Anticoagulant rodenticide use in oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia and hazard assessment to non-target animals.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used worldwide for the control of rodent pests and are the main method of control of rat pest populations in agricultural areas. The main aim of this review is to discuss the risk of ARs to non-target wildlife in oil palm areas in Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia and Malaysia. We discussed AR use in oil palm areas and toxicities of ARs on target and non-target animals. We also reviewed published literature on wildlife species reported in oil palm areas in Southeast Asia and utilizing this information, we assessed the hazard risk of ARs to non-target wildlife in oil palm plantations. ARs are a secondary exposure hazard to rodent-consuming mammalian carnivores, such as leopard cats and civets, and rodent-consuming raptors, such as barn owls. Consumption of dead poisoned prey puts scavengers, such as water monitors, at high risk for AR exposure. Domestic livestock and granivorous birds are at high risk for AR exposure via primary exposure to toxic bait, while omnivores such as macaques and wild pigs are at moderate risk for both primary and secondary exposure to ARs. The effects of ARs on barn owls have been well studied in the field and in laboratory secondary toxicity studies. Thus, the nest-box occupancy and reproductive parameters of local barn owl populations can be monitored as an indicator of the AR exposure level in the area. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: No clinical trials were involved in this study.

Intoxicación por fosfuro de aluminio / Aluminum phosphide poisoning

Resumen En la industria agrícola se ha implementado el uso de plaguicidas lo que ha aumentado la cantidad y calidad de los productos agrícolas en varios países en desarrollo, su objetivo es mejorar la calidad de vida y sustento de los consumidores, sin embargo, el uso inadecuado puede causar graves intoxicaciones tanto por ingestión accidental, ocupacional o ingestión con fines suicidas u homicidas, lo cual los hace un tema de relevancia médico legal. El fosfuro de aluminio es un rodenticida, insecticida y fumigante sólido usado como una sustancia ideal para la conservación de los granos, ya que es altamente tóxico contra los insectos que invaden los granos en todos sus estadios sin afectar como tal las semillas y su germinación, es un compuesto accesible y económico lo que hace que su uso con fines suicidas y homicidas sea elevado, ante la intoxicación con fosfuro de aluminio se han descritos síntomas bastante inespecíficos como lo son dolor en el epigastrio, vómitos, diarrea, mareos, disnea y en algunos casos acompañado de un olor a ajo que es característico de ésta intoxicación lo que aumenta la sospecha clínica. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en diferentes bases de datos, de los artículos publicados referentes al tema de los últimos doce años, con el objetivo de profundizar en las características del fosfuro de aluminio, su mecanismo de acción y toxicidad. Se concluye que es fundamental conocer los diferentes plaguicidas y sus efectos en la salud, principalmente de aquellos con una alta letalidad, que se podrían estar utilizando clandestinamente y que al ser sumamente económicos son de fácil acceso para emplearse con fines delictivos.

Abstract The agricultural industry has implemented the use of pesticides, which has increased the quantity and quality of agricultural products in several developing countries, its objective is to improve the quality of life and livelihood of consumers, however, improper use can cause serious intoxications both by accidental ingestion, occupational or ingestion for suicidal or homicidal purposes, which makes them an issue of medico-legal relevance. Aluminum phosphide is a rodenticide, insecticide and solid fumigant used as an ideal substance for the preservation of grains, since it is highly toxic against insects that invade the grains in all their stages without affecting the seeds and their germination, it is an accessible and economic compound which makes its use for suicidal and homicidal purposes high, In the face of aluminum phosphide poisoning, quite unspecific symptoms have been described, such as pain in the epigastrium, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, dyspnea and in some cases accompanied by a garlic odor which is characteristic of this poisoning, which increases clinical suspicion. A bibliographic review was conducted in different databases, of the articles published on the subject in the last twelve years, with the aim of deepening in the characteristics of aluminum phosphide, its mechanism of action and toxicity. It is concluded that it is essential to know the different pesticides and their effects on health, those with a high lethality, which could be used clandestinely and which, being extremely cheap, are easily accessible to be used for criminal purposes

Intoxicación con rodenticidas anticoagulantes: serie de casos y revisión de literatura / Intoxication with anticoagulant rodenticides: Case series and review of the literature

