Genetic Polymorphism in Xenobiotic Metabolising Genes and Increased Oxidative Stress among Pesticides Exposed Agricultural Workers Diagnosed with Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress combined with nullity of xenobiotic metabolizing GSTT1/GSTM1/CYP2E1 genes may increase the susceptibility of agricultural workers to adverse health effects including cancer. The present study was conducted to determine; the prevalence of polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1 and CYP2E1 genes, serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxygunosine levels, and the role of these markers in risk of cancer among agricultural workers occupationally exposed to pesticides. METHODS: A total of 360 participants, of which 180 belonging to farming group diagnosed with leukemia (n=60), lymphoma (n=60) and breast cancers (n=60), 90 in non-farming group diagnosed with similar cancers and the other 90 as healthy controls with neither history of occupational exposure nor diagnosed with any type of cancers were recruited. Following the questionnaire survey, serum 8-OHdG and genetic polymorphisms in the three genes were determined using ELISA and PCR methods respectively. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that farm workers carrying GSTT1 null genotype had increased risk for lymphoma (OR = 5.34; 95% CI = 1.80-15.82) and breast cancer (OR=4.04; 95% CI = 1.24-13.07). For farm workers carrying GSTM1 null genotype, the risk was six-fold for breast cancer (OR = 6.88; 95% CI =1.88-25.99). Further, there found a significant difference between 8-OHdG and nullity of CYP2E1 among the farm workers diagnosed with leukemia. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that the polymorphisms in detoxifying genes among farm workers occupationally exposed to pesticides and the oxidative stress may likely be responsible for triggering the mechanism of malignancy.

Residual Dialkyl Phosphate Metabolite Concentrations of Organophosphate Pesticides Among Indian Farmworkers: Implication of Exposure and Hazard Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Biomonitoring of urinary dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites, a sensitive biomarker to assess pesticides exposure and also to study the impact of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS: A preintervention-postintervention study to biomonitor dimethylphosphate, diethylphosphate, diethylthiophosphate, and diethyl-dithiophosphate using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry among Indian farmworkers (n = 120). RESULTS: Dimethylphosphate was detected in all samples at a mean concentration of 74.91 µg · L -1 (17.616 µg · g -1 creatinine), whereas diethylthiophosphate and diethyl-dithiophosphate were detected in 88% and 82% of samples, respectively, among farmworkers who adopted unsafe pesticide-handling practices. Intervention studies showed a significant reduction in the urinary DAP metabolites detected among the farmworkers using PPE provided to them ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Study confirms the exposure to pesticides among farmworkers and highlights the importance of the use of PPE to minimize exposure.

Mitigation of pesticide residue levels in the exposed dermal regions of occupationally exposed farmworkers by use of personal protective equipment.

Unsafe pesticide handling practices with the limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Indian farming groups lead to an increased risk of exposure to pesticides. Therefore, a community-based follow-up study based on dosimeters, wipes, and hand-wash technique was carried out to evaluate the dermal exposure to pesticides and to analyze the impact of the usage of PPE on minimizing the exposure among the farmworkers of Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. Risk in terms of hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and safety analysis as margins of safety was assessed. Farmworkers averaged 18 years of farming experience and showed resistance to adopting good agricultural practices. Ten pesticide residues were detected in concentrations ranging from 0.000 to 246 mg ml-1 in hand-wash, 0.000 to 198.33 ng cm-2 in patch dosimeter, and 0.000 to 1,740 ng cm-2 in wipe samples collected from farmworkers not using PPE. The second phase includes the intervention study results that revealed a significant reduction both in the concentrations and the number of pesticide residues detected in the hand-wash, patch, and wipe samples of the farmworkers who have used the PPE provided to them (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the probabilistic health risk assessment in terms of the HQ values ranged from 0.02 to 1029.82, and HI was >1, suggesting the non-carcinogenic risks associated with dermal exposure to pesticides among them. Additionally, the safety risk assessment in terms of the margin of safety suggests that they follow risky handling practices. The study confirms that farmworkers are exposed to pesticides and emphasizes the significance of using PPE in reducing the risk.

