Search

Species classified in Cordycipitaceae (Hypocreales) include multiple entomopathogenic fungi. Numerous changes have recently occurred in the nomenclature of cordycipitaceous fungi due to the single naming system proposed for pleomorphic fungi in 2011. Species of Cordycipitaceae are widely applied as herbal medicines, especially in Asian cultures. However, the diversity of Cordycipitaceae in Taiwan is based on relatively few literature records. Here we conducted a comprehensive survey of this family throughout the island of Taiwan and provided a glimpse of the diversity and distribution patterns. In addition, the present study reassesses the generic and species boundaries of Cordycipitaceae and finally provides an updated phylogenetic overview of Cordyceps and allied genera. Phylogenetic reconstructions using combined ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α, rpb1, and rpb2 sequence data, along with morphological features, resulted in 10 novel species: Akanthomyces taiwanicus sp. nov., Blackwellomyces taiwanensis sp. nov., Cordyceps hehuanensis sp. nov., C. locastrae sp. nov., C. malleiformis sp. nov., C. pseudorosea sp. nov., C. siangyangensis sp. nov., Samsoniella lasiocampidarum sp. nov., S. yuanzuiensis sp. nov., and Simplicillium salviniae sp. nov.; and nine new records for Taiwan: A. kanyawimiae, A. muscarius, S. cardinalis, S. hepiali, B. lii, B. medogensis, C. lepidopterorum, C. neopruinosa, and Si. chinense. Furthermore, we provided DNA sequence data of the ex-type strains of C. ninchukispora for the first time and determined the species limits of the taxon. In addition, the present study proposed to synonymize B. staphylinidicola and C. jakajanicola under B. bassiana and C. lepidopterorum, respectively. Moreover, three species, C. roseostromata, C. kyushuensis, and C. shuifuensis, that clustered within the species clade of C. militaris are proposed to be synonymized under the latter taxon. To maintain the monophyly of Cordyceps, we propose to classify Parahevansia koratensis in Cordyceps, which makes the genus Parahevansia obsolete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A Special-purpose Committee on Fungal Names with the Same Epithet was established at the XIX International Botanical Congress (IBC) in Shenzhen, China in 2017, with a mandate to report to the 12th International Mycological Congress (IMC) with recommendations on a preferred course of action with respect to names of pleomorphic fungi sharing the same epithet under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. This report provides a synthesis of the deliberations from the Special-purpose Committee. We discuss the arguments for and against the proposed solution to the problems that have arisen regarding the nomenclature of fungi described in multiple morphs using the same epithet. We also propose a gentler method of addressing the problem using existing procedures.

Members of the genus Hypoxylon (Ascomycota) are pleomorphic fungi mostly forming conspicuous teleomorphs, consisting of perithecia embedded into stromal tissue, and their morphology has traditionally served for species delineation. However, analysis in tandem with other phenotypic characters, such as chemical and genetic traits, proved to be a more stable predictor of interspecies and intergeneric relationships. During 2014 and 2015, a set of species identified as Hypoxylon were described from the Neotropics, exclusively relying on morphological traits. The secondary metabolite profiles of their stromata were analysed by HPLC/DAD-ESI-MS, corroborating their classification within Xylariales. Additionally, molecular data for ex-type strains of H. dussii and H. sofaiense were incorporated into an inferred molecular phylogeny of the Hypoxylaceae and allies. Furthermore, a freshly collected specimen from North Carolina was selected as epitype of Sphaeria perforata Schweinitz (syn. Hypoxylon perforatum), as its morphological/chemotaxonomic characters matched those of the holotype. Our findings demonstrate that the secondary metabolism of Hypoxylon closely correlates with both morphological features and molecular data, serving as a complement for species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Special-purpose Committee on Fungal Names with the Same Epithet was established at the XIX International Botanical Congress (IBC) in Shenzhen, China in 2017, with a mandate to report to the 12th International Mycological Congress (IMC) with recommendations on a preferred course of action with respect to names of pleomorphic fungi sharing the same epithet under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. This report provides a synthesis of the deliberations from the Special-purpose Committee. We discuss the arguments for and against the proposed solution to the problems that have arisen regarding the nomenclature of fungi described in multiple morphs using the same epithet. We also propose a gentler method of addressing the problem using existing procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a worldwide public health problem caused predominantly by the opportunistic polymorphic fungus Candida albicans, whose pathogenicity is associated with its morphological adaptability. To potentiate the treatment of C. albicans-induced VVC by an alternative method as photodynamic therapy (PDT), hypericin (Hy), a potent photosensitizer compound was incorporated into a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) and dispersed in hydrogel (HG). Methods: After preparation of the sonication process, an NLC loaded with Hy was dispersed in HG based on Poloxamer 407 and chitosan obtaining Hy.NLC-HG. This hydrogel system was physically and chemically characterized and its in vitro and in vivo photodynamic and antifungal effects were evaluated. Results: Through scanning electron microscopy, it was possible to observe a hydrogel system with a porous polymeric matrix and irregular microcavities. The Hy.NLC-HG system showed mucoadhesive properties (0.45 ± 0.08 N) and a satisfactory injectability (15.74 ± 4.75 N.mm), which indicates that it can be easily applied in the vaginal canal, in addition to a controlled and sustained Hy release profile from the NLC-HG of 28.55 ± 0.15% after 720 min. The in vitro antibiofilm assay significantly reduced the viability of C. albicans (p < 0.001) by 1.2 log10 for Hy.NLC-HG/PDT and 1.9 log10 for PS/PDT, Hy.NLC/PDT, and free RB/PDT, compared to the PBS/PDT negative control. The in vivo antifungal evaluation showed that animals treated with the vaginal cream (non-PDT) and the PDT-mediated Hy.NLC-HG system showed a significant difference of p < 0.001 in the number of C. albicans colonies (log) in the vaginal canal, compared to the inoculation control group. Conclusions: Thus, we demonstrate the pharmaceutical, antifungal, and photodynamic potential of hydrogel systems for Hy vaginal administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pullulan is a linear homopolysaccharide of glucose and produced by certain strains of the polymorphic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It has long been widely used in various fields from food additives to environmental remediation agents. In this study, a new composite films material pullulan/tributyl citrate (TBC)/copper-containing metal–organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) were prepared. Through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the existence of different components in the composite film was verified. Further studies confirmed that the content of the hydrophobic plasticizer TBC component improves the ultraviolet (UV) absorption efficiency of the composite material, but has little effect on the visible light region. At the same time, with the increase of TBC content, the water resistance of the composite material has been significantly promoted from seconds to minutes without being damaged. The antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of the composite material were also evaluated. The results showed that the presence of Cu-MOFs enables composite material to possess good antibacterial properties and the antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were high to 99.9%. Besides, the composite material maintained the excellent biocompatibility of pullulan polymer