Non-target Species Research Articles

Safety evaluation of recombinant Newcastle disease virus expressing IBV multi-epitope chimeric live vaccine.

Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bronchitis (IB) are two significant diseases that pose threats to the poultry industry, caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), respectively. Currently, the control and prevention of these diseases primarily rely on vaccination. However, commercial ND and IB vaccines face challenges such as poor cross-protection of inactivated IBV strains and interference from live vaccines when used together, leading to immunization failures. Previously, we reported the successful rescue of a recombinant NDV expressing multiple epitopes of IBV, named rNDV-IBV-T/B, which showed promising immunoprotective efficacy against both NDV and IBV. This study focuses on the biosafety of the genetically modified recombinant vaccine candidate rNDV-IBV-T/B. Immunization was performed on day-old chicks, ducklings, goslings, and ICR mice. Observations were recorded on clinical symptoms, body weight changes, and post-mortem examination of organs, as well as histopathological preparations of tissue samples. The results indicated that the rNDV-IBV-T/B vaccine candidate had no adverse effects on the growth of targeted animals (chickens) and non-target species (ducks, geese) as well as in mammals (mice). Additionally, histopathological slides confirmed that the vaccine is safe for all tested species. Further studies evaluated the potential of rNDV-IBV-T/B to spread horizontally and vertically post-immunization, and its environmental safety. The findings revealed that the vaccine candidate lacks the capability for both horizontal and vertical transmission and does not survive in the environment. In conclusion, the rNDV-IBV-T/B strain is safe and holds potential as a new chimeric live vaccine for ND and IB.

Integrating pyriproxyfen into the incompatible insect technique enhances mosquito population suppression efficiency and eliminates the risk of population replacement.

The incompatible insect technique (IIT) has been used for Aedes mosquito population suppression to curb the transmission of dengue. However, its wide application is limited owing to the low output of male mosquitoes and the risk of population replacement from the release of fertile Wolbachia-infected females. This study aims to improve IIT efficiency for broader adoption. We assessed the impact of 10% pyriproxyfen (PPF) sticky powder exposure on Wolbachia (from Culex molestus)-transinfected Aedes albopictus Guangzhou line (GUA line) (GC) mosquitoes. We found that the exposure caused chronic toxicity in adult mosquitoes without affecting the cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI)-inducing capability of males. The PPF-contaminated GC females exhibited significant sterilization and the ability to disseminate lethal doses of PPF to breeding sites. Subsequently, we conducted a field trial combining PPF with IIT aiming to suppress the Ae. albopictus population. This combined approach, termed boosted IIT (BIIT), showed a notable enhancement in population suppression efficiency. The improved efficacy of BIIT was attributed to the dispersion of PPF particles in the field via the released PPF-contaminated male mosquitoes. During the BIIT field trial, no Wolbachia wPip-positive Ae. albopictus larvae were detected, indicating the effective elimination of the risk of Wolbachia-induced population replacement. Additionally, the field trial of BIIT against Ae. albopictus resulted in the suppression of the nontarget mosquito species Culex quinquefasciatus. Our results highlight the remarkable efficiency and feasibility of combining IIT with PPF in suppressing mosquito populations, facilitating the widespread implementation of IIT-based management of mosquito-borne diseases. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Herbicide Uptake (Flashback) in Non-Target Hardwood Species within South Carolina Floodplains

Herbicide Uptake (Flashback) in Non-Target Hardwood Species within South Carolina Floodplains

PREDICTION OF THE INTERACTION MECHANISMS OF QUERCETIN, Α-CYPERMETHRIN AND ITS DERIVATIVES WITH THE Α-ESTROGEN RECEPTOR (IN SILICO STUDY)

