Ethnobotanical study of the impact of certain demographic indicators on the attitudes towards the use of medicinal plants among local population of the north Black Sea coast

This study aims to explore the attitude of the local population of the North Black Sea coast area towards the use of medicinal plants and to evaluate the impact of demographic indicators such as gender, age, education and residence. The survey was conducted in the period April - June 2015 in various towns and villages, using face-to-face interview technique with random demographic selection of respondents. Pearson`s coefficient (r) was used for assessment of the impact of demographic indicators on respondents` answers.Survey results show that 96.85% have a positive attitude, and only 4.32% exhibit indifference. From the de­mographic characteristics, only gender and age have a moderate impact. Cross-link analysis reveals that with the increase of the age of males their positive attitude towards the use of medicinal plants also increas­es, while female ratio is not significantly changed. The share of indifferent respondents and those who are positive but do not use medicinal plants, for both genders, is greatest among respondents aged between 20 and 30 years.The local population of the North Black Sea coast area demonstrates a steady positive attitude towards the use of medicinal plants without outlining regional and local differences. A tendency of decreasing interest in medicinal plants among the younger generation is observed, which on its behalf is weakening the tradi­tional knowledge on medicinal plants and its continuity

Detection of Trichomonas tenax in patients with poor oral hygiene and paradontosis

As an initial compartment of the digestive system communicating with the environment, the oral cavity is populated by a large number and diverse species of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They adhere to various surfaces, thus forming the so-called biofilms that are included in the composition of dental plaques. Plaques are a risk factor for the development of periodontitis because of the abundance of bacteria in them. The flagellate protozoan Trichomonas tenax has been isolated more frequently from the oral cavity of individuals with poor oral hygiene and periodontitis. The aim of our study was to assess the distribution of Trichomonas tenax worldwide based on the already published scientific literature. We performed a systematic review of 26 articles abstracted in several databases during the period between 1970 and August 2022. We proved a correlation between Trichomonas tenax and its presence in patients with periodontal disease. Different methods for its detection were established, such as microscopy, culture, polymerase chain reaction and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. The answers of many questions still remain unclear and, therefore, further epidemiological and clinical studies are needed to focus on the virulence and pathogenicity properties of this potential periodontal pathogen

Ethnobotanical study of the attitudes towards herbal remedies and conventional medicines among local population of the north Black Sea coast

The interest in phytotherapy in Bulgaria has a longstanding tradition.This ethnobotanical study aims to investigate the attitude of the local population of the North Black Sea coast area towards the use of plant-based products compared to conventional medications and to report the impact of various demographic indicators on it.The survey was conducted in the period April - June 2015 in various urban and rural areas, using face-to-face interviews technique with random demographic selection of respondents, men and women of different social status and age. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used for assessment of the impact of demo­graphics on respondents` answers.Maximum positive attitude has been declared by the highest percentage of respondents - 33.51 percent. Neg­ative responses score a minimum of 0.54 percent. Demographics analysis presents moderate impact of age only. The percentage of respondents with a score of 10 is significantly higher for those aged over 41, com­pared to the ones under the age of 40.Results vary in terms of ‘0` evaluation. Highest values were observed in the age groups of 41-50 and over 70.The majority of interviewees - 75.68 percent, prefer combination therapy; 29.19 percent rely only on herbal remedies, and 12.97% indicate both answers.The population of the North Black Sea coast area demonstrates a positive attitude towards the use of medic­inal plants and herbal remedy treatment. A clear case position has been defined: 100 percent use of medici­nal plants for prophylactic purposes, treatment - use of herbal remedies in combination with medications

Characteristics of autologous platelet rich plasma concentrates obtained by the buffy coat technique using different protocols

