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Published By Ivan Franko National University Of Lviv

2311-0783, 1996-4536

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 59-70
Author(s):  
V. Kyyak ◽  
◽  
T. Mykitchak ◽  
O. Reshetylo ◽  
◽  
...  

Introduction. The highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians belong to the territories with the highest concentration of rare species and coenotic diversity in Ukraine. Due to highland ecosystem transformation, a large number of populations and communities of rare species are under the threat of degradation and elimination. Climate change. At present, effective growth and development of plants begins 2–3 weeks earlier compared to the 1980–90s. Sharp seasonal distribution of precipitation causes negative changes in the highland water-body hydrology regime affecting freshwater populations of plankton crustaceans and amphibians. Demutative successions. During the first 10–20 years of the succession its influence on the structure and vitality of the majority of rare species populations is mostly positive, but 30–40 year-long demutations usually cause negative dynamics. Overgro­wing results in the simplification of spatial structure and fragmentation, as well as decreasing of population density, disappearing of rare species from the community structure. Active protection measures should be locally implemented in protected territories: traditional type of grazing, mowing, and shrub or tree cutting in the cases of protection of extremely rare phytocoenoses and populations. Anthropogenic impact. Intensive recreation pressure causes digressive changes in numerous communities, which are located along the popular tourist paths to the glacial lakes, mountain summits etc. Unfortunately, the systematic violation of the protection regime in the highland zone of the Ukrainian Carpathians is obvious nowadays. Gathering medicinal and ornamental species poses a serious threat. Uncontrolled increase in the number of recreants in the highland areas for the last 5 years has destroyed its aquatic ecosystems more than in the previous 30–40 years. Usage of vehicles for recreation purposes (4×4, quads and motorcycles) refers to significant destructive factors for highland ecosystems. Protection measures. Population conservation and revival of communities is usually possible under the condition of moderate and short-term anthropogenic pressure. The visiting regime of the most popular highland sites must be put under control immediately, while mass ascensions must be completely forbidden.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 17-24
Author(s):  
N. V. Tkachuk ◽  
◽  
V. O. Yanchenko ◽  
A. M. Demchenko ◽  
◽  
...  

Background. Triazoles and Schiff’s bases have a high biological activity. For the practical use of the derivatives, their low toxicity is important. The purpose of this work was to investigate the antibacterial and phytotoxic properties of Schiff’s bases of 5-phenyl-4-amino-3-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazole with donor substituents in the 4th position of heterosystem. Materials and methods. In the study of antibacterial activity of the derivatives, corrosion-active 4-day association cultures of ammonifying and sulfate-reducing bacteria were used as a test culture of microorganisms. Sensitivity of bacteria to derivatives was determined by diffusion method in agar using sterile paper disks according to the standard method. In the investigation of phytotoxic activity of the derivatives, Lepidium sativum of the “Ajour” cultivar was used as a test plant. Seed germination and biometric indices (length, weight of the aboveground part and roots) of 5-day sprouts were determined, the phytotoxic effect of the derivatives was calculated. Experimental data were processed using methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The introduction of substituents does not provide for an increase in antibacterial properties of the studied compounds in relation to some corrosion active ammonifying and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Low activity was observed regarding the association culture of ammonifying bacteria to the compound without substituents in the phenyl fragment and the compound with fluor as a substituent in the phenyl fragment at a concentration of 2.0%. Derivatives with the methoxyl substituent in the phenyl fragment and with the hydroxyl substituent in the phenyl fragment did not show any antibacterial activity against the association culture of ammonifying bacteria isolated from ferrosphere in meat-peptone broth. Antibacterial action against the association of sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio orizae with organic acid-producing bacteria Anaerotignum propionicum for derivatives were not detected. Phytotoxic properties were observed for the compound with the hydroxyl substituent that influenced the processes of growth in the test plant. Conclusion. The introduction of electron-donor substituents into the basic structure did not provide for an increase in antibacterial properties against corrosive bacteria. Phytotoxic properties were observed for the compound with the hydroxyl substituent in the phenyl fragment, which influenced the L. sativum growth processes by inhibiting growth of the above-ground part and roots. Other compounds either did not show any action, or demonstrated a weak stimulating effect on the growth and development of the test plant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 37-48
Author(s):  
M. V. Popovych ◽  
◽  
Ya. R. Shalai ◽  
S. M. Mandzynets ◽  
N. E. Mitina ◽  
...  

