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The environment of underground hard coal mines, due to high humidity and temperature, combined with the presence of organic substances and very high dust content, provides optimal conditions for the growth and development of microorganisms, including pathogens. The presented research was aimed at determining the quantitative and qualitative diversity of air in underground mining excavations. Microbiological tests of air samples were carried out according to standard microbiological techniques. The study of microbial communities made it possible to determine the unit concentrations of microorganisms, identify potential pathogens, and analyze the manner of their spread in the air of an underground mine. A large number and variety of microorganisms were observed in the bioaerosol, including pathogenic ones (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus , Aspergillus flavus) that may pose a potential threat to humans by causing lung and skin diseases. Due to the insufficient state of global knowledge in this area of research the obtained results are helpful in the modernization of existing and designing new mining excavation ventilation systems, as well as in refreshing particularly hazardous places. • Saprophytic microflora dominated in the mine bioaerosol. • There were pathogens among the isolated microorganisms. • Spread of microorganisms was related to certain air parameters. • Structure of the ventilation network affected the concentration of microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collectins family encompasses several collagenous Ca 2+ -dependent defense lectins that are described as pathogen recognition molecules. They play an important role in both adaptive and innate immunity. Surfactant proteins A and D are two of these proteins which were initially discovered in association with surfactant in the pulmonary system. The structure, immune and inflammatory functions, and genetic variations have been well described in relation to their roles, function and pathophysiology in the pulmonary system. Subsequently, these proteins have been discovered in a wide range of other organs and organ systems. The role of these proteins outside the pulmonary system is currently an active area of research. This review intends to provide a current overview of the genetics, structure and extra-pulmonary functions of the surfactant collectin proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study aimed at to determine the magnitude of the methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) flux rates in soils at Hennequin Point, King George Island, Antarctic, under different slope positions, vegetal covers and presence of skuas, as well as to evaluate the main soil and climate factors that are involved with the flux of such gases. In situ gas sampling (closed chamber method) was performed in four sites along a transect involving a skua nesting field in a moraine with 5% and 100% of surface covered by vegetal, and two poor-drained soils in the toeslope (a bare alluvium soil and a poor-drained moss field with 100% soil cover). Flux rates ranged from −0.86±0.45 to 2.75±1.52μgN2O–Nm−2 h−1 and −12.26±3.05 to 1.42±1.31μgCH4–Cm−2 h−1. The soil totally covered by vegetal in the skua field had the largest CH4 influx rates. However, this benefic effect was counterbalanced by the greatest N2O efflux rates from this soil, resulting in the largest contribution to the global warming potential among the soils evaluated. Flux rates were closely related to soil temperature, but no significant relation was observed with mineral N contents and water-filled pore space. In turn, accumulated CH4 and N2O emissions were closely related to the total N and total organic C stocks in the soil. Net CH4 influx predominated even in the poor-drained soils, suggesting that the coarse soil texture avoided critical anaerobic conditions. No significant changes in flux rates were observed for sampling time along the day. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]