Variaiton in the composition of small molecule compounds in the egg yolks of Asian Short-toed Larks between early and late broods

The egg yolks of birds contain most of the maternally derived materials required for embryo development and are an important factor influencing embryo development and offspring viability.Individual variation in egg-laying date frequently occurs in passerines inhabiting highly seasonal environments.Females laying in early and late stages of the breeding season encounter different environment temperatures and food conditions,which can affect the levels of metabolities in their bodies,thereby altering the transmission of these materials to the eggs.We test a hypothesis that yolk small molecule compounds of Asian Short-toed Lark(Alaudala cheleensis)could vary between early(mid-May)and late(mid-June)broods.Using the UHPLC-MS/MS method,683 compounds belonging to 21 compound groups are detected in the yolks.The contents of 18 compounds are significantly different between early and late broods.Ten differential compounds are significantly higher in the early laid eggs,among whichγ-aminobutyric acid,creatine,prostaglandins,palmitoleic acid,linoleic acid,and trans linoleic acid are related to low environment temperature response.The eggs laid in late stage exhibit significantly higher levels of 5-L-glutamyl-L-alanine andγ-glutamate-leucine,1,3-dimethyluric acid and mannose,which may be attributed to females in the late group consuming more insects.We suggest conducting a comprehensive investigation to reveal the yolk small molecule compounds mediated maternal effects on offspring phenotypes under varying ecological conditions.

Honoring a legend: Celebrating the life and legacy of Professor Heng Li

Professor Heng Li(李恒,March 9,1929-January 12,2023)was a legendary plant taxonomist and phytogeographer at the Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences(Fig.1).She made important contributions to our understanding of China's flora,including the biodiversity and biogeography of Dulong Valley and the Gaoligong Mountains,as well as the vegetation of plateau lakes and wetlands in Southwest China.Professor Heng Li received her Bachelor's degree in Russian from Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1956 and immediately joined the Institute of Geography(now Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research),Chinese Academy of Sciences,as a Russian translator.In 1961,Prof.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Used in Traditional Treatment of the Oral Pathology:The Ethnobotanical Survey in the Economic Capital Casablanca,Morocco(North Africa)

In order to identify the medicinal and aromatic plants most requested for the treatment of the most common oral pathology,an ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the economic capital Casablanca,Morocco.The data basis was obtained draw selected traditional herbalists based on the semi-structured questionnaire.Quantitative indices such as use value(UV),family UV(FUV),fidelity level and informant consensus factor(ICF)were intended to evaluate the importance of plant species.A total of 46 plants species belonging to 22 families that were used.Juglandaceae family showed the highest significance(FUV=0.75).We identified 40 species used for gum disease(gingivitis,periodontal abscess),15 for dental pain(toothache,tooth sensitivity),14 for halitosis,12 for oral ulcers(aphtous,mouth ulcers and herpes),3 for dental stain(teeth cleaning,sparkling and bleaching)and only 2 for tooth decay.The used plants are mainly prepared as decoction(80.4%).Syzygium aromaticum(UV=0.94)was the specie most commonly prescribed by local herbalists.The higher ICF(0.75)was registered for the use gum disease.

Endocrine response of early-hatching Asian Short-toed Lark nestlings exposed to cold temperature in a high-latitude grassland habitat

