Seedling and adult plant resistance to leaf rust in some Bulgarian common wheat lines

The response of 250 common winter wheat breeding lines was investigated for resistance to the causative agent of Puccinia triticina under conditions of an infected field on the territory of Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute - General Toshevo, Bulgaria, during three successive seasons. Twenty lines with different degrees of resistance under field conditions were selected. Multi-pathotype testing was used to study the response of these lines at seedling stage under greenhouse conditions to individual pathotypes of P. triticina. Based on the response of the lines at seedling and adult stages, we found out that 20 % of them carried race-specific resistance. One of the lines (99/08-52) reacted with full resistance to the pathotypes used under greenhouse conditions. The reaction demonstrated by this line coincided with the response of isogenic lines carrying the genes Lr9, Lr19, Lr22a, Lr22b and Lr25. The other three lines (19/06- 108, 82/08-43 and 82/08-35) showed a resistant reaction to 6 or 5 of the pathotypes used in the study. Their response partially coincided with the reaction of 5 isogenic lines, and the presence of some of these genes in the above lines is quite possible. Lines carrying this type of resistance are to be subjected to further genetic and breeding investigations to prove the presence of a race-specific gene. Twenty-five percent of the lines combined partial race-specific resistance at seedling stage with the resistance of race non-specific nature at adult stage. Forty percent of all studied lines carried race non-specific resistance, and 15 % of the lines possessed resistance of the "slow rusting" type. As a result of the study we carried out, the lines that demonstrated stable resistance to leaf rust can provide sufficient protection of the host and can be included in the breeding programs for developing varieties resistant to P. triticina.

Accuracy of Conventional and Digital Workflows in Partially Edentulous Cases Restored with FPDs over Implants. A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To compare conventional and digital workflows in terms of accuracy in partially edentulous cases restored with implant-supported restorations.

METHODS

An electronic search in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web Of Science, and CENTRAL was conducted to identify relevant publications, comparing digital and conventional workflows in partially edentulous cases restored with implant-supported prostheses.

RESULTS

18 articles were included in the systematic review. Ten of the studies were in-vitro, and eight were clinical. Sample sizes varied considerably from 20 to 100. In three studies, three implants were investigated, whereas, in all other instances, accuracy was evaluated on two implants. Substantial heterogeneity in the methodology of the selected studies is evident, which prevents summarising the accuracy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital impressions showed similar results in terms of accuracy compared to the conventional approach. There is a lack of uniform criteria for the tolerable misfit, which hampers the ability to transfer in-vitro results to clinical situations. A need for a standardised approach in the evaluation of impression and workflow accuracy is warranted to enable the systematisation and analysis of results from different studies.

Adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism of graduating medical students

Introduction

Perfectionism, as a multiform trait of character, plays an important role in the formation of motivation of achievements in socially significant activity. Adaptive perfectionism, together with the desire to achieve recognition in one’s professional community and insure the emotional stability. Maladaptive (neurotic) perfectionism is directed towards the achievement of excessively high (non-relevant) standards of activity, a constant anxiety, internal stress and lack of self-confidence

Objectives

To pinpoint the types of perfectionism that graduating medical students at Medical University experience, those who, during all the years of study, showed high academic results

Methods

Forty-nine graduating medical students volunteered to take part in the study, their average mark being not lower than 4.75 (maximum was 5). Their average age was 22.41±0.75. The following scales measured the level of expressiveness of perfectionism: A.A. Zolotareva, Hewitt and Flett, I.I. Gracheva

Results

The results of the study undertaken showed two distinct groups. Students of the first group (79.6%) aimed at high internal standards in their study that would make them very well prepared professionally for their future work as doctors. They consciously accepted the common rules and norms of their society. Students of the other group (20.4%), consciously and subconsciously, estimate their high academic results as a good way of overcoming personal disturbances. They have excessive non-realistic demands towards self and others

Conclusions

The results of our study make it possible for us to suppose that medical students of the second group will experience quite a lot of difficulties in their future professional activity

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Spectral properties and biological activity of La(III) and Nd(III) Monensinates

The present research is focused on evaluation of complexation ability of Monensic acid (MonH) towards La3+ and Nd3+ ions.