Introducción. Los superwarfarinicos (SWF) son una de las herramientas utilizadas por el ser humano para el control de roedores y a la vez son tóxicos para el hombre y pueden conducir a la muerte sin los debidos cuidados en su uso.Casos clinicos. Tres pacientes masculinos, que consultaron por sangrados (gingivorragia, epistaxis, hematuria, hemartrosis y hematomas cutaneos) asociados a alteraciones del coagulograma (Tiempo de protrombina (TP) y tiempo de tromboplastina parcial (KPTT) prolongados). Todos tuvieron exposición a superwarfarinicos. Nuestro servicio no dispone del análisis de SWF en suero. Se administró vitamina K1 en los tres pacientes y plasma fresco congelado (PFC) en uno solo (sangrado mayor: hematuria). El seguimiento se realizó mediante controles seriados de coagulograma y su evolución fue favorable. Discusión. En todos los casos, el diagnóstico de intoxicación por SWF fue clínico, basado en caracteristicas clínicas de pacientes y alteraciones en sus parámetros de coagulación, y debido a imposibilidad de derivación de análisis a otro laboratorio. Se realizo tratamiento especifico (vitamina K1 y PFC) segun recomendación de expertos, ya que no hay hasta la fecha, estudios clinicos que evaluen las diferentes opciones terapéuticas. Conclusión. La intoxicación por SWF aunque no es frecuente, debe sospecharse en casos de paciente con coagulopatia sin otras causas que puedan justificarlo. El manejo del cuadro tóxico es la reposición de vitamina k y de plasma fresco congelado, en casos donde se necesite una rápida corrección de la alteración hemostática, como los sangrados mayores. Es imprescindible la oportuna consulta con médicos hematólogos y/o la consulta con un centro regional de control de intoxicaciones para todas las exposiciones sospechosas por SWF.

Introduction. Superwarfarinics (SWF) are one of the tools used by humans for rodent control. They are toxic to humans and can lead to death without due care in its use. Clinical cases. Three male patients, who consulted due to bleeding (gingivorragia, epistaxis, hematuria, hamartrosis and skin hematomas) associated with coagulogram alterations (prolonged protombine time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (KPTT)). All them exposure to superwarfarinics. SWF serum analysis was not available in our hospital. Vitamin K1 was administered in all three patients and fresh frozen plasma (PFC) in only one (major bleeding: hematuria). The followup was performed by serial coagulogram controls and the evolution was. Discussion. In all cases, the diagnosis of SWF intoxication was clinical, based on clinical characteristics of patients and alterations in their coagulation parameters, due to the impossibility of deriving the analysis of SWF in serum to another laboratory. Specific treatment was carried out (vitamin k and PFC) according to experts' recommendation, since there are no clinical studies to evaluate the different therapeutic options to date. Conclusion. SWF poisoning, although not frequent, should be suspected in patients with coagulopathy without other causes that may justify it. The management of toxic symptoms is the administration of vitamin K1 and fresh frozen plasma, in cases where a rapid correction of the haemostatic alteration is required, such as major bleedings. It is essential to consult with hematologists and / or consult a regional poison control center for all suspicious exposures by superwarfarins.

The relative toxicity of brodifacoum enantiomers.

Brodifacoum (BDF) is a potent, long-acting anticoagulant rodenticide that can cause fatal poisoning in humans. The chemical structure of BDF includes 2 chiral carbons, resulting in 2 pairs of diastereomers, BDF-cis (R/S and S/R) and BDF-trans (R/R and S/S). However, the relative potency of these molecules is not known. The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro and in vivo toxic effects of the 2 BDF diastereomer pairs. In adult Sprague-Dawley rats BDF-cis was significantly more toxic than BDF-trans (LD50 values of 219 versus 316 µg/kg, respectively) while racemic BDF had intermediate potency (266 µg/kg). In adult New Zealand white rabbits, BDF-cis had a longer half-life than BDF-trans which could contribute to its observed increased toxicity. Lastly, BDF-cis (10 µM), but not BDF-trans, damaged cultured SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by attenuating mitochondrial reductive capacity. Taken together, these data suggest that different toxic manifestations of BDF poisoning in mammals could be attributed, in part, to differences in relative enantiomer concentrations present in racemic formulations of this commercially-available toxicant.

Phosphine Analysis in Postmortem Specimens Following Inhalation of Phosphine: Fatal Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning in Children.

Phosphine is an insecticide for the fumigation of grains, animal feed, and leaf-stored tobacco, and it was used as a rodenticide in bulk grain stores. Phosphine poisoning may occur after accidental inhalation of phosphine, sometimes leading to death. Analysis of phosphine and its metabolites in postmortem specimens from seven fatal cases was conducted in this study, as well as postmortem specimens collected from rabbits exposed to phosphine. The total phosphine in postmortem specimens was analyzed by headspace gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Diagnosis of aluminum phosphide poisoning was made after postmortem toxicological analysis and confirmed by police investigation. The deaths of the children occurred after inhalation of phosphine generated from aluminum phosphide contacting moisture in the air in all seven fatal cases. The concentration of total phosphine in the biological fluids and tissues of victims ranged from 0.2 to 4.7 µg/mL (µg/g). Animal experiments demonstrated that the phosphine generated from aluminum phosphide could rapidly cause death. The toxicological analysis of postmortem specimens provides useful information in diagnosis of aluminum phosphide poisoning in forensic science. As an important fumigation pesticide, aluminum phosphide deserves special attention, especially since there is no specific antidote and there is a high fatality rate.

