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In the mass-production of microfluidic devices through micro hot embossing/injection moulding, the longevity of mould inserts is influenced by elevated adhesion and friction between the polymer and the mould. Thus, accurate prediction of mould lifespan requires a comprehensive understanding of surface wettability and tribological performance during polymer contact. The current study addresses this gap by characterizing fabricated micro-structured Ni, Ni-WS2, and Ni-PTFE nanocomposite moulds (surface morphologies, crystal structures and microhardness) to investigate inherent lubrication mechanisms. Surface wettability of mould material was systematically studied by measuring the contact angles with eight different polymer melts. Pin-on-disk tests with polymer pins made of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC 8007), polypropylene (PP), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) were conducted to elucidate the wear resistance of the nanocomposite moulds. Pressure-dependent friction coefficient and wear resistance were further explored under increasing external loads, simulating the actual moulding processes where contact pressure may vary considerably depending on the part shape. Results indicate that Ni-WS2 exhibits the highest microhardness (532 Hv), followed by Ni-PTFE (465 Hv) and Ni (198 Hv). Notably, Ni-PTFE demonstrates exceptional hydrophobicity against all polymer melts, signifying low surface energy during polymer contact. Moreover, both nanocomposite moulds exhibit reduced friction coefficients and enhanced wear resistance across various polymers. Counterintuitively, despite its lower hardness, the Ni-PTFE mould displays superior wear resistance against the COC pin under higher loads, while the Ni-WS2 mould experiences severe adhesive wear, as observed from wear morphology and profile analysis. This finding establishes the Ni-PTFE as a promising alternative as a mould insert material for precision manufacturing.

To improve the lubrication and wear resistance of nickel composite moulds, nano-sized polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles were co-deposited with nickel. This work reports the effect of using micro-sized and nano-sized PTFE particles on the surface, mechanical and tribological properties of Ni composite moulds. The experimental results indicate that using nano-sized PTFE particles is significantly more effective than micro-sized PTFE particles in improving the lubrication, mechanical and tribological properties of the composite moulds. The microhardness of the composite mould increases by 2.5 times to 483 Hv for a Ni-PTFE nanocomposite mould, along with the COF against polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) decreasing by 52.2% to 0.22. Using micro-sized PTFE particles serves to roughen the mould surface, which results in faster adhesive wear. In comparison, the Ni-PTFE nanocomposite mould has a low surface roughness and enhanced wear resistance against PMMA, while the tool lifetime increases by 11.5 times. Finally, a Ni/PTFE nanocomposite mould was successfully fabricated via UV-LIGA, and its lubricating properties were validated by producing high-quality PMMA replicas via micro hot embossing.

3D printing allows for the cost-effective fabrication of moulds and can cast complex shapes. In this study, alumina cement and fine aggregates for refractories were used as the main raw materials, and saturation was adjusted to an appropriate level to control the cement binder mixture for sand casting. For cast iron, the mould must withstand temperatures of up to 1400 °C and must exhibit sufficient strength, gas permeability, and thermochemical durability at high temperatures. To accomplish these requirements, 3D printing powder was prepared by adjusting the ratio of fine aggregate (D50: 30 μm) and an even finer cement component (D50: 4 μm). To improve the moulding quality, a green body was used to optimise the cement admixtures to increase the strength, and the saturation level of the 3D printer was adjusted for dimensional accuracy. The high-temperature durability of the mould was evaluated by measuring its strength after heat treatment, using Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (TG-DSC), and through dimensional stability assessment. In addition, the pores of the specimens were analysed through microscale X-ray tomography. The surface resolution and tolerance of the final casting were determined by a 3D image roughness test using a surface roughness scanner. The cement exhibited the shortest curing time and the highest strength when the mass ratio of CA (CaO·Al2O3) to C12A7 (12CaO·7Al2O3) was 8:2. The final mixing mass ratio of cement to the fine aggregate was 8:2, which was determined based on the relationship between flowability and powder bed surface quality. The results proved the high-temperature thermal stability of the 3D-printed mould, which showed a total mass reduction of less than 3% and a low coefficient of linear expansion up to 1300 °C. Consequently, the suitability of the 3D-printed moulded body, composed of casting sand with cement as a binder, for casting at temperatures >1400 °C was demonstrated. Additionally, the final printed porous mould de-powdered easily, and its recyclability was verified by strength testing various mass ratios of fresh and recycled powder. Therefore, through optimisation of the material combinations and adjustment of the 3D printing process parameters, optimal gas permeability and moulding resolution could be achieved without any casting defect, while maintaining handling strength. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of expanding the scope of powder-bed-based 3D printing of cement material to the casting market.

