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The complexity of timely diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), as the most common form of systemic vasculitis in the elderly, is due to the nonspecificity of clinical manifestations and the absence of specific immunological markers. New difficulties arise during the period of coronavirus infection, which manifests itself in similar syndromes and at the same time can provoke immuno-inflammatory rheumatic disease. In this regard, it is extremely important to make a correct differential diagnosis between persistent viral infection and the development of systemic vasculitis. This article presents a clinical observation demonstrating the complex process of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of GCA in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient was hospitalized due to a confirmed coronavirus infection. However, despite the standard therapy and the achieved eradication of the coronavirus, the symptoms characteristic of GCA and polymyalgia rheumatica (PR) persisted. A precision analysis of the clinical picture allowed us to establish that the typical manifestations of GCA and PR occurred in the period preceding COVID-19 infection. Subsequent in-depth examination made it possible to verify the diagnosis of GCA and PR based on the current classification criteria. The therapy with glucocorticoid and methotrexate made it possible to achieve remission. The presented observation will help to raise awareness of general practitioners and related specialties about the need to rule out GCA and PR in the case of prolonged unexplained fever, myalgia, headache, joint pain and swelling, transient visual disturbances, jaw claudication in elderly patients in the setting or after coronavirus infection.

Background. The problem of comorbidity is becoming increasingly important in modern medicine and healthcare. A combination of infl ammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), the genesis of which is closely related to immune infl ammation, can be attributed to the number of comorbid mutually aggravating pathology. In real clinical practice, there is often a late diagnosis of these comorbid processes, which aff ects the quality and eff ectiveness of treatment and worsens the outcomes of diseases.Aim. In order to attract the attention of specialists of various profi les to immuno-i nfl ammatory comorbidity, the article presents current data on the association between IBD and SpA with an analysis of the frequency of joint and spine lesions in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), as well as the frequency of detection of intestinal lesions in various SpA phenotypes.Basic provisions. It has been shown that joint lesions in IBD and intestinal lesions in SpA, as a rule, occur in severe and moderate forms of these diseases, occurring with high or moderate activity. The HLA B27 genotype is more typical for individuals with manifest SpA, including developed against the background of IBD. The combination of IBD and SpA is caused by similar disorders of immunoregulation, the functional state of cells of native and adaptive immunity, and an imbalance of cytokines. These mechanisms have become the basis for the use of biological and targeted therapy in IBD and SpA, as well as in their combination. It has been shown that approximately half of patients resistant to standard drugs can achieve clinical remission on biological therapy.Conclusions. Thus, in order to objectify the severity of the immuno- infl ammatory process and improve outcomes, it is advisable to diagnose the most likely comorbid pathology in a timely manner and take this factor into account to optimize treatment.

Specialists in rheumatology quite often have to deal with the so-called overlap syndromes, characterized by the phenomenon when the onset of the immune-inflammatory process corresponding to one rheumatic disease later turns to another clinical form or even process. It is well known about the possible transformation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) into systemic scleroderma, Sjögren's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Along with this, of particular interest is the likelihood of developing an autoimmune process in the setting an autoinflammatory syndrome, which includes adult Still's disease (ASD). The article presents a clinical observation demonstrating the transformation of APS into spondyloarthritis, and then into RA. While there are many reports of the transition from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) to seropositive RA, the development of seropositive RA in adults with autoinflammatory syndrome is a very rare clinical situation. The analyzed aspect is of particular importance since the approaches to the management of patients with ASD and RA differ significantly in the range of biological agents used in these diseases. So, if the use of IL-1 inhibitors is recommended for the treatment of APS, then with a confirmed diagnosis of RA, the prospect of using other anticytokine agents, preferably IL-6 inhibitors, opens up. Thus, the observed clinical case is interesting not only from the standpoint of the importance of the precise form of the immune mediated disease identification at the time of choosing the optimal treatment, but also the differentiated use of biological agents, including Russian-made IL-6 inhibitors.

