Compensatory Base Changes in ITS2 Secondary Structure Alignment, Modelling, and Molecular Phylogeny: An Integrated Approach to Improve Species Delimitation in Tulasnella (Basidiomycota).

BACKGROUND: The delimitation of species of Tulasnella has been extensively studied, mainly at the morphological (sexual and asexual states) and molecular levels-showing ambiguity between them. An integrative species concept that includes characteristics such as molecular, ecology, morphology, and other information is crucial for species delimitation in complex groups such as Tulasnella. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to test evolutionary relationships using a combination of alignment-based and alignment-free distance matrices as an alternative molecular tool to traditional methods, and to consider the secondary structures and CBCs from ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer) sequences for species delimitation in Tulasnella. METHODOLOGY: Three phylogenetic approaches were plotted: (i) alignment-based, (ii) alignment-free, and (iii) a combination of both distance matrices using the DISTATIS and pvclust libraries from an R package. Finally, the secondary structure consensus was modeled by Mfold, and a CBC analysis was obtained to complement the species delimitation using 4Sale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The phylogenetic tree results showed delimited monophyletic clades in Tulasnella spp., where all 142 Tulasnella sequences were divided into two main clades A and B and assigned to seven species (T. asymmetrica, T. andina, T. eichleriana ECU6, T. eichleriana ECU4 T. pinicola, T. violea), supported by bootstrap values from 72% to 100%. From the 2D secondary structure alignment, three types of consensus models with helices and loops were obtained. Thus, T. albida belongs to type I; T. eichleriana, T. tomaculum, and T. violea belong to type II; and T. asymmetrica, T. andina, T. pinicola, and T. spp. (GER) belong to type III; each type contains four to six domains, with nine CBCs among these that corroborate different species.

Generalist arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi dominated heavy metal polluted soils at two artisanal and small - scale gold mining sites in southeastern Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities are producing contamination with heavy metals and metalloids (HMM) into soils and water worldwide. The HMM are considered as one of the major abiotic stresses due to their long-term persistence in soil. In this context, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) confer resistance to a variety of abiotic plant stressors including HMM. However, little is known regarding the diversity and composition of AMF communities in heavy metal polluted sites in Ecuador. METHODS: In order to investigate the AMF diversity, root samples and associated soil of six plant species were collected from two sites polluted by heavy metals, located in Zamora-Chinchipe province, Ecuador. The AMF 18S nrDNA genetic region was analyzed and sequenced, and fungal OTUs were defined based on 99% sequence similarity. Results were contrasted with AMF communities from a natural forest and from reforestation sites located in the same province and with available sequences in GenBank. RESULTS: The main pollutants in soils were Pb, Zn, Hg, Cd and Cu with concentrations exceeding the soil reference value for agricultural use. Molecular phylogeny and OTU delimitation showed 19 OTUs, the family Glomeraceae was the most OTU-rich followed by Archaeosporaceae, Acaulosporaceae, Ambisporaceae and Paraglomeraceae. Most of the OTUs (11 of 19) have been found at other locations worldwide, 14 OTUs were proven from nearby non-contaminated sites in Zamora-Chinchipe. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that there are no specialized OTUs at the studied HMM polluted sites, but rather generalists adapted to a wide variety of habitats. Their potential role in phytoremediation approaches remains to be investigated.

Root associated fungal lineages of a tropical montane forest show contrasting sensitivities to the long-term addition of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Root associated fungal (RAF) communities can exert strong effects on plant communities and are potentially sensitive to shifts in soil fertility. As increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition can alter the nutrient balance in natural ecosystems, we assessed the response of RAF communities to a fertilization experiment deployed on a highly diverse Andean forest. The stand level fine root fraction was sampled after 7 years of systematic N and P additions and RAF communities were characterized by a deep sequencing approach. We expected that fertilization will enhance competition of fungal taxa for limiting nutrients, thus eliciting diversity reductions and alterations in the structure of RAF communities. Fertilization treatments did not reduce RAF richness but affected community composition. At the phylum level fertilization reduced richness exclusively among Glomeromycota. In contrast, N and P additions (alone or in combination) altered the composition of several fungal phyla. The lack of a generalized response to long-term fertilization among RAF lineages suggests that most of these lineages will not be directly and immediately affected by the increasing rates of atmospheric N and P deposition expected for this region by 2050.

