Visnyk of Dnipropetrovsk University. Biology, ecology

3-7

Authors: I. О. Shmarakov, V. L. Borschovetska, М. М. Мarchenko

Development of the most of pathological conditions occurs by free radical mechanism which is characterized by increased free radical production at the cellular level, especially reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). The main producers of reactive oxygen species are, first of all, membrane bound NADH-dependent mitochondrial and NADPH-dependent endoplasmic reticulum electron transport systems, cytosolic oxidoreductase enzymes and multienzyme complexes. The aim of the study was to determine the features of generation of superoxide anion radical (O2·) as the primary reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide (NO·) under conditions of thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity. The features of NAD(P)H-dependent gen-eration of superoxide anion radical (O2·) as the primary reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide (NO·) in subcellular (mitochondrial, microsomal and post-microsomal) fractions of C57BL/6J mouse liver cells isolated by the method of differential centrifugation were determined under conditions of thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity and supplementation with pharma-cological doses of vitamin A. It was found that the development of acute hepatotoxicity induced by single intraperitoneal ad-ministration of 500 mg/kg of thioacetamide was accompanied by increased intensity of superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide production in microsomal and cytosolic fractions of liver cells, but not in mitochondrial fraction. Consumption of the pharmacological doses of vitamin A (3000 IU) has no hepatoprotective effect, however, it enhances the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the liver during acute hepatotoxicity.

19-32

Authors: V. V. Schwartau, P. A. Virych, T. I. Makoveychuk, A. Y. Artemenko

The paper gives the review on the role of calcium in many physiological processes of plant organisms, including growth and development, protection from pathogenic influences, response to changing environmental factors, and many other aspects of plant physiology. Initial intake of calcium ions is carried out by Ca2+-channels of plasma membrane and they are further transported by the xylem owing to auxins’ attractive ability. The level of intake and selectivity of calcium transport to ove-ground parts of the plant is controlled by a symplast. Ca2+enters to the cytoplasm of endoderm cells through calcium channels on the cortical side of Kaspary bands, and is redistributed inside the stele by the symplast, with the use of Ca2+-АТPases and Ca2+/Н+-antiports. Owing to regulated expression and activity of these calcium transporters, calclum can be selectively delivered to the xylem. Important role in supporting calcium homeostasis is given to the vacuole which is the largest depo of calcium. Regulated quantity of calcium movement through the tonoplast is provided by a number of potential-, ligand-gated active transporters and channels, like Ca2+-ATPase and Ca2+/H+ exchanger. They are actively involved in the inactivation of the calcium signal by pumping Ca2+ to the depo of cells. Calcium ATPases are high affinity pumps that efficiently transfer calcium ions against the concentration gradient in their presence in the solution in nanomolar concentrations. Calcium exchangers are low affinity, high capacity Ca2+ transporters that are effectively transporting calcium after raising its concentration in the cell cytosol through the use of protons gradients. Maintaining constant concentration and participation in the response to stimuli of different types also involves EPR, plastids, mitochondria, and cell wall. Calcium binding proteins contain several conserved sequences that provide sensitivity to changes in the concentration of Ca2+ and when you connect ion conformationally rearranged, thus passing the signal through the chain of intermediaries. The most important function of calcium is its participation in many cell signaling pathways. Channels, pumps, gene expression, synthesis of alkaloids, protective molecules, NO etc. respond to changes in [Ca2+]cyt, while transductors are represented by a number of proteins. The universality of calcium is evident in the study in connection with other signaling systems, such as NO, which is involved in the immune response and is able to control the feedback activity of protein activators channels, producing nitric oxide. Simulation of calcium responses can determine the impact of key level and their regulation, and also depends on the type of stimulus and the effector protein that specifically causes certain changes. Using spatiotemporal modeling, scientists showed that the key components for the formation of Ca2+ bursts are the internal and external surfaces of the nucleus membrane. The research was aimed at understanding of the mechanisms of influence of Ca2+-binding components on Ca2+ oscillations. The simulation suggests the existence of a calcium depot EPR with conjugated lumen of the nucleus which releases its contents to nucleoplasm. With these assumptions, the mathematical model was created and confirmed experimentally. It describes the oscillation of nuclear calcium in root hairs of Medicago truncatula at symbiotic relationship of plants and fungi (rhizobia). Calcium oscillations are present in symbiotic relationships of the cortical layer of plant root cells. Before penetration of bacteria into the cells, slow oscillations of Ca2+ are observed, but with their penetration into the cells the oscillation frequency increases. These processes take place by changing buffer characteristics of the cytoplasm caused by signals from microbes, such as Nod-factor available after penetration of bacteria through the cell wall. Thus, the basic known molecular mechanisms for regulation of calcium homeostasis in plant cells are reviewed. Data presented in the paper is important for understanding the role of calcium in the ions’ homeostasis and can be used for developing high-performance technologies of crops nutrition.

38-45

Authors: K. M. Bozhko

The article contains the results of determination of physical and micromorphological properties of soils under natural ravine vegetation in the southern part of Dnipropetrovsk region. The value of ravine forests for the steppe zone of Ukraine is analyzed, and the methods of investigation are shown. Forest typology characteristics of the vegetation stationary test areas, as well as macro- and micromorphological characteristic of the soil profile, structural condition of the soil, its aggregate composition, and water stability of aggregates, are determined. Soil-forming processes in ravine ecosystems of the southern variant in Dnipropetrovsk region are diagnosed. Micromorphological studies of soil in the intact state, as well as analysis of produced thin sections, revealed the high degree of aggregation of the upper (0–60 cm) soil horizons. Structure formation is of zoogenic origin. Large amount of soil aggregates of coprolite structure is clearly seen under the microscope. Well decomposed plant residues are visible in the aggregates. Soil over the entire area of the section is of dark brown, almost black color. This is due to the large amount (80%) of organic substances indicating the active processes of humification. Fine grained humus is represented by plenty of equally spaced bunches of humones. Humus is in mull form. Skeleton is composed of different sized minerals, with quartz and feldspars dominating in its structure. Plasma is of humus-clay type, uniform over the entire area of the section and anisotropic with point illumination. Visible pore surface area is significant (65%) in the upper layers of the soil profile. Pores feature round and oblong regular shape. Often (on 50% of the pore area) the outbreaks of small invertebrates are found. With the depth of the soil profile, visible pore area decreases, as well as the aggregation. While correlating with the micromorphological characteristics, water stability of the soil structural aggregates reaches very high (80%) indices in the upper horizons of the soil profile and gradually decreases with the soil profile depth. Active biogenic microstructure formation, defining significant aggregation and looseness of microstructure, was diagnosed.

