Formation of a Subunit Form of the Core Light-Harvesting Complex from Sulfur Purple Bacteria Ectothiorhodospira haloalkaliphila with Different Carotenoid Composition.

B820 subunits from a purple sulfur bacterium Ectothiorhodospira. haloalkaliphila strain ATCC 51935T were obtained by treatment of Carotenoid free LH I-RC complexes of this bacterium with P--octylglu- copyranoside (ß-OG). The same complexes with 100% carotenoid content were unable to dissociate to B820 subunits, but disintegrated to monomeric bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) regardless of their carotenoid compo- sition. The degree of dissociation of the LH 1-RC complexes with an intermediate content of carotenoids (the' B820 formation) was directly dependent on the quantity of carotenoids in the samples. The resulting B820 subunits did not contain carotenoids. B820 subunits easily aggregated to form a complex with an absorption . peak at 880 nm at decreased ß-OG concentration. Analysis of the spectra of the LH I-RC complexes isolated from the cells with different'levels of carotenogenesis inhibition led to the conclusion of the heterogeneity of the samples with a predominance in them of (a) the fraction with 100% of carotenoids and (b) the fraction of carotenoid free complexes.

[Formation of 55-kDa Fragments under Impaired Coordination Bonds and Hydrophobic Interactions in Peripheral Light-Harvesting Complexes Isolated from Photosynthetic Purple Bacteria].

Size exclusion chromatography was used to assess the relative size of intact and diphenylamine-treated (DPA, with suppressed carotenoid synthesis) peripheral light-harvesting complexes (LH2 complexes) of the sulfurbacterium Allochromatium minutissimum. Both LH2 complexes were nonamers and had the same elution volume V(e), coinciding with that for the LH2 complex of Rhodoblastus acidophilus (strain 10050). Their molecular mass was 150 kDa. Bot pheophytinization of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) at low pH and treatment with the detergent LDAO, affecting the hydrophobic interactions between the neighboring protomers, result in the fragmentation of the ring of the isolated LH2 complexes and formation of 55-kDa fragments with molecular masses corresponding to one-third of the initial value. Fragmentation caused by both pheophytinization and detergent treatment was much more rapid in DPA-treated LH2 complexes than in the intact ones. The 55-kDa fragments formed at low pH values contained monomeric bacteriopheophytin, while the fragments of a similar molecular mass formed at pH 8.0 in the presence of the detergent contained monomeric BChl. The observed fragmentation was hypothesized to reflect the inherent C3 symmetry of the LH2 complexes, with the preliminarily assembled trimers used as building blocks.

[Analysis of wheat and rye semidwarfing gene distribution in spring hexaploid triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) varieties and lines].

A collection of spring hexaploid triticale varieties and promising breeding lines has been examined for the presence of wheat Rht-B1b, Rht-B1e, and Rht8c semidwarfing genes and the rye Hl semidwarfing gene. It was discovered in spring triticale that these semidwarfing genes are represented by only one, the Rht-B1b wheat gene. The presence of this gene is associated with shortening of spring triticale plants by 28 cm on average, which constituted 26% of their initial height. Rht-B1b was found in all of the studied commercial varieties of spring triticale, which rendered it possible to conclude that plant height reduction is a necessary condition for increasing the competitiveness of this crop culture.

[Hybrid surgery for the treatment of ovarial cysts in newborns].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hybrid technology (laparoscopy and open surgery) for treatment of ovarian cysts in small babies and infants. Between January 2002 and November 2012, we have performed 11 operation for neonatal ovarian cysts repaired through standard circumumbilical incision (Group I) and 16 operation with using combined hybrid laparoscopic-assisted technique (Group II). The circumumbilical incision utilized at our institution is a classic Bianchi procedure. The hybrid approach combined 2 technique - laparoscopic and open. The trocar for optic telescope was inserted through a circumumbilical incision. The one working instrument was introduced into the peritoneal cavity direct through umbilicus. Afterwords, ovarian cyst was deflated with using transabdominal needle aspiration, delivered by an extended umbilical incision and enucleated as in standard open surgery. The two groups were compared for patients demographics, operative report and early postoperative outcomes. All procedures were performed successfully with no complications rate. There were no differences in the preoperative parameters between the two groups. The differences between groups for operative and postoperative results were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean operative time in Group I was 30.91 min. In contrast, the mean duration of the operation in the Group II was 21.56 min. The mean time to beginning and time of full enteral feeding for patients with hybrid approach were significantly shorter as for patients with umbilical incision (4.06 hours vs 10.91 hours; 13 hours vs 20.55 hours). Prolonged mean postoperative hospital stay were registered in patients of the Group I (6.36 days vs 3.19 days; p<0.05). The postoperative course and follow up was uneventful in the all patients. The experience described in this study confirms that hybrid operation can be applied for treatment of neonatal ovarian cysts with outcomes better than standard open surgery.

