Natural Biotopes Research Articles

Detecting and predicting risks relayed to spread of natural foci infections on flood-affected territories in Irkutsk region

In summer 2019 in western Irkutsk region abundant and long rainfall caused a catastrophic flood that became a federal emergency. It resulted in a threat that natural infection foci would be activated in that emergency zone; given that, the Irkutsk Anti-plague Institute, together with Rospotrebnadzor territorial offices and regional veterinary authorities, conducted an epizootologic-epidemiologic study on affected territories in order to detect and predict possible epidemiologic risks. Totally, the study covered 30 socially significant objects and natural biotopes in three mu-nicipal districts in the region. We tested blood serum of people (244 samples), farm and home ani-mals (253), and organs taken from caught small mammals aiming at determining natural foci infec-tions in them with bacteriologic, serologic, and PCR procedures; overall. 4,370 examinations were performed. Share of immune people amounted to 13.1% regarding tularemia; 17.5%, tick-borne en-cephalitis; yersiniosis, 10.8%; leptospirosis, 3.1%; tick-borne borreliosis, 7.1%. Antibodies to pathogenic leptospira were detected in 36.0–81.3% farm animals and it can indicate there is a latent epizootic process. In July 2019 there was low population of synanthropic rodents in socially significant objects on affected territories and small mammals population also decreased in natural foci with high contagion rate for tularemia agent (down to 17.9%). In September 2019 rats were detected to inhabit food-related objects and small mammals migrated actively in natural stations, contagion rate with tularemia agent going down among them whereas there was a growth in conta-gion rate with leptospira (up to 40.0%). We also revealed new natural tularemia and leptospirosis foci. Activity in natural infections foci didn’t exceed long-term average level just after the flood; still, there are persisting risks on affected territories in Irkutsk region that an epidemiologic situation might get worse there. The paper contains recommendations on further epizootologic-epidemiologic monitoring and organizing prevention activities such as control over sanitary situation at socially significant objects, local deratization, and sanitation in natural foci of animal leptospirosis.

New data on rare species Digitalis lanata Ehrh. (Scrophulariaceae) in the Republic of Moldova

The description of extant wild population of Digitalis lanata Ehrh. in the vicinity of vill. Nimoreni, Ialoveni distr. (N 47° 00’ 03”, E 28° 39’ 38”), some morphometric parameters, density of individuals and the attempts of ex-situ propagation with the aim of reintroduction into the natural biotope is presented.

Restoring a butterfly hot spot by large ungulates refaunation: the case of the Milovice military training range, Czech Republic

BackgroundRefaunation/rewilding by large ungulates represents a cost-efficient approach to managing natural biotopes and may be particularly useful for areas whose biodiversity depends on disturbance dynamics and is imperilled by successional changes. To study impacts of refaunation on invertebrates, we focused on butterflies inhabiting the former military training range Milovice, Czech Republic, refaunated since 2015 by a combination of Exmoor pony (“wild” horse), Tauros cattle (“aurochs”), and European wisent.MethodsWe analysed butterfly presence-absence patterns immediately after the military use termination (early 1990s), prior to the refaunation (2009), and after it (2016–19); and current abundance data gained by monitoring butterflies at refaunated and neglected plots. We used correspondence analysis for the presence-absence comparison and canonical correspondence analysis for the current monitoring, and related results of both ordination methods to the life history and climatic traits, and conservation-related attributes, of recorded butterflies.ResultsFollowing the termination of military use, several poorly mobile species inclining towards oceanic climates were lost. Newly gained are mobile species preferring warmer continental conditions. The refaunated plots hosted higher butterfly species richness and abundances. Larger-bodied butterflies developing on coarse grasses and shrubs inclined towards neglected plots, whereas refaunated plots supported smaller species developing on small forbs.ConclusionThe changes in species composition following the cessation of military use were attributable to successional change, coupled with changes in species pool operating at larger scales. By blocking succession, large ungulates support butterflies depending on competitively poor plants. Restoring large ungulates populations represents a great hope for conserving specialised insects, provided that settings of the projects, and locally adapted ungulate densities, do not deplete resources for species with often contrasting requirements.

