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Background paecilomyces: and Penicillium are considered as rare opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised hosts, and pneumonia caused by Paecilomyces and Penicillium is rare. In this study, we present first case of severe pneumonia with pleural effusion caused by co-infection of Paecilomyces variotii (P. variotii) and Penicillium oxalicum (P. oxalicum) in a 66-year-old female with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Case presentation: A 56-year-old woman patient presented to hospital for nausea, poor appetite, and vomiting for one day. On the second day of admission, blood culture and renal puncture fluid culture grew multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (imipenem/cilastatin sensitive), and she received combination therapy with imipenem/cilastatin (1 g, every 8 h) and vancomycin (0.5 g, every 12 h). On the fourth day, she developed symptoms of respiratory failure. Pulmonary computed tomography (CT) showed an increase in pneumonia compared to before, with minor pleural effusion on both sides. Two fungi were isolated repeatedly from BALF culture, which were confirmed as P. variotii and P. oxalicum by Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Her pleural effusion was completely absorbed, pneumonia symptoms have significantly improved and discharged with receiving liposomal amphotericin B treatment for four weeks. Conclusions: It is worth noting that clinicians and laboratory personnel should not simply consider Paecilomyces and Penicillium species as contaminants, especially in immunocompromised patients. Early fungal identification and antifungal drug sensitivity are crucial for clinical drug selection and patient prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pace at which Next Generation Sequence data is being produced continues to accelerate as technology improves. As a result, such data are increasingly becoming accessible to biologists outside of the field of bioinformatics. In contrast, access to training in the methods of genome assembly and annotation are not growing at a similar rate. In this issue, we report on a Genome Assembly Workshop for Mycologists that was held at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and make available the 12 draft genome sequences emanating from the event. With the aim of making the process of genome assembly and annotation more accessible to biologists, we provide a step-by-step guide to both genome assembly and annotation, intended to encourage and empower mycologists to use genome data in their research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of fungi on electricity utility poles in South Africa, a diverse range of fungi were discovered. Paecilomyces was frequently isolated, with five species identified using ITS and β-tubulin (BenA) sequences. These were P. brunneolus, P. dactylethromorphus, P. lecythidis, P. paravariotii and a potential new species. The genomes of 30 of these strains were subsequently sequenced and used in a phylogenomic analysis with 45 previously published genomes of the genus. Phylogenetic analyses were also conducted using ITS, BenA, calmodulin (CaM), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1), the genes coding for the theta subunit of the TCP-1 chaperonin complex (Cct8), and for a putative ribosome biogenesis protein (Tsr1). Both phylogenomic and phylogenetic analyses supported the 15 Paecilomyces species currently accepted and confirmed the novelty of the new species, which we describe as P. lignorum. The latter is the sister species of P. brunneolus and belongs to a clade also containing P. variotii and P. paravariotii. Morphologically, the new species produces longer ellipsoidal conidia and grows more restricted on malt extract agar at 30 °C compared to its closest relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new polyketides (1-4) and seven known compounds (5-11) including three polyketides and four sterols were isolated from the fermented extracts of Paecilomyces gunnii YMF1.00003. The new chemical structures were determined through the analysis of the nuclear magnetic resonance and highresolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and their configurations were subsequently confirmed by nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy, the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and quantum chemical calculations of the NMR data (qcc NMR). Based on the results of pre-activity screening and compound structure target prediction, certain metabolites were assayed to evaluate their cytotoxic and protein kinase Ca inhibitory activities. Results indicated that 3ß-hydroxy-7a-methoxy-5a,6a-epoxy-8(14),22E-dienergosta (8) exhibited potent cytotoxic activity, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 3.00 ± 0.27 to 15.69 ± 0.61 µM against five tumor cells, respectively. The new compound gunniiol A (1) showed weak cytotoxic activity at a concentration of 40 µM. At a concentration of 20 µg/mL, compounds 1, 6, and 7 exhibited protein kinase Ca inhibition by 43.63, 40.93, and 57.66%, respectively. This study is the first to report steroids demonstrating good cytotoxicity and polyketides exhibiting inhibitory activity against protein kinase Ca from the extracts of P. gunnii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, clinical course, and characteristics of three cases of Paecilomyces keratitis presenting concurrently within three months in the same location. We used in vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology to corroborate our clinical findings. Observations Three eyes of three elderly patients with culture-proven Paecilomyces keratitis were included in this series. These patients resided within a 15-mile radius and presented to a tertiary care eye institute in Southern California between February and April 2022. All three eyes experienced a prolonged, recalcitrant course with recurrence of keratitis in donor corneal tissue despite antifungal therapy and multiple therapeutic penetrating keratoplasties. In vivo confocal microscopy, histopathology, and microbiologic findings corroborated the diagnosis of fungal keratitis with Paecilomyces. With surgical intervention and extensive medical therapy, all three cases resolved after the addition of oral Posaconazole. Conclusions Paecilomyces is a rare cause of infectious keratitis. Herein we report three similar cases in elderly patients. All had prolonged, recalcitrant infections that required multiple treatment modalities. Our cases, which were supported by in vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology, highlight the importance of timely and aggressive therapy to prevent recurrence.

