Testing for the ability to modify antibiotics of Panus tigrinus 8/18 Lentinus strigosus 1566 laccase / Teste de capacidade para modificar antibióticos a partir da lacase de Panus tigrinus 8/18 e Lentinus strigosus 1566

In advanced biotechnology, the utilization of enzymes to achieve new or modified compounds with antibacterial, fungicidal, and anti-cancer specifications is crucial. Mushroom lactases are a hopeful biocatalyst for the synthesis and modification of different compounds. They are an accessible and inexpensive enzyme for the preparation of reaction objects and have recently received attention. Laccase purification was performed from basidiomycete Lentinus strigosus (LS) in several stages: Stage 1. On ion-exchange chromatography on TEAE Servacell 23 (400 ml), two distinctly separated laccase activity peaks were observed, eluted from the carrier at 0.21 and 0.27 M NaCl. In order to reduce the loss of enzymes, all fractions with laccase activity were collected, concentrated, and desalted using an ultrafiltration cell (Amicon, United States) with a UM-10 membrane. Stage 2. The resulting preparation with laccase activity was applied to a Q-Sepharose column (60 ml). Two well-separated peaks with laccase activity were obtained during the elution: laccase I (0.12 M NaCl) and laccase II (0.2 M NaCl). Stage 3. In the course of further purification of both enzymes, carried out on anion-exchange carrier Resource Q (6 ml), a broken gradient was used: 0 - 10%, 10 - 20%, and 20 - 100% with 1M NaCl. Stage 4. Both laccase I and laccase II, obtained after Resource Q, were desalted, concentrated to 1 ml each, and applied to a Superdex 75 gel filtration column. As a result, two laccases were obtained in a homogeneous form.

Na biotecnologia moderna, o uso de enzimas para obter compostos novos ou modificados com propriedades antibacterianas, antifúngicas e anticancerígenas é crucial. Lactases de cogumelos são biocatalisadores promissores para síntese e modificação de diferentes compostos, por serem enzimas baratas e disponíveis para a preparação de componentes de reação, e vem recebendo a devida atenção recentemente. A purificação da lacase foi realizada a partir do basidiomiceto Lentinus strigosus em vários estágios: Etapa 1 - na cromatografia de troca iônica em TEAE Servacell 23 (400 ml), foram observados dois picos de atividade da lacase distintamente separados, com eluição do transportador a 0,21 e 0,27 M de NaCl. Para reduzir a perda de enzimas, todas as frações com atividade de lacase foram coletadas, concentradas e dessalinizadas em uma célula de ultrafiltração (Amicon, Estados Unidos) com membrana UM-10; Etapa 2 - a preparação resultante com atividade de lacase foi aplicada a uma coluna Q-Sepharose (60 ml). Durante a eluição, foram obtidos dois picos bem separados com atividade de lacase: lacase I (NaCl 0,12 M) e lacase II (NaCl 0,2 M); Etapa 3 - no decurso da purificação adicional de ambas as enzimas, realizada no Recurso Q de transportador de troca aniônica (6 ml), um gradiente quebrado foi usado: 0-10%, 10-20% e 20-100% com NaCl 1M; Etapa 4 - tanto a lacase I como a lacase II, obtidas após o Recurso Q, foram dessalinizadas e concentradas para 1 ml cada e aplicadas a uma coluna de filtração em gel Superdex 75. Como resultado, duas lacases foram obtidas de forma homogênea.

Community structure of endophytic fungi in roots and leaves of Fagopyrum mill and Avena sativa in a Chinese northern cold region

In order to explore the endophytic fungi of Fagopyrum Mill and Avena sativa, Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the community structure and diversity of endophytic fungi in leaves and roots of buckwheat and oat at the mature stage. The results of community structure showed that there were 205 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in buckwheat roots and 181 OTUs in buckwheat leaves based on 97% sequence similarity level. There were 152 OTUs and 127 OTUs in the root and the leaf of oat, respectively. At the phylum level, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant endophytic fungi in buckwheat roots and leaves, while Ascomycota was the dominant endophytic fungus in oat roots and leaves. Alpha diversity analysis showed that the Ace index, Chao index and Shannon index of buckwheat roots were higher than that of buckwheat leaves, and the three indices of oat roots were also higher than that of oat leaves, indicating that the richness and diversity of endophytic fungi community in roots were higher than that in leaves. Biomarkers were found by significant difference analysis in buckwheat and oat. The endophytic functional groups of buckwheat and oat were mainly distributed in Pathotroph and Saprotroph. The results of this study laid a foundation for fully exploiting the dominant endophytic fungal resources of buckwheat and oat and further developing microbial fertilizers.

