Parts Of Asia Research Articles

Altai Osmans of the Genus Oreoleuciscus and African Barbs of the Barbus intermedius Complex: the Common Patterns of Morphological Differences Between Piscivorous and Non-Piscivorous Forms under Sympatry Conditions

In populations of fish species of the same and of different systematic groups living in lakes of the same and of different continents the patterns of differences in factor loadings of the considered parameters of the morphology of the jaw apparatus and neurocranium on the main vectors of variability in comparison of piscivorous and non-piscivorous ecological forms almost coincides. It is shown that in the Altai osmans of the Oreoleuciscus potanini species in two lakes of the Central Asian Closed Basin, the structure of differences is almost identical to the structure of differences between the piscivorous and non-piscivorous forms of the barbs of the Barbus intermedius complex sensu Banister (1973) complex in the African Lake Tana. At the same time, the structure of the differences between the piscivorous and non-piscivorous forms of another species of Altai Osmans Oreoleuciscus humilis in a lake located in another part of the Central Asian Closed Basin differs significantly from the structure of differences in ecological forms of both the O. potanini species and the B. intermedius complex. It is assumed that the following explanation may be given for the revealed difference in the variability of Osmans in the studied water bodies. In the African lake Tana and Mongolian lakes Bayan and Khar-Us, the structure of differences reflects the already established situation of stationary coexistence of piscivorous and non-piscivorous forms in one water body. Whereas the structure of variability in the periodically drying Mongolian lake Lake Orog reflects not an established situation, but an incomplete process of its formation, interrupted over and over again by the death of the lake population in the next drought period.

Influence of the spread of the Beijing genotype of M. tuberculosis and its subtype B0/W148 on the incidence of tuberculosis in the population of the European and Asian Russia

Background. For historical reasons, the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) varies significantly across geographic areas of the Russian Federation. This situation may be associated with the spread of the dominant Beijing genotype of M. tuberculosis (MBT) and of its aggressive B0/W148 subtype in the human population. Establishing a relationship between these genetic variants of MBT and the incidence of tuberculosis will serve as evidence of their epidemiological significance and a reason for decisionmaking in the TB epidemiological surveillance system.The aim of the study. To assess the relationship between the spread of the Beijing M. tuberculosis genotype and its B0/W148 subtype with the incidence of tuberculosis in the cumulative population of the European and Asian parts of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. An epidemiological study was conducted, including an analysis of the distribution data of the Beijing genotype of MBT and its B0/W148 subtype (meta-analysis) in Russia and a study of TB incidence rates in the same regions. To assess the relationship, we used the Pearson’s chi-square test (χ2); the significance level when testing statistical hypotheses (p) was taken as 0.05.Results. In the European regions of the Russian Federation, a statistically significant relationship was found between the TB incidence and the prevalence of MBT Beijing genotype (χ2 = 17.2; p = 0.009) and the absence of such a relationship with the B0/W148 subline (χ2 = 9.9; p = 0.127). In the Asian part of the Russian Federation, a highly statistically significant association was found between the incidence of TB and both the incidence of MBT Beijing genotype (χ2 = 25.4; p = 0.0001) and the incidence of its B0/W148 subtype (χ2 = 29.6; p < 0.0001).Conclusion. A statistically significant relationship was established between the incidence of TB in the general population and the incidence of MBT Beijing genotype, regardless of the value of the average long-term TB incidence rate. In areas with high TB prevalence, a stable association was determined between the incidence rate not only with MBT of the entire Beijing family, but also with its aggressive subtype B0/W148.

The spatial relationship between leishmaniases and sand flies in Europe and neighboring countries

