Occupational exposure of firefighters to hazardous pollutants during prescribed fires in Portugal.

Firefighters perform high-risk activities and during the course of their functions are highly exposed to a wide range of occupational hazards, including air pollution. Thus, this study aimed to assess the exposure of firefighters in prescribed wildland fires and their occupational exposure, as well as to identify and chemically characterise the particles collected during wildland firefighting and inside fire stations. Exposure to wildfire smoke was evaluated in 7 prescribed fires in Portugal, 2 in the north and 5 in the south of Viseu district. The concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO and VOCs were monitored and exceedances to occupational exposure limit values were identified. Moreover, the chemical composition of PM2.5 was analysed. The results showed that firefighters were exposed to high concentrations of these pollutants during prescribed fires and that, in some cases, exceeded occupational exposure limits, both for time-weighted average concentrations for an 8-h working day (a time-weighted average, TWA) of PM2.5, and for short-term exposure values (STEL) of NO2 and SO2. Despite being exposed to very high concentrations of CO, no exceedances to the occupational exposure values were observed. FT-IR and SEM-EDS allowed to chemically characterise the composition of the particles collected inside the fire stations and also during wildland fires, identifying mainly quartz, aluminium and magnesium silicates, characteristic of earth's crust constituents. and also, fibres that have undergone combustion. Concluding, firefighters' exposure to high concentrations of harmful pollutants, can lead to the degradation of their respiratory health. It is therefore extremely important to increase existing knowledge and conduct further studies, especially longitudinal ones, that can assess their lung function. This will allow an understanding of the impacts of smoke on firefighters' health and develop effective strategies to protect them during wildland firefighting operations.

Selection of internalizing RNA aptamers into human breast cancer cells derived from primary sites.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Although chemotherapy is still broadly used in its treatment, adverse effects remain a challenge. In this scenario, aptamers emerge as a promising alternative for theranostic applications. Studies using breast cancer cell lines provide useful information in laboratory and preclinical investigations, most of which use cell lines established from metastatic sites. However, these cell lines correspond to cell populations of the late stage of tumor progression. On the other hand, studies using breast cancer cells established from primary sites make it possible to search for new theranostic approaches in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, this work aimed to select RNA aptamers internalized by MGSO-3 cells, a human breast cancer cell line, derived from a primary site previously established in our laboratory. Using the Cell-Internalization SELEX method, we have selected two candidate aptamers (ApBC1 and ApBC2). We evaluated their internalization efficiencies, specificities, cellular localization by Reverse Transcription-qPCR (RT-qPCR) and confocal microscopy assays. The results suggest that both aptamers were efficiently internalized by human breast cancer cells, MACL-1, MDA-MB-231, and especially by MGSO-3 cells. Furthermore, both aptamers could effectively distinguish human breast cancer cells derived from normal human mammary cell (MCF 10A) and prostate cancer cell (PC3) lines. Therefore, ApBC1 and ApBC2 could be promising candidate molecules for theranostic applications, even in the early stages of tumor progression.

[Gastroenterology and hepatology: what's new in 2023]. / Gastroentérologie et hépatologie: ce qui a changé en 2023.

2023 has been marked by numerous advancements in the fields of hepatology, liver transplantation, gastroenterology, and interventional endoscopy. These developments hold the promise of changing our daily practice while enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of various hepatic and gastroenterological conditions. Additionally, the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) has issued recommendations for the management of hepatitis delta, acute-on-chronic liver failure, liver diseases of pregnancy, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Risankizumab was approved by Swiss Authorities for patients with Crohn's disease and dupilumab was approved for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has revised its recommendations regarding Barrett's esophagus.

