Integration of Gut Mycobiota and Oxidative Stress to Decipher the Roles of C-Type Lectin Receptors in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with rapidly increased incidence worldwide. Although multiple factors contribute to the occurrence and progression of IBD, the role of intestinal fungal species (gut mycobiota) in regulating the severity of these conditions has been increasingly recognized. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) on hematopoietic cells, including Dectin-1, Dectin-2, Dectin-3, Mincle and DC-SIGN, are a group of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that primarily recognize fungi and mediate defense responses, such as oxidative stress. Recent studies have demonstrated the indispensable role of CLRs in protecting the colon from intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage. METHODS AND RESULTS: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of CLRs in the pathogenesis of IBD. Given the significant impact of mycobiota and oxidative stress in IBD, this review also discusses recent advancements in understanding how these factors exacerbate or ameliorate IBD. Furthermore, the latest developments in CLR-guided IBD therapy are examined to highlight the modulation of CLRs in fungal recognition and oxidative burst during the IBD process. CONCLUSION: This review emphasizes the importance of CLRs in IBD, offering new perspectives on the etiology and therapeutic approaches for this disease.

Comparison of Air Impaction and Electrostatic Dust Collector Sampling Methods to Assess Airborne Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings.

Many ailments can be linked to exposure to indoor airborne fungus. However, obtaining a precise measurement of airborne fungal levels is complicated partly due to indoor air fluctuations and non-standardized techniques. Electrostatic dust collector (EDC) sampling devices have been used to measure a wide range of airborne analytes, including endotoxins, allergens, ß-glucans, and microbial DNA in various indoor environments. In contrast, viable mold contamination has only been assessed in highly contaminated environments such as farms and archive buildings. This study aimed to assess the use of EDCs, compared with repeated air-impactor measurements, to assess airborne viable fungal flora in moderately contaminated indoor environments. Indoor airborne fungal flora was cultured from EDCs and daily air-impaction samples collected in an office building and a daycare center. The quantitative fungal measurements obtained using a single EDC significantly correlated with the cumulative measurement of nine daily air impactions. Both methods enabled the assessment of fungal exposure, although a few differences were observed between the detected fungal species and the relative quantity of each species. EDCs were also used over a 32-month period to monitor indoor airborne fungal flora in a hospital office building, which enabled us to assess the impact of outdoor events (e.g. ground excavations) on the fungal flora levels on the indoor environment. In conclusion, EDC-based measurements provided a relatively accurate profile of the viable airborne flora present during a sampling period. In particular, EDCs provided a more representative assessment of fungal levels compared with single air-impactor sampling. The EDC technique is also simpler than performing repetitive air-impaction measures over the course of several consecutive days. EDC is a versatile tool for collecting airborne samples and was efficient for measuring mold levels in indoor environments.

The Diversity and Floristic Analysis of Rust Diseases in the Sanjiangyuan Forest Plants.

Between 2020 and 2023, rust fungus specimens were collected from the primary forested regions of the Sanjiangyuan area in Qinghai Province, resulting in over 300 samples. A taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the rust fungi from these forests was conducted using morphological and molecular biological techniques. The investigation identified rust fungi from 7 families, 12 genera, 56 species and varieties, including 10 new host records, 1 new record for China, and 2 novel species. The host plants involved belonged to 26 families, 48 genera, and 78 species. Pucciniaceae and Coleosporiaceae were the dominant families, with the genera Puccinia, Melampsora, and Gymnosporangium being prevalent. The rust fungi in the Sanjiangyuan forests showed a biogeographical affinity with the North Temperate Zone. Floristic comparisons revealed a higher similarity with rust fungi from Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Tibet and a lower similarity with those from Hainan. An analysis of the life forms of rust fungus host plants indicated that herbaceous plants were the most common, followed by shrubs and trees. In different regions of Sanjiangyuan, rust fungi were found as follows: Golog Prefecture with 6 families, 9 genera, and 28 species; Yushu Prefecture with 5 families, 8 genera, and 31 species; Huangnan Prefecture with 5 families, 9 genera, and 26 species; and Hainan Prefecture with 4 families, 5 genera, and 10 species. The families Pucciniaceae, Melampsoraceae, and Coleosporiaceae were common across all four regions. Moreover, the families Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, Salicaceae, and Caprifoliaceae were shared among the host plants in these regions.