and the cell survival rates of the samples were more than 100%, indicating that the pullulan/TBC/Cu-MOFs composite film can enhance cell proliferation. Therefore, the composite materials can effectively overcome the shortcomings of pure pullulan polymer films, such as poor water resistance and lack of antibacterial properties, and expand the application prospects of pullulan polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the change to one scientific name for fungal taxa, generic names typified by species with sexual or asexual morph types are being evaluated to determine which names represent the same genus and thus compete for use. In this paper generic names of the Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota) were evaluated to determine synonymy based on their type. Forty-seven sets of sexually and asexually typified names were determined to be congeneric and recommendations are made for which generic name to use. In most cases the principle of priority is followed. However, 16 generic names are recommended for use that do not have priority and thus need to be protected: Aleurocystis over Matula; Armillaria over Acurtis and Rhizomorpha; Asterophora over Ugola; Botryobasidium over Acladium, Allescheriella, Alysidium, Haplotrichum, Physospora, and Sporocephalium; Coprinellus over Ozonium; Coprinopsis over Rhacophyllus; Dendrocollybia over Sclerostilbum and Tilachlidiopsis; Diacanthodes over Bornetina; Echinoporia over Echinodia; Neolentinus over Digitellus; Postia over Ptychogaster; Riopa over Sporotrichum; Scytinostroma over Artocreas, Michenera, and Stereofomes; Tulasnella over Hormomyces; Typhula over Sclerotium; and Wolfiporia over Gemmularia and Pachyma. Nine species names are proposed for protection: Botryobasidium aureum, B. conspersum, B. croceum, B. simile, Pellicularia lembosporum (syn. B. lembosporum), Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Polyporus metamorphosus (syn. Riopa metamorphosa), Polyporus mylittae (syn. Laccocephalum mylittae), and Polyporus ptychogaster (syn. Postia ptychogaster). Two families are proposed for protection: Psathyrellaceae and Typhulaceae. Three new species names and 30 new combinations are established, and one lectotype is designated.

Improved understanding of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, classically described as a basidiomycete budding yeast, has revealed new infection-relevant single cell morphologies in vivo and in vitro. Here, we ask whether these morphologies constitute true morphotypes, requiring updated classification of C. neoformans as a pleomorphic fungus. We profile recent discoveries of C. neoformans seed cells and titan cells and provide a framework for determining whether these and other recently described single-cell morphologies constitute true morphotypes. We demonstrate that multiple C. neoformans single-cell morphologies are transcriptionally distinct, stable, heritable, and associated with active growth and therefore should be considered true morphotypes in line with the classification in other well-studied fungi. We conclude that C. neoformans is a pleomorphic fungus with an important capacity for morphotype switching that underpins pathogenesis. [Display omitted] • Morphotypes are defined as transcriptionally distinct, stable, heritable growth types. • Cryptococcus neoformans exhibits at least three morphotypes relevant to infection. • Morphotypes include yeast (5-7 um), seed (4-6 um), titan (>10 um), small (< 3um) cells. • Additional single cell morphologies suggest further true morphotypes may exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucosal tissues are constitutively colonized by a wide assortment of host-adapted microbes. This includes the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans which is a primary target of human adaptive responses. Immunogenicity is replicated after intestinal colonization in preclinical models with a surprising array of protective benefits for most hosts, but harmful consequences for a few. The interaction between fungus and host is complex, and traditionally, the masking of antigenic fungal ligands has been viewed as a tactic for fungal immune evasion during invasive infection. However, we propose that dynamic expression of cell wall moieties, host cell lysins, and other antigenic C. albicans determinants is necessary during the more ubiquitous context of intestinal colonization to prime immunogenicity and optimize mammalian host symbiosis. Fungi including Candida albicans colonize the human intestine with local and systemic host benefits, which require fungal immunogenicity in the commensal state. Investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms sustaining this immunological symbiosis can generate approaches to therapeutically fine-tune immunity, optimize host protection, yet limit invasion. Fungi that colonize the intestine convey unique symbiotic host benefits including tonic calibration of systemic immunity, and protection against invasive infection in rodents with potentially direct translational relevance to human immunity. Candida albicans colonization in mice protects against infection by antigenically unrelated pathogens, aberrant intestinal inflammation and injury, and can promote social behavior changes through systemic immunological influence. Immunogenicity during commensal colonization is beneficial to mice and occurs with dynamically regulated exposure of antigenic fungal cell wall ligands. Commensal C. albicans in mice are mucosa associated and can protect against intestinal injury induced by other commensal fungal species that primarily reside in the intestinal lumen. Commensal C. albicans are heterogeneous in humans and mice, with variations in immune-cell-damaging capacity associated with filamentation and production of the toxin candidalysin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Exophiala is an anamorphic ascomycete fungus in the family Herpotrichiellaceae of the order Chaetothyriales. Exophiala species have been classified as polymorphic black yeast-like fungi. Prior to this study, 63 species had been validated, published, and accepted into this genus. Exophiala species are known to be distributed worldwide and have been isolated in various habitats around the world. Several Exophiala species have been identified as potential agents of human and animal mycoses. However, in some studies, Exophiala species have been used in agriculture and biotechnological applications. Here, we provide a brief review of the diversity, distribution, and taxonomy of Exophiala through an overview of the recently published literature. Moreover, four new Exophiala species were isolated from rocks that were collected from natural forests located in northern Thailand. Herein, we introduce these species as E. lamphunensis, E. lapidea, E. saxicola, and E. siamensis. The identification of these species was based on a combination of morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and small subunit (nrSSU) of ribosomal DNA, along with the translation elongation factor (tef), partial β-tubulin (tub), and actin (act) genes support that these four new species are distinct from previously known species of Exophiala. A full description, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of four new species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black subicula, comprising a mixture of two sooty moulds of Euantennariaceae and Metacapnodiaceae, on Pleioblastus were collected in Batongguan, alt. ca. 2800 m, Nantou County, Taiwan in 1984. The former sooty mould is described and illustrated as Euantennaria pleioblasti sp. nov., an asexually typified species of the genus, as currently circumscribed with the application of the single name nomenclature for pleomorphic fungi. It is characterized by cylindrical, finely to coarsely roughened hyphae and black synnemata bearing massive fusiform, straight, mostly 11-14-septate phragmoconidia in a subglobose to obovoid head; its reliable sexual morph is obscure. The latter was identified as Metacapnodium cf. quinqueseptatum. It features the capnobotrys- and capnophialophora-like asexual morphs, in addition to the sexual morph with 5-7-septate ascospores. These sooty mould taxa are newly added to the mycobiota of Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful pathogens require metabolic flexibility to adapt to diverse host niches. The presence of co-infecting or commensal microorganisms at a given infection site can further influence the metabolic processes required for a pathogen to cause disease. The Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans are microorganisms that asymptomatically colonize healthy individuals but can also cause superficial infections or severe invasive disease. Due to many shared host niches, S. aureus and C. albicans are frequently co-isolated from mixed fungal-bacterial infections. S. aureus and C. albicans co-infection alters microbial metabolism relative to infection with either organism alone. Metabolic changes during co-infection regulate virulence, such as enhancing toxin production in S. aureus or contributing to morphogenesis and cell wall remodeling in C. albicans. C. albicans and S. aureus also form polymicrobial biofilms, which have greater biomass and reduced susceptibility to antimicrobials relative to mono-microbial biofilms. The S. aureus and C. albicans metabolic programs induced during co-infection impact interactions with host immune cells, resulting in greater microbial survival and immune evasion. Conversely, innate immune cell sensing of S. aureus and C. albicans triggers metabolic changes in the host cells that result in an altered immune response to secondary infections. In this review article, we discuss the metabolic programs that govern host-pathogen interactions during S. aureus and C. albicans co-infection. Understanding C. albicans-S. aureus interactions may highlight more general principles of how polymicrobial interactions, particularly fungal-bacterial interactions, shape the outcome of infectious disease. We focus on how co-infection alters microbial metabolism to enhance virulence and how infection-induced changes to host cell metabolism can impact a secondary infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the correct name for phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes is essential for communicating knowledge about species and their biology, control, and quarantine as well as for trade and research purposes. However, many plant pathogenic fungi are pleomorphic, meaning they produce different asexual (anamorph) and sexual (teleomorph) morphs in their life cycles. Therefore, more than one name has been applied to different morphs of the same species, which has confused users. The onset of DNA technologies makes it possible to connect different morphs of the same species, resulting in a move to a more natural classification system for fungi in which a single name for a genus and species can now be used. This move to a single nomenclature, coupled with the advent of molecular systematics and the introduction of polythetic taxonomic approaches, has been the main driving force for a reclassification of fungi, including pathogens. Nonetheless, finding the correct name for species remains challenging. In this article we outline a series of steps or considerations to greatly simplify this process and provide links to various online databases and resources to aid in determining the correct name. Additionally, a list of accurate names is provided for the most common genera and species of phytopathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the change to one scientific name for fungal taxa, generic names typified by species with sexual or asexual morph types are being evaluated to determine which names represent the same genus and thus compete for use. In this paper generic names of the Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota) were evaluated to determine synonymy based on their type. Forty-seven sets of sexually and asexually typified names were determined to be congeneric and recommendations are made for which generic name to use. In most cases the principle of priority is followed. However, 16 generic names are recommended for use that do not have priority and thus need to be protected: Aleurocystis over Matula; Armillaria over Acurtis and Rhizomorpha; Asterophora over Ugola; Botryobasidium over Acladium, Allescheriella, Alysidium, Haplotrichum, Physospora, and Sporocephalium; Coprinellus over Ozonium; Coprinopsis over Rhacophyllus; Dendrocollybia over Sclerostilbum and Tilachlidiopsis; Diacanthodes over Bornetina; Echinoporia over Echinodia; Neolentinus over Digitellus; Postia over Ptychogaster; Riopa over Sporotrichum; Scytinostroma over Artocreas, Michenera, and Stereofomes; Tulasnella over Hormomyces; Typhula over Sclerotium; and Wolfiporia over Gemmularia and Pachyma. Nine species names are proposed for protection: Botryobasidium aureum, B. conspersum, B. croceum, B. simile, Pellicularia lembosporum (syn. B. lembosporum), Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Polyporus metamorphosus (syn. Riopa metamorphosa), Polyporus mylittae (syn. Laccocephalum mylittae), and Polyporus ptychogaster (syn. Postia ptychogaster). Two families are proposed for protection: Psathyrellaceae and Typhulaceae. Three new species names and 30 new combinations are established, and one lectotype is designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hirsutella are globally distributed entomopathogenic fungi that offer important economic applications in biological control and biomedicine. Hirsutella was suppressed in favour of Ophiocordyceps affected by the ending of dual nomenclature for pleomorphic fungi in 2011. Currently, Hirsutella has been resurrected as a genus under Ophiocordycipitaceae. In this study, we introduce two new species of Hirsutella, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Hirsutella flava and H. kuankuoshuiensis are pathogenic on different species of larval Lepidoptera in China. Hirsutella flava primarily differs from related species by its awl-shaped base; long and narrow neck, 24-40.8 × 2.2-2.5 µm; long and narrow cymbiform or fusoid conidia, 6.5-10 × 2.1-4.3 µm. Hirsutella kuankuoshuiensis has two types of phialides and distinctive 9.9-12.6 × 2.7-4.5 µm, clavate or botuliform conidia. The distinctions amongst the new species and phylogenetic relationships with other Hirsutella species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pineal region tumors are commonly present in the pediatric age group. However, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is very rare at this region, and only few case reports have been reported till now in literature. Case presentation: Here, we report a rare case of pineal region, juxta-thalamic, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) in an 11-year-old male child. The child presented with severe headache after which MRI was done. It was suggestive of pineal region low-grade tumor. The patient was operated in Parkbench position with SCIT (supracerebellar approach) in a retractor-free manner. Gross total resection was done. However, the patient developed postoperative left-sided hemiparesis. It got improved in 1 month, and the patient became ambulatory. Histopathology came out as pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. Conclusion: Surgical management should include careful resection near the internal capsule to avoid postoperative hemiparesis. Also, shunt should be delayed in the cystic cavity created by resection of tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some fungi with pleomorphic life-cycles still bear two names despite more than 20 years of molecular phylogenetics that have shown how to merge the two systems of classification, the asexual "Deuteromycota" and the sexual "Eumycota". Mycologists have begun to flout nomenclatorial regulations and use just one name for one fungus. The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) must change to accommodate current practice or become irrelevant. The fundamental difference in the size of fungi and plants had a role in the origin of dual nomenclature and continues to hinder the development of an ICBN that fully accommodates microscopic fungi. A nomenclatorial crisis also looms due to environmental sequencing, which suggests that most fungi will have to be named without a physical specimen. Mycology may need to break from the ICBN and create a MycoCode to account for fungi known only from environmental nucleic acid sequence (i.e. ENAS fungi).

