Snow in the city as a spore bank of potentially pathogenic fungi

Scientific Research Conducted at the Department of Mycology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

<p>This paper presents a review of the research conducted by the staff of the Department of Mycology at UWM, Olsztyn since its establishment to the present. This unit was established and has been headed for over 20 years by Prof. Maria Dynowska. Since 2004, the Department has been conducting extensive mycological research, which is reflected in the dynamic growth of specialist staff involved in teaching activities and popularizing scientific research. Owing to the particular care of Prof. Dynowska, and maintenance of the principal interdisciplinary character of the research, the Department has been occupying a significant position in mycology in Poland recently. This paper attempts to provide a summary of the major scientific accomplishments of the team headed by Prof. Dynowska.</p>

Phenotypes Associated with Pathogenicity: Their Expression in Arctic Fungal Isolates

Around 85% of the environments on Earth are permanently or seasonally colder than 5 °C. Among those, the poles constitute unique biomes, which harbor a broad variety of microbial life, including an abundance of fungi. Many fungi have an outstanding ability to withstand extreme conditions and play vital ecosystem roles of decomposers as well as obligate or facultative symbionts of many other organisms. Due to their dispersal capabilities, microorganisms from cryosphere samples can be distributed around the world. Such dispersal involves both species with undefined pathogenicity and potentially pathogenic strains. Here we describe the isolation of fungal species from pristine Arctic locations in Greenland and Svalbard and the testing of the expression of characteristics usually associated with pathogenic species, such as growth at 37 °C, hemolytic ability, and susceptibility to antifungal agents. A total of 320 fungal isolates were obtained, and 24 of the most abundant and representative species were further analyzed. Species known as emerging pathogens, like Aureobasidium melanogenum, Naganishia albida, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, were able to grow at 37 °C, showed beta-hemolytic activity, and were intrinsically resistant to commonly used antifungals such as azoles and echinocandins. Antifungal resistance screening revealed a low susceptibility to voriconazole in N. albida and Penicillium spp. and to fluconazole in Glaciozyma watsonii and Glaciozyma-related taxon.

Changing Arctic snow cover: A review of recent developments and assessment of future needs for observations, modelling, and impacts

Snow is a critically important and rapidly changing feature of the Arctic. However, snow-cover and snowpack conditions change through time pose challenges for measuring and prediction of snow. Plausible scenarios of how Arctic snow cover will respond to changing Arctic climate are important for impact assessments and adaptation strategies. Although much progress has been made in understanding and predicting snow-cover changes and their multiple consequences, many uncertainties remain. In this paper, we review advances in snow monitoring and modelling, and the impact of snow changes on ecosystems and society in Arctic regions. Interdisciplinary activities are required to resolve the current limitations on measuring and modelling snow characteristics through the cold season and at different spatial scales to assure human well-being, economic stability, and improve the ability to predict manage and adapt to natural hazards in the Arctic region.