Microfungal flora of Apis mellifera anatoliaca (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) from the Eastern Black Sea Region and fungal vector capacity in honey bee colonies.

Honey bees have a great economic importance both in Turkey and in the world due to the products they produce and their contribution to pollination. For this reason, many microflora and microbiota studies have been conducted on bees. While these research were primarily focused on pathogen isolation, the ecological roles of non-pathogenic flora members and how they may be used are now being studied more extensively. Considering the importance of pathogens, the number of studies is expected to continue to increase. This study was carried out to determine the microfungal flora of the body surfaces and digestive tracts of dead honey bee (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) and Varroa destructor samples taken from different apiaries in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey (Gümüshane, Trabzon, Artvin and Ordu) in 2022. As a result of the study, a total of 11 different fungal species belonging to the genera Penicillium, Alternaria, Mucor, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Aspergillus and Verticillium were identified and the relationships of these fungi with bees were discussed based on the literature.

Promoted aerobic denitrification through denitrifying fungal communities: Co-occurrence patterns and treatment of low C/N micro-polluted water.

Despite the growing interest in using mixed-culture aerobic denitrifying fungal flora (mixed-CADFF) for water remediation, there is limited research on their nitrogen removal performance in low C/N polluted water bodies. To address this knowledge gap, we isolated three mixed-CADFFs from overlying water in urban lakes to evaluate their removal performance. The total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies were 93.60 %, 94.64 %, and 95.18 %, while the dissolved organic carbon removal efficiencies were 96.64 %, 95.12 %, and 96.70 % for mixed-CADFF LN3, LN7, and LN15, respectively in the denitrification medium under aerobic conditions at 48 h cultivation. The three mixed-CADFFs could utilize diverse types of low molecular weight carbon sources to drive the aerobic denitrification processes efficiently. The optimal C/N ratio for the mixed-CADFFs were C/N = 10, and then C/N = 15, 7, 5, and 2. The high-throughput sequencing analysis of three mixed-CADFFs indicated that Eurotiomycetes, Cystobasidiomycetes, and Sordariomycetes were the dominant class in the communities at class level. The network analysis showed that the rare fungal species, such as Scedosporium dehoogii Saitozyma, and Candida intermedia presented positively co-occurred with the TN removal and organic matter reduction capacity. Immobilization mixed-CADFFs treatment raw water experiments indicated that three mixed-CADFFs could reduce nearly 62.73 % of TN in the low C/N micro-polluted raw water treatment. Moreover, the cell density and cell metabolism indexes were also increased during the raw water treatment. This study will provides new insight into resource utilization of the mixed-culture aerobic denitrifying fungal community in field of environment restoration.

Identification of Fungi Isolated from Oral Cavity of Patients with HIV Using MALDI-TOF MS.

BACKGROUND: A growing incidence of invasive fungal infections, especially among immunocompromised patients, has given increased significance to microbiological diagnostics of yeast-like fungi. More accurate and faster fungi identification methods that can compete with classical methods are being searched for. In this paper, classical microbiological methods are compared to MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). METHODS: The diagnostic material was collected from buccal mucosa from 98 adults, including 69 with HIV. Only positive cultures were included in the study. RESULTS: Matching results were obtained in 45 samples, and there were nonmatching results in 35 samples, with the majority of these in the study group, constituting 50% of identifications within this group. A particularly common mistake resulting from the use of classical methods is the false identification of C. dubliniensis as C. albicans. Additionally, C. tropicalis proves to be difficult to identify. CONCLUSIONS: Our results and literature data suggest that MALDI-TOF MS should be considered an effective alternative to classical methods in terms of fungi identification, especially among HIV-positive patients, due to the different morphology of fungal colonies.

[Floral composition and ecological distribution of wood-decaying fungi in Laojunshan National Park, Southwest China]. / ä¸½æ±Ÿè€å›å±±å›½å®¶å ¬å›­æœ¨è çœŸèŒåŒºç³»ç»„æˆä¸Žåˆ†å¸ƒç‰¹å¾.

