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Giardiasis is an intestinal parasitosis affecting dogs and able to infect human beings. Its diagnosis can not be done with the only clinical signs, the main of which is non characteristic diarrhoea. It implicates to perform further tests to detect the parasite. The zinc sulfate concentration technique (ZSCT) is the more effective one if performed on two or three successive days. Fecal ELISA kits have been developed to detect Giardia in humans and were found to be less sensitive than the ZSCT in dogs. In this study, we used 30 infected Beagles to compare the sensitivity of one, two or three fecal examinations following ZSCT and one or two ELISA tests. We conclude that if a single ZSCT is insufficient, two or three ZSCT and one or two ELISA using the commercial kit ProSpecT® Giardia have almost the same sensitivity.

Circinotrichum, Gyrothrix and Vermiculariopsiella represent a complex of dematiaceous, setose, saprobic hyphomycetes that are commonly collected on plant litters in tropical, subtropical to temperate climates. Multi-locus analysis (ITS, LSU, rpb2) and morphological studies revealed that Gyrothrix and Circinotrichum are polyphyletic and species belong to 10 genera grouping in three different clades within Xylariales, named Coniocessiaceae (Circinotrichum and Pirozynskiomyces gen. nov.), Microdochiaceae (Selenodriella and the resurrected genus Peglionia) and the new family Gyrothricaceae (Gyrothrix, Xenoanthostomella, Neogyrothrix gen. nov., Pseudocircinotrichum gen. nov., and Pseudoceratocladium gen. nov.). Vermiculariopsiella (Vermiculariopsiellales, Vermiculariopsiellaceae) is emended for species with setose sporodochia with simple setae (V. dichapetali, V. eucalypticola, V. immersa, V. pini, V. spiralis, V. australiensis sp. nov.) while Vermiculariopsis is resurrected and includes setose fungi with branched setae (Vs. dunni, Vs. eucalypti, Vs. eucalyptigena, Vs. lauracearum, Vs. microsperma, Vs. pediculata and Vs. castanedae sp. nov.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Agaricus albofoetidus, Agaricus aureoelephanti and Agaricus parviumbrus on soil, Fusarium ramsdenii from stem cankers of Araucaria cunninghamii, Keissleriella sporoboli from stem of Sporobolus natalensis, Leptosphaerulina queenslandica and Pestalotiopsis chiaroscuro from leaves of Sporobolus natalensis, Serendipita petricolae as endophyte from roots of Eriochilus petricola, Stagonospora tauntonensis from stem of Sporobolus natalensis, Teratosphaeria carnegiei from leaves of Eucalyptus grandis x E. camaldulensis and Wongia ficherai from roots of Eragrostis curvula. Canada, Lulworthia fundyensis from intertidal wood and Newbrunswickomyces abietophilus (incl. Newbrunswickomyces gen. nov.) on buds of Abies balsamea. Czech Republic, Geosmithia funiculosa from a bark beetle gallery on Ulmus minor and Neoherpotrichiella juglandicola (incl. Neoherpotrichiella gen. nov.) from wood of Juglans regia. France, Aspergillus rouenensis and Neoacrodontium gallica (incl. Neoacrodontium gen. nov.) from bore dust of Xestobium rufovillosum feeding on Quercus wood, Endoradiciella communis (incl. Endoradiciella gen. nov.) endophytic in roots of Microthlaspi perfoliatum and Entoloma simulans on soil. India, Amanita konajensis on soil and Keithomyces indicus from soil. Israel, Microascus rothbergiorum from Stylophora pistillata. Italy, Calonarius ligusticus on soil. Netherlands, Appendopyricularia juncicola (incl. Appendopyricularia gen. nov.), Eriospora juncicola and Tetraploa juncicola on dead culms of Juncus effusus, Gonatophragmium physciae on Physcia caesia and Paracosmospora physciae (incl. Paracosmospora gen. nov.) on Physcia tenella, Myrmecridium phragmitigenum on dead culm of Phragmites australis, Neochalara lolae on stems of Pteridium aquilinum, Niesslia nieuwwulvenica on dead culm of undetermined Poaceae, Nothodevriesia narthecii (incl. Nothodevriesia gen. nov.) on dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum and Parastenospora pini (incl. Parastenospora gen. nov.) on dead twigs of Pinus sylvestris. Norway, Verticillium bjoernoeyanum from sand grains attached to a piece of driftwood on a sandy beach. Portugal, Collybiopsis cimrmanii on the base of living Quercus ilex and amongst dead leaves of Laurus and herbs. South Africa, Paraproliferophorum hyphaenes (incl. Paraproliferophorum gen. nov.) on living leaves of Hyphaene sp. and Saccothecium