- Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
Andrea C. Rinaldi
University of Cagliari, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty Member
Thousands of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal species exist, but estimates of global species richness of ECM fungi differ widely. Many genera have been proposed as being ECM, but in a number of studies evidence for the hypothesized ECM habit... more
Thousands of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal species exist, but estimates of global species richness of ECM fungi differ widely. Many genera have been proposed as being ECM, but in a number of studies evidence for the hypothesized ECM habit is lacking. Progress in estimating ECM species richness is therefore slow. In this paper we have retrieved studies providing evidence for the ECM habit of fungal species and for the identification of the mycobiont(s) in specific ECM associations, using published and web-based mycorrhiza literature. The identification methods considered are morphoanatomical characterization of naturally occurring ECMs, pure culture synthesis, molecular identification, and isotopic evidence. In addition, phylogenetic information is also considered as a relevant criterion to assess ECM habit. Of 343 fungal genera for which an ECM status has been alleged, about two thirds have supportive published evidence or ECM status can be at least hypothesized. For the remaining ta...
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Well over 1% of all flowering plants are parasites, obtaining all or part of the nutrients they need from other plants. Among this extremely heterogeneous assemblage, the Cytinaceae form a small group of holoparasites, with Cytinus as the... more
Well over 1% of all flowering plants are parasites, obtaining all or part of the nutrients they need from other plants. Among this extremely heterogeneous assemblage, the Cytinaceae form a small group of holoparasites, with Cytinus as the main representative genus. Despite the small number of known species and the fact that it doesn’t attack crops or plants of economic importance, Cytinus is paradigmatic among parasitic plants. Recent research has indeed disclosed many aspects of host–parasite interactions and reproductive biology, the latter displaying a vast array of adaptive traits to lure a range of animal pollinators. Furthermore, analysis of biological activities of extracts of the most common species of Cytinus has provided evidence that this plant could be a valuable source of compounds with high potential in key applicative areas, namely food production (nutraceuticals) and the development of antimicrobial therapeutics. This article offers a complete overview of our current...
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The ability of many anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) to modulate the host immune response has highlighted their possible therapeutic use to reduce uncontrolled inflammation during chronic infections. In the present study, we examined the... more
The ability of many anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) to modulate the host immune response has highlighted their possible therapeutic use to reduce uncontrolled inflammation during chronic infections. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory potential of the semi-synthetic peptide lin-SB056-1 and its dendrimeric derivative (lin-SB056-1)2-K, which were previously found to have anti-microbial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in in vivo-like models mimicking the challenging environment of chronically infected lungs (i.e., artificial sputum medium and 3-D lung mucosa model). The dendrimeric derivative exerted a stronger anti-inflammatory activity than its monomeric counterpart towards lung epithelial- and macrophage-cell lines stimulated with P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS), based on a marked decrease (up to 80%) in the LPS-induced production of different pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8). Accordingly, (lin-SB056-1)2-K exhibited a stronger...
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Caves are an extreme environment for humans because of the high humidity, mud, darkness, and slippery conditions. Explorations can last many hours or even days, and require extensive climbing and ropework. Very little is known about the... more
Caves are an extreme environment for humans because of the high humidity, mud, darkness, and slippery conditions. Explorations can last many hours or even days, and require extensive climbing and ropework. Very little is known about the physical capacity of cavers and their energy expenditure (EE) during caving. The physical capacity of 17 (7 females) expert cavers (age 43.9 ± 7.3 years) was assessed during an incremental cycle-ergometer test (IET) with gas exchange analysis. Moreover, a wearable metabolic band (Armband Fit Core) was used to estimate their EE during caving. In terms of physical capacity, the IET showed that cavers had a maximum oxygen uptake (VO) of 2,248.7 ± 657.8 ml·min(i.e., 32.4 ± 6.4 ml·kg·min), while anaerobic threshold (AT) occurred on average at 74.5% of VO. Results from caving sessions provided an average time spent in cave of 9.4 ± 1.2 h while the average EE was 268.8 ± 54.8 kcal·h, which corresponded to about 40% of VOmeasured during IET. A mean distance ...
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Persister cells (PCs) are a subset of dormant, phenotypic variants of regular bacteria, highly tolerant to antibiotics. Generation of PCs in vivo may account for the recalcitrance of most chronic infections to antimicrobial treatment and... more
Persister cells (PCs) are a subset of dormant, phenotypic variants of regular bacteria, highly tolerant to antibiotics. Generation of PCs in vivo may account for the recalcitrance of most chronic infections to antimicrobial treatment and demands for the identification of new antimicrobial agents able to target such cells. The present study explored the possibility to obtain in vitro PCs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at high efficiency through chemical treatment, and to test their susceptibility to structurally different antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and two clinically used peptide-based antibiotics, colistin and daptomycin. The main mechanism of action of these molecules (i.e., membrane-perturbing activity) renders them potential candidates to act against dormant cells. Exposure of stationary-phase cultures to optimized concentrations of the uncoupling agent cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was able to generate at high efficiency PCs exhibiting an antibio...
Research Interests: Microbiology, Physiology, Chemistry, Biofilms, Biology, and 15 moreAntimicrobial Peptides, Medicine, Induction, Resistance, Pseudomonas, Bacteria, Microbial biofilms, Antimicrobial, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Antibiotics, Infections, Bacterial Biofilms, Disruption, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, and Multidrug tolerance
Research Interests: Genetics, Chemistry, Biofilms, Clinical Trials, Cystic Fibrosis, and 15 moreBiology, Antimicrobial Peptides, Dendrimers, Biofilm, Infrared spectroscopy, EDTA Chelation, Antimicrobial, Antimicrobial Peptide, Antibiotics, Infections, Bacterial Biofilms, Cells, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, IR Spectroscopy, and Edetic Acid
Research Interests: Genetics, Biology, Antimicrobial Peptides, Fungi, Innate immunity, and 15 moreAntimicrobials, Medicine, Dendrimers, Humans, Animals, Bacteria, Drug Design, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antibiotics, Molecular sciences, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Antifungal Agents, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, and Antitumor Activity
We describe the morpho-anatomical features of the ectomycorrhizas (ECMs) formed by Lactifluus rugatus on Cistus, a genus of about 20 species of woody shrubs typical of the Mediterranean maquis. The description of L. rugatus mycorrhizas on... more
We describe the morpho-anatomical features of the ectomycorrhizas (ECMs) formed by Lactifluus rugatus on Cistus, a genus of about 20 species of woody shrubs typical of the Mediterranean maquis. The description of L. rugatus mycorrhizas on Cistus is the first ECM description of a species belonging to Lactifluus subgen. Pseudogymnocarpi. The ECM identity was verified through molecular tools. Anatomically, the characteristic of L. rugatus mycorrhiza is the presence of abundant, long "bottle-shaped" cystidia on mantle surface. Indeed, the overwhelming majority of milkcap mycorrhizas are acystidiate. This is the third Lactarius/Lactifluus mycorrhiza to have been described associated with Cistus, the others being Lactarius cistophilus and L. tesquorum. The phylogenetic distance between all these taxa is reflected by the diversity of the principal features of their ECMs, which share host-depending ECM features known for Cistus, but are otherwise distinguishable on the host roots....
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Ectomycorrhizae small, measuring up to 1.7 mm in length, pale yellow, with a smooth surface; when injured, whÍtish latex may be exuded. Emanating hyphae and rhizomorphs were not observed. The outer mantle is pseudoparenchymatous and... more
Ectomycorrhizae small, measuring up to 1.7 mm in length, pale yellow, with a smooth surface; when injured, whÍtish latex may be exuded. Emanating hyphae and rhizomorphs were not observed. The outer mantle is pseudoparenchymatous and formed by epidermoid hyphal cells. The middle mantle is densely plectenchymatous and mainly formed by a coarse net of worm-like and frequently ramified laticifers with granular contents. The inner mantle is densely plectenchymatous and heterogeneous in structure.
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Peptide-based antibiotics might help containing the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance. We developed SB056, a semi-synthetic peptide with a dimeric dendrimer scaffold, active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.... more
Peptide-based antibiotics might help containing the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance. We developed SB056, a semi-synthetic peptide with a dimeric dendrimer scaffold, active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Being the mechanism of SB056 attributed to disruption of bacterial membranes, we enhanced the amphiphilic profile of the original, empirically derived sequence [WKKIRVRLSA-NH2] by interchanging the first two residues [KWKIRVRLSA-NH2], and explored the effects of this modification on the interaction of peptide, both in linear and dimeric forms, with model membranes and on antimicrobial activity. Results obtained against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus planktonic strains, with or without salts at physiological concentrations, confirmed the added value of dendrimeric structure over the linear one, especially at physiological ionic strength, and the impact of the higher amphipathicity obtained through sequence modification on enhancing peptide performances. SB056 peptides also displayed intriguing antibiofilm properties. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most susceptible strain in sessile form, notably to optimized linear analog lin-SB056-1 and the wild-type dendrimer den-SB056. Membrane affinity of all peptides increased with the percentage of negatively charged lipids and was less influenced by the presence of salt in the case of dendrimeric peptides. The analog lin-SB056-1 displayed the highest overall affinity, even for zwitterionic PC bilayers. Thus, in addition to electrostatics, distribution of charged/polar and hydrophobic residues along the sequence might have a significant role in driving peptide-lipid interaction. Supporting this view, dendrimeric analog den-SB056-1 retained greater membrane affinity in the presence of salt than den-SB056, despite the fact that they bear exactly the same net positive charge.
Research Interests: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biofilms, Antimicrobial Peptides, and 15 moreClinical Biochemistry, Medicine, Dendrimers, Humans, Gram Positive, Bacteria, Peptide, Membrane, Amino Acids, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Dendrimer, Rational Design, Cell Membrane, and Medical biochemistry and metabolomics
ABSTRACT Some substituteda anthraquinones and anthrones were tested as regards their action on laccase excretion by Pleurotus sajor caju. Electrophoretic anaìysis showed that different isozymes were produced by the fungus in the presence... more
ABSTRACT Some substituteda anthraquinones and anthrones were tested as regards their action on laccase excretion by Pleurotus sajor caju. Electrophoretic anaìysis showed that different isozymes were produced by the fungus in the presence of different compounds. Also other modifications into the culture media were studied, such as tlte degradation of anthraquinones and anthrones as a function of the time.
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Research Interests: Biology, Antimicrobial Peptides, NMR Spectroscopy, Medicine, Humans, and 15 moreAnimals, Nmr, Peptides, Anticancer Drugs, Peptide, Antimicrobial, Gram Positive Bacteria, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Erythrocytes, Frog Skin, Cytotoxins, Amphibian Proteins, Hemolysis, Multiple Drug Resistance, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
Research Interests: Biophysics, Chemistry, Biology, Peptide Synthesis, Antimicrobial Peptides, and 15 moreNMR Spectroscopy, Medicine, Dendrimers, Multidisciplinary, New Antibiotics Discovery, Humans, Circular Dichroism, Escherichia coli, Peptides, Peptide, Membrane, Antibiotics, DDC, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, and Erythrocytes
Research Interests: Biology, Mass extinctions, Megafauna, Sporormiella, Fungal Spores, and 3 moreTracing, Spore, and Dung Fungi
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effectors of the innate immunity of most organisms. Their role in the defense against pathogen attack and their high selectivity for bacterial cells make them attractive for the development of a new class... more
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effectors of the innate immunity of most organisms. Their role in the defense against pathogen attack and their high selectivity for bacterial cells make them attractive for the development of a new class of antimicrobial drugs. The N-terminal fragment of the frog-skin peptide esculentin-1b (Esc(1-18)) has shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Similarly to most cationic AMPs, it is supposed to act by binding to and damaging the negatively charged plasma membrane of bacteria. Differently from many other AMPs, Esc(1-18) activity is preserved in biological fluids such as serum. In this work, a structural investigation was performed through NMR spectroscopy. The 3D structure was obtained in the presence of either zwitterionic or negatively charged micelles as membrane models for eukaryotic and prokaryotic membranes, respectively. Esc(1-18) showed a higher affinity for and deeper insertion into the latter and adopted an amphipathic helical structu...
Research Interests: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Immunology, Biology, and 15 moreAntimicrobial Peptides, Cell Biology, Infectious Diseases, Biological Sciences, Cathelicidin, Animals, Antimicrobial, CHEMICAL SCIENCES, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Antimicrobial drugs, D structure, Lipid Bilayer, Esculentin, Frog Skin, and Amphibian Proteins
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ABSTRACT A new dyed substrate was prepared fot the rapid determination of endo-1,4-β-glucanases. Carboxymethylcellulose was coupled with Ruthenium red to obtain a violet powder, which was stable enough to allow for reproducible assays.... more
ABSTRACT A new dyed substrate was prepared fot the rapid determination of endo-1,4-β-glucanases. Carboxymethylcellulose was coupled with Ruthenium red to obtain a violet powder, which was stable enough to allow for reproducible assays. The spontaneous reaction is based on ionic interactions between the negatively charged carboxymethylcellulose and the complex cation of the dye. The enzymic assay is based on spectrophotometric measurement at 535 nm of the enzyme-released dyed fragments with low-molecular-weight filterable through a 0.22 μm filter. The release of coloured fragments from this dyed substrate was proportional to its solubilization. The absorbance was directly proportional to the enzyme amount in the range 0.5–5.5 (A535=0.1−0.95). This enzymic assay is advantegeous for both rapid time of analysis and sensitivity.
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Research Interests: Microbiology, Plant Biology, Biology, Medicine, Phylogeny, and 15 morePlant diseases, Sequence alignment, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Ectomycorrhizal fungi, Molecular systematics and plant taxonomy, Soil Quality, Ectomycorrhizae, Mycorrhizae, Base Sequence, Ectomycorrhiza, Abies, Tricholoma matsutake, BASIDIOMYCOTA, Molecular Sequence Data, and Taxon
A hydrophilic resin based on cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol and containing appropriate aromatic moieties, suitable for mercuration, was prepared. Such supports were then treated with mercuric salts to obtain hydrophilic materials which... more
A hydrophilic resin based on cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol and containing appropriate aromatic moieties, suitable for mercuration, was prepared. Such supports were then treated with mercuric salts to obtain hydrophilic materials which showed a high affinity towards thiols and thiol-containing proteins like bovine serum albumin and bovine liver catalase. Some properties of both the mercurated resin and an immobilised catalase preparation were studied.
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Research Interests: Pharmacology, Chemistry, Medicine, Drug, In Vitro, and 15 moreHumans, Transferrin, Anemia, Animal Model, Iron, Hiv Infection, Transferrin Receptor, Iron Overload, Clinical Sciences, Combination drug therapy, Thymidine Kinase, In Vitro Studies, Combination Therapy, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and In Vitro Techniques
The innate immunity of multicellular organisms relies in large part on the action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to resist microbial invasion. Crafted by evolution into an extremely diversified array of sequences and folds, AMPs do... more
The innate immunity of multicellular organisms relies in large part on the action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to resist microbial invasion. Crafted by evolution into an extremely diversified array of sequences and folds, AMPs do share a common amphiphilic 3-D arrangement. This feature is directly linked with a common mechanism of action that predominantly (although not exclusively) develops upon interaction of peptides with cell membranes of target cells. This minireview reports on current understanding of the modes of interaction of AMPs with biological and model membranes, especially focusing on recent insights into the folding and oligomerization requirements of peptides to bind and insert into lipid membranes and exert their antibiotic effects. Given the potential of AMPs to be developed into a new class of anti-infective agents, emphasis is placed on how the information on peptide-membrane interactions could direct the design and selection of improved biomimetic synthetic peptides with antibiotic properties.
Research Interests: Biology, Antimicrobial Peptides, Innate immunity, Medicine, Molecular and cellular biology, and 15 moreHumans, Lipid Membranes, Animals, Peptide, Antimicrobial, Antimicrobial Peptide, Membrane, Clinical Sciences, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Biomimetic materials, Folding, Mechanism of action, Peptide and Peptidomimetic Chemistry, Biochemistry and cell biology, and Cell Membrane
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Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, despite intense efforts to improve survival. The primary lead for septic shock results from activation of host effector cells by endotoxin, the... more
Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, despite intense efforts to improve survival. The primary lead for septic shock results from activation of host effector cells by endotoxin, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) associated with cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria. For these reasons, the quest for compounds with antiendotoxin properties is actively pursued. We investigated the efficacy of the amphibian skin antimicrobial peptide temporin L in binding Escherichia coli LPS in vitro and counteracting its effects in vivo. Temporin L strongly bound to purified E. coli LPS and lipid A in vitro, as proven by fluorescent displacement assay, and readily penetrated into E. coli LPS monolayers. Furthermore, the killing activity of temporin L against E. coli was progressively inhibited by increasing concentrations of LPS added to the medium, further confirming the peptide's affinity for endotoxin. Antimicrobial assays showed that temporin L interac...
Research Interests: Medical Microbiology, Biology, Antimicrobial Peptides, Lipopolysaccharide, LPS, and 15 moreHumans, Escherichia coli, Animals, Antimicrobial activity, Male, Antimicrobial, Antimicrobial Peptide, In Vivo, Lipopolysaccharides, Bacterial growth, Antimicrobial agents, Beta Lactams, Imipenem, Drug treatment, and Cell Membrane
Mycological conservation has finally come of age. The increasingly recognized crucial role played by fungi in ecosystem functioning has spurred a wave of attention toward the status of fungal populations across the world. Milkcaps... more
Mycological conservation has finally come of age. The increasingly recognized crucial role played by fungi in ecosystem functioning has spurred a wave of attention toward the status of fungal populations across the world. Milkcaps (Lactarius and Lactifluus) are a large and widespread group of ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes; besides their ecological relevance, many species of milkcaps are of socio-economic significance because of their edibility. We analysed the presence of milkcaps in fungal Red Lists worldwide, ending up with an impressive list of 265 species assessed in various threat categories. Lactarius species are disproportionally red-listed with respect to Lactifluus (241 versus 24 species). Two species of Lactarius (L. maruiaensis and L. ogasawarashimensis) are currently considered extinct, and four more are regionally extinct; furthermore, 37 species are critically endangered at least in part of their distribution range. Several problems with the red-listing of milkcaps ha...
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The genus Morchella has gone through turbulent taxonomic treatments. Although significant progress in Morchella systematics has been achieved in the past decade, several problems remain unresolved and taxonomy in the genus is still in... more
The genus Morchella has gone through turbulent taxonomic treatments. Although significant progress in Morchella systematics
has been achieved in the past decade, several problems remain unresolved and taxonomy in the genus is still in flux.
In late 2019, a paper published in the open-access journal Scientific Reports raised serious concerns about the taxonomic
stability of the genus, but also about the future of academic publishing. The paper, entitled “High diversity of Morchella and
a novel lineage of the esculenta clade from the north Qinling Mountains revealed by GCPSR-based study” by Phanpadith
and colleagues, suffered from gross methodological errors, included false results and artifactual phylogenies, had misapplied
citations throughout, and proposed a new species name invalidly. Although the paper was eventually retracted by Scientific
Reports in 2021, the fact that such an overtly flawed and scientifically unsound paper was published in a high-ranked Q1
journal raises alarming questions about quality controls and safekeeping procedures in scholarly publishing. Using this paper
as a case study, we provide a critical review on the pitfalls of Morchella systematics followed by a series of recommendations
for the delimitation of species, description of taxa, and ultimately for a sustainable taxonomy in Morchella. Problems and
loopholes in the academic publishing system are also identified and discussed, and additional quality controls in the pre- and
post-publication stages are proposed.
has been achieved in the past decade, several problems remain unresolved and taxonomy in the genus is still in flux.
In late 2019, a paper published in the open-access journal Scientific Reports raised serious concerns about the taxonomic
stability of the genus, but also about the future of academic publishing. The paper, entitled “High diversity of Morchella and
a novel lineage of the esculenta clade from the north Qinling Mountains revealed by GCPSR-based study” by Phanpadith
and colleagues, suffered from gross methodological errors, included false results and artifactual phylogenies, had misapplied
citations throughout, and proposed a new species name invalidly. Although the paper was eventually retracted by Scientific
Reports in 2021, the fact that such an overtly flawed and scientifically unsound paper was published in a high-ranked Q1
journal raises alarming questions about quality controls and safekeeping procedures in scholarly publishing. Using this paper
as a case study, we provide a critical review on the pitfalls of Morchella systematics followed by a series of recommendations
for the delimitation of species, description of taxa, and ultimately for a sustainable taxonomy in Morchella. Problems and
loopholes in the academic publishing system are also identified and discussed, and additional quality controls in the pre- and
post-publication stages are proposed.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Phospholipids, Antimicrobial Peptides, Permeability, Liposomes, The, and 13 moreProteins, Peptide, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Particle Size, Plasma membrane permeabilization, Lipid bilayers, Peptide Lipid Interactions, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, Temporins, Frog Skin, Biochemistry and cell biology, Amphibian skin, and Cell membrane permeability
Mycological conservation has finally come of age. The increasingly recognized crucial role played by fungi in ecosystem functioning has spurred a wave of attention toward the status of fungal populations across the world. Milkcaps... more
Mycological conservation has finally come of age. The increasingly recognized crucial role played by fungi in ecosystem functioning has spurred a wave of attention toward the status of fungal populations across the world. Milkcaps (Lactarius and Lactifluus) are a large and widespread group of ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes; besides their ecological relevance, many species of milkcaps are of socio-economic significance because of their edibility. We analysed the presence of milkcaps in fungal
Red Lists worldwide, ending up with an impressive list of 265 species assessed in various threat categories. Lactarius species are disproportionally red-listed with respect to Lactifluus (241 versus
24 species). Two species of Lactarius (L. maruiaensis and L. ogasawarashimensis) are currently considered extinct, and four more are regionally extinct; furthermore, 37 species are critically endangered at
least in part of their distribution range. Several problems with the red-listing of milkcaps have been identified in this study, which overall originate from a poor understanding of the assessed species. Wrong or outdated nomenclature has been applied in many instances, and European names
have been largely used to indicate taxa occurring in North America and Asia, sometimes without any supporting evidence. Moreover, several rarely recorded and poorly known species, for which virtually no data exist, have been included in Red Lists in some instances. We stress the importance
of a detailed study of the species of milkcaps earmarked for insertion in Red Lists, either at national or international level, in order to avoid diminishing the value of this important conservation tool.
Red Lists worldwide, ending up with an impressive list of 265 species assessed in various threat categories. Lactarius species are disproportionally red-listed with respect to Lactifluus (241 versus
24 species). Two species of Lactarius (L. maruiaensis and L. ogasawarashimensis) are currently considered extinct, and four more are regionally extinct; furthermore, 37 species are critically endangered at
least in part of their distribution range. Several problems with the red-listing of milkcaps have been identified in this study, which overall originate from a poor understanding of the assessed species. Wrong or outdated nomenclature has been applied in many instances, and European names
have been largely used to indicate taxa occurring in North America and Asia, sometimes without any supporting evidence. Moreover, several rarely recorded and poorly known species, for which virtually no data exist, have been included in Red Lists in some instances. We stress the importance
of a detailed study of the species of milkcaps earmarked for insertion in Red Lists, either at national or international level, in order to avoid diminishing the value of this important conservation tool.
Research Interests:
Societal Impact Statement Mycorrhizal associations are acknowledged as key components of global ecosystem functioning. This is especially relevant in the context of global change, since they contribute to the amelioration of adverse soil... more
Societal Impact Statement
Mycorrhizal associations are acknowledged as key components of global ecosystem functioning. This is especially relevant in the context of global change, since they contribute to the amelioration of adverse soil conditions and play crucial roles in agriculture. Generally speaking, the lay public is uninformed on the importance of mycorrhizal fungi and symbiosis to our planet. Therefore, mycorrhizal scientific outreach activities are of paramount importance in order to bridge the aforementioned gap.
We think that informing people about the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi and symbiosis in the face of global change, will raise general awareness of relevant research and aid conservation efforts.
Summary
Science outreach has become a particularly important duty in shortening the knowledge gap between scientists and the public, in order to strengthen societal decision-making power in the global change crisis. Mycorrhizal fungi and mycorrhizal symbioses are key components of terrestrial ecosystems that contribute significantly to endure and reduce certain negative global change effects. Their importance has been gaining recognition in academic circles, but not among the general public. The aim of this article is to encourage as many mycorrhizal fungi researchers around the world as possible to build, through science outreach, a bridge
between their scientific work and public interest. To this end, we conducted a review and discussed the relationship between global change and the mycorrhizal symbiosis. We highlight potential audiences, tools, resources, activities, outreach models, pros and cons, as well as the quantification potential for the outreach activities success. We extend an invitation to all mycorrhizologists around the world to contribute with mycorrhizal outreach material. Contributions will become available on the South American Mycorrhizal Research Network website for individuals or organizations interested in starting or innovating in mycorrhizal science outreach activities. Finally, the hashtag #mycorrhizalscienceoutreach is proposed to be used whenever a mycorrhizal fungi-related science outreach activity is shared in social media.
Mycorrhizal associations are acknowledged as key components of global ecosystem functioning. This is especially relevant in the context of global change, since they contribute to the amelioration of adverse soil conditions and play crucial roles in agriculture. Generally speaking, the lay public is uninformed on the importance of mycorrhizal fungi and symbiosis to our planet. Therefore, mycorrhizal scientific outreach activities are of paramount importance in order to bridge the aforementioned gap.
We think that informing people about the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi and symbiosis in the face of global change, will raise general awareness of relevant research and aid conservation efforts.
Summary
Science outreach has become a particularly important duty in shortening the knowledge gap between scientists and the public, in order to strengthen societal decision-making power in the global change crisis. Mycorrhizal fungi and mycorrhizal symbioses are key components of terrestrial ecosystems that contribute significantly to endure and reduce certain negative global change effects. Their importance has been gaining recognition in academic circles, but not among the general public. The aim of this article is to encourage as many mycorrhizal fungi researchers around the world as possible to build, through science outreach, a bridge
between their scientific work and public interest. To this end, we conducted a review and discussed the relationship between global change and the mycorrhizal symbiosis. We highlight potential audiences, tools, resources, activities, outreach models, pros and cons, as well as the quantification potential for the outreach activities success. We extend an invitation to all mycorrhizologists around the world to contribute with mycorrhizal outreach material. Contributions will become available on the South American Mycorrhizal Research Network website for individuals or organizations interested in starting or innovating in mycorrhizal science outreach activities. Finally, the hashtag #mycorrhizalscienceoutreach is proposed to be used whenever a mycorrhizal fungi-related science outreach activity is shared in social media.
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The new EU Commission’s biodiversity Strategy risks to remain an empty husk without proper implementation
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Well over 1% of all flowering plants are parasites, obtaining all or part of the nutrients they need from other plants. Among this extremely heterogeneous assemblage, the Cytinaceae form a small group of holoparasites, with Cytinus as... more
Well over 1% of all flowering plants are parasites, obtaining all or part of the nutrients they need from other plants. Among this extremely heterogeneous assemblage, the Cytinaceae form a small group of holoparasites, with Cytinus as the main representative genus. Despite the small number of known species and the fact that it doesn’t attack crops or plants of economic importance, Cytinus is paradigmatic among parasitic plants. Recent research has indeed disclosed many aspects of host–parasite interactions and reproductive biology, the latter displaying a vast array of adaptive traits to lure a range of animal pollinators. Furthermore, analysis of biological activities of extracts of the most common species of Cytinus has provided evidence that this plant could be a valuable source
of compounds with high potential in key applicative areas, namely food production (nutraceuticals) and the development of antimicrobial therapeutics. This article offers a complete overview of our current knowledge of Cytinus
of compounds with high potential in key applicative areas, namely food production (nutraceuticals) and the development of antimicrobial therapeutics. This article offers a complete overview of our current knowledge of Cytinus
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Halimium is a genus of Cistaceae, containing a small group of shrub species found in open vegetation types and in degraded forest patches throughout the western and central Mediterranean region. We recently described the morpho-anatomical... more
Halimium is a genus of Cistaceae, containing a small group of shrub species found in open vegetation types and in degraded forest patches throughout the western and central Mediterranean region. We recently described the morpho-anatomical features of the ectomycorrhizae formed by Scleroderma meridionale on Halimium halimifolium, but the mycorrhizal biology of this host plant genus is still largely unexplored. Here, we report new data on the ectomycorrhizal fungal symbionts of Halimium, based on the collection of sporocarps and ectomycorrhizal root tips in pure stands occurring in Sardinia, Italy. To obtain a broader view of Halimium mycorrhizal and ecological potential, we compiled a comprehensive and up-to-date checklist of fungal species reported to establish ectomycorrhizae on Halimium spp. on the basis of field observations, molecular approaches, and mycorrhiza synthesis. Our list comprises 154 records, corresponding to 102 fungal species and 35 genera, revealing a significant diversity of the Halimium ectomycorrhizal mycobiota. Key ectomycorrhizal genera like Russula, Lactarius/Lactifluus, Amanita, Inocybe, and Cortinarius account for more than half of all mycobionts. A large proportion of Halimium fungal species are shared with other host plants in various ecological settings, suggesting a critical role of common mycorrhizal networks in the function played by this shrub in various Mediterranean ecosystems.
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The ability of many anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) to modulate the host immune response has highlighted their possible therapeutic use to reduce uncontrolled inflammation during chronic infections. In the present study, we examined the... more
The ability of many anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) to modulate the host immune response has highlighted their possible therapeutic use to reduce uncontrolled inflammation during chronic infections. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory potential of the semi-synthetic peptide lin-SB056-1 and its dendrimeric derivative (lin-SB056-1) 2-K, which were previously found to have anti-microbial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in in vivo-like models mimicking the challenging environment of chronically infected lungs (i.e., artificial sputum medium and 3-D lung mucosa model). The dendrimeric derivative exerted a stronger anti-inflammatory activity than its monomeric counterpart towards lung epithelial-and macrophage-cell lines stimulated with P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS), based on a marked decrease (up to 80%) in the LPS-induced production of different pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8). Accordingly, (lin-SB056-1) 2-K exhibited a stronger LPS-binding affinity than its monomeric counterpart, thereby suggesting a role of peptide/LPS neutralizing interactions in the observed anti-inflammatory effect. Along with the anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm properties, the anti-inflammatory activity of (lin-SB056-1) 2-K broadens its therapeutic potential in the context of chronic (biofilm-associated) infections.
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After a long incubation time, RNA based therapeutics are coming of age and offer a big hope for an urgently needed SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. As the COVID-19 outbreak is ravaging communities worldwide and exacting a heavy toll in terms of lives... more
After a long incubation time, RNA based therapeutics are coming of age and offer a big hope for an urgently needed SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. As the COVID-19 outbreak is ravaging communities worldwide and exacting a heavy toll in terms of lives and economic costs (https://corona virus.jhu.edu/)—with nothing to counter its spreading but social distancing—many put their hopes on the new kid among the therapeutics: RNA. Whether targeting nucleic acids or proteins, RNA therapies are emerging
in the form of a large platform rather than a single approach, with great expectations for a new wave of drugs to treat a range of ailments.
in the form of a large platform rather than a single approach, with great expectations for a new wave of drugs to treat a range of ailments.
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Ethnomycology inquiries into the cultural, ceremonial, and medicinal uses of mushrooms, besides their consumption as food. As such, these studies can shed light on how traditional societies exploited biodiversity in their territories... more
Ethnomycology inquiries into the cultural, ceremonial, and medicinal uses of mushrooms, besides their consumption as food. As such, these studies can shed light on how traditional societies exploited biodiversity in their territories while preserving it, opening a window on “the world until yesterday.” This chapter presents a review of ethnomycological research conducted in Europe in the last 20 years or so, with a particular emphasis on the culinary use of mushrooms but not being limited to this aspect. The underlying question that animated our endeavor is: Is it still possible to conduct these works nowadays in such a developed part of the world, where apparently “traditions” play a rapidly decreasing role in our modern societies, and are being so swiftly and irremediably lost? Or rather ethnomycology in these territories tends to converge with scientific knowledge, that forms the basis of current mushrooms practices in most places? We display and discuss examples demonstrating that both possibilities coexist. Recent ethnomycological studies focused on long neglected European territories such as the Balkans, and on the habits of specific ethnic minorities. On the other hand, more contemporary trends regarding mushrooms—based on scientific rather than traditional knowledge—are discernible in many parts of Europe, including their use as cosmetics and nutraceuticals, the increasing attention to the potential biological and medical relevance of many species, and the rapid and sometimes dramatic transition from “mycophoby” to “mycophily” that took place in some regions.
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Trechispora (Hydnodontaceae) is considered as a soil-inhabiting fungus. However, some species in the genus are frequently forming basidiomes on soil, a typical feature of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Ectomycorrhizal basidiomes are found in... more
Trechispora (Hydnodontaceae) is considered as a soil-inhabiting fungus. However, some species in the genus are frequently forming basidiomes on soil, a typical feature of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Ectomycorrhizal basidiomes are found in neotropical and subtropical region, but taxonomical information and DNA sequences of root fungi and basidiomes from native Atlantic Rainforest are poorly reported. Basidiomes and soil samples including roots, humus layer, and mineral soil were collected in the Atlantic Rainforest, in Florianópolis (South of Brazil). Sequences of the ITS region were obtained from all sample types and subjected to phylogenetic reconstruction. Two sequences amplified from apparently ectomycorrhizal roots belonged to Trechispora and suggested a root-associated ecology, at least biotrophic and possibly ectomycorrhizal. The analysis of isotope abundance in the same Brazilian site and in French Guiana showed that Trechispora thelephora has high 15 N abundance and is often intermediate between ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic species in 13 C abundance. This is congruent with a plant biotrophic ecology, perhaps ectomycorrhizal. Future investigations in subtropical regions are needed to determine whether such a mode of nutrition is widespread among Trechispora.
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Background: The Guatemalan Highlands is a region of great but so far poorly known mycological diversity. People living in this area have long used wild fungi as a source of food and income. However, our knowledge of the ethnomycological... more
Background: The Guatemalan Highlands is a region of great but so far poorly known mycological diversity. People living in this area have long used wild fungi as a source of food and income. However, our knowledge of the ethnomycological practices of the Mayan peoples of Guatemala is still rudimental, especially if compared with information reported for the neighboring region of Mexico. Among the main indigenous groups of the Maya people inhabiting the highlands of Central Guatemala, stand the Kaqchikel, accounting for nearly 8% of the entire Guatemalan population. The main aim of this study was to record the traditional knowledge and use of edible wild mushrooms by inhabitants of the municipality of San Juan Sacatepéquez that lies at the heart of the Kaqchikel area in the central highlands of Guatemala, also describing the relevant selling practices and dynamics. A secondary aim was to compare the diversity and composition of the mushroom assemblage offered at the market with the macrofungal diversity of woods in the area.
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Background: Cytinus is small genus of endophytic parasitic plants distributed in South Africa, Madagascar, and in the Mediterranean region. In the latter area, two species occur, Cytinus hypocistis and C. ruber, distinguished by both... more
Background: Cytinus is small genus of endophytic parasitic plants distributed in South Africa, Madagascar, and in the Mediterranean region. In the latter area, two species occur, Cytinus hypocistis and C. ruber, distinguished by both morphological characters and ecological traits. We characterized the ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from the inflorescences of C. hypocistis and C. ruber collected in Sardinia, Italy, and explored their tannin content, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities.
Methods: Total phenolic contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method. Tannin content was determined by HPLC. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested with both electron transfer-based (FRAP, TEAC, DPPH) and spectrophotometric HAT methods (ORAC-PYR). The antimicrobial activities of extracts/compounds were evaluated using the broth microdilution method. The bactericidal activity was evaluated using the time-kill method. Biofilm formation was evaluated by crystal violet (CV) staining assay.
Results: Characterization of the tannin profile of C. hypocistis and C. ruber revealed a significant amount of gallotannins, in particular 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. In addition, pentagalloyl-O-β-D-glucose was present in all extracts, reaching the concentration of 0.117 g/kg in the ethanolic extract of C. hypocistis. C. hypocistis extracts displayed a strongest antioxidant activity than C. ruber extracts. Three Gram-positive bacterial species tested
(Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium) resulted sensitive to both Cytinus extracts, with MICs ranging from 125 to 500 μg/ml for aqueous extracts and from 31.25 to 250 μg/ml for ethanolic extracts; on the contrary, Gram-negative strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) were not affected by Cytinus extracts. Intriguingly, we observed the suppressive activity of ethanolic extracts of C. hypocistis and C. ruber on biofilm formation of S. epidermidis. Experiments performed with synthetic compounds indicated that pentagalloyl-O-β-D-glucose is likely to be one of the active antimicrobial components of Cytinus extracts.
Conclusions: These findings show that Cytinus extracts have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, suggesting a possible application of Cytinus as sources of natural antimicrobials and antioxidants.
Methods: Total phenolic contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method. Tannin content was determined by HPLC. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested with both electron transfer-based (FRAP, TEAC, DPPH) and spectrophotometric HAT methods (ORAC-PYR). The antimicrobial activities of extracts/compounds were evaluated using the broth microdilution method. The bactericidal activity was evaluated using the time-kill method. Biofilm formation was evaluated by crystal violet (CV) staining assay.
Results: Characterization of the tannin profile of C. hypocistis and C. ruber revealed a significant amount of gallotannins, in particular 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. In addition, pentagalloyl-O-β-D-glucose was present in all extracts, reaching the concentration of 0.117 g/kg in the ethanolic extract of C. hypocistis. C. hypocistis extracts displayed a strongest antioxidant activity than C. ruber extracts. Three Gram-positive bacterial species tested
(Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium) resulted sensitive to both Cytinus extracts, with MICs ranging from 125 to 500 μg/ml for aqueous extracts and from 31.25 to 250 μg/ml for ethanolic extracts; on the contrary, Gram-negative strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) were not affected by Cytinus extracts. Intriguingly, we observed the suppressive activity of ethanolic extracts of C. hypocistis and C. ruber on biofilm formation of S. epidermidis. Experiments performed with synthetic compounds indicated that pentagalloyl-O-β-D-glucose is likely to be one of the active antimicrobial components of Cytinus extracts.
Conclusions: These findings show that Cytinus extracts have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, suggesting a possible application of Cytinus as sources of natural antimicrobials and antioxidants.
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Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising templates for the development of novel antibiofilm drugs. Despite the large number of studies on screening and optimization of AMPs, only a few of these evaluated the antibiofilm activity in... more
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising templates for the development of novel antibiofilm drugs. Despite the large number of studies on screening and optimization of AMPs, only a few of these evaluated the antibiofilm activity in physiologically relevant model systems. Potent in vitro activity of AMPs often does not translate into in vivo effectiveness due to the interference of the host microenvironment with
peptide stability/availability. Hence, mimicking the complex environment found in biofilm-associated infections is essential to predict the clinical potential of novel AMP-based antimicrobials. In the present study, we examined the antibiofilm activity of the semisynthetic peptide lin-SB056-1 and its dendrimeric derivative (lin-SB056-1)2-K against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an in vivo-like three-dimensional (3-D) lung epithelial cell
model and an in vitro wound model (consisting of an artificial dermis and blood components at physiological levels). Although moderately active when tested alone, lin-SB056-1 was effective in reducing P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in association with 3-D lung epithelial cells in combination with the chelating agent EDTA. The dimeric derivative (lin-SB056-1)2-K demonstrated an enhanced biofilm-inhibitory activity as
compared to both lin-SB056-1 and the lin-SB056-1/EDTA combination, reducing the number of biofilm-associated bacteria up to 3-Log units at concentrations causing less than 20% cell death. Biofilm inhibition by (lin-SB056-1)2-K was reported both for the reference strain PAO1 and cystic fibrosis lung isolates of P. aeruginosa. In addition, using fluorescence microscopy, a significant decrease in biofilm-like structures associated
with 3-D cells was observed after peptide exposure. Interestingly, effectiveness of (lin-SB056-1)2-K was also demonstrated in the wound model with a reduction of up to 1-Log unit in biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa PAO1 and wound isolates. Overall, combination treatment and peptide dendrimerization emerged as promising strategies to improve the efficacy of AMPs, especially under challenging host-mimicking conditions. Furthermore, the results of the present study underlined the importance
of evaluating the biological properties of novel AMPs in in vivo-like model systems representative of specific infectious sites in order to make a more realistic prediction of their therapeutic success, and avoid the inclusion of unpromising peptides in animal studies and clinical trials.
peptide stability/availability. Hence, mimicking the complex environment found in biofilm-associated infections is essential to predict the clinical potential of novel AMP-based antimicrobials. In the present study, we examined the antibiofilm activity of the semisynthetic peptide lin-SB056-1 and its dendrimeric derivative (lin-SB056-1)2-K against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an in vivo-like three-dimensional (3-D) lung epithelial cell
model and an in vitro wound model (consisting of an artificial dermis and blood components at physiological levels). Although moderately active when tested alone, lin-SB056-1 was effective in reducing P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in association with 3-D lung epithelial cells in combination with the chelating agent EDTA. The dimeric derivative (lin-SB056-1)2-K demonstrated an enhanced biofilm-inhibitory activity as
compared to both lin-SB056-1 and the lin-SB056-1/EDTA combination, reducing the number of biofilm-associated bacteria up to 3-Log units at concentrations causing less than 20% cell death. Biofilm inhibition by (lin-SB056-1)2-K was reported both for the reference strain PAO1 and cystic fibrosis lung isolates of P. aeruginosa. In addition, using fluorescence microscopy, a significant decrease in biofilm-like structures associated
with 3-D cells was observed after peptide exposure. Interestingly, effectiveness of (lin-SB056-1)2-K was also demonstrated in the wound model with a reduction of up to 1-Log unit in biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa PAO1 and wound isolates. Overall, combination treatment and peptide dendrimerization emerged as promising strategies to improve the efficacy of AMPs, especially under challenging host-mimicking conditions. Furthermore, the results of the present study underlined the importance
of evaluating the biological properties of novel AMPs in in vivo-like model systems representative of specific infectious sites in order to make a more realistic prediction of their therapeutic success, and avoid the inclusion of unpromising peptides in animal studies and clinical trials.
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Sardinia is a large island (24.100 km 2 , the 48 th largest in the world) placed in the middle of the Mediterranean basin. Home to extensive sclerophyllous forests and a range of other vegetation types, the island hosts thousands of... more
Sardinia is a large island (24.100 km 2 , the 48 th largest in the world) placed in the middle of the Mediterranean basin. Home to extensive sclerophyllous forests and a range of other vegetation types, the island hosts thousands of macrofungi, many of which are linked through ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis to trees, shrubs and herbs. Despite this rich diversity, however, our knowledge of Sardinian mycota is still superficial, as relatively few studies have been devoted to this topic. One of the reasons behind this lack of interest is probably the traditional mycophoby of Sardinian people, who until recently did collect and consume only a handful of wild edible mushrooms, and used a few more as medical remedies and for other purposes. This article provides a precise account of the current status of knowledge of Sardinia macrofungi, with a special focus on ECM species. We also report on the recent change of attitude of Sardinians towards mushrooms, with their sharp rise in popularity as food, but also as crucial ecological actors, and discuss relevant consequences.
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As pharmaceutical companies are retreating from drug development for Alzheimer’s, new approaches are being tested in academia and biotech companies
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Scleroderma is a gasteroid genus in the Boletales (Basidiomycota), with a cosmopolitan distribution. Species of Scleroderma establish ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis with a range of coniferous and non-coniferous trees and shrubs, both in... more
Scleroderma is a gasteroid genus in the Boletales (Basidiomycota), with a cosmopolitan distribution. Species of Scleroderma
establish ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis with a range of coniferous and non-coniferous trees and shrubs, both in temperate
and tropical regions, with little tendency to host specificity, a feature that might have facilitated the wide distribution of the genus.
With the contribution of confocal laser scanning microscopy, we describe the morpho-anatomical features of the ectomycorrhizae
formed by Scleroderma meridionale on Halimium halimifolium, a cistaceous plant belonging to a small group of woody shrubs
occurring in open vegetation types in the Mediterranean region. The mycobiont and host plant identity in ECM was verified
through molecular tools. Mycorrhizal system is very small, up to 1.9 mm, mostly coralloid to irregularly pinnate. The mantle
surface is felty, whitish with silver patches. Differentiated rhizomorphs occur infrequently. Mantle surface is characterized by a
network of branched hyphae organized in hyphal boundles. Hyphae are frequently covered by granules or warts. These characters,
except for the presence of granules, are similar to those reported for the only two naturally-occurring Scleroderma ECM
described so far, i.e. S. bovista on Populus and S. citrinum on Betula and Pinus. On the other side, the peculiarity of
S. meridionale + Halimium ECMis the particularly small dimension of mycorrhizal system, a character shared with ECMformed
by Cistaceae. At the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of an ectomycorrhiza on Halimium, a plant whose
mycorrhizal biology deserves to be explored in greater detail.
establish ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis with a range of coniferous and non-coniferous trees and shrubs, both in temperate
and tropical regions, with little tendency to host specificity, a feature that might have facilitated the wide distribution of the genus.
With the contribution of confocal laser scanning microscopy, we describe the morpho-anatomical features of the ectomycorrhizae
formed by Scleroderma meridionale on Halimium halimifolium, a cistaceous plant belonging to a small group of woody shrubs
occurring in open vegetation types in the Mediterranean region. The mycobiont and host plant identity in ECM was verified
through molecular tools. Mycorrhizal system is very small, up to 1.9 mm, mostly coralloid to irregularly pinnate. The mantle
surface is felty, whitish with silver patches. Differentiated rhizomorphs occur infrequently. Mantle surface is characterized by a
network of branched hyphae organized in hyphal boundles. Hyphae are frequently covered by granules or warts. These characters,
except for the presence of granules, are similar to those reported for the only two naturally-occurring Scleroderma ECM
described so far, i.e. S. bovista on Populus and S. citrinum on Betula and Pinus. On the other side, the peculiarity of
S. meridionale + Halimium ECMis the particularly small dimension of mycorrhizal system, a character shared with ECMformed
by Cistaceae. At the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of an ectomycorrhiza on Halimium, a plant whose
mycorrhizal biology deserves to be explored in greater detail.
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Caves are an extreme environment for humans because of the high humidity, mud, darkness, and slippery conditions. Explorations can last many hours or even days, and require extensive climbing and ropework. Very little is known about the... more
Caves are an extreme environment for humans because of the high humidity, mud, darkness, and slippery conditions. Explorations can last many hours or even days, and require extensive climbing and ropework. Very little is known about the physical capacity of cavers and their energy expenditure (EE) during caving. The physical capacity of 17 (7 females) expert cavers (age 43.9 ± 7.3 years) was assessed during an incremental cycle-ergometer test (IET) with gas exchange analysis. Moreover, a wearable metabolic band (Armband Fit Core) was used to estimate their EE during caving. In terms of physical capacity, the IET showed that cavers had a maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2max) of 2,248.7 ± 657.8 ml·min −1 (i.e., 32.4 ± 6.4 ml·kg −1 ·min −1), while anaerobic threshold (AT) occurred on average at 74.5% of VO 2max. Results from caving sessions provided an average time spent in cave of 9.4 ± 1.2 h while the average EE was 268.8 ± 54.8 kcal·h −1 , which corresponded to about 40% of VO 2max measured during IET. A mean distance of 10.6 ± 2.2 km was covered by subjects. Data from the present investigation provide evidence that cavers have a level of aerobic physical capacity only slightly higher than that of sedentary people, thereby suggesting that a high aerobic fitness is not needed by cavers. Moreover, during caving the EE was on average well below the level of AT. However, in absolute terms, the total EE was elevated (i.e., 2,672.3 ± 576 kcal in total) due to the long time spent in caving.
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It is tempting to believe that humans, owing to their technological prowess, have elevated themselves above the laws of biology and escaped natural selection. Indeed, some think that humans have stopped evolving at all. Another view holds... more
It is tempting to believe that humans, owing to their technological prowess, have elevated themselves above the laws of biology and escaped natural selection. Indeed, some think that humans have stopped evolving at all. Another view holds that Homo sapiens has not isolated itself from the influences of the physical and biological world but that our species is just a special, extreme case of niche constructors.
This view is based on the so‐called Niche Construction Theory, a development within evolutionary biology to describe how humans—and many other organisms—modify their environment—or niche—in a way that alters environmental pressures and therefore natural selection. Thus, rather adapting to a pre‐existing environment, “organisms drive environmental change and organism‐modified environments subsequently select organisms” (https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/niche/niche-construction-and-evolution/) (Box 1).
This view is based on the so‐called Niche Construction Theory, a development within evolutionary biology to describe how humans—and many other organisms—modify their environment—or niche—in a way that alters environmental pressures and therefore natural selection. Thus, rather adapting to a pre‐existing environment, “organisms drive environmental change and organism‐modified environments subsequently select organisms” (https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/niche/niche-construction-and-evolution/) (Box 1).
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Persister cells (PCs) are a subset of dormant, phenotypic variants of regular bacteria, highly tolerant to antibiotics. Generation of PCs in vivo may account for the recalcitrance of most chronic infections to antimicrobial treatment and... more
Persister cells (PCs) are a subset of dormant, phenotypic variants of regular bacteria, highly tolerant to antibiotics. Generation of PCs in vivo may account for the recalcitrance of most chronic infections to antimicrobial treatment and demands for the identification of new antimicrobial agents able to target such cells. The present study explored the possibility to obtain in vitro PCs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at high efficiency through chemical treatment, and to test their susceptibility to structurally different antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and two clinically used peptide-based antibiotics, colistin and daptomycin. The main mechanism of action of these molecules (i.e., membrane-perturbing activity) renders them potential candidates to act against dormant cells. Exposure of stationary-phase cultures to optimized concentrations of the uncoupling agent cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was able to generate at high efficiency PCs exhibiting an antibiotic-tolerant phenotype toward different classes of antibiotics. The metabolic profile of CCCP-treated bacteria was investigated by monitoring bacterial heat production through isothermal microcalorimetry and by evaluating oxidoreductase activity by flow cytometry. CCCP-pretreated bacteria of both bacterial species underwent a substantial decrease in heat production and oxidoreductase activity, as compared to the untreated controls. After CCCP removal, induced persisters showed a delay in heat production that correlated with a lag phase before resumption of normal growth. The metabolic reactivation of bacteria coincided with their reversion to an antibiotic-sensitive phenotype. Interestingly, PCs generated by CCCP treatment resulted highly sensitive to three different membrane-targeting AMPs at levels comparable to those of CCCP-untreated bacteria. Colistin was also highly active against PCs of P. aeruginosa, while daptomycin killed PCs of S. aureus only at concentrations 32 to 64-fold higher than those of the tested AMPs. In conclusion, Frontiers in Microbiology | www.frontiersin.org
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The ability of the bacterium to form biofilms and the presence of a thick and stagnant mucus in the airways of CF patients largely... more
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The ability of the bacterium to form biofilms and the presence of a thick and stagnant mucus in the airways of CF patients largely contribute to antibiotic therapy failure and demand for new antimicrobial agents able to act in the CF environment. The present study investigated the anti-P. aeruginosa activity of lin-SB056-1, a recently described semi-synthetic antimicrobial peptide, used alone and in combination with the cation chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Bactericidal assays were carried out in standard culture conditions and in an artificial sputum medium (ASM) closely resembling the CF environment. Peptide's structure and interaction with large unilamellar vesicles in media with different ionic strengths were also investigated through infrared spectroscopy. Lin-SB056-1 demonstrated fast and strong bactericidal activity against both mucoid and non-mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa in planktonic form and, in combination with EDTA, caused significant reduction of the biomass of P. aeruginosa mature biofilms. In ASM, the peptide/EDTA combination exerted a strong bactericidal effect and inhibited the formation of biofilm-like structures of P. aeruginosa. Overall, the results obtained highlight the potential of the lin-SB056-1/EDTA combination for the treatment of P. aeruginosa lung infections in CF patients.