The impact of the application of compochar on soil moisture, stress, yield and nutritional properties of legumes under drought stress.

Nowadays, when climate change is becoming more and more evident, drought stress plays a very important role, including in agriculture. The increasing number of years with extreme temperatures in the Czech Republic has a negative impact on agricultural production, among other things. Therefore, ways are being sought to reduce these negative impacts. One of them may be the use of compochar (a mixture of compost and biochar) to improve water retention in the soil. The effect of compochar addition on soil properties and crop yield was tested under conditions simulating severe drought stress (greenhouse experiments) compared to normal conditions (field experiments). The aim was to find the most suitable ratio of compochar addition that would reduce the negative effects of drought stress on the yield and quality of peas and beans. Tested soil was only able to retain water between 0.03 and 0.18 cm3/cm3, while the compochar itself retained between 0.12 and 0.32 cm3 cm-3. Three substrate variants were tested by varying the amount of compochar (10, 30 and 50 % v/v) in the soil, and all three substrates showed a similar water content between 0.03 and 0.21 cm3 cm-3 depending on the planted crop and week of cultivation. No apparent stress was observed in crops planted in 100 % compochar. Nevertheless, in general, the trend of chlorophyll a/b ratio increased with increasing amounts of compochar in the soil, indicating stress. Yield increased by approximately 50 % for both test crops when 30 % compochar was used as substrate. The flavonoid content in beans was between 410 and 500 µg CE g-1 DW and in peas was approximately 300 µg CE g-1 DW. The results showed that the utilization of compochar had no effect on either total phenol content, flavonoid content or antioxidant capacity. The combination of compochar with soil (30 %) was found to positively affect the (i) soil moisture, (ii) crop yield, and (iii) nutritional properties of peas and beans and (iv) the ability of plants to withstand drought stress.

Synthesis of Glycyrrhizic Acid Conjugates with Amino-Acid Methyl Esters and their Ability to Stimulate Antibody Genesis in Mice.

Conjugates of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) with methyl esters of L-amino acids (valine, methionine, and glutamic acid) containing the amino-acid residues in the carbohydrate moiety of the glycoside were synthesized using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide. The resulting GA conjugates at a dose of 2 mg/kg stimulated a primary immune response (production of antibody-forming cells, AFCs) in outbred mice by 1.6 - 3 times as compared with the control. The conjugate of GA with Glu(OMe)2 stimulated antibody genesis in outbred mice 1.7 times more efficiently than N-acetylmuramyl dipeptide and showed a stimulating effect on AFC production in the spleen of CBA mice.

Developmental Results of a Vaccine against Salmonella-Induced Equine Abortion.

An inactivated vaccine based on the Sal. abortus equi BN-12 strain with the Bac. subtilis TNP-3 strain filtrate used as immunomodulator has been developed in order to prevent salmonella-induced equine abortion. Preclinical and clinical trials with the white mice and the horses, respectively, are carried out. The lack of toxicity is proven. The vaccine immunogenicity for mouse and mare models comprised 90 and 100%, respectively. The industrial vaccine tests showed that the industrial output of foals increased by 13.8% after immunization. Cost-effectiveness of the vaccine used with the Bac. subtilis TNP-3 strain filtrate comprised 14.1 rubles per 1 ruble of costs, which was 1.8-fold greater when compared to the vaccine used with a polyribonate medicine. It is ascertained that administration of the inactivated vaccine with the Bac. subtilis TNP-3 strain is an effective method to prevent infectious abortion. Scientific and technical documentation is developed based on the survey results in order to submit it for approval to the Rosselkhoznadzor Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. The instruction is compliant with the approved use. The registration certificate (71-1-10.19-4495 no. PVR-1-1-.6/01631, as of June 10, 2019) has been issued.

Sensitivity and specificity in methods for examination of the eye astigmatism.

