Fungal Planet description sheets: 1550-1613.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Neocamarosporium halophilum in leaf spots of Atriplex undulata. Australia, Aschersonia merianiae on scale insect (Coccoidea), Curvularia huamulaniae isolated from air, Hevansia mainiae on dead spider, Ophiocordyceps poecilometigena on Poecilometis sp. Bolivia, Lecanora menthoides on sandstone, in open semi-desert montane areas, Sticta monlueckiorum corticolous in a forest, Trichonectria epimegalosporae on apothecia of corticolous Megalospora sulphurata var. sulphurata, Trichonectria puncteliae on the thallus of Punctelia borreri. Brazil, Catenomargarita pseudocercosporicola (incl. Catenomargarita gen. nov.) hyperparasitic on Pseudocercospora fijiensis on leaves of Musa acuminata, Tulasnella restingae on protocorms and roots of Epidendrum fulgens. Bulgaria, Anthracoidea umbrosae on Carex spp. Croatia, Hymenoscyphus radicis from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Microthlaspi erraticum, Orbilia multiserpentina on wood of decorticated branches of Quercus pubescens. France, Calosporella punctatispora on dead corticated twigs of Aceropalus. French West Indies (Martinique), Eutypella lechatii on dead corticated palm stem. Germany, Arrhenia alcalinophila on loamy soil. Iceland, Cistella blauvikensis on dead grass (Poaceae). India, Fulvifomes maritimus on living Peltophorum pterocarpum, Fulvifomes natarajanii on dead wood of Prosopis juliflora, Fulvifomes subazonatus on trunk of Azadirachta indica, Macrolepiota bharadwajii on moist soil near the forest, Narcissea delicata on decaying elephant dung, Paramyrothecium indicum on living leaves of Hibiscus hispidissimus, Trichoglossum syamviswanathii on moist soil near the base of a bamboo plantation. Iran, Vacuiphoma astragalicola from stem canker of Astragalus sarcocolla. Malaysia, Neoeriomycopsis fissistigmae (incl. Neoeriomycopsidaceae fam. nov.) on leaf spots on flower Fissistigma sp. Namibia, Exophiala lichenicola lichenicolous on Acarospora cf. luederitzensis. Netherlands, Entoloma occultatum on soil, Extremus caricis on dead leaves of Carex sp., Inocybe pseudomytiliodora on loamy soil. Norway, Inocybe guldeniae on calcareous soil, Inocybe rupestroides on gravelly soil. Pakistan, Hymenagaricus brunneodiscus on soil. Philippines, Ophiocordyceps philippinensis parasitic on Asilus sp. Poland, Hawksworthiomyces ciconiae isolated from Ciconia ciconia nest, Plectosphaerella vigrensis from leaf spots on Impatiens noli-tangere, Xenoramularia epitaxicola from sooty mould community on Taxus baccata. Portugal, Inocybe dagamae on clay soil. Saudi Arabia, Diaporthe jazanensis on branches of Coffea arabica. South Africa, Alternaria moraeae on dead leaves of Moraea sp., Bonitomyces buffels-kloofinus (incl. Bonitomyces gen. nov.) on dead twigs of unknown tree, Constrictochalara koukolii on living leaves of Itea rhamnoides colonised by a Meliola sp., Cylindromonium lichenophilum on Parmelina tiliacea, Gamszarella buffelskloofina (incl. Gamszarella gen. nov.) on dead insect, Isthmosporiella africana (incl. Isthmosporiella gen. nov.) on dead twigs of unknown tree, Nothoeucasphaeria buffelskloofina (incl. Nothoeucasphaeria gen. nov.), on dead twigs of unknown tree, Nothomicrothyrium beaucarneae (incl. Nothomicrothyrium gen. nov.) on dead leaves of Beaucarnea stricta, Paramycosphaerella proteae on living leaves of Protea caffra, Querciphoma foliicola on leaf litter, Rachicladosporium conostomii on dead twigs of Conostomium natalense var. glabrum, Rhamphoriopsis synnematosa on dead twig of unknown tree, Waltergamsia mpumalanga on dead leaves of unknown tree. Spain, Amanita fulvogrisea on limestone soil, in mixed forest, Amanita herculis in open Quercus forest, Vuilleminia beltraniae on Cistus symphytifolius. Sweden, Pachyella pulchella on decaying wood on sand-silt riverbank. Thailand, Deniquelata cassiae on dead stem of Cassia fistula, Stomiopeltis thailandica on dead twigs of Magnolia champaca. Ukraine, Circinaria podoliana on natural limestone outcrops, Neonematogonum carpinicola (incl. Neonematogonum gen. nov.) on dead branches of Carpinus betulus. USA, Exophiala wilsonii water from cooling tower, Hygrophorus aesculeticola on soil in mixed forest, and Neocelosporium aereum from air in a house attic. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Costa MM, Kandemir H, et al. 2023. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1550-1613. Persoonia 51: 280-417. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2023.51.08.

Activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles against isolates of Prototheca species from bovine mastitis.

Prototheca spp. cause numerous infections in a wide variety of species, including treatment-unresponsive mastitis. Thus, the search for an effective therapy is essential. Silver nanoparticles are compounds with high therapeutic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility profile and morphological changes in Prototheca spp. treated with biogenic silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNP). The algaecide activity was evaluated in microplates by microdilution method, resulting in a MIC50 of 30 µg ml-1 and a MIC90 of 60 µg ml-1 . Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated changes in the surface of Prototheca bovis cells following treatment. The algaecide activity of Bio-AgNP suggests a therapeutic potential as a novel approach for the control of Prototheca spp. in bovine mastitis.

Phylogeny and taxonomy of Circinotrichum, Gyrothrix, Vermiculariopsiella and other setose hyphomycetes.

Circinotrichum, Gyrothrix and Vermiculariopsiella represent a complex of dematiaceous, setose, saprobic hyphomycetes that are commonly collected on plant litters in tropical, subtropical to temperate climates. Multi-locus analysis (ITS, LSU, rpb2) and morphological studies revealed that Gyrothrix and Circinotrichum are polyphyletic and species belong to 10 genera grouping in three different clades within Xylariales, named Coniocessiaceae (Circinotrichum and Pirozynskiomyces gen. nov.), Microdochiaceae (Selenodriella and the resurrected genus Peglionia) and the new family Gyrothricaceae (Gyrothrix, Xenoanthostomella, Neogyrothrix gen. nov., Pseudocircinotrichum gen. nov., and Pseudoceratocladium gen. nov.). Vermiculariopsiella (Vermiculariopsiellales, Vermiculariopsiellaceae) is emended for species with setose sporodochia with simple setae (V. dichapetali, V. eucalypticola, V. immersa, V. pini, V. spiralis, V. australiensis sp. nov.) while Vermiculariopsis is resurrected and includes setose fungi with branched setae (Vs. dunni, Vs. eucalypti, Vs. eucalyptigena, Vs. lauracearum, Vs. microsperma, Vs. pediculata and Vs. castanedae sp. nov.). Citation: Hernández-Restrepo M, Decock CA, Costa MM, et al. 2022. Phylogeny and taxonomy of Circinotrichum, Gyrothrix, Vermiculariopsiella and other setose hyphomycetes. Persoonia 49: 99-135. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.03.

Leukogram and cortisol parameters in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

