Comparative analysis of the flea fauna and its epizootic importance in the deserts of Southern Kazakhstan

Common features and interregional differences in the structure of the flea fauna from Moiynkum (Chu-Talas watershed), Eastern Kyzyl Kum and Betpak Dala are described. The main role of the fleas Xenopsylla gerbilli minax (Moiynkum and Betpak Dala) and X. gerbilli caspica (Eastern Kyzyl Kum) in the transmission of plague microbes is demonstrated. The long-term dynamics of these species population in different desert regions were studied. The main factors responsible for this dynamics are demonstrated.     

Synsacrum of a primitive bird from the Upper Cretaceous of Uzbekistan

A partial synsacrum of a primitive bird from the Zenge Kurgan 3 locality in the Kyzyl Kum Desert (Uzbekistan) is described. The vertebrate fauna from this locality is similar to that of the Bissekty Formation of the Dzharakuduk locality (Central Kyzyl Kum, Uzbekistan); however, this synsacrum differs considerably from all other synsacra from Dzharakuduk. The taxonomic position of this bird remains uncertain; it is most similar to some Enantiornithes, although it could have belonged to a primitive ornithuromorph bird. The functional significance of structural differences in the synsacrum of ornithurine and enantiornithine birds is discussed.     

Morphology of the Coracoid of Late Cretaceous Enantiornithines (Aves: Enantiornithes) from Dzharakuduk (Uzbekistan)

Based on serial material from the Turonian of Dzharakuduk (central Kyzyl Kum, Uzbekistan), the morphology of coracoid of enantiornithines is described in detail. Variants of each morphological element are considered; this allows determination of the taxonomic position of enantiornithines even using small coracoid fragments.     

A new species of the grass fly (Diptera,Chloropidae), Incertella tschernovi sp. n., from the Kyzyl Kum Desert

A new grass fly species belonging to the subfamily Oscinellinae, Incertella tschernovi sp. n., is described from the Kyzyl Kum Desert, Uzbekistan. The new species is closely related to I. brevicosta Nartshuk, 1975, shares short costal vein of the wing and in the vein M sharply bent toward the anterior wing margin.     

The development of a method for the long-term prediction of sites for the occurrence of plague epizootics among wild rodents

The method for the long-term (3 years) prognostication of epizootic activity of plague is proposed. The method is based on the concept of the cyclic character of epizootics as the result of the superposition of a multitude of periodic components on the assumption that the duration of the periods takes the form of a row of prime consecutive numbers. This method was approbated in 25 areas of the Kyzyl Kum autonomous focus of plague.     

Comparative analysis of the gene pool of the Ascanian polycarpous and purebred Karakul' sheep populations

The Ascanian multi-foetus and pure-bred Karakul sheep reared in the steppe region of the Ukraine are characterized by five-allelic status of transferrin and by diallelic serum arylesterase and alkaline phosphatase. Besides the basic HbA and HbB alleles the rare HbC type has been revealed in the multi-foetus Karakul. Reliable differences in concentrations of the transferrin and haemoglobin alleles between the multi-foetus Karakul population and that of the pure-bred Karakul have been found.     

Metadenopsis Matesova, 1966 and similar mealybug genera (Homoptera,Coccinea: Pseudococcidae) from Russia and neighboring countries

Seven mealybug genera, Kalaginella gen. n., Archanginella gen. n., Metadenopsis Matesova, Metadenopus ?ulc, Glycycnyza Danzig, Inopicoccus Danzig, and Volvicoccus Goux, all with a simplified anal apparatus and lacking cerarii, are revised and illustrated. Kalaginella intermedia gen. et sp. n. and Archanginella kyzylkumica gen. et sp. n. are described from the Kara Kum and Kyzyl Kum deserts, correspondingly. Mirococcopsis stipae Borchsenius, 1949 is considered a junior synonym of Volvicoccus volvifer Goux, 1945.     

Using mixed silages of sweet sorghum and alfalfa in total mixed rations to improve growth performance,nutrient digestibility,carcass traits and meat quality of sheep

Combining sweet sorghum (SS) with alfalfa for ensiling has the potential to make a high-quality silage with relatively a better nutrient balance. However, the existing data are insufficient about how changes in ratios of SS to alfalfa in different silage mixtures affect animal performance and meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding total mixed rations containing mixed silages of SS and alfalfa on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of Karakul sheep. Five total mixed rations were formulated with different SS proportions at 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% on a fresh weight basis. Thirty 4-month old male Karakul sheep with 25.5 ± 1.4 kg BW were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each with six lambs for this experiment. The results indicated that the Karakul sheep consuming total mixed rations containing SS-Alfalfa (SS-AF) silage mixtures with a lower proportion of SS tended to increase nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Feeding diets with SS at 40% and 20% inclusion rate showed a significant linear increase in the apparent digestibility of DM, CP and NDF, as well as subcutaneous fat thickness and water holding capacity (P < 0.5). Moreover, reduction in SS inclusion rate in these diets caused significant (P < 0.05) linear and quadratic increases in DM intake, final BW, average daily gain, carcass weight, and the amino acid contents of meat (P < 0.05). Conversely, feeding diet with lower SS inclusion rate led to decrease in feed conversion ratio and shear force significantly (P < 0.05) for these sheep. It appears that 40% inclusion of SS was the optimal rate in making the SS-AF silage mixture for lambs to achieve a superior production performance and high-quality meat products in Karakul sheep. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of feeding SS-AF silage mixtures alongside contrasting ingredients on rumen function, ruminal microorganisms and digestive enzyme activity of sheep and other ruminant animals.     

