Oxytocin: co-evolution of human and domesticated animals

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and its homologues are produced in specialized neurons located in Vertebrates exclusively in a deep and evolutionarily old part of the forebrain, the hypothalamus. The axons of OT neurons form the classical hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal tract terminating on blood vessels of the neurohypothysis to release OT into the systemic blood circulation. However, as was recently demonstrated in mammals, collaterals of OT axons concomitantly project to various forebrain regions to modulate the activity of local networks. At the behavioral level, OT facilitates intraspecific social contacts in mammals via various mechanisms ranging from the suppression of neuroendocrine stress responses to the direct OT action on neurons of socially relevant brain regions. Recent reports indicated possible contribution of OT to the formation of the social bond between domesticated mammals (dog, sheep, cattle) and humans. Indeed, social interaction between humans and a domesticated animal resulted in the elevation of peripheral OT levels (in blood, saliva or urine) and, in congruence, exogenous (intranasal) OT application led to more frequent contacts between the owner and the domesticated animal. It has been known for decades that domesticated animals exhibit profound socio-communicative abilities accompanied by suppressed aggression and stress responsiveness. These peculiarities of their behavior and physiology may be influenced by the activity of the central OT system. Therefore, in the present mini-review we focus on the role of OT in the orchestration of distinct forms of social behavior, including the monogamous bond, maternal care, social memory and recognition, aggression, and anxiety. As a conclusion, we propose possible directions for exploration of the OT contribution to empathy between humans and domesticated animals, which was likely established in the course of their co-evolution during last 10.000– 15.000 years

Analyzing the Influence of Diatomite and Mineral Fertilizers on the Features of Cadmium-Contaminated Urban Lawns

Contamination with heavy metals is among key anthropogenic pressures, experienced by urban lawns. It results in depletion of their environmental quality and functions. Implementation of fertilizers, containing silicon, is a promising approach to increase urban lawns’ sustainability to heavy metals’ pollution. Based on the field experiment, an influence of cadmium contamination on the chemical features and biomass quality of modeled urban green lawn ecosystems was studied. We demonstrated an increase of cadmium consumption by biomass on the second year of observations as the result of diatomite implementation together with mineral fertilizers. Both total sugar and disaccharides’ content in biomass was 15-20% higher for the contaminated plots where diatomite was implemented together with mineral fertilizers, compared to the uncontaminated control. This evidences a positive effect of the implemented reclaiming on stress tolerance of the green lawns

Hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor and microRNA gene expression and serum cortisol concentration in foxes selected for behavior toward humans

In many cases, stress reactivity is one of the important bases of aggressive behavior. It appears as if reduced stress reactivity underlies an abrupt decrease in aggression towards man in domesticated animals. However, the mechanisms of this reduction have yet to be resolved. In this work, we used an experimental domestication model, the silver fox selected for many years for the response to humans to study cortisol stress reactivity in tame and aggressive foxes in response to immobilization in human arms. Additionally, these behavioral fox groups were explored for one of the important mechanisms of glucocorticoid negative feedback, the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) in a portion of the dorsal hippocampus. In recent years, attention has been paid to differences in miRNA expression patterns between animals with different behavior and stress reactivity, as well as to miRNA regulation under stress. The same applies to NR3C1 mRNA as well. That is why we performed a miRNA-seq analysis on a portion of the fox dorsal hippocampus. It has been demonstrated that immobilization in human arms leads to significantly higher stressinduced cortisol levels in aggressive than tame foxes. At the same time, no differences have been found between hippocampal NR3C1 gene expression and the pattern of miRNA expression. Thus, reduced stress reactivity in foxes during selection for the absence of aggressive responses and for the presence of emotionally positive responses to humans does not seem to be associated with important mechanisms of regulation such as alterations in hippocampal NR3C1 gene expression or microRNA-mediated silencing

Diagnosis of the Gas Distribution Mechanism by the Vibroacoustic.