widdringtoniae on twigs of Widdringtonia wallichii. Spain, Cortinarius dryosalor on soil, Cyphellophora endoradicis endophytic in roots of Microthlaspi perfoliatum, Geoglossum laurisilvae on soil, Leptographium gemmatum from fluvial sediments, Physalacria auricularioides from a dead twig of Castanea sativa, Terfezia bertae and Tuber davidlopezii in soil. Sweden, Alpova larskersii, Inocybe alpestris and Inocybe boreogodeyi on soil. Thailand, Russula banwatchanensis, Russula purpureoviridis and Russula lilacina on soil. Ukraine, Nectriella adonidis on overwintered stems of Adonis vernalis. USA, Microcyclus jacquiniae from living leaves of Jacquinia keyensis and Penicillium neoherquei from a minute mushroom sporocarp. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia: Banksiophoma australiensis (incl. Banksiophoma gen. nov.) on Banksia coccinea, Davidiellomyces australiensis (incl. Davidiellomyces gen. nov.) on Cyperaceae, Didymocyrtis banksiae on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Disculoides calophyllae on Corymbia calophylla, Harknessia banksiae on Banksia sessilis, Harknessia banksiae-repens on Banksia repens, Harknessia banksiigena on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Harknessia communis on Podocarpus sp., Harknessia platyphyllae on Eucalyptus platyphylla, Myrtacremonium eucalypti (incl. Myrtacremonium gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtapenidiella balenae on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella pleurocarpae on Eucalyptus pleurocarpa, Paraconiothyrium hakeae on Hakea sp., Paraphaeosphaeria xanthorrhoeae on Xanthorrhoea sp., Parateratosphaeria stirlingiae on Stirlingia sp., Perthomyces podocarpi (incl. Perthomyces gen. nov.) on Podocarpus sp., Readeriella ellipsoidea on Eucalyptus sp., Rosellinia australiensis on Banksia grandis, Tiarosporella corymbiae on Corymbia calophylla, Verrucoconiothyrium eucalyptigenum on Eucalyptus sp., Zasmidium commune on Xanthorrhoea sp., and Zasmidium podocarpi on Podocarpus sp. Brazil: Cyathus aurantogriseocarpus on decaying wood, Perenniporia brasiliensis on decayed wood, Perenniporia paraguyanensis on decayed wood, and Pseudocercospora leandrae-fragilis on Leandra fragilis. Chile: Phialocephala cladophialophoroides on human toe nail. Costa Rica: Psathyrella striatoannulata from soil. Czech Republic: Myotisia cremea (incl. Myotisia gen. nov.) on bat droppings. Ecuador: Humidicutis dictiocephala from soil, Hygrocybe macrosiparia from soil, Hygrocybe sangayensis from soil, and Polycephalomyces onorei on stem of Etlingera sp. France: Westerdykella centenaria from soil. Hungary: Tuber magentipunctatum from soil. India: Ganoderma mizoramense on decaying wood, Hodophilus indicus from soil, Keratinophyton turgidum in soil, and Russula arunii on Pterigota alata. Italy: Rhodocybe matesina from soil. Malaysia: Apoharknessia eucalyptorum, Harknessia malayensis, Harknessia pellitae, and Peyronellaea eucalypti on Eucalyptus pellita, Lectera capsici on Capsicum annuum, and Wallrothiella gmelinae on Gmelina arborea. Morocco: Neocordana musigena on Musa sp. New Zealand: Candida rongomai-pounamu on agaric mushroom surface, Candida vespimorsuum on cup fungus surface, Cylindrocladiella vitis on Vitis vinifera, Foliocryphia eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus sp., Ramularia vacciniicola on Vaccinium sp., and Rhodotorula ngohengohe on bird feather surface. Poland: Tolypocladium fumosum on a caterpillar case of unidentified Lepidoptera. Russia: Pholiotina longistipitata among moss. Spain: Coprinopsis pseudomarcescibilis from soil, Eremiomyces innocentii from soil, Gyroporus pseudocyanescens in humus, Inocybe parvicystis in humus, and Penicillium parvofructum from soil. Unknown origin: Paraphoma rhaphio lepidis on Rhaphiolepsis indica. USA: Acidiella americana from wall of a cooling tower, Neodactylaria obpyriformis (incl. Neodactylaria gen. nov.) from human bronchoalveolar lavage, and Saksenaea loutrophoriformis from human eye. Vietnam: Phytophthora mekongensis from Citrus grandis, and Phytophthora prodigiosa from Citrus grandis. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Stachybotriaceae was recently introduced to include the genera Myrothecium, Peethambara and Stachybotrys. Members of this family include important plant and human pathogens, as well as several species used in industrial and commercial applications as biodegraders and biocontrol agents. However, the generic boundaries in Stachybotriaceae are still poorly defined, as type material and sequence data are not readily available for taxonomic studies. To address this issue, we performed multi-locus phylogenetic analyses using partial gene sequences of the 28S large subunit (LSU), the internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S nrRNA (ITS), the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), calmodulin (cmdA), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) for all available type and authentic strains. Supported by morphological characters these data resolved 33 genera in the Stachybotriaceae. These included the nine already established genera Albosynnema, Alfaria, Didymostilbe, Myrothecium, Parasarcopodium, Peethambara, Septomyrothecium, Stachybotrys and Xepicula. At the same time the generic names Melanopsamma, Memnoniella and Virgatospora were resurrected. Phylogenetic inference further showed that both the genera Myrothecium and Stachybotrys are polyphyletic resulting in the introduction of 13 new genera with myrothecium-like morphology and eight new genera with stachybotrys-like morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genera Microascus and Scopulariopsis comprise species commonly isolated from soil, decaying plant material and indoor environments. A few species are also recognised as opportunistic pathogens of insects and animals, including humans. In the past, the taxonomy of these fungi has been based on morphology only. With the aim to clarify the taxonomy and phylogeny of these fungi, we studied a large set of clinical and environmental isolates, including the available ex-type strains of numerous species, by means of morphological, physiological and molecular analyses. Species delineation was assessed under the Genealogical Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) criterion using DNA sequence data of four loci (ITS region, and fragments of rDNA LSU, translation elongation factor 1-α and β-tubulin). The genera Microascus and Scopulariopsis were found to be separated in two distinct lineages. The genus Pithoascus is reinstated and the new genus Pseudoscopulariopsis is erected, typified by P. schumacheri. Seven new species of Microascus and one of Scopulariopsis are described, namely M. alveolaris, M. brunneosporus, M. campaniformis, M. expansus, M. intricatus, M. restrictus, M. verrucosus and Scopulariopsis cordiae. Microascus trigonosporus var. macrosporus is accepted as a species distinct from M. trigonosporus. Nine new combinations are introduced. Microascus cinereus, M. longirostris, P. schumacheri and S. flava are neotypified. A table summarising the morphological features of the species treated and identification keys for each genus are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circumscription of the genus Acremonium (Hypocreales) was recently reviewed on the basis of a DNA phylogenetic study. Several species were subsequently transferred to Sarocladium, but the relationships between both genera remained unresolved. Based on multilocus phylogenetic inferences combined with phenotypic data, we have revised the species concepts within Sarocladium and some genetically related species of Acremonium. As a result of these studies, six species are described as new, viz. S. bifurcatum, S. gamsii, S. hominis, S. pseudostrictum, S. subulatum and S. summerbellii. In addition, the new combinations S. implicatum and S. terricola are proposed for A. implicatum and A. terricola, respectively. Sarocladium attenuatum is confirmed as synonym of the type species of the genus, S. oryzae. An epitype and neotype are also introduced for S. oryzae and S. implicatum, respectively. Although Sarocladium species have traditionally been considered as important phytopathogens, the genus also contains opportunistic human pathogens. This study extends the spectrum of clinical species that could be diagnosed as causal agents of human infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the four main isotopic N2O species (14N14N16O, 14N15N16O, 15N14N16O, 14N14N18O) and especially the intramolecular distribution of 15N ("site preference", SP) has been suggested as a tool to distinguish source processes and to help constrain the global N2O budget. However, current studies suffer from limited spatial and temporal resolution capabilities due to the combination of discrete flask sampling with subsequent laboratory-based mass-spectrometric analysis. Quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS) allows the selective high-precision analysis of N2O isotopic species at trace levels and is suitable for in situ measurements. Here, we present results from the first field campaign, conducted on an intensively managed grassland site in central Switzerland. N2O mole fractions and isotopic composition were determined in the atmospheric surface layer (at 2.2m height) at a high temporal resolution with a modified stateof- the-art laser spectrometer connected to an automated N2O preconcentration unit. The analytical performance was determined from repeated measurements of a compressed air tank and resulted in measurement repeatability of 0.20, 0.12 and 0.11‰ for δ15Nα, δ15Nβ, and δ18O, respectively. Simultaneous eddy-covariance N2O flux measurements were used to determine the flux-averaged isotopic signature of soilemitted N2O. Our measurements indicate that, in general, nitrifier-denitrification and denitrification were the prevalent sources of N2O during the campaign and that variations in isotopic composition were due to alterations in the extent to which N2O was reduced to N2 rather than to other pathways, such as hydroxylamine oxidation. Management and rewetting events were characterized by low values of the intramolecular 15N site preference (SP), δ15Nbulk and δ18O, suggesting that nitrifier-denitrification and incomplete heterotrophic bacterial denitrification responded most strongly to the induced disturbances. The flux-averaged isotopic composition of N2O from intensively managed grassland was 6.9±4.3, -17.4±6.2 and 27.4±3.6‰for SP, δ15Nbulk and δ18O, respectively. The approach presented here is capable of providing long-term data sets also for other N2O-emitting ecosystems, which can be used to further constrain global N2O inventories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the four main isotopic N2O species (14N 14N 16O, 14N 15N 16O, 15N 14N 16O, 14N 14N 18O) and especially the intramolecular distribution of 15N (site preference, SP) has been suggested as a tool to distinguish source processes and to help constrain the global N2O budget. However, current studies suffer from limited spatial and temporal resolution capabilities due to the combination of discrete flask sampling with subsequent laboratory-based mass spectrometric analysis. Quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS) allows selective high-precision analysis of N2O isotopic species at trace levels and is suitable for in situ measurements. Here, we present results from the first field campaign, conducted on an intensively managed grassland in central Switzerland. N2O mole fractions and isotopic composition were determined in the atmospheric surface layer (2m height) at high temporal resolution with a modified state-of-the-art laser spectrometer connected to an automated N O preconcentration unit. The analytical performance was determined from repeated measurements of a compressed air tank and resulted in measurement repeatability of 0.20, 0.12 and 0.11‰ for δ15 Nα, δ15 Nβ and δ 18O, respectively. Simultaneous eddy-covariance N2O flux measurements were used to determine the flux-averaged isotopic signature of soil-emitted N2O. Our measurements indicate that in general, nitrifier-denitrification and denitrification were the prevalent sources of N2O during the campaign, and that variations in isotopic composition were rather due to alterations in the extent to which N2O was reduced to N2, than other pathways such as hydroxylamine oxidation. Management and rewetting events were characterized by low values of the intra-molecular 15N site preference (SP), δ15 Nbulk and δ18 O, suggesting nitrifier denitrification and incomplete heterotrophic bacterial denitrification responded most strongly to the induced disturbances. Flux-averaged isotopic composition of N2O from intensively managed grassland was 6.9±4.3, -17.4±6.2 and 27.4±3.6‰ for SP, δ15 Nbulk and δ 18O, respectively. The approach presented here is capable of providing long-term datasets also for other N2O emitting ecosystems, which can be used to further constrain global N2O inventories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cuban citriculture has recently been affected by important pests and diseases including black citrus aphid Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy, citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, Asiatic citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Citrus tristeza disease, and huanglongbing. This complex of ‘invasive species’ is thought to be contributing to the increasing decline of commercial citrus groves. During several surveys carried out in commercial citrus areas of several provinces in Cuba, symptoms of dieback, characterized by the presence of abundant dry branches and wood rot were detected on Criolla Valencia orange, Marsh grapefruit trees on sour orange, and Cleopatra mandarin rootstocks. Samples of branches and trunk wood were processed and a fungus was isolated from all samples. Morphological, physiological and molecular characterization demonstrated that the isolated agent is Fomitiporia maxonii Murrill. The incidence of affected trees was high in most surveyed groves, reaching 100% in old groves. Symptoms similar to the ones found in naturally infected trees were reproduced on trees inoculated with pure cultures of the fungus, and the fungus was recovered in culture from inoculated trees, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of an association of F. maxonii with citrus wood rot in Cuba. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Enhancing microbial reduction of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide ( N2O) to N2 could be a promising strategy to mitigate emissions from soils, but N2O reduction rates are currently neither well understood nor quantified. It has been suggested that the importance of N2O reduction to N2 could be estimated from relationships between δ 18O and δ 15N when N2O production and reduction occur simultaneously. We assessed the robustness of such relationships by using simple simulation models and experimental data for various scenarios, including open versus closed system isotope dynamics and collection of N2O fluxes over time with and without refreshing the headspace between sampling. We found that relationships between δ 18O and δ 15N vary dramatically with experimental conditions (such as headspace gas concentration and sampling scheme) and open versus closed system isotope dynamics, irrespective of N2O reduction rate. Therefore, we conclude that the simple relationships between δ 18O and δ 15N currently used are not robust indicators of N2O reduction to N2 and strongly discourage graphical interpretations of δ 18O and δ 15N to determine N2O reduction. We recommend the development of more advanced process-based isotope models that take into account open versus closed system isotope dynamics, experimental conditions, isotope values of precursors and other biogeochemical controls on δ 15N and δ 18O of N2O to estimate N2O reduction rates more reliably from natural abundance isotope values of N2O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary extraskeletal osteosarcoma (EOS) is an extremely rare malignancy. In this report, the clinical course of a 32-year-old man presenting with proptoses is described. Medical history included Hirschsprung disease (HD), horseshoe kidney, azoospermia, and vertebral anomalies. Imaging of the orbit showed an oval, well-defined heterogeneous mass adjacent to the lateral wall of the orbit. The patient underwent a lateral orbitotomy and complete excision of the mass. The mass was not attached to the bone. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of an EOS. The patient received chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is free of the disease 3 years after the diagnosis. Genetic screening showed no mutations for both the RET proto-oncogene for HD and the p53 tumor suppressor gene for osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermoid cysts are common benign cysts which occur particularly on the skin of the face, neck and upper trunk. Subconjunctival location of these cysts is very rare and, until today, only seen in patients with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. Histopathological examination of these cysts show similarities with odontogenic keratocysts, a typical clinical manifestation of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Infantile capillary hemangiomas (IH) are the most common tumours of the eyelid and orbit in infants. Despite their self‐limited course, IH can impair visual function. Recently, the use of propranolol was found to reduce the size of IH. We will present our own case series of patients with periocular IH treated with propranolol to illustrate these findings. Methods We conducted a retrospective study on 10 children