Electronic spectroscopy of the alkaline-earth halide cluster Ca_2Cl_3

A visible spectrum of the cluster Ca_2Cl_3 was observed from 651 to 630 nm by 1 + 1[prime] resonant multiphoton ionization spectroscopy. Spectra were obtained for each of the four isotopomers: Ca2 35Cl3, Ca2 35Cl2 37Cl, Ca2 35Cl 37Cl2, and Ca2 37Cl3. The spectra were composed of a strong origin band at 15 350.8 cm^(–1) and several very weak vibronic bands. All of the bands were sharp with partially resolved rotational band contours. Density functional calculations predicted three minimum energy isomers. The spectrum was assigned to the 2B2<--X-tilde 2A1 transition of the lowest energy isomer, a planar C2v structure having a ring of two Cl and two Ca atoms and a terminal Cl atom. The ring isomer of Ca_2Cl_3 has the unpaired electron localized on one Ca^(2+) ion to form a Ca^+ chromophore. The two other predicted isomers, a D3h trigonal bipyramid and a C2v planar V-shaped structure, were not consistent with the observations

INFLUENCE OF THE SHAPE OF HYDROGEN-CONTAINING INCLUSIONS ON THE INTERGRANULAR CORROSION PROCESS OF THE AL - SI ALLOY SYSTEM

It is known that the surface of aluminum alloys is characterized by the formation of pitting (point damage), which can subsequently cause intergranular corrosion. This corrosion damage is dangerous in that it is almost impossible to detect it visually, since it extends from surface into interior of the material. The effect of the form of hydrogen inclusions on the corrosion resistance of an Al – Si alloy is investigated. For the tests on intergranular corrosion were selected uncoated samples of silumin AK12 (ENAC-AlSi12(a), A04130) with different forms of hydrogen inclusions — atomic and molecular. The content of dissolved hydrogen in all samples is 0.2 cm3/100 g. The duration of methodical tests in special solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is 24 hours. Additionally, two samples from each series were exposed to a solution of another 48 hours. Evaluation of the effects of intergranular corrosion on silumin samples was performed by metallographic method. Given the fact that the data on the loss of mass over a certain period of time are less reliable, in comparison with the data on the structure change over the same time. Then, the effect of intergranular corrosion on the mechanical properties of silumin was evaluated using the electromechanical universal testing machine. During the research was found that at the equal content of the dissolved hydrogen samples with molecular inclusions are more subject to intergranular destruction. This follows from the considerable depth of corrosion propagation and the decrease in the mechanical properties of silumin relative to the results for samples with atomic hydrogen. Wherein the analysis of the level of mechanical properties showed that after intergranular corrosion, the tensile strain decreases to a considerable extent. The work was carried out within the project 14.578.21.0193 “Development of theoretical and technological solutions for hydrogen reduction in aluminum and lowalloyed aluminum alloys” of the Federal Target Program “Researches and developments in the priority directions of progress of Scientific and Technological Complex of Russia for 2014–2020” with the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. The unique identifier of agreement RFMEFI57816X0193

Possibilities of Detecting Pre-clinical Forms of Atherosclerosis During Periodic Preventive Inspections in Organized Collectives at Workers of Machine Building Enterprises

Aim. To study the structural and functional features of the carotid and femoral arteries using ultrasound duplex scanning of them in patients with hypertension undergoing periodic preventive medical examination.Material and methods. Periodic preventive examination was carried out for 2431 employees (1311 men and 1120 women) aged 20-65 years using a specially developed questionnaire, blood pressure measurement, anthropometry, total cholesterol test. Hypertensive men were assessed for preclinical manifestations of atherosclerosis by ultrasound duplex scanning of the carotid and femoral arteries.Results. Hypertensive men (BP ≥140/90 mmHg and/or taking antihypertensive drugs; n=176, mean age 43.5 years) were included in the study. An increase in the thickness of the intima-media complex in the carotid arteries was found in 22.2% (n=38) people, in the femoral arteries – in 34.1% (n=60) people, in both basins – in 16.5% (n= 29) man. Atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries were found in 40.3% of people (n=71), and in the femoral arteries – in 34.7% (n=61) of people, in both pools – in 23.9% (n=42) of men.Conclusion. Ultrasound diagnostic using modern ultrasound scanners is a highly informative method for non-invasive diagnosis of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the carotid and femoral basins in employees of a large industrial enterprise with arterial hypertension in the conditions of the medical and sanitary department. Carrying out these diagnostic approaches is advisable when organizing periodic medical examinations in order to improve primary prevention, as well as to prevent the aggravation of the identified pathological process, reduce complications, improve quality and increase life expectancy

