Seasonal screening of pesticide residues in beehive products collected from different districts in Egypt.

Pesticides are of immense importance in agriculture, but they might contaminate bees' products. In this study, samples of honey, pollen, and beeswax were collected, seasonally, from apiaries in Toshka (Aswan), El-Noubariya (El-Beheira), and Ismailia (Ismailia) cities in Egypt. The pesticide residues were analyzed using the GC-MS after being extracted and cleaned using the QuEChERS method. Results showed that samples from El-Noubariya had great content of residues followed by Ismailia, and finally Toshka. Samples collected during fall and winter had the highest pesticide residue contents. Specifically, the phenylconazole fungicide group was repeatedly detected in all the examined samples along with organophosphate insecticides. Beeswax samples had the greatest amounts of pesticide residues followed by pollen and then honey samples. Chlorpyrifos (0.07-39.16 ng/g) and profenofos (1.94-17.00 ng/g) were detected in honey samples and their products. Pyriproxyfen (57.12 ng/g) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (39.16 ng/g) were detected in great amounts in beeswax samples from Ismailia and El-Noubariya, respectively. Yet, according to health hazard and quotient studies, the amounts of pesticides detected in honey do not pose any health threats to humans.

Bioremediation of chlorpyrifos residues using some indigenous species of bacteria and fungi in wastewater.

Pollutants cause a huge problem for humans, animals, plants, and various ecosystems, especially water resources. Agricultural, domestic, and industrial waste effluents change the water quality and affect living microorganisms. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify possible microorganisms in wastewater as potential bioremediation agents of pesticide residues. Wastewater samples were collected from El-Khairy agricultural drainage, which receives agricultural and domestic wastes. Bacteria and fungi species were isolated as clean cultures. Wastewater samples were analyzed for pesticide residues via gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) system. Results uncovered the presence of ten pesticides ranging from 0.0817 to 28.162 µg/l, and the predominant pesticide was chlorpyrifos. Along with that, about nine species (3 bacterial and 6 fungal) were relatively efficient in the removal of chlorpyrifos residues up to 2000 µg/l with removal percentages ranging from 24.16 to 80.93% under laboratory conditions. Two bacterial isolates proficiently degraded significant amounts of chlorpyrifos: Bacillus cereus strain PC2 (GenBank accession No. MZ314010) and Streptomyces praecox strain SP1 (GenBank accession No. MZ314009). In-site bacterial and fungal isolates defined in the current study were proficient in cleaning wastewater of chlorpyrifos pesticide residues.

Use of DNA adduct and histopathological defects as indications for bio-persistence potency of zinc oxide nanoparticles in gastropod, Monacha cartusiana (Mǜller) after short-term exposure.

The cytotoxic effects of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) might be revealed in genomic and histopathological defects. Therefore current study aimed to assess the bio-persistence and adverse effects potency of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in the gastropod, Monacha cartusiana. Gastropods were exposed to 74 µg/mL for 14 d then the DNA adduct and histopathological defect profiles were assessed. The results demonstrated significant decline in the estimated genomic template stability (GTS%) in haemolymph and digestive gland ranging from 10.0 to 42.9% in treated animals compared to controls. In the treated and recovered snails, randomly amplified polymorphic (RAPD)-DNA showed the appearance and/or disappearance of DNA bands, indicating DNA damage due to the cytotoxicity of ZnONPs on gastropods. Significant defects in microvilli (MV), nucleus (N), mitochondria (M), and execratory glands (EXG) were noticed in the treated individuals with respect to controls. The remaining live animals were subjected to a recovery period (14 d, without treatment) and slight recovery profiles were reported for both measures compared to the control group. The recovery pattern was recognized in the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio with 0.186 and 0.428 in the treated and recovered groups concerning their control (0.176). The studied parameters reported herein might be reliable tools to assess accumulation and bio-persistence patterns of NPs in the organisms for short-term exposure indicating the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Also, gastropods may provide simple models for evaluating the ecotoxicological effects of nanomaterials.

Analysis of organochlorine pesticides residues in fish from Edko Lake (North of Egypt) using eco-friendly method and their health implications for humans.

Levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in tilapia fish and their health risk associated with the consumption of fish from Edko lake, Egypt were determined. The quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method (QuEChERS) was used for extraction and clean-up of 18 OCPs residues from fish followed by GC-ECD and GC-ITD analytical tools were employed for identification of OPs. Out of the 18 OCPs, only heptachlorepoxide, p,p-DDE, dieldrin, p,p-DDD, and endrin ketone were detected in muscles of fish with concentrations of 0.1144, 0.2119, 0.4352, 0.1196, and 0.1323 µg/Kg bw, respectively. Results of the risk assessment calculations showed that dieldrin had a health risk index of more than one. This means that there was a health risk to adults associated with the consumption of fish. On the other hand, heptachlorepoxide, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDD, and endrin ketone did not show any direct health risk. Contamination of fish, collected from Edko lake in Egypt, with residues of OCPs might pose health implications if fish were consumed fresh. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-020-00085-8.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in raw and grilled freshwater fish (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from various locations along the Nile basin in Egypt.

The current study aimed to assess meat quality of samples of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus), along with examining organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in these samples and their potential risks to humans. About 55 samples were collected from eleven sites on the Nile River in Egypt: Damietta, El-Behera, El-Dakahlia, Kafrelsheikh, El-Gharbia, El-Menoufia, Cairo, El-Giza, El-Fayoum, El-Menia, and Aswan Governorates. Fish samples were analyzed fresh and grilled for meat quality characteristics and the presence of OCP residues using the QuEChERS method for extraction and cleanup accompanied by detection using GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) system. Then, risk hazards of OCP residues were calculated. Results showed that all quality criteria of raw and cooked meat samples were within the permissible levels set by the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS). The detected residues of OCPs in fresh samples were hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-HCH, ß-HCH, and δ-HCH), heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, endosulfan, and p,p'-DDE. Endrin aldehyde was detected in all tested sites, while heptachlor epoxide was found in eight (73%) out of the 11 tested locations. After grilling, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan, and endrin aldehyde compounds were found in fish meat. Cooking fish samples reduced the OCP residue amounts by at least 95% of detected amounts in fresh meat.

Ameliorative Role of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Against Fipronil Impact on Brain Function, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptotic Cascades in Albino Rats.

Fipronil (FIP) is an N-phenylpyrazole insecticide that is used extensively in public health and agriculture against a wide range of pests. Exposure to FIP is linked to negative health outcomes in humans and animals including promoting neuronal cell injury, which results in apoptosis through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) on neuronal dysfunction induced by FIP in albino rats. Male rats were randomly classified into four groups: control, FIP (5 mg/kg bwt), CeNPs (35 mg/kg bwt), and FIP + CeNPs (5 (FIP) + 35 (CeNPs) mg/kg bwt), which were treated orally once daily for 28 consecutive days. Brain antioxidant parameters, histopathology, and mRNA expression of genes related to brain function were evaluated. The results revealed oxidative damage to brain tissues in FIP-treated rats indicated by the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). On the other hand, the FIP's group that was treated with CeNPs showed decrease in MDA and NO levels and increase in SOD and GPx enzymes activity. Besides, FIP-treated rats showed decreased butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity in comparison to the FIP + CeNPs group. Moreover, FIP caused up-regulation of the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), caspase-3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) but down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) expression. But the FIP + CeNPs group significantly down-regulated the GFAP, NSE, and caspase-3 and up-regulated the gene expression of BCL-2. Additionally, the FIP-treated group of rats had clear degenerative lesions in brain tissue that was reversed to nearly normal cerebral architecture by the FIP + CeNPs treatment. Immunohistochemical examination of brain tissues of rats-treated with FIP showed abundant ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) microglia and caspase-3 and apoptotic cells with nearly negative calbindin and synaptophysin reaction, which were countered by FIP + CeNPs treatment that revealed a critical decrease in caspase-3, Iba-1 reaction with a strong calbindin positive reaction in most of the Purkinje cells and strong synaptophysin reaction in the cerebrum and cerebellum tissues. Based on reported results herein, CeNPs treatment might counteract the neurotoxic effect of FIP pesticide via an antioxidant-mediated mechanism.

The potential ameliorative impacts of cerium oxide nanoparticles against fipronil-induced hepatic steatosis.

