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Virulence pathways in pathogenic bacteria are regulated by quorum sensing mechanisms, particularly biofilm formation through autoinducer (AI) production and sensing. In this study, the culture filtrate extracted from an edible mushroom, Agaricus subrutilescens, was fractionated to isolate a compound that inhibits biofilm formation. Four gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter cloacae) and two gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalisand Staphylococcus aureus) were used for the bioassay. The bioassay-guided chromatographic separations of the culture filtrate extract resulted in the isolation of the compound. Further, spectroscopic analyses revealed the identity of the compound as 2,2′-azoxybisbenzyl alcohol (ABA). The minimum inhibitory and sub-inhibitory concentrations of the compound were also determined. Azoxybisbenzyl alcohol was significantly effective in inhibiting biofilm formation in all tested bacteria, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 3–11 µg/mL. Additionally, the bioactivity of ABA was confirmed through the bioassays for the inhibition of exopolysaccharide matrixes and AI activities.Graphical Abstract2,2′-Azoxybisbenzyl alcohol isolated from Agaricus subrutilescensdemonstrated interesting potential in inhibiting biofilm formation by targeting the EPS matrix and AI signaling against bacterial pathogens.

Los tumores malignos del tracto urinario están asociados a gran morbimortalidad siendo su prevalencia variable a nivel global. Recientemente el estudio IDENTIFY ha publicado resultados sobre la prevalencia del cáncer del tracto urinario a nivel internacional. Este estudio evalúa la prevalencia de cáncer dentro de la cohorte española del estudio IDENTIFY para determinar si los resultados publicados son extrapolables a nuestra población.

Antimicrobial compounds were purified from culture filtrates from 2 edible Pleurotusspecies. Using a bioassay-guided fractionation of the culture filtrate extracts, 3 compounds (1-3) were obtained from Pleurotus ostreatus, and another compound (4) was obtained from Pleurotus pulmonarius. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that 1-3was identified as 5,7-dimethoxyphthalide, 4,6-dimethoxyphthalide, and cheimonophyllon E, respectively, while 4were identified as pleuroton A. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of these compounds were determined against 6 pathogenic bacterial species, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter cloacae.Compounds 2and 4were inhibitory against all tested bacteria, while 1and 4were inhibitory against 3 and 2 species, respectively. In addition, 1-4inhibited tyrosinase, with IC50values of 0.10-0.30 mg/mL, and α-glucosidase, with IC50values of 0.12-0.54 mg/mL. However, their antioxidant capacities were marginal.Graphical AbstractSubstantial potential of isolated 2 sesquiterpenes and 2 phthalides from Pleurotus ostreatusand Pleurotus pulmonariusin inhibiting nosocomial pathogens from combating antimicrobial resistance.

Soil bacteria and fungi are key drivers of carbon released from soils to the atmosphere through decomposition of plant-derived organic carbon sources. This process has important consequences for the global climate. While global change factors, such as increased temperature, are known to affect bacterial- and fungal-mediated decomposition rates, the role of trophic interactions in affecting decomposition remains largely unknown. We designed synthetic microbial communities consisting of eight bacterial and eight fungal species and tested the influence of predation by a model protist, Physarum polycephalum, on litter breakdown at 17 and 21?°C. Protists increased CO2release and litter mass loss by ~35% at 17?°C lower temperatures, while they only had minor effects on microbial-driven CO2release and mass loss at 21?°C. We found species-specific differences in predator–prey interactions, which may affect microbial community composition and functioning and thus underlie the impact of protists on litter breakdown. Our findings suggest that microbial predation by fast-growing protists is of under-appreciated functional importance, as it affects decomposition and, as such, may influence global carbon dynamics. Our results indicate that we need to better understand the role of trophic interactions within the microbiome in controlling decomposition processes and carbon cycling.

El síndrome de burnoutha aumentado espectacularmente en el ámbito de la urología en los últimos años. Un estilo de vida saludable se ha descrito como un factor protector. Sin embargo, aún no han sido evaluados los datos relacionados con el estilo de vida de residentes y urólogos. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el estilo de vida entre los residentes y urólogos jóvenes de toda Europa.

The mechanical behavior of chonta palm wood (Bactris gasipaes) microparticles reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) under high strain-rate compressive and ballistic impact loading were investigated. The palm wood microparticles were introduced into the HDPE via an extrusion process using parallel twin screw extruder to produce biocomposite containing 10, 20, 25, and 30 wt % chonta wood microparticles. In addition to mechanical tests, fractographic analysis was done to understand the failure mechanism in the biocomposites under dynamic and ballistic impact loads. The results indicate that both quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties of HDPE are enhanced by reinforcement with chonta palm wood particles. The biocomposites containing 25 wt % wood microparticles exhibited the highest strength, stiffness, ballistic impact resistance and impact energy absorption capability. Introduction of microparticles of chonta palm wood as reinforcement into a polymeric matrix such as HDPE is therefore a promising method to develop biocomposites with enhanced capacity to withstand dynamic impact loading and absorb impact energy.

Mixed chimerism (MC) occurs frequently after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for thalassemia major (TM) and may be associated with rejection. We report the outcome of MC in 132 TM patients conditioned with Busulphan/Cyclophosphamide, who had successful engraftment and had ⩾1 year follow-up. Chimerism was first assessed at day +28, then every 3–9 months or more frequently if there was MC. If rejection was suspected, immunosuppression was stopped and donor-lymphocyte infusion (DLI) was given if there was no response. Among 132 patients, aged 7 years (range: 2–24), 46/132 (34.8%) had MC in the first year, 32/46 (69.6%) at day +28 and another 14 (30%) between day +28 and 1 year post HSCT. MC was quantified at level 1 (residual host chimerism (RHC) <10%) in 20 (43.5%), level II (RHC 10–25%) in 14 (30.4%) and level III (RHC >25%) in 12 (26.1%). On tapering immunosuppression, 15 (32.6%) developed acute GvHD and 8 (17.4%) had chronic GvHD with reversal to complete chimerism (CC). DLI was administered to 5/46 (10.9%), 1 evolved to CC but 4 rejected the graft. At median follow-up of 60 months (range: 16–172), 20/46 (43.5%) had CC, 18/46 (39.1%) had persistent MC with hemoglobin of 11.5 g/dL (range: 8.4–13.6), whereas 8 (17.4%) rejected the graft. Close monitoring and early intervention is needed with increasing recipient chimerism. Novel strategies are required for preventing graft rejection.

Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with a conditioning regimen consisting of fludarabine (F-araA) and cyclophosphamide (Cy) is associated with improved outcome in young patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and Fanconi anemia (FA), several factors limit the success of the procedure. We evaluated the population pharmacokinetics (POPPK) of F-araA and its influence on HSCT outcome in patients (n=53) with AA and FA undergoing HSCT. Patients carrying a 5′-UTR polymorphism in NT5E gene (rs2295890 G>C) exhibited significantly lower plasma F-araA clearance compared to those with wild-type genotype (7.12 vs 5.03 L/h/m2(29%) P<0.05). F-araA clearance was significantly higher in patients with AA compared to FA (2.46 ×, P<1e−6). Of all the outcome parameters evaluated (engraftment, rejection/graft failure, GvHD, TRM, OS), high F-araA AUC (>29.4 μm*h) was the only significant factor associated with the development of aGvHD by both univariate and multivariate analysis (P=0.02). The influence of plasma F-araA levels need to be evaluated in a larger cohort of patients to propose the need for therapeutic drug monitoring.

A survey for myxomycetes was carried out in the limestone forest habitats of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) on the Island of Palawan, Philippines. A total of 740 moist chamber cultures were prepared from samples of aerial litter (AL) and ground litter (GL), dead inflorescences (IF), grass litter (GR), and woody twigs (TW) collected within the park. Seventy percent of the moist chamber cultures yielded myxomycetes representing 33 species belonging to 15 genera and five taxonomic orders. The highest number of species was recorded from woody twigs (27 species), followed by aerial litter (19 species) and ground litter (15 species). The most abundant species included the cosmopolitan speciesArcyria cinerea, along withStemonitis fusca, Echinostelium minutum, Lamproderma scintillans, andDidymium squamulosum. Collecting localities with closed forest canopy and minimal wind exposure had the lowest species diversity. This is the first extensive survey for myxomycetes in the province of Palawan, particularly in the PPSRNP.

A myxomycete survey combining field collections and moist chamber cultures from seven collecting areas in the Bicol Peninsula (Philippines) yielded 57 species belonging to 18 genera. Of these, eight are reported as new records for the Philippines;Stemonaria fuscoidesis noted as a first record for the Asian Paleotropics. The comparison of the seven collecting localities showed higher numbers of records from areas with lowland forest characterized of having either old growth forest or successional forest patches where there is more heterogeneity of plant communities. This study is the first comprehensive report of myxomycete distribution in the Bicol Peninsula.

The assemblages of myxomycetes associated with ground litter in seven different study sites situated along a disturbance gradient on the Bohol Islands in the Philippines were studied using exclusively the moist chamber culture technique. The disturbance gradient, which was also characterized by differences in plant community types, resulted from a major typhoon (Haiyan) that affected the islands following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. These assemblages were analyzed using several software programs and abundance-based data for the evaluation of species richness, composition, and α and β diversity of myxomycetes in the various study sites. The results suggested that environmental alterations could be a factor affecting the abundance of myxomycetes in different habitats, and that dispersal plays a role in shaping the patterns of distribution of assemblages of myxomycetes associated with particular plant communities. In addition, the present study pointed out the need for an extensive survey to assess the impacts of conservation and restoration for areas that are susceptible to ecological shifts, such as events caused by the changing global climate.

No profiling of diversity of myxomycetes has ever been conducted in one of the biodiversity hotspot areas in the Philippine archipelago, and this necessitates a swift survey of myxomycetes in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. An assessment of diversity of myxomycetes collected from seven collecting points of three different forest types in the study area showed a total of 926 records of myxomycetes. Of which, 42 morphospecies belonging to 16 genera are reported in this study. Species richness of myxomycetes was higher in collecting points that were found in inland lowland mountain forests, but the most taxonomically diverse species was found in coastal forests. Myxomycete species, namely, Arcyria cinerea, Diderma hemisphaericum, Physarum echinosporum, Lamproderma scintillans, and Stemonitis fusca, were found in all the collecting points. Manmade disturbances and forest structure may affect the occurrence of myxomycetes.

Species identification is often done with the aid of traditional dichotomous keys. This printed material is based on one’s decision between two alternatives, which is followed by another pair of alternatives until the final species name is reached. With the advent of internet technology, the use of an online database offers an updatable and accumulative approach to species identification. It can also be accessed anytime, and this is very useful for fast-changing groups of organisms. In this paper, we report the preference of sophomore Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Microbiology students to two identification guides as a tool in taxonomy. We wish to test our hypothesis that today’s students will prefer to use web-based ID guides over printed dichotomous keys. We also describe how these printed dichotomous key and web-based ID guides were used by the students as one of their laboratory activities in the course Biology of Algae and Fungi.

Recently, web-based identification guides have been developed to aid modern taxonomists in identifying organisms. Unfortunately, these guides can only be used wherever Internet access is available. Thus, these cannot often be brought directly to the field for quick and easy identification of any collected specimens. Since we believe that field experience is necessary for any students of biology or microbiology, we developed a photoguide on the myxomycetes we collected from Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. This photoguide is intended to aid both classroom and laboratory learning of a specific group of eukaryotic microoganisms, the plasmodial slime molds or myxomycetes. It provides a quick visual aid in the identification of myxomycetes found in Lubang Island, but may also be present in any other terrestrial forest areas of the country and of the world.

L’objectif de notre étude (IDENTIFY) était de déterminer le taux de cancer des voies urinaires de manière contemporaine ainsi que les performances des tests diagnostiques chez des patients ayant une suspicion de cancer urothélial.

A total of nine endolichenic fungi were isolated from the foliose lichen Parmotrema rampoddense(Nyl.) Hale. Of the nine endolichenic fungi, three taxa (Fusarium proliferatum, Nemania primolutea, Daldinia eschsholtzii) showed antibacterial activities as determined by the disk diffusion assay against ESKAPE bacterial pathogens. Fusarium proliferatumgave the most active fungal extract with zone of inhibition values of 15 mm and 19 mm against E. faecalisand S. aureus,respectively. Further chromatographic purification of the F. proliferatumethyl acetate extract led to the isolation and identification of bis(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate (1), acetyl tributyl citrate (2), and fusarubin (3). Acetyl tributyl citrate (2) exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus.

This article was originally published under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, but has now been made available under a CC BY 4.0 license. The PDF and HTML versions of the article have been modified accordingly.

The use of graphical illustration in lecture presentations can make a seemingly boring lesson more attractive and enticing to students. Creating science-themed illustrations and science-based narratives can also lead to creative and critical thinking among students. We used writing editorials and creating editorial cartoons as a learning activity to promote critical thinking and creative skills that are essential in communicating scientific information. This activity can be used with a range of audiences, at various educational levels and in basic to advanced courses.

Learning microbiology can be made fun by writing funny lines related to microbiology. Students were tasked to create their own pick-up lines and explain these based on their understanding of the basic concepts in microbiology.

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