Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-02-26DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e146872
Dimcho Argirov, Vladimir Aleksiev, Boyko Yavorov
{"title":"Hydatid disease of the ribs: a diagnostic challenge with an endless differential diagnosis - a case report.","authors":"Dimcho Argirov, Vladimir Aleksiev, Boyko Yavorov","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e146872","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e146872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection in humans caused by Echinococcusgranulosus and can lead to tissue cyst formation anywhere in the body. The most common sites for the development of parasitic cysts are the liver (75%) and lungs (15%). Skeletal involvement in echinococcal infection is relatively rare, occurring in only 1%-4% of cases. Few reports in the available medical literature describe rib hydatidosis, which clinically mimics benign or malignant cystic tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-02-26DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e165953
Sabreen S Salman Al Anei, Ahmed R Abu Raghif, Hala A Almoayed
{"title":"Therapeutic potential of <i>Glycyrrhiza glabra</i> (licorice) in modulating metabolic and inflammatory parameters in women with PCOS.","authors":"Sabreen S Salman Al Anei, Ahmed R Abu Raghif, Hala A Almoayed","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e165953","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e165953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study evaluated Glycyrrhizaglabra (licorice) supplementation's therapeutic efficacy in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by assessing its impact on clinical and biochemical parameters, including metabolic and inflammatory markers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-02-26DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e150983
Anand Verma, Devendra Pal Singh, Archishnu Vedanta Parida, Sipra Rout
{"title":"Anatomical variation in internal thoracic artery termination and sternal anomaly: implications for surgical and interventional procedures.","authors":"Anand Verma, Devendra Pal Singh, Archishnu Vedanta Parida, Sipra Rout","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e150983","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e150983","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The internal thoracic artery (ITA) has been used extensively in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in recent years because it is more durable, has higher survival rates, and improves postoperative quality of life when compared to saphenous vein grafts. Its favorable anatomical dimensions and intrathoracic course further contribute to its efficacy. Additionally, understanding the anatomical details of the ITA is crucial for procedures such as percutaneous transthoracic interventions, including lung needle biopsies. Here, we report an intriguing cadaveric observation involving a variation in ITA termination accompanied by a sternal anomaly. These findings draw attention to the significance of recognizing anatomical variations, particularly in the context of surgical and interventional procedures, as such variations can influence clinical strategies and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-02-26DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e157615
Anıl Özgün Karatekin, Ergün Yücel
{"title":"Finite element analysis and photoelasticity in dental biomechanics: history, applications, comparative insights and future directions for improvement of FEA.","authors":"Anıl Özgün Karatekin, Ergün Yücel","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e157615","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e157615","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Finite element analysis (FEA) and photoelasticity are frequently utilized methods in biomechanical research to examine stress distribution within dental structures and materials. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the historical evolution, clinical applications, and comparative advantages of these methods and limitations of FEA with a particular emphasis on endodontic research. While photoelasticity offers intuitive, real-time visualization of stress patterns, it remains limited in analyzing complex three-dimensional (3D) structures. In contrast, FEA enables the simulation of complex 3D anatomical structures and multidirectional loading conditions through numerical computations, making it a powerful tool across various dental specialties. However, FEA presents significant limitations including unrealistic modeling assumptions, oversimplified anatomical geometries with insufficient representation of diversity and lack of material long-term material degradation models. The review proposes recommendations to enhance FEA's clinical relevance including incorporating anisotropic tissue and material properties, patient-specific parameters, dynamic loading scenarios, and advanced techniques for crack propagation analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-02-26DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e146721
Buryan Kirov, Plamen Murdzhanov, Angel Petkov
