Seasonal changes in fatty acid composition in four skeletal muscles of the true hibernating Yakutian long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulatus were studied. Measurements were taken on animals of four experimental groups: summer active, autumn active, winter hibernating, and winter active. An increase in total fatty acids was found in winter in the quadriceps femoris muscle (m. vastus lateralis), triceps forearm muscle (m. triceps), and lumbar muscle (m. psoas). A decrease in the total content of saturated fatty acids in all muscles was observed during the winter period. The increase in the total content of monounsaturated fatty acids in winter hibernating animals occurred in the quadriceps femoris muscle, triceps forearm muscle, and lumbar muscle. In winter active animals, the total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in quadriceps femoris muscle and lumbar muscle. A statistically significant decrease in the content of palmitic acid in hibernating and winter active animals compared to summer and autumn animals was found in all muscles studied. The content of palmitoleic acid increased in hibernating animals in the quadriceps femoris muscle and lumbar muscle. In the triceps forearm muscle, the content of palmitoleic acid was increased in autumn active and winter hibernating animals. The content of oleic acid was elevated in all muscles in winter hibernating animals relative to active autumn animals. Linoleic acid content was significantly increased in winter active animals in all muscles except the calf muscle. Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid increased in all muscles during the autumn period with a decrease in content in winter hibernating and winter active animals to the level of summer (seasonal) controls. The results obtained indicate that most of the changes in fatty acid composition have the same direction in all four studied skeletal muscles of the long-tailed ground squirrel. The possible role of seasonal changes in fatty acid composition and fatty acid participation in biochemical processes in the muscle tissue of the long-tailed ground squirrel is discussed.

The chronology of the Mikulino Interglacial and its individual phases has been the subject of discussion. The goal of this study is to evaluate the time limits of the main stages of the Mikulino Interglacial on the Russian Plain according to 230Th/U dating and paleobotanical studies of lake and peat sediments from the known sections located in Tver Province on the Bolshaya Dubenka River, Malaya Kosha River, Granichnaya River, and Sizhina River (Kileshino-2 section). An improved geochronological approach has been applied to identify the layers that are suitable for the 230Th/U isochronous approximation. Together with palynological and carpological studies, this made it possible to date the layers corresponding to relatively narrow time intervals in the development of plant formations at the different stages of the Last Interglacial. New paleobotanical studies of buried lake and peat sediments from the sections located on the Bolshaya Dubenka River, Malaya Kosha River, and Granichnaya River allowed us to reconstruct the vegetation development of the Mikulino Interglacial in the interval of pollen zones M1–M7, i.e., more pollen zones have been analyzed and in greater detail than in the 1960s–1970s. A chronological scheme of the main stages of the development of vegetation in the Mikulino Interglacial is proposed based on the results of 230Th/U dating and paleobotanical studies of the deposits from the sections in Tver Province together with previously published data obtained for the Nizhnyaya Boyarshchina section in Smolensk Province. The beginning of the Mikulino Interglacial is recorded at about 130–126 ka. Its first phase, corresponding to the M2 zone, ended about 118 ka. The preoptimal stages of vegetation development (zones M3 and M4) fit into the time interval of about 118–112 ka, while the climatic optimum of the Interglacial (zones M5 and M6) began about 112 ka and ended about 100 ka. Thus, the duration of the Mikulino Interglacial was likely to be at least 25 000 years.

The chronology of the Mikulino Interglacial and its individual phases have been the subject of discussion. The goal of this study was to evaluate the time limits of the main stages of the Mikulino Interglacial on the Russian Plain according to ²³⁰Th/U dating and paleobotanical studies of lake and peat sediments from the known sections located within the Tver region on the Bolshaya Dubenka River, Malaya Kosha River, Granichnaya River, and Sizhina River (“Kileshino-2” section). An improved geochronological approach has been applied to identify layers suitable for the ²³⁰Th/U isochronous approximation. In combination with pollen and carpological studies of the deposits, this made it possible to date units corresponding to relatively narrow time intervals in the development of plant formations at different stages of the Last Interglacial. New paleobotanical studies of buried lake and peat sediments from the sections located on the Bolshaya Dubenka River, Malaya Kosha River, and Granichnaya River allowed us to restore the vegetation development during the Mikulino Interglacial in the interval of pollen zones M1–M7, i.e., more pollen zones have been analyzed and in greater detail than in 1960–1970. A chronological scheme of the main stages of vegetation development in the Mikulino Interglacial is proposed based on the results of ²³⁰Th/U dating and paleobotanical studies of organic-rich deposits from the Tver region sections in combination with previously published data obtained for the “Nizhnyaya Boyarshchina” section from the Smolensk region. The Mikulino Interglacial had begun about 130–126 kyr ago. Its first phase, corresponding to the M2 zone, ended ca. 118 kyr ago. The pre-optimal stages of vegetation development (M3 and M4 zones) fit into the time range of ca. 118–112 kyr ago. The climatic optimum of the interglacial (M5 and M6 zones) began ca. 112 kyr ago and ended ca. 100 kyr ago. The duration of the Mikulino Interglacial was probably at least 25 thousand years.

The site of Dyusembay is located on the left bank of the Uly-Zhilanshik River of Dzhangeldy District of Kostanay Region, Central Kazakhstan. Here we present original palinologycal data for the most complete identification of the taxonomic composition of the flora and its ecological features aimed to the reconstruction of the vegetation of the surrounding area. The age of the studied deposits has been estimated as Late Oligocene. Eocene age is not supported since there are almost no evergreen elements in the composition, with the exception of Ilex and possibly Magnolia. The taxonomic composition of the flora indicates that the vegetation looked like a typical Turgay flora represented by warm-temperate coniferous and broad-leaved forests.

Changes in the content of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in m. soleus (contains mainly fibers expressing the “slow” isoform I MyHC) and m. gastrocnemius (contains mainly fibers expressing the “fast” isoforms II MyHC) of a true hibernant, the long-tailed ground squirrel (Urocitellus undulatus), during different periods of the annual cycle, summer activity (seasonal control), hypothermia/winter torpor, and winter (interbout) activity, were studied. It was found that despite the development of atrophic changes that were more pronounced in the “fast” m. gastrocnemius, the content of HSP90 in both muscles did not change throughout the hibernation period. The role of HSP90 in maintaining the stability of the titin giant sarcomeric protein molecules during the periods of the animal’s entry into and exit from hypothermia, when the activity of calpain proteases increased due to the increased content of Ca2+ in the cytosol of muscle cells, as well as during hypothermia, when the activity of calpains most likely was not completely inhibited, was discussed. During the winter/interbout activity, when there was an increased titin turnover in the striated ground squirrel muscles, a constant content of HSP90 was apparently necessary for the correct folding of newly synthesized titin molecules and their embedding into sarcomeres, as well as for the removal of improperly folded and old titin molecules/fragments, as well as other proteins. Thus, HSP90 proteostasis in skeletal muscles of the long-tailed ground squirrel could contribute to maintaining a stable level of titin and, possibly, other sarcomeric proteins during hibernation, which, in turn, would contribute to maintaining a highly ordered sarcomeric structure and the necessary level of contractile muscle activity in different phases of the hibernation–wakefulness cycle.

Myofascial pain syndrome caused by damage to the paravertebral muscles is considered as one of the causes of chronic back pain. At the same time, there is not enough information about the condition of the paravertebral muscles, and it is contradictory. The aim of the work is to elucidate the presence and severity of structural and functional changes in the paravertebral muscles and their role in the development of chronic nonspecific pain in the lower back in women. Material and methods. Morphological, immunohistochemical examination of a muscle tissue biopsy was performed in 17 patients aged 24 to 59 years (average age — 41.5 ± 12.1 years) with CNS (average duration of pain syndrome 10.0 ± 6.9 months) caused by myofascial pain syndrome, as well as determination by gel electrophoresis of the isoform composition of giant sarcomeric proteins titin and nebulin. Results. Morphological examination revealed no signs of necrosis, proliferation of connective and adipose tissue, inflammatory infiltration. The transformation of the myosin phenotype in the direction of an increase in the proportion of “fast” type II muscle fibers was revealed in the biopsies of the patients’ muscles. A decrease in the content of giant titin and nebulin proteins associated with myosin and actin in the sarcomere was also found. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate a violation of the contractile function of the paravertebral muscle in CNS.

