Seasonal Dynamics of Testosterone and Corticosterone in Predatory Birds as Exemplified by the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).

Testosterone and corticosterone are steroid hormones that regulate various aspects of bird behavior. The dynamics of blood level of these hormones depending on the stage of the life cycle have been studied in many species. It has been shown for both sexes that the levels of both hormones rise during the breeding season. We have studied changes in the level of these hormones in the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) during a year. This has been the first study of this type on northern goshawk. We collected blood samples from 16 adult northern goshawks kept in pairs in aviaries in the VITASFERA Rare Bird Species Breeding Center. The testosterone level rises in males during the period of lekking and mating (March-June); however, there is no synchronous increase in females. The corticosterone level generally remains high throughout the year in both sexes. Since these are the only data on the northern goshawk, it cannot be concluded whether this is characteristic of the species as a whole or only for captive birds.

[Diagnostics and treatment of patients with giant leiomyoma of the esophagus]. / Diagnostika i lechenie bol'nykh s gigantskoi leiomiomoi pishchevoda.

Diagnostics and surgical treatment of 2 patients with giant esophageal leiomyoma are reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by chest computed tomography, MRI of the mediastinum, endoscopic ultrasound. Resection of tumor with mucosa suturing and Nissen fundoplication was performed in 1 case. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative partial failure of the seams of the esophageal wall occurred in 1 case. Drainage of posterior mediastinum was performed. Treatment resulted closure of the esophageal wall defect. Control postoperative examination confirmed patent esophagus and preserved passage through the esophagus. Multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of these patients results favorable outcomes.

[Methods of substance abuse prevention in the Armed Forces].

Dynamics of substance abuse morbidity in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation during the last 10 years (2002-2012) was analyzed. Results of performed analysis showed decreasing tendency since 2007 in conscripts (0.07% in 2012) and in contract soldiers (0.3% in 2012). Alcoholism prevailed in the structure of substance abuse in conscripts (0.05%), drug abuses were diagnosed 2,5 times less often (0.02%). In contract soldiers non-alcohol abuses were diagnosed in 0.004% of cases. It is stated that the major aims of substance abuse prevention are qualitative recruiting of military units (especially in troops maintaining the combat readiness) and departments (subunits) of military education, creating conditions for propaganda for healthy lifestyle, prohibition of drugs and psychopharmaceuticals in military units. For early detection of persons liable to substance abuse and facts of drug consumption it is necessary to perform a medical examination with the help of special program apparatus complex (such as "Addicts") and take into account clinical signs of addiction. Besides, it is necessary to introduce planned and unexpected medical examinations of servicemen. Algorithm of measures in case of detection of serviceman with alcohol or drug intoxication is given. In conclusion the main organizational principals of substance abuse prevention in the Armed Forces are given.

[Comorbide somatic pathology in servicemen with neurotic disorders].

Prevalence and structure of comorbidity a somatic pathology in military men with neurotic disorders was studied. It was established that 40,4% of surveyed noted concomitant somatic pathology, the structure of which was dominated by gastro-intestinal tract (26,8%), and pathology of the cardiovascular system (21,6%). It is shown that concomitant somatic pathology provided aggravating effect on clinic neurotic disorders in serviceman, making it difficult to diagnose mental disorders. The greatest risk concomitant a somatic pathology was marked in patients with depressive and somatoform disorders. Indicates the need for specialized standards of care for persons with comorbid mental and somatic disorders.

[Prevention of tobacco addiction in the Armed Forces].

The problems of tobacco smoking among servicemen are analyzed from the position of their interrelations with the quality of service duties performance. On the basis of received data the conclusion is drawn that the servicemen with tobacco dependence are characterized by lower level of mental resilience, adjustment capacities and are related to lower category of fitness for duty. Based on analyzes of the world and own country experience the program of tobacco smoking prevention among servicemen is proposed.

[Pathomorphism of neurotic disorders among military servicemen].

There were analyzed changes in popularity, structure and clinical peculiarities of neurotic disorders among military servicemen for the period 1986-2006. There were used epidemiological, clinical-archival and clinical-psypathological methods. It was established, that that internosological pathomorphosis of neurosis came out in reduction of their rates in general structure of psychological pathology. Internosological pathomorphosis has found reflection in narrowing of syndromes spectrum and its drift from hypochondriac to anxiety and depressive pole. Dynamic pathomorphosis consisted of less favorable indices of course and outcomes of these disturbances in 1992-1999, and also in reduction of the period of the period from the beginning of illness to hospitalization to a specialized department.

