Notable Species Research Articles

Species-Specific Level Variation in Polyamines in Coniferous and Deciduous Woody Plant Species in Urban Areas

Urban heat islands (UHIs) and global warming will unavoidably have a negative impact on human health in urban areas, making urban forests much more susceptible to the risk of heat waves than forests. It is pivotal for urban forest management to understand tree species’ adaptation mechanisms by focusing on the species-dependent variability of polyamines (PAs), significant players in the amelioration of biotic and abiotic stress in plants, to mitigate the negative effects of UHIs and global warming on human health. Based on this background, the content of major polyamines (PAs) (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) and total phenolics and the corresponding antioxidant capacities were determined and analyzed in the 24 most prevalent deciduous and coniferous tree species found in urban areas, namely Futoški Park in Novi Sad (Serbia). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorometric detection (HPLC-FD) was used to separate and quantify major PAs from tree species. Results showed a species-specific level variation in polyamines, total phenolic, and antioxidant capacity in coniferous and deciduous woody plant species in inspected urban areas. In terms of total PA content, the most notable deciduous tree species were Betula pendula, Junglans regia, and Quercus rubra, while the coniferous tree species Thuja occidentalis, Taxodium distichum, Pinus nigra, and Abies concolor stand out. The most dominant foliar PA in most of the inspected species was putrescine (ranging from 527.67 to 10,049.3 nmol g−1 DW), followed by spermidine (from 250.56 to 2015.92 nmol g−1 DW) and spermine (from 168.8 to 718.41 nmol g−1 DW). Furthermore, significant intra-genus variability in terms of PA content was recorded within the genera Pinus, Thuja, and Picea. This study demonstrated that the PA and phenolic compounds, in combination with antioxidant assays, can serve as reliable and trustworthy criteria and descriptors for the selection of adaptable tree species in the context of urban climate–smart forestry.

Elevating Thyme Species Identification: Exploiting Key Chloroplast Genes (matK, rbcL, and psbA-trnH) through DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Analysis

Understanding genetic relationships and diversity among species is crucial for unraveling evolutionary processes, ecological interactions, and conservation strategies. DNA sequence analysis serves as a powerful tool in this endeavor. This study focuses on the Thymus genus, a collection of notable species, to investigate its genetic framework. Leveraging DNA sequences from key regions (matK, rbcL, and psbA-trnH), we aim to elucidate genetic connections within the Thymus genus and uncover mechanisms driving its diversity. The Thymus genus, with its diverse species and ecological characteristics, provides a captivating platform for genetic exploration. Through DNA sequence analysis, we aim to unveil genetic interconnections, biodiversity patterns, and the factors shaping the genus's evolution. Our findings are aligned with previous studies, and this consistency highlights the presence of polymorphism within potential sequences. Employing coding loci and spacer regions, our study contributes to Lamiaceae family barcoding research. Despite variations across gene regions, the concatenation of sequences enhances result reliability. We analyzed the suitability of matK, rbcL, and psbA sequences for Thymus identification, observing rbcL and psbA outperforming matK. Our novel approach, rooted in chloroplast DNA, presents a promising method for species discernment. By analyzing multiple chloroplast gene regions, this technique offers a fresh perspective on genetic affinity assessment using DNA barcodes. In conclusion, this study not only contributes to Thymus germplasm resource preservation but also exemplifies a novel approach to discerning Thymus species through DNA analysis. This methodology carries the potential for broader application, enriching our understanding of genetic relationships and diversity in the plant kingdom.

Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Different Functional Zones in Baoji in Summer

