Ursinii Research Articles

Morphometric differences between extant and extinct Italian populations of the adder, Vipera berus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Vipera berus (Linnaeus, 1758) is the terrestrial snake showing the widest distribution in the world, occuring from Great Britain, France and Northern Italy to the Sakhalin Island and North Korea (Nilson, 1980; Saint Girons, 1980; Nilson et al., 1994; Nilson & Andren, 1997a). However, adders do not occur uniformly over their distribution area, but are scattered in several isolated populations (Nilson & Andren, 1997a). Frequently, ecological traits of borderline and isolated populations differ from those living in the core area of the distribution range of the species, and might be subjected to higher risks of stochastic extinction and higher differentiation rates (Mayr, 1970). For example, meadow vipers ( Vipera ursinii ) show a highly fragmented distribution, many of isolated groups being different subspecies (Nilson & Andren, 1997b, 2001).

P.3.a.039 Onset of action of oral paliperidone extended-release tablets in patients with acute schizophrenia: pooled results from three 6-week controlled studies

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

P.3.a.041 Delaying symptom recurrence in patients with schizophrenia treated with paliperidone extended-release tablets

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

P.3.c.001 A randomized double blind clinical trial in famotidine adjuvant therapy in schizophrenia

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

P.2.g.004 Severity of depression during the first year of vagus nerve stimulation in the group of non-responders

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

P.3.a.034 Negative symptoms of schizophrenia: analysis of a multinational, cross-sectional survey of physician perceptions

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

P.3.a.038 Insight and depressive symptoms in first episode psychosis

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

P.3.c.022 Amelioration of symptomatology, Parkinsonism and neurocognitive dysfunction following dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration in schizophrenia

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

P.2.g.009 Amisulpride association to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in severe major depressive episodes with psychotic features

This contribution reports on the first characterization of the venom proteome and the bioactivity screening of Vipera anatolica, the Anatolian Meadow Viper. The crude venom as well as an isolated dimeric disintegrin showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma cells. Due to the rare occurrence and the small size of this species only little amount of venom was available, which was profiled by means of a combination of bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry. From this analysis we identified snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein isoforms, a metalloprotease inhibitor, several type A2 phospholipases, disintegrins, a snake venom serine protease, a C-type lectin and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Furthermore, we detected several isoforms of above mentioned proteins as well as previously unknown proteins, indicating an extensive complexity of the venom which would have remained undetected with conventional venomic approaches.

Systolic product–sum circuit for [formula omitted] using neuron MOSFETs

A quaternary systolic product-sum computation circuit for GF ( ( 2 2 ) m ) using voltage-mode vMOSFETs is presented. The design is composed of four basic cells connected in a pipelined fashion. Each basic cell is composed of 2 Galois field adders, 2 Galois field multipliers, and 7 flip-flops. The circuit was simulated using Affirma Analog Circuit Design Environment tool supplied by Cadence, and it has shown to perform correctly. The quaternary circuit for GF ( ( 2 2 ) 2 ) shows a significant amount of savings in both transistor count and number of connections compared to the one that uses the binary field GF ( 2 4 ) .

Discrepancy in mitochondrial and nuclear polymorphism in meadow vipers (Vipera ursinii) questions the unambiguous use of mtDNA in conservation studies

AbstractThe sequence diversity of the entire mitochondrial control region (CR) of three meadow viper (Vipera ursinii) populations was analysed and compared to previously documented nuclear genetic variability at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I loci. One of the populations, a small and inbred Hungarian population, exhibited no MHC polymorphism, whereas the two other, sampled from large viper populations in Ukraine, shoved very high MHC diversity. In spite of the great difference in population size and nuclear (MHC) diversity, all of the vipers from the three populations exhibited a CR haplotype diversity of zero. The dramatic discrepancy in nuclear vs. mitochondrial variability in the Ukrainian viper populations suggest that the lack of CR diversity was not caused by a population bottleneck, but rather by slow CR evolutionary rate, which has been documented in numerous other vertebrate taxa. Thus, due to the large taxonomic differences in CR rate of evolution, population genetic diversity estimates based on CR heterogeneity (and conservation management decisions that spring from those estimates) may depend as much upon the taxa being investigated, as upon the underlying pattern of genetic variation within the study population.

