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The purpose of the article consists in the analysis of information requests of users for printed editions from the fund of the main storage of the V. I. Vernadskyi National Library of Ukraine, carried out in 2021, in the comparison of the results of previous studies (2008-2009, 2004, 1990s), tracking dynamics, determining trends regarding these requests, identifying prospects for further exploration in this direction, opportunities for practical application of research results, development of methodological tools and an information base for researching users’ information requests. Research methodology: Research of information requests of users wascarried out on the basis of a comprehensive approach using methods of statistical, comparative, and content analysis. The information base of the research wasserved by user orders for printed publications from the main storage fund of the V. I. Vernadskyi National Library of Ukraine, responses to these orders, and data from predecessor studies for 2008-2009, 2004, and the 1990s. Data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel. The scientific novelty of the study consistsin the analysis of users’ information requests for printed publications according to various parameters, the expansion of these parameters in comparison with the studies of predecessors, the identification of the dynamics and trends of users’ information requests, the determination of prospects for exploration in this direction and the possibilities of practical application of the research data. Conclusions: The information requests of users in 2021 for printed documents from the fund of the main storage of the V. I. Vernadskyi National Library of Ukraine were analyzed. A comparison was made with the requests of 2008-2009, 2004, 1990s and Dynamics and trends in these requests are identified and their reasons are analyzed. In order to identify long-term trends in users’ information requests that reflect their information needs, periodic monitoring of these requests is necessary. The prospect of intelligence in this direction is the comparison of the analysis of information requests for printed publications, electronic documents, online resources and online requests from the Internet, as well as the study of information needs of users using questionnaires.The results of monitoring users’ information needs must be taken into account in practice when creating electronic copies of documents, when stocking the fund, and promoting it in order to increase the use of the V. I. Vernadskyi National Library of Ukraine’s funds and interest in the library. The identified problems in the research methodology of users’ information requests are, first of all, the lack of an electronic database of user orders, responses, and issued documents.

Environmental deterioration is a challenge for all major cities. Public authorities improve environment monitoring systems, develop and implement measures to reduce the negative consequences of manufacturing activities, inform the population. The article analyzes data on the state and dynamics of the environment status in Kemerovo (Western Siberia, Russia), where a large number of manufacturing enterprises are concentrated. The results of Kemerovo population survey aimed at assessment of perception of the air and water pollution degree, the attitude to the influence of meteorological conditions and landscape features on the environment status, and identification of respondents’ opinions about the enterprises having the greatest impact on the environment are described. In addition, the survey assessed changes in the environment status and the degree of personal concern of citizens. The results of the survey were compared with statistic data; a number of discrepancies were identified. The authors offer some recommendations for public authorities on working with the population on environmental issues.

Sentiment analysis is a modern task in natural language processing and linguistics. Also referred to as opinion mining, it deals with different kinds of affective states: opinion, emotions, stance and evaluations. Sentiment itself is the polarity of these affective states. Taking analytical articles as source material for the study, several problems should be considered. Firstly, these texts broaden the understanding of the subject of opinion, because it does not coincide with the author of the text in the majority of cases. Secondly, subjects and objects of opinion are entities – words or word combinations with strictly denoted referent. In the paper only Named Entities, that are normally expressed by proper nouns, are considered. This kind of sentiment analysis requires deeper research of possible sentiment relations between entities and of lexical and grammatical influence on these relations. The paper is devoted to the study of the influence of the group of lexemes on opinion structure. The research shows that mutual sentiment can be presented as stable patterns.

The development programs of coal mining enterprises pay special attention to the increase in production potential and the penetration of new market niches, as well as the organization of rational interaction with related industries. The creation of clusters in such conditions contributes to the sustainable development of the region. The exhibition activities of coal mining enterprises play an important role in establishing rational interaction with companies of coal and related industries, thus creating favorable conditions for the modernization of Russian coal mining and processing enterprises. The article focuses on the pre-show stage of the exhibition activity of coal mining enterprises devoted to planning and preparing for the exhibition event. The series of decisions made during the stage include setting goals of participation, choosing the exhibition event, determining the form of participation, designing the stand, planning onstand and off-stand activities, preparing information, advertising and souvenir materials, recruiting and training of the exhibition staff.

