Identification of bacterial and fungal species in human cadavers used in anatomy teaching / Identificación de especies bacterianas y fúngicas en cadáveres humanos utilizados en la enseñanza de la anatomía

Within the framework of undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, cadavers have been used to teach anatomy by dissection or by using prosected specimens. To accomplish this, an appropriated preservation process must guarantee that the cadaver is kept safe for harm, destruction, and decomposition. Embalming fluid contains fixatives, disinfectants, surfactants, buffers, salt, and water, making the cadaver safe for teaching anatomy. However, it remains unclear if there is any risk of dissemination of microorganisms during anatomy teaching, research, and dissection procedures on fixed cadavers. The purpose of this study is to identify bacterial and fungal species in fixed cadaveric material used in anatomy teaching. Samples of cadavers and anatomical sections were cultured and biochemical tests and molecular identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify the microorganisms. The results indicate that fixed cadaveric material has viable bacteria on its surfaces and almost all these correspond to gram-negative bacilli of the Enterobacteriaceae family. In conclusion, fixed cadavers could be a reservoir of bacteria. This study underscores the importance of generating safe manipulation protocols to avoid eventual contamination and disease.

Dentro del curriculum de los programas de postgrado y pregrado de las carreras de la salud, los cadáveres han sido utilizados para la enseñanza de la anatomía mediante la disección o utilizando preparados anatómicos. Para poder llevar a cabo esto, el cadáver debe pasar por un adecuado proceso de preservación; en el que se utilizan fluidos que contienen fijadores, desinfectantes, surfactantes, buffers, sal y agua, los cuales lo protegen del deterioro y la descomposición. Las soluciones fijadoras y conservadoras contienen desinfectantes, surfactantes, fijadores, buffers, sal y agua, que hacen que el cadáver sea seguro para la enseñanza de la anatomía. Sin embargo, no está claro si existe algún riesgo de diseminación de microorganismos durante la enseñanza, investigación y/o disección en estos cadáveres. El propósito del estudio es identificar especies bacterianas y/o fúngicas en material cadavérico previamente fijado, usado en la enseñanza de la anatomía. Se realizaron cultivos y técnicas de identificación molecular mediante reacción en cadena de polimerasa de muestras tomadas desde material cadavérico para identificar los microorganismos encontrados. Los resultados indican que el material cadavérico previamente fijado posee bacterias en sus superficies, la mayoría corresponde a bacilos gram negativos de la familia de las Enterobacteriaceae. En conclusión, los cadáveres previamente fijados pueden ser reservorio de bacterias. Este estudio destaca la importancia de generar protocolos de manipulación con el fin de evitar una posible contaminación y enfermedad.

Trichoderma harzianum MTCC 5179 impacts the population and functional dynamics of microbial community in the rhizosphere of black pepper (Piper nigrum L )

Abstract Employing Illumina Hiseq whole genome metagenome sequencing approach, we studied the impact of Trichoderma harzianum on altering the microbial community and its functional dynamics in the rhizhosphere soil of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). The metagenomic datasets from the rhizosphere with (treatment) and without (control) T. harzianum inoculation were annotated using dual approach, i.e., stand alone and MG-RAST. The probiotic application of T. harzianum in the rhizhosphere soil of black pepper impacted the population dynamics of rhizosphere bacteria, archae, eukaryote as reflected through the selective recruitment of bacteria [Acidobacteriaceae bacterium (p = 1.24e-12), Candidatus koribacter versatilis (p = 2.66e-10)] and fungi [(Fusarium oxysporum (p = 0.013), Talaromyces stipitatus (p = 0.219) and Pestalotiopsis fici (p = 0.443)] in terms of abundance in population and bacterial chemotaxis (p = 0.012), iron metabolism (p = 2.97e-5) with the reduction in abundance for pathogenicity islands (p = 7.30e-3), phages and prophages (p = 7.30e-3) with regard to functional abundance. Interestingly, it was found that the enriched functional metagenomic signatures on phytoremediation such as benzoate transport and degradation (p = 2.34e-4), and degradation of heterocyclic aromatic compounds (p = 3.59e-13) in the treatment influenced the rhizosphere micro ecosystem favoring growth and health of pepper plant. The population dynamics and functional richness of rhizosphere ecosystem in black pepper influenced by the treatment with T. harzianum provides the ecological importance of T. harzianum in the cultivation of black pepper.

