EFFECTS OF ACOUSTIC DISTURBANCE CAUSED BY SHIP TRAFFIC ON COMMON FISH SPECIES IN THE HIGH ARCTIC

Due to climate change the high Arctic is experiencing growth in acoustic anthropogenic disturbance that may affect aquatic species, such as Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida), and Inuit residents. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted on this topic and species. Furthermore, there is urgent need for conservation action through much needed collaboration between Inuit and researchers, and an engagement of different audiences, and thus, a documentary film was added to the project as means of communication. Resolute Bay is a small Inuit community located just north of the Northwest Passage, where ships are often visitors in the summer and the bay is a home to Arctic cod, making this the perfect location to address this gap of knowledge and communication. In Chapter 2, we show that Arctic cod was horizontally displaced from its home range and individuals reduced the extent of their habitat use and changed their swimming patterns during vessel presence and movement. In Chapter 3, we describe and put into context the different techniques the film uses to accomplish the set objectives: highlighting the issues facing the Inuit and the arctic ecosystem, the value of Inuit traditional ecological knowledge and need for its incorporation into future studies in the region. Arctic cod spatial distribution and behavioral changes carry consequences for the whole Arctic ecosystem and need to be well understood by scientists as well as by a wide range of audiences to allow for sustainable management and timely conservation action

Survey on Patients' Perceptions of Satisfaction with Rehabilitation Programs in a Diagnostic-Consultative Center

Medical rehabilitation is a complex process, as a result of which patients develop an active attitude towards their impaired health and restore a positive attitude to life, family, and society. It allows expanding the range of therapeutic effects in the early stages of the disease to prevent recurrence and progression. It supports social and labor adaptation and helps to ensure the independent existence of an individual in society.This article aims to examine the opinions of patients about the proposed rehabilitation programs at St. Marina University Hospital, Varna.The results obtained show good awareness of the therapeutic impact of rehabilitation procedures. Patients are increasingly seeking and using physical therapy, and it is the preferred method of treatment. There is a high level of satisfaction with the offered rehabilitation programs at St. Marina University Hospital, Varna

Мастнокиселинен състав на биволско мляко при интензивно и пасищно отглеждане

With the aim to assess the fatty-acid profile of buffalo milk from intensive and pasture farming system, the study included two farms. Farm 1 assigned 9 non-grazing buffaloes raised on green fodder or maize silage, and Farm 2 – 8 buffaloes on pasture until November and hay in winter. Individual samples of milk, taken in 7 monthly test days from August to February, were subjected to the Roese-Gottlieb lipid analysis. Analyses of variance were carried out per each fatty acid (FA), including the effects of farming, test day, milk yield and fat content. Farming system was established to be significant source of variation of all individual monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA) and total PUFA. All PUFAs, except C20:3n3 and C20:2n6, showed better values in the milk from the buffaloes on pasture – more than 2-fold difference in total conjugated linoleic acids (0.913%) and rumenic acid (0.829%) in particular, in alpha-linolenic (0.145%) and gamma-linolenic (0.502%) acid, and in omega-3 FAs (n3), rendering n6/n3 ratio definitely lower (1.99). This applies also to greater extent to trans-C18:1 (4.027%) and vaccenic acid (2.323%) in particular, and to lesser to atherogenicity (2.44) and thrombogenicity (3.21) index. While C18:4n3 was found to increase, vaccenic and gammalinolenic acid decline throughout grazing season, as well as conjugated linoleic acids with the exception of a peak in December. C20:5n3, C22:5n3 and C20:3n6 are characterized by such even more pronounced peak.С цел оценка на мастнокиселия състав на биволското мляко от интензивна и пасищна система за отглеждане, в проучването бяха включени две ферми. От ферма 1 бяха взети 9 биволици без паша, хранени със зелена маса или царевичен силаж, а от ферма 2 – 8 биволици на пасищно отглеждане до ноември и на сено през зимата. Индивидуалните проби мляко, взети в 7 месечни тестови дни от август до февруари, бяха подложени на липиден анализ по метода на Roese-Gottlieb. Бяха проведени анализи на варианса за всяка мастна киселина (МК), включвайки ефектите на ситемата на отглеждане, тестовия ден, млечността и маслеността. Беше установено, че системата на отглеждане е достоверен източник на вариране на всички отделни мононенаситени и полиненаситени (ПНМК) МК, както и ∑ПНМК. Всички ПНМК, с изключение на C20:3n3 и C20:2n6, показват по-добри стойности в млякото от биволиците на паша – повече от двукратна разлика в сумата от конюгираните линолови киселини (0,913%) и в частност в C18:2c9t11 (0,829%), в алфа-линоленова (0,145%) и гама-линоленова (0,502%) киселина, както и в омега-3 (n3), правейки съотношението n6/n3 определено по-ниско (1,99). Това се отнася до голяма степен до транс-С18:1 (4,027%), в частност C18:1t11 (2,323%), и в по-малка до индекса на атерогенност (2,44) и тромбогенност (3,21). Докато C18:4n3 се повишава, C18:1t11 и гама-линоленовата киселина намаляват с напредване на пасищния сезон, както и конюгираните линолови киселини с изключение на пика през декември. C20:5n3, C22:5n3 и C20:3n6 се характеризират с подобен, още по-силно изразен пик