Fipronil (FIP) is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that is commonly used in agricultural and veterinary fields for controlling a wide range of insects, but it is a strong environmentally toxic substance. Exposure to FIP has been reported to increase the hepatic fat accumulation through altered lipid metabolism, which ultimately can contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. The present study aimed to examine the function of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) in protecting against hepatotoxicity and lipogenesis induced by FIP. Twenty-eight male albino rats were classified into four groups: FIP (5 mg/kg/day per os), CTR, CeNPs (35 mg/kg/day p.o.), and FIP + CeNPs (5 (FIP) + 35 (CeNPs) mg/kg/day p.o.) for 28 consecutive days. Serum lipid profiles, hepatic antioxidant parameters and pathology, and mRNA expression of adipocytokines were assessed. The results revealed that FIP increased cholesterol, height-density lipoprotein, triacylglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-c) concentrations. It also increased nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) hepatic levels and reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities. Additionally, FIP up-regulated the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP), acetyl Co-A carboxylase (ACC1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α). Immunohistochemically, a strong proliferation of cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) reactions in the endothelial cells of the hepatic sinusoids, and increased expression of caspase3 were observed following FIP intoxication. FIP also caused histological changes in hepatic tissue. The CeNPs counteracted the hepatotoxic effect of FIP exposure. So, this study recorded an ameliorative effect of CeNPs against FIP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Mitochondrial biochemical and histopathological defects induced by the herbicide pendimethalin in tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus).

The mitochondrial defects were evaluated after administering tilapia fish, Oreochromis niloticus to sublethal doses (1.02 and 5.10 mg kg-1) of the herbicide pendimethalin (PD). All treatments exhibited a decrease in the cytochrome contents of gills, liver, and brain samples after 12, 24, and 48 h compared with the untreated individuals. However, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in gills and liver samples. Also, the histopathological profiles showed significant swelling in mitochondria and intracellular spaces in cytoplasm of gills samples. The mitochondrial defects in the treated fish showed a slight decline in cytoplasm/mitochondria ratio (0.92-fold) compared to the control. In hepato-sections of treated fish, destructed mitochondria with less dense matrix as well as some vacuolated mitochondria with matrix disoriented cristae were noted. Similar patterns were observed in brain sections, where destructed axons and a significant decline in cytoplasm/mitochondria ratio (0.52-fold) were found. Therefore, the use of mitochondrial defects and histopathological alterations might represent good markers to assess the impact of herbicides on aquatic organisms. Moreover, the disorganization of cell components is considered an important sign of organ dysfunction.

Chemo-Protective Potential of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles against Fipronil-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, Inflammation and Reproductive Dysfunction in Male White Albino Rats.

Fipronil (FIP) is an insecticide commonly used in many fields, such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health, and recently it has been proposed as a potential endocrine disrupter. The purpose of this study was to inspect the reproductive impacts of FIP and the possible protective effects of cerium nanoparticles (CeNPs) on male albino rats. Rats received FIP (5 mg/kg bwt; 1/20 LD50), CeNPs (35 mg/kg bwt) and FIP+CeNPs per os daily for 28 days. Serum testosterone levels, testicular oxidative damage, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were evaluated. FIP provoked testicular oxidative damage as indicated by decreased serum testosterone (≈60%) and superoxide dismutase (≈50%), glutathione peroxidase activity (≈46.67%) and increased malondialdehyde (≈116.67%) and nitric oxide (≈87.5%) levels in testicular tissues. Furthermore, FIP induced edematous changes and degeneration within the seminiferous tubules, hyperplasia, vacuolations, and apoptosis in the epididymides. In addition, FIP exposure upregulated interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS), caspase-3 (Casp3) and downregulated the Burkitt-cell lymphomas (BCL-2), inhibin B proteins (IBP), and androgen receptor (Ar) mRNA expressions Casp3, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), and IL-1ß immunoreactions were increased. Also, reduction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), mouse vasa homologue (MVH), and SOX9 protein reactions were reported. Interestingly, CeNPs diminished the harmful impacts of FIP on testicular tissue by decreasing lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and inflammation and increasing the antioxidant activities. The findings reported herein showed that the CeNPs might serve as a supposedly new and efficient protective agent toward reproductive toxicity caused by the FIP insecticide in white male rats.

Ameliorative Effects of Honey, Propolis, Pollen, and Royal Jelly Mixture against Chronic Toxicity of Sumithion Insecticide in White Albino Rats.

