ISSN 1996-4536 (Print) ISSN 2311-0783 (Online) ISSN Center responsible for the record: CIEPS — ISSN, Record creation date: 23/12/2013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30970/sbi. Founder & Publisher: Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine Member of Ukrainian Council of Science Editors (UCSE) https://www.ucse.org.ua Editor-in-Chief: Rostyslav S. Stoika Frequency of Publishing: Quarterly* *In some cases, one joint issue (N 3–4) of the journal may be published at the end of year. In that case, the articles will appear for the preview on the journal’s website as soon as they have been accepted by the editorial board. Registration of an Entity in the Field of Print Media: Decision of the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine No. 1877 dated 30.05.2024. Media Identifier R30-04924; included in the List of Scientific Professional Editions of Ukraine, Сategory A (091 – Biological sciences) in which the results of dissertations for obtaining the scientific degrees of Doctor of Sciences, Candidate of Sciences and Doctor of Philosophy can be published according to the Resolution No 768 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated by 20.06.2023. Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica publishes original research articles, review articles, brief reports, reports on technical advances, book reviews, comments on all areas of biological sciences (biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, environmental biology, genetics, medical biology, microbiology, physiology, zoology, agrobiology, etc.). Languages: Ukrainian or English, with Abstracts in both Ukrainian and English. Publication Fee: Publication in the journal Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica is free of charge! Open Access Policy: Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica adopts a platinum open access policy to published content in accordance with the principle of free dissemination of scientific information and global exchange of knowledge for common civil progress (http://www.budapestopenaccessinitiative.org and Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0). Archiving: the full archive of the journal Біологічні студії / Studia Biologica is freely accessible without any restrictions in the National Library of Ukraine named after V. I. Vernadskyi and LOCKSS. The online archive is posted on the portal of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. We accept manuscript submissions for Issue 1, Vol. 21 scheduled for publication in March 2027. Please, pay attention to the changes in the requirements for Abstracts, Materials and Methods, and References. Word Template Indexing: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwjG5ay_z6PnAhXroosKHW-qAJIQFjAAegQIBhAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irbis-nbuv.gov.ua%2Fcgi-bin%2Firbis_nbuv%2Fcgiirbis_64.exe%3FZ21ID%3D%26I21DBN%3DUJRN%26P21DBN%3DUJRN%26S21STN%3D1%26S21REF%3D10%26S21FMT%3Djuu_all%26C21COM%3DS%26S21CNR%3D20%26S21P01%3D0%26S21P02%3D0%26S21P03%3DPREF%3D%26S21COLORTERMS%3D0%26S21STR%3Dbist&usg=AOvVaw2iQ7y3NY32Or_0Q3ou6el3" target="_blank">Scientific Periodicals of Ukraine Scopus DOAJ ROAD CROSSREF WorldCat Google Scholar Index Copernicus Open Ukrainian Citation Index (OUCI) Scilit Dimensions Ukrainian Reference Journal “Dzherelo” Link: URL: publications.ln ... Title DOI: doi.org/10.3097 ... UKRINTEI: http://nfv.ukrintei.ua Google: www.google.com/ ... Bing: www.bing.com/se ... Yahoo: search.yahoo.co ... EBSCO SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online) iDiscover (University of Cambridge) British Library Library Hub Discover
Львівський національний університет імені Івана Франка
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EFFECT OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM СORNUS MAS L. FRUITS ON THE LEVEL OF ADVANCED GLYCATION END-PRODUCTS (AGEs) AND RECEPTORS FOR AGEs IN BLOOD PLASMA AND LEUKOCYTES OF RATS WITH STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS
Background. Мetabolic distortions mediated сhronic hyperglycemia lead to pathophysiological alterations in diabetes mellitus. Persistent elevation of blood glucose promotes non-enzymatic glycation of proteins and lipids, leading to the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Accumulation of AGEs reflects impaired metabolic clearance and/or excretion and is therefore considered a marker of both long-term glycemic control and oxidative-carbonyl stress in tissues. The biological effects of AGEs are largely mediated through their interaction with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), triggering pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Accordingly, this study investigated the effects of bioactive compounds extracted from сornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.) on AGEs and RAGEs levels in plasma and blood leukocytes of rats with experimental diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods. Experiments were conducted in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats divided into three experimental groups. Starting on day 10 after diabetes induction, animals received oral administration of fruit extracts from сornelian cherry cultivars ‘Podolski’, ‘Yantarnyi’ & ‘Flava’, as