This study describes changes in haematological parameters, cytokine profile, histopathology and cortisol levels in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Twenty-eight Swiss mice were divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of 14 animals each. In each group, eight animals were infected orally with ten third-stage larvae of A. costaricensis and six were used as a control group. The mice of groups G1 and G2 were sacrificed 14 and 24 days after infection, respectively. Samples were collected for histopathological and haematological analyses and determination of the cytokine profile and cortisol levels. Granulomatous reaction, eosinophilic infiltrate and vasculitis in the intestinal tract, pancreas, liver and spleen were observed with varying intensity in infected animals. Our results showed that the mice developed normocytic and hypochromic anaemia, and that the histopathological lesions caused by the experimental infection influenced increases in cortisol, neutrophil and monocyte levels. In addition to this, we detected increased interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha levels in the infected animals.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis: pathologic findings in Swiss mice infected with different doses of Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis is caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis, the definitive and intermediate hosts of which are wild rodents and terrestrial molluscs, respectively. Humans are accidental hosts and can be infected by ingesting the third-stage (infective) larvae (L3). It remains unclear whether the number of L3 inoculated is related to lesion severity. Our aim was to analyse histopathological alterations in Swiss mice infected with different doses of A. costaricensis. Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group): uninfected, control mice; mice infected with a low dose (five L3); mice infected with an intermediate dose (15 L3); and mice infected with a high dose (30 L3). The frequency of intestinal thrombi, splenitis, eggs/larvae, hepatic infarction and acute pancreatitis differed among the groups, the last being considered a significant finding. We conclude that different infective doses alter the histopathological aspects of the infection in Swiss mice, those aspects being more pronounced at medium and high doses, with no effect on the development of the disease. This experimental model shows that the parasite life cycle can be maintained in Swiss mice through the inoculation of a low dose (five L3).

Moraxella bovis, Moraxella ovis and Moraxella bovoculi: biofilm formation and lysozyme activity.

AIMS: This study aimed to verify the formation of biofilms by Moraxella bovis, Moraxella ovis and Moraxella bovoculi isolates from ruminants. In addition, the lysozyme activity against the isolates of M. bovis, M. ovis and M. bovoculi in free form and in biofilms was determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, 54 isolates of Moraxella sp. obtained from bovine and ovine clinical samples were evaluated in vitro for capacity of biofilm formation and lysozyme susceptibility in planktonic and sessile cells. In addition, biofilms produced by four Moraxella sp. isolates were visualized under scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was possible to demonstrate, for the first time, the ability to form biofilms by M. ovis and M. bovoculi. The isolates of Moraxella sp. have the capacity to form biofilms in different intensities, varying among weak, moderate and strong. It was verified that the lysozyme shows activity on Moraxella sp. in planktonic form. However, on biofilms there was a reduction in the production, but without impairing its formation, and on consolidated biofilms the lysozyme did not have the capacity to eradicate the preformed biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: This work shows the capacity of biofilm formation by Moraxella sp. of veterinary importance. The lysozyme susceptibility of Moraxella sp. in planktonic form shows that this enzyme has bacteriostatic activity on this micro-organism and it reduced the production of biofilms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Based on the results, it is possible to infer that the biofilm formation capacity by Moraxella sp. and the resistance to lysozyme concentrations equal to or greater than the physiological levels of the ruminant tear may be linked not only to the capacity to colonize the conjunctiva, but also to remain in this place even after healing of the lesions, being a reservoir of Moraxella sp. in a herd.

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Nk-lysin induces protection against the pathogenic parasite Philasterides dicentrarchi via membrane disruption.

P. dicentrarchi is one of the most threatening pathogens for turbot aquaculture. This protozoan ciliate is a causative agent of scuticociliatosis, which is a disease with important economic consequences for the sector. Neither vaccines nor therapeutic treatments are commercially available to combat this infection. Numerous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and even tumor cells; an example is Nk-lysin (Nkl), which is an AMP belonging to the saposin-like protein (SAPLIP) family with an ability to interact with biological membranes. Following the recent characterization of turbot Nkl, an expression plasmid encoding Nkl was constructed and an anti-Nkl polyclonal antibody was successfully tested. Using these tools, we demonstrated that although infection did not clearly affect nkl mRNA expression, it induced changes at the protein level. Turbot Nkl had the ability to inhibit proliferation of the P. dicentrarchi parasite both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, a shortened peptide containing the active core of turbot Nkl (Nkl71-100) was synthesized and showed high antiparasitic activity with a direct effect on parasite viability that probably occurred via membrane disruption. Therefore, the nkl gene may be a good candidate for genetic breeding selection of fish, and either the encoded peptide or its shortened analog is a promising antiparasitic treatment in aquaculture.

Insulin resistance and sex hormone-binding globulin are independently correlated with low free testosterone levels in obese males.

