1
|
Bastholm CJ, Andersen B, Frisvad JC, Oestergaard SK, Nielsen JL, Madsen AM, Richter J. A novel contaminant in museums? A cross-sectional study on xerophilic Aspergillus growth in climate-controlled repositories. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173880. [PMID: 38857796 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, extensive fungal growth has developed in Danish museums parallel to climate change, challenging occupational health and heritage preservation. The growth was unexpected as the museums strived to control relative humidity below 60 %, and it should exceed 75 % to risk growth. A Danish case study found xerophilic Aspergillus species able to grow at low relative humidity in a museum repository. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether xerophilic growth from Aspergillus section Restricti has become a novel contaminant nationally distributed in Danish museum repositories striving to control relative humidity according to international environmental recommendations for heritage collections. The study examined The National Museum of Denmark and eight large State Recognized museums distributed throughout Denmark. It was based on 600 swab and tape-lift samples and 60 MAS100-Eco and filter air samples analyzed for fungi with cultivation and morphological identification, Big-Dye-Sanger sequencing, CaM-Nanopore and ITS-Illumina amplicon sequencing. The study showed growth from seven xerophilic Aspergillus species: A. conicus, A. domesticus, A. glabripes, A. halophilicus, A. magnivesiculatus, A. penicilloides, A. vitricola, of which three are new to Denmark, and 13 xerotolerant Aspergillus species. There was no growth from other fungal species. The multiple detection approach provided a broad characterization; however, there was variance in the detected species depending on the analysis approach. Cultivation and Big-Dye Sanger sequencing showed the highest Aspergillus diversity, detecting 17 species; CaM-Nanopore amplicon sequencing detected 12 species; and ITS-illumina amplicon sequencing detected two species but the highest overall diversity. Cultivation, followed by Big-Dye Sanger and CaM-amplicon sequencing, proved the highest compliance. The study concluded that xerophilic Aspergillus growth is nationally distributed and suggests species from Aspergillus section Restricti as a novel contaminant in climate-controlled museum repositories. To safeguard occupational health and heritage preservation research in sustainable solutions, avoiding xerophilic growth in museum collections is most important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Jul Bastholm
- Museum ROMU, Roskilde and The National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fungal Catastrophe of a Specimen Room: Just One Week is Enough to Eradicate Traces of Thousands of Animals. J Microbiol 2023; 61:189-197. [PMID: 36745333 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00017-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Indoor fungi obtain carbon sources from natural sources and even recalcitrant biodegradable materials, such as plastics and synthetic dye. Their vigorous activity may have negative consequences, such as structural damage to building materials or the destruction of precious cultural materials. The animal specimen room of the Seoul National University stocked 36,000 animal resources that had been well-maintained for over 80 years. Due to abandonment without the management of temperature and humidity during the rainy summer season, many stuffed animal specimens had been heavily colonized by fungi. To investigate the fungal species responsible for the destruction of the historical specimens, we isolated fungi from the stuffed animal specimens and identified them at the species level based on morphology and molecular analysis of the β-tubulin (BenA) gene. A total of 365 strains were isolated and identified as 26 species in Aspergillus (10 spp.), Penicillium (14 spp.), and Talaromyces (2 spp.). Penicillium brocae and Aspergillus sydowii were isolated from most sections of the animal specimens and have damaged the feathers and beaks of valuable specimens. Our findings indicate that within a week of mismanagement, it takes only a few fungal species to wipe out the decades of history of animal diversity. The important lesson here is to prevent this catastrophe from occurring again through a continued interest, not to put all previous efforts to waste.