53-59

Authors: O. I. Dotsenko

This paper deals with the peculiarities of functioning of murine erythron system under vibrational stress on the basis of experimental data about erythrocytes acid resistance. Experiments were made on the outbred male mice at about one age and weight that were maintained in vivarium conditions on usual diet. Animals were divided into 5 groups. Animals of 1–4 groups were exposed to daily thirty-minute vibration at frequencies of 8, 16, 24 and 32 Hz respectively, with amplitude of 0.8 ±0.12 mmduring 14 days. Animal exposure to vibration was provided by the electromechanical converter connected to the generator of low frequency signals. The fifth group of animals was not exposed to vibration and it was used as a control. Kinetic dependences of acid hemolysis of erythrocytes was registered daily, from the 1st to the 5th day, and further at the 7th, 9th and 14th days of experiment. Blood for analysis was taken from tail veins in 15–20 min after stopping of vibration. As the basic indicators characterizing resistance of erythrocytes to the hemolytic agent influence we used the hemolysis rate constant, i.e. the value inverse to cell half-life time. For analysis of acid erythrograms we also used such indicators as hemolysis duration, maximum erythrogram’s time and width of the interval of erythrocyte group dominating in the population. We processed the results of research statistically. The study showed that acid resistance of erythrocytes decreased during the first five days of vibration influence at frequencies of 8–16 Hz. Besides, erythrocytes were divided into fractions that indicated the erythrocytes aging and strengthening of the population heterogeneity. On the fifth day of 16 Hz influence the emission of reticulocytes was recorded. At 8 Hz influence these processes were registered on the 7th day of the experiment. During the subsequent days the hemolysis curves were slightly displaced in relation to the control. Increase in hemolysis time and forms of erythrograms suggested the existence of erythrocytes fraction with increased resistance to the haemolytic factor. High activity of stress-induced mechanisms led to the drop in the general erythrocytes content in blood, and to the decrease in the share of low-resistant “old” erythrocytes and general increase in erythrocytes stability to the acid hemolysis. At 24 Hz vibration influence we observed similar processes; however, during the second week of action the content of “old” erythrocytes in murine blood was much higher, compared with “young” cells. Strengthening of erythrocytes heterogeneity was observed with the shift on the erythrograms to the left, emergence of several maxima, and reduction of half-life time of the cells. However, the hemolysis termination time was not reduced. At 32 Hz vibration the erythropoesis was not observed within 14 days of the experiment. Stress-induced disorder of the hemopoesis and cellular composition of peripheral blood were revealed and expressed in erythropoesis suppression, devastation of the “old” erythrocytes’ reserve, and decrease in their acid resistance. The consequence of these processes can be hypoxia of cells and tissues, which is one of the mechanisms of organs stress injuries.

66-70

Authors: L. V. Gorobets, I. V. Matlaev

The work presents the results of the analysis of a species diversity of the Old East Slavic settlement “Igren 8”(Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine). The settlement occupied the area of nearly 15 hawhich was relatively large for this region. In Medieval period around the mouths of tributaries to the delta of the Dnieperdense forests were located, although the region is located in the south forest-steppe zone and the steppe zone. The majority of hunted birds belong to the group Anatidae (at least 72% of the minimum possible number of individuals). Poultry played the minor role in the diet of the residents of the medieval settlement “Igren 8”. We have drawn the conclusion about birds from “Igren 8”inhabiting water with thickets of the hygrophyte vegetation on the periphery. Nowadays, there are many embryophytes such as Phragmites australis, Typha spp., Glyceria maxima, Acorus calamus and others in these places. Hygrophytes covering of reservoirs is typically less than 20%.

77-82

Authors: D. A. Bevzyuk, N. A. Levicheva

One of the most important problems of modern society is the growth of aggression which leads to crimes, sadism, violence and other antisocial actions. Therefore, the study of the mechanisms of development of aggressive behavior and negative aggressive reactions is extremely urgent. Thus, in order to correct the aggressive behavior it is extremely important to develop new methodological approaches. Previous studies have shown that the brain biopotentials provide functional transfer of information. With the help of magnetic or other information carrier, the information can be stored and transmitted remotely from the donor to the recipient and, in that way, can control the behavior of the animal body. Using of biological programs, expressed via the brain biopotentials at their minimum voltage (which is indicated by the amplitude of the frequency spectrum of electrical oscillations in the EEG), it can give therapeutic effect. The aim of the paper is studying of the neurobiological mechanisms of aggressive behavior and usage of bioinformatic programs expressed via the potentials of the brain. In the course of the experiments, we have shown the possibility to use the ventromedial hypothalamic stimulation as a realistic model of negative emotional state. In this model, behavioral indexes (reactions of avoidance, increased vocalizations, negative grooming) correlated with the indexes of electrical activity of brain structures of emotional limbic-neocortical system (numerous epileptiform paroxysms, sharp shocks and complexes with epi components of peak-theta and peak-delta type). The introduction of information expressed in biopotentials of the positive emotional ventrolateral hypothalamus of the brain of donor rat to recipient rats with a model negative emotional state leads to balancing of emotional homeostasis, resulting in disappearance of convulsive components and diffuse affective paroxysms in EEG, and also in manifestations of positive grooming and tranquility. This method of emotional homeostasis correction is suggested as a new method for correction of emotional disorders and is expected to be effective for the further study.

