Influence of environmental factors on tenuazonic acid production by Epicoccum sorghinum: An integrative approach of field and laboratory conditions

Sorghum is the fifth most cultivated and consumed grain in the world. However, this grain is frequently contaminated with toxins from fungi. The present study evaluated the effects of environmental factors on tenuazonic acid (TeA) production by Epicoccum sorghinum in the field and in controlled laboratory conditions. In this study, 50 sorghum grain samples were collected from summer and autumn growing seasons and analyzed for TeA contamination using LC-MS/MS. To further understand the ecophysiology of this fungus, an isolated strain of E. sorghinum from the field was investigated for its development and TeA production under controlled environmental conditions in the laboratory. In the ecophysiological investigation, the effects of water activity (0.90, 0.95, 0.99) and temperature (18, 22, 26 and 30?°C) were evaluated on the radial growth, enzymatic production and expression of TAS1, which is the gene involved in TeA production. Results showed that in the field, the summer season presented the highest TeA average level in the grains (587.8??g/kg) compared to level found in the autumn (440.5??g/kg). The ecophysiological investigation confirmed that E. sorghinum produces more actively TeA under environmental conditions simulating the summer season. Optimum growth, maximum TAS1 gene expression, and higher extracellular enzymatic production were observed at 26?°C with a water activity of 0.99. Pearson correlation analyses showed that the production of TeA highly correlates with fungal growth. The present study demonstrates that abiotic factors in a combined approach of field and laboratory conditions will assist in predicting the driving environmental factors that could affect growth of E. sorghinum and TeA production in sorghum grains

Draft Genome Sequence of Sorghum Grain Mold Fungus Epicoccum sorghinum, a Producer of Tenuazonic Acid

The facultative plant pathogen Epicoccum sorghinum is associated with grain mold of sorghum and produces the mycotoxin tenuazonic acid. This fungus can have serious economic impact on sorghum production. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of E. sorghinum (USPMTOX48)

Genetic diversity of environmental Aspergillus flavus strains in the state of São Paulo, Brazil by random amplified polymorphic DNA

Aspergillus flavus is a very important toxigenic fungus that produces aflatoxins, a group of extremely toxic substances to man and animals. Toxigenic fungi can grow in feed crops, such as maize, peanuts, and soybeans, being thus of high concern for public health. There are toxigenic and non-toxigenic A. flavus variants, but the necessary conditions for expressing the toxigenic potential are not fully understood. Therefore, we have studied total-DNA polymorphism from toxigenic and non toxigenic A. flavus strains isolated from maize crops and soil at two geographic locations, 300 km apart, in the Southeast region of Brazil. Total DNA from each A. flavus isolate was extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification with five randomic primers through the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) technique. Phenetic and cladistic analyses of the data, based on bootstrap analyses, led us to conclude that RAPD was not suitable to discriminate toxigenic from non toxigenic strains. But the present results support the use of RAPD for strain characterization, especially for preliminary evaluation over extensive collections

Ocorrência de fungos em lesões superficiais de cães na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil

It is presented the result of a mycological study performed in 212 dogs which showed superficial tesions clinically related to dermatomycosis, during the period of January till December, 1986. Through the direct microscopic examination and cultures isolation from the specimens, there were identified the following etiologic agents: Malassezia pachydermatis (49,5%); Microsporum canis (30,0%); M. gypseum (4,7%); Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0,9%). Several different genera were identified in low frequencies as follows: Candida; Trichosporon; Torulopsis; Geotrichum; Cephalosporium; ScopuI ariopsis and a dematiaceous fungi. The highest frequency of dermatomycosis occurred in the group of dogs which had less than 11 months old.Foram estudados 212 casos de cães com suspeita clinica de dermatomicose, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 1986. Deste total investigado, foram diagnosticados, através de exame microscópico direto e cultivo, 107 casos de dermatomicoses (50,5%). Malassezia pachydermatis foi o agente predominante (43,5%) seguido dos dermatófitos Microsporum canis (30,0%), M. Gypseum (4,7%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0,9%). Outros fungos como Candida sp, Trichosporon sp, Torulopsis sp, Geotrichum sp, Cephalosporium sp, Scopularopsis sp e fungos dematáceos foram isolados, sendo discutível sua participação na etiologia primária das lesões. De acordo com a faixa etária, a maior prevalência ocorreu no grupo de até 11 meses e com referência ao sexo, não houve predominância significativa

Intracellular biosynthesis and removal of copper nanoparticles by dead biomass of yeast isolated from the wastewater of a mine in the brazilian Amazonia

