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BMC Public Health Jun 2021Nepal recorded 5754 suicides in 2018-19 - a high number for a relatively small country. Over 24% of these suicides were by poisoning, most by ingestion of highly...
BACKGROUND
Nepal recorded 5754 suicides in 2018-19 - a high number for a relatively small country. Over 24% of these suicides were by poisoning, most by ingestion of highly concentrated agricultural pesticides. Nepal has actively regulated pesticides to reduce their health impacts since 2001. We aimed to analyse Nepal's history of pesticide regulation, pesticides responsible for poisonings, and relate them to national suicide rates.
METHODS
Information on pesticide regulation was collected from the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. National data on suicides from 1980 to 2019 were obtained from the National Statistical Bureau and Nepal Police. Data on the pesticides responsible for self-poisoning and pesticide suicides over time were obtained from a systematic literature review.
RESULTS
As of June 2020, 171 pesticides were registered for use in Nepal, of which one was extremely hazardous (WHO Class Ia), one other highly hazardous (WHO Class Ib), and 71 moderately hazardous (WHO Class II). Twenty-four pesticides have been banned since 2001, with eight (including five WHO Class I compounds) banned in 2019. Although the suicide rate has increased more than twelve-fold since 1980, particularly for hanging (15-fold increase from 1980 to 2018), fatal pesticide self-poisoning has increased by 13-fold. Methyl-parathion is reported to be the key pesticide responsible for pesticide self-poisoning in Nepal, despite being banned in 2006.
CONCLUSION
The full effect of the recent pesticide policy reform in Nepal remains to be seen. Our analysis shows a continuing increase in suicide numbers, despite bans of the most important pesticide in 2006. This may indicate smuggling across the border and the use of the brand name (Metacid) for pesticides in general making it difficult to identify the responsible pesticide. More information is required from forensic toxicology labs that identify the individual compounds found. The effect of recent bans of common suicide pesticides needs to be monitored over the coming years. Evidence from other Asian countries suggests that HHPs bans will lead to a marked reduction in suicides, as well as fewer cases of occupational poisoning.
Topics: Asia; Eating; Humans; Nepal; Pesticides; Poisoning; Suicide
PubMed: 34120596
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11155-3 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Jun 2021An epidemiological study on animal poisoning due to plants and zootoxins has been carried out by the Poison Control Centre of Milan (CAV) in collaboration with the...
An epidemiological study on animal poisoning due to plants and zootoxins has been carried out by the Poison Control Centre of Milan (CAV) in collaboration with the University of Milan (Italy). During the period January 2015-March 2019, the CAV received 932 calls on animal poisonings, 12.66% (n = 118) of which were related to plants and zootoxins. Among these, 95 enquiries (80.51%) concerned exposures to plants and 23 (19.49%) to zootoxins. The dog was the species most frequently involved (67.80% of the calls, n = 80), followed by the cat (26.27%, n = 31). As for the plants, several poisoning episodes were related to glycoside-, alkaloid-, oxalate- and diterpenoid-containing species. Cycas revoluta, Euphorbia pulcherrima and Hydrangea macrophylla were the most often reported plants. The outcome has been reported for half of the episodes (51.58%, n = 49) and it was fatal for 3 animals (6.12%). Regarding the zootoxins, the majority of the enquiries were related to asp viper (Vipera aspis), but exposures to pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), common toad (Bufo), fire salamander (Salamandra), and jellyfish (phylum Cnidaria) were also reported. The outcome was known in 65.22% of the cases with just one fatal episode. This epidemiological investigation depicts an interesting overview on the issue of plant and zootoxin exposures in domestic animals, highlighting the relevance of these agents as causes of animal poisoning and providing useful information for prevention and diagnosis.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Domestic; Cats; Cnidaria; Cycas; Dogs; Italy; Poison Control Centers; Poisoning
PubMed: 33798604
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.019 -
Human & Experimental Toxicology 2023Corynetoxins, members of the tunicamycin group of antibiotics, are produced by the bacterium, . They cause a severe neurologic disorder in domestic livestock, are...
Corynetoxins, members of the tunicamycin group of antibiotics, are produced by the bacterium, . They cause a severe neurologic disorder in domestic livestock, are hepatotoxins, and can damage retinal photoreceptors. For these toxins to be ingested by livestock, the bacterium must first be transported onto host plants by adhering to nematode larvae. In the infected seed heads, bacterial galls (gumma) then form. While corynetoxicity occurs most commonly in Australia, it has occurred sporadically in other countries and, due to the widespread global distribution of the bacterium, nematode, and host plants, there is great potential for further spread, particularly as the range of host plant species and nematode vectors identified for is increasing. Since many animal species are susceptible to corynetoxins poisoning, it is likely that humans would also be vulnerable if exposed to these potent, lethal toxins.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Actinomycetales; Actinobacteria; Glycolipids; Toxins, Biological
PubMed: 37133421
DOI: 10.1177/09603271231165672 -
Toxicology Reports 2021Over the centuries, the development of knowledge about poisons and antidotes depended on their conceptualization, however, a range of poisons and the concept of antidote...
