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Scientific Reports Jun 2024Improved and contemporary agriculture relies heavily on pesticides, yet some can be quite persistent and have a stable chemical composition, posing a significant threat...
Improved and contemporary agriculture relies heavily on pesticides, yet some can be quite persistent and have a stable chemical composition, posing a significant threat to the ecology. Removing harmful effects is upon their degradability. Biodegradation must be emphasized to lower pesticide degradation costs, especially in the soil. Here, a decision-making system was used to determine the best microbial strain for the biodegradation of the pyrethroid-contaminated soil. In this system, the criteria chosen as: pH (C), Temp (C), RPM (C), Conc. (C), Degradation (%) (C) and Time required for degradation(hrs) (C); and five alternatives were Bacillus (A), Acinetobacter (A), Escherichia (A), Pseudomonas (A), and Fusarium (A). The best alternative was selected by applying the TOPSIS (technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution) method, which evaluates based on their closeness to the ideal solution and how well they meet specific requirements. Among all the specified criteria, Acinetobacter (A) was the best and optimal based on the relative closeness value (( ) = 0.740 (A) > 0.544 (A) > 0.480 (A) > 0.403 (A) > 0.296 (A)). However, the ranking of the other alternatives is also obtained in the order Fusarium (A), Bacillus (A), Pseudomonas (A), Escherichia (A). Hence this study suggests Acinetobacter is the best microbial strain for biodegradation of pyrethroids; while least preference should be given to Escherichia. Acinetobacter, versatile metabolic nature with various xenobiotic compounds' degradation ability, is gram-negative, aerobic, coccobacilli, nonmotile, and nonspore forming bacteria. Due to less study about Acinetobacter it is not in that much frame as the other microorganisms. Hence, considering the Acinetobacter strain for the biodegradation study will give more optimal results than the other microbial strains. Novelty of this study, the TOPSIS method is applied first time in selecting the best microbial strain for the biodegradation of pyrethroid-contaminated soil, considering this selection process as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Pyrethrins; Soil Pollutants; Soil Microbiology; Bacteria; Bacillus; Fusarium; Decision Making; Pseudomonas; Acinetobacter
PubMed: 38942772
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59223-z -
Environment International Jun 2024As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, increasing evidences suggest that the gut microbiota may play a crucial role in the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Thus,...
As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, increasing evidences suggest that the gut microbiota may play a crucial role in the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Thus, this study was aimed at investigating the influence of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of organisms exposed to environmental contaminants, i.e., plasticizers: phthalate esters. We found that in mice, exposure to dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) and bis -2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) decreased the blood glucose level and white fat weight, induced inflammatory responses, caused damage to liver and intestinal tissues, and disrupted the gut microbiota composition and SCFAs metabolism. Specifically, the Bacteroidetes phylum was positively correlated with BBIBP-CorV vaccine, while acetic acid was negatively associated with the vaccine. Interestingly, the BBIBP-CorV vaccine somewhat alleviated tissue inflammation and reduced the contents of acetic acid and propionic acid in mice exposed to DEHP and DOTP. These findings were confirmed by a fecal microbiota transplantation assay. Overall, this study revealed that exposure to DEHP and DOTP adversely affects the gut microbiota and SCFAs, while the BBIBP-CorV vaccine can protect mice against these effects. This work highlighted the relationship between BBIBP-CorV vaccination, gut microbiome composition, and responses to plasticizers, which may facilitate the development and risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and environmental contaminants on microbiota health.
PubMed: 38941942
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108851 -
Tissue & Cell Jun 2024Exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), causes reproductive toxicity in mammals and reptiles. However, reports on the effects of IMI on the gonads...
Exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), causes reproductive toxicity in mammals and reptiles. However, reports on the effects of IMI on the gonads in birds are grossly lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of pubertal exposure to IMI on the histology, ultrastructure, as well as the cytoskeletal proteins, desmin, smooth muscle actin and vimentin, of the gonads of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Quails were randomly divided into four groups at 5 weeks of age. The control group was given only distilled water, whereas, the other three experimental groups, IMI was administered by oral gavage at 1.55, 3.1, and 6.2 mg/kg, twice per week for 4 weeks. Exposure to IMI doses of 3.1 and 6.2 mg/kg caused dose-dependent histopathological changes in the ovary and testis. In the ovary, accumulation of lymphocytes, degenerative changes, and necrosis with granulocyte infiltrations were observed, while in the testis, distorted seminiferous tubules, germ cell sloughing, vacuolisations, apoptotic bodies, autophagosomes, and mitochondrial damage were detected. These changes were accompanied by a decreased number of primary follicles (P ≤ 0.05) in the ovary and a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the epithelial height, luminal, and tubular diameters of seminiferous tubules at the two higher dosages. In addition, IMI had a negative effect on the immunostaining intensity of desmin, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin in the ovarian and testicular tissue. In conclusion, exposure to IMI during puberty can lead to a range of histopathological alterations in the gonads of Japanese quails, which may ultimately result in infertility.
