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Ocular Surface Fluid: More than a Matrix
No full textAlthough the eye can be subjected to therapeutic manipulation, some of its structures are highly inaccessible. Thus, conventional therapeutic administration pathways, such as topical or systemic routes, usually show significant limitations in the form of low ocular penetration or the appearance of side effects linked to physiology, among others. The critical feature of many xenobiotics is the drug gradient from the concentrated tear reservoir to the relatively barren corneal and conjunctival epithelia, which forces a passive route of absorption. The same is true in the opposite direction, towards the ocular surface (OS). With the premise that tears can be regarded as equivalent to or a substitute for plasma, researchers may determine drug concentrations in the OS fluid. Within this framework, a survey of scholarly sources on the topic was conducted. It provided an overview of current knowledge, allowing the identification of relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that can be employed in subsequent research. OS fluid (tears particularly) has enormous potential as a source of biological material for external drug screening and as a biomarker of various systemic diseases. Given the numerous alternate matrices, knowledge of their properties is very important in selecting the most appropriate specimens in toxicological analyses
Diagnosis and treatment response in children with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 at the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka
No full textUvod: Neuronska ceroidna lipofuscinoza tip 2 (CLN2) predstavlja rijedak autosomno recesivan, neurodegenerativni poremećaj uzrokovan mutacijom u CLN2 genu, što rezultira nedostatkom aktivnosti TPP1 enzima. Prvi simptomi obično se javljaju između druge i četvrte godine života te uključuju epileptičke napadaje, usporen razvoj govora i motoričke poremećaje. Ovaj rad naglašava važnost ranog otkrivanja i prepoznavanja bolesti kako bi se što prije započela terapija i poboljšala kvaliteta života pacijenata.
Ispitanici i metode: U istraživanje je bilo uključeno šestero pacijenata (pet djevojčica i jedan dječak) s medijanom dobi pojave prvih simptoma od 3 godine. Analizirane su klinička slika, aktivnost TPP1 enzima, genetske mutacije u CLN2 genu te EEG i MR snimke mozga. Četvero djece primalo je enzimsku nadomjesnu terapiju cerliponazom alfa.
Rezultati: Svi pacijenti pokazali su smanjenu aktivnost TPP1 enzima i različite složene heterozigotne mutacije u CLN2 genu, pri čemu je najčešća bila mutacija c.509-1G>C. EEG snimke s niskofrekventnim IFS-om rezultirale su pojavom FPO-a, što se manifestira kao registracija šiljaka i šiljka-val kompleksa generalizirano i/ili u okcipitalnim odvodima. MR snimke mozga otkrile su različite strukturne abnormalnosti poput malformacija stražnje lubanjske jame, hipoplazije vermisa te promjena u bijeloj tvari. Pacijenti koji su primali terapiju imali su sporiji gubitak funkcija prema adaptiranoj Hamburg skali u usporedbi s neliječenim pacijentima.
Zaključak: Rano započinjanje terapije cerliponazom alfa kod pacijenata s CLN2 bolesti, iako ne liječi bolest, značajno usporava njezinu progresiju, posebice u motoričkim i jezičnim funkcijama. Ovi rezultati naglašavaju važnost rane dijagnoze i primjene terapije radi poboljšanja kvalitete života djece oboljele od CLN2 bolesti i njihovih obitelji.Introduction: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the CLN2 gene, resulting in reduced TPP1 enzyme activity. Initial symptoms typically appear between 2 and 4 years of age, including epileptic seizures, language delay, and motor regression. This study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation to improve the patients’ quality of life.
Participants and Methods: This study included six patients (five girls and one boy) with a median age of symptom onset at three years. Clinical features, TPP1 enzyme activity, genetic mutations in the CLN2 gene, as well as EEG and MRI brain scans, were analyzed. Four children received enzyme replacement therapy with cerliponase alfa.