Introduction. Excessive use of pesticides leads to environmental pollution and poses a danger to human and animal health. Pyethroid insecticides (pyrethroids) are the most commonly used pesticides because they are less toxic to non-target species. It is well-known that prolonged exposure to pyrethroids can result in the endocrine function of the gonads being disrupted. Cypermethrin is a very common pyrethroid, the toxicity of which is widely studied, but little is known about the endocrine-disrupting effect of its stereoisomer, α-cypermethrin. In our opinion, quercetin, a flavonoid that has estrogen-like and antioxidant properties, can be an effective means of protection against the complications of pyrethroid intoxication. Aim. In silico studies of the binding mechanisms of quercetin, α-cypermethrin and its derivatives with the estrogen receptor α, features of pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile of these compounds. Methods. The molecular docking procedure of quercetin, α-cypermethrin, 3-PВA and DCCA was carried out using the crystal structures of the ligand-binding domain of ERα: 3ERT (reference ligand – 4-hydroxytamoxifen), 1ERR (reference ligand – raloxifene), 1GWR and 1ERE (reference ligand – estradiol) from the PDB database of biological macromolecules. Three different docking software packages were used: Glide, AutoDock, and AutoDock Vina. The location of the reference ligand was used to determine the automatic detection of the binding site. The pkCSM platform, admetSAR online server and SwissADME were used for in silico investigation of pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of quercetin and α-cypermethrin. The results. AutoDock predicts that α-cypermethrin has the lowest binding energy with 1ERE (–10.4 kcal/mol), 1GWR (–10.0 kcal/mol), and 1ERR. This may indicate an agonistic effect of this insecticide on ERα. The predicted Gscore values for α-cypermethrin reflect a stronger interaction with 3ERT: –9.29 kcal/mol. The binding characteristics of α-cypermethrin, its metabolites (3-PBA and DCCA) and 4-hydroxytamoxifen with 3ERT are similar, which may indicate an antagonistic effect of the pyrethroid for ERα. The opposite nature of the interaction of α-cypermethrin with ERα can be explained by the difference in evaluation functions and methods of optimization of protein structures and ligands depending on the software used. The results predicted by both AutoDock, Vina and Schrödinger Maestro Glide show for quercetin the lowest binding energy values with 1ERR, 1GWR and 1ERE, which is a sign of agonistic action. Quercetin binds to the ligand-binding domains of ERα more strongly than 3-PBA and DCCA. Quercetin has toxicity and pharmacokinetic parameters corresponding to the norm and meets all the requirements for drug-like properties. Based on the data obtained in silico, it is possible to assert the expediency of using quercetin as a component of the prevention of complications of the endocrinotoxic action of α-cypermethrin. Conclusions. The toxic effect of α-cypermethrin, which is aimed at disrupting the endocrine function of the gonads, may be associated with the high affinity of this compound and its metabolites for ERα, accompanied by both agonistic and antagonistic effects according to various evaluation criteria. Quercetin, a flavonoid with pronounced ER agonistic properties, can be used to prevent complications of α-cypermethrin intoxication based on its pharmacokinetic and drug-like parameters.

Delayed Symptoms of Rodenticide Poisoning in a 16-Year-Old: A Case Report

Anticoagulant rodenticides, a key tool in pest control since the 1940s, have undergone significant evolution to overcome resistance and improve efficacy. However, resistance in rodent populations led to the development of second-generation anticoagulants such as Brodifacoum and Difenacoum, which are more potent but pose increased risks to non-target species, including humans. This case report describes the management of a 16-year-old Iranian male who deliberately ingested a super warfarin rodenticide, resulting in severe coagulopathy and delayed clinical presentation. Despite the initial absence of overt symptoms, the patient’s condition required immediate intervention with intravenous vitamin K and blood products, demonstrating the complexity of diagnosing and managing rodenticide poisoning. Recovery was achieved with comprehensive medical and psychological interventions, demonstrating the need for high clinical suspicion and prompt treatment in similar cases. This report highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by highly potent rodenticides and the critical need for awareness and preparedness among healthcare providers to effectively manage such emergencies.

Road mitigation structures designed for Texas ocelots: Influence of structural characteristics and environmental factors on non-target wildlife usage.

