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The process of supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) of the thallus of the lichen species Hypogymnia physodes with carbon dioxide in the presence of acetone as a cosolvent is studied. The extraction conditions (temperature, pressure, and duration) on the yields of the extract (EX), phenolic compounds, including low molecular weight phenols (LPs), atranorin (AT), and flavonoids (FVs) are assessed. It is shown that the main amount of extractives (up to 90%) is extracted within 40 min of extraction. The EX yield reaches 156.5 mg/g with a phenolic compound (PC) content of up to 87.3%. The obtained EXs have high antiradical activity (ARA) (up to 225 μmol Trolox-equiv/g). A positive correlation is established between the ARA of the EXs and the content of PCs in them, including AT. The antibacterial activity of the EXs against the gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis) strains of microorganisms is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted on the development of Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. from soredia to branched lobes near the copper smelter in the Middle Urals 10 years after emission cessation. Soredia were cultivated in fir-spruce forests in heavily polluted and unpolluted areas. In both areas, soredia development was examined on fir bark collected from both the heavily polluted and unpolluted areas. The probability of lobe formation was lower in the polluted area even when soredia were cultivated on bark from the unpolluted area. Bark from the polluted area negatively impacted the success of soredia development, irrespective of the cultivation area. The lowest success of early development occurred when soredia were cultivated on polluted bark in the heavily polluted area, where the already low probability of lobe formation was accompanied by high mortality of the developed lobes. This study underscores the enduring impact of industrial pollution on H. physodes development, highlighting the need for ongoing environmental restoration and monitoring efforts in post-industrial areas to support biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogel composites were synthesized on the basis of the sodium alginate-chitosan interpolymer complex with the inclusion of calcium carbonate microparticles and supercritical drying. It is shown that the textural characteristics of materials did not depend on the morphology of calcium carbonate particles: the specific surface area of aerogels was almost the same for all materials, 380–400 m2/g. The developed porous structure of composites along with the polyelectrolyte nature determined their high water absorption (up to 110 g/g). To impart antimicrobial properties, the materials were impregnated with atranorin isolated from the lichen Hypogymnia physodes, which has a pronounced inhibitory effect on the bacterium P. mirabilis, the main causative agent of wound infections. The minimum suppressive concentration of atranorine was 1 mg/mL. The release of the main amount of atranorine aerosol material included in the matrix occurred within 4 hours, 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main physiological and biochemical characteristics and elemental composition of three lichen species of the genus Hypogymnia (Nyl.) Nyl. in one habitat were studied using spectroscopic methods. The model species were placed in the following order of decreasing degree of anthropotolerance: H. physodes (L.) Nyl. → H. tubulosa (Schaer.) Hav. → H. vittata (Ach.) Parrique. The contents of chlorophylls a and b, phenolic compounds, pheophytinization quotient, and antiradical activity were determined by a spectrophotometric method. The antioxidant activity was determined by an amperometric method. The physiological and biochemical parameters for each of the three species corresponded to those for background ecotopes. These parameters and the integrity of the system of correlations between the parameters were lower in species with a low degree of anthropotolerance. Twenty-three elements were found in thalli of the model species using atomic emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma. They included macro- and microelements, heavy metals, and metalloids. The maximum concentrations of most elements were found in H. vittata; the minimum concentrations, in H. physodes. An analysis of the interaction between the physiological and biochemical characteristics and the contents of the elements indicated the presence of a complex system of correlations in each species. Differences in this system of correlations may have been due to the specific composition of secondary metabolites, which determine the features of adaptive reactions. The use of various optical spectroscopy methods enabled an evaluation of not only the functional specificity of the studied species but also its connection to their anthropotolerance level. Low resistance to anthropogenic influences was combined with lower coordination of physiological and biochemical characteristics and low integrity of the system of correlations. The most vulnerable species H. vittata had the minimal values of the main functional parameters, a poorer correlation of them with the elemental composition, and higher concentrations of some toxic elements. The use of a complex analysis of the physiological and biochemical characteristics and elemental compositions using various spectral methods was crucial for the bioindication and ecological physiology of lichens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to give comparative evaluation of applicability of different species of mosses and lichens for radiation monitoring of 137Cs contamination of pine forest biogeocenoses in Ukrainian Polissia in different forest-ecological conditions (FEC). Objects of research were: species composition of mosses and lichens on stationary experimental plots (SEP), their occurrence in FEC–В3 and FEC–А1, sufficiency for multiyear monitoring, values of 137Сs specific activity in investigated indicator species, and concentration ratio (CR) in the system «indicator biomass – substratum». Research was carried out in 2020 in Ukrainian Polissia, Zhytomyr Region, on 4 stationary experimental plots: SEP-1 – in forest-ecological conditions FEC–В3, SEP-2, 3, 4 – in FEC–А1. For these forest-ecological conditions occurrence of indicator species of mosses and lichens as well as their sufficiency for sampling at multiyear monitoring was studied by route method on 20 forest sites. On each SEP, samples of moss and lichen species were collected in sets of 3-5 repetitions. The substratum was sampled directly below them: for epigeous species – soil at the depth of 20 cm, for epiphytic ones – pine bark. 137Сs specific activity was measured on spectrum analyser SЕG-001 «АKP-S»-150 with scintillation detector BDЕG-20-R1. Relative error of measurement – < 15 %. A concentration ratio (CR) was chosen as an index of intensity of 137Cs accumulation by biota. The occurrence of the following species-indicators of radioactive contamination of a pine forest were shown to prevail in FEC–В3: Dicranum polysetum, Pleurozium schreberi, Hypogymnia physodes; in FEC–А1: Cladonia mitis, Cladonia rangiferina, Hypogymnia physodes, Dicranum polysetum. It was found that in FEC–В3, the average values of CR in Dicranum polysetum (2.31±0.127) significantly exceeded the corresponding values in Pleurozium schreberi (1.64±0.06). The difference of the average CR values was essential at a confidence level of 95 %. In FEC–В3, epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes was characterized by the highest average CR value (8.45±0.33), i.e. the difference with mosses was statistically reliable. In FEC–A1, epigeous mosses accumulated 137Cs more intensively than epigeous lichens of genus Cladonia, the average CR values were 4.78±0.28 and 2.51±0.15, respectively, the difference was essential. In FEC–A1, the group of epiphytic lichens was characterized by the maximum CR, with average value 6.84±0.36, which was essentially and reliably different from the corresponding values of the group of epigeous lichens and the group of epigeous mosses. It was found that among the indicator species of mosses and lichens, Hypogymnia physodes was characterized by the highest values of radiocontamination in investigated forest ecological conditions.

