African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease affecting both free-living wild boars (Sus scrofa) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). In accordance with EU regulations, an ASF outbreak in pig farms necessitates immediate herd culling, leading to severe economic losses and restrictions on pork exports. Therefore, effective epidemiological surveillance of wild boar populations is crucial for monitoring the spread of the disease in the natural environment and preventing transmission to domestic pig farms. This study assessed the effectiveness of an ASF surveillance system consisting of the AtraxASF (unmanned aerial vehicle) and the NeoxASF (fixed-wing aircraft), both equipped with thermal imaging cameras. The study was conducted in Mielec County, Subcarpathian Province, an area with confirmed ASF outbreaks. The proposed surveillance system was used to observe wild boars and identify individuals exhibiting elevated body temperature, which is the earliest detectable symptom of ASF infection. The thermal imaging technology allowed for real-time detection and mapping of potentially infected animals. The system successfully detected wild boars with increased body temperature, demonstrating its potential utility for early detection of ASF in wildlife populations. The application of drone- and aircraft-based monitoring significantly enhanced surveillance efficiency by providing a rapid, non-invasive approach to assessing the health status of wild boar populations in affected areas. The implementation of drone-based surveillance systems and thermal imaging technologies offers a highly effective alternative to traditional epidemiological monitoring methods. The system enhances early detection capabilities, enabling quicker response measures to prevent the spread of ASF to pig farms. Integrating such technologies into existing biosecurity strategies could play a key role in controlling ASF outbreaks and minimizing economic losses in the pig farming sector.
Municipal wastewater catchments are significant sources of symbiotic, opportunistic, and drug-resistant bacteria that can acquire or enhance their resistance. This “re-emergence of threats” presents a serious public health issue, especially during crisis conditions (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to propose a sampling algorithm, identify strategically important sites within the wastewater catchment, expand the range of bacterial indicators, and rapidly confirm potential threats using in vitro diagnostics in both raw and treated sewage. A parallel objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of sequencing methods in pre-epidemic studies. The research was conducted as part of a long-term surveillance program at transportation hubs, healthcare facilities, residential complexes, and wastewater treatment plants in Warsaw, Poland. Total nucleic acid (TNA) was isolated from samples, amplified using qPCR kits, and selected samples underwent next-generation sequencing. In raw sewage, the most frequently detected regions included sequences complementary to the bacterial vanB gene, the Integron Verona-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) gene, and markers for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treated environmental effluents primarily contained DNA fragments complementary to the bacterial vanB sequence, along with genes related to resistance against oxacillin and imipenem, as well as the VIM gene and Legionella sp. 16S rRNA sequencing of the sewage samples revealed the presence of 12 promising bacterial indicators relevant to public health and environmental hygiene. The proposed algorithm aligns with the provisions of EU Directive 2024/3019 and in vitro diagnostic tests demonstrated the potential and utility of rapid screening analyses of wastewater during disruptions or crises, as well as in situations involving equipment shortages and logistical challenges in healthcare. The proposed expanded range of bioindicators could expedite decision-making regarding preventive measures and medical support for various counties, hospitals, and transportation hubs in large urban areas. The sequencing results further emphasized the need to broaden the scope of the bacterial indicators for environmental surveillance.
Hemodialysis membranes often suffer from limited biocompatibility and lack of antibacterial functionality, increasing the risk of infections in patients. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were modified via in situ incorporation of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) to improve both antimicrobial performance and blood compatibility. The developed membranes exhibited high filtration efficiency (BSA rejection > 95
This study provides a detailed analysis of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and immunity levels against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 among soldiers and military personnel in Poland. Owing to their unique service environments, this occupational group is at high risk. During deployments, they often face adverse physical conditions, close living quarters, and exposure to both local and endemic pathogens. It particularly increases their susceptibility to RTIs, which remain a leading cause of illness worldwide. The study cohort included 379 participants aged between 19 and 60 years. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques to detect 34 common respiratory pathogens and analyzed blood serum samples to assess the degree of immunity against the influenza A, B, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. In 78.10
One of the most serious consequences of cardiac arrest is asystole. It can occur in patients suffering from cardio-vascular diseases or during surgery following the use of certain drugs. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between such use and the occurrence of cardiac arrest or asystole based on a review of literature identified in Science Direct, Web of Science and PubMed. Our findings confirm that a relationship exists between the use of certain drugs and the occurrence of asystole. Most drugs which induce asystole are used in cardiovascular disease, particularly beta-blockers, calcium L-channel blockers and potassium channel blockers. Medicine which can lead to asystole are drugs used, among others, for sedation during surgeries and intended for anesthesia; however, the relationship with asystole is not as clear as for the cardio-vascular drugs. Most patients who experience asystole during surgery after administration of the same drugs had other very serious health problems. Our findings are intended to support medical professionals in anticipating the possibility of asystole after drug administration.