PubMed: 38941762
DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102450 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jun 2024The emerging alien cactus Cylindropuntia pallida (Rose) F.M. Knuth originates from northern Mexico and introduced into South Africa in 1940s as an ornamental...
The emerging alien cactus Cylindropuntia pallida (Rose) F.M. Knuth originates from northern Mexico and introduced into South Africa in 1940s as an ornamental plant. Multiple populations of C. pallida have been detected in various areas of South Africa. C. pallida has effective propagule dispersal and rapid recruitment making it a likely key future invader, and thus, is a target for eradication in South Africa. To eradicate C. pallida populations, a foliar spray (i.e. using a 2% concentration of herbicide with fluroxypyr and triclopyr) has been applied to plants in nine populations, with population sizes ranging between 535 and 2701 plants and populations covering areas of 100 -1000 ha. The aims of the study were to investigate the efficacy of the foliar spray method used to eradicate C. pallida; to investigate the impacts of C. pallida invasions on native vegetation integrity; to apply species distribution models (SDMs) to identify suitable climates for C. pallida in South Africa; and to document the biomes vulnerable to the negative impact of C. pallida in South Africa. Results show that foliar spray killed many C. pallida plants (mean percentage of dead plants ± SE, 83.3 ± 6.4; n = 9; range, 70-96%), with adult plants taking about 2 months to die completely. The efficacy of the herbicide was not affected by plant size or the concentration of the herbicide used. The invaded site had significantly greater vegetation cover which persisted across winter compared to the uninvaded site, but the latter site's vegetation cover significantly dropped in winter. Also, the invaded site had lower plant species diversity than the uninvaded site and was dominated by species in the Poaceae and Asteraceae plant families. Additionally, a normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) analysis shows that the uninvaded site has higher vegetation cover and health than the invaded site wherein a notable decline in vegetation health was observed between 2019 and 2022. A large area (> 15 million hectares) was predicted to be suitable for invasion by C. pallida in provinces with arid and warm temperate climates - the fynbos and grassland biomes are the most vulnerable. Because of the observed negative impacts, high environmental compatibility, and high cost of clearing large infestations, we advocate for considering the biocontrol method for effectively managing C. pallida invasion in South Africa.
Topics: Herbicides; South Africa; Cactaceae; Introduced Species; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38940993
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12821-w -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... May 2024Phosphine resistance in challenges grain storage. This study investigates the impact of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and CYP346 family genes on phosphine resistance in...
BACKGROUND
Phosphine resistance in challenges grain storage. This study investigates the impact of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and CYP346 family genes on phosphine resistance in Indian Tribolium castaneum populations.
METHODS
Seven field populations of were compared with Lab- susceptible population for their resistance to phosphine. The levels of cytochrome P450 enzyme and expression of certain CYP346 family genes were tracked in these populations.
RESULTS
The highly resistant Patiala population showed significantly increased CYP450 activity (11.26 ± 0.14 nmol/min/mg protein, 7.41-fold higher) compared to the lab-susceptible population (1.52 ± 0.09 nmol/min/mg protein) when assayed using 8 mM p-nitroanisole as the substrate. The mRNA expression was measured relative to the standard gene and revealed significant upregulation of and in highly resistant populations Moga and Patiala (: 12.09 ± 2.19 to 21.74 ± 3.82; : 59.097 ± 10.265 to 50.148 ± 8.272). Patiala's exhibited an impressive 685.76-fold change, and Moga's showed a 361.893-fold change compared to lab-susceptible. Linear regression confirmed robust fits for each gene (R2: 0.693 to 0.756). Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated a strong positive correlation between genes expression; and cytochrome P450 activity. Patiala, Moga, and Hapur populations showed conformity, associating higher resistance with increased P450 activity and CYP346 gene expression. Cluster analysis highlighted a potential correlation between , , and and P450 activity, with Patiala and Moga clustering together.
