Showing papers by "Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz published in 2020"

Developing Luminescent Ratiometric Thermometers Based on a Covalent Organic Framework (COF)

Abstract: Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), an emerging class of crystalline porous materials, are proposed as a new type of support for grafting lanthanide ions (Ln(3+)) and employing these hybrid materials as ratiometric luminescent thermometers. ATpBpy-COF-prepared from 1,3,5-triformyl-phloroglucinol (Tp) and 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-diamine (Bpy) grafted with Eu/Tb and Dy acetylacetone (acac) complexes can be successfully used as a luminescent thermometer in the 10-360 K (Eu) and 280-440 K (Tb) ranges with good sensing properties (thermal sensitivity up to 1.403% K-1, temperature uncertainty delta T < 1 K above 110 K). For the Eu/Tb systems, we observe an unusual and rarely reported behavior, that is, no thermal quenching of the Tb3+ emission, a result of the absence of ion-to-ligand/host energy back-transfer. The LnCOF materials proposed here could be a new class of materials employed for temperature-sensing applications following up on the well-known luminescent metal-organic framework thermometers.

Microwave-assisted dilute acid pretreatment in bioethanol production from wheat and rye stillages

Abstract: The main problem in the production of cellulosic ethanol is to ensure an efficient and cost-effective raw material pretreatment, guaranteeing a high degree of lignocellulose decomposition. Microwave radiation can be an alternative to conventional biomass heating, which in association with the use of dilute acid and a cellulolytic enzyme ensures a high degree of cellulose degradation. We evaluated the effectiveness of microwave dilute acid pretreatment of wheat and rye stillage in terms of the amount of sugars released, formation of fermentation inhibitors and their removal, and fermentation efficiency. Regardless of the type of stillage used, the highest glucose concentration after pretreatment (above 156 mg g−1 of DW) and the highest yield of cellulose hydrolysis after 24 h of the process (over 75%) were obtained using microwave power of 300 W, 15 min, 54 PSI. Fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates obtained under the above-mentioned conditions ensured high ethanol concentrations of up to 20 g L−1 with full attenuation after just 48 h. Too intensive microwave treatment (152 PSI, 10 min) increased the concentration of sugar dehydration products which inhibited yeast fermentation activity and led to a lower ethanol yield. Detoxification with activated carbon reduced the toxic stress caused by the high concentration of HMF in hydrolysates. The application of microwaves is an interesting alternative to conventional barothermal methods. The possibility of an effective use of waste biomass of wheat/rye stillage for the production of cellulosic ethanol creates a prospect of integrating first and second generation ethanol production within one technological process.

The HEXACO–100 Across 16 Languages: A Large-Scale Test of Measurement Invariance

Abstract: The HEXACO Personality Inventory–Revised (HEXACO–PI–R) has become one of the most heavily applied measurement tools for the assessment of basic personality traits. Correspondingly, the inventory ha...

Microplastics as contaminants in freshwater environments: A multidisciplinary review

Abstract: The assessment of the sources, abundance and composition of microplastics (MPs) present in the environment is a significant challenge, as annually, hundreds of millions of plastics are produced and deposited in the environment, thus posing real threats. Hence, MPs are more frequently perceived as first-order environmental pollutants potentially harmful to the health of many groups of organisms. To explore the current knowledge in this field, we reviewed the scientific literature (published mostly in the last 20 years) focussing on the presence of MPs in water and sediments and their impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Chinese and US scientists play a leading role in this research field. The most commonly used methods of identification and quantification of synthetic polymer particles are Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy due to their high effectiveness. However, advances in measurement analytics have resulted in the constant development of more accurate methods of collecting and detecting MPs in environmental samples, necessitating the unification of these methods to develop standard analysis procedures. Our paper summarises the current knowledge about the sources, transport and circulation of MPs in the environment, based on methods used for identification of the compounds, starting from sample collection, detection and description to their quantification in water, sediments and biota of freshwater ecosystems. This holistic approach necessitates focusing research on the importance of MPs in the EcoHealth approach, examining the impact of changes in the global ecosystems on human health.

Mycotoxin Contamination Concerns of Herbs and Medicinal Plants

Abstract: Plants and medicinal herbs that are available on the market do not always meet quality and safety standards. One particular concern is the risk of contamination with mycotoxins. Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A are the most frequently described mycotoxins in herbal products and have repeatedly been reported to occur at concentrations which exceed regulatory levels set by the European Union (EU). Possible solutions include enforcing existing limits, and for the new materials, establishing tighter limits and mandate the growth of medicinal plants in EU member countries under more strict conditions.

