scholarly journals Citizen-science surveillance of triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in UK residential garden soils

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. G. Shelton ◽  
Roseanna Collins ◽  
Christopher B. Uzzell ◽  
Asmaa Alghamdi ◽  
Paul S. Dyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Lung Infections ◽  
The Uk

Compost is an ecological niche for Aspergillus fumigatus due to its role as a decomposer of organic matter and its ability to survive the high temperatures associated with the composting process. Subsequently, composting facilities are associated with high levels of A. fumigatus spores that are aerosolised from compost and cause respiratory illness in workers. In the UK, gardening is an activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages and it is likely that they are being exposed to A. fumigatus spores when handling commercial compost or compost they have produced themselves. In this study, 246 citizen scientists collected 509 soil samples from locations in their garden in the UK, from which were cultured 5,174 A. fumigatus isolates. Of these isolates, 736 (14%) were resistant to tebuconazole: the third most-sprayed triazole fungicide in the UK, which confers cross-resistance to the medical triazoles used to treat A. fumigatus lung infections in humans. These isolates were found to contain the common resistance mechanisms in the A. fumigatus cyp51A gene TR 34 /L98H or TR 46 /Y121F/T289A, and less common resistance mechanisms TR 34 , TR 53 , TR 46 /Y121F/T289A/S363P/I364V/G448S and (TR 46 ) 2 /Y121F/M172I/T289A/G448S. Regression analyses found that soil samples containing compost were significantly more likely to grow susceptible and tebuconazole-resistant A. fumigatus than those that did not, and that compost samples grew significantly higher numbers of A. fumigatus than other samples. Importance These findings highlight compost as a potential health hazard to individuals with pre-disposing factors to A. fumigatus lung infections, and a potential health hazard to immunocompetent individuals who could be exposed to sufficiently high numbers of spores to develop infection. Furthermore, this study found that 14% of A. fumigatus isolates in garden soils were resistant to an agricultural triazole, which confers cross-resistance to medical triazoles used to treat A. fumigatus lung infections. This raises the question of whether compost bags should carry additional health warnings regarding inhalation of A. fumigatus spores, whether individuals should be advised to wear facemasks whilst handling compost or whether commercial producers should be responsible for sterilising compost before shipping. The findings support increasing public awareness of the hazard posed by compost and investigating measures that can be taken to reduce the exposure risk.

scholarly journals Citizen-science surveillance of triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in UK residential garden soils

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer MG Shelton ◽  
Roseanna Collins ◽  
Christopher B Uzzell ◽  
Asmaa Alghamdi ◽  
Paul S Dyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
The Common ◽  
Lung Infections ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Residential Garden

Compost is an ecological niche for Aspergillus fumigatus due to its role as a decomposer of organic matter and its ability to survive the high temperatures associated with the composting process. Subsequently, composting facilities are associated with high levels of A. fumigatus spores that are aerosolised from compost and cause respiratory illness in workers. In the UK, gardening is an activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages and it is likely that they are being exposed to A. fumigatus spores when handling commercial compost or compost they have produced themselves. In this study, 246 citizen scientists collected 509 soil samples from locations in their garden in the UK, from which were cultured 5,174 A. fumigatus isolates. Of these isolates, 736 (14%) were resistant to tebuconazole: the third most-sprayed triazole fungicide in the UK, which confers cross-resistance to the medical triazoles used to treat A. fumigatus lung infections in humans. These isolates were found to contain the common resistance mechanisms in the A. fumigatus cyp51A gene TR34/L98H or TR46/Y121F/T289A, and less common resistance mechanisms TR34, TR53, TR46/Y121F/T289A/S363P/I364V/G448S and (TR46)2/Y121F/M172I/T289A/G448S. Regression analyses found that soil samples containing compost were significantly more likely to grow susceptible and tebuconazole-resistant A. fumigatus than those that did not, and that compost samples grew significantly higher numbers of A. fumigatus than other samples.

Natural and man-made low-frequency magnetic fields as a potential health hazard

1998 ◽  
Vol 168 (07) ◽  
pp. 767-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.G. Ptitsyna ◽  
G. Villoresi ◽  
L.I. Dorman ◽  
N. Iucci ◽  
Marta I. Tyasto
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard

scholarly journals Adsorption Mechanism of Patulin from Apple Juice by Inactivated Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Kefir Grains

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
Pascaline Bahati ◽  
Xuejun Zeng ◽  
Ferdinand Uzizerimana ◽  
Ariunsaikhan Tsoggerel ◽  
Muhammad Awais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Apple Juice ◽  
Adsorption Mechanism ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Kefir Grains

