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Introduction. Chronic prostatitis / Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP / CPPS) is an extremely common condition for which no effective treatment has been found yet. Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a safe method of physical intervention that could potentially be effective in CP / CPPS treating.Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and quality of life of patients after treatment of CP / CPPS with fSWT.Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study included 48 patients diagnosed with CP / CPPS. The patients attended the clinic three times a week for 4 weeks (12 sessions). Each time, patients received fSWT therapy sessions by “Chronic pelvic pain” protocol. One month after the last therapy session, the men completed the validated NIH-CPSI, IPSS, and QoL questionnaires.Results. The mean age of the patients was 40 ± 9 years. After the course of therapy, the score of Domain I “Pain” from 10.0 ± 4.7 to 6.3 ± 1.9 (p Conclusion. The study demonstrated the efficacy of fSWT as a standalone method in the treatment of CP / CPPS.

Introduction. Mixed urinary incontinence is believed to be more difficult to treat than stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) alone. However, the mixed form occurs in one in three women with complaints of incontinence. Therefore, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the transobturator suburethral sling in patients with a mixed form of urinary incontinence is a topical issue.Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of the transobturator suburethral sling in patients with mixed urinary incontinence.Materials and methods. The cohort study enrolled 106 patients with a mixed form of urinary incontinence. Validated questionnaires (Overactive bladder questionnaire/OABq, Urinary Distress Inventory, Short Form/UDI-6) were used to assess subjective data. Secondary endpoint – objective data of comprehensive urodynamic study 2 – 12 months after transobturator suburethral sling implantation: presence of phase, terminal, constrictor-induced detrusor overactivity (DOA).Results. According to the preoperative evaluation of complaints on validated questionnaires, the mean UDI-6 score was 52.2 ± 16.3 points, OABq was 15.4 ± 5.4 points. After surgery, there was a decrease in the UDI-6 questionnaire scores to 19.4 ± 18.4 scores and OABq to 9.6 ± 4.1 scores, the difference for both of which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Terminal DOA was sighted in 44 (41.5%) preoperative patients and 33 (31.1%) postoperative patients (p = 0.153). Stress-induced DOA was observed in 27 (25.5%) before and 6 (5.7%) after surgery (p < 0.001), respectively. Seventy-two (67.9%) patients reported satisfaction with the surgery and willingness to recommend it to their friends. For 26 (24.5%) patients, the surgery had no significant effect on quality of life. Eight (7.5%) patients noted a worsening of symptoms after treatment. No effect of sling installation on the course of OAB was found.Conclusion. The placement of a synthetic suburethral sling has improved the quality of life in many patients with a mixed form of urinary incontinence.

The research featured the urgent issues of students’ mental health triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has become frustrating and degrading in relation to a number of needs that young people regard as significant. It violated the usual behavioral patterns of self-actualization and self-realization. The lockdown and distance learning put an unexpected burden on the personal and health resources of students, leading to the risk of hypochondrial response and triggering various forms of maladaptive and addictive behavior. These violations worsened the emotional background, affected the motivational sphere, and limited the ability of self-control and self-organization, thus creating prerequisites for learned helplessness and addictive behavior, which are one of the most destructive responses to stress. The authors believe that students need a special program of psychological support aimed at solving the mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Urinary tract infections are widespread throughout the world and occupy one of the leading places among infectious diseases. Antibacterial methods are the basis of modern treatment standards. At the same time, a widespread increase in antibiotic resistance of the main uropathogens is currently observed. In clinical practice, recurrent lower urinary tract infections are increasingly common. Following this, the main task of the doctor is to maximize the recurrence-free interval. Given the obvious negative collateral effect of long-term antibiotic prophylaxis, specialists are increasingly turning to alternative methods. Non-antibacterial preventive measures are aimed at key links in the pathogenesis of the disease, such as counteracting the penetration and adhesion of uropathogens, as well as stimulating the immune system of the macroorganism. The available physicians' toolkit includes pharmacological agents (d-mannose, methenamine hippurate, estrogens, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, probiotics, intravesical glycosaminoglycans, immunostimulants and vaccines), natural uroantiseptics (medicinal herbs and cranberry products), as well as behavioural therapy. The main advantages of non-antibacterial methods for the treatment and prevention of lower urinary tract infections are environmental friendliness. It is associated with the absence of a negative effect on the commensal flora, as well as a reduction in the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. The current guidelines provide very limited information on the application of this approach to treatment. Published studies indicate the high potential of non-antibacterial methods, some of which are comparable in effectiveness to standard therapy. However, the quality of studies and the lack of drug use standards do not allow including this approach in the existing guidelines. The need for new, high-quality clinical trials is evident.

