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 * metabolism drug effects MeSH
- Biodegradation, Environmental * MeSH
- Eukaryota metabolism drug effects MeSH
- Fungi metabolism MeSH
- Cadmium * metabolism toxicity MeSH
- Soil Pollutants * metabolism MeSH
- Lead * metabolism toxicity MeSH
- Plants microbiology metabolism MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
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.
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.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review 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.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Mitochondria represent pivotal cellular organelles endowed with multifaceted functionalities encompassing cellular respiration, metabolic processes, calcium turnover, and the regulation of apoptosis, primarily through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Perturbations in mitochondrial dynamics have been intricately linked to the etiology of numerous cardiovascular pathologies, such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and various cardiomyopathies. Notably, recent attention has been directed towards the detrimental impact of micro- and nanoplastic pollution on mitochondrial integrity, an area underscored by a paucity of comprehensive investigations. Given the escalating prevalence of plastic particle contamination and the concomitant burden of cardiovascular disease in aging populations, understanding the interplay between mitochondria within the cardiovascular system and micro- and nanoplastic pollution assumes paramount importance. This review endeavors to elucidate the current albeit limited comprehension surrounding this complex interplay. Key words Mitochondria, Nanoplastics, Microplastics, Cardiovascular system, Endothelial function, Oxidative phosphorylation.
- MeSH
- Cardiovascular Diseases metabolism MeSH
- Cardiovascular System * metabolism drug effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microplastics toxicity MeSH
- Mitochondria * metabolism drug effects MeSH
- Nanoparticles MeSH
- Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) are environmental contaminants known for their persistence and bioaccumulation in fatty tissues. SCCPs are considered potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, with similar effects expected for MCCPs. This study investigated the body burden of SCCPs and MCCPs in residents of two regions of the Czech Republic with different levels of industrial pollution. Blood serum samples from 62 individuals in Ceske Budejovice (control area) and Ostrava (industrial area) were analysed. The results showed higher concentrations of SCCPs (<120-650 ng/g lipid weight (lw)) and MCCPs (<240-1530 ng/g lw) in Ostrava compared to Ceske Budejovice (SCCPs: <120-210 ng/g lw, MCCPs: <240-340 ng/g lw). The statistical analysis revealed no significant correlations between chemical concentrations and demographic variables such as age, BMI, or gender. The findings are consistent with European and Australian studies but significantly lower than levels reported in China. This is the first comprehensive survey of SCCPs and MCCPs in human blood serum in the Czech Republic and the second study in Europe. The data collected in this study are essential for assessing SCCPs and MCCPs. They will contribute to a better understanding the potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Environmental pollution is a serious problem that can cause sicknesses, fatality, and biological contaminants such as bacteria, which can trigger allergic reactions and infectious illnesses. There is also evidence that environmental pollutants can have an impact on the gut microbiome and contribute to the development of various mental health and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to study the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates in slaughterhouses. A total of 100 samples were collected from different slaughterhouse tools. The samples were identified by cultural and biochemical tests and confirmed by the VITEK 2 system. P. aeruginosa isolates were further confirmed by CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas and genetically by rpsL gene analysis. Molecular screening of virulence genes (fimH, papC, lasB, rhlI, lasI, csgA, toxA, and hly) and antibiotic resistance genes (blaCTX-M, blaAmpC, blaSHV, blaNDM, IMP-1, aac(6')-Ib-, ant(4')IIb, mexY, TEM, tetA, and qnrB) by PCR and testing the antibiotic sensitivity, biofilm formation, and production of pigments, and hemolysin were carried out in all isolated strains. A total of 62 isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa. All P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug-resistant and most of them have multiple resistant genes. blaCTX-M gene was detected in all strains; 23 (37.1%) strains have the ability for biofilm formation, 33 strains had virulence genes, and 26 isolates from them have more than one virulence genes. There should be probably 60 (96.8%) P. aeruginosa strains that produce pyocyanin pigment. Slaughterhouse tools are sources for multidrug-resistant and virulent pathogenic microorganisms which are a serious health problem. Low-hygienic slaughterhouses could be a reservoir for resistance and virulence genes which could then be transferred to other pathogens.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial genetics MeSH
- Biofilms drug effects growth & development MeSH
- Virulence Factors * genetics MeSH
- Abattoirs * MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests * MeSH
- Environmental Microbiology MeSH
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa * genetics drug effects pathogenicity isolation & purification MeSH
- Virulence genetics MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The increasing contamination of cereals by micromycetes and mycotoxins during malting still poses an unresolved food safety problem. This study characterises the potential of the novel, rapidly developing food production technology of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) to reduce the viability of Fusarium fungi and the production of mycotoxins during malting. Barley, artificially inoculated with four Fusarium species, was treated by PEF with two different intensities and then malted using a standard Pilsner-type technology. Concentrations of fungi were quantified by RT-PCR, expression of fungal growth-related genes was assessed using mRNA sequencing, and mycotoxin levels were analysed by U-HPLC-HRMS/MS. Despite the different trends for micromycetes and mycotoxins after application of variously intense PEF conditions, significant reductions were generally observed. The greatest decrease was for F. sporotrichioides and F. poae, where up to six fold lower levels were achieved for malts produced from the PEF-treated barley when compared to the control. For F. culmorum and F. graminearum, up to a two-fold reduction in the PEF-generated malts was observed. These reductions mostly correlated with a decrease in relevant mycotoxins, specifically type A trichothecenes.
