• MeSH
• jedlá semena analýza   normy   MeSH
• Ramanova spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• řízení kvality MeSH

The health effects of engineered nanoparticles in humans are not well-understood; however experimental data support the theory of oxidative stress promoting fibrogenesis and carcinogenicity. The aim of this study was to detect TiO2 particles in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and urine samples to ascertain their presence and potential persistence and excretion in urine.EBC and urine samples were collected from 20 workers exposed to TiO2 aerosol; among them, 16 had a higher risk level of exposure (production workers) and four had medium risk level (research workers); in addition to 20 controls. Titanium levels in EBC and urine were analysed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. A Raman microspectroscopic analysis was performed in EBC and urine to identify the phase composition of TiO2 particles observed. Aerosol exposure in the workplaces was measured using SMPS and APS spectrometers and P-TRAK and DustTRAK DRX monitors.The median concentration of TiO2 aerosol was 1.98 × 10(4) particles cm(-3), the interquartile range (IQR) was 1.50 × 10(4) - 3.01 × 10(4) particles cm(-3) and the median mass concentration was 0.65 mg m(-3) (IQR 0.46-.0.83 mg m(-3)); 70-82% of the particles were smaller than 100 nm in diameter. In any part of the plant, the median TiO2 air concentration did not exceed the national airborne exposure limit of 10 mg m(-3) for inert dust. Particles of rutile and/or anatase were found in the EBC of exposed workers in 8/20 (40%) of the pre-shift and 14/20 (70%) of the post-shift samples. In the urine of workers, TiO2 particles were detected in 2/20 post-shift urine samples only. The mean concentration of titanium in the EBC in production workers was 24.1 ± 1.8 μg/l. In the research workers the values were below the limit of quantitation; LOQ = 4.0 ± 0.2 μg/l), as well as in the controls. In the urine samples of all of the subjects, titanium was under the limit of detection (LOD = 1.2 μg/l). Raman microanalysis of EBC in the workers confirmed the presence of TiO2 anatase and/or rutile crystal phases in the pre-shift samples and their persistence from previous shifts in the workers.

• MeSH
• dechové testy MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxidační stres účinky léků   MeSH
• pracovní expozice * MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• Ramanova spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• titan analýza   moč   MeSH
• vydechnutí MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

A method for in vitro identification of individual bacterial cells is presented. The method is based on a combination of optical tweezers for spatial trapping of individual bacterial cells and Raman microspectroscopy for acquisition of spectral “Raman fingerprints” obtained from the trapped cell. Here, Raman spectra were taken from the biofilm-forming cells without the influence of an extracellular matrix and were compared with biofilm-negative cells. Results of principal component analyses of Raman spectra enabled us to distinguish between the two strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Thus, we propose that Raman tweezers can become the technique of choice for a clearer understanding of the processes involved in bacterial biofilms which constitute a highly privileged way of life for bacteria, protected from the external environment.

• MeSH
• algoritmy MeSH
• analýza hlavních komponent MeSH
• Bacteria metabolismus   MeSH
• biofilmy * MeSH
• buněčná adheze MeSH
• fagocytóza MeSH
• fyziologie bakterií MeSH
• optická pinzeta * MeSH
• polysacharidy chemie   MeSH
• Ramanova spektroskopie * MeSH
• Staphylococcus epidermidis metabolismus   MeSH
• vysoká teplota MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Motor vehicle exhaust and non-exhaust processes play a significant role in environmental pollution, as they are a source of the finest particulate matter. Emissions from non-exhaust processes include wear-products of brakes, tires, automotive hardware, road surface, and traffic signs, but still are paid little attention to. Automotive friction composites for brake pads are composite materials which may consist of potentially hazardous materials and there is a lack of information regarding the potential influence of the brake wear debris (BWD) on the environment, especially on human health. Thus, we focused our study on the genotoxicity of the airborne fraction of BWD using a brake pad model representing an average low-metallic formulation available in the EU market. BWD was generated in the laboratory by a full-scale brake dynamometer and characterized by Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy showing that it contains nano-sized crystalline metal-based particles. Genotoxicity tested in human lymphocytes in different testing conditions showed an increase in frequencies of micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBNCs) exposed for 48h to BWD nanoparticles (NPs) (with 10% of foetal calf serum in culture medium) compared with lymphocytes exposed to medium alone, statistically significant only at the concentration 3µg/cm(2) (p=0.032).

