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Nuwongsa I, Markmee T, Pholpo N, Chockjamsai M, Monum T, Amornlertwatana Y, Tajai P. Paraquat Poisoning: Insights from Autopsy, Histology, and Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Multidisciplinary Forensic Toxicology Practice. TOXICS 2024; 12:675. [PMID: 39330603 PMCID: PMC11435590 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12090675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
The herbicide paraquat (PQ) is responsible for a significant number of fatalities resulting from self-poisoning. Nevertheless, only a limited number of comprehensive studies focusing on fatal PQ poisoning, which include examination of autopsy findings, histopathology, and quantitative analysis of post-mortem samples, have been published. This study aimed to evaluate autopsy findings, histopathology, and quantitative analysis of PQ in post-mortem human serum samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a simple, sensitive, and specific method. Autopsies were performed on all deaths due to PQ poisoning, and serum samples were sent to the toxicology laboratory for chemical analysis. The method was successfully applied to seven human serum samples, and the results indicate its reliability for detecting PQ. The study reports fatal serum PQ levels ranging from 0.5 to 372.0 µg/mL. The comprehensive data presented in this study can be useful for further research and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Preechaya Tajai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (I.N.); (T.M.); (N.P.); (M.C.); (T.M.); (Y.A.)
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Sapbamrer R, Sittitoon N, Thongtip S, Chaipin E, Sutalangka C, La-up A, Thirarattanasunthon P, Thammachai A, Suwannakul B, Sangkarit N, Kitro A, Panumasvivat J, Srisookkum T. Socio-demographic, agricultural, and personal protective factors in relation to health literacy among farmers from all regions of Thailand. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1364296. [PMID: 38590809 PMCID: PMC10999635 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1364296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Farmers are vulnerable to adverse health effects from pesticide exposure due to their health literacy (HL). Therefore, this study aims to investigate HL among farmers in four main regions of Thailand, investigating socio-demographics, agricultural, and personal protective factors to their HL. Methods This cross-sectional design study was conducted on 4,035 farmers from January to July 2023. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-47 items were used to measure HL. Results Thai farmers had a mean HL score of 34.7 ± 8.7, and the farmers in the North region of Thailand had the highest frequency of limited HL (75.8%). Socio-demographic factors that were associated with HL included gender, region of living, marital status, education level, co-morbidity, and number of family members. Agricultural factors associated with HL included planting status, working hours on farm, spraying pesticides, harvesting crops, pesticide use of >1 type, access information from government officers, access information from posters/brochures, information from online multimedia, and access information from neighbors. Personal protective factors that were associated with HL included wearing a hat, goggles, a rubber apron, and a long-sleeved shirt. Discussion Our study recommends that strategies and interventions to enhance the HL of farmers should be focused on the target populations, which include men, widows, or divorced, those with low levels of education, those who have co-morbidities, and those who applied pesticides of more than 1 type and improper personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The primary emphasis needs to be on the North region of Thailand, making that the target area to improve health equity in Thailand. These efforts would enhance the HL of farmers and sustainably improve pesticide safety behavior. Additionally, there is an urgent need for supportive measures aimed at altering on-farm practices and promoting education on alternative pest management strategies, particularly non-chemical crop protection, to ensure sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center (EnOMEC), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nalin Sittitoon
- School of Environmental Health, Institute of Public Health, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Sakesun Thongtip
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Eakasit Chaipin
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Science, Rajabhat Lampang University, Lampang, Thailand
| | - Chatchada Sutalangka
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Aroon La-up
- Nakhonsawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhonsawan, Thailand
| | | | - Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Boonsita Suwannakul
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Noppharath Sangkarit
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center (EnOMEC), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jinjuta Panumasvivat
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center (EnOMEC), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Taweewun Srisookkum
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
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Bava R, Lupia C, Castagna F, Ruga S, Nucera S, Caminiti R, Bulotta RM, Naccari C, Carresi C, Musolino V, Statti G, Britti D, Mollace V, Palma E. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction for the Control of Flupyradifurone-Induced Poisoning in Honeybees. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:608. [PMID: 38396576 PMCID: PMC10886160 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Flupyradifurone (FLU) is a butenolide insecticide that has come onto the market relatively recently. It is used in agriculture to control aphids, psyllids, and whiteflies. Toxicity studies have decreed its low toxicity to honeybees. However, recent research has challenged these claims; oral exposure to the pesticide can lead to behavioral abnormalities and in the worst cases, lethal phenomena. Compounds with antioxidant activity, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, have been shown to protect against the toxic effects of pesticides. The aim of this research was to evaluate the possible protective effect of the bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) against behavioral abnormalities and lethality induced by toxic doses of FLU orally administered to honeybees under laboratory conditions. Honeybees were assigned to experimental groups in which two toxic doses of FLU, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L were administered. In other replicates, three doses (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg) of the bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) were added to the above toxic doses. In the experimental groups intoxicated with FLU at the highest dose tested, all caged subjects (20 individuals) died within the second day of administration. The survival probability of the groups to which the BPF was added was compared to that of the groups to which only the toxic doses of FLU were administered. The mortality rate in the BPF groups was statistically lower (p < 0.05) than in the intoxicated groups; in addition, a lower percentage of individuals exhibited behavioral abnormalities. According to this research, the ingestion of the BPF attenuates the harmful effects of FLU. Further studies are needed before proposing BPF incorporation into the honeybees' diet, but there already seem to be beneficial effects associated with its intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Carmine Lupia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, 88054 Sersale, Italy
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, 88054 Sersale, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Saverio Nucera
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Rosa Maria Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Clara Naccari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Musolino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Giancarlo Statti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
- Center for Pharmacological Research, Food Safety, High Tech and Health (IRC-FSH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (S.N.); (R.C.); (R.M.B.); (C.N.); (C.C.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (V.M.); (E.P.)
