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69 pages, 1738 KiB  
Article
The Plant Communities of the Class Isoëto-Nanojuncetea in Sardinia
by Salvatore Brullo, Gianluigi Bacchetta, Salvatore Cambria, Valeria Tomaselli, Gianpietro Giusso del Galdo, Pietro Minissale, Giovanni Rivieccio, Maria Carmela Caria and Simonetta Bagella
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2187; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142187 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 968
Abstract
A syntaxonomical revision of the plant communities of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class occurring in Sardinia is provided. Within this class, the ephemeral herbaceous hygrophilous associations linked to temporarily submerged surfaces occur, which are widespread in the European, Mediterranean, and Macaronesian countries. It groups plant [...] Read more.
A syntaxonomical revision of the plant communities of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class occurring in Sardinia is provided. Within this class, the ephemeral herbaceous hygrophilous associations linked to temporarily submerged surfaces occur, which are widespread in the European, Mediterranean, and Macaronesian countries. It groups plant communities floristically characterized by a rich set of annual hygrophytes or more rarely hemicryptophytes and geophytes, which are also physiognomically, ecologically, and structurally well differentiated. Within this class, two orders are recognized in Sardinia, such as Isoëtetalia and Nanocyperetalia, which are represented by several alliances. In particular, four alliances can be referred to as Isoëtetalia (Isoëtion, Menthion cervinae, Cicendio-Solenopsion laurentiae, and Agrostion pourretii), while a single alliance (Verbenion supinae) belonging to Nanocyperetalia has been identified. Within these alliances, several associations already described have been surveyed, while several other unpublished ones, are here proposed as new to science. Overall, 35 associations are recognized, 18 of which are described for the first time. Each higher-rank syntaxa and related associations are examined from a nomenclatural, floristic, ecological, and chorological point of view. In particular, the more significant phytosociological relevés regarding the examined associations were processed using cluster analysis, DCA ordination, optimclass diagram in order to highlight the correlations between them. As regards the floristic aspects, a checklist of the species occurring in the phytosociological relevés is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)
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14 pages, 815 KiB  
Article
Tracking Floristic Diversity in Cantabrian Mixed Forests
by Eduardo Cires, Mauro Sanna, Luz María Madrazo-Frías, Aránzazu Estrada Fernández, Ricardo López-Alonso, Claudia González-Toral, María Fernández-García and Candela Cuesta
Conservation 2025, 5(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation5030030 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 407
Abstract
Cantabrian mixed forests, located in areas of Spain, Portugal, and France, serve as an essential biogeographic transition region, noted for its extraordinary plant diversity and ecological intricacy. To aid conservation and research initiatives, a uniform checklist of vascular plants was created, incorporating information [...] Read more.
Cantabrian mixed forests, located in areas of Spain, Portugal, and France, serve as an essential biogeographic transition region, noted for its extraordinary plant diversity and ecological intricacy. To aid conservation and research initiatives, a uniform checklist of vascular plants was created, incorporating information from citizen science platforms, scientific databases, herbarium records, and local floras. The outcome is a carefully selected collection of more than 8000 taxa, with over 76% recognized as native, highlighting the area’s importance as a reservoir of biodiversity and a climate refuge. Taxonomic discrepancies were resolved via expert verification and adherence to international naming standards, establishing a dependable basis for ecological research. The checklist demonstrates notable variations in organisms, ecological approaches, and evolutionary lineages, influenced by geographical diversity, climate variations, and past land use patterns. Importantly, the study emphasizes the drawbacks of unchecked biodiversity data and shows the benefits of expert-driven synthesis for addressing gaps and biases in species documentation. The floristic information presented here can act as a basis for transboundary conservation planning, ongoing biodiversity tracking, and the development of adaptive management approaches in response to climate change and ecological decline. This initiative represents an important move towards safeguarding the distinct natural heritage of this distinctive biogeographic region. Full article
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17 pages, 1078 KiB  
Review
Alien Stramenopilous Fungus-like Organisms (Oomycota) Diversity and Distribution in Lithuania
by Svetlana Markovskaja
Diversity 2025, 17(6), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17060426 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 924
Abstract
This paper provides data on non-native fungus-like organisms (Oomycota, kingdom Stramenopila), their diversity, and distribution in Lithuania and is an addition to a previously published checklist of alien true fungi (Chytridiomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota; kingdom Fungi). [...] Read more.