Fatores associados aos óbitos entre homens envenenados por carbamato ("chumbinho") / Factores de muertes de hombres envenenados por carbamato ("chumbinho") / Factors associated with the deaths of men poisoned by carbamato ("chumbinho")

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar os fatores associados aos óbitos em vítimas de envenenamento por carbamato (“chumbinho”). Método Estudo retrospectivo, epidemiológico tipo caso-controle, baseado nas fichas de notificação de intoxicação do centro de controle de intoxicações localizado na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. Foram utilizadas 24 fichas de notificação de intoxicações de homens dos 20 aos 59 anos com história de envenenamento por carbamato entre 2005 e 2009. As fichas foram sorteadas aleatoriamente, respeitando-se a razão de 1:3 (um caso para três controles). A faixa etária variou de 23 a 58 anos; a média 43,83 anos. Resultados Os sintomas mais recorrentes foram: miose (OR = 1.0; IC 95%: 0,27 – 3,69. p= 1.0), sialorreia (OR = 0,83; IC 95%: 0,22 – 3,12. p= 0,78), dispneia (OR = 0,66; IC 95%: 0.14 – 3,03. p= 0,59). Conclusão Os óbitos apresentaram associação com sialorreia, miose e dispneia e uma forte associação com estertores pulmonares, broncoespasmos e os roncos pulmonares.

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar los factores asociados a la muerte en las víctimas de envenenamiento por carbamato (“Chumbinho”). Método Estudio retrospectivo, epidemiológico de caso y control sobre el envenenamiento en los formularios de notificación un centro de control de envenenamiento localizado en la región metropolitana de Río de Janeiro. Utilizamos 24 formularios de notificación de envenenamiento en hombres de 20 a 59 años con intoxicación por el carbamato de 2005 a 2009. Los registros fueron seleccionados al azar, respetando la proporción de 1:3 (un caso y tres controles). El rango de edad fue de 23 a 58 años, promedio de 43,83 años. Resultados Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron miosis (OR = 1,0; IC del 95%: 0,27 a 3,69 p = 1.0.), Babeo (OR = 0,83, IC 95% 0,22-3,12 p. = 0,78), disnea (OR = 0,66; IC del 95%: 0:14 - 3.03 p = 0.59). Conclusión Las muertes se asociaron con babeo, miosis y disnea, y una fuerte asociación con estertores pulmonares, broncoespasmo y el ronquido pulmonar.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the factors associated with death in poisoning victims by carbamate (“Chumbinho”). Method Retrospective study, epidemiological case-control based on poisoning reporting forms, a poison control center located in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. We used 24 notification forms of poisoning in men aged 20 to 59 years with poisoning by carbamate history from 2005 to 2009. The records were randomly selected, respecting the ratio 1:3 (a case to three controls). The age range was 23-58 years, average 43.83 years. Results The most frequent symptoms were myosis (OR=1.0; 95% CI: 0.27 to 3.69 p=1.0.), drooling (OR=0.83; 95% CI. 0.22 to 3.12 p=0.78), and dyspnea (OR=0.66; 95% CI: 0:14-3.03 p=0.59). Conclusion The deaths were associated with drooling, miosis and dyspnea and a strong association with pulmonary rales, bronchospasm and pulmonary snoring.

Intoxicaciones con rodenticidas superwarfarínicos / Superwarfarin rodenticide poisoning

