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The nitric oxide is a signal molecule in human organism characterized by a wide spectrum of biological effects. The exogenous nitric oxide is formed from food nitrates received with such green leafy vegetables as spinach, parsley, sorrel and also beet, cucumbers and tomatoes. The bacteria in oral cavity metabolize received with food nitrates up to nitrites. The nitrites as some intermediate metabolites of nitric oxide sufficiently exact reflect concentration of nitric oxide. The purpose of study is to examine analytical dependence and efficiency of express-device for detecting nitrites in saliva. The article presents the results of confirmation of testsystem for half-quantitative detection of content of nitrites in saliva. The device represents a hollow tube with a sensorial element within functioning by the principle of "dry chemistry". The concentration of nitrites in oral cavity was measured in 100 healthy people of both genders aged from 16 to 45 years. In case of consuming vegetables every day or 3-5 times a week higher levels of nitrite-anions (14,9-15,7 mg/l) are registered than in case of consuming vegetables and juices 1-2 times a week and rarely (9,9 mg/l). The concentrations of nitrites in saliva both in cases of regular training and low-activity life-style are within the limits of standards (11,9-14,9 mg/l). The average level of nitrites in saliva of participants of experiment with normal pressure made up to 16.5 mg/l that is significantly higher than in individuals from groups with increased and decreased arterial pressure (10,2 and 10,4 mg/l correspondingly)., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The article presents the results of approbation of the express test-system for semi-quantitative detection of content of thiocyanate ions in saliva as markers of tobacco smoking. The device corresponds to hollow tube with sensory element inside functioning on the principle of "dry chemistry". At saliva intake, the analyzing component (thiocyanate ion) interacts with reagents of sensory element with formation of colored thiocyanate complex. The intensity of color of formed complex permits to judge about content of thiocyanates in saliva by comparison with standard scale. The concentration of of thiocyanate ions in oral fluid of 100 health people of both genders aged from 16 to 45 years was analyzed. The questionnaire survey of respondents was carried out to establish smoking and non-smoking contingents. The analysis established that 30% were active tobacco smokers. The everyday smokers made up to 50% out of them, non-regular smokers (several cigarettes per week or month) - 50%. The reliable relationship between intensity of smoking and concentration of thiocyanate ions in saliva is established. The level of thiocyanate ions in saliva is significantly higher (2.5 mmol/l) in the group of everyday smokers than in saliva of non-smokers of periodically using tobacco articles (0.3-0.5 mmol/l) The increased concentrations of thiocyanate ions in saliva (≥ 1,5 mmol/l) were established in 7% of nonsmokers and are possible related to consumtion of food containing glucosinolates. The test is efficient for detecting smokers using from 1 to 10 cigarettes per day. However, it is of no use in case of sporadic type of smoking., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: Evaluation of elite athletes' psycho-physiological condition at various stages of preparation and in international competition., Design: Athletes were tested during training and participation in international competition using methods of galvanic skin response (GSR) and gas discharge visualization (GDV)., Setting: Saint Petersburg Federal Research Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, Russia and Paralympic athletic training camp, Norway., Participants: Eighteen athletes from Russia's Skiing and Biathlon Paralympic Team. All athletes had some level of damage to their musculoskeletal system., Main Outcome Measures: Stress level (SL), energy potential (EP), and psycho-emotional tension (PET)., Results: It was found that the higher the level of EP achieved by the athlete in the training period, the lower the SL in the competition time. The SL of an athlete recorded in the training period significantly correlates with the SL both before and at the time of competition. The PET and SL before the World Cup was negatively correlated to the results of skiing competitions., Conclusion: Evaluation of PET, EP, and SL through GSR and GDV offers a fast, highly precise, non-invasive method to assess an athlete's level of readiness during both training and at the time of competition.