A new species of the genus Hebius (Squamata, Natricidae) from Yunnan, China.

A new species of the genus Hebius Thompson, 1913 is described from Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, based on molecular and morphological evidence. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: (1) dorsal scale rows 19-17-17, feebly keeled; (2) ventrals 146-151; (3) nasal complete, nostril in the middle of the nasal; (4) supralabials 9, the fourth to sixth in contact with the eye; (5) infralabials 10-11, the first 5 touching the first pair of chin shields; (6) preoculars 2; (7) postoculars 3; (8) temporals 3, arranged in two rows (1+2); (9) maxillary teeth 31, the last 4 slightly enlarged, without diastema; (10) tail comparatively long, TAL/TL ratio 0.334 in the male; (11) dorsolateral series of irregular orange or ochre yellow blotches, extending from the neck to the posterior part of the tail; and (12) venter pale orange, tips of ventrals with subrectangular black blotches. All Hebius specimens were strongly recovered as monophyletic, in which Hebiustaronensis (Smith, 1940) and Hebiusvenningi (Wall, 1910) were monophyletic as sister to the Yingjiang County specimens. According to the p-distance of cytochrome b, the new species differs from its congeners by 9.7-15.4%.

Efficient removal of p-nitrophenol from water by imidazolium ionic liquids functionalized cellulose microsphere.

Removing p-nitrophenol (PNP) from water resources is crucial due to its significant threat to the environment and human health. Herein, imidazolium ionic liquids with short/long alkyl chain ([C2VIm]Br and [C8VIm]Br) modified cellulose microspheres (MCC-[C2VIm]Br and MCC-[C8VIm]Br) were synthesized by radiation method. To examine the impact of adsorbent hydrophilicity on adsorption performance, batch and column experiments were conducted for PNP adsorption. The MCC-[C2VIm]Br and MCC-[C8VIm]Br, with an equivalent molar import amount of ionic liquids, exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 190.84 mg/g and 191.20 mg/g for PNP, respectively, and the adsorption equilibrium was reached within 30 min. Both adsorbents displayed exceptional reusability. Integrating the findings from XPS and FTIR analyses, and AgNO3 identification, the suggested adsorption mechanism posited that the adsorbents engaged with PNP through ion exchange, hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking. Remarkably, the hydrophobic MCC-[C8VIm]Br exhibited superior selectivity for PNP than the hydrophilic MCC-[C2VIm]Br, while had little effect on adsorption capacity and rate. MCC-[C8VIm]Br-2 with high grafting yield increased the adsorption capacity to 327.87 mg/g. Moreover, MCC-[C8VIm]Br-2 demonstrated efficient PNP removal from various real water samples, and column experiments illustrated its selective capture of PNP from groundwater. The promising adsorption performance indicates that MCC-[C8VIm]Br-2 holds potential for PNP removal from wastewater.

A New Species of the Genus Pseudocalotes (Squamata: Agamidae) from Southwest Yunnan, China.

In this study, a new species of the genus Pseudocalotes is described from Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, based on four female specimens. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) interoculabials 3 or 4; (2) canthals 5-7; (3) cicrcumorbitals 8-11; (4) 1 scale between rostral and nasal; (5) interparietal 1; (6) superciliaries 4-6; (7) supralabials 6-7, the 1st in contact with the nasal; (8) infralabials 6-8; (9) transverse gular fold and antehumeral fold present; (10) 2-3 enlarged scales between eye and ear; (11) nuchal crest single, consists of 3-5 erected spines; (12) dorsal crest row single, discontinuous and low, located between two keeled, parallel and enlarged scale rows; (13) enlarged postrictals absent; (14) scales around midbody 53-62, dorsal body scales heterogenous in size and shape; (15) midventrals smaller than dorsals; (16) subdigital scales on the 4th finger 20-26, and on the 4th toe 24-29; (17) dorsal background coloration light taupe with four irregular brown patches along the middle of dorsal; (18) inner lips wathet, tongue aurantiacus, throat bluish black. The population from Yingjiang County was nested within a highly supported lineage, formed a sister taxon with P. kakhienensis (SH 97/UFB 100) and according to the p-distance, the new species differed from its congeners by 14.5% to 35.2% for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and 15.5% to 25.0% for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4).