2023 a été marquée par de nombreuses avancées dans le domaine de l'hépatologie, de la transplantation hépatique, de la gastroentérologie et de l'endoscopie interventionnelle. Ces développements promettent de changer notre pratique quotidienne dans le but d'améliorer le diagnostic et le traitement de nombreuses affections hépatiques et gastroentérologiques. En outre, la Société européenne d'hépatologie (EASL) a émis des recommandations pour la prise en charge de l'hépatite delta, de l'insuffisance hépatique aiguë sur chronique, des complications hépatiques de la grossesse et du cholangiocarcinome intrahépatique. Le risankizumab a été approuvé par Swissmedic pour le traitement de la maladie de Crohn et le dupilumab pour les patients avec œsophagite à éosinophiles. La Société européenne d'endoscopie a mis à jour ses recommandations concernant l'œsophage de Barrett.

Lactic Acid Bacteria isolated from traditional and innovative alheiras as potential biocontrol agents.

From a selection of seven traditional and 14 innovative alheiras, 491 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated and tested for their antimicrobial activity against several food-borne pathogens. Among these, six strains revealed antimicrobial activity through potential bacteriocin production against 14 Listeria monocytogenes strains, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Clostridium sporogenes ESB050, and Clostridium perfringens ESB054. Through whole genome sequencing (WGS), these strains were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (2), Leuconostoc mesenteroides (1), and Pediococcus acidilactici (3). Furthermore, several orthologues of class II bacteriocins genes were identified, including Plantaricin E, Plantaricin F, Pediocin PA, Enterocin X, Leucocin A, and Coagulin A. No virulence or antibiotic resistance genes' orthologues were detected by WGS analysis. However, the selected LAB strains showed variable phenotypic patterns related to virulence genes and antibiotic resistance when assessed through classical methodologies. None of these strains demonstrated the production of biogenic amines, gelatinase or DNase. Additionally, no hemolytic activity or lipase enzyme production was observed. However, only Lpb. plantarum 9A3 was sensitive to all tested antibiotics and was thus chosen for further examination. The bacteriocins produced by Lpb. plantarum (9A3) exhibited stability across a broad range of conditions, including temperatures from 4 to 100 °C, pH values ranging from 2 to 8, exposure to surfactants and detergents (Tween 20 and 80, SDS, EDTA 0.1, 2 and 5 mM, urea and sodium deoxycholate), and enzymes (papain and catalase). Their maximum activity (AU/mL = 12,800) against four L. monocytogenes strains was observed between 21 and 36 h of growth of Lbp. plantarum 9A3, indicating a bacteriostatic mode of action. Therefore, this strain appears to be a robust candidate for potential application as a protective strain to be used in the food industry. Not only is it safe, but it also produces stable bacteriocins (harbouring genes encoding for the production of three) effectively inhibiting significant pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and C. perfringens.

Assessing Antimicrobial Efficacy on Plastics and Other Non-Porous Surfaces: A Closer Look at Studies Using the ISO 22196:2011 Standard.

The survival and spread of foodborne and nosocomial-associated bacteria through high-touch surfaces or contamination-prone sites, in either healthcare, domestic or food industry settings, are not always prevented by the employment of sanitary hygiene protocols. Antimicrobial surface coatings have emerged as a solution to eradicate pathogenic bacteria and prevent future infections and even outbreaks. Standardised antimicrobial testing methods play a crucial role in validating the effectiveness of these materials and enabling their application in real-life settings, providing reliable results that allow for comparison between antimicrobial surfaces while assuring end-use product safety. This review provides an insight into the studies using ISO 22196, which is considered the gold standard for antimicrobial surface coatings and examines the current state of the art in antimicrobial testing methods. It primarily focuses on identifying pitfalls and how even small variations in methods can lead to different results, affecting the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of a particular product.

Akkermansia muciniphila Encapsulated in Calcium-Alginate Hydrogelated Matrix: Viability and Stability over Aerobic Storage and Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions.

