Aim. To study some biological properties of the obtained strain of Newcastle disease virus NDV/Adygea/duck/12/2008, including the degree of virulence, and to conduct a phylogenetic study.

Biological material from wild migratory birds was collected in 2008 during the hunting season. Isolation and cultivation of the isolated strains were carried out in the system of developing chicken embryos (RCE). Primary identification confirming the presence of a hemagglutinating agent in the allantoic fluid was carried out in the hemagglutination reaction (HR). Pathogenicity was assessed by MDT and ICPI methods. Sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, the genotype of the studied strain was determined.

The results of studying the main biological properties of the Newcastle disease virus strain NDV/Adygea/duck/12/2008, isolated from wild migratory birds in the Southern Federal District, are presented. According to the phylogenetic study, the NDV/Adygea/duck/12/2008 strain belongs to genotype VII and genetic class 2. The MDT and ICPI virulence tests, as well as the molecular genetic study, classified the described strain as highly pathogenic.

Aim. In vitro assessment of the inactivating and inhibitory activity of dry ethanol extracts of various wormwood species (Artemisia spp.) native to the Novosibirsk region and Altai Republic on the replication of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

Vegetable raw materials were collected and dry ethanol extracts of various types of wormwood were prepared. The laboratory strain MS HSV-2 was used. The inactivating and inhibitory activity of the extracts was analysed on Vero E6 cell culture according to generally accepted methods. The comparison sample is the lyophilized drug acyclovir (FARMLAND, Republic of Belarus). The content of biologically active substances (BAS) in the extracts was carried out by mass spectrometry.

The inactivating and inhibitory activity of dry ethanol extracts of     Artemisia spp. dissolved in DMSO was revealed in the range of 50 % effective concentrations (EC₅₀) from 2.46±0.63 μg/ml to            218.75±40.09 μg/ml in the reactions of direct inactivation (neutralization) of the virus and from 13.67±2.50 to 218.75±40.09 μg/ml according to the schemes of "prevention" of infection and "treatment" of infected cells, respectively. The percentage of flavonoids in terms of rutin, polyphenolic compounds in terms of catechin and oxycoric acids in terms of chlorogenic acid was determined by spectrophotometry in extracts.

Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that ethanol extracts of Artemisia spp. dissolved in DMSO contain BAS (these are flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds and oxycoric acids) that promote the inactivation of free virions and effectively act on HSV-2 replication inside infected cells in vitro.

To study the spread of infection caused by the bovine leukemia virus in farms of the Republic of Dagestan.

PCR diagnostics of 212 cattle blood samples collected in farms of the Kizlyarsky, Kumtorkalinsky and Tabasaransky districts was performed for the presence of bovine leukemia virus DNA (BLV). For BLV-positive samples, nucleotide sequences of the viral genome fragment encoding the main envelope protein (env) were deciphered, and the virus genotype was determined. Phylogenetic relationships of the isolated BLV varians with previously described bovine leukemia viruses were studied.

The representation of virus genotypes among 80 BLV isolated in the studied districts differed significantly. In the Kizlyarsky and Kumtorkalinsky districts, G7 leukemia viruses were found in 7.4 %, and the G4 genotype was isolated in 92.6 %. In one farm in the Tabasaran district, 2 G7 variants and one G4 variant were found. At the same time, 10 out of 11 G7 variants were grouped with each other into three statistically significant clusters, including the studied BLV, which indicates virus transmission within and between farms. Phylogenetic analysis of 69 BLV of the G4 genotype allowed us to conclude that a heterogeneous G4 population circulates in Dagestan. Analysis of cases of leukemia infection of young animals in unfavourable farms and the presence of phylogenetic clusters of close BLV confirm that at present the main reason for registering new BLV cases is not the introduction of BLV during the purchase of breeding cattle, but the transmission of infection within the territories of the Republic.

Molecular genetic analysis of BLV isolated in Dagestan allowed us to describe the related chains of virus spread both within one farm and between farms. The results of phylogenetic studies of BLV have great practical significance and can be used in planning effective anti-epizootic measures in Dagestan. In addition to great practical significance, the work performed demonstrates novelty, as it makes a significant contribution to the study of molecular epidemiology of BLV in Russia.

Aim. Analyse, summarise and characterise the current state of the world fauna of ticks of the order Mesostigmata parasitic on reptiles.

Descriptive analysis based on data from Russian and foreign acarologists was used to study the current species diversity of ticks which are representatives of the families: Entonyssidae, Heterozerconidae, Ixodorhynchidae, Laelapidae, Macronyssidae, Paramegistidae, Omentolaelapidae from the order Mesostigmata, which parasitise reptiles.