Electron spin resonance spectrometrical study of the melanins in the wool of some North European sheep in relation to their color inheritance

Additional peaks that were known on the esr-spectrograms of red human and reddish-brown Karakul hair to be diagnostic traits of phaeomelanin esr-signal also were found on esr-spectrograms of the tan, but not of black or chocolate brown wool from Icelandic sheep. This tan color is thought to depend on the presence of phaeomelanin and is due to the top dominant allele at the A locus. The two methods of distinguishing between eu- and phaeomelanin-dependent brown colors--esr-spectrometrical and genetical--are in agreement for European as well as for Asiatic breeds. Both light and dark brown Soay fleece samples lacked the additional peaks and are interpreted as eumelanin pigmentation.     

Landscape genetics of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) across its Asian range

Persian walnut (Juglans regia L) is an economically important species cultivated worldwide for its wood and nuts. Despite the increasing interest in the development of conservation strategies for walnut germplasm, an accurate and full-scale overview of wild genetic resources of J. regia has not been conducted because natural populations are located in regions of Asia historically difficult to access. In this study, we estimated the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of 39 autochthonous Persian walnut populations sampled across its Asian range using 14 neutral microsatellite markers. A landscape genetic overlay approach was applied to detect the areas of current reservoirs of walnut genetic diversity in the Asian range and to evaluate the role of landscape in shaping walnut genetic diversity since the Last Glacial Maximum. Although Persian walnut has been highly manipulated by humans over the last 2,000 years, we determined that patches of high genetic diversity still exist in the Caucasus and mountains of Central Asia where J. regia might have survived after Pleistocene glaciations. We detected a clear separation of Persian walnut into four main genetic clusters centered in (1) western Kyrgyzstan, (2) western and south–central Asia, (3) east–central Uzbekistan, and (4) Xinjiang and Shandong provinces (China). Overlay of maps showed a coincidence between groups of walnut populations and potential barriers to gene flow such as the Hindu Kush, Pamir, Tien Shan, and Himalaya mountains and the Karakum, Kyzyl Kum, and Taklamakan deserts. This study claimed the relevance of the preservation of walnut genetic resources in the Asian range.     

Breed Difference in Water Content of Faeces From Five Breeds of Sheep

Water content of faeces from five breeds was examined (14 weekly observations — eight sheep of each breed). A higher water content was found of faeces from New Zealand Romney Marsh than from their pasture mates of breeds originating from drier areas — Somali, Merino, Karakul; but Nandi originating from a medium to wet area had a similar dry matter content of faeces as the dry area breeds mentioned above. The growth rate in New Zealand Romney Marsh is greater than in the other breeds.     

A classification model of grazing areas in southern Italy using Remote Sensing data

Detection of vegetation typologies is of particular interest in epidemiological studies on animal diseases. This paper is focused on the automatic detection of grazing areas in southern Italy browsed by equines, oxen and sheep, mostly sedentary, with many in fenced areas for overnight stays. Results revealed Satellite Remote Sensing was an indispensable tool in area surveys for vegetation cover characterization. Our classification model shows an accuracy level of 90.21% and a precision of 92.69%. Results suggest similar application protocols can be used in areas with different vegetation cover to characterizing potential infection risk areas for geohelminths and other diseases.     

分离自鸡眼草和木蓝的根瘤菌分类研究

采用数值分类方法对分离自鸡眼草(Kummerowia)和木蓝(Indigofera)的根瘤菌及已知参比菌株进行聚类分析,发现在83%的相似性水平上形成2个不同与已知菌种的新类群。以SDS全细胞蛋白电泳技术快速聚类分群扩大菌株数,在86%的相似性水平上,分离自鸡眼草的24株菌形成第1类群,分离自木蓝的20株菌形成第2类群。DNA同源性测定结果表明,这2个类群中心菌株SH713和SHL042与13个已知根瘤菌种的DNA同源性均小于61%。因此,分离自鸡眼草和木蓝的根瘤菌分别构成2个独立的根瘤菌新种群。     

Geohelminth infections: impact on allergic diseases

Geohelminth infections are highly prevalent infections with a worldwide distribution. Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between geohelminth infection and allergy leading to the suggestion that geohelminths protect against allergy. A causal association is supported by the findings of intervention studies in humans and experimental animal models. Geohelminths cause chronic infections during which an intimate host-parasite interaction develops permitting the parasite to survive but protecting the host from damaging inflammation. Geohelminth parasites modulate allergic inflammation directed against parasite antigens and the same mechanisms may affect responses to inhalant aeroallergens. The mechanisms proposed to explain the allergy-modulatory effect of geohelminths include the induction of regulatory T cells and the creation of an immunosuppressive environment in relevant tissues. New treatments being considered for the treatment of asthma include live infections with hookworms. Insights provided by how geohelminths modulate inflammatory responses may allow the development of new treatments that mimic these effects.     

