Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in a Coherently Driven Nanophotonic Bose-Hubbard Dimer.

We report on the first experimental observation of spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking (SSB) in coherently driven-dissipative coupled optical cavities. SSB is observed as the breaking of the spatial or mirror Z_{2} symmetry between two symmetrically pumped and evanescently coupled photonic crystal nanocavities, and manifests itself as random intensity localization in one of the two cavities. We show that, in a system featuring repulsive boson interactions (U>0), the observation of a pure pitchfork bifurcation requires negative photon hopping energies (J<0), which we have realized in our photonic crystal molecule. SSB is observed over a wide range of the two-dimensional parameter space of driving intensity and detuning, where we also find a region that exhibits bistable symmetric behavior. Our results pave the way for the experimental study of limit cycles and deterministic chaos arising from SSB, as well as the study of nonclassical photon correlations close to SSB transitions.

Protective effects of melatonin on changes occurring in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin has been related to the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), and its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have been proved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to find out whether a melatonin supplement in MS is able to act as a benefit to its clinical status, i.e. oxidative stress, inflammation and indirect biomarkers of bacterial dysbiosis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP), verifying its therapeutic potential and its possible clinical use in patients with MS. METHODS: The animal MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), was employed whereby 25 male Dark Agouti rats (5 animals per group) were divided into: a control group (not manipulated); a control+vehicle group; a control+melatonin group; an EAE group; an EAE+melatonin group. Melatonin was administered daily for 51 days, at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight/i.p., once a day, five days a week. RESULTS: The results from the administration of melatonin demonstrated an improvement in clinical status, a diminution in oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as in bacterial dysbiosis. CONCLUSION: Melatonin could play an effective role against MS, either alone or as a therapy combined with traditional agents.

The Genera of Fungi - G6: Arthrographis, Kramasamuha, Melnikomyces, Thysanorea, and Verruconis.

The Genera of Fungi series, of which this is the sixth contribution, links type species of fungal genera to their morphology and DNA sequence data. Five genera of microfungi are treated in this study, with new species introduced in Arthrographis, Melnikomyces, and Verruconis. The genus Thysanorea is emended and two new species and nine combinations are proposed. Kramasamuha sibika, the type species of the genus, is provided with DNA sequence data for first time and shown to be a member of Helminthosphaeriaceae (Sordariomycetes). Aureoconidiella is introduced as a new genus representing a new lineage in the Dothideomycetes.

The protective effect of extra-virgin olive oil in the experimental model of multiple sclerosis in the rat.

This study has evaluated the effect of EVOO (Extra-Virgin olive oil), OA (oleic acid) and HT (hydroxytyrosol) in an induced model of MS through experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Dark Agouti 2-month old rats (25 males) were divided into five groups: (i) control group, (ii) EAE group, (iii) EAE+EVOO, (iv) EAE+HT, and (v) EAE+OA. At 65 days, the animals were sacrificed and the glutathione redox system and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP) products of the microbiota in brain, spinal cord, and blood were evaluated.Gastric administration of EVOO, OA, and HT reduced the degree of lipid and protein oxidation, and increased glutathione peroxidase, making it a diet-based mechanism for enhancing protection against oxidative damage. In addition, it reduced the levels of LPS and LBP, which appeared as being increased in the EAE correlated with the oxidative stress produced by the disease.

New and Interesting Fungi. 2.