Natural weathering test at two different European climatic zones were conducted to investigate simultaneously both, the fungal colonisation and weathering process of Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.). The hypothesis was that the wood performing differently in various climate conditions might affect fungal infestation. The colour changes, wettability, and glossiness were measured as indicators of weathering progress of wood together with an assessment of fungal diversity. Different intensities in weathering, occupancy, and colonisation of fungi on wooden surface were detected. A higher number of fungal species was found on wood exposed to the warm temperate climates compared to subarctic or boreal climates. The dominant fungal species in both locations were from the genera Cladosporium and Aureobasidium.

In the scale-up fabrication process for electroformed Ni-MoS2/WS2 composite moulds, the formulation of nanosheets is critical, since the size, charge, and their distribution can largely affect the hardness, surface morphology and tribological properties of the moulds. Additionally, the long-term dispersion of hydrophobic MoS2/WS2 nanosheets in a nickel sulphamate solution is problematic. In this work, we studied the effect of ultrasonic power, processing time, surfactant types and concentrations on the properties of nanosheets to elaborate their dispersion mechanism and control their size and surface charge in divalent nickel electrolyte. The formulation of MoS2/WS2 nanosheets was optimized for effective electrodeposition along with nickel ions. A novel strategy of intermittent ultrasonication in the dual bath was proposed to resolve the problem of long-term dispersion, overheating, and deterioration of 2D material deposition under direct ultrasonication. Such strategy was then validated by electroforming 4-inch wafer-scale Ni-MoS2/WS2 nanocomposite moulds. The results indicated that the 2D materials were successfully co-deposited into composite moulds without any defects, along with the mould microhardness increasing by ∼2.8 times, the coefficient of friction reducing by two times against polymer materials, and the tool life increasing up to 8 times. This novel strategy will contribute to the industrial manufacturing of 2D material nanocomposites under ultrasonication process.

The microbial diversity of artisanal cheeses has been ever more extensively explored over recent years. Many new studies have been particularly focused on the detection and identification of fungi associated with cheese rinds. This is not surprising given that the composition and abundance of fungi on the cheese surface can significantly contribute to desirable sensory qualities, while also contributing to defects, particularly during ripening, and risks associated with the production of mycotoxins. Here we critically review the impact of fungi on the quality of artisanal cheeses, as well as the risks associated with the presence of particular species or strains with specific phenotypes. Ultimately, we address the question; should fungi be predominantly considered villains when it comes to artisanal cheese safety or could their presence be better exploited by producers in order to generate innovative products with greater added value? Such discussions will be increasingly important from the perspective of the future commercialization and regulation of artisanal cheeses that frequently contain a high abundance of moulds.

