A Parsimonious Generalised Height-Diameter Model for Scots Pine Plantations in Bulgaria: a Pragmatic Approach

Considering the state-of-the-art of forest inventory in Bulgaria, our investigation pursued development of a parsimonious generalised height-diameter model for the Scots pine plantations in the country. A number of 2-, 3- and 4-predictor candidate models were examined and compared based on their goodness-of-fit statistics. Data records obtained in variable-sized sample plots, established throughout the distribution range of the plantations and covering the variety of sites, densities and growth stages were used to fit the models. Two hundred twenty-four plot-level measurements and 3056 tree height-diameter pairs were utilised for parameterization. An independent data set of tree-level measurements and two sets of dominant height-diameter pairs, estimated for differently defined top height tree collectives, were used for model validation. Statistical analyses were carried out using packages nlstools, moments, equivalence, car, nlme, stats and the results were illustrated with ggplot2 and graphics packages of R software environment. A modified form of Gaffrey’s model was selected, which estimates the height of a tree through the breast-height tree diameter, mean stand height and diameter, and accounts for the tree social status. It was fitted by generalised non-linear least squares method, with residual variance weighted by a product of tree diameter and mean stand height exponential functions. An adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.917 and residual standard error of 0.794 m indicated the high predictive potential of the derived model. Validation tests showed that the estimated regression line is very well fitted to the independent data and is appropriate to forecast dominant stand heights. The range of errors, relative to the predicted dominant height values, was narrow, ±25-30%, with low magnitude of the average of their absolute values (4-5%). The equivalence tests rejected the null hypothesis of dissimilarity regarding model bias (observations-predictions line intercept) for all validation data sets, for a region of equivalence as narrow as ±5%. The 3-predictor generalised height-diameter model developed in our study needs information readily available from the inventories and therefore can be broadly used. Its application in dominant stand height prediction is recommended

A CASE OF RARE CONGENITAL HEART MALFORMATION: TAUSSIG- BING SYNDROME

Introduction- Taussig- Bing Syndrome is a rare congenital heart malformation that was first described by Helen Taussig and Richard Bing. The aim of this article is to show the main morphological changes in this case of rare congenital malformation. Performed methods were autopsy examination, clinical data analysis, x-ray examination and microscopic examination. Results- the index case is 34 days- old male newborn, born in 37 gestational age, with weight 2.150gr. and height- 45 cm. The heart was found enlarged with normal position in the chest. During dissection of the heart there were detected: hypertrophy and dilation of the right ventricle; the aorta arise entirely above the right ventricle; the dilated pulmonary valve does not override the left ventricular cavity; pulmonary artery arises primarily from the right ventricle and partially overrides the ventricular septum and a high and large sub- pulmonary ventricular septal defect. Conclusions- The treatment of this syndrome is continuing to be an actual medical problem. The right diagnose and the adequate treatment can widely reduce the mortality and morbidity from this disease

STUDY OF WORK CONDITIONS AS A FACTOR IN STRESS IN SEWING INDUSTRY WORKERS.

Sewing production is traditionally well developed in Bulgaria. With the development of production and technical progress, new health problems for workers appear. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of work conditions as a factor in the occurrence of stress in sewing industry workers. Subject of the study are 70 persons, employed in small and medium enterprises. Conclusions are made and recommendations given for improvement of the work conditions and psycho-climate

Extrahepatic Portal Vein Thrombosis in Childhood: Risk Factors, Clinical Manifestations, and Management

Objective!#!Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVT) is a common cause of portal hypertension in children. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical manifestations and the risk factors for development of EHPVT in pediatric patients.!##!Subjects and methods!#!This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. A total of 12 children (6 boys and 6 girls) took part in the study. We noted the clinical presentations and the predisposing risk factors for development of EHPVT in all patients. In addition, as all of them had undergone an esophagogastroduodenoscopy for detection and grading of esophageal varices as part of the treatment algorithm, we analyzed the endoscopic findings and the therapeutic approach.!##!Results!#!The median age of subjects at diagnosis was 3.5 years (range: 1-17 years). The most frequent initial clinical manifestation was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (6 cases, 50.0%) followed by splenomegaly (3 cases, 25.0%). The most frequent systemic risk factor for EHPVT was presence of inherited prothrombotic disorder (10 cases, 83.3%), and the most common local risk factor for EHPVT was umbilical vein catheterization (5 cases, 41.7%). Esophageal varices were revealed in all the study participants, and in the most cases, they were grade ≥2. Propranolol was used as primary or secondary prophylaxis in 7 children (58.3%), and in 5 children (41.7%), a shunt was performed (Meso-Rex bypass in 3 children and splenorenal shunt in 2 children).!##!Conclusion!#!Patients with known systemic or local risk factors for EHPVT are indicated for proactive ultrasound screening for early diagnosis and timely management

Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis in childhood

$\bf Objective:$ Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVT) is a common cause of portal hypertension in children. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical manifestations and the risk factors for development of EHPVT in pediatric patients. $\textbf {Subjects and Methods:}$ This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. A total of 12 children (6 boys and 6 girls) took part in the study. We noted the clinical presentations and the predisposing risk factors for development of EHPVT in all patients. In addition, as all of them had undergone an esophagogastroduodenoscopy for detection and grading of esophageal varices as part of the treatment algorithm, we analyzed the endoscopic findings and the therapeutic approach. $\bf Results:$ The median age of subjects at diagnosis was 3.5 years (range: 1–17 years). The most frequent initial clinical manifestation was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (6 cases, 50.0%) followed by splenomegaly (3 cases, 25.0%). The most frequent systemic risk factor for EHPVT was presence of inherited prothrombotic disorder (10 cases, 83.3%), and the most common local risk factor for EHPVT was umbilical vein catheterization (5 cases, 41.7%). Esophageal varices were revealed in all the study participants, and in the most cases, they were grade $\geq$2. Propranolol was used as primary or secondary prophylaxis in 7 children (58.3%), and in 5 children (41.7%), a shunt was performed (Meso-Rex bypass in 3 children and splenorenal shunt in 2 children). $\bf Conclusion:$ Patients with known systemic or local risk factors for EHPVT are indicated for proactive ultrasound screening for early diagnosis and timely management

Central Nervous System Involvement in Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in Children and Adolescents

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is rare but poses diagnostic difficulties. The aim of the study was to establish the frequency of CNS involvement in HSP, to analyze its clinical characteristics and do a literature review. Medical files of patients with HSP admitted at the Department of Pediatrics, Plovdiv, were studied retrospectively for a five-year period (2009–2013). Diagnosis was based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Out of 112 children with HSP 1 case (0.9%) had CNS involvement presenting as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), which may be a result of CNS vasculitis or arterial hypertension. It was an 8-year-old girl with atypical HSP which started with abdominal pain requiring surgery. On the third day after the operation a transient macular rash and arterial hypertension appeared, followed by visual disturbances, hemiconvulsive epileptic seizures, postictal hemiparesis, and confusion. Head CT showed occipital hypodense lesions and MRT-T2 hyperintense lesion in the left occipital lobe. The patient experienced a second similar episode after 2 weeks when palpable purpura had also appeared. Neurological symptoms and MRI resolved completely. HSP can be an etiological factor for PRES in childhood. Although PRES is a rare complication of HSP, clinicians must be aware of it and avoid diagnostic and therapeutic delays

Striving for Better Medical Education: the Simulation Approach

Medical simulation is a rapidly expanding area within medical education due to advances in technology, significant reduction in training hours and increased procedural complexity. Simulation training aims to enhance patient safety through improved technical competency and eliminating human factors in a risk free environment. It is particularly applicable to a practical, procedure-orientated specialties

Dynamics of bacterial community in the gut of Cornu aspersum

The dynamics of the bacterial community in the intestinal tract of Cornu aspersum was investigated during different states of its life cycle. Two approaches were applied – culture and non-culture. The non-culture approach was performed by ARDRA of 16S rDNA using two of the six tested endonucleases. Data were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis. The restriction of 16S rDNA samples from the snail of different physiological states with endonucleases HinfI and Csp6I resulted in generation of different profiles depending on the snail states. By the culture approach we found that the total number of cultivable bacteria, representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, amylolitic and cellulolytic bacteria were the most abundant in active state of the snails. Cellulolytic bacteria were not detected in juveniles of C. aspersum. Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens as well as bacteria from the genus Salmonella, Shigella and Pseudomonas were not detected. Bacteria of the genus Aeromonas were found in juveniles of C. aspersum, after that their number decrease and were not found in hibernating snails. On the base of the two applied approaches this study shows that the bacterial flora in the intestinal tract of C. aspersum is affected by the seasonal and environmental variations and undergoes quantitative and qualitative changes during the different states of the life cycle. The snails harbor in their gut intestinal bacteria, which possess biochemical potentiality to degrade the plant components

Nature-Based Solutions for the Sustainable Management of Urban Soils and Quality of Life Improvements

The rehabilitation and restoration of land-based ecosystems is a key strategy for recovering the services (goods and resources) ecosystems offer to humankind. The use of nature-based solutions (NBSs) to restore degraded soil functions and improve soil quality can be a sustainable and successful strategy to enhance their ecosystem services by working together with the forces of nature and using well-designed measures that require less maintenance, are more cost-effective, and if constructed in the right way may even be more effective over long periods because nature’s forces can increase the structural efficiency. In this study, we aimed to (i) evaluate the bioremediation capacity of some grasses and their suitability for lawn planting in settlements (in residential and non-residential areas, along roads, etc.) and (ii) propose technological solutions for their practical application in an urban environment. Emphasis was placed on the potential of some perennial grasses and their application for the bioremediation of polluted urban soils, including perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb), and bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). A case study from the city of Plovdiv (Bulgaria) is presented, together with an effective technological solution for the establishment of urban lawns and the roadside green buffer patches