Search

When 3-(4-chlorofurazanyl-3-N(O)N-azoxy)-4-nitrofurazan reacts with weak bases and nucleophiles, we observe selective attack on the carbon atom bonded to the nitro group; we do not observe products formed by substitution of the chlorine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetotransport of highly mobile two-dimensional electrons is studied in GaAs single quantum wells with three occupied subbands. The bottoms of the lower two subbands have nearly the same energy while the bottom of the third subband has a much higher energy (E1≈E2≪E3). Magnetointersubband oscillations (MISOs) between the ith and jth subbands are observed and obey the relation Δij=Ej-Ei=lħωc, where ωc is the cyclotron frequency and l is an integer. The slight difference in the energies of the lower subbands produces noticeable interference effects in the magnetoresistance. In contrast to the case of two populated subbands, by analyzing the amplitude of each component of the MISOs separately, the quantum lifetime τq(i) of electrons in the ith subband is extracted. The studies show that τq(1)≈τq(2)=τq(1,2). The temperature variation of 1/τq(1,2) is found to be proportional to T², indicating that the electron-electron interaction is the dominant source of the decrease of the electron lifetime at high temperatures. Different temperature dependence of the quantum scattering rate is found in the third subband, Δ(1/τq(3))~T, which is consistent with the theory of sparsely populated subbands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frustrated spin-12model consisting of a linear chain of triangles with ferro (F)- and antiferromagnetic interactions connected by ferromagnetic interactions (triangles chain) is studied. The ground state phase diagram depending on the interaction ratios consists of ferromagnetic, two ferrimagnetic and singlet phases. The magnetic properties in these phases are analyzed both analytically and numerically. We show that in some regions of the singlet phase the magnetization curves have magnetization plateau and magnetization jumps. We study the thermodynamics and its relation to the specific structure of the excitation spectrum of the triangle chain., (© 2024 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

Modern advances in DNA sequencing hold the promise of facilitating descriptions of new organisms at ever finer precision but have come with challenges as the major Codes of bionomenclature contain poorly defined requirements for species and subspecies diagnoses (henceforth, species diagnoses), which is particularly problematic for DNA-based taxonomy. We, the commissioners of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, advocate a tightening of the definition of "species diagnosis" in future editions of Codes of bionomenclature, for example, through the introduction of requirements for specific information on the character states of differentiating traits in comparison with similar species. Such new provisions would enhance taxonomic standards and ensure that all diagnoses, including DNA-based ones, contain adequate taxonomic context. Our recommendations are intended to spur discussion among biologists, as broad community consensus is critical ahead of the implementation of new editions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and other Codes of bionomenclature., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Rheindt et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

We study the delta-chain with spin-1 on basal sites and spin-12on apical sites. The Heisenberg interaction between neighbor basal spins is antiferromagnetic (AF) and the interaction between basal and apical spins is ferromagnetic (F). We show that the magnetization curve of this model is the same as that of the spin-12kagome-like chain with competing Heisenberg interactions. The ground state phase diagram of the latter as a function of the ratio between the AF and F interaction, α , consists of the ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic and singlet phases. We study the magnetic properties in each ground state phase and analyze the magnetization curves. We show that there are magnetization plateaus and jumps in definite regions of value α . We compare the magnetic properties of considered models with those of the spin-12delta chain., (© 2023 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

We investigate spin-12anisotropic model of a linear chain of triangles with competing ferro- and antiferromagnetic interactions and ferromagneic Heisenberg interactions between triangles. For a certain ratio between interactions the one-magnon excitation band is dispersionless leading to an existence of localized-magnon states which form macroscopically degenerated ground states. The spectrum of excitations has a specific structure depending on the value of the triangle-triangle interaction. Such specific structure determines the low-temperature thermodynamics and, in particular, the temperature dependence of a specific heat. In the limit of strong anisotropy of interactions the spectrum has a multi-scale structure which consists of subsets rank-ordered on small parameter. Each subset is responsible for the appearance of the peak in the temperature dependence of the specific heat., (© 2022 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

