Varna Medical University Press: Journals
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Anti-inflammatory properties of plant-derived organosulfur compounds: Insights from sulforaphane and allicin
Full text linkIntroduction: In recent decades, there has been an increasing interest in the potential of bioactive compounds in food to reduce the risk of inflammation-related pathological disorders. Organosulfur compounds are known to benefit human health due to their anti-inflammatory effects.Aim: This mini-review focused on the latest published scientific evidence about the anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane from broccoli and allicin from garlic.Materials and Methods: A screening of the latest scientific publications in specialized databases was done using specific keywords.Results: An overview of the effects of each compound in cell cultures, animal models, and human interventional studies on inflammation is provided. The molecular mechanisms behind anti-inflammatory effects are also commented on. The promising positive outcomes from many in vivo and in vitro studies are a basis for human dietary interventional studies.Conclusion: Both compounds exert strong anti-inflammatory effects but, unlike sulforaphane, allicin seems to have more limitations in human interventions due to some undesirable effects
Sun exposure in early childhood – benefits and risks
Full text linkIntroduction: Hardening procedures increase the resistance of children to adverse environmental conditions. They are part of physioprophylactic measures. Sun, water and air are natural health-improving factors. Sunbathing has a positive effect on the entire body, leading to improved metabolism, increased general tone of the body, and enhanced resistance to infections. Sun exposure is considered one of the main methods of preventing rickets in children.Aim: This study aims to examine and analyze parents' knowledge of the benefits and risks of sunbathing.Materials and Methods: A survey was individually conducted among parents (n=138) in April 2025 using a questionnaire. Methods used included documentary analysis, sociological methods, and statistical and graphical processing of the results.Results: The results of the study show that more than half of the surveyed parents are aware of the benefits of sunbathing for children (65.9%). Their main concern is the risk of sunburn (86.2%) when the sun is too strong, which is why they prefer morning hours for sun exposure (87.7%).Conclusion: Educating parents on the proper implementation of hardening procedures would increase their awareness. It is necessary to provide guidelines on the benefits and the risks of improper application. The parents included in the sample expressed a desire to receive more information about the effects of seawater on children's health.
Endoscopic therapy for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Full text linkAcute gastrointestinal bleeding represents one of the most serious and potentially life-threatening emergencies in clinical practice and remains a frequent cause of hospitalisation. Although the exact cause often remains unclear until oesophagogastroduodenoscopy is performed, in clinical practice upper gastrointestinal bleeding is traditionally classified as variceal or non-variceal. This distinction is of critical importance, as it determines different diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms and is associated with specific prognostic factors for each category.Emergency oesophagogastroduodenoscopy aims to identify the source of bleeding and to control it through one of the therapeutic modalities of endoscopic haemostasis. Endoscopic haemostasis may be achieved using injection, mechanical, and thermal methods, as well as by combining these approaches. In recent years, new techniques such as over-the-scope clips and topical agents have also been introduced.In conclusion, upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a clinical syndrome encompassing various pathological conditions, characterised by rapid dynamics and potential risk to the patient’s life. Therefore, it requires timely diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, carried out within a multidisciplinary team
Training needs and thematic preferences of hospital pharmacists in Bulgaria: results from the 2025 survey of the Bulgarian Association of Hospital and Clinical Pharmacists (BAHCP)
Full text linkThe aim of this study is to analyze the attitudes, preferences, and thematic interests of hospital and clinical pharmacists in Bulgaria regarding continuing professional education and engagement in scientific research activities. A mixed-method quantitative and qualitative approach was employed through an anonymous online survey targeting pharmacists working in hospital settings nationwide. The data analysis revealed a high level of motivation to participate in educational initiatives, with a notable preference for hybrid learning formats that combine the advantages of face-to-face and online education. Respondents’ thematic interests span a broad range of clinical, regulatory, and interdisciplinary topics, underscoring the need for an integrated and comprehensive approach in developing educational programs. Furthermore, open-ended responses highlight key demands for accessibility, practical relevance, institutional recognition, international exchange of experience, and the establishment of platforms for scientific communication.The findings provide a valuable foundation for optimizing continuing education strategies and strengthening the professional role of hospital pharmacists within the Bulgarian healthcare system
Evaluating the impact of specialized cardio-cycling exercises on the clinical status of chronic dialysis patients, objectified by examining laboratory indicators of mineral and bone disorders
Full text linkChronic kidney disease leads to serious complications related to the disability of patients. This gives reason to discuss and work to improve their quality of life. In recent years, attention has been focused on physical activity and renal rehabilitation, in order to overcome movement disorders.In the Nephrology Clinic at St. Marina University Hospital, Varna, the influence of cardio-cycling exercises on the clinical status of hemodialysis (HD) patients was assessed, objectified by examining laboratory indicators, such as serum phosphorus, serum calcium, iPTH, and CRP.We studied a total of 69 patients-divided into two groups: control (n = 32) and experimental (n = 37), conducting cardio-cycling exercises. The values of serum phosphorus, calcium, and CRP were examined in both groups at the beginning, at the 3rd and at the 6th month, and the values of iPTH—at the beginning and at the 6th month.The analyzed data showed that in HD patients performing intradialytic exercises, bone mineral indices improve in terms of Ca and P, but not those for PTH. The highest correlation was found for serum Ca.In patients with CKD on HD treatment, in whom various techniques of renal rehabilitation were applied, good results were reported in the volume and cycling. The cooperation of patients is important. This requires convincing them of the positive effect of the test and its implementation in order to improve their tone and physical activity
Study on the frequency of morphological diagnoses in biopsy samples from the eye and ocular adnexa and the characteristics of the patient population over a one-year period at the Ophthalmology Clinic, Pleven
Full text linkIntroduction: For the planning of treatment activities, early diagnosis, and prevention of eye and ocular adnexal diseases, regular analysis of morbidity on a regional and national scale should be conducted. Aim: The aim of this article is to investigate the frequency of morphological diagnoses in biopsy samples from the eye and ocular adnexa over a one-year period at the Ophthalmology Clinic of Dr. Georgi Stranski University Hospital, Pleven.Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of biopsy cases from the archive of the Department of Pathoanatomy at Dr. Georgi Stranski University Hospital, Pleven, was conducted. Cases operated on in the Ophthalmology Clinic in 2024 were extracted and analyzed by histological result, age, and gender. Analysis by age and diagnosis was performed using ANOVA test (SPSS). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 78 biopsies were studied during the period. Among the analyzed material, eye/globe biopsies numbered 7 out of 78, including two enucleations (due to uveal melanoma) and five biopsies, two with degenerative changes, one suspicious for lymphoproliferative neoplasm, and two scleral biopsies (one with epithelial dysplasia and one with conjunctival subepithelial melanocytic nevus). In 71 of the 78 biopsies, the samples were from ocular adnexa. A statistically significant difference in age distribution between different nosological entities was found (F = 3.884, p < 0.0005). Conclusion: The frequency and diagnostic distribution of the analyzed histological specimens, particularly tumors of the eye and ocular adnexa, correspond to or are similar to those described in the literature. An age-based distribution was observed, with specific nosological units showing tendencies to appear in certain age groups.
Comparison of the efficiency of different approaches for myopia control in children and adolescents from the city of Varna for a two-year period
Full text linkIntroduction: The prevalence of myopia is increasing drastically on a global scale. It represents a socially significant problem for the young population and increases the interest in integrating methods and practices to slow its progression. Myopia control aims to reduce the risk of loss and deterioration of visual function and to reduce complications associated with high-grade axial myopia by reducing the progression of axial length.Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of optical and pharmacological interventions to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 years, who underwent treatment at the University Specialized Eye Hospital in Varna.Materials and Methods: The study included 60 patients with myopia and according to the condition and the wishes of their guardians, they were divided into 4 groups. Of these, myopia control with atropine drops 0.01% was performed in 16 patients, 17 were corrected with multifocal soft contact lenses, 13—with ortho-K lenses, and 14—with multifocal glasses. The axial length of the eyeball and refractive error were examined and compared before the start of therapy, at the first and at the second year.Results and Discussion: After the introduction of the appropriate control agent, the increase in the spherical component and axial length in the ortho-K and multifocal lens groups was lower compared to the atropine drops and glasses groups. The lowest mean values of increase in axial length were observed in the group fitted with ortho-K lenses (MD +0.21 mm), followed by the atropine drops (MD +0.32 mm), multifocal contact lenses (MD +0.53 mm), and glasses (MD +0.89 mm) groups. The smallest difference in refractive error was again reported in the group with ortho-K lenses (MD N/A), multifocal contact lenses (MD 0.45D), atropine drops (MD 0.73D), and glasses (MD 1.26D).Conclusion: Multifocal and ortho-K lenses and atropine drops can effectively control the progression of myopia in adolescents, but multifocal and ortho-K lenses show more significant effects
