Ganoderma Spores Research Articles

Biomass derived erythrocyte-like hard carbon as anodes for high performing full sodium-ion batteries

Herein, a novel hard carbon is prepared via one-step pyrolysis process from waste Ganoderma spores. We explore four pyrolysis temperatures and obtain the hard carbon product (NG-700) with the best performance. Ganoderma spores are hard that the prototype structure is reserved after pyrolysis process. The NG-700 is erythrocyte-like shape with hollow structure which can hold electrolyte. Many nitrogen atoms doping in NG-700 improve the conductivity of the material and provide more absorption sites. Moreover, the porous structure of NG-700 is conducive to entering of electrolyte and relieving volume expansion during cycling. In sodium-ion half-cells, the NG-700 electrode maintains 165 mA h g−1 for 10,000 cycles at 2 A g−1. In sodium-ion full-cells, the NG-700 anode can keep the capacity of 94 mA h g−1 for 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 paired with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes. Under severe environmental conditions (−25 °C), the electrode's capacity retention rate is 50 %.

An active ingredient isolated from Ganoderma lucidum promotes burn wound healing via TRPV1/SMAD signaling.

The mushroom Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional Chinese medicine and G. lucidum spore oil (GLSO) is the lipid fraction isolated from Ganoderma spores. We examined the effect of GLSO on burn wound healing in mice. Following wounding, GLSO was applied on the wounds twice daily. Repair analysis was performed by Sirius-Red-staining at different time points. Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed to verify the effect of GLSO on growth. Network pharmacology analysis to identify possible targets was also carried out, followed by Western blotting, nuclear translocation, cell proliferation, and immunofluorescence assays for in-depth investigation of the mechanism. Our study showed that GLSO significantly promoted cell proliferation, and network pharmacology analysis suggested that GLSO might act through transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1)/SMAD signaling. Furthermore, GLSO elevated SMAD2/3 expression in skin burn and promoted its nuclear translocation, and TRPV1 expression was also increased upon exposure to GLSO. Cell proliferation and immunofluorescence assays with TRPV1 inhibitor showed that GLSO accelerated skin burn wound healing through TRPV1 and SMADs signaling, which provides a foundation for clinical application of GLSO in the healing of deep skin burns.

Basal Stem Rot Disease Eradication and Improving Production with Ganoderma Vaccine/Biofungicide CHIPS in Flooded Area of Oil Palm Plantation

Ganoderma has always been the main cause of basal stem rot (BSR) in many countries including Indonesia. Many approaches have been made, such as physical, chemical, and biology approaches using endophytic microorganisms. This study uses Ganoderma vaccine/ Biofungicide CHIPS to control Ganoderma and MOAF fertilizer as a nutrition source in oil palms that are severely infected by Ganoderma. Experiment is conducted in an oil palm plantation at Kecamatan Bilah Hilir, Kabupaten Labuhan Batu, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. This plantation is a sandy mineral soil, which is a former swamp area. Because of the low contour of the land, the areas are often inundated by floods for more than 1 month from the end of the year to the beginning of the year. This study aims to eradicate basal stem rot (BSR) disease in the areas. Because of the flooded area, the soil is quite damp and equal dispersion of Ganoderma spores occurs massively throughout the whole area. We conducted the study for 4 years (2017 to 2020), using Ganoderma vaccine/Biofungicide CHIPS in 3 blocks: D4, D5, and C3 as study area and block C6 as control block (without CHIPS). Results of this study showed the productivity reached 79,12 to 94,02% of the PPKS (Indonesia Oil Palm Research Centre) standard production. Although in unfavorable environmental conditions, these numbers show a very satisfying result as it compensates for healthy normal oil palm production, while experiment blocks using inorganic fungicides and Trichoderma, the productivity decreased from year to year. The combined application of Organic fertilizer MOAF for nutrient sources with Ganoderma vaccine /Biofungicide CHIPS is very effective against the spread of basal stem rot (BSR) diseases in oil palms even in unfavorable environments as in flooded areas.

Abundance of Ganoderma sp. in Europe and SW Asia: modelling the pathogen infection levels in local trees using the proxy of airborne fungal spore concentrations

Ganoderma comprises a common bracket fungal genus that causes basal stem rot in deciduous and coniferous trees and palms, thus having a large economic impact on forestry production. We estimated pathogen abundance using long-term, daily spore concentration data collected in five biogeographic regions in Europe and SW Asia. We hypothesized that pathogen abundance in the air depends on the density of potential hosts (trees) in the surrounding area, and that its spores originate locally. We tested this hypothesis by (1) calculating tree cover density, (2) assessing the impact of local meteorological variables on spore concentration, (3) computing back trajectories, (4) developing random forest models predicting daily spore concentration. The area covered by trees was calculated based on Tree Density Datasets within a 30 km radius from sampling sites. Variations in daily and seasonal spore concentrations were cross-examined between sites using a selection of statistical tools including HYSPLIT and random forest models.Our results showed that spore concentrations were higher in Northern and Central Europe than in South Europe and SW Asia. High and unusually high spore concentrations (> 90th and > 98th percentile, respectively) were partially associated with long distance transported spores: at least 33% of Ganoderma spores recorded in Madeira during days with high concentrations originated from the Iberian Peninsula located >900 km away. Random forest models developed on local meteorological data performed better in sites where the contribution of long distance transported spores was lower. We found that high concentrations were recorded in sites with low host density (Leicester, Worcester), and low concentrations in Kastamonu with high host density. This suggests that south European and SW Asian forests may be less severely affected by Ganoderma. This study highlights the effectiveness of monitoring airborne Ganoderma spore concentrations as a tool for assessing local Ganoderma pathogen infection levels.

Evidence for Effective Inhibitory Actions on Hyperpolarization-Activated Cation Current Caused by Ganoderma Triterpenoids, the Main Active Constitutents of Ganoderma Spores.

The triterpenoid fraction of Ganoderma (Ganoderma triterpenoids, GTs) has been increasingly demonstrated to provide effective antioxidant, neuroprotective or cardioprotective activities. However, whether GTs is capable of perturbing the transmembrane ionic currents existing in electrically excitable cells is not thoroughly investigated. In this study, an attempt was made to study whether GTs could modify hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (Ih) in pituitary tumor (GH3) cells and in HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes. In whole-cell current recordings, the addition of GTs produced a dose-dependent reduction in the amplitude of Ih in GH3 cells with an IC50 value of 11.7 µg/mL, in combination with a lengthening in activation time constant of the current. GTs (10 µg/mL) also caused a conceivable shift in the steady-state activation curve of Ih along the voltage axis to a more negative potential by approximately 11 mV. Subsequent addition of neither 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine nor 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline, still in the presence of GTs, could attenuate GTs-mediated inhibition of Ih. In current-clamp voltage recordings, GTs diminished the firing frequency of spontaneous action potentials in GH3 cells, and it also decreased the amplitude of sag potential in response to hyperpolarizing current stimuli. In murine HL-1 cardiomyocytes, the GTs addition also suppressed the amplitude of Ih effectively. In DPCPX (1 µM)-treated HL-1 cells, the inhibitory effect of GTs on Ih remained efficacious. Collectively, the inhibition of Ih caused by GTs is independent of its possible binding to adenosine receptors and it might have profound influence in electrical behaviors of different types of electrically excitable cells (e.g., pituitary and heart cells) if similar in vitro or in vivo findings occur.

CUANTIFICACIÓN DE LAS ESPORAS DE Ganoderma DEL AIRE EXTERIOR EN LA CIUDAD DE VILLAHERMOSA, TABASCO, MÉXICO

Fungal propagules are the more abundant bio-particles in the atmosphere. Their amount depends on several factors, including time of day, season of the year, human activity, speed and direction of the wind, among others. The Ganoderma genus has been studied as a phytopathogen, as a lignocellulose degrading and for its medicinal properties. Moreover, when its basidiospores are inhaled, they can cause allergies in susceptible people. Therefore, its behavior in the atmosphere has been under study in different parts of the world, though in Mexico it has not been studied yet. To determine the quantitative presence of Ganoderma spores in the outer atmosphere of the city, a Burkard type trap was used, which was placed at a height of approximately 10 m at two sites located in an urban and a suburban area. Spores were quantified, and the average hourly and daily concentration was determined. During the sampling period (August 2014-January 2015) a total of 3230 spores were collected form the atmosphere in both sites. In the urban site a total of 1187 spores were quantified, while in the suburban site 2043 spores were obtained. The highest concentration of spores was recorded in August and the lowest in November. Regarding the time variation, the highest concentrations of Ganoderma were recorded at 01:00, 03:00 and 05:00 h. This is the first study on the concentration of Ganoderma spores in southeastern Mexico.