In the food industry, microbiological safety is a major concern. Mycotoxin patulin represents a potential health hazard, as it is heat-resistant and may develop at any stage during the food chain, especially in apple-based products, leading to severe effects on human health, poor quality products, and profit reductions. The target of the study was to identify and characterize an excellent adsorbent to remove patulin from apple juice efficiently and to assess its adsorption mechanism. To prevent juice fermentation and/or contamination, autoclaving was involved to inactivate bacteria before the adsorption process. The HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) outcome proved that all isolated strains from kefir grains could reduce patulin from apple juice. A high removal of 93% was found for juice having a 4.6 pH, 15° Brix, and patulin concentration of 100 μg/L by Lactobacillus kefiranofacien, named JKSP109, which was morphologically the smoothest and biggest of all isolates in terms of cell wall volume and surface area characterized by SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). C=O, OH, C–H, and N–O were the main functional groups engaged in patulin adsorption indicated by FTIR (Fourier transform–infrared). E-nose (electronic nose) was performed to evaluate the aroma quality of the juices. PCA (Principal component analysis) results showed that no significant changes occurred between control and treated juice.

scholarly journals Yeasts and filamentous fungi in bottled mineral water and tap water from municipal supplies

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirian Ueda Yamaguchi ◽  
Rita de Cássia Pontello Rampazzo ◽  
Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta ◽  
Celso Vataru Nakamura ◽  
Tânia Ueda-Nakamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Mineral Water ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Bottled Mineral Water

The main objective of this study was to analyse the occurrence of yeasts and filamentous fungi in drinking water as well as to investigate their correlation with the indicator bacteria of faecal pollution. Yeasts were detected in 36.6% and 11.6% of the bottled mineral on water dispensers and tap water samples from municipal system, respectively. Twenty-one (35.0%) of bottled mineral water and two (3.3%) of tap water samples were positive for filamentous fungi. For bottled mineral water 12 (20.0%) of 60 samples were positive for total coliform, compared with 3(5.0%)out of 60 samples from tap water. The mineral water from dispensers was more contaminated than tap water. Strains belonging to the genera Candida identified to the species level were C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. albicans. Thus, bottled mineral water from water dispensers and tap water could be considered a possible transmission route for filamentous fungi and yeasts, and could constitute a potential health hazard, mainly to immunocompromised indivuals.

Potential Public Health Significance of Non-Escherichia coli Coliforms in Food

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBERT M. TWEDT ◽  
BRENDA K. BOUTIN
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Diarrheal Disease ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Health Significance

Several coliform species other than Escherichia coli are often associated with and possibly responsible for acute and chronic diarrheal disease. Recent evidence suggests that non-Escherichia coli coliforms may be capable of colonizing the human intestine and producing enterotoxin(s) in high-yield. Whether these organisms are newly capable of causing disease because of infestation with extrachromosomal factors mediating pathogenicity or simply because of inherent pathogenic capabilities that have gone unrecognized, they pose a potential health hazard. Food, medical, and public health microbiologists should be aware that the non-E. coli coliforms contaminating foods may be potential enteropathogens. This possibility may make determination of their pathogenic capabilities even more important than identification of their taxonomic characteristics.

scholarly journals Presence of microcystins in the littoral zone of the Curonian Lagoon by the data of immunochromatographic analysis in 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-111
Author(s):  
M. M. Smirnova
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Littoral Zone ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Curonian Lagoon ◽  
Curonian Spit ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Inherent Problem ◽  
Strip Test ◽  
First Time

The presence of hepatotoxic cyanotoxins of microcystin group has been recorded in the southern part of the Curonian Lagoon annually since 2010. Because of unique natural features and cultural heritage, the Curonian Spit and the Curonian Lagoon are involved into diverse recreational usage. The potential health hazard due to microcystins is, thus, an inherent problem of the area. Rapid immunochromatographic semi-quantitative test (Microcystin Strip Test, Abraxis Ltd) was applied for the detection of microcystins in water samples from littoral zone. Samples were collected twice per month in May – November 2017 at six monitoring sites around the Lagoon. For the first time, the presence of toxic metabolites of cyanobacteria (microcystins) in the whole littoral of the southern part of the Curonian Lagoon during vegetation season was established. As previously noted, microcystins were present in water samples in summer and autumn. During May it were not found. The highest values (5–10 µg per litre) were recorded in the late June and during September at the Curonian Spit. These values were rather low in comparison with those of 2011–2016. From mid-to-late October toxins were recorded twice only, at the Curonian Spit. At the eastern and southern coasts maximal value was 5 µg per litre (once at the end of September). In other samples toxins were not detected or their values did not exceed 2.5 µg per litre.

scholarly journals Mathematical Modelling of Two-Wheeler Suspension system in a wavy road

