Contact Test Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Immunoglobulin G Antibody among Contacts of COVID19 Cases: A Study from India

Objective: To estimate Covid19 seropositivity among contacts of cases and to compare the seropositivity among different types of contact for assessing the differential risk & transmission dynamics.Material and Methods: A large-scale population-based serosurvey was carried out among the general population of Ahmedabad during the second half of October 2020. The contacts of cases were selected based on the population proportion and enrolled as an additional category. The seropositivity among the contacts was estimated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with different types of contact and available demographic factors.Results: As of October 2020, the seropositivity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) among contacts of cases in Ahmedabad was 26.0% [95% confidence interval 24.2–28.0]. The seropositivity among family contacts was significantly higher (28.8%) compared to other contacts (24.4%) (Z=2.19, p-value=0.028). This trend was seen across all age groups and both sexes. The seropositivity was higher among females (27.7%) compared to males (24.5%) but the difference was statistically not significant (Z=1.64, p-value=0.101). In terms of age groups, the positivity had an increasing trend up to 60 years but declined after that.Conclusion: A seropositivity of 26.0% among contacts indicates that a large proportion of contacts demonstrated Immunoglobulin-G antibodies. This highlights asymptomatic transmission and/or low sensitivity of the diagnostic tests. The current strategy for contact tracing and testing among contacts is justified based on the significantly higher seropositivity among family contacts.

Dynamic contact behaviors of saddle materials for suspension bridge

In order to prevent skid accidents of main cable of suspension bridge, dynamic contact behaviors between saddle materials and steel wires were explored in the present study. Dynamic contact tests of saddle materials were conducted employing the self-made dynamic contact test rig. Dynamic contact behaviors of the saddle material (transverse slip, longitudinal deformation, contact state, wear mechanism) in a friction cycle were investigated. Effects of transverse and longitudinal locations, friction cycles and saddle materials on the dynamic contact behaviors were presented. The results show that dynamic contact states between saddle specimen and steel wireexhibits the adhesion-gross slip-adhesion-gross slip state in a friction cycle. The transverse slip and longitudinal deformation of saddle specimen both decrease with increasing distance to the contact interface, decrease along the transverse sliding direction, and increase with increasing friction cycles. The ZG270-480 saddle material exhibits the largest average transverse slip and longitudinal deformation, while ZG275-485 saddle material shows the smaller values.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis after the Use of Cosmetics Containing Parabens: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Parabens are among the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic formulations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the use of parabens in cosmetics. A systematic review was performed with searches in PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct, in addition to a manual search. Interventional or observational studies that assessed the incidence of ACD in individuals using parabens were included. The quality of the articles was assessed and the data were extracted for a qualitative synthesis and single-arm meta-analysis. Fourteen studies (8 longitudinal, 3 cross-sectional, 1 quasi experimental and 2 case reports) were included in the systematic review and had their data extracted. Twelve studies reported ACD after the use of parabens and were included in the single-arm meta-analysis, resulting in an ACD incidence of 0.9%[95%CI: 0.4-2.0%], thus classified as a rare event. This result was related to already sensitized skin in most cases. In addition, the concentration of parabens in the contact test was above that recommended in cosmetics. The incidence of ACD due to parabens is rare, but further studies with control groups and at the usual concentrations of parabens are needed to better evaluate the results.

Priorities in the implementation of partner services for HIV/STIs in high-income nations: a narrative review of evidence and recommendations.

Partner notification (PN) remains a crucial prevention tool to reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission and prevent STI-related morbidity. Although there have been a variety of different approaches taken to facilitate the notification, testing and management of sexual contacts of STIs and HIV, there is an increasing acknowledgement that these interventions are unscalable and have relatively little impact on disease transmission. At the same time, an expanding body of evidence supports a shift in the emphasis of STI outreach-related work from an exclusive focus on PN to an approach that incorporates epidemiologic data collection, case management, and PN, an approach that is sometimes called partner services (PS). In this review, we appraise the current evidence base for different PN interventions for STIs in high-income nations, make recommendations for best practices, present a schema for how public health programs might prioritise PS for different programs, and identify priority research questions related to PN.

