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In July 2023, the deaths of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) were noted in the Far East region of the Russian Federation on Tyuleniy [...]

Objective: to compare the objective results of ultrasound imaging of neck main arteries with echocardiography data, to assess the correlation patterns between the morphological characteristics of the structures.Material and methods. A total of 244 volunteers (who had no signs of significant hemodynamic disorders, surgical interventions on the heart and studied vessels) were examined, who underwent ultrasound imaging of the carotid arteries and echocardiography. All studies were performed using a single technique with an assessment of the diameters of common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), vertebral arteries (VA), as well as intima-media complex (IMC). The echographic characteristics of the aortic wall, aortic and mitral valves were considered. The data obtained were grouped and subjected to statistical analysis.Results. Based on the diagnostic data obtained by echocardiography, eight groups were formed: (1) with signs of changes in the aorta; (2) with changes at the level of the aorta and aortic valve; (3) with changes in the aorta and mitral valve; (4) with changes in the aortic and mitral valves; (5) without signs of changes in the aorta, aortic and mitral valves; (6) with changes only in the aortic valve; (7) with changes only in the mitral valve; (8) with changes only at the level of the aortic and mitral valves. When assessing the differences between pairs of groups in cases of diagnosis of structural changes in the aortic walls and valvular heart apparatus, the indicators differed slightly, more often for IMC value. There were differences for ICA diameter when comparing Groups 1 and 4. Morphometric parameters of VA in cases of diagnosed changes did not reflect significant differences. The largest CCA diameter (5.8±0.7 mm) was noted in combination with changes in the aortic wall and heart valves. The smallest CCA diameter (5.0± 0.3) mm was in Group 6. The largest ICA (4.6±0.4 mm) and ECA (3.6±0.4) diameters were with changes in the mitral valve. The smallest ICA diameter (4.1±0.4 mm) was observed with changes only in the aortic walls. The smallest values for ECA and VA diameters were 2.8 mm, combined with changes in the aortic valve only. The most pronounced differences were obtained when comparing data in the absence of significant changes in the aortic walls and heart valves for CCA, VA, and ECA IMC.Conclusion. The presented results expand our understanding of the individual features of neck main arteries, accompanying changes in the aortic walls and valvular apparatus of the heart.

Aim. To analyze existing data on the impact of mutations in the human genome on the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections and to discuss their relevance to clinical practice. The primary objectives include describing the mechanisms of genetic mutations, reviewing examples of genes and mutations that affect susceptibility and disease severity and evaluating the prospects for genetic testing and personalized medicine.Research on genetic factors influencing viral respiratory infections demonstrates the significant impact of mutations on disease progression and outcomes. For instance, the IFITM3 gene, which plays a crucial role in limiting influenza virus replication, along with its rs12252‐C polymorphism, is linked to severe cases of influenza. Similarly, mutations in the TLR7 gene are associated with severe manifestations of COVID‐19, particularly in males. These findings underscore the importance of genetic testing to identify individuals at heightened risk for severe infections and emphasize the potential of personalized medicine to enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, it is essential to consider the interplay between genetic factors and environmental as well as social determinants of health.This review examines the genetic factors that influence susceptibility to viral respiratory infections and the severity of disease progression. It demonstrates that genetic mutations can significantly affect the pathogenesis and course of these infections. The importance of integrating genetic data into clinical practice to enhance the efficiency of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is emphasized.

