scholarly journals Post-Flood Impacts on Occurrence and Distribution of Mycotoxin-Producing Aspergilli from the Sections Circumdati, Flavi, and Nigri in Indoor Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 282
Author(s):  
Daniela Jakšić ◽  
Miranda Sertić ◽  
Sándor Kocsubé ◽  
Ivana Kovačević ◽  
Domagoj Kifer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Flood Impacts ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Contaminated Food ◽  
Fumonisin B2 ◽  
And Control ◽  
Relationship Of

Mycotoxin-producing Aspergilli (Circumdati, Flavi, and Nigri), usually associated with contaminated food, may also cause respiratory disorders and are insufficiently studied in water-damaged indoor environments. Airborne (N = 71) and dust borne (N = 76) Aspergilli collected at post-flood and control locations in Croatia resulted in eleven different species based on their calmodulin marker: A. ochraceus, A. ostianus, A. pallidofulvus, A. sclerotiorum, and A. westerdijkiae (Circumdati); A. flavus (Flavi); and A. tubingensis, A. welwitschiae, A. niger, A. piperis, and A. uvarum (Nigri). Most of the airborne (73%) and dust borne (54%) isolates were found at post-flood locations, and the highest concentrations measured in indoor air (5720 colony-forming units (CFU)/m3) and dust (2.5 × 105 CFU/g) were up to twenty times higher than in the control locations. A. flavus dominated among airborne isolates (25%) at the unrepaired locations, while 56% of the dust borne Aspergilli were identified as A. tubingensis and A. welwitschiae. The ability of identified isolates to produce mycotoxins aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2), and ochratoxin A were assessed by LC-MS analysis. All ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing Circumdati belonged to A. westerdijkiae (13.7 ± 15.81 µg/mL); in the section, FlaviA. flavus produced AFB1 (2.51 ± 5.31 µg/mL), while A. welwitschiae and A. niger (section Nigri) produced FB2 (6.76 ± 13.51 µg/mL and 11.24 ± 18.30 µg/mL, respectively). Water damage dominantly supported the occurrence of aflatoxigenic A. flavus in indoor environments. Yet unresolved, the causal relationship of exposure to indoor Aspergilli and adverse health effects may support the significance of this research.

Statistical Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality Changes after Installation of the PSD System in Seoul’s Metro

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Jeong Kim ◽  
Yong Su Kim ◽  
Abtin Ataei ◽  
Jeong Tai Kim ◽  
Jung Jin Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Multivariate System ◽  
Metro Station ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Subway Stations ◽  
Tele Monitoring

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the concentration of air pollutants in the indoor environments, which could be caused by seasonal changes or changes in operating conditions of subway metro stations. In fact, there are many different types of pollution that can cause contamination in subway stations, and changes in operating conditions can also lead to changes in the indoor air quality (IAQ). Therefore, in order to establish a proper management of IAQ, it would be necessary to evaluate the changes in IAQ according to the changes in conditions. To do this, the present study used a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The results of testing the hypothesis proved that two groups, divided by the condition of a platform screen door (PSD) system, could differ statistically. Furthermore, those multidimensional differences were caused by installation of a PSD system. When applied to a real-time tele-monitoring system, MANOVA could clearly identify the daily and weekly variations of IAQ in the subway station, as well as the PSD system’s condition. Accordingly, this method could be useful for developing a multivariate system to statistically evaluate the experimental IAQ results in order to optimise operating conditions in a subway metro station to improve IAQ, and to minimise adverse health effects on passengers by exposure to harmful substances.