Background. Lesions of extra-articular soft tissues occupy a leading place in the structure of diseases of the musculoskeletal system in primary health care. At the same time, insuffcient attention is paid to this pathology, which leads to a decrease in the quality of care for patients with extra-articular pathology.Objective. Increasing the awareness of general practitioners about the clinical forms of extra-articular soft tissue diseases, current approaches to diagnosis and treatment.Basic provisions. The article presents the characteristics of the main forms of periarticular lesions: periarthritis, incl. painful shoulder, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, capsulitis, bursitis. The leading mechanisms of periarticular disorders are presented, the clinical picture and diagnostic signs of particular forms are described. The role of modern methods of visualization of periarticular lesions using ultrasound and MRI is noted. The main approaches to the drug therapy of periarticular disorders are presented, including use of slow-acting symptom-modifying drugs (SYSADOA). The authors present their own data demonstrating the connective tissue metabolism disturbance in periarticular disorders as well as the effectiveness of the drug Alflutop in the treatment of periarticular lesions of a ‘mechanical’ nature.Conclusions. Primary forms of periarticular disorders are a consequence of microtraumatization and can be attributed to ‘mechanical’ types of damage. The ultrasound is pivotal in the diagnosis and evaluation the severity of the lesion and its origin. Biomarkers of connective tissue damage can be detected in the blood of patients with periarticular disorders. The treatment results can be improved with drugs from the SYSADOA group.

Introduction. Recent trends in the sphere of internationalisation of higher education expand theoretical insights into the dialectical nature of correlation between pedagogical science and educational practice, as well as the relationship between the general direc tions of the development of higher education, its national and regional specifics. An analysis of the experience of internationalisation of universities is required for the development of various models to modernise higher education, including legal education, and to substantiate practical recommendations for reforming the Russian higher education system. To date, an understanding has been reached of the need to internationalise higher education in the context of globalization to increase the competitiveness of the Russian higher education system, as evidenced by the Federal project to maximise the competitive position of Russian universities among the world’s leading scientific and educational centres (The Russian Academic Excellence Project 5-100). Internationalisation, being the key to optimising the export potential of Russian higher education, is essential for the modernisation of legal education.Aim. The research aimed to evaluate the productivity of actual instruments of international cooperation between universities and to outline optimal approaches to the usage of successful practices of international and Russian educational space to enhance the attractiveness of Russian legal education, and, as a consequence, the creation of a sustainable competitive advantage of a higher education institution.Methodology and research methods. Complex, interdisciplinary goals and tasks of the present research predetermined the application of gnoseological and synergetic approaches to the selection of research tools. The gnoseological approach facilitated a more profound analysis of the nature of internationalisation and integration of education in the current international processes. The synergetic approach resulted in the integration of pedagogical and legal research methods to define an optimal internationalisation strategy for the training of multiskilled legal professionals.Results. The authors assessed the effectiveness of the existing ways of internationalization of Russian legal education according to foreign student demand. A comprehensive analysis of the legal, political and social aspects of the current state of attractiveness of the Russian market of educational services and the need to identify the specifics of the internationalization of higher legal education was carried out. The experience monitoring of inter-university international cooperation allowed the authors to determine the conditions for the effectiveness of joint legal programmes (creation of an innovative educational environment, project activities and a flexible management system); to analyse modern pedagogical technologies applicable to legal disciplines; to determine the best schemes used by Russian and European universities for external mobility of students and teachers; to develop the proposals for the introduction of disciplines (for Russian students) provided in foreign languages by Russian and foreign teachers; to propose measures to improve the state policy in the field of interest, aimed at stimulating Russian universities to develop international joint educational programmes.Scientific novelty. The article presented the analysis of positive and negative experiences of Russian universities in application of internationalisation key tools in legal higher education. The acknowledged internationalisation methods of higher education were systematised in general. The additional ways for the integration of Russian legal education, in particular, to the international educational space, were identified.Practical significance consists in the approbation of new methods based on competency and practice-oriented approaches. The authors developed the guidelines for the implementation of internationalisation to enhance university competitive advantage and to increase the demand for graduates in labour market.