Introduction: In the course of the study, we examined energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heat-insulating materials based on gypsum and gypsum-containing primary components. Purpose of the study: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using gypsum materials in wall structures, by using the finite element method based on the ANSYS Steady State Thermal module. Porous materials of different densities (structural, structural and heat-insulating, and heatinsulating gypsum concrete) were used as wall materials. These materials were obtained as a result of the interaction between residual sulfuric acid adsorbed on the grains of “acidic” fluoroanhydrite and carbonate flour. Methods: The finite element method based on the ANSYS Steady State Thermal module was used. The thermal conductivity of the structures was evaluated in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The experimental values of thermal and physical characteristics were adopted for the walling fragments. Results: The problem was solved numerically, by using the finite element method based on the ANSYS Steady State Thermal module. We established that the developed structural and heat-insulating gypsum concrete is more effective since, under the set design conditions, the temperature of the inner surface of such a wall at the minimum (510 mm) and maximum (770 mm) structure thickness exceeds the temperature of the inner surface of walls made of different materials.

The discharge characteristics of a heat activated battery containing NiCl2–CoCl2 mixtures as a positive electrode are studied. The battery cell discharge temperature is found to decrease when the mixtures are used instead of individual nickel(II) and cobalt(II) chlorides. The minimum temperature at which a stable discharge plateau is detected is 480°C. The maximum capacity of the discharge plateau is 0.33 A h g–1. The optimum composition of the cathode mixture contains 20 wt % CoCl2. The composition and morphology of the reduction products of the cathodic materials are determined. The initial nickel and cobalt chlorides are reduced to metals during battery cell discharge. The reduction process is accompanied by the diffusion of lithium halides from the separator to the cathodic space. The reduced metals (Ni, Co) form a network of branched dendrites covered with a salt film based on lithium chloride. The density and morphology of the dendritic deposit is determined by the composition of the initial cathodic mixture. The salt film consists of solid solutions and peritectics of the Li, Co, Ni||Cl, Br, F system. The reduction of M2+ (where M = Ni, Co) to the M0 metal is shown to proceed via a melt mechanism in the diffusion kinetics mode.

The discharge characteristics of the batteries of thermally activated chemical current sources containing CoCl2–CoF2 mixtures as positive electrodes are studied. The compositions and morphologies of the reduction products of the cathodic materials are determined. The use of the mixtures instead of individual cobalt halides makes it possible to stabilize the discharge characteristics and to decrease the discharge temperature of the current source battery. The reduction of Co2+ to metallic Co0 occurs under diffusion-controlled conditions.

Passive radiative cooling is a promising direction in energy conservation and environmental protection. One of the ways to increase the efficiency of radiative cooling systems is the use of multi-layer coatings. In recent years, several novel materials with high emissivity have been proposed, which allow the creation of radiators that provide an average daily cooling power of approximately 100 W/m2 during daytime. Based on the developed mathematical model, the optical properties of the multi-layer coating for the radiative cooling system were evaluated by the Transfer Matrix Method and the effectiveness of radiative cooling was determined due to the use of the multi-layer coating in the climatic conditions of Syria (Latakia). The results of modeling the atmospheric transmittance in the summer months in Syria (Latakia) are presented. The developed mathematical model, methods for modeling atmospheric transmittance, calculating solar radiation, and evaluating the optical properties of multi-layer coating, allow determining an effective multi-layer coating for radiative cooling systems in any climatic conditions

Issues concerning the restoration of old brick buildings are examined. New compositions of high-performance dry construction mixes for restoration work are proposed. The results of physicochemical studies (x-ray structural and electron-microscopic analyses) of the initial fluoroanhydrite binder and the restoration dry construction mix obtained from it are presented. A list of technological operations involved in the restoration of the facades of brick buildings is presented.

Learned helplessness was discovered by American positivists in the 1970s. There are two approaches to learned helplessness: as a phenomenon (state) and as a process. Learned helplessness develops as a result of development deficiency or a severe impairment of one of the spheres of personality, e.g. emotions, motivation, will, or cognition. However, the ability to detect learned helplessness is not sufficient to provide timely and systemic psychological assistance. To determine the potential risk of development and aggravation of this state at different stages of ontogenetic development, i.e. as a process, is the main task of preventive diagnosis and systematic prevention of the state of learned helplessness. The research featured peculiarities of learned helplessness development at different stages of ontogenesis – from senior pre-school to adolescence. The research objective was to identify the markers of learned helplessness. Early detection made it possible to develop a special matrix of personality spheres vulnerability related to structural components of learned helplessness. The article illustrates the system of psychological assistance aimed at urgent (primary and secondary) prevention of the state of learned helplessness in children from senior pre-school age to adolescence.