ACCESS TO AND CONTROL OVER LAND AS GENDERED: CONTEXTUALIZING WOMEN’S ACCESS AND OWNERSHIP RIGHTS OF LAND IN RURAL GHANA

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Dery
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Rural Poor ◽  
Rural Ghana ◽  
Secure Access ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Access Rights ◽  
Ownership Rights ◽  
And Control ◽  
Relationship Of

Women’s access to and control over productive resources, including land, has increasingly been recognized in global discussions as a key factor in reducing poverty, ensuring food security and promoting gender equality. Indeed, this argument has been widely accepted by both feminists and development theorists since the 1980s. Based on qualitative research with 50 purposively selected men and women, this study explored the complexity of women’s access to and control over land within a specific relationship of contestations, negotiations, and manipulations with men. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. While theoretically, participants showed that women’s [secure] access to and control over land has beneficial consequences to women themselves, households and the community at large, in principle, women's access and control status was premised in the traditional framework which largely deprives women, equal access and/or control over the land. The study indicates that even though land is the most revered resource and indeed, the dominant source of income for the rural poor, especially women, gender-erected discrimination and exclusion lie at the heart of many rural women in gaining access to land. This study argues that women's weak access rights and control over land continue to perpetuate the feminization of gender inequality–while men were reported to possess primary access and control over land as the heads of households, women were argued to have secondary rights due to their ‘stranger statuses’ in their husbands’ families. Overall, the degree of access to land among women was reported to be situated within two broad contexts–marriage and inheritance.

Hygienic Assessment of Factors of Learning Environment and Organization of the Educational Process at Schools in Smolensk

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
EA Tsukareva ◽  
AV Avchinnikov ◽  
LM Sidorenkova ◽  
SO Avchinnikova ◽  
YP Korykina
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Fourth Graders ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Assessment Of Learning ◽  
Learning Conditions ◽  
The City

Relevance: Parameters of learning environment and organization of the educational process can have adverse health effects in schoolchildren. Our objective was to conduct a hygienic assessment of factors of learning environment and organization of the educational process at schools of the city of Smolensk. Materials and methods: We studied indicators of indoor learning environment and the level of organization of the educational process in ten urban comprehensive schools. A hygienic assessment of the microclimate, illuminance, indoor air quality, and organization of the educational process for third and fourth graders (aged 9–11) was given. The assessment of learning conditions and organization of the educational process was carried out according to the method generally accepted in hygienic research (Suharev AG, Kanevskaya LY, 2002). Results: We found that elementary school pupils of Smolensk were exposed to multiple adverse factors such as poor microclimate parameters and insufficient natural illumination in some school rooms, excessive daily study load and irrational distribution of the academic load during the school week. The analysis of the timetable revealed an irrational distribution of the academic load in 37.3% of school days. We established that conditions of education in the surveyed urban schools were moderately dangerous to children’s health (750–806 points). Conclusion: The results enabled us to give a hygienic assessment of the factors of learning environment and organization of the educational process at schools in Smolensk and to outline a set of appropriate preventive measures.

Extremes of Temperature

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Krake
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
Temperature Extremes ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Assessment And Evaluation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
Extremes Of Temperature

This chapter covers extremes of temperature conditions, physiological effects, and prevention. All deaths caused by exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes are preventable when proper measures are taken. Described in this chapter are the effects of extreme heat and extreme cold on the health of members of the public, particularly older people and young people, and workers employed in various workplace settings. The differences between heat stress and heat strain are also discussed, as are various regulations governing exposure to temperature extremes. The nature and magnitude of heat- and cold-related conditions and symptoms are described in detail. Final sections of the chapter address various assessment and evaluation tools as well as prevention and control measures. In addition, an appendix describes the hazards related to hyperbaric and hypobaric environments and adverse health effects.

scholarly journals Preventing and controlling water pipe smoking: a systematic review of management interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javad Babaie ◽  
Ayat Ahmadi ◽  
Gholamreza Abdollahi ◽  
Leila Doshmangir
Keyword(s):  
Data Extraction ◽  
Water Pipe ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
School Based ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
Global Arena ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Water pipe smoking (WPS) is re-gaining widespread use and popularity among various groups of people, especially adolescents. Despite different adverse health effects of WPS, many of the WPS interventions have failed to control this type of tobacco smoking. This study was conducted to identify experienced management interventions in preventing and controlling WPS worldwide. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted. Electronic databases were searched for recordes which were published from beginning 1990 to August 2018. Studies aiming at evaluating, at least, one intervention in preventing and controlling WPS were included in this review, followed by performing the quality assessment and data extraction of eligible studies by two independent investigators. Finally, interventions that were identified from the content analysis process were discussed and classified into relevant categories. Results After deleting duplications, 2228 out of 4343 retrieved records remained and 38 studies were selected as the main corpus of the present study. Then, the identified 27 interventions were grouped into four main categories including preventive (5, 18.51%) and control (8, 29.62%) interventions, as well as the enactment and implementation of legislations and policies for controlling WPS at national (7, 25.92%) and international (7, 25.92%) levels. Conclusion The current enforced legislations for preventing and controlling WPS are not supported by rigorous evidence. Informed school-based interventions, especially among adolescents can lead to promising results in preventing and controlling WPS and decreasing the effects of this important social and health crisis in the global arena.