Copyright of Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Journal of Agricultural Sciences (YYU J Agr Sci) is the property of Yuzuncu Yil University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The correct type species of Antennatula Fr. ex F. Strauss 1850 was quite recently considered to be Antennularia ericophila (Link) Höhn., not Antennatula pinophila (Nees) F. Strauss, and currently the illegitimate name Antennatula is regarded as a synonym of Metacapnodium Speg. 1918 (Metacapnodiaceae). Among Euantennaria Speg. 1918 and competing synonymous generic names Aithalomyces Woron. 1926, Phaeocapnis Cif. & Bat. 1963, Hormisciella Bat. 1956, and Hormisciomyces Bat. & Nacim. 1957, Euantennaria is adopted. As a consequence, with the change to one scientific name for pleomorphic fungi, the following 10 new combinations in Euantennaria (Euantennariaceae) for species of Antennatula sensu or used by Hughes are herein proposed: Euantennaria atra , E. cubensis , E. dingleyae , E. fisherae , E. fraserae , E. katumotoi , E. lumbricoidea , E. pinophila , E. shawiae , and E. triseptata. The respective brief notes for these species are also provided. • The type species of Antennatula is replaced by Antennularia ericophila. • The illegitimate name Antennatula is a synonym of Metacapnodium. • Euantennaria Speg. is chosen as a single name among competing generic names. • Ten new combinations in Euantennaria for species of Antennatula are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterisation of promising progenies in the advanced generations of breeding schemes is essential to know about their distinctness from the parents as well as other existing cultivars. This also requires for developing them as a variety or prebreeding line. In this study, an attempt was made for establishing distinctness of twenty five F6 families of Katarni x Rajendra Sweta, Katarni x IR64 and Katarni X MTU7029 along with 14 rice genotypes. The genotypes were characterised with the help of thirty simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The markers generated 107 polymorphic alleles with an average of 3.56 alleles per locus. The values polymorphic information content (PIC), expected heterozygosity (H) and discriminating power (D) of markers varied from 0.41 to 0.48, 0.32 to 0.50 and 0.75 to 0.96, respectively. At 0.38 similarity coefficient four distinct clusters were formed and cluster I had highest number accessions of F6 families. The study advocated use of (SSR) markers as a complementary tool to morphological descriptors to decipher the distinctiveness of the promising lines in advanced generations of a breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aureobasidium pullulans is a ubiquitous and widely distributed fungus in the environment, and exhibits substantial tolerance against toxic metals. However, the interactions between metals and metalloids with the copious extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by A. pullulans and possible relationships to tolerance are not well understood. In this study, it was found that mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se), as selenite, not only significantly inhibited growth of A. pullulans but also affected the composition of produced EPS. Lead (Pb) showed little influence on EPS yield or composition. The interactions of EPS from A. pullulans with the tested metals and metalloids depended on the specific element and their concentration. Fluorescence intensity measurements of the EPS showed that the presence of metal(loid)s stimulated the production of extracellular tryptophan-like and aromatic protein-like substances. Examination of fluorescence quenching and calculation of binding constants revealed that the fluorescence quenching process for Hg; arsenic (As), as arsenite; and Pb to EPS were mainly governed by static quenching which resulted in the formation of a stable non-fluorescent complexes between the EPS and metal(loid)s. Se showed no significant interaction with the EPS according to fluorescence quenching. These results provide further understanding of the interactions between metals and metalloids and EPS produced by fungi and their contribution to metal(loid) tolerance. Key points: • Metal(loid)s enhanced production of tryptophan- and aromatic protein-like substances. • Non-fluorescent complexes formed between the EPS and tested metal(loid)s. • EPS complexation and binding of metal(loid)s was dependent on the tested element. • Metal(loid)-induced changes in EPS composition contributed to metal(loid) tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of euantennariaceous sooty mould, Antennatula katumotoi , is described and illustrated. It has a Hormisciomyces -like synasexual morph and inhabits twigs of the conifer Abies veitchii in Sugenuma (alt. ca. 1719 m), Katashina-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture, central Honshu, Japan. The expected Euantennaria -like sexual morph linked to this genus was not seen in the specimen studied. This is the first proof that the genus Antennatula of the family Euantennariaceae also occurs in Japan. In addition, A. katumotoi also occurs with another metacapnodiaceous sooty mould that is composed of characteristic moniliform, barrel-shaped hyphae probably of a Capnobotrys -like asexual morph, but this is a minor inhabitant in the subicula. • A new euantennariaceous sooty mould, Antennatula katumotoi , is described from Japan. • The new species has a Hormisciomyces -like synasexual morph linked to Antennatula. • The new species lacks its expected Euantennaria -like sexual morph. • This is the first report of Antennatula from Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride)/nanocellulose composites. • Cationic nanocomposites with UV–blocking properties and high water-uptake capacity. • BNC enhanced the thermal, viscoelastic and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. • Bioactive nanocomposites capable of inactivating the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans. • C. albicans inactivation of 4.4– and 5.5–log CFU reduction after 24 and 48 h. The design of functional materials capable of fighting fungal infections is of paramount importance given the intricate problem of multidrug-resistant pathogenic fungi. Herein, nanocomposites consisting of cross-linked poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) (PMETAC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) were prepared, characterized and tested towards the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans. The BNC three-dimensional network enabled the in-situ polymerization of the non-toxic and bioactive quaternary-ammonium monomer, which originated transparent nanocomposites containing 10 and 40 wt.% of cross-linked PMETAC. Furthermore, the nanocomposites exhibit UV–A and UV–B blocking properties, high water-uptake capacity, thermal stability up to 200 °C, good viscoelastic (storage modulus > 1.7 GPa) and mechanical (Young's modulus ≥2.4 GPa) properties and are non-cytotoxic to human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). The fungal inactivation reached a 4.4 ± 0.14–log CFU reduction for the nanocomposite containing only 10 wt.