AI-Optimized Technological Aspects of the Material Used in 3D Printing Processes for Selected Medical Applications.

Abstract: While the intensity, complexity, and specificity of robotic exercise may be supported by patient-tailored three-dimensional (3D)-printed solutions, their performance can still be compromised by non-optimal combinations of technological parameters and material features. The main focus of this paper was the computational optimization of the 3D-printing process in terms of features and material selection in order to achieve the maximum tensile force of a hand exoskeleton component, based on artificial neural network (ANN) optimization supported by genetic algorithms (GA). The creation and 3D-printing of the selected component was achieved using Cura 0.1.5 software and 3D-printed using fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology. To optimize the material and process parameters we compared ten selected parameters of the two distinct printing materials (polylactic acid (PLA), PLA+) using ANN supported by GA built and trained in the MATLAB environment. To determine the maximum tensile force of the exoskeleton, samples were tested using an INSTRON 5966 universal testing machine. While the balance between the technical requirements and user safety constraints requires further analysis, the PLA-based 3D-printing parameters have been optimized. Additive manufacturing may support the successful printing of usable/functional exoskeleton components. The network indicated which material should be selected: Namely PLA+. AI-based optimization may play a key role in increasing the performance and safety of the final product and supporting constraint satisfaction in patient-tailored solutions.

Dam and reservoir removal projects: a mix of social-ecological trends and cost-cutting attitudes.

Abstract: The removal of dams and reservoirs may seem to be an unforeseen and sometimes controversial step in water management. The removal of barriers may be different for each country or region, as each differs greatly in terms of politics, economy and social and cultural awareness. This paper addresses the complex problem of removing dams on rivers and their connected reservoirs. We demonstrate the scales of the changes, including their major ecological, economic, and social impacts. Arguments and approaches to this problem vary across states and regions, depending on the political system, economy and culture, as confirmed by the qualitative and quantitative intensities of the dam removal process and its global geographical variation. The results indicate that the removal of dams on rivers and their connected reservoirs applies predominantly to smaller structures (< 2.5 m). The existing examples provide an important conclusion that dams and reservoirs should be considered with regard to the interrelations between people and the environment. Decisions to deconstruct hydraulic engineering structures (or, likewise, to construct them) have to be applied with scrutiny. Furthermore, all decision-making processes have to be consistent and unified and thus developed to improve the lack of strategies currently implemented across world.

Evaluation of different parameterizations of temperature dependences of the line-shape parameters based on ab initio calculations: Case study for the HITRAN database

Abstract: Temperature dependences of molecular line-shape parameters are important for the spectroscopic studies of the atmospheres of the Earth and other planets. A number of analytical functions have been proposed as candidates that may approximate the actual temperature dependences of the line-shape parameters. In this article, we use our ab initio collisional line-shape calculations for several molecular systems to compare the four temperature ranges (4TR) representation, adopted in the HITRAN database [J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transfer 2017;203:3] in 2016, with the double-power-law (DPL) representation. Besides the collisional broadening and shift parameters, we consider also the most important line-shape parameters beyond Voigt, i.e., the speed dependence of broadening and shift parameters, and real and imaginary parts of the complex Dicke parameter. We demonstrate that DPL gives better overall approximation of the temperature dependencies than 4TR. It should be emphasized that DPL requires fewer parameters and its structure is much simpler and more self-consistent than the structure of 4TR. We recommend the usage of DPL representation in HITRAN, and present DPL parametrization for Voigt and beyond-Voigt line profiles that will be adopted in the HITRAN database. We also discuss the problem of the Hartmann-Tran profile parametrization in which the correlation parameter, η, and frequency of the velocity-changing collisions parameter, νvc, diverges to infinity when collisional shift crosses zero; we recommend a simple solution for this problem.

Lactobacillus Bacteria in Breast Milk.

Abstract: Breast milk is an optimal food for infants and toddlers. The composition of breast milk adapts to the needs of the developing organism, satisfying nutritional needs at an early stage of growth and development. The results of research to date have shown that breast milk is the best food for a child, containing not only nutrients but also biologically active substances that aid in the optimal, proper growth and development of infants. Among the many components of breast milk, an important element is the probiotic microflora, including bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus spp. These organisms exert a multidirectional, health-promoting effect on the body of children who consume breast milk. The number of lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus, colonizing the breast milk environment and their species diversity varies and depends on many factors, both maternal and environmental. Breast milk, as a recommended food for infants, is an important source of probiotic microflora. The aim of this study was to present the current understanding of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus present in breast milk.