We consider a class of anisotropic spin-12models with competing ferro- and antiferromagnetic interactions on two-dimensional Tasaki and kagome lattices consisting of corner sharing triangles. For certain values of the interactions the ground state is macroscopically degenerated in zero magnetic field. In this case the ground state manifold consists of isolated magnons as well as the bound magnon complexes. The ground state degeneracy is estimated using a special form of exact wave function which admits arrow configuration representation on two-dimensional lattice. The comparison of this estimate with the result for some special exactly solved models shows that the used approach determines the number of the ground states with exponential accuracy. It is shown that the main contribution to the ground state degeneracy and the residual entropy is given by the bound magnon complexes., (© 2021 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

In this study, we describe an optimized method of obtaining virus-like particles (VLPs) of the recombinant hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein (HCcAg) expressed in yeast cells (Pichia pastoris), which can be used for the construction of diagnostic test systems and vaccine engineering. The described simplified procedure was developed to enable in vitro self-assembly of HCcAg molecules into VLPs during protein purification. In brief, the HCcAg protein was precipitated from yeast cell lysates with ammonium sulfate and renatured by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 under reducing conditions. VLPs were self-assembled after the removal of the reducing agent by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. Protein purity and specificity were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting analysis. The molecular mass of VLPs and their relative quantity were measured by HPLC, followed by confirmation of VLPs production and estimation of their shape and size by transmission electron microscopy. As a result, we obtained recombinant HCcAg preparation (with ~90% purity) in the form of VLPs and monomers, which has been used to produce hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HCcAg., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In 2009, Jones and Deitz published a tribe-level taxonomic revision and reclassification of the cryptic, arboreal leafhopper subfamily Ledrinae Kirschbaum, 1868 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), based on cladistic analyses of 235 morphological features for 75 cicadellid species. Their evolutionary reconstructions found strong node support for a monophyletic ingroup comprising five lineages-each morphologically and geographically cohesive-and also identified numerous traditionally placed taxa (sensu Oman et al 1990) that did not belong. In light of the robustness of their results, the authors recognized the five independent ingroup clades as tribes of Ledrinae, and described three of these as new.

The circularly polarized cathodoluminescence (CL) technique has been used to study the free spin-polarized electron injection in semiconductor heterostructures with quantum wells (QWs). A polarized electron beam was created by the emission of optically oriented electrons from the p-GaAs(Cs,O) negative electron affinity (NEA) photocathode. The prepared beam was injected in a semiconductor QW target, which was activated by cesium and oxygen to reduce the work function. To study the spin-dependent injection, we developed a spin-detector prototype, which consists of a compact proximity focused vacuum tube with the source and target placed parallel to each other on the opposite ends of the vacuum tube (photodiode). The injection of polarized low-energy electrons into the target by varying the kinetic energy in the range of 0.5-5.0 eV and temperature in the range of 90-300 K was studied. The CL was polarized to 2 % by the injection of 20 % spin-polarized electron beam with the energy of 0.5 eV at room temperature. The asymmetry (Sherman function) of spin detection was estimated. It was shown that the dependence of the CL polarization degree on the injected electron energy is satisfactory described by the model that considers the electron spin relaxation in the heterostructure matrix and QWs. The results demonstrate that semiconductor detectors are promising for the spin-polarimetry applications based on the optical detection of free-electron spin polarization., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Among leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), only Typhlocybinae are known in Mexico to inhabit avocado, an important horticultural crop. In this paper, a potential avocado pest, Dikrellamella Ruppel & DeLong, 1952, is redescribed and illustrated. Additionally, a detailed checklist and a key for all known species of Typhlocybinae associated with avocado trees in Mexico are provided.

