Species Diversity of Lycoperdaceae (Agaricales) in Israel, with Some Insights into the Phylogenetic Structure of the Family.

The diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel was studied. Molecular phylogenetic relationships within the family, and genus Lycoperdon in particular, were inferred using original ITS rDNA sequences of 58 samples belonging to 25 species from Israel and six other countries, together with 66 sequences stored in the GenBank database. The current molecular phylogenetic study recovered the family Lycoperdaceae as a monophyletic group, which was supported in both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. The clades corresponding to the genera Apioperdon, Bovista, Calvatia, Disciseda, and Lycoperdon were revealed. The taxonomic structure of the named genera was partially resolved. Within the genus Lycoperdon, some species received significant statistical support; however, their relationships, as well as the problem of the genus monophyly, mostly remained questionable. As a result of a thorough literature survey, extensive sample collection, and studies of the material stored in the Herbarium of the Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa (HAI, Israel), fifteen species representing five genera were found in the territory of Israel. Six species, namely Apioperdon pyriforme, Bovista aestivalis, Calvatia candida, Lycoperdon decipiens, L. niveum, and L. perlatum, are new additions to the diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel. Detailed macro- and micromorphological descriptions, ecology, geography, and critical notes, together with light microscopy photos and SEM micrographs, are provided. In-depth discussion on some taxonomically challenging species is presented.

DOMINANT SPECIES OF THE GENUS PROTOPERIDINIUM BERGH (PERIDINIALES: PROTOPERIDINIACEAE) IN THE BLACK SEA.

To date, 59 species (61 including infraspecific taxa) of the heterotrophic genus Protoperidinium have been found in the Black Sea. With rare exceptions, the records of most species were not confirmed by either line drawings or microphotographs, and lacked indications of important diagnostic traits. To partially correct these deficiencies, we conducted morphological examinations of the dominant Protoperidinium species in the Black Sea. The study provides original descriptions, line drawings, and microphotographs of 22 species of Protoperidinium with their global distribution maps. Protoperidinium quadrioblongum is reported from the Black Sea for the first time.

Anti-Inflammation Properties of Fruiting Bodies and Submerged Cultured Mycelia of Culinary-Medicinal Higher Basidiomycetes Mushrooms.

This research shows the phenolic composition and anti-inflammation properties of fruiting bodies and mycelia of 15 strains of 12 species of higher Basidiomycetes medicinal mushrooms. In this research, 15 extracts were prepared and their effects on inflammation-related mediators in RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. In the extracts, amounts of total phenols ranged from 8.47 to 70.32 gallic acid equivalents mg/g and amounts of flavonoids ranged from 0.13 to 15.21 rutin equivalents mg/g. The production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 was decreased at different levels by these extracts, whereas the production of interleukin-10 was increased by 6 of the extracts. Overall, Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies, Grifola frondosa fruiting bodies, and Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelia might be used to ameliorate inflammatory responses.