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Purpose: This study aimed to verify that aerosolization ocular surface microorganisms (AOSMs) accumulated during non-contact tonometry (NCT) measurements. Methods: A total of 508 participants (740 eyes) were enrolled in the study. In Experiment 1, before NCT was performed on each eye, the air was disinfected, and environment air control samples were collected via Air ideal® 3P (Bio Merieux). During NCT measurements, microbial aerosol samples were collected once from each eye. In Experiment 2, we collected initial blank control samples and then repeated Experiment 1. Finally, in Experiment 3, after the background microbial aerosol investigation, we cumulatively sampled AOSMs from each 10 participants then culture once, without any interventions to interrupt the accumulation. The collected samples were incubated and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Results: Pathogenic Aerococcus viridans and other microorganisms from human eyes can spread and accumulate in the air during NCT measurements. The species and quantity of AOSMs produced by NCT measurements can demonstrate an accumulation effect. Conclusion: AOSMs generated during NCT measurements are highly likely to spread and accumulate in the air, thereby may increase the risk of exposure to and transmission of bio-aerosols. Precis: Pathogenic Aerococcus viridans and other species of aerosolization ocular surface microorganisms (AOSMs) can spread and accumulate with the increase of NCT measurement person times, demonstrating an accumulation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiocarbon (14C) is an optimal tracer of methane emissions, as 14C measurements enable distinguishing fossil from biogenic methane (CH4). However, 14C measurements in atmospheric methane are still rare, mainly because of the technical challenge of collecting enough carbon for 14C analysis from ambient air samples. In this study we address this challenge by advancing the system in Zazzeri et al. (2021) into a much more compact and portable sampler, and by coupling the sampler with the MICADAS AMS system at ETH, Zurich, using a gas interface. Here we present the new sampler setup, the assessment of the system contamination and a first inter-laboratory comparison with the LARA AMS laboratory at the University of Bern. With our sampling line we achieved a very low blank, 0.7 µgC compared to 5.5 µgC in Zazzeri et al. (2021), and a sample precision of 0.9 %, comparable with other measurements techniques for 14CH4, while reducing the sample size to 60 liters of air. We show that this technique, with further improvements, will enable routine 14CH4 measurements in the field for an improved understanding of CH4 sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Highlight discussing: Runnel, K., Lõhmus, P., Küngas, K., Marmor‐Ohtla, L., Palo, A., Pütsepp, G., Tamm, H., Tammekänd, I., & Lõhmus, A. (2024). Aerial eDNA contributes vital information for fungal biodiversity assessment. Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2664.14691. Fungi play key roles in ecosystems, yet it is not clear how best to capture their diversity or monitor their presence, especially for those species of particular conservation concern. In this issue of the Journal of Applied Ecology Runnel et al. address this problem by comparing different methodologies to estimate the diversity of lichen‐forming fungi and wood‐inhabiting basidiomycetes at a forest stand scale. Pairing aerial eDNA sampling with visual observation‐based surveys better captured the full spectrum of fungal diversity, including cryptic species and those of particular conservation interest. Certain fungal groups that are underrepresented in air samples might be better captured by sampling eDNA directly from wood or soil, but visual surveys should be considered as a more cost‐effective complementary method at least at a local scale. Their results highlight the importance of using multiple methods simultaneously in biodiversity assessments and the need for standardized methods to study and monitor fungal diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mold growth on body donations remains an underreported yet serious issue in anatomical teaching. Bacterial and fungal growth pose health risks to lecturers and students, alongside with ethical and aesthetic concerns. However, limited information exists on the presence of bacteria and fungi on body donations and their underlying causes. To investigate the potential impact of airborne germs on body donation contamination, we conducted indoor air measurements before, during, and after our anatomical dissection course, with outdoor measurements serving as a control. Tissue samples from the dissected body donations were collected to assess the germ load, with qualitative and quantitative microbiological analyses. Air samples from the dissection hall contained no fungi, but various fungal species were identified in the adjacent stairways and outdoors which implies that fungal occurrence in the dissection hall air was independent of lecturers' and students' presence. Moreover, our results indicate that adequate ventilation filters can effectively reduce indoor fungal germs during courses, while the bacterial load in room air appears to increase, likely due to the presence of lecturers and students. Additionally, the tissue samples revealed no bacterial or fungal germs which implies that our ethanol-formalin-based embalming solution demonstrates an effective long-term antimicrobial preservation of corpses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure assessments to metalworking fluids (MWF) is difficult considering the complex nature of MWF. This study describes a comprehensive exposure assessment to straight and water-based MWFs among workers from 20 workshops. Metal and organic carbon (OC) content in new and used MWF were determined. Full-shift air samples of inhalable particulate and gaseous fraction were collected and analysed gravimetrically and for metals, OC, and aldehydes. Exposure determinants were ascertained through observations and interviews with workers. Determinants associated with personal inhalable particulate and gaseous fractions were systematically identified using mixed models. Similar inhalable particle exposure was observed for straight and water-based MWFs (64–386 µg/m3). The gaseous fraction was the most important contributor to the total mass fraction for both straight (322–2362 µg/m3) and water-based MWFs (101–699 µg/m3). The aerosolized particles exhibited low metal content irrespective of the MWF type; however, notable concentrations were observed in the sumps potentially reaching hazardous concentrations. Job activity clusters were important determinants for both exposure to particulate and gaseous fractions from straight MWF. Current machine enclosures remain an efficient determinant to reduce particulate MWF but were inefficient for the gaseous fraction. Properly managed water-based MWF meaning no recycling and no contamination from hydraulic fluids minimizes gaseous exposure. Workshop temperature also influenced the mass fractions. These findings suggest that exposures may be improved with control measures that reduce the gaseous fraction and proper management of MWF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To establish a method for the quantitative analysis of iodine and its compounds in workplace air by ion chromatography pulsed amperometric detector. Methods Air samples were collected using alkaline -activated carbon solid -phase extraction tubes and eluted with 10 mL of the 20 mmol/L sodium bicarbonate solution for 30 minutes. The eluate was separated using the Dionex ICS -5000 ion chromatography system with the Dionex IonPac AS11 -HC high - performance anion separation column and detected by the pulsed amperometric detector, with the retention time for qualitative analysis and the peak area for quantitative analysis. Results The method had a correlation coefficient of 0.999 7 for the standard curve, a detection limit of 0.519 μg/L (25 μL injection volume), and a minimum quantifiable mass concentration of 2.3 μg/m³ calculated using a sampling volume of 7.5 L. The method had good reproducibility, with relative standard deviations ranging from 2.72% to 4.10% and an internal recovery rate of 95.8% to 98.0% for simulated samples. The average elution efficiency of alkaline-activated carbon solid-phase extraction tubes was more than (94.1% ± 2.65% ). Iodine and its compounds could be stably stored for 5 days at 4 ℃ . Conclusions The quantitative analysis method of the ion chromatography pulsed amperometric detector was fast, convenient, efficient, and accurate. It is satisfied with the requirement for the determination of iodine and its compounds in workplaces [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of effective methods for the surveillance of seasonal respiratory viruses is required for the timely management of outbreaks. We aimed to survey Influenza‐A, Influenza‐B, RSV‐A, Rhinovirus and SARS‐CoV‐2 surveillance in a tertiary hospital and a campus over 5 months. The effectiveness of air screening as an early warning system for respiratory viruses was evaluated in correlation with respiratory tract panel test results. The overall viral positivity was higher on the campus than in the hospital (55.0% vs. 38.0%). Influenza A was the most prevalent pathogen in both locations. There were two influenza peaks (42nd and 49th weeks) in the hospital air, and a delayed peak was detected on campus in the 1st‐week of January. Panel tests indicated a high rate of Influenza A in late December. RSV‐A‐positivity was higher on the campus than the hospital (21.6% vs. 7.4%). Moreover, we detected two RSV‐A peaks in the campus air (48th and 51st weeks) but only one peak in the hospital and panel tests (week 49). Although rhinovirus was the most common pathogen in panel tests, rhinovirus positivity was low in air samples. The air screening for Influenza‐B and SARS‐Cov‐2 revealed comparable positivity rates with panel tests. Air