Гриценко Александр Владимирович, доктор технических наук, доцент, доцент кафедры «Эксплуатация автомобильного транспорта», Южно-Уральский государственный университет, г. Челябинск; доктор технических наук, доцент, профессор кафедры «Эксплуатация машиннотракторного парка», Южно-Уральский государственный аграрный университет, г. Челябинск, [email protected]. Шепелев Владимир Дмитриевич, кандидат технических наук, доцент кафедры «Эксплуатация автомобильного транспорта», Южно-Уральский государственный университет, г. Челябинск, [email protected]. Альметова Злата Викторовна, кандидат технических наук, доцент кафедры «Эксплуатация автомобильного транспорта», Южно-Уральский государственный университет, г. Челябинск, [email protected]. Шепелева Елена Витальевна, аспирант кафедры «Эксплуатация автомобильного транспорта», Южно-Уральский государственный университет, г. Челябинск, [email protected]. South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, South Ural Agrarian State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian FederationВ статье рассматривается методология применения виброакустического метода диагностирования на примере газораспределительного механизма (ГРМ). До начала 2000 года данный метод не находил широкого применения по причине значительной стоимости диагностических комплексов, сложности тарировки применяемых датчиков, сложности обработки и анализа диагностической информации. На сегодняшний день его использование упростилось в связи с появлением недорогих USB осциллографов и высокочувствительных вибродатчиков. Кроме того, заметно повысились возможности обработки диагностических данных и их представления. Помимо этого, значительно усовершенствован и автомобиль в области электронных систем и элементов, позволяющих синхронно получать нужный диагностический сигнал, после чего производить анализ полученных данных. Отказы элементов газораспределительного механизма двигателя и, в частности, прогар клапанов, нарушение их герметичности, смещение фаз, рост зазоров или их отсутствие возникают у большинства автотранспортных средств при пробегах гораздо меньших нормативных или предельных. Объясняется это целым рядом эксплуатационных факторов, таких как - несвоевременное проведение технического обслуживания, использование нерекомендуемых масел и топливных материалов, нарушение тепловых и нагрузочных режимов и др. В 30–50 % случаев эти факторы вызывают увеличение зазоров в клапанах ГРМ. Проведенные в представленном материале исследования позволили установить: при допуске на зазор в выпускном клапане 0,35 ± 0,05 мм величина сигнала виброимпульса составила –150–182 мВ. Проведенный контроль зазоров в клапанах ГРМ выявил 14 отклонений из 20 подконтрольных цилиндров ДВС. Любые превышения амплитуды сигнала виброимпульса выше 182 мВ требуют регулировки зазоров или замены гидротолкателей. Данный метод и используемый набор технологических приемов позволяют оперативно и без разборки определять техническое состояние систем двигателя при любых промежуточных состояниях диагностируемых объектов. Данный набор диагностических средств, технологических приемов и нормативных данных позволяет рекомендовать их использование на современных автотранспортных предприятиях, занимающихся эксплуатацией, ремонтом и обслуживанием автотранспорта. In the article the methodology of application of vibroacoustic diagnostic method is considered on the example of gas distribution mechanism (GDM). Until early 2000, this method was not widely used due to the high cost of diagnostic complexes, the complexity of calibration of the sensors used, the complexity of processing and analysis of diagnostic information. Nowadays, its use has been simplified due to the emergence of inexpensive USB oscilloscopes and highly sensitive vibration sensors. In addition, the possibilities of processing diagnostic data and their presentation have increased significantly. In addition, the car was improved in the field of electronic systems and elements, allowing synchronously to receive the necessary diagnostic signal, and then to analyze the obtained data. Element failures of gas distribution mechanism of engine, in particular valve burnout, failure of their tightness, phase displacement, gap growth or their absence, occur in most vehicles with much lower regulatory or limiting mileage. This is explained by a number of operational factors, such as untimely maintenance, the use of nonrecommended oils and fuel materials, violation of thermal and load regimes, etc. In 30–50 % of cases, these factors cause an increase in the gaps in the GDM valves. The studies carried out in the presented material made it possible to establish: when the clearance for the outlet in the outlet valve was 0.35 ± 0.05 mm, the value of the vibration pulse signal was –150–182 mV. The control of the gaps in the GDM valves revealed 14 deviations from the 20 controlled engine cylinders. Any excess of the amplitude of the vibration signal above 182 mV requires adjustment of the gaps or replacement of hydraulic pushers. This method and a set of techniques used to quickly and without disassembly determine the technical state of the engine systems for any intermediate states of the diagnosed objects. This set of diagnostic tools, technological methods and regulatory data allows us to recommend their use in modern trucking enterprises engaged in the operation, repair and maintenance of vehicles.Статья выполнена при поддержке Правительства РФ (Постановление № 211 от 16.03.2013 г.), соглашение № 02.A03.21.0011

