Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jasmin Almer, Philipp Resl, Hordur Gudmundsson, Denis Warshan, Olafur S. Andresson, Silke Werth
Summary: Photosymbiodemes are a unique form of lichen symbiosis involving a lichenized fungus, a cyanobacterium, and a green alga. This study examined the gene expression of different sectors of the lichen Peltigera britannica, comparing those with only cyanobacterial photobionts to those with both green algal and cyanobacterial photobionts. The results showed that specific symbiosis partners significantly influenced fungal gene expression, and the symbionts exhibited different responses to temperature increases.
Article
Plant Sciences
Asma Ashraf, Kamran Habib, Abdul Nasir Khalid
Summary: A new species, Lobothallia densipruinosa, from Margalla Hills, Pakistan, is described and illustrated in this article. The species is characterized by densely pruinose dark olive apothecia, conidia ranging from 6-10 μm in length, and large areoles and lobes. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS-nrDNA sequencing revealed its relationship to L. pruinosa. Descriptions and images of the new species are provided, along with a key for identifying the 21 known species of Lobothallia.
ACTA BOTANICA BRASILICA
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tara Greaver, Stephen McDow, Jennifer Phelan, S. Douglas Kaylor, Jeffrey D. Herrick, Sarah Jovan
Summary: The dominant form of nitrogen pollution in the atmosphere in the U.S. is shifting from oxidized nitrogen to reduced nitrogen. Lichens are sensitive to nitrogen pollution and exposure to nitrogen compounds can alter lichen community composition and diversity. Current monitoring methods may not accurately reflect nitrogen exposure in rural areas, particularly spikes in ammonia concentrations related to intensive agriculture.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gintaras Kantvilas
Summary: This study presents six species of the lichen genus Lecanactis found in Tasmania, with one new species described as an endemic to Tasmania. Short descriptions and discussions are provided for all species. A key for all 11 Australian species of the genus is included in the study, along with first time records of certain species in Australia and New South Wales.
Article
Plant Sciences
James C. Lendemer, R. Troy MeMullin
Summary: Alectoria fallacina, a threatened lichen species, is found in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. However, the type collection of A. fallacina is a mixture of two taxa and the holotype is actually A. sarmentosa. Detailed analysis suggests that the holotype lichen was mistakenly placed in the type collection, while the actual holotype may be retained in the collector's personal herbarium. This unusual scenario is supported by similar cases from literature. Accordingly, the holotype of A. fallacina is considered lost, and a new lectotype is designated to represent the species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aino Hamalainen, Lenore Fahrig, Joachim Strengbom, Thomas Ranius
Summary: Habitat loss is a major threat to biodiversity, but the effects of habitat amount on species richness are not well understood. This study examined the effects of local and landscape-scale habitat amount on lichen species density in Swedish boreal forests. The amount of old forests within 5 km of the stands was found to be a better predictor of species density than other proxies of landscape habitat amount.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carlos Cerrejon, Osvaldo Valeria, Nicole J. Fenton
Summary: Understanding and modeling biodiversity patterns of inconspicuous species, such as lichens, is crucial for effective conservation planning. Remote sensing, combined with modeling techniques, provides a powerful tool to assess and better understand biodiversity patterns. This study uses high resolution remote sensing variables to model lichen alpha-diversity and beta-diversity in a subarctic region, contributing to the knowledge and use of remote sensing in understanding biodiversity patterns.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Silvia Ongaro, Guglielmo Lione, Deborah Isocrono
Summary: This study analyzed the epiphytic lichen communities on ash trees in the Aosta Valley and found variations in their occurrence and frequencies at different sampling sites. Environmental variables such as elevation, solar radiation, and source vicinity significantly influenced the composition of lichen communities. The presence of ash trees is important for the conservation of rare lichen species in the Italian Alps.
Article
Plant Sciences
Gintaras Kantvilas
Summary: The paper describes five new species of the genus Arthothelium A. Massal. in Tasmania, as well as the first records of three species for Tasmania. It also corrects some synonyms and misidentifications within the genus.
Article
Mycology
Juri Nascimbene, Gabriele Gheza, Josef Hafellner, Helmut Mayrhofer, Lucia Muggia, Walter Obermayer, Goran Thor, Pier Luigi Nimis
Summary: This paper presents an annotated list of new taxa in the lichen biota of Italy, with some species being newly discovered in Italy. Some species are rare in Italy, either due to the rarity of their habitats or being on the margins of their bioclimatic distribution. Further analysis, exploration efforts, and taxonomic revisions are needed for more complete distributional data and biodiversity conservation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Piret Lohmus, Polina Degtjarenko, Silvia Lotman, Ovidiu Copot, Raul Rosenvald, Asko Lohmus
Summary: This study conducted a citizen science campaign in Estonia to collect data on lichen distributions in forests and cut-over sites. The results showed that citizen science can provide significant data for monitoring trends in common forest lichens, but its contributions are limited regarding rare and sparsely distributed species.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gintaras Kantvilas
Summary: Five species of Schaereria Korb. are documented in Australia, including a newly described species S. australis Kantvilas. The article also discusses other species and provides an identification key.
Article
Forestry
Lisa Petersson, Staffan Nilsson, Emma Holmstrom, Matts Lindbladh, Adam Felton
Summary: This study compared the species richness, cover, and community composition of bryophytes and lichens in Scots pine and Norway spruce dominated forests. The results showed higher cover and species richness of lichens in Scots pine stands, while bryophyte species richness was higher in Norway spruce stands. Canopy cover and light transmission to the forest floor were identified as important drivers for the differences in forest floor communities between the two tree species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rakesh Adhikari, Sanjeeva Nayaka, Roshinikumar Ngangom
Summary: In this study, six new species belonging to the genus Lecanora and having multispored asci were described. These species include L. flavothallina, L. himachalensis, L. jatoliensis, L. pruinomarginata, L. shimlaensis, and L. uttarkashiensis. Each species is characterized by specific features such as yellow pigments, unique types of epihymenium, and different acid compositions. These species were found in the Himalayan regions at elevations ranging from 2000 to 3800 m. Additionally, an updated world key for identifying multispored species of Lecanora was provided.
Article
Microbiology
Ulla Kaasalainen, Paul M. Kirika, Neduvoto P. Mollel, Andreas Hemp, Jouko Rikkinen
Summary: A study was conducted on the Sticta species in East Africa using genetic barcoding marker nuITS and morphological characters. 14 Sticta species were confirmed, including 5 new species. The study highlights the need for further taxonomic studies of lichenized fungi in the region.
Article
Plant Sciences
Bugrahan Emsen, Gokhan Sadi, Aykut Bostanci, Ali Aslan
Summary: The present study evaluated the cytotoxic, antioxidant, prooxidant, genotoxic, and apoptosis-related effects of physodic acid (PA) isolated from Pseudevernia furfuracea on cancerous and healthy human liver cells. The results showed higher cytotoxicity of PA on HepG2 cells compared to THLE2 cells, with apoptotic effects observed through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in HepG2 cells. PA also increased the antioxidant capacity of THLE2 cells while causing genetic damages on HepG2 cells at high concentrations. Overall, P. furfuracea lichen and its metabolite PA may serve as a promising alternative for complementary treatments against liver cancer.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Murat Topal, E. Isil Arslan Topal, Erdal Obek, Ali Aslan
Summary: The study revealed potential health risks associated with the consumption of Pseudevernia furfuracea, particularly for children and women, due to toxic elements such as chromium and manganese. The exposure to these elements may pose a carcinogenic risk for women and children.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bruno Henrique dos Santos Ferreira, Angelica Guerra, Maxwell da Rosa Oliveira, Leticia Koutchin Reis, Andre Aptroot, Danilo Bandini Ribeiro, Leticia Couto Garcia
Summary: The research focused on the impact of fire on the fruiting period of Calliandra parviflora, finding that burnt fruits had greater mass but lower seed germination rates compared to unburnt fruits. However, the fire did not affect the vegetative regeneration ability of the species.
PLANT SPECIES BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Mycology
Andre Aptroot, Maria Fernanda Souza, Adriano Afonso Spielmann
Summary: Five new species of lichens from the Serra de Maracaju in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, were described in this study, with a further 123 species reported as new to the area, including ten first records for Brazil and 41 first records for the state.
CRYPTOGAMIE MYCOLOGIE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Fernanda de Souza, Andre Aptroot, Adriano Afonso Spielmann
Summary: The species of Heterodermia in Brazil have been revised, reporting additional species and new species. A key to all accepted species is provided. The split genera proposed recently are not accepted and an additional group is informally recognized.
Review
Mycology
Nalin N. Wijayawardene, Alan J. L. Phillips, Diana Santos Pereira, Dong-Qin Dai, Andre Aptroot, Josiane S. Monteiro, Irina S. Druzhinina, Feng Cai, Xinlei Fan, Laura Selbmann, Claudia Coleine, Rafael F. Castaneda-Ruiz, Martin Kukwa, Adam Flakus, Patricia Oliveira Fiuza, Paul M. Kirk, Kunhiraman C. Rajesh Kumar, Ilesha S. Ieperuma Arachchi, Nakarin Suwannarach, Li-Zhou Tang, Teun Boekhout, Chen Shuhui Tan, R. P. Prabath K. Jayasinghe, Marco Thines
Summary: Asexually reproducing fungi play significant roles in ecosystems and have implications for plant and animal health, food production, biotechnology, and medicine. However, the diversity and extent of asexually reproducing taxa are not well-known. Recent reports suggest that there may be more asexual fungi than sexually-reproducing ones. Evaluating the diversity of different types of fungi, such as speciose and pleomorphic taxa, as well as those from less studied life modes and biodiversity-rich areas, is necessary to obtain more reliable estimates.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shirley Cunha Feuerstein, Andre Aptroot, Rosa Mara Borges da Silveira, Robert Luecking, Marcela Eugenia da Silva Caceres
Summary: This study revises the Acanthothecis genus in Brazil and provides an updated world key to the known species. Ten new species and three validated species are described, and a new combination species is proposed.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zacarias Lepista, Andre Aptroot
Summary: Five new species of Graphis genus have been reported in Europe, identified from the Mata Nacional do Bucaco in Portugal. This region is known for its rich and diverse distribution of graphidoid Graphidaceae. The identified species include Graphis dendrogramma, G. duplicata, G. gonimica, G. librata, and G. pyrrhocheiloides. An updated key of Graphis species in Europe is also provided, and all newly reported species are named after tropical species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda Barreto Xavier-Leite, Marcela Eugenia da Silva Caceres, Andre Aptroot, Bibiana Moncada, Robert Lucking, Bruno Tomio Goto
Summary: This study presents a broad molecular-phylogenetic revision of the lichenized family Gomphillaceae, based on newly generated sequences. The study identified new genus-level clades and found that the characteristic asexual anamorph called hypho-phores is diagnostic for many of the recognized clades.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdulhamit Battal, Abdulahad Dogan, Ahmet Uyar, Abdulbaki Demir, oemer Faruk Keles, Ismail Celik, Mehmet Cengiz Baloglu, Ali Aslan
Summary: This study investigated the ameliorative effects of ethanolic Nerium flower extract (NFE) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The results showed that NFE could decrease blood glucose and HbA1c levels, increase insulin and C-peptide levels. Additionally, NFE improved liver damage biomarkers and lipid profile parameters in the serum. Furthermore, NFE exhibited anti-immunotoxic and anti-neurotoxic effects in the liver tissue of diabetic rats. In conclusion, the flower extract of Nerium plant may have potential as an antidiabetic agent.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andre Aptroot
Summary: Lichens were studied in a small area along the Roosevelt River in Amazonas, Brazil. This study identified 25 species that were previously unreported in Brazil, and an additional 190 species that were previously unknown in the Amazonas state. The study also described 24 new species, including Allographa lineatipruinosa, Allographa variopruinata, Arthonia xanthopycnidiata, and others.
MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Mycology
N. N. Wijayawardene, K. D. Hyde, D. Q. Dai, M. Sanchez-Garcia, B. T. Goto, R. K. Saxena, M. Erdogdu, F. Selcuk, K. C. Rajeshkumar, A. Aptroot, J. Blaszkowski, N. Boonyuen, G. A. da Silva, F. A. de Souza, W. Dong, D. Ertz, D. Haelewaters, E. B. G. Jones, S. C. Karunarathna, P. M. Kirk, M. Kukwa, J. Kumla, D. Leontyev, H. T. Lumbsch, S. S. N. Maharachchikumbura, F. Marguno, P. Martinez-Rodriguez, A. Mesic, J. S. Monteiro, F. Oehl, J. Pawlowska, D. Pem, W. P. Pfliegler, A. J. L. Phillips, A. Posta, M. Q. He, J. X. Li, M. Raza, O. P. Sruthi, S. Suetrong, N. Suwannarach, L. Tedersoo, V Thiyagaraja, S. Tibpromma, Z. Tkalcec, Y. S. Tokarev, D. N. Wanasinghe, D. S. A. Wijesundara, S. D. M. K. Wimalaseana, H. Madrid, G. Q. Zhang, Y. Gao, I Sanchez-Castro, L. Z. Tang, M. Stadler, A. Yurkov, M. Thines
Summary: This paper presents an updated classification of the Kingdom Fungi, including fungus-like taxa and fossil fungi. It provides detailed notes for newly introduced taxa and changes made since the previous outline. The paper discusses the latest taxonomic changes in Basidiomycota and broadly explores the classification of Mycosphaerellales. It also discusses problematic genera in Glomeromycota based on phylogenetic analysis.
Article
Mycology
N. N. Wijayawardene, A. J. L. Phillips, S. Tibpromma, D. Q. Dai, L. Selbmann, J. S. Monteiro, A. Aptroot, A. Flakus, K. C. Rajeshkumar, C. Coleine, D. C. Pereira, X. Fan, L. Zhang, S. S. N. Maharachchikumbura, M. F. Souza, M. Kukwa, N. Suwannarach, P. Rodriguez-Flakus, N. Ashtekar, L. Dauner, L. Z. Tang, X. C. Jin, S. C. Karunarathna
Summary: Fungi are essential members of the biosphere, crucial for sustaining ecosystems by maintaining nutrient balance. Despite their abundance in various habitats, many areas remain understudied, highlighting the need for more research to uncover the extent of fungal diversity in these overlooked habitats and biodiversity hotspots.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Achim Edtbauer, Eva Y. Pfannerstill, Ana Paula Pires Florentino, Cybelli G. G. Barbosa, Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero, Nora Zannoni, Rodrigo P. Alves, Stefan Wolff, Anywhere Tsokankunku, Andre Aptroot, Marta de Oliveira Sa, Alessandro C. de Araujo, Matthias Sorgel, Sylvia Mota de Oliveira, Bettina Weber, Jonathan Williams
Summary: The study suggests that cryptogamic organisms such as bryophytes and lichens in tropical forests emit large quantities of sesquiterpenoids and uptake atmospheric oxidation products, playing a significant role in atmospheric chemistry in tropical rainforests.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bugrahan Emsen, Gokhan Sadi, Aykut Bostanci, Nuray Gursoy, Ayca Emsen, Ali Aslan
Summary: The study tested the anticancer activity and side effects level of olivetoric acid (OA) from Pseudevernia furfuracea in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and non-tumoral liver cells. Results showed that OA had a higher rate of apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells, induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, while significantly increased total antioxidant capacity on THLE2 cells.
RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI
(2021)