screening can be integrated into surveillance programs to support infection control programs for potential epidemics of respiratory virus infections except for rhinoviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increased provision of services by health authorities and community organizations allowing supervised inhalation of illicit substances comes concerns about the potential for secondhand exposure to the substances being used, whether in the adjacent community or to workers at the sites. In order to address community concerns surrounding secondhand illicit substance exposure and better protect harm reduction workers, a validated sampling and LC–MS/MS analysis method was developed for 6 illicit drugs: fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, etizolam, and bromazolam. It was found that the filter used needed to be silanized to be made more inert and avoid loss of analyte due to degradation. Using the silanized filters, recoveries were good (>90%) and the collected samples were found to be stable at room temperature for 2 wk. The sampling volume validated was up to 960 L. The sensitivity and range of the method make it appropriate for short-term (15 min), full shift (8 h), or environmental sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, it is discovered that the calcination products of the mixture containing titanium dioxide (TiO 2) and cuprous chloride (CuCl) were a novel kind of anode materials of LIBs. Herein, a mixture containing TiO 2 and CuCl with a Ti/Cu mole ratio of 2:1 was calcined at different temperatures in air to harvest the samples. The samples sintered at 350°C, 400°C and 450°C were respectively classified as sample a, b and c. As analyzed, TiO 2 , CuO and CuCl 2 were the principal components of all resultant samples. Interestingly, as compared to the pure TiO 2 , all prepared samples, especially sample b, delivered a markedly enhanced electrochemical property. For instance, the initial DC (discharge capacity) of sample b at 0.1 A g−1 was 487 mAh g−1, being much better than that of sample a, c and the pure TiO 2 (sample o). Impressively, the DC value of sample b was around 101 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 100 cycles, which, respectively, was about 1.5, 2.0 and 5.3 times that of sample a (66 mAh g−1), c (49 mAh g−1) and o (19 mAh g−1). After a thorough investigation, the reduced R ct and the evidently increased D Li+ were considered as the main causes providing all samples, especially sample b, a satisfied electrochemical performance. To summarize, the electrochemical properties of all as-produced samples were better than that of the pure TiO 2. That is, a groundbreaking concept, that using a calcination product containing TiO 2 , CuO and CuCl 2 rather than a pure substance as the anode materials of LIBs, was developed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic lockdown of the year 2020 has been generally accompanied by an improvement in the air quality. Here, we report data on the effects of lockdown limitations on the air quality in the metropolitan area of Naples (Italy) by following the evolution of main atmospheric pollutants over a five-year period and comparing their concentrations in the pandemic year 2020 with the previous (2018 and 2019) and following (2021 and 2022) two years. In particular, NO2 and PM10 concentrations registered by representative air quality sampling station network and the columnar features of the aerosol characterized by a sun-photometer are considered. To avoid the possible influence of Saharan dust transport, which generally affects the observational area, the analysis has been limited to the days free from such events. Our findings evidence a tendency towards pre-pandemic conditions, notwithstanding some differences related to partial and temporary restrictions imposed even in the year 2021. For both near-surface NO2 and PM, the observations confirm a significant reduction induced by the lockdown in 2020, besides the seasonal changes, and a gradual tendency towards more typical values in the following years. Also, the columnar aerosol data clearly highlight a gradual recovery of typical conditions in 2021 and 2022, confirming a peculiar effect of the pandemic lockdown of the year 2020 on the atmospheric aerosol characteristics that evidences a striking predominance of the fine component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petroglyphs of the Negev Desert, Israel, are famous and valuable archaeological remains. Previous studies have investigated the microbial communities associated with petroglyphs and their potential role in stone deterioration; nevertheless, the role of fungi remains unclear. In this study, the fungal communities present on the stone and, as a comparison, in the surrounding environment (soil and air) at Negev petroglyph sites were analyzed by means of culture-dependent and -independent (metagenomic) techniques. The metagenomic results showed a high fungal biodiversity in the soil, and both approaches highlighted the prevalence of species producing melanized, large, thick-walled spores (mainly Alternaria spp.). From the air sampling, mostly Cladosporium spp. were retrieved. On the other hand, on the rock, the results seem to indicate a low presence of fungi, but with a rock-specialized mycobiota consisting of extremotolerant microcolonial fungi (MCF) (e.g., Vermiconidia and Coniosporium) and lichens (Flavoplaca). In addition, low proportions of cosmopolitan fungi were detected on the stone, but the comparison of the data clearly indicates that they are transients from the surrounding environment. The ability of the isolated strains to dissolve CaCO3 and therefore be a potential threat to the petroglyphs (limestone substrate) was tested, but only one strain resulted in positive acid production under laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, both lichens and MCF detected in this study are well-known stone deteriogens, which may have a significant impact on the petroglyph's deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an airborne pathogen, but detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in air and in particular the introduction of the virus into the environment by different human expiratory manoeuvres is not well studied.The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in cough from coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in-patients and to study contamination of the virus in the patient’s environment.Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in cough was analyzed by PCR, culture and imaging. Detection in cough was compared to presence of the virus in air and on surfaces from patient rooms.Twenty-five patients in 21 rooms were included in the study. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in cough aerosols from 16 out of 22 patients that produced voluntary cough. As demonstrated by plaque-forming unit assays, active virus was isolated from 11 of these 16 patients. Using mainly molecular detection, the virus was also found in air, on high-contact surfaces, and no-touch surfaces from the room of the COVID-19 patients.These results show that infectious SARS-CoV-2 circulating in air can originate from patient cough and should be considered against the risk of acquiring COVID-19 through inhalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is a highly contagious respiratory tract pathogen of horses, and infection may be followed by myeloencephalopathy or abortion. Surveillance and early detection have focused on PCR assays using less tolerated nasal swabs. Here, we assess non-invasive non-contact sampling techniques as surveillance tools in naturally equid gammaherpesvirus 2-shedding horses as surrogates for EHV-1. Methods: Horses were individually housed for 10 h periods on 2 consecutive days. Sampling included nasal swabs, nostril wipes, environmental swabs, droplet-catching devices, and air sampling. The latter was completed via two strategies: a combined air sample collected while going from horse to horse and a collective air sample collected at a stationary central point for 6 h. Samples were screened through quantitative PCR and digital PCR. Results: Nine horses on day 1 and 11 horses on day 2 were positive for EHV-1; overall, 90.9% of the nostril wipes, 81.8% of the environmental surfaces, and 90.9% of the droplet-catching devices were found to be positive. Quantitative analysis showed that the mean DNA copies detection per cm2 of nostril wipe sampled concentration (4.3 × 105 per day) was significantly (p < 0.05) comparable to that of nasal swabs (3.6 × 105 per day) followed by environmental swabs (4.3 × 105 per day) and droplet catchers (3.5 × 103 per day), respectively. Overall, 100% of the air samples collected were positive on both qPCR and dPCR. In individual air samples, a mean concentration of 1.0 × 104 copies of DNA were detected in per m3 air sampled per day, while in the collective air samples, the mean concentration was 1.1 × 103. Conclusions: Environmental samples look promising in replacing direct contact sampling. Environmental and air sampling could become efficient surveillance tools at equestrian events; however, it needs threshold calculations for minimum detection levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In populations of healthy show horses, the subclinical transmission and circulation of respiratory pathogens can lead to disease outbreaks. Due to recent outbreaks of equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in the USA and Europe, many show organizers have instituted various biosecurity protocols such as individual horse testing, monitoring for early clinical disease and increasing hygiene and cleanliness protocols. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of detecting EHV-1 in the various environmental samples collected from the stalls of subclinical shedders. Four healthy adult horses were vaccinated intranasally with a modified-live EHV-1 vaccine in order to mimic subclinical shedding. Three additional horses served as non-vaccinated controls. All the horses were stabled in the same barn in individual stalls. Each vaccinated horse had nose-to-nose contact with at least one other horse. Prior to the vaccine administration, and daily thereafter for 10 days, various samples were collected, including a 6" rayon-tipped nasal swab, an environmental sponge, a cloth strip placed above the automatic waterer and an air sample. The various samples were processed for nucleic acid purification and analyzed for the presence of EHV-1 via quantitative PCR (qPCR). EHV-1 in nasal secretions was only detected in the vaccinated horses for 1–2 days post-vaccine administration. The environmental sponges tested EHV-1 qPCR-positive for 2–5 days (median 3.5 days) in the vaccinated horses and 1 day for a single control horse. EHV-1 was detected by qPCR in stall strips from three out of four vaccinated horses and from two out of three controls for only one day. EHV-1 qPCR-positive air samples were only detected in three out of four vaccinated horses for one single day. For the vaccinated horses, a total of 25% of the nasal swabs, 35% of the environmental stall sponges, 7.5% of the strips and 7.5% of the air samples tested qPCR positive for EHV-1 during the 10 study days. When monitoring the subclinical EHV-1 shedders, the collection and testing of the environmental sponges were able to detect EHV-1 in the environment with greater frequency as compared to nasal swabs, stationary strips and air samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ideally, measuring exposures to volatile organic compounds should allow for modifying sampling duration without loss in sensitivity. Traditional sorbent-based sampling can vary sampling duration, but sensitivity may be affected when capturing shorter tasks. Diaphragm and capillary flow controllers allow for a range of flow rates and sampling durations for air sampling with evacuated canisters. The goal of this study was to evaluate the extent to which commercialized capillary flow controllers satisfy the bias (±10%) and accuracy (±25%) criteria for air sampling methods as established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) using the framework of ASTM D6246 Standard Practice for Evaluating the Performance of Diffusive Samplers to compare their performance with diaphragm flow controllers in a long-term field study. Phase 1 consisted of a series of laboratory tests to evaluate capillary flow controller flow rates with respect to variations in temperature (−15–24 °C). The results demonstrated a slight increase in flow rate with lower temperatures. In Phase 2, the capillary flow controller was evaluated utilizing a matrix of parameters, including time-weighted average concentration, peak concentration (50–100× base concentration), air velocity across the sampler inlet (0.41–0.5 m/s), relative humidity (20–80%), and temperature (10–32 °C). Comparison of challenge concentrations with reference concentrations revealed the aggregate bias and overall accuracy for four tested compounds to be within the range of criteria for both NIOSH and ASTM standards. Additionally, capillary flow controllers displayed lower variability in flow rate and measured concentration (RSD: 2.4% and 4.3%, respectively) when compared with diaphragm flow controllers (RSD: 6.9% and 7.2%, respectively) for 24-hr laboratory tests. Phase 3 involved further testing of flow rate variability for both diaphragm and capillary flow controllers in a field study. The capillary flow controller displayed a lower level of variability (RSD: 5.2%) than the diaphragm flow controller (RSD: 8.0%) with respect to flow rate, while allowing for longer durations of sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate potential airborne asbestos exposures during brake maintenance and repair activities on a P&H overhead crane, and during subsequent handling of the mechanic's clothing. Personal (n = 27) and area (n = 61) airborne fiber concentrations were measured during brake tests, removal, hand sanding, compressed air use, removal and reattachment of chrysotile-containing brake linings, and reinstallation of the brake linings. The mechanic's clothing was used to measure potential exposure during clothes handling. All brake linings contained between 19.9% to 52.4% chrysotile asbestos. No amphibole fibers were detected in any bulk or airborne samples. The average full-shift airborne chrysotile concentration was 0.035 f/cc (PCM-equivalent asbestos-specific fibers, or PCME). Average task-based personal air samples collected during brake maintenance, sanding, compressed air use, and brake lining removal tasks ranged from 0 to 0.48 f/cc (PCME). The calculated 30-minute time-weighted average (TWA) airborne chrysotile concentration associated with 5-15 minutes of clothes handling was 0–0.035 f/cc PCME. The results indicated that personal and area TWA fiber concentrations measured during all crane brake maintenance and clothes handling tasks were below the current OSHA 8-h TWA Permissible Exposure Limit for asbestos of 0.1 f/cc. Further, no airborne asbestos fibers were measured during routine brake maintenance tasks following the manufacturer's maintenance manual procedures. All short-term airborne chrysotile concentrations measured during non-routine tasks were below the current 30-minute OSHA excursion limit for asbestos of 1 f/cc. This study adds to the available data regarding chrysotile exposure potential during maintenance on overhead cranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To provide veterinarians with updated radiographic descriptions of select radiolucent foreign material in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. SAMPLE: 368 veterinarian respondents from the US. METHODS: An online survey was administered between June 18, 2023, and July 2, 2023, through a private veterinarian-based social media group. Representative commonly ingested foreign bodies were radiographed surrounded by air and water to simulate being within the gastrointestinal tract. Two examiners evaluated and qualified the opacity of the objects for each environment. RESULTS: The private social media group had a total of 3,900 members including veterinarians from all disciplines. A total of 362 small animal veterinarians (9.3% of the group) responded to the study reporting a total of 123 foreign objects that were not causing mechanical obstruction at the time of initial presentation. Sixty-eight foreign bodies were reported greater than or equal to 5 times and grouped as balls (n = 4), food (9), fabric (14), wood (3), soft plastic (14), hard plastic (18), or other (6). Most (98.5% [67/68]) objects were easily identifiable in air. In water, 23.5% (16/68) of the objects were obscured, and 39.7% (27/68) had inversion of the major opacity when compared to the opacity in air. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The opacity of some ingested radiolucent material can invert relative to air or fluid, which may reflect substantial differences in detection following repositioning. When known dietary indiscretion occurs, radiographing a sample of the material in air and water will improve the accuracy of assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance, a significant public health hazard, is predicted to cause 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050. The study aimed to identify culturable bioaerosols in the indoor air of dental units in Lahore and assess their antibiotic resistance. Air samples were collected from 10 dental unit locations at different distances, with average concentrations of fungi and bacteria falling within intermediate ranges, per the Global Index of Microbial Contamination (GIMC/m3) index. The study found higher antibiotic-resistant strains in hospital dental units, particularly during winter. The most vigorous strain, S.aureus-NAJIH18, exhibited 70% resistance to ceftazidime. The research highlights the importance of quantifying microbial pollutants for evaluating their source and complexity. It suggests proactive mitigation techniques, such as focused cleaning and air filtration, to improve indoor air quality can mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains. These insights offer hope in combating the growing public health threat of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed workers' exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions and its health effects at the Lebombo Port of Entry. A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered on 209 adult workers to measure their knowledge on vehicle exhaust emissions exposures. Air samples were also collected from the participants using air sampling pumps. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 27. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between dependent variables and some sociodemographic factors. Vocational certificates and associate degrees were attributed to workers in the South African Police Services and those in Agriculture: (Odds Ratio) = 2.83%, Confidence Interval (1.41–5.65) and (Odds Ratio) = 4.58%, Confidence Interval (2.10–9.99), respectively. Divorced males had a high level of knowledge and awareness of vehicle exhaust emission and their health effects: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 5.31%, Confidence Interval (1.08–26.14). Males had better knowledge of vehicle exhaust emission with carcinogenic effects: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 3.28%, Confidence Interval (1.11–9.67). Having an associate's degree as the highest level of education and irritation of nose and eyes were associated with lower awareness of vehicle exhaust emissions: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 0.42%, Confidence Interval (0.19–0.97) and (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 0.31%, Confidence Interval (0.13–0.76), respectively. The diesel particulate matter concentration was higher during day shifts (0.027 mg/m3) compared to night shifts (0.021 mg/m3), p = 0.001. Seventy-one workers (34%) reported experiencing acute headaches often, and fewer workers (n = 31, 14.8%) reported to have never suffered from an acute headache. A majority of workers (71 (34%)) experienced acute irritation of nose and eyes often compared to a few (33 (16%)) workers who experienced the same less often. In addition, a majority of workers (84 (40.2%)) experienced acute fatigue and nausea often, while fewer workers (37 (17.7%)) experienced fatigue and nausea very often. The majority of workers (n = 116, 55.5%) suffered cough and sneezing more often compared to others. There is an urgent need for improved and effective controls to reduce workers' exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to outdoor air pollutants, particularly respirable particulate matter (RPM), can cause adverse health outcomes. The cross-sectional study aimed to assess motorcycle taxi driver's health risk from exposure to RPM. A total of 153 motorcycle taxi drivers were recruited in Bangkok and five adjacent provinces during May and June 2022. The standardized questionnaire for data collection contained exposure time (hour/day), frequency of exposure (days/years), duration of exposure (year), body weight (kg), and averaging time (days). The average RPM concentration from six provinces were assessed personal air sampling pumps and ranged from 0.006-0.031 mg/m3. Bangkok showed the highest average RPM concentration (0.031 mg/m3), followed by Pathumthani (0.028 mg/m3), Samut Prakan (0.009 mg/m3), Nakhon Pathom (0.008 mg/m3), Nonthaburi (0.007 mg/m3), and Samut Sakhon (0.006 mg/m3), respectively. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for a non-carcinogenic risk to human health caused by RPM exposure in each province indicated a negligible risk (HQ=0.005-0.028). HQ averages (HQ=0.013) from all provinces were also at an acceptable level (=1). Not all motorcycle taxi drivers are safe from RPM exposure, although their exposure is within acceptable limits depending on their individual susceptibility. Therefore, this is the first report on quantifying exposure to RPM from personal air sampling and health risk assessment among motorcycle taxi drivers. These findings would be useful information for further preventing and controlling ambient air pollution including policies and strategies to mitigate the risks for motorcycle-taxi drivers and the other exposed populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess non-occupational and occupational exposure to bisphenol compounds in Finland. The participants were 151 non-occupationally exposed volunteers and 15 potentially exposed employees of a sewage-pipe relining company and a floor-coating company. The following chemicals were measured in the urine samples: bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE), and the metabolites of the latter two [bisphenol A (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether (BADGE·H 2 O), bisphenol A bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether (BADGE·2 H 2 O), bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether (BADGE·HCl·H 2 O), bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether (BADGE·HCl), and bisphenol A bis(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) ether (BADGE·2HCl) and bisphenol F bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether (BFDGE·2 H 2 O), and bisphenol F bis(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) ether (BFDGE·2HCl)]. BADGE and BFDGE were also measured in breathing zone air samples and hand-wipe samples of the sewage-pipe relining and floor-coating workers. Non-occupational exposure to BPA has decreased in Finland. The BPF level of the non-occupationally exposed was higher than the respective levels reported in the recent literature. BPA and BPF concentrations in the workers' urine samples were in the same range as those in the corresponding concentrations of the non-occupationally exposed population. Higher concentrations of BADGE and BFDGE metabolites were found in some of the workers' urine samples. Elevated urine concentrations were also observed in the samples collected the next morning. Some of the urinary BADGE and BFDGE metabolite results correlated with the hand-wipe results. The results show that occupational exposure to BADGE and BFDGE may occur in sewage-pipe relining and floor-coating work. They also indicate that dermal contamination plays a role in total exposure. Although the measured urinary levels indicate that the absorption of these bisphenol compounds are unlikely to pose a systemic health risk, the risk of dermal sensitization remains. • Data on both environmental and occupational exposure to bisphenols. • Results suggest higher general population exposure to BPF than reported earlier. • Sewage-pipe relining and floor-coating workers showed exposure to BADGE and BFDGE. • Urinary BADGE and BFDGE metabolite levels correlated with hand contamination. • No occupational exposure to BPA and BPF observed in studied workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne triazole-resistant spores of the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a significant human health problem as the agricultural use of triazoles has been selecting for cross-resistance to life-saving clinical triazoles. However, how to quantify exposure to airborne triazole-resistant spores remains unclear. Here, we describe a method for cost-effective wide-scale outdoor air sampling to measure both spore abundance as well as antifungal resistance fractions. We show that prolonged outdoor exposure of sticky seals placed in delta traps, when combined with a two-layered cultivation approach, can regionally yield sufficient colony-forming units (CFUs) for the quantitative assessment of aerial resistance levels at a spatial scale that was up to now unfeasible. When testing our method in a European pilot sampling 12 regions, we demonstrate that there are significant regional differences in airborne CFU numbers, and the triazole-resistant fraction of airborne spores is widespread and varies between 0 and 0.1 for itraconazole (~4 mg/L) and voriconazole (~2 mg/L). Our efficient and accessible air sampling protocol opens up extensive options for fine-scale spatial sampling and surveillance studies of airborne A. fumigatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aluminium smelter in Žiar nad Hronom has operated since 1953. As a result, the surrounding area is now one of the most polluted regions in Slovakia. Since the implementation of new production and filtration technologies in 1996, the amount of emissions has significantly decreased. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term restoration of an environment that has been damaged by fluorine-based air pollutants. We analysed the contamination of forest ecosystems in three beech stands at various distances from the emission source (2, 7, and 18 km). Signs of restoration in adult beech trees were observed through a decrease in defoliation and a reduction in the necrotic disease of the bark in tree crowns. However, the impacts of air pollution on ectomycorrhizal associations persist. In the reduced number of ectomycorrhizal fungal species (16 species in the polluted stand compared to 38 species in the control stand), the low representation of sensitive fungal orders (Cantharellales, Gomphales, and Boletales), and the indices of species richness and heterogeneity (Hill, Margalef, Simpson, and Shannon–Weaver). In some respects, the findings indicate that the beech ecosystem is capable of revitalization within 25 years after a reduction in air pollution. However, much more sensitive indicators of successful restoration, compared to the characteristics of the trees, are the communities of macromycetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are considered a class of pollutants with a significant presence in indoor and outdoor air and serious health effects. The aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the levels of outdoor and indoor VOCs at selected sites on Rhodes Island, Greece, during the cold and warm periods of 2023. Spatial and seasonal variations were evaluated; moreover, cancer and non-cancer inhalation risks were assessed. For this purpose, simultaneous indoor-outdoor air sampling was carried out on the island of Rhodes. VOCs were determined by Thermal Desorption—Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (TD-GC/MS). Fifty-six VOCs with frequencies ≥ 50% were further considered. VOC concentrations (∑56VOCs) at all sites were found to be higher in the warm period. In the warm and cold sampling periods, the highest concentrations were found at the port of Rhodes City, while total VOC concentrations were dominated by alkanes. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to identify the VOC emission sources. Non-cancer and cancer risks for adults were within the safe levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to measure personal exposure to sulfuric acid in the electroplating industry to establish a predictive model and test its validation. We collected indoor air parameters and related information from four electroplating plants. Silica gel sorbents were used to collect air samples using high-performance ion chromatography. We collected air samples from three plants (i.e., Plant B, Plant C, and Plant D) and applied multiple linear regressions to build a predictive model. Eight samples collected from the fourth plant (i.e., Plant A) were used to validate the model. A total of 41 samples were collected with a mean of 25.0 ± 9.8 μg/m3 (range 12.1–51.7 μg/m3) in this study, including Plant A (8 samples, 17.5 ± 2.8 μg/m3, 13.0–22.0 μg/m3), Plant B (11 samples, 36.5 ± 9.7 μg/m3, 23.1–51.7 μg/m3), Plant C (11 samples, 16.4 ± 1.7 μg/m3, 12.1–17.8 μg/m3), and Plant D (11 samples, 27.4 ± 1.7 μg/m3, 24.1–29.9 μg/m3). Plant B was significantly higher in sulfuric acid than the other plants. Workers from the electroplating process plants were exposed to sulfuric acid at 29.0 ± 11.5 μg/m3. The predictive model for personal exposure to sulfuric acid fit the data well (r2 = 0.853; adjusted r2 = 0.837) and had an accuracy of 5.52 μg/m3 (bias ± precision; 4.98 ± 2.38 μg/m3), validated by the personal sampling of the fourth plant. This study observed that sulfuric acid exposure was lower than the permissible exposure level of 1000 μg/m3 in Taiwan and the United States, and only two samples were lower than the European Union standard of 50 μg/m3. The developed model can be applied in epidemiological studies to predict personal exposure to sulfuric acid in plants using electroplating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective identification of bacterial and fungal isolates is essential for microbiological monitoring in environments like speleotherapeutic caves. This study compares MALDI-TOF MS and the OmniLog ID System, two high-throughput culture-based identification methods. MALDI-TOF MS identified 80.0% of bacterial isolates to the species level, while the OmniLog ID System identified 92.9%. However, species-level matches between the methods were only 48.8%, revealing considerable discrepancies. For discrepant results, MALDI-TOF MS matched molecular identification at the genus level in 90.5% of cases, while the OmniLog ID System matched only in 28.6%, demonstrating MALDI-TOF MS's superiority. The OmniLog ID System had difficulties identifying genera from the order Micrococcales. Fungal identification success with MALDI-TOF MS was 30.6% at the species level, potentially improvable with a customised spectral library, compared to the OmniLog ID System's 16.7%. Metagenomic approaches detected around 100 times more microbial taxa than culture-based methods, highlighting human-associated microorganisms, especially Staphylococcus spp. In addition to Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. as indicators of cave anthropisation, metagenomics revealed another indicator, Cutibacterium acnes. This study advocates a multi-method approach combining MALDI-TOF MS, the OmniLog ID System, culture-based, and metagenomic analyses for comprehensive microbial identification. Metagenomic sampling on nitrocellulose filters provided superior read quality and microbial representation over liquid sampling, making it preferable for cave air sample collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In laser-spot lock-in thermography, the amplitude of the surface temperature decreases monotonically with the distance to the laser spot. This radial decrease is commonly used to measure the in-plane thermal diffusivity of the sample. However, in the case of thermal insulators, an unpredicted and abrupt slope change appears in the radial profiles. In this work, we first demonstrate that heat conduction to the air surrounding the sample is the cause of this unexpected behavior. Then, we take advantage of this slope change to retrieve simultaneously in-plane thermal diffusivity and conductivity of thermal insulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coarsening treatment in an HCl containing atmosphere was performed to stabilize the porosity of Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 composites up to elevated temperatures. There is minimal shrinkage during the reactive coarsening treatment and the porous microstructure is stable during subsequent heat treatments. The reaction bonding of aluminum oxide (RBAO) process was used to fabricate the samples. Coarsening was investigated as a function of initial density (40–60 % TD) and coarsening temperatures (1250–1400 °C). After the HCl coarsening step, samples were sintered in air to determine the effect of coarsening treatment on pore stability. Up to the temperature of the coarsening treatment no further densification is observed. Above the HCl coarsening temperature densification is significantly retarded. Thus, it is shown that the porosity in RBAO can be stabilized by heat treatment in a 10 vol % HCl containing atmosphere. During the coarsening treatment in HCl at 1300 °C, 1350 °C and 1400 °C little densification was observed (Δ ρ ≤ 2 % TD) in comparison with the densities that result from sintering reaction bonded samples in air at 1350 °C (Δ ρ ∼ 5–8 % TD). Therefore, the HCl coarsening is a promising approach to adjust a desired level of porosity for high temperature applications of porous materials. It is postulated that at a given density, the coarsened materials should exhibit increased strength compared to un-coarsened materials due to increased contact area between the particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In Beijing's super sandstorm 2021, 5700 amplicon sequence variants were detected. • Airborne bacteria in sandstorms were compared with the after-storm and haze days. • The sandstorm newly brought 10 pathogenic bacterial genera to the atmosphere. • Small bioaerosols (0.65–1.1 µm) were still suspended after the sandstorm subsided. Sandstorm, which injects generous newly emerging microbes into the atmosphere covering cities, adversely affects the air quality in built environments. However, few studies have examined the change of airborne bacteria during severe sandstorm events. In this work, we analyzed the airborne bacteria during one of the strongest sandstorms in East Asia on March 15th, 2021, which affected large areas of China and Mongolia. The characteristics of the sandstorm were compared with those of the subsequent clean and haze days. The composition of the bacterial community of air samples was investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high-throughput sequencing technology. During the sandstorm, the particulate matter (PM) concentration and bacterial richness were extremely high (PM 2.5 : 207 µg/m3; PM 10 : 1630 µg/m3; 5700 amplicon sequence variants/m3). In addition, the sandstorm brought 10 pathogenic bacterial genera to the atmosphere, posing a grave hazard to human health. As the sandstorm subsided, small bioaerosols (0.65–1.1 µm) with a similar bacterial community remained suspended in the atmosphere, bringing possible long-lasting health risks. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogens can be collected from air and detected in samples by many methods. However, merely detecting pathogens does not answer whether they can spread disease. To fully assess health risks from exposure to airborne pathogens, the infectivity of those agents must be assessed. Air samplers which operate by growing particles through water vapor condensation and subsequently collecting them into a liquid medium have proven effective at conserving the viability of microorganisms. We present a study that assessed performance improvement of one such sampler, BioSpot-GEM™, gained by augmenting it with an upstream virtual impactor (VI) designed to concentrate particles in aerosols. We demonstrate that such an integrated unit improved the collection of live Escherichia coli by a median Concentration Factor (CF) of 1.59 and increased the recovery of viable human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV OC43) by a median CF of 12.7 as compared to the sampler without the VI. Our results also show that OC43 can be concentrated in this way without significant loss of infectivity. We further present that the small BioSpot-GEM™ bioaerosol sampler can collect live E. coli at an efficiency comparable to the larger BioSpot-VIVAS™ bioaerosol sampler. Our analyses show potential benefits toward improving the collection of viable pathogens from the air using a more portable water-based condensation air sampler while also highlighting challenges associated with using a VI with concentrated bioaerosols. This work can aid further investigation of VI usage to improve the collection of pathogens from air, ultimately to better characterize health risks associated with airborne pathogen exposures. Copyright © 2024 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane emission in South Asia is poorly understood due to a lack of observations, despite being a major contributor to methane emissions globally. We present the first results of atmospheric CH4 inversions using air samples collected weekly at Nainital, India (NTL), and Comilla, Bangladesh (CLA), in addition to surface background flask measurements by NOAA, CSIRO and AGAGE using the MIROC4-ACTM. Our simulations span from 2000 to 2020 (considering the fixed "edge" effect), but the main analysis period is 2013–2020, when both the NTL and CLA datasets are available. An additional flux uncertainty reduction of up to 40% was obtained (mainly in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent), which enhanced our confidence in flux estimation and reaffirmed the significance of observations at the NTL and CLA sites. Our estimated regional flux was 64.0 ± 4.7 Tg-CH4 yr−1 in South Asia for the period 2013–2020. We considered two combinations of a priori fluxes that represented different approaches for CH4 emission from rice fields and wetlands. By the inversion, the difference in emissions between these combinations was notably reduced due to the adjustment of the CH4 emission from the agriculture, oil and gas, and waste sectors. At the same time, the discrepancy in wetland emissions, approximately 8 Tg-CH4 yr−1, remained unchanged. In addition to adjusting the annual totals, the inclusion of NTL/CLA observations in the inversion analysis modified the seasonal cycle of total fluxes, possibly due to the agricultural sector. While the a priori fluxes consisted of a single peak in August, the a posteriori values indicated double peaks in May and September. These peaks are highly likely associated with field preparation for summer crops and emissions from rice fields during the heading stage (panicle formation). The newly incorporated sites primarily exhibit sensitivity to the Indo-Gangetic Plain subregion, while coverage in southern India remains limited. Expanding the observation network is necessary, with careful analysis of potential locations using back-trajectory methods for footprint evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a preliminary study on the emission control of pollutants from an industrial furnace. The stack sampling technique was implemented in this study, and the quantity of pollutants released from the furnace smoke was monitored. The transverse points required to collect the