Airborne fungi in an Italian rice mill

Summary Studies employing volumetric spore trap (VSP) and gravity settling culture plates (GSC) were conducted in order to analyse the air spora of a rice mill at Pavia, Italy, from October-December 1988. Results revealed a variety of fungal spores belonging to different genera and including recognized rice pathogenic fungi. The most frequent genera by GSC method includedAcremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Mucor, Nigrospora, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Trichothecium, and some unidentified fungi. Environmental assessment of fungal spores by VSP revealed that the most prevalent fungi were:Alternaria, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Helminthosporium, Nigrospora, Pyricularia, Tilletia and hyaline, dark and coloured types of ascospores and basidiospores. Airborne fungal spore concentrations were particularly high (5,000–6,000 spores/m³) in the rooms of the rice mill where the initial stages of rough rice transformation take place, and dropped to 2,500 spores/m³ in the last room, where workers are. During a temporary interruption of the working processes, air spora concentration dropped below 1,000 spores/m³.Cladosporium, Epicoccum andNigrospora spores were predominant in all subdivisions of the indoor environments of the rice mill.     

Airborne fungal spores in the coastal plain of Israel: A preliminary survey

Airborne spores were monitored during the years 1993–1995 in three cities along the coastal plain of Israel: Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv (Ramat Aviv) and Haifa. Seasonal fluctuations in the concentration of airborne spores were recorded. The following genera of fungi were identified:Alternaria, Cladosporium, Coprinus, Curvularia, Drechslera. Diplococcum, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Leptosphaeria, Pithomyces, Puccinia, Sphacelotheca, Stemphylium andUstilago. Unidentified spores were very rare and in negligible numbers. The dominant airborne fungal spores wereCladosporium andAlternaria. The monthly variations in airborne spores, observed among the three cities, seem to be rather minor. The recorded levels of airborne spores were below the concentrations that are accepted as threshold levels for provocation of clinical responses.     

The variation in spore concentrations of selected fungal taxa associated with weather conditions in Szczecin,Poland, 2004–2006

The investigation of airborne fungal spore concentrations was carried out in Szczecin, Poland between 2004 and 2006. The objective of the studies was to determine a seasonal variation in concentrations of selected fungal spore types due to meteorological parameters. The presence of spores of ten taxa: Cladosporium, Ganoderma, Alternaria, Epicoccum, Didymella, Torula, Dreschlera‐type, Polythrincium, Stemphylium and Pithomyces was recorded in Szczecin using a volumetric method (Hirst type). Fungal spores were present in the air in large numbers in summer. The highest concentrations were noted in June, July and August. The peak period was recorded in August for most of the studied spore types: Ganoderma, Alternaria, Epicoccum, Dreschlera‐type, Polythrincium and Stemphylium. Cladosporium and Didymella spores reached their highest concentrations in July while concentrations of Torula were highest in May and Pithomyces in September. Multiple regression analysis was performed for three fungal seasons: 2004, 2005, and 2006. Spore concentrations were positively correlated with minimum temperature for seven spore types in 2004, for five spore types in 2005, and for eight spore types in 2006 (significance level of α = 0.05). Some spore types are also significantly correlation among their concentrations, pressure, relative humidity and rain. Minimum temperature appeared to be the most influential factor for most spore types.     

Seasonal and Diurnal Variation of Airborne Basidiomycete Spore Concentrations in Mexico City

