimized to reach high sensitivity and selectivity. Seven pesticides were detected in tomatoes sample, six in cucumber and four in potatoes samples. The findings indicate risks and concerns for public health.

The Role of Abdominal CT in the Assessment of the Effectiveness of Gastric Lavage after Pesticide Poisoning

Pesticide poisoning is one of the most common diseases in the emergency department, characterized by rapid changes in condition, a high misdiagnosis rate, and a poor prognosis. Measures for early removal of poisons are crucial, and gastric lavage is one of the important measures. Regarding the post-gastric lavage effect, abdominal CT scanning has an important application value in the assessment of the gastric lavage effect after pesticide poisoning.

Multi-Residue Levels of Persistent Organochlorine Pesticides in Edible Vegetables: A Human Health Risk Assessment

Background: This study evaluates the quantitative assessment of persistent organochorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in vegetables (Senecio biafrae) from four selected cocoa plantations in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: The pesticides were extracted from the vegetable samples by using USEPA 3500C method and later clean-up on activated silica gel. The pesticides residues in the samples were determined using Gas Chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Results: The results showed that the analyzed samples were contaminated with ten OCPs. The mean OCPs concentration ranged from ND—0.399 mg/kg to ND—0.379 mg/kg during the wet and dry seasons respectively. α-BHC, β-BHC, p, p’-DDE, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan sulphate and methoxychlor were not detected in the samples. Pesticides such as aldrin, endosulfan II, endrin aldehyde and heptachlor slightly exceeded their maximum residue limit. Conclusion: The hazard indices (HI) of heptachlor, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, aldrin, heptachlor-epoxide and p, p’-DDT exceeded 1 and thus pose likely potential non-carcinogenic health risk.

Coordination of distinctive pesticide adjuvants and atomization nozzles on droplet spectrum evolution for spatial drift reduction

Pesticide adjuvants,as crop protection products,have been widely used to reduce drift loss and improve utilization efficiency by regulating droplet spectrum.However,the coordinated regulation mechanisms of adjuvants and nozzles on droplet spectrum remain unclear.Here,we established the relationship between droplet spectrum evolution and liquid atomization by investigating the typical characteristics of droplet diameter distribution near the nozzle.Based on this,the regulation mechanisms of distinctive pesticide adjuvants on droplet spectrum were clarified,and the corresponding drift reduction performances were quantitively evaluated by wind tunnel experiments.It shows that the droplet diameter firstly shifts to the smaller due to the liquid sheet breakup and then prefers to increase caused by droplet interactions.Reducing the surface tension of sprayed liquid facilitates the uniform liquid breakup and increasing the viscosity inhibits the liquid deformation,which prolong the atomization process and effectively improve the droplet spectrum.As a result,the drift losses of flat-fan and hollow cone nozzles are reduced by about 50%after adding organosilicon and vegetable oil adjuvants.By contrast,the air induction nozzle shows a superior anti-drift ability,regardless of distinctive adjuvants.Our findings provide insights into rational adjuvant design and nozzle selection in the field application.

Evaluation of Agricultural Contamination Level by Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Sediments of Rivers and Water Bodies for Shrimp Fishing in the Lower Ouémé: Case of the Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele Stations in Benin

This study assessed sediment contamination by heavy metals and pesticide active ingredients linked to chemical inputs used in agricultural activities in the lower Ouémé. Pesticide residues from the organochlorine, pyrethroid and organophosphorus families were investigated by gas chromatography, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mg, Cr and Hg) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metallic pollution indices, the contamination factor (CF) and the ecological risk index were calculated. The results revealed 8 active ingredients in the rainy season and 9 in the dry season. Glyphosate was the active ingredient with the highest concentration at all stations, 9.65 ± 0.84 mg/kg recorded in the dry season at the Aguigadji station. All glyphosate values were above the EQS. DDT, Atrazine and Endosulfan also showed high concentrations in the dry and rainy seasons. Emamectin, Abamectin and Lambda Cyhalothrin also showed high concentrations in the dry season at Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele. Only glyphosate was recorded at the control station (Toho), but in very low concentrations. Lead showed the highest concentrations at all the stations, 265.96 ± 21.02 mg/Kg in the rainy season and 255.38 ± 79.09 mg/Kg in the dry season, all detected at the Aguigadji station and above the EQS. Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu and Cr were all representative in both the dry and rainy seasons at the contaminated stations. Manganese showed high concentrations in the rainy season. Pb showed very high contamination (FC ≥ 6) at the Aguigadji and Ahlan stations and significant contamination (3 ≤ FC 6) at the Sele station in both the rainy and dry seasons. Ni, Hg and Cd, showed either moderate or significant contamination at the contaminated stations. The risk values showed a considerable ecological Ri (190 ≤ Ri < 380) in the rainy season and a moderate ecological Ri (95 ≤ Ri < 190) in the dry season at these contaminated stations.

Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Mango by a Multi-residue Analysis and GC/MS Triple Quadrupole

Mango fruit has a great national and international market, and Brazilian production is 1,900 thousand tons/year exporting to North America and Europe. However, the loss could occur during the production when it is affected by pests and climate conditions, so the increased use of chemical substances and their presence should be monitored. A task for governmental agencies, producers and food sales, attending the sanitary barriers requirements, is to distribute food free from contaminants, so laboratories involved in this type of work usually employ multi-residues analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of pesticide residues in mango using QuEChERS method and mass spectrometry technique. Positive samples were compared with Brazilian maximum residues level （MRL） and the health risk exposure was evaluated using the acute dietary intake （ADI） parameter. A total of 20 samples were collected from January to March, in Sao Paulo city markets. The recoveries were in the range of 70% to 120%, and standard deviation was below 20%. The category of pesticides not permitted for the crop were found in l0 samples; eight samples presented pesticides below MRL and two samples above MRL for the fungicide procloraz. The ADI values were below 20% of ADI for an adult and the worst case was dimethoate with 69% of ADI for children. The time spent in monitoring studies and the viability of method chosen must be considered by pesticide residues laboratories during routine analysis of food quality control.

Resistance Monitoring of Field Populations of Panonychus citri to Three Pesticides

[Objectives]The paper was to investigate the development of Panonychus citri resistance to commonly used pesticides in major citrus producing areas in China,and to screen out new green and efficient agents for its control and prevention.[Methods]The resistance changes of field populations of P.citri to abamectin,pyridaben,and bifenazate in 12 locations across five provinces in China were compared using the leaf disc impregnation method.[Results]P.citri in the tested areas exhibited the most severe resistance to abamectin,with approximately 91.7%of the field populations showing high levels of resistance to abamectin(112.1-560.5 times);50%of P.citri populations exhibited high levels of resistance to pyridaben(123.0-202.7 times),while the remaining populations showed intermediate levels of resistance(25.6-80.3 times);except for the Zhejiang Xiangshan 2019 and Jiangxi Yudu 2019 populations,which exhibited a medium level of resistance to bifenazate,the remaining 10 monitored populations demonstrated a high level of resistance to bifenazate(140.4-686.1 times).[Conclusions]It is advisable to discontinue the use of abamectin and bifenazate due to significant resistance observed in populations of P.citri monitored in 12 locations across 5 provinces.It is recommended to reduce the frequency of pyridaben use and alternate with other acaricides that have different mechanisms of action due to the varying degrees of resistance developed.

Research Progress of QuEChERS Pretreatment Technique in the Detection of Multiple Pesticide Residues

The QuEChERS extraction technique is a pretreatment technique that has been rapidly applied in recent years and is widely used in the field of pesticide residues with many advantages. This technique is based on solid phase extraction (SPE), which uses the interaction between adsorbent and impurities in the matrix to achieve the purpose of purification. The method has easier operation and better purification effect than SPE. In this paper, the research progress of the QuEChERS technique in pesticide residue detection in different fields in recent years and its future development were reviewed, hoping to provide reference for further development and utilization of the QuEChERS technique in pesticide residue detection in the future.

Sensitivity of Commercial Enzyme Inhibition Colorimetric Pesticide Residue Rapid Test Kit to a Variety of Pesticides

[Objectives]To fully understand the quality of commercial enzyme inhibition-colorimetric pesticide residue rapid detection kits,so that they can play a greater role in the detection and supervision of agricultural products.[Methods]The sensitivity of 28 kinds of pesticides was determined by using the commercially available enzyme inhibition colorimetric rapid detection kit with Hendu brand.[Results]There was a significant difference in the sensitivity of the kit to each pesticide,and the kit was more sensitive to dichlorvos among the 28 pesticides tested.The sensitivity to methyl isosalifos,dimethoate,isocarbophos,fenthion and phorate was poor,and the sensitivity to quinalphos was different between 3.0 and 2.5 mL.[Conclusions]The large difference of the sensitivity of the enzyme inhibition-colorimetric rapid detection kit for pesticide residues to different kits is a reason for the false positive and false negative test results of the kit,which needs to be considered by relevant personnel.