Effects of Heavy Metals in Lake Water and Sediments on Bottom Invertebrates Inhabiting the Brackish Coastal Lake Łebsko on the Southern Baltic Coast.

Abstract: Lake Łebsko is the largest and most productive coastal lake of the southern Baltic Sea to which it is permanently connected. The shoreline is well-developed, and the lake is divided into three parts: eastern, central, and western. Seawater intrusion affects most strongly the eastern part, where the Łeba River connects it with the sea. Samples of water and sediments were collected in 2014–2015. In the same places and time interval, bottom fauna was collected to determine the influence of environmental predictors on its qualitative-quantitative structure. Metals Cr (chromium), Pb (lead), Ni (nickel), Cu (copper), and Al (aluminium) in the samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Most of the analyzed physicochemical variables of water were significantly higher in the eastern part: conductivity, salinity, sulfates (p < 0.0001) and chlorides (p = 0.01). Metal concentrations in water did not differ significantly between the lake parts, but in sediments they were generally higher in the western part. During the study, we detected significant changes in descriptors and abundance of the major groups of benthic fauna (Oligochaeta and Diptera), mostly between the eastern and western parts. BIO-ENV analysis showed that the benthic community of Lake Łebsko is shaped primarily by physicochemical variables of water (42% of the variance), linked with intrusion of seawater. Secondarily, the structure of the benthic community is affected by the amounts of heavy metals in sediments (31%) and water (12%). The findings can help us improve the principles of management of coastal lakes, including modification of hydrological conditions.

A comprehensive study of structural and optical properties of ZnO bulk crystals and polycrystalline films grown by sol-gel method

Abstract: The presented article concerns the comparison between two different zinc-oxide structures - bulk crystals and polycrystalline thin films Bulk crystals were grown by a Bridgman method For thin-film production, a sol-gel spin-coated method was chosen A part of thin layers samples was annealed in 600 $$^{o}$$ C to induce recrystallization The morphological and structural properties of all samples were investigated using various microscopy techniques, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy Confocal and scanning electron microscopy, as well as XRD, was used to estimate the influence of the recrystallization process on the morphology of the samples The Raman vibrations in different scattering geometries were determined using polarized Raman spectra What is more, in the case of the non-annealed sol-gel layer, the localized reorientation of crystallites was observed, using Raman microscopy The morphology of the samples was compared to their optical properties, which were investigated by exploiting UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy Absorption spectroscopy allowed us to estimate the energy bandgap for different types of ZnO layers and to compare the values obtained for the ZnO crystal structure obtained by the Bridgman method The photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the possible defects correlated with the growth conditions

Hyperfine components of all rovibrational quadrupole transitions in the H2 and D2 molecules

Abstract: We report results of a theoretical investigation of hyperfine interactions in two homonuclear isotopologues of the hydrogen molecule: H2 and D2. We present a set of hyperfine coupling constants: spin-rotation, spin-spin dipole and, in the case of the D2 molecule, electric quadrupole coupling constants for all bound states of the two isotopologues in their ground electronic X 1 Σ g + state. We provide a list of positions and intensities of 220 997 hyperfine components of 16 079 rovibrational quadrupole transitions of the O, Q and S branches. The positions and intensities of the hyperfine components are necessary for a reliable interpretation of accurate measurements of rovibrational transition frequencies in H2 and D2, which are used for tests of the quantum electrodynamics of molecules and searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Mycotoxins feed contamination in a dairy farm - potential implications for milk contamination and workers' exposure in a One Health approach.

Abstract: This study was supported by the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education, under the program ‘Regional Initiative of Excellence’ in 2019–2022 (Grant No. 008/RID/2018/19). Ricardo Assuncao also thanks FCT/ MCTES for the financial support to CESAM (UID/AMB/50017/2019), through national funds.

Thin filament dysfunctions caused by mutations in tropomyosin Tpm3.12 and Tpm1.1.

