One of the key problems of modern infectious disease medicine is the growing number of drug-resistant and multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. For this reason, many studies are devoted to the search for highly active antimicrobial substances that could be used in therapy against bacterial infections. As it turns out, snake venoms are a rich source of proteins that exert a strong antibacterial effect, and therefore they have become an interesting research material. We analyzed Naja ashei venom for such antibacterial properties, and we found that a specific composition of proteins can act to eliminate individual bacterial cells, as well as the entire biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis. In general, we used ion exchange chromatography (IEX) to obtain 10 protein fractions with different levels of complexity, which were then tested against certified and clinical strains of S. epidermidis. One of the fractions (F2) showed exceptional antimicrobial effects both alone and in combination with antibiotics. The protein composition of the obtained fractions was determined using mass spectrometry techniques, indicating a high proportion of phospholipases A₂, three-finger toxins, and L-amino acids oxidases in F2 fraction, which are most likely responsible for the unique properties of this fraction. Moreover, we were able to identify a new group of low abundant proteins containing the Ig-like domain that have not been previously described in snake venoms.

Introduction: Occupational asthma (OA) is the most common occupational lung disease in industrialized countries; however, in Western Europe, a decline in the prevalence of OA and changes in etiological factors has been recorded. Data from Central Europe, where in the past healthcare and economy...

A major symptom of hand-arm vibration syndrome is a secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon—vibration white finger (VWF)—which results from a vasospasm of the digital arteries caused by work with vibration devices leading to occupational disease. Pharmacotherapy of VWF is often ineffective or has adverse effects. The aim of this work was to verify the influence of inhalation of partially ionized oxygen (O₂•⁻) on peripheral blood vessels in the hands of patients with VWF. Ninety one (91)patients with VWF underwent four-finger adsorption plethysmography, and the pulse wave amplitude was recorded expressed in numeric parameters—called the native record. Next, a cold water test was conducted following with second plethysmography. The patients were divided in to the three groups. First and second inhaled 20-min of ionized oxygen O₂•⁻ or oxygen O₂ respectively. Thirth group was control without treatment. All three groups a follow-up third plethysmography—the post-therapy record. Changes in the pulse wave amplitudes were evaluated. Inpatients group inhaling O₂•⁻ a modest increase of pulse wave amplitude was observed compared to the native record; patients inhaling medical oxygen O₂ and the control showed a undesirable decline of pulse wave amplitude in VWF fingers. Strong vasodilatation were more frequent in the group inhaling O₂•⁻ compare to O₂ (p < 0.05). Peripheral vasodilatation achieved by inhalation of O₂•⁻ could be used for VWF treatment without undesirable side effect in hospital as well as at home environment.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) may have toxic effects at concentrations much lower than the concentration at which its stifling effect of asphyxiant is reflected. In the workplace, the maximum permissible exposure limit of 5000 ppm is permitted on the average. However, there are certain places where the concentration of CO₂ in an enclosed room or area may potentially reach extreme and life-threatening levels. Extreme levels of CO₂ may lead to death, especially in enclosed spaces, such as in fermentation rooms or in the process of wine production or in breweries. CO₂ may have negative effects on health and safety at the workplace. Monitoring and control of CO₂ in the working environment is important for the safety and health of employees and is one of the approaches to a healthier environment in the workplace. The use of CO₂ sensors to control the ventilation can be an effective measure.