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The environmental resistome is a dynamic collection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that exist in both untouched and human-altered ecosystems, with important implications for worldwide antimicrobial resistance. This review traces the evolutionary development of the resistome, highlighting its origins from ancient microbial defences in permafrost and remote areas detected through metagenomics of β-lactamases and efflux systems that predate clinical antibiotic use. It also discusses how horizontal gene transfer (HGT) drives its spread today and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) during ecological competition and natural antibiotic production. Major reservoirs include soil microbiomes (e.g., fungicide-enriched rhizospheres increasing tetW and sul1 by 2—5 times through HGT), aquatic environments (e.g., microplastic biofilms containing bla TEM and mcr-1 in Pseudomonas groups), extreme habitats (e.g., thawing permafrost releasing blaNDM precursors), and human-related sites (e.g., landfills with 324 ARG subtypes), all contributing to the transfer of ARGs to pathogenic microbes. Mechanistic details show how specific taxa adapt, including RND efflux pumps in Proteobacteria, enzymes like metallo-β-lactamases that inactivate β-lactam antibiotics, mutations in ribosomal targets, and CRISPR-Cas systems that act as gatekeepers (e.g., 20–30
Cadmium (Cd), a non-essential toxic metal with high mobility and bioavailability, poses a severe threat to plant productivity and environmental sustainability. The present study systematically evaluated the Cd uptake patterns and consequent physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant responses of two Ocimum species, namely, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum basilicum, under increasing Cd concentrations (0, 25, and 50 mg kg-1 dw). Both species accumulated Cd in a dose-dependent manner, with the majority retained in roots, followed by stems and leaves. At higher Cd concentration, O. basilicum exhibited 13.8% higher Cd uptake than O. tenuiflorum, and maintained bioconcentration and translocation factors within physiologically acceptable limits. Enhanced Cd tolerance in O. basilicum was further supported by significantly better preservation of photosynthetic pigments, effective activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, and improved membrane stability under oxidative stress. Detailed anatomical studies showed pronounced effects on stomatal and oil gland density (73% and 48.4%, respectively) in O. basilicum, indicating structural acclimatization mechanisms that support resilience to Cd stress. Cd treatment also triggered a remarkable increase in essential oil production in both species, with a much larger increase in O. basilicum, along with distinct biochemical modifications as evident from FTIR spectral analysis. The present findings showed that O. basilicum clearly outperforms O. tenuiflorum under Cd-induced oxidative stress, indicating its potential for phytoremediation. However, Cd accumulation in plant tissues and in residual biomass generated after essential oil extraction highlights the need for regulated and safe valorization strategies, such as controlled utilization for biobrick or energy production, to ensure the safe and sustainable use of medicinal and aromatic plants.
Burnout is a work-related psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Resident doctors, particularly those in surgical training programs, are exposed to long working hours, high workload, and intense academic pressure, which increase their vulnerability to burnout. To assess the prevalence of burnout among surgical residents across multiple specialties and identify demographic and other factors associated with burnout. 200 surgical residents completed a structured online questionnaire from five specialties General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, and Otolaryngology (ENT). The participants were given a structured online questionnaire. Burnout was measured using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate burnout distribution and associated factors. Among 200 surgical residents, 56.5
Background. Prostate cancer diagnosis must balance the early detection of clinically significant disease against the overdiagnosis of indolent tumors. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has transformed the diagnostic pathway by functioning as a triage test before biopsy and by enabling targeted sampling. Aim. This narrative review evaluates the role of mpMRI, prostate fusion biopsy, and clinically insignificant prostate cancer in modern prostate cancer diagnostics and management. Material and methods. A narrative review was prepared using peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and Google Scholar published between 2021 and 2026. Included sources comprised randomized and prospective studies, diagnostic cohorts, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, expert reviews, active surveillance studies, artificial intelligence studies, and health-economic analyses. Results. Evidence consistently demonstrates that mpMRI improves the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer while reducing unnecessary biopsies and the overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant disease. MRI-targeted biopsy outperforms systematic biopsy for identifying clinically significant tumors, whereas the combined targeted and systematic approach provides the highest overall diagnostic accuracy. Nevertheless, clinically significant MRI-invisible cancers may still occur, highlighting the importance of integrating imaging findings with clinical risk factors. Emerging applications of artificial intelligence and optimized risk stratification may further enhance diagnostic performance. Conclusions. mpMRI-centered diagnostic pathways reduce unnecessary biopsies and the overdiagnosis of indolent tumors while supporting individualized biopsy and surveillance decisions. Their effectiveness depends on imaging quality, clinical expertise, biopsy technique, patient risk profile, and cost considerations.
