<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Oral/perioral piercing may provide an ideal environment for adhesion and colonization of microorganisms. The aim of this study is to perform an “in vitro” research on the capabilities of adhesion of Candida albicans on oral piercings made of plastic and metal. Acrylic and metal piercings were incubated with Candida albicans and then were observed using scanning electron microscopy under different magnifications. A lot of irregularities and roughness were observed on the surface of the plastic piercing unlike the surface of the metal one, which is not so rough. Nevertheless, the number of Candida albicans colonies was considerably larger on the scanned metal surface in comparison to the plastic surface. In vitro the metal surface of the piercing creates better environment for the adhesion and colonization of microorganisms than the acrylic. This could be attributed to the electrostatic forces that most likely attract Candida albicans to the metal piercing in the early stages of biofilm formation.</abstract>

Department of Periodontology and Oral Diseases, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv, Bulgaria, DM 109 Hristo Botev blvd. Bg − 4000 Plovdiv tel.: 0888442026

Department of Periodontology and Oral Diseases, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University − Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Deparment of Microbiology, University of Food technologies – Plovdiv, Bulgaria

In Vitro Study on the Adhesion and Colonization of Candida Albicans on Metal and Acrylic Piercings

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Despite recent studies showing that serum Cystatin C (CysC) is a better marker for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than the ubiquitously used creatinine, the clinical utility of these findings remains to be evaluated. This marker is very sensitive for allograft function after renal transplantation. The concentration of CysC was compared with that of the creatinine. Decreased renal function was followed in 64 transplanted patients. Serum CysC significantly correlated with creatinine in healthy controls (r = 0.625, p &lt; 0.0001), whereas in the transplanted patients the mean serum creatinine and CysC concentrations were: 81 ± 13 mmol/L and 0.90 ± 0.22 mg/L, respectively. Serum CysC and creatinine significantly correlated throughout the post transplantation period (r = 0.686, p &lt; 0.001), but we confirmed differences between kinetics of these parameters. In the first four days after transplantation the CysC concentration was normalized faster than the creatinine concentration. Development of acute rejection episode (between 5 and 7 days) showed high sensitivity and specificity of the changes of CysC compared with those of creatinine.</abstract>

Department of Nephrology, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, University Clinical Center, Skopje, Macedonia, Vodnjanska str.17 1000 Skopje, Macedonia tel. ++389 2 119 080++ 389 2 112 539

Serum Cystatin C in Patients with Delayed Graft Function

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Vitamin D deficiency is fequently observed in chronic kidney disease. We conducted this study to determine the concentration of the above-mentioned parameters and the correlation between them in order to optimize therapy with vitamin D in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. In 53 patients on hemodialysis due to ESRD, vitamin D [Calcidiol (25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, albuminuria, albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) and other parameters have been followed up. Analysis of the levels of vitamin D has been carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), the PTH is determined by the system Centaur XP, Siemens Diagnostic, Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and for albumin in urine we used immunological method [Miltigent microalbumin assay (Abbott Laboratories Diagnostics). We found out deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D in 56.6% and 37.7%, as well as average 4.5 times increase in the PTH, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, albuminuria (A2 or A3), over 10 times increase in the ACR, secondary hyperparathyroidism. We registered a negative correlation between vitamin D and PTH. We confirmed the increase in creatinine and cystatin C in the patients on hemodialysis. There are few literature data for patients on hemodialysis, however, regarding the extent of the vitamin deficiency and its relationship with PTH, albuminuria, calcium, phosphorus, etc. Our data have indicated that patients on hemodialysis due to ESRD are associated with high incidence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.</abstract>

Medical Laboratory „Ramus“ – Sofia, Bulgaria

DM Medical Laboratory „Ramus“ – Sofia, Bulgaria, 2-4 Angista St. Bg - 1527 Sofia tel. 02/943-1196

Clinical Laboratory, University Hospital “Tsarista Yoanna – ISUL“ – Sofia, Bulgaria

Clinic of Haemodialysis, University Hospital “Tsarista Yoanna – ISUL” – Sofia, Bulgaria

Determining the Levels of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone in Patients on Hemodialysis

