scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "Folia Medica in 2002"


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The low calorie juice Aronia melanocarpa (sugar free, with artificial sweeteners) could be a valuable adjunct to the complex therapy of patients with diabetes mellitus because of its beneficial effects and good taste.
Abstract: The low calorie juice Aronia melanocarpa (sugar free, with artificial sweeteners) could be a valuable adjunct to the complex therapy of patients with diabetes mellitus. In this study no increased blood glucose levels were established 60 min. following ingestion of 200 ml Aronia juice. On the contrary, lower fasting blood glucose concentrations were measured in 16 patients with insulin dependent diabetes and in 25 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes (25 women and 16 men, 3 to 62 years of age, median age 38.8 +/- 4.7) with duration of the disease from 1 month to 13 years. Serial blood glucose measurements showed: 14.23 +/- 1.32 mmol/l at baseline and 11.4 +/- 0.89 mmol/l blood glucose level after 60 min., the difference being statistically significant (p<0.05). The ingestion of 200 ml Aronia juice combined with a standard breakfast produced similar results (the basal concentration of glucose was 13.43 +/- 1.12 mmol/l; it decreased to 11.94 +/- 1.02 mmol/l at 60 min., the difference did not reach statistical significance. The daily intake of 200 ml Aronia juice over a period of 3 months was effective in lowering fasting blood glucose levels from 13.28 +/- 4.55 mmol/l to 9.10 +/- 3.05 mmol/l (p<0.001) in 21 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes--13 women and 8 men aged from 42 to 62 (median age 53.6 +/- 3.65) with disease duration from 6 to 17 years. Aronia had a beneficial effect on HbA1c, total cholesterol and lipid levels. They dropped from 9.39 +/- 2.16% to 7.49 +/- 1.33% (p<0.001), from 6.45 +/- 1.59 mmol/l to 5.05 +/- 0.96 mmol/l (p<0.001) and from 2.92 +/- 2.15 mmol/l to 1.7 +/- 1.07 mmol/l (p<0.001), respectively. Results were compared with those obtained in 23 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes (15 women and 8 men aged from 48 to 67 years, median age 54.9 +/- 3.34) with disease duration from 6 to 17 years. The above mentioned parameters remained unchanged in these patients. Accumulated data illustrated the hypoglycemic potential of Aronia juice. The precise mechanism of its action is unknown but its beneficial effects and good taste make it a valuable adjunct to the dietary treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus.

81 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The present study discusses some aspects of the biological informativeness and interpretation of the results obtained in studying skin mechanical properties with cutometer and analyzes previously published studies on the mechanical properties of healthy and diseased skins and their changes after external influences.
Abstract: Cutometer is a commercially available non-invasive suction skin elasticity meter. The present study discusses some aspects of the biological informativeness and interpretation of the results obtained in studying skin mechanical properties with cutometer. We analyze the results of previously published studies on the mechanical properties of healthy and diseased skins and their changes after external influences. Studying human skin using cutometer gives objective and biologically meaningful information about the mechanical properties of healthy and diseased human skin.

59 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results of the study support the hypothesis of a higher risk of demineralization in regions adjacent to brackets at earlier age, a direct consequence of the lower resistance of the dental tissues and the poorer cooperation from the younger patients in the orthodontic treatment process.
Abstract: AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the hypothesis of a higher risk of demineralization in regions adjacent to brackets at earlier age. METHODS A prospective cohort study of 42 persons (22 persons aged 11-15 years and 20 persons aged 19-24 years) in the process of orthodontic treatment with brackets was performed. The duration of the observation was 18 months. The object of evaluation were 508 vestibular surfaces of permanent teeth that had brackets fixed. The statistical analysis included non-parametric analysis and comparison of percentages. The attributive risk (AR) and the relative risk (RR) were also determined. RESULTS After removal of brackets, 51.61% of the surfaces of the 11-15 year olds showed demineralization. In the 19-24 year age group this result was 6.92%. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The attributive risk was 86.59% and the relative risk was 7.45%. This indicates that age is a risk factor for demineralization adjacent to brackets. CONCLUSION The results of the study support the hypothesis of a higher risk of demineralization in regions adjacent to brackets at earlier age. This is a direct consequence of the lower resistance of the dental tissues and the poorer cooperation from the younger patients in the orthodontic treatment process.