Seasonal and diurnal changes in concentrations of airborne basidiomycete spores (basidiospores, rusts, smuts) were studied, using Burkard volumetric spore traps, in two areas of Mexico City with different degrees of urbanization and related to changes in climatic variables through 1991. Basidiomycete spores formed a large component of the total airborne fungal spore load in the atmosphere of Mexico City. They were the second most abundant spore type after Deuteromycotina (Hyphomycetes), forming 32% of the total fungal spores trapped in an urban-residential area and 28% in an urban-commercial area. The most abundant basidiomycete spores were basidiospores although smut-type spores were trapped on more days than basidiospores and rusts on fewer. Basidiospores occurred in concentrations up to 2,000 spores m-3 in the urban-residential area. Basidiospores showed a marked seasonal distribution, especially in the southern area, with their greatest abundance during the wet season. The correlation coefficients associated with regressions between basidiospore concentration and some environmental factors were increased when a lag period of 2 to 4 days was used between environmental measurements and the day of spore collection. Basidiospore concentrations exceeded the 75 percentile concentration (>400 spores m^-3) most often when rainfall was up to 6 mm and relative humidity was >70%. Basidiospores showed a diurnal periodicity with greatest concentrations in the early morning. The most common basidiospore type was Coprinus which formed 67% of basidiospores trapped in the southern area and 63% in the central area. Smut spores were trapped on 87% of days through the year while rust spores occurred in only 35%. Both rusts and smuts were present in only small concentrations.     

Analysis of the predicting variables for daily and weekly fluctuations of two airborne fungal spores: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternaria</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cladosporium</Emphasis>

Alternaria and Cladosporium are two fungal taxa whose spores (conidia) are included frequently in aerobiological studies of outdoor environments. Both spore types are present in the atmosphere of Malaga (Spain) throughout almost the entire year, although they reach their highest concentrations during spring and autumn. To establish predicting variables for daily and weekly fluctuations, Spearman's correlations and stepwise multiple regressions between spore concentrations (measured using a volumetric 7-day recorder) and meteorological variables were made with results obtained for both spore types in 1996 and 1997. Correlations and regressions were also made between the different taxa and their concentrations in different years. Significant and positive correlation coefficients were always obtained between spore concentrations of both taxa, followed by temperature, their concentrations in different years, sunshine hours and relative humidity (this last in a negative sense). For the two spore types we obtained higher correlation and regression coefficients using weekly data. We showed different regression models using weekly values. From the results and a practical point of view, it was concluded that weekly values of the atmospheric concentration of Alternaria spores can be predicted from the maximum temperature expected and its concentrations in the years sampled. As regards the atmospheric concentration of Cladoposrium spores, the weekly values can be predicted based on the concentration of Alternaria spores, thus saving the time and effort that would otherwise be employed in counting them by optical microscopy.     

Intradiurnal periodicity of fungal spore concentrations (Alternaria, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Didymella, Ganoderma) in Cracow, Poland

Aerobiological monitoring enables the definition of seasonal fungal spore concentrations and also intradiurnal time when the highest concentrations of spores could cause or increase allergy symptoms. These data are useful to estimate symptoms of disease, duration of infection and how advanced the illness is in people suffering from fungal allergens. The aim of the study was to compare the concentrations of fungal spores (Alternaria, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Didymella, Ganoderma) during dry and rainy periods and to analyse their intradiurnal changes. Average daily spore concentrations in dry and rainy periods were compared, using z test, separately for each taxon, season and for a combined 3-year period. Intradiurnal periodicity of fungal spore concentrations was analysed on the basis of three complementary diagrams. These spore concentrations were presented using three curves for all, dry and rainy days in 1997–1999 (April–November). The spore percentage in particular hours was normalized in relation to the daily spore sum accepted as 100%. Two further diagrams enabled the more precise analysis of the highest concentrations in dry days. Daily Botrytis and Cladosporium spore concentrations did not show significant differences between dry and rainy periods. In the case of Didymella and Ganoderma spore concentrations, there were no significant differences between both weather types in the single years, although there was a significant difference when a 3-year period was considered. The differences between daily concentrations of Alternaria spores in dry and rainy periods occurred in 1997 and in a 3-year period. Intradiurnal periodicity of spore concentrations was different for ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ fungal spores. Dry spores are released from the spore-producing parts of the fungus under conditions of decreasing humidity and increasing airflow. Examples of dry spores are those from Alternaria, Cladosporium and Botrytis. Wet spores, such as those from many Ascomycetes (Didymella) and Basidiomycetes (Ganoderma), are released into the atmosphere by processes related to humidity conditions or rain. The highest concentrations of ‘dry’ spores were observed early in the afternoon, while highest values of ‘wet’ spore concentrations occurred in the predawn hours. Statistically non-significant differences between daily spore concentrations in dry and rainy periods of single seasons were found except for Alternaria. Statistically significant differences could occur when the studied period was longer than one season (Alternaria, Didymella, Ganoderma). The highest concentrations of Alternaria, Botrytis and Cladosporium spores were recorded at noon and early in the afternoon. Concentrations of Didymella and Ganoderma spores were highest in the predawn hours.     

