Experimental verification of dynamic soaring in albatrosses.

Dynamic soaring is a small-scale flight manoeuvre which is the basis for the extreme flight performance of albatrosses and other large seabirds to travel huge distances in sustained non-flapping flight. As experimental data with sufficient resolution of these small-scale movements are not available, knowledge is lacking about dynamic soaring and the physical mechanism of the energy gain of the bird from the wind. With new in-house developments of GPS logging units for recording raw phase observations and of a dedicated mathematical method for postprocessing these measurements, it was possible to determine the small-scale flight manoeuvre with the required high precision. Experimental results from tracking 16 wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans) in the southern Indian Ocean show the characteristic pattern of dynamic soaring. This pattern consists of four flight phases comprising a windward climb, an upper curve, a leeward descent and a lower curve, which are continually repeated. It is shown that the primary energy gain from the shear wind is attained in the upper curve where the bird changes the flight direction from windward to leeward. As a result, the upper curve is the characteristic flight phase of dynamic soaring for achieving the energy gain necessary for sustained non-flapping flight.

[Interaction of mutant genes Fgf5(go-Y), we, and wal changes the duration of hair growth cycles in mice].

Mutant gene wallhaarig (wa) was acting as a modifier of the mutant gene waved alopecia (wal), substantially increasing hair loss rate in mice, as was previously shown in our laboratory. The current paper is devoted to a study of mutant gene angora- Y(Fgf5(go-Y)), which had extended anagen stage of the first and second generations hair growth cycles in triple heterozygotes (Fgf5(go-Y)/Fgf5(go-Y) we/we wal/wal). First generation guard hair in triple homozygotes had their anagen stage 4 days longer than the same stage in double homozygotes (+/+ we/we wal/wal). Hair loss started at a catagen stage in double homozygotes, while it started in triple homozygotes at the end of the same stage or even in a telogen. Such mutant gene interaction in hair follicle morphogenesis led to a partial recovery of a body hair coat in triple homozygotes.

Insight of scent: experimental evidence of olfactory capabilities in the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans).

Wandering albatrosses routinely forage over thousands of kilometres of open ocean, but the sensory mechanisms used in the food search itself have not been completely elucidated. Recent telemetry studies show that some spatial behaviours of the species are consistent with the 'multimodal foraging strategy' hypothesis which proposes that birds use a combination of olfactory and visual cues while foraging at sea. The 'multimodal foraging strategy' hypothesis, however, still suffers from a lack of experimental evidence, particularly regarding the olfactory capabilities of wandering albatrosses. As an initial step to test the hypothesis, we carried out behavioural experiments exploring the sensory capabilities of adult wandering albatrosses at a breeding colony. Three two-choice tests were designed to investigate the birds' response to olfactory and visual stimuli, individually or in combination. Perception of the different stimuli was assessed by comparing the amount of exploration directed towards an 'experimental' display or a 'control' display. Our results indicate that birds were able to perceive the three types of stimulus presented: olfactory, visual and combined. Moreover, olfactory and visual cues were found to have additional effects on the exploratory behaviours of males. This simple experimental demonstration of reasonable olfactory capabilities in the wandering albatross supports the 'multimodal foraging strategy' and is consistent with recent hypotheses of the evolutionary history of procellariiforms.

[The angora gene weakens the effect of interaction of the mutant genes wellhaarig and waved alopecia in mice].

The interaction of the mutant genes wellhaarig (we) and waved alopecia (wal) in mice was earlier demonstrated in our laboratory. The we gene significantly accelerates the appearance of alopecia in double we/wewal/wal homozygotes as compared to that in single +/+ wal/wal homozygotes. It has been found in this work that the mutant gene angora-Y (Fgf5(go-Y)) weakens the effect of interaction of the we and wal genes. The first signs of alopecia appear in mice of the we/wewal/wal genotype at the age of 14 days, in triple FgfS(go-Y)/Fgf5(go-Y) we/wewal/wal homozygotes alopecia is observed seven days later, i. e., in 21-day-old animals. The progression of alopecia in triple homozygotes is expressed to a lesser degree than in double +/+ we/wewal/wal homozygotes. A single dose of the Fgf5(go-Y) gene also decreases the effect of interaction of the we and wal genes, but less than a double dose of this gene. The first signs of alopecia in mice of the +/Fgf5(go-Y) we/wewal/wal genotype appear only three days later than in double +/+ we/wewal/wal homozygotes. The data obtained demonstrate that the Fgf5(go) gene is a powerful modifier of mutant genes determining the process of alopecia.

[Survival of transgenic mouse embryos carrying different genetic constructs].

The survival of transgenic mouse embryos was studied as a function of the transgene structure. The data obtained indicate that the introduction of a chromosomal DNA fragment providing for the anchoring of interphase chromosomes on the nuclear envelope increases the efficiency of transgenesis in mice threefold due to their increased viability.

[Gene angora as a modifier of the mouse hairless gene].