A chronological analysis was conducted and the results of acarological studies of the species of ticks parasitising reptiles were summarised. Supplementary information on new species of ticks and hosts-feeders was compileded. Various levels of host-parasite specificity, localisation of parasites, distribution width and endemicity are shown. The tick Ophionyssus natricis was found to be the most representative species: a parasite of snakes and lizards, widely distributed throughout the world, both on domestic (zoo) and wild reptiles and are capable of attacking other vertebrates, including humans

Awareness of the current state of knowledge of the tick parasitic fauna on reptiles will contribute to updating of the scientific database, expansion of research horizons, increase in the level of research and teaching activities and the dissemination of knowledge on the wide species diversity and distribution of various groups of ticks.

Aim. Evaluation of the effectiveness of reintroduction methods of western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) born and raised in aviaries in the conditions of the West Siberian plain.

Birds were released into nature from a collection that had been kept in aviaries for several generations. There were 6 mature females aged  1–3 years among the capercaillies.  Four of those females were released in broods with chicks aged 2–5 days (2, 4, 5 and 6 chicks per brood). Adult females with broods were tagged with radio transmitters. In addition, older capercaillie chicks aged 3–4 months were released without adult females (40 individuals in total). All released grouse were chicks over the age of 3 months or mature birds. A total of 63 capercaillie and 28 grouse were released. Radio tracking, visual observations, surveys and reports from the local population about individual sightings were used to track their movements.

Of the 4 capercaillie broods, the vital activity of one in its entirety was traced for 42 days. Six encounters of single capercaillie occurred  10–227 days after their release. They happened mostly near human habitation at a distance of up to 70 kilometres from the place of release. A female encountered in May of the year following the release was laying eggs. Eight visual encounters of grouse at a distance of up to 1100 m from the place of release were noted 2–139 days after release.

Released aviary birds adapt to their natural habitat and are able to survive the most difficult winter period. Chicks with females can safely grow up in a natural environment until the brood break-up. The revealed range of the released capercaillie did not significantly exceed that for wild young birds. All the discovered released capercaillie showed attraction to human habitation areas and structures. In released grouse, the detected departure from the place of release is less than the comparable range for wild populations. All of their sightings were in forest areas characteristic of the species. The furthest movements of birds raised in aviaries are directed towards the same aviaries where the birds grew up.

Aim. To determine the number and density of populations of the raven (Corvus corax) in Moscow and the Moscow region based on the results of monitoring in the period 2006–2024.

The method of route accounting was used without limiting the detection band with the calculation of population density based on the average detection ranges of birds. The status of the species was determined on the basis of population density estimates (individuals per km²) on the  A.P. Kuzyakin scale. Accounting routes were laid through the territory of the forest park area in the Istra district of the Moscow region, in the Ulyanovsk and Valuevsky forest parks of Moscow, the Mytischinsky forest Park of the Losiny Ostrov National Park of Mytishchi, the Losinoostrovsky Forest Park of the Losiny Ostrov National Park of Moscow and in the Pirogovsky Forest Park of Mytishchi during the period 2006–2024.

In the Ulyanovsk and Valuevsky forest parks, the raven belonged to the category of rare and very rare species, respectively, from the very beginning of monitoring and gradually ceased to occur, which may be explained by an increase in the intensity of anthropogenic processes after the territory became part of New Moscow in 2012. In Losinoostrovsky and Mytishchi forest parks, the raven was initially a common and rare species, respectively, but after 2021, its number decreased sharply. In the Pirogov Forest Park, the raven was a common species until 2018, when a highway began to be built through the territory of the forest park, which led to the transition of C. corax to the rare category.

During the research period, there was a decrease in the number of raven populations in the Moscow region, which is most likely due to an increase in anthropogenic pressure.

Aim. Study of the current state of the bat population of Eastern Crimea, features of distribution, occurrence and relative abundance of bats in the region, and monitoring of known colonies in underground cavities of the Kerch Peninsula.

The results of original chiropterological studies in 2023–2024 in Eastern Crimea are presented. New data on 14 bat species were obtained from more than two dozen points in the region. A bat census was conducted in the shelters, primarily in the quarries of the Kerch Peninsula. A search for bat shelters in human buildings was also carried out. Animals were captured with mist nets. Our studies show that Nyctalus leisleri and Plecotus auritus, previously considered rare in the mountainous part of Eastern Crimea, are a common and widespread species here. The understanding of the distribution in the region has been significantly expanded for almost all 14 species.

