Effect of urbanization on the trace element concentrations in the kidney, liver and spines of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).

Urbanized environments may be suitable for some wild species, like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). However, the (sub)urban areas are source of several pollutants, such as trace elements (TEs). The main objective of our study is to investigate the role of the European hedgehog as a potential bioindicator species for seven TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a big urban agglomeration. We analyzed the kidney, liver and spines of 50 European hedgehogs. Moreover, we carried out geographic information system (GIS) with 31 individuals to examine the effects of human pressure (human density and urbanization) on TE concentrations in tissues. We detected the 7 TEs in all tissues. Trace elements, especially Pb and Zn, in the liver, kidney and spines seem to be influenced by human density and urbanization.

Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of cryptococcosis: an initiative of the ECMM and ISHAM in cooperation with the ASM.

Cryptococcosis is a major worldwide disseminated invasive fungal infection. Cryptococcosis, particularly in its most lethal manifestation of cryptococcal meningitis, accounts for substantial mortality and morbidity. The breadth of the clinical cryptococcosis syndromes, the different patient types at-risk and affected, and the vastly disparate resource settings where clinicians practice pose a complex array of challenges. Expert contributors from diverse regions of the world have collated data, reviewed the evidence, and provided insightful guideline recommendations for health practitioners across the globe. This guideline offers updated practical guidance and implementable recommendations on the clinical approaches, screening, diagnosis, management, and follow-up care of a patient with cryptococcosis and serves as a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence on cryptococcosis. This Review seeks to facilitate optimal clinical decision making on cryptococcosis and addresses the myriad of clinical complications by incorporating data from historical and contemporary clinical trials. This guideline is grounded on a set of core management principles, while acknowledging the practical challenges of antifungal access and resource limitations faced by many clinicians and patients. More than 70 societies internationally have endorsed the content, structure, evidence, recommendation, and pragmatic wisdom of this global cryptococcosis guideline to inform clinicians about the past, present, and future of care for a patient with cryptococcosis.