1,157 results match your criteria: "Medical University - Sofia.[Affiliation]"

The primary objective of this study was to examine neurological disorders and cognitive impairments in patients with secondary hypothyroidism and epilepsy undergoing treatment with antiepileptic medications. The study included 184 patients divided into three groups: Group 1 (subclinical hypothyroidism, n = 60), Group 2 (manifest hypothyroidism, n = 64), and Group 3 (control, n = 60). Patients in Group 2 received levothyroxine therapy (initial dose of 25 μg/day, titrated to 50-100 μg/day), while Groups 1 and 2 were treated with anti-seizure medications (valproic acid, 40 mg/kg/day).

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Unity in Diversity and Diversity in Unity-Vaccination Policies in EU Countries.

Healthcare (Basel)

December 2024

Department of Organization and Economy of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Background/objectives: This article emphasizes the comprehensive importance of vaccination, exploring its role in disease prevention, addressing growing concerns around vaccine hesitancy, and underscoring the crucial need for high vaccination coverage rates.

Methods: Our review examines EU-level and national policies on vaccination, utilizing EU sources, with a specific focus on regulatory and policy documents. Vaccination calendars in the EU were reviewed through the ECDC Vaccine Scheduler webpage.

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The development of fluorescence-based methods for bioassays and medical diagnostics requires the design and synthesis of specific markers to target biological microobjects. However, biomolecular recognition in real cellular systems is not always as selective as desired. A new concept for creating fluorescent biomolecular probes, utilizing a fluorogenic dye and biodegradable, biocompatible nanomaterials, is demonstrated.

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Dynamics of Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Anakinra.

Biomedicines

November 2024

Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.

SARS-CoV-2 can trigger hyperinflammation, leading to severe COVID-19, presenting with pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multiple organ failure. Specific biomarkers like leukocytes, CRP, NLR, AST, LDH, D-dimer, ferritin, and IL-6 are associated with disease severity. Anakinra, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, has been proposed to mitigate hyperinflammation, but its clinical efficacy remains uncertain.

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Facial paralysis is an infrequent and serious potential complication of acute otitis media (AOM). We describe a pediatric case of rapidly progressive facial paralysis as a secondary complication alongside AOM, caused by the non-typeable  (NTHi) strain, which was managed with facial nerve decompression, glucocorticoid medication, and antimicrobial chemotherapy. The reasons why NTHi becomes pathogenic in certain patients are not yet fully understood, and the specific interactions and adaptations that lead to complications must be further investigated, as they result in more complex treatment approaches.

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HLA-DQB1*05:03 is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 progression in the Bulgarian population.

Hum Immunol

January 2025

Medical University - Sofia, Medical Faculty, Department of Clinical Immunology, Bulgaria; University Hospital Alexandrovska, Clinic of Clinical Immunology and Stem Cell Bank, Bulgaria.

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak represents a global health problem. The different infection rates are heavily influenced by host genetic factors, such as variability in the HLA region. The aim of our study was to investigate whether certain HLA alleles in the Bulgarian population contribute to COVID-19 progression and their role in anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity.

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Introduction Dental caries is the most common disease worldwide and affects more than 90% of Europeans. The dental status of a population is an important indicator of quality of life. Different factors act as barriers and can obstruct access to dental services.

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Introduction: Previous studies have suggested an association between beta-cell and autonomic function and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We explored the association between controlled attenuated parameter (CAP) and insulin secretion and action, as well as sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in normal (NGT) and impaired (IGT) glucose tolerance.

Research Design And Methods: Twenty-five NGT (age 44.

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L. has been traditionally applied as a remedy for headaches, rheumatism, digestion, respiratory and neurological problems, and other medical conditions. However, the literature data on its effects on cognitive function are scarce.

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X-chromosome-wide association study for Alzheimer's disease.

Mol Psychiatry

December 2024

Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, LabEx DISTALZ - U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, Lille, France.

Article Synopsis
  • A study was conducted to investigate the X-chromosome's role in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), which had been overlooked in previous genome-wide association studies.
  • The research included 115,841 AD cases and 613,671 controls, considering different X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) states in females.
  • While no strong genetic risk factors for AD were found on the X-chromosome, seven significant loci were identified, suggesting areas for future research.
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Article Synopsis
  • * The cements, including two ready-to-use pastes and three powder-liquid combinations, were tested for their physical and chemical properties, focusing on their ability to release calcium ions after being soaked in water for 28 days.
  • * Results show that BioFactor and BioCal Cap cements released the most calcium ions, while Rootdent and TheraCal LC showed the least; an interesting finding was the relationship between aluminum content in the cements and the amount of calcium released.
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Differences in Patient Access to Newly Approved Antibacterial Drugs in EU/EEA Countries.

Antibiotics (Basel)

November 2024

Department of Health Technology Assessment, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University-Sofia, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Unlabelled: The introduction of antibiotics in the beginning of the 20th century was one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in history. However, in recent decades, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has shown the limitations of the current research and development programs for new antimicrobial drugs. In the last decade, 20 antibiotics, 7 β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combinations and 4 non-traditional antibacterial drugs have been launched worldwide.

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The angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, consisting of two segments: a large carboxypeptidase catalytic domain and a small transmembrane collectrin-like segment. This protein plays an essential role in blood pressure regulation, transforming the peptides angiotensin-I and angiotensin-II (vasoconstrictors) into angiotensin-1-9 and angiotensin-1-7 (vasodilators). During the COVID-19 pandemic, ACE2 became best known as the receptor of the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

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Mechanical asphyxia is a severe condition caused by a physical blockage that impedes breathing in the upper airways, trachea, and lungs. We present a case of a 39-year-old man who died suddenly at home while getting ready for work. He had previously experienced shortness of breath and a sore throat.

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Triple inhaled therapy in asthma: Beliefs, behaviours and doubts.

Pulm Pharmacol Ther

December 2024

Respiratory Diseases and Allergy Department, IRCCS Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa, Italy. Electronic address:

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) in association with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABA) are recommended by the GINA report as further option in step 4 and first choice in step 5 treatment. Despite consistent evidence of its efficacy and safety, inhaled triple therapy (ITT) is still not largely used in patients with asthma. With the aim to explore belief and behaviours of asthma specialists, an ad hoc survey has been developed by a panel of Interasma Scientific Network (INESnet) experts and subsequently defined by two Delphi rounds among an international group of physicians.

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A novel Ce(III) complex with the triazole ligand 2b, which presents four H-bonded sites with amino acids of the MMP-2 receptor, was synthesized. The experimental IR and Raman spectra of this Ce(III) complex were well-interpreted based on their comparison to the theoretical scaled spectra using the scaling equations determined by two procedures and four density functional theory (DFT) levels. Therefore, the structure predicted for the synthesized Ce(III) complex was clearly characterized and confirmed.

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Transgluteal approach for excision of pelvic lipoma causing sciatic pain.

J Surg Case Rep

November 2024

Medical University Sofia, Department of Spinal Surgery, University Hospital of Orthopedics "Prof. B. Boychev", Bul. Nikola Petkov 56, Sofia 1614, Bulgaria.

Sciatic nerve pain, affecting 12%-27% of the general population, often arises from a myriad of etiologies due to the complex anatomy of the sciatic region. The intricate relationship between the sciatic nerve and surrounding structures in the pelvis poses significant challenges in both diagnosis and surgical management. We report two cases of adult female patients presenting with chronic sciatic pain, refractory to conservative treatment.

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Symptoms of gallstone disease are the most common reason for cholecystectomy. Fenestration reduces the likelihood of severe inflammation or scarring after normal treatments are used, and it also enhances control over bile outflow. The goal of reconstituted cholecystectomy is to lessen symptoms like pain and jaundice without undergoing the high-risk procedures associated with more invasive procedures.

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Introduction: Patients with severe asthma may be prescribed biologic therapies to improve disease control. The EVEREST study aimed to characterize the global disease burden of patients with severe asthma without access to biologics and those who have access but do not receive biologics, as well as the remaining unmet need despite use of these therapies.

Methods: This was a historical cohort study of patients with severe asthma (aged ≥18 years) in the International Severe Asthma Registry receiving Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2018 step 5 treatment, or with uncontrolled disease at GINA step 4.

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Introduction: Endometrial cancer is currently the most common malignancy of the female reproductive system. The significance of the disease is determined by the search for additional biomarkers with the aim to optimize earlier diagnosis and to help for timely treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the serum levels of fibronectin (FN) in patients with malignant endometrial pathology and to compare them with patients with benign pathology and healthy women.

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Background: There is a need for unified guidance in the management of acneiform rash induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRi) among dermatologists.

Objective: To establish unified international guidelines for the management of acneiform rash caused by EGFR inhibitors, based on an experts' Delphi consensus.

Methods: The initiative was led by five members of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force 'Dermatology for Cancer Patients' who developed a questionnaire that was circulated to a group of 32 supportive oncodermatology experts in Europe, Canada, Argentina, the US States and Asia.

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Coronary artery disease (CAD) presents a significant risk for patients with systemic vasculitides, a group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels. In this review, we focus on the pathophysiological mechanisms, complications, and management strategies for CAD in systemic vasculitides. We highlight how the inflammatory processes inherent in vasculitis contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia.

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Hypertensionis one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting more than 20% of the population. The side effects experienced due to antihypertensive medications, such as tiredness, muscle pain, and insomnia, are often a significant predictor of poor adherence to therapy. The goal of the current study is to present the frequency, type, seriousness, and severity of adverse drug reactions reported to the BDA via Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) and following differentiation of messages found in more than one patient.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the rate of intestinal colonization by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in post-hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) patients at a hospital in Varna, Bulgaria, from 2019 to 2021.
  • Out of 74 patients, 37.8% were found to have MDR bacteria, with the majority being Gram-negative, particularly ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant strains.
  • Molecular techniques were employed to analyze resistance mechanisms, revealing key beta-lactam resistance genes and a clonal relationship among certain bacterial isolates.
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Substrate specificity controlled by the exit site of human P4-ATPases, revealed by de novo point mutations in neurological disorders.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

October 2024

Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, World Premier International Research Center, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

The maintenance of lipid asymmetry on the plasma membrane is regulated by flippases, such as ATP8A2, ATP11A, and ATP11C, which translocate phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine from the outer leaflet to the inner leaflet. We previously identified a patient-derived point mutation (Q84E) in ATP11A at the phospholipid entry site, which acquired the ability to flip phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). This mutation led to elevated levels of sphingomyelin (SM) in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane.

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