Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus canadensis (Cestoda, Taeniidae) in Wolf from the Kirov Region.

This work presents the results of studying the molecular characteristics of parasitic tapeworms Echinococcus canadensis. The helminths were discovered during the autopsy of a wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) killed by hunters in the Kirov oblast in 2021. A molecular phylogenetic study was performed by analyzing the sequence of a fragment of the first subunit of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (CoxI). It was found that the detected echinococci belong to the G10 genotype of E. canadensis, which is common in wolves in the northern territories of the Holarctic. We discovered four positions at which the substitutions characteristic only of this genotype are revealed. A substitution at one of the positions that is characteristic exclusively for the representatives of the G10 genotype found in Russia and Finland was also discovered.

Synopsis of gastropod-associated nematodes of Ciscaucasia (Russian Federation) with the description of a new species of Pellioditis Dougherty, 1953 (syn. Phasmarhabditis Andrássy, 1976).

Caucasus is known as one of the few biodiversity hotspots in Europe and is characterised by rich gastropod fauna while the nematode fauna in association with gastropods has remained largely understudied. Surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021 in the North Caucasus of the Russian Federation (Stavropol Upland and western and central parts of Krasnodar Krai) has revealed the presence of three new species of Pellioditis, a facultative parasite of land gastropods, and two species of obligate parasites, the intestinal parasite Angiostoma kimmeriense and a new, still undescribed species of a larval ectoparasite Alloionema sp. The new associations of Cruznema sp. and Rhabditophanes sp. with land gastropods were recorded for the first time in the Russian Federation. The new species of Pellioditis Dougherty, 1953 described here is based on the analysis of morphology and molecular studies of two distant and morphologically distinct strains, thermalis and sindicae. Pellioditis thermalis n. sp. was characterised by females possessing a tail of about 95-100 µm long, broadly conical in shape in the thermalis and sindicae strains, with a rounded anterior part and a subulate terminal part as long as the former; prominent phasmids located at the mid-tail, equatorial vulva position, a lateral field of three ridges (four incisions), males with spicules featuring a hole at the distal tip, ensheathed infective juveniles with average length 717 µm in the thermals strain and 771 µm in the sindicae strain, and exsheathed ones 644 µm and 682 µm, respectively. ITS-based phylogenetic analyses revealed that all Pellioditis species found in Ciscaucasia and Transcaucasia probably belong to two separate clades, with independent evolutionary histories of colonisation of this area. The entire Caucasus range area appears to serve as a biodiversity hotspot for the genus Pellioditis, presumably due to its complicated geological history and repeated isolation events for its terrestrial mollusc hosts.

Photorhabdus lux-operon heat shock-like regulation.

For decades, transcription of Photorhabdus luminescens lux-operon was considered being constitutive. Therefore, this lux-operon has been used for measurements in non-specific bacterial luminescent biosensors. Here, the expression of Photorhabdus lux-operon under high temperature was studied. The expression was researched in the natural strain Photorhabdus temperata and in the heterologous system of Escherichia coli. P. temperata FV2201 bacterium was isolated from soil in the Moscow region (growth optimum 28 °C). We showed that its luminescence significantly increases when the temperature rises to 34 °C. The increase in luminescence is associated with an increase in the transcription of luxCDABE genes, which was confirmed by RT-PCR. The promoter of the lux-operon of the related bacterium P. luminescens ZM1 from the forests of Moldova, being cloned in the heterologous system of E. coli, is activated when the temperature rises from room temperature to 42 °C. When heat shock is caused by ethanol addition, transcription of lux-operon increases only in the natural strain of P. temperata, but not in the heterologous system of E. coli cells. In addition, the activation of the lux-operon of P. luminescens persists in E. coli strains deficient in both the rpoH and rpoE genes. These results indicate the presence of sigma 32 and sigma 24 independent heat-shock-like mechanism of regulation of the lux-operon of P. luminescens in the heterologous E. coli system.

Larval spirurids in a supralittoral amphipod in the north-east of Russia and the identification of the intermediate host of Antechiniella septentrionalis (Spirurida: Acuariidae), parasitic in a tundra vole.

The supralittoral amphipod Traskorchestia ditmari (Derzhavin, 1923) was identified as the intermediate host for Antechiniella septentrionalis Ivanova, Dokuchaev & Spiridonov, 2019, a parasite of the tundra vole Microtus oeconomus and Skrjabinocerca sp. (both Spirurida: Acuariidae) in Magadan Oblast in north-eastern Russia. Joint infection by both larval spirurids was not observed. The infective stage of A. septentrionalis was the encysted larvae, while larvae of Skrjabinocerca sp. were free in the amphipod's coelom. The identity of A. septentrionalis was confirmed using cox1 mtDNA gene analysis, performed on adult stages from a tundra vole and on larvae from amphipods. Possible transmission routes of A. septentrionalis are discussed.

