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Infectious complications caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are a serious clinical and therapeutic problem. Our study aimed to analyze the genetic characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactama...

The review presents advances in the removal of Cr(III) from the industrial effluents published in the last ten years. Although Cr(III) has low solubility and is less dangerous for the aquatic environment than Cr(VI), it cannot be released into the aquatic environment without limitations and its content in water should be restricted. The development of efficient techniques for the removal of Cr(III) is also a response to the problem of chromium wastewater containing Cr(VI) ions. Very often the first step in dealing with such wastewater is the reduction in chromium content. In some cases, removal of Cr(III) from wastewaters is an important step for pretreatment of solutions to prepare them for subsequent recovery of other metals. In the review, hydrometallurgical operations for Cr(III) removal are presented, including examples of Cr(III) recovery from real industrial effluents with precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, extraction, membrane techniques, microbial-enhanced techniques, electrochemical methods. The advantages and disadvantages of the operations mentioned are also presented. Finally, perspectives for the future in line with circular economy and low-environmental impact are briefly discussed.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the largest global concerns due to its influence in multiple areas, which is consistent with One Health’s concept of close interconnections between people, animals, plants, and their shared environments. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) circulate constantly in various niches, sediments, water sources, soil, and wastes of the animal and plant sectors, and is linked to human activities. Sewage of different origins gets to the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where ARB and ARG removal efficiency is still insufficient, leading to their transmission to discharge points and further dissemination. Thus, WWTPs are believed to be reservoirs of ARGs and the source of spreading AMR. According to a World Health Organization report, the most critical pathogens for public health include Gram-negative bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems (last-choice drugs), which represent β-lactams, the most widely used antibiotics. Therefore, this paper aimed to present the available research data for ARGs in WWTPs that confer resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, with a particular emphasis on clinically important life-threatening mechanisms of resistance, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases (KPC, NDM).

This paper describes the use of a combination of two specific layers to protect the surface of low–carbon steel against electrochemical corrosion phenomena, which has not been published in the scientific literature so far. The layers include a black oxide film and siloxane coating, which are formed in the steel blackening and sol–gel processes, respectively. The so–obtained samples were subjected to surface morphology and physicochemical analysis (atomic force microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) as well as electrochemical measurements, including AC and DC techniques. The physicochemical and surface morphology analysis allowed to prove the presence and adhesion of the siloxane coating to the surface of the black oxide layer, while the results of the electrochemical tests show that low–carbon steel modified this way is characterized by remarkable anti–corrosive properties, comparable to those of stainless steel.

Summary Introduction: The use of dietary supplements has been increasing globally, especially among children. A lot of parents are influenced by advertising. In addition, in Poland a trend to self-medication has been observed. Parents often do not distinguish dietary supplements, medicinal products and non-prescription drugs. These are the most common reasons for the increase in sales of dietary supplements in Poland. Until a few years ago, many products containing vitamins and minerals intended for children were sold as medicines. Today, a product with the same formulation is sold as a dietary supplement. However, a few studies have been conducted to assess the use of dietary supplements among Polish children. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyse the use of dietary supplements provided by parents and the study of the awareness of the risks associated with supplements intake among preschool and elementary school students. Methods: The study was conducted by questionnaire method among 316 parents/legal guardians of children attending elementary schools and preschools in three provinces. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 88.3% mothers and 11.7% fathers. The age of the respondents was as follows: 64.5% aged 31–40, 18.3% aged 41–45, 9.5% aged 26–30, 7.2% above 46 years and only 0.3% younger than 25. About 80% of parents administered their children with dietary supplements in specific situations. Vitamin and mineral supplements were predominant. A statistical analysis showed the effect of the education level as well as having many children on the administration of dietary supplements. Conclusion: The questionnaire shows that the vast majority of parents/legal guardians administer their children with dietary supplements. There is a need to educate parents/legal guardians about the use of supplements and the risks involved.