BackgroundLeishmania infantum is endemic in Europe (and elsewhere) while L. donovani s.s., L. tropica and L. major are not but are present in neighboring countries in North Africa, the Middle East, (the Asian part of) Turkey and the Southern Caucasus. Lists of sand fly vector species in the scientific literature vary with the criteria for vector incrimination, and criteria vary because, for some, evidence is difficult to generate. With minimal criteria, about 20 sand fly species are proven or suspected vectors of L. infantum in Europe and neighboring countries, while for L. tropica and L. major, there are seven and four proven or suspected vector species, respectively, in this area. For L. donovani s.s., present in Cyprus, the Middle East and (the Asian part of) Turkey, no local vectors have been incriminated so far. The aim was to assess the degree of spatial agreement between Leishmania spp. and various vectors species and their relative contribution to the explained variation.MethodsWe used multivariate regression modeling to analyze the spatial relationship between autochthonous Leishmania spp. and clinical forms in humans and animals and 14 Phlebotomus spp. in Europe and neighboring countries.ResultsThere was only fair agreement between parasite and vector distributions. The most parsimonious models describing the distribution of Leishmania spp. and clinical forms included three to six sand fly species and explained between 12% (L. infantum) and 37% (L. donovani) of the observed variation. Selected models included confirmed and suspected vector species as well as unexpected species.ConclusionsThe relatively low agreement between Leishmania and vector distributions highlights the need to improve leishmaniasis reporting and vector surveillance in areas where no information is available, both for a better understanding of the epidemiology of infection in endemic areas and to monitor possible spread of infection into non-endemic areas. While some of the unexpected sand fly-Leishmania spp. statistical associations might be spurious, for others, the existence of sporadic or recent reports of infections warrants further vector competence studies that consider strain variation.Graphical

Promising sorghum culture as a raw material for food production in arid regions of Kazakhstan

Global warming also brings with it global droughts. In recent years, almost the whole of Europe and part of the Asian part of Russia and Kazakhstan have been under their influence. All this suggests that the time has come to take a closer look at crops that were not widespread before. One of such crops, to which recently more and more in[1]terest has been shown in various countries of the world, is sorghum. This is not a new crop for Kazakhstan, but in the emerging natural and climatic conditions it may take a more significant place in the food industry. The article presents studies of the use of sorghum flour in the preparation of shortbread cookies. The tasting evaluation showed the highest average score in the 1st variant (50% wheat flour and 50% sorghum flour) - 4.52, which was characterized by friability, pleasant taste and aroma, in the 2nd variant (100% sorghum flour), respectively, 4.28, under control (100% wheat flour) - 4.32 points. The highest humidity of the sample was at the control – 11.3%, with almost identical indicators for 1 and 2 variants, respectively 8.1 and 8.3%. The wetting index was the highest when using a mixture of wheat flour and sorghum in a ratio of 50:50 and only one wheat flour, respectively 210.2 and 204.9%. The conducted experience has shown the prospects of using non–traditional raw materials - grain sorghum in the manufacture of shortbread cookies, but requires further study and improvement of recipes and production technologies.

Prevalence of Trehalase Enzymopathy Genetic Determinants in Siberian and Russian Far East Populations.

. Using the Infinium iSelect HD Custom BeadChip biochip (Illumina, United States) on the iScan platform and real-time polymerase chain reaction on a Bio-Rad CFX96 Touch amplifier, genotyping of 1068 DNA samples was carried out, of which 667 represent 10 ethnic groups of the indigenous people of the North of Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation. Two reference groups (357 samples) of Russians (n=311) and Yakuts (n = 46) represent the "Caucasoid" and "Mongoloid" poles of the Russian population. : The reduced trehalase activity that the heterozygous GA*TREH genotype determines can manifest itself in 19.8-53.7% of indigenous northerners. An additional 1.0 to 19.7% of the population are carriers of the AA*TREH genotype, which is associated with apparent trehalose malabsorption. The carriers may experience nausea, abdominal pain, and other dyspeptic symptoms after eating trehalose containing foods. The total risk of trehalase enzymopathy among the indigenous northerners in the Asian part of the Russian Federation is very high and can reach 60-70%. There is a gradient in the A*TREH allele frequencies in the small-numbered indigenous northern groups of Russia from the west (Khanty, Mansi, Nenets) to the east (peoples of the Far East). : The results are consistent with previously reported data on the higher carriage of the A*TREH mutant allele in Mongoloid populations compared to Caucasoid groups. It was hypothesized that, while the initial A*TREH allele prevalence in Mongoloid groups was moderately high, an adaptation to a low-sugar protein-lipid "high-latitude" diet led to a weaker control over the maintenance of the carriage of the ancestral G* allele. Trehalose malabsorption requires special attention of specialists in the field of nutrition, gastroenterology, public health, and medical genetics working in high-latitude regions.