Differentiation of allergenic fungal spores by image analysis, with application to aerobiological counts

The ability of an image analysis routine to differentiate between spores of eleven allergenic fungal genera was tested using analysis based on seven basic and up to 17 more complex features, extracted from digitised images. Fungal spores of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Botrytis, Epicoccum, Exserohilum, Ustilago, Coprinus and Psilocybe were examined in a series of experiments designed to differentiate between spores at the genus and species level. Linear and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis of feature measurements, recorded for 100 to 1600 spores per taxon, differentiated between genera and species with a high level of accuracy. Genus comparisons using only seven basic features resulted in 98% accuracy for the recognition of conidia belonging to Cladosporium, Fusarium and Epicoccum. Differentiation between conidia of Aspergillus and Penicillium was the least reliable, with 56% of Aspergillus conidia correctly identified and 41% misidentified as Penicillium. At the species level, conidia of Cladosporium macrocarpum, Fusarium moniliforme (microconidia), F. oxysporum (microconidia), F. solani (macroconidia), Alternaria helianthi and A. brassicae were consistently identified with 86--100% accuracy. Reduced levels of accuracy in the identification of spores by image analysis reflected similarities between species in their spore morphology. The application of image analysis to aerobiological counting methods is discussed in relation to the results obtained.     

Keimungsprozente und Keimungskurven der Konidien und Submers Gebildeten Blastosporen eines Stammes vonBeauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill.

Zusammenfassung Für Infektionsversuche und biologische Bek?mpfung k?nnen Massenkulturen vonBeauveria bassiana entweder Konidien oder Blastosporen liefern. Die qualitative Bewertung solcher Sporen und Sporenpr?parate und ebenso deren Standardisierung setzen voraus, dass auch das Keimverhalten der Sporen bekannt ist. Deshalb wurden die zeitabh?ngigen Keimungsprozente und Keimungskurven der Blastosporen und Konidien eines Stammes vonB. bassiana auf Malzextrakt-Pepton-Agar bei 24 und 18°C ermittelt und damit auch die Unterschiede, die durch Temperatur und Sporenart bedingt sind. Für die Bewertung und Standardisierung von Sporen und Sporenpr?paraten k?nnen die Keimprozente nach 24 und 36 Stunden oder die Zeit für 50% Keimung Kriterien sein und mit den hier wiedergegebenen Standardwerten verglichen werden.

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Summary Mass cultures ofBeauveria bassiana provide either conidia or blastospores for laboratory experiments and biological control measures. For qualitative evaluation of spores and spore preparations it is of primary importance to know the germination behaviour of spores. Therefore, the percentage germination of blastospores and conidia in relation to time (0–36 hours) and temperature (24 and 18°C) have been determined on malt-extract peptone agar (Table 1) and demonstrated by graphs (Fig. 1). The periods of time necessary for 50% germination of blastospores and conidia show differences depending on temperature and type of spore (Table 2). Pronounced differences of percentage germination as caused by the two temperatures become obvious with blastospores after 6–10, with conidia after 15–20 hours; after 24 hours, such differences are relatively low (Table 3). For evaluation and standardization of spores and spore preparations ofB. bassiana the percentage germination at 24°C as obtained after 24 and 36 hours or the period of time for 50% germination can be used as criteria and compared with the corresponding standard values presented.

     

Contribution to the aeromycological study in the atmosphere of the city of Granada (South of Spain): seasonal and daily variations.

The seasonal and daily variations in the concentrations of certain fungal spores in the atmosphere of the city of Granada (South of Spain) have been studied. Sampling was carried out in 1994 using a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap. The spores analysed correspond to the genera Alternaria, Cladosporium (Cladosporium cladosporioides and Cladosporium herbarum), Fusarium, Stemphylium and Ustilago. The seasonal-variation data obtained indicate that most of these spores are abundant throughout the year, with the exception of Fusarium, which was only present in trace amounts. The maximum concentrations of Alternaria, Cladosporium and Stemphylium are obtained during two sharp peaks in spring and autumn, with the minimum values being recorded during the summer and winter months; Fusarium and Ustilago spores are most abundant in autumn and winter. Although intradiurnal-variation models vary from one taxon to the next, the highest levels are generally recorded after 12:00 hours, with maximum levels being obtained in the afternoon.     

Seasonal variation of airborne fungal spore concentrations in a vineyard of North-West Spain

Conidial types collected daily in the air above a vineyard in northwest Spain were identified and counted. A total of 26 fungal spore types were recognised; ten of which (Cladosporium, Botrytis, Fusarium-Leptosphaeria type,Torula, Puccinia, Alternaria, Uncinula, Helminthosporium type,Agrocybe andStemphylium) gave a seasonal total concentration exceeding 1000 spores. Seasonal patterns are shown for 12 of the identified taxa.     

Effects of media composition on submerged culture spores of the entomopathogenic fungus,Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum Part 2: Effects of media osmolality on cell wall characteristics,carbohydrate concentrations,drying stability,and pathogenicity

This study evaluates osmolality of a submerged conidia-producing medium in relation to the following spore characteristics: yield, morphology (dimensions and cell wall structure), chemical properties of cell wall surfaces (charge, hydrophobicity, and lectin binding), cytoplasmic polyols and trehalose, and performance (drying stability and pathogenicity). Spore production was increased by the addition of up to 150 g l^?1 polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG). Spores from high osmolality medium (HOM spores) containing 100 g l^?1 PEG had thin cell walls and dimensions more similar to blastospores than submerged conidia or aerial conidia. However, a faint electron-dense layer separating primary and secondary HOM spores’ cell walls was discernable by transmission electron microscopy as found in aerial and submerged conidia but not found in blastospores. HOM spores also appeared to have an outer rodlet layer, unlike blastospores, although it was thinner than those observed in submerged conidia. HOM spores’ surfaces possessed hydrophobic microsites, which was further evidence of the presence of a rodlet layer. In addition, HOM spores had concentrations of exposed N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminyl residues intermediate between blastospores and submerged conidia potentially indicating a masking of underlying cell wall by a rodlet layer. All spore types had exposed α-d-mannosyl and/or α-d-glucosyl residues, but lacked oligosaccharides. Similar to blastospores, HOM spores were less anionic than submerged conida. Although HOM spores had thin cell walls, they were more stable to drying than blastospores and submerged conidia. Relative drying stability did not appear to be the result of differences in polyol or trehalose concentrations, since trehalose concentrations were lower in HOM spores than submerged conidia and polyol concentrations were similar between the two spore types. HOM spores had faster germination rates than submerged conidia, similar to blastospores, and they were more pathogenic to Schistocerca americana than submerged conidia and aerial conidia.     

High incidence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium</Emphasis> spores in the atmosphere of the cave of Nerja (Malaga,southern Spain)

The cave of Nerja, which is visited annually by more than half a million people, is a karstic cavity situated in the east part of the province of Malaga (southern Spain), with internal conditions of humidity and temperature that make it a space highly conducive to the development of fungus. Fungal spores are of great interest in aerobiology and allergy due to their high incidence in both outdoor and indoor environments and their widely recognized ability to cause respiratory diseases and other pathologies. In this work, we focus on the seasonal and intradiurnal study of the Aspergillus/Penicillium spore type (conidia), which is especially abundant in the atmosphere inside the cave of Nerja. This study was carried out over an uninterrupted period of 4 years (2002–2005) with the aid of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap (Lanzoni VPPS 2000) situated in one of the halls of the cave. The results show that the spores of Aspergillus/Penicillium type represent 48.6% of the annual spore index, June, July and August being the months with the highest rates of these spores, with an average incidence for the 4 years of 11, 63 and 15% of the annual total, respectively. However, the most interesting observation was the sudden increase in the concentration of these spores that occurred during 1 day of the year, when levels might reach nearly 300,000 spores/m³ of air as daily mean. Finally, it was concluded that these peaks were due to human activities carried out inside the cave, coinciding with celebration of the annual festival of dance and music. On the other hand, the intradiurnal study showed that the highest concentrations are reached between 1200 and 1400 hours. Although there are no standard indices related to the risk of exposure to spore concentrations, we think that the values obtained were high enough to be considered as a potential risk factor capable of producing harmful effects on human health. We therefore recommend taking the necessary measures to prevent such high increases in the spore levels inside the cave.     

Airborne fungal spores in urban and rural environments in Poland

The concentrations of airborne fungal spores were measured during 2001–2002 in two sites in Poland—one in the city and the other in the countryside. The sites differed in habitat characteristics, such as urbanisation level, vegetation and microclimate. The aim of the study was to determine if, and in which way, land use type would affect spore occurrence. The volumetric method was used, and ten easily identifiable spore types were sampled and anyalysed: Alternaria, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Epiccocum, Ganoderma, Pithomyces, Polythrincium, Stemphylium, Torula and Drechslera. The season of spore occurrence was determined using the 90% method. The fungal spores studied were very frequent in the air (in most instances at a frequency higher than 50%). The most common spores were those of Cladosporium, with a frequency range of 83.1–90.5%. In both years the proportion of Cladosporium spores was statistically significantly higher in the city. In both 2001 and 2002 the total seasonal sum of all the spores was higher in the countryside than in the city as was the Seasonal Fungal Index (SFI) values and average concentrations of Botrytis, Ganoderma and Torula. These latter three genera are usually represented as pathogens of plants. The mean spore concentrations of most taxa were significantly higher in the rural environment. Correlation coefficients between daily concentrations at both sites for most of the taxa studied were significant, but with lower correlation values between variables. Such results indicate that the values from the sites are weakly interdependent. The study confirms that land use type may very likely have an impact on the course of spore occurrence, the mean daily concentrations of spores as well as SFI values.     

Failure to decontaminate Glomus clarum NT4 spores is due to spore wall-associated bacteria

 Exposure of spores of Glomus clarum NT4 to solutions of chloramine-T (2.5–10% w/v) for 10–120 min failed to fully decontaminate all spores. Scanning electron microscopy did not show the presence of contaminants on treated spores, but transmission electron microscopy revealed bacterial cells embedded within the outer spore wall layer. Bacteria that remained protected within the spore walls were detected only when the spores were placed on appropriate media. Nutrient agar and tryptic soy agar supported relatively high levels of contaminant growth and were regarded as good media for assessing contamination, whereas the detection of contaminant growth on water agar required prolonged incubation. Contamination and germination of G. clarum NT4 spores following decontamination treatments were dependent on spore age. Generally, lower concentrations of chloramine-T and shorter incubation periods were required to reduce contamination of freshly harvested spores than of mature spores. Exposure to 10% chloramine-T for 120 min was required to reduce the levels of contamination of mature spores to ≤10%. Unfortunately, spore germination was compromised by rigorous decontamination treatments, thus the success of any decontamination procedure should be evaluated prior to its routine use. Moreover, if the interpretation of experimental results rests on the assumption of true surface sterility of VAMF spores, we suggest that the axenic condition of spores be confirmed prior to experimentation on a medium that encourages contaminant growth. Accepted: 12 July 1995     