Designing Soundscapes for Presence in Virtual Reality Exhibitions: A Study of Visitor Experiences

In museum exhibition design, the experiential aspects of virtual reality and other immersive technologies are increasingly being explored. This study contributes to these explorations, focusing on the role of hearing and sound in visitors’ experiences of a hybrid virtual environment designed for an architecture museum exhibition. Physically, the environment consisted of a full-scale, multi-level structure installed in a large gallery space. Virtually, visitors ‘switched’ between being in a contemporary villa and a natural shoreline biotope while moving in the physical installation, experiencing and comparing nature and architecture as “parallel realities." This study investigates visitors’ experiences of realism in the soundscape and how this contributed to the immersive experience. Exit interviews with randomly selected visitors on the sound experience (N = 82) are primary data for this study. Visitor responses to questions related to sound (N = 320) and data collected from interviews and observations of recruited visitor pairs (N = 16) are complementary data. The study finds that visitors considered sound essential to the high degree of realism they experienced in the hybrid virtual environment, in the sense of “being there,” and that this was dependent on signal types that were appropriate in type and variation. Additionally, relevant to exhibition design practice, issues of quality and delivery methods had minimal impact on the visitor experience.

CreA-mediated repression of gene expression occurs at low monosaccharide levels during fungal plant biomass conversion in a time and substrate dependent manner

Carbon catabolite repression enables fungi to utilize the most favourable carbon source in the environment, and is mediated by a key regulator, CreA, in most fungi. CreA-mediated regulation has mainly been studied at high monosaccharide concentrations, an uncommon situation in most natural biotopes. In nature, many fungi rely on plant biomass as their major carbon source by producing enzymes to degrade plant cell wall polysaccharides into metabolizable sugars. To determine the role of CreA when fungi grow in more natural conditions and in particular with respect to degradation and conversion of plant cell walls, we compared transcriptomes of a creA deletion and reference strain of the ascomycete Aspergillus niger during growth on sugar beet pulp and wheat bran. Transcriptomics, extracellular sugar concentrations and growth profiling of A. niger on a variety of carbon sources, revealed that also under conditions with low concentrations of free monosaccharides, CreA has a major effect on gene expression in a strong time and substrate composition dependent manner. In addition, we compared the CreA regulon from five fungi during their growth on crude plant biomass or cellulose. It showed that CreA commonly regulated genes related to carbon metabolism, sugar transport and plant cell wall degrading enzymes across different species. We therefore conclude that CreA has a crucial role for fungi also in adapting to low sugar concentrations as occurring in their natural biotopes, which is supported by the presence of CreA orthologs in nearly all fungi.

Dermacentor reticulatus biorhythms in the northern forest-steppe of the Tyumen region

To forecast the number of ticks and take successful measures for decreasing them in population it is necessary to know the features of their phenology in aparticular region. The majority of acarologists pays attention to the features of Ixodes persulcatus activity as they transmitixodic infections. The proved epizootic and epidemiological importance of Dermacentors dictates the necessity of developing and organizing the comprehensive control system against this specie of ticks to prevent diseases. This demand the fullest and comprehensive studying of ecology and phenology features of Dermacentor reticulatus of a particular region. The aim of the research is the detailed studying of bioecology of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, the most widespread ticks in the Tyumen region. We had monitored over the life cycle features of Dermacentor reticulates in natural biotopes over the 2013 to 2014 period in the subzone of the northern forest-steppe of the Tyumen region. In natural climatic conditions of the specified climatic zone Dermacentor reticulatus are capable to give one generation per a parasitizing season if parasite juvenile forms meet feeders. The whole process of reproduction from egg up to the adult specimen emerge took from 69 to 161 days, and averagely 115±1.99 full days. Metamorphosis of larvae had taken the shortest time period (29.1±2.,0 full days or 25.3% of all cycle time), nymph and imago formations had happened practically for equal periods of 34.5±2.3 and 37.0±5.0 full days respectively. Having studied the regularities of the Dermacentor reticulates life cycles we can prove the emergence and the activity peaks of both juvenile, and adult phases of these ticks activity. That allows to plan actions on controlling these parasites in places of their dwelling.

