Air Samples Research Articles

Manganese exposure and sleep quality in iron and steel industry workers.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element crucial for the proper functioning of the human body. However, excessive exposure to manganese can lead to complications, particularly neurotoxicity. Among the health issues associated with exposure to heavy metals, one of the major concerns in the adverse effect on sleep quality. A total of 189 employees from a steel factory were divided into two groups: exposed (149 people) and non-exposed (40 people). Air samples were collected using the NIOSH 7300 method, and blood samples were obtained at the end of each shift. The samples underwent analysis by ICP-OES after preparation using the acid-thermal digestion method. To gather information on sleep quality, the Petersburg Sleep Questionnaire (PSQI) was used. The data collected in this study showed abnormal conditions, leading to the inclusion of medians alongside averages. The participants had an average age of 35 and an average work experience of 6 years. The exposed group had a significantly higher median respiratory exposure to manganese (1.32mg/m3) compared with the non-exposed group (0.20mg/m3). The average sleep quality score in the exposed group was significantly worse (score of 7) compared with the non-exposed group (score of 4). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the quality of sleep and the level of manganese in the air, so that the quality of sleep decreases with the increase in the level of manganese in the air (p-value = .005). However, no significant relationship was observed between blood manganese level and air manganese level in the exposed group (p-value = .06).

Occupational health of drilling waste workers as related to microbial exposure and waste treatment methods.

Exposure to microorganisms is a known contributor to occupational disease. This study assessed drilling waste workers' health status and investigated the potential of inhalable bioaerosols to elicit an immune response in vitro and in vivo. Venous blood and self-reported health data were collected from 56 and 73 Norwegian drilling waste workers, respectively. Immunological effects were assessed as Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation potential of personal air samples in vitro and biomarker expression in workers' plasma samples in vivo. Parameters, such as BMI, sex, and smoking habits, were considered along with factors such as purification technology of drilling waste when biomarker expression was interpreted. Symptom prevalence among exposed workers was compared to an unexposed control group. Personal air samples activated TLR signalling in vitro in 90% of all cases. The activation potential correlated significantly with work exposure to microbial agents and total dust. Significant differences in biomarker expression and symptom prevalence were identified between purification technologies and exposure groups. Drilling waste workers had significantly increased OR of skin irritation and respiratory symptoms compared to the control group. Exposure to microorganisms during the treatment of offshore drilling waste is an occupational health concern.

A simple and cost-effective sample preparation and storage method for stable isotope analysis of atmospheric CO2 for GasBench II/continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

The stable isotope compositions of atmospheric CO2 can provide useful insight into various geochemical processes and carbon cycles on Earth, which is critical for understanding of Earth's changing climate. Here, we present a simple and cost-effective analytical method for the collection and measurement of carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of atmospheric CO2. Air samples of ~150 mL were collected individually or collectively using our simple active air collection system and then extracted on a vacuum purification line to remove noncondensable gases and atmospheric water vapor. The efficiency of removing atmospheric water vapor was tested by using a magnesium perchlorate desiccant trap and a dry ice/ethanol trap. Lastly, a "J-Cut tube sealing/cracking method" was developed to store and transfer purified atmospheric CO2 to the GasBench II and CF-IRMS system for δ13C and δ18O measurements. The collective active air collection method combined with the full sample air extraction method for a 3-min transfer time or "Full 3m TE" yields the best analytical precision of 0.07‰ (δ13C) and 0.04‰ (δ18O). Removing atmospheric water vapor from air samples is not necessary for δ13C, but essential for δ18O measurements. The J-Cut tube sealing/cracking method shows a near 100% effectiveness for the storage and transfer of atmospheric or any CO2. A simple and cost-effect method was developed for the collection, purification, storage, and isotopic analysis of indoor/outdoor atmospheric CO2 samples for general users. This method utilizes a popular headspace gas sample preparation system for CF-IRMS and an easy-to-build vacuum purification line without involving complex and high-cost devices for the preparation of atmospheric CO2.

