Experimental Study of Rheoreaction of the European River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis (L.) Downstream Migrating Smolts under Various Illumination.

Rheoreaction of the downstream migrating smolts of the European river lamprey was studied in the experimental conditions at illuminations of day and night intensity. It was found that at the daytime the smolts are mostly dormant and if move downstream then in active-passive form (with the head against the stream, and their speed going beyond the velocity). This data is well within the findings on the night downstream migration of the smolts during the 24h period in natural conditions. Thus, the downstream migration of the smolts has an active form.

[Experience of using the antibacterial drug Fosfomycin Esparma for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis in women].

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antibacterial drug fosfomycin trometamol (Fosfomycin Esparma) in women of reproductive age with acute uncomplicated cystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to assess the efficacy and safety of using fosfomycin trometamol (Fosfomycin Esparma), a prospective, non-randomized, uncontrolled study involving 32 women with acute uncomplicated cystitis was carried out. The average patients age was 27.3+/-3.1 years. Before the study, all women underwent a general clinical, bacteriological, and ultrasound examination. Inclusion criteria was the presence of pathognomonic symptoms of acute uncomplicated cystitis. Exclusion criteria were as following: complicated urinary tract infection, anatomical and functional disorders of the urinary tract, comorbidities. All patients were prescribed a study drug at a dose of 3 g, once. The efficiency of therapy was evaluated on days 3 and 14 after administration of Fosfomycin Esparma based on clinical and microbiological cure and safety. RESULTS: The only bacterial pathogen isolated from the urine was E. coli. In 4 cases (12.5%) strains produced extended-spectrum -lactamase. The sensitivity of E. coli to fosfomycin, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin and meropenem was 100%. A resistance to ampicillin was 15.6%, compared to 9.4% for levofloxacin and norfloxacin and 12% for cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefpoxin. By the 3rd day after receiving fosfomycin, the symptoms of cystitis were resolved in all patients. On day 14, according to the results of the urine culture, there was no growth of bacteria. During the follow-up period, no significant side effects was detected. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that antibacterial drug Fosfomycin Esparma in women of reproductive age with acute uncomplicated cystitis is effective and safe. Maintaining a high sensitivity to fosfomycin allows us to recommend this drug as an empirical antibiotic therapy in this cohort of patients.

[A comparative analysis of intravesical sodium hyaluronate monotherapy and its combination with oral chondroitin sulfate in patietns with bladder pain syndrome/intersticial cystitis].

AIM: It is established that intravesical sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate has high efficacy in patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). Currently, an oral form of chondroitin sulfate is also available. The aim of study was to compare the efficacy of intravesical hyaluronic acid monotherapy and long-term oral chondroitin sulfate in combination with intravesical therapy in patients with BPS/IC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 59 patients with BPS/IC were randomized in two groups. In Group 1, 30 women (mean age 57.1 years) received viscoelastic solution of sodium hyaluronate 50 ml 1 time per week for 12 weeks as intravesical monotherapy. In Group 2 (n=29), patients were prescribed to complex therapy, which included the similar intravesical therapy combined with chondroitin sulfate in a dose 0.39 g, 2 capsules 3 times a day, also for 12 weeks. All patients completed visual analogue scale (VAS), interstitial cystitis symptom index (ISCI), interstitial cystitis problems index (ICPI) and voiding diary before and 1 week after the start of therapy. In all cases a cystoscopy and urodynamic study were performed in order to exclude other bladder pathologies. RESULTS: At baseline, a mean VAS score in both groups was 7 points, a mean ISCI score was 17 points in Group 1 and 18 points in Group 2 (p>0.1). The mean ICPI score in both groups was 15 points. A frequency of urination in Group 1 and 2 was 11.4 and 11.6 per day, respectively (p>0,1). A mean volume of urination was 138+/-24.6 and 131+/-18.6 , respectively. After 12 weeks of therapy there was significant improvement of VAS, ICSI and ICPI scores in both groups, as well as frequency and volume of urination, but in Group 2 an improvement in almost all parameters studied, except for the volume of urination, was more pronounced. CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of BPS/IC with intravesical hyaluronic acid and oral chondroitin sulfate provides significantly better results in comparison with intravesical hyaluronic acid as monotherapy.

Circadian Rhythms and Locomotor Activity of Smolts of the European River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis (L.).

Locomotor activity was investigated in smolts of the European river lamprey at alternation of light and darkness (12/12 h) and in the dark. Two groups of smolts were discerned differing in the level of locomotor activity. The presence of the circadian rhythm in smolts has been revealed, and its role in downstream migration has been shown. The locomotor activity leading smolts to channel flow increases with decreasing illumination at evening twilight. The period of high nocturnal activity is completed a short time before morning twilight, under the action of the individual circadian rhythm. This decreases the probability of impact of predators on migrating smolts.

Comparative Analysis of the Concentrations of Ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl‒) in the Blood of the Brown Trout Salmo trutta from Different Rivers.

The contents of ions in the blood have been compared in three ecological groups of brown trout (parr, mature, and resident) living in rives of the basins of Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga. Brown trout from the Alats-oya (the Ladoga basin, remote from two other rivers belonging to the Onega Lake) is characterized by the lowest concentrations of the Na+, Ca2+, and Cl- ions in blood. The probable effect of the ion level in blood of brown trout on selection of life strategy is discussed.

Paramagnetics melanin and Mn2+ in black soldier fly Hermetia illucens.

Larva, prepupa (last instar larva), pupa, and an empty shell of pupa after hatching of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens contain eumelanin, an active synthesis of which is observed at the prepupal stage, which is probably due to the release of prepupa from the feed substrate thickness to the open space for pupation. It was shown for the first time that prepupa contains high quantities of the magnetically active form of manganese Mn2+. This fact indicates that Mn2+ stimulates the copper-containing tyrosinase-the key enzyme in the synthesis of melanin in the period of migration and adaptation of the insect to the solar radiation.

Characteristics of lipid fractions of larvae of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens.

The lipid fraction of larvae of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens was shown to contain lauric acid (38.43 wt %) and its esters, azelaic and sebacic acids, and azelaic acid dibutyl ester. The dominant compound in the group of identified glycerides was lauric acid monoglyceride (0.70 wt %). Glycerides were also represented by triglycerides and diglycerides of lauric acid. Sterols were represented primarily by phytosterols (over 75%), the major of which was alpha-sitosterol (45%). The identified lipid complex composition is apparently determined by the biological characteristics of the fly Hermetia illucens and ensures antibacterial defence of larvae and stability of lipids at changing ambient temperature.

[BLOCKING SENSORIMOTOR DISORDERS IN STRIATIC DOPAMINERGIC DEFICIENT MICE BY THE EXTRACTS OF "REMEDY BEETLE" ALPHITOBIUS DIAPERINUS].

Five groups of C57Bl/6JSto mice (groups 1-5) were tested on a vertical pole 2 weeks since subcutaneous administration of proneurotoxin MPTP (40 mg per kg b. w.) to groups 2-5. Group 1 served as control. It is known that this MPTP dosage forms within 2 weeks sensorimotor disturbances similar to the initial stage of Parkinson's disease. One week before MPTP injection and during all the period after it (2 weeks) animals of groups 3-5 got one of the three extracts of biomass homogenate of the «remedy beetle¼ Alphitobius diaperinus as an additive to their food (8 g per 1 kg of food). The extracts were as follows: water (N 1), water-methanol (N 2) and water-methanol one after solid-phase extraction (N 3). All extracts were immobilized on a phytocarrier. Animals of groups 1 & 2 used ordinary food. Sensorimotor disturbances which could be clearly seen in the 2nd group of mice (MPTP) were absent in group 1 (control) as well as groups 3-5 which received an «antidote¼ with their food as one of the extracts of homogenate of the beetle biomass. The extract N 3 demonstrated maximal efficiency of all.

Features of the Effect of a Complex Probiotic with Bacillus Bacteria and the Larvae of Hermetia illucens Biomass on Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus O. niloticus) and Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedti) Fry.

A study of the effect of a complex probiotic preparation with bacteria of the genus Bacillus and a microdose of larvae of the fly Hermetia illucens on the physiological. parameters of fish has been carried out. It was established that introduction of the complex into artificial feeds for tilapia and Russian sturgeon juveniles during their incubation in recirculating aquaculture systems improves the digestion efficiency and increases the rate of fish growth and body mass accumulation. In tilapia, a decrease in the cholesterol level was revealed, while in sturgeon, an increase in the hemoglobin content was found. It was noted that a probiotic with biologically active agents H. illucens had a stimulating effect on the development of sexual gonads in female sturgeon fry, promoted an increase in the ovary mass, and provided for the development of eggs without morphological disturbances.

[Mechanisms of the Effects of Probiotics on Symbiotic Digestion].

The published data and our own data on the mechanisms of the influence of microbial probiotics, prebiotics, and their combinations on the processes of symbiotic digestion have been considered and generalized. It is shown that the effects on an organism are associated with the enhanced metabolic activity of intestinal bacteria: stimulation of bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates and formation of short-chained fatty acids, an increase in the blotting capacity of the intestines due to elongation of villi and deepening of crypts, and a decrease in secretion of toxic proteolytic products (ammonia, phenols, thiols, indoles, etc.). It has been shown that a combination of probiotics and prebiotic enhances the biological efficiency of a complex preparation, which contributes to activation of carbohydrate, protein, and mineral metabolism.

[Cytological State of Gonads and Level of Thyroid and Sex Steroid Hormones in Black Sea Trout Salmo trutta labrax Pall].