Antechiniella septentrionalis n. sp. (Spirurida: Acuariidae), a new intestinal nematode parasite of the tundra vole Microtus oeconomus (Pallas) (Rodentia: Muridae) in the north-east of Russia.

Antechiniella septentrionalis n. sp. (Spirurida: Acuariidae) is described from the duodenum of a tundra vole, Microtus oeconomus (Pallas), collected in the Magadan region in the north-east part of Russia. It differs from A. suffodiax (Beveridge & Barker, 1975) and A. sertatum Smales, 1991 mainly in having a larger number of postcloacal papillae (5-6 pairs vs 4 pairs), a differently shaped left spicule, the disposition of precloacal papillae in two rows vs one, and oblong vs oval eggs. Other differences include the different disposition of ovaries in A. septentrionalis n. sp and A. suffodiax and the different structure of deirids in A. septentrionalis n. sp. and A. sertatum. The new species was characterized molecularly (partial sequences for 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cox1 mtDNA). The phylogenetic analyses performed showed the affinity of the new species to the members of the Acuariidae and other spirurid nematodes.

ACANTHOCEPHALANS PROSTHENORCHIS CF. ELEGANS (ARCHIACANTHOCEPHALA: OLIGACANTHORHYNCHIDAE), PARASITES OF PRIMATES IN THE MOSCOW ZOO.

Acanthocephalans Prosthenorchis cf. elegans were found in primates in the Moscow Zoo. The larvae of these parasites (cistacanths) were found in cockroaches Blattella germanica that had been captured near aviaries of infected animals. Descriptions and drawings of adult parasites and their larvae are given. Analysis of Prosthenorchis cf. elegans genes ITS 1 rDNA and CO 1 mtDNA shows phylogenetic relations of these parasites with several representatives of the class Archiacanthocephala. The obtained molecular data, however, do not support the monophyly of the family Oligacanthorhynchidae and the order Oligacanthorhynchida.

[RIBOSOMAL DNA INTERNAL TRANSCRIBED SPACER 2 SEQUENCE AS A PHYLOGENETIC MARKER FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF TRICHINELLA NEMATODES].

The results of testing several primer combinations were used to choose an optimal pair for the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA (direct: Tri58s F 5 CGG TGG ATC RCT TGG CTC GTA CG and reverse: AB28 Rr (CGA CCG CTT ATT GAT ATG C). This pair of primers yields a 900 bp PCR product. Comparative analysis of obtained ITS2 sequences, for 8 Trichinella isolates from different regions of the Russian Federation permits different species and individual genotypes of these parasitic nematodes to be validly distinguished.

[Cuticle ultrastructure of the fresh-water horsehair worm Gordionus alpestris (Villot, 1885) (Nematomorpha)].

The cuticular structure of the horsehair worm Gordionus alpestris (Villot, 1885) was studied under scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Adult worms were collected in the Syuk River near Nickel' Village in the Republic of Adygea (Russia) in June 2013. In the sampling area, the G. alpestris juveniles parasitize diplopods Pachyiulus krivolutskyi Golovatch, 1977. Similarities with other Nematomorpha species with the known cuticle ultrastucture are discussed.

[ANIMAL TOXOCARIASIS IN A MEGALOPOLIS: EPIDEMIC ASPECTS].

The prevalence of toxocariasis was studied among a population of domestic and stray dogs and cats. In a megalopolis, Toxocara invasion was 31.6% in a population of cats and 82 and 25.4% in that of puppies and dogs, respectively. A method was developed for the molecular genetic identification of T. cati and T. canis.

MR Imaging with T2*- mapping for improved acetabular cartilage assessment in FAI-a case report with arthroscopic correlation.

UNLABELLED: Articular cartilage assessment in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is challenging. Recent studies on T2* relaxation time mapping suggest the technique may be useful in diagnosing cartilage damage. The purpose of this case report is to describe how quantitative T2*-mapping may improve cartilage assessment of the acetabulum in patients with FAI. MR arthrography was performed at 3 Tesla (T) using intra-articular Gadolinium and a T2* mapping protocol. Data from the acetabular cartilage was separated from femoral head cartilage data and then superimposed on a flattened, map projection representation of the patient's acetabulum. The areas of unhealthy cartilage observed at the time of arthroscopy - including debonding and delamination - were seen preoperatively at the same anatomic locations as areas of decreased T2* values. T2* mapping values provided a non-invasive assessment of the acetabular articular cartilage. A flattened acetabular map projection allowed for anatomic visualization of areas of unhealthy cartilage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

[Prospects of systemic radioecology in solving innovative tasks of nuclear power engineering].