Background. Previous studies have shown a pronounced cytotoxic effect of thiazole derivatives in combination with polymeric carriers on tumor cells. At the same time, the derivatives were not cytotoxic against non-cancerous cells in vitro. It was shown that thiazole derivatives at concentrations of 10 and 50 μM affected the prooxidant and antioxidant systems of lymphoma cells in vitro. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the complex of thiazole derivative N-(5-benzyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3,5-dimethyl-1-benzofuran-2-carboxamide (BF1) in combination with polymeric carriers poly(VEP-co-GMA)-graft-mPEG (Th1), poly(PEGMA) (Th3) and poly(PEGMA-co-DMM) (Th5) on the antioxidant defense system of the NK/Ly cell in vitro. Materials and Methods. The experiments were performed on white wild-type male mice with grafted NK/Ly lymphoma. Tumor cells were inoculated into mice intraperitoneally. Ascites was drained from the abdominal cavity of anaesthetized mice with a sterile syringe on the 7th-10th day after inoculation. Investigated compounds BF1, BF1 + Th1 (Th2, Th12), BF1 + Th3 (Th4, Th14), BF1 + Th5 (Th6, Th16) at a final concentration of 10 μM were added to the lymphoma samples and incubated for 10 min; the activity of antioxidant enzymes was determined according to the techniques described previously. Results. It was found that all the studied complexes based on thiazole derivative BF1 and polymeric carriers poly (VEP-co-GMA)-graft-mPEG (Th2, Th12), poly (PEGMA) (Th4, Th14) and poly (PEGMA-co-DMM) (Th6, Th16) at a concentration of 10 μm increased the activity of SOD, while the activity of CAT and GPX were reduced compared to control. Complexes Th2, Th12 and Th4 increased the significance of the BF1 influence on lymphoma cells from P <0.05 to P <0.01. Pure polymeric carriers did not affect the level of the antioxidant defense system enzymes. Conclusions. Thus, it was found that the polymeric carriers in combination with thiazole derivative BF1 increased the significance of thiazole derivative BF1 influence on the activity of the antioxidant defense system of lymphoma cells, while pure polymeric carriers did not affect the activity of SOD, CAT or GPX. The results of this work can be used for further studies of complexes of thiazole derivative and PEG-containing polymeric carriers as potential antitumor drugs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 49-58
Author(s):  
Kh. Ye. Furtak ◽  
◽  
H. Ya. Hachkova ◽  
N. O. Sybirna ◽  
◽  
...  

Background. Diabetes mellitus intensifies non-enzymatic glycosylation (glycation) of biomolecules under conditions of chronic hyperglycemia and facilitates accumulation of advanced glycation end products. Disorders of the cells of various tissues are caused by binding of advanced glycation end products to the corresponding receptors, the level of receptors for advanced glycation end products increases under conditions of hyperglycemia. The interaction between receptors for advanced glycation end products and advanced glycation end products leads to the formation of excessive reactive oxygen species, changes in intracellular signaling, gene expression, increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and contributes to the development of diabetic complications. The search for factors of natural origin that will slow down the development of specific complications of diabetes, determines the feasibility of studies of the corrective ability of biologically active substances isolated from medicinal plants for the process of glycation of proteins in diabetes. Materials and methods. Experimental diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. Separation of blood leukocytes was performed in Ficoll density gradient. To determine the extent of advanced glycation end products and receptor for advanced glycation end products in leukocyte immunoperoxidase labeling was performed. Results. A decrease in the content of advanced glycation end products in leukocy­tes under conditions of experimental diabetes mellitus was found. The obtained data indicate a possible contravention of glucose uptake by leukocytes in the studied pathology. At the same time, an increase in exposure to the receptor for advanced glycation end products leukocyte membranes in response to chronic hyperglycemia has been demonstrated. The ability of alkaloid free fraction of Galega officinalis extract to reduce the content of receptors for end products of glycation on the membranes of immunocompetent cells in diabetic animals has been confirmed, which may be due to the presence of biologically active substances with hypoglycemic action in its composition. Conclusion. Corrective effect of alkaloid free fraction of Galega officinalis L. extract on the content of receptor for advanced glycation end products in diabetes mellitus is mediated by its normalizing effect on carbohydrate metabolism.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 71-86
Author(s):  
I. Zahorodnyi ◽  
◽  
L. Romaniuk ◽  
O. Hnatyna ◽  
L. Pokrytiuk ◽  
...  

