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Allergologie Select 2022Indoor mold infestation can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including allergic and non-allergic respiratory complaints. Especially if no evidence of an...
Indoor mold infestation can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including allergic and non-allergic respiratory complaints. Especially if no evidence of an allergic reaction can be found for the complaints, diagnostic tools that might explain mold-associated health problems are missing. As a proof-of-concept, in the present study whole blood assay (WBA) was used to determine cellular response by measuring cytokine release (IL-1β and IL-8) after in vitro stimulation. Blood was available from a total of 48 subjects. By questionnaire, complaints and possible mold exposure were documented. Specific in vitro blood stimulation was tested with endotoxin and extracts of different molds (, , , and ). To characterize the relevance of WBA in describing the mold-induced immune response, we compared the following groups: asthmatics vs. non-asthmatics, mx1-sensitized vs. non-mx1-sensitized, mold-exposed vs. non-mold-exposed. In response to endotoxin stimulation, a significantly higher IL-1β release was found in mx1-sensitized than in non-mx1-sensitized subjects. Furthermore, the blood of asthmatics showed significantly higher IL-8 and IL-1β release after stimulation with and endotoxin, respectively, compared to non-asthmatics. However, no significant difference in the level of cytokine release was observed between the mold-exposed and non-exposed group, neither after endotoxin nor mold stimulation. In conclusion, the WBA used in this study is not a suitable tool for clinical routine diagnostic workup. Our data suggests that WBA reflects cellular differences that are disease-related but not directly attributable to mold exposure. However, in combination with further data, WBA will be a helpful und interesting tool in research, e.g., in description of the complex immune response to molds.
PubMed: 35392213
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02299E -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Biological methods are currently the most commonly used methods for removing hazardous substances from land. This research work focuses on the remediation of...
Biological methods are currently the most commonly used methods for removing hazardous substances from land. This research work focuses on the remediation of oil-contaminated land. The biodegradation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs as a result of inoculation with biopreparations B1 and B2 was investigated. Biopreparation B1 was developed on the basis of autochthonous bacteria, consisting of strains sp. IN118, sp. IN101, IN53, IN119, IN113 and sp. IN109, whereas biopreparation B2 was enriched with fungi, such as , , sp., , . As a result of biodegradation tests conducted under ex situ conditions for soil inoculated with biopreparation B1, the concentrations of TPH and PAH were reduced by 31.85% and 27.41%, respectively. Soil inoculation with biopreparation B2 turned out to be more effective, as a result of which the concentration of TPH was reduced by 41.67% and PAH by 34.73%. Another issue was the phytoremediation of the pre-treated G6-3B2 soil with the use of . The tests were carried out in three systems (system 1-soil G6-3B2 + ; system 2-soil G6-3B2 + biopreparation B2 + ; system 3-soil G6-3B2 + biopreparation B2 with γ-PGA + ) for 6 months. The highest degree of TPH and PAH reduction was obtained in system 3, amounting to 65.35% and 60.80%, respectively. The lowest phytoremediation efficiency was recorded in the non-inoculated system 1, where the concentration of TPH was reduced by 22.80% and PAH by 18.48%. Toxicological tests carried out using Phytotoxkit, Ostracodtoxkit and Microtox Solid Phase tests confirmed the effectiveness of remediation procedures and showed a correlation between the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil and its toxicity. The results obtained during the research indicate the great potential of bioremediation practices with the use of microbial biopreparations and in the treatment of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.
Topics: Zea mays; Biodegradation, Environmental; Hazardous Substances; Actinomycetales; Enterobacteriaceae
PubMed: 37630356
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166104 -
3 Biotech Dec 2016The present study reports that the biosynthesis of AgNPs using an endophytic fungus isolated from the ethnomedicinal plant Centella asiatica. The endophytic fungus was...
The present study reports that the biosynthesis of AgNPs using an endophytic fungus isolated from the ethnomedicinal plant Centella asiatica. The endophytic fungus was identified as Aspergillus versicolor ENT7 based on 18S rRNA gene sequencing (NCBI Accession number KF493864). The AgNPs synthesized were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analyzer, and zeta potential measurements. The UV-Vis absorption spectra showed the peak at 429 nm which confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. TEM analysis revealed that the AgNPs were spherical in shape with 3-40 nm in size; similar results were also obtained by Horiba particle size analyzer with 5-40 nm in size. The synthesized AgNPs were highly stable due to their high negative zeta potential value of -38.2 mV. XRD studies showed (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222) planes of the face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice, indicating the crystalline nature of the AgNPs. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern of the AgNPs showed five circular fringes which were in accordance with XRD data and confirmed the formation of high crystalline nature of AgNPs. FTIR measurements indicated the peaks at 3273, 2925, 1629, 1320, and 1020 cm corresponding to different functional groups possibly involved in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited effective free radical scavenging activity with the IC50 value of 60.64 µg/ml. The synthesized AgNPs were found to be highly toxic against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and also showed a very good antifungal activity.
