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In the middle of the last century, a system of field protective forest belts was created in North-Eastern Bulgaria to protect agricultural lands and increase yields from cereals and other agricultural crops. Forest roads were also built, ensuring the implementation of silvicultural activities in field protective forest belts. It was found what part of the forest roads in the region of Dobrudzha are stabilized with crushed stone, and the rest are dirt roads without stabilization. It has been established what part of the forest roads in the region are stabilized with crushed stone, and what part are dirt roads without stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: This study was focused on veterinary practitioners in Bulgaria with the aim to investigate and present their level of preparedness for disaster response and continuance of professional activities after disaster events. METHODS: A sociological survey through a questionnaire with open and closed questions was sent to veterinarians throughout the country personally or via e-mail. RESULTS: Veterinary practitioners in Bulgaria are not legally engaged in disaster prevention, excluding the prevention of contagious animal diseases. At the same, time veterinarians could assist the population not only in case of biological contamination but also in any crisis situation caused by natural, technical, and human factors. The study showed that one-third (34.38%, n=11) of the respondents had supplied their practices with emergency equipment, while 75% (n=24) of them had secured the continuity of communications. Another 21.88 % (n=7) of respondents had arranged in advance a meeting place for staff after evacuation to meet and plan the reorganization of their activities. Only 3.13% (n=1) of the respondents had conducted simulated evacuations in arranged training. CONCLUSIONS: The findings could be used for drafting guidelines and teaching materials for professional training, enhancing the veterinary practitioners to perform more effectively in emergencies and thus raise the disaster resilience of the community as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To perform a retrospective study of the prevalence of Down Syndrome (DS) in the region of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, for a 15 year period (1993-2007). METHODS: Various sources of information concerning birth rate in the years under investigation are explored. DS was confirmed cytogenetically examining both child and parents. The data was processed using standard statistical methods. RESULTS.50967 live born children are registrated in our region for the period 1993-2007. 37 unrelated children were cytogenetically confirmed with DS. This forms a general incidence of 1:1377 live born children. Three peaks of increased incidence are observed (in 1999, 2002-2003 and 2005 years). Among the 37 cases, 16 (43%) are females and 21(57%) are males, with a females/male ratio of 1:1.3. The regular form of DS is confirmed in 33 (89%) cases, translocation form in 4 (11%) cases. Mosaic form hasn't been observed. Of all women given birth to children with regular DS, 17% are over 35 years. CONCLUSION: This research is the first step of monitoring congenital anomalies and inherited diseases in our region. It is a part of the National Program for Orphan Diseases and Genetic Disorders in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been shown that mixtures of phenobarbital and 3- methylcholantrene may be used in the Salmonella/microsome test as inductors of the S9 liver fraction, instead of "Aroclor 1254". The Salmonella/microsome method has been used to study the mutagenic action of Flatogel (2.5% polymethylsyloxanum activatum and 2% ethylium -p- aminobenzoicum , suspended in sorbitol-balanced gel of aluminum hydroxidatum and magnesium hydroxidatum ), Nitrolong (2,2-bis/hydroxymethyl/-1,3- propandioltetranitrate ) and Cymethidine (N-cyano-N'-methyl-N"/2-/5-methyl-4-imidazolyl-methylthio/ethyl/guanidin e). These substances are produced as drugs by the Bulgarian chemical and pharmaceutical industry ( PHARMACHIM ). The results obtained show that the drugs studied have no mutagenic action, both without and with activation with S9 liver fraction isolated from rats treated with "Aroclor 1254" or combinations of phenobarbital and 3- methylcholantrene .