Comparative characteristics of the ichthyoplankton of lagoon lakes of the south-eastern part of Sakhalin

Ichthyoplankton surveys are made in lagoon water bodies of the south-eastern part of Sakhalin (the Vavai-Chibisan system of lakes, Lake Tunaicha, Lake Izmenchivoe) from April until November 2002–2007. Comparative characteristics of ichthyoplankton complexes in the ice-free period is given. In the investigated lagoon lakes, differences in the species composition of the ichthyoplankton by the number and time of appearance of the maxima of abundance of eggs and larvae are noted, and also related to morphological structure and hydrological conditions of water bodies. In lagoon lake Izmenchivoe with a salinity not less than 26‰, the eggs and larvae of marine fishes only takes place while, in Vavai-Chibisan lakes, that of freshwater fishes only takes place. In brackish lake Tunaicha, the lowest number of fish species reproduce. In the Vavai-Chibisan system and in Lake Izmenchivoe, one maximum of abundance of ichthyoplankton in June is recorded and, in Lake Tunaicha, two maxima (the highest in June and less expressed in August) are recorded. Irrespective of the species composition, the ichthyoplankton complexes of lagoon lakes have general traits determined by hydrological conditions of water bodies and by their general origin and geographic situation: prevalence of eggs and larvae of low boreal fish species, the maximum species diversity in the late spring-early summer, and decrease of abundance in cooler years.     

Overview of mechanisms of action of lycopene

Dietary intakes of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene have been shown to be associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases in numerous studies. Serum and tissue lycopene levels have also been inversely related to the risk of lung and prostate cancers. Lycopene functions as a very potent antioxidant, and this is clearly a major important mechanism of lycopene action. In this regard, lycopene can trap singlet oxygen and reduce mutagenesis in the Ames test. However, evidence is accumulating for other mechanisms as well. Lycopene at physiological concentrations can inhibit human cancer cell growth by interfering with growth factor receptor signaling and cell cycle progression specifically in prostate cancer cells without evidence of toxic effects or apoptosis of cells. Studies using human and animal cells have identified a gene, connexin 43, whose expression is upregulated by lycopene and which allows direct intercellular gap junctional communication (GJC). GJC is deficient in many human tumors and its restoration or upregulation is associated with decreased proliferation. The combination of low concentrations of lycopene with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exhibits a synergistic effect on cell proliferation and differentiation and an additive effect on cell cycle progression in the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line, suggesting some interaction at a nuclear or subcellular level. The combination of lycopene and lutein synergistically interact as antioxidants, and this may relate to specific positioning of different carotenoids in membranes. This review will focus on the growing body of evidence that carotenoids have unexpected biologic effects in experimental systems, some of which may contribute to their cancer preventive properties in models of carcinogenesis. Consideration of solubility in vitro, comparison with doses achieved in humans by dietary means, interactions with other phytochemicals, and other potential mechanisms such as stimulation of xenobiotic metabolism, inhibition of cholesterogenesis, modulation of cyclooxygenase pathways, and inhibition of inflammation will be considered. This review will point out areas for future research where more evidence is needed on the effects of lycopene on the etiology of chronic disease.     

Histochemical studies of monoamine oxidase of the brain of rodents

Summary MAO of the brain was investigated histochemically in mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. Fresh frozen sections were subjected to the tryptamine-tetrazolium method by Glenner, Burtner and Brown (1957).MAO activity of the brain of 4 animal species is generally similar with respect to its pattern of distribution. However, the intensity of enzyme action of the brain as a whole differs somewhat in animal species, being highest in guinea pigs, intermediate in rats and lowest in mice and rabbits. The enzyme action occurs mainly in the neuropil of the cerebral grey matter, while weak or negative activity is generally observed in the white matter excepting the tractus retroflexus of Meynert.The marked activity is encountered in the interpeduncular nucleus, locus coeruleus, area postrema, dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve, hypothalamus, habenular nuclei and midline nuclear group of the thalamus, nucleus of the brachium conjunctivum, and central grey matter. The enzyme activity is weak or negative in the neocortex, striatum, mamillary body, thalamic nuclei (excepting the habenula and midline nuclear group), subthalamic nucleus, substantia nigra, red nucleus and nuclei of the somatic cranial nerves.The possible function and significance of MAO in the brain were discussed particularly by comparing the sites of this enzyme with those of succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase, and the inverse relation between these enzymes was suggested.     

