From 2021 to 2022, field experiments with oats and barley were conducted on sod-podzolic soil of average fertility. The experiments involved applying 60 kg/ha of ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, and potassium chloride before sowing the crops. The results showed that treating oat plants with the bioregulator Epin-Extra during the panicle formation phase reduced the synthesis of albumin and easily soluble globulins while increasing the concentration of glutelin proteins during grain maturation. The bioregulator increased the activity of α-amylases and β-amylases at pH 5.5 and 7, as well as of peroxidases at pH 8.0 and catalases at pH 5.5 in the developing grain. The aftereffect of Epin-Extra was observed in germinating oat grain, enhancing the activity of β-amylases at pH 8, as well as all peroxidases and catalases. When applied during the same phase of oat plant development, the bioregulator Novosil initiated the activation of α-amylase synthesis (active at pH 5.5) and β-amylase synthesis (active at pH 8) in ripening grain. It also activated peroxidase (active at pH 7) and catalase (active at pH 5.5) synthesis, as well as α- and β-amylase synthesis (active at pH 8), in grain of 7-day-old seedlings. Treating barley plants with Epin-Extra during the heading phase increased protein synthesis in ripening grain by 0.6-1.2%, as well as the synthesis of amylolytic and antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes include all α- and β-amylases, as well as peroxidases and catalases, which are active at pH 7 and 8. The activation of α-amylases and peroxidases (pH 5.5), some β-amylases (pH 8), and catalases (pH 7 and 8) was observed in germinating grain. The bioregulator Novosil markedly affected protein and enzyme synthesis in ripening barley grain. Under its influence, the activity of some α-amylases and catalases (pH 8), as well as peroxidases and β-amylases (pH 7 and 8), increased. The conducted experiments revealed a more significant impact of the Epin-extra bioregulator on the biochemical processes of ripening and germinating oat and barley grain.

The reduction of the rural population in Russia and around the world leads to the emergence of abandoned areas where secondary vegetation succession is formed. Studying these processes is important for understanding the mechanisms of ecosystem self-restoration. Despite the significant number of studies on this topic in other regions, such research is rare in the Central Chernozem Region of the Russian Federation. The aim of the work is to study the vegetation features of post-agrogenic and post-settlement geosystems by analyzing two abandoned settlements in the Belgorod and Voronezh regions, and to identify the patterns of their renaturation. The research was conducted in 2020 at two sites: the Novy Put farmstead (Belgorod Region) and the Krasny Don settlement (Voronezh Region). The methodology included interpreting space images to select the research sites, establishing geobotanical plots (3×3 m) at the sites, describing the vegetation with regard to species composition, life forms, ecological and cenotic groups, and habitats, and conducting a comparative analysis with background phytocenoses. The results revealed that the trend of renaturation is influenced by neighboring phytocenoses. These results can be used to predict succession and develop measures to restore disturbed ecosystems.

Nitrogen fertilizer use is often accompanied by significant nitrogen losses, resulting in a field-level utilization coefficient that rarely exceeds 50%. Fertilizer encapsulation offers a strategy to reduce these unproductive nitrogen losses, potentially increasing both the utilization coefficient and crop yields. This article presents interim results from long-term studies evaluating the effectiveness of coated urea. A field experiment conducted on sod-podzolic light loamy soil demonstrated that urea with a mineral coating enhanced nitrogen nutrition in plants. This resulted in a 6-12% increase in spring wheat yield compared to conventional fertilizer, a 6-11% increase in economic nitrogen removal, and an 8-16% increase in the nitrogen utilization coefficient. A model laboratory experiment revealed that surface application of coated urea reduced ammonia losses by 27-17% on acidic soil and by 63-38% on limed soil during the 3rd-5th day after application. Consequently, the content of mineral nitrogen forms in the soil was 28-30% higher when using coated urea.

