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.

Histamine concentrations in gastric mucosa of patients with Schönlein-Henoch purpura.

Abstract: Schonlein-Henoch purpura (SHP) is an immunocomplex disease usually associated with vasculitis of small vessels and involvement of the skin, joints, abdomen and kidneys [l]. The role of histamine as a modulator of various immune functions has led us to the assumption that its levels in blood and affected tissue might be changed in patients with SHP. We have found and reported previously that the levels of histamine in blood and affected skin decrease in the active phase ofthe disease [2, 3]. We have now examined the levels ofhistamine in gastric mucosa of patients in the active phase of Schon lein-Henoch purpura and after treatment.

Psychoneuroimmunology and impact of stress in chronic skin conditions

Abstract: Psychodermatology studies the relationship between skin and mind. The important starting point in most of the chronic skin conditions is the psychological factor. Acute adverse events are classic triggers for these diseases. Chronic distress plays an important role, especially in time of public professional and financial instability, combined with the characteristics of the personal profile of the individual. Patients suffering from chronic skin dermatoses are tense, anxious, and unable to relax. This article reviews the neuro-endocrine pathways in the genesis of psychodermatological conditions. The paradigm: chronic skin conditions, stress and psyche is discussed. The review is based on the data from English language literature using MEDLINE and PubMed.

Study of the liver metabolic activation of some plant phenolic compounds

Abstract: Phenolic compounds form one of the main classes of secondary metabolites. The widespread use of flavonoids and phenolic acids necessitates the study of their metabolism. The aim of this work is to predict the possible metabolites of some plant phenolic compounds by a specialized software (OECD (Q)SAR Application Toolbox. Analysis of data reveals that after metabolic activation in liver (observed pathways) for five of the six plant phenolic compounds liver metabolism was not observed. Only for one compound (Luteolin) metabolic activation in liver (observed pathways) was observed.

Community knowledge about the problems of blindness and low vision

Abstract: Introduction : There are two main types of visual deficit - blindness and low vision. It depends on the decrease of the vision of the better seeing eye after correction. Low vision is a condition of visual acuity, even after treatment and correction, of less than 6/18 or a visual field of less than 10 degrees. The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness of blindness and low vision in the general population and among the health care professionals. Material s and Methods: This is a questionnaire survey. The study was performed from 10 April 2018 to 10 May 2018 in Varna. We used a separate questionnaire for the two groups of participants. Тhe first group consisted of randomly chosen patients in the Eye Center and their relatives and the second included medical specialists. The statistical analysis was made with Microsoft Excel 2013. Re sults : The majority of respondents - 60% were between 25 and 60 years old. More than 89% of the respondents had no information about the activities of the Union of the Blind and the special schools for blind children in Varna and in Sofia. Over 33% of respondents were not interested in specialized training in visual rehabilitation, 75% did not know the prices of the devices for correction of low vision. This matter was interesting for 91% and 83% would take place a National Vulnerable Campaign for low vision. Conclusion : The awareness of blindness and low vision among the general public and the medical specialists is very unsatisfactory. This indicates the need for change of public opinion and for specialized training of medical specialists. Therefore, an implementation of a low vision algorithm is needed.

Palliative options in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract: INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is one of the most lethal malignancies being the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite the significant progress in diagnostic modalities the PA is still diagnosed at late stages when curative treatment is no longer possible. This unfavorable situation directs the clinician`s attention towards palliation and quality of life improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a literature review of the recent developments in the area of palliative care for pancreatic cancer patients regarding the management of obstructive jaundice, pain and intestinal obstruction. The experience of our clinic with conventional surgery and nonsurgical methods is analyzed and presented. OUR RESULTS: We report our experience with group of 45 patients, one part of them received conventional surgical treatment, and the other one underwent endoscopic treatment. Both endoscopic stent insertion and surgical bypass appear to be effective treatments, but nonoperative palliation seems to be associated with lower complication rates, lower procedure-related mortality rates, and shorter initial periods of hospitalization compared with surgical palliation. In one patient we performed recanalization of a self-expandable metalic stent by inserting a plastic stent into it. The jaundice was relieved successfully. CONCLUSION: The management of PA patient remains a challenge in spite of the clear progress made in diagnostic studies, surgical and palliation treatments. Multidisciplinary approach is necessary to optimize the overall care. Considering the late diagnosis of the majority of PA patients, palliative techniques should not be neglected, but well mastered.