This study details a workflow used to accession a large stonefly (Plecoptera) collection resulting from several donations. The eastern North American material of Kenneth W. Stewart (deceased, University of North Texas), the entire collection of Stanley W. Szczytko (deceased, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point), and a small portion of the Barry C. Poulton collection (active, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, Missouri) were donated to the Illinois Natural History Survey in 2013. These 5,767 vials of specimens were processed to help preserve the specimen legacy of these world renowned Plecoptera researchers. The workflow used an industrialized approach to organize the specimens taxonomically, image the specimens and labels, and place the specimens into new storage. Utilizing the images as a verbatim data source, we transcribed labels in iterative steps that yielded more information with each pass. The data were normalized, locations georeferenced, all specimen data formatted to meet Darwin Core Archive format for occurrence data, and a data set created using Pensoft's Integrated Publishing Toolkit. This is the first time that any of the specimen data has been made available electronically. We also provide two important electronic supplements that include the Bill P. Stark (active, Mississippi College) Oklahoma field notebook for 1971 and 1972 detailing locations for many coded stonefly specimens in the Stewart collection, and the coded locations of B. C. Poulton's Arkansas and Missouri study. Again, we have linked coded labels in vials to normalized and georefenced site data. We confirmed 243 stonefly species were contained within the collections, and the potential for many more species exists among the specimens identified to family and genus level. Twenty-one new state, province, and other significant stonefly records are reported herein with all identifications verified by the senior author, often through consultation with other stonefly taxonomists. Researchers are encouraged to utilize the specimen data, form collaborations with the authors, and borrow specimens for research.

The spin-[Formula: see text] delta-chain (sawtooth chain) with antiferromagnetic Heisenberg basal chain and Ising apical-basal interactions is studied. The basal-apical interactions involve the bond alternation. The limiting cases of the model include the symmetrical delta-chain and the antiferromagnetic chain in the staggered magnetic field. We study ground state properties of the model by the exact diagonalization and density matrix renormalization group methods. The ground state phase diagram as a function of the bond alternation consists of magnetic and various non-magnetic phases. All phases excluding the ferrimagnetic phase are gapped and an origin of the gaps is cleared.

We consider a spin-[Formula: see text] kagome-like chain with competing ferro- and antiferromagnetic anisotropic exchange interactions. The ground state phase diagram of this model consists of the ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic phases. We study the ground state and the low-temperature properties on the phase boundary between these phases. The ground state on this phase boundary is macroscopically degenerate and consists of localized magnon states. We calculate the ground state degeneracy and corresponding residual entropy. The spontaneous magnetization has a jump on the phase boundary confirming the first-order type of the phase transition. In the limit of a strong anisotropy, the spectrum of the low-energy excitations has multi-scale structure governing the peculiar features of the specific heat behavior.

We consider analytically and numerically an anisotropic spin-[Formula: see text] delta-chain (sawtooth chain) in which exchange interactions between apical and basal spins are ferromagnetic and those between basal spins are antiferromagnetic. In the limit of strong anisotropy of exchange interactions this model can be considered as the Ising delta chain with macroscopic degenerate ground state perturbed by transverse quantum fluctuations. These perturbations lift the ground state degeneracy and the model reduces to the basal XXZ spin chain in the magnetic field induced by static apical spins. We show that the ground state of such a model is ferrimagnetic. The excitations of the model are formed by ferrimagnetic domains separated by domain walls with a finite energy. At low temperatures the system is effectively divided into two independent subsystems, the apical subsystem described by the Ising spin-[Formula: see text] chain and the basal subsystem described by the XXZ chain with infinite zz interactions.

Aim: Study antigen-binding ability of polyclonal antibodies (PCA) of chicken compared with monoclonal -antibodies (MCA) of mice in the model of interaction with HBsAg., Materials and Methods: Mice MCA 18C8 and MKA F3/F4 (IgG) were used, effective in enzyme immunoassay sandwich method of HBsAg determination (with a minimal detection dose of 0.017 ng/ml), and affinity purified anti-HBsAg PCA of chicken (IgY), obtained from 2 immunized birds (PCA No. 1 and PCA No. 2). The ability of antibodies to bind HBsAg was evaluated by analytical sensitivity (slope of binding curve) of solid-phase enzyme immunoassay system using mice MCA and chicken PCA., Results: PCA No. 2 has provided a statistically significant 40% increase of analytical sensitivity, compared with <

