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During a survey of culturable microfungi from the bark of sugar maple (Acer saccharum), Atrocalyx glutinosus and Nigrograna rubescens, two novel species of Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) were isolated from several locations in eastern Ontario, Canada. Formal species descriptions are presented based on unique colony phenotypes and micromorphological characteristics and supported using multi-locus molecular phylogenetic comparisons with similar species. Both A. glutinosus and N. rubescens produce pycnidial asexual morphs in culture. As their names imply, under specific culture conditions, A. glutinosus excretes large amounts of the glutinous polysaccharide pullulan and N. rubescens produces a dark red naphthoquinone pigment that diffuses in the culture medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Anthracnose is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases on Chinese fir. Colletotrichum cangyuanense, Colletotrichum fructicola, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Colletotrichum siamense are the causal agents of anthracnose on Chinese fir. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of different pathogens is critical for the disease management. RESULTS: Phylogenetic tree and sequence similarity analysis showed that the single‐locus ApMat provides superior phylogenetic information and is an appropriate target to distinguish C. cangyuanense, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, and C. siamense. The real‐time PCR assays with the primer sets of MQ‐F/R, 1#C‐F/R, YK‐F/R, and WZ‐F/R, and corresponding TaqMan probes of MQ‐P, 1#C‐P, YK‐P, and WZ‐P were specific for C. cangyuanense, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, and C. siamense, respectively. The sensitivity tests showed that the lowest amount of gDNA that the PCRs can detect was 1 ng of genomic DNA. The validity of the assays was confirmed by directly detecting the pathogens from both the fungal culture and infected Chinese fir. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated the potential of the TaqMan real‐time PCR targeting the ApMat gene to provide rapid, specific, and reliable molecular detection of C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. siamense, and C. cangyuanense, respectively. The data also provided a reference solution for the identification of species within Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC), which share similar morphological characteristics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coelomycetous fungi are among the emerging causes of infections and have been involved in many kinds of infections, including keratitis and endophtalmitis. Here, we present the first case of keratitis caused by Neocucurbitaria unguis-hominis, a coelomycetous fungus belonging to the family Cucurbitariaceae. In this case report, we describe the clinical presentation of a 56-year-old woman, a regular contact lens wearer, who was treated for pain in her right eye and fixed spot vision after an injury with plant debris. On examination, a corneal ulcer was observed, the foreign body was removed, and topical eye-drop therapy was started. After an initial improvement, the patient returned three weeks later due to a recurrence of discomfort in her right eye, observing the persistence of the corneal ulcer. Corneal scrapings were taken for culture, growing a filamentous fungus after seven days, which was identified by sequencing the fungal internal transcribed spacer region. It should be noted that microbiological identification of the coelomycetes in the clinical laboratory is not easy because of their difficulty in sporulating, making molecular techniques based on the amplification and sequencing of appropriate phylogenetic markers essential. Identification of these fungi is mandatory in order to optimise treatment due to the difficulty in eradicating them with antifungal treatment, requiring surgery in 50% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicopsis romeroi phaeohyphomycosis is increasingly reported in immunocompromised patients living in or originating from tropical and subtropical areas. We report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by M. romeroi in a 56-year-old Malian woman residing in France for 20 years. She developed a small nodule on her dominant hand's ring finger 15 months after starting immunosuppressive medications for paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. A first surgical debridement was followed by a local recurrence. Despite a second surgical excision combined with posaconazole treatment, the infection recurred one year after antifungal therapy discontinuation. A wide excision was performed again, and antifungal therapy was resumed and maintained for six months, resulting in the absence of relapse during the 18 months following the surgery. This case highlighted the high risk of relapse in immunocompromised patients, suggesting the need for long-term follow-up and prolonged antifungal treatment following surgical excision in cases with sustained immunosuppression. The literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and included 51 scientific publications. A noteworthy predominance of the subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis presentation was found in immunocompromised patients, whereas eumycetoma had been reported in apparently healthy individuals. A combination of complete excision with antifungal treatment seemed to confer the best outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus globulus, an exotic species in Portugal, is one of the dominant and intensively managed forest species in the country. A disease syndrome characterised by leaf necrosis, stem girdling and cutting dieback in eucalyptus and associated with pestalotioid fungi has been detected in nurseries and young plantations in the last years. Twenty-seven isolates were recovered from diseased plants. Phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacers, partial translation elongation factor 1-α gene and partial β-tubulin gene sequence data grouped the isolates in five separate clades. Combining morphological, cultural and molecular data, five new species of Neopestalotiopsis are described, namely, Neopestalotiopsis eucalyptorum, Neopestalotiopsis hispanica, Neopestalotiopsis iberica, Neopestalotiopsis longiappendiculata and Neopestalotiopsis lusitanica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ascomycete fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides infects a wide range of plant hosts and causes enormous economic losses in the world. The transcription factors (TFs) play an important role in development and pathogenicity of many organisms. In this study, we found that the C2H2 TF CgCrzA is localized in both cytoplasm and nucleus under standard condition, and it translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus in a calcineurin-dependent manner. Moreover, the ΔCgCrzA was hypersensitive to cell wall perturbing agents and showed severe cell wall integrity defects. Deletion of the CgCRZA inhibited the development of invasive structures and lost pathogenicity to plant hosts. Our results suggested that calcineurin-responsive TF CgCrzA was not only involved in regulating cell wall integrity, but also in morphogenesis and virulence in C. gloeosporioides.