The Aim of the Study: Was to assess bacterial load in oral wounds in children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB)., Materials and Methods: The study comprised 77 RDEB children aged 3-18 years (mean age 9.5±3.6 years) and 27 healthy children aged 4-18 years (mean age 9.8±4.1 years) who served as controls. Swabs for bacteriological study were taken from the oral wounds in RDEB patients and non-affected corresponding oral mucosa areas in controls. The microorganism growth was assessed after 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation (37 °C and 30 °C) with subsequent identification in automatic bacteriological analyzer MicroScan Walk Away (Simens, USA). Results. The study revealed high prevalence and concentrations of Candida albicans (in 40.3% children), Staphilococcus aureus (23.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (9.1%), and Enterobacteria (10.4%) in RDEB children. From these species, only Candida albicans was present in controls (26%). The prevalence and concentration of commensal and pathogenic species correlated positively with age and significant difference was revealed between children at the age of 3-6 and 7-10 years ( p =0.001). Thus, bacterial load in oral wounds correlates with the RDEB natural history and fibrosis progression. Delayed oral wound healing was associated with microbiome shift towards biofilm-producing bacteria Staphilococcus aureus and Enterobacter cloacae., Conclusion: Oral wounds microbiome may be an indicator of RDEB severity and tendency to oral fibrosis. The decrease of bacterial load in the oral wounds may remove one of the healing obstacles and serve as fibrosis prevention measure.

The Aim of the Study: Was to assess changes in the oral microbiota when using octenidine dihydrochloride mouthwash., Materials and Methods: Quantitative and qualitative changes in the oral microbiota were studied and evaluated after a single rinse, course application and long-term dates., Results: A single rinse resulted in a significant decrease in the number of pathogenic microorganisms: S. aureus , C. albicans , and Enterobacteriae . After a seven-day course of mouthwash application, the complete disappearance of pathogenic microorganisms: S. aureus , S. albicans , and Enterobacteriae and an increase in the number of Lactobacillus spp were revealed. 7 days after the mouthwash was canceled, there was some recovery of pathogenic ( S. aureus , Candida ), the number of Lactobacillus spp. remained the same, normal microflora almost completely restored., Conclusion: Octenidine dihydrochloride mouthwash may be recommended for wide use in dental practice in the treatment of various oral pathological conditions, including candidiasis and dysbiosis.

Cyclic nitrones of the imidazole series, containing a sterically hindered phenol group, are promising objects for studying antioxidant activity; on the other hand, they can form persistent hybrid phenoxyl-nitroxyl radicals (HPNs) upon oxidation. Here, a series of 5-aryl-4,4-dimethyl-4 H -imidazole 3-oxides was obtained by condensation of aromatic 2-hydroxylaminoketones with 4-formyl-2,6-dialkylphenols followed by oxidation of the initially formed N -hydroxy derivatives. It was shown that the antioxidant activity of both 1-hydroxy-2,5-dihydroimidazoles and 4 H -imidazole 3-oxides increases with a decrease in steric volume of the alkyl substituent in the phenol group, while the stability of the corresponding HPNs generated from 4 H -imidazole 3-oxides reveals the opposite tendency.

The paper presents a rare clinical case of an infant with KID (Keratitis, Ichthyosis, Deafness) syndrome (about 100 patients reported so far) admitted for histological verification of oral mucosa lesions. Disease pathogenesis defines inadequate reparation and skin and mucosa innate immunity defect leading to higher incidence of bacterial and fungal infections, so the 4-years old girl received treatment for vegetating candidiasis of the oral mucosa for several weeks with no clinical improvement. Initial examination showed that the oral lesions resulted from sharp edges of severely affected carious teeth. Histological study of multifocal biopsy revealed pyogenic granulomas and no signs of SCC. Teeth extraction and symptomatic treatment leaded to significant clinical improvement and some remained mucosal changes may be attributed to syndrome manifestations.

The article the literature review on dental materials for the manufacture of gum formers used in dental implantology. Adhesion of microorganisms to titanium, PMMA and PEEK resins is discussed. According to published studies PEEK polymer is characterized by a similar bacterial contamination compared to titanium but shows lower degree of contamination when compared to acrylic resins in equal conditions.