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The aim of the study is to compare the diagnostic capabilities of three different diagnostic methods: Quantitative Laser Fluorescence (QLF) − DIAGNOdent Classic (DD), Light-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) − SoproLife daylight and blue fluorescence, and their relevance to ICDAS II system in detection of fissure caries lesions in permanent molars. Permanent molars (n = 45) are divided in two groups: 1) third molars, n = 35; 2) first and second molars, n = 10. They are examined by 2 examiners with and without magnification x5 using ICDAS II, SoproLife “day light” and “blue light” (405nm), LIF, DIAGNOdent Classic − emitting laser light on 655nm, QLF. The results are proven with histological bucco-lingual or mesio-distal sections through the body of the lesion with diamond blade rinsed with water. Photos of all occlusal surfaces of the molars are taken before and after the sections. The lowest overdiagnosis rate is found with SoproLife camera. When visual examination is applied overdiagnoses are fewer than with DD. DD is not capable to differentiate white and brown spots from a caries lesion. Soprolife is not capable to differentiate brown spots from a caries lesion. The most accurate method in this in vitro study for diagnosis of fissure caries is LIF (SoproLife) − 75.6% of the teeth are correctly diagnosed, followed by ICDAS (57.8%) and QLF (DIAGNOdent) (40%).</abstract>

Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria, 1 Sv. G. Sofi yski St. BG – 1431 Sofia

Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria

A Comparison of Different Methods for Fissure Caries Detection

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The rate of musculoskeletal disorders is increasing in white collar workers and often is discussed in relation to ergonomic and work organization issues. The aim of the study was to follow the rate and determinants of musculoskeletal disorders in broadcasting engineers under shift work. Job analysis and ergonomic evaluation of the workplaces of 168 broadcasting engineers, working different shift work schedules, was carried. The self reported working conditions, psychosocial and ergonomic factors were followed. Questioning for distribution and localization of musculoskeletal complaints and diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders was carried. Data were analyzed with variation, correlation and regression analysis. A lot of ergonomic and work organization problems, simultaneous work on two monitors, changes of workplace during the shift were found. More than 50% of the employees were not content with shift work schedules, 38.7% worked often under time pressure and 23.8% in non-ergonomic work posture. A high incidence of musculoskeletal complaints mainly in the region of the back and neck was found. 35.1% of the employee reported musculoskeletal disorders, determined by non-ergonomic work posture, problems in shift work schedules, lack of control and decision making in a highly significant model. Measures for improving workplace ergonomics and work organization were proposed in order to reduce stress, fatigue and health risks in broadcasting staff.</abstract>

National Center of Public Health and Analyses – Sofia, Bulgaria, 15 Akad. Ivan Geshov Boul. Bg−1341 Sofia

National Center of Public Health and Analyses – Sofia, Bulgaria

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Broadcasting Engineers: The Role of Ergonomic Factors and Work Organization

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Mason type III and IV radial head fractures are severe injuries that lead to decreased range of motion, alteration in the kinematics, the load transfer and the stability of the elbow. They are often in conjunction with ligament injuries, anterior or posterior joint dislocations and fractures of the coronoid process, the humeral capitulum and the olecranon. The resection of the head leads to elbow instability, late complications and arthrosis of the elbow. The open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in Mason type III and IV fractures is not able to restore and sustain the anatomical structure and function of the radiocapitellar joint. That is why these fractures require arthroplasty. The best results are reported with the use of metal bipolar prosthetics. We present our initial experience with radial head arthroplasty on three patients with mean follow up 18 months and a review of the English literature.</abstract>

2nd Orthopedic Clinic, University Orthopedic Hospital “Prof. B. Boychev” – Sofia

3rd Traumatology Department, University Hospital for Emergency Medicine “N. I. Pirogov” – Sofia, Bg − 1606 Sofia

Radial Head Arthroplasty with A Modular Prosthesis – Initial Experience

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">There are a variety of body aches that fall under the umbrella term of Musculoskeletal Discomforts (MSDs). These can be distinguished based on the level of pain suffered by the patient, ranging from mild and sporadic to serious, constant and fatal. It has been suggested that a link exists between MSDs and risk factors involving one’s occupational conditions and physicality. Examining the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal discomforts based on the severity among office workers was the main objective of this study. In order to achieve this objective, we had, in February 2015, selected from a population of 20 000 Malaysian office workers, 753 subjects within the age range of 20-50 years who have had a minimum of a year’s working experience. For this study, a form of structured questionnaire, known as the Cornell questionnaire, has been evaluated and put to use. Under the watch of the researchers, the subjects were instructed to complete the questionnaire in the morning before they begin their respective jobs. Based on their responses, the Cornell questionnaire has revealed that at least one case of severe pain in the neck, shoulder or lower back, respectively, is suffered by 69.7% of the subjects. In the case of neck-related aches, 15% low pain, whereas 51% involved mild pain and 33.9% were cases of severe pain. That being said, 19.3% low pain in the lower back, while 50.7% suffered from mild pain and 30% had severe pain in the same region. Percentages of 34.9% for high severity, 45.4% for mild severity and 19.7% for low severity were simultaneously reported in the shoulder section. In a nutshell, the study has revealed that, in comparison with body aches in the arms, knees, upper back, forearms, wrists, hands, hips and thighs, the subjects are more vulnerable to body aches in the neck, shoulders and lower back. </abstract>

Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

University for the Enhancement of Academic Performance, University of Malaya, Malaysia

Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Prevalence Rate of Musculoskeletal Discomforts Based on Severity Level Among Office Workers

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal symptom in HIV-infected patients. The incidence and severity of diarrhea increase with progression of the immune defi ciency. In the literature, 30-60% of the patients with diarrhea among HIV-infected individuals remain without specified etiological agent. The aim of this article is to present the incidence of enterocolitis among hospitalized HIV-infected patients over a 3-year period and the degree of etiological clarifi cation of the cause. The results of our analyses showed that 63% of the hospitalized HIV-infected patients for this period were with enterocolitis. Only in 30% of these patients etiological agent was isolated. The reasons for this are mainly financial constraints and, therefore, virological investigations and further endoscopic and histopathological examination of the patients with negative for bacteria and parasites stool samples, were not performed. In the cases with isolated pathogen, an etiological treatment was carried out in parallel with highly active antiretroviral therapy, while in unsubstantiated cases an empirical treatment was carried out. Advanced immune defi ciency was associated with more severe course and worse prognosis of the enterocolitis. The treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy, which leads to improvement of the immune status of the patients, is essential for the output of enterocolitis in HIV-infected patients.</abstract>

Department for Acquired immune deficiency, Specialized Hospital for infectious and parasitic diseases “Prof. Ivan Kirov“, Medical University – Sofia, Blvd. Acad. Ivan Geshov 17 Bg − 1606 Sofia

Department for Acquired immune deficiency, Specialized Hospital for infectious and parasitic diseases “Prof. Ivan Kirov“, Medical University – Sofia

National Reference Laboratory of Parasitology, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia

National Reference Laboratory of Immunology, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia

Etiologic Characteristics of Enterocolitis in Hospitalized HIV-Infected Patients for 3-Year Period (2013-2015)

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">According to the World Health Organization there are almost two billion people worldwide who consume alcohol on a regular basis. It’s a common abuse and almost 80 million are diagnozed with “alcohol abuse disorders” (WHO 2002, 2004). Excessive alcohol consumption is related to more than 60 different medical conditions, as suicide, homicide and different forms of accidents. Some conditions are acute, while other conditions such as liver cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis, haemorrhagic stroke and various forms of cancer, are chronic consequences. Non-carious destructions of teeth like dental erosion are also associated with frequent alcohol consumption, because of precipitation of salivary proline-rich proteins caused by polyphenols present in most alcoholic drinks. The high concentration of organic and inorganic acids and the habit of keeping the alcoholic drink in the mouth can cause chronic inflammations of the soft tissues in the mouth and can increase the negative side effects from metals of crowns, bridges, orthodontic devises and various restorations. A literature review has been made due to the authors clinical observations and experiences.</abstract>

Conservative Dentistry, FDM, MU – Sofia, Faculty of Dental Medicine Medical University 1 Sv. G. Sofi yski St. BG – 1431 Sofia

Conservative Dentistry, FDM, MU – Sofia

Effect of Alcohol to Oral Health

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Department of Orthopedic surgery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Simultaneous Fractures of Scaphoid, Triquetrum and Hamate

AHEAD OF PRINT

Volume 51 (2024): Issue 1 (March 2024)

Volume 50 (2023): Issue 4 (December 2023)

Volume 50 (2023): Issue 3 (September 2023)

Volume 50 (2023): Issue 2 (June 2023)

Volume 50 (2023): Issue 1 (March 2023)

Volume 49 (2022): Issue 4 (December 2022)

Volume 49 (2022): Issue 3 (October 2022)

Volume 49 (2022): Issue 2 (June 2022)

Volume 49 (2022): Issue 1 (April 2022)

Volume 48 (2021): Issue 4 (November 2021)

Volume 48 (2021): Issue 3 (October 2021)

Volume 48 (2021): Issue 2 (July 2021)

Volume 48 (2021): Issue 1 (April 2021)

Volume 47 (2020): Issue 4 (November 2020)

Volume 47 (2020): Issue 3 (September 2020)

Volume 47 (2020): Issue 2 (July 2020)

Volume 47 (2020): Issue 1 (May 2020)

Volume 46 (2019): Issue 3 (October 2019)

Volume 46 (2019): Issue 2 (May 2019)

Volume 46 (2019): Issue 1 (February 2019)

Volume 45 (2018): Issue 2 (December 2018)

Volume 45 (2018): Issue 1 (March 2018)

Volume 44 (2017): Issue 2 (October 2017)

Volume 44 (2017): Issue 1 (May 2017)

Volume 43 (2016): Issue 2 (October 2016)

Volume 43 (2016): Issue 1 (March 2016)

Volume 42 (2015): Issue 2 (November 2015)

Volume 42 (2015): Issue 1 (May 2015)

Volume 41 (2014): Issue 2 (December 2014)

Volume 41 (2014): Issue 1 (June 2014)

Acta Medica Bulgarica

Aim &amp; Scope  The Journal Acta Medica Bulgarica (AMB), published continuously since 1973, is the leading scientific medical journal of the Medical University – Sofia. It is peer-reviewed general medical journal, circulated entirely in English. Its publisher is the Central Medical Library which is part of the University.  The Medical University – Sofia is the oldest higher medical school in Bulgaria. For over 100 years it has been a leader in medical education in the country, and a provider of high quality education to Bulgarian and international students.  Types of manuscripts accepted for publication: original research articles, scientific reviews and case reports in all areas of Medicine. Some but not all of the areas covered by the journal are: Health policy, Oncology, Public health, General and internal medicine, Diabetes and endocrinology, Cardiology, Neurology, Surgery, Infectious diseases, Emergency medicine, Obesity and nutrition, Pharmacology etc.  The peer review policy of AMB is a single-blinded. The median peer review turnaround is 4-8 weeks. The time from acceptance to publication is from 4 weeks to 18 months. The current acceptance rate is approx. 40 % . About 10-20 % of the articles are rejected on submission and do not reach peer-review, due to lack of compliance with the Journal’s Instructions to Authors or English language issues.  Review process  All manuscripts are subject to peer review and are expected to meet high academic standards. If approved by the editor, submissions will be considered by peer reviewers, whose identities will remain anonymous to the authors. Peer-review is defined as obtaining advice on individual manuscripts from reviewers’ expert in the field. The peer-review is single blinded. We may sometimes ask additional reviewer(s) in papers requiring specific expertise.  Frequency of Publication and Submission of Manuscripts  The Journal is published quarterly with 4 issues per year. An average of 30 articles are submitted each month, of which 70-80% are original research articles, and the remaining are case reports and review articles.The email address for authors to submit their papers is d.garlichkova@cml.mu-sofia.bg to the attention of Diana Garlichkova.  AMB is indexed in:  CABI: Global Health Database, Embase, ScopusScopus Cite Score 2022: 0.3SJR 2022: 0.119  Polices on Animal &amp; Human Rights  Acta Medica Bulgarica Journal has formulated policies to ensure protection and proper use of animals and human in all forms of research. Researchers should have a moral obligation towards the animals and human subjects they use for their research goals and they must treat them with compassion and consider their well-being while designing the projects.  All research articles that include human subjects should be performed in accordance to the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects last edited October, 2013.  All research studies that use animal models should be performed in accordance with “the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care” formulated by the National Society for Medical Research and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals’, Washington DC, National Academy Press.  All relevant information, including approval of the Local Ethics Committee, written informed consent information and ethical standards that the authors adhered to, should be clearly stated in the “Materials and Methods”section. The authors involved in research and experiments involving human subjects must confirm that informed consent was obtained from all participants and/or their legal guardians.  Post publication corrections  Corrections in the print version of the journal may be made by a corrigendum (if errors were made by authors) or by an erratum (if made by the Editorial board). Post Publication Corrections on this website are published in agreement between Sciendo and the Editorial Board according to the following guidelines: https://sciendo.com/publishing-and-ethical-policies  Fees  No fees or charges are required for manuscript processing and/or publishing materials in thejournal.  Rejection rate:  60%   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism  Authors must not use words, figures, or ideas of others without attribution. All sources must be cited at the point they are used, and reuse of wording must be limited and be attributed or quoted in the text. The editorial board can use specific tools (e.g. Crossref Similarity Check) to detect submissions that overlap with published and submitted manuscripts. Manuscripts that are found to have been plagiarized from a manuscript by other authors, whether published or unpublished, will be rejected. Any published articles may need to be corrected or retracted.  Duplicate submission and redundant publication  Only original content will be considered, i.e. articles that have not been previously published. Articles based on content previously reported on conferences or in a thesis will be considered. Manuscripts submitted to the journal must not be submitted elsewhere while under consideration and must be withdrawn before being submitted elsewhere. If authors have used their own previously published work, or work that is currently under review, as the basis for a submitted manuscript, they must cite the previous articles and indicate how their submitted manuscript differs from their previous work.  Fabrication and falsification  Submitted manuscripts whose authors are found to have fabricated or falsified the results, including the manipulation of images, will be rejected, or already published articles may be retracted.The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 