Genetic analysis of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) subspecies

Two subspecies of Saker Falcon are commonly accepted - Western (Falco cherrug cherrug) and Eastern (Falco cherrug milvipes), which are differentiated by their distribution range and phenotype. In Bulgaria, Western Saker Falcons are breeding ex situ in the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre, part of Green Balkans - Stara Zagora NGO, with the aim of restoring the nesting population of the species in the country and both Western and Eastern - in the Breeding Centre for Birds of Prey in Burgas for the purpose of sale for the needs of falconry in the country and abroad. In 2021, a total of 115 birds from the two breeding centres were sampled. The samples were analysed in Bielefeld University (Germany) at nine microsatellite loci. Structure analyses were performed to establish the optimal explanatory number of groups. We compared the putative genetic groups with the known/expected origin of falcons. A separation in two groups best explained the allelic variation between samples. Out of 68 Saker Falcons with putatively Eastern origin, 66 were ascribed to genetic group 2 and two falcons had unclear, mixed or hybrid genetic fingerprints. Out of 42 Sakers with putatively Western origin, 33 were ascribed to genetic group 1, seven to genetic group 2 and two individuals appeared to have a mixed signature of genetic groups 1 and 2 with dominating alleles of group 2. Five known hybrids were scored as mixed signature with dominating genetic cluster 2. This suggests that the two (Eastern and Western) populations of Saker Falcon origin suggested by the subspecies' definitions are also adequate to be considered in breeding programmes. Genetic cluster 1 might represent the ancestral alleles shared with other falcons, while specific novel alleles allow the discrimination of secured Eastern Sakers (group 2), while these populations may be occasionally invaded by individuals from the west

Effect of Ovarian Status on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Heifers Inseminated with Sexed Semen

Background: The intensive reproductive management in the dairy farms requires inclusion of a large group of replacement heifers in the breeding program for a shorter period. In this aspect, a creation of effective estrus synchronization protocols with timed artificial insemination (TAI) by sexed semen and optimization of the current ones have a crucial role for obtaining high pregnancy rate. These protocols are beneficial, because they led to reduced interval to first AI, lack of need for estrus detection, and allow obtaining a large group of female calves for on time. Because of limited fertilizing potential of sexed spermatozoa this type of semen is applied mainly for heifers, as fertility is higher compared to lactating cows. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of ovarian status on the reproductive performance in dairy heifers subjected to estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination with sexed semen. Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-eight Holstein healthy heifers separated in 2 groups were subjected to PGF2α-GnRH pre-treatment and Ovsynch or PRID-5-day estrus synchronization protocol and timed artificial insemination (TAI) with sex-sorted semen, staring 6 days after end of the hormonal pre-treatment. The ovarian status (presence of follicles with or not a corpus luteum) of the heifers at the begin of the treatment, on day of TAI and pregnancy rate in different groups were determined and compared. Additionally, the ovarian status at the begin of the treatment, ovarian status and size of preovulatory follicle (PF) on day of TAI and total values for both groups according to reproductive performance (pregnant or non-pregnant) were also analyzed. On day of TAI the animals with PF and a lack of corpus luteum (CL) in both groups were more that those with PF and CL (39.3% and 30% vs. 60.7 % and 70%), with significant (P < 0.05) difference in PRID-5-day group. The pregnancy rate tended to be higher in PRID-5 day than Ovsynch treatment (65% vs. 35.7%). A higher percentage (100% and 67.9%) of the pregnant animals in both treatments had not CL on day of TAI, and the size of the PF (1.58 ± 0.12 cm and 1.64 ± 0.13 cm) was increased (P < 0.05). Similar effects of the ovarian status on reproductive performance were obtained after a comparison of the total values between pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The percentage of heifers with observed PF without CL on day of TAI was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in pregnant compared to non-pregnant group (91.3% vs. 40%). The opposite dependence was determined for the parameter presence of follicles and corpus luteum (8.7% vs. 60%; P < 0.05).  Furthermore, the size of the PF measured immediately before TAI was increased in animals became pregnant (1.60 ± 0.12 cm vs. 1.34 ± 0.17 cm; P < 0.05). Discussion: The analysis of the obtained results showed that the ovarian status on day of TAI affects the reproductive performance in dairy heifers subjected to estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination with sexed semen. Hormonal pre-treatment with onset of PRID-5-day protocol 6 days later and TAI with sex-sorted semen ensure acceptable pregnancy rate. The greater preovulatory follicle and a lack of corpus luteum before insemination provide significantly (P < 0.05) more pregnant animals, compared to the cases when CL is presented. Ultrasound determination of the ovarian function before insemination can be used in selection of heifers for TAI with sex-sorted semen.                   Keywords: heifers; estrus synchronization; sexed semen, pregnancy