Results: All patients exhibited reduced TPP1 enzyme activity and various complex heterozygous mutations in the CLN2 gene, with the most common mutation being c.509-1G>C. EEG findings, obtained through low-frequency photostimulation, showed the photoparoxysmal response characterized by spike and slow-wave complexes in occipital leads and/or generalized patterns. MRI scans revealed structural brain abnormalities, including posterior fossa malformations, hypoplastic vermis, and white matter changes. Patients receiving therapy showed slower functional decline on the adapted Hamburg Scale compared to untreated patients.
Conclusion: Early initiation of cerliponase alfa therapy in CLN2 patients, while not curative, significantly delays disease progression, particularly in motor and language functions. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in improving the quality of life in children affected by CLN2 disease and their families
Occurrence of Salmonella in the coastal water near Rijeka City
No full textMonitoring kakvoće mora za kupanje se u Republici Hrvatskoj provodi u cilju očuvanja zdravlja kupača, a propisan je Uredbom o kakvoći mora za kupanje (NN 73/08). Mikrobiološki pokazatelji koji se određuju su crijevni enterokoki i Escherichia coli, kao pokazatelji fekalnog onečišćenja. Druge značajke kakvoće mora koje se prate su: temperatura mora i zraka, vjetar, kiša, salinitet i vidljivo onečišćenje. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati pojavnost Salmonella spp. u moru za kupanje na užem području grada Rijeke, u različitim okolišnim uvjetima. Dodatno, ispitana je povezanost pojavnosti Salmonella spp. s pokazateljima fekalnog onečišćenja te s dodatnim fekalnim (C. perfringens) i ne-fekalnim (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, UBB/37/22) pokazateljima mikrobiološkog opterećenja. Prisutnost Salmonella spp. povezana je s vodenim tokovima u koje se ispušta otpadna voda bez prethodne obrade. Za ovo istraživanje odabrane su četiri plaže u zapadnom dijela grada Rijeke, koje imaju 6 lokacija uzorkovanja. U cilju postizanja gušće mreže lokacija uzorkovanja, istraživanje je provedeno na 6 dodatnih (profilnih) lokacija, što ukupno čini 12 lokacija. U okviru projekta EUROBATH uzorkovanje se na navedenim lokacijama provodilo tijekom tri sezone kupanja, jednom tjedno. Salmonella je dokazana u 41 uzorku (3,7%) od kojih je 28 označeno kao more pogodno za kupanje. Rezultati pokazuju da salinitet i sunčevo zračenje značajno utječu na koncentraciju Salmonella u moru. Dotok slatke vode u more je izvor mikrobiološkog onečišćenja, a pojavnost Salmonella u moru uvelike ovisi o količini oborina. Dokazano je da praćenje samo rutinskih pokazatelja, E. coli i enterokoka ne isključuje mogućnost kontakta kupača sa bakterijama vrste Salmonella.The monitoring of sea water quality for swimming in the Republic of Croatia is carried out with the aim of preserving the health of swimmers and is regulated by the Regulation on the Quality of Sea Water for Swimming (NN 73/08). The microbiological indicators that are determined include intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli, as indicators of fecal contamination. Other characteristics of sea water quality that are monitored include sea and air temperature, wind, rain, salinity, and visible pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Salmonella spp. in swimming sea water in the narrower area of the city of Rijeka, under different environmental conditions. Additionally, the study examined the correlation between the occurrence of Salmonella spp. and indicators of fecal contamination, as well as additional fecal (Clostridium perfringens) and non-fecal (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, UBB/37/22) indicators of microbiological load. The presence of Salmonella spp. is associated with watercourses where wastewater is discharged without prior treatment. For this study, four beaches in the western part of the city of Rijeka were selected, having 6 sampling locations in total. To achieve a denser network of sampling locations, the study was conducted at an additional 6 (profile) locations, making a total of 12 locations. As part of the EUROBATH project, sampling at these locations was conducted during three swimming seasons, once a week. Salmonella was detected in 41 samples (3.7%), of which 28 were marked as suitable for swimming. The results show that salinity and solar radiation significantly affect the concentration of Salmonella in the sea water. The inflow of fresh water into the sea is a source of microbiological contamination, and the occurrence of Salmonella in the sea greatly depends on the amount of rainfall. It has been proven that monitoring only routine indicators, E. coli and enterococci, does not exclude the possibility of swimmers coming into contact with Salmonella bacteria