Determination of 14 Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Mutton by Gel Permeation Chromatography-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(GPC-GC-MS)

[Objectives]This study was conducted to purify mutton samples by gel permeation chromatography(GPC).[Methods]Fourteen organophosphorus pesticide residues in samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)in selective ion scanning mode(SIM).[Results]The organophosphorus pesticide standard solutions showed good linearity in the mass concentration range of 0.1-10.0μg/ml with correlation coefficients(r)not lower than 0.999,and the detection limits(S=3 N)ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 mg/kg.The average recovery values were in the range of 80.2%-99.7%,with relative standard deviations(RSDs,n=3)in the range of 1.8%-6.3%,at the addition levels of 0.5,1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg.[Conclusions]The method is simple,sensitive and accurate,and can be used for the determination of organophosphorus pesticide residues in mutton.

A highly sensitive bio-barcode immunoassay for multi-residue detection of organophosphate pesticides based on fluorescence antiquenching

Balancing the risks and benefits of organophosphate pesticides(OPs)on human and environmental health relies partly on their accurate measurement.A highly sensitive fluorescence anti-quenching multi-residue bio-barcode immunoassay was developed to detect OPs(triazophos,parathion,and chlorpyrifos)in apples,turnips,cabbages,and rice.Gold nanoparticles were functionalized with monoclonal antibodies against the tested OPs.DNA oligonucleotides were complementarily hybridized with an RNA fluorescent label for signal amplification.The detection signals were generated by DNA-RNA hybridization and ribonuclease H dissociation of the fluorophore.The resulting fluorescence signal enables multiplexed quantification of triazophos,parathion,and chlorpyrifos residues over the concentration range of 0.01-25,0.01-50,and 0.1-50 ng/mL with limits of detection of 0.014,0.011,and 0.126 ng/mL,respectively.The mean recovery ranged between 80.3% and 110.8% with relative standard deviations of 7.3%-17.6%,which correlate well with results obtained by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).The proposed bio-barcode immunoassay is stable,reproducible and reliable,and is able to detect low residual levels of multi-residue OPs in agricultural products.

Agricultural Contamination of the Surface Waters of the Upper Ouémé in Benin: The Case of Heavy Metals and Pesticides

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the degree of contamination of surface waters by heavy metals and pesticides. Method: To this end, data were collected in December 2022 from four specific sampling stations: Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro. Levels of heavy metals, including cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead, were measured and subjected to in-depth statistical analysis using graphical summation models. In addition, the concentrations of pesticide active ingredients present in the samples were interpreted and evaluated. The statistical data collected during this study were processed using R software, version 3.5.0. Results: The values obtained at the different stations Okpara, Térou, Affon and Adjiro are respectively Arsenic (2 × 10-4 mg/L;2.2 × 10-1 mg/L;1.2 × 10-4 mg/L;2 × 10-4 mg/L), Cadmium (4.4 × 10-5 mg/L;1.1 × 10-2 mg/L;10-4 mg/L;4 × 10-4 mg/L). Then Copper (7 × 10-4 mg/L;3 × 10-3 mg/L;7 × 10-4 mg/L;1 × 10-4 mg/L), Iron (1.51 mg/L;6.4 × 10-1 mg/L;2.0012 mg/L;2.9 × 10-1 mg/L), Lead (0 mg/L;0 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L;1.5 × 10-3 mg/L). Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Mercury, nickel and chromium were not detected in surface waters. It is important to note that the values obtained for trace metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, nickel and lead) were all below the guideline standards set by the WHO in 2006 for uncontaminated surface waters. This indicates that the surface waters of the Upper Ouémé were below acceptable contamination thresholds in terms of heavy metals. However, the presence of pesticide active ingredients such as cyfluthrin, endosulfan-alpha, endosulfan-beta, profenosfos, tihan, atrazine, gala super and glycel clearly indicates that these surface waters are subject to agricultural contamination.