The article is devoted to modifications of fluorogypsum compositions by chemical additives of sodium salts in the form of sulfate, sulfite and sodium sulfide, as well as their combined effect on the kinetics of structure formation processes. Technological, ecological and technical aspects of utilization of fluorogypsum compositions activated by additives were investigated. Experiments have shown that an up to 3% increase in the amount of sodium sulfite additive leads to an increase in the compressive strength of samples at early stages of hardening (up to 14 days), whereas utilization of sodium sulfate additive forms a crystallization structure at later stages. Therefore, it is rational to combine sulfate and sodium sulfite additives in an amount not exceeding 3% of the binder’s weight. The binder hardening structure formation with sodium sulfide addition at early stages results in production of additional structure-forming substances such as calcium sulfide. The mechanism of differentiated application of individual sulfate and sodium sulfite additives allowed to suggest that combined sulfate and sulfite additives utilization seems to be the most rational decision, due to the fact that it is not a mere individual additives’ combination, but a buffer mixture, which means that the mechanism of such mixtures influence will be subject to the buffer action. The system will maintain a strictly defined pH range constancy, which determines stability of new growths, forming the hardening structure. However, using sodium sulfide as an additive and studying its impact on fluoroanhydrate compositions structure formation in both individual and combined with sodium sulfite and sodium sulfate forms appears to be as much reasonable. The combined Na2SO3-Na2SO4 additive activates hardening processes both at early and late stages. At the same time, columnar structures growing from the center to the periphery are formed, as indicated by electron-microscopic studies. Their growth stems from concentration gradient of SO42-- and SO32-- ions, which is in complete agreement with the other research data and is typical for both metal melts and cement systems solidification process.

The paper deals with porous gypsum building materials having heat-insulating properties and applied in low-rise building construction, in the manufacture of flat and room dividers.Anhydrite of the Siberian Chemical Combine together with sodium carbonate is used as a gas-forming component. To regulate the plasticity of the mortar mixture, the Steinberg MP-4 and Steinberg PR-1S(A) superplasticizers are introduced into the composition, and their effect on the porous gypsum mixture properties is studied.The analysis of the superplasticizer influence on the properties shows that the use of the Steinberg MP-4 with the amount of 2 wt.% of gypsum is optimum to achieve high strength of up to 27 MPa, while providing high mobility of the porous mixture. The main role of superplasticizers in a gypsum water-soluble composition is to increase the ξ-potential of the material and to reduce the water-gypsum ratio of the mixture while maintaining its mobility. The effect of superplasticizers largely depends on the initial modification of the binder, its dispersibility and mobility.

The paper presents the results of studies of the use of bulk phase characteristics or their combinations in the quantitative assessment of the restructuring of the structure in the process of hydration and hardening of anhydrite-containing binder. The main advantage of using volumetric phase characteristics is the possibility to evaluate qualitative and quantitative composition of a disperse system, with true equality, which is a mathematical expression of the law of constancy of volume of the dispersed phase structure. The quantitative composition of dispersed systems was estimated by the volume content of phases (Ks, Kl, Kg), taking into account their presence equally. It is shown that the use of volumetric phase characteristics of this system makes it possible to quantify effectively the changes in the structure during the interaction of anhydrite binder with water, and the construction of a phase diagram of this process opens up new approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of hydration and hardening of binders.

