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At least 757 records · Page 42Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Cork workers' occupational asthma: lack of association with allergic sensitisation to fungi of the work environment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate allergic sensitisation to Chrysonilia sitophila, Penicillium glabrum, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum in cork workers with asthma. METHODS: Skin prick tests with a battery of common allergens and with the three fungi were performed on ten cork workers with asthma and eight non-exposed asthmatics. Based on serial peak expiratory flow measurements, five were classified as having occupational asthma (AO) and five as having non-occupational asthma (NOA). In exposed patients, specific antibodies for the three fungi were also studied by immunoblotting RESULTS: Two out of ten patients with occupational exposure and four out of eight of the control group showed positive results for skin prick tests for common allergens. Moreover, two out of five patients with OA and three out of eight controls exhibited sensitisation to storage mites. All exposed patients (with OA or NOA) had negative skin prick test results for the fungal extracts. In patients with asthma and occupational exposure, immunoblotting results confirmed the absence of specific IgE. However, specific IgG4 was present in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: Atopy does not seem to characterise occupational asthma in cork workers. Despite their long exposure to moulds, we could not find evidence of IgE sensitisation to the three most prevalent cork fungi in patients with OA, which points to the search for other causative agents, such as cork chemical compounds or contaminants.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Decomposition rate of organic substrates in relation to the species diversity of soil saprophytic fungi.

Despite the great interest concerning the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem functioning, there is virtually no knowledge as to how the diversity of decomposer microbes influences the decomposition rate of soil organic matter. We established a microcosm study in which the number of soil fungi was investigated in relation to the system's ability to (i) degrade raw coniferous forest humus, and (ii) use resources that were either added to the systems or released into the soils after a disturbance (drought). With the exception of the most diverse treatment, in each of the six replicates of each of the six diversity treatments (1, 3, 6, 12, 24 or 43 taxa), fungal taxa were randomly chosen from a pool of 43 commonly isolated fungal species of raw humus. Two months after initiation of the study CO2 production increased as fungal diversity increased, but in the species-poor end of the diversity gradient only. Addition of various energy resources to the microcosms generally increased the level of soil respiration but did not affect the shape of the diversity-CO2-production curve. Rewetting the soil after severe drought resulted in a rapid flush of CO2, particularly in the most diverse communities. The biomass of the fungi in the non-disturbed soils, and soil NH4-N concentration and soil pH in both disturbed and non-disturbed systems were slightly but significantly higher in the diverse than in the simple systems. Fungal species richness had no influence on the organic matter content of the humus at the end of the experiment. The results suggest that the functional efficiency of fungal communities can increase with the number of fungal taxa. This diversity effect was, however, significant at the species-poor end of the diversity gradient only, which implies considerable functional equivalency (redundancy) among the decomposer fungi.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2004

Lichens show that fungi can acclimate their respiration to seasonal changes in temperature.

Five species of lichens, the majority members of a soil-crust community ( Cladonia convoluta, Diploschistes muscorum, Fulgensia fulgens, Lecanora muralis, Squamarina lentigera) showed seasonal changes of temperature sensitivity of their dark respiration (DR) to such an extent that several substantially met the definition of full acclimation, i.e. near identical DR under different nocturnal temperature conditions during the course of the year. C. convoluta, for example, had maximal DR at 5 degrees C of -0.42, -1.11 and -0.09 nmol CO(2) g(-1) s(-1) in autumn, winter, and summer, respectively, a tenfold range. However, at the mean night temperatures for the same three seasons, 9.7 degrees C, 4.2 degrees C and 13.6 degrees C, maximal DR were almost identical at -1.11, -0.93, and -1.45 nmol CO(2) g(-1) s(-1). The information was extracted from measurements using automatic cuvettes that continuously recorded a sample lichen's gas exchange every 30 min under near-natural conditions. The longest period (for L. muralis) covered 15 months and 22,000 data sets whilst, for the other species studied, data blocks were available throughout the calendar year. The acclimation of DR means that maximal net carbon fixation rates remain substantially similar throughout the year and are not depressed by increased carbon loss by respiration in warmer seasons. This is especially important for lichens because of their normally high rate of DR compared to net photosynthesis. We suggest that lichens, especially soil-crust species, could be a suitable model for fungi generally, a group of organisms for which little is known about temperature acclimation because of the great difficulty in separating the organism from its growth medium. Fungi, whether saprophytic, symbiotic or parasitic, including soil lichens, are important components of soil ecosystems and contribute much of the respired CO(2) from these systems. Temperature acclimation by fungi would mean that expected increases in carbon losses caused by global climate warming from soil ecosystems might not be as extensive as first thought. This would ameliorate this positive feedback loop present in some climate models and might substantially lower the predicted warming.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed2002

Colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi using different sources of inoculum.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a number of different infective propagules that are used to form new mycorrhizal associations. These are spores, extraradical hyphae and infected roots. However, not all fungi are equally capable of colonizing roots with all of the above-mentioned propagules and there is conflicting evidence of major differences in colonization strategy between members of the Glomineae and Gigasporineae. In this study, we tested the abilities of eight fungal species from four different genera to colonize roots using three different types of inoculum. Glomus and Acaulospora isolates colonized from all inoculum types, whereas Gigaspora and Scutellospora isolates colonized mainly from spores and to a limited degree from root fragments. Extraradical hyphae were not suitable propagules for the species of Gigaspora and Scutellospora tested. This indicates that AMF have different colonization strategies and that this is largely differentiated at the suborder level. It is unclear why there is such a difference among the fungi in inoculum types. Future research should examine differences in the anatomy and physiology to discern a mechanism for such differences in life-history strategies.

Ascomycota↗
PubMed2002

Inoculation of field-established mulberry and papaya with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and a mycorrhiza helper bacterium.

The effects of soil inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and a mycorrhiza helper bacterium (MHB) were investigated on mulberry and papaya plants already established in the field. Ten-year-old mulberry plants (var. M5) were inoculated with Glomus fasciculatum and 1.5-year-old papaya plants (var. Solo) were inoculated with a mixed culture of G. mosseae and G. caledonium with or without Bacillus coagulans at two levels of P fertilizer. Growth, P uptake, yield and AM colonization levels were monitored. Leaf yield in mulberry and fruit yield in papaya were minimal in uninoculated plants given 50% recommended P. However, crop yields of both mulberry and papaya inoculated with AM fungi alone or together with the bacterium and given 50% recommended P were statistically on a par with that of uninoculated plants given 100% recommended P. As inoculation of B. coagulans increased mycorrhiza levels in AM fungal-inoculated plants, this may be included in the class of MHB. Thus, mulberry and papaya already established in the field may respond to AM inoculation and MHB may increase symbiosis development by efficient AM fungi.

Bacillus↗
PubMed2003

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and a non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum on Meloidogyne incognita infestation of tomato.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and non-pathogenic strains of soil-borne pathogens have been shown to control plant parasitic nematodes. As AM fungi and non-pathogenic fungi improve plant health by different mechanisms, combination of two such partners with complementary mechanisms might increase overall control efficacy and, therefore, provide an environmentally safe alternative to nematicide application. Experiments were conducted to study possible interactions between the AM fungus Glomus coronatum and the non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strain Fo162 in the control of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato. Pre-inoculation of tomato plants with G. coronatum or Fo162 stimulated plant growth and reduced M. incognita infestation. Combined application of the AM fungus and Fo162 enhanced mycorrhization of tomato roots but did not increase overall nematode control or plant growth. A higher number of nematodes per gall was found for mycorrhizal than non-mycorrhizal plants. In synergisms between biocontrol agents, differences in their antagonistic mechanisms seem to be less important than their effects on different growth stages of the pathogen.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Influence of a Bacillus sp. on physiological activities of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and on plant responses to PEG-induced drought stress.

The effects of bacterial inoculation (Bacillus sp.) on the development and physiology of the symbiosis between lettuce and the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Glomus mosseae (Nicol. and Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe and Glomus intraradices (Schenck and Smith) were investigated. Plant growth, mineral nutrition and gas-exchange values in response to bacterial inoculation after PEG-induced drought stress were also evaluated. In AM plants, inoculation with Bacillus sp. enhanced fungal development and metabolism, measured as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, more than plant growth. Under non-stressed conditions, G. intraradices colonization increased all plant physiological values to a higher extent when in dual inoculation with the bacterium. Under stress conditions, the bacterium had an important stimulatory effect on G. intraradices development. Under such conditions, the effects of the bacterium on photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency (WUE) and stomatal conductance of lettuce plants differed with the fungus species. Plant-gas exchange was enhanced in G. intraradices- and reduced in G. mosseae-colonized plants when co-inoculated with Bacillus sp. Thus, the effects of each fungus on plant physiology were modulated by the bacterium. Stress was detrimental, particularly in G. intraradices-colonized plants without the bacterium, reducing intra and extraradical mycelium growth and vitality (SDH), as well as plant-gas exchange. Nevertheless, Bacillus sp. inoculation improved all these plant and fungal parameters to the same level as in non-stressed plants. The highest amount of alive and active AM mycelium for both fungi was obtained after co-inoculation with Bacillus sp. These results suggest that selected free-living bacteria and AM fungi should be co-inoculated to optimize the formation and functioning of the AM symbiosis in both normal and adverse environments.

Bacillus↗
PubMed2003

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with common pteridophytes in Dujiangyan, southwest China.

The colonization and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with common pteridophytes were investigated in Dujiangyan, southwest China. Of the 34 species of ferns from 16 families collected, 31 were colonized by AM fungi. The mean percentage root length colonized was 15%, ranging from 0 to 47%. Nineteen species formed Paris-type and 10 intermediate-type AM. In two ferns, only rare intercellular non-septate hyphae or vesicles were observed in the roots and AM type could not be determined. Of the 40 AM fungal taxa belonging to five genera isolated from rooting-zone soils, 32 belonged to Glomus, five to Acaulospora, one to Archaeospora, one to Entrophospora, and one to Gigaspora. Acaulospora and Glomus were the dominant genera and Glomus versiforme was the most common species. The average AM spore density was 213 per 100 g air-dried soil and the average species richness was 3.7 AM species per soil sample. There was no correlation between spore density and percentage root length colonized by AM fungi.

China↗
PubMed2004

Defoliation effects on the community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi based on 18S rDNA sequences.

The effects of defoliation on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations in the field were investigated in terms of the community structure of AM fungi colonizing roots of grassland plants; the carbohydrate balance of the host plants was also determined. We focused on two plant species dominating Japanese native grasslands: the grazing-intolerant species Miscanthus sinensis and the grazing-tolerant species Zoysia japonica. Community structures of AM fungi were determined from 18S rRNA gene sequences. The dominant fungal group in both plant species was the Glomus clade, which was classified into several phylogenetic groups based on genetic distances and topology. In Miscanthus roots, the Glomus-Ab, Glomus-Ac, and Glomus-Ad groups were detected almost equally. In Zoysia roots, the Glomus-Ab group was dominant. Defoliation effects on the community structure of AM fungi differed between the plant species. In Miscanthus roots, the percentage of root length colonized (%RLC) by the Glomus-Ac and Glomus-Ad groups was significantly reduced by defoliation treatment. On the other hand, AM fungal group composition in Zoysia roots was unaffected by defoliation except on the last sampling date. Decreased %RLC by Glomus-Ac and Glomus-Ad coincided with decreased non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) levels in host plants; also, significant positive correlations were found between the %RLC and some NSC levels. On the other hand, the %RLC by Glomus-Ab in both plant species was unaffected by the NSC level. These results suggest that AM fungal groups have different carbohydrate requirements from host plants.

Andropogon↗
PubMed2005

Contrasting root associated fungi of three common oak-woodland plant species based on molecular identification: host specificity or non-specific amplification?

An increasingly popular approach used to identify arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in planta is to amplify a portion of AM fungal small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU-rDNA) from whole root DNA extractions using the primer pair AM1-NS31, followed by cloning and sequencing. We used this approach to study the AM fungal community composition of three common oak-woodland plant species: a grass (Cynosurus echinatus), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), and a forb (Torilis arvensis). Significant diversity of AM fungi were found in the roots of C. echinatus, which is consistent with previous studies demonstrating a high degree of AM fungal diversity from the roots of various hosts. In contrast, clones from Q. douglasii and T. arvensis were primarily from non-AM fungi of diverse origins within the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. This work demonstrates that caution must be taken when using this molecular approach to determine in planta AM fungal diversity if non-sequence based methods such as terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, or temperature gradient gel electrophoresis are used.

Apiaceae↗
PubMed2005

Molecular identification of the mycorrhizal fungi of the epiparasitic plant Monotropastrum humile var. glaberrimum (Ericaceae).

Achlorophyllous monotropoid plants (Monotropoideae, Ericaceae) are epiparasites that obtain all of their carbon from their host plants via connections with mycorrhizal fungi. The mycorrhizal fungi of the epiparasitic monotropoid Monotropastrum humile var. glaberrima were identified based on mitochondrial, large ribosomal DNA sequences, and were compared with those of another variety, M. humile var. humile. The fungi that inhabit M. humile var. glaberrimum belong to the Thelephoraceae, whereas that of M. humile var. humile is a member of the Russulaceae. Two explanations are possible for this phenomenon: a misunderstanding of the taxonomic position of M. humile var. glaberrimum, or a change in the fungal partner within the Monotropastrum.

DNA, Fungal↗
PubMed2006

Enhancement of bioconversion of high-molecular mass polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated non-sterile soil by litter-decomposing fungi.

With the focus on alternative microbes for soil-bioremediation, 18 species of litter-decomposing basidiomycetous fungi were screened for their ability to grow on different lignocellulosic substrates including straw, flax and pine bark as well as to produce ligninolytic enzymes, namely laccase and manganese peroxidase. Following characteristics have been chosen as criteria for the strain selection: (i) the ability to grow at least on one of the mentioned materials, (ii) production of either of the ligninolytic enzymes and (iii) the ability to invade non-sterile soil. As the result, eight species were selected for a bioremediation experiment with an artificially contaminated soil (total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration 250 mg/kg soil). Up to 70%, 86% and 84% of benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, respectively, were removed in presence of fungi while the indigenous microorganisms converted merely up to 29%, 26% and 43% of these compounds in 30 days. Low molecular-mass PAHs studied were easily degraded by soil microbes and only anthracene degradation was enhanced by the fungi as well. The agaric basidiomycetes Stropharia rugosoannulata and Stropharia coronilla were the most efficient PAH degraders among the litter-decomposing species used.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed2005

Identification and seasonal distribution of airborne fungi in three horse stables in Italy.

Fungal agents are responsible for a variety of respiratory diseases both in humans and animals. The nature and seasonal variations of fungi have been investigated in many environments with wide ranging results. The aims of the present report were (i) to evaluate the quality and magnitude of exposure to airborne fungi in three differently structured equine stalls (open air, partially and completely enclosed buildings) during a one-year period, using an air sampling technique and (ii) to compare the distribution and frequency of fungal species, with regards to these different environments. Air samples were collected monthly from December 2001 to November 2002 by means of a surface air sampler (SAS) Super-90, (PBI International, Milan, Italy). Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. were cultured from all the stables in all seasons. Mucoraceae were also recovered in all seasons in stalls 1 and 2, while they were not isolated in spring and fall in stall 3. These fungi were detected in 28.4%, 72.9% and 60.5% of the total number of samples, respectively. Other fungal genera such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Beauveria and Drechslera were also occasionally recovered. Viable fungal concentrations varied greatly, ranging from below the limit of detection to more than 3000 CFU/m3 for stables 1 and 2, and 1750 CFU/m3 for stable 3. The median fungal concentration was approximately 178 CFU/m3. Total fungal concentration appeared to be highest in summer, winter and spring, and lowest in the fall.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed2006

Glutaredoxins in fungi.

Glutaredoxins (GRXs) can be subdivided into two subfamilies: dithiol GRXs with the CPY/FC active site motif, and monothiol GRXs with the CGFS motif. Both subfamilies share a thioredoxin-fold structure. Some monothiol GRXs exist with a single-Grx domain while others have a thioredoxin-like domain (Trx) and one or more Grx domains in tandem. Most fungi have both dithiol and monothiol GRXs with different subcellular locations. GRX-like molecules also exist in fungi that differ by one residue from one of the canonical active site motifs. Additionally, Omega-class glutathione transferases (GSTs) are active as GRXs. Among fungi, the GRXs more extensively studied are those from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This organism contains two dithiol GRXs (ScGrx1 and ScGrx2) with partially overlapping functions in defence against oxidative stress. In this function, they cooperate with GSTs Gtt1 and Gtt2. While ScGrx1 is cytosolic, two pools exist for ScGrx2, a major one at the cytosol and a minor one at mitochondria. On the other hand, S. cerevisiae cells have two monothiol GRXs with the Trx-Grx structure (ScGrx3 and ScGrx4) that locate at the nucleus and probably regulate the activity of transcription factors such as Aft1, and one monothiol GRX with the Grx structure (ScGrx5) that localizes at the mitochondrial matrix, where it participates in the synthesis of iron-sulphur clusters. The function of yeast Grx5 seems to be conserved along the evolutionary scale.

Fungal Proteins↗
PubMed1992

The occurrence of fungi in bovine tissues in relation to portals of entry and environmental factors.

The occurrence of fungi in tissue specimens from 72 cattle was examined by culture, histopathology and indirect immunofluorescence staining (IIF). Groups of 12 animals each had been fed either concentrate or roughage and had been housed either in tie stalls, on slatted floors or on deep bedding. Specimens were obtained from the lung, omasum and Peyer's patches of the ileum and corresponding lymph nodes. Both hyphae and spores were made visible by IIF and by combination of IIF, morphology and conventional staining it was possible to differentiate between aspergilli and zygomycetes. In the lungs, aspergilli were detected at the same rate by morphology and IIF, whereas zygomycetes were found nearly twice as often by IIF than by culture. Fungi in pulmonary tissue were most frequent in cattle tied or kept on deep bedding (P < 0.01) as assessed by IIF. Within lymph nodes only spores were found, and Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species. Lesions devoid of fungi, especially ulcerations, were observed on the edges of the largest omasal laminae with a notable preference for the aboral third. The localization and histopathology suggested a reflux of acid abomasal contents to be the pathogenic principle. Granulomas with centrally located plant material were found more frequently in cattle fed roughage than in cattle fed concentrate (P = 0.01) and were differentiated from mycotic granulomas.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1976

Trace element concentrations in higher fungi.

The concentrations of ten trace elements, As. Br, Cd, Cu, Hg I, Mn, Se, Zn and V, have been determined in up to 27 species of higher fungi from several sites in Slovenia, Yugoslavia. Analyses were based on destructive neutron activation techniques. Data are presented and compared with the concentrations found in soils. Previously values were non-existent or scanty for these elements, so that the data represent typical levels for basidiomycetes. In addition to confirming high levels of mercury in many species, the survey also found that cadmium is accumulated to a surprising extent by most fungi, the average value being 5 ppm. Among other accumulations found was bromine by the genus Amanita, and selenium by the edible Boletus. Correlation analysis between all pairs of trace elements gave values for r of from 0.75 to 0.43 for 7 pairs (Cu and Hg, 0.75; Se and As, 0.69). As well as these features of biochemical interest, the values found and the pattern of accumulation suggest potential uses of fungi in environmental studies.

Bromine↗
PubMed1988

Inhibitory effects of selected Turkish spices and oregano components on some foodborne fungi.

The inhibitory effects of 10 selected Turkish spices, oregano essential oil, thymol and carvacrol towards growth of 9 foodborne fungi were investigated in culture media with pH 3.5 and 5.5. The antifungal effects of sodium chloride, sorbic acid and sodium benzoate and the combined use of oregano with sodium chloride were also tested under the same conditions for comparison. Of the spices tested, only sodium chloride were also tested under the same conditions for comparison. Of the spices tested, only oregano at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0% (w/v) levels showed effect on all fungi. 8% (w/v) sodium chloride was less effective than oregano. Oregano essential oil, thymol or carvacrol at concentrations of 0.025% and 0.05% completely inhibited the growth of all fungi, showing greater inhibition than sorbic acid at the same concentrations. The combined use of oregano and sodium chloride exhibited a synergistic antifungal effect.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed1992

Heat-resistant fungi in the soil.

The occurrence of heat-resistant fungi has been demonstrated in samples of soil from the Slovak Republic. The heat-resistant species isolated were Byssochlamys nivea, Dichotomomyces cejpii, Eupenicillium baarnense, Neosartorya fischeri, Talaromyces avellaneus, Tal. bacillisporus, Tal. emersonii, Tal. flavus, Tal. trachyspermus, Tal. wortmanii, Botryotrichum piluliferum, Gilmaniella humicola and Nodulisporium sp. Some of them were isolated for the first time from Czechoslovakian soil. For the various soil samples examined, the occurrence of heat-resistant fungi varied qualitatively and quantitatively. Further research is needed to identify conditions affecting the occurrence of heat-resistant fungi in soil.

Czechoslovakia↗