Fluctuations in the Rate of Radioactive Decay of the Natural Potassium-40 Isotope Can Potentially Affect the Periodic "Spontaneous" Activity of Animals.

Body temperature rhythms of C57Bl/6 laboratory mice and common greenfinches (Chloris chloris) and feeding periods of common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were compared with the intensity of fluctuations in 40К radioactive decay. Body temperature changes in greenfinches and mice were found to positively correlate with the intensity of fluctuations in 40K radioactive decay. Superposed epoch analysis showed that an increase in mouse body temperature, which reflects the start of the active phase in the sleep-wake cycle, and food intake in starlings coincide with an increase in the intensity of 40K radioactive decay. Thus, animal activity in the ultradian range of periods may be related to external quasi-rhythmic physical influences, rather than being determined only by endogenous processes. Given the extremely low dose of natural 40К exposure, a factor responsible for radioactivity fluctuations may act as a biotropic factor.

Phylogeny of the Dipus sagitta Species Complex by Nuclear Gene Sequences.

The northern three-toed jerboa Dipus sagitta had long been considered to be a single polytypic species. High genetic diversity of D. sagitta was earlier revealed on the basis of several mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and several separate species were hypothesized to occur within the taxon. However, the relationships between phylogenetic lineages have not been established because of the small sample size of nuclear genes. In the present work, a far larger set of nuclear DNA loci was used, and thus, a higher resolution of the phylogenetic tree was achieved for ten D. sagitta forms. The structure revealed for the species mainly confirmed the topology and relationships of the mtDNA lineages. Yet the mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies were not completely consistent. Some of the D. sagitta genetic lineages were therefore assumed to be a product of reticular evolutionary processes. The taxon was concluded to be the diverse species complex D. sagitta sensu lato, in which long-diverged lineages are not always reproductively isolated.

Ultradian Near 2-4-h Rhythms of Body Temperature in Laboratory Rodents Depend on External Environmental Heliogeophysical Factor Reflected by Neutron Monitor Count Rate.

The study collated oscillations of body temperature of С57BL/6 mice and Roborovski hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) in the period range of 100-240 min and fluctuations of the secondary cosmic rays reflected by neutron count rate of a neutron monitor at the Earth's surface. Cross-correlation of body temperature and neutron count rate data revealed their strong association only for simultaneous measurements. Collation of the phase of neutron count rate fluctuations with maxima of body temperature oscillations revealed the coincidence of the phases of both processes. There was a temporary connection between the periods of body temperature elevation and neutron count rate rise. Thus, not only the spectral parameters of biological and physical processes, but also their phases coincided, which corroborates the hypothesis on stimulating effect of increasing neutron count rate on activity of the animals.

Association between Rhythmic Variations of Mouse Body Temperature with 4-16-Minute Periods and Geomagnetic Undulations in Corresponding Frequency Range Pc5/Pi3.

The rhythmic variations of body temperature in two groups of mice located in Moscow and Novosibirsk were compared with geomagnetic undulations within Pc5/Pi3 (1-5 mHz) range measured in Borok and Novosibirsk middle-latitude geophysical observatories located at the same longitudes as the examined mice. The spectral maxima of geomagnetic undulations and body temperature variations were observed with greatest probability at the frequencies of 1.6, 2.3, and 3.1 mHz. At this, the mean square of the distance between the frequencies of spectral maxima of simultaneous oscillations was smaller than that of random intervals favoring the hypothesis on geomagnetic undulations as the synchronizer of biorhythms. In both groups of mice, the share of intervals with a high spectral coherency between geomagnetic undulations and body temperature variations had common maximum in the pre-midnight sector of local time and it was higher for the large-scale geomagnetic undulations. Dependence of geomagnetic undulations on spatial scale suggests that body temperature is affected by electrotelluric field.

Ultradian Rhythms of Body Temperature Are Associated with Temperament in Greenfinch (Chloris chloris, Fringillidae, Aves).