The change in the concentration and antigen-binding activity of 28 monoclonal antibodies was studied after their adsorption on the surface of polystyrene microplates in buffers with different pH values (1.0, 2.8, 7.5, 9.6, and 11.9). We used 16 clones to the HIV p24 protein and 12 clones to the surface antigen of Hepatitis B Virus. The binding efficiency of adsorbed antibodies to the labeled antigen was evaluated by the slope of the linear region of the binding curve to the concentration axis. It was shown that the antigen-binding activity of six antibodies (21.5%) statistically significantly increased after adsorption at pH 2.8 and 11.9 as compared to pH 7.5 and 9.5. The maximum amount of antibodies was found to be adsorbed on the solid surface at pH 7.5. The analysis of the binding of 125I-HBs-antigen to adsorbed antibodies made it possible to evaluate the concentration of active antibodies on the polystyrene surface. It was shown that the increase in the antigen-binding activity was due to an increase in the proportion of antibodies with retained activity after adsorption at pH 2.8 and 11.9. Under these conditions, about 20% of the antibodies retained their antigen-binding activity, and 6% did so after immobilization at pH 7.5.

Early enteral nutrition - in terms up to 6 h after operation - secures success of the program "fast track" surgery, together for small and large operations. Application of enteral nutrition after operation have promoted rapid elimination of intestinal paresis, early activation of its motor function, the mucosal regeneration improvement, early activation of absorptive function of underlying intestinal parts, reduction of the infection complications rate as well as the patients hosoital stay duration.

The dependence of the antigen-binding activity of immobilized antibodies on pH of a saturating buffer has been investigated. We analyzed 28 monoclonal antibodies (MCAs) produced by various hybridomas to three virus antigens, i.e., the nuclear p23 protein of hepatitis C virus (C core protein p23), p24 protein of HIV 1, and the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg). Antibodies were adsorbed on the surfaces of immune plates in acidic (pH 2.8), neutral (pH 7.5), and alkaline (pH 9.5) buffers. The binding of labeled antigens, i.e., biotinylated or conjugated with horseradish peroxidase, with immobilized antigens was tested. It was shown that 10 out of 28 analyzed MCAs (36%) considerably better preserved their antigen-binding activity if their passive adsorption was carried out on the surface of polystyrene plates in an acidic buffer (pH 2.8). This approach allowed constructing a highly sensitive sandwich method for HBsAg assay with a minimal reliably determined antigen concentration of 0.013-0.017 ng/ml. The described approach may be recommended for the optimization of sandwich methods and solid-phase competitive methods.

We present a comparative analysis of Raman scattering by acoustic and optical phonons in InAs/AlAs quantum dot superlattices grown on (001) and (311)B GaAs surfaces. Doublets of folded longitudinal acoustic phonons up to the fifth order were observed in the Raman spectra of (001)- and (311)B-oriented quantum dot superlattices measured in polarized scattering geometries. The energy positions of the folded acoustic phonons are well described by the elastic continuum model. Besides the acoustic phonons, the spectra display features related to confined transverse and longitudinal optical as well as interface phonons in quantum dots and spacer layers. Their frequency positions are discussed in terms of phonon confinement, elastic stress, and atomic intermixing.

Cerebrovascular diseases are a major cause of death and long-term disability in developed countries. Tissue plasmin activator (tPA) is the only approved therapy for ischemic stroke, strongly limited by the short therapeutic window and hemorrhagic complications, therefore excluding most patients from its benefits. The rescue of the penumbra area of the ischemic infarct is decisive for functional recovery after stroke. Inflammation is a key feature in the penumbra area and it plays a dual role, improving injury in early phases but impairing neural survival at later stages. Stem cells can be opportunely used to modulate inflammation, abrogate cell death and, therefore, preserve neural function. We here discuss the possible role of stem cells derived from menstrual blood as restorative treatment for stroke. We highlight the availability, proliferative capacity, pluripotentiality and angiogenic features of these cells and explore their present and future experimental and clinical applications.

In this work, we study metal droplets on a semiconductor surface that are the initial stage for both droplet epitaxy and local droplet etching. The distributions of droplet geometrical parameters such as height, radius and volume help to understand the droplet formation that strongly influences subsequent nanohole etching. To investigate the etching and intermixing processes, we offer a new method of wetting angle analysis. The aspect ratio that is defined as the ratio of the height to radius was used as an estimation of wetting angle which depends on the droplet material. The investigation of the wetting angle and the estimation of indium content revealed significant materials intermixing during the deposition time. AFM measurements reveal the presence of two droplet groups that is in agreement with nanohole investigations. To explain this observation, we consider arsenic evaporation and consequent change in the initial substrate. On the basis of our analysis, we suggest the model of droplet evolution and the formation of two droplet groups.