CONCLUSIONS
Variability in and in strong resistance populations may contribute to adaptation and resistance mechanisms. The study provides insights into specific CYP346 family genes associated with phosphine resistance, emphasizing the intricate interaction between CYP450 detoxifying enzymes, CYP346 family genes, and resistance mechanisms. The upregulation of genes suggests a survival advantage for against phosphine, diminishing phosphine's efficacy as a pest control measure.
Topics: Tribolium; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Insecticide Resistance; Phosphines; Insecticides; India; Animals
PubMed: 38940033
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906203 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) Jun 2024Due to the constant and improper use of chemicals, including pesticides, many substances, and their degradation products can accumulate in the soil and negatively affect...
BACKGROUND
Due to the constant and improper use of chemicals, including pesticides, many substances, and their degradation products can accumulate in the soil and negatively affect its organisms.
METHODS
In this study, morphological methods, Gram-staining, and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionzation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) methods were used to isolate bacteria from agricultural soils, while genetic identification was conducted using 16S rRNA. The density of bacteria was determined using the spectrophotometric method, and the residual amount of cypermethrin was determined and analyzed using Gas chromatograohy-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods.
RESULTS
Nine isolates were obtained from various agricultural soils. Isolate No. 3 showed the greatest effectiveness against cypermethrin and was selected for further research. Isolate No. 3 was identified as the strain PDB-3 and was registered in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database (GenBank: OL587509.1). Using this strain, the influence of various external factors on the degradation of cypermethrin was studied. This bacterium demonstrated 100% degradation of cypermethrin in 20 days under optimal conditions (temperature: 30 °C; optical density (OD) = 0.2; cypermethrin concentration: 80 ± 0.02 mg/kg). In addition, PDB-3 changed the original structure of cypermethrin into various intermediate metabolites, such as 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxy benzeneacetonitrile, 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde, 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde, methyl stearate, anethol, citral, and phenol.
CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained using PDB-3 provide the basis for large-scale field trials on the bioremediation of cypermethrin-contaminated soils.
Topics: Pyrethrins; Ochrobactrum; Pesticides; Biodegradation, Environmental; Soil Microbiology; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
PubMed: 38939915
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1602020 -
Chemical & Biomedical Imaging Jun 2024Epicuticular wax is the outmost layer of plant leaves that protects them from desiccation and penetration of harmful reagents. There is an intense industrial effort in...
Epicuticular wax is the outmost layer of plant leaves that protects them from desiccation and penetration of harmful reagents. There is an intense industrial effort in the development of softening agents, adjuvants, that can adjust the permeability of the wax toward pesticides and, thus, play an important role in sustainable agriculture. However, mechanistic understanding of the structure and dynamic properties within the plant wax, particularly upon the application of adjuvants, is currently lacking. In this work, we demonstrate that fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) combined with molecular rotors, fluorescent probes sensitive to viscosity, can directly probe the microviscosity of amorphous and crystalline phases of model plant wax layers. Moreover, this approach is able to quantify the changes in viscosity in both phases upon the addition of water and adjuvant solutions on top of the wax. We show that water permeation mostly perturbs the crystalline phase of the wax, while our chosen adjuvant, Plurafac LF431, mainly softens the amorphous phase of the wax. Our technique provides a facile and quantitative way to monitor dynamic properties within plant waxes with diffraction-limited resolution and reveals the effect of organic substances on wax structure and rigidity, crucial for designing next-generation agents to improve agricultural efficiency.
PubMed: 38939873
DOI: 10.1021/cbmi.4c00005 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Pesticides are widely used in agricultural activities. Although pesticide use is known to cause damage to the human body, its relationship with thyroid function remains...
BACKGROUND
Pesticides are widely used in agricultural activities. Although pesticide use is known to cause damage to the human body, its relationship with thyroid function remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between pesticide exposure and thyroid function.
METHODS
The Chinese database used included 60 patients with pyrethroid poisoning and 60 participants who underwent health checkups between June 2022 and June 2023. The NHANES database included 1,315 adults enrolled from 2007 to 2012. The assessed pesticide and their metabolites included 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4F3PB), para-nitrophenol (PN), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3P), and trans-dichlorovinyl-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (TDDC). The evaluated indicators of thyroid function were measured by the blood from the included population. The relationship between pesticide exposure and thyroid function indexes was investigated using linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), restricted cubic spline (RCS), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) models.
