Phoma spp. an untapped treasure of cytotoxic compounds: current status and perspectives.

The genus Phoma has been explored for a wide range of secondary metabolites signifying a huge range of bioactivities. Phoma sensu lato is a major group that secretes several secondary metabolites. The genus Phoma mainly includes Phoma macrostoma, P. multirostrata, P. exigua, P. herbarum, P. betae, P. bellidis, P. medicaginis, P. tropica, and many more species from the genus that are continuously being identified for their potential secondary metabolites. The metabolite spectrum includes bioactive compounds like phomenon, phomin, phomodione, cytochalasins, cercosporamide, phomazines, and phomapyrone reported from various Phoma spp. These secondary metabolites show a broad range of activities including antimicrobial, antiviral, antinematode, and anticancer. The present review is aimed to emphasize the importance of Phoma sensu lato fungi, as a natural source of biologically active secondary metabolites, and their cytotoxic activities. So far, cytotoxic activities of Phoma spp. have not been reviewed; hence, this review will be novel and useful for the readers to develop Phoma-derived anticancer agents. KEY POINTS: • Different Phoma spp. contain a wide variety of bioactive metabolites. • These Phoma spp. also secrete cytotoxic and antitumor compounds. • The secondary metabolites can be used for the development of anticancer agents.

Promising antimicrobials from Phoma spp.: progress and prospects.

The increasing multidrug-resistance in pathogenic microbes and the emergence of new microbial pathogens like coronaviruses have necessitated the discovery of new antimicrobials to treat these pathogens. The use of antibiotics began after the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming from Penicillium chrysogenum. This has attracted the scientific community to delve deep into the antimicrobial capabilities of various fungi in general and Phoma spp. in particular. Phoma spp. such as Phoma arachidicola, P. sorghina, P. exigua var. exigua, P. herbarum, P. multirostrata, P. betae, P. fimeti, P. tropica, among others are known to produce different bioactive metabolites including polyketides, macrosporin, terpenes and terpenoids, thiodiketopiperazines, cytochalasin derivatives, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. These bioactive metabolites have already demonstrated their antimicrobial potential (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) against various pathogens. In the present review, we have discussed the antimicrobial potential of secondary metabolites produced by different Phoma species. We have also deliberated the biogenic synthesis of eco-friendly antimicrobial silver nanoparticles from Phoma and their role as potential antimicrobial agents.

Cryptic Diversity in Cladosporium cladosporioides Resulting from Sequence-Based Species Delimitation Analyses.

Cladosporium cladosporioides is an extremely widespread fungus involved in associations ranging from mutualistic to pathogenic and is the most frequently represented Cladosporium species in sequence databases, such as Genbank. The taxonomy of Cladosporium species, currently based on the integration of molecular data with morphological and cultural characters, is in frequent need of revision. Hence, the recently developed species delimitation methods can be helpful to explore cryptic diversity in this genus. Considering a previous study that reported several hypothetical species within C. cladosporioides, we tested four methods of species delimitation using the combined DNA barcodes internal transcribed spacers, translation elongation factor 1-α and actin 1. The analyses involved 105 isolates, revealing that currently available sequences of C. cladosporioides in GenBank actually represent more than one species. Moreover, we found that eight isolates from this set should be ascribed to Cladosporium anthropophilum. Our results revealed a certain degree of discordance among species delimitation methods, which can be efficiently treated using conservative approaches in order to minimize the risk of considering false positives.

Virulence Structure of Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae Populations in Poland across 2014-2015.

The purpose of this study was to determine the virulence structure of oat powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae, Bga) populations in Poland collected in 2014 and 2015. Powdery mildew isolates were collected from 18 locations in Poland. In total, nine lines and cultivars of oat, with different mildew resistance genes, were used to assess virulence of 180 isolates. The results showed that a significant proportion of the Bga isolates found in Poland were virulent to differentials with Pm1, Pm3, Pm6, and Pm3 + Pm8 genes. In contrast Pm4, Pm5, Pm2, and Pm7 genes were classified as resistant to all pathogen isolates used in the experiment. Based on obtained results we can state that there are differences in virulence pattern and diversity parameters between sites and years, but clear trends are not deducible.

New Cladosporium Species from Normal and Galled Flowers of Lamiaceae.

A series of isolates of Cladosporium spp. were recovered in the course of a cooperative study on galls formed by midges of the genus Asphondylia (Diptera, Cecidomyidae) on several species of Lamiaceae. The finding of these fungi in both normal and galled flowers was taken as an indication that they do not have a definite relationship with the midges. Moreover, identification based on DNA sequencing showed that these isolates are taxonomically heterogeneous and belong to several species which are classified in two different species complexes. Two new species, Cladosporium polonicum and Cladosporium neapolitanum, were characterized within the Cladosporium cladosporioides species complex based on strains from Poland and Italy, respectively. Evidence concerning the possible existence of additional taxa within the collective species C. cladosporioides and C. pseudocladosporioides is discussed.

Bioherbicidal potential of different species of Phoma: opportunities and challenges.

Modern agriculture has been facing new challenges and fostering innovations to establish sustainable plant production. An integral part of these strategies is implementing new eco-friendly technologies in plant protection for better human health and a safer environment by minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals and also encouraging innovations such as the use of bio-based strategies for weed control. This specific strategy addresses the need to reduce the use and risk of pesticides, replacing conventional chemical herbicides with new bio-based solutions. In response to these issues, biocontrol strategies are gaining increased attention from stakeholders such as farmers, seed companies, agronomists, breeders, and consumers. Among these, bioherbicides have huge potential for the management of harmful weeds without affecting the natural quality of the environment and human health. In this context, this review is devoted to present an overview of the mycoherbicidal potential of Phoma sensu lato group of fungi, examining the advances in this field, including technological and scientific challenges and outcomes achieved in recent years. The mycoherbicides are eco-friendly and economically viable. KEY POINTS: • Some Phoma species have demonstrated herbicide activity. • These species secrete secondary metabolites responsible for the control of weeds. • They can be used as non-chemical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly bioherbicides.

The specificity of the use of bibliotherapy as an element of psychiatric rehabilitation in a group of patients suffering from schizophrenia.

Purpose: This article emphasizes the characteristics of the application of bibliotherapy in psychiatric rehabilitation of people suffering from chronic schizophrenia. The role of the bibliotherapist and methodology for conducting bibliotherapy for people with chronic schizophrenia are also described. Views: The characteristic symptoms are connected to a patient's perception of the surrounding reality differing from the norm. This may be due to the symptoms of schizophrenia and its course, in which psychoticism can become a regulative part of a patient's personality. The academic definition of bibliotherapy proposed by Ewa Tomasik says that "bibliotherapy is an intentional activity that uses books or non-printed materials to fulfil rehabilitative, re-socializing, prophylactic and developmental aims for people from varying social backgrounds, in different age and with diverse needs". This article focuses on and discusses the structure and course of bibliotherapy sessions embedded in individual and group rehabilitation process. An additional goal is to explain bibliotherapy as an element of the entire system of rehabilitation and therapeutic interactions which has a therapeutic effect for this system, not only in terms of individual classes. Attention is paid to the narrative nature of bibliotherapy, in combination with behavioral-cognitive, humanistic and psychodynamic interactions. Conclusions: Bibliotherapy can help people suffering from chronic schizophrenia to organize their self-narrative and narratives about other people, to make them real and to organize their statements, so that the content and manner of thinking can be regulated.

Positive psychotherapy for psychosis - a new approach in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from schizophrenia. / Pozytywna Psychoterapia Psychoz ­ nowe podejscie w rehabilitacji pacjentów cierpiacych na schizofrenie.

This paper describes the positive psychotherapy for psychosis (PPP) - a new approach for psychiatric rehabilitation for patients with chronic schizophrenia. Unlike some traditional methods of psychotherapy, PPP focuses on positives rather than on problems. PPPwas shown in the context of other therapeutic approaches used in psychiatric rehabilitation and a mechanism of changes in the functioning and thinking of patients using this approach was described. PPP strengthens the patients'resources, including positive emotions, positive features of character, sense of life, positive relationships, and internal motivation. PPPdoes not suggest that other approaches are inappropriate and it is not intended to replace well-established treatments. A program of 13 PPP sessions adapted for patients with schizophrenia was also described. PPP sessions were divided into 3 thematic groups and according to the degree of difficulty: "the easiest" (savoring, positive things - sessions 1-4), "medium" (strong character traits, recognition of strengths in oneself, perceiving strengths in other people, positive communication - sessions 5-7) and "the most difficult" (bad vs. good memories, gratitude, forgiveness, hope, optimism and posttraumatic growth - sessions 8-13). The PPP has been introduced in the Day Care Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw. After 13 weeks, the initial observations were collected. They indicated that PPP can be successfully used in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Marine-derived Phoma-the gold mine of bioactive compounds.

The genus Phoma contains several species ubiquitously present in soil, water, and environment. There are two major groups of Phoma, viz., terrestrial and marine. After 1981 researchers all over the world have focused on marine-derived Phoma for their bioactive compounds. The marine Phoma are very rich sources for novel bioactive secondary metabolites, which could potentially be used as drugs. Recently, a large number of structurally unique metabolites with potential biological and pharmacological activities have been isolated from the marine Phoma species particularly Phoma herbarum, P. sorghina, and P. tropica. These metabolites mainly include diterpenes, enolides, lactones, quinine, phthalate, and anthraquinone. Most of these compounds possess antimicrobial, anticancer, radical scavenging, and cytotoxic properties. The present review has been focused on the general background of Phoma, current approaches used for its identification and their limitations, difference between terrestrial and marine Phoma species. In addition, this review summarizes the novel bioactive compounds derived from marine Phoma and their biological activities.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Phoma complanata,a New Causal Agent of Archangelica officinalis Hoffm. in Poland.

The paper concerns the fungus Phoma complanata, isolated for the first time in Poland, from the roots and umbels of angelica (Archangelica officinalis) in 2009. The morphology of fungal isolates was tested on standard culture media. Moreover, the sequence analysis of ITS regions was conducted. Morphological similarity of P. complanata Polish isolates to the reference isolate obtained from CBS culture collection was determined and together with the molecular analysis confirmed the affiliation of the fungus to the species.

Impaired social cognition processes in Asperger syndrome and anorexia nervosa. In search for endophenotypes of social cognition. / Zaburzenia procesów spolecznego poznania w zespole Aspergera i jadlowstrecie psychicznym. W poszukiwaniu endofenotypów spolecznego poznania.

A growing number of publications indicates presence of significant deficits in social cognition in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). These deficits appear to be comparable in qualitative and quantitative dimension with impairment of the same functions among people with Asperger syndrome (AS). The aim of this study is to identify subject areas in the field of impairment of social cognition processes among people with Asperger syndrome and anorexia nervosa taking into consideration the potential contribution of genetic pathways of oxytocin and vasopressin in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In the first part of the paper a systematic analysis of studies aimed at the evaluation of the processes of social cognition among patients with AN and AS has been carried out. The results of a significant number of studies confirm the presence of deficits in social cognition in AN and AS. In addition, among patients with AN and AS there exists a similar structure and distribution of the brain functions in regions responsible for social cognition. The second part of the paper describes the role of the oxytocin-vasopressin system (OT-AVP) in the processes of social cognition in AN and AS. Its genetic basis and the possible importance of single nucleotide polymorphisms within the genes: OXT, AVP, CD38, OXTR, AVPR1A and LNPEP have also been presented.

[Sense of coherence and ways of coping in the relationship with brother or sister in healthy siblings of mentally ill persons]. / Poczucie koherencji i sposoby radzenia sobie ze stresem w relacji z bratem lub siostra u zdrowego rodzenstwa osób chorych psychicznie.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate sense of coherence in healthy siblings of persons suffering from schizophrenia as well as their ways of coping in the relationship with ill brother or sister. METHODS: 40 healthy brothers and sisters of persons with ICD- 10 diagnosis of F20 to F29 participated in the present study. Orientation to Life Scale (SOC- 29) was used to assess sense of coherence and Ways of Coping with Stress questionnaire (SRSS) was used to examine stress coping strategies. RESULTS: Mean global score of siblings of persons with schizophrenia was 111 points. Subjects used coping strategies focused on problem significantly more often than those focused on emotions. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic work with healthy siblings should focus on strengthening sense of personal competence, development of personal resources and different ways of coping with stress, investigation of emotions that healthy siblings experience in the relationship with ill brother or sister as well as supporting the process of accepting changes in the relationship with the ill sibling.

[Sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with dual diagnosis living in Warsaw district Mokotow in comparison with participants in other European countries--results of the international, multicentre research project ISADORA]. / Profil spoleczno-demograficzny i kliniczny pacjentów z podwójna diagnoza mieszkajacych w warszawskiej dzielnicy mokotów na tle badanych w innych miastach europejskich--wyniki wieloosrodkowego, miedzynarodowego programu badawczego ISADORA.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare socio-demographic and clinical profile of the inpatients with dual diagnosis in Warsaw with the profile of inpatients treated in other European centres. METHOD: 50 patients consecutively admitted in Warsaw were included in the study; total number of patients recruited from 7 European centers was 352. Recruitment was conducted in general inpatient psychiatric departments and specialized dual diagnosis inpatient wards. Data was collected during single interview with the use of M.I.N.I and EuropAsi questionnaires. RESULTS: Both in Warsaw and overall study population males constituted almost 2/3 of the group. Patients in Warsaw were more frequently living with relatives or other close persons as well as remained in intimate relationships in comparison to patients from other study sites. Depression was the most common diagnosis in Warsaw and it was significantly more often found it this center than in Tampere. Moreover, patients in the Warsaw group were significantly less frequently diagnosed with cannabis use disorder and more frequently - with tranquillizers use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The differences among sites regarding socio- demographic and clinical profiles of dual diagnosis patients were due to both socio-cultural factors (e.g. psychoactive substances accessibility) and the research methodology.

Pathogenicity and ultrastructural studies of the mode of penetration by Phoma strasseri in peppermint stems and rhizomes.

Pathogenicity and ultrastructural investigation of the inoculation of peppermint stems and rhizomes with Phoma strasseri conidia was undertaken using scanning and transmission electron microscopy to examine the host-parasite relationship. Pathogenicity experiments demonstrated that all tested P. strasseri isolates had infected the stems and rhizomes of peppermint. Of all inoculation methods, direct placement of colonized agar plugs on damaged epidermis and soaking stems and rhizomes in conidial suspension were the most effective. The behavior of the conidia deposited on the stems and rhizomes was investigated at different time intervals after inoculation: 6, 16, 24, 36 and 48 h. Conidia produced an appressorium directly at the end of a short germ tube. Appressoria were formed over the cuticle, but never over stomata. Direct penetration to host tissue through the cuticle was observed. The spore and hyphae were covered with a mucilaginous sheath.

[Sense of coherence and coping styles among parents of adult children with schizophrenia]. / Poczucie koherencji i style radzenia sobie ze stresem wsród rodziców doroslych dzieci z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii.

AIM: The aim of the research was an answer to the question if sense of coherence correlates with coping styles among parents looking after adult children with schizophrenia. METHODS: 50 parents (38 mothers and 12 fathers) at age 46-84 (mean: 60) were examined. SOC-29 and CISS questionnaires were used to diagnose traits of sense of coherence and coping styles. RESULTS: Coping style focused on problems was the most frequent one in the examined group. Sense of coherence and coping styles correlate among those in the investigated group. CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between sense of coherence and coping styles in the group of parents with adult children with schizophrenia. There is also a view of a statistical carer who is the mother aged about 60 years looking after the son aged 35 years diagnosed with schizophrenia.

[Sexual disorders in schizophrenia--overview of research literature]. / Zaburzenia seksualne w schizofrenii--przeglad badan.

There are relatively few systematic investigations concerning sexual disorders in schizophrenia. In the paper, the most important set of symptoms of sexual disorders in schizophrenia, such as weaker libido, erection and ejaculation disturbances in men, and lubrication and orgasm disturbances in women are described. The lacking of satisfactory partner and sexual relationships is emphasized in the article. In the case of women, the most significant are the problems related to the period of pregnancy, childbirth and care giving. The overview of research literature is focused on differences between females and males in relation to sexual disorders determinants as well as clinical, mental and social effects in the course of schizophrenia.