Heavy metals are naturally occurring components of the Earth's crust and persistent environmental pollutants. Human exposure to heavy metals occurs via various pathways, including inhalation of air/dust particles, ingesting contaminated water or soil, or through the food chain. Their bioaccumulation may lead to diverse toxic effects affecting different body tissues and organ systems. The toxicity of heavy metals depends on the properties of the given metal, dose, route, duration of exposure (acute or chronic), and extent of bioaccumulation. The detrimental impacts of heavy metals on human health are largely linked to their capacity to interfere with antioxidant defense mechanisms, primarily through their interaction with intracellular glutathione (GSH) or sulfhydryl groups (R-SH) of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and other enzyme systems. Although arsenic (As) is believed to bind directly to critical thiols, alternative hydrogen peroxide production processes have also been postulated. Heavy metals are known to interfere with signaling pathways and affect a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and apoptosis. For example, cadmium can affect the BLC-2 family of proteins involved in mitochondrial death via the overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and the suppression of proapoptotic (BAX, BAK) mechanisms, thus increasing the resistance of various cells to undergo malignant transformation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important regulator of antioxidant enzymes, the level of oxidative stress, and cellular resistance to oxidants and has been shown to act as a double-edged sword in response to arsenic-induced oxidative stress. Another mechanism of significant health threats and heavy metal (e.g., Pb) toxicity involves the substitution of essential metals (e.g., calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe)) with structurally similar heavy metals (e.g., cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) in the metal-binding sites of proteins. Displaced essential redox metals (copper, iron, manganese) from their natural metal-binding sites can catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide via the Fenton reaction and generate damaging ROS such as hydroxyl radicals, causing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Conversely, some heavy metals, such as cadmium, can suppress the synthesis of nitric oxide radical (NO·), manifested by altered vasorelaxation and, consequently, blood pressure regulation. Pb-induced oxidative stress has been shown to be indirectly responsible for the depletion of nitric oxide due to its interaction with superoxide radical (O2·-), resulting in the formation of a potent biological oxidant, peroxynitrite (ONOO-). This review comprehensively discusses the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity and their health effects. Aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) and their roles in the development of gastrointestinal, pulmonary, kidney, reproductive, neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), cardiovascular, and cancer (e.g. renal, lung, skin, stomach) diseases are discussed. A short account is devoted to the detoxification of heavy metals by chelation via the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dimercaprol (BAL), 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid (DMPS), and penicillamine chelators.

• MeSH
• antioxidancia metabolismus   MeSH
• bioakumulace MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí toxicita   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxidační stres * účinky léků   MeSH
• těžké kovy * toxicita   MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

With the advent rise is in urbanization and industrialization, heavy metals (HMs) such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination have increased considerably. It is among the most recalcitrant pollutants majorly affecting the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem like human well-being, animals, soil health, crop productivity, and diversity of prokaryotes (bacteria) and eukaryotes (plants, fungi, and algae). At higher concentrations, these metals are toxic for their growth and pose a significant environmental threat, necessitating innovative and sustainable remediation strategies. Bacteria exhibit diverse mechanisms to cope with HM exposure, including biosorption, chelation, and efflux mechanism, while fungi contribute through mycorrhizal associations and hyphal networks. Algae, especially microalgae, demonstrate effective biosorption and bioaccumulation capacities. Plants, as phytoremediators, hyperaccumulate metals, providing a nature-based approach for soil reclamation. Integration of these biological agents in combination presents opportunities for enhanced remediation efficiency. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into joint action of prokaryotic and eukaryotic interactions in the management of HM stress in the environment.

• MeSH
• Bacteria * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• biodegradace * MeSH
• Eukaryota metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• houby metabolismus   MeSH
• kadmium * metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * metabolismus   MeSH
• olovo * metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• rostliny mikrobiologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Navrhovaná studie proveditelnosti využívá aplikaci „OCD dům“, vytvořenou v prostředí virtuální reality (VR) pro expoziční terapii u pacien- tů s obsedantně-kompulzivní poruchou (OCD). Metoda byla vyvinuta na základě dimenzionálního přístupu k symptomatologii OCD, který vyčleňuje čtyři podtypy: „kontaminace/čištění“, „symetrie/uspořádání“, „strach z poškození/kontrola“ a „hromadění“. Cílem probíhající studie proveditelnosti je ověřit účinnosti již dříve validované expoziční metody ve spojení s čichovou stimulací. Předpokládáme, že čichová stimulace během expozice ve VR zvýší vnímanou realističnost a potenciálně také intenzitu symptomů vyvolaných touto čichově obohacenou simulací.