Chronic parasite infections cause immune changes that could affect successful vaccination

Several important issues must be considered when performing any vaccination in areas with high prevalence of geohelminths. Immunization of populations infected with geohelminths could be sub-optimal if the immune background is not taken into consideration. Immune modulation and deworming might be essential for effective protective vaccination. In addition, further animal models and clinical studies addressing these issues are required. Underscoring the importance of these issues, a recent report has highlighted several vaccination studies in which nematode-infected mice or pigs failed to mount efficient protective immune responses.     

Site-specific restrictases from Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kumantoensis]

The efficiency of bacteriophages CP-54 and CP-55 plating on Bacillus thuringiensis var. kumantoensis H18 (Kum) is decreased about 10-fold as compared with the efficiency of plating on Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriae H5 (Gal). Bacteriophages having propagated for one cycle in Kum cells might be further grown in this strain without growth restriction. Two site-specific restriction enzymes isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis var. kumantoensis were designated BtkI and BtkII. The endonuclease BtkI recognises the same nucleotide sequence CGCG in DNA as recognised by the restriction endonuclease FnuDII; BtkII recognises the same nucleotide sequence GATC as the endonuclease Sau3A.     

The influence of climatic conditions on the heat balance of the human body

The structure of heat exchange between the human body and its surroundings has been studied according to M.I. Budyko's model. Comparative measurements were carried out in the Polish Lakeland (maritime, temperate warm climate), in Central Mongolia (continental, temperate cool climate), and in the Kara Kum desert (dry subtropical climate). The results deal with the summer and early autumn seasons. The calculations indicate that the quantitative apportionment of various forms of heat exchange depend on specific weather conditions, which are typical for the distinguished climatic zones.     

Co-infections of Malaria and Geohelminthiasis in Two Rural Communities of Nkassomo and Vian in the Mfou Health District,Cameroon

Background

Human co-infection with malaria and helmimths is ubiquitous throughout Africa. Nevertheless, its public health significance on malaria severity remains poorly understood.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To contribute to a better understanding of epidemiology and control of this co-infection in Cameroon, a cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalence of concomitant intestinal geohelminthiasis and malaria, and to evaluate its association with malaria and anaemia in Nkassomo and Vian. Finger prick blood specimens from a total of 263 participants aged 1–95 years were collected for malaria microscopy, assessment of haemoglobin levels, and molecular identification of Plasmodium species by PCR. Fresh stool specimens were also collected for the identification and quantification of geohelminths by the Kato-Katz method. The prevalence of malaria, geohelminths, and co-infections were 77.2%, 28.6%, and 22.1%, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite species identified with mean parasite density of 111 (40; 18,800) parasites/µl of blood. The geohelminths found were Ascaris lumbricoides (21.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (10.8%), with mean parasite densities of 243 (24; 3,552) and 36 (24; 96) eggs/gram of faeces, respectively. Co-infections of A. lumbricoides and P. falciparum were the most frequent and correlated positively. While no significant difference was observed on the prevalences of single and co-infections between the two localities, there was a significant difference in the density of A. lumbricoides infection between the two localities. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 42%, with individuals co-infected with T. trichiura and P. falciparum (60%) being the most at risk. While the prevalence of malaria and anaemia were inversely related to age, children aged 5–14 years were more susceptible to geohelminthiasis and their co-infections with malaria.

Conclusion/Significance

Co-existence of geohelminths and malaria parasites in Nkassomo and Vian enhances the occurrence of co-infections, and consequently, increases the risk for anaemia.     

Kyzyl ash disposal area as a source of unfavorable effect on the environment

The work studied the physic-technological characteristics of ash-and-slag waste of Kyzyl heat station. It revealed the chemical, elementary, and mineral compositions of the obtained products of fractioning. The content of hazardous substances in the fine fractions of ash and in ground water served as a basis for the conclusion that the dust-forming fraction of the ash-and-slag waste exerts the primary influence over the environment as a result of aerial transmission.     

Assessing the zoonotic potential of Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis: looking to the future from an analysis of the past

The two geohelminths, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, infect more than a billion people worldwide but are only reported sporadically in the developed part of the world. In contrast, the closely related species A. suum and T. suis in pigs have a truly global distribution, with infected pigs found in most production systems. In areas where pigs and humans live in close proximity or where pig manure is used as fertilizer on vegetables for human consumption, there is a potential risk of cross-infections. We therefore review this relationship between Ascaris and Trichuris in the human and pig host, with special focus on recent evidence concerning the zoonotic potential of these parasites, and identify some open questions for future research.