Roads negatively impact wildlife through habitat fragmentation, loss of habitat connectivity, and wildlife-vehicle collisions, thus road mitigation structures, such as wildlife crossing structures (WCS), wildlife guards (WG), and fencing are commonly used to address this issue all over the world, including in the United States. In South Texas, such structures were built or modified along a State Highway in an effort to address road mortality for the endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and non-target wildlife species. The goal of this study was to examine temporal changes in wildlife interactions with WCS and WG during and after their construction and modification along a South Texas highway and to determine whether environmental factors influenced use of WCS. Using camera traps deployed to monitor the road mitigation structures, we compared crossing rates, repel rates, and species richness of all species that interacted with the structures, and we examined whether differential wildlife use of WCS and WG was affected by one or more structural dimensions, distance to nearby vegetation, and water presence. Crossings through WCS by wildlife decreased following the completion of construction of mitigation structures; however, repel interactions at WG increased. Overall, crossings decreased at WCS that had higher openness ratios and during periods of precipitation and higher daily temperatures, but distance to vegetation had minimal influence. These factors were shown to influence crossings of each of the five most frequently observed species differently. Lastly, the presence of pooled water at one WCS caused a decrease in crossings when the water level was highest but was not a barrier at lower water levels. By examining influences on wildlife interaction with road mitigation structures, we conclude that a variety of structures, including different WCS configurations, can be beneficial in facilitating movement and restricting entry into the right-of-way for a diversity of wildlife species beyond the target species.

Assessing lethal and sublethal effects of pesticides on honey bees in a multifactorial context

The registration of novel pesticides that are subsequently banned because of their unexpected negative effects on non-target species can have a huge environmental impact. Therefore, the pre-emptive evaluation of the potential effects of new compounds is essential. To this aim both lethal and sublethal effects should be assessed in a realistic scenario including the other stressors that can interact with pesticides. However, laboratory studies addressing such interactive effects are rare, while standardized laboratory-based protocols focus on lethal effects and not on sub-lethal effects.We propose to assess both lethal and sublethal effects in a multifactorial context including the other stressors affecting the non-target species. We tested this approach by studying the impact on honey bees of the insecticide sulfoxaflor in combination with a common parasite, a sub-optimal temperature and food deprivation. We studied the survival and the transcriptome of honey bees, to assess both the lethal and the potential sublethal effects of the insecticide, respectively. With this method we show that a field realistic concentration of sulfoxaflor in food does not affect the survival of honey bees; however, the significant impact on some key genes indicates that sublethal effects are possible in a realistically complex scenario.Moreover, our results demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of a novel approach to hazard assessment considering the interactive effects of pesticides. We anticipate our approach to be a starting point for a paradigm shift in toxicology: from an unifactorial, mortality-centered assessment to a multifactorial, comprehensive approach. This is something of the utmost importance to preserve pollination, thus contributing to the sustainability of our food production system.

Beekeepers Support the Use of RNA Interference (RNAi) to Control Varroa destructor.

Current Varroa mite management strategies rely heavily on the use of pesticides, adversely affecting honey bee health and leaving toxic residues in hive products. To explore the likelihood of RNAi technology being utilised as an alternative control method for pests like Varroa, the opinions of beekeepers on the use of this new biotechnology were obtained using a mixed-methodology approach. In-person surveys and focus groups using the Q method were conducted to discover the willingness of beekeepers to utilise Varroa-targeting RNAi treatments in their hives, and to gain feedback to inform decisions before the implementation of this new technology. Overall, the beekeepers saw potential in RNAi being used to control Varroa in their hives and were eager to have access to an alternative to pesticide treatments. Participants raised concerns about unknown long-term effects on bees and other non-target species, and the potential of an uninformed public preventing them from accessing a new Varroa treatment. While further research and discussion is needed before RNAi treatments for Varroa become commercially available, RNAi technology presents a promising, species-specific and non-toxic solution for Varroa management.