Meadow viper,Vipera ursinii, in Italy: aspects of conservation ecology (Reptilia, Viperidae)

The Meadow viper, Vipera ursinii (Bonaparte, 1835) is the most threatened Italian snake species. The apparent frequency of observations and local distribution were investigated at a few central Apennine massifs. The most abundant populations appeared to be those inhabiting the Gran Sasso massif, particularly the Campo Imperatore valley. On the other hand, the most vulnerable populations appeared to be those inhabiting the Duchessa Mountains and the Majella Massif. The viper populations are affected by negative factors which may have a longitudinal effect (i.e. that may affect the viper populations during the whole cycle of annual activity) or a punctual effect (i.e. that may affect the viper populations during some specific phases of the annual activity cycle). Mean body sizes were similar in all areas, but the few specimens captured on Vettore Massif were significantly smaller than those captured in all other areas. This is probably due simply to the small sample size, rather than to true size differences at the population level. Micro-habitats of capture differed significantly among the various study areas: most specimens were found in or around bushes of Juniperus nana on both the Duchessa and Gran Sasso massifs, but the great majority of specimens were found in or around Pinus mugo on the Majella massif. It is suggested that the main threats are: (1) overgrazing (longitudinal effect, mainly in the Duchessa Mountains); (2) damage produced by wild boar Sus scrofa (longitudinal effect, mainly in the Duchessa Mountains); (3) intentional killing by excursionists (punctual effect); (4) overforestation by P. mugo (on the Majella Massif).

Ecology and conservation of the Meadow viper, Vipera ursinii, in three protected mountainous areas in central Italy

The populations of Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) living in three protected areas of central Italy (Duchessa Mountains Natural Park, Majella National Park, and Gran Sasso National Park) were studied from 1998 to 2003. In these areas the vipers were not ho‐mogenously distributed over the whole territory, but occurred just at a few places. Males were significantly smaller than females at each study area, and in each year of study. However, the mean size of both males and females did not differ significantly among study areas and across study years. In all study areas, the diet was based mainly on Orthoptera, while other prey categories (other arthropods, lizards and small rodents) were negligible. There was no apparent difference in the diet composition of the three studied viper populations. In all three study areas, meadow vipers experience similar threats, i.e., a reduction of microhabitat (caused, however, by different site‐specific reasons outlined below), and mortality due to intentional killing. However, there were also remarkable differences among study areas, which must be taken into consideration for any serious conservation strategy on this threatened species.

Meadow viper, Vipera ursinii, in Italy: aspects of conservation ecology (Reptilia, Viperidae)

The Meadow viper, Vipera ursinii (Bonaparte, 1835) is the most threatened Italian snake species. The apparent frequency of observations and local distribution were investigated al a few central Apennine massifs. The most abundant populations appeared to be those inhabiting the Gran Sasso massif, particularly the Campo Imperatore valley. On the other hand, the most vulnerable populations appeared to be those inhabiting the Duchessa Mountains and the Majella Massif. The viper populations are affected by negative factors which may have a longitudinal effect (i.e. that may affect the viper populations during the whole cycle of annual activity) or a punctual effect (i.e. that may affect the viper populations during some specific phases of the annual activity cycle). Mean body sizes were similar in all areas, but the few specimens captured on Vettore Massif were significantly smaller than those captured in all other areas. This is probably due simply to the small sample size, rather than to true size differences at the population level. Micro-habitats of capture differed significantly among the various study areas: most specimens were found in or around bushes of Juniperus nana on both the Duchessa and Gran Sasso massifs, but the great majority of specimens were found in or around Pinta mugo on the Majella massif. It is suggested that the main threats are: (1) overgrazing (longitudinal effect, mainly in the Duchessa Mountains); (2) damage produced by wild boar Sus scrofa (longitudinal effect, mainly in the Duchessa Mountains); (3) intentional killing by excursionists (punctual effect); (4) overforestation by P. mugo (on the Majella Massif).

Low genetic diversity threatens imminent extinction for the Hungarian meadow viper ( Vipera ursinii rakosiensis)

Meadow vipers ( Vipera ursinii) are small venomous snakes whose range in Hungary has been greatly fragmented by anthropogenic habitat disturbance (especially, agriculture). We obtained DNA from a total of eight Hungarian snakes. Genetic variability at the major histocompatibility (Mhc) class I loci was much lower for these snakes than for specimens from two large Ukrainian populations. Within two Hungarian populations for which we had multiple individuals, band-sharing indices were 100 and 84.6% (versus 63.3 and 57% for the Ukraine populations). The Ukrainian snakes also displayed more RFLP fragments than the Hungarian vipers (mean 13.7 versus 9.0, respectively). In combination with reports of birth deformities, chromosomal abnormalities and low juvenile survival, these data strongly suggest that the Hungarian vipers are experiencing inbreeding depression. Genetic diversity is still present in the Hungarian vipers but among rather than within populations. Given the very low numbers of animals, the only feasible strategy to increase the genetic diversity and to save the Hungarian vipers from extinction is to implement a captive breeding program based on genetically screened animals.

