Farmaceutski preparati i opojne droge kao kontaminirajuće supstance površinskih i otpadnih voda

The presence of pharmaceuticals and narcotic drugs in waste, surface and groundwater presents a serious problem for human health. The reason for this is the fact that these compounds possess biological activity, they have easy mobility, some of them have the ability to bioaccumulation and many are heavily biodegradable. So far, researches have shown that the main source for pharmaceutical preparations in water are municipal waste water with origin from households, hospitals and industry. The main drugs which appear in waters are: analgesics and anti-inflammatory compounds, antibiotics, β-blockers, hormones, lipid regulators, cytostatics, contrast remedy, drugs and disinfection remedies. The composition of products for personal hygiene and cosmetics includes compounds that possess the ability of bioaccumulation, where many of them show estrogen and endocrine effects. Examination of waste waters in Western Balkan cities indicate that drugs are mostly consumed in Zagreb, Belgrade and Novi Sad (cocaine, amphetamine and MDMA). A trend of increasing drug usage on weekends was observed on average of 10-20%. Main processes that determine future usage of drugs in water environments are biotransformation, sorption, chemical transformation, phototransformation and evaporation.Prisustvo farmaceutskih preparata i opojnih droga u otpadnim, površinskim i podzemnim vodama predstavlja ozbiljan problem po zdravlje ljudi. Razlog za to je činjenica da ova jedinjenja poseduju biološku aktivnost, lako su mobilna, neka od njih imaju sposobnost bioakumulacije, a mnoga su i teško biorazgradiva. Dosadašnja istraživanja ukazuju da su glavni izvor farmaceutskih preparata u vodi, komunalne otpadne vode poreklom iz domaćinstava, bolnica i industrije. Farmaceutski preparati koji se javljaju u vodama su: analgetici i antiinflamantorna jedinjenja, antibiotici, β blokatori, hormoni, regulatori lipida, citostatici, kontrastna sredstva, opojne droge, denzifekciona sredstva. U sastav proizvoda za ličnu higijenu i kozmetiku ulaze jedinjenja koja poseduju sposobnost bioakumulacije, a mnoga pokazuju estrogene i endokrine efekte. Ispitivanja otpadnih voda u gradovima Zapadnog Balkana ukazuju da se opojne droge najviše konzumiraju u Zagrebu, Beogradu i Novom Sadu (kokain, amfetamin i MDMA). Zapažen je trend pojačanog korišćenja opojnih droga vikendom u proseku 10-20%. Glavni procesi koji određuju njihovu sudbinu u vodenim sredinama su biotransformacija, sorpcija, hemijska transformacija, fototransformacija i isparavanje

Economic Feasibility of Chemical Weed Control in Soybean Production in Serbia

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and phytotoxicity of herbicides in combinations and to determine their economic feasibility in the soybean crop. The trials were placed at two locations, Pobeda and Budisava (Serbia), during 2016 and 2018, organized in a randomized block design with four replicates of all herbicide combinations (metribuzin + S-metolachlor; imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl; metribuzin + S-metolachlor + imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl; and bentazon + imazamox + typhenesulfuron-methyl). At the first location, 16 weed species were determined, while in the second location, 14 were determined. The highest reduction in the number of weeds was achieved at the first location, using a combination of herbicides metribuzin + S-metolachlor + imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl with a total efficacy that ranged from 96.98% to 97.40%. Only on the second location bentazone + imazamox + tifensulfuron-methyl showed passable phytotoxicity on soybean, during both years. Based on the established economic justification, in the combinations of metribuzin + S-metolachlor + imazamox + oxasulfuron + typhenesulfuron-methyl, yield was increased for 2350 kg/ha or 1.91 times more, according to the untreated variant at first location. The economic injury level at the most effective combination of herbicides was 52.70 weeds/m(2)

Weed composition and control in apple orchards under intensive and extensive floor management