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim DY, Kim KY. Exposure Assessment of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi in the Aircraft. Saf Health Work 2022; 13:487-492. [PMID: 36579006 PMCID: PMC9772471 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The exposure levels of disease-causing bacteria and germs were assessed on aircraft cleaning workers on multiple different aircrafts. Method Five measuring points were selected depending on the aircraft types. Four aircraft cleaning agencies were selected for the test. Aircraft cleaning work was classified as intensive cleaning and general cleaning work. Ventilation in aircraft when sampling during the cleaning operation was categorized into forced ventilation and natural ventilation. The collection of airborne microorganisms was made through inertial impactors which were installed 1.5 meters above the bottom of the aircraft. The airborne bacteria and fungus growth badges were selected by Trytpic Soy Agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Results The average concentrations of bacteria in the air were higher in the order of small, medium, and large airplanes. Rainy days had higher concentrations inside and outside the aircraft as compared to those in sunny days. Regarding ventilation, concentrations in natural ventilation were higher than concentrations in forced ventilation. According to the type of work, the concentrations in the intensive cleaning groups (cleaning one plane a day) were lower than those of the ordinary cleaning groups (cleaning several planes per day). Conclusion The concentration levels of airborne bacteria and fungi in the aircraft surveyed were lower than the indoor environmental standards of Korea (800 cfu/m3 and 500 cfu/m3). The average concentrations of bacteria in the air and fungi in the air were highest in small aircraft owned by Company D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doo-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Youn Kim
- Graduate School of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author. Department of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Møller SA, Rasmussen PU, Frederiksen MW, Madsen AM. Work clothes as a vector for microorganisms: Accumulation, transport, and resuspension of microorganisms as demonstrated for waste collection workers. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107112. [PMID: 35091375 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Work clothes may act as a vector for the transport of microorganisms leading to second-hand exposure; however, this has not been studied in work environments. We investigated whether microorganisms accumulate on workers' clothes in environments with elevated microbial exposures, and whether they are transported with the clothes and subsequently resuspended to the air. To study this, we selected waste collection workers and potential transport of bacteria and fungi to waste truck cabs via clothes, and compared the microbial communities within truck cabs, in waste collection workers' personal exposure, and on clean T-shirts worn by the workers. Microbial communities were also investigated for the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms. Results showed that microorganisms accumulated in large quantities (GM = 3.69 × 105 CFU/m2/h for bacteria, GM = 8.29 × 104 CFU/m2/h for fungi) on workers' clothes. The concentrations and species composition of airborne fungi in the truck cabs correlated significantly with the accumulation and composition of fungi on clothes and correlated to concentrations (a trend) and species composition of their personal exposures. The same patterns were not found for bacteria, indicating that work clothes to a lesser degree act as a vector for bacteria under waste collection workers' working conditions compared to fungi. Several pathogenic or allergenic microorganisms were present, e.g.: Klebsiella oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus fumigatus, A. glaucus, A. nidulans, A. niger, and various Penicillium species. The potential 'take-home' exposure to these microorganisms are of most concern for immunocompromised or atopic individuals or people with open wounds or cuts. In conclusion, the large accumulation of microorganisms on workers' clothes combined with the overlap between fungal species for the different sample types, and the presence of pathogenic and allergenic microorganisms forms the basis for encouragement of good clothing hygiene during and post working hours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Signe Agnete Møller
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Experience of Using Antifungal Rocima GT for Protection of Paper from Biological Damage Caused by Fungi. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study proposes a method for the chamber disinfection of paper with biocide in the form of fine, volatile droplets using antifungal Rocima GT. This method provides a fungicidal effect, and within a short exposure time, a fungistatic one. At a concentration of 5% Rocima GT solution, the minimum treatment time to ensure the complete disinfection of paper was 15 min. The proposed method of disinfection by a chemical mist was less harmful to paper than disinfection using a swab saturated in a biocide solution. It was noted that when using Rocima GT at insufficient concentrations to inhibit fungal growth completely, Rocima GT can induce, as well as suppress, organic acid produced by Aspergillus niger depending on the concentration.
Collapse
|
6
|
Association between the prevalence of allergic reactions to skin prick tests and workplace types among agricultural workers in South Korea. Ann Occup Environ Med 2021; 32:e36. [PMID: 34754457 PMCID: PMC7779843 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Farmers are often exposed to dust, molds, pollen, animal products, insects, and chemicals. Accordingly, they have a high prevalence of respiratory and allergic diseases. Some studies have shown that farmers have a high prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms depending on where farmers work. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether certain types of agricultural workplaces are associated with the prevalence of allergic reactions in skin prick tests (SPTs) in South Korea. Method A total of 149 farmers, grouped according to their workplaces in greenhouses, poultry houses, or outdoors, answered a self-reported questionnaire about the prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms. They were skin-tested using 12 allergens. The questionnaire and the prevalence of positive skin tests were determined for each of the participant groups, and the results were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results There were significant differences in the prevalence of allergic reactions to the SPT, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) and asthma symptoms (wheezing) among the subgroups. The allergic reaction to SPT was the highest in greenhouse workers (30.9%), followed by poultry house workers (15.9%), and outdoor workers (8.1%). The prevalence of COPD was 6.8% in poultry house workers alone and not in other groups. The prevalence of wheezing was the highest at 9.1% in poultry house workers. According to the results of the logistic analysis, the prevalence of allergic reactions to SPT had positive correlations with the types of workplaces. Greenhouse workers had higher risk of SPT sensitization compared to outdoor workers (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 5.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32-32.24). The prevalence of SPT positivity also had an association with the symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, or nasal congestion (adjusted OR: 6.64, 95% CI: 2.06-23.63). Conclusions These data demonstrate that the types of workplaces were associated with the prevalence of allergic sensitization. This could be explained by the difference in the type or level of airborne exposures in each workplace. It is also likely that this was caused by differences between groups of individual factors such as age and BMI that influence SPT sensitization.