Coelomycetous fungi are among the emerging causes of infections and have been involved in many kinds of infections, including keratitis and endophtalmitis. Here, we present the first case of keratitis caused by Neocucurbitaria unguis-hominis, a coelomycetous fungus belonging to the family Cucurbitariaceae. In this case report, we describe the clinical presentation of a 56-year-old woman, a regular contact lens wearer, who was treated for pain in her right eye and fixed spot vision after an injury with plant debris. On examination, a corneal ulcer was observed, the foreign body was removed, and topical eye-drop therapy was started. After an initial improvement, the patient returned three weeks later due to a recurrence of discomfort in her right eye, observing the persistence of the corneal ulcer. Corneal scrapings were taken for culture, growing a filamentous fungus after seven days, which was identified by sequencing the fungal internal transcribed spacer region. It should be noted that microbiological identification of the coelomycetes in the clinical laboratory is not easy because of their difficulty in sporulating, making molecular techniques based on the amplification and sequencing of appropriate phylogenetic markers essential. Identification of these fungi is mandatory in order to optimise treatment due to the difficulty in eradicating them with antifungal treatment, requiring surgery in 50% of cases.

Medicopsis romeroi phaeohyphomycosis is increasingly reported in immunocompromised patients living in or originating from tropical and subtropical areas. We report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by M. romeroi in a 56-year-old Malian woman residing in France for 20 years. She developed a small nodule on her dominant hand’s ring finger 15 months after starting immunosuppressive medications for paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. A first surgical debridement was followed by a local recurrence. Despite a second surgical excision combined with posaconazole treatment, the infection recurred one year after antifungal therapy discontinuation. A wide excision was performed again, and antifungal therapy was resumed and maintained for six months, resulting in the absence of relapse during the 18 months following the surgery. This case highlighted the high risk of relapse in immunocompromised patients, suggesting the need for long-term follow-up and prolonged antifungal treatment following surgical excision in cases with sustained immunosuppression. The literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and included 51 scientific publications. A noteworthy predominance of the subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis presentation was found in immunocompromised patients, whereas eumycetoma had been reported in apparently healthy individuals. A combination of complete excision with antifungal treatment seemed to confer the best outcome.

Within the field of mycology, macrofungi have been relatively well-studied when compared to microfungi. However, the diversity and distribution of microfungi inhabiting woody material have not received the same degree of research attention, especially in relatively unexplored regions, such as Yunnan Province, China. To help address this knowledge gap, we collected and examined fungal specimens from different plants at various locations across Yunnan Province. Our investigation led to the discovery of four species that are clearly distinct from extant ones. These taxonomic novelties were recognized based on morphological comparisons coupled with phylogenetic analyses of multiple gene sequences (non-translated loci and protein-coding regions). The monotypic genus Neoheleiosa gen. nov. (type: N. lincangensis) is introduced in Monoblastiaceae (Monoblastiales) for a woody-based saprobic ascomycete that possesses globose to subglobose or obpyriform ascomata with centric or eccentric, papillate ostioles, an ascomatal wall with thin-walled cells of textura globulosa, cylindric, pedicellate asci with an ocular chamber, and 1-septate, brown, guttulate, longitudinally striated, bicellular ascospores. Neoheleiosa has a close phylogenetic affinity to Heleiosa, nevertheless, it is morphologically dissimilar by its peridium cells and ornamented ascospores. Acrocalymma hongheense and A. yuxiense are described and illustrated as new species in Acrocalymmaceae. Acrocalymma hongheense is introduced with sexual and asexual (coelomycetous) features. The sexual morph is characterized by globose to subglobose, ostiolate ascomata, a peridium with textura angularis cells, cylindric-clavate asci with a furcate to truncate pedicel and an ocular chamber, hyaline, fusiform, 1-septate ascospores which are surrounded by a thick, distinct sheath, and the asexual morph is featured by pycnidial conidiomata, subcylindrical, hyaline, smooth, annelledic, conidiogenous cells, hyaline, guttulate, subcylindrical, aseptate conidia with mucoid ooze at the apex and with a rounded hilum at the base. Acrocalymma yuxiense is phylogenetically distinct from other extant species of Acrocalymma and differs from other taxa in Acrocalymma in having conidia with three vertical eusepta. Magnibotryascoma kunmingense sp. nov. is accommodated in Teichosporaceae based on its coelomycetous asexual morph which is characterized by pycnidial, globose to subglobose, papillate conidiomata, enteroblastic, annelledic, discrete, cylindrical to oblong, hyaline conidiogenous cells arising from the inner layer of pycnidium wall, subglobose, oval, guttulate, pale brown and unicelled conidia.

