No abstract

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a widespread chronic disorder that manifests as spontaneous seizures and is often characterized by refractoriness to drug treatment. Temporal lobe epilepsy can be caused by a primary brain injury; therefore, the prevention of epileptogenesis after a primary event is considered one of the best treatment options. However, a preventive treatment for epilepsy still does not exist. Neuroinflammation is directly involved in epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration, leading to the epileptic condition and cognitive decline. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the effect of treatment with a recombinant form of the Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) on epileptogenesis and behavioral impairments in rats using the lithium–pilocarpine model. We found that anakinra administration during the latent phase of the model significantly suppressed the duration and frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures in the chronic phase. Moreover, anakinra administration prevented some behavioral impairments, including motor hyperactivity and disturbances in social interactions, during both the latent and chronic periods. Histological analysis revealed that anakinra administration decreased neuronal loss in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus but did not prevent astro- and microgliosis. The treatment increased the expression level of the solute carrier family 1 member 2 gene (Slc1a2, encoding excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2)) in the hippocampus, potentially leading to a neuroprotective effect. However, the increased gene expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes (Interleukin-1β (Il1b) and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfa)) and astroglial marker genes (glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2 (Itpr2)) in experimental rats was not affected by anakinra treatment. Thus, our data demonstrate that the administration of anakinra during epileptogenesis has some beneficial disease-modifying effects.

The first detailed survey is presented of a recently discovered population of Erioderma pedicellatum, a globally rare lichen, in the primeval spruce forests of the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Three subpopulations are described, located in the Levaya Schapina River basin, in the Kimitina River basin, and on the slopes of the extinct volcano, Nikolka. In total, we observed 1894 thalli on 167 Yezo spruce trunks. In Kamchatka, E. pedicellatum occurs exclusively on bark-covered spruce twigs of mainly young and dwarf-stressed older trees. We discovered a high number of juvenile thalli, which suggests that this population is reproducing. However, its habitat is declining because spruce forests in the region are the target of industrial clear-cutting and there is a high incidence of forest fires. Over the next 60 years, which corresponds to three generations of E. pedicellatum, we infer that continued habitat loss will induce a 48% decline in these lichen populations. As a result of our analyses, the Asian population is classified as ‘Vulnerable’, based on IUCN Red List criteria.

Thirteen species and one variety of lichens, nine lichenicolous and two saprobic fungi are reported for the first time for St. Petersburg, the whole Leningrad Region or its western or eastern parts. The lichens Bacidina brandii, B. neosquamulosa, Porina leptalea, Rinodina aspersa and the lichenicolous fungus Scutula dedicata are reported for the first time for Russia, lichenicolous fungus Lichenoconium aeruginosum -for European Russia, the lichen Tetramelas chloroleucus, lichenicolous fungi Lichenoconium pyxidatae and Tremella cetrariicola are new for the North-Western European Russia. The most interesting records are briefly discussed.

Eight species of lichens and seven lichenicolous fungi are reported for the first time for St. Petersburg, the whole Leningrad Region or its western or eastern parts. The lichen Xylographa septentrionalis is reported for the first time for Russia, Europe and Asia, the lichenicolous fungus Skyttea gregaria is new for Russia, the lichen Xylographa pallens, lichenicolous fungi Didymellopsis collematum and Intralichen lichenicola are new for the North-Western European Russia. The most interesting records are briefly discussed.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are expressed predominantly on neurons and glial cells and are involved in the modulation of a wide range of signal transduction cascades. Therefore, different subtypes of mGluRs are considered a promising target for the treatment of various brain diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated the seizure-induced upregulation of mGluR5; however, its functional significance is still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the effect of treatment with the selective mGluR5 antagonist 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]-pyridine (MTEP) on epileptogenesis and behavioral impairments in rats using the lithium–pilocarpine model. We found that the administration of MTEP during the latent phase of the model did not improve survival, prevent the development of epilepsy, or attenuate its manifestations in rats. However, MTEP treatment completely prevented neuronal loss and partially attenuated astrogliosis in the hippocampus. An increase in excitatory amino acid transporter 2 expression, which has been detected in treated rats, may prevent excitotoxicity and be a potential mechanism of neuroprotection. We also found that MTEP administration did not prevent the behavioral comorbidities such as depressive-like behavior, motor hyperactivity, reduction of exploratory behavior, and cognitive impairments typical in the lithium–pilocarpine model. Thus, despite the distinct neuroprotective effect, the MTEP treatment was ineffective in preventing epilepsy.

Fourteen species of lichens, fifteen lichenicolous fungi and one saprobic fungus are reported for the first time for St. Petersburg, Western or Eastern Leningrad Region. The lichen Lecidella meiococca and the lichenicolous fungus Tremella phaeophysciae are reported as new to Russia, the lichen Lecania sambucina and the lichenicolous fungus Endococcus tricolorans are new for the European Russia, the lichens Buellia arborea, Chaenotheca cinerea, Bellemerea sanguinea, resinicolous calicioid fungus Chaenothecopsis mediarossica and lichenicolous fungi Arthonia molendoi, Lichenochora obscuroides, Pronectria leptaleae, Sphaerellothecium cladoniae are new for the North-Western European Russia. The most interesting records are briefly discussed.

No abstract