well as the iridoid glycoside loganic acid isolated from these fruits, at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Control and untreated diabetic rats received distilled water (1 mL per rat) by oral gavage. On day 24 of the experiment, blood samples were collected. Levels of fluorescent and non-fluorescent AGEs were determined in plasma and leukocytes. Full-length receptor for AGEs (flRAGE) expression in leukocyte membranes was assessed using an indirect immunoperoxidase assay, while plasma concentrations of the soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) were measured by immunoblotting. Results. One of the mechanisms of the deleterious effect of high glucose level, in particular its ability to react non-enzymatically with proteins with the formation of AGEs, has been studied. An increase for AGEs in blood plasma of rats with diabetes was found, instead, interesting results were obtained, indicating a decrease in the fluorescent and non-fluorescent AGEs level in leukocytes. This is likely due to impaired leukocyte glucose uptake in condition of diabetic hypoinsulinemia. There was a significant increase in the number of RAGEs+ leukocytes and the level of sRAGEs in plasma of rats with diabetes. It was found that the content of the fluorescent and non-fluorescent AGEs significantly increased in leukocytes of rats with DM after administration of the fruit extracts of the cornelian cherry ‘Podolski’ and ‘Yantarnyi‘ & ‘Flava‘ cultivars, and the loganic acid. It is worth noting that the extract from the fruits of Cornus mas L. ‘Podolski’ cultivar showed the best effect among all studied extracts and led to reduce the level of AGEs in the blood plasma and receptors to them. Conclusions. The fruit extract of Cornus mas L. ‘Podolski’ cultivar demonstrates therapeutic potential in the correction of impaired glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus. The beneficial effects of the extract’s bioactive compounds are associated with the inhibition of glycation, the formation of AGEs, and normalize the level of RAGEs in blood plasma and leukocytes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Iryna Brodyak, Nataliia Sybirna http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXCESS REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN EJACULATE AFFECT EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN VITRO WHEN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHONOLOGIES ARE USED
Background. Reactive oxygen species are a necessary condition for the maturation, existence and ability of spermatozoa to fertilize the oocyte. The excess reactive oxygen species in semen can initiate pathological changes in sperm, causing oxidative damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in standard microscopic parameters and the level of ROS in the ejaculate in men with low reproductive function, to determine the influence of paternal age on the mentioned parameters, and to establish a possible relationship between the level of ROS generated in the sperm and an early embryonic development in infertile patients. Materials and Methods. The development of the embryos from 26 married couples with combined factors of infertility was analyzed. Microscopic analysis of the ejaculate was performed according to the WHO recommendations from 2021. The level of oxidative stress in the ejaculate was analyzed using Oxisperm kits (Halotech DNA, Spain). Donor oocytes were fertilized by the method of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Embryos that reached the blastocyst stage were evaluated by morphological characteristics accor­ding to the criteria of D. Gardner (2000). Preimplantation genetic testing of blastocysts for aneuploidy was performed using the next-generation sequencing method. Statistical hypotheses were tested using the chi-square and rs criteria at significance levels of 0.05 and 0.01. Results and Discussion. The present study demonstrates the negative effect of the excess of ROS in the ejaculate on early embryo development and embryo ploidy. Increased ROS level negatively affects both total blastocyst formation rate (rs = -0.66, p = 0.00247) and euploid blastocyst formation rate (rs = -0.65, p = 0.04034). Among the infertile patients the part of men with an excess of ROS in ejaculate is significantly higher compared with sperm donors (p = 0.000063). A significant negative correlation was found between sperm motility and paternal age (rs = -0.54, p = 0.01795). No correlation was observed between ROS levels in the ejaculate and sperm motility, concentration, and morphology in infertile patients. Conclusion. The negative influence of the excess of reactive oxygen species in semen on the early embryo development in vitro has been proved. A negative effect of increased ROS levels on male reproductive function has been demonstrated. Excess of ROS in ejaculate results in a decrease of both total blastocyst formation rate (rs = -0.66, p = 0.00247) and euploid blastulation rate (rs = -0.65, p = 0.04034). A negative effect of paternal age on microscopic sperm parameters has been shown. An excess of ROS in sperm does not lead to fertilization failure in ICSI. No correlation was found between microscopic sperm parameters and early embryo development in vitro.