Seasonal changes in mRNA levels of the giant sarcomeric cytoskeletal proteins titin and obscurin were studied in the skeletal m. longissimus dorsi and the cardiac (left ventricular) muscle in the long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulatus using real-time RT-PCR. The animals were divided into the following experimental groups: “summer activity”, “fall activity”, “hypothermia” (hibernation), “winter activity” (n = 5 per group). In the cardiac muscle of “hypothermia” animals, titin mRNA levels decreased by 28 0.01); in the other three groups, no statistically significant differences in this parameter were found. In m. longissimus dorsi of “hypothermia” and “winter activity” animals, titin mRNA levels increased by 2.9 (p ≤ 0.01) and 3.6 (p ≤ 0.01) times, respectively, with no statistically significant differences in this parameter in “summer activity” and “fall activity” animals. Obscurin mRNA levels increased by 3.4–3.6 times (p ≤ 0.01) in the cardiac muscle of “fall activity”, “hypothermia” and “winter activity” animals, and by 3.0 and 3.6 times (p ≤ 0.01) in the skeletal muscle of “hypothermia” and “winter activity” animals, respectively. Thus, we report here for the first time the data on the differential expression of titin and obscurin mRNAs, indicating concerted changes in the giant cytoskeletal proteins in muscles of the long-tailed ground squirrel during hibernation. The results are discussed in the context of striated muscle adaptation to hibernation in this rodent species.

Abstract—Changes in the seasonal content of fatty acids in the myocardium and skeletal muscle (m. longissimus dorsi) were determined in summer, autumn active, winter hibernating, and winter active Yakut ground squirrels. A decrease in the level of docosahexaenoic acid with an increase in the level of α-linolenic acid, as well as a decrease in the level of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, were found in the cardiac muscle of winter hibernating animals in relation to autumn active animals. The total amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased in winter hibernating and winter active ground squirrels in relation to summer and autumn active animals. A decrease in the level of palmitic acid was observed in the skeletal muscle of winter hibernating and winter active animals in relation to summer and autumn active ground squirrels. At the same time, the level of palmitoleic acid increased in winter hibernating ground squirrels in relation to summer and autumn animals. The amount of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid decreased in winter hibernating animals in relation to autumn active ground squirrels. The amount of stearic acid increased in the skeletal muscle of autumn active, winter hibernating, and winter active ground squirrels compared with summer animals. In these seasons, an increase in the total amount of saturated fatty acids in relation to summer period was observed. The possible role of seasonal changes in fatty acid composition in the striated muscles of the long-tailed ground squirrel is discussed.

New data on fossil insects, soil and freshwater invertebrates, plant macrofossils, pollen and spores were obtained from a problematic lower unit of the reference section Bely Yar-II (Tunka Rift, Baikal Region, Russia). The invertebrates show a natural succession from a small lake to a wetland; plant macrofossils confirm the early stages of succession. Pollen and spore data reflect a wide range of environments and vegetation from moderate climate supporting regional forests to relatively cold, dry parkland. New Uranium-Thorium data (99 ± 20 ka and 101 ± 13 ka), along with environmental reconstructions, indicate that the lower unit was probably formed during one of the cold sub-stages towards the end the last inter-glaciation (MIS5).

