Induction of Proline Iminopeptidase by Nitric Oxide May Result in the Proline Accumulation in the Pea Roots.

The nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside upregulated the proline iminopeptidase content in the pea seedling roots. It is assumed that NO activates deprolinization of the proline-rich proteins, as evidenced by an increase in the content of free proline, which is known to protect plants from the abiotic and biotic stressors.

Salicylate-Induced Chitinases in Pea Roots.

Three proteins induced by salicylic acid were revealed in pea roots. These proteins were identified as chitinase isozymes belonging to the glycoside hydrolases family 18. The PsCam050724 transcript encoding at least one of these isoforms was found, allowing us to determine its primary structure, which lacks the signal peptide.

Azelaic Acid-Induced Enzymes of Phenolic Defense in Pea Roots.

The treatment of pea roots with azelaic acid for 72 h led to a change in the content of 28 proteins: the content of 20 proteins decreased, and the content of 8 proteins (including the phenylpropanoid metabolism enzymes, which are involved in the synthesis of phytoalexins) increased.

Some aspects of revealing health risk factors in medical personnel working with magnetic resonance tomographs.

Hygienic evaluation covered work conditions and health state of medical personnel working with magnetic resonance tomographs. Work conditions of the medical personnel are characterized by a complex of hazards: constant magnetic field, increased intensity and hardiness of work, inadequate natural illumination, noise. The most unfavorable conditions are seen in diagnostic room during patients' preparation to the examination, where magnetic induction levels considerably exceed maximally allowable levels. The authors revealed reliable differences in functional parameters indicative of lower adaptational body resources in work with magnetic resonance tomographs. Suggestions are preventive measures to provide hygienic safety for medical personnel.

[Features of nano aerosols action and safety measures].

The article presents results of studies concerning influence of high-dispersed aerosol formed in traditional plasma processes on operators' health. Consideration also includes new technologies to obtain metall-containing nanoproducts; the authors recommend protection measures for workers, methods and devices to control nano aerosols in air.

[Risk-oriented model of the control of the level of electric magnetic fields of base stations of cellular communications].

The purpose of this study was to give the description of harmful effects of the impact of electromagnetic radiations from base stations of cellular communication as the most common sources of radio frequencies of electromagnetic fields in the environment. The highest values of the energy flux density were measured on the roofs of houses where antennas are installed - more than 10 pW/cm. The lowest values were recorded in inside premises with expositions of 0.1-1 pW/cm. In the close location of the railway station to the base stations of the cellular communication there was seen a cumulative effect. There are proposed both new safe hygienic approaches to the control for the safety of the work of base station and protective measures.

[Safety of nanoparticles and nanomaterials for environmental and occupational space].

National and international experience, international standards, reports and recommendations relating to the assessment of harm to health, safety in the new nanoscale production for environmental and occupational space (ISO / TR 12885:2008 (E), BSI PD 6699-1:2007, etc .) have been analyzed.

Proteomic analysis of salicylate-induced proteins of pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves.

The effect of 50 microM salicylic acid on soluble proteins of pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves was studied by proteomic analysis. Thirty-two salicylate-induced proteins were found, and 13 of these were identified using MALDI TOF MS. Salicylate-induced increased content was shown for the first time for the family 18 glycoside hydrolase, alpha-amylase, 33 kDa protein of photosystem II, lipid-desaturase-like protein, and glutamine amidotransferase. Increased content of protective proteins of direct antipathogenic action such as chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanases was also noted.

[Salicylate-induced modification of plant proteomes (review)].

Here we present a brief review of the reports concerning proteome modifications under the influence of salicylic acid, which is one of the major mediators of both local and systemic immunity. We describe also the results of our own studies of the salicylate-induced changes in proteomes of pea leaves and roots. Fifteen salicylate-inducible proteins, which were previously unknown, have been identified. Unlike the roots, leaves accumulated some chloroplast proteins and enzymes capable of degrading the pathogen cell walls. In the roots, salicylic acid increased the content of enzymes, improving the resistance of plant cells themselves, and promoted the disappearance of reductase of oxophytodienic acid. The latter could lead to inhibition of jasmonic acid synthesis and stimulation of local immunity. High (apoptotic) concentration of salicylic acid intensified synthesis of root proteins involved in the formation of heteroprotein complexes, which play an important role in the functioning of the signaling system, DNA synthesis and repair, and protein synthesis, refolding, and proteolysis.

[Clinical characteristics and risk of urolithiasis in metallurgists].

A complex investigation of the urogenital system in 200 metallurgists and 190 workers (a control group) has shown that 35.0% metallurgists and 15.7% controls had urogenital pathology. Urolithiasis was detected more often in metallurgists (72.8 and 14.9%, respectively, p < 0.001). An elevated level of blood uric acid, aciduria, decreased diuresis were also more frequent in metallurgists than in the control group. Metallurgists had a higher relative risk and an etiologic factor of urolithiasis (RR = 7.0-7.9; EF = 85.5-87%). Incidence of urolithiasis in metallurgists can be reduced after prophylactic programs. Therefore, urologic examination and ultrasonic scanning should be included in regular medical check-ups of metallurgists.

[A reproductive function in metallurgists].

The analysis of the results of a complex investigation of a reproductive function including examination of semen and blood hormones in 100 metallurgists and 80 workers not engaged in metallurgy of ferrous metals (a control group) has shown that 44% metallurgists and 18.5% controls have pathology (p < 0.001). Metallurgists had more often agglutination, asthenozoospermia, increased semen viscosity, oligospermia, teratospermia, asthenoteratospermia, male sterility than the control group (p < 0.001). Metallurgists have a moderate and high relative risk of reproduction function pathology (RR = 1.6-2.9). Urological pathology in metallurgists can be reduced after prophylactic programs. This proves the necessity of including urological examination and ultrasonic scanning in programs of regular check-up of metallurgists.

[Assessment of a occupatiental risk for abnormalities of the urinary and hepatobiliary systems and the reproductive health status in metallurgists].

Two hundred metallurgists and 190 administrators underwent comprehensive examination to assess a risk for abnormalities of the excretory and reproductive function systems: an urologist's examination, ultrasonography, urinalysis, and serum tests. Spermograms and testosterone levels were studied to evaluate reproductive function. Major biochemical functions of the liver were investigated. The metallurgists were ascertained to be at high risk for urogenital and hepatobiliary diseases. The maximum prevalence of urolithiasis was noted in steel founders and rollers. The criteria for early diagnosis and a risk for urolithiasis in metallurgists may include elevated blood uric acid levels and a higher resistance index. There was reproductive dysfunction, namely: increased spermatic viscosity, reduced motility of spermatozoa, lower testosterone levels.

[The organization of the comprehensive prevention of urolithiasis among ferrous metallurgy workers].

The purpose of study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the set of preventive measures as applied to 321 workers of basic ferrous metallurgy specialties (steel makers, mill men, hot metal shearers). During the clinical examination all the workers were divided on three groups: the workers without any pathology (11.83%, the first group), the workers with metabolic disorders only without urolitiasis (64.81%, the second group) and the workers with urolitiasis diagnosis approved by ultrasonography (23.36%, the third group). The effectiveness of rehabilitation measures was evaluated during half a year (diet therapy, drinking regimen, medicinal plants treatment). After the course of preventive measures was applied the overall health condition of most workers ameliorated and the number of workers with urolitiasis development risk factors reliably decreased up to 6-12%.

[Improving therapeutic and prophylactic measures at early stages of occupational diseases between metallurgists].

The authors tackle problem of occupational diseases in metallurgists, demonstrate role of medical examinations in diagnosing the diseases. Findings are high risk of arterial hypertension, genito-urinary diseases and medium risk of digestive disorders. Increased serum uric acid, lower diuresis, acidified urine were more prevalent in the metallurgists vs. the reference group. All these facts necessitate that urologist should be included into medical examination crew, additional investigations (ultrasound) should be a part of periodic medical examinations.

[Characteristics of working conditions at metallurgy-related plants].

Working conditions at more versus less advanced technology steel plants of the Volgograd Region are analyzed. The working conditions at the less advanced technology plants are referred to as a very high occupational risk. It is necessary to work out measures to lower the poor impact of microclimate, dust, noise, to improve illumination, and to regulate labor at steel plants.