• MeSH
• cytokineze MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lymfocyty účinky léků   MeSH
• mikroskopie elektronová rastrovací MeSH
• motorová vozidla * MeSH
• nanočástice analýza   toxicita   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• pevné částice analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• pilotní projekty MeSH
• Ramanova spektroskopie MeSH
• transmisní elektronová mikroskopie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Prospective, controlled clinical trials in postmenopausal osteoporosis typically compare effects of an active drug with placebo in addition to vitamin D and calcium supplementation in both treatment arms. While clinical benefits are documented, the effect of this supplementation in the placebo arm and in clinical practice on bone material composition properties is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate these bone quality indices (specifically mineral/matrix, nanoporosity, glycosaminoglycan content, mineral maturity/crystallinity, and pyridinoline content) in patients that either received long-term vitamin D (400-1200IU) and calcium (1.0-1.5g) supplementation, or did not. We have analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy the bone forming trabecular surfaces of iliac crest in pre-treatment samples of a teriparatide study and the endpoint biopsies of the control arm obtained from the HORIZON trial. In general, the mineral/matrix ratio and the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was higher while nanoporosity, (a surrogate for tissue water content), the mineral maturity/crystallinity (MMC) and the pyridinoline (Pyd) content was lower in patients without long-term supplementation. Moreover, all indices were significantly dependent on tissue age. In conclusion, vitamin D and calcium supplementation is associated with altered mineral and organic matrix properties.

• MeSH
• aminokyseliny metabolismus   MeSH
• analýza rozptylu MeSH
• fyziologická kalcifikace účinky léků   MeSH
• glykosaminoglykany metabolismus   MeSH
• kostní matrix účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanočástice chemie   MeSH
• poréznost MeSH
• postmenopauzální osteoporóza farmakoterapie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• potravní doplňky * MeSH
• Ramanova spektroskopie MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• vápník farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• vitamin D farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The paper reports laboratory preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of ZnO/graphite nanocomposites. Zinc chloride and sodium carbonate served as precursors for synthesis of zinc oxide, while micromilled and natural graphite were used as the matrix for ZnO nanoparticles anchoring. During the reaction of ZnCl2 with saturated aqueous solution of Na2CO3a new compound is created. During the calcination at the temperature of 500 °C this new precursors decomposes and ZnO nanoparticles are formed. Composites ZnO/graphite with 50 wt.% of ZnO particles were prepared. X-ray powder diffraction and Raman microspectroscopy served as phase-analytical methods. Scanning electron microscopy technique was used for morphology characterization of the prepared samples and EDS mapping for visualization of elemental distribution. A developed modification of the standard microdilution test was used for in vitro evaluation of daylight induced antibacterial activity and antibacterial activity at dark conditions. Common human pathogens served as microorganism for antibacterial assay. Antibacterial activity of ZnO/graphite composites could be based on photocatalytic reaction; however there is a role of Zn(2+) ions on the resulting antibacterial activity which proved the experiments in dark condition. There is synergistic effect between Zn(2+) caused and reactive oxygen species caused antibacterial activity.

• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• difrakce rentgenového záření MeSH
• fotochemické procesy MeSH
• grafit chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
• mikroskopie elektronová rastrovací MeSH
• nanokompozity chemie   MeSH
• oxid zinečnatý chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• Ramanova spektroskopie MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus účinky léků   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Mucosal surfaces are the first mechanical barrier preventing the entry of foreign particles into the organism. The study addresses the detection and analysis of metal-based solid particles in cytological mucus samples from the surface of human hypertrophic tissue in the inferior nasal turbinates in patients diagnosed with chronic rhinitis. Solid particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy; all the biological samples were also subjected to vibration magnetometry. Since the upper airways are the first part of the respiratory tract, which is exposed to inhaled particles, it can be assumed that inhaled particles may be partially deposited in this region. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of metal-based solid particles/clusters in the majority of the analysed cytological mucus samples and also in hypertrophic tissues; in all groups, the particles were of submicron size. Raman microspectroscopy detected the presence of particles/clusters based on amorphous carbon, graphite, calcium carbonate, anatase and barite only in the hypertrophic tissue. The obtained results show that the composition of some of the solid particles (i.e. Ba, Zn, Fe and Ti) detected in the mucus from the surface of the hypertrophic tissues resembled the particles found in the hypertrophic tissue itself. It can be assumed that after the capture of the inhaled particles by the mucus, they penetrate into the deeper layers of tissue.

• MeSH
• hlen MeSH
• kovy MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikroskopie elektronová rastrovací MeSH
• nosní skořepy * MeSH
• rýma * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Settled road dust was examined to detect the presence of non-airborne submicron and nano-sized iron-based particles and to characterize these particles. Samples were collected from a road surface near a busy road junction in the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic, once a month from March to October. The eight collected samples were subjected to a combination of experimental techniques including elemental analysis, Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and magnetometry. The data thereby obtained confirmed the presence of non-agglomerated spherical nano-sized iron-based particles, with average sizes ranging from 2 down to 490 nm. There are several sources in road traffic which generate road dust particles, including exhaust and non-exhaust processes. Some of them (e.g., brake wear) produce iron as the dominant metallic element. Raman microspectroscopy revealed forms of iron (mainly as oxides, Fe2O3, and mixtures of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4). Moreover, Fe3O4 was also detected in samples of human tissues from the upper and lower respiratory tract. In view of the fact that no agglomeration of those particles was found by SEM, it is supposed that these particles may be easily resuspended and represent a risk to human health due to inhalation exposure, as proved by the detection of particles with similar morphology and phase composition in human tissues.

• MeSH
• dýchací soustava účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• inhalační expozice analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• oxid železnato-železitý analýza   MeSH
• prach analýza   MeSH
• velikost částic MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH
• výfukové emise vozidel analýza   MeSH
• železité sloučeniny analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH

This study explores the inorganic composition of amniotic fluid in healthy human fetuses and fetuses with congenital malformation with a special attention to presence of metal-based solid particles. Amniotic fluid originates from maternal blood and provides fetus mechanical protection and nutrients. In spite of this crucial role, the environmental impact on the composition of amniotic fluid remains poorly studied. The samples of human amniotic fluids were obtained by amniocentesis, including both healthy pregnancies and those with congenital malformations. The samples were analysed using several techniques, including Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersed spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Several metal-based particles containing barium, titanium, iron, and other elements were detected by SEM-EDS and Raman microspectroscopy. XRD analysis detected only sodium chloride as the main component of all amniotic fluid samples. Infrared spectroscopy detected protein-like organic components. Majority of particles were in form of agglomerates up to tens of micrometres in size, consisting of mainly submicron particles. By statistical analysis (multiple correspondence analysis), it was observed that groups of healthy and diagnosed fetuses form two separate groups and therefore, qualitative differences in chemical composition may have distinct biological impact. Overall, our results suggest that metal-based nanosized pollutants penetrate into the amniotic fluid and may affect human fetuses.

• MeSH
• amniocentéza MeSH
• difrakce rentgenového záření MeSH
• karyotyp MeSH
• kovy toxicita   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikroskopie elektronová rastrovací MeSH
• pilotní projekty MeSH
• plod * MeSH
• plodová voda chemie   MeSH
• spektroskopie infračervená s Fourierovou transformací MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• vrozené vady etiologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

• MeSH
• molekulární biologie MeSH
• spektrální analýza MeSH
• Publikační typ
• abstrakty MeSH

• Konspekt
• Biochemie. Molekulární biologie. Biofyzika
• NLK Obory
• biologie
• radiologie, nukleární medicína a zobrazovací metody