26 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The normal levels of TPA in both groups of patients indicated a good treatment outcome due to the adequacy of surgery and in combination with radiation therapy, and tests of immunity parameters showed that CD4 and CD8 T cell counts increased significantly.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Aronia in combination with apple pectin in patients with breast cancer in the course of postoperative radiation therapy. Monoclonal antibodies were used to assay specific T cell subsets. Tests were performed prior to and after 26 and 50 Gy of irradiation. The study comprised 42 women (19 to 65 years of age) receiving 15 g of apple pectin in combination with 20 ml of Aronia concentrate (Bioactive Substance Laboratory--Plovdiv) twice daily during postoperative irradiation. Irradiation was performed by a 60Co-Rokus according to individualized treatment schedules. The following T lymphocyte populations were tested--CD3 total T lymphocytes, CD4 helper and inducer T cells, CD8 suppressor and cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. The levels of the polypeptide tissue antigen (TPA), an oncofetal protein, were tested in parallel. The TPA was used to assess treatment outcome in our patients. A group of 25 age-matched women with breast cancer served as controls. Immune status analysis of controls was performed prior to and following postoperative radiation. A total of 880 serum samples were tested. Assays of immunity parameters in the patients receiving Aronia in combination with apple pectin showed that CD4 and CD8 T cell counts increased significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). In control patients CD3 T cell levels lowered, the other T cell levels remained unchanged. Initially the number of NK cells was increased in both groups of patients. It remained constant throughout the course of the study. The normal levels of TPA in both groups of patients indicated a good treatment outcome due to the adequacy of surgery and in combination with radiation therapy.

22 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The fluoride gel proposed as well as the method of its application demonstrated very satisfactory results which gives grounds to recommend it for the treatment of acutely developing initial caries on the vestibular surfaces of the permanent teeth in children from 7 to 16 years of age.
Abstract: A case of giant fibroadenoma of the breast (size 23x20x13 cm and weight 2680 grams) in a 43-year-old woman with short stature and gracile body build is presented. Pericanalicular fibroadenoma was detected histologically. One year after mastectomy the patient is in good health, with no recurrences. The case is discussed in the light of the diagnostic difficulties, which lead to radical mastectomy. Giant fibroadenomas have to be differentiated from phylloid cystosarcoma by the lack of leaf-like structures and stromal cell atypia and from the breast hamartoma and asymmetric breast hypertrophy in girls by the lack of mammary lobules. Giant fibroadenoma should take its due place in the diagnostic algorithm of the breast tumors.

14 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The prevalence of ECC is high in the studied populations and the analysis of the questionnaire data shows that the knowledge of mothers about the appropriate feeding of their children is insufficient, and frequent consumption of quickly soluble carbohydrates is not the only risk factor for developing caries.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION Available data show that Early Childhood Caries (ECC) has a very wide range of prevalence (5% to 55%). Contemporary studies investigate the specific etiologic factors contributing to the appearance of ECC. As these questions are inadequately addressed in the stomatological literature in Bulgaria, we decided to investigate them in the present study. AIM To determine the prevalence of ECC and the risk factors in children aged 12 to 47 months in Plovdiv. METHODS The study is representative by design and is conducted in compliance with the requirements of World Health Organization. It includes 370 children 1 to 3 years of age, selected randomly. The dental caries was diagnosed by the visual-tactile method with a dental explorer and mirror at the cavitation level. A survey for determining the risk factors for ECC is carried out among the mothers of all affected children. RESULTS The results of the study demonstrate high prevalence of ECC in the studied populations--20.82% in 1-year-old children, 40.0% in 2-year-old children and 56.15% in 3-year-old children. The analysis of the questionnaire data shows that the knowledge of mothers about the appropriate feeding of their children is insufficient. The use of baby's comforter with honey is not the only risk factor for developing caries. It is ascertained that frequent consumption of quickly soluble carbohydrates, as well as their prolonged contact with the tooth surface is highly significant risk factors too. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ECC is high in the studied populations. The results of the questionnaire survey demonstrate the need for recommending adequate feeding practices of children till the age of 3 years to their mothers.