Akkermansia muciniphila is considered a next-generation probiotic to be incorporated in new food and pharmaceutical formulations. Effective delivery systems are required to ensure high probiotic viability and stability during product manufacture, shelf-life, and post-consumption, namely, throughout digestion. Hydrogelated matrices have demonstrated promising potential in this dominion. Hence, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of a calcium-alginate hydrogelated matrix on A. muciniphila viability during 28-days refrigerated aerobic storage and when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, in comparison with that of free cells. Akkermansia muciniphila was successfully encapsulated in the calcium-alginate matrix via extrusion (60% encapsulation yield). Furthermore, encapsulated A. muciniphila exhibited high stability (a loss in viability lower than 0.2 log-cycle) after 28-days of refrigerated aerobic storage, maintaining its viability around 108 CFU/g. Prominently, as the storage time increased, encapsulated A. muciniphila revealed higher viability and stability regarding in vitro gastrointestinal conditions than free cells. This suggests that this encapsulation method may attenuate the detrimental effects of prolonged aerobic storage with a subsequent gastrointestinal passage. In conclusion, encapsulation via extrusion using a calcium-alginate hydrogelated matrix seems to be a promising and adequate strategy for safeguarding A. muciniphila from adverse conditions encountered during refrigerated aerobic storage and when exposed to the gastrointestinal passage.

Multiple keratotic projections on the palms and soles.

Spiny keratoderma (SKD) is a rare palmoplantar keratoderma that presents with few to numerous millimetric hyperkeratotic projections on the palms and soles. It has been described with both hereditary and acquired variants. The acquired form, which presents in older adults, has been associated with a variety of systemic diseases and malignant conditions. In patients suspected of having acquired spiny keratoderma, an evaluation for malignant conditions may be warranted. Treatment with topical keratolytics or topical and oral retinoids is usually insufficient. Herein, we present the case of a 58-year-old man diagnosed with idiopathic SKD.

The current and future burden of hepatitis B in Switzerland: a modelling study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic hepatitis B infection (defined as sustained detection of hepatitis B virus [HBV] surface antigen [HBsAg] protein in serum) is a leading cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related deaths. A situation analysis carried out by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health estimated the HBsAg prevalence in Switzerland to be 0.53% (95% CI: 0.32-0.89%) in 2015 (~44,000 cases). A lower prevalence of chronic HBV in the younger generation and the adoption of universal coverage in the first year of life are expected to decrease the burden of HBV; however, a number of people in key populations (including migrants) remain undiagnosed and untreated, and infected individuals remain at risk of progressing to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Our primary objective was to examine the current and estimate the future disease burden of HBV in Switzerland and the impact of migration. The secondary objective was to estimate the impact of changing future treatment numbers. METHODS: A modelling study was performed using an existing, validated model (PRoGReSs Model) applied to the Swiss context. Model inputs were selected through a literature search and expert consensus. Population data from the Federal Statistical Office were used alongside prevalence data from the Polaris Observatory to estimate the number of HBV infections among people born abroad. The PRoGReSs Model was populated with and calibrated to the available data and what-if scenarios were developed to explore the impact of intervention on the future burden of disease. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate 95% uncertainty intervals (95% UIs). RESULTS: In 2020, there were an estimated 50,100 (95% UI: 47,500-55,000) HBsAg+ cases among people born abroad. Among people born in Switzerland, there were approximately 62,700 (UI: 58,900-68,400) total HBV infections (0.72% [UI: 0.68-0.79%] prevalence). Prevalence among infants and children under the age of 5 were both <0.1%. By 2030, prevalence of HBV is expected to decrease, although morbidity and mortality will increase. Increasing diagnosis (90%) and treatment (80% of those eligible) to meet the global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis programme targets could prevent 120 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and 120 liver-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Thanks to the historical vaccination programmes and the continued rollout of universal 3-dose coverage in the first year of life, Switzerland is expected to exceed the global health sector strategy targets for the reduction of incidence. While overall prevalence is decreasing, the current diagnosis and treatment levels remain below global health sector strategy targets.