% of cross-linked PMETAC. Hence, these bioactive and non-cytotoxic materials can constitute potentially effective systems for the treatment of C. albicans infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the polymorphism of C634G gene of VEGF-A in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Material and research methods: The study included 40 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (17 men and 23 women), 48 to 70 years old (mean age - 51±2.92 years old), with NPDR, and 50 healthy individuals (mean age - 31.2+0.5 years old). All patients with diabetes mellitus and 50 healthy donors of Uzbek nationality, who made up the control group, underwent PCR genotyping of polymorphism C634G of VEGF-A gene. Results: The obtained results on polymorphism of C634G gene of VEGF-A demonstrated a high frequency of occurrence of the mutant allele G among DR patients in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: As a result of the study of the polymorphic locus C634G of the VEGF-A gene, pronounced differences between a group of patients and healthy individuals in the Uzbek population were found. In the presence of the unfavorable G allele, the risk of diabetic retinopathy development increases by more than 2.1 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Essential oil diversity in Mentha spp from Tunisia was exhibited. • Sixty mint accessions were analysed via GC-FID and GC–MS. • Cluster analysis classified these accessions into six chemical groups. • High polymorphism and great diversity was found in essential oil composition. • Several chemotypes was observed in Mentha species from various locations. Abstract Mints are perennial herbs that are cultivated for medicinal and aromatic purposes. They are highly polymorphic and their taxonomy is difficult. Sixty mint accessions, representing seven Mentha species (M. aquatica L., M. longifolia L., M. piperita L., M. pulegium., M. rotundifolia L., M. spicata L. and M. spicata var. crispa 'moroccan'), were collected at full flowering from 51 Tunisian localities. Essential oil yields were found to vary from 0.45 to 2.5%, (w/w). Analyses of these oils by GC/FID and GC/MS and their subsequent classification by statistical analysis resulted in six clusters with significant variations in their terpenoid compositions: i) pulegone/isomenthone/menthone; ii) isomenthone/pulegone; iii) menthone/pulegone ; iv) piperitenone oxide; v) linalool/linalyl acetate/1,8 cineol/myrcene; and vi) carvone/limonene/1.8 cineol. M. pulegium accessions grouped two chemotypes: one rich in pulegone and the second rich in isomenthone. M. longifolia grouped one chemotype rich in pulegone and a second rich in menthone. M. spicata grouped one chemotypes characterized by a moderate to high carvone content and the second pulegone-rich. M. rotoundifolia accessions were piperitone oxide-rich. M. aquatica and M. piperita have linalool and linalyl acetate as major compounds. These results clearly indicate that there were a large biochemical diversity among the investigated Tunisian Mentha spp. accessions. Genetic and ecological diversities may explain this chemical diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared a polymorphic form of valnemulin hydrogen tartrate (Form I) to overcome the instability and irritating odor of valnemulin hydrochloride that affect its use in the production and application of veterinary drugs. The physicochemical properties of Form I were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed the crystal structure and thermal properties of Form I were very different from those of a commercially available form of valnemulin hydrogen tartrate (Form II). Form I and Form II were more stable than valnemulin hydrochloride after storage under irradiation and high humidity conditions, respectively. The solubility of Form I was 2.6 times that of Form II, and Form I was selected for use in pharmaceutical kinetics experiments in vivo. Compared to valnemulin hydrochloride, after oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg in pigs, Form I had similar pharmaceutical kinetic behavior but a slightly higher area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the last measurable concentration. Consequently, Form I should be suitable for the development of simple formulations and be effective in the clinical application of veterinary drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis of an intracranial tumour is not a common situation in our daily neurosurgical practice. Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is also a rare glial tumour with relatively a favourable prognosis among other CNS pathologies. Here, we present an anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma case which shows both haematogenous and lymphatic metastasis which is described first time in the up-to-date literature. Our case is a 17-year-old male operated for a right occipital intra-axial lesion with a diagnosis of anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma which recurs 5 years later and metastasize vigorously through haematogenous and lymphatic routes. A rare-presenting symptom for this pathology is also intracerebral haemorrhage. This is the ninth case report in the literature which presents initially with this entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty five isolates of Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae causing bacterial leaf streak collected from infected maize crop grown in different geographical regions of Punjab, northern India were characterized for their molecular diversity using twenty five random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. All the primers showed amplification with a total of 1769 amplified fragments. Among RAPD primers, S112 was found to be highly polymorphic with PIC value of 0.95 while OPT-4 was least polymorphic. The size of amplified DNA fragments ranged from 59 bp to 3.9 kbp. Dendrogram based on molecular data generated by 25 RAPD collectively divided all 25 isolates into four groups. From 25 isolates, 20 were used for their pathological characterization and based on the multivar cluster analysis of pathogenicity data, these were divided into three groups, each producing a distinct range of disease score on particular maize inbred/hybrid used in this study. Isolate Aaa2 was found to be the most virulent with an average disease score of 8.6, whereas Aaa17 was found least virulent with average disease score of 5.1. The most virulent isolates of this pathogen were present in central Punjab. This was the first attempt to study the genetic diversity and pathogenic variation in Punjab populations of A. avenae subsp. avenae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corynespora cassiicola is an important plant pathogen with a wide host range. We investigated pathogenic and genetic variation among 69 C. cassiicola isolates from 16 hosts in China. Based on the inter-primer binding sites (iPBS)-retrotransposons, we selected five iPBS primers to analyse the genetic variability of these isolates. All isolates were clustered in two genetic clades (IG1 and IG2). Forty-four C. cassiicola isolates were selected from the collection to investigate their pathogenic profiles. Based on the results of the pathogenicity analysis, these 44 isolates were divided into two pathogenicity groups (PG1 and PG2). A correlation between the genetic and pathogenicity groups was observed in the phylogenetic tree obtained with the iPBS markers, whereas the isolates from rubber tree were clustered in an independent clade. A total of 72 bands were observed, of which 68 were polymorphic (94.44%). The Nei's genetic identity index of the 16 host populations varied from 0.5035 to 0.9661. The mean Nei's gene diversity index (H = 0.3042) and the mean Shannon's information index (I = 0.4598) at the species level were higher than at the population level, suggesting that the genetic diversity within the populations was greater than among the populations. The Nei's GST (0.7895) and gene flow (0.1333) showed more considerable genetic differentiation among populations and few gene exchanges. The pathogenicity and molecular marker analyses revealed there was a high level of genetic differentiation and diversity in the C. cassiicola isolates studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density genetic linkage maps are particularly important for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome assembly, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in plants. In this study, a high-density genetic linkage map of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was