Second world record for two Calvatia species (Agaricaceae: Basidiomycota) / Segundo registro mundial para duas espécies de Calvatia (Agaricaceae: Basidiomycota)

Abstract Calvatia is a genus of gasteroid fungi, comprising about 47 species worldwide. In this paper we report the second worldwide occurrence of two poorly known species of Calvatia, recorded in the Cerrado biome of Brazil: C. oblongispora and C. nodulata. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations, including scanning electron micrographs of hyphae and basidiospores are provided, as well a discussion on their taxonomy and geographic distribution.

Resumo Calvatia é um gênero de fungos gasteroides que compreende cerca de 47 espécies em todo o mundo. Neste artigo relatamos a segunda ocorrência de duas espécies pouco conhecidas de Calvatia, registradas no bioma Cerrado do Brasil: C. oblongispora e C. nodulata. Descrições morfológicas detalhadas e ilustrações são fornecidas, incluindo micrografias eletrônicas de varredura de hifas e basidiósporos, bem como uma discussão sobre sua taxonomia e distribuição geográfica.

Characterization of wheat-Thinopyrum bessarabicum genetic stock for stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance / Caracterização do estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum para resistência de ferrugem e Karnal bunt

Abstract Utilization of modern breeding techniques for developing high yielding and uniform plant types ultimately narrowing the genetic makeup of most crops. Narrowed genetic makeup of these crops has made them vulnerable towards disease and insect epidemics. For sustainable crop production, genetic variability of these crops must be broadened against various biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the ways to widen genetic configuration of these crops is to identify novel additional sources of durable resistance. In this regard crops wild relatives are providing valuable sources of allelic diversity towards various biotic, abiotic stress tolerance and quality components. For incorporating novel variability from wild relative's wide hybridization technique has become a promising breeding method. For this purpose, wheat-Th. bessarabicum amphiploid, addition and translocation lines have been screened in field and screen house conditions to get novel sources of yellow rust and Karnal bunt resistant. Stripe rust screening under field conditions has revealed addition lines 4JJ and 6JJ as resistant to moderately resistant while addition lines 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ and translocation lines Tr-3, Tr-6 as moderately resistant wheat-Thinopyrum-bessarabicum genetic stock. Karnal bunt screening depicted addition lines 5JJ and 4JJ as highly resistant genetic stock. These genetic stocks may be used to introgression novel stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance from the tertiary gene pool into susceptible wheat backgrounds.

Resumo A utilização de técnicas modernas de melhoramento para o desenvolvimento de tipos de plantas uniformes e de alto rendimento, em última análise, estreitando a composição genética da maioria das culturas. A composição genética restrita dessas plantações tornou-as vulneráveis a doenças e epidemias de insetos. Para uma produção agrícola sustentável, a variabilidade genética dessas culturas deve ser ampliada contra vários estresses bióticos e abióticos. Uma das maneiras de ampliar a configuração genética dessas culturas é identificar novas fontes adicionais de resistência durável. A esse respeito, os parentes selvagens das culturas estão fornecendo fontes valiosas de diversidade alélica para vários componentes de qualidade e tolerância ao estresse abiótico e biótico. Para incorporar a nova variabilidade da ampla técnica de hibridização de parente selvagem tornou-se um método de reprodução promissor. Para esse efeito, trigo-Th. As linhas anfiploides, de adição e translocação de bessarabicum foram selecionadas em condições de campo e de casa de tela para obter novas fontes de ferrugem amarela e resistência ao bunt de Karnal. A triagem de ferrugem em faixas em condições de campo revelou as linhas de adição 4JJ e 6JJ como resistentes a moderadamente resistentes, enquanto as linhas de adição 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ e as linhas de translocação Tr-3, Tr-6 como estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum moderadamente resistente. A triagem Karnal bunt descreveu as linhas de adição 5JJ e 4JJ como estoque genético altamente resistente. Esses estoques genéticos podem ser usados para introgressão da nova ferrugem e resistência ao bunt de Karnal do pool genético terciário em origens de trigo suscetíveis.