Clinical and Epidemiology Characteristics of COVID-19 Cases Detected During Mass Screening Campaign from July to October 2020 in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2 Virus). It was reported for the first time in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China. The first cases of COVID-19 in Burundi were identified on 31st March 2020. Several signs and symptoms, including mainly; fever, dry cough, fatigue, myalgia, and dyspnea are the most prominent characteristics of the disease. The aim of this study was to provide description of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases identified during the mass screening campaign conducted between July and October, 2020 in Burundi. We conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of data of clients to the mass screening campaign in Bujumbura city that was run between July and October 2020. Clients with complete data and tested for COVID-19 with Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) were included in the study. Epi-Info 7.2.2.6 was used to perform descriptive and analytical statistics and Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was used for cases mapping. Association between positive cases and independent variables such as sex, history of contact with confirmed COVID-19 case was measured using chi-square statistical test at a p-value of .05. The study included 20,114 participants. 243 (1.2%) were tested positive for COVID-19. The mean age for confirmed cases was 33 (±15) years. The majority of cases (72.8%) were between 20 and 59 years of age and they were predominantly males (67.9%). 164 (67.5%) were symptomatic and cough was the most frequent symptom observed 109 (66.5%), followed by rhinorrhea 69 (42.1%). Fever was present in only 18 (11.0%) of symptomatic patients. Participants with a history of contact with a COVID-19 confirmed case (aOR=2.2; 95%CI [1.6-3.0]; p-value <.001), were more likely to be positive for COVID-19. Also, those who were coughing (aOR=1.47; 95%CI [1.06-2.05]; p-value=.023) and having sore throat (aOR=2.4; 95%CI [1.1-4.9]; p-value=.02) were more likely to test positive for COVID-19. This study revealed that a significant proportion (32.5%) of COVID-19 patients were silent carriers of the virus. Data highlighted that high proportion of cases were among the active age group and contacts with confirmed cases, and noted high proportion of asymptomatic cases at diagnosis. Measures including routine testing of asymptomatic contacts could contribute to tackling corona virus in Burundi.

Field Performance of Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) Manufactured from Thin Treated Lamina

Abstract Glued Laminated Timber, commonly referred to as Glulam, is an important structural wood product, suitable for use in exterior applications provided it is protected against decay by building design, natural durability, or treatment. Bonding treated lamina made from refractory species is challenging because resurfacing after treatment can remove much of the treated zone and create a waste disposal challenge. It was hypothesized that use of roll-pressing rather than resurfacing could address this. When an adhesive modifier was used to prevent the adverse effects of wood preservatives on adhesive bonding, treated lamina that were replaned before gluing had similar shear strength to untreated planed lamina. However, the treated lamina that were roll-pressed before gluing had lower shear strength than the replaned lamina. The consequence of this weakening was evident in an above-ground field test where delamination was observed in several test units after 12 years of exposure. Decay resistance was evaluated in above-ground, ground contact, and ground proximity tests. The decay resistance of treated glulam was high with only low levels of decay reported in all tests, while untreated controls showed advanced decay or failure. Yellow cedar glulam, included as a reference in the ground proximity test, showed moderate decay after 10 years of exposure.

Clinicoepidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients admitted at a teaching institute in a hilly area of India during the second wave-A retrospective observational study.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:COVID-19 ongoing pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, and India has recorded the second highest number of confirmed cases till now. In the absence of effective treatment, it becomes crucial to know about the course of the disease in hospital settings for effective patient care. The present study discusses the clinicoepidemiological, haematological and biochemical determinants among survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in a hilly area.Methods:A record-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the government hospital from March 2021 to June 2021, which included all confirmed cases of 18 years and above. Demographic details, delayed admission, co-morbidities and laboratory parameters were collected.Results:Out of a total of 1267 COVID-19 patients, the mean age of survived and succumbed was 50.77 ± 16.1 and 60.50 ± 14.2 years, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean survival time in males (17.7 days) was lesser compared to that in females (20.3 days). Two hundred and twelve of them practised self-medication. The mean duration of delayed testing (2.95 ± 2.3 vs 3.36 ± 2.2 days), mean values of haemoglobin (11.39 ± 2.1 vs 12.5 ± 1.7), platelet count (193.8 ± 94.6 vs 253.1 ± 105.9), leucocyte count (11.53 ± 5.72 vs 9.11 ± 5.21), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (10.0 ± 2.9 vs 7.3 ± 3.5), urea (61.16 ± 51.8 vs 30.2 ± 21.2) and creatinine (2.13 ± 2.9 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3) among the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Increasing age, contact history, hypertension [OR 3.2 (95% CI, 1.40–7.39)], diabetes [OR 1.9 (95% CI, 0.81–4.40)] and chronic kidney disease [OR 15.4 (95% CI, 5.23–45.71)] were found to be associated with increased risk of mortality (P < 0.005).Conclusions:Public health interventions like contact tracing, testing and early identification of laboratory parameters and treatment on priority would help in providing effective care so that the mortality can be reduced.

Home quarantine or centralized quarantine? A mathematical modelling study on the COVID-19 epidemic in Guangzhou in 2021.

Several outbreaks of COVID-19 caused by imported cases have occurred in China following the successful control of the outbreak in early 2020. In order to avoid recurrences of such local outbreaks, it is important to devise an efficient control and prevention strategy. In this paper, we developed a stochastic discrete model of the COVID-19 epidemic in Guangzhou in 2021 to compare the effectiveness of centralized quarantine and compulsory home quarantine measures. The model was calibrated by using the daily reported cases and newly centralized quarantined cases. The estimated results showed that the home quarantine measure increased the accuracy of contact tracing. The estimated basic reproduction number was lower than that in 2020, even with a much more transmissible variant, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vaccines and normalized control interventions. Sensitivity analysis indicated that a sufficiently implemented contact tracing and centralized quarantine strategy in the initial stage would contain the epidemic faster with less infections even with a weakly implemented compulsory home quarantine measure. However, if the accuracy of the contact tracing was insufficient, then early implementation of the compulsory home quarantine with strict contact tracing, screening and testing interventions on the key individuals would shorten the epidemic duration and reduce the total number of infected cases. Particularly, 94 infections would have been avoided if the home quarantine measure had been implemented 3 days earlier and an extra 190 infections would have arisen if the home quarantine measure was implemented 3 days later. The study suggested that more attention should be paid to the precise control strategy during the initial stage of the epidemic, otherwise the key group-based control measure should be implemented strictly.

Models for Digitally Contact-Traced Epidemics

Contacts between people are the absolute drivers of contagious respiratory infections. For this reason, limiting and tracking contacts is a key strategy for the control of the COVID-19 epidemic. Digital contact tracing has been proposed as an automated solution to scale up traditional contact tracing. However, the required penetration of contact tracing apps within a population to achieve a desired target in the control of the epidemic is currently under discussion within the research community. In order to understand the effects of digital contact tracing, several mathematical models have been proposed. In this article, we survey the main ones and we propose a compartmental SEIR model with which it is possible, differently from the models in the related literature, to derive closed-form conditions regarding the control of the epidemic as a function of the contact tracing apps penetration and the testing efficiency. Closed-form conditions are crucial for the understandability of models, and thus for decision makers (including digital contact tracing designers) to correctly assess the dependencies within the epidemic. With our model, we find that digital contact tracing alone can rarely tame an epidemic: for unrestrained COVID-19, this would require a testing turnaround of around 1 day and app uptake above 80% of the population, which are very difficult to achieve in practice. However, digital contact tracing can still be effective if complemented with other mitigation strategies, such as social distancing and mask-wearing.

К вопросу об интерпретации эхограмм при контактном способе акустического контакта

The echogram of the ultrasonic pulse flaw detector with the contact testing technique is considered as a convolution when a transducer with a protector matched with the coupling medium receives an acoustic pulse emitted by it through the coupling medium into the load, reflected from it, and from this transducer. A method for calculating echograms for products, transducer, contact gaps (layers) made of any materials, with any value of the contact layer, provided that the acoustic resistances of the materials used are known, is proposed. A method of compensation of interfering reflections for a transducer matched with a coupling medium is proposed. Keywords: u.s. transducer, convolution, reconstruction, interference, sensitivity, resolution, wear plate, contact testing technique.