Vitamin D etiology and treatment of mental disorders in adolescence : Vitamin D etiology and treatment of mental disorders in adolescence
No full textVitamin D se putem krvi doprema u jetru, gdje se na C25 poziciju molekule vitamina D dodaje
hidroksidna (OH) grupa, stvarajući 25-hidroksi vitamin D3, izravni prekursor za aktivni vitamin
D. Serumska razina 25-hidroksi vitamina D najpouzdaniji je pokazatelj statusa vitamina D u
serumu. Vitamin D ima neuroprotektivne učinke na hipokampalne stanice mozga, regulira
kalcijske ionske kanale i aktivira PKC i MAPK putove. Kod značajnog broja djece i
adolescenata u Europi može se očekivati deficijencija vitamina D. Uzroci nedostatka vitamina
D uključuju smanjenu izloženost sunčevoj svjetlosti, neadekvatnu prehranu, poremećenu
fotosintezu u koži, poremećenu apsorpciju u crijevima, bolesti jetre i/ili bubrega, otpornost na
biološke učinke 1,25-dihidroksi vitamina D, pojačanu inaktivaciju metabolita vitamina D.
Prema hrvatskim smjernicama od 2021.godine preporučuje se održavanje serumskog 25-
hidroksi vitamina D iznad 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL); odraslima je potrebno 37,5 do 50 mcg (1500–
2000 IU) vitamina D dnevno; djeca i adolescenti trebaju 25 mcg (1000 IU) dnevno. Niske razine
vitamina D povezane su s psihičkim poremećajima: poremećajima raspoloženja, anksioznim
poremećajima, ADHD-om, pervazivim razvojnim poremećajem, ovisnosti o alkoholu i drugim
ovisnostima, psihotičnim poremećajima te kognitivnim oštećenjima u starijoj dobi.
S obzirom na važnost vitamina D u održavanju općeg zdravlja i prevenciji bolesti, važno je
održavati adekvatne razine ovog vitamina.Vitamin D is transported through the blood to the liver, where a hydroxyl (OH) group is added
to the C25 position of the vitamin D molecule, creating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, a direct
precursor to active vitamin D. The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the most reliable
indicator of vitamin D status in the blood. Vitamin D has neuroprotective effects on
hippocampal brain cells, regulates calcium ion channels, and activates PKC and MAPK
pathways. A significant number of children and adolescents in Europe may be expected to have
a vitamin D deficiency. Causes of vitamin D deficiency include reduced exposure to sunlight,
inadequate diet, impaired photosynthesis in the skin, impaired intestinal absorption, liver and/or
kidney diseases, resistance to the biological effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and increased
inactivation of vitamin D metabolites. According to the Croatian guidelines from 2021, it is
recommended to maintain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels above 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL);
adults require 37.5 to 50 mcg (1500–2000 IU) of vitamin D daily; children and adolescents need
25 mcg (1000 IU) daily. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with mental disorders: mood
disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, pervasive developmental disorders, alcohol and other
substance dependencies, psychotic disorders, and cognitive impairments in older age. Given the
importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and preventing diseases, it is crucial to
maintain adequate levels of this vitamin
Treatment of behavioral addictions
No full textU znanstvenom svijetu percepcija ovisnosti promijenila se u posljednjih nekoliko desetljeća. Sve je više znanstvenika koji prihvaćaju koncept bihevioralnih ovisnosti. Do toga su doveli čimbenici kao što su napredak neuroznanosti koji je doprinio razvoju neurobiološke teorije ovisnosti, te suvremeni način života koji je rezultirao većom učestalosti nekih repetitivnih aktivnosti. Zapaženo je da repetitivne aktivnosti, kao što su kockanje, igranje videoigara ili upuštanje u seksualne aktivnosti, mogu pojačati sustav nagrade i motivacije i rezultirati ovisničkim ponašanjem, slično kao i kod ovisnosti o psihoaktivnim tvarima. S obzirom na navedena zapažanja, bihevioralne ovisnosti postaju sve zanimljivije područje istraživanja među znanstvenicima, sa značajnom mogućnošću kliničke primjene, ali i kao tema rasprave u široj javnosti.
