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.

One-minute time interval estimation as a novel ultrashort tool for distress screening.

Abstract: Our study explores the potential relationship between time estimation and level of distress in cancer patients prior to starting chemotherapy. Time estimation was assessed in 262 chemonaive patients with solid tumors by evaluating each subject’s prospective estimation of how fast 1 min passed compared to the actual time. The median value (40 s) of time estimation was used to stratify the patients into two categories of fast and slow time estimation. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer was used at the beginning of treatment to evaluate levels of distress. Patients scoring 4 or above (51.9%) were regarded as having high levels of distress. The pattern of the time estimation distributions significantly changed according to the level of distress. Patients with a fast time estimation had significantly higher levels of distress (4.55 ± 3.1) than patients with a slow time estimation (3.3 ± 2.9) (p = 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that at the optimal cutoff value of time estimation, patients with low and high distress levels can be discriminated with an AUC = 0.60 (95% CI: 0.53–0.67, p = 0.005) and with a sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity of 53.2%. Moreover, in a multivariate logistic regression model, fast time estimation was an independent predictor of high levels of distress. Time estimation is a novel potent indicator of high levels of distress in cancer patients. This test is an easily performed, time-saving, and nonintrusive ultrashort screening tool that is even suitable for patients who are not willing to reveal their level of distress via direct questionnaires.

Is a cooperation between Eastern and Western Medicine possible in Bulgaria

Abstract: INTRODUCTION : Bulgarian patients are increasingly looking for Eastern (traditional) medicine (EM) in addition to their basic treatment. In order to avoid a conflict between the methods of Eastern and Western medicine (WM) in Bulgarian conditions, it is necessary to determine the possibilities for their joint application. AIM: The purpose of the article is to explore and present the opportunities for cooperation between Eastern and Western medicine in Bulgarian conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review and content analysis of bibliographic sources, relevant scientific articles and Bulgarian legislation normative acts were performed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Western medicine affects the symptom, focuses the treatment on individual organs and systems, provides fast results, but the treatment has its side effects. Eastern medicine treats the individual in his entirety, mostly without side effects, cures the root cause, but the results are obtained through a prolonged treatment. Disadvantages of both types of medicine: the Alternative medicine is inable to deal with diseases that arise in people from the West due to contaminated environment, noise factors, impact of chemical agents, etc.; In Western medicine there are cases of sustained and irreversible health effects caused by iatrogenesis. In recent decades in Europe and around the world, the practicing of Eastern medicine techniques has been implemented as part of the prophylaxis and as a complementary therapy next to drug treatment. CONCLUSION: Bulgarian legislation regulates the training and practicing of some methods that are part of the Alternative medicine ("unconventional methods"). The Eastern medicine methods have their place in the prophylaxis and treatment of the Bulgarian patient. A cooperation between Eastern and Western medicine is possible in Bulgarian conditions.

Equipment For Object Photography In The Dental Technician’s Laboratory, Characteristics And Prices For 2018

Abstract: В началото на XIX век фотографията за първи път се прилага в медицината. Техническото й развитие я прави приложима в много сфери. Предметната фотография намира приложение в зъботехническата лаборатория, когато за нуждите на зъботехника се снимат изработени протезни конструкции, восъчен моделаж, ортодонтски апарати или апаратура. Снимките служат за прецизна документация, за комуникация с дентален кабинет, за архив или за реклама. Цел на това проучване е да предложим оптимално оборудване на основна и допълнителна фотографска техника, на добра цена. След проучване на литературни източници и експертно мнение на професионален фотограф, предлагаме конфигурации, покриващи минималните изисквания за постигане на качествени резултати. Чрез сравнителна характеристика на подбрани марки фотографска техника и тяхната относителна стойност в цени, отнесени към 2018 г., установихме, че не е задължително да се оборудва скъпоструващо фотографско студио, за да се получат добри резултати. Препоръчваме ползването на цифровата фотография като средство за подобряване на ефективността в комуникацията и в работата. Препоръчваме след набавянето на подходяща техника, да се надградят знания, относно настройки на фотоапарата, разполагане на светлинни източници, кадровка, протоколи на снимане на предметна фотография чрез допълнителни фотографски курсове.

Specific shortcomings of endograft design.

Abstract: Further to the rapid enlargement of an aneurysm to 5.6 cm in diameter after 3 years of surveillance, a 79-year-old patient was fitted with a Vanguard modular stent graft and monitored on a regular basis for 6 years. Two years later, the aneurysmal sac ruptured. The patient died 1 month after an open surgery. The device was devoid of any encapsulation and the ipsilateral limb was detached from the body. The Nitinol skeleton was mostly maintained, however, some polypropylene sutures were broken. The resulting motion of the sharp-angled Nitinol wires caused abrasion and resulted in a few localized holes that were sufficient to permit blood to percolate through the textile wall. Some polyester yarns in the warp direction were ruptured. The Nitinol wire used in this device was shown to be corrosion resistant but the selection of the polypropylene suture was inappropriate. Because this technology is maturing rapidly, these weaknesses can be avoided in the future generations of endovascular devices. It is recommended that these Nitinol wires be sutured to the fabric and that polyester yarns stronger than 68 decitex in tubes 8 mm in diameter are selected.

Fusion rates for conservative and surgical management of type II odontoid fractures and its impact.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Type II odontoid fractures are known to have low fusion rates following conservative management with a hard collar. However, most patients are elderly with comorbidities and are not fit for surgery. The present study identified the rates of bony fusion, complications, and clinical outcomes following conservative management of type II odontoid fractures. METHODS We included consecutive patients referred with a suspected odontoid fracture to a Major Trauma Centre in the UK between March 2015 and December 2017. Data including patient demographics, fracture management, complications and outcomes. Bony fusion was assessed by two neurosurgeons and one neuroradiologists. Results were analysed with simple statistics and chi-squared test. RESULTS 102 patients were included in the study (mean age = 80.4 ± 15.3). 10 (9.8%) were managed surgically and 92 (90.2%) were managed conservatively with a hard collar, for a mean of 87 days. Patients were followed up for a mean of 28.1 months (range 1-855 days) until discharge. 37% developed collar complications, namely pain, stiffness and non-tolerance. Bony union was achieved in 37.3% of patients treated with a hard collar (versus 80% in the surgical group, p = 0.0096). Increasing age was an independent risk factor for non-union (p < 0.001). Of the patients without bony union, none reported symptoms, and 90% were discharged without a collar. CONCLUSION The management of type II odontoid fractures are difficult in an elderly, co-morbid population. With conservative management fusion rates are low, and collar complications are not insignificant. However, outcomes are good regardless of union.