The data presented can be used both for fundamental research and for solving practical problems, primarily in the organisation and implementation of environmental measures.

Aim. To carry out an ongoing assessment of the status of rare and endangered species of plants and animals listed in the applicable Red Books and subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which are of particular value for the conservation of biological diversity in the interests of sustainable development of Baikal Siberia and to identify problems with the use of some species in the region.

The material for the review were the regional Red Books published in recent years (from 2012 to 2023) in all regions of the Russian Federation included in Baikal Siberia (Buryat Republic, Transbaikalian Region, Irkutsk Region), as well as the Red Book of the Russian Federation (2021) and the list of species from the Annexes of the CITES Convention.

An updated list of rare, "Red Book" species of animals and plants of Baikal Siberia, subject to the CITES Convention, is presented. The categories of rare, endangered, and environmental protection statuses in all regional Red Books of Baikal Siberia are aligned with the accepted statuses in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, which currently meets international standards. In the 2nd edition of the Russian Federation Red Book (2021), 213 species of animals fall under the CITES Convention, 164 species of plants. In the Buryat Republic, the Transbaikalian Region and the Irkutsk Oblast Red Books (2012, 2020, 2021, 2023) 35 species of plants and 40 species of animals are from the CITES List. Annex I includes all endangered species whose trade is strictly regulated and should be allowed only in exceptional cases (amounting to a total of 13 species, whose trade has or may have an impact on their continued existence). In Annex II, which includes all species that may be threatened with extinction if the trade in specimens of such species is not strictly regulated (31 plant species and 57 animal species). Although they are not necessarily in immediate danger of extinction at this time, they may become so, if the trade in specimens of such species is not strictly regulated in order to prevent  use incompatible with their survival. There are no protected species in the region from Annex III.

An audit of the most vulnerable rare and Red Book species of plants and animals was carried out, as well as of the validity of including certain species in the Red Books (federal and regional) and the CITES List for the Biological Diversity Conservation and Sustainable Development of Baikal Siberia.

The aim of the article is to analyse the carbon sequestration potential of forest-climate projects and sustainable development of ecosystems in the conditions of the central forest-steppe of the European part of the Russian Federation.

Statistical data on the forest cover of the Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk and Tambov Regions, reforestation dynamics, as well as information on climatic and anthropogenic threats have been used in this work. Methods of comparative analysis of forest management measures, ecosystem services assessment and modelling of forest ecosystems contribution to carbon sequestration have been applied. Particular attention was paid to analysing the effectiveness of artificial reforestation.

It was found that the forests of the central forest-steppe are characterised by low forest cover (8.6 %), a high proportion of artificial plantations  (30–70 %) and an annual volume of reforestation of up to 3 thousand ha. It was found that the Tambov and Lipetsk Regions demonstrate the highest carbon potential due to more favourable conditions for the growth of plantations. The total carbon dioxide uptake due to reforestation reaches 11.84–20.39 t/ha CO₂-eq. and in 50 years will increase to  120.16–164.34 t/ha CO₂-eq. Climate aridisation and forest fires are the main threats that reduce the effectiveness of classical forest management approaches. Degrading old-growth forests make a minimal contribution to carbon sequestration.

The implementation of regional forest-climatic projects with a focus on modernising reforestation and improving ecosystem resilience can significantly increase carbon sequestration and contribute to the development of conservation and production functions of forests.

Aim. Phytopathological assessment of leaf rust resistance and identification of Lr genes in 15 zoned varieties of wheat and winter triticale.

The material for the study was 15 varieties of winter wheat and triticale of domestic selection. The criteria for resistance to leaf rust were: type of reaction (score) and degree of damage (%), area under the disease development curve (ADDC, a.u.) and resistance index (RI). Phytopathological testing and molecular markers were used to identify genes.

The triticale variety Argo was absolutely resistant (0). Triticale varieties Aznavur and Argus were highly resistant, as well as wheat varieties, Bogema, Volny Don, Zhavoronok, Kavalerka, Karavan and Sekletiya. Six wheat varieties were classified as moderately resistant: Akapella, Arsenal, Bylina Dona, Volnitsa, Karolina 5 and Korona. Varieties with a race-specific type of resistance accounted for 73 % of those studied. Using molecular markers, the age resistance gene Lr34 was identified in the triticale variety Argo and wheat varieties, Akapella, Arsenal, Vol'nica, Vol'nyj Don, Zhavoronok, Karolina 5, Korona and Sekletiya. Lr18 was found in two triticale varieties, Aznavur and Argo). Using phytopathological testing, most of the ineffective genes were identified under field conditions, with the exception of Lr36, which is effective and postulated in the wheat varieties Bogema, Volny Don, Zhavoronok, and the Lr17 gene is moderately effective and was identified in the Volnitsa variety.