Collapse
|
7
|
Prevalence of Positive Fungal Cultures in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Yasuj, Iran. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CARE AND SKILLS 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/jccs.2.3.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
8
|
Madsen AM, Frederiksen MW, Jacobsen MH, Tendal K. Towards a risk evaluation of workers' exposure to handborne and airborne microbial species as exemplified with waste collection workers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109177. [PMID: 32006769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol exposure is associated with health problems. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether it is possible to assess the risks posed by waste collection workers' exposure through identification and characterization of bacterial and fungal species, to which the workers are exposed. Using MALDI-TOF MS, microorganisms in waste collection workers' exposure through air, hand, and contact with the steering wheel were identified. Fungi found in high concentrations from the workers' exposure were characterized for the total inflammatory potential (TIP), cytotoxicity, and biofilm-forming capacity. In total, 180 different bacterial and 37 different fungal species in the workers' exposure samples were identified. Some of them belong to Risk Group 2, e.g. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, some have been associated with occupational health problems e.g. Penicillium citrinum and P. glabrum and some are described as emerging pathogens e.g. Aureobasidium pullulans. The TIP of fungal species was dose-dependent. High TIP values were found for Penicillium italicum, P. brevicompactum, P. citrinum, and P. glabrum. Several species were cytotoxic, e.g. A. niger and P. expansum, while some, e.g. P. chrysogenum, did not affect the cell viability. Based on waste workers' average inhalation rate, they inhaled up to 2.3 × 104 cfu of A. niger, 7.4 × 104 cfu of P. expansum, and 4.0 × 106 cfu of P. italicum per work day. Some species e.g. A. niger and P. citrinum were able to form biofilm. In conclusion, the workers were exposed to several species of microorganisms of which some to varying degrees can be evaluated concerning risk. Thus, some microorganisms belong to Risk Group 2, and some are described as causing agents of occupational health problems, emerging pathogens, or intrinsically antibiotic resistant. For some other species very little is known. The TIP, cytotoxicity, and ability to form biofilm of the dominating fungi support and expand previous findings. These parameters depended on the species and the dose, thus highlighting the importance of species identification and exposure level in the risk assessment of exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Hyldeqvist Jacobsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kira Tendal
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pinheiro AC, Sequeira SO, Macedo MF. Fungi in archives, libraries, and museums: a review on paper conservation and human health. Crit Rev Microbiol 2019; 45:686-700. [DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2019.1690420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Pinheiro
- Departamento de Conservação e Restauro da Faculdade Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Oliveira Sequeira
- Departamento de Conservação e Restauro da Faculdade Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
- Vicarte, Faculdade Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Macedo
- Departamento de Conservação e Restauro da Faculdade Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
- Vicarte, Faculdade Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Muhamad NA, Faizal Bakhtiar M, Mustapha N, Adon MY, Airaksinen L, Bakon SK, Mohamad ZA, Aris T. Workplace interventions for treating work-related rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. Hippokratia 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Faizal Bakhtiar
- Institute for Medical Research; National institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
| | - Normi Mustapha
- Faculty Science and Technology; Open University Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | | | - Liisa Airaksinen
- Occupational Medicine; Finnish Institute of Occupational Health; Helsinki Finland
| | - Sophia K Bakon
- Institute for Medical Research; National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
| | - Zuraifah Asrah Mohamad
- Institute for Medical Research; National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
| | - Tahir Aris
- Institute for Medical Research; National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Skóra J, Gutarowska B, Pielech-Przybylska K, Stępień Ł, Pietrzak K, Piotrowska M, Pietrowski P. Assessment of microbiological contamination in the work environments of museums, archives and libraries. AEROBIOLOGIA 2015; 31:389-401. [PMID: 26346115 PMCID: PMC4556743 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-015-9372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Museums, archives and libraries have large working environments. The goal of this study was to determine microbial contamination in these work places and estimate the influence of microclimatic parameters and total dust content on microbial contamination. In addition, research included evaluation of ergosterol concentration and fungal bioaerosol particle size distribution. Numbers of micro-organisms in the air and on the surfaces in museums