One order, seven families, 28 new genera, 72 new species, 13 new combinations, four epitypes, and interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. Pseudorobillardaceae is introduced for Pseudorobillarda (based on P. phragmitis). New genera include: Jeremyomyces (based on J. labinae) on twigs of Salix alba (Germany); Neodothidotthia (based on N. negundinicola) on Acer negundo (Ukraine); Neomedicopsis (based on N. prunicola) on fallen twigs of Prunus padus (Ukraine); Neophaeoappendicospora (based on N. leucaenae) on Leucaena leucocephala (France) (incl. Phaeoappendicosporaceae); Paradevriesia (incl. Paradevriesiaceae) (based on P. americana) from air (USA); Phaeoseptoriella (based on P. zeae) on leaves of Zea mays (South Africa); Piniphoma (based on P. wesendahlina) on wood debris of Pinus sylvestris (Germany); Pseudoconiothyrium (based on P. broussonetiae) on branch of Broussonetia papyrifera (Italy); Sodiomyces (based on S. alkalinus) from soil (Mongolia), and Turquoiseomyces (incl. Turquoiseomycetales and Turquoiseomycetaceae) (based on T. eucalypti) on leaves of Eucalyptus leptophylla (Australia); Typhicola (based on T. typharum) on leaves of Typha sp. (Germany); Xenodevriesia (incl. Xenodevriesiaceae) (based on X. strelitziicola) on leaves of Strelitzia sp. (South Africa). New species include: Bacillicladium clematidis on branch of Clematis vitalbae (Austria); Cercospora gomphrenigena on leaves of Gomphrena globosa (South Africa); Cyphellophora clematidis on Clematis vitalba (Austria); Exophiala abietophila on bark of Abies alba (Norway); Exophiala lignicola on fallen decorticated trunk of Quercus sp. (Ukraine); Fuscostagonospora banksiae on Banksia sp. (Australia); Gaeumannomycella caricicola on dead leaf of Carex remota (Germany); Hansfordia pruni on Prunus persica twig (Italy) (incl. Hansfordiaceae); Microdochium rhopalostylidis on Rhopalostylis sapida (New Zealand); Neocordana malayensis on leaves of Musa sp. (Malaysia); Neocucurbitaria prunicola on fallen twigs of Prunus padus (Ukraine); Neocucurbitaria salicis-albae on Salix alba twig (Ukraine); Neohelicomyces deschampsiae on culm base of dead leaf sheath of Deschampsia cespitosa (Germany); Pararoussoella juglandicola on twig of Juglans regia (Germany); Pezicula eucalyptigena on leaves of Eucalyptus sp. (South Africa); Phlogicylindrium dunnii on leaves of Eucalyptus dunnii (Australia); Phyllosticta hagahagaensis on leaf litter of Carissa bispinosa (South Africa); Phyllosticta austroafricana on leaf spots of unidentified deciduous tree host (South Africa); Pseudosigmoidea alnicola on Alnus glutinosa leaf litter (Germany); Pseudoteratosphaeria africana on leaf spot on unidentified host (Angola); Porodiplodia vitis on canes of Vitis vinifera (USA); Sodiomyces alkalinus from soil (Mongolia), Sodiomyces magadiensis and Sodiomyces tronii from soil (Kenya), Sympodiella quercina on fallen leaf of Quercus robur (Germany) and Zasmidium hakeicola on leaves of Hakea corymbosa (Australia). Epitypes are designated for: Cryptostictis falcata on leaves of E. alligatrix (Australia), Hendersonia phormii on leaves of Phormium tenax (New Zealand), Sympodiella acicola on needles of Pinus sylvestris (Netherlands), and Sphaeria scirpicola var. typharum on leaf of Typha sp. (Germany). Several taxa originally described from rocks are validated in this study. New taxa include: Extremaceae fam. nov., and new genera, Arthrocatena, Catenulomyces, Constantinomyces, Extremus, Hyphoconis, Incertomyces, Lapidomyces, Lithophila, Monticola, Meristemomyces, Oleoguttula, Perusta, Petrophila, Ramimonilia, Saxophila and Vermiconidia. New species include: Arthrocatena tenebrosa, Catenulomyces convolutus, Constantinomyces virgultus, C. macerans, C. minimus, C. nebulosus, C. virgultus, Exophiala bonariae, Extremus adstrictus, E. antarcticus, Hyphoconis sterilis, Incertomyces perditus, Knufia karalitana, K. marmoricola, K. mediterranea, Lapidomyces hispanicus, Lithophila guttulata, Monticola elongata, Meristemomyces frigidus, M. arctostaphyli, Neodevriesia bulbillosa, N. modesta, N. sardiniae, N. simplex, Oleoguttula mirabilis, Paradevriesia compacta, Perusta inaequalis, Petrophila incerta, Rachicladosporium alpinum, R. inconspicuum, R. mcmurdoi, R. monterosanum, R. paucitum, Ramimonilia apicalis, Saxophila tyrrhenica, Vermiconidia antarctica, V. calcicola, V. foris, and V. flagrans.

Inside Plectosphaerellaceae.