Some causes of the variable shape of flocks of birds

Flocks of birds are highly variable in shape in all contexts (while travelling, avoiding predation, wheeling above the roost). Particularly amazing in this respect are the aerial displays of huge flocks of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) above the sleeping site at dawn. The causes of this variability are hardly known, however. Here we hypothesise that variability of shape increases when there are larger local differences in movement behaviour in the flock. We investigate this hypothesis with the help of a model of the self-organisation of travelling groups, called StarDisplay, since such a model has also increased our understanding of what causes the oblong shape of schools of fish. The flocking patterns in the model prove to resemble those of real birds, in particular of starlings and rock doves. As to shape, we measure the relative proportions of the flock in several ways, which either depend on the direction of movement or do not. We confirm that flock shape is usually more variable when local differences in movement in the flock are larger. This happens when a) flock size is larger, b) interacting partners are fewer, c) the flock turnings are stronger, and d) individuals roll into the turn. In contrast to our expectations, when variability of speed in the flock is higher, flock shape and the positions of members in the flock are more static. We explain this and indicate the adaptive value of low variability of speed and spatial restriction of interaction and develop testable hypotheses.     

Cause of Senescence of Nine Sorts of Flowers

The levels of endogenous phytohormones and respiratory rate in nine sorts of flowers such as Cymbidium faberi Rolfe, Nopalxochia ackermannii Kunth and others were investigated both at full bloom and senescence and meanwhile the effect of exogenous phytohormones on prolonging the blossoms and promoting ethylene production were tested. There is a high content of endogenous ethylene in all the long-lived flowere, about 3–16 folds higer than the short-lived ones. There is a high level of ABA at full blooming flowers of short-lived flowers, in which there is no or only some cytokinins in it, but the ratio of CTK (6BA+zeatin)/ABA is smaller(l.7). The endogenous ABA reached a much higher level at senescence in all nine sorts of flowers, so it is reasonable to consider that it is ABA which plays an important role of regulation in controlling flower's senescence. There is a much higher level of GA3 and zeatin in the long-lived flowers which is not demonstrated in the shortlived ones. The respiratory rate is one of the factors controtling the longevity of flowers, but it does not play a decided role. Application of 6BA and zeatin prolongs distinctly orchid’s longevity, however exogenous IAA through the promotive action on ethylene production, evidently extends the longevity of the flowers of the Nopalxochia ackermannii Kunth.     

Shapes of curves of pH-dependence of reactions

A simple case is considered in which the rate of a two-step reaction depends on pH because the intermediate formed in the first step has to gain (or lose) a proton before it can react in the second step, and in which the rate-determining step therefore changes with pH. The curves of reaction rate against pH are shown to be symmetrical, and the sharpest peak possible has a width at half its height of 1.53pH units, i.e. of 2log(3+2 radical2). Any particular curve for this situation proves to be identical with a curve that could be generated for the pH-dependence of a single-step reaction in which the rate is proportional to the concentration of a particular ionic form of a reactant. Curves for the latter situation, however, can have forms impossible for the former case in which the rate-determining step changes, but only if the protonations that activate and deactivate the reactant are co-operative. The peak can then become even sharper, and its width at half its height can fall to 1.14pH units, i.e. to 2log(2+ radical3).     

Investigation of the mechanism of temperature sensitivity of the electroreceptors of ampullae of lorenzini

In experiments on Black Sea skates (Raja clavata), the potential of the receptor epithelium of the ampullae of Lorenzini and spike activity of single nerve fibers connected to them were investigated during electrical and temperature stimulation. Usually the potential within the canal was between 0 and –2 mV, and the input resistance of the ampulla 250–400 k. Heating of the region of the receptor epithelium was accompanied by a negative wave of potential, an increase in input resistance, and inhibition of spike activity. With worsening of the animal's condition the transepithelial potential became positive (up to +10 mV) but the input resistance of the ampulla during stimulation with a positive current was nonlinear in some cases: a regenerative spike of positive polarity appeared in the channel. During heating, the spike response was sometimes reversed in sign. It is suggested that fluctuations of the transepithelial potential and spike responses to temperature stimulation reflect changes in the potential difference on the basal membrane of the receptor cells, which is described by a relationship of the Nernst's or Goldman's equation type.I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. I. M. Sechenov, Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. Pacific Institute of Oceanology, Far Eastern Scientific Center, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Vladivostok. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 67–74, January–February, 1980.     

