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.

Correlation Between Ki-67 Index, World Health Organization Grade and Patient Survival in Glial Tumors With Astrocytic Differentiation.

Abstract: Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a class IV astrocytic tumor, the most malignant of the four groups of World Health Organization (WHO) tumors with astrocytic differentiation. Aim The aim of this study was to estab-lish whether a correlation exists between the Ki-67 index of tumors with astrocytic differentiation, WHO grade, and patient survival. Materials and methods A retrospective non-clinical approach to patient selection was chosen for the aim of the study. A total of 47 patients diagnosed and treated for CNS tumors with astrocytic differentiation in the St. Marina University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria, from September 2012 to July 2016 were retrospectively included into the study cohort. The cases were tested for their immunohistochemistry (IHC) reaction with Ki-67 after their original Hematoxylin and Eosin and IHC slides were reviewed by a single author and blind coded. The Ki-67 positivity index of the nuclei was estimated after digitalization of the slides and calculated by the ImmunoRatio automated count-ing tool. The individual Ki-67 index and patient survival of each case were statistically compared. Results The histopathological groups, after the blind Ki-67 index automated calculation was carried out, revealed no WHO grade I, two WHO grade II samples, four WHO grade III samples and 41 WHO grade IV cases, and these were included in the analysis. The two samples of WHO grade II astrocytic tumors had a mean Ki-67 index of 25%; however, they comprised tumors with an individual index of 43% and 7%, both individual values with a highly unlikely index for this group. The four samples of WHO grade III had a mean Ki-67 index of 4%, standard deviation ±2.16 (p>0.05), with the lowest index being 1% and the highest one being 6%. Both WHO grade II and III did not include enough samples to allow for a proper statistical analysis of patient survival. The 41 GBM cases had a mean Ki-67 index of 17.34%, standard deviation ±10.79 (p>0.05). Statistical analysis of the Ki-67 index divid-ed dichotomously into two groups and patient survival revealed that cases with a high Ki-67 index had no significant difference in survival when compared to those with low expression. Conclusions Based on the reported results, the mean Ki-67 percentage of positive nuclei in GBM tumor sam-ples cannot be used to estimate the survival of patients. However, Ki-67 remains a valuable IHC pathological tool.

Increased prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders of gut-brain interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: An internet-based survey.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Quarantine with social distancing has reduced transmission of COVID-19; however, fear of the disease and these remedial measures cause anxiety and stress. It is not known whether these events have impacted the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBI). METHODS An online platform evaluated the prevalence of GI symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection utilized validated questionnaires and was fully anonymized. Findings were compared with identical data acquired in 2019. The association of results with stress and anxiety was analyzed. RESULTS Data were collected from 1896 subjects May - August 2019 to 980 non-identical subjects May - June 2020. GI symptoms were reported by 68.9% during the COVID-19 lockdown compared with 56.0% the previous year (p < 0.001). The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (26.3% vs. 20.0%; p < 0.001), functional dyspepsia (18.3% vs. 12.7%; p < 0.001), heartburn (31.7% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.002), and self-reported milk intolerance (43.5% vs. 37.8% p = 0.004) was higher during the pandemic. Many individuals reported multiple symptoms. Anxiety was associated with presence of all GI symptoms. High levels of stress impacted functional dyspepsia (p = 0.045) and abdominal pain (p = 0.013). The presence of DGBI (p < 0.001; OR 22.99), self-reported milk intolerance (p < 0.001; OR 2.50), and anxiety (p < 0.001; OR 2.18) was independently associated with increased GI symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of GI symptoms was significantly higher during the COVID-19 lockdown than under normal circumstances the previous year. This increase was attributable to increased numbers of patients with DGBI, an effect that was associated with anxiety.

Adipose-derived stem cells as a remedy

Abstract: Adipobiology of stem cells is reaching enthusiastic proportions in today's regenerative medicine. Current interest in the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) stems from their multilineage differentiation potential, and ease of derivation in larger quantities using less invasive methods, compared with other stem cell types. The possible benefits of ADSC-based therapy may be mediated by both cell proliferation/differentiation and paracrine secretion. Adipose tissue's secretome includes adipokines (growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, neuropeptides, hypothalamic hormones/releasing factors), steroid hormones, free fatty acids, prostaglandins, and endocannabinoids. The present review, focusing on adipose tissue secretory activity, also highlights the possible implication of ADSC in the therapy of various disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, myocardial infarction and stroke as well as gut, liver and skin diseases. Adipobiology 2010; 2: 51-56.

The effects of melatonin on burn-induced inflammatory responses and coagulation disorders in rats.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on burn-induced inflammatory responses and coagulation disorders in a rat model. Under ether anesthesia, shaved dorsa of rats were exposed to 90 degrees C for 10 s to induce burn injury. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) was administered immediately and after 12 h. Standard coagulation tests (prothrombin activity [PA] and activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]), platelet number and morphology; proinflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and fibrinogen) and lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde [MDA]) levels were assayed. Thermal injury increased the levels of MDA (by 76%, P < 0.0001), CRP (by 33%, P < 0.0001), fibrinogen (4.5-fold, P < 0.0001) and PA (by 37%; P < 0.01). Changes in aPTT and platelet numbers were nonsignificant. Melatonin diminished the elevated CRP and fibrinogen levels, normalized MDA levels, platelet morphology and decreased PA. A positive association of MDA with fibrinogen and MDA with PA were noted after melatonin treatment. To conclude, melatonin as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent exerted a suppressive effect on burn-induced disorders in blood coagulation and might be useful in the prevention of disseminated intravascular microthrombosis.