This paper provides data on non-native fungus-like organisms (Oomycota, kingdom Stramenopila), their diversity, and distribution in Lithuania and is an addition to a previously published checklist of alien true fungi (Chytridiomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota; kingdom Fungi). All available published data were summarized, and the analysis showed that approximately 25% of recorded Lithuania stramenopilous fungus-like organism species are alien. The compiled list represented herein includes 54 species of alien terrestrial and aquatic stramenopilous fungus-like organisms (Oomycota). Most alien Oomycota are obligate pathogens of terrestrial plants. Aquatic organisms are represented by one alien dangerous crayfish pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci, which is currently noted as extinct in Lithuania. The taxonomy of the listed alien species of Oomycota has been revised, and the species names have been adjusted to reflect current nomenclature changes. The taxonomical and ecological analysis demonstrated the prevalence of terrestrial parasitic Peronosporales reported in Lithuania Oomycota and the highest diversity of alien species belonging to the Peronospora genus. The chronology of appearance, distribution within the country, and current status of these non-native organisms were assessed, and some of the most economically or ecologically important harmful invasive species were discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)
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13 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Food Sustainability in School Canteens: Menu Quality and Environmental Performance
by Joana Maria Sousa, Ana Catarina Teixeira and Margarida Liz Martins
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5346; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125346 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 748
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the environmental performance and menu sustainability in Portuguese primary school canteens. A total of 58 canteens were assessed using two checklists: one evaluating the sustainability and nutritional quality of menus (maximum score: 183 points), another assessing canteen environmental [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the environmental performance and menu sustainability in Portuguese primary school canteens. A total of 58 canteens were assessed using two checklists: one evaluating the sustainability and nutritional quality of menus (maximum score: 183 points), another assessing canteen environmental performance (maximum score: 195 points). Canteens were categorized into four performance levels based on their final scores: Very good (90–100%), Good (75–89.9%), Acceptable (50–74.9%), and Not Acceptable (<50%). The mean sustainability score was 130.5 ± 2.8. None of the canteens fully meet the recommended standards for vegetable portion sizes, reuse of leftovers, or inclusion of pulses in soups. The average environmental performance score was 137.9 ± 12.2. Canteens with on-site meal preparation demonstrated better environmental performance (142.3 ± 2.5) than those relying on off-site prepared meals (106.0 ± 3.6; p < 0.001). Additionally, canteens serving more than 150 meals daily achieved higher environmental performance scores (144.5 ± 1.7) compared to those serving fewer than 50 meals (125.5 ± 18.3). No significant correlation was observed between environmental performance and menu sustainability scores. Findings indicate a generally positive evaluation of both environmental performance and menu sustainability. Nevertheless, substantial improvements are needed, particularly in ensuring adequate vegetable portion sizes, minimizing food waste, and increasing the inclusion of plant-based protein sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)
35 pages, 1308 KiB  
Review
Review of Fault Detection and Diagnosis Methods in Power Plants: Algorithms, Architectures, and Trends
by Camelia Adela Maican, Cristina Floriana Pană, Daniela Maria Pătrașcu-Pană and Virginia Maria Rădulescu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6334; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116334 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1385
Abstract
Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) in power plant systems is a rapidly evolving field driven by the increasing complexity of industrial infrastructure and the demand for reliability, safety, and predictive maintenance. This review presents a structured and data-driven synthesis of 185 peer-reviewed articles, [...] Read more.
Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) in power plant systems is a rapidly evolving field driven by the increasing complexity of industrial infrastructure and the demand for reliability, safety, and predictive maintenance. This review presents a structured and data-driven synthesis of 185 peer-reviewed articles, sourced from journals indexed in MDPI and Elsevier, as well as through the Google Scholar search engine, published between 2019 and 2025. The study systematically classifies these articles by plant type, sensor technology, algorithm category, and diagnostic pipeline (detection, localization, resolution). The analysis reveals a significant transition from traditional statistical methods to machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models, with over 70% of recent studies employing AI-driven approaches. However, only 30.3% of the articles addressed the full diagnostic pipeline and merely 17.3% targeted system-level faults. Most research remains component-focused and lacks real-world validation or interpretability. A novel taxonomy of diagnostic configurations, mapping system types, sensor use, algorithmic strategy, and functional depth is proposed. In addition, a methodological checklist is introduced to evaluate the completeness and operational readiness of FDD studies. Key findings are summarized in a comparative matrix, highlighting trends, gaps, and inconsistencies across publication sources. This review identifies critical research gaps—including the underuse of hybrid models, lack of benchmark datasets, and limited integration between detection and control layers—and offers concrete recommendations for future research. Combining a thematic and quantitative approach, this article aims to support researchers, engineers, and decision-makers in developing more robust, scalable, and transparent diagnostic systems for power generation infrastructure. Full article
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19 pages, 391 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Intervention Programs for Sustainability: A Scoping Review on Full Food Utilization and the Clean Leftovers Reuse
by Emanuely Rocha de Souza, Mona N. BinMowyna, Hani A. Alfheeaid, António Raposo, Pâmela Gracielle da Fonseca, Maria João Lima, Najla A. Albaridi, Thamer Alslamah, Nada Alqarawi and Nathalia Sernizon Guimarães
Nutrients 2025, 17(11), 1829; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111829 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 692
Abstract
Background: Food waste is a significant global issue with environmental, social, and economic consequences. In 2022, approximately 1.05 billion tons of food were wasted worldwide, with 220 million tons lost during the production and processing stages. Strategies to reduce food waste include full [...] Read more.
Background: Food waste is a significant global issue with environmental, social, and economic consequences. In 2022, approximately 1.05 billion tons of food were wasted worldwide, with 220 million tons lost during the production and processing stages. Strategies to reduce food waste include full food utilization and the reuse of clean leftovers, which promote food security, efficient resource use, and the valorization of nutrients found in food. Objective: The aim of this study was to map existing scientific literature on nutritional intervention programs that incorporate full food utilization and the reuse of clean leftovers as tools for promoting sustainability and reducing food waste. The review seeks to consolidate existing knowledge, support public policy development, and encourage the adoption of sustainable food practices. Methods: A scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) manual and following the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The search was conducted in four scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library) and included articles published between 2014 and 2025. Intervention studies promoting full utilization of plant-based foods and the reuse of clean leftovers were included. Results: After analyzing 2268 studies, 14 relevant studies were selected, with interventions including culinary workshops and educational programs on using parts of food typically discarded, such as peels and seeds. These programs were successful in reducing waste and promoting more sustainable and nutritious diets. Conclusions: Nutritional intervention programs that promote full food utilization and clean leftover reuse are effective in reducing waste and fostering sustainable diets. To maximize their impact, these practices should be integrated into public policies and scaled in institutional settings such as schools, hospitals, and community kitchens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems)
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13 pages, 1165 KiB  
Article
Association of Prenatal Healthy and Unhealthy Plant-Based Diets with Behavioral Outcomes in Preschool Children
by Esther Cendra-Duarte, Nerea Becerra-Tomás, Josefa Canals, Cristina Jardí and Victoria Arija
Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081372 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 745
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods during pregnancy have been associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. However, not all components of these diets are healthy, and the impact of their quality on behavioral outcomes remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to examine [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods during pregnancy have been associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. However, not all components of these diets are healthy, and the impact of their quality on behavioral outcomes remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets and offspring behavioral problems at the age of four. Methods: This research involved 201 mother–child pairs from the ECLIPSES study. Maternal diet during pregnancy was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, from which the healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) was calculated, emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, along with the unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI), highlighting the intake of sugary drinks and refined grains. Children’s behavior was evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimated odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Greater adherence to the uPDI during pregnancy was associated with higher odds for externalizing problems, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems (OR = 1.08; 95%CI from 1.01 to 1.16) and oppositional defiant behavior (OR = 1.09; 95%CI from 1.00 to 1.19) in offspring, particularly girls. Higher adherence to the hPDI was not associated with children’s behavior. Conclusions: The consumption of unhealthy components of a plant-based dietary pattern during gestation has been associated with adverse behavioral outcomes in children at age four. These findings underscore the importance of discerning between the healthy and unhealthy components of plant-based diets when assessing their impact on child development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
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26 pages, 4381 KiB  
Article
The First Inventory of Sardinian Mining Vascular Flora
by Maria Enrica Boi, Marco Sarigu, Mauro Fois, Mauro Casti and Gianluigi Bacchetta
Plants 2025, 14(8), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14081225 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 896
Abstract
Mining activities and associated waste materials pose significant environmental challenges, including soil, water, and air contamination, along with health risks to nearby populations. Despite the harsh conditions of metal-enriched soils and nutrient-poor substrates, certain plants known as metallophytes thrive in these environments. This [...] Read more.
Mining activities and associated waste materials pose significant environmental challenges, including soil, water, and air contamination, along with health risks to nearby populations. Despite the harsh conditions of metal-enriched soils and nutrient-poor substrates, certain plants known as metallophytes thrive in these environments. This study examined the vascular flora of Sardinia’s abandoned mining sites, with a focus on identifying metallophytes and their potential role in phytoremediation. A comprehensive floristic checklist was compiled using literature, field surveys, and herbarium samples. Of the 652 taxa identified, 49% were metallophytes, with the majority categorized as facultative species. Notably, 27% of metallophytes were identified as suitable for phytostabilization, while 20% showed potential for phytoextraction. This study also highlighted the presence of endemic and endangered species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The findings suggest that native metallophytes could play a key role in the ecological restoration of mining sites, though careful consideration of invasive species is necessary to avoid ecological disruption. This research provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of Sardinian mining sites and the potential for sustainable remediation strategies using native plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification)
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18 pages, 3318 KiB  
Systematic Review
Utilization of Medicinal Plants in Mental Disorders: Neuroplasticity and Neuroprotection in Biomodels
by Jose Luis Estela-Zape, Valeria Sanclemente-Cardoza, Lizeth Dayana Noreña-Buitrón and Leidy Tatiana Ordoñez-Mora
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(4), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15040366 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1015
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mental disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression are linked to alterations in neuroplasticity and neuroprotection within the central nervous system. While conventional drugs are widely used, medicinal plants are emerging as a promising alternative due to their potential therapeutic effects on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Mental disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression are linked to alterations in neuroplasticity and neuroprotection within the central nervous system. While conventional drugs are widely used, medicinal plants are emerging as a promising alternative due to their potential therapeutic effects on neuronal function. This study aimed to explore and analyze the impact of medicinal plants on neuroplasticity and neuroprotection in relation to mental disorders using biomodels. Methods: Data were collected from Scopus, Dimensions, and PubMed by using the search terms “Medicinal plants”, “Neuronal Plasticity”, and “Mental Disorder” in accordance with the guidelines of the PRISMA checklist. Results: A total of twenty-three relevant studies were selected to investigate the association between medicinal plants and mental disorders, focusing on factors such as administered doses and the modulation of neurotransmitters in the context of neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. This review highlights the complexity of study designs, target populations, and methodologies. Of the studies, 86% investigated depression, while 13% focused on anxiety. Regarding neurotransmitter modulation, 47% found that medicinal plants influenced serotonin levels, followed by 27% which found that they affected dopamine; according to the remaining studies, medicinal plants impacted norepinephrine, GABA, and acetylcholine. These findings emphasize the importance of precise dosing and neurotransmitter modulation, suggesting that targeted interactions with neural systems may help clarify the specific effects of these plants on mental health. Conclusions: Research on the effects of medicinal plants on psychiatric disorders in animal models suggests their potential to support neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Positive impacts on mental health are indicated through the modulation of cytokines, neurotransmitters, and specific signaling pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuropsychiatry)
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12 pages, 4820 KiB  
Article
A Checklist of the Ornamental Vascular Flora of Sicily
by Emilio Di Gristina, Giulio Barone, Gianniantonio Domina, Emilio Badalamenti, Maria Letizia Gargano, Giuseppe Venturella and Raimondo Pardi
Plants 2025, 14(5), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050795 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 905
Abstract
Based on literature data and new field investigations, a checklist of the ornamental vascular flora of Sicily is presented. Trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and succulent plants growing in street trees, parks, private gardens, and historic villas of Sicily are included in the checklist. For [...] Read more.
Based on literature data and new field investigations, a checklist of the ornamental vascular flora of Sicily is presented. Trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and succulent plants growing in street trees, parks, private gardens, and historic villas of Sicily are included in the checklist. For each taxon, information on growth forms, geographical and biome origin, resident time, and status (native/alien) in Italy is provided. A total of 928 taxa (including 823 species s. str., 33 cultivars, 31 hybrids, 24 varieties, 9 subspecies, and 8 forms), belonging to 486 genera included in 138 families, were recorded. Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Cactaceae, Asparagaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae are the richest families in taxa. Phanerophytes are the prevalent growth form, and the main part of such flora consists of Asiatic and American taxa. Taxa from subtropical and tropical biomes showed a prevalent presence; this is a peculiarity which characterizes the Sicilian ornamental flora. Delonix regia emerges as a peculiar case, representing the only documented cases of open-air cultivation in both Sicily and the entire country. A significant percentage of taxa (41%) is included in the list of alien vascular flora of Italy, showing a strong predominance of casual and naturalized neophytes alien species. Full article
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13 pages, 1337 KiB  
Review
Strategic Considerations in Designing Food Solutions for Seniors
by Leehen Mashiah, Anais Lavoisier, Shannon Gwala, Andrea Araiza Calahorra, Carmit Shani Levi, Rune Rødbotten, Paula Varela, Anwesha Sarkar, Andre Brodkorb, Didier Dupont and Uri Lesmes
Foods 2025, 14(3), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14030396 - 25 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2270
Abstract
The demographic shift towards an aged population calls for targeted nutrition strategies to support healthy aging and bridge the gap between life expectancy and a healthy life span. Older adults face various nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein, vitamins (B12, D), minerals (calcium, iron), [...] Read more.
The demographic shift towards an aged population calls for targeted nutrition strategies to support healthy aging and bridge the gap between life expectancy and a healthy life span. Older adults face various nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein, vitamins (B12, D), minerals (calcium, iron), and dietary fiber. This work delves into the EAT4AGE project efforts that strategically aimed to develop age-oriented food products (European Joint Programming Initiative “A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life” JPI HDHL). Currently, manufacturing of age-tailored food products presents significant complexities, from challenges of commercialization to the generation of acceptable and palatable food choices. As a first step, a literature-based comprehensive checklist has been developed to facilitate product development. This tool provides an integrated approach, ensuring that all critical aspects of product development are addressed systematically. Secondly, we describe the application of the tool in the development of a series of products, such as plant-based protein-rich cereals, reformulated dairy products, processed meat, and enriched spreads; all combining high nutritional values with adaptations to the physiological and sensory needs of seniors. Overall, this work offers insight into the current needs of seniors and a tool for product development that can be utilized for prospective product development, such as the ones detailed herein. Thus, the EAT4AGE hopes to set an example that will stimulate the fabrication of effective, well-received nutritional solutions, ultimately improving health outcomes for older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Ways to Achieve Healthy and Sustainable Diets)
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19 pages, 1839 KiB  
Review
The Effects of Podophyllotoxin Derivatives on Noncancerous Diseases: A Systematic Review
by Piotr Strus, Karol Sadowski, Weronika Ploch, Adrianna Jazdzewska, Paulina Oknianska, Oliwia Raniszewska and Izabela Mlynarczuk-Bialy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030958 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2560
Abstract
Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is commonly used for genital warts due to its antimitotic properties and relatively good accessibility since it can be extracted from plants in low-economy countries. However, due to relatively high toxicity, it cannot be used in a systematic way (intravenously). Thus, [...] Read more.
Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is commonly used for genital warts due to its antimitotic properties and relatively good accessibility since it can be extracted from plants in low-economy countries. However, due to relatively high toxicity, it cannot be used in a systematic way (intravenously). Thus, there is a need to find or create an equally effective derivative of PPT that will be less toxic. Natural PPT is a suitable and promising scaffold for the synthesis of its derivatives. Many of them have been studied in clinical and preclinical models. In this systematic review, we comprehensively assess the medical applications of PPT derivatives, focusing on their advantages and limitations in non-cancerous diseases. Most of the existing research focuses on their applications in cancerous diseases, leaving non-cancerous uses underexplored. To do that, we systematically reviewed the literature using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from January 2013 to January 2025. In total, 5333 unique references were identified in the initial search, of which 44 were included in the quantitative synthesis. The assessment of the quality of eligible studies was undertaken using the PRISMA criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using a predefined checklist based on PRISMA guidelines. Each study was independently reviewed by two researchers to evaluate bias in study design, reporting, and outcomes. Our analysis highlights the broad therapeutic potential of PPT derivatives, particularly in antiviral applications, including HPV, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Apart from their well-known anti-genital warts activity, these compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, analgesic, and radioprotective properties. For instance, derivatives such as cyclolignan SAU-22.107 show promise in antiviral therapies, while compounds like G-003M demonstrate radioprotective effects by mitigating radiation-induced damage. To build on this, our review highlights that PPT derivatives, apart from anti-genital warts potential, exhibit four key properties—anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, analgesic, and radioprotective—making them promising candidates not only for treating viral infections such as HPV, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2 but also for expanding their therapeutic potential beyond cancerous diseases. In conclusion, while PPT derivatives hold great potential across various medical domains, their applications in non-cancerous diseases remain limited by the scarcity of dedicated research. Continued exploration of these compounds is essential to unlock their full therapeutic value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Cancer Biology and Therapeutics: Third Edition)
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7 pages, 1025 KiB  
Brief Report
Nontarget Catches of Green and Brown Lacewings (Insecta: Neuroptera: Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae) Collected by Light- and Volatile-Baited Traps in the Transcarpathian Lowland (W Ukraine)
by Kálmán Szanyi, Antal Nagy, Aletta Ősz, Levente Ábrahám, Attila Molnár, Miklós Tóth and Szabolcs Szanyi
Insects 2025, 16(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010074 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1207
Abstract
Distribution data on the lacewing fauna of the data-deficient Transcarpathian Lowland (West Ukraine) were provided. The attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde-(FLO) and isoamyl alcohol-based (SBL) lures designed for trapping lepidopteran pests to lacewings was also studied and compared to the efficiency of light traps traditionally [...] Read more.
Distribution data on the lacewing fauna of the data-deficient Transcarpathian Lowland (West Ukraine) were provided. The attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde-(FLO) and isoamyl alcohol-based (SBL) lures designed for trapping lepidopteran pests to lacewings was also studied and compared to the efficiency of light traps traditionally used in studies on neuropterans. In the three-year study, 374 individuals of 10 species were caught. Although the light trap was the most efficient method, the efficiency of the tested lures could also be proved. Regarding abundances, FLO was significantly more efficient than the SBL lure. The lures could supplement the checklist of the fauna with two species and attracted an especially high number of Chrysoperla species. In the case of parallel use with light traps, they serve as an efficient standardised combined method for trapping lacewings, both in faunistic studies and plant protection applications. Full article
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34 pages, 2874 KiB  
Article
Annotated Checklist of Poroid Hymenochaetoid Fungi in Central Asia: Taxonomic Diversity, Ecological Roles, and Potential Distribution Patterns
by Yusufjon Gafforov, Manzura Yarasheva, Xue-Wei Wang, Milena Rašeta, Yelena Rakhimova, Lyazzat Kyzmetova, Kanaim Bavlankulova, Sylvie Rapior, Jia-Jia Chen, Ewald Langer, Burkhon Munnavarov, Zafar Aslonov, Bobozoda Bakokhoja and Li-Wei Zhou
J. Fungi 2025, 11(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010037 - 5 Jan 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1906
Abstract
Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, is renowned for its varied climate and vertical vegetative distribution, which support diverse biomes and position it as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite this ecological richness, Central Asia’s fungal diversity, particularly wood-inhabiting macrofungi, remains largely [...] Read more.
Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, is renowned for its varied climate and vertical vegetative distribution, which support diverse biomes and position it as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite this ecological richness, Central Asia’s fungal diversity, particularly wood-inhabiting macrofungi, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the diversity, ecological roles, and potential distribution of poroid Hymenochaetoid fungi in the region. By conducting field surveys, collecting basidiomes, and reviewing the literature and herbarium records from five Central Asian countries, we compiled a comprehensive checklist of these fungi. In total, 43 Hymenochaetoid species belonging to 18 genera were identified, with Inonotus, Phellinus, and Phylloporia being the most species-rich. Notably, Inonotus hispidus and Phellinus igniarius were found to be the most widespread species. These macrofungi play essential ecological roles as saprotrophs and pathogens of various identified host plant families, aiding in lignin degradation and exhibiting diverse enzymatic activities. For the first time, we modelled the potential distribution patterns of Hymenochaetoid fungi in Central Asia, revealing that their distribution is strongly influenced by host plant availability and temperature-related factors. The three most critical variables were host plant density, annual temperature range (Bio7), and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10). The distribution of suitable habitats is uneven, with highly suitable areas (4.52%) concentrated in the mountainous border regions between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These results underscore the significance of specific environmental conditions for the growth and survival of Hymenochaetoid fungi in this region. Our findings highlight the urgent need for continued mycological and host plant research and expanded conservation initiatives to document and preserve macrofungal and botanical biodiversity in this under-explored area. In light of climate change, the collected mycological and botanical data provide a valuable reference for promoting forest health management globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Phylogeny and Ecology of Forest Fungi)
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18 pages, 4777 KiB  
Article
Non-Native Flora of the Mediterranean Lesvos Island (East Aegean, Greece): Floristic Analysis, Traits, and Assessment
by Alexandros Galanidis, Ioannis Bazos and Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos
Plants 2024, 13(23), 3375; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233375 - 30 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1479
Abstract
A checklist of Lesvos Island’s non-native vascular flora is presented. Through the literature and a roadside survey, we recorded 187 non-native plant taxa, representing 12% of the total regional flora. A total of 37 taxa were reported for the first time for Lesvos, [...] Read more.
A checklist of Lesvos Island’s non-native vascular flora is presented. Through the literature and a roadside survey, we recorded 187 non-native plant taxa, representing 12% of the total regional flora. A total of 37 taxa were reported for the first time for Lesvos, including three taxa that are also new to the Greek non-native flora. The dominant families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Solanaceae. Amaranthus, Oxalis, Solanum, Opuntia, and Prunus were the most species rich genera. Most taxa were neophytes, naturalized and perennial, while phanerophytes and therophytes were the predominant life forms. Animal (insect) pollination was the principal pollination mode, whereas the main dispersal mechanism was zoochory, with most taxa forming a capsule. The majority of the taxa preferred agricultural and ruderal habitats and originated from the Americas and Asia. The primary introduction pathway was escape from confinement, concerning taxa introduced for ornamental and agricultural purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Plant Invasion)
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