Article
Biology
Rafal Ogorek, Mateusz Speruda, Justyna Borzecka, Agata Piecuch, Magdalena Cal
Summary: Fungi in underground environments are usually in the form of spores suspended in the air, potentially hazardous to mammals. The research found that the fungal species in the air inside the cave do not pose a risk to healthy tourists, but the distribution of fungal species differs inside and outside the cave.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jana Scevkova, Zuzana Vaskova, Regina Sepsiova, Jozef Kovac
Summary: Phl p 5 allergen from Phleum pratense, a crucial grass pollen allergenic molecule, was studied for seasonal variation in air concentration in Bratislava during 2019-2020, with notable air quality improvements in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown measures. The study found higher seasonal pollen levels but lower pollen potency in 2020 compared to 2019, with meteorological factors like precipitation and relative humidity negatively influencing pollen and allergen concentration. Pollutants like CO, NO2, and O-3 were also significantly associated with pollen and allergen levels, with nitrogen dioxide showing a significant positive relationship with the allergen/pollen ratio for grasses.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Md M. H. Nafis, Ziwei M. Quach, Amran A. Q. A. Al-Shaarani, Mohammed H. M. Muafa, Lorenzo Pecoraro
Summary: Airborne fungi, particularly Aspergillus strains, isolated from indoor and outdoor environments at Tianjin University, were found to be pathogenic to fruit flies and may pose a potential health risk to humans.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Samuel Anees-Hill, Philippa Douglas, Catherine H. Pashley, Anna Hansell, Emma L. Marczylo
Summary: This systematic review analyzes the seasonality of outdoor fungal spores in Europe and its implications for health. The study found that Alternaria and Cladosporium were the most commonly reported genera, with longer seasons in Mediterranean regions. Meteorological variables and land-use were identified as the main factors influencing fungal seasonality. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and improve understanding and management strategies for fungal allergies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Matilde Anaya, Erasmo Gamez-Espinosa, Oderlaise Valdes, Tania Guzman, Sofia Borrego
Summary: This study found that certain species of fungi are influenced by magnetic fields, and this should be considered in studies on airborne fungi and air quality. The research showed that the oscillating magnetic field significantly affected the colony size and mycelia pigmentation of Aspergillus niger, but had less impact on Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium citrinum.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Chun-Chieh Tseng, Ning Huang, Chia-Jung Hsieh, Chien-Che Hung, Yue-Liang Leon Guo
Summary: Indoor fungal air concentrations are significantly correlated with outdoor concentrations, but a high surface fungal density does not necessarily lead to high airborne fungal concentrations. Therefore, quantification of the surface fungal area is recommended to assess the risk of surface fungi propelling into the air.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Moises Martinez-Bracero, Emma Markey, Jerry Hourihane Clancy, Eoin J. McGillicuddy, Gavin Sewell, David J. O'Connor
Summary: This review summarizes different spore sampling methods, focuses on the most important spore types that have negative effects on crops and public health, explores factors influencing their growth/dispersal, and discusses current methods of predicting fungal spore concentrations.
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Nathan P. Wiederhold
Summary: This article introduces the importance of emerging fungal infections, antifungal resistance, and fungal co-infections with respiratory pathogens. These infections are challenging for both clinicians and laboratory personnel, and may lead to poor clinical outcomes.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Young-Sik Kim, Sook-Young Lee, Chul-Un Chung, Jun-Soo Park, Yoon-Ji Kim, Jae-Ku Oem
Summary: In this study, the diversity of cave fungi in Korean bat caves and their habitats was explored, aiming to confirm the presence of Pd. A total of 154 fungal strains belonging to 31 different genera were isolated, and 20 of them were confirmed to be Pseudogymnoascus. Pd-diagnostic PCR confirmed seven positive samples, but phylogenetic analyses revealed that these isolates did not belong to or closely relate to the clade with Pd. Overall, it is hypothesized that Korean Pseudogymnoascus displays high diversity.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jyoti Bhardwaj, Seongkyeol Hong, Junbeom Jang, Chang-Ho Han, Jaegil Lee, Jaesung Jang
Summary: This review discusses recent advancements in measuring pathogenic airborne viruses, emphasizing the importance of different methods for virus collection and analysis. Special focus is placed on the effects of air sampling on the sampled viruses.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valme Jurado, Yolanda Del Rosal, Cristina Linan, Tamara Martin-Pozas, Jose Luis Gonzalez-Pimentel, Cesareo Saiz-Jimenez
Summary: The study revealed Nerja Cave as an important biodiversity reservoir where novel species of Aspergillus were described. It found that in winter, there was a significant presence of Aspergillus and Penicillium spores in the air, indicating the entry of cold air. In contrast, in summer, some fungi were abundant in the cave air but not detected outside, suggesting stagnation or low ventilation.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anahita Moradi, Naser Honarjoo, Ali Asghar Besalatpour
Summary: The seasonal and spatial variability of airborne dust deposits and associated trace metals were investigated in a heavily industrialized region in central Iran. The study found that the highest dust-TDR and trace metal concentrations were observed in summer due to lack of precipitation and high temperature. The two major steel mills in the region were identified as the main sources of dust and trace metal distribution.