青蒿素生物合成机理研究现状

本文总结了目前有关青蒿素生物合成机理方面的研究,主要包括青蒿素生物合成中生理因子的影响,青蒿素生物合成中间体及前体,青蒿素生物合成细胞定位等。指出了存在的一些问题及今后的研究发展前景。     

Peculiarities of urea distribution in tissues of rats of different age

The content of urea was studied in protein-free filtrates of the liver kidneys, skeletal muscles, myocardium, spleen, brain tissues and blood serum as well as in urine of 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24-month rats. It is shown that at the age of 6 months the content of urine in most tissues under study is significantly decreased (by 42-73%), at the age of 12 months in the spleen and at the age of 24 months in the brain tissues as compared to the one-month animals. The level of urine decrease in the liver and brain tissues of 24-month animals is less pronounced than in other tissues, that corresponds to age peculiarities of their protein metabolism. A decrease of blood consumption per weight unit and a relative increase in the amount of nitrogen excreted with urine are observed with ageing. The arginase activity in the liver decreases essentially only in 3-month animals. A conclusion is drawn that peculiarities of food consumption and the character of changes in the urea content in tissues and urine are adaptation manifestation of an age decrease in the intensity of nitrogen metabolism and protein demand of the organism.     

Study of the Mode of Action of Some Nitrodiphenyl Ethers

Nitrosoderivatives of the nitrodiphenyl ether herbicides (nitrofen, bifenox) have been studied. UV irradiation in different organic solvents gives degradation products. In buffered aqueous media, in the presence of chloroplasts and spin traps such as DMPO, hydroxy and peroxy radicals have been characterized.

In organic media and in the presence of spin traps such as DMPO, PBN, 4-POBN, solvent radicals (CHCIl₂, CCI₃, CH₂O) have been formed.

Nitro-derivatives have been studied under UV irradiation and in the presence of tetramethylethylene (TME), alkenylhydroxylamines are formed which autoxidize in nitroxide radicals. The formation of the stable nitroxide radical occurs in the dark process after continuous irradiation. The intensity of the signal decreases strongly when a new irradiation is applied. Radical species, with analogous ESR spectral characteristics are formed on reaction with nitrodiphenyl ethers and fatty acids.

The reactivity of these herbicides in micellar media (SDS, Brij 35, and CTAB) has been investigated. The kinetics of formation of the ESR signal corresponding to the photoreduction of the nitrodiphenyl ether in the presence of TME behave differently in a micellar environment as compared to solution. The intensity of the formation of the nitroxide increases under irradiation and decreases in the dark; the rotational correlation time t_c has been determined for each type of micelle.

Synthetic nitrosodiphenyl ether made by the reduction of nitrodiphenyl ether using hydrogen gas and PtO₂ as a catalyst gives the corresponding amine, which is oxidized with rneta-chloroperbenzoic acid (m.CPBA). The nitrosodiphenyl ether in the presence of soja azolectin liposorne containing a fluorescent probe has been analysed. When this synthetic nitrosodiphenyl ether is added to a medium containing soja azolectin liposomes and a carboxyfluorescein, fluorescent probe placed inside the liposornes, a rapid increase in the fluorescence of the medium is observed. The nitrosodiphenyl ether induce a break in the liposorne membrane.     

Comparative study of genomes of two species of flax by C-banding of chromosomes

C-banding patterns of the karyotypes of two closely related wild flax species, Linum austriacum L. (2n = 18) and Linum grandiflorum Desf. (2n = 16), were studied. The karyotypes of both species were similar in the chromosome morphology and size. In each species, metacentric and acrocentric chromosomes (1.7-4.3 microns) and one satellite chromosome were observed. In the karyotypes of the species studied, all homologous chromosome pairs were identified, and quantitative ideograms were constructed. Eight chromosome pairs in the two species had similar C-banding patterns. A low level of intraspecific polymorphism in the intercalary and telomeric C-bands was shown in both species. The results indicate that the genomes of two flax species originated from one ancestral genome with the main chromosome number of 8 or 9. Apparently, the doubling of chromosome number or loss of one chromosome with subsequent redistribution of the chromosome material in the ancestral form resulted in the divergence into two species, L. austriacum L. and L. grandiflorum Desf. A considerable similarity of chromosomes in these species provides evidence for their close phylogenetic relatedness, which makes it possible to place them in one section within the Linum genus.     