Summary Introduction: The molecular basis of in vivo metabolism of selected representatives of phenylethanoids in the presence of ethanol has not been fully elucidated. Objective: The aim was to estimate a salidroside (Sal) metabolism in the liver tissue in rats with induced alcohol tolerance by assessing changes in the transcription of genes encoding cytochromes: CYP1A2, 2D2, 3A1, 2C23. Methods: cDNA was synthesized from total RNA isolated from rat liver samples. mRNA level changes were evaluated using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technique. Results: Ethanol caused a significant induction of the CYP1A2 and CYP2C23 genes transcription, and a decrease in the CYP3A1 mRNA level, predominantly without statistical significance. A statistically significant increase of the CYP1A2 mRNA level was observed in the group receiving only Sal (4.5 mg/kg b.w.; p.o.) (p Conclusions: There was no unequivocal effect of salidroside on the transcription of investigated cytochrome genes in the liver of rats with induced alcohol tolerance.

Nowadays, many people are struggling with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis, which are called the scourge of the 21st century. These illnesses coexist in metabolic syndrome, which is not a separate disease entity because it includes several clinical conditions such as central (abdominal) obesity, elevated blood pressure, and disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Lifestyle is considered to have an impact on the development of metabolic syndrome. An unbalanced diet, the lack of sufficient physical activity, and genetic factors result in the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The treatment of metabolic syndrome is aimed primarily at reducing the risk of the development of coexisting diseases, and the appropriate diet is the key factor in the treatment. Plant raw materials containing compounds that regulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the human body are investigated. Dandelion (

This paper presents Cr(III) removal from nickel sulfate waste solutions as a pretreatment step for the modification of hydrogen storage alloys. Adsorption with two cation exchange resins, Dowex G26 (strongly acidic) and MAC-3 (weakly acidic), and precipitation with various solutions were chosen as simple operations for Cr(III) removal from waste solutions. The adsorption of Cr(III) was investigated for both model and real waste nickel solutions. Dowex G26 appeared to be more efficient in Cr(III) removal (RCr(III) from 43 to 80%) than MAC-3 (RCr(III) from 40 to 53%). However, the adsorption from multi-component solutions (presence of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III)) showed no selectivity in Cr(III) adsorption in comparison to those of Co(II) and Ni(II). Cr(III), Ni(II) and Co(II) were removed at a comparable level (30–36%) from a three-component solution of 10 g/dm3 of each metal ion, and a 56–72% removal of these ions was achieved from the real solution. Therefore, the precipitation of Cr(III) was carried out from a real waste nickel solution to compare its performance with adsorption. The best precipitation solution appeared to be 3 and 30% NaOH due to the quantitative precipitation of Cr(OH)3 at pH 5 and relatively small co-precipitation of Ni(II) and Co(II) hydroxides (PCo(II) = 20–52%, PNi(II) = 0–54%). Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that precipitation with a NaOH solution is an efficient pretreatment operation of an electrolyte for further steps of the hydrometallurgical process of nickel electrodeposition and appears to be more selective in the elimination of Cr(III) than adsorption with Dowex G26 resin.

Background The apparent functional impact of post-COVID-19 syndrome has workability implications for large segments of the working-age population. Aims To understand obstacles and enablers around self-reported workability of workers following COVID-19, to better guide sustainable workplace accommodations. Methods An exploratory online survey comprising quantitative and qualitative questions was disseminated via social media and industry networks between December 2020 and February 2021, yielding usable responses from 145 workers. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Results Over half of the sample (64%) were from the health, social care, and education sectors. Just under 15% had returned to work, and 53% and 50% reported their physical and psychological workability respectively as moderate at best. Leading workability obstacles were multi-level, comprising fatigue, the interaction between symptoms and job, lack of control over job pressures, inappropriate sickness absence management policies, and lack of COVID-aware organizational cultures. Self-management support, modified work, flexible co-developed graded return-to-work planning, and improved line management competency were advocated as key enablers. Conclusions Assuming appropriate medical management of any pathophysiological complications of COVID-19, maintaining or regaining post-COVID workability might reasonably follow a typical biopsychosocial framework enhanced to cater to the fluctuating nature of the symptoms. This should entail flexible, regularly reviewed and longer-term return-to-work planning addressing multi-level workability obstacles, co-developed between workers and line managers, with support from human resources, occupational health professionals (OHP’s), and a COVID-aware organizational culture.

Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants is essential for epidemiological surveillance. RT-qPCR-based variant differentiation tests can be used to quickly screen large sets of samples for relevant variants of concern/interest; this study was conducted on specimens collected at 11 centers located in Poland during routine SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics between August 2020 and December 2021. A total of 1096 samples (with CT < 30) were screened for Alpha, Beta, Delta, Kappa and Omicron variants using commercial assays targeting repeat mutation sites. Variants were assigned to 434 (39.6%) specimens; the remaining 662 (60.4%) samples were not classified (no tested mutations detected). Alpha (n = 289; 66.59%), Delta (n = 115; 26.5%), Kappa (n = 30; 6.91%) and Omicron (n = 2; 0.46%) variants were identified and their distribution changed over time. The first Alpha variant appeared in October 2020, and it began to gradually increase its proportion of the virus population by June 2021. In July 2021, it was replaced by the Delta variant, which already dominated by the end of the year. The first Kappa was detected in October 2021, while Omicron was found in December 2021. The screening of samples allowed the determination of epidemiological trends over a time interval reflecting the national COVID-19 waves.

Amarochara bonnairei is recorded in Poland for the first time. Five localities are reported: environs of Tuczno (Pomeranian Lake District), Oborniki Śląskie (Trzebnica Hills), two collecting sites in the Niepołomice Forest (Sandomierz Lowland), and one find in environs of Kalwaria Pacławska (Eastern Beskid Mts.). Data on the distribution and ecological preferences of A. bonnairei are summarised. According to the cartographic sources, all newly reported localities of A. bonnairei are situated in forests characterized by long ecological continuity, although size of forest patches varied significantly within the last 200-250 years.

We analyzed the prevalence and genetic characteristics of the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing Enterobacterales isolated from adult patients hospitalized in the oncological center in 2019. Out of 9372 patients admitted to the hospital, 1373 had been in various medical facilities during the last year, which was an indication to perform a screening test for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales colonizing their gastrointestinal tract. In eighty-three patients (6.1%), 85 ESBL producers were detected. These isolates included the following: Escherichia coli (n = 67; 78.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 14; 16.5%), Enterobacter cloacae cplx (n = 3; 3.5%), and Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 1; 1.2%). CTX-M-1-like enzymes were the most common ESBLs (n = 67; 78.8%). Two K. pneumoniae isolates (2/85; 2.4%) additionally produced New Delhi-metallo-β-lactamases (NDM). All isolates, except for K. oxytoca, were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and demonstrated high genetic diversity. The most prevalent phylogroups of E. coli were B2 group (n = 30; 44.8%), followed by A group (n = 25; 37.3%). These observations have motivated us to investigate the link between ESBL-E colonization and infection among patients with solid tumors.

In expert practice, questions often arise related to the separation of research objects from a mixture of dissimilar particles of solid materials, liquids of different densities, emulsions, and two-phase media. During the study, physical and chemical separation methods are used. The choice of the separation method depends on the percentage composition and properties of the mixture and its constituent components. Expert research is carried out using various separation methods: by mass (inertial), by size, electrical, magnetic, radiometric, photometric, etc. Chemical separation is its separate type. The analysis of expert practice indicates that separation is mainly applied during the forensic investigation of metals and alloys (solids), drugs (solids, liquid substances) and petroleum products (liquid substances). The article analyzes the methods of separation at the preparatory stage of the expert study of micro-particles of precious metals and handicraft drugs. Forensic investigation of products made of metals and alloys is one of the most difficult, since the detection and separation of micro-particles of the metal under study from other metal particles and their subsequent identification require the use of both chemical and instrumental research methods. The separation of the metal under study from the mixture of other metal particles was carried out by the method of mechanical and magnetic separation and chemical (selective dissolution) separation. In the course of the expert study opium acetylated using chromatographic methods difficulties often arise associated with separation of components due to the presence of large amounts of acetylated opium extractable from poppy straw ballast substances (in particular chlorophyll). The use of an inertial separation method makes it possible to speed up the separation of an aqueous solution of a narcotic drug emulsion and an extracting organic solvent.