Screening of Antibacterial Activity of Some Resupinate Fungi, Reveal Gloeocystidiellum lojanense sp. nov. (Russulales) against E. coli from Ecuador.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious public health problem that needs new antibacterial compounds for control. Fungi, including resupinated fungi, are a potential source to discover new bioactive compounds efficient again to bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The inhibitory capacity against the bacterial species was statistically evaluated. All the species (basidiomata and strains) were molecularly characterized with the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 barcoding marker. The strains Ceraceomyces sp., Fuscoporia sp., Gloeocystidiellum sp., Oliveonia sp., Phanerochaete sp., and Xenasmatella sp. correspond to resupinate Basidiomycetes, and only the strain Hypocrea sp. is an Ascomycete, suggesting contamination to the basidiome of Tulasnella sp. According to the antagonistic test, only the Gloeocystidiellum sp. strain had antibacterial activity against the bacterial species Escherichia coli of clinical interest. Statistically, Gloeocystidiellum sp. was significantly (<0.001) active against two E. coli pathotypes (O157:H7 and ATCC 25922). Contrarily, the antibacterial activity of fungi against other pathotypes of E. coli and other strains such as Serratia sp. was not significant. The antibacterial activity between 48 and 72 h increased according to the measurement of the inhibition halos. Because of this antibacterial activity, Gloeocystidiellum sp. was taxonomically studied in deep combined morphological and molecular characterization (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2; partial LSU D1/D2 of nrDNA). A new species Gloeocystidiellum lojanense, a resupinate and corticioid fungus from a tropical montane rainforest of southern Ecuador, with antibacterial potential against E. coli, is proposed to the science.

Mortalidad de la insuficiencia renal aguda con requerimiento de hemodiálisis en unidades de terapia intensiva / Mortality of acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis in intensive care units

RESUMEN Introducción: La insuficiencia renal aguda en pacientes internados en unidades de terapia intensiva es frecuente y se asocia con alta mortalidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue identificarfactores relacionados con mortalidad en pacientes internados en unidades de terapia intensiva con insuficiencia renal aguda que requirieron tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal.Material y métodos:Se identificaron, en forma retrospectiva, 3.732pacientes internados en unidades de terapia intensiva. El 2,7% presentaron insuficiencia renal aguda con requerimiento de tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal. Se excluyeron pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedad renal crónica con filtrado glomerular menor de 15 ml/m o en diálisis crónica. Resultados:Se analizaron 97 casos, 55% mujeres, mediana de edad 74 años (rango intercuartil: 68-78). Los motivos de insuficiencia renal aguda más frecuentes fueron sepsis (41,2%) y necrosis tubular aguda isquémica (36,1%). El 22,7% eran diabéticos. La mediana de APACHE II fue 23 (rango intercuartil: 19-28). El 75,3% requirió asistencia respiratoria mecánica y el 81,4%, inotrópicos. La mediana de tiempo de internación en unidades de terapia intensiva fue de 8 días (rango intercuartil: 4-11) y la mortalidad fue 58,76%.En el análisis individual, la mortalidad se asoció con asistencia respiratoria mecánica (p<0,0001), el uso de inotrópicos (p<0,0001) y el antecedente deenfermedad renal crónica (p=0.008), pero no se encontró asociación con sexo, edad, APACHE II, diabetes ni otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Modelo multivariable de factores asociados con mortalidad: asistencia respiratoria mecánica (Odds Ratio=14,16; p=0,003), inotrópicos (Odds Ratio=8,73; p=0,07) y enfermedad renal crónica (Odds Ratio=0,27; p=0,020).Conclusiones:Los pacientes con insuficiencia renal agudaque requirieron tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal ingresados a unidades de terapia intensiva presentaron alta mortalidad. El requerimiento de asistencia respiratoria mecánica se asoció con mayor mortalidad, también el uso de inotrópicos, aunque no alcanzó significación estadística en el multivariable. El antecedente de enfermedad renal crónica se asoció con menor mortalidad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute renal failure in patients admitted to intensive care units is common and is associated with high mortality. The aim of the study was to identify factors related to mortality in patients with acute renal failure, hospitalized in intensive care units, who required renal replacement therapy. Methods: We retrospectively identified 3,732 patients admitted to intensive care units; 2.7% had acute renal failure requiring replacement therapy for renal function. Patients with a history of chronic kidney disease with a glomerular filtration rate of less than 15 mL/m or on chronic dialysis were excluded. Results: 97 cases were analyzed, 55% women, median age: 74 years (interquartile range: 68-78). The most frequent reasons for acute renal failure were sepsis (41.2%) and ischemic acute tubular necrosis (36.1%); 22.7% were diabetic. The median APACHE II score was 23 (interquartile range: 19-28). 75.3% required mechanical ventilation and 81.4%, inotropic drugs. Median time of hospitalization in intensive care units was 8 days (interquartile range: 4-11) and the mortality rate was 58.76%. In the individual analysis, mortality was associated with mechanical ventilation (p<0.0001), the use of inotropic drugs (p<0.0001) and a history of chronic kidney disease (p=0.008), but no association was found with sex, age, APACHE II score, diabetes, or other cardiovascular risk factors. Multivariate model of factors associated with mortality: mechanical ventilation (Odds Ratio=14.16; p=0.003), inotropic drugs (Odds Ratio=8.73; p=0.07) and chronic kidney disease (Odds Ratio=0.27; p=0.020). Conclusions: Patients with acute renal failure who required renal replacement therapy and were admitted to intensive care units presented high mortality. The requirement for mechanical ventilation was associated with higher mortality, as was the use of inotropic drugs, although it did not reach statistical significance in the multivariate analysis. A history of chronic kidney disease was associated with lower mortality.

