scholarly journals Ustilago trichophora (H.F. Link) F. Körnicke, a fungus newly found in Poland

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-46
Author(s):  
Tadeusz Madej ◽  
Janusz Błaszkowski ◽  
Mariusz Tadych
Keyword(s):  
Potato Dextrose Agar ◽  
Pot Experiment ◽  
Smut Fungus ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Glucose Agar ◽  
Sabouraud Glucose Agar ◽  
Laboratory Investigations ◽  
First Time ◽  
Lower Silesia

<em>Ustilago trichophora</em>, a smut fungus found for the first time in Poland, is characterized and illustrated. <em>Ustilago trichophora</em> affected <em>Echinochloa crus-galli</em> growing in the Lower Silesia voivodeship. In laboratory investigations, the germinability of teliospores, the morphological properties of promycelium, sporidia and colonies produced on potato dextrose agar, Sabouraud-glucose agar, and in water were determined. Attempts to infect seeds and seedling of <em>E. crus-galli</em> in a greenhouse pot experiment failed.

scholarly journals Impact of environmental factors on growth and satratoxin G production by strains of Stachybotrys chartarum

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Frazer ◽  
J. Pestka ◽  
J. Kim ◽  
A. Medina ◽  
D. Aldred ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Indoor Environment ◽  
Potato Dextrose Agar ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Stachybotrys Chartarum ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Elisa Method ◽  
Contour Maps ◽  
First Time

The black mould Stachybotrys chartarum and its mycotoxins have been linked to damp building-associated illnesses. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of water availability (water activity, aw) and temperature on growth and production of satratoxin G (SG) by a macrocyclic trichothecene-producing strain (IBT 7711) and non-producing strain (IBT 1495) of S. chartarum. Growth studies were carried out on potato dextrose agar modified with glycerol to 0.995-0.92 aw at 10-37 °C. Growth extension was measured and the cultures were extracted after 10 days and a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method used to quantify the SG content. Growth was optimal at 25 to 30 °C at 0.995 aw, but this was modified to 0.98 aw at 30 °C for both strains (1.4-1.6 mm/day, respectively). The ELISA method revealed that, in contrast to growth, SG production was maximal at 20 °C with highest production at 0.98 aw (approximately 250 μg/g mycelia). When water was freely available (0.995 aw), SG was maximally produced at 15 °C and decreased as temperature was increased. Interestingly, the strain classified as a non-toxigenic produced very low amounts of SG (<1.6 μg/g mycelia) that were maximal at 25 °C and 0.98 aw. Contour maps for growth and SG production were developed from these data sets. These data have shown, for the first time, that growth and SG production profiles are very different in relation to key environmental conditions in the indoor environment. This will be very useful in practically determining the risk from exposure to S. chartarum and its toxins in the built environment.

scholarly journals Dissemination of Isaria fumosorosea Spores by Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 359
Author(s):  
Jiří Nermuť ◽  
Jana Konopická ◽  
Rostislav Zemek ◽  
Michal Kopačka ◽  
Andrea Bohatá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Entomopathogenic Nematodes ◽  
Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora ◽  
Potato Dextrose Agar ◽  
Steinernema Feltiae ◽  
Soil Organisms ◽  
Isaria Fumosorosea ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Glass Tubes ◽  
First Time ◽  
Globally Distributed

Entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi are globally distributed soil organisms that are frequently used as bioagents in biological control and integrated pest management. Many studies have demonstrated that the combination of biocontrol agents can increase their efficacy against target hosts. In our study, we focused on another potential benefit of the synergy of two species of nematodes, Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and the fungus Isaria fumosorosea. According to our hypothesis, these nematodes may be able to disseminate this fungus into the environment. To test this hypothesis, we studied fungal dispersal by the nematodes in different arenas, including potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates, sand heaps, sand barriers, and glass tubes filled with soil. The results of our study showed, for the first time, that the spreading of both conidia and blastospores of I. fumosorosea is significantly enhanced by the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes, but the efficacy of dissemination is negatively influenced by the heterogeneity of the testing arena. We also found that H. bacteriophora spread fungi more effectively than S. feltiae. This phenomenon could be explained by the differences in the presence and persistence of second-stage cuticles or by different foraging behavior. Finally, we observed that blastospores are disseminated more effectively than conidia, which might be due to the different adherence of these spores (conidia are hydrophobic, while blastospores are hydrophilic). The obtained results showed that entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can enhance the efficiency of fungal dispersal.