Knowledge, attitude and practices related to pesticide usage among farmers: Findings from a hospital based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In India, where agriculture is the prime occupation among the rural population, farmers are extensively using pesticides in crop production without taking adequate precautions. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to examine pesticide usage patterns, usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), knowledge on pesticide toxicity, and attitude towards occupational safety among farmers diagnosed with leukaemia (n = 60), lymphoma (n = 33), and breast cancer (n = 30) visiting a tertiary cancer care hospital in Hyderabad, India. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire and the data collected were analysed with statistical software SPSS 23. RESULTS: The survey revealed that the participants had an average of 19.6 years of farming experience and women were predominantly involved in the mixing of pesticides and other agricultural work apart from spraying. All of them were not using any PPE and the majority of them did not have any knowledge on the route of exposure, toxicity symbols, and safe handling of pesticides. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between educational status and knowledge, attitude and practices (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Even though the majority of the farmers were educated, their lack of adequate knowledge on pesticides had enabled them to adopt risky behaviours in handling and storage of pesticides. There is a need for continuous training programs for farmers to promote awareness and minimize the hazards of occupational exposure.

The impact of the use of personal-protective-equipment on the minimization of effects of exposure to pesticides among farm-workers in India.

Introduction: Although excessive use of pesticides and unsafe agricultural practices may contribute to numerous intoxications, the role of PPE (personal-protective-equipment) in the minimization of toxicological effects due to pesticide exposure has not been addressed so far. The present study aimed to assess the impact of the use of PPE on the minimization of effects of exposure to pesticides among farm-workers. Methods: A community-based follow-up study with questionnaire-based survey and field observations was undertaken among farm-workers (n = 180) of Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. Biomarkers of exposure such as cholinesterase activity, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, cortisol, and hs-C reactive protein), nutrients (vitamins A, E), liver function (total protein and A/G ratio, AST and ALT levels) were investigated in the laboratory by following the standard protocols. Results: Farm-workers who had a mean farming exposure of 18 years of and who neither followed safe pesticide handling practices nor used PPE and also showed reluctance to obey good agricultural practices (GAPs). Inhibition of AChE (acetylcholine esterase) with increased inflammation was found among farm-workers as compared to their respective normal values when they have not used PPE. Linear regression statistical analysis revealed a profound effect on inhibition in the AChE activity and various inflammatory markers with the increase in the duration of pesticide exposure. Further, there was no effect of the duration of pesticide exposure on the levels of vitamins A, E, ALT, AST, total protein, and A/G ratio. Further, intervention studies carried out on the use of PPE provided (commercially available and cost-effective) for 90 days showed a significant reduction in the biomarker levels (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the importance of the use of PPE during pesticide applications and other agricultural tasks to minimize pesticide-associated adverse health effects.

Assessment of dermal exposure to pesticides among farmers using dosimeter and hand washing methods.

Inappropriate use of pesticides followed by unsafe handling practices to control the insect infestation among the farming groups in developing countries has resulted in a high exposure risk. The use of personal protective equipment is also negligible among Indian farmers due to their affordability to access the same. Very little research has been conducted to establish an exposure assessment procedure through dermal penetration of pesticide residues. Therefore, to quantify the contamination of pesticide residues through dermal exposure along with detailed field observations and pesticide management practices, a field study was conducted in Rangareddy district, Telangana, Southern India, to assess the dermal exposure based on dosimeter and hand washing methods. The analytical method was modified and validated in-house for performance parameters such as limit of detection, quantification, linear range, recovery, and precision. The potential dermal exposure values ranged from 0.15 to 13.45 µg, while a reduction was found in exposure levels as actual dermal exposure values ranged from 0 to 0.629 µg. Contamination through hand washing was the major contributor to overall dermal exposure. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the exposed dermal regions of the leg and torso after the use of PPE. Penetration factor for each anatomical region and risk evaluation in terms of the Margin of Safety implies unsafe handling of pesticides. The findings of the present study confirm the increased exposure to organophosphate pesticides among operators and highlight the importance of the use of protective measures, especially among those that focus on dermal exposure mitigation.

