This study presents four years ambient monitoring data of seventeen 2,3,7,8-chlorine substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), twelve dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) designed by the US EPA at a background site in central Europe during 2011-2014. The concentrations expressed as toxic equivalents (TEQs) using the WHO2005-scheme for PCDD/Fs (0.2 fg m-3-61.1 fg m-3) were higher than for dl-PCBs (0.01 fg m-3-2.9 fg m-3), while the opposite was found in terms of mass concentrations. ΣPAHs ranged from 0.20 ng m-3 to 134 ng m-3. The mass concentration profile of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs and PAHs was similar throughout the four years. PCDD/Fs and PAHs concentrations were dominated by primary sources peaking in winter, while those of dl-PCBs were controlled by secondary sources characterized by a spring-summer peak. During 2011-2014, no significant decrease in the atmospheric levels of ΣPCDD/Fs was observed. On the other hand, the concentrations of Σdl-PCBs and ΣPAHs were decreasing, with halving times of 5.7 and 2.7 years, respectively. We estimated that 422 pg m-2 year-1-567 pg m-2 year-1 TEQ PCDD/Fs and 3.48 pg m-2 year-1-15.8 pg m-2 year-1 TEQ dl-PCBs were transferred from the air to the ground surfaces via dry particulate deposition during 2011-2014.

• MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované dibenzodioxiny analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované dibenzofurany analýza   MeSH
• polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky analýza   MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) are increasingly reported at significant levels in various matrices, including consumer goods that are manufactured from plastics containing certain brominated flame retardants. PBDD/Fs are known ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) but are not yet considered in the hazard assessment of dioxin mixtures. The aim of the present study was to determine if PBDD/Fs levels present in plastic constituents of toys could pose a threat to children's health. PBDD/Fs, unlike their chlorinated counterparts (PCDD/Fs), have not been officially assigned toxic equivalence factors (TEFs) by the WHO therefore, we determined their relative potency towards AhR activation in both human and rodent cell-based DR CALUX® bioassays. This allowed us to compare GC-HRMS PBDD/F congener levels, converted to total Toxic Equivalents (TEQ) by using the PCDD/F TEFs, to CALUX Bioanalytical Equivalents (BEQ) levels present in contaminated plastic constituents from children's toys. Finally, an estimate was made of the daily ingestion of TEQs from PBDD/Fs-contaminated plastic toys by child mouthing habits. It is observed that the daily ingestion of PBDD/Fs from contaminated plastic toys may significantly contribute to the total dioxin daily intake of young children.

• MeSH
• biotest MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• hra a hračky * MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• luciferasy genetika   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• plastické hmoty chemie   normy   MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí MeSH
• polychlorované dibenzodioxiny analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• polychlorované dibenzofurany analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• receptory aromatických uhlovodíků genetika   MeSH
• reportérové geny MeSH
• retardanty hoření analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• transfekce MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The Gulf of Follonica (Italy) is impacted by the chemical pollution from ancient mining activity and present industrial processes. This study was aimed to determine the bioavailability of dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) in coastal marine environment and to assess the genotoxic potential of waste waters entering the sea from an industrial canal. Moderately high levels of DCLs compounds (∑ PCDDs + PCDFs 2.18–29.00 pg/g dry wt) were detected in Mytilus galloprovincialis transplanted near the waste waters canal and their corresponding Toxic Equivalents (TEQs) calculated. In situ exposed mussels did not show any genotoxic effect (by Comet and Micronucleus assay). Otherwise, laboratory exposure to canal waters exhibited a reduced genomic template stability (by RAPD-PCR assay) but not DNA or chromosomal damage. Our data reveal the need to focus on the levels and distribution of DLCs in edible species from the study area considering their potential transfer to humans through the consumption of sea food.