Moderate phosphorus additions consistently affect community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in tropical montane forests in southern Ecuador.

Anthropogenic atmospheric deposition can increase nutrient supply in the most remote ecosystems, potentially affecting soil biodiversity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities rapidly respond to simulated soil eutrophication in tropical forests. Yet the limited spatio-temporal extent of such manipulations, together with the often unrealistically high fertilization rates employed, impedes generalization of such responses. We sequenced mixed root AMF communities within a seven year-long fully factorial nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition experiment, replicated at three tropical montane forests in southern Ecuador with differing environmental characteristics. We hypothesized: strong shifts in community composition and species richness after long-term fertilization, site- and clade-specific responses to N vs P additions depending on local soil fertility and clade life history traits respectively. Fertilization consistently shifted AMF community composition across sites, but only reduced richness of Glomeraceae. Compositional changes were mainly driven by increases in P supply while richness reductions were observed only after combined N and P additions. We conclude that moderate increases of N and P exert a mild but consistent effect on tropical AMF communities. To predict the consequences of these shifts, current results need to be supplemented with experiments that characterize local species-specific AMF functionality.

Isolated Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease of Nasal Septum and Maxilla: Diagnosis and Follow-up With 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic inflammatory condition that can manifest in atypical locations. We present the case of a middle-aged woman presenting with isolated IgG4-RD of left maxilla and nasal septum, confirmed with F-FDG PET/CT. She achieved complete metabolic response with multiple pharmacologic treatment, but 1 year later, she experienced local relapse, and FDG PET/CT found new additional lesions in humeral vasculature and lungs. This case illustrates the usefulness of FDG PET/CT for initial evaluation and monitoring of IgG4-RD with unusual nasomaxillary involvement.

Species composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal communities changes with elevation in the Andes of South Ecuador.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the most prominent mycobionts of plants in the tropics, yet little is known about their diversity, species compositions and factors driving AMF distribution patterns. To investigate whether elevation and associated vegetation type affect species composition, we sampled 646 mycorrhizal samples in locations between 1000 and 4000 m above sea level (masl) in the South of Ecuador. We estimated diversity, distribution and species compositions of AMF by cloning and Sanger sequencing the 18S rDNA (the section between AML1 and AML2) and subsequent derivation of fungal OTUs based on 99% sequence similarity. In addition, we analyzed the phylogenetic structure of the sites by computing the mean pairwise distance (MPD) and the mean nearest taxon difference (MNTD) for each elevation level. It revealed that AMF species compositions at 1000 and 2000 masl differ from 3000 and 4000 masl. Lower elevations (1000 and 2000 masl) were dominated by members of Glomeraceae, whereas Acaulosporaceae were more abundant in higher elevations (3000 and 4000 masl). Ordination of OTUs with respect to study sites revealed a correlation to elevation with a continuous turnover of species from lower to higher elevations. Most of the abundant OTUs are not endemic to South Ecuador. We also found a high proportion of rare OTUs at all elevations: 79-85% of OTUs occurred in less than 5% of the samples. Phylogenetic community analysis indicated clustering and evenness for most elevation levels indicating that both, stochastic processes and habitat filtering are driving factors of AMF community compositions.

Carcinoma basocelular del rostro tratado con HeberFERON / Basal cell carcinoma of the face treated with HeberFERON

RESUMEN Fundamento: El carcinoma basocelular es el cáncer de piel no melanoma más frecuente, es un tumor de invasión local y crecimiento lento; su origen son las células epidérmicas de los folículos pilosos o las células basales de la epidermis; en ocasiones puede sufrir un crecimiento incontrolado, no responder a los tratamientos y ser causa de deformidad; las radiaciones ultravioletas son el principal factor en la génesis de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la aplicación de HeberFERON en una serie de casos con carcinoma basocelular del rostro. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo longitudinal en una serie de 32 casos clínicos de carcinoma basocelular del rostro que acudieron a la consulta de dermatología del Policlínico Centro. Se incluyeron aquellos con diagnóstico clínico, dermatoscópico e histopatológico. Se realizó una evaluación inicial, durante el tratamiento y 16 semanas después del mismo, se le administró 10.5 UI de HeberFERON 3 veces por semana hasta completar 9 dosis. Las variables fueron la respuesta al tratamiento y presencia o no de eventos adversos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, la piel blanca y la localización de la neoplasia en la nariz, se logró respuesta completa en la mayoría de los pacientes. Como eventos adversos se presentaron dolor en el sitio de inyección, fiebre y malestar general. Conclusiones: La respuesta objetiva al tratamiento fue favorable en la mayoría de los pacientes tratados con HeberFERON.

ABSTRACT Background: Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent non-melanoma skin cancer, it is a tumor of local invasion and slow growth; it has its origin from the epidermal cells of the hair follicles or the basal cells of the epidermis; sometimes it can suffer uncontrolled growth, not respond to treatments and cause deformity; ultraviolet radiation is the main factor in the genesis of this disease. Objective: To describe the results of the application of HeberFERON in a series of cases with basal cell carcinoma of the face. Methodology: An observational, longitudinal descriptive study was carried out in a series of 32 clinical cases of basal cell carcinoma of the face that attended the dermatology office of the Polyclinic Center. Those with clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathological diagnosis were included. An initial evaluation was carried out, during the treatment and 16 weeks after it, 10.5 IU of HeberFERON was administered 3 times per week until 9 doses were completed. The variables were the response to treatment and the presence or absence of adverse events. Results: Male sex, white skin and the location of the neoplasm in the nose predominated; a complete response was achieved in most patients. Adverse events presented pain at the injection site, fever and malaise. Conclusions: The objective response to treatment was favorable in the majority of patients treated with HeberFERON.

Carcinoma basocelular del rostro tratado con HeberFERON / Basal cell carcinoma of the face treated with HeberFERON

RESUMEN Fundamento: El carcinoma basocelular es el cáncer de piel no melanoma más frecuente, es un tumor de invasión local y crecimiento lento; su origen son las células epidérmicas de los folículos pilosos o las células basales de la epidermis; en ocasiones puede sufrir un crecimiento incontrolado, no responder a los tratamientos y ser causa de deformidad; las radiaciones ultravioletas son el principal factor en la génesis de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la aplicación de HeberFERON en una serie de casos con carcinoma basocelular del rostro. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo longitudinal en una serie de 32 casos clínicos de carcinoma basocelular del rostro que acudieron a la consulta de dermatología del Policlínico Centro. Se incluyeron aquellos con diagnóstico clínico, dermatoscópico e histopatológico. Se realizó una evaluación inicial, durante el tratamiento y 16 semanas después del mismo, se le administró 10.5 UI de HeberFERON 3 veces por semana hasta completar 9 dosis. Las variables fueron la respuesta al tratamiento y presencia o no de eventos adversos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, la piel blanca y la localización de la neoplasia en la nariz, se logró respuesta completa en la mayoría de los pacientes. Como eventos adversos se presentaron dolor en el sitio de inyección, fiebre y malestar general. Conclusiones: La respuesta objetiva al tratamiento fue favorable en la mayoría de los pacientes tratados con HeberFERON.

ABSTRACT Background: Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent non-melanoma skin cancer, it is a tumor of local invasion and slow growth; it has its origin from the epidermal cells of the hair follicles or the basal cells of the epidermis; sometimes it can suffer uncontrolled growth, not respond to treatments and cause deformity; ultraviolet radiation is the main factor in the genesis of this disease. Objective: To describe the results of the application of HeberFERON in a series of cases with basal cell carcinoma of the face. Methodology: An observational, longitudinal descriptive study was carried out in a series of 32 clinical cases of basal cell carcinoma of the face that attended the dermatology office of the Polyclinic Center. Those with clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathological diagnosis were included. An initial evaluation was carried out, during the treatment and 16 weeks after it, 10.5 IU of HeberFERON was administered 3 times per week until 9 doses were completed. The variables were the response to treatment and the presence or absence of adverse events. Results: Male sex, white skin and the location of the neoplasm in the nose predominated; a complete response was achieved in most patients. Adverse events presented pain at the injection site, fever and malaise. Conclusions: The objective response to treatment was favorable in the majority of patients treated with HeberFERON.

In situ Orchid Seedling-Trap Experiment Shows Few Keystone and Many Randomly Associated Mycorrhizal Fungal Species During Early Plant Colonization.

Orchids are known for their vast diversity and dependency on mycorrhizal fungi. Under in situ conditions, the biotic and abiotic factors determining the composition and distribution of orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) communities remain largely unexplored. Therefore in situ experiments are needed to better understand the interactions between orchids and fungi. A seedling-trap experiment was conducted in the Reserva Biológica San Francisco, a well-known biodiversity hotspot located in the Andes of southern Ecuador. The objective was to investigate the effect of orchid species, site, elevation or temporal variation on the assembly and structure of OMF associated with Cyrtochilum retusum and Epidendrum macrum. The OMF community composition was determined using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. The results exhibited 83 OMF operational taxonomic units belonging to Tulasnellaceae, Ceratobasidiaceae, Serendipitaceae and Atractiellales. It was observed that the composition of the OMF communities was different among orchid species and temporal variation but was not different among sites. The results further support that orchids have a core of keystone OMF that are ubiquitously distributed and stable across temporal change, whereas the majority of these fungi are randomly associated with the plants.

Síndrome de Gorlin Goltz. A propósito de un caso / Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome. Case presentation

RESUMEN Fundamento: El síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz un trastorno hereditario autosómico dominante poco frecuente que se caracteriza por tres anomalías distintivas: predisposición al desarrollo de múltiples neoplasias como el meduloblastoma o el carcinoma basocelular, las depresiones palmoplantares y los quistes odontogénicos de la mandíbula. Objetivo: Describir el caso de una paciente con síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz que representa una situación clínica poco común por su incidencia. Presentación de caso: Paciente femenina de 47 años con síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz que la operaron en varias ocasiones y recibió tratamiento con HeberFERON obteniéndose respuestas completas y parciales al reducir o eliminar el tumor. Conclusiones: El síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz es una enfermedad infrecuente en la práctica médica y no se ha encontrado evidencia suficiente que determine el tratamiento de elección para el manejo del carcinoma basocelular en esta enfermedad, por lo que el HeberFERON puede ser una opción terapéutica en el manejo de estos casos.

ABSTRACT Background: Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome (SGG) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder characterized by three distinctive abnormalities: predisposition to the development of multiple neoplasms such as medulloblastoma or basal cell carcinoma, palmoplantar depressions and odontogenic jaw drops. Objective: To describe a case with the Gorlin-Goltz syndrome that represents a strange clinical situation for its incidence. Case report: A 47 year-old female patient with a Gorlin syndrome who has been operated on several occasions and received treatment with HeberFeron, obtaining complete and partial responses by reducing or eliminating the tumor. Conclusions: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an infrequent disease in medical practice and there is not sufficient evidence to determine the choice treatment for the management of basal cell carcinoma in this disease, so that HeberFERON may be a therapeutic option in the management of these cases.

Síndrome de Gorlin Goltz. A propósito de un caso / Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome. Case presentation

RESUMEN Fundamento: El síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz un trastorno hereditario autosómico dominante poco frecuente que se caracteriza por tres anomalías distintivas: predisposición al desarrollo de múltiples neoplasias como el meduloblastoma o el carcinoma basocelular, las depresiones palmoplantares y los quistes odontogénicos de la mandíbula. Objetivo: Describir el caso de una paciente con síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz que representa una situación clínica poco común por su incidencia. Presentación de caso: Paciente femenina de 47 años con síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz que la operaron en varias ocasiones y recibió tratamiento con HeberFERON obteniéndose respuestas completas y parciales al reducir o eliminar el tumor. Conclusiones: El síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz es una enfermedad infrecuente en la práctica médica y no se ha encontrado evidencia suficiente que determine el tratamiento de elección para el manejo del carcinoma basocelular en esta enfermedad, por lo que el HeberFERON puede ser una opción terapéutica en el manejo de estos casos.

ABSTRACT Background: Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome (SGG) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder characterized by three distinctive abnormalities: predisposition to the development of multiple neoplasms such as medulloblastoma or basal cell carcinoma, palmoplantar depressions and odontogenic jaw drops. Objective: To describe a case with the Gorlin-Goltz syndrome that represents a strange clinical situation for its incidence. Case report: A 47 year-old female patient with a Gorlin syndrome who has been operated on several occasions and received treatment with HeberFeron, obtaining complete and partial responses by reducing or eliminating the tumor. Conclusions: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an infrequent disease in medical practice and there is not sufficient evidence to determine the choice treatment for the management of basal cell carcinoma in this disease, so that HeberFERON may be a therapeutic option in the management of these cases.

Are there keystone mycorrhizal fungi associated to tropical epiphytic orchids?

In epiphytic orchids, distinctive groups of fungi are involved in the symbiotic association. However, little is known about the factors that determine the mycorrhizal community structure. Here, we analyzed the orchid mycorrhizal fungi communities associated with three sympatric Cymbidieae epiphytic tropical orchids (Cyrtochilum flexuosum, Cyrtochilum myanthum, and Maxillaria calantha) at two sites located within the mountain rainforest of southern Ecuador. To characterize these communities at each orchid population, the ITS2 region was analyzed by Illumina MiSeq technology. Fifty-five mycorrhizal fungi operational taxonomic units (OTUs) putatively attributed to members of Serendipitaceae, Ceratobasidiaceae and Tulasnellaceae were identified. Significant differences in mycorrhizal communities were detected between the three sympatric orchid species as well as among sites/populations. Interestingly, some mycorrhizal OTUs overlapped among orchid populations. Our results suggested that populations of studied epiphytic orchids have site-adjusted mycorrhizal communities structured around keystone fungal species. Interaction with multiple mycorrhizal fungi could favor orchid site occurrence and co-existence among several orchid species.

[Clinical manifestations of organizing pneumonia]. / Manifestaciones clínicas de la neumonía en organización.

Organizing pneumonia is a clinical entity asociated with nonspecific symptoms and radiological findings and abnormalities in pulmonary function tests. It is defined by the characteristic histopathological pattern: filling of alveoli and respiratory bronchioles by plugs of granulation tissue. It can be idiopathic (COP) or secondary to other causes (SOP). It is an unusual finding and the clinical and radiographic findings are nonspecific. For specific diagnosis an invasive procedure has to be done, but often empirical treatment is started when there's a clinical suspicion. We describe the clinical characteristics of 13 patients with histological diagnosis of organizing pneumonia. Data was obtained from their medical records. The median age was 76 years and the median time to diagnosis from the onset of symptoms was 31 days. In 10 cases the diagnosis was made by transbronchial biopsy. 8 patients required hospitalization, 4 of them received high doses of steroids and 3 required ventilatory support. One patient died from a cause attributable to this entity and 5 relapsed. Dyspnea, cough and fever were the most frequent symptoms. Most patients had more than one tomographic pattern being the most common ground glass opacities and alveolar consolidation. Nine patients were diagnosed with COP and 4 with SOP. The most frequent underlying cause of SOP was drug toxicity. The clinical characteristics of the reported cases are consistent with previously published series. As an interesting feature, there was a group of patients that needed high doses of steroids and ventilatory support.

Manifestaciones clínicas de la neumonía en organización / Clinical manifestations of organizing pneumonia

La neumonía en organización es una entidad clínica asociada a síntomas y hallazgos radiológicos inespecíficos y anomalías en las pruebas de función pulmonar. El patrón histopatológico característico se define por tapones intra-alveolares de tejido de granulación. Puede presentarse sin una etiología determinada -neumonía en organización criptogénica (COP, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia)- o en otra condición clínica -neumonía en organización secundaria (SOP: secondary organizing pneumonia). Es poco frecuente y las manifestaciones clínico-radiológicas son poco específicas. Para su confirmación se requieren procedimientos invasivos, siendo habitual el tratamiento empírico con esteroides sistémicos ante la sospecha clínica. Se presentan 13 casos con diagnóstico histológico de neumonía en organización describiendo las características clínicas. La mediana de edad fue 76 años y la de tiempo al diagnóstico desde el inicio de los síntomas: 31 días. En 10 casos el diagnóstico fue por biopsia transbronquial (BTB). Ocho pacientes requirieron internación, 4 de ellos recibieron pulsos de esteroides y soporte ventilatorio. Uno falleció por una causa atribuible a la entidad y 5 presentaron recaídas. Disnea, tos y fiebre fueron los síntomas más frecuentes. La mayoría presentó más de un patrón tomográfico, siendo los más habituales vidrio esmerilado y consolidación alveolar. En 9 se realizó el diagnóstico de COP y en 4 de SOP. La causa secundaria en todos los casos fue toxicidad por drogas. Las características clínicas de los casos comunicados son consistentes con las series previamente publicadas. Cabe destacar la necesidad de tratamiento con dosis altas de esteroides y soporte ventilatorio en un grupo de pacientes.

Organizing pneumonia is a clinical entity asociated with nonspecific symptoms and radiological findings and abnormalities in pulmonary function tests. It is defined by the characteristic histopathological pattern: filling of alveoli and respiratory bronchioles by plugs of granulation tissue. It can be idiopathic (COP) or secondary to other causes (SOP). It is an unusual finding and the clinical and radiographic findings are nonspecific. For specific diagnosis an invasive procedure has to be done, but often empirical treatment is started when there’s a clinical suspicion. We describe the clinical characteristics of 13 patients with histological diagnosis of organizing pneumonia. Data was obtained from their medical records. The median age was 76 years and the median time to diagnosis from the onset of symptoms was 31 days. In 10 cases the diagnosis was made by transbronchial biopsy. 8 patients required hospitalization, 4 of them received high doses of steroids and 3 required ventilatory support. One patient died from a cause attributable to this entity and 5 relapsed. Dyspnea, cough and fever were the most frequent symptoms. Most patients had more than one tomographic pattern being the most common ground glass opacities and alveolar consolidation. Nine patients were diagnosed with COP and 4 with SOP. The most frequent underlying cause of SOP was drug toxicity. The clinical characteristics of the reported cases are consistent with previously published series. As an interesting feature, there was a group of patients that needed high doses of steroids and ventilatory support.

Femoroacetabular impingement mimicking avascular osteonecrosis on bone scintigraphy.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a structural abnormality of proximal femur and/or acetabulum. It has been recently described, and there are limited reports in nuclear medicine literature because bone scintigraphy is not listed in its diagnostic protocol, but it should be included on differential diagnosis when evaluating patients, with hip-related symptoms because it may be misinterpreted as degenerative changes or avascular necrosis, and its early treatment avoid progression to osteoarthritis. We describe the case of a male who suffered from hip pain. Bone planar scintigraphic appearance mimicked avascular necrosis, but single photon emission computed tomography (CT) imaging and CT examination confirmed the diagnosis of FAI.

Metabolic Profiling of Alpine and Ecuadorian Lichens.

Non-targeted ¹H-NMR methods were used to determine metabolite profiles from crude extracts of Alpine and Ecuadorian lichens collected from their natural habitats. In control experiments, the robustness of metabolite detection and quantification was estimated using replicate measurements of Stereocaulon alpinum extracts. The deviations in the overall metabolite fingerprints were low when analyzing S. alpinum collections from different locations or during different annual and seasonal periods. In contrast, metabolite profiles observed from extracts of different Alpine and Ecuadorian lichens clearly revealed genus- and species-specific profiles. The discriminating functions determining cluster formation in principle component analysis (PCA) were due to differences in the amounts of genus-specific compounds such as sticticin from the Sticta species, but also in the amounts of ubiquitous metabolites, such as sugar alcohols or trehalose. However, varying concentrations of these metabolites from the same lichen species e.g., due to different environmental conditions appeared of minor relevance for the overall cluster formation in PCA. The metabolic clusters matched phylogenetic analyses using nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of lichen mycobionts, as exemplified for the genus Sticta. It can be concluded that NMR-based non-targeted metabolic profiling is a useful tool in the chemo-taxonomy of lichens. The same approach could also facilitate the discovery of novel lichen metabolites on a rapid and systematical basis.