Notes for genera: basal clades of Fungi (including Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota)

Compared to the higher fungi (Dikarya), taxonomic and evolutionary studies on the basal clades of fungi are fewer in number. Thus, the generic boundaries and higher ranks in the basal clades of fungi are poorly known. Recent DNA based taxonomic studies have provided reliable and accurate information. It is therefore necessary to compile all available information since basal clades genera lack updated checklists or outlines. Recently, Tedersoo et al. (MycoKeys 13:1--20, 2016) accepted Aphelidiomycota and Rozellomycota in Fungal clade. Thus, we regard both these phyla as members in Kingdom Fungi. We accept 16 phyla in basal clades viz. Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota. Thus, 611 genera in 153 families, 43 orders and 18 classes are provided with details of classification, synonyms, life modes, distribution, recent literature and genomic data. Moreover, Catenariaceae Couch is proposed to be conserved, Cladochytriales Mozl.-Standr. is emended and the family Nephridiophagaceae is introduced

-374 T/A RAGE Polymorphism Is Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Subjects Affected by Nephrocardiovascular Disease

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients present elevated advanced glycation end products (AGEs) blood levels. AGEs promote inflammation through binding to their receptor (RAGE), located on the membrane of mesangial cells, endothelial cells and macrophages. Several genetic polymorphisms influence RAGE transcription, expression and activity, including the substitution of a thymine with an adenine (T/A) in the position -374 of the gene promoter of RAGE. Our study investigates the role of -374 T/A RAGE polymorphism in CKD progression in subjects affected by nephrocardiovascular disease. Methods: 174 patients (119 males (68.4%) mean age 67.2±0.88 years; 55 females (31.6%): mean age 65.4±1.50 years) affected by mild to moderate nephrocardiovascular CKD were studied. Each subject was prospectively followed for 84 months, every 6-9 months. The primary endpoint of the study was a rise of serum creatinine concentrations above 50% of basal values or end stage renal disease. Results: Carriers of the A/A and T/A genotype presented higher plasma levels of interleukin 6 (A/A 29.5±15.83; T/A 30.0±7.89, vs T/T 12.3±5.04 p = 0.01 for both) and Macrophages chemoattractant protein 1 (A/A 347.1±39.87; T/A 411.8±48.41, vs T/T 293.5±36.20, p = 0.04 for both) than T/T subjects. Carriers of the A allele presented a faster CKD progression than wild type patients (Log-Rank test: Chi square = 6.84, p = 0,03) Cox regression showed that -374 T/A RAGE polymorphism (p = 0.037), albuminuria (p = 0.01) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.038) were directly associated with CKD progression. HDL cholesterol (p = 0.022) and BMI (p = 0.04) were inversely related to it. No relationship was found between circulating RAGE and renal function decline. Conclusions: -374 T/A RAGE polymorphism could be associated with CKD progression and inflammation. Further studies should confirm this finding and address whether inhibiting RAGE downstream signalling would be beneficial for CKD progression. © 2013 Baragetti et al

Oxidative Stability of Edible Plant Oils

Edible plant oils play a vital role in daily diets of people worldwide. Stability against oxidation is the major factor limiting the application of most edible plant oils for cooking and processing. Most native plant oils vary greatly in their stability to oxidation depending on their composition. Oxidative stability of edible plant oils has been extensively studied to find out the ways of improving their stability against oxidation to widen their application. Synthetic antioxidants are effective to improve the oxidative stability of these oils, however, recently, following the evidences on possible toxicities of synthetic antioxidants, the use of natural plant sources as antioxidant is gaining interest. In addition, modification of composition of the oils through genetic modification is another successful means to improve the oxidative stability of these oils. This chapter focuses on the mechanism and factors of oxidation and ways of improving oxidative stability of oils.</p