Efficacy of invasive plant control depends on timing of herbicide application and invader soil seedbank density

Understanding the underlying temporal dynamics influencing invasive plant control outcomes is essential to achieve restoration and land management goals. Within grasslands, herbicides are commonly used as the main method for invasive plant control, but the efficacy of management may be dependent on seasonal dynamics, as well as the number of applications. Additionally, assessments to quantify invasive plant control are often limited to aboveground plant composition, overlooking the potential repository of propagules stored in the soil seedbank, and additional impacts on nontarget species. To ensure that an herbicide method is effectively controlling invader populations, while limiting impacts on the resident plant communities, both above‐ and belowground species responses must be assessed. We established an herbicide field experiment across different sites and years in Riverside, CA, U.S.A., to assess the control of a global annual invasive forb, Oncosiphon pilulifer. We investigated how seasonal herbicide management (early‐season vs. late‐season) and repeated annual herbicide applications (1 vs. 2 years) influenced cover and seedbank density of our focal invader and the resident plant community 1 year after treatment. We found that although late‐ and early‐season‐applied herbicides reduced invader cover, early‐season applications were the only strategy to reduce invader seedbank density, indicating potential longer term management control. Lastly, native cover was limited in post‐treated areas, suggesting that additional management strategies may be needed to overcome native establishment limitations in invaded grasslands.

The response of sea turtles to vocalizations opens new perspectives to reduce their bycatch

Incidental capture of non-target species poses a pervasive threat to many marine species, with sometimes devastating consequences for both fisheries and conservation efforts. Because of the well-known importance of vocalizations in cetaceans, acoustic deterrents have been extensively used for these species. In contrast, acoustic communication for sea turtles has been considered negligible, and this question has been largely unexplored. Addressing this challenge therefore requires a comprehensive understanding of sea turtles’ responses to sensory signals. In this study, we scrutinized the avenue of auditory cues, specifically the natural sounds produced by green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Martinique, as a potential tool to reduce bycatch. We recorded 10 sounds produced by green turtles and identified those that appear to correspond to alerts, flight or social contact between individuals. Subsequently, these turtle sounds—as well synthetic and natural (earthquake) sounds—were presented to turtles in known foraging areas to assess the behavioral response of green turtles to these sounds. Our data highlighted that the playback of sounds produced by sea turtles was associated with alert or increased the vigilance of individuals. This therefore suggests novel opportunities for using sea turtle sounds to deter them from fishing gear or other potentially harmful areas, and highlights the potential of our research to improve sea turtles populations’ conservation.

Many human pharmaceuticals are weak inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 system in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver S9 fractions.

Pharmaceutical residues are widely detected in aquatic environment and can be taken up by nontarget species such as fish. The cytochromes P450 (CYP) represent an important detoxification mechanism in fish, like in humans. In the present study, we assessed the correlation of the substrate selectivities of rainbow trout CYP1A and CYP3A homologues with those of human, through determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of a total sixteen human pharmaceuticals toward CYP1A-like ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and CYP3A-like 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-debenzylase (BFCOD) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver S9 fractions (RT-S9). The inhibitory impacts (IC50) of atomoxetine, atorvastatin, azelastine, bimatoprost, clomethiazole, clozapine, desloratadine, disulfiram, esomeprazole, felbinac, flecainide, orphenadrine, prazosin, quetiapine, sulpiride, and zolmitriptan toward the EROD and BFCOD activities in RT-S9 were determined using the IC50 shift assay, capable of identifying time-dependent inhibitors (TDI). Additionally, the nonspecific binding of the test pharmaceuticals to RT-S9 was assessed using equilibrium dialysis. Most test pharmaceuticals were moderate to weak inhibitors of both EROD and BFCOD activity in RT-S9, even if most are noninhibitors of human CYP1A or CYP3A. Only bimatoprost, clomethiazole, felbinac, sulpiride, and zolmitriptan did not inhibit either activity in RT-S9. EROD inhibition was generally stronger than that of BFCOD and some substances (atomoxetine, flecainide, and prazosin) inhibited selectively only EROD activity. The strongest EROD inhibition was detected with azelastine and esomeprazole (unbound IC50 of 3.8 ± 0.5µM and 3.0 ± 0.8µM, respectively). None of the test substances were TDIs of BFCOD, but esomeprazole was a TDI of EROD. Apart from clomethiazole and disulfiram, the nonspecific binding of the test pharmaceuticals to the RT-S9 was extensive (unbound fractions <0.5) and correlated well (R 2 = 0.7135) with their water-octanol distribution coefficients. The results indicate that the P450 interactions in RT-S9 cannot be explicitly predicted based on human data, but the in vitro data reported herein can shed light on the substrate selectivity of rainbow trout CYP1A1 and CYP3A27 in comparison to their human homologues. The IC50 concentrations are however many orders of magnitude higher than average environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals. The time-dependent EROD inhibition by esomeprazole could warrant further research to evaluate its possible interlinkages with hepatotoxic impacts on fish.

