Aim. The impact assessment of ecological factors on the pigment content in mosses collected in the Caucasian Mineral Waters Area. The material studied consisted of epiphytic mosses (Anomodon viticulosus (Hedw.) Hook. & Taylor), Leucodon sciuroides (Hedw.) Schwägr.) collected from two mountainous locations – Mount Zheleznaya and Mount Beshtau. The pigment analysis was conducted at the laboratory of the Shared Facility Centre of Tver State University using generally accepted methodology in 2023.
Changes in the light spectrum in high mountain conditions lead to an increase in the total pigment content due to the increase in Сhl b, which effectively absorbs short‐wave intense rays and a simultaneous decrease in Сhl a. The horizontal gradient of pigment concentration variation in mosses depends on the exposure of slopes, their steepness, plant type and other biotopic conditions.
The study revealed the unique responses of mosses to local ecological factors, making them potentially valuable biomarkers of ecological changes.

The paper presents the results of the analysis of intrapopulation variability and phenotypic diversity of traits in the fruit of Prunus divaricata Ledeb. in the conditions of intramontane Dagestan.
Phenotypic variability was studied in an isolated population of cherry plum, growing on the Gunib plateau in the upper altitudinal limits of the species' distribution (1,600–1,850 m). For quantitative and qualitative recording, 30 individuals in a mature generative state were selected. Morphological descriptions and measurements were carried out based on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the fruit, pit and seed. The population investigated is characterized by low phenotypic variation in quality characteristics with a predominance of very small (up to 5 g) fruits (66.7 %) with an oval fruit shape (80 %) and yellow skin color (56.6 %), sour and sweet‐sour in taste (93.3 %). The seeds are often very small and oval in shape (50 %).
Using the methods of clustering, multidimensional scaling and K‐means of quantitative traits of the fruit, pit and seed, the presence of three clusters (groups) of individuals in the population was established. The first group was formed by phenotypes with the lowest values for all informative characteristics, conventionally termed ‘small‐fruited’, the second group was formed by individuals with relatively large sizes of the fruit, flesh and thickness of the fruit‐stalk – ‘large‐fruited’ and the third group was made up of phenotypes of medium‐sized fruit and high values of pit and seed – ‘large stoned’. The results of one‐way analysis of variance showed significant and high differences between clusters for all characteristics taken into account.

Aim. To analyze existing data on the impact of mutations in the human genome on the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections and to discuss their relevance to clinical practice. The primary objectives include describing the mechanisms of genetic mutations, reviewing examples of genes and mutations that affect susceptibility and disease severity and evaluating the prospects for genetic testing and personalized medicine.
Research on genetic factors influencing viral respiratory infections demonstrates the significant impact of mutations on disease progression and outcomes. For instance, the IFITM3 gene, which plays a crucial role in limiting influenza virus replication, along with its rs12252‐C polymorphism, is linked to severe cases of influenza. Similarly, mutations in the TLR7 gene are associated with severe manifestations of COVID‐19, particularly in males. These findings underscore the importance of genetic testing to identify individuals at heightened risk for severe infections and emphasize the potential of personalized medicine to enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, it is essential to consider the interplay between genetic factors and environmental as well as social determinants of health.
This review examines the genetic factors that influence susceptibility to viral respiratory infections and the severity of disease progression. It demonstrates that genetic mutations can significantly affect the pathogenesis and course of these infections. The importance of integrating genetic data into clinical practice to enhance the efficiency of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is emphasized.