Impact of Micronutrient Supplementation on Pesticide Residual, Acetylcholinesterase Activity, and Oxidative Stress Among Farm Children Exposed to Pesticides.

The present interventional study aimed to assess the impact of micronutrient supplementation on pesticide-residues concentrations, vitamins, minerals, acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress among 129 farm children (9-12 years, n = 66 and 13-15 years, n = 63) involved in farming activities in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, India. Our data showed the presence of five organophosphorus pesticide residues (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion, monocrotophos, and phosalone) among children before-supplementation (both age-groups); while post-supplementation, only two pesticide residues (chlorpyrifos and diazinon) were detected indicating improved metabolic rate. Vitamin E, copper, magnesium and zinc levels were also improved in both the age-groups and manganese levels were significantly increased only among children of 13-15 years age group. Further, post-supplementation also showed an improvement in acetylcholinesterase activity and a decrease in lipid peroxidation among both the age groups of children. However, further research for ascertaining the ameliorating effect of micronutrients in preventing adverse effects of organophosphorus pesticides must be conducted.

Alterations in reproductive hormone levels among farm women and their children occupationally exposed to organophosphate pesticides.

Exposure to organophosphorus pesticides may lead to reproductive hormone dysfunction. Even among children of pubertal age, the exposure may disrupt growth, development, and maturation. The present study was conducted to assess the alterations in the reproductive hormone levels, among farm women (24-45 years, n = 129) and their children (9-12 years, n = 66 and 13-15 years, n = 63) and compare them with age and gender-matched control group [women (n = 134) and their children (9-12 years, n = 69 and 13-15 years, n = 65)] belonging to villages of Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, India. Blood pesticide residues and reproductive hormone (follicle-stimulating hormone-FSH, luteinizing hormone-LH, estradiol, and testosterone) levels were analyzed. The detected pesticide residues (ng/mL) were chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion, and monocrotophos among the farm women, while the farm children of 9-12 years age groups were detected with residues of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion, monocrotophos, and phosalone. The farm children of 13-15 years age group were detected with residues of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion, monocrotophos, and phosalone. However, no residues were detected among the samples of women and children of control groups. Significantly lower levels of FSH (in follicular phase) were observed among the farm women than the control group. Significant alterations in FSH and LH levels of farm women were observed with a significant correlation between the chlorpyrifos residue levels and estradiol hormone. While no such significant change in hormone levels was observed among the farm children of both age groups of both genders. Though the present study showed pesticide-induced alterations in hormone levels among the farm women, research is needed to elucidate the critical windows during which exposure may adversely affect the reproductive system in children at the pubertal stage and women at reproductive age and subsequently their progeny's health at a later stage of life.

Organophosphate pesticide exposure among farm women and children: Status of micronutrients, acetylcholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress.

Nutritional status plays a major role in determining the possible adverse health outcomes due to pesticide toxicity. The objective of the present study was to assess the organophosphorus pesticide residue levels among farm women (FW) (24-45years) and farm children (FC) (9-12 and 13-15years) belonging to the Rangareddy district (Telangana, India) along with their micronutrient status, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress levels. Residues of Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, Malathion, Monocrotophos and Phosalone were found in the serum samples of FW and FC along with significantly low levels of vitamins and minerals. Inhibition of AChE activity was observed in FW and FC and altered oxidative stress parameters among FW. Correlation studies have found significant associations between the pesticide residues, micronutrients and antioxidant enzymes. The study suggests an association between pesticide exposure coupled with micronutrient deficiency, induced AChE inhibition, and oxidative stress.

Effect of organophosphorus pesticide exposure on the immune cell phenotypes among farm women and their children.