Aim: To develop highly sensitive sandwich technique for identification of surface hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) in serum and analyse of possible improvement of solid phase for immunoenzyme sandwich technique of HBsAg identification through variation of pH-dependent sorption of monoclonal antibodies on the surface of immune plates., Materials and Methods: Calibration curves for identification of HBsAg in sandwich techniques using 36 possible binary combinations of monoclonal antibodies of our panel (including high affinity antibodies to HBsAg produced by 6 hybridomas) were compared. Immobilization of antibodies on solid phase (by passive sorption) was performed at different pH values (2.8, 7.5, and 9.5)., Results: Analysis of panel of antibodies to HBsAg produced by 6 hybridomas revealed pH-dependent monoclonal antibodies (18C8), which immobilization at low pH values together with detecting antibodies F4F3 allowed to greatly improve sensitivity of the sandwich technique. Minimal credibly detectable concentration of HBsAg in sera of persons infected with hepatitis B virus was 0.013 - 0.017 ng/ml. Validation of sandwich technique was performed on certified panel of serum samples with various concentrations of HBsAg (different serotypes)., Conclusion: Highly sensitive sandwich technique for detection of HBsAg was developed. It was shown that analysis of panel of monoclonal antibodies on pH-dependence could be used as simple methodical approach for optimization of immunoenzyme sandwich techniques for detection of different antigens.

Blood serotonin concentration is thought to regulate behavior and may be implicated in the development of psychopathological symptoms as well. Serotonin transporter regulates the levels of serotonin by the reuptake of this neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft. In this study we compare the platelet serotonin concentration and constant V(max) value in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls with different 5-HTTLPR genotypes. The study included 60 patients and 62 controls. Biochemical parameters mentioned above were associated with a 5-HTTLPR genotype. Carriers of the LL genotype had lower serotonin blood concentration and V(max) compared to genotypes containing one or two copies of an S allele both in patients and controls. The results obtained suggest that the genetic variant may contribute to the state of serotoninergic system.

The article presents two methods of formation of the axilla cupola with saved skin from the area of hair growth, and when there are scarry changes. The first method allows exclusion of displacement of the axilla skin into not proper places. The second method gives better engraftment and better outcomes of operation. A method of two-stage treatment was worked out for severe contractures of the shoulder joint in order to avoid a transection of the tendons and muscles and overdistention of the vascular-nervous bundles. During the preoperative period a gradual liberation of the shoulder is to be fulfilled by means of a dosated distraction of the scars, contracted tendons and muscles. The dosated distraction is performed using a specially developed splint with a turnbuckle mechanism. Using the splint the full volume of movements was restored in 73.9% of the patients. In the rest of the cases operative treatment was used, and the distracted scarry tissues can be used as plasty material.

Results of surgical treatment of 479 patients with deep burns of the upper extremities on the area from 0.5 to 60% of body surface with the lesion of shoulder (398), elbow (407), radiocarpal (371) joints and hand (423) area. Early or delayed necrectomy (28.6%) with following skin grafting was performed at hospitalization of patients in early period. At IV-degree burns plastic reconstruction with skin-subcutaneous flaps was used: local (22), combined (16), pedicle flap and Filatov's graft (29), flaps with axial circulation (8) and on microsurgical anastomoses. Active surgical policy resulted in recovery of the function of the shoulder joints in 73.7%, elbow joints--in 75.15%, radiocarpal joints--in 83.4% and of hand in 50.2% cases.

Different versions on pathogenesis of Peirony's disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction in this disease made us to investigate cavernous innervation and hemodynamics in patients with fibroplastic induration of the penis. We have detected characteristic changes of cavernous electric activity and histochemical picture in biopsies of all our patients with PD. Of them, 61% had cavernous hemodynamic disorders. Our findings suggest that early affection of cavernous innervation may trigger PD pathogenesis and erectile dysfunction in this disease.