Previously, in male Greenfinch, we have described ultradian rhythms of body temperature with periods of 3-6, 8-10, 12-20, and 40-60 min. There are individual variations in this rhythmicity. Rhythms with a period of 3-7 min are more characteristic of some males but not for the others. These males had small values of the ratio of the harmonic spectral density in the range of 12-20 min to the harmonic spectral density in the range of 3-7 min. In this study, we hypothesized that ultradian rhythmicity of body temperature fluctuations is related to the nervous system activity in general and to temperament in particular. We have conducted two sets of experiments for estimating the aggression level (n = 12 males) and reaction to novelty (n = 17). Individuals with predominant rhythms with a period of 3-7 min are less aggressive and more slowly adapt to new conditions. Thus, the ultradian body temperature rhythmicity in Greenfinch is related to their behavioral features and temperament.

Is the Periodic "Spontaneous" Activity of Animals Determined by a Quasi-Rhythmic Factor of the External Environment?

We have studied the dynamics of the singing of garden bunting (Emberiza hortulana) and the dispersal of a flock of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) for the night rest. The results were compared with the body temperature fluctuations measured in parallel in a group of laboratory mice. The validity of such comparisons was determined by the presence of a stable correlation between the indicators of minutely changes in body temperature in mice and greenfinches (Chloris chloris). The increase in the frequency of chanting of garden buntings was observed simultaneously with the increase in body temperature in mice. Moreover, the exact moments of the flights into the birdhouse for the night in starlings coincided with the maximums in the dynamics of minutely changes in body temperature of mice. These facts suggest an external synchronizer of "spontaneous" fluctuations of the activity and associated changes in body temperature, which are probably determined by the tone of the sympathetic nervous system.

Circahoralian Rhythms of Body Temperature in Mammals and Birds with Different Metabolism Levels.

The time course of intraperitoneal body temperature has been analyzed in two species of mammals (laboratory C57Bl/6 mice and white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus roumanicus) and in two species of passerine birds (common greenfinch Chloris chloris and Japanese quail Coturnix japonica) with different body weights. Similar sets of basic harmonics appearing synchronously in different individuals have been found in the body temperature spectra of the species studied. The level of basal metabolism in those animal species considerably vary; therefore, the period of fluctuations of body temperature in the range of 10-120 min is not determined by the internal characteristics of the body and, presumably, reflects the influence of an external biotropic environmental factor.

The Phenomenon of Synchronous Food Intake in Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) under the Conditions of Isolation from Each Other.

The dynamics of body temperature was used to determine the food intake synchronization in starlings located at a distance of 105 km from each other. Thermal accumulators were implanted intraperitoneally to the birds; the birds had free access to food or were kept under the conditions of food deprivation. It was found that food intake moments significantly more often coincided with an accuracy of up to a minute even in the birds separated by a considerable distance. The difference in time of sunrise of a few minutes, as well as the conditions of constant lighting did not affect the synchronism of food intake. On the basis of the data obtained, it can be assumed that there is a certain external factor, probably of an electromagnetic nature, which synchronizes the functional activity of the body, including food intake.

[Differential diagnosis of cystic abdominal masses in children]. / Differenzialdiagnosen zystischer abdominaler Raumforderungen im Kindesalter.

BACKGROUND: Cystic abdominal masses are a common main or incidental finding in daily radiological practice; however, differentiation is not always trivial. OBJECTIVES: In children, cystic abdominal masses represent a special feature compared to adults, since the spectrum of congenital lesions must be taken into consideration. The article gives a structured overview of the most common entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The standard methods in abdominal imaging in pediatric radiology are ultrasound and MRI. Based on a literature review, the most important differential diagnoses with their characteristics in ultrasound and MRI were compiled. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: With anatomical classification, presence or absence of solid components as well as the contrast agent behavior in the MRI, the cystic masses can be well differentiated and classified into three groups: congenital and acquired cysts as well as neoplasms.

[Imaging findings of intramammary malignant lymphoproliferative disease]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik maligner lymphoproliferativer Erkrankungen der Brust.