The fate of bugs:Decline under the looming threats of climate,habitat loss,and pesticides

Insects are posited to be declining globally.This stark reality poses a grave threat to the delicate balance of ecosystems that depend on these creatures for pollination,decomposition,and as a vital food source.Recent studies emphasize three interconnected forces driving this decline:The substantial impact of climate change on insect populations,widespread habitat destruction due to human activities,and the farreaching consequences of modern agricultural practices,particularly the extensive use of pesticides.Addressing these interconnected threats is more urgent than ever,as the future of ecosystems and the benefits they provide to human societies are increasingly at risk.

A fast screening method for multi-residue pesticide analysis of TCM herbs using liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flightmass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE Identification of pesticide residues in TCM herbs is important for drug safety and public health.However,it is very challenging for the development of an instrument-based multi-residue pesticide analysis method for theherbalproducts due to their complex matrix.This study aims to develop a rapid method for the high-throughput detection of pesticide residues in TCM herbal products using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupoletime of flight(LC-QTOF)mass spectrometry.METHODS In this study,we attempt to investigate possible pesticide residues in TCM herbal products which are commonly available in Singapore and to consolidate a comprehensive pesticide database for more than 250 regulated pesticides in FDA Regulations.We also attempt to perform non-targeted and targeted screenings of pesticide residues in herbal products by searching our database.RESULTS The developed LC-QTOF method demonstrates have high mass accuracy,resolution and selectivity,which makes it a very suitable tool for monitoring both target and non-target pesticides with a limit of detection at the low ppb level.Moreover,the LC-QTOF technology permits to retain all spectral data in a single run.It may avoid many difficulties related to matrix effects and will save much manpower.CONCLUSIONThis means that a variety of TCM herbs can be easily detected by this method for the presence or absence of pesticide residues that must conform to government regulations.

A timing self-cleaning nanoherbicide:Design of triple-structure nanovectors for weed control and pesticide residues treatment

Pesticide residues treatment is a crucial issue for both agricultural production and environmental protection.In recent years,designing self-cleaning nanoformulations has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing pesticide residues in a convenient and cost-effective manner.However,traditional physical blending methods of photodegradation reagents with nanocarriers have limitations in terms of pesticide residue degradation efficiency and active ingredient efficacy.Here,a new type of timing self-cleaning nanoherbicide dicamba@mSiO_(2)/ATA/TiO_(2)with a triple structure was fabricated.Dicamba,a widely used herbicide that was attracting increasing concern over its high efficiency and broad spectrum,was selected as the model herbicide and loaded on the mSiO_(2)shell.In the stage of pesticide release,the TiO_(2)and dicamba were separated by the timing-barrier.Therefore,the efficacy of dicamba was not affected by the photocatalyst.During the release process,the ATA layer continuously absorbed the reactive oxygen species(ROS)produced by TiO_(2)and was gradually degraded.Finally,the barrier was destroyed,and the residual dicamba in the carrier was degraded by TiO_(2).Compared with the traditional physical blending method,this triple structure avoided the degradation of active ingredients by photocatalysts during the pesticide release period.The experimental results suggested that this nanoformulation improved the efficacy of the herbicide,and reduced the pesticide residues,providing a new approach for self-cleaning nanopesticides research.

Amphiphilicity-driven octaphenyl polyoxyethylenes regulate soft microcapsules flexibility for better foliar adhesion and pesticide utilization

Pesticide-loaded flexible carriers that allow for deformation and adhesion on crop leaves is an effective way to improve pesticide utilization.In interfacial polymerization,the addition of octaphenyl polyoxyethylene(OP)with different hydrophile lipophilic balances(HLBs)into the oil phase can regulate the flexibility of pyraclostrobinloaded microcapsules(MCs).Due to differences in amphiphilicity and molecular structure,OP redistributed on the oil-water two-phases and oil-water interface.With increasing HLB,the proportion of OP entering the aqueous phase increased.Furthermore,more OP with low HLB remained in the oil phase and occupied the oil-water interface,and these OPs participated in and regulated the interfacial polymerization to increase the thickness,reduce the compactness of the shell,and increase the hydroxyl and ether bond contents in the shell.Therefore,pyraclostrobin-loaded MCs with low HLB(11.5-12.5)OP-7 exhibited flexible deformation,strong foliar adhesion,good scouring resistance,and a high control effect on peanut leaf spot,which the disease severity was 3.67.For high HLB(16),OP-21-prepared MCs with compact shells were safer to zebrafish,which the safety index was 23.81.Using the amphiphilicity of OP molecules to drive their redistribution in an encapsulation system to regulate interfacial polymerization is an effective way to control the structure and performance of pesticideloaded MCs.