[On integration of the iodine deficiency elimination and salt reduction programs].

Excessive salt intake is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, but salt iodization is the most effective method of population-based prevention of iodine deficiency. Therefore, an assessment of dietary iodine intake from the use of iodized salt in the food industry and potential reductions in salt intake is needed. Objective. To assess the feasibility of integrating iodine deficiency prevention and salt reduction programmes among the adult population in the Republic of Belarus. Material and methods. Using the thiocyanate-nitrite method, the determination of iodine in various types of foods was carried out. Taking into account the actual dietary intake, estimated using the frequency method among 583 respondents over 18 years old, living in Minsk, from various socioeconomic groups, alimentary iodine intake was assessed at different levels of salt use in households. The level of iodine sufficiency was additionally estimated on the base of urinary excretion data obtained by the cerium-arsenite spectrophotometric method in 100 healthy adults over the age of 18 living in Minsk (65 women and 35 men). Results. As part of the legal framework for the use of iodized salt in food production, there has been a steady increase in iodine levels in the target products (bakery and meat products to 42.0 and 133.3 µg/100 g respectively). The content of the discussed micronutrient in the diet of the adult population has raised at least 1.9-fold in recent decades, to 237.3 µg/day in the most realistic consumption model. The main source of iodine among this subpopulation is commercially produced foods with iodized salt, which forms 30-58% of the alimentary iodine exposure. Consumption of salt in Belarus averages 10.6 g per day, which poses a risk of developing noncommunicable diseases and necessitates programmes to reduce the level of salt in the diet. Modeling of scenarios with reduction of salt use in households in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the main contribution to dietary iodine exposure will be made by bread products (38%), about 1/3 will be formed by table salt, the value of non-target fortified products (milk and eggs) will increase (up to 21%). The contribution of table iodized salt to the dietary iodine exposure reaches 43% at actual consumption levels and will decrease to 18% if it is reduced to the WHO recommended values. The median of ioduria among those surveyed is 136.8 µg/l, indicating adequate iodine supply. Conclusion. In implementing joint programs on prevention of iodine deficiency and cardiovascular diseases associated with excessive salt intake, it is necessary to consider national conditions - mandatory use of iodized salt in food industry, its level of fortification, content of this micronutrient in foodstuffs and structure of their consumption among certain population groups.

Electron Transfer on the Donor Side of Manganese-Depleted Photosystem 2.

After removal of manganese ions responsible for light-driven water oxidation, redox-active tyrosine YZ (tyrosine 161 of the D1 subunit) still remains the dominant electron donor to the photooxidized chlorophyll P680 (P680+) in the reaction center of photosystem 2 (PS2). Here, we investigated P680+ reduction by YZ under single-turnover flashes in Mn-depleted PS2 core complexes in the presence of weak acids and NH4Cl. Analysis of changes in the light-induced absorption at 830 nm (reflecting P680 redox transitions) at pH 6.0 showed that P680+ reduction is well approximated by two kinetic components with the characteristic times (τ) of ~7 and ~31 µs and relative contributions of ~54 and ~37%, respectively. In contrast to the very small effect of sodium formate (200 mM), addition of sodium acetate and NH4Cl increased the rate of electron transfer between YZ and P680+ approx. by a factor of 5. The suggestion that direct electron transfer from YZ to P680+ has a biphasic kinetics and reflects the presence of two different populations of PS2 centers was confirmed by the data obtained using direct electrometrical technique. It was demonstrated that the submillisecond two-phase kinetics of the additional electrogenic phase in the kinetics of photoelectric response due to the electron transfer between YZ and P680+ is significantly accelerated in the presence of acetate or ammonia. These results contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of interaction between the oxidized tyrosine YZ and exogenous substances (including synthetic manganese-containing compounds) capable of photooxidation of water molecule in the manganese-depleted PS2 complexes.

[Determination of some indicators of immunity and lipoperoxidation in the oral fluid in persons with a low vitamin D level.]

