STILLBIRTH RATE AND INFANT MORTALITY RATE: STUDY IN THE REGIONS OF UKRAINE MOST INTENSIVELY RADIOCONTAMINATED UPON THE CHORNOBYL NPP ACCIDENT. / МЕРТВОНАРОДЖУВАНІСТЬ ТА МАЛЮКОВА СМЕРТНОСТЬ: ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ РАЙОНІВ УКРАЇНИ НАЙБІЛЬШ РАДІОАКТИВНО ЗАБРУДНЕНИХ ВНАСЛІДОК АВАРІЇ НА ЧОРНОБИЛЬСЬКІЙ АЕС.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the time pattern peculiarities of stillbirth and infant mortality rates in the radiocontaminated territories of Ukraine in the post-accident period on the basis of the national State Statistics Service data. OBJECT OF THE STUDY: stillbirth and infant mortality rates of population of the most intensively radiocontaminated territories of Ukraine (Lughinskyi, Narodytskyi, Ovrutskyi and Olevskyi districts of Zhytomyrska oblast, Vyshgorodskyi, Ivankivskyi and Poliskyi districts of Kyivska oblast, Rokytnivskyi and Sarnenskyi districts of Rivnenska oblast, and Kozeletskyi and Rypkinskyi districts of Chernihivska oblast).Research materials and methods. Information resources of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine for 1986-2020 regarding the infant mortality and stillbirth rates were used in the study. Demographic, mathematical-statistical, graphical, and software-technological research methods were applies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Parameters of infant mortality and stillbirth rates for the 1986-2020 period were studied retrospectively. Significant variations in values were revealed both between the territories and years of survey.

[Molecular and Cellular Aspects of the Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Diseases].

Endothelial cells (ECs), which form the inner surface of the blood vessels, contact the blood, withstand mechanical pressure, and demonstrate heterogeneous reactions to exogenous and endogenous stimuli. ECs have unique properties in accordance with their niches and play an important role in regulating vascular homeostasis. Endothelial cells may undergo a dynamic phenotypic switch in terms of its heterogeneity, which may lead to endothelial dysfunction and a number of associated pathologies. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is one of the possible molecular and cellular mechanisms of this kind. EndMT is characterized by phenotypic changes in ECs through which endothelial cells acquire new properties, i.e., start producing mesenchymal markers such as alpha-SMA and vimentin, change morphology, and become able to migrate. EndMT is a complex biological process that can be induced by inflammation, hypoxia, or oxidative stress and be involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This review describes the key markers, inhibitors, and inducers of endothelial-mesenchymal transition and overall state-of-the-art of EndMT in cardiovascular diseases.

RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED TERRITORIES OF CHERNIHIVSKA OBLAST OF UKRAINE: THE RADIATION-ECOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL-DEMOGRAPHIC PAST AND PRESENT. / RADIATsIINO ZABRUDNENI TERYTORIÏ ChERNIGIVS'KOÏ OBLASTI UKRAÏNY: RADIATsIINO-EKOLOGIChNE TA MEDYKO-DEMOGRAFIChNE MYNULE TA SUChASNE.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the current radiationecological and medicaldemographic parameters of the territories of Chernihivska oblast of Ukraine, which were recognized as radioactively contaminated as a result of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, and to assess their changes in the postaccident period. OBJECTS AND METHODS: The parameters of contamination of natural environments (soil, food products), both with number, structure, natural and migratory movement of population of radioactively contaminated territories of Chernihivska oblast of Ukraine (Kozeletskyi, Koriukivskyi, NovhorodSiverskyi, Ripkynskyi, Semenivskyi, Sosnytskyi, and Chernihivskyi districts) were the study objects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Chernihiv Regional Office of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine,Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, and CentralEnvironmental Dosimetry Register of the State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼ were used. General scientific, mathematicalstatistical, graphic, cartographic, and softwaretechnological research methods are applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After the accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant the largescale radioecological monitoring was conducted on the territory of Chernihivska oblast, where a significant improvement in the state of radioactively contaminated areas had been observed. The number of settlements where the soil contamination density with cesium isotopes exceeded the lower limit for the zone of guaranteed voluntary resettlement (185 kBq*m2) has decreased from 8 to 1. The average regional concentration of 137Cs in milk mostly did not exceed 50 Bq*l1. The average concentration of 137Cs in potatoes from private households over the entire observation period was 5-10 times lower than in milk. Analysis of medical and demographic data allowed concluding that the districts of Chernihivska oblast, which were most intensively contaminated after the Chornobyl accident, feature now some regional problems. There are trends towards population decline and birth rate decrease along with increase in mortality. The most intensive changes had occurred in Kozeletskyi and Ripkynskyi districts, where destructive processes in the age structure of population and a stable trend of increase of mortality rates were revealed. Research should be continued.

