Velvety Texture Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Some Morpho-cultural Characters of Venturia inaequalis (Apple Scab Pathogen) under Kashmir Conditions

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) represents one of the most widely cultivated and economically important temperate fruit crops in the world. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges due to various fungal pathogens, particularly apple scab inflicted by Venturia inaequalis, which has a profound impact on the yield and quality of apple, resulting in substantial economic loss. The pervasive nature of V. inaequalis and its ability to damage crops poses a serious threat to sustainable apple production. In this study, the morpho-cultural characteristics of V. inaequalis were systematically analyzed and compared between the Shopian and Baramullah districts of the Kashmir Valley. Ten isolates from each district were grown on Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for comparative analysis. The colonies were characterized by a compact hue ranging from greyish-green to blackish and exhibited a densely velvety texture. Mycelial growth was predominantly aerial, with some isolates displaying partial irregularity in colony margins, while others exhibited greater uniformity. The mean colony radii for potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar media was measured as 23.01 mm and 28.50 mm for the Shopian district, and 28.09 mm and 33.33 mm for the Baramullah district, respectively. The mean conidial spore density was recorded at 27.87 spores/cm² for the Baramullah district and 34.67 spores/cm² for the district Shopian, respectively. This variation could be attributed to several factors, including genetic diversity within the pathogen populations, differences in altitude, climate, and other environmental factors, the selection pressure exerted by fungicide applications, the emergence of novel pathogen races, and phenotypic plasticity driven by the differing agricultural practices and microclimatic conditions in the respective regions.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China.

Talaromyces species play an important role in the nutrient cycle in natural ecosystems, degradation of vegetal biomass in industries and the implications in medicine. However, the species diversity of this genus is still far from fully understood. The polyphasic taxonomic approach integrating morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences was used to propose three new Talaromyces species. Three new species of sect. Talaromyces isolated from soil are proposed, namely, T. disparis (ex-type AS3.26221), T. funiformis (ex-type AS3.26220) and T. jianfengicus (ex-type AS3.26253). T. disparis is unique in low growth rate, velvety texture, limited to moderate sporulation, biverticillate, monoverticillate and irregular penicilli bearing a portion of abnormally large globose conidia, it has no close relatives in phylogeny. Being a member of T. pinophilus complex, T. funiformis produces mycelial funicles on Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA), 5% malt extract agar (MEA) and yeast extract (YES), sparse sporulation on Czapek agar (Cz), CYA, MEA and YES while abundant on oatmeal agar (OA), bearing appressed biverticillate penicilli and globose to pyriform conida with smooth to finely rough walls. T. jianfengicus belongs to T. verruculosus complex, is characterized by velvety colony texture with moderate to abundant elm-green conidia en masse, producing biverticillate penicilli, globose conidia with verrucose walls. It is now a common practice in establishing new species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences. The proposal of the three novelties of Talaromyces in this article is not only supported by their morphological distinctiveness, but also confirmed by the phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated BenA-CaM-Rpb2 and BenA-CaM-ITS, as well as the individual BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequence matrices.

Efficacy of 15% trichloroacetic acid peel versus 35% glycolic acid peel in acanthosis Nigricans: A randomized open-label study.

Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is an acquired disorder of keratinization. It presents as hyperpigmentation, velvety texture of skin that can involve any part of the body including the face. Different topical, systemic therapies, or physical therapies including laser have been explored. However, there are not many randomized controlled studies for the majority of therapy alternatives besides lifestyle modifications and weight reduction. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and 35% glycolic acid (GA) peel for AN. Forty participants were included and randomized into two groups. In groups A and B, peeling with 15% TCA and 35% GA was done, respectively. The effectiveness of each peel was assessed using changes in the Acanthosis Nigricans Area and Severity Index Score (ANASI) and Physician Assessment Score. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, Friedman test, and generalized estimating equations. The overall change in ANASI over time was compared in the two groups using the generalized estimating equations method. A significant difference was observed in the trend of ANASI over time between the two groups (P < 0.001). TCA peel group showed more change in ANASI as compared with GA peel group. In our research, 15% TCA has a better efficacy when compared with 35% GA peel after three sessions of chemical peeling. We therefore recommend the use of 15% TCA peel in AN as a safe and effective treatment option. However, more comprehensive randomized control studies are required for supporting data.

