Search Results (693)

Mercury (Hg) poses a significant threat to human health and ecosystems, garnering increased attention in environmental studies. This paper evaluates the dynamics of Hg accumulation in various common tree leaves, specifically white poplar, linden, and cherry plum, throughout their growing season. The findings offer valuable insights into air quality and the ability of urban vegetation to mitigate mercury pollution in urban areas. A case study was conducted in Turda, a town in northwestern Romania, where a former chlor-alkali plant operated throughout the last century. Although the plant ceased its electrolysis activities over 25 years ago, the surrounding soil remains contaminated with mercury (Hg) due to the significant amounts released during its operation. The results indicated that the Hg concentration varied between 2.4 and 7.3 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight (dw), exceeding the intervention threshold for soil of 2.0 mg kg⁻¹. Additionally, the Hg content in the leaf samples consistently increased over time, influenced by leaf age and tree species. The Hg content increased in the following order: cherry plum < white poplar < linden. On average, white poplar leaves accumulated 72 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw, linden leaves 128 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw, and cherry plum leaves 47 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw during the six-month monitored period from April to September. The results obtained can be used to evaluate the potential of different tree species for mitigating atmospheric Hg contamination and to elaborate on the suitable management of fallen leaves in the autumn. Full article

Urban parks are an integral component of cities; however, they are susceptible to heavy metal contamination from anthropogenic sources. Here, we investigated the moss Pleurozium schreberi and tree leaves as bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal contamination in urban parks. We determined heavy metal concentrations in P. schreberi, leaf tissues of selected tree species, and soil samples collected from various locations within a designated urban parks. The order of heavy metal accumulation was Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd > Hg in soil and Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd > Hg in P. schreberi. The order was Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Hg in linden and sycamore leaves, while birch leaves displayed a similar order but with slightly more Ni than Cr. The heavy metal concentration in the tested soils correlated positively with finer textures (clay and silt) and negatively with sand. The highest metal accumulation index (MAI) was noted in birch and P. schreberi, corresponding to the highest total heavy metal accumulation. The bioconcentration factor (BAF) was also higher in P. schreberi, indicating a greater ability to accumulate heavy metals than tree leaves, except silver birch for Zn in one of the parks. Silver birch displayed the highest phytoremediation capacity among the analysed tree species, highlighting its potential as a suitable bioindicator in heavy metal-laden urban parks. Our findings revealed significant variation in heavy metal accumulation, highlighting the potential of these bioindicators to map contamination patterns. Full article

Two new very-long-chain 5-n-alkylresorcinol (AR) homologues, that is, 5-n-nonacosylbenzene-1,3-diol and 5-n-hentriacontylbenzene-1,3-diol, were isolated from acetone extracts of Ailanthus altissima samaras. These phenolic compounds were detected in nearly equal proportions, although their total content varied considerably between samples from urban-grown trees. No correlation was observed between AR levels and the physiological state of the tree, suggesting that environmental conditions may strongly influence AR biosynthesis in A. altissima. Furthermore, the isolated AR mixture exhibited antifungal activity against soil-borne phytopathogens of the genera Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. Full article

Honey quality and authenticity are influenced by floral origin, processing, and storage, with implications for composition and sensory appeal. This study offers a comparative assessment of eight monofloral honey samples, representing five botanical varieties: acacia, linden, rapeseed, lavender, and thyme. For acacia, linden, and rapeseed, both producer-sourced and commercial honeys were analyzed, while lavender and thyme samples were available only from local beekeepers. The botanical origin of each sample was confirmed using morphological markers of pollen grains. Physicochemical characterization included acidity, pH, moisture content, refractive index, hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), proline concentration, and carbohydrate profiling by HPLC-RID. Acacia honey exhibited the lowest acidity and HMF levels, alongside the highest fructose/glucose (F/G) ratios, indicating superior freshness, lower crystallization risk, and a sweeter flavor profile. In contrast, rapeseed honey showed elevated glucose levels and the lowest F/G ratio, confirming its tendency to crystallize rapidly. All samples recorded proline concentrations well above the quality threshold (180 mg/kg), supporting their authenticity and proper maturation. The estimated glycemic index (eGI) varied between 43.91 and 62.68 and was strongly inversely correlated with the F/G ratio (r = −0.98, p < 0.001). Sensory evaluation highlighted acacia honey from producers as the most appreciated across visual, tactile, and flavor attributes. Correlation analyses further revealed consistent links between sugar composition and both physical and sensory properties. Overall, the findings reinforce the value of integrated analytical and sensory profiling in assessing honey quality and authenticity. Full article