A need of systemic radioecological studies in the strategy developed by the atomic industry in Russia in the XXI century has been justified. The priorities in the radioecology of nuclear power engineering of natural safety associated with the development of the radiation-migration equivalence concept, comparative evaluation of innovative nuclear technologies and forecasting methods of various emergencies have been identified. Also described is an algorithm for the integrated solution of these tasks that includes elaboration of methodological approaches, methods and software allowing dose burdens to humans and biota to be estimated. The rationale of using radioecological risks for the analysis of uncertainties in the environmental contamination impacts,at different stages of the existing and innovative nuclear fuel cycles is shown.

[Statistical prediction of radioactive contamination impacts on agricultural pasture lands].

Based on the literature data analysis, the rationale is given for the use of probabilistic approaches to solve the problems of estimation of a long-lived radionuclide uptake in animal products. Methods for statistical prediction of radioactive contamination consequences for agricultural pasture lands have been devised and implemented in the form of models and program modules. These offer the estimation of radionuclide transfer between the links of an agricultural chain, taking into account variability in the migration parameters, estimation of soil contamination limits based on the preset risk levels for the stuffs produced and statistical coordination of standards. An illustration is given of the application of the above methods using statistical characteristics of 137Cs migration parameters in the soil-plant-animal produce chain. Further trends have been formulated in the development of the risk concept as applied to the assessment of radioecological situations of radioactive contamination of the agricultural land.

[Diversity of the rDNA ITS haplotypes of the nematodes Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongyloidea, Rhabditida) of the same host].

Specimens sampled in Central Mongolia have been examined for the intraspecific polymorphism of the nucleotide sequences of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 + 5.8S + ITS-2) of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. A considerable diversity of haplotypes differing in the nucleotide composition of this DNA region has been observed. The phylogenetic relationships between the haplotypes detected in Central Mongolia and the corresponding sequences from other parts of the nematode distribution area (deposited with the NCBI GenBank) have been analyzed. Significantly different sequences have been found along with the haplotypes already observed in H. contortus or differing from them by one-two nucleotides.

[Probabilistic assessment of radionuclide accumulation in agricultural products and permissible levels of soil radioactive contamination].

A number of models have been developed to assess the risks of radionuclide accumulation in agricultural products and to determine the permissible levels of soil radioactive contamination. The proposed approach takes into account uncertainties of some parameters that describe the radionuclide content in different links of food chains. The models are implemented in the form of software for on-line computations. The validity of applying the probabilistic methods for assessing the impacts of radioactive fallout as compared with the deterministic ones is demonstrated on some specific examples. A universal nature of the dependence between the risks of radionuclide content in products and the density of soil contamination is shown. Contamination limits of the agricultural land are found to vary significantly as a function of the risk size. Directions for further research are defined within the framework of this research.

[Molecular taxonomic identification of Trichinella spp. from the Arctic coasts of the Russian Federation].

Epizootological surveys on the Arctic coasts of the Russian Federation revealed 8 terrestrial andmarine mammal species that were Trichinella carriers. The infection rate varied with the animal species from 1.6 to 92.8%. Analysis of the taxonomic affiliation of Trichinella isolated from the muscles of the terrestrial and marine mammals indicated that the Trichinella species T. nativa was widespread in the arctic areas of the Russian Federation. Analysis of sequences in the Cob gene of mtDNA revealed nucleotide differences between several isolates of this species.

[Ranking of radionuclides and pathways according to their contribution to the dose burden to the population resulting from NPP releases].

Approaches are described towards estimating the consequences of radioactive contamination of ecosystems by nuclear fuel cycle enterprises with the rationale for the optimal specification level for nuclear power plants (NPP) operating in the normal mode. Calculations are made based on the initial data of the IAEA project, INPRO ENV, dealing with the ranking of radionuclides escaping to the environment from the operating NPPs. Influence of various factors on rankings of radionuclides and pathways of public exposure is demon- strated. An important factor is the controlled radionuclide composition of atmospheric NPP releases. It has been found that variation in the dose coefficients for some radionuclides leads to significant changes not only in the ranking results but also in the estimates of total dose burdens. Invariability is shown of the estimation concerning the greatest contribution of the peroral route to the population dose of irradiation in the situation considered. A conclusion was drawn on the need of taking into consideration uncertainties of different factors when comparing effects on the environment from enterprises of conventional and innovative nuclear fuel cycles.

Effects of chronic exposure in populations of Koeleria gracilis Pers. from the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, Kazakhstan.