Aim of the work was to investigate an epizootic outbreak in the vicinity of Komsomolsk‐on‐Amur (Khabarovsk Territory) in October 2022 among wild and agricultural birds.
Material and methods included analysis of epizootic data, pathologic and anatomical examination of the carcasses of dead birds, collection of field material and its transportation to the laboratory without breaking the cold chain, indication of influenza A virus RNA using real‐time PCR, isolation of viral strains on a model of developing chicken embryos with subsequent assessment of virus activity using a hemagglutination reaction and infectious titer in the a swine embryo kidney cell line, sequencing of complete genome of isolated viral strains using nanopore and Sanger technologies followed by bioinformatics analysis procedures.
Results obtained show that epizootics among wild birds began in February 2022 and the mass death among chickens at the Komsomolskaya poultry farm was accompanied by the death of wild birds in its vicinity. Using molecular genetic diagnostic methods it was found that etiological agent of epizootic was the influenza A virus of the H5 subtype. Seven strains of influenza A virus were isolated, the analysis of the complete genome of which allowed them to be classified as highly pathogenic variants of the genetic subgroup 2.3.4.4b of H5N1 subtype.
Conclusions: East Asia including the Russian Far East retains the status of a center of genetic diversity of the highly pathogenic influenza A H5Nx virus, where the virus circulates among local bird populations and there is a high probability of reassortations between different variants the virus. Such a situation requires constant vigilance on the part of supervisory authorities, strict compliance with the requirements of biological safety by institutions and organizations engaged in agriculture and environmental management as well as regular ecological and virological monitoring in the region.

Aim. To investigate the cell entry and antiretroviral properties of modified oligodeoxyribonucleotides targeting highly conserved regions of the HIV‐1 genome: the study was conducted using modified oligonucleotides containing phosphorothioate, phosphorylguanidine or dodecyl moieties.
The ability of oligonucleotides to inhibit the virus was studied using a model of lymphoid culture of human MT4 cells infected with a characterised high‐productive strain of HIV‐1 belonging to the subtype A6 genovariant widely spread in the Russian Federation. The entry of oligonucleotides into MT4 cells was assessed by confocal microscopy.
It was shown that phosphorothioate‐ and dodecyl‐containing oligonucleotides are able to penetrate inside cells without the use of any additional transfection agents. It was found that phosphorothioate oligonucleotides transfected in duplex with dodecyl‐containing derivatives were localized inside the cell in the nucleus and nucleolus and were able to inhibit the reproduction of a highly productive HIV‐1 strain. A 50% toxic dose (TC50) and a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) were determined for the oligonucleotide derivatives studied, the value of which was less than 0,5 μM in the case of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides.
The data obtained indicate the ability of the modified oligonucleotides studied to be used as potential antiviral agents against HIV‐1.

The aim of the study is an in silico modeling of avian influenza A/H5N8 virus neuraminidase and zanamivir interaction using homology modeling and molecular docking. A/chicken/Tatarstan/88/2017 (wild type) and A/chicken/Tatarstan/112/2017 (N294S mutation) influenza virus strains with zanamivir complexes were considered. The structures of two avian influenza virus A/H5N8 neuraminidase complexes with zanamivir were obtained and analysed.
Homology modeling and molecular docking provides information about neuraminidase and inhibitors affinity. The data obtained can be used for further investigation to determine the structures and elucidate possible mechanisms of neuraminidase resistance.

Aim. Angaracris barabensis is widely distributed across the Asian grasslands. It is often qualified as one of the important pests. The aim of the paper is to estimate possible shifts of its distribution relative to global warming. The geographic coordinates of 384 localities were determined for the species. Two different approaches to species distribution modelling (maximum entropy and multidimensional ellipsoid envelope) were used. The general patterns of distribution were described. Several models of the species distribution were generated and compared. The main factors of its distribution are revealed. Ecological modelling predicts opportunity of possible northward shifts of the species range in Central and East Siberia and persistence of areas of possible harmfulness in South Siberia, Mongolia and North China. Our predictions show two opposite trends. In the western and southeastern parts of the species range, suitability of conditions will decrease. In the central and north‐eastern parts, the suitability will remain almost the same or even increase. The comparative analysis shows there are no evident contemporary shifts of range boundaries of A. barabensis associated with global warming per se or this tendency is extremely weak. However, the distribution of suitable conditions can change significantly during the next several decades.