88-95

Authors: A. P. Pokhylenko

On condition of anthropogenic pressure soil biota is one of the first reacting on environment changes. As long as natural selection occurs by phenotypes, it is important that on the urban land the organisms’ adaptations to changes in natural factors can be revealed with phenetic methods. The paper analyzes the ecological modification of the diplopoda Rossiulus kessleri (Lohmander, 1927) in the Samarskyi Forest region environment (Novomoskovskyj forestry is the ravine ecosystem, and Kocherezhskyi forestry is short-term-flooded ecosystem) and State Reservation “Voloshanskaya Dacha” (“Zatishnoye”). Such investigation for this region is conducted for the first time. Space samples consisted of 30 individuals (males and females, proportionally) for each plot. Among others, 14 basic morphometric in-line parameters and its relation were chosen: length/width of the body, amount of segments, length of hindleg, length of telson, length/width of antenna, length/width of gnathochilarium, length/width of semiflosculous blades, length/width of promenthum, length of collum. Morphometric interconnections within the given populations were established with the help of the factor analysis. The most changeable morphometric characteristics between populations and sexes were revealed. For all the given populations sex dimorphism is pointed out for the size of gna-thochilarium and the length of collum. Basing on obtained results from specimen measuring from Novomoskovsky forestry district we pointed out that both the majority of the given in-line parameters and its relation had no sex dimorphism. It also shows the stability of the environment. It is estimated that females from Kocherezhskyi forestry population have longer antennae (males have 10,2% less) and body width (females are on 14,0% wider). Body width is stable characteristic for many Diplopoda species. With high signification level for both basic in-line characters (length and width), sex dimorphism is observed in the conditions of the State Reservation “Voloshanskaya Dacha” (“Zatishnoye” stow). ANOVA-test of the given data showed that two different groups existed. Specific characters for individuals with dispersal index 19,2% are extensive body parameters. Spatial population structure clearly distinguishes males from the general sample. Data obtained illustrates the anthropogenic pressure and can be used to monitor populations.

59-63

Authors: K. V. Derkach, O. E. Abraimova, T. M. Satarova, O. A. Molitva, V. S. Kalugina, M. G. Panasenko, S. S. Pechorna

In connection with the necessity of bringing elite maize inbreds of the Lancaster germplasm group, which have potential for cultivation in Ukraine, into the system of genetic tranformation, the aim of this investigation is to identify the ability of maize inbreds of this group to regenerate by direct organogenesis and to determine the optimal mineral basis for their nutritional environment using segments of the node area of shoots. As explantats we used sterile 4-day old seedlings of 4 maize inbreds of Lancaster germplasm and model inbred Chi31 exotic germplasm. The seedlings were obtained by germination of sterile seeds in Petri dishes between two layers of moist sterile filter paper at a temperature of 27 ºC in dark conditions. A single 1 cm long segment was cut from each from each seedling, running from 0.5 cm before the node to 0.5 cm after the node. A cut was made in each segment of the node in order to create a wounded surface. Explantats were planted in a nutrient environment with mineral bases of MS or N6, modified by the addition of 10 mg/l silver nitrate, 100 mg/l casein hydrolyzate, 690 mg/l L-proline, 30 g/l sucrose, 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dychlorphenoksiacetic acid and 0,1 mg/l abscisic acid. Cultivation was carried out at 25–27 ºC in the light. Direct hemogenesis in this environment on the 14th day of cultivation in vitro reached 100% for each line. This meant that all researched lines of Lancaster germplasm and the model line showed a high capacity for direct regeneration through direct hemogenesis, which does not depend on the composition of the mineral content of their nutritional environment. Callus formation was observed in all genotypes on the 14th day of cultivation in vitro and the extent of its formation increased during the following month of cultivation. The callus formation was observed only at the site of the wounded surface. The calluses were transparent. Although green areas appeared in these calluses, they were nonembryogenic and did not lead to regeneration. All explantats were transplanted into fresh nutrient media with simultaneous removal of germinated shoots on the 14th day of cultivation. Regeneration on the 45th day of cultivation took place by direct hemogenesis (formation of shoot or leafy structures) or direct hemoryzhogenesis (formation seedlings which had both shoot and root). Formation of ryzhogenic calli was observed in most inbreds. The frequency of regeneration of shoots and leaf structures was characterized by a tendency to increase indicators in the culture environment with mineral basis N6, and the frequency of regeneration of shoots was significantly marked using a medium with mineral basis MS. However, regeneration on the 45th day took place at a much lower rate than on the 14th day of cultivation, which must be taken into account when a system of genetic transformation systems using nodal segments of seedling shoots is being developed. Thus, using nodal sections of 4-day old seedling shoots of maize inbreds of Lancaster germplasm and model inbred Chi31, we can obtain viable seedlings for use in biological systems of agrobacterial transformation. We can recommend two variants of provoking regeneration by direct organogenesis in vitro for application in genetic transformation. The first variant suggests for all studied genotypes 100% induction on the 14th day of in vitro cultivation of direct organogenesis by hemogenesis and this requires further rooting of obtained shoots before planting into soil. Both variants of the nutrient environments of cultivation proposed us can be used. The second variant involves low frequency of regeneration by direct hemoryzhogenesis in a limited number of genotypes, but excludes the rooting stage. The cultivation environment with the mineral basis MS is recommended for this variant. The choice of either variant for obtaining direct regeneration depends on the particularity and aim of the research.