Intramammary manifestation of lymphoproliferative disease is rare. The radiological evaluation follows in most cases the clinical suspicion and therefore the radiologist takes an important place in diagnostics. The aim of this work is to demonstrate typical radiological patterns of this rare entity with multimodal cases and to sensitize for it. The differential diagnosis to other breast tumors, especially primary breast carcinoma, can be radiologically difficult, so the suspicious lesion must be histologically verified by biopsy.

Is the Center of Origin of Long-tailed Hamster Cricetulus longicaudatus Milne-Edwards 1867 (Rodentia, Cricetidae) Located in Tibet?

First data on morphological and mitochondrial variation in the long-tailed hamster Cricetulus longicaudatus is presented. In contrast to genetically monomorphic populations of Mongolia and Tuva, the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetian Plateau was found to harbor several divergent mtDNA lineages. This pattern suggests a recent expansion of the long-tailed hamster to the northern part of its recent range, which started from Tibet, presumably, in the late Middle Pleistocene. Several populations from the northern edge of the species range were found to be morphologically but not genetically distinct. The apparent disagreement between genetic and morphological data can be explained by rapid morphological evolution in peripheral isolates.

Molecular phylogenetics and taxonomy of dwarf hamsters Cricetulus Milne-Edwards, 1867 (Cricetidae, Rodentia): description of a new genus and reinstatement of another.

The taxonomy of the genus Cricetulus has been controversial. The phylogenetic relationships both within the genus and among Cricetulus lineages and other genera were examined using a set of five nuclear and two mitochondrial genes. The results demonstrate that Cricetulus in its current treatment is a polyphyletic assemblage because the subgenus Urocricetus is phylogenetically unrelated to all other Cricetulus and is a distant sister group to Phodopus. The grey hamster (C. migratorius) proved to be closer to Cricetus and Allocricetulus than to Cricetulus proper, which includes C. barabensis C. sokolovi and C. longicaudatus. Based on these results Urocricetus is elevated to the rank of a full genus and a new genus Nothocricetulus gen.nov. is described for the grey hamster.

[Imaging characteristics of malignant and benign lesions of skeletal muscle]. / Bildgebende Charakteristika maligner und benigner Läsionen der Skelettmuskulatur.

There are many different tumors and tumor-like lesions with variable biological behavior that may affect the skeletal musculature. The aim of this study was to review the different intramuscular lesions and to provide a classification based on their radiological patterns. Intramuscular lesions can present as solid, liquid, semiliquid or fat equivalent manifestations and also as diffuse muscle enlargement and muscle calcification. Additionally, lesions with mixed patterns of the aforementioned alterations can also occur. Benign and malignant muscle lesions can often manifest with identical radiological patterns, which is why a certain differentiation is often difficult. A systematic radiological description and when possible assignment with respect to etiology and dignity depending on the patient history is necessary in order to recommend a subsequent histological confirmation or to avoid unnecessary confirmation.

[Imaging diagnostics of breast metastases from extramammary tumors]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik bei Brustmetastasen extramammärer Tumoren.

Breast metastases of solid extramammary tumors are very rare in comparison to primary malignancies of the breast and account for only 0.33-6.3% of all malignant neoplasms of the breast. The most common primary tumors are malignant melanoma, distant sarcomas, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, renal cell cancer and thyroid cancer in decreasing order of frequency. This review article summarizes the clinical features and the different imaging findings of breast metastases from different extramammary solid tumors. Breast metastases are often incidental findings in computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) imaging. Mammography shows two different imaging patterns, namely focal lesions and diffuse architectural distortion with skin thickening. Breast metastases presenting as focal masses usually occur as solitary and more rarely as multiple round lesions with a smooth edge boundary. Associated calcifications are rare findings. Diffuse architectural distortion with skin thickening is more common in breast metastases from most gastric tumors, ovarian cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma. Using ultrasound most lesions are hypoechoic, oval or round with smooth boundaries and posterior acoustic enhancement. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria of breast metastases show an inconstant signal behavior that cannot be safely classified as benign or malignant. In summary, in patients with known malignancies the presence of breast metastases should be considered even with imposing clinically and radiologically benign findings.