En kvalitativ studie av ansattes medvirkning under endringsprosesser

Utgangspunktet for vår undersøkelse er en endringsprosess som et offentlig sykehus har vært gjennom. Vi har valgt å ikke oppgi sykehusets fulle navn og holde opplysningene som kan avsløre dette utenfor oppgavens rammer. Bakgrunnen for endringen var behovet for å få opprettholdt et godt sykehustilbud til befolkningen, sikre at dagens lov- og regelverk blir ivaretatt og på samme tid få til en effektivisering av sykehusdriften. Som et ledd i arbeidet med å ivareta disse målsettingene ble det besluttet at man skulle innføre en ny vareforsyningsløsning på sykehuset. I vår oppgave har vi fokusert på ansattes medvirkning i prosessen og sett på hvilke utfordringer som kan tre frem selv ved en tilsynelatende godt ivaretatt ansattemedvirkning. Det som vekket vår interesse, var at selv om mye tydet på at ansattes stemme ble hensyntatt gjennom hele prosessen, så man flere indikasjoner på at ansatte ikke følte seg hørt godt nok. Vi ønsket å finne ut hvorfor. Vi har foretatt seks intervjuer med ansatte med forskjellig bakgrunn. Noen av informantene jobber ved medisinske enheter, og noen er merkantilt personell. Noen er ledere, mens andre har ingen lederansvar. Vi har videre analysert de innsamlede svarene med hensikt på å belyse problemstillingen. Vår undersøkelse viser at selv om resultatet fremstår som vellykket, har ansattes medvirkning i prosjektperioden vært preget av en rekke utfordringer

Application of the AAV-Syn-BDNF-EGFP virus vector as a neuroprotective agent in modeling hypoxia in vitro

peer reviewe

Tea as means of dialogue of cultures

В статье рассмотрены особенности становления социально-экономических отношений России и Китая, в частности, пути распространения культуры чаепития с Востока на Запад. Российское государство ограничивало поставки различных товаров, ввозимых из-за границы, но для китайского чая делалось исключение. Благодаря массовому распространению и доступности для различных слоев населения чайная церемония, завезенная купцами и путешественниками в Западную Сибирь, стала показателем гостеприимства, просвещения, достатка, а также предметом изучения историков, культурологов, кулинаров.In article, features of formation of the social and economic relations of Russia and China, a way of dissemination of culture of tea drinking from the East to the west are considered. The state limited deliveries of various goods imported from abroad, but for the Chinese tea exceptions became. Thanks to mass distribution and availability to various segments of the population, the tea ceremony delivered by merchants and travelers to Western Siberia became an indicator of hospitality, education, prosperity, and also a subject of studying of historians, culturologists, culinary specialists

MOLTRA-II. Новые дескрипторы водородной связи

The program MOLTRA-II, created on the basis of the CHEmical Databases management system CHED, is supplemented by the possibility of calculating new descriptors based on the three-dimensional structure and hydrogen bond parameters. The program calculates PSA descriptors (Polar Surface Area), OSA (Optimal Structure Area) and energy of the hydrogen bond.Программа MOLTRA-II, созданная на основе системы управления химическими базами данных CHED, дополнена возможностью расчёта новых дескрипторов на основе трёхмерной структуры и параметров водородной связи. Программа рассчитывает дескрипторы PSA (Polar Surface Area), OSA (Optimal Structure Area) и энергию водородной связи

