Metabolism of pesticides

A research paper on how pesticides infiltrate the biological systems of living organisms.The metabolism of pesticides, like that of many other chemicals, takes place mainly in the liver, skin, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and lungs. These organs have the capacity to bring about enzymatic reactions of metabolism. In this chapter, metabolism of pesticides is exemplified by the metabolic pathways of the organochlorine, DDT, and the organophosphate, parathion. Metabolism means more than just one thing. On one hand, the chemical and enzymatic reactions and processes that maintain the existence of any organism may be referred to as metabolism. On the other hand, metabolism may mean the conversion or transformation of chemical substances foreign and endogenous to an organism by chemical or enzymatic reactions in the organism. “Foreign compounds" refers to non-nutrient substances to a specific organism. Pesticides may enter the body by way of ingestion in food or drink, inhalation, through the eyes or by absorption through the skin (Neal, 1975). The metabolism of pesticides, that is, the total fate of pesticides in the body, including their absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion like that of other foreign substances is handled in the body by certain organs. Although the liver is perhaps the major organ involved in metabolism of chemicals, the kidney, skin, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the lungs are all involved in metabolism too (Briggs and Briggs, 1974). A more detailed account of the mechanisms of metabolism is presented by Williams (1959) and La du et al. (1971)

Occupational exposure to DDT among the mosquito-control sprayers in Zimbabwe

A research paper on occupational health problems in the seasonal spraying business due to DDT exposure in Zimbabwe.Four hundred and eighty DDT seasonal spray-men were screened for DDT exposure over the period September to March in 1988, 1989 and 1990. The average age of the spray-men was 29 ± 8,5 (range 19-61 years). Their average weight was 62,8 ± 4,7 kg with a range of 44-129 kg. Ninety per cent of the men were between the age of 21 and 50 years. Up to 49 per cent of the spray-men showed evidence of DDT exposure with DDE plasma levels greater than 1,00 pg per 100 ml and vitamin A levels greater than 0,92 mg per litre. Smoking seems to predispose the workers to toxic exposure with 76 per cent of the smokers showing vitamin A levels above normal compared to 58 per cent non- smokers. Forty-eight percent of the men were on medication during the spraying period, the significance of which was not evaluated in this study. The study indicated an unacceptably high magnitude of toxic exposure to DDT among spray-men

Self-medication and non-doctor prescription practices in Pokhara valley, Western Nepal: a questionnaire-based study

BACKGROUND: Self-medication and non-doctor prescribing of drugs is common in developing countries. Complementary and alternative medications, especially herbs, are also commonly used. There are few studies on the use of these medications in Pokhara Valley, Western Nepal. METHODS: Previously briefed seventh semester medical students, using a semi-structured questionnaire, carried out the study on 142 respondents. Demographic information and information on drugs used for self-medication or prescribed by a non-allopathic doctor were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-six respondents (54%) were aged between 20 to 39 years. The majority of the respondents (72 %) stayed within 30 minutes walking distance of a health post/medical store. 59% of these respondents had taken some form of self-medication in the 6-month period preceding the study. The common reasons given for self-medication were mild illness, previous experience of treating a similar illness, and non-availability of health personnel. 70% of respondents were prescribed allopathic drugs by a non-allopathic doctor. The compounder and health assistant were common sources of medicines. Paracetamol and antimicrobials were the drugs most commonly prescribed. A significantly higher proportion of young (<40 years) male respondents had used self-medication than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Self-medication and non-doctor prescribing are common in the Pokhara valley. In addition to allopathic drugs, herbal remedies were also commonly used for self-medication. Drugs, especially antimicrobials, were not taken for the proper duration. Education to help patients decide on the appropriateness of self-medication is required

Routine prophylactic antibiotic use in the management of snakebite

BACKGROUND: Routine antibiotic prophylaxis following snakebite is not recommended but evidence suggests that it may be common practice in Zimbabwe. This study set out to determine and describe the extent of this practice at Parirenyatwa Hospital, a large teaching hospital in Zimbabwe METHODS: A retrospective case review (1996 to 1999 inclusive) of all cases of snakebite was undertaken at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Cases with a diagnosis of snakebite, presenting within 24 hours of the bite and with no complications or concurrent illness were defined as "routine prophylactic antibiotic use". RESULTS: From 78 cases which satisfied the inclusion criteria, 69 (88.5%) received antibiotics. Ten different antibiotics from 6 different classes were used with penicillins the most commonly prescribed (benzylpenicillin in 29% of cases, alone or in combination). Over 40% of antibiotics were given parenterally although all patients were conscious on admission. The total cost of antibiotics used was estimated at US$522.98. CONCLUSION: Routine prophylactic use of antibiotics in snakebite at Parirenyatwa Hospital is common practice. This may highlight the lack of a clearly defined policy leading to wasteful inappropriate antibiotic use which is costly and may promote bacterial antibiotic resistance. Further work is required to investigate the reasons for this practice and to design appropriate interventions to counter it

The Global Burden of Snakebite: A Literature Analysis and Modelling Based on Regional Estimates of Envenoming and Deaths

Janaka de Silva and colleagues estimate that globally at least 421,000 envenomings and 20,000 deaths occur each year due to snakebite

Komunikasi Cinta Menembus G-Spot Konsumen Indonesia

xii.179 hal.; 21 c