Copyright (c) 2026 Oleksandr Feskov, Yevheniia Zhylkova, Nataliya Chumakova, Iryna Feskova, Olena Yehunkova http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF MEAT AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF HEMOLYMPH IN THREE SPECIES OF CRAYFISHES
Background. Crayfish farming is a promising direction in the development of aquaculture. Compared with marine crustacean species, freshwater crayfish require lower cultivation costs, while their meat is regarded as an additive dietary delicacy with a high nutritional value. The aim of this study was to compare the morphological and physiological data (slaughter yield, taste quality, physicochemical composition of meat, and some biochemical indexes of hemolymph) of three species of adult crayfishes, i.e. Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus), narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus), and marbled crayfish (Procambarus fallax forma virginalis), which were cultivated in a recirculating aquaculture system. Materials and Methods. Organoleptic and physicochemical methods were used to assess meat quality, while biochemical methods were applied to determine hemolymph parameters in the abovementioned crayfish species. Results. The results showed that the edible portion relative to live weight was 15.16 ± 0.20 % in the Australian redclaw crayfish, 12.16 ± 0,21 % in the Marbled crayfish, and 9.40 ± 0,19 % in the Narrow-clawed crayfish. The highest protein content in meat was observed in marbled crayfish (17.4 ± 0.84 %). The highest fat content was registered in Australian redclaw crayfish (0.95 ± 0.024 %); for the marble crayfish, this value was 0.9 ± 0.03 %, and for the narrow-clawed crayfish, it was 0.9 ± 0.35 %. No differences were found in carbohydrate content among the studied species; the value of this parameter was approximately 1.2 ± 0.02 % in all the crayfish species. The meat of Australian redclaw crayfish exhibited the highest energy value (76.1 ± 3.12 kcal/100 g), exceeding that of the other species by 1.3 – 2.2 kcal/100 g, marbled crayfish – 74.8 ± 3.69 kcal/100 g, and narrow-clawed crayfish ‒ 73.9 ± 3.52 kcal/100 g, respectively. In terms of hemolymph protein content, Australian redclaw crayfish showed the highest level (77.1 ± 2.87 g/L), for the narrow-clawed crayfish, this value was (64.9 ± 2.90 g/L), and for the marbled crayfish, it was (57.2 ± 2.41 g/L). The highest calcium concentration in hemolymph was observed in narrow-clawed crayfish (9.52 ± 0.212 mmol/L), while comparable levels were recorded in Australian redclaw (7.99 ± 0.215 mmol/L) and marbled crayfish (7.42 ± 0.292 mmol/L). Differences in all studied indicators were considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Conclusions. The study results obtained for Australian red claw crayfish, narrow-clawed crayfish and marbled crayfish allow us to evaluate their productivity and meat nutritional validity, as well as to propose the reference ranges of key indexes which can be used in optimizing aquaculture technologies and production of high-quality delicacies or supporting food products.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mykola Slusar, Andrii Muzhenko, Iryna Kovalchuk, Yelyzaveta Fedorovych, Oksana Ishchuk, Vitaliy Mamchenko, Mykola Svitelskyi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GENETIC LOAD IN HUMAN POPULATIONS THROUGH THE PRISM OF LOCAL INBREEDING
Вackground. Assessing genetic load is relevant in connection with active migration and population decline, especially in combat zones. This study aimed to analyse the dynamics of genetic disorder prevalence depending on demographic characteristics in Eastern Ukraine. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional population-based impersonal study was performed in four districts of the Kharkiv region as a typical area of Eastern Ukraine. The mean age, mean migration distance, and marital distance of women aged up to 45 years and men aged up to 55 years were assessed from district marriage records of the year 2015. The prevalence of genetic disorders among children aged 0–17 years was estimated based on district medical registries. The genetic structure of the population was estimated through the local inbreeding coefficient FST. Results and Discussion. Data for 1427 marriages and 187 children with genetic disor­ders were analysed. The mean age at marriage, mean migration distance, and marital distance were 27.8 ± 0.1 years, 179.0 ± 15.0 km, and 320.4 ± 28.4 km. Fst accounted for 0.000074–0.012949 and was up to 17.2 times greater (p = 0.0012) in rural areas than in urban ones. The overall Fst across four districts was 0.001292, representing a 1.8-fold increase (p = 0.001477) over seven years. The prevalence of 39 single-gene and 4 chromosome disorders was 0.36 % and 0.08 %, with a positive trend over time. The most common disorders were sensorineural hearing loss (1 : 859), isolated growth hormone deficiency (1 : 3438), ichthyosis vulgaris (1 : 3750), cystic fibrosis (1 : 6875), and Down syndrome (1 : 1331). The prevalence of single-gene disorders in rural populations was 4.3 times greater than in urban ones – 1.29 % and 0.30 % (р = 0.007). Fst was positively correlated with the prevalence of autosomal recessive disorders (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and chromosomal abnormalities (ρ = 0.90, p < 0.001). Conclusion. In the region of study, an upward trend was observed in the inbree­ding coefficient (Fst), which has doubled across both urban and rural settlements over a seven-year period, reaching a value of 0.001292. This rise in local inbreeding is associated with an increased genetic load within the population, particularly concerning not only single-gene, but also chromosomal pathologies abnormalities. Both urban and rural populations exhibited a wide spectrum of genetic disorders, comprising 39 single-gene nosological entities and 4 chromosomal ones. When forecasting healthcare and social support needs, it is advisable to take into account the higher prevalence rates of genetic disorders in rural areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Iurii Sadovnychenko, Valerii Miasoiedov, Olena Fedota http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GROWTH HORMONE (GH) MUTATIONS AND SEQUENCE VARIANTS IN CHILDREN WITH GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY (GHD)