Within the field of mycology, macrofungi have been relatively well-studied when compared to microfungi. However, the diversity and distribution of microfungi inhabiting woody material have not received the same degree of research attention, especially in relatively unexplored regions, such as Yunnan Province, China. To help address this knowledge gap, we collected and examined fungal specimens from different plants at various locations across Yunnan Province. Our investigation led to the discovery of four species that are clearly distinct from extant ones. These taxonomic novelties were recognized based on morphological comparisons coupled with phylogenetic analyses of multiple gene sequences (non-translated loci and protein-coding regions). The monotypic genus Neoheleiosa gen. nov. (type: N. lincangensis) is introduced in Monoblastiaceae (Monoblastiales) for a woody-based saprobic ascomycete that possesses globose to subglobose or obpyriform ascomata with centric or eccentric, papillate ostioles, an ascomatal wall with thin-walled cells of textura globulosa, cylindric, pedicellate asci with an ocular chamber, and 1-septate, brown, guttulate, longitudinally striated, bicellular ascospores. Neoheleiosa has a close phylogenetic affinity to Heleiosa , nevertheless, it is morphologically dissimilar by its peridium cells and ornamented ascospores. Acrocalymma hongheense and A. yuxiense are described and illustrated as new species in Acrocalymmaceae. Acrocalymma hongheense is introduced with sexual and asexual (coelomycetous) features. The sexual morph is characterized by globose to subglobose, ostiolate ascomata, a peridium with textura angularis cells, cylindric-clavate asci with a furcate to truncate pedicel and an ocular chamber, hyaline, fusiform, 1-septate ascospores which are surrounded by a thick, distinct sheath, and the asexual morph is featured by pycnidial conidiomata, subcylindrical, hyaline, smooth, annelledic, conidiogenous cells, hyaline, guttulate, subcylindrical, aseptate conidia with mucoid ooze at the apex and with a rounded hilum at the base. Acrocalymma yuxiense is phylogenetically distinct from other extant species of Acrocalymma and differs from other taxa in Acrocalymma in having conidia with three vertical eusepta. Magnibotryascoma kunmingense sp. nov. is accommodated in Teichosporaceae based on its coelomycetous asexual morph which is characterized by pycnidial, globose to subglobose, papillate conidiomata, enteroblastic, annelledic, discrete, cylindrical to oblong, hyaline conidiogenous cells arising from the inner layer of pycnidium wall, subglobose, oval, guttulate, pale brown and unicelled conidia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The algicolous and lichenicolous species Psammina filamentosa is described from the Netherlands and the UK, and is characterized by long (generally over 50 μm) and somewhat tapered conidial arms. Psammina filamentosa is compared with other Psammina specimens found in the same habitat, growing on algae or lichens on the dry side of trees and stones. Psammina filamentosa, P. inflata and P. stipitata differ in the dimensions of their conidial arms. Psammina simplex, however, may be a synonym of P. stipitata, and a DNA study is needed to determine whether it is a distinct species or developing material of P. stipitata. Psammina inflata is also reported as new for the Netherlands. A new worldwide key to the 10 species of Psammina currently known is provided, including three species described from plant material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The coelomycetes comprise a wide range of fungal species distributed in at least three different classes of the phylum Ascomycota. These are morphologically characterised by producing their conidia inside of fruiting bodies called pycnidia or acervuli, and only a reduced number of species are able to cause human infections. However, their identification in the clinical laboratory is often difficult, due to their few morphological features or because they remain sterile. Materials and Methods: In the present study, three isolates of coelomycetes of clinical origin were phenotypically and molecularly studied, by sequencing the D1‐D2 fragment of the 28S nuclear ribosomal RNA (nrRNA) (LSU), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) and a fragment of the translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (tef1) genes. Results and Conclusions: As result of the molecular analysis, the isolates were identified as belonging to the genus Gloniopsis (order Hysteriales, Dothideomycetes) but without the characteristics of any of the species described so far. Therefore, we propose the new species Gloniopsis percutanea and Gloniopsis pneumoniae. Furthermore, this study revealed that some isolates from clinical specimens identified previously as Rhytidhysteron spp. were misidentified, and considering the few studies in the order Hysteriales and the scarce number of sequences of phylogenetic markers, future revisions of this order should be performed to clarify their taxonomy and obtain a better identification from isolates involved in human mycoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Colletotrichum menglaense, isolated from air in Mengla, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China, was characterized and described combining morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analysis. Morphologically, it is characterized by oblong, sometimes slightly constricted, micro-guttulate conidia and simple obovoid to ellipsoidal appressoria. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, ACT, CHS, and GAPDH sequences showed that C. menglaense belongs to the C. gloeosporioides complex. The pathogenicity of C. menglaense on fruits of several crop plants, including strawberry, orange, grape, tomato, and blueberry, was tested and confirmed by the re-isolation of C. menglaense.