Epidemiological studies suggest suppression of the lymphocytes function through cholinergic stimulation due to organophosphorus pesticide exposure. The study aimed to assess the alteration in the levels of immune cell phenotypes among farm women (FW) and farm children (FC) who were occupationally exposed to pesticides and age/gender-matched control subjects belonging to Rangareddy district (Telangana, India). A total of 129 FW, 129 FC and 268 age/gender-matched controls were recruited. Blood samples were collected from the selected subjects to estimate the levels of nine organophosphorus pesticide residues and CD (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+ and CD19+) cell markers using LC-MS/MS and flow cytometry, respectively. Independent t-test analysis was conducted to compare the immune cell phenotypes between exposed and control groups. Spearman's rank correlation test was further carried out to identify any possible correlation between the pesticide residues and CD markers. The mean percentage for CD4+, CD8+ and CD16+ was found to be significantly low, while for CD19 + itwas significantly high in the FW as compared to the CW group (p < 0.01). Further, the residues of chlorpyrifos and monocrotophos among FW were found to be significantly correlating with the mean percentages of CD19+ and CD8+ markers, respectively. The cell marker subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly low in FC children 9-12 years and 13-15 years age groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, these levels were significantly correlating with the residues of malathion and monocrotophos. The present study could indicate an alteration in the lymphocytes' subpopulations, which may thereby infer the toxicity in the first phase assessment of immunotoxicity. Therefore, further studies may be conducted to understand the suspected pesticides' mechanism along with various other factors in causing immune suppression coupled with nutritional and other related disorders.

Predominant role of antioxidants in ameliorating the oxidative stress induced by pesticides.

Oxidative stress has been reported as one of the adverse effects caused due to pesticides, which is the main mechanism of the toxicity in humans and animals and is a useful parameter in monitoring studies. It involves an imbalance in the equilibrium state of ROS and antioxidant defenses leading to alterations in various antioxidant enzyme levels and lipid peroxidation. The objective of the current paper is to present a review of the potential role and protective mechanism action of the antioxidant micronutrient supplementation to ameliorate the oxidative stress induced by pesticides. Studies in animal models and human were retrieved through the relevant search of the literature and categorized. Various animal studies were categorized according to the type of supplementation. Animal studies provide evidence to conclude the potential protective role of antioxidants in ameliorating the adverse effects of pesticides. Similar studies in humans are meager suggesting for further comprehensive research.

Repetitive Strain Injuries of the Upper Extremity: Imaging of Tendon Pathology and Compressive Neuropathies.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) encompass a broad clinicopathologic spectrum which includes discrete patterns of tissue injury involving tendons, bursae and nerves although an element of subjective symptomatology may be contributory. Upper extremity RSIs include De Quervain's tenosynovitis, intersection syndromes, epicondylitis, ulnar, and median neuritis as well as other compressive neuropathies. It is estimated that RSIs cost the US economy over $60 billion annually and while detailed clinical examination remains the diagnostic mainstay, imaging can aid in diagnosis, guide management and reduce costs.

Bone Tumors Occurring in the Soft Tissues: A Review of the Clinical, Imaging, and Histopathologic Findings.

Although rare in everyday practice, malignancies that classically arise from bone or cartilage have been reported to arise de novo in various soft tissues in the body, resulting in a diagnostic challenge for the clinician, radiologist, and pathologist. Differential diagnoses of bone tumors often depend on anatomic location of the lesion. For example, the classic location of osteosarcoma is in the metaphysis of long bones about the knee. Histologically osteosarcoma is characterized by tumor cells that directly produce osteoid, bone, or cartilaginous matrix. In extraskeletal osteosarcoma, the clinical and radiologic picture is very different from a conventional osteosarcoma. They occur in older patients, present as a soft tissue mass often coincidentally following trauma and have a worse prognosis. The imaging characteristics are often nonspecific with mineralized elements in a well-defined soft tissue mass. The mineralized elements may or may not be visible. Magnetic Resonance sequences demonstrate a well circumscribed soft tissue mass with hemorrhagic and enhancing solid components. The pathologic features of extraskeletal osteosarcoma on a microscopic scale are identical to that of skeletal lesions. Likewise, conventional chondrosarcomas present in older patients with a growing, painful soft tissue prominence most commonly involving the long tubular bones. In extraskeletal chondrosarcoma however, the presentation is in somewhat younger patients with a painful soft tissue prominence typically in the head (meninges), neck, or upper leg. The pathologic features are most often that of a myxoid chondrosarcoma which is characterized by strands of small cells over a myxoid matrix. Imaging features include chondroid matrix, heterogenous contrast enhancement, and amorphous internal calcification on Computed Tomography. On Magnetic Resonance sequences the matrix has a low signal on all sequences, and variable inhomogeneity depending on grade of the lesion. Other extraskeletal bone tumors include Ewing's sarcoma and osteoid osteoma amongst other lesions. Although these malignancies may be rare clinical entities, they often exhibit characteristic clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings although differing in treatment and prognosis. Knowledge of these and other common mimicking lesions will help guide the clinician and radiologist to make an accurate diagnosis.