TheThe clinical and sociological study was conducted involving 283 (130 men and 153 women) patients aged from 45 to 92 years. All patients had acrylic removable dentures on one or both jaws. If patients had complaints about insufficient fixation of the denture, they were recommended to use a prosthesis fixing cream for daily use. After 14 days, patients were examined again for the dynamics of complaints, as well as changes in the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed.Regardless of gender and age group patients using partial and complete dentures rarely (in 4.3% of cases) used dentures fixing agents, although 40.8% had poor fixation and (or) stabilization of removable acrylic partial and full dentures, and in 51.9% of cases inflammatory changes of the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed were detected. Correction of removable dentures, as well as daily use of a denture fixation cream, made it possible within two weeks to reduce by 72.5% of patients complaints about poor fixation and (or) stabilization of removable dentures, as well as to eliminate existing inflammatory changes in 86.4% of patients.Изучение состояния слизистой оболочки протезного ложа, особенностей фиксации съемных зубных протезов с учетом пола и возраста пациентов, а также определение целесообразности применения пациентами средств для фиксации зубных протезов.Проведено клинико-социологическое исследование, в котором участвовали 283 человека (130 мужчин и 153 женщины), пользующихся зубными протезами, в возрасте от 45 до 92 лет. У всех пациентов были акриловые съемные зубные протезы на одну или обе челюсти. При наличии у пациентов жалоб на недостаточную фиксацию протезов им рекомендовали для ежедневного использования крем для фиксации протезов. Спустя 14 суток пациентов осматривали повторно и оценивали динамику жалоб на фиксацию съемных зубных протезов, а также изменения со стороны слизистой оболочки протезного ложа.Установлено, что независимо от пола и возрастной группы пациенты, пользующиеся частичными и полными съемными зубными протезами, редко (в 4,3% случаев) используют различные средства-кремы для фиксации зубных протезов, хотя у 40,8% отмечается неудовлетворительная фиксация и (или) стабилизация съемных акриловых частичных и полных зубных протезов, а также в 51,9% случаев выявляются воспалительные изменения со стороны слизистой оболочки протезного ложа. Коррекция съемных протезов, а также ежедневное использование крема для фиксации зубных протезов позволили в течение двух недель сократить на 72,5% жалобы пациентов на неудовлетворительную фиксацию и (или) стабилизацию съемных зубных протезов, а также у 86,4% пациентов устранить имеющиеся воспалительные изменения тканей протезного ложа.

Purpose: The aim of this work is to investigate compositions and operational procedures for gypsum foamed materials based on acid fluoride and define conditions for the formation of the foamed structure and ways to improve the strength of foamed samples. Materials/Methodology/Approach: A capacity of sulphuric acid to interact with calcium carbonate with release of carbon dioxide is laid for this research. The hallmark of this study is acid fluoride used as a recycled material in which the residual acid adsorbs on anhydrite grains. Also, liquid glass and aluminum oxide nanofibrer are added to the composition. In this research, standard procedures and physicochemical techniques are used for the detection of properties of constructional materials. X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analyses are carried out to study the chemical composition of acid fluoride. The production of heat-insulating material includes preliminary dosage of initial components (acid fluoride, liquid glass, stabilized dispersion of aluminum nanofiber, sodium carbonate and water); blending of these components during 1–2 min followed by the gypsum addition; hardening in chambers for 24 h at 40–60 °C; pouring the ready mixture in divided molds. Standard equipment can be used for this production process. Research findings: The additional use of liquid glass and aluminum oxide nanofiber provides high physical and mechanical properties of samples. The high strength of material is insured by hydration of gypsum and acid fluoride followed by the chemical reaction due to the hardening catalyst. Heat-insulating properties appear due to porosity of product achieved by the release of carbon dioxide and oxygen during the interaction between acid fluoride and sodium carbonate as well as by the dispersion of aluminum oxide nanofiber accompanied by pore formation. Liquid glass and aqueous dispersion of nanofiber are very important for the material composition. The hardness increase occurs due to the formation of calcium silicates of different valency and their hydrates and due to the addition of nanofiber stabilized by sodium hydroxide of aluminum oxide representing a specific proportion of aluminum oxide and AlOOH. As a result of nanoparticle-Ca ion interaction, calcium aluminates and hydrated aluminates form. Calcium silicates and aluminates form the main space frame for the structure of gypsum stone. Additionally, Na 2 SO 4 hardener forms during the interaction of the blend components, i.e. the system is capable to autocatalysis. Also, the appeared non-soluble and slightly soluble products reinforce the stone structure, such that the initial, large gas release which provides low density and pore formation, does not lead to a sharp strength decrease, thereby ensuring the sufficient quality of material. When the oxide film of aluminum fiber is damaged, its violent reaction occurs with aqueous mixture components with hydrogen release. Practical implications: The obtained results can be used in construction of low-rise building and manufacturing partitions for rooms and flats. Originality: Hydration and pore formation processes are described for hardening gypsum materials based on acid fluoride. These processes allow controlling the mixture composition and properties of binding and binding-containing constructional materials. The authors suggest dependencies for control for the composition, structure and properties of composite, heat-insulating materials. The authors show that it is possible to render a targeted effect on the structure formation observed in complex additives which assist in the production of effective walling materials.

The discharge characteristics of a thermally activated battery element with cathode materials based on CrCl3–MoO3 mixtures are studied. The composition and the morphology of the products of reduction of the cathode materials are determined. A mechanism is proposed for their reduction to metallic chromium and molybdenum through an intermediate stage of formation of the melts of the complex Li3CrCl6 compound and lithium molybdates with lithium chloride.

