Mycology

Article Plant Sciences

Multi-locus phylogeny of Bryoria reveals recent diversification and unexpected diversity in section Divaricatae

Leena Myllys, Raquel Pino-Bodas, Saara Velmala, Li-Song Wang, Trevor Goward

Summary: This study used information from six gene regions to examine infrageneric relationships and species delimitation in the genus Bryoria. The results showed that Bryoria section is polyphyletic and section Divaricatae is young and undergoing rapid diversification. The different species delimitation methods gave inconsistent results, highlighting the difficulty of species delimitation in groups with recent and rapid radiation.

LICHENOLOGIST (2023)

Article Agronomy

Development of Molecular Markers to Detect Diaporthe spp. from Decayed Soybean Seeds

Seongho Ahn, Nguyen Thi Diem Thuy

Summary: A sequence-based method using Diaporthe-specific primers was developed to detect Diaporthe-infected soybean seeds at the genetic level, enabling the distribution of healthy soybean seeds.

MYCOBIOLOGY (2023)

Article Dermatology

Hyperthermia is a promising potential adjunct to treating sporotrichosis: A refractory case of HIV sporotrichosis and in vitro experiments on Sporothrix spp.

Yuan-yuan Liu, Yang Song, Meng-qi Guan, Li Yang, Rui-li Chen, Ying Shi, Yan Cui, Shan-Shan Li

Summary: This study suggests that hyperthermia used as an adjunctive therapy may have a clinical role in the treatment of sporotrichosis. It was found to significantly improve the lesions in a patient with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis that did not respond to conventional treatment. In vitro experiments also showed that heat exposure inhibited the growth of Sporothrix spp. and caused noticeable alterations in their ultrastructure. However, larger clinical trials are needed to further examine the utility of hyperthermia in different forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis.

MYCOSES (2023)

Article Agronomy

Diversity of Nigrospora (Xylariales, Apiosporaceae) Species Identified in Korean Macroalgae Including Five Unrecorded Species

Wonjun Lee, Dong-Geon Kim, Rekhani H. Perera, Ji Seon Kim, Yoonhee Cho, Jun Won Lee, Chang Wan Seo, Young Woon Lim

Summary: This study isolated and identified 17 strains of Nigrospora from different types of algae in Korean islands. The occurrence of Nigrospora species in marine environments, as well as the discovery of new species in South Korea, were reported for the first time. This research provides valuable insights for future studies on the role of fungi in macroalgal communities.

MYCOBIOLOGY (2023)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

High nitrogen concentration causes G2/M arrest in Hanseniaspora vineae

Luisa Vivian Schwarz, Fernanda Knaach Sandri, Fernando Scariot, Ana Paula Longaray Delamare, Maria Jose Valera, Francisco Carrau, Sergio Echeverrigaray

Summary: This study investigates the effects of varying nitrogen concentrations on the cell cycle progression of Hanseniaspora vineae. The findings suggest that nitrogen excess disrupts cell cycle progression and induces G2/M arrest in H. vineae after reaching the stationary phase. Additionally, nitrogen excess leads to a decrease in cell viability and various cellular damages.
Article Mycology

Detection and isolation of a new member of Burkholderiaceae-related endofungal bacteria from Saksenaea boninensis sp. nov., a new thermotolerant fungus in Mucorales

Yusuke Takashima, Kohei Yamamoto, Yousuke Degawa, Yong Guo, Tomoyasu Nishizawa, Hiroyuki Ohta, Kazuhiko Narisawa

Summary: In this study, a new thermotolerant mucoralean fungus, named Saksenaea boninensis sp. nov., was discovered, and the presence of Burkholderiaceae-related endobacteria (BRE) in isolates of this species was also found. Phylogenetic analysis of the BRE isolated from Saksenaea boninensis sp. nov. showed significant divergence from known BRE.