Effect of alpha-humulene incorporation on the properties of experimental light-cured periodontal dressings.

The objective of this study was to formulate an experimental light-cured periodontal dressing containing alpha-humulene and to compare its physical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties with commercial gold standards (Barricaid® and Periobond®). Two periodontal dressing formulations were developed (a and b). The formulations were divided into 5 groups according to the alpha-humulene concentration as follows: Ea - control group, Ea1 - 1%, Ea5 - 5%, Ea10 - 10%, and Ea20 - 20%; Eb - control group, Eb1 - 1%, Eb5 - 5%, Eb10 - 10%, and Eb20 - 20%. Materials characterization was performed using the degree of conversion, cohesive strength, sorption, and solubility assays. Antimicrobial assay was performed using the modified direct contact test against E. faecalis and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the cell viability experiment using L929 fibroblasts. In general, the cohesive strength values of materials decreased as the alpha-humulene concentration increased. All the experimental dressings showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria tested. Cell viability results for the Ea, Ea1, Eb, and Eb1 groups showed moderate cytotoxic effect. The formulations containing alpha-humulene showed similar behavior to the commercial references. Thus, formulations containing alpha-humulene have potential to be used as periodontal dressing.

Impact of adrenocorticotropin hormone administration on the endocrinology, estrus onset, and ovarian function of weaned sows.

Chronic stress affects the reproductive health of mammals; however, the impact of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) level elevation during chronic stress on the reproduction of weaned sows remains unclear. In this study, nine weaned sows with the same parturition date were randomly divided into control group (n = 4) and ACTH group (n = 5). Each group received intravenous administration of ACTH three times daily for 7 days. Blood samples were collected every 3 h after injection. A radioimmunoassay was used to measure the concentrations of cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) in the blood. Estrus was determined according to changes in the vulva and the boar contact test. The mRNA expressions of glucocorticoid receptor, FSH receptor, LH receptor (LHR) in the corpus luteum (CL) were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that ACTH administration substantially delayed the initiation of estrus and the pre-ovulatory LH peak. The sows of control group ovulated within 10 days and the ovulation rate was 100%, while it was 60% in the ACTH group. Two sows of ACTH group showed pseudo-estrus. The E2 concentrations significantly decreased in the ACTH group at 36 h, 42 h and 66 h of the experimental period. The P4 concentrations in the ACTH group significantly decreased at 132, 138, and 147 h of the experimental period. ACTH significantly reduced the LHR mRNA expression in CLs. In conclusion, long-term repeated ACTH administration affects the endocrinology, estrus onset, and ovarian function of weaned sows.

Risk Assessed Daily Contact Testing Enabling Elite Sporting Events During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study

Risk Assessed Daily Contact Testing Enabling Elite Sporting Events During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study

Comparison of antibacterial activity and fluoride release in tooth-colored restorative materials: Resin-modified glass ionomer, zirconomer, giomer, and cention N

Considering the important role of fluoride in preventing caries by reducing the number and activity of cariogenic bacteria and introducing new fluoride-releasing tooth-colored restorative materials, this study was performed to compare and evaluate fluoride ion release and antibacterial activity of resin-modified GI, zirconomer, giomer (Beautifil), and Cention N.In this experimental in vitro study, eighty samples (20 samples in each group) were prepared, 10 samples for fluoride testing and 10 samples for antibacterial activity. To evaluate the release of fluoride (PPM), fluoride ion-selective electrode was used on days 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st; and antibacterial activities against Streptococcus mutans were examined using direct contact test by absorption of light hourly once every 5 h and days 1st, 2nd, and 7th using an ELISA reader with a microplate reader of 800 TS at a wavelength of 630 nm. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tamhane post hoc test, and paired t-test in SPSS software (IBM, Somers, NJ, USA) at a significant level of (P < 0.05).The release of fluoride from materials showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The maximum mean of fluoride released during the 1st, 3rd and 7th days belonged to the zirconomer group and the minimum for the giomer group. During the measurement period of light absorption from 0 to 24 h after planting, light absorption of foursubstances together was found to be statistically significant (P <.001). Zirconomer light absorption increased on the 7th day, unlike other substances, but still, the minimum light absorption was related to zirconomer.The highest fluoride release was in zirconomer, Cention N, fuji II LC, and giomer, sequentially. Zirconomer showed maximum and giomer showed minimum antibacterial activities.

