Introduction Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a well-documented prothrombotic state that carries significant embolic risk. However, precise hemostatic changes in the very early stage of the disease are not completely studied. The aim of the study was to study von Willebrand factor (vWF) and coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) plasma levels and activity in the first hours (up to 24 h) of PAF clinical manifestation. Material and methods We selected consecutively 51 non-anticoagulated patients (26 men, 25 women, mean age: 59.84 ±1.60) with PAF and 52 controls (26 men, 26 women, mean age: 59.50 ±1.46 years) corresponding in gender, accompanying diseases and conducted treatment. The indicators were examined using enzyme-linked immunoassays and photometric tests. Results All patients were hospitalized between the 2 nd and 24 th h after the onset of arrhythmia (mean: 8.14 ±0.74 h). Higher FVIII levels (107.52 ±3.48% vs. 93.85 ±2.93%, p < 0.05) and activity (200.03 ±11.11% vs. 109.73 ±4.90%, p < 0.001) were found in the PAF group. vWF levels (178.40 ±12.95% vs. 119.53 ±6.12%, p < 0.001) and activity (200.92 ±12.45% vs. 110.80 ±5.14%, p < 0.001) were also higher. These changes did not depend on age, sex, body mass index or CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score in the PAF group ( p > 0.05). PAF duration was a significant predictor of increased FVIII levels and activity. Increased PAF duration was followed by increased values of the factors ( r = 0.85, p < 0.001; r = 0.83, p < 0.001). Conclusions The results presented an activated coagulation cascade and endothelial injury, suggesting hypercoagulability still in the early hours of PAF. These changes in PAF did not correlate with CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score risk factors, outlining PAF as a possible independent embolic risk factor.

No abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disorder characterized by high glucose levels and metabolism abnormalities in processing carbohydrates, fats and proteins (2). Diabetes is a life-long disease. Studies show more oral complications among diabetics compared to non-diabetic individuals matched by age and sex. A crucial factor in examining oral pathology is the glycemic control of patients. Accordingly, different oral complications may be revealed. Objectives: To examine and summarize the prevalence, symptoms and signs of oral manifestation of DM type 1 in a sample group of Bulgarian children. Research design and methods:We studied 2 groups of children: diabetics and their age-and sexmatched non-diabetic individuals as controls. Results: Data from our study showed that there is not significant higher prevalence of dental caries but significantly higher plaque, gingival inflammation, bad breath (halitosis) and dry mouth in diabetic patients compared with clinically healthy control subjects. Conclusions: Our study finds that oral health problems in patients with DM can start very early. They become more prominent in adolescent patients. Dentists should be aware of signs, symptoms and treatment options for the disorders which accompany this disease, as well as to examine for such complications, even if the patients have no related complaints.

No abstract

Burning mouth syndrome is an intraoral burning sensation which develops in the absence of mucosal changes. It is a chronic condition and, in most of the cases, it is idiopathic – no cause or mechanism can be identified and no effective treatment can be prescribed. A variety of therapeutic approaches have been applied – cognitive-behavioral therapy, different drugs and supplements, acupuncture, lasers – none of them has achieved a definitive solution of the problem. This leads to anxiety, altered pain perception, and, therefore, reduced quality of life of the affected patients. The aim of this study is to present low-level laser therapy as a pain control option in patients with burning mouth syndrome. We reveal the potential of a diode laser to reduce the unpleasant burning sensation. We also apply laser therapy on patients with primary burning mouth syndrome. The affected sites on the oral mucosa in the selected cases are various – tongue, lower lip, upper lip, palate, cheeks. They are irradiated 10 times (two or three times a week) by an infrared laser (λ = 904 nm) and a red laser (λ = 658 nm). The probe is kept in contact with the tissue and the mucosal surface is scanned during the irradiation. The burning intensity is evaluated through a visual analogue scale before and after the treatment. The low-level laser illumination decreases significantly and for a longer period the burning sensation. The low-level laser therapy is a valuable alternative for BMS treatment and can be combined with other treatment methods.