Kinetic and artificial neural network modeling of dried black beauty eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) slices during rehydration

AbstractThis paper targeted to investigate rehydration characteristics of dehydrated black beauty eggplant (which was dried under sun, by hot air, microwave, and infrared) at 25, 50, and 75°C, and to analyze rehydration ratio (RR) by artificial neural network (ANN) approach. RRs of both microwave‐processed specimens (between 5.66 and 7.91) and sun‐dried ones (between 5.38 and 6.37) were always greater than the others, at all rehydration temperatures. Rehydration temperature had an enhancing effect on RRs, and the image that closely resembled the fresh sample was captured in the microwave‐dried rehydrated samples. Nearly 180–240 min was adequate for rehydration of all slices. Zeroth‐ and first‐order kinetic models, Peleg, Peppas, and two‐term exponential decay models, as well as a new rational model were tested to describe rehydration kinetics. Two‐term equation was almost superior with high R2 (between 0.9734 and 0.9994) and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) and χ2. Novel recommended mathematical expression was also successful (R2: 0.9679–0.9989, χ2: 0.0051–0.0975, RMSE: 0.0191–0.0866). Regarding relationship between actual and predicted RRs and performance indices of ANN equation, overall R and R2 were recorded as follows: 0.9975–0.9950 (sun‐dried) &gt; 0.99642–0.9929 (hot air‐dried) &gt; 0.9955–0.9911 (infrared‐dried) &gt; 0.9907–0.9815 (microwave‐dried), respectively. The proposed ANN model and novel mathematical formula not only offer a considerable potential in predicting rehydration patterns and developing rehydration protocols in food production sector, but also contribute to save energy by completely understanding the process and optimizing conditions.Practical applicationsThe eggplant is a cherished vegetable often dried, providing a velvety texture and rich taste in Anatolian recipes. In Anatolia, colorful vegetables are strung together on strings, adorning traditional houses, and serving as a testament to the region's deep‐rooted cultural heritage. The Turkic people in Central Asia demonstrated remarkable skill in preserving plants by carefully drying leaves, stems, or roots. The process of rehydration entails the addition of water to dehydrated eggplant slices in order to restore their initial dimensions and attributes for being consumed. This investigation integrates the utilization of ANNs to simulate the rehydration procedures of eggplant. This simulation can be employed for the purpose of quality control and standardization within the food sector. Hence, food manufacturers can anticipate the rehydration characteristics of their products across various production batches and conditions, thereby guaranteeing adherence to quality benchmarks.

CLINICO-DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS - A MENACE FOR CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASE

Objective: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is characterized by dark, coarse, and thickened skin with a velvety texture, involving the neck, the axillae, and the flexor of large joints. A significant association between coronary heart disease and patients with AN was noticed. Objectives were to study the prevalence, clinico-demographic, and etiological profile of patients presenting with AN and to draw relations, if any, with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: It was an observational, descriptive, institution-based cross-sectional study and was conducted at the out-patient department of dermatology, venereology and leprosy of a tertiary care hospital in the eastern part of India. An attempt was made to detect the etiological factor of the disease by noting the temporal association between the disease and any systemic associations, with special attention to CVD. Results: High body mass index (BMI) was seen in 71.9% of cases, systolic hypertension in 35.3%, diastolic hypertension in 43.9%, raised fasting blood sugar (FBS) in 30.2%, and raised postprandial (PP) sugar in 15.8% of patients. A significant relationship was seen between high BMI, raised cholesterol, triglycerides, and PP blood sugar and systolic and diastolic hypertension. Conclusion: In AN, patients who have a high BMI have the highest chance of developing CVD, as well as hypercholesterolemia and hypertryglyceridemia. Raised FBS is noted as an additional factor for developing diastolic hypertension.

First Report of Cladosporium cladosporioides Causing Leaf Spot of Aralia cordata var. continentalis in Korea.

Aralia cordata var. continentalis (Kitag), commonly known as Japanese spikenard, is an upright herbaceous perennial medicinal plant effective in relieving pain. It is also consumed as a leafy vegetable. Leaf spots and blight symptoms on A. cordata resulting in defoliation were observed in July 2021 from a research field with a disease incidence of nearly 40-50% from 80 plants in Yeongju, Korea. Brown spots with chlorotic halos first appear on the upper leaf surface (Fig. 1A). In the later stage, spots enlarge and coalesce; resulting in the leaves to dry-off (Fig. 1B). To isolate the causal agent, small pieces of diseased leaves displaying the lesion were surface-sterilized by 70% ethanol for 30 s and rinsed twice with sterile distilled water (SDW). Later, the tissues were crushed in a sterile 2.0-ml Eppendorf tube with a rubber pestle in SDW. The suspension was serially diluted and spread on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, incubated at 25°C for 3 days. A total of 3 isolates were obtained from the infected leaves. Pure cultures were obtained by the monosporic culture technique (Choi et al. 1999). After 2 to 3 days of incubation with a 12-h photoperiod, the fungus initially produced gray mold colonies in olive color, and the edges of the mold appeared white with a velvety texture after 20 days (Fig. 1C). Microscopic observations revealed small, single-celled, rounded, and pointed conidia that measured 6.67 ± 0.23 µm × 4.18 ± 0.12 µm (length × width) (n=40 spores) (Fig. 1D). On the basis of its morphology, the causal organism was identified as Cladosporium cladosporioides (Torres et al. 2017). For molecular identification, pure colonies of three single-spore isolates were used for DNA extraction. A fragment of the ITS, ACT, and TEF1-α were amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4 (Zarrin et al. 2016), ACT-512F/ACT-783R, and EF1-728F/EF1-986R, respectively, by PCR (Carbone et al. 1999). The DNA sequences from all three isolates (GYUN-10727, GYUN-10776, and GYUN-10777) were identical. The resulting ITS (ON005144), ACT (ON014518), and TEF1-α (OQ286396) sequences from the representative isolate GYUN-10727 were 99 to 100% identical to the C. cladosporioides (ITS: KX664404, MF077224; ACT: HM148509; TEF1-α: HM148268, HM148266). The phylogenetic dendrogram was constructed from the comparative analysis of ITS, ACT, and TEF1-α gene sequences, showing the relationship between Cladosporium cladosporioides and related Cladosporium species (Fig. 2). The isolate GYUN-10727 has been deposited in Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (KACC 410009), and used as a representative strain in this study. For the pathogenicity test, healthy fresh leaves (3 leaves per plant) of 3-months-old A. cordata plants in pots were spray inoculated with conidial suspensions (1 × 10⁴ conidia/mL) of GYUN-10727, which was obtained from a 7-day-old PDA culture. Leaves sprayed with SDW were considered as control. After 15 days of incubation at 25°C ± 5°C under greenhouse conditions, necrotic lesions were observed on the inoculated A. cordata leaves, while control leaves did not develop any disease symptoms. The experiment was performed twice with three replicates (pots) per treatment. The pathogen was re-isolated from the symptomatic A. cordata leaves, but not from control plants, to fulfill Koch's postulates. The re-isolated pathogen was identified by PCR. Cladosporium cladosporioides has been reported to cause diseases in sweet pepper (Krasnow et al. 2022) and garden peas (Gubler et al. 1999). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. cladosporioides causing leaf spots of A. cordata in Korea. The identification of this pathogen will help develop strategies to efficiently control the disease in A. cordata.

First Report of Cladosporium tenuissimum causing spot diseases on leaves and fruits of cucurbits in Brazil.

Cucurbitaceae crops are widely cultivated in the Northeast region of Brazil, which is the biggest producer of melon and watermelon in the country (Oliveira, 2020). Between November and December 2020 leaves of pumpkins (Cucurbita maxima L.) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.), and leaves and fruits of melon plants (Cucumis melo L.) were collected with moderate to severe necrotic, irregular, and brown lesions from farms in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Fragments of diseased tissues were cut into small pieces and surface disinfested in 70% ethanol for 30 seconds, then in 2% sodium hypochlorite for 1 minute, and washed in sterile distilled water. Disinfested pieces of tissue were plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated for seven days in the dark at 28 ± 2 °C. A total of 12 fungal isolates (four from pumpkins, one from watermelon, and seven from melons) were isolated from leaves and symptomatic fruits. All isolates in this study shared similar morphological characteristics. The colonies were dark gray to olive green in color with a velvety texture and surrounded by gray-white hyphae. The conidiophores were erect, tall, dark, and irregularly branched at the apex containing dark conidia, with 0 to 3 septa, variable in shape and size, forming chains that were often branched, globose, or subglobose with 3 to 4.5 μm in diameter. DNA from each isolate was extracted using the SDS method (Smith et al., 2001) and submitted to PCR amplification of the ITS and TEF1α regions with the primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990) and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), respectively. The amplicons were sequenced and deposited in GenBank: ITS (OP493545-OP493556) and TEF1α (OP536836-OP536847). Blastn analysis of the ITS and TEF1α partial sequences revealed that all 12 isolates belong to the species Cladosporium tenuissimum, with 100% nucleotide similarity with sequences of many C. tenuissimum isolates deposited in GenBank. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Maximum Parsimony Analysis, with the concatenated sequences (ITS-TEF1α) on MEGAX software (version 11.0.8) (Tamura et al, 2018). All 12 isolates clustered in the same clade and were closely related to isolates A2PP5, A3I1, and XCHK2 with the respective accession numbers KU605789.1, KU605790.1, and MG873071.1 from GenBank, with 99% bootstrap support. The pathogenicity of the 12 isolates was evaluated in pumpkin and melon plants in a greenhouse. Spore suspensions (10 6 conidia/ml -1) were sprayed on the leaves of healthy seedlings until runoff, only water was sprayed on control plants as the mock, and five seedlings of each crop (melon and pumpkin) were inoculated in each treatment. All plants were covered with plastic bags for two days. Spots, similar to those observed on diseased plants in the field, developed on the inoculated leaves (after seven days from the inoculation day, no symptoms were observed on plants from the mock treatment) and the fungal morphology was identical to that observed on the originally diseased leaves, fulfilling Koch's postulate. The pathogenicity test was repeated and yielded the same results. The fact that all 12 isolates were pathogenic on pumpkin and melon leaves, indicates that many Cucurbits are susceptible to C. tenuissimum infection. Many growers in the region are reporting similar symptoms in their melon plantations and it appears that the disease incidence is getting more severe year after year, based on growers's reports. Therefore, more research needs to be conducted to determine the epidemiology and the extension of the economic impact caused by this pathogen to Cucurbits to develop strategies for disease control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. tenuissimum causing disease in Cucurbits in Brazil.

A new species Begonia wiformis, and a new record of B. filiformis (B. sect. Coelocentrum, Begoniaceae) from nothern Vietnam

Begonia sect. Coelocentrum is a highly diverse section of the genus (87 species) with a Sino-Vietnamese distribution. A new species, Begonia wiformis, is described and illustrated herein, it is characterized by its rhizomes that send out elongated stolons, subglabrous lamina with a velvety texture adaxially, bracts with a denticulate margin, and a zygomorphic androecium. Additionally, Begonia filiformis, a species previously known only from China, is reported for the first time in Vietnam.

First report of Cladosporium cladosporioides causing leaf blight on Sambucus chinensis in China.

Sambucus chinensis, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is an economically large herb plant that is widely cultivated in southern China for its good ornamental characteristics, edible properties, and medicinal values. In July 2021, symptoms of leaf spot were observed on Sambucus chinensis plants in two fields of Chongqing Medicinal Botanical Garden (29º8'26" N, 107º13'23" E) in Nanchuan city, Chongqing, China. Disease incidence was approximately 35 and 50% for each field. The symptoms were initially yellow or black irregular spots on leaves, and then increased to larger dark brown lesions. Finally, the entire infected leaf was blighted, withering, curl and abscission. Ten blight leaves were randomly sampled from fields. Tissues were cut into small pieces and surface sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 s and sterilized in 2% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, rinsed thrice with sterile distilled water, plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates, and incubated at 25°C for 7 days in the dark. Later, 20 isolates were obtained from the infected leaves and had similar characteristics. Three isolates were randomly selected (CQ81, CQ82, CQ83) for the further study. Colonies on PDA were olive-green to brown with a velvety texture. Conidia (n=30) were pale- to olive-brown, smooth to verruculose and produced in long, branched chains which were easily disarticulate, single celled, and elliptical to limoniform, and measured as 2.51~4.29 × 1.63~2.14 μm. Conidiophores were solitary, straight or flexous, often unbranched. The DNA of three isolates were extracted and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) were sequenced using primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990) and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), respectively. The sequences of three isolates were 100% identical, and one representative isolate CQ82 were deposited in GenBank (ON387641, ITS; and ON409522, TEF). BLASTn analysis of these sequences showed 99 to 100% nucleotide identity with the sequences of C. cladosporioides CPC 14705 in Korea (Bensch et al. 2010). Phylogenetic analysis using Neighbor-joining method and concatenated sequences (ITS +TEF1) with MEGA7 placed isolate CQ82 in C. cladosporioides with 99% bootstrap support. On the basis of morphological and molecular characteristics, the isolates were identified as C. cladosporioides (Bensch et al. 2010; Nam et al. 2015). A total of sixteen healthy potted plants of S. chinensis were conducted for the pathogenicity test. Eight plants were selected and one shoot of each plant was randomly used for inoculation. Leaves from the shoot of each plant were brushed with 106 conidia/ml suspension of isolate CQ82. Another 8 plants were performed in the same procedure, inoculated with sterile distilled water as control. All plants were covered with plastic bags for two days and then arranged in a greenhouse with 80% relative humidity at 25°C. The pathogenicity test was repeated thrice. After 15 days inoculation, the similar symptoms were observed on the inoculated leaves, whereas controls remained healthy. The pathogen was reisolated from blight tissue and identified as C. cladosporioides by the methods described above. Although this fungus was previously reported to cause leaf disease on many plants (Meneses et al. 2018; Sun et al. 2017), this is the first report of C. cladosporioides causing leaf blight on S. chinensis in China. This study will establish a foundation for controlling the disease.

CLINICO-DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

Introduction- Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is a fairly common skin pigmentary disorder .AN is characterized by dark, coarse and thickened skin with a velvety texture, being symmetrically distributed on the neck, the axillae, antecubital and popliteal fossae, and groin folds We have Aim - done this to study the prevalence, clinico-demographic and etiological prole of patients presenting with AN and to draw relations if any, with Coronary heart disease (CHD). It was an observational, descriptive, institution bas Materials and methods- ed cross-sectional study and was conducted over a period of 18 months at the out patient department (OPD) of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy of A tertiary care hospital in Eastern part of India, Anattempt was made to detect etiological factor of the disease by noting the temporal association between the disease and any systemic associations with special attention to CHD. Majority of Results- our patients had high BMI(69%). Six patients had systolic hypertension( RR- 11.5000 and p was .0002) and diastolic hypertension in 12 patients (RR- 5.7500, p value- P&lt;0.0001). So patients with AN, who have high BMI are more prone to develop hypertension, the most important criteria for Coronary Heart Disease. In AN , high BMI Conclusionhigh triglycerides , high total cholesterol was signicantly associated with systolic hypertension, but there is no signicant association of LDL with any of systolic or diastolic hypertension.

Ultrastructural Morphology Comparison of Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina tetragona In Native Chickens at Sidoarjo Regency Using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

This study aimed to compare the ultrastructural morphology of Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina tetragona that infected the small intestine of native chickens (Gallus domesticus) obtained from various traditional markets in Sidoarjo Regency. The samples used in this research were 57 small intestines of native chickens (Gallus domesticus) sold at Tulangan, Wonoayu, Larangan, Krian, and Suko Market. The samples were macroscopic and microscopically examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The result showed that Raillietina echinobothrida with prevalence of 57.89% has a yellowish string-like body (length 16-23 cm) with a round scolex (0.27-0.3 mm in diameter), round sucker (0.07x0.08-0.08x0.09 mm in size), rostellum armed with hooks has size of 0.06x0.07-0.08x0.1 mm, and unsegmented, thick, and short neck. Meanwhile Raillietina tetragona showed prevalence of 29.05%, also has a yellowish string-like body (length 20-28 cm) with an oval scolex (0.16-0.2 mm in diameter), oval sucker (0.04x0.09-0.05x0.01 mm in size), rostellum armed with hooks has the size of 0.03x0.05-0.04x0.06 mm, and unsegmented, thin, and long neck. The surface body of both Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina tetragona has a soft and velvety texture.

Juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia: Presentation of two clinical cases

Juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia is a benign lesion, first described by Darling and cols. in 2007, there are several etiopathogenic factors proposed. It is characterized by being in the anterior attached gingiva of the maxilla, clinically it is observed as macular or elevated, with a papillary, granular, or smooth surface, bright red in color, and its presentation can be localized or generalized. It is an asymptomatic entity and is not associated with biofilm-induced inflammation. We present two female patients (17 and 10 years old) with relevant and unprecedented medical history respectively, who presented multifocal lesions of bright red color, painless of velvety texture of soft consistency in the maxilla and jaw in which a conservative therapeutic setting and basic periodontal therapy, observation and controls were performed, did not show regression of the lesions after 6 months of observation. It is important for the dentist to recognize this entity and to make the different differential diagnoses, as these could be clinically very coincidental, to carry out an optimal treatment strategy.

First Report of Cladosporium tenuissimum Causing Leaf Spots on Carnation in China.

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L., Caryophyllaceae) is a popular and important market flower in China (Kayamori et al., 2012). Leaf spots of Cladosporium tenuissimum Cooke were first observed in early October 2016 on carnation grown on the academy of agricultural sciences as well as in parks in Xi'an city (108°54'18.6696"E, 34°15'12.9"N), with nearly 80% of leaves on individual plants infected. Carnation in five nearby parks were surveyed with 60 to 100% disease incidence. Initially, the symptoms appeared as small dark elliptical necrotic lesions surrounded by a dark brown halo. Some leaf spots in severe cases covered the entire leaf surface. Necrotic tissue was treated with lactophenol and used for microscopic examination. Sporulation was seen on the necrotic tissue. To identify the pathogen, eighteen leaf pieces (3-5 mm) with both infected and healthy portions were taken at the edge of lesions and surface-disinfected by placing them in 75% ethanol for 5 s, then transferred to a 0.1% aqueous mercuric chloride solution for 30 s and rinsed with sterilized water three times. Six sections were placed on each potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25°C in the dark. Ten pure fungal cultures were obtained from single spores. Colonies on PDA were greyish to dark brown and showed a velvety texture. Subcylindrical to subclavate conidiophores were solitary or in loose groups, on leaves and stems erumpent through the cuticle or emerging through stomata, and measured 49-513 × 3-7 µm (n=50). Ramoconidia were subcylindrical, 15-31 × 4-5 µm, aseptate, basal hilum 2-3.5 µm diam. Morphological characteristics of the pathogen were similar to Cladosporium tenuissimum Cooke (Bensch 2010). For molecular identification, pure cultures of ten single-spore isolates were extracted from mycelium using the Plant Genomic DNA Kit (TIANGEN, China). Three different genomic DNA regions-ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, partial translation elongation factor-1 alpha (EF), and actin (ACT) were amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), ACT-512F/ACT-783R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of multiple genes was conducted with the neighbor-joining method using MEGA 7 (Bakhshi et al. 2018). The sequences of our isolate (CTK) and seven published sequences of C. tenuissimum were clustered into one clade with a 100% bootstrap supporting level. The sequences of CTK have been deposited in GenBank with accessions MZ351731 for ITS, MZ351730 for ACT, MZ351732 for TEF1. Isolate pathogenicity was tested on surface disinfested leaves of two-month-old carnation plants by spraying a 2 × 106 conidial per ml at 25°C incubation temperature. Another set of plants was sprayed with sterile water as non-inoculated controls. Three replicates of every isolate were conducted, and each replicate included 5 carnation plants. After twelve days, only the inoculated leaves showed leaf blight resembling those observed on naturally infected carnation leaves. The pathogen was consistently reisolated from the infected leaves with the aim of completing Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. tenuissimum causing carnation leaf spots in China and worldwide. Thus, the identification of C. tenuissimum for this disease is important for the advancement of effective prevention and control approaches as future prospects.

Особенности строения волосяного покрова шкурок шиншиллы разных цветовых типов

In order to form national chinchilla breeding market sector it is necessary to determine the main parameters that can characterize chinchilla furs of local production, classify them as fur and peltry and establish standard indicators for this kind of commercial production. Chinchilla peltry with its softness, tenderness, velvety texture and high aesthetic properties are in great demand by consumers. The article provides information on the structure of chinchilla hair-covering, characteristics of hair types, hair form, degree of tortuosity. The results of the study of the length and thickness of the down hair according to the color type of chinchilla pelts and topographical part (spine, rump or side) are given in the article. The author gives recommendations on chinchilla selection in order to improve the pelt quality.

A case of acanthosis nigricans in a HIV-infected patient

BackgroundTo date, very little information is available concerning the relationship between acanthosis nigricans (AN) and infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).Case presentationHerein, we report the case of a middle-aged man admitted for fever and progressively worsening dyspnea in the context of an opportunistic pneumonia and firstly diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). At the time of diagnosis, physical examination revealed the presence of a palpable, hyperpigmented skin lesion on the left areola with surface desquamation and velvety texture consistent with AN. Of note, the most common primary etiologies related to AN were excluded and the complete regression of the skin lesion was observed once antiretroviral therapy was started.ConclusionThis is the second report of AN found in patients with AIDS and apparently responsive to prolonged antiretroviral treatment. Possible explanations of this association are still not completely understood, probably related to virus-induced changes in lipid metabolism. Our experience suggests that HIV testing should always be considered in the setting of apparently idiopathic AN.

Molecular identification of isolates of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex.

Background: The Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex is the second most common causal agent of dermatophytosis. It comprises five species—T. mentagrophytes, T. interdigitale, T. erinacei, T quinckeanum, and T. benhamie, as well as nine different genotypes of T. mentagrophytes / T. interdigitale—which are morphologically similar; however, their susceptibility to antifungal agents may differ. For targeted therapy and better prognosis, it is important to identify these species at a molecular level. However, since many hospitals lack molecular methods, the actual aetiology of dermatophytosis caused by this complex remains unknown.Objective: To characterize 55 anthropophilic isolates of the T. mentagrophytes complex recovered from a dermatological centre in Yucatán, Mexico.Material and methods: Fifty-five isolates of the T. mentagrophytes complex were obtained from patients with tinea capitis, tinea pedis, tinea corporis, tinea barbae, and tinea unguium. They were characterized by their colonial and microscopic morphology on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and through the sequencing of a fragment from the region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2.Results: All colonies grown on SDA were white. Forty-six isolates formed colonies with a powdery texture, while nine isolates formed colonies with a velvety texture. The micromorphological features were typical of the T. mentagrophytes complex. The molecular analysis revealed that 55 isolates were microorganisms that belonged to the T. mentagrophytes complex, that 46 formed powdery colonies representing T. mentagrophytes, and that the other nine isolates that formed velvety colonies represented T. interdigitale. The latter nine isolates were obtained from patients with tinea pedis, tinea corporis, and tinea unguium.Conclusions: The colony morphology on SDA led to the identification of 46 isolates as T. mentagrophytes and nine isolates as T. interdigitale. At a molecular level, the species identified by their morphology were identified only as T. mentagrophytes complex.

First Report of Magnaporthe oryzae Causing Gray Leaf Spot on Tough Lovegrass (Eragrostis plana) in Brazil

Tough lovegrass (Eragrostis plana Nees) is a weed grass in several native pasture areas in South America. This weed has affected the germination and growth of forage species owing to allelopathic compounds released (Medeiros and Focht 2007). In spring and summer of 2017, leaves and stems of E. plana showing gray leaf spots were observed under field and greenhouse conditions in the City of Capao do Leao, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The incidence of the disease (symptomatic leaves and stems) was up to 45%, and the severity ranged from 30 to 40%. Disease symptoms began as small dark lesions that evolved to elliptical spots, grayish to tan, sometimes presenting olive-brown borders, with a yellow halo. The symptomatic leaves were surface sterilized with a solution of 1% NaOCl for 60 s and plated on water agar medium. Plates were incubated at 25°C for 2 days. Fungal mycelia were observed and transferred to oat dextrose agar medium and incubated at 25°C for 5 days. The isolated pathogen had colonies with gray coloration and velvety texture. Conidiophores, obtained from the cultured colonies, measured 141.3 μm (60.0 to 250.0 μm) × 3.8 μm (3.2 to 4.0 μm) and were observed as singles or grouped, with light brown coloration. Conidia measured 30.0 μm (25.0 to 34.0 μm) × 12.0 μm (8.0 to 13.0 μm) and were hyaline, septate (two to three), with protruding hilum, pyriform-shaped oblate, rounded at the base, and with narrow apex (Muni and Nadarajah 2014). To confirm pathogen identity, molecular analysis was performed using specific primers for internaltranscribed spacer (ITS) (ITS1 and ITS2), actin (ACT) (ACT512F and ACT783R), calmodulin (CAL) (CAL228F and CAL783R), and β-tubulin (TUB 2) (BT1a and BT1) genes as described by Klaubauf et al. (2014). The DNA sequences were deposited in GenBank (accession nos.: ITS, MH745133; ACT, MH748530; CAL, MH748531; and TUB2, MH748532). BLAST searches showed 99 to 100% identity with the existing sequences of Magnaporthe oryzae B.C. Couch (ITS, KM484893; ACT, DQ240884; CAL, DQ240900; and TUB2, DQ240916). Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference using multilocus alignment (ITS, ACT, CAL, and TUB2). Isolates of E. plana were placed along with the reference isolates of M. oryzae in a clade with 99% bootstrap support. To determine the pathogenicity of the M. oryzae isolate, five plants of E. plana at the flowering stage were inoculated with a suspension of 1 × 10³ conidial/ml. A set of five noninoculated plants was considered as a control, with only distilled water applied. All plants were enclosed in plastic bags and incubated in a growth chamber at 25 ± 1°C for 24 h with a 12-h photoperiod. At the end of the 24-h period, plastic bags were removed. At 7 to 8 days after the inoculation, all inoculated plants showed the same leaf symptoms initially observed in the field plants. No symptoms were observed in control plants. M. oryzae was successful reisolated from inoculated plants, and the fungus was morphologically and molecularly confirmed as M. oryzae. M. oryzae infects several species worldwide, including Oryza sativa, which has an enormous economic importance in the Rio Grande do Sul (Fang et al. 2017). Leaves of rice plants (cultivars BRS Querencia and Inov CL) were also inoculated with an isolate of M. oryzae from E. plana using the same methods as described above. Gray leaf spot symptoms were on rice, indicating that this isolate was pathogenic on that crop. This is the first report of M. oryzae infecting E. plana in Brazil. This discovery has considerable importance to the farmers because tough lovegrass could be an alternative host of M. oryzae during the off-season period for rice.

Análise de mercado e nível de concentração da indústria de papel tissue no Brasil

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar o nível de concentração do mercado brasileiro de papéis tissue e analisar seus reflexos em termos de desempenho relativo por linha de produto. Papéis tissue, ou papéis sanitários, compõem um segmento que abrange a produção de uma linha bastante variada de produtos, incluindo desde papel higiênico, papel toalha até fraldas e lenços para bebês, cujas características mais aparentes são maciez e textura aveludada, constituindo-se em um nicho de mercado diferenciado. A participação do segmento tissue na produção total de papéis no Brasil tem apresentado crescimento constante nos últimos anos, e estudos prospectivos do setor indicam que esse indicador deve se manter acima de 4% ao ano até 2020. A pesquisa foi exploratória e descritiva, com abordagem mista, sendo parte qualitativa, com a abordagem do método interpretativo Estrutura-Conduta-Desempenho (ECD), e parte quantitativa, com o cálculo dos índices de concentração de mercado, e a estratificação da linha de produtos. De forma geral, os resultados mostraram que o segmento apresenta uma estrutura industrial de baixa concentração de mercado, tendência que tem se consolidado nos últimos anos. Através dos resultados foi possível concluir que devido à forte concorrência no segmento, com diferenciação de itens por linha de produtos, o mix de tecnologias de processo, e o foco em eficiência operacional e na redução de custos, condicionam os padrões de conduta e as estratégias de produção, o que permitiu a introdução de novos produtos, de melhor qualidade, sem que houvesse aumentos de preços significativos. Essa configuração de fatores é a característica mais importante para sustentar a tendência de crescimento desse segmento industrial.

Acanthosis nigricans in patient with breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma: case report and review of the literature

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is characterized by hyperpigmented, thickened skin plaques with a velvety texture. The histology of these lesions shows hyperkeratosis and dermal papillomatosis. According to the clinical data the key role in the development of acanthosis nigricans belongs to an excessive concentration of growth factors. Such condition is ofparticular interest because of its association with internal malignancies. Its malignant form is often associated with gastric adenocarcinoma (55-61%), though coexistence with a variety of other malignancies (ovarian cancer, endometrial carcinoma, bladder cancer, etc.) has been reported. Clinical case of patient with AN and coexisting breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma is presented. The severity of skin manifestations improved after chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiation therapy. However, skin hyperpigmentation relapsed after development of the hepatocellular carcinoma and the progression of the primary tumor. An underlying malignancy should be suspected in each case of AN.

Cultural, Morphological and Pathogenic Characterization of Alternaria porri Causing Purple Blotch of Onion

Twenty seven (27) isolates of Alternaria porri were isolated from diseased leaf samples collected from different onion growing regions of Bangladesh and characterized for cultural, morphological and pathogenic variabilities. A. porri colonies colony colour ranged between light to dark olivacious and grayish white with irregular, regular with concentric ring and regular without concentric ring shape. Margin of colonies were entire, irregular and wavy with effuse, fluffy and velvety texture. Isolates impregnated media with colour ranged between grey to brown on the reverse of the plates. Growth rate of isolates ranged between 2.433 and 3.950 mm/day with fast growth in isolate DSTR 02 and least in MMBH. Morphological variation in conidia production was between 7.720×103 to 47.02×103 per mm2 with sporulation time 3.33 to 11.00 days. The conidial shape was straight to curve with light to deep brown colour. The number of horizontal and vertical separation in the conidia ranged from 3.00 to 6.00 × 1.00 to 2.00 with size from 11.20 to 39.20 × 4.76 to 11.43 µm. In pathogenicity test isolates also exhibited variations in size of the lesions (2.77 to 7.55 mm) produced on onion leaves. The results demonstrate existence of considerable variation in cultural, morphological, and pathogenic characters of A. porri isolates prevalent in Bangladesh environment.