were higher (2.1 × 102-7.0 × 103 cfu/m3 and 1.4 × 102-1.7 × 104 cfu/100 cm2, respectively) than in archives and libraries (3.2 × 102-7.2 × 102 cfu/m3 and 8.4 × 102-8.8 × 102 cfu/100 cm2, respectively). The numbers of micro-organisms detected in the tested museums, archives and libraries did not exceed occupational exposure limits proposed by Polish Committee for the Highest Permissible Concentrations and Intensities of Noxious Agents at the Workplace. The concentrations of respirable and suspended dust in museum storerooms were 2-4 times higher than the WHO-recommended limits. We found a correlation between microclimatic conditions and numbers of micro-organisms in the air in the tested working environments. In addition, a correlation was also found between ergosterol concentration and the number of fungi in the air. Fungi were the dominant micro-organisms in the working environments tested. Particles within the dominant fractions of culturable fungal aerosols sampled from museum storerooms had aerodynamic diameters between 1.1 and 2.1 µm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Skóra
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska St, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Gutarowska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska St, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska St, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Stępień
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 Strzeszyńska St, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pietrzak
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska St, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Piotrowska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska St, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Pietrowski
- Department of Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute, 48 Wierzbowa St, 90-133 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Skóra J, Otlewska A, Gutarowska B, Leszczyńska J, Majak I, Stępień Ł. Production of the allergenic protein Alt a 1 by Alternaria isolates from working environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:2164-83. [PMID: 25689994 PMCID: PMC4344718 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120202164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of Alternaria isolates from workplaces to produce Alt a 1 allergenic protein, and to analyze whether technical materials (cellulose, compost, leather) present within the working environment stimulate or inhibit Alt a 1 production (ELISA test). Studies included identification of the isolated molds by nucleotide sequences analyzing of the ITS1/ITS2 regions, actin, calmodulin and Alt a 1 genes. It has been shown that Alternaria molds are significant part of microbiocenosis in the archive, museum, library, composting plant and tannery (14%-16% frequency in the air). The presence of the gene encoding the Alt a 1 protein has been detected for the strains: Alternaria alternata, A. lini, A. limoniasperae A. nobilis and A. tenuissima. Environmental strains produced Alt a 1 at higher concentrations (1.103-6.528 ng/mL) than a ATCC strain (0.551-0.975 ng/mL). It has been shown that the homogenization of the mycelium and the use of ultrafiltration allow a considerable increase of Alt a 1 concentration. Variations in the production of Alt a 1 protein, depend on the strain and extraction methods. These studies revealed no impact of the technical material from the workplaces on the production of Alt a 1 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Skóra
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Anna Otlewska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Beata Gutarowska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Joanna Leszczyńska
- Institute of General Food Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Iwona Majak
- Institute of General Food Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Stępień
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 Strzeszyńska Str, 60-479 Poznań, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abe K. Assessment of home environments with a fungal index using hydrophilic and xerophilic fungi as biologic sensors. INDOOR AIR 2012; 22:173-185. [PMID: 21995759 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2011.00752.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Previously, the author proposed a 'fungal index' that quantifies the capacity for fungal growth in a test environment where a device (fungal detector) encapsulating spores of a xerophilic sensor fungus Eurotium herbariorum was placed. It was also found that an extremely xerophilic fungus, Aspergillus penicillioides, was suitable as a sensor fungus at sites with lower relative humidity (RH). In this report, the hydrophilic fungus Alternaria alternata was added to sensor fungi for the determination of the index in extremely humid environments. Measurements of the index and observations of the formation of spores by the sensor fungi were made in stable climates in moisture chambers, under natural conditions in homes, and in bathrooms prepared in an artificial climate chamber. Higher index values and earlier sporulation were obtained at higher RH in stable climates. The hydrophilic Alt. alternata showed the greatest response at 100% and 97.3% RH, the moderately xerophilic Eur. herbariorum, at 94%, 84%, and 75% RH, and the extremely xerophilic Asp. penicillioides, at 71% RH. In homes, the hydrophilic fungus was most active in water-usage areas, and the xerophilic fungi were most active in non-water-usage areas. Sporulation was observed on sensor fungi in fungal detectors placed in rooms where the index exceeded 18 ru/week after one-month exposure. Sites where the index exceeded 18 ru/week were referred to as damp, where fungal contamination seems to be unavoidable. Evaluations of ventilation systems in bathrooms with extremely humid climates showed typical examples of a countermeasure to fungal contamination. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The purpose of this study is to establish a fungal index applicable in home environments with extremely high to relatively low relative humidity climates. The sensor fungus that showed the greatest response in a fungal detector (a device encapsulating spores of sensor fungi) served as not only a quantitative but also a qualitative indicator of the environment tested, indicating the type of fungi that would contaminate the site. A fungal index would be a good tool for detecting dampness that induces fungal contamination, which has adverse effects on human health. Evaluations of indoor climates would provide information useful to building owners, builders, designers, advisers, medical practitioners, and so on. Selection of the most suitable insulation systems in various buildings under different climates or evaluations of the drying process in water-damaged buildings could also be possible using fungal detectors and measurements of fungal indices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Abe
- Institute of Environmental Biology, JDC Corporation, Nakatsu Aikawa-cho, Aikou-gun Kanagawa, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Varnai VM, Macan J, Ljubicić Calusić A, Prester L, Kanceljak Macan B. Upper respiratory impairment in restorers of cultural heritage. Occup Med (Lond) 2010; 61:45-52. [PMID: 21078829 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqq170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of data regarding respiratory health in restorers of cultural heritage or similar occupations, such as visual artists or museum workers, although they are exposed to a complex mixture of various respiratory hazards. AIMS To evaluate atopy and respiratory health parameters, including bronchial and nasal non-specific reactivity, in restorers and conservators of cultural heritage (restorers). METHODS Fifty-six restorers and 62 controls provided general data and data on ever experienced rhinitic or asthma-like symptoms, spirometry, non-specific bronchial and nasal responsiveness to histamine, skin prick testing to common inhalational allergens and serum total IgE levels. RESULTS Spirometry values were in the range of normal values in 55 of 56 restorers and did not differ significantly from those in control subjects. However, restorers had more than two times higher prevalence of nasal hyper-responsiveness (NHR), with 2.3 times higher risk of NHR compared to controls [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-3.6, P < 0.001]. The risk of NHR was slightly reduced by increasing age (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99, P < 0.05). NHR was not associated with gender, smoking status, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), upper or lower respiratory symptoms or atopy status. CONCLUSIONS Compared with controls, the studied group of workers occupationally exposed to respiratory hazards during restoration/conservation activities had no deterioration of lung function but had an increased non-specific nasal responsiveness that was not correlated with upper and lower respiratory symptoms, BHR or atopy. The relationship of this finding to future clinical outcome should be investigated in a longitudinal study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V M Varnai
- Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Castano R, Malo JL. Occupational rhinitis and asthma: where do we stand, where do we go? Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2010; 10:135-42. [PMID: 20425505 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-010-0092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This review provides an overview of current and emerging issues regarding occupational rhinitis (OR) and occupational asthma (OA), focusing on studies discussing concepts and results that are relevant to both diseases. OA and OR are conditions that affect the upper and lower airways, are characterized by reduced airway caliber and hyperresponsiveness and by inflammation, and are caused by agents present in the workplace. To explain disease expression, research is moving from the T-helper type 1/type 2 cells paradigm to consider the contribution of diverse alternative pathways such as neural inflammation, a dysfunctional epithelial barrier, and autoimmune mechanisms, among others. Objective assessment of OR and OA has been improved and tested for research and, currently, clinical application. Further developments in the field of OR are expected to lead to more generalized clinical applications, following the example of what has been achieved for OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Castano
- Department of Otolaryngology/Research Center, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boulevard Gouin Ouest, J-3185, Montréal, Québec, H4J 1C5, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Beach J. In this issue of Occupational Medicine. Occup Med (Lond) 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqp082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|