[Fish growth hormone genes: divergence of intron sequence in charrs of Salvelinus genus].

Sequences of the two large introns (C and D) from two paralogous growth hormone genes, GH1 and GH2, were compared in eight charr species of the Salvelinus genus (Osteichthes, Salmonidae). It was demonstrated that the rates of intron divergence in these two genes were remarkably different. Introns in the GH1 gene appeared to be more conservative, while the rate of intron variations was considerably higher in the GH2 gene. These data suggest that noncoding regions of nuclear genes are shaped by selective pressure. The lower congruence of phylogenetic scheme constructed based on an analysis of the GH1 introns compared to that based on the GH2 data, as well as with the traditional views on the evolution of charr species, also favors the supposition on contrasted patterns of selective pressure in noncoding intronic sequences.

[Clinical and hygienic aspects of the effect of antimony ore on workers in the Far North]. / Klinico-gigienicheskie aspekty vozdeistviia antimonitovykh rud na organizm rabotaiushchikh v usloviiakh Krainego Severa.

The clinical and hygienic studies performed at the antimonite ore extraction mines in Yakutia revealed that the workers were exposed to high concentrations of polymetallic dusts, containing chromium dioxide, antimony, arsenic and their compounds. 11% of the workers exhibited dust bronchitis, changes in the blood and immune reactivity indices which were due to reactions of adaptation to the Far North climatic conditions and the occupational factors' toxic effects.