Twenty patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction received the drug enerion (Hungary). After a 30-day course of enerion erectile function improved in 16 of the above patients. A mean value of the international index of erectile function (IIEF) increased in them from 17.5 to 24.8 points. Improvement of cavernous arterial blood flow after the treatment was seen in 3 of 6 patients with arterial disorders. As shown by electromyographic examinations, cavernous electric activity normalized in 8 patients. Thus, psychogenic erectile dysfunction can be effectively treated with enerion.

The review is devoted to sources of lipids in enteral and parenteral nutrition. The role of omega-3 and omega polyunsaturated fatty acids in metabolism of some lipid mediators is examined.

The interaction between two different monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) and their corresponding bispecific antibodies (Babs) with immobilized antigens was investigated using an optical biosensor (IAsys). The analyzed panel of affinity-purified antibodies included two parental Mabs (one of which was specific to human IgG (hIgG), and another one to horseradish peroxidase (HRP)), as well as Babs derived thereof (anti-hIgG/HRP). Babs resulting from the fusion of parental hybridomas bear two antigen-binding sites toward two different antigens and thus may interact with immobilized antigen through only one antigen-binding site (monovalently). Using an IAsys biosensor this study shows that the bivalent binding of Mabs predominates over the monovalent binding with immobilized HRP, whereas anti-hIgG parental Mabs were bound monovalently to the immobilized hIgG. The observed equilibrium association constant (K(ass)) values obtained in our last work [1] by solid-phase radioimmunoassay are consistent with those constants obtained by IAsys. The K(ass) of anti-HRP Mabs was about 50 times higher than that of anti-HRP shoulder of Babs. The dissociation rate constant (k(diss)) for anti-HRP shoulder of Babs was 21 times higher than k(diss) for anti-HRP Mabs. The comparison of the kinetic parameters for bivalent anti-HRP Mabs and Babs derived from anti-Mb/HRP and anti-hIgG/HRP, allowed to calculate that 95% of bound anti-HRP Mabs are bivalently linked with immobilized HRP, whereas only 5% of bound anti-HRP Mabs are monovalently linked. In general, the data obtained indicate that Babs bearing an enzyme-binding site may not be efficiently used instead of traditional antibody-enzyme conjugates in the case of binding of bivalent Mabs.

Forty-four patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) aged 21-72 years aged 21-72 years (mean age 61 years) were examined and treated with sildenafil and alprostadil monotherapy or combined therapy. ED was psychogenic in 9(20.5%), arterial in 12(27.2%), vein occlusive in 9(20.5%) and neurogenic in 14(31.8%) patients. Monotherapy was most effective in psychogenic ED (alprostadil--100%, sildenafil--88.9%), least effective in vein occlusive ED (alprostadil--33.3%, sildenafil--22.2%). Alprostadil was more effective in arterial and neurogenic ED (83.3 vs 66.7 and 78.6 vs 57.1%, respectively). Combination of the two drugs produced much high response: 100, 85.7 and 55.5% in arterial, neurogenic and vein occlusive ED, respectively. Thus, combined treatment with sildenafil and alprostadil is a method of choice in the treatment of ED in failure of monotherapy with these drugs or in vein occlusive ED. In the combined treatment dose of the drugs, number of side effects and cost of therapy are lower.

Aim: To try combined treatment of erectile dysfunction with viagra and alprostadil in case of failure of their monotherapy; to compare effectiveness of viagra in dynamics of treatment, in various doses and dose adjustment., Material and Methods: 82 patients with ED of different genesis received a course of intracavernous injections of alprostadil followed by a course of viagra; 25 patients received combined treatment with alprostadil and viagra. Each course lasted for 3 months. Viagra efficiency was also assessed in long-term use (12 months) and different initial doses (50 or 100 mg)., Results: Monotherapy with alprostadil or viagra was effective in 73.2 and 75.6% patients, respectively. Their combination was more beneficial--88.0%. When used for a long time, viagra lost efficiency in psychogenic ED by 17.7%, in organic ED--by 16.9%. In an initial viagra dose 50 mg efficiency reached 70.3%, 100 mg--80.0%., Conclusion: Combined treatment of ED is a method of choice in monotherapy failure and in severe ED. Lowering of viagra efficiency in long-term administration may be explained by disappearance of placebo effect.