In this study was developed a natural process using a biological system for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) and possible removal of copper from wastewater by dead biomass of the yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Dead and live biomass of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was used to analyze the equilibrium and kinetics of copper biosorption by the yeast in function of the initial metal concentration, contact time, pH, temperature, agitation and inoculum volume. Dead biomass exhibited the highest biosorption capacity of copper, 26.2 mg g(-1), which was achieved within 60 min of contact, at pH 5.0, temperature of 30°C, and agitation speed of 150 rpm. The equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm and Kinetic analysis indicated a pseudo-second-order model. The average size, morphology and location of NPs biosynthesized by the yeast were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The shape of the intracellularly synthesized NPs was mainly spherical, with an average size of 10.5 nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the copper NPs confirmed the formation of metallic copper. The dead biomass of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa may be considered an efficiently bioprocess, being fast and low-cost to production of copper nanoparticles and also a probably nano-adsorbent of this metal ion in wastewater in bioremediation processFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo - FAPES

Transdiagnostic neurocognitive deficits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia: a 1-year follow-up study

Background Neurocognition impairments are critical factors in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ), and also in those with somatic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Intriguingly, these severe mental illnesses are associated with an increased co-occurrence of diabetes (direct comorbidity). This study sought to investigate the neurocognition and social functioning across T2DM, MDD, BD, and SZ using a transdiagnostic and longitudinal approach. Methods A total of 165 participants, including 30 with SZ, 42 with BD, 35 with MDD, 30 with T2DM, and 28 healthy controls (HC), were assessed twice at a 1-year interval using a comprehensive, integrated test battery on neuropsychological and social functioning. Results Common neurocognitive impairments in somatic and psychiatric disorders were identified, including deficits in short-term memory and cognitive reserve (p < 0.01, η²p=0.08–0.31). Social functioning impairments were observed in almost all the disorders (p < 0.0001; η²p=0.29–0.49). Transdiagnostic deficits remained stable across the 1-year follow-up (p < 0.001; η²p=0.13–0.43) and could accurately differentiate individuals with somatic and psychiatric disorders (χ² = 48.0, p < 0.0001). Limitations The initial sample size was small, and high experimental mortality was observed after follow-up for one year. Conclusions This longitudinal study provides evidence of some possible overlap in neurocognition deficits across somatic and psychiatric diagnostic categories, such as T2DM, MDD, BD, and SZ, which have high comorbidity. This overlap may be a result of shared genetic and environmental etiological factors. The findings open promising avenues for research on transdiagnostic phenotypes of neurocognition in these disorders, in addition to their biological bases

Biosynthesis and uptake of copper nanoparticles by dead biomass of Hypocrea lixii isolated from the metal mine in the Brazilian Amazon Region

A biological system for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) and uptake of copper from wastewater, using dead biomass of Hypocrea lixii was analyzed and described for the first time. The equilibrium and kinetics investigation of the biosorption of copper onto dead, dried and live biomass of fungus were performed as a function of initial metal concentration, pH, temperature, agitation and inoculum volume. The high biosorption capacity was observed for dead biomass, completed within 60 min of contact, at pH 5.0, temperature of 40 °C and agitation speed of 150 rpm with a maximum copper biosorption of 19.0 mg g(-1). The equilibrium data were better described using the Langmuir isotherm and kinetic analysis indicated that copper biosorption follows a pseudo-second-order model. The average size, morphology and location of NPs biosynthesized by the fungus were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). NPs were mainly spherical, with an average size of 24.5 nm, and were synthesized extracellularly. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the presence of metallic copper particles. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study revealed that the amide groups interact with the particles, which was accountable for the stability of NPs. This method further confirmed the presence of proteins as stabilizing and capping agents surrounding the copper NPs. These studies demonstrate that dead biomass of Hypocrea lixii provides an economic and technically feasible option for bioremediation of wastewater and is a potential candidate for industrial-scale production of copper NPs.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP - 2010/52305-1

Evaluation of bean residues in the production of agglomerated panels

This work aimed to evaluate the physical-mechanical properties of Pinus oocarpa wood agglomerated panels produced with different levels (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %) of wood replacement with bean residues. For this purpose, Pinus oocarpa wood and the agricultural residue were reduced into particles and their properties of apparent density, extractives, lignin and ash content of these raw materials were determined. Then, the particles were dried to a 3&nbsp;% humidity and granulometrically selected to produce panels with a density of 0,60 g/cm3. These particles were bonded using 12 % urea-formaldehyde adhesive, pressed, following normative dimensions (250 mm x 250 mm x 15 mm (width, length, and thickness)), and kept in a climate-controlled environment (20 ºC ± 2 ºC and 65 % ± 5 % RH) until the physical and mechanical tests were carried out. The research results indicated that the particles from bean residues in comparison with Pinus oocarpa wood, presented low density, lignin and holocellulose values, and higher extractives data. Furthermore, regarding the characterization of the panels, there was a trend towards uniformity in the apparent density values, an increase in the properties of compact ratio, water absorption and thickness swelling, and a decrease in their mechanical properties associated with the increase in the by-product addition to the panels. Therefore, new studies are necessary, seeking a larger study and greater knowledge of the addition effects of bean residues in particulate panels, aiming the dissemination of this sustainable process on large scale

Esporotricosis felina: aspectos clínicos e zoonóticos

La esporotricosis consiste en micosis profunda, de evolución subaguda o crónica decurrente de infección por el hongo dimorfico Sporothrix schenkii. Consiste en dermatopatia mucho frecuente en nuestro medio, resultante de la penetración de abrojos e de arañazos por espinos de plantas. El S. schenkii ha sido descrito, en S. Paulo, en perros, gatos, aseninos, bovinos, equinos y ratones. Todavía, el carácter de antropozoonosis de la enfermedad pocas veces ha sido descrito tanto en la literatura internacional como en la nacional, existiendo apenas una citación en lo Brasil, de probable transmisión gato/hombre. Se discrebió, en lo presente relato, caso clínico de esporotricosis felina con transmisión através de arañadura en propietario, tratador y médico veterinário. Un gato, sin raza definida, macho, con 3 años, mucho agresivo, con grave cuadro cutáneo (cefálico, torácico y de miembros torácicos) manifestado por lesiones ulceradas, exudativas de alopecia, deposición de crostas hemorrágicas, agraviado por síntomas de lo complejo respiratorio felino, donde por su temperamento agresivo habia arenado en corto espacio de tiempo 5 individuos, donde 3 de los individuos manifestaron sintomas de evolución y gravedad distintas. El diagnostico clínico presuntivo fue confirmado perlo examen histopatológico (H.E., PAS) de fragmentos de piel, linfonodos y amígdalas cogidos, "intra-vitam" y/o "post-morten", per lo aislamiento de lo agente, per la inoculación en testículos de ratas adultas y posterior nuevo aislamiento. Se confirmó la patologia por pruebas suerológicas (F.C., anticuerpos precipitantes) y prueba de intradermoreación (esporotriquina) en los pacientes acometidos.The sporotrichosis is a deep mycosis, its course is subacute or chronic, and is caused by the Sporothrix schenckii. It's a very common dermatopathy, generally arising from thorn wounds, insects stings as well as from splinters. The S. schenckii has been described in São Paulo, Brazil, in canines, felines, asinines, bovines, equines and murines. However, its antropozoonotic feature has seldom been mentioned in the international literature, and, in Brazil, there is only one report about a possible transmission cat-human being. The current approach describes a clinical case of feline sporotrichosis transmitted by cat scratch to the owner, the career and the veterinarian.' A very offensive three-year-old male mongrel cat showed severe cutaneous lesions in cephalic, thoracic regions and forelimbs. These lesions were ulcerations, exsudation, crusts, alopecia worsened by the symptoms of the feline respiratory complex. This cat wounded, in a short time, 5 persons. Three of them had shown symptoms of distinct severity and development. The presumptive clinical diagnosis was corroborated by histopathology (HE, PAS) of skin, lymphonodes, and tonsils fragments obtained "intra-vitam" and "post-morten". This was true by the isolation of the agent. Finally, this was confirmed as a result of serological (FC, precipitation antibodies) and immunocutaneous (sporotrichina, histoplasmina) tests made in affected patients

Estudo de viabilidade da utilização de solo nativo da mesorregião Norte Maranhense em camadas de pavimento / Feasibility study of the use of native soil from the Northern Maranhense mesoregion in sidewalk layers

A maior parte das estradas brasileiras não é pavimentada, o que configura um problema para a logística do modal rodoviário. Além disso, rodovias já pavimentadas que possuem infraestrutura precária, por conta da implantação de pavimentação inadequada, apresentam constante necessidade de onerosas obras de manutenção. Por isso, é indispensável conhecer e caracterizar o solo antes da sua utilização, identificar sua natureza e composição, entender o seu comportamento, e estudar as suas propriedades físicas e mecânicas. Na mesorregião Norte Maranhense, mais precisamente na microrregião de Itapecuru Mirim, a Estrada do Tingidor se mostra importante tanto para a economia local, por escoar boa parte da produção agrícola, pecuarista e ceramista da região, quanto para o turismo, visto que liga a cidade de Itapecuru aos Lençóis Maranhenses (maior polo turístico do estado). A Estrada do Tingidor é do tipo vicinal, não pavimentada, e necessita, portanto, de estudos geotécnicos que caracterizem o material nativo quanto ao seu potencial para utilização no pavimento. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo realizou a análise do solo local por meio de ensaios físicos e mecânicos, tendo como objetivo o estudo da viabilidade de utilização do material do leito estradal em camadas do pavimento. Para isso, foram realizados os ensaios de granulometria, compactação e índice de suporte Califórnia, cujos resultados estão apresentados neste estudo em forma de gráficos e tabelas