The method of claim 1 wherein said nitric oxide-releasing N2 O2 - functional group is contained in a compound of the formula: [R--N(H)N(NO)O-]y X (VII) wherein R is a C2-8 lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, or a C3-8 cycloalkyl, any of which R groups can be substituted by one to three substituents, which are the same or different and are selected from the group consisti