The aim of the current study was to assess antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of Biodentine (Septodont), Rootdent (TehnoDent) and adhesive Futurabond НР (Voco). Two lines of experiments were carried out using cements water solutions and firm tablet-like samples (made by means of special pattern). Citotoxic activity was tested on NCTC L929 mice line fibroblasts culture. All the examined materials showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albiсans, St. faecalis, mostly evident in Futurabond and the poorest in Biodentine samples. As for cytotoxic properties, Biodentine proved not to suppress metabolic activity stimulating odontotropic impact. The results confirm the analyzed materials to be a useful tool for deep caries lesions and initial pulpitis treatment.

A comparative study of the antimicrobial activity of different antiseptics for root canal irrigation: chlorhexidine bigluconate solution in 6 concentrations (2.0-1.0-0.5-0.2-0.1-0.02%), two sodium hypochlorite formulations: "Parcan" (France) and "Hypochloran-3" (Russia), and stabilized EDTA solution (EDTA Solutions (Korea)) was carried out. The results indicate that the level of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine is directly proportional to its concentration. Sodium hypochlorite tends to be more effective in compare with chlorhexidine. EDTA Solutions has a pronounced antimicrobial activity against all strains.

Bacterial contamination under fillings proved to be the main reason for pulp inflammation thus emphasizing the importance of antibacterial properties of restorative materials. The aim of the current study was to assess antibacterial properties of "Biodentine" (Septodont), "Rootdent" (TehnoDent) and adhesive "Futurabond НР" (Voco). Two lines of experiments were carried out using cements water solutions and firm tablet-like samples (made by means of special pattern). All the examined materials showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albiсans, Str. faecalis. The results confirm the analyzed materials to be a useful tool for deep caries lesions treatment.

Technical guidelines and voluntary standards are introduced in Russia since 2003. The paper contains the analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the new system for oral hygiene means registration.

Gingival groove and dental plaque microbiosis was studied for 6 months in patients receiving orthodontic treatment. The patients were divided in two groups according to the type of used toothbrushes (manual or electric). After fixation of orthodontic appliances the increase of S. epidermidis by simultaneous decrease of E. faecium was observed in both groups. This shift was overcome one month later. Electric toothbrush showed better effectiveness for dental hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Options vary about the microbial contamination of toothbrushes as well as selection of adequate remedies for their disinfection. A microbiological study of contamination of toothbrushes was conducted considering the efficiency of purifying tablets, ultraviolet radiation and 0.05% solution of chlorhexidine as means of toothbrushes disinfection.

In 30 Wistar rats divided in 3 groups with 10 rats in each skin defects were reproduced under anaesthesia and wound surface was fixed with the help of plastic rings. The wounds were contaminated with microbe dredge consisting of St. aureus, Ps. aeruginosa and E. coli in the concentration of 10(9) cells/ml. After 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours the wound was irrigated with 10-15 ml of the following solutions: in the 1st group - commercial perftorane solution, in the 2nd group - ozonized perftorane, in the 3rd group - physiological solution. Hard medium inoculation let determine total number of growing microbe colonies. The material was taken each 3rd day. 9 experimental series were executed with the total length of experiment equal to 30 days. It was established that from 15th day of the experiment in the group with ozonized perftorane irrigations the mean number of microorganisms in the wound was reduced, granulation tissue growth and epithelization were speeded up if compared with the groups of animals irrigated with physiological solution and non-ozonized perftorane. Ozone action was connected not only with its bactericidal properties but in considerable degree with comprehensive local immunity activation.

We analyzed the results of comparative analysis of antimicrobial activity of ozone-oxygen mixture with various concentrations of ozone referring to strains of St. mutans, St. aureus, and also mixed cultivation from root follicle with a chronic periodontitis.