The species composition of cultivated and wild poplars (Populus L.) in small towns of European Russia was studied, using the Moscow Region town of Shatura as a case study. This approach was chosen because, currently, poplar composition has only been studied extensively in major Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. In 2024, a complete census of trees was conducted within two city blocks (37 and 29 hectares, respectively), supplemented by a route-based survey outside these areas. A total of 204 adult poplars were identified in street and courtyard landscaping, including: one local “pure” species (P. tremula, 15 specimens), one more southern “pure” species (P. nigra var. nigra, 1 specimen), one “pure” North American species (P. deltoides, 2 specimens), two cultivars derived from “pure” species (P. nigra var. nigra × P. nigra var. italica, 1 specimen; P. simonii var. pendula, 1 specimen), two simple hybrids (P. × canescens, 15 specimens; P. × canadensis, 1 specimen), and two complex hybrids (P. × sibirica, 97 specimens; P. × petrovskoe, 71 specimens). The latter two complex hybrids, common spontaneously emerged cultivars throughout Russia, dominate the landscaping (47.5% and 34.8% of all poplars, respectively). No rare or Shatura-specific cultivars were found. Planting material for Shatura landscaping likely originated from the Ivanteevka nursery near Moscow, explaining the similarity to Moscow’s poplar flora. However, some trees may have been planted independently by local residents. Optimization of Shatura’s cultivated poplar flora is recommended, with an increase in urban-resistant and ornamental species like P. × canadensis and P. simonii, and a decrease in the fluff-producing and less ornamental P. × sibirica.

Sea buckthorn is an important shrub species in Armenia. It is a drought-resistant shrub adapted to dry conditions. It strengthens steep, eroded slopes due to the active growth of its root suckers. The aim of the study was to identify bioecological features of sea buckthorn plants (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in different habitats of the Lori Province of Armenia. Sea buckthorn habitats were studied in the Spitak and Gugark districts of Lori Province under varying environmental conditions. In the Gugark district, studies were conducted near the village of Margahovit. The study examined several physiological processes in sea buckthorn plants, including: water regime (content of total, free and bound water); water deficit; gas exchange (O₂ absorption and CO₂ emission rates); biometric indicators of fruits; and sucrose content. The ecological and physiological characteristics of plants were determined using generally accepted methods of field and laboratory research. The conducted research allowed us to draw a number of conclusions. The raw weight of the samples taken from the two study areas was the same, but the total water content was 16% higher in the leaves of plants from the more humid area near Spitak. Comparing the plant samples from the two areas, it can be emphasized that the amount of O₂ in plant samples from Margahovit was 0.2% less, while in samples from Spitak it was 0.04% less. These data show that the intensity of O₂ use is high in Margaovit plants. The amount of CO₂ released by Margaovit plants increased by 3 ppm, and by 12.5 ppm in Spitak samples. Therefore, Margaovit plants exhibit a lower net release of CO₂ during respiration during photosynthesis compared to Spitak plants.

The paper presents the results of the study of the histological structure and qualitative composition of cellular elements of the haematopoietic tissue associated with the midgut of the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus). It was shown that the lymphoid tissue of the sterlet intestine contains islands of lymphoid tissue bounded by reticular tissue/mucosa, as well as lymphocytes associated with the mucosa (intraepithelial) and with the intestinal mucosal plate (lamina propria lymphocytes). Eosinophilic cells were also found in the tissue. The most common cell types in the intestinal mucosa were intraepithelial lymphocytes (8.9 cell/100 μm) and lamina propria lymphocytes (7.1 cell/100 μm). Smears of sterlet intestinal lymphoid tissue showed the following lymphoid cell types (in descending order): lymphocytes (64.4%), prolymphocytes (6.5%), plasmocytes (3.9%), lymphoblasts (2.9%) and proplasmocytes (1.5%). Morphometric changes in a number of lymphoid cells in lymphoid tissue smears were expressed as a decrease in the size of the nucleus and cytoplasm. The morphology, qualitative cell composition and functional characteristics allowed the classification of the lymphoid tissue of the sterlet intestine as intestine-associated lymphoid tissue. The results obtained can be used to assess the immune status of cultured fish, to determine the effectiveness of immunomodulatory feeds and feed additives, to monitor and diagnose wild fish populations, and to contribute to the understanding of the evolution of ray-finned fish.