Over the centuries, the development of knowledge about poisons and antidotes depended on their conceptualization, however, a range of poisons and the concept of antidote evolved. With the passing of time, different substances of plant, animal, and mineral origin, moreover, man-made ones, were used deliberatively, accidentally, or unintentionally as poisons. The concept of antidote was changing in line with the progress of medicine and understanding of the mechanism of how poison works. From this perspective, the history of antidotes may be considered as the quintessence of changes within toxicology. Among the theories of antidote, the most interesting is the concept of a universal one, because it has never become obsolete. This review article focuses on the changing conceptualization of antidotes. It contains an analysis of historical toxicological treatises on antidotes and PubMed articles on the same topic.
PubMed: 34195019
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.06.019 -
Cancer Treatment and Research... 2021Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a highly toxic pollutant that is released into the environment as a byproduct of most modern factories and industries. Cd enters our... (Review)
Review
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a highly toxic pollutant that is released into the environment as a byproduct of most modern factories and industries. Cd enters our body in significant quantities from contaminated water, cigarette smoke, or food product to many detrimental health hazards. Based on causal association all the Cd-related or derived compounds have been classified as carcinogens. In this study, we present an overview of the published literature to understand the molecular mechanisms for Cd-induced carcinogenesis and its prevention. In acute Cd poisoning production of reactive oxygen species is a key factor. However, chronic Cd exposure can transform cells to become more resistant to oxidative stress. Also, as an epigenetic mechanism Cd acts indirectly on DNA repair mechanisms via alteration of reactions upstream. Those transformed cells acquire resistance to apoptosis and deregulation of calcium homeostasis. Leading to uncontrolled carcinogenic cell proliferation and inherent DNA lesions. Flavonoids commonly found in plant foods have been shown to have a protective effect against Cd-induced carcinogenicity. A wide variety of tumorigenic mechanisms involved in chronic Cd exposure and the beneficial effects of flavonoids against Cd-induced carcinogenicity necessitate further investigations.
Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Breast Neoplasms; Cadmium; Carcinogenesis; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Prostatic Neoplasms; Regulated Cell Death
PubMed: 33865114
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2021.100372 -
Journal of the American College of... Apr 2021In the absence of a definitive cure, herbal medications are gaining increasing popularity in the general public for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
In the absence of a definitive cure, herbal medications are gaining increasing popularity in the general public for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although many herbal preparations are safe and can be used without complication, serious toxicities do occur. This article focuses on the major characteristics and toxicities of herbal preparations that have been proposed as treatments for COVID-19.
METHODS
A review was performed focusing on herbal preparations that have gained popularity as potential treatments for COVID-19. Some of these preparations have been directly recommended by government agencies, whereas others have gained popularity through various other news sources.
RESULTS
The herbal preparations covered in this paper include the cardiac glycoside oleandrin, plants of the genus, and herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese Medicine including plants of the genus, bitter apricot seeds, ephedra, and licorice root.
CONCLUSION
Although herbal preparations have been reported to aid in the treatment of COVID-19 with success, few clinical trials have been performed to evaluate their efficacy and instead rely mainly on studies and anecdotal reports. Furthermore, many of the herbal preparations suggested carry significant toxicities, and frontline healthcare workers should be aware of the common symptoms and toxidromes that result from these poisonings.
PubMed: 33817690
DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12411 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jul 2022Several plants that contain indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, are toxic to livestock, causing dysfunctional lysosomes and storage disease. Swainsonine...
Several plants that contain indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, are toxic to livestock, causing dysfunctional lysosomes and storage disease. Swainsonine induces a neurovisceral disease, known as locoism, in sheep, goats, and cattle, which occurs in several parts of the world, including, but not limited to, the western United States, China, and parts of Australia. In South America, locoism has been described in the Andean region of Argentina affecting sheep, cattle, and llamas. Intoxication by consumption of was suspected in 4 llamas in Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. The grazing area contained abundant specimens of . The clinical course was ~15 d, and included moderate ataxia, incoordination of hindlimbs, and progressive loss of body condition. Microscopically, fine cytoplasmic microvacuolation was observed in the proximal convoluted renal tubules. Ultrastructurally, these changes consisted of severely dilated lysosomes. Swainsonine was detected in stem and leaf samples of at a concentration of 0.06%. Based on clinical history and signs, histologic and ultrastructural changes, and plant analysis, a diagnosis of swainsonine toxicosis caused by consumption of was made, which has not been reported previously, to our knowledge.