Efficient and selective capture of Au(III) from PCBs by pentaethylenehexamine-modified chloromethylated polystyrene beads.

Recycling of gold promotes solving the problems of resource waste and environmental pollution. In this work, pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA)-modified chloromethylated polystyrene beads (PEHA-CMPS) was synthesized for the recovery of Au(III) from actual printed circuits boards (PCBs) leaching solution. PEHA-CMPS exhibited excellent adsorption efficiency at a wide pH range. It was discovered that the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir model provided a superior match for the Au(III) adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity for Au(III) was 1186 mg/g. Furthermore, PEHA-CMPS was able to selectively capture trace Au(III) with recovery efficiencies of above 80% from the actual PCBs leaching solution. In addition, the column separation approach was utilized to better assess the practical applications for PEHA-CMPS, proving that the prepared adsorbent exhibited great prospects in industrial applications. The adsorption efficiency still maintained 95% after five adsorption-desorption cycles. The FTIR, XRD, and XPS analyses demonstrated that Au(III) uptake on PEHA-CMPS was a collaborative process involving electrostatic interaction, chelation, and oxidation-reduction. The PEHA-CMPS provided a promising strategy in Au(III) recovery and environmental remediation.

Selective recovery of Re(VII) by nucleobases functionalized cellulose microspheres from the simulated uranium ore leaching solution.

From a practical standpoint, it is still challenging to develop adsorbents with high adsorption capacity and outstanding selectivity for rhenium in uranium ore leaching solution. In this study, in order to explore the structure-property relationship, four nucleobases (Adenine, Guanine, Hypoxanthine and Xanthine) were used as functionalization reagents to modify cellulose (MCC-g-GMA-A, MCC-g-GMA-G, MCC-g-GMA-H and MCC-g-GMA-X) via radiation method. The effect of the type of nucleobases on the adsorption performance was evaluated by batch and dynamic experiments. The order of maximum adsorption capacity was MCC-g-GMA-A (194.0 mg g-1) > MCC-g-GMA-G (123.4 mg g-1) > MCC-g-GMA-H (45.59 mg g-1) > MCC-g-GMA-X (23.43 mg g-1), which was associated with the category of nitrogen-functional groups. Different nitrogen-containing functional groups have different degrees of protonation, which leads to differences in the interaction of the adsorbent with Re(VII). Notably, the adsorbents were able to selectively capture trace Re(VII) from the simulated uranium ore leaching solution. The FT-IR, XPS analyses, DFT theoretical calculations exhibited that the adsorption mechanism of nucleobases functionalized cellulose microspheres and Re(VII) was electrostatic interaction. MCC-g-GMA-A and MCC-g-GMA-G exhibited excellent selectivity towards Re(VII), which are potential adsorbents for Re(VII) recovery in uranium ore leaching solutions.

Selective and Effective Gold Recovery from Printed Circuit Boards and Gold Slag Using Amino-Acid-Functionalized Cellulose Microspheres.

The hydrometallurgical recovery of gold from electronic waste and gold slag is a hot research topic. To develop a cost-effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for gold recovery, four types of amino-acid (arginine, histidine, methionine, and cysteine)-functionalized cellulose microspheres were prepared via a radiation technique. The adsorption performance of the amino acid resins toward Au(III) ions was systematically investigated by batch experiments. The amino acid resins could absorb Au(III) ions at a wide pH range. The adsorption process was followed by the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity was calculated as 396.83 mg/g, 769.23 mg/g, 549.45 mg/g, and 636.94 mg/g for ArgR, HisR, MetR, and CysR, respectively. The amino acid resins could effectively and selectively recover trace Au(III) ions from the leaching solutions of printed circuit board and gold slag waste. Lastly, the mechanism underlying amino acid resin's Au(III) ion recovery capability was investigated by FTIR, XRD, and XPS analyses. This work describes a series of cost-effective gold adsorbents with excellent selectivity and adsorption capacity to boost their practical application.

Morphological description of a new specimen of Herpetoreas burbrinki Guo et al 2014 (Serpentes: Colubridae).

The original description of Burbrinks Keelback, Herpetoreas burbrinki was based on a sole damaged specimen collected from Zayu County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China in September 2007. On 16 August 2019, we collected a second live adult female specimen from the type locality. The identity of the species is established based on morphological and molecular comparison with the holotype. One mitochondrial gene (Cytb) and three nuclear genes (C-mos, Rag1, NT3) of the new specimen were sequenced. The four sequences all share the same haplotypes with the holotype. We describe the coloration in life, variation with the type and expand the morphological description of this species.

A new species of the Genus Pelodiscus Fitzinger, 1835 (Testudines: Trionychidae) from Huangshan, Anhui, China.

A new species of the soft-shelled turtle genus Pelodiscus is described based on seven specimens from Huangshan, southern Anhui Province, China. The new species, Pelodiscus huangshanensis sp. nov., is distinguished from other species in the genus Pelodiscus by the following characteristics: (1) Small size (maximum carapace length of 101.16 mm and maximum body length of 190 mm); (2) keel high; (3) tiny yellowish-white spots on the throat; (4) no black pinstripes around the eyes; (5) white longitudinal bands on both sides of the neck in juveniles, absent in adults; (6) plastron yellowish-white, and only a dark patch on each side of the armpit; (7) many tubercles on the dorsal surface, but indistinct in the center; and (8) entoplastron ⌒ shaped. The phylogenetic relationships of the species in Pelodiscus were reconstructed using the sequences of cytochrome b (cyt b) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) genes. The new species formed a monophyletic clade with strong support. The uncorrected pairwise distances between the new species and other representatives of Pelodiscus ranged from 5.4% to 9.2% for cyt b and 4.1% to 7.6% for ND4. The new species brings the number of species of the genus Pelodiscus to six; five species are distributed in China, with three species endemic to China.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Asymblepharus himalayanus (Scincidae; Sauria) and its phylogenetic position within Scincidae.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Asymblepharus himalayanus, has been determined for the first time by sanger sequencing. The overall length of the mitogenome is 17,304 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a putative control region. The total base composition is 31.2% for A, 27.0% for T, 14.4% for G, and 27.4% for C. The phylogenetic tree with the whole mitochondrial genome sequence of A. himalayanus together with 10 other related species belonging to the family Scincidae was reconstructed, in order to prove the validity of the mitogenome of A. himalayanus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. himalayanus was not nested within Scincella, and further corroborated this species does not belong to the genus of Scincella.

A new snake species of the genus Gonyosoma Wagler, 1828 (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Hainan Island, China.

A new species of the genus Gonyosoma Wagler, 1828 is described herein based on six specimens from the Diaoluoshan Mountains, Hainan Island, Hainan Province, China. The new species, Gonyosoma hainanensesp. nov., is most similar to its continental sister species, Gonyosoma boulengeri (Mocquard, 1897). Both taxa have a scaled protrusion on the anterior portion of the rostrum, distinct from other congeners. However, Gonyosoma hainanensesp. nov. can be distinguished from G. boulengeri by two significant morphological characters: (1) black orbital stripe absent in adults (vs. present in G. boulengeri); and (2) two loreals (vs. one loreal in G. boulengeri). The new species is also genetically divergent and forms a unique clade from its sister species and all other congeners based on sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (cyt b).

Mitochondrial genome of the Boulenger's Slug-eating snake Pareas boulengeri (Serpentes: Pareidae).

The Boulenger's Slug-eating snake Pareas boulengeri is a species of snake in the family Pareidae. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence (mitogenome) of this species was determined by shotgun sequencing. The total length of mitogenome is 16,778 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two ribosome RNA genes, and two control regions (CR). Its base composition was 31.6% for A, 24.6% for T, 14.5% for G and 29.3% for C. All the protein-coding genes in P. boulengeri were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. The phylogenetic tree of P. boulengeri and 13 other related species was reconstructed using the maximum-likelihood (ML) method. The DNA data presented here will be useful to study the evolutionary relationships of P. boulengeri.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Pelodiscus axenaria (Testudines: Trionychidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Pelodiscus axenaria was determined by shotgun sequencing. The total length of mitogenome is 16,593 bp, and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosome RNA genes, and 1 control region. Most of the genes of P. axenaria were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. The phylogenetic tree of P. axenaria and 11 other closely related species was reconstructed. The phylogenetic analyses based on these mitogenomes presented here will be useful for further insights on the evolutionary relationships of Trionychidae.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Lycodon ruhstrati (Serpentes: Colubridae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lycodon ruhstrati was determined by shotgun sequencing. The total genome size is 17,168 bp, and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosome RNA genes and 2 control regions (D-loops). Most of the genes of L. ruhstrati were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. The phylogenetic tree of L. ruhstrati and 12 other closely related species was reconstructed. The mitogenome sequence presented here will be useful to study the evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity of L. ruhstrati.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Bufotes zamdaensis (Anura: Bufonidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Bufotes zamdaensis was reported in the present research by shotgun sequencing. The total length of mitogenome is 17,189 bp, and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two ribosome RNA genes, and one D-loop region. All gene conformations were consistent with the gene arrangement in vertebrates. Most of the genes of B. zamdaensis were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. Phylogenetic analysis of B. zamdaensis and 12 other closely amphibian species was reconstructed using Maximum-likelihood methods. The sequences of B. zamdaensis were clustered in genus Bufotes. The phylogenetic analyses based on these mitogenomes presented here will be useful to further insights on the evolutionary relationships of Bufonidae.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Takydromus septentrionalis (Reptilia: Lacertidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Takydromus septentrionalis was determined by shotgun sequencing. The total length of mitogenome is 18,304 bp, and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosome RNA genes, and 2 control regions. Most of the genes of T. septentrionalis were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. The phylogenetic tree of T. septentrionalis and 8 other closely related species was reconstructed. The phylogenetic analyses based on these mitogenomes presented here will be useful for further insights on the evolutionary relationships of Takydromus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Laudakia wui (Iguania; Agamidae).

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Laudakia wui, has been firstly determined by shotgun sequencing. The overall length of mitogenome is 16,455 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 control regions. Majority of the genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA and 14 tRNA) were distributed on the H-strand, in addition to the two ND6 genes and eight tRNA genes, which were encoded on the L-strand. The phylogenetic tree was built by L. wui and 13 other related species. The DNA data presented here will be useful to study the evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity of L. wui.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Laudakia sacra (Reptilia: Agamidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of Laudakia sacra was determined by using a PCR-based method. The total length of mitogenome is 16,555 bp, and contains 13 typical vertebrate protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 2 control regions. Only ND6 gene and 8 tRNA genes on the L-strand other than are encoded on the H-strand. The phylogenetic tree of L. sacra and 13 other species were built. The DNA data present here will facilitate future taxonomic work of the genus Laudakia.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Laudakia stoliczkana stoliczkana (Iguania; Agamidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Laudakia stoliczkana stoliczkana was determined by shotgun sequencing. The total length of mitogenome is 16,133 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosome RNA genes, and 2 control regions. The base composition was 38.0% for A, 24.0% for T, 25.6% for C, and 12.4% for G. Most of the genes of L. stoliczkana stoliczkana were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. The phylogenetic tree of L. stoliczkana stoliczkana and 16 other related species was built. The mitogenome sequence presented here will be useful to study the evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity of Laudakia.

The complete mitochondrial genomes of Laudakia Papenfussi (Iguania; Agamidae).

The Papenfuss' Rock Agama Laudakia papenfussi is an endemic species in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of this species was determined by shotgun sequencing. The total length of mitogenome is 17,005 bp and its base composition was 37.3% for A, 23.9% for T, 12.5% for G, and 26.3% for C, which contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosome RNA genes, and 2 control regions. The phylogenetic tree of L. papenfussi and 15 other related species was reconstructed using maximum likelihood (ML) methods. The mitogenome sequence presented here will be useful to understand the phylogenetic relationships of Laudakia.