Influence of Natural External Forcings on Interdecadal Variation of Global Land Monsoon over the Last Millennium in CESM-LME

Abstract Interdecadal variations of the global land monsoon have been previously attributed to internal fluctuations of the climate system, but the role of natural external forcings was underexplored. Here, we investigate this issue by using the Community Earth System Model ensemble simulations over the last millennium (LM) (AD 950–1850). Our analysis reveals that the surface temperature, with two dominant structures (global cooling/warming and longitudinal sea surface temperature gradient in the tropical Pacific, which affects the Walker circulation), predominantly shapes the leading forced mode of the global land monsoon. This mode, representing 19% of the total variance, manifests as consistent features across South Asia, the southern part of East Asia, North Australia, South America, and western South Africa, contrasting with other monsoon regions. Under global cooling conditions, the monsoon intensity is enhanced in the northern parts of the East Asian and eastern parts of the North and South African monsoons, but it decreases in the other monsoon regions. Under weak Walker circulation conditions, changes in atmospheric circulation in response to the sea surface temperature gradient in the tropical Pacific are associated with a substantial attenuation of almost all land monsoon regions. It was further shown that the global mean surface temperature and the tropical Pacific temperature gradient jointly account for 75% of the total variance in the leading mode of the global land monsoon, with 29% and 46% as their respective contributions. Furthermore, our results suggest that volcanic eruptions are the dominant external forcing for these variations. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on global monsoon dynamics. Significance Statement Our study using the Community Earth System Model reveals that surface temperature significantly impacts decadal global land monsoon (GLM) variations during the last millennium. Two key factors in relation to global-scale cooling/warming and changes in the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature gradient affect the GLM’s leading forced mode. The leading forced GLM features remain consistent across regions like South Asia, southern East Asia, North Australia, South America, and western South Africa. Under global cooling, monsoon intensities in most land monsoon regions are enhanced, while they are reduced in northern East Asian land monsoon regions. In contrast, weak tropical Pacific temperature gradient conditions cause a decrease in intensities in almost all land monsoon regions. Additionally, the global mean surface temperature and the tropical Pacific temperature gradient account for 75% of the total variance in the leading forced GLM variations, contributing 29% and 46%, respectively. Notably, volcanic eruptions emerge as the key external factor influencing these variations.

Experiment of Quantitative Study of Variety of Mineral Soil Bodies (Pedomatrix)

The question of the study of soil bodies (pedomatrids) independently of soil systems, although raised earlier, has not yet found a concrete reflection in the soil literature. Two groups of quantitative indicators of pedomatrids (granulometric and gross chemical compositions) have been converted to reflect not only their content but also their distribution in the soil profile. A total of 16 indicators were obtained for each pedomatrix. The soil data sample covered a fairly wide area of the European, West Siberian and Central Asian parts of the former USSR. To assess the macrostructure of the data sample, the pedomatrices were grouped according to these 16 indicators. Only a few groups with more than three objects each and many smaller groups with one object each have been found. On the one hand, this seems to confirm the independence of soil varieties from each other, but, on the other hand, the resulting groups are quite heterogeneous, both geographically and in terms of soil classification (according to the soil classifications of the USSR (1977) and Russia (2004)). This confirms the idea of V. O. Targulyan about the necessity of studying the geography and classification of soil bodies, regardless of soils.

Ethnodemographic Processes in the Border Regions of Asian Russia in the New Conditions of the Turn to the East

The analysis of ethnodemographic processes is relevant not only because of the negative demographic trends growing in the regions of Asian Russia, but also in connection with Russia’s turn to the East. The authors of the article give a detailed description of the modern ethnic composition of the population in the regions of the Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern Federal Districts of the Russian Federation and the regions bordering them, those of Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia. The object of the study were Russians, Kazakhs, Tuvinians, Mongols, and Chinese. Special attention is paid to the analysis of their number and location, and the identification of factors and consequences of changes in the ethnic composition of the population. A definitive feature of the border regions is the high proportion and absolute number of those peoples who make up the majority of the population of neighboring States. At the same time, the demographic behavior of the peoples living on different sides of the border differs. In studying the ethnodemographic processes, the increasing demographic asymmetry between the regions of Russia and neighboring states causes the greatest attention and certain concern. In the regions of the Asian part of Russia, the total population is decreasing, largely due to Russians who have a predominant model of reproduction of the population with a low birth rate and relatively high mortality. Kazakhs, Buryats, and Tuvinians in Russia are characterized by stable numbers and reproduction, although there is a tendency to decrease the birth rate. In the border areas of Kazakhstan, the tendency towards a decrease in the number of the Russian population and its replacement by a titular nationality does not weaken.