Nematophagous fungi are the best alternatives to chemical nematicides for managing nematodes considering environmental health. In the current study, activity of metabolites from ten isolates of Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom) Luangsa-ard (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) and two isolates of Paecilomyces variotii Bainier (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae), were examined to inhibit the hatching of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) eggs. At 100%, 50%, and 25% concentrations, respectively, the culture filtrate of the isolate P. lilacinum 6887 prevented 97.55%, 90.52%, and 62.97% of egg hatching. Out of all the isolates, Pl 6887, Pl 6553, and Pl 2362 showed the greatest results in the hatching inhibition experiment.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a variety of nematicidal compounds from different isolates. A total of seven nematicidal compounds, including four very potent nematicidal fatty acids were found in the isolate Pl 6553. Secondary metabolites of the same isolate possess the highest M. incognita juvenile mortality, i.e., 43.33% and 92% after 48 hrs of treatment at 100 and 200 ppm concentrations, respectively. Significant difference was observed in juvenile mortality percentage among the isolate having highest and lowest nematicidal compounds. Nematicidal fatty acids like myristic and lauric acid were found for the first time in P. lilacinum. Multiple vacuole-like droplets were found inside the unhatched eggs inoculated with the culture filtrate of isolate Pl 6887, and also in the juveniles that perished in the ethyl acetate extract of isolate Pl 6553. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, clinical course, and characteristics of three cases of Paecilomyces keratitis presenting concurrently within three months in the same location. We used in vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology to corroborate our clinical findings. Observations: Three eyes of three elderly patients with culture-proven Paecilomyces keratitis were included in this series. These patients resided within a 15-mile radius and presented to a tertiary care eye institute in Southern California between February and April 2022. All three eyes experienced a prolonged, recalcitrant course with recurrence of keratitis in donor corneal tissue despite antifungal therapy and multiple therapeutic penetrating keratoplasties. In vivo confocal microscopy, histopathology, and microbiologic findings corroborated the diagnosis of fungal keratitis with Paecilomyces. With surgical intervention and extensive medical therapy, all three cases resolved after the addition of oral Posaconazole. Conclusions: Paecilomyces is a rare cause of infectious keratitis. Herein we report three similar cases in elderly patients. All had prolonged, recalcitrant infections that required multiple treatment modalities. Our cases, which were supported by in vivo confocal microscopy and histopathology, highlight the importance of timely and aggressive therapy to prevent recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the project carried out, ten strains of fungi with hydrocarbonoclastic capacity conserved in the Strain Bank of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the Campos Elíseos Experimental Complex of the Francisco de Paula Santander University were molecularly identified, the fungi were identified only macroscopically and microscopically only by genus without knowing their species and corresponded to the following genera: Penicillium sp, Rhizopus sp., Paecilomyces sp., and Aspergillus sp., previously isolated from soil samples from oil residues bioremediated at the Aseo Urbano S.A.S. E.S.P. company. For molecular identification, genomic DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the ITS region was performed. The amplicons obtained were sequenced and subjected to BLASTn (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) analysis in the GenBank database of the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), resulting in identifications with percentages between 98% and 100%; where the fungi: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger obtained 100% identity. The other sequences identified corresponded to: Aspergillus tamarii, Lichtheimia ramosa, Paecilomyces formosus, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium oxalicum and Geotrichum candidum With these sequences it was possible to obtain a phylogenetic tree in which the genera Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus tamarii, Paecilomyces formosus, Penicillium oxalicum and Penicillium citrinum are very similar and the three strains of Geotrichum candidum are also very close to each other, while Lichtheimia ramosa represents the remoteness of the other groups of strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel acidic exochitinase gene (Ptchi18a) from the thermophilic fungus Paecilomyces thermophila J18 was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The highest chitinase activity of 75.9 U/mL was obtained by high cell density fermentation, which represents the highest yield for fungal chitinases to date. The recombinant enzyme (Ptchi18a) exhibited maximal activity at pH 5.5 and 60 ℃, respectively. It hydrolyzed colloidal chitin to yield mainly N -acetyl chitobiose (93.6%, w/w), exhibiting a typical exo-type action manner. Ptchi18a efficiently degraded the cell walls of Ganoderma lucidum spores accompany with cellulose for the extraction of bioactive components. The extraction ratios of bioactive polysaccharides, lipids and triterpenoids reached to 3.18%, 16.37% and 1.89% (w/w), respectively, which were 27, 9 and 4 times higher than that without enzymatic pretreatment. The unique properties may make Ptchi18a a good candidate for the bioconversion of chitin materials as well as the bio-extraction of bioactive components from chitin-rich plants or microorganisms. [Display omitted] • A novel acidic exochitinase gene (Ptchi45) was expressed in Pichia pastoris. • The highest chitinase activity of 75.9 U/mL was obtained in a 5–L fermentor. • Ptchi45 was purified to homogeneity and biochemically characterized. • Ptchi45 is suitable for the production of high purity N -acetyl chitobiose. • Ptchi45 can be used to extract the bioactive components from G. lucidum spores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi are the most versatile and potential biocontrol agents, due to their adaptability, mode of entry, persistent nature and wide host range. The present study aimed to isolate and identify the native entomopathogenic fungi for the biocontrol of major sucking insect pests of floriculture. Eighty-one fungal isolates were isolated from 55 soil samples and 26 infected insect cadavers were collected from the eastern and southern dry zones of Karnataka, India. Serial dilution and plating techniques, and insect bait techniques were followed. The insecticidal activity of fungal isolates against aphids, mites, 2nd instar larvae of thrips and whitefly nymphs was determined by leaf disc bioassay under in vitro conditions. The results of the experiment revealed that among 81 fungal isolates, sixteen (19.25 %) exhibited insecticidal activity against test insects and further, a distribution study revealed that 50 per cent of EPF isolates were belonging to genera Beauveria and Metarhizium (25% each), 18.75% Aspergillus, 12.50% were Lecanicillium spp. and 13% were Paecilomyces spp. (6.25%) and Hirsutella spp. (6.25 %) respectively. It was concluded that the recovery rate of EPF is lower with 19.5% and the dominant genera of EPFs are Beauveria and Metarhizium. This show EPFs with broader host rage will have more chances of survival and the same criteria can be used for the selection of efficient EPFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbe Paecilomyces cicadae (Miquel) Samson (P. cicadae) is an asexual strain of Cordyceps cicadae (C. cicadae) used in traditional Chinese medicine. Due to the abundance of secondary metabolites found in cultured metabolites, including polysaccharides, hyaluronic acid, ergosterol peroxide, and active nucleosides, P. cicadae and/or C. cicadae exhibit several therapeutic activities, including immunoregulatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic effects. Given the great attention for health care and the desirable medical value of C. cicadae and/or P. cicadae, they are becoming potential alternatives of Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis). Although there are many studies on P. cicadae/C. cicadae, most of them are experimental research articles. There are limited reviews to summarize the latest researches on P. cicadae/C. cicadae. This review mainly focuses on the metabolites, physiological activities and mechanisms of action of P. cicadae and/or C. cicadae. This review can serve as a theoretical basis for the more efficient use of this medicinal fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of temperature on the colony growth and conidia germination of selected species of entomopathogenic fungi in the genus Cordyceps (C. farinosa, C. fumosorosea and C. coleopterorum) and one isolate of Paecilomyces suffultus. In the first part of the experiment, selected isolates were grown on Sabouraud (SDA) medium at six temperatures: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C. Colony growth was observed every 3 days until day 18, by measuring the colony diameter. In the second part of the experiment, slides with an SDA medium and spores were placed in incubators with the above temperature and observations on conidia germination were carried out after 24 and 48 h. The results revealed that the thermal optimum for colony growth of the fungal isolates was within the temperature range of 15 °C and 25 °C. The optimum temperature for the growth of P. suffultus colonies was 15 °C, with 20 °C for C. farinosa and C. coleopterorum. The highest thermal requirements were demonstrated by the C. fumosorosea, which developed best at 25 °C. Cordyceps farinosa and C. fumosorosea developed in a wider temperature range, from 5 °C to 30 °C. In contrast, growth of C. coleopterorum and P. suffultus colonies was observed only at temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C. After 24 h, spore germination of the fungal species was most intense at 25 °C. After both 24 and 48 h, the temperature of 5 °C stopped the spore germination of all fungal species, and in the case of C. farinosa and C. fumosorosea no germination was also found at 30 °C. This study on the effect of temperature on the growth and spore germination of the species C. coleopterorum and P. suffultus is the first research of its type. The fungal isolates tested in this work in terms of thermal requirements have shown high pathogenicity in relation to selected plant pests in previous studies, which indicates their potential usefulness in IPM programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is a key process in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. More attention is needed to screen natural antioxidants and explore pharmacological mechanisms. Natural product polysaccharides with no toxic side effects have powerful antioxidant activity. Two purified intracellular polysaccharide fractions (IPS1 and IPS2) from Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 was isolated. Then, a model of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells was established to investigate the neuroprotective role of IPS and elucidate the potential protection mechanism. Results showed that IPS1 and IPS2 reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inhibited the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Ca2+ and attenuated the expression of apoptotic proteins. In addition, western blots displayed that IPS1 and IPS2 significantly inhibited mitophagy induced by H2O2 in PC12 cells via PINK/Parkin pathway. Therefore, IPS1 and IPS2 deserved further investigation as protective agents against neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi produce secondary metabolites that are not directly involved in their growth, but often contribute to their adaptation to extreme environmental stimuli and enable their survival. Conidial pigment or melanin is one of the secondary metabolites produced naturally by a polyketide synthesis (PKS) gene cluster in several filamentous fungi and is known to protect these fungi from extreme radiation conditions. Several pigmented or melanized fungi have been shown to grow under extreme radiation conditions at the Chernobyl nuclear accident site. Some of these fungi, including Paecilomyces variotii, were observed to grow towards the source of radiation. Therefore, in this study, we wanted to identify if the pigment produced by P. variotii, contributes to providing protection against radiation condition. We first identified the PKS gene responsible for synthesis of pigment in P. variotii and confirmed its role in providing protection against UV irradiation through CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene deletion. This is the first report that describes the use of CRISPR methodology to create gene deletions in P. variotii. Further, we showed that the pigment produced by this fungus, was not inhibited by DHN-melanin pathway inhibitors, indicating that the fungus does not produce melanin. We then identified the pigment synthesized by the PKS gene of P. variotii, as a naptho-pyrone Ywa1, by heterologously expressing the gene in Aspergillus nidulans. The results obtained will further aid in understanding the mechanistic basis of radiation resistance.