[Vitamin B12 is a diagnostic marker of decreased men reproductive function]. / Vitamin B12 kak diagnosticheskii marker snizheniia reproduktivnoi funktsii u muzhchin.

Although the relationship between the amount of vitamin B12 and the quality of sperm exists, but results are controversial and require several additional research. The objective of our study was to analyse the amount of vitamin B12 in the sperm samples from patients with chronic prostatitis and varicocele with accompanying asthenozoospermia, and to identify the relationship between the amount of vitamin B12 and asthenozoospermia. The research was carried out of men with chronic prostatitis and varicocele with accompanying asthenozoospermia and infertility at the age of 27±2 years. The material of the investigation was spermoplasm. A chemical microscopic examination of the ejaculate was carried out with a sperm analyzer and with the light microscopy. The amount of vitamin B12 in the spermoplasm was determined by the method of competitive ELISA. It was found that the level of vitamin B12 was 3.6 times lower in patients with chronic prostatitis III B and asthenozoospermia then in the control group. Among patients with varicocele of II and III grade and asthenozoospermia, the level of vitamin B12 was 4.4 times lower than in control group. A positive correlation relationship of average strength was revealed (r=0,683; p=0,001). Additionally, it was revealed that among patients with Chronic prostatitis III B and varicocele of II and III grades with accompanying asthenozoospermia, there was the positive correlation relationship of average strength (r=0,690; p=0,001) between the amount of vitamin B12 and sperm mobility. A decrease in vitamin B12 levels may serve as a marker of reproductive dysfunction in men.

SOME ISSUES OF LIFE ACTIVITIES OF POPULATION IN THE CHORNOBYL EXCLUSION ZONE IN UKRAINE. / DEIaKI ASPEKTY ZhYTTIeDIIaL'NOSTI NASELENNIa V ChORNOBYL'S'KII ZONI VIDChUZhENNIa UKRAÏNY.

BACKGROUND: Radiation accidents at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (USSR, 1986) and Fukushima-1 (Japan,2011) have shown that global environmental contamination is an intervention in normal human life making nega-tive effect on population health. These accidents highlighted a number of statutory and regulatory both with me-dical and social problems for individuals, who returned voluntarily for permanent residence in the ChornobylExclusion Zone i.e. a radiation-hazardous area (they are named the «self-settlers¼). OBJECTIVE: generalization of experience in the settlement of normative-legal, ecological-dosimetric and medico-social life issues of population living in the Chornobyl NPP (ChNPP) Exclusion Zone («self-settlers¼). OBJECT AND METHODS: The chosen problem is complex, necessitating the generalization of radiation-hygienic, med-ical-biological, socio-economic, demographic and sociological research results obtained by the national and foreignauthors. A set of theoretical research and analysis of empirical data methods on the principles of interdisciplinaryinteraction was used; the systematic, legal, economic, medical-biological, demographic and retrospective-dosimet-ric approaches of research were applied. RESULTS: It was shown that a part of population refused to evacuate or had returned for permanent residence to theradiation-hazardous lands after the ChNPP accident. In 1986-2009 the number of «self-settlers¼ ranged from 150to 2,000 in different years. In 2021 - the 101 people. Those were mainly people of working age, mostly females, single people or widows/widowers. Рrevious medical and dosimetric studies have shown that long-term residence inthe Exclusion Zone affects physical and mental health of «self-settlers¼ and causes atypical aging, includinginvolvement of the central nervous system. According to calculations, the average effective total radiation doseaccumulated by «self-settlers¼ for the first 3 years was 30 % of dose for the entire post-accident period, and thedose accumulated over 20 years was 54 % of the dose accumulated over 35 years. But the effective radiation dosesaccumulated in different periods after the accident differ significantly in residents of different Exclusion Zone settlements. This information needs further study in terms of the «radiation dose - health status¼ dependence. CONCLUSIONS: The effective radiation doses accumulated in different periods after the accident differ significantlyin the residents of different Exclusion Zone settlements. Тhe average effective total radiation dose accumulated by«self-settlers¼ for the first 3 years was 30 % of the dose for the entire post-accident period, and the dose accumulated over 20 years was 54 % of the dose accumulated over 35 years.