We present a rare case of corneal ulcer caused by a species of a coelomycetes fungus, Chaetomium strumarium. This fungal genus is a rare causative agent of keratomycosis, with only a handful of cases reported. The clinical presentation, investigative techniques, and preliminary management of our patient are reported. The cases reported in global literature are also summarized in a tabular form in the discussion.

Although there have been few reports of opportunistic infections (superficial and systemic) caused by coelomycetous fungi, they are becoming more frequent. Neocucurbitaria keratinophila (formerly Pyrenochaeta keratinophila), characterized by producing pycnidial conidiomata and small hyaline conidia, seems to be an emergent opportunistic pathogen in Spain. Since this fungus was first reported from human keratitis, eight strains have been isolates from clinical cases in Spain. This is a retrospective study of these fungal strains, including phenotypic and molecular characterizations, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility assays. These clinical strains were identified by sequencing four phylogenetic markers such as the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and fragments of the 28S nrRNA (LSU), beta-tubulin (tub 2), and RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb 2) genes, and by morphological characterization. All the strains tested were susceptible to the majority of antifungals, being isavuconazole the only drug that showed a poor antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of bacteria with antimicrobial activity present in the coelomic fluid and haemolymph of wild and healthy echinodermata and mollusca. Methods and Results: Collection expeditions of healthy marine molluscs and echinoderms were conducted in the Glenan archipelago in spring 2014. Members of the culturable microbiota present in the haemolymph, (haemo‐microbiota) of Haliotis tuberculata (gastropoda, abalone) and Mytilus edulis (bivalvia, mussel), as well as in the coelomic fluid (coelo‐microbiota) of Echinus esculentus (echinoidea, sea urchin) and Holothuria forskali (Holothuroidea, holothurian) were screened for antimicrobial activity, and further identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. Except for E. esculentus, culturable bacteria in the internal fluids of all studied organisms (mussel, abalone and holothurian) were more abundant than in seawater. The haemo‐ and coelo‐microbiota with antimicrobial activity differed significantly between host species, in terms of abundance and diversity. Indeed, higher numbers were isolated from mussel than from abalone haemolymph. Moreover, in mussels and holothurians, bacteria with antimicrobial activities were predominantly Vibrio spp. (respectively 55 and 45%), while Pseudoalteromonas spp. were the most abundant (50%) in abalone haemolymph. Nevertheless, the activity spectra of these bacteria mainly included marine pathogens affiliated to the Vibrio genus. Conclusion: The haemo‐ and coelo‐microbiota with antimicrobial activities were significantly related to their host species and differed in terms of abundance and diversity. These bacteria may play a key role in host homeostasis against pathogens. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study brings new knowledge on the diversity of bacteria present in the internal fluids of two marine molluscs and two echinoderms and their antimicrobial activities towards marine pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The coelomycetous fungi are difficult to properly identify from their phenotypic characterization and their role as etiologic agents of human infections is not clear. We studied the species distribution of these fungi among clinical isolates that had been collected and stored over a ten-year period in two European reference laboratories (France and Spain). We identified phenotypically and molecularly 97 isolates by sequencing the D1-D2 fragment of the 28S nrRNA (LSU) gene and we provided the in vitro antifungal susceptibility pattern of seven antifungals against 46 isolates. Species of the orders Pleosporales and Glomerellales were present in both collections, and Botryosphaeriales and Diaporthales only in the French one. The most prevalent species were Medicopsis romeroi , Neocucurbitaria keratinophila , Neocucurbitaria unguis - hominis and Paraconiothyrium cyclothyrioides , which had been recovered primarily from superficial tissues. The Didymellaceae was the most common family represented, with 27 isolates distributed into five genera. Most of the isolates tested were susceptible to antifungals, and only the geometric mean (GM) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of itraconazole and caspofungin had higher values. This study provides a good picture of the great diversity of coelomycetous fungi in the European clinical context, and the basis for future studies on this interesting but neglected group of fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The taxonomy of the fungi that produce human infections and that develop asexual fruiting bodies in culture has become very complex. Recent molecular studies have produced dramatic changes in their classification. Currently, the coelomycetes traditionally included in Sphaeropsidales and Melanconiales are in fact distributed across at least three different classes of the Phylum Ascomycota. Approximately 1000 genera and 7000 species have been grouped in the classes Dothideomycetes, Leotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes and their proper identification can only be made by analysing their DNA sequences and comparing them with those corresponding to type strains available in the adequate databases. To facilitate this task for scientists and clinicians involved in the study of these complex, and every day more numerous taxa, we have updated the knowledge about the taxonomy of the commonest coelomycetes of clinical interest with the aim of improving their identification and antifungal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, nine species of lichenicolous fungi were found growing on Cetraria aculeata (Parmeliaceae) in a sand dune system in the Ukraine. One of them, Didymocyrtis trassii , is described here as new to science. This species is similar to D. pseudeverniae but differs in having smaller pycnidia, smaller obpyriform to clavate conidia as well as its DNA sequence. The new monotypic lichenicolous genus Katherinomyces is described here. Acremonium lichenicola s. l., Eonema pyriforme , Didymocyrtis cladoniicola and Lichenoconium erodens are reported for the first time on Cetraria aculeata. Furthermore, E. pyriforme is reported for the first time from lichen thalli. Acremonium lichenicola , E. pyriforme and Taeniolella rolfii are new for the mycobiota of the Ukraine. A key to the eleven known lichenicolous species on Cetraria aculeata is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm fungi are highly diverse in the tropical regions of Asia. Recent investigations on these palmicolous fungi have led to the collection of astrosphaeriella-like taxa from Calamus, Caryota, and Licuala species in Thailand (Chiang Rai and Narathiwat provinces) and southwest China (Yunnan Province). This study characterizes fungal taxa, which are new to science, based on morphological examination and concatenated DNA sequence data, to infer their familial relationships. Morphological comparisons reveal six new species, viz. Astrosphaeriellopsis caryotae, Fissuroma calami, F. caryotae, Neoastrosphaeriella sribooniensis, Pithomyces caryotae, and P. licualae.Their similarities and differences to other extant species are discussed. The phylogenetic results indicate that all of these new taxa belong to Aigialaceae and Astrosphaeriellaceae (Pleosporales) and support their establishment. Astrosphaeriellopsis is assigned to Astrosphaeriellaceae and the family is amended in order to accommodate both coelomycetous and hyphomycetous asexual morphs. A generic key is presented for Astrosphaeriellaceae to delimit Astrosphaeriella, Astrosphaeriellopsis, Pteridiospora, and Pithomyces. Asexual morph connections of Pithomyces caryotae and P. licualae are established from axenic cultures derived from single ascospores. DNA-based sequence data supports the establishment of our new species; however, the affinities of Astrosphaeriella tornata to other Astrosphaeriella and Pithomyces species are unclear and warrant further investigations with increased taxon sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several coelomycetous taxa were isolated from soils of three hypersaline lakes in Iran. Phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, ITS, and β-tubulin sequence data placed six of the new isolates into three clades in Neocamarosporium (Neocamarosporiaceae, Pleosporales). The six strains are distinct from other species of Neocamarosporium and are introduced as three new species, viz. N. jorjanensis, N. persepolisi, and N. solicola. Growth of these taxa and of N. chichastianum in media containing various NaCl and MgCl2 concentrations indicates that Neocamarosporium species are halotolerant. Neocamarosporium species have an association with halophytes in marine or saline habitats. Illustrations, descriptions, and taxonomic notes are provided for Neocamarosporium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Lophiotremataceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) is taxonomically revised on the basis of morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of sequences of nuclear rDNA SSU, ITS, and LSU regions and tef1 and rpb2 genes. A total of 208 sequences were generated from species of Lophiotremataceae and its relatives. According to phylogenetic analyses, Lophiotremataceae encompasses the genus Lophiotrema and five new genera: Atrocalyx, Crassimassarina, Cryptoclypeus, Galeaticarpa, and Pseudocryptoclypeus. These genera are characterised by ascomata with or without a slit-like ostiole and pycnidial conidiomata. Three new families, Aquasubmersaceae, Cryptocoryneaceae, and Hermatomycetaceae, are proposed. Two genera previously recognised as members of Lophiotremataceae, namely, Aquasubmersa having ascomata with a papillate ostiolar neck and pycnidial conidiomata and Hermatomyces possessing sporodochial conidiomata and dimorphic (lenticular and cylindrical) conidia, are included in Aquasubmersaceae and Hermatomycetaceae, respectively. Cryptocoryneum, characterised by the presence of stromatic sporodochia, cheiroid conidia, and conidial arms developed downward from the cap cells, is placed in Cryptocoryneaceae. Two new genera, Antealophiotrema and Pseudolophiotrema, are established, but their familial placements remain unresolved. Antealophiotrema bears ascomata morphologically similar to those of Lophiotrema, but is differentiated from the latter by having ascomata with a well-developed peridium and a monodictys-like asexual morph. Pseudolophiotrema is also similar to Lophiotrema, but can be distinguished by ascomata with a thin peridium. A total of three new families, seven new genera, eight new species, and two new combinations are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents ihe localities of pyrenomycelous and coelomycetous fungi. Forty three are reported as new to the mycoflora of Lithuania, among them are Discosia faginea, D. strobilina, Eutypa astroidea, Gibbera cassandrae, Gloeosporium saponariae, Hypoxylon atropurpureum, H. mammafum, Myxoeyclus polycistis, Mycosphaerella pontederiae, Phyllosticta coryli, P. lantanae, P. pirina. Microfungi have been collected on 62 species of host plants.

Four species of parasitic microfungi were collected recenUy on Padus serotina (Ehrh.) Borkh. (Rosaceae) in Poland. Three species, Phyllactina guttata (Wallr. ex Fr.) Lév. (Erysiphales), Monilia linhartiana Sacc. (Hyphomycetes), and Microsphaeropsis olivacea (Bonord.) Höhn. (Coelomycetes), have not been reported before on thc plant, and Padus serotina is a new host for them. Monnilia linhartiana Sacc. is a new species for Poland. The fourth species, Podosphaera tridactyla (Wallr.) de Baly var. tridactyla (Erysiphales), is known only from three localities in Europe, and has been collected on the host plant in Poland for the first time.

Several coelomycete and pyrenomycete fungi from the Białowieża National Park are presented in this paper. All with descriptions and illustrations: Myxocyclus polycistis, Diplodia carmentorum, Zythiostroma pinastri, Slilbospora maccrosperma. Phomatospora angemae, Diaporthe larseniana, Lasiosphaeria punctata, Coniochaeta malacotricha and Nitschkia parasitans. Five species are new to Poland.

The paper presents eleven species of Ascochyta recently collected in central and southern part of Poland. Two of them, Ascochyta bondarceviana Melnik and Ascochyta equiseti (Desm.) Grove noted in Poland for the first time, are illustrated with microphotographs. In addition, nine other species are newly reported on their host plants species in the country. Short characteristics of the fungi species based on the collected specimens and the distribution maps of all fungi taxa are presented.