It is important to take the data obtained here into account in regional breeding programmes and apply them for scientifically based placement of varieties in industrial crops.

Aim. Study of the variability of the biochemical composition of fatty oils from the pericarp and seeds of Swida australis depending on the altitudinal conditions of growth of natural populations for assessment as a resource species in the field of medicine.

Fruits of S. australis were selected along the altitudinal gradients: 15 m, 620 m and 1000 m. The method of circulation extraction in a Soxhlet extractor using a volatile extractant – n-hexane was used to extract lipids. Comparative quantitative assessment was carried out by the Folch method. After determining the oil yield, one part of it was used to find the triglyceride composition by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, the second, was converted into methyl esters to determine the acid composition of lipids by chromatograph mass spectrometry. The quality of the oil was assessed by determining the acid number and saponification number. A correlation assessment of the content of triacylglycerides, hydrocarbons and biologically active compounds (polyunsaturated fatty acids) with the altitudinal level of growth is given based on the Pearson method at a reliability level of  p < 0.05.

For the first time, the component composition of lipids isolated from the pericarp and seeds of S. australis was studied and the resource potential for medicine was assessed. The oil obtained is characterised by a high content of triacylglycerides, hydrocarbons and biologically active compounds and - in particular - polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are used in medicine.

Analysis of oil isolated from the pericarp and seeds of S. australis showed a high content of triacylglycerides, hydrocarbons and biologically active compounds (polyunsaturated fatty acids). It is proposed to initially extract all lipids using the Folch method, followed by hexane extraction of triacylglycerides and hydrocarbons in order to separate them from valuable biologically active substances.

The objective was to develop a biogeocycle scheme based on the study of the seasonal dynamics of mountain-forest ecosystems in the "mountains – plains" landscape ecotone.

The work is based on semi-stationary observations at three sites of the Carbon Polygon of the Chechen Republic. In different seasons of the year the course of temperature, humidity and precipitation was recorded and landscape-phenological and landscape-geophysical surveys were carried out, including the description and measurements of the set and combination of the main geomasses and geohorizons that make up vertical structures and sampling to determine phyto- and mortmasses.

Eight types of daily hydrothermal states of natural complexes are identified, which, in combination with trends in the biogeocycle, create  15 landscape-ecological states characterised by different conditions of the biogeocycle and carbon dynamics. In the lowlands, a relatively simple biogeocycle is observed; a certain part of the phytomass is deposited in the trunks, branches and roots of trees. In the foothills, the biogeocycle shows multidirectional trends in carbon dynamics. Preferential loss of carbon due to rapid mineralisation of mortmass with partial accumulation of carbon in the soil is observed in broad-leaved foothill-plain forests.

Seasonal dynamics of phyto- and mortmass in key areas differ. Three possible ways of influencing the biogeocycle in order to increase the positive carbon balance are substantiated.

Recently, when studying river basins, the QGIS system has been widely used to obtain various hydrological factors from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). This study is aimed at determining the fractal dimension of vector layers of river basins obtained using QGIS.

Aim. For a number of hydrological networks, investigate the relationship between the values of the fractal dimensions calculated for the corresponding QGIS layers and used for calculation by the software, as well as the dependence of the fractal dimension on the initial conditions set for the software (the latter only for "shp" files): also determine possible correlations between the resulting dependencies.

For 9 hydrological objects (the Aya, Belaya, Sars, Sura, Ufa and Yuryuzan rivers and the mouths of the rivers Volga, Lena and Selenga), the fractal dimension was calculated using the “box-counting” method. Calculations were carried out using free software: Minkowski Dimension Calculator for QGIS, Fractalyse, ImageJ, Frac Lac for ImageJ, Gwyddon, Fractal and FDE.

The data reveal that, firstly, the calculation result depends on the initial conditions set for the computer programme, and secondly, there are correlations between the fractal dimensions calculated under both different initial measurement conditions and using different software.

Our results suggest the possibility of using all the software under consideration to determine fractal dimension from images of hydrological objects, obtained using QGIS. Moreover, the recommendations proposed in the conclusion will allow more effective use of the special opportunities of each of the programmes for further research.

The purpose of the article is to consider the role of environmental restrictions in the rational use of agricultural resources and to ensure sustainable development of rural areas of the Republic of Kalmykia.

