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Background: Organophosphorus pesticides are widely used in agriculture, homes, gardens, and veterinary practices. Extensive application of pesticides in agriculture often results in residues of these compounds being absorbed into the foods, including wheat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the residue levels of 20 organophosphorus pesticides in wheat samples collected from different regions of Iran.
Methods: This research reports a rapid, specific and sensitive multiresidue method based on the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode (GC–SIM–MS) to evaluate 20 organophosphorus  pesticides in wheat samples.
Results: In the concentration range of 20-200 ng/g, the calibration curves for each analyte was linear with a determination coefficient (R²) of 0.993 to 0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) were between 2.5-6.7 and 7.5-20 ng/g, respectively. The mean recoveries obtained for three fortification levels (25, 50 and 100 ng/g, five replicates each) were 80-114% with a satisfactory precision (RSD<20%). 31.1% samples contained residues of one or more target compounds. Chlorpyrifos was the most common residue (17.8%), followed by pirimiphos-methyl (6.7%), diazinon (4.4%), chlorpyrifos-methyl (1.1%) and malathion (1.1%).
Conclusion: Among the detected pesticides, only diazinon and malathion are permitted pesticides for wheat production in Iran. However, their concentrations were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) established by the Iranian National Standard Organization (INSO).

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Background: Exposure to environmental toxins such as organophosphates poses a great threat to the health of the public. In this work, we investigated the effects of continuous exposure to dichlorvos (DDVP) on kidney function and hematological parameters, and the possible antidote activity of Nigella sativa oil (NSO).
Methods: This research was conducted in 2016, at The Animal Holding and Research Laboratory of Faculty Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, six rats each. The four groups received: 1. phosphate buffer solution as controls, 2. DDVP, 3. DDVP+NSO and 4. NSO alone. After 2 wk of treatment, blood samples were collected and hematological profile (RBC, Hb), erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, and Plt), renal function parameters (albumin, urea, total protein, chloride, sodium, and potassium ions) and nonspecific immune response (WBC) were measured.
Results: Rat exposed to DDVP showed red blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, albumin, and total protein levels was reduced from control, while white blood cell count and urea significantly increased as compared to controls, the change in K⁺ level was not significant. NSO maintained optimal levels of red blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, albumin, white blood cell count, and urea, indicative of its protective effect against hemo-, immuno- and nephrotoxicity of DDVP.
Conclusion: N. sativa (Black Caraway) oil might be a potential antidote in hematotoxicity, immunosuppression and renal dysfunction in organophosphate poisoning, especially dichlorvos. The protective effect of NSO against dichlorvos toxicity can be attributed to its antioxidant capacity.

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Background: Pesticide poisoning is very common in Tunisia. Various factors are involved in the analysis of the clinical presentations and the severity of this condition. Major factors are the chemical nature of the pesticides and the quantity entered the body.
Methods: This is a retrospective study, reporting the pediatric cases that presented to us with signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning. Fifty cases pesticide poisoning were admitted to the hospital between January 2013 and October 2016.
Results: A total of 50 pediatric cases were included in this study with the mean age of 3 years and 4months. The poisoning was accidental in 49 cases and self-inflicted in one, with the mode being oral (N=45), respiratory (N=2) and cutaneous (N=3). The average duration of hospital care for these patients was 2 hours and 30 minutes (range: 30 min-24 hr). The clinical manifestations of poisoning noted were due to muscarinic and nicotinic receptors inhibition. Upon clinical examination, 29 patients had no pesticide in the gastric lavage fluid and urine and demonstrated no abnormal cholinesterase activity. The therapeutic management was mainly symptomatic with antidote medications prescribed (atropine and oxime). All patients had favorable outcomes and no death occurred.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the frequency of pesticide poisoning in a pediatric setting and the importance of early management. Optimal therapeutic approaches were evaluated, demonstrating that prevention still remains the best solution in such cases.

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