Blood Serum Amino Acid Pool of European Migratory Chiroptera Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758 and Pipistrellus nathusii Keyserling et Blasius, 1839 of the Ural Fauna.

The pool of free amino acids (AAs) in the blood serum was studied in two European migratory bat species, Vespertilio murinus and Pipistrellus nathusii, of the Urals. Bats from this year's bloods were examined, and significant differences were observed in main metabolic groups of free AAs, including glycogenic (GGAAs), nonessential (NEAAs), essential (EAAs), and sulfur-containing (SCAAs) AAs (p < 0.05). Based on the percent content of the metabolic groups in the total AA pool, GGAAs (79.7%) and EAAs (49.4%) were found to predominate in P. nathusii, and GGAAs (74.9%) and NEAAs (58.4%), in V. murinus. No difference in AAA and BCAA contents was observed between V. murinus and P. nathusii (p > 0.05). The migratory species were shown to significantly differ in the metabolic groups of serum AAs from the resident species Myotis dasycneme (p < 0.05).

Seasonal Variation of Immunohematological Parameters of the Peripheral Blood in the Pond Bat Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825) of the Urals.

Immunohematological parameters were for the first time studied in the pond bat Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825), the most common chiropteran species in the Urals, during seasonal periods of the annual life cycle. Multivariate nonparametric analysis of variance showed the absence of significant gender differences in red blood cell parameters (p = 0.35). Gender differences were observed in the counts of white blood cells, band neutrophils, segments neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the blood (p < 0.05). Males showed a higher development of innate immunity in summer compared with females (p < 0.05). A high lymphocyte level (50.6-53.5%) was observed in both males and females in the autumn-winter hibernation period, providing immune surveillance and specific reactive activation of the acquired adaptive immune response.

Functional Activity of the Blood System in Two Migratory Bat Species of the Urals.

Functional activity of the blood system was studied in two migratory Ural species, Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758 and Pipistrellus nathusii Keyserling et Blasius, 1839. A multivariate nonparametric ANOVA of red blood parameters showed significant interspecific differences (p < 0.05) between the migrating bats and the resident species pond bat. A certain genetically determined multidirectionality in the mobilization of emergency regulation mechanisms of the lymphoid blood system was observed in bats.

Assessment of Seasonal Variability of the Spectrum of Free Amino Acids in the Blood Plasma of the Boreal Bat Species (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825) of the Ural Fauna.

A comparative analysis of the content of free amino acids in the blood plasma of a representative of the bat fauna of the Urals, Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825), in seasonal periods of their annual life cycle is presented for the first time. The blood plasma of the pond bats contains a full spectrum of essential amino acids: threonine, valine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, arginine, histidine, and tryptophan. A significant accumulation of metabolically active glucoplastic alanine in the blood of M. dasycneme in the autumn (2.5 times) and winter (2.2 times) periods indicates its role as a low-temperature adaptogen.

Immunohematological Parameters of Ectothermal Amphibians of the Fauna of the Middle Urals: Siberian Salamander Salamandrella Keyserlingii Dybovsky, 1870 (Caudata) and Lake Frog Pelophylax Ridibundus Pallas, 1771 (Anura).

A comparative analysis of hematological parameters was for the first time performed in two ectothermal amphibians of the Middle Ural fauna, the Siberian salamander Salamandrella keyserlingii and lake frog Pelophylax ridibundиs. Species specificity of immune defense was demonstrated with respect to granulocyte and agranulocyte counts (p < 0.001). A high lymphocyte content (73.3-76.1%) of provides for the activation of acquired adaptive immunity mechanisms in the thermophilic lake frog. The Siberian salamander is adapted to low negative temperatures and has a set of nonspecific leukocytes (39.3-44.4%). Innate immunity is better developed in the Siberian salamander compared with the lake frog.

Amino Acid Spectrum in the Blood of the Endemic and Invasive Amphibian Species in the Fauna of the Ural.

For the first time, the results of a comparative analysis of free amino acids in the blood plasma of amphibians of the Ural fauna are presented: an endemic species (Siberian salamander (Salamandrella keyserlingii Dybovsky, 1870)) and an invasive species (marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus Pallas, 1771)). The species diversity of adaptive strategies of thermoresistant amphibionts both to negative and positive temperatures is shown.

Characteristic Immunohematological Parameters of Migratory (Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758) and Resident (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825) Bat Species of the Ural Fauna.

The results of the first comparative analysis of hematological parameters of bats from natural populations of the Ural region are presented: the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825), which is a resident species, and the two-colored bat (Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758), which is a migratory species. Significant differences in the content of white blood cells (p = 0.05), red blood cells and platelets (p = 0.001) were shown. Interspecific differences were found in the leukograms of the studied bats both in the content of granulocytes (p = 0.04) and agranulocytes (p = 0.05). Migrating V. murinus are characterized by a significant contribution of the nonspecific protective system of the blood (54.9%) to the adaptive reactions of the body. In the pond bat, a pronounced lymphocytic profile (58.5%) indicates the activation of acquired adaptive immunity. Two-colored bats in comparison with pond bats are characterized by a higher level of innate immunity.