The proposed feasibility study uses the application "OCD house" created in a virtual reality (VR) environment for exposure therapy in pati- ents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The method was designed based on a dimensional approach to OCD symptomatology, which distinguishes four subtypes: 'contamination/cleaning', 'symmetry/ordering', 'fear of harm/checking' and 'hoarding'. An ongoing feasibility study aims to test the previously validated exposure method in combination with olfactory stimulation. We hypothesize that olfactory stimu- lation during exposure in VR will increase the perceived level of immersion in the environment and potentially also the assessed intensity of symptoms induced by this olfactory-enriched simulation.

Divertikulitida tlustého střeva, tzn. zánět jednoho nebo více divertiklů, je nejčastější manifestací divertikulózy, kterou má ve vyspělých zemích více než 60 % 70letých. Akutní divertikulitida zahrnuje škálu stupňů zánětlivého postižení, od lehké divertikulitidy po sterkorální peritonitidu. Diagnostika divertikulitidy tlustého střeva se během zejména posledních 30 let změnila. Zobrazování pomocí sonografie a počítačové tomografie umožňuje hodnocení tíže a rozsahu zánětu bez operace vyjádřené klasifikací a usnadňuje rozhodnutí o volbě léčby. Léčba se změnila rovněž. Nekomplikovanou divertikulitidu dnes lze léčit i bez antibiotik a bez hospitalizace, abscesy lze evakuovat perkutánní navigovanou drenáží. Základem operační léčby peritonitidy divertikulárního původu zůstává zástava kontaminace a sanace břišní dutiny. Pouze derivace je nedostatečná. Účinným řešením je resekce zaníceného nebo perforovaného segmentu střeva, novou možností je laparoskopická laváž. Nejlepší výsledky přináší resekce střeva s primární anastomózou, která má být založena pouze, lze-li splnit určité podmínky. Vyloučení anastomózy sice zmenší nároky operace, ale v souhrnu vede k horším výsledkům. Přes doporučení vycházející z EBM nejsou ani dnes názory na volbu operace jednoznačné. Text uvádí vývoj ošetření divertikulitidy, argumentaci ve prospěch či proti resekci s anastomózou, resekci s vyloučením anastomózy a laparoskopické laváži. Jsou uvedeny podmínky výkonů, především bezpečného založení anastomózy, a současná doporučení.

Diverticulitis of the colon, i.e. inflammation of one or more diverticula, is the most common manifestation of diverticulosis, which affects more than 60% of people over the age of 70 in developed countries. Acute diverticulitis includes a range of degrees of inflammatory involvement, from mild diverticulitis to stercoral erythematosis. The diagnosis of diverticulitis of the colon has changed, especially in the last 30 years. Imaging using ultrasound and computed tomography allows the assessment of the severity and extent of inflammation without surgery expressed by classification and facilitates the decision on the choice of treatment. Treatment has also changed. Uncomplicated diverticulitis can now be treated without antibiotics and without hospitalization, abscesses can be evacuated by percutaneous guided drainage. The basis of the surgical treatment of peritonitis of diverticular origin remains the arrest of contamination and sanitation of the abdominal cavity. Mere diversion is insufficient. An effective solution is resection of the inflamed or perforated segment of the intestine, a new option is laparoscopic lavage. The best results are achieved by intestinal resection with primary anastomosis; which should be established only if certain conditions can be met. Exclusion of the anastomosis reduces the demands of the operation, but generally leads to worse results. Despite the recommendations based on EBM, opinions on the choice of operation are still not clear today. The text presents the development of diverticulitis treatment, arguments in favor of or against resection with anastomosis, resection with exclusion of the anastomosis and laparoscopic lavage. The conditions of the procedures, especially the safe establishment of the anastomosis, and current recommendations are presented.