The family Plectosphaerellaceae (Glomerellales, Sordariomycetes) includes numerous plant pathogenic genera and soil-borne fungal species. Ten genera are currently accepted, including several taxa that occupy an unresolved position within the family. To address this issue, a multilocus sequence analysis was carried out using partial gene sequences from the 28S large subunit nrRNA gene (LSU), the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nrDNA region, including the 5.8S nrRNA gene, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), tryptophan synthase (TS), actin (ACT) and the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), based on a large set of isolates mainly from the CBS collection. Results of the molecular data combined with a detailed morphological study resolved 22 genera in the family, of which 12 are newly described. Additionally, 15 new species and 10 new combinations are proposed. An epitype and neotype are also introduced for Stachylidium bicolor and Plectosphaerella cucumerina, respectively.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 785-867.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Angola, Gnomoniopsis angolensis and Pseudopithomyces angolensis on unknown host plants. Australia, Dothiora corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora, Neoeucasphaeria eucalypti (incl. Neoeucasphaeria gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus sp., Fumagopsis stellae on Eucalyptus sp., Fusculina eucalyptorum (incl. Fusculinaceae fam. nov.) on Eucalyptus socialis, Harknessia corymbiicola on Corymbia maculata, Neocelosporium eucalypti (incl. Neocelosporium gen. nov., Neocelosporiaceae fam. nov. and Neocelosporiales ord. nov.) on Eucalyptus cyanophylla, Neophaeomoniella corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora, Neophaeomoniella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus pilularis, Pseudoplagiostoma corymbiicola on Corymbia citriodora, Teratosphaeria gracilis on Eucalyptus gracilis, Zasmidium corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora. Brazil, Calonectria hemileiae on pustules of Hemileia vastatrix formed on leaves of Coffea arabica, Calvatia caatinguensis on soil, Cercospora solani-betacei on Solanum betaceum, Clathrus natalensis on soil, Diaporthe poincianellae on Poincianella pyramidalis, Geastrum piquiriunense on soil, Geosmithia carolliae on wing of Carollia perspicillata, Henningsia resupinata on wood, Penicillium guaibinense from soil, Periconia caespitosa from leaf litter, Pseudocercospora styracina on Styrax sp., Simplicillium filiforme as endophyte from Citrullus lanatus, Thozetella pindobacuensis on leaf litter, Xenosonderhenia coussapoae on Coussapoa floccosa. Canary Islands (Spain), Orbilia amarilla on Euphorbia canariensis. Cape Verde Islands, Xylodon jacobaeus on Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Chile, Colletotrichum arboricola on Fuchsia magellanica. Costa Rica, Lasiosphaeria miniovina on tree branch. Ecuador, Ganoderma chocoense on tree trunk. France, Neofitzroyomyces nerii (incl. Neofitzroyomyces gen. nov.) on Nerium oleander. Ghana, Castanediella tereticornis on Eucalyptus tereticornis, Falcocladium africanum on Eucalyptus brassiana, Rachicladosporium corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora. Hungary, Entoloma silvae-frondosae in Carpinus betulus-Pinus sylvestris mixed forest. Iran, Pseudopyricularia persiana on Cyperus sp. Italy, Inocybe roseascens on soil in mixed forest. Laos, Ophiocordyceps houaynhangensis on Coleoptera larva. Malaysia, Monilochaetes melastomae on Melastoma sp. Mexico, Absidia terrestris from soil. Netherlands, Acaulium pannemaniae, Conioscypha boutwelliae, Fusicolla septimanifiniscientiae, Gibellulopsis simonii, Lasionectria hilhorstii, Lectera nordwiniana, Leptodiscella rintelii, Parasarocladium debruynii and Sarocladium dejongiae (incl. Sarocladiaceae fam. nov.) from soil. New Zealand, Gnomoniopsis rosae on Rosa sp. and Neodevriesia metrosideri on Metrosideros sp. Puerto Rico, Neodevriesia coccolobae on Coccoloba uvifera, Neodevriesia tabebuiae and Alfaria tabebuiae on Tabebuia chrysantha. Russia, Amanita paludosa on bogged soil in mixed deciduous forest, Entoloma tiliae in forest of Tilia × europaea, Kwoniella endophytica on Pyrus communis. South Africa, Coniella diospyri on Diospyros mespiliformis, Neomelanconiella combreti (incl. Neomelanconiellaceae fam. nov. and Neomelanconiella gen. nov.) on Combretum sp., Polyphialoseptoria natalensis on unidentified plant host, Pseudorobillarda bolusanthi on Bolusanthus speciosus, Thelonectria pelargonii on Pelargonium sp. Spain, Vermiculariopsiella lauracearum and Anungitopsis lauri on Laurus novocanariensis, Geosmithia xerotolerans from a darkened wall of a house, Pseudopenidiella gallaica on leaf litter. Thailand, Corynespora thailandica on wood, Lareunionomyces loeiensis on leaf litter, Neocochlearomyces chromolaenae (incl. Neocochlearomyces gen. nov.) on Chromolaena odorata, Neomyrmecridium septatum (incl. Neomyrmecridium gen. nov.), Pararamichloridium caricicola on Carex sp., Xenodactylaria thailandica (incl. Xenodactylariaceae fam. nov. and Xenodactylaria gen. nov.), Neomyrmecridium asiaticum and Cymostachys thailandica from unidentified vine. USA, Carolinigaster bonitoi (incl. Carolinigaster gen. nov.) from soil, Penicillium fortuitum from house dust, Phaeotheca shathenatiana (incl. Phaeothecaceae fam. nov.) from twig and cone litter, Pythium wohlseniorum from stream water, Superstratomyces tardicrescens from human eye, Talaromyces iowaense from office air. Vietnam, Fistulinella olivaceoalba on soil. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Genera of phytopathogenic fungi: GOPHY 1.

Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY) is introduced as a new series of publications in order to provide a stable platform for the taxonomy of phytopathogenic fungi. This first paper focuses on 21 genera of phytopathogenic fungi: Bipolaris, Boeremia, Calonectria, Ceratocystis, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Coniella, Curvularia, Monilinia, Neofabraea, Neofusicoccum, Pilidium, Pleiochaeta, Plenodomus, Protostegia, Pseudopyricularia, Puccinia, Saccharata, Thyrostroma, Venturia and Wilsonomyces. For each genus, a morphological description and information about its pathology, distribution, hosts and disease symptoms are provided. In addition, this information is linked to primary and secondary DNA barcodes of the presently accepted species, and relevant literature. Moreover, several novelties are introduced, i.e. new genera, species and combinations, and neo-, lecto- and epitypes designated to provide a stable taxonomy. This first paper includes one new genus, 26 new species, ten new combinations, and four typifications of older names.

Accuracy of cotinine serum test to detect the smoking habit and its association with periodontal disease in a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The validity of the surveys on self-reported smoking status is often questioned because smokers underestimate cigarette use and deny the habit. It has been suggested that self-report should be accompanied by cotinine test. This report evaluates the usefulness of serum cotinine test to assess the association between smoking and periodontal status in a study with a large sample population to be used in studies with other serum markers in epidemiologic and periodontal medicine researches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 578 patients who were part of a multicenter study on blood biomarkers were evaluated about smoking and its relation to periodontal disease. Severity of periodontal disease was determinate using clinical attachment loss (CAL). Smoking was assessed by a questionnaire and a blood sample drawn for serum cotinine determination. RESULTS: The optimal cut-off point for serum cotinine was 10 ng/ml. Serum cotinine showed greater association with severity of CAL than self-report for mild-moderate CAL [OR 2.03 (CI95% 1.16-3.53) vs. OR 1.08 (CI95% 0.62-1.87) ] advanced periodontitis [OR 2.36 (CI95% 1.30- 4.31) vs. OR 2.06 (CI95% 0.97-4.38) ] and extension of CAL > 3 mm [ OR 1.78 (CI95% 1.16-1.71) vs. 1.37 (CI95% 0.89-2.11)]. When the two tests were evaluated together were not shown to be better than serum cotinine test. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported smoking and serum cotinine test ≥ 10ng/ml are accurate ,complementary and more reliable methods to assess the patient's smoking status and could be used in studies evaluating serum samples in large population and multicenter studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The serum cotinine level is more reliable to make associations with the patient's periodontal status than self-report questionnaire and could be used in multicenter and periodontal medicine studies.

Satisfacción y adherencia al tratamiento en disfunción eréctil a medio y largo plazo / Satisfaction and treatment adherence in erectile dysfunction in the medium and long term

Introducción: El objetivo ha sido mostrar la satisfacción y adherencia al tratamiento en disfunción eréctil (DE) a medio y largo plazo. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y comparativo llevado a cabo en 2 centros mediante entrevistas telefónicas a pacientes que realizaron una primera visita entre 2012 y 2014 por DE. Se realizó una anamnesis completa sobre el uso y abandono del tratamiento. En caso de uso actual se cumplimentaron los cuestionarios EDITS y GAQ, y en caso de uso pasado solo el GAQ. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron el test exacto de Fisher para las comparaciones de porcentajes y el test de Kruskal-Wallis para comparar medias. Resultados: Doscientos cincuenta pacientes incluidos, habiendo recetado a un 20,8% alprostadilo intrauretral (AL-IU), a un 17,2% alprostadilo intracavenoso (AL-IC), a un 92,8% un primer IPD5, y a un 24,8% al menos un segundo IPD5. El abandono del tratamiento fue del 62,07% en el primer IPD5 utilizado, del 41,94% en el último IPD5 probado, del 69,23% en el AL-IU y del 65,11% en el AL-IC (p = 0,007). La principal razón de abandono en los IPD5 fue la falta de respuesta (32,76% de individuos que los toman). En el caso del AL-IU y AL-IC, además de esta destacan las reacciones adversas (28,85% y 11,63% respectivamente). La media de utilización hasta el abandono fue de 4,3 meses en IPD5, 2,2 meses en AL-IU y 5,5 meses en AL-IC (p = 0,064). Las puntaciones del GAQ y EDITS más favorables se observaron en los IPD5 (EDITS de 74). Sildenafilo y tadalafilo tienen los tiempos más largos de uso (media mayor de 5 meses). Conclusiones: El porcentaje de abandono en el tratamiento de la DE es alto, con tiempos cortos de uso de pocos meses, siendo las principales causas de abandono la falta de respuesta y las reacciones adversas. Los fármacos que aportan mayor satisfacción son los IPD5, sin existir diferencias significativas en el tiempo medio de uso entre los diferentes tipos y en aspectos como la media de uso hasta el abandono o los porcentajes de abandono

Introduction: The aim of this study was to show the satisfaction and treatment adherence in erectile dysfunction (ED) in the medium and long term.Material and methods: A descriptive, comparative study was conducted in 2 centres through telephone interviews with patients who came for an initial visit between 2012 and 2014 for ED. A complete case history review was conducted on the use of and withdrawal from treatment. For current use, the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and the Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) were filled out; for past use, only the GAQ was filled out. For the statistical analysis, we employed Fisher's exact test for comparisons of percentages and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare means. Results: The study included 250 patients; 20.8% were prescribed intraurethral alprostadil (ALP-IU), 17.2% were prescribed intracavernous alprostadil (ALP-IC), 92.8% were prescribed a first IPD5, and 24.8% were prescribed at least a second IPD5. The treatment withdrawal rate was 62.07% for the first IPD5, 41.94% for the last IPD5, 69.23% for the ALP-IU and 65.11% for the ALP-IC (P = .007). The main reason for withdrawal for the IPD5 was a lack of response (32.76% of those who took IPD5). In addition to withdrawal, there were adverse reactions for ALP-IU and ALP-IC (28.85% and 11.63%, respectively). The mean duration of use until withdrawal was 4.3 months for IPD5, 2.2 months for ALP-IU and 5.5 months for ALP-IC (P = .064). The most favourable GAQ and EDITS scores were observed for IPD5 (EDITS score of 74). Sildenafil and tadalafil had the longest usage times (mean >5 months). Conclusions: The withdrawal rate for treating ED is high, with short usage times of a few months. A lack of response and adverse reactions were the main causes for withdrawal. The drugs that provide greater satisfaction are the IPD5, although there are no significant differences in the mean usage time between the different types and in aspects such as the mean usage time to withdrawal or the withdrawal rates

Ecotoxicological Evaluation of the UV Filters Ethylhexyl Dimethyl p-Aminobenzoic Acid and Octocrylene Using Marine Organisms Isochrysis galbana, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Paracentrotus lividus.

The growing concern regarding the negative effects of solar radiation on the skin has led to a drastic increase in the use of sunscreens containing in its composition up to 10% of aromatic chemicals, such as ethylhexyl dimethyl p-aminobenzoic acid (OD-PABA) and octocrylene (OC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and to assess the environmental risk posed by these two ultraviolet filters, widely used in cosmetics and as plastic additives, in the marine environment. Several ecotoxicological bioassays were performed with three model organisms belonging to different trophic levels: the microalgae Isochrysis galbana, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, and the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The results show remarkable toxicity to marine species for both OD-PABA (EC10 values range 26,5-127 µg L-1) and OC (EC10 range 103-511 µg L-1). The cell division in the microalgae I. galbana was the most sensitive endpoint tested. To determine the environmental risk of these substances, the risk coefficient (RQ) was calculated. Due to the higher concentrations reported, OC showed remarkable risk (RQ = 0.27), whereas for OD-PABA the risk was low (RQ = 0.007).

Satisfaction and treatment adherence in erectile dysfunction in the medium and long term. / Satisfacción y adherencia al tratamiento en disfunción eréctil a medio y largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to show the satisfaction and treatment adherence in erectile dysfunction (ED) in the medium and long term. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, comparative study was conducted in 2 centres through telephone interviews with patients who came for an initial visit between 2012 and 2014 for ED. A complete case history review was conducted on the use of and withdrawal from treatment. For current use, the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and the Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) were filled out; for past use, only the GAQ was filled out. For the statistical analysis, we employed Fisher's exact test for comparisons of percentages and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare means. RESULTS: The study included 250 patients; 20.8% were prescribed intraurethral alprostadil (ALP-IU), 17.2% were prescribed intracavernous alprostadil (ALP-IC), 92.8% were prescribed a first IPD5, and 24.8% were prescribed at least a second IPD5. The treatment withdrawal rate was 62.07% for the first IPD5, 41.94% for the last IPD5, 69.23% for the ALP-IU and 65.11% for the ALP-IC (P=.007). The main reason for withdrawal for the IPD5 was a lack of response (32.76% of those who took IPD5). In addition to withdrawal, there were adverse reactions for ALP-IU and ALP-IC (28.85% and 11.63%, respectively). The mean duration of use until withdrawal was 4.3 months for IPD5, 2.2 months for ALP-IU and 5.5 months for ALP-IC (P=.064). The most favourable GAQ and EDITS scores were observed for IPD5 (EDITS score of 74). Sildenafil and tadalafil had the longest usage times (mean >5 months). CONCLUSIONS: The withdrawal rate for treating ED is high, with short usage times of a few months. A lack of response and adverse reactions were the main causes for withdrawal. The drugs that provide greater satisfaction are the IPD5, although there are no significant differences in the mean usage time between the different types and in aspects such as the mean usage time to withdrawal or the withdrawal rates.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 400-468.

Novel species of fungi described in the present study include the following from Australia: Vermiculariopsiella eucalypti, Mulderomyces natalis (incl. Mulderomyces gen. nov.), Fusicladium paraamoenum, Neotrimmatostroma paraexcentricum, and Pseudophloeospora eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus spp., Anungitea grevilleae (on leaves of Grevillea sp.), Pyrenochaeta acaciae (on leaves of Acacia sp.), and Brunneocarpos banksiae (incl. Brunneocarpos gen. nov.) on cones of Banksia attenuata. Novel foliicolous taxa from South Africa include Neosulcatispora strelitziae (on Strelitzia nicolai), Colletotrichum ledebouriae (on Ledebouria floridunda), Cylindrosympodioides brabejum (incl. Cylindrosympodioides gen. nov.) on Brabejum stellatifolium, Sclerostagonospora ericae (on Erica sp.), Setophoma cyperi (on Cyperus sphaerocephala), and Phaeosphaeria breonadiae (on Breonadia microcephala). Novelties described from Robben Island (South Africa) include Wojnowiciella cissampeli and Diaporthe cissampeli (both on Cissampelos capensis), Phaeotheca salicorniae (on Salicornia meyeriana), Paracylindrocarpon aloicola (incl. Paracylindrocarpon gen. nov.) on Aloe sp., and Libertasomyces myopori (incl. Libertasomyces gen. nov.) on Myoporum serratum. Several novelties are recorded from La Réunion (France), namely Phaeosphaeriopsis agapanthi (on Agapanthus sp.), Roussoella solani (on Solanum mauritianum), Vermiculariopsiella acaciae (on Acacia heterophylla), Dothiorella acacicola (on Acacia mearnsii), Chalara clidemiae (on Clidemia hirta), Cytospora tibouchinae (on Tibouchina semidecandra), Diaporthe ocoteae (on Ocotea obtusata), Castanediella eucalypticola, Phaeophleospora eucalypticola and Fusicladium eucalypticola (on Eucalyptus robusta), Lareunionomyces syzygii (incl. Lareunionomyces gen. nov.) and Parawiesneriomyces syzygii (incl. Parawiesneriomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Syzygium jambos. Novel taxa from the USA include Meristemomyces arctostaphylos (on Arctostaphylos patula), Ochroconis dracaenae (on Dracaena reflexa), Rasamsonia columbiensis (air of a hotel conference room), Paecilomyces tabacinus (on Nicotiana tabacum), Toxicocladosporium hominis (from human broncoalveolar lavage fluid), Nothophoma macrospora (from respiratory secretion of a patient with pneumonia), and Penidiellopsis radicularis (incl. Penidiellopsis gen. nov.) from a human nail. Novel taxa described from Malaysia include Prosopidicola albizziae (on Albizzia falcataria), Proxipyricularia asari (on Asarum sp.), Diaporthe passifloricola (on Passiflora foetida), Paramycoleptodiscus albizziae (incl. Paramycoleptodiscus gen. nov.) on Albizzia falcataria, and Malaysiasca phaii (incl. Malaysiasca gen. nov.) on Phaius reflexipetalus. Two species are newly described from human patients in the Czech Republic, namely Microascus longicollis (from toenails of patient with suspected onychomycosis), and Chrysosporium echinulatum (from sole skin of patient). Furthermore, Alternaria quercicola is described on leaves of Quercus brantii (Iran), Stemphylium beticola on leaves of Beta vulgaris (The Netherlands), Scleroderma capeverdeanum on soil (Cape Verde Islands), Scleroderma dunensis on soil, and Blastobotrys meliponae from bee honey (Brazil), Ganoderma mbrekobenum on angiosperms (Ghana), Geoglossum raitviirii and Entoloma kruticianum on soil (Russia), Priceomyces vitoshaensis on Pterostichus melas (Carabidae) (Bulgaria) is the only one for which the family is listed, Ganoderma ecuadoriense on decaying wood (Ecuador), Thyrostroma cornicola on Cornus officinalis (Korea), Cercophora vinosa on decorticated branch of Salix sp. (France), Coprinus pinetorum, Coprinus littoralis and Xerocomellus poederi on soil (Spain). Two new genera from Colombia include Helminthosporiella and Uwemyces on leaves of Elaeis oleifera. Two species are described from India, namely Russula intervenosa (ectomycorrhizal with Shorea robusta), and Crinipellis odorata (on bark of Mytragyna parviflora). Novelties from Thailand include Cyphellophora gamsii (on leaf litter), Pisolithus aureosericeus and Corynascus citrinus (on soil). Two species are newly described from Citrus in Italy, namely Dendryphiella paravinosa on Citrus sinensis, and Ramularia citricola on Citrus floridana. Morphological and culture characteristics along with ITS nrDNA barcodes are provided for all taxa.

Un tumor genitourinario infrecuente: sarcomas paratesticulares / Paratesticular sarcoma: An infrequent genitourinary tumor

OBJETIVO: Exponer los aspectos relacionados con el diagnóstico, terapéutica y seguimiento de los sarcomas paratesticulares, a partir de la presentación de tres casos con diferente histología. MÉTODO: Descripción de los casos clínicos, el manejo quirúrgico, y los resultados anatomopatológicos de las piezas quirúrgicas. RESULTADOS: Presentamos tres casos de pacientes con sarcomas paratesticulares, un caso de rabdomiosarcoma y dos de liposarcoma. Dos pacientes tuvieron una primera y única cirugía exitosa, mientras que el tercero precisó de reintervención tras recidiva. Actualmente los tres se encuentran libre de enfermedad. CONCLUSIONES: Los sarcomas paratesticulares son neoplasias infrecuentes en urología. Es esencial que el urólogo sospeche esta posibilidad ante un tumor paratesticular, pues la radicalidad en la cirugía será el factor más determinante en el éxito del tratamiento. Las terapias adyuvantes deben individualizarse en cada caso, y el seguimiento tras la cirugía conviene que sea estrecho, dada la mala evolución de estos tumores en muchos casos

OBJECTIVE: To expose the features related to the diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of paratesticular sarcomas, through the presentation of three cases with different histologies. METHODS: Description of the clinical cases, surgical management, and pathological results of the surgical specimens. RESULTS: We present three cases of paratesticular sarcomas, one case being a rhabdomyosarcoma and two liposarcomas. Two patients underwent a single successful surgery, while the third one required a second intervention after recurrence. Today all three patients are free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant paratesticular sarcomas are infrequent neoplasias in urology. It is essential that the urologist is aware of this possibility when faced with a paratesticular tumor, since radicalness of surgery will be the most decisive factor in the success of the treatment. Adjuvant therapies must be individualized in each case, and the follow-up after surgery should be close, given the poor evolution of these tumors in many cases

Drug utilisation study in patients receiving antiepileptic drugs in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the indications according to which antiepileptic drugs are prescribed and used in a population of patients enrolled in the Colombian national health system (SGSSS). METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study. From the pool of individuals in 34 Colombian cities who used antiepileptic drugs between 18 July, 2013 and 31 August, 2014 during a period of no less than 12 months, we obtained a random sample stratified by city. Socio-demographic, pharmacological and comorbidity variables were analysed. Continuous and categorical variables were compared, and logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: Our patient total was 373 patients, with 197 women (52.1%) and a mean age of 41.9 ± 21.7 years; 65.4% of the patients were treated with monotherapy. The most frequently used drugs were valproic acid (53.1%) and carbamazepine (33.2%). Epilepsy was the most frequent indication (n=178; 47.7%); however, 52.3% of the patients were prescribed antiepileptics for different indications, especially neuropathic pain (26.8%), affective disorders (14.2%) and migraine prophylaxis (12.3%). A total of 81 patients with epilepsy (46.6%) displayed good seizure control while another 25 (14.4%) had drug-resistant epilepsy. In the multivariate analysis, medication adherence was associated with a lower risk of treatment failure in patients with epilepsy (OR: 0.27; 95%CI, 0.11-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: In Colombia, antiepileptic drugs are being used for indications other than those originally intended. Monotherapy is the most commonly used treatment approach, together with the use of classic antiepileptic drugs.

Phylogeny of Sarocladium (Hypocreales).

The circumscription of the genus Acremonium (Hypocreales) was recently reviewed on the basis of a DNA phylogenetic study. Several species were subsequently transferred to Sarocladium, but the relationships between both genera remained unresolved. Based on multilocus phylogenetic inferences combined with phenotypic data, we have revised the species concepts within Sarocladium and some genetically related species of Acremonium. As a result of these studies, six species are described as new, viz. S. bifurcatum, S. gamsii, S. hominis, S. pseudostrictum, S. subulatum and S. summerbellii. In addition, the new combinations S. implicatum and S. terricola are proposed for A. implicatum and A. terricola, respectively. Sarocladium attenuatum is confirmed as synonym of the type species of the genus, S. oryzae. An epitype and neotype are also introduced for S. oryzae and S. implicatum, respectively. Although Sarocladium species have traditionally been considered as important phytopathogens, the genus also contains opportunistic human pathogens. This study extends the spectrum of clinical species that could be diagnosed as causal agents of human infections.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 320-370.

Novel species of fungi described in the present study include the following from Malaysia: Castanediella eucalypti from Eucalyptus pellita, Codinaea acacia from Acacia mangium, Emarcea eucalyptigena from Eucalyptus brassiana, Myrtapenidiella eucalyptorum from Eucalyptus pellita, Pilidiella eucalyptigena from Eucalyptus brassiana and Strelitziana malaysiana from Acacia mangium. Furthermore, Stachybotrys sansevieriicola is described from Sansevieria ehrenbergii (Tanzania), Phacidium grevilleae from Grevillea robusta (Uganda), Graphium jumulu from Adansonia gregorii and Ophiostoma eucalyptigena from Eucalyptus marginata (Australia), Pleurophoma ossicola from bone and Plectosphaerella populi from Populus nigra (Germany), Colletotrichum neosansevieriae from Sansevieria trifasciata, Elsinoë othonnae from Othonna quinquedentata and Zeloasperisporium cliviae (Zeloasperisporiaceae fam. nov.) from Clivia sp. (South Africa), Neodevriesia pakbiae, Phaeophleospora hymenocallidis and Phaeophleospora hymenocallidicola on leaves of a fern (Thailand), Melanconium elaeidicola from Elaeis guineensis (Indonesia), Hormonema viticola from Vitis vinifera (Canary Islands), Chlorophyllum pseudoglobossum from a grassland (India), Triadelphia disseminata from an immunocompromised patient (Saudi Arabia), Colletotrichum abscissum from Citrus (Brazil), Polyschema sclerotigenum and Phialemonium limoniforme from human patients (USA), Cadophora vitícola from Vitis vinifera (Spain), Entoloma flavovelutinum and Bolbitius aurantiorugosus from soil (Vietnam), Rhizopogon granuloflavus from soil (Cape Verde Islands), Tulasnella eremophila from Euphorbia officinarum subsp. echinus (Morocco), Verrucostoma martinicensis from Danaea elliptica (French West Indies), Metschnikowia colchici from Colchicum autumnale (Bulgaria), Thelebolus microcarpus from soil (Argentina) and Ceratocystis adelpha from Theobroma cacao (Ecuador). Myrmecridium iridis (Myrmecridiales ord. nov., Myrmecridiaceae fam. nov.) is also described from Iris sp. (The Netherlands). Novel genera include (Ascomycetes): Budhanggurabania from Cynodon dactylon (Australia), Soloacrosporiella, Xenocamarosporium, Neostrelitziana and Castanediella from Acacia mangium and Sabahriopsis from Eucalyptus brassiana (Malaysia), Readerielliopsis from basidiomata of Fuscoporia wahlbergii (French Guyana), Neoplatysporoides from Aloe ferox (Tanzania), Wojnowiciella, Chrysofolia and Neoeriomycopsis from Eucalyptus (Colombia), Neophaeomoniella from Eucalyptus globulus (USA), Pseudophaeomoniella from Olea europaea (Italy), Paraphaeomoniella from Encephalartos altensteinii, Aequabiliella, Celerioriella and Minutiella from Prunus (South Africa). Tephrocybella (Basidiomycetes) represents a novel genus from wood (Italy). Morphological and culture characteristics along with ITS DNA barcodes are provided for all taxa.

Phylogenetic circumscription of Arthrographis (Eremomycetaceae, Dothideomycetes).

Numerous members of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota produce only poorly differentiated arthroconidial asexual morphs in culture. These arthroconidial fungi are grouped in genera where the asexual-sexual connections and their taxonomic circumscription are poorly known. In the present study we explored the phylogenetic relationships of two of these ascomycetous genera, Arthrographis and Arthropsis. Analysis of D1/D2 sequences of all species of both genera revealed that both are polyphyletic, with species being accommodated in different orders and classes. Because genetic variability was detected among reference strains and fresh isolates resembling the genus Arthrographis, we carried out a detailed phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data of the ITS region, actin and chitin synthase genes. Based on these results, four new species are recognised, namely Arthrographis chlamydospora, A. curvata, A. globosa and A. longispora. Arthrographis chlamydospora is distinguished by its cerebriform colonies, branched conidiophores, cuboid arthroconidia and terminal or intercalary globose to subglobose chlamydospores. Arthrographis curvata produced both sexual and asexual morphs, and is characterised by navicular ascospores and dimorphic conidia, namely cylindrical arthroconidia and curved, cashewnut-shaped conidia formed laterally on vegetative hyphae. Arthrographis globosa produced membranous colonies, but is mainly characterised by doliiform to globose arthroconidia. Arthrographis longispora also produces membranous colonies, but has poorly differentiated conidiophores and long arthroconidia. Morphological variants are described for A. kalrae and our results also revealed that Eremomyces langeronii and A. kalrae, traditionally considered the sexual and asexual morphs of the same species, are not conspecific.