Background:In high latitude grassland habitats,altricial nestlings hatching in open-cup nests early in the breeding season must cope with cold temperature challenges.Thyroid hormones(triiodothyronine,T_(3)and thyroxine,T_(4))and corticosterone play a crucial role in avian thermoregulation response to cold.Investigating the endocrine response of altricial nestlings to temperature variation is important for understanding the adaptive mechanisms of individual variation in the timing of breeding in birds.Methods:We compared nest temperature,ambient temperature,body temperature,plasma T_(3),T_(4)and corticosterone levels in Asian Short-toed Lark(Alaudala cheleensis)nestlings hatching in the early-,middle-,and late-stages of the breeding season in Hulunbuir grassland,northeast China.Results:Mean nest temperature in the early-,middle-and late-stage groups was-1.85,3.81 and 10.23℃,respectively,for the 3-day-old nestlings,and 6.83,10.41 and 11.81℃,respectively,for the 6-day-old nestlings.The nest temperature significantly correlated with body temperature,plasma T_(3),T_(4)and corticosterone concentrations of nestlings.Body temperature of 3-day-old nestlings in the early and middle groups was significantly lower than that of the late group,but there was no significant difference between the nestlings in the early and middle groups.The T_(4)and T_(3)concentrations and the ratio of T_(3)/T_(4)of both 3-and 6-day-old nestlings in the early-stage group were significantly higher compared to the middle and late groups.The corticosterone levels of 3-day-old nestlings were significantly higher in the early-stage group compared to the middle-and late-stage groups.Conclusion:Nestlings hatching early responded to cold temperature by increasing thyroid hormones and corticosterone levels even in the early days of post hatching development when the endothermy has not been established.These hormones may play a physiological role in neonatal nestlings coping with cold temperature challenges.

The Effectiveness of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation and Bio-Compost Addition for Enhancing Reforestation with <i>Argania spinosa</i>in Morocco

A field experiment was carried out in arid area to assess the influence of mycorrhizal inoculation with a native complex and bio-compost addition on establishment of Argania spinosa. The experimental area was located in the Admine forest at Agadir (Southwestern Morocco). The results showed a positive effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth of Argania spinosa seedlings in the nursery. Six months after planting, the mycorrhizal complex revealed an increase in the growth of Argan seedlings (51%) compared to non mycorrhizal plants. In the field conditions, after one year of transplantation, this benefit was maintained. Results showed that the height of Argan seedlings treated with AMF was double that of the control group. An additional positive effect of inoculation with AMF on plant biomass was observed and it was closely related to colonization by these microorganisms. There was an estimated 169% increase in biomass compared to control plants. The use of bio-compost alone or in combination with AMF improved the production of shoot biomass of Argan plants (84% and 108% respectively compared to control plants). In addition, AMF improved the survival rate and the contents of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the tissues of A. spinosa plants. A significant positive correlation between dry biomass and nutrient content in plant tissue was detected. The content of (P) in the leaves and roots of inoculated plants was higher than those in non-inoculated and planted seedlings in amended soils. This result reaffirms the prime necessity of mycorrhiza in arid conditions. Thus the introduction of mycorrhizal fungi in forest nurseries is a key tool to improve the quality of seedlings produced and their resistance in reforestation sites.

Short-term night lighting disrupts lipid and glucose metabolism in Zebra Finches:Implication for urban stopover birds

Night lighting has been shown to affect wild animals.To date,the effects of night lighting on the metabolic homeostasis of birds that spend short time in urban environments remain unclear.Using model bird species Zebra Finch(Taeniopygia guttata),we investigated the effects of short-term night lighting on liver transcriptome,blood glucose,triglyceride,and thyroxine(T4 and T3)levels in birds exposed to two different night lighting duration periods(three days and six days).After three days of night lighting exposure,the expression of genes involved in fat synthesis in the liver was upregulated while the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and triglyceride decomposition was downregulated.There was also a reduction in blood triglyceride,glucose,and T3 concentrations.However,after six days of night lighting,the expression of genes associated with fatty acid decomposition and hyperglycemia in the liver was upregulated,while the expression of genes involved in fat synthesis was downregulated.Simultaneously,blood glucose levels and T3 concentration increased.These findings indicate that short-term exposure to night lighting can disrupt the lipid and glucose metabolism of small passerine birds,and longer stopovers in urban area with intense night lighting may cause birds to consume more lipid energy.

Application Progress of Headspace Gas Chromatography in Analytical Chemistry

This paper briefly expounds the basic principle and classification of headspace gas chromatography,summarizes its application in food analysis,environmental analysis and medical analysis,and forecasts the application prospect of headspace gas chromatography in analytical chemistry in the future.