A new insight on the genus Pteridium (Dennstaedtiaceae) in Europe based on a revision in the flora of Slovakia

BackgroundThe genus Pteridium Gled. ex Scop. was thought to be monotypic with the cosmopolitan species P. aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. for many years. However, morphological variations among these plants in different regions have been noted since the 1940’s, leading to the description of new taxa later. Molecular investigations, while not resolving all taxonomical questions within the genus, have highlighted its rich genetic diversity globally, confirming the status of several previously described species and subspecies. This wealth of data has prompted revisions of the Pteridium genus in regional floras, with Northern Eurasia serving as a central arena for such studies in the last 30 years. Recent data suggest that the European flora comprises a single species, P. aquilinum, with two subspecies, P. a. subsp. aquilinum and P. a. subsp. pinetorum (C.N. Page & R.R. Mill) J.A. Thomson. However, their distribution within the continent remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the representation and distribution of Pteridium taxa in Slovakia with an attempt to describe natural ranges of P. aquilinum subspecies based on herbarium materials and citizen science data within Europe for a whole.ResultsIt is confirmed that the genus Pteridium is represented by the single species with two mentioned subspecies in the flora of Europe, as well as in the flora of Slovakia. The distribution of these subspecies is mapped in the country. Additionally, we discuss the ranges of these subspecies for a whole, and we evidence the growth of P. aquilinum subsp. pinetorum within the Netherlands, Czechia, Austria, Hungary and Romania for the first time. Also, two new combinations of taxa from the Asian part of Russia are offered.ConclusionOur study is a significant contribution in the present knowledge about the distribution and taxonomy of P. aquilinum, however it also shows that many questions concerning this taxon and its infraspecific taxa remain open. Additional field investigations and herbarium processing should be carried out for detailed explorations of biological and ecological peculiarities of the mentioned subspecies, and for the clear understanding of their regional distribution. Such explorations also might become a basis for new syntaxonomic revisions.

NEW FOR THE ASIAN PART OF RUSSIA TAXA OF SPIDERS (ARACHNIDA: ARANEI)

Subfamily Nephilinae (Araneidae), genus Trichonephila Dahl, 1911 and T. clavata (L. Koch, 1878) as well as family Zoropsidae, genus Takeoa Lehtinen, 1967 and T. nishimurai (Yaginuma, 1963) are recorded from Asian part of Russia for the first time. Both widely distributed in Eastern Asia species were collected in Primorsky krai. Redescriptions, diagnosis, photographs and distribution maps are provided for these species.

Additions to the fauna of casebearer moths (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae) of Omsk Region, Russia. Results of expeditions in 2021-2023

The data on the casebearer moth family Coleophoridae from Omsk Region was summarized based on materials collected by the second author in 2021-2023. A list of 53 species is given. 25 species are new to the territory of Omsk Region. Six species are new to Asian part of Russia, among them Orthographis impalella (Toll, 1961), Orthographis uralensis (Toll, 1961), Multicoloria spumosella (Staudinger, 1859), Casignetella helgada (Anikin, 2005), Casignetella riffelensis (Rebel, 1913) and Goniodoma auroguttella (Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1841). Multicoloria perissa (Reznik, 1975) is reported for the fauna of Russia for the first time. The total number of Coleophoridae from Omsk Region is increased to 80 species.

Epizootic situation and molecular genetic characteristics of the rabies virus isolated from the brain of domestic reindeer in Yakutia

Rabies was registered among horses, domestic reindeer and dogs on the territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2001– 2021. Rabies virus (Rabies lyssavirus) was detected in biomaterial from wild animals in Arctic foxes, red foxes, wolves, colts, ermine and sables. In the Arctic zone of Yakutia in 2023, rabies virus was isolated from a brain sample from one of the domestic reindeer of a herd showing clinical signs of severe agitation and aggression to humans. It is assumed that the reindeer was infected with rabies virus when bitten by a rabies-sick Arctic fox, as the range of distribution of these animals in the region is quite large. Rabies virus detection studies were conducted using polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassay and fluorescent antibody method. The diagnosis of rabies was confirmed in all diagnostic tests. The nucleic acid fragments were isolated from the positive samples by the PCR method and their nucleotide sequences were determined. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the viral genome revealed phylogenetic relatedness of the isolated rabies virus isolate in the Arctic zone of Yakutia with the rabies viruses circulating in some areas of the North American continent, including Greenland (two isolates), Canada (six), and the United States (three). The isolate of the rabies virus from the brain of domestic reindeer in the Arctic zone of Yakutia belongs to the group of strains of American origin (USA1) and is phylogenetically close to the strains isolated in Greenland, Canada, and the USA. The studied virus isolate territorially corresponds to the known antigenic variant 3, established earlier in the north of the Asian part of Russia, in particular in Yakutia.