Comparative Analysis of the Amino Acid Spectrum of Blood Plasma in Chiroptera (Vespertilio murinus L., 1758 and Myotis dasycneme B., 1825) in the Fauna of the Ural Mountains.

The article presents the results of a new comparative analysis of free amino acids in the blood plasma of representatives of insectivorous Chiroptera (Mammalia: Vespertilionidae) in the fauna of the Ural Mountains: the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825) and the parti-colored bat (Vespertilio murinus Linnaeus, 1758). This is the first study to show the species variability of free amino acids in resident and migratory species of bats from different ecosystems of the Ural Region.

Rapid use of resources as a basis of the Heracleum sosnowskyi invasive syndrome.

The functional properties of the invasive Heracleum sosnowskyi were compared with those of the native Heracleum sibiricum. The leaf and root traits, as well as those of a whole plant and of the mycorrhiza formation, were studied. H. sosnowskyi can fulfill the high-productivity potential only under the optimum availability of resources (especially water), while it is poorly adapted to maintain a high physiological activity under the unfavorable soil conditions. An important component of the H. sosnowskyi invasiveness is an ability to utilize rapidly resources in both the above- and underground areas at the optimum conditions.

Morphological diversity of mole vole mono- and polymorphic populations: Does Chernov's "compensation principle" work within a population?

The ecological "compensation principle" enunciated by Yu.I. Chernov, who suggested a higher level of compensatory diversity in communities depleted in composition, proved to be also applicable to a single population, as demonstrated in a model rodent species, mole vole with mono- and polymorphic coat color, using the methods of geometric morphometrics. The mandible shape diversity was significantly increased in the monomorphic as compared to polymorphic populations, in which the division of foraging activities between animals of different morphs led to a suppression of general morphological diversity.

New data on avifauna of the Ustyurt plateau in the Holocene.

Bone remains of birds from a location of the middle Subboreal period and from three locations of the early Subatlantic period were studied on the Ustyurt plateau (Kazakhstan). Three out of 17 avian species that have been identified (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Falco peregrinus, and Nyctea scandiaca) proved to be absent in the modern fauna of the region. Our data on the bird fauna of the Ustyurt Plateau in the second half of the Middle Holocene and at the beginning of the Late Holocene indicate that, in that time, the migration routes of the little cormorant, peregrine, and snowy owl passed across the Ustyurt territory and the wintering sites of peregrine and snowy owl were more extensive and were also situated in Ustyurt. In the second half of the Late Holocene, the number of wintering sites of these species diminished and their migration routes have been altered.

Reorganization of low-molecular-weight fraction of plasma proteins in the annual cycle of cyprinidae.

Reorganization of the low-molecular-weight fraction of cyprinid plasma was analyzed using various electrophoretic techniques (disc electrophoresis, electrophoresis in polyacrylamide concentration gradient, in polyacrylamide with urea, and in SDS-polyacrylamide). The study revealed coordinated changes in the low-molecular-weight protein fractions with seasonal dynamics and related reproductive rhythms of fishes. We used cultured species of the Cyprinidae family with sequenced genomes for the detection of these interrelations in fresh-water and anadromous cyprinid species. The common features of organization of fish low-molecular-weight plasma protein fractions made it possible to make reliable identification of their proteins. MALDI mass-spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of the same proteins (hemopexin, apolipoproteins, and serpins) in the low-molecular-weight plasma fraction in wild species and cultured species with sequenced genomes (carp, zebrafish). It is found that the proteins of the first two classes are organized as complexes made of protein oligomers. Stoichiometry of these complexes changes in concordance with the seasonal and reproductive rhythms.

Sex-specific behavioral and thalamo-accumbal circuit adaptations after oxycodone abstinence.

Opioid use disorder is marked by a progressive change in the motivation to administer the drug even in the presence of negative consequences. After long periods of abstinence, the urge to return to taking the drug intensifies over time, known as incubation of craving. Conditioned responses to drug-related stimuli, can acquire motivational properties and exert control over motivated behaviors leading to relapse. Although, preclinical data suggest that the behavioral expression of opioid use is similar between male and female rodents, we do not have conclusive results on sex differences on craving and relapse across abstinence periods. Here, we investigated the effects of abstinence from oxycodone self-administration on neurotransmission in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) to nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) pathway in male and female rats. Using optogenetics and ex vivo electrophysiology, we assessed synaptic strength and glutamate release probability in this pathway, as well as NAcSh medium spiny neurons (MSN) intrinsic excitability, in slices from rats which were subjected to either 1 (acute) or 14 (prolonged) days of forced abstinence after self-administration. Our results revealed no sex differences in oxycodone self-administration or somatic withdrawal symptoms following acute abstinence. However, we found a sex-specific enhancement in cue-induced relapse after prolonged, but not acute, abstinence from oxycodone self-administration, with females exhibiting higher relapse rates. Notably, prolonged abstinence led to similar increases in synaptic strength at PVT-NAcSh inputs compared to saline controls in both sexes, which was not observed after acute abstinence. Thus, prolonged abstinence results in a time-dependent increase in PVT-NAcSh synaptic strength and sex-specific effects on cue-induced relapse rates. These findings suggest that prolonged abstinence leads to significant synaptic changes, contributing to heightened relapse vulnerability, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutic strategies in opioid use disorder.