In the last decade, extensive fungal growth has developed in Danish museums parallel to climate change, challenging occupational health and heritage preservation. The growth was unexpected as the museums strived to control relative humidity below 60 %, and it should exceed 75 % to risk growth. A Danish case study found xerophilic Aspergillus species able to grow at low relative humidity in a museum repository. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether xerophilic growth from Aspergillus section Restricti has become a novel contaminant nationally distributed in Danish museum repositories striving to control relative humidity according to international environmental recommendations for heritage collections. The study examined The National Museum of Denmark and eight large State Recognized museums distributed throughout Denmark. It was based on 600 swab and tape-lift samples and 60 MAS100-Eco and filter air samples analyzed for fungi with cultivation and morphological identification, Big-Dye-Sanger sequencing, CaM-Nanopore and ITS-Illumina amplicon sequencing. The study showed growth from seven xerophilic Aspergillus species: A. conicus, A. domesticus, A. glabripes, A. halophilicus, A. magnivesiculatus, A. penicilloides, A. vitricola, of which three are new to Denmark, and 13 xerotolerant Aspergillus species. There was no growth from other fungal species. The multiple detection approach provided a broad characterization; however, there was variance in the detected species depending on the analysis approach. Cultivation and Big-Dye Sanger sequencing showed the highest Aspergillus diversity, detecting 17 species; CaM-Nanopore amplicon sequencing detected 12 species; and ITS-illumina amplicon sequencing detected two species but the highest overall diversity. Cultivation, followed by Big-Dye Sanger and CaM-amplicon sequencing, proved the highest compliance. The study concluded that xerophilic Aspergillus growth is nationally distributed and suggests species from Aspergillus section Restricti as a novel contaminant in climate-controlled museum repositories. To safeguard occupational health and heritage preservation research in sustainable solutions, avoiding xerophilic growth in museum collections is most important., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

A common type of foundation for family houses in Northern countries is crawl spaces, where mould and moisture are a common problem for a large share of these. In this study, measurement in a crawl space located in a subarctic climate has been performed for over a year. Calculation and prediction of the climate inside the crawl space are performed both for the experimental case with a dehumidifier and a theoretical case without a dehumidifier. The results show that it is not necessary to measure at several points in the crawl space since the difference between the measurement points is small. The relative humidity is below the critical in the investigated crawl space during the whole year when a dehumidifier is used and therefore is no risk for mould growth. Prediction for a naturally ventilated crawl space with ACR of 1.5 shows that mould index will reach almost four and very close not to reach zero between different years, which indicates that mould index could start to increase between the years and cause problems.

MACER, S.L, in collaboration with the Institute of Ceramic Technology, has developed a comprehensive control system of the pressing operation called CALIBREUNICO® which keeps constant in time the bulk density of all the ceramic pieces shaped in an industrial press. The CALIBREUNICO® system consists of two subsystems that permit one hand, balance the variations in moisture spray-dried powder by the continuous regulation in real time of the pressure moulding and, secondly, regulate the load individually in each of the holes of the press with de purpose of equalling the bulk density of all pieces obtained in the same press cycle. CALIBREUNICO®, ensuring the constancy of bulk density of all pieces processed, guarantees a single piece size and the minimization of the production problems associated with variability in bulk density of the pieces.MACER, S.L., en colaboración con el Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica, ha desarrollado un sistema de control integral de la operación de prensado denominado CALIBREUNICO® que permite mantener constante en el tiempo la densidad aparente de todas las piezas cerámicas conformadas en una prensa industrial. El sistema CALIBREUNICO® está constituido por dos subsistemas complementarios que permiten, por un lado, compensar las variaciones de humedad del polvo atomizado mediante la regulación continua y en tiempo real de la presión de prensado y, por otro lado, regular la carga individualizada en cada uno de los alvéolos de la prensa con el fin de igualar la densidad aparente de todas las piezas obtenidas en un mismo ciclo de prensado. CALIBREUNICO®, al asegurar la constancia de la densidad aparente de todas las piezas procesadas, garantiza un único tamaño de pieza y la minimización de los problemas de producción asociados a la variabilidad de la densidad aparente de los soportes