Biological mechanisms of disease and death in Moscow: rationale and design of the survey on Stress Aging and Health in Russia (SAHR)

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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MARKERS EFFICIENCY OF VISCERAL OBESITY DETECTION IN MEN WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

The purpose of the study was to carry out comparative and quantitative assessment of surrogate markers of visceral obesity and their connection with the severity of clinical, biochemical and hormonal disorders in men with the metabolic syndrome and obesity. Material and methods. 136 men, aged from 23 to 68 years, who were patients of therapeutic clinic were observed. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal screening was taken. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients. Criteria of international experts’ consensus in the fields of cardiology and endocrinology (2009) were used to identify metabolic syndrome. Results and discussion. It was shown that among the all surrogate markers of visceral obesity (waist circumference; waist circumference measured in the lying position; waist circumference measured without the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue; the ratio of waist circumference to the circumference of the hips; sagittal abdominal diameter; thickness of epicardial adipose tissue) the largest number of statistically significant correlations with the clinical-biochemical, hormonal and adipokine characteristics of men was found for the waist circumference, measured in the lying position, and the waist circumference, measured without the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue. Intermediate position among the estimated markers was taken by a waist circumference measured in a standing position. Fewer number of correlation connections were revealed for thickness of the epicardial fat, sagittal abdominal diameter and the ratio of waist circumference to the circumference of the hips. Conclusion. The received results demonstrate objectivity of the selection of the surrogate markers of the severity of visceral obesity reviewed in the study, among which the waist circumference measured in the lying position had the greatest efficiency

PHARMACOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CARVEDILOL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND METABOLIC RISK FACTORS (ACCORDING TO THE CAMELLIA STUDY)

Aim. To perform cost-effectiveness analysis of 24 weeks antihypertensive therapy based on carvedilol or metoprolol in patients with arterial hypertension (HT) 1-2 degrees and overweight/obesity. To assess effects of carvedilol therapy on 10-year expected risk of cardiovascular complications (CVC).Material and methods. Patients with HT and overweight/obesity (n=320) were included into the study and randomly split in two groups. Patients of the first group (n=160) received carvedilol as a basic therapy and patients of the second group (n=160) — metoprolol. Both groups of the patients were comparable on key clinical characteristics.Results. In 24 weeks of treatment systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) decreased significantly in comparison with the baseline level (p&lt;0.0001). Dose doubling of beta-blockers was required more often in patients treated with carvedilol. At the same time a combined antihypertensive therapy of the patients treated with carvedilol was required less (p&gt;0.05). Target BP levels were achieved in carvedilol and metoprolol groups in 96.2and 95.5% of patients respectively (p=0.85). Carvedilol had better effect on plasma metabolic indicators such as glucose (p&lt;0.01), lipid profile, uric acid level. Reduction in expected 10-year risk of death was more pronounced in 24 weeks carvedilol treatment. Cost of target BP level achievement was approximately 2.5 times higher in carvedilol group than this in metoprolol group. However cost of additional therapy was higher in metoprolol group. 1% reduction of the 10-year expected risk of CVC death cost 1 847 rubles in carvedilol therapy.Conclusion. Carvedilol therapy (vs metoprolol one) has a higher cost under comparable efficacy. Additional expenses are compensated with the favorable effect on metabolic indices and a more pronounced effect on reduction in the 10-year expected risk of CCO death. That is why carvedilol can be recommended to patients with HT and metabolic risk factors. Longer studies are necessary to assess an effect of carvedilol therapy on prognosis in patients with HT and concomitant metabolic disorders