Evaluación de la actividad antifúngica del extracto de Usnea laevis en hongos fitopatógenos / Evaluation of the antifungal activity of the lichenic extract of Usnea laevis in phytopathogenic fungi

Los líquenes son producto de una asociación simbiótica entre un hongo y alga y/o cianobacteria; esta simbiosis produce una serie de metabolitos secundarios o sustancias liquénicas únicas, las mismas que son aisladas a partir de sus extractos y que han presentado una marcada actividad antibiótica y antifúngica. Considerando que en el Ecuador no se tienen antecedentes acerca de este tipo de estudios, el objetivo planteado fue el evaluar la actividad antifúngica del extracto liquénico de Usnea laevis frente a hongos fitopatógenos. En el presente estudio las sustancias liquénicas almacenadas en el talo de Usnea laevis fueron extraídas con metanol y etanol. La actividad antifúngica in vitro de estos extractos fue probado frente a géneros de hongos fitopatógenos previamente aislados (Aspergillus, Penicillium y Rhizopus stolonifer); añadiéndolo al medio de cultivo Agar Papa Dextrosa (PDA) a una concentración de 0,5%; determinándose el porcentaje de inhibición. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente y se realizó la clasificación del extracto en base a su porcentaje de inhibición según la OILB. El extracto metanólico y etanólico de Usnea laevis mostró una mayor efectividad frente a Rhizopus stolonifer, inhibiendo más del 50% de su crecimiento, a diferencia de Penicillium y Aspergillus cuyo porcentaje de inhibición fue mucho menor y mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El extracto liquénico fue moderadamente tóxico para Rhizopus stolonifer, ligeramente tóxico para Aspergillus sp 1 y Penicillium sp e inocuo para Aspergillus sp 2.

A lichen is an organism product of a symbiotic association between a fungus and algae and / or cyanobacteria; this symbiosis produces many secondary metabolites or unique lichen substances, which are isolated from their extracts and show a marked antibiotic and antifungal activity. Considering there is no background on this type of studies in Ecuador, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal in vitro activity of Usnea laevis extract on phytopathogenic fungi. The lichenic substances stored in the thallus of Usnea laevis were extracted with methanol and ethanol. The in vitro antifungal activity of these extracts was tested against phytopathogenic fungal genera previously isolated (Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus stolonifer) . They were adding to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture medium at a concentration of 0.5%, and the inhibition percentage was determined. Data were statistically analyzed and the extract was classified based on its inhibition percentage according to the OILB. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Usnea laevis showed greater effectiveness against Rhizopus stolonifer, inhibiting more than 50% of its growth, unlike Penicillium and Aspergillus, whose inhibition percentage was lower and showed significant differences. The liquid extract was also moderately toxic to Rhizopus stolonifer, slightly toxic to Aspergillus sp 1 and Penicillium sp and harmless to Aspergillus sp 2.

Diversity and communities of culturable endophytic fungi from different tree peonies (geoherbs and non-geoherbs), and their biosynthetic potential analysis

Abstract To know more about the potential roles of endophytic fungi in the formation mechanism of Daodi medicinal material, diversity and communities of culturable endophytic fungi in three types of tree peonies were investigated. Endophytic fungi of three types of tree peonies were isolated and identified. The diversity was analyzed. Bayesian trees constructed by MrBayes 3.2.6 after phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequences. The endophytic fungi potential for synthesis of natural products was assessed by means of detecting NRPS and PKS gene sequences. In total, 364 endophytic fungi isolates representing 26 genera were recovered from Paeonia ostii 'Feng Dan', Paeonia ostii 'Luoyang Feng Dan', and Paeonia suffruticosa 'Luoyang Hong'. More culturable endophytic fungi appeared in P. suffruticosa 'Luoyang Hong' (206) compared with P. ostii 'Feng Dan' (60) and P. ostii 'Luoyang Feng Dan' (98). The fungal community of P. ostii 'Feng Dan' had the highest richness and diversity. PKSs and NRPS detection rates of endophytic fungi from P. ostii 'Feng Dan' are both the highest among the three types of tree peonies. Results indicate that endophytic fungus is an important factor of Daodi Cortex Moutan forming, and endophytic fungi in peony are related to genuineness of Cortex Moutan.

Biofilmes em ambientes de alimentação: composição microbiana e avaliação da resistência frente ao hipoclorito de sódio / Biofilms in feeding environments: microbial composition and evaluation of resistance to sodium hypochlorite

Ambientes de preparação de alimentos são locais propícios à formação de agregados microbianos, conhecidos como biofilmes que são mais resistentes à ação de sanitizantes e representam fontes de contaminação, colocando em risco a saúde dos consumidores. Diante disso, neste estudo objetivou-se detectar biofilmes em refeitórios de escolas no município de Serra Talhada, PE e avaliá-los quanto à composição microbiana e resistência frente ao hipoclorito de sódio. A coleta foi realizada em equipamentos, superfícies e utensílios; as análises microbiológicas incluíram a pesquisa de coliformes totais e fecais, enterobactérias e fungos, além de testar a resistência dos biofilmes contra o hipoclorito de sódio. Os resultados mostraram amostras positivas para coliformes totais e termotolerantes, tornando preocupante o estado higienicossanitário dos locais estudados. O teste para enterobactérias indicou a presença de Escherichia, Klebsiella e Salmonella, ressaltando a composição diversa dos biofilmes, incluindo os fungos. A concentração de hipoclorito de sódio a 1% mostrou-se eficiente para a maioria das amostras, porém outras medidas devem ser tomadas pelos responsáveis, com a finalidade de controlar a formação de biofilme e reduzir as contaminações nesses locais.(AU)

Tricalcium phosphate solubilization and nitrogen fixation by newly isolated Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus CKMV1 from rhizosphere of Valeriana jatamansi and its growth promotional effect

Abstract Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus strain CKMV1 was isolated from rhizosphere of Valeriana jatamansi and possessed multiple plant growth promoting traits like production of phosphate solubilization (260 mg/L), nitrogen fixation (202.91 nmol ethylene mL-1 h-1), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (8.1 µg/mL), siderophores (61.60%), HCN (hydrogen cyanide) production and antifungal activity. We investigated the ability of isolate CKMV1 to solubilize insoluble P via mechanism of organic acid production. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) study showed that isolate CKMV1 produced mainly gluconic (1.34%) and oxalic acids. However, genetic evidences for nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization by organic acid production have been reported first time for A. aneurinilyticus strain CKMV1. A unique combination of glucose dehydrogenase (gdh) gene and pyrroloquinoline quinone synthase (pqq) gene, a cofactor of gdh involved in phosphate solubilization has been elucidated. Nitrogenase (nif H) gene for nitrogen fixation was reported from A. aneurinilyticus. It was notable that isolate CKMV1 exhibited highest antifungal against Sclerotium rolfsii (93.58%) followed by Fusarium oxysporum (64.3%), Dematophora necatrix (52.71%), Rhizoctonia solani (91.58%), Alternaria sp. (71.08%) and Phytophthora sp. (71.37%). Remarkable increase was observed in seed germination (27.07%), shoot length (42.33%), root length (52.6%), shoot dry weight (62.01%) and root dry weight (45.7%) along with NPK (0.74, 0.36, 1.82%) content of tomato under net house condition. Isolate CKMV1 possessed traits related to plant growth promotion, therefore, could be a potential candidate for the development of biofertiliser or biocontrol agent and this is the first study to include the Aneurinibacillus as PGPR.

Bases bioquímicas de la tolerancia al estrés osmótico en hongos fitopatógenos: el caso de Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid / Biochemical basis of tolerance to osmotic stress in phytopathogenic fungus: The case of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid

El hongo Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid., agente causal de la enfermedad denominada «pudrición carbonosa¼, provoca pérdidas significativas en la producción de cultivos como maíz, sorgo, soya y frijol en México. Este hongo, parásito facultativo, muestra amplia capacidad de adaptación a ambientes estresantes, donde existen altas temperaturas y deficiencia hídrica, condiciones frecuentes en gran parte de la agricultura de dicho país. En este trabajo se describen algunos aspectos básicos de la etiología y la epidemiología de M. phaseolina. Asimismo, se revisa la importancia que guardan las respuestas de este hongo a ambientes estresantes, particularmente la deficiencia hídrica, de acuerdo con caracteres morfológicos y del crecimiento, así como fisiológicos, bioquímicos y de patogenicidad. Finalmente, se presentan algunas perspectivas de estudio del género, que enfatizan la necesidad de mejorar su conocimiento, con base en la aplicación de herramientas tradicionales y de biotecnología, y de dilucidar mecanismos de tolerancia al estrés ambiental, extrapolables a otros microorganismos útiles al hombre.

Fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is the causative agent of charcoal rot disease which causes significant yield losses in major crops such as maize, sorghum, soybean and common beans in Mexico. This fungus is a facultative parasite which shows broad ability to adapt itself to stressed environments where water deficits and/or high temperature stresses commonly occur. These environmental conditions are common for most cultivable lands throughout Mexico. Here we describe some basic facts related to the etiology and epidemiology of the fungus as well as to the importance of responses to stressed environments, particularly to water deficits, based on morphology and growth traits, as well as on physiology, biochemistry and pathogenicity of fungus M. phaseolina. To conclude, we show some perspectives related to future research into the genus, which emphasize the increasing need to improve the knowledge based on the application of both traditional and biotechnological tools in order to elucidate the mechanisms of resistance to environmental stress which can be extrapolated to other useful organisms to man.

Endophytic fungus strain 28 isolated from Houttuynia cordata possesses wide-spectrum antifungal activity

Abstract The aim of this paper is to identify and investigate an endophytic fungus (strain 28) that was isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, a famous and widely-used Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on morphological methods and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences, this strain was identified as Chaetomium globosum. An antifungal activity bioassay demonstrated that the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of strain 28 had a wide antifungal spectrum and strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et Suggs, Botrytis cinerea persoon and Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Furthermore, the fermentation conditions, extraction method and the heat stability of antifungal substances from strain 28 were also studied. The results showed that optimal antifungal activity can be obtained with the following parameters: using potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the base culture medium, fermentation for 4–8 d (initial pH: 7.5), followed by extraction with EtOAc. The extract was stable at temperatures up to 80 °C. This is the first report on the isolation of endophytic C. globosum from H. cordata to identify potential alternative biocontrol agents that could provide new opportunities for practical applications involving H. cordata.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd. ) Poir from Brazilian semi-arid

Abstract Many plant species from Brazilian semi-arid present arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in their rhizosphere. These microorganisms play a key role in the establishment, growth, survival of plants and protection against drought, pathogenic fungi and nematodes. This study presents a quantitative analysis of the AMF species associated with Mimosa tenuiflora, an important native plant of the Caatinga flora. AMF diversity, spore abundance and root colonization were estimated in seven sampling locations in the Ceará and Paraíba States, during September of 2012. There were significant differences in soil properties, spore abundance, percentage of root colonization, and AMF diversity among sites. Altogether, 18 AMF species were identified, and spores of the genera Acaulospora, Claroideoglomus, Dentiscutata, Entrophospora, Funneliformis, Gigaspora, Glomus, Racocetra, Rhizoglomus and Scutellospora were observed. AMF species diversity and their spore abundance found in M. tenuiflora rhizosphere shown that this native plant species is an important host plant to AMF communities from Brazilian semi-arid region. We concluded that: (a) during the dry period and in semi-arid conditions, there is a high spore production in M. tenuiflora root zone; and (b) soil properties, as soil pH and available phosphorous, affect AMF species diversity, thus constituting key factors for the similarity/dissimilarity of AMF communities in the M. tenuiflora root zone among sites.

Correlação clínico-patológica em ceratites fúngicas e uma possível evidência de infecção oportunista: relato de dois casos / Clinicopathological correlation in fungal keratitis and a possible evidence of opportunistic infection: a report of two cases

RESUMO Os autores relatam dois casos de ceratite fúngica, que apresentam em comum no exame histopatológico: a ausência de epitélio, sem ulceração e a integridade da camada de Bowman com a presença de formas fúngicas no seu interior. São sugeridos prováveis mecanismos de recidiva das ceratites fúngicas, ressaltando uma possível "via externa não usual", por meio da penetração do fungo através da camada de Bowman íntegra. A existência desta infecção oportunista não está relatada na literatura oftalmológica e são necessárias mais evidências para que seja considerada como tal.

ABSTRACT The authors describe two cases of fungal keratitis which, upon histopathological examination, are found to have in common the absence of epithelium, without ulceration and the lack of integrity of the Bowman's layer with the presence of fungal forms in their interior. Through them the authors suggest probable mechanisms of recurrence of fungal keratitis, highlighting the possible existence of an "unusual external route" that would occur by the fungus penetration through the full Bowman layer. Although these findings appear not yet reported or recovered in the ophthalmic literature, the authors suggest that they could be possible opportunistic infection signals which, however, require more evidence to be considered as such.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on young vines in copper-contaminated soil

Abstract High copper (Cu) levels in uprooted old vineyard soils may cause toxicity in transplanted young vines, although such toxicity may be reduced by inoculating plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of AMF on the plant growth, chlorophyll contents, mycorrhizal colonization, and Cu and phosphorus (P) absorption in young vines cultivated in a vineyard soil contaminated by Cu. Commercial vineyard soil with high Cu levels was placed in plastic tubes and transplanted with young vines, which were inoculated with six AMF species (Dentiscutata heterogama, Gigaspora gigantea, Acaulospora morrowiae, A. colombiana, Rhizophagus clarus, R. irregularis) and a control treatment on randomized blocks with 12 replicates. After 130 days, the mycorrhizal colonization, root and shoot dry matter (DM), height increment, P and Cu absorption, and chlorophyll contents were evaluated. The height increment, shoot DM and chlorophyll contents were not promoted by AMF, although the root DM was increased by R. clarus and R. irregularis, which had the greatest mycorrhizal colonization and P uptake. AMF increased Cu absorption but decreased its transport to shoots. Thus, AMF species, particularly R. clarus and R. irregularis, contribute to the establishment of young vines exposed to high Cu levels.

Application of the BacT/ALERTR 3D system for sterility testing of injectable products

Sterility testing as described in the pharmacopoeia compendia requires a 14-day incubation period to obtain an analytical result. Alternative methods that could be applied to evaluating product sterility are especially interesting due to the possibility of reducing this incubation period and thus the associated costs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance of the BacT/ALERT^R 3D system in detecting microorganisms in large-volume parenteral solutions that were intentionally contaminated and to compare this system to pharmacopoeia sterility testing using the membrane filtration method. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between the methods regarding the ability to detect microbial contamination; however, detection with the BacT/ALERT^R 3D system was faster compared to the pharmacopoeia method. Therefore, the BacT/ALERT^R 3D system is a viable alternative for assessing the sterility of injectable products.

Deterioro de poliestireno expandido causado por Aureobasidium pullulans var. melanogenum / Deterioration of expanded polystyrene caused by Aureobasidium pullulans var. melanogenum

An expanded-polystyrene factory located in northern Buenos Aires reported unusual dark spots causing esthetic damage in their production. A fungal strain forming black-olive colonies on extract malt agar medium was isolated from the damaged material and identified as Aureobasidium pullullans var. melanogenum. This fungus is particularly known for its capacity to produce hydrolytic enzymes and a biodegradable extracellular polysaccharide known as pullulan, which is used in the manufacture of packaging material for food and medicine. Laboratory tests were conducted to characterize its growth parameters. It was found that the organism was resistant to a wide range of pHs but did not survive at temperatures over 65 °C. The proposed action plan includes drying of the material prior to packaging and disinfection of the machinery used in the manufacturing process and of the silos used for raw material storage.

Una fábrica de poliestireno expandido situada en el norte de Buenos Aires reportó casos inusuales de manchas oscuras que causaban un daño estético en su producción. A partir del material dañado se aisló una cepa de hongo que forma colonias negro-oliváceas en medio agar-malta y que fueron identificadas como Aureobasidium pullullans var. melanogenum. Este hongo es particularmente conocido por su capacidad de producir enzimas hidrolíticas y un polisacárido extracelular biodegradable, el pululano, utilizado para la fabricación de envases para alimentos y medicinas. Se llevaron a cabo ensayos de laboratorio para caracterizar sus parámetros de crecimiento. Se encontró que el organismo es resistente a un amplio rango de pH, pero no sobrevive a temperaturas superiores a 65 °C. El plan de acción propuesto incluye el secado del material antes de su envasado y la desinfección tanto de la maquinaria utilizada en el proceso de fabricación como de los silos utilizados para el almacenamiento de la materia prima.

Remediación de residuos sólidos contaminados con Cr(vi) por un hongo filamentoso / Remediation of waste contaminated with Cr (VI) by a filamentous fungus

La biotecnología ambiental recurre a organismos capaces de reducir los niveles de metales pesados, entre ellos el Cr(VI), contenido en residuos y efluentes agroindustriales. El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar la biorremediación de un residuo como pulpa de limón contaminada con Cr(VI) y el efecto del metal sobre el crecimiento fúngico. Se utilizaron tres hongos filamentosos como Aspergillus niger; Penicillium expansum y P. islandicum para remediar pulpa de limón (residuo) contaminada con Cr(VI) (50 mg/L) que se realizó en las siguientes condiciones de cultivo: la pulpa se suplementó con urea, 0,006; (NH4) 2SO4, 0,012; KH2PO4,0,003 y KCl, 0,001 g/ g; 105 conidios/g, a pH 2,5, 30°C y 96 h de incubación. Se estudió el efecto tóxico de diferentes concentraciones (5; 10; 20 y 50 mg/L) del metal sobre el desarrollo del hongo de mayor eficiencia de remediación (Ef. por ciento). Aspergillus niger; obtuvo mayor EF. de remediación (97 por ciento) respecto a Penicillium expansum (95 por ciento) y P. islandicum (94 por ciento), del residuo contaminado con 50 mg/L de Cr(VI). Se determinó que la presencia de Cr(VI) y no su concentración estimuló la maduración temprana (48 h) de los conidios (blancos a negros) de A. niger, sin que se observe alteraciones en el micelio con respecto al control (72h), desarrollado en la pulpa sin el metal. En conclusión, A. niger fue más resistente y presentó altas Ef. de remediación de Cr(VI) de residuos sólidos, este proceso es una alternativa a las tecnologías físico-químicas, debido que los microorganismos pueden remover selectivamente diferentes iones de zonas contaminadas.

Environmental biotechnology uses organisms capable of reducing levels of heavy metals, including the Cr (VI), contained in waste and agro-industrial effluents. The objective of this work was to study bioremediation of waste contaminated with Cr(VI) lemon pulp and the effect of the metal on the fungal growth. We used three filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus niger; Penicillium expansum and P. islandicum to remedy pulp from lemon (residue) contaminated with Cr(VI) (50 mg/L) that was conducted in the following conditions of cultivation: the pulp is supplemented with urea, 0.006; (NH4) 2SO4, 0.012; KH2PO4, 0.003 and KCl, 0.001 g / g; 105 conidia/g, at pH 2.5, 30 ° C and 96 h of incubation. We studied the toxic effect of different concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 50 mg/L) of the metal on the development of the fungus increased efficiency of remediation (Ef. percent). Aspergillus niger; obtained greater EF. remediation (97 percent) with respect to Penicillium expansum (95 percent) and P. islandicum (94 percent), 50 mg/L of Cr (VI)-contaminated waste. It was determined that the presence of Cr (VI) and not its concentration stimulated early maturation (48 h) of conidia (white on black) from A. niger, unless you observe alterations in the mycelium as compared to the control (72 h), developed in the pulp without the metal. In conclusion, A. niger was stronger and presented high Ef. remediation of Cr (VI) waste, this process is an alternative to physico-chemical technologies, due to the micro-organisms be removed selectively different ions from contaminated areas.

Antifungal starter culture for packed bread: influence of two storage conditions / Fermento láctico antifúngico para panificados envasados: influencia de dos condiciones de almacenamiento

In this study, we analyzed the conservation of a semi-liquid bio-preserver (SL778) developed with Lactobacillus plantarum CRL 778, a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) having antifungal activity. The characteristics of the SL778 starter remained stable during a 14-day storage at 4 °C. At −20 °C, cell viability and organic acid concentration showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease after 7 days. These differences observed between the storage temperatures tested were reflected in the acidification activity of SL778 during dough fermentation. However, SL778 maintained its antifungal efficacy up to a 14-day storage at both temperatures. Sensory attributes (acidic and spicy tastes and acidic smell) of breads manufactured with starter SL778 (stored at 4 or −20 °C) were evaluated. No undesirable difference was detected with respect to bread control without SL778 and bread manufactured with SL778 (stored at 4 or −20 °C). In conclusion, the SL778 semi-liquid bio-preserver can be stored at 4 or −20 °C without modifying its antifungal activity during 14 days.

Se evaluó la estabilidad de un bioconservante semilíquido destinado a panificados envasados, desarrollado con la bacteria láctica con actividad antifúngica Lactobacillus plantarum CRL 778. Las características del bioconservante, designado como SL778, se mantuvieron estables durante 14 días de almacenamiento a 4 °C. A -20 °C, la viabilidad celular y la concentración de ácidos orgánicos disminuyeron significativamente (p < 0,05) después de 7 días de almacenamiento. Estas diferencias según la temperatura de almacenamiento se reflejaron en la actividad acidificante de SL778 durante la fermentación de las masas. Sin embargo, SL778 mantuvo su eficacia antifúngica por hasta 14 días con el almacenamiento a ambas temperaturas. Se evaluaron los atributos sensoriales de los panificados elaborados con SL778 (gusto ácido y picante y olor ácido) tras el almacenamiento a las dos temperaturas. En tal sentido, los panelistas no detectaron diferencias que vuelvan al producto indeseable al comparar los panificados control (sin SL778) y los elaborados con SL778, tanto almacenados a 4 °C como a -20 °C. En conclusión, el bioconservante semilíquido SL778 se puede almacenar a 4 °C o a -20 °C durante 14 días sin que ocurran cambios en su actividad antifúngica.

Factors impacting the growth and nutritional status of cystic fibrosis patients younger than 10 years of age who did not undergo neonatal screening / Fatores que afetam o crescimento e estado nutricional de pacientes com fibrose cística com idade inferior a 10 anos e que não foram submetidos à triagem neonatal

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate by clinical and laboratory parameters how cystic fibrosis (CF) affects growth and nutritional status of children who were undergoing CF treatment but did not receive newborn screening. METHODS: A historical cohort study of 52 CF patients younger than 10 years of age were followed in a reference center in Campinas, Southeast Brazil. Anthropometric measurements were abstracted from medical records until March/2010, when neonatal screening program was implemented. Between September/2009 and March/2010, parental height of the 52 CF patients were also measured. RESULTS: Regarding nutritional status, four patients had Z-scores ≤-2 for height/age (H/A) and body mass index/age (BMI/A). The following variables were associated with improved H/A ratio: fewer hospitalizations, longer time from first appointment to diagnosis, longer time from birth to diagnosis and later onset of respiratory disease. Forced vital capacity [FVC(%)], forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of FVC [FEF25-75(%)], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1(%)], gestational age, birth weight and early respiratory symptoms were associated with improved BMI/A. CONCLUSIONS: Greater number of hospitalizations, diagnosis delay and early onset of respiratory disease had a negative impact on growth. Lower spirometric values, lower gestational age, lower birth weight, and early onset of respiratory symptoms had negative impact on nutritional status. Malnutrition was observed in 7.7% of cases, but 23% of children had nutritional risk. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar por meio de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais como a fibrose cística (FC) afeta o crescimento e estado nutricional de crianças submetidas ao tratamento de FC que não foram submetidas à triagem neonatal. MÉTODOS: Uma coorte histórica com 52 pacientes com FC menores de 10 anos foi acompanhada em um centro de referência em Campinas, Sudeste do Brasil. Peso e altura foram coletados de prontuários médicos até março de 2010, quando a triagem neonatal foi implementada. Entre setembro de 2009 a março de 2010 a altura dos pais foi medida. RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes tiveram escores Z ≤ -2 para altura/idade (A/I) e índice de massa corporal/idade (IMC/A). As seguintes variáveis foram associadas com melhor razão A/I: menor número de hospitalizações, maior tempo entre a primeira consulta e o diagnóstico, maior tempo entre o nascimento e o diagnóstico e início tardio da doença respiratória. Capacidade vital forçada [CVF(%)], fluxo expiratório forçado entre 25-75% da CVF [FEF25-75(%)], volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo [VEF1(%)], idade gestacional, peso ao nascer e início dos sintomas respiratórios foram associados com melhor IMC/I. CONCLUSÕES: Maior número de hospitalizações, retardo no diagnóstico e início precoce da doença respiratória tiveram impacto negativo no crescimento. Menores valores espirométricos, menor idade gestacional, menor peso ao nascer e o início precoce dos sintomas respiratórios tiveram impacto negativo no estado nutricional. A desnutrição foi observada em 7,7% dos casos, mas 23% das crianças apresentaram risco nutricional. .

Nasal, oral and rectal microbiota of Black lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysopygus)

Black lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) are endangered callithrichids. Their conservation may require future translocations or reintroductions; however these approaches involve risks of pathogen introduction in the environment and stress-related opportunistic infections in these animals. In order to screen for opportunistic and potential pathogenic bacterial and fungal microbiota, ten free-ranging and ten captive Black lion tamarins were studied and the results compared. Nasal, oral and rectal swabs were collected and cultured for aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria and fungi, and a total 203 bacterial and 84 fungal isolates were obtained. Overall, the most frequent organisms were Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Microbiota of free-ranging and captive animals were similar in composition. A number of potentially pathogenic organisms were identified, emphasizing the importance of microbiological screening in future translocation or reintroduction conservation management programs.

Production, purification and properties of fungal chitinases—A review.

After cellulose, chitin is the second most abundant organic and renewable polysaccharide in nature. This polymer is degraded by enzymes called chitinases which are a part of the glycoside hydrolase family. Chitinases have many important biophysiological functions and immense potential applications especially in control of phytopathogens, production of chito-oligosaccharides with numerous uses and in treatment and degradation of chitinous biowaste. At present many microbial sources are being explored and tapped for chitinase production which includes potential fungal cultures. With advancement in molecular biology and gene cloning techniques, research on fungal chitinases have made fast progress. The present review focuses on recent advances in fungal chitinases, containing a short introduction to types of chitinases, their fermentative production, purification and characterization and molecular cloning and expression.