Adaptive spatiotemporal management to reduce shark bycatch in tuna fisheries.

Purse-seine tropical tuna fishing in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (EPO) results in the bycatch of several sensitive species groups, including elasmobranchs. Effective ecosystem management balances conservation and resource use and requires considering trade-offs and synergies. Seasonal and adaptive spatial measures can reduce fisheries impacts on nontarget species while maintaining or increasing target catches. Identifying persistently high-risk areas in the open ocean, where dynamic environmental conditions drive changes in species' distributions, is essential for exploring the impact of fisheries closures. We used fisheries observer data collected from 1995 to 2021 to explore the spatiotemporal persistence of areas of high bycatch risk for 2 species of oceanic sharks, silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) and oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus), and of low tuna catch rates. We analyzed data collected by fisheries scientific observers onboard approximately 200 large purse-seine vessels operating in the EPO under 10 different flags. Fishing effort, catch, and bycatch data were aggregated spatially and temporally at 1°×1° cells and monthly, respectively. When areas of high fishing inefficiency were closed the entire study period and effort was reallocated proportionally to reflect historical effort patterns, yearly tuna catch appeared to increase by 1-11%, whereas bycatch of silky and oceanic whitetip sharks decreased by 10-19% and 9%, respectively. Prior to fishing effort redistribution, bycatch reductions accrued to 21-41% and 14% for silky and oceanic whitetip sharks, respectively. Our results are consistent with previous findings and demonstrate the high potential for reducing elasmobranch bycatch in the EPO without compromising catch rates of target tuna species. They also highlight the need to consider new dynamic and adaptive management measures to more efficiently fulfill conservation and sustainability objectives for exploited resources in the EPO.

Regression Quantitative Structure-toxicity Relationship of Pesticides on Fishes

Pesticide usage reaches several million metric tons annually worldwide, and the effects of pesticides on non-target species, such as various fishes in aquatic environments, have resulted in serious concerns. Predicting pesticide aquatic toxicity to fish is of great significance. In this paper, 20 molecular descriptors were successfully used to develop a regression quantitative structure-activity/toxicity relationship (QSAR/QSTR) model for the toxicity logLC50 of a large data set consisting of 1106 pesticides on fishes by using a general regression neural network (GRNN) algorithm. The optimal GRNN model produced correlation coefficients R of 0.8901 (rms = 0.6910) for the training set, 0.8531 (rms = 0.7486) for the validation set, and 0.8802 (rms = 0.6903) for the test set, which are satisfactory compared with other models in the literature, although a large data set of toxicity logLC50 was used in this work.

Is the Biopesticide from Tea Tree Oil an Effective and Low-Risk Alternative to Chemical Pesticides? A Critical Review.

The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture contributes to soil, water and air pollution, biodiversity loss, and injury to non-target species. The European Commission has already established a Harmonized Risk Indicator to quantify the progress in reducing the risks linked to pesticides. Therefore, there is an increasing need to promote biopesticides, or so-called low-risk pesticides (LRP). Tea tree oil (TTO) is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. TTO has been extensively studied in pest management as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry; there are already products based on its active substances on the market. This review focuses on the overall evaluation of TTO in terms of effectiveness and safety as a biopesticide for the first time. The collected data can be an added value for further evaluation of TTO in terms of the authorization extension as a fungicide in 2026.