Paleomagnetism of the phanerozoic sequences of the central part of the Central Asian fold belt

Paleomagnetism of the phanerozoic sequences of the central part of the Central Asian fold belt

SSR‐based analysis of structural variation of the Russian population of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in 2019–2021

AbstractThe importance of monitoring and management of yellow rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), has markedly increased in Russia over recent years because of intensifying negative effects of this destructive disease on wheat production. The Pst virulence survey was conducted in 2019–2021 in the European (North‐West, Volga, North Caucasus) and Asian (Siberia) parts of Russia, and the same 109 isolates have been genotyped here with 20 SSR markers. Fifty‐three multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were detected, seven of which occurred in two or more regions. The most frequent MLG was found in three European Pst collections (except Dagestan) and Siberia. SSR‐based variation within the regional collections was low because many MLGs were closely related. Nevertheless, each collection contained relatively different small genotype groups. No clear geographic structure of the Russian Pst population was observed because the five studied regional collections shared groups of similar genotypes. The most singular SSR genotype was identified in the North‐West collection, but genotypes of four invasive isolates belonging to the PstS2 temperature‐adapted aggressive strain did not considerably differ from others. The observed heterozygosity at all SSR loci exceeded the expected one in all regional Pst collections, which could imply asexual reproduction of the pathogen. Both the SSR and virulence analyses demonstrated similar patterns of relationships between the regional Pst collections, although the magnitude of differences between the collections was larger for virulence pathotypes. However, no significant association was established between the virulence pathotypes and SSR genotypes because multiple pathotypes had the same genotype and vice versa.

An updated synthesis of the Geophilomorpha (Chilopoda) of Asian Russia.

A comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge on the ChilopodaGeophilomorpha of the Asian part of Russia is presented, based on the critical revision of all published morphological descriptions and all geographical records. Revised diagnoses for all the 38 nominal species so far reported from Asian Russia are given, with comments on their validity. Among them a total of 18 species are recorded only from this region and many of them from a single locality only. The species belong to Geophilidae s. l., (in the genera Arctogeophilus, Geophilus, Pachymerium, and Strigamia), Schendylidae (Escaryus), and Mecistocephalidae (Agnostrup, Arrup, and Tygarrup). At least two species have been introduced, namely Geophilusflavus and Tygarrupjavanicus. The history of studies on the Geophilomorpha in the Asian part of Russia are also summarized.

Genetic Profile of <I>Brucella melitensis</I> Strains Isolated on the Territory of the Russian Federation, Based on Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Following Whole Genome Sequencing

The aim of the work was to conduct a comparative phylogenetic analysis based on wgSNP of complete genomes of Brucella melitensis strains circulating in the territory of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. wgSNP typing of 412 B. melitensis strains of the main genetic lineages of brucella from different regions of the world, including 64 strains isolated in the regions of the European and Asian parts of the Russian Federation, was performed. DNA sequencing was conducted on the “Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus” platform (“Life Technologies”, USA) using the “Ion Plus Fragment Library Kit library preparation” (“Life Technologies”, USA), according to the “Ion 520™ & Ion 530™ Kit – Chef” protocol (Revision D.0).Results and discussion. It has been established that the strains circulating in Russia belong mainly to genotype II, which has a wide geographical distribution across the territory of Eurasia. At the same time, subgenotype IIh prevails in the regions of Siberia, and Iii – in the European territory of the country. For the first time, sets of specific SNPs have been identified that allow for intraspecific differentiation of B. melitensis strains. The obtained results made it possible to determine the probable routes of introduction of the causative agent of brucellosis into the territory of the Russian Federation from China and the countries of the Middle East. The prospect of using an optimized wgSNP typing scheme to solve urgent problems in the field of molecular epidemiology of brucellosis is demonstrated. It includes determining the genotype and subgenotype of the pathogen associated with the probable geographical region of origin of infection, and identifying the genetic relations between strains with high accuracy.