The interactions between mouse angora-Y (Fgf5go-Y) and hairless (hr) genes have been studied. Homozygous mutant gene Fgf5go-Y increases hair length starting on day 14 after birth. We obtained mice with genotypes +/+ hr/hr F2, +/Fgf5go-Y hr/hr and Fgf5go-Y/Fgf5go-Y hr/hr. Both +/Fgf5go-Y hr/hr and +/+ hr/hr mice began to loose hair from their heads on day 14. This further extended on the whole body. On day 21 the mice were completely deprived of hair. Therefore a single dose of gene Fgf5go-Y does not affect alopecia mice homozygous for hr. However in double homozygotes Fgf5go-Y/Fgf5gO-hr/hr alopecia started 4 days later, namely on day 18. It usually finished 10-12 days after detection of first bald patches. On days 28-30 double homozygotes have lost all the hair. Hair loss in double homozygous mice was 1,5-fold slower than in +/+ hr/hr mice. This resulted from a significant extension of anagen phase induced by a mutant homozygous gene Fgf5go-Y in morphogenesis of the hair follicle. In contrast, hr gene was expressed only at the transmission phase from anagen to catagen. Our data shows that the angora gene is a modifier of the hairless gene and this results in a strong repression of alopecia progression in double homozygous mice compared to +/+ hr/hr animals.

[Gene angora enhances the effects of gene waved alopecia in mice].

Interaction between the mutant gene angora-Y (Fgf5(go-Y)) and the mutant gene waved alopecia (wal) in mice has been studied. Gene Fgf5(go-Y) in a homozygous state increases the length of hair of all types, whereas the homozygotes at wal gene display a waved hair with subsequent development of partial alopecia. Crosses between Fgf5(go-Y)/Fgf5(go-Y) and wal/wal mice gave the animals displaying the genotypes +/Fgf5(go-Y) wal/wal and Fgf5(go-Y)/Fgf5(go-Y) wal/walas well as F2 +/+ wal/wal mice. The first signs of alopecia in F2 +/+ wal/wal appear at the same time as in the mutant wal/wal BALB/c mice. This demonstrates that the genetic background has no effect on the expression of mutant gene wal. A single dose of gene Fgf5(go-Y) in +/Fgf5(go-Y) wal/wal mice causes a considerably earlier appearance of the first signs of alopecia compared with the +/+ wal/wal single homozygotes. The signs of alopecia in double homozygotes Fgf5(go-Y)/Fgf5(go-Y) wal/wal appear even earlier than in the mice +/Fgf5(go-Y) wal/wal. By the end of the first month after birth, the majority of double homozygotes have a virtually bold back with preserved scarce long hairs, guard hairs. Alopecia covers also the sides and belly. However, the head retains its hair and the regions of thinned long hairs remain on the limbs and near the tail base. The data obtained demonstrate that gene Fgf5(go-Y) is a modifier of gene wal, as it enhances considerably the effect of gene wal. This appears in an earlier development of alopecia and its more pronounced progress in the mice with genotypes +/Fgf5(go-Y) wal/wal and, particularly, Fgf5(go-Y)/Fgf5(go-Y) wal/wal.

[Substantiation of an optimal protein quota in the diet of patients with chronic pancreatitis based on the study of nitrogen balance]. / Obosnovanie optimal'noi kvoty belka v ratsione bol'nykh khronicheskim pancreatitom po dannym issledovanii azotistogo balansa.

Based on nitrogenous balance studies performed under the clinical conditions in patients with chronic pancreatitis given the diet with different protein content (80, 120 and 150 g/day) it is recommended that the optimal protein quota should be equal to 114-120 g/day in the diets intended for patients' population in question.

[Clinicobiochemical basis of using new products and dietary rations in the therapy of peptic ulcer]. / Kliniko-biokhimicheskoe obosnovanie ispol'zovaniia novykh produktov i dieticheskikh ratsionov v terapii iazvennoi bolezni.

A number of new diets and new products were apparaised from the standpoint of their effect on metabolic and pathophysiological disturbances seen in peptic ulcer. Application of new protein products, and qualitatively different fat that exert pathogenetic action on metabolism and function of the gastroduodenal system is especially promising. The enhanced acid-producing and enzyme-excretory functions of the gastric mucosa seen in peptic ulcer are less amenable by the alimentary factor. In this aspect it is necessary to go on with studies into the inhibitory effect of different dietary factors on proteolytic enzymes. The new data on the pathogenesis and symptomatology of peptic ulcer enabled a more weighed approach to the diet with the use of products having the increased biological value.

[Nature of the enzymopathies following gastric resection for peptic ulcer]. / Kharakter énzimopatii posle rezektsii zheludka po povodu iazvennoi bolezni.

