Biologija

Title

Lietuvos mokslų akademija — 2024-10-29

Turinys

Lietuvos mokslų akademija — 2024-10-29

New challenges regarding the environmental and sanitary condition of Ukrainian water bodies

Nelia Savenko — 2024-10-29

Today Ukraine is faced with new challenges that have a significant impact on natural water bodies and aquaculture. As a result of hostilities, there is an additional pressure on aquatic ecosystems. Unfortunately, large territories with important fishery complexes of Ukraine are either occupied, located in the war zone, or mined. Currently it is impossible to carry out comprehensive monitoring investigations into the actual environmental condition of inland water bodies of Ukraine. Therefore, in order to establish a true picture of the state of the water fund of Ukraine, an analytical review of publications was performed. Unfortunately, after the large-scale hostilities on the territory of Ukraine, a significant number of water bodies changed their status according to saprobic indicators. The situation is difficult with the reservoirs of the Dnipro River Cascade, which accumulate all pollutants released into the water from the catchment area. The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station led to a massive killing of all biota, including fish. The reservoirs are mostly polluted by biogenic, organic and surface-active substances, oil products, phenols, pesticides, and heavy metals. Even in the pre-war period, the problem of water pollution required immediate decisions, and with the beginning of the full-scale war, it became one of the most urgent tasks for Ukraine. Today, Ukraine’s water bodies suffer from pollution by pyrogens, fuel, and lubricants after rocket attacks and even from the total destruction of fish farms, water reservoirs, i.e., the Kakhovka Reservoir. Therefore, monitoring of the environmental condition of inland water bodies of Ukraine will provide an opportunity to assess their real condition and, in the future, to select the complex of methods aimed for their restoration.

Ungulate-driven forest-steppe vegetation changes in enclosures

Aleksandr P. Berber — 2024-10-29

Ungulate enclosures are commonly established for wildlife observation and conservation, recreational hunting, meat, and material production. In this study, we analyse the ‘Elen’ hunting estate located in the forest-steppes of Kazakhstan. Our main objectives were to determine the richness and abundance of herbaceous and woody vegetation within the enclosures. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate damages inflicted by ungulate browsing and grazing. Our results reveal that dominant tree species in the forests of the ‘Elen’ estate are Scots pine, silver birch, and downy birch. Within the herbaceous vegetation cover, we identified 107 grass, sedge, and herb species, majority of them belonging to the Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae families. Our analysis indicates that ungulates significantly impact forest-steppe vegetation in the enclosures. On average, 29.4% (20–100%) of trees and shrubs and 17.1% (15.6–81.8%) of herbaceous vegetation were damaged. The results of this study provide valuable insights for determining the optimal ungulate population size within the enclosures and contribute to the preservation of forest-steppes vegetation.

Micro wonders: updates and insights into diversity of Nepticulidae from previous fieldwork in Armenia

Jonas R. Stonis — 2024-10-29

In the current paper, we provide a complete list of 32 Nepticulidae species discovered in Armenia, along with photographic samples of detected leaf mines. For the first time, we include photographic documentation of the male genitalia structures of the Armenian Glaucolepis melanoptera (van Nieukerken & Puplesis) and the previously little-known, formerly Central Asian Stigmella klimeschi Puplesis and S. kuznetzovi Puplesis. Moreover, our molecular analyses have confirmed the occurrence of S. aceris (Frey) and Glaucolepis melanoptera in Armenia and justified the description of two species, Stigmella inopinoides Dobrynina, 2024 and Etainia caucasi Remeikis, 2024.

Discovery of the genus Dishkeya (Lepidoptera: Tischeriidae) in Honduras: unveiling the unique traits of D. gouaniae

Jonas R. Stonis — 2024-10-29

This publication records the endemic genus Dishkeya Stonis in Honduras and, for the first time, documents the female genitalia and leaf mines of D. gouaniae (Stonis & Diškus). Additionally, it provides the first barcodes and molecular considerations regarding the genus Dishkeya. The article is illustrated with 34 figures, including photographs of male and female genitalia, leaf mines, exuviae, and a molecular tree based on mtDNA COI sequences.

Brucella canis and Chlamydia spp.: insights into canine infections, diagnostics, and potential tick-borne transmission

Viktorija Petrauskaitė — 2024-10-29

Brucella and Chlamydia spp. are zoonotic pathogens with significant implications for both human and animal health. Brucella species, which is responsible for brucellosis, manifest in a range of clinical symptoms and present substantial zoonotic risks. Though less commonly reported, canine infections with Brucella raise concerns about the potential for transmission to humans and highlight the need for continued vigilance in veterinary settings. Chlamydia spp. is notable for its ability to cause diverse diseases in animals, from mild infections to severe systemic illnesses. In dogs, Chlamydia infections can lead to symptoms such as conjunctivitis, respiratory disorders, and reproductive issues, including infertility and abortion. The zoonotic potential of Chlamydia, particularly Chlamydia felis, emphasises the need for thorough monitoring and control measures in both domestic animals and humans. Ticks play a significant role in the transmission of these pathogens. Research has identified Chlamydia spp. in ticks; however, the exact epidemiological implications remain unclear. Similarly, Brucella has been detected in ticks, but conclusive evidence of tick-borne transmission to humans or between animals is still lacking. Improved diagnostic tools and control strategies are essential for managing the risks associated with Brucella and Chlamydia infections in both animals and humans, with a particular focus on the role of ticks as potential vectors.

Interactions between fungi and other microorganisms for better fungal products: a review

Matas Gavenauskas — 2024-10-29

Under natural conditions, substrates are occupied by sets of different micro-organisms that interact with one another in synergistic or antagonistic relationships. These interactions can influence the growth, development, and biochemistry of economically important fungi, enhance their beneficial properties, stimulate the growth of fruiting bodies, or accelerate the growth of mycelium used for the production of various products and biotechnology processes where fungi are involved. The paper presents a literature review covering known interactions between fungi and bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, and between different fungi that can be used to promote the production of fungal products or that need to be taken into account in order to avoid production losses. A brief overview of fungi and micro-organism co-culture strategies is provided as well.

Academician Vytas Antanas Tamošiūnas (1942–2024)

Lietuvos mokslų akademija — 2024-10-29

Academician Algirdas Skirkevičius (1939–2024)

Lietuvos mokslų akademija — 2024-10-29

Biologija

Title

Turinys

Contents

New challenges regarding the environmental and sanitary condition of Ukrainian water bodies

Ungulate-driven forest-steppe vegetation changes in enclosures

Micro wonders: updates and insights into diversity of Nepticulidae from previous fieldwork in Armenia

Discovery of the genus Dishkeya (Lepidoptera: Tischeriidae) in Honduras: unveiling the unique traits of D. gouaniae

Brucella canis and Chlamydia spp.: insights into canine infections, diagnostics, and potential tick-borne transmission

Interactions between fungi and other microorganisms for better fungal products: a review

Academician Vytas Antanas Tamošiūnas (1942–2024)

Academician Algirdas Skirkevičius (1939–2024)