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 3630-3635
Keyword(s):  
Ride Comfort ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Suspension System ◽  
Vehicle Body ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Suspension Spring ◽  
The Road ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Two Wheeler

Two wheelers like motorbikes and scooters are one of the major transports in India. In major cities and towns, it is most common private transport as it is fast and easy approach to the destination. But the prolonged drive in the two-wheeler leads to the potential health hazard and musco-skeletal disorder due to continuous exposure to the vibration caused during the ride and force transmitted to the vehicle body due to road irregularities. It is a challenge of automobile engineers to design a promising suspension system to overcome the risk of ride comfort during continuous driving. In this research, two-wheeler suspension system is modelled with a condition of bump and valley in a wavy road. The road surface is assumed to be wavy and the response of new suspension spring with different materials (stainless steel, tungsten and polymeric) along with viscous damper is analyzed and compared. By this analysis, it will be proposed to industry to modify the suspension system to improve its efficiency and reduce force transmitted to the human body to improve the ride comfort

scholarly journals Lead Toxicity: Health Hazards, Influence on Food Chain, and Sustainable Remediation Approaches

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Kumar ◽  
Amit Kumar ◽  
Cabral-Pinto M.M.S. ◽  
Ashish K. Chaturvedi ◽  
Aftab A. Shabnam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Chain ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Lead Toxicity ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Pb Toxicity ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Safe Food

Lead (Pb) toxicity has been a subject of interest for environmental scientists due to its toxic effect on plants, animals, and humans. An increase in several Pb related industrial activities and use of Pb containing products such as agrochemicals, oil and paint, mining, etc. can lead to Pb contamination in the environment and thereby, can enter the food chain. Being one of the most toxic heavy metals, Pb ingestion via the food chain has proven to be a potential health hazard for plants and humans. The current review aims to summarize the research updates on Pb toxicity and its effects on plants, soil, and human health. Relevant literature from the past 20 years encompassing comprehensive details on Pb toxicity has been considered with key issues such as i) Pb bioavailability in soil, ii) Pb biomagnification, and iii) Pb- remediation, which has been addressed in detail through physical, chemical, and biological lenses. In the review, among different Pb-remediation approaches, we have highlighted certain advanced approaches such as microbial assisted phytoremediation which could possibly minimize the Pb load from the resources in a sustainable manner and would be a viable option to ensure a safe food production system.

The Efficacy of Citric Acid Mycelium in the Prevention of Uptake and the Removal of Caesium137 in Sheep

1994 ◽  
Vol 1994 ◽  
pp. 56-56
Author(s):  
P.A. Owens ◽  
S.B. Telfer ◽  
C.L Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Citric Acid ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Power Station ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Human Food Chain ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station

The Chernobyl nuclear power station accident in April 1986, resulted in widespread deposition of radionuclides across Europe and the Former Soviet Union. The radionuclides 1-131, Cs-134 and Cs-137 are of particular concern as a potential health hazard due to their accumulation in the plant-animal-human food chain.Due to the long half life of Cs-137 (30 years), contaminated regions will take several years to return to evels prior to the accident.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists and Patients Toward Use and Health Safety of Dental Amalgam in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 233-238
Author(s):  
Hend N. Al-Nahedh ◽  
Ahmed A El-hejazi ◽  
Syed Rashid Habib
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Mercury Content ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Obligation To Inform

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess: (1) the perceptions of dentists in Saudi Arabia concerning the amalgam controversy, (2) their attitude toward the ethical responsibility of patient information, and (3) patients’ knowledge and attitude toward the use of dental amalgam. Materials and Methods A total of 1,139 dentists were sampled on convenience by electronic survey. The questionnaire contained questions about the safety of dental amalgam, use of amalgam, case selection, alternate materials, and informing their patients about risks of amalgam. Also, 425 patients were sampled on convenience and information collected on their knowledge about amalgam and its acceptance in their oral cavities. Results A total of 201 dentists and 425 patients participated in the study. A total of 60% of dentists and specialists declared it safe. A total of 32.4% (31) of general dental practitioners and 41% (43) specialists considered it a moral obligation to inform patients about the potential health risks associated with amalgam. Mercury toxicity was identified as the most common health hazard. About 57.3% dentists and 36.2% specialists opted for superior longevity as the principle advantage. Majority of patients (52.2%) in Saudi Arabia had no knowledge about dental amalgam. While 23.1% (98) had concern about poor color, 8.7% (30) knew it contained silver while only 7.8% (27) patients were aware of its mercury content. Conclusion Majority of dentists in Saudi Arabia found it safe to use amalgam while the patients had little knowledge about the possible issues with amalgam. It is recommended to improve public awareness about impact of mercury containing products on the environment.

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