Epidemiological Situation on Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the Russian Federation in 2014–2023 and Short-Term Forecast of the Incidence for 2024

The aim of the review was to conduct a comparative analysis of the epidemiological situation on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) over 2014–2023 in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation located in the European and Asian parts of the country and to give a forecast of incidence for 2024. The incidence of TBE in 2023 only marginally decreased as compared to the peak values in 2022, which leveled down the ten-year trend towards reduction. Grouping of the entities of the Russian Federation according to the average incidence of TBE over a decade made it possible to classify 17 of them as regions of low, 15 – of medium, and 17 – of high epidemiological risk. In general, the epidemiological situation regarding TBE is more unfavorable in the Asian part of the country. A list of species of Ixodidae ticks, the main vectors of the tick-borne encephalitis virus, is provided, as well as subtypes and genetic variants of the latter, identified in the European and Asian parts of the country. The peculiarities of the epidemiological situation on TBE and the scope of preventive measures undertaken in Russia in 2023 are considered. It is shown that there are no clearly outlined trends in the nature of changes in the incidence of TBE in endemic federal districts and entities of the country, and the expected incidence rates in 2024 will remain at the long-term average level.

Composition of fatty acids of higher aquatic plants in Lake Kotokel as valuable biological raw materials

Fatty acids, as part of cell membranes, determine their fluidity and dielectric constant. In addition, they play an important role in human and animal nutrition. This work examines the composition and fatty acid content of dried higher aquatic plants from Lake Kotokel (Republic of Buryatia, Russia) and their potential as a raw material for the production of feed and biologically active food supplements. A modified Bligh-Dyer method was used to extract lipid fraction. Fatty acids in the form of their methyl esters were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Palmitic C16:0 acid was the main saturated fatty acid found in Myriophyllum sibiricum, Elodea canadensis, Persicaria amphibia and Potamogeton perfoliatus in Lake Kotokel. The main unsaturated acid found in plants, regardless of their type, was the α-linolenic C18:3-ω3 acid. In addition, a relatively high content of stearic C18:0, myristic C14:0 and pentadecanoic C15:0 acids was noted. Branched acids (i-C14:0, i-C15:0, i-C16:0, i-C17:0, i-C20:0, a/i-C15:0, a/i-C17:0 and 10Me-C16:0) and odd carbon numbered acids (C13:0, C15:0, C17:0, C19:0, C21:0 and C23:0) were identified. An analysis of the authors’ and literature data revealed that the studied species of higher aquatic plants in reservoirs in the Asian part of Russia are characterised by a high content of α-linolenic C18:3-ω3 (up to 56%) and a low content of oleic C18:1-ω9 (up to 1.81%) acids. The content of α-linolenic C18:3-ω3 acid in plants from reservoirs in the European part of Russia was lower (up to 42%), while that of oleic acid C18:1-ω9 was higher (up to 14%).

Использование водного транспорта в логистике арктического туризма

The success of Arctic tourism development is associated with solving the problem of delivering tourists to the places of their interest. “The Concept for the Development of Cruise Tourism”, approved by the government of the Russian Federation in 2022, suggests that overcoming the transport problem in the Arctic is possible thanks to water transport. It can be used in the logistics of Arctic tourism as a way of transporting tourists on routes and for organizing sea and river cruises. We have examined the current use of water transport in the organization of tourist routes in the Russian sector of the Arctic based on information from river and sea cruise operators. In addition, we have identified regions where water transport is used to organise passenger transport. In the European part of the Russian Arctic, water transport is most actively used for river cruises. Arctic river cruises provide tourists with the opportunity to travel in areas where there is no special infrastructure. In this case, river routes usually start southwards in the most populated regions. In the Asian part of the Russian Arctic the number of cruises is smaller, they are carried out only on three rivers — the Ob, the Yenisei and the Lena. But there are also regular passages that can be used by tourists travelling to the Arctic. Using content analysis of tourists’ reviews of Arctic river cruises we have identified the main drawbacks of their organization. SWOT analysis of the use of water transport in the logistics of Arctic tourism showed what hinders its development. The main problems of water transport use in the Arctic include the ageing of vessels, passenger safety, short navigation period and shallowing of waterways. The most promising ways for the use of water transport in Arctic tourism are inland waterways in the European part of the Russian Arctic, the White Sea and the Barents Sea.

Population genetic diversity of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum) in the Asian part of its range based on the results of microsatellite loci analysis

Polymorphism of 10 nuclear microsatellite loci in coho salmon populations in the Asian part of the range was studied for the first time. Three genetically distinct regional stock complexes were identified: Kamchatka, northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk and Sakhalin. It was shown that all populations, regardless of their geographic location, are characterized by a high level of genetic polymorphism.