Morels (Morchella spp.) are highly prized and popular edible mushrooms. The outdoor cultivation of morels in China first developed at the beginning of the 21st century. Several species, such as Morchella sextelata, M. eximia, and M. importuna, have been commercially cultivated in greenhouses. However, the detriments and obstacles associated with continuous cropping have become increasingly serious, reducing yields and even leading to a complete lack of fructification. It has been reported that the obstacles encountered with continuous morel cropping may be related to changes in the soil microbial community. To study the effect of dazomet treatment on the cultivation of morel under continuous cropping, soil was fumigated with dazomet before morel sowing. Alpha diversity and beta diversity analysis results showed that dazomet treatment altered the microbial communities in continuous cropping soil, which decreased the relative abundance of soil-borne fungal pathogens, including Paecilomyces, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Acremonium, increased the relative abundance of beneficial soil bacteria, including Bacillius and Pseudomonas. In addition, the dazomet treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of morel mycelia in the soil and significantly improved morel yield under continuous cropping. These results verified the relationship between the obstacles associated with continuous cropping in morels and the soil microbial community and elucidated the mechanism by which the obstacle is alleviated when using dazomet treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paecilomyces variotii is an opportunistic mold that causes pulmonary infections in immunosuppressed humans that are often treated with triazole therapy. Lupus nephritis is a major cause of progressive kidney disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, often requiring cyclophosphamide-based therapies. Triazole-cyclophosphamide co-administration is challenging as triazoles increase cyclophosphamide concentrations, which can worsen cyclophosphamide toxicity. We describe herein a patient with Paecilomyces variotii pneumonia and concomitant lupus nephritis who was successfully treated with posaconazole and echinocandin-bridged interruptions to allow for cyclophosphamide therapy. This regimen was well-tolerated without cyclophosphamide toxicity and achieved improvements in both fungal pneumonia and renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paecilomyces genus, recently included under Purpureocillium is known to cause opportunistic infections in patients undergoing ophthalmological procedures; however, cutaneous manifestations are uncommon.[1] I Paecilomyces lilacinus, i now known as I Purpureocillium lilacinum i , is a ubiquitous saprophytic mold; it is an opportunistic pathogen associated with mostly ocular infections, catheter-related fungemia, deep and disseminated infections seen in immunocompromised patients. Voriconazole treatment of disseminated Paecilomyces infection in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Paecilomyces are saprophytic fungi found usually in decaying organic matter and soil. [Extracted from the article]

Cordyceps exopolysaccharide (CEP) has shown emerging potential in adjustment of gut microbiota and immune cell function. In this study, a water-soluble CEP with a molecular weight of 58.14 kDa was extracted from the fermentation broth of Paecilomyces hepiali, an endophytic fungus of Cordyceps sinensis. Our results indicated that Paecilomyces hepiali polysaccharide (PHP) showed significantly preventive potential on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, which can prevent colon shortening, reduce intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) destruction, suppress inflammatory cell infiltration, and regulate the balance between regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Meanwhile, the disturbed gut microbiota was partially restored after PHP treatment. Further Pearson correlation coefficient analyses exhibited that the alteration of the gut microbiota was significantly related to adjustment of the IEC barrier and Treg/Th17 balance. In conclusion, all findings proposed that purified PHP has the potential to develop into a promising agent for colitis prevention and adjuvant therapy via maintaining intestinal homeostasis of gut microbiota and immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are important pests in many plants, causing huge yield losses annually worldwide. Natural extracts from fungal endophytes can be used to control plant diseases and improve crop yield. Paecilomyces variotii extract (PVE) has been identified as a plant growth promoter; however, its effect on RKN control still remains unknown. Methods: In this study, the toxicity of the PVE on M. incognita was investigated in vitro and the potential of PVE to decrease RKN infection in cucumber was assessed under greenhouse conditions. Results: Results from the in vitro experiments showed that PVE exhibited no nematicidal activity against second-stage juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita. Moreover, PVE did not alter the developmental stages and root infection of nematodes, or the attraction of cucumber root to M. incognita. In the greenhouse experiments, cucumber treated with PVE at 1.0, 10 and 100 ng/mL had significantly higher plant height and greater fresh weight compared to the inoculated control. Meanwhile, treatment with PVE at three tested concentrations displayed high biocontrol potential against M. incognita. Compared with the inoculated control, the population of M. incognita in the soil and in cucumber roots after PVE treatments was significantly reduced, and nematode development was significantly inhibited. The root-knot indexes after treatment with PVE at 1, 10 and 100 ng/mL were 2.3, 2.7 and 2.0, with the control effect of 66.7%, 61.9% and 71.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the control effect of PVE was significantly greater than that of the commercial control oligosaccharins (23.8%). Conclusions: Taken together, these results provided a basis for further exploration of PVE, a natural extract that could be used as a component of integrated nematode control programs to manage RKN in cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nosemosis in honeybees caused by the Nosema spp. infection is not only related to colony collapse but also increases the susceptibility of honeybees to various other pathogens; thus, it is necessary to develop effective control methods for nosemosis. Research on various control methods has been conducted, but clearly defined methods are still rare. In our study, the possibility of controlling honeybee nosemosis using entomopathogenic fungal culture extracts with various biological activities was evaluated. Many of the tested entomopathogenic fungal culture extracts showed high germination inhibitory activity on Nosema ceranae spores. Among them, fungal culture extracts with high spore germination inhibitory activity and fungicidal activity was used to evaluate honeybee nosemosis inhibitory activity. As a result, it was confirmed for the first time that the fungal culture extract could not only suppress honeybee nosemosis but also increase the lifespan of honeybees. Entomopathogenic fungal culture extracts are expected to have applications in controlling honeybee nosemosis. This study aimed to select the most effective culture extracts for controlling honeybee nosemosis using 342 entomopathogenic fungi of 24 species from 18 genera. The germination inhibitory activity of the fungal culture extract on Nosema ceranae spores was evaluated using an in vitro germination assay method. Among 89 fungal culture extracts showing germination inhibitory activity of approximately 80% or more, 44 fungal culture extracts that maintained their inhibitory activity even at a concentration of 1% were selected. Finally, the honeybee nosemosis inhibitory activity was evaluated using the cultured extracts of five fungal isolates having a Nosema inhibitory activity of approximately 60% or more, even when the extract was removed after treatment. As a result, the proliferation of Nosema spores was reduced