Emended description and geographical distribution of Sporisorium elegantis (Ustilaginaceae), a species shared between West Africa and India

Phytotaxa ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 175 (3) ◽  
pp. 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Piątek ◽  
Jolanta Piątek ◽  
Nourou S. Yorou
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Distribution Pattern ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Smut Fungus ◽  
Smut Fungi ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
Emended Description ◽  
First Time

Sporisorium elegantis, a smut fungus on Thelepogon elegans, is reported for the first time from Benin (West Africa). Based on this collection, an emended description and illustration of this rare species are provided. The geographical distribution of Sporisorium elegantis is documented for Benin, Nigeria and India. The disjunctive occurrence of this species between (western) Africa and India is interesting, though not exceptional in smut fungi. The mechanisms responsible for such a distribution pattern are not known.

scholarly journals Extreme Procalcitonin Elevation without Proven Bacterial Infection Related to Amphetamine Abuse

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
András Lovas ◽  
Zsuzsanna Ágoston ◽  
Klára Késmárky ◽  
Péter Hankovszky ◽  
Zsolt Molnár
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Neurological Impairment ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Past Medical History ◽  
Bacterial Sepsis ◽  
Laboratory Investigations ◽  
First Time ◽  
Severe Neurological Impairment

Systemic inflammatory response with rhabdomyolysis and consequent multiorgan failure is a known sequela of psychotropic drug abuse. However, in cases with uncertain past medical history the initial diagnosis can be challenging. Here we report the case of a 21-year-old male who was admitted to the intensive care unit with severe neurological impairment caused by amphetamine intoxication. First laboratory investigations revealed extremely high serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels reaching a maximum concentration of 1640 ng/mL on the second day of observation. Although PCT has high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating bacterial sepsis from nonbacterial inflammation, our case report shows for the first time that it can be extremely elevated following serious amphetamine intoxication without bacterial infection.

An Investigation of Morphology Dependent Charge Storage in Polypyrrole Membranes

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Northcutt ◽  
John M. Thornton ◽  
Vishnu Baba Sundaresan
Keyword(s):  
Specific Capacitance ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Polymer Backbone ◽  
Polymer Interface ◽  
Redox Sites ◽  
Reversible Redox ◽  
Ion Storage ◽  
First Time ◽  
Super Capacitors

PPy-based membranes exchange ions with electrolyte through reversible redox processes and hence are best suited as electrodes for batteries and super capacitors. The energy density of batteries and super capacitors are dependent on the specific capacitance of the conducting polymer and can be represented through a mechanistic model for ion transport. Through this model, the specific capacitance of polypyrrole-based membranes is shown to be dependent on the number of accessible redox sites at the electrolyte-polymer interface. The accessibility of redox sites at the electrolyte-polymer interface can be increased by controlling the morphological properties and distribution of dopant in the polymer backbone. Thus, by nanostructuring and by controlling the distribution of the dopant in the polymer, we have shown that the capacitance of PPy-based membranes can be increased to 490 F.g−1 for a 50 mV.sec−1 scan rate and 0.6 g.cm−2 specific mass. Despite this value of specific capacitance being the highest reported for PPy-based membranes to date, it is estimated that only 69% of active redox sites are used for ion storage and hence can be increased further. Maximizing specific capacitance requires an understanding of spatial distribution of redox sites in the polymer backbone and its corresponding chemoelectrical activity. In order to generate a spatial map of ion storage in PPy-based membranes, this article presents for the first time a shear-force (SF) based topography imaging and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) imaging of the PPy(DBS) under reduced and oxidized conditions. From a correlated topography and chemoelectrical activity of PPy-based membrane, the data shows the availability of redox sites in the polymer and it is projected that this result will enhance the design and nanostructuring of PPy-based membranes and distribution of dopant in the backbone.