Wood-decaying fungi are important components of forest ecosystem, mainly growing on the dead wood and decomposing lignin, cellulose, and hemi-cellulose. Understanding the ecological distribution of wood-decaying fungi are necessary to reveal their ecological function. In this study, we investigated wood-decaying fungi at three sites with different altitudes in Laojunshan National Park. Fruit bodies of fungi were collected and identified based on morphological and molecular analy-sis. In total 68 species were recorded, belonging to 40 genera, 21 families and 8 orders. Polyporaceae, Fomitopsidaceae, and Hymenochaetaceae were dominant families. The floral composition showed a distinct north temperate character, which was the most important element among all the bio-geographical elements with the highest percentage of 38.2%. These wood-decaying fungi can be divided into two ecological types: saprophytic (63 species) and ectomycohizal (5 species). Among these saprophytic fungi, 51 species could cause white rot and 12 species cause brown rot. The amounts of fungal species in deciduous broad-leaf forest (DBF), coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest (CBMF) and dark coniferous forest (DCF) were 34, 26 and 22, respectively. Postia fragilis and Stereum hirsutum, distributed in all the three types of forests, were dominant species of Laojunshan National Park.

Pathogenic Fungal Species Associated with Digestive System of Periplaneta americana (Blattaria: Blattidae) Trapped from Residential Dwellings in Ahvaz City, Southwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Cockroaches are the most prevalent domestic pests of a worldwide distribution. They were recognized as possible vectors of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites in residential dwellings and hospital environments. The present study isolated and identified yeasts and filamentous fungi from digestive tract of American cockroaches, collected from three different residential regions of Iran. METHODS: Seventy cockroaches were sampled using direct collection (hand catch), vacuum cleaner and sticky traps in Ahvaz, Iran in 2009-2010. Their medically important fungal microorganisms were isolated from digestive tract using standard mycological methods. Filamentous fungi were identified by macroscopic and microscopic examination. Yeasts were identified by API ID32C-32100 kit. RESULTS: A high percentage of cockroaches (88.6%) were detected to carry fungi of medical importance. Overall, 23 fungi species/genera were isolated from the American cockroaches' alimentary tract. The fungi isolated from cockroaches, from the residential regions were species of Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Mucorales, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Mycelia, Chrysosporium, Candida, Rhodotorula, Zygosaccharomyces, and Debaryomyces. Candida spp. (41.4%), Aspergillus spp. (37.1%) and Rhodotorula spp (27.1%) were the most common fungi recovered on cockroaches. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were the commonest species of the genus Candida. In addition, Aspergillus niger and A. flavus were the most frequent species of the genus Aspergillus. CONCLUSION: American cockroaches may carry pathogenic fungi in the urban areas of Ahvaz.

Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in clinically normal sheep.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to identify conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in clinically normal sheep. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Tuscany. PARTICIPANTS: 100 eyes from 50 adult Massese female sheep were examined. The sheep included in the study were considered free of anterior ophthalmic abnormalities. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Bacteria were identified by morphological assessment, Gram staining, biochemical tests. Identification of filamentous fungi was achieved at the genus level, and Aspergillus species were identified based on keys provided by other authors. Yeast colonies were highlighted, but not identified. RESULTS: Positive cultures were obtained from 100/100 eyes for bacteria, and from 86/100 eyes for fungi. A total of 14 types of bacteria and 5 types of fungi were isolated. Yeasts were isolated from 13/100 eyes. The most frequent fungal isolates were saprophytic fungi. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora of clinically normal eyes were reported in sheep. The positivity obtained for conjunctival bacteria was higher compared to findings in the literature by other authors in the same species (100 per cent v 40 per cent), while our results were in line with a recent work performed on mouflons (Ovis Musimon) with a 100 per cent positivity for bacterial conjunctival fornix. In our survey, Gram-positive species were prevalent, as reported by other authors in different species. Few data are available in the literature regarding conjunctival fungal flora in healthy small ruminants. The prevalence of conjunctival fungal flora in this study was higher than findings reported in mouflons (86 per cent v 45 per cent). Differences in fungal prevalence may be due to different methods of managing herds, though further studies are required to verify this hypothesis. The similarities in bacterial and fungal isolates between sheep and mouflons suggest a genera pattern of conjunctival colonisation by bacteria and fungi.

