Documents published in Scipedia

• Population and Habitat of the Amur Tiger in the Russian Far East

  D. Pikunov

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  In the beginning of 19th century, the range (areal) of Panthera tigris altaica included the forest part of the Korean Peninsula, the northern provinces of China, and the left bank of the Amur River in Russia and approached Transbaikalia and Yakutia. By the late 1930s, the number of tigers in Russia had decreased to 20–30 individuals. Protections against hunting (1947), the entrapment of tiger cubs (1965), and a lack of a market for tiger derivatives contributed to growth in tiger numbers. By the 1960s, the tiger population in Russia had increased to 100–110 individuals. According to a count in 1970, the population of tigers had reached 140–150 individuals. At this point in time, the range covered the forest territory of Primorsky Krai and southern Khabarovsky Krai. The last two total counts (1995–96 and 2004–05) revealed a further increase in the numbers to 450–500 animals and a range of 156, 000 km2 . The latest recordings have confirmed the maximum numbers of tigers in the Sikhote-Alin and Lazovsky reserves and adjacent territories. However, the small areas of the reserves and their territorial separation preclude the maintenance of or increases in the population to or beyond 400–500 adult animals, which in genetic terms, would ensure the long-term conservation of the tiger. Further conservation of the region requires the assignment of two protective zones of 45, 000–50, 000 km2 with centres in the Sikhote-Alin and Lazovsky reserves. Within these protective zones, economic development involving any type of forest felling or ungulate hunting should be fully prohibited. The creation of protective zones is the only route to preserving the natural complex of the Sikhote-Alin, including the Amur tiger in Russia.

  Abstract
  In the beginning of 19th century, the range (areal) of Panthera tigris altaica included the forest part of the Korean Peninsula, the northern provinces of China, and the left [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Arsenic and Cadmium Contamination in Water, Sediments and Fish is a Consequence of Paddy Cultivation: Evidence of River Pollution in Sri Lanka

  P. Perera, T. Sundarabarathy, T. Sivananthawerl, S. Kodithuwakku, U. Edirisinghe

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  The upper Malwathu Oya is a seasonal river. The main livelihood of people living in the immediate vicinity of the river is paddy cultivation, and chronic kidney disease is reported among them. Farmers utilize different types of agricultural chemicals in their fields expecting bumper harvests. Several agricultural chemicals have been reported to contain toxic trace elements in Sri Lanka. Therefore, arsenic and cadmium might end up in the river water. The presence of these trace elements in the river water and sediments can result in their bioaccumulation in fish tissues. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of two trace elements in water and sediments, as well as in fish tissues (gills, kidney, liver and muscle) of three food fish species, Etroplus suratensis, Anabas testudineus and Channa striata during cultivating and non-cultivating seasons of the year. Further, the level of bioaccumulation of two trace elements in fish tissues in relation to the contamination level of water and sediments was assessed. Data were gathered for 43 months. Arsenic and cadmium concentration in water showed a significant (P < 0.05) seasonal variation. Generally, the two trace elements in the river water were highest during the cultivating seasons than in other seasons. In all species, both trace elements in the gills highly depended on the concentration in the water. In all species, two trace elements in water and sediment did not significantly affect the levels in muscle tissue. Therefore, the trace element levels in the edible parts of these three fish were well below the maximum permissible levels of international institutions.

  Abstract
  The upper Malwathu Oya is a seasonal river. The main livelihood of people living in the immediate vicinity of the river is paddy cultivation, and chronic kidney disease is [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Distribution of Zokors (Rodentia, Spalacidae, Myospalacinae) in Eastern Russia Based on Genetic and Morphological Analysis

  M. Pavlenko, M. Tsvirka, V. Korablev, A. Puzachenko

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  New data on the distribution of the endemic Asian rodents zokors (Myospalax sp.) in Eastern Russia (Transbaikalia and Khanka Plain) based on new taxonomic, genetic and morphological research are presented in this article. Both karyotype and mtDNA markers and morphological characteristics (craniometry) were used for species identification. The following four distinct species inhabit this region: Myospalax aspalax, Myospalax armandii, and Myospalax epsilanus in south Transbaikalia and Myospalax psilurus in Khanka Plain. Maps of species distribution and a list of localities for genetically and morphologically typed specimens are presented.