PURPOSE: We usually use objective and subjective methods for examination of the eye astigmatism in optometry, respectively ophthalmology. Objective methods enable to measure sphere-cylindrical refraction of the eye. If we want to prescribe new glasses or contact lenses we usually use subjective methods. The aim of this study was to measure sensitivity and specificity of some subjective and objective methods for examination of the eye astigmatism. We supposed that automatic objective refraction will be the most exact method so we choose this method as the reference method. For comparison we chose subjective methods Jackson crossed cylinders (JCC), fogging method (FM) and objective method Spot Vision Screener (SVS, WelschAllyn). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We had in total 30 subjects with average age 23 years (SD 1 year) in our study. We made each measurement per eye separately and it was independent measurement so we could use measurement from each eye (n = 60). Each eye was firstly measured by subjective method FM, followed by JCC method and finally was use objective method Spot Vision Screener (SVS, WelschAllyn). Measurement with objective instrument TRK-1P (TOPCON) was use as reference measurement. The significance level was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: In variable FM we measured sensitivity 76.2 % and specificity 66.7 %. Criterion for positive finding was -0.25 D. Result was statistically significant on level p < 0.001. In variable JCC we measured sensitivity 95.2 % and specificity 66.7 %. Criterion for positive finding was -0.25 D. Result was statistically significant on level p < 0.001. In variable SVS we measured sensitivity 47.6 % and specificity 94.4 %. Criterion for positive finding was -0.75 D. Result was statistically significant on level p < 0.001. Direct comparison of all methods showed statistically important difference between techniques JCC and FM (p = 0.0095). In other method we did not find statistically important difference (FM vs. SVS, p = 0.526 and JCC vs. SVS, p = 0.105). CONCLUSION: All subjective and objective techniques were statistically significant in detection of eye astigmatism. Comparison of ROC curves showed statistically significant difference between FM and JCC technique. The JCC method showed the highest sensitivity, whereas SVS highest specificity.

[Selection of a dose of the botulinum toxin A in spastic forms of cerebral palsy]. / Vybor dozy preparata botulinicheskogo toksina tipa A pri lechenii spasticheskikh form detskogo tserebral'nogo paralicha.

AIM: To analyze the efficacy and safety of dose ranges of abobotulinum toxin A (BTA) for multilevel injections into upper and lower extremity muscles in children with spastic forms of cerebral palsy (CP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively multilevel BTA injections for 216 patients, aged from 2 to 17 years. Children received 1-6 repeated injections and complex physiotherapy. Patients were classified according to the GMFCS. Treatment results were evaluated with the modified Ashworth and Tardieu scales. RESULTS: Multilevel BTA injections were indicated for the most (89/8%) of the patients with spastic forms of CP, and in most of them the total dosage exceeded 30 U/kg. In the bilateral forms of CP, the total dosage (U and U/kg) was higher compared to the unilateral forms. Doses for each muscle in U/kg were similar in all CP forms. The total doses of BTA and the intervals between the repeated injections were stable for each patient. CONCLUSION: The dose ranges suggested for CP are effective and safe for the reduction of spasticity in several functional segments of upper and lower extremities in one treatment session.

[First Results and Experience with the iTrace Aberometer]. / První výsledky a zkusenosti s aberometrem iTrace.

PURPOSE: To evaluate obtained data by using a relatively novel devices and their results which are important eg. in refractive and cataract surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 66 eyes (n = 66). Subjects were represented by 32 women and 1 man whose age was 22.5 years ± 1.2 years (min. 21, max. 26 years) without any signs of potential eye disease. Duration of the study was 3 months. Results were compared with the measurements using the auto-refract-keratro-tono-pachymeter (TRK 1P, Topcon, Japan), Keratograph 5M (Oculus, Germany) and aberrometer iTRACE (Hoya, Japan). RESULTS: After 3 months were statistically compared keratometry values of ​​ corneal anterior surface detected by all devices. They provided to be comparable. Furthermore the values ​​of objective refraction and pachymetry were detected. CONCLUSION: Results of this study show a statistically significant correlation values ​​of objective refraction using devices TRK and iTRACE (r = 0.66 at p = 0.05) and showed a significant relationship between the keratometric data for all the devices. All used methods and devices are possible to reliably and use for valid evaluation parameters of the eye. KEY WORDS: aberrometry, low and high orders abberations, keratometry, topography, pachymetry.