The situation of air pollution in Guanzhong Plain has been increasing in recent years; hence, it is very important to study the characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their health risks in urban functional zones. We analyzed 115 VOCs using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/hydrogen ion flame detector (GC-MS/FID) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at four sampling sites in the traffic, comprehensive, industrial, and scenic zones of Baoji. We analyzed the main components and key species in the different functional zones. Ozone formation potential (OFP),·OH consumption rate (L·OH), and secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP) were used to evaluate the environmental impact, and the hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) methods were employed. The results revealed that the mean values of φ(TVOCs) in the traffic, comprehensive, industrial, and scenic zones were (59.63±23.85)×10-9, (42.92±11.88)×10-9, (60.27±24.09)×10-9, and (55.54±7.44)×10-9, respectively. The dominant contributors at the traffic zone were alkanes, and those at the other functional zones were OVOCs. Acetaldehyde, acetone, n-butane, and isopentane were abundant at different functional zones. According to the characteristic ratios of VOCs, the average ratio of toluene to benzene (T/B) at the traffic, comprehensive, industrial, and scenic zones were 1.84, 2.39, 1.28, and 1.64, respectively, and the ratio of iso-pentane to n-pentane (i/n) was mainly between 1 and 4. The results indicated that VOCs in Baoji were significantly affected by vehicle emissions and gasoline evaporation, biomass and coal combustion, and industrial coatings and foundry. The ratio of m/p-xylene to ethylbenzene (X/E) was lower than 2 at the four functional zones, and the minimum was 1.79 at the scenic zones; the results revealed that X/E was small, and the aging degree of air masses was high, indicating the influence of regional transport. According to the ratio of formaldehyde to acetaldehyde (C1/C2) and the ratio of acetaldehyde to propanal (C2/C3), it was suggested that there may have been evident anthropogenic emission sources, and the photochemical reaction had an important effect on aldehydes and ketones. Environmental impact assessment results revealed that OVOCs and alkenes contributed significantly to OFP and OFP from large to small was as follows:industrial zone>scenic zone>traffic zone>comprehensive zone. The range of L·OH in each functional zone was 8.77-15.82 s-1, with isoprene contributing the most in the industrial zone and acetaldehyde contributing the most at other functional zones. The SOAFP of each functional zone was as follows:scenic zone>comprehensive zone>traffic zone>industrial zone. Toluene, m/p-xylene, and isoprene were the notable species. According to the health risk assessment of EPA, the HI of toxic VOCs in all functional zones was lower than 1, which was at an acceptable level. However, the number of days with HI>1 in industrial zones accounted for 42.86% of the total sampling days, indicating a high risk. The lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) of the traffic, comprehensive, industrial, and scenic zones were 1.83×10-5, 1.21×10-5, 1.85×10-5, and 1.63×10-5, respectively, which were all in grade Ⅲ of the rating system, indicating a high probability of cancer risk. Species with LCR greater than 10-6 were formaldehyde; acetaldehyde; 1,2-dibromoethane; 1,2-dichloroethane; 1,2-dichloropropane; and chloroform.

A prospective insight into the reproduction of Sternbergia clusiana K. Gawl.: an endangered species

Sternbergia clusiana (SC) is a bulbous plant having an alluring ornamental flower, medicinal properties, and an endangered status due to climate-change ecology. However, the methods of propagation for conserving this notable species have been neglected. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on SC regeneration by virtue of a asexual propagation method, with the intention of preserving this endangered species from extinction. In this regard, having collected the bulbs from a wild habitat, bulbs were cut in accordance with the chipping technique. Thereafter, pieces were treated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 250, 500, and 1000 mg·L−1, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 100, 250, and 500 mg·L−1, putrescine (PU) at 50, 100, and 200 mg·L−1, BAP and NAA combination, BAP and PU combination, and a control. Pieces were then transferred into primary and terminal growing media under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, respectively. Next, the number, length, width, and weight of bulbs were determined. The greatest bulb number (2.10 counts), bulb length (26.75 mm), bulb width (16.25 mm), and bulb weight (3.13 g) were observed in the PU treatments. In addition, the results showed that even though the treated bulbs with BAP and PU combinations had preferable performance generally, the results were inconsistent. Taken together, this research indicates that utilizing asexual propagation along with PGRs, in the proper dosage, can serve as a mechanism to protect the endangered geophyte from extinction in nature.

Investigating the abundance and diversity of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta) within commercial Sitka spruce plantation forests in mid‐Wales