Introducción: en la actualidad existe utilización masiva de rodenticidas y su venta no está restringida al público. Las etiologías de intoxicación por estos agentes son variadas pudiendo ser de tipo intencional o accidental. Objetivo: analizar estudios realizados en torno a intoxicaciones con rodenticidas superwarfarínicos en humanos con el propósito de reunir información que oriente a un adecuado tratamiento. Metodología: se realizó una revisión integradora en las bases de datos electrónicas PubMed, TripDataBase, Cochrane, además de Google Scholar y SciELO, libros de divulgación científica, documentos de convenciones, páginas web de instituciones públicas, privadas y artículos vinculados a efectos, cuadro clínico y tratamiento de exposiciones a rodenticidas en seres humanos. Se analizaron los documentos y la información se organizó en tres temáticas: toxicidad de los rodenticidas superwarfarínicos, cuadro clínico y tratamiento médico, y rodenticidas no anticoagulantes disponibles en Chile. Resultados: la dosis tóxica mínima reportada en adultos es de 1 mg de principio activo; en pacientes pediátricos ingestas accidentales rara vez producen síntomas. Los síntomas se observan de forma tardía y su toxicidad es variable. El examen de elección es el International Normalized Ratio (INR) y se realiza en todo paciente con factores de riesgo presentes. El antídoto no se administra de forma profiláctica y la dosis se ajusta individualmente. Conclusión: en niños las ingestas accidentales no son riesgosas por lo que pueden ser observados en el hogar. Pacientes con ingestas masivas requieren controles de INR por meses por lo que es importante que posterior al alta médica exista una óptima coordinación con nivel primario de atención.

Introduction: Currently there is a widespread use of rodenticides, unrestricted to the public. The exposure to these agents may varied being intentional or accidental. Objective: To analyze studies about superwarfarin poisoning in humans, with the purpose of gathering information to guide proper treatment. Methodology: It was conducted an integrative review in the electronic databases PubMed, TripDataBase, Cochrane, Google Scholar and SciELO, science books (reference textbooks), convention documents, websites from public and private institutions and articles about the effects, clinical manifestations and treatment of human exposures to rodenticides. Documents were analyzed and the information organized into three themes: superwarfarin toxicity, clinical features and medical treatment, and non-anticoagulant rodenticides available in Chile. Results: In adults, the minimum dose reported to cause toxicity is 1 mg of active ingredient. In pediatric patients, accidental intakes rarely produce symptoms. The symptoms of poisoning are usually delayed and its toxicity is variable. The test of choice is International Normalized Ratio (INR) and it is performed in all patients with risk factors. The antidote must not be administered prophylactically and the dose is adjusted individually. Conclusions: Accidental intakes in children are not risky and they can be observed at home. Patients with massive intakes require INR monitoring for months so, it is important that an optimal coordination with primary care facilities still exists after medical discharge.

Suspected cholecalciferol rodenticide toxicosis in avian species at a zoological institution.

Over a 2-month period, individual birds belonging to species in multiple avian families, including Bucerotidae, Sturnidae, Columbidae, Corvidae, and Anatidae, were presented to the Animal Care Center at the Phoenix Zoo for emergency medical care. Common clinical findings were subdued behavior, weight loss, and an inability to fly. Biochemical abnormalities commonly included high calcium and uric acid concentrations and high to high-normal phosphorus concentrations. In cases in which necropsies were done, mineralization of organs often was present, frequently of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. Because of the high calcium and phosphorus concentrations, mineralization of tissues, cases representing multiple avian species, and the recent addition of rodent bait boxes containing cholecalciferol to the zoo's pest control program, a presumptive diagnosis of cholecalciferol toxicosis was made. Treatment most commonly consisted of daily fluid diuresis. These cases demonstrate that, although cholecalciferol is considered unlikely to cause relay toxicosis, primary toxicosis still should be considered in cases with sudden onset of nonspecific signs when exposure to cholecalciferol was possible.

Brodifacoum is effective against Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a tyrosine139cysteine focus of anticoagulant resistance in Westphalia, Germany.

BACKGROUND: The tyrosine to cysteine amino acid substitution at location 139 of the vkorc1 protein (i.e. tyrosine139cysteine or Y139C) is the most widespread anticoagulant resistance mutation in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berk.) in Europe. Field trials were conducted to determine the incidence of the Y139C mutation at two rat-infested farms in Westphalia, Germany, and to estimate the practical efficacy against them of applications, using a pulsed baiting treatment regime, of a proprietary bait (Klerat™) containing 0.005% brodifacoum. RESULTS: DNA analysis for the Y139C mutation showed that resistant rats were prevalent at the two farms, with an incidence of 80.0 and 78.6% respectively. Applications of brodifacoum bait achieved results of 99.2 and 100.0% control at the two farms, when measured by census baiting, although the treatment was somewhat prolonged at one site, possibly owing to the abundance of attractive alternative food. CONCLUSION: The study showed that 0.005% brodifacoum bait is fully effective against Norway rats possessing the Y139C mutation at the Münsterland focus and is likely to be so elsewhere in Europe where this mutation is found. The pulsed baiting regime reduced to relatively low levels the quantity of bait required to control these two substantial resistant Norway rat infestations. Previous studies had shown much larger quantities of bromadiolone and difenacoum baits used in largely ineffective treatments against Y139C resistant rats in the Münsterland. These results should be considered when making decisions about the use of anticoagulants against resistant Norway rats and their potential environmental impacts.