Disseminated mucocutaneous trichosporonosis in a patient with histiocytic sarcoma

Abstract Trichosporon asahii is the causal agent of trichosporonosis. Patients with immunosuppression or hematological malignancies are at higher risk of infection. Skin and mucosal involvement appear as fast-growing papulonodular lesions and necrotic ulcers. Internal organ dissemination is lethal. Therapeutic success depends on the underlying disease. Here, the authors present the first case of disseminated mucocutaneous trichosporonosis in a patient with a post-mortem diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma, a rare and aggressive haematolymphoid neoplasm. Regretfully, death occurred despite treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and supportive measures, showcasing the fatality of both diseases.

Mycetoma caused by Phellinus species: a rare case from Brazil / Micetoma causado por especies de phellinus: un caso raro de Brasil

Abstract Mycetoma is a chronic and slow-developing granulomatous disease characterized by the triad of large painless tumour-like subcutaneous swellings, the formation of sinuses, and discharge that usually contains grains. Phellinus spp. are saprophytic wood-decaying filamentous basidiomycetes. They are an under-recognised cause of invasive fungal infections and are rarely reported worldwide. We report a 59-year-old male patient with mycetoma caused by Phellinus spp. The diagnosis was confirmed with clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, soft tissue and bone biopsy culture, and polymerase chain reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mycetoma due to Phellinus spp. without chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

Resumen El micetoma es una enfermedad granulomatosa crónica y de lento desarrollo caracterizada por la tríada de grandes inflamaciones subcutáneas similares a tumores indoloras, la formación de los senos nasales y secreción que generalmente contiene granos. Phellinus spp. son basidiomicetos filamentosos saprofitos que descomponen la madera. Son un poco reconocido causa de infecciones fúngicas invasivas y rara vez se informan en todo el mundo. Presentamos un paciente masculino de 59 años con micetoma causado por Phellinus spp. El diagnostico se confirmó con examen clínico, estudio de resonancia magnética (RM), cultivo de biopsia de tejido blando y óseo y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. A lo mejor que sepamos, este es el primer caso reportado de micetoma debido a Phellinus spp. sin enfermedad granulomatosa crónica (EGC).

Two new species of rust fungi (Pucciniales) from the Brazilian Amazon: Aecidium margaritariae on Margaritaria and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha / Duas novas espécies de ferrugens (Pucciniales) da Amazônia brasileira: Aecidium margaritariae sobre Margaritaria e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha

Two new species of Pucciniales fungi on plants of the Fabid clade are described from samples deposited in the herbarium of Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, collected in the state of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. They are Aecidium margaritariae found on Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae), and Uromyces amapaensis on Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). The microstructures of the specimens were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Aecidium margaritariae is characterized by the presence of globose, subglobose to slightly ellipsoid aeciospores with warty walls and smooth areas usually in the basal portion. Uromyces amapaensis is distinguished by the presence of uredinia with paraphyses which are thickened and rounded at the tip, and pedicellate and smooth teliospores. Descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments are presented for each species.

Duas novas espécies de fungos Pucciniales sobre plantas do clado das fabídeas são descritas a partir de amostras depositadas no herbário do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, coletadas no estado do Amapá, na Amazonia Brasileira. Aecidium margaritariae ocorrendo sobre Margaritaria nobilis (Phyllanthaceae) e Uromyces amapaensis sobre Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae). As microestruturas dos espécimes foram analisadas em microscópio óptico e em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Aecidium margaritariae se caracteriza por apresentar eciósporos globosos, subglobosos a levemente elipsoides, parede verrugosa com áreas lisas geralmente na extremidade basal. Uromyces amapaensis se diferencia por apresentar uredínios com paráfises engrossadas e arredondadas no ápice e teliósporos pedicelados, lisos. São apresentadas descrições, ilustrações e comentários taxonômicos para cada espécie.