Interrelation of diurnal rhythms of recirculation of lymphocytes and their synthesis of cAMP

The correlative analysis of diurnal rhythms of cell number and adenylate cyclase cellular activity was performed in the thymus, spleen and peripheral blood of Swiss mice, intact or thymectomized at the age of 3 months. The existence of somehow synchronized diurnal rhythms of cAMP exchange and cell recirculation was found in the peripheral lymphocyte pool and in the thymus. Diurnal rhythm of cAMP synthesis in peripheral lymphocytes was regulated by the thymus. Thymectomy led to desynchronization of recirculating processes and cyclic nucleotide metabolism in immunocompetent cells.     

Ecological features of cenofloras of subarctic tundras of Siberia

The cenofloras of moss tundras, dryas tundras, and cryophytic grassy bogs of Subarctic Yamal, Taimyr, and Yakutia have been compared in such parameters as activity and species richness of their ecological groups. Comparison of the three cenofloras of subarctic tundras in conditions of heat and moisture has shown that the habitats of Yamal noticeably differ from the habitats of Taimyr and Yakutia. In Yamal, the conditions are warmer in all the habitats except grassy bogs in the zone of typical tundras. Most habitats in Yamal are drier. The hydrothermal conditions of Taimyr and Yakutia are similar. The differences arise as the climate becomes increasingly more continental from west to east.     

Density of the neurovegetative innervation of the uterus of rats

Using the Karnovsky and Roots modified by E1 Badawi and Schenk's technic for the cholinergic innervation and with the method of Lindvall and Bj?rklund modified by de la Torre and Surgeon for the adrenergic ones, we demonstrate the innervation of each tissular layer, in cervix, corpus and cornua of the uterus of the she-rat in pro-oestrus state. A statistic evaluation is established for the different areas. The density of cholinergic innervation is richer than the adrenergic one. The number of cholinergic fibers is maximum in the cervix. It decreases in corpus and cornua especially in the mucosal and sub-mucosal layers. The density of the muscular nervous network is predominant in the corpus versus the cervix. The number of adrenergic nerves is maximum in corpus it diminishes in the cervix and the cornua. In each region, the muscular adrenergic network domines over the other tissular layers. We confirm statistically morphometric non parametric observations of these other authors.     

肠道菌群分析及粪便炎性标志物检测在炎症性肠病活动度评估中的作用

目的 探讨肠道菌群和粪便炎性标志物在炎症性肠病（IBD）活动度评估中的临床价值。方法 共纳入120例IBD患者为研究组,其中溃疡性结肠炎（UC）患者68例,克罗恩病（CD）患者52例。选择30例经结肠镜检查正常的健康体检者为对照组。采集全部研究对象的新鲜粪便标本进行粪便细菌培养及炎性标志物检测,比较不同疾病活动度IBD患者的肠道菌群及粪便钙卫蛋白（FC）、乳铁蛋白（LF）、基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）、髓过氧化酶（MPO）水平的变化。结果 与对照组比,UC和CD患者肠道中肠杆菌、肠球菌、拟杆菌、消化球菌及酵母菌数量均明显增加（P＜0.05）,双歧杆菌、乳杆菌及真杆菌数量明显减少（P＜0.05）。UC患者梭菌数量较对照组增加（P＜0.05）,CD患者梭菌数量较对照组减少（P＜0.05）。UC、CD活动期患者肠杆菌、肠球菌、拟杆菌、消化球菌及酵母菌数量明显多于缓解期患者（P＜0.05）,双歧杆菌、乳杆菌及真杆菌数量明显少于缓解期患者（P＜0.05）,且重度活动期患者肠道菌群改变较轻、中度活动期改变更明显（P＜0.05）。UC活动期患者梭菌数量明显多于缓解期（P＜0.05）,CD活动期患者梭菌数量明显少于缓解期（P＜0.05）。UC和CD患者粪便中FC、LF、MMP-9及MPO水平均显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）。UC、CD活动期患者FC、LF、MMP-9及MPO水平显著高于缓解期患者（P＜0.05）,且重度活动期患者高于轻、中度活动期患者（P＜0.05）。结论 肠道菌群变化和粪便中FC、LF、MMP-9及MPO水平可作为IBD患者疾病活动性评估的辅助指标。     

