Introduction: Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BAONJ) is a side effect of treatment with bisphosphonate (BP). Reports of this complication have increased recently. Aim: To evaluate the level of knowledge of dentists from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, about possible complications of bisphosphonate therapy of patients in dental practice. Materials and methods: Three hundred and twenty-three dental practitioners from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, took part in an anonymous survey containing 25 questions, designed to evaluate the knowledge of dentists about the complications of BP therapy. Results: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have the best knowledge about the indications and side effects of BP therapy, while dentists with a specialty in Pediatric Dentistry and General Dentistry have insufficient knowledge. Of the respondents, 17.03% are absolutely uninformed about BP and their side effects, and 1/2 declare that they have never had a patient with complications from BP therapy in their practice, probably due to a lack of awareness of the problem. Approximately half of the dentists we surveyed agree to carry out prophylactic examinations of patients receiving BP and know what the prophylactic examination includes. Only 15.48% of the respondents have correctly responded that in order to be treated as clinically healthy, patients should have stopped taking BP for more than 10 years. Conclusion: With the exception of specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, dental practitioners in Plovdiv and the region are poorly informed about the complications associated with BP therapy. Therefore, efforts must be made to make these dentists better informed about BAONJ, especially about the methods and means of preventing this condition.

Background: Obesity and overweight are escalating global public health concerns. This study examined the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and psychological factors in young adults. Methods: A total of 283 participants aged 19–30 years were categorized by BMI (normal weight, overweight, obesity) using self-reported data. Psychological assessments included the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), all with acceptable reliability. Individuals with psychiatric, neurological, or chronic somatic conditions were excluded. Analyses involved MANOVA, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and hierarchical regression, controlling for gender, physical activity, smoking, caffeine, alcohol, medication, and sleep disturbances. Results: MANOVA showed a near-significant multivariate effect of BMI on psychological variables (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.913, p = 0.068). ANOVA revealed significant differences in perceived stress among BMI groups (F (2, 279) = 3.796, p = 0.024), with obese participants reporting lower stress. Hierarchical regression identified perceived stress as the strongest predictor of BMI, followed by resilience and physical aggression. General aggression was negatively associated with BMI, suggesting potential compensatory mechanisms. Conclusions: Perceived stress and resilience showed small but significant associations with BMI in young adults, suggesting a modest contribution of psychological factors to weight-related health.

Introduction: Epidemiology studies the distribution and determinants of health events in populations to control and prevent diseases. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has recently transformed epidemiology by enabling analysis of complex, large-scale data to improve disease surveillance, prediction, and decision-making. Aim: To summarize recent advances in AI applications within epidemiology. Materials and Methods: A structured search of major databases identified English-language studies from 2018 to 2025. Relevant articles on AI techniques for modeling, prediction, outbreak detection, and integration with traditional methods were included. \ Results and Discussion: AI’s role in epidemiology has evolved from early machine learning to advanced deep learning and natural language processing, enhancing outbreak tracking, disease modeling, geospatial visualization, diagnosis, and public sentiment analysis. Integration of AI with mechanistic models has improved forecasting and intervention assessments by capturing complex transmission dynamics and adapting to real-time data. AI-driven tools outperform traditional methods in predictive accuracy, enabling earlier detection of diseases. AI also processes large, heterogeneous datasets, uncovering non-linear relationships and supporting causal inference. Challenges remain, including data bias, privacy concerns, and the opacity of “black box” models. Addressing these requires ethical frameworks, transparency, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The expanding AI epidemiology market, driven by globalization, climate change, and big data, offers opportunities for improved public health responsiveness. Future research should focus on standardizing validation, integrating biological and social factors, and ensuring transparency. Conclusion: AI has transformative potential for epidemiology, but responsible use depends on overcoming ethical, technical, and structural challenges through collaborative governance to promote health equity and public trust.