Abstract: Tropomyosin is the major regulator of the thin filament. In striated muscle its function is to bind troponin complex and control the access of myosin heads to actin in a Ca2+-dependent manner. It also participates in the maintenance of thin filament length by regulation of tropomodulin and leiomodin, the pointed end-binding proteins. Because the size of the overlap between actin and myosin filaments affects the number of myosin heads which interact with actin, the filament length is one of the determinants of force development. Numerous point mutations in genes encoding tropomyosin lead to single amino acid substitutions along the entire length of the coiled coil that are associated with various types of cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle disease. Specific regions of tropomyosin interact with different binding partners; therefore, the mutations affect diverse tropomyosin functions. In this review, results of studies on mutations in the genes TPM1 and TPM3, encoding Tpm1.1 and Tpm3.12, are described. The paper is particularly focused on mutation-dependent alterations in the mechanisms of actin-myosin interactions and dynamics of the thin filament at the pointed end.

Acute Effects of a Static Vs. a Dynamic Stretching Warm-up on Repeated-Sprint Performance in Female Handball Players.

Abstract: This randomized cross-over study examined the effects of typical static and dynamic stretching warm-up protocols on repeated-sprint performance. Thirteen young female handball players performed a 5 min aerobic warm-up followed by one of three stretching protocols for the lower limbs: (1) static stretching, (2) dynamic-ballistic stretching, and (3) no stretching before performing five all-out sprints on a cycle ergometer. Each protocol was performed on a different occasion, separated by 2-3 days. Range of movement (ROM) was also measured before and after the warm-up protocols with a sit-and-reach test. Fixed and random effects of each stretching protocol on repeated sprint performance were estimated with mixed linear modeling and data were evaluated via standardization and magnitude-based inferences. In comparison to no stretching, there were small increases in ROM after dynamic stretching (12.7%, ±0.7%; mean, ±90% confidence limits) and static stretching (19.2%, ±0.9%). There were small increases in the average power across all sprints with dynamic stretching relative to static stretching (3.3%, ±2.4%) and no stretching (3.0%, ±2.4%) and trivial to small increases in the average power in the 1st and 5th trials with dynamic stretching compared to static stretching (3.9%, ±2.6%; 2.6%, ±2.6%, respectively) and no stretching (2.0%, ±2.7%; 4.1%, ±2.8%, respectively). There were also trivial and small decreases in power across all sprints with static relative to dynamic stretching (-1.3%, ±2.8%) and no stretching (-3.5%, ±2.9%). Dynamic stretching improved repeated-sprint performance to a greater extent than static stretching and no stretching.

Cognitive flexibility and flexibility in coping in nurses - the moderating role of age, seniority and the sense of stress.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES The nursing profession entails many stressful situations and challenges, such as heavy workload, shift work, emotional demands and professional conflicts. In the light of the results of the research conducted so far, flexible coping has occurred to be highly adaptive, as its association with adaptive struggle with the disease, fewer depressive symptoms and both greater mental well-being and better health have been proven. In connection with the above, the aim of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between cognitive flexibility and flexibility in coping in nurses, taking into account the moderating role of age of the respondents, seniority and the sense of stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study sample consisted of 280 persons working as nurses (age range: 21-66). The number of women and men reflected their percentage distribution in this profession, as it is highly feminized. The following methods were used in the study: the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) by Dennis and Vander Wal, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) by Cohen et al., the Flexibility in Coping with Stress Questionnaire (FCSQ-14) by Basinska et al., and a self-developed survey. RESULTS As the obtained research results show, cognitive flexibility in both the Control and Alternatives subscales was a predictor of flexible coping and their subscales. The analysis revealed that the model of the relationship between cognitive flexibility and flexibility in coping was moderated by age, seniority and the sense of stress. CONCLUSIONS Coping skills and flexibility are positively correlated with the psychological adjustment of nurses. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(4):507-21.

Invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) threatens an exceptionally large population of the depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata) in a postglacial lake.

