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Diverse metabolites with anti-psoriasis potential from different fermentations of the fungicolous fungus Xylaria longipes HFG1018
No full textThe genus Xylaria is a promising source of bioactive compounds. This study examined the diversity of secondary metabolites (SMs) in Xylaria longipes under three fermentation conditions, resulting in the isolation of 14 new SMs and 27 known ones. The structures, including absolute configurations, were determined using NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS analysis, and computational methods (ECD, ¹³C NMR data, and optical rotation). A comprehensive library of SMs was established, enabling metabolomics-wide association studies that identified culture conditions as a key factor influencing SM production. This compound library also facilitates the determination of absolute configurations for diplosporins by analyzing J values and CD trends. Anti-proliferative tests against induced T/B lymphocytes and HaCaT cells revealed that over half of the compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activity, with compounds 2, 15, and 32 reducing IFN-γ secretion. Compound 32 demonstrated promising anti-psoriatic effects by inhibiting NF-κB p65 phosphorylation in HaCaT cells. This initial systematic chemical study of X. longipes under different conditions provides insights into structure–activity relationships
From seagrass roots to saline soils: discovery of two new genera in Lulworthiales (Sordariomycetes) from osmotically stressed habitats
No full textAs part of an ongoing study of marine fungi associated with seagrasses, we discovered a novel root-fungus symbiosis in the Indo-Pacific species Thalassodendron ciliatum from Mauritius. Culturing its mycobionts yielded dozens of morphologically and genetically uniform isolates, all representing a previously unknown fungus. A second undescribed fungus was isolated from saline soils in Czechia. Phylogenetic analyses based on three rDNA markers confirmed both taxa as distinct, hitherto unknown lineages within the Lulworthiales, which are introduced here as Thalassodendromyces purpureus gen. et sp. nov. and Halomyrma pluriseptata gen. et sp. nov., respectively. Both species developed characteristic structures under culture conditions that enabled their morphological characterisation: T. purpureus forms distinctive clusters of dark brown monilioid hyphae, while H. pluriseptata is characterised by holoblastic conidiogenesis and solitary, dark brown, multicellular conidia. Thalassodendromyces clustered in a strongly supported clade with Spathulospora, a parasitic genus of the red macroalga Ballia, while the closest relatives of Halomyrma were identified as the asexual genera Halazoon and Halophilomyces (nom. inval. Art. 40.7). An analysis of published metabarcoding ITS rDNA data from environmental samples in the GlobalFungi database indicated that H. pluriseptata is widely distributed across temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The species exhibits a strong preference for aquatic biomes, particularly marine and estuarine, with a few records in terrestrial ecosystems. In contrast, no record of T. purpureus was retrieved from GlobalFungi, suggesting narrower ecological specialisation, a close association with its seagrass host, and/or a restricted geographical range. Our findings expand the ecological and phylogenetic scope of the Lulworthiales, bridging marine and terrestrial fungal communities, and highlight seagrass roots as an important source of novel symbiotic marine fungi. Recent discoveries of the Lulworthiales in saline inland soils challenge their marine exclusivity and raise important questions about their ecological plasticity, dispersal mechanisms, and adaptive strategies. In light of current observations, we discuss the taxonomic challenges of the Spathulosporales and the lulworthialean fungi, integrating molecular and morphological perspectives. We address the importance of combining morphological and molecular approaches to accurately delineate new fungal taxa, as well as the value of environmental DNA metabarcoding for uncovering cryptic fungal diversity and enhancing our understanding of fungal distribution and ecological functions
Fungal embolism of the infrarenal aorta – a life-threatening complication of endocarditis
No full textFungal embolism of the infrarenal aorta is a rare but critical complication of infective endocarditis, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Outcomes depend heavily on timely detection and management. Here, we present an extremely rare case of acute aortic occlusion caused by Candida albicans originating from a valve other than the one that was replaced. This report emphasizes the importance of recognizing atypical manifestations of endocarditis in clinical practice and the need for early antifungal therapy in high-risk patients
The use of coblation technique for the debulking of juvenile angiofibroma
No full textIn this paper, we describe how we successfully debulked a large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) in a 15-year-old boy using the coblation technique. The child had been complaining about recurrent epistaxis and persistent nasal obstruction for several months. JNA is a rare benign tumor that predominantly affects adolescent and young adult males. JNAs exhibit gradual progression, local expansion, high vascularity, and a notable tendency for persistence and recurrence. Due to their high vascularity, JNAs require surgical removal, and treatment commonly includes preoperative embolization and endoscopic methods. Complete tumor resection is the gold standard treatment. Tumor manipulation can lead to substantial bleeding due to its rich blood supply and lack of surface muscle fibers. Using the coblation technique for tumor debulking offers distinct advantages, including better control of blood loss, reduced thermal damage, improved visibility of the surrounding area, better postoperative recovery, and less resection of vital anatomical structures
Co-occurring Cuban dwarf boas (Tropidophis) show limited dietary differentiation
No full textInterspecific and intraspecific niche partitioning have been widely documented in sympatric snakes. Size variation and ecological differentiation in co-occurring Tropidophis in Cuba suggest differences in diet. We compared dietary composition and niche breadth among three species of Tropidophis in central Cuba: T. pardalis (n = 13), T. semicinctus (n = 28), and T. melanurus (n = 86; 80 large, 6 small individuals). We found complete overlap in diet composition among T. pardalis, T. semicinctus, and small T. melanurus, all of which specialized on lizards of the genus Anolis. In contrast, large T. melanurus had a distinct diet, consisting mostly of amphibians (95%), particularly the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis; ca. 70%) and two species of toads of the genus Peltophryne (ca. 26%), suggesting an ontogenetic shift in the diet of T. melanurus. The three species of Tropidophis had a narrow trophic niche (B′ ≤ 0.280)
Contributions to the knowledge of pitvipers (Viperidae, Gloydius) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: identification, description of specimens, and geographical distribution
No full textBasic knowledge of species distribution and diversity is crucial for broader studies of ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation. However, a basic inventory of species diversity is difficult to obtain in nations that are inaccessible for fieldwork, such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea). The diversity and distribution of snake fauna of DPR Korea are described in only a few publications, and no physical specimens have been examined recently. Here, the first detailed descriptions of pitvipers of the genus Gloydius from DPR Korea are provided, based on four specimens purchased from a market as “snake liquor.” Morphological and genetic data were analyzed to identify these specimens at the species level. Ecological niche modeling was also implemented to estimate the geographical distributions of Gloydius within DPR Korea. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene fragments identified the samples to three species: G. ussuriensis, G. brevicauda, and G. intermedius. The results of multivariate morphological analyses and diagnostic scalation and body patterns were also congruent with molecular identifications. The niche models had high predictive performance and predicted suitable habitats that were consistent with the ecology of the three species. With this study, the first morphological and genetic data for Gloydius from DPR Korea is provided that can be incorporated into future studies. In addition, the predicted distribution of Gloydius within DPR Korea can be used to map the snakebite risk in the nation. Our study adds to the efforts towards a better understanding of the herpetofauna of DPR Korea
Two new species of Meliola from Yunnan Province China
No full textMeliola is an epifoliar fungal genus commonly known as black mildews, predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions and considered host specific. This study describes two novel species, Meliola fuscobrunnea and M. fusconigra, collected from Yunnan Province, China. Meliola fuscobrunnea was collected from the leaves of Annona squamosa, while M. fusconigra was collected from Xylopia aethiopica. Comprehensive morpho-molecular analyses were conducted to distinguish these taxa from other Meliola species. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences confirmed their placements within Meliola and supported their status as distinct lineages. The morpho-molecular data provide robust evidence to establish these species as novel taxa, enriching the current understanding of fungal diversity in Yunnan Province
Three new taxa of lichen genus Trimmatothelopsis (Acarosporales, Acarosporaceae) from China
No full textThree new species Trimmatothelopsis anthracina, T. knudsenii, and T. shandongensis are reported from the eastern coast of China, based on morphological, chemical and molecular data (ITS, LSU, and mtSSU). All three new species have IKI+ blue ascus. Trimmatothelopsis anthracina is characterized by carbonized apothecia, a biofilm at the immature apothecia base, and IKI+ blue turning red hymenial gel. Trimmatothelopsis knudsenii is characterized by rimose thallus, numerous reddish brown apothecia, and IKI+ blue turning red hymenial gel. Trimmatothelopsis shandongensis is characterized by dull brown thallus, thick hymenium, IKI+ red hymenial gel, and small asci. Comprehensive descriptions, detailed illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis of the new taxa are presented. Additionally, a worldwide key to Trimmatothelopsis species, including 21 species, is provided
Cost-effectiveness analysis of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine versus inactivated COVID-19 vaccine for mass vaccination in Jordan using a decision tree model
No full textObjectives: The purpose of this study was to present data regarding the most cost-effective vaccine for preventing COVID-19-related deaths. Methods: A mass immunization campaign using mRNA and inactivated COVID-19 vaccines was compared to no vaccination in a cost-effectiveness analysis. A hypothetical population of Jordanians aged 18 and over in 2021 was used to create a decision-tree model from the provider’s point of view. The main result was the prevention of COVID-19-related deaths. Government reports, observational primary costing studies employing the micro-costing approach, systematic reviews, and secondary data analysis at the national level were the sources of the model’s inputs. To take uncertainty into consideration, scenario analysis and one-way sensitivity analysis (OWSA) were performed. Results: mRNA vaccination, inactivated vaccination, and no vaccination strategies have corresponding total costs of 339,035,352.00 JOD, 643,192,339.62 JOD, and 1,110,731,145.64 JOD. It is anticipated that these strategies will result in 952, 6,505, and 29,324 deaths, respectively. The inactivated strategy’s incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) is 20,489.01 JOD per death averted, whereas the mRNA strategy’s is 27,199.20 JOD per death averted, making it the dominant strategy. The ICER was 54,773.45 JOD saved for every extra mortality prevented when comparing mRNA to the inactivated approach. When compared to the other techniques, the mRNA strategy maintained its dominance throughout alterations in the analysis, as demonstrated by the OWSA and the worst-case scenario analysis, suggesting robust outcomes. Conclusion: The mRNA vaccination strategy outperformed the inactivated vaccine and no-vaccination strategies in this study’s context in terms of preventing COVID-19 mortalities
DNA metabarcoding reveals distinct trophic niches among sympatric aerial insectivores (Family: Apodidae and Hirundinidae) in central Peninsular Malaysia
No full textUnderstanding the dietary preferences of aerial insectivores is essential for assessing their ecological roles in ecosystem energy flow. Despite this importance, few integrative studies have examined dietary overlap and niche segregation among coexisting aerial insectivore species, particularly in human-modified mosaic landscapes. This study addresses that gap by analysing the diets of four aerial insectivorous bird species: Apodidae, the House Swift (Apus nipalensis), House-farmed Swiftlet (Aerodramus sp.), Hirundinidae, the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), and Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica), within an urban–agricultural forest interface in central Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 60 faecal samples were collected over a one-week period in March 2022 and analysed using high-throughput sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene. The results revealed arthropod prey from 13 orders, 97 families, 93 genera, and 65 species. Common prey orders included Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. Dietary diversity was highest in H. rustica indicating a generalist foraging strategy, while A. nipalensis showed the lowest prey richness and a more specialised diet. The varied dietary patterns among sympatric species and the dietary diversity reflect trophic niche partitioning and highlight the functional role of aerial insectivores in natural pest regulation. Ongoing environmental changes, particularly urbanisation, habitat fragmentation, and declining insect populations due to pesticide use pose growing threats to aerial insectivores. These findings highlight the need to conserve insect-rich habitats within mixed-use landscapes and support the application of metabarcoding as a tool for monitoring ecosystem health and guiding biodiversity-friendly land-use planning