The biological diversity of the nekton of the Sea of Okhotsk

Estimates of the species diversity and spatial heterogeneity of the species composition of the nekton community of the Sea of Okhotsk are given. The estimates vary widely both in space (depth and area) and in time (daily, seasonal, and interannual scales). Diagrams of the spatial distribution of these parameters are given.     

A Model for the Stochastic Multidimensional Growth of Mizuhopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857) (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)

Russian Journal of Marine Biology - A mathematical model that describes the growth of a complex of characters in an organism that inhabits a stochastic environment is discussed. The concepts of...     

Role of physiological factors in predicting the risk of oncological diseases on the basis of the polymorphism of the xenobiotic metabolism enzyme system

Summarized recent data on the polymorphism of the xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification enzyme (XMDE) system in humans are presented. The current notions on the molecular mechanisms of metabolic processes and the role of genetic polymorphism are reviewed. The roles of transport proteins and nuclear receptors in the regulation of the activity of the XMDE system are shown. The possibilities of using the polymorphism of the XMDE system as the basis for predicting the risk of oncological diseases are considered. Experimental modeling of different levels of the epoxide synthetase and epoxide hydratase activities revealed their close relationship with the toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic actions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The data indicating the necessity of considering the physiological factors that could influence xenobiotic metabolism and the development of pathological changes are given.     

Effects of surgical removal of the Brunner's region of the duodenum on nutrient digestibility in rats

In 1.5 months after surgical ablation of duodenum of Brunner's region the digestibility of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and minerals was investigated in Wistar male rats. Estimation was based on the measurement of consumed and excreted nutrients. The rats with a bypass gastroduodenal anastomosis and sham-operated animals were used as a control. It was ascertained that Brunner's region of ablated rats showed a reduced proteins digestibility. Possible reasons for change established are being discussed. Participation of duodenal glands in digestion is suggested.