The organization MACER, in collaboration with the Institute of Ceramic Technology, has developed the system ISOPRESS®, an integrated control device that permits to equal automatically the maximum pressure applied on the powder contained in each of the holes of the mould. This system consists of a set of pressure transducers which are located in the isostatic punches of the mould itself. With them it is possible to register in real-time the evolution of the measured pressure of the oil contained in the compensation chamber of each punch. All the transducers are connected to a data acquisition system which transfers the pressure values to a PC which performs the signal processing to obtain the pressure maximum value reached during a pressing cycle, in each one of the holes. The system is completed with a control software especially developed, that permits to regulate individually the height of the first fall of each inferior punch to guarantee the uniformity of the pressure applied in all the holes. ISOPRESS®, by assuring the constancy of the bulk density of all the pieces processed, guarantees a unique piece size and minimize production problems associated to the variability of the bulk density of the pieces.La empresa MACER, en colaboración con el Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica, ha desarrollado el sistema ISOPRESS®, un dispositivo de control integral que permite igualar de forma automática la presión máxima aplicada sobre el polvo contenido en cada uno de los alvéolos del molde. Este sistema está constituido por una serie de transductores de presión que se encuentran situados en los punzones isostáticos del propio molde. Con ellos es posible registrar en tiempo real la evolución de la presión media del aceite contenido en la cámara de compensación de cada punzón. Todos los transductores están conectados a un sistema de adquisición de datos que transfiere los valores de presión a un PC en el que se realiza el tratamiento de las señales para obtener el valor máximo de presión alcanzado durante el ciclo de prensado, en cada uno de los alvéolos. El sistema se completa con un software de control especialmente concebido que permite regular de forma individualizada la altura de la primera caída de cada uno de los punzones inferiores para garantizar la uniformidad de la presión aplicada en todos los alvéolos. ISOPRESS®, al asegurar la constancia de la densidad aparente de todas las piezas procesadas, garantiza un único tamaño de pieza y minimiza los problemas de producción asociados a la variabilidad de la densidad aparente de los soportes.

Early life environment can affect asthma and allergies but few cohort studies on this issue are available from China. Our aim was to investigate reported onset of childhood wheeze, rhinitis and eczema symptoms in relation to prenatal, perinatal and postnatal home environment. Data on home environment and symptoms (ISAAC based questions) in first two years of life and in the past 12 months were reported by parents of the children (3-6 y) in a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in ten day care centers in Taiyuan, northern China (N = 3606). Changes of symptoms from the first 2 years of life to the past 12 months (recall period) were calculated retrospectively. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was applied. Reported onset of wheeze, rhinitis and eczema were 11.8%, 22.2% and 3.3%, respectively. Redecorating during pregnancy increased reported onset of rhinitis (OR = 2.29) and eczema (OR = 4.91). New furniture during pregnancy increased reported onset of rhinitis (OR = 1.47). Perinatal indoor mould increased reported onset of wheeze (OR = 1.51), rhinitis (OR = 1.65) and eczema (OR = 1.91). Perinatal mould odour increased reported onset of wheeze (OR = 1.85). Perinatal window pane condensation increased reported onset of wheeze (OR = 1.54) and rhinitis (OR = 1.24). Perinatal stuffy air and dry air in the home increased reported onset of all three symptoms (ORs 1.46-2.24). Dog keeping increased reported onset of wheeze (OR = 1.69) and eczema (OR = 2.13). Based on principal component analysis, four exposure scores were calculated (renovation, new furniture, mould and indoor air quality scores). Dose-response relationships were observed between these exposure scores and reported onset of symptoms. In conclusion, prenatal and postnatal exposure to emissions from renovation and new furniture can increase reported onset of childhood wheeze, rhinitis and eczema. Perinatal indoor mould, mould odour, condensation on window panes and impaired indoor air quality at home can be associated with reported development of wheeze, rhinitis and eczema in preschoolers in northern China., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We investigated associations between prenatal and postnatal environmental factors and onset and remission of preschool childhood eczema across China. The study population was preschoolers in randomized day care centers in seven cities (N = 39,782). Data on eczema and prenatal and postnatal