A feature selection method for overlapping peaks in vibrational spectroscopy using nonnegatively constrained classical least squares

Chemometric models for multicomponent mixture analysis are reliant upon representative and accurate training data. However, the required amount of training data can increase exponentially with the number of constituents. Shifting spectral baselines and changing process objectives may necessitate recurring calibration data collection. Furthermore, all possible constituents may not be known prior to analysis. Here, we introduce a preprocessing procedure that reduces the burden of collecting extensive calibration datasets by filtering out non-target species (species that are not part of the calibration data) in real-time. The method, nonnegatively constrained classical least squares (NCCLS), utilizes a spectral nonnegativity constraint on non-target species to remove them from mixture spectra. The preprocessing method is physically motivated, does not rely on time-series data, and can operate in real-time. NCCLS is compared to established methods using in silico data and an experimental dataset comprised of Raman spectra and attenuated total reflectance - Fourier transform infrared spectra.

A Review on Environmental Impacts and Risks of Beneficial Microorganisms

The diverse realm of microorganisms, including bacteria, Achaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Microbes are present in various environments, such as Arctic regions and thermal vents, where they participate in vital functions like nutrient cycling, soil formation, pollutant decomposition, and symbiotic interactions with plants. Their positive effects on soil quality, plant development, and animal well-being are a result of their metabolic processes, relationships with other organisms, and utilization in different applications. While beneficial microorganisms present opportunities for improving agriculture, bioremediation, genetic modification, and sustainable biotechnology practices, safety concerns must be addressed. In agriculture, beneficial microorganisms are employed as biopesticides to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, although potential impacts on non-target species need to be considered. Bioremediation, an environmentally friendly method that uses living organisms to break down pollutants, offers benefits with minimal harm to the environment. Nonetheless, challenges such as effectiveness in extreme conditions and the risk of incomplete degradation or unintended ecological disturbances remain significant. Wastewater treatment harnesses beneficial microorganisms to degrade pollutants, leading to reduced chemical usage and the promotion of energy-efficient processes like anaerobic digestion. Yet, issues related to antibiotic resistance development and incomplete remediation are raised. Genetic engineering presents environmental advantages through genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs), assisting in bioremediation, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and bioenergy generation. However, concerns arise regarding potential ecological disruptions caused by altered microbial populations and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Addressing environmental and safety risks associated with beneficial microorganisms necessitates comprehensive approaches, including thorough risk evaluations, implementation of containment strategies, assurance of ecological harmony, and contemplation of ethical and social consequences. This study aimed to investigate the environmental impacts and safety considerations involved in the application of beneficial microorganisms.

Evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of a genetically modified rabies virus for use as an oral vaccine in several non-target species1

Oral immunization is an alternative or supplementary approach that can significantly improve dog vaccination coverage, especially for free-roaming dogs. Safe and effective oral rabies vaccines for dogs are still being sought. In our previous studies, we generated a genetically modified rabies virus (RABV) ERA strain, rERAG333E, containing a mutation from arginine (Arg, R) to glutamic acid (Glu, E) at residue 333 of the G protein (G333E). Our previous results demonstrated that rERAG333E was safe for adult mice and dogs, and oral vaccination with rERAG333E induced a strong and long-lasting protective immune response in dogs. Here, we further investigated the safety and immunogenicity of rERAG333E in non-target species, including suckling mice, rhesus monkeys, foxes, raccoon dogs, piglets, goats, and sheep. Suckling mice studies demonstrated that the G333E mutation significantly reduced the virulence of the ERA strain. All of the suckling mice aged 10 days and above survived and showed no apparent signs of disease after intracerebral inoculation with rERAG333E. Animal studies demonstrated that rERAG333E was safe in rhesus monkeys, foxes, raccoon dogs, piglets, goats, and sheep. None of those animals inoculated orally with 10 times the intended field dose of rERAG333E showed abnormal clinical signs before and after the booster immunization with Rabvac 3, an inactivated rabies vaccine. Meanwhile, oral inoculation with rERAG333E induced strong neutralizing antibody (NA) responses to RABV in rhesus monkeys, foxes, raccoon dogs, and piglets. These results demonstrated that rERAG333E has the potential to serve as a safe oral rabies vaccine for dogs.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN THE PLANT PROTECTION AND ECOLOGY AND HYGIENE MONITORING DOMAIN IN UKRAINE

