Contaminants formed after the use of pesticides raise concerns for human health and aquatic ecosystems, i. a., due to their high persistence in surface waters and their further migration to other components of the environment. In our study, we compared the effect of the insecticide Mospilan SP and its active substance acetamiprid on the aquatic crustacean Artemia franciscana. The concentration was 367.44 mg/l for Mospilan SP LC50 after 120 h, and 102.82 mg/l after 144 hours. The concentration was 148.04 mg/l for the active substance acetamiprid LC20 after 144 h and 28.84 mg/l after 168 hours. The commercial insecticide Mospilan SP showed a significant suppressive effect on the measured morphological parameters (body length and body width), with statistically significant differences observed after 10 days of exposure. When comparing the changes after the application of the insecticide and the active substance, it is impossible to confirm the same effect on the morphological parameters within the given time intervals. The objective of the study was to examine morphological changes at sublethal concentrations, as these changes can provide a more sensitive indication of the adverse effects of commercial products and active substances on morphological parameters.

Monitoring the activity of radionuclides in food is part of the monitoring system of foreign substances. A close correlation between gamma spectrometry determined by 137Cs activity concentration in the meat and stomach wall (r = 0.984) was found in monitored Slovak wild boars with a low activity of 137Cs . The transfer factors of the soil and the stomach content and the soil and the meat were approximately 0.07 at the median. The median transfer factor between the stomach content and the stomach wall is similar to that of the stomach wall and the meat (2.412 and 1.805). The mean value of 137Cs activity concentration in the muscles of wild boars from the Czech Republic was 46.7 Bq·kg-1. The mean value of 137Cs activity concentration in the stomach wall was 23.7 Bq·kg-1. The mutual correlation was r = 0.988. There was further correlation of 137Cs activity concentration between the heart and the diaphragm (r = 0.977), the heart and the tongue (r = 0.902), and the heart and the lungs (r = 0.906). Based on the results from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, there is hope that it will be possible to use a sample from the stomach wall to determine the activity concentration of 137Cs in meat, thereby replacing the commonly used and highly valued top side sample. In practice, monitoring soil contamination to predict the meat contamination of wild boars is more important than monitoring elements of the food chain. The potassium-caesium coefficient reached 5.57 in the muscles and 17.25 in the stomach wall.

Phellodendron amurense Rupr. is medicinal plant used for supplemental therapy of various diseases based on their positive biological activities. The aim of this study was evaluated the main metabolite, safety of application and anticancer potential. Berberine was determined by HPLC as main alkaloid. Harmful character was determined by irritation test in ovo. The potential cancerogenic effect was studied in vitro on a cellular level, in ovo by CAM assay and in vivo on whole organism Artemia franciscana. Extract from the bark of Phellodendron amurense showed antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects. The results of our work showed promising anticancer effects based also on the inhibition of angiogenesis with minimum negative effects.

A nuclear accident (e.g., Fukushima), and, in particular, the transport of animals within a radiation-affected area can lead to a whole-body, or partial external irradiation, followed by oxidative stress, which could result in subsequent meat quality changes. In this experiment, live pigs were exposed to half-body irradiation by an external dose of 1.0 Gy. The caudal half of the animal's body was irradiated. After their slaughter, samples from the muscle tissue of musculus semimembranosus and musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis at the upper margin of musculus gluteus medius (irradiated body half) and at the 3rd-4th thoracic vertebra (non-irradiated half) were collected to determine the meat quality parameters. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed only in the meat colour parameter (a*) in the irradiated group of pigs. If there is no internal contamination, and the half-body exposure to the external radiation dose does not exceed 1 Gy, pigs from an irradiation-affected area may be used for human consumption.