The SREBP (Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein) pathway: a regulatory bridge between carotenogenesis and sterol biosynthesis in the carotenogenic yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous

Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is a basidiomycete yeast that naturally produces the red-orange carotenoid astaxanthin, which has remarkable antioxidant properties. The biosynthesis of carotenoids and sterols share some common elements that have been studied in X. dendrorhous. For example, their synthesis requires metabolites derived from the mevalonate pathway and in both specific pathways, cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved that share a single cytochrome P450 reductase, CrtR, which is essential for astaxanthin biosynthesis, but is replaceable for ergosterol biosynthesis. Research on the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis is still limited in X. dendrorhous; however, it is known that the Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein (SREBP) pathway, which is a conserved regulatory pathway involved in the control of lipid metabolism, also regulates carotenoid production in X. dendrorhous. This review addresses the similarities and differences that have been observed between mammal and fungal SREBP pathways and what it is known about this pathway regarding the regulation of the production of carotenoids and sterols in X. dendrorhous.

Aislamiento y producción de basidiomas de cepas nativas de Volvariella bombycina (Schaeff) Singer, utilizando desechos agrícolas / Isolation and production of basidiomes from native strains of Volvariella bombycina (Schaeff) Singer, using agro-industrial wastes

Volvariella bombycina es una especie de hongo saprófito comestible que crece en troncos de árboles muertos y sobre la cual existe abundante información acerca de su sabor y propiedades nutricionales y medicinales. En Guatemala esta especie se consume en diversas regiones templado-cálidas del país, pero a la fecha no existe ningún estudio sobre su cultivo a nivel local. La presente investigación se realizó con el fin de conocer el comportamiento de tres cepas guatemaltecas de V. bombycina cultivadas en desechos agroindustriales. Las cepas fueron aisladas de basidiomas recolectados en bosques cercanos a la Ciudad de Guatemala, utilizándose medio PDA para el aislamiento y temperatura de 30 ºC para incubación. En la producción de inóculo se calculó la tasa de extensión radial (RER) sobre granos de sorgo y trigo en cajas de Petri. Para la obtención de basidiomas se evaluaron seis sustratos de desechos agrícolas: pasto jaraguá, caña y olote de maíz, rastrojo de frijol, paja de trigo, paja de arroz y tronco de tonché (Ipomoea murucoides), en frascos de vidrio. Se encontró que no hubo diferencia estadística significativa en el análisis de la RER entre las cepas VNPNU-01 y AADM-01 (p > .05), pero sí con la cepa VNPNU-02 (p < .05). Se obtuvieron basidiomas de V. bombycina en los seis sustratos evaluados, siendo la cepa AADM-01 la más productiva. De acuerdo con este estudio, las tres cepas guatemaltecas de V. bombycina pueden ser utilizadas en la producción de basidiomas en desechos agrícolas, lo que permitiría obtener un alimento nutritivo y generar ingresos a quienes deseen cultivar este hongo.

Volvariella bombycina is a species of edible saprophyte fungus that grows on logs of dead trees and about which there is information about its taste and nutritional and medicinal properties. In Guatemala this species is consumed in several warm regions of the country, but there is still no study on its cultivation locally. The present investigation was carried out in order to know the behavior of three Guatemalan strains of V. bombycina when cultivated in agricultural wastes. The strains were isolated from basidiomata collected in forests close to Guatemala City, using PDA medium and a temperature of 30ºC for incubation. In the inoculum production, the radial extension rate (RER) was calculated using sorghum and wheat grains in Petri dishes. For obtaining basidiomata, six agricultural wastes substrates were analyzed: grazing grass, cane and corn cob, stubble of bean, wheat straw, rice straw and tonché trunk (Ipomoea murucoides), in glass jars. There was found no significant difference in the statistical analysis of the RER with the VNPNU-01 and AADM-01 strains (p > .05), but it was significant with the VNPNU-02 strain (p > .05). Basidiomata of V. bombycina were obtained in the six substrates evaluated, being the AADM-01 strain the most productive. According to this evaluation, the three Guatemalan strains of V. bombycina can be used in the production of basidiomas using agricultural wastes, what would allow the production of a nutritious food and generate another income for those who want to grow this mushroom.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation by marine-derived basidiomycetes: optimization of the degradation process

