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PloS One 2016There are few studies on rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) among students in tropical countries. We studied associations between levels of five fungal DNA...
Rhinitis, Ocular, Throat and Dermal Symptoms, Headache and Tiredness among Students in Schools from Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with Fungal DNA and Mycotoxins in Classroom Dust.
There are few studies on rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) among students in tropical countries. We studied associations between levels of five fungal DNA sequences, two mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin and verrucarol) and cat allergen (Fel d 1) levels in schools and rhinitis and other weekly SBS symptoms in the students. Fungal DNA was measured by quantitative PCR and cat allergen by ELISA. Pupils (N = 462) from eight randomly selected schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia participated (96%). Dust samples were collected by cotton swabs and Petri dishes exposed for one week. None of the schools had a mechanical ventilation system, but all classrooms had openable windows that were kept open during lectures and indoor CO2 levels were low (mean 492 ppm; range 380-690 ppm). Weekly nasal symptoms (rhinitis) (18.8%), ocular (11.6%), throat (11.1%), dermal symptoms, headache (20.6%) and tiredness (22.1%) were common. Total fungal DNA in swab samples was associated with rhinitis (p = 0.02), ocular symptoms (p = 0.009) and tiredness (p = 0.001). There were positive associations between Aspergillus versicolor DNA in Petri dish samples, ocular symptoms (p = 0.02) and tiredness (p = 0.001). The level of the mycotoxin verrucarol (produced by Stachybotrys chartarum) in swab samples was positively associated with tiredness (p = 0.04). Streptomyces DNA in swab samples (p = 0.03) and Petri dish samples (p = 0.03) were negatively associated with tiredness. In conclusion, total fungal contamination, measured as total fungal DNA) in the classrooms, Aspergillus versicolor and verrucarol can be risk factors for rhinitis and SBS symptoms among students in the tropical country Malaysia.
Topics: Adolescent; Allergens; Animals; Cats; DNA, Fungal; Dust; Eye; Fatigue; Female; Headache; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Models, Theoretical; Mycotoxins; Pharynx; Prevalence; Rhinitis; Schools; Skin; Students
PubMed: 26829324
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147996 -
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 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Oct 2015
PubMed: 26293339
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6932-3 -
The Journal of Antibiotics Mar 1977Soil supports the growth of a jute pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides but only to a limited extent that of its antagonist Aspergillus versicolor. The growth of the...
Soil supports the growth of a jute pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides but only to a limited extent that of its antagonist Aspergillus versicolor. The growth of the sensitive pathogen is considerably checked by the antagonist in mixed soil culture although versicolin production could not be demonstrated within the limits of assay. Both the sensitive and the antagonistic organisms grow well in soil-compost medium and versicolin production by the latter is also enhanced. The antagonistic effect of Aspergillus versicolor on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is expectedly more marked in soil-compost medium than in soil medium.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Aspergillus; Biological Assay; Culture Media; Fungicides, Industrial; Mitosporic Fungi; Soil Microbiology; Toluene; Trichophyton
PubMed: 863784
DOI: 10.7164/antibiotics.30.234 -
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 -
Plant Disease Apr 2022
Topics: Aspergillus; Fruit; India; Solanum lycopersicum
PubMed: 34752128
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-07-21-1461-PDN