Assessment of occupational exposure to azole resistant fungi in 10 Portuguese bakeries

Occupational exposure to bioaerosols resulting from handling of flour dust and raw materials in bakeries is associated with health problems. The emergence of azole-resistant fungal species in the environment is thought to be related to the use of azole fungicides in cereal crops and prevention of postharvest spoilage. As raw materials used in bakeries are commonly exposed to azoles, we investigated the mycobiota and azole-resistant fungi prevalence in this occupational environment. Ten Portuguese bakeries were assessed through electrostatic dust cloth (EDC, n = 27), settled dust (n = 7), and raw material (n = 26) samples. Samples were inoculated in malt extract agar (2%) (MEA) with chloramphenicol (0.05 g/L) and in dichloran glycerol (DG18), and onto Saboraud screening media supplemented with 4 mg/L itraconazole, 1 mg/L voriconazole, or 0.5 mg/L posaconazole, and incubated for 3–5 days at 27 °C. Except for one out of the ten analyzed bakeries, Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., and Aspergillus sp. were the most prevalent fungi identified. Aspergillus sp. and Mucorales order were identified in raw materials with both media, whereas Penicillium sp. was identified in DG18 only. Azole-resistant species were identified in the environment (EDC) and, to a lower extent, in raw materials, including Aspergillus sp. and Mucorales. The presence of azole-resistant fungal species in bakeries represents an occupational risk for workers. This study proposes complementary sampling methods for the evaluation of occupational exposure to mycobiota and highlights the importance of studying the prevalence of azole-resistant strains in specific occupational environments.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Aberrant methylation patterns in colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis

Colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Despite numerous molecular characterizations of the phenomenon, the exact dynamics of its onset and progression remain elusive. Colorectal cancer onset has been characterized by changes in DNA methylation profiles, that, owing to the stability of their patterns, are promising candidates to shed light on the molecular events laying at the base of this phenomenon. To exploit this stability and reinforce it, we conducted a meta-analysis on publicly available DNA methylation datasets generated on: normal colorectal, adenoma (ADE) and adenocarcinoma (CRC) samples using the Illumina 450k array, in the systems medicine frame, searching for tumor gene episignatures, to produce a carefully selected list of potential drivers, markers and targets of the disease. The analysis proceeds from a differential meta-analysis of the methylation profiles using an analytical pipeline recently developed by our group [1], through network reconstruction, topological and functional analyses, to finally highlight relevant epigenomic features. Our results show that genes already highlighted for their genetic or transcriptional alteration in colorectal cancer are also differentially methylated, reinforcing -regardless of the level of cellular control- their role in the complex of alterations involved in tumorigenesis. These findings were finally validated in an independent cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)

Bioburden characterization by active and passive methods in Portuguese dwellings

Projeto IPL/2017/B2CF_ESTeSL, Projeto IPL/2017/B2 Hemo_ESTeSLThe living environment can be a source for bioburden and azole-resistant mycobiota that depending on the occupant’s health status can be a serious public health problem. The objective of this study was to assess bioburden in Portuguese dwellings located in the Lisbon Region through active methods (air sampling) coupled with passive methods (Electrostatic dust cloth - EDC).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Regulatory T Cells Accumulate in the Lung Allergic Inflammation and Efficiently Suppress T-Cell Proliferation but Not Th2 Cytokine Production

Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells are vital for peripheral tolerance and control of tissue inflammation. In this study, we characterized the phenotype and monitored the migration and activity of regulatory T cells present in the airways of allergic or tolerant mice after allergen challenge. To induce lung allergic inflammation, mice were sensitized twice with ovalbumin/aluminum hydroxide gel and challenged twice with intranasal ovalbumin. Tolerance was induced by oral administration of ovalbumin for 5 consecutive days prior to OVA sensitization and challenge. We detected regulatory T cells (Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ T cells) in the airways of allergic and tolerant mice; however, the number of regulatory T cells was more than 40-fold higher in allergic mice than in tolerant mice. Lung regulatory T cells expressed an effector/memory phenotype (CCR4highCD62LlowCD44highCD54highCD69+) that distinguished them from naive regulatory T cells (CCR4intCD62LhighCD44intCD54intCD69−). These regulatory T cells efficiently suppressed pulmonary T-cell proliferation but not Th2 cytokine production