by all fungal culture extract treatments. However, only the treatment of the culture extracts from Paecilomyces marquandii 364 and Pochonia bulbillosa 60 showed a reduction in honeybee mortality due to nosemosis. In particular, the extracts of these two fungal isolates also increased the survival of honeybees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the damage level of biopesticides with different contents in bumblebees according to two different exposure scenarios: residual contact and spray application. Bombus terrestris (L.) (Hymenoptera Apidae) workers were exposed to Nibortem (1.5% Lecanicillium (Verticillium) lecanii strain V1-1), Nostalgist (1.5% Beauveria bassiana strain Bb-1), Priority (1.5% Isaria (Paecilomyces) fumosoroseus strain PFs-1), Nimbecidine (0.3 g/L Azadirachtin) and Nematac (Steinernema feltiae) at three different doses [1/1, 1/10 and 1/100], with both application methods. In the spray application, the suspension of each biopesticide was sprayed for 20 seconds (0.5 ml) to each box containing 10 workers. In the residual contact application, suspensions were sprayed into empty plastic boxes with the same method and then workers were transferred into these boxes and they remained in the treated boxes for 15 minutes only. The observations were carried out for 14 days in all treatments. Whereas the mean number of dead workers were significantly higher for Nibortem, Nimbecidine, Nostalgist, and 1/1 dose of Nematac in residual contact application, this value was found statistically different for Nibortem, Nimbecidine, Nostalgist, Priority, and 1/1 dose of Nematac in spray application, than control group (P = 0.05). The mean number of dead workers in 1/10 and 1/100 doses of Nematac were not significantly different from the control in both application methods. There was no significant difference between both application methods in terms of death values for the control, Nostalgist, 1/1 dose of Nematac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo provide a basis for clinical management decisions in Purpureocillium lilacinum infection.MethodsUnpublished cases of invasive P. lilacinum infection from the FungiScope® registry and all cases reported in the literature were analysed.ResultsWe identified 101 cases with invasive P. lilacinum infection. Main predisposing factors were haematological and oncological diseases in 31 cases (30.7%), steroid treatment in 27 cases (26.7%), solid organ transplant in 26 cases (25.7%), and diabetes mellitus in 19 cases (18.8%). The most prevalent infection sites were skin (n = 37/101, 36.6%) and lungs (n = 26/101, 25.7%). Dissemination occurred in 22 cases (21.8%). Pain and fever were the most frequent symptoms (n = 40/101, 39.6% and n = 34/101, 33.7%, respectively). Diagnosis was established by culture in 98 cases (97.0%). P. lilacinum caused breakthrough infection in 10 patients (9.9%). Clinical isolates were frequently resistant to amphotericin B, whereas posaconazole and voriconazole showed good in vitro activity. Susceptibility to echinocandins varied considerably. Systemic antifungal treatment was administered in 90 patients (89.1%). Frequently employed antifungals were voriconazole in 51 (56.7%) and itraconazole in 26 patients (28.9%). Amphotericin B treatment was significantly associated with high mortality rates (n = 13/33, 39.4%, P =

Invasive mold infections caused by molds other than Aspergillus spp. or Mucorales are emerging. The reported prevalences of infection due to these rare fungal pathogens vary among geographic regions, driven by differences in climatic conditions, susceptible hosts, and diagnostic capabilities. These rare molds-Fusarium, Lomentospora, and Scedosporium species and others-are difficult to detect and often show intrinsic antifungal resistance. Now, international societies of medical mycology and microbiology have joined forces and created the "Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of rare mould infections: an initiative of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology in cooperation with the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology and the American Society for Microbiology" (published in Lancet Infect Dis, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30784-2), with the goal of improving the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and survival of persons with rare mold infections. The guideline provides cutting-edge guidance for the correct utilization and application of established and new diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Biologically active natural compounds are molecules produced by plants or plant-related microbes, such as endophytes. Many of these metabolites have a wide range of antimicrobial activities and other pharmaceutical properties. This study aimed to evaluate (in vitro) the antifungal activities of the secondary metabolites obtained from Paecilomyces sp. against the pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. The endophytic fungus Paecilomyces was isolated from Moringa oleifera leaves and cultured on potato dextrose broth for the production of the fungal metabolites. The activity of Paecilomyces filtrate against the radial growth of Rhizoctonia solani was tested by mixing the filtrate with potato dextrose agar medium at concentrations of 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%, for which the percentages of inhibition of the radial growth were 37.5, 50, 52.5, and 56.25%, respectively. The dual culture method was conducted on PDA medium to observe the antagonistic nature of the antibiotic impacts of Paecilomyces sp. towards the pathogenic fungus. The strength of the antagonistic impacts was manifested by a 76.25% inhibition rate, on a scale of 4 antagonistic levels. Ethyl acetate extract of Paecilomyces sp. was obtained by liquid-liquid partition of the broth containing the fungus. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified the presence of important chemical components e.g., (E) 9, cis-13-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (48.607), 1-Heptacosanol, 1-Nonadecene, Cyclotetracosane (5.979), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl 2-methylpropyl ester, di-sec-butyl phthalate (3.829), 1-Nonadecene, n-Nonadecanol-1, Behenic alcohol (3.298), n-Heptadecanol-1, 1-hexadecanol, n-Pentadecanol (2.962), Dodecanoic acid (2.849), 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl ester, oleic acid, 9-Octadecenal, and (Z)-(2.730). These results suggest that secondary metabolites of the endophytic Paecilomyces possess antifungal properties and could potentially be utilized in various applications, such as environmental protection and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal dyes are an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dye. This study aims to evaluate additives to dye, using mixed fungi, to paint the picture on cloth. In the present study, the cloth was painted with mixed Aspergillus and Paecilomyces dye. The mixed fungi were grown on a mineral salt glucose medium. Five tests were conducted to evaluate additives to dye from mixed fungi that could be used to paint pictures on cloths to evaluate the effect of additives, a combination of additives producing tidy colors and other additives, the dye pH, mordant, and a variety of different mordants and the dye pH on color tidiness and hue. The additives used were alkali, acid, salts, glycerine, and urea. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) color chart was used to measure the color of filtrate and range developed on the painted color on the cloth. The results showed that the mixture of vinegar or lemon as additives and the dye pH of 3 produced tidy colors. The mordant application had a more significant effect on the color that appears than pH treatment. Colors formed on images can add variations to textile painting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum, T. longibrachiatum, Paecilomyces variotii, and T. saturnisporum as biological control agents (BCAs) against diseases caused by P. capsici and P. parasitica in pepper. For this purpose, their antagonistic activities were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. We analysed the expression patterns of five defence related genes, CaBGLU, CaRGA1, CaBPR1, CaPTI1, and CaSAR8.2, in leaves. All BCAs showed a high in vitro antagonistic activity, significantly reducing the mycelial growth of P. capsici and P. parasitica. The treatments with T. aggressivum f. europaeum, T. longibrachiatum, and P. variotii substantially reduced the severity of the disease caused by P. capsici by 54, 76, and 70%, respectively, and of the disease caused by P. parasitica by 66, 55, and 64%, respectively. T. saturnisporum had the lowest values of disease reduction. Reinoculation with the four BCAs increased the control of both plant pathogens. Markedly different expression patterns were observed in the genes CaBGLU, CaRGA1, and CaSAR8.2. Based on the results, all four BCAs under study could be used as a biological alternative to chemicals for the control of P. capsici and P. parasitica in pepper with a high success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole genome sequencing is rapidly increasing phylogenetic resolution across many groups of fungi. To improve sequencing coverage in the genus Paecilomyces (Eurotiales), we report nine new Paecilomyces genomes representing five different species. Phylogenetic comparison between these genomes and those reported previously showed that Paecilomyces paravariotii is a distinct species from its close relative P. variotii. The independence of P. paravariotii is supported by analysis of overall gene identify (via BLAST), differences in secondary metabolism and an inability to form ascomata when paired with a fertile P. variotii strain of opposite mating type. Furthermore, whole genome sequencing resolves the P. formosus clade into three separate species, one of which lacked a valid name that is now provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are notorious plant-parasitic nematodes that affect agricultural crops. These obligate soil-dwelling parasites typically maneuver the host plant physiology by forming specialized feeding cells resulting in heavy yield losses. Scant management tools are available to effectively combat this pest. In an exploratory attempt of identifying new fungal biocontrol agent(s) for M. incognita from India, a Paecilomyces tenuis isolate from rhizosphere soil was found to incur > 90% mortality of the infective second-stage juveniles (J2s) at 24 h post-exposure to the fungal filtrate with about 87% parasitization. The fungal filtrate also significantly reduced the egg hatching and host-root penetration of M. incognita under in vitro and in vivo conditions revealing its effectiveness in curbing nematode pathogenicity with positive effects on plant growth. Chromatographic analyses revealed the presence of Huperzine A (433.56 mg L−1) in the P. tenuis isolate. Besides, the isolate possessed acetylcholinesterase inhibition attribute with an IC50 of 2.85 ± 0.12 mg mL−1 of the fungal filtrate. Further, GC-MS analysis revealed the production of other nematicidal compounds by the fungus including acetic acid. To conceptualize the mode of nematicidal action, RNA-Seq was done post-treatment of the M. incognita J2s and model worm Caenorhabditis elegans with fungal filtrate and pure Huperzine A. The transcriptomic profile unraveled the molecular intricacies underlying the nematicidal action affecting several biological pathways and developmental checkpoints of the nematode. Thus, the P. tenuis isolate offers significant potential to be used as a biocontrol agent against M. incognita along with its commercial use for Huperzine A production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a field survey of cultivated Morchella mushroom diseases, Diploöspora longispora and Paecilomyces penicillatus, causal agents of pileus rot or white mould disease were detected, which resulted in up to 80% of yield losses. Multi-locus phylogenic analysis revealed that the fungi were affiliated in a distinct clade in Hypocreales. We further constructed a phylogenetic tree with broader sampling in Hypocreales and estimated the divergence times. The D. longispora and P. penicillatus clades were estimated to have diverged from Hypocreaceae around 129 MYA and Pseudodiploösporeaceae fam. nov is herein proposed to accommodate species in this clade. Two new genera, i.e. Pseudodiploöspora and Zelopaecilomyceswere, were introduced based on morphological characteristics and phylogenic relationships of Diploöspora longispora and Paecilomyces penicillatus, respectively. Five new combinations – Pseudodiploöspora cubensis, P. longispora, P. fungicola, P. zinniae, and Zelopaecilomyces penicillatus – were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in the soil and accumulation in plants poses a serious threat to crops and human health. HMs such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic are widely acknowledged for their adverse effects on plants such as chlorosis, necrosis, low food quality and crop yields. Endophytic fungi secrete secondary metabolites and enhance the plant's ability to tolerate stressful conditions. However, the role of most fungal endophytes in their host plant growth or production of metabolites under HM stress conditions needs further understanding. In the present study, we studied the HM stress alleviation capability of the endophytic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus (MRF), isolated from the roots of Justicia adathoda. We studied two heavy metals, namely lead and cobalt. The culture filtrate (CF) of P. lilacinus revealed IAA (68.17 µg/mL), phenols (43.31 µg/mL), flavonoids (40.59 µg/mL), sugar content (97.83 µg/mL) and proline (17 µg/mL). Additionally, DPPH-free radical scavenging activity and the antibacterial potential against Salmonella typhi and Shigella sonnei of the CF demonstrated positive results. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the CF manifested different constituents, including (1) Trichloromethane, (2) 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, (3) phytol, (4) 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, (5) bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, (6) squalene and (7) Cyclotrisiloxane Hexamethyl. Moreover, the plant growth-promoting activity of the P. lilacinus (MRF) strain revealed a robust increase in root and shoot growth, and the fresh and dry weight of S. lycoprsicum. Further, the IAA, phenols, flavonoids, sugar, proline, relative water content and protein contents also increased in the S. lycoprsicum inoculated with P. lilacinus as compared to the control plants. The present study revealed that the inoculation of P. lilacinus alleviates the damages of HM stress and improves the physicochemical characteristics of S. lycoprsicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexico is the world's leading producer and exporter of avocado (Persea americana Miller). There are few studies on soil microorganisms associated with this crop, which are important to establish the role they can play in the production system and their use in different areas of interest. In this re-search, the biodiversity of cultivable micromycetes in the soil of five avocado orchards located in two municipalities of the state of Nuevo León was determined. The isolates obtained were grouped into morphotypes and identified to genus level or grouped by common morphological characteristics. Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Margalef diversity indices were determined for morphotypes, as well as for and genera and groups of micromycetes with common characteristics in each orchard. The Hutcheson's test (p= 0.05) was performed to determine significant differences between Shannon-Wiener diversity index of genera and micromycetes with common characteristics between orchards. A total of 518 isolates were obtained and classified into 291 morphotypes that were grouped into 44 genera and 7 groups with common characteristics. Hutcheson's test showed that the Shannon-Wiener index of genera and groups of a single orchard is different to the others. The sterile mycelium group was the most abundant in four of the five orchards. Genera reported as phytopathogens (Fusarium, Verticillium), entomopathogens (Beauveria, Paecilomyces, Metarhizium) and mycoparasites (Trichoderma, Gliocladium) were identified. In addition, 28 new genera associated with avocado orchard soil are reported in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present work investigates the efficiency of Paecilomyces variotii upon degrading Reactive Black dye which has been termed a recalcitrant variety of synthetic dye. In this research, initially a predominant fungal species, Paecilomyces variotii was isolated from the tannery effluent sample. The study was carried out by assessing the ability of fungi to decolorize the dye under various parameters like pH (5,7 and 9), Temperature (7°C, 30°C, and 45°C), Dye concentration (200, 300, and 400 mg/L) for different incubation or exposure time interval (3, 5 and 7 days). From the experimental study, it was found that Paecilomyces variotii showed a maximum percentage of dye decolorization at 7°C at pH 9 with 75%, at 30°C at pH 7 with 85%, at 45°C at pH 5 with 82% and a maximum period of incubation with 7 days in 200 mg.L-1 concentration. This result conveys that the strength of Paecilomyces variotii in decolorizing the synthetic dye is effective at a moderate temperature with neutral pH for maximum exposure time. So Paecilomyces variotii could be a good candidate of choice for the biodegradation of various synthetic dyes when manipulated wisely. Also, the result sparks a positive attribute toward decreasing industrial wastewater pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional methods for extracting rare earth elements from monazite ore require high energy inputs and produce environmentally damaging waste streams. Bioleaching offers a potentially more environmentally friendly alternative extraction process. In order to better understand bioleaching mechanisms, we conducted an exo-metabolomic analysis of a previously isolated rare earth bioleaching fungus from the genus Paecilomyces (GenBank accession numbers KM874779 and KM 874781) to identify contributions of compounds exuded by this fungus to bioleaching activity. Exuded compounds were compared under two growth conditions: growth with monazite ore as the only phosphate source, and growth with a soluble phosphate source (K2HPO4) added. Overall metabolite profiling, in combination with glucose consumption and biomass accumulation data, reflected a lag in growth when this organism was grown with only monazite. We analyzed the relationships between metabolite concentrations, rare earth solubilization, and growth conditions, and identified several metabolites potentially associated with bioleaching. Further investigation using laboratory prepared solutions of 17 of these metabolites indicated statistically significant leaching contributions from both citric and citramalic acids. These contributions (16.4 and 15.0 mg/L total rare earths solubilized) accounted for a portion, but not all, of the leaching achieved with direct bioleaching (42 ± 15 mg/L final rare earth concentration). Additionally, citramalic acid released significantly less of the radioactive element thorium than did citric acid (0.25 ± 0.01 mg/L compared to 1.18 ± 0.01 mg/L), suggesting that citramalic acid may have preferable leaching properties for a monazite bioleaching process.

The incidence of invasive sino-pulmonary diseases due to non-Aspergillus hyaline molds is increasing due to an enlarging and evolving population of immunosuppressed hosts as well as improvements in the capabilities of molecular-based diagnostics. Herein, we review the following opportunistic pathogens known to cause sinopulmonary disease, the most common manifestation of hyalohyphomycosis: Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., Lomentospora prolificans, Scopulariopsis spp., Trichoderma spp., Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces variotii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Rasamsonia argillacea species complex, Arthrographis kalrae, and Penicillium species. To facilitate an understanding of the epidemiology and clinical features of sino-pulmonary hyalohyphomycoses in the context of host immune impairment, we utilized a host-based approach encompassing the following underlying conditions: neutropenia, hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, chronic granulomatous disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and healthy individuals who sustain burns, trauma, or iatrogenic exposures. We further summarize the pre-clinical and clinical data informing antifungal management for each pathogen and consider the role of adjunctive surgery and/or immunomodulatory treatments to optimize patient outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Christ's thorn (Paliurus spina‐christi Mill.) tree is an important and valuable forestry species and has significant potential in afforestation and reforestation systems. In recent years, dieback symptoms were observed on Paliurus spina‐christi trees in Gilan‐e Gharb region of Kermanshah province, west Iran. During 2020 to 2021, Christ's thorn trees that exhibit branch dieback symptoms were sampled for fungal isolations. The pathogenicity tests, biochemical assay of growth, acid production on creatine sucrose agar (CREA) medium and morphological and molecular investigations (ITS and β‐tubulin regions) identified Paecilomyces formosus as a dieback causal agent. This is the first report of P. formosus pathogenicity on Paliurus spina‐christi trees. Furthermore, disease severity was assayed on 11 tree species under three different temperatures 15, 25 and 35°C. Disease severity caused by all isolates on detached branches was greater at 35°C than at 15 and 25°C. This study presents the host range of this pathogen and showed that these potential hosts are prone to this pathogen under high temperatures, which forest trees experienced in recent decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport facilities represent extreme indoor environments due to intense cleaning and disinfection. The aim of this study was to describe the composition of the cultivated microbiota in dust samples collected in sport facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dust sample is defined as the airborne dust sedimented on 0.02 m2 within 28 d. The results show that the microbial viable counts in samples of airborne dust (n = 9) collected from seven Finnish sport facilities during the pandemic contained a high proportion of pathogenic filamentous fungi and a low proportion of bacteria. The microbial viable counts were between 14 CFU and 189 CFU per dust sample. In seven samples from sport facilities, 20–85% of the microbial viable counts were fungi. Out of 123 fungal colonies, 47 colonies belonged to the potentially pathogenic sections of Aspergillus (Sections Fumigati, Nigri, and Flavi). Representatives of each section were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger and A. tubingensis. Six colonies belonged to the genus Paecilomyces. In six samples of dust, a high proportion (50–100%) of the total fungal viable counts consisted of these potentially pathogenic fungi. A total of 70 isolates were considered less likely to be pathogenic, and were identified as Aspergillus section Nidulantes, Chaetomium cochliodes and Penicillium sp. In the rural (n = 2) and urban (n = 7) control dust samples, the microbial viable counts were >2000 CFU and between 44 CFU and 215 CFU, respectively, and consisted mainly of bacteria. The low proportion of bacteria and the high proportion of stress tolerant, potentially pathogenic fungi in the dust samples from sport facilities may reflect the influence of disinfection on microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms release organic acids that can chelate mineral ions or reduce the pH to solubilize insoluble phosphates for use by plants; it is important to study potential phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms for use in agriculture. In this study, PSF7 was isolated from the soil of the Wengfu Phosphorus Tailings Dump in Fuquan City, Guizhou Province, China. PSF7 was identified as Paecilomyces lilacinus, based on morphological characterization and ITS sequencing analysis. The relationship between the phosphorus-solubilizing capacity and pH variation of PSF7 under liquid fermentation was studied. The results showed that there was a significant negative correlation (−0.784) between the soluble phosphorus content of PSF7 and the pH value. When PSF7 was placed under low phosphorus stress, eight organic acids were determined from fermentation broth using HPLC, of which tartaric acid and formic acid were the main organic acids. Different optimization parameters of medium components were analyzed using response surface methodology. The optimized medium components were 23.50 g/L sucrose, 1.64 g/L ammonium sulfate and soybean residue, 1.07 g/L inorganic salts, and 9.16 g/L tricalcium phosphate, with a predicted soluble phosphorus content of 123.89 mg/L. Under the optimum medium composition, the actual phosphorus-solubilizing content of PSF7 reached 122.17 mg/L. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy analysis of the sample was carried out to characterize the phosphate-solubilizing efficiency of PSF7 on mineral phosphate. The results provide useful information for the future application of PSF7 as a biological fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the characteristics of in vitro culture and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients with fungal keratitis (FK) presented in a tertiary referral hospital in central China. Methods: In this noncomparative retrospective study, patients with the diagnosis of FK between October 2021 and November 2022 were reviewed. An IVCM and fungal culture (corneal scraping specimens) were performed, and the characteristics were analyzed. Results: During October 2021 and November 2022, 85 patients were diagnosed with FK. From 63 culture-positive cases, 8 species of fungus were identified. The proportions of isolated fungal species were Fusarium and Aspergillus equally accounting for 33.3% (21 of 63), Alternaria 9.5% (6 of 63), Curvularia 6.3% (4 of 63), Scedosporium apiospermum 6.3% (4 of 63), Paecilomyces lilacinus 3.2% (2 of 63), Exserohilum 3.2% (2 of 63), and Candida 4.8% (3 of 63), respectively. In positive culture cases, IVCM was found to be positive for hyphae or spores in 61 of 63 patients (96.8%). Different fungal species had a variety of cultural characteristics and IVCM manifestations. Conclusions: In a tertiary referral hospital in central China, Fusarium species, Aspergillus species, and Alternaria species were the 3 most common isolated fungal pathogens, and the proportion of Aspergillus species was significantly higher than that in other regions of China. Careful lesion depth examination by IVCM and OCT should be taken before lamellar keratoplasty to avoid postoperative recurrence. Identifying the IVCM image and culture characteristics will facilitate rapid diagnosis and proper treatment, but IVCM cannot yet replace fungal cultures to distinguish between different fungal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous cropping of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) may lead to soil degradation. As a soil conditioner, microbial agent has great potential in improving soil function and enhancing plant growth. In this study, we aimed to explore how microbial agent relieves the soil sickness of watermelon by analyzing watermelon performance, soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structures. Results suggested that microbial agent treatments significantly changed the photosynthetic efficiency of upper and lower leaves, which helped improve the growth of watermelon. The single fruit weight, fruit sugar degree and total phosphorus of soil following treatment with a mixture of Paecilomyces lilacinus DZ910 and Bacillus subtilis KC1723 (treatment D_K) were higher than those in single biofertilizer treatments and control. The soil microbial community under microbial agent treatments also changed significantly, indicating the feasibility of using microbial agents as soil remediations. The proportions of Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium, changed significantly after using microbial agents. Pseudomonas increased significantly after B. subtilis KC1723 and D_K treatments, while Flavobacterium increased significantly after using all three kinds of microbial agents compared to control. Increases in these bacteria were positively correlated with agronomic variables of watermelon. The fungi Aspergillus and Neocosmospora in the soil, which create an soil sickness of watermelon, decreased after KC1723 and D_K treatments. Meanwhile, Aspergillus and Neocosmospora were positively related to Myceliophthora incidence and negatively correlated with watermelon growth (single fruit weight and photosynthetic efficiency of upper leaves). Our microbial agent, especially D_K, represents a useful technique for alleviating soil sickness in watermelon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional methods for extracting rare earth elements from monazite ore require high energy inputs and produce environmentally damaging waste streams. Bioleaching offers a potentially more environmentally friendly alternative extraction process. In order to better understand bioleaching mechanisms, we conducted an exo-metabolomic analysis of a previously isolated rare earth bioleaching fungus from the genus Paecilomyces (GenBank accession numbers KM874779 and KM 874781) to identify contributions of compounds exuded by this fungus to bioleaching activity. Exuded compounds were compared under two growth conditions: growth with monazite ore as the only phosphate source, and growth with a soluble phosphate source (K2HPO4) added. Overall metabolite profiling, in combination with glucose consumption and biomass accumulation data, reflected a lag in growth when this organism was grown with only monazite. We analyzed the relationships between metabolite concentrations, rare earth solubilization, and growth conditions, and identified several metabolites potentially associated with bioleaching. Further investigation using laboratory prepared solutions of 17 of these metabolites indicated statistically significant leaching contributions from both citric and citramalic acids. These contributions (16.4 and 15.0 mg/L total rare earths solubilized) accounted for a portion, but not all, of the leaching achieved with direct bioleaching (42 ± 15 mg/L final rare earth concentration). Additionally, citramalic acid released significantly less of the radioactive element thorium than did citric acid (0.25 ± 0.01 mg/L compared to 1.18 ± 0.01 mg/L), suggesting that citramalic acid may have preferable leaching properties for a monazite bioleaching process.

Conventional methods for extracting rare earth elements from monazite ore require high energy inputs and produce environmentally damaging waste streams. Bioleaching offers a potentially more environmentally friendly alternative extraction process. In order to better understand bioleaching mechanisms, we conducted an exo-metabolomic analysis of a previously isolated rare earth bioleaching fungus from the genus Paecilomyces (GenBank accession numbers KM874779 and KM 874781) to identify contributions of compounds exuded by this fungus to bioleaching activity. Exuded compounds were compared under two growth conditions: growth with monazite ore as the only phosphate source, and growth with a soluble phosphate source (K2HPO4) added. Overall metabolite profiling, in combination with glucose consumption and biomass accumulation data, reflected a lag in growth when this organism was grown with only monazite. We analyzed the relationships between metabolite concentrations, rare earth solubilization, and growth conditions, and identified several metabolites potentially associated with bioleaching. Further investigation using laboratory prepared solutions of 17 of these metabolites indicated statistically significant leaching contributions from both citric and citramalic acids. These contributions (16.4 and 15.0 mg/L total rare earths solubilized) accounted for a portion, but not all, of the leaching achieved with direct bioleaching (42 ± 15 mg/L final rare earth concentration). Additionally, citramalic acid released significantly less of the radioactive element thorium than did citric acid (0.25 ± 0.01 mg/L compared to 1.18 ± 0.01 mg/L), suggesting that citramalic acid may have preferable leaching properties for a monazite bioleaching process.

