Browsing by Author "Konopecka, Vita"

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    Distribution and Appearance of Ki-67, IL-1α, IL-10, and PGP 9.5 in Reinke’s Oedema-Affected Larynx Tissue Compared with Control Tissue
    (2021-12-10) Konopecka, Vita; Pilmane, Māra; Sumerags, Dins; Sumeraga, Gunta; Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology
    Smoking, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and vocal fold abuse can promote the development of Reinke’s oedema, leading to vocal fold dysfunction and injury. The aim of the work was to investigate the appearance and distribution of proliferation marker Ki-67 (Ki-67), interleukin 10 (IL10), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), and protein gene peptide 9.5 (PGP 9.5) in Reinke’s oedema-affected larynx tissue. Methods: A routine histological and immunohistochemical Reinke’s oedema and control group patient analysis was conducted. We used the biotin–streptavidin biochemical method to detect Ki-67, IL-10, IL-1α, and PGP 9.5 The semiquantitative grading method was used to evaluate immunoreactive cells' appearance and local distribution. A Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank coefficient were performed. Results: A low positive correlation between IL-1α epithelial and subepithelial immunoreactive cells in the patient group was found. Mann–Whitney U tests revealed significant patient and control group immunoreactive marker differences. All examined markers showed a higher number of immunoreactive structures in the patient group. Conclusions: Intensive proliferation of the surface epithelium was observed in patient tissues. The notable increase in IL10 positive structures indicates the dominant anti-inflammatory tissue response. An increased number of IL-1α structures in the larynx epithelium and subepithelium in the patient group is linked to inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodelling. The PGP 9.5 expression increase is involved in the morphopathogenesis of Reinke’s oedema.
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    Pilot Study on the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Determinants of Indoor Air Quality in University Classrooms
    (2023-11) Edelmers, Edgars; Kauce, Rūta; Konopecka, Vita; Veignere , Elizabete; Sprūdža, Klinta Luīze; Neļķe , Valters; Citskovska , Elizabete; Šipilova , Viktorija; Čikuts , Matīss; Skrebele , Elizabete; Skadiņš, Ingus; Martinsone, Žanna; Borodinecs , Anatolijs; Rīga Stradiņš University
    In the context of an escalating energy crisis, the burgeoning prevalence of remote work,and challenging climatic conditions, ensuring optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) has emerged as a pressing concern. This pilot study rigorously investigates the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and physical parameters that characterize IAQ, focusing specifically on university classrooms during active teaching sessions. Employing a comprehensive array of instrumentation – such as SAS SUPER ISO 100 for microbiological sampling, Aranet4 for monitoring relative humidity, temperature, and CO2 concentration, and PCE-PCO 1 and PCE-RSCM 16 for particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) quantification—the study spanned a duration of three days in November 2022 and covered classrooms of varying dimensions, both reliant on natural ventilation. An extensive collection of 52 microbiological samples were obtained and cultured on specialized growth media to differentiate between various classes of airborne microorganisms. Concurrently, the pilot study meticulously recorded students' activity patterns,along with the temporal dynamics of window openings and closures. The colony-forming units per cubic meter (CFU/m3) fluctuated between 174 and 934 CFU/m3, with fungi constituting the majority. Furthermore, the CFU/m3 for fungi cultivated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar ranged from 24 to 610 CFU/m3, whereas bacteria cultured on Trypticase Soy Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar exhibited ranges of 42–476 CFU/m3 and 42–254 CFU/m3, respectively. Contrasting these findings with extant guidelines that recommend microbiological contamination not exceeding 500CFU/m3 highlights significant IAQ concerns. Thermal assessments revealed that the smaller classroom surpassed the acceptable indoor temperature threshold of 25 °C within an average duration of 50 minutes, while the larger classroom remained compliant. Notably, the highest CO2concentrations recorded over the three-day period were alarmingly high: 2689 ppm, 1970 ppm,and 2131 ppm on the first, second, and third days, respectively. A 25-minute ventilation intervention was sufficient to reduce CO2 levels to 499 ppm, although existing literature stipulatest hat CO2 concentrations should not surpass 1000 ppm. Importantly, the pilot study highlighted the rapid increasing of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in crowded instructional settings,averaging 400 μg/m3 and 35 μg/m3, respectively. This underscores the necessity for a continuous air ventilation and purification mechanism during classroom activities. Despite these pivotal findings, the study identifies a glaring absence of standardized regulations or guidelines pertaining to maximum acceptable concentrations of particulate matter and microbial CFU in public indoor environments, indicating a critical area requiring immediate policy intervention.