Oral fluid is a unique biological environment, containing a wide range of substances, coming from local and systemic sources, which makes it possible to use it as an object for assessing pathological changes in the body both at the local and systemic levels. In comparison with the traditional method of blood analysis, the advantage of evaluating the parameters of the oral fluid is the non-invasive of this method of obtaining material. All patients underwent oral fluid sampling using special plastic containers with a swab, which facilitate the selection of material, eliminating the penetration of mucin into a clean test sample, which helps to obtain more accurate analysis results. The amount of secretory IgA, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), TBA-active products, the level of total antioxidant activity in the oral fluid in individuals with a low level of 25(OH)D before and after taking the native solution of vitamin D "Aqua Trim" were determined. The concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A, lipopolysaccharide, binding protein and the level of total antioxidant activity are reduced in the oral fluid of people with vitamin D deficiency, but the number of intermediate products of lyoperoxidation increases. The course intake of the native solution of vitamin D (International Nonproprietary Name - Colecalciferol) normalizes the functioning of the immunity of the oral cavity and restores the balance of the "lipid peroxidation-antioxidants" system.

[The problem of iodine deficiency and its solution in the republic of Belarus].

The problem of iodine deficiency is relevant to the Republic of Belarus. It's confirmed by virtually commonly found geophysical iodine deficiency in soils and waters. Data on iodine deficiency initiated the development of a state strategy for the elimination of iodine deficiency in the population. This strategy determined the mandatory use of iodized salt only in the country in the food industry and catering as the main event for the elimination of iodine deficiency. The aim of this work was a comprehensive evaluation of the results of the implementation of the strategy for elimination of iodine deficiency among the population of the Republic of Belarus. Medical monitoring of the assessment of the efficacy showed the decrease in the incidence of simple non-toxic goiter in adolescents from 1215,23 per 100,000 population in 1998 to 341,25 in 2013 (3.6 times), and indices ofprimary morbidity rate in children fell by 2.9 times. Over the period from 1998 primary morbidity rate of simple nontoxic goiter decreased significantly in adults from 379.9 to 31,71 people per 100,000 of the population in 2013 respectively (almost 12 times). Data of the assessment of ioduria in Belarus indicate that 89.2% of children enrolled in the study have iodine excretion of more than 100 pg/L. Thus, in the Republic of Belarus there was achieved the level of an adequate intake of iodine with foodstuffs. This model ofprevention of iodine deficiency, as well as the traditional approach based on the adoption of the law, is a versatile and cost-effective mode.

[Actual problems of the microbiological safety of food products].

Food-borne infectious diseases remain an actual problem of health care. In the Republic of Belarus the level of food-borne diseases persists to be stable, at the same time these diseases remain to be significant. Despite the insignificant number of nonconforming food samples the prevalence rates of food-borne acute infectious diseases of various etiology with dominantly food transmission pathway remain to be rather high. The mentioned fact determines the need for the development of approaches on the security of microbiological food safety based on the risk analysis. There are determined criteria for a hygienic assessment of the microbiological hazards (associated with the pathogen, food products and a consumer health state), there is presented the classification offood products in dependence on the grade of microbiological risk. There was performed the comparative analysis of requirements for the microbiological safety of food accepted in the Republic of Belarus and European Economic Union, in the European Union and at the international level, which testify to the presence of separate differences. Based on the international approaches there was substantiated the multilevel control system of management of microbiological risks, there is reported the characteristic of separate criteria. There are determined the directions of the improvement of the security of microbiological safety of food.

Luminescence of solvate of boron difluoride dibenzoylmethanate with benzene: aggregates formation.

The concentration dependence of spectral-luminescence properties of solutions boron difluoride dibenzoylmethanate (DBMBF2) in benzene and chloroform has been studied through stationary and time-resolved emission spectroscopy methods. The formation of J-aggregates in the solution of DBMBF2 in chloroform has been revealed and a crystalline adduct of DBMBF2 with benzene has been obtained. A bright blue adduct luminescence is due only to the luminescence of J-aggregates, unlike the crystals of DBMBF2, for which the luminescence of excimers and J-aggregates has been observed. The quantum chemistry simulation of geometric and electronic structure of the DBMBF2 С6Н6 solvate has been performed, and the absorption spectra of DBMBF2 and it is adduct have been calculated.

[Immunogenetic aspects of early rheumatoid arthritis].

The study is aimed to investigate the distribution of alleles of HLA-DRB1 gene in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and healthy individuals in Russian population, and evaluate their significance as molecular genetic markers of rheumatoid arthritis predisposition and protection. The association between alleles of HLA-DRB1 genes, antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides and IgM rheumatoid factor was also studied. Low and high resolution HLA-DRB1 genotyping were compared. In the cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, the alleles of HLA-DRB1 gene were found to be markers of rheumatoid arthritis protection/risk, especially in the homozygous state. They determined production of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides but were not associated with rheumatoid factor IgM levels. These findings support different autoimmune mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis.