70-75

Authors: D. V. Chernetchenko, M. P. Motsnyj, N. P. Botsva, О. V. Elina, M. M. Milykh

A hardware-software complex automated system of recording bioelectrical potentials, which is based on a USB-device with subsequent processing of signals with PC was developed in this work. We proposed a universal scheme of registration of bioelectrical potentials, which allows one to detect the reaction of biological objects to different stimuli, such as cold, heat, photo- and electrical stimulation, and to different combinations of these stimuli (Motsnyj et al., 2004). They could be applied for deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms of generation of electrical potentials in cells and discovering the accommodation processes of organisms as a whole to these stimuli. The system for registration of bioelectrical potentials consists of hardware and software parts. The software part consists of the client and server sides, which transmit experimental data to the network. The client-side software renders a quantitative analysis and stores the results in a database. An integrated system of registration and biometrical processing was applied for analysis of the electrical responses of maize leaves to heat stimuli. The dynamics of these potentials were studied and a quantitative analysis of the potential level stabilization was made. We found that amplitude relation of responses to the initial response increased and stabilized at the level of 130%. Mathematical models of the plant cell for discovering intracellular mechanisms of biopotentials registration were developed. As a result of modeling, we found that the electrical response of the cells is based on selective conductance of the cell membrane for Н+ and K+ ions. By this way, we show the biophysical relation of plant potentials to intracellular biophysical mechanisms.

83-88

Authors: M. Tkachenko

We conducted a comparative analysis of the absolute and relative fecundity of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1984)) females in the Kakhovskyy Reservoir and the Azov Sea. We analysed the indicators of salinity, pH and oxygen levels in the waterbodies investigated. We determined the dependence of fertility of round gobies on body weight, length and age. This article presents the results of a comparative analysis with the works of other authors, including the results of a similar study conducted 40-years ago. We conducted cameral processing of the results by standard methodology. We counted the oocytes at varying stages of maturity. All oocytes were grouped by their diameter. We visually identified four groups of oocytes: 1700–2500 mkm – the large, mature oocytes (ІV stage of maturity); 400–1200 mkm – light yellow oocytes, which are ripening (ІІІ stage); 100–300 mkm (ІІ stage) whitish eggs, and the smallest (I stage) – up to 100 mkm. Stages II–IV were subjected to statistical processing. The differences between the indicators of fertility of fishes from saltwater and freshwater waterbodies show an increase in the relative and the absolute fecundity of fishes from the sea (saltwater) and decrease in the fecundity of the fishes in freshwater. The correlation analysis between the waterbodies and the length of the fishes showed 0.81 at the Kahovskyy Reservoir and 0.62 in the Azov Sea. The correlation analysis between the same waterbodies and the weight of the fishes was 0.63 and 0.74 respectively. This could indicate that conditions for the fishes’ existence were more favourable in the sea. The comparison analysis between our data and the 40-year old data for the Azov Sea depending on length and weight show a significant increase in oocyte numbers. This increase was noted for all size groups of fish. Nevertheless, the greatest differences were between fish in the Azov Sea (all data) and those in the Kahovskyy Reservoir. These results should be studied in the context of the nutrition spectrum and calorific objects of the round goby in these water bodies. It would be interesting to analyse data on gobies of the Azov Sea according to gradation in salinity levels.

95-100

Authors: S. O. Kochubey

We investigated the impact of the level of stochastic excitation of synaptic signals from pyramidal neurons on the generation of oscillations inside the interneuronal networks of the hippocampus with shunting GABAergic synapses. We used a modification of a mathematical model of the interneuronal networks (I. Vida, M. Bartos and P. Jonas, 2006) together with a model of external synaptic signalling with a Poisson distribution of time interval between events. We demonstrated that a completely synchronized synaptic signal when every interneuron in the network was impacted by an electric current with the same amplitude and frequency caused oscillations with a high level of synchronization (k > 0,9) in the network. The increase of synaptic signal frequency led to the respective increasing of oscillation frequency in the network. We demonstrated that a gradual increase of stochastic synaptic current from 0.001 to 0.200 causes reduction of synchronisation of oscillations in the interneuronal network from 0.89 to 0.11 with an equal signal frequency of 6 Hz. The frequency of oscillations in the interneuronal network also decreased from 55.6 to 35.7 Hz respectively for the levels of stochastisity 0.001 to 0.200 and the frequency of excitation of 58 Hz. Decrease of frequency and synchronization of oscillations in the network could be explained by the the inability of shunting GABAergic synapses to synchronize the work of separate interneurons when there is significant increase in stochastic external excitation. Besides this, we demonstrated the existence of a range of frequencies of the incoming signal of 30–40 Hz in the network, of which a significant increase of synchronisation of oscillations in the network takes place regardless of the stages of external stochastic excitation.

105-112

Authors: T. Shevtsova, E. Garkava, J. Brindza, T. Brjuzgina, V. Groza

Pollen has various effects on the human body. In order to study and compare the biological activity of the mature pollen grains of Betula verrucosa Ehrh. we investigated the protein-lipid composition and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of 10 samples from different habitats in the territory of Ukraine and the Slovak Republic. The collection sites are near highways and apartment blocks, as well as a nature reserve, forest and botanical garden. The protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method. A chromatographic analysis of fatty acids from lipids was performed using a “Cvet 500” gas chromatograph, equipped with a flame-ionization detector in the isothermal mode. The bioactivity of aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts of pollen grains was evaluated by the DPPH free radical scavenging method (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) by means spectrophotometry in vitro. The protein content of the pollen of B. verrucosa ranged from 17.9% to 25.6%, depending on the habitat. Unsaturated fatty acids were found in higher amounts than saturated fatty acids. The profile of fatty acids indicates a higher content of palmitic (33.9%), oleic (29.5%) and linoleic (27.8%) acids and a low content of arachidonic (0.4%) and pentadecanoic (0.8%) acids. We also established that silver birch pollen is characterized by high antioxidant activity. The measured value of TAA for aqueous pollen extracts was within 74.8–85.5%. For the ethanol extracts it was quantified within 60.3–95.0% and for the methanol extracts – 46.1–92.6%. The Tukey test was used to determine the differences between the means at a level of P < 0.05. A strong correlation coefficient (0.70) was defined between the protein content and the TAA of aqueous extracts. In general, the Ukrainian and Slovak samples of pollen differ in the fatty acid composition of lipids and aqueous and ethanol TAA extracts. Pollen of B. verrucosa should be used for diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic purposes as close as possible to the place of origin.