Effectiveness and Durability of a Quaternary Ammonium Compounds-Based Surface Coating to Reduce Surface Contamination.

Foodborne diseases are of major concern as they have a significant impact on public health, both socially and economically. The occurrence of cross-contamination of food in household kitchens is a serious threat and the adoption of safe food practices is of paramount importance. This work aimed to study the effectiveness and durability of a commercial quaternary ammonium compound-based surface coating which, according to the manufacturer, retains its antimicrobial activity for 30 days, and is suitable for all types of hard surfaces for the prevention and/or control of cross-contamination. For that, its antimicrobial efficacy, killing contact time and durability on three different surfaces-polyvinyl chloride, glass, and stainless-steel-against three pathogens-Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Acinetobacter baumannii ESB260 and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A-were tested according to the current antimicrobial treated surfaces efficacy test (ISO22196:2011). The results showed that the antimicrobial coating was effective against all pathogens with a reduction of >5.0 log CFU/cm2 in less than one minute for the three surfaces, but its durability was less than one week on all surfaces cleaned in the usual manner. Additionally, trace amounts (≤0.2 mg/kg) of the antimicrobial coating, which may migrate into food when contacting the surface, did not show cytotoxicity to human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. The suggested antimicrobial coating has the potential to significantly reduce surface contamination, ensure surface disinfection and reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination in domestic kitchens, although it is less durable than suggested. The use of this technology in household settings is an attractive complement to the existing cleaning protocols and solutions that are already in place.

The revolving door phenomenon in severe psychiatric disorders: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of psychiatric patients has suffered a major change over the last decades, with long-term hospitalizations being replaced by short-term stays and appropriate aftercare in outpatient services. Some chronically ill patients exhibit a pattern of multiple hospitalizations, designated as the Revolving Door (RD) phenomenon. AIMS: This review aims to analyse the existing literature regarding sociodemographic, clinical and other factors associated with multiple hospitalizations in psychiatric facilities. METHOD: The search performed in the PubMed database for the terms revolving[Title] AND (psyc*[Title] OR schizo*[Title] OR mental[Title]) presented 30 citations, 8 of which met the eligibility criteria. Four other studies found in references of these articles were also included in the review. RESULTS: Albeit the use of different criteria to define the RD phenomenon, it is more likely to be associated with patients who are younger, single, with low educational level, unemployed, diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, particularly schizophrenia, and with alcohol and/or substance use. It is also associated with a younger age on disease onset, suicidality, noncompliance and voluntary type of admission. CONCLUSION: Recognizing patients with a RD pattern of admissions and prediction of rehospitalization can help the development of preventive intervention strategies and identify potential limitations in existing health care delivery systems.

Novel Approach for a Controlled Delivery of Essential Oils during Long-Term Maize Storage: Clove Bud and Pennyroyal Oils Efficacy to Control Sitophilus zeamais, Reducing Grain Damage and Post-Harvest Losses.

Maize grains represent a significant contribution for assuring food safety all over the globe. Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), also known as the maize weevil, is one of the most destructive pests in stored maize, causing qualitative and quantitative losses. To control S. zeamais populations in maize storage sites, synthetical chemical insecticides are applied. However, these are often used wastefully, have environmental implications, and can induce the development of resistant populations. In this work, the insecticidal and grain protecting efficacy of an innovative macro-capsule delivery device, loaded with essential oils from Clove bud and Pennyroyal, as well as their combined solutions, was tested against naturally S. zeamais-infested maize grains. The blend of both compounds incorporated in a controlled release device reduced losses by more than 45% over a long storage period of twenty weeks, diminishing the survivability of maize weevils by over 90%. The usage of the blend at a concentration of 370 µL⋅Lair-1 with an antioxidant showed the best results, however, by halving the concentration (185 µL⋅Lair-1), a significant control of S. zeamais populations was still achieved.