• MeSH
• biologická dostupnost MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• dioxiny analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• mutageny analýza   chemie   toxicita   MeSH
• Mytilus účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• technika náhodné amplifikace polymorfní DNA MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Itálie MeSH

Riverine sediments, collected on a monthly basis during a period of one year, from five sites in a mixed land use region of the Czech Republic were analysed for chlorinated and brominated persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The region is located in the upper catchment of the Danube River. The POPs concentrations were as follows: 11-930 pg g(-1) polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs), 170-980 pg g(-1) dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), 34-13,700 pg g(-1) polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), 5.7-29,200 pg g(-1) polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and 0.21-351 ng g(-1) hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs). Concentrations expressed as toxic equivalents (TEQs), for PCDD/F+dl-PCB+PCN (TEQPCDD/F+dl-PCB+PCN) ranged from 0.37 to 19 pg g(-1). The results revealed a clear spatial separation between sites based on concentration and congener profile. There were also some obvious temporal patterns of selected POPs, which were related to river flow (seasonality) and organic carbon (TOC) of the sediment. Potential sources of POPs include local municipalities (flame retardants), some diffuse sources (PCNs and PCDDs/Fs) and potential point sources (PBDEs). Risk assessment based on risk quotients (RQ) revealed limited to medium ecological risk from PBDEs. TEQPCDD/F+dl-PCB+PCN were low relative to other European rivers, hence the risk to aquatic organisms was considered to be low. PCNs contributed significantly to overall TEQ in several cases.

• MeSH
• bromované uhlovodíky analýza   MeSH
• časoprostorová analýza MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky analýza   MeSH
• ekologie MeSH
• geologické sedimenty chemie   MeSH
• hodnocení rizik MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• řeky chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

In 2003, concentrations of altogether 17 PCDD/Fs congeners and 12 non-ortho and mono-ortho dioxin-like PCBs were measured in the blood of 60 randomly selected adults who lived in three settlements surrounding a chemical plant that had been producing chlorinated herbicides (mainly HCHs, HCB, pentachlorophenole, 2,4,5-T) in the 1960's; subjects consuming home-produced animal foods were chosen. Twenty blood donors with similar characteristics from the locality with about 80 km distance were used as control subjects. The factors that influenced the dioxin levels were investigated on the basis of a questionnaire. The aim of our study was to find out whether the residents living in the surroundings of the chemical plant are at a greater exposure risk than the controls. To calculate TEQ values, WHO-TEFs were used. The concentrations of four PCDD and six PCDF congeners were below the LOD in more than 50% of samples. Significantly higher WHO-TEQ levels (p<0.05) were found for PCDDs, PCDFs, or PCBs in all three followed up groups compared with controls. The geometric means of the total TEQ values for PCDD/F/PCBs were 43.8, 50.2, and 40.0 pg/g fat compared to 23.2 pg/g fat in the control. The percentages of TEQ due to the measured congeners in exposed groups were 9-10.3% for PCDDs, 20.5-26.9% for PCDFs, 19.2-23.1% for coplanar and 43.6-47.2% for mono-ortho PCBs. In control, the percentage of TEQ was 11.6, 26.7, 24.1, and 37.5%. PCBs, predominantly PCB156, followed by PCB126 contributed 60 to 70% of the total TEQ value. Positive correlation of the PCDD/PCDF/PCB blood levels with age and with consumption of locally produced eggs was found.

• MeSH
• benzofurany krev   otrava   MeSH
• bydlení MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• chemický průmysl MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí krev   toxicita   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly krev   otrava   MeSH
• polychlorované dibenzodioxiny analogy a deriváty   krev   toxicita   MeSH
• surveillance populace MeSH
• zeměpis MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Levels of polychlorinated dioxins/furans (PCDD/PCDF) in selected environmental samples (soils, sediments, fish, and farm animals) were analyzed from the area of Phong My commune (Thua Thien-Hue province, Vietnam). This area was affected by Agent Orange spraying during the Vietnam war (1968-1971). Whereas PCDD/PCDF content in soil and sediment samples is relatively low and ranges between 0.05 and 5.1 pg WHO-TEQ/g for soils and between 0.7 and 6.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g for sediments, the PCDD/PCDF content in poultry muscle and liver in most cases exceeded the maximum permissible limit of dioxin content per unit fat mass. In some cases of soil and sediments samples, 2,3,7,8-TCDD represented more than 90% of the total PCDD/PCDF, which indicates Agent Orange as the main source.