Toxicity of Essential Oil of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) and its Monoterpenoid Menthol Against Tetranychus urticae Kogan 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Essential oils from plants have remarkable biological properties, for example as insecticides and acaricides. Here we provide chemical analysis and evaluate the toxicity of the essential oil of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) and its main constituent menthol against Tetranychus urticae Kogan 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae), a polyphagous pest present in agricultural landscapes. The essential oil was obtained from M. piperita leaves via hydrodistillation. Subsequently, concentration-response bioassays in adult females (fumigation and contact) were conducted to evaluate the lethal effect on the mite with three exposure intervals. We also evaluated the reproductive performance of females after exposure. Both substances were lethal in the fumigation bioassay, in addition, the essential oil was about 6-fold more toxic than menthol after 24 and 48 h of exposure. The fecundity of T. urticae females decreased inversely proportional to the increase of the used concentrations. Essential oil contact tests showed sublethal effects, with low mortality and reproductive stimulation of T. urticae females. Therefore, menthol and M. piperita essential oil can be considered potential acaricides for T. urticae by fumigant exposure due to the deleterious effect in adults and reduction in the number of individuals in subsequent generations, that represents a promising management tool.

Production and Characterization of Oxides Formed on Grade 300 and 350 Maraging Steels Using two Oxygen/Steam Rich Atmospheres

The growing process of a spinel-like oxide film can be obtained through different atmospheres; in this sense Air, O2, steam, and nitrogen atmospheres were used in different steps during the aging heat treatment at 490ºC of maraging 300 and 350 alloys. The oxidation layer produced under different atmospheres was chemically, microstructurally and mechanically characterized by means of advanced techniques. The results showed (in both alloys) a non-homogeneous mix oxide formed by magnetite, nickel and cobalt ferrites and MoO3 heterogeneously distributed along the oxide thickness. It was also founded TiO2 in the innermost areas and a particularly important quantify of hematite on the external surface. A nickel-rich austenite phase was produced at the interphase due to the combination of nickel stability and the preference of cobalt, molybdenum, and iron diffuses through the film as ions. The highest thickness values were found in the oxides produced in maraging 300 steels which could indicate greater susceptibility to oxidation comparing with grade 350 maraging steel. The oxide films produced in both maraging alloys using air atmosphere presents excellent adherence, and the results show the capability for being used for tribological applications under sliding contact tests.

Characteristics and GWO–ANN Model Based on Prior Knowledge for Contact Resistance in a Pantograph–Catenary

The current-collection performance of a pantograph–catenary directly influences the safe operation of high-speed electric locomotives. The contact resistance is a primary indicator to evaluate the stability and reliability of the current-collection performance. The effects of sliding speed and electric current on the contact resistance between the carbon strip and the contact wire under a dynamic pressure load were studied using a sliding electrical contact testing machine. To predict the contact resistance under various working conditions, an artificial neural network (ANN) regression model, based on the gray wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm and prior knowledge, was developed. The GWO algorithm was used to optimize the initial biases and weights of the ANN to avoid becoming trapped in local optima. The performance of the GWO–ANN can be further enhanced by the use of prior knowledge. The results showed that the GWO–ANN model that included prior knowledge can be introduced as a new technique for estimating the contact resistance in pantograph–catenary systems.

