Search

Mexico’s cheeseartisanal production is similar or higher than industrial production, approximately 100 L cow’s milk are used to made 10 Kg of cheese and 90 L of whey, that could be considered like an environmentally harmful by product because it has a high content of organic matter that promotes the growth and development of Enterococcus. In this study, Enterococcusstrains were identified in whey from four locations of Puebla. Bacterial gram positive were isolated, furthermore their metabolism shown negative catalase, growth at different temperature (10, 40 and 45 °C), pH values (9.2 and 9.6) and NaCl concentrations (4 and 6.5%). Endpoint PCR tests were made to confirm detection of Enterococcus faecium(19 strains) and Enterococcus faecalis(six strains) in whey from three locations, these results suggest that a better sanitary control of whey is necessary to avoid the proliferation of potentially pathogenic microorganisms., La producción de queso artesanal en México iguala o supera a la producción formal, aproximadamente por cada 100 L de leche de bovino se obtienen 10 kg de queso y 90 L de lactosuero, este residuo es considerado como contaminante por su alta carga orgánica que además favorece el desarrollo de Enterococcus. En este trabajo se identificaron Enterococcus en muestras de lactosuero de cuatro localidades en Puebla. Se aislaron bacterias Gram positivas, catalasas negativas, con capacidad para crecer a diferentes temperaturas (10, 40 y 45 °C), valores de pH (9.2 y 9.6), y concentración de NaCl (4 y 6.5%). Se hicieron pruebas de PCR de punto final para confirmar la detección de Enterococcus faecium (19 cepas) y Enterococcus faecalis (seis cepas) en lactosuero de tres localidades, estos resultados sugieren que es necesario una mejor vigilancia sanitaria del lactosuero, para evitar la proliferación de microorganismos potencialmente patógenos.

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms with significant biotechnological potential, given their capacity to produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer properties. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of cyanobacteria collected from Lake Camécuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. Isolation was performed by the serial dilution technique, and monoalgal cultures were obtained under the following conditions: room temperature, agitation at 102 rpm, and white light intensity ranging from 14,86 to 21,62 µmol m-2 s-1. For morphological identification, dichotomous keys were employed, while for molecular identification, a region of the gene coding for 16S rRNA was amplified and its sequence analyzed in silico. The cyanobacterium was identified as Gloeocapsopsis crepidinum (Thuret) Geitler ex Komárek 1993. Pure cultures were cultivated and methanolic extracts of the extracellular metabolites were obtained and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli PL20, Salmonella sp. and Fusarium oxysporum. The extracts demonstrated a statistically significant antimicrobial effect on E. coli, but not on Salmonella sp. or F. oxysporum., Las cianobacterias, son microorganismos fotosintéticos con un gran potencial biotecnológico debido a la producción de diversos compuestos bioactivos con propiedades antimicrobianas, antivirales, antifúngicas y anticancerígenas. En este estudio, se evaluó el potencial antimicrobiano de cianobacterias colectadas en el lago de Camécuaro, Michoacán, México. El aislamiento se realizó por la técnica de diluciones seriadas y se obtuvieron cultivos monoalgales, cuyas condiciones de crecimiento fueron: temperatura ambiente, agitación a 102 rpm e intensidad de luz blanca de 14,86 a 21,62 µmol m-2 s-1. Para la identificación morfológica se utilizaron claves dicotómicas y para la identificación molecular se amplificó una región del gen que codifica para el rARN 16S y se analizó su secuencia in silico. La cianobacteria fue identificada como Gloeocapsopsis crepidinum (Thuret) Geitler ex Komárek 1993. Se realizaron cultivos puros y se obtuvieron extractos metanólicos de los metabolitos extracelulares, con los cuales se evaluó su actividad antimicrobiana contra Escherichia coli PL20, Salmonella sp. y Fusarium oxysporum. Los extractos mostraron un efecto antimicrobiano estadísticamente significativo sobre E. coli, pero no sobre Salmonella sp. ni sobre F. oxysporum.

One of the most problematic and devastating diseases affecting cucumber production is Fusarium wilt (Cucumis sativus L.). The present study aimed to characterize Fusarium species isolated from three different regions of cucumber fields in Babylon province, Iraq and identify them based on morphological features and phylogenetic analyses. This study showed the presence of Fusarium incarnatum, F. solani and F. oxysporum in cucumber roots. Fusarium species were phylogenetically analyzed based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. All Fusarium isolates were pathogenic to cucumber cultivars but varied significantly in their growth and pathogenicity toward cucumber seeds during the experiment. F. solani-2 was greater in growth and pathogenicity than all other Fusarium species. In contrast, F. solani-1 was the lowest. The data obtained from morphological and molecular studies sufficiently supported each other, and the phylogenetic trees based on ITS were distinguished. Closely related species and distinctly separated all morphological taxa. These findings are reported for the first time for the cucumber plant in Babylon province. All these ITS sequences showed homologous to those of Fusarium species isolates in the GenBank database with a similarity percentage of 99%. To the best of present knowledge, this is the first molecular record of F. incarnatum on the cucumber plants in Iraq. The study concluded that F. incarnatum was reported for the first time in Iraq and worldwide as a causal agent of wilt disease in cucumber plants. The three species of Fusarium have different pathogenic abilities, highlighting their disease incidence, growth, and pathogenicity.

Chloramine-T (CAT), the sodium salt of N-chloro-p-toluenesulphonamide, is a low-cost mild oxidizing agent with a wide range of uses. Most importantly, it can be used in acidic, neutral, and basic conditions. As a result, it has been widely used in chemistry, particularly in organic synthesis and analytical chemistry. Chloramine-T acts as a source of halonium cation and nitrogen anion and thus acts as base and nucleophile. It reacts with a wide range of functional groups and carries different molecular transformations. This book focuses on the studies of kinetics of oxidation of some aliphatic ketone semicarbazones by chloramine –T and also has been investigated with a view to propose suitable mechanism, rate law and correlate the reactivity of various substrates with their structures.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), a commercially significant virus that affects cattle, has recently spread to South and East Asia. The first LSD outbreak in Pakistan was reported in Jamshoro district in August 2019, with subsequent spread to other regions including Lahore. However, limited information exists on the origin and molecular epidemiology of the responsible LSDV strain. To specifically identify LSDV, published primers were utilized for PCR amplification, followed by gel electrophoresis analysis. The results indicate the absence of LSDV in the tested meat, liver, and milk samples, suggesting that they are free from contamination. This study highlights the importance of on-going monitoring during LSD outbreaks and demonstrates that market vendors in Lahore adhere to food safety regulations, ensuring the provision of safe food to consumers. While the molecular characteristics and origin of the LSDV strain responsible for the initial outbreaks remain unknown, these findings provide reassurance regarding the safety of meat, liver, and milk products in the Lahore market that shows the absence of LSDV among the selected random samples.

Specimens of Salmo trutta (n = 613) captured by local anglers in different rivers in Galicia (NW Spain) during the 2015 fishing season (15 March–15 August) were examined. In total 1479 adult helminths were recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of 221 fish. Moreover, the microscopic observation of the sediments obtained, previous diphasic concentration, revealed the presence of helminth eggs in 485 trout specimens. The following species were identified by morphological and molecular analysis: Crepidostomum metoecus (8.97%) (Trematoda); Salmonema ephemeridarum (16.97%), Raphidascaris acus (9.46%) and Pseudocapillaria sp. (2.12%) (Nematoda); and Echinorhynchus truttae (8.48%) (Acanthocephala). The prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of each helminth species were determined in relation to size/age of the fish. The helminth infracommunity comprised a maximum of four species and the species richness was S = 5. The biological cycles of most of the helminth species recovered are dependent on benthic macroinvertebrate fauna, which, in turn, is influenced by the water quality. Therefore, any changes that take place in the aquatic ecosystem (due to anthropogenic activities or climate change) may be reflected in the helminth composition

Mycoses of the skin are a group of infections that affect the skin and its appendages, mainly caused by dermatophytic fungi, and may be caused by yeasts or rearly by non-dermatophytic molds. Skin swabs collected from 60 patients attending the Dermatology Clinics at Madinah Central Hospital and Al-Fayhaa General Hospital in Basrah province from October 2021 to March 2022 were surveyed for the presence of dermatomycoses. Direct microscopical examination was carried out with 15% KOH, and repeated cultures were performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol showed the same colonies. In this paper,we present two interesting cases in which Hanseniaspora opuntiae HAM17 and Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides HAM14 can be distinctly identified as causative agent of cutaneous mycoses. In the first case, we describe a new etiologic agent, Hanseniaspora opuntiae HAM17, which was implicated in a cutaneous infection in a 45-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus, and to the best of our knowledege, it represents the fourth clinical case due to this fungus in the world. The second case involved cutaneous mycosis due to Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides HAM14 in a 23-year-old woman showed inflammatory lesions similar to acne on the back, and she was suffering from hormonal disorders. This case and the etiologic agent are reported for the first time in Iraq. The isolated yeast species were examined and purified for phenotypic identification and genetical analysis using the primers ITS1-ITS4. Sequences were deposited into Japanese Genbank as new strains under accession numbers LC722487 and LC722484.

The current study was conducted at University of Kufa, Faculty of Science, Biology Department for molecular identification of four Eruca sativa L. cultivars (1-Turish 2-Syrian 3-Turkish 4-Eygyptian) using eleven Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA. Results indicate primers OPA-04, OPA-10, OPA-02, OPW-04, OPC-09,v and OPD-13 success in giving all cultivars a unique fingerprint .Highest number of main bands , polymorphic bands and discriminatory value were 20 , 18 and 20.22% respectively produced by OPA-02. Highest value for amplified band number and monomorphic bands were 44 and band produced by primers OPX-17 and OPD-13 respectively. Highest value for both polymorphism and Efficiency were 94.11% and 0.48 respectively produced by primer OPA-04. Genetic relationship and genetic distance among E.sativa cultivars distribution unrelated to their geographical origin. RAPD markers are efficient tool in studying E.sativa germplasm.

The current study was conducted at University of Kufa, Faculty of Science, Biology Department for molecular identification of four Eruca sativa L. cultivars (1-Turish 2-Syrian 3-Turkish 4-Eygyptian) using eleven Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA. Results indicate primers OPA-04, OPA-10, OPA-02, OPW-04, OPC-09,v and OPD-13 success in giving all cultivars a unique fingerprint .Highest number of main bands , polymorphic bands and discriminatory value were 20 , 18 and 20.22% respectively produced by OPA-02. Highest value for amplified band number and monomorphic bands were 44 and band produced by primers OPX-17 and OPD-13 respectively. Highest value for both polymorphism and Efficiency were 94.11% and 0.48 respectively produced by primer OPA-04. Genetic relationship and genetic distance among E.sativa cultivars distribution unrelated to their geographical origin. RAPD markers are efficient tool in studying E.sativa germplasm.

Mycoses of the skin are a group of infections that affect the skin and its appendages, mainly caused by dermatophytic fungi, and may be caused by yeasts or rearly by non-dermatophytic molds. Skin swabs collected from 60 patients attending the Dermatology Clinics at Madinah Central Hospital and Al-Fayhaa General Hospital in Basrah province from October 2021 to March 2022 were surveyed for the presence of dermatomycoses. Direct microscopical examination was carried out with 15% KOH, and repeated cultures were performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol showed the same colonies. In this paper,we present two interesting cases in which Hanseniaspora opuntiae HAM17 and Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides HAM14 can be distinctly identified as causative agent of cutaneous mycoses. In the first case, we describe a new etiologic agent, Hanseniaspora opuntiae HAM17, which was implicated in a cutaneous infection in a 45-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus, and to the best of our knowledege, it represents the fourth clinical case due to this fungus in the world. The second case involved cutaneous mycosis due to Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides HAM14 in a 23-year-old woman showed inflammatory lesions similar to acne on the back, and she was suffering from hormonal disorders. This case and the etiologic agent are reported for the first time in Iraq. The isolated yeast species were examined and purified for phenotypic identification and genetical analysis using the primers ITS1-ITS4. Sequences were deposited into Japanese Genbank as new strains under accession numbers LC722487 and LC722484.

Despite being landed in commercial cephalopod fisheries, species of Alloteuthis are not yet well defined, with A. subulata and A. media often confused. DNA barcoding combined with morphometric analyses has begun to clarify the distinction between these two morphologically similar species but has been limited in its geographic coverage to date. Herein, we provide DNA barcodes for 228 specimens collected from Guinea Bissau in the south, up the Atlantic coast, to the Irish shelf and North Sea. Employing species delimitation analyses, and with comparison to the literature, we identified 24 individuals of A. africana, 66 individuals of A. subulata and 138 individuals of A. media. We confirm that A. media has the northernmost distribution and is the only species identified by DNA sequencing from the Irish shelf and North Sea. We analysed morphometric measures and indices from 388 individuals from the North Sea, a subset of which (n = 58) were barcoded. The most useful traits for identification were tail length as a percentage of dorsal mantle length, and largest club sucker width as a percentage of head width. By comparison to other published data, we determined that A. media phenotypes vary substantially across the geographic range of this species. This partly explains the difficulties in morphological identification and suggests regional identification guides may be required in support of fisheries management. Interregional analyses suggest character displacement may occur where species co-exist.

The current study was conducted at University of Kufa, Faculty of Science, Biology Department for molecular identification of four Eruca sativa L. cultivars (1-Turish 2-Syrian 3-Turkish 4-Eygyptian) using eleven Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA. Results indicate primers OPA-04, OPA-10, OPA-02, OPW-04, OPC-09,v and OPD-13 success in giving all cultivars a unique fingerprint .Highest number of main bands , polymorphic bands and discriminatory value were 20 , 18 and 20.22% respectively produced by OPA-02. Highest value for amplified band number and monomorphic bands were 44 and band produced by primers OPX-17 and OPD-13 respectively. Highest value for both polymorphism and Efficiency were 94.11% and 0.48 respectively produced by primer OPA-04. Genetic relationship and genetic distance among E.sativa cultivars distribution unrelated to their geographical origin. RAPD markers are efficient tool in studying E.sativa germplasm.

Mycoses of the skin are a group of infections that affect the skin and its appendages, mainly caused by dermatophytic fungi, and may be caused by yeasts or rearly by non-dermatophytic molds. Skin swabs collected from 60 patients attending the Dermatology Clinics at Madinah Central Hospital and Al-Fayhaa General Hospital in Basrah province from October 2021 to March 2022 were surveyed for the presence of dermatomycoses. Direct microscopical examination was carried out with 15% KOH, and repeated cultures were performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol showed the same colonies. In this paper,we present two interesting cases in which Hanseniaspora opuntiae HAM17 and Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides HAM14 can be distinctly identified as causative agent of cutaneous mycoses. In the first case, we describe a new etiologic agent, Hanseniaspora opuntiae HAM17, which was implicated in a cutaneous infection in a 45-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus, and to the best of our knowledege, it represents the fourth clinical case due to this fungus in the world. The second case involved cutaneous mycosis due to Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides HAM14 in a 23-year-old woman showed inflammatory lesions similar to acne on the back, and she was suffering from hormonal disorders. This case and the etiologic agent are reported for the first time in Iraq. The isolated yeast species were examined and purified for phenotypic identification and genetical analysis using the primers ITS1-ITS4. Sequences were deposited into Japanese Genbank as new strains under accession numbers LC722487 and LC722484.

The Mediterranean olive cyst nematode, Heterodera mediterranea, is a pest of olive trees that is found in Spain, Italy, and Tunisia. In this paper, conventional and real-time PCR assays for the identification of H. mediterranea was developed. The hsp90 gene fragment was used to design a species-specific primer and a TaqMan probe. The specificity of the primer/probe set was tested in singleplex or multiplex reactions against Mediterranean olive cyst nematode and non-target nematodes. In multiplex real-time PCR experiments with the specific and universal primer/probe sets, fluorescent signals were simultaneously monitored for hsp90 and D3 of 28S rRNA target genes. The results of the experiments showed that the assays with species-specific primer/probe were sensitive enough to detect the DNA from 0.03 of a second-stage juvenile (J2) H. mediterranea in a reaction tube.

Introduction. The rice cultivar INCA LP-7 is one of the eleven principal cultivars in Cuba due to their high yield potential, salinity tolerance, and pathogens resistance. However, there are not reports about the isolation, identification, and characterization of bacteria associated to this cultivar that promote its growth. Objective. To select promising bacteria from the rhizosphere of the INCA LP-7 rice cultivar to promote the crop growth. Materials and methods. The investigation was carried out in 2015 and 2016 at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Cuba and Instituto de Investigaciones Biologicas Clemente Estable, Uruguay. The 16SrNA gene of bacteria associated with the INCA LP-7 rice cultivar was isolated and identified by sequencing. Characterization was performed as plant growth promoting bacteria and the effect of bacterial inoculation on rice growth was studied. Results. Eleven rizopheric bacteria were isolated from rice plants of the INCA LP-7cultivar. A phylogenetic analysis showed that for the first time in Cuba Pantoea, Acinetobacter, and Mitsuaria genera were reported associated with rice. Rhizobium and Enterobacter genera were also informed as rhizospheric bacteria of INCA LP-7 rice cultivar. Some isolates solubilize inorganic phosphates and potassium, produce siderophores and indolic compound, had exo-celulase and protease activity and formed biofilm. The inoculation of isolates belonging to Pantoea genus produced an increase in height, root length, and biomass of rice plants under greenhouse conditions. Conclusions. Pantoea sp. GG1 and Pantoea sp. GG2 were the most promising strains for the inoculation of the INCA LP-7 rice cultivar. This is the first report in Cuba that focuses on the characterization of the bacterial microbiota part associated to Cuban rice cultivar INCA LP-7 and reports bacteria of the Pantoea genus as crop growth promoters., Introducción. El cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7 es uno de los once cultivares principales de Cuba por su alto potencial de rendimiento, tolerancia a la salinidad y resistencia a patógenos. Sin embargo, no existen reportes sobre el aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de bacterias asociadas a este cultivar que promuevan su crecimiento. Objetivo. Seleccionar bacterias promisorias provenientes de la rizosfera del cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7 para promover el crecimiento del cultivo. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se realizó en el 2015 y el 2016 en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Cuba y en el Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Uruguay. Se aisló e identificó por secuenciación el gen 16SrNA bacterias asociadas al cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7. Se realizó una caracterización como bacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal y se estudió el efecto de la inoculación bacteriana en el crecimiento del arroz. Resultados. Se aislaron once bacterias rizosféricas de plantas de arroz del cultivar INCA LP-7. Un análisis filogenético mostró que por primera vez en Cuba se reportaron los géneros Pantoea, Acinetobacter y Mitsuaria asociados con el arroz. Los géneros Rhizobium y Enterobacter también fueron informados como bacterias rizosféricas del cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7. Algunos aislados solubilizan fosfatos inorgánicos y potasio, producen sideróforos y compuestos indólicos, tuvieron actividad exocelulasa y proteasa y forman biopelículas. La inoculación de aislados pertenecientes al género Pantoea provocaron un incremento de la altura, longitud de las raíces y biomasa de plantas de arroz en condiciones de invernadero. Conclusiones.Pantoea sp. GG1 y Pantoea sp. GG2, fueron las cepas más promisorias para la inoculación del cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7. Este es el primer informe en Cuba que aborda la caracterización de parte de la microbiota bacteriana asociada al cultivar de arroz cubano INCA LP-7 e informa a bacterias del género Panto

Soil is one of the favorable habitat for microorganism. It considered being the home of wide range of them in particularly, bacteria and fungi. Southern Iraq is characterized by a multiplicity of ecosystem, which include desert, agricultural and marine areas, each of which has special composition that differs from the neighboring system, whether in terms of vegetation or various environmental factors. This in diversity, in turn, may lead to microbial diversity that can be used in different biotechnologies. Regarding that little is known about yeast diversity in such habitats, and therefore the current study aims to assess the yeast community in soil and sediments samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern Iraq. Thirty-one species belong to 19 genera were encountered. The isolated species consist of 16 species of Ascomycota and 15 species of Basidiomycota. The soil of Basrah and Dhi-Qar support the growth of diverse species belonged to the genera Aureobasidium, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Filobasidium Geotrichum, Hanseniaspora, Lodderomyces, Meyerozyma, Symmetrospora, Torulaspora, Vishniacozyma, Pichia, Yarrowia, Cystobasidium, Galactomyces, Rhodotorula, Wickerhamomyces, Candida and Naganishia. One hundred and twelve fungal isolates were identified using the conventional methods depending on morphological characteristics. CHROMagar candida was used as differential culture medium. Iodine stain was used to differentiate ascospores and basidiospores. In addition biochemical method represented by VITEK was used as well as molecular identification. This study represents the first report of occurrence of yeast species in soil and surface sediment samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern, Iraq, with effect of some ecological factors on isolation yeast from different location.

Soil is one of the favorable habitat for microorganism. It considered being the home of wide range of them in particularly, bacteria and fungi. Southern Iraq is characterized by a multiplicity of ecosystem, which include desert, agricultural and marine areas, each of which has special composition that differs from the neighboring system, whether in terms of vegetation or various environmental factors. This in diversity, in turn, may lead to microbial diversity that can be used in different biotechnologies. Regarding that little is known about yeast diversity in such habitats, and therefore the current study aims to assess the yeast community in soil and sediments samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern Iraq. Thirty-one species belong to 19 genera were encountered. The isolated species consist of 16 species of Ascomycota and 15 species of Basidiomycota. The soil of Basrah and Dhi-Qar support the growth of diverse species belonged to the genera Aureobasidium, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Filobasidium Geotrichum, Hanseniaspora, Lodderomyces, Meyerozyma, Symmetrospora, Torulaspora, Vishniacozyma, Pichia, Yarrowia, Cystobasidium, Galactomyces, Rhodotorula, Wickerhamomyces, Candida and Naganishia. One hundred and twelve fungal isolates were identified using the conventional methods depending on morphological characteristics. CHROMagar candida was used as differential culture medium. Iodine stain was used to differentiate ascospores and basidiospores. In addition biochemical method represented by VITEK was used as well as molecular identification. This study represents the first report of occurrence of yeast species in soil and surface sediment samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern, Iraq, with effect of some ecological factors on isolation yeast from different location.

Soil is one of the favorable habitat for microorganism. It considered being the home of wide range of them in particularly, bacteria and fungi. Southern Iraq is characterized by a multiplicity of ecosystem, which include desert, agricultural and marine areas, each of which has special composition that differs from the neighboring system, whether in terms of vegetation or various environmental factors. This in diversity, in turn, may lead to microbial diversity that can be used in different biotechnologies. Regarding that little is known about yeast diversity in such habitats, and therefore the current study aims to assess the yeast community in soil and sediments samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern Iraq. Thirty-one species belong to 19 genera were encountered. The isolated species consist of 16 species of Ascomycota and 15 species of Basidiomycota. The soil of Basrah and Dhi-Qar support the growth of diverse species belonged to the genera Aureobasidium, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Filobasidium Geotrichum, Hanseniaspora, Lodderomyces, Meyerozyma, Symmetrospora, Torulaspora, Vishniacozyma, Pichia, Yarrowia, Cystobasidium, Galactomyces, Rhodotorula, Wickerhamomyces, Candida and Naganishia. One hundred and twelve fungal isolates were identified using the conventional methods depending on morphological characteristics. CHROMagar candida was used as differential culture medium. Iodine stain was used to differentiate ascospores and basidiospores. In addition biochemical method represented by VITEK was used as well as molecular identification. This study represents the first report of occurrence of yeast species in soil and surface sediment samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern, Iraq, with effect of some ecological factors on isolation yeast from different location.

Background: The European River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and the brook lamprey L. planeri are two closely related species that are also considered as partially reproductively isolated ecotypes. At the larval stage, they cannot be distinguished morphologically or genetically by mitochondrial DNA. We aimed at developing a molecular tool to identify early life stages of L. fluviatilis and L. planeri. Methods and results: We first identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers with distinct alleles between L. fluviatilis and L. planeri based on RADseq data from 186 individuals collected in France. Then, we developed a quantitative PCR protocol to genotype a species-specific SNP, which was tested on 270 samples including larvae and adults from both species and 17 sites from Western Europe. Results were consistent with morphological identification in all cases except for samples from the Rhône drainage and the Loch Lomond in Scotland. Conclusions: This marker allows the identification of larval stages of L. fluviatilis, L. planeri as well as hybrids. The two cases where the marker was not diagnostic might be explained by an isolated and distinct L. planeri lineage in the Rhône drainage, and high levels of admixture among L. fluviatilis, L. planeri and the lake-parasitic form in Loch Lomond.

Background: The European River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and the brook lamprey L. planeri are two closely related species that are also considered as partially reproductively isolated ecotypes. At the larval stage, they cannot be distinguished morphologically or genetically by mitochondrial DNA. We aimed at developing a molecular tool to identify early life stages of L. fluviatilis and L. planeri. Methods and results: We first identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers with distinct alleles between L. fluviatilis and L. planeri based on RADseq data from 186 individuals collected in France. Then, we developed a quantitative PCR protocol to genotype a species-specific SNP, which was tested on 270 samples including larvae and adults from both species and 17 sites from Western Europe. Results were consistent with morphological identification in all cases except for samples from the Rhône drainage and the Loch Lomond in Scotland. Conclusions: This marker allows the identification of larval stages of L. fluviatilis, L. planeri as well as hybrids. The two cases where the marker was not diagnostic might be explained by an isolated and distinct L. planeri lineage in the Rhône drainage, and high levels of admixture among L. fluviatilis, L. planeri and the lake-parasitic form in Loch Lomond.

Important tool for the integrated control of Fusarium head blight (FHB) is monitoring changes in the prevalence of Fusarium species and toxin production. The knowledge of factors influencing FHB infection is usually related to climatic factors, tillage practice and the level of resistance/susceptibility of wheat varieties. However, little is known on differences in reactions of varieties on members of Fusarium species complexes. In this study, F. graminearum species complex (FGSC) was monitored on two winter wheat varieties Simonida and Zvezdana, created in Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. We analyzed 83 FGSC isolates collected from 21 locations in 2019. The study included four regions in Serbia (Vojvodina, Belgrade, Southern and Eastern Serbia and Šumadija and Western Serbia). Monitoring of FGSC populations were made using species- and trichothecene-specific primers. Species specific primers were Fg16F/R and Fgr-F/Fgc-R. Trichothecene genotyping was performed using the primer sets (Tri303F/R, Tri315F/R, and Tri5F/R) for the sequences of the Tri3, and Tri5 genes. Tri-5-specific PCR assay was used to assess the genetic potential of F. graminearum isolates for mycotoxin production. We used multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), to investigate associations between Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), location, variety, members of the FGSC, and their predisposition for mycotoxin production. On average, the FDK of Simonida was 11.8% while it was 22.1% in Zvezdana.

Soil is one of the favorable habitat for microorganism. It considered being the home of wide range of them in particularly, bacteria and fungi. Southern Iraq is characterized by a multiplicity of ecosystem, which include desert, agricultural and marine areas, each of which has special composition that differs from the neighboring system, whether in terms of vegetation or various environmental factors. This in diversity, in turn, may lead to microbial diversity that can be used in different biotechnologies. Regarding that little is known about yeast diversity in such habitats, and therefore the current study aims to assess the yeast community in soil and sediments samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern Iraq. Thirty-one species belong to 19 genera were encountered. The isolated species consist of 16 species of Ascomycota and 15 species of Basidiomycota. The soil of Basrah and Dhi-Qar support the growth of diverse species belonged to the genera Aureobasidium, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Filobasidium Geotrichum, Hanseniaspora, Lodderomyces, Meyerozyma, Symmetrospora, Torulaspora, Vishniacozyma, Pichia, Yarrowia, Cystobasidium, Galactomyces, Rhodotorula, Wickerhamomyces, Candida and Naganishia. One hundred and twelve fungal isolates were identified using the conventional methods depending on morphological characteristics. CHROMagar candida was used as differential culture medium. Iodine stain was used to differentiate ascospores and basidiospores. In addition biochemical method represented by VITEK was used as well as molecular identification. This study represents the first report of occurrence of yeast species in soil and surface sediment samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern, Iraq, with effect of some ecological factors on isolation yeast from different location.

Soil is one of the favorable habitat for microorganism. It considered being the home of wide range of them in particularly, bacteria and fungi. Southern Iraq is characterized by a multiplicity of ecosystem, which include desert, agricultural and marine areas, each of which has special composition that differs from the neighboring system, whether in terms of vegetation or various environmental factors. This in diversity, in turn, may lead to microbial diversity that can be used in different biotechnologies. Regarding that little is known about yeast diversity in such habitats, and therefore the current study aims to assess the yeast community in soil and sediments samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern Iraq. Thirty-one species belong to 19 genera were encountered. The isolated species consist of 16 species of Ascomycota and 15 species of Basidiomycota. The soil of Basrah and Dhi-Qar support the growth of diverse species belonged to the genera Aureobasidium, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Filobasidium Geotrichum, Hanseniaspora, Lodderomyces, Meyerozyma, Symmetrospora, Torulaspora, Vishniacozyma, Pichia, Yarrowia, Cystobasidium, Galactomyces, Rhodotorula, Wickerhamomyces, Candida and Naganishia. One hundred and twelve fungal isolates were identified using the conventional methods depending on morphological characteristics. CHROMagar candida was used as differential culture medium. Iodine stain was used to differentiate ascospores and basidiospores. In addition biochemical method represented by VITEK was used as well as molecular identification. This study represents the first report of occurrence of yeast species in soil and surface sediment samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern, Iraq, with effect of some ecological factors on isolation yeast from different location.

Introduction. The rice cultivar INCA LP-7 is one of the eleven principal cultivars in Cuba due to their high yield potential, salinity tolerance, and pathogens resistance. However, there are not reports about the isolation, identification, and characterization of bacteria associated to this cultivar that promote its growth. Objective. To select promising bacteria from the rhizosphere of the INCA LP-7 rice cultivar to promote the crop growth. Materials and methods. The investigation was carried out in 2015 and 2016 at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Cuba and Instituto de Investigaciones Biologicas Clemente Estable, Uruguay. The 16SrNA gene of bacteria associated with the INCA LP-7 rice cultivar was isolated and identified by sequencing. Characterization was performed as plant growth promoting bacteria and the effect of bacterial inoculation on rice growth was studied. Results. Eleven rizopheric bacteria were isolated from rice plants of the INCA LP-7cultivar. A phylogenetic analysis showed that for the first time in Cuba Pantoea, Acinetobacter, and Mitsuaria genera were reported associated with rice. Rhizobium and Enterobacter genera were also informed as rhizospheric bacteria of INCA LP-7 rice cultivar. Some isolates solubilize inorganic phosphates and potassium, produce siderophores and indolic compound, had exo-celulase and protease activity and formed biofilm. The inoculation of isolates belonging to Pantoea genus produced an increase in height, root length, and biomass of rice plants under greenhouse conditions. Conclusions. Pantoea sp. GG1 and Pantoea sp. GG2 were the most promising strains for the inoculation of the INCA LP-7 rice cultivar. This is the first report in Cuba that focuses on the characterization of the bacterial microbiota part associated to Cuban rice cultivar INCA LP-7 and reports bacteria of the Pantoea genus as crop growth promoters., Introducción. El cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7 es uno de los once cultivares principales de Cuba por su alto potencial de rendimiento, tolerancia a la salinidad y resistencia a patógenos. Sin embargo, no existen reportes sobre el aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de bacterias asociadas a este cultivar que promuevan su crecimiento. Objetivo. Seleccionar bacterias promisorias provenientes de la rizosfera del cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7 para promover el crecimiento del cultivo. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se realizó en el 2015 y el 2016 en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Cuba y en el Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Uruguay. Se aisló e identificó por secuenciación el gen 16SrNA bacterias asociadas al cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7. Se realizó una caracterización como bacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal y se estudió el efecto de la inoculación bacteriana en el crecimiento del arroz. Resultados. Se aislaron once bacterias rizosféricas de plantas de arroz del cultivar INCA LP-7. Un análisis filogenético mostró que por primera vez en Cuba se reportaron los géneros Pantoea, Acinetobacter y Mitsuaria asociados con el arroz. Los géneros Rhizobium y Enterobacter también fueron informados como bacterias rizosféricas del cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7. Algunos aislados solubilizan fosfatos inorgánicos y potasio, producen sideróforos y compuestos indólicos, tuvieron actividad exocelulasa y proteasa y forman biopelículas. La inoculación de aislados pertenecientes al género Pantoea provocaron un incremento de la altura, longitud de las raíces y biomasa de plantas de arroz en condiciones de invernadero. Conclusiones.Pantoea sp. GG1 y Pantoea sp. GG2, fueron las cepas más promisorias para la inoculación del cultivar de arroz INCA LP-7. Este es el primer informe en Cuba que aborda la caracterización de parte de la microbiota bacteriana asociada al cultivar de arroz cubano INCA LP-7 e informa a bacterias del género Panto

Soil is one of the favorable habitat for microorganism. It considered being the home of wide range of them in particularly, bacteria and fungi. Southern Iraq is characterized by a multiplicity of ecosystem, which include desert, agricultural and marine areas, each of which has special composition that differs from the neighboring system, whether in terms of vegetation or various environmental factors. This in diversity, in turn, may lead to microbial diversity that can be used in different biotechnologies. Regarding that little is known about yeast diversity in such habitats, and therefore the current study aims to assess the yeast community in soil and sediments samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern Iraq. Thirty-one species belong to 19 genera were encountered. The isolated species consist of 16 species of Ascomycota and 15 species of Basidiomycota. The soil of Basrah and Dhi-Qar support the growth of diverse species belonged to the genera Aureobasidium, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Filobasidium Geotrichum, Hanseniaspora, Lodderomyces, Meyerozyma, Symmetrospora, Torulaspora, Vishniacozyma, Pichia, Yarrowia, Cystobasidium, Galactomyces, Rhodotorula, Wickerhamomyces, Candida and Naganishia. One hundred and twelve fungal isolates were identified using the conventional methods depending on morphological characteristics. CHROMagar candida was used as differential culture medium. Iodine stain was used to differentiate ascospores and basidiospores. In addition biochemical method represented by VITEK was used as well as molecular identification. This study represents the first report of occurrence of yeast species in soil and surface sediment samples from Basrah and Dhi-Qar provinces, Southern, Iraq, with effect of some ecological factors on isolation yeast from different location.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oil crops worldwide, including Serbia, where it is grown on about 200,000 ha with an average yield of 3 t/ha. Botrytis cinerea Pers. (1794) regularly occurs on sunflower seeds associated with the phenology of the host plant. However, sunflower seed is often affected by the Rhizopus spp., which causes similar symptoms on seed and seedlings as B. cinerea, and it is important to reliably differentiate those species based on morphological and molecular characteristics. The method used in this study for the detection of B. cinerea is described by ISTA method 7-003. The main task of this study was to isolate the causal agent of grey mould and rot of sunflower seed and seedlings. Infected seeds were covered with overgrown dark-grey mycelia with sporulation. In order to isolate the pathogen, the infected seed was transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated for 7 days at 20°C. For morphological identification, 11 isolates were single-spored and subcultured onto PDA. Strains formed straight, noddy conidiophores, branched at the top and resembling a cluster with conidia. Conidia were ovoid or elliptical avg. 11.6 × 7.5 µm in size.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops throughout the world, and in Serbia it is grown on about 160,000 to 210,000 ha. Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler has been detected as the most frequent seed-borne pathogen, able to infect a wide variety of plant species in different countries. During a routine seed quality control and seed health testing analysis of sunflower seed in 2018-2019, according to ISTA Rules, Alternaria spp. infection was observed on an average of 18%. The aim of this study was the isolation and identification of Alternaria spp. based on their morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Isolation of the pathogen was carried out by transferring infected seeds onto a potato dextrose agar (PDA), and subsequent incubation at 25°C. Seven days later, 21 isolates formed circular, smooth, grey to brownish-black colonies, with concentric zones of very intensive sporulation. Conidiophores were branched, solitary or in small groups, brown to olivaceous brown, ranging from 128 to 232 µm. All isolates were subcultured onto a PDA using a single spore technique.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has become a widespread analytical technique to perform nonlabeled spatial molecular identification. The Achilles' heel of MSI is the annotation and identification of molecular species due to intrinsic limitations of the technique (lack of chromatographic separation and the difficulty to apply tandem MS). Successful strategies to perform annotation and identification combine extra analytical steps, like using orthogonal analytical techniques to identify compounds; with algorithms that integrate the spectral and spatial information. In this review, we discuss different experimental strategies and bioinformatics tools to annotate and identify compounds in MSI experiments. We target strategies and tools for small molecule applications, such as lipidomics and metabolomics. First, we explain how sample preparation and the acquisition process influences annotation and identification, from sample preservation to the use of orthogonal techniques. Then, we review twelve software tools for annotation and identification in MSI. Finally, we offer perspectives on two current needs of the MSI community: the adaptation of guidelines for communicating confidence levels in identifications; and the creation of a standard format to store and exchange annotations and identifications in MSI.

Human babesiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease that causes societal and economic impact worldwide. Several species of Babesia cause babesiosis in terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. A one-day clinic was held in Ontario, Canada, to see if a red blood cell parasite, which is present in blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, is present in humans. Based on PCR testing and DNA sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, we unveiled B. odocoilei in two of 19 participants. DNA amplicons from these two patients are almost identical matches with the type strains of B. odocoilei in GenBank. In addition, the same two human subjects had the hallmark symptoms of human babesiosis, including night sweats, chills, fevers, and profound fatigue. Based on symptoms and molecular identification, we provide substantive evidence that B. odocoilei is pathogenic to humans. Dataset reveals that B. odocoilei serologically cross-reacts with Babesia duncani. Clinicians must realize that there are more than two Babesia spp. in North America that cause human babesiosis. This discovery signifies the first report of B. odocoilei causing human babesiosis.

© The Author(s), 2021. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Xu, Y., He, X., Li, H., Zhang, T., Lei, F., Gu, H., & Anderson, D. M. Molecular identification and toxin analysis of Alexandrium spp. in the Beibu Gulf: first report of toxic A. tamiyavanichii in Chinese coastal waters. Toxins, 13(2), (2021): 161, https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13020161., The frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has increased in China in recent years. Information about harmful dinoflagellates and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) is still limited in China, especially in the Beibu Gulf, where PSTs in shellfish have exceeded food safety guidelines on multiple occasions. To explore the nature of the threat from PSTs in the region, eight Alexandrium strains were isolated from waters of the Beibu Gulf and examined using phylogenetic analyses of large subunit (LSU) rDNA, small subunit (SSU) rDNA, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Their toxin composition profiles were also determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All eight strains clustered in the phylogenetic tree with A. pseudogonyaulax, A. affine, and A. tamiyavanichii from other locations, forming three well-resolved groups. The intraspecific genetic distances of the three Alexandrium species were significantly smaller than interspecific genetic distances for Alexandrium species. Beibu Gulf isolates were therefore classified as A. pseudogonyaulax, A. affine, and A. tamiyavanichii. No PSTs were identified in A. pseudogonyaulax, but low levels of gonyautoxins (GTXs) 1 to 5, and saxitoxin (STX) were detected in A. tamiyavanichii (a total of 4.60 fmol/cell). The extremely low level of toxicity is inconsistent with PST detection above regulatory levels on multiple occasions within the Beibu Gulf, suggesting that higher toxicity strains may occur in those waters, but were unsampled. Other explanations including biotransformation of PSTs in shellfish and the presence of other PST-producing algae are also suggested. Understanding the toxicity and phylogeny of Alexandrium species provides foundational data for the protection of public health in the Beibu Gulf region and the mitigation of HAB events., This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41976155, 41506137), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province (2020GXNSFDA297001, 2016GXNSFBA380037), the Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health (National Science Foundation grant OCE-1840381 and National Institutes of Health grants NIEHS-1P01-ES028938-01), the Opening Project of Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea (GXLSCRSCS2019002), the Opening Foundation of Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf Ministry of Education (Nanning Normal University), and the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Intelligent Simulation (Nanning Normal University) (GTEU-KLOP-K1803).

Forest trees are considered important in ameliorating climate change through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, for stabilizing water catchments and for timber production. Wood decay fungi are among the most important biotic factors in ecosystems, infecting valuable landscaping trees causing an economic loss or the preeminent recyclers of the wood. In a survey of forest trees in the Alamdardeh forest, northern Iran, fungal fruit bodies were collected and isolations made. Based on a combination of macro-morphological characteristics and molecular analyses, using the sequence data of ITS-rDNA, isolates were identified to the species level. A total of 22 species in nine families and 15 genera were identified. Most isolates were the white-rot fungi. Additionally, the brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and the soft-rot species Xylaria longipes were indentified

Forest trees are considered important in ameliorating climate change through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, for stabilizing water catchments and for timber production. Wood decay fungi are among the most important biotic factors in ecosystems, infecting valuable landscaping trees causing an economic loss or the preeminent recyclers of the wood. In a survey of forest trees in the Alamdardeh forest, northern Iran, fungal fruit bodies were collected and isolations made. Based on a combination of macro-morphological characteristics and molecular analyses, using the sequence data of ITS-rDNA, isolates were identified to the species level. A total of 22 species in nine families and 15 genera were identified. Most isolates were the white-rot fungi. Additionally, the brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and the soft-rot species Xylaria longipes were indentified

© The Author(s), 2021. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Xu, Y., He, X., Li, H., Zhang, T., Lei, F., Gu, H., & Anderson, D. M. Molecular identification and toxin analysis of Alexandrium spp. in the Beibu Gulf: first report of toxic A. tamiyavanichii in Chinese coastal waters. Toxins, 13(2), (2021): 161, https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13020161., The frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has increased in China in recent years. Information about harmful dinoflagellates and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) is still limited in China, especially in the Beibu Gulf, where PSTs in shellfish have exceeded food safety guidelines on multiple occasions. To explore the nature of the threat from PSTs in the region, eight Alexandrium strains were isolated from waters of the Beibu Gulf and examined using phylogenetic analyses of large subunit (LSU) rDNA, small subunit (SSU) rDNA, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Their toxin composition profiles were also determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All eight strains clustered in the phylogenetic tree with A. pseudogonyaulax, A. affine, and A. tamiyavanichii from other locations, forming three well-resolved groups. The intraspecific genetic distances of the three Alexandrium species were significantly smaller than interspecific genetic distances for Alexandrium species. Beibu Gulf isolates were therefore classified as A. pseudogonyaulax, A. affine, and A. tamiyavanichii. No PSTs were identified in A. pseudogonyaulax, but low levels of gonyautoxins (GTXs) 1 to 5, and saxitoxin (STX) were detected in A. tamiyavanichii (a total of 4.60 fmol/cell). The extremely low level of toxicity is inconsistent with PST detection above regulatory levels on multiple occasions within the Beibu Gulf, suggesting that higher toxicity strains may occur in those waters, but were unsampled. Other explanations including biotransformation of PSTs in shellfish and the presence of other PST-producing algae are also suggested. Understanding the toxicity and phylogeny of Alexandrium species provides foundational data for the protection of public health in the Beibu Gulf region and the mitigation of HAB events., This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41976155, 41506137), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province (2020GXNSFDA297001, 2016GXNSFBA380037), the Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health (National Science Foundation grant OCE-1840381 and National Institutes of Health grants NIEHS-1P01-ES028938-01), the Opening Project of Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea (GXLSCRSCS2019002), the Opening Foundation of Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf Ministry of Education (Nanning Normal University), and the Guangxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Intelligent Simulation (Nanning Normal University) (GTEU-KLOP-K1803).

Human babesiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease that causes societal and economic impact worldwide. Several species of Babesia cause babesiosis in terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. A one-day clinic was held in Ontario, Canada, to see if a red blood cell parasite, which is present in blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, is present in humans. Based on PCR testing and DNA sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, we unveiled B. odocoilei in two of 19 participants. DNA amplicons from these two patients are almost identical matches with the type strains of B. odocoilei in GenBank. In addition, the same two human subjects had the hallmark symptoms of human babesiosis, including night sweats, chills, fevers, and profound fatigue. Based on symptoms and molecular identification, we provide substantive evidence that B. odocoilei is pathogenic to humans. Dataset reveals that B. odocoilei serologically cross-reacts with Babesia duncani. Clinicians must realize that there are more than two Babesia spp. in North America that cause human babesiosis. This discovery signifies the first report of B. odocoilei causing human babesiosis.

Forest trees are considered important in ameliorating climate change through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, for stabilizing water catchments and for timber production. Wood decay fungi are among the most important biotic factors in ecosystems, infecting valuable landscaping trees causing an economic loss or the preeminent recyclers of the wood. In a survey of forest trees in the Alamdardeh forest, northern Iran, fungal fruit bodies were collected and isolations made. Based on a combination of macro-morphological characteristics and molecular analyses, using the sequence data of ITS-rDNA, isolates were identified to the species level. A total of 22 species in nine families and 15 genera were identified. Most isolates were the white-rot fungi. Additionally, the brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and the soft-rot species Xylaria longipes were indentified

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) caused by pathogens belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia and Theileria in small ruminants are widespread in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. The epidemiology of tick borne pathogens (TBPs) in small ruminants is less understood compared to those infecting cattle in general. This study was carried out to investigate and characterize TBPs in sheep and goats using molecular tools. A total of 107 blood samples from sheep (n = 8) and goats (n = 99) were collected from animals that were apparently healthy from two farms in the central and the southern regions of Malawi. The V4 hypervariable region of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and the V1 hypervariable region of the 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used for detection of tick-borne piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae, respectively. Almost the full-length 18S rDNA and the heat shock protein (groEL) gene sequences were used for genetic characterization of the piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae, respectively. The results showed that 76.6 % of the examined animals (n = 107) were positive for at least one TBP. The overall co-infection with at least two TBPs was observed in fortyeight animals (45 %). The detected TBPs were Anaplasma ovis (65 %), Ehrlichia ruminantium (4%), Ehrlichia canis (2%), Babesia strain closely related to Babesia gibsoni (1%), Theileria ovis (52 %), Theileria mutans (3%), Theileria separata (2%), Anaplasma sp. (1%) and Theileria sp. strain MSD-like (17 %). To the authors knowledge this is the first molecular study of TBPs in sheep and goats in Malawi. These results have therefore provided a significant milestone in the knowledge of occurrence of TBPs in sheep and goats in Malawi, which is prerequisite to proper diagnosis and control.

Background: Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are important components in biomonitoring due to their amphibiotic lifecycle and specific habitat requirements. They are charismatic and popular insects, but can be challenging to identify despite large size and often distinct coloration, especially the immature stages. DNA-based assessment tools rely on validated DNA barcode reference libraries evaluated in a supraregional context to minimize taxonomic incongruence and identification mismatches. Methods: This study reports on findings from the analysis of the most comprehensive DNA barcode dataset for Central European Odonata to date, with 103 out of 145 recorded European species included and publicly deposited in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). The complete dataset includes 697 specimens (548 adults, 108 larvae) from 274 localities in 16 countries with a geographic emphasis on Central Europe. We used BOLD to generate sequence divergence metrics and to examine the taxonomic composition of the DNA barcode clusters within the dataset and in comparison with all data on BOLD. Results: Over 88% of the species included can be readily identified using their DNA barcodes and the reference dataset provided. Considering the complete European dataset, unambiguous identification is hampered in 12 species due to weak mitochondrial differentiation and partial haplotype sharing. However, considering the known species distributions only two groups of five species possibly co-occur, leading to an unambiguous identification of more than 95% of the analysed Odonata via DNA barcoding in real applications. The cases of small interspecific genetic distances and the observed deep intraspecific variation in Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) are discussed in detail and the corresponding taxa in the public reference database are highlighted. They should be considered in future applications of DNA barcoding and metabarcoding and represent interesting evolutionary biological questions, w

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) caused by pathogens belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia and Theileria in small ruminants are widespread in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. The epidemiology of tick borne pathogens (TBPs) in small ruminants is less understood compared to those infecting cattle in general. This study was carried out to investigate and characterize TBPs in sheep and goats using molecular tools. A total of 107 blood samples from sheep (n = 8) and goats (n = 99) were collected from animals that were apparently healthy from two farms in the central and the southern regions of Malawi. The V4 hypervariable region of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and the V1 hypervariable region of the 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used for detection of tick-borne piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae, respectively. Almost the full-length 18S rDNA and the heat shock protein (groEL) gene sequences were used for genetic characterization of the piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae, respectively. The results showed that 76.6 % of the examined animals (n = 107) were positive for at least one TBP. The overall co-infection with at least two TBPs was observed in fortyeight animals (45 %). The detected TBPs were Anaplasma ovis (65 %), Ehrlichia ruminantium (4%), Ehrlichia canis (2%), Babesia strain closely related to Babesia gibsoni (1%), Theileria ovis (52 %), Theileria mutans (3%), Theileria separata (2%), Anaplasma sp. (1%) and Theileria sp. strain MSD-like (17 %). To the authors knowledge this is the first molecular study of TBPs in sheep and goats in Malawi. These results have therefore provided a significant milestone in the knowledge of occurrence of TBPs in sheep and goats in Malawi, which is prerequisite to proper diagnosis and control.

Forest trees are considered important in ameliorating climate change through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, for stabilizing water catchments and for timber production. Wood decay fungi are among the most important biotic factors in ecosystems, infecting valuable landscaping trees causing an economic loss or the preeminent recyclers of the wood. In a survey of forest trees in the Alamdardeh forest, northern Iran, fungal fruit bodies were collected and isolations made. Based on a combination of macro-morphological characteristics and molecular analyses, using the sequence data of ITS-rDNA, isolates were identified to the species level. A total of 22 species in nine families and 15 genera were identified. Most isolates were the white-rot fungi. Additionally, the brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and the soft-rot species Xylaria longipes were indentified

Trematode larvae (metacercariae) causing black spot disease occur frequently in gills, fins, skin and the superficial muscle layers of marine fish. Species within the genus Cryptocotyle Lühe, 1899 are frequently associated with this disease. Descriptions of the metacercarial stage are relatively limited and none has hitherto been reported from fish from the English Channel. The present study reports the morphological and molecular identifications of encysted black spot-inducing parasites from whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caught respectively from the north coast of France (English Channel) and from Danish sea waters. Metacercariae were characterised morphologically based on microscopic observations and molecularly using Sanger sequencing of fragments of the mitochondrial cox1 gene and rDNA ITS region. Morphological data were compared with available data in the literature. Phylogenetic trees including reference sequences were built to confirm morphological and molecular identifications. This survey constitutes the first description of C. lingua metacercariae in the English Channel ecosystems.

Thrips are a major pest in protected strawberry production. Knowledge of thrips species composition could be instrumental for improved thrips management, but very little is known about which species are present in strawberries grown in high-tunnels in Denmark. Thrips (adults and larvae) were sampled in two strawberry tunnels of the cultivars Murano and Furore from May to August 2018, in the middle and in the edges of the tunnels. The most abundant thrips species found in the tunnels were Frankliniella intonsa and Thrips tabaci adults. Frankliniella intonsa were also the most frequently found species of the immatures sampled, followed by T. tabaci larvae, and other species. The number of thrips differed between the two cultivars, sampling times and location in the tunnel. Frankliniella intonsa was more abundant in the middle of the tunnels, while T. tabaci was more abundant in the edge of the tunnels adjacent to the field margins. The number of thrips peaked by the end of July. Both chemical and biological control should consider species composition and occurrence; hence, a fundamental first step for thrips management is to identify the species present on the target crop.

Background: Digenean trematodes are parasitic platyhelminths that use several hosts in their life cycles and are thereby embedded in various ecosystems affected by local environmental conditions. Their presence in a habitat will reflect the presence of different host species and, as such, they can serve as ecological indicators. Only limited information on the occurrence of trematodes and their link to other trophic levels in the Danish freshwater ecosystems is currently available.Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to increase our knowledge in this field. Methods: Snails were sampled from 21 freshwater lakes in Denmark, following which shedding procedures were performed, cercariae were recoved and the released parasites were identified using molecular tools (PCR and sequencing). Results: A total of 5657 snail hosts belonging to ten species were identified, revealing a highly diverse parasite fauna comprising 22 trematode species. The overall trematode prevalence was 12.6%, but large variations occurred between host species. The snail host Lymnaea stagnalis showed the highest prevalence and also exhibited the highest diversity, accounting for 47.6% of the species richness. Conclusions: This survey contributes updated information on parasite–host relations and compatibility and may assist in describing the ecological structure of the investigated Danish freshwater ecosystems. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Scleroderma (Order Boletales, Basidiomycota) species have a worldwide distribution. In this study, we review the Scleroderma polyrhizum/S. geaster complex. Eighty-two specimens from different geographic origins were analysed using morphological, mainly basidiospore size and ornamentation, and molecular characters (ITS nrDNA). Our results showed a clear separation of the specimens into four clades and each clade could be distinguished with morphological characters. Thus, European specimens grouped into two clades with those considered to be S. geaster distinct from those considered S. polyrhizum. Many specimens from the USA under the name S. polyrhizum correspond to S. texense or to a new species, here described as S. guzmanii. This study demonstrated the importance of the molecular DNA barcode ITS in genetic analyses to reveal and identify cryptic species in fungal morphospecies.

Trematode larvae (metacercariae) causing black spot disease occur frequently in gills, fins, skin and the superficial muscle layers of marine fish. Species within the genus Cryptocotyle Lühe, 1899 are frequently associated with this disease. Descriptions of the metacercarial stage are relatively limited and none has hitherto been reported from fish from the English Channel. The present study reports the morphological and molecular identifications of encysted black spot-inducing parasites from whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caught respectively from the north coast of France (English Channel) and from Danish sea waters. Metacercariae were characterised morphologically based on microscopic observations and molecularly using Sanger sequencing of fragments of the mitochondrial cox1 gene and rDNA ITS region. Morphological data were compared with available data in the literature. Phylogenetic trees including reference sequences were built to confirm morphological and molecular identifications. This survey constitutes the first description of C. lingua metacercariae in the English Channel ecosystems.

Thrips are a major pest in protected strawberry production. Knowledge of thrips species composition could be instrumental for improved thrips management, but very little is known about which species are present in strawberries grown in high-tunnels in Denmark. Thrips (adults and larvae) were sampled in two strawberry tunnels of the cultivars Murano and Furore from May to August 2018, in the middle and in the edges of the tunnels. The most abundant thrips species found in the tunnels were Frankliniella intonsa and Thrips tabaci adults. Frankliniella intonsa were also the most frequently found species of the immatures sampled, followed by T. tabaci larvae, and other species. The number of thrips differed between the two cultivars, sampling times and location in the tunnel. Frankliniella intonsa was more abundant in the middle of the tunnels, while T. tabaci was more abundant in the edge of the tunnels adjacent to the field margins. The number of thrips peaked by the end of July. Both chemical and biological control should consider species composition and occurrence; hence, a fundamental first step for thrips management is to identify the species present on the target crop.

Background: Digenean trematodes are parasitic platyhelminths that use several hosts in their life cycles and are thereby embedded in various ecosystems affected by local environmental conditions. Their presence in a habitat will reflect the presence of different host species and, as such, they can serve as ecological indicators. Only limited information on the occurrence of trematodes and their link to other trophic levels in the Danish freshwater ecosystems is currently available.Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to increase our knowledge in this field. Methods: Snails were sampled from 21 freshwater lakes in Denmark, following which shedding procedures were performed, cercariae were recoved and the released parasites were identified using molecular tools (PCR and sequencing). Results: A total of 5657 snail hosts belonging to ten species were identified, revealing a highly diverse parasite fauna comprising 22 trematode species. The overall trematode prevalence was 12.6%, but large variations occurred between host species. The snail host Lymnaea stagnalis showed the highest prevalence and also exhibited the highest diversity, accounting for 47.6% of the species richness. Conclusions: This survey contributes updated information on parasite–host relations and compatibility and may assist in describing the ecological structure of the investigated Danish freshwater ecosystems. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera occurs as a major pest in many economically important crops, including cotton, pigeon pea, chickpea, pea, cowpea, sunflower, tomato, sorghum, pearl millet and other crops. Intestinal microorganisms play important role in the degradation of diet components of insects. In order to know the role of gut bacteria in insecticide resistance five insecticides Chlorpyriphos (20% EC), Cypermethrin (25% EC), Malathion (50% EC), Quinalphos (25% EC), Triazophos (40% EC), were selected for the insecticide degradation studies. All the bacterial isolates from the gut of lab and field populations of H. armigera were identified using 16S rRNA gene-based identification and tested for their growth on minimal salt medium (MSM) along with the selected insecticides. A total of 11 bacterial isolates were tested and among them, isolate CL4 (Rhodococcus sp.) was found to grow on minimal salt medium (MSM) and with chlorpyriphos and isolate CL2 (Enterococcus casseliflavus) was able to grow in MSM with chloropyriphos (C22H19Cl2NO3) and malathion (C10H19O6PS2) and no growth was seen in MSM without insecticide (control). Gas Chromatography analysis of the positive bacterial isolate cultures in MSM showed that the isolate CL4 (Rhodococcus sp.) was able to utilize 43.9% of chlorpyriphos and isolate CL2 (E.casseliflavus) was able to utilize 26% of chlorpyriphos and 57.1% of malathion in MSM broth cultures with comparison with the respective control cultures. Findings of the current work suggested that gut bacteria in the field populations of H. armigera plays a role in insecticide resistance

The etiological agents of infrequent invasive fungal infections (IFI) are difficult to identify on the species level using classic morphological examination. We describe the first case of an IFI caused by Cephalotrichum gorgonifer in a neutropenic patient with a hematological malignancy and put it on the map as a new causative agent of IFI. Case report, microbiological findings and description of the etiological agent. A 60?year?old man was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma. A CT scan confirmed the presence of lung infiltrates located at the right upper lobe. Histological examination of one of the nodules showed a large number of narrow septate hyphae with acute?angle branching and irregular round cell morphology; vessels walls appeared infiltrated, proving an angioinvasive pulmonary IFI. Sample culture resulted positive and molecular identification proved the presence of Cephalotrichum gorgonifer. Voriconazole was used for 12 months and the patient did not report any complications or side effects. Complete remission of lymphoma was achieved later by the time chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy consolidation were completed. We recommend the inclusion of Cephalotrichum gorgonifer in the list of opportunistic pathogens causing mycoses in neutropenic hematological patients with suspected mould?related IFI. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

A new spider species, Cybaeus daimonji, from Kyoto, western-central Honshu, Japan is described based on both sexes. The shape of epigyne indicates that this new species is close to C. communis Yaginuma, 1972, C. kirigaminensis Komatsu, 1963, C. maculosus Yaginuma, 1972 and C. shinkaii (Komatsu, 1970), which are distributed in eastern to central Honshu. Nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1, 28S ribosomal RNA and histone H3 as well as mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 12S ribosomal RNA and 16S ribosomal RNA sequences of the new species are provided for future phylogenetic studies.