scholarly journals The impact of a ‘milking the COW’ campaign in a regional hospital in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surinder Kaur M. S. Pada ◽  
Poh Lishi ◽  
Kim Sim Ng ◽  
Sarathamani Rethenam ◽  
Lilibeth Silagan Alenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Skin Flora ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Computerisation of various processes in hospitals and reliance on electronic devices raises the concern of contamination of these devices from the patient environment. We undertook this study to determine if an attached hand hygiene device that unlocks the screen of a computer on wheels (COW) on usage can be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards. Methods An electronic hand sanitizer was integrated onto the COW. A prospective cohort study with a crossover design involving 2 control and 2 intervention wards was used. The study end point was the number of colony forming units found on the keyboards. Bacteria were classified into 4 main groups; pathogenic, skin flora, from the environment or those thought to be commensals in healthy individuals. We then used a mixed effects model for the statistical analysis to determine if there were any differences before and after the intervention. Results Thirty-nine keyboards were swabbed at baseline, day 7 and 14, with 234 keyboards cultured, colony forming units (CFUs) counted and organisms isolated. By mixed model analysis, the difference of mean bacteria count between intervention and control for week 1 was 32.74 (− 32.74, CI − 94.29 to 28.75, p = 0.29), for week 2 by 155.86 (− 155.86, CI − 227.45 to − 83.53, p < 0.0001), and after the 2-week period by 157.04 (− 157.04, CI − 231.53 to − 82.67, p < 0.0001). In the sub-analysis, there were significant differences of pathogenic bacteria counts for the Intervention as compared to the Control in contrast with commensal counts. Conclusion A hand hygiene device attached to a COW may be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards.

Development of a Ring Permeability Test System

2010 ◽  
Vol 136 ◽  
pp. 153-157
Author(s):  
Yu Hong Du ◽  
Xiu Ming Jiang ◽  
Xiu Ren Li
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Dynamic Performance ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Measuring Method ◽  
Test System ◽  
Fluid Theory ◽  
And Control ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Mathematical Model

To solve the problem of detecting the permeability of the textile machinery, a dedicated test system has been developed based on the pressure difference measuring method. The established system has a number of advantages including simple, fast and accurate. The mathematical model of influencing factors for permeability is derived based on fluid theory, and the relationship of these parameters is achieved. Further investigations are directed towards the inherent characteristics of the control system. Based on the established model and measuring features, an information fusion based clustering control system is proposed to implement the measurement. Using this mechanical structure, a PID control system and a cluster control system have been developed. Simulation and experimental tests are carried out to examine the performance of the established system. It is noted that the clustering method has a high dynamic performance and control accuracy. This cluster fusion control method has been successfully utilized in powder metallurgy collar permeability testing.

Influence of light on growth, conidiation and the mutual regulation of fumonisin B2 and ochratoxin A biosynthesis by Aspergillus niger

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Fanelli ◽  
M. Schmidt-Heydt ◽  
M. Haidukowski ◽  
R. Geisen ◽  
A. Logrieco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
Blue Light ◽  
Short Wave ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Dark Incubation ◽  
Mutual Regulation ◽  
Blue Wavelength ◽  
Fumonisin B2 ◽  
Dark Production