Researches and Application of Ganoderma Spores Powder.

Ganoderma lucidum spores(GLS) are the mature germ cells of Ganoderma lucidum. They have all the genetic substances and similar active components of Ganoderma lucidum. Similar to the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum, ganoderma spores powder has the effect of regulating immunity, antitumor, antioxidation, and protecting cells and so on. In recent decades, with the development of the technology of breaking the wall of Ganoderma lucidum spores and the technology of extracting and preparing, the researches and application of Ganoderma lucidum spores powder have made great progress.

Aerobiological studies with special reference to airborne basidiospores of Ganoderma Karst. at Pune, Maharashtra, India.

The basidiospores of Ganoderma were trapped in abundance during the aerobiological studies at Pune, during the year 2012. The sampling was conducted during the rainy months from 18th June to 10th September. Volumetric continuous Tilak Air sampler was used for sampling. Maximum number of spores was observed in the month of August (25760/m3 of air), followed by September (16548/m3 of air). The total spore number was 47460/m3 of air. The highest spore catch (3472/m3 of air) was recorded on 1st September. The relationship between the airborne concentration of Ganoderma spore count and meteorological factors are discussed in the paper. This information could be important for the sensitive individuals as Ganoderma spores are known to be allergic.

Antitumor effects and mechanisms of Ganoderma extracts and spores oil.

Ganoderma lucidum is a popular herbal medicine used in China to promote health. Modern studies have disclosed that the active ingredients of Ganoderma can exhibit several effects, including antitumor effects and immunomodulation. The present study evaluated the antitumor effects of self-prepared Ganoderma extracts and spores oil, and investigated the possible underlying mechanisms by observing the effects of the extracts and oil on topoisomerases and the cell cycle. The results showed that Ganoderma extracts and spores oil presented dose-dependent inhibitory effects on tumor cells. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Ganoderma extracts on HL60, K562 and SGC-7901 cells for 24 h were 0.44, 0.39 and 0.90 mg/ml, respectively; for Ganoderma spores oil, the IC50 values were 1.13, 2.27 and 6.29 mg/ml, respectively. In the in vivo study, the inhibitory rates of Ganoderma extracts (4 g/kg/d, intragastrically) on S180 and H22 cells were 39.1 and 44.6%, respectively, and for Ganoderma spores oil (1.2 g/kg/d, intragastrically) the inhibitory rates were 30.9 and 44.9%, respectively. Ganoderma extracts and spores oil inhibited the activities of topoisomerase I and II. Ganoderma spores oil was shown block the cell cycle at the transition between the G1 and S phases and induce a marked decrease in cyclin D1 levels in K562 cells, with no significant change in cyclin E level. These results suggest that the Ganoderma extracts and spores oil possessed antitumor effects in the in vitro and in vivo studies. The antitumor mechanisms of the extracts and spores oil were associated with inhibitory effects on topoisomerase I and II activities, and for Ganoderma spores oil, the antitumor effects may also be associated with decreased cyclin D1 levels, thus inducing G1 arrest in the cell cycle.

Seasonal variation of Ganoderma spore concentrations in urban and suburban districts of the city of Szczecin, Poland.

According to recent studies, Ganoderma may be the third genus, after Alternaria and Cladosporium, the spores of which cause symptoms of allergy, and concentration is related to meteorological factors. The aerobiology of Ganoderma spores in Szczecin in urban and suburban districts was examined using Lanzoni Volumetric Spore Traps in 2008-2010. Ganoderma spores were present in the atmosphere on more than 90% of the days from June through September with peak concentrations in June, July and September. The number of days with spores was lower in the suburban district, while the total number of spores collected was higher there than in the urban district. Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed weak relationships between Ganoderma and meteorological conditions, while testing the significance of differences between the districts showed that urban development did not have a clear impact on the values of meteorological parameters. A significantly higher abundance of spores in the suburbs of Szczecin seemed to be conditioned by the closeness of potential area sources. This study indicates that a single measuring site in the city centre insufficiently reflected the dynamics and level of Ganoderma spore concentration in peripheral districts.

Advanced statistical models commonly applied in aerobiology cannot accurately predict the exposure of people to Ganoderma spore-related allergies

The genus Ganoderma commonly comprises wood decay fungal species that actively produce a large number of spores liberated from basidiocarps thereby contributing significantly to fungal air spora worldwide. Basidiospores of Ganoderma incite disease of tree species, and constitute aeroallergens hazardous to people. Earlier forecasting models to predict high concentrations of Ganoderma spores pointed out the dew point temperature, maximum and average wind speed and precipitation as significant meteorological parameters that affect the basidiospore release. The main aim of this work was to study relationships between basidiospore counts and meteorological conditions and to verify whether regression models based on data collected at aerobiological studies accurately predict the risk of exposure of people with spore-related allergies. Basidiospores were captured over three autumn months from 2006 to 2008 using two Hirst-type volumetric spore traps with identical sampling protocols and evaluation methods. Daily spore concentrations were sampled and the dynamics of changes in Ganoderma spore concentrations sampled at heights used in standard aerobiological studies, located several meters above the ground level (a.g.l.), were compared with those recorded at the same site, but at the human respiration zone, much closer to the ground. Relationships between basidiospore concentrations and weather variables were investigated with the Spearman's rank correlation analysis. To reveal differences in meteorological parameters and Ganoderma spore content between consecutive years and months studied, the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests were applied. Furthermore artificial neural networks and multivariate regression trees were used, for which meteorological parameters were input variables, while Ganoderma basidiospore abundance was an output variable.Considerable differences were observed between Ganoderma spore concentrations at people's respiratory zone and 18 a.g.l., a height used in standard aerobiological studies. At 1m a.g.l. the concentrations were 1.2 to 6 times higher than those at 18m a.g.l. Moreover, the dynamics of changes throughout spore trapping seasons were different; at 18m a.g.l. they fluctuations were similar across all years sampled, whereas at 1m a.g.l. there were wide variations between years. The correlation between weather variables and concentrations of captured basidiospores at these levels was significant but rather low. The results questioned the usefulness of models based on spore samplings performed at several meters a.g.l. and suggested that the real numbers of basidiospores that are inhaled by people might depend on parameters that were as yet not included in the models.

Atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Ganoderma and Didymella spores monitored in Cork (Ireland) and Worcester (England) during the summer of 2010

This study represents the first international intercomparison of fungal spore observations since 1990, focusing on atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Ganoderma and Didymella spores. The campaigns were performed at sites located in Cork (Ireland) and Worcester (England) during summer 2010. Observations were made using Hirst-type volumetric spore traps and corresponding optical identification at the genus level by microscope. The measurements at both sites (including meteorological parameters) were compared and contrasted. The relationships between the fungal spore concentrations with selected meteorological parameters were investigated using statistical methods and multivariate regression trees (MRT). The results showed high correlations between the two sites with respect to daily variations. Statistically significant higher spore concentrations for Alternaria, Cladosporium and Ganoderma were monitored at the Worcester site. This result was most likely due to the differences in precipitation and local fungal spore sources at the two sites. Alternaria and Cladosporium reached their maxima a month earlier in Cork than in Worcester, and Didymella with Ganoderma peaked simultaneously with similar diurnal trends found for all the investigated spore types. MRT analysis helped to determine threshold values of the meteorological parameters that exerted most influence on the presence of spores: they were found to vary at the two sites. Our results suggest that the aeromycological profile is quite uniform over the British Isles, but a description of bioaerosols with respect to overall load and daily concentration can be quite diverse although the geographical difference between sites is relatively small. These variations in the concentrations therefore need to be explored at the national level.

Inhibitive effect on apoptosis in splenic lymphocytes of mice pretreated with Lingzhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) spores

ObjectiveTo investigate how the pretreatment of mice with Ganoderma spores affected the apoptosis of their splenic lymphocytes induced by dexamethasone after 19 days treatment. MethodsSixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into six groups: blank control groupdrenched with normal saline; a drug control group drenched with 150 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; a model group treated with saline; a low dose group with 50 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; a moderate dose group with 100 mg/mL Ganoderma spores; and a high dose group with 150 mg/mL Ganoderma spores. The effect of Ganoderma spores on apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes was analyzed. All groups were treated for 19 days. On day 20, the model group and the 3 treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected dexamethasone to induce apoptosis. Splenic index and apoptosis indes were employed to measure cell apoptosis. ResultsThe results showed that Ganoderma spores reduced the splenic index to different degrees in each group and the best effect was seen in the high dose group (P<0.05). Terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated 2′-Deoxyuridine 5′-Triphosphate nick end labeling staining revealed that the apoptotic index in all groups administered Ganoderma spores differed significantly from the model group, and a dose-response was observed. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that spleen lymphocyte apoptosis in the model group was extensive. Each dose of Ganoderma spores inhibited dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes, and a dose-response was observed as well. The highest dose of Ganoderma spores decreased Malondialdehyde content in serum induced by dexamethasone (P<0.05). ConclusionThe findings imply that the pretreatment of the mice with Ganoderma spores could reduce the apoptosis rate induced by dexamethasone in their splenic lymphocytes.

Airborne basidiospores of Coprinus and Ganoderma in a Caribbean region

The present study sought to examine Coprinus and Ganoderma airborne spore counts, analysing seasonal variations, the influence of meteorological variables and intraday behaviour with a view to charting the aerobiological dynamics of both genera in Havana (Cuba) during a 2-year period (November 2010–October 2012). A Hirst-type volumetric air sampler was used as sampling methodology. The spores registered in the air were identified and counted following the model proposed by the Spanish Aerobiological Network based on two longitudinal transects along the slides. Coprinus spores outnumbered those of the Ganoderma (28,468 annual total spores vs. 1,921 spores). Moreover, both genera were recorded in the atmosphere on a large number of days over the two-year study period, with daily maximum concentrations in the rainy months. The daily maximum value for Coprinus was 880 spores/m3 (30 September 2011), whereas for Ganoderma 44 spores/m3 (4 September 2011). The analysis of the Spearman correlation coefficient showed a significant positive correlation of the airborne Coprinus and Ganoderma spores with the temperature, relative humidity and rainfall, whereas the degree of association is negative with the wind speed. Regarding the intraday behaviour, both basidiospores were more abundant in the atmosphere during the night, with a maximum peak at 5–6 a.m.

The occurrence of Ganoderma spores in the air and its relationships with meteorological factors

According to a recent study, &lt;i&gt;Ganoderma&lt;/i&gt; may be the third genus, after &lt;i&gt;Alternaria&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Cladosporium&lt;/i&gt;, whose spores cause symptoms of allergy and whose levels are directly related to meteorological factors. There are only few articles from different parts of the world about the relationships between &lt;i&gt;Ganoderma&lt;/i&gt; spore count and meteorological factors. The aim of the study was to review all available publications about airborne &lt;i&gt;Ganoderma&lt;/i&gt; spores and to compare the results in a short useful form.

Monitoring and assessment of airborne fungi in Kolkata, India, by viable and non-viable air sampling methods

The composition and variability of airborne fungal spores were studied using two complementary sampling methods in an outdoor environment in Kolkata suburb for 2 years, from November 2002 to October 2004. For monitoring the total fungal spore burden in the air, Burkard 7-day volumetric sampler was used, whereas Andersen two-sage viable sampler was used for isolating the cultivable airborne fungi. Among the 37 fungal spore types identified in the air samples, the predominant ones were Cladosporium, unidentified ascospores, unidentified basidiospores, Aspergilli/Penicilli, Nigrospora, Periconia, Chaetomium, Drechslera, Alternaria, Coprinus, Ganoderma, Pithomyces, and rust spores. Only six fungal spore types (Alternaria, Aspergilli/Penicilli, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, and Nigrospora) were recovered in common by the two samplers. For Aspergilli/Penicilli, Drechslera, and Nigrospora, the spore concentration was underestimated in the non-viable sampling method (Burkard sampler). In general, higher spore count was recorded in winter. The highest fungal species variability was observed in early monsoon (June). Relative humidity could significantly predict the seasonal periodicity of the maximum number of airborne spores. The total airborne fungi concentration recorded in the study (15-16 × 10(3) spores m(-3) of air) was lower than the proposed threshold limit value for clinical significance, suggesting apparently no or less airborne-fungi-exposure-related health risk in the sampling area. Cladosporium cladosporioides was recorded beyond the proposed threshold limit value in January 2003 and March 2004; Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus nidulans in winter that might have posed considerable health risk to sensitized individuals.

No evidence for a Ganoderma spore dispersal mutualism in an obligate spore-feeding beetle Zearagytodes maculifer

The role of spore dispersal mutualism remains equivocal in many fungus–insect assemblages. We tested experimentally whether an obligate spore-feeding beetle Zearagytodes maculifer has a mutualistic relationship with its host bracket fungus Ganoderma cf. applanatum via spore dispersal. We asked three specific questions: (1) whether or not Ganoderma spore germination rate is increased via beetle digestive activity and (2) is dependent on temperature and sporocarp identity. Spore germination rates were examined in 2 × 3 × 2 factorial experiments (spores consumed by beetles or not × temperature 20, 25, and 30 °C × two independent pairs of sporocarp–beetle populations) replicated five times in an array of 60 experimental cultures. Analysis showed that consumption by beetles significantly reduced germination rate of Ganoderma spores. The effect of temperature was modulated by the effect of individual sporocarp, and was overridden by beetle feeding. Microscopic analysis revealed that spores from beetle faecal pellets exhibited extensive damage to their thin outer walls (pellicles) and thick inner walls, as well as significant loss of cytoplasm, while control spores were intact. The overall evidence argued against our spore dispersal mutualism hypothesis, suggesting that Z. maculifer can potentially exert a negative, if vanishingly small, fitness effect on its host fungus G. cf. applanatum.

Triterpenoids from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum.

Recently a series of triterpenoids were isolated from ganoderma spores and have drawn the attention of chemists and pharmacists. The aim of this review is to summarize the triterpenoids and their bioactivities of ganoderma spores. The chemical and biological literatures of ganoderma spores dealing with the structural analysis and bioactivity assay were selected. Triterpenoids isolated from ganoderma spores showed significantly anti-HIV-1 protease, anti-tumor, and anti-complement activities. Triterpenoids are the main active constituents of ganoderma spores and show various bioactivities for its medicinal use. In addition, biological activities of ganoderma spores still need further assessment before they can be accepted not only by the traditional Asian medicine community, but also by western science and medicine.

The Comparative Protective Effects of Ganoderma Spores Lipid and Fish Oil on N‐Methyl‐N‐Nitrosourea‐Induced Photoreceptor Cell Lesion in Rats

Purpose. To compare Ganoderma spores lipid (GSL) and fish oil (FO) in inhibiting retinal photoreceptor cell lesions induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in rats. Methods. 120 rats were untreated (normal control, NC group) or treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MNU (MNU group) then treated with GSL (GSL group) or FO (FO group). Eyes were obtained at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days. Results. Light microscopy assay demonstrated that GSL and FO alleviated rat retinal photoreceptor cell damage (GSL and FO versus MNU group P < .001) similarly (GSL versus FO group P = .980). Electron microscopy confirmed that GSL and FO reversed damage to photoreceptor segments and photoreceptor cell nuclei. GSL-treated rats showed significantly elevated a-wave and b-wave amplitudes over MNU group (P < .05) but less than NC group (P < .05) and not significantly different from FO group (P > .05). Conclusion. GSL, like FO, alleviates rat retinal photoreceptor cell damage induced by MNU.

Hourly predictive artificial neural network and multivariate regression trees models of Ganoderma spore concentrations in Rzeszów and Szczecin (Poland)

Ganoderma spores are one of the most airspora abundant taxa in many regions of the world, and are considered to be important allergens. The aerobiology of Ganoderma basidiospores in two cities in Poland was examined using the volumetric method, (Burkard and Lanzonii Spore Traps), from selected days in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Spores of Ganoderma were present in the atmosphere from June to November, with peak concentrations generally occurring from late July to mid-October. ANN (artificial neural network) and MRT (multivariate regression trees), models indicated that atmospheric phenomenon, hour and relative humidity were the most important variables influencing spore content. The remaining variables (air temperature, dew point, air pressure, wind speed and wind direction), also contributed to the high network performance, (ratio above 1), but their impact was less distinct. Those results are consistent with the Spearman's rank correlation analysis.