Range Of Species Research Articles

Leaching behavior and release mechanism of pollutants from different depths in a phosphogypsum stockpile

Phosphogypsum (PG), a byproduct during the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers, is predominantly stockpiled with a height greater than hundreds of meters. In this study, the leaching behavior of pollutants from PG stored at different depths was systematically investigated through batch tests, column tests, and geochemical modeling. PG samples were collected at different depths within a range of 48 m from a large-scale PG stack in China. The results showed that the pH, electrical conductivity, and elemental concentration of the leachate exhibited spatial variability in terms of the depth distribution, with evident bottom enrichment effects for metals and soluble salts. The pH-dependent leaching tests investigated the impact of pH variations on the solubility of various elements in PG, with a specific focus on elements precipitation occurring within the natural pH range. The geochemical modeling of leaching tests conducted by PHREEQC enabled the identification of the dominant phases controlling the solubilization of the elements, as well as the dynamic process of changes in element forms and concentrations with pH variation. Column leaching tests reveal the differences in pollutant properties between the unsaturated and saturated zones within the PG stack and categorize the leaching mechanisms of elements into three models including dissolution, diffusion, and wash-off. This study aims to reveal the leaching characteristics of PG at different depths, so as to provide a data foundation for the design of liner system, leachate management strategies, and remediation of heavy metal pollution of PG stack sites.

A high-quality genome assembly of the shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)

Dasiphora fruticosa (Rosaceae), commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, is a flowering shrub of high ornamental value yet underutilized in East Asian landscapes. Given its broad elevational distribution range, D. fruticosa serves as an ideal model for studying genetic adaptations and speciation along elevation gradients. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of D. fruticosa with a genome size of 249.23 Mb and a contig N50 length of 14.01 Mb. The genome sequence contains 32,613 protein-coding genes, of which 30,643 (93.96%) were functionally annotated. Compared to the published D. fruticosa genome sequence, our assembly demonstrates higher completeness and continuity. Furthermore, comparative genomic analyses provide insights into the phylogenetic relationship and high-altitude adaptation of D. fruticosa. Overall, our study offers a valuable genetic resource for both molecular and evolutionary research on shrubby cinquefoil.

Effects of salinity and temperature on the icing of sessile saltwater droplets on solid surfaces

The icing of sessile seawater droplets on solid surfaces holds significant importance in scientific research and freeze desalination technology. Nevertheless, the statistical characteristics and underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we experimentally investigate the statistical characteristics of the icing of seawater droplets on solid surfaces, and couple with the molecular dynamics method to reveal the influence of salinity and substrate temperature on the icing. It is found that the nucleation time of seawater droplets on solid surfaces exhibits stochasticity, while it follows a normal distribution. With increasing salinity or surface temperature, the distribution range of the nucleation time becomes broader and more dispersed. Both the average nucleation time and the average freezing time of seawater droplets increase with increasing salinity or temperature; the former is due to an elevating nucleation energy barrier, and the latter stems from an increasing ice-salt solution interfacial free energy (the energy required to freeze the salt solution into a unit area of ice). Our findings enhance the comprehension of the characteristics and fundamental mechanisms of the icing of seawater droplets on solid surfaces, offering valuable insights for the development of freeze desalination technology.

Experimental study on CO2 sequestration performance of alkali activated fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag based foam concrete