indoor and outdoor environment were obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire sent to parents or other guardians. Reports on eczema in the first 2 years and in the past year was used to retrospectively calculate onset and remission (changes of reported eczema). Prenatal and postnatal outdoor temperature, NO 2 and PM 10 were modelled from official air pollution data. Associations were estimated by two-level logistic regression. Calculated onset rate was 3.2%/y and remission rate 29.2%/y. Exposure to NO 2 during pregnancy was associated with onset of eczema, similarly for all trimesters. Postnatal PM 10 and NO 2 were related to decreased remission. Postnatal outdoor temperature was associated with onset of eczema. Pre-natal and current redecoration or buying new furniture, and perinatal as well as current dampness and indoor mould, were associated with increased onset and decreased remission. Cockroaches in current home was another indoor risk factors. Prenatal exposure to farm environment and large family size were all negatively associated with eczema. In conclusion, a warmer climate and prenatal NO 2 can be associated with increased onset of eczema in Chinese preschoolers. Postnatal PM 10 and NO 2 can be associated with reduced remission. Perinatal and current dampness, indoor mould and cockroaches may increase onset and decrease remission. Exposure to chemical emissions from indoor materials after first year of life may increase onset. Prenatal exposure to farm environment and large family size could be protective., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This paper studied associations between reported common cold and home dampness and mould, cleaning habits and ventilation, climate and outdoor air pollution in China among young adults without asthma or allergic rhinitis. Parents of children attending day care in eight Chinese cities answered a questionnaire on their health and home environment (75% response rate). We restricted the population to subject without asthma or allergic rhinitis (N = 37,275). Temperature and air pollution data was obtained from monitoring stations. Associations were estimated by multilevel logistic regression. Totally 12.5% reported common cold (≥3 colds) and 1.6% frequent common cold (≥5 colds) in the past 12 months. Female gender (OR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.37-1.71), residents in southern China (OR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.16-3.07) and living in homes with water leakage (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.16-1.50), mould odour (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.28-1.72), indoor mould (OR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.28-1.70), condensation on window panes (OR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.32-1.52) and damp bed clothing (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.11-1.28) were associated with common cold. Having many signs of dampness increased ORs. Daily cleaning (OR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.97) and mechanical ventilation in kitchen or bathroom (OR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.64-0.89) were protective. Higher mean ambient temperature (OR = 1.11 per °C; 95% CI 1.02-1.21), PM 10 (OR = 1.17 per 10 μg/m 3 ; 95% CI 1.14-1.21) and PM 2.5 (OR = 1.28 per 10 μg/m 3 ; 95% CI 1.20-1.37) were associated with common cold. The association with particulate air pollution was stronger in southern China. Similar associations were found for frequent common cold. In conclusion, indoor dampness and mould, a warmer climate and PM 10 and PM 2.5 can be associated with reported common cold. Further intervention and prospective studies are needed to verify causality of observed association in this cross-sectional study., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology, management and outcome of individuals with mucormycosis; and to evaluate the risk factors associated with mortality., Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study involving consecutive individuals with proven mucormycosis across 12 centres from India. The demographic profile, microbiology, predisposing factors, management and 90-day mortality were recorded; risk factors for mortality were analysed., Results: We included 465 patients. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was the most common (315/465, 67.7%) presentation followed by pulmonary (62/465, 13.3%), cutaneous (49/465, 10.5%), and others. The predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus (342/465, 73.5%), malignancy (42/465, 9.0%), transplant (36/465, 7.7%), and others. Rhizopus species (231/290, 79.7%) were the most common followed by Apophysomyces variabilis (23/290, 7.9%), and several rare Mucorales. Surgical treatment was performed in 62.2% (289/465) of the participants. Amphotericin B was the primary therapy in 81.9% (381/465), and posaconazole was used as combination therapy in 53 (11.4%) individuals. Antifungal therapy was inappropriate in 7.6% (30/394) of the individuals. The 90-day mortality rate was 52% (242/465). On multivariate