CLEAN-SOIL AIR WATER
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Johann Leplat, Alexandre Francois, Faisl Bousta
Summary: During an aerobiological survey in the Pech-Merle show cave in France, a new fungal strain was discovered and identified as a new species of the Simplicillium genus, named Simplicillium pech-merlensis sp. nov. This new species shows morphological similarities to S. calcicola and S. album, which were also isolated from cave habitats. The phylogenetic placement of S. pech-merlensis and other species within the Simplicillium genus is discussed in this study.
Article
Microbiology
Joao P. M. Araujo, You Li, Tuan A. Duong, Matthew E. Smith, Sawyer Adams, Jiri Hulcr
Summary: Symbiotic relationships between beetles and fungi have evolved multiple times, with some of the most diverse and economically important being mutualistic associations where beetles cultivate and feed on fungi. This study proposes four new species of Harringtonia associated with beetles from Belize and Florida, aiming to contribute to a more comprehensive phylogenetic framework for future research on these beetle-fungi relationships and their potential impact on global crops and forests.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafal Ogorek, Jakub Suchodolski, Agata Piecuch, Katarzyna Przywara, Zuzana Visnovska
Summary: Despite decades of research, the biodiversity of certain groups of micromycetes in underground sites is still unknown. This study provides the first report of keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungal species isolated from caves in Tatra Mts., Slovakia. The study finds that the caves have a greater diversity of fungal species compared to the surrounding area, and temperature is negatively correlated with the number of isolated keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungi.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Agata Piecuch, Rafal Ogorek
Summary: The development of indoor molds is connected to room conditions like air humidity, temperature, or pH. The study evaluated the diversity and concentrations of fungal pollutants in a dormitory bathroom, showing a variety of fungi in the air, with increased concentrations of A. niger and C. cladosporoides suggesting the need for further control of air pollution to avoid excessive exposure to mycotoxins and allergens. The study also found that the concentration of airborne fungi exceeded certain standards of fungal air contamination dangerous for human health.
POLISH JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rafal Ogorek, Agata Piecuch, Mateusz Kedzior
Summary: Houseplants are grown to enhance indoor aesthetics and air quality, but infections with phytopathogens can impact plant physiology and lead to air contamination, affecting human health. A study on Echinopsis oxygona infected with Fusarium oxysporum in Poland is the first report of its kind, highlighting the potential for aesthetic value loss and air contamination caused by this well-known toxin-producing fungus.
POLISH JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justyna Rewak-Soroczynska, Paulina Sobierajska, Sara Targonska, Agata Piecuch, Lukasz Grosman, Jaroslaw Rachuna, Slawomir Wasik, Michal Arabski, Rafal Ogorek, Rafal J. Wiglusz
Summary: New fluconazole-loaded hydrogels incorporating nanohydroxyapatite were prepared and characterized using XRD, SEM-EDS, and ATR-FTIR. The antifungal activity of fluconazole was tested against various Candida, Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula species. The hydrogels were found to be excellent drug carriers and effective in preventing fungal infections in chronic wounds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Cal, Irwin Matyjaszczyk, Karolina Filik, Rafal Ogorek, Young Ko, Stanislaw Ulaszewski
Summary: 3-BP is a compound with unique antitumor activity that acts on mitochondria, inhibits cellular metabolic activity, induces ROS generation, and affects tumor cells. Understanding its mechanism of action on mitochondria and the potential for cancer therapy is crucial.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Justyna Borzecka, Agata Piecuch, Tomasz Kokurewicz, Kathleen H. Lavoie, Rafal Ogorek
Summary: The study found that airborne fungi were present near hibernating greater mouse-eared bats, but do not pose a threat to human health. Greater mouse-eared bats are a common bat species in Europe and may contribute to an increase in airborne fungi in underground ecosystems.
