INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Largo E. Fermi 5, 50125 Florence, Italy. Electronic address:
Published: May 2024
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
The cortical anthraquinone yellow-orange pigment parietin is a secondary lichen substance providing UV-shielding properties that is produced by several lichen species. In our work, the secondary metabolite has been extracted from air-dried thalli of Xanthoria parietina. The aims of this study were to characterize parietin absorbance through UV-VIS spectrophotometry and with IR spectroscopy and to evaluate its photodegradability under UV radiation through in situ reflectance IR spectroscopy to understand to what extent the substance may have a photoprotective role. This allows us to relate parietin photo-degradability to the lichen UV tolerance in its natural terrestrial habitat and in extreme environments relevant for astrobiology such as Mars. Extracted crystals were UV irradiated for 5.59 h under N flux. After the UV irradiation, we assessed relevant degradations in the 1614, 1227, 1202, 1160 and 755 cm bands. However, in light of Xanthoria parietina survivability in extreme conditions such as space- and Mars-simulated ones, we highlight parietin UV photo-resistance and its relevance for astrobiology as photo-protective substance and possible bio-hint.
Lichen-associated endophytic Actinobacteria, particularly Streptomyces species, are recognized for their production of bioactive secondary metabolites with significant pharmaceutical potential. With the escalating prevalence of diseases, Streptomyces species are being investigated for its natural source of antimicrobial compounds for new antibiotics. This study focuses on the bioactive properties of secondary metabolites from lichen-associated endophytic Actinobacteria, focusing on Streptomyces glaucescens NTSB-37 isolated form lichen, Parmotrema perlatum (Huds.
The Himalayan valleys serve as key pathways for transporting atmospheric pollutants, including mercury (Hg), from South Asia to the Tibetan Plateau.
This study uses biomonitors like tree foliage, bark, mosses, and lichens to analyze the sources and buildup of mercury in these regions.
Findings indicate variations in mercury concentrations and isotopic compositions among the biomonitors, with most Hg stemming from atmospheric sources linked to human activities in South Asia.
Background: Male genital lichen sclerosus (MGLSc) is a chronic and acquired inflammatory dermatosis associated with substantial sexual dysfunction and urological morbidity and mortality. The age incidence of MGLSc is held to be biphasic, with a peak in infancy and another in adulthood. A recent review has implied two peaks in adulthood (making it triphasic overall); this triphasicity has been our emergent clinical impression from a voluminous practice.
University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Study in Animal Science (CECA), ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
* The paper reviews the nutritional benefits of lichen, yeast, and mushrooms, promoting their use in functional foods and myco-nutraceuticals while highlighting eco-friendly extraction methods and analysis techniques.
* It discusses how mushroom and yeast extracts can improve meal nutrition without losing dietary quality, along with their health benefits, future trends for myconutrients in diets, and challenges in their effective use.