Introduction : Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are highly prevalent and are linked to a range of health conditions, from benign lesions to several oncological diseases. Safe and highly effective HPV vaccines have been developed; however, vaccination rates remain suboptimal in many countries, including Bulgaria. As future medical professionals, the attitudes and practices of healthcare students toward HPV vaccination are of extreme importance. Aim : To evaluate the attitudes and practices of university healthcare students regarding HPV vaccines. Materials and methods : An anonymous online survey was administered to a total of 245 medical, dental, and pharmacy students at the Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v. 24; p <0.05 was considered significant. Results : The majority of participants (86.5%, n=212) had not been vaccinated against HPV, but more than half (n=121) expressed a willingness to be vaccinated. The proportion of vaccinated individuals increased with the number of sexual partners reported in the previous year (χ ² =10.44, p =0.033). Approximately two-thirds of the individuals surveyed (n=157) would recommend vaccination, with a higher likelihood among women (U=1848.5, p <0.001). Vaccinated respondents tended to have greater distrust of the myth regarding reproductive consequences (U=1926.0, p =0.002). Embarrassment was not perceived as a major barrier, but 21.2% (n=52) stated that cost was. There was a consensus among all majors on the necessity for enhanced awareness, which is particularly pronounced among medical students (H=13.13, p <0.001). Unvaccinated respondents had a higher interest in gaining more knowledge (U=1971.0, p =0.003), just like first- to third-year students (H=9.37, p =0.017). Conclusion : While overall vaccine confidence and attitudes are high, addressing specific concerns (such as safety, personal risk, and cost) could improve HPV vaccine uptake and acceptance.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical and other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite available vaccines, vaccination coverage remains low in Bulgaria. This study aimes to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Medical University students in HPV prevention. Materials: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted at the Medical University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Results: A total of 1485 students, primarily women (60.1%) with a median age of 22.78 years, participated. Four hundred fifty-two (30.4%) reported having received the HPV vaccine. Of the unvaccinated, 800 (77.8%) expressed willingness to receive the vaccine. Vaccinated respondents were more likely to report having had five or more sexual partners (37.1%) compared to unvaccinated respondents (21.1%) (χ² = 77.136, p < 0.001). Approximately one-third (36.4%) mistakenly believe condoms provide complete protection and that antibiotics effectively treat HPV. Students who opposed the assertion that vaccinating minors suggests early sexual activity is permissible were 1.89 times more likely to be vaccinated. Conclusions: Medical University students possess insufficient understanding of HPV transmission, health outcomes, and prevention. Their attitudes and practices require improvement. Enhancing the curriculum with comprehensive HPV information will better equip future healthcare providers and improve public health outcomes.

Background: Crown lengthening procedures are widely used in restorative and periodontal therapy to expose sufficient tooth structure for functional and esthetic rehabilitation. Traditionally performed using an open-flap approach, these procedures have evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive flapless techniques. This narrative review aims to summarize the biological foundations, clinical outcomes, and contemporary approaches associated with crown lengthening procedures, with particular emphasis on flapless and flap techniques, healing processes, technological advancements, and clinical decision-making considerations. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant publications on crown lengthening procedures. The search focused on studies addressing flapless and flap techniques, biological principles, healing dynamics, clinical outcomes, postoperative considerations, and contemporary approaches such as laser-assisted and digitally guided procedures. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, followed by full-text assessment of eligible articles. The study selection process was documented using a simplified PRISMA-style flow diagram to enhance transparency. Results: The reviewed literature suggests that flapless crown lengthening may be associated with reduced surgical time, less postoperative discomfort, faster healing, and preservation of soft tissue architecture in appropriately selected cases. However, its applicability appears to be influenced by anatomical factors, including bone morphology and the need for adequate visualization during osseous recontouring. Conventional flap techniques continue to be widely used and may offer improved surgical access and visibility, particularly in more complex situations requiring extensive bone modification. Although these procedures have been associated with longer healing periods and greater postoperative morbidity, the heterogeneity of the available evidence and the narrative nature of this review limit definitive comparisons between the two approaches. Conclusions: In conclusion, both flapless and flap crown lengthening procedures demonstrate high clinical efficacy when appropriately indicated. The choice of technique should be guided by case-specific factors, clinician expertise, and patient expectations. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to strengthen the evidence base and establish standardized clinical guidelines.