Male obesity is associated with decreased testosterone levels but the pathophysiological mechanisms behind this association are not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hyperglycaemia/insulin resistance and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels on testosterone levels in a population of obese men. We investigated the impact of several clinical, anthropometric and analytic measures on testosterone levels in 150 obese males. Testosterone deficiency was present in 52.0% of the enrolled patients. This percentage dropped to 17.6% when only calculated free testosterone (FT) was accounted, as SHBG levels were correlated negatively with body mass index (r = -.20; p < .05). Older age (p < .05) and higher homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p < .01) and lower SHBG levels (p < .05) were independently correlated with lower FT. Weight and fasting plasma glucose lost their statistical significance after multivariate adjustment. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes had lower FT than those with normal glucose tolerance (p < .05 and p < .01 respectively). Insulin resistance, and not hyperglycaemia and weight per se, seems to be the main determinant of low testosterone levels in obese males. Low SHBG levels are correlated with low FT even after HOMA-IR adjustment. This suggests that SHBG can be associated with testosterone deficiency beyond the influence of insulin resistance unlike previously reported.

Shedding of Angiostrongylus costaricensis larvae in the faeces of Swiss mice experimentally infected with different infective doses.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis is an endemic zoonosis in southern Brazil caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis, which uses terrestrial molluscs as intermediate hosts and wild rodents as final hosts. Humans can be infected by ingesting infectious A. costaricensis larvae. To date, correlations between shedding of first-stage larvae (L1) and different infective doses of third-stage larvae (L3) have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess L1 faecal shedding levels in Swiss mice experimentally infected with different doses of A. costaricensis L3 and to determine whether infective doses are related to mortality. Thirty-two male Swiss mice were divided evenly into a non-infected control (NI-Con); low-dose infection (LD-Inf); medium-dose infection (MD-Inf) and high-dose infection (HD-Inf) groups infected with 0, 5, 15 and 30 A. costaricensis L3, respectively. Faecal samples were collected from each animal, starting at day 20 post infection. HD-Inf mice had greater faecal L1 shedding levels than LD-Inf mice, but not a significantly shortened survival. In conclusion, infective doses of A. costaricensis L3 affect L1 shedding levels without altering mortality in Swiss mice.

High-dose enoxaparin in the treatment of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in Swiss mice.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA) is caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis, which inhabits mesenteric arteries. There is no drug treatment for AA, and since intestinal infarction due to thrombi is one of the main complications of the disease, the use of anticoagulants may be a treatment option. Thus, we aimed to assess the effect of high doses of enoxaparin on the prevention of ischaemic intestinal lesions and on the survival of mice infected with A. costaricensis. Twenty-four mice were infected with L3 of A. costaricensis and divided equally into two groups: Group 1, control treated with placebo, and Group 2, treated daily with enoxaparin (2.5 mg/kg) for 50 days. All mice were subjected to necropsy and histological analysis. The results from gross and microscopic assessments showed no variation in the prevalence of lesions between the groups. An analysis was also performed among survivors and non-survivors, showing that animals that died often presented lesions, such as granulation tissue in the serosa, and intestinal infarction and adhesion. The mortality rate did not vary between the enoxaparin-treated and control groups. Thus, we showed that high doses of enoxaparin have no protective effect against AA, as the survival rates and lesions of mice did not vary between the treated and control groups. Considering that the use of prophylactic doses was also shown to be ineffective in a previous study, we do not recommend the use of enoxaparin for AA treatment.

In vitro algicidal effect of guanidine on Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 strains isolated from clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis.

Prototheca species have increasingly been reported to be opportunistic pathogens that cause mastitis in dairy herds, and it poses an emergent problem because at present, there are no effective therapies for the treatment of protothecal mastitis. This study investigated the in vitro algicidal effect of guanidine on 75 Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 strains isolated from 75 cases of clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis. All strains were susceptible to guanidine in vitro with minimal algaecide concentrations ranging from 0·001 to 0·035%. Guanidine is known to have a high microbicidal effect and is considered to be a new generation microbicidal compound. It is not toxic to human mucous membranes and conjunctivas at low concentrations and has been used as a disinfectant in swimming pools and as an antiseptic for human wounds. The algicidal action of guanidine at low concentrations indicates that it could be an alternative disinfectant or antiseptic for cleaning of the dairy environment and milking equipment, in pre- and postdipping solutions, in the chemical dry therapy of bovine teats and even in the intramammary therapy of P. zopfii infections. This is the first report of the in vitro algicidal effect of guanidine on P. zopfii strains of animal origin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 is an opportunistic pathogen of bovine mastitis. To date, no effective therapies against protothecal mastitis have been developed. The in vitro algicidal effect of guanidine on 75 P. zopfii genotype 2 strains isolated from cows revealed that all of the isolates were susceptible to the compound at low concentrations, which indicates that guanidine may be used as an antiseptic/disinfectant for dairy milking equipment, in pre- and postdipping solutions, and as a chemical dry therapy or an intramammary therapy. This study describes the in vitro algicidal effect of guanidine on P. zopfii for the first time.

Identification and expression profile of odorant-binding proteins in Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is a devastating invasive species in the USA. Similar to other insects, olfaction plays an important role in its survival and reproduction. As odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are involved in the initial semiochemical recognition steps, we used RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to identify OBPs in its antennae, and studied their expression pattern in different body parts under semiochemical stimulation by either aggregation or alarm pheromone or food odorants. Thirty full-length putative HhalOBPs were identified, corresponding to 22 'classic' OBPs and eight 'Plus-C' OBPs. The similarity amongst them ranged from 4.95-70.92%, and with another 325 hemipteran OBPs similarity ranged from 1.94-91.51%, the highest levels being with other stink bug OBPs. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of seven groups of stink bug and other hemipteran OBPs. All 30 HhalOBPs were expressed and about 2/3 were expressed primarily in antennae. The expression of 21 HhalOBPs was higher in the antennae under alarm pheromone stimulus, indicating that multiple OBPs may be responding to this pheromone. Two were highest in antennae under aggregation pheromone stimulus. These findings should provide a basis for understanding the physiological functions of HhalOBPs and the chemosensory perception of this pest, which may help to uncover new control targets for behavioural interference.

Septic arthritis: patients with or without isolated infectious agents have similar characteristics.

PURPOSE: Septic arthritis can be disabling and life-threatening, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The infectious agent is not always identified in these patients. We revaluate septic arthritis cases discharged from our department, describing the affected population, causative microorganisms and antibiotic therapy used, and characterised differences between patients with and without isolated pathogenic agents. METHODS: Sixty-eight septic arthritis patients were included in this study. Diagnosis was based on clinical findings, and/or the presence of joint purulent material, and/or bacterial pathogen isolation from joint fluid/synovial membrane/blood cultures and response to antibiotics. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 61.1 ± 18.8 years, without sex predominance. 26.5 % had an infection ≤ 15 days before septic arthritis diagnosis. Besides previous infection, 57.4 % had ≥ 1 risk factors for septic arthritis, most commonly pharmacological immunosuppression (20.6 %), diabetes mellitus type 2 (19.1 %) and rheumatoid arthritis (17.6 %). The knee was the most often affected (54.3 %). Only 39.7 % presented fever from clinical onset until hospital admission (mean 13.4 ± 18.9 days). Leucocytosis was present in 45.6 % of patients, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in 75 % and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) in 97.1 %. 5.9 % had articular damage attributable to septic arthritis. An infectious agent was isolated in 41.2 % of patients, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent. 38.7 % of synovial fluid and 23.5 % of synovial membrane cultures were positive. Patients with an identified infectious agent have no significant differences other than more days of hospitalisation (p = 0.003) and in-hospital antibiotic treatment (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Synovial fluid and synovial membrane cultures more often identified pathogens compared to blood or urine cultures. Patients with and without an identified infectious agent have similar demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiographic characteristics.

l-Tryptophan 4-nitro-phenol tris-olvate.

The title compound, C(11)H(12)N(2)O(2)·3C(6)H(5)NO(3), comprises a zwitterionic amino acid formed by two nearly planar groups: (i) the indole ring and Cß, and (ii) the carboxyl group, Cα, as well as the amine N atom, with r.m.s. deviations of 0.0084 and 0.0038 Å, respectively. The angle between these idealized planes is 39.47 (9)°. The amine group of the amino acid is in a syn (-sc) arrangement relative to the ring system. The overall crystal structure results from the packing of sheets parallel to the (001) planes. These sheets are formed by a pair of screw axis related parallel networks bound by hydrogen-bond and π-π stacking interactions. The intermolecular cohesion of all organic residues in each of the latter two-dimensional networks is achieved via strong hydrogen bonding, nitro-π and π-π stacking interactions.

Multi-material cellular structured orthopedic implants design: In vitro and bio-tribological performance.

In this study, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) was used to produce mono-material Ti64Al4V- and NiTi-cubic cellular structures with an open-cell size and wall thickness of 500 µm and 100 µm, respectively. Bioactive beta-tricalcium phosphate (ßTCP) and polymer poly-ether-ether ketone (PEEK) were used to fill the produced structures open-cells, thus creating multi-material components. These structures were characterized in vitro in terms of cell viability, adhesion, differentiation and mineralization. Also, bio-tribological experiments were performed against bovine plate to mimic the moment of implant insertion. Results revealed that metabolic activity and mineralization were improved on SLM mono-material groups, when compared to the control group. All cell metrics were improved with the addition of PEEK, conversely to ßTCP where no significant differences were found. These results suggest that the proposed solutions can be used to improve implants performance.

Fusarium and allied fusarioid taxa (FUSA). 1.

Seven Fusarium species complexes are treated, namely F. aywerte species complex (FASC) (two species), F. buharicum species complex (FBSC) (five species), F. burgessii species complex (FBURSC) (three species), F. camptoceras species complex (FCAMSC) (three species), F. chlamydosporum species complex (FCSC) (eight species), F. citricola species complex (FCCSC) (five species) and the F. concolor species complex (FCOSC) (four species). New species include Fusicolla elongata from soil (Zimbabwe), and Neocosmospora geoasparagicola from soil associated with Asparagus officinalis (Netherlands). New combinations include Neocosmospora akasia, N. awan, N. drepaniformis, N. duplosperma, N. geoasparagicola, N. mekan, N. papillata, N. variasi and N. warna. Newly validated taxa include Longinectria gen. nov., L. lagenoides, L. verticilliforme, Fusicolla gigas and Fusicolla guangxiensis. Furthermore, Fusarium rosicola is reduced to synonymy under N. brevis. Finally, the genome assemblies of Fusarium secorum (CBS 175.32), Microcera coccophila (CBS 310.34), Rectifusarium robinianum (CBS 430.91), Rugonectria rugulosa (CBS 126565), and Thelonectria blattea (CBS 952.68) are also announced here. Citation: Crous PW, Sandoval-Denis M, Costa MM, Groenewald JZ, van Iperen AL, Starink-Willemse M, Hernández-Restrepo M, Kandemir H, Ulaszewski B, de Boer W, Abdel-Azeem AM, Abdollahzadeh J, Akulov A, Bakhshi M, Bezerra JDP, Bhunjun CS, Câmara MPS, Chaverri P, Vieira WAS, Decock CA, Gaya E, Gené J, Guarro J, Gramaje D, Grube M, Gupta VK, Guarnaccia V, Hill R, Hirooka Y, Hyde KD, Jayawardena RS, Jeewon R, Jurjevic Z, Korsten L, Lamprecht SC, Lombard L, Maharachchikumbura SSN, Polizzi G, Rajeshkumar KC, Salgado-Salazar C, Shang Q-J, Shivas RG, Summerbell RC, Sun GY, Swart WJ, Tan YP, Vizzini A, Xia JW, Zare R, González CD, Iturriaga T, Savary O, Coton M, Coton E, Jany J-L, Liu C, Zeng Z-Q, Zhuang W-Y, Yu Z-H, Thines M (2022). Fusarium and allied fusarioid taxa (FUSA). 1. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 9: 161-200. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.09.08.

Resonant x-ray scattering investigation of magnetic ordering in NpAs(1 - x)Se(x) (x = 0.05, 0.10).

A resonant x-ray scattering investigation of the NpAs(1 - x)Se(x) system with single crystals of 5 and 10% Se content is reported. The main features of the magnetic phase diagram previously studied by neutron scattering were confirmed. The coexistence within a single domain of ferro- and antiferro-components in the low-T ferrimagnetic phase was established, as well as the single-k character of the incommensurate phase and of the antiferromagnetic component of the ferrimagnetic phase. A tetragonal lattice distortion was found in the ferro- and ferrimagnetic phases which is not compatible with the proposed model for the ferromagnetic phase. The study of ferromagnetism was carried out using polarization analysis of the diffracted beam to separate the scattering intensities originating from magnetism and charge, which are superimposed in reciprocal space. The magnetic character of the ferromagnetic signal calculated from the measured intensities in the polarization analysis σπ and σσ channels was confirmed by analysis of the corresponding temperature dependence.

Selective Laser Melting of Ti6Al4V sub-millimetric cellular structures: Prediction of dimensional deviations and mechanical performance.

Ti6Al4V sub-millimetric cellular structures arise as promising solutions concerning the progress of conventional orthopedic implants due to its ability to address a combination of mechanical, physical and topological properties. Such ability can improve the interaction between implant materials and surrounding bone leading to long-term successful orthopedic implants. Selective Laser Melting (SLM) capability to produce high quality Ti6Al4V porous implants is in great demand towards orthopedic biomaterials. In this study, Ti6Al4V cellular structures were designed, modeled, SLM produced and characterized targeting orthopedic implants. For that purpose, a set of tools is proposed to overcome SLM limited accuracy to produce porous biomaterials with desired dimensions and mechanical properties. Morphological analyses were performed to evaluate the dimensional deviations noticed between the model CAD and the SLM produced structures. Tensile tests were carried out to estimate the elastic modulus of the Ti6Al4V cellular structures. The present work proposes a design methodology showing the linear correlations found for the dimensions, the porosity and the elastic modulus when comparing the model CAD designs with Ti6Al4V structures by SLM.

Neutrophil oxidative metabolism and haemogram of sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and vitamin E.

The objective of this study was to evaluate neutrophil oxidative metabolism and haemogram in sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. Twenty male Corriedale sheep were utilised and distributed into four experimental groups each with five animals infected with larvae: G1--supplemented with sodium selenite, 0.2 mg/kg body weight (bw) given intramuscularly (IM); G2--supplemented with sodium selenite and vitamin E, 0.2 mg/kg bw and 2000 IU per animal, respectively, both IM; G3--supplemented with vitamin E, 2000 IU per animal IM; G4--not supplemented. A haemogram and the number of parasite eggs were determined in samples of blood and faeces, respectively, on days zero (T0), 20 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assays were performed on heparinized blood samples taken on days zero, 30 and 60. A lower total leucocyte count was detected in G1 in relation to G4 at T4. Lymphocytes were reduced in G1 in relation to G3 and G4 at T3. In both non-stimulated (NBT-NS) and stimulated (NBT-S) dye reduction assays, there was reduced activity at 60 days, in relation to other times in the groups treated with selenium (G1 and G2). On the basis of results obtained, we conclude that supplementation with selenium provides better antioxidant protection to neutrophils.

Engineering the elastic modulus of NiTi cellular structures fabricated by selective laser melting.

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) cellular structures are a very promising solution to some issues related to orthopaedic implant failure. These structures can be designed and fabricated to simultaneously address a combination of mechanical and physical properties, such as elastic modulus, porosity, wear and corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and appropriate biological environment. This ability can enhance the modest interaction currently existing between metallic dense implants and surrounding bone tissue, allowing long-term successful orthopaedic implants. For that purpose, NiTi cellular structures with different levels of porosity intended to reduce the elastic modulus were designed, modelled, selective laser melting (SLM) fabricated and characterized. Significant differences were found between the CAD design and the SLM-produced NiTi structures by performing systematic image analysis. This work proposes designing guidelines to anticipate and correct the systematic differences between CAD and produced structures. Compressive tests were carried out to estimate the elastic modulus of the produced structures and finite element analyses were performed, for comparison purposes. Linear correlations were found for the dimensions, porosity, and elastic modulus when comparing the CAD design with the SLM structures. The produced NiTi structures exhibit elastic moduli that match that of bone tissue, which is a good indication of the potential of these structures in orthopaedic implants.