Pesticide handling practices and self-reported morbidity symptoms among farmers.

Amid growing concern about the adverse effects of pesticides, a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate farmers' knowledge on pesticides handling. Results of in-depth surveys (n = 217) with field observations revealed that participants had a mean 18 years of farming experience and knapsack-sprays were used for spraying. About 99% were not using any personal-protective-equipments during mixing, loading, application operations. Over 80% reentered the treated farms within two-days of application without following safety protocols and 39% admitted unsafe disposal of empty containers of pesticides. Statistical-analysis revealed a significant association between participant's pesticide handling practices and self-reported morbidity symptoms (p < 0.05). Despite awareness of toxicity, participants were mishandling the pesticides. Training on safe handling practices and incentives in form of personal-protective-equipments could be productive to ensure safety at work.

Sciatic Nerve Variants in Patients Diagnosed With Sciatica: Is There a Correlation?

PURPOSE: Compression of the sciatic nerve in its path along the piriformis muscle can produce sciatica-like symptoms. There are 6 predominant types of sciatic nerve variations with type 1 being the most common (84.2%), followed by type 2 (13.9%). However, there is scarce literature on the prevalence of sciatic nerve variation in those diagnosed with sciatica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of 95 patients clinically diagnosed with sciatica who had a magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis/hip were retrospectively studied. All patients had T1-weighted axial, coronal, and sagittal images. Magnetic resonance imagings were interpreted separately by 2 board-certified fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists to identify the sciatic nerve variant. RESULTS: Seven cases were excluded because of inadequate imaging. Of the remaining 88 patients, 5 had bilateral sciatica resulting in a sample size of 93 limbs. Fifty-two (55.9%) had type 1 sciatic nerve anatomy, 39 (41.9%) had type 2, and 2 (2.2%) had type 3. The proportions of type 1 and 2 variations were significantly different from the normal distribution (P < 0.001), whereas type 3, 4, 5, and 6 variants were not (P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: There is strong statistical significance regarding the relationship between sciatic nerve variation and the clinical diagnosis of sciatica. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging can be considered in sciatica patients to prevent iatrogenic injury in pelvic surgery.

Efficacy of 3D Printed Models on Resident Learning and Understanding of Common Acetabular Fracturers.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The conceptualization of acetabular fractures can present a daunting challenge to radiology residents. 3D models have been shown to aid in the spatial perception of complicated anatomy and may help residents grasp the elaborate classification systems for these anatomically complex fractures. Prior studies have explored the utility of 3D printed models for surgical planning in various settings. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated their efficacy in radiology resident training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following IRB approval, 22 radiology residents were randomized and stratified by Post Graduate Year into two groups of 11 residents. Both groups received separate identical presentations on the 5 most common acetabular fractures given by a musculoskeletal trained radiologist. Residents in the experimental group received 3D printed models of the five most common fracture types with which to interact during the presentation, while the control group did not. Both groups received a pretest and a follow up posttest three weeks later. RESULTS: A Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed to determine if statistically significant differences between the pretest and posttest scores of the experimental and control groups existed. There was no statistically significant difference in scores on the pre-test, which confirmed successful randomization. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.02) on the posttest scores between the experimental and control groups. CONCLUSION: 3D printed models promise as an effective educational tool for resident learning with respect to acetabular fractures, improving short-term understanding of complex anatomy and classification systems.