A GABA- or glycine-induced increase in Cl(-) permeability can produce either a depolarization or hyperpolarization, depending on the Cl(-) equilibrium potential. It has been shown that retinal neurons express the chloride cotransporters, Na-K-2Cl (NKCC) and K-Cl (KCC), the primary molecular mechanisms that control the intracellular Cl(-) concentration. We thus studied (1) the localization of these cotransporters in the fish retina, and (2) how suppression of cotransporter activity in the fish retina affects function. Specific antibodies against NKCC and KCC2 revealed that both cotransporters were expressed in the outer and inner plexiform layers, and colocalized in many putative amacrine cells and in cells of the ganglion cell layer. However, the somata of putative horizontal cells displayed only NKCC immunoreactivity and many bipolar cells were only immunopositive for KCC2. In the outer retina, application of bumetanide, a specific inhibitor of NKCC activity, (1) increased the steady-state extracellular concentration of K+ ([K+](o)) and enhanced the light-induced decrease in the [K+](o), (2) increased the sPIII photoreceptor-dependent component of the ERG, and (3) reduced the extracellular space volume. In contrast, in the outer retina, application of furosemide, a specific inhibitor of KCC activity, decreased sPIII and the light-induced reduction in [K+](o), but had little effect on steady-state [K+](o). In the inner retina, bumetanide increased the sustained component of the light-induced increase in [K+](o). These findings thus indicate that NKCC and KCC2 control the [K+](o) and extracellular space volume in the retina in addition to regulating GABA- and glycine-mediated synaptic transmission. In addition, the anatomical and electrophysiological results together suggest that all of the major neuronal types in the fish retina are influenced by chloride cotransporter activity.

Cholinergic agents affect the light responses of many ganglion cells (GCs) in the mammalian retina by activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Whereas retinal neurons that express beta2 subunit-containing nAChRs have been characterized in the rabbit retina, expression patterns of other nAChR subtypes remain unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the expression of alpha7 nAChRs in retinal neurons by means of single-, double-, and triple-label immunohistochemistry. Our data demonstrate that, in the rabbit retina, several types of bipolar cells, amacrine cells, and cells in the GC layer express alpha7 nAChRs. At least three different populations of cone bipolar cells exhibited alpha7 labeling, whereas glycine-immunoreactive amacrine cells comprised the majority of alpha7-positive amacrine cells. Some GABAergic amacrine cells also displayed alpha7 immunoreactivity; alpha7 labeling was never detected in rod bipolar cells or rod amacrine cells (AII amacrine cells). Our data suggest that activation of alpha7 nAChRs by acetylcholine (ACh) or choline may affect glutamate release from several types of cone bipolar cells, modulating GC responses. ACh-induced excitation of inhibitory amacrine cells might cause either inhibition or disinhibition of other amacrine and GC circuits. Finally, ACh may act on alpha7 nAChRs expressed by GCs themselves.

The study was made of Metrogil-denta (MD) with a stable 0.25% chlorhexidine concentration and metronidazole concentration 1.0% for prevention and 25% for inflammatory periodontal disease treatment. Results of their use in 76 patients are presented. MD with 1% metronidazole failed to eliminate aerobic and anaerobic microflora completely. Bactericidal effect of Metrogil-denta was seen only in 25% metronidazole concentration.

Data on clinical and microbiological study on 40 patients showed sufficient efficacy of combined preparation Cifran CT used in combined therapy of inflammatory periodontal disease.

Aim: To assess efficacy and tolerability of a novel drug form of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in patients with ischemic heart disease and stable effort angina as compared with common isosorbide dinitrate pills., Material and Methods: Patients with stable class II-III effort angina (n=30) were included into a randomized crossover study in which they received isosorbide dinitrate (nitrosorbide, 10-20 mg t.i.d.) and long acting isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ephox-long, 50-100 mg o.d.) for 3 weeks each. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by clinical data and treadmill exercise tests. Questionnaires were used for registration of frequency and intensity of attacks of headache., Results: The use of both isosorbide dinitrate and 5-mononitrate was associated with significant improvements of exercise tolerance however effect of mononitrate lasted longer. Nitroglycerine requirement diminished during first week of use of both drugs and remained on this level by the end of 3-rd week of treatment with mononitrate but substantially rose by the end of treatment with dinitrate. Number of attacks of headache increased during first week of treatment with both drugs, became even higher by the end of use of dinitrate and decreased by the end of use of mononitrate., Conclusion: Long acting form of isosorbide-5-mononitrate ephox-long taken once daily provides sufficient antianginal effect throughout a day and is better tolerated than nitrosorbide preparation of isosorbide dinitrate with moderately prolonged activity.