Presently chemical plant protection products are an inseparable part of agriculture. They have not only their main purpose of plant assistance, but they also have the potential risk of negative impact on biocenosis species (birds, bees, soil microflora, algae, etc.) and the human body and its health respectively. The purpose of our study was to aggregate data on the existing legal framework of plant protection products in Ukraine and assess their ecology and hygiene monitoring. For analysis of the plant chemical protection, we used as the basic documents the regulatory framework of domestic legislation in toxicological and hygiene, ecology assessment, and ecology and hygiene monitoring domains. Currently, many laws and legal acts regulate the use of pesticides by state and private agricultural farms in Ukraine. This number of documents covers not only pre-registration studies of pesticides but also their post-registration monitoring in the environment. The key entities that control potential negative risks of these products through the regulations are the State Emergency Service, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Communal Services, Ministry of Agriculture Policy, State Agency of Water Resources, State Committee of Land Resources, State Agency of the Forest Resources. However, the impact of xenobiotics on non-target species of the ecosystem is currently quite underestimated. The decline in biodiversity directly depends on the condition of the environment and the negative impact on it. Instances of acute oral, inhalation, or dermal poisoning of birds, bees, and aquatic invertebrates with pesticides are quite common and among the factors that affect public health. That is why ecology and hygiene monitoring is essential in line with the assessment of the risks of the inappropriate release of pesticides. These should be treated as a critical component of managing environmental sustainability and safety for public health. The implementation of global approaches to monitoring and controlling the post- registration impact of pesticides on the ecology and hygiene in Ukraine can also take into account the far-reaching consequences of their negative impact, accumulation, and environmental pollution. As a result, this will help to avoid adverse impacts on animal, insect, and bird populations, as well as human health.

PBK models to predict internal and external dose levels following oral exposure of rats to imidacloprid and carbendazim

Monitoring oral exposure to pesticides in wildlife is crucial for assessing environmental risks and preventing adverse effects on non-target species. Traditionally, this requires invasive tissue sampling, raising ethical, regulatory, and economic concerns. To address this gap, our study aims to develop a method for assessing external oral dose levels in rats using physiologically-based kinetic (PBK) modeling based on blood concentration levels of two pesticides, imidacloprid and carbendazim, and one of their primary metabolites. We utilized in vitro metabolic kinetic data from hepatic microsomal and S9 incubations to inform our models. These models were then evaluated by comparing their predictions with existing in vivo experimental data from the literature. Our results demonstrate that the models provide accurate predictions, presenting a novel in vitro and in silico approach for environmental exposure and risk assessment of pesticides. This methodology has the potential for application in wildlife species, advancing the frontier of knowledge in non-invasive pesticide exposure assessment.

Ovicidal Toxicity and Morphological Changes in Housefly Eggs Induced by the Essential Oils of Star Anise and Lemongrass and Their Main Constituents.

This study attempted to evaluate the ovicidal activity of single-component formulations and combination formulations of lemongrass and star anise essential oils (EOs) and their main constituents against housefly eggs. The efficacies of the combinations were compared with those of single-component formulations and α-cypermethrin. Safety bioassays of all treatments and α-cypermethrin on non-target predators-guppy and molly-were conducted. Two combinations: 1% lemongrass EO + 1% trans-anethole and 1% star anise EO + 1% geranial, exhibited a strong ovicidal activity with an inhibition rate of 94.4 to 96.2%. They were 1.1 times as effective as α-cypermethrin. The two combinations also showed high synergistic activity compared to single-component formulations, with a high synergistic index and a high increased inhibition value of 37.4 to 57.7%. All EO treatments were benign for all non-target aquatic species with a high 50% lethal time (LT50) and safety index. In contrast, α-cypermethrin was highly toxic to them with a low LT50. The morphological abnormalities observed in housefly eggs at death were those such as the shrivelling of the eggs, aberrations and damage to the eggshells, hatching lines, aeropyles, plastron, and micropyle. The potential of these two combinations as a cypermethrin replacement is compelling.