AGING OF THE CHORNOBYL CATASTROPHE SURVIVORS AND PROBLEMS OF THEIR MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY. / STARINNIa POSTRAZhDALYKh VNASLIDOK ChORNOBYL'S'KOÏ KATASTROFY TA PROBLEMY DOSLIDZhENNIa ÏKhN'OGO PSYKhIChNOGO ZDOROV'Ia.

BACKGROUND: Depopulation processes in Ukraine have been affected by the Chornobyl catastrophe (ChC), but therate of demographic aging of survivors remains uncertain. Although the mental health disorders of the survivors arerecognized internationally, problems of their research remain unresolved. Thus, these areas of research are relevant.Objective is to determine the rate of demographic aging of survivors of the Chornobyl NPP (ChNPP) accident and toanalyze the state of their mental health survey, outlining solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information and statistical sources for 1986-2019 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine andthe State Statistics Service of Ukraine on the age of the ChC survivors are used. The results of previous own researchand other scientists using the data of the Clinical and Epidemiological Register (CER) of the State Institution«National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼(NRCRM), the State Register of ChC survivors (SRU), and the Department of Radiation Psychoneurology, Institute ofClinical Radiology, NRCRM are integrated. Theoretical, general scientific, demographic and mathematical-statisticalresearch methods and documentary analysis are used. RESULTS: It is shown that in 2018, compared to 1995, the number of the ChC survivors, who are under the supervi-sion of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, decreased by almost 987 thousand. The part of people born from personsof the 1st-3rd accounting groups increased in the structure of survivors (from 13.1 % in 1995 to 13.6 %), and thisdecreased in persons living or lived in the territories subject to supervision (75.1 % and 63.1 %, respectively), butin evacuees and Chornobyl clean-up workers (liquidators) this did not change significantly. A high level of aging ofthe ChC survivors (except for the 4th group) is revealed: liquidators - 59.0 %; evacuees - 25.0 %, and residents ofradioactively contaminated territories (RCT) - 30.7 %. It has been proved that the countries of RCT differ signifi-cantly in the number of the ChC survivors and their structure. The increase in the post-accident period indicators ofthe level of aging and the average age of the RCT population indicates negative changes in age parameters and theneed to continue research to identify factors «responsible¼ for such changes. Long-term mental health disordersand neuropsychiatric effects in the ChC survivors have been identified - an excess of cerebrovascular pathology andneurocognitive deficits, especially in liquidators, which may indicate an accelerated aging. Radiation risks havebeen revealed for acute and chronic cerebrovascular pathology and organic mental disorders of non-psychotic andpsychotic levels. Neurophysiological and molecular-biological atypia of aging processes under an exposure to lowdoses of and low dose rate of ionizing radiation have been found. The psyche under the age of 40 years old at thetime of exposure is more vulnerable. Existing statistical and registry data underestimate the level of mental disor-ders in the population of Ukraine, including the ChC survivors by an order of magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: The ChC survivors are aging in the country. The negative tendencies in age parameters of survival indi-cate the need to continue research to identify the factors «responsible¼ for such changes. Mental health disordersand neuropsychiatric effects in the ChC survivors are underestimated. It is necessary to create a national psychiatricregistry of Ukraine and long-term (lifelong) monitoring of survivors with well-planned clinical and epidemiologicalstudies of general and mental health with reliable dosimetric support based on national registries using the latest information technologies.