data were selected based on the upstream and downstream disturbances. At first, the investigation was made with the furnace oil. A 15.28% and 5.1% of CO2 and O2 were observed in the flue gas from of regular furnace oil. Hence, by considering the emission level observed, the analysis was repeated with the low sulphur-low stack and the coal tar fuel. The emission of SO2 and N2 was reduced with coal-tar fuel compared with the regular furnace fuel. Thus, the proposed operational adjustment attenuates the pollutant emission, which also helps to reduce the unfavorable impact on the environment. In the future, the authors intend to include a design change in the furnace burner, which would help to increase fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sprouting process includes changes in nutritional, biochemical, and sensory characteristics that improve chickpea quality and increase its digestibility. Various products such as Falafel are made from ground and dried chickpea sprouts. Therefore, in this research, the use of hot air (70°C), infrared (250 W), and microwave (220 W) methods for drying ground chickpea sprouts was investigated and modeled. The drying time of the samples in the infrared dryer was shorter than the other two dryers. The average drying time of the samples in the hot air, infrared and microwave dryers was 63.3, 26.7, and 156.7 min, respectively. In this research, the effective moisture diffusivity coefficient of ground chickpea sprouts in hot air, infrared and microwave dryers was determined to be 4.99×10-9 m² s -1, 17.95×10-9 m² s -1, and 1.59×10-9 m² s -1, respectively. To study the drying kinetics of ground chickpea sprouts, Wang and Singh, Henderson and Pabis, Approximation of diffusion, Page, Newton, Midilli, and Logarithmic mathematical models were fitted to the experimental data. Finally, when modeling the drying process of this product, Midilli's mathematical model with four parameters was chosen as the best model due to its minimal error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When studying the fault tectonics of the Vychegodskii trough, we detected an area of high concentrations of soil radon, confined to the zone of the Vychegda–Lokchim fault. To localize the radon anomaly, we carried measurements of the volumetric radon activity out over a network of observation points. Air sampling at each point was performed from the wellhead with a depth of 0.5 m and a diameter of 0.1 m. Based on the data obtained, an intense radon anomaly was contoured. At different times, the anomaly changed in the size, shape, and intensity, but its center always remained fixed. According to areal observations, in the central part of the 2 × 2-km anomaly, the radon concentration reached 3800–4800 Bq/m3. The results of continuous daily monitoring in the center of the anomaly showed that the of radon concentration is subject to daily dynamics, which directly depends on meteorological parameters, namely on temperature and humidity. At night, with a decrease in temperature and an increase in air humidity, the level of radon increased to 6000–8000 Bq/m3 on average, in rare cases up to 10 000–12 000 Bq/m3. In the daytime, with an increase in temperature, a decrease in the volumetric radon activity was noted. In addition to the daily dynamics, seasonal variability of the radon field was observed. In autumn, the radon concentration is lower than in summer, which is associated with short-term precipitation and, as a result, the filling of the pore space with water. The Archean–Early Proterozoic basement composed of gneisses, amphibolites, quartzites, and migmatites at a depth of 2 km is considered as the main source of radon. Due to the fact that the anomaly is located in the zone controlled by the Vychegda–Lokchim fault, the latter is considered the main pathway for fluid transport to the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiome of the ocular surface has been characterised, but only limited information is available on a possible silent intraocular microbial colonisation in normal eyes. Therefore, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S rDNA genes in the aqueous humour. The aqueous humour was sampled from three patients during cataract surgery. Air swabs, conjunctival swabs from patients as well as from healthy donors served as controls. Following DNA extraction, the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rDNA gene were amplified and sequenced followed by denoising. The resulting Amplicon Sequence Variants were matched to a subset of the Ribosomal Database Project 16S database. The deduced bacterial community was then statistically analysed. The DNA content in all samples was low (0–1.49 ng/µL) but sufficient for analysis. The main phyla in the samples were Acinetobacteria (48%), Proteobacteria (26%), Firmicutes (14%), Acidobacteria (8%), and Bacteroidetes (2%). Patients' conjunctival control samples and anterior chamber fluid showed similar patterns of bacterial species containing many waterborne species. Non-disinfected samples showed a different bacterial spectrum than the air swab samples. The data confirm the existence of an ocular surface microbiome. Meanwhile, a distinct intraocular microbiome was not discernible from the background, suggesting the absence of an intraocular microbiome in normal eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is overwhelming evidence of declines in native bee populations and therefore a need for increased monitoring to track these declines and assist in conservation and restoration efforts. Bees can be sampled non-lethally through visual surveys (e.g., distance transects) or lethally through active (e.g., hand netting) or passive (e.g., traps that lure insects from afar) methods. These lethal methods suffer from imperfect detection that is difficult to account for and can confound inferences about habitat characteristics. Additionally, evidence suggests that lethal sampling methods can even invert habitat quality patterns such that high-quality sites yield fewer individuals and low-quality sites yield more individuals. Methods: To study potential biases associated with imperfect detection, we used hierarchical density estimation with visual surveys to estimate density of bees within 40 young forest patches across Pennsylvania, USA. We surveyed bee communities non-lethally using visual surveys and lethally using blue-vane traps and bee bowls every two weeks between May and September 2019. We collected data on blooming flowers, vegetation structure, and weather during times of survey. Results: We found that bee densities estimated from distance transects had a positive relationship with floral resource availability. In contrast, abundance measured via bee bowls and blue-vane traps had no relationship, or sometimes even negative trends with habitat quality, including floral resource availability. Raw bee counts within 2-m of the transect always correlated with modeled densities, showing that some methods do not share the biases of attractive traps. Discussion: Our study demonstrates that failing to account for imperfect detection can impact the interpretation of pollinator surveys and adds to a growing body of literature that acknowledges the value of distance sampling for insects like bees to better understand species' habitat needs and to monitor populations for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosol microbiome studies have received increased attention as technological advancements have made it possible to dive deeper into the microbial diversity. To enhance biomass collection for metagenomic sequencing, long-term sampling is a common strategy. While the impact of prolonged sampling times on microorganisms' culturability and viability is well-established, its effect on nucleic acid stability remains less understood but is essential to ensure representative sample collection. This study evaluated four air samplers (SKC BioSampler, SASS3100, Coriolis μ, BioSpot-VIVAS 300-P) against a reference sampler (isopore membrane filters) to identify nucleic acid stability during long-term sampling. Physical sampling efficiencies determined with a fluorescent tracer for three particle sizes (0.8, 1, and 3 μm), revealed high efficiencies (> 80% relative to reference) for BioSampler, SASS3100, and BioSpot-VIVAS for all particle sizes, and for Coriolis with 3 μm particles. Coriolis exhibited lower efficiency for 0.8 μm (7%) and 1 μm (50%) particles. During 2-h sampling with MS2 and Pantoea agglomerans, liquid-based collection with Coriolis and BioSampler showed a decrease in nucleic acid yields for all test conditions. BioSpot-VIVAS displayed reduced sampling efficiency for P. agglomerans compared to MS2 and the other air samplers, while filter-based collection with SASS3100 and isopore membrane filters, showed indications of DNA degradation for 1 μm particles of P. agglomerans after long-term sampling. These findings show that long-term air sampling affects nucleic acid stability in both liquid- and filter-based collection methods. These results highlight bias produced by bioaerosol collection and should be considered when selecting an air sampler and interpreting aerosol microbiome data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a new method for detecting urban areas critical for the presence of air pollutants during periods of heatwaves. The proposed method uses a geospatial model based on the construction of Thiessen polygons and a fuzzy model based on assessing, starting from air quality control unit measurement data, how concentrations of air pollutants are distributed in the urban study area during periods of heatwaves and determine the most critical areas as hotspots. The proposed method represents an optimal trade-off between the accuracy of the detection of critical areas and the computational speed; the use of fuzzy techniques for assessing the intensity of concentrations of air pollutants allows evaluators to model the assessments of critical areas more naturally. The method is implemented in a GIS-based platform and has been tested in