IMA FUNGUS (2023)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Carbon efficient production of chemicals with yeasts

Evelyn Vasquez Castro, Golnaz Memari, Oezge Ata, Diethard Mattanovich

Summary: Microbial metabolism offers opportunities for producing chemicals from renewable resources, which can help fight climate change. Yeast species are well suited for this purpose, but low efficiency and carbon loss can hinder the production of certain chemicals. This article discusses the causes of carbon loss, approaches to avoid it, and opportunities to incorporate carbon from CO2.
Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Characterizing a panel of amino acid auxotrophs under auxotrophic starvation conditions

Alisha G. Lewis, Laurin Carmichael, Rebecca Y. Wang, Patrick A. Gibney

Summary: This study evaluated a panel of auxotrophic mutants and found that the survival characteristics, cell cycle progression, glucose wasting, and lifespan of these strains are related to their nutrient deficiency. Furthermore, pleiotropic phenotypes were observed in a subgroup of auxotrophs. It highlights the importance of considering unintended phenotypic effects when using auxotrophic strains in experiments.
Article Dermatology

Fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis complex candidemia and analysis of mutations in the ERG11 gene from Pakistan

Mohammad Zeeshan, Saba Memon, Ayesha Malick, Syed Faheem Naqvi, Joveria Farooqi, Najia Karim Ghanchi, Kauser Jabeen

Summary: This study reported the emergence of fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis species complex strains from Pakistan, with the most common mutation being the Y132F mutation in the ERG11 gene. The findings highlight the need for better diagnostics, newer antifungals, ongoing surveillance, and further understanding of resistance mechanisms in the country.

MYCOSES (2023)

Article Dermatology

Invasive fungal infection incidence and risk factors in patients receiving ibrutinib in real-life settings: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Marion Allouchery, Kevin Brunet, Cecile Tomowiak, Allison Singier, Elodie Pambrun, Antoine Pariente, Julien Bezin, Marie-Christine Perault-Pochat, Francesco Salvo

Summary: This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients treated with ibrutinib. The results showed that allogenic or autologous stem cell transplantation, previous anticancer treatment, chronic respiratory disease, and use of anti-CD20 agents were associated with a higher risk of IFI. Active surveillance of IFIs is recommended for patients with these risk factors.

MYCOSES (2023)

Review Dermatology

Kerion Celsi in infants and children-A narrative review 2010-2023

Anca Chiriac, Adriana Diaconeasa, Cristiana Voicu, Mihaela Ivaniciuc, Raluca Miulescu, Anca E. Chiriac, Pietro Nenoff, Uwe Wollina

Summary: Kerion Celsi is a deep fungal infection of the scalp that mainly affects children aged 3 and older. It is characterized by swelling, pain, alopecia, and purulent secretions. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, examination, and medical history, and is confirmed by microscopy, fungal culture, and molecular procedures. Treatment involves antifungal medication, with surgery being avoided.

MYCOSES (2023)

Article Dermatology

Voriconazole plus flucytosine is not superior to amphotericin B deoxycholate plus flucytosine as an induction regimen for cryptococcal meningitis treatment

Handan Zhao, Yanqiu Lu, Shan Li, Jiangying Qin, Miaomiao Xu, Hui Ye, Zongxing Yang, Jianfeng Rao, Guochun Chen, Feifei Su, Zhiliang Hu, Lijun Xu

Summary: This study compared the efficacy and side effects of voriconazole plus 5-flucytosine (Vori + 5-FC) with amphotericin B deoxycholate plus 5-flucytosine (AmBd + 5-FC) as induction treatment for cryptococcal meningitis. The results showed no significant difference in CSF sterile culture rate and normalization of CSF indicators between the two groups. However, there were differences in the effects on blood indicators.

MYCOSES (2023)

Article Mycology

Dermatophytes and mammalian hair: aspects of the evolution of Arthrodermataceae

Chao Tang, Xin Zhou, Jacques Guillot, Gudrun Wibbelt, Shuwen Deng, Hazal Kandemir, Yvonne Graeser, Peiying Feng, Yingqian Kang, G. Sybren de Hoog

Summary: This study assessed the phylogeny of dermatophytes using EIF2AK4 and SUB1 genes, and found that these genes provide a reasonably correct reflection of the evolution of Arthrodermataceae. The study also analyzed the keratinolytic responses of different dermatophyte species to various mammal hairs.