Background. Isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) exhibits genetic hete­rogeneity in both familial and sporadic cases. The GH1 gene is a mutational hotspot among the five genes responsible for growth hormone deficiency (GHD), frequently causing short stature. The study aimed to screen for two common GH1 gene mutations prevalent in Asian populations among Sri Lankan children with biochemically confirmed GHD, and to compare sequence variations with known variants in other populations. Methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from 10 children with confirmed GHD attending Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo. PCR amplification was optimized for two primer sets targeting hotspot regions: the deletion-prone homologous flanking regions and the exon 3-intron 3-exon 4 region. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed using SmaI enzyme (to detect the common 6.7 kb deletion) and NlaIII enzyme (to detect the G>A transition at the intron 3 splice donor site). Direct DNA sequencing was subsequently conducted for variant confirmation. Results. SmaI digestion revealed heterozygous-like patterns in 3 out of 10 samples (30 %); it reflects heterozygosity or residual allele abnormalities. The remaining 7 samples (70 %) showed banding patterns identical to healthy controls. NlaIII digestion showed no mutations in any of the 10 samples (0/10, 0 %), with all patient samples displaying patterns indistinguishable from healthy DNA. Conclusion. The two mutations commonly found in Asian populations were largely absent in this Sri Lankan cohort, suggesting that short stature in this population may result from alternative GH1 mutations or other genetic variants, warranting comprehensive genomic screening studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Uluvitike G. I. U. Kariyawasam, Faiz M. M. T. Marikar http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CORRELATION BETWEEN MUTATIONAL PROFILES IN FLUOROQUINOLONE RESISTANCE GENES (gyrA AND grlA) AND PHENOTYPIC ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY IN CLINICAL ISOLATES OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)
Background. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is recognized as a highly significant multidrug-resistant pathogen that can lead to severe fetal infections in both humans and animals. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are considered among the antibiotics of choice used to manage MRSA infections. This study addresses rising fluoroquinolone resistance that limits treatment options. Resistance mechanisms typically involve mutations in the gyrA and grlA genes, which encode the drug’s targets. Objective: the aim of this research is to identify the genetic basis for resistance in clinical MRSA isolates. Specifically, the research focused on investigating the distribution of mutations in the gyrA and grlA genes responsible for fluoroquinolone resistance in MRSA isolates obtained from different clinical sources and assessing the correlation of these mutations with phenotypic antibiotic resistance. Materials and Methods. Fifty MRSA isolates collected from various clinical specimens (burn, wound, nose, throat, urine, skin, ear, and operating room samples) were used in the study. Bacteriological methods and PCR detection of the nuc gene confirmed the identification of the isolates. Then, all of the isolates were tested against seven different antibiotics (methicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, and nalidixic acid) using the disk diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests. Twelve isolates exhibiting antibiotic resistance were selected for direct sequence analysis of the gyrA, grlA, and mecA gene regions. The relationship between mutations and resistance was analyzed statistically. Results. All isolates (100 %) carried the mecA gene, and no mutations were detected in this gene. The prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance was 24 % (12 isolates). Sequence analysis revealed mutations at eight different positions in the gyrA gene (two missense, one deletion, and five silent) and seven different positions in the grlA gene (three missense, one silent, and three insertions). Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between mutant isolates in the gyrA and grlA genes and fluoroquinolone resistance (p < 0.0001). A significant correlation was also found between nalidixic acid resistance and the presence of mutations (p < 0.009). Conclusion. The findings of this study indicate that a major mechanism of fluoroquinolone resistance in clinical MRSA isolates is the accumulation of mutations in the gyrA and grlA genes, which encode target enzymes, and that these mutations are strongly associated with high-level phenotypic resistance. It has been confirmed that methicillin resistance Are rely to the presence of the mecA gene and does not require a mutation in the gene itself. These results provide deeper insight into the underlying mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Riyam Hasan Tuama, Lujain Ali Ghannawi, Jihad Anad Khalaf, Safaa Ehssan Atta, Omar Yasir Shakir, Mohammed Amer Thamer, Hanan Ibrahim Abdulwahid http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MICROFLORA AND GREASE FLEECE OF NORMAL AND FELTED WOOL SHEEP OF UKRAINIAN CARPATHIAN MOUNTAIN BREED
