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The temperature dependence of the isobaric specific heat has been examined over the range 90–300 K for ethyl cyanoacetate. Phase transitions are detected whose type is dependent on the solid-state structure. The mechanisms giving the various structures are discussed.

In Uzbekistan and Moldova 542 children born of HBsAg carriers were immunized against hepatitis B (with vaccine Engerix B according to the immunization schedule of 4 injections). Anti-HBs antibodies in protective titers were detected by EIA and RIA techniques in 76.7% of children aged 4-5 months after the 3rd injection, in 95.7% of children aged 15-16 months and in 90.0% of children aged 2-2.5 years after the 4th (booster) injection. In the control group (117 nonimmunized children born of HBs carriers) observed during the same period anti-HBs antibodies were detected significantly less frequently (in 7.3%, 11.6% and 12.9% of these children respectively). 1-2 months after the course of immunization was completed 74.1% of the immunized children had high anti-HBs antibody titers (exceeding 1000 IU/ml) with their subsequent decrease by 2-2.5 years of age. In the control group these figures were 27.1% and 29.0% respectively. The index of immunization effectiveness obtained by the comparison of the hepatitis B morbidity rates in both groups was 7.8. No postvaccinal complications were registered.

The pectin substances of the beet extracted by solutions of hydrochloric and nitric acids were more highly methoxylated than those extracted by oxalic acid. The galacturonic acid contents of the PcSs scarcely differed, with the exception of the PcSs extracted by the H2C204 solution. All the beet PcSs contained acetyl groups and a predominating amount of carboxy groups, in contrast to apple and citrus pectins. These factors were responsible for the low gelling power of the beet pectin and for its capacity for sorbing heavy-metal ions. The monosaccharide compositions of all the PcSs were identical, as could be seen from an analysis of their hydrolysates (2 N H2SO4, 48 h). In all the hydrolysates, PC (butanol-pyridine-water (6:4:3)) revealed the presence of galacturonic acid, arabinose, xylose, rhamnose, and traces of glucose, which is characteristic for the class of pectin substances. After the extraction of the PcSs, we extracted hemicellulose (HMC) with a 10% caustic soda solution. The yield of polysaccharide was 2.21%. GalUA, Ara, Gal, Xyl, and Rha were detected in a hydrolysate by PC. Thus, pectin substances and hemiceUulose have been extracted from the pulp of local varieties of sugar beet. A physicochemical characterization of the PcSs has been made, and the monosaccharide compositions of the beet pectin and hemicellulose have been determined.

Reaferon, the analog of human alpha 2-interferon obtained by gene engineering techniques, was studied with a view to its use for the prevention of hepatitis A. The study involved children of preschool age in Tashkent. In a strictly controlled trial children aged 2-6 years received the preparation orally in a dose of 1 X 10(6) I. U. or the diluent alone used as placebo. The preparation was administered to 1,100 children and the placebo to 1,078 children. The preparation and placebo were administered twice a week for two months. On the whole, during that period hepatitis A morbidity in both test and control groups of children was the same (5.1% and 4.9% respectively), but among children of nursery age receiving Reaferon the incidence of hepatitis A and acute respiratory viral infections was lower than among those receiving the placebo, though this difference was statistically significant only for cases of acute respiratory infections.

Analysis of the results of investigation of 610 esophageal cancer patients treated in the Samarkand regional cancer center has shown that the rate of erroneous diagnosis based on anamnestic data and the results of clinical noninstrumental investigation is 70.5%. The rate of diagnostic errors of x-ray examination varies within 32.1-74.4%. Repeated x-ray examination in the negative group of patients revealed esophageal cancer in 17.8%. These cases can be regarded as potentialities of correct radiodiagnosis. Correct diagnosis in endoscopy was established in 89.6%. Esophagoscopy permitted not only correct diagnosis but also provided material for a morphological study.