An ever-increasing use of wireless devices over the last decades has forced scientists to clarify their impact on living systems. Since prenatal development is highly sensitive to numerous noxious agents, including radiation, we focused on the assessment of potential adverse effects of microwave radiation (MR) on testicular development. Pregnant Wistar albino rats (3 months old, weighing 282±8 g) were exposed to pulsed MR at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, mean power density of 2.8 mW/cm², and a specific absorption rate of 1.82 W/kg for 2 hours/day throughout pregnancy. Male offspring were no longer exposed to MR following birth. Samples of biological material were collected after reaching adulthood (75 days). In utero MR exposure caused degenerative changes in the testicular parenchyma of adult rats. The shape of the seminiferous tubules was irregular, germ cells were degenerated and often desquamated. The diameters of the seminiferous tubules and the height of the germinal epithelium were significantly decreased (both at ∗∗p<0.01), while the interstitial space was significantly increased (∗∗p<0.01) when compared to the controls. In the group of rats prenatally exposed to MR, the somatic and germ cells were rich in vacuoles and their organelles were often altered. Necrotizing cells were more frequent and empty spaces between Sertoli cells and germ cells were observed. The Leydig cells contained more lipid droplets. An increased Fluoro Jade - C and superoxide dismutase 2 positivity was detected in the rats exposed to MR. Our results confirmed adverse effects of MR on testicular development.

The aim of this study was to determine the activity of post-Chernobyl 137 Cs in Slovak bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) from selected locations of Slovakia depending upon: the season, location and the soil-plant transfer factor (TF). The 137 Cs activity was determined in samples of forest soil and bilberry bushes (stems, leaves and fruits) growing on the soil in three locations: Arboretum Mlyňany (1), Hodruša-Hámre (2) and Javorníky (3). Altogether we collected 35 samples; namely 15 samples from Arboretum Mlyňany, 10 samples from Hodruša-Hámre and 10 from Javorníky. The samples of soil were examined also for the activity of 40 K. The samples were collected in the spring, summer and autumn in the years 2019 and 2020 and were analysed by a gamma-ray spectrometry method. The highest levels of 137 Cs activity concentrations were determined in Hodruša-Hámre in September where they reached 161 ± 13 Bq.kg −1 in the soil, 3.95 ± 1.07 Bq.kg −1 in the stems and 14.7 ± 4.26 Bq.kg −1 in the leaves. The lowest levels were determined in the Arboretum Mlyňany in October where the 137 Cs activity in the soil reached 13.1 ± 1 15 Bq.kg −1 , while in the stems, leaves and fruits it was lower than the minimum detectable level. In the latter location, we also determined the highest activity of 40 K, the radioactive isotope physiologically and metabolically similar to 137 Cs. The mass activity of 137 Cs in all samples of bilberries were lower than the minimum detectable activity (MDA). The comparison of the results obtained in this study with the limit for total mass activity of radiocaesium ( 134 Cs + 137 Cs) in the food (600 Bq.kg −1 ) allowed us to conclude that the fruits, stems and leaves of Slovak bil-berries present neither health nor environmental risk.

In the 2017-2018 mushrooming seasons at the (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands near Dolní­ Roží­nka) a total of 505 mushrooms belonging to 9 species were collected, and analyzed by gamma spectrometry for 137Cs activity. The maximum 137Cs activity of 575 Bq.kg-1 was detected in Boletus edulis species, what in native state, is just below the allowed limit. In contrast, in mushroom Imleria badia, which is reported to be associated with the highest cumulative capability from all fungi species, detected activity level was only 316 Bq. kg-1. However, differences in mean contamination values were not significant due to high variability. It was shown, that activity concentration is not dependent on the weight (size) of Imleria badia. Our results also confirmed generally well known lower 137Cs activity in the Russula species representatives belonging to the group of gills or lamella bearing mushrooms.

The interaction of radionuclide 131I and cadmium chloride was investigated by an alternative bioassay using the crustaceans Artemia franciscana. Fifty individuals were placed in each Petri dish. Due to radiation protection, evaluation of the experiment was performed using digital recordings taken by a camera. In the group containing a cadmium solution with an added radionuclide with a volumetric activity of 32 MBq·l-1, the lethality was significantly lower than in the group containing only a cadmium solution of 0.250 mmol·l-1. In the cadmium solution group and higher volumetric activity of radionuclide 131I (370 MBq·l-1), the lethality was significantly higher than in the control group, which demonstrated a synergistic effect. It was found that lethality was lower in the group containing only radionuclide 131I with a volumetric activity of 138 MBq·l-1 than in the control group. This result supports the theory of radiation hormesis.