The effect of an endotoxin from Sh. Boydii on the biotransformation of amidopyrine and acetanilide, the activity of microsomal monooxygenases, hemoxygenase, and xanthine oxidase, the lipid peroxidation (LPO) intensity, the phospholipid spectrum, and the solubilization of microsomal membrane components was studied by intraperitoneal injections (2.5 mg/kg) in rats. It was found that the endotoxin inhibits the reactions of C- and N-acetanilide hydroxylation, N-amidopyrine demethylation, acetanilide hydrolysis at the amide bond, conjugation of aminophenol metabolites with glucuronic acid and sulfate, and 4-aminoantipyrine binding to acetate. The endotoxin effect reached maximum 24 h after injection and was observed for 96 h. The inhibition of metabolism of the test preparations is related to a decrease in the content of cytochrome P-450 and in the activity of 1A2, its 2B, 2C, 3A, and 2E1 isoforms. This is obviously caused by activated LPO and enhanced nitric oxide synthesis, as evidenced by a tenfold increase in the content of NO metabolites (nitrites and nitrates) in the blood of test animals. In clinical practice, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of a significant biotransformation of drugs in the acute period of bacterial infection, which may lead to changes in the pharmacological effect and toxicity of some drugs.

The ability of bispecific antibodies (Babs) formed by fusion of hybridomas and parent monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) to interact with the solid phase-adsorbed antigens was studied. Mabs specific to the three different antigens [horseradish peroxidase (HRP), human IgG (hIgG), and human myoglobin (Mb)] as well as Babs with the double specificity [antimyoglobin/antiperoxidase (anti-Mb/HRP) and anti-hIgG/antiperoxidase (anti-hIgG/HRP)] were used. It was shown by radioimmunological and immunoenzyme assays that parent Mabs bind to solid phase-adsorbed antigens considerably more effectively than Babs. The observed equilibrium binding constant (Ka) of antiperoxidase parental Mabs to immobilized HRP is 21 and 38 times higher than Ka for Babs binding sites (anti-Mb/HRP and anti-hIgG/HRP, respectively) to peroxidase. It was calculated that about 90-95% of all bound parental antiperoxidase Mabs were associated with immobilized HRP bivalently, and only about 5-10% were bound monovalently. On the contrary, parental Mabs against hIgG bind to the sorbed antigen essentially only monovalently. It was also shown that the avidity of anti-Mb/HRP Babs significantly increased when two antigens, Mb and HRP, were simultaneously adsorbed on the solid phase. These data imply that Babs bearing an enzyme-binding site (for example, binding to HRP) cannot be more effective than standard conjugates (e.g., enzyme-conjugated antibodies) in heterogeneous noncompetitive immunoassays.

Since 1995 we have treated 18 patients (age 17-52 years) after blunt perineal injury. 14 of them suffered from erectile dysfunction (ED). All the patients underwent examination which consisted of the standard tests and modern techniques: pharmacological dopplerography, electromyography of the penis with pharmacological loading, NMR-tomography of the perineum and the penis. NMR-tomography helped in identification of anatomic structures of the penis and pelvic fundus, pathological tissue processes (hematomas, damaged tissues, fibrous scars) after blunt injury of the perineum responsible for ED. The latter resulted from arterial (100%), venous (33.3%) and neurogenic (11.1%) lesions. Basing on the formulated pathogenetic conception it was possible to design diagnostic algorithm and policy of combined treatment of patients with ED following perineal blunt injury allowing for the time of the trauma and characteristics of the injury.

28 patients with erectile dysfunction of different origin received viagra (25, 50 or 100 mg depending on the effect and tolerance). The examination on the treatment week 4, 8 and 12 stated a 85% response. It was found that patients with body mass more than 90 kg benefited most in the dose 100 mg. Maximal single dose 100 mg is recommended for patients over 65 years of age. A 100% response was observed in patients with psychogenic and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction. Low effectiveness of viagra in patients with neurogenic erectile dysfunction can be explained by damaged parasympathetic nerve fibers. Thus, in the decision on viagra dose it is advisable to consider the patient's body mass, age and etiology of erectile dysfunction.

