The Enchytraeid fauna of North Africa

As part of a survey of the Mediterranean enchytraeids, large numbers of samples were collected from a wide range of habitats at 38 localities of Tunisia and Algeria in 1989. Twenty species were identified belonging to six genera. Five species are new records for Tunisia and 17 are new for Algeria. Most of the recorded species are widely distributed throughout Europe, or even cosmopolitan, but some have a more restricted range. Fridericia caprensis has a circummediterranean distribution, Fridericia sardorum seems to be endemic to the western Mediterranean and Fridericia berninii is known only from the Balearic Islands and Algeria. Enchytraeus minutus bisetosus n. ssp. is described. A critical revision of some species is also provided.     

Les formations de la limite Jurassique-Crétacé en Tunisie septentrionale (Djebel Oust). Série lithologique; résultats biostratigraphiques et paléogéographiques d'après les Ammonites,les Calpionelles et les Ostracodes

A stratigraphic research concerning Tithonic-Berriasian beds in northern Tunisia (Djebel Oust) points out that here, as in some parts of Algeria, the Inferior Cretaceous detritic phase begins in the Berriasian. A gradually deepening of the sea is noted from Inferior Tithonic till Middle Berriasian, with bathyal to hemipelagic facies, and submarine slidings. There are close similarities in ostracodal associations with Monts de Batna in Algeria, and some affinities are observed with the central Apennines in Italy.     

Obesity and Association with Area of Residence,Gender and Socio-Economic Factors in Algerian and Tunisian Adults

Introduction

The epidemiological transition has resulted in a major increase in the prevalence of obesity in North Africa. This study investigated differences in obesity and its association with area of residence, gender and socio-economic position among adults in Algeria and Tunisia, two countries with socio-economic and socio-cultural similarities.

Methods

Cross-sectional studies used stratified, three-level, clustered samples of 35–70 year old adults in Algeria, (women n = 2741, men n = 2004) and Tunisia (women n = 2964, men n = 2379). Thinness was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) = weight/height <18.5 kg/m², obesity as BMI ≥30, and abdominal obesity as waist circumference/height ≥0.6. Associations with area of residence, gender, age, education, profession and household welfare were assessed.

Results

Prevalence of thinness was very low except among men in Algeria (7.3% C.I.[5.9–8.7]). Prevalence of obesity among women was high in Algeria (30.1% C.I.[27.8–32.4]) and Tunisia (37.0% C.I.[34.4–39.6]). It was less so among men (9.1% C.I.[7.1–11.0] and 13.3% C.I.[11.2–15.4]).The results were similar for abdominal obesity. In both countries women were much more obesity-prone than men: the women versus men obesity Odds-Ratio was 4.3 C.I.[3.4–5.5] in Algeria and 3.8 C.I.[3.1–4.7] in Tunisia. Obesity was more prevalent in urban versus rural areas in Tunisia, but not in Algeria (e.g. for women, urban versus rural Odds-Ratio was 2.4 C.I.[1.9–3.1] in Tunisia and only 1.2 C.I.[1.0–5.5] in Algeria). Obesity increased with household welfare, but more markedly in Tunisia, especially among women. Nevertheless, in both countries, even in the lowest quintile of welfare, a fifth of the women were obese.

Conclusion

The prevention of obesity, especially in women, is a public health issue in both countries, but there were differences in the patterning of obesity according to area of residence and socio-economic position. These specificities must be taken into account in the management of obesity inequalities.     

Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis and the role of globalization in selected African countries

The present study incorporates globalization and energy intensity into the CO₂ emissions function and investigates the presence of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in 19 African countries for the time period of 1971–2012. We have applied the ARDL bounds testing approach for cointegration to examine the long run relationship in the variables. Our results confirmed the presence of cointegration between the series in Africa, Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The results indicated the positive effect of energy intensity on CO₂ emissions in Africa, Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, and Tunisia while energy intensity declines CO₂ emissions in the case of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Globalization decreases CO₂ emissions in Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Tunisia and Zambia but increases CO₂ emissions in Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania. The EKC exists in Africa, Algeria, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Morocco, Tunisia and Zambia but U-shaped relationship is found between economic growth and CO₂ emissions in Sudan and Tanzania.     