Effect of Nitinol on Metabolic and Coagulation Activity of Endothelial Cells Culture.

We studied the effect of nitinol, the most prevalent material for endovascular stents, on metabolic and coagulation activity of a primary culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Metabolic activity was evaluated using MTS-test and by the level of stable NO metabolites in the conditioned medium, coagulation activity was assessed by activity of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and soluble endothelial protein C receptors (sEPCR). Exposure to nitinol reduced metabolic activity of the cell culture by 11.1% in comparison with the control (p<0.001). Although absolute activity of vWF and absolute level of sEPCR were elevated, incubation with nitinol did not lead to a statistically significant elevation of these parameters in comparison with the control, which can indicate the absence of substantial hypercoagulation effects of nitinol.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC STATE OF RADIOLOGICALLY CONTAMINATED AREAS OF UKRAINE. / INTEGRAL'NE OTsINIuVANNIa DEMOGRAFIChNOGO STANU RADIOAKTYVNO ZABRUDNENYKh TERYTORII UKRAÏNY.

OBJECTIVE: Basing on the integrated assessment to conduct a comparative statistical analysis as of 2016 of thedemographic state of the areas of Ukraine that are recognized as those with the most intensive radiological con-tamination due to the Chornobyl NPP accident.Study object. The population of the regions of Ukraine with the most intensive radiological contamination due tothe Chornobyl NPP accident and the population of Ukraine as a whole (control). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine and its regional offices were used asinformation base in this study. Integrated assessment of the demographic situation in a oblast was conducted basedon the calculations of the territorial indices and multidimensional average variable on each region. Demographic,mathematical-statistical, graphic, software-technological methods were used in this study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Radiologically contaminated regions of Ukraine differ significantly: both by the number ofpopulation (from 5800 people in the Poliske region to 105100 people in the Sarny region), and by the variability inthemedical and demographic indicators; bothone from another and compared to data for the country.The results of the calculations of 10 medical and demographic («positive¼ and «negative¼) territorial indices andmultidimensional average variable (P) as integrative assessment of the demographic state have revealed that thebest indicators of the demographic situation in 2016 were in Rokytne (P = 1.249) and Sarny (P = 1.112) regions ofthe Rivne oblast, while the worse indicators were in Kozelets (P = 0.363) and Ripky regions of the Chernihiv oblast.The demographic situation of the Olevsk region of the Zhytomyr oblast (P = 0.947)was the closest to the nationalaverage one. Poliske, Narodychi, Ovruch, Ivankiv and Korosten regions take intermediate position as comparedto theregions of Rivne and Chernihiv oblasts (P = 0.618-0.742).

ANALYSIS OF POPULATION SIZE AND COMPOSITION IN AREAS WITH THE MOST INTENSIVE RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION IN UKRAINE AT DIFFERENT TIMES. / ANALIZ ChYSEL'NOSTI TA STRUKTURY NASELENNIa NAY̆BIL'Sh RADIOAKTYVNO ZABRUDNENYKh TERYTORIY̆ UKRAÏNY V RIZNI ChASY.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the existing demographic problems basing on the data of All-Ukrainian Population Census for 2011 and as at 01.01.2017 related to the population size and composition in the areas most radiologically contam- inated due to Chornobyl NPP accident.Study object. Population of the most intensively contaminated areas of Ukraine (areas of radiological contamina- tion - ARC), i. e. Narodychi, Ovruch and Olevsk regions of Zhytomyr oblast, Ivankiv and Poliske regions of Kyiv oblast, Rokytne and Sarny regions of Rivne oblast, Kozelets and Ripky regions of Chernihiv oblast. Entire population of Ukraine was the control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The State statistical services of Ukraine and their regional offices related to the distribu- tion of permanent population by gender and age as at 01.01.2017, as well as data of All-Ukrainian Population Census for 2011, were the information base of the study. Demographic, mathematical and statistical, graphical and techno- logical software methods and tools were applied. RESULTS: There are significant differences in size and composition of the population of the ARC of Ukraine. Gender and age structure of the population living in the ARC, similar to that living in Ukraine in general, changes over time. The whole shape of demographic pyramid of Ukraine indicates that the share of over-60 age group in the popula- tion increased in 2017, whereas the population of the same age living in the ARC is rapidly disappearing. Also there is a significant regional variation of ageing levels of the population living in the radiologically contaminated areas. CONCLUSION: The analysis of pyramid slopes indicates that both in 2001 and in 2017 the most rapid change of pop- ulation size occurred in Rokytne and Sarny regions of Rivne oblast.

Adhesion of biofilms on titanium measured by laser-induced spallation.

Eradication of established implant-associated and bacterial biofilm-forming infections remains difficult in part because these biofilms remain well-adhered to the implant surface. Few experimental techniques are available to measure macro-scale strength of bacterial biofilm-implant adhesion. We have adapted the laser spallation technique to compare the macro-scale adhesion strength of biofilms formed on titanium. By using a rapid pressure wave (35 ns) to load the interface, we prevent disturbance of the biofilm surface prior to measurement, and preclude the time necessary for the biofilm to respond to and adapt under loading. Biofilms of Streptococcus mutans, a Gram-positive bacterium associated with human dental caries (cavities) were cultured directly on commercially pure titanium within our custom substrate assembly. Growth conditions were varied by adding sucrose to the Todd Hewitt Yeast (THY) broth: THY control, 37.5 mM, 75 mM, 375 mM, and 750 mM sucrose. Multiple locations on each biofilm were loaded using the laser spallation technique. Loading pressure wave amplitude was controlled by adjusting laser fluence, energy per area. Initially, addition of sucrose to the media increased biofilm adhesion to titanium. However, once a saturation concentration of 75 mM sucrose was reached, increasing the sucrose concentration further resulted in a decrease in biofilm adhesion. This study is the first demonstration of the adaptation of the laser spallation technique to measure bacterial biofilm adhesion. Establishment of this macro-scale biofilm adhesion measurement technique opens the door for many biofilm-surface adhesion studies. We anticipate further work in this area towards understanding the complex relationships among bacteria species, environmental factors, surface characteristics, and biofilm adhesion strength.

VARIABILITY OF POPULATION GENDER AND AGE COMPOSITION IN AREAS WITH THE MOST INTENSIVE RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION IN UKRAINE. / VARIATYVNIST' STATEVO-VIKOVOÏ STRUKTURY NASELENNIa NAIBIL'Sh RADIOAKTYVNO ZABRUDNENYKh TERYTORII UKRAÏNY.

OBJECTIVE: Assay of contemporary structure and age composition of population in the areas of the country desig-nated as ones of the most intensive radiological contamination after the Chornobyl NPP accident.Study object. Population of the most intensively contaminated areas of Ukraine, i.e. Korosten, Narodychi, Ovruchand Olevsk regions of Zhytomyr oblast, Ivankiv and Poliske regions of Kyiv oblast, Rokytne and Sarny regions of Rivneoblast, Kozelets and Ripky regions of Chernihiv oblast. Entire population of Ukraine was the control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The State statistical services of Ukraine and their regional offices were the study informa-tion base regarding the distribution of permanent population by gender and age as of 01.01.2017. Demographic,mathematical and statistical, graphical and technological software methods and tools we applied. RESULTS: An excess of males over females from birth up to 35 years old is found in Ukraine. Similar gender imbal-ance was observed only in Olevsk region. In other age groups, high or very high disproportion in age compositionbeing the most pronounced after 65 years old remains in favor of females, except villages in Sarny region. An aver-age age of population in Ripky (45.9 years), Kozelets (44.5 years), Korosten (42.5 years), Ovruch (42.3 years) andNarodichi (42.2 years) regions was higher vs. the entire Ukraine (41.1 years). The lowest age at that was in Rokytne(30.9 years) and Sarny (33.8 years) regions. The age difference between males and females was from 3.6 years inSarny region to 7.7 years in Ripky region.Сonclusion. There are some differences in age composition of population of the contaminated areas of Ukraine.Rokytne, Sarny, Olevsk and Poliske regions feature the best potential of demographic replacement in the foreseeablefuture. Areas of radiological contamination are different in patterns of population replacement, i.e. progressive, sta-tionary of regressive. The number of children under 15 years old exceeds there the size of population older thanworking age.