Efficacy of Antimicrobial Dry Fog in Improving the Environmental Microbial Burden in an Inpatient Ward

Background/Objectives: In healthcare environments with high microbial loads, effective infection control measures are critical for reducing airborne and surface contamination. One of the novel modalities in the achievement of these goals is the use of antimicrobial mists, such as droplets, in the form of dry fog. Although the usage of dry fog in the disinfection of contained healthcare microenvironments is well known, the effect of such a system in terms of a meaningful reduction in the microbial burden in an open inpatient ward is unclear. Our objective was to assess the impact of scheduled dry fogging on microbial reduction in such settings. Methods: We collected air and surface samples from rooms receiving daily, biweekly, or no fogging (controls) over six months, establishing the baseline contamination and evaluating the reduction trends in treated rooms. The “reduction effect” was measured by tracking microbial isolation trends before and after treatment, while the “degree of reduction” assessed differences across rooms with varied disinfection schedules. Results: The results indicate that scheduled dry fogging significantly reduced microbial loads in treated rooms, especially with daily disinfection (SE = 64.484, p = 0.002). The airborne contamination in treated rooms showed a strong downward trend over time (SE = 19.192, p < 0.001). Surface contamination remained challenging due to frequent recontamination; however, treated rooms exhibited a consistent reduction in microbial presence (SE = 2.002, p = 0.010), confirming dry fogging’s role as a valuable adjunct to routine cleaning. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study highlights that dry fogging effectively reduces microbial loads in open, high-traffic healthcare environments, supporting its use as part of a multimodal infection control strategy.

Antibiotic resistance of bioaerosols in particulate matter from indoor environments of the hospitals in Dhaka Bangladesh

The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms pose significant challenges to public health, especially in hospitals. This study investigated the existence or occurrence of bacterial bioaerosol and their antibiotic resistance patterns in particulate matter (PM) collected from hospitals in the greater Dhaka region, Bangladesh. The real-time particulate matter concentrations (PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10) were measured in four hospitals and two ambient locations. Air sampling was conducted using a filter-based method with a low-volume air sampler, while AEROCET-531 S (USA) was employed to monitor particulate matter concentrations. Bacterial bioaerosol concentration was determined using a culture-based method, and eleven bacterial species, including nine individual species, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. stutzeri, Bacillus cereus, Acinetobacter schindleri, Proteus vulgaris, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, and B. aerius, were isolated. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with 21 antibiotics. Bacterial isolates were detected using partial sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene. Bioaerosol concentration ranged from 194.65 ± 22.48 CFU/m3 to 948.39 ± 84.14 CFU/m3, showing significant correlations with PM1.0 and PM2.5 concentrations (R2 = 0.80 and 0.85, respectively). All bacterial isolates collected from the hospitals exhibited resistance against four or more antibiotics, indicating multidrug resistance (MDR). Notably, the bacterial isolates displayed the highest resistance rate against ampicillin (90.90%), azithromycin (81.81%), erythromycin (81.81%), cefixime (81.81%), and cotrimoxazole (54.54%), among the tested antibiotics. Except B. aerius, all other bacterial isolates were associated with hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). These findings highlight the high rates of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the pressing requirement for infection control measures and continuous surveillance strategies in hospital settings. These findings emphasize the necessity for global hospital infection control strategies focusing airborne multidrug-resistant microorganisms.