Study of the Population Dynamics of the Olive Fly, <i>Bactrocera oleae</i>Rossi. (Diptera, Tephritidae) in the Region of Essaouira

The Bactrocera oleae Rossi fly is the most important olive pest. It is of major economic importance in the olive production area of Essaouira, where weather conditions are optimal for the conduct of the various stages of its life cycle. The lack of phytosanitary treatments worsens this situation. The development of the larval stages and different generations are related to the phenological stages of the olive and are controlled by changes in habitat conditions. Trapping of adult males by Deltas traps baited with sex pheromone, at the four study sites, has identified some characteristics of the evolution of the adult populations’ flight dynamics. Our main results show a decreasing gradient of early emergences of different stages from the coast to the continental areas as well as the absence of the summer generation at the inner station. Soil analysis in the two stations showed that the hypogenous pupae wintering in the soil survive until June. Knowledge of the factors involved in the bio-ecology of the olive fly and the phenology of the host allows the elaboration of monitoring/ warning calendars, and phytosanitary measures in order to establish an IPM program adapted to the requirements of olive orchards in the region.

PM_(10)Observed at a Meteorological Station in Beijing:Historical Trend and Implications

Inhalable particles(PM_(10)),with aerodynamic equivalent diameters that are generally 10 micrometers or smaller,are basic pollutants in many areas,especially in northern China,and thus the pollution from PM_(10)inhalable particulate matter is a growing concern for public health.Independent long-term observations are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of PM_(10)reduction actions.Variations in the PM_(10)concentration from 2006 to 2017 at an observation station(NJ)in Beijing were recorded and analyzed.The average value±1 standard deviation of daily mean PM_(10)concentrations was 138.8±96.1μg m^(-3)for 1307 days(accounting for 34.7%of the total days),showing PM_(10)concentration exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard(NAAQS)24-h average of 150μg m^(-3).Particulate concentration depended upon various meteorological conditions as also observed in this work:at low wind speed(<4 m s^(-1)),the concentrations of PM_(10) revealed a downward trend with-19μg m^(-3)per unit of wind speed,but when wind speed rose(>4 m s^(-1)),the values increased by 49μg m^(-3)per unit of wind speed.In Beijing,air masses from northwest China,especially from the Gobi Desert and other desert areas,had net contributions to long-range transport of natural dust,enhancing the PM_(10)concentrations by up to 29%.Overall,PM_(10)mass concentration showed a significant downward trend with-8.0μg/m3/yr from 2006 to 2017.Although with higher fluctuations in recorded data,similar downward trends derived from the government released data were also found at the nearby districts.The result delivered a proof of efficacy for the reduction actions recently adopted to limit PM_(10)concentrations in Beijing.Very significant difference of diurnal changes in PM_(10) concentrations was also found in two periods of 2006-2011 and 2012-2017,which might be due to the different contributions of fugitive dust.Nevertheless,further efforts,especially on controlling fugitive dust,should be planned as the PM_(10) concentration annual mean value(94μg m^(-3))in 2017 still exceeded the NAAQS standard.The results showed that there is still a long way to go to reduce PM_(10)in Beijing.

π-Extension of Isoindigos(IIDs)through C—H/N—H Activation and Alkyne Annulation

Isoindigo(IID)is widely used as organic dye and conjugated unit in opto-electronic materials.Functionalization of IID to increase its structural complexity is demanding for obtaining diversity properties.Herein,we developed a direct C-H/N-H activation method of IIDs via double alkyne annulations and synthesizedπ-extended IIDs with two pairs of 5/7 membered rings.The structure of theπ-extended IIDs was characterized and confirmed by^(1)H NMR,^(13)C NMR,HRMS and X ray crystal analysis.Their physical properties were characterized by UV-vis absorption,cyclic voltammetry and thermogravimetric analysis.The absorption coefficient of the annulated products enhanced significantly compared with the non-annulated analogue.

Electrochemical Atom Transfer Radical Addition of Polychloroalkanes to Olefins Promoted by 4,4-Di-tert-butyl Bipyridine

A new electrochemical strategy for the atom transfer radical addition(ATRA)of polychloroalkanes across olefins has been realized by the synergism of paired electrolysis and halogen bonding activation.Notably,readily accessible 4,4-di-tert-butyl bipyridine(dtbpy),acting as a halogen bonding acceptor,shifted the reduction potential of C—Cl bonds positively by 110 mV.The decreased operating potential leads to a wide substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility.A diverse array of terminal and internal alkenes such as(hetero)aryl olefins,unactive aliphatic olefins,and natural products and drugs-derived olefins were well compatible.

Epidemiological and spatial analysis of scorpion stings in two regions of Morocco:Marrakesh-Tensift-Al Haouz and Souss-Massa-Draa

Objective:To describe and compare the epidemiological features of scorpionism during six years(2005–2010)in two regions of Morocco:Marrakesh-Tensift-Al Haouz and Souss-Massa-Draa.Methods:Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained from medical records of the Moroccan Poison Control Center during 2005–2010.The data comprised demographics,sting characteristics and clinical severity classes.Digital maps were produced for envenomation and death incidence with the distribution of all scorpion species present on the studied area.Results:A total of 75313 scorpion sting cases were notified.The incidence of scorpion stings was 244 cases/100000 population/year and was significantly higher at Marrakesh-Tensift-Al Haouz than Souss-Massa-Draa.The general lethality rate was on an average of 0.28%with a higher rate in Marrakesh-Tensift-Al Haouz compared to Souss-Massa-Draa.There was a different distribution of cases between genders in the two studied regions.With respect to age groups,adults(more than 15 years)were affected most compared to children.When analyzed according to the incidence in each province,the highest envenomation incidence was observed in Chichaoua.Concerning lethality,the highest lethality incidence was observed in the Kelaa.Based on this study,we could distinguish three zones:low scorpion stings occurrence without death,high incidence with low lethality and high scorpion stings rate with high lethality.Conclusions:Our data clearly demonstrate the correlation between scorpion stings incidence and the percentage of rural population in the different provinces.Additionally,the lethality incidence could be linked to the scorpion species of the studied area.

Infectious diseases and climate:Case of Morocco

It is predicted that the life cycle,incidence and spread of several infectious diseases will be increasingly and adversely affected by climate change.Morocco,designated as an area of significant impact by numerous reports of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,is notably susceptible to such drastic climate-related health consequences.The present work thus examines the increasing risk of vector-borne diseases in hazard-prone localities,while also highlights the current lack of dedicated scientific research in this critical area.It further identifies the severe challenges both of health adaptation to climate change and of consequent policy responses,before providing a more detailed overview of Morocco’s adaptive capacity to such crises.

The Earth Summit Mission-2022:Successful ozone soundings contribute to source identification in the north Mt.Qomolangma region

As part of“The Earth Summit Mission-2022”during the second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(STEP)in April and May 2022,we conducted the ozone sounding experiment(an ozonesonde mated to a radiosonde)at Mt.Qomolangma Base Camp(MQBC;86.85°E,28.14°N;5200 m),a location at an extremely high altitude.A total of ten sounding profiles were obtained between April 30 and May 06,2022,of which seven profiles were above35 km in altitude,with a maximum detection altitude up to 39.0 km.This study presents the temporal variation and vertical distributions of atmospheric temperature,humidity,and ozone during the MQBC campaign.The averaged ozone concentration was high(68.3 ppbv)at the surface and then increased smoothly until peaking(~110 ppbv)in the middle troposphere(approximately 10 km),and afterward,the ozone concentration increased rapidly from the upper troposphere to a maximum of~10 ppmv at~30 km.The enhanced ozone concentration in the middle troposphere was associated with the blocking high pressure,and transport from the southern flank of the Himalayas occurred during the campaign period.The average total ozone column was 291.9±21.4 DU for the seven profiles exceeding 35km in altitude.The ozonesonde measurements were also compared with the vertical ozone profiles retrieved from the space-borne ozone products from the Microwave Limb Sounder(MLS)onboard the Aura satellite and the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder(AIRS)onboard the Aqua satellite.

Acrossocheilus multistriatus, a new species of barbine fish(Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Zhujiang River basin, South China

A new barbine cyprinid fish, Acrossocheilus multistriatus sp. nov., is described from the Zhujiang River （Pearl River） basin in South China. It is separated from all other barred congeners except A. monticola by its unique coloration pattern of 8-12 vs. 5-7 vertical dark bars on the dorsum and flank. Although 8 vertical black bars are also present in specimens ofA. monticola, the new species is distinct from it by having a well-developed （vs. poor-developed） lower lip, with or without a median interruption （vs. with a median interruption which wider than 1/2 mouth width） on lower jaw, the lower jaw entirely covered （vs. uncoverd） by the lower lip, body depth 22.57%-25.22% SL （vs. 25.64%-32.26% SL）. Additional characteristices as follows： last simple dorsal-fin ray soft without serration; dark stripes on membranes between dorsal-fin rays; dark stripes absent on membranes between anal fin rays; maxillary barbels longer than eye diameter, extending to posterior edge of eyes.

合理管理多年生人工建植草地有助于中国青藏高原三江源土壤微生物群落的正向演替

草地重建是缓解青藏高原三江源“黑土滩”的一种主要方法,同时了解如何管理建植草地也至关重要。而哪种人工管理模式更能有效地恢复“黑土滩”退化草地?为恢复“黑土滩”提供科学依据,我们研究了不同管理模式下人工草地植被特性、土壤理化性质和土壤微生物群落结构的变化,并探讨了不同管理模式对人工草地群落的影响。在本研究中,植被特性和土壤理化性质分别通过实地调查和实验室分析等方法得出,并且运用高通量测序技术测定了土壤微生物群落组成。研究结果表明,在不同管理模式下的人工建植草地植被特性、土壤理化性质和土壤微生物群落结构存在明显差异,而且植被植物多样性、地上生物量、土壤有机碳显著控制着放线菌门和担子菌门。当建植一次时Shannon-Wiener指数、地上生物量和土壤有机碳达到峰值,此时放线菌门和担子菌门所被注释的ASVs的相对丰度显著富集。此外,该管理模式下土壤的细菌多样性最高,真菌多样性最低,土壤逐渐成为“细菌型”土壤。由此得出,建植一次的人工草地植被特性和土壤环境更有利于整体群落的正向演替,是恢复“黑土滩”最合理的管理模式。

An epidemiological study on scorpion envenomation in the Zagora oases(Morocco)

Objective:To determine epidemiological features of scorpion stings in the oases of Southern Morocco:Zagora Province.Methods:A three-year prospective descriptive survey was performed to obtain epidemiological data on scorpion stings,including information on epidemiological characteristics of patients stung,and gathered information on scorpion species distribution.The following information was recorded for each scorpion sting:demographics of stung patients(age,gender,geographical location),circumstances of the sting(location,time,date,activity at the time),and many traditional medical attention.A questionnaire was completed for every stung patient.Concomitantly with the epidemiological survey,a systematic sampling of scorpions based on observations and direct captures in situ was applied.Results:There were 50 cases of death among 1053 cases studied.Most cases of death were recorded among children(under 15 years)(64%).The average age of victims was(23.00±15.36)years.The scorpion sting occurred in 34.37%of cases between 18:00 and 24:00,and it coincided with the warm period and particularly between June and September(70%).The stings were principally in hands and feet(897 cases,85.71%).The majority of victims had chosen traditional remedies(69.61%),and only 22.79%had received modern treatment while 1.33%of cases did not receive any treatment.The scorpion species involved were yellow in 179 cases and black in 815 cases.In 59 cases the scorpion involved was not identified.Conclusions:Our data constitute a preliminary descriptive study and suggest that scorpion envenomation is an important problem in the studied area.