It is well-known that pulmonary ventilation parameters can fluctuate widely. They are highly variable and relative. They can change due to respiratory muscle fatigue, changes in body position, or increased nervous system excitability. Physical training and sports notably affect these parameters. For the first time, data was obtained on the functional state of the respiratory systems of first-, second-, and fourth-year students (based on the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy) in the context of training dynamics. The features of changes in the parameters of the external respiratory system of 17-25-year-old students depending on different sports were established for the first time. The most informative parameters for assessing students’ fitness levels while participating in sports during their university studies were identified. The study involved male students who regularly competed in different sports: 57 middle- and long-distance runners, 32 arm wrestlers, and 22 volleyball players. Spirography was used to assess the functional state of the respiratory system. More than 20 spirographic parameters were analyzed and statistically processed when studying the respiratory function of students during their university studies, and the most informative ones are presented in this article. Registration of the parameters was carried out in three stages in the first, second, and fourth years. At each stage, it was carried out three times: at rest, after a metered physical activity (a three-minute step test), and at the third minute of recovery. The spirometry data obtained from the students’ examinations showed improvements in respiratory function and the physiological mechanisms that regulate external respiration, especially with increased training. This manifested as a 26.1% increase in respiratory volume, with minimal fluctuations in respiratory rate, particularly during running and arm wrestling. There was also an increase in the oxygen absorption rate, calculated as the oxygen utilization quotient (10.4% of reference values), and an extension of exhalation duration, indicating improved gas exchange in the lungs. There was a significant improvement in vital lung capacity (P<0.001) by 18.9% and in maximum ventilation in 15 seconds (P<0.001) by 43.2% in all the studied groups.

Application of sweeteners as feed additives to increase the attractiveness of feed is a safe, physiological, relevant and cost-effective method to improve feed quality of feed and increase animal productivity. Despite their widespread use, however, only a few studies on the use of sweeteners in animals have been published by domestic authors. Thus, this study aimed to provide a bibliographic review of scientific data on the use of sweeteners in pig feeding, to understand their effects on physiological processes and functions in animals, and to determine their pros and cons. To identify relevant studies, a combination of search queries using the keywords “sweeteners,” “pigs,” “physiology,” “feed additives,” and “intensive sweeteners” was used in the PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and ELibrary databases. As a result, a list of 38 relevant scientific papers was obtained. The significant number of analyzed sources devoted to studying the effectiveness and safety of various sweeteners for feeding different animal species and humans shows existing knowledge gaps and suggests the need for further research to better understand the role of sweeteners in the physiology and nutrition of pigs. This paper discusses the effects of various sweeteners on pigs’ bodies and the feasibility of using them on pig farms. It also explores ways to increase their effectiveness, such as using mixtures of sweeteners with different ratios, using various sweeteners with different feeds, and developing mixtures for pigs’ specific needs based on sex, age, breed, and purpose. Additionally, it discusses developing complex feed additives containing flavoring compounds.

This article presents findings from a study on optimizing movement physiology in higher education physical education classes through the implementation of biomechanical principles. The research addresses the challenge that many students struggle to master new motor skills, thereby reducing the effectiveness of physical activity on their bodies’ functional systems. The physiology of motor function is intricately linked to the complexity and unpredictability of motor tasks, the resolution of which relies on both neural plasticity and the development of motor coordination. The study aimed to investigate methods for optimizing movement physiology in students by integrating biomechanical principles into physical education. Biomechanical analysis focused on identifying and correcting common movement errors observed in students performing specific physical exercises (60-meter sprint, standing long jump, and push-ups). The study involved 96 first-year students (38 male and 58 female). The Dumac program was used to analyze movement technique from video recordings. Key kinematic parameters, such as speed and acceleration, were assessed to characterize student movement. Movement physiology deviations were observed in 50% of students (insufficient leg extension during the 60-meter sprint), 31% (incomplete hip extension during long jumps), and 48% (improper hand positioning during push-ups). Technique correction using mobile applications with a video analysis system enabled students to perform exercises more effectively and safely.