MicroRNA response to environmental mutagens in liver.

During the recent few years, microRNAs emerged as key molecules in the regulation of mammalian cell functions. It was also shown that their altered expression can promote pathologic conditions, such as cancer and other common diseases. Because environmental exposure to biological, chemical or physical agents may be responsible for human diseases, including cancer, uncovering relationships between exposure to environmental carcinogens and expression of microRNAs may help to disclose early mechanisms of disease and it may potentially lead to the development of useful indicators of toxic exposure or novel biomarkers for carcinogenicity testing. The unique expression profile of microRNAs in different types and at different stages of cancer coupled to their remarkable stability in tissues and in serum/plasma suggests that these little molecules may find application as sensitive biomarkers. This review will concentrate on the alterations in microRNA expression in response to environmental factors in relation to the risk of developing liver cancer.

Blood levels of methemoglobin in patients with aluminum phosphide poisoning and its correlation with patient's outcome.

Although methemoglobinemia following aluminum phosphide (AlP) intoxication has been reported, probable effect of blood level of methemoglobin (Met-Hb) on outcome of AlP-poisoned patients has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate blood levels of methemoglobin in patients with AP intoxication and its correlation with patient's outcome. This prospective study was carried out at the Loghman-Hakim poison hospital from April 2009 to August 2009. All patients aged >12 years who had ingested AlP and were admitted at the hospital were enrolled in the study. Using the co-oximetry, blood Met-Hb level was measured at the time of admission and 24 h later if the patient survived. Forty-eight patients with AlP intoxication including 24 males were evaluated. Mean age of the patients was 25.5±9.5 years. There was significant association between blood level of Met-Hb at the time of admission and mortality (2.4%±7.1% in survivors versus 15.2%±13.5% in non-survivors, P<0.001). The same association was found at the 2nd day of admission (2.9%±8.2% in survivors versus 26.5%±9.9% in non-survivors, P=0.02). The present study found an association between blood level of Met-Hb and mortality in patients with AlP intoxication. Effect of administration of vitamin C and methylene blue on outcome of patients with AlP intoxication should be investigated in future studies.

Práticas e sentidos atribuídos ao uso e à divulgação de agentes químicos potencialmente tóxicos no ambiente doméstico / Practices and meanings attributed to the use and disclosure of potentially toxic chemicals in the home environment

Atualmente o uso de substâncias químicas no ambiente domiciliar é muitodifundido e utilizado para diferentes finalidades como limpeza doméstica (desinfetantes, detergentes),e controle de vetores (inseticidas, raticidas, carrapaticidas) sendo que osconsumidores na maioria das vezes desconhecem as propriedades tóxicas dos componentes das formulações que utilizam. O comércio oferta uma variedade de produtos e marcas de inseticidas e raticidas com diferentes formas de apresentações (líquidos, em pó, em pasta, e elétricos), e com grande diversidade de princípios ativos.O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os sentidos atribuídos ao uso de agentes químicos potencialmente tóxicos utilizados no controle dos vetores no ambiente doméstico, relacionando-os com a influência de peças publicitárias desses produtos na mídia televisiva e das mensagens de rótulos desses produtos e sua conformidade com alegislação pertinente. A pesquisa é do tipo quali-quantitativa e foi realizada nomunicípio de Niterói, na Região Oceânica em 2010. Adotamos estratégias distintas e complementares: análise documental; observação participante; questionários; eentrevistas semi-estruturadas sobre peças publicitárias de inseticidas domésticos. A pesquisa incluiu questionários em 125 residências para avaliar as práticas e a percepçãodos riscos no uso de inseticidas e raticidas no ambiente domiciliar. Destes 50 foram realizados em condomínio de classe média alta e 75 em Comunidade de baixa renda ambos na Região Oceânica de Niterói. Nossos resultados demonstraram que 92 por cento dogrupo Condomínio usam inseticidas e 77,7 por cento do grupo Colônia de Pescadores também usam. Em relação aos cuidados com manuseio de inseticidas, 54 por cento dos entrevistados do Grupo Condomínio e 25,3 por cento dos entrevistados do Grupo Colônia de Pescadores,disseram que não tomavam nenhum cuidado ao usar estes produtos. Em relação à freqüência de uso dos inseticidas, no Grupo Condomínio, 22 por cento dos entrevistados faziamuso dos inseticidas diariamente, 42 por cento só aplicavam o inseticida quando havia inseto e 10 por cento semanalmente. Já no Grupo Colônia de Pescadores, 16 por cento aplicavam inseticidas diariamente, 26 por cento quando apareciam insetos, e 9,3 por cento semanalmente. Quanto à leiturados rótulos das embalagens dos inseticidas, 60 por cento dos entrevistados do Grupo Condomínio disseram que liam estes rótulos, e 29,3 por cento do Grupo Colônia de Pescadores fizeram a mesma afirmação. Quanto à forma de conhecimento dos inseticidas foi através das propagandas de televisão referidas pelos dois grupos pesquisados. Em uma segunda etapa verificamos a influência de peças publicitárias de inseticidas domésticosno sentido atribuído a tais produtos. Para isso foram: 1) selecionadas 03 peças publicitárias em circulação na mídia televisiva; 2) analisadas e criadas categorias; 3) submetidas aos entrevistados. Foram analisadas 3 peças publicitárias de inseticidas veiculadas na mídia televisiva no período de 2008, 2009, 2010, utilizando-se o métodode análise de conteúdo. As categorias geradas pela análise foram: Apelo ao status do usuário; Ocultação e minimização dos riscos; Símbolos de modernidade e cientificidade; Representações de um mundo asséptico; Representações de força, podere controle. Com base nelas realizamos entrevistas semi-estruturadas em uma subamostra composta por 20 residências. A análise das entrevistas revelou o grau de eficácia de taisestratégias de persuasão e mostrou o quanto as propagandas influenciam na compra dos produtos.