Introduction: Viruses of the family Hantaviridae are reemerging zoonotic pathogens circulating in their respective natural reservoirs worldwide. Some viruses, such as the genus Orthohanviruses, are associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. Orthohantavirus virions contain a segmented RNA genome of negative polarity. The small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments encode nucleocapsid (N) protein, envelope glycoproteins, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively. The main goal of this study was to search for viruses of the Hantaviridae family circulating in Novosibirsk (NR) and Rostov (RR) regions of Russian Federation (RF). Methods: Samples, such as smear from the oropharynx, blood plasma, faeces and lungs, were collected from small mammals between 2021 to 2023 in NR and RR, and used for RNA extraction. Total RNA was extracted using the TRIzol Reagent followed cDNA synthesis. Nested RT-PCR using virus L segment-specific primers was completed. The amplicons were sequenced using the Sanger method. Results: Two viral RNA sequences were identified. One sequence was obtained from the lung tissue of a common vole trapped in NR. Another sequence was collected from the faeces sample of the common noctule bat captured in RR. The partial L segment sequence of 347 nucleotides (nt) and 353 nt was amplified from NR and RR samples, respectively. Nt sequence of the NR sample had 85% identity with Orthohantavirus tulaense (TULV), while it was lower than 70% when compared to other orthohantaviruses. Interestingly, the sequence from RR had 94.6% similarities with that from Loanvirus brunaense.The NR sample's amino acid (aa) sequence had 95.7-96.5% identity with TULV strains. The RR sequence had 97.4-100% identity with Loanvirus brunaense. Discussion: Orthohantaviridae are endemic worldwide, presenting a severe healthcare burden. New viruses have been identified in places previously thought to be free of orthohantaviruses (Yashina L.N., et al., 2022). TULV was not known to cause disease, but recent data presented evidence that this virus could cause Nephropathia Epidemica (NE), a mild form of HFRS, in France, Germany and Switzerland (Schlegel M. et al., 2012). Thus, learning more about the circulation of viruses is essential for developing diagnostics and vaccines to control the NE and HFRS. Conclusions: For the first time, we report the circulation of Loanvirus brunaense in bat populations captured in the RR, RF. Also, TULV was detected in the common vole captured in NR. Financing: The study was carried out within the framework of the Russian Science Foundation, grant No. 23-24-00276

Relevance. Influenza A virus is characterized by a segmented single-stranded RNA genome. Such organization of the virus genome determines the possibility of reassortment, which can lead to the emergence of new virus variants. The main natural reservoir of most influenza A virus subtypes are wild waterfowl. Seasonal migrations gather waterfowl from all major migration routes to nesting areas near the northern and southern polar circles. This makes intercontinental spread of influenza A viruses possible. Objective ‒ to conduct molecular genetic monitoring and study the phylogenetic relationships of influenza A virus variants circulating in Antarctica in 2023. Materials and methods. We studied 84 samples of biological material obtained from birds and marine mammals in April‒May 2023 in coastal areas of Antarctica. For 3 samples, sequencing was performed on the Miseq, Illumina platform and phylogenetic analysis of the obtained nucleotide sequences of the influenza A virus genomes was performed. Results. The circulation of avian influenza virus in the Antarctic region was confirmed. Heterogeneity of the pool of circulating variants of the influenza A virus (H3N8, H1N1) was revealed. Full-length genomes of the avian influenza virus were sequenced and posted in the GISAID database (EPI_ISL_19032103, 19174530, 19174467). Conclusion. The study of the genetic diversity of influenza A viruses circulating in the polar regions of the Earth and the identification of the conditions for the emergence of new genetic variants is a relevant task for the development of measures to prevent biological threats.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian reserve reflects a woman's ability to successfully realize reproductive function. The assessment of ovarian reserve is an urgent task for clinical practice [1] and is important in scientific research. The use of computerized diagnostic image processing methods can accelerate and facilitate the performance of routine tasks in clinical practice. Their use in retrospective data analysis for scientific purposes allows to increase the objectivity of the study and supplement it with auxiliary information [2]. The issue of ovarian localization and follicle segmentation on ultrasound images has been previously investigated in other works. For instance, Z. Chen et al. [3] employed the U-net model to identify follicles on ultrasound images. Similarly, V.K. Singh et al. [4] addressed a related problem using a variant of U-net, namely UNet++ [5], which has gained considerable traction in the field of medical image analysis [6]. AIM: The study aimed to develop machine learning models for analyzing ovarian images obtained from an ultrasound machine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open dataset with a labeled ovary region was used for pre-training ovarian segmentation and follicle detection models. Subsequently, the dataset, which contains marked-up ovarian and follicle regions, was employed for training and testing. It encompasses a total of approximately 800 examples from 50 unique patients. The localization of follicles in an ultrasound image is a challenging task. To address this, the designed detector system was divided into two parts: ovary segmentation and follicle detection within the selected region. This approach allows the model to focus on a region where there are no other organs and various ultrasound artifacts that can be falsely perceived as the object under investigation. For the purpose of ovarian segmentation, the UNet++ architecture [5] was employed in conjunction with the ResNeSt encoder [8], which incorporates the SE-Net [9] and SK-Net [10] attention mechanisms. The object detection model is employed to identify the location of follicles within the ovary, as it enables precise enumeration of the number of follicles, even in the presence of overlapping structures, a capability that the segmentation model lacks. In our study, we used the YOLOv8 model [11]. Furthermore, data preprocessing has been employed to enhance the quality of model predictions. This has involved the identification and removal of regions with auxiliary information, the reduction of noise, and the augmentation of data. RESULTS: Two ovarian localization models are presented based on the results of this study. The first model is a segmentation model with an IoU quality of at least 50%. The second model is a detection model with a mAP quality of at least 65%. A third model is a model for follicle detection with subsequent follicle counting. This model has an MAPE error not exceeding 35%. CONCLUSIONS: The study resulted in the proposal of a method for applying machine learning techniques to the task of analyzing ultrasound images. The developed segmentation and detection models reduce the time and errors in analyzing ovaries and follicles in the images. The use of an attention mechanism and data preprocessing improves the quality of the models. The neural network for follicle detection provides follicle counting, even when follicles overlap.

Introduction. Tick-borne infections are of great importance for many regions of Russia, including Eastern Siberia. This unfavorable epidemiological situation can be characterized not only by the circulation of well-known tick-borne infections, but also by the identification of new pathogens, the role of which remains little or generally unexplored. Multicomponent flavi-like viruses can cause infectious diseases in humans and pose a threat to public health. The purpose of the study was the identification and molecular genetic characterization of the Alongshan virus (Flaviviridae, ALSV) isolates, transmitted by ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia. Materials and methods. Total 1060 ticks were collected and analyzed from the territory of the Republics of Khakassia, Tuva, Buryatia, Irkutsk Region and Transbaikal Territory (Zabaykalsky Krai) in the spring-summer period 2023. ALSV RNA was detected by RT-PCR followed by nucleotide sequence determination and phylogenetic analysis for each segment of the genome. Results. The ALSV infection rate in Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected in the Republic of Khakassia was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.4–7.5); in Irkutsk Oblast – 1.0% (95% CI: 0.3–3.7); in the Republic of Tuva – 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3–3.4) and in Transbaikal Krai – 0.7% (95% CI: 0.2–3.6). Sequences of all four segments of ALSV genetic variants circulating in I. persulcatus ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia are grouped with sequences found in China and clustered into the Asian subgroup transmitted by taiga ticks. The level of difference in the nucleotide sequences of genome fragments among the identified genetic variants of ALSV ranged from 2 to 3%. Conclusion. The article shows the widespread distribution of ALSV in I. persulcatus ticks in the Republics of Khakassia and Tyva, Irkutsk Oblast and Transbaikal Territory. The obtained data actualize monitoring of changes in the area of distribution of potentially dangerous for humans flavi-like viruses and their vectors.

Aim – to find regular patterns in the morphometric characteristics for the bodies of the cervical vertebrae when performing measurements in the axial (transverse) plane in men and women with different severity of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the cervical spine. Material and methods. The material of the study was the tomograms of 75 men and 128 women aged 18 to 84 years, obtained on magnetic resonance tomographs with a magnetic field strength of 1 Tl and 1.5 Tl. The data was divided into several groups according to the patients' sex and severity of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the cervical spine. The length and width of the vertebral bodies in the axial plane were measured with the subsequent calculation of their ratio. Results. Significant differences were found between the 1st and 2nd groups for the width of C7-C4 in women, as well as for the length of C3 and width of C3, C2 in men. Significant difference in the ratio of the sizes of vertebral bodies was registered in the 1st and 2nd groups of women at the level of C7. When comparing the data of all observation groups among men, significant differences were noted in the 2nd and 3rd groups for C7, C6, C3. With progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the differences in length were significant for C7-C4, C2 vertebrae in the 1st group, for C7-C5, C2 – in the 2nd and C7, C6, C4-C2 in the 3rd group. In the group of men with pronounced changes in the cervical spine region, in most cases there was an increase in coefficients (with significant differences in data for the 2nd and 3rd groups). Conclusion. Among men, significant differences were observed between the 2nd and 3rd groups for C7, C6, C3. For the C2 vertebra, significant differences were noted, taking into account sex, for length in the 1st and 3rd groups, width – in the 1st and 2nd groups, when assessing the mutual ratio of the sizes of the vertebral bodies – in the 2nd and 3rd groups.