ABSTRACT Pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) recalcitrant to microbial attack. Although studies related to the microbial degradation of PAHs have been carried out in the last decades, little is known about degradation of these environmental pollutants by fungi from marine origin. Therefore, this study aimed to select one PAHs degrader among three marine-derived basidiomycete fungi and to study its pyrene detoxification/degradation. Marasmiellus sp. CBMAI 1062 showed higher levels of pyrene and BaP degradation and was subjected to studies related to pyrene degradation optimization using experimental design, acute toxicity, organic carbon removal (TOC), and metabolite evaluation. The experimental design resulted in an efficient pyrene degradation, reducing the experiment time while the PAH concentration applied in the assays was increased. The selected fungus was able to degrade almost 100% of pyrene (0.08 mg mL-1) after 48 h of incubation under saline condition, without generating toxic compounds and with a TOC reduction of 17%. Intermediate metabolites of pyrene degradation were identified, suggesting that the fungus degraded the compound via the cytochrome P450 system and epoxide hydrolases. These results highlight the relevance of marine-derived fungi in the field of PAH bioremediation, adding value to the blue biotechnology.

Cellulolytic ability of a promising Irpex lacteus (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) strain from the subtropical rainforest of Misiones province, Argentina / Capacidad celulolítica de una cepa prometedora de Irpex lacteus (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) de la selva subtropical de la provincia de Misiones, Argentina

Abstract The cellulolytic activity of fungi growing in the subtropical rainforest of Misiones (Argentina) represents a challenge in the technological development of the production of cellulosic bioethanol in the region using native sources. These fungi are promising to obtain sustainable enzyme cocktails using their enzymes. Cellulolytic ability of 22 white-rot fungi isolated from the subtropical rainforest of Misiones-Argentina in agar medium with two types of cellulosic substrates, carboxy-methylcellulose or crystalline cellulose, were comparatively analyzed, and the activity of two cellulolytic enzymes was evaluated in liquid medium. Although all isolates were able to grow and degrade both substrates in agar medium, and to produce total cellulase Filter paper (FPase) and endo-β-1,4-glucanase (EG) activities in broth, the isolate Irpex sp. LBM 034 showed the greatest enzymatic levels (FPase, 65.45 U L-1; EG, 221.21 U L-1). Therefore, the ITS sequence of this fungus was sequenced and analyzed through a phylogenetic analysis. These results indicate that the isolate LBM 034, corresponding to Irpex lacteus, has a promising cellulolytic ability and enzymes such as EG useful in sustainable saccharification of cellulosic materials in the region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1034-1045. Epub 2018 September 01.

Resumen La actividad celulolítica de hongos autóctonos asociados a la selva subtropical de Misiones (Argentina) representa un desafío en el desarrollo tecnológico de la producción de bioetanol celulósico en la región, mediante el uso de recursos nativos. Los sistemas enzimáticos de estos hongos tienen potencial aplicación en la obtención de cocteles enzimáticos rentables. La habilidad celulolítica de 22 hongos causantes de pudrición blanca se analizó comparativamente, que fueron aislados de la selva subtropical de Misiones-Argentina, en cultivos agarizados con dos tipos de sustratos celulósicos, carboxi-metilcelulosa o celulosa cristalina. También se evaluó la actividad de dos enzimas celulolíticas en cultivos líquidos. Aunque todos los aislamientos fueron capaces de crecer y degradar ambos sustratos en medio agarizado y revelar actividad celulolítica total y endo-β-1,4-glucanasa en cultivo líquido, el aislamiento Irpex sp. LBM 034 mostró las mayores actividades en papel de filtro con 65.45 U L-1 y endo-β-1,4-glucanasa con 221.21 U L-1, respectivamente. Por tanto, se secuenció y analizó la secuencia ITS de este hongo a través de un análisis filogenético. Estos resultados indicaron que el aislamiento LBM 034, correspondiente a Irpex lacteus, tiene una habilidad celulolítica prometedora en la producción de enzimas con actividad endo-β-1,4-glucanasa, útil en la sacarificación sustentable de materiales celulósicos de la región.