the city of Bologna, Italy. The resulting criticality maps of PM10, NO2, and PM2.5 pollutants during a heatwave period that occurred from 10 to 14 July 2023 revealed highly critical hotspots with high pollutant concentrations in densely populated areas. This framework provides a portable and easily interpretable decision support tool which allows you to evaluate which urban areas are most affected by air pollution during heatwaves, potentially posing health risks to the exposed population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent years, there has been an increased interest in indoor air quality in heritage environments, specifically in relation to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These could originate from objects, furnishings, visitors and staff, as well as from olfactory exhibitions. This interest led to a number of studies investigating the "typical" emissions for diverse materials and their impact on the surrounding environment. The analysis of volatile compounds emitted by objects helps in the characterization of the material composition, its conservation history or its degradation processes. This contribution reviews how volatiles are emitted from objects and the commonly used sampling techniques for heritage science applications. A variety of methods are available, from bulk air sample collection to preconcentration using samplers. The commonly studied object types contributing to indoor VOCs are discussed. These include emissions from heritage objects, conservation products, furnishing materials and display cases. Furthermore, olfactory exhibitions are discussed in terms of indoor air quality. Finally, the findings are compared with the current guidelines on indoor volatile concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased urbanization and population growth have led to a rise in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, necessitating the need for improved infrastructure and handling methods. Improper disposal practices, particularly open burning at dumpsites, have become common in emerging urban cities, posing serious environmental and health risks. This study aims at evaluating the pollutants often emitted into the environment during the open burning of solid wastes using the American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) model under three scenarios. The ground‐level concentrations of pollutants emitted were compared with the statutory limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) at selected receptor locations. The predicted maximum concentrations from the model for PM2.5 were 4184, 8633, and 10,419 μg/m3 and for PM10 were 16,481, 20,915, and 23,114 μg/m3 for scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The WHO limits of PM2.5 and PM10 were observed to be exceeded from 2500%–17,400% and 312.5%–4200% for scenario three representing the worst‐case scenario. Ilorin metropolis was revealed to be the receptor location with the highest impact. Waste‐to‐energy and other cleaner waste treatment options should be adopted to protect public health and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A low technology emanator device for slowly releasing vapour of the volatile pyrethroid transfluthrin was recently developed in Tanzania that provides robust protection against night biting Anopheles and Culex vectors of malaria and filariasis for several months. Here these same emanator devices were assessed in Dar es Salaam city, as a means of protection against outdoor-biting Aedes (Stegomia) aegypti, the most important vector of human arboviruses worldwide, in parallel with similar studies in Haiti and Brazil. Methods: A series of entomological experiments were conducted under field and semi-field conditions, to evaluate whether transfluthrin emanators protect against wild Ae. aegypti, and also compare the transfluthrin responsiveness of Ae. aegypti originating from wild-caught eggs to established pyrethroid-susceptible Ae. aegypti and Anopheles gambiae colonies. Preliminary measurements of transfluthrin vapour concentration in air samples collected near treated emanators were conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Two full field experiments with four different emanator designs and three different transfluthrin formulations consistently indicated negligible reduction of human landing rates by wild Ae. aegypti. Under semi-field conditions in large cages, 50 to 60% reductions of landing rates were observed, regardless of which transfluthrin dose, capture method, emanator placement position, or source of mosquitoes (mildly pyrethroid resistant wild caught Ae. aegypti or pyrethroid-susceptible colonies of Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae) was used. Air samples collected immediately downwind from an emanator treated with the highest transfluthrin dose (15g), contained 12 to 19 μg/m3 transfluthrin vapour. Conclusions: It appears unlikely that the moderate levels of pyrethroid resistance observed in wild Ae. aegypti can explain the modest-to-undetectable levels of protection exhibited. While potential inhalation exposure could be of concern for the highest (15g) dose evaluated, 3g of transfluthrin appears sufficient to achieve the modest levels of protection that were demonstrated entomologically. While the generally low levels of protection against Aedes reported here from Tanzania, and from similar entomological studies in Haiti and Brazil, are discouraging, complementary social science studies in Haiti and Brazil suggest end-users perceive valuable levels of protection against mosquitoes. It therefore remains unclear whether transfluthrin emanators have potential for protecting against Aedes vectors of important human arboviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivation-independent molecular biological methods are essential to rapidly quantify pathogens like Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) which is important to control aerosol-generating engineered water systems. A standard addition method was established to quantify L. pneumophila in the very complex matrix of process water and air of exhaust air purification systems in animal husbandry. Therefore, cryopreserved standards of viable L. pneumophila were spiked in air and water samples to calibrate the total bioanalytical process which includes cell lysis, DNA extraction, and qPCR. A standard addition algorithm was employed for qPCR to determine the initial concentration of L. pneumophila. In mineral water, the recovery rate of this approach (73%–134% within the concentration range of 100–5000 Legionella per mL) was in good agreement with numbers obtained from conventional genomic unit (GU) calibration with DNA standards. In air samples of biotrickling filters, in contrast, the conventional DNA standard approach resulted in a significant overestimation of up to 729%, whereas our standard addition gave a more realistic recovery of 131%. With this proof-of-principle study, we were able to show that the molecular biology-based standard addition approach is a suitable method to determine realistic concentrations of L. pneumophila in air and process water samples of biotrickling filter systems. Moreover, this quantification strategy is generally a promising method to quantify pathogens in challenging samples containing a complex microbiota and the classical GU approach used for qPCR leads to unreliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides can enter the atmosphere during spraying or after application, resulting in environmental or human exposure. The study describes the optimisation and validation of analytical methods for the determination of more than 300 pesticides in the particulate and gaseous phases of the air. Pesticides were sampled with high-volume air samplers on glass-fibre filters (GFFs) and glass columns filled with polyurethane foam (PUF) and XAD-2 resin. Comparing different extraction methods, a QuEChERS extraction with acetonitrile was selected for the GFFs. For the PUF/XAD-2 columns, a cold-column extraction with dichloromethane was used. Instrumental determination was performed using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-QTOF) and gas chromatography/electron impact ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/EI-MS/MS). Recovery experiments showed recovery rates between 70 and 120% for 263 compounds on the GFFs and 75 compounds on the PUF/XAD-2 columns. Semi-quantitative determination was performed for 39 compounds on the GFFs and 110 compounds on the PUF/XAD-2 columns. Finally, 27 compounds on the GFFs and 138 compounds on the PUF/XAD-2 columns could be determined only qualitatively. For the determination of the PUF/XAD-2 samples, signal suppression (LC) or signal enhancement (GC) due to matrix effects were determined. Method quantification limits of the optimised methods ranged from 30 to 240 pg/m3 for the target compounds on the GFFs, and from 8 to 60 pg/m3 on the PUF/XAD-2 columns. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by means of environmental air samples from an agricultural area in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the aim of the study was to assess microbiological air quality in operating theatres by determining the level of microbiological contamination of the air and critical surfaces using the passive air sampling method and compliance of the operating theatre staff with infection control measures. Materials and methods: The prospective study was conducted in the surgical block of the University Medical Centre Maribor. For two months continuously, ten operating theatres were assessed for microbial contamination of air and surfaces during quiet and active times of the day. A passive air sampling method with Petri dishes on an agar specially adapted for this purpose (plate count agar) was used. In addition, ten surgical procedures were observed to assess staff compliance with recommended practises. Results: Air samples met microbiological standards in all operating theatres. In both sampling sessions of the day (quiet and active periods), microbial contamination of the air was always within the limit of 10 CFU/m3. The average number of bacterial colonies was zero to two during quiet phases and one to four during active phases. Approximately 60% of the isolates from the operating theatres belonged mainly to the genus Staphylococcus: S. epidermidis (36% of the isolates), S. hominis (17.5%) and S. haemolyticus (5.5%). The rest were identified as Streptococcus anginosus (23%) and Bacillus sp. (18%). Pathogenic bacteria and moulds were not present. In regard to staff compliance with good surgical practise, the former varied by behaviour and function, with non-compliance in pre-operative skin preparation and operating theatre congestion being notable. The cleanliness of the environment was satisfactory. Conclusions: Microbiological air control is extremely important for the safety and success of both surgical and postoperative practises. In spite of good results obtained in the study, further improvements in surgical staff compliance with good surgical practise are essential to reduce surgical site infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less poses a significant threat to human health. The first step in quantifying human health impacts caused by exposure to PM2.5 pollution is exposure assessment. Population-weighted exposure level (PWEL) estimation is one of the methods that provides a more precise exposure assessment since it incorporates the spatiotemporal distribution of population with the pollution concentration estimate. In this study, PM2.5 exposure levels in the local communities around brickmaking industries were investigated, using the population census data of the study area and 1-year data from nine PM2.5 monitoring stations installed in and around the brickmaking industries. The observed PM2.5 data was spatially interpolated using inverse distance weight (IDW). Data on PM2.5 levels across the study area were classified based on the World Health Organization interim target (IT) guidelines and the South African National ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). An annual PM2.5 population weighted exposure level of 27.6 µg/m³ was estimated for the study area. However, seasonal exposure levels of 28.9, 37.6, 26.5, and 20.7 µg/m³ were estimated for the autumn, winter, spring, and summer seasons, respectively. This implies that local communities around the brick kiln in the Vhembe District are exposed to high levels of PM2.5, especially in winter. The PM2.5 levels in the brickmaking industries as well as its other sources in the Vhembe District, therefore, need to be lowered. Findings from population exposure level to pollutants can provide valuable data for formulating policies and recommendations on exposure reduction and public health protection. Implications: PM2.5 concentration in any given environment has high spatial and temporal variability due to the presence of diffused sources in the environment. Using ambient air concentrations to directly estimate population exposure without taking into consideration the disproportionate spatial and temporal distribution of the pollutant and the population may not yield accurate results on human exposure levels. It is, therefore, important to assess the aggregated PM2.5 exposure of a populace within a given area. This study therefore examines the PM2.5 population-weighted-exposure level of the host communities of the brickmaking industry in Vhembe District, South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Triazole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (TRAF) isolates are a growing public health problem with worldwide distribution. Epidemiological data on TRAF is limited in Africa, particularly in West Africa. Objectives: This study aimed to screen for the environmental presence of TRAF isolates in the indoor air of two hospitals in Burkina Faso. Materials and Methods: Air samples were collected in wards housing patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis, namely infectious diseases ward, internal medicine ward, nephrology ward, pulmonology ward, medical emergency ward and paediatric ward. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with triazoles was used to screen the suspected TRAF isolates and EUCAST method to confirm the resistance of suspected isolates. Sequencing of cyp51A gene was used to identify the resistance mechanism of confirmed TRAF isolates. Results: Of the 198 samples collected and analysed, 67 showed growth of A. fumigatus isolates. The prevalence of TRAF isolates was 3.23% (4/124). One TRAF isolate exhibited a pan‐triazole resistance. Sequencing of cyp51A gene identified the TR34/L98H mutation for this pan‐triazole resistant isolate. This study showed for the first time the circulation of the pan‐azole resistant isolate harbouring the TR34/L98H mutation in Burkina Faso. Conclusions: These findings emphasise the need to map these TRAF isolates in all parts of Burkina Faso and to establish local and national continuous surveillance of environmental and clinical TRAF isolates in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, TiO2/P, K-containing grapefruit peel biochar (TiO2/P, K-PC) composites were synthesized in situ biomimetically using grapefruit peel as the bio-template and carbon source and tetrabutyl titanate as the titanium source. This was achieved using the two-step rotary impregnation–calcination method. Adjusting the calcination temperature of the sample in an air atmosphere could regulate the mass ratio of TiO2 to carbon. The prepared samples were subjected to an analysis of their compositions, structures, morphologies, and properties. It demonstrated that the prepared samples were complexes of anatase TiO2 and P, K-containing carbon, with the presence of graphitic carbon. They possessed a unique morphological structure with abundant pores and a large surface area. The grapefruit peel powder played a crucial role in the induction and assembly of TiO2/P, K-PC composites. The sample PCT-400-550 had the best photocatalytic activity, with the degradation rate of RhB, MO, and MB dye solutions reaching more than 99% within 30 min, with satisfactory cyclic stability. The outstanding photocatalytic activity can be credited to its unique morphology and the efficient collaboration between TiO2 and P, K-containing biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing reliable and effective prediction models is a major research priority for air quality parameter monitoring and prediction and is utilized extensively in numerous fields. The sample dataset of air quality metrics often established has missing data and outliers because of certain uncontrollable causes. A broad learning system based on a semi-supervised mechanism is built to address some of the dataset's data-missing issues, hence reducing the air quality model prediction error. Several air parameter sample datasets in the experiment were discovered to have outlier issues, and the anomalous data directly impact the prediction model's stability and accuracy. Furthermore, the correlation entropy criteria perform better when handling the sample data's outliers. Therefore, the prediction model in this paper consists of a semi-supervised broad learning system based on the correlation entropy criterion (CC-SSBLS). This technique effectively solves the issue of unstable and inaccurate prediction results due to anomalies in the data by substituting the correlation entropy criterion for the mean square error criterion in the BLS algorithm. Experiments on the CC-SSBLS algorithm and comparative studies with models like Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (V-SVR), BLS, SSBLS, and Categorical and Regression Tree-based Broad Learning System (CART-BLS) were conducted using sample datasets of air parameters in various regions. In this paper, the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are used to judge the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed model. Through the experimental analysis, RMSE and MAPE reached 8.68 μg·m−3 and 0.24% in the Nanjing dataset. It is possible to conclude that the CC-SSBLS algorithm has superior stability and prediction accuracy based on the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speleotherapy is one of the non-pharmacological methods for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. On the one hand, one of the alleged main advantages of speleotherapeutic caves is the low microbial load in the air and the absence of other aeroallergens, but on the other hand, due to the lack of comprehensive air monitoring, there is little information on the pristine and human-influenced aerobiota in such environments. The aim of this study was to assess the anthropogenic effects of speleotherapy on the air microbiota and to investigate its potential impact on human health in Sežana Hospital Cave (Slovenia). From May 2020 to January 2023, air samples were collected in the cave before and after speleotherapeutic activities using two different volumetric air sampling methods—impaction and impingement—to isolate airborne microbiota. Along with sampling, environmental data were measured (CO2, humidity, wind, and temperature) to explore the anthropogenic effects on the aerobiota. While the presence of patients increased microbial concentrations by at least 83.3%, other parameters exhibited a lower impact or were attributed to seasonal changes. The structure and dynamics of the airborne microbiota are similar to those in show caves, indicating anthropization of the cave. Locally, concentrations of culturable microorganisms above 1000 CFU/m3 were detected, which could have negative or unpredictable effects on the autochthonous microbiota and possibly on human health. A mixture of bacteria and fungi typically associated with human microbiota was found in the air and identified by MALDI-TOF MS with a 90.9% identification success rate. Micrococcus luteus, Kocuria rosea, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus capitis were identified as reliable indicators of cave anthropization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]