Background. Sheep wool possesses felting properties, which form the basis of felt production. However, felting may also occur directly on the animal, resulting in wool defects. This phenomenon is particularly common in semi-coarse wool sheep of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain breed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of microflora and grease in the process of felt formation in ewes of this breed. Materials and Methods. The microflora of the fleece was examined using culture-based methods on dense nutrient media. The amount of grease was determined by aqueous extraction of its salts. Wax was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography; the fatty acid composition was determined using gas–liquid chromatography after conversion to methyl esters via direct transesterification of fatty acids. Results. Fleece with felted wool, in comparison with normal fleece, is characterized by a significantly higher sweat content (P < 0.01) and greater alkalinity (P < 0.05). This creates favorable conditions for the development of bacteria (P < 0.01) and mold, which, utilizing wax in their metabolic processes, reduce its amount (P < 0.001). A decrease in esterified cholesterol (P < 0.05) and an increase in polar lipid fractions (P < 0.01) and non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.05) indicate ongoing hydrolytic processes affecting individual wax components. Changes in fatty acid composition result in an increase in erucic acid ((13Z)-docos-13-enoic acid, C22:1 ω9) (P < 0.05) and a decrease in one unidentified fatty acid (P < 0.01) and cerotic acid (hexacosanoic acid, C26:0) (P < 0.01). The latter may act within the fleece as a natural disinfectant. The total amount of saturated fatty acids in the wax of felted wool is lower, accounting for 50.46 %, compared to 58.81 % in normal wool; conversely, the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids is higher in felted wool (28.07 %) than in normal wool (16.20 %). An increased proportion of unsaturated fatty acids contributes to greater molecular susceptibility to peroxide oxidation. Conclusion. Thus, changes occurring in the fleece environment, particularly in its microflora and grease composition, have a direct impact on the felting processes in semi-coarse wool sheep of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain breed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vitalii Tkachuk, Nataliia Motko, Nataliia Ohorodnyk, Andriy Boyko, Bogdan Kyryliv http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EATURES OF ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY AND THE ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION IN ACHALASIA AND HIATAL HERNIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Background. Esophagogastric junction motility disorders in achalasia and hiatal hernia are accompanied by alterations in the barrier function of the lower esophageal sphincter and impaired coordination of esophageal peristaltic activity. Quantitative intraluminal pressure recording enables objective assessment of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these disorders and allows evaluation of intersegmental features of motor regulation. Materials and Methods. A total of 165 patients were examined and divided into three groups: control (n = 15), achalasia (n = 50), and hiatal hernia (n = 100). Intraluminal pressure was recorded using a pneumatic balloon fixed to an endoscopic probe. Pressure in the region of the lower esophageal sphincter and the pyloroduodenal junction was measured, as well as the amplitude and period of peristaltic and rhythmic pressure oscillations. Results are presented as Me (Q25; Q75). Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn’s post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons. Results and Discussion. Pressure during the passage through the lower esophageal sphincter in the hiatal hernia group was 4.52 (1.30; 12.64) mmHg and was significantly lower than in the control group, 19.54 (18.25; 20.12) mmHg, and the achalasia group, 22.80 (9.76; 43.69) mmHg (H = 51.44; p < 0.001). The peristaltic wave period was shorter in patients with hiatal hernia than in the control group (p = 0.010). The amplitude of peristaltic and rhythmic contractions did not demonstrate statistically significant intergroup differences. Changes in motor parameters were multidirectional and depended on the nosological form. Conclusion. In this study, LES-region pressure measured during the balloon passage showed the largest intergroup contrast, caused by markedly lower values in the hiatal hernia group, and thus demonstrated the clearest between-group contrast within the applied protocol. This finding is consistent with reduced antireflux barrier competence in hiatal hernia. However, the balloon “pressure during passage” metric reflects integrated mechanical resistance and is not directly equivalent to HRM-derived basal LES pressure or integrated relaxation pressure (IRP). In achalasia, this metric did not differentiate patients from controls in our cohort and should not be interpreted as a stand-alone marker of impaired LES relaxation. Peristaltic and rhythmic activity of the esophageal body shows high variability and limited diagnostic specificity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anastasiia Halinska, Olena Severynovska, Oleksii Halinskyi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF LIVER FUNCTIONAL STATE IN RATS UNDER EXPOSURE TO THE CYTOTOXIC XENOBIOTIC DIETHYL PHTHALATE
Background. The widespread use of phthalates, including diethyl phthalate (DEP), in industrial and household products raises concerns about their potential hepatotoxic effects. The liver, as the central organ of detoxification and metabolism, is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of xenobiotics, especially DEP. Objective: this study aimed to assess the indicators of liver functional state in rats under exposure to the cytotoxic xenobiotic diethyl phthalate. Materials and Methods. The experiment was conducted on adult white rats, which were divided into three groups: the control group and two experimental groups that received DEP orally at doses of 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg for 21 days. Biochemical markers of hepatocyte damage and cholestasis, including the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the levels of total and direct bilirubin, as well as the albumin-to-globulin ratio, were analyzed in blood serum