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PloS One 2024This study aimed to enhance sludge dewatering through sequential bioleaching, employing the filamentous fungus Mucor sp. ZG-3 and the iron-oxidizing bacterium...
Enhancing sludge dewaterability in sequential bioleaching: Degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by filamentous fungus Mucor sp. ZG-3 and the influence of energy source.
This study aimed to enhance sludge dewatering through sequential bioleaching, employing the filamentous fungus Mucor sp. ZG-3 and the iron-oxidizing bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans LX5. The mechanism by which Mucor sp. ZG-3 alleviates sludge dissolved organic matter (DOM) inhibition of A. ferrooxidans LX5 was investigated, and the optimal addition of energy source for enhanced sludge dewaterability during sequential bioleaching was determined. Sludge dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decreased to 272 mg/L with a 65.2% reduction by Mucor sp. ZG-3 in 3 days, and the degraded fraction of sludge DOM was mainly low-molecular-weight DOM (L-DOM) which inhibited the oxidization of Fe2+ by A. ferrooxidans LX5. By degrading significant inhibitory low-molecular-weight organic acids, Mucor sp. ZG-3 alleviated DOM inhibition of A. ferrooxidans LX5. In the sequential bioleaching process, the optimal concentration of FeSO4·7H2O for A. ferrooxidans LX5 was 4 g/L, resulting in the minimum specific resistance to filtration (SRF) of 2.60×1011 m/kg, 40.0% lower than that in the conventional bioleaching process with 10 g/L energy source. Moreover, the sequential bioleaching process increased the sludge zeta potential (from -31.8 to -9.47 mV) and median particle size (d50) of the sludge particle (from 17.90 to 27.44 μm), contributing to enhanced sludge dewaterability. Inoculation of Mucor sp. ZG-3 during the bioleaching process reduced the demand for energy sources by A. ferrooxidans LX5 while improving sludge dewaterability performance.
Topics: Mucor; Sewage; Biodegradation, Environmental; Water; Organic Chemicals
PubMed: 38814929
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302311 -
Characterisation of the surface growth of in cheese agar media using predictive mathematical models.Heliyon May 2024The main objective of this work was to characterise the mycelial growth of , one of the fungal contaminants that appear frequently in the artisan cheese production...
The main objective of this work was to characterise the mycelial growth of , one of the fungal contaminants that appear frequently in the artisan cheese production environment. The study uses primary Baranyi and Huang models to compare their parameters and predict on cheese-based medium (CBA) under diverse environmental conditions (temperature range from 6 to 37 °C and 0 and 1 % NaCl concentration). However, the Baranyi model consistently estimated longer lag phases and higher surface growth rates () than the Huang model; both models showed adequate best-fit performance (exactly with the mean coefficient of determination = (0.993 ± 0.020 × 10). The groups of primary growth parameters were analysed against temperature using the cardinal model (CM) with the following main outputs. The optimal surface growth rates () on CBA were 6.8 and 6.5 mm/d calculated with the Baranyi and Huang models, respectively. They were reduced by approximately 46 % on the surface of the agar medium when 1 % NaCl was added. was estimated in a very narrow range of 32.1-32.5 °C from both primary data sets (0 % and 1 % NaCl). Similarly, values of 37.2 °C and 37.3 °C were estimated for the Baranyi and Huang models, respectively; however, they decreased at 2 °C in CBA with 1 % NaCl ( = 35.1 °C). The application of CM for sgr provided an estimation of the parameter with negative values that are considered only as a theoretical output. The results provide insight into the modelling and prediction of fungi growth as a function of time and salt concentration, including the times to detect visible mycelial growth of . The mere quantification of this phenomenon can be useful for practice. Adjusting the frequency of the cheese surface washing step with a salt solution at the early stage of ripening properly can prevent the growth of not only fast fungal growers.
PubMed: 38765159
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30812 -
Scientific Reports May 2024The biological control of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites using predatory fungi has been recently proposed as an accurate and sustainable approach in birds. The current...
The biological control of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites using predatory fungi has been recently proposed as an accurate and sustainable approach in birds. The current study aimed to assess for the first time the efficacy of using the native ovicidal fungus Mucor circinelloides (FMV-FR1) in reducing coccidia parasitism in peacocks. For this purpose, an in vivo trial was designed in the resident peacock collection (n = 58 birds) of the São Jorge Castle, at Lisbon, Portugal. These animals presented an initial severe infection by coccidia of the genus Eimeria (20106 ± 8034 oocysts per gram of feces, OPG), and thus received commercial feed enriched with a M. circinelloides suspension (1.01 × 10 spores/kg feed), thrice-weekly. Fresh feces were collected every 15 days to calculate the coccidia shedding, using the Mini-FLOTAC technique. The same bird flock served simultaneously as control (t0 days) and test groups (t15-t90 days). The average Eimeria sp. shedding in peacocks decreased up to 92% following fungal administrations, with significant reduction efficacies of 78% (p = 0.004) and 92% (p = 0.012) after 45 and 60 days, respectively. Results from this study suggest that the administration of M. circinelloides spores to birds is an accurate solution to reduce their coccidia parasitism.
Topics: Animals; Mucor; Coccidiosis; Feces; Eimeria; Coccidia; Poultry Diseases
PubMed: 38762506
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61816-7 -
Allergologie Select 2024None.
None.
PubMed: 38756207
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02444E -
Asian Journal of Neurosurgery Mar 2024Cerebral cavernous malformation is an angiographically occult, well-circumscribed, benign hamartoma consisting of thin-walled sinusoidal vascular channels. Intracranial...
Cerebral cavernous malformation is an angiographically occult, well-circumscribed, benign hamartoma consisting of thin-walled sinusoidal vascular channels. Intracranial mucormycosis represents one of the most severe manifestations of mucor infection. We, hereby, report a case of cavernous malformation made rarer with concomitant mucormycosis. A 22-year-old female presented with left-sided facial seizures since age of 7 years and headache for the past 3 years. Magnetic resonance imaging brain revealed a right posterior frontal lobe cavernous malformation. Right frontal craniotomy with excision of cavernoma was done. Gross examination showed a solid cystic mass with multiple mulberry protrusions. Histopathological examination revealed features of cavernous malformation with evidence of mucormycosis. A final diagnosis of cavernous malformation with mucormycosis was rendered and microbiological studies were advised. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a cerebral cavernous malformation with mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient without any risk factor.
PubMed: 38751400
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772765 -
Gut May 2024The remodelling of gut mycobiome (ie, fungi) during pregnancy and its potential influence on host metabolism and pregnancy health remains largely unexplored. Here, we...
OBJECTIVE
The remodelling of gut mycobiome (ie, fungi) during pregnancy and its potential influence on host metabolism and pregnancy health remains largely unexplored. Here, we aim to examine the characteristics of gut fungi in pregnant women, and reveal the associations between gut mycobiome, host metabolome and pregnancy health.
DESIGN
Based on a prospective birth cohort in central China (2017 to 2020): Tongji-Huaxi-Shuangliu Birth Cohort, we included 4800 participants who had available ITS2 sequencing data, dietary information and clinical records during their pregnancy. Additionally, we established a subcohort of 1059 participants, which included 514 women who gave birth to preterm, low birthweight or macrosomia infants, as well as 545 randomly selected controls. In this subcohort, a total of 750, 748 and 709 participants had ITS2 sequencing data, 16S sequencing data and serum metabolome data available, respectively, across all trimesters.
RESULTS
The composition of gut fungi changes dramatically from early to late pregnancy, exhibiting a greater degree of variability and individuality compared with changes observed in gut bacteria. The multiomics data provide a landscape of the networks among gut mycobiome, biological functionality, serum metabolites and pregnancy health, pinpointing the link between and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The prepregnancy overweight status is a key factor influencing both gut mycobiome compositional alteration and the pattern of metabolic remodelling during pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a landscape of gut mycobiome dynamics during pregnancy and its relationship with host metabolism and pregnancy health, which lays the foundation of the future gut mycobiome investigation for healthy pregnancy.
PubMed: 38724219
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332260 -
Environmental Health Insights 2024Contamination of maize adversely affects maize quality, yield, and export creating a gap in the attainment of food security, which is a millenium development goal in...
Contamination of maize adversely affects maize quality, yield, and export creating a gap in the attainment of food security, which is a millenium development goal in Nigeria. The study determined fungal abundance, genetic variability, and prevalence of toxigenic fungi in maize grains consumed in North Central, Nigeria. Sixty composite stored maize samples were collected and fungi were isolated and identified after which a multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the presence of mycotoxin regulatory genes in suspected toxigenic fungi. The genetic relationship among the toxigenic fungi was determined and the genetic correlation between isolates was established through Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. About 389 (64.83%) of the total maize samples collected had fungal species belonging to the genera , and associated with them. Among the regions surveyed, Kogi State exhibited the highest maize contamination rate at 89 samples, accounting for 22.9% of the total samples collected. In Benue and Kogi, the genus exhibited the highest relative abundance, with percentages of 76.6% and 76.3%, respectively. Among its species, and were the most predominant. Kwara State had the highest fungal diversity with a value of 1.711 ( < .05). Benue State had 11 isolates (4.6%) with genes encoding for mycotoxin production, the highest recorded. Conversely, Nasarawa and Niger States each had the lowest count, with 4 isolates possessing such genes. Out of the 238 fungi suspected to be mycotoxigenic that were isolated, 39 have genes that encode for mycotoxin synthesis. Low divergence existed between toxigenic fungal species using the alpha diversity index. This study confirmed that the grains were contaminated with closely related fungal strains, and concluded that maize grains consumed in North Central Nigeria showed high association with fungal microbiota, including species capable of contaminating the grains with mycotoxins.
PubMed: 38721401
DOI: 10.1177/11786302241249858 -
Therapeutic Advances in Infectious... 2024Pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare but rapidly progressive fatal disease. Limited data exist on the outcomes and factors associated with poor prognosis of pulmonary...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare but rapidly progressive fatal disease. Limited data exist on the outcomes and factors associated with poor prognosis of pulmonary mucormycosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, factors associated with mortality, and outcomes of pulmonary mucormycosis at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
METHODS
This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Medical records of hospitalized patients diagnosed with proven or probable pulmonary mucormycosis between January 2018 and December 2022 were reviewed. Univariate and regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mortality.
RESULTS
Fifty-three pulmonary mucormycosis patients (69.8% male) were included, with mean age of 51.19 ± 21.65 years. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity [ = 26 (49.1%)]. Chronic lung diseases were present in [ = 5 (9.4%)], and [ = 16 (30.2%)] had concurrent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. The predominant isolated Mucorales were [ = 32 (60.3%)] and species [ = 9 (17%)]. Main radiological findings included consolidation [ = 39 (73.6%)] and nodules [ = 14 (26.4%)]. Amphotericin B deoxycholate was prescribed in [ = 38 (71.7%)], and [ = 14 (26.4%)] of patients received combined medical and surgical treatment. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] hospital stay was 15.0 (10.0-21.5) days. Intensive care unit (ICU) care was required in [ = 30 (56.6%)] patients, with 26 (49.1%) needing mechanical ventilation. Overall mortality was seen in 29 (54.7%) patients. Significantly higher mortality was found among patients requiring mechanical ventilation 20/29 (69%, = 0.002). Immunosuppression ( = 0.042), thrombocytopenia ( = 0.004), and mechanical ventilation ( = 0.018) were identified as risk factors for mortality on multivariable analysis.
CONCLUSION
This study provides essential insights into the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and mortality factors associated with pulmonary mucormycosis. The mortality rate was high (54.7%), particularly in patients with immunosuppression, thrombocytopenia, and those who required mechanical ventilation.
PubMed: 38716078
DOI: 10.1177/20499361241251744 -
Therapeutic Advances in Infectious... 2024The presence of fungal infections has been described in patients after recovering from COVID-19. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of studies that reported... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The presence of fungal infections has been described in patients after recovering from COVID-19. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of studies that reported fungal infections ( spp., , or spp.) in adults after recovering from COVID-19.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review through PubMed, Web of Science, OVID-Medline, Embase, and Scopus. The study selection process was performed independently and by at least two authors. We performed a risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort and case-control studies, and the Joanna Briggs Institute's Checklists for Case Series and Case Reports.
RESULTS
The systematic search found 33 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. There was a total population of 774 participants, ranging from 21 to 87 years. From them, 746 developed a fungal infection. In 19 studies, spp. was reported as the main mycosis. In 10 studies, was reported as the main mycosis. In seven studies, spp. was reported as the main mycosis. Regarding the quality assessment, 12 studies were classified as low risk of bias and the remaining studies as high risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
Patients' clinical presentation and prognosis after recovering from COVID-19 with fungal infection differ from those reported patients with acute COVID-19 infection and those without COVID-19 infection.
PubMed: 38706456
DOI: 10.1177/20499361241242963 -
ACS Omega Apr 2024Two unprecedented isomeric secondary metabolites named vibralactones Z () and Z (), in addition to eleven known compounds (-), were isolated from solid-state rice...
Two unprecedented isomeric secondary metabolites named vibralactones Z () and Z (), in addition to eleven known compounds (-), were isolated from solid-state rice culture medium of (Bondarzewiaceae). Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were established via spectral analyses. The new lactone derivatives were weakly active against without any significant cytotoxicity, while the molecules containing an aldehyde functionality showed significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. For instance, erinacine P () and (+)-isovelleral () and erinacine P () were cytotoxic against all tested cell lines at IC values in the ranges of 3.5-14.2 and 2.8-30.2 μM, respectively. In addition, they revealed moderate antimicrobial activity with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values recorded against (8.3 μg/mL), , and at 16.6 μg/mL.
PubMed: 38680360
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02011