СВЕДЕНИЯ О ФАУНЕ ИКСОДОВЫХ КЛЕЩЕЙ (ACARI, IXODIDAE) НА СЕВЕРЕ АКТЮБИНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The territory of the Aktobe region is unfavorable for some zoonotic infectious diseases, which are carried by blood-sucking arthropods. Feeding on the blood of obviously sick wild animals in natural foci, bloodsuckers can attack livestock and people and thereby contribute to the transfer of infectious agents to human settlements. Ixodid ticks are one of the many bloodsuckers capable of preserving and transmitting pathogens of especially dangerous infections to susceptible animals and humans. In the conditions of intensive development of transport communications on the territory of the Aktobe region, ixodids, as carriers of infectious agents, may present serious dangers. Despite many years of research, the tick fauna of the Aktobe region has not been completely studied. In 2018-2020, we conducted studies of ixodids in the north of the Aktobe region to clarify the current state of their fauna. Studies of ticks were carried out in inhibited areas of fi ve districts of the region in natural biotopes, with wild and agricultural animals according to the generally accepted method. As a result of studies in the north of the Aktobe region, the habitat of 5 species of ticks belonging to three genera were revealed: Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus. Key words: fauna, ixodid ticks, vectors, range, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus

Strategies ensuring the Stability of Natural and Urbanized Biotopes in hybrid multifunctional objects

The typology and strategies for integrating hybrid multifunctional objects into the urban fabric will be presented in the article. The dominant feature of the third group is the hybridization of functions between the building and the environment based on blue – green technologies for the sustainable development of urban areas and urban management. Three groups of hybrid objects have a compact and dispersed influence in different parts of the city. In the process of urban territory restructuring, the question arises of preserving and maintaining a natural or urbanized biotope, either by using natural components or by imitating natural communities using new technologies. Thus, different types of phytocenoses are formed in hybrid objects, which need to be preserved and adapted to the new socio-cultural and economic scenario of urban life. Artificial forms of urban nature require new strategies for the development of territories at different urban planning levels and in different parts of the city. Therefore, the topic of the article is of interest to a wide range of specialists.

Зозулинцеві (Orchidaceae Juss.) на території м. Чернівці: хорологічні та фітоценотичні особливості

The article reports about chorology, phytocenotic, biotopical features of 24 orchid species (Orchidaceae Juss.) on the territory of Chernivtsi. The history of studying orchids in the city is described. The authors give the cadastre of locations of orchids based on studies of material at the herbariums (CHER, KW, LE, LW, МНА), literary sources and own collecting expeditions. There found 24 species of orchids in Chernivtsi. 6 of them (Anacamptis coriophora (L.) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon et M.W. Chase s.l., A. palustris (Jacq.) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon et M.W. Chase, Corallorhiza trífida Châtel., Dactylorhiza cordigera (Fries) Soó, Orchis purpurea Huds. та О. signifera Vest.) are not been confirmed by modern collecting expeditions, 3 of them (Anacamptis palustris, Orchis purpurea, О. signifera) were listed from herbarium and literary sources of the second half of ХІХ century. At the moment these species and their habitats are suspected to have been lost due to urban transformation. 17 species (70,8%) of orchids have been found in 1-5 habitats, and 7 species (29,2%) – in 6-20 habitats. Orchids are the part of 4 alliance 4 orders and 2 classes of natural vegetation Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae Jakucs ex Passarge 1968 and Molinio-Arrhenatheretea Tx. 1937 and 5 types of habitats (4 of them are natural and 1 – synanthropic) on the territory of Chernivtsi. Natural plant communities with orchids belong to 4 habitats from Annex I of the Council Directive – 9130, 9170, 6510, 6440 and 4 biotopes listed in Resolution №4 of the Bern Convention – G1.6, G1.A1, E2.2, Е3.4. Remnants of natural forest biotopes having orchids were survived by the designation of landscape sanctuary – «Tsetsino» (430 ha) the object of national significance and «Haryachyy Urban» (108 ha) the object of regional significance. There are 11 and 2 species of orchids on the territory of «Tsetsinо» and «Haryachyy Urban» respectively. Cultivated coenosis of the biggest Park Architecture Monument of regional significance «Zhovtnevyy» (63,5 ha) have 3 speсies of orchids. 4 species are not protected. These results are important for follow-up monitoring measures on rare species of plants in Chernivtsi.