Introduction: Candidozyma auris (Cz. auris) has emerged globally, and diseases caused by it are associated with a mortality rate of 30–72%. This yeast is often multidrug-resistant and challenging to treat. A synthetic peptide, consisting of 11 amino acids of human lactoferrin (hLF1-11), offers a new therapy that is active against Candida albicans, non-albicans Candida yeasts, as well as Cz. auris. The current study examined the susceptibility of clinically relevant Candida species to hLF(1-11) in vitro and investigated the synergistic interaction of this peptide with fluconazole (FLU) and anidulafungin (ANI). Methods: Susceptibility of the yeasts to hLF(1-11) was tested with a microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). A total of 59 strains belonging to 16 species of Candida or Candidozyma were tested. The treatment cohort included 20 strains of Cz. auris originating from six different countries. Results: Mean MIC values of all susceptible strains ranged from 16.66 ± 6.46 μg/mL to 45.83 ± 10.21 μg/mL. There were no statistical differences in the susceptibility of hLF(1-11) for Cz. auris across geographic origins. In the combinatory tests, drugs acting together, the fractional inhibitory concentration indexes [FIC] < 1.0, showed a synergistic or additive effect on the efficacy of FLU and ANI when used in combination with hLF(1-11). [FIC] indexes 1–2 were interpreted as intermediate. MIC values in combinatory use were 1–2 titer steps lower than when used alone. Conclusions: hLF(1-11) inhibits the growth of yeasts that belong to the genus Candida, including Cz. auris. The combinatory use may be further investigated to treat infections caused by resistant yeasts. Full article

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis), is a severe parasitic zoonosis that is potentially fatal for humans. The parasite is primarily transmitted by wildlife, with red foxes acting as definitive hosts and rodents as intermediate hosts, while humans can become accidental but dead-end hosts. The aim of this study is to use EmsB typing on E. multilocularis isolates from human AE cases and local animals such as foxes and rodents. In this study, retrospective EmsB typing was performed on 39 samples, including 11 tissue samples from 10 patients, 18 fecal swabs from foxes, and 10 tissue samples from rodents. A dendrogram was created to determine the EmsB profiles present. The results showed that all the rodent samples were associated with the EmsB P1 profile (10/10), while the human and fox samples shared the EmsB profile P1 (5/11 humans and 8/18 foxes), a profile near P4 (2/11 humans and 3 foxes), and a profile near P8 (1/11 humans and 1/18 foxes). The study demonstrates that the same EmsB profiles circulate among humans and animals, confirming that wildlife reservoirs play a key role in transmission. Full article

To evaluate the factors influencing the outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection of brain metastasis followed by either surveillance or post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery/fractionated radiotherapy (SRS/SFRT), a retrospective multi-center chart review was performed on all patients who underwent brain metastases resection in British Columbia between 2018 and 2020. Patients with prior whole-brain radiotherapy were excluded from the study. The primary study endpoints included local recurrence, distant intracranial control, radionecrosis (RN), leptomeningeal disease (LMD), and overall survival (OS). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze survival. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform univariable (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) analyses to identify predictors of local control. A total of 113 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 31 patients received adjuvant SRS/SFRT to the surgical cavity, while 82 went on observation. The 12-month local control was 69% (50–88%) for the SRS/SFRT cohort and 31% (18–45%) for the observation cohort (p < 0.001). The 12-month distant intracranial control was 44% (26–63%) for the SRS/SFRT cohort and 46% (30–62%) for the observation cohort (p = 0.9). Sensitivity analysis did not show a difference in overall survival (p = 0.6). En bloc resection (p < 0.05), resection without residual disease (p < 0.05), and SRS/SFRT (p < 0.001) were predictive of local control on MVA. Three SRS/SFRT patients (10%) and two observation patients (2%) developed LMD. Four SRS/SFRT patients experienced RN (13%), with no grade 3 or higher toxicities observed. Post-operative SRT outcomes based on real-world population data are consistent with the data from clinical trials and support the established guidelines. For patients requiring surgical resection of brain metastasis, en bloc gross total resection should be encouraged when feasible to reduce local recurrence. Full article

Soybeans have been cultivated in Poland for more than 140 years. However, Poland’s cold and water-deficient climatic conditions hinder soybean cultivation. Although the availability of suitable soybean varieties in Poland contributes to meeting the demand for soybean production, it is important to identify rhizobial inoculants in Polish soils suitable for soybean cultivation. In this study, we cultivated soybean varieties (Abelina, Merlin, and Sultana) grown in soils taken from four regions in Poland and isolated 330 strains from soybean root nodules. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 49 strains of highly stress-tolerant nodule-associated bacteria, including Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Ensifer, Tardiphaga, and Ralstonia spp. Several isolates exhibited positive effects on soybean growth under cold and water-deficient conditions. In particular, the isolate Bradyrhizobium japonicum PSN49, which is phylogenetically similar to B. japonicum USDA 123, increased plant biomass and nodule formation in the soybean cultivar Abelina under abiotic stress conditions due to its high nitrogen-fixing activity. Whole-genome comparisons between PSN49 and other Bradyrhizobium strains revealed that trehalose biosynthesis genes and cold shock proteins contributed to cold stress tolerance. These findings and the strains identified in this study will enhance soybean production and deepen the understanding of the soybean–rhizobium relationship in Poland. Full article