[Spinal muscular atrophy carrier frequency in Ukraine].

BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder with the frequency of carriers in a number of ethnical groups ranging from 1/50 to 1/25. However, the prevalence of SMA for population of Ukraine remains to be established. METHODS: For the analysis of deletion in exon 7 SMN1 gene in SYBR Green Real-Time qPCR assay specific for the single nucleotide change in exon 7 (cd 840 C >T) was used. RESULTS: Using SYBR Green qPCR assay, the incidence of the exon 7 SMN1 deletion was established among 370 unrelated individuals without family history of SMA. The carrier frequency for this group of Ukrainians was estimated as 3.24% (1/31). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showing the high prevalence of carriers warrant the importance of population screening for SMA in Ukraine.

[Role of bacteriochlorophyll in stabilization of the structure of the near-central and peripheral light-harvesting complexes from purple photosynthetic bacteria].

Pheophytinization of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) at low pH was investigated in the core (LH1) and peripheral (LH2) light-harvesting complexes, as well as in the ensemble of the reaction center (RC) with the LH1 complex. The stages in disintegration of the native BChl forms in the LH1 complex and in its ensemble with RC were revealed. They were observed as emergence of the absorption band of monomeric BChl and an increase in its intensity, followed by its transformation into the band of monomeric bacteriopheophytin (BPh) and then into the band of aggregated BPh. Unlike the LH1 complex, in the case of the LH2 complex monomeric BChl was never detected as an intermediate product. While the spectra revealed formation of monomeric BPh, its accumulation did not occur, since its aggregation is very rapid compared to that in the LH1 complex and in the RC-LH1 ensemble. PAG electrophoresis revealed that pheophytinization of BChl in the LH2 complex was accompanied by disruption of the stable cylindrical structure of this complex with emergence of characteristic fragments consisting of α and ß peptides and bearing monomeric BPh, as well as of the α peptide aggregates bearing BPh aggregates. Unlike the LH2 complex, BChl pheophytinization in the LH1 complex did not result in its fragmentation. This is an indication of different types of structural stabilization in the LH1 and LH2 complexes. In the LH2 complex, coordination of bacteriochlorophyll Mg2+ by conservative histidine residues of the α and ß polypeptides is the main factor responsible for the maintenance of its cylindrical structure. Stability of the LH1 complex is probably based primarily on the highly specific hydrophobic interactions between the surfaces of individual polypeptide chains, since the presence of hydrogen bonds results in autonomy of each αß3BChl2 subunit, rather than in stabilization of the LH1 complex as a whole.

[Clinical genealogical and molecular genetic study of patients with mental retardation].

The results of clinical, genealogical, cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies of 113 patients from 96 families with different forms of mental retardation from Ukraine are presented. This study was held as part of the CHERISH project of the 7-th Framework Program. The aim of the project is to improve diagnostics of mental retardation in children in Eastern Europe and Central Asia through detailed analysis of known chromosomal and gene's aberrations and to find the new gene-candidates that cause mental retardation. All patients have normal chromosome number (46XY or 46XX). The cases with fragile-X syndrome were eliminated using molecular genetic methods. Genome rearrangements were found among 28 patients using cytogenetic analysis, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA analysis) ofsubtelomeric regions and array-based comparative genomic hybridisation (array CGH screening). In 10 cases known pathogenic CNV's were identified, 11 cases are unknown aberrations; their pathogenicity is being determined. The rest cases are known nonpathogenic gene rearrangements. Obtained results show the strong genetic heterogeneity of hereditary forms of mental retardation. The further studies will allow to identificate genes candidates and certain mutations in these genes that may be associated with this pathology.

[The electrophoretic cell analysis applying the instrument complex "Cito-expert"].