Changes in the SRCD spectrum of Monensinate anion were monitored upon addition of lanthanide(III) ions. The antibiotic undergoes formation of one neutral ([Ln(Mon)3(H2O)3]) and two positively charged complex species of composition [Ln(Mon)2(H2O)2]+ and [Ln(Mon) (H2O)]2+, respectively (Ln = La3+, Nd3+). Neutral complexes were isolated as fine powders and were characterized by IR, FAB-MS and ESI-MS. It is assumed that Monensin acts in bidentate coordination mode via monodentate carboxylate moiety and hydroxyl group, both located at the opposite ends of antibiotic molecule.

Activity of Monensic acid and [Ln(Mon)3(H2O)3] to decrease visible bacteria growth of B. subtilis, S. Lutea and B. mycoides was evaluated by agar hole diffusion method. Results showed that complexation of lanthanide(III) ions to Monensin enhances the activity of non-coordinated ligand.

Antitumor efficacy of compounds was assayed on human triple negative breast cancer and transplantable sarcoma in rat. The cytotoxicity was accessed by MTT test, NR uptake, CV assay and double AO/PI staining. Experimental data revealed that Monensic acid and [Ln(Mon)3(H2O)3] possess concentration- and time-dependent activity, and express promising cytotoxic properties against human and rat permanent cancer cell lines.

The 6 September 2017 X-Class Solar Flares and Their Impacts on the Ionosphere, GNSS, and HF Radio Wave Propagation

On 6 September 2017, the Sun emitted two significant solar flares (SFs). The first SF, classified X2.2, peaked at 09:10 UT. The second one, X9.3, which is the most intensive SF in the current solar cycle, peaked at 12:02 UT and was accompanied by solar radio emission. In this work, we study ionospheric response to the two X-class SFs and their impact on the Global Navigation Satellite Systems and high-frequency (HF) propagation. In the ionospheric absolute vertical total electron content (TEC), the X2.2 SF caused an overall increase of 2-4 TECU on the dayside. The X9.3 SF produced a sudden increase of ~8-10 TECU at midlatitudes and of ~15-16 TECU enhancement at low latitudes. These vertical TEC enhancements lasted longer than the duration of the EUV emission. In TEC variations within 2-20 min range, the two SFs provoked sudden increases of ~0.2 TECU and 1.3 TECU. Variations in TEC from geostationary and GPS/GLONASS satellites show similar results with TEC derivative of ~1.3-1.7 TECU/min for X9.3 and 0.18-0.24 TECU/min for X2.2 in the subsolar region. Further, analysis of the impact of the two SFs on the Global Navigation Satellite Systems-based navigation showed that the SF did not cause losses-of-lock in the GPS, GLONASS, or Galileo systems, while the positioning error increased by ~3 times in GPS precise point positioning solution. The two X-class SFs had an impact on HF radio wave propagation causing blackouts at <30 MHz in the subsolar region and <15 MHz in the postmidday sector.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Thirty autosomal insertion-deletion polymorphisms analyzed using the Investigator® DIPplex Kit in populations from Iraq, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Turkey

Thirty autosomal insertion-deletion (InDel) polymorphisms were analyzed in four populations from Iraq, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Turkey using the commercial kit Investigator^® DIPplex. Genotyping issues were encountered for five of the 30 InDels. They were most probably caused by polymorphisms located in the primer binding sites. Population and forensic parameters were calculated. No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium or significant linkage disequilibrium were detected. The observed heterozygosities ranged from 33% to 61% depending on the marker and the population. The combined probability of exclusion for the 30 markers was 99.7% in all four populations and the matching probabilities were 1 in 3-4×10¹² individuals. The multidimensional scaling plot drawn from F_ST distances showed a good concordance between the relative position of the 15 populations included in the plot and their geographic locations.