Lichens are symbiotic associations consisting of a photobiont (algae or cyanobacteria) and a mycobiont (fungus). They are known to produce a variety of unique secondary metabolites. To access this biosynthetic potential for biotechnological applications, deeper insights into the biosynthetic pathways and corresponding gene clusters are necessary. Here we provide a comprehensive view of the biosynthetic gene clusters of all organisms comprising a lichen thallus: fungi, green algae, and bacteria. We present two high-quality PacBio metagenomes, in which we identified a total of 460 biosynthetic gene clusters. Lichen mycobionts yielded 73–114 clusters, other lichen associated ascomycetes 8–40, green algae of the genus Trebouxia 14–19, and lichen-associated bacteria 101–105 clusters. The mycobionts contained mainly T1PKSs, followed by NRPSs, and terpenes; Trebouxia reads harbored mainly clusters linked to terpenes, followed by NRPSs and T3PKSs. Other lichen-associated ascomycetes and bacteria contained a mix of diverse biosynthetic gene clusters. In this study, we identified for the first time the biosynthetic gene clusters of entire lichen holobionts. The yet untapped biosynthetic potential of two species of the genus Hypogymnia is made accessible for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main physiological and biochemical characteristics and elemental composition of the lichens Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr., Parmelia sulcata Taylor, Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl., and H. tubulosa (Schaer.) Hav. growing under insignificant anthropogenic impacts in one habitat were studied using optical spectroscopy analysis. The first three species are often used as indicators in biomonitoring based on spectral analysis data. The contents of chlorophylls a and b, total nitrogen, and phenolic compounds and antiradical activity were determined by a spectrophotometric method. The pheophytinization quotient (PQ) was calculated. The antioxidant activity was determined by an amperometric method. The physiological and biochemical parameters revealed in all four species indicated their habitat corresponded to the background. The physiological characteristics correlated to varying degrees among themselves. Twenty-two elements including macro- and microelements, heavy metals, and metalloids were detected in lichen thalli using ICP-AES spectroscopy. The maximum differences in metal contents were found in X. parietina and H. tubulosa. An analysis of the interrelationship of the physiological and biochemical characteristics, elemental composition, and metal contents made it possible to identify complex systems of correlations in each species. Differences in their structure may be associated with the specifics of the secondary metabolite composition, which determines the features of adaptive reactions and the degree of tolerance of the species. The use of a complex analysis of the physiological and biochemical characteristics and the elemental composition using various spectral methods is important for the development of the bioindication and ecological physiology of lichens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peter D. Crittenden served as senior editor of The Lichenologist, the flagship journal in the field of lichenological research, for a period of two decades, between 2000 and 2019. A review of the development of the journal and the publication output during this period is provided. The number of papers published during this period (1197) matches that of all papers published under the three previous senior editors, Peter W. James, David L. Hawksworth and Dennis H. Brown, during a much longer period of 42 years from 1958 to 1999. Peter oversaw important editorial changes to the layout and content of the journal: an increased size with a modern cover design, leaving behind the classic mint-coloured cover of more than 40 years; the addition of 'thematic issues' and encouragement of large monographs; implementation of substantial changes to the Code, such as effective electronic publication and obligate registration of new fungal names; and more recently a new policy to reject so-called 'single naked species descriptions'. Shortly before Peter took over as senior editor, The Lichenologist had received its first impact factor, and Peter managed to continuously increase this measure from around 0.9 to lately up to over 1.5, higher than most other competing journals. The 1197 papers between 2000 and 2019 were published by a total of 1138 different authors, more than half of whom appeared just once as author, whereas a small number participated in numerous (up to 93) papers. There was a continuous increase in the mean number of authors per paper per year, from below 2.5 to around 3.5, the highest numbers ranging between 11 and 30; still, c. 75% of all papers between 2000 and 2019 were single-authored or had up to three authors. Based on affiliations at the time of publication, two thirds of author contributions came from Europe (66%), 13% from North America, 9% from Asia and 7% from Latin America. Likewise, almost half of the study areas were located in Europe and around 10% each in North America, South America and Asia. The countries with the highest number of studies included, in descending order, the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden. North America and Europe were over-represented in terms of author contributions, whereas Africa, Latin America, Australia and Oceania were over-represented in terms of study areas. The 1197 papers analyzed encompassed a broad diversity of topics, classified into 32 categories. Taxonomy of lichenized fungi was the most frequent component, representing the focal point in almost half of all studies, followed by phylogeny and evolution, ecology, and the taxonomy of lichenicolous fungi. Around two thirds of the currently accepted genera of lichenized fungi were treated, with a significant correlation between known species richness and the number of papers in which a genus