Varna Medical University Press: Journals
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Photobiomodulation With Lumithera Valeda Light Delivery System In Patients With Dry Form Of Macular Degeneration — Early Results
Full text linkIntroduction: Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Dry ARMD accounts for 90% of the cases. Thus far, there have been limited treatment options available—lifestyle changes and intake of nutritional supplements.Aim: The aim of this article is to present our early results obtained from patients with dry ARMD treated by photobiomodulation (PBM) with Valeda Light Delivery System.Materials and Methods: A randomized pilot clinical trial of PBM with Valeda Light Delivery System in patients with dry ARMD was conducted. A total of 15 eyes of 9 patients, aged between 67 and 84, were examined. All patients were assessed by color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, and optical coherent tomography angiography.Results: In seven out of ten PBM-treated eyes, an increase in best corrected distance visual acuity of up to 4 lines on the visual chart was achieved. No change was found in two of the examined eyes and a worsening of distance vision was registered in only one eye. In all participants an increased contrast sensitivity was measured 4 weeks after treatment.Conclusion: Photobiomodulation with LumiThera Valeda Light Delivery System is an innovation in ophthalmology. To date, all publications analyzing the early results obtained in patients with dry ARMD confirm the preclinically established functional and anatomical improvement
Quality of life in patients in the pre-dialysis stage of CKD
Full text linkIn recent decades, quality of life (QoL) has become a primary goal in enhancing health services and serves as an indicator of treatment effectiveness. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures how a disease affects patients‘ lives and aims to quantify its consequences based on the patient‘s subjective perception. Psychological factors such as distress, depression, and anxiety can significantly impact the general well-being and functioning of patients in the pre-dialysis stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A study was conducted using interviews and documentary methods with 20 patients aged 30-80 from the Nephrology and Dialysis Treatment Clinic at St. Marina Hospital, Varna.The findings indicate that 60% of patients with chronic kidney disease experience episodes of distress, attributed to the process of accepting the diagnosis and dealing with denial. Of the surveyed patients, 35% reported attempting to comply with prescribed treatments for CKD, while only 20% are followed up by a nephrologist post-diagnosis. Regarding preferred vascular access, 60% of respondents favored the arteriovenous (AV) fistula due to its advantages
Growth Hormone Treatment Of Small For Gestational Age Children
Full text linkChildren born small for gestational age (SGA) have been the focus of extensive scientific interest in recent decades. A SGA child is defined as one whose birth weight and/or length is below -2 SDS (2.3rd percentile) for their gestational age, according to selected reference growth curves. Approximately 80–85% of these children experience catch-up growth by the end of their second year of life, and around 90% by age four. The birth of a SGA child may be due to many reasons, and special attention should be paid to the presence of genetic ones. Early identification, close monitoring, and timely intervention can help modulate both short- and long-term complications associated with the condition.This review aims to summarize the current literature regarding the use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy in children born SGA.Treatment with rhGH, developed in the 20th century, has demonstrated positive effects in SGA children who fail to achieve postnatal catch-up growth (commonly referred to as "short SGA children"). Improvements have been observed not only in final height, but also in metabolic markers and cognitive development. Multiple factors influencing treatment outcomes have been identified, and awareness of these factors is crucial for optimizing therapeutic results
Microleakage of temporary filling materials used in endodontics
Full text linkIntroduction:Pulpal and periodontal diseases often require multi-visit endodontic treatment, which necessitates the sealing of cavities with temporary filling materials. The main problem is the possible microleakage and further failure of the treatment.Aim:The aim of this research is to provide an overview of the problem with microleakage of temporary filling materials.Materials and Methods:Studies and articles published by foreign and Bulgarian authors are reviewed in order to present the different types of temporary filling materials, the mechanism of microleakage, different methods of its detection, and the extent of microleakage by different types of temporary filling materials.Results:Different types of temporary filling materials show different levels of microleakage.Conclusion: Microleakage can cause failure of the endodontic treatment. That is why, between the visits, an adequate temporary seal is needed
Applications of 3D Slicer
Full text link3D Slicer is an open-source software product designed for processing, analyzing, and visualizing medical images. The platform is developed by the Slicer Community and is used in various medical fields, including oncology, neurosurgery, and radiotherapy. Thanks to its rich set of features and extensive library of free extensions to the base program, 3D Slicer has established itself as a reliable platform for scientific and clinical analyses. In this review, we examine some of its applications
The role of VATS in the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis
Full text linkSarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory disease with a still unclear etiology. It is characterized by the formation of immune granulomas in the affected organs. The lungs are most commonly primarily affected, in association with hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, but other organs may be progressively affected. Sarcoidosis is most often suspected on imaging studies performed following the onset of symptoms or on other occasions. In order to achieve good therapeutic control of the disease devising an adequate, sparing and safe diagnostic approach is needed. The role of video-assisted thoracic surgery (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), thoracoscopy) should be discussed in the most acceptable terms. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical peripheral pulmonary resection has a well-established role in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis due to its large tissue material, minimally invasive nature, short hospital stay, minimal pain and low risk of complications. It tends to occupy a primary role in the diagnosis of peripheral solitary and multiple lung lesions
Therapeutic Benefits of Winter Swimming
Full text linkIntroduction: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in winter swimming. Its effects as a healing practice and therapeutic procedure have been known for centuries. Winter swimming is commonly referred to as a short dip in ice water or a brief swim over a short distance. The purpose of this article is to summarize information on the effects and applications of winter swimming.Materials and Methods: Available literature and scientific research on the topic were reviewed.Results and Discussion: Regular exposure to cold temperatures stimulates the immune system and reduces the frequency of illnesses. The body's resistance to various external factors such as cold, moisture, and wind increases. Swimming stimulates blood circulation, which can improve circulation and support cardiovascular health. The regular practice of swimming increases the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and energy balance in the body. Exposure to cold temperatures boosts energy levels and enhances the production of endorphins and serotonin, leading to reduced stress and anxiety and an improved mood.Winter swimming helps the body develop more effective adaptive mechanisms and improves its ability to cope with stress and adverse external influences
Immunohistochemical Studies: A Basic Method for Diagnosing Malignant Neoplasms. The Role of the Medical Laboratory Technician in Pathohistological Diagnosis
Full text linkPathohistological diagnosis is a critical stage in the diagnostic and treatment process for every patient. It is performed by a pathologist who, based on various histological examinations, determines the presence or absence of a malignant neoplasm, its stage, degree of invasion, and the presence of metastases. These studies are facilitated by the pathohistological laboratory technician.Immunohistochemical examination is essential for diagnosing many tumor diseases and is often decisive for determining the patient's treatment. This research involves a long and multi-stage process, requiring the laboratory technician to have detailed knowledge of each step. Fixation of the material, processing it into a paraffin block, antigenic recovery, and antibody incubation are all critical stages that can impact the success of the immunohistochemical reaction.Knowledge of the antibodies and the antigens being targeted is crucial for selecting the appropriate protocol. Poor storage of antibodies or their improper dilution can lead to false-negative or false-positive results. During tissue processing for microscopic preparation, tissues are passed through a fixing solution, most commonly formalin, which "masks" many antigens. Thermal recovery is a necessary step for unmasking such antigens. Using an inappropriate antigen retrieval buffer can result in incorrect results. The incubation time of the antibody and the temperature at which the reaction occurs must align with both the antibody's sensitivity and specificity.Visualization of the immunohistochemical reaction is most commonly performed using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine tetrachloride (DAB) chromogen, which produces a brown color. Counterstaining with hematoxylin, which stains nuclei blue, is recommended. The use of alcohol in this final stage can cause the loss of the reaction. Therefore, hematoxylin without alcohol in its composition, such as Mayer's hematoxylin, is preferred.The purpose of this review is to examine the main stages involved in immunohistochemical studies, highlighting common errors and offering potential solutions for their prevention or correction
First Permanent Molars: The Necessity of Prophylactic Care in Childhood
Full text linkIntroduction: The first permanent molar plays a key role in determining and maintaining vertical facial dimensions, as well as in the digestion of food. This tooth is also essential for the aesthetic aspects of the maxillofacial region. Studies have established that the first permanent molar is among the teeth most frequently affected by caries.Aim: The aim of this study is to emphasize the necessity of prophylactic care for first permanent molars in children, by taking into consideration their functional significance in mixed and permanent dentition.Materials and Methods: Children aged 9 to 10 years participated in the study. An inquiry, epidemiological indicators for caries, and clinical indices for evaluating gingival tissue were used.Results: Patients with periodontitis affecting the first permanent molar and a high risk of caries require prolonged complex therapy. For children with asymptomatic pulpitis of the first permanent molar and moderate caries risk, a biological method of treatment is applicable.Conclusion: The lack of primary prophylaxis for first permanent molars is associated with the need for secondary and tertiary prophylaxis later