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Clonal outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant NDM-1 producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a local hospital in the Czech Republic
No full textABSTRACT A clonal outbreak of 18 ST773 NDM-1 producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains has been detected for the first time in the Czech Republic. The strains were extremely drug-resistant (XDR) and resistant to serum killing. SNP-based phylogeny and CRISPR assay typing showed minimal genomic variations among the isolates. The results suggest a high-risk, persistent, virulent clone causing the hospital outbreak, with the possibility of a nationwide outbreak.IMPORTANCEOur research on the novel detection of the NDM-1 gene in carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST773 in the Czech Republic is of great significance for public health and infection control. Until now, the emergence of this gene in P. aeruginosa strains was uncommon in this region, as carbapenem resistance was primarily associated with IMP and VIM types of MBLs. This nosocomial outbreak was triggered by an index case patient repatriated from areas with reported NDM-1 producing P. aeruginosa, illustrating how international travel contributes to the spread of such resistant pathogens. The results obtained in this study show that it is necessary to focus on tracing the source of infections to control and prevent nosocomial infections, helping to protect public health in the Czech Republic
Unraveling the resistance mechanism for Shigella under stress of heavy metal Pb(II)
No full textABSTRACT Lead is considered a main pollutant that is found in air, soil, and water, which is a dangerous waste and extremely toxic to any living organism. The use of micro-organisms is the most successful approach to remediate heavy metals from the environment due to their efficacy and financial viability. Shigella sp. D5 was isolated from a mining soil, which was found to be well capable of removing the heavy metal Pb(II). In the present research, biosorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution via D5 living mass was described. Factors affecting biosorption efficiency, such as adsorbent dose, initial lead concentration, temperature, pH, and contact time, were investigated. The optimum levels of pH, initial Pb(II) concentration, temperature, and contact time were 7, 200 mg/L, 35°C, and 24 h, respectively. Under the optimized adsorption conditions, the removal rate of lead reached 82% when the initial concentration of lead was 50 mg/L. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were fitted well with the equilibrium experimental data. The kinetic results showed that the sorption data closely followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The micro-adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) was investigated by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and XPS techniques. It demonstrated that the anionic components like phosphate, oxhydryl, and chloride groups can remove Pb(II) through strong surface complexation and electrostatic attraction for D5. The strain D5 could transfer lead ions into highly insoluble compounds Pb5(PO4)3OH and Pb5(PO4)3Cl on the bacteria surfaces. All results indicated that it was feasible to effectively remove Pb(II) by using the Shigella sp. D5. This study elucidates the adsorption properties and resistance mechanism of Shigella for Pb(II).IMPORTANCEMicrobially mediated remediation is a promising approach for heavy metal pollution control due to its cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and adaptability. Understanding the mechanisms of microbial adsorption and resistance to heavy metal is critical for guiding practical bioremediation efforts. In this study, we isolated a highly lead-resistant Shigella sp. D5 from coal mine-contaminated soil. Although Shigella are frequently detected in heavy metal-polluted environments, their adsorption capacities and the resistance mechanism to Pb(II) remain poorly characterized. Our findings advance the understanding of microbial strategy for heavy metal remediation and highlight their role in heavy metal mineralization processes
Emergency radiology in displaced populations: imaging and practical challenges
No full textMigrants and refugees tend to use emergency departments as their primary source of care, leading to a substantial increase in emergency radiological imaging. Migrants and refugees have risk factors, such as low vaccination rates, poor hygiene, malnutrition, and inadequate self-care, which increase their risk of contracting infectious diseases. For example, the prevalence of tuberculosis among refugee populations in host countries is increasing, and imaging findings related to tuberculosis are frequently observed by radiologists. Strengthening screening programs in host countries for tuberculosis and other infectious diseases among migrant populations can help mitigate the risk of transmission within migrant communities. Another condition, cystic echinococcosis, is more common among refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Afghanistan. For radiologists working in host countries, echinococcosis involving the liver and lungs should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Both intentional (e.g., violence, assault) and unintentional (e.g., workplace injuries, accidents) traumas are frequently encountered in emergency radiology, particularly among refugees and immigrants. Workplace injuries are four times more common among migrants and refugees than among the local population due to their work in high-risk industries, such as construction and heavy industry, and emergency radiology frequently encounters radiological findings of organ injuries due to falls from height. In addition, healthcare professionals in emergency radiology face various challenges when dealing with migrant and refugee patients, such as communication barriers, social security problems, and psychological distress
Correction: Tumor-penetrating peptide boosts bispecific T-cell engager antitumor efficacy for the pancreatic cancer
No full textEffects of face coverings on people and interactions in mental health settings: scoping review – ERRATUM
No full textExploring the Role of III‐V Semiconductor‐Based Nanowire Composition and Geometry on Photoelectrochemical Reactions