The electrochemical and corrosion behavior of four alloys (wt %) is investigated: Al–6Ca (further Al6Ca), Al–6Ca–1Fe (further Al6Ca1Fe), Al–1Fe (further Al1Fe), and Ak12M2. An increased iron content (up to 1%) in alloys is necessary for the high productivity of casting under pressure. Electrochemical studies are performed in a 3% aqueous NaCl solution at 26 ± 0.5°C using an IPC-Pro 3A digital potentiostat (IPC-2000). Anodic polarization is performed in a potentiodynamic mode with a potential scan rate of 1 mV/s. The initial polarization potential is–800 mV with respect to the standard hydrogen electrode. The direction of the potential scan was changed to inverse upon the “critical” current density icr = 10 mA/cm2 performing polarization with the same rate. The tendency of the alloy to form pits was judged by the ratio of amounts of electricity that passed through the electrode before pitting formation and their repassivation (Qfor/Qinv) and values of pitting resistance bases: the difference in the pitting formation potential and stationary potential and the difference in the repassivation potential and stationary potential. Corrosion tests of casting aluminum alloys were performed holding the samples in a salt fog chamber and in a 3% aqueous NaCl solution for 700 h. After these holdings, the surface morphology of the samples was investigated using an Olympus GX51 optical microscope. It is established that Al6Ca1Fe and Al6Ca experimental alloys, in contrast to the AK12M2 industrial alloy and Al1Fe alloy, are not subjected to pitting corrosion in a 3% aqueous NaCl solution. It is assumed that the increased corrosion resistance of Al6Ca1Fe alloy is caused by the fact that iron enters the Al10CaFe2 intermetallic compound, which is not an efficient cathode because of the considerable negative potentials of Al and Ca. Due to the high casting and mechanical properties of the Al6Ca1Fe alloy, which are no worse than the properties of eutectic silumin and surpass them by the corrosion resistance, the Al6Ca1Fe alloy is promising for use in an industrial scale.

The discharge characteristics and the reduction products of the CrCl3 cathodic material in a thermal battery are studied. The maximum discharge capacity of the cathodic material is found to be 0.45 A h g–1 (550°C). A mechanism for the reduction of CrCl3 to metallic chromium via an intermediate formation of the melt of Li3CrCl6x(Br6(1–x)) complexes is proposed.

This article presents results of a research on changes in energy parameters of fluorogypsum composition of normal consistency with introduction of various additives (μΔn) such as construction gypsum G-5AII and sodium sulfate. The effects were assessed by temperature changes in the binder – water system. In order to compare processes of heat release in the studied gypsum-containing systems, the article presents results of analysis for the following ones: construction gypsum – water, fluorogypsum binder – water, fluorogypsum binder – construction gypsum – water and fluorogypsum binder – sodium sulfate – water. All processes of hydration and structure formation occurring in the system of fluorogypsum – water are accompanied by a change in temperature, which can be measured using differential microcalorimetry.

This article presents results of a research on changes in energy parameters of fluorogypsum composition of normal consistency with introduction of various additives (μΔn) such as sodium sulfate and sodium sulfite. Activity of binder in interaction with water was defined as the sum of thermal effect of hydration and thermal effect of dispersion of fluorogypsum crystal lattice. In order to compare processes of heat release in the studied gypsum-containing systems, the article presents results of analysis for the following ones: fluorogypsum binder – water, fluorogypsum binder – sodium sulfate – water and fluorogypsum binder – sodium sulfite – water. Research has shown that processes of hydration during by development of alternating exothermic and endothermic effects in systems containing fluorogypsum binders.

The article presents the results of overall acid fluoride raw material utilization for obtaining dry building mixes. It demonstrates that waste acid fluoride, stored for a substantial amount of time in waste piles is a crystallizing fuse for anhydrite binding materials providing improved strength performance and reduction of solidification time. Overall utilization of acid fluoride allows solving ecological problems and reduces the cost of anhydrite finishing materials due to absence of sulfate chemical additives.

Overhanging ventilated facade is a very important engineering structure, the experience of using which in construction engineering for a long time, especially in this country, is not so wide. Information available in foreign publications, mostly in special ones, is, as a rule, of the advertising type. Details of the design, which determine the corrosion resistance of the ventilated façade and consequently its durability, lack in these sources. Thus, the corrosion resistance of supporting structures in suspension façade systems (further SFS) is one of the main parameters influencing their reliable and safe operation. The planned term of facade usage is not clear either. According to the data available, in foreign practice the term of exploiting ventilated facades is 25 years. In Russia [1, 2] the estimated term for ventilated façade operation varies from 25 to 50 years. In Germany, scientific research has been made and the first modern design elements as well as technologies for mounting the ventilated façades have been developed since 1950-ies. The all-European Manual ETAG 034 is used now. The analysis has shown that there is no enough regulation and technical documents of the federal level for designing, erecting and using SFS. In studying the documents it has been found that there is enough practical experience accumulated for using various SFS, on the basis of which it is possible to draw up national regulation documents for providing safe exploitation and durability of suspension facade systems. The paper contains data on forecast terms of SFS operation in normal conditions of their usage, which have been determined after investigation of corrosion defects in bearing metal components of various SFS.