IntroductionIn the last decade, platelet-rich concentrates, including the so-called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have been gaining extreme popularity and are widely used in variety of clinical fields of medicine—dermatology, orthopedics, traumatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, maxillofacial surgery, and others.AimThe aim of the article was to analyze the quantitative characteristics of the blood components in autologous platelet-rich plasma concentrates obtained by the buffy coat technique using different protocols.Materials and MethodsThirty participants (avg. age 42.8) were included in the present study. Venous blood (35 mL) was drawn from each participant—3 mL were separated for control group to determine average blood cell level. Four protocols for PRP obtaining (4 x 8 mL) were performed by using vacutainer tube with separating gel and monovette (S-Monovette) without a separating gel. The concentration factor (%) for each protocol was calculated relative to the average baseline blood values of the control group.ResultsProtocol I showed increase in platelet concentrations by 91.55% and the leukocyte level was 107% higher compared to the control group. The second protocol (separating gel) demonstrated increase in platelet count by 337.06% and in leukocytes by 82.37%. The third protocol, based on double centrifugation, showed 352.08% increase in platelets and 40.54% decrease in white blood cell compared to controls. The fourth protocol demonstrated 389.84% increase in platelet level and 74.36% decrease in leukocyte number.ConclusionThe use of separating gels into various techniques for obtaining PRP facilitates blood cell aspiration and makes the procedure faster and safer in ambulatory practice

WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOM USAGE BY THE URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE WORLD, COMPARED TO THE REGION OF VARNA-BULGARIA

Purpose: Wild edible mushrooms are used worldwide and in Bulgaria as well. This inquiry investigation aimed at evaluating some mushroom usage practices by inhabitants in towns and villages in the Region of Varna, Bulgaria. Material/Methods: We carried out a study of 200 adult individuals, 100 males and 100 females, on the territory of the Region of Varna using anonymous inquiry with a set of 12 concrete items about wild edible mushroom usage. Statistical data processing was performed using descriptive and correlation analysis. Results: There was a domination of the negative attitude towards the wild edible mushrooms among the respondents from the towns, the villages and all the respondents as a whole on the territory of the Region of Varna. The inhabitants in the villages used more commonly cooking than those in the towns, and the inhabitants in the towns dried more seldom fresh mushrooms than those in the villages. Freezing was very rarely made use among all the respondents. There were statistically significant correlations between main town residence, on the one hand, and wild edible mushroom traditional usage, including cooking, drying, preservation and freezing, on the other hand. Conclusion: This inquiry investigation revealed some peculiarities of the attitudes towards wild edible mushrooms among the urban and rural population in the Region of Varna and the extent of usage of common mushrooms in dependence on espondents’ main residence

Sleeve gastrectomy and active intestinal bypass in patients with severe obesity

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment modality for severe obesity in adults and children. Numerous recent investigations by foreign authors have convincingly proven the successful and safe implementation of a variety of bariatric and metabolic surgical methods for definite and stable weight reduction.AIM: The aim of the present article is to concisely review the most recent publications in the field of bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity and to share our initial experience by three case reports.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We briefly report three patients with severe obesity, two women and one man, who were operated on by sleeve gastrectomy and active intestinal bypass in the Clinic of Surgery at the Naval Hospital in Varna, part of the Military Medical Academy, in the 2020–2022 period. They were followed up until 2024.RESULTS: This surgical intervention resulted in a remarkable weight loss and a body mass index reduction. The male patient’s weight decreased from 220 kg down to 82 kg. The female patients’ weight reduction was from 198 kg down to 83 kg and from 127 kg down to 76 kg, respectively.CONCLUSION: There is accumulated evidence on the sufficient safety and significant effectiveness of the bariatric surgery in selected patients with severe obesity. A broader implementation of this modern method in the clinical practice in Bulgaria should be recommended

NАТ technology – a step forward in hepatitis C screening in Bulgaria

Introduction: Globally, blood transfusions are the cause of transmissible infections in between 10% and 15% of all patients. Currently, the testing of donor blood for transmissible infections is utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA and chemiluminescence method CLIA for screening and detection of hepatitis C (HCV Ag/Ab). Since February, 2020 all donor samples of blood taken in the 5 centers for transfusion hematology in Bulgaria have been tested for markers of transmissible infections, including HCV, by nucleic acid testing (NAT).Aim: We have set the goal to analyze data produced by the implementation of NAT testing of donor blood for the period of 4 months (from 10th of February to 16th of June, 2020) regarding HCV infected samples.Materials and Methods: We present our experience of using NAT and data produced by its implementation for testing of donor blood for a period of 4 months, from the time NAT technology was implemented in Bulgaria.Results and Discussion: The performance of the multiplex Procleix Ultrio Elite assay as individual donor nucleic acid test for the detection of HCV is evaluated in a retrospective study. An advantage of the method is that it not only allows for timely identification of infected donor blood and saves lives of the recipients but also saves the lives of donors, as treatment of chronic hepatitis C continues to progress and is now effective in clearing the virus in more than half of the patients. In terms of safety and security of diagnosis and blood products obtained, the method has no alternative.Conclusion: A recommendation is drafted: to adopt a strategy to increase the quality of healthcare by introducing a one-time HCV screening for adults aged 18 and above, for individuals at risk and for pregnant women to reduce further the risk of incidental transmission of the hepatitis C virus

Which are the most popular medicinal plants in the area of the north Black Sea coast?

Настоящето изследване е част от по-широко етноботанично проучване проведено в района на Северното Черноморие през периода април - юни 2015 година, чрез техниката интервю лице в лице. Анкетирани бяха 185 души избрани на случаен принцип.Целта на настоящото проучване бе да разберем кои билки са най-популярните и да съберем данни за местните имена, използваема част и етноботанична употреба, като определим кои са „Билките на Баба` - най-популярните билки, за които информацията се предава основно словесно.От споменатите в анкетата 103 растителни вида принадлежащи към 54 семейства, 83 вида са български и 20 вида са чужди растения, като за 79 вида български растения са попълнени данните посочени в анкетата.На база посочените данни е установено наличие на стабилно познание за билките и тяхната етноботанична употреба сред местното население на Северното Черноморие. Най-популярни се оказаха 26 български растения и те съответно бяха определени като „Билките на Баба`.This study is part of a broader ethnobotanical research conducted in the area of the North Black Sea Coast in the period April - June 2015, using face-toface interviews technique. The respondents were 185 randomly selected local people.The aim of this study was to determine the most popular herbs, along with data collection of their respective common names, useful plant parts and ethnobotanical uses. In addition to the above, we aimed to ascertain the so called Grandma`s herbs - the most popular herbs the knowledge for which is based on the oral tradition of verbal transmission, i.e. by word of mouth through successive generations.Out of 103 plant species belonging to 54 families included in the survey, 83 species were native to Bulgaria, and 20 species - foreign plants. The survey data was completed for 79 plant species endemic to Bulgaria.Sound knowledge of herbs and their ethnobotanical use among local population of the North Black Sea Coast was determined based on the research data. Top 26 most popular Bulgarian medicinal plants were respectively defined as Grandma`s herbs

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is still high among symptomatic Bulgarian children

Helicobacter pylori positivity was assessed among 656 symptomatic children in 2010–2017. Overall infection prevalence was 24.5% and a significantly higher rate was detected in girls (28.5%) compared to boys (20.0%). Moreover, in children with duodenal ulcer, H. pylori prevalence was higher (47.4%) compared with the rest (23.9%). On the contrary, the infection was detected 1.9-fold less frequently in patients with GERD (14.5%) compared with the other (27.0%) patients and 2.1-fold less often in the presence of duodenogastric reflux (bile) reflux (13.0%) compared with the absence of the reflux (27.0%). No significant difference was observed between the younger (aged ≤7 years, 20.0%) and the older (aged 8–18 years, 25.5%) patients. H. pylori infection rate in Bulgarian pediatric patients between 2010 and 2017 was 2.5-fold lower than that in 1996–2006. In conclusion, H. pylori infection is still an important concern for Bulgarian children, although having decreased by about 1.8%/yearly over 21 years. This study reveals the importance of H. pylori diagnostics even in the youngest symptomatic children and demonstrates an inverse association between either GERD or bile reflux and H. pylori infection

Therapeutic challenges in quadruple negative breast cancer

Recently, breast cancer (BC) continuously ranks first in the incidence rate of malignant neoplasms in womenworldwide. Quadruple negative BC (QNBC) is a recently identified subtype of triple negative BC (TNBC) presenting with negative androgen receptor expression. QNBC characterization and treatment is fraught with many challenges.There is cumulative evidence suggestingthat QNBC ishighly proliferative and immunogenic, rendering it anideal candidate for cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Several chemotherapeutic agents such as imatinib, cabozantinib, dasatinib, lucitanib,sunitinib, docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamidein QNBCpatients are highlighted. Some subtypes and related pathway proteins are preferentially expressed in QNBC and may act as effective therapeutic targets such as acyl-CoA synthetase4, S-phase kinase associated protein 2, immune checkpoint inhibitors, kinesin family member C1,and epidermal growth factor receptor. Several recent investigations comparing the therapeutic approach to QNBC and TNBC are briefly reviewed. Further more intensive and problem-oriented research in this topic of rising socio-medical importance is needed