Evidenciamos ainda que risco à saúde e ao ambiente no uso destas substâncias é percebido no grupo de maior escolaridade e que a leitura e a compreensão dos rótulos dos inseticidas é dificultada pela linguagem técnica e excesso de informação. O fato de que o uso indiscriminado e contínuo destes produtos podem acarretar resistência aos inseticidas, não foi observado por nenhum entrevistado. Observamos neste estudo que a vulnerabilidade do consumidor é (independente da classe social, uma vez que todos se expõem aos inseticidas de alguma forma. O Grupo Colônia de Pescadores (baixa renda) se expõe mais para o risco de intoxicações agudas, pois são eles que aplicam os produtos usados no ambiente doméstico, já o Grupo Condomínio (alta renda) usam mais produtos e contaminam mais o ambiente coletivo, mas também se expõem de forma crônica, pois usam inseticidas de uso contínuo, e pulverizam seus condomínios com o fumacê. Concluímos que todas as propagandas analisadas utilizaram estratégias que ocultam o risco dos inseticidas no ambiente doméstico e não cumprem a legislação.

Aplicación de las normas terapéuticas en pacientes intoxicados por plaguicidas, servicio de emergencias Hospital Doctor Roberto Calderón Gutierrez, Managua 2008-2009 / Application of treatment guidelines in patients poisoned by pesticides, Hospital emergency room Doctor Roberto Calderon Gutierrez, Managua 2008-2009

El objetivo del presente estudio fue obtener información sobre la aplicacion de las Normas Terapéuticas en el manejo brindado a pacientes que acudieron por intoxicación por plaguicidas, principalmente por Fosfina, Organofosforados, Paraquat y Rodenticidas, así como información sobre las condiciones sociodemográficas de los pacientes en estudio, para responder cuál fue la distribución de frecuencia de pacientes por edad y género, la procedencia de los pacientes, grado de instrucción, así como la relación de las intoxicaciones con su evolución clínica según el manejo brindado en sala de emergencias de este centro asistencial, utilizando como base cientifica las Normas Terapeuticas del Ministerio de Salud de Nicaragua. Diseño Metodologico Tipo de Estudio: Corresponde a una investigación analítica, del cumplimiento de normas de manejo de pacientes intoxicados por plaguicidas, principalmente por Fosfina, Organofosforados, Paraquat y Rodenticidas. El Universo esta constituido por 46 pacientes correspondientes al total de ingresos con diagnóstico de intoxicación por estos plaguicidas, por el servicio de Emergencias del Hospital “Roberto Calderón Gutiérrez.” de 2008 a 2009. Resultados: Se recopilaron 46 casos de intoxicaciones por plaguicidas Fosfina, Paraquat, Organofosforados y Rodenticidas con predominio del sexo masculino, de escolaridad primaria, con una edad media entre 15 y 25 años. Geográficamente, la mayor proporción de casos corresponde a la zona urbana, sin ocupacion y solteros. El plaguicida mayor utilizado es la Fosfina, con una severidad global del 60% y una mortalidad general del 72%. La mayoria con finalidad autolítica, utilizando la vía digestiva como via de ingreso del tóxico...