Conjunctival and cutaneous fungal flora in clinically normal dogs in southern France.

The objectives of the present study were to describe the fungal flora of the conjunctiva in clinically normal dogs in southern France and to compare the fungal flora from the conjunctiva and that from adjacent skin areas (medial canthus and nose). Fifty dogs aged from 5 months to 13 years were investigated for conjunctival fungal flora. Specimens were obtained from both conjunctivae and the skin of the medial canthus and from the surface of the nose using sterile cotton-wool swabs and a piece of sterile carpet, respectively. Identification of fungal colonies was achieved recording the genus level on the basis of macro- and microscopic features. Fourteen fungal genera (most frequently Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus) were isolated from the conjunctival fornix of 7 dogs (14%). There was no significant effect of sex or age on frequency of fungal isolation. Eleven dogs (22%) had a positive mycological culture from at least one eye. Fungi found in the conjunctival fornix of dogs might represent transient seeding from the environment, as suspected in other animal species. The presence of conjunctival fungal organisms was correlated to the presence of fungi on the skin.

Ocular fungal flora from healthy horses in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out in order to isolate and identify the normal conjunctival fungal flora from Caspian miniature, Thoroughbred, Turkmen and Persian Arab breeds in Tehran, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seventy-two adult healthy horses were studied. Ocular samples were collected from right and left eyes by using sterile cotton swabs; samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at 30°C for 7-10 days. Molds and yeasts were identified using macro and micro-morphological and physiological characteristics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Number of fungal colonies per eye varied between 0 and 123 colony forming units (CFUs). The most predominant fungal isolates were Aspergillus (19.9%), Rhizopus (15.9%) and Penicillium (15.1%). No significant differences were observed between types of eye fungal floras in different breeds. Caspian miniature horses had significantly the highest number of fungal isolates in compare with other breeds (P<0.001), however no significant difference was observed among other breeds under study. The fungal isolates were almost the same as with studies performed in other countries, although differences in species isolated could be related to geographic and climate difference.

A checklist of the basidiomycetous macrofungi and a record of five new species from mt. Oseo in Korea.

Basidiomycetous macrofungi play important roles in maintaining forest ecosystems via carbon cycling and the mobilization of nitrogen and phosphorus. To understand the impact of human activity on macrofungi, an ongoing project at the Korea National Arboretum is focused on surveying the macrofungi in unexploited areas. Mt. Oseo was targeted in this survey because the number of visitors to this destination has been steadily increasing, and management and conservation plans for this destination are urgently required. Through 5 field surveys of Mt. Oseo from April to October 2012, 116 specimens of basidiomycetous macrofungi were collected and classified. The specimens were identified to the species level by analyzing their morphological characteristics and their DNA sequence data. A total of 80 species belonging to 57 genera and 25 families were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify five of these species-Artomyces microsporus, Hymenopellis raphanipes, Pholiota abietis, Phylloporus brunneiceps, and Sirobasidium magnum-in Korea.

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.

Study on Fungal Flora in the Midgut of the Larva and Adult of the Different Populations of the Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi.

BACKGROUND: Many microorganisms in midgut of mosquito challenge with their host and also other pathogens present in midgut. The aim of this study was presence of non-pathogens microorganisms like fungal flora which may be crucial on interaction between vectors and pathogens. METHODS: Different populations of Anopheles stephensi were reared in insectary and objected to determine fungal flora in their midguts. The midgut paunch of mosquito adults and larvae as well as breading water and larval food samples transferred on Subaru-dextrose agar, in order to detect the environment fungus. RESULTS: Although four fungi, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Geotrichum and Sacharomyces were found in the food and water, but only Aspiragilus observed in the midgut of larvae. No fungus was found in the midgut of adults. This is the first report on fungal flora in the midgut of the adults and larvae of An. stephensi and possible stadial transmission of fungi from immature stages to adults. CONCLUSION: The midgut environment of adults is not compatible for survivorship of fungi but the larval midgut may contain few fungi as a host or even pathogen.