Aim. To develop additional information about the diversity of gall‐forming insects in Dagestan, their distribution, trophic links and features of the formation of complexes of dominant species on common host plants.
The materials were collected in the plains and mountains of Dagestan. Standard methods were used: plant inspection, search and mass collection of galls, wintering in laboratory conditions, breeding of imago and preparation of larval and imago slides.
New and little‐known gall midges in the fauna of Dagestan (27 species from 16 genera) were identified: 1 species of lace bat (Hemiptera, Tingidae) and case‐bearer (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae) and 2 species from 2 genera of gall wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) and mites (Acariformes, Eriophyidae) were identified. New Cecidomyiidae in the fauna of Dagestan were 25 species of 13 genera, of them 5 species of 5 genera were new in Russia: Asphondylia ziziphorae Fedotova, 1985, Contarinia perplicata Fedotova, 1997, Mycodiplosis glycyrrhizae Fedotova, 1985, Izeniola potanini (Fedotova, 1982) и Jaapiella inulicola Fedotova, 1993; 4 species were new for the Caucasus: Placochela nigripes (Löw, 1877), Arthrocnodax galiobiae Fedotova, 1997, Jaapiella volgensis Fedotova, 2008 and Macrolabis luceti Kieffer, 1899. Other gall‐formers include the mite Aceria galiobia (Canestrini, 1891), the case‐bearer Auagasma atraphaxidellum Kuznetsov, 1957, the gall wasps Aulacidea hieracii (Bouché, 1834) and Diastrophus rubi (Bouché, 1834), all new for Dagestan. Gall‐formers (33 species from 22 genera) were identified on plants of 28 species from 25 genera and 13 families, of which 5 species from 5 genera, including endemics of the Caucasus, are new host plants for gall midges and other gall‐forming plants.
Information about the complexes of gall‐formers of Dagestan and their common plants is relevant for solving the problems of taxonomy, associated phylogeny and study of the evolutionary features of gall formation. Due to the poor study of the fauna of gall‐formers, trophic links and distribution, their economic significance and prospects for use for phytosanitary control in the creation of protected areas, parks and the use of agricultural fields have not been sufficiently assessed.

This paper examines the bacterial composition of soils in the Fatala River basin, Republic of Guinea.
This work is based on molecular genetic analysis.
The research findings indicate that the most prevalent phyla are Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria. Notable dominant species include Candidatus Koribacter versatilis and Candidatus Solibacter usitatus. In facies 11, particularly in a bauxite mining zone, there is an increase in cyanobacteria, potentially due to their capacity to enrich soil fertility. Alpha diversity peaks in facies 10, 12, 17 and 18 and bottoms out in facies 7. The decline in alpha diversity in facies 7 might be attributed to the increase in plankomycetes, which produce antimicrobial substances to outcompete other species. When examining beta diversity, facies 10, 12 and 17 show the highest similarity, while facies 3, 5, and 7 exhibit the most significant differences compared to all points analysed.
The identification of the prevailing bacterial phylum and dominant species, along with specific taxa exhibiting increases or decreases in biodiversity, is a crucial first step in characterising the microbial communities found in the natural environments studied. The methodology established can be employed in environmental surveillance and evaluation of the health of diverse soil types.

Aim. Determination of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) concentration in plantand animal‐based food products (FP) in locations adjacent to the Alaverdi Copper Chemical Combine (CCC).
Analysis has been undertaken of local FP of plant and animal origin (eggs, milk, quince, Jerusalem artichoke, red apple, medlar, persimmon and potato) collected within 5,000–8,000 m from the Alaverdi CCC (villages of Sanahin, Odzun and Akhtala). Concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS extraction & ISO‐8288).
Analyses revealed that Pb levels comply with permissible standards, whereas Cu and Zn concentrations exceed allowable limits.
The combine’s negative impact on the environment persists even at distance of 8,000 m.
Contamination of FP with heavy metals may lead to adverse ecological and biological consequences.
The findings indicate that FP of plant and animal origin in the vicinity of the Alaverdi CCC are contaminated with heavy metals (Zn, Cu). Average Cu and Zn concentrations in some products exceed the maximum levels set by international standards. The elevated levels of copper and zinc at distances of 5,000–8,000 m from Alaverdi CCC present a health risk to the population with potential adverse effects from FP consumption. These results can be used for ecological monitoring in other mining and metallurgical regions.