Abstract Sitka spruce is a widely planted and economically important tree species in the United Kingdom; hence, identifying any future biotic or abiotic threats to its productivity is important. Defoliating insects are widely considered to be major forest disturbance agents, and these can include the sawflies (Symphyta), which are well known to reach high population densities that can cause significant outbreak events, leading to tree mortality or impacts on growth. The aim of the current study was to investigate the abundance and diversity of sawflies within stands of Sitka spruce over an elevation range and to evaluate whether there were any potentially important species present. Experimental plots were established in two commercial forest plantations in mid‐Wales, and the adult sawfly community was assessed over a 3‐year period using yellow pan traps. Sixty species of sawfly were caught over the 3‐year period, which accounted for >11% of all known British sawfly species. Results indicated that there were generally greater abundance and diversity of sawflies at lower elevational plots, where temperatures were higher. The most abundant sawfly species captured in the study was the notable defoliator species, the mountain spruce sawfly (Epicenematus montanus), which was found in particularly high numbers in the low‐elevation plot in Hafren forest. A further seven spruce‐associated sawfly species were also caught across the experimental plots. The study highlighted the presence of a number of notable spruce‐associated sawfly species (E. montanus and Pristiphora spp.), some of which have caused significant defoliation of spruce (Picea) species in Europe. The generally higher abundance of these sawflies at lower elevations indicated that Sitka spruce may potentially become more vulnerable to defoliation events caused by sawfly outbreaks in the future, especially when considering current projected climate change predictions.

Investigation of the Rare Fraction of Flora in the Projected Landscape Reserve "Balka Shchurivska"

The study investigates the current distribution of rare plant species within the ravine system "Balka Shchurivska" and provides justification for granting the site protected area status. The research examines the presence of rare plant species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, the Red List of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and international conservation lists. Field surveys conducted from 2020-2023 revealed the presence of 26 regionally rare plant species, 13 species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, 3 species from Resolution 6 of the Bern Convention and annexes of the Habitats Directive represented in Ukraine's flora, and 1 species from the IUCN Red List. Notable rare species found include Pulsatilla pratensis, Adonis vernalis, and Stipa capillata. The study highlights the importance of the area for biodiversity conservation and recommends its designation as a landscape reserve of national importance.

Expanding non-invasive approaches for fish-health monitoring: A survey of the epidermal mucous metabolomes of phylogenetically diverse freshwater fish species.

There is a pressing need for more-holistic approaches to fisheries assessments along with growing demand to reduce the health impacts of sample collections. Metabolomic tools enable the use of sample matrices that can be collected with minimal impact on the organism (e.g., blood, urine, and mucus) and provide high-throughput, untargeted biochemical information without the requirement of a sequenced genome. These qualities make metabolomics ideal for monitoring a wide range of fish species, particularly those under protected status. In the current study, we surveyed the relative abundances of 120 endogenous metabolites in epidermal mucus across eight freshwater fish species belonging to seven phylogenetic orders. Principal component analysis was used to provide an overview of the data set, revealing strong interspecies relationships in the epidermal mucous metabolome. Normalized relative abundances of individual endogenous metabolites were then used to identify commonalities across multiple species, as well as those metabolites that showed notable species specificity. For example, taurine was measured in high relative abundance in the epidermal mucus of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), northern pike (Esox lucius), golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), whereas γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) exhibited a uniquely high relative abundance in flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). Finally, hierarchical cluster analysis was used to evaluate species relatedness as characterized by both the epidermal mucous metabolome (phenotype) and genetic phylogeny (genotype). This comparison revealed species for which relatedness in the epidermal mucous metabolome composition closely aligns with phylogenetic relatedness (e.g., N. crysoleucas and C. carpio), as well as species for which these two measures are not well aligned (e.g., P. olivaris and Polyodon spathula). These, and other findings reported here, highlight novel areas for future research with fish, including development of epidermal mucous-based markers for non-invasive health monitoring, sex determination, and hypoxia tolerance.

GENETIC VARIATION OF LEPTOTROMBIDIUM (ACARI: TROMBICULIDAE) MITES CARRYING ORIENTIA TSUTSUGAMUSHI, THE BACTERIAL PATHOGEN CAUSING SCRUB TYPHUS.