was treated, underlining the taxonomic representativity of papers published in the journal during the past two decades. Examples of genera that were treated more frequently than expected included commonly studied model organisms, such as Lobaria, and those frequently featured in ecological or other non-taxonomic studies, such as Xanthoria. Species-rich tropical genera, particularly in the Graphidaceae, were generally under-represented. Mean number of authors per paper per volume and total number of country origins of authors per volume were the best predictors of impact factor, followed by diversity of study countries per volume, mean number of study countries per paper per volume, mean number of topics per paper per volume, and proportion of studies with phylogenetic components per volume. Individual papers that contributed to high impact factors included broad-scale revisionary treatments and worldwide keys to species-rich taxa, substantial phylogenetic reclassifications of known taxonomic groups, papers dealing with novel methodological approaches of broad interest, and broad-scale studies related to environmental change and lichen biomonitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological and biochemical parameters and elemental composition of Hypogymnia physodes lichen samples from various phytocenoses differing in lighting conditions and atmospheric humidity were studied. A significant increase in the chlorophyll a and nitrogen contents, the maximal pheophytinization coefficient, and the minimum content of phenolic compounds were observed in H. physodes thalli under severe shading conditions in a spruce forest. Most of these biochemical parameters reached their minimum values with high insolation in birch and pine forests except for the content of phenolic compounds, which reached the maximum value. ICP–AES analysis of H. physodes thalli detected 20 elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb, Sn, Sr, Tl, V, W, Zn) that were found in lichen samples from all studied natural phytocenoses except for Mo, which was absent in samples from a black alder forest. The maximum concentrations for almost half of the elements (Al, B, Fe, K, Mo, Na, Sn, Ti, V) were determined in samples from the spruce forest where the thalli were more often and consistently hydrated because of the high and more stable humidity level. A complex system of correlation relationships was established based on an analysis of cross-correlations of the physiological and biochemical parameters and the metal concentrations in the samples. The results indicated a high coordination of various physiological processes. Chlorophyll a played a crucial role in maintaining their consistency with changing environmental conditions. Its content was associated with a more significant number of different parameters and elemental concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributions of heavy metals and metalloids (HMs) in forest reserves of Tver city districts were studied by ecological monitoring using inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis. A total of 14 HMs were detected in two lichen species (Hypogymnia physodes, Xanthoria parietina); 13, in soil samples. TM spectra were similar in both species at all studied model territories. The TM contents in lichens and soil were different and due to specific absorption of ecotoxins by living objects. The nature of HM accumulation and indicator abilities of the lichens depended on the anthropogenic impacts on the territory, ecological factors, and specifi cs of the lichen chemical compositions. Hypogymnia physodes had greater indicator value on anthropogenically impacted territories; X. parietina, in undisturbed phytocenoses. Each of these species could reliably detect Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, V, and Pb. Sn and Cr were absorbed more by X. parietina; Ni and Co, H. physodes, which should be considered in monitoring studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal and spatial atmospheric deposition trends of elements to the boreal forest surrounding bitumen production operations in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR), Alberta, Canada were investigated as part of a long-term lichen bioindicator study. The study focused on eight elements (sulfur, nitrogen, aluminum, calcium, iron, nickel, strontium, vanadium) that were previously identified as tracers for the major oil sand production sources. Samples of the in situ epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes were collected in 2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017 within a ~150 km radius from the center of surface oil sand production operations in the AOSR. Site-specific time series analysis conducted at eight jack pine upland sites that were repeatedly sampled generally showed significant trends of increasing lichen concentrations for fugitive dust linked elements, particularly at near-field (<25 km from a major oil sands production operation) sample locations. Multiple regional scale geostatistical models were developed and evaluated to characterize broad-scale changes in atmospheric deposition based on changes in H. physodes elemental concentrations between 2008 and 2014. Empirical Bayesian kriging and cokriging lichen element concentrations with oil sands mining, bitumen upgrading, coke materials handling, and limestone quarry/crushing influence variables produced spatial interpolation estimates with the lowest validation errors. Gridded zonal mean lichen element concentrations were calculated for the two comprehensive sampling years (2008, 2014) and evaluated for spatial and temporal change. Lichen sulfur concentrations significantly increased in every grid cell within the domain with the largest increases (44–88%) in the central valley in close proximity to the major surface oil sand production operations, while a minor nitrogen concentration decrease (−20%) in a single grid cell was observed. The areal extent of fugitive dust element deposition generally increased with significantly higher deposition to lichens restricted to the outer grids of the enhanced deposition field, reflecting new and expanding surface mining activity. Unlabelled Image • H. physodes is an effective indicator of gas and particulate atmospheric deposition. • Geostatistical models were developed/evaluated to elucidate atmospheric deposition. • Cokriging with production influence variables provided the lowest validation errors. • Highest lichen concentrations were observed near surface oil sand production sites. • Significant temporal and spatial deposition trends were observed between 2004 and 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) air pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina by using a lichen, Hypogymnia physodes. Metal content was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and was between very high naturality or alteration to middle naturality or alteration. Strong correlations between Cr and Ni confirmed mainly anthropogenic sources. The scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) analysis of C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, V, Co, As, Sn, Sb, Hg and Bi were performed on the lichen surface and hyphae of the transplanted samples. Despite significant damage to tissue and cell integrity, the recurrent presence of particulate matter in lichen indicates the considerable presence of dust in the urban atmosphere which, according to chemical composition, may be due to anthropogenic and natural sources such as soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The sources and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) atmospheric deposition in the boreal forests surrounding bitumen production operations in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR), Alberta, Canada were investigated as part of a 2014 passive in-situ bioindicator source apportionment study. Epiphytic lichen species Hypogymnia physodes samples (n = 127) were collected within a 150 km radius of the main surface oil sand production operations and analyzed for total sulfur, total nitrogen, forty-three elements, twenty-two PAHs, ten groups of C1-C2-alkyl PAHs and dibenzothiophenes (polycyclic aromatic compounds; PACs), five C1- and C2-alkyldibenzothiophenes, and retene. The ΣPAH + PAC in H. physodes ranged from 54 to 2778 ng g−1 with a median concentration of 317 ng g−1. Source apportionment modeling found an eight-factor solution that explained 99% of the measured ΣPAH + PAC lichen concentrations from four anthropogenic oil sands production sources (Petroleum Coke, Haul Road Dust, Stack Emissions, Raw Oil Sand), two local/regional sources (Biomass Combustion, Mobile Source), and two lichen biogeochemical factors. Petroleum Coke and Raw Oil Sand dust were identified as the major contributing sources of ΣPAH + PAC in the AOSR. These two sources accounted for 63% (43.2 μg g−1) of ΣPAH + PAC deposition to the entire study domain. Of this overall 43.2 μg g−1 contribution, approximately 90% (39.9 μg g−1) ΣPAH + PAC was deposited within 25 km of the closest oil sand production facility. Regional sources (Biomass Combustion and Mobile Sources) accounted for 19% of ΣPAH + PAC deposition to the entire study domain, of which 46% was deposited near-field to oil sand production operations. Source identification was improved over a prior lichen-based study in the AOSR through incorporation of PAH and PAC analytes in addition to inorganic analytes. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Epiphytic lichen PAH bioindicator study conducted in Athabasca Oil Sands Region • Receptor modeling elucidated and quantified significant contributing sources. • C1-C2-alkyl PAHs and dibenzothiophenes utilized as tracer species • Petroleum coke and raw oil sand dust accounted for 67% of near field SPAH deposition. • Petroleum coke source required the use of C1-C2-alkyl PAH tracer species to resolve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anatomical (thickness of layers of fungal and algal symbionts) and ecophysiological parameters (the content of photosynthetic pigments) of two lichen species (Hypogymnia physodes and Umbilicaria hyperborea) from rocky forest communities of northernmost boreal zone (North-West of Russia) were studied. H. physodes is a lichen with foliose thallus morphology and circumpolar distribution which colonizes almost every substrate. U. hyperborea is strictly epilithic lichen with umbilicate type of thallus morphology and arcto-alpine distribution. Despite the fact that the photobiont in two species are closely related taxa (unicellular green algae of the genus Trebouxia) a high variability of photosynthetic pigments content in H. physodes thalli has been revealed, whereas in U. hyperborea, the mycobiotic showed high structural variability. It can be concluded that both mycobiont and photobiont contribute to their adaptation to environmental factors. In the present study it was obtained that the proportion of variation in anatomical structures and the content of photosynthetic pigments probably less depends on taxonomic position of photobiont and more determined by the plasticity of the individual components of the symbiotrophic organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypogymnia physodes is a lichenized fungus of the family Parmeliaceae. The aim of this study was to compare the level of genetic diversity in eight psammophilous and three epiphytic populations of this species from the Baltic coast in Poland, based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. In the reactions with nine primers, 153 fragments were obtained, of which 133 were polymorphic. In one reaction, from 0 (for lich2 primer) to 55 (for C02 primer) amplicons were obtained. A Dice’s genetic similarity index matrix was constructed based on the results of RAPD marker polymorphism examination. The values of similarity indices ranged from 0.00 to 0.73. Results of this study confirm the separateness of all three epiphytic populations from those found on sand dunes (100% support, UPGMA/1000 trees).

Woodlice are not widely recognized as lichen-feeding invertebrates. We sought to discover whether the woodlouse, Porcellio scaber, could feed on the lichen Hypogymnia physodes and if the lichen carbon-based secondary compounds CBSCs would reduce grazing. We cut lichen thalli in two pieces, one was non-destructively rinsed in acetone to remove CBSCs; the other served as a control. Both pieces were fed to woodlice in a choice experiment. The CBSC concentration of individual thalli ranged from 3 to 19%. The woodlice grazed all pieces, but preferred the acetone-rinsed pieces, depending on the amount of CBSCs present in the non-extracted counterpart. The woodlice were not deterred from feeding on samples with CBSC concentrations ≤5%, which corresponded to natural contents in shade-adapted thalli. This suggested that P. scaber tolerates this amount of compounds at least in the short-term. In conclusion, P. scaber can feed on H. physodes, but CBSCs deter them from feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll a and b contents in Hypogymnia physodes specimens collected from various economic areas and natural complexes of Tver Region were found to differ substantially using a spectrophotometric method, showing that the lichen photosynthetic system is highly adaptable. The chlorophyll b content was linked primarily to adaptation to specific environmental features in various plant communities. The chlorophyll a content changed to provide the necessary compensatory responses under technogenic stress. A total of 15 metals (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn) were detected in H. physodes samples using inductively coupled plasma atomicemission spectroscopy (ICP AES). The most widespread of them were Fe, Al, and Ti. Significant correlations among the concentrations of these metals and the chlorophyll a content were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epiphytic lichens are well-known indicators of air contamination. The chemical composition of lichens is affected by the concentration of pollutants in the environment. Usually, researchers assess long-term variations in trace elements or other pollutants in the study area, or identify spatial features of air contamination. The aim of this study is to create a database of trace element concentrations in the samples of the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes growing in the Kaliningrad region. The database can be used as a "reference point" for monitoring studies. Another objective is to identify the spatial patterns of iron, manganese, nickel, cadmium, silver, lead, strontium, rubidium, and calcium in the Kaliningrad region. With the help of a regular grid, samples of wild lichens were collected from pine and birch trees, 1.2-1.8 m from their bases, in August 2010. One- to two-year-old thalli were used in the chemical analysis. The metals Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry AAS (Mn and Fe by flame atomic absorption FA AAS and the others by electro thermal atomisation ETA AAS); the elements Sr, Rb, and Ca were determined by X-ray fluorescence. The concentration of metals in the western coastal area (the Sambian or Kaliningrad Peninsula) is higher than it is in the central and eastern parts of the region. Principal component factor analysis was carried out to detect and characterise different pollution sources. The authors examined the features of spatial distribution of trace elements. The prevailing wind direction is between south and west; therefore, the highest concentrations of trace elements were found on the Sambian peninsula and on the coasts of the Vistula and Curonian Lagoons. The chemical composition of lichens on the Sambian peninsula may have developed under the impact of both local pollution sources--vehicles, thermal energy facilities, and ports--and such factors as trans-boundary traffic and sea spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acetone soluble fraction of the methanol extracts of Parmeliaceae lichens: Hypogymnia physodes, Evernia prunastri and Parmelia sulcata, growing on the same host tree (Prunus domestica) and at the same locality was analyzed for the first time by GC and GC–MS. The major identified components were olivetol (33.5 % of the H. physodes extract), atraric acid (30.1 and 30.3 % of the E. prunastri and P. sulcata extracts, respectively), orcinol (25.0 % of the E. prunastri extract), vitamin E (24.7 % of the P. sulcata extract) and olivetonide (15.7 % of the H. physodes extract). Even though all the identified compounds are known, a number of them were found for the first time in the examined lichens, i.e., orcinol monomethyl ether (H. physodes), orcinol, atranol, lichesterol, ergosterol (H. physodes and P. sulcata), methyl haematommate, atraric acid, olivetol, vitamin E (H. physodes and P. sulcata) and b-sitosterol (P. sulcata).

The ability of lichens to accumulate levels of elements in excess of physiological requirements in close correlation with atmospheric elemental levels has led to their wide-scale application as practical biomonitors of inorganic atmospheric contamination. The advantages of using lichens over conventional air sampling techniques are that lichens are perennial and can be found in most terrestrial habitats. The epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes was used to monitor atmospheric pollution in the Sarajevo city region, Bosnia and Herzegovina. H. physodes is a very common epiphytic lichen on trees with a slightly acidic or neutral bark. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used for the determination of 14 elements (Al, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn) in lichen samples from five locations in the Sarajevo area. Achieved results have been compared with literary data from northwestern countries of Europe and Slovenia.A detailed analysis of air pollution with toxic metals and other elements has not yet been made in the area of Sarajevo. So far, analyses of the air quality in Sarajevo have been based on determining the fraction of: SO2, NOx, CO2, CO, O3, smoke, PM 10. This motivated us (especially after the war 1992-1995) to conduct multi-elemental analyses of epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes.The results show that the mass fraction of Cr, Pb and Zn in our samples significantly differ from data on the fraction of these elements in samples of lichen in Northwestern European countries.

Hypogymnia physodes is a lichenized fungus of the family Parmeliaceae. The aim of this study was to compare the level of genetic diversity in eight psammophilous and three epiphytic populations of this species from the Baltic coast in Poland, based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. In the reactions with nine primers, 153 fragments were obtained, of which 133 were polymorphic. In one reaction, from 0 (for lich2 primer) to 55 (for C02 primer) amplicons were obtained. A Dice's genetic similarity index matrix was constructed based on the results of RAPD marker polymorphism examination. The values of similarity indices ranged from 0.00 to 0.73. Results of this study confirm the separateness of all three epiphytic populations from those found on sand dunes (100% support, UPGMA/1000 trees). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capability of accumulating lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cooper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) by tree lichen species was compared. Samples of lichens were taken in the autumn of 2013, from Betula pendula Roth, Fraxinus excelsior L., Acer platanoides L., Acer Pseudoplatanus L., Populus sp. trees and other broad-leaved trees growing within the city limits of Słupsk. The sampling stations were located in housing estates, green urban parks, near streets with heavy traffic and close to industrial plants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pollution of the municipal environment of Słupsk with selected heavy metals using for this purpose thalli of three lichen species: Hypogymnia physodes, Parmelia sulcata and Xanthoria parietina, and to compare their accumulative properties. The heavy metal content in lichens was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The highest concentration of heavy metals was discovered in lichens collected in the city centre, while the lowest concentrations were found in parks and green areas. The largest quantities of Ni and Pb were accumulated by the lichen species H. physodes, most Zn and Fe accumulated in the lichen X. parietina, whereas Mn accumulated in similar amounts in all the tested species. A strong direct proportional relationship between the content of Zn and Fe, Fe and Cu, Zn and Cu in thalli of lichens was revealed. Some similarity between the Pb-Cu and Pb-Fe correlations was found as well as that of Pb-Mn in thalli of P. sulcata and X. parietina, along with a series of statistically significant differences between the examined species of lichen related to pH and the volume of accumulated heavy metals in thalli. The most significant differences in the content of heavy metals in thalli assessed in series of pairwise comparisons including (i) H. physodes vs P. sulcata, (ii) P. sulcata vs X. parietina and (iii) H. physodes vs X. parietina were found for (i') Pb, Cu and Fe, (ii') Ni and (iii') Pb, Ni, Cu and Fe, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichen species typically have a characteristic profile of secondary metabolites. Dense populations of Hypogymnia physodes growing frequently as epiphytes on tree branches have harmful effects on the host, likely due to their secondary compounds, which were undetected in tree tissues until now. The aim of the present study was to re-characterise the suite of secondary metabolites of H. physodes thalli and to estimate their translocation into spruce ( Picea abies ) bark. Thallus and bark extracts were compared using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). The compounds were identified based on their UV, MS and MS/MS spectra as well as retention factors of their TLC analysis. In addition to the previously described secondary metabolites (protocetraric, physodalic, 3-hydroxyphysodic, physodic, and 2′- O -methylphysodic acids, atranorin and chloroatranorin) of H. physodes , further three were identified in its thalli: conphysodalic, 4- O -methylphysodic and α -alectoronic acids. Fragmentation patterns from the negative ionisation of each compound were proposed, some of which were described for the first time. Among all of the detected lichen substances, a few, e.g., physodalic, 3-hydroxyphysodic, physodic acids and atranorin, were present in the bark of spruce branches that were abundantly colonised by lichen. The newly identified compounds of H. physodes thalli may belong to its constant or accessory secondary metabolites. These compounds may be useful in the chemotaxonomic classification of this species. The presence of some lichen substances in spruce bark confirmed their ability to penetrate host tissues. These data suggest that H. physodes compounds may cause long-term effects on spruces in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition, and evaluate the genotoxic, and anti-growth potency of the methanol extracts of lichen species Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. (HPE). Anti-growth effect was tested in two different human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) by the MTT and ATP viability assays and apoptosis was assayed by the caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (M30-antigen). Genotoxic activity of HPE was studied using chromosome aberration and micronuclei tests in human lymphocytes culture in vitro. The chemical composition of H. physodes was analyzed by using direct thermal desorption method coupled with comprehensive gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GCXGC-TOF/MS). Our results indicate that HPE has an anti-growth effect at relatively lower concentrations, while relatively higher concentrations are required for genotoxic activity. HPE, therefore, seems to represent a therapeutic potential and poses new challenges for medicinal chemistry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 804-813, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ontogenesis of the foliose lichen Hypogymnia physodes has been described on the basis of the material obtained from natural populations. Ontogenetic dynamics (diameter of thallus and the number of lobes) and the features of reproductive structures (the number and diameter of labelloid and galeated sorales) were studied in ecologically different pine forests. We reasonably rejected the use of the variance analysis and nonparametric criteria for the result processing. It was shown that the median dynamics and trait variance may be either similar or different throughout the ontogenesis. The trait variances in ecologically different ecotopes were shown to be different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate chemical composition of acetone extract of the lichen Hypogymnia physodes and antioxidant, -microbial, and -cancer activities of some its major metabolites. Four depsidones (fumarprotocetraric-, 3-hydroxyphysodalic-, physodalic-, and physodic acids), two depsides (atranorin and chloroatranorin), and usnic acid were identified from the lichen H. physodes growing in Serbia using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector. Antioxidant activity of isolated metabolites was evaluated by free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, and reducing power. As a result of this study physodic acid was found to have stronger antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity was estimated by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration by the broth microdilution method. All isolated compounds were highly active with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 0.0008 to 1 mg/ml. Anticancer activity was tested against FemX (human melanoma) and LS 174 (human colon carcinoma) cell lines using microculture tetrazolium method. Tested compounds were found have strong anticancer activity toward both cell lines with IC values ranging from 12.72 ± 0.35 to 24.63 ± 2.15 μg/ml. The present study shows that isolated lichen compounds demonstrated strong antioxidant, -microbial, and -cancer effects. The results suggest that this lichen can be used as new sources of the natural antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, and -cancer compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens are known to produce a variety of secondary metabolites including polyketides, which have valuable biological activities. Some polyketides are produced solely by lichens. The biosynthesis of these compounds is primarily governed by iterative type I polyketide synthases. Hypogymnia physodes synthesize polyketides such as physodic, physodalic and hydroxyphysodic acid and atranorin, which are non-reducing polyketides. Two novel non-reducing polyketide synthase (PKS) genes were isolated from a fosmid genomic library of a mycobiont of H. physodes using a 409bp fragment corresponding to part of the reductase (R) domain as a probe. H. physodes PKS1 (Hyopks1) and PKS2 (Hypopks2) contain keto synthase (KS), acyl transferase (AT), acyl carrier protein (ACP), methyl transferase (ME) and R domains. Classification based on phylogeny analysis using the translated KS and AT domains demonstrated that Hypopks1 and Hypopks2 are members of the fungal non-reducing PKSs clade III. This is the first report of non-reducing PKSs containing the R domain-mediated release mechanisms in lichens, which are also rare fungal type I PKS in non-lichenized filamentous fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, levels of sulphur deposition from air pollution have been substantially reduced in Norway, whereas levels of nitrogen deposition have been stable or somewhat increased. In parallel, a clear trend of increasing annual temperatures, as well as precipitation, is evident. Human impact on natural ecosystems is predicted to reduce biodiversity at regional scales through facilitating a few generalist species at the expense of species with narrow habitat requirements. In this study, we investigate changes in community composition and the abundance of dominant lichen species on birch in subalpine forests over a 15-year period. The study is based on repeated measurements in five monitoring sites in Norway, representing regional gradients in temperature and precipitation as well as in deposition of nitrogen and sulphur compounds. Two dominant species are studied in particular; the generalist Hypogymnia physodes and the subalpine birch specialist Melanelia olivacea. The largest change in species composition was found in the site with the biggest reduction in sulphur deposition during the 15-year period, whereas the site with low precipitation and low pollution loads had small changes in species composition. The abundance of the generalist H. physodes increased in all sites and the specialist M. olivacea decreased in abundance, especially in sites with both high precipitation and heavy nitrogen deposition. Our study thus suggests that a warmer, humid climate is beneficial for the generalist H. physodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) deposition has increased globally over the last 150 years and further increases are predicted. Epiphytic lichens decline in abundance and diversity in areas with high N loads, and the abundance of lichens decreases along gradients of increased deposition. Thus, although N is an essential nutrient for lichens, excessive loads may be detrimental for them. However, these gradients include many correlated pollutants and the mechanisms behind the decline are thus poorly known. The aim of this study was to assess effects of N deposition, alone, on the epiphytic lichen community composition in a naturally N-poor boreal forest. For this purpose, whole spruce trees were fertilized daily with N at five levels, equivalent to 0.6, 6, 12.5, 25, and 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1, during four consecutive growing seasons (2006-2009), and changes in the abundance of lichens were monitored each autumn from the preceding year (2005). The studied lichen communities were highly dynamic and responded strongly to the environmental perturbation. N deposition detectably altered the direction of succession and reduced the species richness of the epiphytic lichen communities, even at the lowest fertilization application (6 kg N ha−1 yr−1). The simulated N deposition caused significant changes in the abundance of Alectoria sarmentosa, Bryoria spp., and Hypogymnia physodes, which all increased at low N loads and decreased at high loads, but with species-specific optima. The rapid decline of A. sarmentosa may have been caused by the added nitrogen reducing the stability of the lichen thalli, possibly due to increases in the photobiont: mycobiont ratio or parasitic fungal attacks. We conclude that increases in nitrogen availability, per se, could be responsible for the reductions in lichen abundance and diversity observed along deposition gradients, and those community responses may be due to physiological responses of the individual species rather than changes in competitive interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable nitrogen isotopes (δN) have been determined in the organic matter (OM) of thalli of the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. collected at 15 levels along an altitudinal gradient (1250-2928 m a.s.l.) in forest and alpine meadow communities of the Khangai Plateau, Mongolia. The results show that, in the study region as a whole, no correlation between the δN content and elevation is observed. However, the lichen OM within the mountain forest belt is depleted of the heavy N isotope as elevation increases (from 1250 to 2400 m a.s.l.), whereas in the alpine meadow belt (2500-2928 m a.s.l) it is enriched with this isotope. In addition, δN values in OM show an inverse dependence on the relative content of total nitrogen in the thalli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal secondary compounds and total extracts are known to affect growth of bacteria, fungi, and plants. This study tested the effects of purified compounds and total extracts from three lichens on the growth of two plant pathogens, Ophiostoma novo- ulmi ssp. americana and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Usnic acid showed no reduction in relative growth rates (RGR), whereas vulpinic acid reduced RGR for both fungi and atranorin reduced RGR of S. sclerotiorum only. However, purified vulpinic acid showed stronger effects than total extracts on fungal growth. The results suggest that these lichens show further promise as a source for bioactive compounds against fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the chemical composition of lichens exposed to pollutants are investigated by means of FTIR spectroscopy. According to model experiments, alkyl nitrates, ammonium salts, amines, and sulfones develop in the lichen thallus through the action of ammonia and nitric and sulfuric acids. Spectroscopic data of modeling experiments enabled nitrogen- and sulfur-containing substances to be identified as the main air pollutants in the vicinity of a pig-breeding complex and information to be obtained on the content of the pollutants and their impact on the lichens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acetone soluble fraction of the methanol extracts of Parmeliaceae lichens: Hypogymnia physodes, Evernia prunastri and Parmelia sulcata, growing on the same host tree (Prunus domestica) and at the same locality was analyzed for the first time by GC and GC-MS. The major identified components were olivetol (33.5 % of the H. physodes extract), atraric acid (30.1 and 30.3 % of the E. prunastri and P. sulcata extracts, respectively), orcinol (25.0 % of the E. prunastri extract), vitamin E (24.7 % of the P. sulcata extract) and olivetonide (15.7 % of the H. physodes extract). Even though all the identified compounds are known, a number of them were found for the first time in the examined lichens, i.e., orcinol monomethyl ether (H. physodes), orcinol, atranol, lichesterol, ergosterol (H. physodes and P. sulcata), methyl haematommate, atraric acid, olivetol, vitamin E (H. physodes and P. sulcata) and β-sitosterol (P. sulcata). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methanol extracts of four Parmeliaceae lichens ( Hypogymnia physodes, Evernia prunastri, Flavoparmelia caperata and Parmelia sulcata) were screened for antioxidant properties and total phenol content. The H. physodes extract was the most effective at reducing iron(III) and scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals, while the P. sulcata extract was the most effective in reducing molybdenum(VI) in an acidic medium. The E. prunastri and H. physodes extracts contained more Folin-Ciocalteu reagent reactive substances than the F. caperata and P. sulcata extracts. Significant activity of the H. physodes extract in DPPH and reducing Fe(III) assays suggest that this lichen can be considered as a potential source of antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of morphological features of parent thalli, substrate and climatic factors, and their seasonal fluctuations to variation in the viability of vegetative diaspores has been studied on the model of epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes. Seasonal trends in viability have been revealed only in certain types of biotopes. Hygrothermal conditions and substrate properties in the biotope have proved to have a significant effect on the viability of soredia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the level of atmospheric pollution in different urban recreational areas using analysis of the chemical composition of the lichen Hypogymnia physodes by Fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy. We have developed a procedure for determining the dominant pollutant, its concentration, and the degree of its impact on the structure of the lichen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake and metabolism of arsenate, As(V), as a function of time and concentration were examined in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. Lichen thalli were exposed to As(V) in the form of a solution. Exponential uptake of As(V) from 4μgmL−1 As(V) solution was accompanied by constant arsenite, As(III), excretion back into the solution. Arsenate taken up into the lichens from 0, 0.1, 1, 10μgmL−1 As(V) solutions was partially transformed into As(III), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and (mono)methylarsonic acid (MA). 48h after exposure, the main arsenic compound in the lichens was DMA in 0.1, As(III) in 1 and As(V) in 10μgmL−1 treatment. The proportion of methylated arsenic compounds decreased with increasing arsenate concentration in the exposure solution. These results suggest that at least two types of As(V) detoxification exist in lichens; arsenite excretion and methylation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Micro-PIXE was applied in the study of arsenic metabolism in the lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. Lichen thalli were laboratory exposed to a solution of an inorganic arsenic compound arsenate and to a control solution. Perpendicular sections that reveal the morphological properties of the lichen thallus were subjected to microbeam measurements to obtain data on the localization of arsenic and its influence on the distribution and concentrations of the selected macro- and microelements P, S, K, Ca, Cl, Mn, Fe and Zn. Five groups of elements were distinguished regarding losses and redistribution due to arsenic exposure: (1) K and Ca were depleted from all lichen layers; (2) Mn was depleted from the algal layer and lower cortex, (3) Fe was decreased in the algal layer and increased in the lower cortex, (4) Zn was decreased both in the algal layer and the medulla, but increased in the lower cortex, and (5) P and S were decreased in the medulla, but increased in the algal layer and the lower cortex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two country-wide surveys using epiphytic lichens as biomonitors of atmospheric pollution carried out during 2000 and 2001 in Slovenia were compared with surveys in 1991 and 1992. In the first survey, epiphytic lichen cover was studied in more than 500 plots of the 4×4km national grid carried out within the framework of forest decline inventories. In the second survey, the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L. ) Nyl. , was collected on a 16×16km bioindication grid and analysed for S, N, As, Br, Ce, Cd, Cr, K, La, Mo, Rb, Sb, Th, U and Zn contents. Only ‘forested area’ sampling points were included in the present study. Lichen cover was low, with about 70% of plots with less than 10% foliose lichen cover. No relationship was found between Hypogymnia trace element, N and S concentrations and foliose epiphytic lichen cover. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]