Morphological and cytogenetic abnormalities were examined in crested hairgrass (Koeleria gracilis Pers.) populations inhabiting the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (STS), Kazakhstan. Sampling of biological material and soil was carried out during 3 years (2005-2007) at 4 sites within the STS. Activity concentrations of 10 radionuclides and 8 heavy metals content in soils were measured. Doses absorbed by plants were estimated and varied, depending on the plot, from 4 up to 265 mGy/y. The frequency of cytogenetic alterations in apical meristem of germinated seeds from the highly contaminated plot significantly exceeded the level observed at other plots with lower levels of radioactive contamination during all three years of the study. A significant excess of chromosome aberrations, typical for radiation exposure, as well as a dependence of the frequency of these types of mutations on dose absorbed by plants were revealed. The results indicate the role radioactive contamination plays in the occurrence of cytogenetic effects. However, no radiation-dependent morphological alterations were detected in the progeny of the exposed populations. Given that the crested hairgrass populations have occupied the radioactively contaminated plots for some 50 years, adaptation to the radiation stress was not evident. The findings obtained were in agreement with the benchmark values proposed in the FASSET and ERICA projects to restrict radiation impacts on biota.

Two new species of creagrocercid nematodes parasitic in earthworms, with comments on the phylogenetic affiliations of the Creagrocercidae Baylis, 1943.

Two new species of the rare nematode family Creagrocercidae from earthworms are described and illustrated. Creagrocercus braziliensis n. sp. is distinguished from the type-species, C. barbatus Baylis, 1943, by: the presence of four cephalic papillae (vs a pair of finger-shaped latero-ventral processes) on the head; larger amphids; a more posterior excretory pore position; a shorter pharynx which is remarkably expanded at the base; the nerve-ring situated just posterior to the base of the pharynx (vs at mid-pharyngeal level); an anal aperture present in the females; anterior ovary and testis reach just into the anterior half of the body (vs closely posterior to the pharynx); equal, similar (vs unequal, dissimilar) spicules; and a prominent, unpaired precloacal papilla in males. Creagrocercus drawidae n. sp. is related to C. barbatus by a similar pharyngeal shape and the presence of a tail 'hook', and to C. braziliensis n. sp. by: the lack of finger-shaped processes on the head and the presence of four cephalic papillae; a similar position of the excretory pore; a similar arrangement and length of the reproductive system; the presence of unpaired precloacal papilla in males; similar, almost equal spicules; and the presence of a tail 'hook'. From both of these species C. drawidae differs by having: a much shorter body and pharynx; larger amphids; a more posterior nerve-ring position; larger and less numerous eggs; greatly inflated (vs flat) vulval lips; shorter spicules; and a smaller caudal 'hook'. For C. drawidae, the partial sequences of the SSU (18S) rDNA and the D2D3 segment of LSU (28S) rDNA were obtained and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic affiliations of the Creagrocercidae are discussed.

Angiostoma glandicola sp. n. (Nematoda: Angiostomatidae): a parasite in the land snail Megaustenia sp. from the Cat Tien Forest, Vietnam.

The nematode Angiostoma glandicola sp. n. found parasitizing Megaustenia sp. snails (Pulmonata: Helicarionidae) collected in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by its unusual host location (the digestive gland) and in having: two circles of cephalic probolae, six lips each bearing two prominent papillae, amphids situated at posterior of lips, the presence of lateral alae, an enlarged stoma, a club-shaped pharynx with cuticularized valves in the bulb, the nerve ring situated on the junction of the corpus and isthmus and the excretory pore opposite the bulb. Oviparous females have a mid-body vulva position, long reflexed ovaries and short divergent uteri, and a conical tail with a slightly triangular tip. Males have long, curved, not distinctly cephalate spicules and a small gubernaculum, nine pairs of pedunculate genital papillae (GP) incorporated into the bursa (three precloacal, six postcloacal in two groups: GP 4-7 closely behind the cloaca and GP 8-9 distanced), of which GP 5 and 8 terminate on dorsal edge of the bursa and GP 8 and 9 are fused at the base, the bursa nearly reaches the tail tip, unpaired precloacal GP and a pair of ventral circumcloacal GP not incorporated into bursa. It clearly differs from other species of the genus by having cephalic probolae vs. no cephalic probolae and the specific number and disposition of male GP. A partial sequence of D2D3 large subunit (LSU) rDNA was obtained and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Relationships within the Angiostoma genus are discussed.

[System radioecology: modeling of ecological processes and radiation risk assessment].

The background and tasks have been formulated of system radioecology as an separate branch of radiation ecology based on the use of a system analysis and mathematical modeling. The need is justified for developing methods of this scientific discipline to assess radiation resistance of natural systems and radioecological risks. Some specific examples are demonstrated of the application of different approaches when analyzing functioning of forest biogeocenoses after acute irradiation and studying impacts of radioactive contamination of meadow ecosystems on humans and biota. Trends of further studies are outlined and focused on the improvement of system radioecology methods combined within the integrated methodology framework.