Study of airborne fungal spores in Madrid, Spain

The concentration of fungal spores in the atmosphere of Madrid was recorded and analyzed for the year 2003. Airborne spores were sampled continuously with a Hirst-type spore trap located on the roof of a building of the School of Pharmacy, at about 8 m above ground level. Correlation between the mean daily spore concentrations and meteorological variables were explored by means of Spearman’s correlation analyses. Seventy spore types were identified, of which the most numerous were Cladosporium, Aspergillaceae (conidia), Coprinus, Agaricales (basidiospores), Ustilago (teliospores) and Pleospora (ascospores). These six types of spores represented more than 70% of the total. Cladosporium represented 41% of the total fungal spores, while Ustilago spores, the concentrations of which in May and June exceeded 47% of the monthly total spore count, constituted the second most important group. Spores reached their highest concentrations in the spring months, and in the autumn, mainly in October. A␣positive significant correlation was found between airborne spore counts and temperature and relative humidity. The results provide a picture of the spectrum of airborne fungal spores present in the atmosphere of Madrid and of the `peak' periods of their presence. Future studies will provide more detailed information on the seasonal dynamics of the spores most frequently found in the air as well as on the extent to which atmospheric conditions influence their release, dispersion and sedimentation processes.     

Airborne fungal spore content in the atmosphere of the city of La Plata,Argentina

The aim of this paper is to present the first aeromycological study of the atmosphere of the city of La Plata. Air samples were taken using a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap sampler (Lanzoni, VPPS 2000) for a period of a year (July 2000–June 2001). Seventy-nine morphological types of spores belonging to the Phyla Myxomycota, Zygomycota, Oomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, as well as anamorphs of Higher Fungi were identified. A total of 171670.21 spores were recorded, with a daily mean of 540 spores/m3. The spores were present throughout the year the study was carried out. However, there was a wide daily fluctuation in the concentration values with a tendency toward an increase during the summer months. The fungal spores were classified in three categories: abundant, having five spore types; moderate having 12 types; and low, with 62 morphological types which represent 67.2, 24.2, and 8.6%, respectively. The most representative taxa were Cladosporium cladosporioides, Leptosphaeria, Cladosporium herbarum, Coprinus, and Agaricus, the first two taxa having a high frequency during the year of study. This scientific research reveals a great diversity of morphological types in this outdoor environment, showing a strong dominance of the Imperfect Fungi, whose components have seasonal rates. By this study, the first aeromycological profile of an urban center of Argentina has been portrayed, and new information on the field of aeromycology in the country has been provided.     

Correlation of spring spore concentrations and meteorological conditions in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Different spore types are abundant in the atmosphere depending on the weather conditions. Ascospores generally follow precipitation, while spore types such as Alternaria and Cladosporium are abundant in dry conditions. This project attempted to correlate fungal spore concentrations with meteorological data from Tulsa, Oklahoma during May 1998 and May 1999. Air samples were collected and analyzed by the 12-traverse method. The spore types included were Cladosporium, Alternaria, Epicoccum, Curvularia, Pithomyces, Drechslera, smut spores, ascospores, basidiospores, and other spores. Weather variables included precipitation levels, temperature, dew point, air pressure, wind speed, wind direction and wind gusts. There were over 242.57 mm of rainfall in May 1999 and only 64.01 mm in May 1998. The most abundant spore types during May 1998 and May 1999 were Cladosporium, ascospores, and basidiospores. Results showed that there were significant differences in the dry-air spora between May 1998 and May 1999. There were twice as many Cladosporium in May 1998 as in May 1999; both ascospores and basidiospores showed little change. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine which meteorological variables influenced spore concentrations. Results showed that there was no single model for all spore types. Different combinations of factors were predictors of concentration for the various fungi examined; however, temperature and dew point seemed to be the most important meteorological factors. Received: 5 July 2000 / Revised: 20 December 2000 / Accepted: 22 December 2000     

Airborne pollen and spores’ deposition in alveolar tissues as a tool in drowning forensic diagnosis

We report the results of a histological study of lung samples where an unusual quantity of airborne pollen and fungal spores was found in drowned rats. Pollen and spores were found in lungs of drowned rats but not in the post-mortem submerged ones. Another control group consisting of rats that underwent 60 min exposure to a highly pollen-loaded atmosphere also recorded negative for the presence of pollen or fungal spores. Pollen types coincided with plants growing at the surrounding gardens flowering during the days of the experiment, performed during spring, that were detected by the aerobiological trap located at the city. The pollen observed at the lower airways’ tissues were Chenopodiaceae, Cupressus, Ericaceae, Jasminum, Olea europaea, Plantago, Pinus, Poaceae, Quercus and Urticaceae. Regarding fungal spores Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Cladosporium herbarum, Leptosphaeria, Polythrincium and Phitomyces. Pollen and spores’ penetration into deeper regions of the respiratory tract is an unusual phenomenon not happening in regular breathing conditions. Our results revealed that these particles appeared in a significant number in lung samples of drowned animals probably pushed down from upper airways by the force of water inhalation during drowning. Their presence into alveolar spaces offer a useful forensic evidence in doubtful drowning autopsies, favoured by the characteristic of the sporopollenin (pollen wall) and chitin (fungal spore wall) resistance. Moreover, the presence of these particles in alveoli areas of drowned bodies can help forensics to obtain information about pre-mortem dates and places.

     

Atmospheric mold spore counts in relation to meteorological parameters

 Fungal spore counts of Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Epicoccum were studied during 8 years in Denver, Colorado. Fungal spore counts were obtained daily during the pollinating season by a Rotorod sampler. Weather data were obtained from the National Climatic Data Center. Daily averages of temperature, relative humidity, daily precipitation, barometric pressure, and wind speed were studied. A time series analysis was performed on the data to mathematically model the spore counts in relation to weather parameters. Using SAS PROC ARIMA software, a regression analysis was performed, regressing the spore counts on the weather variables assuming an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) error structure. Cladosporium was found to be positively correlated (P<0.02) with average daily temperature, relative humidity, and negatively correlated with precipitation. Alternaria and Epicoccum did not show increased predictability with weather variables. A mathematical model was derived for Cladosporium spore counts using the annual seasonal cycle and significant weather variables. The model for Alternaria and Epicoccum incorporated the annual seasonal cycle. Fungal spore counts can be modeled by time series analysis and related to meteorological parameters controlling for seasonallity; this modeling can provide estimates of exposure to fungal aeroallergens. Received: 14 October 1996 / Revised: 17 February 1997 / Accepted: 28 February 1997     

Effect of berberine and (±)-bicuculline isolated from<Emphasis Type="Italic">Corydalis chaerophylla</Emphasis> on spore germination of some fungi

Berberine and (±)-bicuculline were isolated from roots and leaves, respectively, ofCorydalis chaerophylla. Both were effectivein vitro against spore germination of some plant pathogenic fungi (Alternaria brassicicola, A. brassicae, A. cheiranthi, A. melongenae, A. solani, Colletotrichum musae, C. falcatum, Curvularia penniseti, C. lunata, C. maculans, C. pallescens, Curvularia sp.,Erysiphe pisi, E. cichoracearum, Erysiphe sp.,Fusarium udum, Helminthosporium spiciferum, H. penniseti, H. frumentacei, Heterosporium sp.,Oidium erysiphoides andUstilago cynodontis). Berberine and (±)-bicuculline significantly inhibited spore germination of all the fungi at concentrations of 100–1000 ppm. Berberine was effective against all the fungi at all concentrations; most of the fungi did not germinate at 1000 ppm.H. penniseti conidia did not germinate at any cencentration of (±)-bicuculline.U. cynodontis was the least sensitive fungus at lower concentrations but 800 ppm dose was highly effective.