Aim. To determine the nematicidal activity of native bacterial isolates from the rhizosphere of tomatoes affected by the northern root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla.
The study was carried out using bacterial isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of a tomato affected by meloidogynosis, the species of which was determined using DNA nucleotide sequence analysis. The analysis was carried out on a DNeasy Plant Mini Kit and the results were compared using the Unipro UGENE program. Nematicidal activity was calculated based on the number of dead nematodes counted using a microscope.
From the rhizosphere of tomatoes infected with the northern root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla, 10 isolates of antagonist bacteria were isolated into a pure culture and identified. To consider their safety for humans and warm‐blooded animals, 7 of these were tested for nematicidal activity. According to the data obtained, the use of 5 studied bacterial strains caused mass mortality of northern root‐knot nematode larvae, starting from 24 hours and reaching 92.2–97.2 % by 96 hours after the start of the experiment.
Bacterial strains Bacillus thuringiensis IB17 (titer 1x10⁵, CFU/ml), Pseudomonas silesiensis IB18 (titer 1x10⁶, CFU/ml), Bacillus mycoides IB19 (titer 1x10⁸, CFU/ml), Glutamicibacter arilaitensis IB23 (titer 1x10⁶, CFU/ml), Pseudomonas silesiensis IB24 (titer 1x10⁷, CFU/ml) exhibits high nematicidal activity against M. hapla larvae and can be used to create bionematicides.

Aim. To identify the features of accumulation of chemical elements by some types of macrophytes of the Volga Delta.
The objects of the study were common mulberry (Spirodela polyrhiza L.) and dark green hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum L.). Plant sampling was carried out in the Volga Delta. The concentration of chemical elements was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry.
As a result of the studies conducted, some similarities in the accumulation of metals Spirodela polyrhiza and Ceratophyllum demersum are shown.
Thus, the plant species studied accumulate iron and manganese to a greater extent, whereas the cadmium content is minimal. At the same time, the species specificity of plants to accumulate chemical elements was noted: compared with Spirodela polyrhiza, Ceratophyllum demersum revealed a higher content due to the biological and physiological characteristics of the plants investigated.
Ceratophyllum demersum has the ability to concentrate chemical elements such as Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn from the environment more efficiently than Spirodela polyrhiza. In this regard, the dark green hornwort is recommended as an indicator species in monitoring pollution of aquatic ecosystems.

The aim of the work is to study the content of flavonoids and anthocyanins in the above‐ground organs of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn L., growing in natural conditions, and to assess their accumulation as this depends on the conditions of the place of growth (altitude above sea level) in Dagestan (Russia). In the flowering phase of 2013, the above‐ground part of the plant was collected from natural populations and using the generally accepted differential spectrometric technique. This showed that the total content of flavonoids and anthocyanins in all organs, regardless  of the place of collection, is 0.22% – 3.07% in terms of rutin, and 0.03% – 0.26% in terms of 3‐glucoside of cyanidin, respectively. Phenolic compounds were noted in all parts of the plants: their maximum content being in the leaves and inflorescences, while the minimum is in the stems. The dependence of the total content of flavonoids and anthocyanins on the altitude factor is multi‐vectoral; in most cases the connection is insignificant. Since the total content of flavonoids and anthocyanins in all organs of the above‐ground part of natural samples of milk thistle was studied for the first time, the results obtained will be interesting in terms of the complex use of raw materials. The results of assessment of the variability of the content of phenolic compounds in samples depending on the complex of factors of the altitude gradient in the natural conditions of Dagestan provide information for clarifying the mechanisms of accumulation of secondary metabolites.

The aim was to assess the influence of climatic factors and recreation on the dynamics of radial increment and carbon sequestration in the stem wood of Scots pine in the environment of the forest‐steppe region of Voronezh, Russia.
The research was carried out in the Usmansky Bor, Voronezh region.
Sample plots were established in 105–145‐year‐old pine stands at different stages of recreational degression to study the anthropogenic impact on pine forests. Cores were taken from 120 trees in the sample plots and analysed.
We analysed the cyclical dynamics of radial increment, relationships with climatic factors, assessed the strength of the influence of climatic parameters on increment and calculated annual carbon sequestration. A significant decrease in radial increment of tree stands in late degression stages and a violation of increment cyclicity was observed. A strong positive relationship between atmospheric precipitation and incremental indices was found in spring‐summer months (r = 0,50, p < 0,05). Trees that survived recent drought and were not affected by wildfire in 2010 showed a significant and prolonged depression in stem growth, which had not completed even after five years of adverse environmental factors.
When anthropogenic recreational pressure is combined with the effects of adverse climatic factors, the degradation of pine stands increases significantly. This combination of factors leads to even more significant changes in forest productivity. At the same time, the carbon sequestration capacity of the trees decreases significantly as the stage of degradation progresses. The main limiting factor for pine in the forest‐steppe zone is precipitation but the total influence of climatic factors was more significant than the individual effects of each of them.