Background. Nowadays, mobile devices that emit non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) are predominantly used by juveniles and pubescents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of whole body pulsed EMR on the juvenile Wistar albino rat testis at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and mean power density of 2.8 mW/cm(2). Methods. The investigated animals (n=24) were divided into two control and two EMR groups (5 and 6 week old rats; 6 rats per group). Both EMR groups were irradiated continually for 3 weeks (2h/day) from postnatal days 14 and 21, respectively. Results. EMR caused an irregular shape of seminiferous tubules with desquamated immature germ cells in the lumen, a large number of empty spaces along the seminiferous epithelium and dilated and congested blood vessels in the interstitial tissue of the testis. The cytoplasm of Sertoli cells showed strong vacuolization and damaged organelles, with the cytoplasm full of different heterophagic and lipid vacuoles or the cytoplasm of spermatocytes with swollen mitochondria in both irradiated groups. A significant increase in the total tubular area of seminiferous tubules was observed in both EMR groups compared with controls (P<0.001). A significant increase in the TUNEL-positive apoptotic nuclei (P<0.01) was accompanied by a significant rise in both Cu-Zn-SOD (P<0.01) and Mn-SOD (P<0.001) positive cells in the 6 week old experimental rats compared to control animals. Conclusion. Our results confirmed a harmful effect of non-ionizing radiation on the structure and ultrastructure of the juvenile rat testis.

Farm animals in the immediate vicinity of damaged nuclear facilities (Chernobyl, Fukushima), may be affected by an external radiation dose and a radiation dose from internal contamination. In the experiment, pigs weighing 30 kg were exposed to a full body irradiation (60Co) at a dose of 0.5 Gy. Samples from longissimus dorsi muscles at the last rib and semimembranosus muscles were collected. No significant differences of monitored meat colour indicators L*, a*, b*, C*, ΔE*, pH value, (45 min and 24 hpost mortem) lactic acid concentration, water content and fat content (24 hpost mortem) and drip loss indicators (24 and 48 hpost mortembetween the experimental and control group (10 and 10 pigs, respectively) were observed. If there is no internal contamination, and external radiation dose does not exceed 0.5 Gy, pigs from the affected area may be used for slaughter purposes. The results show that oxidative stress resulting from exposure to this dose of ionizing radiation does not affect the meat quality.

The study focused on the effect of microwave radiation at a dose which commonly does not lead to tissue heating, however, in the rat testes it resulted in accumulation of heat. Adult rats were exposed to whole body pulse radiation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and mean power density of 28 W/m 2 , for 3 h a day for the duration of 3 weeks. Immediately after each irradiation, the body temperature and the testicular temperature were measured in the control and experimental animals. Samples for histological and immunohistochemical analysis were taken after the last irradiation and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. An evaluation of spermatozoa motility was performed using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Although the body temperature of the rats was not elevated after the irradiations, the testicular temperature was significantly increased ( P < 0.004). Testes of the experimental animals had considerably dilated and congested blood vessels and the seminiferous epithelium showed degenerative changes. The Leydig cells showed no obvious structural abnormalities. Transmission electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes in developing sex cells, Sertoli cells, and endothelial cells. An intensified immunoreactivity to superoxide dismutase 1 was found in spermatogonia and Leydig cells in the experimental animals. Results of the present study revealed a distinctly adverse effect of microwave radiation on the thermoregulatory capability and histological structure of rat testes as well as an oxidative damage of the tissue. The scientific knowledge confirming or denying the thermal effect of microwave radiation on living tissue is scarce and thus the present study may be regarded as unique and helpful to clarify the issue.

