[Effect of biopreparations on dynamics of the number of bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi in potato agroecosystem].

Application of biological preparations such as Phytotsid and Planryz favoures the growth of the general number of soil's bacteria population compared with control by 13.0-36.1% in the variant of potato variety Scarbnytsya and by 4.5-24.6% of potato variety Oberig. It also decreases 1.2-1.8 times the number of soil phytopathogens--Fusarium and Alternaria. During the application of Rovral Akvaflo the Shenon's ecological index of species biodiversity was lower than during the bioprepation application. One could observe a decrease of species biodiversity and dominance of dark pigmentation in fungi--Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., Phoma sp., Doratomyces sp., and pigmented bacteria.

[The follow-up results of patients with necrotic suppurative forms of diabetic foot syndrome].

Follow-up results of 162 patients with necrotic suppurative forms of the diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) are studied in a period of 6 months to 7 years. 51.35% of patients with neuropathic form of DFS (NPDFS) relapsed, whereas among patients with neuroischemic form (NIDFS) relapse was reported in 61.36% of cases. High amputations were performed in 31.58% of patients with NPDFS and in 34.09% in patients with NIDFS. Lethality after five years of follow-up was 25.81% after shank-level amputation and 50% after hip-level amputation in patients with NPDFS, and in the group of NIFDS these numbers amount 57.84% and 72.12%, respectively. Authors conclude that compensation of diabetes and its late complications is crucial for patients with DFS. Surgical treatment should be maximal sparing, with possible foot preservation. Vascular reconstructive surgery should be preferred in NIDFS for critical limb ischemia reduction. The level of high limb amputations in patients of both groups should be limited by shank when possible.

Micrococcus luteus -- survival in amber.

A growing body of evidence now supports the isolation of microorganisms from ancient materials. However, questions about the stringency of extraction methods and the genetic relatedness of isolated organisms to their closest living relatives continue to challenge the authenticity of these ancient life forms. Previous studies have successfully isolated a number of spore-forming bacteria from organic and inorganic deposits of considerable age whose survival is explained by their ability to enter suspended animation for extended periods of time. However, despite a number of putative reports, the isolation of non-spore-forming bacteria and an explanation for their survival have remained enigmatic. Here we describe the isolation of non-spore-forming cocci from a 120-million-year-old block of amber, which by genetic, morphological, and biochemical analyses are identified as belonging to the bacterial species Micrococcus luteus. Although comparison of 16S rRNA sequences from the ancient isolates with their modern counterparts is unable to confirm the precise age of these bacteria, we demonstrate, using complementary molecular and cell biological techniques, evidence supporting the view that these (and related modern members of the genus) have numerous adaptations for survival in extreme, nutrient-poor environments, traits that will assist in this bacteria's persistence and dispersal in the environment. The bacteria's ability to utilize succinic acid and process terpine-related compounds, both major components of natural amber, support its survival in this oligotrophic environment.