Long-term cryopreservation of basidiomycetes

Abstract Basidiomycetes have several biotechnological and industrial applications such as enzyme production, bioremediation, pharmaceutical and functional food production. Due to climatic features, the preservation of several basidiomycetes is threatened, and to guarantee the preservation of this genetic resource, the development of long-term preservation techniques is necessary once there is no universal protocol for the cryopreservation of basidiomycetes. Cryopreservation is a technique in which microorganisms are submitted to ultralow temperatures. Therefore, this study aimed to collect information on the main conditions for long-term cryopreservation of basidiomycetes in the last 20 years. Scientific articles on cryopreservation of basidiomycetes published from 1997 to 2016, were researched, and only the studies on two intervals of cryopreservation were considered: from 1 to 2 years and for longer than 2 years. The analyzed conditions of basidiomycete cryopreservation were: most studied genera, cryopreservation temperature, substrate, cryoprotectant (and preservation substrate), cryopreservation period, thawing temperature and cultivation medium after thawing, physiological and genetic stability of basidiomycetes after thawing in cryopreservation. In this review, the viability of the main cryopreservation conditions of basidiomycetes studied in the last 20 years are presented and discussed.

Efficiency of decolorization of different dyes using fungal biomass immobilized on different solid supports

Abstract Different technologies may be used for decolorization of wastewater containing dyes. Among them, biological processes are the most promising because they seem to be environmentally safe. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of decolorization of two dyes belonging to different classes (azo and triphenylmethane dyes) by immobilized biomass of strains of fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus - BWPH, Gleophyllum odoratum - DCa and Polyporus picipes - RWP17). Different solid supports were tested for biomass immobilization. The best growth of fungal strains was observed on the washer, brush, grid and sawdust supports. Based on the results of dye adsorption, the brush and the washer were selected for further study. These solid supports adsorbed dyes at a negligible level, while the sawdust adsorbed 82.5% of brilliant green and 19.1% of Evans blue. Immobilization of biomass improved dye removal. Almost complete decolorization of diazo dye Evans blue was reached after 24 h in samples of all strains immobilized on the washer. The process was slower when the brush was used for biomass immobilization. Comparable results were reached for brilliant green in samples with biomass of strains BWPH and RWP17. High decolorization effectiveness was reached in samples with dead fungal biomass. Intensive removal of the dyes by biomass immobilized on the washer corresponded to a significant decrease in phytotoxicity and a slight decrease in zootoxicity of the dye solutions. The best decolorization results as well as reduction in toxicity were observed for the strain P. picipes (RWP17).

Primera descripción de Sclerotium coffeicola en caoba africana en México / First description of Sclerotium coffeicola on African mahogany in Mexico

Una enfermedad foliar fue detectada en la plantación comercial de Khaya senegalensis con 3 anos de edad, en la localidad de Huimanguillo (Tabasco, México). Mediante la caracterización morfológica y molecular, y por el cumplimiento de los postulados de Koch, se determinó que el agente causal corresponde al hongo Sclerotium coffeicola. Este es el primer reporte de S. coffeicola causando mancha foliar en caoba africana en México.

A foliar disease was detected in the commercial plantation of Khaya senegalen with three years of age in Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico. Through the morphological and molecular characterization and the compliance of the Koch's postulates, it was concluded that the causal agent corresponds to the fungus Sclerotium coffeicola. This is the first report of S. coffeicola causing leaf spot on African mahogany in Mexico.

