Pesticides and brain cancer linked in orchard farmers of Kashmir

Attenuation of hexaconazole induced oxidative stress by folic acid, malic acid and ferrocenecarboxaldehyde in an invertebrate model Bombyx mori

Fungicides are a class of pesticides used to ward off fungal diseases from agricultural crops to achieve maximum productivity. These chemicals are quite efficient in controlling diseases; however, the excessive use of these affects non-target organisms as well. In this study, Bombyx mori was utilized to investigate the effect of the pesticide hexaconazole (HEX) on the antioxidant system of this organism and also to find ways to mitigate it. On oral exposure to this chemical, a significant reduction in antioxidants, CAT, GPX, GSH, and SOD in the gut, fat body, and silk gland was observed. The HEX treatment also resulted in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in all the three tissues. To mitigate this toxicity and protect the silkworm from oxidative stress, we tested three compounds, namely folic acid, ferrocenecarboxaldehyde, and malic acid having known antioxidant potential. Folic acid provided significant protection against HEX-induced toxicity. Ferrocenecarboxaldehyde and malic acid proved to be ill-efficient in controlling oxidative stress, with ferrocenecarboxaldehyde being the least effective of the three. Folic acid was also efficient in controlling LPO up to a considerable level. Ferrocenecarboxaldehyde and malic acid also prevented LPO less efficiently than folic acid. Overall folic acid was the only compound that mitigated HEX-induced oxidative stress in silkworm with statistical significance in all the tissues viz. gut, fat body, and silk gland.

Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides may induce brain cancer through oxidative stress

In this study, oxidative stress was investigated as the possible mechanism of action of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in primary brain tumors (PBT). The levels of seven OCP residues and enzymatic antioxidant biomarkers including erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) along with non-enzymatic oxidative biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured in blood samples of 73 patients with PBT and 104 healthy controls. A significant association was found between farming activities and PBT (55% of patients were engaged in farming activities while 45% had no farming experience). The mean levels of β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4 DDE, 4,4 DDE, 4,4 DDT, MDA, PC, NO, SOD, CAT, and GPx were significantly higher in PBT patients, whereas the levels of TAC, PON-1, and AChE were significantly lower in these patients. Regression analysis showed that PBT was correlated with β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4 DDE, 4,4 DDE, and 4,4 DDT. Based on these results, it can be concluded that OCPs and OPPs may play a role in PBT development through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting oxidative stress.

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.

Attitudinal behaviour of agriculturalists towards pesticide use in Pir Panjal Range of Kashmir Himalayas

BACKGROUND

Attainment of safety during pesticide spraying relies on the farmer's knowledge of pesticide use, attitude and sense of safety. However, such investigations are insufficient in the current study area.

METHODS

The study is based on a primary survey of 384 orchardists about the myriad of aspects affecting the use of pesticides and their subsequent effects.

RESULTS

The study revealed that knowledge, attitude, and perception had a weighted average index (WAI) and a standard deviation (SD) of 2.85 ± 1.17, 3.55 ± 1.34, and 3.81 ± 0.98 correspondingly. The findings reflect the farmers have a low to moderate level of knowledge, a moderate attitude toward pesticides, and a favourable perception on their utilization. Thus, for farmer personal protective equipment (PPE) use, it scored 2.77 ± 0.90 on the WAI scale, indicating that most farmers use PPEs 'rarely to occasionally' and that none use full protective gear. Furthermore, attitude and PPE usage exhibited a negative relationship with age, as younger people use PPE more than older ones. The findings were consistent for both farming experience and PPE usage. Moreover, there exists a positive association between age with perception and farming experience, knowledge with perception and PPE use, and attitude with perception.

CONCLUSIONS

The coefficient of determination (R²) shows that 67.2% of the variability in farmers' PPE use was attributed to factors including knowledge, attitude, perception, and education. A favorable behavioral shift in pesticide usage may be achieved by enhancing farmers' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, and adequate PPE usage.

Risk Factors for Brain Health in Agricultural Work: A Systematic Review

Certain exposures related to agricultural work have been associated with neurological disorders. To date, few studies have included brain health measurements to link specific risk factors with possible neural mechanisms. Moreover, a synthesis of agricultural risk factors associated with poorer brain health outcomes is missing. In this systematic review, we identified 106 articles using keywords related to agriculture, occupational exposure, and the brain. We identified seven major risk factors: non-specific factors that are associated with agricultural work itself, toluene, pesticides, heavy metal or dust exposure, work with farm animals, and nicotine exposure from plants. Of these, pesticides are the most highly studied. The majority of qualifying studies were epidemiological studies. Nigral striatal regions were the most well studied brain area impacted. Of the three human neuroimaging studies we found, two focused on functional networks and the third focused on gray matter. We identified two major directions for future studies that will help inform preventative strategies for brain health in vulnerable agricultural workers: (1) the effects of moderators such as type of work, sex, migrant status, race, and age; and (2) more comprehensive brain imaging studies, both observational and experimental, involving several imaging techniques.

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.