Regulatory T Cells Accumulate in the Lung Allergic Inflammation and Efficiently Suppress T-Cell Proliferation but Not Th2 Cytokine Production

Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells are vital for peripheral tolerance and control of tissue inflammation. In this study, we characterized the phenotype and monitored the migration and activity of regulatory T cells present in the airways of allergic or tolerant mice after allergen challenge. To induce lung allergic inflammation, mice were sensitized twice with ovalbumin/aluminum hydroxide gel and challenged twice with intranasal ovalbumin. Tolerance was induced by oral administration of ovalbumin for 5 consecutive days prior to OVA sensitization and challenge. We detected regulatory T cells (Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ T cells) in the airways of allergic and tolerant mice; however, the number of regulatory T cells was more than 40-fold higher in allergic mice than in tolerant mice. Lung regulatory T cells expressed an effector/memory phenotype (CCR4highCD62LlowCD44highCD54highCD69+) that distinguished them from naive regulatory T cells (CCR4intCD62LhighCD44intCD54intCD69−). These regulatory T cells efficiently suppressed pulmonary T-cell proliferation but not Th2 cytokine production

New Insights into the Immunological Changes in IL-10-Deficient Mice during the Course of Spontaneous Inflammation in the Gut Mucosa

IL-10 is a regulatory cytokine that plays a major role in the homeostasis of the gut and this is illustrated by the fact that IL-10−/− mice develop spontaneous colitis. In this study, IL-10−/− mice were analyzed for immunological changes during colitis development. We found a reduced frequency of regulatory T cells CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and higher frequency of activated T cells in the colon that precedes the macroscopic signs of the disease. Production of IL-17 and IFN-γ was higher in the colon. Colitis progression culminates with the reduction of CD4+LAP+ regulatory T cells in the intestine. Frequency of B1 cells and the secretory IgA production were both elevated. Despite these alterations, 16-week-old IL-10−/− mice could be rendered tolerant by a continuous feeding protocol. Our study provides detailed analysis of changes that precede colitis and it also suggests that oral tolerance could be used to design novel alternative therapies for the disease

A new approach to assess fungal burden and mycotoxins occupational exposure in waste trucks workers

Este trabalho foi financiado pelo Concurso Anual para Projetos de Investigação, Desenvolvimento, Inovação e Criação Artística (IDI&CA) 2016 do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa. Código de referência: IPL/2016/W2E_ESTeSLBackground - Waste application facilities are considered critical regarding occupational exposure to fungal burden since provide optimal conditions for fungal growth (moisture and decaying matter). Aspergillus genera dominance was already reported in Portuguese waste industry. Waste-sorting the most critical setting, presenting not only the highest load but also the wider diversity of Aspergillus sections. It is important to consider the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in this occupational environment. In waste management industry it is common to use forklifts for waste transportation and workers can spend all their working hours in a forklift cab. In cars, the bioburden filtered from the air stream by the automobile air conditioner filter could proliferate under high humidity conditions and, consequently, presenting a potential exposure source to bioaerosols. When the air conditioning system is turned on, the air stream passing through the vehicle filtration system could re-aerosolize the bioburden and subsequently carry them into the vehicle cabinet increasing the exposure.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

E-COMMERCE COMO ALTERNATIVA A COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DE PRODUTOS AGROECOLÓGICOS: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA NO ASSENTAMENTO ELI VIVE