[Clinical features and treatment of patients with class III malocclusion combined with and increase and lengthening of the nose]. / Klinika i lechenie patsientov s zubocheliustnymi anomaliiami III klassa po klassifikatsii Énglia, sochetaiushchimisia s uvelicheniem i udlineniem nosa.

The aim of the study was to study the effect of orthognathic surgery using the developed method of correction of dentoalveolar anomalies on the shape of the nose in patients with Class III tooth-jaw anomalies, according to Engle's classification, combined with an increase and lengthening of the nose. In the period from 2014-2017 on the basis of FGBBO VO 'PIMU' of the Ministry of Health of Russia treated 45 patients with maxillofacial anomalies, among them 31 people diagnosed with upper retro microburnia, lower macrognathia, Engle III class, skeletal type. All patients were between the ages of 21 and 45, without severe co-morbidities. We evaluated the nasolabial angle (ÐCm-Sn-UL) characterizing the projection of the tip of the nose in patients with a skeletal form of mesial occlusion and an increase and extension of the tip of the nose before and after surgical treatment. According to the data of various authors, the value of the nasolabial angle in the norm varies from 97 to 110°. The mean nasolabial angle before the operation was 83.52±2.02°, which is much less than the recommended value, which indicates a pronounced elongation and 'droop' of the tip of the nose. The average value after the operation was 94, 90±1.88°, which on the average is 11° more than the initial data. These data indicate a change in the projection of the tip of the nose and an increase in the angle of Sm-Sn-UL, thereby improving the appearance of the patient.

[Mathematical rationale and results of clinical use of IRIS short implants]. / Matematicheskoe obosnovanie i rezul'taty klinicheskogo ispol'zovaniia korotkikh implantatov IRIS.

The aim of the study was to provide a mathematical justification of the possibility of using 6.5 mm IRIS implants and to evaluate the results of orthopedic treatment in patients with partial loss of teeth. For the calculations was constructed of a composite three-dimensional computer models: the abutment screw-implant-bone. A total of 3 models were prepared: M1-implant in the spongy bone tissue, this model corresponds to the implantation on the HF when replacing one molar; M2-2 implants in the spongy bone tissue located at a distance of 4 mm connected via abutments, this model corresponds to the implantation of RF when replacing two molars; M3-implant in the cortical bone tissue, this model corresponds to the implantation of LF when replacing one molar. Loading of implants was carried out by occlusive force applied to its end surface. The results of the calculations showed that the equivalent stresses and limiting stresses of compression-tension are within the permissible values, which were obtained by us earlier in respect of the irregular implants and are consistent with the results of calculations for other systems of short implants. The clinical part of the work consisted in the treatment of 27 patients with partial loss of teeth, who had 41 iris evolution implants with a diameter of 5 mm, length of 6.5 mm after 3 years, there was a slow bone resorption in the cervical region not exceeding 0.35 mm, which corresponds to generally accepted international standards. During the first three years of operation there were no cases of loss of established implants. Thus, the data of mathematical modeling by finite element method and retrospective three-year analysis of prosthetics on IRIS evolution implants with length of 6.5 mm showed that the use of short implants in the recovery of upper and lower jaw molars is an effective method with a high success rate at long - term and resorption level of 0.34 mm.