Timing of migration dates and detection of first wintering sites for the Turtle Dove in Northwest Africa

The identification of migration dates and wintering zones for migratory birds are key elements for the understanding of the Afro-Palearctic migration system. From 2015 to 2022, a large-scale survey of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur, a vulnerable species, was established in Northwest Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. We monitored migration dates and wintering individuals using the line-transect method. We found that Turtle Doves arrived in the last week of March and left the North African region in mid-October. Compared with Morocco, Doves arrived significantly earlier in Algeria and Tunisia. Moreover, Doves were discovered wintering on nine Northwest African sites, from October to February, where individuals feed in groups. We found that the occurrence probability of wintering Turtle Doves decreased significantly with increasing temperature and rainfall. Birds wintered most often close to wetlands since the overwintering probability decreased with the increasing distance from the recording area to the nearest water body. These are the first and only detailed findings on the migration phenology of the globally vulnerable Turtle Dove in north western Africa.     

Taxonomical and biostratigraphical significance of the North African radiolitid rudist bivalve Praeradiolites biskraensis (Coquand, 1880)

Abstract: The revision of the radiolitid rudist bivalve Praeradiolites biskraensis (Coquand), including shell morphology and structure, taxonomical status, and palaeogeographical and stratigraphical distribution, was undertaken. We studied Coquand’s collection, other specimens from the type locality, Col de Sfa, and other Algerian fossil localities, as well as recently collected material from the Gafsa region in Tunisia. A neotype from Col de Sfa is proposed. The stratigraphical distribution of the species is bracketed in the Upper Cenomanian, using the distribution of co‐occurring ammonites in Tunisia and microfossils in Algeria. The palaeogeographical distribution is verified for Algeria and Tunisia based on all records in North Africa. Survey of the taxonomical status and problems of related radiolitid genera has resulted in revised diagnoses of Praeradiolites Douvillé, Eoradiolites Douvillé, Sphaerulites Lamarck and Radiolites Lamarck and revealed problems with Radiolites fleuriaui d’Orbigny, which is being the type species of Praeradiolites. Maghrebites gen. nov. is proposed for the North African radiolitid rudist Praeradiolites biskraensis (Coquand).     

Les ostracodes et foraminifères associés des dépôts de l’Éocène moyen et supérieur de la coupe de Jebel Serj (Tunisie centrale). Intérêt biostratigraphique,paléoécologique et paléobiogéographique

The ostracod fauna collected from the Cherahil formation that crops out at the Jebel Serj section (central Tunisia) contains 24 species belonging to 12 genera. These ostracods are associated with 9 genera of benthic Foraminifera (including 4 Nummulites species) and 7 genera of planktonic Foraminifera. The biostratigraphic study of ostracod assemblages results to the recognition of 6 biozones which are correlated with Lutetian-Priabonian. The Shannon Weaver, Margalef and equitability indices point to internal platform netritic conditions, with minor fluctuations in depth and oxygenation. The palaeobiogeographic distribution of ostracod species found in the study area of Central of Tunisia establishes a good connexion with the basins developed in Northern Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Mauritania) and the Middle East (Egypt and Jordan).     

Sphincterochilidae from Tunisia, with a note on the subgenus Rima Pallary, 1910 (Gastropoda, Pulmonata)

In order to establish an updated checklist of terrestrial gastropod from Tunisia, a revision of the species of Sphincterochilidae is presented, using bibliographic and museum records and the results of our own field work. As a result, only two species, Sphincterochila candidissima and Sphincterochila tunetana, are accepted to occur in Tunisia, and their type specimens are illustrated. The study of the morphological characters of the genital organs of both species clarified their subgeneric affiliation. Comparison of Sphincterochila tunetana with Sphincterochila cariosa from Lebanonshowed that the first has to be classified within the subgenus Albea, and the latter within Sphincterochila s. str.; the subgenus Rima Pallary, 1910 remains in the synonymy of Sphincterochila s. str. Bibliographic records of Sphincterochila baetica and Sphincterochila otthiana from Tunisia could not be confirmed, the latter probably lives close to the border with Algeria.     