Tremorgenic indole metabolites and aflatoxins in sclerotia of Aspergillus flavus: an evolutionary perspective

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 525-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald T. Wicklow ◽  
Richard J. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Cyclopiazonic Acid ◽  
Petri Dish ◽  
Potato Dextrose Agar ◽  
Evolutionary Perspective ◽  
Toxic Compounds ◽  
Defense Systems ◽  
Selective Forces ◽  
First Time

Isolates of Aspergillus flavus Link from both cool and warm latitudes were cultured on potato dextrose agar containing yeast extract to identify sclerotia-producing strains. Chloroform–MeOH extracts of sclerotia were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins and major indole metabolites (e.g., cyclopiazonic acid, aflatrem, and dihydroxyaflavinine). Aflatoxin is reported from sclerotia of A. flavus for the first time. Cyclopiazonic acid was detected primarily in sclerotia of isolates from warmer latitudes. Aflatrem and dihydroxyaflavinine were detected in sclerotia from 85% of the strains examined. These metabolites are associated with the sclerotial stage of the life cycle, because neither were detected in extracts of the culture medium and mycelium of Petri dish cultures from which all the sclerotia were removed. Geographic variation and intrafungal allocation of these toxic compounds in A. flavus are examined from the evolutionary ecologist's perspective of selective forces shaping the chemical defense systems of fungi.

scholarly journals First Report of Thielaviopsis paradoxa Causing Fruit Rot on Sala (Salacca edulis) in Thailand

Plant Disease ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-230
Author(s):  
K. Soytong ◽  
S. Jitkasemsuk
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Hypochlorite ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Culture Collection ◽  
Potato Dextrose Agar ◽  
Fruit Rot ◽  
Fungal Culture ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Humidity Chamber ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
First Time

Sala (Salacca edulis, a hybrid between S. wallichiana and S. glabrescens) is extensively cultivated in Southeast Asia for its highly valued fruit (1). During the rainy season in 1999, a fruit rot of sala caused by Thielaviopsis paradoxa (2) was observed to occur on immature and mature fruits for the first time in Trad and Chantaburi provinces, Thailand. Infected fruit discolored brown to black and appeared rotted with white mycelia on the lesions. Fruit eventually abscised. Conidiophores of the fungus were usually straight and hyaline to pale brown. The conidia (8.75 to 12.5 × 3.75 to 5.5 μm) were cylindrical to elliptical and also hyaline to pale brown. The brown, smooth, and ovate chlamydospores (15 to 25 × 8.7 to 14.5 μm) were borne terminally in chains from short hyphal branches. To fulfill Koch's postulates, six isolates of the fungus were grown on potato-dextrose agar for 7 days. Plugs of mycelia agar (0.5 cm in diameter) from each isolate were inoculated onto fresh fruit (four fruit per isolate) after the surface was disinfected with 10% sodium hypochlorite for 3 min. Non-inoculated fruits with sterile distilled water were served as controls. After incubation at 30°C and 80% RH in a humidity chamber for 4 days, lesions occurred on all the inoculated fruit. The fungus was subsequently recovered from the lesions. One isolate has been deposited in the Fungal Culture Collection, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang, Thailand (TF 1-6/1999). References: (1) G. Hamballi et al. 1989. Proceedings of the First PROSEA International Symposia, Indonesia. (2) A. Johnston and C. Booth. 1983. Plant Pathologist's Pocketbook. CMI, Surrey, England.