Transmissible parasitic zoonoses of the Kaluga Region

the purpose of the research is monitoring population and species composition of common blood-sucking ectoparasites of the Kaluga Region, mosquitoes and ixodid ticks, and parasitic zoonoses, in the circulation of which they are involved.Materials and methods. The records were made in all districts of the Kaluga Region and in the city of Kaluga. We studied open meadow-field and forest-shrub stations, closed meadow-field and near-water stations, and settlement stations. The species was identified using the atlases of ixodid ticks by I. M. Ganiev, A. A. Aliverdiev (1968) and V. N. Shevkoplyas (2008), and the guidance of R. M. Gornostaeva (1999). The situation with transmissible parasitic zoonoses in the Kaluga Region was assessed based on the analysis of information from open sources of the Hygienic and Epidemiological Center of the Kaluga Region and the Veterinary Committee under the Government of the Kaluga Region.Results and discussion. There are two species of ixodid ticks in the Kaluga region: Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The abundance index of ixodid ticks of the species I. ricinus is 16.8±1.32 individuals per 1 flag-hour in forest biotopes, and 11.6±1.12 individuals per 1 flag-hour in meadow biotopes, and the abundance index of D. reticulatus is 10,8±1.14 and 15.9±1.30 individuals per 1 flag-hour, respectively. Three mosquito species prevail, namely, Stegomya communis, S. vexans, and Culex pipiens. The maximum number was 8 thousand per 1 m3. During the study period, the causative agent of infectious tick-borne borreliosis was found on average in 10.6% of ixodid ticks collected from humans and in 13.2% of ticks collected in natural biotopes. The causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis was isolated on average in 3.1% of ixodid ticks collected from humans and 6.4% of those collected in natural biotopes. Infection rate for I. ricinus ticks infected with pathogen of infectious tick-borne borreliosis was 16.9%, and D. reticulatus 12.3%.

The nesting ecology and postembryonic development of the Baikal white wagtail <i>Motacilla alba baicalensis</i>

The goal of the paper is to identify the features of the breeding ecology of the Motacilla alba baicalensis in the Baikal region and Transbaikalia. The nesting ecology study deliverable of the Motacilla alba baicalensis in the Baikal region and Transbaikalia showed that this subspecies, unlike other forms, is more synanthropic, more than 95% of populations live in localities and other anthropogenic habitats, and only 23% of populations inhabit natural biotopes. At the same time, the Motacilla alba baicalensis in the region prefers small rural settlements and livestock camps in open landscapes near reservoirs. When the Motacilla alba baicalensis builds nests, like other subspecies, it is quite plastic and easily finds shelter in various anthropogenic and natural biotopes. The higher nesting efficiency of this subspecies indicates its wide opportunities to develop anthropogenic landscapes. Due to the short favorable nesting period, most pairs manage to hatch chicks once, but only a small number of pairs manage to raise chicks twice a season. A comparison of the nesting ecology of the Motacilla alba baicalensis with other forms of the Northern Eurasian species did not reveal any fundamental differences. The differences relate to the phenology of different stages of the breeding season, as well as the timing of arrival and departure of birds.

Количественные показатели микроорганизмов аллювиальных почв естественных биотопов южного склона Большого Кавказа

This article discusses the results of studies on the microbiology of alluvial soils on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus. The first information on the number of microorganisms in alluvial soils of natural biotopes is presented. The changes are associated with alluvial (river) sediments of the Shinchay River; the riverbed and above-floodplain terrace are compared. The analysis of soils of meadow-herbaceous (gramineous) and undersized shrubs (wild rose, blackberry, tamarix) vegetation is presented. Differences were revealed in quantitative indicators and the percentage ratio of individual groups of microbiota biotopes. In conclusion, it is concluded that the alluvial deposits of Shinchai in the 0–30 cm soil layer contain 3119.23 thousand/g microorganisms, and in soil samples taken from the above-floodplain terrace in a similar 0–30 cm layer — 4406.53 thousand/g.