Uma plataforma online para a comercialização dos produtos agroecológicos pode impactar de forma positiva a comercialização das sacolas camponesas. Este trabalho relata sobre os desafios e experiências vivenciadas no projeto de extensão: “Fomento a sistemas agroecológicos para fortalecimento da autonomia de mulheres camponesas”, no qual um grupo de estudantes multidisciplinares da Universidade Estadual de Londrina trabalham conjuntamente com as mulheres camponesas do Assentamento Eli Vive 2. O objetivo do trabalho é relatar a importância da construção de um site que visa resolver diversas dificuldades encontradas e aperfeiçoando o trabalho de produção e comercialização de alimentos agroecologicos pelas camponesas. Uma breve experiência pôde ser obtida por meio do Google Formulários, onde as mulheres camponesas disponibilizam semanalmente uma lista de produtos de acordo com a sazonalidade da produção, e os consumidores com acesso para realizarem seus pedidos. No entanto, o desenvolvimento de uma plataforma online para a comercialização dos produtos está em fase de implantação, o que resulta em um maior alcance de potenciais consumidores, além da melhoria do sistema de pedidos e pagamentos e da aproximação de agricultoras e apoiadores. Desta forma, o impacto positivo será no sentido de fornecer autonomia às mulheres por meio da inclusão técnica e mercantil

Huánuco : ¿cómo vamos en educación?

Reúne información estadística relevante de la situación actual de la educación de la región Huánuco, ha sido hecho para servir como una guía informativa amigable de todos aquellos actores de la región que puedan influir positivamente en su realidad educativa. Entre 2004 y 2013, la tasa media de crecimiento anual del gasto público educativo por alumno fue de 23.2% en inicial, 16.3% en primaria y 12.3% en secundaria. En los últimos tres años, el gasto por alumno en inicial ha crecido hasta llegar a ser mayor al gasto por alumno nacional, con 2,428 soles en el 2013, aunque el gasto por alumno en primaria y secundaria en Huánuco siguen siendo menores al gasto por alumno nacional. El porcentaje de escuelas con acceso a Internet de Huánuco en primaria pasó de 0.6% en 2005 a 12.4% en 2014. En secundaria el crecimiento fue mayor, pasando de 3.2% en 2005 a 29.6% en 2014. Sin embargo, estos valores siguen siendo menores a los valores nacionales de 27.9% en primaria y 52.0% en secundaria. El indicador en primaria muestra que en la mayoría de distritos el valor es menor a 20%. En secundaria hay mayor heterogeneidad, y son pocos los distritos con porcentajes altos de instituciones con acceso a internet. Entre 2004 y 2013, las tasas de asistencia de Huánuco para los tres niveles de educación básica regular han aumentado. En primaria, la tasa de asistencia pasó de 91.7% en 2004 a 96.3% en 2013, siendo este último valor mayor al nacional. El acceso a educación inicial aumentó en el período, pasando de 30.0% en 2004 a 71.7% en 2013. En el nivel secundaria, la tasa de asistencia pasó de 60.3% en 2004 a 72.2% en 2013. Huánuco presenta mayores tasas de desaprobación, atraso y retiro con respecto a todo el país, tanto en primaria como en secundaria. El porcentaje de desaprobados en primaria en las provincias de Huánuco fluctúa desde 4.8% en Lauricocha hasta 14.2% en Marañón, en tanto que en secundaria oscila entre 7.5% en Lauricocha y 14.9% en Huacaybamba. En ambos casos, la mayoría de distritos tiene menos del 10% de estudiantes con atraso escolar, aunque en secundaria la cantidad de distritos con más del 20% de atraso es mayor. En cuanto al porcentaje de retirados en 2013, la mayoría de distritos en primaria y secundaria se ubican debajo de 8.0%. Sin embargo, en secundaria hay una cantidad significativa de distritos con más de 8% de retiro

Bioburden characterization in Portuguese dwellings

Projeto IPL/2017/B2CF_ESTeSL, Projeto IPL/2017/B2 Hemo_ESTeSLSeveral studies have indicated that bioburden presence in the indoor environment is associated with serious health effects. Passive sampling methods are easy to use and represent a long-term integrated sample. This study intended to characterize bioburden and assess the azole-resistant fungi through electrostatic dust cloth from 23 dwellings from Aveiro.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio