Acute Kidney Injury Resulting from Amanita neoovoidea Intoxication

No abstract available.

Molecular Taxonomical Re-classification of the Genus Suillus Micheli ex S. F. Gray in South Korea

The fungal genus Suillus Micheli ex S. F. Gray plays important roles in the survival and growth of plant seedlings. Humans have utilized these ectomycorrhizal fungi to enhance the nutrient uptake and defense systems of plants, particularly in the reforestation of coniferous forests. The genus Suillus is easily distinguishable by its distinctive morphological features, although the morphology of the fruiting body does not facilitate reliable interspecies discrimination. On the basis of micro-morphological features and internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis, we found that 51 of 117 Korean Suillus specimens had initially been misidentified. The list of the 12 Suillus species previously recorded in Korea was re-evaluated and revised to only eight distinct species: S. americanus, S. bovinus, S. granulatus, S. grevillei, S. luteus, S. pictus, S. placidus, and S. viscidus. We provide taxonomical descriptions for six of these species from the sample specimens.

A Case of Podostroma Cornu-Damae Intoxication Similar to Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

The clinical aspects of intoxication can be similar to those of drug hypersensitivity syndrome, including desquamation, hematologic abnormalities, multiple organ failure, and even death. Many people consume mushrooms that they collect in the mountains, and consequently, the incidence of poisonous mushroom intoxication is increasing. Podostroma cornu-damae is a poisonous mushroom not well-known to the public that contains trichothecene, a deadly poison. It is difficult to differentiate P. cornu-damae from other edible mushrooms, especially young Ganoderma lucidum. Therefore, the general public should be aware of the dangers of indiscreet ingestion of mushrooms. When physicians treat patients presenting clinical symptoms similar to those of drug hypersensitivity reaction following the intake of mushrooms, poisonous mushroom intoxication must be taken into consideration. We report this case together with a literature review, as we experienced one P. cornu-damae intoxication case showing similar clinical aspects to drug hypersensitivity syndrome.

An Elderly Man with Fatal Respiratory Failure after Eating a Poisonous Mushroom Podostroma cornu-damae / 결핵및호흡기질환

A 73-year-old, previously healthy man presented with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth and febrile sensation 3 hours after eating boiled wild mushrooms. After admission, he showed progressive severe respiratory distress, pancytopenia, azotemia, hypotension, hypoxemia and consolidation of the entire left lung on chest radiography. With a preliminary diagnosis of necrotizing pneumonia, he underwent left pneumonectomy in order to remove all necrotic lung tissue. Lung histology showed extensive hemorrhagic necrosis, massive inflammatory cell infiltration, prominent proliferation of young fibroblasts and the formation of an early-stage hyaline membrane along the alveolar wall. Despite aggressive treatment, including mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy and administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor and broad spectrum antibiotics, he died on hospitalization day 13. Subsequently, the mushroom was identified as Podostroma cornu-damae. This is the first case of a histological evidence of lung involvement by Podostroma cornu-damae poisoning in Korea.

Two Cases of Mushroom Poisoning by Podostroma Cornu-Damae

Podostroma cornu-damae is a rare fungus that houses a fatal toxin in its fruit body. In this case report, two patients collected and boiled the wild fungus in water, which they drank for one month. One patient died, presenting with desquamation of the palms and soles, pancytopenia, severe sepsis and multiple organ failure. The other patient recovered after one month of conservative care after admission. We found a piece of Podostroma cornu-damae in the remaining clusters of mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning by Podostroma cornu-damae has never been previously reported in Korea.

Delimitation of Russula Subgenus Amoenula in Korea Using Three Molecular Markers

Distinguishing individual Russula species has been difficult due to extensive phenotypic plasticity and obscure morphological and anatomical discontinuities. Due to highly similar macroscopic features, such as the presence of a red-cap, species identification within the Russula subgenus Amoenula is particularly difficult. Three species of the subgenus Amoneula have been reported in Korea. We used a combination of morphology and three molecular markers, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU), and RNA polymerase II gene (RPB2), for identification and study of the genetic diversity of Russula subgenus Amoenula in Korea. We identified only two species in Korea (R. mariae and R. violeipes); these two species were indistinguishable according to morphology and LSU, but were found to be reciprocally monophyletic species using ITS and RPB2. The markers, ITS, LSU, and RPB2, have been tested in the past for use as DNA barcoding markers, and findings of our study suggest that ITS and RPB2 had the best performance for the Russula subgenus Amoneula.

Mushrooms Collected from Deogyu Mountain, Muju, Korea and Their Antioxidant Activity

Mushrooms collected from Deogyu mountain, Korea, in 2011, were identified as four classes, four orders, 13 families, 22 genera, and 33 species. In particular, agaricales was most abundant and comprised more than 70%. Their antioxidant activities were estimated using three different bioassay methods, the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and reducing power assay. As a result, the methanol extracts of Stereum ostrea, Laetiporus sulphureus var. miniatus, and Tyromyces sambuceus exhibited potent antioxidant activity in all bioassays tested.

Neuraminidase Inhibitors from the Culture Broth of Phellinus linteus

During the search for neuraminidase inhibitors from medicinal fungi, we found that the culture broth of Phellinus linteus exhibited potent inhibitory activity. Solvent partition, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed for purification of two active substances from the culture broth. According to 1H NMR measurements and comparison of HPLC retention times with those of authentic compounds, their chemical structures were identified as hispidin and hypholomine B. Compounds (hispidin) 1 and 2 (hypholomine B) inhibited neuraminidase, with IC50 values of 13.1 and 0.03 microM, respectively.

Species Belonging to Genus Protodaedalea in Korea

One rare and interesting species collected from Seorak-san, Inje-gun; Yeonyeop-san, Hongcheon-gun; Daeam-san, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do; Pocheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do; Songni-san, Boeun-gun; Joryeong-san, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do and Sobaeksan, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do is described and illustrated in detail. The species "Protodaedalea hispida Imazeki" and genus "Protodaedalea Iamzeki" has not been previously recorded in Korean fungal flora. The specimens have been deposited in the Herbarium Conservation Center of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Tectella patellaris from Korea

One rare and interesting species collected from Gyeryong-san, Chungnam Province is described and illustrated in detail. The species "Tectella patellaris (Fr.) Murr." and genus "Tectella Earle" is a first record for Korean fungal flora. Specimens cited here have been deposited in the Herbarium Conservation Center of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Notes on Some New Species of Psathyrella

This study contains descriptions and illustrations of three new and noteworthy taxa of the genus Psathyrella from Korea. Among them, Psathyrella pervelatoid, P. koreana, and P. utriformcystis are new to science. All collections cited here are deposited in the Herbarium Conservation Center of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Culture Conditions for Mycelial Growth of Coriolus versicolor

Coriolus versicolor, is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms due its various biologically active components. This study was conducted to obtain basic information regarding the mycelial culture conditions of C. versicolor. Based on the culture, and MCM media were suitable for the mycelial growth of the mushroom. The optimum carbon and nitrogen sources were dextrin and yeast extract, respectively, and the optimum C/N ratio was 10 to 2 when 2% glucose was used. Other minor components required for optimal growth included thiamine-HCl and biotin as vitamins, succinic acid, lactic acid and citric acid as organic acids, as well as MgSO4.7H2O as mineral salts.

Occurrence of Dumontinia tuberosa in Korea

Thirty-seven single spore isolates were obtained from specimens of ascomycetous fruiting bodies collected from Mt. Suri, Anyang in Korea. The fungal specimens and isolates were identified as Dumontinia tuberosa based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. This is the first record of this fungus occurring in Korea.

Chemical Constituents of the Fruiting Body of Xylaria polymorpha

Xylaria, belonging to the Ascomycotina, is known to produce diverse classes of bioactive substances. In an effort to identify the chemical constituents of the fruiting bodies of Xylaria polymorpha, linoleic acid (1), linoleic acid methyl ester (2), ergosterol (3), 4-acetyl-3,4-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-1H-2-benzopyran-1-one (4), and 4-hydroxyscytalone (5) were isolated from its methanolic extract. Their structures were assigned on the basis of various spectroscopic studies.

New Species of Agaricales

Clitocybe alboinfundibulliforme sp. nov. is widely distributed in Korea. Volvariella koreana sp. nov. is rarely distributed in Korea. These taxa were occasionally found together at the same place. Both of these species seem to be associated with each other. These two species are fully described and illustrated in this paper.

New Record of the Genus Calyptella from Korea

Calyptella capula is reported for the first time in Korea. It was found in spring in Chungcheongbuk-do, central Korea, growing in a dead stalk of Sesamum indicum. A description and molecular phylogenetic analyses are reported.

Screening of Biodegradable Function of Indigenous Ligno-degrading Mushroom Using Dyes

The process of biodegradation in lingo-cellulosic materials is critically relevant to biospheric carbon. The study of this natural process has largely involved laboratory investigations, focused primarily on the biodegradation and recycling of agricultural by-products, generally using basidiomycetes species. In order to collect super white rot fungi and evaluate its ability to degrade lingo-cellulosic material, 35 fungal strains, collected from forests, humus soil, livestock manure, and dead trees, were screened for enzyme activities and their potential to decolorize the commercially used Poly-R 478 dye. In the laccase enzymatic analysis chemical test, 33 white rot fungi and 2 brown rot fungi were identified. The degradation ability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) according to the utilized environmental conditions was higher in the mushrooms grown in dead trees and fallen leaves than in the mushrooms grown in humus soil and livestock manure. Using Poly-R 478 dye to assess the PAH-degradation activity of the identified strains, four strains, including Agrocybe pediades, were selected. The activities of laccase, MnP, and Lip of the four strains with PAH-degrading ability were highest in Pleurotus incarnates. 87 fungal strains, collected from forests, humus soil, livestock manure, and dead trees, were screened for enzyme activities and their potential to decolorize the commercially used Poly-R 478 dye on solid media. Using Poly-R 478 dye to assess the PAHdegrading activity of the identified strains, it was determined that MKACC 51632 and 52492 strains evidenced superior activity in static and shaken liquid cultures. Subsequent screening on plates containing the polymeric dye poly R-478, the decolorization of which is correlated with lignin degradation, resulted in the selection of a strain of Coriolus versicolor, MKACC52492, for further study, primarily due to its rapid growth rate and profound ability to decolorize poly R-478 on solid media. Considering our findings using Poly-R 478 dye to evaluate the PAH-degrading activity of the identified strains, Coriolus versicolor, MKACC 52492 was selected as a favorable strain. Coriolus versicolor, which was collected from Mt. Yeogi in Suwon, was studied for the production of the lignin-modifying enzymes laccase, manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP), and lignin peroxidase (LiP).

Culture Conditions for the Mycelial Growth of Ganoderma applanatum

Ganoderma applanatum is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms due to the various biologically active components it produces. This study was conducted to obtain basic information regarding the mycelial culture conditions of Ganoderma applanatum. Based on the colony diameter and mycelial density, PDA, YMA and MCM media were suitable for the mycelial growth of the mushroom. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth was found to be 25~30degrees C. The optimum carbon and nitrogen sources were mannose and dextrin, respectively, and the optimum C/N ratio was 2 to 10 when 2% glucose was used. Other minor components required for the optimal growth included thiamine-HCl and biotin as vitamins, succinic acid and lactic acid as organic acids, and MgSO4.7H2O, KH2PO4 and NaCl as mineral salts.

Chemical Constituents of the Fruiting Bodies of Clitocybe nebularis and Their Antifungal Activity

During a continuing search for antimicrobial substances from Korean native wild mushroom extracts, we found that the methanolic extract of the fruiting body of Clitocybe nebularis exhibited mild antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi. Therefore we evaluated the antifungal substances and other chemical components of the fruiting body of Clitocybe nebularis, which led to the isolation of nebularine, phenylacetic acid, purine, uridine, adenine, uracil, benzoic acid, and mannitol. Nebularine showed mild antifungal activity against Magnaphorthe grisea and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and phenylacetic acid potently inhibited the growth of Pythium ultiumand displayed moderate antifungal activity against Magnaphorthe grisea, Botrytis cinerea, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The other isolated compounds showed no antimicrobial activity.

In Vitro Antagonistic Characteristics of Bacilli Isolates against Trichoderma spp. and Three Species of Mushrooms

Twenty isolates of Bacillus species obtained from livestock manure composts and cotton-waste composts were tested for their antagonistic effects in vitro against three green mold pathogens of mushrooms (Trichoderma harzianum, T. koningii, and T. viridescens). However, there exists a possibility Bacillus species may have antagonistic effects against mushrooms themselves, and thus the same 20 isolates were tested in vitro against three species of mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes, Lentinus edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus). Of the 20 Bacillus species isolates tested, two inhibited mycelial growth of T. harzianum, seven that of T. koningii, and eight that of T. viridescens. Importantly, the bacterial isolates M27 and RM29 strongly inhibited mycelial growth of all the Trichoderma spp. isolates tested. The isolate M27 was subsequently identified as the most effective in inhibiting mycelial growth of all the Trichoderma species. Interesting results of the effect Bacillus isolates had upon the mushroom species followed. It was found that most Bacillus isolates except 5T33 at least somewhat inhibited mycelial growth of the three mushroom species or some of the mushrooms. Furhermore, the antagonistic effects of the bacterial isolates against the three species of mushrooms varied depending on the mushroom species, suggesting a role for mushroom type in the mechanism of inhibition. The bacterial isolates M27 and RM29 were identified as having the most antagonistic activity, inhibiting mycelial growth of all the Trichoderma spp. as well as mycelial growth of the three species of mushrooms. These results suggest that the bacterial isolates and their antagonistic effects on green mold pathogens should be further studied for their practical use for biological control of green mold in the growing room of the mushrooms.