RESULTS
The Chinese data showed that pesticide exposure was negatively correlated with the thyroid function indicators FT4, TT4, TgAb, and TPOAb (all < 0.05). The BKMR model analysis of the NHANES data showed that the metabolic mixture of multiple pesticides was negatively associated with FT4, TSH, and Tg, similar to the Chinese database findings. Additionally, linear regression analysis demonstrated positive correlations between 2,4-D and FT3 ( = 0.041) and 4F3PB and FT4 ( = 0.003), whereas negative associations were observed between 4F3PB and Tg ( = 0.001), 4F3PB and TgAb ( = 0.006), 3P and TgAB ( = 0.006), 3P and TPOAb ( = 0.03), PN and TSH ( = 0.003), PN and TT4 ( = 0.031), and TDDC and TPOAb ( < 0.001). RCS curves highlighted that most pesticide metabolites were negatively correlated with thyroid function indicators. Finally, WQS model analysis revealed significant differences in the weights of different pesticide metabolites on the thyroid function indexes.
CONCLUSION
There is a significant negative correlation between pesticide metabolites and thyroid function indicators, and the influence weights of different pesticide metabolites on thyroid function indicators are significantly different. More research is needed to further validate the association between different pesticide metabolites and thyroid disease.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Male; Female; Middle Aged; China; Adult; Thyroid Gland; Nutrition Surveys; Thyroid Function Tests; Environmental Exposure; Databases, Factual; Aged; 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid; East Asian People
PubMed: 38939562
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1378027 -
Chemical Science Jun 2024A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 3] cycloaddition of the methylene-trimethylenemethane donor with an azadiene has been developed, affording...
A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 3] cycloaddition of the methylene-trimethylenemethane donor with an azadiene has been developed, affording benzofuro[3,2-]azepine-derived exocyclic chiral allene with control of axial and point chirality. The target compounds were generated in good to excellent yields and with high diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr, 99% ee). Furthermore, this cycloaddition reaction could be efficiently scaled-up and several synthetic transformations were accomplished for the construction of useful chiral allenol and chiral spirocyclic derivatives.
PubMed: 38939158
DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01649a -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Indoor residual spraying (IRS) has been implemented to prevent malaria in Zambia for several decades, but its effectiveness has not been evaluated long term and in Vubwi...
BACKGROUND
Indoor residual spraying (IRS) has been implemented to prevent malaria in Zambia for several decades, but its effectiveness has not been evaluated long term and in Vubwi District yet. This study aimed to assess the association between IRS and the malaria burden in Zambia and Vubwi District and to explore the factors associated with refusing IRS.
METHODS
A retrospective study was used to analyze the association between IRS and malaria incidence in Zambia in 2001-2020 and in Vubwi District in 2014-2020 by Spearman correlation analysis. A case-control study was used to explore the factors associated with IRS refusals by households in Vubwi District in 2021. A logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with IRS refusals.
RESULTS
The malaria incidence reached its peak (391/1000) in 2001 and dropped to the lowest (154/1000) in 2019. The annual percentage change in 2001-2003, 2003-2008, 2008-2014, 2014-2018 and 2018-2020 was - 6.54%, - 13.24%, 5.04%, - 10.28% and 18.61%, respectively. A significantly negative correlation between the percentage of population protected by the IRS against the total population in Zambia (coverage) and the average malaria incidence in the whole population was observed in 2005-2020 (r = - 0.685, P = 0.003) and 2005-2019 (r = - 0.818, P < 0.001). Among 264 participants (59 in the refuser group and 205 in the acceptor group), participants with specific occupations (self-employed: OR 0.089, 95% CI 0.022-0.364; gold panning: OR 0.113, 95% CI 0.022-0.574; housewives: OR 0.129, 95% CI 0.026-0.628 and farmers: OR 0.135, 95% CI 0.030-0.608 compared to employees) and no malaria case among household members (OR 0.167; 95% CI 0.071-0.394) had a lower risk of refusing IRS implementation, while those with a secondary education level (OR 3.690, 95% CI 1.245-10.989) had a higher risk of refusing IRS implementation compared to those who had never been to school.
CONCLUSIONS
Increasing coverage with IRS was associated with decreasing incidence of malaria in Zambia, though this was not observed in Vubwi District, possibly because of the special geographical location of Vubwi District. Interpersonal communication and targeted health education should be implemented at full scale to ensure household awareness and gain community trust.
Topics: Zambia; Humans; Case-Control Studies; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Incidence; Retrospective Studies; Insecticides; Female; Male; Animals; Adult; Child, Preschool; Child; Adolescent
PubMed: 38937791
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06328-z