  Abstract
  New data on the distribution of the endemic Asian rodents zokors (Myospalax sp.) in Eastern Russia (Transbaikalia and Khanka Plain) based on new taxonomic, genetic and morphological [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Causes of Geophagy by Ungulate Animals in the Caucasus Mountains

  A. Panichev, S. Trepet, I. Chekryzhov, O. Loktionova, V. Krupskaya

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  This article is aimed at identifying the cause of rock eating by wild herbivores in the territory of the Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve in the Caucasus Mountains. The research focused on the mineralogical and geochemical features of the rocks eaten and the geological conditions of their formation. This report includes a comparative analysis of the mineral and chemical compositions of the consumed rocks and of animal faeces consisting almost entirely of mineral matter. It was found that the rocks consisted mainly of hydrous and chlorite and that they derived from Proterozoic schists altered in the zone of tectonic contact. The near complete absence of sodium consumed in the rocks as well as the selective removal of heavy rare earth elements from the body by mineral sorbents suggest that the geophagy by animals in the Caucasus is associated with features of the metabolism of lanthanide elements.

  Abstract
  This article is aimed at identifying the cause of rock eating by wild herbivores in the territory of the Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve in the Caucasus Mountains. The research [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Phytospreading Proposed by S.V. Meyen as a Factor of Biological Evolution

  V. Nevsky

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  Phytospreading, proposed by S.V. Meyen, depends on the role of biological evolutionary “mechanisms”. Some biological species that occupy a vast territory from the equator to the mid latitudes break up into two areas and form two populations. Later, the conditions arise for these populations (new related species) convergence at equatorial or middle latitudes, resulting in the hybridization of these species. This process takes place due to “return wave” of phytospreading during the next general cooling period or “second wave” phytospreading during the future warming period. Hybridization and the preceding heterochronies, which affect reproductive processes, create new biological species with progressive morphophysiological structures.

  Abstract
  Phytospreading, proposed by S.V. Meyen, depends on the role of biological evolutionary “mechanisms”. Some biological species that occupy a vast territory from the equator [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Ecological Composition of Basin Flora in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve

  I. Nesterova

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  Ecological characteristics of the basin flora in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and its buffer zone are presented in this paper. The ecological groups, allocated according to plant and water environmental relationships, are presented as 93 species of aquatic flora and also as more numerous representatives of the near-water plant complex for a total of 153 species. Various aspects of the ecological analysis of the reserve basin flora are discussed, and some features of its ecological structure are specified.

  Abstract
  Ecological characteristics of the basin flora in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and its buffer zone are presented in this paper. The ecological groups, allocated according [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Hepatoprotective effect of the Aqueous Extract and 5-Hydroxy, 7,8,2′ Trimethoxy Flavone of Andrographis alata Nees. in Carbon Tetrachloride Treated Rats

  Y. Nagaraja, V. Krishna

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract and isolated flavone (5-hydroxy, 7, 8, 2’trimethoxy flavone) compound of Andrographis alata against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. The hepatotoxicity was induced in albino rats CCl4 (i.p.). Analysis of serum ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase activities with the concentrations of albumin, total protein and bilirubin was carried out. The activities of all the marker enzymes reported a significant elevation in CCl4 treated rats, which were significantly recovered towards an almost normal level in animals simultaneously administered with aqueous extract and flavone compound. This work suggests that aqueous extract and isolated flavone compound of A. alata exert significant therapeutic effect on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