Aim. Definition of a set of regional adaptation measures to reduce the negative effects of climate risks in agriculture in Dagestan.
The research material was the collection and processing of climate change data gathered during the ERA5 programme (atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate of the fifth generation ECMWF, covering the time range from 1979 to 2022 with a spatial resolution of 30 km). Analytical works, scientific research on risk assessment and adaptation of agriculture, and analysis of the current state and resource potential of soils of arid ecosystems of the Dagestan plain zone were used in this study.
In the Republic of Dagestan, data on the cyclical nature of climate change can be observed, starting in 1979. From 1979 to 2022, the annual change in average temperature increased by 2.8 °C (trend line by 2.3 °C), while the average precipitation decreased by 173.4 mm (trend line by 196.3 mm). In analysing the increase in the degree of aridity and the extinction of the hydromorphic regime of soil formation, five ecological groups were identified according to the degree of degradation in order to develop a strategy to minimise the climatic risks of the Dagestan lowland (plain) zone: lands of good, satisfactory, mediocre, poor and very poor agroecological condition. Adaptation measures to minimize climate risks in the agricultural sector are proposed.
Adaptation measures necessary to manage natural and environmental risks to climate change should meet modern requirements for sustainable agriculture and contribute to the improvement of agricultural production.

Aim. To analyze the specifics of the spatio‐temporal organization of the resource and infrastructure base of medical and health tourism in the Russia‐Kazakhstan transboundary region.
A comparative analysis of historical data obtained from scientific sources and modern official statistical information on the resource and infrastructure base of medical and health tourism in the Russian‐Kazakhstan cross‐border region was carried out; some of the initial data was obtained during field research by the research team.
During the period analysed, a slight expansion of the network of sanatoria and health resort organisations of the Republic of Kazakhstan was established, while in the Russian border regions, the number of organizations has increased more than 1.5 times.
Analysis of spatial data revealed disparities in the regional development of the resort sector on both sides of the border. In a number of border regions, the formation of transboundary concentration centres of health resort sector organisations has been revealed. The specifics of the organisation of balneological treatment in the region have been determined namely: the use of imported raw materials, the extensive spread of “wild” hospitals and the lack of scientific justification for the use of resources.
A complex combination of natural healing resources, climate and landscape features, and the presence of a network of sanatorium and resort organisations forms a unique ‘therapeutic’ steppe landscape in the Russia‐Kazakhstan transboundary region, which can become the basis for the creation of new tourist routes and programmes aimed at improving the health of the population of both countries.

Aim. To study the importance of promoting environmental knowledge, to identify its role in the formation of environmental culture in modern Russian society and to analyse the main problems of regulating the process of formation of environmental culture as a new social necessity.
In order to achieve the goal, scientific literature, regulations and law enforcement practice, theoretical system analysis, comparative legal method and general scientific methods were used.
The state and non‐state sector should take measures to educate citizens in responsible environmental behavior by promoting environmental culture, introducing environmental education and forming a special environmentally‐oriented consumption model. Undeservedly, the process of forming an environmental culture is restricted exclusively to educational and educational purposes and, as a consequence there are gaps in the legal framework for regulating environmental education and the retraining of personnel.
The significance of the formation of an environmental culture in the context of new public policy priorities is beyond doubt.
Attention should be paid to  stimulating lawful, socially active behavior in the sphere of formation of environmental culture as a new social necessity. The expansion environmental education, the elimination of the declarative nature of environmental legislation regarding the training of specialists in the field of ensuring environmental safety, and the resolution of the issue of unifying requirements for heads of organizations and specialists in the field of environmental protection and environmental safety at the level of federal law are seen as necessary conditions. Propaganda reflected in the legal domain, should become an effective tool for increasing the environmental knowledge of the population and the creation of a high level of environmental culture.