Aspergillus niger is a fungus able to produce the carcinogenic mycotoxins ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins. We analysed the influence of light of various wavelengths on growth, conidiation, fumonisin B2 (FB2) and OTA biosynthesis by A. niger ITEM 7097. Light from both sides of the spectrum, from long (627 nm) to short wavelengths (470-455 nm), had a stimulating effect on growth, with the highest stimulation under blue (455 nm, 1,700 Lux) and short-wave blue light (390 nm). Conidiation was reduced by 40% under a short blue wavelength (455 nm, 200 Lux), but strongly promoted under light at an even shorter wavelength (390 nm), with an increase of about 200 fold in comparison to the dark. Production of FB2 and OTA was mutually regulated by light. FB2 production was promoted under light conditions: red and blue light in particular increased FB2 biosynthesis by 40%. Conversely, OTA production was greatly inhibited under red and blue light in comparison to dark incubation, with a mean reduction of about 40 fold, indicating a reverse regulation of both biosynthetic pathways. Incubation under a 390 nm wavelength repressed the production of both toxins to non-detectable levels.

scholarly journals Oral administration ofLactobacillus acidophilusinduces IL-12 production in spleen cell culture of BALB/c mice bearing transplanted breast tumour

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hossein Yazdi ◽  
Mohammad Mehdi Soltan Dallal ◽  
Zuhair Mohammad Hassan ◽  
Marzieh Holakuyee ◽  
Solmaz Agha Amiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Oral Administration ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Breast Tumour ◽  
Delayed Type Hypersensitivity ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
And Control ◽  
Tumour Transplantation

Lactic acid bacteria can affect the maturation of immune cells and their products not only in the gut but also on the systemic immune organs such as lymph nodes and spleen. In the present work, we studied the effects of oral administration ofLactobacillus acidophiluson the immune responses of BALB/c mice bearing transplanted breast tumour. Two groups of female inbred BALB/c mice, each containing nine mice as test and control, were used. TheL. acidophilusATCC4356 strain was inoculated in DeMan–Rogosa–Sharpe broth and cultivated for 24 h at 37°C. Then, it was collected by centrifugation, and was washed and suspended in PBS. Afterwards, 0·5 ml/d of this suspension, which contained 2·7 × 108 colony forming units/ml of bacteria, was orally administered to the mice by gavage, 14 d before tumour transplantation and 30 d after that with 3-d intervals. Similar to the test mice, the control mice received an equal volume of PBS. The results showed that oral administration ofL. acidophilusincreased the production of IL-12 (P < 0·05) and decreased the level of transforming growth factor β (P = 0·05) in the splenocyte culture. Moreover, the growth rate of tumour in the test mice decreased (P < 0·01), and the results of delayed-type hypersensitivity assay after 48 h were risen (P < 0·05) in comparison with the controls. Results suggest that daily consumption ofL. acidophiluscan improve the production of immunomodulatory cytokine IL-12 in the splenocyte culture, which was stimulated by tumour antigen in BALB/c mice bearing transplanted breast tumour. But further studies are needed to find out some other possible mechanisms of this effect.

scholarly journals In vitro activity of zinc oxide-eugenol and glass ionomer cements on Candida albicans

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Carolina Aguiar Cassanho ◽  
Aletéia Massula Fernandes ◽  
Luciane Dias de Oliveira ◽  
Claudio Antonio Talge Carvalho ◽  
Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Glass Ionomer ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Zinc Oxide Eugenol ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
And Control

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of glass ionomer (GIC) and zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) cements against Candida albicans. Standardized GIC and ZOE specimens were maintained in contact with C. albicans suspension (1 <FONT FACE=Symbol>´</FONT> 10(6) cells/ml) at 37°C for 24 h, 48 h or 7 days. A control group without any testing cement was included. After the incubation period, aliquots of 0.1 ml were plated on Sabouraud's agar, and then the number of colonies was counted. The results were expressed as values of logarithms of colony-forming units per milliliter (log CFU/mL) and were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. After 48 h of incubation, the ZOE group presented no growth of C. albicans. GIC and control groups presented similar mean values at all tested periods. According to the results obtained, it could be concluded that, under the experimental conditions, ZOE cement was more effective in vitro against C. albicans than GIC.

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