The paper presents the technique and results of electromyography of the penis (EMP) for 68 males divided into 3 groups: 21 volunteers with erectile disorders, 20 patients with nonvasculogenic erectile dysfunction and no history of pelvic operations, 27 patients with erectile abnormalities as a result of pelvic operations (after cystectomy -11, cystoprostatectomy -1, rectal resection -7, rectal extirpation -8 patients, groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Autonomic innervation of the penis is primarily characterized by such EMP parameters as amplitude, synchronism and frequency of potentials. Neurogenic penile disorder was identified in 3 patients of group 2 (1 patient with intervertebral disk hernia, 2 patients with lumbosacral osteochondrosis), in all patients of group 3 (electric silence was recorded in 22 patients). EMP should be included in the algorithm of examination of patients with erectile dysfunction as providing a reliable assessment of autonomic penile innervation.

The authors have operated 24 patients to repair total and subtotal defects of penile integuments due to oleogranuloma. They have performed a total of 13 transplantations of axial island cellolocutaneous inguinal flaps basing on the external pudendal, superficial epigastric or superficial circumflex iliac arteries; 3 transplantations of free axial inguinal grafts; 2 transplantations of free axial grafts from the forearm on the radial artery. Microvascular anastomoses with the recipient zone vessels were formed. 8 two-stage Reich operations were conducted. Postoperative dynamic monitoring (skin thermometry, oxygen polarography, Doppler ultrasound scanning of the vessels) of the graft has found more favourable vascular reactions in the axial flaps vs. scrotal ones. Effective contralateral grafting was performed in a patient with the transplant necrosis on the superficial epigastric artery.

The paper presents the results of diagnostic and therapeutic use of intracavernous injections of alprostadil edex (prostaglandin E1) of Schwartz Pharma AG production (Germany) in 14 patients with functional, compensated and subcompensated organic erectile dysfunction. Pharmacological test with alprostadil modelling cavernous body function extends diagnostic efficacy of doppler scanning of the penis and cavernosography. A complete effect (100% sexual rehabilitation) was achieved in 1 and partial in 3 males. Alprostadil edex kits are advocated as safe and convenient.

To evaluate cardiac effects of shock waves, 40 patients with uroliths (10 subjects with and 30 without arrhythmia) were examined during their exposure to remote electropiezolithotripsy (Piezolith-2300 unit). Arterial pressure and ECG were registered before, during (upon 1500 and 3000 impulses) and after the session. Except a slight deceleration of the heart rate, no cardiac disorders significant clinically were reported.

The paper presents the results of intracavitary chemotherapy with deposited cytostatics of advanced ovarian cancer as well experimental, morphological, biochemical and pharmacological data. Intraabdominal introduction of microspheres filled with cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin can be a variant of drug therapy in multimodality treatment of ovarian cancer. Combination of intracavitary chemotherapy with a systemic one has the advantage of local and regional effect which is not inhibited by mediated action of the deposited cytostatics via the systemic blood flow. The method is indicated in residual tumor dissemination after cytoreductive surgery and ovarian cancer with ascites.

The study was undertaken to examine 89 patients with acute myocardial infarction whose pulmonary pressures were measured under monitoring. The findings were compared with the time course of necrotic focal formation. The rate of the latter was found to determine central hemodynamic changes. High necrotization rates were ascertained to be directly related to the rate of pressure elevation in the pulmonary artery and the changes in stroke volume.

A change in filterability of erythrocytes through a cellulose filter with pores 7 microns in diameter was examined in 67 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Dynamic evaluation of the filterability was compared with a process of necrotic focus development in time. The filterability was ascertained to have various phases coinciding with the development phases of a necrotic focus and to be an early prognostic indicator of myocardial infarction.

The relationship between necrotic focus characteristics (weight and rate of necrotization) and the clinical pattern of myocardial infarction was examined. Necrosis weight was shown to have no significant effect on the course of myocardial infarction, while maximum necrotization rate was found to be a valuable predictive factor: the higher the necrotization rate, the higher the risk of fatal outcome and various complications. Prognosis, based on necrotization rate and patient's age, can be made, using an equation, derived for early prediction of myocardial infarction outcome.