Microbiological indoor air quality and associated factors in private clinics of Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Indoor air pollution, including airborne microorganisms, can cause allergies, respiratory diseases, and immune-toxic diseases. Sneezing generates millions of airborne microbial infections, and ventilation sources alter microbial communities. Few studies exist in developing countries, including Ethiopia, and Harar Town. The aim is to assess microbial indoor air quality and associated factors among private clinics, Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 private clinic rooms in Harar town, using a systematic random sampling method and passive air sampling. Data was collected using the settle plate method and an observation checklist. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression, with a P-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Result: The minimum and maximum bacterial loads were 3933 CFU/m3 and 92 CFU/m3 respectively. Based on the pollution degree of the European Commission, the Mean bacterial load (904 CFU/m3) was at higher bacterial load. The highest, lowest, and mean fungal loads were 1967 CFU/m3, 9 CFU/m3 and 401 CFU/m3 respectively. Temperature of <25 °C (AOR = 1.58, p = 0.04, and 95% CI = 1.05, 1.91), >28 °C (AOR = 1.23, P = 0.03, and 95% CI = 1.51, 2.02) were significantly associated with bacterial indoor air quality. Relative humidity of treatment rooms (AOR = 1.87, p = 0.02, and 95% CI = 1.21, 3.09) had an association with bacterial loads. The clinic treatment rooms with a recorded temperature <25 °C (AOR = 6.32, p = 0.01, and 95% CI = 6.10, 8.25) had associated with fungal loads. But the rooms having a temperature of >28 °C (AOR = 0.41, p = 0.04, and 95% CI = 0.31, 0.78) were 59% less likely to comply with the fungal standards compared to rooms having a temperature of 25–28 °C. The clinic rooms with a relative humidity of <30% (AOR = 7.75, p = 0.02, 95% CI = 7.21, 8.39) were 7.75 times more likely to comply with those with a relative humidity of > 60% in the treatment rooms. Conclusion: Private clinics in Harar had a moderate fungal load and a higher indoor air bacterial concentration when compared to different indoor air standards. Temperature, humidity, inadequate ventilation and the presence of unsanitary attached toilets are some variables associated with microbial loads.

Numerical study of plasma and air heating process in single-turn coil discharges

As a kind of destructive pulsed magnet, single-turn coil generates ultra-high magnetic field beyond 100 T by feeding the Mega-Ampère-level discharge current into a coil with the size of several millimeters. Under the effect of high temperature and high electric field, the air around the coil is ionized and exhibits magnetohydrodynamic characteristics. In this study, a numerical model is built to analyze the air heating and sample thermal destruction. This model uses the collision integral method to calculate the physical parameters of the plasma, and considers not only the heat conduction and convection but also the heat sources of Joule heat, electron-heavy particles collision, work done on air by pressure and pressure change, and air viscous dissipation. The results show that heat conduction and heat convection can only significantly heat the air near the surface of the coil. However, the power density of these two heat sources is greater than the other heat sources, resulting in the highest air temperature near the coil. In addition, Joule heat and electron-heavy particles collision have lower power densities but can heat a larger volume of air outside and inside the coil, respectively.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA Presence in Outdoor Air of Public Spaces in Valladolid During Winter, 2021

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve and herd immunity establishes, an increasing number of asymptomatic infections have been reported, increasing the risk of airborne spread of the virus. Most of the studies regarding SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in air refer to indoor environments, with few studies having reported SARS-CoV-2 RNA in outdoor air. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA at two different settings, crowded outdoor versus empty outdoor environments in Valladolid, Spain, during winter 2021. Using a Coriolis® air sampler, samples were taken from nine different locations within the city center. RNA extraction and a one-step RT-qPCR were carried out. Six out of the 20 air samples were found to be positive, and they were all obtained from crowded outdoor environments. These results highlight that although in less quantity, SARS-CoV-2 RNA is still present in outdoor air, especially at moments of relaxed mitigation efforts and depending on the number of people present.

Analysis of water and aerosol samples of tunnel car washes operated with recycled water for Legionella with culture, qPCR and viability-qPCR