The Role of Disinsection and Deratization in the Framework of Non-Specific Prophylaxis of Diseases among the Population in Natural Plague Foci in the Territory of the CIS Countries

Natural foci of plague – a particularly dangerous transmissible zoonotic disease – are widely spread across the world, including in the territory of Russia and a number of neighboring countries in Central Asia. Between 2000 and 2019, 28339 cases of plague were registered in 21 states around the world; lethality rates reached 8 %. Active plague manifestations are associated with the increase in the abundance of carriers and vectors of the disease, which increases the risk of human infection. Prophylactic measures against plague are aimed at prevention and eradication of epidemic foci; they incorporate a whole complex (system) of activities. Disinsection and deratization remain the most radical of them. Control of the numbers of carriers and vectors of plague involves decrement up to the levels at which epizooties will not develop, they are suppressed and liquidated. Currently in the Russian Federation and CIS countries, the focus is on the field and community disinsection when planning and performing exterminatory interventions. The decrease in the numbers of fleas – carriers and vectors of plague microbe – results in disruption of epizootic process and, consequently, in provision of epidemiological welfare as regards this dangerous disease. Insecticide treatments in natural biotopes are carried out using powder-like or aerosolized products, the class of pyrethroids, organophosphorous compounds and phenylpyrazoles by means of advanced equipment: knapsack dusters, power operated air blowers, and foggers. Within the boundaries of residential areas wet disinsection is performed with the help of spraying devices. Field deratization is allowed upon epidemiological grounds only, in localized territories of epizooties, within the boundaries of the settlements of plague infected carriers. Zinc phosphide- or anticoagulant-based bait products are used as rodenticides. Therewith, the eradication of valuable animal species, rare species of small mammals and endemic species is prohibited. Community deratization is always accompanied by the community disinsection. When planning and carrying out insecticide and rodenticide treatments the priority is given to the safety of handling the chemical preparations, to the exclusion of the negative effect on target animal species.

ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles alter the ability of Bacillus subtilis to fight against a stress.

Due to the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, the use of nanomaterials increases over time in industrial and medical processes. We herein report the negative impact of nanoparticles, using solid growth conditions mimicking a biofilm, on the ability of Bacillus subtilis to fight against a stress. Bacteria have been exposed to sublethal doses of nanoparticles corresponding to conditions that bacteria may meet in their natural biotopes, the upper layer of soil or the gut microbiome. The analysis of the proteomic data obtained by shotgun mass spectrometry have shown that several metabolic pathways are affected in response to nanoparticles, n-ZnO or n-TiO2, or zinc salt: the methyglyoxal and thiol metabolisms, the oxidative stress and the stringent responses. Nanoparticles being embedded in the agar medium, these impacts are the consequence of a physiological adaptation rather than a physical cell injury. Overall, these results show that nanoparticles, by altering bacterial physiology and especially the ability to resist to a stress, may have profound influences on a “good bacteria”, Bacillus subtilis, in its natural biotope and moreover, on the global equilibrium of this biotope.

Podarcis siculus (Reptilia: Sauria: Lacertidae), a new alien species for Russian fauna

Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810) or Italian wall lizard is one of the most invasive reptile-species. Recently, this lacertid lizard has been introduced to Mediterranean areas of southern Europe, South-West Asia (Turkey) and North America (USA). An abundant population of P. siculus was discovered on one of the sites of the Natural Ornithological Park in the Imeretinskaya Lowland, on an area of over 0.22 km2 (Sochi, Russia). The data were collected in the May of 2020 in a strip survey method in the Imeretinskaya Lowland. To identify the colonization area of the invader, we examined all 8 sections of the Natural Ornithological Park in the Imeretinskaya Lowland and adjacent urbanized areas. More than 150 animals were observed. These Italian wall lizards, undoubtedly, belong to the northern-central Italian morphotype (presumably P. s. campestris). This is the first record of this species in the former USSR area and, also, this is the species’ north-easternmost locality. The population inhabits secondary natural biotopes and urban area. Among them are the banks of artificial water bodies, areas with cultivated trees and shrubs, as well as parks, and house lawns in the urban area. Population density was estimated from eight to 40 specimens per 100 m of the transect. A moderate proportion of young specimens (more than a 40%) would indicate a healthy and continued growth of the emerging population. To determine the possible period of the species introduction, space images of the Imeretinskaya Lowland were analyzed beginning from the transformation of its landscape for the Winter Olympic Games of Sochi 2014 until the May of 2020. The introduction of the species presumably occurred with the delivery of large-sized ornamental trees and shrubs from Italy in 2012–2013. Podarcis siculus should be included in the list of herpetofauna of Russia and particularly of the Caucasus. This is an alien species with a proven ability to become an invasive species, what will lead to a greater undesirable and unavoidable contact with native small lizards of the genus Darevskia Arribas, 1997. On the other hand, as it is often observed with new invaders, a sudden rise in population abundance could be followed by a sharp decline. A continuous monitoring of the area in question and of the number of local Italian wall lizards is necessary to confirm or refute the assumed scenarios of further invasion of P. siculus on the Black Sea Coast of the Caucasus. Further action plans for this population should be developed depending on supposed future trends.

Fluctuating Asymmetry in Morphological Characteristics of Betula Pendula Roth Leaf under Conditions of Urban Ecosystems: Evaluation of the Multi-Factor Negative Impact

The fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Betula pendula Roth was estimated as an integrated measure of five morphometric characteristics of a lamina. Samples were collected in seven cities that differ both in climatic conditions, moderately to sharply continental. In total, 33 ecotopes were distinguished with various level of anthropogenic load. The statistical data processing involved correlation, one-way and factorial ANOVA, regression analyses, and principal component analysis (PCA). The impact of 25 climatic and anthropogenic factors on the FA value was considered. In most urban ecotopes, the integrated fluctuating asymmetry (IFA) value was higher than in natural biotopes of the same region. No significant inter-annual differences in IFA values were found. FA dependence on traffic load is noted to be statistically significant. The covariation analysis of IFA, climatic, and anthropogenic variables in various urban ecotopes revealed the impact of three groups of factors that together explain 93% of the variance in environmental parameters. The complex analysis clearly arranged the studied ecotopes by pollution gradient and climatic patterns. The primary effect of the total anthropogenic load on the developmental stability of B. pendula results in an IFA increase. IFA can play a key role in bioindication assessment of environmental quality. The climatic factors have no significant effect on the developmental stability of B. pendula in urban conditions.

Розробка комплексної схеми боротьби з іксодовими кліщами

In the context of globalization, climate changing and the spread of tick-borne diseases, the control of ixodid ticks is becoming increasingly important. The uncontrolled use of chemicals to limit the harmful effects of ticks has led to the development of acaricide resistance of ticks, as is observed with most pest control chemicals. There are many reasons for lack of success in the control of ticks and the diseases they transmit. The tick ecology is problematic and has not yet been fully explored. It is believed that effective methods of tick control require the development of integrated methods. The development of a program for the control of ectoparasites is required to take into account seasonality, species composition of parasites, features of biological development. The purpose of our study was to create an effective way of elimination of the ticks in the environment. During 2019, the research was conducted in the Khmelnytsky region. As a result of the preliminary parasitological examination, natural biotopes of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were found. In natural conditions, the treatment was carried out to eliminate ticks in the environment. Three plots, two test plots, and a control plot were identified for the research. At the first tested plot, the efficiency of chemical treatment with Tsiflur-Kombi after 24 hours of the application was 92.6%, at the second site - 100%. The highest efficacy was obtained in the two groups on day 7 after administration and continued for 35 days. During this period, no ticks were detected in the test plots. During the whole period, the average number of ticks per plot - 26 individuals was observed on the control plot. The acaricide Tsiflur-combi has shown high effectiveness in controlling of ixodid ticks at a concentration of 0.2% and 0.5% for five weeks in natural biotopes. The duration of the repellent and acaricidal effect on ticks after treatment with the Tsiflur-combi preparation was 35 days. It is recommended that prophylactic application be carried out every 4 weeks, but it’s necessary to take into account the region's acarological indicators. An effective and safe way to eliminate ticks in the environment has been developed. Synthetic pyrethroids have a long residual acaricidal effect on different surfaces, and when used in small quantities, do not pose a risk to mammals.