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION TREATMENT IN MEN AND WOMEN BASED ON THE RESULTS OF ACCORD STUDY (ACRIDILOLE IN COMBINATION THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY OR TYPE 2 DIABETES)

Aim. To compare the efficacy and safety of carvedilol in men and women with mild to moderate arterial hypertension, associated with obesity and/or compensated diabetes type 2. Material and methods. Hypertensive patients (n=592, 176 men and 416 women) with obesity and/or diabetes were involved into randomized comparative open-label study in parallel groups. Patients were randomized into two groups. Patients of group A (n=291: 90 men and 201 women) kept on to receive previous antihypertensive drugs except beta-blockers which were withdrawn and replaced with carvedilol (Acridilole®, PLC “Akrikhin”, Russia). Patients of control group (n=301: 86 men and 215 women) kept on to receive only previous antihypertensive drugs. Efficacy of antihypertensive therapy was assessed at every 2-week visits during 24-week observation. Biochemical parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism, 12-lead ECG were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study. Target blood pressure (BP) achievement and safety was assessed in 24 weeks of treatment. Results. Women had more severe metabolic abnormalities compared with men. By the 24th week of treatment significant reduction in systolic BP , diastolic BP , and heart rate was found in the both groups of patients regardless of gender , intergroup differences were significant (p&lt;0,05). By the end of the study target BP level was achieved in 96.3% of men and 96,8% of women in group A and 85.9% and 88.8%, respectively , in the control group (p&lt;0,001). The number of hospital admissions decreased in 4.8 times in men (p&lt;0.0001) and 12 times - in women (p&lt;0.05) in group A, and in 2.7 and 3.3 times, respectively , — in the control group (p&lt;0.0001). Mild to moderate side effects were observed in 32 patients: 19 and 13 patients in group A and control group, respectively (p=0.58). Adverse event rate was not distinguished significantly between men and women. Conclusion: The results show comparable high efficacy and safety of carvedilol in hypertensive men and women with concomitant diseases and high metabolic and cardiovascular risk

THERAPEUTIC EQUIVALENCE OF ORIGINAL CLOPIDOGREL (PLAVIX) AND ITS GENERIC (EGITROMB). RESULTS OF COMPARATIVE RANDOMIZED CROSS-OVER BLIND STUDY

Aim. To study therapeutic equivalence (efficacy, safety and tolerability) of original clopidogrel (Plavix) and its generic (Egitromb) in patients of high cardiovascular risk. Material and methods. Thirty one patients with coronary heart disease and indications for clopidogrel therapy were involved into the randomized cross-over blind study. Half of the patients received original clopidogrel (75 mg daily) during the first 2 weeks and then they received generic clopidogrel in the same dose during next 2 weeks. Another half of the patients received the drugs in reverse order. Antiplatelet activity of Plavix and Egitromb was estimated by effects on ADP-induced platelet aggregation initially and after 2 weeks of treatment with each drug. Study blinding was provided by the following approach: doctors of cardiology clinic performed clinical monitoring and drug distribution; coded blood samples for platelet aggregation assessment were studied in independent laboratory of thrombosis; statistical data analysis was performed by biostatistics expert in other research center. Results. 2-week therapy with each drug led to a significant decrease of ADP-induced platelet aggregation which remained low after switching from original drug to generic and vice versa. Aggregation dynamics did not depend on the first administered drug. There were no significant differences between aggregation changes as a result of treatment with original or generic drug. No one adverse event was observed in association with both drugs therapy. Conclusion. Generic drug Egitromb (Egis, Hungary) and original clopidogrel Plavix (Sanofi-Aventis, France) have equivalent antiplatelet effect