[EEG alpha indices in dependence on the menstrual cycle phase and salivary progesterone].

The effects of the neurohumoral status on the EEG alpha - activity indices were studied in a within-subject design with 78 women aged 18-27 years during 1-2 menstrual cycle. Psychometric and EEG indices of alpha waves basal body temperature, saliva progesterone and cortisol level were monitored every 2-3 days. Menstrual and follicular recording sessions occurred before the ovulatory temperature rise, luteal recording session--after increasing progesterone level more than 20% respect to previous day and premenstrual sessions after decreasing progesterone level more that 20% respect to previous day. The design consisted of rest and task periods EEG, EMG and ECG recordings. Half the subjects began during their menstrual phase and half began during their luteal phase. All 5 phases were compared for differences between psychometric features EEG alpha activity, EMG and ECG baseline resting levels, as well as for reactivity to cognitive task. The results showed menstrual phase differences in all psychometric and alpha EEG indices. The cognitive fluency, alpha peak frequency, alpha band width, power in alpha-2 frequency range are maximal at luteal, alpha visual activation and reactivity to cognitive task performance--at follicular phase. The hypothesis that the EEG alpha activity depends on the hormonal status supported by the positive association salivary progesterone level with the alpha peak frequency, power in the alpha-2 band and negative--with the power of the alpha-1 band. According these results, we conclude that psycho-physiological recording sessions with women might be provided with a glance to phase of menstrual cycle.

[The response of EEG activation in different neurohumoral conditions].

In order to examine under what neurohumoral condition response to the usual opening of the eyes is an incentive for the activation, electroencephalographic, electrocardiographic and electromyographic characteristics of the eyes open reaction in relation to the psychometric indicators of emotional stress and cognitive performance were recorded in 59 healthy women aged 18-27 every 2-3 days for 1-2 menstrual cycles, established in accordance with the morning levels of progesterone. For excluding NOVELTY factor influence one 29 women started monitoring at menstrual phase and other 30--at luteal phase of menstrual cycle. 30 women participated in a one-time monitoring, in which the relationship of these parameters with the current level of progesterone and cortisol in saliva was studied. Two factors ANOVA showed that the depth of the power suppression and the width of the individually determined low frequency alpha EEG range on follicular is more than on the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle of women and are influenced the NOVELTY. "Berger effect" indices of the upper alpha range are not changed depending on the neurohumoral status. Depth of the amplitude decrease and width of merely low-frequency alpha band could predict the activation in the eyes open response due to unidirectional changes and relationship to vegetative and hormonal characteristics of the activation. It was firstly established that eyes opening is an incentive factor to the activaition only when neurohumoral state corresponds to the follicular phase of the women mensrual cycle. This study reviles the dependence of the neuronal and vegetative activation mechanisms of the individual alpha frequency profile EEG and neurohumoral status.

[An electromyographic study on the development of optimal tactics of botulinum toxin type A injections in children with spastic forms of cerebral palsy].

We studied 67 children, aged 2-9 years, with cerebral palsy including 56 children with a spastic form. An electromyographic method was used for the development of optimal tactics of botulinum toxin type A injections in different clinical presentations of spasticity. The best clinical results were obtained in children with the following changes on EMG: 1) the tonic muscle activity in resting state was minimal (<10 microvolts) and had local or regional distribution; 2) the pathological synkinetic activity during voluntary movements was minimal (synergetic activity coefficient for shin muscles was less than 0.45); 3) the disturbance of interactions between synergistic and antagonistic muscles was moderate (reciprocity coefficient was not less than 0.4); 4) EMG amplitude in voluntary muscle contraction should not be less than 150 microvolts. This approach to the treatment allowed to reach higher levels on The Gross Motor Function Classification System in part of children.

Innate recognition of apoptotic cells: novel apoptotic cell-associated molecular patterns revealed by crossreactivity of anti-LPS antibodies.