Cloning and heterologous expression of a hydrophobin gene Ltr. hyd from the tiger milk mushroom Lentinus tuber-regium in yeast-like cells of Tremella fuciformis

Background: Hydrophobins are small proteins secreted by filamentous fungi, which show a highly surface activity. Because of the signally self-assembling abilities and surface activities, hydrophobins were considered as candidates in many aspects, for example, stabilizing foams and emulsions in food products. Lentinus tuber-regium, known as tiger milk mushroom, is both an edible and medicinal sclerotium-producing mushroom. Up to now, the hydrophobins of L. tuber-regium have not been identified. Results: In this paper, a Class I hydrophobin gene, Ltr.hyd, was cloned from L. tuber-regium and expressed in the yeast-like cells of Tremella fuciformis mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The expression vector pGEH-GH was under the control of T. fuciformis glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (gpd) promoter. The integration of Ltr.hyd into the genome of T. fuciformis was confirmed by PCR, Southern blot, fluorescence observation and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) demonstrated that recombinant hydrophobin rLtr.HYD with an expected molecular mass of 13 kDa was extracted. The yield of rLtr.HYD was 0.66 mg/g dry weight. The emulsifying activity of rLtr.HYD was better than the typical food emulsifiers sodium caseinate and Tween 20. Conclusions: We evaluated the emulsifying property of hydrophobin Ltr.HYD, which can be potentially used as a food emulsifier.

Dermatite fúngica associada à Rhodotorula glutinis em cão - Canis familiaris ): relato de caso / Fungal dermatitis associated to Rhodotorula glutinis in dog (Canis familiaris): case report

O fungo Rhodotorula sp. era considerado como não patogênico, mas, com o aumento de casos de humanos imunossuprimidos nas últimas duas décadas, as espécies R. mucilaginosa, R. glutinis e R. minuta se tornaram agentes potencialmente patogênicos. Poucos relatos clínicos veterinários associados à Rhodotorula spp. foram descritos, e o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever um caso de dermatite fúngica causada por R. glutinis em cão imunossuprimido devido à leishmaniose visceral e osteossarcoma, na cidade de Cuiabá-Mato Grosso. Um cão, macho, 11 anos, sem raça definida, foi trazido ao Hospital Veterinário apresentando lesões de pele com diagnóstico de dermatofitose e foi prescrito tratamento tópico à base de óleo de melaleuca, sem melhora após um mês de tratamento. O animal retornou ao Hospital Veterinário com hemorragia na região lesionada da cauda, e foi realizada biópsia para exames microbiológico e histopatológico. Nas análises microbiológica e histopatológica, foi isolada uma levedura e detectada a presença de estrutura semelhante a leveduras na coloração de prata, respectivamente. A levedura isolada foi identificada como R. glutinis por meio do sequenciamento do DNA. Um novo tratamento foi instituído, sem melhora do quadro clínico. O animal foi diagnosticado também com leishmaniose e osteossarcoma, provavelmente ocasionando a immunossupressão, e seu quadro evoluiu a óbito.(AU)

The fungi Rhodotorula sp was considered nonpathogenic, but with the increase of immunosuppressed humans in the last two decades, the species R. mucilaginosa, R. glutinis and R. minuta became potentially pathogenic agents. There have been few veterinary clinical reports associated with Rhodotorula spp. and this work aims to describe the first case of fungal dermatitis caused by R. glutinis in immunosuppressed dog due to visceral leishmaniasis and osteosarcoma in the city of Cuiabá-Mato Grosso. An 11-year-old male mongrel dog was examined to the Veterinary Hospital with skin lesions and the diagnosis was dermatophytosis and the treatment was implemented with topical tea tree oil for one month, but the treatment failed. The animal returned to the Veterinary Hospital with bleeding in the injured area of the tail and biopsy was performed for microbiological and histopathology evaluation. In the microbiological and histopathological analysis, yeast was isolated and yeast-like structures in silver staining were observed, respectively. The isolated yeast was identified as R. glutinis by DNA sequencing. A new treatment was implemented without clinical improvement. The animal was diagnosed with leishmaniasis and osteosarcoma, which probably caused immunosuppression, and its clinical conditions evolved to death.(AU)

Portación de levaduras en manos de estudiantes de las carreras de Medicina y Enfermería de la Universidad de Talca, Chile / Carriage of yeasts in the hands of the students of medicine and nursing careers at the University of Talca, Chile