The light-evoked release of acetylcholine (ACh) affects the responses of many retinal ganglion cells, in part via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). nAChRs that contain beta2alpha3 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have been identified and localized in the rabbit retina; these nAChRs are recognized by the monoclonal antibody mAb210. We have examined the expression of beta2alpha3 nAChRs by glycinergic amacrine cells in the rabbit retina and have identified different subpopulations of nicotinic cholinoceptive glycinergic cells using double and triple immunohistochemistry with quantitative analysis. Here we demonstrate that about 70% of the cholinoceptive amacrine cells in rabbit retina are glycinergic cells. At least three nonoverlapping subpopulations of mAb210 glycine-immunoreactive cells can be distinguished with antibodies against calretinin, calbindin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptors. The cholinergic cells in rabbit retina are thought to synapse only on other cholinergic cells and ganglion cells. Thus, the expression of beta2alpha3 nAChRs on diverse populations of glycinergic cells is puzzling. To explore this finding, the subcellular localization of beta2alpha3 was studied at the electron microscopic level. mAb210 immunoreactivity was localized on the dendrites of amacrines and ganglion cells throughout the inner plexiform layer, and much of the labeling was not associated with recognizable synapses. Thus, our findings indicate that ACh in the mammalian retina may modulate glycinergic circuits via extrasynaptic beta2alpha3 nAChRs., (Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Aim: To compare efficacy and safety of nifedipin-retard (cordaflex-retard, Egis, Hungary) used in monotherapy and in combination with metoprolol (egilok, Egis, Hungary) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH)., Material and Methods: The study included 20 patients with AH stage I-II (12 males, 8 females, mean age 57.3 years, mean duration of the disease 8.6 years). Nifedipin-retard was given in a daily dose 40 mg/day (20 mg twice a day) in monotherapy and 20 mg/day in combination with metoprolol which was administered 50 mg twice a day (a daily dose 100 mg/day). The control examination consisted of a physical examination, measurement of arterial pressure (AP) by Korotkov, registration of heart rate, ECG, 24-h AP monitoring, echocardiography., Results: By 24-h AP monitoring, a 4-week treatment with nifedipin-retard alone resulted in lowering of systolic arterial pressure. The combined treatment produced a more pronounced fall both in systolic and diastolic pressure. Diastolic left-ventricular function improved in combined therapy. Side effects observed in nifedipin-retard monotherapy got much more weaker when this drug combined with metoprolol., Conclusion: Combination of nifedipin-retard with metoprolol provides better clinical response and tolerance than monotherapy with nifedipin-retard.

The effects of intraocular injections of ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion (AF64A), an irreversible inhibitor of choline uptake, on the rabbit retina were assessed electrophysiologically, pharmacologically, anatomically, and behaviorally. Survival times from 1 day to 30 days were investigated. After 24 h, the shortest time tested, the directional selectivity of On-Off responding ganglion cells having the characteristic morphology of On-Off directionally selective directionally selective (DS) ganglion cells, as revealed by intracellular dye injection, was significantly reduced, both by an apparent decrease of preferred direction responses and an increase in responses to null-direction movement. No toxin-mediated changes in the dendritic trees of these cells were noted. Cells in AF64A-affected retinas having the DS morphology did not respond significantly to GABAergic or cholinergic agents such as picrotoxin and eserine, but did respond to nicotine. Recordings from a small random sample of other ganglion cell classes in the same retinas yielded no obvious changes in response properties. The direct effects on starburst (cholinergic) amacrine cells, which were identified by intraocular injection of the fluorescent dye DAPI with the AF64A, were investigated by intracellular injections of Lucifer yellow, and by immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Although starburst amacrine cell somas survived the AF64A treatment for at least several days, the dendrites could not be visualized by fluorescent dye injection in affected retinas due to dye leakage of the injected fluorescent dye from either the soma or proximal dendritic region. ChAT staining revealed a sequence in which ChAT-positive cells were undetectable first in the inner nuclear layer, and then in the ganglion cell layer. Cholinergic amacrine cells in the central retina were also affected before those in the periphery. The electrophysiological changes observed typically preceded the loss of ChAT activity. Behavioral tests for optokinetic nystagmus responses also revealed a lack of such responses in the affected eyes.