No full textOver the past two decades, nanoscale structures such as nanowires (NWs) based on III‐V semiconductors have emerged as versatile device components in electronic and photonic applications. In particular, for photoelectrochemical applications, the high surface‐to‐volume ratio of NWs is expected to significantly enhance surface reaction kinetics, mainly by providing more active sites conducive to light‐driven processes. However, few studies have investigated these advantages for III‐V NWs. A particular challenge lies in the stability of such structures compared to more easily fabricated planar surfaces. In order to investigate the beneficial effects of GaAs‐based NW structures for solar water splitting on current density, electrode stability in electrolyte, and bubble detachment, linear sweep voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy are performed before and after 2 h of operation using chronoamperometric measurements. The results show that NW absorber structures exhibit a significantly lower onset potential compared to bare substrates. The durability of NWs appears to be strongly influenced by NW geometry and defect density, both of which increase susceptibility to corrosion. Nitrogen‐based passivation layers have been observed to significantly increase the longevity of NWs. These results provide valuable insights into the durability of NW‐based devices, with particular relevance for their application in solar energy conversion technologies
Spirulina platensis supplementation in fish-oil diets improves yolk fatty acid profile, follicle development, and egg shelf life in aged laying hens
No full textThe present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Spirulina Platensis (SP) supplementation in diets containing different levels of fish oil (FO) on performance, blood parameters, ovarian follicle growth, yolk fatty acids profile, and egg shelf life during storage in aged laying hens. For this purpose, 288 laying hens (Hy-line-W36, 70 weeks of age) were used in a completely randomised design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 6 replications and 8 birds per each for 8 weeks. The experimental treatments included diets containing 3 levels of FO (0, 1.5, and 3% w/w of the diet) and 2 levels of SP (0 and 5 g/kg of diet). Performance parameters were recorded daily, while blood parameters, ovarian follicle characteristics, egg quality traits, and yolk fatty acid composition were measured at the end of the trial (day 56). The results showed that hens fed 1.5 and 3% FO with 5 g/kg SP of diet had the highest egg mass, which was significantly higher than the control treatment (p < 0.01). The ovarian large yellow follicles weight and number increased in birds fed 1.5 and 3% FO compared to the control birds (p = 0.006). The use of 5 g/kg of SP prevented the decrease in Haugh unit, yolk index, and yolk colour, and the increase in albumen and yolk pH after 30 days of storage at 4 °C temperature (p < 0.05). The inclusion of 5 g/kg SP in diets containing 3% FO significantly increased α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in egg yolks. Spirulina platensis supplementation led to a moderate but significant increase in yolk ALA and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), accompanied by an improved PUFA/saturated fatty acids ratio relative to the non-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Both FO and SP markedly enhanced yolk ω-3 fatty acid deposition and consequently reduced the n-6/n-3 and linoleic acid/ALA ratios, with the lowest values observed in the 3% FO + 5 g/kg SP treatment (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SP supplementation in diets containing FO improved production performance, follicle development, and yolk fatty acid profile, while maintaining egg quality during storage in aged laying hens
Well-being support in the Finnish university community: staff reflections on emerging existential dimensions
No full textPurpose Contemporary university communities have been reshaped by changing societal expectations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and structural reforms, increasing the pace, complexity, and demands of academic work for both staff and students. These pressures disrupt existential well-being (EWB), understood as a multidimensional construct encompassing meaning, purpose, coherence, and relatedness. This study examines how university staff conceptualize well-being support in academic communities and how EWB appears in their accounts. Method The study was conducted in Finnish universities representing diverse geographical locations and institutional sizes. Data consist of 14 semi-structured interviews with staff working in well-being-related expert roles. The data were analysed using a data-driven, inductive Template Analysis approach supported by Atlas.ti. Results Well-being in universities was found to be supported through three interrelated domains: well-being management, pedagogical well-being, and community resilience. These form the structural basis for sustainable EWB practices but require sufficient institutional resources. Hybrid teaching and remote work challenged emotional safety and social connectedness. EWB emerged primarily from shared institutional practices, particularly teacher–student relationships and early engagement. Conclusion The study emphasizes integrating EWB into university practices by addressing both individual and collective dimensions. Structural conditions, supportive culture, and meaningful social connections are central to fostering EWB as a pedagogical and communal value
ZmWRKY104–ZmCCaMK interaction enhances brassinosteroid-promoted salt tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) via antioxidant defense
No full textBrassinosteroid (BR)-mediated salt tolerance is a crucial mechanism for maize (Zea mays L.) adaptation to saline-alkaline environments. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying BR-induced salt tolerance in maize, focusing on the regulatory roles of ZmWRKY104 and ZmCCaMK. Key results showed that ZmWRKY104 directly interacts with ZmCCaMK in the nucleus in a non-phosphorylation-dependent manner, forming a novel regulatory module. BR treatment upregulates ZmWRKY104 expression, and overexpression of ZmWRKY104 significantly enhances the activities of antioxidant enzymes (APX and SOD). Co-expression of ZmWRKY104 and ZmCCaMK synergistically promotes the antioxidant defense system in maize. Transgenic maize overexpressing ZmWRKY104 exhibits obvious salt tolerance advantages under 100 mM NaCl stress compared to wild-type plants, including reduced leaf yellowing, increased plant height and root length, as well as decreased electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Collectively, this study identifies a novel non-phosphorylation-dependent WRKY-CCaMK regulatory module in the BR signaling pathway, which enhances BR-induced maize salt tolerance by synergistically activating antioxidant defense. The findings highlight ZmWRKY104 as a candidate gene and provide a potential molecular mechanism for salt-tolerant maize breeding in saline-alkaline regions of northern China
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