Cross comparison of alternative diagnostic protocols including substitution to the clinical sample, RNA extraction method and nucleic acid amplification technology for COVID-19 diagnosis.

Background: the gold-standard diagnostic protocol (GSDP) for COVID-19 consists of a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) sample processed through traditional RNA extraction (TRE) and amplified with retrotranscription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Multiple alternatives were developed to decrease time/cost of GSDP, including alternative clinical samples, RNA extraction methods and nucleic acid amplification. Thus, we carried out a cross comparison of various alternatives methods against GSDP and each other. Methods: we tested alternative diagnostic methods using saliva, heat-induced RNA release (HIRR) and a colorimetric retrotranscription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) as substitutions to the GSDP. Results: RT-LAMP using NPS processed by TRE showed high sensitivity (96%) and specificity (97%), closely matching GSDP. When saliva was processed by TRE and amplified with both RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR, RT-LAMP yielded high diagnostic parameters (88%-96% sensitivity and 95%-100% specificity) compared to RT-qPCR. Nonetheless, when saliva processed by TRE and detected by RT-LAMP was compared against the GSDP, the resulting diagnostic values for sensitivity (78%) and specificity (87%) were somewhat high but still short of those of the GSDP. Finally, saliva processed with HIRR and detected via RT-LAMP was the simplest and fastest method, but its sensitivity against GSDP was too low (56%) for any clinical application. Also, in this last method, the acidity of a large percentage of saliva samples (9%-22%) affected the pH-sensitive colorimetric indicator used in the test, requiring the exclusion of these acidic samples or an extra step for pH correction. Discussion: our comparison shows that RT-LAMP technology has diagnostic performance on par with RT-qPCR; likewise, saliva offers the same diagnostic functionality as NPS when subjected to a TRE method. Nonetheless, use of direct saliva after a HIRR and detected with RT-LAMP does not produce an acceptable diagnostic performance.

Benign Lobular Inner Nuclear Layer Proliferations of the retina.

PURPOSE: Report the clinical and imaging findings of a patient with an intraretinal benign tumor that was documented as an unexpected clinical finding after an ischemic stroke in the context of mitral valve disease. This tumor must be distinguished from retinoblastoma and other malignant neoplasms. METHODS: A patient with intraretinal tumor of the inner nuclear layer (INL) underwent a combination of ophthalmic examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). RESULTS: A 64-year-old male patient with unilateral benign tumor lesions dependent on the internal retina, centered in the posterior pole, and multifocal. OCT showed that these lesions were centered within the INL at the edge of the inner plexiform layer and were not associated with other findings in the posterior pole. CONCLUSIONS: Benign Lobular Inner Nuclear Layer Proliferations (BLIP) of the Retina are recently described lesions that should be considered, given their distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other benign and malignant retinal lesions.

Pachychoroid neovascular membrane in a patient with sickle cell disease trait.

PURPOSE: To describe a rare presentation of pachychoroid neovascular membrane in a patient with sickle cell trait and the accuracy of ruling out hemoglobinopathies in the presentation of pachychoroid spectrum. METHODS: The patient was subjected to physical examinations, multimodal images (fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography), hemoglobin electrophoresis, and peripheral blood smear, documenting sickle cell trait. The management included laser treatment to target non-perfusion areas, along with a single dose of anti-VEGF. RESULTS: A 45-year-old male patient with diagnosis of pachychoroid neovascularization treated for 6 years with multiple anti VEGF injections in the left eye. A detailed clinical evaluation included hypochromic conjunctiva, peripheral vascular occlusion with non-perfusion areas led us to suspect sickle cell disease retinopathy. The images of fluorescein angiography showed peripheral arteriovenous anastomosis with non-perfusion areas; the optical coherence tomography revealed a thinner neuroepithelium with a thicker choroid; also, hemoglobin electrophoresis and peripheral blood smear documenting sickle cell trait. The chosen management was photocoagulation of the peripheral retina on the non-perfusion areas and anti VEGF without neovascular activity recurrence in the follow up period. CONCLUSION: Although sickle cell trait is considered a mild form of this pathology without serious retinal manifestations, it has to be noted that in the context of pachychoroid spectrum diseases is a trigger that could perpetuate retinal ischemia and neovascular activity.

Floating microplastic pollution in the vicinity of a marine protected area and semi-enclosed bay of Peru.

A baseline survey for floating microplastics (MPs) in the vicinity of a marine protected area and semi-enclosed bay of northern Peru was carried out. An average concentration of 0.22 MPs/L was estimated, primarily dominated by blue polyethylene terephthalate fibers. The distribution of floating MPs suggests that they tend to accumulate within the semi-enclosed Sechura Bay regardless of the sampling season. This behavior may be explained by local surface currents in the bay, which flow inwards and exhibit vorticities that could entrap MPs. Future studies are suggested to investigate the trajectory and fate of floating MPs within semi-enclosed areas. On the other hand, the impact of floating MPs on the trophic chain of coastal marine protected areas requires further research.

Primary Vitrectomy versus Tap and Inject for Fungal Endophthalmitis: Meta-Analysis and Comparison with Data from a Reference Centre.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the visual outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) versus tap and inject (T&I) in fungal endophthalmitis (FE) reported in the literature and to compare the findings from the literature with data from a reference centre. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the use of PPV versus T&I in FE. We also performed a retrospective review of the clinical records of patients with endophthalmitis from a reference centre in Colombia. RESULTS: We included 13 studies with 334 eyes; 53.59% received PPV and 46.4% received T&I. The overall relative risk of improving ≥ 2 lines in PPV versus T&I was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-1.22; p = 0.88) with a mean difference of final visual acuity of 0.26 (95% CI 0.12-0.63; p = 0.18). There were no significant differences in subgroup analysis. Data from the reference centre included 32 endophthalmitis cases, 15.6% of which had a fungal aetiology (80% received PPV and 20% T&I). There were no significant differences in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings from the literature and the reference centre, T&I is noninferior to PPV. This is the first meta-analysis in the literature evaluating these effects in FE. It is necessary to execute new prospective randomised controlled studies in patients with endophthalmitis.

Making a difference? A retrospective review of peripherally inserted central catheters: A single-center experience in Colombia.

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are an effective tool as a medical device in patients who require them. However, it is a procedure that has been associated with multiple complications and possible negative outcomes for the health of the patients. This paper seeks to describe the main complications derived from the insertion and maintenance of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs), based on the experience of a vascular accesses group in a cardiovascular center in Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study of the adult population undergoing PICC insertion at the Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, during the period between 2019 and 2020 by the vascular access program, was performed. Results: The frequency of any registered complication was 15.9% for 2019 and 11.2% for 2020. Bleeding at the procedure site occurred in 15.3% during 2019 and 7.0% in 2020, making it the most frequent complication during the procedure. All the variables of complications associated with infection (bacteremia, phlebitis, and catheter-related infection) showed a decrease in 2020 compared to the previous year. The central line-associated bloodstream infection registered for the year 2019 was 1.94 bacteremia's/1000 catheters-day compared to 0.29 bacteremia's/1000 catheters-day. Conclusions: There has been a 4.7% reduction in the frequency of any registered complication after the implementation of the vascular access groups. Global and specific complications decreased significantly from 2019 to 2020. Notably, bacteremia, a common post-procedure complication, showed a substantial decrease in frequency compared to national and worldwide literature. It is also been described that complications associated with infection showed a decrease in 2020 compared to 2019. Whether or not all these findings are directly or somewhat related to the results stemming from the vascular access groups still needs further investigation.

Plastic and paint debris in marine protected areas of Peru.

Contamination with anthropogenic debris, such as plastic and paint particles, has been widely investigated in the global marine environment. However, there is a lack of information regarding their presence in marine protected areas (MPAs). In the present study, the abundance, distribution, and chemical characteristics of microplastics (MPs; <5 mm), mesoplastics (MePs; 5-25 mm), and paint particles were investigated in multiple environmental compartments of two MPAs from Peru. The characteristics of MPs across surface water, bottom sediments, and fish guts were similar, primarily dominated by blue fibers. On the other hand, MePs and large MPs (1-5 mm) were similar across sandy beaches. Several particles were composite materials consisting of multiple layers confirmed as alkyd resins by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, which were typical indicators of marine coatings. The microstructure of paint particles showed differentiated topography across layers, as well as different elemental compositions. Some layers displayed amorphous structures with Ba-, Cr-, and Ti-based additives. However, the leaching and impact of potentially toxic additives in paint particles require further investigation. The accumulation of multiple types of plastic and paint debris in MPAs could pose a threat to conservation goals. The current study contributed to the knowledge regarding anthropogenic debris contamination in MPAs and further elucidated the physical and chemical properties of paint particles in marine environments. While paint particles may look similar to MPs and MePs, more attention should be given to these contaminants in places where intense maritime activity takes place.

Micro- and mesoplastic pollution along the coast of Peru.

Peru suffers from poor solid waste and coastal management, as well as evidenced plastic pollution in various forms. However, studies in Peru focusing on small plastic debris (i.e., meso- and microplastics) are still limited and inconclusive. Thus, the present study investigated the abundance, characteristics, seasonality, and distribution of small plastic debris along the coast of Peru. The abundance of small plastic debris is predominantly driven by specific locations, where a source of contamination is present, rather than presenting seasonal patterns. Meso- and microplastics were strongly correlated in both seasons (summer and winter), suggesting meso-plastic constantly breaking down as microplastic sources. Additionally, heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Pb) were found in low concentrations (mean concentrations < 0.4%) on the surface of some mesoplastics. Here, we provided a baseline on the multiple factors involving small plastic debris on the Peruvian coast and preliminarily identify associated contaminants.

A Broad-Host-Range Phage Cocktail Selectively and Effectively Eliminates Vibrio Species from Shrimp Aquaculture Environment.

The protective effects of a phage cocktail composed of vB_Vc_SrVc2 and vB_Vc_SrVc9 were tested in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) postlarvae, which were originally isolated from diseased shrimps and selected due to their broad-host-range properties against several pathogenic Vibsrio species. We used culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches to explore its effect on bacterial communities associated with shrimp postlarvae. Both methods revealed that the levels of Vibrio species were significantly reduced after phage cocktail administration. Phage-treated shrimp also exhibisuppted lesser damage and higher lipid accumulation in B cells of the hepatopancreas, as revealed by histopathological examination. Taken together, this study provides clear evidence that phage therapy can selectively and effectively reduce Vibrio species, thereby providing an environmentally safe alternative to the prophylactic use of antibiotics in shrimp aquaculture.

Bacillus subtilis mejora el desarrollo de órganos digestivos, la morfología del intestino y el rendimiento productivo en pollos de engorde

La regulación en el uso de antibióticos promotores de crecimiento en la alimentación animal requiere de la búsqueda de alternativas nutricionales seguras, que mejoren la salud intestinal y el rendimiento productivo en los animales, mientras protegen la salud del consumidor. La investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de Bacillus subtilis sobre el desarrollo de órganos digestivos, la morfología del intestino y el rendimiento productivo, en pollos de engorde.192 pollos Cobb 500 de un día de edad fueron asignados aleatoriamente a una de tres dietas: basal libre de antibióticos (D1), basal adicionada con 10 ppm de avilamicina (D2) o basal adicionada con 50 ppm de esporas de B. subtilis (D3), durante 42 días. Los días 21 y 42 de edad, se determinó la conversión alimenticia (CA), la ganancia acumulada de peso (GAP) y se evaluó el desarrollo de los principales órganos digestivos y la histomorfología de cada segmento del intestino delgado, mediante el sacrificio de 48 aves (8 aves/dieta/día). El uso de B. subtilis incrementó significativamente la CA y la GAP. Por otra parte, B. subtilis aumentó la alométria del intestino en comparación con el uso de antibióticos, aunque no se evidenciaron diferencias significativas para el peso de órganos digestivos, entre ambos tratamientos; B. subtilis mejoró la altura de las vellosidades y disminuyó la profundidad de las criptas, significativamente. B. subtilis favorece el desempeño productivo en pollos de engorde, mejora el desarrollo de órganos digestivos y la histomorfología del intestino delgado.

Regulation in the use of growth promoters antibiotics in animal feed has led to the search for safe nutritional alternatives that improve intestinal health and growth performance in animal, while protecting consumer health. The aim was to assess the effect of Bacillus subtilis on the digestive organs development, intestinal morphology and growth performance in broilers. A total of 192 one-day old Cobb 500 chicks, were randomized and assigned to one of three diets: basal diet free of antibiotics (D1) or basal diet added with 10ppm of avilamicyn (D2) or basal diet added with 50ppm of B. subtilis's spores (D3) for 42 days. On days 21 and 42 the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average body weight (ABW) were determined; also, eight birds per treatment were euthanized to assess the development of digestive organs and the histomorphology in the different sections of the small intestine. The use of B. subtilis significantly increased FCR and ABW. On the other hand, B. subtilis significantly small intestine length compared to antibiotic growth promoter, but there was no differences in the weight of the digestive organs between B. subtilis and antibiotic diet, in addition B. subtilis improve villus height and decreased crypt depth significantly. In conclusion, the use of B. subtilis improve growth performance, digestive organs development and small intestine histomorphology in broilers.

Face masks invading protected areas: Risks and recommendations.

Among the indirect environmental impacts generated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, contamination with personal protective equipment (PPE), like face masks, may be one of the most relevant ones. PPE has been found in multiple aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments, including places of absolute relevancy to biodiversity conservation, such as protected areas (PAs). Here, a brief report of the presence of PPE in six PAs of Peru is presented. PPE pollution in PAs consisted mainly of single-use and reusable face masks, as well as plastics associated with PAs, such as KN95 respirator wrappings. The mean PPE density was estimated as 1.32 × 10-3 PPE/m2. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that face masks and wrappers mainly consisted of polypropylene and polyethylene, two of the most commonly available synthetic polymers. The material was poorly degraded according to their FTIR spectra, possibly suggesting that they were discarded recently. The recent ban on single-use plastic in Peruvian PAs is regarded as a great step forward toward the efforts made to preserve these invaluable places. However, these measures seemed insufficient to prevent PPE and other types of litter from contaminating areas of ecological importance. Considering the current scenario, several recommendations were proposed to be implemented in PAs in order to prevent PPE from becoming a new plastic issue to tackle. These recommendations are expected to also serve for future events where the use of single-use plastics becomes inevitable, like global pandemics.

Degradation of plastics associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented form of plastic pollution: personal protective equipment (PPE). Numerous studies have reported the occurrence of PPE in the marine environment. However, their degradation in the environment and consequences are poorly understood. Studies have reported that face masks, the most abundant type of PPE, are significant sources of microplastics due to their fibrous microstructure. The fibrous material (mostly consisting of polypropylene) exhibits physical changes in the environment, leading to its fracture and detachment of microfibers. Most studies have evaluated PPE degradation under controlled laboratory conditions. However, in situ degradation experiments, including the colonization of PPE, are largely lacking. Although ecotoxicological studies are largely lacking, the first attempts to understand the impact of MPs released from face masks showed various types of impacts, such as fertility and reproduction deficiencies in both aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

Ciclodiálisis postraumática, desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico. Reporte de caso y revisión de literatura / Post-traumatic cyclodialysis, diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Case report and literature review

Presentamos el caso de un paciente con ciclodiálisis postraumática difícil de localizar, incluso con ultrabiomicroscopia (UMB) repetida. El objetivo es informar del diagnóstico de una ciclodiálisis pequeña de difícil visualización y con presentación atípica. Paciente con ciclodiálisis postraumática crónica de 1 hora de reloj, con visualización difícil tanto por examen clínico como por imagen (UBM), a pesar de las evaluaciones repetidas. Inicialmente se realizó el tratamiento médico, sin embargo, no se logró el cierre espontáneo y ni la localización exacta. El seguimiento riguroso basado en la sospecha clínica permitió finalmente su ubicación y reparación quirúrgica exitosa. La ciclodiálisis es una condición rara y la mayoría de los oftalmólogos tratan solo unos pocos casos, no existe un protocolo estandarizado y tanto el diagnóstico como el manejo pueden ser difíciles. La gonioscopia sigue siendo el método diagnóstico de elección, y ciertas ayudas de diagnóstico como la UBM y posiblemente la tomografía de coherencia óptica pueden mejorar la sensibilidad de detección, aunque en algunos casos solo la sospecha clínica y el monitoreo riguroso pueden conducir a un diagnóstico preciso y un tratamiento adecuado.

We present the case of a patient with post-traumatic cyclodialysis difficult to locate, even with repetitive ultrabiomicroscopy (BMU). Our objective is to inform the diagnosis of a small cyclodialysis that is difficult to visualize and with an atypical presentation. Patient with chronic post-traumatic cyclodialysis of 1 clock hour, with difficult visualization by both clinical examination and imaging (UBM), despite repeated evaluations. Medical management was undertaken initially, however, no spontaneous closure and no exact localization were achieved. Rigorous follow up based on clinical suspicion allowed finally for its location and successful surgical repair. Cyclodialysis is a rare condition, and most ophthalmologists treat only a few cases, there is no standardized protocol and both diagnosis and management can be difficult. Gonioscopy remains the diagnostic method of choice, and certain diagnostic aids such as UBM and possibly optical coherence tomography (OCT) can improve detection sensitivity, although in some cases only clinical suspicion and rigorous monitoring can lead to accurate diagnosis and proper treatment

Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sudden global increase in the production, consumption, and mismanagement of personal protective equipment (PPE). As plastic-based PPE such as disposable face masks and gloves have become widely used, human exposure to PPE-derived pollutants may occur through indirect and direct pathways. This review explores the potential health impacts related to plastic-based PPE through these pathways. Face masks release microplastics, which are directly inhaled during use or transported through the environment. The latter can adsorb chemical contaminants and harbor pathogenic microbiota, and once consumed by organisms, they can translocate to multiple organs upon intake, potentially causing detrimental and cytotoxic effects. However, more research is required to have a comprehensive overview of the human health effects.

Observer-Based Time-Variant Spacing Policy for a Platoon of Non-Holonomic Mobile Robots.

This paper presents a navigation strategy for a platoon of n non-holonomic mobile robots with a time-varying spacing policy between each pair of successive robots at the platoon, such that a safe trailing distance is maintained at any speed, avoiding the robots getting too close to each other. It is intended that all the vehicles in the formation follow the trajectory described by the leader robot, which is generated by bounded input velocities. To establish a chain formation among the vehicles, it is required that, for each pair of successive vehicles, the (i+1)-th one follows the trajectory executed by the former i-th one, with a delay of τ(t) units of time. An observer is proposed to estimate the trajectory, velocities, and positions of the i-th vehicle, delayed τ(t) units of time, consequently generating the desired path for the (i+1)-th vehicle, avoiding numerical approximations of the velocities, rendering robustness against noise and corrupted or missing data as well as to external disturbances. Besides the time-varying gap, a constant-time gap is used to get a secure trailing distance between each two successive robots. The presented platoon formation strategy is analyzed and proven by using Lyapunov theory, concluding asymptotic convergence for the posture tracking between the (i+1)-th robot and the virtual reference provided by the observer that corresponds to the i-th robot. The strategy is evaluated by numerical simulations and real-time experiments.

Marine macroinvertebrates inhabiting plastic litter in Peru.

Marine litter, such as plastic bags, bottles, fabrics, or fishing gear, serve as a shelter for many marine organisms that are likely to colonize artificial substrata. Such assemblages can potentially turn marine litter into vectors of alien invasive species (AIS). Here, we report the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates inhabiting marine litter in Peruvian beaches. Results indicate that most of the fouled items found came from land-based sources (81.5%) and Bivalvia was the most abundant class (53.5%), mainly composed of the mussel Semimytilus algosus. No significant differences were found in the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates (class level) among sampling sites or sources of litter. Polypropylene and low-density polyethylene items were most frequently found with fouled biota. Although none of the identified species were non-native to the coast of Peru, we discuss marine litter as a potential source of AIS in this region.

Occurrence of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coast of Lima, Peru.

The use and disposal of face masks, gloves, face shields, and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) have increased dramatically due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many governments enforce the use of PPE as an efficient and inexpensive way to reduce the transmission of the virus. However, this may pose a new challenge to solid waste management and exacerbate plastic pollution. The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence and distribution of COVID-19-associated PPE along the coast of the overpopulated city of Lima, Peru, and determine the influence of the activities carried out in each study site. In general terms, 138 PPE items were found in 11 beaches during 12 sampling weeks. The density was in the range of 0 to 7.44 × 10-4 PPE m-2. Microplastic release, colonization of invasive species, and entanglement or ingestion by apex predators are some of the potential threats identified. Recreational beaches were the most polluted sites, followed by surfing, and fishing sites. This may be because recreational beaches are many times overcrowded by beachgoers. Additionally, most of the PPE was found to be discarded by beachgoers rather than washed ashore. The lack of environmental awareness, education, and coastal mismanagement may pose a threat to the marine environment through marine litter and plastic pollution. Significant efforts are required to shift towards a sustainable solid waste management. Novel alternatives involve redesigning masks based on degradable plastics and recycling PPE by obtaining liquid fuels through pyrolysis.

Inyección de gas intravítreo combinada con fotocoagulación con láser de argón para el tratamento de la maculopatía de la foseta del disco óptico sin vitrectomía / Intravitreal gas injection combined with argon laser photocoagulation for treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy without vitrectomy

RESUMEN Presentamos el caso de un paciente con foseta del disco óptico, quien presentó una disminución de la agudeza visual secundaria a desprendimiento seroso de retina. Se decidió realizar una inyección intravítrea de 0.3ml de gas C3F8 (100%), seguida de fotocoagulación con láser de argón en el borde temporal de la foseta, logrando reaplicación total de la retina, con reabsorción de todo el líquido subretiniano visible en la tomografía de coherencia optica (OCT) luego de 400 días. Además hubo una mejoría significativa en la agudeza visual.

ABSTRACT We present the case of a patient with an optic disk pit, presenting with great loss of visual acuity secondary to serous retinal detachment. The management chosen was an intravitreal injection of 0.3 mL of C3F8 (100%), followed by argon laser photocoagulation on the temporal edge of the pit, ), achieving total retinal reattachment , and reabsorption of all subretinal fluid visible at optical coherence tomography after 400 days, in addition to great improvement in visual acuity.

Methanolic Extracts from Cultivated Mushrooms Affect the Production of Fumonisins B and Fusaric Acid by Fusarium verticillioides.

The maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides and their mycotoxins cause damage to plants, animals, and human health. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of crude extracts (CEs) from Agaricus subrufescens, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting bodies on in vitro production of biomass and mycotoxins by two strains of F. verticillioides. Stipes and pilei were separated before extraction for A. subrufescens and L. edodes. Comparative metabolomics and dereplication of phenolic compounds were used to analyze all CEs. Mushroom CEs did not significantly inhibit the production of mycelial biomass at concentrations of 2 mg mL⁻1. CEs from A. subrufescens (stipes and pilei) and L. edodes pilei inhibited the production of fumonisins B1 + B2 + B3 by 54% to 80%, whereas CE from P. ostreatus had no effect. In contrast, CE from L. edodes stipes dramatically increased the concentration of fumonisins in culture media. Fusaric acid concentration was decreased in cultures by all CEs except L. edodes stipes. Differences in phenolic composition of the extracts may explain the different effects of the CE treatments on the production of mycotoxins. The opposing activities of stipes and pilei from L. edodes offer an opportunity to search for active compounds to control the mycotoxin production by F. verticillioides.