From the Deep: Overlap of Neutrophilic Dermatoses Disorders Associated With Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

We report the case of a man in his 50s with refractory acute myelomonocytic leukaemia (AML) who presented with neck swelling, fever, and elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CPR) after venous punctures. An infected haematoma was presumed, but the patient showed no signs of improvement under broad-range antibiotics, and microbiological results were negative. The subsequent development of a rapidly evolving erythematous-violaceous plaque around a site that had previously punctured on the extensor surface of the right arm prompted us to reconsider the clinical setting as a whole and consider the hypothesis of deep neutrophilic dermatosis (ND) associated with haematologic malignancy. A biopsy of the arm lesion showed an aseptic neutrophilic infiltrate, confirming this diagnosis. The patient was initially treated with high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, resulting in a dramatic improvement of the skin lesions.

Class II two-peptide lanthipeptide proteases: exploring LicTP for biotechnological applications.

The enzymatic machinery involved in the biosynthesis of lantibiotic is an untapped source of proteases with different specificities. Lanthipeptide biosynthesis requires proteolysis of specific target sequences by known proteases, which are encoded by contiguous genes. Herein, the activity of lichenicidin A2 (LicA2) trimming proteases (LicP and LicT) was investigated in vivo. Firstly, the impact of some residues and the size of the peptide were evaluated. Then followed trials in which LicA2 leader was evaluated as a tag to direct production and secretion of other relevant peptides. Our results show that a negatively charged residue (preferably Glu) at cleavage site is important for LicP efficacy. Some mutations of the lichenicidin hexapeptide such as Val-4Ala, Asp-5Ala, Asn-6Ser, and the alteration of GG-motif to GA resulted in higher processing rates, indicating the possibility of improved lichenicidin production in Escherichia coli. More importantly, insulin A, amylin (non-lanthipeptides), and epidermin were produced and secreted to E. coli supernatant, when fused to the LicA2 leader peptide. This work aids in clarifying the activity of lantibiotic-related transporters and proteases and to evaluate their possible application in industrial processes of relevant compounds, taking advantage of the potential of microorganisms as biofactories. KEY POINTS: • LicM2 correct activity implies a negatively charged residue at position -1. • Hexapeptide mutations can increase the amount of fully processed Bliß. • LicA2 leader peptide directs LicTP cleavage and secretion of other peptides.

Tramadol and Tapentadol Induce Conditioned Place Preference with a Differential Impact on Rewarding Memory and Incubation of Craving.

Tramadol and tapentadol, synthetic opioids commonly prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain, have a unique pharmacology that optimizes their analgesia and safety. However, they are not devoid of risks, presenting addictive, abuse, and dependence potential. While tramadol-reinforcing properties have been documented by various studies with human and animal models, including conditioned place preference (CPP) assays, no similar studies have been performed with tapentadol. In the present study, we performed CPP assays by intraperitoneally administering Wistar rats with a tramadol/tapentadol therapeutic dose. Animal permanence and the number of entries in the CPP compartments were recorded in the preconditioning phase and then 1 (T1), 7 (T7), and 14 (T14) days after conditioning. Both opioids induced a change in place preference (T1), suggesting that they have short-term reinforcing properties. However, only tramadol was associated with place preference retention (T7 and T14), with an increase in the number of entries in the opioid-paired compartment (T1 and T7), showing that it causes rewarding memory and incubation of craving. The results indicate that at therapeutic doses: (1) both drugs cause short-term rewarding effects and (2) as opposed to tramadol, tapentadol does not cause CPP retention, despite its higher central nervous system activity and stricter scheduling.