Currently, due to the elapsed time and the nature of the Chernobyl accident, the only artificial radionuclide present in the soil is 137Cs, with a physical half-life conversion of 30.17 years. The 137Cs is quickly integrated into a biological cycle, similar to potassium. Generally, radionuclides are characterized by their mobility in soil. Contamination of materials and food by radionuclides represent a serious problem and has a negative impact on human health. The threat of international terrorism and the inability to forestall the impact of natural disasters on nuclear energetic (Fukushima accident), are also reasons for continuous monitoring of food safety. According screening measurement performed in European countries, high radioactivity levels were reported in the wild boars muscles from Sumava (Czech Republic). Seasonal fluctuation of 137Cs activity in the wild boar meat samples was observed in the forests on the southern Rhineland. Monitoring of 137Cs activity in the wild boar meat samples in the hunting grounds in Slovakia was initiated based on the reports on exceeding limits of the content of radiocaesium in the meat of wild boar from the surrounding countries. The aim of this study was to determine the 137Cs post Chernobyl contamination of wild boars population in different hunting districts of Slovakia during 2013 - 2014. A total of 60 thigh muscle samples from wild boars of different age categories (4 months - 2 years) were evaluated. 137Cs activity was measured by gamma spectrometry (Canberra). Despite the fact Slovakia is closer to Chernobyl as Czech Republic and Germany, the 137Cs activity measured was very low and far below the permitted limit. The highest radiocaesium activity level measured in muscle was 37.2 Bq.kg-1 ±4.7%. Wild boar originated from Zlate Moravce district. The measurement results show, that 137Cs contamination levels of game in Slovakia are low. Radiocaesium activity in examined samples was very low and therefore consumption of wild boar meat does not represent a health risk problem.

This review discusses the consequences of the food chain contamination with radionuclides, especially focusing on the radiocaesium impact after the Chernobyl nuclear accident. In particular, the 137 Cs isotope still represents a risk. Until present it is still detectable in the meat of game animals, especially in wild boar, but also in elk and reindeer. Although the occurrence of highly contaminated foods in most of Europe is currently limited, along the German-Czech border (the Šumava Region) the activity concentration of the 137 Cs isotope in the meat of wild boar exceeds the acceptable limit several times. Additionally, the article describes simple processing technologies (cooking, pickling etc.) that lead to reduction of radionuclides in contaminated food.

The aim of our study was to observe the effect of low doses of ionizing radiation, azoxystrobin and glyphosate separately as well as in their mutual combinations on the lethality of Artemia franciscana. Increasing intensity of agricultural production leads to continual exposure of animals to pesticide residues. Animals could be exposed to these negative factors in case of possible nuclear accident. A total of 1000 nauplia, randomly placed in 20 groups (1 control and 19 experimental groups), were irradiated with gamma rays (0, 20, 30, 40 or 50 Gy) and were kept in solution of standardized sea water and standardized sea water with addition of pesticides (azoxystrobin at a concentration of 0.0001 g·l-1 and glyphosate at a concentration of 0.5 g·l-1 individually or in combination). A significant increase of lethality was observed after 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure to only azoxystrobin, but also in the group exposed to the combined effect of azoxystrobin and glyphosate at all time intervals. On the other hand, a significant decrease of lethality was observed in those groups exposed to ionizing radiation even at the dose of 30 Gy at all time intervals compared to non-irradiated groups. These results confirm the toxicity of azoxystrobin to aquatic organisms; non-toxicity of glyphosate to crustaceans and support the theory of radiation hormesis at the level of 30 Gy radiation dose.

Recent toxicology, in accordance with recommendations from the European Council, has demanded decrease in the number of vertebrates used in toxicology testing and their partial replacement with invertebrate animals, plants or even organ, tissue, or cell cultures.During the last 50 years various invertebrate species have been tested for their sensitivity to many chemical or physical agents to prove their possible use for pre-screening tests.To the most valuable organisms available for ecotoxicity testing belong crustaceans of the Artemia genus, commonly known as brine shrimps. Characterisation of Artemia franciscana

Response of pigs to irradiation manifested by production of protein carbonyls and adaptable enzymes was studied in two experiments. In one experiment, 10 mixed-sex pigs were exposed to 0.5 Gy whole body (60)Co irradiation. In the other experiment, another batch of 10 pigs was exposed to 1.0 Gy half-body irradiation. Unlike those exposed to half-body irradiation, the pigs exposed to whole-body irradiation showed significant increase in protein carbonyls by 73%, and a decrease in cholesterol by 25.7%, compared to the control group. In both cases of dose-dependent irradiation exposure, pigs showed a decrease in alanine aminotransferase activity compared with the control group. At the dose of 1 Gy, ALT activity decreased significantly by 27.7%. Aspartate aminotransferase activity in pigs after half-body irradiation decreased significantly by 65.5%. Although low doses of ionizing radiation were applied, monitoring of the above biochemical parameters helped define the pigs' biological response.