Objectives. The Little Owl is the most common owl in the Western Palearctic and its population is declining significantly in Europe. Therefore, conservation and study of this owl is an important issue in most European countries. Analysis of trophic patterns at the local level provides interesting and valuable information about the predator’s eating habits. The owl’s diet investigation allows us to analyze their potential adaptations to habitats with different levels of environmental transformation. Materials and Methods. We studied nutrition of the Little Owl Athene noctua, in agricultural lands of Berehove district of Transcarpathian region in Ukraine. In total, 1446 pellets were collected at 15 pellet stations in 2002–2020 and 2506 prey items were identified. The prey items represented 18 vertebrate species (16 species of small mammals of three orders Rodentia, Soricomorpha, Carnivora, as well as reptiles of the family Lacertidae and birds of the order Passeriformes and arthropods. Results. Vertebrates play a major role in feeding the Little Owl (over 99 % of total prey biomass in all of the studied sites). The common vole is the most common prey in the owl’s diet (52.1 % of the total prey number and 67.5 % of the biomass of the prey caught), as well as a high proportion of mice of the genus Apodemus and Sylvaemus. The contribution of invertebrates to total prey biomass is insignificant (0.3 %). A large number of invertebrates were observed in the diet of the Owl in summer and were almost completely absent in winter. Conclusions. According to our data, the Little Owl is a typical predator generalist in Transcarpathia. The 28 taxa found in the pellets show a wide range of food objects in a relatively small area, and high level adaptations to habitats with different levels of environmental transformation (agrosystems and anthropogenic areas).


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 117-124
Author(s):  
Y. V. Tsaryk ◽  

The importance of inter-ecosystem relations is a priori clear to most of ecologists. Inter-ecosystem relations provide for the integrity of ecological systems of all levels (from consortion to biosphere). The relations between consortions and other ecosystems have not been studied in detail so far. Hence, there is a lack of information about classification of inter-ecosystem relations. Among the most well-studied are anthropogenic relations between natural ecosystems and urboecosystems (Holubets, 2000). We propose a classification of the inter-ecosystem relations based on the following criteria: by origin (natural, anthropogenic, natural-anthropogenic), by frequency (dispo­sable, cyclic, acyclic, permanent), by consequences (normal, catastrophic, evolutio­nary), by relation type (trophic, topic, fabric, foric, mediopatic, behavioral). As the proposed classification is a pioneer one, we believe it will be developed and transformed during the field research of the inter-ecosystem relations. A detailed program of research should be elaborated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-16
Author(s):  
O. I. Dotsenko ◽  
◽  
G. V. Taradina ◽  
А. М. Mischenko ◽  
◽  
...  

Background. Hemoglobin is a hemoprotein which in the presence of oxidative equivalents, such as H2O2, can act as peroxidase with a very high oxidative potential. Hemoglobin oxidation is accompanied by generation of highly oxidized forms of iron and globin radicals that have high oxidative activity and are toxic to cells. In addition, peroxidase activity may indicate structural changes that occur in the hemoglobin molecule as a result of chemical modification. Materials and Methods. Erythrocyte suspension was subjected to vibration for 3 h within the frequency range from 8 to 32 Hz with amplitudes of 0.5 ± 0.04 and 0.9 ± 0.08 mm. At certain intervals, hemoglobin peroxidase activity was determined together with the content of its ligand forms in the hemolysates of cells. Additionally, experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism and calculate the kinetic parameters of peroxidase reaction. Results and Discussion. Experimental data on low-frequency vibrations effect on erythrocyte hemoglobin peroxidase activity were analyzed. The kinetics of the oxidation reaction of p-phenylenediamine by hemoglobin in erythrocytes was studied. It was found that peroxidase oxidation has a ping-pong mechanism. The kinetic parameters of the peroxidase reaction involving hemoglobin were determined. The change of kinetic parameters after two-hour exposure to the incubation medium and low-frequency vibration was studied. A possible mechanism of action of hemoglobin in oxidation reactions involving H2O2 was proposed. Conclusion. Any effect that initiates the formation of methemoglobin leads to an increase in the peroxidase activity of hemoglobin due to the involvement of the latter in the pseudoperoxidase cycle and the formation of toxic reactive globin radicals. The high content of oxyhemoglobin in the cell, observed under vibrations within the frequency range of 16–32 Hz with an amplitude of 0.9 ± 0.08 mm, can prevent its oxidation and involvement in the pseudoperoxidase cycle.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 24-36
Author(s):  
O. E. Oriakpono ◽  
◽  
C. Anuforo ◽  
E. E. Nduonofit ◽  
B. K. Deeyah ◽  
...  

Background. In developing and under-developed countries, charcoal production predisposes workers to charcoal dust. This is a common occurrence as workers in this field are not properly protected and as such are exposed to charcoal dust through inhalation and skin contact. Charcoal comprises many components such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to the possible health risk associated with such exposure, this study was designed to determine the effects of charcoal powder of particle size 125 µm - 150 µm on certain biomarkers in male albino rats. Albino rats were used because of their similar physiology to humans. Materials and Methods. 20 albino rats weighing between 250 g and 300 g were used for this study; they were randomly distributed in 4 groups (5 rats each) and the charcoal powder was incorporated into their feed at different percentages; control, group 1 (10 % charcoal), group 2 (30 % charcoal) and group 3 (charcoal powder bedding) for 50 days. Using standard procedures and methods, the following parameters were tested: Hematological parameters, semen parameters, liver enzymes, renal function, hormones and lung histology. Results. The results indicated a decrease in the level of liver enzymes AST (IU/L) and ALT (IU/L) in group 1, group 2 and group 3 when compared to the control with the lowest value of 48.75 IU/L and 11.50 IU/L respectively recorded in group 2. Prolactin (mIU/L) had mean values of 1.73, 1.30 and 1.83 in group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively while the control was 2.10. Testosterone (nmol/L) had a mean value of 1.18, 0.53 and 0.25 in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively, while the control was 0.90 with a significant difference (P<0.05). Creatinine (µmol/L) increased in group 1 and group 2 with a slight reduction in group 3 when compared to control (1.04) with a value of 1.35, 1.40 and 1.23, respectively. Total sperm count (´105/mL) had a mean value of 58.33, 50.00 and 43.25 in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively, while the control was 100.50. The lung histology for the treated groups revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells and thickening of inter-alveolar walls. Conclusion. Long term exposure to charcoal powder through nasal or oral route had serious effects on rats’ health, such as kidney damages, inflammation of the lungs and decrease in fertility in males primarily due to the presence of PAHs in charcoal.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-116
Author(s):  
S. S. Frankov ◽  

Introduction. Most of the Dniester basin is located within Ukraine, but the study of flora and fauna of its individual territories is insufficient, particularly, in terms of ornitho­logy of the forest-steppe zone. Materials and discussions. Active study of the bird population of the region was started by Polish researchers in the first half of the 18th century. A significant contri­bution to the study of ornithocomplexes of the then Podolsk province was made by K. F. Kessler, who published a three-volume work on birds of the Kyiv educational district, which also included the above region. Noteworthy are the works by E. Eichwald, G. Belke, V. Taczanowski and A. Brauner. A detailed summary of the history of the fauna of Podillya and its current state, at the beginning of the 20th century, including birds, was prepared by V. P. Khranevych. Data on the then state of the avifauna of the Kherson province, which included part of this region, is provided in the works by I. K. Pachoskii. There are almost no publications on the bird population of the region in the period from the 1930s to the present. At present, the avifauna of the Ukrainian part of the Dniester forest-steppe zone has not been studied fully enough. Available publications and monographs concern either individual species and groups of birds, or the entire territory of Vinnytsia or Odessa regions. Among them are the publications by O. A. Matviichuk and the monograph “Cadastre of terrestrial tetrapods of Vinnytsia region”. However, most of these works relate to the Southern Bug basin. The avifauna of the Dniester basin is presented rather fragmentarily. The monograph by H. I Denysyk “Zoocenoses of anthropogenic landscapes of Podillya” deserves special attention. However, it concerns anthropogenic landscapes of the Podolsk region as a whole, and does not fully cover the features of the spatial distribution of fauna, including birds, in the Dniester basin within the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. Conclusions. The analysis of the available literature has shown that, despite a nearly 300-year history of research, this region is currently one of the least surveyed in terms of bird population. The history of the study of birds in the above area can be divided into four periods of research with different intensity and nature of publications. Taking into account the data of the analysis, it can be stated that the available data are extremely poor to form an idea of the dynamics and current state of the avifauna of this region. Therefore, it is obvious that there is an urgent need for targeted comprehensive research that will address most of the above issues.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 87-104
Author(s):  
A. O. Maslakova ◽  
◽  
M. Ya. Liuta ◽  
N. O. Sybirna ◽  
◽  
...  

For most cells, including lymphocytes, glucose is a primary energy source, and, therefore, it is vital to understand the regulatory mechanisms that control the work of glucose transporters. Lymphocytes are pivotal for mediation of immune and inflammatory responses. A feature of lymphocytes is increasing glucose utilization during activation of the immune function, which is strongly dependent on glucose uptake. Some studies show that elevated glucose concentration in diabetes mellitus affects lymphocytes’ glucose transporters expression, whichcorrelates with impaired immune functions and may become one of the predisposing factors of contracting infectious diseases. Recent studies have focused on glucose transporters as therapeutic targets for a variety of diseases, including diabetes mellitus. This review demonstrates the effect of photobiomodulationtherapy on glucose uptake by Na+-coupled glucose carrier SGLT1 and facilitated diffusion glucose carriers of the GLUT family (GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4) in normal and diabetic lymphocytes.


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