Cultivable fungal diversity in two karstic caves in Italy: under-investigated habitats as source of putative novel taxa

Microbial diversity of caves is largely understudied and its possible applications are still unknown. Autochthonous fungi, in particular, may have the potential to biomineralize metals and may be used as promising agents for bioremediation of polluted sites; thus, unearthing the fungal diversity in hypogean ecosystems is nowadays of utmost importance. To start addressing this knowledge gap, the cultivable mycobiota of two neighbouring caves-one natural and one exploited for touristic purposes-were characterised and compared by studying fungi isolated from sediments collected at increasing distances from the entrance. Overall, 250 fungal isolates ascribable to 69 taxa (mainly Ascomycota) were found, a high percentage of which was reported in caves for the first time. The sediments of the touristic cave displayed a richer and more diversified community in comparison with the natural one, possibly due to visitors carrying propagules or organic material. Considering that these environments are still poorly explored, chances to detect new fungal lineages are not negligible.

[The early ergometric test after myocardial revascularization]

Ergometric tests (ET) were used to study 900 patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularisation during the period between January 1983 and December 1989. ET was carried out without medical therapy between the 30th and 35th day post surgery. The test was positive in 193 subjects (21%); in 42 of the latter (5% of the total and 229 of positive subjects) symptoms of effort angina were found to persist. ET was negative in 557 patients (62%); 150 subjects (17%), although not positive, did not attain a sufficient heart rate to enable a 100% negative diagnosis to be made. No major complication was observed. Maximal short-term ET is a reliable and safe test for checking the efficacy of myocardial revascularisation and to assess functional recovery. In view of the relatively high percentage of positive tests due to ischemia but with the complete absence of symptoms, the authors affirm that the mere onset of anginous symptoms alone cannot be considered indicative of the success of cardiosurgery.

[Disorders of heart rhythm during urography studied with Holter monitoring. Comparison of ionic and non-ionic contrast media]

Given the disagreements in the literature over the extent of cardiac complications during urography it was decided to assess any arrhythmias following the injection of ionic and non-ionic contrast media and a placebo by means of 24 hours dynamic Holter monitoring. The results were subjected to meticulous statistical analysis and showed no connection between electrocardiographic alterations and the substance injected. The absence of statistical significance and the variability of the results suggest that alterations in the physiological parameters and/or arrhythmias arising during the administration of contrast media should be assessed with extreme caution.