3-8

Authors: O. Maslovska, S. Hnatush

Desulfuromonas acetoxidans obtains energy for growth by the anaerobic oxidation of organic compounds with the carbon dioxide formation. It was found that ferrum and manganese are used as terminal electron acceptors in the processes of anaerobic respiration, such as dissimilative Fe3+- and Mn4+-reduction, carried out by these bacteria (Lovely, 1991). D. acetoxidans ІМV B-7384 can be used as anode biocatalyst in microbial fuel cell with high electron recovery through acetate oxidation to the electric current as a result of electron transfer to the anode or 3d-type transition metals, such as ferrum and manganese, in the process of their reduction. Investigation of biochemical changes of D. acetoxidans ІМV B-7384 under the influence of Fe (III) compounds is important for optimization of the process of bacterial electricity generation. ATP-hydrolase is located in cytoplasmic membrane, and its subunits are exposed to both the cytoplasm and the external environment. Therefore, the changes of that enzyme activity can be used as an indicator of various stress exposure. Presence of ferric iron ions in the bacterial growth medium could catalyze generation of organic reactive oxygen species, such as peroxyl (ROO-) and alkoxyl (RO-) radicals. Lipid peroxidation is one of the main reasons of cell damage and it’s following death under the influence of reactive oxygen metabolites. It is known that lipid peroxidation and membrane transport processes are somehow interrelated, but mechanisms of such interaction are still unidentified. In our previous researche we have shown the influence of ferric (III) citrate on the intensity of lipid peroxidation of D. аcetoxidans ІМV В-7384. Significant increase of the content of lipid peroxidation products (lipid hydroperoxides, conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde) in bacterial cells has been observed under the addition of ferric (III) citrate into the cultural medium. The increase of the concentration of lipid peroxidation products in bacterial cells confirms free radical mechanism of oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, for fulfiling complete analyses of cell response against oxidative stress it was reasonable to investigate the influence of ferric (III) citrate on specific ATP-hydrolase activity, Na+, K+-ATP-hydrolase activity and Mg2+-ATP-hydrolase activity of D. acetoxidans ІМV В-7384. Bacteria were cultivated in the modified Postgaite C medium during four days under the anaerobic conditions and temperature +27°С with addition from 10 to 20 mM of ferric (III) citrate into the growth medium. Control samples didn’t contain investigated metal salt. Chosen concentrations of metal salt caused inhibition of bacterial growth by 20–50%. Activities of ATP-hydrolases were investigated as described. It was shown, that specific ATP-hydrolase activity of D. acetoxidans ІМV В-7384 is changing in dependance on duration of ferric (III) citrate exposure and concentration of the metal salt. Addition of the ferric (III) citrate in relatively low concentrations (10–12 mM) causes increasing of specific ATP-hydrolase activity of D. acetoxidans IMV B-7384 in comparison with control. Activity of investigated enzymes was inhibited under the increasing of metal salt concentration in bacterial growth medium. Increase of duration of D. acetoxidans IMV B-7384 cultivation causes decrease of ATP-hydrolase activity. Addition of ferric (III) citrate causes simultaneous increasing of Na+, K+-ATP-hydrolase activity and inhibition of Mg2+-ATP-hydrolase activity during four days of bacterial cultivation.

15-19

Authors: R. Kononenko

The state of world stocks of sturgeons is on the edge of catastrophe. These species are either extinct or under threat of extinction under human impacts. At the same time, there are enterprises, fish hatcheries, which deal with restoration and replenishment of natural stocks with of endangered fish species. One of such hatcheries is the sturgeon hatchery “Lebyazhy” (Astrakhan region, Russian Federation). The aim of the study was an analysis of piscicultural-biological features of the Russian sturgeon brood fish. During the study, which was conducted in April–May 2011, 34 Russian sturgeon females were used in two rounds, 17 individuals each. For stimulating gametes maturation, the Derzhavin’s physiological method was used. Caviar was obtained by stripping the eggs under strict hygienic and sanitary norms. Eggs fertilization with the semi-dry method used the male milt that bought at the “Raskat” LLC. Egg stickiness elimination was performed with the aid of talc and apparatuses for the egg stickiness elimination. Eggs incubation was performed in the “Osetr” apparatuses until yolk-sac larvae hatching. The domesticated fish were subjected to bonitation for determining their readiness for spawning. As a result of this bonitation, the brood fish were separated into two groups: first round of rearing works: females with mean weight of 34.8 kg and age of 9 years; second round: females with mean weight of 32.3 kg and the same age. Among injected females of the first round, 100% positive reaction for the stimulating injection was observed, but 95% – among females of the second round. Maturation time of females of both rounds varied from 25 to 30 hours. The maturation state of gametes of sturgeon females or males was determined based on samples obtained. 90.2 kg of eggs were obtained from females of the first round. At the same time, the maximum quantity was observed in the female of 50.5 kg – 9.2 kg of caviar, and the least quantity was obtained from the 27.8 kg female – 2.8 kg. On average, 5.3 kg of eggs were obtained per one female of the first round. The obtained quantity of eggs in one gram did not exceed 48 eggs that are considered to be within normal limits. 79.8 kg of eggs were obtained from females of the second round of rearing works that is 10.4 kg less in comparison with the results of the first round. On average, 5.0 kg of eggs were obtained from one female that is related to less mature fish used in the second tour. At the same time, the maximum quantity of eggs, 7.9 kg, was obtained from a 32.5 kg female, while the minimum quantity, 2.6 kg, from a 20.7 kg female. The obtained quantity of eggs in one gram did not exceed 44 eggs. Mean working fecundity of females of the first round was 198.2 thousand eggs, while it was somewhat less in the second round – 184.6 thousand eggs that did not exceed the normative values.

