Diversity and interactions of lichen mycobionts and photobionts in the Fildes Region, King George Island, maritime Antarctica

Lichens,as dual organisms comprising a major mycobiont and a major photobiont,exhibit remarkable survival capabilities in extreme conditions,such as those found in Antarctica.Despite their adaptability,the diversity and distribution of lichen photobionts in the ice-free areas of maritime Antarctica remain less understood compared to their mycobiont counterparts.In our study,we investigated the diversity of both lichen mycobionts and photobionts in 56 samples collected from the Fildes Region on King George Island,maritime Antarctica.Through sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions and subsequent phylogenetic analysis,we examined the relationships and association patterns between mycobionts and photobionts.Our findings revealed 19 taxa of lichen mycobionts across 13 families and seven orders,along with nine photobiont species within the class Trebouxiophyceae.These photobionts encompassed six Trebouxia species,one Asterochloris species,one Chloroidium species,and one Stichococcus species.In particular,a new Trebouxia lineage(Trebouxia sp.OTU D08)and a new Chloroidium lineage were found.The analysis indicated that many mycobionts could be associated with multiple photobiont species,a pattern also observed among the photobionts.These results contribute significantly to our understanding of the complex diversity of lichen mycobionts and photobionts in the ice-free areas of maritime Antarctica.

Successful treatment of lichen amyloidosis coexisting with atopic dermatitis by dupilumab:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Lichen amyloidosis(LA)is a chronic,severely pruritic skin disease,which is the most common form of primary cutaneous amyloidosis.The treatment of LA has been considered to be difficult.LA may be associated with atopic dermatitis(AD),and in this setting,the treatment options may be more limited.Herein,we report four cases of LA associated with AD successfully treated by dupilumab.CASE SUMMARY In this article,we describe four cases of patients who presented with recurrent skin rash accompanied by severe generalized intractable pruritus,diagnosed with refractory LA coexisting with chronic AD.Previous treatments had not produced any apparent improvement.Thus,we administered dupilumab injection subcutaneously at a dose of 600 mg for the first time and 300 mg every 2 wk thereafter.Their lesions all markedly improved.CONCLUSION Dupilumab may be a new useful treatment for LA coexisting with AD.

Saxicolous lichen communities in three basins associated with mining activity in northwestern Argentina

Mining activity affects the vegetation and soils of the ecosystems.However,the effects of mining activity on saxicolous lichen communities are less concerned.Thus,the aim of this study was to characterize saxicolous lichen communities in three basins(Vis-Vis River basin,Poteros River basin,and Capillitas River basin)surrounding metalliferous mining projects of different types of operation and at different stages of exploitation.A large-scale mine(Bajo de la Alumbrera)with more than 25 a of open-pit mining located in the Vis-Vis River basin(CRV).A pre-exploitation mine(Agua Rica)located in the Poteros River basin(CRP),and a small-scale mine(Minas Capillitas)with more than 160 a of underground mining located in the Capillitas River basin(CAC).In each basin,species richness,cover,and frequency of lichen communities were measured on 40 rock outcrops.Also,explanatory variables were recorded,i.e.,altitude,slope,aspect,vegetation cover,rock,and soil cover around the rocky area sampled.Richness and total cover of lichen communities were analysed using linear models,and species composition was explored using multivariate ordination analysis.Results showed that a total of 118 lichen species were identified.The species richness differed among basins and the lichen composition present in areas close to mining sites responded mainly to basins,altitude,and microsite variables.The lichen cover showed no difference among basins,but it changed under different rock and vegetation cover.It was not possible to quantify the effects of mining activity on species richness and composition.However,the low richness values found in the downstream of Minera Alumbrera could be associated with the negative impact of open-pit mining.Moreover,the effects of large-scale mining activity on lichen communities needs more investigation.

Predicting the Activity of Oral Lichen Planus with Glycolysis-related Molecules:A Scikit-learn-based Function

Objective Oral lichen planus(OLP)is one of the most common oral mucosa diseases,and is mainly mediated by T lymphocytes.The metabolic reprogramming of activated T cells has been shown to transform from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis.The present study investigated the serum levels of glycolysis-related molecules(lactate dehydrogenase,LDH;pyruvic acid,PA;lactic acid,LAC)in OLP,and the correlation with OLP activity was assessed using the reticular,atrophic and erosive lesion(RAE)scoring system.Methods Univariate and multivariate linear regression functions based on scikit-learn were designed to predict the RAE scores in OLP patients,and the performance of these two machine learning functions was compared.Results The results revealed that the serum levels of PA and LAC were upregulated in erosive OLP(EOLP)patients,when compared to healthy volunteers.Furthermore,the LDH and LAC levels were significantly higher in the EOLP group than in the nonerosive OLP(NEOLP)group.All glycolysis-related molecules were positively correlated to the RAE scores.Among these,LAC had a strong correlation.The univariate function that involved the LAC level and the multivariate function that involved all glycolysis-related molecules presented comparable prediction accuracy and stability,but the latter was more time-consuming.Conclusion It can be concluded that the serum LAC level can be a user-friendly biomarker to monitor the OLP activity,based on the univariate function developed in the present study.The intervention of the glycolytic pathway may provide a potential therapeutic strategy.

Solitary acral persistent papular mucinosis nodule:A case report and summary of eight Korean cases

BACKGROUND Acral persistent papular mucinosis(APPM)is a rare idiopathic subtype of localized lichen myxedematosus.To date,there have been 40 APPM cases reported worldwide;however,only 7 cases have been reported in the Korean literature.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a solitary pinkish nodule on the dorsum of his right hand.Despite the absence of symptoms,the patient wanted to know the exact diagnosis;thus,a biopsy was performed.Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen obtained from the nodule on the dorsum of his hand revealed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with patchy parakeratosis,prominent hypergranulosis,and diffuse dissecting mucinous deposition between collagen bundles,along with some bland-looking spindle cells throughout the dermis.The nodule was histologically diagnosed as an APPM,and an intralesional triamcinolone injection(2.5 mg/mL)was started every 2 wk.After three sessions of treatment,the patient showed marked improvements.CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge,this is the first case of a Korean APPM presenting as a solitary nodule that showed a marked response to triamcinolone intralesional injection.Since it is a rare disease,we report this case to contribute to future research on the pathogenesis and treatment of APPM.

Prediction of potential targets and molecular mechanisms of Tripterygium hypoglaucum for oral lichen planus based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:To explore the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of tripterygium hypoglaucum for oral lichen planus(OLP)by applying network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods:The active ingredients and targets of tripterygium hypoglaucum were screened.OLP-related targets were predicted.The Protein-Protein Interaction(PPI)network was constructed for the intersection targets of tripterygium hypoglaucum and OLP.The“OLP-target-molecule-Tripterygium hypoglaucum”network was constructed and visualized.The intersection genes were screened for gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses.Molecular docking analysis and visualization were performed.Results:15 active ingredients and 78 targets of tripterygium hypoglaucum were obtained.9109 OLP-related targets were screened,and 54 intersection genes of tripterygium hypoglaucum with OLP were obtained.The top 10 key targets were screened from the constructed PPI network.The top 10 active ingredients of tripterygium hypoglaucum were screened from the constructed“OLP-targets of actionactive ingredients-tripterygium hypoglaucum”network.The GO and KEGG analyses of the 54 intersection targets indicated that tripterygium hypoglaucum may play a therapeutic role by regulating one carbon pool by folate,pathways in cancer,et al.Molecular docking analysis showed that dihydrofolate reductase(DHFR),phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase(GART),estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),et al are the key targets for the treatment of OLP in tripterygium hypoglaucum.Conclusion:The potential key targets and molecular mechanisms of tripterygium hypoglaucum in treating OLP provide a theoretical basis for new drug development and clinical applications.

Altitudinal Range of Black-and-white Snub-nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti ) at Baima Snow Mountain, China

Faeces were counted along horizontal, 5.0m wide strips at altitude intervals of 100m to examine the altitudinal ranging pattern of a band of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys （Rhinopithecus bieti） at Nanren （99°04′E, 28°34′N, Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reverse, Yunnan, China） at four areas in each season between 2000-2001. Faeces were also counted along vertical, 2.5 m wide strips in one subvalley and on one subridge in each area. Monkeys used an altitudinal range of 3500-4300m, but preferred occupying the upper forest belt between 3900 and 4200m asl year-round, being at the highest altitude in summer, the lowest altitude in spring, and middle altitudes between autumn and winter （lower in winter than autumn）. Moreover, there were secondary peaks of lower altitude use （3700m） in spring and winter. In addition, more faeces were distributed in subvalleys than on subridges in winter, this suggests that monkeys tend to spend more time in subvalleys where there is less wind and fluctuating temperatures. The significant correlation between faecal density and lichen load might indicate that altitudinal distribution of food resources may act as an important factor affecting the monkeys＇ range. The monkeys might migrate to lower altitudes to eat young sprouts and leaves in spring, and to shelter from snowstorms in winter, possibly resulting in the secondary peaks at lower altitudes.

Toll样受体9基因多态性与口腔扁平苔藓治疗及预后的关系研究

口腔扁平苔藓（oral lichen planus,OLP）为病因不明的口腔黏膜慢性炎症性疾病,并被世界卫生组织（WHO）列为癌前病变。我国人群总患病率为1.27%,其中男性0.96%,女性1.57%,多发生于更年期妇女。OLP病损多发生于颊黏膜处,舌背部也可发生,多对称分布。临床可分为普通型和糜烂型2种。OLP病程慢性迁延,尤其是糜烂型OLP,患者自觉疼痛和吞咽困难,复发率高,有癌变风险。

口腔潜在恶性疾患的病因排序和综合序列治疗新思路

迄今为止,国内外文献或教材对口腔扁平苔藓（oral lichen planus,OLP）和口腔白斑（oral leukplaque,OLK）等潜在恶性疾患在病因和治疗上的认识都比较模糊,比如OLP一直被归为病因不明、疗效不确切和疗程长的疾病[1-3]。而且相当多的患者因为恐癌和疑病而到处求医,甚至被一些不良的医疗机构误导而过度治疗。

环孢素和白芍总甙联合治疗口腔糜烂型扁平苔藓的疗效观察

口腔扁平苔藓（oral lichen planus,OLP）是一种常见口腔黏膜慢性、炎症性疾病,不具有传染性。其发病机制目前尚未完全明确,多数学者认为该疾病为T淋巴细胞介导的免疫相关性疾病。发病率约为0.1%~4%,与精神（如疲劳、焦虑、紧张）、免疫、内分泌、感染、微循环障碍、微量元素缺乏及某些全身疾病（糖尿病、感染、高血压、消化道功能紊乱）有关。长期糜烂的OLP病损有恶变倾向[1]。

地衣芽孢杆菌生态制剂治疗肝炎、肝硬化腹胀120例疗效观察

地衣芽孢杆菌(Baccillue lichenifarnis)是我院从一名正常待产妇阴道分离出的菌株,经中国科学院微生物研究所鉴定,极低生物毒性,经观察健康组在服药中无不良反应和毒副作用,我们首先用该生态制剂治疗120例肝炎,肝硬化所致腹胀取得了明显效果。

Reform of Carbonate Rock Subsurface by Crustose Lichens and Its Environmental Significance

Crustose lichens are distributed extensively in karst areas in Southern China. They can be found on the surface of carbonate rocks. Through biophysical and biochemical processes, crustose lichens reform the subsurface of carbonate rocks and in the meanwhile change their physical and chemical properties: (1) the mechanical strength decreases by 17.04° on average (up to 33.2°); (2) the chemical solution surface area increases from 28.26% to 75.36% (lichen microholes considered only); and (3) the water-holding capacity is greatly improved. Comparative field experiments between biokarst samples underneath crustose lichens and fresh rock samples with the same composition and texture show that the corrosional rate of carbonate rocks of the former is 1.264–1.643 times higher than that of the latter. Crustose lichens are considered as an activator of the surface corrosion of carbonate rocks.

Periodontopathogen profile of healthy and oral lichen planus patients with gingivitis or periodontitis

Oral lichen planus （OLP） is a chronic inflammatory disease that is frequently detected in oral tissues. The aim of our study was to identify the prevalence of the detection of periodontopathogenic microorganisms （Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola in OLP patients and to compare with this prevalence of periodontopathogenic microorganisms in healthy non-OLP patients. Our study included 27 （18 chronic periodontitis （OLPP） and 9 gingivitis （OLPG）） patients diagnosed with OLP along with 26 （13 chronic periodontitis （HP） and 13 gingivitis （HG）） healthy non-OLP patients. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR）with subsequent reverse hybridization method （micro-IDent） was used for identifying periodontopathogenic microorganisms present in subgingival plaque samples. The percentages of detection for A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia and T. denticola in subgingival plaque samples taken from OLP patients （OLPG and OLPP） were 18.5%, 85.1%, 81.4%, 88.8% and 74%, respectively. Meanwhile, in the non-OLP patients （HG and HP）, these values were 7.6%, 50%, 46.1%, 73% and 57.7%, respectively. Thus, comparing the non-OLP groups with the OLP groups, the periodontopathogens＇ percentages of detection in the OLP groups were higher than those in the non-OLP groups. According to our study results, OLP patients have higher levels of infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia and T. denticola than non-OLP patients. We argue that the high percentages in patients with OLP may help identify the importance of periodontopathoRenic microorganisms in the progress of periodontal diseases of OLP.

Interferon-c and interleukin-4 detected in serum and saliva from patients with oral lichen planus

Our previous salivary study had demonstrated an apparent T helper 2 （Th2）-predominance in saliva of oral lichen planus （OLP） patients and suggested a potential of salivary interleukin-4 （IL-4） as a biomarker for monitoring disease severity. To further determine the consistency of Th1/Th2 bias of OLP, this study investigated the expression profile of interferon-γ （IFN-γ） and IL-4 in serum and the relationship of the serum levels of these cytokines with their saliva partners. Sixty ethnic Chinese patients with OLP （40 of the erythematous/ulcerative form and 20 of the reticular form） were recruited for this study, with 40 age-sex-matched healthy volunteers as control group. IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in serum and paired saliva samples were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OLP patient showed a low-level IFN-γ but high-level IL-4 expression profile in both serum and saliva, with a lower IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio. Serum IL-4 level in the erythematous/ulcerative group was significantly higher than that in the reticular group. Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 were significantly and positively correlated with their saliva partners. These results provided more evidence for Th2 cytokine- predominant immune imbalance in OLP, as well as the potential of IL-4 as the biomarker for monitoring severity of OLP.

COX-2, MMP-7 expression in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: To observe cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in normal oral mucosa (NOM), oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and explore its significance in the incidence of oral cancer. Methods: The immunohistochemical method and RT-PCR method were applied to detect the expression of COX-2 and MMP-7 in 10 cases with NOM, 33 cases of with OLP and 38 cases with OSCC. Results: The expression of COX-2 mRNA in OSCC tissues (68.4%, 26/38) was significantly higher than in the OLP (24.2%, 8/33) and NOM (0.0%, 0/10) ( P<0.01). The expression of MMP-7 mRNA in OSCC tissues (65.8%, 25/38) was significantly higher than in the OLP (30.3%, 10/33) and NOM (0.0%, 0/10) ( P<0.01). The expression of MMP-7 in OLP was significantly higher than in the NOM ( P<0.05). There was no significant expression of COX-2 protein in NOM, and the positive rate was 42.4% (14/33) and 89.5% (34/38) in OLP and OSCC group, respectively. The COX-2 expression in cancer tissues was significantly higher than in NOM and OLP ( P<0.05). The MMP-7 protein expression in cancer tissues (84.2%, 32/38) was significantly higher than in NOM (10.0%, 1/10) and in OLP (42.4%, 14/33), and the positive rate in OLP was significantly higher than in NOM ( P<0.01). The COX-2 expression was associated with clinical stage ( P<0.05), the MMP-7 expression was associated with clinical stage and lymph node metastasis ( P<0.05). The expressions of COX-2 and MMP-7 mRNA were positively correlated with OSCC. Conclusions: The abnormal expressions of COX-2 and MMP-7 are closely related to the biological behavior of OSCC, the MMP-7 may be induced by COX-2, and further lead to the invasion and metastasis of OSCC.

Rock-weathering by lichens in Antarctic: patterns and mechanisms

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrate, and effects of lichens on substrate can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock-weathering resulting from lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better understanding of the impacts of lichens on environments, the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.

A new depsidone from Usnea diffracta

A new depsidone, diffractione A （1）, as well as six known phenolic compounds （2-7） were isolated from Usnea diffracta. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy together with HRESIMS analysis. All components were obtained for the first time from U. diffracta.

Oral manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection

Extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can affect a variety of organ systems with significant morbidity and mortality. Some of the most frequently reported EHM of HCV infection, involve the oral region predominantly or exclusively. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is potentially malignant and represents cell-mediated reaction to a variety of extrinsic antigens, altered self-antigens, or super antigens. Robust epidemiological evidence support the link between OLP and HCV. As the virus may replicate in the oral mucosa and attract HCV-specific T lymphocytes, HCV may be implicated in OLP pathogenesis. Sj&#x000f6;gren syndrome (SjS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy, characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes and a multitude of other systemic signs and symptoms. SjS patients have also an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients with chronic hepatitis C do frequently have histological signs of Sj&#x000f6;gren-like sialadenitis with mild or even absent clinical symptoms. However, it is still unclear if HCV may cause a disease mimicking SjS or it is directly responsible for the development of SjS in a specific subset of patients. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral malignant tumour and at least in some part of the world could be linked to HCV.

Implications of Th1 and Th17 Cells in Pathogenesis of Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus （OLP） is considered a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease with unknown aetiology. T helper cells appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of OLP. We investigated the possible role of T helper cells, Th1 and Th17, in the lesions and circulation of patients with OLP. Forty patients with OLP and 15 healthy volunteers were recruited. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to detect Th1 and Th17 cells in the OLP lesions, and intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry to evaluate the proportion of Th1 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood. The levels of serum interferon （IFN）-γ and interleukin （IL）-17 were assessed by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found that Th17 cells, as well as Th1 cells, were present in OLP lesions. The proportion of peripheral Th1 and Th17 cells was significantly increased in patients with OLP. The proportion of Th17 cells in atrophic-erosive OLP was elevated as compared with that in reticular OLP. Serum IL-17 levels in OLP patients were significantly higher than in controls, and those in the atrophic-erosive OLP group were increased as compared with the reticular OLP group. However, the levels of serum IFN-γ were slightly decreased in OLP patients. Our data suggested that Th1 and Th17 cells in the local lesions and peripheral blood may be associated with the pathogenesis of OLP, and that IL-17 may be an important proinflammatory cytokine in OLP. These findings enhance our understanding of OLP pathogenesis.

Role of Lichens in Weathering and Soil－Forming Pro－cesses in Fildes Peninsula，Antarctic

Lichens play an unparalleledly vital role in weathering and soil-forming processes in Antarctic region. Inthis study some related chemical components and micromorphological analyses have been carried out on thesamples of the weathered rocks and the lichens grown on them from Fildes Peninsula, Antarctic. The resultsindicated that the major chemical components in the bioweathering surface layer of the sampled rocks havebeen obviously altered and the weathering potential in this layer has greatly decreased by an average rangearound 4.66 percent in 4 samples. In the weathering surface layer ferruginmation of some minerals in varyingdegrees was seen by means of microscopic examination through the thin section of the weathered rocks, andits products proved to be dominated by hematite, limonite, goethite and free iron oxides Meanwhile, thestudy suggested that the dissolntion and absorption of lichens by their secretion accelerated the process ofcalcitization of minerals in the bicaweathering surface layer. Eventually, the results aIso show that differentspeciesof lichens play different roles in weathering and soilforming processes.