Također, razvojem neuroznanosti postoji sve veća tendencija da se za liječenje bihevioralnih ovisnosti ispituje učinkovitost farmakoterapije i psihoterapije. Usprkos tome, za sada najveću empirijsku potkrepljenost dobile su kognitivno bihevioralna terapija te grupna terapija; stoga medicinski stručnjaci najčešće primjenjuju te metode liječenja.The perception of addiction has changed in the last few decades in the world of scientists. More and more scientists are accepting the concept of behavioral addictions. This was caused by factors such as the progress of neuroscience, which contributed to the development of neurobiological theory, and the modern way of life, which led to a higher frequency of some repetitive activities. It has been noted that repetitive activities, such as gambling, playing video games or engaging in sexual activities can reinforce the reward and motivation system and cause addictive behaviors, similar to psychoactive substances addiction. Given the above observations, behavioral addictions are becoming an increasingly popular topic among scientists, but also a topic of discussion among the general public.
Also, with the development of neuroscience, there is a growing tendency to research the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for the treatment of behavioral addictions. Despite this, cognitive behavioral and group therapy have received the most empirical support, so medical professionals often apply these treatment methods
Combinatory Effect of Nitroxoline and Gentamicin in the Control of Uropathogenic Enterococci Infections
No full textEnterococcus faecalis, responsible for a majority of human and nosocomial enterococcal infections, is intrinsically resistant to aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, GEN), which must be used in a combined therapy to be effective. Nitroxoline (NTX) is an old antibiotic, underused for decades, but rediscovered now in an era of growing antibiotic resistance. In this in vitro study, the types of interactions between NTX and GEN on 29 E. faecalis strains were analyzed with an aim to find synergistic antimicrobial and antiadhesion combinations. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) were used to analyze changes in cell morphology and bacterial proteome after monotreatments and combined treatments. The results showed the synergistic effect for six combinations on eight strains, including the ATCC29212, and an additive effect for most strains. Combinations causing a complete inhibition of adhesion were established. Cell membrane integrity was affected by NTX, while combined NTX/GEN treatment caused dramatic changes in cell morphology. Upregulation of the expression of many proteins was established, with some emerging only after combined treatment. The results strongly imply that NTX has the potential for use in combined therapy with GEN against enterococci and it could further provide a substantial contribution to an ongoing fight against antimicrobial resistance and nosocomial infections
Comparison of Autologous and Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Kidney Transplantation: Immunological Considerations and Therapeutic Efficacy
No full textRegenerative medicine shows significant potential in treating kidney diseases through the application of various types of stem and progenitor cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), renal stem/progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Stem cells possess the unique ability to repair injured organs and improve impaired functions, making them a key element in the research of therapies for kidney tissue repair and organ regeneration. In kidney transplantation, reperfusion injury can cause tissue destruction, leading to an initially low glomerular filtration rate and long-term impact on function by creating irreversible interstitial fibrosis. MSCs have proven useful in repairing early tissue injury in animal models of kidney, lung, heart, and intestine transplantation. The use of stem cell therapies in solid organ transplantation raises the question of whether autologous or allogeneic cells should be preferred. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), characterized by the lack of HLA Class II molecules and low expression of HLA Class I and co-stimulatory signals, are considered immune-privileged. However, the actual risk of graft rejection associated with allogeneic ASCs remains unclear. It has been demonstrated that donor-derived ASCs can promote the development of Treg cells in vitro, and some degree of tolerance induction has been observed in vivo. Nevertheless, a study comparing the efficacy of autologous and allogeneic ASCs in a rat model with a total MHC mismatch for kidney transplantation showed that donor-derived administration of ASCs did not improve the grafts’ survival and was associated with increased mortality through an immunologically mediated mechanism. Given the lack of data, autologous ASCs appear to be a safer option in this research context. The aim of this review was to examine the differences between autologous and allogeneic ASCs in the context of their application in kidney transplantation therapies, considering potential immune reactions and therapeutic efficacy. Some have argued that ASCs harvested from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients may have lower regenerative potential due to the toxic effects of uremia, potentially limiting their use in transplantation settings. However, evidence suggests that the beneficial properties of ASCs are not affected by uremia or dialysis. Indeed, some investigators have demonstrated that ASCs harvested from chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients exhibit normal characteristics and function, maintaining consistent proliferative capacity and genetic stability over time, even after prolonged exposure to uremic serum Furthermore, no differences were observed in the response of ASCs to immune activation or their inhibitory effect on the proliferation of alloantigen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells between patients with normal or impaired renal function. This review presents the current achievements in stem cell research aimed at treating kidney diseases, highlighting significant progress and ongoing efforts in the development of stem cell-based therapies. Despite the encouraging results, further research is needed to overcome the current limitations and fully realize the potential of these innovative treatments. Advances in this field are crucial for developing effective therapies that can address the complex challenges associated with kidney damage and failure
Novel Pharmaceuticals in Appetite Regulation: Exploring emerging gut peptides and their pharmacological prospects
No full textAbstract Obesity, a global health challenge, necessitates innovative approaches for effective management. Targeting gut peptides in the development of anti‐obesity pharmaceuticals has already demonstrated significant efficacy. Ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and amylin are crucial in appetite regulation offering promising targets for pharmacological interventions in obesity treatment using both peptide‐based and small molecule‐based pharmaceuticals. Ghrelin, a sole orexigenic gut peptide, has a potential for anti‐obesity therapies through various approaches, including endogenous ghrelin neutralization, ghrelin receptor antagonists, ghrelin O‐acyltransferase, and functional inhibitors. Anorexigenic gut peptides, peptide YY, cholecystokinin, and amylin, have exhibited appetite‐reducing effects in animal models and humans. Overcoming substantial obstacles is imperative for translating these findings into clinically effective pharmaceuticals. Peptide YY and cholecystokinin analogues, characterized by prolonged half‐life and resistance to proteolytic enzymes, present viable options. Positive allosteric modulators emerge as a novel approach for modulating the cholecystokinin pathway. Amylin is currently the most promising, with both amylin analogues and dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists (DACRAs) progressing to advanced stages of clinical trials. Despite persistent challenges, innovative pharmaceutical strategies provide a glimpse into the future of anti‐obesity therapies
Uloga TDP-43 proteinopatije u razvoju neuroupale i neurodegeneracije u modelu ponavljajuće blage traumatske ozljede mozga u miša
No full textCiljevi israživanja: Istražiti regulaciju TAR DNK vezujućeg proteina 43 (engl. TAR DNA binding protein-43; TDP-43) u frontalnom korteksu, hipokampusu i optičkom traktu u modelu ponavljajuće blage traumatske ozljede mozga (engl. mild traumatic brain injury, mTBI) u miševa divljeg tipa i TDP-43 transgeničnog tipa, te analizirati i usporediti prisutnost i intenzitet neurodegeneracije i aktivaciju glija stanica u navedenim dijelovima velikog mozga.
Materijali i metode: Ponavljajuće ozljede mozga izazvane su metodom pada utega, po dvije ozljede dnevno tijekom pet uzastopnih dana. Izražaj proteina od interesa u citoplazmatskim i nuklearnim frakcijama analiziran je Western blot metodom. Imunohistokemijskim analizama praćena je unutarstanična lokalizacija i raspodjela TDP-43 u različitim tipovima stanica. Neurodegeneracija je procijenjena bojanjem Fluoro-Jade C.