constructed using an F2 population generated from a cross between Helianthus annuus L. '86-1' and 'L-1-OL-1' via specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAFseq). After sequence preprocessing, 530.50 M reads (105.60 Gb) were obtained that contained a total of 343,197 SLAFs, of which 39,589 were polymorphic. Of the polymorphic SLAFs, 6,136 were organized into a linkage map consisting of 17 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 2,221.86 cM, with an average genetic distance of 0.36 cM between SLAFs. Based on this high-density genetic map, QTL analysis was performed that focused on four sunflower phenotypic traits: oleic acid content (OAC), plant height (PH), head diameter (HD), and stem diameter (SD). Subsequently, for these four traits eight QTLs were detected that will likely be useful for increasing our understanding of genetic factors underlying these traits and for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for future sunflower breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Studies on the genetic variation in marginal populations and differentiation between them are essential for assessment of best gene conservation strategies and sampling schemes. In this study, ISSR markers were used to establish the level of genetic relationships and polymorphism 50 genotypes of Salvadora persica collected from 6 different regions of Hormozgan province. The ISSR analysis with 9 anchored primers also generated 105 scorable loci, of which 85 were polymorphic (80.95%). Parameters of genetic diversity and its partitioning were calculated. The genetic analysis demonstrated that S. persica maintain relatively high genetic diversity (PIC was 0.63, Na was 1.27 and Ho and He were 0.15 and 0.17 respectively). The coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations based on FST equaled 0.20. Genetic identities between population's pairs were high (mean I = 0.88). These values are high as compared with other widespread congener species. Cluster analysis based on the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) revealed 3 main clusters for the ISSR data. The levels of genetic diversity maintained within populations of S. persica indicate that an appropriate sampling design for ex situ safeguarding should capture the majority of genetic diversity found within these taxa to help ensure the long term viability of this species. Furthermore, it could be inferred that ISSR markers are suitable tools for the evaluation of genetic diversity and relationships within the Salvadora persica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the abandonment of dual nomenclature and the implementation of single-name nomenclature for pleomorphic fungi, Coryneum was considered to have priority over Pseudovalsa and was recommended for use. Currently, Coryneum is the only genus in the family Coryneaceae (Diaporthales). However, DNA sequence data are lacking for most Coryneum species, and no detailed phylogenetic analyses of the genus are yet available. In the present study, fresh Coryneum samples were collected from chestnut (Castanea) and oak (Quercus) trees in China and morphologically compared with accepted Coryneum species. Based on morphological characteristics, they were identified as one known species, Coryneum castaneicola, and three novel species described here as C. gigasporum, C. sinense, and C. suttonii. Conidial dimensions and host association were considered major characters for species distinction. The previously unknown sexual morph of C. castaneicola is reported and described. A phylogenetic analysis of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and large subunit (28S) sequence data of a representative matrix of Diaporthales confirmed Coryneaceae to represent a monophyletic clade. A phylogenetic analysis of a combined sequence matrix containing the ITS-28S rDNA, the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1α), and the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (RPB2) of the four Chinese and four additional European Coryneum species was performed, confirming the distinctness of these novel species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The gold standard for typing at the allele level of the highly polymorphic Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) gene system is sequence based typing. Since sequencing strategies have mainly focused on identification of the peptide binding groove, full-length sequence information is lacking for >90% of the HLA alleles. One of the goals of the 17th IHIWS workshop is to establish full-length sequences for as many HLA alleles as possible. In our component "Extension of HLA sequences by full-length HLA allele-specific hemizygous Sanger sequencing" we have used full-length hemizygous Sanger Sequence Based Typing to achieve this goal. We selected samples of which full length sequences were not available in the IPD-IMGT/HLA database. In total we have generated the full-length sequences of 48 HLA-A, 45 -B and 31 -C alleles. For HLA-A extended alleles, 39/48 showed no intron differences compared to the first allele of the corresponding allele group, for HLA-B this was 26/45 and for HLA-C 20/31. Comparing the intron sequences to other alleles of the same allele group revealed that in 5/48 HLA-A, 16/45 HLA-B and 8/31 HLA-C alleles the intron sequence was identical to another allele of the same allele group. In the remaining 10 cases, the sequence either showed polymorphism at a conserved nucleotide or was the result of a gene conversion event. Elucidation of the full-length sequence gives insight in the polymorphic content of the alleles and facilitates the identification of its evolutionary origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The analyses of the amino acid sequences of proteins provide valuable information regarding the structure and function of the protein. A comparatively new approach is the alignment-free sequence comparisons. To-date most, if not all, sequence analysis techniques are used to find out the sequence homologies to measure the evolutionary relatedness among the species. However, a still untouched avenue in the field of sequence analyses is to build a comparative estimate of the sequence similarities between unrelated protein sequences from and within a single species. In this work, we tried to develop an alignment-free scoring method to study sequences from different proteins belonging to humans to identify the disease-associations of the sequences. A total of 52 protein sequences were analyzed. There were 599 reported polymorphic sites and 802 (708 polymorphic and 94 disease-associated) Single Amino acid Variants (SAVs) in the training data set. For cross-validation purposes, another set of 62 protein sequences (26 enzymes, 16 Membrane-bound Enzymes and 20 Membrane-bound Proteins), with a total of 261 reported polymorphic sites and 799 (291 polymorphic and 508 disease-associated) SAVs, were used. A negative correlation was observed for both training and cross-validation data set between percentage of reported disease-associated SAVs with a ratio of (polymorphic site : protein length). A new scoring pattern was also developed that would take into account the ratio of polymorphic site and protein length by counting the number of polymorphic amino acids and the total numbers of amino acids in proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synchronous unilateral tumors in the parotid glands account for less than 5-10% of all salivary gland neoplasms. Mostly these are cystadenolymphomas, but tumors of different histological types can be found as well. In these cases it is often pleomorphic adenoma in combination with cystadenolymphoma. Ultrasound is the first choice imaging modality. Case report: We present two patients with two simultaneous tumors in a unilateral parotid gland. In each case, B-mode ultrasound showed