PubMed: 28330204
DOI: 10.1007/s13205-016-0433-7 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2015Diseases of the maxillary sinus have been associated with dental roots near the maxillary sinus that have undergone endodontic treatment.
INTRODUCTION
Diseases of the maxillary sinus have been associated with dental roots near the maxillary sinus that have undergone endodontic treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence of filamentous fungi in patients with dental roots near the maxillary sinus who had apical periodontitis treated endodontically, and to alert practitioners that this could be a possible avenue of contamination of the sinus in patients who develop maxillary sinus infection.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study in 60 palatal roots of the first maxillary molars near the maxillary sinus, that underwent endodontic treatment for apical periodontitis. After removal of the filling material, dentin shavings were collected and placed in test tubes containing Sabouraud dextrose agar and chloramphenicol. The phenotype was determined by macroscopic and microscopic examination of the colonies. For polymerase chain reaction, the primers ITS-5 and ITS-4 were used. The sequences obtained were compared with those deposited at GenBank using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool program.
RESULTS
Filamentous fungi were isolated from 6 of 60 canals (10%): Aspergillus niger (6.7%), Aspergillus versicolor (1.6%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (1.6%).
CONCLUSION
Root canals near the maxillary sinus with endodontic treatment and apical periodontitis may exhibit positive cultures for filamentous fungi. Interested professionals should be alert, because these microorganisms have pathogenic characteristics that can cause disease of odontogenic origin in the maxillary sinus.
Topics: Aspergillosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Pulp Cavity; Humans; Maxillary Diseases; Maxillary Sinus; Periapical Periodontitis
PubMed: 26254203
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.07.013 -
Toxins Nov 2018The root of is a commonly used herb in Southern China, and also constitutes the main raw material of Canton herbal tea. is readily contaminated by mildew because of...
The root of is a commonly used herb in Southern China, and also constitutes the main raw material of Canton herbal tea. is readily contaminated by mildew because of rich nutrients. producing sterigmatocystin is one of the most common molds that contaminate foodstuffs and medicinal herbs. Previous study on the evaluation of fungal contamination on samples of revealed that was the dominant contaminant. In this study, experiments based on response surface methodology combined with central composite design were carried out to determine the optimal storage conditions of to minimize the contamination of sterigmatocystin. The herb, manually innoculated with was stored under different temperatures (20⁻40 °C) and humidity (80⁻95%) for seven days. The effects of temperature and humidity were evaluated using total saponin, polysaccharide and the sterigmatocystin levels as quality indexes. The results showed that grew quickly and produced large amounts of sterigmatocystin on , at humidity ranging from 85% to 90% and temperatures above 26 °C. Meanwhile, total saponin and polysaccharide amounts were reduced significantly. These findings suggested that samples should be stored in an environment with humidity and temperature below 85% and 26 °C, respectively, to reduce growth and sterigmatocystin production.
Topics: Aspergillus; Drug Contamination; Drug Storage; Humidity; Ilex; Plant Roots; Plants, Medicinal; Polysaccharides; Saponins; Sterigmatocystin; Temperature
PubMed: 30486344
DOI: 10.3390/toxins10120499 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Apr 2016In the indoor environment, people are exposed to several fungal species. Evident dampness is associated with increased respiratory symptoms. To examine the immune...
In the indoor environment, people are exposed to several fungal species. Evident dampness is associated with increased respiratory symptoms. To examine the immune responses associated with fungal exposure, mice are often exposed to a single species grown on an agar medium. The aim of this study was to develop an inhalation exposure system to be able to examine responses in mice exposed to mixed fungal species aerosolized from fungus-infested building materials. Indoor airborne fungi were sampled and cultivated on gypsum boards. Aerosols were characterized and compared with aerosols in homes. Aerosols containing 10(7)CFU of fungi/m(3)air were generated repeatedly from fungus-infested gypsum boards in a mouse exposure chamber. Aerosols contained Aspergillus nidulans,Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus versicolor,Chaetomium globosum,Cladosporium herbarum,Penicillium brevicompactum,Penicillium camemberti,Penicillium chrysogenum,Penicillium commune,Penicillium glabrum,Penicillium olsonii,Penicillium rugulosum,Stachybotrys chartarum, and Wallemia sebi They were all among the most abundant airborne species identified in 28 homes. Nine species from gypsum boards and 11 species in the homes are associated with water damage. Most fungi were present as single spores, but chains and clusters of different species and fragments were also present. The variation in exposure level during the 60 min of aerosol generation was similar to the variation measured in homes. Through aerosolization of fungi from the indoor environment, cultured on gypsum boards, it was possible to generate realistic aerosols in terms of species composition, concentration, and particle sizes. The inhalation-exposure system can be used to study responses to indoor fungi associated with water damage and the importance of fungal species composition.
Topics: Aerosols; Air Microbiology; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Inhalation Exposure; Mice; Mycoses
PubMed: 26921421
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.04063-15 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and the main cause of cancer death, usually related to cigarette smoking. Furthermore, the microbiota of people exposed to...