Activity of the enzymes of local and overall biological actions was examined in a group of patients who had suffered gastric resection for peptic ulcer. The studies revealed enzymopathies of 2 types. The type I enzymopathy arises from deficiency of the enzymes implicated in digestion of food, while the type II enzymopathy is determined by abnormality of the mediator-enzymatic balance in the neurohumoral system. The enzymopathy pattern should be taken into consideration while deciding on a pathogenetically validated treatment.

[Effect of diet therapy on pancreatic exocrine function in chronic enterocolitis]. / Vliianie dietoterapii na vneshnesekretornuiu funktsiiu podzheludochnoi zhelezy u bol'nykh khronicheskim énterokolitom.

The patients with chronic enterocolitis demonstrated considerable changes in exocrine pancreatic function, manifesting in hyperfermentemia, disorders of basal secretion of enzymes, as well as in alterations in the pancreatic response to administration of stimulants. Application of diet 4 with an increased protein quota, restricted number of oligosaccharides and extractive substances favoured normalization of the activity of pancreatic enzymes along with improvement in the patient's clinical status.

[Effect of the alimentary factor on certain indices of the functional state of the pancreas in young peptic ulcer patients and atrophic gastritis patients]. / Vliianie alimentarnogo faktora na nekotorye pokazateli funktsional'nogo sostoianiia podzheludochnoi zhelezy u bol'nykh iazvennoi bolezn'iu v iunosheskom vozraste i bol'nykh atroficheskim gastritom.

The activity of amylase, lipase and trypsin was increased and that of the trypsin inhibitor decreased in the blood serum of young peptic ulcer patients as compared with healthy persons. The antiulcerous dietetics normalized significantly the parameters studied. Similar highly pronounced shifts in the activity of the blood pancreatic enzymes were revealed in atrophic gastritis patients. Hyperamilasuria and clinical symptoms of pancreatitis were not observed both in the peptic patients, and in the atrophic gastritis patients. The shifts in the blood content of pancreatic enzymes and their dynamics correlated mainly with the intensity and dynamics of the disturbances in the locomotive function of the gastroduodenal system.

[State of the external secretory function of the pancreas in chronic enterocolitis]. / Sostoianie vneshnesekretornoi funktsii podzheludochnoi zhelezy u bol'nykh khronicheskim énterokolitom.

Activities of main pancreatic enzymes as well as activity of trypsin inhibitor were studied in blood serum, duodenal contents and urine in course of investigations of the exocrinic function of pancreas in patients. The exocrinic function of pancreas was found to be impaired in chronic enterocolitis. The impairment of the gland secretion, caused by inflammatory and atrophic alterations in intestine, might be one of the factors responsible for alterations in the enzymatic activity and in activity of trypsin inhibitor. Complex examination of the pancreatic enzymes and of trypsin inhibitor supplied an adequate information on the state of exocrinic function of pancreatic gland in the patients with chronic enterocolitis.

[Clinical course and diet therapy of peptic ulcer in young persons]. / Osobennosti klinicheskogo techeniia i dieticheskoi terapii iazvennoi bolezni v iunosheskom vozraste.

In 136 patients of young age features distinguishing the clinical course of peptic ulcer were studied. The diagnosis was established on the ground of roentgenological and endoscopic investigations. The nervous state was studied and the part played by psycho-emotional and stress factors in the development of peptic ulcer was ascertained on the basis of an analysis into the results of some vegetovascular and electrophysiological investigations. For the category of patients in question a high-protein and fat-rich diet (120-130 g) was composed. It was found to have a beneficial effect on the course of peptic ulcer, a high percentage of scarred ulcerations (78%) having been obtained by comparison with controls, who were kept on a diet with normal amounts of protein and fat. It is suggested that the effect of the treatment with the described diet is achieved thanks to increased buffer properties of the food ration, to the inhibitory action of the fat on the gastric secretion, and on account of intensified reperative processes going on in the gastroduodenal mucosa.

[Effect of a diet containing protein-mineral enrichment on the course of chronic gastritis with secretory inadequacy and ulcer desease]. / Vliianie diet, soderzhashchikh belkovo-mineral'nyi obogatitel', na techenie khronicheskogo gastrita s sekretornoi nedostatochnost'iu i iazvennoi bolezni

The effect of a rational diet and of antiulcerous diets containing a proteinic-mineral enrichment (in an amount of 20--30 g) on the clinical symptomatology, the peripheral blood picture and some biochemical blood serum characteristics in patients with atrophic gastritis and duodenal ulcer was studied. In cases of atrophic gastritis with hypoferremia the proteinic enrichment was incorporated in the diet (rational) in an amount of 80--90 g per day. Control observations were conducted over analogous groups of patients receiving the same diets, but without proteinic enrichment. These observations continued over a period of 30--40 days. Thanks to a high content of easily assimilated iron and a well-balanced amino acids composition the proteinic-mineral enrichment has been found to be a valuable food product that is capable of favourably influencing the hemopoietic function of the organism and improving the blood proteins composition. Most patients with atrophic gastritis and peptic ulcer tolerate well the products and meals carrying additions of the proteinic enrichment.