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Top Predators in a Large Lake

Environmental degradation is the legacy of the Anthropocene era and maintaining ecosystem health is a major challenge for managers globally. Restoration ecology aims to improve ecosystem health through reintroduction and rehabilitation of important native species to maintain or increase biodiversity and achieve stable and resilient communities. Non-native species may affect reintroduction efforts through interactions in time and space. This dissertation proposes that understanding the spatio-temporal ecology of two species along with their energy demands and growth (i.e., bioenergetics), would provide key clues for untangling the complexities of species interactions and further the knowledge on influences of non-native species on native species rehabilitation. Lake Ontario has two native salmonids undergoing rehabilitation and four introduced salmonids and provided the ideal model system for this research. Here, I focused on lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), a native top predator extirpated in the 1950s and currently under rehabilitation and the introduced Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Quantifying the spatio-temporal ecology of each species in Lake Ontario in the first two research chapters provided baseline information used in the last two research chapters for assessment of their interactions and their bioenergetics. Specifically, lake trout seasonal distributions showed inter-individual variation in home range size, winter and summer habitat preference, and long-distance movement behaviour. Chinook salmon showed moderate segregation occurring between immature and sub-adult individuals in both the horizontal and vertical planes, suggesting interactions with lake trout may vary by size-class. Spatial utilization overlap and fine-scale co-occurrence of the two species were assessed next, and the results revealed that the species segregated horizontally, except during the summer when segregation was vertical. The final research chapter showed that lake trout is occupying temperatures below the optimum and growing below its potential, while Chinook salmon occupied temperatures close to their optimum and their growth was nearing the species’ potential under present conditions. Further, results from warmer temperatures and diet composition change scenarios revealed that prey quality was more important in determining growth than temperature (i.e., habitat). Overall, this dissertation enhanced the understanding of lake trout and Chinook salmon spatial ecology, interactions and the relative influences of temperature and diet on their bioenergetics. Taken together, these results suggest that limited interactions occur between the two species and that Chinook salmon do not affect lake trout negatively, and thus are not an impediment to their restoration. Chinook salmon’s presence in the lake appears to induce lake trout re-distribution and thus, limit their overlap and foraging on Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), a prey fish that impedes lake trout reproduction, suggesting that Chinook salmon indirectly facilitates lake trout restoration. Understanding the spatio-temporal ecology of these species together with their growth under varying scenarios, furthered our knowledge of the complexity of their interactions when the two species co-occur. The use of a multi-disciplinary approach (i.e., spatial ecology and bioenergetics) improved result interpretations, showcasing that this approach would provide a useful framework in any ecosystem where species interactions are poorly understood. These results provide relevant information on biodiversity targets aiming to improve ecosystem health that include seemingly conflicting objectives where restoration of native species is important, but the maintenance of non-native species is also highly desirable

