Rate of recovery of lichen-dominated tundra vegetation after overgrazing at the Yamal Peninsula ( Short Communication )

Lichens are the most sensitive part of vegetation cover to reindeer grazing. In this study we analyse success of restoration rate of lichen-rich tundra vegetation after ceasing the grazing stress at the Yamal Peninsula. On experimental plots we compare the main parameters of lichen mat (species diversity, total cover, thalii height, biomass, recovery rate) on grazed pastures and fanced sites after 13 years after of its isolation. Our results demonstrate that after intensive overgrazing the lichen species diversity and synusiases structure change very slowly. The rate of the biomass increase of lichens for this period has made 3.8 g m-2 year-1 that makes 3.6% from mass in the year. But this rate is two times lowers than in highly productive lichen communities

Effect of reindeer overgrazing on vegetation and animals of tundra ecosystems of the Yamal peninsula

Currently, 380 000 domestic reindeers are grazed on 106000 km2 of the Yamal peninsula. This unique situation was analyzed from a view of an ecosystem role of indigenous people. Attention was paied to two key points: the impact of overgrazing on (1) vegetation and (2) vertebrates. The results of our 30-years investigations were compared with the published vegetation data from the 1930-ies. In our paper, it is demonstrated, that overgrazing has resulted in a substantial transformation of vegetation, mostly in lichen tundra. Recent situation is close to total extinction of lichen pastures on the Yamal peninsula. Due to overgrazing, total availability of grasses and shrubs have also decreased, in grasses by 1.5-2.0 times, low shrubs - almost 8 times, tall shrubs – 2.0 times. The degradation of vegetation leads to desertification of the peninsula. The area of ​​sandy spots with no vegetation is on average about 5.5% of the peninsula land, however, it could reach up to 19% locally. Overgrazing affected the animal populations too. Since 1990, the peaks of lemmings have never reached former high values and become locally-limited and patchy. This has led to a decrease in the number of predators. The number of other tundra birds decreased as well. The decrease reached almost 2 times lower numbers in geese, 3 times in hygrophillous waders, 5.5 times in Lapland bunting, and 2 times in long-tailed Duck and Willow grouse on watershed. The Nenets themselves can not control reindeer population because of rigid social and psychological attitudes based on their traditions. The main aim of the Nenets reindeer-farming is not to create marketable products for a profit, but increasing the reindeer number of itself. A situation has formed, that, on the one hand, the Nenets are not economically dependent upon the society, and on the other hand, the society contributes to preservation of their traditional farming. The Nenets reindeer-farming, thus become an important factor contributing to rapid transformation of tundra ecosystem

The role of educational technologies in the individualization of educational students’ activities

The basis of the modern student's training is the idea of individualization of his educational activities since the modern educational paradigm has designated the personality of the student and his needs as the most important link in this system. Higher educational institutions in search of effective ways of formation of competence of the future specialist using individualization of its activity use possibilities of innovative educational technologies. The purpose of the article: to consider the experience of implementation of educational technologies in the individualization of educational activities of students. The article presents an overview of the essence and importance of educational technologies used in the modern educational process, the features of their implementation and their role in the individualization of student activity. We considered the experience of implementation of educational technologies in the individualization of educational activities of students. Innovative technologies have a powerful potential in shaping the competence of future specialists. Individualization of training takes place in comfortable conditions for the teacher and the student. The teacher has the opportunity to constantly monitor the level of knowledge of the student and make timely adjustments, directing it in the right direction. When students perform tasks, the teacher carried out periodic consultations, where he covered for students the questions that appeared to them. The teacher conducted small surveys and tests, with the help of which the test of assimilation of the material was determined. The study presented in the article allowed to determine the impact of individualization of education on the level of student performance. Based on the data obtained in the course of our research, we can conclude that educational technologies provide ample opportunities for individualization of the learning process and contribute to the formation of professional competence of a specialist

Comprehensive Pan-Genomic Characterization of Adrenocortical Carcinoma

SummaryWe describe a comprehensive genomic characterization of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Using this dataset, we expand the catalogue of known ACC driver genes to include PRKAR1A, RPL22, TERF2, CCNE1, and NF1. Genome wide DNA copy-number analysis revealed frequent occurrence of massive DNA loss followed by whole-genome doubling (WGD), which was associated with aggressive clinical course, suggesting WGD is a hallmark of disease progression. Corroborating this hypothesis were increased TERT expression, decreased telomere length, and activation of cell-cycle programs. Integrated subtype analysis identified three ACC subtypes with distinct clinical outcome and molecular alterations which could be captured by a 68-CpG probe DNA-methylation signature, proposing a strategy for clinical stratification of patients based on molecular markers