The goal of the research is to evaluate the flavor and rheological compositions formed in the process of structuring gel-like solutions of various concentrations into individual processes of the technological scheme for the production of semi-finished products and complex interaction in the structure of the finished product, taking into account the use of gelling agents and dietary supplements. The article presents some features of the flow of physicochemical reactions that make it possible to describe the dynamics of the interaction of nutrients in the formed binary compositions of carbohydrate-fat structures of plant systems in the technological process.Methods. To carry out the tests, the potentiometric method was used and the pH of each sample was determined using the Expert-001-3pH device. Determinations of sugars were carried out according to GOST 8756.13-87 using the permanganate method; dry substances according to GOST 31640-2012; organoleptic assessment according to GOST ISO 6658–2015. Samples of semi-finished products containing 25–30% fruit and citrus juices, 0.1–0.5% freeze-dried aromatic plants, 0.3–0.5% berry or vegetable powders, 0.3–0.6% spices were the objects of the research.The results. It has been established that the use of cellulose and glycerin in the formulation of carbohydrate-fat binary compositions based on fruit, citrus juices, berry or vegetable powders and spicy-aromatic raw materials contributes to the formation of an elastic, delicate film structure and a complex of flavoring and aromatic substances, depending on the type of raw materials and VAD used. With an increase in the concentration of cellulose, the films become denser, and in combination with the main raw materials (juice, powders, spices), the amount of dry substances and extract content increase, the films become opaque and less elastic. It has been found that in all samples, with an increase in spicy-aromatic raw materials, the number of inclusions increases and the films acquire a mosaic appearance. For clarity of experiments, graphs of the dependence of the type of main raw material and VAD on the concentration of the recipe composition and the formation of the flavor and aromatic range have been presented.Conclusion. The experimental data and dependencies obtained will be useful when considering more complex processes of mass transfer, sucrose inversion, and destruction of protein-carotenoid complexes. The perception of flavor and density of edible films is complex: the balance between sweetness, extractivity and threshold values of sensory characteristics are the main criteria for the organoleptic quality of the films being developed. It increases with the concentration of VAD and the type of juices or powders used. A richer and more pronounced taste appears.

To meet global food demands sustainably, it is necessary to safeguard finite natural resources and reduce harmful emissions to the environment. Nutrients in biowastes are often not managed appropriately. Instead, they can be recovered, recycled into bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) and reincorporated into food production systems. This review addresses three critical issues for developing and adopting new BBFs, focusing on the European context: (1) BBFs should match the agronomic efficiency of mineral fertilizers. We propose that the agronomic efficiency of BBFs can be increased through pre-treating the inputs in biowaste transformation processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion), chemical treatments of existing BBFs, organo-mineral combinations, and soil placement strategies. (2) Production and use of new BBFs is not free of environmental impacts, and these are influenced by regional conditions. (3) Public perception and end-user preferences play a significant role in the adoption of BBFs. Therefore, it is vital to address the requirements of end-users of BBFs. Our findings indicate that for widespread adoption, BBFs need sufficient and reliable nutrient amounts and crop-adequate ratios, as well as competitive pricing. A key advantage of BBFs over mineral fertilizers is their ability to improve soil fertility. However, farmers also require fertilizers that can be handled and applied with existing machinery and offer the practicality of commercial products. Another important aspect is the willingness of consumers to buy products fertilized with BBFs. Designing and promoting BBFs requires a careful assessment of environmental impacts and regional conditions, as the sustainability of BBFs depends on factors like energy sources and biowaste transport distances. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a circular economy and not just to substitute mineral fertilizers with new products. This review aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders by highlighting key innovations and addressing critical barriers.

