Vol 144, No 6 (2024)

Systemic endotoxinemia is an obligate factor of homeostasis and, along with stress, regulates the functional state of adaptive systems, including the immune system, whose hyperactivation by an excess of lipopolysaccharides in the general bloodstream (“endotoxin aggression”) induces systemic inflammation, which underlies the pathogenesis of if not all, then most nosological forms of diseases. The aging process is also based on inflammation and autoimmune, including, as a rule, low-intensity. The unity of obligate factors of adaptation and aging in the face of endotoxin and stress, along with the very nature of immunity, aimed not only at protecting the body, but also its self-destruction, ensures self-renewal of the population and is one of the fundamental foundations of the evolution of the species.

The study of photosensitive proteins as optogenetic tools for the therapeutic restoration of visual functions in heterologous expression systems is a necessary step prior to their optogenetic prosthetization in the retina. The review considers the features of opsins and factors affecting their activity in model cell systems. Particular attention is paid to G-protein-coupled opsins as promising tools for recreating the signaling cascade mechanisms of in retinal ON-bipolar cells. Based on the analysis of light-controlled responses of natural and chemical light-sensitive proteins in tests, the selection of the best, promising in gene therapy is made.

Long-term studies (1975–2023) in the Central Laboratory of the Ecology of the wolf population group using original methods confirm that the family consists of parents and only young individuals (up to 1 year). A different social structure is typical for packs with wolf-dog hybrids. Based on publications about stray (feral) dogs and their hybrids with wolves, the author proposed to identify hybrid packs as wolf-dog (female — wolf) and dog-wolf (female — dog): the former inherit the life strategy and lifestyle of the wolf, and the latter — dogs, therefore they live in packs (parcels) of different ages all year round and can unite more than 18 individuals in a pack. Analysis of the social, spatial and behavioral niches (“sub-niches”) of feral dogs, the wolf and its hybrids showed that they occupy different ecological niches. The author not only proposed a new approach to studying the fundamental and realized niches of other animal species, but also demonstrated it using the example of studies of the width of the trophic niche of wolf and elk populations.

The article considers physiological and ecological features of cultivation of African catfish Clarias gariepinus, in particular the effect of water temperature on the stages of ontogenesis (egg, larvae, juveniles) and on obtaining commercial fish. Additionally, experimental data on determining the modern habitat of C. gariepinus, its feeding behavior and some physiological reactions of the gastrointestinal tract are summarized. It is shown that the optimal thermal range for cultivating C. gariepinus is 25–32°C. At the early stages of development (egg, larvae), the clariid catfish is most sensitive to temperature, and starting from the juvenile stage, it adapts better to unfavorable temperature conditions. In addition, the nature of the diet and the activity of pancreatic enzymes of the African clariid catfish are also closely related to the temperature of the aquatic environment. In conclusion, practical recommendations for industrial cultivation of Clarias gariepinus in recirculating aquaculture systems are given.