INTRODUCTION
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and the main cause of cancer death, usually related to cigarette smoking. Furthermore, the microbiota of people exposed to cigarette smoke can be modified, making it difficult to eliminate opportunistic microorganisms. The leaves of are a by-product of fruit production and, to date, there have been no studies addressing the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.
OBJECTIVE
Investigate the antimicrobial, Nitric Oxide (NO)-production inhibition, and antiproliferative activities of the essential oil from leaves and its possible effect on the treatment and prevention of damage caused by tobacco.
METHODS
The essential oil (EO) was obtained by hydrodistillation (3 h). Its chemical composition was investigated by GC-MS. It was proposed to investigate antiproliferative activity against human tumor cell lines, namely, breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), lung (NCI-H460), cervical (HeLa), and hepatocellular (HepG2) carcinomas. A non-tumor primary culture from pig liver (PLP2) was also tested. The EO capacity to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated by a lipopolysaccharide stimulated murine macrophage cell line. Antibacterial and antifungal activities against opportunistic pathogens were investigated against seven strains of bacteria and eight fungi.
RESULTS
The results indicated the presence of 23 compounds in the essential oil, the majority were spathulenol (45.63%) and β-caryophyllene oxide (12.72%). Leaf EO provided 50% inhibition of nitric oxide production at a concentration of 92.04 µg mL. The EO also demonstrated antiproliferative activity against all human tumor cell lines studied, with GI50 values comprised between 270.86 and 337.25 µg mL. The essential oil showed antimicrobial potential against the bacteria monocytogenes (Murray et al.) Pirie (NCTC 7973) and ATCC 13311 (MIC 1870 µg mL) and fungi ATCC 11730, ATCC 12066, ATCC 90288, var. cyclopium (Westling) Samson, Stolk & Hadlok (food isolate) (MIC 1870 µg mL) and Pers. IAM 5061 (1,400 µg mL).
CONCLUSION
The demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities in the leaves of can add value to the production chain of this plant, being a possible option for preventing and combating cancer, including lung cancer.
PubMed: 38910894
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1415659 -
3 Biotech Jan 2019The objective of the present work was to evaluate the water hyacinth (WH) as a substrate for the production of hydrolytic enzymes (cellulases and hemicellulases) of 100...
The objective of the present work was to evaluate the water hyacinth (WH) as a substrate for the production of hydrolytic enzymes (cellulases and hemicellulases) of 100 strains of filamentous fungi under conditions of solid growth. Five fungal strains, identified as and , were selected and studied for their ability to grow on water hyacinth as a substrate and carbon source only, evaluating hydrolytic enzymatic activities (α-l-arabinofuranosidase, cellulase, xylanase and β-d-xylopyranosidase) and extracellular protein per g of water hyacinth dry matter (gdm). The five strains selected were able to produce the four enzymes studied; however, strain PBCA produces the highest xylanase (149.3 ± 14.3 IU/gdm at 108 h), cellulase (16.4 ± 0.6 IU/gdm at 84 h) and β-d-xylopyranosidase (127.7 ± 14.8 IU/gdm at 48 h). In contrast, the fungus with the highest α-l-arabinofuranosidase activity was , with 129.8 ± 13.3 IU/gdm after 108 h. In conclusion, showed the best production of the hydrolytic enzymes studied, using as a matrix and carbon source, water hyacinth. In addition, catalytic activities of arabinofuranosidase and xylopyranosidase were reported for the first time in and .
PubMed: 30622859
DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1529-z -
Indian Journal of Microbiology Mar 2018In the present investigation, a novel fungus was isolated from leather watch strap and identified as TANCK-1 by 18 s rRNA sequencing. The isolated fungus was evaluated...
ABSTRACT
In the present investigation, a novel fungus was isolated from leather watch strap and identified as TANCK-1 by 18 s rRNA sequencing. The isolated fungus was evaluated against three structurally different fungicides such as 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole (TCMTB), potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate (KDDC) and 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNP) to control the fungal growth. Among these, TCMTB was found to effectively inhibit the growth at a minimum concentration of 31.2 µg/mL as compared to 1250 and 625 µg/mL for KDDC and DBNP respectively. Increased membrane permeability in the fungicide treated samples was evident from cellular release and decrease in cellular ergosterol content. Nevertheless, SEM analysis revealed a considerable change in fungicide treated mycelium with the collapse of hyphae structure and shrunken spores, which was observed to be very pronounced in KDDC and DBNP. Results indicated that all three biocides bring about inhibition through membrane damage with almost negligible effect on the cell wall.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Schematic diagram explaining the fungicidal action on TANCK-1.
PubMed: 29434397
DOI: 10.1007/s12088-017-0696-7 -
Plant Disease Apr 2022
Topics: Aspergillus; Fruit; India; Solanum lycopersicum
PubMed: 34752128
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-07-21-1461-PDN