Practices contributing to biotic pollution in Air-conditioned indoor environments

Indoor environments play important roles in human health. The health hazards posed by polluted indoor environments include allergy, infections and toxicity. The term ‘sick building syndrome’ (SBS) describes causes of building occupants experiencing adverse health effects that appear to be linked to the time spent in a building. Questionnaire-based data were collected from the people who live or work in air-conditioned (A/C) rooms. Responses of the occupants were analyzed to understand the practices contributing to biotic pollution of indoor air-conditioned environments. Our survey revealed some interesting facts about the users of A/C rooms and their practices that may be contributing to the indoor air quality. The allergy complaints and use of anti-allergy medicines were noted commonly among the occupants of government (Govt.) organizations and computer training centers where cleaning of room and A/C filters were not done periodically. Cleaning practices may reduce the complaints.     

Allostatic Load Model Associated with Indoor Environmental Quality and Sick Building Syndrome among Office Workers

This study investigates whether indoor environmental quality (IEQ) influences allostatic load (AL) and whether AL can be a predictor for sick building syndrome (SBS). We also assessed and compared the associations between AL and SBS versus 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and SBS. A total of 115 office workers from 21 offices completed self-reported SBS questionnaires, and provided 11 biomarkers for their AL. Multiple linear regressions and logistic regression analysis were applied to examine the correlations between IEQ and AL or 8-OHdG and between AL or 8-OHdG and SBS, respectively. Our data revealed that the neuroendocrine system was correlated with CO₂, the difference between indoor and outdoor CO₂ levels (dCO₂), and the indoor-outdoor ratio of CO₂ (CO₂ I/O). Metabolic system effects were associated with illumination. The relationships between illumination, CO₂, dCO₂, CO₂ I/O and 8-OHdG were consistent with those and AL in specific systems. Furthermore, we found that risks for SBS syndromes were related with neuroendocrine and metabolic system of the AL. 8-OHdG was associated with eye dryness or irritation, eye tiredness and vomiting. We conclude that IEQ significantly influences AL and that AL can be a predictor for reporting SBS with information on system-specific effects.     

牙髓紫卟啉菌内毒素对炎症性细胞因子的介导作用

牙髓紫叶琳菌ＡＴＣＣ３５４０６是近年来新发现的重要致病性专性厌氧菌,采用改良酚－氯仿－石油醚法提取牙髓紫卟啉菌ＡＴＣＣ３５４０６内毒素脂多糖,通过Ｋｒａｍｅｒ测定法、软琼脂细胞培养法以及胸腺细胞增殖法测定脂多糖的细胞生物学活性。结果显示：纯化脂多糖可不同程度地诱导小鼠模型生成肿瘤坏死因子（ＴＮＦ）、集落刺激因子（ＣＳＦ）和白介素－１（ＩＬ－１）,并在一定范围内呈剂量依赖型,提示牙髓紫卟啉菌内毒素在动物模型和细胞模型中具有显著的细胞生物学和免疫学活性．     

Nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA mutations define a spectrum of autosomal dominant macrothrombocytopenias: May-Hegglin anomaly and Fechtner, Sebastian, Epstein, and Alport-like syndromes

May-Hegglin anomaly (MHA) and Fechtner (FTNS) and Sebastian (SBS) syndromes are autosomal dominant platelet disorders that share macrothrombocytopenia and characteristic leukocyte inclusions. FTNS has the additional clinical features of nephritis, deafness, and cataracts. Previously, mutations in the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain 9 gene (MYH9), which encodes nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA (MYHIIA), were identified in all three disorders. The spectrum of mutations and the genotype-phenotype and structure-function relationships in a large cohort of affected individuals (n=27) has now been examined. Moreover, it is demonstrated that MYH9 mutations also result in two other FTNS-like macrothrombocytopenia syndromes: Epstein syndrome (EPS) and Alport syndrome with macrothrombocytopenia (APSM). In all five disorders, MYH9 mutations were identified in 20/27 (74%) affected individuals. Four mutations, R702C, D1424N, E1841K, and R1933X, were most frequent. R702C and R702H mutations were only associated with FTNS, EPS, or APSM, thus defining a region of MYHIIA critical in the combined pathogenesis of macrothrombocytopenia, nephritis, and deafness. The E1841K, D1424N, and R1933X coiled-coil domain mutations were common to both MHA and FTNS. Haplotype analysis using three novel microsatellite markers revealed that three E1841K carriers--one with MHA and two with FTNS--shared a common haplotype around the MYH9 gene, suggesting a common ancestor. The two new globular-head mutations, K371N and R702H, as well as the recently identified MYH9 mutation, R705H, which results in DFNA17, were modeled on the basis of X-ray crystallographic data. Altogether, our data suggest that MHA, SBS, FTNS, EPS, and APSM comprise a phenotypic spectrum of disorders, all caused by MYH9 mutations. On the basis of our genetic analyses, the name "MYHIIA syndrome" is proposed to encompass all of these disorders.     