• MeSH
• anastomóza chirurgická metody   MeSH
• chirurgie trávicího traktu klasifikace   metody   MeSH
• diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
• divertikulitida tlustého střeva * chirurgie   diagnóza   farmakoterapie   komplikace   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci tlustého střeva chirurgie   diagnóza   klasifikace   komplikace   MeSH
• peritonitida chirurgie   diagnóza   etiologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH

The precise and unambiguous detection and quantification of internal RNA modifications represents a critical step for understanding their physiological functions. The methods of direct RNA sequencing are quickly developing allowing for the precise location of internal RNA marks. This detection is, however, not quantitative and still presents detection limits. One of the biggest remaining challenges in the field is still the detection and quantification of m6A, m6Am, inosine, and m1A modifications of adenosine. The second intriguing and timely question remaining to be addressed is the extent to which individual marks are coregulated or potentially can affect each other. Here, we present a methodological approach to detect and quantify several key mRNA modifications in human total RNA and in mRNA, which is difficult to purify away from contaminating tRNA. We show that the adenosine demethylase FTO primarily targets m6Am marks in noncoding RNAs in HEK293T cells. Surprisingly, we observe little effect of FTO or ALKBH5 depletion on the m6A mRNA levels. Interestingly, the upregulation of ALKBH5 is accompanied by an increase in inosine level in overall mRNA.

• MeSH
• adenosin * analogy a deriváty   metabolismus   genetika   analýza   MeSH
• alfa-ketoglutarát-dependentní dioxygenasa, AlkB homolog 5 * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• chromatografie kapalinová metody   MeSH
• gen pro FTO * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• inosin * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• kapalinová chromatografie-hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• messenger RNA * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• posttranskripční úpravy RNA MeSH
• tandemová hmotnostní spektrometrie * metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Anthelmintic drugs are widespread environmental contaminants, but their impact is still poorly understood. Although contact of parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus with traces of anthelmintic drug albendazole (ABZ) altered the expression and activity of several UDP-glycosyl transferases (UGTs) and P-glycoproteins (Pgps, belonging to ABC-transporters), key enzymes in endogenous and xenobiotic metabolism, it is not known whether these changes will last during the life cycle and pass to the next generations. In the present study simulating the environmental-like exposure, free-living stages of H. contortus were exposed or unexposed to a sub-lethal dose of ABZ and its transformation products (ABZs) during L3 development. The L3 served for lambs' infection and obtaining of H. contortus adults and eggs, which were again exposed or unexposed to ABZs during L3 development. The expression pattern of UGTs and Pgps was analysed and compared in the first generation of L3, in the adults, and in the second generation of L3. The results showed that ABZs exposition during larvae development altered the expression of several ugt and pgp genes in L3 and adults. The intrageneration stability of ABZs-evoked changes was observed in the case of three genes, four genes maintained the intergeneration stability. Interestingly, ABZs-induced changes in the expression of some genes became apparent only in the second generation of L3. Taking together, contact of free-living stages of H. contortus with traces of ABZs in the environment evokes changes in the expression of certain UGTs and Pgps, with some of these changes being intra- and inter-generation stable.