Background. Osteoporosis (OP) and its consequences is a pivotal medical and social problem. Rheumatic diseases especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a key factor in the development of secondary OP. At the same time, patients with RA also have traditional risk factors (RF) for OP, as well as the adverse effects of drugs on bone metabolism. Consideration of the full spectrum in each patient with RA plays an important role in the individualized assessment of the risk of OP and the rational management.The aim. To analyze the most significant RF of OP in a cohort of patients with verified RA observed by primary care specialists.Materials and methods. Medical cards of 100 patients with determined RA (ACR / EULAR criteria) who were observed at out-patient clinics were studied. Along with the analysis of the clinical manifestations of RA, the registration of OP RF, both traditional and disease-related, was carried out with an analysis of the prevalence of RF in the investigated cohort.Results. The RA cohort under study was dominated by patients with erosive arthritis, disease duration of more than 5 years, RF and/or ACCP positivity, moderate activity, functional class 2–3. Based on the available instrumental data, systemic OP was diagnosed in 33% of patients, while DXA-densitometry was performed only in 5% of patients with osteoporotic fractures. Among the traditional RF, the most significant were female sex, age higher than 50 years, BMI less than 20 kg/m2 . The frequency of registration of these RF was significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with confirmed OP. Of the disease-associated RF, the most common were the following: duration of RA more than 5 years, activity of 2–3 degrees, high titer of RF and ACCP, X-ray stage II and higher, long term systemic GC use.Conclusions. In real practice, the diagnosis of OP in primary care in patients with RA is based on the available instrumental methods, preferably on standard radiography of bones and joints, which leads to underestimation and/or late diagnosis of OP. Patients with RA have a wide range of traditional and specific OP RFs, the assessment of which is important for determining the risk of fractures and timely prevention of OP complications.

Background. Rheumatic diseases (RD) of autoimmune origin are considered as an important risk factor for infectious processes due to characteristic native immune system disorder, as well as due to the adverse effect of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids on the mechanisms of anti-infective protection.Aim. To highlight the problem of RD and concomitant viral infection which becomes critical in the era of COVID‑19.Results. According to the current national guidelines for the management of patients with COVID‑19, patients with RD represent an increased risk group for the adverse course of coronavirus infection. Presented article provides basic information on the use of interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) inhibitors in patients with COVID‑19 focusing on the benefit of this therapeutic option in those with prior RD. The article presents an analysis of two clinical cases demonstrating high efficacy and good tolerability of levilimab (Ilsira®) in the treatment of coronavirus pneumoniae in the setting of autoimmune diseases: polymyositis (PM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Conclusion. Our own clinical experience confirms the feasibility of including an IL‑6 receptor inhibitor in the treatment regimen for coronavirus pneumonia in patients with RD characterized of immune inflammation.

In the presented article contemporary conceptions of genetics and clinical aspects of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) used to termed ‘Periodic disease’ and being the commonest form of autoinflammatory syndrome have been discussed. Great attention is paid to gen MEFVpathogenic mutations, which are associated with sever FMF clinical manifestation. FMF characteristic clinical picture, criteria for diagnosis in children and adults as well as classification criteria Eurofever / PRINTO (2019) for FMF, considering genetic marker as major criterion, have been presented. Management of FMF according to EULAR recommendations (2016) based on traditional use of colchicine and alternative treatment with IL-1 inhibitors is analyzed. Brief review of clinical data and results of randomized trials have demonstrated high efficacy and safety of canakinumab in resistant FMF as well as in secondary amyloidosis treatment.

This article presents analysis of current data highlighted the problem of pathogenic mechanism of the most common spondyloarthritides (SpA) and focused on the pivotal role of interleukin‑17 in immune inflammation realization. Contribution of IL‑17 in mechanism of SpA particularly in different organ damage, in perpetuation of chronic inflammation and in structural progression is discussed. The clinical and experimental evidence of close relationship between IL‑17A levels, on one hand, and disease activity, high tempo of joint and bone affection as well as SpA extra-articular manifestations, on the other, are presented. Contribution of cell-mediated immune response including activated IL‑17A-producing cells to the pathogenesis of different SpA phenotypes is shown. Great attention is paid to the clinical effects of IL‑17A inhibition in Sp A. The results of clinical trials of novel IL‑17A inhibitor netakimab in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis are presented. These data have demonstrated high efficacy and safety of tried preparation used in the regimen 120 mg per 2 weeks. On the basis of performed analysis the key role of IL‑17 in SpA pathogenesis is confirmed and expediency of SpA target therapy with novel IL‑17A inhibitor netakimab is justified.