Cells dying by apoptosis are normally cleared by phagocytes through mechanisms that can suppress inflammation and immunity. Molecules of the innate immune system, the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), are able to interact not only with conserved structures on microbes (pathogen-associated molecular patterns, PAMPs) but also with ligands displayed by apoptotic cells. We reasoned that PRRs might therefore interact with structures on apoptotic cells - apoptotic cell-associated molecular patterns (ACAMPs) - that are analogous to PAMPs. Here we show that certain monoclonal antibodies raised against the prototypic PAMP, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), can crossreact with apoptotic cells. We demonstrate that one such antibody interacts with a constitutively expressed intracellular protein, laminin-binding protein, which translocates to the cell surface during apoptosis and can interact with cells expressing the prototypic PRR, mCD14 as well as with CD14-negative cells. Anti-LPS cross reactive epitopes on apoptotic cells colocalised with annexin V- and C1q-binding sites on vesicular regions of apoptotic cell surfaces and were released associated with apoptotic cell-derived microvesicles (MVs). These results confirm that apoptotic cells and microbes can interact with the immune system through common elements and suggest that anti-PAMP antibodies could be used strategically to characterise novel ACAMPs associated not only with apoptotic cells but also with derived MVs.

WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative 2008: weight, height and body mass index in 6-9-year-old children.

UNLABELLED: What is already known about this subject Overweight and obesity prevalence estimates among children based on International Obesity Task Force definitions are substantially lower than estimates based on World Health Organization definitions. Presence of a north-south gradient with the highest level of overweight found in southern European countries. Intercountry comparisons of overweight and obesity in primary-school children in Europe based on measured data lack a similar data collection protocol. What this study adds Unique dataset on overweight and obesity based on measured weights and heights in 6-9-year-old children from 12 European countries using a harmonized surveillance methodology. Because of the use of a consistent data collection protocol, it is possible to perform valid multiple comparisons between countries. It demonstrates wide variations in overweight and obesity prevalence estimates among primary-school children between European countries and regions. BACKGROUND: Nutritional surveillance in school-age children, using measured weight and height, is not common in the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO Regional Office for Europe has therefore initiated the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. OBJECTIVE: To present the anthropometric results of data collected in 2007/2008 and to investigate whether there exist differences across countries and between the sexes. METHODS: Weight and height were measured in 6-9-year-old children in 12 countries. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, stunting, thinness and underweight as well as mean Z-scores of anthropometric indices of height, weight and body mass index were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 168 832 children were included in the analyses and a school participation rate of more than 95% was obtained in 8 out of 12 countries. Stunting, underweight and thinness were rarely prevalent. However, 19.3-49.0% of boys and 18.4-42.5% of girls were overweight (including obesity and based on the 2007 WHO growth reference).The prevalence of obesity ranged from 6.0 to 26.6% among boys and from 4.6 to 17.3% among girls. Multi-country comparisons suggest the presence of a north-south gradient with the highest level of overweight found in southern European countries. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight among 6-9-year-old children is a serious public health concern and its variation across the European Region highly depends on the country. Comparable monitoring of child growth is possible across Europe and should be emphasized in national policies and implemented as part of action plans.

[Cognitive efficiency and psychoemotional tension in the various menstrual cycle phases].

Characteristics of the cognitive and emotional spheres were recorded in 67 healthy women aged 18-25 years 9-12 times in 1-2 menstrual cycles. The relationship of psychophysiological indicators activity of progesterone and cortisol in saliva was studied using a single monitoring. Using within individual comparisons it was established that the level of the psychoemotional tension women is lowest, and the cognitive effectiveness--the highest in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, then other phases. The highest level of non-verbal creativity was marked on the ovulatory and luteal but the highest activation and audio sensitivity--on the follicular and ovulatory phases of the cycle. The Correlation analysis showed that the changes of psychophysiological characteristics during a cycle are connected with the changes in the level of progesterone. These results provide evidence of the psychophysiological characteristics dependence on the neurohumoral status and the need to consider the phase of the menstrual cycle in psychometric measurements of female subjects.