- MeSH
- Electricity MeSH
- Fusarium * metabolism genetics growth & development MeSH
- Hordeum * microbiology MeSH
- Edible Grain * microbiology MeSH
- Food Contamination prevention & control MeSH
- Food Handling methods MeSH
- Mycotoxins * biosynthesis metabolism MeSH
- Food Microbiology MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Prezentujeme případ 26letého muže bez významné interní anamnézy či trvalé medikace, který byl přijat na JIP pro opakovanou těžkou hypoglykemii asociovanou s užitím paděla- ného léku dovezeného ze země jihovýchodní Asie kontaminovaného sulfonylureou.
We present the case of a 26-year-old man with no significant medical history or ongoing usage of medication. The patient was admitted to the ICU for recurrent severe hypoglycaemia associated with the use of counterfeit medication contaminated with sulfonylurea imported from a Southeast Asian country.
Virus hepatitidy E (HEV) je celosvětovým problémem a druhou nejčastější příčinou virové hepatitidy. Existuje osm genotypů HEV, z nichž čtyři způsobují onemocnění u lidí. Genotypy 1 a 2 se přenášejí kontaminovanou vodou, zatímco genotypy 3 a 4 jsou zoonotické a přenášejí se konzumací nedostatečně tepelně upraveného masa, zejména vepřového, zvěřiny a králičího. V České republice je endemický genotyp 3 s rezervoárem u prasat, spárkaté zvěře a králíků. Infekce HEV se projevuje podobně jako jiné typy hepatitid příznaky, jako je únava, horečka, nevolnost, žloutenka a tmavá moč. U imunokompetentních pacientů infekce obvykle odezní sama, ale u imunokompromitovaných a imusuprimovaných může přejít do chronického stavu vedoucího až k cirhóze a selhání jater. Preexistující onemocnění jater hraje v kontextu HEV významnou roli, jelikož u pacientů s chronickým onemocněním jater infikovaných HEV existuje významně vyšší riziko selhání jater, které může vést až k úmrtí. Diagnóza se provádí detekcí protilátek IgM a IgG proti HEV a HEV RNA v krvi a stolici. Doporučené diagnostické postupy se liší v závislosti na imunitním stavu pacienta a epidemiologickém prostředí. Léčba obvykle není nutná, ale v závažných případech se používá ribavirin a interferon a. Prevence zahrnuje zlepšení hygieny, dostatečnou tepelnou úpravu masa a v rozvojových zemích zvážení očkování. V Číně je dostupná vakcína Hecolin® účinná proti genotypům 1, 2 a 4, ale v Evropské unii zatím není registrována.
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a significant global health concern, accounting for the second-highest incidence of viral hepatitis. Eight genotypes of HEV have been identified, four of which are associated with disease in humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 are transmitted via contaminated water, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic and transmitted through the consumption of undercooked meat, particularly pork, venison, and rabbit. Genotype 3 is endemic in the Czech Republic, with reservoirs in pigs, wild game, and rabbits. A hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection presents with symptoms similar to those observed in other types of hepatitis, including fatigue, fever, malaise, jaundice, and dark urine. In immunocompetent patients, the infection typically resolves spontaneously. However, in immunocompromised patients, it can progress to a chronic state, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. The presence of preexisting liver disease is a significant factor in the context of HEV, as patients with chronic liver disease infected with HEV are at an elevated risk of liver failure, which can potentially result in death. A diagnosis is made by detecting immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in blood and stool samples. The recommended diagnostic procedures are contingent upon the patient‘s immune status and epidemiological context. In most cases, treatment is not necessary; however, ribavirin and interferon a are employed in severe instances. Prevention strategies encompass enhanced hygiene practices, thorough cooking of meat, and in developing countries, the consideration of vaccination. The vaccine Hecolin® is available in China and is efficacious against genotypes 1, 2, and 4; however, it is not yet registered in the European Union.
- MeSH
- Genotype MeSH
- Hepatitis E * diagnosis drug therapy transmission prevention & control MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Hepatitis E virus pathogenicity MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