Leptotrombidium (Acari: Trombiculidae) mites are carriers of Orientia tsutsugamushi, the bacterial pathogen causing scrub typhus in humans. Classification of Leptotrombidium is vital because limited mite species carry O. tsutsugamushi. Generally, Leptotrombidium at the larval stage (approximately 0.2 mm in size) are used for morphological identification. However, morphological identification is often challenging because it requires considerable skills and taxonomic expertise. In this study, we found that the full-length sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene varied among the significant Leptotrombidium. On the basis of these, we modified the canonical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcoding method for animals by redesigning the primer set to be suitable for Leptotrombidium. Polymerase chain reaction with the redesigned primer set drastically increased the detection sensitivity, especially against Leptotrombidium scutellare (approximately 17% increase), one of the significant mites carrying O. tsutsugamushi. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the samples morphologically classified as L. scutellare and Leptotrombidium pallidum were further split into 3 and 2 distinct subclusters respectively. The mean genetic distance (p-distance) between L. scutellare and L. pallidum was 0.2147, whereas the mean distances within each species were 0.052 and 0.044, respectively. Within L. scutellare, the mean genetic distances between the 3 subclusters were 0.1626-0.1732, whereas the distances within each subcluster were 0.003-0.017. Within L. pallidum, the mean genetic distance between the 2 subclusters was 0.1029, whereas the distances within each subcluster were 0.010-0.013. The DNA barcoding uncovered a broad genetic diversity of Leptotrombidium, especially of L. scutellare and L. pallidum, the notable species carrying O. tsutsugamushi. We conclude that the DNA barcoding using our primers enables precise and detailed classification of Leptotrombidium and implies the existence of a subgenotype in Leptotrombidium that had not been found by morphological identification.

Cellular Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiproliferative Activities from the Flowers, Leaves and Fruits of Gallesia integrifolia Spreng Harms.

Gallesia integrifolia, a notable species in the Atlantic Forest, has been traditionally employed in folk medicine for treating rheumatism, asthma, and worms. This study investigated the cellular antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils (EOs) and crude extracts (CEs) from G. integrifolia flowers, fruits, and leaves. The chemical identification of EOs was performed by GC-MS and CEs by UHPLC-MS. Cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed through mouse macrophage cell culture. In addition, the antiproliferative potential was evaluated in gastric, colorectal, breast, and lung tumor cell lines and non-tumor VERO cells. EOs predominantly contained organosulfur compounds in flowers (96.29%), fruits (94.94%), and leaves (90.72%). We found the main compound is 2,2'-Disulfanediyldiethanethiol in the EOs of flowers (47.00%), leaves (41.82%), and fruits (44.39%). Phenolic compounds were identified in CEs. The EOs and CEs demonstrated potential against the tumor cell lines tested (GI50 between 51 and 230 µg/mL). The selectivity index values were greater than 1.0 (1.01 to 3.37), suggesting a relative safety profile. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity IC50 ranged from 36.00 to 268 µg/mL, and the cellular oxidation inhibition ranged from 69% to 82%. The results suggest that oils and extracts derived from G. integrifolia have potential for use in various industrial sectors.

Preliminary phylogenomic analyses reveal multiple reversions to nocturnal behavior and morphology within the primarily diurnal tribe Adesmiini (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

AbstractThe darkling beetle tribe Adesmiini (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) is a prominent part of African and western Palearctic desert faunas, with most species being day-active fast-running detritivores. Taxonomic diversity within the tribe is highest in the southern Afrotropical realm (where all genera are present); only 1 genus, the species-rich Adesmia, occurs north of the Sahara. Despite notable species, such as the fog-basking beetle Onymacris unguicularis (a focal taxon in desert ecological research), Adesmiini has undergone few modern taxonomic or phylogenetic studies. Hence, generic concepts and pronounced diurnal activity, rare in the primarily nocturnal family Tenebrionidae, remain poorly explored. To investigate evolutionary relationships and diurnal origins within the tribe, we generated a genomic dataset of 529 protein-coding genes across 43 species spanning 10 of 11 Adesmiini genera. Our resulting phylogeny for the tribe rejects the monophyly of 5 currently recognized Adesmiini genera (i.e., Adesmia, Metriopus, Onymacris, Physadesmia, and Stenocara). Ancestral state reconstruction of diurnal activity using eye shape as a proxy supports the hypothesis that Adesmiini were primitively diurnal, followed by at least 4 shifts to nocturnal or crepuscular activity.

Comparative Study of the Parasitic Helminth Burden of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli In Fresh Water Reservoir (Zobe Dam) Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, Nigeria


 The incidence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was investigated in a research of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli from Zobe Dam, Dutsin-ma. The results showed a high prevalence of helminth parasites overall, with T. zilli recording 36% and C. gariepinus showing a rate of 68%. Cestodes, trematodes, and nematodes were the three types of parasites found in the fish's intestines. Notably, trematodes predominated in T. zilli (54.55%), whereas cestodes were more common in C. gariepinus (62.71%). Procamallanus leavionchus was the most notable nematode species found in C. gariepinus, followed by cestodes (Polyonchobothrium clarias) and trematodes (Diplostomum spathaceum). The nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes in T. zilli were represented by Cacullanus sp., Diphyllobothrium spp., and Hepsetidae fasciatus, respectively. Both species showed that males had more helminth parasites than females did. In C. gariepinus, statistical analysis showed no gender differences, however in T. zilli, a gender difference was seen at the P<0.05% level of significance. In addition, the study found a statistically significant correlation between fish length and body weight, and the frequency of helminth infections. These results highlight the significant load of helminth parasites in both Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli, highlighting the need for efficient control techniques to reduce the negative effects of parasitic illnesses on fish production.