Abstract: Freshwater mussels are in decline worldwide, with the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata being one of the rarest and most endangered species in Europe. Invasive mussels are suspected to be an important factor of decline, but there is little information on their interaction with native species.This study analyzed densities, depth distribution, and individual sizes and weights in one of the largest known populations of P. complanata in Europe in relation to the co-occurring invasive zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and other mussel species, using a systematic transect analysis. Pseudanodonta complanata was the dominant unionid species in Lake Siecino reaching densities of up to 26 ind/m2, with half of the specimens found at a water depth of 2.0-4.0 m. Densities were highest on sandy substrates in areas of underwater currents. In contrast, 67% of native Unio tumidus were found at depths < 1 m, indicating different habitat preference.In the study area, 91% of P. complanata, 92% of U. tumidus, and all Anodonta individuals were fouled by D. polymorpha. The dreissenid:unionid mass ratio (mean ± SD; maximum) was 0.43 ± 0.56; 4.22 and 0.86 ± 1.87; 8.76 in P. complanata and U. tumidus, respectively. Pseudanodonta complanata fouled with D. polymorpha were impaired in their anchoring capability and had shell deformations potentially affecting shell closing and filtration activity. Fouling intensity was negatively correlated with unionid density, potentially leading to accelerated population declines.The observed adverse effects of invasive zebra mussels on the depressed river mussel and the difficulties in eradicating established populations of invasive mussels suggest that D. polymorpha should be considered a serious threat to P. complanata. Therefore, the further spread of zebra mussels into habitats with native unionids needs to be avoided by all means.

Occupational Exposures to Organic Dust in Irish Bakeries and a Pizzeria Restaurant.

Abstract: For decades, occupational exposure to flour dust has been linked to a range of respiratory diseases, including occupational asthma, thought to result from exposure to fungi present in the flour. Antifungal resistance is of increasing prevalence in clinical settings, and the role of occupational and environmental exposures, particularly for specific fungal species, is of concern. Occupational exposure to flour dust can occur in a range of occupational settings, however, few studies have focused on restaurant workers. The objective of this study was to measure occupational exposure to flour and microbial contamination, including azole resistance screening, in two small commercial bakeries and in a pizzeria. Personal full shift inhalable dust measurements were collected from workers, and were analyzed for inhalable dust and fungi, bacteria, azole resistance, and mycotoxins. Samples of settled dust were collected, and electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) were deployed and analyzed for microbial contamination, including azole resistance screening, and mycotoxins. Geometric mean exposures of 6.5 mg m-³ were calculated for inhalable dust, however, exposures of up to 18.30 mg m-³ were measured-70% of personal exposure measurements exceeded the occupational exposure limit for flour dust of 1.0 mg m-³. The air and EDC fungal counts were similar to those reported in previous studies for similar occupational environments. The fungi were dominated by Penicillium genera, however Aspergillus genera, including Fumigati and Flavi sections, were observed using culture-based methods, and the Fumigati section was also observed by molecular tools. Both Aspergillus sections were identified on the azole resistance screening. Mycotoxins were also detected in the settled dust samples, dominated by deoxynivalenol (DON). The role of environmental exposure in both the development of antimicrobial resistance and the total mycotoxin body burden is a growing concern; therefore, the presence of azole-resistant fungi and mycotoxin contamination, although low in magnitude, is of concern and warrants further investigation.

Guidelines for Stego/Malware Detection Tools: Achieving GDPR Compliance

Abstract: Never before has cybersecurity been as significant for societies as today; its importance is still on the rise as people rely on computer systems every day. Recently, the ever-growing issues of personal data being stolen or misused have been addressed by several legal regulations, the most significant of them being the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The paper deals with a specific cybersecurity measure, malware/stegomalware detection. This solution, which is meant to protect personal data from being used in a way that breaks the GDPR, has to be GDPR-compliant itself. This work describes the GDPR regulation in detail, indicates the specific challenges that may arise when applying malware/stegomalware solutions, and provides several recommendations for ensuring compliance with the regulation.

Diverse Sphagnum Mosses Support Rich Moss Mite Communities (Acari, Oribatida) in Mires of Western Norway

Abstract: A study of oribatid mites was carried out in six mires located in western, oceanic parts of Norway. Twenty Sphagnum species of five subgenera were collected from microhabitats representing trophic state and wetness gradients. In total, over 60,000 mites were extracted, including 58,000 Oribatida, representing 95 species (i.e. 30% of total species diversity of Oribatida in Norway). This is the highest number ever reported from mires, including 18 species new to Norway. The average density of the Oribatida was 54,126 ind./m2, but it differed among Sphagnum subgenera, being four times lower in the subgenus Rigida than in the other subgenera. Juveniles contributed nearly 40% of oribatids, in some species highly dominating in the age structure (up to 80% in Nothrus spp.), and two oribatid species were represented only by juveniles, so their inclusion is important in ecological studies. In some species the proportion of juveniles varied between the studied microhabitats. Localities, Sphagnum subgenera, and wetness gradient affected significantly the oribatid communities, so these factors should be taken into consideration in studies of the Oribatida in mires.