with IH treated with propranolol. After exclusion of any contra‐indication, propranolol was initiated at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d. After 10‐14 days, patients were checked again for side‐effects. If these were absent, propranolol was increased to 2 mg/kg/d. Further follow‐up consists of monthly clinical and photographical evaluations of the IH, monitoring of treatment compliance and tolerance. Success of treatment is defined as stopping growth or reducing size. The response to treatment was rated by 3 blinded, independent observers. Results The age range at start of treatment with propranolol was between 2 and 19 months (mean 6,8 months). The mean age at stopping propranolol was 14,4 months. The mean duration of treatment was 7,6 months and only 1 patient had to stop treatment because of side effects. Two patients (20%) had a rebound after temporary stop of propranolol. The success rate in our case serie was 100%. Half of the group had excellent results, 30% had a good response and 20% had a fair response. We also obtained objective measures of astigmatism and anisometropia in 6 patients. We report a reduction in anisometropic astigmatism in 5 of these 6 patients. Conclusion These data support the current perception that propranolol is a highly effective first line treatment for IH with very limited and mild side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder farmers may gain notable livelihood benefits by participating in organic value chains. However, whether there are enough resources available to maintain organic production sustainably on smallholder farms in resource-poor regions is of concern. If not balanced by sufficient inputs, continual nutrient export via commodity crops will result in nutrient mining, and livelihood improvements gained by participating in profitable value chains could be negated by soil degradation in the long term. The objectives of this study were to test an integrated approach for understanding the farm-level impacts of subsystem nutrient management actions and to identify locally viable interventions for increased nutrient supply and recycling. We employ a systems analysis methodology to address the nutrient gaps on smallholder farms in Uttarakhand, India producing organic Basmati rice for an international value chain. Farmers here rely on few livestock (three to five head of cattle ha − 1 ) to supply nutrient inputs and are achieving smaller than potential Basmati yields. We surveyed 42 small farms (< 3.5 ha, average annual income around $1000 year − 1 ) and analyzed available manure stocks for nutrient contents in order to trace the farm-level flow of manure nutrients, identify vectors of avoidable nutrient loss, and systematically identify locally relevant and feasible improvements. The interventions identified as viable were reducing nutrient losses through simple and relatively cheap manure management modifications (i.e. using straw bedding to capture livestock urine, covering farmyard manure stockpiles with plastic sheeting, enclosed biogas slurry storage, and using biogas slurry for improved compost production), in situ green manuring, and purchasing farmyard manure. Cost–benefit analyses predicted that proposed interventions could increase farmers' net profit by up to 40% while also addressing problematic nutrient gaps. While our results pertain specifically to Uttarakhand, we found that our integrated research approach worked well to address the problem of nutrient gaps on resource-poor smallholder organic farms, and believe that the strategy could be used with equal success to address similar problems in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are at least six species of Phytophthora reported as causative agents of cacao disease known as black pod, which causes great losses worldwide. In order to identify and characterize the main species of Phytophthora present in cacao crop at Baracoa, Guantanamo, 90 isolates extracted from diseased fruits of cocoa were tested by pairing with the reference strains of Phytophthora palmivora 52539 (A1) and 52540 (A2), from the fungal collection of the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. Of the total isolates tested, 88 were consistent with the type A1 strain. The two remaining isolates showed no compatibility with either of the two reference strains, indicating the presence of another species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]