[Approaches to assessment of the alimentary load by nutrient additives].

Methodological approaches to the assessment of alimentary load of nutritional supplements (ALNS) have been based. Description for the different models for assessment of ALNS according to the allowable daily intake and the use of hygienic regulations is presented.

Photomobile luminescent polymeric materials on the basis of boron and europium chelates.

The photomechanical effect was found in a polymer composition on the basis of polymethylmethacrylate with embedded molecules of the luminophor incapable to undergo photochemical isomerization (anthracenoylacetonate of boron difluoride and dibenzoylmethanatoeuropiate triethylammonium), unlike other compounds having the above effect. The possibility of the development of a simple upward-downward movement drive on the basis of the above compounds was demonstrated.

Photo-mechanical effect in luminescent polymeric materials.

The photomechanical effect was found for the first time in a polymer composition on the basis of polymethylmethacrylate with embedded molecules of the luminophor dibenzoylmethanate of boron difluoride incapable of undergoing photochemical isomerization, unlike other compounds. A thermal mechanism of photochemical displacement was suggested.

[Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in modern clinical practice (results of a follow-up of a Moscow cohort of early arthritis patients participating in the program RADICAL)].

AIM: To estimate potentialities of early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis in clinical practice in the course of the RADICAL program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 366 patients participating in the trial 61 (16.7%) were males and 305 (83.3%) were females at the age of 47.76 +/- 14.1 years. The longest duration of the symptoms before consulting a doctor was 51 weeks, mean duration--5.7 weeks, 55% patients had the symptoms for 3 weeks. All the patients have undergone laboratory examination including leukocyte count, platelet count, estimation of ESR, concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies to a cyclic citrullated peptide (ACCP); roentgenography of the wrists and feet. On demand, antinuclear factor (ANF) and HLA-B27 were investigated. RA was diagnosed on the basis of ACR classification criteria. If the criteria were not complete at the moment of the study, the patient was referred to the group of "undifferentiated arthritis" (UA). The patients were examined before the treatment, 6 and 12 months later. The treatment was made according to Russian clinical recommendations. RESULTS: Prior to admission to hospital, 58% patients were suspected for RA, 18.3%--osteoarthrosis (OA), 14%--reactive arthritis. 18.9% were not diagnosed, other diagnoses were considered in 12.6% patients. At primary examination RA was diagnosed in 212 (57.9%) patients, UA was in 133 (36.3%) patients, 21 (5.7%) patients had other diagnoses. Twelve months later RA, UA and other diseases were diagnosed in 256 (69.9%), 70 (19.1%) and 40 (10.9%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: A 3-stage algorithm of early RA diagnosis is proposed. At the stage of the first contact with the patient in an outpatient clinic a valid RA suspition with consideration of modified EULAR criteria must be formulated. At the second stage a district rheumatologist must examine the patient outpatiently with determination of ACR classification criteria. In diagnosis verification the treatment must be started according to APP and EULAR clinical recommendations. If RA diagnosis can not be verified or rejected, the patient must be refered to hospital (stage 3). If verification of RA diagnosis is impossible, the diagnosis should be formulated as UA.

Size-dependent fluorescence of dibenzoylmethanate and ditoluylmethanate of boron difluoride.

Significant differences in the luminescence properties of dibenzoylmethanate and ditoluylmethanate of boron difluoride bulk crystals and microcrystals were detected. The size-dependent blue-to-green colour change of the luminescence is connected with the band intensity redistribution of monomer and excimer luminescence and fluorescence due to interdimer interaction.

Luminescence and reversible luminescence thermochromism of bulk and microcrystals of dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride.

Essential differences in the luminescence properties of dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride (1) bulk and microcrystals were detected. Analysis of the spectral data showed that in every case the fluorescence spectrum of 1 consisted of three components: monomer fluorescence, excimer fluorescence, and fluorescence related with interdimer interaction. Evolution of luminescence spectra observed with decrease of the crystal size are bound with decrease of monomer fluorescence intensity and considerable growth of intensity of fluorescence related to interdimer interaction. The presence of reversible luminescence thermochromism was discovered for 1: lowering the temperature from 300 to 77 K resulted in essential hypsochromic shift of the luminescence band maximum ( approximately 60 nm) connected with considerable decrease of the distances between the planes of the neighboring molecules ( approximately 0.1 Angstrom) that lead to the weakening of interdimer interaction and intensification of monomer luminescence.