Bioactive chemical constituents from the marine-derived fungus Cladosporium sp.DLT-5

A new isochromanone,cladosporinisochromanone(1),accompanied by 15 known compounds(2–16)were obtained from secondary metabolites produced by marine-derived fungus Cladosporium sp.DLT-5.NMR and HRESIMS spectra elucidation determined the planar structure of 1.Subsequent electronic circular dichroism(ECD)experiment assigned the absolute configuration of 1.Compounds 1,2,4–6,and 10 displayed different degrees of neuroprotective activities on human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y.Five compounds(1,3–5,and 13)emerged resistance to protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B(PTP1B),further kinetic analysis and molecular docking study indicated that the most potent compound 13(IC50value of 10.74±0.61μmol/L)was found as a noncompetitive inhibitor for PTP1B.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR)and molecular docking studies also demonstrated the interaction between compound 12 and Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1(NPC1L1),which has been identified as significant therapeutic target for hypercholesteremia.In addition,compounds 3,6,and 14 showed attractive inhibitory activity against the phytopathogenic fungi:Colletotrichum capsici.Therefore,library of Cladosporium metabolites is enriched and new active uses of known compounds are explored.

Diverse responses of fungal functional groups to desertification in forest soils of Pinus densata on the Chinese Tibetan plateau

Rapid increase in desertification is an environ-mental concern,especially for the health and sustainabil-ity of ecosystems in changing climates.How ecosystems respond to such changes may be partially understood by studying interactions and performance of critically impor-tant groups such as soil fungi functional groups.This study investigated variations in diversities of three soil fungi functional guilds(saprotrophic,symbiotic,pathogenic)and influencing abiotic factors in a Pinus densata forest on the southeast Tibetan Plateau where desertification is intense.The results indicate desertification significantly decreased the proportion of dominant fungal guild-symbiotic fungi(mean relative abundance decreasing from 97.0%to 68.3%),in contrast to saprotrophic fungi(increasing from 2.7%to 25.7%)and pathogenic(from 0.3%to 5.9%).Soil pH had the most significant impact on fungal community structure and negatively correlated with symbiotic fungal richness,which was significantly lower in arid soils,and positively correlated with saprotrophic and pathogenic fungal alpha-diversity,which were abundant.Different community struc-tures and regulators of the three fungi communities were observed,with pH,total phosphorus and ammonium(NH_(4)^(+))as the main determinants.This study links the biotic and abi-otic components during desertification and the interactions between them,and may be used as indicators of ecosystem health and for amendments to mitigate the effects of a chang-ing climate.

Contribution to the Study of Fungal Strains Contaminating Peanut Pastes in Bangui (Central African Republic)

Introduction: Peanut pastes are food products resulting from artisanal or industrial processing, used in cooking in Africa in general and in Central African Republic in particular. These peanut pastes are often contaminated by molds and filamentous fungi involved in the degradation of hygienic and organoleptic or even toxicological quality. This study aims to determine the epidemiological profile of molds contaminating peanut pastes sold on the Central African market. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from June to September 2023. Samples of peanut pastes sold on Central African market were taken and analyzed at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health using the conventional microbiology method according to ISO 7954 standards. The data obtained were collected in the ODK 2023.3.1 application and analyzed with the Epi Info 7 software. A multivariate analysis by logistic regression, Ficher’s exact test, and chi2 at the 5% threshold (p Penicillium sp.;11.25% of Mucor sp.;10.63% of Aspergillus terrei;3.13% of Aspergillus niger;1.25% of Aspergillus medullans;28.13% of Aspergillus flavus;2.50% of Aspergillus fumigatus. Peanut pastes stored beyond three days were more contaminated (94.19%). Conclusion: The results of this study made it possible to highlight strains of mold that impact the hygienic and organoleptic quality of peanut pastes sold at the Central African market. Most of the isolated strains were the Aspergillus flavus species which is recognized by its toxigenic effects. This species is much more incriminated in the contamination of foodstuffs with the production of the toxin which causes underlying pulmonary pathologies in humans.