Due to the generation of large quantities of aerosol and the recycling of water, tunnel car washes are discussed as potential sources of legionellosis. Additionally, occupational health and safety aspects are important for tunnel car washes as they are often workplaces.A total of 17 different tunnel car washes were investigated for the presence of Legionella. In the process, 78 water samples and 63 air samples were taken. This comprised samples of municipal and recycled water as well as aerosol from the car wash tunnel and the workplace. The analysis for Legionella included culture method in combination with an immunochromatographic test, qPCR and viability-qPCR. Where possible, Legionella species were identified by sequencing of mip gene.Using the culture method Legionella were detected in 9 of 78 water samples (91 to 10,800 CFU/100 mL). In contrast, quantifiable concentrations of viable Legionella spp. were found in 68 of 78 water samples with viability-qPCR. The median concentration was 9.2 × 105(n = 16) and 7.2 × 105 GU/100 mL (n = 17) for the recycled water from the storage tank and the nozzles in the car wash tunnel. Viable Legionella spp. were detectable in the aerosol at the workplace in 38.1 % of the samples (n = 21). Concentration was between 155 and 3829 GU/m3 (n = 7). L. pneumophila non-serogroup 1 were quantitatively detectable in the recycled water of one car wash, using qPCR methods and culture. Aerosolisation of this species was not detected.The presence of viable Legionella spp. in most water and many aerosol samples as well as the identification of species related to infection suggests that there is a risk of legionellosis through exposure to bioaerosols released from tunnel car washes. Comparison of conventional culture method with qPCR methods showed a considerable underestimation of Legionella concentrations by culture.

Sustainable Disease Control of Phytophthora cactorum in a Strawberry Nursery by Adapting the Growing System

The Netherlands is one of the most important countries for the production of strawberry transplants in Europe. Regulations for pesticide use and water quality become more strict each year, which is a challenge for this sector. Strawberry plants are grown from tips and raised in trays on a trayfield. One of the main plant diseases in strawberry is caused by Phytophthora cactorum. The dispersal of the disease is facilitated by sporangia and zoospores splashing from the surface of the trayfield onto the transplants in the trays. In this research, we compared, in three consecutive years, the traditional growing system with a new system in which the trays are elevated and splashes from the trayfield reaching the transplants are minimized. In two of the three years, we show that the new growing system without the use of any fungicide against P. cactorum performs as well as or even better than the traditional system with the use of the permitted pesticides. Data about Phytophthora occurring in air samples and in splash water collected at different heights support the hypothesis that the decrease in splash dispersal underlies the success of the elevated trayfield. This shows the potential of re-designing growing systems to become less dependent on pesticide use.

Similar freezing spectra of particles in plant canopies and in the air at a high-altitude site

Abstract. Plant canopies are an important source of biological particles aerosolized into the atmosphere. Certain aerosolized microorganisms are able to freeze slightly supercooled cloud droplets and therefore affect mixed-phase cloud development. Still, spatiotemporal variability of such biological ice-nucleating particles (INPs) is currently poorly understood. Here, we study this variability between late summer and leaf shedding on the scale of individual leaves collected about fortnightly from four temperate broadleaf tree species (Fagus sylvatica, Juglans regia, Prunus avium and Tilia platyphyllos) on a hillside (Gempen, 650 m a.s.l. (metres above sea level)) and in a vertical canopy profile of one Fagus sylvatica (Hölstein, 550 m a.s.l.) in north-western Switzerland. The cumulative concentration of INPs active at ≥-10 °C (INPs−10) did not vary significantly between the investigated tree species but, as inferred from leaf mass per area and leaf carbon isotopic ratios, seemed to be lower on sun leaves as compared with shade leaves. Between August and mid-November, the median INP concentration increased from 4 to 38 INP−10 cm−2 of leaf area and was positively correlated with mean relative humidity throughout 24 h prior to sampling (Spearman's r=0.52, p<0.0001, n=64). In 53 of the total 64 samples collected at the Gempen site, differential INP spectra between −3 and −10 °C exhibited clearly discriminable patterns: in 53 % of the spectra, the number of additionally activated INPs increased persistently with each 1 °C decrease in temperature; the remaining spectra displayed significant peaks in differential INP concentration above −9 °C, most frequently in the temperature interval between −8 and −9 °C (21 %) and between −7 and −8 °C (17 %). Interestingly, the three most frequent patterns in differential INP spectra on leaves in Gempen were also prevalent in similar fractions in air samples with clearly discriminable patterns at the high-altitude Jungfraujoch site (3580 m a.s.l., Switzerland) collected during summer in the previous year. These findings corroborate the idea that a large fraction of the airborne biological INP population above the Alps during summer originates from plant surfaces. Which parameter or set of parameters could affect biological INP populations on both scales – upwind airsheds of high-altitude sites as well as individual leaves – is an intriguing question for further exploration. A first guess is that leaf wetness duration plays a role.