Background: Southern Brazil faced massive rains and floods in May 2024, which led to social, infrastructural, and One Health issues affecting over 478 municipalities and 2.3 million people. Exposure to floodwater increased the risk of bacterial infections, including leptospirosis. Despite the zoonotic nature of leptospiral infections, only human leptospirosis is subject to mandatory reporting, while canine cases are less closely monitored. Considering the extent of this climatic event, many emergency shelters were created for rescued dogs, highlighting the need to monitor infectious diseases to mitigate the spread of hazardous pathogens. Methods: We performed a molecular assessment of canine leptospirosis in Porto Alegre and its metropolitan region. A total of 246 dogs rescued from the flooded areas underwent molecular diagnosis targeting lipL32. In addition, positive samples were identified by sequencing of the partial secY gene. Results: A total of 9 (4%) dogs were positive for Leptospira spp. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of secY from the positive samples determined that the circulating strains belonged to L. interrogans (n = 8)—Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pomona as the suggested serogroups—and L. kirschneri (n = 1). Conclusions: Our findings point out the challenges in diagnosing and controlling leptospirosis during severe climatic events and reinforce the need for preventive sanitary measures to mitigate the dissemination of Leptospira spp., including the adoption of a mandatory notification system for canine leptospirosis. Full article

Background: Amikacin is still an essential antimicrobial to treat life-threatening infections, including multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The effectiveness of treatment has been correlated with the Cmax/MIC ratio, with a ratio of 8 being recommended, which is difficult to reach in some patients. Appropriate antibiotic exposure is important for knowing the disposition of the drug in the population. Objectives: We aimed to integrate therapeutic drug monitoring and a populational pharmacokinetic model to assess an optimal dose regimen and respective plasma exposure. Methods: Plasma levels of amikacin in peaks and troughs were determined by LC-MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic parameter was estimated to use nonlinear mixed effect modeling in Monolix^® software. The probability of target attainment was also determined using the Simulx™ software. Results: A total of 39 patients were enrolled. A one-compartment model with proportional error model best described amikacin pharmacokinetic parameters, providing a Cl of 1.49 L/h and Vc of 23.18 L. The model developed could characterize the pharmacokinetic profile in Brazilian patients who underwent therapeutic drug monitoring. Conclusions: Amikacin therapeutic drug monitoring should be associated with population pharmacokinetic analysis in dose optimization and individualization, helping maintain appropriate drug exposure in special populations such as critically ill patients. This strategy may contribute to enhancing clinical outcomes. Full article

The forest industry is one of the most dangerous workplaces worldwide, and although safety culture is recognized as important safety antecedent, there is still a theoretical and practical need for understanding how safety culture is co-created in the forest industry. To fill this gap, this article has the purpose of exploring mechanisms and driving forces of safety culture co-creation within the Swedish forest industry. Data is collected via on-site focus group interviews with 136 employees of a Swedish pulp- and paper factory. Data is analysed via thematic analysis. Results show that communication and engagement, safety training and knowledge sharing, reporting and risk management as well as integration of safety in daily operations are central safety culture co-creation mechanisms. Driving forces of safety culture co-creation driving forces are leadership commitment to safety, employee responsibility and collaboration, a continuous improvement mindset and work environment and psychosocial wellbeing. Central safety culture co-creation mechanisms and driving forces are identified in communication and interaction that span all individuals, teams, departments, organizational entities and hierarchical levels as basis for successful, sustainable and holistic safety culture co-creation. Full article

Honeydew honey (HH) is a distinctive type of honey known for its dark colour, high mineral and polyphenol content, and pronounced biological activity. This study continues previous research on beech and chestnut honeydew honeys by presenting a comprehensive analysis of linden honeydew honey (LHH) from Bosnia and Herzegovina—a variety that, until now, has not been characterised in detail. Physicochemical parameters confirmed its classification as HH, with high electrical conductivity (1.21 mS/cm) and low moisture (15.1%). GC-MS analysis revealed a unique volatile profile dominated by α-terpinolene (17.4%), distinguishing LHH from other HH types. The sample exhibited high total phenolic content (816.38 mg GAE/kg) and moderate antioxidant capacity (1.11 mmol TE/kg). Antimicrobial testing demonstrated strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with lower efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria. No cytotoxic effects were observed in HaCaT keratinocytes at concentrations up to 60 mg/mL, and wound healing assays showed improved scratch closure reaching approximately 30% after 24 h and 41% after 48 h compared to the control. These results indicate that LHH possesses promising bioactive properties and potential for dermatological application. Further studies with broader sample sets are needed to explore variability and confirm the therapeutic relevance of LHH in comparison to other honeydew types. Full article