Weed control in apple tree (Malus domestica [Suckow] Borkh.) orchards continues to be a major problem. Weeds compete with fruit trees, which is manifested in production quality and quantity. The aim of this study was to determine the weed flora of apple orchards with different floor management practices and to investigate the efficacy of the diquat, oxyfluorfen, glyphosate, and fluazifop-P-butyl herbicides. Experiments were conducted during 2015 and 2016 in orchards under intensive (Ruski Krstur) and extensive (Sombor) floor management. Annual, perennial broad-leaf, and grass weeds were identified. Dominant weed species in both apple orchards were Poa annua, Hordeum murinum, Conyza canadensis, Portulaca oleracea, Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepense, Carduus acanthoides, Amaranthus retroflexus, Cirsium arvense, Chenopodium album, and Solanum nigrum. After the first and second assessments, the best results occurred with glyphosate in both orchards and total efficacy ranged from 88.42% to 98.32% in the orchard under intensive floor management and 90.32% to 95.55% in the orchard under extensive floor management. Diquat and oxyfluorfen have shown good results, but their efficacy was lower than for glyphosate. Fluazifop-P-butyl, as a selective herbicide, showed low efficacy at both sites; it had high efficacy on grass weeds, but no effects on broad-leaf weeds

Genotyping of Leptospira spp. in wild rats leads to first time detection of L. kirshneri serovar Mozdok in Serbia

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Leptospira species in Belgrade, Serbia, an area where this disease is underexplored. Specifically, the study sought to employ molecular and multilocus sequence typing analyses to fill the gap in understanding the diversity and distribution of Leptospira species within the region. Methods: A comprehensive molecular analysis was conducted on kidney samples obtained from Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the urban environment. The study utilized molecular diagnostic techniques including real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene and performing sequence-based typing schemes utilizing adk, icdA, lipL32, lipL41, rrs2, and secY genes. These methodologies were applied to ascertain the presence and characterize different Leptospira species and serovars, respectively. Results: The findings revealed the presence of two Leptospira species and three separate serovars in the Belgrade area. This study identified the presence of L. kirschneri serovar Mozdok in Serbia for the first time, a significant discovery previously undocumented in the region. This pioneering investigation sheds light on the molecular diversity and prevalence of Leptospira species in Serbia. Discussion: The study underscores the importance of employing molecular typing methods to gain insights into the epidemiology and characterization of Leptospira species. These findings significantly contribute to both local and global perspectives on leptospirosis epidemiology, providing vital insights for the development of effective control strategies and interventions. Summary: In our recent study, we explored the presence and performed molecular typing of the Leptospira species, the bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, in wild rats in Serbia. This was the first time such a study was conducted in the region. Leptospirosis is a serious disease that affects both animals and humans, often transmitted through contact with water contaminated by infected animals. Our focus was on understanding which types of Leptospira were present in these animals. Excitingly, we discovered a particular strain of Leptospira, known as L. kirshneri serovar Mozdok, for the first time in Serbia. This finding is significant because it sheds light on the presence and spread of different Leptospira serovars in Serbia. It also raises awareness about the potential health risks associated with this serovar, which was previously unknown in the area. Our work fits into a broader context of disease surveillance and public health. By identifying the types of Leptospira present in a specific region, we can better understand the risks to public health and take steps to prevent and control the spread of leptospirosis. This discovery is not just important for scientists studying infectious diseases; it has real implications for public health officials, veterinarians, and anyone concerned with preventing and treating leptospirosis. Our findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of Leptospira in wildlife and synanthropic fauna, to protect both animal and human health

Is There a Possibility to Involve the Hormesis Effect on the Soybean with Glyphosate Sub-Lethal Amounts Used to Control Weed Species Amaranthus retroflexus L.?

Sub-lethal doses of herbicides can promote plant growth and have a positive effect on an organism this is called hormesis. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate on soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr.) (1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 36, 180, and 720 g ha(-1)) and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (7.2, 36, 180, 720, 1440, and 2880 g ha(-1)). Different biological parameters, such as phytotoxicity, fresh weight, root length, content of photosynthetic pigments, and shikimate concentration, were measured. Glyphosate in doses of 1440 and 2880 g ha(-1) destroyed A. retroflexus plants. A fresh weight of A. retroflexus at a dose of 36 g ha(-1) was reduced by 76.31%, while for the soybean it was reduced by 19.26%. At the highest dose, the shikimate concentration was 145% in the soybean, while in A. retroflexus, the concentration increased by 58.80% compared to the control plants. All doses of glyphosate were statistically significantly different in terms of chlorophyll a content, while higher doses in A. retroflexus caused chlorophyll b to decrease. The change in the production of carotenoids was not statistically significant. The results showed that sub-lethal amounts of glyphosate did not lead to stimulation of measured parameters of soybean