Setting priorities for the conservation of terrestrial vertebrates in Hungary

The first step towards the preservation of endangered species is to establish an appropriate ranking system, which assigns different nature conservation priority scores to different taxa. The system developed by Millsap et al. (Wildlife Monograph 1990, 111: 1–57) has been modified and applied to the mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species of Hungary. Three variable groups have been compiled, including eight (measuring biological characteristics), three (features of the Hungarian population) and five (evaluation of research and conservation actions) variables, respectively. In cooperation with several experts, we gave scores to all 379 taxa considered. The most endangered taxon proved to be the Hungarian Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis), which occurs only in Hungary with just a few hundred individuals. The species rank depends on the availability and quality of data, so it is urgent to devote more effort to survey and monitoring projects. We present a possible application of the species list, where the taxa are grouped according to their legal status in Hungary (strictly protected, protected, partly protected and not protected), and the validity of this categorisation was tested by applying multivariate discriminant analysis. Only 58.36% of the species were correctly classified. The reasons for stronger than expected protection include popularity, attractiveness, and local rarity, while reasons for lower protection include preference for hunting and control of predators and pests.

SCID mice as a tool for evaluation of heteroxenous life cycle pattern of Caryospora (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) species

Adult severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice were inoculated with oocysts of 13 different Caryospora (Protozoa, Apicomplexa) species isolated from the faeces of 10 reptilian and three raptorial bird hosts in attempt to test heteroxenous life cycle pattern. Only three reptilian isolates originated from viperid snakes, namely from Calloselasma rhodostoma, Atheris nitschei and Vipera ursinii induced lethal dermal caryosporosis in SCID mice. Neither clinical signs nor developmental stages were observed in mice infected with further nine caryosporan isolates originated from other reptilian and raptorial bird hosts. Results of this study confirmed that SCID mice represent a useful tool for evaluation of heteroxenous life cycle pattern of caryosporan coccidia and that only the Caryospora species from viperid and crotalid snakes produce dermal caryosporosis in mice

Status of the Italian snake fauna and assessment of conservation threats

The status of the Italian snake fauna and assessment of conservation threats are examined. Ten independent variables, known to influence survival of free-ranging snake populations, were scored 0–3 for each of the 19 Italian snake species. Some of these variables were related to natural-history and ecological traits, others with distribution and adaptation to altered habitats, and others with non-natural factors (illegal trade). An overall index of relative environmental sensitivity for each of the 19 species was obtained by simple summation of scores. Principal Component Analyses were also used to classify the species into groups vulnerable to particular threats. It was concluded that more than 50% of the Italian snake-fauna is currently under serious threats, and that the majority of the species could decline because of distribution-related parameters. Trade could negatively affect five species, especially when specific life-history attributes of these species (e.g. synchronized mating season, communal hibernacula, etc) could favour easy collection of high numbers of specimens by illegal hunters. Vipera ursinii was the one species potentially threatened by all types of threatening parameters.

Life history, population characteristics and conservation of the Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis)

AbstractDuring a continuous population study of Vipera ursinii rakosiensis, 79 specimens were measured in the field, between 1993 and 1997. Body length and body mass of six juveniles were compared to those of 43 more specimens which were kept during their first winter in terraria. Significant differences were found in favour of the juveniles kept in captivity, whereas a comparison with earlier data from 1953 showed a strong decline in juvenile body mass. Based on body size, three age classes could be distinguished in the study population. The annual activity and reproductive cycle of the Hungarian meadow viper is described for the first time. A comparison to other European populations of Orsini′s viper revealed a remarkably higher clutch size in Vipera ursinii rakosiensis, which is explained by the larger body size of females in the particular population.

Field test of a paradigm: hysteresis of heart rate in thermoregulation by a free-ranging lizard (Pogona barbata).

The discovery that changes in heart rate and blood flow allow some reptiles to heat faster than they cool has become a central paradigm in our understanding of reptilian thermoregulation. However, this hysteresis in heart rate has been demonstrated only in simplistic laboratory heating and cooling trials, leaving its functional significance in free-ranging animals unproven. To test the validity of this paradigm, we measured heart rate and body temperature (Tb) in undisturbed, free-ranging bearded dragons (Pogona barbata), the species in which this phenomenon was first described. Our field data confirmed the paradigm and we found that heart rate during heating usually exceeded heart rate during cooling at any Tb. Importantly, however, we discovered that heart rate was proportionally faster in cool lizards whose Tb was still well below the 'preferred Tb range' compared to lizards whose Tb was already close to it. Similarly, heart rate during cooling was proportionally slower the warmer the lizard and the greater its cooling potential compared to lizards whose Tb was already near minimum operative temperature. Further, we predicted that, if heart rate hysteresis has functional significance, a 'reverse hysteresis' pattern should be observable when lizards risked overheating. This was indeed the case and, during heating on those occasions when Tb reached very high levels (> 40 degrees C), heart rate was significantly lower than heart rate during the immediately following cooling phase. These results demonstrate that physiological control of thermoregulation in reptiles is more complex than has been previously recognized.