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Frontiers in Microbiology 2024The resource recovery and reuse of precious metal-laden wastewater is widely recognized as crucial for sustainable development. Superalloy electrolytes, produced through...
The resource recovery and reuse of precious metal-laden wastewater is widely recognized as crucial for sustainable development. Superalloy electrolytes, produced through the electrolysis of superalloy scrap, contain significant quantities of precious metal ions, thereby possessing substantial potential for recovery value. This study first explores the feasibility of utilizing fungi to treat Superalloy electrolytes. Five fungi resistant to high concentrations of heavy metals in electrolytes (mainly containing Co, Cr, Mo, Re, and Ni) were screened from the soil of a mining area to evaluate their adsorption characteristics. All five fungi were identified by ITS sequencing, and among them, showed the best adsorption performance for the five heavy metals; therefore, we conducted further research on its adsorption characteristics. The best adsorption effect of Co, Cr, Mo, Re, and Ni was 37.09, 64.41, 47.87, 41.59, and 25.38%, respectively, under the conditions of pH 5, time 1 h, dosage 26.67 g/L, temperature 25-30°C, and an initial metal concentration that was diluted fivefold in the electrolyte. The biosorption of Co, Mo, Re, and Ni was better matched by the Langmuir model than by the Freundlich model, while Cr displayed the opposite pattern, showing that the adsorption process of for the five heavy metals is not a single adsorption mechanism, but may involve a multi-step adsorption process. The kinetics study showed that the quasi-second-order model fitted better than the quasi-first-order model, indicating that chemical adsorption was the main adsorption process of the five heavy metals in . Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the relevant active groups, i.e., hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH), amide (- CONH), carbonyl (-C = O), carboxyl (-COOH), and phosphate (PO), participated in the adsorption process. This study emphasized the potential application of in the treatment of industrial wastewater with extremely complex background values.
PubMed: 38591027
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1371877 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Apr 2024Paecilomyces species are rare fungi that are resistant to standard treatment and have increasing clinical relevance. The Purpureocillium lilacinum, formerly known as...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Paecilomyces species are rare fungi that are resistant to standard treatment and have increasing clinical relevance. The Purpureocillium lilacinum, formerly known as Paecilomyces lilacinus, has a unique sensitivity for the corneal surface. However, only a few cases have been documented globally. This case report presents the successful management of a patient with Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis with topical voriconazole and oral itraconazole.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 40-year-old woman came to our ophthalmology clinic complaining of right eye pain due to a severe corneal infection in her right eye. Corneal scraping and identification of the cultured pathogen were performed, which revealed Paecilomyces lilacinus. The corneal infection improved after being treated with hourly topical voriconazole (10 mg/ml) and oral traconozole.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Paecilomyces/Purpureocillium keratitis, which accounts for 5% of keratomycosis cases in tropical and subtropical areas, is extremely rare. It does not respond well to conventional antifungal treatment and frequently requires therapeutic surgery. Risk factors include wearing contact lenses, ocular trauma, ocular surgery, corticosteroids, and intraocular lens implantation.
CONCLUSION
For the treatment of Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis that is unresponsive to conventional antifungal medications, voriconazole may be helpful. Early organism detection and the appropriate therapy are necessary for the management of keratitis.
PubMed: 38576982
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001925 -
Heliyon Apr 2024The water quality in Karachi (Pakistan) is uncertain due to the occurrence of fungi and other microorganisms. A total of twenty-five water samples were collected from...
The water quality in Karachi (Pakistan) is uncertain due to the occurrence of fungi and other microorganisms. A total of twenty-five water samples were collected from public places, educational institutes, hospitals, water supply systems and surface water of the canal of Karachi (Pakistan). The different fungal species including sp., , sp., Fusarium sp., sp., , sp. , sp. and sp. were isolated from these drinking water samples. However, the bacteria, microalgae and some other microorganisms were present in low concentrations. The reason for fungi infection and production of mycotoxicity depends upon various factors and the availability of their nutrients in filtration plants. The major threats to human health are fungal mycotoxicity which is responsible for carcinogenic and other lethal diseases. Mostly, the genus was dominated and isolated with a maximum of 88-98% of occurrence in the different samples of drinking water by the direct plate-spread method. For the control of fungi, various Physico-chemical coagulation treatments were used, but Potassium alum, clay pot, and hot water treatment disinfected effectively 69-70% removal of the fungi and its spore or mycelia from the water. In addition, it is concluded that drinking water purifications such as chlorination, filtration and lime did not eliminate thermophilic fungal spores or mycelia including , and from the water.
PubMed: 38576549
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28926 -
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports 2024A 73-year-old man visited our hospital for persistent cough. Chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) showed infiltration shadows in lower lobes and diffuse ground glass...
A 73-year-old man visited our hospital for persistent cough. Chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) showed infiltration shadows in lower lobes and diffuse ground glass opacities in the upper lobes. Blood tests showed elevated white blood cell, C-reactive protein, surfactant protein D, and Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels. After an antigen avoidance test, his HRCT and blood test findings improved; we diagnosed him with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). A culture of the rotting interior walls within his home revealed , which we believe caused his HP. Given the few patients with induced HP, systematic approach was important to identify the inciting antigen.
PubMed: 38559328
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2024.102013 -
International Journal of Biological... May 2024The metabolic process of polysaccharides in gastrointestinal digestions and the effects of the resulting carbohydrates on the composition of gut microbes are important...
The metabolic process of polysaccharides in gastrointestinal digestions and the effects of the resulting carbohydrates on the composition of gut microbes are important to explore their prebiotic properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the simulated digestion and fecal fermentation in vitro of three fractions (PHEPSs-1, PHEPSs-2 and PHEPSs-3) purified from the crude exopolysaccharides of Paecilomyces hepiali HN1 (PHEPSs) and to explore the potential prebiotic mechanisms. The three purified fractions were characterized by HPLC, UV, FT-IR, SEM and AFM, and they were all of galactoglucomannan family with molecular weight of 178, 232 and 119 kDa, respectively. They could resist the simulated gastrointestinal digestions, but they were metabolized in fecal fermentation in vitro. Furthermore, the mannose in PHEPSs showed a higher utilization rate than that of glucose or galactose. The proliferation effects of PHEPSs on Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were weaker significantly than those of fructooligosaccharides before 12 h of fecal fermentation, but stronger after 24 h of fecal fermentation. Meanwhile, higher levels of short-chain fatty acids were found in PHEPSs groups when the fecal fermentation extended to 36 h. Therefore, PHEPSs are expected to have a potent gut healthy activity and can be explored as functional food ingredients.
Topics: Humans; Fermentation; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Digestion; Paecilomyces; Feces; Fungal Polysaccharides; Prebiotics
PubMed: 38552700
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131198 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Apr 2024This study evaluated the nutritional quality of different microbial biomass samples by assessing their protein digestibility and carbohydrate fermentability in the colon...
This study evaluated the nutritional quality of different microbial biomass samples by assessing their protein digestibility and carbohydrate fermentability in the colon using in vitro methods. Four microbial samples were produced: one hydrogen-oxidizing bacterial strain (Nocardioides nitrophenolicus KGS-27), two strains of filamentous fungi (Rhizopus oligosporus and Paecilomyces variotii), and one yeast strain (Rhodotorula babjevae). The microorganisms were grown in bioreactors, harvested and dried before analysis. The commercial fungal product Quorn was used as a reference. The protein digestibility of the microbial samples was analysed using the INFOGEST in vitro model, followed by quantification of N-terminal amine groups. An in vitro faecal fermentation experiment was also performed to evaluate the degradation of carbohydrates in microbial biomass samples and formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The fungal biomass samples had higher protein hydrolysis (60-75 %) than the bacterial sample (12 %) and Quorn (45 %), while the yeast biomass had the highest protein digestibility (85 %). Heat-treatment of the biomass significantly reduced its protein digestibility. Total dietary fibre (DF) content of fungal biomass was 31 - 43 %(DW), mostly insoluble, whereas the bacterial biomass contained mainly soluble DF (total DF: 25.7 %, of which 23.5 % were soluble and 2.2 % insoluble). After 24 h of colonic in vitro fermentation, SCFA production from the biomass of Paecilomyces, Quorn and Rhodotorula was similar to that of wheat bran, while 17 % and 32 % less SCFA were produced from the biomass of Rhizopus and the bacterial strain, respectively. Further studies are needed to clarify the reasons for the observed differences in protein digestibility and DF fermentability, especially regarding the cell wall structures and role of post-processing.
Topics: Fermentation; Proteolysis; Biomass; Dietary Fiber; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Bacteria; Colon; Fungi
PubMed: 38519176
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114146 -
Fish & Shellfish Immunology May 2024Paecilomyces variotii (a filamentous fungus), is a promising novel protein source in fish feeds due to its high nutritional value. Also, P. variotii has...
Differential expression of immune-related biomarkers in primary cultures from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exposed to processed Paecilomyces variotii with or without inactivated Moritella viscosa.
Paecilomyces variotii (a filamentous fungus), is a promising novel protein source in fish feeds due to its high nutritional value. Also, P. variotii has Microbial-Associated Molecular Patterns (MAMPs) such as glucans and nucleic acids that could modulate the host's immune response. To understand the potential bioactive properties of this fungus in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), our study was conducted to evaluate the gene expression of immune-related biomarkers (e.g., cytokines, effector molecules and receptors) on primary cultures from salmon head kidney (HKLs) and spleen leukocytes (SLs) exposed to either UV inactivated or fractions from P. variotii with or without inactivated Moritella viscosa (a skin pathogen in salmonids). Moreover, the effect of the fermentation conditions and down-stream processing on the physical ultrastructure and cell wall glucan content of P. variotii was characterized. The results showed that drying had a significant effect on the cell wall ultrastructure of the fungi and the choice of fermentation has a significant effect on the quantity of β-glucans in P. variotii. Furthermore, stimulating Atlantic salmon HKLs and SLs with P. variotii and its fractions induced gene expression related to pro-inflammatory (tnfα, il1β) and antimicrobial response (cath2) in HKLs, while response in SLs was related to both pro-inflammatory and regulatory response (tnfα, il6 and il10). Similarly, the stimulation with inactivated M. viscosa alone led to an up-regulation of genes related to pro-inflammatory (tnfα, il1β, il6) antimicrobial response (cath2), intra-cellular signalling and recognition of M. viscosa (sclra, sclrb) and a suppression of regulatory response (il10) in both HKLs and SLs. Interestingly, the co-stimulation of cells with P. variotii and M. viscosa induced immune homeostasis (il6, tgfβ) and antimicrobial response (cath2) in SLs at 48h. Thus, P. variotii induces immune activation and cellular communication in Atlantic salmon HKLs and SLs and modulates M. viscosa induced pro-inflammatory responses in SLs. Taken together, the results from physical and chemical characterization of the fungi, along with the differential gene expression of key immune biomarkers, provides a theoretical basis for designing feeding trials and optimize diets with P. variotii as a functional novel feed ingredient for Atlantic salmon.
Topics: Animals; Salmo salar; Moritella; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Biomarkers; Anti-Infective Agents; Fish Diseases; Byssochlamys
PubMed: 38508541
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109506 -
International Microbiology : the... Mar 2024The indiscriminate use of petroleum-based polymers and plastics for single-use food packaging has led to serious environmental problems due the non-biodegradable...
The indiscriminate use of petroleum-based polymers and plastics for single-use food packaging has led to serious environmental problems due the non-biodegradable characteristics. Thus, much attention has been focused on the research of new biobased and biodegradable materials. Yeast and fungal biomass are low-cost and abundant sources of biopolymers with highly promising properties for the development of biodegradable materials. This study aimed to select a preparation method to develop new biodegradable films using the whole biomass of Paecilomyces variotii subjected to successive physical treatments including ultrasonic homogenization (US) and heat treatment. Sterilization process had an important impact on the final filmogenic dispersion and mechanical properties of the films. Longer US treatments produced a reduction in the particle size and the application of an intermediate UT treatment contributed favorably to the breaking of agglomerates allowing the second US treatment to be more effective, achieving an ordered network with a more uniform distribution. Samples that were not filtrated after the sterilization process presented mechanical properties similar to plasticized materials. On the other hand, the filtration process after sterilization eliminated soluble and hydratable compounds, which produced a reduction in the hydration of the films.
PubMed: 38483746
DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00501-1 -
Molecular Biology Reports Mar 2024Paecilomyces variotii has important economic value in stimulating crop growth, biodegradation, and other aspects. Up to now, there are no research reports on its...
BACKGROUD
Paecilomyces variotii has important economic value in stimulating crop growth, biodegradation, and other aspects. Up to now, there are no research reports on its mitochondrial genome.
METHODS AND RESULTS
The mitochondrial genome of Paecilomyces variotii was determined with the next-generation sequencing method (Illumina, NovaSeq), and its characteristics were analyzed using various bioinformatics approaches. The length of complete mitochondrial genome sequence of P. variotii is 40,965 bp and consists of 14 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 1 ribosomal protein S3 gene, 26 transport RNA genes. The results of phylogenetics analysis using Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood methods showed that P. variotii belongs to the Eurotiales order in the Thermoascaceae family, and 9 genera within the Eurotiomycetes class were effectively distinguished with high support rates (bootstrap value > 92% and posterior probabilities > 99%). The analysis of synonymous substitution rates and nonsynonymous substitution rates indicated that the Ka/Ks values of the 14 PCGs in the mitochondrial genomes of the two orders in the Eurotiomycetes class ranged from 0 to 0.4333.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed the structural and sequence information characteristics of the mitochondrial genome of P. variotii, and the phylogenetic results strongly support its classification within the family Thermoascaceae, consistent with traditional morphological taxonomy studies. The 14 PCGs in the mitochondrial genomes of the two orders in the Eurotiomycetes class are subject to strong purifying (negative) selection. The results of this research provides an important molecular basis for the development of genomics, evolutionary genetics and molecular markers of P. variotii in the future.
Topics: Genome, Mitochondrial; Phylogeny; Bayes Theorem; Fungi; Byssochlamys
PubMed: 38446255
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09330-x -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Four new polyketides (-) and seven known compounds (-) including three polyketides and four sterols were isolated from the fermented extracts of YMF1.00003. The new...
Four new polyketides (-) and seven known compounds (-) including three polyketides and four sterols were isolated from the fermented extracts of YMF1.00003. The new chemical structures were determined through the analysis of the nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and their configurations were subsequently confirmed by nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy, the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and quantum chemical calculations of the NMR data (qcc NMR). Based on the results of pre-activity screening and compound structure target prediction, certain metabolites were assayed to evaluate their cytotoxic and protein kinase Cα inhibitory activities. Results indicated that 3β-hydroxy-7α-methoxy-5α,6α-epoxy-8(14),22-dien-ergosta () exhibited potent cytotoxic activity, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 3.00 ± 0.27 to 15.69 ± 0.61 μM against five tumor cells, respectively. The new compound gunniiol A () showed weak cytotoxic activity at a concentration of 40 μM. At a concentration of 20 μg/mL, compounds , , and exhibited protein kinase Cα inhibition by 43.63, 40.93, and 57.66%, respectively. This study is the first to report steroids demonstrating good cytotoxicity and polyketides exhibiting inhibitory activity against protein kinase Cα from the extracts of .
PubMed: 38444802
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1347601