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the Maghreb region: A systematic review of distribution,morphology, and role in the transmission of the pathogens

BackgroundPhlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are important vectors of various human and animal pathogens such as Bartonella bacilliformis, Phlebovirus, and parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania, causative agent of leishmaniases that account among most significant vector-borne diseases. The Maghreb countries Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya occupy a vast area of North Africa and belong to most affected regions by these diseases. Locally varying climatic and ecological conditions support diverse sand fly fauna that includes many proven or suspected vectors. The aim of this review is to summarize often fragmented information and to provide an updated list of sand fly species of the Maghreb region with illustration of species-specific morphological features and maps of their reported distribution.Materials and methodsThe literature search focused on scholar databases to review information on the sand fly species distribution and their role in the disease transmissions in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, surveying sources from the period between 1900 and 2020. Reported distribution of each species was collated using Google Earth, and distribution maps were drawn using ArcGIS software. Morphological illustrations were compiled from various published sources.Results and conclusionsIn total, 32 species of the genera Phlebotomus (Ph.) and Sergentomyia (Se.) were reported in the Maghreb region (15 from Libya, 18 from Tunisia, 23 from Morocco, 24 from Algeria, and 9 from Mauritania). Phlebotomus mariae and Se. africana subsp. asiatica were recorded only in Morocco, Ph. mascitti, Se. hirtus, and Se. tiberiadis only in Algeria, whereas Ph. duboscqi, Se. dubia, Se. africana africana, Se. lesleyae, Se. magna, and Se. freetownensis were reported only from Mauritania. Our review has updated and summarized the geographic distribution of 26 species reported so far in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, excluding Mauritania from a detailed analysis due to the unavailability of accurate distribution data. In addition, morphological differences important for species identification are summarized with particular attention to closely related species such as Ph. papatasi and Ph. bergeroti, Ph. chabaudi, and Ph. riouxi, and Se. christophersi and Se. clydei.     

Ecological and genetic differentiation of Barbus callensis populations in Tunisia

Enzyme electrophoresis on horizontal starch gel was carried out on 356 barbel individuals. The sampling comprised 278 individuals of the species Barbus callensis from 10 rivers in Tunisia. The other individuals belonged to reference species (outgroups) from France and Morocco. An ecological study was also carried out on Tunisian rivers. The results show a clear differentiation of the two samples from northwestern Tunisia, which was only partly correlated with ecological characteristics of the rivers they inhabit. There is no genetic cline, but rather a discontinuity between populations in the northwestern-most watershed and all the other Tunisian populations. This differentiation probably has a paleohistoric origin not only related to adaptation to ecological conditions but also to difficulties in colonizing the watersheds. The results do not indicate clearly a colonization direction for the genus Barbus in North Africa. Analysis of the Algerian populations would appear to be indispensable. Lastly, in contrast with the usual taxonomy, Morocco and Tunisia are populated by two closely related species, but B. callensis should remain the name of the Tunisian species, which was the first to be described in the small El Kebir basin, a river that flows from Tunisia to Algeria.     

A predominantly neolithic origin for Y-chromosomal DNA variation in North Africa

We have typed 275 men from five populations in Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt with a set of 119 binary markers and 15 microsatellites from the Y chromosome, and we have analyzed the results together with published data from Moroccan populations. North African Y-chromosomal diversity is geographically structured and fits the pattern expected under an isolation-by-distance model. Autocorrelation analyses reveal an east-west cline of genetic variation that extends into the Middle East and is compatible with a hypothesis of demic expansion. This expansion must have involved relatively small numbers of Y chromosomes to account for the reduction in gene diversity towards the West that accompanied the frequency increase of Y haplogroup E3b2, but gene flow must have been maintained to explain the observed pattern of isolation-by-distance. Since the estimates of the times to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCAs) of the most common haplogroups are quite recent, we suggest that the North African pattern of Y-chromosomal variation is largely of Neolithic origin. Thus, we propose that the Neolithic transition in this part of the world was accompanied by demic diffusion of Afro-Asiatic-speaking pastoralists from the Middle East.     

Phylogeography and genetic relationships of North African <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bufo mauritanicus</Emphasis> Schlegel, 1841 estimated from mitochondrial DNA sequences

Genetic variation within the North African toad Bufo mauritanicus was estimated by sequencing partial 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA mitochondrial regions from widespread populations in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Unlike many other wide ranging species from this area, B. mauritanicus demonstrated very low levels of intraspecific variation. The minimal intraspecific genetic variation may be due to a relatively recent, possibly post-glacial, expansion into its current range. Further phylogeographic studies of other North African species are needed to assess if this is a common biogeographical phenomenon. Phylogenetic analyses support immunological data that B. mauritanicus is part of a clade of predominantly sub-Saharan Bufo, recently assigned to a new genus Amietophrynus. Two different lineages within this clade, B. mauritanicus and the B. pardalis group, appear to have reverted from 20 chromosomes to the more typical 22 chromosomes found in most other Bufonids. However, the alternative hypothesis that the Bufo species with 20 chromosomes form a monophyletic lineage cannot be rejected.     