• MeSH
• defolianty chemické analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• dioxiny analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• dobytek metabolismus   MeSH
• furany analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• kyselina 2,4-dichlorfenoxyoctová analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• kyselina trichlorfenoxyoctová analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí MeSH
• polychlorované dibenzodioxiny analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• ryby metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Vietnam MeSH

Within our research project, 34 river bottom sediments were collected in 2006-2007 at five areas across Slovakia with industrial sources of persistent organic pollutants (Košice, Krompachy, Nemecká, Šala, Nováky) and one background area (Starina). Sediments were analyzed for seven 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and 10 dibenzofurans (PCDFs), 12 dioxin-like and 6 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and 1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p'-DDT) with 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE). Analytical procedure based on accelerated solvent extraction followed by a semi-automated clean-up and fractionation was used. Determination of target compounds was performed by HRGC-HRMS analysis. Total WHO toxic equivalent WHO1998-PCDD/F/dl-PCB-TEQ concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 559 pg TEQ g(-1) dry matter (dm), with a median 2.2 pg TEQ g(-1) dm. The sums of six indicator PCBs were in the range 0.56-1014 ng g(-1) dm, with a median 11.8 ng g(-1) dm. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides HCB and p,p'-DDE/DDT varied from 0.15 to 34.8 ng g(-1) dm, with a median 0.91 ng g(-1) dm and 0.46-34.1 ng g(-1)dm, with a median 6.7 ng g(-1)dm, respectively. The most abundant congeners in all sediment samples among dioxins, furans and PCBs were OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, PCB-118 and PCB-153.

• MeSH
• benzofurany analýza   MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky analýza   MeSH
• dichlordifenyldichlorethylen analýza   MeSH
• geologické sedimenty chemie   MeSH
• hexachlorbenzen analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• pesticidy analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované dibenzodioxiny analogy a deriváty   analýza   MeSH
• polymery analýza   MeSH
• řeky chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

Endocrine-disruptive potential and concentrations of polar organic contaminants were measured in seven headwaters flowing through relatively unpolluted areas of the Czech Republic. Towns with Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) discharges were the first known sources of anthropogenic pollution in the areas. River water was sampled several kilometers upstream (US) and several tens of meters downstream (DS) of the WWTP discharges, by use of Pesticide and Pharmaceutical Polar Organic Integrative Samplers (POCIS-Pest, POCIS-Pharm). Extracts of passive samplers were tested by use of a battery of in vitro bioassays to determine overall non-specific cytotoxicity, endocrine-disruptive (ED) potential and dioxin-like toxicity. The extracts were also used for quantification of polar organics. There was little toxicity to cells caused by most extracts of POCIS. Estrogenicity was detected in all types of samples even though US locations are considered to be background. At US locations, concentrations of estrogen equivalents (EEq) ranged from less than the detection limits (LOD) to 0.5 ng EEq/POCIS. Downstream concentrations of EEqs ranged from less than LOD to 4.8 ng EEq/POCIS. Concentrations of EEq in POCIS extracts from all DS locations were 1 to 14 times greater than those at US locations. Concentrations of EEq measured in extracts of POCIS-Pest and POCIS-Pharm were in a good agreement. Neither antiestrogenic nor anti/androgenic activities were detected. Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents (TEq(bio)) were detected in both types of POCIS at concentrations ranging from less than the LOD to 0.39 ng TEq(bio)/POCIS. Nearly all extracts of POCIS-Pharm contained greater concentrations of TEq(bio) activity than extracts of POCIS-Pest. Concentrations of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in extracts of POCIS were generally small at all sampling sites, but levels of some pharmaceuticals were significantly greater in both types of POCIS from DS locations. Chemical analyses along with the results of bioassays documented impacts of small towns with WWTPs on headwaters.