Advances in Drug Treatment of Fungal Keratitis

Fungal keratitis is an important cause of corneal blindness in China, accounting for 45% of infectious keratitis. The main pathogenic bacteria include yeast, filamentous bacteria and nearly 100 kinds of fungi, which are difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat and poor prognosis. When the infected fungal strains have strong virulence and poor drug sensitivity, it is easy to prolong the disease. Once the fungal infection involves the whole limbus and reaches the whole layer of the cornea, it will be followed by intraocular tissue infection such as anterior chamber, lens and vitreous body. When the infection is difficult to control and the visual function is seriously damaged, the enucleation of eye contents has to be performed, which causes irreversible harm to the patient’s appearance and physical and mental health. Therefore, in order to gain greater hope for the vision of patients with fungal keratitis, In recent years, with the continuous progress of clinical medicine and microbiological diagnostics, the treatment methods of fungal keratitis have been constantly updated. This article will briefly review the new progress in drug and surgical treatment of fungal keratitis in recent years to provide patients with better visual prognosis. .

Global Burden of Fungal Infections and Antifungal Resistance from 1961 to 2024: Findings and Future Implications

Background: Antifungal resistance (AFR) is a global public health problem with devastating effects, especially among immunocompromised individuals. Addressing AFR requires a One Health approach including Antifungal Stewardship (AFS). This study aimed to comprehensively review global studies published on fungal infections and AFR and to recommend solutions to address this growing problem. Materials and Methods: This was a narrative review that was conducted using published papers on fungal infections, AFR, and AFS between January 1961 and March 2024. The literature was searched using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Results: This found that there has been an increase in fungal infections globally, especially among immunocompromised patients. Due to this increase in fungal infections, there has been a proportionate increase in the use of antifungal agents to prevent and treat fungal infections. This increased use of antifungal agents has worsened the problem of AFR contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Globally, fungal infections have contributed to 150 million infections annually and 1.7 million deaths per year. By the year 2023, over 3.8 million people died from fungal infections. Addressing AFR remains a challenge because the treatment of antifungal-resistant infections is difficult. Finally, the treatment of fungal infections is a global challenge exacerbated by the limited number of antifungal agents to treat invasive fungal infections. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that fungal infections and AFR are prevalent across humans, animals, agriculture, and the environment. Addressing this problem requires the provision of solutions such as improving the awareness of AFR, conducting further research on the discovery of new antifungal agents, and implementing AFS programs. If this global problem is not addressed, the morbidity and mortality associated with AFR will continue to rise in the future.

Comparison of fungal vs bacterial infections in the medical intensive liver unit:Cause or corollary for high mortality?

BACKGROUND Due to development of an immune-dysregulated phenotype,advanced liver disease in all forms predisposes patients to sepsis acquisition,including by opportunistic pathogens such as fungi.Little data exists on fungal infection within a medical intensive liver unit(MILU),particularly in relation to acute on chronic liver failure.AIM To investigate the impact of fungal infections among critically ill patients with advanced liver disease,and compare outcomes to those of patients with bacterial infections.METHODS From our prospective registry of MILU patients from 2018-2022,we included 27 patients with culture-positive fungal infections and 183 with bacterial infections.We compared outcomes between patients admitted to the MILU with fungal infections to bacterial counterparts.Data was extracted through chart review.RESULTS All fungal infections were due to Candida species,and were most frequently blood isolates.Mortality among patients with fungal infections was significantly worse relative to the bacterial cohort(93%vs 52%,P<0.001).The majority of the fungal cohort developed grade 2 or 3 acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF)(90%vs 64%,P=0.02).Patients in the fungal cohort had increased use of vasopressors(96%vs 70%,P=0.04),mechanical ventilation(96%vs 65%,P<0.001),and dialysis due to acute kidney injury(78%vs 52%,P=0.014).On MILU admission,the fungal cohort had significantly higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(108 vs 91,P=0.003),Acute Physiology Score(86 vs 65,P=0.003),and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium scores(86 vs 65,P=0.041).There was no significant difference in the rate of central line use preceding culture(52%vs 40%,P=0.2).Patients with fungal infection had higher rate of transplant hold placement,and lower rates of transplant;however,differences did not achieve statistical significance.CONCLUSION Mortality was worse among patients with fungal infections,likely attributable to severe ACLF development.Prospective studies examining empiric antifungals in severe ACLF and associations between fungal infections and transplant outcomes are critical.

Impact of Vegetation Restoration on Soil Fungal Community Structure in Karst Rocky Desertification Areas

In this paper,managed forest(MF)and natural forest(NF)in the Huajiang Demonstration Zone of Guanling,Guizhou were selected as research objects,and cropland(CL)was taken as control.High-throughput sequencing technology was used to study the characteristics of fungal community composition and species diversity in the surface(0-10 cm)soil of each restoration measure,in order to reveal the dominant soil fungal groups and fungal community composition in karst rocky desertification areas,which was conducive to a more comprehensive understanding of the soil conditions of different vegetation restoration measures.Research has shown that vegetation restoration significantly affected the diversity of soil fungal community,with significant increases in Sob index,Ace index,and Chao index.The vegetation restoration has significantly changed the composition of fungal community.The dominant fungi in the CL topsoil are Sordariomycetes(62.28%),Dothideomycetes(12.34%),and Eurotiomycetes(9.12%);the dominant fungi in the MF soil are Sordariomycetes(45.05%),Dothideomycetes(14.74%),and Mortierellomycetes(10.40%);the dominant fungi in the NF soil are unclassified fungal community(26.38%),Sordariomycetes(19.78%),and Agaricomycetes(13.82%).Vegetation restoration has changed the key fungal groups in the soil.Sordariomycetes,Fusarium,and Setophoma are the key dominant fungal groups in CL soil;Dioszegia is key dominant fungal group in MF soil;c_unclassified_k_Fungi,p_unclassified_k_Fungi,o_unclassified_k_Fungi,f_unclassified_k_Fungi,g_unclassified_k_Fungi,Teichospora,and Diaporthe are key dominant fungal groups in NF soil.

Candidemia chronicles:Retrospective analysis of candidemia epidemiology,species distribution,and antifungal susceptibility patterns in Bahrain

BACKGROUND Invasive fungal infections,particularly candidemia,pose significant clinical challenges globally.Understanding local epidemiology,species distribution,and antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective management despite regional variations.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,species distribution,antifungal susceptibility patterns,and associated risk factors of candidemia among patients in Bahrain from 2021 to 2023.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed demographic data,Candida species distribution,antifungal susceptibility profiles,and risk factors among candidemia patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Bahrain over three years.Data was collected from medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistics.RESULTS A total of 430 candidemia cases were identified.The mean age of patients was 65.7 years,with a mortality rate of 85.5%.Candida albicans(C.albicans)was the most common species,followed by Candida parapsilosis,Candida tropicalis(C.tropicalis),and emerging multidrug-resistant Candida auris(C.auris).Antifungal susceptibility varied across species,with declining susceptibility to azoles observed,particularly among C.albicans and C.tropicalis.Major risk factors included central venous catheters,broad-spectrum antibiotics,and surgical procedures.CONCLUSION This study highlights the substantial burden of candidemia among older adults in Bahrain,characterized by diverse Candida species.It also concerns levels of antifungal resistance,notably in C.auris.The findings underscore the importance of local epidemiological surveillance and tailored treatment strategies to improve outcomes and mitigate the spread of multidrug-resistant Candida species.Future research should focus on molecular resistance mechanisms and optimizing therapeutic approaches to address this growing public health concern.

