Medical University of Varna

About: Medical University of Varna is a education organization based out in Varna, Varna, Bulgaria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 1199 authors who have published 1273 publications receiving 32940 citations. The organization is also known as: MU-Varna & Higher Medical Institute of Varna.

Awareness of the visitors of solar studios in Varna and Dobrich about the health risks from their use

Abstract: Bulgaria is one of the countries with the highest number of cases of skin cancer worldwide. The consequences of intensive exposure to UV radiation are an important health and social issue. Artificial indoor tanning has been offered widely during the last years and this has lead to plenty of discussions mainly related to the risks of the uncontrolled offer of such services, and to the need of safety and health regulations. The purpose of the study is to determine the levels of health risk awareness amongst the clients of solar studios in Varna and Dobrich. A survey was conducted involving 116 people of which 97 women and 19 men. According to the results, only 57.9% have been informed by a cosmetician. Only 70% of the clients have been given regularly instructions for the use of the solarium. Almost one quarter of the participants in the survey stated that they chose a solar studio because of the radiation parameters. More than 50% of the interviewed exposed to artificial UV radiation the zones of their bodies with pigmentary formations while 55.3% of the clients of artificial tan studios naturally have light skin, which means they are exposed to a higher risk of malignant new formations. Based on these results, activities aimed at raising the population`s awareness about the effects of UV radiation and about protection measures, as well as at building habits of safe behavior when using artificial UV radiation sources, should be planned and implemented.

HIV-associated thrombocytopenia and anemia during pregnancy

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs) are retroviruses that compromise and attack the human immune system, causing a disease known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is known that about 40% of those infected with the HIV virus develop thrombocytopenia during the course of the disease, and 80% develop anemia. We present a clinical case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman at 28 weeks of gestation who was diagnosed with the HIV virus four years ago but did not show up for medical examination and treatment, and developed thrombocytopenia and anemia during pregnancy.

Periodontal risk profile assessment – a review

Abstract: Risk assessment of periodontal disease in patients and populations with increased risk of developing periodontitis may have great importance for clinical decisions in periodontal therapy. This risk assessment consists of assessing the level of infection – bleeding on probing index, presence of residual periodontal pockets, loss of teeth, assessment of alveolar bone loss in relation to the patient's age, assessment of systemic conditions and assessment of some risk factors from the environment as smoking. The functional chart of periodontal risk assessment helps the clinician in determining the risk of progression of periodontal disease at the individual level, as well as in determining the frequency and extent of control visits during supportive therapy.

Indicators for resource allocation in the health system - a regional approach

Abstract: Introduction: Resource allocation is closely related to health inequalities issue and is an important anchor for reducing the inequities in the health system. Its basic principles include effectiveness, equity and utility. The aim of this study is to propose a system of indicators, which could be used for resource allocation in the health care. Materials and methods: This study relies on a qualitative method, namely an expert opinion research. The inquiry was conducted in the end of 2014 and includes 41 experts in the field of health care. The results are summarised and analysed by median and percentiles. Results and discussion: The results confirm the relationship between health inequalities, health inequities and resource allocation and the connection is the access to health services. Distribution of the resources in the health system should be based on the specific health needs of the population at a regional level. As a result of the expert opinion, a system of indicators for resource allocation is composed. The system has two main groups of indicators - for resource allocation among regions and for distribution of resources between health services, programs and health sectors in one region. The indicators are summarised in 5 sections - general characteristic of the region, demographic, socio-economic, ecological characteristics and health status variables. Conclusions: Fair and equitable resource allocation among regions is an important instrument for reducing health inequities. But for improving the access to health services, all decisions have to consider population health needs, so the health system will be `patient-centered`.

Antispasmogenic and spasmolytic effects of verapamil and salbutamol, alone and in combination, on histamine-induced guinea pig tracheal contraction in vitro.

Abstract: The antispasmogenic and spasmolytic effects of the calcium entry blocker verapamil were examined on histamine-induced guinea pig tracheal contraction in vitro in comparison with the beta 2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol. The effects of verapamil were found to be about 1000 times weaker than those of salbutamol. The antispasmogenic IC50 for verapamil was 1.99 x 10(-4) M compared to 7.94 x 10(-8) M for salbutamol. The spasmolytic EC50 for verapamil was 3.37 x 10(-5) M and for salbutamol was 1.95 x 10(-8) M. The combined application of verapamil and salbutamol resulted in additive antispasmogenic and spasmolytic effects.