Within a dam reservoir landscape in the Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye, a dense young-mature stand composed diversely of oriental beeches, European hornbeams, sessile oaks, and silver lindens was chosen as a study field to analyze canopy parameters and to determine phenological patterns along the altitudinal gradients. Referring to the air-soil temperature and precipitation data, intra-annual eco-physiological characteristics of that stand tree canopies, were aimed to be determined regarding those altitudinal gradients. For each of the 10 altitudinal gradients, the mixed deciduous stand canopy physiological characteristics were analyzed by hemispherical photographing. Canopy parameters were acquired from those digital hemispherical photographs, which were confirmed with secondary LAI data from the LAI-2200C. Leaf Area Index, Light Transmission, Canopy Openness, and Gap Fraction were obtained during a total of 21 study field visits throughout the monitoring year. Beginning from a theoretical leafless stage with 0.51 m² m⁻², average LAI increased to 0.89 m² m⁻² during budburst stage, and then gradually up to 3.60 m² m⁻² during climax leaf period, and then to 1.38 m² m⁻² during senescence period, and gradually down to 0.50 m² m⁻² during the next theoretical leafless stage. However, average LT (64%, 61%, 9%, 36%, 74%), CO (65%, 62%, 9%, 37%, 75%), and GF (18%, 14%, 1%, 8%, 14%) followed opposite patterns. Though no apparent trend was valid for those canopy parameters from the lowest to the highest altitudinal gradient, their obvious intra-annual patterns emerged as compatible with the annual air-soil temperature data course. Full article

Bartonella henselae is an important zoonotic pathogen with a wide range of clinical manifestations in humans. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis, there is no broadly applicable laboratory animal model for bartonellosis. This study aimed to assess the potential utility of an experimental model of chronic B. henselae infection using ferrets, a species previously utilized in various human pathogen studies. Six ferrets (n = 6) were divided into three groups: a control group (n = 2), a low-dose infection group (n = 2), and a high-dose infection group (n = 2). The two infection groups were inoculated intradermally with 10⁵ (low dose) and 10⁹ (high dose) CFU/mL B. henselae, respectively. Clinical signs, serological responses, and bacteriological findings were monitored over seven weeks; ferrets were then euthanized and tissues were examined histologically. Only minimal or transient systemic clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities developed in B. henselae inoculated ferrets. The high-dose group seroconverted to B. henselae antigen within two weeks, maintaining elevated titers throughout the study. Histopathological examination revealed that four B. henselae-infected ferrets had notable microscopic inflammatory lesions in the liver parenchyma (3/4), heart (1/4), and brain (1/4); similar lesions were not observed in the tissues of the two control ferrets. Despite the presence of microscopic lesions and seroconversion in the high-dose group, bacteremia was not documented and B. henselae DNA was not successfully amplified by quantitative PCR from lesional organs. This pilot study demonstrated that ferrets may serve as a promising model for investigating B. henselae pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Full article

Background and Objectives: Patients of Asian descent are often grouped together despite their diverse ethnicities and genetic backgrounds. Cancer outcomes result from a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and socioeconomic factors. This study aims to describe lung cancer survival outcome variations in Asian ethnic subgroups, hypothesizing that significant outcome differences exist between subgroups. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the 2020 National Cancer Database identified patients with stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Asian patients were subcategorized into nine groups: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian/Pakistani, Vietnamese, Pacific Islander, Filipino, Laotian/Hmong/Kampuchean/Thai, and Other Asian/Asian not otherwise specified (NOS). The primary outcome was overall survival, and the secondary outcome was utilization of palliative care. Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox and logistic modeling were used to assess outcomes of interest. Results: A total of 23,747 Asian patients with stage IV NSCLC were identified. Demographic characteristics of the subgroups varied by age, sex, Charlson–Deyo Comorbidity Index, and utilization of palliative care. Relative to Chinese Asians, multivariate Cox analysis showed worse survival outcomes among patients categorized as Japanese, Korean, Pacific Islanders, Filipino, and Laotian/Hmong/Kampuchean/Thai. The rate of palliative care utilization also varied among Asian subgroups. Compared to Chinese patients, palliative care was more likely to be utilized by patients categorized as Japanese and Pacific Islander. Conclusions: Amongst Asian subgroups, variations in survival outcomes and palliative care utilization in stage IV NSCLC patients were observed. Surgeons should acknowledge these disparities and consider disaggregating Asian races in prognosis analysis to enhance understanding of race’s impact on outcomes. Recognizing these differences is crucial for guiding personalized treatment strategies, optimizing resource allocation, and informing health policy to ensure equitable cancer care for all Asian populations. Full article