Fungal content of air samples from some asthmatic childrens’ homes in Mexico City

Fungal particles can be considered a potential risk factor in children causing asthma, rhinitis, and allergy. However, a direct relationship between mold exposure and respiratory symptoms is difficult to establish, particularly if volumetric results are not well documented, as is often the case in Mexico. In order to assess mold exposure in some asthmatic childrens’ homes, eight asthmatic children were selected. For each child, lung function was measured by spirometry and the flow expiratory volume drop in the first second (FEV₁) as well as the CVF were estimated at 5, 10 and 15 min, after a running period on a treadmill. Exercise induced asthma (EIA) was defined as a FEV₁ drop <10% or FEV₁/CVF drop >10%. Atopy was estimated by skin testing of allergen extracts. Each room was volumetrically sampled using Burkard Personal samplers, every week for a month and with different degrees of activity. Fungal composition was mostly dominated by allergenic molds, spores smaller than 10 μm and non-seasonal molds. Concentrations ranged from 0 to 2087 CFU/m³ and 102 553–29 522 200 spores/m³, being significantly higher in indoor air, but the differences between rooms or weeks were not significant, either for CFUs (P>0.27) or for total particles (P>0.80). In general, mold counts were dominated byPenicillium spp. andCladosporium spp. especiallyP. aurantiogriseum andC. cladosporioides. We observed that the median concentration values were in general higher for children with exercise induced asthma (EIA). But the differences were significant only for EIA and degree, of asthma particularly for total (P=0.038), mycotoxin producers (P<0.009), seasonal molds (P<0.006) andPenicillium spp. (P=0.012). Total spore counts showed the highest median values in children without EIA, moderate asthma degree and no atopy. Significant differences were found for almost all spore, type groupings when comparing the presence of EIA (P<0.05) or asthma degree categories (P<0.030), but no differences were observed for atopy (P>0.21). We conclude that respiratory symptoms as described by EIA, asthma severity and atopy may give a good correlation with fungal concentrations and especially comparisons based on their physical and chemical properties.     

The incidence of fungal spores in the ambient air and inside homes: Evidence from London

Little research has been carried out in London concerning fungal spore prevalence yet this information may help to elucidate geographical patterns of asthma and hay fever. Although many types of spore reach peak concentrations outdoors in late-summer, the incidences in the indoor environment may be more important through the winter because of heating and poor ventilation. Daily average concentrations of fungal spores in the ambient atmosphere were monitored with a Burkard volumetric spore trap on an exposed roof in North London from autumn 1991 until the summer of 1992. Indoor spore measurements were taken in 19 homes in the vicinity through the winter months, both by direct air sampling using a portable Burkard sampler and by dust culture. Trends in the occurrence and concentrations of fungal spores indoors and outdoors were examined. Relationships between the abundance of selected allergenic fungi and features of the houses were analysed including age of dwelling, dampness, cleanliness and presence of pets.Aspergillus andPenicillium were the most frequently occurring spore types in the homes. Overall, high spore incidence was associated with dampness and dust accumulation. The outdoor spore samples revealed generally low concentrations through the winter until March when concentrations of many types includingCladosporium, Epicoccum andAlternaria increased in abundance in response to the warmer weather. Even during the late-spring and early-summer, concentrations of most fungal spores were notably below those reported for rural sites.     

Fungal colonization of automobile air conditioning systems

Air samples and swab samples of the air conditioning vents were collected from 29 automobiles in the metropolitan region of Atlanta, GA, and cultured for fungi. Among the fungi observed, species of Acremonium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were in the highest densities. Transparent adhesive tape imprints, SEM observations, and enrichment culture of components of five systems demonstrated fungal hyphae on the metal surfaces and within the matrix of various insulation materials. The evaporator removed from one automobile because of a series of complaints of noxious odors was densely colonized by Penicillium viridicatum. The amplification of known allergenic and odor-producing fungi occurred within the automobile air conditioning systems. Received 27 May 1997/ Accepted in revised form 16 July 1997     

Comparison of the Yeast Proteome to Other Fungal Genomes to Find Core Fungal Genes

The purpose of this research was to search for evolutionarily conserved fungal sequences to test the hypothesis that fungi have a set of core genes that are not found in other organisms, as these genes may indicate what makes fungi different from other organisms. By comparing 6355 predicted or known yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) genes to the genomes of 13 other fungi using Standalone TBLASTN at an e-value <1E-5, a list of 3340 yeast genes was obtained with homologs present in at least 12 of 14 fungal genomes. By comparing these common fungal genes to complete genomes of animals (Fugu rubripes, Caenorhabditis elegans), plants (Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa), and bacteria (Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Xylella fastidiosa), a list of common fungal genes with homologs in these plants, animals, and bacteria was produced (938 genes), as well as a list of exclusively fungal genes without homologs in these other genomes (60 genes). To ensure that the 60 genes were exclusively fungal, these were compared using TBLASTN to the major sequence databases at GenBank: NR (nonredundant), EST (expressed sequence tags), GSS (genome survey sequences), and HTGS (unfinished high-throughput genome sequences). This resulted in 17 yeast genes with homologs in other fungal genomes, but without known homologs in other organisms. These 17 core, fungal genes were not found to differ from other yeast genes in GC content or codon usage patterns. More intensive study is required of these 17 genes and other common fungal genes to discover unique features of fungi compared to other organisms.Reviewing Editor: Prof. David Gottman     

Expedient synthesis of an atypical oxazolidinone compound library

In order to address the current downturn in the drug discovery pipeline, initiatives are being undertaken to synthesise screening libraries of sp³-rich, low molecular weight compounds. As part of the European Lead Factory initiative, the synthesis and derivatisation of a simple hexahydrooxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-2(1H)-one bicyclic carbamate has been achieved. The synthetic route employed involved a telescoped hetero-Diels–Alder/[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/cyclisation sequence to deliver the desired core scaffold containing two points for further diversification. When applied, this synthesis was found to be robust and scalable which allowed the production of a 155 compound library.     

The biodiversity of air spora in an Italian vineyard

Biodiversity indices are frequently used to provide a numerical value of the diversity of species within an ecological community. To study fungal biodiversity in the air, a 7-day recording Hirst-type spore trap was used. The daily concentration of 124 taxa was recorded in an Italian vineyard. The predominant fungi were: Cladosporium spp., unknown 3-septate fusiform spore, and Alternaria spp. Shannon’s and Simpson’s biodiversity indices and evenness were calculated first for air spora. Meteorological circumstances affected the biodiversity; positive correlations were found between Simpson’s biodiversity index and precipitation, but no significant correlations were found with Shannon’s diversity index and evenness. To predict Simpson’s index for airborne fungi, regression analysis was performed. It was shown that the best estimator, sun hours, negatively affected the index. The biodiversity of the dominant species was low on dry days, since Cladosporium alone had much higher abundance on such days than other species.     

Fungal biodeterioration of stained-glass windows

Biodeterioration of stained-glass windows by fungi was studied using historically accurate glass production methods. Glass reproductions were made according to the chemical composition determined by micro energy dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence of two historical glass windows belonging to King Ferdinand II's collection dating from the 15th and 17th centuries. Three distinct glasses compositions with different colours were selected and reproduced: i) a mixed-alkali colourless glass: ii) a purple potash-glass with manganese as chromophore, and iii) a brown potash-glass coloured by iron ions. The reproduced glass samples, with two initial surface morphologies (corroded and non-corroded), were inoculated with fungi previously isolated and identified on the original stained-glass windows as species of the genera Penicillium and Cladosporium. Physical and chemical glass surface alterations were analysed by means of optical microscopy, Raman microscopy, micro Infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Results showed that fungi produced clear damage on all glass surfaces, present as spots and stains, fingerprints, biopiting, leaching and deposition of elements, and formation of biogenic crystals. Therefore, the inoculated fungi were able to biodeteriorate glasses with distinct compositions. Regarding the biodeterioration degree, there were no differences between the initial non-corroded and corroded glass surfaces.     

一种快速提取真菌染色体DNA的方法

介绍了一种适用于多种真菌染色体DNA的快速提取方法。该方法用石英砂振荡破壁 ,快速便捷地提取真菌染色体DNA ,提取时间仅用 1～ 2h。作者应用该方法成功地提取了粗糙脉胞菌 (Neurosporacrassa)、米曲霉 (Aspergillusoryzae)、羊肚菌 (Morchellaesculcnta)、酿酒酵母 (Saccharomycescervisae)等 4种不同真菌的染色体DNA ,所提DNA片段均大于2 0kb ,可直接用于限制性内     

张家口地区真菌性角膜炎病原菌的临床分析

目的：分析张家口地区真菌性角膜炎的病原学及流行病学特征,为其临床诊治提供一定的参考依据。方法：回顾性分析2010年12月-2012年6月我院收治的97例真菌性角膜炎患者的临床资料,分析其病原菌的构成、诊断方法及药物敏感性情况。结果：总共鉴定出84株真菌,分属12个属、23个种,其中以镰刀菌属感染最为多见（51．2％）,其次为曲霉属（14．3％）和假丝酵母属（10．7％）;感染者以男性劳动者居多,外伤是最常见的诱因,秋冬季为高发季节;不同菌种对药物的敏感性存在区别,主要致病菌种对两性霉素B和纳他霉素的敏感性均达70％以上,较其它抗真菌药物高。结论：镰刀菌为本地区真菌性角膜炎的主要致病菌,病原体种类和构成与其他北方地区无明显区别。两性霉素B和纳他霉素为大多数菌种的敏感药物,可作为本地区临床预防和治疗的首选药物。     

Mitochondrial Cx43, an important component of cardiac preconditioning

Connexin 43 (Cx43) forms gap junction channels that are essential for the propagation of electrical depolarization in cardiomyocytes, but also with important roles in the pathophysiology of reperfusion injury. However, more recent studies have shown that Cx43 has also important functions independent from intercellular communication between adjacent cardiomyocytes. Some of these actions have been related to the presence of Cx43 in the mitochondria of these cells (mitoCx43). The functions of mitoCx43 have not been completely elucidated, but there is strong evidence indicating that mitoCx43 modulates mitochondrial respiration at respiratory complex I, production of radical oxygen species and ATP synthesis. These functions of mitoCx43 modulate mitochondrial and cellular tolerance to reperfusion after prolonged ischemia and are necessary for the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. In the present review article we discuss available knowledge on these functions of mitoCx43 in relation to reperfusion injury, the molecular mechanisms involved and explore the possibility that mitoCx43 may constitute a new pharmacological target in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.     

Perlecan: an important component of the cartilage pericellular matrix

Perlecan (Pln) is a large proteoglycan that can bear HS (heparan sulfate) and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans. Previous studies have demonstrated that Pln can interact with growth factors and cell surfaces either via its constituent glycosaminoglycan chains or core protein. Herein, we summarize studies demonstrating spatially and temporally regulated expression of Pln mRNA and protein in developing and mature cartilage. Mutations either in the Pln gene or in genes involved in glycosaminoglycan assembly result in severe cartilage phenotypes seen in both human syndromes and mouse model systems. In vitro studies demonstrate that Pln can trigger chondrogenic differentiation of multipotential mouse CH310T1/2 stem cells as well as maintain the phenotype of adult human chondrocytes. Structural mapping indicates that these activities lie entirely within domain I, a region unique to Pln, and that they require glycosaminoglycans. We also discuss data indicating that Pln cooperates with the key chondrogenic growth factor, BMP-2, to promote expression of hypertrophic chondrocyte markers. Collectively, these studies indicate that Pln is an important component of human cartilage and may have useful applications in tissue engineering and cartilage-directed therapeutics.     

Aerobiological study of fungal spores from Palencia (Spain)

A study of the concentration of fungal spores has been carried out in the atmosphere of Palencia town (NW Spain) during 1992. The volumetric method of filtration has been used. Half of the daily filter sample has been cultivated in Czapecdox-agar or Sabouraud-agar for the identification of fungal colonies, and the other half has been examined by optical microscopy. Several colonies belonging to 26 genera have been identified. Deuteromycetes (54%) and Zigomycetes (28%) are assembled in four genera, and Bacteria and Actynomycetes (18%) in three genera. The greatest concentrations occur forAspergillus (23%),Mucor (25%), followed byPenicillium (16%). The greatest diversity and abundance of fungal spores are found in September–December. The viable colonies are more abundant in Czapedox-agar culture, whereas Bacteria were more frequently found in Sabouraud medium.     

真菌基因组数据库概况

阐明不同生物基因组DNA序列信息及破译相关遗传学背景的基因组学是生物学和医学研究的核心学科.最近十年来真菌基因组学研究发生根本性的变化,真菌已成为真核生物基因组研究的最佳模式生物.至2008年6月,近80种隶属于真菌,微孢子虫和卵菌的全基因组序列公布,代表着最广泛的真核生物,它们的基因组大小从2.5 Mb～81.5 Mb.本丈整理了这些数据的相关信息.     

真菌生物量指示剂麦角固醇的分离及测定方法

麦角固醇作为真菌细胞膜的重要组成成分,结构稳定,可作为真菌生长的指示物质。综述了表征真菌生物量的麦角固醇的分离及测定方法,其中麦角固醇的萃取方法有传统的皂化回流法、快速物理萃取、超声波萃取、超临界流体萃取等,测定方法有高效液相色谱法、气相色谱-质谱法、液相色谱-质谱法、薄层色谱法等。并对这些方法的应用及在堆肥过程中运用麦角固醇估计真菌生物量的可行性进行了展望。     

Gymnotiform fish: an important component of Amazonian fioodplain fish communities

Estimates of the density, biomass and species diversity of fish from floating meadow and flooded forest habitats suggest that gymnotiform fish constitute an important component of Amazonian flood plain fish faunas. Electric eels, Electrophorus electricus are unexpectedly abundant within Varzea forest.     

Flux an important, but neglected, component of functional genomics

Genomics approaches aimed at understanding metabolism currently tend to involve mainly expression profiling, although proteomics and steady-state metabolite profiling are increasingly being carried out as alternative strategies. These approaches provide rich information on the inventory of the cell. It is, however, of growing importance that such approaches are augmented by sophisticated integrative analyses and a higher-level understanding of cellular dynamics to provide insights into mechanisms that underlie biological processes. We argue the need for, and discuss theoretical and practical aspects of, the determination of metabolic flux as a component of functional genomics.     

Fungal evolution: diversity,taxonomy and phylogeny of the Fungi

The fungal kingdom comprises a hyperdiverse clade of heterotrophic eukaryotes characterized by the presence of a chitinous cell wall, the loss of phagotrophic capabilities and cell organizations that range from completely unicellular monopolar organisms to highly complex syncitial filaments that may form macroscopic structures. Fungi emerged as a ‘Third Kingdom’, embracing organisms that were outside the classical dichotomy of animals versus vegetals. The taxonomy of this group has a turbulent history that is only now starting to be settled with the advent of genomics and phylogenomics. We here review the current status of the phylogeny and taxonomy of fungi, providing an overview of the main defined groups. Based on current knowledge, nine phylum‐level clades can be defined: Opisthosporidia, Chytridiomycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Zoopagomycota, Mucoromycota, Glomeromycota, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. For each group, we discuss their main traits and their diversity, focusing on the evolutionary relationships among the main fungal clades. We also explore the diversity and phylogeny of several groups of uncertain affinities and the main phylogenetic and taxonomical controversies and hypotheses in the field.     

Fungal Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Residues; Opportunities & Perspectives

The development of alternative energy technology is critically important because of the rising prices of crude oil, security issues regarding the oil supply, and environmental issues such as global warming and air pollution. Bioconversion of biomass has significant advantages over other alternative energy strategies because biomass is the most abundant and also the most renewable biomaterial on our planet. Bioconversion of lignocellulosic residues is initiated primarily by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria which are capable of degrading lignocellulolytic materials. Fungi such as Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger produce large amounts of extracellular cellulolytic enzymes, whereas bacterial and a few anaerobic fungal strains mostly produce cellulolytic enzymes in a complex called cellulosome, which is associated with the cell wall. In filamentous fungi, cellulolytic enzymes including endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases (exoglucanases) and β-glucosidases work efficiently on cellulolytic residues in a synergistic manner. In addition to cellulolytic/hemicellulolytic activities, higher fungi such as basidiomycetes (e.g. Phanerochaete chrysosporium) have unique oxidative systems which together with ligninolytic enzymes are responsible for lignocellulose degradation. This review gives an overview of different fungal lignocellulolytic enzymatic systems including extracellular and cellulosome-associated in aerobic and anaerobic fungi, respectively. In addition, oxidative lignocellulose-degradation mechanisms of higher fungi are discussed. Moreover, this paper reviews the current status of the technology for bioconversion of biomass by fungi, with focus on mutagenesis, co-culturing and heterologous gene expression attempts to improve fungal lignocellulolytic activities to create robust fungal strains.     

Intravarietal heterogeneity of durum wheat is an important component of species biodiversity

Sixty-four durum wheat varieties of the domestic breeding (USSR and Russia) were studied for heterogeneity using various genetic markers: storage proteins (gliadins), RAPD, and microsatellite (SSR) markers. About a third of the studied varieties (24) were shown to be heterogeneous at the protein markers. These varieties contained from two to six biotypes. Using the molecular markers, the biotypes were found to differ not only in the gliadin-coding genes as determined with the protein markers, but also in other chromosome regions. Moreover, using SSR markers, some additional subbiotypes were detected within the biotypes defined with the gliadin markers. Thus, the intravarietal durum wheat heterogeneity is an important component of general species biodiversity.