[Incidence of refractive errors with corrective aids subsequent selection]. / Výskyt refrakcních vad s následnou volbou korekcní pomucky.

UNLABELLED: This study follows the occurrence of refractive errors in population and the possible selection of the appropriate type of corrective aids. Objective measurement and subsequent determination of the subjective refraction of the eye is on essential act in opotmetric practice. The file represented by 615 patients (1230 eyes) is divided according to the refractive error of myopia, hyperopia and as a control group are listed emetropic clients. The results of objective and subjective values of refraction are compared and statistically processed. METHODS: The study included 615 respondents. To determine the objective refraction the autorefraktokeratometer with Placido disc was used and the values of spherical and astigmatic correction components, including the axis were recorded. These measurements were subsequently verified and tested subjectively using the trial lenses and the projection optotype to the normal investigative distance of 5 meters. After this the appropriate corrective aids were then recommended. RESULTS: Group I consists of 123 men and 195 women with myopia (n = 635) of clients with an average age 39 +/- 18,9 years. Objective refraction - sphere: -2,57 +/- 2,46 D, cylinder: -1,1 +/- 1,01 D, axis of: 100 degrees +/- 53,16 degrees. Subjective results are as follows--the value of sphere: -2,28 +/- 2,33 D, cylinder -0,63 +/- 0,80 D, axis of: 99,8 degrees +/- 56,64 degrees. Group II is represented hyperopic clients and consists of 67 men and 107 women (n = 348). The average age is 58,84 +/- 16,73 years. Objective refraction has values - sphere: +2,81 +/- 2,21 D, cylinder: -1,0 +/- 0,94 D; axis 95 degree +/- 45,4 degrees. Subsequent determination of subjective refraction has the following results - sphere: +2,28 +/- 2,06 D; cylinder: -0,49 +/- 0,85 D, axis of: 95,9 degrees +/- 46,4 degrees. Group III consists from emetropes whose final minimum viasual acuity was Vmin = 1,0 (5/5) or better. Overall, this control group is represented 52 males and 71 females (n = 247). The average age was 43 +/- 18,73 years. Objective refraction - sphere: +0,32 +/- 0,45 D; cylinder: -0,51 +/- 0,28 D, axis of: 94,7 degrees +/- 57,5 degrees. DISCUSSION: Values of objective refraction take higher values than the subsequent execution of the subjective examination of the refractive error and recommendation of the appropriate type of corrective aids. This all is in examined groups and in the individual components of refractive errors. It also confirmed the hypothesis that the population outweighs with-the-rule astigmatism, the deployment of resources according to the literature ranges from 90 degrees +/- 10 degrees. CONCLUSION: The values observed correction of refractive errors are then derived also offer the most common prescription ranges and products for the correction of given ametropia. In the selection and design corrective aids, we are often limited. Our task is then to manufacture high quality, functional and aesthetic corrective aids, you need to connect knowledge from the fields of optics, optometry and ophthalmology. Faster visual rehabilitation simplifies clients' rapid return to everyday life.

Vipoxin and its components: structure-function relationship.

The neurotoxin Vipoxin has been of growing research interest since the time of its isolation from the venom of the Bulgarian viper Vipera ammodytes meridionalis. Vipoxin is a heterodimeric postsynaptic ionic complex composed of two protein subunits-a basic and strongly toxic His48 secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) enzyme and an acidic, enzymatically inactive and nontoxic component, originally named Inhibitor. When separated, sPLA(2) enzyme loses its toxicity in 3-4 days and catalytic activity in 2 weeks. After the establishment of the high degree of sequence homology (62%) and crystal structure of the subunits, Vipoxin was served as an example of molecular evolution of a toxic but unstable sPLA(2) into an inhibitor subunit which stabilizes the enzyme and preserves its pharmacological activity. Beginning our research on Vipoxin, intrigued by the unique relationship-structure-function and based on the previous experience, we were more than surprised to establish the lack of so-called inhibitory function of the acidic subunit on the toxicity and catalytic activity of basic sPLA(2). On the contrary, the acidic subunit activated the sPLA(2) enzyme in vitro. Our studies undoubtedly proved that is more correctly to present Vipoxin as a heterodimeric complex composed of one basic catalytic subunit and one acidic regulatory subunit. Their interaction in a common quaternary protein structure is more than a noncovalent association between the two subunits. It allows pharmacological sites to be targeted and biological functions to be potentiated. We attempt to present the previous studies and new findings on Vipoxin and its components.