Topics: Animals; Argentina; Astragalus Plant; Camelids, New World; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Plant Poisoning; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Swainsonine
PubMed: 35524435
DOI: 10.1177/10406387221094272 -
Microbial Biotechnology Dec 2023The United Nations heralds a world population exponential increase exceeding 9.7 billion by 2050. This poses the challenge of covering the nutritional needs of an... (Review)
Review
The United Nations heralds a world population exponential increase exceeding 9.7 billion by 2050. This poses the challenge of covering the nutritional needs of an overpopulated world by the hand of preserving the environment. Extensive agriculture practices harnessed the employment of fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop productivity and prevent economic and harvest yield losses attributed to plagues and diseases. Unfortunately, the concomitant hazardous effects stemmed from such agriculture techniques are cumbersome, that is, biodiversity loss, soils and waters contaminations, and human and animal poisoning. Hence, the so-called 'green agriculture' research revolves around designing novel biopesticides and plant growth-promoting bio-agents to the end of curbing the detrimental effects. In this field, microbe-plant interactions studies offer multiple possibilities for reshaping the plant holobiont physiology to its benefit. Along these lines, bacterial extracellular membrane vesicles emerge as an appealing molecular tool to capitalize on. These nanoparticles convey a manifold of molecules that mediate intricate bacteria-plant interactions including plant immunomodulation. Herein, we bring into the spotlight bacterial extracellular membrane vesicle engineering to encase immunomodulatory effectors into their cargo for their application as biocontrol agents. The overarching goal is achieving plant priming by deploying its innate immune responses thereby preventing upcoming infections.
Topics: Humans; Plant Development; Plants; Agriculture; Soil; Crop Production; Antigens, Bacterial
PubMed: 37530752
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14323 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Mar 2023Increased consumer awareness of the health aspects of the diet has influenced the increased consumption of fruit and vegetables. Due to the fact that these products are... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Increased consumer awareness of the health aspects of the diet has influenced the increased consumption of fruit and vegetables. Due to the fact that these products are mainly consumed raw and are usually not subjected to processes that reduce their microbiological contamination, they become a source of infection and transmit pathogens causing food poisoning in humans. Salmonella bacteria are a serious treat to human health and remain a serious problem in many parts of the world.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to review the current state of knowledge regarding the prevalence of Salmonella bacteria on fresh fruit and vegetables. Attention is also given to the mechanisms by which these bacteria adapt to colonize plants. Methods that can prevent contamination of plant products by the bacteria are also analyzed.
REVIEW METHODS
The review was based on data obtained from scientific articles published in the Science Direct and Pub Med database between 2007 - 2022, found with the use of the following keywords: Salmonella, fruit, vegetables, food contamination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
Data from the literature report that fresh fruit and vegetables are a source of Salmonella contamination through contact with soil, manure, compost, water or staff.
SUMMARY
Actions targeting salmonellosis prevention should be undertaken by both the public and private sectors. Government regulations and stricter measures put in place can provide a framework that guides both domestic production and international imports. Periodic training of workers dealing with food is also important. Attention should be directed mainly to production control and less to the testing of final products. Education leading to increased awareness of salmonellosis should be indispensable.
Topics: Humans; Bacteria; Food Contamination; Food Microbiology; Fruit; Salmonella; Salmonella Food Poisoning; Salmonella Infections; Vegetables
PubMed: 36999850
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/156765 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2021Staphylococcal infections are a widespread cause of disease in humans. In particular, is a major causative agent of infection in clinical medicine. In addition, these... (Review)
Review
Staphylococcal infections are a widespread cause of disease in humans. In particular, is a major causative agent of infection in clinical medicine. In addition, these bacteria can produce a high number of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) that may cause food intoxications. Apart from , many coagulase-negative spp. could be the source of food contamination. Thus, there is an active research work focused on developing novel preventative interventions based on food supplements to reduce the impact of staphylococcal food poisoning. Interestingly, many plant-derived compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, or terpenoids, show significant antimicrobial activity against staphylococci, and therefore these compounds could be crucial to reduce the incidence of food intoxication in humans. Here, we reviewed the most promising strategies developed to prevent staphylococcal food poisoning.
PubMed: 33498299
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020091