In an effort to reduce the emission level of carbon dioxide (CO2) from metallurgical, thermal, cement burning and other enterprises, an innovative solution is proposed in this study, which aims to sequester CO2 with alkali activated fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) based foam concrete. The fluidity of alkali activated foam concrete (AAFC) fresh paste, dry density and compressive strength after hardening, micro-pore structure, carbonation products and CO2 sequestration capacity were comprehensively explored. The experimental findings indicated that the fluidity of AAFC slurry was almost unaffected by the content of foaming agent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). When the H2O2 content ranges between 1 % and 3 %, the dry density of uncarbonated AAFC ranges approximately 752.3–365.2 kg/m3, and the compressive strength of carbonated AAFC ranges about 1.01–0.21 MPa. Accelerated carbonation increased the dry density of uncarbonated AAFC samples. The porous structure of AAFC facilitated CO2 gas penetration into the matrix, leading to rapid carbonation. When the H2O2 content was 1 %, the compressive strength of fully carbonated AAFC was lower than that of non-carbonated AAFC; however, when the H2O2 content exceeded 1.5 %, the trend in compressive strength reversed. The carbonation kinetics of AAFC demonstrated a linear relationship with the square root of carbonation time, and the carbonation coefficient increases proportionally with H2O2 content. The porosity of AAFC increased from 61.05 % to 71.51 % as the H2O2 content increased from 1 % to 2.5 %. The main pore size distribution range of AAFC was 30–400 µm and 5–50 nm. Accelerated carbonation minimally impacted the total porosity of AAFC but transformed certain large pores into capillary pores. Accelerated carbonation would generate calcite, aragonite, vaterite and additional amorphous phases. The maximum carbon sequestration capacity of AAFC, as determined in this study, reached 26.41 kg/m3, indicating significant potential for CO2 sequestration.

Research on the coordinate regulation behavior of window opening and split air conditioners usage during summer in mixed-cooling houses in hot-humid regions

In the hot-humid regions of South China, it is common for residents to utilize a combination of window opening and split air conditioners to cool their houses during summer. However, existing research focuses on investigating either window opening behavior or air conditioner usage behavior respectively, lacking a linkage study between these two approaches. Addressing this research gap, a novel coordinated regulation behavior model was developed by integrating both window opening and air conditioner usage behaviors. Due to different coordinate regulation modes, the tolerance temperature range in summer varies in mixed-cooling houses. Additionally, a degree of coordination is introduced to signify the level of overlap between window opening and air conditioner usage behaviors, indicating the uncertainty involved in choosing between these two actions. Moreover, residents exhibit a dynamic approach to switching between cooling methods, characterized by a transition range of approximately 2 °C rather than relying on a fixed temperature value. Notably, the simulated energy consumption results demonstrate a significant energy consumption disparity of up to 71 % among different behavior patterns. This study contributes to the academic understanding of the complex interactions between window opening and air conditioner usage and lays the foundation for achieving precise energy consumption simulation of mixed-cooling houses.

The ancestral environment of teosinte populations shapes their root microbiome

SummaryBackgroundThe composition of the root microbiome affects the host’s growth, with variation in the host genome associated with microbiome variation. However, it is not known whether this intra-specific variation of root microbiomes is a consequence of plants performing targeted manipulations of them to adapt to their local environment or varying passively with other traits. To explore the relationship between the genome, environment and microbiome, we sampled seeds from teosinte populations across its native range in Mexico. We then grew teosinte accessions alongside two modern maize lines in a common garden experiment. Metabarcoding was performed using universal bacterial and fungal primers to profile their root microbiomes.ResultsThe root microbiome varied between the two modern maize lines and the teosinte accessions. We further found that variation of the teosinte genome, the ancestral environment (temperature/elevation) and root microbiome were all correlated. Multiple microbial groups significantly varied in relative abundance with temperature/elevation, with an increased abundance of bacteria associated with cold tolerance found in teosinte accessions taken from high elevations.ConclusionsOur results suggest that variation in the root microbiome is pre-conditioned by the genome for the local environment (i.e. non-random). Ultimately, these claims would be strengthened by confirming that these differences in the root microbiome impact host phenotype, for example, by confirming that the root microbiomes of high-elevation teosinte populations enhance cold tolerance.

Description of six new species from Mesalina watsonana complex in the Iranian plateau and neighboring regions

Mesalina watsonana is a species complex with a wide distribution range in Iran, some parts of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India. Recent molecular and morphological investigations detected remarkable hidden diversity among the geographical populations of the complex, more likely referring to the persistence of undescribed species. In this study, we conducted a very detailed sampling of localities and carried out a morphological study to investigate populations within the complex. Investigation of morphological features within the M. watsonana species complex indicated that it consists of seven distinct populations. They include the West-Southeast-South, East-Northeast, East Dasht-e Kavir, West Dasht-e Kavir, and two central groups (Halil and Kerman groups). Considering our findings, each of the seven populations corresponding to distinct geographic regions should be recognized as species. The six new species include Mesalina khuzestanensis sp. nov., Mesalina halilica sp. nov., Mesalina kermanensis sp. nov., Mesalina ardestanica sp. nov., Mesalina bardaskanensis sp. nov., Mesalina esfarayensis sp. nov. which are distinctive from each other due to their unique morphological characteristics.

Plant extinction in the Anthropocene

Abstract Species go extinct each day, most without notice. The current human-induced extinction rate is up to 700 times higher than the background rate. Extinctions are not different for plants, animals, or fungi, although botanical and invertebrate extinctions are much more poorly documented than those of charismatic vertebrates. In a recent book on extinct plants (Christenhusz & Govaerts, 2023), an overview of botanical extinctions since 1753 was presented, listing which species became extinct and the probable reason for their extinction. As most have a date when they were last documented, a timeline of extinction can also be compiled based on these data. This timeline shows an increase from 1890 to 1940, but a decline in new recorded extinctions after the 1980s, which is likely a result of taxonomic impediment. Extinction rates before 1800 are impacted by the lack of data (here named Berkeley extinction). It can be concluded that extinction is highest in biodiversity-rich areas with high human influence (extinction hotspots). Two new combinations and a new name are proposed here, showing the importance of taxonomy to conservation. Although anthropogenic plant extinction is a global phenomenon, areas of particular concern are the Hawaiian Islands, southern Africa, Australia, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Extinctions have been mainly caused by land clearing for agriculture and urbanization, invasive feral animals, mining, river dams, diseases, and poaching. We predict that the unusual weather patterns associated with rapid climate change may result in more plant extinctions. Reintroduction, even if a species persists in cultivation, is not always possible due to lack of suitable remaining habitat where threats are decreased or removed. Successful reintroduction cannot be guaranteed. It is costly and usually dependent on short-term funding, after which these efforts may be in vain. Protection of species in their natural habitat is much more cost-effective in the long term. Sometimes, rescued plants should be introduced in similar habitats outside their natural range where the threats are absent. This follows the programmes of assisted migration for climate change mitigation, but this can also be assisted introduction to prevent extinction. Protection of critically endangered species that have naturalized outside their native range should also be considered.

Uncertainty Assessment of Species Distribution Prediction Using Multiple Global Climate Models on the Tibetan Plateau: A Case Study of Gentiana yunnanensis and Gentiana siphonantha

Species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to project how species respond to future climate changes as forecasted by global climate models (GCMs). While uncertainties in GCMs specific to the Tibetan Plateau have been acknowledged, their impacts on species distribution modeling needs to be explored. Here, we employed ten algorithms to evaluate the uncertainties of SDMs across four GCMs (ACCESS-CM2, CMCC-ESM2, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, and UKESM1-0-LL) under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) at two time stages. We selected two endemic species of the Tibetan Plateau, Gentiana yunnanensis and G. siphonantha, distributed in the Hengduan Mountain regions of the southeast plateau and northeast plateau regions, respectively, as case studies. Under the two SSPs and two time periods, there are significant differences in the distribution areas of G. yunnanensis predicted by different GCMs, with some showing increases and others showing decreases. In contrast, the distribution range trends for G. siphonantha predicted by different GCMs are consistent, initially increasing and then decreasing. The CMCC-ESM2 model predicted the largest increase in the distribution range of G. yunnanensis, while the UKESM1-0-LL model predicted the greatest decrease in the distribution range of G. siphonantha. Our findings highlight that the four selected GCMs still lead to some variations in the final outcome despite the existence of similar trends. We recommend employing the average values from the four selected GCMs to simulate species potential distribution under future climate change scenarios to mitigate uncertainties among GCMs.

An annotated checklist with a key to the genera of Australian psyllids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea)

The diversity of the psyllids of Australia reflects that of the plants of this country, with large radiations and ecological dominance of Myrtaceae (e.g., Eucalyptus), Fabaceae (e.g., Acacia), Casuarinaceae (e.g., Allocasuarina, Casuarina) and Scrophulariaceae (e.g., Eremophila, Myoporum). Within Australian ecosystems, psyllids are critical components of food webs, especially with respect to providing energy-rich resources for many species of birds and insects and, historically, humans. Furthermore, in horticulture, agriculture and forestry, some Australian psyllid species are considered pests, causing leaf senescence and ‘dieback’, leaf deformation and inducing growth of sooty mould, with some adventive species capable of acting as vectors of plant pathogens. Several species are considered beneficial, having been introduced as biological control agents of weeds. Additionally, some Australian psyllids have established in other countries, or in regions within Australia that are not within their natural range; while others have such limited geographical ranges that they are of conservation concern. Here we provide an updated checklist of the species of Psylloidea present in Australia and updated a previous key to their genera based on adult morphology. This is the first checklist of the Australian psyllids compiled since the most recent global taxonomic classification, and provides detailed information on biogeographical, ecological and anthropogenic aspects, including global distribution, host plant data, pest status, conservation status, parasitoids, predators, and biological control programs. Our checklist includes information on 66 genera and 450 species, 414 formally described and 36 awaiting descriptions. This represents an increase of almost 20% of species since the last published checklist of 2004, which reported 354 described and 21 undescribed taxa. Additionally, we summarise the available information on more than 150 undescribed taxa. Finally, we reported here more than 60 new records, between distributions and host plant associations.

Nitrogen deposition enhances the competitive advantage of invasive plant species over common native species through improved resource acquisition and absorption

BackgroundPrevious studies into the interactions between native and invasive species under nitrogen (N) deposition have often overlooked the presence of co-occurring native species, a factor that could influence the outcomes of interspecific competition. Furthermore, publication bias may lead researchers to focus on rare native species with limited adaptability. In this study, we examined how two levels of N deposition affected the physiological and ecological traits and the interspecies interactions between three invasive and three common native species.ResultsN deposition promoted the growth of both invasive and native species. The relative dominance index (RDI) of invasive species was consistently higher than that of native species. Invasive species had an advantage over common native species in using the increased N effectively. The biomass distribution of invasive species was biased toward the aboveground parts, indicating competition for light resources.ConclusionsN deposition conferred a stronger competitive advantage to invasive species than to native species, suggesting that the distribution range of invasive species may expand further under increased N deposition.

Sparse-spike seismic inversion with semismooth newton algorithm solver

Seismic prospecting has been widely used in the exploration and development of underground geological resources, such as mineral products (e.x., coal, uranium deposit), oil and gas, groundwater, and so forth. Seismic impedance is a physical characteristic parameter of underground formation, which can be used in lithologic classification, rock characterization, stratigraphic correlation, and further mineral reservoir prediction, reserve estimation, and so forth. To estimate impedance from seismic data, one must perform reflectivity series inversion first. Under a simple exponential integration transformation, the reflectivity series can give the final estimated impedance. Sparse-spike seismic inversion is the most common method to obtain reflectivity series with high resolution. It adopts a sparse regularization to impose sparsity on reflectivity series. From sparse reflectivity series, the final estimated impedance has blocky features to make formation interfaces and geological edges precise, which is very important to accurately delineate the distribution range of mineral resources. The development of sparse-spike seismic inversion is still facing major challenges of fast optimization algorithms in real-life application, especially for massive seismic data in 3D case. Semismooth Newton algorithm (SNA), which is a second order mehtod and has super-linear, even quadratic convergence rate, is used to solve sparse-spike seismic inversion. The proposed algorithm has been compared with common used algorithms through a synthetic seismic trace and a 3D real seismic data volume. The results show that the proposed algorithm has faster convergence rate and fewer computation time. It provides a new effective algorithm to solve sparse-spike seismic inversion.

Hyperechoic Spots in the Renal Medulla as a Potential Indicator of Early Gouty Nephropathy

Introduction: The aim of the study was to explore the causes and clinical significance of hyperechoic renal medulla observed by ultrasonography in patients with primary gout. Methods: This study included 2,107 patients with primary gout treated in the Gout Clinic of our hospital from 2016 to 2022. The clinical data and biochemical data of these patients were collected and analyzed. According to the presence or absence of punctate hyperechogenicity in the renal medulla on ultrasound examination, the patients were divided into the hyperechoic medulla (HM) and the normal hypoechoic medulla (NM) groups, and the HM group was further divided into the partial HM (P-HM) and fulfilled HM (F-HM) subgroups according to the distribution range of hyperechogenicity. Results: Among the 2,107 patients with primary gout, 380 had hyperechoic renal medulla on renal ultrasound, including 106 patients with F-HM and 274 with P-HM. There were significant differences in the gout duration, urate arthropathy number, serum urate (SU) level, clinical tophi number, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine (sCr), and estimated glomerular filtration rate between the HM and NM groups or between the F-HM and P-HM subgroups (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the presence of HM was positively correlated with gout duration, urate arthropathy number, gout attack frequency, SU, and sCr. The number of clinical tophi and sCr were closely related to F-HM. Conclusion: Ultrasound examination showed that a high medulla echo in patients with gout was often related to renal function damage. P-HM may be a transitory condition between NM and F-HM in patients with gout.

Paleo-species distribution modelling in the marine realm: protocol for a global scoping review

Background Studying the spatial distribution of marine species and its alterations through time is fundamental for understanding how they respond to environmental changes, as well as the changes of marine biodiversity, its geographic patterns, and how to best preserve it. Species distribution models (SDM) and Ecological Niche Models (ENM) are statistical tools widely used to investigate distribution range shifts under future and past climate change. The present work provides a protocol for conducting a scoping review (ScR) to assess the contribution of SDM and ENM to the study of past environmental suitability, its spatial and temporal extent and gaps, as well as to identify methodological challenges. Protocol The ScR follows the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Two online databases, Web of Science and Scopus, will be used for the bibliographic search. Inclusion criteria will be as follows: studies applying SDM and/or ENM in the marine realms worldwide, with clear methodological details, to identify to what extent they contributed to paleobiology. Both peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and grey literature will be considered for eligibility. No search limitations will be applied regarding publication year, geographic area and source type. Studies in English, Spanish and French will be reviewed. The Covidence software will be used for document selection and data extraction. Conclusions This comprehensive approach will provide a visual representation of the available studies, enhancing the understanding and interpretation of the results focusing on the contribution of SDM and ENM to species potential ancient distribution knowledge, identifying the spatial and temporal extent and the presence of gaps of knowledge in their use.

A new dawn? Population baselines of snow leopards and other mammals of the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, India

AbstractAccurately assessing the status of threatened species requires reliable population estimates. Despite this necessity, only a small proportion of the global distribution range of the vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia) has been systematically sampled. The Indian section of the Greater Himalayas, which includes Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), harbours potential snow leopard habitat. Nevertheless, there has been limited ecological and conservation research focusing on species that are specific to KHANP, as well as limited research on the broader biodiversity of the Greater Himalayas. We used Spatially Explicit Capture‐Recapture (SECR) models to provide—to our knowledge—the first robust snow leopard population density and abundance estimates from KHANP. We also provide a Relative Abundance Index (RAI) for non‐volant mammals (excluding small rodents). Our study sampled three catchments within the Dachhan region of KHANP—Kibber, Nanth and Kiyar—using 44 cameras over a 45‐day period between May and June 2023. We identified four unique snow leopard individuals across 15 detections in nine camera locations. SECR analysis estimated a density of 0.50 snow leopards per 100 km2 (95% confidence interval: 0.13–1.86), corresponding to an abundance of four individual (4–9) adults. Camera trapping revealed a total of 16 mammal species, including the endangered Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus). Marmots (Marmota caudata) had the highest RAI of 21.3 (±0.2). Although the estimated density and abundance of snow leopards in our study area had relatively wide 95% confidence intervals, our combined results of snow leopard densities and RAIs of prey species such as ibex and marmots indicate that KHANP is a potentially important area for snow leopards. Given the geopolitical history of Jammu and Kashmir in India, the region where KHANP is located, wildlife research remains a low priority. We hope our study encourages authorities to support further research. This study is an initial step towards evaluating the potential of KHANP as a conservation landscape under the Government of India's Project Snow Leopard.

Predicting the potential global distribution of Ixodes pacificus under climate change.

In order to predict the global potential distribution range of Ixodes pacificus (I. pacificus) under different climate scenario models in the future, analyze the major climate factors affecting its distribution, and provide references for the transformation of passive vector surveillance into active vector surveillance, the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) was used in this study to estimate the global potential distribution range of I. pacificus under historical climate scenarios and different future climate scenarios. The global distribution data of I. pacificus were screened by ENMtools and ArcGIS 10.8 software, and a total of 563 distribution data of I. pacificus were obtained. Maxent 3.4.1 and R 4.0.3 were used to screen climate variables according to the contribution rate of environmental variables, knife cutting method and correlation analysis of variables. R 4.0.3 was used to calculate model regulation frequency doubling and feature combination to adjust MaxEnt parameters. The model results showed that the training omission rate was in good agreement with the theoretical omission rate, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) value of the model was 0.978. Among the included environmental variables, the Tmin2 (minimum temperature in February) and Prec1 (precipitation in January) contributed the most to the model, providing more effective information for the distribution of I. pacificus. MaxEnt model revealed that the distribution range of I. pacificus was dynamically changing. The main potential suitable areas are distributed in North America, South America, Europe, Oceania and Asia. Under the future climate scenario model, the potential suitable areas show a downward trend, but the countries and regions ieeeeeeenvolved in the suitable areas do not change much. Therefore, the invasion risk of the potential suitable area of I. pacificus should be paid attention to.

Management on Transfer Pricing of Farmland Based on the Supply–Demand Mismatches for Multifunction: A Case Study from China

Realizing the multifunctional value of farmland is essential for regulating the pricing of farmland transfers and stabilizing the rural land market. However, in China, the mismatch between supply and demand leads to improper resource allocation, weakens the explicit value of farmland, and causes unreasonable transfer pricing mechanisms that threaten agricultural production and food security. This study develops an analytical framework to examine the relationship between farmland multifunction and transfer pricing from a supply–demand perspective. An evaluation index system is constructed, considering the physical, value, and material quantities. This study uses the matching index method and bivariate spatial autocorrelation to analyze the supply–demand match of farmland multifunction from 2014 to 2021 and its relationship with transfer prices. Additionally, management methods and strategies for dynamic zoning-based pricing under multifunctional matching trade-offs are proposed. The results show that: (1) There is significant heterogeneity in the supply and demand matching degree of different farmland functions in both space and time. The production and ecological functions of farmland are oversupplied, while the living functions are undersupplied. (2) Different spatial autocorrelation relationships exist between the degree of supply and demand matching of farmland functions and farmland transfer prices. Specifically, the supply and demand matching degrees of the production and living functions show a significant negative spatial correlation with farmland transfer prices. In contrast, the ecological function shows a significant positive spatial correlation with farmland transfer prices, which are continuously strengthening over time. (3) Based on the supply and demand matching situation of different farmland functions and the spatial autocorrelation of farmland transfer prices, nine types of regions are delineated for farmland functions. Among them, the surplus-coordinated development areas have the most cities, accounting for about 40%, with a wide distribution range. This study proposes zoning-based pricing instruments and management strategies. This research provides valuable insights for developing countries seeking to alleviate conflicts in multifunctional land use, enhance the sustainable protection of land resources, and improve land resource assessment frameworks.

Chiral Fluorescent Antifungal Azole Probes Detect Resistance, Uptake Dynamics, and Subcellular Distribution in Candida Species.

Azoles are essential for fungal infection treatment, yet the increasing resistance highlights the need for innovative diagnostic tools and strategies to revitalize this class of antifungals. We developed two enantiomers of a fluorescent antifungal azole probe (1 S and 1 R ), analyzing 60 Candida strains via live-cell microscopy. A database of azole distribution images in strains of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis, among the most important pathogenic Candida species, was established and analyzed. This analysis revealed distinct populations of yeast cells based on the correlation between fluorescent probe uptake and cell diameter. Varied uptake levels and subcellular distribution patterns were observed in C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis, with the latter displaying increased localization to lipid droplets. Comparison of the more potent fluorescent antifungal azole probe enantiomer 1 S with the moderately potent enantiomer 1 R highlighted time-dependent differences in the uptake profiles. The former displayed a marked elevation in uptake after approximately 150 min, indicating the time required for significant cell permeabilization to occur and its association with the azole's antifungal activity potency. Divergent uptake levels between susceptible and high efflux-based azole-resistant strains were detected, offering a rapid diagnostic approach for identifying azole resistance. This study highlights unique insights achievable through fluorescent antifungal azole probes, unraveling the complexities of azole resistance, subcellular dynamics, and uptake within fungal pathogens.

Structure of the hybrid zone between allied species of the common vole, Microtus arvalis and M. obscurus: Influence of genetic factors and landscape-geographic conditions

Patterns of introgression of several genetic markers across the hybrid zone between allied species of the common vole Microtus arvalis s. str. и M. obscurus were studied in four its sections: in northwest Nizhny Novgorod region, east Vladimir and southwest of Nizhny Novgorod regions, south Lipetsk region, and northwest Voronezh region. Analysis of the clinal variability for three molecular-genetic markers (cytb, tp53, SMCY11) and for karyotypes showed a structural similarity between the “Vladimir – Nizhny Novgorod”, “Nizhny Novgorod”, and “Voronezh” sections. The maximal width was shown for the cytb cline, the minimal width – for the SMCY11 cline; the tp53 cline and chromosomal cline occupy intermediate position for this parameter. Furthermore, in these transects the centre of the cline for the cytb is shifted southeastward (into the distribution range of M. obscurus) from the centres of three other clines. The revealed asymmetric introgression of mitochondrial genome from M. arvalis to M. obscurus may be explained by the fact that the hybrid zone was formed as a result of invasion of M. obscurus into the range of M. arvalis. The “Lipetsk” transect differs from three above-mentioned transects by very narrow clines with nearly coinciding centres. Such characteristics of the “Lipetsk” transect are obviously caused by localization of the hybrid zone in this section along river Voronezh. The obtained results led us to suppose that the structure of the studied hybrid zone is determined mainly by coinciding (or non-coinciding) of its centre with local physical barriers.

Morphological and molecular data warrant the description of a new species of the genus Scutiger (Anura, Megophryidae) from the Central Himalaya.

Recent phylogenetic studies in Himalayan lazy toads of the genus Scutiger Theobald, 1868 revealed the presence of genetically deeply divergent lineages. The taxonomy of S.nepalensis sensu lato was re-assessed based on museum material considering molecular and morphological data. The results strongly support the recognition of a new species, S.kanjiroba sp. nov. distributed along the Nepalese Kanjiroba massif. It is further shown that S.sikimmensis has an apparently much more restricted distribution range than previously thought. The frequent misidentification of Scutiger across large areas of the Himalaya-Tibet area highlights the significance of careful taxonomic evaluation of collection material and the need for the direct morphological comparison of closely related species when describing new species.