• MeSH
• ABC transportéry genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• albendazol * MeSH
• anthelmintika * toxicita   MeSH
• glykosyltransferasy genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Haemonchus * účinky léků   MeSH
• ovce MeSH
• stadia vývoje účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PROBLEM: Disgust contributes to anxiety-based psychopathology, and in turn, anxiety increases disgust proneness. BACKGROUND: Disgust and anxiety undergo significant changes in pregnancy, but no previous study has examined their longitudinal associations in this time period. AIM: This prospective longitudinal study aimed to identify longitudinal associations between disgust sensitivity and state anxiety across the three trimesters of pregnancy, while exploring the directionality of the effect between those two variables. METHODS: At each trimester of pregnancy, the pregnant women (n = 261) completed the Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R), the Pathogen disgust domain of the Three Domains of Disgust Scale (TDDS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A path analysis (structural equation model) was used to assess cross-lagged effects between disgust sensitivity and state anxiety across the three pregnancy trimesters. FINDINGS: We found significant cross-lagged associations between disgust and anxiety such that higher disgust (overall DS-R score, Core disgust subscale of DS-R and Pathogen disgust domain of TDDS) in the first trimester predicted greater anxiety in the third. No significant cross-lagged associations were found between Animal-reminder or Contamination disgust subscales of DS-R and state anxiety. State anxiety did not predict disgust sensitivity at any time point. DISCUSSION: Our results indicate a unidirectional association between disgust sensitivity and state anxiety in pregnant women such that disgust sensitivity in early pregnancy predicts state anxiety in late pregnancy, but anxiety does not predict disgust sensitivity at any time point. CONCLUSION: Assessing disgust in early pregnancy could help to identify women at risk of higher anxiety levels in advanced pregnancy.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• longitudinální studie MeSH
• odpor * MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• první trimestr těhotenství * psychologie   MeSH
• psychometrie přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• těhotné ženy * psychologie   MeSH
• úzkost * psychologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Perflorochemicals (PFCs), among which are the most commonly detected perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are persistent emergent contaminants of concern in recent times. These compounds have been reported for their cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and developmental toxicities. Meanwhile, they have been detected in diverse matrices such as soil, sediment, and, surprisingly, in serum and even breastmilk. Worrisomely, these compounds are detected in drinking water across the globe, aquaculture water, and other surface waters. Thus, it was important to appraise the studies conducted on PFOS and PFOA to provide an overview of the environmental status of contamination regarding them. The present review article sought to provide insights into the occurrence patterns and ecotoxic effects of both pollutants in the water ecosystems within five continents of the world. Based on the information gathered in this article, the ∑PFOS concentration (ng/L) within the five continents is in the order Europe > Asia > Africa > North America > South America, while the ∑PFOA level (ng/L) is in the order Europe > Asia > South America > Africa > North America. The study also investigated the previous works that have been conducted regarding the diverse elimination technologies employed for the removal of these pollutants from the aqueous environments, with plasma combined with surfactant process being the most efficient. Generally, studies on PFOS/PFOA are still scanty when compared to those on pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), especially in North America. The information gathered in this study could be useful in establishing thresholds of PFOA and PFOS environmental levels and be adopted by appropriate authorities as safety guidelines.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Bacterial biofilms exhibit remarkable resistance against conventional antibiotics and are capable of evading the humoral immune response. They account for nearly 80% of chronic infections in humans. Development of bacterial biofilms on medical implants results in their malfunctioning and subsequently leads to high mortality rates worldwide. Therefore, early and precise diagnosis of bacterial biofilms on implanted medical devices is essential to prevent their failure and associated complications. Culture-based methods are time consuming, more prone to contamination and often exhibit low sensitivity. Different molecular, imaging, and physical methods can aid in more accurate and faster detection of implant-associated bacterial biofilms. Biofilm growth on implant surface can be prevented either through modification of the implant material or by application of different antibacterial coatings on implant surface. Experimental studies have shown that pre-existing biofilms from medical implants can be removed by breaking down biofilm matrix, utilizing physical methods, nanomaterials and antimicrobial peptides. The current review delves into mechanism of biofilm formation on implanted medical devices and the subsequent host immune response. Much emphasis has been laid on different ongoing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to achieve improved patient outcomes and reduced socio-economic burden.

• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• Bacteria účinky léků   izolace a purifikace   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• bakteriální infekce * diagnóza   farmakoterapie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• biofilmy * účinky léků   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• infekce spojené s protézou * diagnóza   mikrobiologie   farmakoterapie   prevence a kontrola   terapie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• protézy a implantáty * mikrobiologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Threats to our survival are often posed by the environment in which humans have evolved or live today. Animal and human ancestors developed complex physiological and behavioral response systems to cope with two types of threats: immediate physical harm from predators or conspecifics, triggering fear, and the risk of infections from parasites and pathogens leading to the evolution of the behavioral immune system (BIS) with disgust as the key emotion. Here we ask whether the BIS has adapted to protect us from pandemic risks or poisoning by modern toxic substances. METHODS: We have developed a survey comprised of 60 vignettes describing threats evoking fear and disgust belonging to one of the three main categories of threats: (1) ancestral, (2) modern, and (3) pandemic of airborne disease. Each vignette was evaluated on a 7-point Likert scale based on fear, disgust, and anger. Respondents also completed an assessment battery. RESULTS: The results show that the strongest fear is triggered by modern threats (electricity, car accidents), while the highest disgust is evoked by ancient threats (body waste products, worms). Disgust does not respond to modern threat stimuli such as toxic substances or radioactivity as these evoke mainly fear and anger. A discriminant factor analysis classified nine out of 10 pandemic disgust vignettes into the ancestral disgust category, convincingly assigning the pandemic disgust threats to the ancestral type. Gender, age, and type of education were significant moderators of emotional responses across all threat categories. DISCUSSION: Our study reveals that while fear is more context-dependent, particularly triggered by modern threats, disgust operates on an evolutionarily hardwired basis, making it less effective against contemporary risks. Furthermore, disgust experienced during a pandemic outbreak is more closely aligned with ancestral disgust-related threats tapping into evolutionary ancient survival circuits of the BIS. However, as disgust declines with age, the brain must adaptatively shift the emotional processing from disgust to fear to protect older adults from contamination risks. Finally, our study reveals that pandemic fear is better predicted by specific behaviors rather than general anxiety, suggesting a need for new assessments.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH