Species from Pavonia genus (Malvaceae) are traditionally used as antioxidant, n anti inflammatory and antimicrobial remedies. Previous studies have revealed their diversity of specialized metabolites widely used in the development of new medicines. This is the first study on Pavonia glazioviana Gurke, a Brazilian species known as “Malva da Chapada”. The research led to identify fifteen compounds: 132 (S) hydroxy pheophytin a; and 132(S) hydroxy 173 ethoxyphaeophorbide, n decanol, cycloart 23Z ene 3β,25 diol, cycloart 24S 25 ene 3β,24 diol, sitosterol 3 O β D glucopyranoside, stigmasterol 3 O β D glucopyranoside, quercetin, acacetin, kaempferol, tiliroside, 5 hydroxy 3,7,8,4’ tetramethoxyflavone, 5,7 dihydroxy 3,8,4’ trimethoxyflavone, 5,7 dihydroxy 4’ methoxyflavone, 5,7,4’ trihydroxy 3,8 dimethoxyflavone and 5,7,4’ trihydroxy 3 methoxyflavone. The major flavonoids were tested for their antimicrobial activity, and the compound 5,7 dihydroxy 3,8,4’ trimethoxyflavone showed strong activity against Escherichia coli (MIC = 512 μg mL1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 512 μg mL1), Candida albicans (MIC = 512 μg mL1), Candida tropicalis (MIC = 512 μg mL1), Candida parapsilosis (MIC = 512 μg mL1), Aspergillus flavus (MIC = 512 μg mL1) and A. fumigantus (MIC = 512 μg mL1). The total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and radical scavenging potential were determined showing its great production of phenolics and flavonoids, along with interesting radical scavenging potential (DPPH EC50 = 6.36 ± 0.029 mg mL 1). Our findings contributed to characterize P. glazioviana as a source of methoxylated flavonoids with antimicrobial potential. Malvaceae (Malvaceae antioxidant remedies medicines Gurke Malva Chapada. Chapada . Chapada” compounds 13 S (S 132S 132(S 17 ethoxyphaeophorbide decanol Z 3β25 3β 3β,2 diol 2 3β24 24 glucopyranoside quercetin acacetin kaempferol tiliroside 3,7,8,4 3784 7 8 4 tetramethoxyflavone 57 5, 3,8,4 384 methoxyflavone 5,7,4 574 38 3, MIC 51 mL1, mL1 , A mL1. content DPPH EC EC5 636 6 36 6.3 0029 0 029 0.02 1. 1 1) P 3β2 3β, 3,7,8, 378 3,8, 5,7, 63 6. 002 02 0.0 3,7,8 37 00 0. 3,7, 3,7

Computational predictive approaches present themselves as an attractive alternative in the search for new compounds that may present toxic or growth regulatory activity in Aedes aegypti. Aspergillus species is a producer of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. In this study, it was possible to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties in silico, as well as the prediction of the insecticidal biological activities of the juvenile hormone of natural substances produced by the genus Aspergillus. Initially, 187 molecules were cataloged from various species of Aspergillus spp., and only seven molecules of indole alkaloids were found to exhibit a toxic dose 50% (TD50) after conducting toxicity predictions. The molecular dynamic simulation trajectories were utilized to study parameters such as root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration and intermolecular hydrogen bond to understand the behavior and stability of proposed compounds in the binding pocket of the target protein. The N-β-acetyltryptamine molecule showed a binding affinity value of –8.100 ± 0.200 kcal mol-1, which classifies the compound as a potential insecticidal agent against the Aedes aegypti vector. silico Initially 18 spp spp. 50 TD50 TD (TD50 predictions deviation fluctuation protein Nβacetyltryptamine N β acetyltryptamine 8100 8 100 –8.10 0200 0 200 0.20 mol1, mol1 mol 1, 1 mol-1 vector 5 TD5 (TD5 810 10 –8.1 020 20 0.2 mol- (TD 81 –8. 02 2 0. –8 –

Abstract Introduction. Endophytic fungi (EF) in grapevines (Vitis vinifera) have great potential for agricultural applications and may represent possible biological control agents for vineyards. Objective. To isolate and identify endophytic fungi (EF) from grapevine plants with antibiosis capacity against Botrytis cinerea. Materials and methods. Young and mature branches from forty healthy grapevine plants were collected from seven production lots in the Cañete province, Lima, Peru, during March to May 2022. EF isolation was performed on 702 sections of disinfected tissues using potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture medium, and identification was carried out at the genus level. Secondary metabolites were extracted from twenty-eight EF strains to determine the mycelial inhibition of the pathogen. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the evaluated parameters using the Minitab statistical program. Results. A total of 129 EF strains were isolated from leaves and stems of young and mature grapevine branches, encompassing seven genera (Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Nigrospora, and Stemphylium). The highest frequency was found in leaves and mature branches. Trichoderma and Alternaria were the most frecuent genera in grapevine plants, with 22.48 % and 21.71%, respectively. Metabolites obtained from the EFVH-01 strain of the genus Cladosporium, and EF-99 and EF-70 strains of the genus Alternaria, had the greatest effect on mycelial inhibition of the pathogen. Conclusions. Strains of endophytic fungi from the genera Cladosporium and Alternaria showed antibiosis capacity against Botrytis cinerea at the laboratory scale, which could potential biocontrol agents of pathogens in grapevine cultivation.

Resumen Introducción. Los hongos endófitos (HE) de la vid (Vitis vinifera) tienen un gran potencial de aplicación en la agricultura y pueden representar posibles agentes de control biológico de los viñedos. Objetivo. Aislar e identificar los hongos endófitos (HE) de plantas de vid con capacidad de antibiosis hacia Botrytis cinerea. Materiales y métodos. Se colectaron ramas jóvenes y maduras de cuarenta plantas sanas de vid de siete lotes de producción en la provincia de Cañete, Lima, Perú, durante los meses de marzo a mayo 2022. El aislamiento de HE se realizó de 702 secciones de tejidos desinfectados en medio de cultivo papa dextrosa agar (PDA) y la identificación fue a nivel de género. Se extrajeron metabolitos secundarios de veintiocho cepas de HE para determinar la inhibición micelial del patógeno. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) de los parámetros evaluados con el programa estadístico Minitab. Resultados. Se aislaron un total de 129 cepas de HE de hojas y tallos de ramas jóvenes y maduras de vid, que correspondieron a siete géneros (Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Nigrospora y Stemphylium). La mayor frecuencia se presentó en las hojas y rama madura. Trichoderma y Alternaria fueron los géneros más frecuentes en las plantas de vid con 22,48 % y 21,71 %, respectivamente. Los metabolitos obtenidos de las cepas HEVH-01 del género Cladosporium, HEV-99 y HEV-70 del género Alternaria, tuvieron mayor efecto en la inhibición micelial del patógeno. Conclusiones. Cepas de hongos endofitos del género Cladosporium y Alternaria mostraron capacidad de antibiosis hacia Botrytis cinerea a escala de laboratorio, los cuales podrían ser potenciales biocontroladores de patógenos en el cultivo de vid.

Abstract Introduction. “Green mold,” caused by Penicillium digitatum is one of the phytosanitary issues that limits citrus production. For its control, synthetic fungicides are used, which have lost effectiveness due to resistance developed by the fungus. An alternative is the use of endophytic fungi with biocontrol action. Objective. To evaluate the effect of secondary metabolites (SM) from endophytic fungi (EF) on the mycelial inhibition of Penicillium digitatum and the effectiveness of disease control in mandarin fruits (Citrus reticulata) post-harvest. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in 2022, using a completely randomized experimental design in the Plant Health Laboratory at the Universidad Nacional de Cañete (UNDC), Lima, Peru. For the antibiosis test, secondary metabolites were extracted from ten strains of EF from the genera Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp., and Aspergillus sp., where mycelial inhibition of the pathogen (%) was evaluated. SMs were sprayed at 15 % (v/v) concentration on mandarin fruits that were disinfected and inoculated with the pathogen by spraying (1x 105 CFU/cc). Additionally, a commercial biocontrol, a vegetable oil, and a fungicide were used. After 6 and 9 days, disease incidence (%) and severity index (0, 1, 2, 3) were evaluated. Results. Secondary metabolites from strains the HEA-111 (Aspergillus), HEA-109 (Fusarium), and HSA-1 (Trichoderma) showed the highest mycelial inhibition with 95.05 %, 87.51 %, and 47.47 %, respectively. In mandarin fruits treated with SMs from strains HEA-109 and HSA-1, there was a control of 80 % and 55 %, respectively. Conclusions. SMs from EF were effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of P. digitatum and reduces disease progression in mandarin fruits post-harvest.

Resumen Introducción. El “moho verde” causado por Penicillium digitatum es uno de los problemas fitosanitarios que limita la producción en los cítricos. Para su control se utilizan fungicidas sintéticos, que han perdido eficacia, debido a la resistencia generada por el hongo. Una alternativa, es el uso de hongos endófitos con acción biocontroladora. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de metabolitos secundarios (MS) de hongos endófitos (HE) en la inhibición micelial de Penicillium digitatum y la eficacia de control de la enfermedad, en frutos de mandarina (Citrus reticulata) después de la cosecha. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en 2022, bajo un diseño experimental completo al azar, en el laboratorio de Sanidad Vegetal, Universidad Nacional de Cañete (UNDC), Lima, Perú. Para la prueba de antibiosis se extrajeron los metabolitos secundarios de diez cepas de HE de los géneros Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp. y Aspergillus sp., en donde se evaluó la inhibición micelial del patógeno (%). Se asperjaron MS a una concentración del 15 % (v/v) sobre frutos de mandarina que fueron desinfectados e inoculados con el patógeno por aspersión (1x105 UFC/cc). Adicionalmente, se utilizaron un biocontrol comercial, un aceite vegetal y un fungicida. Después de 6 y 9 días, se evaluaron la incidencia (%) y el índice de severidad (0,1,2,3) de la enfermedad. Resultados. Los metabolitos secundarios de las cepas HEA-111 (Aspergillus), HEA-109 (Fusarium) y HSA-1 (Trichoderma) presentaron la mayor inhibición micelial con 95,05 %, 87,51 % y 47,47 %, respectivamente. En los frutos de mandarina tratados con los MS de las cepas HEA-109 y HSA-1, hubo un control del 80 % y 55 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Los MS de HE tuvieron efecto en la inhibición micelial de P. digitatum y redujeron el avance de la enfermedad en frutos de mandarina después de la cosecha.

Abstract Aspergillus niger HPD-2 has interesting growth characteristics, it grows at a temperature of 38 ºC and pH of 3, it is also known to produce various enzymes of commercial interest such as glucoamylase, which is present in the medium even under non-inducible conditions and has important activity characteristics such as an optimum temperature of 70 ºC and an optimum pH of 3-4. These features are very important because they will help to minimize microbial contamination risk in industrial hydrolysis processes. For the characterization of A. niger HPD-2 glucoamylase, the presence and activity of the enzyme were verified in a non-inducing medium. The apparent kinetic parameters K m , K i and V max were determined at 6.66 mM, 0.601 M and 66.5 mM/min, respectively, as well as its optimum pH and temperature activity (pH 3 and 70 °C). Comparatively speaking, these data are competitive against those reported for similar purified enzymes. On the other hand, DNA sequence analysis of A. niger HPD-2 glucoamylase gene showed no changes in the promoter region or starch-binding domains. Therefore, the presence of the enzyme in a non-inducing medium could be related to changes in a repressor protein CreA.

Resumen Aspergillus niger HPD-2 presenta características particulares de cultivo, crece a una temperatura de 38 ºC y a un pH de 3, además se sabe que produce diversas enzimas de interés comercial como la glucoamilasa, que se encuentra presente en el medio aún bajo condiciones no inducibles y tiene características de actividad interesantes como son, una temperatura óptima de 70 ºC y un pH óptimo de 3-4. Estas características son muy importantes porque ayudarán a minimizar el riesgo de contaminación microbiana en procesos de hidrólisis industrial. Para la caracterización de la glucoamilasa de A. niger HPD-2 se comprobó la presencia y actividad de la enzima en un medio no inductor. Se determinaron los parámetros cinéticos aparentes K m , K i , y V max , 6.66 mM, 0.601 M y 66.5 mM/min respectivamente, así como su temperatura y pH óptimos de actividad (pH 3 y 70 °C). Comparativamente hablando, estos datos son bastante competitivos que aquellos reportados para enzimas similares purificadas. Por otro lado, el análisis de la secuencia de ADN del gen de la glucoamilasa de A. niger HPD-2 mostró que no existen cambios en la región promotora ni en los dominios de unión al almidón. Por lo que la presencia de la enzima en un medio no inductor podría estar relacionada con cambios en una proteína represora CreA.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Data on the prevalence of fungal coinfections/superinfections in patients with COVID-19 are limited. Objective. To describe the prevalence of fungal coinfections/superinfections in patients with COVID-19, as well as risk factors and demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics. Material and methods. We included patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and a confirmed fungal infection hospitalized in the ICU from March 2020 to December 2021. We collected data on age, sex, comorbidities, hospital length of stay (days), laboratory (ferritin) and microbiological results, treatment for COVID-19, antifungal therapy, and outcomes obtained from the clinical records. Results. Only 11 out of 740 patients met the inclusion criteria. The coinfection rate was 0.3% and the superinfection was 1.2%. The most affected population was male adults. The coinfections/superinfections diagnosed were candiduria and candidemia, caused by Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae, and Kluyveromyces marxianus (C. kefyr). In addition, tracheobronchitis due to Aspergillus fumigatus was found. The most used antifungals were fluconazole and caspofungin. The lethality in patients with fungal coinfections was 50% and superinfections, 22%. The length of hospital stay was 11-65 days. Eight patients required mechanical ventilation and six received corticosteroids. The main comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (81.8%). Conclusions. The rate of fungal coinfections/superinfections in COVID-19 patients was low, but the lethality found urges for routine fungal screening in patients with severe COVID-19 to timely detect fungal infections that may further compromise the patient's life.

RESUMEN Introducción. Los datos sobre la prevalencia de coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones fúngicas en pacientes con COVID-19 son limitados. Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia de coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones fúngicas en pacientes con COVID-19, así como los factores de riesgo y las características demográficas, clínicas y microbiológicas. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19, hospitalizados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y con infección fúngica confirmada entre marzo del 2020 y diciembre del 2021. Del expediente clínico se obtuvieron datos sobre edad, sexo, comorbilidades, días de estancia hospitalaria, resultados de laboratorio (ferritina) y microbiológicos, tratamiento contra COVID-19, terapia antifúngica y desenlace. Resultados. Once de 740 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La tasa de coinfección fue del 0,3 % y la de sobreinfección fue del 1,2 %. La población más afectada fue la de hombres adultos. Las coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones diagnosticadas fueron candiduria y candidemia, causadas por Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae y Kluyveromyces marxianus (C. kefyr). Además, se encontró una traqueobronquitis por Aspergillus fumigatus. Los antifúngicos más administrados fueron fluconazol y caspofungina. La letalidad en pacientes con coinfecciones fue del 50 % y con sobreinfecciones fúngicas, del 22 %. El tiempo de estancia intrahospitalaria fue de 11 a 65 días. Ocho de los pacientes requirieron asistencia respiratoria mecánica y seis recibieron corticoides. La principal comorbilidad fue diabetes mellitus (81,8 %). Conclusiones. La tasa de coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones por hongos en pacientes con COVID-19 fue baja, pero la letalidad de estas requiere, con urgencia, la realización de pruebas de rutina para detectar hongos en pacientes con COVID-19 grave para diagnosticar oportunamente infecciones fúngicas que puedan comprometer aún más la vida del paciente.

Abstract Endophytic fungi are plant symbiont microorganisms, diverse and abundant in tropical regions, with great potential as biocontrol agents of agricultural fungal diseases. The objective of the present work was to evaluate in vitro antifunfal activity of endophytic fungi associated with creole cultivars of Cucumis sativus and Lagenaria siceraria from Yucatán. The endophytic strains were isolated and identified from different organs, to be subjected to dual confrontations and antibiotic tests. Twenty species with antifungal effects against Corynespora cassiicola, Colletotrichum truncatum and Fusarium equiseti were identified, obtaining inhibition ranges of 17.72-100%, 16.51-91.55% and 4.64-91.89%, respectively. Aspergillus flavus, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae and Trichoderma longibrachiatum exhibited the highest percentages of inhibition against the three phytopathogens. Likewise, these three species of endophytes demonstrated an antibiotic effect in their extracts, mainly inhibiting the growth of F. equiseti by up to 46.46%. The L. pseudotheobromae strain has characteristics that give it potential as an antifungal agent, so its applications and growth conditions should continue to be explored. This work represents a first effort to understand the diversity of endophytic fungi in native crops in the region.

Resumen Los hongos endófitos son microorganismos simbiontes de plantas, diversos y abundantes en regiones tropicales, con gran potencial como agentes biocontroladores de enfermedades fúngicas agrícolas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la actividad antifúngica in vitro de los hongos endófitos asociados con cultivares criollos de Cucumis sativus y Lagenaria siceraria de Yucatán. Las cepas endófitas fueron aisladas e identificadas de diferentes órganos de las plantas, para posteriormente ser sometidas a enfrentamientos duales y pruebas de antibiosis. Se identificaron 20 especies de hongos endófitos con efectos antifúngicos contra Corynespora cassiicola, Colletotrichum truncatum y Fusarium equiseti, obteniendo rangos de inhibición de 17.72-100%, 16.51-91.55% y 4.64-91.89%, respectivamente. Aspergillus flavus, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae y Trichoderma longibrachiatum exhibieron los mayores porcentajes de inhibición contra los tres fitopatógenos. Así mismo, estas tres especies de endófitos demostraron un efecto antibiótico en sus extractos, al inhibir principalmente el crecimiento de F. equiseti hasta en un 46.46%. La cepa de L. pseudotheobromae tiene características que le confieren un potencial como agente antifúngico, por lo que se deberán seguir explorando sus aplicaciones y condiciones de crecimiento. Este trabajo representa un primer esfuerzo por conocer la diversidad de hogos endófitos en los cultivos criollos de la región.

Abstract Introduction.Soybean establishes a symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium japonicum that allows it to fix atmospheric N. Coinoculation with other plant growth-promoting microorganisms can increase Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) and plant growth. Objective. Determine if inoculation with P-solubilizing fungi (SP), Aspergillus flavus (S1) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (S2), affects growth and BNF variables in soybeans. Materials and methods. In the greenhouse on an Andisol and an Ultisol, growth variables and BNF were evaluated in soybeans inoculated with B. japonicum and 2 SPs. Five treatments were evaluated: an absolute control (T), addition of phosphate rock (RF), addition of RF and inoculation with B. japonicum (BRF) and the addition of RF, B. japonicum and the 2 SPs independently (BRFS1 and BRFS2). An unrestricted randomized design with 4 repetitions was established and the data was analyzed according to normality, either with ANDEVA and DGC at 5% or Kruskal Wallis at 5%. Results. The responses obtained showed a positive effect on the evaluated variables when soybeans were inoculated with SP in addition with B. japonicum. The effect was a trend in Andisol, for the variables aerial fresh weight and number of nodules and their dry weight, while for Ultisol significance was found for these same variables, as well as for aerial dry weight, leaf area and N content and foliar P, with the greatest effect in BRFS2. In absolute terms, the highest P content in the soil microbial biomass and the highest SP population was found in the treatment with the presence of S2. The populations of N Fixers (NF) in the soil were higher for T and RF that did not have inoculation with B. japonicum. Conclusion. Inoculation with SP fungi can positively affect BNF, foliar N and P amounts as well as soybean plant growth.

Resumen Introducción. La soya establece una simbiosis con Bradyrhizobium japonicum para fijar N atmosférico. La coinoculación con otros microorganismos promotores del crecimiento (MPC) puede incrementar la Fijación Biológica de Nitrógeno (FBN) y el crecimiento de las plantas. Objetivo. Determinar si la inoculación con los hongos solubilizadores de P (SP), Aspergillus flavus (S1) y Trichoderma longibrachiatum (S2), afecta variables de crecimiento y de FBN en soya. Materiales y métodos. En un Andisol y un Ultisol en invernadero, se evaluaron variables de crecimiento y FBN en soya inoculada con B. japonicum y 2 SP. Se evaluaron 5 tratamientos: un testigo absoluto (T), adición de roca fosfórica (RF), adición de RF e inoculación con B. japonicum (BRF) y la adición de RF, B. japonicum y los 2 SP de manera independiente (BRFS1 y BRFS2). Se estableció un diseño irrestricto al azar con 4 repeticiones y los datos se analizaron según la normalidad, con ANDEVA y DGC al 5% o Kruskal Wallis al 5%. Resultados. Se obtuvo un efecto positivo sobre las variables evaluadas, cuando la soya se inoculó con los SP además de B. japonicum. El efecto fue tendencia en el Andisol, para las variables peso fresco aéreo y número de nódulos y su peso seco, mientras que para el Ultisol se encontró significancia para estas mismas variables, así como para el peso seco aéreo, área foliar y contenido de N y P foliar, el efecto fue mayor en BRFS2. En términos absolutos el mayor contenido de P en la biomasa microbiana del suelo y la mayor población de SP se encontró en el tratamiento con la presencia de S2. Las poblaciones de Fijadores de N fueron mayores para T y RF. Conclusión. La inoculación con hongos SP puede afectar positivamente la FBN, las cantidades de N y P foliar así como el crecimiento de las plantas de soya.

Abstract Background: Utricularia jamesoniana, a small epiphytic plant found in wet tropical forests, stands out for its carnivorous habit, intricate trap system, and small but beautiful and complex flowers. This species remains relatively understudied despite its wide geographical distribution and curious adaptations. Questions: Our aim is to elucidate the composition of bacterial and fungal communities inhabiting both the bladders and leaves of Utricularia jamesoniana, facilitating the comprehension of the physiology and ecological dynamics of this carnivorous species. Methods: In this study, we employed 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing to compare the prokaryotic and fungal communities within leaves and traps of U. jamesoniana. Results: The analysis of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) unveiled notable differences in community composition depending on the plant tissue and type of microorganism. Prokaryotic communities predominantly comprised Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, featuring genera such as Acidocella, Bradyrhizobium, Ferritrophicum, and Ferrovum. Fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, encompassing representatives of Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, and Agaricomycetes, as well as ASVs related to Mycosphaerellaceae, Colletotrichum, Aspergillus, and Thanatephorus. We determined that the prokaryotic diversity was higher in the bladders with respect to the leaves. Fungal communities, in turn, were more diverse in leaves than in bladders. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the microbial communities associated with this carnivorous epiphyte and provides valuable insights into the intricate relationships between the plant and its microbial inhabitants across different tissues.

Resumen Antecedentes: Utricularia jamesoniana es una pequeña planta epífita que se encuentra en bosques tropicales húmedos. Destaca por su hábito carnívoro, su intrincado sistema de trampas y sus pequeñas pero complejas flores. A pesar de su amplia distribución geográfica y sus curiosas adaptaciones, esta especie sigue estando relativamente poco estudiada. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es dilucidar la composición de las comunidades bacterianas y fúngicas asociadas tanto en los utrículos como en las hojas de Utricularia jamesoniana, facilitando la comprensión de la fisiología y la dinámica ecológica de esta especie carnívora. Métodos: Empleamos la secuenciación de los marcadores 16S ARNr e ITS para comparar las comunidades procariotas y fúngicas dentro de hojas y trampas de U. jamesoniana. Resultados: El análisis de las variantes de secuencia de amplicones (ASVs) reveló notables diferencias en la composición de la comunidad dependiendo del tejido vegetal y del tipo de microorganismo. Las comunidades procariotas estaban compuestas predominantemente por Proteobacteria y Actinobacteriota, incluyendo los géneros Acidocella, Bradyrhizobium, Ferritrophicum y Ferrovum. Las comunidades fúngicas estaban dominadas por Ascomycota y Basidiomycota, con representantes de Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Eurotiomycetes y Agaricomycetes; así como ASVs relacionados con Mycosphaerellaceae, Colletotrichum, Aspergillus y Thanatephorus. La diversidad procariota es más alta en los utrículos con respecto a las hojas, pero las comunidades fúngicas fueron más diversas en las hojas que en los utrículos Conclusiones: Este estudio arroja luz sobre las comunidades microbianas asociadas a esta epífita carnívora y proporciona valiosos conocimientos sobre las intrincadas relaciones entre la planta y los habitantes microbianos asociados a sus diferentes tejidos.

Abstract A 9-year-old gelding presented a corneal ulcer unresponsive to treatment in his right eye. The trauma was caused by vegetal material. The ophthalmologic exam revealed paraxial corneal opacity, whitish discharge, peripheral oedema, congestion of conjunctival vessels and corneal angiogenesis. Microscopic examination of smears revealed the presence of neutrophils and fungal hyphae. On day 3 of culture, several small white fluffy colonies that rapidly turned to pale green were detected. These colonies were isolated to study their micro and macromorphology. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of colourless, thick-walled, roughened conidiophores, ranging from 340 to 1650 µm in length, with globose to sub-globose vesicles, ranging from 22 to 48 µm in diameter. Vesicles had one or two series of phialides. Conidia were globose, olive-green with slightly rough, thin walls that ranged from 3 to 7 µm in diameter. Molecular identification was also performed. Both techniques confirmed the presence of Aspergillus flavus complex. Topical treatment with natamycin resulted in healing within 10 days. To our knowledge, this is the first case of equine keratomycosis reported in Argentina.

Resumen Un equino castrado de 9 años presentó una úlcera corneal en el ojo derecho, sin respuesta al tratamiento. El trauma fue causado por material vegetal. El examen oftalmológico reveló opacidad corneal paraxial cubierta por una descarga blanquecina y edema periférico, asociado a congestión de vasos conjuntivales y angiogénesis corneal. El examen microscópico reveló la presencia de neutrófilos e hifas fúngicas. Al tercer día de cultivo se detectaron varias colonias blancas que se tornaron de color verde pálido. El examen microscópico de estos aislamientos reveló la presencia de conidióforos incoloros, rugosos y de paredes gruesas, de entre 340 y 1650 µm de longitud, con vesículas globosas a subglobosas, de entre 22 y 48 µm de diámetro. Las vesículas tenían una o dos series de fiálides. Los conidios eran globosos, de color verde oliva con paredes delgadas y ligeramente rugosas que oscilaban entre 3 y 7 µm de diámetro. También se realizó la identificación molecular. Ambas técnicas confirmaron la presencia del complejo Aspergillus flavus. El uso tópico de natamicina resultó efectivo en la resolución de la lesión. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso de queratomicosis equina reportado en Argentina.

Abstract Otomycosis is an infection in the external ear canal, which involves the inner ear. The genus Aspergillus is the most frequent causal agent, can present with otorrhea, otalgia, pruritus, and tinnitus and is more frequent in patients with predisposing factors such as immunocompromise or living in humid and/or warm climates. We present the case of a 61-year-old woman, a merchant, who was considered immune-competent on entry and had a history of storing brick and cement fragments in her home, in those who have been found to have fungal-induced otic and mastoid infection with adequate clinical response to treatment.

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) se extendió rápidamente por todo el mundo y generó un gran desafío. La aparición de coinfecciones se encuentra entre las complicaciones más graves que pueden desarrollar los enfermos. La aspergilosis pulmonar se ha identificado como una complicación de la neumonía por la COVID-19 en los pacientes ventilados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico poco común de aspergilosis pulmonar. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente con historia reciente de la COVID-19, con un cuadro clínico enteral dado por diarreas, vómitos e insuficiencia respiratoria en el que concomitan la evolución de un cáncer de colon y neumonía asociada a la ventilación provocada por Aspergillus niger. Conclusiones: La aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a la COVID-19 es una complicación que debe considerarse y buscarse en pacientes con historia reciente de esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread rapidly throughout the world, which created a great challenge. The appearance of coinfections is among the most serious complications that these patients can develop. Pulmonary aspergillosis has been identified as a complication of COVID-19 pneumonia among ventilated patients in intensive care. Objective: To present an unusual clinical case of pulmonary aspergillosis. Clinical case: It is presented the case of a patient with a recent history of COVID-19, with an enteral clinical picture of diarrhea and vomiting plus respiratory failure, in which the evolution of colon cancer and ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Aspergillus niger are concomitant. Conclusions: Pulmonary aspergillosis associated with COVID-19 is a complication that should be considered and sought in patients with a recent history of this disease.

Transmission line silicon rubber insulators are frequently subjected to harsh environmental conditions that can change their surface characteristics and result in a transient or permanent loss of hydrophobicity. Algae, fungi, mould, and lichen are examples of biological growth that can compromise the power system's ability to operate safely by lowering the insulator's flashover voltage. We evaluated and identified the major microorganisms that could be responsible for the flashovers of insulators in South Africa. Due to the difficulty of accessing insulators currently in use within the electricity network, only two insulators, from two provinces in South Africa, were used in the study. Although algae were not found on the insulators, two major filamentous fungi identified as Curvularia sp. and Aspergillus sp. were isolated. The absence of algae could be attributed to the weather pattern of the two locations where the insulators were placed during their use as part of the network. According to previous studies worldwide, the high occurrence of these fungi could be linked to the reduction of flashover voltage of the composite insulators. Although a larger survey including more insulators from all provinces in South Africa should be conducted, the current study demonstrates the need for a cleaning programme for insulators using cost-effective eco-friendly antimicrobial agents. SIGNIFICANCE: • Degradation and loss of hydrophobicity on the overhead line composite due to biological growth were found to be an impediment to the safe operation of high-voltage insulators. Fungi were found to be the main factor causing the degradation of overhead transmission lines. • With these data, a model can be developed to predict the rate of biological growth on a given insulator, to estimate the degradation of the surface conditions with time for the utility to know when to remove them from the line. Such a model could lead to a more reliable and efficient power system and reduce the engineer's workload.

Abstract Nowadays, fungal contamination of medical Cannabis inflorescences during postharvest has become an increasingly frequent and worrisome problem for consumers and the industry in general. This is because some of these microorganisms can produce secondary metabolites, such as mycotoxins, which can be toxic to humans. To assess the risk posed by fungal contamination and evaluate the potential for fungal isolates to produce mycotoxins, samples of medicinal Cannabis were tested for the presence of mycotoxin-forming fungi. Inflorescences were isolated on PDA agar at 23 ± 2 °C for ten days, and the microorganisms were identified. The strain with morphological characteristics compatible with the genus Aspergillus spp. was selected as the fungus with the highest risk of forming hazardous mycotoxins. This isolate was characterized conventionally and by molecular identification using primers for the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA and different coding genes and was identified as Aspergillus westerdijkiae. To determine mycotoxin formation, the genome of A. westerdijkiae was sequenced using the Illumina Novaseq platform in South Korea. The antiSMASH tool was used to search for gene clusters associated with producing secondary metabolites, and genes related to toxins were manually curated. Regions where the cluster of genes directly involved in OTA biosynthesis (otaA, otaB, otaC, otaR and otaD) were found, suggesting a potential risk of synthesis of this toxin.