[Clinically relevant incidental cardiovascular findings in CT examinations]. / Klinisch relevante kardiovaskuläre Zufallsbefunde bei CT­Untersuchungen.

BACKGROUND AND METHOD: Incidental cardiovascular findings are a frequent phenomenon in computed tomography (CT) examinations. As the result of a dedicated PubMed search this article gives a systemic overview of the current literature on the most important incidental cardiovascular findings, their prevalence and clinical relevance. RESULTS: The majority of incidental cardiovascular findings are of only low clinical relevance; however, highly relevant incidental findings, such as aortic aneurysms, thromboses and thromboembolic events can also occasionally be found, especially in oncology patients. CONCLUSION: The scans from every CT examination should also be investigated for incidental findings as they can be of decisive importance for the further clinical management of patients, depending on their clinical relevance.

[Nonthrombotic pulmonary embolisms]. / Nichtthrombotische Lungenembolien.

The term nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (NTPE) is defined as embolization of pulmonary arteries caused by foreign bodies (e. g. detached catheter fragments), biological substances (e. g. septic thrombus) or exogenous substances (e. g. gas). The frequency of NTPE is underestimated. Symptoms can cover the spectrum from undetectable to sudden death. In addition to mechanical obstruction of the pulmonary arteries, some NTPEs trigger an inflammatory cascade that causes deterioration of vascular, pulmonary and cardiac function. Radiological imaging in combination with the medical history of patients is sufficient to identify most NTPEs with certainty. The aim of this article is to make readers aware of the symptoms, frequency, relevance, classification, pathophysiology, laboratory findings and radiological findings of the most frequent forms of NTPE. The spectrum of forms presented here includes pulmonary embolisms due to foreign bodies (intravascular, intracorporeal and extracorporeal), amniotic fluid, endogenous tissue, fat, tumors, septic thrombi, hydatids, cement, metallic mercury, gas, silicone and particles.

[Microsatellite loci variation and investigation of gene flow between two karyoforms of Cricetulus barabensis sensu lato (Rodentia, Cricetidae)].

We examine the diversity of six microsatellite loci and partial RAG1 exon of "barabensis" and "pseudogriseus" karyoforms in Cricetulus barabensis sensu lato species complex. A total of 435 specimens from 68 localities ranging from Altai to the Far East are investigated. The results of the population structure analysis (factor analysis and NJ tree based on Nei genetic distances) support subdivision into two well-differentiated clusters corresponding to the two karyoforms. These karyoforms are also well differentiated by the level of microsatellite variability. In several "barabensis" specimens, we found microsatellite alleles that are common in "pseudogriseus" populations but are otherwise absent in "barabensis." Most of these specimens originate from a single population in one of the zones of potential contact between karyoforms, Kharkhorin in Central Mongolia. These molecular results are consistent with previously published karyological data in suggesting that rare hybridization events between the two chromosomal races occur in nature.

[Frequency, Cause, and Awareness of Pulmonary Embolism in Oncologic Patients]. / Die Lungenarterienembolie bei onkologischen Erkrankungen: Häufigkeit, Ursachen und Wahrnehmung.

The frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) in oncologic patients ranges from 1.1 % to 7.3 % depending on whether not only symptomatic findings but also incidental and initially overseen events are considered. The frequency of PE is tumor-specific. Most frequently PE occurs in patients with malignancy of the ovary (25 %), pancreas, brain, uterus, and multiple myeloma. Most rarely is PE found in patients with malignancy of the testis (< 1 %).The tumor-specific frequency shows that the association of malignancy and PE is not equally true for alle malignancies. A number of arguments that support the above association are also valid in non-oncologic patients.The awareness of the diagnosing radiologist and the thrombus mass decide whether or not an unexpected PE is detected. An increased awareness is suggested in patients with malignancies with high PE frequency and in patients with advanced oncologic disease.