[Experience of delivery of psychiatric care during wars and armed conflicts in the XXth century].

The article presents the analyze of the character of delivery of psycho-aid in conditions of wars and armed conflicts of the XXth century. Generalizing of the experience of psycho-aid delivery in conditions of wars of the XXth century showed, that it's basing doctrinal provisions were laid by Russian psychiatrists during the Russian-Japan War. However, in foreign Armies this experience was used and improved (according to now-day's wars and armed conflicts), in our Armed Forces (until the 90th years of the XXth century) it wasn't used in right way. In general, the system of psycho-aid delivery to the staff, consists of 3 provisions: it's approach to the military stage, simplicity and security, existence of movable well-packaged staff structures, which can work optimally in combat conditions and secure necessary treatment-evacuation and rehabilitation measures.

[Surgical treatment of tumors of the spine with compression of the spinal cord]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie opukholei pozvonochnika s kompressiei spinnogo mozga.

The long-term results of surgical treatment of various tumors of the vertebral column in 53 patients are analysed. Treatment of malignant tumors, both primary and solitary metastatic, should be combined. Porous allografts filled with a chemical agent are suggested for use. Radio- and chemotherapy can be applied both before and after the operation. Primary decompression and stabilization, and if necessary--radiotherapy, are recommended in benign spinal tumors.

[Errors and difficulties in the surgical treatment of injuries of the cervical portion of the spine and spinal cord]. / Oshibki i trudnosti pri khirurgicheskom lechenii travmy sheinogo otdela pozvonochnika i spinnogo mozga.

On the basis of clinical observations, the authors distinguish organizational, tactical, and technical errors. Problems of transportation and hospitalization of the injured persons in clinics not specializing in this branch of surgery underlie the organizational errors. The authors relate improper choice of the operative method (laminectomy, reduction of dislocations, or anterior decompression with corporodesis) to the tactical errors; they recommend a strictly differential approach to this problem and suggest definite indications for each of them. The technical errors include resection of the articular processes in reduction of dislocations and excessive skeletization which leads to destabilization of the spinal segments.

[Neurophysiological monitoring of the efficacy of the complex therapy of vascular and posttraumatic encephalopathy].

Authors have studied the efficacy of adaptol and neyromidin in the combined treatment of patients with chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency and consequences of closed head injury using neurophysiological monitoring which included dynamic evaluation of central conductivity, neuropsychological tests and analysis of blood BDNF levels. Severe autonomic disorders, anxiety and low level of learning observed in all patients are correlated with neurophysiological (increased central conductivity time) and neurotrophic (decreased blood BDNF levels) profiles. These indicators may change throughout the treatment. The combination of adaptol and neyromidin enhanced greatly the efficacy of combined treatment. The received data allow recommending neurophysiological monitoring for treatment optimization of numerous neurological diseases that demand neuroplasticity stimulation.

[The prognostic significance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for phobic anxiety disorders, vegetative and cognitive impairments during conservative treatment including adaptol of some functional and organic diseases of nervous system].

We have studied the efficacy of adaptol in the treatment of 45 patients with somatoform dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and 30 patients with closed head injury. The condition of patients during the treatment was evaluated with clinical and neuropsychological scales. The serum level of BDNF before and after the treatment has been studied as well. Adaptol has been shown to enhance the production of BDNF, reduce significantly the intensity of anxiety, autonomic disorders and improve intellectual processes. The dose-dependent effect of the drug has been demonstrated. In conclusion, adaptol can be recommended for treatment of diseases that demand stimulation of neuroplasticity in the CNS.

[Cipramil treatment of neurotic depression]. / Lechenie nevroticheskoi depressii tsipramilom.

Thirty one patients, aged 23-48 years, with ICD-10 diagnosis of psychogenic neurotic depression (F32.0 and F32.1), were studied. According to antidepressants used, the patients were divided into 2 groups, of which the test one included 19 patients treated by cipramil (20-40 mg/day) and the comparative one consisted of 12 patients treated with amitriptilin (25-50 mg/day). The treatment duration was 28 days. The patient's state was evaluated, using clinical approach and instrumental methods, i.e. Hamilton depression scale, before treatment and on 14th and 28th days. After cipramil treatment, 14 patients out of 19 exhibited an improvement, with 5 revealing neurotic symptoms compensation. However, 5 patients proved to be resistant to the medication. In amitriptilin treatment, complete depression reduction was found only in 1 patient, with pronounced improvement being shown in 8 out of 12 patients. No changes in the patient's state were revealed for 3 cases. Cipramil treatment was not accompanied with any side effects.