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Solid-state physics has important applications in the development of modern technologies. Although solid-state concepts, such as electric and thermal conductivity, are included in the curricula at all educational levels, even university students have many incorrect ideas about them. The incorrect ideas identified in previous studies are mainly related to macroscopic aspects of solid-state physics. With the aim of gaining a more comprehensive insight into students' understanding of solid-state physics, we have developed a multiple-choice concept inventory on microscopic models of electric and thermal conductivity of solids (METCS). The inventory has been field-tested with a sample consisting of 233 first-year medical faculty and engineering students from the University of Rijeka (Croatia). METCS proved to have good psychometric features and it helped to uncover many incorrect ideas that have not been reported in the earlier physics education literature. The findings from this study could be a good starting point for the development of evidence-based, university-level tutorials on microscopic models of electric and thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lignicolous saprotrophic genus Entonaema contains six formally accepted species: E. liquescens (type species), E. cinnabarinum, E. globosum, E. dengii, E. moluccanum, and E. siamensis. Its stromatic ascomata develop on the surface of dead wood remnants; they are rather large, globose to irregularly shaped, and vividly coloured. The fresh stroma interior is filled with a liquid matter. In early studies, the genus was considered to have a preference for tropical habitats, while in more recent field research, numerous collections have been added from warm, temperate areas of Europe, North America, and Asia. Our taxonomic and phylogenetic studies were based on freshly collected E. cinnabarinum from Croatia and E. liquescens from the USA. A phylogenetic study of the sequence alignment of four concatenated gene regions (ITS, LSU, rpb2, and β-tub) revealed the true taxonomic position of Entonaema within Hypoxylaceae (Xylariales), a sister to Hypoxylon carneum. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions of E. cinnabarinum are accompanied by drawings and colour photographs, while the study of E. liquescens is focused on stromatal microchemical reaction. With new information, the worldwide identification key to the putative species of Entonaema is proposed. Ecological data and biogeographical patterns were studied using all available and reliable sources of recorded data. Climatic preferences of the two most widespread Entonaema species, E. liquescens and E. cinnabarinum, are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the causes of the shortage of physics teachers in primary and secondary schools is necessary for the development of effective educational policies because the shortage of physics teachers is a global and persistent problem with negative consequences for the quality of education, but also for the survival of the physics profession as a whole. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the opinions of Croatian physics teachers on the causes of the deficit in their profession. For this purpose, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using an online survey with Likert-type items and a constructed response item. A total of 390 respondents from all over Croatia participated in the survey, which is 29% of the total population of Croatian physics teachers in the 2022/2023 school year. According to their opinion, the causes of the shortage of Croatian physics teachers are related to the following: lack of incentives and support from the relevant institutions and bodies, the inadequacy of physics content in the curricula, the lack of motivation and negative attitude of students towards physics, impeded professional development, unequal opportunities, and challenges such as excessive workload. The results obtained provide a concrete basis for the development of an effective policy to solve the problem of the physics teacher shortage in Croatia and beyond by governments, universities, and schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the biomechanical characteristics of an external fixator with a frame made of two different materials (stainless steel and composite material) during anterior–posterior bending. Before the test itself, two representative configurations of the Sarafix fixator were selected for application on the lower leg and upper extremities under the designations B50 and C50, which are most widely used in orthopedic practice. The examination of the biomechanical characteristics of the external fixator was carried out using the structural analysis of the construction performance of the Sarafix fixator using the finite element method, the results of which were verified through experimental tests. The developed experimental and FEM models study the movement of the fracture crack and enable the determination of the stiffness of structural designs as well as the control of the generated stresses at the characteristic locations of the fixator. The results show that the fixator with a carbon frame has lower stresses at critical points in the construction compared to the fixator with a steel frame, in the amount of up to 49% (at the measuring point MT+) or up to 46% (at the measuring point MT−) for both fixture test configurations. The fixator with a carbon frame has greater displacements at the fracture site compared to the fixator with a steel frame, in the amount of up to 45% (for configuration B50) or up to 31% (for configuration C50). The stiffness of the structure for both test configurations of the fixator is lower in the fixator with a carbon frame compared to the fixator with a steel frame by up to 27%. Based on the findings of this study, we can conclude that a fixator with a steel frame has better biomechanical characteristics compared to a carbon frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although glass façades have been on the market for over a century, new improvements, following sustainable standards, are still being invented. An improvement of the actively maintained CCF has occurred in passive maintenance with natural ventilation of the cavity and insulation glass unit placed on the external side, which has served as a true motivation for further research. To develop the idea, a new type of CCF was invented, followed by the creation of the software, whose purpose is to determine optimal CCF façade components. During this research, an experimental and mathematical model was made regarding the thermal behavior, later validated by the measurements on-site in Rugvica, Croatia. Using simplified but unconventional methods, numerous formulae and variables, a simulation of climatic loads onto the CCF was conducted. Validations of the thermal model were made during winter and summer periods for southern and western façade orientation, explaining how heat transfers from the environment to close cavity façade elements. It was found from the analysis that air temperatures of the façade elements follow the outer air temperature, by constant air exchange with the outer space. The results showed great potential with up to 3 °C (5–10%) of difference in experimental and calculated results, thus creating a basis for further improvement of the software with the addition of structural and hygric behavior of the façade element, regarding climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventeen collections of the genus Parasola from Croatia were studied with integrative taxonomic methods. Parasola papillatospora is described as a new species, based on morphology and multigene phylogenetic analyses. Its basidiomata were growing on soil in temperate deciduous forests (Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica, and Carpinus betulus) on two different localities in NW Croatia. Based on publicly available molecular data, the species is also recorded in Hungary. The most distinctive morphological features of the new species are the characteristics of its basidiospores, (1) the papillate apex and (2) central germ pore (both present in most spores), as well as (3) a highly variable shape. A morphological description of P. papillatospora is accompanied by colour photographs of basidiomata, basidiospores, and cystidia. In this study, a total of 64 DNA sequences from 17 specimens belonging to 10 Parasola species were newly generated. As a result of Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated ITS, LSU, tef-1α, and β-tub gene alignment of Parasola species, P. papillatospora was resolved as an independent clade, a sister to the clade comprising the P. plicatilis species complex. Eight Parasola species (P. auricoma, P. crataegi, P. cuniculorum, P. kuehneri, P. malakandensis, P. megasperma, P. nudiceps, P. plicatilis-similis) are reported for the first time for Croatia and P. malakandensis also for Europe. Colour photographs of basidiomata are provided for all Parasola species new to Croatia except P. kuehneri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrative taxonomic studies of macrofungal diversity in the Brijuni National Park (Istria County, Croatia) led to the discovery of a second species of Inocybe (Agaricales, Inocybaceae) new to science. Inocybe istriaca sp. nov. is described on the basis of morphological, ecological, and multigene phylogenetic analyses, and its placement within the family Inocybaceae is discussed. The combination of most important morphological characters that distinguish I. istriaca from the other similar Inocybe species are smooth, (sub)amygdaliform, (sub)phaseoliform, or ellipsoid basidiospores (ca. 8.5–12 × 5–7 μm), large basidia (36–45 × 9–15 μm), mostly (sub)fusiform and weakly thick-walled (up to 1.5 μm) metuloid pleurocystidia, and lamellar edge and stipe apex partially covered by a dark resinous substance. The species was collected on the edge of grassland and Mediterranean evergreen holm oak (Quercus ilex) forest. In this study, a total of 14 DNA sequences from four Inocybe species were generated. Two-gene (ITS, LSU) and four-gene (ITS, LSU, rpb2, tef1) phylogenetic analyses confirmed the status of I. istriaca as an independent species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This study evaluates the effect of a conventional/low-voltage light-curing protocol (LV protocol) (10 s with 1340 mW/cm2) and high-voltage light-curing protocol (HV protocol) (3 s with 3440 mW/cm2) on the microhardness (MH) of dental resin-based composites (RBCs). Five resin composites were tested: conventional Evetric (EVT), Tetric Prime (TP), Tetric Evo Flow (TEF), bulk-fill Tetric Power Fill (PFL), and Tetric Power Flow (PFW). (2) Materials and Methods: Two tested composites (PFW and PFL) were designed for high-intensity light curing. The samples were made in the laboratory in specially designed cylindrical molds; diameter = 6 mm and height = 2 or 4 mm, depending on the type of composite. Initial MH was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of composite specimens 24 h after light curing using a digital microhardness tester (QNESS 60 M EVO, ATM Qness GmbH, Mammelzen, Germany). The correlation between the filler content (wt%, vol%) and the MH of the RBCs was tested. For the calculation of depth-dependent curing effectiveness, the bottom/top ratio for initial MH was used. (3) Conclusions: MH of RBCs is more dependent on material composition than on light-curing protocol. Filler wt% has a greater influence on MH values compared to filler vol%. The bottom/top ratio showed values over 80% for bulk composites, while for conventional sculptable composites, borderline or suboptimal values were measured for both curing protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have highlighted the underestimated importance of the cellular immune response after the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2, and the significantly reduced neutralizing power of antibody titers in individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Our study included 303 participants who were tested at St. Catherine Specialty Hospital using the Quan-T-Cell SARS-CoV-2 in combination with the Quan-T-Cell ELISA (Euroimmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika, Lübeck, Germany) for the analysis of IFN-γ concentration, and with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA IgG (Euroimmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika, Lübeck, Germany) for the detection of human antibodies of the immunoglobulin class IgG against the S1 domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the concentration of IFN-γ between reinfected participants and those without infection (p = 0.012). Participants who were not infected or reinfected with SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination and/or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection had a significantly higher level of cellular immunity. Furthermore, in individuals without additional vaccination, those who experienced infection/reinfection had significantly lower levels of IFN-γ compared to uninfected participants (p = 0.016). Our findings suggest a long-lasting effect of cellular immunity, measured by IFN-γ concentrations, which plays a key role in preventing infections and reinfections after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has a significant impact on the agricultural sector, negatively affecting plants' growth and development, with predicted strong consequences on food availability in the future. Although we are experiencing more frequent and intense heavy rainfall events, a major contributor to field flooding, there is still not much known about the impact of these events on different crops. In this study, we investigated the effects of waterlogging on a model plant white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba), with the aim to follow its response to both single and recurrent short-term (72-h length) waterlogging, as well as to track difference in the sensitivity between plants in different growth stages (38- and 48-day-old plants). In our 22-day experiment, settled under fully controlled conditions (16 h day/8 h night, 25 °C day/20 °C night, 60–70% relative air humidity, 250 µmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic active radiation), with the aim to more comprehensively recognize consequences of waterlogging on plants, we measured changes in plants on multiple levels: (i) within its morphological traits (number and length of leaves, leaf area, and blade width), (ii) within chlorophyll fluorescence and multispectral traits (20 parameters), (iii) following the levels of plant stress parameters (salicylic acid, abscisic acid, proline, and total polyphenols), and (iv) following changes in the plants' elemental and mineral composition. According to our results, white cabbage was shown not to be very sensitive to waterlogging, with only plants exposed to repeated waterlogging showing signs of the congestion stress. These signs, observed in the changes of molecular stress parameters salicylic and abscisic acids, were not so clearly evident at the aboveground level. We did not observe changes in the plants' morphologies, nor their photosynthetic performance. In addition, removal of waterlogging stress resulted in complete recovery of our model plants, suggesting a prompt adaptation response of white cabbage. With the projected increased frequency of occurrence of flooding events, it will become increasingly more important to recognize crops being highly sensitive to flooding with the aim to try to adapt to the changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About a century after the first finding in northern Vietnam (1908), Coprinus leucostictus is rediscovered on 12 localities in southern India and southern to southeastern China, growing in evergreen subtropical or tropical forests. It is morphologically a rather unique species with coprinoid basidiomata, strongly branched and diverticulate veil hyphae, and a hymeniderm pileipellis. The BLAST search of ITS and tef-1α sequences showed its close relationship to Hausknechtia floriformis, which is not clear based on morphological characters. Multigene phylogenetic analysis of a concatenated dataset of ITS, LSU, tef-1α, and β-tubulin sequences, revealed C. leucostictus and H. floriformis as separate, but sister species. Molecular phylogenetic relationships within the family Psathyrellaceae (including 17 genera) are presented in the phylogram. The genera Hausknechtia and Candolleomyces formed two well-supported lineages and were recovered as a monophyletic group. A total of 27 sequences from the genus Hausknechtia were newly generated in this study. Coprinus leucostictus is combined as Hausknechtia leucosticta, its epitype is designated, and the hitherto monotypic genus Hausknechtia is emended. A detailed morphological description of H. leucosticta supplemented with colour photographs and line drawings is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The envelope is one of the most important driving factors in the energy efficiency of buildings. Typical for office and commercial buildings, curtain wall facades allow solar heat gains to be used during the winter but can lead to difficulties in reducing the cooling load during summer. The cooling load is dominant in most building types in the temperate maritime climate, while in the temperate continental climate, it is dominant mainly in office and commercial buildings. The goal of this research was to determine the potential of night passive cooling in an office building model in the most populated urban areas in Croatia-Zagreb and Split, which are located in two different climate zones. Suitable to the climate on-site, an appropriate building envelope and various types of passive and mechanical ventilation systems were selected for each location and case. Additional factors included and analysed were climate conditions, heat gains, the heat accumulation of the building, night ventilation through openings, unwanted air infiltration, and cooling loads. Through a detailed description of the model, passive cooling potential calculations, and Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the results showed a potential of up to 43.5% savings in the cooling energy need for the temperate continental climate and 32.2% in the temperate marine climate. It was found from the analysis that night ventilation is expected to cool down the building enough to delay a need for cooling by several hours and improve fresh air requirements, thus saving power for cooling, and effectively reducing the need for air conditioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leotiomycetes is one of the most speciose classes of the phylum Ascomycota (Fungi). Its species are mainly apothecioid, paraphysate, and possess active ascospore discharge. Thelebolales are a distinctive order of the Leotiomycetes class whose members have mostly closed ascomata, evanescent asci, and thus passively dispersed ascospores. Within the order, a great diversity of peridia have evolved as adaptations to different dispersal strategies. The genus Thelebolus is an exceptional case of ascomatal evolution within the order. Its species are the most diverse in functional traits, encompassing species with closed ascomata and evanescent asci, and species with open ascomata, active ascospore discharge, and paraphyses. Open ascomata were previously suggested as the ancestral state in the genus, these ascomata depend on mammals and birds as dispersal agents. In our work, we used morphological and phylogenetic methods, as well as the reconstruction of ancestral traits for ascomatal type, asci dehiscence, the presence or absence of paraphyses, and ascospore features to explore evolution within Thelebolales. We demonstrate the apothecial ancestry in Thelebolales and propose a new hypothesis about the evolution of the open ascomata in Thelebolus involving a process of re-evolution where the active dispersal of ascospores appears independently twice within the order. A new family, Holwayaceae, is proposed within Thelebolales, comprising three genera: Holwaya, Patinella, and Ramgea. Closed cleistothecia-like ascomata have repeatedly evolved in non-related perithecioid and apothecioid lineages of lichenized and non-lichenized Ascomycota. The evolution of a closed, darkly pigmented ascoma that protects asci and ascospores is conceived as either an adaptation to harsh environmental conditions or a specialized dispersal strategy. Species with closed ascomata have mostly lost sterile hymenial elements (paraphyses) and the capacity to actively discharge ascospores. The class Leotiomycetes, one of the most speciose classes of Ascomycota, is mainly apothecioid, paraphysate, and possesses active ascospore discharge. Lineages with closed ascomata, and their morphological variants, have evolved independently in several families, such as Erysiphaceae, Myxotrichaceae, Rutstroemiaceae, etc. Thelebolales is a distinctive order in the Leotiomycetes class. It has two widespread families (Thelebolaceae, Pseudeurotiaceae) with mostly closed ascomata, evanescent asci, and thus passively dispersed ascospores. Within the order, closed ascomata dominate and a great diversity of peridia have evolved as adaptations to different dispersal strategies. The type genus, Thelebolus, is an exceptional case of ascomatal evolution within the order. Its species are the most diverse in functional traits, encompassing species with closed ascomata and evanescent asci, and species with open ascomata, active ascospore discharge, and paraphyses. Open ascomata were previously suggested as the ancestral state in the genus, these ascomata depend on mammals and birds as dispersal agents. In this scheme, species with closed ascomata, a lack of paraphyses, and passive ascospore discharge exhibit derived traits that evolved in adaptation to cold ecosystems. Here, we used morphological and phylogenetic methods, as well as the reconstruction of ancestral traits for ascomatal type, asci dehiscence, the presence or absence of paraphyses, and ascospore features to explore evolution within Thelebolales. We demonstrate the apothecial ancestry in Thelebolales and propose a new hypothesis about the evolution of the open ascomata in Thelebolus, involving a process of re-evolution where the active dispersal of ascospores appears independently twice within the order. We propose a new family, Holwayaceae, within Thelebolales, that retains the phenotypic features exhibited by species of Thelebolus, i.e., pigmented capitate paraphyses and active asci discharge with an opening limitation ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development process of the knowledge-based engineering (KBE) system for the structural size optimization of external fixation device is presented in this paper. The system is based on algorithms for generative modeling, finite element model (FEM) analysis, and size optimization. All these algorithms are integrated into the CAD/CAM/CAE system CATIA. The initial CAD/FEM model of external fixation device is verified using experimental verification on the real design. Experimental testing is done for axial pressure. Axial stress and displacements are measured using tensometric analysis equipment. The proximal bone segment displacements were monitored by a displacement transducer, while the loading was controlled by a force transducer. Iterative hybrid optimization algorithm is developed by integration of global algorithm, based on the simulated annealing (SA) method and a local algorithm based on the conjugate gradient (CG) method. The cost function of size optimization is the minimization of the design volume. Constrains are given in a form of clinical interfragmentary displacement constrains, at the point of fracture and maximum allowed stresses for the material of the external fixation device. Optimization variables are chosen as design parameters of the external fixation device. The optimized model of external fixation device has smaller mass, better stress distribution, and smaller interfragmentary displacement, in correlation with the initial model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. (wild strawberry) is widely distributed in Southwest China, characterized by stress tolerance and the fruits of a notable peach aroma. So far there is only limited knowledge of variability and genetic structure in this species. Using AFLP markers, we investigated the genetic variability of 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis sampled in six main mountain areas of Sichuan Province and analyzed their genetic structure. Genetic similarity according to Nei and Li was used for cluster analysis based on UPGMA method and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering. Stratification of plants into more distinctive genetic groups was determined using Bayesian structure analysis. Six primer combinations produced a total of 1302 fragments of which 818 (62.8%) were polymorphic. Bayesian analysis showed the 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis grouped into five distinctive genetic groups. Most of the plants from the same mountain area clustered into the same genetic group, indicating each area as an area with the unique genetic profile. The genetic parameters analyzed here indicate a huge genetic variability of F. nilgerrensis in Sichuan Province. Our results provide reference data for surveying and protecting the germplasm resources of F. nilgerrensis that could be used in strawberry breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to establish a connection between orthodontic mini-implant design, pull-out force and primary stability by comparing two commercial mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices, Tomas®-pin and Perfect Anchor. Mini-implant geometric analysis and quantification of bone characteristics are performed, whereupon experimental in vitro pull-out test is conducted. With the use of the CATIA (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) CAD (Computer Aided Design)/CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)/CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) system, 3D (Three-dimensional) geometric models of mini-implants and bone segments are created. Afterwards, those same models are imported into Abaqus software, where finite element models are generated with a special focus on material properties, boundary conditions and interactions. FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis is used to simulate the pull-out test. Then, the results of the structural analysis are compared with the experimental results. The FEM analysis results contain information about maximum stresses on implant–bone system caused due to the pull-out force. It is determined that the core diameter of a screw thread and conicity are the main factors of the mini-implant design that have a direct impact on primary stability. Additionally, stresses generated on the Tomas®-pin model are lower than stresses on Perfect Anchor, even though Tomas®-pin endures greater pull-out forces, the implant system with implemented Tomas®-pin still represents a more stressed system due to the uniform distribution of stresses with bigger values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ectomycorrhizal species was discovered during the first survey of fungal diversity at Brijuni National Park (Croatia), which consists of 14 islands and islets. The National Park is located in the Mediterranean Biogeographical Region, a prominent climate change hot-spot. Inocybe brijunica sp. nov., from sect. Hysterices (Agaricales, Inocybaceae), is described based on morphology and multilocus phylogenetic data. The holotype collection was found at the edge between grassland and Quercus ilex forest with a few planted Pinus pinea trees, on Veli Brijun Island, the largest island of the archipelago. It is easily recognized by a conspicuous orange to orange–red–brown membranaceous surface layer located at or just above the basal part of the stipe. Other distinctive features of I. brijunica are the medium brown, radially fibrillose to rimose pileus; pale to medium brown stipe with fugacious cortina; relatively small, amygdaliform to phaseoliform, and smooth basidiospores, measuring ca. 6.5–9 × 4–5.5 µm; thick-walled, utriform, lageniform or fusiform pleurocystidia (lamprocystidia) with crystals and mostly not yellowing in alkaline solutions; cheilocystidia of two types (lamprocystidia and leptocystidia); and the presence of abundant caulocystidia only in the upper 2–3 mm of the stipe. Phylogenetic reconstruction of a concatenated dataset of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the nuclear 28S rRNA gene (nrLSU), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2) resolved I. brijunica and I. glabripes as sister species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the correlation between bone characteristics, the design of orthodontic mini-implants, the pull-out force, and primary stability. This experimental in vitro study has examined commercial orthodontic mini-implants of different sizes and designs, produced by two manufacturers: Tomas-pin SD (Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany) and Perfect Anchor (Hubit, Seoul, Korea). The total number of 40 mini-implants were tested. There are two properties that are common to all tested implants—one is the material of which they are made (titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V), and the other is the method of their insertion. The main difference between the mini-implants, which is why they have been selected as the subject of research in the first place, is reflected in their geometry or design. Regardless of the type of implant, the average pull-out forces were found to be higher for a cortical bone thickness (CBTC) of 0.62–0.67 mm on average, compared to the CBTC < 0.62 mm, where the measured force averages were found to be lower. The analysis of variance tested the impact of the mini-implant geometry on the pull-out force and proved that there is a statistically significant impact (p < 0.015) of all three analyzed geometric factors on the pull-out force of the implant. The design of the mini-implant affects its primary stability. The design of the mini-implant affects the pulling force. The bone quality at the implant insertion point is important for primary stability; thus, the increase in the cortical bone thickness increases the value of the pulling force significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the composition of major, trace, and rare earth elements in 15 different species of wild edible mushrooms and the possible effect of urban pollution on elemental uptake. The collected mushrooms include different species from the green areas of the city, exposed to urban pollution, and from the forests, with limited anthropogenic influence. Through a comprehensive approach that included the analysis of 46 elements, an attempt was made to expand knowledge about element uptake by mushroom fruiting bodies. The results showed a wide variability in the composition of mushrooms, suggesting a number of factors influencing their element uptake capacity. The data obtained do not indicate significant exposure to anthropogenic influences, regardless of sampling location. While major elements' levels appear to be influenced more by species-specific affinities, this is not true for trace elements, whose levels presumably reflect the geochemical characteristics of the sampling site. However, the risk assessment showed that consumption of excessive amounts of the mushrooms studied, both from urban areas and from forests, may have adverse health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a contribution to the current knowledge of taxonomy, ecology and distribution of South American Cortinarius (Pers.) Gray. Cortinarius is among the most widely distributed and species-rich basidiomycete genera occurring with South American Nothofagaceae and species are found in many distinct habitats, including shrublands and forests. Due to their ectomycorrhizal role, Cortinarius species are critical for nutrient cycling in forests, especially at higher latitudes. Some species have also been reported as edible fungi with high nutritional quality. Our aim is to unravel the taxonomy of selected Cortinarius belonging to phlegmacioid and myxotelamonioid species based on morphological and molecular data. After widely sampling Cortinarius specimens in Patagonian Nothofagaceae forests and comparing them to reference collections (including holotypes), we propose five new species of Cortinarius in this work. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated rDNA ITS-LSU and RPB1 sequences failed to place these new species into known Cortinarius sections or lineages. These findings highlight our knowledge gaps regarding the fungal diversity of South American Nothofagaceae forests. Due to the high diversity of endemic Patagonian taxa, it is clear that the South American Cortinarius diversity needs to be discovered and described in order to understand the evolutionary history of Cortinarius on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]