Comprehensive Molecular Characterization of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

SummaryWe report a comprehensive molecular characterization of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCCs/PGLs), a rare tumor type. Multi-platform integration revealed that PCCs/PGLs are driven by diverse alterations affecting multiple genes and pathways. Pathogenic germline mutations occurred in eight PCC/PGL susceptibility genes. We identified CSDE1 as a somatically mutated driver gene, complementing four known drivers (HRAS, RET, EPAS1, and NF1). We also discovered fusion genes in PCCs/PGLs, involving MAML3, BRAF, NGFR, and NF1. Integrated analysis classified PCCs/PGLs into four molecularly defined groups: a kinase signaling subtype, a pseudohypoxia subtype, a Wnt-altered subtype, driven by MAML3 and CSDE1, and a cortical admixture subtype. Correlates of metastatic PCCs/PGLs included the MAML3 fusion gene. This integrated molecular characterization provides a comprehensive foundation for developing PCC/PGL precision medicine

Ultraviolet Illumination-induced Reduction of α-lactalbumin Disulfide Bridges

Prolonged exposure of Ca2+-loaded or Ca2+-depleted human α-lactalbumin to ultraviolet light (270–290 nm, 1 mW/cm2, for 2 to 4 h) results in a 10-nm red shift of its tryptophan fluorescence spectrum. Gel chromatography of the UV-illuminated samples reveals two non-native protein forms: (1) a component with a red-shifted tryptophan fluorescence spectrum; and (2) a component with kynurenine-like fluorescent properties. The first component has from 0.6 to 0.9 free DTNB-reactive SH groups per protein molecule, which are absent in the native protein and is characterized by slightly lowered Ca2+-affinity (2 × 108 M−1 versus 8 × 108 M−1 for the native protein) and absence of observable thermal transition. The second component corresponds to the protein with photochemically modified tryptophan residues. It is assumed that the UV excitation of tryptophan residue(s) in α-lactalbumin is followed by a transfer of electrons to the SS bonds, resulting in their reduction. Mass spectrometry data obtained for trypsin-fragmented UV-illuminated α-lactalbumin with acrylodan-modified free thiol groups reveal the reduction of the 61–77 and 73–91 disulfide bridges. The effect observed has to be taken into account in any UV-region spectral studies of α-lactalbumin. Proteins 2003;51:498–503. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc

Effectiveness of betahistine (48 mg/day) in patients with vestibular vertigo during routine practice: The VIRTUOSO study

<div><p>Background</p><p>Vestibular vertigo is associated with substantially reduced quality of life. Betahistine is effective in improving vertigo-associated symptoms, with longer treatment periods leading to greater improvements; however, it is not known whether these effects persist after treatment cessation.</p><p>Methods</p><p>VIRTUOSO was a prospective, multinational, non-comparative, post-marketing observational programme investigating the effectiveness of betahistine (48 mg/day) and the course of vertigo after the discontinuation of treatment. Patients with vestibular vertigo who were prescribed 48 mg/day betahistine were enrolled in Russia and Ukraine. Treatment duration was up to 2 months, and patients were followed up for 2 months after discontinuation of betahistine. Efficacy endpoints included clinical response (assessed by change in vertigo severity), monthly attack frequency, and physician and patient grading of overall clinical response and improvement of vertigo-associated symptoms.</p><p>Results</p><p>Overall, 309 patients were enrolled and 305 completed the study. Clinical response was rated as good, very good or excellent in 74.1% of patients at end of treatment, with vertigo severity significantly decreased from baseline (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Monthly vertigo attack frequency decreased significantly during the 2 months of treatment (<i>p</i> < 0.001 from baseline) and further decreased during the 2-month follow-up (<i>p</i> < 0.001 from end of treatment). Overall, clinical response was graded as good or excellent by 94.4% of physicians and 95.4% of patients. Clinical improvement was considered either good or excellent by 82.6–90.5% of physicians and patients for nausea, vomiting and faintness. Only one adverse event was reported, with no serious adverse events.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Our findings suggest that betahistine (48 mg/day) therapy is effective in treating vertigo in routine clinical settings. The observed effects persisted for 2 months after treatment cessation, suggesting that betahistine may facilitate lasting vestibular compensation.</p></div