Noninvasive Total Cholesterol Level Measurement Using an E-Nose System and Machine Learning on Exhaled Breath Samples.

In this paper, the first e-nose system coupled with machine learning algorithm for noninvasive measurement of total cholesterol level based on exhaled air sample was proposed. The study was conducted with the participation of 151 people, from whom a breath sample was collected, and the level of total cholesterol was measured. The breath sample was examined using e-nose and gas sensors, such as TGS1820, TGS2620, TGS2600, MQ3, Semeatech 7e4 NO2 and 7e4 H2S, SGX_NO2, SGX_H2S, K33, AL-03P, and AL-03S. The LGBMRegressor algorithm was used to predict cholesterol level based on the breath sample. Machine learning algorithms were developed for the entire measurement range and for the norm range ≤200 mg/dL achieving MAPE 13.7% and 8%, respectively. The results show that it is possible to develop a noninvasive device to measure total cholesterol level from breath.

Characterization of Indoor Air Quality in a University Library: Implications Associated with Pollutant Emissions from New and Old Books and Chemicals

During a 1-year study, organic aerosol indoor air samples were collected from sites in a library in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Indoor air is a cause for public concern in Brazil. This study presents an indoor air survey wherein the concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, phenyl phosphates, aldehydes, limonene, organic acids, and particulate matter were determined. Acids were estimated to be ranging between 0.01 and 30.26 ng m−3, whereas furfural ranged between 0.5 and 3.6 g m−3. Compounds such as furfural, hexanal, benzaldehyde, and vanillin were only detected indoors. Results showed that total suspended particle concentrations were higher outdoors than indoors. Interestingly, 1, 1, 1-trichloro-2, 2-bischlorophenylethane (DDT), and its derivatives were also present. Pesticides are used in libraries to control paper-degrading pests. Therefore, DDT and other chemicals remain nondegraded and pollute the library rooms. This study demonstrates the relevance of monitoring indoor air quality in libraries and the pollutants that can affect the well-being of occupants. Moreover, indoor air quality monitoring can provide early warning to library managers about the effects of indoor air characteristics on unprotected and/or preserved items.

Emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the north-west Antarctic Peninsula region.

Antarctica, once regarded as the last pristine desert untouched by human activity, is now facing increasing local impacts due to the rising presence of humans, primarily driven by scientific and touristic activities. This pilot study aimed to assess and compare the atmospheric concentrations of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) collected using passive air samplers and polyurethane foam disks as sorbent phases at different distances from a permanent (Capitán Arturo Prat) and a semi-permanent (Yelcho) research stations in the north-west region of the Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) during summer 2022 and throughout the year for the permanent station. The findings revealed that Antarctic research stations serve as potential primary sources of PAHs to the local atmosphere. Concentrations of PAHs decreased with increasing distance from suspected point sources, with significantly higher concentrations observed at Capitán Arturo Prat, possibly attributed to the presence of a waste incinerator. Moreover, concentrations in Capitán Arturo Prat during summer 2022 were up to six times higher compared to the rest of the year. Diagnostic ratios indicated that the detected PAHs were mainly derived from pyrogenic sources associated with biomass and wood burning, with the presence of retene suggesting potential non-reported wood burning sources.