Sumithion (Fenitrothion) (SUM) is an organophosphorus insecticide used to combat a wide variety of plant pests. Exposure to SUM causes significant toxicity to the brain, liver, kidney, and reproductive organs through, for example, binding to DNA, and it induces DNA damage, which ends with oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the protective role of bee products: a mixture of honey, propolis, palm pollen, and royal jelly (HPPJ) against SUM-induced toxicity. Twenty-four male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were classified into four groups, each containing six rats: control (corn oil), SUM (85 mg/kg; 1/20 LD50), HPPJ, and SUM + HPPJ once daily for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were gently collected in sterilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for blood picture analyses and tubes without anticoagulant for serum isolation. Serum was used for assays of enzymatic and biochemical characteristics. The results revealed that SUM increased the weights of the liver, kidney, and brain as well as the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GP), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Additionally, SUM significantly increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and glucose, uric acid, and creatinine contents, while decreasing the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and total lipids and total protein content. Furthermore, because of the inclusion of phenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, and sugars, the HPPJ mixture counteracted the hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity of SUM exposure.

Identification of Genomic Regions Contributing to Protein Accumulation in Wheat under Well-Watered and Water Deficit Growth Conditions.

Sustaining wheat production under low-input conditions through development and identifying genotypes with enhanced nutritional quality are two current concerns of wheat breeders. Wheat grain total protein content, to no small extent, determines the economic and nutritive value of wheat. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to identify accessions with high and low grain protein content (GPC) under well-watered and water-deficit growth conditions and to locate genomic regions that contribute to GPC accumulation. Spring wheat grains obtained from 2111 accessions that were grown under well-watered and water-deficit conditions were assessed for GPC using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). Results indicated significant influences of moisture, genotype, and genotype × environment interaction on the GPC accumulation. Furthermore, genotypes exhibited a wide range of variation for GPC, indicating the presence of high levels of genetic variability among the studied accessions. Around 366 (166 with high GPC and 200 with low GPC) wheat genotypes performed relatively the same across environments, which implies that GPC accumulation in these genotypes was less responsive to water deficit. Genome-wide association mapping results indicated that seven single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were linked with GPC under well-watered growth conditions, while another six SNPs were linked with GPC under water-deficit conditions only. Moreover, 10 SNPs were linked with GPC under both well-watered and water-deficit conditions. These results emphasize the importance of using diverse, worldwide germplasm to dissect the genetic architecture of GPC in wheat and identify accessions that might be potential parents for high GPC in wheat breeding programs.

Microbial Biotransformation of a Polyphenol-Rich Potato Extract Affects Antioxidant Capacity in a Simulated Gastrointestinal Model.

A multistage human gastrointestinal model was used to digest a polyphenol-rich potato extract containing chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin as the primary polyphenols, to assess for their microbial biotransformation and to measure changes in antioxidant capacity in up to 24 h of digestion. The biotransformation of polyphenols was assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant capacity was measured by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Among the colonic reactors, parent (poly)phenols were detected in the ascending (AC), but not the transverse (TC) or descending (DC) colons. The most abundant microbial phenolic metabolites in all colonic reactors included derivatives of propionic acid, acetic acid, and benzoic acid. As compared to the baseline, an earlier increase in antioxidant capacity (T = 8 h) was seen in the stomach and small intestine vessels as compared to the AC (T = 16 h) and TC and DC (T = 24 h). The increase in antioxidant capacity observed in the DC and TC can be linked to the accumulation of microbial smaller-molecular-weight phenolic catabolites, as the parent polyphenolics had completely degraded in those vessels. The colonic microbial digestion of potato-based polyphenols could lead to improved colonic health, as this generates phenolic metabolites with significant antioxidant potential.

Metabolic Biosynthesis of Potato (Solanum tuberosum l.) Antioxidants and Implications for Human Health.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is common, affordable, readily stored, easily prepared for consumption, and nutritious. For these reasons, potato has become one of the top five crops consumed worldwide. Consequently, it is important to understand its contribution to both our daily and long-term health. Potato is one of the most important sources of antioxidants in the human diet. As such, it supports the antioxidant defense network in our bodies that reduces cellular and tissue toxicities that result from free radical-induced protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and DNA damage. In this way, potato antioxidants may reduce the risk for cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even radiation damage. A better understanding of these components of potato is needed by the food industry, health professionals, and consumers. This review provides referenced summaries of all of the antioxidant groups present in potato tubers and updated schematics including genetic regulation for the major antioxidant biosynthesis pathways. This review complements current knowledge on the role of potato in human health. We hope it will provide impetus toward breeding efforts to develop cultivars with increased antioxidant capacity as 'functional foods' and encourage potato consumers and processors to work toward preservation of antioxidant capacity in cooked potato and potato products.

Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Human Blood and Effects of Occupational Exposure on Hematological and Hormonal Qualities.

Pesticides are the first choice by farmers for use against plant pathogens, nevertheless their adverse effects to the environment. Current study was designed to measure pesticides residues in blood of spray farmers and to assess their possible effects. Blood indices and thyroid and reproductive hormones were evaluated in blood of adult male volunteers (20-48 years old). Volunteers were divided to three groups; spray-workers (directly-exposed), farmers who live in the country area (indirectly-exposed) and city inhabitants (not exposed). Spray workers had significantly decreased platelet number (PLT, 33%), ratio of large platelet (P-LCR%, 42%), average platelet volume (MPV, 70%), relative width of the distribution of erythrocytes (PDW, 56%), relative content of monocytes, basophils and eosinophils (MXD, 100%) compared to control group. In addition, blood samples of the exposed group showed significantly decreased PLT (30%), P-LCR (40%), MPV (65%) and PDW (50%) compared to the farmers. Furthermore, levels of testosterone, triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormones of spray workers were significantly low compared with the country residents. Then results were further subjected to canonical discriminant analysis to visualize the interrelationships among variables. Results highlighted the critical need for enforced official interventions that reduce overexposure of spray workers throughout Egypt.

Some Canadian-grown potato cultivars contribute to a substantial content of essential dietary minerals.

Potato consumption provides significant dietary contributions to several essential minerals, but the effects of cultivar and planting site are not well-understood. The mineral content of 16 cultivars, grown at 5 locations, was measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and evaluated on a per serving basis for percent recommended daily intake (% RDI), emphasizing some minerals where global deficiencies are common (calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc). Discriminant analysis showed that both genotype and growing location were important. Differences in mineral content occurred between cultivars at each site, specific cultivars at different sites, and collectively between sites. 'Freedom', 'Yukon Gold', and particularly the very stable mineral source 'Russet Burbank' contributed most to the % RDI for minerals. One serving per day of these cultivars provides a significant contribution to the % RDI for the macrominerals magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium and the trace minerals copper, iron, selenium, and zinc.

Presence and characterization of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli virulence genes in F165-positive E. coli strains isolated from diseased calves and pigs.

The virulence genotype profile and presence of a pathogenicity island(s) (PAI) were studied in 18 strains of F165-positive Escherichia coli originally isolated from diseased calves or piglets. On the basis of their adhesion phenotypes and genotypes, these extraintestinal pathogenic strains were classified into three groups. The F165 fimbrial complex consists of at least two serologically and genetically distinct fimbriae: F165(1) and F165(2). F165(1) is encoded by the foo operon (pap-like), and F165(2) is encoded by fot (sfa related). Strains in group 1 were foo and fot positive, strains in group 2 were foo and afa positive, and strains in group 3 were foo positive only. The strains were tested for the presence of virulence genes found mainly in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. Although all the strains were positive for the papA variant encoding F11 fimbriae incD, traT, and papC, the prevalence of virulence genes commonly found in PAIs associated with ExPEC strains was highly variable, with strains of group 2 harboring most of the virulence genes tested. papG allele III was detected in all strains in group 1 and in one strain in group 3. All other strains were negative for the known alleles encoding PapG adhesins. The association of virulence genes with tRNA genes was characterized in these strains by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and DNA hybridization. The insertion site of the foo operon was found at the pheU tRNA locus in 16 of the 18 strains and at the selC tRNA locus in the other 2 strains. Furthermore, 8 of the 18 strains harbored a high-pathogenicity island which was inserted in either the asnT or the asnV/U tRNA locus. These results suggest the presence of one or more PAIs in septicemic strains from animals and the association of the foo operon with at least one of these islands. F165-positive strains share certain virulence traits with ExPEC, and most of them are pathogenic in piglets, as tested in experimental infections.