The changes in the content of giant proteins of the sarcomeric cytoskeleton titin (3000-3700 kDa) and nebulin (770 kDa) in skeletal muscles (m. soleus, m. gastrocnemius), titin in the myocardium (left ventricle), as well as membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin (427 kDa) in m. soleus and m. extensor digitorum longus of edible dormouse Glis glis during hibernation have been studied. The animals were of two experimental groups: “Summer activity” and “Hypothermia”. It was found that the development of atrophic changes in the skeletal muscles of the animal during hibernation is accompanied by a decrease in the content of dystrophin. In particular, the intensity of fluorescence on cross-sections of skeletal muscles stained with primary antibodies to dystrophin and secondary antibodies conjugated to the Alexa488 fluorochrome decreased 2.7 times (p < 0.05) and 2.0 times (p < 0.05) in m. soleus and m. EDL, respectively, in animals of the “Hypothermia” group. SDS electrophoresis of proteins in agarose-strengthened macroporous 2.2%-polyacrylamide gel revealed a slight decrease (by 15%, p ≤ 0.01) in the titin content in relation to the content of myosin heavy chains in m. gastrocnemius of animals of the “Hypothermia” group. Titin content in m. soleus and cardiac muscle, as well as the nebulin content in the studied skeletal muscles did not decrease during hibernation. These results are consistent with our earlier data for other hibernates: long-tailed ground squirrel, brown and Himalayan black bears. It can be assumed that in the process of evolution in hibernating animals, molecular mechanisms were developed that are responsible for maintaining a stable level of giant proteins of the sarcomeric cytoskeleton during hibernation.

Определены изменения сезонного содержания жирных кислот в миокарде и скелетной мышце (m. longissinmus dorsi) у летних, осенних активных, зимних спящих и зимних активных якутских сусликов Urocitellus undulatus. В сердечной мышце зимних спящих животных обнаружено снижение количества докозагексаеновой кислоты при возрастании количества α-линоленовой, а также снижение количества дигомо-гамма-линоленовой кислоты по отношению к осенним активным животным. Суммарное количество полиненасыщенных жирных кислот снижалось у зимних спящих и зимних активных сусликов по отношению к летним и осенним активным животным. В скелетной мышце зимних спящих и зимних активных животных наблюдалось снижение количества пальмитиновой кислоты по отношению к летним и осенним активным сусликам. При этом у зимних спящих сусликов увеличивалось количество пальмитолеиновой кислоты по отношению к летним и осенним животным. Количество дигомо-гамма-линоленовой кислоты снижалось у зимних спящих животных по отношению к осенним активным сусликам. В скелетной мышце осенних активных, зимних спящих и зимних активных сусликов возрастало количество стеариновой кислоты по сравнению с летними животными. В эти сезоны наблюдалось увеличение суммарного количества насыщенных жирных кислот по отношению к летнему периоду. Обсуждается возможная роль сезонных изменений жирнокислотного состава в поперечнополосатых мышцах длиннохвостого суслика.

The changes in the content of the giant sarcomeric cytoskeletalproteins titin (3000–3700 kDa) and nebulin (770 kDa) in skeletalmuscles (m. soleus, m. gastrocnemius), and titin in theleft ventricular myocardium, as well as of the submembrane cytoskeletalprotein dystrophin (427 kDa) in m. soleus and m. extensor digitorum longus (EDL), have been studied in the edibledormouse Glis glis during hibernation.The animals were divided into two experimental groups: “Summer activity”and “Hypothermia”. It was found that the development of atrophicchanges in the skeletal muscles of hibernating animals is accompaniedby a decrease in the dystrophin content. Specifically, the fluorescenceintensity in skeletal muscle cross sections labeled with primary antibodiesto dystrophin and Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugatedsecondary antibodies decreased in animals of the “Hypothermia” groupby 2.7 times (p < 0.05)and 2.0 times (p < 0.05)in m. soleus and m. EDL, respectively. SDS electrophoresisof proteins in agarose-strengthened macroporous 2.2%-polyacrylamidegel revealed an insignificant decrease (by 15%, p ≤ 0.01) in the titin content comparedto the myosin heavy chain content in m.gastrocnemius of animals of the “Hypothermia” group.The titin content in m. soleus andcardiac muscle, as well as the nebulin content in m. soleus and m.gastrocnemius, did not decrease during hibernation. Theseresults are consistent with our previous data for other hibernators:long-tailed ground squirrel, brown and Himalayan black bears. Itcan be assumed that during evolution, hibernating animals developedthe molecular mechanisms responsible for maintaining a stable levelof giant sarcomeric cytoskeletal proteins during hibernation.