Microbial Indoor Air Quality Within Greenhouses and Polytunnels Is Crucial for Sustainable Horticulture (Malopolska Province, Poland Conditions)

Sustainable horticulture is crucially based on the greenhouse production of vegetables under controlled conditions. In this study, we wanted to learn how cultivated plants may impact indoor air quality and whether the workers can be exposed to bioaerosols in a similar way in these settings. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that the microbial concentrations, distribution of bioaerosol particle sizes, and composition of the airborne microbiome are specific to greenhouses, polytunnels, and open-air sites. The air samples were collected to assess the concentration of total culturable bacteria (TCB), fungi, actinomycetes, and β-haemolytic bacteria and for the identification of bacterial and fungal strains. Higher concentrations of TCB and fungi were found in the greenhouse (log 3.71 and 3.49 cfu m−3, respectively) than in polytunnels (log 2.60–2.48 and 2.51–2.31 cfu m−3, respectively) during the vegetation of cucumbers. These airborne microbes were represented by a significant contribution of the respirable fraction with a distinct contribution of fine particles in size below 4.7 µm. Cultivation of cucumbers resulted in the higher emission of airborne microorganisms in contrast with growing herbs such as oregano and basil. In total, 35 different bacteria and 12 fungal species, including pathogenic or allergenic agents, were identified within the studied sites. The workers can be exposed to increased concentrations of TCB and fungi in the greenhouse during the plant vegetation. It might be recommended to properly manage greenhouses and polytunnels, dispose of dust sources, and maintain appropriate ventilation to sustain relevant air quality.

Microplastics in Urban Ambient Air: A Rapid Review of Active Sampling and Analytical Methods for Human Risk Assessment

This study conducted a rapid review to evaluate active air sampling and analytical methods for characterizing outdoor air microplastics in urban areas. We synthesized information from 35 peer-reviewed journal articles. Studies utilizing active sampling methods were able to provide detailed data on inhalation concentrations and doses. The analytical techniques reviewed were categorized into microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mass spectrometry, including pyrolysis–gas chromatography (Py-GC). While conventional FTIR and Raman spectroscopy can identify microplastics in total suspended particles, advanced instruments such as µRaman and SEM are crucial for analyzing inhalable microplastics (e.g., particles smaller than 10 µm). Characterizing the shapes and colours of microplastics can provide qualitative estimates of their sources, with fibres and the colour black being the most predominant characteristics. Establishing dose–response relationships for health effects requires quantitative analyses; thus, combining techniques like µRaman with Py-GC is essential for comprehensive human risk assessments. Future studies should focus on identifying and quantifying inhalable microplastic compounds that are relevant to human health.

Comparative quantification of varicella-zoster virus in air, pharyngeal swabs, and vesicle content in patients with varicella, disseminated zoster, and localized herpes zoster.

We evaluated the viral load of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in ambient air, vesicle, and pharyngeal swabs in VZV-infected patients. Of 46 cases, 6 had VZV detected in indoor air samples from patient rooms. Results suggest an association between viral load in the pharyngeal swab and indoor air.

Abstract 4124226: Long-term exposure to air pollutants and incidence of cardiovascular disease events and mortality in The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air)

Introduction: Exposure to ambient air pollution may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease events and mortality, but prior publications have primarily included administrative cohorts with outcomes that have not been individually reviewed and with air pollution estimates created without cohort-specific exposure monitoring. Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a multi-site cohort study designed specifically to prospectively collect and adjudicate cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. MESA Air recruited additional participants into sub-cohorts for enhanced air pollution variation and sample size. Research Question: The aim of this analysis was to characterize the relationship between long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and all-cause mortality and CVD events. Methods: Air pollution exposure was assessed using address history with a purpose-built exposure model incorporating cohort-specific monitoring including measurement and validation at participant homes. We used Cox models to assess the risk of rolling 2-year average exposures on all cause-mortality and on a composite CVD endpoint (definite angina, probable angina with revascularization, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis or other CVD death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and stroke). Models were stratified for baseline hazard by age, sub-cohort, and recruitment year and were additionally adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, field center, smoking/second-hand smoke, pack-years, physical activity, education, income, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and statin use. Results: MESA Air participants were aged 44-87 years at enrollment between 2000 and 2007; follow-up averaged 14 years. 6,915 participants had follow-up for events, NO 2 exposure, and covariate information. We observed 1,442 deaths and 985 CVD events. The interquartile range over all 2-year averages was 10.5-23.1 ppb for NO 2 and 10.1-14.9 µ/m 3 for PM 2.5 . The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for a 10 ppb increment in NO 2 was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.64) for all-cause mortality and 1.16 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.42) for incident CVD events. The aHR for a 5 µg/m 3 increment in PM 2.5 was 1.20 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.46) for all-cause mortality and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.39) for incident CVD events Conclusions: These results add to growing literature demonstrating an association between air pollution exposure, mortality, and CVD in a cohort with well-characterized clinical endpoints and cohort-specific exposure assessment.