Obtaining particulate agglomerates from the recycling of multilayer containers and low density polyethylene

Currently, the interest and the need to innovate new materials through the use of waste materials has grown, which meet similar or improved physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics of the materials they will replace. During the present investigation, Multilayer Containers (EM) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) were collected, particulate agglomerates with different proportions were obtained, the apparent density, water absorption, mass, volume, heat behavior, angle were determined. contact, machining and compression tests. With the objective of evaluating the proportions p / p in the properties. The advantage of the material obtained is that they do not generate waste and are 100% recyclable. The 90:10 ratio is the one that could be used in the construction industry as false walls, with a modulus of rupture of 52.7 N / mm2 and a compressive stress of 32.9 MP, because it can be machined without altering its characteristics. -physical houses; While the 85:15 and 80:20 proportions, since they cannot be machined, could be used as a floating support with a photocatalyst catalyst, due to the fact that these agglomerates have dimensional stability when in contact with water.

Low Doses of Imidacloprid Induce Oxidative Stress and Neural Cell Disruption in Earthworm &lt;i&gt;Eisenia fetida&lt;/i&gt;

Imidacloprid is a widely used pesticide that belongs to the class of neonicotinoids. There is a piece of rising evidence that neonicotinoids exert cytotoxic effects in non-target organisms including vertebrate species such as mammals. Nevertheless, dose-limiting toxicity and molecular mechanisms of neonicotinoids' deleterious effects are still poorly understood. In accord to imidacloprid fate in the environment, the most of used pesticide is absorbed in the soil. Therefore, earthworms, which are prevailing soil organisms, could be considered as a target of neonicotinoids toxicity. The earthworm’s simple nervous system is a prospective model for neurotoxicological studies. We exposed earthworms to imidacloprid in a paper contact test with a doses range of 0.1‑0.4 µg/cm2 for 14 days. In the present work, we studied the imidacloprid effect on oxidative stress generation and neuronal marker neuron-specific enolase (NSE) expression. The exposure to imidacloprid induced a dose-dependent decrease in NSE. Both reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation level were upregulated as well. Observed NSE decline suggests imidacloprid-caused disturbance in earthworm neuron cells. Obtained data have shown that relatively low doses of imidacloprid are potent to induce cytotoxicity in neurons. Furthermore, neurotoxicity could be recognized as one of an individual scenario of the general imidacloprid toxicity. Thus, presented results suggest the cytotoxicity of imidacloprid low doses in non-target organisms and hypothesize that NSE downregulation could be estimated as a biomarker of neonicotinoid cytotoxicity in a nervous system of non-insect species.

Low Doses of Imidacloprid Induce Oxidative Stress and Neural Cell Disruption in Earthworm &lt;i&gt;Eisenia fetida&lt;/i&gt;

Imidacloprid is a widely used pesticide that belongs to the class of neonicotinoids. There is a piece of rising evidence that neonicotinoids exert cytotoxic effects in non-target organisms including vertebrate species such as mammals. Nevertheless, dose-limiting toxicity and molecular mechanisms of neonicotinoids' deleterious effects are still poorly understood. In accord to imidacloprid fate in the environment, the most of used pesticide is absorbed in the soil. Therefore, earthworms, which are prevailing soil organisms, could be considered as a target of neonicotinoids toxicity. The earthworm’s simple nervous system is a prospective model for neurotoxicological studies. We exposed earthworms to imidacloprid in a paper contact test with a doses range of 0.1‑0.4 µg/cm2 for 14 days. In the present work, we studied the imidacloprid effect on oxidative stress generation and neuronal marker neuron-specific enolase (NSE) expression. The exposure to imidacloprid induced a dose-dependent decrease in NSE. Both reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation level were upregulated as well. Observed NSE decline suggests imidacloprid-caused disturbance in earthworm neuron cells. Obtained data have shown that relatively low doses of imidacloprid are potent to induce cytotoxicity in neurons. Furthermore, neurotoxicity could be recognized as one of an individual scenario of the general imidacloprid toxicity. Thus, presented results suggest the cytotoxicity of imidacloprid low doses in non-target organisms and hypothesize that NSE downregulation could be estimated as a biomarker of neonicotinoid cytotoxicity in a nervous system of non-insect species.