The effect of HDACs 4 and 5 on the level of atrophy, calpain-1 and titin content, and TTN gene expression in rat soleus after 7-day gravitational unloading (hindlimb suspension model) was studied. The development of atrophic changes induced by gravitational unloading in rat soleus was accompanied by an increase in the calpain-1 content, an increase in titin proteolysis, and a decrease in the mRNA content of the protein. Inhibition of HDACs 4 and 5 did not eliminate the development of unloading-induced atrophy but significantly prevented proteolysis of titin and the decrease in the TTN gene expression.

This article presents the results of a comprehensive geochronological study of organic-rich sediments lying at the base of the sand suite in the well-known reference Belyi Yar II section on the left bank of the Irkut river (Tunka depression, Southwestern Cisbaikalia). It was found that in the 1960s, a pack of lake-marsh sediments from the lower part of the section was assigned to the upper Eopleistocene, and the overlying sands to the Samarovo period of the Middle Pleistocene. Later, based on the first 14C datings, the stratigraphy of these sediments was revised. The lower part of the sediments was attributed to the Karginsky time, and the overlying sands to the Sartanian glaciation. However, the questions concerning the genesis, age and conditions of formation of these sediments remain controversial. In particular, the individual dates of 14C differ greatly from one another; therefore, they require further verification. A renewed study of the lower part of the Belyi Yar II section discovered peat and gyttjas deposits of alluvial origin. It was shown that their numerical age is beyond the 14C dating method limits. Paleobotanical data showed that the gittya was formed in conditions of a relatively warm and humid climate, and the overlying layers accumulated in the cooling and more xerophytic condition. Evaluation of the 230Th/U isochronous age of these organogenic deposits, combined with palynological data, suggested that the bottom of the sand layer in the Belyi Yar II section was not formed during the Karginsky time (MIS 3), as was thought previously, but during MIS 5. The gittya could have formed during MIS-5c, whereas the overlying peat layers formed, possibly, at the transition to MIS-5b.

Back pain in terms of socio-economic losses over the past 5 years has come to the first place among the causes of disability, and therefore the problem of rapid effective anesthesia and rehabilitation of this large group of patients is topical. In most cases, the main sources of back pain are the structures of the musculoskeletal system, and the reasons are their microtraumatization due to sudden unprepared movements, prolonged stay in a static position, heavy physical labor. The task of clinical and instrumental examination is to exclude specific causes of dorsalgia. It is also important to present the results of the survey in an accessible form, in particular to correctly interpret the data from neuroimaging research methods. Adequate anaesthesia for acute back pain, informing the patient about the favorable prognosis of the disease and early motor activation are essential to prevent the transition of the physiological feeling of pain into the pathological process - chronic pain syndrome. When dealing with chronic pain, the interaction of specialists of different profiles in the multidisciplinary team is required. Kinesiotherapy, ergotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy are the main methods of non-drug treatment of lower back painIt is recommended that the patient maintains the usual level of physical activity and then increases it. It is necessary to teach the patient to correctly perform movements in the social, professional and domestic spheres, to explain how to avoid unsafe movements that can provoke dorsalgia. The article presents the observation of a patient with chronic back pain. Success in treatment has been achieved through effective anesthesia through rational selection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Dexalgin), local administration of local anesthetics to overcome kinesiophobia, and a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy, kinesiotherapy, and ergotherapy.

Seasonal changes in proteolytic activity and content of calpains in striated muscles of the longtailed ground squirrel Spermophilus undulatus were studied by casein zymography and Western blotting analysis. The results testify to hyperactivation of calpain proteases in the skeletal muscles of awakened animals during the "winter" activity. The observed changes are discussed in the context of adaptation of skeletal muscles of long-tailed ground squirrels to hibernation.

This article presents a review of the literature data and our own data concerning the effects of terahertz radiation on the state of DNA, the chromosome, and the activity of genes in the cells of micro-organisms and eukaryotes. The phenotypical changes that accompany the irradiation of intact organisms are described. Mutagenic effects and epigenetic pathways of action are considered. Possible mechanisms of the nonthermal action of terahertz radiation are discussed. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America