The effect of Thymus vulgaris L. hydrolate solutions on the seed germination, seedling length, and oxidative stress of some cultivated and weed species

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the hydrolates obtained as the by-products of the Thymus vulgaris essential oil steam distillation process. The bioassays, which were undertaken in order to determine the effect on germination and initial growth of seedlings of some cultivated and weed species, were performed under controlled conditions with different concentrations of the hydrolates. Seeds of Glycine max, Helianthus annuus, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Daucus carota subsp. sativus, Allium cepa, Medicago sativa, and Trifolium repens, and six weed species—Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Portulaca oleracea, Echinochloa crus-galli, Sorghum halepense, and Solanum nigrum—were treated with 10, 20, 50, and 100% T. vulgaris hydrolate solution. The obtained results showed that the T. vulgaris hydrolate had the least negative effect on the germination of cultivated species, such as soybean, sunflower and maize, whereas clover and alfalfa were the most sensitive. By comparison, all the tested weed species expressed high susceptibility. It can be concluded that the T. vulgaris hydrolate has an herbicidal effect, in addition to its potential as a biopesticide in terms of integrated weed management

Xемијска карактеризација и антимикробна активност орашастог плода и зелене љуске Juglans nigra l.

Juglans nigra (Black walnut) is a source of health-promoting biologically active compounds used in traditional medicine. The investigation of bioactive compounds in black walnut could lead to its broader application, as well as application of its by-products. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize J. nigra nut and green husk based on chemical analysis of their petroleum ether and ethanol extracts obtained by ultrasonic and reflux extraction methods, respectively. Different extract fractions were tested for their antimicrobial activities using Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis Staphylococcus aureus) and yeast (reference strain and clinical isolates of Candida albicans). Ethanol extracts analysis, performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), singled out the ellagic acid as the most dominant compound in nut (55.0 ± 1.3 × 10-3 kg m-3 ) and green husk (114.1 ± 0.5× 10-3 kg m-3 ) extracts. Non-polar compounds were evaluated using Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis of petroleum ether extracts. Juglans nigra nut and green husk contained two saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0), then, monounsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic (C16:1n-7), oleic (C18:1n-9), and vaccenic acid (C18:1n-7), as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic (C18:2n-6), γ-linolenic (C18:3n-6), and α-linolenic (C18:3n-3) acids. Ethanol extracts of both J. nigra nut and green husk showed antimicrobial activity against C. albicans which is the most common cause of yeast infections.Juglans nigra (црни орах) као извор биолошки активних једињења користе се у традиционалној медицини. Истраживање биоактивних једињења присутних у црном ораху довело би до шире примене његових производа. Зато ова студија има за циљ да окарактерише орашаст плод и зелену љуску Ј. nigra на основу хемијске анализе њихових петролетарских и етанолних екстраката, добијених ултразвучним и рефлукс методама екстракције. Антимикробна активност различитих фракција екстракта је тестирана коришћењем Грам-негативних бактерија (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Грамозитивних бактерија (Enterococcus faecalis Staphylococcus aureus) и квасница (референтни сој и клинички изолати Candida albicans). Анализа течном хроматографијом високих перформанси, издвојила је елагинску киселину као најдоминантније једињење у етанолним екстрактима орашастог плода (55,0 ± 1,3 × 10-3 kg m-3) и зелене љуске (114,1 ± 0,5 × 10-3 g m-3). Неполарна једињења су процењена применом гасне хроматографске анализе петролетарских екстракта. Орашаст плод и зелена љуска садрже две засићене масне киселине, палмитинску (C16:0) и стеаринску киселину (C18:0), затим мононезасићене масне киселине, палмитолеинску (C16:1n-7), олеинску (C18:1n-9), и вакценску киселину (C18:1n-7), као и полинезасићене масне киселине, линолну (C18:2n-6), γ-линоленску (C18:3n-6) и α-линоленску (C18: 3n-3) киселину. Етанолни екстракти орашастог плода и зелене љуске показали су антимикробну активност нa сојевима C. albicans која је најчешћи узрочник гљивичних инфекција