analysis, disseminated and rhino-orbital (with cerebral extension) mucormycosis, shorter duration of symptoms, shorter duration of antifungal therapy, and treatment with amphotericin B deoxycholate (versus liposomal) were independent risk factors of mortality. A combined medical and surgical management was associated with a better survival., Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus was the dominant predisposing factor in all forms of mucormycosis. Combined surgical and medical management was associated with better outcomes. Several gaps surfaced in the management of mucormycosis. The rarer Mucorales identified in the study warrant further evaluation., (Copyright © 2019 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Despite indoor mould being one of the most common problems in residential properties in the UK, there are not any widely accepted methodologies for its measurement. This paper focusses on this problem of measurement and reports on the findings from a rigorous testing scheme carried out to quantify air and surface mould concentrations and particle counts within 71 rooms from 64 properties in North London, some with and some without visible mould. The aim was to investigate the potential of passive and active air sampling strategies (sampling from still and actively mixed air, respectively) to explain visible mould, and understand how home/room characteristics correlate with the obtained readings. Airborne mould levels were quantified using an Andersen sampler (passively and actively), as well as by a chemical method based on the quantification of the N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) activity (actively), which was also used to quantify surface mould. The mould levels were then correlated against physical characteristics of the tested homes/rooms, collected by means of survey sheets developed as part of this study. The findings did not reveal any independent variable governing all or most of the response variables, but a complex analysis suggested that whether it is a house or a flat could depict mould levels in the air and on the surfaces. It was also shown that a robust testing protocol should combine air and surface based methods, and an active air sampling strategy leads to a more accurate appraisal of airborne mould levels. Finally, the results showed that while there is some correlation between visible mould (and other moisture induced problems such as condensation) and measured air mould concentrations, lack of visible mould within a room does not necessarily mean low air mould concentrations, and thus one should not rely solely on visual inspection., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Biomass burning is associated with childhood pneumonia but few studies exist on other indoor factors., Aim: To study pneumonia in relation to pre-natal and post-natal exposure among children across China., Methods: Children (3-6 y) (n = 39,782) from randomized day care centres in seven cities in China. Information on pneumonia and pre-natal and post-natal exposure to home environment factors were assessed by a parental questionnaire. Life-time outdoor temperature and GDP per capita were assessed on city level. Associations were calculated by multilevel logistic regression adjusting for fourteen co-variates., Results: Totally 32.0% had ever had pneumonia diagnosed by a physician. Children of farmer mothers (OR = 0.65), with breastfeeding (OR = 0.91) and living in rural (OR = 0.85) or suburban (OR = 0.90) areas had less pneumonia. Buying new furniture one year before conception (OR = 1.11) and after first year of life (OR = 1.10) increased the risk. Redecoration one year before conception (OR = 1.20), during pregnancy (OR = 1.18) and after first year of life (OR = 1.17) increased pneumonia risk. Children with mould (OR = 1.17), window pane condensation (WPC) (OR = 1.20) and mould odour (OR = 1.15) at home at birth only had a higher risk of pneumonia. Similar associations were seen for dampness and mould in the current home. Children in the oldest and newest homes had less pneumonia. Cockroaches (OR = 1.08), mosquitos or flies in the current home (OR = 1.18), an exhaust fan in the bathroom (OR = 1.10) and higher economic development level, measured as GDP per capita on city level (OR 1.11 per 10,000 RMB/year) were associated with childhood pneumonia., Conclusions: Perinatal and postnatal exposure to mould, mould odour and window pane condensation at home can be early life risk factors for childhood pneumonia in China. Moreover, pre-natal and post-natal exposure to chemical emissions from new furniture and renovation could increase the risk of childhood pneumonia. Breastfeeding, farm exposure, and living in rural or suburban areas could be protective., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between sources of household air pollution, respiratory symptoms and lung function., Methods: 3039 adults aged from 40 to 65 participated in the 2011-2013 ELISABET cross-sectional survey in northern France. Lung function was measured using spirometry. During a structured interview, respiratory symptoms, household