Article
Biology
Rafal Ogorek, Mateusz Speruda, Justyna Borzecka, Agata Piecuch, Magdalena Cal
Summary: Fungi in underground environments are usually in the form of spores suspended in the air, potentially hazardous to mammals. The research found that the fungal species in the air inside the cave do not pose a risk to healthy tourists, but the distribution of fungal species differs inside and outside the cave.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emil Paluch, Paulina Sobierajska, Piotr Okinczyc, Jaroslaw Widelski, Anna Duda-Madej, Barbara Krzyzanowska, Pawel Krzyzek, Rafal Ogorek, Jakub Szperlik, Jacek Chmielowiec, Grazyna Gosciniak, Rafal J. Wiglusz
Summary: The aim of this research was to investigate the antiadhesive and antibiofilm properties of nanocrystalline apatites doped and co-doped with noble metal ions against drug-resistant strains of bacteria. The results showed that these materials effectively inhibit adhesion and biofilm formation of the bacteria strains, and have no significant cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mateusz Speruda, Agata Piecuch, Justyna Borzecka, Marcin Kadej, Rafal Ogorek
Summary: Forensic microbiology, an emerging field in criminal investigations, focuses on studying the microbiome and mycobiome associated with decaying corpses. The composition of these microbial communities can provide valuable information about the crime, including the post-mortem interval and cause of death. Microbial traces found at the crime scene can serve as clear evidence of guilt. Current identification methods rely on metagenome and rRNA gene sequencing.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafal Ogorek, Jakub Suchodolski, Agata Piecuch, Katarzyna Przywara, Zuzana Visnovska
Summary: Despite decades of research, the biodiversity of certain groups of micromycetes in underground sites is still unknown. This study provides the first report of keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungal species isolated from caves in Tatra Mts., Slovakia. The study finds that the caves have a greater diversity of fungal species compared to the surrounding area, and temperature is negatively correlated with the number of isolated keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungi.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rafal Ogorek, Justyna Borzecka, Katarzyna Klosinska, Agata Piecuch, Marcin Przymencki, Klaudia Litwiniak, Jakub Suchodolski
Summary: This study investigated cultivable fungi in the nests of grey herons and identified 10 different fungal species, which can pose potential threats to humans, animals, and plants. Some of these fungi were directly related to visible fungal growth in the nests.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Lukasz Szleszkowski, Marcin Kadej, Rafal Ogorek, Agata Thannhauser, Michal A. Dobrowolski, Tomasz Jurek
Summary: It is extremely rare for table salt to be used as a preservation method for a dead body in criminal cases. In this particular case, a son preserved his 85-year-old mother's body in table salt for about 2 years in order to extort social benefits. The conditions in which the body was stored were unusual, resulting in limited colonization of the body by necrophagous and biolysis insects. Most fungi, which are normally present on a corpse stored in ambient conditions, were inhibited by the use of table salt, and a halophilic fungus colonized the body's surface.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Agnieszka Lejman, Rafal Ogorek, Danuta Parylak
Summary: This study investigated the morphological characteristics and chemical composition of silky bent grass from different cultivation fields in Poland, and found that soil macronutrient content had an impact on its morphology, while habitat conditions did not significantly influence its chemical composition and morphology.
Article
Biology
Justyna Borzecka, Jakub Suchodolski, Bartlomiej Dudek, Lena Matyaszczyk, Klaudyna Spychala, Rafal Ogorek
Summary: This study provides the first report of fungal communities in cryoconite holes on the Werenskiold Glacier, detecting 21 species and 2 unassigned species with potential human-health risks and biotechnological importance. Additionally, the research suggests that the number of fungal spores decreases as one moves down the glacier, highlighting the glacier environments' potential as reservoirs of fungal diversity.
Article
Microbiology
Agata Piecuch, Sara Targonska, Justyna Rewak-Sorczynska, Rafal Ogorek, Rafal J. Wiglusz
Summary: Silver ion-doped silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite (HAp) has shown antifungal activity against various strains of fungi.
Article
Ecology
Rafal Ogorek, Jakub Suchodolski, Bartlomiej Dudek
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the fungal diversity in the droppings of Arctic reindeer. The results identified 16 fungal species, including some that may be potentially harmful to humans, plants, and insects.
POLISH POLAR RESEARCH
(2022)