  Abstract
  This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract and isolated flavone (5-hydroxy, 7, 8, 2’trimethoxy flavone) compound of Andrographis [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Comparison of Methods for Counting Hoofed Animal Density in Sikhote-Alin

  A. Myslenkov, D. Miquelle

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  During four months in the winter period of 2002–2003, a census of four species of hoofed animals (red deer, sika deer, roe deer, and musk deer) was conducted in the study areas of the Sikhote-Alin Reserve and the surrounding area, including the territory of the planned Reserve Tavayza. The census was conducted on a monthly basis at two sites in the pine and broadleaved forest (nature Reserve and surrounding area) and at three sites in the oak and broadleaved forest. A total of 40 counts were made. Five fieldworkers were working at each site for two days. During the first day, the fieldworkers counted daily hoof prints and removed them. During the second day, newly appearing hoof prints were counted. In addition to the usual counting of crossings of hoofed animals, the number of individual animals was counted, as well. Thus, the census was conducted by two methods: counting of hoof prints in the tracks and counting of individual animals in a certain area. The results of these surveys were organized into a database which shows the relative density of hoofed animals (number of crossings of hoof prints per 10 km of the route) and absolute density of hoofed animals (number of individuals per km2 ). The analysis of absolute density of hoofed animals in different habitats and its correlation with the number of hoof prints per 10 km was performed.

  Abstract
  During four months in the winter period of 2002–2003, a census of four species of hoofed animals (red deer, sika deer, roe deer, and musk deer) was conducted in the study [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Habitat of a Prikamsky Honeybee Population

  A. Murylev, A. Petukhov

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  This article discusses the features of Apis mellifera mellifera associated with the expansion of their habitat to the north. The A. m. mellifera isolated in Kama Urals is considered the Prikamsky honeybee population and has retained the features of a pure gene pool. Here, we analysed the biological and physiological features of bees native to Kama Urals and the crossbreeding that occurs among these bee species.

  Abstract
  This article discusses the features of Apis mellifera mellifera associated with the expansion of their habitat to the north. The A. m. mellifera isolated in Kama Urals is [...]

  • 0
  •  read

• Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity During Nʹ-nitrosodiethylamine-induced Hepatic Damage

  D. Mukherjee, R. Ahmad

  Collection of Achievements in the Life Sciences (2017).

  
  

  Abstract

  Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a key regulatory enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, catalyses the first rate-limiting reaction to produce ribose-5-phosphate for nucleic acid synthesis and NADPH to use in reductive biosynthesis. The available studies indicate an antioxidant role for G6PD and variation in its levels as a result of cellular insult. In this study, the activity of G6PD was monitored during Nʹ-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats. NDEA generates hepatotoxicity and possesses mutagenic effects. To induce hepatic damage, NDEA was administered at doses of 100 mg kg− 1 body weight week− 1 (i.p.) for 14 days. The animals of the control and treated groups were sacrificed each week. The extent of liver damage was ensured by LFT biomarkers, such as transaminases, ALP, bilirubin and the hepato-somatic index (HSI) along with histopathological observations of H&E and Massons trichrome stained liver specimens. The results of the present study show that at the selected doses, NDEA significantly elevates LFT proteins and bilirubin and damages the lobular architecture in a dose-dependent manner. Software analysis of zymograms indicates maximum activity of the hepatic G6PD levels in day-14 NDEA-treated animals. Our spectrophotometry data further support the above findings on hepatic G6PD levels and demonstrate an approximately 1.63 × and 1.66 × fold increase in day-7 and day-14 NDEA intoxicated animals (P < 0.05). It is concluded that elevation in the G6PD activity is apparently the consequence of NDEA-induced intoxication or oxidative stress, leading to hepatic damage to provide sufficient NADPH for microsomal detoxification and ribose-5-phosphate for DNA synthesis and repair, respectively, to maintain the cellular redox status.

  Abstract
  Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a key regulatory enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, catalyses the first rate-limiting reaction to produce ribose-5-phosphate [...]

  • 0
  •  read