The article concerns the detailed theoretically-methodological analysis of the modern psychological researches devoted to studying of a “helplessness” phenomenon. The question of studying the relevance of “learned helplessness” phenomenon in-terrelation with somatic health of the person during formation of personality is raised. The special role in this article is given to the specific features of each period of development since the pre-school age (5-7 years) till the teenage stage (15-17 years). The article presents the justification to support on the psychosomatic approach in studying the mechanisms of learned helplessness. The analysis of the presented research the author comes to the conclusion of a special relationship between the perception of the phenomena of “health” and “disease” ineffective type of parent-child relationships, the level of health of the child and the forma-tion of the phenomenon of “learned helplessness” in the process of ontogenetic development. Key words

A basic replicon of the naphthalene degradation plasmid pFME5 (80 kb, IncP-7) has been constructed and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence of pFME5mini is almost identical to replicons of the pND6-1 subgroup, which was separated based on the repA-oriV homology in our previous work. The basic replicon of pFME5 is capable of replication and stable maintenance exclusively in Pseudomonas species. An analysis of the deletion mutation indicated that, in contrast to the parWAB region, the parC gene is not essential for the stability of pFME5mini and this can be a common feature of IncP-7 replicons. We revealed that par-defective mutants of pFME5mini were slowly eliminated from the bacterial population in a nonselective medium compared to their pCAR1-based counterparts. Designed primers specific to the repA and parC genes can be used to detect IncP-7 plasmids, while primers specific to two variants of parA can be used for intragroup classification.

The structural diversity of basic replicons and repB gene was analyzed for the first time in a large collection of IncP-7 plasmids by PCR, restriction endonuclease analysis, and partial sequencing. It was found that the DNA fragment that contains the gene for UvrD-like helicase RepB is a part of all known P-7 replicons, but often acts as a hot insertion spot for different IS-elements. Based on the detected divergence of the repA-oriV-parWABC nucleotide sequence, the first system of P-7 plasmid classification has been proposed. Most degradation plasmids were classified in the β subgroup; the streptomycin resistance plasmid Rms148 (IncP-7 archetype) was placed into the α subgroup. The γ subgroup included the carbazole degradation plasmid pCAR1 and NAH/SAL-plasmids from the pY line (Yamal oil deposits), and the CAP plasmid pBS270 with a presumably reduced P-7 replicon was classified into a tentative δ subgroup. It was shown that, in most cases, the character of molecular organization of IncP-7 basic replicons did not correlate with particular phenotypic traits; that is, a given P-7 subgroup can include plasmids that encode different phenotypic markers.

A mini-replicon was obtained for the caprolactam/salicylate degradation plasmid pBS270 (105 kb) of incompatibility group P-7 from Pseudomonas bacteria, and its nucleotide sequence was determined. A new gene that encodes a TrfA-like replication initiator was found on this replicon. The level of homology between this replication initiator and known proteins of the TrfA family suggests that the obtained replicon can be classified as IncP-1-like. The pBS270mini was shown to be chimeric.

При помощи полимеразной цепной реакции, рестрикционного анализа и избирательного секвенирования впервые оценено структурное разнообразие базовых репликонов и гена repВ в большой выборке IncP-7-плазмид. Обнаружено, что участок, содержащий ген UvrD-подобной хеликазы RepВ, входит в состав всех известных P-7-репликонов, но часто служит местом внедрения различных IS-элементов. На основе выявленного нуклеотидного полиморфизма участка repA-oriV-parWABC разработана система классификации P-7-плазмид. Большинство плазмид биодеградации отнесено к подгруппе , плазмида резистентности к стрептомицину Rms148 (IncP-7-архетип) – к подгруппе . В состав подгруппы вошли плазмида биодеградации карбазола pCAR1 и NAH/SAL-плазмиды из линии pY, выделенные из почв полуострова Ямал. В условную подгруппу выделена CAP-плазмида pBS270, содержащая, возможно, редуцированный P-7-репликон. Установлено, что тип организации IncP-7-базового репликона в большинстве случаев не связан с определенным фенотипическим признаком, детерминируемым плазмидой, т.е. в состав одной подгруппы могут входить плазмиды, определяющие различные фенотипы.

The mini-replicon of pseudomonads' caprolactam/salicylate degradation plasmid pBS270 (105 kb, contains incompatibility determinants of P-7 group) has been obtained and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. The new gene encoding TrfA-like replication initiator has been found on this replicon. Poor homology of this replication initiator with known proteins of TrfA-family allows us to classify obtained replicon as IncP-1-like. The pBS270mini reveals chimeric nature.

Both caprolactams and salicylate biodegradation by Pseudomonas salicylate/caprolactam degraders are controlled by large conjugative plasmids (SAL/CAP). Some of these plasmids have been assigned to the P-7 incompatibility group. The new salicylate 1-hydroxylase gene (scpA) has been detected in SAL/CAP plasmids and partially sequenced. The scpA gene was equally related to the closest homolog genes nahG (NAH7), salA (P. reinekei MT1), and nahU (pND6-1); however, the identity rate did not exceed 72–74%. The synthesis of salicylate 1-hydroxylase ScpA was not induced by salicylate. This enzyme had wide substrate specificity and exhibited the highest specific activity toward 4-methylsalicylate and nonsubstituted salicylate substrates. Furthermore, conjugative pseudomonads’ plasmids of salicylate degradation without the classical nah2 operon, which harbors only salicylate 1-hydroxylase gene nahU have been described for the first time.

Drilling of parametric Subbotina-403 well in the Ukrainian sector of Kerch shelf of the Black Sea conducted in 2004-2006 was marked by the first oil gusher within water areas of Ukraine. Kerch-Taman (Pivdennokerchenskyy) flexure with zones of anticline folds of northeast strike after preliminary assessment of resources in 2004 was enriched with a new oil field Subbotina and deserves a modern assessment of the prospects of oil and gas. On this basis reasonable priorities of geological and geophysical exploration are substantiated.

Pseudomonas' IncP�7 plasmids play significant role in the environmental biodegradative potential and sometimes carry antibioticresistance genes. Rms148 plasmid was used as archetypal P�7 plasmid in microbiological incompatibility studies for more then 30 years. However, the structure of its basic replicon was not described until now; furthermore, the phylogenetic relationships between all known plasmids within the IncP�7 group have not yet been studied. In the cour se of our study, we have constructed two pairs of prim� ers to amplify the main components of the region of the initiation of P�7 replication, and the subsequent screening of repA intragenic polymorphism was performed using the laboratory collection of IncP�7 plas� mids. The minimal replicon of Rms148 was determined and its nucleotide sequence was found to be 81-83% identical to repAoriV of known P�7 plasmids and is considered to fa ll into a separate clade of the correspond� ing phylogenetic tree. Additionally, repA group members seem to be more conservative than the putative oriV region. The estimated amino acid sequence and predicted secondary and tertiary structures of Rms148 RepA protein allowed us to make the assumption that the initiation of replication in plasmids of the P�7 incompat� ibility group is described by the same model as for the unclassified cryptic plasmid pPS10.

Nuclear factor kappa B regulates the expression of a multitude of anti/proapoptotic genes, in nerve cells among others. Intranuclear acetylation processes play an important role in the mechanism regulating the activity of NF-κB. The aim of the present work was to identify the transcriptional activity of NF-κB in sensory neurons in vitro and to explain the possible regulation of NF-κB activity by modification of acetylation processes using a transgenic strain of reporter mice in which NF-κB activation leads to expression of the LacZ reporter gene. Expression of the reporter gene was found not to occur in transgenic neurons cultured either in normal growth medium or after stimulation with TNF-α, though it was induced in most neurons by in vitro exposure to the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin (TSA). Thus, the transcriptional activity of NF-κB is restricted to sensory neurons be a repression mechanism mediated by histone deacetylases.

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of a large set of genes involved in immune and inflammatory processes. It has been suggested that the release of specific cytokines following nerve damage has a stimulatory action, activating NF-κB in neurons in the spinal ganglia (SG), which may have protective influences on sensory neurons. However, the complexity of this factor has led to contradictory conclusions on the role of NF-κB in damaged SG neurons. The aim of the present work was to determine whether NF-κB is activated in sensory neurons in mature SG in conditions of peripheral nerve damage using transgenic reporter mice in which activation of NF-κB leads to expression of the lac-z reporter gene. These experiments showed that expression of β-galactosidase (β-gal) did not occur either in damaged SG neurons or in neurons on the contralateral side. However, powerful β-gal expression was seen in damaged muscle tissue. This may reflect the regressive influence of additional signal molecules on NF-κB activity in sensory neurons.

We developed and characterized a new transgenic model where NF-κB activity is inhibited only in mature neurons. Transgenic mouse strain Thy*IκBα-SI was created using trans-dominant super inhibitor NF-κB (IκBα-SI), which is a multimutant form of IκBα inhibitory protein cloned into specific neutral Thy-1.2 cassette. Detailed molecular analysis showed that the transgene and its product (IκBα-SI protein) are expressed in the nervous system of transgenic mice. In situ hybridization showed that Thy*IκBα-SI in the nervous system is expressed exclusively in neurons. The developed model provides wide opportunities for studying functional role of NF-κB in mature neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system in vivo.

Optimization criterion is found for insulators under conditions of pollution and moistening to achieve maximal electrical strength for a working voltage of 50 V. Transition to the strong overvoltage limitation (the necessary R and D and economic premises are now available to implement this limitation) will make it possible to significantly reduce the dimensions of the superhigh (SHV) and ultrahigh voltage (HHV) devices at the natural insulation level.

We describe a simple and efficient method to detect antibodies against native epitopes following immunization with denatured proteins and peptides. With this method, soluble antigens genetically fused with placental alkaline phosphatase (AP) are used as probes to detect antibodies immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes. The AP-tagged proteins can be produced in sufficient amounts using transient transfection of eukaryotic cells with an appropriate cDNA fragment in a commercial AP-tag vector. The intrinsic thermo-stable phosphatase activity of a tagged protein obviates the need for its purification. To evaluate the method, three recently identified proteins of the FcR family, FCRLA, FCRL1, and FCRL4, were fused with AP and tested in a reaction with various polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised by immunization with bacterially produced antigens and peptide conjugates. All the three probes demonstrated high specificity in analysis of immune sera and hybridoma supernatants. Sensitivity of the assay varied depending on antibody tested and, in some cases, was in the subnanogram range. The results obtained show that AP-tagged proteins are useful tools for discrimination of antibodies against native epitopes when production of antigen in its native conformation is laborious and expensive.

Two IncP-9 naphthalene degradative plasmids pOV17 and pBS216 were transferred into plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas which were represented by species P. aureofaciens, P. chlororaphis, P. fluorescens, and P. putida. The strains with the same plasmid differed significantly by their growth parameters, stability of the plasmid and plant protective effect from naphthalene action. Strains P. putida 53a(pOV17) and P. chlororaphis PCL1391(pOV17) demonstrated higher population number in the rhizosphere. Moreover, they protected the mustard plants from naphthalene toxic influence more effectively than the wild type strain P. aureofaciens OV17(pOV17). The activity of catechol-2,3-dioxygenase in the strains with the plasmid pOV17 was higher than that in strains with the plasmid pBS216. The strain P. putida 53a(pOV17) with high catechol-2,3-dioxygenase activity has been demonstrated to have the best protective effect. The strain P. putida 53a(pBS216) without catechol dioxygenases activities did not have protective effect but suppressed the plant germination.

We studied the specific growth rate, duration of the lag phase, stability of plasmids, and activities of the key enzymes involved in naphthalene biodegradation in rhizosphere pseudomonades carrying the structurally similar plasmids pOV17 and pBS216. It was demonstrated that these plasmids determined various levels of catechol-2,3-dioxygenase activities. The structural rearrangements in the plasmid pBS216 could “switch off” the genes of the catechol oxidation meta-pathway. It was shown that certain combinations of degradative plasmids and bacterial hosts, such as Pseudomonas chlororaphis PCL1391(pBS216), P. chlororaphis PCL1391(pOV17), and P. putida 53a(pOV17), were considerably more efficient than natural variants in their growth characteristics and the stability of the biodegradation activity, having a potential for bioremediation of soils polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

SLAMF9 is a member of the signaling lymphocyte-activating molecule (SLAM) immunoreceptor family. The SLAM family receptors are expressed in a broad range of immune cells and play an important role in immunity. To date, SLAMF9 is the least studied member of this family. Its ligand, signaling properties, and cells on whose surface it is expressed are unknown. We generated hybridoma clones 6E11 and 7G5 secreting monoclonal antibodies specific to human SLAMF9. BALB/c mice were immunized with Escherichia coli-expressed purified SLAMF9 protein; splenocytes from these mice were fused with mouse myeloma cell line NS-1. Based on isotyping of the MAbs, clone 6E11 was referred to the IgG1 subclass, while 7G5 to IgG2b. The specificity of these MAbs was assessed by ELISA, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. According to the results of epitope analysis, clone 6E11 reacts with the C2-like domain, whereas 7G5 is specific to the V-like domain of the SLAMF9 molecule. The generated MAbs were demonstrated to be applicable in various immunochemical analyses. They may be useful tools in studies clarifying the expression and function of human SLAMF9.