11 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: According to Bland and Altman method there is low agreement between intraocular pressure estimates obtained by Goldman and Maklakoff tonometry, i.e. these methods are not interchangeable.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to establish reproducibility between consecutive intraocular pressure measurements using the same method of tonometry as well as to assess agreement between 3 different methods of tonometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 55 patients. Intraocular pressure of 94 eyes was measured, using Goldman applanation tonometry, Maklakoff applanation tonometry and indentation tonometry according to Schioetz method. The mean values and the differences in intraocular pressure measurements were calculated (using Bland and Altman method) in order to assess agreement between Goldman and Maklakoff applanation tonometry and Goldman and Schioetz tonometry. Reproducibility of the methods was assessed based on three consecutive intraocular pressure measurements on three groups of 20 eyes at 5-minute intervals. RESULTS The mean intraocular pressure (Po) measured by Goldman method was 23.26 +/- 0.78 mmHg, the mean pressure estimates (Po) according to Maklakoff method were 19.4 +/- 0.64 mmHg and it (Po) was 21.18 +/- 0.74 mmHg using Schioetz tonometry. The correlation (Pearson) between Goldman Po and Maklakoff Po was 0.74 and between Goldman and Schioetz Po - 0.93. Mean differences were 4.12 +/- 0.53 and 2.08 +/- 0.3 mmHg respectively. Variation coefficients between consecutive measurements were: for Goldman tonometry - 2.00%, for Maklakoff - 7.90% and for Schioetz - 5.72%. CONCLUSIONS According to Bland and Altman method there is low agreement between intraocular pressure estimates obtained by Goldman and Maklakoff tonometry, i.e. these methods are not interchangeable. This fact might be explained by the high variation coefficient of Maklakoff method. The low variation coefficient of Goldman tonometry makes it the most accurate of the three methods.

10 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The age-related changes in SEPs reflect the trends of the development and the maturation of the neural pathways and their better myelinization.
Abstract: AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the configuration and latency of the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in healthy children for the time from the neonatal period to adolescence. MATERIAL AND METHODS SEPs were recorded in 67 healthy children--37 boys and 30 girls from 0 to 16 years of age by means of median nerve stimulation. The active electrode was placed above the contralateral parietal cortex on places C3' and C4' and the reference electrode--on Fpz. The filters were 10-1000 Hz and the frequency of the electric stimulus--3 Hz. RESULTS The depression of the potential in the neonatal period is accounted for by the wide base and low amplitude of SEPs. The configuration of SEPs is identical with that of adult individuals after 3 years of age. The latencies of the waves P15, N20 and P25 decrease progressively with age and lengthen in the period from 9 to 16 years of age, with the increase of height. The interpeak latencies P15 - N20, N20 - P25 and P15 - P25 decrease with age, while the amplitude N20/P25 increase with age. We found significant variability in the amplitude of the potential, most pronounced in the neonatal period. It gradually decreases by 10-14 months of age and after that remains unchanged. We did not find any differences at stimulation between the left and the right hand. CONCLUSION The age-related changes in SEPs reflect the trends of the development and the maturation of the neural pathways and their better myelinization.