CLINICAL MASKS OF AMYLOIDOSIS WITH THE HEART INVOLVEMENT: MODERN DIAGNOSTIC ISSUES

In amyloidosis AL-type the heart involvement is most common; this type is specific with predecessor proteins of light immunoglobulin chains, transthyretin (TTR), mutant and wild (senile) types. Most common clinical form is restriction cardiomyopathy.Aim. To assess the recent specifics of diagnostics, due to broader abilities of novel methods.Material and methods. Five 40-79-year old patients with various morphofunctional variants of heart involvement and typical ECG signs (low QRS voltage, QS, non-sufficient R increase, absence of left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy signs) to verify the suspected amyloidosis, underwent EchoCG, immunohistochemistry of blood and urine for light chains of immunoglobulines, biopsy of subcutaneous fat and mucose of the gum/gut; MDCT of the heart (n=3), MRI (n=1), scintigraphy with 99Tc-pyrophosphate with assessment in 1 hour after indicator injection (n=1), endomyocardial biopsy (n=2), titer of anticardial antibodies assessment (n=2), DNA-diagnostics (n=1).Results. The diagnosis of amyloidosis was confirmed in all cases. Its morpho-functional types were RSMP with LV hypertrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) with no restriction but progressing fall of ejection fraction (EF), dilation cardiomyopathy (DCMP), severe hypertrophy with low EF, minimal hypertrophy with no restriction and systolic dysfunction. There was AL-type diagnosed (n=2, one case with myopathy mimicking “dermatomyositis”), mutant TTR (n=1, novel mutation Thr40Asn) and wild TTR (n=2) types. The leading clinical signs were biventricular heart failure and atrial rhythm disorders: sustained atrial fibrillation in 3 patients (in one, before amyloidosis verification, the RF-modification was done as “labyrinth” surgery, isthmus block with no established efficacy) and frequent supraventricular extrasystoly in one another. To the patient with mutant ATTR the ICD was implanted with further replacement by CRT-D, and increase of EF from 24% to 31% was achieved (patient is followed-up for 8 years). As the morphological equivalent of severe systolic dysfunction in this patient the amyloid deposition in myocardial arteries could be suspected. MDCT revealed typical subendocardial delayed deposition in 2 from 3 patients, in one case there was also diffuse deposition of 99Tc-pyrophosphate in myocardium. Antibodies to the nuclei of cardiomyocytes (specific ANF) was found in a female patient with AL-type and DCMP, which made not to rule out myocarditis.Conclusion. Cardiac amyloidosis might present as any structural and functional variant of cardiomyopathy, including DCMP. The most specific is diffuse hypertrophy with restriction and EF decrease, but with no LV dilation. Early fall of contractility, ischemia symptoms and LV dilation might be the result of amyloid lesion of small arteries. In the presence of any systemic presentations together with “HCMP”, “RCMP”, “DCMP” there must be amyloidosis ruled out. Myocardial scintigraphy with 99Tc-pyrophosphate is a method of use for the diagnosis of ATTR; MDCT of the heart — for any type of amyloidosis. Cardiac amyloidosis might be followed by significant type of the titer of specific ANF (secondary reaction or concomitance with myocarditis?)

A meiotic linkage map of the silver fox, aligned and compared to the canine genome

A meiotic linkage map is essential for mapping traits of interest and is often the first step toward understanding a cryptic genome. Specific strains of silver fox (a variant of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes), which segregate behavioral and morphological phenotypes, create a need for such a map. One such strain, selected for docility, exhibits friendly dog-like responses to humans, in contrast to another strain selected for aggression. Development of a fox map is facilitated by the known cytogenetic homologies between the dog and fox, and by the availability of high resolution canine genome maps and sequence data. Furthermore, the high genomic sequence identity between dog and fox allows adaptation of canine microsatellites for genotyping and meiotic mapping in foxes. Using 320 such markers, we have constructed the first meiotic linkage map of the fox genome. The resulting sex-averaged map covers 16 fox autosomes and the X chromosome with an average inter-marker distance of 7.5 cM. The total map length corresponds to 1480.2 cM. From comparison of sex-averaged meiotic linkage maps of the fox and dog genomes, suppression of recombination in pericentromeric regions of the metacentric fox chromosomes was apparent, relative to the corresponding segments of acrocentric dog chromosomes. Alignment of the fox meiotic map against the 7.6x canine genome sequence revealed high conservation of marker order between homologous regions of the two species. The fox meiotic map provides a critical tool for genetic studies in foxes and identification of genetic loci and genes implicated in fox domestication