The paper describes two new records of micro-lichens from South Korea. Detailed taxonomic descriptions and comments are presented for both of the studied taxa. The lichen genus Thelotrema is reported for the first time in Korea.

In recent years, food protein-derived hydrolysates have received considerable attention because of their numerous health benefits. Amongst the hydrolysates, those with anti-hypertensive and anti-oxidative activities are receiving special attention as both activities can play significant roles in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The present study investigated the angiotensin-I converting enzy...

During 2005-2008, field observations were made on the distribution and habitat occupation by Podarcis muralis in the middle Bistrita river basin. Prior to our study, this lizard was known from only 5 localities in Romanian Moldavia (Bicaz, Cheile Bicazului, Lacu Roşu, Gherman and Dodeni). Through the present paper the authors acknowledge the existence of 28 sites populated by P. muralis in Mold...

Actinopyga lecanora, a type of sea cucumber commonly known as stone fish with relatively high protein content, was explored as raw material for bioactive peptides production. Six proteolytic enzymes, namely alcalase, papain, pepsin, trypsin, bromelain and flavourzyme were used to hydrolyze A. lecanora at different times and their respective degrees of hydrolysis (DH) were calculated. Subsequent...

Like many lichen-forming fungi, species of the genus Rhizoplaca have wide geographical distributions, but studies of their genetic variability are limited. The information about the ITS rDNA sequences of three species of Rhizoplaca from Anatolia was generated and aligned with other species from other countries and also with the data belonging to Lecanora species. The examined species were colle...

A list of 57 taxa of lichens (56 species) from the Una National Park in the north-western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina is presented. Bacidia subincompta, Buellia griseovirens, Candelariella reflexa, Cetrelia monachorum, Fulgensia subbacteata, Lecanora subcarpinea, L. subrugosa, and Trapeliopsis viridescens are new for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Food protein hydrolysates are known to exhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties and can be used as a novel functional food for prevention of hypertension. This study evaluated the ACE inhibitory potentials of Actinopyga lecanora proteolysate (ALP) in vivo. The pre-fed rats with ALP at various doses (200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight) exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) sup...

There is evidence that dermal photic responsiveness can be found in a wide range of animals. Behavioral responses to dermal stimulation by light have been observed in pigeon squabs and new-born rats, and more recently in a sea snake. Here we report that painting the dorsal surface of the lizard (Podarcis muralis) with opaque black paint impairs the animal's ability to position itself beneath a ...

Sympatric species from the same ecological guild, that exhibit partial altitudinal segregation, can potentially interact in areas of syntopic occurrence. Besides general species' ecology, physiology can provide important answers about species interactions reflected in altitudinal patterns. Lizards Podarcis muralis and Iberolacerta horvathi exhibit partial altitudinal segregation, while they str...