编号 5 (2023)

The study presents the status and diversity of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes in the Far Eastern leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis). 20 alleles of MHC genes were obtained from 11 samples in total, 19 alleles were described for the first time for the species. A high diversity of alleles is shown at the level of individuals as well as at the population level. Comparison of MHC gene polymorphism in leopard subspecies showed that the genetic diversity of the Far Eastern leopard is not lower and even possibly higher, than observed of the African and Indian subspecies. The high allelic diversity of the Far Eastern leopard genes is supported by the positive selection affecting on the antigen-binding region of the protein product they encrypt. It is concluded that the low abundance of the Far Eastern leopard has not yet led to irreparable losses in the genetic potential of the population.

The ubiquitous distribution of Nigrospora fungi in the mycobiota of cereal grain in Russia has been established. Fourteen Nigrospora strains using phylogenetic analysis of ITS, tub, and TEF loci were identified as N. gorlenkoana, first identified in Russia. Morphological characteristics of N. gorlenkoana strains were analyzed on various nutrient media. A wide temperature range of 15–25°C was optimal for growth of N. gorlenkoana strains. This probably contributes to the wide distribution of N. gorlenkoana in nature. The pathogenicity of N. gorlenkoana strains to cereal crops was shown. The fungal strains reduced length of wheat and barley seedlings on average 48% and 39% compared to the control, respectively.

On the territory of the Kivach State Nature Reserve (North-West Russia, the Republic of Karelia) in the supralittoral conditions of the Suna River coast, the growth characteristics of 3 epilithic lichen species – Bellemerea alpina, Lecidea lapicida, Protoparmeliopsis muralis – were studied. Data were analyzed over an 11‑year follow-up period. For each studied thallus, a growth model was created using regression analysis, which reflects the dependence of the area of the thallus on the year of measurement and makes it possible to estimate the age of the thalli. Data were obtained on the size (cm²), growth rate (cm²/year), and age (years) of thalli. For these signs, the confidence interval of the means and the confidence interval of possible values were estimated at a probability of P = 95%.

The influence of incident wavelengths of four ranges: short-wave red (623–641 nm), long-wave red (646–667 nm), far red (727–751 nm) and blue (452–477 nm) on the carbon isotopic composition of lettuce biomass (Lactica sativa L.) of the Aficion variety was studied. Lettuce was grown in climatic chambers, lighting was provided by irradiators based on narrow-band LEDs. Monochromatic blue and red light have the strongest multidirectional influence. Radiation from the blue range shifts the carbon isotopic composition of lettuce biomass towards enrichment in ¹²C. Radiation from the red range shifts the carbon isotopic composition of lettuce biomass towards enrichment in ¹³C. Based on the previously developed model of carbon isotope fractionation in a photosynthesizing cell, carbon isotopic shifts of plant leaf biomass were analyzed. It is shown that in the dark period the biomass is enriched in ¹²C. This is a consequence of dark respiration, during which the plant loses CO₂ enriched in ¹³C. It is shown that the reason for the observed isotopic differences between the water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions of the leaf biomass is a result of the different participation of the assimilatory carbon flux, enriched in ¹²C, and the photorespiratory carbon flux, enriched in ¹³C, in the formation of these fractions during photosynthesis.

This article has been prepared based on the results of many years of the authors' studies in the framework of scientific cooperation between Academies of Science of Russia, Armenia, Bulgaria and Poland. It is a continuation of one published in Annals of Parasitology: Biodiversity of Lung Helminths in Terrestrial Mammals from Eastern Europe (2021). To determine the biological diversity of lung helminths various vertebrate hosts were studied, including 7 species from Armenia, 13 from Russia, 7 from Bulgaria and 10 from Poland, as well as many invertebrate potential hosts, mainly land mollusks. Three types of development cycles were found to be characteristic for lung helminthes: 1 – Nematodes from family Dictyocaulidae developing in a direct way without using intermediate hosts, geohelminths or monoxenous type of development. 2 – Those nematodes life cycles of which include intermediate hosts which are mainly land mollusks. These are species from family Protostrongylidae – biohelminths, dixenous type. 3 – Life cycles also include intermediate hosts, but here they are vertebrate. This type includes cestodes Echinococcus granulosus and Alveococcus multilocularis – biohelminths, dixenous type.

The effect of nanosecond repetitively pulsed microwave radiation (RPMR, 10 GHz, 100 ns pulse duration, 8 Hz pulse repetition rate, 140 W/cm² peak power flux density (pPFD)) on the treatment of a model thermal burn of the skin of laboratory rats was investigated. It is established that after 4-fold local irradiation, the rate of wound healing increases; it is due to the accelerated formation of granulation tissue and a decrease in the thickness of the scab, which ensures scarless healing.

Based on the material collected in the expeditions conducted by MMBI in 2019, new data on the distribution of polychaete communities in the area of Western Spitsbergen was obtained, complimenting and refining the results of previous studies. Species complexes of polychaetes have been identified in the study area. The composition of said complexes is mainly determined by the complexity of seabed topography shaping the constitution and structure of the sediment, coupled with specifics of the hydrological regime as a result of Atlantic and Arctic water mass interaction. The distribution of polychaete communities is compared with the results of previous studies.

The article deals with the functioning of ecological corridors as passages to central regions of Eastern Fennoscandis for mammals characterized by population oscillations, high migratory activity, and the consequential dispersal beyond the historical distribution ranges (wild boar, roe deer). We also discuss the invasions of new species in Eastern Fennoscandia as a result of introductions and natural dispersal (muskrat, American mink, Canadian beaver, racoon dog, white-tailed and sika deer).