The Antitumor Components from Marine-derived Bacterium Streptoverticillium luteoverticillatum 11014 Ⅱ

Eight known compounds were isolated from a marine-derived bacterium Streptoverticillium luteoverticillatum 11014 using bioassay-guided fractionations. Their structures were identified by spectral analysis as bis （4-hydroxybenzyl） ether （1）, p-hydroxyphenylethyl alcohol （2）, N-（4-hydroxyphenethyl） acetamide （3）, indole-3 carboxylic acid methyl ester （4）, dibenzo[b,e] [1,4]dioxine （5）, thymine （6）, cytosine deoxyribonucleoside （7） and 2, 3-butanediol （8）. These compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against K562 cell line with the SRB method for the first time. Compounds 2 and 4 showed cytotoxcities with IC50 values of 101.1 and 165.3 μolL^-1, respectively. All compounds were isolated from S. luteoverticillatum 11014 for the first time.

The Cytotoxic Constituents from Marine-derived Streptomyces 3320^(#)

The present work studies the chemical constituents from marine-derived streptomyces 3320^# and their antitumor activities. The n-BuOH extract of the ferment broth of 3320^# was chromatographed on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS columns and HPLC to separate the compounds with antitoumor activities. Their structures were identified using IR, UV, NMR, MS spectroscopic techniques and compared with published data. The antitumor activities of the isolates were assayed using SRB method and flow cytometry assay, accompanied with the morphological observation of the cells under light micro- scope against mammalian tsFT210 cells. Ten compounds, cyclo-（Ala-Leu） 1, cyclo-（Ala-Ile） 2, cyclo-（Ala-Val） 3, cyclo- （Phe-Pro） 4, cyclo-（Phe-Gly）5, cyclo-（Leu-Pro）6, 1-methyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid 7, N-（4- hydroxyphenethyl） acetamide 8, 4-methyoxy-l-（2-hydroxy） ethylbenzene 9 and uridine 10, were isolated from the ferment broth of streptomyces 3320^# . Among them, compounds 6, 7, 8 and 10 showed potent cytotoxicity against the tsFT210 cell with the IC50 values of 3.6, 7.2, 5.2 and 1.6 mmol L-1, respectively. Compounds 8, 10 also exhibited apoptosis inducing activity under 2.0 mmol L-1. Compounds 6, 7, 8 and 10 are the principle bioactive constituents responsible for the antitumor activities of marine streptomyces 3320^#. Compound 7 was isolated from this species for the first time.

High Ethanol Production by Marine-Derived Yeasts-<i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>under Stress Pressures

For practical applications of bioethanol, the uses of both highly concentrated biomass materials and their effective fermentation by yeasts are indispensable in order to produce ethanol at low costs. However, as the saccharified products of those biomass generally contain abundant sugars, the yeasts are affected by the compounds and are inclined to decrease their physiological activities. In the process of fermentation, ethanol is gradually produced by the yeasts in the culture;the concentrated metabolic product also damages itself, and inhibition of the fermentation frequently occurs. The application of yeasts with high fermentative activities under stress pressures such as sugars and ethanol is thus desired for bioethanol production. In this study, various types of high-fermentative yeasts under stress pressures were isolated mainly from coastal waters in Japan and characterized. All yeast strains with high fermentative activities under 20% v/v ethanol were found to be Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The HK21 strain isolated from Tokyo Bay and identified as S. cerevisiae had the highest fermentation activity under 30% w/v sorbitol and under 20% v/v ethanol, and it produced approx. 70 g/l (9% v/v) ethanol from the 15% w/v glucose solution at 25 oC within 5 days.

Untargeted metabolomics to evaluate antifungal mechanism:a study of Cophinforma mamane and Candida albicans interaction

Microbial interactions between filamentous fungi and yeast are still not fully understood.To evaluate a potential anti-fungal activity of a filamentous fungus while highlighting metabolomic changes,co-cultures between an endophytic strain of Cophinforma mamane(CM)and Candida albicans(CA)were performed.The liquid cultures were incubated under static conditions and metabolite alterations during the course were investigated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometry(UPLC-MS/MS).Results were analyzed using MS-DIAL,MS-FINDER,METLIN,Xcalibur,SciFinder,and MetaboAnalyst metabolomics platforms.The metabolites associated with catabolic processes,including the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids,carnitine,and phospholipids were upregulated both in the mono and co-cultures,indicating fungal adaptability to environmental stress.Several metab-olites,including C20 sphinganine 1-phosphate,myo-inositol,farnesol,gamma-undecalactone,folinic acid,palmitoleic acid,and MG(12:/0:0/0:0)were not produced by CA during co-culture with CM,demonstrating the antifungal mecha-nism of CM.Our results highlight the crucial roles of metabolomics studies to provide essential information regarding the antifungal mechanism of C.mamane against C.albicans,especially when the lost/undetected metabolites are involved in fungal survival and pathogenicity.

Evaluation of in vitro digestibility of Aspergillus oryzae fungal biomass grown on organic residue derived‑VFAs as a promising ruminant feed supplement

Background As demand for high quality animal feed continues to raise,it becomes increasingly important to mini-mize the environmental impact of feed production.An appealing sustainable approach to provide feed fractions is to use organic residues from agro-food industry.In this regard,volatile fatty acids(VFAs)such as acetic,propionic and butyric acids,derived from bioconversion of organic residues can be used as precursors for production of micro-bial protein with ruminant feed inclusion potential.This study aims to investigate the in vitro digestibility of the Asper-gillus oryzae edible fungal biomass cultivated on VFAs-derived from anaerobic digestion of residues.The produced fungal protein biomass,along with hay clover silage and rapeseed meal were subjected to various in vitro assays using two-stage Tilley and Terry(TT),gas,and bag methods to evaluate and compare its digestibility for application in ruminant feed.Results The produced fungal biomass contained a higher crude protein(CP)(41%–49%)and rather similar neutral detergent fiber(NDF)(41%–56%)compared to rapeseed meal.The rumen in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)of the fungal biomass in the TT method ranged from 82%to 88%(statistically similar to that of the gas method(72%to 85%)).The IVDMD of fungal biomass were up to 26%and 40%greater than that of hay clover silage and rapeseed meal,respectively.The type of substrate and bag method had pronounced effect on the fermentation products(ammonium-N(NH4+-N),total gas and VFAs).Fungal biomass digestion resulted in the highest release of NH4+-N(340–540 mg/L)and the ratio of acetate to propionate ratio(3.5)among subjected substrates.Conclusion The results indicate that gas method can be used as a reliable predictor for IVDMD as well as fermenta-tion products.Furthermore,the high IVDMD and fermentation product observed for Aspergillus oryzae fungal biomass digestion,suggest that the supplementation of fungal biomass will contribute to improving the rumen digestion by providing necessary nitrogen and energy to the ruminant and microbiota.

Two-step strategy—conjunctival flap covering surgery combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of high-risk fungal keratitis

AIM:To investigate whether the two-step strategy[conjunctival flap covering surgery(CFCS)combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty(DALK)]is effective for patients with high-risk fungal keratitis(FK).METHODS:In this noncomparative,retrospective case series,10 subjects(6 males,4 females)with a mean age of 56.5±7.1(range 47-72)y with high-risk FK undergone the two-step strategy were included.Reported outcome measures were healing of the corneal ulcer,recurrence of FK,reject reaction,improvement in best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and relevant complications.RESULTS:The average diameter of corneal infiltrates was 7.50±0.39 mm,ranging from 6.94 to 8.13 mm.The mean depth of corneal infiltrates was 422.4±77.1μm,ranging from 350 to 535μm.The mean corneal thickness was 597.4±117.3μm,ranging from 458 to 851μm.Hypopyon and endothelial plaques were presented in all patients.The period between the two steps was 3.65±0.9(ranging from 3 to 5)mo.The graft diameter was 7.75±0.39 mm.At the last follow-up(average 9.25±3.39,ranging from 5.5 to 17mo),no fungal recurrence or graft rejection appeared,and all patients showed improvement of BCVA.One patient suffered from liver function impairment due to oral voriconazole for 4wk and recovered spontaneously after 1wk of drug withdrawal.CONCLUSION:The two-step strategy is safe and effective in the treatment of high-risk FK by transforming intentional therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty during acute infection to later optical DALK.It is a practical strategy,especially in areas lacking fresh donor corneas and eye bank services.

Strain and Culture Medium Optimization for Production Enhancement of Prodiginines from Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. GQQ-10

A mutant (GQQ-M6) of a Sponge-Derived streptomyces sp. GQQ-10 obtained by UV-induced mutation was used for producing prodiginines (PGs). Single factor experiments and orthogonal array design (OAD) methods were employed for medium optimization. In the single factor method, the effects of soluble starch, glucose, soybean flour, yeast extract and sodium acetate on PGs production were investigated individually. In the subsequent OAD experiments, the concentrations of these 5 key nutritional components combined with salinity were further adjusted. The mutant strain GQQ-M6 gave a 2.2-fold higher PGs production than that of the parent strain; OAD experiments offered a PGs yield of 61mg L-1, which was 10 times higher than that of the initial GQQ-10 strain under the original cultivation mode.

Tomato LysM receptor kinase 4 mediates chitin-elicited fungal resistance in both leaves and fruit

Fungal infection is a major cause of crop and fruit losses.Recognition of chitin,a component of fungal cell walls,endows plants with enhanced fungal resistance.Here,we found that mutation of tomato LysM receptor kinase 4(SlLYK4)and chitin elicitor receptor kinase 1(SlCERK1)impaired chitin-induced immune responses in tomato leaves.Compared with the wild type,sllyk4 and slcerk1 mutant leaves were more susceptible to Botrytis cinerea(gray mold).SlLYK4 extracellular domain showed strong binding affinity to chitin,and the binding of SlLYK4 induced SlLYK4-SlCERK1 association.Remarkably,qRT–PCR analysis indicated that SlLYK4 was highly expressed in tomato fruit,andβ-GLUCURONIDASE(GUS)expression driven by the SlLYK4 promoter was observed in tomato fruit.Furthermore,SlLYK4 overexpression enhanced disease resistance not only in leaves but also in fruit.Our study suggests that chitin-mediated immunity plays a role in fruit,providing a possible way to reduce fungal infection-related fruit losses by enhancing the chitin-induced immune responses.

Challenges of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic and Invasive Fungal Pathogens in SARS-COV-2 Associations: A Dangerous Relationship

Background: COVID-19 is a rapidly transmissible pneumonia-like illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 that out broke in China in 2019 and is currently circulating worldwide. In the current context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, complications are observed in clinical settings for the treatment of severe COVID-19 disease in nosocomial settings, due to cases of fungal co-infections. Objective: To carry out a review on fungal infections associated with respiratory infections caused by COVID-19 (Sars-Cov-2) and their aggravation. Methodology: The purpose of this study is to inform the reader about the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the main fungal species that are affecting patients undergoing treatment for severe COVID-19, provoking discussion of the importance of the proposed topic, in relation to co-infections by different fungal microorganisms. Result: 80 scientific studies were selected, resulting from patients with COVID-19 and most commonly observed in patients with a history of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, severe liver disease, oncological diseases, obesity and with severe COVID-19. These data do not represent the total number of records of the disease in the world, but cases reported by researchers in their series, showing the overlapping of fungal co-infection through the compromised immune status due to the use of therapeutic drugs, dysregulation of the microbiota, age of patients and the severity itself of the severe inflammation caused by COVID-19. Conclusion: The immunosuppression caused by the infection of COVID-19 concomitant with its therapy through corticosteroid therapy and comorbidities of the patients made fungal infections more susceptible, and these interfere in the evolution of the case and in the treatment of COVID-19, being relevant to distinguish secondary infections to therapy and the best possible reconstitution of the clinical picture.

Fungal arthritis:A challenging clinical entity

There has been an increasing incidence of fungal infections in recent years.Rarely joints are also affected by fungal infections.Mainly,these infections develop in prosthetic joints,but sometimes native joints are also involved.Candida infections are mostly reported,but patients may also develop infections secondary to non-Candida fungi,especially Aspergillus.Diagnosis and management of these infections is challenging and may involve multiple surgical interventions and prolonged antifungal therapy.Despite this,these infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality.This review described the clinical features,risk factors,and therapeutic interventions required to manage fungal arthritis.

Differential expression of antimicrobial peptides in human fungal keratitis

AIM:To analyze a series of antimicrobial peptides(AMPs)in corneal tissue from individuals with fungal keratitis(FK)during the active phase of the fungus infection and after healing.METHODS:Patients undergone lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of severe FK or corneal scar had their corneal buttons sampled.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was used to ascertain the gene expression of human beta-defensin(HBD)-1,-2,-3,-9,S100A7,8,9,and LL-37.RESULTS:All AMPs’messenger ribonucleic acid(mRNA)expression was considerably elevated in all samples(n=12).In contrast to controls,where HBD-2,-3,and S100A7 mRNAs were expressed at very low levels,it was discovered that HBD-1,-9,S100A8,S100A9,and LL-37 were constitutively expressed in all healed samples(n=4).HBD-1,-2-3,S100A7,and LL-37 mRNAs were significantly increased in all active FK samples(n=8).The levels of HBD-9,S100A8,and S100A9 mRNAs were moderately upregulated in all active FK samples.Subgroup comparison showed that HBD-2 was significantly increased in Fusarium keratitis samples(n=5),and LL-37 mRNAs were significantly enhanced in Aspergillus keratitis samples(n=3).Whereas there was not significantly increased of HBD-1,-3,-9,S100A7,8,9 mRNA in Aspergillus keratitis samples compared with Fusarium keratitis samples.CONCLUSION:AMPs expression is increased in active FK,but not all AMPs are equally expressed.HBD-2 and LL-37 expression levels are the highest,showing some specificity of AMP expression related to FK.Human AMPs,particularly HBD-2 may play a significant role in Fusarium keratitis and LL-37 might be the key player in Aspergillus keratitis.

Response of fungal communities to afforestation and its indication for forest restoration

Soil fungi in forest ecosystems have great potential to enhance host plant growth and systemic ecological functions and services.Reforestation at Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm,the world's largest artificial plantation,has been integral to global forest ecosystem preservation since the 1950s.To better assess the ecological effects of soil microbiology after afforestation,fungal diversity and community structure(using Illumina sequencing)from forests dominated by Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii,Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica and Picea asperata,and from grassland were surveyed.In total,4,540 operational taxonomic units(OTUs)were identified,with Mortierella and Solicoccozyma being the dominant genera of grassland soil and Inocybe,Cortinarius,Piloderma,Tomentella,Sebacina,Hygrophorus and Saitozyma dominating the plantation soil.Principle coordinate analysis(PCoA)and co-occurrence networks revealed differences in fungal structure after afforestation.Significantly,more symbiotroph guilds were dominated by ectomycorrhizal fungi in plantations under the prediction of FUNGuild.The community composition and diversity of soil fungi were significantly influenced by pH via redundancy analysis(RDA)and the Mantel test(p<0.01).This finding emphasizes that soil pH has a strong effect on the transition of fungal communities and functional taxa from grassland to plantation,providing a novel indicator for forest restoration.