28-32

Authors: S.N. Kabuzenko, A.V. Omel’chenko, L.М. Mykhalska, V.V. Schwartau

The goal of this work is studying the accumulation and distribution of Na+ and K+ in maize hybrids of different salt tolerance under conditions of the chloride salinity. The new corn hybrid Veselka MV (salt-tolerant) and Odessa 375 MB (not salt-tolerant) were studied. The plants grown in salt-free chernozem soil are control. In the experiment, sodium chloride was dissolved in the irrigation water to form the salinity of test soils up to concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% of ovendry weight. Soil moisture in the pots was maintained at 60% of the full field water capacity, the air temperature was +25…+27 °C, and the light – 10 klux. Plant samples were dried in the oven under 70°C. Then, the average sample of 10 specimens was thoroughly levigated in the porcelain pounder and dispersed in distilled water at 100°C. The ions were extracted, and the extracts were centrifuged for 20 min at 3000 rpm. The ions content in the cell sap was analysed. Plant samples (1 g) were incubated 10 min in chloroform, dried carefully with filter paper, and then the cell sap was squeezed. 1 ml of clear top layer of the cell sap was dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water. Ions content was determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer ("Karl Zeiss", Germany). Salt-tolerant maize hybrid Veselka MW (14 days age) is characterized by an increased content of Na+ in the root tissues in comparison with the above-ground parts. In Odessa 375 MB hybrid this regularity is less pronounced. With the increase of sodium chloride concentration in the soil the content of Na+ in the aerial parts of plants rises. That may be connected with the reduced role of a root barrier. The salt-tolerant hybrid has a higher content of Na+ in the roots as compared to the above-ground parts. The content of K+ was higher in the above-ground parts, which is more pronounced in the salt-tolerant hybrid Veselka MB. The decrease of K+ in cell sap of the root under saline conditions was most pronounced in the salt-sensitive hybrid Odessa 375 MB. The salt-tolerant hybrid Veselka MB is characterized by accumulation of Na+ mainly in the roots, but a higher content of K+ in the aerial part of the plant. For salt-tolerant hybrids are characterized by a higher ratio of K+ / Na+ in the above-ground parts of plants as compared to the not salt-tolerant hybrid.

38-42

Authors: D.Y. Reshetniak, V.V. Brygadyrenko

Development of the laboratory breeding technology of insects that damage agricultural crops can help in the pest control. Harpalus rufipes (De Geer, 1774) were fed by the following types of products: fresh frozen chicken and pork, cooked sausage "Doctor", cheese "Russian", boiled wheat and buckwheat. In the experiment, 56 adult specimens were kept individually in plastic containers during five days. In the same conditions 8 control test products were placed to determine the percentage of its mass loss due to desiccation. Keeping in a laboratory and feeding of H. rufipes (De Geer) by common human food is possible. Throughout the experiment, there were considerable variations in the consumption of food between individuals. Specimens of an average weight of 148.2 ± 45.6 mg consumed daily 71.4 ± 99.4 mg of fresh-frozen chicken and 77.2 ± 112.8 mg of the pork meat (48.1% and 52.1% of the body weight, respectively). Cheese and sausage were consumed in approximately the same amounts (73.1 ± 81.3 and 44.9 ± 66.0 mg daily, or 49.3% and 30.3% of the body weight, respectively). Low protein crop ration (wheat and buckwheat) provided the increase of the food intake (103.5 ± 108.5 and 79.8 ± 91.5 mg or 69.9% and 53.9% of the body weight, respectively). Chicken, pork meat and sausage contributed the weight gain, which amounts to about 0.43–0.82 mg (0.29–0.56% of initial body weight). A significant increase in body weight was observed for specimens feed by cheese (the weight gain was 3.14 ± 18.3 mg, 2.12%), by wheat (8.71 ± 21.33 mg, 5.87%), and buckwheat (2.73 ± 13.75 mg, 1.84% of the body weight). Starving individuals of H. rufipes that had an access to drinking water lost 2.6 ± 3.6 mg of the wet weight daily (1.76% of the body weight). That low rate of basal metabolism ensures the species survival during unfavourable parts of the seasons (summer drought, long autumn rains, etc.). Thus, the changes of body weights in imagoes of similar diets are evaluated. The sustainable keeping of H. rufipes (De Geer) culture in a laboratory needs the alternation of used food. That problem should be studied in details.