Information and statistical support for retrospective study of mortality among people exposed in childhood as a result of the Chornobyl accident and living in contaminated areas of Ukraine: assessment of feasibility. / INFORMATsIY̆NO STATYSTYChNE ZABEZPEChENNIa RETROSPEKTYVNOGO DOSLIDZhENNIa SMERTNOSTI OSIB, OPROMINENYKh U DYTIaChOMU VITsI VNASLIDOK AVARIÏ NA ChORNOBYL'S'KIY̆ AES TA PROZhYVAIuChYKh NA RADIOAKTYVNO ZABRUDNENYKh TERYTORIIaKh UKRAÏNY: OTsINKA PRAKTYChNOÏ MOZhLYVOSTI.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of information from various sources for its use in epidemiological study on mortality of people (born in 1968-1986) who were children and adolescents at the time of the Chornobyl accident. OBJECT OF STUDY: Information and statistical sources for 1986-2011 on mortality among people who were children and adolescents at the time of the Chornobyl accident and lived on the most radioactive contaminated territories (RCT) of Ukraine (Ivankiv and Polisske regions of Kyiv oblast, Narodychi and Ovruch regions of Zhytomyr oblast). RESEARCH METHODS: theoretical, general scientific, documentary analysis, demographic. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study is to determine the suitability of available information and statistical support for measuring and assessing mortality of people exposed in childhood as a result of the Chornobyl accident and liv ing in contaminated areas of Ukraine. A combination of information and statistical data provided by SRU, Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, State Statistics Service (SSS) of Ukraine and NNCRM makes it possible to successfully conduct retrospective cohort studies in any area and for any period.

Structural characteristics of children and adolescents at the time of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident residing in the most intensively contaminated territories of Ukraine. / STRUKTURNI VLASTYVOSTI KOGORTY MEShKANTsIV NAY̆BIL'Sh RADIOAKTYVNO ZABRUDNENYKh TERYTORIY̆ UKRAÏNY, IaKI BULY DIT'MY TA PIDLITKAMY NA ChAS AVARIÏ NA ChORNOBYL'S'KIY̆ ATOMNIY̆ ELEKTROSTANTsIÏ.

OBJECTIVE: Appraisal of trends in structure of characteristics in population of radiologically contaminated territo ries (RCT) born in 1968-1986 (children and adolescents at the time of the ChNPP accident).Study Object. Persons born since 1968 till 1986 i.e. children and adolescents at the time of the ChNPP accident, who lived on the most intensively contaminated territories of Ukraine (Ivankiv and Poliske regions of Kyiv oblast and Narodichi and Ovruch regions of Zhytomyr oblast) within 1986-2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The State Service of Statistics of Ukraine was a principal information base of the study. Specifically the statistical report forms R 11 «Distribution of residential population by gender and age in yearly intervals at a turn of the year¼ and A 1 «General totals of natural population development¼ were retrieved. Survey was conducted for the period of 1986-2012. Mathematical, statistical, demographic and software technological methods were applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Summarization of statistical data on population size, both with its gender and age pat terns in the most intensively contaminated territories of Ukraine, namely in Ivankiv and Poliske regions of Kyiv oblast and Narodichi and Ovruch regions of Zhytomyr oblast resulted in conclusion of 27,200 people living there who were born in 1968-1986. They are a critical group of the ChNPP accident survivors. At the beginning of 1987 the male generations of the same age were present in more even manner (4.53-5.82 %%) vs. females (3.04 6.02 %%). No significant change both in gender and year of birth was found in 2012 vs. 1987. Change in gender proportion in surveyed population within 1986 2011 requires some more precise evaluation.

Foodstuff contamination and pattern of consumption by population of foremost radioactively contaminated territories in Ukraine during the remote period of the Chornobyl disaster clean-up. / Stan radioaktyvnogo zabrudnennja produktiv harchuvannja ta osoblyvosti i'h spozhyvannja zhyteljamy najbil''sh radioaktyvno zabrudnenyh terytorij Ukrai'ny u viddalenyj period likvidacii' naslidkiv Chornobyl''s''koi' katastrofy.