Introduction. Beside the excretion of metabolic wastes, the lymphatic system in CNS play a crucial role in the regulation of intracranial pressure that is vital for the organism. One of the possible pathways of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is its flow through the foramen of the cribriform plate (CP) into the nasal cavity. Despite the significant contribution of the nasal tract to the overall dynamics of the liquor, not much is known about the mechanisms of this process and how it is regulated. Due to its influence on the tone of blood vessels and peristalsis of lymphatic vessels, nitric oxide (NO) is a powerful modulator of liquor outflow, but its effects on nasal CSF outflow have not been studied yet. Aim and Methods. Using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI), we characterized the changes in CSF outflow through the CP of C57Bl/6 mice influenced by intranasal application of NO synthesis modulators. Results. In our study, using DW MRI and computer tomography (CT) mapping of the CP, we detected significant CSF outflow through its large dorsal and ventral foramen located along the nasal septum. At the same time, the CSF flow rate through the dorsal orifices of the CP was the highest. In addition, we showed that intranasal introduction of NO donor after 30 min leads to a significant decrease of water diffusion through the CP whereas application of a nonspecific NO synthase inhibitor into the nasal cavity enhances nasal outflow. The effects of the NO modulators did not have any significant spatial patterns; CSF outflow was significantly altered across all CP orifices regardless of their size or localization. Conclusion. The obtained results demonstrate the potential possibility of noninvasive local regulation of liquor dynamics, which may be used in the development of new approaches to the therapy of intracranial hypertension of various etiologies and methods of CNS detoxification.

The purpose of the research is to evaluate flavor compositions formed during the action of high temperatures on individual processes of the technological scheme for the production of vegetable semi-finished products and complex interaction in the structure of the finished product, taking into account the use of carbohydrate-protein fillers. The research presents some features of the flow of physicochemical reactions that make it possible to describe the dynamics of the interaction of nutrients in the formed binary compositions of carbohydrate-fat structures of plant systems in the process of temperature exposure. The methods used. To carry out the tests, the potentiometric method was used and the pH of each sample was determined using the Expert-001-3pH device. Determinations of sugars were carried out according to GOST 8756.13-87 using the permanganate method; dry substances according to GOST 31640-2012; organoleptic assessment according to GOST ISO 6658–2015. The objects: samples of semi-finished products containing 12, 24, 36% carrots and 4, 8, 12% onions. The results. It has been established that sauteing treatment promotes the formation of a complex of flavoring and aromatic substances, depending on the type of vegetables. With increasing intensity of processing, the concentration of carbohydrates in the sautes increases, as well as the amount of dry matter. It has been found that in all samples the amount of organic acids increases with increasing temperature, pH decreases in carrots from 6.0-6.3; 5.5-7.0 to 4.2-5.9, and onions from 5.5-6.1; 6.4-7.9 to 3.0-5.0. For clarity of experiments, graphs of the dependence of the processing intensity on the amount of dry substances, carbohydrates, tissue softening and the formation of the flavor and aromatic range have been presented. Conclusion. The experimental data and dependencies obtained will be useful when considering more complex processes of mass transfer, sucrose inversion, and destruction of protein-carotenoid complexes. The perception of raw carrots is complex: the balance between sweetness and bitterness, which are the main criteria for the sensory quality of carrots. It intensifies when sauteed. A richer sweet taste appears. This perception of sweetness is determined by the ratio: sugar and bitterness. It does not have a direct correlation with the total sugar content in samples with carrots and sautéed onions.

Bats are natural reservoirs for many emerging viruses, including coronaviruses that were probably progenitors to human coronaviruses with epidemic and pandemic potential, which highlights the importance of screening studies of bat-derived viruses. This study investigates the prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics of coronaviruses in bat populations from the Rostov and Novosibirsk regions of Russia between 2021 and 2023. Utilizing PCR screening and sequencing, viruses belonging to the Alphacoronavirus genus were detected in several bat species, with prevalence rates ranging from 4.94% to 62.5%. Phylogenetic analysis of detected sequences revealed the presence of three subgenera: Pedacovirus, Myotacovirus, and Nyctacovirus. These sequences shared over 90% identity with alphacoronaviruses previously identified in bats across Northern Europe and Russia, underscoring the viruses’ wide geographic distribution and evolutionary connections. The results highlight the adaptability of alphacoronaviruses and the role of bat migratory behavior in their dispersal. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and phylogenetic studies of bat-derived coronaviruses to better understand their ecological dynamics and potential zoonotic threats.

Abstract Population density is known to affect the health and survival of many species, and is especially important for social animals. In mice, living in crowded conditions results in the disruption of social interactions, chronic stress, and immune and reproductive suppression; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of chemosignals in the regulation of mouse physiology and behavior in response to social crowding. The pheromone 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (2,5-DMP), which is released by female mice in crowded conditions, induced aversion, glucocorticoid elevation and, when chronic, resulted in reproductive and immune suppression. 2,5-DMP olfaction induced genome destabilization in bone marrow cells in a stress-dependent manner, providing a plausible mechanism for crowding-induced immune dysfunction. Interestingly, the genome-destabilizing effect of 2,5-DMP was comparable to a potent mouse stressor (immobilization), and both stressors led to correlated expression changes in genes regulating cellular stress response. Thus, our findings demonstrate that, in mice, the health effects of crowding may be explained at least in part by chemosignals and also propose a significant role of stress and genome destabilization in the emergence of crowding effects.

Aim to evaluate the correlation between the course of vertebral arteries and veins and the results of calculations of hemodynamic parameters during ultrasound with functional tests. Material and methods. In the observation, 252 volunteers were examined using Samsung SonoAce R7 and GE Logiq F6 equipment. The hemodynamics was studied at the level of the second segment of the vertebral arteries and veins at rest, when turning, tilting and lifting the head. The results were processed using Microsoft Excel 2007 with subsequent statistical analysis. Results. 504 vascular complexes were analyzed without taking into account the visualization side. When assessing the arteries, the highest maximum blood flow velocity was registered when lifting the head in women with a rectilinear course of the vessels. In the group of men with non-rectilinear course of vessels, the lowest average blood flow velocity was registered when tilting the head. The highest volume flow was recorded in case of non-rectilinear vascular course in women when lifting the head. For vertebral veins, the highest indicators of maximum and minimum venous blood flow rates were observed in men with a rectilinear course of vessels when lifting the head. The highest values of the average flow velocity and volume flow were noted in men who had a rectilinear course of the vessels. The maximum values of the calculated venous volume flow were registered in groups with rectilinear vascular course: in men up to 19.4214.85 ml/min. (Me 12.45 ml/min.), in women 18.52 15.30 ml/min. (Me 10.50 ml/min.). Conclusion. The data obtained by the study contributes to improving the software and analysis of individual changes during patient examination, helps to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation, as well as to analyze multifactorial models.

Sexual selection is considered as one of the leading factors of evolutionary development. In the conditions of incessant competition, specialized methods of attracting individuals of the opposite sex as well as criteria for assessing the quality of a sexual partner have been formed. In order for animals to rely on signaling from sexual partners, the signal must reflect the morpho-physiological status of animals. A high reproductive efficiency of male mice is a good advantage for mate selection and thus must be somehow demonstrated to potential mates. The aim of our study was to find out if male mice could demonstrate their reproductive efficiency through urine volatile organic compounds. The experiment implies cohabiting one male with two mature females for 6 days. The reproductive success of the male was assessed by the presence or absence of pregnant females. At the same time, naive females, who did not participate in reproduction, assessed the urine of the successful males as more attractive, which was expressed in shorter Latency time of sniffs in the Olfactory test. Using a rapid headspace GC/MS analysis, we have found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in male urine that correlated with female behavior. It turned out that these substances are derivatives of mouse pheromone 6-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-heptanone. The amplitude of peaks corresponding to this pheromone correlated with the testosterone level in blood and the weight of preputial glands. The amplitude of peaks increased in males after mating with whom the females turned out to be pregnant. It is important to note that body weight, weight of testes, weight of seminal vesicles, weight of preputial glands, and plasma testosterone level alone are not reliable indicators of male reproductive success. Thus, the content of the pheromone 6-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-heptanone in the urine of males can serve as a good predictor of the quality of the male as a sexual partner for female CD-1 mice.