Aplicación de las normas terapéuticas en pacientes intoxicados por plaguicidas, servicio de emergencias Hospital Doctor Roberto Calderón Gutierrez, Managua 2008-2009 / Application of treatment guidelines in patients poisoned by pesticides, Hospital emergency room Doctor Roberto Calderon Gutierrez, Managua 2008-2009

El objetivo del presente estudio fue obtener información sobre la aplicación de las Normas Terapéuticas en el manejo brindado a pacientes que acudieron por intoxicación por plaguicidas, principalmente por Fosfina, Organofosforados, Paraquat y Rodenticidas, así como información sobre las condiciones sociodemográficas de los pacientes en estudio, para responder cuál fue la distribución de frecuencia de pacientes por edad y género, la procedencia de los pacientes, grado de instrucción, así como la relación de las intoxicaciones con su evolución clínica según el manejo brindado en sala de emergencias de este centro asistencial, utilizando como base científica las Normas Terapeuticas del Ministerio de Salud de Nicaragua. Diseño Metodologico Tipo de Estudio: Corresponde a una investigación analítica, del cumplimiento de normas de manejo de pacientes intoxicados por plaguicidas, principalmente por Fosfina, Organofosforados, Paraquat y Rodenticidas. El Universo esta constituido por 46 pacientes correspondientes al total de ingresos con diagnóstico de intoxicación por estos plaguicidas, por el servicio de Emergencias del Hospital “Roberto Calderón Gutiérrez.” de 2008 a 2009. Resultados: Se recopilaron 46 casos de intoxicaciones por plaguicidas Fosfina, Paraquat, Organofosforados y Rodenticidas con predominio del sexo masculino, de escolaridad primaria, con una edad media entre 15 y 25 años. Geográficamente, la mayor proporción de casos corresponde a la zona urbana, sin ocupación y solteros. El plaguicida mayor utilizado es la Fosfina, con una severidad global del 60% y una mortalidad general del 72%. La mayoría con finalidad autolítica, utilizando la vía digestiva como via de ingreso del tóxico...

Ecotoxicological evaluation of sodium fluoroacetate on aquatic organisms and investigation of the effects on two fish cell lines.

Sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) is one of the most potent pesticides. It is also a metabolite of many other fluorinated compounds, including anticancer agents, narcotic analgesics, pesticides or industrial chemicals. Other sources of water contamination are the atmospheric degradation of hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. However, there is little information available about the adverse effects of sodium fluoroacetate in aquatic organisms. Firstly, the bacterium Vibrio fischeri (decomposer), the alga Chlorella vulgaris (1st producer) and the cladoceran Daphnia magna (1st consumer) were used for the ecotoxicological evaluation of SMFA. The most sensitive models were C. vulgaris and D. magna, with a NOAEL of 0.1 and an EC50 of 0.5 mM at 72 h, respectively. According to the results after the acute exposure and due to its high biodegradation rate and low bioaccumulation potential, sodium fluoroacetate is most unlikely to produce deleterious effects to aquatic organisms. Secondly, two fish cell lines were employed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of toxicity in tissues from 2nd consumers. The hepatoma fish cell line PLHC-1 was more sensitive to SMFA than the fibroblast-like fish cell line RTG-2, being the uptake of neutral red the most sensitive bioindicator. Lysosomal function, succinate dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase activities were inhibited, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was particularly stimulated, and metallothionein and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase levels were not modified. Intense hydropic degeneration, macrovesicular steatosis and death mainly by necrosis but also by apoptosis were observed. Moreover, sulphydryl groups and oxidative stress could be involved in PLHC-1 cell death induced by SMFA more than changes in calcium homeostasis.

A radial-distribution-function approach for predicting rodent carcinogenicity.

Carcinogenic activity has been investigated using the Radial-Distribution-Function (RDF) approach. A discriminant model was developed to predict the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic activity on a data set of 188 compounds. The percentage of overall classification was 76.4% for the carcinogenic chemicals and 72.5% for the non-carcinogenic chemicals. The predictive power of the model was validated by two tests: a cross-validation by the resubstitution technique and a test set (compounds not used in the development of the model) with 79.3 and 72.5% good classification, respectively. The RDF descriptors were compared with eight other methodologies; Constitutional, Molecular walks counts, Galvez topological charge indices, 2D autocorrelations, Randic molecular profiles, Geometrical, 3D-MORSE, and WHIM, demonstrating that the RDF descriptors are better to the rest of the approaches used.