High intensity proton injector for facility of antiproton and ion research

The high current ion source with the low energy beam transport (LEBT) will serve as injector into the proton LINAC to provide primary proton beam for the production of antiprotons. The pulsed ion source developed and built in CEA/Saclay operates with a frequency of 2.45 GHz based on ECR plasma production with two coils with 87.5 mT magnetic field necessary for the electron cyclotron resonance. The compact LEBT consists of two solenoids with a maximum magnetic field of 500 mT including two integrated magnetic steerers to adjust the horizontal and vertical beam positions. The total length of the compact LEBT is 2.3 m and was made as short as possible to reduced emittance growth along the beam line. To measure ion beam intensity behind the pentode extraction system, between solenoids and at the end of the beam line, two current transformers and a Faraday cup are installed. To get information about the beam quality and position, the diagnostic chamber with different equipment will be installed between the two solenoids. This article reports the current status of the proton injector for the facility of antiproton and ion research.

[RECONSTRUCTIVE AND COSMETIC SURGERY IN TREATMENT OF VULVAR CANCER]

The aim of our research work was to show our results in the field of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for vulvar cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We evaluated 18 patients for 10 years period.

RESULTS

We applied all surgical techniques that are possible at the moment in the world: laps from mons pubis, rhomboid flaps, myocutaneous flaps from gluteal region. We used surgical techniques with the following muscle groups: musculus gracilis, musculus gluteus maximus, musculus tensor fasciae latae, musculus rectus abdominis.

CONCLUSIONS

With our research work we tried to better the quality of life of our patients, to achieve better esthetic and cosmetic effect after very radical surgical interventions connected with vulvar cancer.

[FEMALE STEROID HORMONES - MODULATORS OF IMMUNE RESPONSE TO GENITAL CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS INFECTION.]

In the recent years according to WHO, genital chlamydia is the mos't common sexually transmitted infection. Chlamydia Trachomatis is an intracellular parasite which target are the tubular epithelial cells of the urethra, endocervix, endometrium, endosalpinx, conjunctiva, synovial lining of the joints, Glisson's capsule of the liver Our study, as well as some international researches, shows that in the cases of genital chlamydia there are changes in the ovarian hormones (estradiol and progesterone), their impact on the immune system and their importance for the development and the complications of the infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. The physiological level of the steroid hormones in its turn contributes for the normalization of the local immunity and reduces the possibility of recurrences.

Women with an HbA1c of 41-49 mmol/mol (5.9-6.6%): a higher risk subgroup that may benefit from early pregnancy intervention

AIMS

To examine whether women with an HbA1c of 41-49 mmol/mol (5.9-6.6%) at diagnosis of gestational diabetes are higher risk than women with an HbA1c of < 41 mmol/mol (5.9%) and whether pregnancy outcomes are improved if treated at < 24 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

This was an observational study of women with gestational diabetes diagnosed by early HbA1c screening or subsequent oral glucose tolerance test at < 34 weeks' gestation who delivered at National Women's Health, Auckland, from July 2012 to June 2014. Data were extracted from the hospital database. Women with HbA1c 41-49 mmol/mol (5.9-6.6%) were divided into those seen < 24 weeks (Early, n = 134) and those seen ≥ 24 weeks (Later, n = 151). Those with HbA1c < 41 mmol/mol (5.9%) were labelled Other GDM (n = 661).