using standard spectrophotometric and automated methods. Results and Discussion. It was found that administration of DEP led to dose- and time-dependent changes in markers of liver functional state. At a dose of 5 mg/kg, DEP caused a significant increase in ALT and AST activity as early as on day 14 of xenobiotic exposure, indicating hepatocyte damage. By day 21 of the experiment, both doses of the xenobiotic induced a marked elevation in all studied serum markers of liver function. At the same time, increased GGT and ALP activity, along with elevated levels of total and direct bilirubin, indicated the development of cholestatic dysfunction. In addition, a decrease in the albumin-to-globulin ratio in both DEP-treated groups over three weeks indicated impaired protein-synthesizing function of the liver. Conclusion. The xenobiotic DEP induces a combined hepatocellular and cholestatic liver dysfunction in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The observed biochemical changes indicate oxidative stress and disrupted energy metabolism as key mechanisms underlying DEP-induced hepatotoxicity. The obtained results highlight the importance of further research into the molecular pathways of phthalate-induced liver injury and support the development of biocompatible materials and early diagnostic tools for hepatotoxicity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Oksana Ketsa, Kateryna Rakhmatova, Oksana Voloschuk http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PHYSIOLOGICAL POSTURAL HAND TREMOR IN FEMALE STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT ANXIETY LEVELS UNDER ACADEMIC STRESS CONDITIONS
Background. Physiological postural tremor is considered an objective indicator of motor instability and emotional reactivity; however, its relationship with anxiety levels in female students under academic stress conditions remains insufficiently studied. Materials and Methods. The study involved 20 right-handed female students aged 18–20 years. The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The frequency and amplitude of the physiological tremor of the right and left hands were recorded using an MPU6050 accelerometer in free and postural positions of the limb along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. Spectral characteristics were analyzed using the fast Fourier transform. Relative change in tremor amplitude (ΔAmplitude, %) during the transition from free to postural position was calculated and analyzed using a factorial model including stress condition (module completion assessment vs no assessment), hand, and axis. Anxiety level was assessed using the validated DASS-21 questionnaire and analyzed as a continuous variable. Results. Moving the hand from a free to a postural position significantly increased tremor amplitude, while tremor frequency remained unchanged. The magnitude of postural tremor enhancement was primarily axis-dependent, with the largest relative increases observed along the Z-axis (approximately 130–217 %). No significant main effect of academic stress on tremor enhancement was detected. Anxiety level did not exert a global effect on tremor amplitude. However, exploratory correlation analysis revealed a mode­rate positive association between the DASS score and ΔAmplitude along the Z-axis of the non-dominant hand under the stress condition (Spearman ρ = 0.462, p = 0.040, n = 20). Conclusions. Postural enhancement of physiological tremor in female students is predominantly determined by biomechanical direction, particularly along the Z-axis. Anxiety appears to modulate direction-specific tremor responses under academic stress rather than inducing a generalized increase in tremor amplitude.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tetiana Korol, Solomiia Bychkova, Iryna Gnatchuk http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MICROBIAL BIOSTIMULANTS ENHANCE SOYBEAN YIELD AND SEED QUALITY UNDER HYDROTHERMAL STRESS IN ORGANIC FARMING
Background. In organic farming conditions under increasing frequency of hydrothermal stress, ensuring stable soybean yield and seed quality requires the use of biological preparations capable of activating plant adaptive mechanisms. The integrated application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and microbial biostimulants with phytohormonal activity may improve plant water status, reduce oxidative damage, and enhance seed biochemical composition. However, the effects of such multicomponent systems on yield structure components, seed protein, oil, and nitrogen content under variable hydrothermal conditions remain insufficiently studied. Materials and Methods. Field experiments were conducted in 2022–2024 under organic farming conditions in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine using the early-maturing soybean cv. Khorol. Eight treatment variants were evaluated: control, Profix, Violar, Mycofriend, Profix + Violar, Mycofriend + Profix, Mycofriend + Violar, and Mycofriend + Profix + Violar. Seed protein and oil content were determined by NIR spectroscopy; relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (gs), abscisic acid (ABA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed at the BBCH 61 stage. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test, Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA). Results. The highest yield (2.96–3.57 t/ha) and seed quality were recorded under the Mycofriend + Profix + Violar treatment across all years, exceeding the control by 40.6–59.1%. Seed protein content increased by up to 5.7 percentage points, and oil content reached 19.3 %. Yield gains were primarily driven by an increased number of seeds per plant (up to 130), while thousand-seed weight remained relatively stable. Under hydrothermal deficit in 2024, combined treatments maintained higher RWC (up to 91.9 %), lower MDA (-47.7 % vs. control), and reduced ABA accumulation, with strong correlations confirmed between RWC and yield (r = 0.92; P < 0.001) and between ABA and gs (r = -0.98; P < 0.001). Conclusion. The complex application of Mycofriend, Profix, and Violar in organic soybean cultivation consistently improved yield, seed nutritional quality, and physiological stress tolerance across years with contrasting hydrothermal conditions. Stabilization of plant water status and limitation of oxidative damage were identified as key mechanisms underlying productivity maintenance under drought.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tetiana Chaika, Iryna Korotkova, Victor Liashenko, Anna Rybalchenko, Olga Milenko http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND CLASSIFICATION OF FRUITS WITHIN THE LAMIIDS OF THE FLORA OF UKRAINE