Changes in emotional functioning in women with carcinoma of the mammary gland

Summary: The carcinoma of mammary gland is the most frequent female malignant disease in Bulgaria and in most of the developed countries. Its share is about 25% of all malignant diseases and it takes place second among the mortality reasons due to oncological diseases. The cancer disease inevitably leaves a trace in women and changes their quality of life, influences their psychosocial status, causes anxiety and distress and changes their views on life and the future. All the spheres building the concept „quality of life` are influenced in different ways by the dynamics of emotionality and experience. The current research study examines the correlation between subjectively estimated anxiety which is proved by tools and psychosocial functioning in women with breast cancer

Study of the effect of treatment with aqueous extracts by oregano and wild basil on raw poultry meat

The effect of treatment with aqueous antioxidant extracts of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare L.) in refrigerated storage of raw poultry meat was studied. Physicochemical analyzes of meat samples were performed - total protein, ash, fat, dry matter, cooking loss and pH value in dynamics. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the protein profile were determined. The microorganisms’ growth rate in meat during storage at 4°C for a period of 14 d was monitored. After the 7th d, the total number of mesophilic microorganisms in the meat samples increased to 7.00 log cfu/g, which is indicative of decay. A significant increase in pH value was observed after 14 d of storage, but there were no significant changes in total protein content and protein profile. In all meat samples, the amounts of MDA on days 7 and 14 were significantly below the thresholds indicated in the literature. Experimental groups treated with extracts showed lower values for MDA content compared to the control, which is an indication of certain inhibition of lipid oxidation processes in meat

Revision of a Failed Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty following Excessive Reaming with a Medial Cup Protrusion.

Background and Objectives: Atraumatic intrapelvic protrusion of the acetabular component following excessive reaming of the acetabulum with a far medial positioning of the cup is a rare, but serious complication of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study analyzes the factors contributing to this uncommon complication and presents the outcome after the revision surgery using the Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft and plating of the posterior column and/or screws for the anterior column. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series study with seven patients (four males, mean age 76 ± 10 years (60-86)) that underwent a revision THA within 24 ± 17 days (5-60) after an atraumatic periprosthetic acetabular fracture with a medial cup protrusion was performed. All fractures were reconstructed with a Ganz reinforcement ring and bone graft with a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 1.7 years (0.5-5). Radiographs were evaluated for the following: (i) cup positioning immediately after the primary THA and the revision surgery, (ii) cup migration in the follow-up, and (iii) fracture healing. Results: The position of the acetabular component as assessed on the postoperative radiographs after the index surgery and before the complete medial cup protrusion showed a cup placement beyond the ilioischial line indicative of a fracture of the medial wall. The revision surgery with the reconstruction of the medial wall with a Ganz reinforcement ring combined with a bone graft restored in the presented cases the center of rotation in the horizontal direction with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). During the follow-up, there was no aseptic loosening with the relevant cup migration or significant change in the position of the acetabular cup at the final follow-up (p > 0.05) after the revision. All seven fractures and bone grafts realized a bone union until the latest follow-up. Conclusions: Following excessive reaming, the acetabular component was placed too far medially and resulted in an intrapelvic cup protrusion. An unstable cup following a fracture of the medial wall was evident on the immediate postoperative radiographs. In the case of the medial wall perforation with an intrapelvic cup protrusion after the primary THA, the reconstruction with a Ganz reinforcement ring was a successful treatment option resulting in the fracture healing and a stable cup positioning. Surgeons should be aware of that rare and probably underreported complication and restore the anatomic center of rotation by treating the defect intraoperatively

