Hypobaric nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere as a method of preventing altitude decompression sickness]

It has been shown experimentally that the development of altitude decompression disease at 250 and 180 mm Hg can be prevented by preliminary desaturation in the nitrogen-oxygen hypobaric atmosphere (60% N2 and 40% O2 at 550 mm Hg). This has been demonstrated in 38 experiments on 21 test subjects. The use of this atmosphere in space cabin prevents the development of decompression disease upon a decrease of the cabin pressure to 250 mm Hg and upon extravehicular activity in a space suit with 180--200 mm Hg.     

Puncture of a bronchial tumor in the bronchoscopic diagnosis of lung cancer

An analysis of the results of bronchial tumor biopsy performed in 200 lung cancer patients is reported. Morphological verification proved feasible in 193 of 200 patients. Biopsy and puncturing of the tumor are found to be most advantageous technics for the material take during bronchoscopy. Contrary to biopsy, an efficiency of transbronchial puncturing is not affected by the character of tumor growth and its morphological structure. A combined use of biopsy and puncture makes it possible to increase the percentage of morphologically supported diagnosis of pulmonary cancer. Transbronchial puncturing is also an efficient maneuver for detection of cancer recurrence in the bronchial stump and a residual tumor after conservative therapy. Endoscopic signs of the peribronchial pattern of tumor growth are absolute indications to its puncture.     

A comparative evaluation of treatment methods for a genital papillomavirus infection in women with different viral genotypes

Such genotypes of human papilloma virus (HPV) as "malignant" (180), "benign" (49) and indeterminate (127) were identified in 356 females by PCR and cytological procedures. The following therapeutic techniques were compared: cryodestruction of the uterine cervix (60), antiviral medication (AVM) (19), combination of AVM and cryodestruction (224), and combination of AVM and laser destruction (54). In the "malignant" HPV group, AVM in conjunction with cryo- or laser destruction was significantly more effective than cryodestruction or AVM alone. Both cryodestruction alone and in combination with AVM were more effective in treating "benign" genotypes. Repeat courses showed the same tendency.     

Equipment for hemodialysis using biologically active dialyzing solutions

The paper describes the test specimen of an apparatus for performing hemodialysis and ultrafiltration using biologically active dialysates. The designed test specimen may serve as a technical base for further investigations and optimization of hemodialysis using a biologically active dialysate.     

Delayed Effect of Hypotensive Drugs on Blood Pressure and Structure of the Myocardium in Hypertensive ISIAH Rats during Chronic Stress

Administration of antihypertensive drugs α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist and Ca²⁺ channel blocker during early ontogeny had various delayed effects on blood pressure in ISIAH rats with inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension under resting conditions and chronic stress. The drugs did not prevent the development of myocardial hypertrophy. Chronic stress had little effect on myocardial structure in adult animals.     

Role of viscosity and permeability of erythrocyte plasmatic membrane in controlling the oxygen transport effectiveness by human hemoglobin on completion of space flight]

Plasmatic membrane viscosity and permeability and hemoporphyrine conformation in human hemoglobin were studied on completion of long-duration space flight (LSF). Reversible increases in viscosity and selective permeability (Na+/H+ -turnover) of erythrocyte plasmatic membrane were observed immediately after and in the period of recovery from LSF. Viscosity of lipids in both external and internal locations of plasmatic membrane in human erythrocytes was changed after LSF. The reversible rise of the Na+/H+ -turnover is likely to alter intracellular pH and oxygen binding with hemoglobin. The former is confirmed by the concurrent reversible decline in the deoxyhemoglobin ability to bind oxygen and the oxyhemoglobin ability to retain oxygen. In LSF and during readaptation to the normal gravity blood levels of hemoglobin and free iron are known to be reduced and may be answerable for the hypoxic state of human organism.     

Single‐port surgery: Current applications and limitations

Introduction: In an attempt to further enhance the benefits of cosmesis and reduced morbidity of minimally invasive surgery, single‐port (incision) laparoscopic surgery (SPS) has emerged as a bridge between conventional laparoscopy and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. As the expertise and instrumentation required are an extension of standard laparoscopic techniques, SPS has been adapted for a variety of procedures and specialties in a short span of time. Discussion: In this article, we discuss the various SPS techniques, as well as the new devices and instrumentation available for facilitating SPS. We also review current applications reported for SPS in various surgical specialties. We present a comprehensive review of the potential benefits, limitations and risks of these novel techniques. Conclusion: Initial reports have demonstrated the technical feasibility and safety of SPS for a wide range of surgical applications. With specialized instrumentation and refinement of technique, its role will increase in coming years. Future work is necessary to improve existing instrumentation, to increase clinical experience and to assess the benefits of this surgical approach.     

Hemorrhagic (Marburg, Ebola, Lassa, and Bolivian) fevers: epidemiology, clinical pictures, and treatment

The evaluation of the biological and epidemiological properties of Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and Machupo viruses suggests that they are of social importance for health care authorities. The studies have created prerequisites to the development of reliable biosafety means against these pathogens. Particular emphasis is laid on the methods for infection diagnosis and on the studies to design specific protective agents--immunoglobulins and inactivated vaccines.