8 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The present report investigates the epidemiological features of hepatitis A in the region of Plovdiv and outlines the most important epidemiological Features of the disease, which could contribute to more effective disease control.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION Infection with hepatitis A virus is of great importance to public health. The disease has a worldwide occurrence due to inadequate sanitation and the variable seroprevalence rates in the community. OBJECTIVE The present report investigates the epidemiological features of hepatitis A in the region of Plovdiv and outlines the most important epidemiological features of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 1999 (a year with a lower hepatitis A prevalence) the basic epidemiological characteristics of the disease were studied: overall morbidity and mortality rates, age, sexual and seasonal distribution, and prevalence in rural and urban areas. The study was carried out in a cohort of 288 patients with hepatitis A admitted to the Clinic of Infectious Disease of the Medical University in Plovdiv. All patients were anti HAV IgM positive. Routine clinical, laboratory, epidemiological and statistical methods were used. Laboratory and serological tests were performed at the Center for Disease Control, Plovdiv and at the University Clinical Laboratory. RESULTS Of 423 patients with acute viral hepatitis 288 (68.09%) had hepatitis A. In 1999 the morbidity rate for the region of Plovdiv was 49.55 per hundred thousand (intermediate). Disease prevalence was the highest in preschool and early school age as well as in the age groups 20-29 (84.67 per hundred thousand) and 30-39 (71.59 per hundred thousand). Urban residents accounted for 79.85% of the cases. The male/female ratio was 1:1. 82.25% of the preschool children did not attend day-care centers. History of contact with sources of infection was elicited from 17.01% of the patients. Disease rates peaked in October through December (maximum in October). CONCLUSIONS Accumulated data could contribute to more effective disease control.

7 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: IgG anti-bodies were prevalent in the saliva of patients with denture stomatitis and they were of diagnostic value and could be a determinant of the disease course.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE Quantitative measurement of IgA and IgG antibodies in the serum and saliva of patients with denture stomatitis (stomatitis subprothetica) was the object of this study. METHODS The indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFA) utilizing CIP 628 (serotype A) Candida albicans blastospores was employed. Anti-human goat and rabbit fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled serum was used. Serial serum dilutions from 1:20 to 1:1280 and saliva serial dilutions from 1:1 to 1:8 were prepared. Specimens were read using an ML-2 fluorescence microscope. Alternative analysis, analysis of variance and graphical analysis was used for statistical analysis of data. RESULTS Anti-Candida antibodies (mainly IgG class) were detectable at dilutions of 1:40, 1:80 and 1:160 in the serum of patients with denture stomatitis compared with healthy controls. The saliva samples of these patients showed higher titers of anti-Candida antibodies compared with controls (1:8 for IgG and 1:4 for IgA). CONCLUSIONS IgG anti-bodies were prevalent in the saliva of our patients and they were of diagnostic value. The IgA titers did not remain constant and could be a determinant of the disease course. Each patient showed an individual serologic profile. For this reason individualized interpretation of saliva antibodies as well as a comparison with the serum anti-Candida antibodies is recommended.

6 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: Based on the study findings the authors suggest that a 24-hour antibiotic prophylaxis should be recommended for the lower rate of side effects and lower cost.
Abstract: AIM The aim of the present study was to follow up the histochemical and enzyme-histochemical characteristics of differentiating white adipose cells of rat in situ. METHOD Nine rat fetuses aged 15-21 day of gestation were used. Fragments from the subcutaneous tissue of lower limb were frozen at -18 degrees C. On consecutive cryostat sections Sudan III-hematoxylin staining and enzyme-histochemical reactions for NADH2-cytochrome C-reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and lipoprotein lipase were performed. RESULTS The onset of the rat adipocyte differentiation was detected at days 15-16 of gestation. It was seen as appearance and accumulation of lipid droplets, rounding of the cells and displacement of the nuclei to the cell periphery. Gradually, with the advance of gestational age the number of differentiating adipose cells increased and lipid packages, composed of mature-like unilocular adipocytes and multilocular adipocytes that had not yet completed their differentiation, were formed. The differentiating embryonal adipose cells expressed positive enzyme-histochemical reactions for NADH2-cytochrome C-reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and lipoprotein lipase. CONCLUSION The described histochemical and enzyme-histochemical characteristics could be used as markers for distinguishing the earliest embryonal adipose cells in rat, which is impossible with the classic histological techniques. At the same time they might be accepted as the primary morphological criteria of adipocyte differentiation in situ.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results obtained show that neurotrophic factors play a role in the processes of postnatal differentiation of the Leydig cells and in the regulation of their functional activity.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to localize the neurotrophic factors glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFr) and low sensitive receptor for NGF (p75LNGFR) in rat testes during the postnatal development. Rat testes obtained at different stages of the postnatal development--day 5, 10, 15, 20, 24 and 27 after birth were used. Amplification immunocytochemical technique, which includes a combination of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method (PAP) and the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) methods, was applied. Immunoreactivity for the tested antigens was established in the Leydig cell with characteristic fluctuation in the intensity of the immune reaction at the different stages of the postnatal development. Positive immunostaining was seen in the Sertoli and some of the germ cells (spermatocytes and spermatids). The results obtained show that neurotrophic factors play a role in the processes of postnatal differentiation of the Leydig cells and in the regulation of their functional activity.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The use of Mannitol is associated with increase in the postoperative infectious wound complications and therefore should be avoided as colonic cleansing method in elective colorectal surgery.