Rezultati: Ponavljajuća mTBI nije utjecala na razvoj neurodegeneracije u frontalnom korteksu i hipokampusu ozlijeđenih miševa, dok su neurodegenerativne promjene bile prisutne u optičkom traktu. Razlike nisu uočene u intenzitetu Fluoro-Jade C bojenja između miševa različitih genotipova u optičkom traktu. Ponavljajuća mTBI nije imala utjecaj na citoplazmatsku i nuklearnu ekspresiju TDP-43, niti na citoplazmatsku ekspresiju TDP-35 u frontalnom korteksu ozljeđenih miševa oba genotipa. Razine mikroglijalne i astrocitne reakcije između lažno ozlijeđenih miševa i onih s ponavljajućom mTBI u frontalnom korteksu, hipokampusu i optičkom traktu nisu se značajno razlikovale.
Zaključak: Ovaj rad pokazuje da nema promjena TDP-43 proteina, kao ni neurodegenerativnih promjena i glijalne aktivacije u frontalnom korteksu i hipokampusu ozlijeđenih miševa, 12 mjeseci nakon ponovljajućih blagih traumatskih ozljeda mozga. Međutim, ponovljajuća mTBI uzrokuje neurodegeneraciju i pojačanu glijalnu reakciju u optičkom traktu, što ukazuje na osjetljivost ove strukture na mTBI. Daljnja istraživanja potrebna su za razumijevanje veze između TDP-43 i oštećenja mozga te za razvoj novih terapija.Objectives: To investigate the regulation of TAR DNA binding protein 43 (eng. TAR DNA binding protein-43; TDP-43) in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and optic tract in a model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (eng. mild traumatic brain injury; mTBI) in of wild-type and TDP-43 transgenic mice, and to analyze and compare the presence and intensity of neurodegeneration and glial cell activation in the mentioned parts of the cerebrum.
Materials and methods: Repetitive brain injuries were induced by the weight drop method, two injuries per day for five consecutive days. Western blotting analyzed the expression of proteins of interest in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions. Immunohistochemical analyses followed subcellular localization and distribution of TDP-43 in different cell types. Neurodegeneration was assessed by Fluoro-Jade C staining.
Results: mTBI did not affect the development of neurodegeneration in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of injured mice, while neurodegenerative changes were present in the optic tract. No differences were observed in the intensity of Fluoro-Jade C staining between different genotypes in the optic tract. mTBI did not affect the cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of TDP-43, nor the cytoplasmic expression of TDP-35 in the frontal cortex of injured mice of both genotypes. No significant differences were noted in the levels of microglial and astrocytic response between sham-injured mice and those with repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and optic tract.
Conclusion: This work shows that changes in TDP-43 are not associated with neurodegeneration or glial activation in the frontal cortex of injured mice, 12 months after repeated mild traumatic brain injury. However, repeated mTBI causes neurodegeneration and increased glial responsiveness in the optic tract, confirming its susceptibility to mTBI. Further research is needed to understand the link between TDP-43 and brain damage and to develop new therapies
Port of Rijeka - A potential source of pollution in the surrounding area
No full textKvaliteta morskog okoliša važan je javnozdravstveni problem. Brodovi, kako bi poboljšali stabilnost prilikom iskrcaja tereta, uvlače morsku vodu (balast), koju potom ispuštaju u luci ukrcaja tereta. Pri tome, osim tereta, transportiraju i mikroorganizme koji se nastanjuju u novim staništima. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati mikrobiološko opterećenje najveće hrvatske pomorske luke Rijeka, u vodenom stupcu i sedimentu, te procijeniti utjecaj luke na mikrobiološko onečišćenje okolnog rekreacijskog područja.