Background. The morphological diversity of fruits, including their gynoecial structure, has been investigated within the lamiid clade in the flora of Ukraine. The aim was to reveal distinct fruit features in this clade and compare them with other eudicots. Materials and Methods. Fruit characteristics were extracted from numerous carpological sources. Gynoecial traits were also analyzed, including the number of carpels and ovules, ovary insertion, placentation, and vertical zonality. Carpological spectra were created for families, genera, and species of lamiids, and the species spectrum was compared with other eudicot clades. Results and Discussion. Morphological features of the fruit were documented for 22 families, 163 genera, and 741 species of lamiids. With few exceptions, fruits are dimerous and superior, with synascidiate and symplicate zones in the ovary, often with intrusive placentas that divide the ovary into locules. Five basic fruit types were recognized within the lamiids: capsule, berry, multi-seeded pyrenarium, schizocarp, and one-seeded fruit. In Oleaceae, Plantaginaceae, and Rubiaceae, three fruit types were identified. The most widespread fruit types among lamiids are schizocarps (41.0 %) and capsules (41.9 %). The carpological spectrum of lamiids differs markedly from other eudicot clades (fabids, malvids, and caryophyllids), showing the highest proportion of schizocarpic fruits and the lowest proportion of one-seeded fruits (3 %). However, the overall rate of one-seeded enveloped diaspores in lamiids (fruits and fruit parts) is high (44 %). Conclusions. These results align with previous findings on the narrow morphospace of lamiids in terms of gynoecium merosity, ovary insertion, and fruit type. Our data support the view of lamiids as a species-rich clade distinguished by the multiple origins of schizocarpic gynoecia and fruits, which split into four one-seeded semi-carpellary units. From an evolutionary perspective, lamiids of the flora of Ukraine exhibit intermediate-advanced morphological features of the gynoecium and fruit: superior syncarpous ovaries that range from multi-seeded to oligo-seeded, and a high proportion of capsular and schizocarpic fruits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anastasiya Odintsova http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF DIOSPYROS SPP. FRUITS FROM THE KHOROL BOTANICAL GARDEN COLLECTION
Background. The genus Diospyros L. (Ebenaceae) comprises approximately 787 taxonomically recognised species, primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the species introduced to Ukraine, D. kaki is the most widely cultivated, owing to its nutritionally valuable fruits, rich in sugars, antioxidants, and minerals. While D. kaki can tolerate winter temperatures down to -18 °C (and occasionally to -22 °C) in southern Ukraine, D. virginiana is the most frost-resistant species, tolerating temperatures as low as -37 °C, which enables its cultivation throughout the country. Hybrids of these species, developed in Ukraine, combine the large fruit size characteristic of D. kaki with the high winter hardiness of D. virginiana, thereby facilitating the northward expansion of high-quality persimmon cultivars. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted at the Khorol Botanical Garden (Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine) and included 18 persimmon genotypes. Plant material comprised D. virginiana seedlings and American cultivars (‘Early Golden’, ‘Meader’, ‘Prok’), alongside the Ukrainian interspecific hybrid ‘Sosnivska’. In 2025, morphometric analysis was performed on a randomly selected sample of 20 fruits per genotype. Measurements included fruit weight and linear parameters (height, diameter, and shape index), as well as seed dimensions (length, width, and thickness) and weight. Data were processed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test was used to determine significant diffe­rences (p ≤ 0.05). Results. Significant morphological variability in fruit and seed characteristics was observed among the 18 studied genotypes. The ‘Sosnivska’ hybrid produced the largest and heaviest fruits, with a mean weight of 75.2 g, significantly exceeding all D. virginiana genotypes. Among the latter, ‘Prok’ exhibited the highest fruit weight (38.4 g), followed by ‘Krasotka’ and ‘Meader’, while certain seedlings produced the smallest fruits (under 10 g). Fruit weight and number of seeds showed high variability, with seed counts ranging from zero to eight. Strong positive correlations were identified between fruit weight and linear dimensions (r > 0.9), and between seed width and weight (r = 0.767). However, fruit weight exhibited no significant correlation with seed number (r = 0.129). Conclusions. The substantial morphological variability observed within the Diospyros collection provides a solid basis for selective breeding. The hybrid cultivar ‘Sosnivska’ demonstrates the effectiveness of interspecific hybridisation, combining superior fruit weight with high environmental adaptability. Moreover, the absence of a significant relationship between fruit weight and seed number (r = 0.129) indicates that breeding for larger fruits with reduced seed content is feasible, which is particularly important for both fresh consumption and industrial processing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Volodymyr Krasovskyi, Volodymyr Mezhenskyj, Liudmyla Mezhenska, Taisiia Cherniak, Maryna Diachenko-Bohun, Tetyana Shkura, Svitlana Pototska http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BIOINDICATION OF URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL STATE BASED ON LONDON PLANE TREE (PLATANUS × ACERIFOLIA) POLLEN ANALYSIS