Impacts of Erratic Snowfall on Apple Orchards in Kashmir Valley, India

Kashmir Valley has been witnessing erratic snowfall events in recent autumns which severely impacted apple orchards and harvests. Here, we combine remotely sensed data and field observations to map snowfall distribution and snow depths during the recent snowfall events in November 2018 and November 2019. Besides, we used ERA-5 reanalysis climate datasets to investigate the causes of these erratic snowfall events, pointing to an early arrival of Western Disturbances (WD) to the area. Analysis of these untimely snowfall episodes indicates that snow depths varied from 5–122 cm and 31–152 cm during the 2018 and 2019 snowfall events, respectively. In turn, satellite data analysis reveals that the apple orchards cover roughly 9.8% (1329 km2) of the entire surface of Kashmir Valley, out of which 32.6% were mildly to severely damaged by snow. The areas in South Kashmir suffered the most from the untimely snowfall with an area affected estimated to ~264 km2, followed by North Kashmir (~151 km2) and Central Kashmir (18 km2). The snowfall caused substantial harvest losses in orchards ranging from 4–50% with an average of ~35%. The geopotential analysis from the ERA-5 dataset provides insights into the synoptic weather patterns leading to the snowfall events and point to a trough in the high-troposphere (200 mb), along with a col at lower levels (850 mb) over the Kashmir Valley from November 2–5, 2018. The lower levels (850 mb) experienced intense cyclonic circulation which favored advection of moisture from the Arabian Sea during the November 6–7, 2019, snowfall event. The large economic losses related to early arrival of WD led to a virtual grounding of the horticultural sector in 2018 and 2019. Therefore, more baseline research is critically needed along with a comprehensive evaluation of the suitability of horticulture as an economically viable sector that is being promoted over the Kashmir region, also under climate change.

Pesticides Hazardous Hotspots: Empirical Evidences from North India

The pesticide use in Indian agriculture showed a declining trend in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Since 2007, pesticide use gained an upward trend. To study the pesticide use pattern and identify pesticide hotspots, we collected data from a sample of 1201 apple, rice, vegetable, and cotton growers from the temperate Kashmir Valley, subtropical Jammu, and Punjab. Our study provided some interesting empirical results: prophylactic pesticide applications in apple crop making it a pesticide guzzler [25.2 kg of active ingredient (ai)/ha] with use of riskiest carcinogen pesticides (9 kg of a.i/ha) and field use environmental impact quotient (FEIQ) (620.4/ha) being the highest, the Kashmir Valley is the "pesticide hottest spot", followed by cotton and rice areas of Punjab and vegetable cultivation in Jammu subtropics. Pesticides banned for use in vegetables, such as monocrotophos were also applied by farmers in vegetable crops. However, rice areas in Kashmir and Jammu were only treated with herbicides. The protective measures taken by farmers while mixing and applying pesticides were primitive, resulting in localized mild/moderate pesticide poisoning besides loss of consciousness. We also found that the official data on the pesticide use are underreported and hence unreliable. Our study shows that neither the pesticide use by mass nor the pesticide use frequency, in combination or alone, is the robust indicator to measure the pesticide hazardous hotspots; besides these, FEIQ and less hazardous pesticides that are not probable or possible carcinogen should be rather used in conjunction.

The protective effects of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against oxidative stress-associated apoptosis evoked by the organophosphorus insecticide malathion in normal human astrocytes

Malathion is one of the most widely used organophosphorus insecticides in agriculture. However, malathion may be involved in the etiology of human brain dysfunction. Induction of ROS has been proposed as a mechanism of malathion-induced poisoning cases, but there are few data regarding the effects of malathion on oxidative stress-associated neurotoxicity in human glial cells. The aim was to explore the mechanism underlying effects of malathion on neurotoxicity in Gibco^® Human Astrocytes (GHA cells) and evaluate the protective effects of the antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine, NAC). Cell viability was measured by the cell proliferation reagent (WST-1). Antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and catalase) were measured by an ELISA reader. Cell cycle distribution and ROS productions were detected by flow cytometry. Cell cycle-related protein levels (cyclin E1, CDK2, cyclin A2, CDK1/CDC2, or cyclin B1) and apoptotic protein levels (Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-9/caspase-3) were analyzed by Western blotting. In GHA cells, treatment with malathion (10-25 μM) for 24 h concentration-dependently induced cytotoxicity and cell cycle arrest. In terms of oxidative stresses, malathion elevated intracellular ROS levels, but reduced glutathion and antioxidant enzyme levels. Treatment with NAC (5 μM) reversed malathion-induced oxidative stress responses, and prevented malathion-evoked apoptosis by regulating apoptotic protein expressions. Together, in GHA cells, NAC mediated inhibition of malathion-activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways that involved cell cycle arrest and ROS responses. These data provide further insights into the molecular mechanisms behind malathion poisoning, and might suggest that NAC with its protective effects may be a potential compound for prevention of malathion-induced brain injury.