A Checklist of the Basidiomycetous Macrofungi and a Record of Five New Species from Mt. Oseo in Korea

Basidiomycetous macrofungi play important roles in maintaining forest ecosystems via carbon cycling and the mobilization of nitrogen and phosphorus. To understand the impact of human activity on macrofungi, an ongoing project at the Korea National Arboretum is focused on surveying the macrofungi in unexploited areas. Mt. Oseo was targeted in this survey because the number of visitors to this destination has been steadily increasing, and management and conservation plans for this destination are urgently required. Through 5 field surveys of Mt. Oseo from April to October 2012, 116 specimens of basidiomycetous macrofungi were collected and classified. The specimens were identified to the species level by analyzing their morphological characteristics and their DNA sequence data. A total of 80 species belonging to 57 genera and 25 families were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify five of these species-Artomyces microsporus, Hymenopellis raphanipes, Pholiota abietis, Phylloporus brunneiceps, and Sirobasidium magnum-in Korea.

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.

Identificacion de flora fúngica en una empresa procesadora de alimentos del estado Carabobo / Identification of fungal flora in a food precessing company in the state of Carabobo

Los hongos se encuentran difundidos en el medio ambiente y son contaminantes frecuentes de los alimentos, siendo éste, el medio más fácil y rápido de transporte. Sus efectos nocivos dependerán de las condiciones externas que se brinden para que ellos puedan producir toxinas que afecten la salud del consumidor y el deterioro de los productos finales. El objetivo fue la identificación de la flora fúngica que pudiese estar presente en una empresa procesadora de alimento. La muestra estuvo constituida por áreas y superficies de interés para la empresa: áreas de empaque, rodillos de secado, piso 1, piso 2, piso 3 y la azotea, ubicada en el estado Carabobo, Venezuela. Se tomaron un total de 19 hisopados, para ser sembrados en agar Sabouraud y 49 placas empleando la técnica de sedimentación con el mismo agar, posteriormente fueron contabilizadas las UFC/mm3. Para la identificación por género y especie de los microorganismos se emplearon diferentes métodos y técnicas como: Cinta Adhesiva Transparente, Tubo Germinativo, Microcultivos y Pruebas API 20C. Los resultados obtenidos arrojaron que el mayor número de UFC/mm3 aisladas correspondieron a Cladiosporum oxysporum, Aspergillus níger, Rhizopus Spp y a Cándida albicans

Fungi are found spread throughout the environment and are frequent contaminants of food, since this is the fastest and easiest means for transport. Their injurious effects depend on the external conditions provided so that they can produce toxins affecting the health of the consumer and deterioration of the end products. The objective of this study was to identify the fungal flora that could be present in a food processing company. The sample consisted of areas and surfaces of interest to the company: packing areas, drying rollers, floor 1, floor 2, floor 3 and the roof, located in the state of Carabobo, Venezuela. A total of 19 swabs were taken, which were sown in Sabouraud agar and 49 plates, using the sedimentation technique with the same agar; later, the UFC/mm3 were counted. For identification of the microorganisms by genre and species, different methods and techniques were used, such as: transparent sticky tape, germinating tubes, microcultures and* API 20C tests. Results indicated that the greatest number of UFC/mm3 isolates corresponded to Cladiosporum oxysporum, Aspergillus níger, Rhizopus Spp and Cándida albicans

Control of root-rot diseases of Phaseolus vulgaris using gliotoxin

Effect of the antifungal antibiotic gliotoxin on root-rot diseases caused by Fusarium solani and its influence on population of fungal flora in soil were investigated. Bean seeds were treated with different concentrations of gliotoxin before sowing. The results obtained from the green house application of bioagent indicated that soaking seeds in different concentrations of gliotoxin from 1μg/mL to 15μg/mL (for 60 minutes) significantly reduced the percentage of damping off and root rot as compared with control (pathogen only). Also 10μg/mL of gliotoxin was significantly decreased the population of fungal flora as compared with control.