Folia medicaPub Date : 2026-06-17DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e182189
Georgi Lukanov, Atanas Panev, Lubomir Tzvetanov, Kevork Kaykchian, Alexander Gerchev, Plamen Kinov, Slaveyko Djambazov
{"title":"Clinical value of causative pathogen identification in one-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection.","authors":"Georgi Lukanov, Atanas Panev, Lubomir Tzvetanov, Kevork Kaykchian, Alexander Gerchev, Plamen Kinov, Slaveyko Djambazov","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e182189","DOIUrl":"10.3897/folmed.68.e182189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful modern surgical procedures, yet periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a serious complication associated with disability and increased postoperative mortality.\u0000\u0000Aim: This study highlights the importance of identifying the causative microorganism and its antibiotic susceptibility profile for the successful application of a one-stage revision protocol in treating PJI.\u0000\u0000Materials and methods: Between October 2017 and July 2023, 33 patients underwent one-stage revision total hip arthroplasty. Preoperative joint aspiration and intraoperative periprosthetic tissue sampling were performed in all cases, with microbiological analysis conducted. The study group consisted of 15 men and 18 women, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 33 months (range 2–66 months).\u0000\u0000Results: A pathogen was identified in 31 patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common microorganism, responsible for 44.1% of infections. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 14.7% of cases. Enterococcus faecalis was isolated in three patients, and Serratia marcescens in two. No infection recurrence was recorded during follow-up. Complications included two postoperative dislocations, both managed with closed reduction, and one death due to pulmonary embolism. Functional outcomes improved, with the mean Harris Hip Score increasing from 54.3 preoperatively to 72.3 postoperatively.\u0000\u0000Conclusion: In this selected cohort, one-stage revision was associated with favorable short- to mid-term outcomes. These findings suggest that, when guided by precise microbiological diagnosis and multidisciplinary management, one-stage revision may be a viable option for carefully selected patients with periprosthetic hip infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864375","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 : 2026-06-17DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e173454
Veselina Kondeva, Velina Stoeva, Yordan Kalchev
{"title":"Role of hand disinfection of dentists in interrupting cross-transmission of infections in dental practice.","authors":"Veselina Kondeva, Velina Stoeva, Yordan Kalchev","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e173454","DOIUrl":"10.3897/folmed.68.e173454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction: It is mandatory to perform meticulous hygienic disinfection of dentists’ hands. Dental personnel unintentionally transfer microorganisms from the patient’s mouth to adjacent surfaces, and vice versa.\u0000\u0000Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of resident and transient skin microbiota on the hands of dentists after performing hygienic hand disinfection.\u0000\u0000Materials and methods: A prospective epidemiological and microbiological study was conducted among 60 dentists in Plovdiv from May to June 2025. A short survey was also administered to assess basic knowledge of hygienic hand disinfection. After hand disinfection with alcohol-containing antiseptic, samples were collected with a dry sterile swab before donning gloves and manipulating the specimen.\u0000\u0000Results: Coagulase-negative staphylococci in microbial counts below 105 colony-forming units (CFU) were detected in 26% (n=16) and above 105 CFU in 20% (n=12). Gram-negative enteric bacteria were cultured in microbial counts below 105 CFU in 13.3% (n=8) and at 105 CFU in 1.7% (n=1). Molds were also grown in 3.3% (n=2).\u0000\u0000Conclusion: The presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci and Gram-negative bacteria in high microbial counts raises concerns about the disinfection quality. Regular and proper disinfection significantly reduces the risk of contamination and protects both the patient and the dental staff.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864388","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 : 2026-06-08DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e166432
Victor Velyanov, Nikola Lazarov, Lubomir Lubomirov, Kameliya Bratoeva
{"title":"The emerging function of MYPT1 as a biomarker and therapeutic target.","authors":"Victor Velyanov, Nikola Lazarov, Lubomir Lubomirov, Kameliya Bratoeva","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e166432","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e166432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent research suggests that isoforms of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) may influence blood pressure regulation by altering smooth muscle responsiveness and, as a result, the function of vascularized tissues. Cloning and sequencing from diverse tissues and species revealed the existence of MYPT1 isoforms produced through alternative splicing, indicating their potential role in the regulation of blood pressure. Moreover, alterations in MYPT1 expression are linked to several diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, gastric cancer, intestinal cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, hypertension, and liver cirrhosis. These studies, although limited, suggest a novel role for the protein as an important diagnostic marker and a potential target for gene therapies. This review analyzes recent data about the role of MYPT1 in the regulation of vascular tone in both health and disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864440","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":"The association between psoriasis and body mass index: an observational retrospective study of 184 patients.","authors":"Dzhamile Kamber, Klimentina Gospodinova, Veronika Gincheva, Ivelina Yordanova, Dimitar Gospodinov","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e167943","DOIUrl":"10.3897/folmed.68.e167943","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that is frequently associated with obesity and metabolic comorbidities.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864391","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":"Increased interleukin-6 and hepcidin-25 are associated with restless legs syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients.","authors":"Krasimir Avramov, Snezhana Terziyska, Ivan Yakov, Todor Georgiev, Aneliya Draganova, Kiril Terziyski","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e193784","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e193784","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequent yet underrecognized comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), potentially driven by inflammation-mediated disturbances in iron metabolism.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864365","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 : 2026-06-08DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e177992