Background. The qualitative characteristics of pollen of the London plane tree, Platanus × acerifolia (Ait.) Willd., were studied for bioindication of the state of the urbani­zed environment based on the indicators of fertility and viability of pollen grains. Materials and Methods. Trees of the London plane, Platanus × acerifolia (Ait.) Willd., from Kyivska Street were selected as experimental plants. In the control variant, trees from a part of the Sofiyivka Park relatively isolated from technogenic load were used. Morphometric parameters of pollen, fertility and viability of mature pollen grains were analyzed using generally accepted methods. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed according to Ronald Fisher (Ronald Fisher, 2017) using Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Results. According to the mean sizes of pollen grains (31.23 and 31.18 µm), the studied trees exhibited virtually no differences regardless of the place of growth. In both variants, fertility indicators were high (98.34 % – Kyivska Street and 96.55 % – Sofiyivka Park). However, in the variants of pollen germination in five- and ten-percent sucrose solutions, pollen from Kyivska Street was inferior in viability to pollen from the park by 19.36 and 20.00 %, respectively. Conclusion. The significant variation in the percentage of germinated pollen grains from trees growing under different air pollution conditions in Uman supports the potential use of Platanus × acerifolia pollen germination levels in 5 % and 10 % sucrose solutions as an indicator for urban air quality assessment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Volodymyr Hrabovyi, Olga Opalko, Nadiia Tsybrovska, Alla Konopelko, Anatoly Opalko http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MOSS VEGETATION OF CLASS СЕRATODONTO PURPUREI-POLYTRICHЕTEA PILIFERI MOHAN 1978 IN NATURAL AND URBAN ECOSYSTEMS OF THE FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE
Background. Bryophyte vegetation and its classification are increasingly attracting the attention of both bryologists and geobotanists. Due to their morphological and biological organization, as well as their ecological-biological and ecological-coenotic features, bryophytes manifest their coenotic role in ecosystems in various ways. They may either constitute part of the general herbaceous cover as synusiae, or they form distinct bryocoenoses with different substrate specificities-epigeic, epiphytic, and epixylic-which are classified separately from vascular plant communities using the eco-floristic classification approach to Braun-Blanquet. At present, detailed studies of individual syntaxa of moss vegetation at the class level are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, the aim of this study was to charac­terize the class Ceratodonto purpurei-Polytrichеtea piliferi in natural and urban ecosystems of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The material for this study consisted of geobotanical relevés of bryocoenoses belonging to this class of moss vegetation, identified within natural ecosystems of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine and urban ecosystems of several regional cities in the Left-Bank Dnipro Region. Bryophyte communities were classified according to the eco-floristic classification based on the Braun-Blanquet approach, following standard methodological guidelines. Data processing and analysis were carried out using JUICE.NET software and the updated version of the TWINSPAN algorithm. The classification scheme of moss vegetation was developed using leading classification systems proposed in Central and Western Europe, taking into account the results of our own research. The nomenclature of bryophytes follows “Prodromus of Spore Plants of Ukraine: Bryophytes” (Virchenko et al, 2022), while lichens’ nomenclature follows “Prodromus of Spore Plants: Lichens” (Kondratiuk et al, 2021). Results. Moss vegetation of the class Ceratodonto purpurei-Polytrichеtea piliferi in natural and urban ecosystems of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine was characterized, and its classification scheme was developed. The studied class of moss vegetation is represented by one order, two alliances, six associations, and five subassociations. The alliance Ceratodonto purpurei-Polytrichion piliferi Waldh. ex v. Hübschm. 1967 is represented by the associations Racomitrio-Polytrichetum piliferi, Brachythecietum albicantis, Polytrichetum juniperini, Buxbaumietum aphyllae, and Syntrichietum ruraliformis. The first association is also represented by four subassociations. The alliance Campylopodion polytrichoidis Giacomini 1951 is represented by the association Polytricho-formosi-Campylopodetum polytrichoides. For each identified syntaxon, ecological and eco-coenotic characteristics, as well as localities within the region, are presented. The association Polytricho-formosi-Campylopodetum polytrichoides is reported for the first time in Ukraine. Conclusions. Unlike in Western Europe, within the studied region, class Ceratodonto purpurei-Polytrichеtea piliferi is represented by a small number of syntaxa, which are primarily confined to pine forests, sand arenas, and occasionally steppe areas. The moss vegetation of the studied territory within the class includes one order, two alliances, six associations, and five subassociations. All identified associations and subassociations were documented within natural ecosystems. Of these, two associations and four subassociations were also recorded in urban ecosystems. Therefore, further research on the bryocoenoses of this class in Ukraine is promising and requires a detailed study.
Copyright (c) 2026 Svitlana Hapon, Yurii Hapon, Lyubov Felbaba-Klushyna, Andrii Bizilya http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0