Istraživanje je provedeno u okviru projekta ProtectAs, u razdoblju od 10. mjeseca 2020. godine do 9. mjeseca 2021. godine, na 3 lokacije u luci Rijeka: JPG 28, RI bwB i RI bwS. Ukupno je ispitan 63 uzoraka, 51 uzorak morske vode te 12 uzoraka sedimenta. Također, analizirani su podaci iz nacionalnog monitoringa kakvoće mora za kupanje za sezonu kupanja 2021., na 29 lokacija (292 uzorka) u rekreativnom području u blizini luke Rijeka (16 istočno i 13 zapadno od luke Rijeka). Prema Pravilniku o upravljanju i nadzoru balastnih voda (NN 128/2012) ispitani su mikrobiološki pokazatelji Escherichia coli, crijevni enterokoki te Vibrio cholerae (O1 i O139). Kao dodatni pokazatelji kakvoće ispitani su sljedeći mikroorganizmi: Clostidium perfinges, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio spp. te Legionella spp. Vodeni stupac najopterećeniji je fekalnim bakterijama u hladnijem razdoblju godine, a sediment u ljetnoj sezoni. Vodeni stupac opterećeniji je koliformnim bakterijama, dok su više koncentracije UBB, C. perfringens i P. aeruginosa zabilježene su u sedimentu. Koncentracije E. coli 10 puta je veća u vodenom stupcu, u odnosu na sediment, a koncentracija crijevnih enterokoka je 1,5 puta veća u sedimentu u odnosu na vodeni stupac. Vrste roda Vibrio dokazane su u 25,5 % uzoraka (u najvećoj mjeri V. alginolyticus u 13,7 %), a V. cholere O1 i O139 nisu dokazani u ni jednom ispitanom uzorku. Prisutnost Salmonella spp. dokazana je u 5,9 % uzoraka. Mikrobiološki najopterećenija lokacija bila je RI bwS (vodeni stupac i sediment). Najveće opterećenje E. coli i crijevnim enterokokima, uz najniži salinitet, zabilježeno je na zapadnoj obali užeg područja oko luke Rijeka. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na prostorne i sezonske varijacije fekalnog onečišćenja u luci Rijeka, u vodenom stupcu i sedimentu. Uz balastne vode, na kvalitetu morskog okoliša moguće utječu i mikrobiološki opterećeni donosi slatkih voda. Luka Rijeka predstavlja moguće žarište onečišćenja za okolno rekreacijsko područje.The quality of the marine environment is an important public health issue. Ships, in order to improve stability during cargo unloading, take in seawater (ballast), which they then discharge at the cargo loading port. In doing so, they transport not only cargo but also microorganisms that settle in new habitats. The aim of this research was to examine the microbiological load of Croatia's largest maritime port, Rijeka, in the water column and sediment, and to assess the port's impact on the microbiological pollution of the surrounding recreational area.
The research was conducted within the ProtectAs project, from October 2020 to September 2021, at three locations in the port of Rijeka: JPG 28, RI bwB, and RI bwS. A total of 63 samples were tested, including 51 seawater samples and 12 sediment samples. Additionally, data from the national monitoring of bathing water quality for the 2021 bathing season were analyzed at 29 locations (292 samples) in the recreational area near the port of Rijeka (16 to the east and 13 to the west of the port of Rijeka). According to the Regulation on the Management and Control of Ballast Waters (NN 128/2012), the following microbiological indicators were tested: Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, and Vibrio cholerae (O1 and O139). As additional quality indicators, the following microorganisms were tested: Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio spp., and Legionella spp. The water column was most burdened with fecal bacteria during the colder period of the year, while the sediment was more contaminated in the summer season. The water column was more burdened with coliform bacteria, while higher concentrations of UBB, C. perfringens, and P. aeruginosa were recorded in the sediment. The concentration of E. coli was 10 times higher in the water column compared to the sediment, while the concentration of intestinal enterococci was 1.5 times higher in the sediment compared to the water column. Vibrio species were detected in 25.5% of the samples (most notably V. alginolyticus in 13.7%), while V. cholerae O1 and O139 were not detected in any tested sample. The presence of Salmonella spp. was confirmed in 5.9% of the samples. The most microbiologically burdened location was RI bwS (water column and sediment). The highest load of E. coli and intestinal enterococci, along with the lowest salinity, was recorded on the western coast of the narrow area around the port of Rijeka. The research results indicate spatial and seasonal variations in fecal contamination in the port of Rijeka, in both the water column and sediment. Besides ballast waters, microbiologically burdened freshwater inflows may also impact the quality of the marine environment. The port of Rijeka represents a potential hotspot of pollution for the surrounding recreational area