Cytological state of the gonads and hormonal state of hatchery Black Sea trout before differentiation into resident and anadromous forms (parr) at an age of 15 months have been examined. It has been shown that the hormonal changes associated with the choice of life strategy in the Black Sea trout females and males are pronounced to different degrees. As compared with the resident and anadromous individuals; the female parr display a low rate of oogenesis and similar hormonal status, while characteristic of the male parr are an intermediate rate of spermatogenesis, a low level of thyroid hormones and estradiol, and a medium testosterone level. As has been found, the undifferentiated Black Sea trout individuals predominantly develop into the resident form.

[Embryonic and Larval Development of the Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer (Pisces: Perciformes: Latidae) under Thermostatically Controlled Conditions].

Material for this study was obtained from the hatchery with brood stock of Lates calcarifer that originated from a natural population living in inshore waters off Central Vietnam. Commercial interest in L. calcarifer as an object of mariculture and wildstock fishery has resulted in several publications on its early life history; nevertheless, comprehensive description of early development of L. calcarifer based on controlled incubation of embryos and larvae has remained absent. In the present paper embryonic and larval development to the stage of anlage of pelvic fins is described in detail and illustrated with original drawings of live material on the basis of thermostatically controlled incubation of embryos at 27°C and larvae at 26.8°C (26.5-28.0°C). The first cleavage furrow appeared at the age of 33.5 min. The duration of synchronous cleavage cycle was 16 min. About 80% of all embryos hatched at the age of 18 h. The length of newly hatched larva during the first hour after emergence from the egg shell was 1.63 ± 0.016 mm (1.50-1.75 mm). Chronology of development of the organs, early circulatory system, and pigmentation pattern is given. The dynamics of change in the trunk and caudal body segment number in larva from hatching to the moment of anlage of pelvic fins is shown. The total number of body segments reached the maximum value of 26-27 soon after hatching and then decreased to 20-21 segments. Newly received data are discussed in a comparative context of development of some other teleosts.

[Content of Thyroid and Sex Steroid Hormones in Young-of-the-Year of Black Sea Trout Salmo trutta labrax from Two Spatial Groups for Different Duration of Starvation].

The content of thyroid and sex steroid hormones is determined in fish-farm juveniles of Black Sea trout 5.5 months old, from the bottom and pelagic spatial groups differing in the probability of future selection of the resident or anadromous life strategies, respectively. Differences in the concentration of the aforementioned hormones are found in young-of-the-year corresponding to those in the migratory and resident forms of yearlings of trout. In the juveniles from the pelagic group at the age 0+, the level of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and testosterone is higher than in specimens from the bottom group. Prolonged starvation results in a higher content of triiodthyronine, thyroxine, and testosterone in the blood of juveniles from both spatial groups. The concentration of estradiol-17ß increases in pelagic specimens and decreases in bottom specimens.

[Downstream migration, behavior, and distribution of fish fry in the lower reaches of the Ozernaya River (southwestern Kamchatka)].

Fry of five species of salmonids are found in the lower reaches of the Ozernaya River. The most abundant are chum salmon and pink salmon which compose the bulk of fry which migrate downstream from the river to the sea. The dates and duration of migration of particular species differed according to the specific traits of their biology. Pink salmon is characterized by a simple migration strategy: it migrated downstream in a short time after emergence from theground. Chum salmon has two strategies of downstream migration: some fry start migration soon after emergence, and others remained in the river for several weeks. Downstream migration of pink salmon occurred mainly at night in contrast to that of chum salmon, over 24 h, the part of daytime increased with growth, of the fish. Migration of pink salmon was passive. Passive migration of chum salmon changed into active-passive with growth of the fish. The ratio of fish in the inshore zone and in the current was different in the course of 24 h. The number of fish in the inshore zone decreased in the period of intensive downstream migration.

[Diurnal dynamics of thyroid and sex steroid hormones in the blood of yearlings of the resident form of Black Sea trout Salmo trutta labrax].

The diurnal dynamics of the content of thyroid and sex steroid hormones is investigated in the blood of the resident form of Black Sea trout in summer. The maximums and minimums of concentration of the investigated hormones do not coincide over 24 h, except for the decrease in the level of T3 and testosterone before dawn. The dynamics of the investigated hormones is controlled to a high extent by the sex of fish in the morning and in the daytime.

[Individual differences in behavior and mechanisms of ecological differentiation with fishes as an example].

In this paper we present a review of individual differences in animal behavior exemplified by fishes. Main approaches to these differences investigation are outlined. Such terms as temperament can be used to describe consistent characteristics of individuality in animals. It should be emphasized that consistency over time and across situations is the main classification characteristic of the temperament trait. We also briefly review genetic and physiological mechanisms of individuality in fish, factors affecting their development in the ontogeny, and effects of the individual experience. Significant adaptive value of temperament is shown: in many cases the natural selection maintains alternative behavioral tactics. We also consider the main quantitative models accounting for the coexistence of individuals with different behavioral patterns. Finally, it is demonstrated that patterns of behavioral individuality may significantly affect population dynamics.