Complex estimates of evolutionary relationships in Tarentola mauritanica (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) derived from mitochondrial DNA sequences

Mitochondrial DNA (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA) sequences were analysed within Tarentola mauritanica and other selected species of Tarentola. Several highly genetically distinct lineages occur in North Africa, revealing phylogroups in southern and central Morocco, northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. A single haplotype characterizes populations across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Menorca, Crete, and Tunisia raising the possibility of an anthropogenic introduction followed by rapid population expansion throughout southern Europe. T. mauritanica is paraphyletic with respect to T. angustimentalis, a Canary islands endemic. The high genetic diversity observed across North Africa suggests T. mauritanica may represent a species complex.     

The Iberomaurusian enigma: north African progenitor or dead end?

Data obtained during an ongoing dental investigation of African populations address two long-standing, hotly debated questions. First, was there genetic continuity between Late Pleistocene Iberomaurusians and later northwest Africans (e.g., Capsians, Berbers, Guanche)? Second, were skeletally-robust Iberomaurusians and northeast African Nubians variants of the same population? Iberomaurusians from Taforalt in Morocco and Afalou-Bou-Rhummel in Algeria, Nubians from Jebel Sahaba in Sudan, post-Pleistocene Capsians from Algeria and Tunisia, and a series of other samples were statistically compared using 29 discrete dental traits to help estimate diachronic local and regional affinities. Results revealed: (1) a relationship between the Iberomaurusians, particularly those from Taforalt, and later Maghreb and other North African samples, and (2) a divergence among contemporaneous Iberomaurusians and Nubian samples. Thus, some measure of long-term population continuity in the Maghreb and surrounding region is supported, whereas greater North African population heterogenity during the Late Pleistocene is implied.     

A flavonoid with cytotoxic activity and other constituents from Centaurea africana

A new acylated flavonoid glucoside named algerianin 1 and a new as natural product, 4′-methyl gossypetin 2, together with 10 known compounds, isovanillic acid ethyl ester, β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol 3-O-glucoside, a mixture of α and β-amyrin, 3′-hydroxyflindulatin, chrysoeriol, jaceidin, corniculatusin and centaurein were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the flowering and aerial parts of Centaurea africana Lamk var. africana (Bonnet) M., an endemic species to Algeria and Tunisia collected from El-Kala in the eastern Algeria. The structures were established by chemical and spectral analysis, mainly HREIMS, ESIMS, UV and NMR experiments (GOESY, COSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC). Algerianin showed cytotoxicity against the human myeloid leukaemia cell line HL-60.     

Distribution and variability of deformed wing virus of honeybees (Apis mellifera) in the Middle East and North Africa

Three hundred and eleven honeybee samples from 12 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Palestine, and Sudan) were analyzed for the presence of deformed wing virus (DWV). The prevalence of DWV throughout the MENA region was pervasive, but variable. The highest prevalence was found in Lebanon and Syria, with prevalence dropping in Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt before increasing slightly moving westwards to Algeria and Morocco Phylogenetic analysis of a 194 nucleotide section of the DWV Lp gene did not identify any significant phylogenetic resolution among the samples, although the sequences did show consistent regional clustering, including an interesting geographic gradient from Morocco through North Africa to Jordan and Syria. The sequences revealed several clear variability hotspots in the deduced amino acid sequence, which furthermore showed some patterns of regional identity. Furthermore, the sequence variants from the Middle East and North Africa appear more numerous and diverse than those from Europe.     

Étude craniométrique du complexe d’espèces Meriones shawii–grandis (Mammalia : Rodentia) au Maroc,en Algérie et en Tunisie

In North Africa, the rodents of the species complex Meriones shawii–grandis have a considerable ecological, economic and epidemiological importance. Until now, the systematics of these species was subject to discussion due to the presence of populations displaying high morphological variability. By means of an approach of traditional morphometrics based on cranial distances and by using the method of the log shape-ratio, we attempt to characterize morphologically these two taxa. The results show significant differences in size and shape between the specimens of Morocco, on the one hand, and those of Algeria and Tunisia, on the other hand. The samples of Morocco that have been molecularly typed and attributed to M. grandis have larger tooth rows and narrower skulls, as well as relatively small tympanic bullae. On the other hand, those of Algeria and Tunisia assigned to M. shawii are characterized by small tooth rows and wide skulls with well-developed tympanic bullae. The morphological distance is relatively strong between both clades (79.5%), which corresponds to the molecular distance. However, the discriminant analysis performed after molecularly-typed specimens allows the correct classification of only 91.8% of the individuals.     

Lyme borreliosis situation in North Africa

Many epidemiological studies were conducted for studying Lyme borreliosis (LB) which represents a new global public health problem. It is now the most common vector-borne disease in Europe and North America. The causative agent Borrelia burgdorferi sl is a bacterial species complex comprising 12 delineated and named species. In North Africa, few studies based on clinical and serological features, have suggested that LB could occur. Indeed, recent studies conducted in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco have showm that Ixodes ricinus is present in cooler and humid area of these regions. These studies also revealed that this species is a vector of B. burgdorferi sl with high prevalence of infection. Using IFI and PCR tests, the mean rate of Borrelia-infection ranged from 50 to 60% in I. ricinus adult collected in Tunisia and Morocco and from 30 to 40% in nymphs; in contrast, the prevalence in larvae is less than 2.5%. Several strains of B. burgdorfer were isolated from adult and nymph I ricinus collected in Tunisia and Morocco. The identification of these strains and DNAs directly extracted from Ixodes was done by PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis. The results showed that B. lusitaniae (genotypes Poti B2 and Poti B3) is the predominant species circulating in I. ricinus in Tunisia and Morocco, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi ss and B lusitaniae were also present but very rare. These results provide the evidence for the existence of B. burgdorferi sl in North Africa; however, the impact of LB in the human population seem to be negligible and the seroprevalence of Borrelia in forest workers (considered as population at high risk) in Tunisia is less than 4%.     

Geographic variation of the Greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula Hermann, 1780 Mammalia, Soricidae)

A multivariate morphometric study of the Greater white-toothed shrew ( C. russula ) throughout its Palearctic range was carried out to search for patterns of geographic variation within the species boundary. Burnaby's and multiple group principal component analysis allowed the adjustment of raw data with respect to within-sample allometric variation. Multivariate 'size-free'results show a stepped cline with the phenotypical trait reduction and shape change from the eastern to the western Maghreb. Pleistocene fossil mandibles proved to have low phenetic distances with eastern populations (Tunisia, east Algeria) and it is argued that their character set is the primitive condition. The ancestral Mid-Pleistocene shrews lived in a relatively more humid climate. Geo-climatic changes in the north African range during the Quaternary provoked phenetic variation of C. russula and, it can be argued, evolution of the modern western C.r. yebalensis. A historical process can thus be assumed as the main cause of this categorical variation, by segmentation of the species range due to geo-climatic events. Morphometric discontinuity within the C. russula Maghreb range is shown to be congruent with karyological and biochemical studies. Moroccan and Tunisian shrews differ, for example, in NFa chromosomes and electrophoretical traits. A stasipatric process should be invoked to explain categorical variation in the Maghreb range. Colonization and divergence of insular populations results in more or less differentiated geographic races. The populations of Ibiza and Pantelleria are close to the species threshold (Nei's D ≥ 0.1). The process of speciation undergone by the Greater white-toothed shrew results in a complex pattern of geographic variation, including both allopatric and non-allopatric modes.     

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Cupressus arizonica Greene

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from leaves, branches and female cones of Cupressus arizonica Greene cultivated in Tunisia was determined by GC and GC/MS analysis. Significant differences were found between the constituent percentages of the different oils. Among the 87 identified components α-pinene (60.5% in female cones), umbellulone (18.4% in leaves), δ-3-carene (15.6% in branches) and cis-muurola-4(14),5-diene (9.4% in leaves) were found to be the major ones.Composition of essential oils extracted from different organs of C. arizonica Greene growing in Tunisia showed remarkable differences from the same species cultivated in Algeria, Argentina, Iran, Italy, France and Texas based on a comparison with published results. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the essential oils samples was evaluated against some Gram positive and negative bacteria.