FUNGAL DIVERSITY (2023)

Article Mycology

Fabrication of mycelium (oyster mushroom)-based composites derived from spent coffee grounds with pineapple fibre reinforcement

Chatchai Kohphaisansombat, Yanisa Jongpipitaporn, Pitak Laoratanakul, Sukon Tantipaibulvut, Jirayut Euanorasetr, Nattawut Rungjindamai, Charuwan Chuaseeharonnachai, Papichaya Kwantong, Sayanh Somrithipol, Nattawut Boonyuen

Summary: This study improves mycelium-based composites (MBCs) sourced from oyster mushroom by combining them with spent coffee grounds and natural pineapple fibers. The proportion of pineapple fibers significantly affects the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of MBCs. MBCs with 10% pineapple fibers exhibit high density and compressive strength, while MBCs with 30% pineapple fibers have superior bending strength, water absorption, swelling, and sound absorption. Additionally, the MBCs made of spent coffee grounds and pineapple fibers show non-combustible properties and recyclability, making them a promising substitute for eco-friendly product creation.

MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY (2023)

Article Agronomy

Neodothiora pruni sp. nov., a Biosurfactant-Producing Ascomycetous Yeast Species Isolated from Flower of Prunus mume

Jeong-Seon Kim, Miran Lee, Jun Heo, Soon-Wo Kwon, Bong-Sik Yun, Yiseul Kim

Summary: A new yeast strain, Neodothiora pruni, was isolated from the flower of Prunus mume in Gwangyang, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics showed that this strain is distinct from closely related species, Neodothiora populina and Rhizosphaera macrospora.

MYCOBIOLOGY (2023)

Article Mycology

Textile residue-based mycelium biocomposites from Pleurotus ostreatus

Rahul Saini, Guneet Kaur, Satinder Kaur Brar

Summary: This study explores the ability of Pleurotus ostreatus to grow on textile residues and form mycelium-based biocomposites. The mycelium acts as a binder between textile fibers and creates a lightweight biocomposite. By varying the mycelium growth, the properties of the biocomposite can be changed. This research paves the way for converting textile waste into biocomposites as alternatives to plastic packaging products.

MYCOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON FUNGAL BIOLOGY (2023)

Article Agronomy

Long-Term Investigation of Marine-Derived Aspergillus Diversity in the Republic of Korea

Jun Won Lee, Wonjun Lee, Rekhani Hansika Perera, Young Woon Lim

Summary: This study investigated the diversity and adaptability of marine-derived Aspergillus species in various marine habitats in Korea. Accurate species identification was conducted, providing a basis for studying the functional role of these species in marine ecosystems.

MYCOBIOLOGY (2023)

Article Mycology

Rapid analysis of insecticidal metabolites from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana 331R using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS

Jong-Cheol Kim, In Min Hwang, Ho Myeong Kim, Seulbi Kim, Teak Su Shin, Soo-Dong Woo, Hae Woong Park

Summary: Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus, produces eight insecticidal metabolites. A rapid analysis method using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS was developed to simultaneously detect and analyze these compounds. The main metabolites identified were bassianolide and beauvericin, indicating their potential as major toxins of B. bassiana.

MYCOTOXIN RESEARCH (2023)

Article Mycology

Leaf-cutter ants - mycorrhizal fungi: observations and research questions from an unexpected mutualism

Michael F. Allen, Hannah Shulman, Philip W. Rundel, Thomas C. Harmon, Emma L. Aronson

Summary: Leaf-cutter ants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have an interaction that promotes the survival of certain plant species. This interaction plays a crucial role in the highly diverse communities of neotropical rainforests.

FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY (2023)

Article Plant Sciences

Byssoloma orientale (Pilocarpaceae, Ascomycota), a new species from East Asia

Kento Miyazawa, Yoshihito Ohmura

Summary: A new species, Byssoloma orientale, is described from East Asia. It is characterized by unique thallus and apothecia morphology, and molecular phylogenetic analysis shows its close relationship with another species of Byssoloma.

LICHENOLOGIST (2023)