[Visual functions and quality of life in patients with keratoconus]. / Zrakové funkce a kvalita zivota u pacientu s keratokonem.

PURPOSE: To evaluate quality of life and visual functions in patients with keratoconus wearing rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. METHODS: Keratometry and objective refraction, uncorrected visual acuity, visual acuity with RGP contact lens, high order aberrations and letter contrast sensitivity before and after RGP application were measured in 22 keratoconus patients. Vision-related quality of life was examined by the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25) RESULTS: The average spherical equivalent in the study group was -7.28 (+/- 5.53), the average keratometry was 50.04 D (+/- 4.24) and the average corneal astigmatism -3,44 Dcyl (+/- 2,72). The uncorrected visual acuity was 0.20 (+/- 0.18), the corrected visual acuity 0.78 (+/- 0.22). The improvement of visual acuity after RGP fitting was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The RGP fitting didn't cause significant changes in high order aberrations and in contrast sensitivity. The NEI-VFQ overall score was 79.2. Keratoconus was associated with lower scores in these categories: dependency, mental health and ocular pain. CONCLUSION: Keratoconus is a disease which may have a marked impact on the quality of life beacuse it affects young adults in their active years. The use of RGP correction can significantly improve visual acuity but, at least in our study group, did not lead to significant improvement in contrast sensitivity and corneal aberrations.

[Comparison of keratometric values and corneal eccentricity of myopia, hyperopia and emmetropia]. / Porovnání keratometrických hodnot a excentricit rohovek u myopie, hypermetropie a emetropie.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to compare the findings of keratometric values and their differences at various ametropias. The eccentricity of the cornea in the sense compared to the possible influence of refraction of the eye is topographically observed. Groups of myopia, hyperopia and emmetropia are always represented 100 subjects, i.e. 600 eyes. The results of these measurements are mutually compared and statistically processed. METHODS: The studied cohort a total of 300 clients enrolled. To measure the steepest (r1) and flattest meridian (r2) and to determine corneal eccentricity was used autorefraktokeratometer with Placido disc (KR 8100P, Topcon, Japan). The obtained data were processed with appropriate software and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Group A consisted of 100 myopes (n = 200), 35 men and 65 women, average age 37.3 +/- 18.7 years (min. 10 years, max. 87 years). Objective refractive error - sphere: - 2.9 +/- 2.27 D (min.-0.25 D, -14.5 D max), cylinder: -0.88 +/- 0.75 D (min. -0.25 D, up to -5.0 D). Keratametry in this group is as follows: radius of curvature of the cornea in the front area of the steepest meridian 7.62 +/- 0.28 mm (min. 6.96 mm, max. 8.44 mm) and the flattest meridian is 7.76 +/- 0.3 mm (min. 7.08 mm, max 8.75 mm). The mean eccentricity was 0.37 +/- 0.12 (min 0.00, max. 0.79). Group B consisting of 100 hyperopic subjects (n = 200), 40 men and 60 women, average age 61.6 +/- 15 years (min. 21 years, max 88 years). Objective refraction in this group -sphere: +2.71 +/- 1.6 D (at least +0.25 D, up to +9.0 D), cylinder: -1.0 +/- 0.9 D (min. -0.25 D, max. -5.75 D).Corneal surface curvature in two main sections according keratometric measurement looks as follows: the steepest meridian is 7.67 +/- 0.29 mm (min. 6.99 mm, max. 8.62 mm), the flattest meridian then 7.81 +/- 0.29 mm (min. 7.10 mm, max. 8.70 mm). The value of the median eccentricity for these hundred hyperopes is 0.37 +/- 0.14 (min. 0.00; max 0.86). The third group C consists of 100 emetropic subjects (n = 200), then clients without refractive errors who achieve without corrective aids Vmin = 1.0. This group is composed of 42 men and 58 women, mean age 41.4 +/- 17.8 years (min. 3 years, max. 82 years). Measured values of objective refraction - sphere: +0.32 +/- 0.47 D (at least -1.75 D, up to +1.5 D), cylinder: -0.28 +/- 0.45 D (min. -1.25 D, up to +1.25 D). Keratometry values measured at the corneal surface in two perpendicular cross-section are: steepest meridian corresponds to the radius of curvature of 7.72 +/- 0.26 mm (min. 6.91 mm, max. 8.32 mm), the flattest meridian reaches values 7.83 +/- 0.25 mm (min. 7.10 mm, max. 8.53 mm). The median eccentricity is represented by the observed values of 0.36 +/- 0.11 (min 0.00; max. 0.57). Due to the validity of the results from the groups as unsuitable respondents with corneal astigmatism greater than -1.0 D were subsequently eliminated. CONCLUSION: Keratometry as well as topography is one of the fundamental methods of measuring corneal front surface. Their proportions are essential for the proper parameters selection, especially with contact lenses as one of the possible means intended to correct refractive errors. The study subjects were not included in any load condition cornea, purulent conjunctivitis, blepharitis, after refractive surgery or other eye symptoms.

[Prevention of iodine deficiency diseases in pregnant and lactating women].

The objective of this work was to evaluate results of control epidemiological studies of iodine-deficiency condition in pregnant and breast-feeding women; the secondary objective was to develop standard prophylactic iodine dose schedule for these patients. The study included two groups of pregnant women treated either with a daily dose of 200 mcg potassium iodide (group 1, n=52) or with 300 mcg Kl/day (group 2, n=69). In all of them, blood TSH, free thyroxin and antithyroid peroxidase antibody levels were measured along with iodine excretion in urine. Thyroid volume was determined by ultrasound. Initially, median urinary iodine excretion in all the patients was 62.7 mcg/l. Three months after onset of the treatment with potassium iodide it significantly increased to 83.5 mcg/l and 1120.8 mcg/l in groups 1 and 2 respectively (p = 0.006 and 0.001). However, the desired level of >150 mcg/l was not achieved. Treatment with KI in the period of lactation within 2 months after delivery resulted in median urinary iodine excretion of = >100 mcg/l in 10.5% of the women in group 1. None of the patients in group 2 showed the required iodine concentration in the urine. It means that the minimal daily prophylactic dose of iodine for pregnant and lactating women should be 300 mg.

[The importance of biological and social factors in school success].

Three groups of children with learning difficulties (a total of 62 children) are dealt with in this study according to their cognitive and psychological special features. In the first group the difficulties are a symptom of the FMR1-gene dysfunction. In the second group the poor school performance is associated with social interaction problems and high intelligence level. In the third group of gifted children with low verbal intelligence parameters the poor school performance occurred because of unevenly developed verbal and non-verbal abili-ties. We demonstrate the importance of complex neurophysiological, neuropsychological and clinical psychological investigation for establishing the reasons for school difficulties.

Severe coagulopathy after Vipera ammodytes ammodytes snakebite in Bulgaria: a case report.

The case report presents a severe coagulopathy in a 56-year-old man following envenomation by the snake (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes) on his left hand. Initially the man was in shock, with an extremely low blood pressure and tachycardia. Local signs included a painful blister formation on the envenomation site. Twenty-four hours later, the man developed acute thrombocytopenia (platelets number 10 x 10(9)/l) and ecchimoses formation on the affected limb and on the left side of his body due to a disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, which lasted 13 days and required repeated administration of blood products, antivenin and supportive treatment. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 18 days in a good condition. The case report indicates that the coagulopathy may be a serious life-threatening complication after V. ammodytes ammodytes snakebite.