Introducción: En las últimas décadas, la frecuencia de infecciones fúngicas invasivas causadas por levaduras ha aumentado en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), especialmente en pacientes graves con estadías prolongadas y en inmunocomprometidos. En ocasiones pueden presentarse como infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud (IAAS) por incumplimiento de medidas efectivas en prevención. Candida albicans es la especie más frecuentemente aislada, aunque el número de especies no albicans resistentes a fluconazol ha aumentado y la mortalidad asociada es mayor en los pacientes infectados con estas especies, motivo de preocupación puesto de manifiesto por los datos de vigilancia recientes. Objetivo: establecer la frecuencia de portación de levaduras de importancia clínica aisladas de las manos de estudiantes de las carreras de Medicina y Enfermería de la Universidad de Talca. Métodos: se tomaron 208 muestras de las manos de estudiantes, estas se dividieron en dos categorías: la primera es el ciclo básico de los estudiantes sin contacto con hospitales, la segunda es el pre-clínico y clínico de los estudiantes que tienen contacto con hospitales. Resultados: hubo 11.2 por ciento de portación en manos de estudiantes de Medicina y 9.9 por ciento para los de Enfermería. En los aislamientos predominó la Candida parapsilosis (45.5 por ciento); Candida guillermondii (18.2 por ciento); Candida famata (9.1 por ciento), y Candida albicans (4.5 por ciento) Schwanniomyces etchellsii (18.2 por ciento) y Cryptococcus humícola (4.5 por ciento). Conclusión: la portación de levaduras en manos de estudiantes de carreras de salud, aumenta significativamente en aquellos que tienen mayor contacto con las unidades hospitalarias, así como la diversidad de especies y la cantidad de unidades formadoras de colonias.

Introduction: In the last decades, the frequency of invasive fungal infections caused by yeast has increased in the Intensive Care Units (ICU), especially in severe patients with prolonged stays and in immunocompromised patients. Sometimes they can present as infections associated with health care (IAAS) due to non-compliance with effective prevention measures. Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated species, although the number of non-albicans species resistant to fluconazole has increased and the associated mortality is higher in patients infected with these species, a concern highlighted by recent surveillance data. Objective: to establish the frequency of carrying of yeasts of clinical importance isolated from the hands of students of the careers of Medicine and Nursing of the University of Talca. Methods: 208 samples were taken from the hands of students, these were divided into two categories: the first is the basic cycle of students without contact with hospitals, the second is the pre-clinical and clinical students who have contact with hospitals. Results: there was a: 11.2 percent portation in the hands of medical students and 9.9 percent for Nursing students. In the isolates Candida parapsilosis prevailed (45.5 percent); Candida guillermondii (18.2 percent); Candida famata (9.1 percent), and Candida albicans (4.5 percent) Schwanniomyces etchellsii (18.2 percent) and Cryptococcus humicola (4.5 percent). Conclusion: the carrying of yeasts in the hands of students of health careers increases significantly in those who have greater contact with hospital units, as well as the diversity of species and the number of colony forming units.

Identificación de Scleroderma citrinum Pers en una plantación de almendros de la ciudad de Villa Alemana, Chile / Identification of Scleroderma citrinum Pers in an almond tree plantation from Villa Alemana city, Chile

Las micorrizas son una asociación mutualista fundamental para el desarrollo tanto de las plantas como para los hongos que la establecen. Son comunes en bosques y existen muchas especies de hongos que realizan esta asociación. Las ectomicorrizas son hifas de un hongo que penetran las raíces secundarias de la planta para desarrollarse, rodeando las células de la corteza de las raices. En este trabajo se reporta el hallazgo de la ectomicorriza Scleroderma citrinum en un predio con almendros en la ciudad de Villa Alemana, Quinta región de Chile, lugar donde no había sido descrita. Tanto las condiciones ambientales, como las características del suelo del lugar no son las más favorables para el desarrollo de esta especie.

Micorrhizae are mutualistic association between plants and fungus, which is fundamental for the both of them. They are common in forest and many species of fungus are involved in this association. Ectomicorrhizae are a group of hyphae that penetrate the secondary roots of a plant, surrounding the cortex cells to develop. In the present report we inform the ectomicorrhizae Scleroderma citrinum finding in a location with almond tree plantation at Villa Alemana city V region of Chile, place where it never been found out before. Both the environmental condition and the soil characteristics are not the best for the development of this specie.