The 2015 Amtrak Philadelphia Train Derailment: After-Action Review of the Emergency Radiology Response at Temple University Health System.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to assess a large tertiary care medical center's emergency radiology response after the 2015 Amtrak Philadelphia train derailment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 55 patients with 308 total CTs and radiographs ordered within 12 hours of arrival to Temple University Health System (combining Temple University Hospital and Episcopal Hospital) emergency departments on May 12 to 13, 2015, were included in this study. A retrospective PACS and electronic medical record chart review of emergency department imaging turnaround times (TAT) during this event was completed and compared with emergency department radiology operations for the same 12-hour period throughout the preceding year. Wilcoxon's rank-sum test analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 308 CTs and radiographs were performed, and 91 radiologically evident injuries were observed in a total of 30 patients, with fractures (n = 51) as the most common type of injury. There were no significant differences in time from patient arrival to beginning of radiological examination (26 min; interquartile range [IQR], 11-58 min) compared with annual median (28 min; IQR, 10-131 min; P = .232). Examination completion TATs were significantly increased (35 min; IQR, 17-112 min) compared with annual median (10 min; IQR, 5-15 min; P < .001), and time required from viewing of the examination by the radiologist to the examination being marked as read was significantly decreased (17 min; IQR, 6-45 min) compared with annual median (248 min; IQR, 126-441 min; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The analysis highlights areas of efficiency in our response but also indicates areas for process improvement in future potential mass casualty events.

Imaging Patterns of Injuries After the 2015 Amtrak Philadelphia Train Derailment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the injury patterns observed in the 2015 Philadelphia Amtrak train derailment. CONCLUSION: Fractures accounted for most observed injuries, but uncommon and potentially serious injuries included posterior sternoclavicular dislocation and mesenteric contusion. Imaging plays a critical role in the triage of patients during mass-casualty events, and familiarity with the injury patterns associated with high-velocity unrestrained blunt force trauma will aid diagnosis in any future similar occurrence.

An improved dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up method for the gas chromatography-negative chemical ionisation tandem mass spectrometric determination of multiclass pesticide residues in edible oils.

An improved sample preparation using dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up was proposed for the trace level determination of 35 multiclass pesticide residues (organochlorine, organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroids) in edible oils. Quantification of the analytes was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in negative chemical ionisation mode (GC-NCI-MS/MS). The limit of detection and limit of quantification of residues were in the range of 0.01-1ng/g and 0.05-2ng/g, respectively. The analytes showed recoveries between 62% and 110%, and the matrix effect was observed to be less than 25% for most of the pesticides. Crude edible oil samples showed endosulfan isomers, p,p'-DDD, α-cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon residues in the range of 0.56-2.14ng/g. However, no pesticide residues in the detection range of the method were observed in refined oils.

Effect of background derivatization on the signal enhancement of pesticide residues extracted from edible oils.

The effect of background derivatization on the signal enhancement of pesticide residues extracted from edible oil samples was studied by GC with negative chemical ionization MS. The analytes were extracted by a solvent extraction process, and the extract was subjected to rapid low-temperature fat precipitation. The residual fatty acids were silylated by derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide. The chromatograms obtained from the derivatized samples showed higher signal intensity and lower detection levels when compared to the direct analysis without derivatization. The sensitivity levels of the method are either better or comparable to that of previously reported methodologies. The LODs of the analyzed organochlorine, organophosphorus, and synthetic pyrethroid residues in sunflower, rice bran, and ground oil samples were in the range of 0.02­0.5 ng/g, and the LOQs were in the range of 0.1­2 ng/g. The intraday and interday accuracies were in the range of 81­116% with RSDs less than 14%. The recoveries obtained were in the range of 53­89% with the RSD values less than 13% for all the studied pesticide residues.