two hypoechoic masses, one of which was predominantly cystic. The subsequent use of Virtual Touch Imaging Quantification (VTIQ) showed tumors of elastic tissue. After a parotidectomy, both cases were diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma combined with cystadenolymphoma. Conclusion: The combination of B-mode ultrasound and VTIQ is an important diagnostic modality and may improve diagnostic accuracy to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Every clinician should be aware of the co-existence of different histological types of tumors in unilateral salivary glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an infestation of the nervous system caused by encysted larvae of Taenia solium. NCC is an important acquired cause of epilepsy and other neurological manifestations especially in endemic areas. NCC in children has pleomorphic manifestations depending on the location, number, viability of the cysts, and host response. Even with advancing knowledge of the disease manifestations, many aspects related to diagnosis and treatment, particularly in children, still remain controversial and pose challenges to clinical practice. There is no gold standard test to diagnose NCC and the management recommendations are still emerging. This review provides an overview of diagnosis of NCC in children and its management with special focus on current challenges and future prospects.Discussion: In developing countries, NCC is important not only because of its frequency but also because of high morbidity and mortality rates associated, especially in cases in which it progresses to increased intracranial pressure. Because of its pleomorphic presentation, NCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a number of neurological conditions. Treatment with cysticidal therapy leads to reduction in seizure frequency and a faster resolution of lesions.Conclusions: We have summarized the current approaches to diagnosis and treatment of NCC, recent advances in understanding the biology of NCC, and how one can take advantage of these new insights to formulate the next generation of clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Botany is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is spread worldwide and is the most common manifestation of leishmaniasis. Diagnosis is performed by combining clinical and epidemiological features, and through the detection of Leishmania parasites (or DNA) in tissue specimens or trough parasite isolation in culture medium. Diagnosis of CL is challenging, reflecting the pleomorphic clinical manifestations of this disease. Skin lesions vary in severity, clinical appearance, and duration, and in some cases, they can be indistinguishable from lesions related to other diseases. Over the past few decades, PCR-based methods, including real-time PCR assays, have been developed for Leishmania detection, quantification and species identification, improving the molecular diagnosis of CL. This review provides an overview of many real-time PCR methods reported for the diagnostic evaluation of CL and some recommendations for the application of these methods for quantification purposes for clinical management and epidemiological studies. Furthermore, the use of real-time PCR for Leishmania species identification is also presented. The advantages of real-time PCR protocols are numerous, including increased sensitivity and specificity and simpler standardization of diagnostic procedures. However, despite the numerous assays described, there is still no consensus regarding the methods employed. Furthermore, the analytical and clinical validation of CL molecular diagnosis has not followed international guidelines so far. A consensus methodology comprising a DNA extraction protocol with an exogenous quality control and an internal reference to normalize parasite load is still needed. In addition, the analytical and clinical performance of any consensus methodology must be accurately assessed. This review shows that a standardization initiative is essential to guide researchers and clinical laboratories towards the achievement of a robust and reproducible methodology, which will permit further evaluation of parasite load as a surrogate marker of prognosis and monitoring of aetiological treatment, particularly in multi-centric observational studies and clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a fine genetic map within the quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying pasting temperature (PT) of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) was constructed using newly developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The SSRs were designed on the basis of two scaffolds (S11341 and S4043) of the cassava genome, which covered previously identified QTL regions of the PT trait. A total of 55 and 61 SSR markers derived from S11341 and S4043, respectively, representing 0.29% of the cassava genome, were generated; of which 23 and 19 showed informative polymorphic patterns. Consequently, all identified informative polymorphic markers were used to genotype 200 F1 progeny plants. The genotypic data were then analyzed, and the results showed that 480 markers were distributed across 23 linkage groups (LGs) with total length of 1,334 centimorgans (cM). An analysis of QTL underlying the PT trait revealed that marker EME81 on LG 1 had significant associations (P < 0.0001) in all environments evaluated. Four candidate genes were identified and selected for gene expression analysis in the parents, and among F1 lines with high and low PT values. Significant differences were observed in relative expression of carbohydrate phosphorylase (CP) and starch synthase II (SSII) between high and low PT in 6-month-old cassava. We found CP and SSII genes to potentially control the PT trait. In addition, the marker EME81 was found to be a promising marker for specific PT trait selection in cassava populations, which should facilitate marker-assisted selection for desired PT traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the change to one scientific name for pleomorphic fungi, generic names typified by sexual and asexual morphs have been evaluated to recommend which name to use when two names represent the same genus and thus compete for use. In this paper, generic names in Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina are evaluated based on their type species to determine which names are synonyms. Twenty-one sets of sexually and asexually typified names in Pucciniomycotina and eight sets in Ustilaginomycotina were determined to be congeneric and compete for use. Recommendations are made as to which generic name to use. In most cases the principle of priority is followed. However, eight generic names in the Pucciniomycotina, and none in Ustilaginomycotina, are recommended for protection: Classicula over Naiadella, Gymnosporangium over Roestelia, Helicobasidium over Thanatophytum and Tuberculina, Melampsorella over Peridermium, Milesina over Milesia, Phragmidium over Aregma, Sporobolomyces over Blastoderma and Rhodomyces, and Uromyces over Uredo. In addition, eight new combinations are made: Blastospora juruensis, B. subneurophyla, Cronartium bethelii, C. kurilense, C. sahoanum, C. yamabense, Milesina polypodii, and Prospodium crusculum combs. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-motile, pleomorphic rod-shaped or oval, red-pigmented (nearly scarlet), extremely halophilic archaeon, strain Y78T, was isolated from a salt deposit of Yunnan salt mine, China. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that it was phylogenetically related to species of the genus Halorubrum, with a close relationship to Halorubrum rutilum YJ-18-S1T (98.6%), Halorubrum yunnanense Q85T (98.3%), and Halorubrum lipolyticum 9-3T (98.1%). The temperature, NaCl, and pH ranges for growth were 25-50 °C, 12-30% (w/v), and 6.5-9.0, respectively. Mg2+ was required for growth. The polar lipids of strain Y78T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, and a sulfated diglycosyl diether. The DNA G+C content was 66.6 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain Y78T and two closely related species of the genus Halorubrum were far below 70%. Based on the data presented in this study, strain Y78T represents a novel species for which the name Halorubrum depositum sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is Y78T (= CGMCC 1.15456T = JCM 31272T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are prominent proteins that greatly contribute to insect survival under stress conditions. In this study, we cloned two Hsp transcripts (Aohsp70 and Aohsp90) from the grass thrip, Anaphothrips obscurus (Müller) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which is a polymorphic winged pest of corn and wheat. The cDNA sequences of Aohsp70 and Aohsp90 are 2382 and 2504 bp long, and encode proteins with calculated molecular weights of 70.02 kDa and 83.40 kDa, respectively. Aohsp90 was highly expressed in adults of both brachypters and macropters. Aohsp70 had different expression patterns in brachypters and macropters and was also highly expressed in the pupae of macropters. After adults were exposed to an ascending series of heat shocks, the expression of both Aohsp70 and Aohsp90 were up-regulated. In macropters and brachypters, the maximum induced levels of Aohsp70 (approximately 90-fold and 280-fold, respectively) were higher than Aohsp90 (approximately 2.4-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively). In addition, the up-regulation of Aohsp70 was significantly higher in brachypters than in macropters. Brachypters had a significantly higher Ltem50 (43.2°C) than macropters (42.5°C), which implied that brachypters are more tolerant to thermal stress than macropters. This study has shown that the expression patterns of Aohsp70 and Aohsp90 are variable among different life stages and thermal stress induced different levels of expressions in macropterous and brachypterous adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin swabbing, a minimally invasive DNA sampling method recently proposed for adult amphibians, was tested on the dendrobatid frog Allobates femoralis. I compared DNA yield from skin swabs and toe clips by evaluating obtained DNA concentrations and purity of extracts, as well as amplification success using eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci. I also tested whether storing skin swabs for two months at −20°C affected the properties of the extract or microsatellite analysis. Results show that skin swabs of adult A. femoralis suffered from high contamination and yielded significantly lower DNA quality and quantity, resulting in insufficient genotyping success, than DNA obtained from toe clips. The relatively dry skin in dendrobatid frogs may have impeded the collection of sufficient viable cells, and the presence of skin alkaloids and microbiota in the frog mucus may lead to high contamination load of skin swabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the role of the carrier status for polymorphic loci of genes encoding estrogen receptors (ESR1), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and apolipoprotein E (APOE4) and products of their expression nitrogen oxide (NO) and apolipoprotein (ApoE) in the development of arterial hypertension in men. Conventionally healthy volunteers and 149 men with clinical manifestations of stage I-II arterial hypertension were examined. In men with arterial hypertension, the frequency of minor allele A of ESR1 gene was higher (27.5 vs. 9.5% in the reference group; χ2=4.43, p=0.04). The level of NO in the peripheral blood was also higher in the main group (χ2=3.93, p=0.047). The increase in NO concentration did not depend on the presence of polymorphic genotypes (GG and GT) of eNOS gene, but the decrease in ApoE level in blood serum was associated with TC genotype of APOE4 gene (p=0.04). Our results suggest that minor allele A of ESR1 gene is associated with the development of arterial hypertension in men. Reduced content of ApoE in blood serum of men with arterial hypertension was associated with APOE4 gene polymorphism. However, increased level of NO did not depend on polymorphic genotypes GG and GT of eNOS gene. These polymorphisms are of specific interest as additional markers of genetic predisposition to the development of arterial hypertension in middle-age men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) is a relatively newly described pathological lesion that is distinguished from classical LCIS by its large pleomorphic nuclei. The lesion is uncommon and its appropriate management has been debated. The aim of this study is to review data from a large series of PLCIS to examine its natural history in order to guide management plans. Materials and methods Comprehensive pathology data were collected from two cohorts; one from a UK multicentre audit and the other a series of PLCIS cases identified from within the GLACIER study cohort. 179 cases were identified of whom 176 had enough data for analysis. Results Out of these 176 cases, 130 had invasive disease associated with PLCIS, the majority being of lobular type (classical and/or pleomorphic). A high incidence of histological grade 2 and 3 invasive cancers was noted with a predominance of ER positive and HER-2 negative malignancy. When PLCIS was the most significant finding on diagnostic biopsy the upgrade to invasive disease on excision was 31.8%, which is higher than pooled data for classical LCIS and DCIS. Conclusion The older age at presentation, high grade of upgrade to invasive cancer, common association with higher grade tumours suggest that PLCIS is an aggressive form of insitu disease. These findings support the view that PLCIS is a more aggressive form of lobular in situ neoplasia and supports the tendency to treat akin to DCIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Knowledge of a species’ population genetic structure can provide insight into fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes including gene flow, genetic drift and adaptive evolution. Such inference is of particular importance for parasites, as an understanding of their population structure can illuminate epidemiological and coevolutionary dynamics. Here, we describe the population genetic structure of the bacterium Pasteuria ramosa, a parasite that infects planktonic crustaceans of the genus Daphnia. This system has become a model for investigations of host–parasite interactions and represents an example of coevolution via negative frequency‐dependent selection (aka “Red Queen” dynamics). To sample P. ramosa, we experimentally infected a panel of Daphnia hosts with natural spore banks from the sediments of 25 ponds throughout much of the species range in Europe and western Asia. Using 12 polymorphic variable number tandem repeat loci (VNTR loci), we identified substantial genetic diversity, both within and among localities, that was structured geographically among ponds. Genetic diversity was also structured among host genotypes within ponds, although this pattern varied by locality, with P. ramosa at some localities partitioned into distinct host‐specific lineages, and other localities where recombination had shuffled genetic variation among different infection phenotypes. Across the sample range, there was a pattern of isolation by distance, and principal components analysis coupled with Procrustes rotation identified congruence between patterns of genetic variation and geography. Our findings support the hypothesis that Pasteuria is an endemic parasite coevolving closely with its host. These results provide important context for previous studies of this model system and inform hypotheses for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]