Ultra-Marathon-Induced Increase in Serum Levels of Vitamin D Metabolites: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: Purpose: While an increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of vitamin D for athletic performance, the effects of any type of exercise on vitamin D metabolism are poorly characterized. We aimed to identify the responses of some vitamin D metabolites to ultra-marathon runs. Methods: A repeated-measures design was implemented, in which 27 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: those who received a single dose of vitamin D3 (150,000 IU) 24 h before the start of the marathon (n = 13) and those (n = 14) who received a placebo. Blood samples were collected 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Results: In both groups of runners, serum 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased by 83%, 63%, and 182% after the ultra-marathon, respectively. The increase was most pronounced in the vitamin D group. Body mass and fat mass significantly decreased after the run in both groups. Conclusions: Ultra-marathon induces the mobilization of vitamin D into the blood. Furthermore, the 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 increases imply that the exercise stimulates vitamin D metabolism.

Positions and intensities of hyperfine components of all rovibrational dipole lines in the HD molecule

Abstract: We report results of a theoretical analysis of hyperfine interactions in the HD molecule. We present the calculated coupling constants: spin-rotation, spin-spin and electric quadrupole coupling constants for all bound states of HD in its ground electronic 1Σ state. We provide a list of positions and intensities of 108 320 hyperfine components of 5 129 dipole transitions from the P and R branches. The positions and intensities of the hyperfine components are necessary for a proper interpretation of accurate measurements of rovibrational transition frequencies in HD which are used for tests of quantum electrodynamics of molecules and searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

New Insights into the Role of Glutathione in the Mechanism of Fever.

Abstract: Glutathione is one of the most important and potent antioxidants. The development of pharmacological compounds that can either increase or decrease glutathione concentrations has allowed investigation into the role of glutathione in various biological processes, including immune responses. Recent findings have shown that glutathione not only affects certain factors involved in immunological processes but also modifies complex immune reactions such as fever. Until recently, it was not known why some patients do not develop fever during infection. Data suggest that fever induction is associated with oxidative stress; therefore, antioxidants such as glutathione can reduce pyrexia. Surprisingly, new studies have shown that low glutathione levels can also inhibit fever. In this review, we focus on recent advances in this area, with an emphasis on the role of glutathione in immune responses accompanied by fever. We describe evidence showing that disturbed glutathione homeostasis may be responsible for the lack of fever during infections. We also discuss the biological significance of the antipyretic effects produced by pharmacological glutathione modulators.

Bioburden assessment by passive methods on a clinical pathology service in one central hospital from Lisbon: what can it tell us regarding patients and staff exposure?

Abstract: The assessment and control of microbial contamination in health care facilities is presently a mandatory and vital part of strategies to prevent and control hospital-acquired infections. This study aims to assess the bioburden with two passive sampling methods (30 ventilations grids swabs and 16 electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs)) at Clinical Pathology Services. The fungal burden was characterized through molecular tools, antifungal resistance, and the mycotoxins and cytotoxicity profile. Total bacteria presented the highest prevalence in both matrixes, whereas Gram-bacteria presented the lowest. Swabs presented a higher prevalence (27.6%) for fungal burden. Chrysonilia sitophila presented the highest prevalence in swabs, whereas for EDCs, C. sitophila and Mucor sp. were the most prevalent. Concerning Aspergillus genera on swabs, section Flavi was the one with the highest prevalence (58.02%), whereas, for EDCs, section Versicolores was the only section observed (100%). Aspergillus section Fumigati was detected in 10 swabs and 7 EDC samples and Aspergillus section Versicolores was detected in one EDC sample. Fungal growth on azole-supplemented media was observed in eight EDC samples. No mycotoxins were detected in any of the samples. A low cytotoxic effect was observed in two sites upon incubation of collected samples with A549 and SK cells and in two other sites upon incubation of collected samples with SK cells only. A medium cytotoxic effect was observed with one EDC sample upon incubation with A549 cells. This study reinforces the need of determination of the azole resistance profile for fungal species and allowed a preliminary risk characterization regarding the cytotoxicity. An intervention including the use of a ultraviolet with wavelength between 200 nm and 280 nm (UVC)—emitting device and an increased maintenance and cleaning of the central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems should be ensured to promote the reduction of microbial contamination.