- Center for Pharmacological Research, Food Safety, High Tech and Health (IRC-FSH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Sapbamrer R, Sittitoon N, Thongtip S, Chaipin E, Sutalangka C, Chaiut W, La-up A, Thirarattanasunthon P, Thammachai A, Suwannakul B, Sangkarit N, Kitro A, Panumasvivat J. Acute health symptoms related to perception and practice of pesticides use among farmers from all regions of Thailand. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1296082. [PMID: 38259756 PMCID: PMC10800609 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1296082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Occupational exposure to pesticides may cause acute health effects for farmers and agricultural workers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of poisoning symptoms related pesticide exposure among farmers from all regions of Thailand, as well as factors linked to poisoning symptoms of neurological and neuromuscular systems, the respiratory system, and eye and skin disorders. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in 4,035 farmers who lived in four regions of Thailand. The samples were chosen using stratified random sampling, with 746 for the Central region, 2,065 for the North-East, 586 for the North, and 638 for the South. Results The results found that the highest prevalence of poisoning symptoms was found in association with neurological and neuromuscular systems (75%), followed by the respiratory system (60.4%), the eyes (41.2%), and skin (14.8%). The most prevalent symptoms were muscle pain (49%) for neurological and neuromuscular symptoms, burning nose (37.6%) for respiratory symptoms, itchy eyes (26.3%) for eye symptoms, and rashes (14.4%) for skin symptoms. The remarkable findings were that types of pesticide use, task on the farm, types of pesticide sprayers, and perception are the crucial factors affecting all poisoning symptoms. Discussion The findings are also beneficial to the Thai government and other relevant organizations for launching measures, campaigns, or interventions to lower modifiable risk factors, resulting in reducing health risks associated with pesticide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nalin Sittitoon
- School of Environmental Health, Institute of Public Health, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Sakesun Thongtip
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Eakasit Chaipin
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Science, Rajabhat Lampang University, Lampang, Thailand
| | - Chatchada Sutalangka
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Wilawan Chaiut
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Aroon La-up
- Nakhonsawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | | | - Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Boonsita Suwannakul
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Noppharath Sangkarit
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jinjuta Panumasvivat
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Li X, Zhu M. The role of agricultural mechanization services in reducing pesticide input: promoting sustainable agriculture and public health. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1242346. [PMID: 37860798 PMCID: PMC10584316 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1242346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing amount of pesticide input is posing a serious threat to the environment and public health. However, the quantitative analysis of the impact of agricultural mechanization services (AMS) on reducing pesticide input is not yet clear. In this study, the impact of AMS on pesticide input was estimated by using the Chinese Family Database and the endogenous switching regression model. Subsequently, testing the robustness of the model using the substitution variable method. The impact of AMS on different types of pesticides and the influence of farmers' choices of AMS on pesticide input under different terrain conditions and farm sizes were analyzed as well. The results demonstrate that AMS has a significant and negative impact on pesticide input, reducing pesticide expenditures by 56.08% for farmers who adopt AMS. For farmers who do not adopt AMS, adopting such services is assumed to reduce pesticide input by 14.97%. AMS can also reduce the use of insecticides and herbicides by over 54%. Compared to mountainous and hilly areas, AMS in plain areas increase the effectiveness of pesticide input reduction by 30.40%. Furthermore, small-scale farmers who adopt AMS can increase pesticide input reduction by 90 yuan/mu compared with large-scale farmers. Therefore, promoting the development of socialized AMS, strengthening AMS in mountainous and hilly areas, and expanding the scale of operation for small-scale farmers can help improve the effectiveness of pesticide input reduction. The results of this study can inform the development of strategies to reduce chemical pesticide use in agricultural soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchi Li
- School of Economics, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Business School, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mande Zhu
- School of Economics, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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