The azimuthal elastic anisotropy of the upper mantle of the Voronezh uplift is estimated from the data of three three-component broadband stations of the Voronezh seismic network: “Storozhevoe” (VSR), “Novokhopersk” (VRH), and “Galichia Gora” (LPSR) from SKS/SKKS splitting. Two parameters were calculated—the time shift between two quasi-shear waves (δt), which are formed when a shear wave (for example, SKS) passes through an anisotropic medium, and the azimuth of the axis of maximum speed α (axis of symmetry), along which a “fast” quasi-shear wave propagates. According to the data from different station, the anisotropic parameters are α = 40°, δt = 0.6 s (VSR); α = 40°, δt = 0.1 s (VRH); α = 40°, δt = 0.4 s (LPSR). Taking into account the relatively close location of the stations, all the data were summed up to yield α = 40°, δt = 0.4 s. As all obtained results are similar to each other and coincide with the direction of movement of the Eurasian plate, it is concluded that the anisotropy of the upper mantle in the region is relatively weak, has a northeast azimuth, and is caused by modern tectonic processes.

The article contents the analysis of different clinical phenotypes in the most common spondyloarthritis (SpA): ankylosing spondylitis (AS), axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). SpA polymorphism has been discussed on the basis of multiple clinical presentations, structural lesions, radiological, immunological and genetic characteristics. Role of pro-inflammatory agents especially IL-17 in structural progression has been pointed out. Recent data regarding the link between HLA-B27 antigen, gender and age specificity and different clinical manifestation of SpA are presented. Current algorithms for SpA management based on evidence of efficacy sDMARD and/or biologics in separate phenotypes of SpA as well as resistance to DMARD are highlighted. Authors have concluded that meticulous analysis of SpA manifestation and patient’s individual profile is critical in rational SpA management according to personified medicine strategy.

Tree-ring anatomical structure is the key to understanding of adaptive specifics of xylem of various species to climate change. This is especially significant in the permafrost zone due to likely permafrost degradation. We compared anatomic features of annual rings of Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr., Larix cajanderi Mayr.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) growing in the permafrost zone in Central Siberia for 1960–2011. Climatic factors affecting tree radial growth and anatomic features of tracheids of coniferous species were revealed.

The article presents current data on algorithms for managing patients with the most common forms of spondylarthritis — ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondylarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, based on existing national and European recommendations. The analysis of innovative approaches to the patho‑genetic therapy of spondyloarthritis with special attention to the inhibition of interleukin‑17 using the drug secukinumab. Along with the literature data, there is a clinical experience of using secukinumab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. It has been shown that secukinumab can improve the quality of treatment and achieve clinical remission in patients with high disease activity and adverse prognostic factors. In connection with the high efficacy and safety of treatment, the feasibility of using secukinumab as a first‑line biological agent with insufficient response to a standard basic drug is discussed.

For the first time, comprehensive comparative investigations of ultraviolet photodetectors with Cr Schottky barriers formed on 4H-SiC epitaxial layers are carried out by the X-ray and optical methods before and after irradiation with 15-MeV protons with fluences in the range of (1–4) × 1012 cm–2. When increasing the fluence of proton irradiation, the formation of localized regions with negative deformation is observed along with the unperturbed silicon-carbide matrix. Agreement between the X-ray and optical studies is obtained, which makes it possible to explain the features of the spectral changes in the photosensitivity of detectors in the range of 200–400 nm with an increase in the fluence of proton irradiation. The ultraviolet Cr/4H-SiC photodetectors withstand irradiation by 15-MeV protons with a fluence of 4 × 1012 cm–2 virtually without any changes in the photosensitivity due to the gettering of simple defects by cluster and amorphous formations, which lead to partial structural improvement of the irradiated material.

A comparative analysis of the seasonal formation of tree rings has been performed in Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), growing in the southern taiga of Central Siberia in two sites on the altitudinal transect (200 and 536 m a.s.l.). Core samples were taken from April to September in 2012. The results have shown that the onset and duration of different phases of tree ring formation in larch and pine are determined by the geographic location of the sites and the related temperature gradient. It should be noted that species-specific features of tree growth have an effect on the formation of xylem cells during the growing period and, as a consequence, on the dimensional anatomical parameters of tracheids.

Forward and reverse current-voltage (IV) characteristics of Cr-SiC (4H) Schottky diodes based on epitaxial layers with doping (1-3)· 1015 cm-3 were studied in the temperature range of 300-550 K. It is shown that in many cases the IV characteristics are close to ideal, but a significant spread of the forward IV characteristics of diodes manufactured in the same way on the same epitaxial layer was found, probably due to the spread of the Schottky barrier heights reaching 0.3 eV. Heating of the diode, as well as packaging, can also change the Schottky barrier height. An alternative explanation suggests the presence of a powerful shunt.