Fungal colonization of fiberglass insulation in the air distribution system of a multi-story office building: VOC production and possible relationship to a sick building syndrome

Complaints characteristic of those for sick building syndrome prompted mycological investigations of a modern multi-story office building on the Gulf coast in the Southeastern United States (Houston-Galveston area). The air handling units and fiberglass duct liner of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system of the building, without a history of catastrophic or chronic water damage, demonstrated extensive colonization withPenicillium spp andCladosporium herbarum. Although dense fungal growth was observed on surfaces within the heating-cooling system, most air samples yielded fewer than 200 CFU m^–3. Several volatile compounds found in the building air were released also from colonized fiberglass. Removal of colonized insulation from the floor receiving the majority of complaints of mouldy air and continuous operation of the units supplying this floor resulted in a reduction in the number of complaints.     

Synthesis of 3′-O-fluorescently mono-modified reversible terminators and their uses in sequencing-by-synthesis

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies recently developed are now used for study of genomes from various organisms. Sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) is a key strategy in the NGS. The SBS uses nucleotides so-called dual-modified reversible terminators (DRTs) in which bases are labeled with fluorophores and 3′-OH is protected with a reversibly cleavable chemical group, respectively. In this study, we examined the possibility of performing SBS with mono-modified reversible terminators (MRTs), in which the reversible blocking group on the 3′-OH plays a dual role as a fluorescent signal report as well as a chemical protection. We studied cyclic reversible termination by using two MRTs (dA and dT), wherein the modifications were two different fluorophores and cleavable to regenerate a free 3′-OH. We here demonstrated that SBS could be achieved with incorporation of MRTs by a DNA polymerase and correct base-calls based on the two different colors from the fluorophores.     

Seasonal Variation in Schools’ Indoor Air Environments and Health Symptoms among Students in an Eastern Mediterranean Climate

The indoor air quality (IAQ) in classrooms highly affects the health and productivity of students. This article aims to clarify seasonal variation in indoor environment and sick building syndromes (SBS) symptoms in an Eastern Mediterranean climate. A series of field measurements were conducted during the fall and winter seasons from October 2011 to March 2012 in 12 naturally ventilated schools located in the Gaza Strip. Data on environmental perception and health symptoms were obtained from 724 students by using a validated questionnaire. The results showed that indoor PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations were 426.3 ± 187.6 μg/m³ and 126.6 ± 94.8 μg/m³, respectively. The CO₂ concentrations and ventilation rate widely exceeded their reference values during the winter season. The prevalence rates of general symptoms were relatively high at baseline assessment in the fall season and increased significantly during follow-up in the winter season. Significant increases in disease symptoms such as mucosal irritation and pre-existing asthma symptoms among students could be related to poor indoor air quality. Five distinct groups of SBS symptoms from factor analysis of students’ related symptoms were significantly correlated with PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, CO₂, ventilation rate, and indoor temperature. As vulnerable children, this situation negatively affects their school performance and health.     

Endotoxin removal using a synthetic adsorbent of crystalline calcium silicate hydrate

A synthetic adsorbent of crystalline calcium silicate hydrate, the product LRA by Advanced Minerals Corp., has been studied for endotoxin removal from aqueous solutions. This adsorbent removes endotoxin effectively, and the removal is greatly enhanced by the presence of an electrolyte such as NaCl, Tris-HCl, or Na2HPO4. It has an endotoxin removal capacity as high as 6 million endotoxin units (EU) per gram. Its endotoxin removal kinetics is fast, and for instance, over 99.9% endotoxin in a 5000 EU/mL solution was removed by mixing for 2 min at an adsorbent usage of 10 g/L. Using the chromatographic column method to treat a 5000 EU/mL solution, an endotoxin log-reduction factor of 6.2 was achieved with a single pass. This adsorbent also demonstrated significantly better performance when compared to many commonly used endotoxin removal agents, such as ActiClean Etox Endotoxin Removal Resin, Affi-Prep Polymyxin Support, Detroxi-Gel Endotoxin Removing Gel, Q Sepharose Fast Flow Media, and Sigma Endotoxin Removal Solution. Furthermore, it demonstrated a high selective removal of endotoxin from a solution of lambda DNA. This adsorbent provides opportunities for developing disposable, scaleable, and cost-effective methods for endotoxin reduction in many biotechnological and pharmaceutical processes.     

Rapid method for the determination of ochratoxin A in urine by immunoaffinity column clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography

Buildings with poor indoor air quality (IAQ) frequently have many areas with surface fungal contamination. Studies have demonstrated that certain fungal genera (e.g., Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys) are able to grow on building materials such as wallpaper, drywall, and ceiling tiles, particularly after water damage has occurred. Due to the increasing awareness of sick building syndrome (SBS), it has become essential to identify building materials that prevent the interior growth of fungi. The objective of this study was to identify building materials that would not support the growth of certain fungal genera, regardless of whether an external food source was made available. The growth of three fungal genera (Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys) was evaluated on cellulose-containing ceiling tile (CCT) and inorganic ceiling tile (ICT). Both types of ceiling tile were exposed to environmental conditions which can occur inside a building. Our results show that ICT did not support the growth of these three fungal genera while CCT did. Our data demonstrate that ICT could serve as an ideal replacement for CCT. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

PDGF-α stimulates intestinal epithelial cell turnover after massive small bowel resection in a rat

Numerous cytokines have been shown to affect epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation through epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Growing evidence suggests that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling is an important mediator of these interactions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of PDGF-α on enterocyte turnover in a rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Male rats were divided into four groups: Sham rats underwent bowel transection, Sham-PDGF-α rats underwent bowel transection and were treated with PDGF-α, SBS rats underwent a 75% bowel resection, and SBS-PDGF-α rats underwent bowel resection and were treated with PDGF-α. Parameters of intestinal adaptation, enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis were determined at euthanasia. Illumina's Digital Gene Expression analysis was used to determine PDGF-related gene expression profiling. PDGF-α and PDGF-α receptor (PDGFR-α) expression was determined by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to determine p-ERK, Akt1/2/3, bax, and bcl-2 protein levels. SBS rats demonstrated a significant increase in PDGF-α and PDGFR-α expression in jejunum and ileum compared with sham animals. SBS-PDGF-α rats demonstrated a significant increase in bowel and mucosal weight, villus height, and crypt depth in jejunum and ileum compared with SBS animals. PDGF-α receptor expression in crypts increased in SBS rats (vs. sham) and was accompanied by an increased cell proliferation following PDGF-α administration. A significant decrease in cell apoptosis in this group was correlated with lower bax protein levels. In conclusion, in a rat model of SBS, PDGF-α stimulates enterocyte turnover, which is correlated with upregulated PDGF-α receptor expression in the remaining small intestine.     

The secondary substrate binding site of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis</Emphasis> GH8 xylanase is relevant for activity on insoluble but not soluble substrates

Previously, it has been demonstrated that the glycoside hydrolase family 8 xylanase from the psychrophylic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis (XPH) can bind substrate non-catalytically on the surface of its catalytic module. In the present study, the functional relevance of this secondary binding site (SBS) for the enzyme is investigated by site-directed mutagenesis and evaluation of activity and binding properties of mutant variants on a range of structurally different homoxylan and heteroxylan substrates. The SBS had an impact on the activity on insoluble substrates, whereas the activity on soluble substrates remained unaffected. Unexpectedly, the activity on a soluble oligomeric substrate was also affected for some mutants and results on a chromophoric polymeric model substrate were in contrast with the trends observed on the corresponding natural substrate. All in all, results show that the impact of the SBS on the activity of XPH is in part analogous to the functioning of some carbohydrate-binding modules in modular enzymes.     

Odors and Sensations of Humidity and Dryness in Relation to Sick Building Syndrome and Home Environment in Chongqing,China

The prevalence of perceptions of odors and sensations of air humidity and sick building syndrome symptoms in domestic environments were studied using responses to a questionnaire on the home environment. Parents of 4530 1–8 year old children from randomly selected kindergartens in Chongqing, China participated. Stuffy odor, unpleasant odor, pungent odor, mold odor, tobacco smoke odor, humid air and dry air in the last three month (weekly or sometimes) was reported by 31.4%, 26.5%, 16.1%, 10.6%, 33.0%, 32.1% and 37.2% of the parents, respectively. The prevalence of parents’ SBS symptoms (weekly or sometimes) were: 78.7% for general symptoms, 74.3% for mucosal symptoms and 47.5% for skin symptoms. Multi-nominal regression analyses for associations between odors/sensations of air humidity and SBS symptoms showed that the odds ratio for “weekly” SBS symptoms were consistently higher than for “sometimes” SBS symptoms. Living near a main road or highway, redecoration, and new furniture were risk factors for perceptions of odors and sensations of humid air and dry air. Dampness related problems (mold spots, damp stains, water damage and condensation) were all risk factors for perceptions of odors and sensations of humid air and dry air, as was the presence of cockroaches, rats, and mosquitoes/flies, use of mosquito-repellent incense and incense. Protective factors included cleaning the child’s bedroom every day and frequently exposing bedding to sunshine. In conclusion, adults’ perceptions of odors and sensations of humid air and dry air are related to factors of the home environment and SBS symptoms are related to odor perceptions.     

Influence of Thorotrast Blockade and Acute Renal Artery Ligation on Disapperance of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B from Blood

The protein toxin staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) produces a clinical syndrome somewhat similar to that of gram-negative endotoxins. Our studies indicate a further similarity to endotoxin in that SEB is rapidly cleared from the plasma of monkeys. However, data reported herein show that an effective Thorotrast blockade of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) does not produce a significant change in the rapid disappearance kinetics of SEB. This observation contrasts with what is known regarding endotoxin clearance. Furthermore, other data reported herein indicate that acute bilateral renal artery ligation produces a profound delay in SEB clearance from plasma. A possible mechanism for renal degradation of SEB is theorized. The RES may play a less important role in the clearance of SEB. This finding contrasts with the demonstrated importance of the RES in clearance and detoxification of gram-negative endotoxin.     

Effects of lipid A content, hydrocortisone and polymyxin B on endotoxin-induced decreases in in vivo drug metabolism

Using hexobarbital sleeping and zoxazolamine paralysis time as indices of in vivo hepatic drug metabolism, the effects of endotoxin on drug action appear to be time- and dose-dependent and the lipid A moiety of endotoxin appears to be responsible for its inhibitory effects. These studies have also demonstrated that polymyxin B can ameliorate the adverse effects of endotoxin on drug metabolism. Since hydrocortisone protects mice from endotoxin lethality, but does not alter the prolongation of hexobarbital sleeping time caused by endotoxin, it is possible to separate the lethal effects of endotoxin from its effects on drug metabolism.     

Distribution of Chromate-labeled Brucella abortus Endoxin in Tolerant Mice

Endotoxin tolerance as manifested by a lesser degree of hypoferremia was demonstrated in mice when both pretreatment (10 mug per injection) and challenge (100 mug) does of Brucella abortus endotoxin were administered intraperitoneally. Qualitative and quantitative studies on the distribution of chromate-labeled endotoxin in normal mice revealed that the endotoxin localized predominately in the liver and hypoferremia could be related to a high uptake of endotoxin by this organ. In tolerant mice, the labeled endotoxin was found mainly in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) with smaller quantities in the blood, spleen, and liver. Experiments with splenectomized mice provided supporting evidence that the liver was the target organ of the hypoferremic response to endotoxin. High localization of endotoxin in the MLN with lower quantities in the blood, livers, and spleens of tolerant mice indicated that tolerance may be the result of a blockage by the MLN, preventing the endotoxin from reaching the liver. This inference was supported by the finding that hypoferremic tolerance did not occur when the hypoferremia-provoking dosage of endotoxin (100 mug) was given intravenously to mice pretreated intraperitoneally. There was less hypoferremia in normal mice injected with a mixture of antiserum and 100 mug of endotoxin than in mice given the same dosage of endotoxin in saline. Distribution studies on endotoxin treated with specific antiserum revealed that the endotoxin localized principally in the MLN, thus preventing most of the endotoxin from reaching the liver, the target organ of the hypoferremic response.     

Endotoxin removing method based on lipopolysaccharide binding protein and polyhydroxyalkanoate binding protein PhaP

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) granule associated protein PhaP has a strong affinity to PHA and other hydrophobic polymers. Human lipopolysaccharide binding protein (hLBP) is a natural endotoxin receptor in plasma. In this study, genes encoding hLBP fused with PhaP were expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 for production of the fusion protein. The purified rhLBP-PhaP fusion protein was immobilized on particles of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), which is a member of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The rhLBP-PhaP-coated PHB particles were added to endotoxin containing water and protein solutions to study their endotoxin removal and protein recovery efficiencies. The influences of ionic strengths and pH on endotoxin removal and protein recovery in different protein solutions were also studied using acidic proteins including bovine serum albumin (BSA), ovalbumin, and basic protein α-chymotrypsinogen as model proteins. The results showed that rhLBP-PhaP particles could remove endotoxin with an efficiency of over 90%. All endotoxin removal and protein recovery efficiencies were only slightly affected by ionic strengths but were drastically affected by pH changes. Our results demonstrated that rhLBP-PhaP particles with their high efficiency, ease of preparation, and nontoxicity will be a suitable system for endotoxin removal in the protein purification industry.     

Congenital myasthenic syndrome: a case report

Summary: Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are diseases of the neuromuscular junction. They usually belong to the disease groups that begin in the infantile or childhood period and carry genetic characteristics. The following is important in establishing the diagnosis of this disease: clinical findings, electromyography, genetic tests, determination of serum acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Acetylcholine esterase inhibitor drugs are used in treatment of CMS. A seven-month old male patient was brought to our department with the complaints of difficult breathing, falling of the eyelids and swallowing difficulty. With clinical and laboratory findings, he was diagnosed with congenital myasthenia and treatment was started. CMS should be suspected in patients with no pathological findings on the physical examination, and normal chest X-rays.     

Specific high affinity interactions of monomeric endotoxin.protein complexes with Toll-like receptor 4 ectodomain

Potent Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation by endotoxin has been intensely studied, but the molecular requirements for endotoxin interaction with TLR4 are still incompletely defined. Ligand-receptor interactions involving endotoxin and TLR4 were characterized using monomeric endotoxin.protein complexes of high specific radioactivity. The binding of endotoxin.MD-2 to the TLR4 ectodomain (TLR4ECD) and transfer of endotoxin from CD14 to MD-2/TLR4ECD were demonstrated using HEK293T-conditioned medium containing TLR4ECD+/-MD-2. These interactions are specific, of high affinity (KD<300 pm), and consistent with the molecular requirements for potent cell activation by endotoxin. Both reactions result in the formation of a Mr approximately 190,000 complex composed of endotoxin, MD-2, and TLR4ECD. CD14 facilitates transfer of endotoxin to MD-2 (TLR4) but is not a stable component of the endotoxin.MD-2/TLR4 complex. The ability to assay specific high affinity interactions of monomeric endotoxin.protein complexes with TLR4ECD should allow better definition of the structural requirements for endotoxin-induced TLR4 activation.     

A static magnetic field attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuro-inflammatory response via IL-6-mediated pathway

An effective method for controlling brain damage and neurodegeneration caused by inflammation remains elusive. Down-expression of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokines resulting in endotoxin tolerance is reported as an alternative anti-infection treatment. Nonetheless, because the dosage and action site are hard to control, endotoxin tolerance caused by low-dose LPS injection in brain tissue may induce side effects. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that static magnetic fields (SMF) stimulate endotoxin tolerance in brain tissue. In this study, survival rate and pathological changes in brain tissues of LPS-challenged mice were examined with and without SMF treatment. In addition, the effects of SMF exposure on growth rate and cytokine expression of LPS-challenged BV-2 microglia cells were monitored. Our results showed that SMF pre-exposure had positive effects on the survival rate and histological outcomes of LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, SMF exposure significantly decreased IL-6 expression in BV-2 cells (p?相似文献