{"title":"Clinical case of a patient with fatal development of gas gangrene while using totally implantable venous access devices.","authors":"Buryan Kirov, Plamen Murdzhanov, Angel Petkov","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e146721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e146721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gas gangrene, or clostridial myonecrosis, is a rare and life-threatening infection caused primarily by Clostridiumperfringens. Despite its reduced incidence due to advancements in wound care and antibiotics, the disease remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This report presents a clinical case of a 37-year-old male with esophageal carcinoma and a totally implantable venous access device (Port-a-Cath), who developed fatal gas gangrene following chemotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Species composition and antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms present in the maxillary sinus and other biotopes during the sinus lift procedure.","authors":"Iurii Mochalov, Marina Kryvtsova, Serhii Tsuperiak, Bogdan Mykhailychenko, Nutsu Guzo, Alla Kizim","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e161534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e161534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Lateral sinus lift is a common procedure in the field of dentistry, employed for the purpose of preparing the maxilla for subsequent dental implantation. This procedure is associated with a significant risk of intra- and postoperative complications, largely attributable to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms within the oral cavity and maxillary sinus.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Environmental barriers and social participation in individuals with chronic stroke: a cross-sectional analysis.","authors":"Bilinc Dogruoz Karatekin, Irem Azizagaoglu Akbulut, Seyma Nur Bayindir, Ismail Hakan Akbulut, Betul Ceyda Senyurt, Gulnihal Kesik, Afitap Icagasioglu","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e163452","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e163452","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability, often limiting individuals' participation in social, occupational, and community life due to both functional impairments and environmental barriers. Understanding the interaction between these factors is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pulmonary hemorrhage as a first manifestation of Sjögren's disease in a young male adult.","authors":"Konstantinos Dodos, Tsampika Vasileia Kalamara, Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e147318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e147318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting exocrine glands, characterized by dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). However, systemic manifestations, including pulmonary complications, are increasingly recognized. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare but life-threatening presentation of SS, typically associated with vasculitis or coagulation abnormalities. We report the case of a 19-year-old male presenting with dyspnea and hemoptysis, later diagnosed with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Initial clinical assessment revealed respiratory failure with low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), bilateral ground-glass opacities on chest computed tomography (CT), and iron-storing macrophages (hemosiderin-laden) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, consistent with DAH. Subsequent autoimmune serology confirmed positivity for anti-Ro/Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A autoantibodies (SSA) and anti-La/Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen B autoantibodies (SSB), while other autoimmune markers, including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), were negative. Labial salivary gland biopsy demonstrated focal lymphocytic sialadenitis, confirming pSS according to European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Treatment involved high-dose corticosteroids, leading to complete resolution of symptoms and significant improvement in imaging results. The patient remained stable at follow-up. DAH should be considered a potential presentation of pSS, even in the absence of classical symptoms. Increased awareness of this rare complication can facilitate early diagnosis and improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-02-26DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e166557
Alauddin Syaifulanwar, Lian Pajrianti, Muhammad Yulis Hamidy, Ismawati Ismawati, Darmawi Darmawi, Lalu Muhammad Irham, Wirawan Adikusuma
{"title":"Integrative genomic analysis of missense mutations and target genes in hemorrhoid pathogenesis.","authors":"Alauddin Syaifulanwar, Lian Pajrianti, Muhammad Yulis Hamidy, Ismawati Ismawati, Darmawi Darmawi, Lalu Muhammad Irham, Wirawan Adikusuma","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e166557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e166557","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hemorrhoids are a prevalent anorectal condition characterized by the enlargement and displacement of anal cushions. While environmental and lifestyle factors are well-established contributors, emerging evidence suggests a genetic predisposition involving connective tissue integrity and smooth muscle dysfunction. However, the specific genetic variants contributing to hemorrhoid pathogenesis remain largely undefined.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-02-26DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e146182
Georgi Popivanov, Daniel Stefanov, Marina Konaktchieva, Mihail Tabakov, Nedko Ivanov, Kirien Kjossev, Ventsislav Mutafchiyski
{"title":"The pitfalls of gallbladder agenesis combined with small bowel malrotation.","authors":"Georgi Popivanov, Daniel Stefanov, Marina Konaktchieva, Mihail Tabakov, Nedko Ivanov, Kirien Kjossev, Ventsislav Mutafchiyski","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e146182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e146182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gallbladder agenesia is a rare congenital anomaly that is frequently overlooked in clinical practice, often misdiagnosed as chronic sclero-fibrous cholecystitis or cholelithiasis. Failure to recognize it intraoperatively can prompt unnecessary and hazardous exploration of the biliary tree and liver, increasing the risk of iatrogenic injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}