Exploring Freeze-Drying as Strategy to Enhance Viability of Faecalibacterium duncaniae DSM 17677 upon Aerobic Storage and Gastrointestinal Conditions

Faecalibacterium duncaniae is an intestinal commensal bacterium proposed as a next-generation probiotic due to its promising outcomes in the treatment and prevention of several human diseases, which demonstrate its multiple contributions to the host's health. However, its strict anaerobic nature has created several hurdles in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and biotherapeutic products. Herein, we explored freeze-dried formulations containing prebiotics, cryoprotectants, and antioxidant agents as a technological strategy to enhance the viability of F. duncaniae DSM 17677 upon aerobic storage and gastrointestinal tract conditions. Our results indicate that freeze-dried F. duncaniae in a matrix containing inulin, sucrose, cysteine, and riboflavin survived at levels higher than 106 CFU/g and around 105 CFU/g after 1 and 4 days of aerobic storage at room temperature, respectively. Thus, the freeze-dried formulation with inulin, sucrose, cysteine, and riboflavin presents as a protective strategy to improve F. duncaniae viability under aerobic environments. Nevertheless, incorporation of a suitable coating aimed at protecting F. duncaniae against the detrimental gastrointestinal passage effects is urgently required, given its high susceptibility to extreme acidic pH values and bile.

Microbiological Safety of Cut Melons Sold in Portuguese Retail Markets: A Pilot Study.

Due to the increasing consciousness of a healthy diet and pursuit of convenience among consumers, the market for fresh fruit is on the rise, and the melon is among the most welcome of fruits for its sensory attributes and nutritional properties. Consumption safety of cut fruit remains an issue of concern that may affect public health. This study aimed to perform the microbiological characterisation of a melon, Cucumis melo L. var. "Piel de Sapo", cut by retailers, wrapped in plastic cling film and kept at room temperature in local fruit shops. In addition, the possible transfer of relevant foodborne pathogens, during slicing, from the peel to the interior of the melon, and bacterial growth, were also evaluated when the melon slices were stored at abusive temperatures for 2 days. In this pilot study, a low number of samples were characterised microbiologically (26 cut melons), and some isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. No Listeria spp. or Salmonella spp. were detected in any of the samples, while Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were present in four and six out of twenty-six samples, respectively. Following artificial contamination of melons with cocktails of Salmonella spp., E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes, it was observed that, despite the smaller number of L. monocytogenes recovered, all the pathogens were transferred from the contaminated peels to the interior of the melons. Furthermore, over storage time, significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) between the counts obtained from melon slices immediately after cutting (0 h), and after 24 and 48 h at 20 °C, with an increase of about 4 log CFU/g in all the pathogens. In conclusion, some cut melons classified as microbiologically unacceptable or unsatisfactory are being sold in local fruit shops in the Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal. Although absent in the samples analysed, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes, if present, can be transferred from the outside to the inside of the fruit by the cutting blade and, if not consumed immediately and stored at abusive temperatures, this ready-to-eat product poses a risk of infection. This pilot study, performed for the first time in Portugal under these conditions, clearly demonstrates the need for education campaigns to alert local sellers and consumers of the risk posed by cut melons.

The Effect of Fire Smoke Exposure on Firefighters' Lung Function: A Meta-Analysis.

Firefighters are exposed to a range of harmful substances during firefighting. Exposure to fire smoke has been associated with a decrease in their lung function. However, the cause-effect relationship between those two factors is not yet demonstrated. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential associations between firefighters' occupational exposure and their lung function deterioration. Studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct databases (August 1990-March 2021). The studies were included when reporting the lung function values of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1) or Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). The meta-analyses were performed using the generic inverse variance in R software with a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was used to determine if the lung function was influenced by a potential study effect or by the participants' characteristics. A total of 5562 participants from 24 studies were included. No significant difference was found between firefighters' predicted FEV1 from wildland, 97.64% (95% CI: 91.45-103.82%; I2 = 99%), and urban fires, 99.71% (95% CI: 96.75-102.67%; I2 = 98%). Similar results were found for the predicted FVC. Nevertheless, the mean values of firefighters' predicted lung function varied significantly among studies, suggesting many confounders, such as trials' design, statistical methods, methodologies applied, firefighters' daily exposure and career length, hindering an appropriate comparison between the studies.