51-57

Authors: A.E. Pakhomov, O.M. Kunakh, A.V. Zhukov, Y.A. Baliuk

Study results of the spatial organisation of urbozem mesofauna are presented. We used the OMI-analysis methods. Field research was made in June, 1st, 2011 in the Botanical Garden of Dnipropetrovsk National University (DNU) (earlier – the territory of Y. Gagarin park, Dnipropetrovsk). The studied plot is situated at a distance of 220 m from the Building 1 of DNU and at a distance of 60 m from Y. Gagarin Avenue (the Southeast direction). The plot consists of 15 transects directed in a perpendicular manner in relation to the Avenue. Each transect is made of seven sample points. The distance between points is 2 m. The coordinates of lower left point have been taken as (0; 0). The plot represents artificial forest-park planting. The vegetation has typically wood mesotrophic mesophilic character (93.3% – silvants, 90.0% – mesotrophes, 81.7% – mesophiles). In each point the soil mesofauna was studied; temperature, electrical conductivity and soil penetration resistance, dead leaves layer and herbage height were measured. Soil-zoological test area had a size of 25 × 25 cm. We found that earthworms are numerous and saprohages are presented by 5 species. The Aporrectodea caliginosa trapezoides (Duges, 1828) is a dominant species. Along with that species an ecological group of endogeic earthworms is presented by A. rosea rosea (Savigny, 1826) and Octolasion lacteum (Oerley, 1885). An ecological diversity of earthworms is supplemented by epigeic Lumbricus rubellus (Hoffmeister, 1843) and anecic Octodrilus transpadanus (Rosa, 1884). The hygromorphs of earthworms range from ultrahygrophiles to mesophiles. The coenomorphic spectrum of earthworms is also rather wide and presented by “pratants”, “stepants”, “palludants” and “silvants”. The complex of earthworms in studied area is taxonomically and ecologically diverse. The ecological structure of soil animal community is presented by such dominant ecological groups as saprohages, pratants, hygrophiles, mesotrophocoenomorphs, and endogeic topomorphs. The measured soil characteristics have been shown to play an important role in structuring an ecological niche of mesopedobionts community. The basic trends in structure transformation of the soil mesofauna community are ecotone effect and edaphic properties determined by a vegetation cover.

10-17

Authors: M. M. Vinichuk

The content of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in fractions of soil edaphosphere, rhizosphere, rhizoplane, fungal mycelium and fruit bodies were investigated. The concentrations of thorium in edaphosphere and rhizosphere fractions and mycelia of fungi are not different significantly and vary in the range of 0.74–1.45 mg kg–1 dry matter. The concentration of thorium in the rhizoplane fraction is 4 times lower than in the bulk soil – edaphosphere. The concentrations of uranium in edaphosphere, rhizosphere and rhizoplane fractions and fungi mycelium are not significantly different and vary between 3.11 and 9.36 mg kg–1 dry matter. The content of the studied natural isotopes in fruit bodies of fungi is 270 times lower than in the bulk soil: biological absorption coefficients of uranium and thorium in fruit bodies are on average 0.035 and 0.006, respectively. The contents of thorium and uranium in fungal mycelium and fruit bodies increase with increasing their concentrations in the soil. It is shown that in the fungi mycelium of the upper (0–5 cm) layer of forest soil can be allocated 2.0–5.0 and 1.4–2.7 % of the total thorium and uranium soil content, respectively.

25-29

Authors: I. V. Zhernosekova

The rise of biosynthesis activity of the strain Streptomyces recifensis var. lyticus 2Р-15 induced by vegetable oil was established. When cultivating the streptomycetes in the mixed medium (glucose and sunflower oil) the maximum biomass accumulation and staphylolytic enzymes’ activity of the strain 2P-15 increased by 19 and 20 % respectively in comparison with the streptomycetes grown in the medium of glucose and olive oil. The concentration of exogenic protein was also 9 times more for glucose and sunflower oil substrate. Monosubstrate of sunflower or olive oil didn’t increase the biosynthetic activity of the strain. However, the maximal indices were higher for sunflower oil than for olive one.

38-45

Authors: L. M. Mykhalska, V. V. Shvartau

The effect of foliar treatment with herbicides Derby and Axial and amide nitrogen on the elements accumulation by winter wheat was studied. The simultaneous applying of Derby and Axial with carbamide contributed to higher accumulation of the trace elements – components of plants redox-system (iron and copper) as well as magnesium, potassium and boron which are important for the development of integrated systems of protection and nutrition of cultural plant.

57-63

Authors: Productivity of poic plant communities of the left bank forest-steppe of Ukraine

Research results on the productivity of different types of poic plant communities of the left bank forest-steppe of Ukraine are presented. It is shown that the accumulation of aboveground mass depends on the type of a meadow, its part and weather conditions. The accumulation rate can be divided into three groups. Most of the studied meadowshad the mean value of aboveground mass: ahalf of water meadows and from a third to a half of upland and lowlandmeadows. The conservation status and reducing the economic burden increase the productivity.

71-75

Authors: А. S. Rossikhina-Galycha, L. V. Boguslavskaja, V. V. Lashko

The sensitivity of winter wheat variety “Zemljachka” to the action of herbicides Granstar, Esteron, Grodil Maxi and Puma Super was investigated. It is established that the herbicide treatment of crops suppressed the activity of antioxidant enzymes in mature wheat grain: superoxide dismutase – by 1.7–4.8 times, and peroxidase – 1.2–1.4 times. The changes in catalase activity were reliable, but insignificant. Under the action of herbicides the qualitative changes in polypeptide composition of the grains were found. For polypeptides with the Mr 14.8, 15.2 (except Grodil Maxi) and 20.0 kDa was determined a steady increase in content in comparison with the control. Revealed complex changes are the result of the restoration and maintenance of the plant homeostasis.

80-88

Authors: Y. M. Sytnik, P. G. Shevchenko, R. A. Novitsky, A. V. Podobaylo, S. M. Salyi

It was studied the fish species of the upper part of Kaniv reservoir (Kyiv water area) and the mouth area of the Desna River. The found and preceding data of ichthyological research were compared. The changes in the fish population were analyzed. Two new invasive alien fish species were discovered in the Kaniv reservoir and Desna River: Amur sleeper (Perccotus glenii) and Stone moroco (Pseudorasdora parva). Generally the ichthyofauna composition of these water bodies was supplemented with seven unmarketable and dirt species.