Indigenous knowledge of poisonous plants from Van Kieu and Pa Ko ethnic groups in Quang Tri province, Vietnam

Poisonous plants are known for toxicity to humans and animals. They comprise a large group of plants in the world. This study aims to collect and systematically document the traditional knowledge of poisonous plants by interviewing Van Kieu and Pa Ko ethnic communities in Quang Tri province. A total of 56 poisonous plant species (27 herbs, 15 shrubs and 14 woody plants) of flowering plants belonging to 26 families and 50 genera were found in the study site. Based on the Recorded Poisonous Plant Proportion (RPPP) values, 25 commonly recorded poisonous plants were selected for analyzing Fidelity Level (FL) and Informants Consensus Factor (ICF). The ICF value of eye irritation, neurologic category, skin irritation, gastrointestinal category and respiratory/cardiovascular category was 0.97, 0.97, 0.96, 0.93 and 0.92, respectively. The most notable species (FL: 100%) in the gastrointestinal category were Ricinus communis L. and Millettia erythrocalyx Gagnep. In the respiratory/cardiovascular category, the most important species (FL: 100%) were Gelsemium elegans (Gardner & Champ.) Benth. and Strychnos vanprukii Craib. The presented results will provide fundamental information for further phytochemical and biological investigation to ascertain the toxic compounds of poisonous plants that may be used for the treatment of appropriate diseases.

Consensus in the use of ethnomedicinal plants during COVID-19 pandemic in and around Dhaka city

The present article deals with recording ethnomedicinal plants used by the people living in and around Dhaka city and also focuses on the plant species used during the pandemic to get relief from COVID-19. The information was gathered using open-ended and semi-structured questionnaires from 348 informants belonging to different classes of life. The survey has resulted in the recording of a total of 160 medicinal plant species belonging to 62 families and used for 157 ailments through 250 different formularies. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. was the most cited species in the study area. The highest factor informant consensus (FIC) was found in the Cuts and Wounds category, and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. is the most cited species for this category. Acmella calva (DC.) R.K. Jansen was the culturally bound species attaining 100% Fidelity Level (FL) value. Among the ethnomedicinal plants, 40 species were found in the survey that were used by people to get relief from COVID-19. This interesting ethnomedicinal use is a new record for these 40 species. Most notable species are (Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Justicia adhatoda L., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm. & Panzer) Swingle, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Mentha arvensis L., Zingiber officinale Rosc., Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, and Nigella sativaL.Since ancient times, these species have been very popular and used to treat several ailments. The use of these species during the pandemic is a new hope to get relief from COVID-19 but this is very preliminary report. Further long-term study is needed to confirm the claim of these plants’ use against COVID-19. Due to excessive use during COVID-19, these species are very rare in the habitats in and around Dhaka city. Conservation measures should be applied to save these species from extinction. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 30(1): 123-151, 2023 (June)

Population structure and genome-wide evolutionary signatures reveal putative climate-driven habitat change and local adaptation in the large yellow croaker

The large yellow croaker (Larimichthyscrocea) is one of the most economically valuable marine fish in China and is a notable species in ecological studies owing to a serious collapse of wild germplasm in the past few decades. The stock division and species distribution, which have important implications for ecological protection, germplasm recovery, and fishery resource management, have been debated since the 1960s. However, it is still uncertain even how many stocks exist in this species. To address this, we evaluated the fine-scale genetic structure of large yellow croaker populations distributed along the eastern and southern Chinese coastline based on 7.64 million SNP markers. Compared with the widely accepted stock boundaries proposed in the 1960s, our results revealed that a climate-driven habitat change probably occurred between the Naozhou (Nanhai) Stock and the Ming-Yuedong (Mindong) Stock. The boundary between these two stocks might have shifted northwards from the Pearl River Estuary to the northern area of the Taiwan Strait, accompanied by highly asymmetric introgression. In addition, we found divergent landscapes of natural selection between the stocks inhabiting northern and southern areas. The northern population exhibited highly agminated signatures of strong natural selection in genes related to developmental processes, whereas moderate and interspersed selective signatures were detected in many immune-related genes in the southern populations. These findings establish the stock status and genome-wide evolutionary landscapes of large yellow croaker, providing a basis for conservation, fisheries management and further evolutionary biology studies.

Identifying suitable habitats for sloth bear conservation in Eastern India

Today, the most significant threats to mammal predators are habitat losses and anthropogenic pressure. Although sloth bears are widely distributed in India, there is still a risk of populations becoming fragmented and isolated. As a result of continuous habitat loss and degradation over the past century, sloth bear populations have steadily declined. They now exist only in isolated or fragmented habitats across the entire range. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a habitat suitability analysis to determine these areas. The modeling was carried out using the maximum entropy method (Maxent version 3.4.3, November 2020) with presence data collected from 230 sample areas in the Nilgiri wildlife range of Balasore, eastern India. The average training AUC for the replicate runs is 0.984. The model is also evaluated according to the receiver operating characteristic value and jackknife test. Environmental variables contributing to the model were BIO-12 (annual precipitation), BIO-11 (annual mean temperature), DEM (digital elevation model), although the contribution level of terrain ruggedness index (TRI), forest cover (FC), human impact index (HII) and LULC are also there in the model. We also establish that the environmental variable Bio 12 (66%) significantly affects the distribution pattern of sloth bears. In contrast, the forest cover (0.4%) has a more negligible effect on the distribution pattern. A habitat suitability map of the sloth bear was created following the modeling process, and the usability of the model and the map was evaluated for sloth bear management plans. The sloth bear is intensively distributed in the western part of the study area. To conclude, the sloth bear is a notable mammal species whose habitat must be preserved.

New data on the fauna of pyraloid moths (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea) of Dagestan (Russia)

58 species of pyraloid moths are reported for the East Caucasian region of Russia and the Republic of Dagestan for the first time. Among them, 13 species are new for the fauna of Russia. Additionally, we report first-time records of several pyraloid species from Kazakhstan and also from different regions of Russia: Astrakhan, Volgograd, Voronezh and Orenburg Provinces. Imagoes of four notable species are illustrated.

The results of the field accounting of medicinal plants in the forest and forest-steppe zones of Central Russia

To assess the potential of the raw material base of medicinal plants and search for new plant sources of biologically active substances, it is necessary to monitor and record the biological diversity of plants, their number and abundance in natural plant communities. Plants are counted by the transect method. In the course of field research in 2022, the biodiversity, abundance, and abundance of medicinal plants in three regions of Central Russia were assessed. In the Lipetsk Region (the lower reaches of the Chichera River, the valley of the Sukhaya Lubna River), the most notable species of the Ranunculaceae families were identified: Adonis vernalis L. (spring adonis); Rosaceae: Agrimonia eupatoria L. (common agrimony); Filipendula vulgaris Moench (six-petalled meadowsweet). In the Samara region (floodplain of the Sok River) - Rosaceae: Sanguisorba officinalis L. (burnet officinalis); Filipendula vulgaris Moench; Ranunculaceae: Adonis vernalis L. In the Moscow, Ryazan region (Meshchera) species of families - Rosaceae: Potentilla argentea L. (silver cinquefoil) (Rosaceae), Fragaria vesca L. (wild strawberry), Potentilla erecta L. (upright cinquefoil), Comarum palustre L. (marsh cinquefoil); Onagraceae: Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop. (fireweed narrow-leaved); Asteraceae: Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench.; Caprifoliaceae: Valeriana officinalis L. (valerian officinalis); Hypericaceae: Hypericum maculatum L. (St. John’s wort); Equisetaceae: Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail); Lamiaceae: Stachys palustris L. (marsh weed); Primulaceae: Lysimachia vulgaris L. (common loosestrife). A total of 65 species of medicinal plants have been identified. Species with a noticeable abundance are characterized as a source of a certain group of chemical compounds. To assess the potential of the raw material base of medicinal plants and to search for new plant sources of biologically active substances, it is necessary to monitor and account for the biological diversity of plants, their size and abundance in natural plant communities. Accounting of plants is carried out by the transect method. In the course of field research 2022 year, the biodiversity, size and abundance of medicinal plants in three regions of Central Russia were evaluated. In the Lipetsk region (the lower reaches of the Chicher River, the valley of the Sukhaya Lubna River), the most notable species were identified - Ranunculaceae: Adonis vernalis L.; Rosaceae: Agrimonia eupatoria L.; Filipendula vulgaris Moench. In the Samara region (floodplain of the Sok river) - Rosaceae: Sanguisorba officinalis L.; Filipendula vulgaris Moench; Ranunculaceae: Adonis vernalis L. In the Moscow, Ryazan regions (Meschera) - Rosaceae: Potentilla argentea L., Fragaria vesca L., Potentilla erecta L., Comarum palustre L.; Onagraceae: Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop.; Asteraceae: Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench.; Caprifoliaceae: Valeriana officinalis L.; Hypericaceae: Hypericum maculatum L.; Equisetaceae: Equisetum arvense L.; Lamiaceae: Stachys palustris L.; Primulaceae: Lysimachia vulgaris L. A total of 65 species of medicinal plants have been identified. Species with a noticeable number are characterized as a source of a certain group of chemical compounds.

CUP1 Metallothionein from Healthy Saccharomyces cerevisiae Colocalizes to the Cytosol and Mitochondrial Intermembrane Space.

Liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and metal analyses of cytosol and mitochondrial filtrates from healthy copper-replete Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells revealed that metallothionein CUP1 was a notable copper-containing species in both compartments, with its abundance dependent upon the level of copper supplementation in the growth media. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of cytosol and soluble mitochondrial filtrates displayed a full isotopologue pattern of CUP1 in which the first eight amino acid residues were truncated and eight copper ions were bound. Neither apo-CUP1 nor intermediate copper-bound forms were detected, but chelator treatment could generate apo-CUP1. Mitoplasting revealed that mitochondrial CUP1 was located in the intermembrane space. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that 34 kDa CUP1-GFP entered the organelle, discounting the possibility that 7 kDa CUP1 enters folded and metalated through outer membrane pores. How CUP1 enters mitochondria remains unclear, as does its role within the organelle. Although speculative, mitochondrial CUP1 may limit the concentrations of low-molecular-mass copper complexes in the organelle.

Responses of avian assemblages to spatiotemporal landscape dynamics in urban ecosystems

ContextUrbanization and its associated impacts on biodiversity are increasing globally. There is a need to enhance our understanding of species responses to inform strategies for sustainable urbanization.ObjectivesThree extensive bird monitoring campaigns took place over the last three decades in the city of Naples, Italy, providing a comprehensive longitudinal dataset to analyse occurrence trends of urban birds. We aimed to assess both species-specific and assemblage-level changes in urban birds according to land cover dynamics.MethodsWe extracted bird data for the periods 1990–95, 2000–05, and 2014–18, and explored the spatial and temporal relationships between bird presence/avian assemblage composition, and land cover variation.ResultsThe species richness of breeding birds remained stable over time, despite a notable species turnover, influenced by changes in the species’ key land cover classes. Species associated with forest and urban land cover tended to colonise the area, while those dependent on abandoned and cultivated areas decreased or went locally extinct. Birds changed their degree of dependence upon their key habitat type over time, as species from marginal and open habitat types needed larger amounts of habitat to persist within the area, while forest species showed an opposite trend.ConclusionsHabitat-driven changes in avian assemblages within the urban landscape led to an increase in forest-associated species, and a decrease in birds associated with declining habitat types. Our findings may inform urban planning to promote more wildlife-friendly cities, which for our study area should prioritise open and marginal habitats.

The Flora of Mead Island (Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas)

A floristic inventory of Mead Island in Wichita, Kansas, is presented. This 1.87 hectare man-made island in the Little Arkansas River consists of non-flooded and seasonally flooded areas. A total of 15 visits over parts of two growing seasons resulted in 109 collections, representing 51 families, 88 genera, and 98 species (species + infraspecific taxa). The flora exhibits relatively high proportions of woody (35%) and non-native plants (26%) and a relatively low average coefficient of conservation value (1.7) for native species. Many dominant and characteristic species of the Floodplain Forest and Savannah vegetation type were observed. Collectively, these observations are indicative of a highly-invaded Arkansas River floodplain forest. Several notable invasive species observed on the island are discussed.