The electric discharge of living cells and Z-potential of cell membrane are among the most important indicators to determine at cell level the homeostasis of any living organism, including organs and tissues. The cell electrophoresis is considered as the most handy, accurate and reliable practical technique to determine these indicators. The authors developed the first national serial instrument complex for cell electrophoresis. The device differs from international models by using the alternating electric field and original electrophoretic camera. The instrument complex is protected by patents and permits to determine the cells' oscillation amplitude in alternating field proportional to their effective charge. The device also determines the portion of active cells and their distribution according amplitudes and the asymmetry and excess of this distribution. The duration of single analysis consists 5-8 min and the volume of cell suspension is 40 microL. The analysis is applied to 100-300 cells and the voltage is about 10-30 V on the camera electrodes. The instrument complex is most prospectively applied to diagnose and monitor the treatment of critical conditions with intoxication, to express-control the toxicity of various liquid mediums and biologic activity of nano-materials on cell level and to screening promptly the pharmacologic substances and pharmaceuticals. The published nowadays results of studies performed on different devices, permit to expand significantly the sphere of practical and scientific application of cell electrophoresis.

[The effect of selection for phenotypical characters on the chromosome constitution in spring triticale].

A set of spring triticale selection forms was studied with the use of microsatellite markers specific for D-genome chromosomes and genomic in situ hybridization. 2R/2D substitutions were found in six of twelve forms. Two lines displayed segregation for the substitution: plants with the substitution and without it, and plants heterozygous for the substitution were revealed. Segregation of the lines and the presence in them of telocentric chromosomes of wheat and rye in the monosomic state suggest that the process of formation is still in progress. The data obtained also demonstrate that triticale is under selection for the 2R/2D substitution as controlling the spectrum of adaptively and selectively valuable traits.

[Molecular cytogenetic characterization of spring triticale line 131/7 carrying a rye-wheat translocation].

The chromosomal composition of the spring triticale line 131/7 carrying a rye-wheat translocation was studied using GISH, C-banding, and SSR analysis. The complex analysis revealed the presence of a pair of 2D chromosomes and T2RS.2RL-2BL translocation in the genome of the hexaploid triticale line 131/7. The break point in the translocated chromosome is between the markers Xwmc592 and Xwmc441, loci 63.9 cM and 76.8 cM on the linkage map (Wheat, Consensus SSR, 2004 NA-SSR-2004-2B) and in the region C2BL2-0.36 on the physical map (Wheat, Physical, SSR). The analysis of the line enables its use in breeding programs and in genetic studies.

[Photosynthetic activity and components of the electron transport chain in the aerobic bacteriochlorophyll A-containing bacterium Roseinatronobacter thiooxidans].

Bioenergetics of the aerobic bacteriochlorophyll a-containing (BCl a) bacterium (ABC bacterium) Roseinatronobacter thiooxidans is a combination of photosynthesis, oxygen respiration, and oxidation of sulfur compounds under alkaliphilic conditions. The photosynthetic activity of Rna. thiooxidans cells was established by the photoinhibition of cell respiration and reversible photobleaching discoloration of the BCl a of reaction centers (RC), connected by the chain of electron transfer with cytochrome c551 oxidation. The species under study, like many purple bacteria and some of the known ABC bacteria, possesses a light-harvesting pigment-protein (LHI) complex with the average number of 30 molecules of antenna BCl a per one photosynthetic RC. Under microaerobic growth conditions, the cells contained bc1 complex and two terminal oxidases: cbb3-cytochrome oxidase and the alternative cytochrome oxidase of the a3 type. Besides, Rna. thiooxidans was shown to have several different soluble low- and high-potential cytochromes c, probably associated with the ability of utilizing sulfur compounds as additional electron donors.

[Distribution of bacteriochlorophyll between the pigment-protein complexes of the sulfur photosynthesizing bacterium Allochromatium minutissimum depending on light intensity at different temperatures].

Variation of the distribution of bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a) between external antenna (LH2) and core complexes (LHl + RC) of the photosynthetic membrane of the sulfur bacterium Allochromatium minutissimum was studied at light intensities of 5 and 90 Wt/m2 in the temperature range of 12-43 degrees C. The increase of light intensity was shown to result in a 1.5- to 2-times increase of a photosynthetic unit (PSU). PSU sizes pass through a maximum depending on growth temperature, and the increase of light intensity (5 and 90 Wt/m2) results in a shift of the maximal PSU size to higher temperatures (15 and 20 degrees C, respectively). In the narrow temperature interval of approximately 14-17 degrees C, the ratio of light intensity to PSU size is typical of phototrophs: lower light intensity corresponds to larger PSU size. The pattern of PSU size change depending on light intensity was shown to differ at extreme growth temperatures (12 degrees C and over 35 degrees C). The comparison of Alc. minutissimum PSU size with the data on Rhodobacter capsulatus and Rhodopseudomonas palustris by measuring the effective optical absorption cross-section for the reaction of photoinhibition of respiration shows a two to four times greater size of light-harvesting antenna for Alc. minutissimum, which seems to correspond to the maximum possible limit for purple bacteria.

[Cases of pyogenic iliopsoas abscesses in military men].

Four cases of pyogenic inflammation of the iliolumbar muscle were analyzed and 3 clinical cases of this disease in military men are described. A rare case of abscess of the iliolumbar muscle complicated by secondary appendicitis is also described. A hematogenic way of infection against the background of microtraumas and hematomas with m. Iliopsoas was the main one in the patients observed that was due to specificities of military service: permanent physical activity, pustular diseases of the lower extremities. The main clinical symptom of the disease is the symptom of the iliolumbar muscle. Ultrasonic scanning is the most informative method of diagnosis among additional methods. Operative treatment of the piogenic iliopsoas abscess is the only method of treatment, the open operative interventions by the retroperitoneal access being preferred. Antibacterial therapy in the postoperative period is based on the results of inoculation of the purulent discharge from the wound. Broad spectrum antibiotics must be used due to possible anaerobic character of the purulent inflammation.

[Cytogenetic characterization of Solanum lycopersicoides Dun. alien chromosome additions in cultivated tomato].

Cytogenetic analysis of five Solanum lycopersicoides monosomic alien addition lines of tomato was carried out. Meiotic analysis showed that additional chromosomes caused serious abnormalities. It was demonstrated that different chromosomes of S. lycopersicoides had different effects on chromosome pairing. For instance, associations formed between chromosomes II and IV of S. lycopersicoides and chromosomes of cultured tomato were trivalents, while chromosome XI in all cells was present as a univalent. Pachytene analysis showed that chromosomes of homeologous group II paired at their long arms, and their nucleolus organizer regions were of different sizes. The use of molecular markers provided accelerated identification of the introgression of S. lyvcopersicoides genetic material.

[Functional changes and structural features of the testis in patients after acute parotid orchitis]. / Funktsional'nye izmeneniia i strukturnye osobennosti polovykh zhelez u patsientov, perenesshikh ostryi parotitnyi orkhit.

Structural changes and functional features of the testes were studied in 20 patients who had had parotid orchitis (PO) 6 months to 1.5 years before the study. The examination including ultrasonography of the testes, investigation of ejaculate, radioimmunoassay for serum testosterone, FSH, LH brought out a significant reduction of the mean volume and echogenicity of the affected testicles by 44.7 and 50%, respectively, in 15 patients; a 58.2% decrease in the number of spermatozoa in ml; a 71.2% rise in FSH level in 6 patients. Morphometry of biopsy specimen of the testicles on the affected side has shown that mean sectional area of the tubules has diminished by 40%, the spermatogenesis index--by 77.1% while the volume of the intertubular connective tissue increased by 47.7%. Thus, after acute PO, the patients develop atrophic changes in the testes and a decline in spermatogenic function up to secretory infertility.

UV-Induced destruction of light-harvesting complexes from purple bacterium Chromatium minutissimum.

We studied UV-induced photodestruction of the native forms of bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a) from chromatophores and light harvesting complexes (LHC) of the sulphur photosynthetic bacterium Chromatium minutissimum. Irradiation of chromato- phores with 365-nm light (Soret band) or 280-nm light (absorption region of aromatic amino acids) led to the destruction of all long-wavelength forms of Bchl a. The quantum yields of photodestruction produced by the 280-nm light was higher than that produced by the 365-nm light. For the spectral forms of Bchl a absorbing at 850 nm and 890 nm, the difference was about one order of magnitude, and for the form absorbing at 800 nm the difference was almost two orders of magnitude. Similar UV sensitivity was observed for the Bchl a forms from isolated LHC. As a rule, the quantum yields of photodestruction induced by UV irradiation at 280 nm were about 100-1000 times higher (approximately 10(-3)-10(-4)) than that upon red light irradiation (approximately 10(-6)-10(-7)). We found that irradiation of chromatophores at 280 nm resulted in a crosslink between the core and peripheral LHC.

[Choice of electron equipment for x-ray diagnostic digital scanning system]. / O vybore élektronnogo oborudovaniia dlia rentgenodiagnosticheskikh tsifrovykh skaniruiushchikh sistem.

The paper deals with the choice of electron equipment for X-ray diagnostic devices with digital image processing which are intended for population-based mass prophylactic examinations of lung. Guidelines for the optimization of the package of electron devices for processing and storing of data and for obtaining hard copies of X-ray films.