Osh State Social University

Rodents of the family Muridae are among the most widespread and ecologically adaptable mammals in Kyrgyzstan. They play important ecological roles in seed dispersal, insect regulation, and food chains, while also serving as reservoirs of dangerous zoonotic pathogens such as plague, tularemia, and leptospirosis. Understanding their species composition and distribution is therefore essential for both zoological and epidemiological research. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, distribution, and ectoparasite associations of Muridae in southern Kyrgyzstan. Field surveys were carried out in the foothill and mid-mountain zones between [insert years/seasons]. Small mammals were captured using live traps, identified by morphological features, and their relative abundance was estimated using standard density indices with statistical error (± SE). Parasitic mites were collected and identified with conventional parasitological methods. A total of 11 rodent species belonging to four genera were recorded. In the foothill zone, the dominant species were the grey rat (Rattus norvegicus, 21.1 ± 2.57%) and house mouse (Mus musculus, 19.1 ± 2.47%), while subdominants included the red-tailed gerbil (Meriones libycus) and the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). In the mid-mountain zone, A. sylvaticus (23.1 ± 2.96%) and the archaic vole (Microtus juldaschi, 21.2 ± 2.87%) prevailed. In total, 18 gamasid mite species from nine genera and four families were identified, with Lealaps agilis (31.42 ± 2.22%) as the predominant parasite. These findings clarify the composition, distribution, and host–parasite relationships of Muridae in southern Kyrgyzstan and provide a baseline for future ecological and sanitary-epidemiological monitoring.

Abstract Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen in which capsule production is closely linked to immune evasion and environmental persistence. Recent studies have described two seemingly contradictory phenomena—increasing prevalence of capsule-overproducing clinical isolates and frequent isolation of capsule-deficient variants. The biological significance of these phenomena remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed a clinical isolate, OCU_Ac16b, which spontaneously gives rise to two phenotypically distinct variants: the L type forming large colonies with an extremely thick capsule, and the S type forming small colonies with a substantially reduced or absent capsule. When L-type cells were cultured in test tubes under low-shaking conditions, S-type variants reproducibly emerged, constituting 45–80% of the population within 24 hours. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that this conversion is driven by distinct mutations in the capsular polysaccharide synthesis cluster, including insertion sequence (IS) insertions and a single-nucleotide deletion. PCR analysis confirmed that IS insertions in wzy (polysaccharide polymerase) occur within individual L-type colonies prior to liquid culture, providing a likely explanation for the rapid and reproducible emergence of S-type variants. Phenotypic characterization demonstrated a biological trade-off, with L-type cells exhibiting enhanced resistance to serum killing, desiccation, and certain β-lactam antibiotics, whereas S-type cells showed superior surface attachment, increased biofilm formation, and a growth advantage under oxygen-limited conditions. Our findings uncover a highly reproducible, mutation-driven capsule switching mechanism that enables rapid phenotypic adaptation to changing environments. This phenotypic heterogeneity has significant implications for pathogenesis, persistence, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical management. Importance Acinetobacter baumannii is a clinically important opportunistic pathogen that exhibits striking phenotypic diversity. In particular, some clinical isolates produce unusually thick capsules, which are thought to contribute to immune evasion and persistence, while others lack capsule altogether. However, the biological significance of these contrasting phenotypes has remained unclear. In this study, we analyzed a clinical isolate that spontaneously gives rise to capsule-deficient variants from a hypercapsulated form. We found that the conversion is driven by spontaneous mutations in capsule biosynthesis genes that arise naturally within colonies, while the expansion of capsule-deficient cells is promoted under oxygen-limited conditions. The two variants differed in serum resistance, desiccation tolerance, growth characteristics, and antibiotic responses, revealing a trade-off between protective barriers and environmental adaptability. These findings provide new insights into how A. baumannii balances survival strategies through genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, with important implications for diagnosis, treatment, and bacterial persistence in clinical settings.

Макалада мигранттардын коомдук уюмдарынын ролу, алардын ЕАЭБ алкагында Кыргызстандын жарандарынын эмгек миграциясын ишке ашырууда пайда болгон көйгөйлөрдү чечүүдөгү мааниси каралат. Миграция саясатынын иш-чараларын ишке ашырууда миграциялык уюмдардын чоң потенциалын пайдалануу сунушталууда.

Research relevance in this article is providing information about the traditional Kyrgyz carpet weaving process and semantics of related customs. Carpet weaving is the most popular form of Kyrgyz traditional handicraft. This craft is mainly seen as a women’s activity. The process of carpet weaving is a combination of involved activities. The history of people’s ethnic culture is deeply connecting with the way of life and the type of economy of certain people. Handicrafts are satisfying aesthetic needs and have a great practical value, as well as reflecting ethnic relations between people. One of the main material value categories in the Kyrgyz people custom is woven carpets and rugs. Recently, carpets and rugs have not lost their practical significance, and in some traditions of Kyrgyz life, carpets and rugs are the main attributes. Therefore, we can say that Kyrgyz carpet weaving is endemic. The main focus in this article was made on semantics of carpet weaving traditional custom in the Kyrgyz culture.

This article is investigating sound composition of the onomatopoeic words in the Kyrgyz language from synchronous and diachronic aspects. Phonetic features and the order of sounds in the words composition were studied. Content of archival materials for creation of a dictionary of onomatopoeic words is discussed. The purpose of this work is to study the use of vowels and consonants in speech and the words mimicry of Kyrgyz language. Linguistic phenomenon is important in enriching the vocabulary of particular language; for this purpose, archival materials on the active use of vowels and consonants in different positions of onomatopoeic words were described.