Postsynaptic induction and presynaptic expression of hippocampal long-term depression.

Long-term depression (LTD) is an activity-dependent decrease in synaptic efficacy that together with its counterpart, long-term potentiation, is thought to be an important cellular mechanism for learning and memory in the mammalian brain. The induction of LTD in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in neonatal rats is shown to depend on postsynaptic calcium ion entry through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels paired with the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Although induced postsynaptically, LTD is due to a long-term decrease in transmitter release from presynaptic terminals. This suggests that LTD is likely to require the production of a retrograde messenger.

Regulation of hippocampal transmitter release during development and long-term potentiation.

Developmental changes in rat hippocampal transmitter release and synaptic plasticity were investigated. Recordings from pairs of pyramidal neurons in slices showed that an action potential in a CA3 neuron released only a single quantum of transmitter onto a CA1 neuron. Failures of synaptic transmission reflected probabilistic transmitter release. The probability of release (Pr) was 0.9 in 4- to 8-day-old rats and decreased to less than 0.5 at 2 to 3 weeks. Long-term potentiation (LTP) in 2- to 3-week-old rats was associated with an increase in Pr from a single synaptic site. The high initial Pr in 4- to 8-day-old rats normally occludes the expression of LTP at this stage.

Brown bear attacks on humans: a worldwide perspective.

The increasing trend of large carnivore attacks on humans not only raises human safety concerns but may also undermine large carnivore conservation efforts. Although rare, attacks by brown bears Ursus arctos are also on the rise and, although several studies have addressed this issue at local scales, information is lacking on a worldwide scale. Here, we investigated brown bear attacks (n = 664) on humans between 2000 and 2015 across most of the range inhabited by the species: North America (n = 183), Europe (n = 291), and East (n = 190). When the attacks occurred, half of the people were engaged in leisure activities and the main scenario was an encounter with a female with cubs. Attacks have increased significantly over time and were more frequent at high bear and low human population densities. There was no significant difference in the number of attacks between continents or between countries with different hunting practices. Understanding global patterns of bear attacks can help reduce dangerous encounters and, consequently, is crucial for informing wildlife managers and the public about appropriate measures to reduce this kind of conflicts in bear country.

Recruitment of new sites of synaptic transmission during the cAMP-dependent late phase of LTP at CA3-CA1 synapses in the hippocampus.

Long-term potentiation at CA3-CA1 hippocampal synapses exhibits an early phase and a late phase, which can be distinguished by their underlying molecular mechanisms. Unlike the early phase, the late phase is dependent on both cAMP and protein synthesis. Quantal analysis of unitary synaptic transmission between a single presynaptic CA3 neuron and a single postsynaptic CA1 neuron suggests that, under certain conditions, the early phase of LTP involves an increase in the probability of release of a single quantum of transmitter from a single presynaptic release site, with no change in the number of quanta that are released or in postsynaptic sensitivity to transmitter. Here, we show that the cAMP-induced late phase of LTP involves an increase in the number of quanta released in response to a single presynaptic action potential, possibly due to an increase in the number of sites of synaptic transmission between a single CA3 and a single CA1 neuron.

Essential roles in synaptic plasticity for synaptogyrin I and synaptophysin I.

We have generated mice lacking synaptogyrin I and synaptophysin I to explore the functions of these abundant tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins of synaptic vesicles. Single and double knockout mice were alive and fertile without significant morphological or biochemical changes. Electrophysiological recordings in the hippocampal CA1 region revealed that short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity were severely reduced in the synaptophysin/synaptogyrin double knockout mice. LTP was decreased independent of the induction protocol, suggesting that the defect in LTP was not caused by insufficient induction. Our data show that synaptogyrin I and synaptophysin I perform redundant and essential functions in synaptic plasticity without being required for neurotransmitter release itself.

Dual MAP kinase pathways mediate opposing forms of long-term plasticity at CA3-CA1 synapses.

Although the function of the p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway in long-term potentiation at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses has been well described, relatively little is known about the importance of the p38 MAP kinase pathway in synaptic plasticity. Here we show that the p38 MAP kinase pathway, a parallel signaling cascade activated by distinct upstream kinases, mediates the induction of metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent long-term depression at CA3-CA1 synapses. Thus, two parallel MAP kinase pathways contribute to opposing forms of long-term plasticity at a central synapse.