Development of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) Loads in Pigs and Pig Stables During the Fattening Period.

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is widespread in European pig production and poses an occupational hazard to farm workers and their household members. Farm workers are exposed to LA-MRSA through direct contact with pigs and airborne transmission, enabling bacteria to be carried home in the nose or on the skin. Consequently, it is important to consider LA-MRSA in a one-health context, studying human exposure by examining LA-MRSA levels in pigs, air, and dust in the farm environment. In this investigation, LA-MRSA levels were quantified in nasal swab samples from the pigs, air samples, and dust at three different time points in a farm rearing pigs from approx. 30 kg until slaughter. Sampling was repeated across seven batches of pigs, resulting in the analysis of 504 nasal swab samples, alongside air and dust samples. LA-MRSA was cultured and quantified on MRSA2 agar plates. Findings revealed significant batch-to-batch variation and a significant 94.1% decrease in LA-MRSA levels during the rearing period. Despite this decline, all nasal swab samples tested positive, with the highest level reaching 353,000 cfu in a sample. Among the 42 air samples, LA-MRSA levels were low to moderate, with a maximum of 568 and an average of 63 cfu/m3. In the 28 dust samples collected during the second and third sampling periods, LA-MRSA counts were high, reaching up to 37,272 cfu/g, with an average of 17,185 cfu/g. The results suggest that while LA-MRSA levels in pigs decrease with age, reaching low levels before slaughter, the bacterium remains highly abundant in dust, posing an occupational hazard to farm workers.

Optimization of upper respiratory tract cancer diagnosis method based on exhaled breath gas analysis

Introduction. Head and neck tumors comprise about 7 % of all malignant neoplasms. In the head and neck area, tumors are usually located on the tongue (25–40 %) and floor of mouth (15–20 %). In the majority of cases, diagnosis, especially at early disease stages, is based on clinical and histopathological evaluation of tumor process. However, recently development and implementation of non-invasive techniques of early diagnosis of upper respiratory tract tumors through detection of pathognomonic volatile tumor markers in the exhaled air has become topical.Aim. To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of sensory gas analysis device and artificial neural network for examination of exhaled gas samples from patients with oropharyngeal, laryngeal, laryngopharyngeal cancer and to establish the optimal conditions for sampling.Materials and methods. The study included 28 patients with oropharyngeal, laryngeal, laryngopharyngeal cancers and 25 healthy volunteers. The proposed technique is based on analysis of samples of exhaled gas from the studied individuals using a diagnostic device developed by the authors. The device detects volatile compounds in the exhaled air using a set of semiconductor sensors with subsequent analysis by a neural network. The exhaled air was sampled using two methods: in the morning in the fasted state before daily hygienic procedures and physical activity (prepared samples) and in the context of everyday life, nutrition and hygiene without restrictions before sampling (non-prepared samples).Results. Based on the signals from the sensors, the neural network classified and detected patients with malignant tumors. Accuracy of the prepared samples from healthy volunteers and patients with oropharyngeal, laryngeal, laryngopharyngeal cancers was 79.17 %, of non-prepared – 84.09 %.Conclusion. High diagnostic accuracy of the developed technique of non-invasive diagnosis of malignant tumors of the oropharyngeal, laryngeal, laryngopharyngeal areas using exhaled air samples which does not require special preparation of the studied samples was demonstrated.