QSAR моделирование острой оральной токсичности млекопитающих

7490 organic compounds exhibiting acute oral toxicity in mice were studied. Regression models with satisfactory statistical characteristics have been created using the original AMP (arithmetic mean property) approach. The best models using the training and test sets were characterized by the squared linear correlation coefficient and the standard deviation of 0.5 and 0.45 (in log(1/LD50) units).В работе исследован ряд из 7490 органических соединений, обладающих острой оральной токсичностью по отношению к мышам. С использованием оригинального подхода АСС (арифметическое среднее свойство) созданы регрессионные модели, обладающие удовлетворительными статистическими характеристиками. В частности, в лучших моделях с использованием обучающей и тестовой выборок квадрат коэффициента линейной корреляции и стандартное отклонение (в единицах log(1/LD50)) составили 0.5 и 0.45 соответственно

РАЗРАБОТКА МЕТОДА ОЦЕНКИ ОБЩЕЙ АКТИВНОСТИ КОМПЛЕМЕНТА НА ОСНОВЕ КОМПЛЕМЕНТЗАВИСИМОГО ИММУННОГО ЛИЗИСА ЛИПОСОМ

Background: The purpose of work was development of a fast and reproduced procedure for measurement of the total complement activity (ТСА) in human or animal blood serum. Materials and methods: Steady at storage liposomes preparations, which surface sensitized 2,4-DNP haptens, and the internal volume contains calceine or sulforhodamine 101 are obtained. Complement-dependent immune lysis of liposomes at presence of the anti-2,4-DNP immunoglobulines and complement preparations from animals are investigated. Results: It is shown that the degree of liposomes immune lysis depends on complement concentration in a wide range that can be used for definition of TCA level. Research of blood sera from patients has revealed correlation (r =0,793) between data received with the help of liposome immunolytic systems, and the data of nephelometric analysis with application of suspension sheep erythrocytes. Conclusion: The method allows to define total complement activity in blood serum in 15 minutes without separation of reaction components. This might be useful for measurement ТСА level at patients with various diseases and realization of scientific researches.Цель исследования: создать быстрый и воспроизводимый способ определения общей активности комплемента (total complement activity, ТСА) в сыворотке крови человека и животных. Материалы и методы: получены устойчивые при хранении препараты липосом, поверхность которых сенсибилизирована 2,4-ДНФ гаптенами, а внутренний объем заполнен кальцеином или сульфородамином 101. Исследованы закономерности иммунного комплементзависимого лизиса липосом в присутствии анти-2,4-ДНФ иммуноглобулинов и препаратов комплемента животных. Результаты: показано, что степень иммунного лизиса зависит от концентрации комплемента, что может быть использовано для определения уровня ТСА. Исследование сывороток крови пациентов продемонстрировало корреляцию данных (r =0,793), полученных с помощью липосомной иммунолитической системы, и нефелометрического анализа с применением суспензии эритроцитов. Выводы: метод позволяет определять активность комплемента в сыворотках крови в широком диапазоне за временной интервал 15 мин без разделения компонентов реакции, что может быть полезно для определения уровня ТСА у пациентов с различными заболеваниями и при проведении научных исследований.