Effect of conditioning polarization of soma of giant neurons of mollusks on the mechanism of action-potential generation

To ascertain the properties of an excitable membrane of the soma of giant neurons of mollusks, experiments were carried out to study the effect of conditioning shift of the membrane potential on the mechanism of action-potential generation. The effect of conditioning was assessed from changes in the action-potential curve and its first derivative, as well as from the curve of transmembrane currents under voltage clamp conditions. It was found that a change in membrane potential evokes at least two reactions which have opposite effects on the mechanism of generation of action potentials. These reactions evidently have different time characteristics. One of these does not differ notably from the reaction recorded for other excitable structures, and is manifested in the activation (with hyperpolarization) or inactivation (with depolarization) of the mechanism generating action potentials. The other reaction contributes either to an increase (with depolarization) or a decrease (with hyperpolarization) in the efficiency of this mechanism. Conditioning polarization also has a marked effect on the system responsible for repolarization of the membrane during generation of action potentials. This effect is manifested in a change in the reaction of this system to tetraethylammonium ions. The specific membrane systems sustaining excitability and reacting to changes in the strength of the membrane's electrical field were found to be very inert. After a shift in the potential to a given stable level a rearrangement, lasting sometimes tens of seconds, takes place in the membrane.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 91–99, January–February, 1970.     

A model of the mechanisms of formation of unit activity

Dependence of the temporal structure of the spike discharge of a neuron in a weakly interacting network on the characteristics of excitatory and inhibitory input flows and on cell parameters was analyzed by a mathematical model. The intensity of communication between individual neurons corresponded to the intensity of synaptic communication between real spinal neurons. The temporal course of trace and accommodation processes in the model was similar to that of these processes in real spinal neurons. Connection of inhibitory inputs and an increase in the intensity of their influences were shown to be equivalent to a decrease in the intensity of excitatory input flows. Changes in cell parameters had a significant effect on the spike discharge only in the case of weak input influences (the ratio of the amplitude of the combined ESP evoked by the input spike train to the threshold value of membrane potential at rest was about 1.2:1.0 to 1.4:1.0). An increase in the input flow intensity led to considerable reorganization of the firing pattern: Mean values of interspike intervals and their fluctuations were reduced, histograms of interspike intervals became more symmetrical, and periodic waves appeared on the autocorrelation histograms. It is concluded on the basis of these results and of data in the literature that the main factor determining reorganization of the temporal structure of unit activity in a network of weakly interacting cells is the intensity of the input flow.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 199–207, March–April, 1980.     

Evaluation of Media, Time and Temperature of Incubation, and Method of Enumeration of Several Strains of Clostridium perfringens Spores

Two basal media, containing the ingredients found in common in both SPS (BBL) and TSN (BBL) media and in the previously described media of Schaedler et al. (1965) and Starr et al (1971), but minus antibiotics, were selected as the most suitable for the enumeration of Clostridium perfringens spores in a model system. These media were also used to study the influence of the presence of glucose, xylose, or ribose in various concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0%) on colony morphology and spore recovery. As the sugar concentration in the basal agar medium increased, the colonies of all the test organisms also increased in size, and more of the black colonies became white in color. At the 1.0% sugar level, glucose permitted only white colony development, whereas the pentoses were completely inhibitory. Both pour plates and most-probable-number tubes were inoculated with the spores of several strains of C. perfringens and incubated at 20, 30, 37, and 45 C for 24, 48, and 72 h. Statistical analyses of the enumeration data indicated, at the 99% confidence level, that a Trypticase(BBL)-yeast extract-glucose-sulfite-iron agar gave maximal population estimates at 37 C in 72 h.