The kinetics of corrosion losses of carbon steel, copper, and zinc in the continental and coastal areas of Vietnam is studied by in situ testing. The dominant climate and aerochemical atmospheric factors are revealed with respect to the metals tested in different periods of their exposure. The mathematical models that characterize the relationship between the time of wetness of metal surface, atmospheric pollution, and corrosion rate are developed. Based on power law model M = At k , the values of constants A and k are calculated for each metal and test site, where parameter A characterizes corrosion losses of metal for the first year of exposure and k denotes the protective properties of a layer of corrosion products.

Background According to recent national and EULAR recommendation cardiovascular risk (CVR) in pts with RA should be evaluated using modified SCORE system. But a lot of investigations and real clinical data demonstrate that this system commonly down-estimates CVR in RA pts. Objectives Aim of our study was to compare standard CVR assessment and additional CVR evaluation on the basis of specific disease-associated risk factors (RF) and CV system investigations in long standing RA. Methods 118 pts (96 female, 22 male) aged from 34 to 74 years old (mean age 55.91±5.21) with long standing RA (duration >5 years) were observed. In all pts CVR was stratified according to modified SCORE. We have analysed pts medical cards and standard examination data to determine clinical features of RA and associated conditions to verify severity of CVR. In term to reveal asymptomatic CV disease pts had undergone additional investigations (echocardiography, Dopplerography of carotid arteries, ECG-monitoring). Results Conventional CVRF were registered in 110 (93.22%) pts. Age>45 (male),>50 (female) was in 85 (72.03%) pts, BMI>25 kg/m 2 ; in 10.17%, elevated cholesterol level and/or dyslipidemia in 41.52%, AH with target organ damage was detected in 45.76%, T2DM in 11.8%, CKD 3 stage in 10.17%, history of MI was in 2 (1.69%) pts. According to modified SCORE for RA very high, high, moderate and low CVR was detected in 17.80%, 47.46%, 18.64%, 16.10% cases respectively. High activity of RA was diagnosed in 61.02%, and erosive arthritis in 84.75% pts. Inadequate disease-modifying treatment was qualified in15.26% cases. Majority of pts (59.32%) received systemic glucocorticoids (GC) in daily doses from 2 to 12 mg of methylprednizolon, among these pts 14 (11.86%) have been taken GC in moderate and high dose for a long period. On the basis of instrumental data asymptomatic atherosclerosis of aorta and/or aortic valve and/or carotid arteries was detected in 44 pts (37.29%). Silent ischemia was revealed in 3 pts (2.54%). High disease activity and long term systemic GC treatment were associated with significantly high CV events in observed pts (p 2 ; criterion. Conclusions Obtained data suggest that modified SCORE is not absolutely reliable tool for precise CVR stratification in long standing RA. Additional investigations to define asymptomatic atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease are required in term to prevent CV complications especially in pts with high active erosive RA treated with systemic GC. Disclosure of Interest None declared

An imprinted thermoresponsive cryogel of copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and N-[3-(N,N'-dimethylamino)propyl]acrylamide was synthesized in a frozen (-10°C) aqueous medium in presence of a molecular template, the drug substance ibuprofen. A reversible volume phase transition upon heating (thermotropic collapse) of the swollen cryogel was studied by high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry. In the absence of ligands, the transition temperature, enthalpy, and width were 82.5 °C, 9.8J · g -1 and 32.2 °C, respectively. Significant changes in the transition parameters were observed in presence of the template ligand (ibuprofen): with increasing ligand concentration the transition temperature decreased down to 30 °C, the enthalpy passed through a minimum, and the transition width notably reduced. The binding constants of ibuprofen by the cryogel sub-chains in the collapsed and swollen states were 119 and 5 M -1 , respectively. This implies a preferential binding of ibuprofen by the shrunken cryogel. The excess absorption of ibuprofen by the cryogel related to its collapse amounted to 0.327 mmol · g -1 while for all other ligands that were structural analogs of ibuprofen this parameter did not exceed 0.016 mmol · g -1 . Consequently, the imprinted cryogel possessed a selective molecular memory toward the template ligand.

Hydrogen-bonded interpolymer complexes between poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPA) and poly(methacrylic acid) (pMAA) were studied in aqueous solutions by means of high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (HS-DSC), analytical ultracentrifugation, and light scattering. Composition of the complexes was varied by changing the pMAA/pNIPA molar ratio r and pH. Solubility of the pMAA/pNIPA complexes increased with increasing the content of pMAA in the complex and decreased with decreasing pH. According to HS-DSC, the phase transition behavior of pNIPA upon heating is significantly modified in complexes with pMAA. Thus, decreasing pH from pH 7 to 3 or increasing the content of pMAA decreases the phase transition temperature of the complexes by 4−5 °C with respect to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of pure pNIPA. At the same time, the enthalpy of the transition decreases down to zero and the transition width increases by more than 1 order of magnitude. Thermograms of the soluble complexes ...

We studied intraspecific features of the main enzymes of metabolism and detoxication of xenobiotics on mice (eight inbred lines) and rats (five lines) for estimation of possible variants of complete or incomplete metabolic equality. Significant genetically determined intraspecific differences for activities of the enzymes of metabolism and detoxication of xenobiotics were described. Generalized criteria for comparison of the metabolic status were proposed on the basis of activities of the main enzymes: cytochrome P-450 (hydroxylation and epoxidation), epoxyhydrolase, glutathione-S-transferase, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase, and sulfotransferase. The proposed criteria for estimation of the metabolic parameters of an individual can serve as a basis of metabolic portraiting.

The radical polymerisation of acrylamide initiated with a persulfate/tertiary amine redox pair was performed in liquid (+5 to +35°C) and moderately frozen (–10 to –30°C) aqueous solutions. The reaction in frozen systems resulted in the pronounced increase in the molecular weight of the polymer. The temperature dependence of the yield and molecular weight of cryogenically produced polyacrylamide were of extreme character with a maximum for both parameters in the vicinity of –12.5°C.

The object of investigations was soda industry waste. Slimes are formed at slimes storage which occupy considerable areas and are considered to be the source of permanent impact on the hydrosphere objects. Slimes storage placement within settlement boundaries and water protection zone of large watercourses leads to the deterioration of sanitary, hygienic and environmental situation and to the rising of risks to health of communities. Waste processing with getting new materials on the base of soda industry waste with wide application is seems to be one of the way for problem solving. It is essential to take into account sanitary and hygienic characteristics of slimes within justifying possible directions of its use. Thus, researches concerning assessment of physical, chemical and toxicological waste characteristics are considered to be actual. The aim of researches is to examine physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics of soda production slimes for justifying directions of its use including delivery of new materials respondent to the all regulatory sanitary and hygienic requirements. Experimental investigations of assessment physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics of slimes were carried out according to standard methods. Within assessment of toxicological slimes characteristics the following test-objects were used: Ceriodaphnia affinis, Paramecium caudatum. As a result of investigations watered slime samples were determined to be referred to the 4th hazard level (low-hazard) waste; samples with preliminary mechanical dehydration are referred to the 5th hazard level (practically nonhazardous) waste for environment. These are correspond to the 3rd and 4th hazard level according to sanitary regulations, respectively.

Characteristics of Schottky barriers fabricated on n-type GaN were investigated. The barriers were formed by vacuum thermal evaporation of Cr, Au, and Ni. Current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of the barriers were measured in a wide temperature and current density range. Fundamental parameters (barrier height and built-in potential) of the Schottky barriers were determined. The dependence of the barrier ideality factor on doping concentration in GaN was measured. Correlation between the barrier height and metal work function was observed. The electron affinity for GaN was determined using both C-V and I-V characteristics. The current flow mechanism through the barriers is discussed.

We report on the fabrication of n-ZnO/p-AlGaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes on 6H-SiC substrates. Hydride vapor phase epitaxy was used to grow p-type AlGaN, while chemical vapor deposition was used to produce the n-type ZnO layers. Diode-like, rectifying I-V characteristics, with threshold voltage ~3.2V and low reverse leakage current ~10(-7)A, are observed at room temperature. Intense ultraviolet emission with a peak wavelength near 389 mn is observed when the diode is forward biased; this emission is found to be stable at temperatures up to 500K and shown to originate from recombination within the ZnO.

Reduced glutathione (GSH), gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteineglycine, is a tripeptide widespread in plants, animals, and man as a low-molecular weight SH-containing compound. This review presents results of published and original studies concerned with the synthesis and the role of glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzymes in antioxidative processes, such as maintenance and regulation of cell status, glutathionilation and deglutathionilation, redox-dependent signaling, and apoptosis.