DNA Methylation Level of Gene SIRT1 in Ram Spermatozoa and Relationship with Fertilizing Ability According to Breed and Age

Background: Effect of the epigenetic factors on the male fertility is well proofed. Sperm acts as a carrier of genetic material, and its DNA methylome can affect maternal pregnancy rate and offspring phenotype. However, the research on the DNA methylation in the spermatozoids of livestock males, in particular rams, is still limited. To best of our knowledge the data about as a global as well as gene specific DNA methylation in ram spermatozoa from different breeds and ages are missed in the scientific literature. The present study was designed to analyze the relationship between methylation levels of the important for spermatogenesis gene SIRT1 in spermatozoa and fertilizing ability of sperm in rams from different breeds and ages. Materials, Methods & Results: The ejaculates of 16 rams from Lacaune, East Friesian and Assaf breeds at age between 18 to 96 months were evaluated. The kinematic parameters of 2 semen samples from each animal were estimated by CASA. The separated spermatozoa were used for DNA extraction followed by bisulfite conversion. The DNA methylation of SIRT1 was detected through quantitative methylation-specific PCR using 2 sets of primers designed specifically for bisulfite-converted DNA sequences to attach methylated and unmethylated sites. The breed and age effect on the gene SIRT1 methylation by ANOVA was estimated. Experimental females included 393 clinically healthy milk ewes (Lacaune, n = 131; East Friesian sheep, n = 100 and Assaf, n = 162) in breeding season. Reproductive performances (conception rate at lambing, lambing percentage and fecundity) of ewes, inseminated by sperm of the investigated rams, were statistically processed. ANOVA showed that the animal breed influences significantly on the level of DNA methylation of gene SIRT1 in ram spermatozoa (P = 0.002) An average value of DNA methylation of SIRT1 in ram sperm from Lacaune breed was significantly higher than in Assaf and East Friesian (81.21 ± 15.1% vs 36.7 ± 14.2% and 38.3 ± 18.6 respectively, P < 0.01). The highest percent of SIRT1 methylation was observed in old animals compared to the young and middle-age. Moderate and strong correlations (r from 0.44 to 0.71, P < 0.05) between the methylation level of the SIRT1 gene in rams' sperm and reproductive parameters of inseminated ewes in all breeds were established. Discussion: Our data are the first message about the effect of breed on the specificity of DNA methylation of gene SIRT1 in ram spermatozoa. These results demonstrated an existence of the sheep breeds with high and low level of DNA methylation of gene SIRT1 in ram sperm. Although the effect of age on the methylation level in sperm is still discussable, our results showed a moderate correlation between age and methylation level of SIRT1 in spermatozoa of rams. Taking into account that DNA methylation in sperm is stabilized with puberty onset and is a heritable epigenetic modification, it can be a promising marker of sperm quality in animal breeding. In all investigated breeds the rams with relatively high level of DNA methylation of gene SIRT1 in spermatozoa (50-68%) demonstrated a high conception rate at lambing (> 70%). In conclusion, the DNA methylation level of the SIRT1 gene in ram spermatozoa is determined by both the breed and the age of the animals and correlates with fertilizing ability of sperm. Keywords: SIRT1 methylation, ram spermatozoa, Lacuane, East Friesian, Assaf breeds

QSAR моделирование острой нейротоксичности ряда органических растворителей по отношению к грызунам

Using literature data analysis, the regression models of acute sublethal neurotoxicity of 47 organic solvents with respect to rats and mice have been developed. To construct the models, we used linear regression, random forest and support vector machines approaches. The linear regression equations were selected as the best models. They are designed on the basis of four molecular descriptors: polarizability, sum of positive atom charges, sum of proton acceptor descriptors and dipole moment. The developed models have good descriptive and predictive ability and clear physicochemical interpretation.На основе анализа литературных данных разработаны регрессионные модели острой сублетальной нейротоксичности 47 органических растворителей по отношению к крысам и мышам. Для проведения исследования использованы методы линейной регрессии, случайного леса и опорных векторов. Наилучшая точность и предсказательная способность получена при использовании линейных регрессионных уравнений, включающих в качестве независимых параметров поляризуемость, сумму положительных атомных зарядов, сумму протоноакцепторных дескрипторов и дипольный момент. Для входящих в уравнение параметров имеется ясная физико-химическая интерпретация