Increasing the activity of zoophage Acari in agrocenoses, for example luring them to concentrations of harmful insects, could be effectively performed using attractants, for example organic acids that people use in households and industry. In our experiment, we studied the influence of organic acids on the locomotor activity of Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley, 1956) (Mesostigmata, Laelapidae). Different organic acids caused certain reactions in those zoophages. Acetic acid encouraged this mite to activity and attracted it, while thioacetic acid inhibited and repelled it. Fatty acids such as tridecylic and oleic acids had an activating effect on the locomotor activity of S. scimitus. Three isomers of valeric acid inhibited locomotor activity, and the mites exerted negative chemostasis to them. Maximum locomotor activity of the mites was observed when using asparagine, ornithine, propionic acid, tridecanoic acid, boric acid, and arginine. Locomotor activity of the mites was inhibited by 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, thioacetic acid, pivalic acid, maleic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, isovaleric acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, and 2-oxoglutaric acid. We propose using attractiveness coefficient and coefficient of migratory activity, which reflect the effects of aroma compounds on mites. Those coefficients are helpful in identification of a behaviour model for mites exposed to aroma compound: attack, motionless state or escape. High attractiveness and migratory-activity coefficients mean attack on victim; low coefficients indicate motionless mites; high migratory activity and low attractiveness coefficient mean escape reaction. Our results indicate complexity of behaviour reactions of mites, which were sensitive to volatile chemical compounds in the environment. We found a high potential of using those compounds in attracting zoophages during their introduction in agrocenoses of greenhouses and open plots.

To identify body systems subject to epigenetic transformation during in vitro fertilization (IVF), comparative morphological and functional studies were performed on sexually mature offspring of outbred CD1 mice, specific-pathogen-free (SPF), obtained by IVF (experiment) and natural conception (control). The studies included assessment of age-related changes in body weight and composition, energy intake and expenditure, and glucose homeostasis. To level the effects caused by the different number of newborns in the control and in the experiment, the size of the fed litters was halved in the control females. Males obtained using the IVF procedure were superior in body weight compared to control males in all age groups. As was shown by analysis of variance with experiment/control factors, gender, age (7, 10 and 20 weeks), the IVF procedure had a statistically significant and unidirectional effect on body composition. At the same time, IVF offspring outperformed control individuals in relative fat content, but were behind in terms of lean mass. The effect of the interaction of factors was not statistically significant. IVF offspring of both sexes had higher fat to lean mass ratios (FLR). Since adipose tissue contributes significantly less to total energy intake compared to muscle, the main component of lean mass, it is not surprising that at the same level of IVF locomotor activity offspring consumed less food than controls. When converted to one gram of body weight, this difference reached 19 %. One of the consequences of reduced utilization of IVF energy substrates by offspring is a decrease in their tolerance to glucose loading. The integral criterion for the effectiveness of restoring the initial glucose level is the area under the curve (AUC), the value of which was 2.5 (males) and 3.2 (females) times higher in IVF offspring compared to the corresponding control. Thus, the totality of our original and literature data shows an increase in the risk of metabolic disorders in IVF offspring, which is confirmed by epidemiological studies of a relatively young cohort of people born using assisted reproductive technologies.

Bats are natural reservoirs for many emerging viruses, including coronaviruses that were probably progenitors to human coronaviruses with epidemic and pandemic potential, which highlights the importance of screening studies of bat-derived viruses. This study investigates the prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics of coronaviruses in bat populations from the Rostov and Novosibirsk regions of Russia between 2021 and 2023. Utilizing PCR screening and sequencing, viruses belonging to the Alphacoronavirus genus were detected in several bat species, with prevalence rates ranging from 4.94% to 62.5%. Phylogenetic analysis of detected sequences revealed the presence of three subgenera: Pedacovirus, Myotacovirus, and Nyctacovirus. These sequences shared over 90% identity with alphacoronaviruses previously identified in bats across Northern Europe and Russia, underscoring the viruses' wide geographic distribution and evolutionary connections. The results highlight the adaptability of alphacoronaviruses and the role of bat migratory behavior in their dispersal. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and phylogenetic studies of bat-derived coronaviruses to better understand their ecological dynamics and potential zoonotic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]