Newly Isolated Acidithiobacillus sp. Ksh From Kashen Copper Ore: Peculiarities of EPS and Colloidal Exopolysaccharide.

A novel strain of an iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacterium was isolated from a natural biotope at Kashen copper ore (Martakert Province, Republic of Artsakh). The strain is able to grow and oxidize ferrous ions in the range of pH 1.4–2.6 with optimal pH 2.0. The optimal temperature for growth is 35°C. Acidithiobacillus sp. Ksh has shown the highest activity for pyrite oxidation among other strains. It also demonstrated high activity in oxidation for copper and copper-gold bearing ores (Armenia). The isolate Acidithiobacillus sp. Ksh was identified as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans based on phylogenetic and physiological studies. Comparative studies of EPS production by cells grown on ferrous ions or pyrite were carried out. The chemical composition of capsular and colloidal EPS produced by Acidithiobacillus (At.) ferrooxidans Ksh were revealed to be proteins and carbohydrates. Exosaccharide produced by At. ferrooxidans Ksh is present mainly as polysaccharide in contrast to Leptospirillum (L.) ferriphilum CC, which is oligosaccharide. The structural difference of colloidal particles of these polysaccharides was due to the degree of hydration of the saccharide molecules.

Dataset for transcriptome analysis of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain 14028S response to starvation.

Salmonella enterica is an ubiquitous pathogen throughout the world causing gastroenteritis in humans and animals. Survival of pathogenic bacteria in the external environment may be associated with the ability to overcome the stress caused by starvation. The bacterial response to starvation is well understood in laboratory cultures with a sufficiently high cell density. However, bacterial populations often have a small size when facing this challenge in natural biotopes. The aim of this work was to find out if there are differences in the transcriptomes of S. enterica depending on the factor of cell density during starvation. Here we present transcriptome data of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium str. 14028S grown in carbon rich or carbon deficient medium with high or low cell density. These data will help identify genes involved in adaptation of low-density bacterial populations to starvation conditions.

Chromosomal and Molecular Analysis of Microtus arvalis s. l. (Rodentia, Mammalia) Caught in the Deer Natural Park: Zoogeographic and Ecological Aspects

Priority data are presented on the chromosomal (routine, C-banding) and molecular (cyt b, p53) marking of several (n = 19) individuals of common vole sibling species from three previously not studied localities in the Central Black Earth region, at the territory of the Deer Natural Park (Lipetsk Region, Krasninsky District). All individuals caught on the territory of the Deer Natural Park in the northwestern part of the Lipetsk Region were identified by both genetic markers as M. arvalis form “arvalis” (MAA). No representatives of other M. arvalis s. l. sibling species, including recombinants, were found in our samples. The geographical location of the M. arvalis form “arvalis” found by us was estimated with respect to the distribution boundaries and hybridization sites of the 46-chromosome forms of M. arvalis s. l. in the Central Black Earth region. It is shown that the studied individuals have been caught within the range of the Microtus form “arvalis” and are largely removed from the hybridization sites of the 46-chromosomal forms M. arvalis s. l., discovered earlier in the southern Lipetsk region and the southeastern Kursk Region. No M. rossiaemeridionalis in the examined sample from the Deer Natural Park were found. The correspondence between the samples studied and identified as the M. arvalis form “arvalis” from the Deer Natural Park and native meadow biotopes is shown. The data of determining the taxonomic status of M. arvalis s. l. individuals from the Deer Natural Park are consistent with our perceptions of the nature of the geographical distribution and biotopic correspondence of M. arvalis s. l. sibling species and the chromosomal forms on the territory of the Central Black Earth region.