RESULTS

The Early and Later groups, compared with Other GDM, had more Polynesian and fewer (non-Indian) Asian women, higher BMI and more required medication (P < 0.001). More were smokers (P = 0.007, 0.02) and more had chronic hypertension (P < 0.001, 0.02). There were higher rates of adverse outcomes in the Later group than the Other GDM group (pre-eclampsia 8.0% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.001, preterm birth 16.6% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.002, neonatal admission 15.5% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.02). Outcomes were similar between the Early group and Other GDM group (pre-eclampsia 1.5% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.5, preterm birth 10.5% vs. 8.2% P = 0.4, neonatal admission 13.6% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.12). Comparing the Early and Later groups, the Early group had less pre-eclampsia, 1.5% vs. 8.0%, adjusted P = 0.03. Other outcomes were not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

An HbA1c of 41-49 mmol/mol (5.9-6.7%) identifies a higher-risk group of women with gestational diabetes. Overall, our data support early treatment of women with an HbA1c ≥ 41 mmol/mol (5.9%).

[OVARIAN ANASTOMOSING HEMANGIOMA WITH STROMAL LUTEINIZATION: A CASE REPORT]

In 2009, Montgomery and Epstein coined the term "anastomosing hemangioma" for a newly described variant of capillary hemangioma with an unusual sinusoidal pattern, histologically mimicking angiosarcoma. The lesion was considered unique for genitourinary system with predilection to kidney but we found in the literature only 4 cases of this entity in ovaries. A 70-year-old woman presented with ultrasound visualized myometrial nodules and cystic formation of the right ovary, intraoperatively diagnosed as serous cystadenoma. Hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy was performed. The section of the ovary revealed a fortuitous finding in the cortex: circumscribed lesion, 7 mm in diameter, with mahogany brown, spongy appearance. Microscopic examination of H&E-stained slides manifested well-demarcated but un-encapsulated vascular proliferation, composed of tightly packed capillary-sized blood vessels with an anastomosing sinusoidal-like architecture and tortuous "feeding" and "draining" vessels of medium caliber. Endothelial lining featured only mild cytologic atypia and lack of mitotic figures. The lesion was surrounded by luteinized ovarian stroma. Immunohistochemical examination with CD34 highlighted endothelial cells; SMA--supporting stromal cells. The anastomosing hemangioma of the ovary with stromal luteinisation was diagnosed as accidental finding. The authors discuss morphological characteristics of anastomosing hemangioma and the unusual for menopausal women but quite often combination between this lesion in the ovary and stromal luteinisation.

[COMBINED APPLICATION OF FETAL FIBRONECTIN AND INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR IN PRETERM DELIVERY DIAGNOSIS--OUR RESULTS]

The insulin-like growth factor IGFBP-1 is a binding protein (IBP-1), also known as placental protein (PP12), is encoded in people as IGFBP-1 gene. The IGFBP-1 is an especially vital hormone in the female reproductive physiology. The presence of it in large quantities in the amniotic fluid can be used as a biochemical marker for preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes. Fetal fibronectin is a high-molecular glycoprotein, that is produced during pregnancy and has a role as biological glue, binding the foetus membranes to the endometrium. fFN can be found in the cervicovaginal secretions until 22nd gestational week and later on during the last trimester (1 to 3 weeks before birth). fFN is usually absent between 24th and 34th gestational week. Thirty sixth (30%) of all the 120 females tested had positive fFN test results and were, therefore, at high risk for preterm delivery. Despite the implemented tocolytic therapy, 15 (12.5%) of them delivered before the 37th gestational week. The results from the investigation for the presence of pLGFBP-1 in 120 pregnant women show that 35.8% (43 women) were positive and 15(12,5%) of them delivered before the 37th gestational week despite the implemented tocolytic therapy In both tests, the average gestational age of the premature fetus was 32.5 ÷ 2.8 gestational weeks.

[CONGENITAL UNILATERAL HYDROTHORAX--A CASE REPORT]

A case of isolated unilateral congenital hydrothorax with unknown etiology, graduated abortion for medical reasons in 23 weeks. The patient was later covered by antenatal care and during the examination one foetus with the massive right-sided hydrothorax was found, (diagnosed by ultrasonography and NMR) The incidence of congenital fetal hydrothorax is estimated at approximately 1 in 15,000 pregnancies. Early ultrasound diagnosis is of paramount importance for the adequate monitoring of the pregnancy and timely proof of deviation in normal fetal development.

