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PloS One 2017In the dryland Pacific Northwest wheat cropping systems, no-till is becoming more prevalent as a way to reduce soil erosion and fuel inputs. Tillage can have a profound...
In the dryland Pacific Northwest wheat cropping systems, no-till is becoming more prevalent as a way to reduce soil erosion and fuel inputs. Tillage can have a profound effect on microbial communities and soilborne fungal pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia. We compared the fungal communities in long-term no-till (NT) plots adjacent to conventionally tilled (CT) plots, over three years at two locations in Washington state and one location in Idaho, US. We used pyrosequencing of the fungal ITS gene and identified 422 OTUs after rarefication. Fungal richness was higher in NT compared to CT, in two of the locations. Humicola nigrescens, Cryptococcus terreus, Cadophora spp. Hydnodontaceae spp., and Exophiala spp. were more abundant in NT, while species of Glarea, Coniochaetales, Mycosphaerella tassiana, Cryptococcus bhutanensis, Chaetomium perlucidum, and Ulocladium chartarum were more abundant in CT in most locations. Other abundant groups that did not show any trends were Fusarium, Mortierella, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Macroventuria. Plant pathogens such as Rhizoctonia (Ceratobasidiaceae) were not abundant enough to see tillage differences, but Microdochium bolleyi, a weak root pathogen, was more abundant in NT. Our results suggest that NT fungi are better adapted at utilizing intact, decaying roots as a food source and may exist as root endophytes. CT fungi can utilize mature plant residues that are turned into the soil with tillage as pioneer colonizers, and then produce large numbers of conidia. But a larger proportion of the fungal community is not affected by tillage and may be niche generalists.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Crop Production; Droughts; Fungi; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Microbiota; Triticum
PubMed: 28898288
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184611 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021The concurrence of structurally complex petroleum-associated contaminants at relatively high concentrations, with diverse climatic conditions and textural soil...
The concurrence of structurally complex petroleum-associated contaminants at relatively high concentrations, with diverse climatic conditions and textural soil characteristics, hinders conventional bioremediation processes. Recalcitrant compounds such as high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW-PAHs) and heavy alkanes commonly remain after standard soil bioremediation at concentrations above regulatory limits. The present study assessed the potential of native fungal bioaugmentation as a strategy to promote the bioremediation of an aged industrially polluted soil enriched with heavy hydrocarbon fractions. Microcosms assays were performed by means of biostimulation and bioaugmentation, by inoculating a defined consortium of six potentially hydrocarbonoclastic fungi belonging to the genera , , , and , which were isolated previously from the polluted soil. The biodegradation performance of fungal bioaugmentation was compared with soil biostimulation (water and nutrient addition) and with untreated soil as a control. Fungal bioaugmentation resulted in a higher biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and of HMW-PAHs than with biostimulation. TPH (C-C) decreased by a 39.90 ± 1.99% in bioaugmented microcosms vs. a 24.17 ± 1.31% in biostimulated microcosms. As for the effect of fungal bioaugmentation on HMW-PAHs, the 5-ringed benzo(a)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene were reduced by a 36% and 46%, respectively, while the 6-ringed benzoperylene decreased by a 28%, after 120 days of treatment. Biostimulated microcosm exhibited a significantly lower reduction of 5- and 6-ringed PAHs (8% and 5% respectively). Higher TPH and HMW-PAHs biodegradation levels in bioaugmented microcosms were also associated to a significant decrease in acute ecotoxicity (EC) by bioluminiscence inhibition assays. Molecular profiling and counting of viable hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from soil microcosms revealed that fungal bioaugmentation promoted the growth of autochthonous active hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. The implementation of such an approach to enhance hydrocarbon biodegradation should be considered as a novel bioremediation strategy for the treatment of the most recalcitrant and highly genotoxic hydrocarbons in aged industrially polluted soils.
PubMed: 33868189
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.626436 -
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B Oct 2021Living cells are neither perfectly elastic nor liquid and return a viscoelastic response to external stimuli. Nanoindentation provides force-distance curves, allowing...
Living cells are neither perfectly elastic nor liquid and return a viscoelastic response to external stimuli. Nanoindentation provides force-distance curves, allowing the investigation of cell mechanical properties, and yet, these curves can differ from point to point on the cell surface, revealing its inhomogeneous character. In the present work, we propose a mathematical method to estimate both viscoelastic and noise properties of cells as these are depicted on the values of the scaling exponents of relaxation function and power spectral density, respectively. The method uses as input the time derivative of the response force in a nanoindentation experiment. Generalized moments method and/or rescaled range analysis is used to study the resulting time series depending on their nonstationary or stationary nature. We conducted experiments in living spores. We found that spores in the approaching phase present a viscoelastic behavior with the corresponding scaling exponent in the range 0.25-0.52 and in the retracting phase present a liquid-like behavior with exponents in the range 0.67-0.85. This substantial difference of the scaling exponents in the two phases suggests the formation of biomemory as a response of the spores to the indenting AFM mechanical stimulus. The retracting phase may be described as a process driven by bluish noises, while the approaching one is driven by persistent noise.
Topics: Alternaria; Elasticity; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Viscosity
PubMed: 34546052
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c01752 -
MicrobiologyOpen Jun 2020The study performed on the stone materials from the Convent of Christ revealed the presence of a complex microbial ecosystem, emphasizing the determinant role of...
The study performed on the stone materials from the Convent of Christ revealed the presence of a complex microbial ecosystem, emphasizing the determinant role of microorganisms on the biodecay of this built cultural heritage. In this case study, the presence of Rubrobacter sp., Arthrobacter sp., Roseomonas sp., and Marinobacter sp. seems to be responsible for colored stains and biofilm formation while Ulocladium sp., Cladosporium sp., and Dirina sp. may be related to structural damages. The implementation of high-throughput sequencing approaches on the Convent of Christ's biodecay assessment allowed us to explore, compare, and characterize the microbial communities, overcoming the limitations of culture-dependent techniques, which only identify the cultivable population. The application of these different tools and insights gave us a panoramic view of the microbiota thriving on the Convent of Christ and signalize the main biodeteriogenic agents acting on the biodecay of stone materials. This finding highlighted the importance of performing metagenomic studies due to the improvements and the reduced amount of sample DNA needed, promoting a deeper and more detailed knowledge of the microbiota present on these dynamic repositories that support microbial life. This will further enable us to perform prospective studies in quarry and applied stone context, monitoring biogenic and nonbiogenic agents, and also to define long-term mitigation strategies to prevent biodegradation/biodeterioration processes.
Topics: Archaeology; Bacteria; Biodegradation, Environmental; DNA, Bacterial; DNA, Fungal; DNA, Ribosomal; Ecosystem; Fungi; Geologic Sediments; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Microbiota; Portugal
PubMed: 32352657
DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1030 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... Aug 2018This study reports the first assessment of endophytic fungi isolated from strawberry leaves and selection of isolates for the control of Duponchelia fovealis, a new pest...
This study reports the first assessment of endophytic fungi isolated from strawberry leaves and selection of isolates for the control of Duponchelia fovealis, a new pest of strawberries. A total of 400 strawberry leaves of the cultivar 'Albion' were collected in four commercial farms. Leaves were disinfected, cut in fragments, and placed on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar media with tetracycline and incubated for 30 days. Following this time, 517 fungal colonies were isolated, and thirteen genera were identified: Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Nigrospora, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Ulocladium, Bipolaris, Diaporthe, and Phoma. Eight isolates belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Paecilomyces, and Cladosporium were selected for pathogenicity bioassays against third instar larvae of D. fovealis. Isolates of Paecilomyces induced the highest mortality rates.
Topics: Animals; Fragaria; Larva; Lepidoptera; Paecilomyces; Pest Control, Biological; Plant Diseases; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 29160362
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.166681 -
Iranian Journal of Microbiology Oct 2014Biodeterioration is an irreversible damage that is caused by colonization of microorganisms on the surface of different materials. Among all microorganisms, fungi play...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Biodeterioration is an irreversible damage that is caused by colonization of microorganisms on the surface of different materials. Among all microorganisms, fungi play an important role in deterioration of materials. Fungi can colonize on stone surfaces and by secreting different enzymes, organic and inorganic acids and pigments, can cause bio-weathering and changing not only the substrate materials but the color of stones. Furthermore, fungal mycelia can penetrate into the internal surfaces of stones and change the interior chemical contents of stones. Pasargadae including Cyrus the Great Tomb is entitled by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites. This study was focused on the identification of fungi that were colonized on the tomb limestone monument.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sampling of stone was carried out to identify inhabiting molds and yeasts. biochemical and microscopic methods were used for isolated strains. In addition, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the PCR products were done. Finally, phylogenic tree was constructed basde on the sequences of ITs region.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
The common inhabiting fungi which isolated from the tomb limestone belong to Caldosporium sp., Embellisia sp., Cryptococcus sp., Candida sp., Meyerozyma sp., Arthirinium sp., Ulocladium sp., Fusarium sp., Humicola sp. and Pseudozyma sp.. Stereomicroscopic and Scanning Electron Microscope images and XRD, were taken from pieces of stone samples and indicated the severe pattern damages such as pitting, biomineralization, etching and sugaring on the surfaces of stones.
PubMed: 25848529
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Veterinary Research Feb 2024Due to the increasing prevalence of equine non-infectious respiratory disease, the air contamination in equine housing (Stables A-C) and training facilities (indoor...
BACKGROUND
Due to the increasing prevalence of equine non-infectious respiratory disease, the air contamination in equine housing (Stables A-C) and training facilities (indoor riding arenas A - C) was investigated. The aim of the study was to monitor gaseous pollutants, bioaerosols, and dust concentrations at three different sites (stables and riding halls), where different floor materials were used in the riding halls.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Air quality was monitored in housing for horses and in riding halls in terms of dust concentration, the presence of gaseous chemical pollutants, and concentrations of biological aerosol. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The levels obtained were compared with acceptable limits.
RESULTS
Among the gaseous pollutants identified, the highest concentration was obtained for ammonia in stables B and C (16.37 and 22.39 mg/m, respectively). Standards for total dust were exceeded in stables B and C and in riding halls B and C. The highest numbers of bacteria and fungi were recorded in stables A and C and in riding hall B. Ulocladium sp. had the highest percentage share among the moulds identified.
CONCLUSIONS
The results confirm that the wrong choice of bedding in the stable and indoor riding arenas may contribute, even in short training periods, to equine non-infectious respiratory disease (equine asthma). Bioaerosol suspended in the air together with released gaseous pollutants can exacerbate this phenomenon, which even in the case of short training periods can lead to equine asthma of varying degrees of severity. For this reason, the choice of floor material in riding halls should be treated as a priority, as the wrong decision can shorten the period during which the horse can be used for recreational purposes.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Dust; Bacteria; Fungi; Asthma; Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets; Horse Diseases
PubMed: 38413934
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03930-2 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Jul 2019The aim of the study is to identify risk factors, clinical characteristics, causative fungi, and treatment outcome of dematiaceous fungal keratitis in North India. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
PURPOSE
The aim of the study is to identify risk factors, clinical characteristics, causative fungi, and treatment outcome of dematiaceous fungal keratitis in North India.
METHODS
Consecutive cases of culture-proven dematiaceous fungal keratitis between January 2012 and June 2017 were retrieved from the medical record department. Risk factors, clinical signs, and outcome were registered.
RESULTS
Eighty-three patients were included. Identified dematiaceous fungal organism were Curvularia sp. (n = 55/83; 66.3%), Alternaria sp. (n = 12/83; 14.5%), Ulocladium sp. (n = 5/83; 6%), Bipolaris sp. (n = 5/83; 6.1%), Scedosporium sp. (n = 3/83; 3.6%), Acremonium sp. (n = 2/83; 2.4%), and Epicoccum sp. (n = 1/83; 1.2%). Male preponderance was reported. The most common predisposing factor was corneal trauma (67.4%). In cases associated with corneal trauma due to vegetative matter, sugarcane was the most common cause. In all, 89% of the patients were more than 30 years of age. The median infiltrate size was 8 mm. The median time of antifungal therapy was 4.2 weeks (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-25 weeks). Complications were seen in 14 (n = 14/65; 21.5%) patients. Complete resolution of dematiaceous fungal keratitis was present in 27 (n = 27/65; 41.5%) eyes.
CONCLUSION
Curvularia sp. and Alternaria sp. were the predominant pathogenic genera causing dematiaceous fungal keratitis. Among the causative fungi, infections due to Scedosporium sp. were associated with the worst outcomes. Ulocladium sp. and Epicoccum sp. were also identified. Both the species are not reported previously as a causal organism of dematiaceous fungal keratitis from North India.
Topics: Adult; Cornea; Eye Infections, Fungal; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; India; Keratitis; Male; Middle Aged; Mitosporic Fungi; Mycoses; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Slit Lamp
PubMed: 31238406
DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1612_18 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica 2003A cutaneous mycoses caused by Ulocladium chartarum in a heart transplant recipient is reported. The infection cleared after complete surgical excision and 6 months of... (Review)
Review
A cutaneous mycoses caused by Ulocladium chartarum in a heart transplant recipient is reported. The infection cleared after complete surgical excision and 6 months of oral itraconazole therapy. In vitro activity of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, ravuconazole and terbinafine against the clinical isolate is shown.
Topics: Dermatomycoses; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Mitosporic Fungi; Opportunistic Infections; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 12816160
DOI: 10.1080/00015550310007256 -
Indian Journal of Microbiology Jun 2018Fungi associated with black point were isolated from three highly susceptible wheat genotypes in the North China Plain. The 21 isolates represented 11 fungal genera. The...
Fungi associated with black point were isolated from three highly susceptible wheat genotypes in the North China Plain. The 21 isolates represented 11 fungal genera. The most prevalent genera were (isolation frequency of 56.7%), (16.1%), and (6.0%). The other eight genera were , , , , , , , and ; their isolation frequencies ranged from 0.8 to 4.8%. The pathogenicity of the isolates was individually assessed in the greenhouse by inoculating wheat plants with spore suspensions. Ten of the 21 isolates caused significantly higher incidences of black point than that the controls. These isolates belonged to eight fungal species (, , , , , , , and ) based on morphological traits and phylogenetic analysis. The average incidences of black point in the eight fungal species were 32.4, 54.3, 43.0, 41.9, 37.2, 38.8, 50.1, and 34.1%, respectively. and were determined to be the most important pathogens in the North China Plain based on fungal prevalence and symptom severity. This study is the first to identify as a major pathogen causing black point in wheat.
PubMed: 29651174
DOI: 10.1007/s12088-018-0709-1