On the basis of aerospace observations, the degree of land degradation, pastures by the degree of compaction of pastures and changes in the area of open sands were assessed. Data on the number of main types of farm animals in farms of all categories and their impact on the pasture load and the quality of land were analyzed. The analysis shows that there are quite serious problems in the development of agricultural activities in the Republic of Kalmykia: the state of the land, desertification problems, lack of water reserves and the outflow of the working population.

The analysis revealed the need to develop and implement scientifically based standards for the load of agricultural activities, i.e. environmentally acceptable standards, which will balance the socio-natural economic system of the region, especially as the principal industry is agriculture based on pasture resources.

Aim. To carry out a comparative analysis of the environmental efficiency of development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the long term in the context of the implementation of the principles of the “green” economy.

The study was conducted on the basis of open data concerning the ecological and economic development of nine subjects and three federal districts of the Russian Federation in 2010–2022. Economic, mathematical and statistical methods were used, including correlation and regression analysis and methods for assessing the manifestation of the long-term positive effect of decoupling.

It has been established that in the districts studied, as a whole, in the long-term period, there is an increase in environmental efficiency of economies in terms of emissions into the atmosphere, polluted wastewater discharge and fresh water usage, but there may be significant interregional differences and in some cases a decrease in environmental efficiency may be observed. The implementation of "green" investments in fixed capital in the regions is highly differentiated in scale and dynamics, is often unstable and their impact on increasing environmental efficiency is unstable.

Against the background of regional economic growth, the environmental situation may significantly worsen in terms of individual factors, for example carbon monoxide emissions into the atmosphere. Investments in fixed capital aimed at environmental protection and rational use of natural resources may contribute to increased environmental efficiency. To achieve the goals of a "green" economy, comprehensive solutions are needed that ensure a sustainable inflow of "green" investments into regions in accordance with their regional structure.

Aim. To study medical and environmental safety of antibacterial therapy of lower excretory tract infections (urinary tract infections), which is one of the important components of curbing antibiotic resistance of the microbiota at the global and local levels. When issuing clinical recommendations for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract, experts should take into account the following factors justifying antibacterial therapy regimens:  a) pharmacokinetics, b) the natural activity of the antibiotic against topical uropathogens and their level of acquired resistance in the region,  c) environmental safety, taking into account the complications of antibacterial therapy.

We performed antibacterial therapy in 102 patients of the older age group (average age 70.5±2.5 years) with chronic bacterial prostatitis. The patients were divided into two groups: the main group and the comparison group. Patients in the main group received fluoroquinolone levofloxacin, while patients in the comparison group were treated with standard antibiotics.

As a result of the therapy, it was found that environmentally unfavuorable effects with the selection of resistant strains of microorganisms were noted in patients of the comparison group who had received empirical therapy for a long time. The antibacterial efficacy of fluoroquinolones was found to be significantly better and the antibiotic resistance of uropathogens was found to be about 16.5–18 %.

The results obtained can be explained by the facts that patients had not received fluoroquinolones before and that antibiotic resistance is due to prolonged use of antibacterial drugs: this increases the resistance of microorganisms and creates difficulties in etiotropic therapy of patients.

Aim. Development and testing of training modules aimed at developing environmental thinking in students of textile specialties, as well as popularising the principles of "green" technologies among schoolchildren and students of secondary vocational education.

The study used methods for analysing modern trends and foreign experience in the field of sustainable development of the textile industry. The introduction of electronic courses and holding Olympiads was employed to assess the level of environmental literacy of schoolchildren, students and students of secondary vocational education institutions. Pedagogical experimentation and data analysis was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of new curricula. A survey of textile industry enterprises on the topic of sustainable development of the textile industry was also undertaken.

The article is devoted to the greening of educational programs for students majoring in textiles. Modern approaches to developing environmental thinking are considered and effective teaching methods and their potential impact on the transformation of the textile industry are analysed. Particular attention is paid to interdisciplinary educational practices that combine technical, environmental and social aspects of the training of future specialists. Four educational modules that meet the concept of sustainable development have been developed and implemented at the bachelor’s level in the field of "Technology and Design of Textile Products". An interregional Olympiad for schoolchildren, students and students of secondary vocational education institutions was held. An electronic course "Environmentally Safe Chemical Technologies" was developed and implemented. Articles were published in conference proceedings with the participation of students and schoolchildren, which contributed to the involvement of young people in scientific activities.

The implementation of the project confirmed the effectiveness of integrating environmental modules into curricula. Students and pupils have developed a conscious attitude to the sustainable development of the textile industry.