Pesticide and Human Health

Pesticides are known to be one of the extremely useful and incredibly beneficial agents for preventing losses of crops as well as diseases in humans. They are used in a large number of conditions as in farms, orchards, gardens, parks, sports lawn, residences, industrial areas, shops, schools, hospitals, airports, railway lines, drains, on animals, and on people for control of diseases such as scabies and head lice. People are exposed to pesticides in their daily lives through multiple routes of exposure such as occupational or food, water, and air. Many pesticides can be used safely and effectively, but care must be taken while using them. Several pesticides are beneficial in agriculture for killing pests. Yet many times their injurious effects offset the positive ones. Uses of pesticides are apprehension for sustainability of environment and global stability. This chapter aims to discuss pesticides, their types, routes of their exposure, human health concerns related to them, methods to stop using them, and a future scenario of the world after eradicating pesticides.

Farmers' Perception of the Health Effects of Agrochemicals in Southeast Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Agrochemicals are used by farmers in Southeast Nigeria to increase crop yields and food production. However, farmers are often illiterate and do not follow precautions for their usage and application, increasing the risk of exposures to humans and the environment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of the use of agrochemicals by farmers, category or type used, ability to read instructions, exposure to agrochemicals during application and perception of the health effects of exposure to agrochemicals in Southeast Nigeria.

METHODS

From February-June 2017, a total of 200 farmers were surveyed using oral interviews and structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were asked about items such as socioeconomic characteristics, types and amounts of fertilizers and pesticides used, exposure during application and perceptions of the health effects of exposure to agrochemicals.

RESULTS

In the present study, the majority of farmers (74%) used inorganic fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)) and 26% used organic fertilizers (compost manure). Most of the farmers in the present study (65%) reported that they could not read agrochemical application instructions, 92% of farmers were exposed to agrochemicals during application, and most farmers (73%) reported falling sick after exposure to agrochemicals.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend that agricultural extension agents provide farmers with comprehensive training in agrochemical use to ensure their health and lower environmental risks.

PARTICIPANT CONSENT

Obtained.

ETHICS APPROVAL

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The author declares no competing financial interests.

Incidence, histopathology, and surgical outcome of tumors of spinal cord, nerve roots, meninges, and vertebral column - Data based on single institutional (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences) experience

Context:

In the absence of a community-based study on the spinal tumors in the Valley, medical records of the only Regional Neurosurgical Center are available.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to establish a hospital-based regional epidemiology of spinal tumors in the Valley since the data are derived from a single institution.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 531 malignant and nonmalignant tumors of spinal cord, its coverings and vertebrae, which were managed in a Regional Neurosurgical Center under a standard and uniform medical-protocol over 30-year period from 1983 to 2014.

Results:

The hospital-based incidence for all spinal tumors was 0.24/100,000 persons per year. The malignant spinal cord and vertebral tumors comprised 32.58% (173/531) of all tumors, and benign spinal cord and vertebral tumors comprised 67.42% (358/531). The extradural–intradural tumors such as metastatic lesions and primary malignant vertebral tumors were on rise with 16.38% (87/531) cases. The children below 18 years were 5.46% (29/531), of which 55.17% (16/29) were below 9 years. The most common primary bone malignancy was multiple myeloma (54.54% =12/22). Histopathologically, the most common metastatic deposit in the spinal canal was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (24.61% =16/65). A mortality of 3.20% (17/531) was noted. Recurrences were noted in 4.90% (26/531), and adjuvant therapies were given to 16.38% (87/531) patients.

Conclusion:

The malignant spinal cord and vertebral tumors, especially metastatic deposits, are on rise in elderly population. The surgical outcome, in terms of recovery and spinal stability, of benign tumors, is comparatively better than malignant ones. The study reveals a low regional incidence (hospital-based) of spinal tumors.

Massive land system changes impact water quality of the Jhelum River in Kashmir Himalaya

The pristine aquatic ecosystems in the Himalayas are facing an ever increasing threat from various anthropogenic pressures which necessitate better understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of pollutants, their sources, and possible remedies. This study demonstrates the multi-disciplinary approach utilizing the multivariate statistical techniques, data from remote sensing, lab, and field-based observations for assessing the impact of massive land system changes on water quality of the river Jhelum. Land system changes over a period of 38 years have been quantified using multi-spectral satellite data to delineate the extent of different anthropogenically driven land use types that are the main non-point sources of pollution. Fifteen water quality parameters, at 12 sampling sites distributed uniformly along the length of the Jhelum, have been assessed to identify the possible sources of pollution. Our analysis indicated that 18% of the forested area has degraded into sparse forest or scrublands from 1972 to 2010, and the areas under croplands have decreased by 24% as people shifted from irrigation-intensive agriculture to orchard farming while as settlements showed a 397% increase during the observation period. One-way ANOVA revealed that all the water quality parameters had significant spatio-temporal differences (p < 0.01). Cluster analysis (CA) helped us to classify all the sampling sites into three groups. Factor analysis revealed that 91.84% of the total variance was mainly explained by five factors. Drastic changes in water quality of the Jhelum since the past three decades are manifested by increases in nitrate-nitrogen, TDS, and electric conductivity. The especially high levels of nitrogen (858 ± 405 μgL(-1)) and phosphorus (273 ± 18 μgL(-1)) in the Jhelum could be attributed to the reckless application of fertilizers, pesticides, and unplanned urbanization in the area.