Dimitar Slavkov, Svetoslava Troyanova-Slavkova
{"title":"Ten years of clinical experience with spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain: a retrospective cohort study and review of evolving stimulation paradigms.","authors":"Dimitar Slavkov, Svetoslava Troyanova-Slavkova","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e177992","DOIUrl":"10.3897/folmed.68.e177992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for refractory chronic neuropathic pain unresponsive to conventional management. Recent developments, including burst, high-frequency, and closed-loop stimulation, have broadened therapeutic options, though long-term comparative data remain limited.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864418","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 : 2026-04-30DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e193687
Todor Georgiev, Kiril Terziyski
{"title":"Altered sleep architecture in chronic insomnia and its phenotypes: polysomnographic correlates and associations with insomnia severity and depressive symptoms.","authors":"Todor Georgiev, Kiril Terziyski","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e193687","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e193687","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and polysomnographic differences in sleep architecture between patients with chronic insomnia (CI) and healthy controls (HC), as well as between CI phenotypes with short and normal sleep duration.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864203","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":"<i>CXCL8</i> and <i>CXCR4</i> expression in synchronous bone metastasis in nasopharyngeal cancer.","authors":"Rahmat Cahyanur, Cosphiadi Irawan, Lisnawati Rachmadi, Marlinda Adham, Achmad Fauzi Kamal, Ahmad Rusdan Handoyo Utomo, Mardiah Suci Hardianti, Thariqah Salamah, Muchtaruddin Mansyur","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e168480","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e168480","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Nasopharyngeal cancer is the most common head-and-neck cancer in Indonesia. It occurs in the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharyngeal region. This study aimed to evaluate the role of gene expression in the occurrence of synchronous bone metastasis in nasopharyngeal cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864237","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 : 2026-04-30DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e180627
Katya Sapunarova
{"title":"Changing the treatment paradigm in beta thalassemia.","authors":"Katya Sapunarova","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e180627","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e180627","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Beta-thalassemia is a hereditary disease that affects the synthesis of β-globin, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic anemia, and iron overload. Although the traditional treatment approach, which includes hypertransfusion and chelation therapy, has increased patient survival, it does not address the underlying disease mechanisms. Improving erythroid maturation, increasing fetal hemoglobin synthesis, lowering iron burden, and modifying the disease's genetic background are the goals that have resulted in the development of several therapeutic classes and treatment options. Erythroid maturation modifiers have been shown to significantly reduce transfusion requirements in patients with beta-thalassemia, and inducers of fetal hemoglobin and hepcidin agonists show promise in controlling ineffective erythropoiesis and secondary iron overload. Gene therapy using lentiviral vectors or CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has the potential to provide a significant proportion of patients with long-term transfusion independence. These therapeutic advances could significantly improve the quality of life and long-term survival of patients with beta-thalassemia. However, long-term studies are still needed to establish their safety profiles, refine patient selection criteria, and ensure greater access to these innovative treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864242","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 : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.3897/folmed.68.e169836
Sonakshi Sharma, Amol Patil, Shruti Biyani, Shivangini Swarnkar, Meydha Gera
{"title":"Unveiling molecular dynamics: the effects of functional mandibular advancement and a one-month recovery period on myostatin and myosin-1c gene expression in masticatory muscles of young male Wistar rats.","authors":"Sonakshi Sharma, Amol Patil, Shruti Biyani, Shivangini Swarnkar, Meydha Gera","doi":"10.3897/folmed.68.e169836","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.68.e169836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Functional mandibular advancement appliances are widely used in orthodontics, but their molecular and histological effects on masticatory muscles remain underexplored. This study evaluated gene expression and tissue-level adaptations in response to mandibular advancement and a subsequent recovery period in young male Wistar rats.</p>","PeriodicalId":12415,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica","volume":"68 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864385","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}