Ekspresija kalijumovih kanala Kv4.2 i Kv4.3 u humanim pupčanim venama zdravih trudnica, trudnica sa gestacijskim dijabetesom melitusom i trudnica sa gestacijskom hipertenzijom

Background/Aim. A substantial line of evidence indicates that Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 channels are the major components of rapid transient-outward potassium currents (A-type cur-rents). It is speculated that those currents may be involved in the maintenance of the membrane potential, as well as in the regulation of propagation and frequency of action potentials. However, very little is known about the presence and function of A-type currents in human vascular smooth muscles such as the human umbilical vein (HUV). Bearing in mind its crucial role in the proper fetal oxygenation, the aim of the study was to determine whether Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 potassium channels are present in HUV smooth muscle and to investigate potential alterations of their expression during maternal pathological conditions such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Methods. Healthy, diabetic, and hypertensive pregnancies were subjects of this investigation. Each group consisted of 6 HUV samples obtained from 6 normal pregnancies, 6 pregnancies with GDM, and 6 with PIH. After pharmacology analysis, immunohistochemistry (IH) and Western blot were performed. Results. IH revealed similar expression patterns of both, Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 subunits in HUV smooth muscle in all groups of patients. Results obtained by Western blot were in agreement with IH staining. The expression of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 subunits were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion. Collective-ly, this is the first study that demonstrated the presence of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 potassium channels in the HUV smooth muscle and their preservation during GDM and PIH pregnancies. These channels are most likely major components of rapid A-type currents that may be relevant for maternal-fetus blood flow and hence fetal development. In addition, they may represent sensors for detecting hemodynamic and/or metabolic changes in the local environment.Uvod/Cilj. Značajan niz dokaza ukazuje na to da su kanali Kv4.2 i Kv4.3 glavne komponente brzih prolazno- ispravljačkih struja kalijuma (struje tipa A). Pretpostavlja se da bi te struje mogle da budu uključene u održavanje membranskog potencijala ćelije, kao i u regulaciju propagacije i učestalosti akcionih potencijala. Međutim, vrlo malo se zna o prisustvu i funkciji struje tipa A u glatkim mišićima krvnih sudova čoveka, kao što je humana umbilikalna vena (HUV). S obzirom na njenu ključnu ulogu u adekvatnoj oksigenaciji fetusa, cilj rada bio je da se utvrdi da li su podtipovi kalijumovih kanala Kv4.2 i Kv4.3 prisutni u glatkim mišićima HUV-a i da se istraže potencijalne promene njihove ekspresije tokom patoloških stanja majke – gestacijskog dijabetesa melitusa (GDM) i arterijske hipertenzije (AH) izazvane trudnoćom (AHT). Metode. U istraživanje su uključene HUV sakupljene posle trudnoće zdravih porodilja, onih čije trudnoće su bile komplikovane GDM i AH. Svaka grupa sastojala se od 6 uzoraka HUV-a dobijenih iz 6 zdravih trudnoća, 6 trudnoća komplikovanih GDM i 6 trudnoća komplikovanih AH. Nakon farmakoloških analiza, urađene su imunohistohemijska (IH) analiza i Western blot. Rezultati. Primenom IH analize pokazan je sličan obrazac ekspresije obe podjedinice Kv4.2 i Kv4.3 kanala u glatkim mišićima HUV-a u svim grupama trudnica. Rezultati dobijeni Western blot-om bili su u skladu sa IH bojenjem. Ekspresija podjedinica Kv4.2 i Kv4.3 nije se značajno razlikovala između grupa trudnica. Zaključak. Ovo je prema našim saznanjima prva studija kojom je pokazano prisustvo Kv4.2 i Kv4.3 kalijumovih kanala u glatkim mišićima HUV-a zdravih porodilja, kao i onih porodilja čija je trudnoća bila praćena prisustvom GDM ili AHT. Ti kanali su najverovatnije glavne komponente brzih struja A-tipa, koji mogu biti relevantni za protok krvi majke i ploda i na taj način delovati protektivno za razvoj fetusa. Takođe, oni mogu predstavljati senzitivne pokazatelje hemodinamskih i/ili metaboličkih promena u lokalnoj fetomaternalnoj sredini

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake