Karachay-Cherkess Republic Research Articles

Metadisciplinary competencies and assessment of their maturity in the organisation of the educational process at teacher training colleges

Introduction. The labour market-driven changes in educational requirements, the development of information technologies and transformation of social relations require students’ new subject-specific and metadisciplinary competencies which should be formed at all levels of education. The aim of the study is to substantiate the role of metadisciplinary competencies and assessment of their maturity in the organisation of the educational process in teacher training colleges. Materials and methods. The study involved 1,742 students of teacher training colleges of the Chechen Republic, Republic of Ingushetia, Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, Republic of Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and Karachay-Cherkess Republic (Russian Federation). Methods: source analysis, author’s questionnaire for diagnosing metadisciplinary competencies in students of pedagogical colleges, methodology of assessing communication and organisational aptitudes COA-1 (V.A. Sinyavsky, B.A. Fedorishin). Results. The monitoring of the maturity level in metadisciplinary competencies revealed the deficiency in students’ goal-setting, information search abilities, cooperation and self-assessment. The following maturity level of metadisciplinary competencies in students of teacher training colleges was revealed: the majority of learners showed a goal-setting level (67.4%), information search and analysis ability (67.4%), cooperation level (68.1%), and self-assessment level (68.6%) – as specific of the average level. The elaborated model of educational process continuity covering schools, pedagogical colleges and teacher training colleges was based on the development of metadisciplinary competencies. Network interaction of pedagogical workshops was set up in secondary vocational schools of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) of the Russian Federation – as a mechanism for ensuring consistency and continuity of future teachers’ training in the system of secondary vocational and higher pedagogical education. Conclusion. The implementation of the research results into the practice of pedagogical colleges and universities allows to improve the quality of future teachers’ schooling. The graduates of educational institutions involved in the network interaction of pedagogical workshops will possess not only subject-specific knowledge but also metadisciplinary competencies necessary for successful professional activity.

Гено-фенотипические особенности муковисцидоза у российских детей из Чеченской и Карачаево-Черкесской Республик

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease that occurs with a frequency of 1:1,500 to 1:5,000 newborns, according to the World Health Organization. In the Russian Federation, the average incidence of the disease is 1:10,000 newborns. The medical and social significance of this disease is associated with the early disability of patients, the need for long-term treatment and constant follow-up, as well as the heterogeneity of phenotypic manifestations, which in turn requires early diagnosis using molecular genetic methods. The aim of the study: To study the clinical and molecular genetic characteristics of children with CF from the Chechen and Karachay-Cherkess Republics. Materials and methods: The study included 237 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CF. Molecular genetic diagnostics was performed using the method of mass parallel sequencing using a hybridization target panel that includes the entire CFTR gene. Sequencing was performed on the MiSeq platform. All causal nucleotide variants were validated using Sanger sequencing. Results: The most common amino acid variants of the CFTR gene in patients with CF from the Chechen Republic are: p.Y515* (94 alleles/78.3%), p.E92K (18 alleles/15%). The presence of variants p.Y515* and p.E92K in the heterozygous state in the genotype is more often a favorable prognostic factor for the absence of pancreatic lesion. The main distinctive clinical feature of these patients is the onset of the disease with manifestations of pseudo-Bartter syndrome. The major amino acid variant of the CFTR gene in patients with CF from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic is: p.W1282* (28 alleles/70%). The number of patients with pseudo-Bartter syndrome was 54.5%. In 90% of cases, in patients who are homo- and heterozygous according to p.W1282*, a severe degree of pancreatic insufficiency was noted. Conclusion: Patients with cystic fibrosis from the Chechen and Karachay-Cherkess Republics are a difficult category of patients, despite neonatal screening, and cystic fibrosis therapy developed and implemented. This is partly due to the peculiarities of the phenotype and the unique distribution of alleles and genotypes of the CFTR gene. The high number of homozygous variants of the CFTR gene in patients from the Chechen and Karachay-Cherkess Republics is probably due to monoethnic marital assortativity.

New species of Kontrimavichusia Makarikov & Binkienė, 2022 (Eucestoda: Hymenolepididae) from arvicoline rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from the North Caucasus

Two previously unrecognized species attributable to the genus Kontrimavichusia Makarikov & Binkienė, 2022 in arvicoline rodents from the North Caucasus are described. Kontrimavichusia testiculata sp. nov. is described from Microtus majori (Thomas, 1906) from the northwestern Caucasus (Republic of Adygeya and Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Russia) and Kontrimavichusia hobergi sp. nov. is described from Microtus daghestanicus (Shidlovsky, 1919) from the central Caucasus (Republic of North Ossetia, Russia). Kontrimavichusia testiculata is readily distinguishable from K. asymmetrica (Janicki, 1904) and K. hobergi in having a larger number of testes (4–6 per proglottis), larger suckers and a longer cirrus and cirrus-sac. In addition, the new species differs from its congeners by the position of the cirrus-sac with regard to the poral osmoregulatory canals and position of distal end of the rostellar pouch relative to the posterior margins of the suckers. Kontrimavichusia hobergi can be readily distinguished from its congeners by the arrangement of the testes in a triangle and the position of the cirrus-sac with regard to the poral osmoregulatory canals. In addition, this previously unrecognized species differs from K. asymmetrica and K. testiculata by the smaller dimensions of the fully developed strobila and a narrower ovary. The cirrus-sac of K. hobergi is larger than that in K. asymmetrica but smaller than that in K. testiculata. We also used partial sequences of the nuclear ribosomal 28S rRNA gene and mitochondrial nad1 gen to justify the generic arrangement and independent status of these two new species which are characterized in the current manuscript.

Preservation of ethnocultural diversity and fairness in interethnic relations in the estimations of the population of the south of Russia

The article examines views on the issue of preserving and reproducing ethnocultural diversity in the context of multicultural regions in Southern Russia, within the framework of the perception of the implementation of the state's national policy in the categories of social justice in interethnic relations. The authors consider this issue within the discourse of public policy and the everyday perception of ethnic groups residing in Southern Russia. The article is based on materials from exploratory sociological research conducted through questionnaire surveys of the population in the regions of Southern Russia, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with experts in the field of implementing the state's national policy (government officials, scholars, researchers, diaspora representatives). The research covered five regions of Southern Russia (Rostov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Republic of Kalmykia, Republic of Crimea, Karachay-Cherkess Republic).
 The article analyses perceptions of ethnocultural diversity in the context of justice in interethnic relations at the regional level. It also explores the connection between identification and socio-psychological characteristics (subjective assessments of violations of rights based on nationality) and the conviction of ethnic groups regarding the observance of justice while preserving the cultural diversity of their people in the region of residence (culture, language, and the development of ethnocultural infrastructure).
 The conducted analysis reveals that issues related to the preservation and development of ethnocultural diversity hold a prominent position in the population's views in the Southern Russian regions regarding the fair regulation of interethnic relations. Points of contention that translate social tension into interethnic tension often revolve around questions of historical memory linked to various forms of ethnic-based deprivation. It is established that the demand for the reproduction of ethnocultural diversity in the regions of Southern Russia is determined by the subjective experience of perceiving violations of rights based on nationality, assessments of justice in managing interethnic relations by the state, and the respondent's type of identity. The core understanding of justice for ethnic groups is linked to sociocultural aspects, and their demand for preserving culture, language, and traditions, regardless of their region of residence, is associated with concerns about their potential loss.

Psychological and environmental workplace well-being’s structural model of the university scientific and pedagogical staff

The article presents the results of the university scientific and pedagogical staff’s survey in the South of Russia (Stavropol Krai, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, and the Republic of Dagestan); it characterizes the level of the workplace environmental well-being. The theoretical model of workplace well-being is developed on the basis of the methodology for assessing psychological and environmental (PE) workplace well-being and updated taking into account modern transformations in the professional activities of scientific and pedagogical staff in the higher education system of Russia. Factor analysis of the results of the survey of 377 persons allowed us to empirically present a structural model that determines the importance of individual factors of PE workplace well-being and substantiate the directions of strategic development in the field of personnel policy of a modern university. The information and analytical base of the research and the current model of PE workplace well-being can be used to develop support programs for different categories of scientific and pedagogical staff of the university. The presented research strategy and methodology for studying the PE workplace well-being of scientific and pedagogical staff makes a theoretical contribution to the improvement of personnel work in the higher education system of Russia.

СОЦИАЛЬНАЯ СПРАВЕДЛИВОСТЬ В СИСТЕМЕ МЕЖЭТНИЧЕСКИХ ОТНОШЕНИЙ В ЮЖНОРОССИЙСКИХ РЕГИОНАХ С РАЗНЫМ АДМИНИСТРАТИВНЫМ СТАТУСОМ

Objective of the study is to determine the influence of social justice on the nature of interethnic relations in the context of the implementation of national policies aimed at integrating a multicultural Russian society in regions with different administrative and political systems (republics, oblasts, territories). The methodological basis of the research is presented by the theory of constructivism as a methodological framework for analyzing the ideas of the population of the regions of the South of Russia about the value foundations of social justice in ethnically marked interactions, assessments of the priority directions of national policy, as well as the semantic and value foundations of the integration of Russian society. The empirical object of the study was the population of the regions of the South of Russia, which were differentiated according to the administrative and political structure: Rostov Region, Krasnodar Territory, Republic of Crimea, Karachay-Cherkess Republic. The subject field of the study included collective ideas about social justice and the expectations of the population in the sphere of regulating interethnic relations and implementing national policy from the standpoint of the principle of justice.   Research results. It is established that the understanding of justice in relation to ethnic groups by the population of the regions of the South of Russia with different administrative status has some differences peculiar for the sphere of public interaction. In particular, in national republics, the understanding of justice in ethnically marked interactions is associated with representation in power and with the prevention of violence and political repression on a national basis, in regions with the status of a region/province - with respect for ethnic groups, as well as with the preservation and development of ethnic cultures. As priorities within the framework of the implementation of national policy in the regions, the tasks of ensuring equality of all people, supporting national languages, coordinating the interests of all social groups and preventing conflicts are highlighted. The ideological foundations of the integration of Russian society as a system of social interactions united by a common goal, common values and shared ideas about the means of exchange and justice are contradictory. The population of the regions of the South of Russia, regardless of the administrative status of the region of residence, is guided equally by two opposite positions, reflecting, on the one hand, the priority of personal social and economic well-being, and on the other, public interest, actualized through the idea of the revival of the country as a great power. Prospects of the study. The results of the study can be used to implement the practices of state national policy, taking into account the peculiarities of perception and attitudes in the sphere of everyday and public interaction of residents in regions with different administrative status. Further research work on this topic is related to the analysis of the reasons for the differentiation of positions and assessments of the population in the studied regions, depending on the socio-demographic and historical status of ethnic groups living in the regions of the South of Russia.

Microbial respiration and functional diversity of soil microbial community under treeline shifts in the Northwestern Caucasus

In mountain areas, one of the noticeable results of modern climate change is rapid shift of treelines to subalpine and alpine meadows. Such vegetation shifts is associated with a change in quality of the plant residues entering the soils, which in turn can affect the mineralization activity (basal respiration) and functional diversity of the soil microbial community. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the soil microbial (basal respiration and functional diversity) and chemical (C, N, C/N, pH) properties (0-10 cm) along the reserved and grazed forest-meadow transects of the Northwestern Caucasus (Karachay-Cherkess Republic), as well as evaluating an effect of vegetation type and land use on variation of these soil properties. It was found that the C and N contents (for both land usees), pH and basal respiration (reserved slope) significantly increase from forest to meadow soils. In contrary, the microbial functional diversity decreased from forest to meadow soils, which might be due to less diverse organic compounds entering the soil only with grass residues than their combination with forest litter. Two-way ANOVA showed that soil microbial functional diversity, pH, C and N along the studied forest-meadow transects was mostly associated with vegetation type (1439 % of the explained variation), and C/N and basal respiration - with land use (3336 % of the explained variation). Thus, a land use change will have a more significant effect on the mineralization activity of soil microbial community than a treeline shifts.

Modern geoecological aspects of natural management in the mountains (on the example of the Karachay-Cherkess republic)

The main provisions of geoecological monitoring in the organization of specially protected natural complexes on the territory of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR) are considered. It is proposed, taking into account the systemic and functional properties, to organize the «Western Prielbrusye» nature reserve. In modern conditions, the territory occupied by the projected complex “Western Elbrus” can be of great importance in order to preserve the natural and historical heritage. Modern aspects of specially protected natural areas organization, presented in the form of thematic modules for monitoring mountain landscapes, will improve the geoecology of the KChR, and will also provide an information basis for optimizing nature management.

CONTAMINATION OF SOIL OF A NUMBER OF TERRITORIES OF THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA WITH PARASITIC AGENTS

Parasitic contamination of the soil of some territories of the south of Russia was studied for the presence of eggs and larvae of helminths and cysts of pathogenic intestinal protozoa. The soil is still a potential hazard as a risk factor in the infection of the population with geohelminths. Thus, in the Rostov region, the specific weight of the selected soil samples for the period from 2016 to 2020 was 28.2%, of which 25.5% were positive. In the Republic of Adygea, the specific weight of the selected soil samples for the same period was 59.5%, positive – 30.6%. In the KarachayCherkess Republic – 53.8%, positive – 61.9%. The results of the conducted sanitary and parasitological studies of the soil showed that the share of positive samples in various regions of the south of Russia ranged from 20.5% in the Rostov region to 83.3% in the territory of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Among all identified helminth eggs, for Toxocara spp. eggs. In all the studied territories, it was 2–3, and sometimes 5 times higher than the eggs of other helminth species detected in the soil. A fairly large number of Strongyloides spp. larvae were also found, mainly in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. According to this, the main role in soil contamination in the south of Russia belongs to animals.

Features of the Incidence of Shigellosis in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic in 2005–2019

Introduction: In the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KCR), dysentery and salmonellosis rank high in the etiological structure of intestinal infections and arose interest in studying the incidence of shigellosis in the republic. Our objective was to analyze the incidence of bacillary dysentery, to study Shigella landscape in the territory of the KCR in 2005–2019, and to compare the findings with similar variables in other regions of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods: We analyzed data of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic on the incidence of shigellosis and Shigella isolates obtained from human stool samples in the KCR in 2005–2019 and compared them with available results of similar studies conducted in other parts of the country. Results: When analyzing the curves of the incidence of dysentery in the KCR and the Russian Federation, we found that they were asynchronous. In the KCR, the curve rose twice (in 2005–2006 and 2011–2014), while in the Russian Federation, the incidence rates demonstrated a gradual decrease. Over the whole observation period, only in 2018–2019 the incidence of shigellosis in Karachay-Cherkessia was 1.3–1.8 times lower than in the country as a whole. We also established that, in contrast to the Russian Federation, Shigella sonnei represented by the biochemical variant IIg prevailed in the structure of shigellosis in the republic. The analysis of the relationship between the number of detected samples of dairy products of poor microbial quality and the incidence rate of Sonne dysentery showed that those two variables did not always correlate. Molecular genotyping of Shigella sonnei strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) allowed us to assume the imported nature of the pathogen. The import could have occurred during the Hajj to Mecca and Medina of KCR residents in 2012. Conclusion: Shigella sonnei strains differing in the presence of tetracycline and chloramphenicol (levomycetin) resistance determinants are circulating in Karachay-Cherkessia. No bacteria resistant to ciprofloxacin were isolated in the republic in 2005–2019.

Microfauna, Palynomorphs, and Biostratigraphy of the Upper Bajocian Garantiana garantiana Zone (Middle Jurassic) of the Bolshoi Zelenchuk River Basin, North Caucasus

Microfossils of the upper Bajocian Garantiana garantiana Zone of the Kyafar River (a tributary of the Bolshoi Zelenchuk River, Karachay-Cherkess Republic) are studied. The zone is represented by dark gray claystone-like clay series with sporadically scattered nodules, often forming interlayers, and is recognized in the upper subformation of the Djangura Formation. The taxonomic composition and distribution in the section of foraminifers, ostracods, dinoflagellate cysts, and miospores are studied. The range of foraminiferal and dinocyst biostratigraphic units and their correlation with the ammonite scale are established. On the basis of benthic foraminifera, these are Beds with Ophthalmidium caucasicum, corresponding to most of the Garantiana Zone, and Beds with Sublamarckella terquemi, corresponding to the upper part of the Garantiana Zone and the lower part of the Parkinsoni Zone. The Beds with Globuligerina dagestanica, recognized on the basis of planktonic foraminifera, are compared with the entire studied interval from the Garantiana Zone to the bottom of the lower Bathonian inclusive. The Beds with Meiourogonyaulax valensii and Rhynchodiniopsis? regalis (dinocysts) are considered equivalent to the entire range of the Garantiana Zone to the lower part of the Parkinsoni Zone inclusive. The key fossils are illustrated.

Circulation of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Health Facilities of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Introduction. Gram-positive enterococci are an integral part of the normal intestinal microflora. However, if they get into wounds or sterile cavities of the body, they may induce various diseases including wound infections, urethritis, peritonitis, sepsis, pyelonephritis, or damage other organs. These microorganisms also induce nosocomial infections and are among the causative agents of health care-associated infections (HAIs); thus, it is critical to control the spread of enterococci. Our purpose was to monitor circulation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in health facilities of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KCR) in 2016-2018. Materials and methods. We studied VRE strains isolated in the Microbiological Laboratory of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. During three years, the total of 281 strains of vancomycin-resistant enterococci were isolated from various biological materials received from obstetric, surgical, pediatric, and therapeutic hospitals and from outpatients undergoing treatment in polyclinics of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Results. According to our data, VRE rates per 100 examined patients were 2.34 in 2016, 3.4 in 2017, and 3.03 in 2018, and were comparable to the rates registered in the Russian Federation in the range of 3% to 22.7%. Discussion. When analyzing circulation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci, we established that the highest VRE rate (4.24 per 100 examined patients) was observed in maternity hospitals, while the lowest rate of 0.67% was observed in therapeutic departments. When studying sensitivity of 281 isolated VRE strains to eight antibacterial drugs, no strain resistant to all antibiotics was revealed. Sensitivity to linezolid, ampicillin, and penicillin was observed in 92.6%, 79.0%, and 66.2% of strains. Sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and nitrofurantoin was 50% or less. VRE were mainly isolated from urine and discharge from the cervical canal and pharynx.

Epidemiology of Hereditary Diseases in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic.

Prevalence and allelic heterogeneity of hereditary diseases (HDs) could vary significantly in different human populations. Current knowledge of HDs distribution in populations is generally limited to either European data or analyses of isolated populations which were performed several decades ago. Thus, an acknowledgement of the HDs prevalence in different modern open populations is important. The study presents the results of a genetic epidemiological study of hereditary diseases (HDs) in the population of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR). Clinical screening of a population of 410,367 people for the identification of HDs was conducted. The population surveyed is represented by five major ethnic groups—Karachays, Russians, Circassians, Abazins, Nogais. The study of the populations was carried out in accordance with the proprietary protocol of genetic epidemiological examination designed to identify >3500 HDs easily diagnosed during clinical examination by qualified specialists specializing in the HDs. The protocol consists of the population genetic and medical genetic sections and is intended for comprehensive population analysis based on the data on different genetic systems, including the genes of HDs, DNA polymorphisms, demographic data collected during hospital-based survey. 8950 families (with 10,125 patients) with presumably the HDs were initially identified as a result of the survey and data collection through various sources of registration (from 1156 medical workers from 163 medical institutions). A diagnosis of hereditary pathology was established in 1849 patients (from 1295 families). Two hundred and thirty nosological forms were revealed (in 1857 patients from 1295 families). The total prevalence of HDs was 1:221. Differences between populations and ethnic groups were identified: 1:350 in Russians, 1:195 in Karachays, 1:199 in Circassians, 1:218 in Abazins, 1:135 in Nogais. Frequent diseases were determined, the presence of marked genetic heterogeneity was identified during the confirmatory DNA diagnosis. To explain the reasons for the differentiation of populations by load of HD, a correlation analysis was carried out between the FST (random inbreeding) in populations and HDs load values. This analysis showed genetic drift is probably one of the leading factors determining the differentiation of KChR populations by HDs load. For the first time, the size of the load and spectrum of HDs in the populations of the KChR are determined. We have demonstrated genetic drift to be one of the main factors of the population dynamics in studied population. A significant genetic heterogeneity of HDs, both allelic and locus, was revealed in KChR.

Species diversity of root rot pathogens of apple tree of the genusFusariumLink in Southern Russia

For horticulture in the North Caucasus, and Southern Russia as a whole, root rot of fruit crops is a serious problem, especially in nurseries and young gardens. In recent years, the harmfulness of species of the genusFusariumLink as pathogens of root rot in the apple tree of domestic Malus domestica Borkh has been increasing. As a result of the studies, 115 samples of seedlings from four examined regions of Southern Russia were studied, 264 fungal isolates were isolated, among which 11 species of the genusFusariumwere found. The composition and occurrence of species were heterogeneous at its various sampling points. So, in the industrial gardens of the Krasnodar Territory and Karachay-Cherkess Republic, speciesF. sporotrichioidesSherb. andF. oxysporumSchltdl. prevailed, in the Belgorod region –F. sambucinumFuskel, in the Rostov region -F. sporotrichioidesandF. proliferatumMatsush. The most common pathogens of rotting roots of apple seedlings in the entire studied sample were:F. sporotrichioides –81 isolates,F. proliferatum –37 isolates andF. oxysporum –35 isolates. The rare species among the sample wereF. avenaceum –isolates, as well as the pathogens that we isolated for the first time in the region as rot pathogens ofF. solani(Mart.) Sacc. andF. poae(Peck) Wollenw.

Diderma meyerae . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Diderma meyerae , a myxomycete which occurs on living branches, living flowers, living and dead stems, living and dead dry fallen twigs, and dry fallen leaves. Some information on its interactions and habitats, economic impacts, intraspecific variation, dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Japan, Kazakhstan (Almaty Oblast), Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Russia (Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Murmansk Oblast), Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine) and associated organism and substrata ( Alnus alnobetula , Alnus sp. (stem); Apiaceae indet. (stem); Calluna vulgaris, Epilobium sp., Fagus sylvatica (branch, leaf, twig), Galeopsis tetrahit (flower, twig), Gramineae indet., Juniperus communis , Plantae indet. (twig), Poaceae indet.; Rhododendron ferrugineum, Rhododendron sp. (twig), Rubus sp. (stem), Vaccinium myrtillus (twig), Vaccinium sp. and Diderma niveum ).

Pronectria santessonii . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Pronectria santessonii . Catillaria mediterranea has been seen in association with P. santessonii , causing an infection of the same parasitized Anaptychia ciliaris [ A. ciliaris subsp. ciliaris ] thallus. Some information on its habitat, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Asia (Russia), Europe (Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Russia (Karachay-Cherkess Republic), Spain, Sweden, UK)). No evaluation has been made of any possible positive economic impact of this fungus (e.g. as a recycler, as a source of useful products, as a provider of checks and balances within its ecosystem, etc.). Alsso, no reports of negative economic impacts have been found.

Diderma fallax . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Diderma fallax , a myxomycete commonly observed on dead branches and/or twigs in the litter of Apiaceae, Cytisus sp., Gramineae [Poaceae], Prunus spinosa and Vaccinium myrtillus . Some information on its interactions and habitats, economic impacts, infraspecific variation, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Morocco, Canada (British Columbia), USA (California, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming), Chile, Philippines, Russia (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug), Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia (Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Tver Oblast), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and UK).

Pronectria anisospora . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Pronectria anisospora . Some information on its habitat, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (North America (USA (Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New York)), Asia (Iraq), Atlantic Ocean (Portugal (Madeira)), Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia (Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Krasnodar Krai, Leningrad Oblast, Republic of Karelia), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK)). No evaluation has been made of any possible positive economic impact of this fungus (e.g. as a recycler, as a source of useful products, as a provider of checks and balances within its ecosystem, etc.). Also, no reports of negative economic impacts have been found.

Neobarya peltigerae . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Neobarya peltigerae , an apparently obligate parasite on Peltigera species. Some information on its habitat, dispersal and transmission, and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Asia (Russia), Europe (Austria, Russia (Karachay-Cherkess Republic), Spain, UK)).

Meriderma echinulatum . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Meriderma echinulatum , a myxomycete which occurs on dead, sometimes dry, leaves, living and dead stems, and twigs of various angiosperms and gymnosperms. Some information on its interactions and habitats, economic impacts, intraspecific variation, dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (USA (California); Japan; Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia (Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Leningrad Oblast), Ukraine) and associated organism and substrata ( Acer sp.; Alnus sp. (stem); Arctostaphylos nevadensis (leaf); Fagus sylvatica (stem); Gramineae indet.; Muscopsida indet.; Rhododendron sp. (leaf); Rubus sp. (stem); Vaccinium myrtillus (stem, twig), Vaccinium sp. (shoot)).