Polysaccharides, which can be affected by different preparations, play a crucial role in the biological function of Paecilomyces hepiali (PHPS) as a health food. To explore high-valued polysaccharides and reduce the negative influence of human involvement, a green tailorable deep eutectic solvent (DES) was applied to optimize the extraction of polysaccharides (PHPS-D), followed by the evaluation of the structural properties and immunomodulation by comparison with the hot-water method (PHPS-W). The results indicated that the best system for PHPS-D was a type of carboxylic acid-based DES consisting of choline chloride and succinic acid in the molar ratio of 1:3, with a 30% water content. The optimal condition was as follows: liquid–solid ratio of 50 mL/g, extraction temperature of 85 °C, and extraction time of 1.7 h. The actual PHPS-D yield was 12.78 ± 0.17%, which was obviously higher than that of PHPS-W. The structural characteristics suggested that PHPS-D contained more uronic acid (22.34 ± 1.38%) and glucose (40.3 ± 0.5%), with a higher molecular weight (3.26 × 105 g/mol) and longer radius of gyration (78.2 ± 3.6 nm), as well as extended chain conformation, compared with PHPS-W, and these results were confirmed by AFM and SEM. Immunomodulatory assays suggested that PHPS-D showed better performance than PHPS-W regarding pinocytic activity and the secretion of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) by activating the corresponding mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells. This study showed that carboxylic acid-based DES could be a promising tailorable green system for acidic polysaccharide preparation and the valorization of P. hepiali in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endophytic fungus Paecilomyces sp. (AUMC 15510) was isolated from healthy stem samples of the Egyptian medicinal plant Cornulaca monacantha. We used GC–MS and HPLC analysis to identify the bioactive constituents of ethyl acetate crude extract of Paecilomyces sp. (PsEAE). Six human microbial pathogens have been selected to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of PsEAE. Our data showed that the extract has significant antimicrobial activity against all tested pathogens. However, the best inhibitory effect was observed against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 90274 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.9 μg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 15.6 μg/ml, for both pathogens. Also, PsEAE exerts a significant inhibition on the biofilm formation of the previously mentioned pathogenic strains. In addition, we evaluated the wound healing efficiency of PsEAE on earthworms (Lumbricus castaneus) as a feasible and plausible model that mimics human skin. Interestingly, PsEAE exhibited a promising wound healing activity and enhanced wound closure. In conclusion, Paecilomyces sp. (AUMC 15510) could be a sustainable source of antimicrobial agents and a potential therapeutic target for wound management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports the isolation and biological evaluation of three dimeric xanthones from Paecilomyces sp. EJC01.1 isolated as endophytic from Schnella splendens, a typical plant of the Amazon. The compounds phomoxanthone A (1), phomoxanthone B (2) and dicerandrol B (3) were isolated by chromatographic procedures and identified by spectroscopic methods of 1D and 2D NMR and MS. The extracts and compound 1 showed antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The compound phomoxanthone A (1) showed greater inhibitory activity against B. subtilis (MIC of 7.81 µg mL−1); in addition, it also pronounced inhibitory effect against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis (IC50 of 16.38 ± 1.079 µg mL−1) and epimastigote forms Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 of 28.61 ± 1.071 µg mL−1). To provide more information about the antibacterial activity of compound 1, an unprecedented molecular docking study was performed using S-ribosyl-homocysteine lyase (LuxS) (PDB ID 2FQO), which showed a possible interaction of phomoxanthone A with two of the residues (His58 and Cys126) that are fundamental for the catalysis mechanism in B. subtilis, which may be associated with the higher activity, when compared to other bacteria, observed in experimental studies. Additionally, quantum studies (DFT) were performed, for which a low gap value (5.982 eV) was observed, which corroborates the reactivity of phomoxanthone A. Thus, phomoxanthone A can be a good agent against pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viable airborne pathogenic fungi represent a potential health hazard when exposing vulnerable persons in quantities exceeding their resilience. In this study, 284 indoor fungal isolates from a strain collection of indoor fungi were screened for pathogenic potential through the ability to grow in neutral pH at 37 °C and 30 °C. The isolates were collected from 20 locations including 14 problematic and 6 non-problematic ordinary buildings. Out of the screened isolates, 170 isolates were unable to grow at 37 °C, whereas 67 isolates growing at pH 7.2 at 37 °C were considered as potential opportunistic pathogens. Forty-seven isolates growing at 30 °C but not at 37 °C were considered as less likely pathogens. Out of these categories, 33 and 33 strains, respectively, were identified to the species level. The problematic buildings included known opportunistic pathogens: Aspergillus calidoustus, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Rhizopus arrhizus and Paecilomyces variotii, as well as less likely pathogens: Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium cochliodes, Chaetomium globosum and Chaetomium rectangulare. Opportunistic pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubingensis and less likely pathogens such as Aspergillus westerdijkiae, Chaetomium globosum and Dichotomopilus finlandicus were isolated both from ordinary and from problematic buildings. Aspergillus was the dominant, most diverse genus found during screening for potentially pathogenic isolates in the indoor strain collection. Studies on Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus calidodoustus revealed that tolerance to cleaning chemicals may contribute to the adaptation of Aspergillus species to indoor environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal pigments are important natural products with a wide range of applications. In this study, the purple-red pigment produced by the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus TD16 (TD16 pigment) was separated with acidulated ethyl acetate and purified by silica gel column chromatography. Results of UV-visible spectrum and HPLC analyses showed that TD16 pigment is a new polyketide pigment with three absorption peaks at 228, 272 and 527 nm and a retention time of 11.4665 min distinct from those of other Paecilomyces-sourced pigments. Results of kinetic analysis and antimicrobial activity assay showed that TD16 pigment is a non-growth-associated secondary products with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity on both bacteria and fungi and thus of potential application in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paecilomyces/Purpureocillium has recently been recognized as an emerging human pathogen, causing serious infection in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Several predisposing factors have been reported, including foreign body implants, previous surgery, or trauma. Treatment with antifungal drugs often fails as species-specific differences in antifungal susceptibilities are one of the management challenges. Surgical debridement with or without antifungal therapy was sufficient to cure the infection in a few reported cases. Nonetheless, the surgical approach has been found to decrease the chance of dissemination and recurrence. Here, we report the first pediatric patient with chronic osteomyelitis of the femur secondary to Paecilomyces species, with no predisposing risk factors. Our case was successfully treated with a combination of antifungal therapy and surgical debridement. Additionally, we describe the first extensive literature review of previously reported Paecilomyces/Purpureocillium species infections in pediatric age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]