Fifty-two patients (22-68 years) with chronic generalized periodontitis of different severity and 223 with fulminant severe periodontitis were observed. The bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of Metrogil-denta depended on the severity of periodontal involvement and metronidasole concentration in the drug. The maximum bacteriostatic effect was observed at 20-25% and the maximum bactericidal effect at 25% concentration of metronidasole in the preparation irrespective of periodontitis severity.

Aim: To study incidence of low sensitivity to an antiischemic effect of propranolol and feasibility of its correction with a metabolic drug--trimetazidine., Material and Methods: Paired treadmill and bicycle exercise tests were made until depression of segment ST > 1 mm and a typical angina episode. The trial included 147 men with ischemic heart disease, stable angina pectoris (functional class II-III). The antiischemic effect of propranolol single doses 40 or 80 mg were assessed in 117 patients. Single doses of propranolol 40 mg, trimetazidine 20 mg and their combination were examined for an antiischemic effect in 30 patients. The absence of the above effect of propranolol was stated in 20 patients who participated in a double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study with conduction of 2-week courses of regular administration of propranolol in a dose 120 mg/day, trimetazidine 60 mg/day and their combination. Echo-CG was made initially and in the end of each course., Results: Propranolol's antiischemic effect of a single dose 40 mg was not found in 45.3% patients, 40-80 mg--in 21%. Among 20 patients without effect of the single propranolol dose, an increment of the threshold load made up 20.7 +/- 15.7 s, after intake of trimetazidine 16.3 +/- 18.6 s. The combination of these drugs significantly increases the increment of the threshold load duration to 90.8 +/- 80.4 s. The same picture was observed in the course treatment. The above increment in the course administration of propranolol was 46.3 +/- 15.3 s, of trimetazidine 22.8 +/- 20.2 s, of their combination 122.7 +/- 21.8 s (p = 0.02). In the absence of propranolol effect, echo-CG registered deterioration of disorder of left ventricular diastolic function. 10 patients with effect of the single propranolol dose this deterioration was not observed in combined use of propranolol and trimetazidine., Conclusion: The antiischemic effect of propranolol in a single dose 40 mg was not recorded in about half of the examined anginal patients. Combined use of propranolol and trimetazidine in cases with no propranolol effect provides a synergetic effect both in single and course administration.

The results of the use of russian probiotics Acilact and Bifidumbacterin in complex treatment of gingivitis and different degrees of parodontitis are presented. The treatment of the patients of control group was added by the italien drug Tantum Verde. The effect of Acilact and Bifidumbacterin to the normalisation of Mycroflora higher in comparison with Tantum-Verde, particulary in the cases of gingivitis and parodontitis superficialis.

As a part of ongoing efforts to understand the cholinergic circuitry in the mammalian retina, we studied the coexpression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1), or choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity in the rabbit retina. Double-label experiments with monoclonal antibody 210 (mAb 210) against nAChRs and antibodies against GABA revealed that several populations of GABA-containing amacrine, displaced amacrine, and ganglion cells displayed nAChR immunoreactivity. Some of them also exhibited ChAT immunoreactivity and were identified as the cholinoceptive starburst cells. Other GABAergic amacrine cells positive for mAb 210 were not cholinergic. Simultaneous visualization of mAb 210 and GAT-1 immunoreactivity revealed that 10% of GAT-1 immunoreactive amacrine cells contained nAChRs. Ninety-nine percent of the GAT-1 labeled cells demonstrated GABA immunoreactivity, but only 75% of the GABAergic cells were outlined by GAT-1 staining. Neither population of starburst cells exhibited GAT-1 immunoreactivity. Thus, mAb 210 expressing, GAT-1 positive cells in the rabbit retina constitute a noncholinergic subset of GABAergic amacrine cells. Taken together, our results suggest that some GABAergic amacrine cells are cholinoceptive, raising the possibility that ACh, acting through nAChRs, can modulate the release of GABA in the rabbit retina.

5,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxo-[1-(2-trifluoromethyl)-3,3,3- trifluoropropionamido)-1-trifluoromethyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl- 1,3,2-dioxaphosphan (CA-423) is an in vitro inhibitor of the Escherichia coli uridine and thymidine phosphorylases. Unlike widely studied nucleoside analogues, this compound binds to the enzymes irreversibly. Its LD50 in mice was 40 mg/kg. Due to the involvement of pyrimidine phosphorylases in carcinogenesis and the relatively low toxicity of CA-423, it is promising for anticancer therapy.

The structural udp gene encoding uridine phosphorylase (UPase) was cloned from the Salmonella typhimurium chromosome and overexpressed in E. coli cells. The S. typhimurium UPase was purified to an apparently homogeneous state, and some physicochemical characteristics of the enzyme were studied. The molecular weight of one subunit of UPase is 27.5 kD, and the optimal pH for its activity is 7.2--7.4. The native S. typhimurium UPase consists of six identical subunits, and its molecular weight is about 165 kD. According to these parameters, the S. typhimurium UPase is similar to the E. coli UPase. However, these enzymes differ substantially from one another by the substrate sensitivity and sensitivity to polarity of the medium. The S. typhimurium UPase has much higher phosphorylation activity toward thymidine, deoxyuridine, and 5;-bromide- or 5;-fluoride-containing analogs of nucleosides than that of E. coli UPase.

Fifty-two patients with lichen planus were examined over the course of disease using clinical, microbiological, and histological methods. Treatment protocols aimed at normalization of microbiocenosis have been developed, based on the detected microbiological and histological changes.

Examinations of 18 patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, 8 with ulcerative necrotic gingivitis, 10 with lichen planus, 10 with herpetic stomatitis, and of 24 patients without evident clinical symptoms of buccal mucosa involvement but complaining of various stomatogenic sensations, e.g. burning, tightness, pain and pricking in the buccal mucosa, perverted taste, etc., showed that chronic diseases of the buccal mucosa involve expressed shifts in the microbiocenosis, namely, dysbacteriosis of different severity.

The authors validate the necessity of microbiological control when certifying oral hygiene means. Results of microbiological expert evaluations of tooth pastes, gels, rinsing solutions, and other means are analyzed.

Functional activity of local immunity with regard to dental caries in children is liable to appreciable individual fluctuations which depend on sex, age, and season. In children aged 4 to 5 no association between the titer of antibodies to cariogenic Streptococcus and number of carious lesions was observed, whereas in those aged 9 to 19 these parameters were in inverse relationship. In children aged 11-12 and 14-16 this association is inverse. Regression analysis of nonspecific and specific characteristics of local immunity of the oral cavity in children aged under 12 suffering from caries revealed functional insufficiency of the mechanisms regulating the local immunity, which disappears after fluoroprophylaxis. Test system for screening of mutant Streptococcus cannot be recommended for wide use to detect subjects sensitive to caries, because it has certain limitations as regards the age of examinees.

A putative uridine-binding site of uridine phosphorylase (EC 2.4.2.3) from E. coli was modified with fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate (FITC). Treatment with FITC irreversibly inactivates the enzyme (Ki = 1.0 mM, k2 = 0.15 min-1). Under the conditions of 90% inactivation the incorporation of the reagent reaches about 1 mol per mol of the enzyme subunit. Addition of uridine prevents the enzyme inactivation by FITC. In contrast to this, addition of a second substrate phosphate increases the rate of inactivation by 2.3-fold (k2 = 0.34 min-1), but has no effect on the affinity of the reagent to the enzyme. The modified protein retains the ability to bind phosphate but not uridine. According to differential absorption spectroscopy data, the binding of phosphate to the active site of the enzyme is accompanied by conformational changes which may accelerate the inactivation rate. The data presented suggest that in the UPase FITC occupies the putative uridine-binding site, while the phosphate-binding site still retains the ability to interact with the second substrate.

On the grounds of own and obtained from literature data the authors assert that under conditions of out-patient departments detection of subjects with high risk of sudden death among cardiological patients remains unsatisfactory. System of organizational diagnostic and therapeutic measures is suggested with the view to improve effectiveness of sudden death prevention in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Some features in the pathogenesis of various forms of an inflammatory process were demonstrated by immunologic and microbiologic methods in patients with odontogenic infections. A close relationship has been revealed between microflora of an inflammatory focus, immune response type, and inflammation course in the maxillofacial area.

Ninety-five patients with periodontitis of slight and medium severity were examined, 21 of them without concomitant diseases, 44 with essential hypertension, and 30 with diabetes mellitus. Besides clinical signs of periodontal abnormalities, the examinations revealed using phase-contrast microscopy four groups of microorganisms in the periodontal pouch contents: cocci, immovable and movable bacilli, and tortuous forms. Multidimensional analysis of clinico-laboratory data revealed a relationship between the counts of some microorganisms and severity of periodontal pathology.

It was found that the dynamics of mortality from ischemic heart disease showed a negative tendency among the population of Kiev as compared with urban population of other cities of Ukraine. An increase was noted of mortality among the workable population of Kiev and also of the non-hospital mortality.

Analysis of components helped reveal the true relationships between the counts of individual representatives of the bacterial association in the contents of 18 periodontal pouches. Though the authors did their best to select a group of patients with the periodontitis course as similar as possible, the multidimensional grouping method has demonstrated the heterogeneity of this group. Four types of periodontal pouches were distinguished, differing by their bacterial status; this probably requires a differentiated approach to its correction.

The method of dietetic interview was used in a strictly standardized epidemiological investigation of a random sample of males aged from 30 to 59 years (n-2537) in Kiev. A dependence has been revealed between the use of alcohol and disorders in the character of nutrition unfavourable in respect to coronary heart disease. A relationship has been established between the alcohol use and the incidence rate of such risk factors of coronary heart disease as hyperlipoproteinemia, excessive body mass, smoking, and the incidence of myocardial infarction. No relationship was recorded between alcohol kind and dose and the incidence of risk factors of coronary heart disease.

A mechanical method of treating stomatological instruments before sterilization is discussed. With this purpose in view, use is made of the ultrasonic outfits Y3M 001 and Y3M 002. Advantages of the suggested method of treating instruments are described.

The results of investigation of lipid peroxidation in experimental Salmonella infection in 21-day-old rabbits are analyzed. Salmonella infection was accompanied by activation of lipid peroxidation not only in enterocytes, but also in blood serum. An increase in the level of malonic dialdehyde leads to a decrease in the antioxidation capacity and in the peroxidation resistance of erythrocytic membranes. The severity of the pathological process was found related to the activity of lipid peroxidation.

Rabbits kept under conditions of free behavior were exposed to long-term electrostimulation of negative and positive emotiogenic zones of the hypothalamus by means of a special autonomous nutrition system. It is shown that long-term electrostimulation of the negative emotiogenic hypothalamic zones followed by rest causes disorders of lipid metabolism and vascular permeability and the development of atherosclerosis. The development of atherosclerosis intensifies in alternated electrostimulation of the negative and positive emotiogenic zones and rest. Electrostimulation of the positive emotiogenic hypothalamic zones does not induce atherogenic changes in the vessels. It is suggested that the atherogenic lipoproteins infiltrate into the aorta after the cessation of negative emotional stress attended by the development of positive emotional states and rest.

The developing taste buds of vallate papillae were studied with electron microscope in rats during the first 7 days after birth. Two types of cells--light and dark--are identified in the taste buds of a one day old animal. The apical parts of dark cells are characterized by numerous dark granules. A distinguishing feature of light cells is the presence of synaptic contacts with afferent intragemmal nerves. On the 4th day of development on the top of the apical parts of the cell, a microvillar apparatus is seen to form, which does not yet communicate with the oral cavity. On the 7th day, basal cells appear in the taste buds. Some of these cells are seen mitotically dividing. The differentiated microvillar apparatus now communicates with oral cavity. The structure of the taste buds is getting similar to that in the adults. The structural and functional peculiarities of the developing taste buds are discussed in association with the period of ontogenesis under consideration.