[Morphologically qnd immunohistochemically based screening criteria for selection of patients with possible mutation of BRCA1 gene in primary ovarian cancer]

SUMMARY AND AIM: Breast cancer (BC) and Ovarian cancer (OC) are some of the most common cancers affecting women. Environmental factors and genetic alterations are involved in the etiology of both cancers. The main susceptibility genes that predisposed to BC and OC are BRCA1 (BReast CAncer 1) and BRCA 2 (BReast CAncer 2). Those of BC and OC which are due to germline mutation in BRCA 1/2 are defined as hereditary. Because of the expensiveness of genetic testing for mutations in BRCA1 we aimed to select patients with ovarian cancer suitable for genetic testing, on the base of certain morphological and immunohistochemical criteria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have conducted a retrospective analysis of 29 cases with serous papillary OC, taken from the archives of the Department of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital "Dr. G. Stranski" Pleven. We performed morphological assessment and subsequent immunohistochemical study with antibodies against p53, anti BRCA1 and anti proliferative marker Ki-67.

RESULTS

Nineteen (65.52%) of all 29 cases were found with loss of immunohistochemical expression of BRCA1 and we defined them as suitable for genetic testing of BRCA1 mutations.

CONCLUSION

A set of morphological and immunohistochemical criteria allows screening of women that should be referred for genetic testing, as it is expensive, and the incidence of BRCA1 mutations in the general population is very low.

[Diabetes and pregnancy]

We tried to summarize our and foreign experience in the field of diabetes and pregnancy

AIM

Our aim was to detect pregnant women with diabetes mellitus, as well as to introduce screening method for early detection and apply a suitable diet and treatment for these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with diabetes and pregnancy were researched for the period of 2007-2014 (70 patients).

RESULTS

Introducing a screening method in the second trimester between 24-28 gestational week, applying a suitable diet and treatment lead to better outcome of this disease and to more safe delivery outcome.

CONCLUSION

Future research work will give additional light in this field.

[Our and foreign experience in diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia]

AIM

Our aim was to evaluate our experience in diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia in the clinic of Pathological pregnancy--Varna Medical University. We compared our results with the results of prominent western clinics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We evaluated 140 patients with preeclampsia for the period of 2010 to 2013. A special file was fulfilled. It included: age, parity, gestational age, value of arterial blood pressure, urea, creatinine, common protein in blood, duration of treatment, oedema, urine protein.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 30 years. The urea and creatinine were normal. The mean hospital stay was 5,71 days. The blood protein was 61 g/l, only 4.17% of the patients were with protein lower than 58 g/l. In 87.5% of the patients the systolic blood pressure was between 135 and 160 mmHg, in 12.5% the systolic blood pressure was over 160mm Hg. In 58.34% there was a proteinuria. The mean gestational age was 33 gestational weeks. The delivery was performed in the most suitable for the preeclampsia gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our research work the patients with preeclampsia have a very high risk for cardio-vessel diseases and again of preeclampsia in their future pregnancies from 30%-40%. High prenatal care can prevent most of the complications connected with this disease.

Total versus subtotal hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions

BACKGROUND

Hysterectomy using an abdominal approach removes either the uterus alone (subtotal hysterectomy) or both the uterus and the cervix (total hysterectomy). The latter is more common but outcomes have not been systematically compared.

OBJECTIVES

To assess and compare outcomes with subtotal hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's specialised register of controlled trials (December 2005), Central (December 2005), Medline (1966 to December 2005), EmBase (1980 to December 2005), Biological Abstracts (1980 to December 2005), the National Research Register and relevant citation lists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials of women undergoing either total or subtotal hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three trials that included 733 participants were included. Independent selection of trials and data extraction were undertaken by 2 reviewers and results compared.

MAIN RESULTS

There was no evidence of a difference in the rates of incontinence, constipation or measures of sexual function. In one unblinded trial, a significantly greater proportion of women indicated that they had frequent episodes of urinary incontinence after subtotal hysterectomy when compared with total hysterectomy (OR=2.1, 1.02 to 4.3), but these results were not confirmed by the other two trials that measured both stress and urge incontinence and urinary frequency. . Length of surgery and amount of blood lost during surgery were significantly reduced during subtotal hysterectomy when compared with total hysterectomy, but there was no evidence of a difference in the odds of transfusion. Febrile morbidity was less likely (OR=0.43, 0.25 to 0.75) and ongoing cyclical vaginal bleeding one year after surgery was more likely (OR=11.3, 4.1 to 31.2) after subtotal when compared with total hysterectomy. There was no evidence of a difference in the rates of other complications, recovery from surgery or readmission rates.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review has not confirmed the perception that subtotal hysterectomy offers improved outcomes for sexual, urinary or bowel function when compared with total abdominal hysterectomy. Surgery is shorter and intraoperative blood loss and fever are reduced but women are more likely to experience ongoing cyclical bleeding up to a year after surgery with subtotal hysterectomy compared to total hysterectomy.

Effects of nutrients on the production of AK-111-81 macrolide antibiotic by Streptomyces hygroscopicus

The influence of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the production of AK-111-81 nonpolyenic macrolide antibiotic by Streptomyces hygroscopicus 111-81 was studied. Substitution of glucose with lactose or glycerol significantly affected maximal antibiotic AK-111-81 productivity as the growth rate was close to that of the basal fermentation medium. Addition of ammonium succinate to the fermentation medium markedly increased the antibiotic productivity as the growth rate was low. Divalent ions as Mn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+ stimulated AK-111-81 antibiotic biosynthesis. These results allow us to develop a new fermentation medium showing 6-fold increase of AK-111-81 antibiotic formation compared with the basal fermentation medium.

[Histological analysis of endometrial polyps in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen (nolvadex)]

Endometrial polyps are the most common endometrial pathology described in association with Tamoxifen exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the malignant potential of endometrial polyps in breast cancer patients receiving Tamoxifen. We analyzed 140 endometrial polyps divided into two groups: 1) 73 endometrial polyps from 57 breast cancer patients receiving Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): T+ endometrial polyps; 2) 67 control endometrial polyps received for analysis in the period January-December 2000. The analysis was performed on archival H&E sections. We found that the rates of endometrial carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia were high in patients treated with Tamoxifen (7.02% vs 2.99% and 17.54% vs 11.94%), but the results did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).

[Pathology of the endometrium in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen (nolvadex)]

The objectives of this study were to: 1) characterize histologically endometrial biopsy findings for genital bleeding in breast cancer patients receiving Tamoxifen; 2) analyze histologically endometrial carcinoma in the same patients. We analyzed biopsy specimens divided into three groups: 1) 112 biopsies (curettages and hysterectomy specimens) from 88 breast cancer patients receiving Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): T+; 2) 27 biopsies (curettages and hysterectomy specimens) from 22 breast cancer patients not receiving Tamoxifen but biopsied for genital bleeding: T-; 3) 139 curettages control samples received for analysis in the period January-March 2000 from women with peri- and postmenopausal genital bleeding: K. The analysis was performed on archival H&E sections. The most frequent finding in breast cancer patients receiving Tamoxifen was endometrial polyp. Compared with the other two groups (T- and K) the frequency of this finding was statistically significant. No difference was found in the prevalence of endometrial cancer between the three groups. The analyzed endometrial carcinomas in Tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients show signs, characteristic of Bochman type I: predominantly endometrioid, of low grade and FIGO stage, with good prognosis.