fuels, exposure to moulds, and use of ventilation were recorded on a questionnaire., Results: The self-reported presence of mould in at least two rooms (not including the bathroom and the kitchen) was associated with a 2.5% lower predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (95% confidence interval, -4.7 to -0.29; p-trend <0.05) and a higher risk of wheezing (p-trend < 0.001). Visible condensation was associated with wheezing (p < .05) and chronic cough (p < .05). There were no significant associations with the type of household fuel or inadequate ventilation/aeration. Similar results were found when the analyses were restricted to participants without known respiratory disease., Conclusion: Our results suggest that the presence of mould (known to be associated with more severe asthma symptoms) could also have an impact on respiratory symptoms and lung function in the general population and in populations without known respiratory disease., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Few health studies exist on dampness and mould in schools in the tropics. We studied associations between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), respiratory symptoms and airway infections among students and dampness and fungal DNA in schools in Malaysia. A total of 368 randomly selected students from 32 classrooms in 8 secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia, participated (58% participation rate). Information on current respiratory symptoms and the home environment was collected by a standardised questionnaire. FeNO was measured by NIOX MINO (50ml/min). The classrooms were inspected and dust was collected by vacuuming on special filters and was analysed for five fungal DNA sequences by quantitative PCR. Linear mixed models and 3-level multiple logistic regression (school, classroom, student) were applied adjusting for demographic data and the home environment. Totally 10.3% reported doctor's diagnosed asthma, 15.1% current wheeze, 12.4% current asthma, 37.3% daytime breathlessness, 10.2% nocturnal breathlessness, 38.9% airway infections and 15.5% had pollen or furry pet allergy. The geometric mean of FeNO was 19.9ppb and 45% had elevated FeNO (>20ppb). Boys had higher levels of FeNO. Chinese had less daytime breathlessness than Malay (OR=0.30: p<0.001). Indoor carbon dioxide levels were low (380-720ppm). Dampness was observed in 18% of the classrooms and was associated with respiratory infections (OR=3.70; 95% CI 1.14-12.1) and FeNO (p=0.04). Aspergillus versicolor DNA was detected in 67% of the classrooms. Higher numbers of Aspergillus versicolor DNA in classroom dust were associated with wheeze (p=0.006), current asthma (p=0.002), respiratory infections (p=0.005) and elevated FeNO levels (p=0.02). In conclusion, respiratory symptoms were common among the students and the high FeNO levels indicate ongoing airway inflammation. Building dampness and the mould Aspergillus versicolor in schools in Malaysia can be risk factors for impaired respiratory health among the students., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To carry out a review of recent studies that have explored relationships between mental well-being and how this may be affected by living in cold and damp homes. Attention is focused on intervention studies in which heating and insulation improvements were carried out and impacts on well-being assessed., Study Design: Drawing mainly on a Cochrane Review published in 2013, nine studies of sound methodology are identified and significant effects discussed., Methods: The review outlines the current frameworks for understanding mental well-being which prevail in psychology and psychiatry, describing the distinctions that can be made between mental well-being and its elements, namely positive mental health and negative mental health (the latter also known as mental disorder). The review then organizes findings from nine studies into the separate domains of positive and negative mental health, giving due consideration to the quality of the research, instruments used to measure mental health, methodological, and ethical issues., Results: These first nine studies indicate early consensus. Living in cold and damp housing contributes to a variety of different mental health stressors, including persistent worry about debt and affordability, thermal discomfort, and worry about the consequences of cold and damp for health. Improvements to energy efficiency are often associated with significant improvements in mental well-being., Conclusions: Impacts affect both positive and negative mental health. A cumulative stress framework is hypothesized, within which the mental health impacts of improved energy efficiency can be better understood., (Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

► We describe a case of uterus didelphys with synchronous endometrial cancers. ► Unfavorable post-operative disturbance of the vaginal vault topography was present. ► Hence the Institut Gustave-Roussy "moulage" IVBT technique was utilised. ► This customised technique achieved excellent mould-to-mucosa conformance.