Variabilidade clínica na determinação da dose tóxica oral em intoxicação experimental por fluoroacetato de sódio em gatos / Clinical variability in the determination of oral toxic dosis in the experimental intoxication with sodium fluoroacetate in cats

O fluoroacetato de sódio (FAS) ou composto 1080 é um potente rodenticida utilizado no controle de roedores e predadores manúferos. Sua utilização está proibida por lei em diversos países devido à sua alta toxicidade, mas no Brasil há evidências do uso ilegal e sem critérios causando intoxicações, principalmente em crianças e animais domésticos. O FAS age por meio do seu metabólito tóxico, o fluorocitrato, no bloqueio do ciclo de Krebs com consequente diminuição da produção de energia do organismo, provocando principalmente manifestações clínicas neurológicas e cardíacas. No presente estudo compararam quatro doses orais tóxicas do fluoroacetato de sódio, descritas em gatos, na literatura, observando-se o aparecimento dos sinais clínicos predominantes da intoxicação, as diferenças entre as doses quanto a variabilidade clínica em relação ao período de latência para o aparecimento dos sinais clínicos e sua respectiva intensidade. A dose oral tóxica que melhor caracterizou o quadro clínico da intoxicação por FAS em gatos, sem causar a letalidade aguda, foi de 0,4Smg/kg. As diferenças entre as manifestações clínicas foram dose-dependentes e em ordem crescente de intensidade, caracterizando-se como sinais leves (dose 1: 0,3mg/kg), leves a moderados (dose 2: 0,4mg/kg), moderados a graves (dose 3: 0,45mg/ kg) e graves (dose 4: 0,5mg/kg). Houve também variabilidade clínica individual entre animais intoxicados com a mesma dosagem do tóxico.

The sodium monofluoroacetate (FAC) or compound 1080 is a potent rodenticide used for a rodents and vertebrate pest control. lt was prohibited in many countties because of its high toxicity, but in Brazil exist evidences of ilegal use causing the intoxication in children and domestic animals. The fluoroacetate metabolite, fluorocitric acid, blocks body energy production by inhibit the Krebs cycle, resulting in neurological and cardiacs signs. ln the present study, four group of oral toxic dosis of the FAC were compared in cats. The best oral toxic dose for clinical signs presentation, without cause acute lethality, was 0,45mg/kg. The clinical variability was dosis dependent and its intensity , in crescent order, was: light signs (dose 1: 0,3mg/kg), light to moderate (dose 2: 0,4mg/kg), moderate to severe (dose 3: 0,45mg/ kg) and severe (dose 4: 0,5mg/kg). There was individual clinical variability between animals that received the same oral toxic dose.

Association mechanism between a series of rodenticide and humic acid: a frontal analysis to support the biological data.

The binding constants (K) of a series of anticoagulant rodenticides with the main soil organic component, humic acid (HA), were determined using frontal analysis approach. The order of the binding constants was identical as the one obtained in a previous paper [J. Chromatogr. B 813 (2004) 295], i.e. bromadiolone>brodifacoum>difenacoum>chlorophacinone>diphacinone, confirming the power of this frontal analysis approach for the determination of binding constants. Moreover, and for the first time, the concentration of unbound rodenticide to HAs could be determined. Thanks this approach, we could clearly demonstrate that HA acid protected the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 against the cytotoxicity of all the rodenticides tested and that the toxicity of rodenticides was directly linked to the free rodenticide fraction in the medium (i.e. unbound rodenticide to HA).

Toxicologic and histopathologic response of the terrestrial salamander Plethodon cinereus to soil exposures of 1,3,5-trinitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine.

Red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) were exposed to four different concentrations of 1,3,5-trinitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in soil under controlled laboratory conditions for 28 days. Wild-caught P. cinereus (N = 20/treatment) were exposed to target concentrations of 5,000, 1000, 100, 10, and 0 mg RDX/kg soil (dry wt) using a microcosm design. Animals were fed 5 to 10 uncontaminated mutant Drosophila flies every 3 days and monitored daily. Animals were weighed 1 day before being placed in treatment and weekly thereafter. RDX concentrations in soil were analytically determined after the compound was added and mixed at the beginning, the midpoint, and the end of exposure. RDX soil concentrations were relatively stable throughout the exposure period. Signs of overt toxicity were observed primarily in the highest exposure group. Salamanders exposed to 5,000 mg RDX/kg soil exhibited signs of neuromuscular effects (lethargy, gaping, hypersensitivity, tremors) and exhibited significant weight loss. A single moribund animal from this group lost >20% of its original body weight and was killed. Animals in this exposure group also lost weight relative to animals in other treatments. Histopathologic evaluations, including an evaluation of melanomacrophage parameters, indicated no strong treatment-related findings. This study provided information regarding the effects from subchronic dermal exposure of a terrestrial amphibian species to RDX in soil and provides a microcosm approach to the evaluation of toxicity of contaminants in soil to a terrestrial vertebrate.