Genetic organization of transfer region of F-like plasmid pAP18-1

The results of complementation analysis of nitrosoguanidine-induced mutants of F-like drd-plasmid pAP18-1 (Tc, ColV) testified to the existence of at least 3 tra regions (tra1, tra2, tra3) and regulating locus fin V in the genome of this plasmid. By means of molecular cloning of tra2 region and locus fin V of plasmid pAP18-1drd were located in Sall-fragment f5 (3.9 MD).     

Nannobacteria, a new ecological threat

The article reports experimental data on new bacteria, the so-called ‘stone nannobacteria’. Recent publications in Russia and abroad show that this bacterial species may cause various human ailments, thus being a serious environmental hazard. According to our findings, one of the natural habitats of nannobacteria is water which aggregates the nannobacteria-related ecological problem.     

The Effect of Sodium Selenite on the Expression of Genes of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Resident Selenoproteins in Human Fibrosarcoma Cells

Biophysics - Abstract—Sodium selenite, which is one of the most common selenium compounds, is considered a potential anticancer agent that can decrease cell viability; this compound is...     

Hyperbaric oxygenation in the comprehensive therapy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (clinico-immunologic study)

For 35 of 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis traditional drug therapy was a minor success for a long time. Without any modifications of the drug therapy every patient went through a course of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO): 21 sessions under 1.7 ata for 40 min. Good clinical results both immediate and remote have been obtained. The effect of HBO on the immune system of the patients has intensified the suppressive function of T-lymphocytes (especially with systemic symptoms of the disease), normalized cell-bound immunity and decreased the serum concentration in immune complexes.     

Regulation of apolipoprotein expression]

Recent data and concepts on the structure and functioning of apolipoprotein genes as well as on the role of hereditary factors in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are reviewed. The most important variants of inherited disorders in the system of apolipoproteins promoting the development of atherosclerosis are considered. Special attention is paid to the RFLP of apolipoprotein genes which serves as a peculiar genetic background, increasing probability of the atherosclerosis development in certain individuals.     

Polydimethylsiloxane Films Modified with Chitosan/Pectin Multilayers as Scaffolds for Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Solid (smooth) and porous films of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have been obtained; the effect of their structure on the adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on their surface was found. It is shown that modification of these films with a (chitosan/pectin)₄ multilayer increased the efficiency of viable cell adhesion. A (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane–glutaraldehyde system was used to enhance the binding of the polysaccharide layer to the hydrophobic surface of PDMS. It was found that MSCs formed a monolayer culture of the fibroblast-like cells with high viability on porous PDMS modified with (chitosan/pectin)₄.     

Structure of vegetation of steppe hills in the Altai piedmont

The phytocenotic diversity of the Altai steppe piedmont is described. Plant communities were ordinated along the moisture gradient. The results were used to analyze the structure of vegetation of steppe hill massifs. Distribution of steppe vegetation over an ideal hill was simulated, and the main patterns of distribution were typified.     

Comparative studies on the degradation of guanidino and ureido compounds by Pseudomonas

The utilization of guanidino and ureido compounds was studied in several Pseudomonas species. Multiple routes of agmatine catabolism were found. All members of the homology group I of Pseudomonas use the initial deamination of agmatine to carbamoylputrescine which is subsequently converted to putrescine. In Pseudomonas indigofera, the catabolism of agmatine can also occur via an initial hydrolysis of the amidino group to putrescine catalyzed by an agmatine amidinohydrolase. A third pathway was found in Pseudomonas cepacia, namely oxidative deamination producing guanidinobutyraldehyde catalyzed by agmatine dehydrogenase, followed by formation of guanidinobutyrate and removal of urea by guanidinobutyrate amidinohydrolase to produce 4-aminobutyrate. Novel amidino-hydrolases were characterized in P. putida for the utilization of arcaine and audouine, and in P. cepacia for arcaine, homoarginine and guanidinovalerate. Guanidinovalerate amidinohydrolase was also detected in P. doudoroffii. Some of these amidinohydrolases accept more than one substrate, e.g., guanidinobutyrate and guanidinovalerate utilization by P. doudoroffii and P. cepacia, the catabolism of arcaine and audouine by P. putida, and the degradation of arcaine and homoarginine by P. cepacia.