• MeSH
• biotest MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• chemické znečištění vody statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• dioxiny analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• endokrinní disruptory analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• estrogeny analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• hydrofobní a hydrofilní interakce MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• odpad tekutý - odstraňování statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• odpadní voda analýza   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• pesticidy analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• řeky chemie   MeSH
• sladká voda MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Cieľ: Cieľom práce bolo preskúmať úroveň empatie u sestier a zistiť, či existujú významné rozdiely v tejto charakteristike u študentov ošetrovateľstva a sestrami pôsobiacimi v praxi. Metódy: Na zisťovanie úrovne empatie boli použité Torontský dotazník empatie (TEQ), Hoganova škála empatie (HES) a Index interpersonálnej reaktivity (IRI). Do výskumu bolo zahrnutých 245 respondentov: 143 študentov ošetrovateľstva (priemerný vek 20,85 rokov, smerodajná odchýlka (SD) = 1,21) a 102 sestier (priemerný vek 36,06 rokov, SD = 7,71, dĺžka praxe 14,53, SD = 8,84). Výsledky: Zistené priemerné hodnoty empatie variovali od vysokej (TEQ, subškála Empatického záujmu z IRI) až po pomerne nízku úroveň (subškála Fantázie z IRI). Pri porovnaní oboch skupín boli napriek očakávaným predpokladom zistené signifikantné rozdiely v zložkách empatie len v dvoch subškálach Indexu interpersonálnej reaktivity: Prijímanie perspektívy (vyššie skórovali sestry) a Osobný distres (vyššie skórovali študenti). Záver: Význam empatie v práci sestry a jej pozitívny vplyv na terapeutický vzťah je všeobecne známy. Výsledky nášho výskumu poukazujú na fakt, že úroveň empatie je relatívne uspokojivá. Keďže táto charakteristika je mimoriadne dôležitá v práci sestry, má význam venovať intenzívnu pozornosť podrobnejšiemu skúmaniu tejto problematiky ako aj rozvoju osobnostných charakteristík pomáhajúcich profesionálov najmä na začiatku ich profesionálnej kariéry.

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the level of empathy among nurses and to determine whether there are significant differences in the characteristics of nursing students and nurses working in practice. Methods: To detect levels of empathy was used Toronto empathy questionnaire (TEQ), Hogan's empathy scale (HES) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The survey included 245 respondents: 143 nursing students (average age 20.85 years, standard deviation (SD) = 1.21) and 102 nurses (average age 36.06 years, SD = 7.71, length of praxis 14.53 , SD = 8.84). Results: Observed average values of empathy have varied from the high (TEQ subscale empathic interest from IRI) to a relatively low level (subscale Imagination from IRI). When comparing the two groups were found despite an expected prerequisite significant differences in the constituents of empathy in only two subscales Interpersonal Reactivity Index: taking the perspective (nurses scored higher) and personal distress (students scored higher). Conclusion: The importance of empathy in the work of nurses and its positive impact on the therapeutic relationship is generally known. The results of our research point to the fact that the level of empathy is relatively satisfactory. Since this characteristic is particularly important in the work of nurses, it is meaningful to focus on the intense attention of detailed examination of this issue as well as the development of personality traits of helping professionals in particular at the beginning of their careers.

• MeSH
• empatie MeSH
• financování organizované MeSH
• interpretace statistických dat MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• odborná způsobilost MeSH
• ošetřovatelská péče psychologie   MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• studenti ošetřovatelství psychologie   MeSH
• vztahy mezi ošetřovatelkou a pacientem MeSH
• zdravotní sestry psychologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH

Empathy is a concept associated with various positive outcomes. However, to measure such a multifaceted concept, valid and reliable tools are needed. Negatively worded items (NWIs) are suspected to decrease some psychometric parameters of assessment instruments, which complicates the research of empathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the factor structure and validity of the TEQ on the Czech population, including the influence of the NWIs. Data were collected from three surveys. In total, 2239 Czech participants were included in our study. Along with socio-demographic information, we measured empathy, neuroticism, spirituality, self-esteem, compassion and social desirability. NWI in general yielded low communalities, factor loadings and decreased internal consistency. Therefore, in the next steps, we tested the model consisting of their positively reformulated versions. A higher empathy was found in females, married and religious individuals. We further found positive associations between empathy, compassion and spirituality. After the sample was split in half, exploratory factor analysis of the model with reformulated items was followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which supported a unidimensional solution with good internal consistency: Cronbach's α = 0.85 and McDonald's ω = 0.85. The CFA indicated an acceptable fit χ2 (14) = 83.630; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.995; RMSEA = 0.070; SRMR = 0.037. The Czech version of the TEQ is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of empathy. The use of NWIs in Czech or in a similar language environment seems to be questionable and their rewording may represent a more reliable approach.

• MeSH
• empatie * MeSH
• faktorová analýza statistická MeSH
• jazyk (prostředek komunikace) * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• psychometrie MeSH
• reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH