Mycological air contamination level and biodiversity of airborne fungi isolated from the zoological garden air - preliminary research.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the degree of mycological air contamination and determine the taxonomic diversity of airborne fungi residing in the air of 20 different animal facilities in a zoological garden. The concentrations of fungi in the zoological garden were measured using a MAS-100 air sampler. The collected microorganisms were identified using the combination of molecular and morphological methods. The fungal concentration ranged from 50 to 3.65 × 104 CFU/m3 during the whole study. The quantitative analysis of the fungal aerosol showed that the obtained concentration values were lower than the recommended permissible limits (5 × 104 CFU/m3 for fungi). Environmental factors, including temperature and relative humidity, exerted a varying effect on the presence and concentration of isolated fungi. Relative humidity was shown to correlate positively with the concentration of fungal spores in the air of the facilities studied (rho = 0.57, p < 0.0021). In parallel, no significant correlation was established between temperature and total fungal concentration (rho = - 0.1, p < 0.2263). A total of 112 fungal strains belonging to 50 species and 10 genera were isolated. Penicillium was the dominant genera, including 58.9% of total fungal strains, followed by Aspergillus 25.89%, Cladosporium 3.57%, Talaromyces 3.57%, Mucor 1.78%, Schizophyllum 1.78%, Syncephalastrum 0.89%, Alternaria 0.89%, Absidia 0.89%, and Cunninghamella 0.89%. Our preliminary studies provide basic information about the fungal concentrations, as well as their biodiversity in zoological garden. Further studies are needed to generate additional data from long-term sampling in order to increase our understanding of airborne fungal composition in the zoological garden.

Design and In Vitro Activity of Furcellaran/Chitosan Multilayer Microcapsules for the Delivery of Glutathione and Empty Model Multilayer Microcapsules Based on Polysaccharides.

In this study, multilayer microcapsules (two-layer and four-layer) based on furcellaran (FUR) and chitosan (CHIT) were produced, enclosing a tripeptide with an antioxidant effect-glutathione-in different concentrations. In addition, for the first time, an empty, four-layer microcapsule based on CHIT and FUR (ECAPS) was obtained, which can be used to contain sensitive, active substances of a hydrophobic nature. Layering was monitored using zeta potential, and the presence of the resulting capsules was confirmed by SEM imaging. In the current study, we also investigated whether the studied capsules had any effect on the Hep G2 cancer cell line. An attempt was also made to identify the possible molecular mechanism(s) by which the examined capsules suppressed the growth of Hep G2 cells. In this report, we demonstrate that the capsules suppressed the growth of cancer cells. This mechanism was linked to the modulation of the AKT/PI3K signaling pathway and the induction of the G2/M arrest cell cycle. Furthermore, the results indicate that the tested multilayer microcapsules induced cell death through an apoptotic pathway.

Effectiveness of methods for removing the Candida albicans biofilm from the dental acrylic surface.

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of the adult population in Europe have used some form of dental prosthesis. Much effort has been put into developing denture cleaning methods and the most recommended are brushing the prosthesis after meals and cleaning it with special liquids (sometimes prepared just before the procedure). However, these simple techniques are often omitted or insufficient due to, i.e., age-related mental or motor disabilities. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare a range of techniques that can be performed at home and do not require patient dexterity in order to find the most efficient method of reducing the viability of the C. albicans biofilm and removing it from acrylic surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 20 mm × 25 mm × 1 mm unpolished acrylic plates were inoculated with C. albicans and incubated for 72 h. Plates with formed biofilms were divided into 6 equal groups: a control group and 5 groups for different cleaning procedures: a dental cleaner with liquid, a dental cleaner with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), air drying, antiseptic liquid, and an ultrasonic cleaner. Biofilm viability was assessed by plating serial dilutions and counting the colonies of C. albicans on the Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium. RESULTS: The study found that both MultiClean fluid and Sonic-3 ultrasonic cleaner were effective against Candida cells. MultiClean fluid showed the strongest biocidal properties, both when used with the Sonic Denture Cleaner and independently. CONCLUSIONS: Cleaning acrylic surfaces with a dental cleaner followed by antiseptic liquid is more effective than using these methods separately.

Improving the quality of multi-layer films based on furcellaran by immobilising active ingredients and impact assessment of the use of a new packaging material.

To improve the quality of multi-layer film, four-layer films based on furcellaran and active ingredients: gelatin hydrolysate, curcumin, capsaicin, montmorillonite and AgNPs, were produced in an innovative manner. The films were characterised by SEM and AFM analysis. Along with an increase in the concentration of active ingredients, the structure of the film becomes less homogeneous, which may affect the functional properties. The objective of the study was to analyse changes in the functional properties of the newly-obtained films and to verify their potential as packaging materials for fish products. With the increase in active ingredient concentration, water properties also improved, but there were no noticeable significant effects on mechanical properties. For antioxidant properties, the obtained values were within 1.04-2.74 mM Trolox/mg (FRAP) and 7.67-40.49% (DPPH). The obtained multi-layer films were examined with regard to the shelf-life of salmon. For this purpose, salmon fillets were packed in films having good antioxidant and functional properties. The films were effective in microorganism growth inhibition responsible for fillet spoilage during storage. The microorganism number in the active film-stored samples was lower by 0.13 log CFU/g on day 12 versus the control. However, film application did not retard lipid oxidation in the salmon fillets. Nonetheless, the films show great potential as active packaging materials, extending the shelf-life of the packed foods.

COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Intensive Care Unit Patients from Poland.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to be a favoring factor for aspergillosis, especially in a severe course requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to assess the morbidity of CAPA among ICU patients in Poland and to analyze applied diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Medical documentation of patients hospitalized at the temporary COVID-19 dedicated ICU of the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, from May 2021 to January 2022 was analyzed. In the analyzed period, 17 cases of CAPA were reported with an incidence density rate of 9 per 10 000 patient days and an incidence rate of 1%. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger were isolated from lower respiratory samples. Antifungal therapy was administered to 9 patients (52.9%). Seven patients (77.8%) received voriconazole. The CAPA fatality case rate was 76.5%. The results of the study indicate the need to increase the awareness of medical staff about the possibility of fungal co-infections in ICU patients with COVID-19 and to use the available diagnostic and therapeutic tools more effectively.

Hospital antibiotic consumption-an interrupted time series analysis of the early and late phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been challenging for the entire healthcare system, due to the lack of sufficient treatment protocols, especially during initial phases and as regards antibiotic use. The aim of this study was to identify the trends of antimicrobial consumption in one of the largest tertiary hospitals in Poland during COVID-19. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted at the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, between Feb/Mar 2020 and Feb 2021. It included 250 patients. All included patients were hospitalized due to COVID-19 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection without bacterial co-infections during the first phase of COVID-19 in Europe and following 3-month intervals: five equal groups of patients in each. COVID severity and antibiotic consumption were assessed according to WHO recommendations. RESULTS: In total 178 (71.2%) patients received antibiotics with a incidence rate of laboratory-confirmed healthcare-associated infection (LC-HAI) was 20%. The severity of COVID-19 was mild in 40.8%, moderate in 36.8%, and severe in 22.4% cases. The ABX administration was significantly higher for intensive care unit (ICU) patients (97.7% vs. 65.7%). Length of hospital stay was extended for patients with ABX (22.3 vs. 14.4 days). In total, 3 946.87 DDDs of ABXs were used, including 1512.63 DDDs in ICU, accounting for 780.94 and 2522.73 per 1000 hospital days, respectively. The median values of antibiotic DDD were greater among patients with severe COVID-19 than others (20.92). Patients admitted at the beginning of the pandemic (Feb/Mar, May 2020) had significantly greater values of median DDDs, respectively, 25.3 and 16.0 compared to those admitted in later (Aug, Nov 2020; Feb 2021), respectively, 11.0, 11.0 and 11.2, but the proportion of patients receiving ABX therapy was lower in Feb/Mar and May 2020 (62.0 and 48.0%), whereas the highest during the late period of the pandemic, i.e., in Aug, Nov. 2020 and Feb. 2021 (78% and both 84.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest great misuse of antibiotics without relevant data about HAIs. Almost all ICU patients received some antibiotics, which was correlated with prolonged hospitalization.

The influence of aqueous butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) flower extract on active and intelligent properties of furcellaran Double-Layered films - in vitro and in vivo research.

Innovative, intelligent and active double-layer films, based on furcellaran and with the addition of gelatin hydrolysates, have been obtained for the first time. An aqueous extract of clitoria flower in 3 concentrations was included in the 1st FUR layer. The films demonstrated strong antimicrobial effects, but did not exhibit fungicidal properties. The antioxidant properties of the films were within the range of 2.27-3.92 mM Trolox/mg (FRAP method) and 36.67-61.24 % (DPPH method). The films were used as active packaging materials in salmon fillets, which were stored for a period of 12 days in 4 °C. Analysis concerning microbiological properties of the stored fillets showed the possibility of extending their shelf-life by 6 days. Lipid oxidation, determined by TBARS has delayed. The obtained films are a promising material for the packaging industry. This is an important aspect within the context of global food waste and also the need to reduce synthetic materials.

Incorporation of curcumin extract with lemongrass essential oil into the middle layer of triple-layered films based on furcellaran/chitosan/gelatin hydrolysates - In vitro and in vivo studies on active and intelligent properties.

Triple-layered, pH-sensitive and active films based on furcellaran (FUR), chitosan (CHIT) and gelatin hydrolysates (HGEL) were obtained for the first time. Curcumin ethanol extract (CUR) enriched with lemongrass essential oil (LEO) in three concentrations was added to the middle layer of the film. SEM and AFM analysis confirmed the formation of 3 layers, and CUR-LEO was evenly dispersed in the 2nd layer. The addition of CUR-LEO influenced the color of the surface and improved the UV blocking properties of the film. However, the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties remained unchanged. The CUR-LEO demonstrated antibacterial properties against bacteria and fungi. The antioxidant activity of the films increased along with the increasing concentrations of CUR-LEO. The presented films were able to effectively extend the storage life of tomatoes. Moreover, the colored films had the monitoring freshness effect with a distinct color change during carp storage.

Retrospective Analysis of the Ureaplasma spp. Prevalence with Reference to Other Genital Tract Infections in Women of Reproductive Age.

Ureaplasma spp. are frequently isolated from the genital tract of women of reproductive age. To date, it remains unclear whether they are commensal or pathogenic. In our study, we assessed the prevalence of Ureaplasma spp. in a group of 1,155 women of childbearing age. In addition, we assessed how often women with positive Ureaplasma spp. develop genital tract co-infections and how the vaginal pH changes. This study showed a relationship between colonization by Ureaplasma spp. and presenting symptoms. In fact, we showed that colonization of the genital tract by Ureaplasma spp. can affect the occurrence of co-infections such as Gardnerella vaginalis. We also observed a relationship between increased pH values and the presence of Ureaplasma spp.

Double-Layered Films Based on Furcellaran, Chitosan, and Gelatin Hydrolysates Enriched with AgNPs in Yerba Mate Extract, Montmorillonite, and Curcumin with Rosemary Essential Oil.

Double-layered active films based on furcellaran (1st layer-FUR), chitosan, and gelatin hydrolysates (2nd layer-CHIT+HGEL) were successfully prepared. Bioactive ingredients were added to the 1st film layer: AgNPs, which were synthesized in situ with yerba mate extract; montmorillonite clay (MMT); and different loads of ethanolic curcumin (CUR) extract enriched with rosemary essential oil (REO). SEM images confirmed the presence of AgNPs with a size distribution of 94.96 ± 3.33 nm throughout the films, and AFM and SEM photos indicated that the higher substance concentrations had rougher and more porous film microstructures. However, the water vapor transmission rate was reduced only at the lowest load of this ingredient. Despite the tensile strength of the films having decreased, the incorporation of the compounds showed a tendency towards reducing the modulus of elasticity, resulting in a lower stiffness of the composites. The addition of CUR and AgNPs improved the UV light barrier properties of the materials. The presented films showed quick reactions to changes in the pH value (from orange to red along with an increase in pH from 2 to 10), which indicates their potential use as indicators for monitoring the freshness of food products. Composite No. 2 showed the highest antimicrobial potential, while none of the presented films showed an antifungal effect. Finally, the antioxidant activities of the films increased dramatically at higher AgNP and CUR loads, suggesting an outstanding potential for active food packaging applications.

Active Double-Layered Films Enriched with AgNPs in Great Water Dock Root and Pu-Erh Extracts.

A novel, eco-friendly, and biocompatible method was applied to form silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in great water dock (Lapathi radix) (KB) and pu-erh (Camellia sinensis) (PE) extracts. The surface plasma resonance peak of green synthesized AgNPs at 451.8 nm for AgNPs+KB and 440.8 nm for AgNPs+PE was observed via spectral analysis of UV absorbance. In this study, double-layered biopolymer films (FUR/CHIT+HGEL) with AgNPs incorporated in KB solution (AgNPs+KB) and AgNPs in PE solution (AgNPs+PE), were successfully prepared using the casting method. The SEM, XRD, zeta potential and size analyses confirmed the presence of AgNP in the films. The addition of AgNPs in plant extracts improved antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and thermal stability, whereas WVTR experienced a decrease. The nanocomposite films' orange-brown colour may aid in the protection of food products against UV rays. The composite films demonstrated antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens and may offer potential in food packaging applications.

Synthesis and Study of Antifungal Properties of New Cationic Beta-Glucan Derivatives.

The interaction of positively charged polymers (polycations) with a biological membrane is considered to be the cause of the frequently observed toxicity of these macromolecules. If it is possible to obtain polymers with a predominantly negative effect on bacterial and fungal cells, such systems would have great potential in the treatment of infectious diseases, especially now when reports indicate the growing risk of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients. We describe in this article cationic derivatives of natural beta-glucan polymers obtained by reacting the polysaccharide isolated from Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) and Cetraria islandica (CI) with glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC). Two synthesis strategies were applied to optimize the product yield. Fungal diseases particularly affect low-income countries, hence the emphasis on the simplicity of the synthesis of such drugs so they can be produced without outside help. The three structures obtained showed selective anti-mycotic properties (against, i.e., Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Aspergillus brasiliensis, and Fusarium solani), and their toxicity established using fibroblast 3T3-L1 cell line was negligible in a wide range of concentrations. For one of the polymers (SB derivative), using in vivo model of Aspergillus brasiliensis infection in Galleria mellonella insect model, we confirmed the promising results obtained in the preliminary study.

Investigation of Acinetobacter baumannii Activity in Vascular Surgery Units through Epidemiological Management Based on the Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance, Biofilm Formation and Genotyping.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The genus Acinetobacter demonstrates resistance to antibiotics and has been shown to spread in the hospital environment causing epidemic outbreaks among hospitalized patients. The objectives of the present study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and clonality among Acinetobacter baumannii strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 6 (I Outbreak) and 3 (II Outbreak) A. baumannii strains isolated from patients hospitalized in vascular surgery unit. RESULTS: All tested A. baumannii strains were extensively drug resistant (XDR) and all the isolates were carbapenem-resistant and among them, all carried the blaOXA-51 gene, the blaOXA-24 gene, as well as the blaOXA-23 gene. All of the investigated strains had the ability to form a biofilm, but all of them produced less biofilm than the reference strain. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) showed that all strains belonged to the ST2 clone. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) divided the tested outbreak strains into two clones (A and B). CONCLUSION: This study shows a nosocomial spread of XDR A. baumannii ST2 having the blaOXA-51 gene, the blaOXA-24 gene, as well as the blaOXA-23 gene, low biofilm formers, that was prevalent in the vascular surgery unit. To identify the current situation of vascular surgery departments targeted epidemiological investigation was needed. Effective implementation of infection control prevented the spread of the epidemic outbreaks.

The effects of active double-layered furcellaran/gelatin hydrolysate film system with Ala-Tyr peptide on fresh Atlantic mackerel stored at -18 °C.

This is the first time that active double-layered furcellaran/gelatin hydrolysate films containing Ala-Tyr peptide were developed and characterised for their properties. Afterwards, films were used on Atlantic mackerel stored at -18 °C for 4 months and samples were analysed for changes in their microbiological quality, TVB-N, biogenic amine content, fatty acid composition and TBARS. Active films had higher TS (13.4 MPa) and lower WS (62.8%). The films showed no DPPH radical scavenging properties but high FRAP (6.6 mMol Trolox/mg). No significant effects on the oxidation of fish samples were observed with TBARS increasing from 12.04 to 22.50 mg/kg. Freezing successfully inhibited the growth of microorganisms and no differences in microbiological growth or biogenic amine formation were observed. However, the application of films inhibited the formation of TVB-N. Antimicrobiological properties of the film should be further investigated during storage of perishable food products at temperatures above 0 °C.

Unexpected subungual Sarcoptes infestation of toenail - a case report and literature review.

Scabies is the skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. It is one of the commonest dermatological infection which can affect people around the world. However, nails are relatively rarely involved, and the fingernails are mostly infected. The report a case of a 77-year-old woman, long-term pensioner of a nursing home, who had isolated toe subungual Sarcoptes infestation. In addition, the results of systematic review of toenails scabies was presented. Analysis of 21 subungual Sarcoptes infestation cases, revealed that patients in any age (median age 45+/-31.7-year-old) and sex can be affected. Most of the patients had concomitant diseases. Seventy-five percent of cases of nail involvement were treated with combined or sequential therapy. The most used drugs were ivermectin (IVR) and permethrin (PER) (each used in 47.6% cases), following γ-BHC (38.1%) and crotamiton (CRO) (23.8%). It seems that the crucial for adequate diagnosis in scabies affected nails is a precise anamnesis, early and accurate diagnosis that consists of examining not only skin lesions, but including assessing toenails, and differentiation of Sarcoptes infestation from other nail diseases as onychomycosis or psoriasis. Important to achieving a cure is at least frequent nail trimming, softening the nail plate with urea or in the difficult cases the mechanical removal of subungual plaque with using of a scabicide in the location allowing to penatrate it under the nail plate.

Prevalence of Malassezia species on the skin of HIV-seropositive patients.

Malassezia is a genus of lipophilic yeasts residing on the skin of warm-blooded animals. The correlation between specific species and their involvement in skin diseases has been well researched. However, only very few studies have investigated the distribution of Malassezia spp. on the healthy skin of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this work was to analyze whether the composition of Malassezia spp. isolated from the skin of the HIV-infected patients differs from that of healthy individuals. The study included a total of 96 subjects, who were divided into two equally sized groups: HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative. The specimens were collected from the subjects by swabbing four anatomical sites (face, chest, back, and scalp). Species were identified using phenotype-based methods, and the identification of strains isolated from the HIV-seropositive patients was confirmed by PCR sequencing of the rDNA cluster. Malassezia spp. were isolated from 33 (69%) HIV-seropositive patients and 38 (79%) healthy volunteers. It was found that men were much more likely to have their heads colonized with Malassezia spp. than women. The most prevalent species on the skin of both HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative individuals were Malassezia sympodialis, M. globosa, and M. furfur, albeit at different proportions in the two populations. The diversity of Malassezia spp. was the highest on the face of the HIV-seropositive patients (Shannon-Weiner Index H = 1.35) and lowest on the back of the healthy volunteers (H = 0.16). The phenotype- and molecular-based identification methods were congruent at 94.9%. It was observed a tendency that the HIV-seropositive patients had higher CD4+ cell counts, indicating higher colonization with Malassezia spp.

Candida prevalence and oral hygiene due to orthodontic therapy with conventional brackets.

BACKGROUND: Conventional brackets are often used during orthodontic therapy of patients with malocclusion. The complex construction of such brackets greatly inhibits oral hygiene, which predisposes to increased carriage of microbiota. Orthodontic brackets could act as reservoir of yeast and predispose to oral candidosis. The aim of this study was to assess Candida prevalence and the role of oral hygiene during fixed appliance therapy. A further aim was to characterize the isolated yeasts according to their ability to form biofilms. METHODS: Seventeen participants (average age 17 ± 7 years) were monitored by taking oral rinses and elastomeric ligature samples, and by evaluating the approximal plaque index (API) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) before and after placement of the orthodontic conventional brackets for 12 weeks. Isolated yeasts were counted and biofilm formation was evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen samples (67 oral rinses and 49 orthodontic elastomers) were collected. Ten patients (58.8% subjects) were Candida-carriers (two were colonized after bracket placement) and C. albicans was the most common species. The average number of yeasts in the oral cavity showed some fluctuation during the study, but in general had an upward trend (adj. R2 = 0.7967, p = 0.07025). A correlation was found between median number of yeasts and the periodontal indices (API, GBI). The average API values decreased in the Candida-carriers (adj. R2 = 0.95; p = 0.01709), while average GBI values increased in the noncarriers (adj. R2 = 0.92; p = 0.0256). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with orthodontic appliances promotes Candida yeast colonization, which is variable over time in terms of strain and species, with dominance of C. albicans, and without increased biofilm-forming activity. The API value decreases over time in carriers, and the GBI value increases in uncolonized patients, which may have predictive significance for the development of oral candidiasis during orthodontic treatment.

Fungal contamination of ward furnishings and medical equipment used in the treatment and nursing of newborns.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Newborn babies staying on hospital wards are likely to be colonized by microorganisms, including potentially pathogenic fungi. The aim of the study was to assess the mycological purity of hospital wards and medical equipment utilized in the treatment and nursing of newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Neonatal High Dependency Units (NHDU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). 539 samples were collected from 24 different sources, 130 from ward furnishings and 289 from medical equipment. The study was carried out following the microbiology research methods for sample collection. Subsequently, the samples (swabs, water from incubators, washings from respirator tubes and nasal cannulas (nCPAP)) were cultivated on Sabouraud agar plates. The stamps were collected with the application of Count-Tact method. The samples were incubated at the temperature of 25+/-2 o C and the number of fungi assessed (cfu/cm -2 of the surface area). The species were identified based on their morphological and biochemical features. RESULTS: Fungal growth was observed on 60% of samples collected from ward furnishings and 7% of samples collected from medical equipment. The average number of cfu/cm -2 ranged between 0-8.84 in the case of ward furnishings and between 0-1.22 cfu/cm -2 in the case of medical equipment. In 180 samples collected from the material which had direct contact with newborns no fungal growth was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The furnishings of the wards on which newborns were treated and nursed were contaminated with fungi to an extent which did not pose a threat to the life and health of the newborns. Medical equipment (respirators, incubators, nCPAP cannulas and masks) which came into direct contact with newborns was free from fungi.

Sperm Antioxidant Biomarkers and Their Correlation with Clinical Condition and Lifestyle with Regard to Male Reproductive Potential.

Measurement of sperm oxidative-antioxidant indicators is widely used in the assessment and detection of biochemical causes of male infertility The main purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers that assist in diagnostics and monitoring of male reproductive potential. We performed the assessment of oxidative-antioxidant malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and total redox antioxidant potential (TRAP) indicators in seminal plasma, seminogram, clinical condition, and lifestyle of people with reproductive problems. The combined assessment of GSH and TRAP as potential biomarkers of male infertility in semen plasma was characterized by the highest total sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we provide evidence that male reproductive potential is significantly correlated with basic sperm parameters, sperm cell membrane integrity, their morphology, lifestyle, eating habits, occupation, and mental health. Our results provide evidence on the importance of oxidative stress and defense against free radicals in diagnosing and monitoring men with infertility that are consistent with previously conducted research. We provide an alternative approach on the possibility of interpreting the combination of the biomarkers that can bring benefits to a multi-threaded approach to the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Furcellaran nanocomposite films: The effect of nanofillers on the structural, thermal, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of biopolymer films.

Graphene oxide (GO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were added to furcellaran films (FUR). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by reducing AgNO3 using a FUR matrix as the stabilising agent. The structure and surface morphology of nanocomposite films were obtained using FTIR, SEM and XRD. The molecular weights of furcellaran chains were estimated using HPSEC-MALLS-RI. Characterisation of the films was undertaken to analyse their physical, mechanical and structural properties. SEM analysis revealed that GO, MWCNTs and AgNPs were evenly distributed throughout the FUR surface. FUR + AgNP films showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis and S. aureus were the most affected with effective growth inhibition using the disc diffusion method. In the study, the effect of nanofillers on the structural, thermal, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of furcellaran films as potential materials for food packaging is presented.