101-107

Authors: V. P. Chekalov

The appropriateness of using the coefficient of temperature correction for the censuring of bacteria in natural conditions, including polar zone water areas, is considered. The numbers of potentially viable and physiologically active microflora in the warm period of year usually coincide. Only one cell in a hundred can be active under conditions of the lower temperature. As a rule, the cultivation of bacterial inoculations at temperatures (+20…+25 °С) which uncharacteristic for a cold season gives the skewed results. A percentage ratio of the number of colonies firstly found out visually under “cold” incubation to the number of colonies of mesophilic forms at the same time lag is proposed to use as a correction coefficient. The modified iron-sulfite agar (Wilson-Blair nutrient medium) is offered for research of anaerobic and aerobic bacterial community.

3-12

Authors: V. V. Brygadyrenko, L. I. Faly, K. G. Yakimets’

Species community of invertebratesin 10 antropogenically transformed ecosystems on the territory of Tunel’na gully (south-west part of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine) is investigated. The plant cover of sample areas is shortly described. Taxonomic and ecomorphical structure, indices of biological diversity of litter invertebrate communities are analysed. The invertebrate species inhabited the Tunel’na gully and listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine and Dnepropetrovsk province are described. The value of the inspected territory for the conservation of rare and endangered animal species is underlined.The creationof new nature protected reservationin theTunel’na gully is proposed.

23-27

Authors: V. А. Demchenko

The paper analyses the long-term dynamics of commercial fishing in the Azov Sea. Three stages of the fish catch assessed by its volume and causes of significant fluctuations of the total catch were defined. It is shown, that the main trend in the commercial fishing is its significant annual reduction. It is also shown the necessity of implementation of effective nature protective and management measures for increasing fish resources in the Azov Sea.

34-42

Authors: V. M. Karbovska, I. Y. Kostikov

Morophological and molecular genetic analyses of green alga Chlorella sphaerica Tschermak-Woess (authentic strain), which represents the taxonomically critical species, the phenotypic similarity and phylogenetic close relation with the genus Diplosphaera Bialosuknia were foundbutthe significant difference from the genus Chlorella Bejerink was demonstrated. Discovery of new morphological features (presence of vegetative division, the ability to dyads and packages forming, as well as external mucous structures) indicates the position of Ch. sphaerica within the genus Diplosphaera. The analysis of nucleotide sequences of non-coding regions (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of nuclear-encoding ribosomal gene cluster confirms this conclusion. Based on these data the new nomenclature combination is suggested: Diplosphaera sphaerica (Tschermak-Woess) Karbovska et Kostikov, comb. nova (basionym: Chlorella sphaerica Tschermak-Woess).

48-54

Authors: О. V. Korolev, V. V. Brygadyrenko

The features of interrelations of Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger, 1798) with the soil and litter mesofauna species are considered. In the conditions of forest ecosystems of steppe Dnieper region P. melanarius demonstrates trophic preference for І order zoofagoes (body mass 8.0–31.9 mg) and also sapro- and phytofagoes (more than 128 mg of body mass). P. melanarius is able to change the trophic load between invertebrates’ populations depending on their number in the ecosystem. In comparison with the other ground beetle species, the P. melanarius has an extraordinarily wide trophic niche. That is one of principal reasons of the high quantity of P. melanarius in many anthropogenic and transformed ecosystems.

60-65

Authors: U.V. Legeta, D.G. Gavryloe

Seasonal changes of the content of dissolved oxygen in the surface water of the Small Siret river have been analyzed. Significant contributions of Ukrainian scientists (Chernega, Yushchenko, Yavkin) in the development of certain aspects of the subject have been outlined. The indication methods of the background and unique territories (the benchmark for the monitoring of the Small Siret river basin) have been proposed and tested.

78-83

Authors: O. P. Pryimak

Influence of acid gases and lead ions on the vegetative organs of decorative plants has been studied in a model experiment. The morphometric indices of stem and assimilative apparatus are considered. Changes of the plants height and assimilating area are described. The damage of plants’ sprouts was found. The phytotoxic effect of SO2, NO2 and lead ions on the growth and development of the above-ground organs was determined. The Tagetes patula L. is a resistant to the action of acid gases and lead ions. Calendula officinalis L., Salvia splendens L. and Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. were determined to be most sensitive to the influence of by SO2, NO2 and Pb2+ respectively.

92-99

Authors: D. V. Skvortsova, A. G. Trokhymenko

An optimal concentration of the microbiological preparation «Tamir» was determined for the effective purufication process of the sewage.The factors influencing the process and the time history of the major chemical and bacteriological parameters in the samples are discussed. The preparation exterminates pathogenic bacteria in the water, deodorizes the air, increases the efficiency of the treatment facilities. It is supposed that the «Tamir» use would be economically sound.

107-111

Authors: I. A. Stolbunov

Species composition, distribution and abundance of fish in the pelagic and littoral zone of four reservoirs of Central Vietnam (Suoi Chau, Kam Lam, Da Ban and Suoi Dau)were studied first. According to the research data the fish community of the reservoirs is represented by 43 species of 19 fish families.

119-123

Authors: I. A. Stolbunov, I. V. Shlyapkin

The daily dynamics of fish diversity and density aggregations in different riparian habitats of the reservoir Kam Lam and its tributary mouth – the river Suoi Coc (Central Vietnam) were studied. We found the change of species number and its percentage redistribution in the aggregations over the entire circadian period in the different types of habitats. It is noted that in the night the fish species diversity of littoral aggregations increased.

131-138

Authors: V. N. Trokhymets, M. V. Sydorenko, A. V. Podobaylo

The ecological-faunistic analysis of the littoral zooplankton of the middle part of the Uday River has been performed for the first time. The research was conducted to confirm a reason to create the National Nature Park «Pyriatynskiy» in this region. The species diversity of the littoral zooplankton obtained from six scientific stations on the Uday River was established. The specific features of the zooplankton’s distribution in biotopes in summer days were revealed. The comparative description of biotopical distribution of zooplankton of different stations is presented. The basic ecological indices of zooplankton populations (density and biomass) were determined.