Abstract: BACKGROUND The need for mechanical cleansing of the bowel before elective colorectal surgery is generally accepted. There are various methods for preparation in use today, but it is still controversial which of them is superior to the others. AIM To determine whether there is a significant difference in postoperative infectious wound complications rate between the traditional bowel preparation and oral lavage with the osmotic agent Mannitol. METHODS A retrospective study from January 1997 to June 2000 was performed. Patients who underwent elective surgery for colorectal carcinomas were divided into two groups according to the method of colonic cleansing that was used. The traditional bowel preparation was performed with 30.0 cc Castor oil given per os in the day before the operation and three soap enemas (Group I). Patients from the other group (Group II) were given 500 cc 10% Mannitol in the day before the operation. RESULTS There were 154 patients in Group I and 36 patients in Group II. Infectious wound complications developed in 26 patients from Group I versus 13 patients from Group II. The difference was statistically significant (16.9% vs. 36.1%, p < 0.01). The differences in the incidence of anastomotic leaks and mortality rate between the two groups were without statistical significance. CONCLUSION The use of Mannitol is associated with increase in the postoperative infectious wound complications and therefore should be avoided as colonic cleansing method in elective colorectal surgery.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The electron microscopic study showed that the embryonal differentiation of rat subcutaneous white adipose cells in situ started on the 15 - 16th day of gestation and was expressed by lipid accumulation and concomitant changes in the cell organelles.
Abstract: UNLABELLED In the present study we investigated the process of differentiation of rat subcutaneous white adipocytes in situ using electron microscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rat fetuses (Wistar rat) at 15 - 21 days of pregnancy were used. Sections of the subcutaneous tissue of a hind leg were prepared for examination with transmission electron microscopy by routine techniques. RESULTS The electron microscopic study showed that the embryonal differentiation of rat subcutaneous white adipose cells in situ started on the 15 - 16th day of gestation and was expressed by lipid accumulation and concomitant changes in the cell organelles. We observed the following in the differentiating adipocytes: 1. abundant glycogen granules; 2. appearance and accumulation of lipid droplets with gradual formation of several lipid droplets or one large lipid drop which pushed the nucleus to the periphery and rounded the cell; 3. large elongated mitochondria with densely packed transverse cristae; disintegration of cristae, swelling and vacuolization occurring in some of the mitochondria; 4. well developed endoplasmic reticulum with elongated and dilated cisternae; the initial predominance of rough endoplasmatic reticulum being superseded by prevalence of smooth endoplasmatic reticulum. The ultrastructural analysis we did revealed the consecutive stages in the adipocyte differentiation and the formation of adipocyte phenotype during the embryonal development of the rat.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The data show that there is no statistically significant difference in the eruption age of first permanent molars between the two genders, as well as between the upper and lower jaw.
Abstract: Introduction The eruption age of the first permanent molars is one of the milestones by which the normal physical development of the child is evaluated. Aim The need of current data about M1 eruption in 4- to 8-year-old children determines the aim of the present study. Material and methods The study includes 928 children from 4 to 8 years of age, from randomly selected kindergartens and schools in Plovdiv. The initial, mean and the latest age of eruption were determined. Results The data show that there is no statistically significant difference in the eruption age of first permanent molars between the two genders, as well as between the upper and lower jaw. Statistically significantly higher percentage of 4-5 and 5-6 year-old children have had first permanent molars in 1985 compared to their pairs in 2001. Conclusions In 4- to 8-year-old children from Plovdiv the initial eruption age of first permanent molars is 5-6 years, the mean age--6-7 years, and the latest age--7-8 years.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: A cystic tumor with the histologic characteristics of an epidermoid cyst was totally extirpated under operative microscope, using the same approach as in the first operation, and the patient was discharged in good state without complaints and no abnormalities detected in the neurological status.
Abstract: The authors present the case of a 34-year-old man. The patients was admitted for the second time in the clinic. A year before an epidermoid cyst of the third ventricle, obstructing the two foramen Monroe and causing acute hydrocephaly, was surgically removed. In the operative intervention a cerebral fenestration of the lateral cerebral ventricle was performed and the epidermoid cyst was totally extirpated through the right foramen Monroe under operative microscope. The patient was discharged in excellent state, without complaints and neurological symptoms. The patient received attacks of severe headaches, staggering gate and double vision two months before his second admission. The neurological examination revealed paresis of left nervus abducens, staggering gait and pronounced psychic symptoms. The computed tomography of the brain revealed cystic formation, 3.4 cm in diameter, in the front part of the third cerebral ventricle. The intervention was performed after preoperative management of the patient and a cystic tumor with the histologic characteristics of an epidermoid cyst was totally extirpated under operative microscope, using the same approach as in the first operation. The patient was discharged in good state without complaints and no abnormalities detected in the neurological status.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The treatment of acute initial caries with 0.42% fluoride gel leads to changes in the appearance of the surface and form of the carious spot which manifests the regress and recovery of the spot.
Abstract: Aim The aim of this study was to establish the changes in the appearance of the surface and in the form of the carious spots in the treatment of acute initial caries with fluoride gel. Material and methods Clinical observation on 182 white carious spots in 27 children from 7 to 16 years of age was conducted for a period of 12 months. Two groups were formed--experimental (112 spots) and control (70 spots). The treatment of the white spot lesions in the experimental group consists of 4 fluoride gel applications at an interval of 1 weeks. The evaluation of the spots is performed at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 12th month. Results The obtained results show that changes in the appearance of surface and form of the spots are observed in the period of the clinical study in both groups. The changes of the values of the percentages of spots with different form and appearance of the surface show that in the control group arrest of the progress of macula cariosa alba is achieved, while in the experimental group--regress and disappearance of the spots. Conclusion The treatment of acute initial caries with 0.42% fluoride gel leads to changes in the appearance of the surface and form of the carious spot which manifests the regress and recovery of the spot.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: A clinical and ultrasonographic long-term follow-up of subjects at risk for ADPKD which should allow early diagnosis as well as prevention of the complications which result in chronic renal failure is recommended.
Abstract: We conducted a ten-year clinical and ultrasound follow-up study of 120 siblings with ADPKD (68 men and 52 women, aged 19-40). 40 subjects had polycystic kidney disease. During the study period, the number and size of the cysts increased. Symptoms and signs also changed: at baseline 51% of the subjects were asymptomatic dropping subsequently to 2%. Initially, 32 subjects had 1-5 cysts in one or both kidneys and they were classified as suspected of having ADPKD. Significant changes were found in this group at the end of the follow-up. In 12 of them (37.50%) subsequent ultrasonograms revealed an increase in the number and size of the cysts--i.e. evolution towards ADPKD. None of the subjects in this group had a decrease in the number of cysts. In the control group, three had multiple cysts but most subjects were ultrasonographically negative for polycystic kidney disease. In conclusion, the authors recommend a clinical and ultrasonographic long-term follow-up of subjects at risk for ADPKD which should allow early diagnosis as well as prevention of the complications which result in chronic renal failure.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The study results show that in most patients improvement of various degree is achieved which depends on the severity of damage of the locomotory apparatus, which is of crucial importance for maintenance of the musculoskeletal function in hemophilic patients.
Abstract: UNLABELLED One of the most typical symptoms of hemophilia are the intra-articular hemorrhages, which cause chronic synovitis, damage of the joint and eventually hemophilic arthropathy. Adequate treatment of chronic synovitis with antihemophilic globulin combined with appropriate physiotherapy and rehabilitation is of primary importance for suspending development of hemophilic arthropathy. AIM The present study aims to explore the changes in the range of movements in the knee joint, mass and strength of thigh musculature as well as gait stability in hemophilic patients after conduction of intensive rehabilitation programme. MATERIAL AND METHODS Knee joints of 30 hemophilic patients were examined before and after conducting intensive rehabilitation. The assessments were done by angulometry of the knee joint, measurement of thigh circumference, and dynamometry. The rehabilitation course lasted 15 days. Kinesitherapy and modified physical factors were used in the treatment programme. Kinesitherapy included analytical exercises for the affected muscles and underwater gymnastics. The modified physical factors included electrotherapy with low-frequency impulse-magnetic field and interference currents. RESULTS The applied intensive rehabilitation programme lead to variously expressed improvement of the examined parameters. CONCLUSION The study results show that in most patients improvement of various degree is achieved which depends on the severity of damage of the locomotory apparatus. Prophylaxis with antihemophilic globulin combined with individually designed early rehabilitation is of crucial importance for maintenance of the musculoskeletal function in hemophilic patients.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Operative intervention was performed after a preoperative management of the patient: transcortical fenestration of the brain in the region of trigonum collaterale and the posterior horn of the right lateral ventricle, and histological findings revealed meningioma--meningotheliomatose variant.
Abstract: The authors present the case of a 58-year-old woman. At presentation the patient complained of vertigo and noise in the ears with six months history, and from headache, accompanied by nausea and vomiting from three months. The physical examination of the patient found no abnormalities. The neurological examination revealed discoordination syndrome and mild hemiparesis of the left limbs. Computed tomography of the brain without and with contrast medium showed oval tumor, localized in the region of trigonum collaterale and the posterior horn of the right lateral ventricle. Operative intervention was performed after a preoperative management of the patient: transcortical fenestration of the brain in the region of trigonum collaterale and the posterior horn of the right lateral ventricle. The tumor was totally removed. It is well isolated, oval in shape, with feeding blood vessel from plexus chorioideus and was attached to the wall of the ventricle with several thin bridges. Macroscopically the tumor was 3 cm in diameter, with smooth walls, well capsulated, grey-brownish in color and with firm elastic consistence. The histological findings revealed meningioma--meningotheliomatose variant.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results indicated the role of oxytocin in the local regulation of steroidogenesis and the importance of glucocorticoids in the differentiation and activity of Leydig cells.
Abstract: In the present study the fine structure of rat Leydig cells was examined by electron microscopy. Oxytocin and dexamethasone induced changes in the activities of 3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, NADH2 cytochrome-C-reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in these cells were studied in an in vivo experiment. Two groups of male Wistar rats were used to test the effects of oxytocin--rats from group I received a single injection of oxytocin; rats from group II were given a 10-day course of oxytocin. Pregnant female rats were injected with dexamethasone on day 17 and 18 post conception. The testes of 19 and 20-day old embryos were removed. It was established that both short and long term courses of oxytocin increased the activities of the above-mentioned enzymes. On the contrary, prenatal administration of dexamethasone decreased enzymatic activity in Leydig cells. Electron microscopy revealed clusters of fetal Leydig cells. Our results indicated the role of oxytocin in the local regulation of steroidogenesis and the importance of glucocorticoids in the differentiation and activity of Leydig cells.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The calcium-carbamide-formaldehyde paste stimulates bone regeneration and closing of the apex without coloring the hard dental tissues and recovery of the bone structure was observed in the teeth with combined endodontic and surgical treatment.
Abstract: UNLABELLED AIM, MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endodontic treatment of a total of 303 teeth with pulpitis and periodontitis was performed with a new calcium-carbamide-formaldehyde paste. In three children with fractured teeth with complications, the applied treatment was combined (2 teeth with apical osteotomy and 1 with cystectomy). Control examinations were carried out at months 6, 12 and 24 and clinically healthy teeth and teeth with complications were registered. RESULTS In the pulpitis group the clinically healthy teeth were 97.55% +/- 1.08 at the 6th month; 96.85% +/- 1.26 at the 12th month and 92.92% +/- 2.41 at the 24th month. In teeth with periodontitis 91.56% +/- 3.05 were clinically healthy at the 6th month; 93.83% +/- 2.67 at the 12th month and 98.03% +/- 1.98 at the 24th month. No statistical significance of the differences between pulpites and periodontites was found (P > 0.05). Recovery of the bone structure was observed in the teeth with combined endodontic and surgical treatment at the 12th month. CONCLUSIONS The calcium-carbamide-formaldehyde paste stimulates bone regeneration and closing of the apex without coloring the hard dental tissues.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: This work considers the major current biochemical markers of bone remodelling and their use in diagnosing and monitoring bone disease in neoplastic conditions and discusses the basic pathogenetic forms of bone lesions in neoporosis.
Abstract: Bones are among the major parts of the body that are targeted in neoplastic diseases. Bone lesions increasing in number and size and diffuse osteoporosis are found in 30-80% of cancer patients. All literature data about the pathogenetic factors of osteolytic and osteosclerotic bone lesions are classified into four groups: 1. Directly connected with the neoplastic tumour mass. 2. Humoral interaction between the tumour cells and bone cells. 3. Systemic effects and complications of the neoplastic process. 4. Extracancerous factors. We discuss here the basic pathogenetic forms of bone lesions in neoplasias: 1. Local osteolysis in the area of neoplastic infiltration. 2. Humorally activated demineralisation with hypercalcemia. 3. Light chain osteomalacia. 4. Hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. We consider the major current biochemical markers of bone remodelling and their use in diagnosing and monitoring bone disease in neoplastic conditions.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The result represents an immunocytochemical verification for presence of ferritin in the human Leydig cells (also in other cellular components) and suggest the role of this factor in the local auto- and/or paracrine control of the testicular functions.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the immunocytochemical localization of ferritin in human Leydig cells. Testes from patients orchidectomized for carcinoma of the prostate were used. The immunoreactivity for ferritin was visualized in the Leydig cells by amplification immunocytochemical technique. The Sertoli cells and some of the germ cells show moderate immunoreactivity for the examined antigen. Our result represent an immunocytochemical verification for presence of ferritin in the human Leydig cells (also in other cellular components) and suggest the role of this factor in the local auto- and/or paracrine control of the testicular functions.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: A trend of decrease of the prevalence and incidence of caries of the primary teeth is ascertained in children from 3 to 8 years of age in Plovdiv in the last 18 years.
Abstract: Introduction The need of current data on the epidemiology of caries of the primary teeth in 3- and 8-year-old children and establishing the trends in the prevalence of this disease in the last 18 years in Plovdiv determines the aim of the study. Material and methods The study includes 1124 children--536 girls and 588 boys from randomly selected kindergartens and schools in Plovdiv. The carious and filled primary teeth were registered (df). The following indicators were determined: prevalence of caries per persons (Ep), prevalence of caries per teeth (Et) and incidence of caries per teeth (It). Results The results show that the values of caries indicators increase with age: Ep in 3-year-old children is 23.13%, while in 8-year olds--83.22%. Et in 3-year-old children is 3.09%, while in 8-year olds--29.43%. The percentage of caries-free individuals in the target age group of WHO--5-year-old children is 47.32%. Conclusions A trend of decrease of the prevalence and incidence of caries of the primary teeth is ascertained in children from 3 to 8 years of age in Plovdiv in the last 18 years. The disease is limited to an increasingly narrower children group.