scholarly journals Majocchi's granuloma of the vulva: A case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
Milan Bjekić ◽  
Danijela Pecarski
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Potassium Hydroxide ◽  
Trichophyton Rubrum ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissue ◽  
Hair Follicles ◽  
Glucose Agar ◽  
Nodular Lesions ◽  
Sabouraud Glucose Agar ◽  
Majocchi’S Granuloma ◽  
Immunocompromised Hosts

Introduction/Aim: Majocchi's granuloma is an infrequent deep-seated fungal infection where pathogen invades hair follicles, entering the dermal and subcutaneous tissue, thus forming granulomatous dermal and/or hypodermal changes. There are two clinical types: the first one is common in healthy individuals characterized by superficial perifollicular papular infection, and the second is followed by the deep subcutaneous nodules usually reported among immunocompromised hosts. This infection is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The aim of this paper is to show the rare localization of this disease in the area of the vulva. Case report: We present a 20-year-old immunocompetent woman with multiple papules, nodules, and pustules on the hairy part of the vulva. Potassium hydroxide preparations of skin scrapings were negative and culture performed on Sabouraud glucose agar revealed Trichophyton rubrum. The patient was treated with the oral systemic antifungal therapy for four weeks and all lesions resolved. Conclusion: Majocchi's granuloma should not be overlooked in patients with papular and nodular lesions in the vulvar region.

scholarly journals Diversity of Moesziomyces (Ustilaginales, Ustilaginomycotina) on Echinochloa and Leersia (Poaceae)

MycoKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Ming Li ◽  
Roger G. Shivas ◽  
Bao-Ju Li ◽  
Lei Cai
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Smut Fungus ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Molecular Approach ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
First Time

A combined ecological, morphological, and molecular approach was used to examine 26 herbarium specimens and eight strains of Moesziomyces. The phylogenetic analysis resolved eight well-supported clades, of which three contained type specimens of known species of Moesziomyces. One clade contained two specimens that produced a teleomorph in the flowers of Echinochloakimberleyensis in Australia. The name Moesziomyceskimberleyensis is proposed for this smut fungus. Another clade contained specimens that produced sori in the flowers of Leersiahexandra. The name Thecaphoraglobuligera (now Moesziomycesglobuligerus) is available for this species, which is lectotypified. The teleomorph of Moesziomycesantarcticus, previously known only from Japan, is found for the first time in China, on Echinochloacrus-galli.

scholarly journals Membrane Filtration Test for Rapid Presumptive Differentiation of Four Candida Species

1999 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1498-1502 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. G. Bauters ◽  
R. Peleman ◽  
M. Moerman ◽  
H. Vermeersch ◽  
D. de Looze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Filtration ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Membrane Filter ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Glucose Agar ◽  
Sabouraud Glucose Agar ◽  
Multiple Species

A rapid enzymatic two-step test for the presumptive differentiation of four Candida species commonly occurring in various clinical samples is described. The technique involves membrane filtration of a liquid sample, followed by preincubation of the membrane filter on Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with ticarcillin-clavulanic acid to yield microcolonies. In a separate assay step, parts of the filter are placed on absorbent pads impregnated with fluorogenic 4-methylumbelliferyl (4-MU) enzyme substrates (4-MU-N-acetyl-β-d-galactosaminide, 4-MU-phosphate, 4-MU-pyrophosphate, and 4-MU-β-d-galactoside) in combination with 0.1% digitonin acting as a membrane permeabilizer. The membrane filter in contact with the assay medium is incubated to allow cleavage of the enzyme substrate, resulting in fluorescent microcolonies under long-wavelength UV light. This approach, tested on 301 clinical samples, is able to presumptively differentiate C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. tropicalisand to distinguish them from other Candida spp. in about 9 to 11 h. Overall agreement with the conventional methods of 94.4% (one Candida species present in the sample) to 83.8% (multiple Candida spp. present) was obtained. The false-negative rates with reference to identification by traditional methods were 1.3% (single species) and 3.8% (multiple species).

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