ANEMIC SYNDROME ASSOCIATED TO PARVOVIRUS B19 INFECTION IN PATHOLOGY PREGNANCY WOMEN

Viral infections during pregnancy on a world scale are one of the main reasons for severe complications and mortality of the mother and fetus. The post-infectious anemic syndrome is characterized by low serum iron and increased hepcidin, which is the cause for iron accumulation in the endothelial macrophage system and iron deficiency for the needs of erythropoiesis. Probably the increased hepcidin plays a protective role against the growth of microorganisms by reducing extracellular iron. On the other hand, the increased hepcidin may lead to iron deficiency and to inability for effective compensation upon oral supplementation because it suppressed intestinal iron absorption. This study aims to determine the involvement of parvovirus B19 in the anemic syndrome development in the course of/during pathological pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In total 47 serum samples of pregnant women with anemia hospitalized in University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital “Maichin Dom”,were tested. Three newborn babies were also included in the study. Serological (ELISA), molecular (PCR), and immunological (CLIA) methods were used. The statistical processing of the results is based on paired Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation. Results and discussion: 9/47 (19.1%) of patients showed presence of B19V-IgM antibodies. B19-IgG antibodies were detected in 19/47 (40.4%) women. The PCR analysis showed presence of viral DNA in all patients with positive B19V-IgM antibodies. B19V-IgM antibodies were proved in one of the newborn and viral DNA was detected. All three babies were positive for B19V-IgG antibodies. In four of the positive patients with the three diagnostic markers for acute infection, the anemia was determined as iron-deficiency according to the low serum levels of hepcidin 2.54 ± 0.4 μg/L compared to control group of pregnant women without anemia (21.7 ± 3.1 μg/L: P<0.001). In the remaining women with a proven acute B19V infection, we found a statistically significant increased level of serum hepcidin (65.3 ± 5.7 μg/L; P<0.001) compared to non anemic pregnant women. Conclusion: Assessment of the frequency and the grade of involvement of parvovirus B19 in the anemic syndrome development during pregnancy and determination of the serum level of hepcidin would contribute to the etiological clarification of the occurred anemic syndrome and would prevent improper iron supplementation by pregnant women

Surgical fixation of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: a matter of debate?

Segmental femoral fractures represent a rare but complex clinical challenge. They mostly result from high-energy mechanisms, dictate a careful initial assessment and are managed with various techniques. These often include an initial phase of damage control orthopaedics while the initial manoeuvres of patient and soft tissue resuscitation are employed. Definitive fixation consists of either single-implant (reconstruction femoral nails) or dual-implant constructs. There is no consensus in favour of one of these two strategies. At present, there is no high-quality comparative evidence between the various methods of treatment. The development of advanced design nailing and plating systems has offered fixation constructs with improved characteristics. A comprehensive review of the existing evidence with a step-by-step description of these different definitive fixation strategies based on three case examples was conducted. Furthermore, the rationale for using single vs dual-implant strategy in its case is presented with supportive references. The prevention of complications relies mainly on the strict adherence to basic principles of fracture fixation with an emphasis on careful preoperative planning, the quality of the reduction, and the application of soft tissue-friendly surgical methods

Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea L., Origin from Bulgaria Indicate in Vitro Antitumor Еffect on Human Cervical and Breast Cancer Cells

Cancer is a socially significant disease. Along with efforts to understand the complex genetic/epigenetic factors that trigger a carcinogenesis, it is also necessary to analyze the potential natural active substances that may delay or even stop neoplastic transformation. Promising candidates are Bulgarian cranberries from high mountain plant populations, which are rich in phenolics and anthocyanins and have proven beneficial effects on human body.The present study aims to evaluate in vitro, antitumor activities of total extracts and purified nonanthocyanin and anthocyanins fractions of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., picked in Bulgaria on human cervical (HeLa) and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines, as well as to examine some of the apoptotic mechanisms underlying them.Materials and methods: Four methanol extracts and respective number of purified B- nonanthocyanin / C- anthocyanins fractions of Bulgarian lingonberry were used. Antitumor effect was established by Trypan Blue method, monitoring of morphological changes and МТТ cell viability assay. Assessment of apoptotic activity was performed using DNA fragmentation method.Results: The results from МТТ analyses showed that B- nonanthocyanin fractions of Bulgarian lingonberry have well expressed inhibitory effect on survival of tested tumor cells. The observed effect dependent of the dose administered and were stronger in relation with the high-mountain populations and HeLa cell line. The integrity of the extracted DNA from treated survival cells indicates possible apoptosis mechanisms under the action of biologically active ingredients from lingonberries.Conclusion: Survey of antitumor activities of Bulgarian lingonberries based on molecular methods, could contribute to establish the natural substances useful for human health in general and practical oncology