Objective. The goal of the study was to estimate, from the perspective and in terms of hygienic provisions, the level of local food contamination by 137Cs and their pattern of consumption by residents of foremost radionuclide contaminated territories of Ukraine (Zhytomyr, Kyiv and Rivne oblasts) in the remote period of the Chornobyl disaster. Materials and methods. The article presents analytical data from the National Statistics Office of Ukraine concerning production and consumption of agricultural products in the territories of foremost severe radioactive contamination (TRC) i.e. Zhytomyr, Kyiv and Rivne oblasts (provinces). Data on levels of food contamination (milk, meat, fruits and vegetables, wild mushrooms and berries) received from the regional radiological control centers (RCC) and sanitary and epidemiological agencies/bureaus (SEA) were analyzed. According to results of questionnaire survey of residents in TRC of investigated regions (oblasts) the public awareness of radioactive contamination levels in local food production, their level of consumption and the use of cooking measures to reduce internal dose were assayed. Analytical, mathematical, statistical, sociological, and software engineering methods were applied. Results and conclusions. It was found that in the country and in study areas as well there is more than a half decrease of milk and meat production and consumption, and almost half times increased production of potato. It was shown that locally produced food and wide use of wild berries and mushrooms are dominated in the diet of TRC residents in the remote period after the Chornobyl disaster. Ecological and hygienic monitoring of foodstuffs in TRC proves the probability of product consumption with high content of radioactive materials. Residents territories of the foremost severe radioactive contamination in Zhytomyr, Kyiv and Rivne oblasts are aware about possible contamination of locally produced food with substances of Chornobyl origin and about the ways to reduce the contamination by means of cooking. In order to reduce the levels of possible internal exposure to radiation in population of TRC the agricultural amelioration and monitoring of radioactive contamination of wild and agricultural products should be continued.

[Rehabilitation of patients with deformations after periorbital burns].

The study involved 152 patients with facial burns consequences (including 118 patients with burns of the mouth). Specific post-burn deformities were revealed: I type - deformity of the anatomical unit caused by scar tissue traction from adjacent regions (the unit itself preserved); II type - distortion caused by single scars without significant tissue defect; III type - post-burn deformities with total or subtotal skin scarring; IV type - tissue defects characterized by loss of anatomical unit with deep anatomical structures down to the bone and possible exposition of the paranasal sinuses and face cavities. Such classification based on the amount of tissue loss dictates the choice of surgical technique, allowing optimal functional and aesthetic treatment results.

A torch in the rain forest: thermogenesis of the Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum).

An outstanding flagship species in the plant kingdom is the Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), which produces a fountain-like bloom up to 3 m high. The unique appearance of three simultaneous inflorescences in May 2006 was a chance to analyse the flowering behaviour and thermogenesis of this giant. For the first time, the heating of the central column (spadix) could be documented using a high-performance thermographic camera. Time series analyses of the infrared image sequences revealed that the 3-m high spadix surface heats up in pulses emanating from the base of the inflorescence. The surface temperature reaches over 36 degrees C, compared to the ambient temperature of 27 degrees C. Waves of the carrion-like odour are synchronised with these heat pulses. The combination of heat pulses, the fountain-like shape plus the enormous size lead to a unique type of 'convection flower'. On the basis of our observations, we assume that Amorphophallus titanum is able to overcome thermodynamic decoupling by a self-produced convective process.

Effect of transplantation of immunocompetent cell on orientation and exploratory behavior and cytokine gene expression in the brain of experimental animals.

Intravenous injection of adherent splenocyte fraction from donor (CBAxC57Bl/6)F(1) mice characterized by specific open-field behavior modified this behavior in syngeneic recipient mice. This was paralleled by appropriate changes in the levels of IL-1b and type 1 IL-1 receptor mRNA in the brain cells of recipient mice. Hence, we demonstrated the possibility of directed regulation of orientation and exploratory behavior in mice by transplantation of immunocompetent cells. Mononuclear phagocytes play an important role in this phenomenon.

Immunomorphological characteristics of animals with different levels of orientation and exploratory behavior.

We revealed some relationships between the level of orientation and exploratory behavior, functional activity of the immune system, and structural and functional organization of the CNS in animals. Significant differences in brain morphology and expression of cytokine IL-1 beta, type I IL-1 receptor, and erythropoietin receptor genes in brain cells were detected in (CBA x C57Bl/6)F1 mice with different initial levels of orientation and exploratory behavior. Immunocompetent cells of mice with high and low levels of exploratory behavior differ by spontaneous and mitogen-induced proliferative activity. The formation of humoral and cellular immune response in these animals causes opposite changes in exploratory behavior and the type of these changes depends on the initial level of this behavioral reaction.