We present a rare case of corneal ulcer caused by a species of a coelomycetes fungus, Chaetomium strumarium. This fungal genus is a rare causative agent of keratomycosis, with only a handful of cases reported. The clinical presentation, investigative techniques, and preliminary management of our patient are reported. The cases reported in global literature are also summarized in a tabular form in the discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaeosphaeriaceae is a family in the order Pleosporales containing numerous plant pathogens, endophytes, lichenised fungi, and environmental saprobes. A novel genus, Tintelnotia is introduced containing two species, one of which caused an eye infection and several nail infections in humans. All species of Tintelnotia produce conidia in soft pycnidia with a wide ostiole. The generic type species is T. opuntiae causing necrotic spots on cactus plants. The isolates of the human opportunist T. destructans showed variable susceptibility pattern to a panel of common antifungal agents. The MICs of amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole and itraconazole were 1 μg/mL, complemented by an in vitro MEC of 16 μg/mL against caspofungin; the MIC of terbinafine was 0.125 μg/mL. The latter compound contributed to the successful therapy in the ocular mycosis refractory to standard antifungal therapy, the benefit of terbinafine should be highlighted as a therapeutic option especially in difficult-to-treat fungal keratitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12-month-old loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) arrived at a rescue centre with bilateral fore flipper paralysis, resulting in its inability to dive. Although the flipper paralysis was reversed completely with a thorough physiotherapy program over an eleven-month period, a pneumocoelom was also detected. Intracoelomic air was detected first through Xrays and then more accurately through a computerized axial tomography (CT) scan. An exploratory coeliotomy under full anesthesia was performed to detect and correct suspected pulmonary tears, but none were detected. Physiotherapy was discontinued because it was suspected to be the cause of the pneumocoelom once other factors were ruled out. The air remitted spontaneously after the intervention but the buoyancy problems remained. Euthanasia was at this time a reasonable consideration due to the inability of this animal to perform its natural behaviours, preventing its survival at sea, but we chose to attempt other therapies first. The attachment of weights to its plastron and especially moving the animal to a bigger tank made this turtle capable of regulating its lung volume and dive, which allowed for its successful release back to the wild after two years in rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seimatosporium vitis was recently described based on the collection of its coelomycetous asexual morph on Vitis vinifera in Italy. In this study Seimatosporium vitis is introduced for the first time from grapevine in Iran. The sexual morph is illustrated and a full description is provided. The connection between two different morphs was proved in culture and based on ITS sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between soil biota communities play an important role as intrinsic factors of suppression and degradation of different phytopathogenic soil fungi. There is significant evidence that earthworms can directly affect fungal populations by feeding or by dispersing fungal propagules. Possible effects of indirect contact by secretion of mucus and coelomic fluid were not assessed previously. In the present laboratory study the effects of earthworms' coelomic fluid extract on the growth of Fusarium oxysporum , a phytopathogenic fungi species important in agricultural production, were assessed. The results showed that extracts of coelomic fluid of both tested earthworm species ( Dendrobaena veneta and Eisenia fetida ) have negative effects on fungal growth. After 48 h, a significant growth reduction was observed in groups treated with extracts containing 2250, 4000 and 4500 coelomocytes/mL. Growth reduction was even more pronounced 72 h after the treatment. The obtained results indicate the possibility that earthworms can affect soil fungi not only by ingestion, but also by contact interaction. This study proved that earthworm coelomic fluid extract shows antifungal activity in in vitro testing. For better understanding of the exact mechanism, studies with soil as a substrate are required, as well as in depth investigation of contact interactions between earthworms and fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sea cucumbers ( Apostichopus japonicus) are an imperiled fauna exposed to a variety of environmental condition such as salinity and studies are urgently needed to assess their effects to guide aquaculture efforts. The effects of acute salinity stress on coelomic fluid osmotic pressure, ion concentrations, the activity of Na/K-ATPase in respiratory trees and the histological variations were measured to evaluate the salinity tolerance of sea cucumbers. Results: Significant correlations in osmotic pressure were observed between coelomic fluid and ambient environmental salinity. In coelomic fluid, Na concentration was observed fluctuated during salinity 18 psu and the inflection point presented at the 6 h. The Na/K-ATPase activity in respiratory trees indicated the 'U-shaped' fluctuant change and the change trend was opposite with the Na concentration. The ions (K, Cl) concentration decreased and showed the same tendency at salinity 40 psu with salinity 18 psu. The total coelomocytes counts and phagocytosis of coelomic fluid Na/K-ATPase activity indicated fluctuating changes under different salinity stress. Histological variation revealed a negative relation between decreasing salt concentration and tissue integrity. Tissue damages were significantly observed in intestines, muscles and tube feet under low salinity environment (18, 23 and 27 psu). The connective tissue in intestines of A. japonicus exposed to 18 and 23 psu damaged and partly separated from the mucosal epithelium. The significant variations occurred in tube feet, which presented the swelling in connective tissue and a fracture in longitudinal muscles under low salinity (18 psu). The morphological change of tube feet showed the shrinkage of connective tissue under high salinity (40 psu). The amount of infusoria in the respiratory trees decreased or even disappeared in salinity treatment groups (18 and 23 psu). Conclusion: The results inferred that osmoconformity and ionoregulation were seen in sea cucumbers, which contributed to understand the salinity regulatory mechanisms of A. japonicus under acute salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homortomyces is introduced as a new coelomycetous genus associated with leaf spots on Combretum erythrophyllum trees growing near and around the Sterkfontein caves, Maropeng, South Africa. Based on its transversely septate, brown conidia, the presence of paraphyses, and percurrent proliferation of the conidiogenous cells, the genus resembles Stilbospora (Melanoconidaceae, Diaporthales). It is distinct in having pycnidial condiomata, conidia lacking mucoid sheaths, and becoming muriform when mature. Its morphology and phylogenetic placement based on analyses of sequence data for the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU, 28S) as well as the ITS and 5.8S rRNA gene of the nrDNA operon, show that Homortomyces represents a novel genus in Dothideomycetes, although its familial relationships remain unresolved.

An explanation is provided of the recent changes in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants relating to the ending of the separate naming of different states of fungi with a pleomorphic life-cycle. Issues relating to their implementation are discussed, including problems of defining “widely used”, author citations, proofs of holomorphy, typification, the preparation of “Lists of accepted and rejected names” (with a possible timetable), relationship to the existing processes of sanctioning and conservation or rejection, and steps to be considered for the future. This material is presented here to stimulate debate on the actions that should be taken by individuals, and responsible committees, in the current period of transition to a system of fungal nomenclature fit for the 21st century.

An explanation is provided of the recent changes in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants relating to the ending of the separate naming of different states of fungi with a pleomorphic life-cycle. Issues relating to their implementation are discussed, including problems of defining "widely used", author citations, proofs of holomorphy, typification, the preparation of “Lists of accepted and rejected names” (with a possible timetable), relationship to the existing processes of sanctioning and conservation or rejection, and steps to be considered for the future. This material is presented here to stimulate debate on the actions that should be taken by individuals, and responsible committees, in the current period of transition to a system of fungal nomenclature fit for the 21st century.

به منظور مطالعه تاکسونومیکی شبه‌گونه‌های شبه‌جنس Cytospora، حدود 400 نمونه از سراسر ایران طی سالهای 1382 تا 1384 جمع‌آوری گردید. در مقاله حاضر، بخش اول نتایج این مطالعه شامل معرفی هفت شبه‌گونه آورده شده است. شبه‌گونه‌هایCytospora atrocirrhata، C. carbonacea، C. gutnerae، C. nivea وC. rosarum اعضای جدیدی برای فلور قارچ‌های ایران می‌باشند. Vitis vinifera برای C. leucostoma و همچنینCeltis australis و Populus albaبرای C. translucens به عنوان میزبان‌های جدید (matrix nova) گزارش می‌شوند.

Diaporthe spp. are often reported as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. In this study, three new species ( Diaporthe foliicola , D. monospora , and D. nanjingensis ) on Acer palmatum were described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic relationships of the new species were determined by multilocus phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1- α ( TEF ), β-tubulin ( TUB ), histone H3 ( HIS ), and calmodulin ( CAL ) genes. Genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition with a pairwise homoplasy index test was used to verify the conclusions of the phylogenetic analyses. All species were illustrated and their morphology and phylogenetic relationships with other related Diaporthe spp. are discussed. In addition, the tests of Koch's postulates showed that the three new species were pathogens causing leaf blight on A. palmatum .

A new species of Neostagonospora associated with Spinifex littoreus was found. Endophytic isolates remained sterile, but a specimen collected on living leaves could be used for morphological characterization and cultivation. The ITS sequences from the cultures as well as from direct total DNA extraction from the plant indicated conspecificity and a broader geographic distribution than the single field collection, but yielded low support on the genus level in phylogenetic analyses. Analysis of the RPB2 sequences, however, sufficiently supported a placement of the species in Neostagonospora. The shape of conidiogenous cells as well as numbers of septa and sizes of conidia are useful characters for distinguishing Neostagonospora species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coelomycete with characters resembling the asexual morphs in the family Botryosphaeriaceae was isolated from a fallen leaf of an orchid collected in Thailand. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses placed the strain in Neoscytalidium. Phylogenetic relationships among Neoscytalidium species were inferred by analyzing internal transcribed spacers and large subunit of rRNA sequence data and indicate that our strain is a new species, which is introduced and illustrated herein as Neoscytalidium orchidacearum sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]